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Shoppers are fuming that their favourite snack will no longer be on supermarket shelves. Those who have a sweet tooth won't be too happy to know that the famous Milky Way crispy rolls will no longer be available to buy in the UK.
Anger is mounting over the discontinued Milky Way chocolate, so much so that a petition has been launched to bring it back, attracting more than 1,500 signatures. Brits want the beloved chocolate item returned, calling the recall "disappointing".
Milky Way Crispy Rolls are produced by Mars UK which is also known as Mars Wrigley UK. They are Milky Way bars blended with a crisp biscuit. These rolls are composed of a crunchy biscuit centre that is coated in a fluffy whipped topping, all covered with rich milk chocolate.
The petition reads: "Many people might have noticed that this product hasn’t been sold in shops or online shops because it has been discontinued, which is very disappointing. This product is a very popular product which many people love and it is a nice low calorie snack.
"This product has been around for quite some time and it’s disappointing that after all that time Mars Chocolate has discontinued it from there product range. I for one would choose the Milky Way Crispy Rolls over other Mars Chocolate products. For example I would rather have a Milky Way Crispy Roll rather than a Milky Way and I’m sure many other people think the same."
Only a select few stores in the UK were selling the crispy rolls, which included B&M, the Co-op and Poundland. Supermarkets from the likes of Waitrose , Morrisons, Tesco and Asda have not sold the product for quite some time. The snacks are also currently unavailable to buy on Amazon too. We found one seller on eBay selling some for 50p here.
Mars have not publicly commented on the discontinuation but many have noticed that the product has disappeared from shops altogether. One chocolate lover is calling on Mars not to make the same mistake and said on their petition signature: "I love Crispy Rolls. Mars already ruined my childhood by discontinuing Mars Planets, I implore them not to do it again with Crispy Rolls."
Another said: "I'm fuming about this, they are so moreish and tasty, they should stay!"
The change.org petition has 1,583 signatures so far, you can sign it and read more about it here. | https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/shoppers-fume-start-petition-popular-23785230 | 2022-04-26T10:47:05Z | https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/shoppers-fume-start-petition-popular-23785230 | false |
BRUSSELS (AP) — Former Ecuador president Rafael Correa said the political asylum he has been granted in Belgium is proof he is persecuted by his country’s authorities and did not rule out a return to politics in an interview with The Associated Press on Monday.
Correa, who in 2020 was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to eight years in prison in absentia, has been living in his wife’s native Belgium since 2017.
Though Ecuadorian authorities have demanded his arrest and extradition previously, thus far he has been allowed to stay in Belgium.
Ecuador’s National Court of Justice sent a new extradition request for Correa last week, but it has since emerged that the Belgian Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons granted the former head of state asylum, with the status of refugee.
The agency has issued a certificate dated April 15 that has been seen by the AP.
Correa said he can now travel safely across the world, except in Ecuador.
“I give conferences, I give economic advice, so I have to travel to work, to get an earning,” he said.
Correa said the only way for him to stop what he perceives as political persecution would be to hold an elected position again.
“So if I need to return to my country to win the election, I should do that,” he said.
Ecuador’s National Court of Justice president Iván Saquicela said last week that he signed the order initiating the extradition process in relation with Correa’s sentencing in the corruption case. At the time, prosecutors said the former president oversaw a plot in which foreign and local businesses made cash payments to his now defunct Alianza PAIS political party in exchange for lucrative public works contracts.
Correa keeps denying any wrongdoing and presents himself as the victim of political witch hunt.
“We are persecuted people, not corrupted people,” Correa said, adding that he and his family have been harassed since he moved to Belgium.
Correa, who identifies with the Latin American left-wing movement, left power in May 2017 after a decade at the helm of the Andean country.
He has since been wanted for extradition three times, once after being found guilty in a kidnapping case of one of his opponents and twice for the same bribery case.
Correa’s lawyer, Christophe Marchand, said the asylum application was filed because the former head of State was targeted for political reasons.
“It’s not easy to get the status of political refugee for a former head of state,” Marchand said. “We had to convince them that we were confronted to an utterly serious problem related to justice independence in Ecuador.” | https://www.wric.com/news/u-s-world/exiled-ex-ecuador-president-doesnt-exclude-political-return/ | 2022-04-26T10:57:26Z | https://www.wric.com/news/u-s-world/exiled-ex-ecuador-president-doesnt-exclude-political-return/ | true |
Which commercial leaf blower is best?
Whether you need to remove large quantities of leaves, clear out some snow or clean a dirty walkway, a commercial leaf blower can get the job done. From handheld to backpack options, the best machines are durable, powerful and provide a convenient way to maintain the landscape with minimal fuss. The best commercial leaf blower is the powerful and lightweight Milwaukee M18 FUEL Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Handheld Blower Kit With M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer.
What to know before you buy a commercial leaf blower
Type
There are three main types of commercial leaf blowers:
- Handheld leaf blowers are one of the most common options. These machines are lightweight and can easily clear a yard of debris and wet leaves. Some even suck up leaves for easy disposal later. These powerful leaf blowers are quiet, between 70-100 decibels. Handheld leaf blowers use a battery, fuel tank or cord to function.
- Backpack leave blowers weigh around 20 pounds and are heavier than handheld ones, but they’re often more powerful. Since you wear them like a backpack, the weight gets distributed evenly across your shoulders and back. These machines are either gas or electric powered.
- Wheeled leaf blowers are usually the most powerful and largest machines. They can weigh upward of 100 pounds and are often very noisy. They’re best for large landscaping projects or yards.
Motor strength and speed control
You can scale commercial leaf blowers with the following measurements.
- Cubic feet per minute: This indicates how much air goes through the nozzle every minute. Machines with a higher value can clear larger areas more effectively than those with a lower value. Most units have a CFM from 200-800.
- Miles per hour: This refers to how quickly the machine clears away leaves, sand, dirt and other debris. Most commercial leaf blowers are between 100 and 250 miles per hour.
- Speed control: Some leaf blowers have adjustable speed control. This means the machine can reach and maintain a certain speed without you needing to hold the trigger. It’s useful if you want to clear away certain foliage but not others, such as mulch.
Both the cfm and mph indicate the motor’s power. If you have a machine with a high cfm but low mph, you can easily clear a nearby area. And if you have one with a higher mph and low cfm, you can clear smaller areas from a greater distance.
Noise level
Fuel-based leaf blowers usually run around 100 decibels, while electric and battery ones are around 75 decibels. Your local municipality might have its own regulations and limitations on the number of decibels you can use, so check it before you make a purchase.
What to look for in a quality commercial leaf blower
Runtime
A leaf blower’s runtime depends on the model, type and power source.
- Battery-operated machines have an average runtime of 20-70 minutes. Standard batteries range from 18-120 volts. Typically, a larger battery means a longer runtime.
- Gasoline-powered units can hold up to 40 ounces of fuel and run between 1-3 hours.
- Corded leaf blowers, unlike cordless ones, can constantly run because they don’t have to rely on a battery.
Nozzle
Leaf blowers have nozzles of different lengths. However, there are two main types of nozzle:
- Flat nozzles often have higher airspeeds, so they’re best for clearing away heavy items. They’re also good for removing wet or heavy leaves.
- Round nozzles usually use more air, making them ideal for dealing with lots of loose debris and leaves. They’re also useful for general yard maintenance.
Some leaf blowers come with both nozzle types, so you can swap them out as needed.
Corded vs. cordless
Corded leaf blowers are usually lighter, less expensive and can run indefinitely as long as they’re plugged in. However, they have a more limited range and often require an extension cord for larger areas. The cord can also get caught on things or, when exposed to moisture, become damaged. Cordless units are much less limited when it comes to range, but they’re also heavier and more expensive. They also have a shorter runtime. That said, they’re a good option for larger projects.
Accessories
Some units come with accessories such as extension cords, cord locks, additional nozzles and hedge trimmers.
How much you can expect to spend on a commercial leaf blower
Leaf blowers cost between $50-$400. Some higher-end units can cost $600 or more, especially if they come with an extended warranty or accessories. In general, cordless commercial leaf blowers usually cost more than corded ones.
Commercial leaf blower FAQ
How do I maintain a commercial leaf blower?
A. With proper maintenance, your unit should last around 10 years. Always clean it out immediately after use to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Use a slightly damp rag to wipe around the air filter and fan blades. Try not to leave any debris behind. Also, check the nozzle regularly for any signs of wear and tear, and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Are there any dangers or health risks to using a leaf blower?
A. These machines can pollute the air or produce dust and other air particulates, which could lead to difficulty breathing. To prevent this, wear a safety mask and goggles.
What’s the best commercial leaf blower to buy?
Top commercial leaf blower
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Handheld Blower Kit With M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer
What you need to know: This cordless handheld machine comes with a hedge trimmer, variable speed trigger, high and low-speed settings, battery, charger and round nozzle.
What you’ll love: It can reach up to 450 cfm and 120 mph. It’s also versatile and compatible with more than 200 Milwaukee tools. The machine comes with a limited warranty for general wear and tear.
What you should consider: It’s heavy, so it can be difficult to use for long periods.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Top commercial leaf blower for the money
Toro PowerJet F700 12-Amp Electric Handheld Leaf Blower
What you need to know: This lightweight electric leaf blower is a great entry-level option as it can cover a large distance effectively and efficiently.
What you’ll love: Just over 6 pounds, this corded machine is relatively quiet and works great on smaller projects. It has a max airspeed of about 260 mph and a 725 cfm, making it powerful enough to clear away most debris.
What you should consider: The control knob is a little difficult to use.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Worth checking out
Schroder Backpack Gasoline Leaf Blower
What you need to know: This heavy-duty backpack leaf blower is powerful enough to handle anything, from clearing away wet leaves to removing dirt and light snow.
What you’ll love: Weighing in at just under 20 pounds, this machine has a top speed of 230 mph and 920 cfm. It’s German-made and quite powerful. It comes with a two-stroke engine that uses gasoline and oil to function.
What you should consider: It requires some understanding of how leaf blowers work to use.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wric.com/reviews/br/tools-br/best-commercial-leaf-blower/ | 2022-04-26T11:03:38Z | https://www.wric.com/reviews/br/tools-br/best-commercial-leaf-blower/ | true |
TX El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM Zone Forecast for Monday, April 25, 2022
_____
277 FPUS54 KEPZ 261047
ZFPEPZ
Zone Forecast Product for New Mexico
National Weather Service El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM
447 AM MDT Tue Apr 26 2022
TXZ418-262330-
Western El Paso County-
Including the cities of Downtown El Paso, West El Paso,
and Upper Valley
447 AM MDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Southeast winds 15 to
20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly cloudy after midnight.
Lows in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up
to 30 mph. Chance of rain 10 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph, becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph in the
afternoon.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then clearing.
Lows in the upper 50s. West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to
30 mph.
.THURSDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Southwest winds 15 to
20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.FRIDAY...Sunny, breezy with highs in the mid 80s.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear, breezy with lows in the lower 50s.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.MONDAY...Sunny. Highs around 90.
$$
TXZ419-262330-
Eastern/Central El Paso County-
Including the cities of East and Northeast El Paso, Socorro,
and Fort Bliss
447 AM MDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Sunny. Highs around 80. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph
with gusts up to 30 mph.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly cloudy after midnight.
Lows in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up
to 30 mph. Chance of rain 10 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph, becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph in the
afternoon.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then clearing.
Lows in the upper 50s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up
to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Southwest winds 15 to
20 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Clear, breezy with lows in the upper 50s.
.FRIDAY...Sunny, breezy with highs in the mid 80s.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear, breezy with lows in the mid 50s.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.MONDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.
$$
TXZ420-262330-
Northern Hudspeth Highlands/Hueco Mountains-
Including the cities of Hueco Tanks and Loma Linda
447 AM MDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Sunny, breezy with highs in the lower 70s. Southeast
winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly
cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with
gusts up to 30 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms in the afternoon. Not as cool with highs in the mid
80s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph, becoming southwest in the
afternoon. Chance of rain 10 percent.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers
and thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly clear after
midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. Southwest winds 15 to 20 mph.
Chance of rain 20 percent.
.THURSDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Southwest winds 15 to
20 mph. Gusts up to 35 mph in the afternoon.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Clear, breezy with lows in the mid 50s.
.FRIDAY...Sunny, windy with highs in the lower 80s.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear, breezy with lows in the lower 50s.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.MONDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.
$$
TXZ423-262330-
Rio Grande Valley of Eastern El Paso/Western Hudspeth Counties-
Including the cities of Fabens, Fort Hancock, and Tornillo
447 AM MDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Mostly sunny. Highs around 80. Southeast winds 15 to
20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly cloudy after midnight.
Lows in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up
to 30 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms in the afternoon. Warmer with highs around 90.
Southeast winds around 15 mph, becoming southwest in the
afternoon. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers
and thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly clear after
midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
Chance of rain 20 percent.
.THURSDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Southwest winds 5 to
10 mph, increasing to west 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph
in the afternoon.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.FRIDAY...Sunny, breezy with highs in the upper 80s.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.MONDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 90s.
$$
TXZ421-262330-
Salt Basin-
Including the cities of Cornudas, Dell City, and Salt Flat
447 AM MDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Sunny, breezy with highs in the mid 70s. East winds
15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly
cloudy. Breezy with lows in the lower 50s. Southeast winds 15 to
25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, diminishing to 10 to 15 mph with
gusts up to 25 mph after midnight.
.WEDNESDAY...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms in the afternoon. Not as cool with highs in the mid
80s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph, becoming southwest 15 to
20 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers
and thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly clear after
midnight. Lows in the lower 50s. Southwest winds 15 to 20 mph.
Chance of rain 20 percent.
.THURSDAY...Sunny, breezy with highs in the mid 80s. Southwest
winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, becoming west 15 to
25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph in the afternoon.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Clear, breezy with lows in the mid 50s.
.FRIDAY...Sunny, windy with highs in the mid 80s.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear, windy with lows in the upper 40s.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows around 50.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.MONDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.
$$
TXZ422-262330-
Southern Hudspeth Highlands-
Including the city of Sierra Blanca
447 AM MDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Mostly sunny and breezy. Highs in the lower 70s. East
winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly
cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with
gusts up to 30 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms in the afternoon. Not as cool with highs in the
lower 80s. South winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Chance of rain 20 percent.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers
and thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly clear after
midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. South winds 10 to 15 mph with
gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.THURSDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. West winds 15 to 20 mph
with gusts up to 30 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.FRIDAY...Sunny, breezy with highs in the lower 80s.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear, breezy with lows in the lower 50s.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.MONDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.
$$
TXZ424-262330-
Rio Grande Valley of Eastern Hudspeth County-
Including the city of Indian Hot Springs
447 AM MDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly
cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with
gusts up to 30 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms in the afternoon. Not as cool with highs in the
upper 80s. South winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
Chance of rain 20 percent.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers
and thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly clear after
midnight. Lows in the upper 50s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance
of rain 20 percent.
.THURSDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 90s. West winds 10 to
15 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s.
.FRIDAY...Sunny, breezy with highs in the upper 80s.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs around 90.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 50s.
.MONDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 90s.
$$
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.ncadvertiser.com/weather/article/TX-El-Paso-Tx-Santa-Teresa-NM-Zone-Forecast-17126881.php | 2022-04-26T11:11:50Z | https://www.ncadvertiser.com/weather/article/TX-El-Paso-Tx-Santa-Teresa-NM-Zone-Forecast-17126881.php | true |
Good news for gadget fans! People who love buying new devices are NOT materialistic – they just love learning about new tech, study claims
- Participants rated whether they perceived purchases as materialistic
- This included household cleaners, gadgets, running shoes, jeans and pet food
- Results revealed that gadgets were rated as the most materialistic purchases
- However, participants were also asked their own motivations for buying gadgets
- Results showed that a desire to learn was the most common motivation
Whether it's the latest iPhone or a next-generation smart speaker, many people can't resist splurging when a new gadget is launched.
While gadget lovers are often seen as materialistic, a new study suggests that this isn't the case.
Instead, researchers from Duke University suggest that people who love buying new devices simply love learning about new technology.
'Despite the assumptions people hold about tech gadgets — namely, that they are materialistic purchases and that people who love gadgets are materialistic people — our results showed that gadget loving was related to personal growth,' said Dr Justin McManus, lead author of the study.
While gadget lovers are often seen as materialistic, a new study suggests that this isn't the case. Instead, researchers from Duke University simply suggest that people who love buying new devices simply love learning
In their study, the team set out to understand whether longing for the latest gadgets means you're materialistic, or whether it promotes something more fulfilling.
A group of 926 participants took part in the study.
Firstly, participants were asked to rate whether they perceived a range of purchases as materialistic.
This included household cleaners, household appliances, self-improvement books, gadgets, running shoes, blue jeans, pet food, a subscription to a major national newspaper, a six-pack of beer, and a cinema ticket.
Next, participants were asked to rate why they typically purchase gadgets across the following motives – 'I enjoy learning about them', 'I use them as a status symbol', 'I use them to affiliate with others', 'I use them to feel unique' or 'I use them to feel powerful.'
The results from the first part of the study revealed that gadgets were seen as the most materialistic items, followed by the six-pack of beer and the cinema tickets.
Conversely, household cleaners, pet food and household appliances were seen as the least materialistic items.
However, in the second part of the study, the researchers found that participants were most likely to purchase gadgets with the motivation of learning about them.
The results from the first part of the study revealed that gadgets were seen as the most materialistic items, followed by the six-pack of beer and the cinema tickets
'This relationship was driven by people feeling more competent and it was more pronounced when people consistently prioritised engagement in their daily life, rather than pleasure,' Dr McManus explained.
The researchers believe the findings could provide consumers with a 'road map' for how to yield the most well-being from their gadgets.
'To maximize well-being from consumption, we encourage consumers to learn about new products; seek out gadgets that foster intrinsic enjoyment and particularly those that could lead to learning a new skill,' the researchers wrote in their study, published in Personality and Individual Differences.
'Gadget loving behaviors that can provide an ideal challenge will also be beneficial.
'Additionally, people may also experience personal growth when gadget loving behaviors lead to perceived changes in the self.'
The study comes shortly after researchers at Ruhr University in Bochum found that for people who are materialistic, Facebook acts like a tool to help them achieve their goals.
The researchers surveyed hundreds of Facebook users on their social media activity, tendency toward materialism, and the objectification and instrumentalization of Facebook friends.
The team found that materialistic people use Facebook far more frequently than others, and with greater intensity, as a way to achieve goals and feel good about themselves. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10754657/People-love-buying-new-gadgets-NOT-materialistic-just-love-learning-study-claims.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-26T11:12:28Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10754657/People-love-buying-new-gadgets-NOT-materialistic-just-love-learning-study-claims.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | true |
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Many of us have spent the night on a sagging sofa bed, our back in shreds by the morning, while many more have endured the discomfort of sitting on a sofa that, in aiming to provide two services in one, fails to accomplish either.
Thankfully, modern iterations have taken a huge leap forward in design - and, consequently, comfort. And so it is now possible to purchase a stylish sofa bed that does precisely what you would hope: provides a space saving solution to how to have both a sofa, and a place for guests to sleep, in the one place.
Click-clack, or pull out sofa bed?
Sofa beds are generally available in two forms. The ‘click-clack’ sofa is one where the back cushion of the sofa folds down and clicks flat - essentially forming a futon - so you then sleep on the flattened sofa.
A ‘pull-out’ - the more traditional model - is transformed by removing the cushions to pull out the mattress and frame. ‘Click-clacks’ are simple to use and generally cheaper. ‘Pull-outs’ tend to be more comfortable.
What should I look for in a sofa bed?
What sofa bed works best for you will depend on how frequently you plan on using it (if you have lodgers, for example, or family members who visit often, say, you’ll want to opt for something pricier that has a higher-end memory foam mattress), how much space you have, the décor of your room, and how much seating/sleep space you require.
As with everything - the more you pay, the higher the comfort level, but there are still some impressive lower end options available. Here’s our favourite tried and tested sofa beds on the market.
Made Haru
This is one of our favourites available, a gorgeous, slightly retro and affordable option. Available in a range of colours-ways, from flame orange to pine green, this velvet-upholstered sofa will look chic in any living room or bedroom.
The double mattress measures L182 x W120 x H26 cm.
A very comfy sofa, it’s more of a temporary solve for sleeping situations - the type of sofa you may want to add into your child’s room, should they host sleep-overs, or in a loft for when guests come to stay for the weekend.
Compared to other ‘click-clacks’ we tried, it’s rather comfy (I wouldn’t recommend buying this to put up a long-term lodger, say). Easy to fold out, the legs come off no trouble and are just as simple to place back on. We like that a portion of the bed can be folded upright if you want to linger in bed idly reading.
It’s also available in a gorgeous single version - perfect for a wee one’s bedroom, for a bargainous £199.
Darlings of Chelsea Weymouth 3 Seater Sofa Bed
Is your house style elegant, do you live in a period property? You’ll love the Weymouth sofa bed, sympathetic to traditional houses.
We adore the look of the Weymouth - classic, yet modern, with sloped armrests and contrast piping - but, more than that, we love that you can tailor it to whatever specifications you desire - fabric or leather? Block coloured, or patterned? Family friendly fabric, or matte? A standard mattress, or upgraded to memory foam? Whatever you’re after, the Weymouth can be made to match it.
Comfort wise, if you take the plunge and upgrade to memory foam, the bed itself is delightfully comfy - indeed, this would be a great choice if you have a regular lodger and don’t want to throw their back out. The price tag increases, of course, as it also does depending on what specs you choose. The frame is guaranteed for ten years, so you can buy in confidence.
Made Bessie Double Sofa Bed
Another entry from Made, and back in the click-clack mode, the Bessie is a great choice if your sofa bed is going to be more frequently a sofa than bed. It’s a handsome proposition: velvet detailing, brass legs, and a contemporary frame.
It will look terrific in any lounge and it’s the work of moments to convert to a bed. Much like the Haru, you’ll be wanting to use this for occasional sleepovers, but it’s not a hardship to spend a weekend sleeping on.
Waverley Sofa Bed 3-Seater
Another sofa that you can customise to your heart’s desire is the Waverley, which is available in almost any fabric you can imagine - from herringbone, to floral, to block colour velvet.
It’s a scroll arm sofa - so classic in style no one would suspect it’s dual purpose.
As a three-seater, it makes both a deliciously comfy couch and a spacious fold-out bed - indeed, similar to the Weymouth, this is as near to a standard bed in a sofa frame as you can find. Long-time guests? They’ll thank you for this sofa bed.
The frame is a traditional pull out frame. Made in Britain, it comes with a 15-year frame guarantee.
Marks and Spencer Jasper
Another click-clack option, the M&S Jasper is easy to convert, makes an unobtrusive addition to any living room, and is friendly on the wallet.
The dark grey velvet is an example of understated chic. Sleep-wise, it’s similar to other click-clacks: very good for a short spell, but not the stuff that long-term dreams are made of.
Swoon Munich Sofa Bed
Forgive us for getting over-excited here, but we loved the Munich Sofa Bed, a clean, contemporary-designed sofa bed that performs beautifully and -while not precisely cheap - is much less pricey than similarly high-spec sofa beds we tried.
Another example of a sofa bed you can customise to your heart’s desire, from colour ways, to fabrics: corduroy, smart leather, smart wool, easy velvet - anything you fancy.
It’s a biggun: this is a king sized bed when converted, and with a sprung mattress it makes for a blissful night’s sleep. It’s genuinely comfortable, both as a bed and a sofa. A real winner.
Bluebell Sofa Beds
Sofa.com’s Bluebell Sofa Bed is modelled on one of their best-selling sofas, which shows, as it’s a gorgeous design that doesn’t look like a sofa bed at all.
This pull-out bed is classically designed, with turned oak legs, low-slung arms, and bronze castors. Sumptuous.
With feather-wrapped foam cushions, you’ll find it plush to sit on - feather brings luxury, foam brings a bounce-back resilience so you won’t be fluffing your pillows every second evening. Also, it is high backed - if you’re taller, you’ll love leaning on this.
Available upholstered in a choice of cotton, linen, boucle, tweed, velvet, leather and more, and with three sizes of sofa bed frame available – from loveseat to three-seater – the bed itself is another winner, comfy and resilient. | https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/recommended/best-sofa-beds-2022-3161690 | 2022-04-26T11:21:13Z | https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/recommended/best-sofa-beds-2022-3161690 | false |
Student captures stunning images of stars and galaxies
- Published
A Scottish student has unveiled "striking" images of space he captured using a makeshift telescope in his back garden.
Bryan Shaw, a student at the University of the West of Scotland, has spent hours stargazing and gathering photographs and videos for an end-of-year project.
The fourth-year broadcast production student has managed to capture detailed images of star clusters and nebulas located light years away, such as Pleiades, Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula.
Mr Shaw - who only began taking photographs of space last year - often devotes full nights to his hobby, capturing photographs of the stars outside his home in New Cumnock, East Ayrshire.
He said: "It's time-consuming, but I really do love this. I'm planning to get a bigger telescope to advance my knowledge, and let me capture things that I can't at the moment.
"I want to take photos of individual planets, and craters on the moon - that's what I'm planning.
"My ultimate ambition is to take a photo of a nebula known as Thor's Helmet - it's absolutely stunning, and it really does look like the helmet that belongs to Thor in the Marvel movies.
"As a big Marvel fan, that has to be my big goal."
Dr Sheona Urquhart, who lectures in Physical Sciences at the Open University, told BBC Scotland the pictures captured "the most visually striking features of our universe".
"What I think is most exciting is that it shows that you don't need access to international, world leading observatories to achieve such incredible photographs - a reasonably straightforward set-up at home can achieve some fantastic results", she said.
All photographs copyright of Bryan Shaw. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-61221396?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA | 2022-04-26T11:23:45Z | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-61221396?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA | true |
Woman, 26, who was TWICE over the drink drive limit when she hired an E-Scooter to get home after a hen night because her taxi didn't turn up is banned from driving for 18 months
- Paige Burnley of North Hykeham, was caught riding an e-scooter while drunk
- The 26-year-old thought it was legal to ride an e-scooter home after drinking
- But they are classed as motorised vehicles, so she was found to be drink driving
A 26-year-old Lincolnshire woman, who hired an e-scooter in Cheltenham while intoxicated after a hen night, has been banned from driving for 18 months.
Paige Burnley of Lindum Mews, North Hykeham, admitted driving a Zwings E-Scooter while over the drink-drive limit on Royal Well Place, Cheltenham, on April 9 this year.
The Cheltenham Magistrates Court heard yesterday, how Burnley had consumed so much alcohol that she was more than twice the legal limit.
Cheltenham is one of more than thirty towns and cities across the UK where e-scooters are being offered for hire and can be legally used on roads and pathways in a Government experiment to see if they are a safe and viable form of green transport.
However, they are considered to be motorised vehicles and are therefore subject to drink driving laws - something Burnley was unaware of.
Prosecutor May Li explained that at 10.40pm on Saturday, April 9, Burnley, who was wearing bright coloured clothing, was spotted by police on patrol in the town as she weaving in and out of vehicles in the bus lane while on the e-scooter.
Paige Burnley, 26, of Lindum Mews, North Hykeham, was found guilty of drink driving after she hired an e-scooter and rode it home after attending a hen night in Cheltenham (Pictured: E-scooters in Cheltenham)
Paige Burnley was stopped by police on Royal Well Place (pictured) and given a roadside breathalyser, where she was found to be over twice the limit
Burnley (not pictured) had spent the evening drinking at a hen night, and when she was unable to find a taxi she chose to hire an e-scooter (stock image)
'The officer persuaded Burnley to stop and she identified herself,' said the prosecutor.
'The officer observed the her eyes were glazed and red and that her speech was slurred. Burnley failed a roadside breath test and was taken into custody where she provided a reading of 75 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit being 35.'
Chris Hogg, defending Burnley, said that she had been at a hen do in Cheltenham town centre and at the end of the evening the group had arranged for taxis to take them home. But the cabs failed to attend at the appointed time.
'My client thought, incorrectly, that they could ride the e-scooters instead and legitimately hired one of them. They did not see anything warning them of the legal requirements and she rode the electric scooter thinking she wasn't committing any offence.
'She accepts that ignorance of the law is no defence. Burnley was due to start her new job with a pharmaceutical company today, but has put that on hold until the outcome of this court appearance.'
Electric scooters are available for hire in Cheltenham's town centre (pictured), as the Government experiments to see if they can be used as a safe and environmentally friendly way to travel
District Judge Nicholas Wattam told Burnley: 'It is to your credit that you admitted your offending straight away, and the penalty for this will be less severe for that reason.
'I accept you were under a false impression that you were able to use an e-scooter on the road having drunk alcohol that had taken you over the drink-drive limit. An e-scooter is classified as a motorised vehicle for the purposes of the law.
'This was a dangerous activity to be doing for which there has to be a penalty. You will be fined £500, which reflects the seriousness of the offence and you will be disqualified from driving for 18 months.'
The judge also ordered that Burnley pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £50. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10754345/Woman-hired-E-Scooter-TWICE-drink-drive-limit-banned-driving.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | 2022-04-26T11:30:39Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10754345/Woman-hired-E-Scooter-TWICE-drink-drive-limit-banned-driving.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | true |
ATLANTA (AP) _ Invesco PLC (IVZ) on Tuesday reported first-quarter net income of $256.9 million.
The Atlanta-based company said it had profit of 43 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for restructuring costs and amortization costs, were 56 cents per share.
The results did not meet Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 61 cents per share.
The investment management company posted revenue of $1.63 billion in the period. Its adjusted revenue was $1.25 billion, which also missed Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.28 billion.
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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on IVZ at https://www.zacks.com/ap/IVZ | https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Invesco-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17126894.php | 2022-04-26T11:31:00Z | https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Invesco-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17126894.php | false |
Two explosions hit Moscow-backed breakaway Moldovan region that borders Ukraine days after Putin's military warned 'Russian-speakers' had been 'oppressed' there
- Two explosions destroyed two radio antennas in the region of Transnistria today
- Day earlier, several explosions were reported to hit the Ministry of State Security
- Transnistria, a region on the border with Ukraine, is recognised internationally as part of Moldova but is effectively controlled by Russia
Two explosions have hit Moldova's breakaway region that borders Ukraine, days after a Kremlin military chief warned that 'Russian-speakers' had been 'oppressed' there.
The explosions destroyed two powerful Soviet-era radio antennas that were re-broadcasting Russian stations in the region of Transnistria, an unrecognised Moscow-backed sliver of land bordering southwestern Ukraine, on Tuesday.
The blasts occurred in the small town of Maiac roughly 12 kilometers (7 miles) west of the border with Ukraine, the region's Interior Ministry said.
A day earlier, several explosions believed to be caused by rocket-propelled grenades were reported to hit the Ministry of State Security in the city of Tiraspol, the region's capital. No one was hurt in the explosions, officials said.
In response to the incidents, Moldova's president Maia Sandu convened an urgent meeting of the country's Supreme Security Council on Tuesday.
The Moldovan authorities are sensitive to any sign of growing tensions in Transnistria, especially since Russia invaded their neighbour Ukraine.
And adding to heightened tensions, Kremlin military chief Rustam Minnekayev on Friday said Russia sought control of southern Ukraine, which could provide access to Transnistria, 'where there have been cases of oppression of the Russian-speaking population'.
The explosions destroyed two powerful Soviet-era radio antennas that were re-broadcasting Russian stations in the region of Transnistria, an unrecognised Moscow-backed sliver of land bordering southwestern Ukraine, on Tuesday
A day earlier, several explosions believed to be caused by rocket-propelled grenades were reported to hit the Ministry of State Security in the city of Tiraspol, the region's capital. No one was hurt in the explosions, officials said
The Transnistrian authorities said the offices of the state security ministry in Tiraspol were hit by what appeared to be a grenade-launcher attack on Monday evening
Transnistria, a strip of land with about 470,000 people between Moldova and Ukraine, is recognised internationally as part of Moldova but is effectively controlled by Russia, which has given citizenship to separatists
Minnekayev, the deputy commander of Russia's central military district, said Moscow planned to forge a corridor between Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula which Russia annexed in 2014, and the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.
Moldova's foreign ministry summoned Russia's ambassador over the comments, which it called 'unfounded and contradicting Russia's position in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country within internationally recognised borders'.
The suggestion by a senior Russian official that Moscow needs to defend supporters in a nearby country is a chilling echo of its previous justification for invading Ukraine.
And today, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is closely following events in Transdniestria, adding that news from the region was a cause for serious concern.
Transnistria, a strip of land with about 470,000 people between Moldova and Ukraine, is recognised internationally as part of Moldova but is effectively controlled by Russia, which has given citizenship to separatists.
An estimated 1,500 Russian troops are permanently stationed in the Transnistria, but concerns are high that the region could be used as a launch pad for new attacks on Ukraine.
Russia's military base still guards a stockpile of some 20,000 tonnes of munitions which were brought there when Soviet troops withdrew from Europe.
In the early hours of Tuesday, two explosions hit a radio tower re-broadcasting Russian stations near the Ukrainian border.
'Early on April 26, two explosions were heard in the village of Mayak in Grigoriopolsky district,'it said in a statement.
It said the blasts at 6:40 am and 7:05 am (0340 GMT and 0405 GMT) targeted the 'Mayak' radio centre, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of the regional capital Tiraspol.
Antennas of the 'Mayak' radio centre are seen lying on the ground on Tuesday following the blasts in the village of Mayak in Grigoriopolsky district in Moldova's Russian-backed breakaway Transnistria region
A law enforcement officer is seen standing in front of the 'Mayak' radio centre antennas following the blasts in the village of Mayak on Tuesday
Kremlin military chief Rustam Minnekayev on Friday said Russia sought control of southern Ukraine, which could provide access to Transnistria, 'where there have been cases of oppression of the Russian-speaking population'. Pictured: Pro-Russian troops move along a road in Mariupol, southern Ukraine
The ministry said two 'powerful' antennae that were re-broadcasting Russian radio were out of order, and shared images of them lying on the ground. There were no injuries, it added.
This came after the Transnistrian authorities said the offices of the state security ministry in Tiraspol were hit by what appeared to be a grenade-launcher attack on Monday evening.
No one was injured in the incident, which happened at around 6:00 pm on a public holiday for the Orthodox Easter.
But windows were blown out in the state security ministry building and smoke was 'billowing out of the buildings', the Transnistria region's interior ministry said in a statement.
There was no immediate reason to suggest a link between the two incidents.
The conflict in Ukraine has provoked fears in Moldova that the country could become Russia's next target.
Moldovan President Sandu on Tuesday called for a meeting of the country's Supreme Security Council in response to the incidents.
'The Supreme Security Council will meet from 1300 (1000 GMT) at the Presidency. After the meeting, at 1500, President Maia Sandu will hold a press briefing', the president's press office said in a statement.
On Monday, the Moldovan government said the Tiraspol blasts were aimed at creating tensions in a region it had no control of.
Moldova, one of Europe's poorest states, was part of the Soviet Union but a war broke out between Moldovan forces and Russian-backed separatists in the Transnistria area in 1992. A ceasefire was agreed but the conflict remains unresolved.
Unlike Ukraine and Georgia, Moldova is not seeking Nato membership. The landlocked country, with a population of just 2.6million, has only a few thousand active military personnel, so it would not be able to withstand a Russian invasion. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10754523/Two-explosions-hit-Moscow-backed-breakaway-Moldovan-region-borders-Ukraine.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | 2022-04-26T11:31:05Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10754523/Two-explosions-hit-Moscow-backed-breakaway-Moldovan-region-borders-Ukraine.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | true |
CLEVELAND (AP) _ Sherwin-Williams Co. (SHW) on Tuesday reported first-quarter net income of $370.8 million.
On a per-share basis, the Cleveland-based company said it had profit of $1.41. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to $1.61 per share.
The results exceeded Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.54 per share.
The paint and coatings maker posted revenue of $5 billion in the period, also beating Street forecasts. Five analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $4.88 billion.
Sherwin-Williams expects full-year earnings in the range of $9.25 to $9.65 per share.
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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on SHW at https://www.zacks.com/ap/SHW | https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Sherwin-Williams-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17126903.php | 2022-04-26T11:32:14Z | https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Sherwin-Williams-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17126903.php | true |
A suspect will be arraigned on Monday after being arrested for aggravated assault in downtown Burlington late Saturday night.
The Burlington Police accuse Jahi Bennett-Gooden, 25, of pulling out a gun inside Ruben James Bar & Grill on Main Street shortly after 11:30 that night. They also accuse him of pointing the gun at employees of the establishment.
After a brief foot chase on the street, investigators say they arrested Bennett-Gooden at gunpoint and with the use of physical force. One officer reportedly suffered a severe knee injury during the arrest which is expected to require a lengthy assignment to restricted duty; Bennett-Gooden was not injured.
Bennett-Gooden was also the suspect accused in April 2020 of robbing the Champlain Farms convenience store on Main Street, two blocks from Ruben James. He was likewise accused of firing gunshots inside and outside the store at that time, with a bystander reporting that they’d expected to be killed. According to authorities, Bennett-Gooden had 13 other encounters with police in Chittenden County in the intervening two years. | https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/vermont/man-arrested-for-gun-assault-at-burlington-bar/ | 2022-04-26T11:43:50Z | https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/vermont/man-arrested-for-gun-assault-at-burlington-bar/ | false |
Last chance to see Pirates spectacular before they say 'Bye Matey!'
- Credit: Streetview Marketing
Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus is extending its run for the award-winning show 'Pirates Live' due to overwhelming demand.
The show, which contains a combination of heart-stopping circus stunts and pirate comedy scenes, will be continuing for its longest season ever until May 2.
Hippodrome owner Peter Jay said, “This has been our Pirates Live best year ever.”
The Hippodrome has assembled its largest cast of circus performers, actors, and dancers in Pirates Live history to celebrate the show's eighth year.
As the Hippodrome’s iconic water feature is being used as part of the sets for the lagoon and pirate port, there is only half the usual amount of seating available, and tickets are selling fast.
Tickets are still available for the remaining performances:
Friday, April 29 from 6.30pm
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Saturday, April 30 at 1pm, 4.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday, May 1 at 1pm and 4.30pm
Bank Holiday Monday, May 2 at 1pm and 4.30pm
To check availability and to secure your seats now call 01493 738877 or Book Online at www.hippodromecircus.co.uk | https://www.greatyarmouthmercury.co.uk/things-to-do/great-yarmouth-pirates-show-hippodrome-last-chance-8920710 | 2022-04-26T11:48:45Z | https://www.greatyarmouthmercury.co.uk/things-to-do/great-yarmouth-pirates-show-hippodrome-last-chance-8920710 | false |
Designer heels amongst items dumped on village road
- Credit: ECDC
Designer heels worth around £600 were just some of the latest fly-tipped items to be discovered in East Cambridgeshire.
The shoes alongside other items including bedroom furniture were found on Whitecross Road, Wilburton on April 25.
An East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) spokesperson said: “This fly-tip reported at Whitecross Road, Wilburton consists of tyres, bedroom furniture and a pair of Christian Louboutin studded black high heels.
“If you recognise any of these items, please contact the council on 01353 665555 to help us crackdown on illegal fly-tipping.”
In March, a Freedom of Information request revealed the number of fly-tipping incidents across East Cambridgeshire had dropped by over a third between December 2021 and February this year.
During this period, 145 actual incidents were reported in the district compared to 220 over the same three months between 2020 and 2021.
ECDC also found a 24 per cent increase in actual fly-tipping cases during the Covid-19 pandemic. | https://www.elystandard.co.uk/news/crime/christian-louboutin-shoes-amongst-items-dumped-in-wilburton-8922100 | 2022-04-26T11:50:33Z | https://www.elystandard.co.uk/news/crime/christian-louboutin-shoes-amongst-items-dumped-in-wilburton-8922100 | true |
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — The Canadian government on Monday called an independent public inquiry into its decision to use the Emergencies Act earlier this year to deal with a trucker protest against COVID-19 restrictions that blocked border crossings and clogged the streets of the nation’s capital.
Millions of dollars in trade was halted for days when several border crossings with the U.S. were blocked and the streets of downtown Ottawa were flooded with a national convoy of big-rigs and trucks protesting COVID restrictions.
The protests drew support from some U.S. politicians and media, including former president Donald Trump, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Fox News personalities and billionaire Elon Musk.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time in history on Feb. 15, granting extraordinary temporary powers to police to clear protesters and for banks to freeze the accounts of those involved.
Trudeau said the government has established the Public Order Emergency Commission to examine the circumstances that led to the Emergencies Act being invoked.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the commission will look at the evolution of the convoy, the impact of funding and disinformation, the economic impact, and efforts of police and other responders before and after the declaration.
Ontario Appeal Court Justice Paul S. Rouleau has been named commissioner of the inquiry. He must provide a final report in English and French to the federal government by Feb. 20 next year. | https://www.krqe.com/news/national/canada-panel-to-investigate-measures-against-trucker-protest/ | 2022-04-26T11:54:32Z | https://www.krqe.com/news/national/canada-panel-to-investigate-measures-against-trucker-protest/ | true |
New Delhi: Net sales of the leading automotive supplier
Mahle touched EUR 10.9 billion in 2021, up 11.9% from the previous year. Business grew in all regions and business units, the company said in a release adding that further growth, however, was prevented by the slump in demand in the second half of the year.
The auto component major's operating result before interest and tax (EBIT) turned positive at EUR 169 million from the negative EUR 192 million in the previous year. The EBIT stood at 1.5% in 2021 compared to the prior-year figure of -2%.
Meanwhile, the German Group has reduced its consolidated net loss by 75% to EUR 108 million. According to the company this loss was the result of higher financing expenses and tax payments which could not be reduced by offsetting tax losses carried forward.
In the financial year under review, the Group invested EUR 666 million, which forms 6.1% of sales – more than the previous year – in research and development for climate-compatible mobility. “In 2022, we will need to expand and redefine our position as an established Tier 1 supplier in the three strategic areas of e-mobility, thermal management and classical drive systems,” Michael Frick, Deputy Chairman of the
Mahle Group Management Board and CFO, said at the Annual Press Conference.
By 2030, Mahle aims to increase the share of its sales earned independently from the internal combustion engine for passenger cars from the present figure of more than 60% to 75%. “As long as there are internal combustion engines, MAHLE will be a reliable partner to the market and customers in this area,” Frick said. Currently, Mahle is the market leader for many internal combustion engine components and intends to strengthen its position in strategic areas.
Electric and alternative drivetrainsAccording to the company, the transition from the internal combustion engine to e-mobility has boosted the pressure to change in all areas. In 2021, it scored with new electric drive technologies that address customers’ key concerns – range, convenience and fast charging.
On the charging infrastructure front, Mahle has developed a fast-charging solution allowing capacities up to 750 kW. The company noted that an entirely new electric motor that does not require rare earth elements has aroused considerable interest with a large number of vehicle manufacturers.
The Stuttgar- based company intends to fill the gap with other drive technologies such as hydrogen, fuel cells or e-fuels where electric mobility is approaching its limits. “Here, we can rapidly make a key contribution to climate protection at the same time to reducing dependence on oil and gas,” Frick said. He sees good potential in the commercial vehicle sector. As part of the mobility transition, Mahle is also committed to producing ultra-light e-bikes and compact drive systems. | https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/auto-components/mahle-global-sales-up-12-to-eur-10-9-bn-to-focus-on-alternative-powertrain-tech/91095895 | 2022-04-26T11:55:59Z | https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/auto-components/mahle-global-sales-up-12-to-eur-10-9-bn-to-focus-on-alternative-powertrain-tech/91095895 | true |
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The UN chief is speaking in Moscow following talks with Russian officials. Meanwhile, the US is hosting allies at Ramstein Air Base to discuss Ukraine's security needs. Follow DW for the latest.
This article was last updated at 10:42 GMT/UTC
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is holding a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov following talks about the war in Moscow. He had also been due to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This is the first in-person visit from Guterres since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
During an earlier meeting with Lavrov, Guterres called for a cease-fire to be implemented "as soon as possible."
Russia said it was expelling three Swedish diplomats in a retaliatory move against Stockholm.
In early April, Sweden said it was expelling three Russian diplomats who it accused of conducting "illegal operations" there.
Russia's Foreign ministry said it summoned the Swedish ambassador to Russia and "strongly protested" the expulsion of Russian diplomats and Sweden's "military support to the Kyiv regime."
The ministry accused Sweden of "covering up the crimes of Ukrainian nationalists against the civilian population of Donbas and Ukraine."
"In response to this, the Russian side decided to declare persona non grata three diplomats of the Swedish embassy in Russia," the ministry said.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that conditions for a cease-fire should be created as soon as possible.
"We are extremely interested in finding ways in order to create the conditions for effective dialogue, create the conditions for a ceasefire as soon as possible, create the conditions for a peaceful solution," Guterres said at a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. He added that the priority is to "minimize human suffering" in Ukraine.
Guterres is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin following his meeting with Lavrov.
German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said Ukrainian troops will be trained on German soil. The remarks stem from a statement she gave at the Ramstein US air base in Germany during a US-hosted defense conference.
"We are working together with our American friends to train Ukrainian troops on artillery systems on German soil," Lambert said, according to a transcript seen by DW.
"We will, along with the Netherlands, provide self-propelled howitzer and ammunition training to Ukraine, as we all know that artillery is an essential factor in this conflict."
Lambrecht addressed criticism leveled at Germany for not delivering heavier weaponry to Ukraine, and pointed to the government's decision to provide anti-aircraft tanks as progress.
Pavel Podvig, a senior researcher at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, told DW on Tuesday that he does not envisage Russia using nuclear weapons, despite the Kremlin leaving the door open to such tactics.
"I don't think that we are that close," to seeing nuclear weapons used in this war, he said. "And the main reason for that is that there are simply no plausible military missions for nuclear weapons in this type of war."
But Podvig stopped short of saying Russian President Vladimir Putin would refrain from using tactical nuclear weapons.
"It's hard for me to say with certainty whether he would refrain from that," he said.
Podvig's comments come after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he would not want to see a nuclear confrontation, but that "the danger is serious" and "should not be underestimated."
Moldovan authorities have reported two blasts that damaged Soviet-era radio masts in the breakaway Trans-Dniester region. Authorities said a military unit was also targeted.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu convened an urgent security meeting following the blasts.
The breakaway Trans-Dniester region seceded from Moldova in 1992 along with Russian backing, although Moscow has not officially recognized the region's independence. The region borders Ukraine and Kyiv has voiced concerns that it could be used as a staging ground for Russian attacks.
"In the early morning of April 26, two explosions occurred in the village of Maiac, Grigoriopol district: the first at 6:40 and the second at 7:05," the interior ministry of the in self-proclaimed "Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic" (PMR) said.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the reports of blasts in the Trans-Dniester region were a cause for serious concern and Moscow was closely following the events.
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday that it expects some 8.3 million people to flee Ukraine this year.
UNHCR had previously planned for some 4 million refugees in the immediate aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
More than 12.7 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine in the past two months, UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo said. This included 7.7 million internally displaced people and 5 million people who fled Ukraine across international borders.
"The scale of the crisis, definitely the rapidity of people fleeing, we have not seen in recent times," Mantoo said at a UN news briefing. Mantoo added that Syria has the biggest current refugee crisis in the world, with 6.8 million people having fled the country.
The United Nations' humanitarian agency (UN OCHA) said that it has been forced to double its aid appeal to $2.25 billion (€2.11 billion) as the humanitarian situation in the country worsens.
"Over $2.25 billion is now required for needs inside Ukraine, more than double of the amount requested ($1.1 billion) when we launched the appeal on 1 March, a few days after the war began," the UN OCHA said in a statement.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that the aim of the conference at the air base in Ramstein, Germany was to "help Ukraine win the fight against Russia's unjust invasion," as well as to "build up Ukraine's defenses for tomorrow's challenges."
Austin said that he discussed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Kyiv's "changing requirements" as Russia focuses on Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. Austin said that the US and its allies will "keep moving heaven and Earth" to meet Ukraine's security requirements.
"Ukraine needs our help to win today, and they will still need our help when the war is over," Austin said. He added that the US and its allies have committed more than $5 billion of equipment to support Ukraine's defense since the start of the war.
The defense secretary said that Ukraine "has done a magnificent job defending its sovereignty against Russia's unprovoked invasion."
Austin said that Ukraine's allies had provided assistance at "record speed," adding that "Putin never imagined that the world would rally behind Ukraine so swiftly."
Referring to Russian troop withdrawal from areas around Ukraine's capital, Austin said that the war was "entering a new phase" following what he called "Russia's defeat at the battle of Kyiv."
"Russia is waging a war of choice to indulge the ambitions of one man," Austin said, alluding to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Ukraine is fighting a war of necessity to defend its democracy, its sovereignty and its citizens."
Police in the breakaway Moldovan region of Trans-Dniester said that two explosions knocked two powerful antennas out of service in a radio facility close to Ukrainian border. The interior ministry of the region said those antennas were re-broadcasting Russian radio.
The incident occurred in a small town of Maiac about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the regional capital Tiraspol and roughly 12 kilometers (7 miles) west of the border with Ukraine. No one was hurt in the explosions, officials said.
The explosions come just a day after several explosions believed to be caused by rocket-propelled grenades were reported to hit the state security ministry in Tiraspol.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu is convening a meeting of the country's Supreme Security Council on Tuesday over incidents that took place in Trans-Dniester.
Trans-Dniester is a narrow strip of land on the east bank of the Dniester River, sandwiched between Ukraine and Moldova. The breakaway region seceded from Moldova after a brief military conflict in 1992 following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
In this conflict, separatists were supported by Moscow. Russia still has a military base there.
A senior Russian military official, Rustam Minnekayev, said last week that Russian forces aim to take full control of southern Ukraine, saying such a move would open the way to Trans-Dniester.
The German government confirmed reports that it will approve a delivery of "Gepard" anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine, according to a statement seen by DW.
German Defense Minister Christina Lambrecht will announce the move during opening remarks at Ramstein air base, coming at the start of a US-hosted conference on Ukraine.
"Yesterday we decided that Germany will make the delivery of "Gepard" anti-aircraft tanks possible to Ukraine," Lambrecht is expected to say, according to the statement.
The confirmation comes after German media reported on the move. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government has come under increasing pressure over not yet sending heavy weapons to Ukraine.
A defense conference on securing Ukraine's long-term security is now underway at the US airbase in Ramstein, Germany.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has invited around 40 countries to the conference. While many NATO members will be present, a number of the countries invited are not NATO member states.
The attendees will include NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht.
The meeting seeks to boost weapons deliveries to Ukraine and bolster the country's long-term security.
Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday and pledged additional military assistance to Kyiv. Austin and Blinken are expected to brief allies on Ukraine's security needs during the conference.
British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said he did not think there was an imminent threat of escalation in the war in Ukraine leading to nuclear conflict.
"What the West is doing to support its allies in Ukraine is very well calibrated ... Everything we do is calibrated to avoid direct confrontation with Russia," Heappy told BBC television.
Heappey's remarks follow a statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who said that NATO was "in essence engaged in war with Russia through a proxy" and that the "risks" of nuclear escalation were "considerable."
"Lavrov's trademark over the course of 15 years or so that he has been the Russian foreign secretary has been that sort of bravado. I don't think that right now there is an imminent threat of escalation," Heappey said.
Heappy also told Sky News that it is not NATO that is providing military support to Ukraine.
"The donor effort is something that has been brought together by countries that are yes, many of them are from NATO, but others are from beyond ... it is not NATO that is doing the military aid," Heappy said.
According to the dpa news agency, Germany's federal government intends to allow tanks from industry stocks to be delivered to Ukraine. German defense company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann will be given the green light to sell "Gepard" anti-aircraft tanks from previous Bundeswehr stocks, dpa reported.
Germany's Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reported that Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht will pledge the anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine during today's meeting at the Ramstein US air base.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Monday following a meeting with Ukrainian officials that Kyiv had requested tanks as it seeks to adapt to the shifting conditions of the conflict.
Britain's Defense Ministry said in a Tuesday intelligence update that the town of Kreminna in Ukraine's eastern Luhansk region has reportedly fallen to Russian forces.
Russian troops are attempting to advance north to Sloviansk and east to Kramatorsk, according to the ministry.
"Russian forces are likely attempting to encircle heavily fortified Ukrainian positions in the east of Ukraine," the intelligence update said, adding that Ukrainian forces have been preparing defenses in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia.
The UK has dropped tariffs on all goods coming from Ukraine, following a direct request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"The UK will continue to do everything in its power to support Ukraine's fight against Putin's brutal and unprovoked invasion," British International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said.
The average tariff on Ukrainian imports was about 22%.
The British government said it would also impose further export bans on products to Russia, including cash, maritime goods and technology, and energy-related goods.
Ukraine has urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to press Russia for an evacuation of the besieged port of Mariupol. Guterres is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday.
The UN chief "should focus primarily on one issue, evacuation of Mariupol," Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told The Associated Press in an interview.
"This is really something that the UN is capable of doing. And if he demonstrates political will, character, and integrity, I hope that will allow us to make one step forward," he said.
Russian forces have surrounded fighters in the last Ukrainian stronghold in the Azovstal steel plant, but an estimated 100,000 civilians are also trapped in the city.
Kuleba also said he was concerned Guterres could fall into a Kremlin "trap." He cited trips to the Russian capital by foreign officials ahead of the invasion on February 24 as evidence of the Kremlin dictating diplomacy.
On Thursday, Guterres is expected to head to Ukraine for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Kuleba.
Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, called Ukrainians to think of how to make "the presence of occupiers at our land even more unbearable."
In his nightly address, Zelenskyy predicted Russia would lose the war, but said it would require sacrifice.
"Every day of the fight will add years and years to the peaceful life after this war, after our victory," Zelenskyy said.
He was aware the Ukrainians wanted to know "when it all be over," but said "there is no simple answer to that at this time."
The US military expects officials from more than 20 countries to attend talks on Tuesday at Ramstein Air Base in Germany focused on arming Ukraine.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is hosting the event following a trip to Kyiv, where he pledged additional support to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In remarks following his appearance in Kyiv on Monday, Austin said he would like "to see Russia weakened to the point where it can't do things like invade Ukraine."
General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said a key goal of the talks was to synchronize and coordinate security assistance to Kyiv that includes heavy weaponry, like howitzer artillery and well-armed drones and ammunition.
"The next several weeks will be very, very critical," Milley told reporters traveling with him to Germany.
"They need continued support in order to be successful on the battlefield. And that's really the purpose of this conference."
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is expected to attend the meeting, along with representatives from NATO and non-NATO countries.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Russian state television that NATO was "in essence engaged in war with Russia through a proxy" by supplying weapons to Ukraine.
Speaking to the Russian First Channel he said, "these weapons will be a legitimate target for Russia's military."
"Storage facilities in western Ukraine have been targeted more than once [by Russian forces]. How can it be otherwise? War means war," he said.
The foreign minister also said Monday evening that Moscow wants to reduce the chance of "artificially" elevating the risks of a nuclear conflict.
"This is our key position on which we base everything. The risks now are considerable," Lavrov said.
The top diplomat said peace talks with Ukraine would continue.
He conceded the war in Ukraine would probably end finish with the signing of an accord but added the terms would depend on the military situation in the country at the time.
After Lavrov's interview, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on Twitter that Russia had lost its "last hope to scare the world off supporting Ukraine."
"This only means Moscow senses defeat," he added.
Vadym Boychenko, the mayor of the besieged city of Mariupol, said a new mass grave had been identified 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the city. Several victims were located there, though authorities are trying to identify how many victims are in the unmarked graves.
Russia said it expelled 40 German diplomats in response to Berlin's decision to kick out Russian diplomats over the conflict in Ukraine. Germany Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the move was unjustified as the Russian staff expelled from Germany had been "spies" rather than diplomats.
Finnish newspaper Italehti has reported Finland and Sweden have agreed to submit NATO applications at the same time during the week of May 16.
Swedish paper Expressen writes that its sources confirm there is an agreement between the two countries.
Ukrainian Railways reported that five train stations in central and western Ukraine had come under fire and had been hit by missile strikes. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed it used missiles to destroy facilities powering the railways supplying Ukrainian forces with foreign weapons.
About 15,000 Russian troops have been killed since Russia invaded Ukraine, UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said. Ukraine has claimed 22,000 Russian troops were killed since the invasion. Russia has acknowledged only 1,351 military deaths.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Russia is trying to brutalize parts of Ukraine but failing in its war aims.
After a visit to Kyiv, Blinken said Russia's military was underperforming, and its economy was "in shambles" due to sanctions and a mass "exodus" from the country.
You can revisit our live updates from April 25 here.
si, lo/wmr, rs (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters) | https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-un-chief-calls-for-cease-fire-in-visit-to-moscow-live-updates/a-61590982 | 2022-04-26T11:57:25Z | https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-un-chief-calls-for-cease-fire-in-visit-to-moscow-live-updates/a-61590982 | true |
Explosions rock Moldova after Russia suggests it could be its next target in Europe
Series of blasts in breakaway Trans-Dniester region prompt Moldova security meeting
Authorities in Moldova are gathering Tuesday for an urgent security meeting following a series of blasts in a Russia-aligned separatist region, just days after one of Vladimir Putin’s generals suggested that country could be the next target of Moscow’s military aggression in eastern Europe.
At least two blasts this morning targeted radio antennas that broadcast Russian programs in Maiac, a town around seven miles from Moldova’s border with Ukraine, according to officials in the Trans-Dniester region.
They come a day after several explosions believed to be caused by rocket-propelled grenades were reported to have hit the Ministry of State Security in the city of Tiraspol, the region’s capital.
RUSSIA INVADES UKRAINE: LIVE UPDATES
The Security Council of Trans-Dniester on Tuesday also reported damage to a military unit in the village of Parcani. They did not offer further details on that incident, but declared "a red level of terrorist threat" and promised to impose additional security measures in the region.
The Kremlin is aware of the explosions in Trans-Dniester, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying Tuesday that the situation "elicits concern" at the highest levels of Russian government.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu, in response, has called for a meeting Tuesday of the country’s Supreme Security Council.
Last week, Russian Major Gen. Rustam Minnekaev claimed that Russia’s ambitions in Ukraine extend outside the Donbas region and stretch across the country's southern districts.
"Control over the south of Ukraine is another way out to Trans-Dniester, where there are cases of Russian-speaking people being oppressed," Minnekaev said, in an apparent threat to Moldova.
Trans-Dniester, a strip of land with about 470,000 people between Moldova and Ukraine, has been under the control of separatist authorities since a 1992 war with Moldova.
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Though a peace treaty between Trans-Dniester and the Moldovan government has been in place, the breakaway state has similarities to the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics in the Donbas region of Ukraine, which served as Putin’s justification for his illegal invasion in February.
Russia bases about 1,500 troops in Trans-Dniester, nominally as peacekeepers, but concerns are high that the forces could be used to invade Ukraine.
Fox News’ Caitlin McFall and the Associated Press contributed to this report. | https://www.foxnews.com/world/moldova-explosions-russia-next-target | 2022-04-26T11:58:57Z | https://www.foxnews.com/world/moldova-explosions-russia-next-target | true |
CAIRO (AP) — Sudan’s military deployed further troops to West Darfur province to help stop tribal fighting that claimed the lives of more than 175 people over the past five days, officials and aid agencies said Monday.
The peak of the fighting between Arabs and the African Masalit tribe was Sunday in the town of Kreinik, 80 kilometers east of the provincial capital of Genena. The clashes eventually reached Genena where authorities declared a nightly curfew in the main market, according to the U.N.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence which grew out of the killing of two Arab people Thursday in Kreinik by unknown assailants.
He called for the acceleration of the deployment of local joint security keeping forces as per a 2020 peace deal between Sudan’s government and a rebel alliance in war-wrecked Darfur region.
At least 168 people were killed, and 89 others were wounded on Sunday alone, according to the General Coordination for Refugees and Displaced in Darfur. Thursday-Friday clashes left 8 dead and 16 wounded, it said.
Darfur24 news website quoted Naser al-Zein, director of Kreinik municipality, as saying that the dead included at least 17 children and 27 women.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, said government buildings, a police station and Kreinik’s sole hospital attacked and burned down in Sunday’s hours-long clashes.
The fighting forced the U.N. food agency to suspend food distributions planned this week, affecting at least 62,850 displaced people in the town and two nearby villages, OCHA said.
The Genena Teaching Hospital, where wounded people were being treated, was also attacked Sunday with shooting took place inside the facility including the emergency department, the Doctors Without Borders charity said.
One hospital worker was killed, and healthcare workers were evacuated, said the group which is known by its French acronym MSF.
Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Yassin Ibrahim Yassin said they solidified security in the province and deployed troops to separate the warring parties.
Tensions between Arab and Masalit communities in Kreinik date back to December when a property dispute at a local market triggered clashes that killed at least 88 people.
The fighting has come at a critical time for Sudan, which has plunged into chaos since a military coup last year. The takeover upended the country’s transition to democracy after a popular uprising forced the removal of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in April 2019.
The clashes raise questions over whether military leaders are capable of bringing security to Darfur, which has been wracked by years of civil war. In 2020, the U.N. Security Council ended its peacekeeping mission there. | https://www.krqe.com/news/world/sudan-more-troops-deployed-to-darfur-after-tribal-clashes/ | 2022-04-26T12:00:40Z | https://www.krqe.com/news/world/sudan-more-troops-deployed-to-darfur-after-tribal-clashes/ | false |
WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Tuesday, April 26, 2022
_____
AREAL FLOOD ADVISORY
Flood Advisory
National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX
612 AM CDT Tue Apr 26 2022
...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 915 AM CDT THIS MORNING...
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
* WHERE...A portion of south central Texas, including the following
county, Comal.
* WHEN...Until 915 AM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 607 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to
thunderstorms along FM 1863 west of New Braunfels. Minor
flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the
advisory area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen in
the last hour. This has fallen over an area that had up to
2.5 inches yesterday making runoff more rapid.
- Additional rainfall amounts up to 2 inches are expected over
the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
New Braunfels, Schertz, Bulverde and Garden Ridge.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.
In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded
roads. Find an alternate route.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.ctpost.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AUSTIN-SAN-ANTONIO-Warnings-Watches-and-17126918.php | 2022-04-26T12:02:46Z | https://www.ctpost.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AUSTIN-SAN-ANTONIO-Warnings-Watches-and-17126918.php | true |
Board composed of clinical experts to equip nurse-caregivers with the tools, resources, and community support to sustain a rewarding career in home health
ATLANTA, April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharecare (Nasdaq: SHCR), the digital health company that helps people manage all their health in one place, today announced the creation of a clinical advisory board for its home health platform and network of caregivers, CareLinx by Sharecare.
Composed of nursing leaders representing private practice, academia, government, the private sector, and the military, the board will provide strategic advice on how to equip nurse-caregivers with the tools, resources, and community support to sustain a rewarding career in home health. As the increasingly complex care needs of an aging population meet a nursing workforce that is projected to experience high turnover in the coming years, these experts will help Sharecare's home health business foster a rewarding workplace culture for highly qualified professionals at all levels of nursing by offering expanded support with licensing, training, networking, continuing education, content, and more.
"The nursing leaders who make up CareLinx by Sharecare's new clinical advisory board represent some of the most respected talent in the industry, and we're excited to have them join us as we position ourselves as a key partner to support nurses in developing fulfilling career paths," said Sherwin Sheik, head of home health at Sharecare. "Building on our recent growth, we're committed to creating a community that will empower our caregivers, help them develop as professionals and, in turn, provide exceptional high-touch clinical care to our members."
In addition to its focus on recruitment and retention, the board will help shape CareLinx by Sharecare's clinical care offering, ensuring the development of tech-enabled home care plans are informed by the highest-quality evidence and latest best practices.
"The expertise, thoughtfulness, and influence of CareLinx by Sharecare's clinical advisory board are critical resources as we strive to create a home for the exceptional nursing talent of today and tomorrow," said Donna Hill Howes, RN, MS, Sharecare's chief nursing officer. "Representing all levels of nursing and an array of sectors, our board members bring a wealth of experience that will put CareLinx by Sharecare on the cutting edge of delivering care in the home."
The members of the board are:
- Shawna Butler, RN, BSN, MBA – nurse economist; host, SEE YOU NOW podcast
- Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA – health educator, health system leader
- Patricia Geraghty, FNP-BC, WHNP – nurse practitioner, private practice
- Jason Gleason, MSN, NP-C, USAF LTC (RET) – nurse practitioner, Veterans Health Administration; retired U.S. Air National Guard lieutenant colonel
- Efrat LaMandre, PhD, FNP-C – family nurse practitioner, private practice
- Michele Mercer, RN – AVP, analytic consulting and data science, Blue Health Intelligence
- JoAnn Shaw, LPN – president, Wisconsin Association of Licensed Practical Nurses; vice president, National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses
- Beth Ann Swan, PhD, RN, FAAN – transitional care expert; Professor and Associate Dean at Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University
- Sharon M. Weinstein, RN, MS, FAAN – CEO and founder, SMW Group LLC
- Christopher Wilson, RN, APRN, FNP-C – family nurse practitioner, Veterans Health Administration; First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Reserve
With an exclusive offering for AARP members and key partnerships with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and several of the largest health plans in the U.S., over 1.5 million Medicare Advantage members have access to CareLinx by Sharecare for free through their health plans. Providing services across the continuum of care, including non-medical, companionship and housework, and personal and clinical, CareLinx's experienced non-medical and skilled medical care providers include Companion Caregivers, Personal Care Providers, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Medical Assistants (MAs), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and Nurse Practitioners (NPs).
To learn more about Carelinx by Sharecare, visit https://www.carelinx.com/.
About Sharecare
Sharecare is the leading digital health company that helps people – no matter where they are in their health journey – unify and manage all their health in one place. Our comprehensive and data-driven virtual health platform is designed to help people, providers, employers, health plans, government organizations, and communities optimize individual and population-wide well-being by driving positive behavior change. Driven by our philosophy that we are all together better, at Sharecare, we are committed to supporting each individual through the lens of their personal health and making high-quality care more accessible and affordable for everyone. To learn more, visit www.sharecare.com.
Media Contact:
Sharecare PR Team
PR@sharecare.com
404.665.4305
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HOUSTON, April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- McDermott International has joined a group of industry experts focused on unlocking the potential for a hydrogen-led energy hub located at Bacton, Norfolk, UK. The UK North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) is spearheading the Bacton Energy Hub (BEH) project, which could play a significant role in the UK's energy future and become a vital element in its transition to net zero emissions.
The project aims to deliver a sustainable hydrogen supply by adding facilities that support low-carbon hydrogen production, carbon capture and underground storage (CCUS) by 2030. Also, through the development of offshore wind, it is aiming to develop renewable hydrogen production as part of the energy supply transition by 2050.
"We are proud to play a leading role in developing the UK's energy future in line with the net zero objectives set by the UK Government," said Tareq Kawash, Senior Vice President, Onshore. "McDermott's Center of Excellence in London has the design capabilities and expertise in major project execution, including both greenfield and brownfield, to deliver a viable project scope that will support Maximizing Energy Recovery (MER) and net zero emissions for the UK."
"It's great to see an organization like McDermott contributing to the Bacton Energy Hub initiative, which aims to facilitate the transition to net zero and reinforce the East of England's position as a key region for low carbon power for the UK," said Alistair MacFarlane, NSTA Southern North Sea & East Irish Sea Area Manager. "The Infrastructure SIG will play a vital role in maturing the opportunity at Bacton and hopefully enabling the industry to take investment decisions by 2024."
The NSTA has established five Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to work collectively on an executable development concept. The five SIGs are: Hydrogen Supply; Hydrogen Demand; Regulatory; Supply Chain and Technology; and Infrastructure. McDermott has been selected as a core member of the Infrastructure SIG and has been chosen to lead Work Scope 6—Greenfield Onshore facilities. The Infrastructure SIG will establish the offshore and onshore facilities required to produce, store and distribute both low-carbon and renewable hydrogen, with associated CCUS. The SIG will include industry and government input to perform a series of studies and make recommendations for future project development.
About McDermott
McDermott is a premier, fully-integrated provider of engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry. Our customers trust our technology-driven approach engineered to responsibly harness and transform global energy resources into the products the world needs. From concept to commissioning, McDermott's innovative expertise and capabilities advance the next generation of global energy infrastructure—empowering a brighter, more sustainable future for us all. Operating in over 54 countries, McDermott's locally-focused and globally-integrated resources include more than 30,000 employees, a diversified fleet of specialty marine construction vessels and fabrication facilities around the world. To learn more, visit www.mcdermott.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
McDermott cautions that statements in this communication which are forward-looking, and provide other than historical information, involve risks, contingencies and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about the expected scope and benefits of the project discussed in this press release. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Those statements are made by using various underlying assumptions and are subject to numerous risks, contingencies and uncertainties, including, among others: adverse changes in the markets in which we operate or credit or capital markets; our inability to successfully execute on contracts in backlog; changes in project design or schedules; the availability of qualified personnel; changes in the terms, scope or timing of contracts, contract cancellations, change orders and other modifications and actions by our customers and other business counterparties; changes in industry norms; actions by lenders, other creditors, customers and other business counterparties of McDermott and adverse outcomes in legal or other dispute resolution proceedings. If one or more of these risks materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. This communication reflects the views of McDermott's management as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, McDermott undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.
Contacts:
Global Media Relations
Reba Reid
Senior Director, Global Communications and Marketing
+1 281 588 5636
RReid@McDermott.com
Local Media Relations
Barbara Knight
Senior Director, Area Communications and Marketing
+971 56 403 2903
BBKnight@McDermott.com
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T3 Micro Launches the T3 AireLuxe Blow Dryer with RapidAire IQ+ Technology that delivers 128% wider airflow for faster drying, and 60% more moisture retention for less damage.
VENICE, Calif. , April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- T3 Micro, the leading developer and marketer of luxury hair tools, has unveiled its newest beauty innovation: the T3 AireLuxe hair dryer featuring RapidAire IQ+ Technology. This smart, custom-designed technology allows for wider airflow, minimizing dry time and retaining moisture to protect hair health. The AireLuxe hair dryer's smart microchip ensures temperature accuracy as it digitally controls five heat settings and three speeds, for a total of 15 different styling combinations tailored to all hair types and textures.
This lightweight hair dryer minimizes dry time, eliminates frizz, reduces damage, and protects hair's natural moisture for the cost of $199.
A T3 consumer survey revealed that 90% were able to cut their dry time by 20 minutes and over 80% reported they were able to cut their dry time in half, experiencing improved hair after seven days. Further findings showed that the redesigned airflow, which is 128% wider than that of other leading premium hair dryers, reduces dry time while preserving 60% more of hair's natural hydration.
"T3 spent two years listening to consumer feedback, ensuring that we delivered a superior drying experience that reduces dry time while helping to protect hair against damage" said Jade Simmons, T3 Sr. Director of Brand and Product Marketing. "The custom design coupled with our innovative RapidAire IQ+ technology optimize airflow, emitting a wide, gentle air stream that cuts dry time in half while respecting delicate strands and helping to preserve 60% more of hair's natural moisture."
The dryer features a powerful ion generator that emits 10 million negative ions per second to smooth the hair cuticle, reduce frizz and impart shine. An updated user interface features digital switches and LED lights that display heat and speed settings, a Lock-In Cool Shot button and a Volume Boost switch that deactivates the negative ions to preserve natural texture at the roots and boost volume. The dryer includes two attachments: the narrow Styling Concentrator and the wide sized Dryer Concentrator for prep.
Additionally, the compatible T3 SoftTouch 3 Diffuser, available at $30 for purchase separately, is designed to volumize, and define curls and waves while eliminating frizz and flyaways. T3 is also launching a Smoothing Comb attachment designed specifically for styling thick, coarse, coily hair. Sold separately for $30, this innovative hair dryer attachment delivers a detailed element of personalization to transform the styling experience for millions of consumers.
About T3 Micro
In 2003, part tech start-up, part beauty venture, T3 set out to reinvent hair styling by pioneering a new kind of hair tools: technology-forward, fast-working, designed with high performance and better results in mind. Since then, T3 has become one of the leading brands in the premium hair tools category, synonymous with advanced heat styling technologies, exceptional results, and always-beautiful, healthy hair. A winner of many industry awards, T3 exists to offer a better, smarter, easier way to style by demystifying the styling routine and putting women in control, empowering them to look and feel their best.
For more information, visit www.t3micro.com/product/aireluxe-professional-hair-dryer
MEDIA CONTACT:
Madison Shihadeh
Gear Communications
Cell: 208 720 5563
mshihadeh@gearcommunications.com
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NEW YORK (AP) _ Travelzoo (TZOO) on Tuesday reported earnings of $2.4 million in its first quarter.
On a per-share basis, the New York-based company said it had net income of 19 cents.
The global media commerce company posted revenue of $18.5 million in the period.
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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on TZOO at https://www.zacks.com/ap/TZOO | https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/Travelzoo-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17126946.php | 2022-04-26T12:14:12Z | https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/Travelzoo-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17126946.php | true |
SHELTON, Conn. (AP) _ Hubbell Inc. (HUBB) on Tuesday reported first-quarter earnings of $180.2 million.
On a per-share basis, the Shelton, Connecticut-based company said it had profit of $3.31. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, were $2.12 per share.
The results topped Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.86 per share.
The electrical products manufacturer posted revenue of $1.16 billion in the period, which also topped Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.09 billion.
Hubbell expects full-year earnings in the range of $9 to $9.40 per share.
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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on HUBB at https://www.zacks.com/ap/HUBB | https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Hubbell-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17126944.php | 2022-04-26T12:16:20Z | https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Hubbell-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17126944.php | false |
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Kelly Hartigan-Burns death: Officer to fight misconduct ruling
- Published
A former police sergeant who "lost control" while dealing with an arrested woman who later died will appeal against a gross misconduct ruling.
Jason Marsden was working as a custody sergeant for Lancashire Police when Kelly Hartigan-Burns, 35, was brought into a police station in Blackburn.
She was put in a cell later but was later found unresponsive and pronounced dead in hospital in December 2016.
A misconduct panel found he had failed to properly assess Ms Hartigan-Burns.
The 35-year-old, from Darwen, had been arrested over an alleged assault but had earlier tried to take her own life, the independent disciplinary panel hearing was told.
A jury at an inquest into her death found if police "had shown more compassion" over her detention "there may have been a different outcome", adding that police failings had contributed to her death.
Ms Hartigan-Burns' death was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who examined the conduct of five officers and two custody detention officers.
The disciplinary panel found Mr Marsden had failed to properly assess Ms Hartigan-Burn, "lost control" of the situation and would have been dismissed if he was still a serving officer.
Mr Marsden, who retired before the hearing took place, is now appealing against the decision.
The hearing will be held at County Hall, Preston, on 17 and 18 May.
- 13 October 2021
- 12 October 2021
- 6 October 2021 | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-lancashire-61228600 | 2022-04-26T12:28:59Z | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-lancashire-61228600 | true |
With the recent rise of resale apps like Depop and Poshmark, the idea of selling old clothes online is becoming more fashionable. Many people have turned clothing resale into a lucrative side gig or even a full-time job, gaining thousands of followers and making dozens of sales per week.
The secondhand-clothing market is projected to more than triple by 2030, according to a 2021 study by reselling platform Mercari and research firm GlobalData, as more fashion enthusiasts clean out their closets and search thrift stores to find valuable pieces to resell.
But whether you have a collection of band T-shirts or office attire, finding success on these platforms takes time and effort. Before diving into your closet, there are a few things to know.
YOU SET YOUR PRICES
Unlike consignment and resale shops, you can price items yourself on an online platform. Before listing a piece of clothing, look it up on multiple platforms to find out what it’s currently selling for. Depending on age, condition and brand, prices can vary widely.
You can also take advantage of direct messaging to negotiate with buyers and use features on apps like Depop and Poshmark that let you accept offers and create multi-item discounts.
“Sales can be sporadic,” says Andres Castillo of Los Angeles, who sells rare designer pieces through Depop, eBay and Instagram under the name Debonair Vintage. With rare or high-value items, it may take a while to find the right buyer, especially if you’re looking to break even or make a profit.
THERE’S A BIG TIME COMMITMENT
“I treat (reselling clothes) like my job,” says Eve Perez, a full-time student in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, who sells under the name Fitsfinesse and was featured in Teen Vogue in 2021 for her Depop success. She responds to messages daily, on top of taking product photos, sewing custom pieces, and packaging and shipping orders.
Communicating clearly with first-time buyers is essential: “If you don’t build that relationship, then you won’t get sales and returning customers,” she adds.
Although you have control over the prices, reselling online takes much more time and energy than selling to consignment stores. According to Depop, sellers who list consistently — around 15 items per week — sell more over time.
“It takes a lot of time and dedication,” says Castillo. Top-notch sellers have to learn to take eye-catching photos, understand shipping rates, negotiate over text, and research brands and trends to make the most of their inventory.
OVERHEAD COSTS ADD UP
Yes, you can set your prices — but there are a few overhead costs to factor in. Online resale platforms charge commission fees, plus additional fees for shipping through the platform or accepting payments through a processor like PayPal. Depop takes 10% of every sale and eBay takes 15%; Poshmark takes $2.95 for items under $15 and 20% for items over $15. PayPal, which integrates with Depop, Poshmark and eBay, charges another 3.49% plus 49 cents per transaction for payment processing.
On top of that, you’ll need to pay for packaging, label printing and possibly storing inventory including bins, hangers and shelves. Top sellers also recommend adding a personal touch in shipments, like free stickers, small accessories or a thank-you note. When all those costs add up, you may find that only higher-value items are worth listing.
You can cut costs by reusing shipping mailers and boxes, and printing labels at your local FedEx or UPS store instead of purchasing a label printer. Or, reduce shipping costs for buyers by bundling several items into a single shipment, which can motivate buyers to purchase more from your shop.
THE SOCIAL ASPECT IS A PRIORITY
The most successful online resellers have one thing in common: a strong personal brand. Finding your niche and building a loyal following is essential to long-term success on a resale platform.
“It’s like Instagram, but for selling,” says Perez, who focuses on curating a consistent aesthetic and marketing her shop on social media platforms like TikTok.
Castillo grew his business by catering to a very specific market: vintage designer collectors, specifically for Moschino and Chanel. He sells across several platforms, using his Instagram to rent pieces out to stylists for photo shoots and red-carpet events. Though he targets a fairly small community, his narrow focus helps him reach his ideal buyers.
Other top sellers on resale platforms can be seen taking a similar approach, with shop themes ranging from band T-shirts to vintage gowns. “Lean into your personal taste,” says Castillo. Even if you don’t have a curated collection to sell, personalized packaging or a unique photo background can help your items stand out.
Both Perez and Castillo emphasize the importance of cross-linking social media platforms to reach as many potential customers as possible. Creating a dedicated Instagram Business account and following other online sellers and designers can help drive buyers to your shop. Check popular pages for trendy hashtags and add those to your posts. Making the time to promote on social media can help transform your closet into some serious income.
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This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Dalia Ramirez is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: dramirez@nerdwallet.com.
RELATED LINKS:
NerdWallet: 25 Side Business Ideas for 2022 https://bit.ly/nerdwallet-side-business-ideas
Depop: Depop 101: Setting Up Shop https://blog.depop.com/articles/depop-101-setting-up-shop
Teen Vogue: 7 Black Depop Sellers On Their Success https://www.teenvogue.com/story/7-black-depop-sellers-on-their-success | https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4519920 | 2022-04-26T12:37:00Z | https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4519920 | false |
SAN becomes CLEAR's 43rd airport nationwide and eighth airport in California amid surge in travel across the U.S.
SAN DIEGO, April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As airports across the country experience a surge in passengers, CLEAR (NYSE: YOU) today announced the launch of its expedited lanes in Terminal 2 at San Diego International Airport (SAN). SAN is CLEAR's eighth airport in California and 43rd nationally. CLEAR already serves all 10 of the airport's top 10 domestic destinations, and the company's entry into SAN will create approximately 27 new jobs and an overall economic impact of upwards of $2.4 million for the region.
"CLEAR's launch at San Diego International Airport provides passengers flying out of San Diego with access to an unstoppable travel experience," said San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas, who also serves on the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board. "This partnership reflects our commitment to continue offering travelers new and innovative ways to make their time at the airport as safe and seamless as possible."
Members use CLEAR's network of dedicated lanes to verify their identity with their eyes, replacing the need to take out their wallet and driver's license. After verification, a CLEAR Ambassador escorts members through the dedicated lane and directly to TSA physical security.
"The city of San Diego has been a wonderful partner as we launch our expedited security lanes at San Diego International Airport. We're obsessed with making every experience faster, safer and easier, and we can't wait to help passengers in San Diego feel unstoppable on their journey," said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker.
Today's launch represents continued growth in CLEAR's footprint in California, where the company's expedited security lanes are available at eight airports: SAN, Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), Ontario International Airport (ONT), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Oakland International Airport (OAK), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), and Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
"Not only does CLEAR significantly cut down security wait times for members, their technology uses traffic data and terminal walking times to tell you exactly when to leave your home to get to your gate in time," said Nathan Fletcher, Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. "CLEAR's lanes are just one more example of San Diego Airport's commitment to innovation and putting passengers first."
"We are thrilled that CLEAR is now offering their touchless technology at SAN," said Kimberly Becker, President & CEO of San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. "We are always looking for new ways to enhance the customer experience and make travel as seamless as possible. This is a great addition to that commitment. Welcome to San Diego, CLEAR."
"In addition to improving the travel experience, CLEAR's presence at the airport generates a significant economic impact, bringing job opportunities and revenue to the County of San Diego," said Jerry Sanders, President & CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Our partnership with CLEAR is just one more reason why the San Diego region is the best place to live and work."
CLEAR Plus – an opt-in membership that provides access to CLEAR's expedited security lanes – costs just $15 a month billed annually, with discounts available for Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Express members. Newly enrolling active military, veterans, and government officials are also eligible for discounted memberships, and additional family members can be added to an existing CLEAR Plus account for just $60 per adult per year.
About CLEAR
Founded in 2010, CLEAR's mission is to create frictionless experiences. With more than 12 million members and hundreds of partners across the world, CLEAR's identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether it's at the airport, stadium, or right on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you - making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and more seamless. Since day one, CLEAR has been committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell member data. For more information, visit clearme.com.
About San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Owned and operated by San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority), San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of the busiest single-runway commercial service airports in the world and the third-busiest airport in California. SAN contributes nearly $12 billion in economic activity for the region by connecting the world to San Diego and San Diego to the world. In November 2021, the Airport Authority began construction on the New T1 which includes the replacement of the existing Terminal 1, improvements to the airfield, improved transportation connectivity to the airport, and a new administration building. The New T1 program's total project budget is $3.4 billion and is estimated to create between 15,000 to 20,000 construction-related jobs. For more information about the New T1 please visit newt1.com. For more information about SAN please visit san.org.
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Senior Managing Director of Accenture's Talent and Organization practice in the West Region.
Insight is the clear, deep and sometimes sudden understanding of the components of a problem that makes the solution apparent. There are three primary prerequisites to drawing an insight—information, observation and reflection. In our everyday lives, we are surrounded by information and we often make observations, but what is harder for us to do is to find the space to reflect.
A major positive from our hybrid lives over the past two years has been exactly that—the space to reflect. We have had time to think about what really matters to us. These insights have changed our personal rhythms for the better and transformed the relationship we have with "work." We want to know the "why" behind what we are doing and how it will help a higher purpose. I’m starting to call this phenomenon "the Great Reflection," and it may well have a big part to play in the well-known phenomena of the Great Resignation.
The search for purpose-driven work among employees and the resolve for purpose-driven outcomes across businesses requires a fundamental shift in how purpose is hardwired into work. Below are some considerations—for both employees and employers—on navigating this imperative and the resulting new relationship with each other.
Considerations For Employees
1. Distinguish between culture and purpose.
Culture and purpose are equally important—solving for one without the other won’t lead to a long-term relationship. For example, just because a company says their product and services help clients build an inclusive workforce doesn’t mean they themselves are diverse and/or inclusive as a company. Take the time to distinguish between these two critical components of an employer’s value proposition and look for real data and stories that substantiate what you’re looking for.
2. Decide what matters the most.
Not every employer will be the best at all causes. Decide what purpose-driven goals you are most passionate about and then start to shortlist which employers excel at what you’re looking for. It is absolutely fair to expect your employer to have a baseline level of contribution to environmental, social and governance initiatives, but let’s face it—they will probably be most revolutionary at one or, at best, two causes. If you picked an employer for their work on climate change, be mentally prepared that there may be a different employer that excels at diversity and inclusion.
3. Think of purpose beyond your employer.
Both my parents found purpose in their profession—my father from serving his nation in the army and my mother from investing in future generations as an educator. Consequently, I came into the workforce believing that your purpose must only be found in your profession. This is not true—purpose is not confined to the four walls of your employer. For example, if wellness is your purpose and you’re an accountant by profession, there are several other ways to fulfill your purpose. You could be on the board of a healthcare company, become a fitness instructor, invest in health tech or even volunteer at wellness organizations. The possibilities are endless.
4. Understand that your purpose may evolve.
With all this talk about purpose, we may have inadvertently created way too much pressure on ourselves to know exactly what our personal purpose is. Sometimes, we might roughly know our intentions but we still need some time to arrive at our specific calling. With the speed at which we are learning, unlearning, experimenting and moving jobs, we have to get comfortable with the idea that sometimes it might take us a bit of time to perfectly articulate our purpose, and over time it may evolve. Being comfortable with the potential impermanence of our purpose is critical.
Considerations For Employers
1. Keep it simple.
The most impactful purpose statements are those that are simple and relatable. If your purpose statement is long and requires an explanation, there is an opportunity to simplify. Remember, prospective employees, customers and shareholders have many options and are constantly evaluating options. So the simpler your purpose statement, the higher the chances of that purpose sticking with someone. All you need to do is to articulate "why" your company exists.
2. Drive accountability in everyone.
A question I often get from C-suite executives is if they should set up a function that focuses on purpose. Perhaps appoint a chief purpose officer. The success of such a function entirely depends on how it is operationalized, but the inherent risk of making purpose someone’s job is it stops being everyone else’s job. If your company’s purpose is truly your reason for being then every single employee and partner should be held accountable for it and it shouldn’t be a thing on the side of business-as-usual.
3. Define moments and share stories.
The other frequent question on purpose that comes from many employees is : How can I realistically contribute to our purpose? Every manager across the organization needs to help articulate the exact "moments" their teams can contribute to the company’s purpose. For example, reminding a grocery store cashier that they are keeping the world fed, clean and happy will keep them firmly tethered to the purpose. In addition, encouraging employees to share their stories of purpose helps build awareness, camaraderie and pride while making purpose much more accessible and fun.
4. Measure and drive authenticity.
Trust is the new currency of employment. If your company’s purpose is not backed by true measurement and action, it will be nearly impossible to sustain it. It is a blessing that ESG measurement is becoming a standard component of regulatory practices in most countries. Supplementing measurement with consistent transparency on progress against purpose-driven goals is key to building trust and driving authentic action across the organization.
I’m glad that "the Great Reflection" has helped us conclude that purpose is a non-negotiable—central to our lives and our businesses. It is energizing to see how the global workforce is using its agency to raise the bar and how employers are actively working to accelerate their purpose.
Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for HR executives across all industries. Do I qualify? | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2022/04/26/the-great-reflection/ | 2022-04-26T12:39:23Z | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2022/04/26/the-great-reflection/ | false |
Head of Applied Strategy, Data & AI; CDO Office, Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions.
As with many of us, after three years of staying home, I realized a few months ago that I'd had it with the pandemic. Having traveled up to 70% for years before Covid-19, my initial reaction to being in the same time zone and same building and bed was pure gratitude, even bliss. Not anymore. I wanted to go out and experience the world again.
During our last Omicron-initiated staycation over the Christmas holidays, my 14-year-old son stated in his very polished, diplomatic and convincing style that he was bored. As soon as we learned Omicron was manageable, and there would be a break from lockdowns and fewer travel restrictions, we decided to get on with it and book some memorable holidays. So came the trips to Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. As some of you know, both these countries are distinct case studies in terms of sustainability, wildlife conservation and climate change.
Coincidentally, in between these fascinating trips, I was asked to participate in an AI and sustainability panel at our Imagine Cup Junior 2022 girls' edition. I received the panel questions only 48 hours beforehand. Nevertheless, I was determined to learn about the topic and do my best to inspire and energize the 130 impressive young ladies to take action with technology. This is how my curiosity and fascination with how AI is helping sustainability and accelerating our progress in this space sparked.
I can hear some readers asking, "AI and sustainability? Is that an oxymoron?" So, let me address that very valid concern first. Most of you know that AI needs massive computing power to learn and do what it's supposed to do, which means it uses many servers, heating our Earth even more. But sustainable AI is a recent initiative to integrate greater societal and environmental considerations in the design, development and deployment of AI systems across their life cycle. In other words, it helps us maximize the benefits of this powerful technology while minimizing its risks and carbon footprint.
So, how can sustainable (and, of course, responsible) AI help us achieve our sustainability goals? Here are several inspiring examples.
• Technology company Cervest offers an intelligent platform called EarthScan that enables organizations to analyze and act on the climate risks and opportunities associated with their assets.
• Climate Change AI (CCAI) brings academia and industry together to tackle climate change with machine learning.
• ClimateView combines data, modeling and interface design to help cities with climate planning and transitioning to zero-carbon economies.
• The Connected Conservation Initiative in Zambia uses AI to improve anti-poaching efforts.
• The Conservation AI Hub of Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia protects koalas and other endangered animals with drones, infrared imaging and AI.
So, what can we, as leaders in technology-related industries, do to support sustainable AI?
1. Learn
First, if you're a beginner like me, let's continue to educate ourselves and help others do the same.
• The UN offers free sustainability e-courses.
• The AI+SDG Launchpad enables educators and researchers to create and manage curricula that connect data-enabled sciences with the UN’s Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030.
• There's a great set of articles to familiarize yourself with the notions of AI and sustainability published by the Green Software Foundation.
2. Internalize And Adopt
Second, we must internalize responsible, inclusive and sustainable AI practices and set up our AI governances as such. According to O’Reilly’s "AI Adoption in the Enterprise 2022" report, only 22% of enterprises have AI governance in place (i.e., responsible AI guidelines).
3. See Something, Do Something
Third, let's notice and take action. I'm a big believer in technology and its power to change the world for the better. Not everyone is aware, however. The nature reserve I was lucky to stay at during our visit to Costa Rica has an NGO that aims to save endangered species, including scarlet macaws and leopards. The team wasn't aware that there are numerous data and AI tools that could accelerate their efforts. Similarly, the Dominican Republic (sadly) is an environmental disaster in certain regions and could immensely benefit from technology. Of course, we can and should all start at home with our own carbon footprint and energy choices.
The list surely goes on. But this is the least we can do to give back to our Earth, which has been so selfless and generous.
Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify? | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/04/26/how-we-can-use-ai-to-help-achieve-sustainability-goals/ | 2022-04-26T12:40:05Z | https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/04/26/how-we-can-use-ai-to-help-achieve-sustainability-goals/ | true |
“Green acres is the place to be. Farm livin' is the life for me,” sang the star of the hit TV sitcom Green Acres in its iconic theme song. In the show’s 1965 pilot, successful Manhattan lawyer Oliver Wendell Douglas took his reluctant wife Lisa from glitzy Gotham to a country farm in Hooterville, USA.
Six decades and one pandemic later, many other successful urbanites are leaving city life behind for their own green acres. But today’s agrihoods are often well-located, amenity-rich developments even glamour-loving Lisa Douglas might love at first sight.
The New Agrihoods
Suburban and exurban agrihoods, with their easy access to airports for travel, major cultural centers for arts and entertainment, and essential home features like spa bathrooms, chef-style kitchens and broadband, have become increasingly popular. These new ‘Hootervilles’ have many of the same amenities home buyers expect in non-agrihood communities, along with the farm features.
“As a general rule, suburban agrihoods have a community center or clubhouse. Many have swimming pools, walking paths, bike paths, and playgrounds for children,” shares Anna DeSimone, author of Welcome to the Agrihood, Housing, Shopping, and Gardening for a Farm-to-Table Lifestyle (Housing Publishing, 2020), considered a definitive source on this subject.
“There are about 100 agrihoods in the U.S., and dozens in the planning stages,” she adds. Comparable to traditional upscale suburban developments, many agrihoods offer boating, golf, and equestrian facilities.
Agrihoods’ Fresh Appeal
Covid-19, which hit cities like New York especially hard, has made agrihoods even more popular, according to real estate broker and land use consultant Kathleen Rose, a member of The Counselors of Real Estate. “The trend was growing, but has accelerated with the pandemic as folks moved from urban to suburban/rural environments.”
One particular feature DeSimone cites may be especially appealing to pandemic-weary parents: “About a dozen agrihoods have on-site K-12 charter schools.” For the majority of developments and prospective buyers, the author sees three main drivers to agrihoods’ increasing popularity: “Access to fresh, locally grown food; living closer to nature; and involvement in a community that is centered around a working farm.” Empty supermarket bins tied to supply chain issues have certainly made easy, healthy food access even more appealing. Covid didn’t change the buyer profile, DeSimone observes, it just widened interest in the concept.
The Agrihood Advantage
Residential real estate platform BDX marketing executive and agrihood enthusiast Jefre Outlaw notes, “Home buyer interest in agrihoods centers around a desire to get back to the land without owning a large tract, farm or ranch, which feels isolating.” This makes getting your hands dirty, then returning to your newly-built farm home to enjoy your hand-picked basil and tomatoes on your deck with neighbors easy for even the greenest greenhorn.
Rose agrees, “Many agrihoods offer a blend of modern living, with townhomes, and the ability to own a ‘mini-farm’ with two or three acres. For example, people can have a plot for a chicken coop so they can harvest their own eggs.”
They also offer social and culinary amenities many residents might otherwise miss in leaving city living. “Each agrihood creates its own culture,” the broker adds. “For example, the Olivette Riverside Community & Farm in Asheville, North Carolina hosts farm-to-table dinners and Bundoran Farm in North Garden, Virginia features private lakes for boating and fishing, as well as a vineyard.”
The Agrihood Buyer
Who are these would-be farmers and fishermen? “Families with young children and retirees were the predominate buyer type on the last buyer analysis we did,” Outlaw says.
Sheri Koones, author of 10 books on home building and design, including her latest Bigger Than Tiny, Smaller Than Average (Gibbs-Smith, 2022), profiled two agrihood homeowners and their properties. One bought into suburban Atlanta-based Serenbe, one of the most celebrated agrihoods in the country. “The homeowner felt having a large house was a ‘burden’ in terms of maintenance and efficiency,” Koones shares. “She was drawn to this community with the farm-to-table restaurants, the countryside, and natural environment,” the author notes.
The other agrihood project she profiled was located in Kiawah River near Charleston, South Carolina. That couple “particularly liked the natural amenities afforded them with this planned community, including the hiking trails, gathering areas, farms and also the eateries, fitness center, stores, indoor and outdoor activities,” Koones recalls.
This aligns with the agrihood concept, Rose points out, “People who live in an agrihood want a healthier lifestyle and have an interest in knowing how and where their food is grown.” The imperative of bolstering your immune system through the pandemic makes sourcing your own food directly even more appealing, including for health-conscious parents.
DeSimone describes historic farm community Aberlin Springs in Morrow, Ohio, in her agrihood book as a “neighborhood of free-range chickens and free-range kids.” This includes “teenagers carrying foraged scraps of lumber into the woods to build their own forts [and] pre-school children petting rabbits and goats, gathering eggs from the chicken coop, and waving hello to Jack, the farm’s resident donkey.”
Buying Tips
If these idyllic scenes have you fantasizing about stomping grapes in your backyard, catching fish from your dock or blogging about your farm-grown omelets, it’s worth bearing in mind some buyer tips. Rose advises, “Take a tour and research the community. Also, ask if there is a program manager or director so you have a sense of the programming that will be offered.”
There is as much ‘farm-washing’ as there is ‘green-washing’ and ‘well-washing’ hype in other areas of real estate. Sometimes communities will market themselves as agrihoods with little resident agricultural potential to support the label. “That’s why it’s important to look into the offerings, programs and involvement of the developer. Be sure to ask if there is a program manager or director.” Rose recommends.
DeSimone suggests, “Consider the type of farm and farming activities. Farms may be professionally managed, or they might require residents to volunteer a certain amount of time toward planting, harvesting, or working at the farm store. The developer will explain the plans for the farm, as well as monthly fees charged to residents for a ‘farm share’ or a ‘community supported agriculture (CSA)’ program.” CSA programs are generally optional, she says, and it’s worth considering whether the offering will meet the needs of an empty nester household like Koones’ Serenbe owner versus a growing family like her Kiawah River owners.
Agrihood Economics
DeSimone notes that “there are a few agrihoods that designate a percent of dwellings for seniors and/or lower-income households.” An affordable agrihood trend may even emerge from workforce housing concepts tied to pandemic lessons.
In general though, outdoor space, modern homes, nature and healthy food access often come at a premium and purchase prices are “generally higher than surrounding properties due to the amenities,” Outlaw comments.
Rose sees this in her Southeastern region: “Agrihoods draw young families, empty nesters and seniors alike. The common thread is most residents are wealthier as they’re in a better position to afford the higher costs of purchasing a home in an agrihood.”
However, as Outlaw notes, how do you put a price on playing with goats and educating your children about where their food comes from? | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiegold/2022/04/26/agrihood-trend-blends-farm-fresh-food-easy-country-living-and-modern-wellness-design/ | 2022-04-26T12:40:35Z | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiegold/2022/04/26/agrihood-trend-blends-farm-fresh-food-easy-country-living-and-modern-wellness-design/ | true |
NEW YORK , April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Arkansas native and NYC-based financial services veteran Ted Huffman and his wife, Cheryl Huffman, announce the launch of The GreenShoots Foundation, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to uplifting people across the social fabric of America.
The non-profit organization's inaugural call-to-action is a Covid-19 vaccine awareness PSA campaign focused on rural communities in Arkansas. The integrated campaign, conceived and brought to life by award-winning agency creative David Roofthooft and customer experience agency DEFINITION 6 (D6), includes TV, radio, OOH, digital, and social media.
The "Please Consider Vaccination" campaign marks the first of many initiatives The GreenShoots Foundation aims to advance, with shelter for the homeless, U.S. military veteran advocacy, and increased participation in the exercise of self-government being among the key items on its radar.
"Our credo is rooted in the principles of love and humility," states Ted Huffman. "We want to cultivate initiatives that are regarded as fundamentally human, such as faith, family, and fellowship."
The catalyst for the campaign occurred when Huffman saw a national news report from Arkansas Children's Hospital. The story revealed that cases among children were increasing, with severe infections requiring hospitalization, which wasn't the case with past variants. Meanwhile, the Delta variant was raging, particularly in areas where low vaccination rates existed, including Arkansas.
"My love for the State of Arkansas and its people has stayed with me along every step of my journey," remarks Ted Huffman. "These are the people who raised me and helped shape me into the person I am today. Covid-19's effects on our rural communities increasingly weighed on my heart, and eventually, this unrelenting force pushed me to do something."
Media outlets across Arkansas are donating airtime to broadcast the campaign's touching PSA about a father's journey overcoming vaccine hesitancy. After seeing his children off to school, he hops in his pick-up truck for a drive into town. From the farm to the church to the schoolyard, a moment of realization comes to bear at a crosswalk where a school guard is ushering students safely across the street. Reminded of his own children, his decision is revealed at a local vaccination clinic. "Let's do this," he says, before the spot fades to black with the tagline: "Life. Your Journey. Your Choice."
View "Life. Your Journey. Your Choice" at: https://vimeo.com/684005023
"Our hero's transformation is a journey, one that captures the same journey many of us are on," explains Ted Huffman. "The father's struggle with the decision to vaccinate is real. By welcoming people to experience his journey, hopefully, they find comfort in their own path to get vaccinated."
Going into the concepting phase of the campaign, two things were clear to the Huffmans: the issue of vaccination was becoming increasingly politically polarizing; and the medical realities were not moving the needle enough to overcome vaccine hesitancy in Arkansas.
"We felt that 'talking at people' had already been done, and that there must be a powerful reason why so many people across our nation were electing to not vaccinate," says Ted Huffman.
The Huffmans landed on a message they felt would resonate, leaning on two pillars: tradition and culture. "We kept falling back on our own upbringing in rural America," says Cheryl Huffman. "From our early days, tradition and culture have consistently united and guided our communities to higher ground."
They challenged DEFINITION 6 to create a PSA campaign that embraced these pillars through a visually-driven story with minimal dialogue.
"Ultimately, this campaign is a reflection and celebration of the people of Arkansas," says Ted Huffman. "Arkansans are giving, service-oriented, no-nonsense, smart, and loving people. Our mission was to reach out and connect with as many folks as possible, hoping that some would at least think about vaccination as a personal choice that's connected to values we hold close: family and community. We are eternally grateful to the Arkansas media outlets that have supported the campaign by donating airtime."
TV and radio stations in Arkansas wishing to air the PSA can download media assets here. Media in rural communities outside of Arkansas can download assets here.
About The GreenShoots Foundation
Founded in 2021 by Ted and Cheryl Huffman, The GreenShoots Foundation is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to uplifting people across the social fabric of America. An agricultural term describing the moment when a plant first breaks ground, the GreenShoots name symbolizes the renewal that springs forth after a period of winter, drought, or darkness.
www.thegreenshootsfoundation.org
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SOURCE The GreenShoots Foundation | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/greenshoots-foundation-launches-with-psa-campaign-urging-arkansans-please-consider-vaccination/ | 2022-04-26T12:40:42Z | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/greenshoots-foundation-launches-with-psa-campaign-urging-arkansans-please-consider-vaccination/ | false |
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Many of us have spent the night on a sagging sofa bed, our back in shreds by the morning, while many more have endured the discomfort of sitting on a sofa that, in aiming to provide two services in one, fails to accomplish either.
Thankfully, modern iterations have taken a huge leap forward in design - and, consequently, comfort. And so it is now possible to purchase a stylish sofa bed that does precisely what you would hope: provides a space saving solution to how to have both a sofa, and a place for guests to sleep, in the one place.
Click-clack, or pull out sofa bed?
Sofa beds are generally available in two forms. The ‘click-clack’ sofa is one where the back cushion of the sofa folds down and clicks flat - essentially forming a futon - so you then sleep on the flattened sofa.
A ‘pull-out’ - the more traditional model - is transformed by removing the cushions to pull out the mattress and frame. ‘Click-clacks’ are simple to use and generally cheaper. ‘Pull-outs’ tend to be more comfortable.
What should I look for in a sofa bed?
What sofa bed works best for you will depend on how frequently you plan on using it (if you have lodgers, for example, or family members who visit often, say, you’ll want to opt for something pricier that has a higher-end memory foam mattress), how much space you have, the décor of your room, and how much seating/sleep space you require.
As with everything - the more you pay, the higher the comfort level, but there are still some impressive lower end options available. Here’s our favourite tried and tested sofa beds on the market.
Made Haru
This is one of our favourites available, a gorgeous, slightly retro and affordable option. Available in a range of colours-ways, from flame orange to pine green, this velvet-upholstered sofa will look chic in any living room or bedroom.
The double mattress measures L182 x W120 x H26 cm.
A very comfy sofa, it’s more of a temporary solve for sleeping situations - the type of sofa you may want to add into your child’s room, should they host sleep-overs, or in a loft for when guests come to stay for the weekend.
Compared to other ‘click-clacks’ we tried, it’s rather comfy (I wouldn’t recommend buying this to put up a long-term lodger, say). Easy to fold out, the legs come off no trouble and are just as simple to place back on. We like that a portion of the bed can be folded upright if you want to linger in bed idly reading.
It’s also available in a gorgeous single version - perfect for a wee one’s bedroom, for a bargainous £199.
Darlings of Chelsea Weymouth 3 Seater Sofa Bed
Is your house style elegant, do you live in a period property? You’ll love the Weymouth sofa bed, sympathetic to traditional houses.
We adore the look of the Weymouth - classic, yet modern, with sloped armrests and contrast piping - but, more than that, we love that you can tailor it to whatever specifications you desire - fabric or leather? Block coloured, or patterned? Family friendly fabric, or matte? A standard mattress, or upgraded to memory foam? Whatever you’re after, the Weymouth can be made to match it.
Comfort wise, if you take the plunge and upgrade to memory foam, the bed itself is delightfully comfy - indeed, this would be a great choice if you have a regular lodger and don’t want to throw their back out. The price tag increases, of course, as it also does depending on what specs you choose. The frame is guaranteed for ten years, so you can buy in confidence.
Made Bessie Double Sofa Bed
Another entry from Made, and back in the click-clack mode, the Bessie is a great choice if your sofa bed is going to be more frequently a sofa than bed. It’s a handsome proposition: velvet detailing, brass legs, and a contemporary frame.
It will look terrific in any lounge and it’s the work of moments to convert to a bed. Much like the Haru, you’ll be wanting to use this for occasional sleepovers, but it’s not a hardship to spend a weekend sleeping on.
Waverley Sofa Bed 3-Seater
Another sofa that you can customise to your heart’s desire is the Waverley, which is available in almost any fabric you can imagine - from herringbone, to floral, to block colour velvet.
It’s a scroll arm sofa - so classic in style no one would suspect it’s dual purpose.
As a three-seater, it makes both a deliciously comfy couch and a spacious fold-out bed - indeed, similar to the Weymouth, this is as near to a standard bed in a sofa frame as you can find. Long-time guests? They’ll thank you for this sofa bed.
The frame is a traditional pull out frame. Made in Britain, it comes with a 15-year frame guarantee.
Marks and Spencer Jasper
Another click-clack option, the M&S Jasper is easy to convert, makes an unobtrusive addition to any living room, and is friendly on the wallet.
The dark grey velvet is an example of understated chic. Sleep-wise, it’s similar to other click-clacks: very good for a short spell, but not the stuff that long-term dreams are made of.
Swoon Munich Sofa Bed
Forgive us for getting over-excited here, but we loved the Munich Sofa Bed, a clean, contemporary-designed sofa bed that performs beautifully and -while not precisely cheap - is much less pricey than similarly high-spec sofa beds we tried.
Another example of a sofa bed you can customise to your heart’s desire, from colour ways, to fabrics: corduroy, smart leather, smart wool, easy velvet - anything you fancy.
It’s a biggun: this is a king sized bed when converted, and with a sprung mattress it makes for a blissful night’s sleep. It’s genuinely comfortable, both as a bed and a sofa. A real winner.
Bluebell Sofa Beds
Sofa.com’s Bluebell Sofa Bed is modelled on one of their best-selling sofas, which shows, as it’s a gorgeous design that doesn’t look like a sofa bed at all.
This pull-out bed is classically designed, with turned oak legs, low-slung arms, and bronze castors. Sumptuous.
With feather-wrapped foam cushions, you’ll find it plush to sit on - feather brings luxury, foam brings a bounce-back resilience so you won’t be fluffing your pillows every second evening. Also, it is high backed - if you’re taller, you’ll love leaning on this.
Available upholstered in a choice of cotton, linen, boucle, tweed, velvet, leather and more, and with three sizes of sofa bed frame available – from loveseat to three-seater – the bed itself is another winner, comfy and resilient. | https://www.meltontimes.co.uk/recommended/best-sofa-beds-2022-3161690 | 2022-04-26T12:41:40Z | https://www.meltontimes.co.uk/recommended/best-sofa-beds-2022-3161690 | false |
Deepening relationships with customers has been likened to a "superpower" for New Zealand businesses.
ASB's general manager of design, Sarah Nally, says as Kiwi firms look to re-energise in a post-Covid world it is important to keep customer experience at the core of everything businesses do.
"Why is customer experience so important to long-term success? Customers can help (business owners) understand and appreciate pain points in the business and deepening customer relationships can be a real superpower. Start with customer love," she says.
"This is especially important for small and medium businesses because they are everything to their customers."
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Advertise with NZME.Nally says a really simple idea is watching what customers do in a store, where they look first, where they get lost, and understanding the things they are interested in.
"This is the original retail research, and it could be as simple as starting a conversation. You would be amazed at the ideas they have around what's working in a business and what needs improving.
"We know (these) should always be a priority, not just at times like these. It has been extremely tough (the last two years) and it can be tricky to know where to go to next when you're in a little bit of a business rut.
"Many businesses may not have heard of human centred design (HCD) which is something I'm incredibly passionate about," she says. "The reason HCD is so powerful is that it helps in reconnecting with customers, listening to them and finding opportunities for innovation."
Nally says HCD also helps connect with community and like-minded business owners who are on a similar journey. When there is an understanding of the problems a business is trying to solve - or amplifying what's already working - these connections can give energy and help people think differently about their business.
She says there are Facebook groups which, in these Covid times, are a lovely way to connect with your local community and people online.
"I find it helpful to connect with customers who love your products because when they love your product you can see it through fresh eyes and give energy to think about how to potentially promote it more or engage with people in a new way."
"When you're trying to re-energise and looking to amplify what's working that can be a really nice place to start instead of just focusing on the problems."
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Advertise with NZME.Nally says one of the best examples of innovation she has observed is a cafe in her local area which changed the focus of its business in response to Covid restrictions.
Faced with having to close down and maybe serve takeaways only saw them think 'this actually works for us, we can do the school drop-offs if we just do takeaways'.
"So, going from a full-service cafe to offering takeaways only has created this positive energy which is working for their customers, their family and has provided a valuable service to the community," Nally says.
"They've flipped the struggle and made it their superpower. It's a nice example of how you can embrace something and make it work."
For more business tips and tools visit the ASB Business Hub asb.co.nz/businesshub | https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sponsored-stories/the-superpower-behind-nz-business/H7TFWQSZQGIMX2DX3QH6KF3VME/?c_id=1503708&objectid=12519340 | 2022-04-26T12:42:55Z | https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sponsored-stories/the-superpower-behind-nz-business/H7TFWQSZQGIMX2DX3QH6KF3VME/?c_id=1503708&objectid=12519340 | false |
Koffman Incubator Encourages NY's Social Equity Applicants, Minority or Women-Owned Businesses, Distressed Farmers and Service-Disabled Veterans to Register
BINGHAMTON, N.Y., April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, managed by Binghamton University's Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships, today announced the return of the Opportunity Grows Cannabis Accelerator, a free four-week remote learning program beginning on May 3rd.
Accelerator participants will learn from New York cannabis industry leaders, complete business development exercises, and earn a digital certificate of completion. The Accelerator will take place via Zoom on May 3rd ,10th, 17th and 24th, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. To date, more than 200 cannabis entrepreneurs from across New York State have registered for the program.
"The Cannabis Accelerator leverages our expertise supporting entrepreneurs with business education and targeted resources," said Per Stromhaug, Associate Vice President for Innovation and Economic Development at Binghamton University. "Our remote program will introduce participants to business opportunities throughout the cannabis supply chain."
"The Accelerator is designed to help make New York's adult-use cannabis industry more diverse and inclusive," said Ari Hoffnung, Founder of Opportunity Grows. "We look forward to working closely with social equity entrepreneurs, many of whom have previously been locked out of these opportunities."
The Cannabis Accelerator is open to New Yorkers of all backgrounds and individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition or who qualify as minority or women-owned businesses, distressed farmers, or service-disabled veterans are encouraged to register. There is no cost to participate in the program and registration is open online at https://southerntierincubator.com/ogaccelerator/.
The Cannabis Accelerator will include both business and cannabis education modules. Koffman Incubator staff will introduce participants to the Business Model Canvas, a proven method to help entrepreneurs visually define and refine their business plans. Complimenting the business component of the program, participants will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with elected officials and leading cannabis industry experts including:
- Ngiste Abebe, Vice President of Public Policy, Columbia Care
- Ethan Anderson, Senior Vice President of Marketing, iAnthus Capital Management
- Eric Greenbaum, Chief Science Officer, Goodness Growth Holdings
- Franklin Henderson, Social Equity Committee Member, New York Cannabis Growers & Processors Association
- Liz Krueger, New York State Senator (District 28)
- Jeanne Mariani Sullivan, Chief Investment Officer, Arcview Ventures
- Bryan Murray, Executive Vice President of Government Relations, Acreage Holdings
- Akele Parnell, Head of Equity Partnerships, Lantern
- Peter Prevot, CPA, CIA, Chief Operating Officer, Bridge West Consulting
- Jeremy Unruh, Senior Vice President, Public and Regulatory Affairs, PharmaCann
The Cannabis Accelerator is grateful for the support of Acreage Holdings, Arcview Ventures, Bridge West Consulting, Columbia Care, Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship, Cresco Labs, Curaleaf, Goodness Growth Holdings, Green Thumb Industries, iAnthus Capital Management, Lantern, Mohawk Valley EDGE, New York Cannabis Growers & Processors Association, Opportunity Grows, PharmaCann, UFCW Local 338, and The Agency.
About the Koffman Incubator
The Koffman Southern Tier incubator is a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Binghamton, NY that provides key resources to entrepreneurs developing successful startups. The Koffman's 60+ members connect and collaborate throughout 35,000 sq. ft. of offices, laboratories and co-working space. Binghamton University's Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships offers numerous programs to guide business growth and development. For more information, please visit https://southerntierincubator.com/
About Opportunity Grows
Opportunity Grows was founded by New York cannabis industry veteran Ari Hoffnung to help cannabis entrepreneurs succeed. Ari has been involved in New York's legal cannabis industry since 2014, served as the Chief Executive Officer of two New York cannabis companies and founded the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association. For more information, please visit https://opportunitygrows.co/
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SOURCE Opportunity Grows, LLC | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/opportunity-grows-cannabis-accelerator-returns-may-3rd/ | 2022-04-26T12:43:46Z | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/opportunity-grows-cannabis-accelerator-returns-may-3rd/ | false |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The longer Ukraine’s army fends off the invading Russians, the more it absorbs the advantages of Western weaponry and training — exactly the transformation President Vladimir Putin wanted to prevent by invading in the first place.
The list of arms flowing to Ukraine is long and growing longer. It includes new American battlefield aerial drones and the most modern U.S. and Canadian artillery, anti-tank weapons from Norway and others, armored vehicles and anti-ship missiles from Britain and Stinger counter-air missiles from the U.S., Denmark and other countries.
If Ukraine can hold off the Russians, its accumulating arsenal of Western weapons could have a transformative effect in a country that has, like other former Soviet republics, relied mainly on arms and equipment from the Soviet era.
But sustaining that military aid won’t be easy. It is costly and, for some supplier nations, politically risky. It also is being taken out of Western stockpiles that at some point will need to be replenished. That is why U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin convened a meeting Tuesday at Germany’s Ramstein air base to work out ways to keep it going, now and for the long run. Defense ministers and top military leaders from approximately 40 countries participated.
The goal, Austin said, is not just to support Ukrainian defenses but to help them prevail against a larger invading force. Speaking Tuesday at the event’s opening, he said that Ukraine’s allies will “keep moving heaven and earth” to meet Ukraine’s near-term security requirements.
“We believe they can win if they have the right equipment, the right support,” Austin said on Monday in Poland after returning from a visit to Kyiv with Secretary of State Antony Blinken that included discussion of Ukraine’s military needs. He also said the goal is to “see Russia weakened to the degree that it can’t do the kinds of things it has done in invading Ukraine.”
Despite its early failings, the Russian military still holds some advantages that will be put to the test in the eastern Donbas region, where they are assembling more combat troops and firepower even as the U.S. and its NATO allies scramble to get artillery and other heavy weaponry to that area in time to make a difference.
With the war’s outcome in doubt after two months of fighting, the Pentagon is providing 90 of the U.S. Army’s most modern howitzers, along with 183,000 rounds of artillery — and other sophisticated weaponry that could give the Ukrainians an important edge in looming battles. The U.S. also is arranging more training for Ukrainians on key weaponry, including howitzers and at least two kinds of armed drone aircraft.
On Monday, Austin and Blinken announced $713 million in foreign military financing for Ukraine and 15 allied and partner countries in Europe; some $322 million is earmarked for Kyiv, in part to help Ukraine transition to more advanced weapons and air defense systems. The remainder will be split among NATO members and other nations that have provided Ukraine with critical military supplies since the war with Russia began, officials said.
Such financing is different from previous U.S. military assistance for Ukraine. It is not a donation of weapons and equipment from Pentagon stockpiles but rather cash that countries can use to purchase supplies that they might need.
The Ukrainians say they need even more, including long-range air defense systems, fighter jets, tanks and multiple-launch rocket systems.
“It will be true to say that the United States now leads the effort in ensuring this transition of Ukraine to Western-style weapons, in arranging training for Ukrainian soldiers,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, adding, “and I only regret that it didn’t happen a month or two months ago from the very beginning of the war.”
Philip Breedlove, a retired U.S. general who led NATO in Europe from 2013 to 2016, says his shorthand summary of what Putin wants in Ukraine and elsewhere on the Russian periphery is, “Weapons out, NATO back, and no America.”
“What has happened is, Mr. Putin is getting exactly what he did not want. He’s getting more weapons forward, he’s getting more NATO forward, and he’s getting more America in Europe,” Breedlove said in an interview.
The complexities of keeping up Western military aid to Ukraine, even as its troops are fully occupied with a brutal war, are a reminder of what is at stake. Putin said before launching the invasion that Moscow could not tolerate what he saw as a Western effort to make Ukraine a de facto member of NATO. He argued that Ukraine’s interest in westernizing and in remaining outside of Russia’s orbit was due to “external forces” such as U.S. pressure.
Putin has demanded that Ukraine forswear membership in the NATO alliance, and beyond that he has insisted on turning back the clock to 1997, before NATO had begun adding former Soviet and Soviet-allied nations to its ranks.
There is little prospect of Ukraine joining NATO, but Russia’s war has in fact brought NATO closer to Ukraine. The result has been a boost to Ukraine’s prospects for mounting a successful defense, even in the eastern Donbas region where the Russians hold certain advantages and where Russian-backed separatists have been fighting since 2014.
___
AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report. | https://www.wishtv.com/news/international/putin-gets-what-he-didnt-want-ukraine-army-closer-to-west/ | 2022-04-26T12:44:05Z | https://www.wishtv.com/news/international/putin-gets-what-he-didnt-want-ukraine-army-closer-to-west/ | true |
TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese woman recognized as the world’s oldest person, Kane Tanaka, has died at age 119, just months short of her goal of reaching 120.
Born on Jan. 2, 1903, Tanaka loved playing the board game Othello and had a penchant for chocolate and fizzy drinks. She was certified by Guinness World Records as the oldest living person in 2019 when she was 116. In media occasions, she said she was still enjoying life and hoped to live until 120.
Tanaka died of old age on April 19 at a hospital in Fukuoka, her hometown in southern Japan where she spent all her life, city officials said Tuesday. Tanaka, who had lived at a nursing home, was in and out of hospital only recently, they said.
Fukuoka Gov. Seitaro Hattori said in a statement he was shocked and saddened by her loss as he was looking forward to marking the Respect for the Aged Day later this year in person over chocolate and fizzy drinks, as he had to miss the occasion last year due to the pandemic.
“I could only see her in a picture showing her with the bouquet and making a ‘peace’ sign (with her fingers), but that cheered me up,” Hattori said. “She gave the people hope for healthy long life.”
With her death, the world’s oldest human is now Lucile Randon, a French nun known as Sister Andre, aged 118, according to the The Gerontology Research Group. In Japan, the new record-holder is a 115-year-old woman Fusa Tatsumi, of Osaka, the Japanese health ministry said.
Japan, whose population is rapidly aging and declining, had 86,510 centenarians, 90% of them women, according to the latest ministry figures. | https://wgntv.com/news/worlds-oldest-person-a-japanese-woman-dies-at-119/ | 2022-04-26T12:46:37Z | https://wgntv.com/news/worlds-oldest-person-a-japanese-woman-dies-at-119/ | false |
-- Study also identifies high number of genes not previously connected with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)--
GAITHERSBURG, Md., April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GeneDx, LLC, a leader in genomic analysis, today unveiled new data demonstrating positive outcomes of exome analysis for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), supporting the use of a broader genetic testing approach to diagnose ASD. This retrospective study is one of the few to examine the genetic basis of autism and current guidelines around screening and testing and is among the largest studies of genetic testing in ASD.
The study, presented in a poster session at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, evaluated exome analysis for individuals with ASD against current testing methods and shed light on genes not previously associated with ASD. Results demonstrate that exome analysis provides higher diagnostic rates of 7.9-21.0% and shorter diagnosis wait times than traditional testing strategies, including Fragile X (FMR1) and array CGH. Though nearly 90% of the 18,911 individuals with ASD who participated in the study had at least one prior negative genetic test, researchers observed a high positive rate of exome analysis, suggesting prior testing contributed to the delay in molecular diagnosis. The results suggest that exome analysis should precede FMR1 and array CGH testing, which is also supported by the superior diagnostic yield of exome sequencing over FMR1 and CGH testing found in the medical literature.
Importantly, this study revealed a high number of emerging genes not previously connected to autism. Initial analysis identified 1,137 emerging genes,113 of which were upgraded to disease-causing starting in 2015. Moreover, 60% of genes associated with ASD identified in this study were not found in the Simon Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) Gene online database – an evolving resource for the autism research community centered on genes implicated in autism susceptibility. This further supports the use of exome analysis for the discovery and understanding of genes associated with ASD.
"Use of exome testing as a front-line test will help ensure more patients and clinicians have a more complete diagnosis sooner," said Paul Kruszka, M.D., F.A.C.M.G., chief medical officer at GeneDx. "The data reinforce that we need to update the standard of care for these patients to choose exome sequencing over panels to provide more children with a diagnosis. We will work tirelessly to help ensure all patients have access to exome, which is a more definitive tool."
GeneDx's database of more than 350,000 clinical exomes has been a major driver of discovery. This dataset, supported by carefully annotated and structured clinical information, has turned GeneDx into a key driver in understanding gene-disease relationships. Today roughly one-quarter of the clinically actionable findings provided to patients come from discoveries first made at GeneDx.
In 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported approximately 1 in 44 children is diagnosed with autism, and boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. Most children are diagnosed after age four, although early diagnosis and intervention offers the best opportunities to help support children's development. Research indicates genetics influence the vast majority of cases.
GeneDx, LLC, is a global leader in genomics, providing testing to patients and their families worldwide. Originally founded by scientists from the National Institutes of Health, GeneDx offers a world-renowned clinical genomics program with particular expertise in rare and ultra-rare genetic disorders. In addition to its market-leading exome sequencing service, GeneDx offers a suite of additional genetic testing services, including diagnostic testing for hereditary cancers, cardiac, mitochondrial, neurological disorders, prenatal diagnostics, and targeted variant testing. To learn more, please visit http://www.genedx.com.
CONTACT: Julie McKeough, JMcKeough@genedx.com
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SOURCE GeneDx, Inc. | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/study-more-than-18000-patients-finds-exome-sequencing-delivers-higher-diagnostic-rates-autism-spectrum-disorders/ | 2022-04-26T12:46:40Z | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/study-more-than-18000-patients-finds-exome-sequencing-delivers-higher-diagnostic-rates-autism-spectrum-disorders/ | false |
GENEVA (AP) — A United Nations team has landed in China ahead of a long-delayed visit by the U.N. human rights chief to Xinjiang, where rights groups and some Western governments allege the Chinese government is committing genocide and serious abuses against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities.
The U.N. human rights office said Tuesday its staffers arrived in southern China on Monday to prepare for the visit by High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, expected in May.
“The advance team of five is initially spending time in Guangzhou, where they are quarantining in line with COVID-19 travel requirements,” spokeswoman Liz Throssell said.
Bachelet announced in March that her office reached an agreement with China’s government that she could visit Xinjiang in far-western China. The rights chief has long talked about hoping to visit Xinjiang, and her office has also been compiling a long-awaited report into alleged human rights abuses in the region.
Almost 200 rights groups have urged Bachelet to release her report, which diplomats said has been ready — or very close to it — for months.
The advance team is in China to make sure that Bachelet would gain “meaningful access” to fully understand the human rights situation in China, Throssell said.
Rights groups and researchers accuse China of locking up more than a million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and members of other minority groups in re-education camps, forced labor, forcing women from the region to undergo contraceptive measures and separating children from incarcerated parents.
The U.S. government has declared that Beijing’s policies against the Uyghurs amounted to genocide and crimes against humanity. Legislatures in Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Canada have done the same.
China denies the allegations and maintains its policies were meant to de-radicalize those influenced by jihadi propaganda following years of violent outbursts against Chinese rule in the region. | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/world/un-team-in-china-ahead-of-rights-chief-visit-to-xinjiang/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2022-04-26T12:55:48Z | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/world/un-team-in-china-ahead-of-rights-chief-visit-to-xinjiang/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | true |
Which inflatable baby bathtub is best?
When bath time rolls around, an inflatable baby bathtub can save you time and energy. It is a great alternative to bathing the baby in the sink, is much more accommodating to an infant’s small size than a full-size tub and uses much less water at a time than a full-size bathtub. It’s lightweight and portable, and it has soft edges that will keep your little one safe and secure.
For a tub that can get the job done, check out the Pawsky Portable Inflatable Bathtub for its convenience and reliability — it even comes with its own air pump.
What to know before you buy an inflatable baby bathtub
Size
The whole point of an inflatable baby bathtub is that it’s smaller than the average tub. All inflatable bathtubs are foldable, making them perfect for use at home or on the go. The average size is about 35 by 25 inches, but if you’re tight on surface space, smaller tubs can measure around 20 by 10 inches.
Inflation process
Just like with inflatable pool floats, there are two ways to inflate a baby bathtub. The first is doing it the old fashioned way by blowing into the hole until it’s full. This is practical and free, but it can take longer and leave you winded. The second way is with a manual or electric air pump. A pump is faster and more convenient, but it means that you’ll have to bring both tub and the pump if you intend to travel.
In some cases, an inflatable tub comes with a pump so you don’t have to purchase one separately.
Cleaning and maintenance
A baby bathtub should be cleaned at least once a week. Use soap and water or a vinegar spray to prevent mold. It’s best to do this right after the tub is used so there’s as much time as possible between cleaning the tub and putting your baby back in it. Hanging the tub up to dry also helps keep it clean — many inflatable tubs have a suction ring hoop specifically for this purpose.
What to look for in a quality inflatable baby bathtub
Safety
A good inflatable baby bathtub comes with top-notch safety features. This includes an anti-slip surface to keep your baby from sliding down into the water, a back panel angled to support them as they sit upright and an optional saddle horn that fits between their legs if they need extra help sitting up. Some tubs have a built-in water temperature display so you’ll know if the water is too hot before your baby’s sensitive skin comes in contact with it.
Pockets and storage
The most practical baby bathtubs have built-in pockets or compartments for storing basics, such as a bottle of baby wash or bath toys. This helps you keep everything on hand during bath time so you don’t have to worry about forgetting something in another room or on an unreachable countertop. It also lets you put toys away or pull them out as needed without leaving them floating in the tub or taking them out and getting water on the floor.
Built-in drain plug
A built-in drain plug at the bottom of the tub means you can drain it without having to lift, flip and dump a bathtub filled with water. Just make sure when you use this feature that the tub has somewhere to drain. An easy way to do this is to place the inflatable tub inside a regular tub or shower so that when you drain it, the dirty water won’t spill onto the floor.
How much you can expect to spend on an inflatable baby bathtub
Most inflatable baby bathtubs cost $13-$30.
Inflatable baby bathtub FAQ
What is an inflatable baby bathtub made out of?
A. Most inflatable tubs are made from nontoxic polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, plastic. It’s lightweight and free from the chemical compound bisphenol A, also known as BPA.
At what age will a child outgrow an inflatable baby bathtub?
A. A baby’s size affects how long they can use the tub. You’ll probably want to switch to a larger tub by or around 6 months old, but some inflatable tubs can be used for children up to 3 years old.
What’s the best inflatable baby bathtub to buy?
Top inflatable baby bathtub
Pawsky Portable Inflatable Bathtub
What you need to know: This non-toxic PVC inflatable bathtub measures 38.5 by 25.2 inches and comes with a free air pump.
What you’ll love: It has a textured bottom to prevent slipping and a storage bag on the side. It is durable, has a built-in drain plug and comes in green or pink.
What you should consider: It has to be re-inflated frequently.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top inflatable baby bathtub for the money
Mommy’s Helper Inflatable Froggie Bathtub
What you need to know: This padded inflatable bathtub measures 27 by 18 inches and comes in a fun green and white frog print.
What you’ll love: There’s a saddle horn for baby’s legs to keep them from sliding and a built-in drain plug for emptying water. It’s compact, portable and easy to use while traveling.
What you should consider: It doesn’t have any pockets, and an air pump is not included.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Free Swimming Portable Inflatable Bathtub
What you need to know: This durable PVC inflatable bathtub is blue with a bear face illustration on the back, and it measures 32.3 by 22.4 inches.
What you’ll love: It adjusts to accommodate a growing baby and includes a saddle horn and head pillow. It has a built-in drain plug and a side pocket for storage.
What you should consider: Some users said it was difficult to inflate. An air pump is not included.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Emily Verona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wfla.com/reviews/br/baby-kids-br/bath-potty-br/best-inflatable-baby-bathtub/ | 2022-04-26T13:01:20Z | https://www.wfla.com/reviews/br/baby-kids-br/bath-potty-br/best-inflatable-baby-bathtub/ | false |
Best gas-free tools for lawn aeration
The best time to aerate your lawn is when it is peak growing season, as this gives your grass the best chance for a quick recovery. That means, whether you have cool-season grasses or warm-season grasses, you will need to aerate sometime over the next few months. This is unfortunate timing because gas prices that have already hit record highs will continue to climb over the summer.
While a tow-behind lawn aerator is a great option, it requires fuel for your tractor. Luckily, there are many gas-free alternatives when it comes to aerating your lawn.
Why do I need to aerate my lawn?
To survive, plants require air, water and nutrients. These elements are taken in through the plant’s root system. When the soil gets compacted due to foot traffic, yard work, activities, harsh weather and more, it can no longer efficiently transport the essentials your lawn needs to thrive. Without these vital elements, your lawn will lose its color and begin to thin. A lawn aerator is a machine or a tool that opens up space in compacted soil so your grass can get everything it needs.
When should I aerate my lawn?
You should aerate your lawn once each year during the peak growing season. However, it is important to understand that there are cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses in the U.S., and each has a different peak growing season. The dividing line travels roughly through the center of the country with states above Texas having cool-season grasses and all others having warm-season grasses.
The peak growing season for cool-season grasses is early spring or fall when the temperatures are a little cooler. Warm-season grasses grow the most in the warmer — but not the hottest — period, which is late spring through early summer.
Signs I need to aerate my lawn
If you are wondering how to know if your lawn needs to be aerated, here are a few key signs to watch for:
Discolored patches
Since compacted soil keeps nutrients from nourishing your lawn, one sign you need to aerate is patches of grass that are yellow or brown. Be careful not to mistake the naturally occurring preseason brown of Zoysia grass as a symptom of compacted soil.
Thinning grass
Once your soil becomes so compacted that it can’t support adequate growth, your lawn will begin to die off. This will be evident in patches of thinning or altogether missing sections of grass.
A thick layer of thatch
Thatch is a layer of debris that accumulates on top of your soil. Up to about a half inch of thatch is beneficial to the health of your lawn. However, when thatch builds up beyond a half inch, which can be a result of compacted soil, it can suffocate your lawn. Compacted soil creates a shallow root system on your lawn, which leads to faster accumulating thatch.
Puddles
Water that doesn’t run off your property sits there until it evaporates or is absorbed by the soil. If you have puddles that linger long after the rain has ended, it means your soil is compacted and cannot easily absorb water.
Inability to moisten
If your soil has only two states, dry or puddled, then it is a sign it is compacted. Healthy soil absorbs water, allowing it to stay moist and nurture the root system of your lawn.
Quick test for compacted soil
To quickly test how compacted your soil is, simply slide a screwdriver into your lawn. If you can easily drive it 6 inches into the soil, your soil is healthy. If you struggle, it’s time to aerate.
Gas-free tools you can use to aerate your lawn
RYOBI ONE+ Cordless Dethatcher/Aerator
If you have large areas that need to be aerated, this cordless model from Ryobi is the answer. It operates similarly to a lawn mower, has a push-button start and can dethatch and aerate your lawn, which will allow it to thrive.
Sold by Home Depot
This walk-behind push spike aerator is made by a trusted name in lawn equipment. The sturdy tray can support a patio block for added weight to allow for deeper penetration. The spike design means no messy plugs.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Rolling Lawn Aerator with Fender
The protective shield on this model helps keep you clean while working. It is a lightweight steel tool that is easy to assemble and operate. This rolling aerator can be disassembled for convenient storage when not in use.
Sold by Home Depot
Yard Butler Multispike Lawn Aerator
This basic multispike aerator works like a shovel: Just step on the top edge and drive the four prongs into the soil to aerate. It is affordable but best for small areas.
Sold by Amazon
Gardenised Lawn and Garden Aerator Spike Shoes
With these innovative spike shoes, aerating your lawn is as simple as walking. This device fits over your boots and is held in place with three straps.
Sold by Home Depot
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.fox16.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/lawn-care-br/avoid-the-pump-and-aerate-your-lawn-with-these-gas-free-options/ | 2022-04-26T13:02:02Z | https://www.fox16.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/lawn-care-br/avoid-the-pump-and-aerate-your-lawn-with-these-gas-free-options/ | true |
CAMDEN, Maine (AP) _ Camden National Corp. (CAC) on Tuesday reported first-quarter profit of $16.8 million.
The bank, based in Camden, Maine, said it had earnings of $1.13 per share. Earnings, adjusted for amortization costs, were $1.14 per share.
The bank posted revenue of $48.7 million in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $46.2 million, which topped Street forecasts.
Camden National shares have fallen slightly more than 3% since the beginning of the year. The stock has decreased 2% in the last 12 months.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on CAC at https://www.zacks.com/ap/CAC | https://www.mrt.com/business/article/Camden-National-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17127016.php | 2022-04-26T13:02:15Z | https://www.mrt.com/business/article/Camden-National-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17127016.php | true |
Which side table with a charging station is best?
Settling in for the night usually involves a mad scramble for your charging cable. Or, just as you sit down to watch your favorite TV show, you realize that your phone’s battery is about to die. A side table with a charging station can quickly solve that problem in both cases.
Many of these side tables look just like the regular ones but have concealed or partially obscured USB charging points. The Brightech Madison Desk and Lamp is a great choice because it also has a wireless charging pad on top.
What to know before you buy a side table with a charging station
The table connects to a wall socket
It might seem obvious, but you must place the side table close to a wall socket. This is because there are very few built-in charging stations that can operate on a rechargeable battery, so the side table needs to draw power from the outlet. Additionally, keep in mind that the cable is only a few feet in length, so you can save yourself a lot of hassle by ensuring that it can reach the plug.
There is limited charging space
Designers of side tables with built-in charging stations must find a delicate balance between aesthetics and technological functionality. Usually, the former gets more attention leaving the latter with the bare minimum. So, don’t expect to find a desk or table with more than two USB ports, a few standard outlets or more than one wireless charging pad.
Consider your need for the table
You have a few design choices, so you must consider the primary use of the side table. For use next to your bed or couch, you should look for a slender table that is roughly the same height. There are also side tables with charging stations that fold out to be the same height as a standing desk. With those, you get enough space for your laptop and mouse movements while still charging your devices.
What to look for in a quality side table with a charging station
Wireless charging pad
A side table with a few USB ports for charging your devices is great, but it’s even better with a wireless charging pad. Some side tables have these charging pads built into the table’s surface, so you only need to set your device down to charge it. Additionally, there are no wires to worry about, which makes the table and surrounding area look a lot neater.
Enough storage space
A good-quality charging side table will have a lot of additional storage space for your other gadgets. However, while they are not charging or being used, several drawers or openings keep them within reach — or out of reach of children. You will rarely find a side table with lockable compartments, so you might not want to store valuables or expensive technology in them.
Solid construction materials
Whenever you deal with electrical elements, you must ensure that no wires or cables are exposed. Similarly, the construction of the side table must be durable enough to ensure that it doesn’t come apart quickly or place anyone in danger by leaving the wires and connections out in the open. A good-quality charging side table is made from solid wood with all the cables neatly fastened underneath.
How much you can expect to spend on a side table with a charging station
The price of a side table that has built-in charging options largely depends on the construction material of the table and any additional features. A table with only a few USB ports costs around $90-$120. However, a table with a wireless charging pad can cost $150-$200.
Side table with a charging station FAQ
Which mobile devices are compatible with charging stations?
A. All charging stations use regular USB ports and are compatible with most charging cables. In addition, the wireless charging pads are compatible with all Android and Apple devices with Qi wireless technology.
How long does it take to assemble the side table?
A. Most side tables, whether they have a charging station or not, will ship to you unassembled. So, you must set it up yourself before using it, but it shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes to do so.
What’s the best side table with a charging station to buy?
Top side table with a charging station
Brightech Madison Desk and Lamp with Wireless Charging Pad
What you need to know: This side table comes with both a built-in lamp and charging facilities.
What you’ll love: It has one USB port, one two-prong outlet on the front and a wireless charging pad in the middle of the desk’s surface. The energy-saving LED light bulb will last for about 20,000 hours, and the power cable is over 6 feet long.
What you should consider: Turning off the light can be a bit awkward because it has a rotary switch near the socket.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top side table with a charging station for the money
Seventable Nightstand with Wireless Charging and LED Lights
What you need to know: For added ambiance, this side table has built-in LED lights that let you change the color to suit your mood.
What you’ll love: This side table has three pullout drawers and an open storage compartment. The charging station is on the top surface and includes two USB ports, two standard outlet sockets and a wireless charging pad. The power cable that connects to the table is 6.5 feet long.
What you should consider: The side table ships unassembled, and you’ll have to put it together.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Rolanstar End Table with Charging Station
What you need to know: This two-tier side table has a top drawer that flips open halfway to access the USB ports.
What you’ll love: Made from solid wood and a steel frame, this side table has two USB ports and two standard outlet plugs in the top drawer. The power supply cable is 6.5 feet long.
What you should consider: Some users indicated that it would be great to put roller wheels on the table, but that might compromise the integrity.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wfla.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/charging-power-br/best-side-table-with-charging-station/ | 2022-04-26T13:02:23Z | https://www.wfla.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/charging-power-br/best-side-table-with-charging-station/ | true |
Which oxymetazoline nasal spray is best?
Colds, allergies and hay fever can cause nasal discomfort. For those experiencing nasal discomfort, an oxymetazoline nasal spray may offer the relief you need. There are numerous nasal spray brands, but Afrin Original Maximum Strength 12-Hour Nasal Congestion Relief Spray is the brand most people prefer.
What to know before you buy oxymetazoline nasal spray
What is oxymetazoline nasal spray?
Oxymetazoline is used to temporarily reduce nasal discomfort and congestion, not to cure colds or relieve allergies. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose. It can be used once every 10 to 12 hours, but it isn’t recommended to use it more than twice in 24 hours.
How to use oxymetazoline nasal spray
Instructions may vary slightly depending on the brand you buy, so it’s important to read them. Generally, it’s best to blow your nose before using the spray. Keep your head upright, and breathe in deeply through your nose as you spray. Avoid spraying it in your eyes.
How it differs from other types of nasal spray
- Corticosteroid nasal spray: This alleviates the effects of rhinitis, hay fever and allergies by reducing histamine production. Although many corticosteroid nasal sprays are only available with a prescription, weaker formulations can be purchased over the counter.
- Antihistamine nasal spray: This alleviates allergic symptoms by blocking histamine production.
- Saline nasal spray: This can help clean pollen and allergens from your nostrils. Additionally, saline spray can provide relief from dry, irritated nostrils.
Oxymetazoline nasal spray side effects
Oxymetazoline nasal spray decreases nasal discomfort, but there are a few short-term side effects. It may cause a temporary burning or stinging sensation in your nostrils, and it may make you sneeze or have more nasal discharge for a short time.
What to look for in a quality oxymetazoline nasal spray
Oxymetazoline nasal spray dosage
Most oxymetazoline nasal sprays contain 0.05% oxymetazoline, although some may contain more. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you’re using a spray with an average dose of oxymetazoline, you can use it around two times a day for three days. If you’re using this spray on a child younger than 6 years old, or you have a heart condition, thyroid condition, high blood pressure or diabetes, ask your doctor about the proper dosage.
Oxymetazoline nasal spray duration
Most options promise 12-hour relief, meaning you’ll need to use it around twice a day. Although some nasal sprays promise 24-hour relief, they can be difficult to find and may not work as well as they imply. As long as you buy a brand with 12 hours of protection and use the spray as directed, you should be fine.
Added ingredients
Most oxymetazoline nasal sprays only contain a single active ingredient. Still, for those with severe symptoms, several brands include menthol as well. Although many people prefer the sprays with menthol, others find the menthol uncomfortable.
Type of bottle
If you’ve used nasal sprays in the past, consider which type of bottle you found effective and comfortable. Some squeeze bottles are easy to use but release an overwhelming amount of spray. Many people prefer pump-mist bottles, although some feel they aren’t as effective.
Bottle size
Most oxymetazoline nasal sprays come in 1-fluid-ounce bottles. Still, many brands sell their nasal sprays in packs of two or three bottles. If you buy this nasal spray in a pack of two or three bottles, make sure you don’t overuse it.
How much you can expect to spend on oxymetazoline nasal spray
You can expect to spend $10-$12 per bottle.
Oxymetazoline nasal spray FAQ
Is oxymetazoline a steroid?
A. No, these nasal sprays don’t contain steroids. Both oxymetazoline and steroid-based sprays alleviate nasal congestion, but only steroids help with a runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes.
What happens if you use too much oxymetazoline?
A. Using too much oxymetazoline may result in drowsiness, dizziness or fainting. Using oxymetazoline for longer than three days can actually make your symptoms worse.
Can I use oxymetazoline in my ear?
A. This type of spray is not approved for inner-ear use.
Is oxymetazoline an antibiotic?
A. No, oxymetazoline is a decongestant that doesn’t contain antibiotics.
Can you become dependent on oxymetazoline nasal spray?
A. Yes, many people found that they became dependent on oxymetazoline nasal spray after using it too often.
What’s the best oxymetazoline nasal spray to buy?
Top oxymetazoline nasal spray
Afrin Original Maximum Strength 12 Hour Nasal Congestion Relief Spray
What you need to know: Afrin is the most popular brand.
What you’ll love: This includes three easy-to-use 1-fluid-ounce bottles. Many people agree this is the best solution for the temporary relief of nasal congestion.
What you should consider: The company often switches between squeeze bottles and pump bottles. Some users find the squeeze bottles overwhelming.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top oxymetazoline nasal spray for the money
FamilyCare Nasal Relief Pump Mist Spray
What you need to know: This brand is comparable to Afrin, and three bottles of spray are included.
What you’ll love: The pump-mist bottles are easy to use. This contains menthol, which aids in severe nasal congestion.
What you should consider: Many users felt this wasn’t as powerful as the Afrin menthol nasal spray.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Afrin Two-Pack Combo No-Drip Severe Congestion
What you need to know: This spray is ideal for those with severe congestion.
What you’ll love: Two bottles of spray are included. This formulation contains menthol, which helps with the most severe cases of nasal congestion.
What you should consider: Some reviewers felt the menthol was overwhelming.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Everything you need to aerate your lawn
If you have a lawn, you need to aerate it so it can grow lush and strong. Aerating helps break up compacted soil, allowing air, water and essential nutrients to reach the roots. This, in turn, helps grass grow and prevents brown patches from forming in the yard. If you’ve never aerated your lawn before, there are a few ways you can do this successfully.
How to aerate your lawn
Dethatch your yard
Thatch is the layer of plant leaves, roots, stems and other debris on top of healthy grass. When it builds up, it can compact the soil, preventing nutrients and air from reaching the root system. Before you can aerate the lawn, you need to remove the thatch. One way to do this is with a thatch rake, which catches the debris and pulls it away from the rest of the yard. You can use a durable garden rake if you don’t have a thatch rake, but it might not be as effective for tough buildup.
Verify soil type
The type of soil you have will dictate how often you need to aerate it. It will also determine how difficult it is to do it. For example, soft soil consisting mostly of sand doesn’t need to be aerated very often since it doesn’t compact as easily. On the other hand, clay-based soil packs down easily and needs more frequent aeration. The more compact the soil is, the more powerful tool you’ll need to aerate the lawn.
If you’re not sure what type of soil you have, you can use a soil identifier.
Water the lawn
After dethatching, make sure to water your entire lawn. You can use a handheld water hose with a nozzle sprayer to water the yard, or you can use a sprinkler system and leave it running for 15-30 minutes.
Mark important areas
Before aerating, mark any areas you want to avoid with small marking flags. This could be anything from outcroppings of small rocks to other plants. Doing this ensures you don’t damage the aerator or anything else during the process.
Select the right aerator
There are three types of aerators.
- Core aerator: These have thin hollow tines that create soil plugs and pull them from the yard. This leaves small holes in the yard, allowing for water, nutrients and oxygen to reach the roots. Most core aerators reach 2-4 inches deep. The downside with these machines is that they leave the plugs on the surface of the lawn, so you need to pick them up.
- Slicing aerator: These machines use blades to slice through several layers of thatch, all the way down to the soil. They can easily penetrate a couple of inches and work well for most soil types.
- Spike aerator: Spike aerators push the soil down into the ground to create pockets for shallow roots to breathe. The downside of this method is the soil ultimately ends up compressed. However, these machines work well for first-time aeration and for clay-based soil.
Choose equipment that works with your lawn and soil. It should be able to reach between 2-3 inches deep.
How to use the aerator
Start by aerating the entire lawn in one direction. Then, go back over the area in a perpendicular pattern. This method ensures full coverage of your lawn.
Tips on aerating the lawn
- Pick up any remaining plugs. Or, if you live in a moist environment, leave them to break up on their own.
- Encourage growth in areas that need it. If there are dead spots in your yard, sprinkle grass seeds and fertilizer to encourage grass to grow.
- Use a soil testing kit. A soil testing kit indicates the pH level and chemical makeup of your soil, which can tell you which fertilizer to use after aeration.
When to aerate your lawn
If you have a regular lawn maintenance plan, you can aerate once every one to three years. For cool-season grasses, aerate the lawn at the beginning of spring or fall. For warm-season grasses, do it in late spring or at the beginning of summer.
Also, if you see thatch buildup or water puddles starting to form, it could be time to aerate the lawn. When in doubt, take a pointed tool such as a screwdriver and try to poke it through the soil. If it doesn’t penetrate very deeply, or if it requires a lot of force, it might be time to start the process.
What you need to buy to aerate your lawn
Brinly-Hardy 40-Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator With Weight Tray And Universal Hitch
This plug aerator removes up to 3 inches of soil with ease. It has 24 heat-treated plugging spoons that can aerate even hard clay. However, you need to connect it to a lawn tractor or ATV.
Sold by Home Depot
Sun Joe AJ805E 15-Inch 13-Amp Electric Dethatcher And Scarifier
This corded electric dethatcher is powerful enough to automate your lawn maintenance and keep the grass healthy. It comes with a 13.2-gallon thatch collection bag. It also uses a powerful 13-amp motor and can cover a path up to 15 inches wide at once. The machine is height adjustable, too.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
VonHaus Two-in-One Electric Lawn Dethatcher Scarifier And Aerator
This two-in-one aerator and dethatcher can easily remove organic debris from the yard and keep your grass lush. It has five adjustable depths and a collection box to gather debris.
Sold by Amazon
John Deere 40-Inch Tow-Behind Thatcherator
This tow-behind dethatcher is a great option if you need an easy way to clear out lawn debris before aeration. It comes with an 11-gauge steel weight tray that can support 100 pounds. It also has inline wheels that minimize its print during use. Because of its design, it can also aerate on the surface level.
Sold by Home Depot
These shoes are a perfect solution if you want to aerate the lawn while performing other yard maintenance tasks. They’re durable and have six straps that fit over most regular shoes. They also feature thin tines to aerate soft soil while walking.
Sold by Amazon
Yard Butler ID-6C Manual Lawn Coring Aerator
This core aerator is environmentally friendly and simple to use. It creates two 3 1/2-inch cores, making it ideal for spot aerating or small yards. It’s constructed from heavy-duty, rust-resistant steel.
Sold by Amazon
Eden Adjustable Four-Way Mini Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
With 16 nozzles covering over 4,000 square feet, this sprinkler is a great way to prep larger yards before aeration. It has flexible four-way adjustments that provide specific watering.
Sold by Amazon
This lawn tractor can hook up to different attachments, including pull-behind aerators and dethatchers, making it easy to cut grass and perform basic lawn maintenance. It has responsive steering and a 16-inch turning radius.
Sold by Home Depot
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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wfla.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/lawn-care-br/how-to-aerate-your-lawn/ | 2022-04-26T13:03:12Z | https://www.wfla.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/lawn-care-br/how-to-aerate-your-lawn/ | true |
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) _ Independent Bank Corp. (IBCP) on Tuesday reported first-quarter profit of $18 million.
The bank, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, said it had earnings of 84 cents per share.
The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 50 cents per share.
The bank holding company posted revenue of $53.7 million in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $51.9 million, which also topped Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $45.8 million.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on IBCP at https://www.zacks.com/ap/IBCP | https://www.mrt.com/business/article/Independent-Bank-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17126978.php | 2022-04-26T13:03:17Z | https://www.mrt.com/business/article/Independent-Bank-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17126978.php | true |
Is First Trust NASDAQ100Technology Sector ETF (QTEC) a Strong ETF Right Now?
The First Trust NASDAQ100Technology Sector ETF (QTEC) was launched on 04/19/2006, and is a smart beta exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Technology ETFs category of the market.
What Are Smart Beta ETFs?
The ETF industry has traditionally been dominated by products based on market capitalization weighted indexes that are designed to represent the market or a particular segment of the market.
Investors who believe in market efficiency should consider market cap indexes, as they replicate market returns in a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way.
If you're the kind of investor who would rather try and beat the market through good stock selection, then smart beta funds are your best choice; this fund class is known for tracking non-cap weighted strategies.
This kind of index follows this same mindset, as it attempts to pick stocks that have better chances of risk-return performance; non-cap weighted strategies base selection on certain fundamental characteristics, or a mix of such characteristics.
Even though this space provides many choices to investors--think one of the simplest methodologies like equal-weighting and more complicated ones like fundamental and volatility/momentum based weighting--not all have been able to deliver first-rate results.
Fund Sponsor & Index
QTEC is managed by First Trust Advisors, and this fund has amassed over $2.11 billion, which makes it one of the larger ETFs in the Technology ETFs. This particular fund, before fees and expenses, seeks to match the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index.
The NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index is an equal-weighted index based on the securities of the NASDAQ-100 Index that are classified as technology.
Cost & Other Expenses
Cost is an important factor in selecting the right ETF, and cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive cousins if all other fundamentals are the same.
With on par with most peer products in the space, this ETF has annual operating expenses of 0.57%.
It has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.02%.
Sector Exposure and Top Holdings
Even though ETFs offer diversified exposure which minimizes single stock risk, it is still important to look into a fund's holdings before investing. Luckily, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.
Representing 91% of the portfolio, the fund has heaviest allocation to the Information Technology sector.
Taking into account individual holdings, Splunk Inc. (SPLK) accounts for about 2.57% of the fund's total assets, followed by Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) and Nvidia Corporation (NVDA).
The top 10 holdings account for about 24.85% of total assets under management.
Performance and Risk
The ETF has lost about -22.42% and is down about -10.19% so far this year and in the past one year (as of 04/26/2022), respectively. QTEC has traded between $131.75 and $180.39 during this last 52-week period.
The fund has a beta of 1.09 and standard deviation of 31.44% for the trailing three-year period, which makes QTEC a high risk choice in this particular space. With about 43 holdings, it has more concentrated exposure than peers.
Alternatives
First Trust NASDAQ100Technology Sector ETF is an excellent option for investors seeking to outperform the Technology ETFs segment of the market. There are other ETFs in the space which investors could consider as well.
Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) tracks Technology Select Sector Index and the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) tracks MSCI US Investable Market Information Technology 25/50 Index. Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF has $43.95 billion in assets, Vanguard Information Technology ETF has $46.16 billion. XLK has an expense ratio of 0.10% and VGT charges 0.10%.
Investors looking for cheaper and lower-risk options should consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the Technology ETFs.
Bottom Line
To learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.
Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox?
Zacks’ free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week.
Get it free >>Click to get this free report
First Trust NASDAQ100Technology Sector ETF (QTEC): ETF Research Reports
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD): Free Stock Analysis Report
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report
Splunk Inc. (SPLK): Free Stock Analysis Report
Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK): ETF Research Reports
Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT): ETF Research Reports
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/is-first-trust-nasdaq100technology-sector-etf-qtec-a-strong-etf-right-now-0 | 2022-04-26T13:11:42Z | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/is-first-trust-nasdaq100technology-sector-etf-qtec-a-strong-etf-right-now-0 | false |
Just Stop Oil protests: Protesters breach Kingsbury Oil terminal injunction
- Published
A number of activists have been arrested after breaching an injunction outside an oil terminal in Tamworth.
Members of the Just Stop Oil group blocked access to the Kingsbury Oil Terminal from 07:30 BST on Tuesday.
A new High Court injunction in the area grants police "enhanced powers to prevent and disrupt any unlawful activity".
Warwickshire Police has said a heighted presence will remain at the scene.
A breach of the injunction, granted by North Warwickshire Borough Council on 14 April, carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
The force has advised against protest activity in Kingsbury and said officers will "take action".
"A number of arrests have been made this morning and our priority continues to be to minimise any disruption to the community and the local road networks, while ensuring the terminal can go about its day-to-day operational activity", said assistant chief constable Dave Gardner.
Activists are demanding an end to new oil and gas projects.
Campaigner Amy Pritchard, 37, said: "If my imprisonment helps wake people up to the seriousness of the situation, it's worth it."
The care worker added: "No new oil and gas is not a controversial demand. I want to have children and I want them to have a future."
In recent weeks more than 200 activists have been arrested during demonstrations.
Members of Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion obstructed 10 fuel sites in the Midlands and southern England in the early hours of 1 April to stand against "expanding UK oil and gas production".
Protesters glued themselves on to roads and locked on to oil drums and each other.
Last week, police found a tunnel next to the Kingsbury depot following weeks of protests.
The underground structure was discovered on 22 April in the Trinity Road area, Warwickshire Police said.
Five people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with the tunnel.
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-61230980 | 2022-04-26T13:12:48Z | https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-61230980 | true |
DEFENDING champion Ateneo sent Adamson crashing back to earth with a brutal 91-57 mugging in the UAAP Season 84 men's basketball tournament Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Ateneo vs Adamson recap
The Blue Eagles clamped down on defense in the second quarter and limited the Soaring Falcons to just seven points while also forcing 10 turnovers in the second quarter alone to take the 40-24 halftime lead.
It was all Ateneo from there, with Forthsky Padrigao's three with 24.2 seconds remaining pushing the final spread to 34-points, the biggest lead in the game.
"I think our second quarter was really telling in this game," said coach Tab Baldwin. "Nash [Racela] always does a good job and they came out exceptionally well-prepared and exceptionally motivated in the first quarter. They attacked our press right away and at the end of the first quarter, it was a contest for sure. Everybody that came out in the second quarter really dug in, and that was the telling quarter."
Ange Kouame sparked the Blue Eagles' early pullaway as he scored 13 of his 18 points in the first half, to go with nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Ateneo improved to 12-0 for the season, extending its win streak to 38 straight games dating back to October 2018.
With the Blue Eagles imposing its will early on, Baldwin had the luxury of giving more time for his lesser used guys, with Matthew Daves pouring a season-best 18 points, two rebounds, an assist, and a steal in the conquest.
Chris Koon also had eight points and seven boards, Dave Ildefonso got seven points, six rebounds, and two dimes, and SJ Belangel got seven points, two boards, and two assists in the win.
Adamson, on the other hand, saw its four-game win streak snapped as it sits precariously at fifth place with its 5-7 record.
Jerom Lastimosa tried his best to will the Soaring Falcons with his 16 points, two rebounds, and two assists, but got little help from his supporting cast.
The Scores:
ATENEO 91 -- Kouame 18, Daves 18, Koon 8, Ildefonso 7, Belangel 7, Padrigao 6, Tio 6, Verano 6, Mamuyac 6, Mendoza 4, Andrade 3, Lazaro 2, Gomez 0.
ADAMSON 57 -- Lastimosa 16, Manzano 8, Yerro 8, Douanga 6, Barasi 5, Hanapi 4, Sabandal 3, Peromingan 3, Colonia 2, Magbuhos 2, Jaymalin 0, Zaldivar 0, Maata 0, Fuentebella 0, Erolon 0, Calisay 0.
Quarters: 20-17, 40-24, 65-41, 91-57.
We are now on Quento! Download the app to enjoy more articles and videos from SPIN.ph and other Summit Media websites. | https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/ateneo-brings-down-the-hammer-on-adamson-for-12th-straight-a2437-20220426 | 2022-04-26T13:16:01Z | https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/ateneo-brings-down-the-hammer-on-adamson-for-12th-straight-a2437-20220426 | false |
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) — Only a few months ago, Robert Golob was virtually unknown in politics, didn’t belong to any party, but had a clear goal: to remove Slovenian right-wing populist Prime Minister Janez Jansa from power and stop a democratic backslide in the tiny Alpine state.
On Sunday, the Freedom Movement, a liberal green party formed by Golob only in January, won Slovenia’s general election, more than 10 percentage points ahead of Jansa’s Slovenian Democratic party as people turned out massively to vote for change.
As a party coming out of nowhere to win the election, the Freedom Movement follows a pattern seen in some other Eastern Europe states where right-wing populists lost elections mainly to newly formed parties and coalitions.
Eastern Europe’s populist wave already showed signs of ebbing last year with Bulgaria’s Boyko Borissov voted out of office in April and the Czech Republic’s Andrej Babis losing an election in September.
But some of the region’s most prominent autocrats, such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic, have kept their tight grip on power after convincingly winning votes in their countries earlier this month.
Golob, a 55-year-old energy expert and businessman who has billed the election as a “referendum on democracy,” said he will form the new government with other left-leaning parties and they will lead Slovenia “back to freedom.”
“People want changes and have expressed their confidence in us as the only ones who can bring those changes,” he said, addressing his supporters via a video link from his home after contracting COVID-19.
Jansa, who was seeking his fourth term in office, reluctantly conceded the defeat.
The close ally of Orban and staunch supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump has for years been accused in his country of eroding its traditional democratic standards.
Jansa came to prominence in the 1990s as a post-communist reformer, but he has been at loggerheads with the European Union over his moves to cut funding for the national news agency, restrict press freedoms and delay the appointment of prosecutors to the bloc’s new anti-corruption body.
Slovenian political analyst Andraz Zorko says Jansa’s election defeat can be attributed both to his anti-democratic stands at home and his government’s harsh anti-coronavirus measures that drew massive street protests last year.
“I believe that we yesterday observed the manifestation of huge antigovernment sentiment which was present (for the past), I can say, two years, especially last year,” Zorko said.
“I think that the defeat of the government and the coalition that governed the country is mainly due to some measures during the epidemic which were unnecessary and really harsh,” he said. “I am talking about curfew, I am talking limited moving within municipalities and some really harsh reaction towards the protesters last autumn.”
Slovenia’s prominent Delo daily said voters have put an end to “the worst kind of intolerance, devastating for 2 million Slovenians.”
“Humiliation, shaming, arbitrariness, dictatorship, injustices, curtailing of fundamental human rights and dignity — the people do not forgive that,” Delo said in a commentary.
___
AP writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia. | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/international/slovenias-populist-leader-loses-power-as-trend-continues/ | 2022-04-26T13:21:41Z | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/international/slovenias-populist-leader-loses-power-as-trend-continues/ | false |
DJ Tim Westwood, 64, is accused of sexual misconduct against multiple women who say he 'flashed and groped' them
- Renowned DJ Tim Westwood facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct
- 64-year-old accused of 'predatory behaviour' and groping by multiple women
- The DJ has strenuously denied all claims and described the allegations as false
Veteran DJ Tim Westwood is facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by women who claim he abused his position to take advantage of them.
The 64-year-old has been accused of 'predatory sexual behaviour' by three women, while four others allege he groped them at events, reports the Guardian and BBC.
It is claimed the first alleged incident took place in 1992, while the most recent came in 2017.
The women, who are all black and do not know one another, were aged in their late teens or early 20s when they claim they were set upon by Westwood.
Three of the women, aged 17, 19 and 20 at the time, accuse Westwood of 'opportunistic and predatory sexual behaviour' after agreeing to meet with him.
Two of them, who had aspirations of working within the music industry, claim they agreed to meet Westwood in London to discuss music, before he 'initiated unwanted and unexpected sex'.
A further four women say Westwood groped them while posing for a picture with him after his nightclub performances.
The DJ has strenuously denied all claims. A spokesperson for the DJ told MailOnline: 'Tim Westwood strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
'In a career that has spanned 40 years, there have never been any complaints made against him officially or unofficially. Tim Westwood strongly rejects all allegations of wrongdoing.'
Veteran DJ Tim Westwood is facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by women who claim he abused his position to take advantage of them. The DJ has strenuously denied all allegations
The seven women have provided their own claims in the wake of anonymous sexual misconduct allegations levelled against Westwood on social media two years ago.
One accuser claims Westwood drove her to a flat in central London and initiated unwanted sex when she was 19 and he was 53.
She told the BBC she felt 'completely powerless' and 'very, very scared' when he allegedly exposed his genitals to her in a car'.
Another woman, who was 17 at the time, alleges Westwood, then aged in his mid-thirties, also subjected her to unwanted sex.
Using the alias Tamara, she claimed the encounter took place after giving Westwood a demo of her own work while she was a member of an R&B group.
'Within the recording industry and the black community, despite him being a white man, he had absolute power. He could make or break your career', she said.
But once they arrived at a London flat, she claims Westwood, without saying anything, pulled down her trousers and underwear before performing oral sex on her.
One accuser claims Westwood (pictured) drove her to a flat in central London and initiated unwanted sex when she was 19 and he was 53. The DJ has denied all allegations
One woman, using the pseudonym Isabel, alleges she was 19 and the DJ was 53 when he exposed his genitals to her in a car.
Isabel told the BBC that upon entering a flat in London, a naked Westwood entered the room with a drink in hand. He was allegedly holding a condom and initiated sex with her while she remained 'frozen'.
Another woman was in her 20s when she told the BBC she met Westwood after reassuring her mother that it was work experience to help the DJ connect with a younger audience.
She claims when Westwood picked her up in a large American-style vehicle he started touching her inappropriately before his 'erratic driving' was picked up on by a police officer.
Later, in a London flat, she claims the DJ sat next to her and tried kissing her before they had sex. She claims the work experience he offered never materialised.
Other women claim Westwood groped them during photo shoots with the celebrity after his shows. One said she was aged 22, and Westwood 59, when he 'moved his hand up the back of her skirt' at a New Year's Day event in London in 2017.
The women, whose identities have been anonymised, will share their accounts in a new BBC Three documentary, Tim Westwood: Abuse of Power which airs at 9pm tonight.
Westwood, son of the former Bishop of Peterborough, is a well known figure on the hip hop scene.
He began his career with local radio before joining Capital Radio in London and was later given his own show by BBC Radio 1.
Westwood is considered among the most influential rap and hip hop DJ in Europe and is a winner of numerous radio industry awards, including best radio DJ in the Music of Black Origin ceremony.
In 1999 he was the victim of a drive by shooting in south London after leaving a concert.
Two men on a motorbike pulled up alongside his Range Rover and fired several shots. Westwood suffered an arm injury and later said the attack was part of an extortion attempt by a gang.
Westwood, son of the former Bishop of Peterborough, is a well known and award-winning figure in the UK hip hop scene
In 2018, Westwood was forced to deny involvement in similar allegations when the hashtag #survivingTimWestwood appeared on Twitter.
Westwood's name and the allegations began trending on Twitter after an unnamed woman posted messages describing a four year relationship.
Using the Twitter name @survivingtimwestwood she admitted she was in love with the DJ and had not gone to police with any of her allegations.
Others responding to the twitter messages called on bosses at Global Radio, where Westwood works for Capital Extra, to investigate his behaviour towards young black women.
The renowned DJ vehemently denied sensational allegations on social media that he has behaved inappropriately with student fans. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10755003/DJ-Tim-Westwood-accused-sexual-misconduct-multiple-women.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-26T13:22:37Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10755003/DJ-Tim-Westwood-accused-sexual-misconduct-multiple-women.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
Wisbech Camera Club hand out trophies to season winners
- Credit: Wisbech and Districts Camera Club
This week the Wisbech and District Camera Club held their presentation night and handed awards to the winners of the 2021-2022 photography season.
The winners were chosen based on their works from the season.
Receiving awards were Toni Reddy, Pat Ringham, Mike Burns, Robert Stoppard, Judy Hodgson, David Hodgson and vice chairman Maurice Wright and chairman Ronald Whitehead.
The trophies were handed out to the winners and attendees then enjoyed a buffet and live folk music on behalf of Maurice Wright, his wife and his friend.
You can find out more about the club and their previous work by visiting their Facebook page.
If you want to get involved with the camera club, the new season will begin in September.
You can contact Ronald Whitehead at 01945 482093 or alternatively you can contact him via email at ronald.whitehead@blueyonder.co.uk | https://www.cambstimes.co.uk/news/wisbech-camera-club-hand-trophies-to-season-winners-8922250 | 2022-04-26T13:22:53Z | https://www.cambstimes.co.uk/news/wisbech-camera-club-hand-trophies-to-season-winners-8922250 | false |
BROWNSVILLE, Wis. (AP) — Republican Tim Michels, a multimillionaire construction company co-owner who last ran for office nearly two decades ago, cast himself as an outsider candidate in launching his campaign for Wisconsin governor Monday to take out Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
Michels, 59, joins a crowded field of GOP candidates, including former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, business owner Kevin Nicholson and state Rep. Timothy Ramthun.
Michels, who along with his brothers runs his family business Michels Corp., could inject millions of his own wealth and shake up the primary race, which early polls have shown Kleefisch leading. Michels launched a statewide ad campaign Monday.
The winner of the Aug. 9 primary will take on Evers in what is expected to be one of the most hotly contested governor’s racesin the country. Evers won in 2018 by a little more than 1 percentage point, in the second-tightest governor’s race that cycle behind Florida.
Michels focused on Evers, not any of his Republican challengers, in his first statement as a candidate.
“Wisconsin is on the wrong track. From COVID to Kenosha, Tony Evers has been a terrible governor,” Michels said, referring to sometimes violent protests that occurred after a white police officer shot Jacob Blake, a Black man, in August 2020. “His instincts are awful and his policies are even worse.”
Evers’ campaign spokesman Sam Roecker said Michels would be “in lockstep with the divisive agenda Republicans are pushing.” The Wisconsin Democratic Party branded Michels a “two-time failed candidate,” referring to his losses in a 1998 run for state Senate and a 2004 U.S. Senate bid where he was defeated by Democrat Russ Feingold.
Michels planned his first campaign event for Monday afternoon at Michels Corp.’s maintenance facility in Brownsville, just down the road from where he grew up.
Kleefisch has been racking up endorsements from many Republican power brokers, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who had sought a clear field for Kleefisch to win the nomination.
But Nicholson and Ramthun have tried to run as outsiders, tapping into distrust of party leaders among some Republicans. Michels, despite his ties with Kleefisch and other politicians, his former runs for office and his company’s history of being awarded state contracts, also tried to cast himself as an outsider.
“I’m a business owner and a veteran — not a politician.” Michels said, promising to focus his campaign on the economy, education, public safety and election integrity.
Democrats noted that Michels previously served on the board of a conservative group Kleefisch ran before she got into the governor’s race. He also served on the board of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state’s largest business lobbying organization, which is running ads in support of her.
Michels’ company has won more than $1 billion in state contracts since 2013. Democrats were quick to point out that Michels Corp. was one of three contractors that double-billed the state, and was paid twice, for work done on Milwaukee’s Zoo Interchange in 2015.
Michels Corp. was also part of a coalition of business groups that joined with unions in fighting a “right-to-work” proposal in Wisconsin that was championed by then-Gov. Scott Walker and other Republicans in 2015. The business coalition also opposed ending the prevailing wage, which sets minimum salaries on state-funded construction projects.
Walker signed laws eliminating the prevailing wage and effectively banning mandatory union membership and the collection of dues. Kleefisch, who was Walker’s lieutenant governor, joined him for the right-to-work bill signing.
Democrats on Monday branded Michels as an extremist, noting his past opposition to any exceptions for abortions and his stand against same-sex marriage. Because he has been away from politics for so long, however, Michels has not spoken on many of the current issues that the other candidates have, including Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential election loss.
Ramthun is one of the loudest advocatesfor decertifying President Joe Biden’s win in Wisconsin. Kleefisch and Nicholson have also danced around whether they believe Biden was fairly elected.
Michels told WISN-AM on Monday that he’s met with Trump — as have Kleefisch and Ramthun. Michels also said he had questions about the 2020 election, but didn’t elaborate.
Michels, a U.S. Army veteran, vowed to run an “aggressive” campaign and indicated he would largely self-fund, saying he would not accept donations from political action committees, lobbyists or more than $500 from any individual. | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/politics/republican-michels-launches-campaign-for-wisconsin-governor/ | 2022-04-26T13:24:23Z | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/politics/republican-michels-launches-campaign-for-wisconsin-governor/ | true |
Operation Mincemeat: Hero's family at plaque unveiling in Hackney
- Credit: Hackney Council
Hackney’s part in a unique Second World War operation has been marked on the big screen and now closer to home.
With the release of Operation Mincemeat in cinemas, a commemorative plaque has been installed at the churchyard of St John at Hackney.
On Sunday (April 24) the plaque was unveiled with a reception afterwards at the Town Hall.
The film charts the story of British intelligence in 1943 using the body of a homeless man to pose as a made-up officer whose body was concealed with false information in an attempt to fool enemy generals about the Allies’ plans.
Hackney Mortuary was used in the operation, which was headed by Ewen Montagu - played in the film by Colin Firth.
Last weekend’s event was attended by some of the Montagu family members, the plaque's sponsor from the US, local dignitaries and community leaders.
The film has so far taken £2.6million at the UK box office and opened to 90 per cent positive reviews from critics. | https://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/news/local-council/operation-mincemeat-gets-plaque-in-hackney-st-johns-8922450 | 2022-04-26T13:25:48Z | https://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/news/local-council/operation-mincemeat-gets-plaque-in-hackney-st-johns-8922450 | false |
NEW YORK (AP) — Jayson Tatum was stunned, yet certain. He disagreed with his sixth foul but had no doubt the Boston Celtics, with their rock-solid defense, would hold on without their scoring star.
“Couldn’t believe it at all, but I think that’s what we’re built for,” Tatum said.
They might be built for a championship.
Tatum scored 29 points, Jaylen Brown had 22 and the Celtics completed a four-game sweep of the Brooklyn Nets, becoming the first team to reach the second round of the playoffs with a 116-112 victory Monday night.
Marcus Smart added 20 points and 11 assists for the No. 2-seeded Celtics, who made easy work of what was thought could be a tough series. Boston will wait for the winner of the series between Milwaukee and Chicago, where the defending champion Bucks hold a 3-1 lead.
The Celtics showed no fear of the Nets, who with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving didn’t have the profile of the typical low seed. Boston won on the final day of the regular season instead of losing to fall down the standings and avoid the matchup.
Turns out, there was no reason to worry.
“It’s funny to us, because we don’t duck and dodge anybody,” Smart said. “We knew what we were going to come in here and do.”
Durant had 39 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, breaking free after the Celtics had defended him well in the first three games. But he couldn’t get the Nets the win they needed to extend what instead goes down as a massive failure of a season.
Expected to be an NBA Finals contender, the Nets needed a strong finish just to grab the No. 7 seed.
Seth Curry scored 23 points for the Nets. Irving, whose unavailability for home games much of the season because he isn’t vaccinated against the coronavirus contributed to the Nets performing so far below expectations, had 20 points.
“A lot of stuff that may factor into why we lose, but they were just a better team,” Durant said.
The Celtics were under .500 at the midpoint of their season but went 31-10 from there, with Tatum emerging as the potent scorer on one of the NBA’s best defensive teams.
That defense limited Durant to just 19-for-52 shooting with 17 turnovers through the first three games and made it tough for him, even as he finally got more shots to drop Monday. He was only 13 of 31 from the field, 3 for 11 behind the arc.
He lost in the first round for the first time since 2010 with Oklahoma City, the first playoff series of his career. He had won nine straight first-round series.
Tatum had 12 points in the third quarter and the Celtics opened a 90-75 lead in the closing seconds of the period. But he went to the bench with a fifth foul with 8:17 remaining and the Nets made a push that got them within three points about three minutes later.
Tatum fouled out with the Celtics leading by six with 2:48 to play. Irving made a 3-pointer and Durant scored to cut it to 109-108 with 1:28 remaining. But after a basket by Brown, Durant could only make one free throw and the Celtics rushed down the floor, with Al Horford putting back Smart’s miss to make it 113-109 with 13 seconds left.
With Durant, Irving and James Harden, the Nets began the season as a team that looked potent enough to win their first NBA title. But Irving didn’t play at all to begin the season, and not long after he came back playing road games only, Harden became unhappy and the Nets dealt him to Philadelphia in a trade for Ben Simmons.
The Nets hoped they could have Simmons make his debut for them in Game 4, but he was ruled out Sunday with more pain in his back that has troubled him since not long after arriving in a midseason trade with Philadelphia.
Irving said his emotions were “disappointment, a little sadness, because we didn’t play as well as a team as we wanted to.”
The Nets were down only 45-44 with 3:29 to play in the second quarter. But Grant Williams made three 3-pointers from then until the end of the half, with the final one giving Boston a 58-50 lead.
TIP-INS
Celtics: Boston swept its first-round series for the third time in four years. The Celtics beat Indiana in four games in 2019 and Philadelphia in 2020 at Walt Disney World. They lost 4-1 in the first round to the Nets last season. … Williams scored 14 points and Horford had 13.
Nets: Bruce Brown scored just two points after having 26 and 23 in the previous two games, the first time he had consecutive 20-point games in his career. … Nic Claxton scored 13 points. He was 6 for 6 from the field but 1 for 11 at the free throw line, missing his first 10 before making the last one when the Celtics fouled him intentionally.
SIMMONS SITUATION
Coach Steve Nash said he didn’t want to speak for Simmons, but acknowledged there was a mental side beyond the physical problems he is facing. Simmons cited mental health concerns as a reason he sought to leave Philadelphia and didn’t suit up for the 76ers this season.
“I think Ben has addressed that there is a mental component with what he’s going through, but how much and where he’s at with that is not for me to speak about,” Nash said. “But as far as an organization, we’re really pushing to support Ben in any way we can to help him improve physically and get back on the court, and then the mental side of that is part and parcel. They’re not separate, they’re not something that we don’t want to deal with. We want to help if he needs help in any aspect of his life and his game.”
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/sports/celtics-complete-4-game-sweep-of-nets-with-116-112-victory/ | 2022-04-26T13:29:31Z | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/sports/celtics-complete-4-game-sweep-of-nets-with-116-112-victory/ | true |
MasterChef is moving to the semi-final stage tonight (Tuesday, April 24), but viewers already have a clear favourite. Thomas, 60, from Windsor, has won hearts with his 'adorable' character and superb dishes.
Thomas was born and raised in Singapore but when he was 23 years old he set off to a new life overseas. His cooking is the amalgamation of his diverse experiences in seven countries: Singapore, UK, USA, Holland, Germany, Hong Kong and China.
The interior designer, who now lives in Windsor with his long-term partner, joined MasterChef because it was "top" of his bucket list. "I’ve cooked all my life but now want to take it to that next level," he said.
READ MORE: Jeremy Kyle returns to TV three years after ITV show axed
During the previous rounds, he managed to impress judges with his inspired dishes. In one episode (April 14), he broke down in tears as he cooked a childhood favourite dish inspired by his dad's cooking. The plate consisted of jasmine rice cooked in chicken stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce and spices as well as pork belly, fried yam, lotus root crisps, spring onion oil and a pork sauce.
On the next day's episode, Thomas showed off his skill once more with cayenne pepper king prawns and tofu skin-wrapped prawn rolls as his main dish, as well as sesame and walnut brownies. He deservingly made it to this week's semi-finals, which will see the last ten hopefuls standing tasked with creating a three-course menu in a restaurant setting. Eight of them will continue to the next round, while for two contestants their MasterChef journey will come to an end.
But viewers are calling for "lovely" Thomas to be handed the MasterChef trophy already. @Veronicam1967 posted on Twitter: "Thomas on #masterchef is possibly the most adorable contestant ever. Lovely man and obviously a super cook."
@HollyDogsPlace said: "Thomas is such a lovely, humble, gentle soul and obviously a great, great cook. I do hope he wins". @justein1985 agreed: "Thomas is so cute".
Ollie @olster81 said: "Thomas is a legend", and @Bandit72 declared: "Just give Thomas the trophy."
*The next episode of MasterChef airs on BBC One at 8pm on April 26.
Find out how you can get more What's On news from BerkshireLive straight to your inbox for free HERE . | https://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/bbc-masterchefs-adorable-semi-finalist-23786780 | 2022-04-26T13:30:58Z | https://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/bbc-masterchefs-adorable-semi-finalist-23786780 | false |
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Viral video of police officers using force, sometimes leaving people injured or dead, is putting police departments across the U.S. under intense scrutiny.
"We saw a need in a lot of the media coverage around America about the way they were describing and commenting on police use of force events, and we wanted to help educate that and clarify that," said James Balthazar, ATF senior special agent.
ATF, also known as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, thinks the media is sometimes covering police confrontations wrong.
They say the public doesn't always understand the tense and complex situations and split-second decisions when an officers pulls the trigger.
Balthazar says after public outrage over George Floyd's death, ATF developed a training session for reporters. Their goal is to hold training sessions in 50 major cities.
In a simulator scenario, Newsy's Adi Guajardo had to decide if she should shoot someone who she was told had a gun, though she never saw one.
ATF says the suspect does not have to be armed to justify deadly force. The officer does not have to be afraid they will be killed, they do not have to retreat and the officer does not need to select a less intrusive force — just a reasonable one.
"The single most important question that you can ask when looking at a police use of force incident is based on the totality of the facts and circumstances known to the officer at the time they use force," Balthazar said. "Was the force reasonable?"
Balthazar said Guajardo was too far to use a taser and adds that she was justified to shoot, as there was an "imminent danger of death or serious physical injury." But, some critics say the ATF guidance is out of step with the times.
Josh Parker is a senior staff attorney with The Policing Project – a nonprofit that says policing has to change to prevent tragedies.
"ATF training is, is a little bit behind and is worthy of criticism," Parker said. "In the past couple of years, we have seen a number of states pass comprehensive reform on issues, like use of force, on issues like officer discipline and decertification or data collection and transparency."
Since Floyd’s death, more than 30 states have passed police reform laws like banning neck restraints, no-knock warrants and even stripping away protections from civil lawsuits.'
"People realize that we can't tolerate tragedies like this repeatedly anymore," Parker said.
As more videos like these go public, a push for understanding and reform moves ahead, as passion and policy collide over milliseconds that could end a life.
Newsy is the nation’s only free 24/7 national news network. You can find Newsy using your TV’s digital antenna or stream for free. See all the ways you can watch Newsy here. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/understanding-how-and-when-police-use-deadly-force | 2022-04-26T13:36:35Z | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/understanding-how-and-when-police-use-deadly-force | true |
NEW YORK (AP) — Sonia Sanchez has received the Jackson Poetry Prize, an $80,000 award that continues a recent wave of lifetime achievement honors for the 87-year-old poet, educator and activist.
Her award was announced Tuesday by Poets & Writers ( https://www.pw.org ), the publisher of Poets & Writers magazine.
“Over her 7-decade career, Sonia Sanchez has distinguished herself as a major figure in American letters," the judges' citation reads in part. “Her vast and commanding oeuvre of published poetry invokes the power and revolutionary properties of language itself — intoning the struggles and joys of entire communities while reinvigorating traditional forms.”
Since 2018, Sanchez has also received the Wallace Stevens Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Lifetime Achievement Award, the Dorothy & Lillian Gish Prize and the Edward MacDowell Medal.
Sanchez was a founding member of the Black Arts Movement in the late 1960s and is widely regarded as a pioneering teacher of Black studies. Her poetry collections include “Homecoming,” “Love Poems” and “Shake Loose My Skin.” | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Sonia-Sanchez-wins-80-000-Jackson-Poetry-Prize-17127053.php | 2022-04-26T13:37:16Z | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Sonia-Sanchez-wins-80-000-Jackson-Poetry-Prize-17127053.php | false |
Hassle-free cellular IoT solution opens door to cost-effective water monitoring
BERLIN, April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In-Situ, a Colorado-based provider of powerful remote water monitoring tools and data collection solutions, today announced that it has partnered with EMnify, the leading cloud building block for cellular communications in the IoT stack, to make its products smarter, longer-lasting, and easier to deploy.
EMnify's cellular IoT technologies are at the core of In-Situ's game-changing VuLink solution — a custom-made, robust cellular telemetry device that works out-of-the-box at virtually any customer site. That's an enormous step forward for the environmental monitoring industry: at present, at least 90% of data collection devices lack any kind of Internet connectivity, requiring laborious in-person site visits so that data can be collected manually.
Using EMnify's LTE-M and NB-IoT cellular connectivity and global IoT SIM, In-Situ has been able to rapidly roll out VuLink in 50 countries across 5 continents, combining robust cellular connectivity with hassle-free deployment to dramatically reduce the cost of data collection, and enable real-time data monitoring across far greater distances. EMnify's LTE-M capabilities also deliver up to a sixfold increase in battery life relative to legacy 2G technologies, with devices able to operate for years on a single compact D-cell battery, dramatically reducing the need for costly maintenance.
"As we moved to support LTE-M and NB-IoT with VuLink, EMnify was very committed and had clear plans that aligned with our launch timeline. Frankly, other providers we had talked to did not," said Matt Trumbo, Director of Product Development at In-Situ. "Thanks to EMnify's robust LTE-M service, our product rollout has been wildly successful."
With EMnify's API-enabled onboarding, In-Situ's customers can deploy remote water monitoring by simply scanning a QR code and powering up their device — a breakthrough innovation in a sector that has historically been held back by the complexity of SIM and connectivity setup procedures. "Our customers don't want to deal with SIM or connectivity setup of any sort. And our partnership with EMnify made this experience possible," Trumbo explained.
In-Situ also saved hundreds of employee hours by using EMnify's API and Data Streamer technologies to pull usage information from devices and integrate data into its billing partner's system. "Frankly, we never would have scaled our business as we are without these automations," Trumbo said.
"At EMnify, we're committed to enabling the next generation of IoT devices by creating cellular connectivity technologies that just work, with frictionless deployment, low energy usage, and low per-device connectivity costs," said Christian Rodatus, EMnify COO. "We're thrilled to be enabling In-Situ as they bring industry-leading IoT monitoring solutions into some of the world's most challenging and remote environments."
About EMnify
EMnify is the leading cloud building block for cellular communications in the IoT stack, connecting millions of IoT devices globally – from electric vehicles to energy meters, alarm systems to GPS trackers, thermometers to health wearables. The EMnify API and SIM technology connect and secure any kind of IoT deployment to its application back-end. EMnify's cloud-native integrations and no-code workflows ensure seamless lifecycle scalability for deployments of all sizes – from local start-up to global enterprise. The EMnify IoT Supernetwork is the largest globally distributed mobile cloud core network of its kind, supporting local network access (2G – 5G, LTE-M, NB-IoT) in over 195 countries from more than 25 cloud regions – and counting. EMnify's solution is built on partnerships with the leading hyperscale cloud service providers, system integrators and hundreds of radio network operators worldwide. Founded in 2014, EMnify was the first to transform cellular IoT connectivity into an easy-to-consume cloud resource – trusted today by thousands of the world's most innovative companies. To learn more about EMnify, please visit www.emnify.com
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NEW YORK, April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Marchon Eyewear, Inc., one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of quality eyewear and sunglasses, announced a new collaboration with Eastman, a global specialty materials company. Marchon will be the first global eyewear company to use Eastman's Tritan Renew for both frames and tinted lenses in the same eyewear in their sunwear collections across their broad portfolio of prestigious fashion, lifestyle, and sport brands.
Tritan Renew is a sustainable copolyester material powered by Eastman polyester renewal technology, a molecular recycling technology that transforms hard-to-recycle single-use waste into its basic building blocks so that they can be used to recreate pristine, durable, and high-performance materials, offsetting the use of fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
By adopting Tritan Renew for frames and tinted lenses applications, Marchon will be maintaining their commitment to sustainability bringing key benefits to consumers.
- Creating new life for old waste- By using as much as 50% certified recycled content*, Tritan Renew reduces landfill scrap, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel usage compared to traditional materials, creating a circular production process
- Sustainability without compromise- Tritan Renew is indistinguishable from virgin, fossil-based materials, assuring wearers of the same durable, high-quality, superior frames and lenses they expect from Marchon Eyewear. In addition, lenses made with Tritan Renew are compatible with a wide variety of frames including those made from acetate.
"We are very proud to build on our partnership and continued collaboration with Eastman," said Nicola Zotta, President and CEO of Marchon Eyewear, Inc. "With Tritan Renew, we are able to offer customers more sustainable options in eyewear, without compromising the quality of our frames and lenses."
In the Fall of 2020, Marchon and Eastman announced their partnership using Eastman's Acetate Renew, a fully sustainable material produced via carbon renewal technology, another of Eastman's innovative molecular recycling technologies. Acetate Renew is made from 60% bio-based content and 40% certified recycled content* and is currently available in Marchon's Salvatore Ferragamo Responsible Eyewear Collection.
"We are delighted to see our partnership with Marchon growing with the introduction of Tritan Renew, including its use for frames and lenses in the same eyewear." Said Glenn Goldman, Commercial Director, Eastman Specialty Plastics. "By adopting Tritan Renew for frames and lenses after having successfully launched collections in Acetate Renew, Marchon is scaling up their impact and showing real leadership in sustainability for the eyewear industry."
Beginning in 2023, Marchon will produce sunglasses and ophthalmic frames and tinted lenses with Eastman's Tritan Renew, further asserting Marchon's commitment to social responsibility and bringing more sustainable practices to the eyewear industry.
*Certified recycled content allocated using ISCC mass balance method
About Marchon Eyewear, Inc.
Marchon Eyewear, Inc. is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of quality eyewear and sunglasses. The company markets its products under prestigious brand names including: Calvin Klein, Columbia, Converse, DKNY, Donna Karan, Dragon, Flexon, Karl Lagerfeld, Lacoste, Lanvin, Liu Jo, Longchamp, Marchon NYC, MCM, Nautica, Nike, Nine West, Pilgrim, Pure, Salvatore Ferragamo, Shinola, Skaga, Victoria Beckham and ZEISS. Marchon Eyewear distributes its products through a global network of subsidiaries and distributors, serving over 80,000 accounts in more than 100 countries. Marchon Eyewear is a VSP Vision™ company, which is focused on its purpose of empowering human potential through sight and connecting its more than 85 million members to affordable, accessible, high quality eye care and eyewear. Marchon Eyewear has a proud history of commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives – EYES ON TOMORROW™ For more information, visit www.marchon.com and follow @marchoneyewear.
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2021 revenues of approximately $10.5 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information about Eastman's sustainability journey, visit eastman.eco
LINK TO DOWNLOAD TRANSLATIONS: https://marchon.box.com/s/0jtcufatw3cm4mwmcqjdb4nxlbatbazp
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SOURCE Marchon Eyewear, Inc. | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/marchon-eyewear-inc-eastman-collaborate-again-by-introducing-eastmans-tritan-renew-frames-tinted-lenses/ | 2022-04-26T13:38:41Z | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/marchon-eyewear-inc-eastman-collaborate-again-by-introducing-eastmans-tritan-renew-frames-tinted-lenses/ | true |
Katie Kenyon: Forest searched in hunt for missing woman
- Published
Searches are continuing in rural woodland for a missing woman believed to have been kidnapped.
Katie Kenyon, 33, was last seen getting into a van in Burnley, Lancashire, on Friday morning.
Police, mountain rescue teams and fire crews have combined efforts to comb parts of Gisburn Forest in the Ribble Valley.
Ms Kenyon's family said they were "very worried" while officers said they were "extremely concerned" for her safety.
Detectives have been granted further time to question a 50-year-old Burnley man on suspicion of kidnap.
The say a woman matching Ms Kenyon's description left Burnley with a man in a silver Ford Transit registered MT57 FLC to the Bolton-by-Bowland area of north Lancashire.
Gisburn Forest, near Clitheroe, is said to be the largest wooded area in the county and is popular with walkers and cyclists.
On Monday, police issued a photograph of the van they are trying to trace as they continued with an appeal for information.
Ms Kenyon is described as 5ft 9in with shoulder length strawberry blonde or ginger highlighted hair.
She was last seen wearing a blue shirt and white vest top, black leggings and flip flops.
Det Ch Insp Al Davies said: "We continue to be extremely concerned about Katie and we have a large team who are working hard to try and find out what has happened to her.
"I am keeping an open mind about what has happened to her but my concern obviously grows as time goes by.
"I would appeal again to anyone who was in the Bolton by Bowland area on Friday and saw anything suspicious to get in touch, especially if they saw the silver van or Katie alone or in company." | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-61232573?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA | 2022-04-26T13:40:35Z | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-61232573?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA | true |
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CA Eureka CA Zone Forecast for Monday, April 25, 2022
_____
280 FPUS56 KEKA 261236
ZFPEKA
Zone Forecast Product for California
National Weather Service Eureka CA
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
This is an average forecast over a large and geographically diverse
area. For a specific forecast for your location...please refer to
the point and click forecast on our webpage at:
Spot temperatures and probabilities of measurable precipitation
are for today, tonight, and Wednesday.
CAZ101-270345-
Coastal Del Norte-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Morning low clouds and patchy drizzle...then mostly
sunny. Highs 52 to 62. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 35 to 45. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 53 to 63. Northwest wind 5 to
15 mph.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 36 to 46. Northwest wind
around 15 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs 51 to
61. West wind around 5 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows
36 to 46.
.FRIDAY...Partly cloudy. Highs 55 to 65.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly
cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Lows 39 to 49.
.SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain
showers. Highs 56 to 66. Lows 38 to 48.
.SUNDAY...Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs
57 to 67.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 39 to
49.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs 54 to 64.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Crescent City 54 42 54 / 0 0 0
Klamath 59 39 60 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ102-270345-
Del Norte Interior-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Morning low clouds and patchy drizzle...then mostly
sunny. Highs 46 to 61.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 30 to 40.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 48 to 63.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 32 to 42.
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers and snow
showers. Snow level 3000 to 3500 feet. Highs 43 to 58.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers and snow
showers. Lows 31 to 41.
.FRIDAY...Partly cloudy. Highs 50 to 65.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly
cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Lows 36 to 46.
.SATURDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs 50 to
65.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain
showers. Lows 35 to 45. Highs 53 to 68.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 37 to
47.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs 48 to 63.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Gasquet 61 37 63 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ103-270345-
Northern Humboldt Coast-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Morning low clouds and patchy drizzle...then mostly
sunny. Highs 52 to 62. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly
cloudy. Lows 36 to 46. North wind 5 to 15 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy in the morning then becoming partly
cloudy. Highs 52 to 62. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 37 to 47. North wind
around 15 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs
51 to 61. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows
35 to 45.
.FRIDAY...Mostly cloudy in the morning then becoming partly
cloudy. Highs 55 to 65.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly
cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Lows 38 to 48.
.SATURDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs 55 to
65.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers.
Lows 39 to 49.
.SUNDAY...Mostly cloudy in the morning then becoming partly
cloudy. Highs 57 to 67.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 39 to
49.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs 54 to 64.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
McKinleyville 55 41 55 / 0 0 0
Arcata 58 40 57 / 0 0 0
Eureka 56 42 56 / 0 0 0
Fortuna 57 42 56 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ104-270345-
Southwestern Humboldt-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Partly cloudy. Highs 48 to 63. North wind 10 to 20 mph.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly
cloudy. Lows 34 to 44. North wind 10 to 20 mph.
.WEDNESDAY...Partly cloudy. Highs 48 to 63. North wind 10 to
20 mph.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 36 to 46. North wind 5 to
15 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Snow
level 3000 to 3500 feet. Highs 47 to 60. Northwest wind around
10 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers.
Lows 35 to 45.
.FRIDAY...Partly cloudy. Highs 52 to 66.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers.
Lows 39 to 49.
.SATURDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs 52 to
67.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers.
Lows 38 to 48.
.SUNDAY...Partly cloudy. Highs 53 to 68.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 38 to
48.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs 49 to 64.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Honeydew 57 39 57 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ105-270345-
Northern Humboldt Interior-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Partly cloudy. Highs 51 to 66.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly
cloudy. Lows 31 to 41.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 53 to 68.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 33 to 43.
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers and snow
showers. Snow level 3000 to 3500 feet. Highs 47 to 62.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy in the evening then becoming
partly cloudy. Chance of rain showers and snow showers. Lows
31 to 41.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 56 to 71.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers.
Lows 37 to 47.
.SATURDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Highs 56 to
71.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers.
Lows 37 to 47.
.SUNDAY...Partly cloudy. Highs 59 to 74.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers. Lows 37 to
47.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs 53 to 68.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Orleans 66 39 68 / 0 0 0
Hoopa 64 38 63 / 0 0 0
Willow Creek 65 37 65 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ106-270345-
Southern Humboldt Interior-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Mostly sunny. Patchy drizzle in the morning. Highs 51 to
66. Northwest wind around 20 mph in the afternoon.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly
cloudy. Areas of frost overnight. Lows 30 to 40. Northwest wind
around 20 mph in the evening.
.WEDNESDAY...Partly cloudy. Areas of frost in the morning. Highs
50 to 65.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 32 to 42.
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers. Snow
level 3000 to 3500 feet. Highs 46 to 61.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers.
Lows 31 to 41.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 54 to 69.
.FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight
chance of rain showers. Lows 35 to 45. Highs 54 to 69.
.SUNDAY...Partly cloudy. Highs 56 to 71.
.SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Lows
37 to 47. Highs 56 to 71.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Garberville 63 36 63 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ107-270345-
Northern Trinity-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
...FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY
MORNING...
.TODAY...Sunny. Highs 59 to 74.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy. Areas of frost overnight. Lows 27 to
37.
.WEDNESDAY...Sunny. Areas of frost in the morning. Highs 60 to
75.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 30 to 40.
.THURSDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers and snow
showers. Snow level 3000 feet rising to 4000 feet in the
afternoon. Highs 51 to 66.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers
and snow showers. Lows 27 to 37.
.FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Highs 60 to 75. Lows
31 to 41.
.SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of
rain showers. Highs 63 to 78. Lows 34 to 44.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 66 to 81.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly
cloudy. Chance of rain. Lows 36 to 46.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain and snow. Highs 59 to 74.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Trinity Center 67 33 66 / 0 0 0
Weaverville 70 34 71 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ108-270345-
Southern Trinity-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
...FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY
MORNING...
.TODAY...Sunny. Highs 52 to 67.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy. Areas of frost overnight. Lows 28 to
38.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Areas of frost in the morning. Highs
53 to 68.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 29 to 39.
.THURSDAY...Partly cloudy. Highs 44 to 59.
.THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Lows 32 to
42. Highs 54 to 69.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs
57 to 72.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY...Partly cloudy. Lows 35 to 45. Highs
60 to 75.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers.
Lows 37 to 47.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs 52 to 67.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Hayfork 67 29 68 / 0 0 0
Ruth 62 29 63 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ109-270345-
Mendocino Coast-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Sunny, breezy. Highs 53 to 63. Northwest wind 15 to
25 mph.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Areas of frost overnight. Breezy. Lows
36 to 46. Northwest wind 15 to 25 mph becoming north 5 to 15 mph
overnight.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 52 to 62. Northwest wind 10 to
20 mph.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 36 to 46. Northwest wind
10 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 51 to 61. Northwest wind 5 to
15 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY...Partly cloudy. Lows 36 to 46. Highs
51 to 65.
.FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight
chance of rain showers. Lows 38 to 48. Highs 55 to 67.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 58 to 68.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly
cloudy. Chance of rain. Lows 40 to 50.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs 54 to 64.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Fort Bragg 57 43 56 / 0 0 0
Point Arena 53 46 53 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ110-270345-
Northwestern Mendocino Interior-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
...FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY
MORNING...
.TODAY...Sunny. Highs 57 to 72.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Areas of frost overnight. Lows 30 to 40.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Areas of frost in the morning. Highs
55 to 68.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Lows 31 to 41.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 50 to 63.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows 31 to 41.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 58 to 72.
.FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain
showers. Lows 37 to 47. Highs 60 to 75.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY...Partly cloudy. Lows 37 to 47. Highs
61 to 76.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers.
Lows 38 to 48.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs 56 to 71.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Leggett 63 36 61 / 0 0 0
Laytonville 62 34 61 / 0 0 0
Willits 62 35 60 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ111-270345-
Northeastern Mendocino Interior-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
...FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY
MORNING...
.TODAY...Sunny. Highs 61 to 76.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Areas of frost overnight. Lows 31 to 41.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Areas of frost in the morning. Highs
61 to 76.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 30 to 40.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 53 to 68.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows 30 to 40.
.FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Highs 63 to 78. Lows
34 to 44.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs
64 to 79.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY...Partly cloudy. Lows 38 to 48. Highs
67 to 82.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Lows 40 to
50.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Highs 61 to 76.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Covelo 67 32 66 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ112-270345-
Southwestern Mendocino Interior-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Partly cloudy early in the morning then clearing. Highs
57 to 67. Northwest wind around 20 mph in the afternoon.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows 34 to 44. Northwest wind around
20 mph in the evening.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 56 to 66.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 35 to 45.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 53 to 63.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows 35 to 45.
.FRIDAY...Partly cloudy in the morning then clearing. Highs 59 to
69.
.FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain
showers. Lows 39 to 49. Highs 59 to 72.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY...Partly cloudy. Lows 38 to 48. Highs
62 to 74.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers.
Lows 40 to 50.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs 58 to 68.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Boonville 62 39 60 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ113-270345-
Southeastern Mendocino Interior-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Partly cloudy early in the morning then clearing. Highs
56 to 71. Northwest wind around 20 mph in the afternoon.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Areas of frost overnight. Lows 33 to 43.
Northwest wind around 20 mph in the evening.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 55 to 68.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 35 to 45. Northwest wind
around 20 mph.
.THURSDAY...Sunny. Highs 52 to 64.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows 34 to 44.
.FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Highs 59 to 72. Lows
37 to 47.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs
62 to 75.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY...Partly cloudy. Lows 39 to 49. Highs
62 to 77.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Lows 41 to
51.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain. Highs 57 to 71.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Ukiah 69 38 66 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ114-270345-
Northern Lake-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Sunny. Highs 58 to 73.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Areas of frost overnight. Lows 32 to 42.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 55 to 70.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows 31 to 41.
.THURSDAY...Sunny. Highs 49 to 64.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows 31 to 41.
.FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY...Partly cloudy. Highs 63 to 78. Lows
35 to 45.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Lows 41 to
51.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Highs 57 to 72.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Lake Pillsbury 72 32 70 / 0 0 0
$$
CAZ115-270345-
Southern Lake-
536 AM PDT Tue Apr 26 2022
.TODAY...Mostly cloudy early in the morning then clearing. Highs
63 to 77.
.TONIGHT...Clear. Lows 36 to 46. Northwest wind around 20 mph in
the evening.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs 61 to 74.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Lows 35 to 45.
.THURSDAY...Sunny. Highs 55 to 68.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows 36 to 46.
.FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Highs 64 to 77. Lows
39 to 49.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Slight chance of rain showers. Highs 67 to 81.
.SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY...Mostly clear. Lows 42 to 52. Highs
67 to 82.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Lows 43 to
53.
.MONDAY...Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain. Highs 62 to 75.
TEMPERATURE / PRECIPITATION
Lakeport 67 36 65 / 0 0 0
Middletown 74 39 71 / 0 0 0
Clearlake 72 40 69 / 0 0 0
$$
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/CA-Eureka-CA-Zone-Forecast-17127047.php | 2022-04-26T13:50:55Z | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/CA-Eureka-CA-Zone-Forecast-17127047.php | true |
WFO AMARILLO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Tuesday, April 26, 2022
_____
FROST ADVISORY
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
818 AM CDT Tue Apr 26 2022
...FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CDT THIS MORNING...
* WHAT...Temperatures as low as 38 will result in frost formation.
* WHERE...The Oklahoma Panhandle and western Texas Panhandle.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM CDT this morning.
* IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive
outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AMARILLO-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17127114.php | 2022-04-26T13:51:07Z | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AMARILLO-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17127114.php | false |
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Democrats selecting their nominee for governor in Ohio have a choice between a two-woman ticket and a man-led ticket endorsed by feminist icon Gloria Steinem.
Nan Whaley, a former Dayton mayor, is seeking to be the state’s first elected female governor. She’s up against ex-Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, whose running mate won Steinem’s respect when talking publicly about having an abortion after she was raped in the military.
Whaley and Cranley are pushing to shore up support among female voters not only for their May 3 primary but also for the November general election, which promises to be a struggle for either Democrat. Ohio, which has swung further to the right under former President Donald Trump’s influence, last elected a Democrat to be governor 15 years ago.
For Democrats, winning the female vote by a wide margin has become imperative to offset their losses with male voters. In recent elections, Republican candidates — whether it be Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine or Trump — have performed well with female voters, allowing them to win the state.
Whaley thinks the party’s choice of candidates is a big reason why Democrats have struggled, even though Ohio has long been close to evenly divided politically. Until 2020, it had served as a presidential bellwether state for more than half a century.
“For the past three decades, we’ve run a moderate, white man for governor of Ohio,” Whaley said at a debate last week. “We have never tried something different.”
The party, she said, has fared better with female voters in states that have nominated women for leadership roles. Three of the top four elected officials in neighboring Michigan are Democratic women, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — one of a record-high nine female governors.
“We can try to do the same thing over and over again and expect different results as Democrats … or we can try something new and run a woman for governor,” Whaley said.
Cranley has described Ohio as “backsliding” on women’s issues. He wants to create a permanent commission focused on promoting gender equity and thinks it’s time to formally recognize the Equal Rights Amendment.
“Even common-sense Ohio bills that would help women and girls are stuck in the state Legislature,” he said.
The Ohio Democratic Party has realigned its leadership ahead of this year’s elections with the intention of being more gender and race inclusive, as it looks to pick up votes among college-educated women who are driving Democratic gains in the suburbs.
The party had been expected to endorse Whaley, the choice of Ohio’s highest-ranking Democrat, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, until a group of Cranley supporters objected.
Democrats in the end decided to stay neutral as Cranley’s backers grumbled that he would make a stronger candidate against DeWine, who is in a strong position to win a four-way GOP primary.
For many women in the party, the decision stung. Whaley and two other female candidates dropped their bids for governor four years ago to clear the way for Democrat Richard Cordray, who served as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in the Obama administration. Cordray lost the general election to DeWine.
Whaley and Cranley, who developed a friendship while leading their cities, have remained mostly cordial, focusing their attention on DeWine and the Republicans who have controlled the state for more than a decade.
As the contest has intensified, Whaley has sought to draw a distinction between the two on abortion rights. She often points out that she has been pro-abortion rights her entire career, while Cranley only announced he supported abortion rights before he entered the race.
Cranley, a Roman Catholic, said he was against abortion until he and his wife had to make their own fertility decisions when they were starting a family. “It became obvious to me what my wife already was telling me, that government had no role in reproductive decisions,” he said.
Cranley plans a forum later this week hosted by the state’s top abortion rights attorney, Jessie Hill.
In his first term, DeWine has signed several measures limiting abortions, including one banning abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected — at the time one of the most stringent restrictions in the nation. In campaign ads, DeWine has described himself as “the most pro-life governor in Ohio history.”
Whaley and Cranley have both said they would veto any new abortion restrictions that come their way.
Among Ohio voters in the 2020 presidential election, a small majority, 54%, said abortion should be legal in most or all cases, according to AP Votecast, a survey of the electorate. About 8 in 10 Democratic voters said so.
Steinem, a Toledo native, announced her backing the day Cranley selected state Sen. Teresa Fedor as his running mate. Steinem and Fedor, also of Toledo, formed a bond after Fedor spoke in 2015 on the Ohio House floor about having an abortion.
In her endorsement, Steinem said Fedor has work to do “to help Ohioans who are trafficked, who deserve adequately funded public schools and who are denied the democracy that begins with the right to make decisions about our own bodies.”
Whaley’s running mate, Cuyahoga County Councilmember Cheryl Stephens, is relatively unknown in statewide politics. As a Black woman, Stephens adds racial diversity to the ticket, which could be important to the Democratic base.
Whaley also has the backing of some powerful women’s groups, including EMILY’s List, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, Matriots PAC and Pro-Choice Ohio. The executive director of Pro-Choice Ohio pointed to Whaley’s unwavering support as mayor for Dayton’s continually imperiled abortion clinic.
Ohio has proved to be an especially tough place for female candidates, though. Only four from either party have won statewide nonjudicial races in the past 40 years.
No woman has ever been elected governor of Ohio or gotten a major party’s nomination for the office. The state did, however, have a female governor once, albeit for 11 days. Republican Nancy Hollister stepped into the office in 1998 after then-Gov. George Voinovich was elected to the Senate.
Overall, Ohio lags behind most states when it comes to electing women to the state legislature and local offices, said Barbara Palmer, executive director of the Center for Women and Politics of Ohio at Baldwin Wallace University.
That means neither party has many women to choose from when it comes to lining up candidates for the state’s top offices, she said.
“What it kind of comes down to is we don’t really recruit a good farm team,” Palmer said. “When you look all the way up the ladder, there just aren’t that many women.”
___
Smyth reported from Columbus. | https://phl17.com/national-news/ohio-democrats-make-play-for-womens-vote-in-governors-race/ | 2022-04-26T13:52:01Z | https://phl17.com/national-news/ohio-democrats-make-play-for-womens-vote-in-governors-race/ | false |
1h ago
Biden Pardons Ex-Secret Service Agent, 2 Convicted in Drug Cases
Bloomberg News
,(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden will issue his first round of presidential pardons and commutations on Tuesday, offering clemency to 77 nonviolent drug offenders and a former Secret Service agent who said he was singled out for prosecution after exposing racism in the agency.
The president will also announce a new program designed to give training to inmates to get and keep jobs after they leave federal custody.
Biden’s clemency offers come after the president did not pardon any Americans during his first year in office, despite promising during the 2020 campaign that he would release everyone in federal prison convicted of nonviolent marijuana offenses.
Biden has faced particular pressure from criminal justice and civil rights activists to aggressively use his pardon power because of his role as a senator in drafting a series of crime bills, which he subsequently acknowledged as a “mistake” because they helped facilitate mass incarceration.
Biden said the individuals granted commutations and pardons on Tuesday “demonstrated their commitment to rehabilitation and are striving every day to give back and contribute to their communities” and would likely have received reduced sentences if convicted today.
“While today’s announcement marks important progress, my administration will continue to review clemency petitions and deliver reforms that advance equity and justice, provide second chances, and enhance the wellbeing and safety of all Americans,” Biden said in a statement.
75 Sentences Commuted
Biden will commute the sentences of 75 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses, many of whom were already serving home confinement.
The president will fully expunge the record of Abraham Bolden, an 86-year-old former Secret Service agent who was convicted of attempting to sell a copy of an internal document. Bolden, the first African American to serve on a presidential detail, maintained his innocence and has argued his prosecution was racially-motivated retaliation.
The president is also pardoning a Betty Jo Bogans, a 51-year-old Texas woman who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Legislation authored by Biden in 1986 called for more stringent penalties for crack cocaine compared to powder cocaine, which disproportionately punished Black Americans.
Biden pardoned Dexter Eugene Jackson, a 52-year-old Georgia man who was convicted of using his business to facilitate marijuana trafficking. All three pardon recipients have already been released.
In addition to the pardons, Biden is announcing a new partnership between the Justice Department and Department of Labor to provide additional funding to provide prisoners nearing release with both job training and individual employment and reentry plans.
The administration is also removing eligibility barriers for convicts seeking to access certain loan programs, and the Department of Transportation is expanding access to jobs.
“Helping those who served their time return to their families and become contributing members of their communities is one of the most effective ways to reduce recidivism and decrease crime,” Biden said.
The White House says that unemployment for those released from incarceration far outpaces the national average, and that the exclusion of people with felony convictions from the workforce shaves more than $78 billion from the nation’s gross domestic product every year.
©2022 Bloomberg L.P. | https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/biden-pardons-ex-secret-service-agent-2-convicted-in-drug-cases-1.1757050 | 2022-04-26T13:53:53Z | https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/biden-pardons-ex-secret-service-agent-2-convicted-in-drug-cases-1.1757050 | false |
Tesla CEO Elon Musk stands to be the next owner of Twitter, having pledged roughly $44 billion to buy the social platform and take it private. Assuming that happens, next up on his agenda will be planning how to fulfill his promises to develop new Twitter features, open its algorithm to public inspection and defeat “spambots” on the service that mimic real users.
He'll also need to have the company start “authenticating all humans,” as he described it in a statement quoted in the Monday press release announcing the acquisition. What exactly Musk meant by the phrase remains unclear.
So does the question of whether his ideas are technologically possible and how we'll know if these changes would benefit users or serve some other purpose.
Experts who have studied content moderation and researched Twitter for years have expressed doubt that Musk knows exactly what he is getting into. After all, there are plenty of fledgling examples of “free speech” focused platforms launched in the past few years as Twitter antidotes, largely by conservatives unhappy with the company’s crackdowns on hate, harassment and misinformation. Many have struggled to deal with toxic content, and at least one has been cut off by its own technology providers in protest.
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“This move just shows how effective (moderation features) have been to annoy those in power,” said Kirsten Martin, a professor of technology ethics at the University of Notre Dame. “I would be worried as to how this would change Twitter’s values.”
The fact that no other bidders emerged in public before Musk’s deal was a sign that other would-be acquirers might find Twitter too difficult to improve, said Third Bridge analyst Scott Kessler.
“This platform is pretty much the same one we’ve had over the last decade or so," Kessler said. "You’ve had a lot of smart people trying to figure out what they should do, and they’ve had trouble. It’s probably going to be tough to make a lot of headway.”
Musk received some effusive, if highly abstract, praise from an unexpected quarter — Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey, who praised Musk's decision to take Twitter “ back from Wall Street ” and tweeted that he trusts Musk's mission to “ extend the light of consciousness ” — a reference to Dorsey's notion that “Twitter is the closest thing we have to a global consciousness.”
But others familiar with Twitter say they're still dismayed at Musk's successful bid for the company.
“Twitter is going to let a man-child essentially take over their platform,” said Leslie Miley, a former Twitter employee who has also worked for Google and Apple. Miley, who was the only Black engineer at Twitter in a leadership position when he left the company in 2015, echoed doubts about Musk's grasp of the platform's complexities.
“I am not sure if Elon knows what he is getting,” Miley said. “He may just find that having Twitter is a lot different than wanting Twitter.”
The more hands-off approach to content moderation that Musk envisions has many users concerned that the platform will become more of a haven for disinformation, hate speech and bullying, something it has worked hard in recent years to mitigate. Wall Street analysts said if he goes too far, it could also alienate advertisers.
Shares of Twitter Inc. rose more than 5% Monday to $51.70 per share. On April 14, Musk announced an offer to buy Twitter for $54.20 per share. While the stock is up sharply since Musk made his offer, it is well below the high of $77 per share it reached in February 2021.
Musk has described himself as a “free-speech absolutist” but is also known for blocking or disparaging other Twitter users who question or disagree with him.
In recent weeks, he has proposed relaxing Twitter content restrictions — such as the rules that suspended former President Donald Trump’s account — while ridding the platform of fake “spambot” accounts and shifting away from advertising as its primary revenue model. Musk believes he can increase revenue through subscriptions that give paying customers a better experience — possibly even an ad-free version of Twitter.
Asked during a recent TED interview if there are any limits to his notion of “free speech,” Musk said Twitter would abide by national laws that restrict speech around the world. Beyond that, he said, he’d be “very reluctant” to delete posts or permanently banning users who violate the company's rules.
It won’t be perfect, Musk added, “but I think we want it to really have the perception and reality that speech is as free as reasonably possible."
After the deal was announced, the NAACP released a statement urging Musk not to allow Trump, the 45th president, back onto the platform.
“Do not allow 45 to return to the platform," the civil rights organization said in a statement. "Do not allow Twitter to become a petri dish for hate speech or falsehoods that subvert our democracy."
As both candidate and president, Trump made Twitter a powerful megaphone for speaking directly to the public, often using incendiary and divisive language on hot-button issues. He was permanently banned from the service in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol.
“If Musk either fires or drives away the team at Twitter that’s committed to keeping it clean and making it less hate-filled, he’ll see an immediate drop in user activity,” said said Siva Vaidhyanathan, a media studies professor at the University of Virginia. “I think he’s going to find pretty fast that inviting the bigots back in is bad for business.”
In Europe, officials reminded Musk about a new law, the Digital Services Act, that will force tech companies to step up policing of their online platforms.
“Be it cars or social media, any company operating in Europe needs to comply with our rules – regardless of their shareholding,” tweeted Thierry Breton, the European Union commissioner in charge of the bloc’s internal market. “Mr Musk knows this well. He is familiar with European rules on automotive, and will quickly adapt to the Digital Services Act.”
Some users said Monday that they were planning to quit the platform if Musk took it over. To which he responded on Twitter: “I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means.”
While Twitter’s user base of more than 200 million remains much smaller than those of rivals such as Facebook and TikTok, the service is popular with celebrities, world leaders, journalists and intellectuals. Musk himself is a prolific tweeter with a following that rivals several pop stars in the ranks of the most popular accounts.
Krisher reported from Detroit. O'Brien reported from Providence, Rhode Island. AP Business Writers Marcy Gordon in Washington, Barbara Ortutay in Oakland, Calif., Kelvin Chan in London and Sam Petrequin in Brussels contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/national/can-musk-deliver-on-his-vision-for-twitter-questions-remain/article_10e8b973-4f40-5929-82a0-22b788259d05.html | 2022-04-26T13:53:59Z | https://wcfcourier.com/news/national/can-musk-deliver-on-his-vision-for-twitter-questions-remain/article_10e8b973-4f40-5929-82a0-22b788259d05.html | false |
LUMBERTON, N.C. (AP) — Two inmates escaped a North Carolina prison Monday, but were caught hours later, officials said.
Craig Guess Jr., 39, and Arlo Swink Jr., 38, escaped from the Robeson Confinement in Response to Violation Center in Lumberton shortly before 3 p.m. and were found nearby on foot three hours later, the Department of Public Safety said in a news release Tuesday. Officials are investigating how they escaped.
Guess and Swink were serving 90-day periods of confinement for violations of their post-release supervision, officials said. Guess was convicted of attempting to obtain property under false pretenses in 2019 and Swink was convicted of a drug offense in 2021. The men were sent to a higher custody level facility and will be charged with felony escape, officials said. | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Officials-Inmates-escape-NC-prison-found-hours-17127054.php | 2022-04-26T13:57:37Z | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Officials-Inmates-escape-NC-prison-found-hours-17127054.php | true |
Isle of Man homes development rejected amid raft of concerns
- Published
Proposals to build 138 houses on a site in the north of the Isle of Man have been thrown out by planners.
Developers Dandara had applied to build the homes on fields at Lower Milntown in Lezayre.
The parish's local authority along with neighbouring Ramsey Town Commissioners had both objected to the plans.
Planners rejected the application amid concerns about road safety, harm to wildlife and a change in housing needs in the area.
While the site is currently classed agricultural land, the two fields earmarked for the houses are proposed for residential development under the Isle of Man Development Plan 1982.
The plans included bungalows, terraced and semi-detached homes, as well as public open space, on land off Lezayre Road.
The proposed development had been scaled down from an initial application for 181 properties.
As well as the main concerns, the committee also highlighted changes in the population outlined in the recent census and a drop in the number of new homes needed in the north and west of the island by 2026.
Dandara has 21 days to lodge an appeal.
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- 23 April 2021 | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-61223592 | 2022-04-26T14:08:56Z | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-61223592 | false |
Policeman among two arrested with drugs in J&K's Budgam
Policeman among two arrested with drugs in J&K's Budgam
Srinagar: Police on Tuesday arrested two drug peddlers, one of them a cop, and recovered contraband and Rs 55,000 cash from their possession in the Chadoora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district.
The accused duo has been identified as Mohammad Ayoub Beigh son of Mohammad Jamal Beigh, a resident of Nowhar Chadoora and Nazir Ahmed Sheikh son of Mohammad Shafi Shiekh of Tangnar Chadoora. The former is a cop in J&K Police. They were intercepted on Nagam-Hayatpora road by a police party of Police Station Chadoora while they were travelling in a car bearing registration number JKO4E-9628.
As per police, 69 kg poppy straw and cash worth Rs 55000 were recovered from their possession. They have been arrested and shifted to police station where they remain in custody. Besides, the vehicle used in the commission of the crime was also seized. Accordingly, a case vide FIR No 69/2022 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Chadoora and further investigation set into motion.
Also read: Police informant turned drug peddler arrested in Bengaluru | https://www.etvbharat.com/english/national/bharat/policeman-among-two-arrested-with-drugs-rs-55000-cash-in-j-and-ks-budgam/na20220426190745772772930 | 2022-04-26T14:13:03Z | https://www.etvbharat.com/english/national/bharat/policeman-among-two-arrested-with-drugs-rs-55000-cash-in-j-and-ks-budgam/na20220426190745772772930 | false |
Next-gen materials companies offer the promise of environmental impact reduction, but due to their infancy and new raw inputs, data to quantify this is lacking. One company looking raise the bar on impact data is Spinnova. When I toured the pilot facility in Finland in October 2021 I learned about their novel micro-fibrillated cellulose produced using renewable energy, which they believed would achieve significant emissions impact reduction compared to incumbent materials. But how much, I asked? And how can Spinnova fibers be accurately compared to incumbents, like cotton? At the time, Juha Salmela, Spinnova’s CTO, replied “we are working on providing [that] information”.
Quantification of impact
And six months later, I have the answers to my questions. During a video interview with Salmela he explained that Spinnova has worked with third-party consultants Clonet to assess both the carbon footprint and carbon handprint–yes, handprint–of their fibers. What is a carbon handprint and how does it differ from a footprint, I asked, beginning to feel like a student in some kind of emissions anatomy lesson. Carbon footprint is a measure of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a material or process, person or event, whereas the handprint takes into account broader resource use and efficiency. This new metric’s methodology was developed by the Finnish Technical Research Center VTT and LUT University and is being assessed for use alongside new EU regulations regarding textile impacts, according to Salmela. In the case of Spinnova’s next-gen fibers, there is a considerable difference between the footprint and handprint results because the latter accounts for Spinnova’s diversion of excess heat energy generated in its factory to heat local homes and industrial facilities. This reduces local dependency on other energy sources (including burnt biomass, for example).
Footprints versus handprints
The carbon handprint methodology was developed to holistically evaluate and communicate positive climate impacts of solutions tackling climate change, rather than solely measuring negative impacts. Where Spinnova’s carbon footprint is 1.28 kg CO2e/kg fiber, its handprint is a net reduction of 6.5kg CO2e/kg of fiber produced, concluding that its production saves more CO2 emissions than it emits. How is this possible? Energy diversion is the key: carbon-neutral surplus heat is the only by-product of Spinnova’s first commercial factory. When this surplus is reused in the local district heating network it saves 3.2 kg CO2e/kg of emissions that would otherwise be produced in generating district heat. This, combined with more than 3kg CO2e/kg efficiencies in the fiber processing, spinning, and drying results in the output being deemed ‘climate positive’. To put this into a product context, where Spinnova is used in place of conventional cotton (which averages 4.6 kgCO2e/kg fiber according to data used by Clonet) there will be a net-negative impact from the fiber phase of the product.
What does this mean for brands?
Knowing that brands are keen to compare impact figures between materials (even when the data isn’t strictly comparable) I probed this topic during the call with Samela. To the claim “Spinnova’s carbon footprint is 72% lower compared to conventional cotton” (1.28 versus 4.6 kgCO2e/kg fiber) I highlighted the potential bias of using primary Spinnova data alongside global averaged database figures. What level of confidence can be attributed to these figures, I asked? Salmela explained that their bias mitigation tactic was to have three independent calculations conducted on the carbon footprint. “For Spinnova, all 3 results were the same, he said; But for cotton, “there was only one database that gave [the required] cotton data” and independent carbon accounting specialists were tasked with interrogating these figures to account for any variation between the Spinnova emissions assessment protocol and the handling of the global data. “The most important thing is that the [footprint assessment] of 1.28 CO2e/kg fiber is good as it is [independent of comparison to cotton or other materials]—that’s why we gave out the exact number” Salmela concludes. And this is a bold and leading move; As Spinnova points out, a similar fiber, Tencel, was invented in 1972 and its CO2 footprint still hasn’t been disclosed.
Data at the fiber level
Spinnova’s high confidence level in their data and insistence on transparency means that emissions and water usage data will be attached to each bale of Spinnova fiber that exits their production facility. A QR code will allow brands to access this data and plug it into their assessment tool of choice (the Higg MSI, for example) to determine the impact reduction achieved when using Spinnova. Brands are blending this new fiber with cotton (ARKET launched one such product yesterday) and can determine exactly the emissions reductions achieved according to the percentage of Spinnova fibers used. This has even allowed the creation of carbon-neutral textile blends: the required percentage of Spinnova needed to outweigh the emissions of the cotton within the textile is calculated, then the fibers can be blended accordingly. It’s not difficult to see how appealing this will be to brands wanting to market ‘carbon neutral’ sustainability credentials of their materials to an increasingly suspicious consumer who is tired of greenwashing. On this subject, Salmela states “greenwashing is something we want no part of” and indeed that’s why I waited (patiently) for six months for this emissions data, which Spinnova would not release until they were confident of its rigor and reliability*.
Impact reduction beyond the fiber
Regular readers of my articles will be used to me reporting the high emissions levels of textile dyeing and finishing. Does Spinnova simply plug into legacy infrastructure with no impact reduction in the latter phases, or does it offer further impact reduction opportunities? Salmela says their fibers can be dope-dyed before blending with cotton (for example), thereby further reducing the total water and energy usage. In fact, Salmela highlights some of their most fruitful exchanges with brand partners, where this solution is being leveraged to make unique and interesting melange fabrics (where the variation in color and texture of the blended textile is a key feature of the final fabric).
Showing rather than telling
While Spinnova’s footprint and handprint data are a tremendous leap forward for quantifying the benefit of this next-gen textile, there is still work to be done. Salmela explained that once full-scale production is running at the end of the year the emissions and water consumption data will be refined. For now, fine-tuning and analysis continue, but with the proof that the world is better off with Spinnova fiber than without it.
*[Clonet used the Ecoinvent database; ISO 14067:2018 standard: Greenhouse gases, carbon footprint of products, requirements, and rules of the definition; And the Carbon handprint guide: V. 2.0.} | https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookerobertsislam/2022/04/26/spinnova-proves-its-next-gen-fibers-are-climate-positive-revealing-their-carbon-handprint/ | 2022-04-26T14:13:24Z | https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookerobertsislam/2022/04/26/spinnova-proves-its-next-gen-fibers-are-climate-positive-revealing-their-carbon-handprint/ | false |
Is a digital camera or a phone camera better?
For as long as mobile phones with cameras have been around, there has been a never-ending debate about whether they can realistically compete with digital cameras. The argument was easier to make in favor of the latter in the early to mid-2000s, but that isn’t the case anymore.
Advancements in mobile phone technology meant that not only did the capabilities of phones improve but the internal cameras did as well. But that isn’t to say that digital cameras were left behind. On the contrary, improvements in the sensors and internal software meant that more adjustments were possible than ever before. However, even with all the upgrades and customizability, bigger isn’t always better.
Digital camera
The first digital camera commercially available was the Dycam Model 1, which launched in 1990. Until 2003, the digital camera was the most trusted way to capture the moment. However, something surprising happened in the early 2000s: Sales of phones with cameras overtook that of digital cameras.
Around the same time, traditional film cameras were replaced with digital devices. So, there was a definite shift in technology and what consumers needed. But as digital itself started to make way for mobile, the once stable method of photography moved toward professional usage rather than for the everyday consumer.
Pro: Internal technology
Digital cameras are understandably more complex than mobile phone cameras. Where everything is taken care of through software in the latter, digital cameras still have some mechanical parts.
But it’s all the elements combined that give photographers the freedom to adjust settings as they need. Tweaks in the aperture, shutter speed and focal range can dramatically change the tone of an image.
Then, as mentioned, the interchangeable lenses are a big drawcard for professional photographers. This trumps mobile phone cameras, as you can attach a different lens depending on the circumstance. From up-close macro photographer to shooting far-away wildlife with a telephoto lens, there are no distances that a digital camera can’t cover while keeping the subject in focus.
Con: Price
The overwhelming reluctance for some users to get a digital camera is the price. An entry-level camera body retails for $300-$800, and then you still need to add lenses. A complete camera kit can retail for $800-$2,000, and if you want to use interchangeable lenses (depending on the model), these range from $100-$500.
But with the steep initial investment comes the comfort that the camera body is a one-time purchase. If you take care of your camera, it should last for at least a decade. After that, the only other investment you could make is for accessories, such as a flash, a tripod or larger capacity memory cards.
Best digital camera
Sony a7 III Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera
This digital camera is one of Sony’s best-selling models and features a powerful 24.2-megapixel sensor. To adjust the camera to the perfect scenario, it has a 15-stop dynamic range and integrates the BIONZ X image processor for crisper photos. It can autofocus on 693 points in the viewfinder and capture 10 frames per second. The camera body comes with your choice of a 28-70 millimeter or 16-35 mm lens.
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Phone camera
By 2008, mobile phones had such advanced cameras that they seriously started to compete with available digital cameras. For example, the Samsung i8510 was the first mobile phone to have an 8-megapixel camera, and only a year later, the company launched the first 12-megapixel camera in a mobile phone.
Development stalled for a few years as manufacturers raced to perfect mobile technology. The resulting advancement saw software play a huge role in mobile photography with filters, panorama mode and Time Shift giving users a new experience.
Pro: Price
Mobile phones are incredible value for money. You get a sophisticated communications gadget, but you also have a powerful camera in your pocket. The latest iPhone 13 mini retails for $699 for the 128-gigabyte version, and the top iPhone 13 Pro Max 512GB retails for $1,399.
That is almost on par with a digital camera. However, once you factor in the accessories and additional lenses for digital cameras, mobile phones quickly become the more affordable option.
Con: Internal technology
You could argue that the internal technology of a mobile phone in no way hampers its ability to take perfect photos. But it’s a factor that must be analyzed, as mobile devices have a wide range of capabilities. Where a digital camera has but one purpose, a phone has plenty.
From browsing the internet and playing games to taking photos, every aspect requires processing power. Unfortunately, there is only so much space inside the housing, so all parts must divide the power.
On the other hand, makers like Samsung and Apple have been investing in more technology to increase the camera’s abilities. The iPhone 13 Pro is the first Apple model capable of macro photography, focusing on objects just 0.79 inches away. The lens also captures twice as much light as previously, making it excellent for low-light conditions.
Best phone camera
The latest mobile phone from Apple packs a tremendous amount of power. It has a 6.7-inch OLED display, and the internal memory is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1 terabyte. There are three lenses in terms of the rear camera: a 12-megapixel primary lens, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens capable of three-times zoom with a 77 mm focal length. The internal software allows night photography, studio-quality lighting effects and a Portrait Mode.
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Should you get a digital camera or phone camera?
Mobile phones must split the computing power between applications and processes, but that has become more efficient over the last few years. To spend over $800 on a mobile phone seems ridiculous, but it is well worth it if you are doing so for photography.
Digital cameras still have a place in the world but are now the preferred method for professional photographers. Consider your needs before deciding between the two, but the mobile phone camera wins in an overall shootout based on capabilities.
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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxnet.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/camera-photo-br/digital-camera-vs-phone-camera/ | 2022-04-26T14:14:53Z | https://www.kxnet.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/camera-photo-br/digital-camera-vs-phone-camera/ | false |
Which Bluetooth-enabled car CD player should you buy?
While more cars than ever come straight from the factory with good-quality Bluetooth-enabled stereos, there are still many millions of cars limited by old, out-of-date systems. Today, it’s easy to find a variety of car stereos with CD players and integrated Bluetooth technology that allows for hands-free phone calls and streaming music. You can find something that sounds great and will last for years no matter what your budget is.
Double DIN Bluetooth car CD players
Double DIN configurations, twice the height of an old-style car radio at 4 inches tall, are increasingly common in today’s cars. If that’s what your car has, you’re better off choosing a double DIN replacement, as they tend to offer more high-end features and are significantly easier to navigate due to more screen real estate. Overall, the most reliable and feature-rich Bluetooth car stereos are in the double-DIN style.
In addition to being outfitted with powerful components, reliable connectivity and the most user-friendly operating system in the industry, this is one of the few options to fully support wireless connections with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Its precision-engineered motorized faceplate holds a responsive, high-resolution touch display and can be removed to prevent theft.
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While it’s not exactly cheap, the X390BS has plenty of value, due to a bold touchscreen and feature set normally found on far more expensive units. It supports a huge range of music formats aside from digital audio CDs, including FLAC, AAC and MP3 files over USB and MPEG-4, WMV and AVI video.
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There are few cheaper ways to put a touchscreen-controlled stereo in your car than with this one from Pyle. While the interface isn’t the fastest or most intricate, it has plenty of playback features in addition to dependable connectivity and the ability to play a variety of media file types.
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Perfect for hands-free phone calls, rear-view camera monitoring and GPS navigation management, this high-end unit from car audio giant Pioneer delivers premium features at a respectable price. It’s one of the most popular, too, and both owners and expert reviewers give it high marks.
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This is one of many highly affordable yet great-quality pieces of car stereo equipment from Boss. There’s a built-in microphone for making calls and integrated streaming apps such as Spotify and Pandora for when you’re not listening to your favorite CDs, in addition to an AM/FM receiver.
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One way to make sure you’re getting a stereo with high-quality circuitry and consistent connectivity is to stick with a reliable manufacturer and consider sacrificing the touchscreen. The S520BT is one such model that uses a traditional car stereo control panel and delivers premium sound quality and quick operation without costing you an arm and a leg.
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Single DIN Bluetooth car CD players
One of the most popular reasons for upgrading to an aftermarket Bluetooth-enabled CD player is that your car is a bit older and isn’t equipped with any modern audio hardware. Don’t get discouraged, though, as even if you’re in an older-model vehicle, you can still get your hands on a great stereo with versatile wireless functionality. These two-inch-high CD players should fit into nearly any passenger car going back to the ’80s or earlier.
If you’re restoring an old car to pristine condition and want the perfect stereo to complement the new paint job and upgraded engine, this high-end model Pioneer should do it. The screen folds out to reveal a high-resolution touchscreen and a set of features and wireless connections that few other models of any configuration can rival.
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Even if you’re driving a beater, it’s worth considering this budget-friendly option with a 7-inch fold-out touch display and all of the most important playback features you could need. Easy-access USB, auxiliary and SD card ports make it easy to listen to your favorite tunes, especially if you’re on a remote road trip far from cell service.
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This one’s proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune on a high-end stereo to get something that sounds good and makes it easy to navigate your music collection. There’s a variety of audio inputs, it offers an RCA output if you decide to install a subwoofer, and you can connect a backup camera with minimal effort.
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If you’re one of those people who isn’t interested in touch controls or motorized display but would rather have something more traditional with easy-to-use tactile buttons, this is one of your best options. Despite the lack of touchscreen, it enables hands-free calling and can play music from USB flash drives, 3.5-millimeter auxiliary cables or even the good old AM/FM radio.
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The best aftermarket amplifiers
If you’re going through the trouble of upgrading your stereo, consider an aftermarket amplifier as well. This is particularly important if you have aftermarket speakers. Many of the most recommended Bluetooth-enabled CD players can deliver up to 45 watts RMS per channel, the measure of continuous power — but for peak performance, you might want a little more juice.
With an RMS rating of 125 watts at 4 ohms resistance, this is the perfect reasonably priced option to combine with a new CD player and midrange car speakers. There’s also a 5-channel version if you have a subwoofer in the mix.
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Rockford Fosgate Punch P1000X5
If you’ve invested in quality speakers and want to get the most out of them, it’s hard to better than this mid-level option from popular manufacturer Rockford Fosgate. It’s built with premium electrical components that can drive some of the most demanding in-door car speakers safely, with little to no distortion or interference.
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There aren’t many better amplifiers to pair with a new high-end stereo and power-hungry 4.1-channel speakers. This one delivers a consistent 100 watts RMS to each of the four corners and 500 watts to the subwoofer, letting your aftermarket setup really shine.
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Chris Thomas writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxnet.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/home-portable-audio-br/the-best-bluetooth-cd-player-for-your-car/ | 2022-04-26T14:15:08Z | https://www.kxnet.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/home-portable-audio-br/the-best-bluetooth-cd-player-for-your-car/ | false |
BandLab—cofounded by Kuok Meng Ru, son of palm oil billionaire Kuok Khoon Hong—has received an investment from Dutch private equity firm Prosus Ventures as the digital platform for music creators accelerates expansion plans.
With the investment from Prosus, Singapore-based BandLab had raised a total of $65 million from its Series B funding round from investors led by Vulcan Capital—the multi-billion-dollar investment arm of Microsoft cofounder and philanthropist Paul G. Allen—surpassing the initial $53 million in funds raised in December and the maximum $60 million targeted for the round.
“Prosus has a record of highly successful investments in some of the world’s most groundbreaking companies,” Kuok Meng Ru, CEO of BandLab, said. “We’re thrilled they see the merits of our vision.” Netherlands-listed Prosus is an investor in Asian tech giants such as India’s Byjus and China’s Tencent, according its website.
The investment round, which values BandLab at $315 million, was also supported by Kuok Meng Ru’s Caldecott Music Group and K3 Ventures, a venture capital firm founded by Kuok Meng Xiong, a grandson of Malaysia’s richest person Robert Kuok. K3 Ventures was an early backer of Southeast Asian superapp Grab and tech giant ByteDance.
Bandlab will use part of the fresh capital to fund the acquisition of ReverbNation, a digital platform that helps music artists distribute their music and collaborate with each other, that it acquired in November. The company is also using the proceeds to fund the hiring of an additional 59 new talents this year, nearly doubling its full-time employees to almost 130, Kuok said. The new hires will include software engineers and product developers as the platform aims to introduce features such as artificial intelligence-driven music creation.
“We’re seeing a lot of opportunities around the region and in other regions around the world,” Kuok said in a recent interview with Forbes Asia. BandLab counts Brazil, India, the Philippines and the U.S. among its biggest markets, he said.
Launched in 2015, BandLab aims to provide a mobile-first platform for creating music. Used by more than 40 million music producers and musicians globally, BandLab’s user base has more doubled in the past two years as people turned to music and other forms of online entertainment as cities around the world enforced lockdowns to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“BandLab has built a next-generation platform that is democratizing music creation for creators globally,” said Sachin Bhanot, head of Southeast Asia investments for Prosus Ventures. “The company has experienced impressive growth while generating solid user engagement. We are thrilled to support the company’s dedication to using innovative technologies, like AI, to put the power in the hands of creators.”
With an estimated total addressable market of over 1 billion people globally, Kuok believes the growth is sustainable. “We’re definitely just scratching the surface.”
Apart from BandLab’s music creation tools, Kuok—through Caldecott Music—also owns music publications NME and Uncut, and musical instruments retailer Swee Lee. BandLab bought a 49% stake in Rolling Stone magazine in 2016 but later sold it to Penske Media, which took control of the iconic publication in late 2017. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathanburgos/2022/04/26/tencent-backer-prosus-invests-in-kuok-meng-rus-bandlab-as-music-platform-accelerates-expansion/ | 2022-04-26T14:16:31Z | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathanburgos/2022/04/26/tencent-backer-prosus-invests-in-kuok-meng-rus-bandlab-as-music-platform-accelerates-expansion/ | true |
It looks interesting atm to try it for new features. Also, the irc server list can also be found directly with moodnet from #tango232 if required...! Happy playing and i don't use or develop that version as far but have read on. Please enjoy and have another drink if i got the details straight or should there more people? Happy X MAS & may god have a happy new-you ;07! Tango is here!!! W RR: So what makes B.Ack go off at night? We know she keeps you waiting all right…so here lies “the secrets from Blogged”!!! Yall check it! Peace - LF\nLabel: RED EMAIL TUBR (GET BERRET BELOADEAD) / JAMESRR & GOLFIELD ABBINGTSONS (PROPERLY TERMINETH) ACTIVIT Krispy Kreme is partnering with Cinnamon Toast Crunch for the second time in less than a year, this time offering three doughnuts made with an all-new Cinnamon Milk Glaze.
All three doughnuts are covered in Cinnamon Milk Glaze and coated in Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal pieces, but they’re each a bit different. The Cinnamon Milk Glazed Doughnut is just the glaze and cereal, but the Cinnamon Milk Glazed Doughnut with Cream Cheese also has cream cheese icing and is sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, while the Cinnamon Milk Glazed Doughnut with Dulce de Leche has Dulce de Leche icing and cinnamon sugar.
The doughnuts are available now for a limited time individually or in a limited-edition cereal box-inspired dozen box, complete with a word search on the back.
While these are the first Krispy Kreme cinnamon toast crunch doughnuts, the brands first partnered together last year for Krispy Kreme’s first-ever cinnamon rolls, including one topped with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
While the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cinnamon roll is no longer on the menu, their Original Glazed Cinnamon Rolls recently returned to menus nationwide and will be around permanently, but only on Sundays. Krispy Kreme says their cinnamon rolls are light and airy, hand-rolled and covered in their iconic Original Glaze. They can be purchased individually or in a four-pack at shops, online and via delivery.
If you don’t have a Krispy Kreme near you, you can get the best of both the doughnuts and cinnamon rolls at home with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cinnamon rolls from Pillsbury or by simply making any brand of cinnamon rolls or doughnuts and topping them with Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
There is a variety of other Cinnamon Toast Crunch products in stores as well, including popcorn, milk, Coffee-Mate creamer and you can even buy your own container of the cereal’s seasoning blend.
You can sprinkle the seasoning blend on pretty much anything you can think of — toast, cheesecake, ice cream, whipped coffee and more — or you could bake the seasoning into cookies or put it in pancakes, waffles, French toast or, of course, cinnamon rolls.
Are you a fan of Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories. | https://www.wptv.com/krispy-kreme-has-cereal-milk-doughnuts | 2022-04-26T14:25:11Z | https://www.wptv.com/krispy-kreme-has-cereal-milk-doughnuts | true |
This has really become so much harder then that what God expected. Is life any different than the Israel had in Jeramah what about Lot how it came into all thier hearts like salt that the fire is kindle to lite, God would bring about change in my thinking and doing through change of thoughts and heart in Christ God is the ultimatley authority over my thoughts if God thinks one way then everything on Earth should look al little something better, I cannot know with convicing truth As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic begin to wane, the Canadian government has been peeling away some of the precautions at its borders.
The latest changes took effect Monday as the Canadian government lifted a requirement that fully vaccinated travelers must declare a quarantine plan before arriving. Prior to Monday, those entering Canada were required to submit the address where they planned to stay and plans in case they became ill with COVID-19.
The Canadian government also lifted a requirement that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children ages 5-11 who enter Canada must get tested for COVID-19. Those age 12 and older who are not fully vaccinated are still required to submit a COVID-19 test before entering Canada.
The Canadian government also previously required that those entering Canada mask in public spaces, monitor and report signs of symptoms, quarantine if another traveler in the same group shows signs of COVID-19 and maintain a list of close contacts and locations visited for 14 days.
The government still requires travelers who are fully vaccinated to submit proof of vaccination through a mobile app. Those who are not fully vaccinated are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/canada-peels-away-restrictions-for-travelers | 2022-04-26T14:25:13Z | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/canada-peels-away-restrictions-for-travelers | true |
Driver dies in rollover crash on I-45 in SE Houston
HOUSTON - A driver died in a rollover crash on the I-45 Gulf Freeway early Tuesday morning, police say.
The Houston Police Department is conducting an investigation in the southbound lanes of the freeway near Scarsdale Blvd. Traffic is being diverted.
LIVE: TrafficMax 360 conditions
The crash occurred around 4:40 a.m. According to police, the car struck a barrier and rolled over multiple times before coming to a stop upside down.
Police say a passenger and witnesses pulled the driver from the vehicle because they thought it might catch fire.
The driver did not survive his injuries. Authorities say the passenger was not injured.
Police are still investigating what led up to the crash.
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This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.fox26houston.com/news/1-dead-after-rollover-crash-on-i-45-in-se-houston | 2022-04-26T14:25:17Z | https://www.fox26houston.com/news/1-dead-after-rollover-crash-on-i-45-in-se-houston | false |
Carbon-capturing wood ants under threat from invasive plant
- Published
A carbon-capturing ant is coming under threat from a non-native plant found across the UK, according to a conservation group.
Woodland Trust Scotland said hairy wood ants boosted carbon absorption in woodland, but they risk being overwhelmed by gaultheria shallon.
Volunteers surveyed nests over the winter at the trust's Ledmore and Migdale woods in the Highlands.
More than 50 anthills were found to be under threat from the invasive species.
The hairy wood ant - or formica lugubris - is a key species for removing pests from trees. The ants are also a food source for other animals like capercaillie and badgers.
A close relative of the wood ant has been shown to clear up to 39kg (86lb) of carbon per hectare annually, Woodland Trust Scotland said.
Site manager Ross Watson said: "Some of these newly discovered nests were surrounded by an invasive garden plant, gaultheria shallon, that is also threatening parts of the oak wood.
"The ants prefer sunny open glades that are south facing and so does the plant. If left unchecked, it forms dense thickets that exclude native vegetation. It would overwhelm our ant nests too if we let it."
Volunteers Chris and Meg Mellish are part of a clearance squad helping to remove the shallon bush this spring.
Woodland Trust Scotland hopes to eradicate the plant from the site.
Although non-native to the UK, gaultheria shallon is spread when its berries are eaten by wild birds. Once the plant is established, it spreads via underground stems.
Mr Watson added: "This is a great example of the vital role our volunteers play in managing these sites. Without the time and care from Chris, Meg and the others these nests may well have been lost."
- 29 April 2011 | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-61232116?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA | 2022-04-26T14:28:34Z | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-61232116?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA | false |
NMC warns against forged allotment letters
Official says letters a fabrication intended to tarnish the image of the commission
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has warned medical aspirants against forged allotment letters issued in its name for admissions to undergraduate courses in medical colleges across the country.
A circular issued by Samir Sinha, Under Secretary, NMC, said, “It has come to notice that fake allotment letters under alleged signature of Secretary, National Medical Commission, is under circulation. It is brought to public notice that the commission does not offer admissions in any medical college or involved at all with college allotment process…”
The circular available on the NMC website is attached with two “acknowledgement letters” on forged letter heads. The second one has details about the fees paid for admissions to the Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The “login paid fees” is ₹5 lakh and “due login amount” is ₹4.55 lakh.
The letter says that the “acceptance of application and seat approval is subject to the fulfillment of requirements as laid down in the NMC regulations and all instructions provided by the Department of Health and Family Welfare and the Directorate General of Medical Education”.
The candidate was also told to “report on the college campus with all original documents and confirmation and seat allotment letter on April 13, 2022”, from 10.30 a.m.
Mr. Sinha pointed out in the circular that such letters are a “fabrication intended to tarnish the image of the National Medical Commission which, in fact, is mandated to supervise highest ethical standards in medical profession.”
The commission came into force in 2020, superseding the erstwhile Medical Council of India. Its functions include laying down policies for maintaining a high quality and high standards in medical education and make necessary regulations in this behalf and laying down policies for regulating medical institutions, medical researches, and medical professionals and make necessary regulations in this behalf.
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BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — College students squeezed by a massive housing shortage and surging rents are paying too much for moldy apartments, commuting long distances or sleeping in their cars to get an education — and that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.
For some colleges, the housing crunch was related to the pandemic, which muddied projections for who might want on-campus dorms when classes resumed in person last fall. But the lack of housing both on-campus and off has been a longstanding problem at other schools, including many in California, where homeowners and communities have sued to curb new student housing construction.
Nationally, 43% of students at four-year universities experienced housing insecurity in 2020, up from 35% in 2019, according to an annual survey conducted by The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice at Temple University. Students reported being unable to pay their rent or mortgage, living in overcrowded units, or moving in with others due to financial difficulties.
For the first time since it began tracking basic needs in 2015, the survey found an equal percentage — 14% — of students at both four-year and two-year colleges who had experienced homelessness in the last year.
“This is a function of rents rising, the inability of communities and institutions to build enough housing for students and other costs of college going up that create a perfect storm for students,” said Mark Huelsman, the center’s director of policy and advocacy.
Terrell Thompson, a sophomore at the University of California, Berkeley, slept in his car for nearly two weeks at the start of the school year last fall, unable to find an apartment in his price range. The university has limited dorms and competition is fierce for nearby off-campus units, which can start at $1,600 for a 300-square-foot (28-square-meter) studio.
“Academically it was hard, because I’m worried about finding housing and I’m worried about my clothes and I’m worried about getting my car broken into all the time,” said the 19-year-old Thompson, who now lives in an apartment he found last September. “I was anxious 24/7.”
Nationally, rents have increased 17% since March 2020, said Chris Salviati, senior economist with Apartment List, but the increase has been higher in some popular college towns. Chapel Hill, North Carolina, saw a 24% jump in rents and Tempe, Arizona, saw a 31% hike.
In some cases, the rental increases have been exacerbated by a lack of on-campus housing,
Last fall, the demand for on-campus housing was so high that the University of Tampa offered incoming freshmen a break on tuition if they deferred until fall 2022. Rent in the Florida city has skyrocketed nearly 30% from a year ago, according to Apartment List.
Rent in Knoxville has soared 36% since March 2020, and it could get worse after the University of Tennessee announced a new lottery system for its dorms this fall, saying it needs to prioritize housing for a larger freshman class.
Even two-year community colleges, which have not traditionally provided dorms, are rethinking student needs as the cost of housing rises.
Last October, Long Beach City College outside of Los Angeles launched a pilot program to provide up to 15 homeless students space in an enclosed parking garage.
They sleep in their cars and have access to bathrooms and showers, electrical outlets and internet while they work with counselors to find permanent housing. Uduak-Joe Ntuk, president of the college’s Board of Trustees, hesitated when asked if the program will be renewed.
“I want to say no, but I think we will,” he said. “We’re going to have new students come fall semester this year that are going to be in a similar situation, and for us to do nothing is untenable.”
UC Berkeley and other UC campuses are fighting homeowners who oppose campus expansion plans, even as the schools accept more students.
Most students have no idea of the housing situation when they choose to attend UC Berkeley, said 19-year-old freshman Sanaa Sodhi, and the university needs to do more to prepare students and support them in their search.
The political science major is excited to move out of the dorms and into a two-bedroom apartment where she and three friends are taking over the lease. The unit is older but a bargain at $3,000 a month, she said. The housemates were prepared to pay up to $5,200 for a safe place close to campus.
“You don’t honestly know the severity of the situation before you’re in it,” she said, adding that landlords hold all the cards. “They know that whatever price they charge, we’ll inevitably have to pay it because we don’t really have a choice except maybe to live out of our cars.” | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Housing-shortage-soaring-rents-squeeze-US-17127251.php | 2022-04-26T14:33:45Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Housing-shortage-soaring-rents-squeeze-US-17127251.php | true |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama fast-food worker who allegedly threw hot grease on a customer during a dispute over service in the drive-thru line, causing severe burns, was charged with assault, police said.
The 50-year-old woman was charged Monday following a confrontation that occurred Saturday afternoon at an Arby's restaurant in suburban Birmingham, according to a statement from the Hueytown Police Department.
Authorities did not provide details on what prompted the dispute, but police said it did not appear the two women knew each other.
The victim, who suffered second-degree burns over a large part of her body and was hospitalized and filed a civil lawsuit seeking an unspecified amount of money from the worker, Arby's and Alabama-based companies that operate the restaurant, court documents show.
Court records do not include the name of a defense lawyer who could speak on behalf of the worker, who was freed on $30,000 bail.
Arby's said it had fired the employee and called her actions “reprehensible.”
"Our heart goes out to the guest, and we are working to help support their recovery,” said a statement from the company. | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Restaurant-worker-arrested-after-grease-thrown-on-17127088.php | 2022-04-26T14:34:53Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Restaurant-worker-arrested-after-grease-thrown-on-17127088.php | false |
9 questions for Elon Musk now that he's bought Twitter
As Musk takes on a task that Hercules would have found daunting here’s what the world wants to know
The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, just bought Twitter. Now what’s he going to do with it?
Musk made his name with Tesla electric vehicles and his own personal space race. Now he dominates the discussion on the very platform he just purchased, as left and right try to predict the future of the most-influential social media site.
Twitter isn’t important because of numbers. It has "more than 217 million daily users," according to The New York Times. That’s less than 10% of Facebook’s user base. But it punches far above its weight because of who those users are. The core of the site is made up of journalists, activists, politicians and celebrities of all fields.
BEZOS LAUNCHES CHINA CONSPIRACY THEORY AFTER MUSK BUYS TWITTER
Every major national issue gets fought out or spun on Twitter. When Times opinion columnist and editor Bari Weiss left the paper, she skewered it for its reliance on social media. "Twitter has become its ultimate editor," she said.
It’s not just the Times, it’s the entire legacy news industry. And since Twitter continued to censor prominent conservative voices, the site became more and more of a leftist echo chamber.
Now that should change. So here are nine questions for Musk as he takes on a task that Hercules would have found daunting:
1. Will Trump Return?: This is the elephant in the room. When Twitter and nine other Big Tech platforms banned Trump, they interfered with his ability to communicate with the press and his followers. Trump was unique as a world leader. Twitter gave verified status to six dictators including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, who has been credibily accused of genocide in Ukraine. Bringing back the leader of the Republican Party sends a message to friend and foe alike that things are changing. (Yes, Trump says he won’t be back. We'll see.)
MUSK HIT WITH ADVICE ON WHETHER TO WELCOME TRUMP BACK TO TWITTER
2. How Will Musk Handle Angry Leftist Employees?: Twitter doesn’t censor conservatives just because of the rules. It does so because the enforcers of those rules overwhelmingly support the left. Perhaps some of the most radical will quit. But others might stay just to thwart him. Musk needs to weed out the worst as fast as he can.
3. How Does Musk Handle Washington?: Left and right are divided about free speech as night and day. The left wants to censor conservatives and conservatives don’t want to be censored. Democrats are still nominally in charge in D.C. (till the election). How is he going to work with those who already want to regulate him? Former President Obama made it clear he wants more censorship, not less. He’s far from alone.
4. What About So-Called Misinformation and Disinformation?: One of the biggest frauds of today’s political debate is the idea of misinformation and disinformation. All the top platforms call out posts for violating obscure and often outright false interpretations of news events. They use this to silence discussion of anything the left doesn’t like — the Hunter Biden laptop, the Wuhan lab leak and the media’s false claims of Russian collusion. How will Musk unwind this affront to free speech?
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5. What about Foreign Powers?: Much of social media has restricted Russian propaganda outlets. Twitter has limited access to Russian content while they’re "engaged in armed conflict." But what about China, where Musk has serious business dealings? The Chinese government is committing genocide against Uyghur Muslims and has unrestricted access to Twitter to lie about it.
6. What about Foreign Regulation? American leftists have a new angle to regulate the internet — let Europe do it. The European Union just made a tentative agreement on the Digital Services Act that is intended to make what is illegal offline, illegal online. Except Europe doesn’t really believe in free speech. Their laws reflect that. The act is intended to apply to firms with 45 million month European users. So that might impact many major players. Two-time failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton urged the EU to pass it to "bolster global democracy before it's too late."
7. How Does Twitter Verify Everyone Without Destroying Anonymity: Musk said he supports "authenticating all humans." Twitter users sick of the power of bots or automated accounts might welcome this. But how does he do so without destroying the ability to be anonymous, something even the Founding Fathers valued?
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8. Will Musk Stop Being … Musk? Musk is known for trolling people on Twitter, making jokes and acting like it was Twitter before the censors took over. Just days before completing the purchase, he tweeted out an image of a chunky Bill Gates in a blue shirt along side the new pregnant man emoji, also in a blue shirt. Will the new Twitter CEO still act like a typical Twitter user? Or will he go depressingly corporate? (Narrator: He won’t change.)
9. Will Former CEO Jack Dorsey Return? Dorsey wasn’t happy about his exit from the company and he’s been openly bashing the board. Now this: "Elon is the singular solution I trust. I trust his mission to extend the light of consciousness." It’s not a job application, but it’s close. Dorsey also might have enough status with Twitter employees to tamp down any revolt. Don’t be surprised if he’s part of the new management team. | https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/questions-elon-musk-twitter-dan-gainor | 2022-04-26T14:34:56Z | https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/questions-elon-musk-twitter-dan-gainor | false |
Keeping your camera on during a zoom meeting for work may not always feel like the best option whether it's simply that you're not in work attire or you have roommates or family members in the background.
But survey data from software firm Vyopta finds that 92% of managers think employees that do this don't have a long-term future at the company. The data also found that 94% of managers say in-person employees have a better chance of promotion than remote employees.
“I think it's an extension of this fear that if we can't see you you're clearly not working,” said Julie Bauke, chief career strategist for the Bauke Group. “We're struggling with understanding that we need to be measuring productivity versus face time. It doesn't make you a better employee, because I can see your face.”
She predicts it will improve in the next five to 10 years as younger generations step into more leadership roles and change the norm.
But in the meantime, she said if you’re working remotely or have a hybrid schedule, data like this shouldn’t make you feel pressured into returning to the office.
Instead, Bauke says to work on more open communication with your manager and your coworkers.
“Maybe it's a bi-weekly summary of everything that you've done maybe you meet your team for lunch once every two weeks,” she said. “Maybe you, you know, find out when everybody's birthdays are make sure you call them, so it's up to you if this is important to you to create and build and maintain those relationships and those communication channels.”
She says it can also help to have upfront conversations about why you may need to keep your camera off for a zoom meeting. | https://www.3newsnow.com/news/national/what-managers-say-about-remote-workers | 2022-04-26T14:35:06Z | https://www.3newsnow.com/news/national/what-managers-say-about-remote-workers | true |
Judge rules belief in English identity is a protected philosophy in law... but rejects man's discrimination complaint he was unfairly sacked for not telling bosses he was a member of English Democrats party when he took the job
- Graham Moore was suing Southern Housing Group after he was fired in Jan 2020
- He was sacked after standing in 2019 election for the far right English Democrats
- Association said he didn't declare his views, which left other staff 'distressed'
A far-right politician who was sacked after bosses discovered his 'offensive' views when he ran for Parliament has had his discrimination claim thrown out.
Graham Moore was suing the London-based Southern Housing Group after he was fired for standing as a candidate for the English Democrats in the December 2019 general election.
His employers said he had failed to declare his intention to run, while his views on English nationalism had left other staff members 'distressed'.
Moore, who was dismissed in January 2020, claimed he was discriminated against for his 'race' as an 'indigenous Englishman', and for his philosophical belief in 'English self-determination' and independence.
The self-described 'Daddy Dragon', who hosted a YouTube show called 'The Full English' on his page with 25,000 subscribers - before being banned from the site - believes in the 'English constitution' which started with the Magna Carta in the 13th century, and believes people guilty of committing treason against the state deserve the death penalty.
Employment Judge Fiona Louise McLaren said Moore's claims had no merit, as the firm - which has offices in London and Horsham, West Sussex - was within its rights to dismiss him for failing to declare 'conflicting interests' and for contacting a journalist and claiming he was being 'harassed' over his beliefs.
However she ruled that a belief in England can pass as a 'cogent and cohesive' philosophical belief, protected by law.
Ruling at the south London tribunal in Croydon, Judge McLaren said: 'We conclude that Moore's belief in England as one nation under God, English self-determination and English independence, while based on his opinion of English history, amount to a philosophical belief that is more than a statement of opinion.
Graham Moore (pictured) was suing the Southern Housing Group after he was fired when bosses discovered his 'offensive' and 'disturbing' views on English nationalism, which they said left other staff members 'distressed'
'His views - about socialism being unlawful [and] on what constitutes treason - potentially infringe on others' rights within a democracy, but we conclude that his beliefs do not involve a very grave violation of the rights of others tantamount to the destruction of those rights.
'He is not espousing violence or hatred in its gravest of forms.
'We conclude his beliefs fall into the category of beliefs that are offensive, shocking or even disturbing to others but are within the less grave forms of hate speech which are not excluded from protection.'
Moore claims the English 'have been suppressed by the British since 1825' and insists 'English history is being erased'.
He also calls for the death penalty for those committed of treason, the tribunal heard.
He once branded Conservative defector Anna Soubry - who opposed Brexit - a 'traitor'.
The panel heard that when he landed a project supervisor job at the housing association, he failed to declare his views and that he was a member of the English Democrats.
Moore was annoyed that he had to tick 'British' for his nationality during the application process as there was no 'English' option, the hearing was told.
Soon after joining the association in October 2019, Moore (far left) announced he was standing as a parliamentary candidate in the Bexleyheath and Crayford Constituency, London, for the English Democrats in that December's General Election
He noted his ethnic origin as 'other ethnic group' to reflect his English origin, it was also heard.
Soon after joining the association in October 2019, he announced he was standing as a parliamentary candidate in the Bexleyheath and Crayford Constituency, London, for the English Democrats in that December's General Election.
He suffered a resounding loss with 520 votes, a mere 1.2 per cent of the total share.
His bosses had not known about his specific beliefs as he did not declare them when he joined, and around the time of the election colleagues were left 'distressed' when he spoke about his affiliation.
Now, after trying to sue Southern Housing Group for race discrimination and philosophical belief discrimination, both the claims have been struck out at an employment tribunal.
A tribunal report laid out Moore's beliefs in further detail.
It read: 'Moore has a belief in England, English identity, English culture, English independence and actively promotes the English constitution and legal system, and English system through various media outlets.
'His belief in English culture included his belief in the English constitution and therefore English common law. His belief in 'England' is the same as a belief in an English nation, one nation under God.
'He is both a nationalist and a constitutionalist. He believes in the law of the land; the freedom and liberty English laws gave us, which the British have taken away.
The tribunal heard Moore attended the November 2019 trial of fellow English Democrat Amy Dalla Mura on her behalf. Mura was found guilty of targeting MP Anna Soubry (pictured), who left the Tories to join Change UK
'He believes in the nation state in England which gave us the laws starting with the English Magna Carta... He believes English history is being erased.
'He explained that while he talks of England and one nation under God, he did not limit being English to what he describes as white, indigenous English, which he also described as being white Anglo Saxon.
'He explained that individuals who are black can be English, although not indigenous English.
'Again, he stated that he did not have any issue with non-Christians, despite his belief in one nation being under a Christian God.'
Moore's beliefs mean he 'demands the British state formally acknowledge the existence of the English as an ethnic group'.
The tribunal heard Moore attended the November 2019 trial of fellow English Democrat Amy Dalla Mura on her behalf. Mura was found guilty of targeting MP Soubry, who left the Tories to join Change UK.
Moore viewed Soubry as a 'traitor', adding that he would 'advocate for the death penalty' if an individual was found guilty of treason.
As an English Democrat, Moore claimed: 'We are true Conservatives unlike Nigel Farage who is the equivalent to Benedict Arnold, he is British not English'.
His YouTube account was banned for 'violating' its rules and his Twitter profile has also been removed. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10754807/Judge-rules-belief-English-identity-protected-philosophy-law.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | 2022-04-26T14:35:56Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10754807/Judge-rules-belief-English-identity-protected-philosophy-law.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | true |
11 News Today: AG says Harford sheriff's interfering in investigation; Musk buys Twitter for $44B
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See what you missed overnight, what's happening today and our latest Maryland weather forecast.
TODAY'S MARYLAND WEATHER FORECAST
Meteorologist Ava Marie says Tuesday will start out foggy and misty in the morning, then to expect rain showers are likely this afternoon. Temperatures will still get into the low 70's despite the clouds and rain that should wash away some of the pollen. The skies will clear tonight as cooler air moves in and temps cool down of the next couple of days.
The rest of the week will be sunny, but chilly, with a stronger breeze as temps will top out in the upper 50's and low 60's. Watch for frost on Wednesday and Thursday nights for all the gardeners out there. Then it will be a steady warmup to the weekend as temps will climb back to the mid 60's.
WHAT'S MAKING NEWS IN MARYLAND
AG: Harford County Sheriff's Office interfering in investigation into deputy shooting | The Maryland Attorney General's Office on Monday is seeking a temporary restraining order based on accusations that the Harford County Sheriff's Office is interfering with an investigation into Saturday's fatal shooting. Read more here.
Members of Safe Streets rallied in west Baltimore Monday evening, urging folks to stop the shooting and stop the violence as Baltimore sits at 104 homicides so far this year | Read more here.
A Baltimore City Starbucks became the first location in Maryland to unionize. Twenty-two workers at the 1209 N. Charles St. location were eligible to vote Monday -- 14 voted and they all voted in favor of unionizing. Read more here.
WHAT'S MAKING HEADLINES ELSEWHERE
The outspoken Tesla CEO has said he wanted to own and privatize Twitter because he thinks it's not living up to its potential as a platform for free speech | Read more here.
A New York judge found former President Donald Trump in contempt of court and set in motion $10,000 daily fines Monday for failing to adequately respond to a subpoena issued by the state's attorney general | Read more here. | https://www.wbaltv.com/article/11-news-today-ag-harford-sheriffs-interfering-investigation-musk-buys-twitter-for-44-billion/39823910 | 2022-04-26T14:44:17Z | https://www.wbaltv.com/article/11-news-today-ag-harford-sheriffs-interfering-investigation-musk-buys-twitter-for-44-billion/39823910 | false |
A brand new explosive book that details what life is really like inside the Royal Family has finally been released - and it contains countless shocking claims from behind the palace walls.
Called The Palace Papers, written by Tina Brown, the book features stories about the Queen, Prince William, Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and the rest of the Firm.
The author researched the book for two years, which features interviews and information from more than 120 insiders and sources - and it’s fair to say she doesn’t hold back.
Last week, several of the most shocking claims emerged after it was reported by Mirror Online.
These included Prince Charles’s unusual bathroom demands and requests that his shoelaces are ironed, to insight into the Duchess of Cambridge’s difficult relationship with her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle.
But now the book has been published, here we round up even more surprise claims in The Palace Papers...
Queen’s concern for Prince William and his bold saying
The Palace Papers charts the young lives of Prince William and Prince Harry and their early upbringing.
The book claims that as a toddler, William was not such an easy child, with his grandmother the Queen concerned about him.
Brown writes: “As a toddler, he had been a cause of concern to the Queen when he showed signs of being a brat.
“She complained to her husband that their grandson was ‘out of control and needed a stricter nanny.
“She was not amused that he loved to say, ‘When I am king, I am going to make a new rule that...”
Queen’s affection for Prince Harry is real
It has long been said that Prince Harry has a close bond with his grandmother the Queen.
Just last week, he opened up about that bond in an interview for US TV, where he claimed they could she could speak about things with him that she couldn’t discuss with anyone else.
And Brown writes in the book that Her Majesty does have a “particular soft spot for Harry” and that his dad Prince Charles always worries about him.
She claims a former advisor told her: “The affection that HM has for Harry is not a figment of the media’s imagination It is real.
“She’s incredibly fond of him and so is his father, who was always deeply anxious about how he was doing.
“He often worried about things in the loveliest way. Is he eating properly through the day? Has he got enough to do? Is he happy enough?”
Kate’s wedding worry
The book also covers Prince William’s rocky romance in the early days with Kate and goes into detail about their fairytale wedding day.
Brown notes that Kate was the “world’s most unflappable bride” and there were “no last-minute panics” and “no tantrums”.
However, she does claim that Kate did have one worry on the wedding day itself.
She writes: “I am told the bride’s only anxiety on the wedding day itself was that her stomach rumbling might be picked up by a hot mic.
Prince Harry wanted to marry Meghan so she could get police protection
In the book, Brown writes about William’s reservations about the speed of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship.
She claims the Duke of Cambridge reportedly felt Meghan should have more time to build a life in the UK. It had been tough for Kate - but Meghan was a Hollywood star and the first woman of colour to join the Royal Family.
As soon as she did join, her life would be lived under constant scrutiny globally - and her previous life as an actress couldn’t prepare her.
The book says that when he was quizzed, Harry’s response can be summarised as ‘Well, actually the best way I can protect her is to marry her as quickly as possible, because as soon as I marry her, she will then get police protection’.
Prince Harry thought Prince William got the best briefs
The book looks at what might have sparked William and Harry’s deteriorating relationship - and how Harry struggled to find his place in the Firm after leaving the military.
Brown says a palace source told her the problem was “their interests were very close”.
She writes: “They would agree on territories that they would operate in, and then William would feel that his brother was breaching the agreement.
“From Harry’s point of view, William was simply ‘hogging the best briefs’, a friend of both of them told me. The younger prince seemed not to have gotten the memo that the future king would always get the juiciest patronages.”
Queen thought Prince Andrew’s Newsnight interview was going to be about his duties
Another shock claim in the book is that Prince Andrew told her Majesty that his car-crash Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis was to focus on his official duties and Pitch@Palace initiative.
It is alleged he had told the BBC they were cleared to film in the Blue Drawing Room, before heading off to the Queen to secure permission.
The Queen watched the interview alone in her private sitting room and had no idea it would focus on the allegations of sexual abuse against him, and his friendship with Epstein, the book alleges.
The Duke, 62, reached an out of court settlement with Ms Giuffre in April.
Meghan Markle wanted ‘leading lady status’
Much has been made of Meghan and Harry’s relationship with the royals - and the eventual split as the couple moved to America.
According to The Palace Papers, it was hoped Meghan would understand what her life in the Firm would be like when she accompanied the Queen on a trip to open a six-lane toll bridge.
On her own accord, Meghan came up with two well-received Royal projects of her own - the Grenfell recipe book and her clothing line with Smart Works.
According to Brown, Meghan struggled to find her role in the royal family after her first royal tour to Australia, which she “apparently hated every second of”. A former palace employee told the author that Meghan found the engagements old-fashioned, and would have rather put the spotlight on causes she wanted to highlight.
She writes that Meghan drew the conclusion “that the monarchy likely needed her more than she needed them,” and wanted her Hollywood “leading-lady status to be reflected in lights.
The Queen offered her most senior-lady-in-waiting to help support the Duchess, with Meghan becoming patron of the National Theatre and vice president of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust.
But she reportedly struggled to modernise the organisation as she wanted to - without proper funding. After fifteen years of supporting herself, she was financially dependent on Harry, who ‘was reliant as a teenager on the Bank of Dad’ and they were ‘crammed’ into a two-bedroom cottage.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here. | https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/seven-claims-new-royal-family-26802540 | 2022-04-26T14:46:47Z | https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/seven-claims-new-royal-family-26802540 | true |
Aldi has issued an urgent warning to customers who recently purchased its garden furniture.
Eight pieces of garden furniture made between 13 February and 20 April 2022 are affected.
This includes the popular hanging egg chair and the rattan corner sofa set.
What is the warning?
The budget supermarket has discovered its cushion covers fire-retardant effectiveness may deteriorate over time.
All other parts of the furniture are safe.
Those who purchased the items between 13 February and 20 April 2022 are affected and will be notified over email to await a free replacement.
Affected customers are asked to throw away their current cushion covers.
What has been said?
Aldi said: "As a precautionary measure, we are sending replacement cushion covers to all customers who have purchased the following garden furniture products between February 13, 2022, and April 20 2022 only
Our supplier has advised that the cushion covers' fire-retardant effectiveness may deteriorate over time. All affected customers should dispose of the current cushion covers and await their free replacement covers. The cushion and all other parts of the products are safe to use without the cushion covers."
What are the affected products?
- Bench Add on Rattan Effect - All Colours: 718472, 718473, 718474
- Add on Stool Two Pack - All Colours: 718488, 718489, 718490
- Cushion Set Rattan Effect Corner Set: 718487
- Rope Effect Coffee Set 3pc: 812106, 812664
- Rattan Corner Sofa Set (with Cover) - All Colours (UK Only): 718223, 718224, 718225
- Rattan Corner Sofa Set (without Cover) - All Colours: 718220, 718221, 718222
- Hanging Egg Chair with Cover (UK Only): 812611, 812612
- Hanging Egg Chair: 812599, 812606, 812608.
How to get a replacement?
If you have purchased these products in-store, you are asked to contact Aldi's Customer Service team on 0800 042 0800 (UK) and 1800 991 828 (Ireland) to arrange delivery of replacement cushion covers.
If you have purchased the products online in the UK, you will be contacted via email and automatically sent replacement cushion covers. | https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/lifestyle/homes-and-gardens/aldi-warns-over-fire-risk-garden-furniture-cushion-covers-the-products-affected-3669400 | 2022-04-26T14:50:36Z | https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/lifestyle/homes-and-gardens/aldi-warns-over-fire-risk-garden-furniture-cushion-covers-the-products-affected-3669400 | false |
Benedict Cumberbatch returns for 'riot' in multiverse 'Dr Strange'
By Lisa Keddie
LONDON, April 26 (Reuters) - Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch reprises his superhero role in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness", in the hotly-anticipated sequel which has fans guessing which Marvel characters might make surprise appearances.
The movie, which begins its global cinema rollout on May 4, sees Cumberbatch's Doctor Stephen Strange travelling into the multiverse, allowing for different versions of himself.
This, fans say, allows for other Marvel comic book characters to make cameo appearances, just like in last year's "Spider-Man: No Way Home" film.
"It's just a riot, it's the usual mixture of pathos and humour and some issues that are relatable to all of us, and some extraordinary things," Cumberbatch told Reuters at fan event in London on Tuesday.
"The fact the character is a gateway to a lot of other characters in quite a crowded film, but also to the epic nature to what the multiverse brings to storylines means it really does deserve to be seen on a big screen."
The film also stars Benedict Wong as Strange's trusted friend Wong and Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff, a role she played in several Marvel movies as well as series "WandaVision".
"We are creating new opportunities, opening up the Multiverse for I think the rest of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) which is very exciting to me and I have no idea where our stories lead ever, and so I am curious to see where we go from here," she said.
Xochitl Gomez debuts as America Chavez, a character who is gay in the comic books.
The Hollywood Reporter said last week the movie had been banned in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal. Various outlets have since quoted an AFP report citing an official saying Saudi Arabia had asked Disney to cut "LGBTQ references" from the movie but that it had not been banned. The Saudi government communication office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters on Tuesday. Asked about reports of a ban, Cumberbatch said: "(It's) A sort of expected disappointment, I guess... It just makes it all the more important I guess that we have this inclusion of diversity in our cast."
"However, I would love to get to the point where this isn´t a topic of conversation." (Reporting by Lisa Keddie; Additional reporting by Aziz El Yakoubi; Writing by Marie-Louise Gumuchian, Editing by Alexandra Hudson) | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-10755407/Benedict-Cumberbatch-returns-riot-multiverse-Dr-Strange.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-26T14:50:58Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-10755407/Benedict-Cumberbatch-returns-riot-multiverse-Dr-Strange.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | true |
WFO AMARILLO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Tuesday, April 26, 2022
_____
FROST ADVISORY
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
818 AM CDT Tue Apr 26 2022
...FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CDT THIS MORNING...
* WHAT...Temperatures as low as 38 will result in frost formation.
* WHERE...The Oklahoma Panhandle and western Texas Panhandle.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM CDT this morning.
* IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive
outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.theheraldreview.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AMARILLO-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17127114.php | 2022-04-26T14:55:38Z | https://www.theheraldreview.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AMARILLO-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17127114.php | false |
Trial of 3 ex-officers in George Floyd death won’t be livestreamed
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge ruled Tuesday that the trial of three fired Minneapolis police officers charged with aiding and abetting George Floyd’s killing will not be livestreamed.
Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill, who cited the threat of COVID-19 to allow livestreaming of last year’s murder trial of Derek Chauvin in Floyd’s death, said in his order that the pandemic has receded to the point that he cannot override the other three officers’ objections to live audiovisual coverage.
The trial for former officers Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng is set to begin with motions on June 13. Jury selection begins June 14 with opening statements set for July 5. Cahill said he expects the evidence phase to take four or five weeks, meaning the trial could last into early August.
Kueng knelt on Floyd’s back, Lane held his legs and Thao kept bystanders back as Chauvin used his knee to pin Floyd, a Black man, to the pavement for 9 1/2 minutes on May 25, 2020.
Prosecutors and a coalition of media organizations including The Associated Press had argued for allowing live televised coverage again, citing the continued intense public and media interest in the case, and the potential resurgence of the coronavirus.
But Cahill wrote that the “unusual and compelling circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic” at the time of the Chauvin trial have substantially abated, and court system rules in force at the time that mandated social distancing have been lifted. So, he said, he’s bound by Minnesota’s normal court rules, which allow cameras during most of a trial only if all parties consent.
___
Find AP’s full coverage of the killing of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/26/trial-3-ex-officers-george-floyd-death-wont-be-livestreamed/ | 2022-04-26T15:06:27Z | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/26/trial-3-ex-officers-george-floyd-death-wont-be-livestreamed/ | true |
The ABB investment leads Cassia's Series C funding to support Bluetooth technology as the leading connectivity standard for Industrial IoT. The two companies also enter long-term partnership to further strengthen strategic cooperation.
SAN JOSE, Calif., April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cassia Networks, Inc. a leading provider of enterprise Bluetooth IoT products and solutions, announced funding from ABB Technology Ventures, the corporate venture capital unit of ABB. The C round investment will be used to further strengthen the team at Cassia Networks, expand the company's global footprint, and accelerate the development of innovative new Bluetooth products and solutions.
The two companies have also entered a long-term strategic partnership that leverages Cassia's expertise with ABB's strengths in industrial engineering and global business development. Cassia will work closely with ABB to deliver best-in-class Bluetooth IoT products and solutions to provide customers with scalable IoT connectivity.
"We are incredibly excited to have ABB as an investor and strategic partner for Cassia Networks. ABB is a great company with deep industrial engineering expertise and global reach and is also very complementary to what we do." said Felix Zhao, CEO for Cassia Networks. "Together, this strategic partnership and investment will allow us to further develop industry leading IoT products and solutions and unlock the potential of digital transformation to drive more business impact for customers worldwide."
The product integration between ABB and its ecosystem of partners combined with Cassia will enable a total IoT solution built on performance, security, and reliability for an improved customer experience. Both companies will work closely together to make Bluetooth IoT technology the leading connectivity standard for Industrial IoT.
"We are deepening our partnership with Cassia Networks because we believe in its Bluetooth IoT technology," said Mari E. Haapala, Digital Lead, ABB Motion. "Cassia's solution has simplified the set-up of ABB Ability™ Smart Sensors in the field and is an important enabler for our digital solutions."
"The Industrial IoT ecosystem could benefit from open standardization, and that holds true for others like digital healthcare." said Claudio Jordan, Investment Principal at ABB Technology Ventures. "Cassia Networks' innovative Bluetooth-based solutions provide key differentiating features that could make that possible. We look forward to Cassia's growth and contribution to the further evolution of Industrial IoT."
For more information about Cassia's Bluetooth IoT products and solutions, visit www.cassianetworks.com.
About Cassia Networks
Cassia Networks is the leading provider of enterprise Bluetooth IoT products and solutions. Our patented technology provides the most reliable and easy to manage long-range, multiple device connectivity, edge processing and locationing for Bluetooth IoT networks. Our mission is to solve the IoT connectivity, locationing and management challenges faced by today's enterprises and make IoT easy.
About ABB Technology Ventures
ABB Technology Ventures (ATV) is the corporate venture capital unit of ABB (NYSE: ABB). ATV looks for breakthrough technology companies aligned with ABB's goal to write the future of industrial digitalization. Since its formation in 2009, ATV has deployed around $250 million into startups spanning a range of sectors including robotics, industrial IoT, AI/machine learning, cybersecurity, electric mobility, smart buildings and distributed energy.
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SOURCE Cassia Networks | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/cassia-networks-secures-investment-abb-technology-ventures/ | 2022-04-26T15:08:36Z | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/cassia-networks-secures-investment-abb-technology-ventures/ | false |
BENGALURU, India and NEW YORK, April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced its collaboration with Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: NUS), a global leader in beauty and wellness. Nu Skin will take advantage of the Infosys Equinox human-centric digital commerce platform to deliver engaging and innovative experiences for consumers and affiliates. The platform aims to help Nu Skin scale its business model exponentially with social commerce-based capabilities.
Infosys Equinox will help Nu Skin to sharpen its focus on creating unique, personalized, and innovative consumer engagement. Powered by Infosys Equinox's microservices-based, API-first and cloud-native design, Nu Skin plans to deliver engaging shopping experiences across multiple touch points, including websites, mobile apps and smart connected devices.
Ryan Napierski, Chief Executive Officer, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. said, "We look forward to our collaboration with Infosys to help transform our business and stay ahead of changing consumer behavior curves. We believe that Infosys can help us harness the right digital capabilities to reimagine how we connect with our customers and create a new industry paradigm for personalized beauty and wellness shopping experiences."
Infosys Equinox will bring Nu Skin a choice of digital advances including conversational commerce, augmented reality, and voice commerce, which if implemented will enable the company to engage with consumers through rich digital experiences.
Joe Sueper, Chief Technology Officer, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. said, "Infosys Equinox will give us the end-to-end social commerce capabilities we need to transform our business model and provide innovative customer engagement. We're creating best-in-class architecture foundations that will power digital experiences well into the future."
Karmesh Vaswani, Executive Vice President & Global Head Consumer, Retail & Logistics, Infosys, said, "Beauty and wellness brands are committing to bold changes in the way they connect with consumers, matched by systematic digital investments that can help them realize their aspirations to transform. We are excited to bring Infosys Equinox to help accelerate the development of Nu Skin's social commerce-based business model. We look forward to Nu Skin's creation of a new playbook for success in the beauty and wellness industry."
Amit Kalley, Chief Executive Officer, Infosys Equinox, said, "We are excited to partner with Nu Skin in their vision of transforming the beauty and wellness industry by creating personalized and socially-connected commerce experiences. Infosys Equinox's headless and cloud-native microservices will allow Nu Skin to compose unique and delightful digital journeys across ever evolving channels for their consumers across the globe."
About Nu Skin
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: NUS) is a leading beauty and wellness company, powered by a dynamic affiliate opportunity platform. The company helps people, look, feel and live their best with products that combine the best of science, technology and nature. Backed by more than 35 years of scientific research, Nu Skin develops innovative products including Nu Skin® personal care, Pharmanex® nutrition and the ageLOC® anti-aging brand which includes an award-winning line of beauty device systems. Nu Skin operates in approximately 50 markets worldwide in the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Pacific. Rhyz Inc. is the company's strategic investment arm that includes a collection of technology and manufacturing companies to support growth in the core Nu Skin business. Nu Skin is committed to sustainability, including global initiatives such as transitioning to reduced and sustainable packaging for all products by 2030. The Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation also strives to improve children's health, education and economic circumstances throughout the world. For more information, visit nuskin.com.
About Infosys
Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. We enable clients in more than 50 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer our clients through their digital journey. We do it by enabling the enterprise with an AI-powered core that helps prioritize the execution of change. We also empower the business with agile digital at scale to deliver unprecedented levels of performance and customer delight. Our always-on learning agenda drives their continuous improvement through building and transferring digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem.
Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.
Safe Harbor
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements concerning our future business opportunities and growth prospects as well as the benefits our products and services provide for our clients. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our products and services functioning as anticipated and interfacing with our clients' systems as anticipated, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the company unless it is required by law.
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SOURCE Infosys | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/infosys-collaborates-with-nu-skin-drive-social-commerce-led-transformation-beauty-wellness-sector/ | 2022-04-26T15:11:49Z | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/04/26/infosys-collaborates-with-nu-skin-drive-social-commerce-led-transformation-beauty-wellness-sector/ | false |
WFO BROWNSVILLE Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Tuesday, April 26, 2022
_____
AREAL FLOOD ADVISORY
Flood Advisory
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
857 AM CDT Tue Apr 26 2022
...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 945 AM CDT THIS MORNING...
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
* WHERE...A portion of Deep South Texas, including the following
counties, Kenedy and Willacy.
* WHEN...Until 945 AM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Rises in small streams and normally dry arroyos. Ponding of water
in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 857 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to
thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly in the advisory area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain
have fallen.
- Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected
over the area. This additional rain will result in minor
flooding.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Raymondville, San Perlita and San Perlita High School.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.ourmidland.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-BROWNSVILLE-Warnings-Watches-and-17127212.php | 2022-04-26T15:11:58Z | https://www.ourmidland.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-BROWNSVILLE-Warnings-Watches-and-17127212.php | false |
Investigators released a video from inside a school bus Monday showing the moment a car impacted a New Mexico school bus.
Albuquerque police said the car was traveling at speeds of up to 110 mph before the Feb. 23 crash. Twenty-three students were inside the bus, but only seven needed hospital treatment. Two had serious leg injuries, the police reported.
The alleged driver, 49-year-old Mario Perez, was charged with two felony counts of great bodily harm by a vehicle.
The video released Monday showed children getting ejected from their seats at the moment of impact. The video also showed officers saying that the driver admitted to racing.
“When the bus came this way I didn't see anything but a big like dusty explosion it looked like to me,” one witness told officers at the scene. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/investigators-release-videos-of-car-crashing-into-school-bus-at-110-mph | 2022-04-26T15:13:06Z | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/investigators-release-videos-of-car-crashing-into-school-bus-at-110-mph | true |
(NEXSTAR) – The most recent figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the cost of goods and services rose 8.5% between March 2021 and March 2022. That means the price of everything from groceries to electric bills jumped up over the past year – and only a lucky minority of Americans saw their paychecks keep up with those spikes.
As inflation grows, you’re effectively making less money as your purchasing power shrinks. That’s the bad news. The good news is that it’s actually a good time to negotiate for a better salary, says Eloise Eonnet, career coach and founder of Eloquence.
“There’s a huge amount of power that employees currently have today,” Eonnet says. “Companies are freaking out right now about people leaving, retention is a huge problem. It’s not about coming in with a threat or with an ultimatum, but it’s saying, ‘I want to stay here, I’m dedicated.'”
Eonnet’s biggest tip when it comes to asking for more money is to start by doing your research. Find out what the salary range is for your role and in your area (or comparable metro areas). You can look online at sites like Glassdoor, or reach out to people on LinkedIn who have similar roles. “It’s surprising how willing people are to help out,” she says.
Even if rising inflation is the reason you’re asking for a raise, don’t make it the primary reason you give your boss.
“Really make sure that the way you’re approaching those conversations, you’re coming from a place where you’re not just asking for more money, but you’re actually making a case for the amount of value that you bring,” Eonnet says.
She suggests leading by summarizing the value you’ve brought to the company thus far and then explaining what you hope to do in the coming year.
Making the conversation primarily about inflation and your lost purchasing power – while those are real concerns – centers the conversation on global events rather than your performance and value, Eonnet says.
“What employers are looking for is the value that you can contribute. How are you going to impact the bottom line? The development of clients coming in? The creativity around the product that you’re developing? That’s what they really care about, and so leading with what impacts them the most is going to be the most impactful way to have that conversation.”
You should also practice what you’re going to say out loud or with a friend so you feel confident when the time comes to have the conversation, she suggests.
If you get pushback or your boss is unable to match the salary you’re looking for, you might want to consider asking for different ways the company can meet you in the middle. You can ask for increased retirement contributions, more vacation days, or more flexibility and the option to work from home, Eonnet suggests.
And if all else fails, and you don’t get the support you were looking for from your employer, you still have options. “There’s a fantastic job market out there and job seekers are negotiating really good starting salaries for signing bonuses currently,” Eonnet says. “So there’s always that option.” | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/inflation-have-you-needing-a-raise-heres-how-to-ask-for-one/ | 2022-04-26T15:17:22Z | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/inflation-have-you-needing-a-raise-heres-how-to-ask-for-one/ | true |
Schools in Missouri would be required to test drinking water for lead, and install filters if it’s above safe levels, under a bill that won near-unanimous approval Monday in the state Senate.
The proposal, amended onto a separate bill by Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, passed on a 32-1 vote.
“Let’s make sure our students, staff and teachers have clean water in our schools,” Schupp said in a text message to The Independent. “Lead causes lasting damage. We have the ability to clean it up, and now is the time to move this effort forward.”
The bill now heads to the Missouri House, where a similar proposal has yet to come up for a floor debate. The legislative session ends at 6 p.m. May 13.
Lead is a neurotoxin that, while harmful to all, is especially dangerous to children. Exposure to even small doses of lead can cause lasting damage, including slowed growth and development and hearing, speech and learning problems.
Scientists have known lead to be dangerous for more than a century, but it was commonly used in water pipes, paint and household products for most of the 20th Century and lingers in the environment now.
Thousands of Missouri children have elevated levels of lead in their blood each year, and the numbers reported by the state likely underrepresent the problem because screening rates are so low.
Madeline Semanisin, an attorney for the Great Rivers Environmental Law Center in St. Louis, said the bill was another piece of the puzzle to reduce childhood lead poisoning.
“Removing lead from school is so important because outside the home kids spend most of their time at school, especially those younger kids,” Semanisin said. “And so if there’s any place to address the large-scale lead crisis we face, I think it’s great to start with school.”
While most exposures come from aging lead-based paint, contaminated water is another major source of lead poisoning.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lead concentration in school drinking not exceed one part per billion because it is the lowest detectable level, although there is no known safe blood lead concentration. The Environmental Protection Agency requires public water systems to take action if more than 10% of routine samples have 15 or more parts per billion of lead.
Schupp’s bill would require filters on any sources of drinking water that are found to have lead concentrations above one part per billion.
Missouri lawmakers appear poised to appropriate $27 million to help schools test their water and install filters. The funding has received approval from the Missouri House and awaits action by a Senate committee.
State governments already have funds, provided by federal grants, for schools that voluntarily test their water. But if the bill passes, Missouri would stand apart from Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska by requiring action at such low levels. | https://news.stlpublicradio.org/health-science-environment/2022-04-26/missouri-senate-overwhelmingly-approves-bill-requiring-schools-test-filter-water-for-lead | 2022-04-26T15:18:09Z | https://news.stlpublicradio.org/health-science-environment/2022-04-26/missouri-senate-overwhelmingly-approves-bill-requiring-schools-test-filter-water-for-lead | true |
FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) — A local high school will head to New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Fishers High School band students learned Tuesday morning that they have been chosen to perform in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
News 8’s Amicia Ramsey was at the high school as the announcement was made to students.
The parade is scheduled for Nov. 24. | https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/fishers-hs-band-to-perform-in-2023-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade/ | 2022-04-26T15:19:12Z | https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/fishers-hs-band-to-perform-in-2023-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade/ | true |
Return to boyhood while sharing memories with childhood friends in McAdenville
I read a quote somewhere along the way that said something like, “Men return to their hometowns looking not for their hometowns but for their boyhood.” I could relate to that because when I graduated from college in 1976, I went to work with Pharr Yarns and moved into an apartment over the laundromat in my hometown of McAdenville.
But one thing never seemed right and that was that all the houses of my friends growing up were still there but none of those friends still lived in them. Every time I went by those houses, I found myself wanting to knock on the door and ask them to come out and play.
That’s why it was so wonderful on Sunday afternoon, April 10, when many of the people I grew up with in McAdenville met at the Pharr Family YMCA to share memories from those days for a video that is being made.
The group I was a part of was the 60-69 group. An older group had already met and younger groups will be meeting in the future. I think the target date for the video that is being produced is for some time in September when all of the groups will meet together at the Pharr YMCA to see the finished product.
It was a treat for all of us to have our group discussion led by Catherine Carstarphen who is a pastoral counselor in Charlotte. But in McAdenville, she’s royalty being a part of the Pharr/Stowe/Carstarphen family. She’s also in our age group and has many memories of growing up in McAdenville herself.
Everyone in the group expressed their appreciation to her family for the blessing we all had of growing up in McAdenville and for all her family did to make McAdenville the best place in the world. Some shared their fond memories of Mr. Pharr.
I especially liked the story someone told about Mr. Pharr visiting the swimming pool one day and of a group of kids walking back with him to his house. He was talking to them and calling them by their names and answering their questions. When they got to his drive way, he told them they needed to go home now, but how important he had made them all feel and what a memory he had left with them.
It’s also a great picture of what made McAdenville such a warm and wonderful place to live.
I have my own favorite story about Mr. Pharr. One of the great things he did for our community each year was provide a fabulous Fourth of July celebration. One year he had comedian Pat Buttram, Haney on the "Green Acres" TV show, come and entertain us. This is what Pat had to say about Mr. Pharr:
“Mr. Pharr, just the kind of man I like to meet. He has a southern accent and a northern income. He met me at the airport and said, ‘Pat I want you to take these keys and this Cadillac and treat it as if it were your own.’ So, I sold it.”
If you’ve ever seen Mr. Haney trying to sell things to Mr. Douglas on the "Green Acres" TV program, you will understand why that’s so funny. For me and the rest of the McAdenville folks, we just enjoyed seeing our town father who we all loved so greatly being teased in that way. Teasing is a way of showing affection.
Another thing that many people mentioned loving so much was going to the swimming pool and swimming and then going to the Royal Soda Shop to get something to eat. I certainly agreed with that. I think some of the happiest memories of my life were made at the swimming pool in McAdenville.
And I definitely loved the hamburgers, hotdogs and chocolate nut sundaes I ate at the Royal Soda Shop.
I also loved Gaynell Fite who worked at the Royal Soda Shop for more than 50 years and was always there to wait on us when we came in and jerk a knot in our heads when we got a little too big for our britches. To have someone there like that for you day in and day out gives consistency to your life and helps build trust that the world is a good and caring place.
One funny thing that happened at our meeting was that Angie Brittain Brewer asked the group, “How many of us when we were young climbed over the fence to go swimming at night after the pool had closed?” Almost every hand went up.
I couldn’t believe it! I had always thought that myself and a small group of my friends were the only ones who had ever misbehaved like that. For some reason I left that meeting feeling like I was a little better than I thought!
But the best part about this day was that not only had I visited one of the buildings in McAdenville, the Pharr Family YMCA called the Community Center back then, that had so much meaning to my childhood; this time, the friends were back also!
Rick Dominy, who will always be grateful he was blessed to grow up in McAdenville, is a Gaston County resident and can be reached at 704-675-4862 or humorick007@gmail.com. | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/opinion/2022/04/26/return-boyhood-sharing-memories-childhood-pals-mcadenville/7449313001/ | 2022-04-26T15:19:19Z | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/opinion/2022/04/26/return-boyhood-sharing-memories-childhood-pals-mcadenville/7449313001/ | false |
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