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Did Pac-12 NCAA Success Lessen the Pain of the UW Slide Any? | The University of Washington mens basketball team failed to meet expectations this season, finishing 5-21 and next to last in the conference standings. However, the Pac-12 Conference put on quite a performance in the recently completed NCAA tournament, with its five entries in UCLA, USC, Oregon, Oregon State and Colorado finishing 13-5 and the Bruins advancing to the Final Four and heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss to Gonzaga. Does this showing help the Huskies in any way. Husky Maven's Kaila Olin and Mike Martin think it does and it doesn't. While COVID-19 season, random cancellations and unplanned bye weeks disrupted play for everyone, Olin credited Gonzaga with fighting through it until the national championship game against Baylor. She said there were no excuses for the Huskies, who lost badly to Baylor to begin the season. Martin took another tact, thinking maybe the overall strength of the Pac-12 gave the Huskies a little leeway for having a down year. He played the strength of schedule game with Washington and Gonzaga. Im saying maybe the situation wasnt as dire as it once was thought when we were looking at the Huskies at the bottom of a conference, Martin said. I would rather be the worst house in the best neighborhood than the best house in the worst neighborhood. No one is happy with the Huskies' showing this past season, which led to the second-worst record in school history and brought a six-player exodus out of the program and into the transfer portal. Yet it always worth debating all sides to every issue. For the full conversation, check out the video above. | The University of Washington mens basketball team failed to meet expectations this season. The Huskies finished 5-21 and next to last in the conference standings. However, the Pac-12 put on quite a performance in the recently completed NCAA tournament. | bart | 2 | https://www.si.com/college/washington/basketball/did-pac-12-ncaa-success-lessen-the-pain-of-the-uw-slide-any | 0.276566 |
What will self-driving trucks mean for truck drivers? | You can't be a trucker unless you enjoy it, says Craig Hoodless "Last week, I put 73 hours in. You're not getting home through the week," Craig Hoodless says of his job behind the wheel of a truck. "After a full day's driving you're mentally knackered but physically fine. Being a long-distance driver has to be a job you love. You can't do this job if you don't like it." Mr Hoodless, based in Cumbria in north-west England, is one of the more than 300,000 people employed driving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK, and one of millions who do so around the globe. The job, he says, can be long and exhausting - but rewarding at the same time. "One day is never the same as the next, every day is different," he says of more than two decades behind the wheel of a truck. "It's good money for what you do, but you're away from home all week." The industry, however, may be on the cusp of a seismic change. Nearly a dozen companies around the world are working on developing autonomous trucking - in which a variety of sensors feed data to a computer that controls the vehicle. Many have reported significant progress. California-based self-driving truck firm TuSimple, for example, is already conducting tests in Arizona and New Mexico that include depot-to-depot delivery runs - completely automated but supervised by a human. Autonomous trucks are supervised by humans for now According to data from Acumen Research and Consulting, the semi and fully autonomous truck market is expected to reach approximately $88bn (64bn; 74bn) by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.1% between 2020 and 2027. The technology, experts say, has the potential to revolutionise the $700bn (500bn; 590bn) a year trucking industry that touches every corner of the global economy - creating new business opportunities and saving companies millions. "It's a huge opportunity. The biggest impact ATs (autonomous trucks) will have is cost savings and efficiency," says Patrick Penfield, a professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University in the US. Story continues "The nice thing about ATs is that they'll be able to operate 24 hours a day and drive a consistent mileage rate, making trucks safer and more fuel efficient. "Freight will arrive at a destination faster. A human truck driver usually takes five days to go from New York to Los Angeles. It'll take an AT 48 hours." An autonomous truck could potentially drive from New York to Los Angeles in two days However, the potential benefits of autonomous trucks have led to concerns about job displacement among millions of truck drivers. In the US alone, the American Trucking Association estimates there are more than 3.5 million truck drivers on the roads, with nearly 8 million people employed across the wider industry. Census Bureau statistics show that trucking is the most common job in 29 US states, ahead of farming, teaching and secretarial positions. Among the companies working to make autonomous trucking a reality is California-based Waymo, a subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet. More Technology of Business The company - which is already testing autonomous technology in the American Southwest - has also announced a partnership with Mercedes-Benz parent firm Daimler to deploy fully driverless trucks. John Verdon, Waymo's business development and partnerships lead, acknowledges that while changes to the industry and jobs could take place "over time", the technology will also help address some of the industry's current shortcomings. "One of the strains in the industry is a driver shortage. The technology can help narrow the 60,000 shortfall of drivers we have in the US - a gap that's projected to widen to 160,000 within the decade," he says. "We're optimistic that this technology will spawn many new jobs and businesses, some that have yet to be imagined." Waymo has a partnership with Mercedes to develop driverless trucks Raj Venkatesan, a professor of business administration from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, says that the potential for job displacement in the trucking industry is largely misunderstood. For the foreseeable future, he explains, even autonomous trucks will still have "drivers" in the cab as a safety measure, to be on hand in case of mechanical problems or even speak to police in the event of an incident on the highway. "It's not clear at all now whether there will even be displacement," he says. "You need the back-up driver. Within the next five or 10 years, it seems reasonable to expect some movement towards autonomy, but with a co-pilot. In my view, it's like a long-haul flight. The plane can be put on autopilot, but you still have the pilot." For most trucking and logistics businesses, many of which have operated for decades, a more pressing concern may be rethinking their operations to meet the demands of an increasingly high-tech sector. "The industry is challenged with a complete redefinition," says Christian Tang-Jesperson, a partner at venture capital firm ACME Capital, which has made a number of investments in autonomous vehicle technology-focused firms. When autonomous trucks come into use, more investment will be needed to track those trucks and map and optimise their routes, he says. Syracuse University's Prof Penfield says the potential of the autonomous trucking segment is likely to attract the attention of large corporations, which in turn will lead to greater adoption. "How this technology will get adopted faster is when big companies like Amazon, Walmart and Costco start to use it in their operations," he says. "That's when things will start to break loose and you'll start to see the growth." Industry experts warn that these changes won't happen overnight. "It won't be a flip of a switch," Waymo's John Verdon says. "It will be a gradual introduction driven by safety and tech readiness, versus an arbitrary, specific point in time. From our standpoint, it's really about getting to a place where we can repeat that safe, capable, consistent performance at scale." Many drivers, however, remain unconvinced - including Craig Hoodless in the UK, who says that the country's roads mean that a human will always be needed. "I'm not concerned. No, not at all," he says. "I can understand driverless trucks on highways that are long-distance, straight lines. But we don't have that here." "I just delivered to a builder," he adds. "There's no way a driverless truck could be able to manoeuvre in and around pallets, bricks and piles of stuff. I don't see it working." | Self-driving trucks could revolutionise the $700bn (500bn; 590bn) a year trucking industry. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://news.yahoo.com/self-driving-trucks-mean-truck-232700005.html | 0.118741 |
What will self-driving trucks mean for truck drivers? | You can't be a trucker unless you enjoy it, says Craig Hoodless "Last week, I put 73 hours in. You're not getting home through the week," Craig Hoodless says of his job behind the wheel of a truck. "After a full day's driving you're mentally knackered but physically fine. Being a long-distance driver has to be a job you love. You can't do this job if you don't like it." Mr Hoodless, based in Cumbria in north-west England, is one of the more than 300,000 people employed driving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK, and one of millions who do so around the globe. The job, he says, can be long and exhausting - but rewarding at the same time. "One day is never the same as the next, every day is different," he says of more than two decades behind the wheel of a truck. "It's good money for what you do, but you're away from home all week." The industry, however, may be on the cusp of a seismic change. Nearly a dozen companies around the world are working on developing autonomous trucking - in which a variety of sensors feed data to a computer that controls the vehicle. Many have reported significant progress. California-based self-driving truck firm TuSimple, for example, is already conducting tests in Arizona and New Mexico that include depot-to-depot delivery runs - completely automated but supervised by a human. Autonomous trucks are supervised by humans for now According to data from Acumen Research and Consulting, the semi and fully autonomous truck market is expected to reach approximately $88bn (64bn; 74bn) by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.1% between 2020 and 2027. The technology, experts say, has the potential to revolutionise the $700bn (500bn; 590bn) a year trucking industry that touches every corner of the global economy - creating new business opportunities and saving companies millions. "It's a huge opportunity. The biggest impact ATs (autonomous trucks) will have is cost savings and efficiency," says Patrick Penfield, a professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University in the US. Story continues "The nice thing about ATs is that they'll be able to operate 24 hours a day and drive a consistent mileage rate, making trucks safer and more fuel efficient. "Freight will arrive at a destination faster. A human truck driver usually takes five days to go from New York to Los Angeles. It'll take an AT 48 hours." An autonomous truck could potentially drive from New York to Los Angeles in two days However, the potential benefits of autonomous trucks have led to concerns about job displacement among millions of truck drivers. In the US alone, the American Trucking Association estimates there are more than 3.5 million truck drivers on the roads, with nearly 8 million people employed across the wider industry. Census Bureau statistics show that trucking is the most common job in 29 US states, ahead of farming, teaching and secretarial positions. Among the companies working to make autonomous trucking a reality is California-based Waymo, a subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet. More Technology of Business The company - which is already testing autonomous technology in the American Southwest - has also announced a partnership with Mercedes-Benz parent firm Daimler to deploy fully driverless trucks. John Verdon, Waymo's business development and partnerships lead, acknowledges that while changes to the industry and jobs could take place "over time", the technology will also help address some of the industry's current shortcomings. "One of the strains in the industry is a driver shortage. The technology can help narrow the 60,000 shortfall of drivers we have in the US - a gap that's projected to widen to 160,000 within the decade," he says. "We're optimistic that this technology will spawn many new jobs and businesses, some that have yet to be imagined." Waymo has a partnership with Mercedes to develop driverless trucks Raj Venkatesan, a professor of business administration from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, says that the potential for job displacement in the trucking industry is largely misunderstood. For the foreseeable future, he explains, even autonomous trucks will still have "drivers" in the cab as a safety measure, to be on hand in case of mechanical problems or even speak to police in the event of an incident on the highway. "It's not clear at all now whether there will even be displacement," he says. "You need the back-up driver. Within the next five or 10 years, it seems reasonable to expect some movement towards autonomy, but with a co-pilot. In my view, it's like a long-haul flight. The plane can be put on autopilot, but you still have the pilot." For most trucking and logistics businesses, many of which have operated for decades, a more pressing concern may be rethinking their operations to meet the demands of an increasingly high-tech sector. "The industry is challenged with a complete redefinition," says Christian Tang-Jesperson, a partner at venture capital firm ACME Capital, which has made a number of investments in autonomous vehicle technology-focused firms. When autonomous trucks come into use, more investment will be needed to track those trucks and map and optimise their routes, he says. Syracuse University's Prof Penfield says the potential of the autonomous trucking segment is likely to attract the attention of large corporations, which in turn will lead to greater adoption. "How this technology will get adopted faster is when big companies like Amazon, Walmart and Costco start to use it in their operations," he says. "That's when things will start to break loose and you'll start to see the growth." Industry experts warn that these changes won't happen overnight. "It won't be a flip of a switch," Waymo's John Verdon says. "It will be a gradual introduction driven by safety and tech readiness, versus an arbitrary, specific point in time. From our standpoint, it's really about getting to a place where we can repeat that safe, capable, consistent performance at scale." Many drivers, however, remain unconvinced - including Craig Hoodless in the UK, who says that the country's roads mean that a human will always be needed. "I'm not concerned. No, not at all," he says. "I can understand driverless trucks on highways that are long-distance, straight lines. But we don't have that here." "I just delivered to a builder," he adds. "There's no way a driverless truck could be able to manoeuvre in and around pallets, bricks and piles of stuff. I don't see it working." | Self-driving trucks could revolutionise the $700bn (500bn; 590bn) a year trucking industry. Experts say the technology has the potential to transform the industry. But there are concerns about job displacement among truck drivers. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://news.yahoo.com/self-driving-trucks-mean-truck-232700005.html | 0.152349 |
What will self-driving trucks mean for truck drivers? | You can't be a trucker unless you enjoy it, says Craig Hoodless "Last week, I put 73 hours in. You're not getting home through the week," Craig Hoodless says of his job behind the wheel of a truck. "After a full day's driving you're mentally knackered but physically fine. Being a long-distance driver has to be a job you love. You can't do this job if you don't like it." Mr Hoodless, based in Cumbria in north-west England, is one of the more than 300,000 people employed driving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK, and one of millions who do so around the globe. The job, he says, can be long and exhausting - but rewarding at the same time. "One day is never the same as the next, every day is different," he says of more than two decades behind the wheel of a truck. "It's good money for what you do, but you're away from home all week." The industry, however, may be on the cusp of a seismic change. Nearly a dozen companies around the world are working on developing autonomous trucking - in which a variety of sensors feed data to a computer that controls the vehicle. Many have reported significant progress. California-based self-driving truck firm TuSimple, for example, is already conducting tests in Arizona and New Mexico that include depot-to-depot delivery runs - completely automated but supervised by a human. Autonomous trucks are supervised by humans for now According to data from Acumen Research and Consulting, the semi and fully autonomous truck market is expected to reach approximately $88bn (64bn; 74bn) by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.1% between 2020 and 2027. The technology, experts say, has the potential to revolutionise the $700bn (500bn; 590bn) a year trucking industry that touches every corner of the global economy - creating new business opportunities and saving companies millions. "It's a huge opportunity. The biggest impact ATs (autonomous trucks) will have is cost savings and efficiency," says Patrick Penfield, a professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University in the US. Story continues "The nice thing about ATs is that they'll be able to operate 24 hours a day and drive a consistent mileage rate, making trucks safer and more fuel efficient. "Freight will arrive at a destination faster. A human truck driver usually takes five days to go from New York to Los Angeles. It'll take an AT 48 hours." An autonomous truck could potentially drive from New York to Los Angeles in two days However, the potential benefits of autonomous trucks have led to concerns about job displacement among millions of truck drivers. In the US alone, the American Trucking Association estimates there are more than 3.5 million truck drivers on the roads, with nearly 8 million people employed across the wider industry. Census Bureau statistics show that trucking is the most common job in 29 US states, ahead of farming, teaching and secretarial positions. Among the companies working to make autonomous trucking a reality is California-based Waymo, a subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet. More Technology of Business The company - which is already testing autonomous technology in the American Southwest - has also announced a partnership with Mercedes-Benz parent firm Daimler to deploy fully driverless trucks. John Verdon, Waymo's business development and partnerships lead, acknowledges that while changes to the industry and jobs could take place "over time", the technology will also help address some of the industry's current shortcomings. "One of the strains in the industry is a driver shortage. The technology can help narrow the 60,000 shortfall of drivers we have in the US - a gap that's projected to widen to 160,000 within the decade," he says. "We're optimistic that this technology will spawn many new jobs and businesses, some that have yet to be imagined." Waymo has a partnership with Mercedes to develop driverless trucks Raj Venkatesan, a professor of business administration from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, says that the potential for job displacement in the trucking industry is largely misunderstood. For the foreseeable future, he explains, even autonomous trucks will still have "drivers" in the cab as a safety measure, to be on hand in case of mechanical problems or even speak to police in the event of an incident on the highway. "It's not clear at all now whether there will even be displacement," he says. "You need the back-up driver. Within the next five or 10 years, it seems reasonable to expect some movement towards autonomy, but with a co-pilot. In my view, it's like a long-haul flight. The plane can be put on autopilot, but you still have the pilot." For most trucking and logistics businesses, many of which have operated for decades, a more pressing concern may be rethinking their operations to meet the demands of an increasingly high-tech sector. "The industry is challenged with a complete redefinition," says Christian Tang-Jesperson, a partner at venture capital firm ACME Capital, which has made a number of investments in autonomous vehicle technology-focused firms. When autonomous trucks come into use, more investment will be needed to track those trucks and map and optimise their routes, he says. Syracuse University's Prof Penfield says the potential of the autonomous trucking segment is likely to attract the attention of large corporations, which in turn will lead to greater adoption. "How this technology will get adopted faster is when big companies like Amazon, Walmart and Costco start to use it in their operations," he says. "That's when things will start to break loose and you'll start to see the growth." Industry experts warn that these changes won't happen overnight. "It won't be a flip of a switch," Waymo's John Verdon says. "It will be a gradual introduction driven by safety and tech readiness, versus an arbitrary, specific point in time. From our standpoint, it's really about getting to a place where we can repeat that safe, capable, consistent performance at scale." Many drivers, however, remain unconvinced - including Craig Hoodless in the UK, who says that the country's roads mean that a human will always be needed. "I'm not concerned. No, not at all," he says. "I can understand driverless trucks on highways that are long-distance, straight lines. But we don't have that here." "I just delivered to a builder," he adds. "There's no way a driverless truck could be able to manoeuvre in and around pallets, bricks and piles of stuff. I don't see it working." | Self-driving trucks could revolutionise the $700bn (500bn; 590bn) a year trucking industry. Experts say the technology could save companies millions and improve safety. But there are concerns about job displacement among millions of truck drivers. Back to Mail Online home. Back To the page you came from. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://news.yahoo.com/self-driving-trucks-mean-truck-232700005.html | 0.225189 |
What does Australias new advice on the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine mean and what is the risk? | Australias vaccine rollout is facing a major shake-up after the federal government heeded the advice of its independent health expert advisory body to avoid giving the AstraZeneca vaccine to under-50s amid fears of a potential link to unusual blood clots. The advice will have serious repercussions for Australias vaccine rollout strategy, given the only current alternative vaccine, Pfizer, is in low supply, and a third option, known as the Novavax vaccine, is still being considered by Australias drugs regulator. If approved, the federal government doesnt see this vaccine becoming available until mid-year. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, which provides independent expert advice to the health minister, recommended adults aged under 50 receive the Pfizer vaccine as a preferred choice over the AstraZeneca vaccine. This advice was based on a small but potentially increased risk of developing a rare and severe clotting disorder following the AstraZeneca vaccine being administered in those under 50 years. The benefits of the vaccine still far outweigh the risk for people age 50 and above, given the serious effects including clotting and death Covid-19 presents to older adults especially. The European Medicines Agency said on Wednesday night that unusual blood clots associated with low blood platelets should be listed as very rare side effects of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. Most of the cases of these rare clots were in women under 60 years of age and occurred within two weeks of vaccination, though there have not been enough cases to confirm age and sex as risk factors. Meanwhile the UKs Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency recommended people under 30 be offered a different vaccine to AstraZenecas, due to a very low risk of these rare clots. Most cases of these clots occurred in veins in the brain (a condition called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, or CVST) though some occurred in veins to the abdomen (splanchnic vein thrombosis). As of 4 April, 169 cases of CVST and 53 cases of splanchnic vein thrombosis were reported to Europes adverse events monitoring system. In the UK as of 31 March, 79 people had suffered CVST or splanchnic vein thrombosis, and 19 of these people died. More than 30 million people had been vaccinated in the European Union and UK by April. It is estimated that around four people in every one million people vaccinated will experience this rare clotting, though data is still being collected and analysed, and estimates vary. Dr Jose Perdomo, a senior research officer in the haematology research unit at the UNSW St George and Sutherland clinical school, said it appeared that the AstraZeneca vaccine triggers an immune reaction characterised by a low platelet count, and blood clotting. Platelets are cells that usually help to stop bleeding by clumping together to form a clot. While you might think less platelets would lead to less clotting, Perdomo said in these rare clotting events a unique immune system reaction occurs involving the remaining platelets and white blood cells, and it is this reaction that makes the blood more clumpy. This is similar to another relatively rare but serious clotting condition caused by the use of a blood thinner called heparin. In both heparin use and administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine, clotting appears within two weeks, Perdomo said. Clotting is seen in arteries and veins at unusual sites in the brain and abdomen and mortality is high, he said. Mortality estimates following the clotting disorder after the vaccine have been put at between 25% and 50%. It can also lead to disability. The risk-versus-benefit assessment for the use of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine will be different for Australia compared to other countries, such as those with widespread Covid-19 transmission. This includes countries in the region such as those currently experiencing very serious outbreaks of Covid-19, such as Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and others. Associate professor Paul Griffin, the director of infectious diseases at Mater Health Services in Queensland said Australia could afford to be extra cautious given the low threat posed by Covid there. The difference between the benefits and risks from the vaccine was also different for younger people, he said, who are at lower risk of more significant consequences of Covid-19 such as death but may be at slightly higher but still very low risk of experiencing CVST and splanchnic vein thrombosis from the vaccine. Unfortunately no medical intervention is free of risk, and the risk of these clotting issues remains exceedingly rare, Griffin said. For comparison, the oral contraceptive pill carries a risk of clotting issues [different from the rare clotting associated with the vaccine] in the order of four out of every 10,000 people taking this pill, he said. When assessing the risks and benefits we also have to keep in mind the risks of not vaccinating. But that doesnt mean Australia shouldnt be extra cautious given the unique position it is in with virtually no Covid circulating in the community, Griffin, who is also on the AstraZeneca advisory board, said. It is important to note that it is not certain there is a higher risk of clotting in those under 50. A small number of cases have also been reported in older adults. While there have been more reports of the severe clotting in younger women, this may be because more vaccine doses have been given to this group because they often work in healthcare and other high-risk positions. ATAGI says in one country they examined, the rate of rare clotting was similar in men and women. So the ATAGI advice is an extra cautious approach while it waits for more evidence. So far no specific biological risk factors or pre-existing medical conditions have been found to increase the risk of severe clotting, including CVST, occurring after the AstraZeneca vaccine. But we know underlying medical conditions increase the risk of severe disease and death in those who are infected with Covid-19. This affects their individual benefit-to-risk balance. ATAGI said it respects a persons choice to make an informed decision on whether to accept the risk of Covid-19 vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine. ATAGI recognise that it is difficult for people to assess their personal risk where there is uncertainty about the short and long-term risk of severe Covid-19 in different age groups, and the evidence around benefit and risk of the AstraZeneca vaccine is changing quickly. Basically, it will come down to asking questions of your doctor and deciding if the AstraZeneca vaccine is right for you, or whether you would prefer to wait for an alternative to become available. It is unlikely people will be offered Pfizer vaccine as an alternative, since there is so little of that vaccine available. Rather, those who choose not to go ahead with the AstraZeneca vaccine will need to delay their vaccine until an alternative becomes available, or until advice changes. People who have had the first dose of AstraZeneca without any serious adverse effects can be given the second dose, including adults under 50 years. The rare clotting disorder has occurred only in the first two weeks after the first vaccine dose. Experts including nurses, doctors and researchers are overwhelmingly saying the vaccine remains effective and safe. An associate professor of haematology and transfusion medicine at the University of Western Australia, Matthew Linden, said: While serious, it is important to note that the risk is rare and for more than 99.999% of people it will not be a concern. Prof Jonathan Carapetis, the president of the Australian Association of Medical Research Institutes and an infectious disease expert, said: Everything we do in life every medication we take, every vaccine we give has a risk. It is a very safe vaccine but that doesnt mean that occasionally some very rare side effects wont occur and thats what were seeing, he said. People just need to be aware that every day we balance risk versus benefit, usually without thinking about it. In Australia there is a one in a million chance of dying from a car crash every time you drive 400km. Based on the current data from the UK this is the same level of risk as dying from a severe blood clot from the AstraZeneca vaccine. Symptoms occur between four and 20 days after vaccination. Key symptoms of concern include severe headaches or severe abdominal pains that dont settle with painkillers. In some cases, there may also be vomiting, confusion, neurological deficits or seizures. Anyone with these symptoms should go to the emergency department. Perdomo said the two main treatments are anticoagulants, and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment to prevent additional clotting. People should receive prompt specialist medical treatment. By recognising the signs of bloods clots and low blood platelets and treating them early, complications can be avoided. The hospital will also order blood tests and scans. The Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australia and New Zealand have produced guidelines on detection and management of clots after vaccination, which will further improve safety. ATAGI said: We do not yet know to what extent earlier recognition of this syndrome and improved treatments will improve patient outcomes. For the Pfizer vaccine up to and including 28 March, there have been 33 reports of anaphylaxis [a severe allergic reaction], seven reports of bleeding disorders, six reports of facial weakness, six reports of seizure, two reports of cardiac events and two reports of loss of taste and smell. The Pfizer vaccine does not appear to carry a risk of CVST or splanchnic vein thrombosis. For the AstraZeneca vaccine, there have been 22 reports of anaphylaxis, six reports of seizures, five reports of loss of sense of taste or smell, two reports of bleeding disorders, one report of facial weakness and one report of joint infection. All of these are considered adverse events of special interest which means the TGA believes they require ongoing investigation and monitoring. It is important to remember these adverse events may not have been caused by the vaccine. More than 855,000 doses of the vaccines have been administered in Australia as of 8 April. | The European Medicines Agency said on Wednesday night that unusual blood clots associated with low blood platelets should be listed as very rare side effects of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. Australias vaccine rollout is facing a major shake-up after the federal government heeded the advice of its independent health expert advisory body. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/09/astrazeneca-vaccine-australia-covid-new-advice-side-effects-how-high-is-risk-blood-clots | 0.276592 |
Who is Biden's ATF nominee, David Chipman? | President Biden is nominating David Chipman, a former federal agent and adviser at the gun control group Giffords, to be director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the commander-in-chief announced Thursday. Chipman would replace ATF acting director Regina Lombardo. During his time as a senior policy adviser with Giffords, he spent considerable effort pushing for greater regulation and enforcement on ghost guns, changes to the background check system and measures to reduce the trafficking of illegal firearms. Chipman spent 25 years as an agent at the ATF. During his career, he worked on stopping a trafficking ring that sent illegal firearms from Virginia to New York, and served on the ATFs SWAT team. Chipman is a gun owner, according to The Associated Press. BIDEN ATF PICK DAVID CHIPMAN ALARMS GUN RIGHTS GROUPS He is an explosives expert and was part of the team involved in the investigation of the Oklahoma City bombing and the first World Trade Center bombing. He also was engaged in the probe of a series of church bombings in Alabama in the 1990s. He retired from the ATF in 2012. Chipman, who lives in Washington, D.C., hails from Detroit and attended college at American University according to his Giffords biography. He received a masters degree from Johns Hopkins University in management. BIDEN TO TARGET 'GHOST GUNS,' STABILIZING BRACES IN NEW GUN CONTROL ACTIONS Gun-control advocates have emphasized the significance of the role of ATF director in enforcing gun laws, and Chipman is certain to win praise from this group. Biden announced Chipmans nomination on the same day he unveiled a half-dozen executive actions aimed at addressing a proliferation of gun violence across the nation that he called an "epidemic and an international embarrassment." "The idea that we have so many people dying every single day from gun violence in America is a blemish on our character as a nation," Biden said during remarks at the White House. He announced he is tightening regulations for buyers of "ghost guns" homemade firearms that usually are assembled from parts and often lack serial numbers used to trace them. Also, a proposed rule, expected within 60 days, will tighten regulations on pistol-stabilizing braces like the one used in Boulder, Colorado, in a shooting last month that left 10 dead. Gun control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety tweeted that it was "thrilled" about Chipmans nomination. "David will be an invaluable point person as this administration looks to fight illegal gun trafficking and end the special treatment of the gun industry," the Everytown tweet states. Brady, a gun violence prevention group, also lauded Chipmans nomination. The organization's president, Kris Brown, said in a statement that Chipman "understands that preventing gun violence requires an ATF that can fully execute its mission." The long-time gun control advocate added that "Chipmans background at the ATF and his expertise in preventing gun violence make him an unparalleled choice for this nomination." Her organization is unquestioned in its support of Chipman with Brown noting, "Brady urges the United States Senate to confirm him without delay." Meanwhile, Tim Schmidt, president and founder of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), called it "deeply troubling" that Biden nominated someone who opposes the views of "record numbers of Americans [who] embraced their right to self-protection." "Its our hope that the Senate will carefully review this nomination and consider how confirming a lobbyist and advisor for one of the countrys most fervent anti-gun groups to now run the ATF will make America a safer place," Schmidt continued in an emailed statement to Fox News. "We dont believe it will." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP And Mark Oliva, director of public affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, said Chipmans nomination was "overt politicization of the bureau that regulates the firearm industry." "Mr. Chipman was a registered lobbyist for the gun control group Everytown, before joining Giffords gun control in 2019," Oliva told Fox News. "The idea of a gun control front man leading the agency to regulate firearms is unacceptable." Oliva said that gun control groups "would have howled if President Trump nominated someone from the firearm industry to run the ATF during his term in office." "This is a troubling reversal of years of proactive safety cooperation between ATF and the firearm community," he continued. "The men and women of ATF have a difficult enough mission, they deserve a leader without a political agenda." The Associated Press contributed to this report. | David Chipman is a former federal agent and adviser at the gun control group Giffords. Chipman would replace ATF acting director Regina Lombardo. | bart | 0 | https://www.foxnews.com/us/who-is-bidens-atf-nominee-david-chipman | 0.306933 |
Who is Biden's ATF nominee, David Chipman? | President Biden is nominating David Chipman, a former federal agent and adviser at the gun control group Giffords, to be director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the commander-in-chief announced Thursday. Chipman would replace ATF acting director Regina Lombardo. During his time as a senior policy adviser with Giffords, he spent considerable effort pushing for greater regulation and enforcement on ghost guns, changes to the background check system and measures to reduce the trafficking of illegal firearms. Chipman spent 25 years as an agent at the ATF. During his career, he worked on stopping a trafficking ring that sent illegal firearms from Virginia to New York, and served on the ATFs SWAT team. Chipman is a gun owner, according to The Associated Press. BIDEN ATF PICK DAVID CHIPMAN ALARMS GUN RIGHTS GROUPS He is an explosives expert and was part of the team involved in the investigation of the Oklahoma City bombing and the first World Trade Center bombing. He also was engaged in the probe of a series of church bombings in Alabama in the 1990s. He retired from the ATF in 2012. Chipman, who lives in Washington, D.C., hails from Detroit and attended college at American University according to his Giffords biography. He received a masters degree from Johns Hopkins University in management. BIDEN TO TARGET 'GHOST GUNS,' STABILIZING BRACES IN NEW GUN CONTROL ACTIONS Gun-control advocates have emphasized the significance of the role of ATF director in enforcing gun laws, and Chipman is certain to win praise from this group. Biden announced Chipmans nomination on the same day he unveiled a half-dozen executive actions aimed at addressing a proliferation of gun violence across the nation that he called an "epidemic and an international embarrassment." "The idea that we have so many people dying every single day from gun violence in America is a blemish on our character as a nation," Biden said during remarks at the White House. He announced he is tightening regulations for buyers of "ghost guns" homemade firearms that usually are assembled from parts and often lack serial numbers used to trace them. Also, a proposed rule, expected within 60 days, will tighten regulations on pistol-stabilizing braces like the one used in Boulder, Colorado, in a shooting last month that left 10 dead. Gun control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety tweeted that it was "thrilled" about Chipmans nomination. "David will be an invaluable point person as this administration looks to fight illegal gun trafficking and end the special treatment of the gun industry," the Everytown tweet states. Brady, a gun violence prevention group, also lauded Chipmans nomination. The organization's president, Kris Brown, said in a statement that Chipman "understands that preventing gun violence requires an ATF that can fully execute its mission." The long-time gun control advocate added that "Chipmans background at the ATF and his expertise in preventing gun violence make him an unparalleled choice for this nomination." Her organization is unquestioned in its support of Chipman with Brown noting, "Brady urges the United States Senate to confirm him without delay." Meanwhile, Tim Schmidt, president and founder of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), called it "deeply troubling" that Biden nominated someone who opposes the views of "record numbers of Americans [who] embraced their right to self-protection." "Its our hope that the Senate will carefully review this nomination and consider how confirming a lobbyist and advisor for one of the countrys most fervent anti-gun groups to now run the ATF will make America a safer place," Schmidt continued in an emailed statement to Fox News. "We dont believe it will." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP And Mark Oliva, director of public affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, said Chipmans nomination was "overt politicization of the bureau that regulates the firearm industry." "Mr. Chipman was a registered lobbyist for the gun control group Everytown, before joining Giffords gun control in 2019," Oliva told Fox News. "The idea of a gun control front man leading the agency to regulate firearms is unacceptable." Oliva said that gun control groups "would have howled if President Trump nominated someone from the firearm industry to run the ATF during his term in office." "This is a troubling reversal of years of proactive safety cooperation between ATF and the firearm community," he continued. "The men and women of ATF have a difficult enough mission, they deserve a leader without a political agenda." The Associated Press contributed to this report. | President Biden is nominating David Chipman, a former federal agent and adviser at the gun control group Giffords, to be director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Chipman would replace ATF acting director Regina Lombardo. | pegasus | 1 | https://www.foxnews.com/us/who-is-bidens-atf-nominee-david-chipman | 0.526791 |
Who is Biden's ATF nominee, David Chipman? | President Biden is nominating David Chipman, a former federal agent and adviser at the gun control group Giffords, to be director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the commander-in-chief announced Thursday. Chipman would replace ATF acting director Regina Lombardo. During his time as a senior policy adviser with Giffords, he spent considerable effort pushing for greater regulation and enforcement on ghost guns, changes to the background check system and measures to reduce the trafficking of illegal firearms. Chipman spent 25 years as an agent at the ATF. During his career, he worked on stopping a trafficking ring that sent illegal firearms from Virginia to New York, and served on the ATFs SWAT team. Chipman is a gun owner, according to The Associated Press. BIDEN ATF PICK DAVID CHIPMAN ALARMS GUN RIGHTS GROUPS He is an explosives expert and was part of the team involved in the investigation of the Oklahoma City bombing and the first World Trade Center bombing. He also was engaged in the probe of a series of church bombings in Alabama in the 1990s. He retired from the ATF in 2012. Chipman, who lives in Washington, D.C., hails from Detroit and attended college at American University according to his Giffords biography. He received a masters degree from Johns Hopkins University in management. BIDEN TO TARGET 'GHOST GUNS,' STABILIZING BRACES IN NEW GUN CONTROL ACTIONS Gun-control advocates have emphasized the significance of the role of ATF director in enforcing gun laws, and Chipman is certain to win praise from this group. Biden announced Chipmans nomination on the same day he unveiled a half-dozen executive actions aimed at addressing a proliferation of gun violence across the nation that he called an "epidemic and an international embarrassment." "The idea that we have so many people dying every single day from gun violence in America is a blemish on our character as a nation," Biden said during remarks at the White House. He announced he is tightening regulations for buyers of "ghost guns" homemade firearms that usually are assembled from parts and often lack serial numbers used to trace them. Also, a proposed rule, expected within 60 days, will tighten regulations on pistol-stabilizing braces like the one used in Boulder, Colorado, in a shooting last month that left 10 dead. Gun control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety tweeted that it was "thrilled" about Chipmans nomination. "David will be an invaluable point person as this administration looks to fight illegal gun trafficking and end the special treatment of the gun industry," the Everytown tweet states. Brady, a gun violence prevention group, also lauded Chipmans nomination. The organization's president, Kris Brown, said in a statement that Chipman "understands that preventing gun violence requires an ATF that can fully execute its mission." The long-time gun control advocate added that "Chipmans background at the ATF and his expertise in preventing gun violence make him an unparalleled choice for this nomination." Her organization is unquestioned in its support of Chipman with Brown noting, "Brady urges the United States Senate to confirm him without delay." Meanwhile, Tim Schmidt, president and founder of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), called it "deeply troubling" that Biden nominated someone who opposes the views of "record numbers of Americans [who] embraced their right to self-protection." "Its our hope that the Senate will carefully review this nomination and consider how confirming a lobbyist and advisor for one of the countrys most fervent anti-gun groups to now run the ATF will make America a safer place," Schmidt continued in an emailed statement to Fox News. "We dont believe it will." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP And Mark Oliva, director of public affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, said Chipmans nomination was "overt politicization of the bureau that regulates the firearm industry." "Mr. Chipman was a registered lobbyist for the gun control group Everytown, before joining Giffords gun control in 2019," Oliva told Fox News. "The idea of a gun control front man leading the agency to regulate firearms is unacceptable." Oliva said that gun control groups "would have howled if President Trump nominated someone from the firearm industry to run the ATF during his term in office." "This is a troubling reversal of years of proactive safety cooperation between ATF and the firearm community," he continued. "The men and women of ATF have a difficult enough mission, they deserve a leader without a political agenda." The Associated Press contributed to this report. | David Chipman is a former federal agent and adviser at the gun control group Giffords. Chipman would replace ATF acting director Regina Lombardo. He is an explosives expert and was part of the team involved in the investigation of the Oklahoma City bombing and the first World Trade Center bombing. | bart | 2 | https://www.foxnews.com/us/who-is-bidens-atf-nominee-david-chipman | 0.294087 |
Why cant I buy that new Ark ETF? | Visit our ETF Hub for investor news and education, market updates and analysis and easy-to-use tools to help you select the right ETFs. You can read as much as you like about the meteoric returns that have been enjoyed by investors in the Ark suite of exchange traded funds, but if you live outside the US you will find it difficult to buy them. However, the Ark ETFs scarcity on sales channels outside the US is not unusual. Although part of the attraction of ETFs is the fact that they are listed and can be traded whenever the market is open, just like any stock, they are also regulated investment products. This means they can be difficult to acquire if you do not live in the same country or region as the one where the ETF is listed. Europeans, for example, have had a wide choice of ETFs that invest according to environmental, social and governance principles due to favourable regulatory incentives, but their US counterparts have had to wait longer for providers to start rolling out a decent range of ESG funds. How to search for an ETF Bella Caridade-Ferreira, chief executive of Fundscape, said she would first advise an investor to ensure they were using a suitable brokerage or platform. Fundscape has created a tool called comparetheplatform.com to help to compare fees and other costs on platforms aimed at UK-based investors. There are a growing number of apps that offer similar services in the UK. Globally, intermediaries include banks, brokerages and investment advisers, as well as dedicated platforms and apps. Caridade-Ferreira advises checking for hidden costs such as on bid-offer spreads. After you have selected your shop, the next step is to see if it will provide your ETF. Try searching for the name or ticker of the ETF and the name of your chosen brokerage, platform or app. Reasons why an ETF might not be available If you cannot find an ETF on your usual investment platform there could be a good reason for that. While there might be strong demand it could be that the provider has decided not to go through the time and expense that would be required to satisfy local regulatory requirements, even though it would be possible to do so. Alternatively, the ETF provider might have taken the view that the ETF would fail to meet regulatory requirements in the new jurisdiction. Finally, it could be that the ETF is available in your jurisdiction, but the distribution platform you are using does not to list it because that platform has decided it is not suitable for retail investors. This last possibility is why you are often asked to declare if you are a retail or institutional investor before you can access some investment sites. We firmly believe in protecting investors and helping them reach good outcomes, and so higher risk ETFs, such as those with a recommended holding period of only one day or that are more than two times leveraged, are assessed on a case-by-case basis, said Alex Lambert, external relations manager at Hargreaves Lansdown, one of the longest established UK investment platforms. If an ETF in this group is added, it is marked as a complex product and clients would need to complete a complex products questionnaire before buying, Lambert said. In addition, Hargreaves Lansdown only looks at products that satisfy EU legislation on packaged retail and insurance-based investment products (Priips) by publishing what is known as a key information document (KID). Matt Brennan, head of passive portfolios at AJ Bell, another UK platform, said it lists more than 1,000 ETFs on its site but also curates from that number about 30-40 ETFs, which it considers to be best in class and most suitable for retail investors. Its about being very conservative in what you do, said Brennan, adding that for European-domiciled investors if it hasnt got Ucits in the name, dont buy it. The Ucits name indicates it has satisfied EU regulations for retail investment funds. The first and most obvious risk is currency risk. If the ETF is listed in another currency you are exposed to exchange rate risk and the cost of FX transactions. A basic thumb rule could be derived from Brennans advice for UK-based investors, when he said they should ask themselves: If its not in sterling, why is it not? In addition, the buyer might lose tax advantages on gains or dividends. Locally domiciled funds have different tax treatments to offshore funds. Regulatory risks abound. Non-US buyers of US domiciled funds could find themselves subject to onerous US reporting requirements such as those imposed by the Foreign Account Tax Compliant Act (Fatca) in 2010. There are many additional risks, and some that are country specific. But, broadly, with providers keen to expand markets, industry figures say it is usually possible to find a locally domiciled version of most popular broad-based ETFs. If the ETF you seek has a narrow investment objective, there are many other reasons why it might be wise to steer clear, even if the ETF seems wildly popular. | Exchange traded funds are regulated investment products. This means they can be difficult to acquire if you do not live in the same country or region as the one where the ETF is listed. | bart | 1 | https://www.ft.com/content/ea4a4115-14a8-4235-9274-217af9ecdd13 | 0.145458 |
Why cant I buy that new Ark ETF? | Visit our ETF Hub for investor news and education, market updates and analysis and easy-to-use tools to help you select the right ETFs. You can read as much as you like about the meteoric returns that have been enjoyed by investors in the Ark suite of exchange traded funds, but if you live outside the US you will find it difficult to buy them. However, the Ark ETFs scarcity on sales channels outside the US is not unusual. Although part of the attraction of ETFs is the fact that they are listed and can be traded whenever the market is open, just like any stock, they are also regulated investment products. This means they can be difficult to acquire if you do not live in the same country or region as the one where the ETF is listed. Europeans, for example, have had a wide choice of ETFs that invest according to environmental, social and governance principles due to favourable regulatory incentives, but their US counterparts have had to wait longer for providers to start rolling out a decent range of ESG funds. How to search for an ETF Bella Caridade-Ferreira, chief executive of Fundscape, said she would first advise an investor to ensure they were using a suitable brokerage or platform. Fundscape has created a tool called comparetheplatform.com to help to compare fees and other costs on platforms aimed at UK-based investors. There are a growing number of apps that offer similar services in the UK. Globally, intermediaries include banks, brokerages and investment advisers, as well as dedicated platforms and apps. Caridade-Ferreira advises checking for hidden costs such as on bid-offer spreads. After you have selected your shop, the next step is to see if it will provide your ETF. Try searching for the name or ticker of the ETF and the name of your chosen brokerage, platform or app. Reasons why an ETF might not be available If you cannot find an ETF on your usual investment platform there could be a good reason for that. While there might be strong demand it could be that the provider has decided not to go through the time and expense that would be required to satisfy local regulatory requirements, even though it would be possible to do so. Alternatively, the ETF provider might have taken the view that the ETF would fail to meet regulatory requirements in the new jurisdiction. Finally, it could be that the ETF is available in your jurisdiction, but the distribution platform you are using does not to list it because that platform has decided it is not suitable for retail investors. This last possibility is why you are often asked to declare if you are a retail or institutional investor before you can access some investment sites. We firmly believe in protecting investors and helping them reach good outcomes, and so higher risk ETFs, such as those with a recommended holding period of only one day or that are more than two times leveraged, are assessed on a case-by-case basis, said Alex Lambert, external relations manager at Hargreaves Lansdown, one of the longest established UK investment platforms. If an ETF in this group is added, it is marked as a complex product and clients would need to complete a complex products questionnaire before buying, Lambert said. In addition, Hargreaves Lansdown only looks at products that satisfy EU legislation on packaged retail and insurance-based investment products (Priips) by publishing what is known as a key information document (KID). Matt Brennan, head of passive portfolios at AJ Bell, another UK platform, said it lists more than 1,000 ETFs on its site but also curates from that number about 30-40 ETFs, which it considers to be best in class and most suitable for retail investors. Its about being very conservative in what you do, said Brennan, adding that for European-domiciled investors if it hasnt got Ucits in the name, dont buy it. The Ucits name indicates it has satisfied EU regulations for retail investment funds. The first and most obvious risk is currency risk. If the ETF is listed in another currency you are exposed to exchange rate risk and the cost of FX transactions. A basic thumb rule could be derived from Brennans advice for UK-based investors, when he said they should ask themselves: If its not in sterling, why is it not? In addition, the buyer might lose tax advantages on gains or dividends. Locally domiciled funds have different tax treatments to offshore funds. Regulatory risks abound. Non-US buyers of US domiciled funds could find themselves subject to onerous US reporting requirements such as those imposed by the Foreign Account Tax Compliant Act (Fatca) in 2010. There are many additional risks, and some that are country specific. But, broadly, with providers keen to expand markets, industry figures say it is usually possible to find a locally domiciled version of most popular broad-based ETFs. If the ETF you seek has a narrow investment objective, there are many other reasons why it might be wise to steer clear, even if the ETF seems wildly popular. | Exchange traded funds are regulated investment products. This means they can be difficult to acquire if you do not live in the same country or region as the one where the ETF is listed. Try searching for the name or ticker of the ETF and the name of your chosen brokerage, platform or app. | bart | 2 | https://www.ft.com/content/ea4a4115-14a8-4235-9274-217af9ecdd13 | 0.150318 |
Is Ohio State football building the nations deepest offensive line this spring? | A 6-8, 360-pound left tackle athletic enough to take snaps at guard. A center, a tackle and a guard who all ranked in the national top 125 in their signing classes. A 6-6, 315-pound guard who, two years after arriving as a three-star prospect, took first-string snaps this spring. Some Big Ten teams will take less talented starting offensive lines to bowl games this fall. Right now, those are the credentials of Ohio States likely second-string group. Finding a solid starting five has not been a recent issue. Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa admitted, however, that only a few years ago the lack of depth behind them wrenched his brain a bit. For his sixth season in 2021, he has compiled what may be his deepest room. A lot of attention rightly focuses on the three starting-caliber tackles Thayer Munford and Nicholas Petit-Frere returning from All-Big Ten seasons and Paris Johnson Jr. moonlighting as a guard for 2021. Behind those headliners, a layer of versatile depth continues to build this spring. The idea is to find our best five offensive linemen thats it, OSU coach Ryan Day said early this spring. If we can do that, and get those guys on the field, thats the ideal situation for us. Thats what it comes down to in terms of figuring that out over the spring. But the more that guys can do, the more roles, the more value that they have. The coronavirus pandemic inadvertently helped fortify the offensive line. The daily threat of a new positive test for anyone prompted a roster-wide call to be ready at multiple positions. Then the live-fire drill three offensive line starters tested positive for COVID-19 a week before the Michigan State game. Dawand Jones, Matthew Jones and Max Wray became sudden starters. Ohio State won 52-12 that day and ran all over the Spartans behind that line. All of those players return to their backup roles for 2021. Studrawa, who said he stayed up at night over the offensive lines lack of depth during his first two seasons, noticed a change in his position group after that day. They knew through the whole COVID thing at any minute somebody was gonna have to jump in there, but it wasnt tested and proven until that point, Studrawa said. And now thats in that room. So all the other guys now, when you go to practice, you better be at your best. Spring workouts pushed some new contenders into the conversation. Injury limited Harry Miller to non-contact participation, opening more reps for redshirt freshman Luke Wypler at center. Some of those center snaps also went to Matthew Jones, which allowed Josh Fryar some first-string work at guard. Studrawa said he assumes Miller ends up as one of the five best offensive linemen. Jones extensive backup experience in 2021 should give him an edge on another starting spot. Yet the departure of Josh Myers and Wyatt Davis for the NFL Draft opened two spots, and regardless of seniority, spring brings at least the illusion of competition. Our tackles set a great example of what its like to be an impact player and be great at your craft, Wypler said. Theyre a prime example of what everyone in the room is striving to be. So far having them as the pillars, inside, the competition is going great. I think all of us came here to compete. Third-year sophomore Enokk Vimahi also stepped into some first-string duty at Michigan State. Redshirt freshman Jakob James name keeps coming up this spring due to his work at center. One of the most intriguing options will not take a spring rep. Five-star guard Donovan Jackson will not enroll and join the roster until summer. When he does, he should immediately contend for a two-deep spot. A lot of college coaches talk about endeavoring to find eight offensive linemen they trust. Ohio State may end the spring with a dozen. Day and Studrawa prefers not to need that depth this fall, but those future supporting players could help make the whole group better this spring. Get Ohio State Sugar Bowl champs & CFP gear: Check out shirts, hats and more merchandise commemorating Ohio States Sugar Bowl win over Clemson, as well as gear on the Buckeyes advancing to the College Football Playoff national championship game. Buckeye Bits | Ohio State's 2021 offensive line could be the deepest in the Big Ten. Coach Greg Studrawa says he stayed up at night worrying about lack of depth. | bart | 1 | https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2021/04/is-ohio-state-football-building-the-nations-deepest-offensive-line-this-spring.html | 0.110127 |
Is Ohio State football building the nations deepest offensive line this spring? | A 6-8, 360-pound left tackle athletic enough to take snaps at guard. A center, a tackle and a guard who all ranked in the national top 125 in their signing classes. A 6-6, 315-pound guard who, two years after arriving as a three-star prospect, took first-string snaps this spring. Some Big Ten teams will take less talented starting offensive lines to bowl games this fall. Right now, those are the credentials of Ohio States likely second-string group. Finding a solid starting five has not been a recent issue. Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa admitted, however, that only a few years ago the lack of depth behind them wrenched his brain a bit. For his sixth season in 2021, he has compiled what may be his deepest room. A lot of attention rightly focuses on the three starting-caliber tackles Thayer Munford and Nicholas Petit-Frere returning from All-Big Ten seasons and Paris Johnson Jr. moonlighting as a guard for 2021. Behind those headliners, a layer of versatile depth continues to build this spring. The idea is to find our best five offensive linemen thats it, OSU coach Ryan Day said early this spring. If we can do that, and get those guys on the field, thats the ideal situation for us. Thats what it comes down to in terms of figuring that out over the spring. But the more that guys can do, the more roles, the more value that they have. The coronavirus pandemic inadvertently helped fortify the offensive line. The daily threat of a new positive test for anyone prompted a roster-wide call to be ready at multiple positions. Then the live-fire drill three offensive line starters tested positive for COVID-19 a week before the Michigan State game. Dawand Jones, Matthew Jones and Max Wray became sudden starters. Ohio State won 52-12 that day and ran all over the Spartans behind that line. All of those players return to their backup roles for 2021. Studrawa, who said he stayed up at night over the offensive lines lack of depth during his first two seasons, noticed a change in his position group after that day. They knew through the whole COVID thing at any minute somebody was gonna have to jump in there, but it wasnt tested and proven until that point, Studrawa said. And now thats in that room. So all the other guys now, when you go to practice, you better be at your best. Spring workouts pushed some new contenders into the conversation. Injury limited Harry Miller to non-contact participation, opening more reps for redshirt freshman Luke Wypler at center. Some of those center snaps also went to Matthew Jones, which allowed Josh Fryar some first-string work at guard. Studrawa said he assumes Miller ends up as one of the five best offensive linemen. Jones extensive backup experience in 2021 should give him an edge on another starting spot. Yet the departure of Josh Myers and Wyatt Davis for the NFL Draft opened two spots, and regardless of seniority, spring brings at least the illusion of competition. Our tackles set a great example of what its like to be an impact player and be great at your craft, Wypler said. Theyre a prime example of what everyone in the room is striving to be. So far having them as the pillars, inside, the competition is going great. I think all of us came here to compete. Third-year sophomore Enokk Vimahi also stepped into some first-string duty at Michigan State. Redshirt freshman Jakob James name keeps coming up this spring due to his work at center. One of the most intriguing options will not take a spring rep. Five-star guard Donovan Jackson will not enroll and join the roster until summer. When he does, he should immediately contend for a two-deep spot. A lot of college coaches talk about endeavoring to find eight offensive linemen they trust. Ohio State may end the spring with a dozen. Day and Studrawa prefers not to need that depth this fall, but those future supporting players could help make the whole group better this spring. Get Ohio State Sugar Bowl champs & CFP gear: Check out shirts, hats and more merchandise commemorating Ohio States Sugar Bowl win over Clemson, as well as gear on the Buckeyes advancing to the College Football Playoff national championship game. Buckeye Bits | Ohio State offensive line coach Greg Studrawa has compiled what may be his deepest room. The Buckeyes have three starting-caliber tackles and Paris Johnson Jr. moonlighting as a guard for 2021. The coronavirus pandemic inadvertently helped fortify the offensive line. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2021/04/is-ohio-state-football-building-the-nations-deepest-offensive-line-this-spring.html | 0.117825 |
What About the Cops Who Watched George Floyd Die? | Officers Thao, Lane and Kueng offer a perfect example of what psychologists call the bystander effect. They were paralyzed by the powerful social forces that too often operate to prevent even decent people from taking action to halt abuses. This combination of photos provided by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office in Minnesota shows J. Alexander Kueng, from left, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao. | Hennepin County Sheriff's Office via AP Although Officer Thao was a nine-year police department veteran with several prior misconduct complaints of his own, Lane and Kueng were unjaded rookies, each less than a week out of field training, and they were perceived by their peers as caring, idealistic young officers. Kueng, one of just 80 Black officers in a department of 900, had joined the Minneapolis police because he hoped an increasingly diverse force would reduce police racism and aggression toward people of color. Lane, who tutored Somali children in his spare time, was known for his calmness and his ability to defuse tense situations. In far too many police abuse cases, other officers could have intervened to prevent harm, but instead remained passive. The bystander effect, which social psychologists have puzzled over for decades, is hardly limited to police officers. Think of the millions of ordinary Germans who watched Nazi abuses with dismay but didnt speak out as their Jewish neighbors were rounded up. Or Kitty Genoveses neighbors, who neither intervened nor called 911 as she was stabbed to death on a Queens street in 1964. On a more mundane level, think of all the people who look away and pretend not to notice when a school or workplace bully taunts some unlucky victim. Scores of studies have documented the bystander effect, and we now have a fairly clear understanding of the factors that can lead ordinary people to do nothing even when morality seems to demand intervention. People are less likely to intervene when faced with ambiguous rather than clear situations, for instance. Theyre less likely to intervene when surrounded by peers who are also doing nothing, or when intervention would require challenging those they perceive as having authority. Theyre also less likely to intervene when they believe someone else will, or should, take action, or to help those whom they view as culturally different from themselves. All of these factors appear to have been at play in the moments leading to Floyds death. Chauvin was the most experienced officer on the scene, and the less experienced officers deferred to his judgment; Chauvin was insistent about keeping Floyd on the ground and indicated that he was taking steps to keep Floyd alive, creating, for the other officers, a degree of ambiguity about whether Chauvins actions were inappropriate. Each of the three officers could see that none of his colleagues was intervening to stop Chauvin, thus diffusing responsibility for any bad outcomes. Finally, differences of class, race and culture might have allowed the officers to view Floyd as other, rather than as someone they felt obligated to help. Humans are social animals. Were biologically hardwired to form groups. But our social nature has a dark side: We find it easy to disregard the suffering of those outside our own groups, especially when our peers or leaders seem to be doing the same. These phenomena can be especially strong in cohesive groups such as the military, sports teams, fraternities and, of course, police forces. As a former reserve police officer in Washington, D.C., I saw this firsthand. From their first moments at the academy, police recruits have loyalty and obedience drummed into them, and are acculturated to see their identity as police officers as trumping other identities. (I dont care what color you are, one of our police academy instructors bawled at new recruits. From now on, youre all gonna bleed blue!). For cops, backing up fellow officers is akin to a sacrament, and apparent group disloyalty is a quick route to ostracism. But there is nothing inevitable about police passivity in the face of abuses committed by other officers. On the contrary, strong evidence from psychology and social science research suggests that effective intervention is a skill like any other: It can be taught, and it can be learned. Its not enough for officials to just tell cops to intervene if they see inappropriate or dangerous behavior, however. Creating a culture in which individuals intervene to stop misconduct and mistakes takes determined, sustained effort, both individual and organizational. It also takes practice. One of the first steps is redefining loyalty. Campaigns to reduce drunk driving offer a model. Initially, they were met with little success; few people wanted to seem like killjoys by taking car keys away from a friend who was just having fun. Only when the message shifted to Friends Dont Let Friends Drive Drunk did the culture begin to shift. Instead of defining loyalty as letting your friends do whatever they want, loyalty was redefined as helping your friends avoid potentially fatal mistakes. And groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving offered simple, practical advice: Pick a designated driver before going out; accept that a drunk person probably wont appreciate it when you take away the car keys, but do it anyway. Drunk driving fatalities have dropped dramatically in the decades since the Friends Dont Let Friends Drive Drunk campaign began. Similar bystander intervention programs have been successful in settings as disparate as the airplane cockpit and the surgical operating theater places where hierarchy, obedience, conformity and group loyalty are prized, but where, as with policing, the cost of mistakes and misconduct can be catastrophic. Police officers, too, can learn how to avoid being passive bystanders in the face of mistakes, misconduct and abuse. Programs such as the Ethical Policing is Courageous (EPIC) program in New Orleans or the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project at Georgetown, where I co-direct the Innovative Policing Program, draw directly on the insights of psychologists such as Erwin Staub, who conducted some of the most pathbreaking research on bystander intervention. Georgetowns ABLE Project, which launched in the months following Floyds killing, has already provided active bystander training for more than 100 police departments around the United States, helping officers to gain the concrete skills needed to intervene effectively. So far, the evidence suggests such programs can make a real difference. For instance, although direct causation is difficult to establish, citizen complaints about police went down in New Orleans after all officers received active bystander training through EPIC, as did incidents of unnecessary force. Police organizations that are committed to creating a culture of active bystandership tell officers that loyalty doesnt mean standing idly by as colleagues behave abusively; loyalty means keeping fellow officers from taking actions that could hurt them or others. (Friends dont let friends act in ways that will get them fired or prosecuted.) And active bystandership isnt solely about preventing egregious abuses. Police officers need the skills to intervene as well if a colleague inadvertently overlooks a safety issue, or if a fellow officer shows signs of severe untreated PTSD. High-quality active bystandership training also isnt just a matter of lectures and PowerPoint slides; it requires extensive use of case studies and role-play exercises. One key lesson officers learn in this kind of training is that initial attempts to intervene often are brushed aside or angrily dismissed, and effective intervention requires persistence including, ultimately, a willingness to physically move a fellow officer aside and take over if there is no other way to stop dangerous or abusive behavior. Consider Lane, the rookie Minneapolis officer who, along with Thao and Kueng, now faces charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. (The three are awaiting trial in August, though their lawyers recently called for their charges to be dismissed.) Video footage of Floyds death suggests Lane was uneasy about Chauvins actions. At one point, he suggested rolling Floyd onto his side. When Chauvin refused, Lane offered a vague expression of concern for Floyds health, but when Chauvin snapped, [Thats] why we got the ambulance coming, Lane backed down. A little later, Lane noted that Floyd appeared to be passing out and asked once more if Floyd should be rolled over but again, he didnt persist when Chauvin ignored him. While Lane and his fellow officers legally were required to intervene if needed to prevent abuses, the Minneapolis Police Department did not offer any specific training in how to do so. If they had been through an active bystandership training program, perhaps they would have felt more empowered to speak out. And perhaps Lane would have understood that would-be interveners are almost always rebuffed at first, but that increasingly forceful persistence and, ultimately, action can prevent abuses. Perhaps one of the officers simply would have pulled Chauvin off Floyd, saying, I cant let you do this. Hes going to get hurt, or worse, and youre going to get fired, or worse. Let me handle this. And perhaps George Floyd would still be alive today. | Hennepin County Sheriff's Office: Three Minneapolis police officers watched George Floyd die. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/04/09/derek-chauvin-cops-george-floyd-480460 | 0.225127 |
What About the Cops Who Watched George Floyd Die? | Officers Thao, Lane and Kueng offer a perfect example of what psychologists call the bystander effect. They were paralyzed by the powerful social forces that too often operate to prevent even decent people from taking action to halt abuses. This combination of photos provided by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office in Minnesota shows J. Alexander Kueng, from left, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao. | Hennepin County Sheriff's Office via AP Although Officer Thao was a nine-year police department veteran with several prior misconduct complaints of his own, Lane and Kueng were unjaded rookies, each less than a week out of field training, and they were perceived by their peers as caring, idealistic young officers. Kueng, one of just 80 Black officers in a department of 900, had joined the Minneapolis police because he hoped an increasingly diverse force would reduce police racism and aggression toward people of color. Lane, who tutored Somali children in his spare time, was known for his calmness and his ability to defuse tense situations. In far too many police abuse cases, other officers could have intervened to prevent harm, but instead remained passive. The bystander effect, which social psychologists have puzzled over for decades, is hardly limited to police officers. Think of the millions of ordinary Germans who watched Nazi abuses with dismay but didnt speak out as their Jewish neighbors were rounded up. Or Kitty Genoveses neighbors, who neither intervened nor called 911 as she was stabbed to death on a Queens street in 1964. On a more mundane level, think of all the people who look away and pretend not to notice when a school or workplace bully taunts some unlucky victim. Scores of studies have documented the bystander effect, and we now have a fairly clear understanding of the factors that can lead ordinary people to do nothing even when morality seems to demand intervention. People are less likely to intervene when faced with ambiguous rather than clear situations, for instance. Theyre less likely to intervene when surrounded by peers who are also doing nothing, or when intervention would require challenging those they perceive as having authority. Theyre also less likely to intervene when they believe someone else will, or should, take action, or to help those whom they view as culturally different from themselves. All of these factors appear to have been at play in the moments leading to Floyds death. Chauvin was the most experienced officer on the scene, and the less experienced officers deferred to his judgment; Chauvin was insistent about keeping Floyd on the ground and indicated that he was taking steps to keep Floyd alive, creating, for the other officers, a degree of ambiguity about whether Chauvins actions were inappropriate. Each of the three officers could see that none of his colleagues was intervening to stop Chauvin, thus diffusing responsibility for any bad outcomes. Finally, differences of class, race and culture might have allowed the officers to view Floyd as other, rather than as someone they felt obligated to help. Humans are social animals. Were biologically hardwired to form groups. But our social nature has a dark side: We find it easy to disregard the suffering of those outside our own groups, especially when our peers or leaders seem to be doing the same. These phenomena can be especially strong in cohesive groups such as the military, sports teams, fraternities and, of course, police forces. As a former reserve police officer in Washington, D.C., I saw this firsthand. From their first moments at the academy, police recruits have loyalty and obedience drummed into them, and are acculturated to see their identity as police officers as trumping other identities. (I dont care what color you are, one of our police academy instructors bawled at new recruits. From now on, youre all gonna bleed blue!). For cops, backing up fellow officers is akin to a sacrament, and apparent group disloyalty is a quick route to ostracism. But there is nothing inevitable about police passivity in the face of abuses committed by other officers. On the contrary, strong evidence from psychology and social science research suggests that effective intervention is a skill like any other: It can be taught, and it can be learned. Its not enough for officials to just tell cops to intervene if they see inappropriate or dangerous behavior, however. Creating a culture in which individuals intervene to stop misconduct and mistakes takes determined, sustained effort, both individual and organizational. It also takes practice. One of the first steps is redefining loyalty. Campaigns to reduce drunk driving offer a model. Initially, they were met with little success; few people wanted to seem like killjoys by taking car keys away from a friend who was just having fun. Only when the message shifted to Friends Dont Let Friends Drive Drunk did the culture begin to shift. Instead of defining loyalty as letting your friends do whatever they want, loyalty was redefined as helping your friends avoid potentially fatal mistakes. And groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving offered simple, practical advice: Pick a designated driver before going out; accept that a drunk person probably wont appreciate it when you take away the car keys, but do it anyway. Drunk driving fatalities have dropped dramatically in the decades since the Friends Dont Let Friends Drive Drunk campaign began. Similar bystander intervention programs have been successful in settings as disparate as the airplane cockpit and the surgical operating theater places where hierarchy, obedience, conformity and group loyalty are prized, but where, as with policing, the cost of mistakes and misconduct can be catastrophic. Police officers, too, can learn how to avoid being passive bystanders in the face of mistakes, misconduct and abuse. Programs such as the Ethical Policing is Courageous (EPIC) program in New Orleans or the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project at Georgetown, where I co-direct the Innovative Policing Program, draw directly on the insights of psychologists such as Erwin Staub, who conducted some of the most pathbreaking research on bystander intervention. Georgetowns ABLE Project, which launched in the months following Floyds killing, has already provided active bystander training for more than 100 police departments around the United States, helping officers to gain the concrete skills needed to intervene effectively. So far, the evidence suggests such programs can make a real difference. For instance, although direct causation is difficult to establish, citizen complaints about police went down in New Orleans after all officers received active bystander training through EPIC, as did incidents of unnecessary force. Police organizations that are committed to creating a culture of active bystandership tell officers that loyalty doesnt mean standing idly by as colleagues behave abusively; loyalty means keeping fellow officers from taking actions that could hurt them or others. (Friends dont let friends act in ways that will get them fired or prosecuted.) And active bystandership isnt solely about preventing egregious abuses. Police officers need the skills to intervene as well if a colleague inadvertently overlooks a safety issue, or if a fellow officer shows signs of severe untreated PTSD. High-quality active bystandership training also isnt just a matter of lectures and PowerPoint slides; it requires extensive use of case studies and role-play exercises. One key lesson officers learn in this kind of training is that initial attempts to intervene often are brushed aside or angrily dismissed, and effective intervention requires persistence including, ultimately, a willingness to physically move a fellow officer aside and take over if there is no other way to stop dangerous or abusive behavior. Consider Lane, the rookie Minneapolis officer who, along with Thao and Kueng, now faces charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. (The three are awaiting trial in August, though their lawyers recently called for their charges to be dismissed.) Video footage of Floyds death suggests Lane was uneasy about Chauvins actions. At one point, he suggested rolling Floyd onto his side. When Chauvin refused, Lane offered a vague expression of concern for Floyds health, but when Chauvin snapped, [Thats] why we got the ambulance coming, Lane backed down. A little later, Lane noted that Floyd appeared to be passing out and asked once more if Floyd should be rolled over but again, he didnt persist when Chauvin ignored him. While Lane and his fellow officers legally were required to intervene if needed to prevent abuses, the Minneapolis Police Department did not offer any specific training in how to do so. If they had been through an active bystandership training program, perhaps they would have felt more empowered to speak out. And perhaps Lane would have understood that would-be interveners are almost always rebuffed at first, but that increasingly forceful persistence and, ultimately, action can prevent abuses. Perhaps one of the officers simply would have pulled Chauvin off Floyd, saying, I cant let you do this. Hes going to get hurt, or worse, and youre going to get fired, or worse. Let me handle this. And perhaps George Floyd would still be alive today. | Hennepin County Sheriff's Office: Three Minneapolis police officers watched George Floyd die. Peter Bergen: They were paralyzed by the powerful social forces that too often operate to prevent even decent people from taking action to halt abuses. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/04/09/derek-chauvin-cops-george-floyd-480460 | 0.282762 |
Should Social-Media Companies Be Considered Common Carriers? | Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomass concurrence in Joseph Biden v. Knight First Amendment at Columbia University recommends regulating social-media platforms as if they were common carriers or public accommodations, so that their First Amendment rights to exclude speech would be curtailed. While the U.S. does have a history of employing such regulations, the wisdom of those precedents and the extent to which they are appropriate for social-media companies is less certain. Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act is the current controlling federal law. It provides broad immunity for information service providers against being held liable for the content of third-party speech on their platforms and for the removal or minimizing of that content. Individuals on both sides of the political spectrum are unhappy with Section 230s often imperfect content-moderation results. Many on the left want more content taken down that they view as harmful, while many on the right claim that too much of their content is removed for politically biased reasons. But even if current congressional efforts to repeal Section 230 are successful, online platforms would still have their First Amendment rights intact to remove speech they didnt want to carry. Thats precisely why Thomas takes aim at lessening Facebook, Twitter, and similar platforms claims to such protections. In his concurrence, Justice Thomas lays out how to regulate social-media platforms as common carriers or public accommodations in order to restrict the platforms rights of exclusion. The new regime would be something akin to digital forced access; social-media companies First Amendment right to regulate or remove speech on their private platforms would be eliminated or curtailed. From a legal perspective, however, the precedents for imposing speech restrictions on private entities may not easily translate to the way that social-media companies operate, or the markets that they serve. Story continues In Pruneyard Shopping Center v. Robins, the Supreme Court held that a shopping mall could be forced to allow distribution of leaflets and gathering of signatures within the building. The case does suggest some parallels for preventing social-media platforms from restricting speech. But defenders of private property correctly dislike this ruling and those on the right could easily object, on similar bedrock property-rights arguments, to private platforms being forced to host speech against their will. Turner Broadcasting, Inc. v. FCC is precedent for common-carrier status triggering obligations to carry speech. That was in the form of obligating cable companies to carry local broadcast stations and, interestingly, Justice Thomas would go on to join the dissent when the questions were revisited in 1997. But unlike cable franchises, social-media platforms have made no secret of reserving their right to deny service to any user under their terms of service. Exclusion is central to their business model, which is an important distinction from former common carriers. On the flip side, in Miami Herald v. Tornillo, the Supreme Court ruled against compelled speech, holding that the newspaper could not be forced to publish replies to criticism of candidates (regardless of its local market share). Similarly, in Hurley v. Irish-American Gay, Lesbian, & Bisexual Group of Boston, Inc., the Court protected parade organizers right to exclude participants. These last two examples seem to align more with the speech and curation aspects that are fundamental to social-media platforms. To justify government regulation, Thomas mistakenly claims that there is insufficient competition in the social-media space. He writes, That these companies have no comparable competitors highlights that the industries may have substantial barriers to entry. In reality, these platforms are constantly having to compete with new market entries. Examples include Snapchat, Clubhouse, TikTok, and many more. The next generation of social media, much of which has yet to be invented, will likely be decentralized and even less akin to entities that have been regulated as common carriers in the past. Beyond comparable social-media-platform alternatives to Twitter and Facebook (both of which have banned former President Trump) there still exists television, radio, and the rest of the Internet. The practical reality of forcing social-media companies to carry speech to which they object might not be the panacea that conservative critics imagine. Much of what is culled from these platforms is spam, extreme hate speech, and disturbing (but constitutionally protected) content. An Internet with no moderation would quickly become a place that very few people would want to visit. Facebook would more aptly be called Pornbook in short time. While there are legitimate frustrations and complaints about content moderation online, Thomass heavy-handed regulatory prescription is not the answer. The unintended consequences of common-carrier regulation warn against the idea, and the marketplace is already at work decentralizing control. Most fundamentally, despite the opinion of one Supreme Court justice, case law does not suggest that laws restricting the First Amendment rights of social-media platforms would survive judicial review. More from National Review | In a concurrence, Justice Thomas recommends regulating social-media platforms as common carriers or public accommodations. | pegasus | 0 | https://news.yahoo.com/social-media-companies-considered-common-103026659.html | 0.301888 |
Should Social-Media Companies Be Considered Common Carriers? | Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomass concurrence in Joseph Biden v. Knight First Amendment at Columbia University recommends regulating social-media platforms as if they were common carriers or public accommodations, so that their First Amendment rights to exclude speech would be curtailed. While the U.S. does have a history of employing such regulations, the wisdom of those precedents and the extent to which they are appropriate for social-media companies is less certain. Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act is the current controlling federal law. It provides broad immunity for information service providers against being held liable for the content of third-party speech on their platforms and for the removal or minimizing of that content. Individuals on both sides of the political spectrum are unhappy with Section 230s often imperfect content-moderation results. Many on the left want more content taken down that they view as harmful, while many on the right claim that too much of their content is removed for politically biased reasons. But even if current congressional efforts to repeal Section 230 are successful, online platforms would still have their First Amendment rights intact to remove speech they didnt want to carry. Thats precisely why Thomas takes aim at lessening Facebook, Twitter, and similar platforms claims to such protections. In his concurrence, Justice Thomas lays out how to regulate social-media platforms as common carriers or public accommodations in order to restrict the platforms rights of exclusion. The new regime would be something akin to digital forced access; social-media companies First Amendment right to regulate or remove speech on their private platforms would be eliminated or curtailed. From a legal perspective, however, the precedents for imposing speech restrictions on private entities may not easily translate to the way that social-media companies operate, or the markets that they serve. Story continues In Pruneyard Shopping Center v. Robins, the Supreme Court held that a shopping mall could be forced to allow distribution of leaflets and gathering of signatures within the building. The case does suggest some parallels for preventing social-media platforms from restricting speech. But defenders of private property correctly dislike this ruling and those on the right could easily object, on similar bedrock property-rights arguments, to private platforms being forced to host speech against their will. Turner Broadcasting, Inc. v. FCC is precedent for common-carrier status triggering obligations to carry speech. That was in the form of obligating cable companies to carry local broadcast stations and, interestingly, Justice Thomas would go on to join the dissent when the questions were revisited in 1997. But unlike cable franchises, social-media platforms have made no secret of reserving their right to deny service to any user under their terms of service. Exclusion is central to their business model, which is an important distinction from former common carriers. On the flip side, in Miami Herald v. Tornillo, the Supreme Court ruled against compelled speech, holding that the newspaper could not be forced to publish replies to criticism of candidates (regardless of its local market share). Similarly, in Hurley v. Irish-American Gay, Lesbian, & Bisexual Group of Boston, Inc., the Court protected parade organizers right to exclude participants. These last two examples seem to align more with the speech and curation aspects that are fundamental to social-media platforms. To justify government regulation, Thomas mistakenly claims that there is insufficient competition in the social-media space. He writes, That these companies have no comparable competitors highlights that the industries may have substantial barriers to entry. In reality, these platforms are constantly having to compete with new market entries. Examples include Snapchat, Clubhouse, TikTok, and many more. The next generation of social media, much of which has yet to be invented, will likely be decentralized and even less akin to entities that have been regulated as common carriers in the past. Beyond comparable social-media-platform alternatives to Twitter and Facebook (both of which have banned former President Trump) there still exists television, radio, and the rest of the Internet. The practical reality of forcing social-media companies to carry speech to which they object might not be the panacea that conservative critics imagine. Much of what is culled from these platforms is spam, extreme hate speech, and disturbing (but constitutionally protected) content. An Internet with no moderation would quickly become a place that very few people would want to visit. Facebook would more aptly be called Pornbook in short time. While there are legitimate frustrations and complaints about content moderation online, Thomass heavy-handed regulatory prescription is not the answer. The unintended consequences of common-carrier regulation warn against the idea, and the marketplace is already at work decentralizing control. Most fundamentally, despite the opinion of one Supreme Court justice, case law does not suggest that laws restricting the First Amendment rights of social-media platforms would survive judicial review. More from National Review | In a concurrence, Justice Thomas recommends regulating social-media platforms as common carriers or public accommodations. From a legal perspective, however, the precedents for imposing speech restrictions on private entities may not easily translate to the way that social-media companies operate. | pegasus | 2 | https://news.yahoo.com/social-media-companies-considered-common-103026659.html | 0.364042 |
How worried should we be about links of blood clots to AstraZeneca's vaccine? | By John Miller and Ludwig Burger ZURICH (Reuters) - Europe's drug regulator on Wednesday said it had found a possible link between AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine and very rare blood clots in adults who received the shot. Britain recommended people under 30 get an alternative COVID-19 vaccine if possible. The EMA said its vaccine side effects monitoring system, as of April 4, had received 169 reports of cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), or clots in blood vessels exiting the brain, and 53 cases of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), or clotting in veins in the abdomen. That's out of some 34 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses administered in Britain and the European Economic Area since vaccinations started almost three months ago. Its safety committee carried out a review of 62 cases of CVST and 24 cases of SVT, of which 18 were fatal. Most of the cases reported have occurred in women under 60, though that could be misleading. Germany and Britain say many more women received AstraZeneca's shot than men. Most cases occurred within 2 weeks of the person receiving their first dose. German vaccination officials who recorded 29 cases of CVST in women aged 20 to 59 who got the AstraZeneca vaccine said the occurrence rate in that group was 20 times higher within 16 days of vaccination than what would have typically been expected. Germany's health ministry has said 1 to 1.4 cases of CVST would have been expected during that time. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency reviewed 79 cases of rare clotting coupled with low platelets, with 19 fatalities - 13 women and 6 men. Eleven of the deaths in people under the age of 50 and three under 30. All 79 cases occurred after a first dose of the vaccine. British officials drew on statistics from the University of Cambridge's Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication to explain their recommendations that young people get an alternative shot while older people still get AstraZeneca's. Story continues According to the Centre, vaccination with the AstraZeneca shot would reduce admissions to intensive care units by nearly seven in 100,000 people in the group aged 20-29 years old with high risk of exposure to the virus, while 1.1 people per 100,000 people in the same group were estimated as likely to suffer serious vaccine-related harms. The risk of serious harm due to vaccination falls further the older people get, and ICU admissions prevented by vaccination rise sharply, boosting the AstraZeneca shot's benefit-to-risk ratio. The Centre concluded only 0.4 people for every 100,000 in the 50-59 age group would suffer vaccine-linked harm, while 95.6 ICU admissions per 100,000 people would be prevented. EMA investigators checked if the frequency of events was higher in the vaccinated population than normal background rates drawn from public health statistics or insurance records. This would be combined with a medical analysis of each case and insight from scientific literature. In its findings, the EMA said on March 18 that, on average, just 1.35 cases of CVST might normally have been expected among people under 50 within 14 days of receiving AstraZeneca's vaccine, whereas by the same cut-off date 12 cases had been recorded. By comparison, four women out of 10,000 would get a blood clot from taking oral contraception. Key to the EMA's assessment that benefits continue to outweigh risks are its conclusions about likelihood of an increased risk from clotting, compared with the benefits of preventing COVID-19 and reducing hospitalizations and deaths. The EMA said that unusual blood clots with low blood platelets should be listed as very rare side effects and countries should decide on how to proceed with their national COVID-19 immunisation campaigns. These may vary from nation to nation, the EMA said, depending on factors like how quickly infections are spreading and whether vaccines are available. Its safety committee requested new studies, and changes to ongoing ones, to provide more information about the mechanism behind the rare clots. AstraZeneca and European regulators have said concerns about blood disorders did not emerge during clinical trials. Among possible causes for these rare cerebral sinous vein clots being investigated are that the vaccine triggers an unusual antibody in rare cases. The EMA said the vaccine may trigger an immune response leading to the unusual clotting, though it acknowledged that scientists have yet to identify any risk factors that might predispose somebody to clotting combined with low platelets. German scientists at Greifswald University concluded the vaccine is linked to the side effects, though their work still requires peer review. Andreas Greinacher, an expert on drug-induced immune responses, said specimens he has examined exhibited unusual antibodies that activate blood platelets, prompting the clots. Greinacher is still seeking clues about why some people had clots and others did not. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt, Matthias Blamont in Paris and John Miller in Zurich; Additional reporting by Kate Kelland and Alistair Smout in London and Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; Editing by Josephine Mason and Angus MacSwan) | Europe's drug regulator said it had found a possible link between AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine and very rare blood clots in adults who received the shot. | pegasus | 1 | https://news.yahoo.com/worried-links-blood-clots-astrazenecas-100734047.html | 0.121167 |
How worried should we be about links of blood clots to AstraZeneca's vaccine? | By John Miller and Ludwig Burger ZURICH (Reuters) - Europe's drug regulator on Wednesday said it had found a possible link between AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine and very rare blood clots in adults who received the shot. Britain recommended people under 30 get an alternative COVID-19 vaccine if possible. The EMA said its vaccine side effects monitoring system, as of April 4, had received 169 reports of cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), or clots in blood vessels exiting the brain, and 53 cases of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), or clotting in veins in the abdomen. That's out of some 34 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses administered in Britain and the European Economic Area since vaccinations started almost three months ago. Its safety committee carried out a review of 62 cases of CVST and 24 cases of SVT, of which 18 were fatal. Most of the cases reported have occurred in women under 60, though that could be misleading. Germany and Britain say many more women received AstraZeneca's shot than men. Most cases occurred within 2 weeks of the person receiving their first dose. German vaccination officials who recorded 29 cases of CVST in women aged 20 to 59 who got the AstraZeneca vaccine said the occurrence rate in that group was 20 times higher within 16 days of vaccination than what would have typically been expected. Germany's health ministry has said 1 to 1.4 cases of CVST would have been expected during that time. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency reviewed 79 cases of rare clotting coupled with low platelets, with 19 fatalities - 13 women and 6 men. Eleven of the deaths in people under the age of 50 and three under 30. All 79 cases occurred after a first dose of the vaccine. British officials drew on statistics from the University of Cambridge's Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication to explain their recommendations that young people get an alternative shot while older people still get AstraZeneca's. Story continues According to the Centre, vaccination with the AstraZeneca shot would reduce admissions to intensive care units by nearly seven in 100,000 people in the group aged 20-29 years old with high risk of exposure to the virus, while 1.1 people per 100,000 people in the same group were estimated as likely to suffer serious vaccine-related harms. The risk of serious harm due to vaccination falls further the older people get, and ICU admissions prevented by vaccination rise sharply, boosting the AstraZeneca shot's benefit-to-risk ratio. The Centre concluded only 0.4 people for every 100,000 in the 50-59 age group would suffer vaccine-linked harm, while 95.6 ICU admissions per 100,000 people would be prevented. EMA investigators checked if the frequency of events was higher in the vaccinated population than normal background rates drawn from public health statistics or insurance records. This would be combined with a medical analysis of each case and insight from scientific literature. In its findings, the EMA said on March 18 that, on average, just 1.35 cases of CVST might normally have been expected among people under 50 within 14 days of receiving AstraZeneca's vaccine, whereas by the same cut-off date 12 cases had been recorded. By comparison, four women out of 10,000 would get a blood clot from taking oral contraception. Key to the EMA's assessment that benefits continue to outweigh risks are its conclusions about likelihood of an increased risk from clotting, compared with the benefits of preventing COVID-19 and reducing hospitalizations and deaths. The EMA said that unusual blood clots with low blood platelets should be listed as very rare side effects and countries should decide on how to proceed with their national COVID-19 immunisation campaigns. These may vary from nation to nation, the EMA said, depending on factors like how quickly infections are spreading and whether vaccines are available. Its safety committee requested new studies, and changes to ongoing ones, to provide more information about the mechanism behind the rare clots. AstraZeneca and European regulators have said concerns about blood disorders did not emerge during clinical trials. Among possible causes for these rare cerebral sinous vein clots being investigated are that the vaccine triggers an unusual antibody in rare cases. The EMA said the vaccine may trigger an immune response leading to the unusual clotting, though it acknowledged that scientists have yet to identify any risk factors that might predispose somebody to clotting combined with low platelets. German scientists at Greifswald University concluded the vaccine is linked to the side effects, though their work still requires peer review. Andreas Greinacher, an expert on drug-induced immune responses, said specimens he has examined exhibited unusual antibodies that activate blood platelets, prompting the clots. Greinacher is still seeking clues about why some people had clots and others did not. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt, Matthias Blamont in Paris and John Miller in Zurich; Additional reporting by Kate Kelland and Alistair Smout in London and Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; Editing by Josephine Mason and Angus MacSwan) | Europe's drug regulator finds possible link between AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine and very rare blood clots in adults who received the shot. Britain recommends people under 30 get an alternative vaccine if possible, while older people still get Astra Zeneca's. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://news.yahoo.com/worried-links-blood-clots-astrazenecas-100734047.html | 0.160677 |
Who Are The Non-HNWI Luxury Consumers? | HENRYs - Highly Educated, Not Rich Yet - are the consumer group that luxury brands should be turning ... [+] their attention to. getty Douglas Mandel, Partner at Hydra Advisory, contributed to this story. The High Net Worth Individual, commonly referred to as HNWI, has long been a focus for many companies, whether private banking firms or luxury brands. The main desire is to attract and retain these customers given the value of their investable funds. To start, its worth defining what high net worth actually means. According to Investopedia, HNWIs can be characterized by having liquid financial assets in the $1 million range. An investor with less than $1 million but more than $100,000 is considered to be affluent or perhaps sub-HNWI. The upper end of HNWI is around $5 million, at which point the client is then referred to as very HNWI. More than $30 million in wealth classifies a person as ultra HNWI. Capgemini Research Institute adds even finer nuances to how a wealth management firm may classify these individuals. Capgemini divides the HNWI population into three subsections: millionaires next door ($1 million to $5 million in investable assets), mid-tier millionaires ($5 million to $30 million) and ultra-HNWIs (more than $30 million). Globally, 183,400 people were considered ultra-HNWI in 2019. Mid-tier millionaires numbered 1.75 million, while millionaires next door was the largest group at 17.6 million people. Millionaires next door are quite a sizeable target market at the low end of the HNWI spectrum. With assets well invested and managed by private bankers, these individuals have the ability to spend their interest and dividend payments to live a highly coveted lifestyle. Enter the HENRYs: Highly Educated, Not Rich Yet. Its not a new term. Shawn Tully coined the acronym in a 2003 Fortune magazine article as he lamented the introduction of the AMT Alternative Minimum Tax in the USA, but it now characterizes a group of six-figure earners who are mostly millennials. This affluent luxury consumer group has been identified as being around 43 years of age on average, with an income of more than US$100,000 and investable assets of less than US$1m. The HENRYs were pegged as a new group of powerful luxury customers in Deloittes recent Global Powers of Luxury Goods 2019 report. Brands, eager to tap into this promising market, are now trying to create positive relationships with these potential luxury consumers. With HENRYs likely to become some of the wealthiest members of society, the potential benefits of onboarding this demographic to luxury brands product and service portfolio are twofold: securing valuable present customers and building client relationships and business with those most likely to be among the most affluent customers in future, the Deloitte report says. Interestingly, Investopedia called HENRYs the working rich if they stop working, they won't be wealthy. More of their earnings go into costs than go into wealth building investments, leaving them feeling like they are more like regular people slaving for a paycheck than the wealthy 1% in America, Investopedia said, adding these high earners are expected to have much the same lifestyle as wealthier compatriots but they do so by sacrificing their ability to amass wealth. Since the HENRYs spend, in many cases, a similar amount to HNWIs, they cant be ignored and it is important to know who they are and what makes them tick. As a brand manager, I would argue yes, due to their spending habits and lifetime spend potential. Exclusive access to a brands CEO and Creative Director, as well as private viewings of collections, are a few of the perks that HNWI have been used to. A fine balance of attention and services will have to be meticulously developed and managed to take care of both the HENRY and the HNWI. Specific characteristics of a HENRY is that they consume for prestige and social status. They wont sacrifice an expensive lifestyle, staying in luxury hotels and eating in the best restaurants, but they will budget at home by shopping at Costco or TJ Maxx, for instance, to afford to shop for social status publicly. Saddled with home loans, student debt, private schooling, and expensive holidays, this group continues to spend like HNWIs but may not attain full HNWI status. They are digital savvy, love online shopping, and are big spenders. According to Deloittes report, a typically millennial HENRY household will spend some US$86,000 per year on luxury goods. The NRY part of the acronym is not to be forgotten. Not Rich Yet means they have aspirations to be so in the future but at the same time live as though they are already rich. Status and social currency can be a big driver of their spending patterns. According to Haven Financial Group their top purchases are related to: diet, weight loss, exercise memberships; boating and sailing; entertainment; online shopping; automobiles; vacations. Jing Dailys article entitled The 6 Big China Luxury Trends From 2020 sheds interesting insight on young Chinese luxury consumer behaviour specifically, stating: Todays consumers do not wait to become wealthy before they make high-end purchases. Over 75.6 percent of the young consumers surveyed said they get support from parents to buy luxury goods, and plenty of them are also willing to take out loans to buy products that they cannot afford yet. As the luxury market in China becomes ever more powerful this is a key trend to be aware of. Ultimately, to attract these customers, brands should treat the HENRYs as if they were HNWIs, given that they spend in the manner of the latter group. To reap the rewards that this demographic can bring, creating a segmented and tailored approach is vital. Offer best-in-class service and expect to provide experiences as part of the relationship building process. Authentic relationships will sustain and bring long-term value to both the brand and this special consumer. The millennial HENRY, and soon Gen Z HENRY, has the potential of becoming a HNWI, will be around for a while, and is therefore worth focusing on. | HENRYs - Highly Educated, Not Rich Yet - are the consumer group that luxury brands should be turning their attention to. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/karlmoore/2021/04/09/who-are-the-non-hnwi-luxury-consumers/ | 0.121549 |
How would a global minimum tax work and why is it needed? | Tax systems around the world have been increasingly left behind in recent years by the rise of globalisation and digital media companies such as Google, Amazon, Apple and Facebook. They are firms operating across international borders that can shift profits around to exploit the most attractive low-tax locations. Tax abuse by multinationals and avoidance by rich individuals costs countries around the world $427bn a year in lost revenues, according to research by the Tax Justice Network campaign group. The UK is estimated to lose 25bn of tax income due to profit-shifting. Clamour for reform has grown as government finances have come under severe pressure during the Covid pandemic, and amid public anger over the relatively low tax rates paid by major corporations. Proposals for a minimum global tax rate and allocating taxing rights based on where companies make their money rather than whichever low-tax zone a firm chooses to book its profits would help to end the race to the bottom where one nation slashes tax to attract business only to be outdone by another country. Such a plan would give governments greater certainty on revenue raising. Multinationals exploit gaps and mismatches in the international tax system through a technique known as profit-shifting. This involves artificially allocating sales derived in one country to a lower-tax country. One of the ways this is achieved is by companies setting up a subsidiary in a tax haven and registering their intellectual property there. That entity then charges the companys subsidiaries in other, higher-tax jurisdictions large royalty fees. By charging that cost to the market where the majority of revenues are made, profits can be reduced or eliminated, meaning no tax is paid. The royalty fees extracted in this way are booked as profit in the low-tax location. Profits are often shifted to countries such as the British Virgin Islands or Bermuda, which charge no corporation tax. For US multinationals, corporate profit-shifting into tax havens has risen from an estimated 5-10% of gross profits in the 1990s to about 25-30% today, according to the OECD. The economist Gabriel Zucman has found the global effective corporate income tax rate of Amazon is as low as 11.8% and 12.2% for Facebook, substantially lower than the headline tax rates in many of the countries they operate in. There are two key strands of the plan, broadly following the work of the OECDs pillar one and pillar two blueprints for global tax reforms set out in October. Under pillar one, taxing rights would be granted to a portion of a multinationals profits based on where its customers reside, irrespective of the companys physical presence in that location. The Biden plan includes a threshold that would mean this captures the worlds 100 biggest multinationals but not smaller companies. Under pillar two, governments would still be able to set whatever local corporate tax rate they wanted. But as part of a global minimum rule, if companies paid lower rates in a particular country their home governments could claim top-ups to the agreed tax floor, eliminating the advantage of shifting profits to a tax haven. In the months ahead negotiations will centre on the threshold for company profits, and the tax rate that would be applied. Washington has proposed a rate of 21%. However, several nations have much lower rates, while an agreement among EU nations might not be easy with rates varying from as low as 9% in Hungary and 12.5% in Ireland to 32% in France and 31.5% in Portugal. Sealing a deal between 139 countries negotiating tax reforms at the OECD will not be easy. However, tax campaigners say the US intervention brings the prospect of a deal much closer. France and Germany have expressed support, while the UK has indicated that updating global tax rules is a priority. While work remains to agree key details, the OECD is aiming for an agreement by mid-2021, with hopes a deal could be struck in time for a meeting of G20 finance ministers in July. | Proposals for a minimum global tax rate and allocating taxing rights based on where companies make their money would help to end the race to the bottom. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/09/global-minimum-tax-biden-administration-profit-shifting-big-tech-firm-multinationals | 0.149733 |
When COVID-19 recedes, what will become of all the plexiglass in Quebec? | Quebec does not have a company capable of recycling the transparent acrylic panels. Article content Quebec is thinking about what to do with the thousands of tonnes of plexiglass that owners of public spaces will be getting rid of when theyre no longer needed. Asked about the issue at the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations on Thursday, Environment Minister Benoit Charette said hes looking at all these quantities with a worried eye, since Quebec and Canada, for that matter does not have a company capable of recycling the transparent acrylic panels used as makeshift barriers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. And no measure has been implemented to prepare for its recuperation or storage while the government waits for a solution to dispose of them. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Back to video Its a major environmental challenge, Charette said. The perfect solution, though were evaluating different scenarios right now, does not exist. We dont have any demonstrated technology where the advantages outweigh the drawbacks. | Quebec is considering what to do with the thousands of tonnes of plexiglass that owners of public spaces will be getting rid of when they're no longer needed. Quebec does not have a company capable of recycling the transparent acrylic panels. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/when-covid-19-recedes-what-will-become-of-all-the-plexiglass-in-quebec | 0.138886 |
When COVID-19 recedes, what will become of all the plexiglass in Quebec? | Quebec does not have a company capable of recycling the transparent acrylic panels. Article content Quebec is thinking about what to do with the thousands of tonnes of plexiglass that owners of public spaces will be getting rid of when theyre no longer needed. Asked about the issue at the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations on Thursday, Environment Minister Benoit Charette said hes looking at all these quantities with a worried eye, since Quebec and Canada, for that matter does not have a company capable of recycling the transparent acrylic panels used as makeshift barriers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. And no measure has been implemented to prepare for its recuperation or storage while the government waits for a solution to dispose of them. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Back to video Its a major environmental challenge, Charette said. The perfect solution, though were evaluating different scenarios right now, does not exist. We dont have any demonstrated technology where the advantages outweigh the drawbacks. | Quebec is considering what to do with the thousands of tonnes of plexiglass that owners of public spaces will be getting rid of when theyre no longer needed. Quebec does not have a company capable of recycling the transparent acrylic panels. The government has no measure to prepare for its recuperation or storage while the government waits for a solution. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/when-covid-19-recedes-what-will-become-of-all-the-plexiglass-in-quebec | 0.223792 |
Is it time to pull the plug and replace freeze-damaged sago palms and citrus trees? | It has been roughly eight weeks since we experienced the near-record low temperatures for a week around Valentines Day. Consistent with our advice to area gardeners, we have been patiently waiting and watching the plant response. It is time to discuss the latest developments. Unfortunately, there has not been as much action from the Sago Palms as we expected. There has been some sprouting from the central shoot but not the 50 percent we predicted. Some gardeners have removed the dead fronds. Such action may reduce the visibility of the dead plants but it wont increase the chances of new growth. My recommendation is to give the dead-looking plants another four weeks, and if theres no big change, then replace them. Sago palms have been one of the most in-demand plants at nurseries this spring because of the folks looking for replacement specimens. Two other plants that have not responded to our patience are viburnum and xylosma. Of all the xylosma that lost their leaves and stems, only one example of sprouting was reported. I was not able to examine it to verify the recovery, but it seems reasonable that at least a few would recover. In the case of viburnums, I did not record any reports of Sweet or Sandankwa viburnum showing any recovery. If you become convinced that the xylosma and viburnum are dead, consider hollies as replacement plants. Nellie Stephens holly will grow to 15 feet tall. Standard burford holly grows to about 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Dwarf burford holly will eventually grow to about 6 feet tall. The hollies were not damaged by the cold spell, and they are recognized for their drought tolerance, disciplined growth and pest resistance. Most hollies are eaten by deer, so to replace viburnum and xylosma plantings in deer-heavy areas, you may have to consider Texas mountain laurel or primrose jasmine as replacement plants. The dwarf and standard yaupon hollies are also not eaten by deer. In an earlier article I joined other gardeners in expressing worries that milkweed and mistflower, two perennials that serve as primary butterfly nectar sources, were not going to recover from the freeze. The recommendation was to replace them with zinnia transplants. It turns out that the demand for zinnia transplants has been unquenchable. The good news is that milkweed and mistflower in area landscapes are sprouting from the roots despite the severity of the freeze. Gardeners are also planting zinnia seeds to meet the gap for transplants, and retail nurseries have located milkweed transplants to help meet the needs for nectar sources. Milkweed plants are especially desirable because they are the only plant on which monarch butterflies will lay their eggs. The picture is still not clear, there are reports that some ssperanza and pride of Barbados have begun to sprout. It is good news that we are seeing some subtropical bloomers sprout from the roots, but it is still unclear what the percentage of recovery will be. This week in the garden Bedstraw, also called "sticky willy," is a weed that can be killed in the lawn with a product such as Weed Free Zone. There are several dilutions and container sizes to select from. Another option is just to rake it up. The sticky consistency makes it relatively easy to rake up large bundles of the weed to place in the compost pile. Fertilize the lawn with a slow-release lawn fertilizer such as 19-05-09 after you have mowed real grass (not winter weeds) twice. It is important that monarch butterflies have access to native or tropical milkweed on which to lay their eggs. Wildflowers such as coreopsis, blue curl, bluebonnets and larkspur are blooming now. They will soon replace the flowers with seed pods. To have the wildflowers bloom next year, the seed pods must be allowed to mature and drop their seed. They can not be mowed before the seeds mature. See More Collapse The same situation exists with the citrus. Every week, a few more are sprouting and may recover. Based on the demand for replacement trees at area nurseries, however, area gardeners are not optimistic. The damaged trees have been slow to show any life, and freeze-damaged citrus plants are notorious for sprouting in the interior of the plant only to die when faced with 90-plus-degree days. The best advice is to give both the subtropical blooming plants and citrus trees some more time to express its response to the Valentine Week Freeze. Calvin Finch is a retired Texas A&M horticulturist. calvinrfinch@gmail.com | Sago palms, viburnum and xylosma have not responded to our patience, says Bob Greene. Greene: Give the dead-looking plants another four weeks, and if theres no big change, then replace them. The good news is that milkweed and mistflower in area landscapes are sprouting from the roots. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.expressnews.com/lifestyle/home-garden/article/Is-it-time-to-pull-the-plug-and-replace-16073597.php | 0.111999 |
How far will Justin Fields drop in the NFL draft? | Thats not a good thing because sometimes when youre talented, you just think your talent can carry you, a longtime NFL scout and personnel executive told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Im hoping thats not what his approach it. When that stuff starts leaking out, that means somebody is talking. Sometimes its a former coach and/or an agent of former teammates. All it takes is a couple of teammates to say to their agent, man, hes talented, but he doesnt study the game like he should, the executive said. Thats all that needs to be said, and then it will catch fire like a California mountain fire. Spread like you dont know what. Normally, teams will keep the information they have under their hats, but sometimes theres a leak. Teams will want to know why he didnt beat out Jake Fromm at Georgia and why he transferred. Im hoping thats not the case, the executive said. It (ticks) me off when people want to beat up on some of the (Black) quarterbacks and play that, Hes not a student of the game card. Like him, and the North Dakota State kid (Trey Lance), to me, both of those kids are talented athletically and arm-wise. Day said Fields progressed to his fifth read twice in the 49-28 playoff win over Clemson. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 385 yards and six touchdowns. His passing yards were an Ohio State postseason record and the touchdowns tied him with Iowas Chuck Long for a postseason record by a Big Ten quarterback. What I have to say to that is to be honest with you (Im throwing to) some of the best receivers in the country so if my first or second read is there, Im not going to pass up that first or second read to get to the three, four, fifth read to prove that I can read past my first or second read, Fields said. Im going to put my team in the best position to win. Fields is not used to receiving any criticism. Of course theres always going to be a chip on my shoulder, but I think my drive, my wanting to be great, my willingness to be great just comes from inside, Fields said. Clemsons Trevor Lawrence, BYUs Zach Wilson and Alabamas Mac Jones are expected to go one-two-and-three in the draft to Jacksonville, the New York Jets and San Francisco. Under that scenario, Fields would be on the board with the Falcons are set to pick, but they could have a deal worked out to move back with Denver or New England. Lance played only one season and will need some NFL seasoning. Both of those guys have a shot, the executive said. They are going to have to put in work. If I was a GM and Im sitting in that chair, and Im hearing all of this study-habit stuff, Im going to research it to the cows come home. Im going to know all about it even before its hitting the fan. See, I would have known all about it all ready. Lawrence is a near-consensus No. 1 overall pick. Wilson, who lost a game to Coastal Carolina last season, did not have a better run than Fields. Ive seen other quarterbacks picked higher than him that I was not nearly as high on as I am on Zach Wilson, the executive said. I like Zach Wilson better than when Mitch Trubisky got picked or where he got picked. Zach Wilson is better than that. Jones, a one-year starter, was considered a possible first-round pick at the beginning of the draft process. Alabama coach Nick Saban even called him a game manager. But reportedly San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan wants Jones, and the 49ers traded three No. 1 picks to move from 12th overall to three to make sure they get him. To put Mac Jones in the same class as the Clemson quarterback and the BYU quarterback, that is totally wrong, the executive said. If they are saying those guys are 1,2,3 ... come on man. Thats just not right. Saban tried to explain that being a game manager is a good thing. I know that when you say a guy does that, everybody thinks hes not a very good player, Saban said. Hes not capable of anything else, but managing. But to me to be a good quarterback youve got to be a good manager, and then your ability to make plays sort of goes from there. Saban believes Jones will be fine in the NFL, especially in Shanahans system, which is close to what former offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian ran at Alabama. Mac has the ability to make plays because hes smart, Saban said. He accurate. Hes going to throw the ball in the right place, and hes going to always help the offensive team be in the right situation, whether its a run or a pass or whatever. Jones waited his turn at Alabama and may have to do the same behind Jimmy Garoppolo with the 49ers. This quarterback class is a really good class, Jones said. Im just blessed to be a part of it. Honestly, you can watch on tape and see that we all have great tape. What separates me is preparation and take what Ive learned from the coaches meetings and my own meetings and apply it to the field. After the top five quarterbacks, there is a group that includes Floridas Kyle Trask, Stanfords Davis Mills (Greater Atlanta Christian), Texas A&Ms Kellen Mond and Wake Forests Jamie Newman. Trask is going to be a good quarterback, the executive said. The Stanford quarterback is a good quarterback. A few of those guys are good little players. They are going to be in the league for a long time. They are going to be backups until they have to start and produce. Newman transferred to Georgia, but opted out of the season before it began. Thats a red flag for some teams. He had an opportunity to prove his worth, but now some think he was losing the battle to be the starter and left. Hes more developmental, but hes got some talent, though, the executive said. I like his arm. Hes big-time mobile. Hes just got to fix a lot of things. Hes going to have a chance because hes going to get drafted right there in the middle. Teams want to know why he opted out. I dont know the guy, the person, but it bothers me when a guy transfers and hes supposed to be the guy, then he opts out, the executive said. He quit. To me, he had a chance to step up and be the guy. Show the nation that everybody is talking about Fields, this and that, (but) Im going to be that guy. It bothered me I dont know. There are different type of bailouts. ... Im wondering if he was just trying to fight to keep the job at Georgia. Maybe he was going to be on the bench, and he was like let me opt out before I get beat out. Thats what Im wondering. Falcons 2021 draft position: Here are the top 10 picks in D. Leds Mock Draft 4.0: 1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson) 2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, (QB, BYU) 3. San Francisco 49ers: Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State) 4. Atlanta Falcons: Penei Sewell (OT, Oregon) 5. Cincinnati Bengals: JaMarr Chase (WR, LSU) 6. Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts (TE, Florida) 7. Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith (WR, Alabama) 8. Carolina Panthers: Jaylen Waddle (WR, Alabama) 9. Denver Broncos: Trey Lance (QB, North Dakota State) 10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain (CB, Alabama) The Bow Tie Chronicles Podcasts: For more content about the Atlanta Falcons Follow me on Twitter @DorlandoAJC On Facebook at Atlanta Falcons News Now | Justin Fields is expected to go in the first round of the NFL draft. Teams will want to know why he didn't beat out Jake Fromm at Georgia and why he transferred. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/how-far-will-justin-fields-drop-in-the-nfl-draft/VWL5X3JQF5AUNMKN3437OG5DGE/ | 0.142822 |
How far will Justin Fields drop in the NFL draft? | Thats not a good thing because sometimes when youre talented, you just think your talent can carry you, a longtime NFL scout and personnel executive told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Im hoping thats not what his approach it. When that stuff starts leaking out, that means somebody is talking. Sometimes its a former coach and/or an agent of former teammates. All it takes is a couple of teammates to say to their agent, man, hes talented, but he doesnt study the game like he should, the executive said. Thats all that needs to be said, and then it will catch fire like a California mountain fire. Spread like you dont know what. Normally, teams will keep the information they have under their hats, but sometimes theres a leak. Teams will want to know why he didnt beat out Jake Fromm at Georgia and why he transferred. Im hoping thats not the case, the executive said. It (ticks) me off when people want to beat up on some of the (Black) quarterbacks and play that, Hes not a student of the game card. Like him, and the North Dakota State kid (Trey Lance), to me, both of those kids are talented athletically and arm-wise. Day said Fields progressed to his fifth read twice in the 49-28 playoff win over Clemson. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 385 yards and six touchdowns. His passing yards were an Ohio State postseason record and the touchdowns tied him with Iowas Chuck Long for a postseason record by a Big Ten quarterback. What I have to say to that is to be honest with you (Im throwing to) some of the best receivers in the country so if my first or second read is there, Im not going to pass up that first or second read to get to the three, four, fifth read to prove that I can read past my first or second read, Fields said. Im going to put my team in the best position to win. Fields is not used to receiving any criticism. Of course theres always going to be a chip on my shoulder, but I think my drive, my wanting to be great, my willingness to be great just comes from inside, Fields said. Clemsons Trevor Lawrence, BYUs Zach Wilson and Alabamas Mac Jones are expected to go one-two-and-three in the draft to Jacksonville, the New York Jets and San Francisco. Under that scenario, Fields would be on the board with the Falcons are set to pick, but they could have a deal worked out to move back with Denver or New England. Lance played only one season and will need some NFL seasoning. Both of those guys have a shot, the executive said. They are going to have to put in work. If I was a GM and Im sitting in that chair, and Im hearing all of this study-habit stuff, Im going to research it to the cows come home. Im going to know all about it even before its hitting the fan. See, I would have known all about it all ready. Lawrence is a near-consensus No. 1 overall pick. Wilson, who lost a game to Coastal Carolina last season, did not have a better run than Fields. Ive seen other quarterbacks picked higher than him that I was not nearly as high on as I am on Zach Wilson, the executive said. I like Zach Wilson better than when Mitch Trubisky got picked or where he got picked. Zach Wilson is better than that. Jones, a one-year starter, was considered a possible first-round pick at the beginning of the draft process. Alabama coach Nick Saban even called him a game manager. But reportedly San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan wants Jones, and the 49ers traded three No. 1 picks to move from 12th overall to three to make sure they get him. To put Mac Jones in the same class as the Clemson quarterback and the BYU quarterback, that is totally wrong, the executive said. If they are saying those guys are 1,2,3 ... come on man. Thats just not right. Saban tried to explain that being a game manager is a good thing. I know that when you say a guy does that, everybody thinks hes not a very good player, Saban said. Hes not capable of anything else, but managing. But to me to be a good quarterback youve got to be a good manager, and then your ability to make plays sort of goes from there. Saban believes Jones will be fine in the NFL, especially in Shanahans system, which is close to what former offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian ran at Alabama. Mac has the ability to make plays because hes smart, Saban said. He accurate. Hes going to throw the ball in the right place, and hes going to always help the offensive team be in the right situation, whether its a run or a pass or whatever. Jones waited his turn at Alabama and may have to do the same behind Jimmy Garoppolo with the 49ers. This quarterback class is a really good class, Jones said. Im just blessed to be a part of it. Honestly, you can watch on tape and see that we all have great tape. What separates me is preparation and take what Ive learned from the coaches meetings and my own meetings and apply it to the field. After the top five quarterbacks, there is a group that includes Floridas Kyle Trask, Stanfords Davis Mills (Greater Atlanta Christian), Texas A&Ms Kellen Mond and Wake Forests Jamie Newman. Trask is going to be a good quarterback, the executive said. The Stanford quarterback is a good quarterback. A few of those guys are good little players. They are going to be in the league for a long time. They are going to be backups until they have to start and produce. Newman transferred to Georgia, but opted out of the season before it began. Thats a red flag for some teams. He had an opportunity to prove his worth, but now some think he was losing the battle to be the starter and left. Hes more developmental, but hes got some talent, though, the executive said. I like his arm. Hes big-time mobile. Hes just got to fix a lot of things. Hes going to have a chance because hes going to get drafted right there in the middle. Teams want to know why he opted out. I dont know the guy, the person, but it bothers me when a guy transfers and hes supposed to be the guy, then he opts out, the executive said. He quit. To me, he had a chance to step up and be the guy. Show the nation that everybody is talking about Fields, this and that, (but) Im going to be that guy. It bothered me I dont know. There are different type of bailouts. ... Im wondering if he was just trying to fight to keep the job at Georgia. Maybe he was going to be on the bench, and he was like let me opt out before I get beat out. Thats what Im wondering. Falcons 2021 draft position: Here are the top 10 picks in D. Leds Mock Draft 4.0: 1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson) 2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, (QB, BYU) 3. San Francisco 49ers: Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State) 4. Atlanta Falcons: Penei Sewell (OT, Oregon) 5. Cincinnati Bengals: JaMarr Chase (WR, LSU) 6. Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts (TE, Florida) 7. Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith (WR, Alabama) 8. Carolina Panthers: Jaylen Waddle (WR, Alabama) 9. Denver Broncos: Trey Lance (QB, North Dakota State) 10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain (CB, Alabama) The Bow Tie Chronicles Podcasts: For more content about the Atlanta Falcons Follow me on Twitter @DorlandoAJC On Facebook at Atlanta Falcons News Now | Justin Fields is expected to go in the first round of the NFL draft. Teams will want to know why he didn't beat out Jake Fromm at Georgia and why he transferred. Fields says he is not used to receiving any criticism, but he has a chip on his shoulder. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/how-far-will-justin-fields-drop-in-the-nfl-draft/VWL5X3JQF5AUNMKN3437OG5DGE/ | 0.16224 |
Is India Running Out Of Vaccine Doses? | Enlarge this image toggle caption Satish Bate/Hindustan Times via Getty Images Satish Bate/Hindustan Times via Getty Images MUMBAI About 100 vaccination centers abruptly shut down Friday in India's financial capital Mumbai amid a shortage of doses, as the country confirmed its highest daily jump in coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. People who had appointments to get their shots arrived to find printouts taped to hospital gates warning them that vaccines had run out. They vented anger and posted pleas for help on social media. At least half a dozen Indian states are reporting similar shortages. The eastern state of Odisha closed 700 of its vaccination centers earlier this week, and said it only had supplies left for two days' worth of shots in its remaining facilities. Meanwhile, coronavirus infections are surging in India. On Friday, India's Health Ministry confirmed nearly 132,000 new cases more than on any other day since the pandemic began. The death toll 780 was the highest in five months. The Indian government denies any shortages. In a tweet late Thursday, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan called on the public to "put an end to the fear-mongering." He said 19 million more vaccine doses were "in pipeline." India is home to the world's largest vaccine producer, the Serum Institute of India, and the country has administered nearly 95 million vaccine doses so far. But that's still less than 6% of India's population of nearly 1.4 billion people. Experts say protecting everyone through vaccination will take years. With this latest surge in infections, India has in recent weeks diverted some of the Serum Institute's exports for use domestically. Other countries have complained that their vaccine orders from India have been delayed. Earlier this week, Serum said its production was "very stressed" and that it needs more funding from the Indian government to meet demand. Shortly before midnight Thursday, a municipal official in Mumbai tweeted a list of the city's vaccination centers with 99 of them marked in red indicating those would be closed the next day. Even those slated to open Friday might exhaust their stocks early, he warned. India's COVID-19 caseload plummeted to a record low in February, but has skyrocketed since. Epidemiologists have attributed the recent spike in infections to lax social distancing, lagging compliance with mask mandates and possibly, new variants. Authorities have imposed night curfews in Mumbai, New Delhi and several other large cities. Large gatherings are banned. But most restaurants, shops even cinemas remain open in much of the country. Migrant laborers are reportedly packing into trains and buses to try to leave big cities for their native villages ahead of possible local lockdowns. Officials have held off declaring a strict nationwide lockdown, in part because of what happened last spring: India's economy shrank nearly 24% under nationwide restrictions, and there were cases of starvation among the poor. NPR producer Sushmita Pathak contributed to this report. | India confirms highest daily jump in coronavirus cases since pandemic began. India denies shortages, says 19 million more vaccine doses are "in pipeline" India is home to the world's largest vaccine producer, the Serum Institute of India. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.npr.org/2021/04/09/985670468/is-india-running-out-of-vaccine-doses | 0.359871 |
Is India Running Out Of Vaccine Doses? | Enlarge this image toggle caption Satish Bate/Hindustan Times via Getty Images Satish Bate/Hindustan Times via Getty Images MUMBAI About 100 vaccination centers abruptly shut down Friday in India's financial capital Mumbai amid a shortage of doses, as the country confirmed its highest daily jump in coronavirus cases since the pandemic began. People who had appointments to get their shots arrived to find printouts taped to hospital gates warning them that vaccines had run out. They vented anger and posted pleas for help on social media. At least half a dozen Indian states are reporting similar shortages. The eastern state of Odisha closed 700 of its vaccination centers earlier this week, and said it only had supplies left for two days' worth of shots in its remaining facilities. Meanwhile, coronavirus infections are surging in India. On Friday, India's Health Ministry confirmed nearly 132,000 new cases more than on any other day since the pandemic began. The death toll 780 was the highest in five months. The Indian government denies any shortages. In a tweet late Thursday, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan called on the public to "put an end to the fear-mongering." He said 19 million more vaccine doses were "in pipeline." India is home to the world's largest vaccine producer, the Serum Institute of India, and the country has administered nearly 95 million vaccine doses so far. But that's still less than 6% of India's population of nearly 1.4 billion people. Experts say protecting everyone through vaccination will take years. With this latest surge in infections, India has in recent weeks diverted some of the Serum Institute's exports for use domestically. Other countries have complained that their vaccine orders from India have been delayed. Earlier this week, Serum said its production was "very stressed" and that it needs more funding from the Indian government to meet demand. Shortly before midnight Thursday, a municipal official in Mumbai tweeted a list of the city's vaccination centers with 99 of them marked in red indicating those would be closed the next day. Even those slated to open Friday might exhaust their stocks early, he warned. India's COVID-19 caseload plummeted to a record low in February, but has skyrocketed since. Epidemiologists have attributed the recent spike in infections to lax social distancing, lagging compliance with mask mandates and possibly, new variants. Authorities have imposed night curfews in Mumbai, New Delhi and several other large cities. Large gatherings are banned. But most restaurants, shops even cinemas remain open in much of the country. Migrant laborers are reportedly packing into trains and buses to try to leave big cities for their native villages ahead of possible local lockdowns. Officials have held off declaring a strict nationwide lockdown, in part because of what happened last spring: India's economy shrank nearly 24% under nationwide restrictions, and there were cases of starvation among the poor. NPR producer Sushmita Pathak contributed to this report. | India confirms highest daily jump in coronavirus cases since pandemic began. India denies shortages, says 19 million more vaccine doses are "in pipeline" India is home to the world's largest vaccine producer, the Serum Institute of India, and the country has administered nearly 95 million vaccine doses so far. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.npr.org/2021/04/09/985670468/is-india-running-out-of-vaccine-doses | 0.395176 |
How concerned should Panthers fans be with Sam Darnolds production on the Jets? | Context is everything in football, especially when it comes to evaluating the quarterback position. Whether its fair or not, every teams starting QB tends to get more praise than he deserves for wins as well as a disproportionate blame for the losses. Separating the quarterbacks performance from everything else the playcalling, pass protection, separation for receivers, and so on is one of the most difficult things analysts can do. Sam Darnold is a fascinating case in this regard. The newest Panthers QB1 spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Jets, where he posted a dismal 13-25 win/loss record, a troubling 45/39 touchdown to interception ratio and a highly unimpressive 78.6 passer rating. Since the trade that brought Darnold to Carolina several days ago, many fans and analysts have focused on his lack of a supporting cast in New York to excuse his numbers. This is an entirely fair argument. The Jets were one of the most poorly coached and managed teams in the league during Darnolds run as their starter. He had little help at wide receiver, bad offensive lines and one of the worst playcallers at this level. Its true Darnold didnt have any help in New York and there are reasons to believe that hell be a step-up over Teddy Bridgewater for the Panthers. For one thing, Darnold is still developing. At 23 years old, hes significantly younger than Bridgewater and only slightly older than some of the top quarterback prospects in this class. Darnold is also a far superior athlete compared to Bridgewater. While hes not considered a dual-threat QB, he can make plays with his legs. As a rusher, Darnold has totaled 417 yards and five touchdowns. Here is a popular clip making the rounds showcasing Darnolds wheels. Sam Darnold turned on the jets A 46-yard run for the TD and the Jets are up 7-0. NFL Networkpic.twitter.com/Si9DBrppLy The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) October 2, 2020 Perhaps the most common highlight youll see on social media is this one against the 49ers, featuring a Patrick Mahomes-ish sidearm throw on the run. Story continues People quick to salivate when Justin Fields and Zack Wilson run one direction and throw an accurate bomb in the other direction with no defense on a Pro Day But quickly dismiss Sam Darnold even though he does it in a real game for a TD while running for his life pic.twitter.com/wYmVKWo8NY Edgar Salmingo, Jr. (@PanthersAnalyst) April 5, 2021 Theres no question that Carolina is getting a more dynamic and athletic starter than Bridgewater. There are certainly plenty of other wow-type throws that Darnold has made since entering the NFL. The problem is that every other starter in the league will occasionally make those plays, as well. Only a handful of quarterbacks can actually make those high-level throws consistently and at this point Darnold is definitely not one of them. A couple of times a game, Jared Goff might toss a 25-yard dart that raises eyebrows. Every once in a while, Jimmy Garoppolo drops a 30-yard dime that makes you think he could be something special. Then again, Goff and Garoppolo might throw a gruesome interception on the next snap, or panic under pressure, completely lose their composure in the pocket and walk themselves right into a sack. Darnold has his moments as well, but if hed had enough of them over the last three years the Jets wouldnt have traded him to the Panthers in the first place and wouldnt be making Zach Wilson jerseys right now. The unfortunate fact is when you separate Darnolds game from the handicap that is the Jets, theres really not a ton to be excited about. All of the hype is based on potential and upside and what could be as opposed to what Darnold is capable of doing right now. Time will tell whether Darnold can take the next step and enjoy a Ryan Tannehill-like rennaissance now that hes free from Adam Gase. Carolina fans should prepare themselves for the distinct possibility that he may only be the mildest upgrade imaginable over Bridgewater and that this trade did very little to improve their long-term prospects. Related | Sam Darnold is the new quarterback for the Carolina Panthers after being traded from the New York Jets. The 23-year-old is still developing, but he is a far superior athlete to Teddy Bridgewater. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://sports.yahoo.com/concerned-panthers-fans-sam-darnold-130024327.html?src=rss | 0.24137 |
How concerned should Panthers fans be with Sam Darnolds production on the Jets? | Context is everything in football, especially when it comes to evaluating the quarterback position. Whether its fair or not, every teams starting QB tends to get more praise than he deserves for wins as well as a disproportionate blame for the losses. Separating the quarterbacks performance from everything else the playcalling, pass protection, separation for receivers, and so on is one of the most difficult things analysts can do. Sam Darnold is a fascinating case in this regard. The newest Panthers QB1 spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Jets, where he posted a dismal 13-25 win/loss record, a troubling 45/39 touchdown to interception ratio and a highly unimpressive 78.6 passer rating. Since the trade that brought Darnold to Carolina several days ago, many fans and analysts have focused on his lack of a supporting cast in New York to excuse his numbers. This is an entirely fair argument. The Jets were one of the most poorly coached and managed teams in the league during Darnolds run as their starter. He had little help at wide receiver, bad offensive lines and one of the worst playcallers at this level. Its true Darnold didnt have any help in New York and there are reasons to believe that hell be a step-up over Teddy Bridgewater for the Panthers. For one thing, Darnold is still developing. At 23 years old, hes significantly younger than Bridgewater and only slightly older than some of the top quarterback prospects in this class. Darnold is also a far superior athlete compared to Bridgewater. While hes not considered a dual-threat QB, he can make plays with his legs. As a rusher, Darnold has totaled 417 yards and five touchdowns. Here is a popular clip making the rounds showcasing Darnolds wheels. Sam Darnold turned on the jets A 46-yard run for the TD and the Jets are up 7-0. NFL Networkpic.twitter.com/Si9DBrppLy The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) October 2, 2020 Perhaps the most common highlight youll see on social media is this one against the 49ers, featuring a Patrick Mahomes-ish sidearm throw on the run. Story continues People quick to salivate when Justin Fields and Zack Wilson run one direction and throw an accurate bomb in the other direction with no defense on a Pro Day But quickly dismiss Sam Darnold even though he does it in a real game for a TD while running for his life pic.twitter.com/wYmVKWo8NY Edgar Salmingo, Jr. (@PanthersAnalyst) April 5, 2021 Theres no question that Carolina is getting a more dynamic and athletic starter than Bridgewater. There are certainly plenty of other wow-type throws that Darnold has made since entering the NFL. The problem is that every other starter in the league will occasionally make those plays, as well. Only a handful of quarterbacks can actually make those high-level throws consistently and at this point Darnold is definitely not one of them. A couple of times a game, Jared Goff might toss a 25-yard dart that raises eyebrows. Every once in a while, Jimmy Garoppolo drops a 30-yard dime that makes you think he could be something special. Then again, Goff and Garoppolo might throw a gruesome interception on the next snap, or panic under pressure, completely lose their composure in the pocket and walk themselves right into a sack. Darnold has his moments as well, but if hed had enough of them over the last three years the Jets wouldnt have traded him to the Panthers in the first place and wouldnt be making Zach Wilson jerseys right now. The unfortunate fact is when you separate Darnolds game from the handicap that is the Jets, theres really not a ton to be excited about. All of the hype is based on potential and upside and what could be as opposed to what Darnold is capable of doing right now. Time will tell whether Darnold can take the next step and enjoy a Ryan Tannehill-like rennaissance now that hes free from Adam Gase. Carolina fans should prepare themselves for the distinct possibility that he may only be the mildest upgrade imaginable over Bridgewater and that this trade did very little to improve their long-term prospects. Related | Sam Darnold spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Jets. He posted a dismal 13-25 win/loss record, a troubling 45/39 touchdown to interception ratio and a highly unimpressive 78.6 passer rating. There are reasons to believe that hell be a step-up over Teddy Bridgewater for the Panthers. | bart | 2 | https://sports.yahoo.com/concerned-panthers-fans-sam-darnold-130024327.html?src=rss | 0.402882 |
Who is the oldest living Minnesotan and what is their story? | Curious Minnesota Listen and subscribe to our podcast: Via Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Stitcher Erna Zahn was 26 years old in 1934 when she glanced up at the historical landmark in the making. There before her was George Washington's face then the only completed presidential bust at Mount Rushmore. The singular stone face illustrates the vast span of Zahn's life, which stretches back to days of pulling water from a well and relying on a horse and buggy to get around. On Wednesday, the supercentenarian who is Minnesota's oldest resident and one of the oldest living people in the United States, will celebrate her 113th birthday. "Birthdays come and go," Zahn said in a recent interview from the Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm, where she lives. "I'm too old to celebrate." Nonetheless, the Oak Hills staff will take her to nearby Sleepy Eye for a birthday treat apple pie and coffee. "I just love it," said Jacki Lewis, 45, of Wayzata, when she learned about the birthday festivities. "I just think that someone who lives to 112 has a story to tell, especially with her generation going through so much the Depression, wars and all the things that were different than it is now. I think there's so much to learn from someone like her." Erna Zahn as a child in 1915, riding in a horse and buggy near Pickett, Wisconsin with her siblings and parents. They were traveling to a family member's house on a Sunday afternoon. Lewis had asked Curious Minnesota, the Star Tribune's community-driven reporting project fueled by questions from readers, to find Minnesota's oldest living resident. Based on census data, Minnesota has 1,200 to 1,300 residents who are at least 100 years old, said Susan Brower, the state's demographer. But there is no data identifying who these people are or who might be the oldest. Zahn not only is the oldest known living Minnesotan, she is among the 10 oldest living people in the United States, said Robert Young, director of the Supercentenarian Research and Database division at the Gerontology Research Group. On her coming birthday, she will join a select group of no more than 35 people alive in the world who are verified to be at least 113 years old, he said. Unlike the United States, some countries know who their oldest residents are and celebrate them. In Japan, the prime minister sends a silver cup to those who reach their 100th birthday. In Great Britain, centenarians received a birthday card from the Queen. In the United States, Young said researchers rely on families and media reports to help identify the oldest people. Researchers then comb through records to verify the claims. 'I always eat my breakfast' Zahn was born Erna Miller on April 14, 1908, in Winnebago County, Wis. to Henry and Olga Miller. She grew up at a time when young girls wore long stockings and petticoats, her father delivered the mail in a horse and buggy, and children went to school in a one-room schoolhouse. "A deep thinker we know her to be. Her favorite study is 'Stenography,' " was how the 1926 Ripon High School yearbook described the young Erna. For most of her childhood, Zahn lived with her family above the general store they owned in Pickett, Wis. It was a perch that gave her spectacular sunset views and a not-so-fond memory of hauling water up a hill and then 19 steps to the family's apartment. "Oh, I hated that job," she recounted to family later in life. But time and progress changed life's daily rhythms, such as electricity that replaced kerosene lamps and a car that replaced the horse and buggy. Over her lifetime, wars were fought, men went to the moon, rockets landed on Mars, and computer technology something she cares little to know about dominated daily lives. "I wish I had kept a diary," the supercentenarian said when asked about some of the most notable changes she has witnessed. Instead, the details of her past unfold in conversations with family and in the old black-and-white photographs such as the snapshot of her and a friend in front of Mount Rushmore. In 1935, the 27-year-old secretary married a Lutheran schoolteacher, Meilahn Zahn, and became a stay-at-home mom who raised six children. In 1962, they moved to New Ulm, where Zahn's husband took a job teaching music at what's now known as Martin Luther College. He died in 1982. Zahn is a practical woman by nature. She baked bread, sewed her children's clothes, refinished the woodwork in the New Ulm family home and reveled in staying active for much of her life from walking a couple miles every day to shoveling snow-covered sidewalks along her two-story home on a corner lot. She moved into an apartment when she was 96 and then an assisted living facility when she was 109. With short, white hair framing her face and a pearl necklace draped over her sweatshirt, Zahn strained a bit to hear the questions that were posed to her during a recent video interview. She patiently answered and shrugged when reminded she's the state's oldest living resident. "I'm just thankful for good health, and I think I have good health because I always eat my breakfast," said the woman who has been unscathed by two pandemics the 1918 flu that killed at least 50 million around the world and the recent coronavirus pandemic that has already killed more than 2.8 million people. Every morning, Zahn lingers over a bowl of oatmeal and several cups of coffee. She is a woman of few indulgences and always in moderation, which seems to be her key to a long life. For her, it's a glass of red wine every now and then, one piece of dark chocolate each day and an afternoon nap. And when she turns 113, she'll enjoy a piece of apple pie. If you'd like to submit a Curious Minnesota question, fill out the form below: This form requires JavaScript to complete. | Erna Zahn, 113, is Minnesota's oldest resident and one of the oldest living people in the U.S. | bart | 0 | https://www.startribune.com/who-is-the-oldest-minnesotan-erna-zahn-new-ulm-history/600020577/ | 0.419132 |
Who is the oldest living Minnesotan and what is their story? | Curious Minnesota Listen and subscribe to our podcast: Via Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Stitcher Erna Zahn was 26 years old in 1934 when she glanced up at the historical landmark in the making. There before her was George Washington's face then the only completed presidential bust at Mount Rushmore. The singular stone face illustrates the vast span of Zahn's life, which stretches back to days of pulling water from a well and relying on a horse and buggy to get around. On Wednesday, the supercentenarian who is Minnesota's oldest resident and one of the oldest living people in the United States, will celebrate her 113th birthday. "Birthdays come and go," Zahn said in a recent interview from the Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm, where she lives. "I'm too old to celebrate." Nonetheless, the Oak Hills staff will take her to nearby Sleepy Eye for a birthday treat apple pie and coffee. "I just love it," said Jacki Lewis, 45, of Wayzata, when she learned about the birthday festivities. "I just think that someone who lives to 112 has a story to tell, especially with her generation going through so much the Depression, wars and all the things that were different than it is now. I think there's so much to learn from someone like her." Erna Zahn as a child in 1915, riding in a horse and buggy near Pickett, Wisconsin with her siblings and parents. They were traveling to a family member's house on a Sunday afternoon. Lewis had asked Curious Minnesota, the Star Tribune's community-driven reporting project fueled by questions from readers, to find Minnesota's oldest living resident. Based on census data, Minnesota has 1,200 to 1,300 residents who are at least 100 years old, said Susan Brower, the state's demographer. But there is no data identifying who these people are or who might be the oldest. Zahn not only is the oldest known living Minnesotan, she is among the 10 oldest living people in the United States, said Robert Young, director of the Supercentenarian Research and Database division at the Gerontology Research Group. On her coming birthday, she will join a select group of no more than 35 people alive in the world who are verified to be at least 113 years old, he said. Unlike the United States, some countries know who their oldest residents are and celebrate them. In Japan, the prime minister sends a silver cup to those who reach their 100th birthday. In Great Britain, centenarians received a birthday card from the Queen. In the United States, Young said researchers rely on families and media reports to help identify the oldest people. Researchers then comb through records to verify the claims. 'I always eat my breakfast' Zahn was born Erna Miller on April 14, 1908, in Winnebago County, Wis. to Henry and Olga Miller. She grew up at a time when young girls wore long stockings and petticoats, her father delivered the mail in a horse and buggy, and children went to school in a one-room schoolhouse. "A deep thinker we know her to be. Her favorite study is 'Stenography,' " was how the 1926 Ripon High School yearbook described the young Erna. For most of her childhood, Zahn lived with her family above the general store they owned in Pickett, Wis. It was a perch that gave her spectacular sunset views and a not-so-fond memory of hauling water up a hill and then 19 steps to the family's apartment. "Oh, I hated that job," she recounted to family later in life. But time and progress changed life's daily rhythms, such as electricity that replaced kerosene lamps and a car that replaced the horse and buggy. Over her lifetime, wars were fought, men went to the moon, rockets landed on Mars, and computer technology something she cares little to know about dominated daily lives. "I wish I had kept a diary," the supercentenarian said when asked about some of the most notable changes she has witnessed. Instead, the details of her past unfold in conversations with family and in the old black-and-white photographs such as the snapshot of her and a friend in front of Mount Rushmore. In 1935, the 27-year-old secretary married a Lutheran schoolteacher, Meilahn Zahn, and became a stay-at-home mom who raised six children. In 1962, they moved to New Ulm, where Zahn's husband took a job teaching music at what's now known as Martin Luther College. He died in 1982. Zahn is a practical woman by nature. She baked bread, sewed her children's clothes, refinished the woodwork in the New Ulm family home and reveled in staying active for much of her life from walking a couple miles every day to shoveling snow-covered sidewalks along her two-story home on a corner lot. She moved into an apartment when she was 96 and then an assisted living facility when she was 109. With short, white hair framing her face and a pearl necklace draped over her sweatshirt, Zahn strained a bit to hear the questions that were posed to her during a recent video interview. She patiently answered and shrugged when reminded she's the state's oldest living resident. "I'm just thankful for good health, and I think I have good health because I always eat my breakfast," said the woman who has been unscathed by two pandemics the 1918 flu that killed at least 50 million around the world and the recent coronavirus pandemic that has already killed more than 2.8 million people. Every morning, Zahn lingers over a bowl of oatmeal and several cups of coffee. She is a woman of few indulgences and always in moderation, which seems to be her key to a long life. For her, it's a glass of red wine every now and then, one piece of dark chocolate each day and an afternoon nap. And when she turns 113, she'll enjoy a piece of apple pie. If you'd like to submit a Curious Minnesota question, fill out the form below: This form requires JavaScript to complete. | Erna Zahn is Minnesota's oldest resident and one of the oldest living people in the U.S. "I'm too old to celebrate," Zahn says, but staff will take her to Sleepy Eye for apple pie and coffee. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.startribune.com/who-is-the-oldest-minnesotan-erna-zahn-new-ulm-history/600020577/ | 0.390925 |
Who is the oldest living Minnesotan and what is their story? | Curious Minnesota Listen and subscribe to our podcast: Via Apple Podcasts |Spotify | Stitcher Erna Zahn was 26 years old in 1934 when she glanced up at the historical landmark in the making. There before her was George Washington's face then the only completed presidential bust at Mount Rushmore. The singular stone face illustrates the vast span of Zahn's life, which stretches back to days of pulling water from a well and relying on a horse and buggy to get around. On Wednesday, the supercentenarian who is Minnesota's oldest resident and one of the oldest living people in the United States, will celebrate her 113th birthday. "Birthdays come and go," Zahn said in a recent interview from the Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm, where she lives. "I'm too old to celebrate." Nonetheless, the Oak Hills staff will take her to nearby Sleepy Eye for a birthday treat apple pie and coffee. "I just love it," said Jacki Lewis, 45, of Wayzata, when she learned about the birthday festivities. "I just think that someone who lives to 112 has a story to tell, especially with her generation going through so much the Depression, wars and all the things that were different than it is now. I think there's so much to learn from someone like her." Erna Zahn as a child in 1915, riding in a horse and buggy near Pickett, Wisconsin with her siblings and parents. They were traveling to a family member's house on a Sunday afternoon. Lewis had asked Curious Minnesota, the Star Tribune's community-driven reporting project fueled by questions from readers, to find Minnesota's oldest living resident. Based on census data, Minnesota has 1,200 to 1,300 residents who are at least 100 years old, said Susan Brower, the state's demographer. But there is no data identifying who these people are or who might be the oldest. Zahn not only is the oldest known living Minnesotan, she is among the 10 oldest living people in the United States, said Robert Young, director of the Supercentenarian Research and Database division at the Gerontology Research Group. On her coming birthday, she will join a select group of no more than 35 people alive in the world who are verified to be at least 113 years old, he said. Unlike the United States, some countries know who their oldest residents are and celebrate them. In Japan, the prime minister sends a silver cup to those who reach their 100th birthday. In Great Britain, centenarians received a birthday card from the Queen. In the United States, Young said researchers rely on families and media reports to help identify the oldest people. Researchers then comb through records to verify the claims. 'I always eat my breakfast' Zahn was born Erna Miller on April 14, 1908, in Winnebago County, Wis. to Henry and Olga Miller. She grew up at a time when young girls wore long stockings and petticoats, her father delivered the mail in a horse and buggy, and children went to school in a one-room schoolhouse. "A deep thinker we know her to be. Her favorite study is 'Stenography,' " was how the 1926 Ripon High School yearbook described the young Erna. For most of her childhood, Zahn lived with her family above the general store they owned in Pickett, Wis. It was a perch that gave her spectacular sunset views and a not-so-fond memory of hauling water up a hill and then 19 steps to the family's apartment. "Oh, I hated that job," she recounted to family later in life. But time and progress changed life's daily rhythms, such as electricity that replaced kerosene lamps and a car that replaced the horse and buggy. Over her lifetime, wars were fought, men went to the moon, rockets landed on Mars, and computer technology something she cares little to know about dominated daily lives. "I wish I had kept a diary," the supercentenarian said when asked about some of the most notable changes she has witnessed. Instead, the details of her past unfold in conversations with family and in the old black-and-white photographs such as the snapshot of her and a friend in front of Mount Rushmore. In 1935, the 27-year-old secretary married a Lutheran schoolteacher, Meilahn Zahn, and became a stay-at-home mom who raised six children. In 1962, they moved to New Ulm, where Zahn's husband took a job teaching music at what's now known as Martin Luther College. He died in 1982. Zahn is a practical woman by nature. She baked bread, sewed her children's clothes, refinished the woodwork in the New Ulm family home and reveled in staying active for much of her life from walking a couple miles every day to shoveling snow-covered sidewalks along her two-story home on a corner lot. She moved into an apartment when she was 96 and then an assisted living facility when she was 109. With short, white hair framing her face and a pearl necklace draped over her sweatshirt, Zahn strained a bit to hear the questions that were posed to her during a recent video interview. She patiently answered and shrugged when reminded she's the state's oldest living resident. "I'm just thankful for good health, and I think I have good health because I always eat my breakfast," said the woman who has been unscathed by two pandemics the 1918 flu that killed at least 50 million around the world and the recent coronavirus pandemic that has already killed more than 2.8 million people. Every morning, Zahn lingers over a bowl of oatmeal and several cups of coffee. She is a woman of few indulgences and always in moderation, which seems to be her key to a long life. For her, it's a glass of red wine every now and then, one piece of dark chocolate each day and an afternoon nap. And when she turns 113, she'll enjoy a piece of apple pie. If you'd like to submit a Curious Minnesota question, fill out the form below: This form requires JavaScript to complete. | Erna Zahn, 113, is Minnesota's oldest resident and one of the oldest living people in the U.S. "I'm too old to celebrate," Zahn says, but staff will take her to Sleepy Eye for apple pie and coffee. Zahn was born in 1908 in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. | bart | 2 | https://www.startribune.com/who-is-the-oldest-minnesotan-erna-zahn-new-ulm-history/600020577/ | 0.514059 |
Is England's caf culture set for a boost? | Natalie Haywood's fondest memory of 2020 is sitting outside in the blazing evening sunshine, eating pizza with her little girl on Liverpool's Castle Street: "We really felt like we were in Italy." Natalie co-owns the Leaf Group of venues in Merseyside, including the Oh Me Oh My and One Fine Day cafs. And for her businesses, being able to serve people outside was "an absolute lifeline". "It got our staff back to work. It gave customers options when they didn't feel confident going indoors and it gave city streets a new energy," she enthused. "It's made us feel like we were on holiday when we couldn't go anywhere." Reopening on 12 April may not guarantee pleasant outdoor temperatures, but it does have the potential to herald a surge in European-style caf culture. This spring, hundreds of English bars, pubs and restaurants are successfully applying for outside drinking and dining licences. The BBC contacted 10 councils in the largest metropolitan areas in England, where collectively more than 840 pavement licensing applications have been approved ahead of restrictions easing next week. The councils managed the relaxed licensing laws differently. In most cases, a business applied to use the pavement or space outside their premises. But in heavily built-up Westminster, 60 designated "zones" were approved, so that venues can put tables out in parking bays or pavements. A similar project exists in nearby Camden called Streateries, while in Bristol, entire stretches of road have been pedestrianised. Liverpool has been one of the most active councils, approving almost 200 temporary licences for business, as well as running a grant scheme last year to help hospitality providers buy outdoor seating, heaters and shelters. On Bold Street, Natalie's business was able to use a series of council-built "parklets" - outdoor seating to be shared by other hospitality spaces. Story continues "It meant we could serve 30 to 40 more covers outside, and over a day, turned those over five or six times," she said. "We pay phenomenal rates, so without outdoor seating, we'd have been in a real pickle." Garden space But these city centre schemes only tell part of the story. The figures do not take into account the thousands more businesses with private land that did not need to make an application to their council. Their existing licensing agreements covered them for refinements such as pop-up gazebos, as well as seating in car parks and loading bays, or even fields and woodlands. The garden at the Chequers Inn twists and winds up to limestone cliff tops. Nine white parasols are dotted among the daffodils, allowing punters to enjoy a pint while gazing across Hope Valley in the Peak District. Last year, the area was largely overgrown. Owners Joanne and Jonathan Tindall have uncovered about three-quarters of an acre of extra outdoor space. But they have invested heavily, giving up both time and money. "In lockdown at home, people have been doing jobs they didn't have time to do," says Jonathan. "This is exactly the same for us. Except we did it for the business." Weeds and rampant rhododendrons have been razed. Paths and platforms have been created around the natural stream. Their son even built a handsome 12-seat bench in between his online-only university lectures. Jonathan and Joanne feel the pandemic has given them the gift of time in what is normally a hectic business. Their investment is for much more than Covid compliance. "We wanted to do something that was not just for the five weeks, we wanted to improve the offering on a permanent basis," Jonathan explains. Sunshine hopes There is now space for 20 more people to eat outside, using new furniture, umbrellas, awnings, heating and lighting. "You'll find people perched on corners of stones, sat on the walls, or using the deckchairs we can put out," Jonathan says. "Kids can go off into the woods to play now." Joanne adds: "But we are a business. We are not playing at this and we need to get some money in the bank. We just need one thing - sunshine." The hospitality industry estimates that as many as two-thirds of businesses will just wait until 17 May to open up indoor space. Going "al fresco" is neither easy nor cheap and depends a lot on location. And England's pavement licensing and planning relaxation is only temporary, running up to September 2021. The Great British Summer will hold a lot of sway. But it will be down to government, councils, businesses and consumers to decide if England keeps its caf culture for good. The 10 councils contacted Westminster - more than 60 dining zones on streets in Soho for hundreds of restaurants Camden - 144 pavement licences approved so far, plus Streateries scheme Manchester - had 200 licences in 2020. Then 90 more approved in 2021, with another 16 under review Liverpool - 189 applications for pavement drinking and dining approved so far Newcastle - granted 104 pavement licences in the last year, including Grey Street Leeds - 29 licences granted in the city centre, five in suburban districts Sheffield - granted 60 licences in 2020 with no need to reapply. New applications in process Nottingham - granted 105 licences in total, 45 are new extensions to business Bristol - processing more than 60 applications. Pedestrianised Old City, King St, Cotham Hill and Portwall Lane Birmingham - has been supporting local businesses, but could not provide figures on licences | England's caf culture set for a boost as restrictions ease next week. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://news.yahoo.com/englands-caf-culture-set-boost-131536533.html | 0.346306 |
Is England's caf culture set for a boost? | Natalie Haywood's fondest memory of 2020 is sitting outside in the blazing evening sunshine, eating pizza with her little girl on Liverpool's Castle Street: "We really felt like we were in Italy." Natalie co-owns the Leaf Group of venues in Merseyside, including the Oh Me Oh My and One Fine Day cafs. And for her businesses, being able to serve people outside was "an absolute lifeline". "It got our staff back to work. It gave customers options when they didn't feel confident going indoors and it gave city streets a new energy," she enthused. "It's made us feel like we were on holiday when we couldn't go anywhere." Reopening on 12 April may not guarantee pleasant outdoor temperatures, but it does have the potential to herald a surge in European-style caf culture. This spring, hundreds of English bars, pubs and restaurants are successfully applying for outside drinking and dining licences. The BBC contacted 10 councils in the largest metropolitan areas in England, where collectively more than 840 pavement licensing applications have been approved ahead of restrictions easing next week. The councils managed the relaxed licensing laws differently. In most cases, a business applied to use the pavement or space outside their premises. But in heavily built-up Westminster, 60 designated "zones" were approved, so that venues can put tables out in parking bays or pavements. A similar project exists in nearby Camden called Streateries, while in Bristol, entire stretches of road have been pedestrianised. Liverpool has been one of the most active councils, approving almost 200 temporary licences for business, as well as running a grant scheme last year to help hospitality providers buy outdoor seating, heaters and shelters. On Bold Street, Natalie's business was able to use a series of council-built "parklets" - outdoor seating to be shared by other hospitality spaces. Story continues "It meant we could serve 30 to 40 more covers outside, and over a day, turned those over five or six times," she said. "We pay phenomenal rates, so without outdoor seating, we'd have been in a real pickle." Garden space But these city centre schemes only tell part of the story. The figures do not take into account the thousands more businesses with private land that did not need to make an application to their council. Their existing licensing agreements covered them for refinements such as pop-up gazebos, as well as seating in car parks and loading bays, or even fields and woodlands. The garden at the Chequers Inn twists and winds up to limestone cliff tops. Nine white parasols are dotted among the daffodils, allowing punters to enjoy a pint while gazing across Hope Valley in the Peak District. Last year, the area was largely overgrown. Owners Joanne and Jonathan Tindall have uncovered about three-quarters of an acre of extra outdoor space. But they have invested heavily, giving up both time and money. "In lockdown at home, people have been doing jobs they didn't have time to do," says Jonathan. "This is exactly the same for us. Except we did it for the business." Weeds and rampant rhododendrons have been razed. Paths and platforms have been created around the natural stream. Their son even built a handsome 12-seat bench in between his online-only university lectures. Jonathan and Joanne feel the pandemic has given them the gift of time in what is normally a hectic business. Their investment is for much more than Covid compliance. "We wanted to do something that was not just for the five weeks, we wanted to improve the offering on a permanent basis," Jonathan explains. Sunshine hopes There is now space for 20 more people to eat outside, using new furniture, umbrellas, awnings, heating and lighting. "You'll find people perched on corners of stones, sat on the walls, or using the deckchairs we can put out," Jonathan says. "Kids can go off into the woods to play now." Joanne adds: "But we are a business. We are not playing at this and we need to get some money in the bank. We just need one thing - sunshine." The hospitality industry estimates that as many as two-thirds of businesses will just wait until 17 May to open up indoor space. Going "al fresco" is neither easy nor cheap and depends a lot on location. And England's pavement licensing and planning relaxation is only temporary, running up to September 2021. The Great British Summer will hold a lot of sway. But it will be down to government, councils, businesses and consumers to decide if England keeps its caf culture for good. The 10 councils contacted Westminster - more than 60 dining zones on streets in Soho for hundreds of restaurants Camden - 144 pavement licences approved so far, plus Streateries scheme Manchester - had 200 licences in 2020. Then 90 more approved in 2021, with another 16 under review Liverpool - 189 applications for pavement drinking and dining approved so far Newcastle - granted 104 pavement licences in the last year, including Grey Street Leeds - 29 licences granted in the city centre, five in suburban districts Sheffield - granted 60 licences in 2020 with no need to reapply. New applications in process Nottingham - granted 105 licences in total, 45 are new extensions to business Bristol - processing more than 60 applications. Pedestrianised Old City, King St, Cotham Hill and Portwall Lane Birmingham - has been supporting local businesses, but could not provide figures on licences | England's caf culture set for a boost as restrictions ease next week. More than 840 pavement licensing applications have been approved in the last year. But there are thousands more businesses with private land that did not need to make an application to their council. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://news.yahoo.com/englands-caf-culture-set-boost-131536533.html | 0.578742 |
Is England's caf culture set for a boost? | Natalie Haywood's fondest memory of 2020 is sitting outside in the blazing evening sunshine, eating pizza with her little girl on Liverpool's Castle Street: "We really felt like we were in Italy." Natalie co-owns the Leaf Group of venues in Merseyside, including the Oh Me Oh My and One Fine Day cafs. And for her businesses, being able to serve people outside was "an absolute lifeline". "It got our staff back to work. It gave customers options when they didn't feel confident going indoors and it gave city streets a new energy," she enthused. "It's made us feel like we were on holiday when we couldn't go anywhere." Reopening on 12 April may not guarantee pleasant outdoor temperatures, but it does have the potential to herald a surge in European-style caf culture. This spring, hundreds of English bars, pubs and restaurants are successfully applying for outside drinking and dining licences. The BBC contacted 10 councils in the largest metropolitan areas in England, where collectively more than 840 pavement licensing applications have been approved ahead of restrictions easing next week. The councils managed the relaxed licensing laws differently. In most cases, a business applied to use the pavement or space outside their premises. But in heavily built-up Westminster, 60 designated "zones" were approved, so that venues can put tables out in parking bays or pavements. A similar project exists in nearby Camden called Streateries, while in Bristol, entire stretches of road have been pedestrianised. Liverpool has been one of the most active councils, approving almost 200 temporary licences for business, as well as running a grant scheme last year to help hospitality providers buy outdoor seating, heaters and shelters. On Bold Street, Natalie's business was able to use a series of council-built "parklets" - outdoor seating to be shared by other hospitality spaces. Story continues "It meant we could serve 30 to 40 more covers outside, and over a day, turned those over five or six times," she said. "We pay phenomenal rates, so without outdoor seating, we'd have been in a real pickle." Garden space But these city centre schemes only tell part of the story. The figures do not take into account the thousands more businesses with private land that did not need to make an application to their council. Their existing licensing agreements covered them for refinements such as pop-up gazebos, as well as seating in car parks and loading bays, or even fields and woodlands. The garden at the Chequers Inn twists and winds up to limestone cliff tops. Nine white parasols are dotted among the daffodils, allowing punters to enjoy a pint while gazing across Hope Valley in the Peak District. Last year, the area was largely overgrown. Owners Joanne and Jonathan Tindall have uncovered about three-quarters of an acre of extra outdoor space. But they have invested heavily, giving up both time and money. "In lockdown at home, people have been doing jobs they didn't have time to do," says Jonathan. "This is exactly the same for us. Except we did it for the business." Weeds and rampant rhododendrons have been razed. Paths and platforms have been created around the natural stream. Their son even built a handsome 12-seat bench in between his online-only university lectures. Jonathan and Joanne feel the pandemic has given them the gift of time in what is normally a hectic business. Their investment is for much more than Covid compliance. "We wanted to do something that was not just for the five weeks, we wanted to improve the offering on a permanent basis," Jonathan explains. Sunshine hopes There is now space for 20 more people to eat outside, using new furniture, umbrellas, awnings, heating and lighting. "You'll find people perched on corners of stones, sat on the walls, or using the deckchairs we can put out," Jonathan says. "Kids can go off into the woods to play now." Joanne adds: "But we are a business. We are not playing at this and we need to get some money in the bank. We just need one thing - sunshine." The hospitality industry estimates that as many as two-thirds of businesses will just wait until 17 May to open up indoor space. Going "al fresco" is neither easy nor cheap and depends a lot on location. And England's pavement licensing and planning relaxation is only temporary, running up to September 2021. The Great British Summer will hold a lot of sway. But it will be down to government, councils, businesses and consumers to decide if England keeps its caf culture for good. The 10 councils contacted Westminster - more than 60 dining zones on streets in Soho for hundreds of restaurants Camden - 144 pavement licences approved so far, plus Streateries scheme Manchester - had 200 licences in 2020. Then 90 more approved in 2021, with another 16 under review Liverpool - 189 applications for pavement drinking and dining approved so far Newcastle - granted 104 pavement licences in the last year, including Grey Street Leeds - 29 licences granted in the city centre, five in suburban districts Sheffield - granted 60 licences in 2020 with no need to reapply. New applications in process Nottingham - granted 105 licences in total, 45 are new extensions to business Bristol - processing more than 60 applications. Pedestrianised Old City, King St, Cotham Hill and Portwall Lane Birmingham - has been supporting local businesses, but could not provide figures on licences | England's caf culture set for a boost as restrictions ease next week. More than 840 pavement licensing applications have been approved in the last year. But there are thousands more businesses with private land that did not need to make an application to their council. They can now put tables out in parking bays or pavements. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://news.yahoo.com/englands-caf-culture-set-boost-131536533.html | 0.62135 |
Whos going to win the best actress Oscar? | Its opening day at Dodger Stadium. Raise the flag and pass me one of those michelada sausages. Or that brisket thats been smoked for 12 hours. (Though that habanero sauce better have some kick.) And if you need to get in the proper state of mind for the opener, may I suggest Times columnist Gustavo Arellanos look back at the religious experience that was Fernandomania, 40 years after its birth. Newsletter From the Emmys to the Oscars. Get our revamped Envelope newsletter for exclusive awards season coverage, behind-the-scenes insights and columnist Glenn Whipps commentary. Enter email address Sign Me Up You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Oh, and the Oscars are just a couple of weeks away. If the academy wants to boost ratings, it should invite Fernando to throw out the first Oscar. Im Glenn Whipp, awards columnist for the Los Angeles Times, host of the Envelopes Friday newsletter. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack and lets get to it. The Screen Actors Guild Awards were handed out Sunday night. Well, to be precise, they were actually awarded via Zoom last week, and those prerecorded segments were then broadcast in a brief, one-hour telecast Sunday. Inevitably, the news of who won had already spread around town. While that didnt leave much room for suspense, the leaks did free up everyones Easter Sunday a cause for celebration even for those not fortunate enough to win. And those winners were historic: For the first time, all four individual movie honors went to actors of color. One of those winners was Viola Davis. She and her Ma Raineys Black Bottom costar, the late Chadwick Boseman, swept the lead categories. (Yuh-Jung Youn from Minari and Judas and the Black Messiah standout Daniel Kaluuya prevailed in the supporting categories.) I mention Davis because her win throws the lead actress Oscar race into a delightful sense of disarray, as I wrote following the SAG Awards ceremony. Im leaning toward Davis. But check back, because Im open to persuasion. Or perhaps you just come here for the stadium food recommendations. I dont know. But to gauge your level of enthusiasm for this years ceremony, I put together a little quiz. Kafka (10) Magic Mike (7) Contagion (0) You get the idea. Though you should probably get bonus points if you think I should have included Schizopolis among the answers. (Actually, you get bonus points if youve heard of Schizopolis.) With nominees like these, you should be at least a little excited about this years Oscars. Consider subscribing to the Los Angeles Times Your support helps us deliver the news that matters most. Become a subscriber. Chlo Zhaos Empire Strikes Back drive-in story Chlo Zhao has been holed up at a Burbank Airbnb guesthouse for more than a month now, working seven days a week on Eternals, the upcoming cosmic-gods Marvel movie she directed and cowrote. The cottage is a five-minute drive from Walt Disney Studios. Zhao probably could have stayed in a bigger place or a four-star hotel but she likes the coziness. She also appreciates the way its modesty contrasts with the work shes doing and relishing. When youre making a film and everything feels so big and expensive, its really nice to come home to a cave at night, Zhao says. Were talking via Zoom early on a recent Saturday morning, sipping coffee, shaking off the sleep. Shes telling me about the few personal touches she brought from her Ojai home: the warm, wool blanket she purchased in England while shooting Eternals, the rice cooker and the kitchen utensils needed to fully employ and enjoy that beloved steaming appliance. We also talked about Nomadland, of course, the film that earned her four Oscar nominations. One story I hadnt heard revolved around the Rose Bowl pop-up drive-in screening of the film last year, which coincided with the Bobcat fire in the San Gabriel Mountains. It didnt start out as an ideal evening but eventually turned into one. And a small part of that had to do with the movie playing next door. Advertisement You didnt see the lightsaber reflecting on our screen? Zhao asks me. Nope. You must be very focused. I appreciate that. If you moved your rearview mirror, you could have watched Empire Strikes Back in your car with the sound of Nomadland. Nomadland filmmaker Chlo Zhao is nominated for four Oscars. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) | The SAG Awards were awarded via Zoom last week, then broadcast in a brief, one-hour telecast Sunday. I'm leaning toward Viola Davis for best actress Oscar. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/newsletter/2021-04-09/sag-awards-chloe-zhao-nomadland-oscars-the-envelope-glenns-edition | 0.258352 |
Whos going to win the best actress Oscar? | Its opening day at Dodger Stadium. Raise the flag and pass me one of those michelada sausages. Or that brisket thats been smoked for 12 hours. (Though that habanero sauce better have some kick.) And if you need to get in the proper state of mind for the opener, may I suggest Times columnist Gustavo Arellanos look back at the religious experience that was Fernandomania, 40 years after its birth. Newsletter From the Emmys to the Oscars. Get our revamped Envelope newsletter for exclusive awards season coverage, behind-the-scenes insights and columnist Glenn Whipps commentary. Enter email address Sign Me Up You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Oh, and the Oscars are just a couple of weeks away. If the academy wants to boost ratings, it should invite Fernando to throw out the first Oscar. Im Glenn Whipp, awards columnist for the Los Angeles Times, host of the Envelopes Friday newsletter. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack and lets get to it. The Screen Actors Guild Awards were handed out Sunday night. Well, to be precise, they were actually awarded via Zoom last week, and those prerecorded segments were then broadcast in a brief, one-hour telecast Sunday. Inevitably, the news of who won had already spread around town. While that didnt leave much room for suspense, the leaks did free up everyones Easter Sunday a cause for celebration even for those not fortunate enough to win. And those winners were historic: For the first time, all four individual movie honors went to actors of color. One of those winners was Viola Davis. She and her Ma Raineys Black Bottom costar, the late Chadwick Boseman, swept the lead categories. (Yuh-Jung Youn from Minari and Judas and the Black Messiah standout Daniel Kaluuya prevailed in the supporting categories.) I mention Davis because her win throws the lead actress Oscar race into a delightful sense of disarray, as I wrote following the SAG Awards ceremony. Im leaning toward Davis. But check back, because Im open to persuasion. Or perhaps you just come here for the stadium food recommendations. I dont know. But to gauge your level of enthusiasm for this years ceremony, I put together a little quiz. Kafka (10) Magic Mike (7) Contagion (0) You get the idea. Though you should probably get bonus points if you think I should have included Schizopolis among the answers. (Actually, you get bonus points if youve heard of Schizopolis.) With nominees like these, you should be at least a little excited about this years Oscars. Consider subscribing to the Los Angeles Times Your support helps us deliver the news that matters most. Become a subscriber. Chlo Zhaos Empire Strikes Back drive-in story Chlo Zhao has been holed up at a Burbank Airbnb guesthouse for more than a month now, working seven days a week on Eternals, the upcoming cosmic-gods Marvel movie she directed and cowrote. The cottage is a five-minute drive from Walt Disney Studios. Zhao probably could have stayed in a bigger place or a four-star hotel but she likes the coziness. She also appreciates the way its modesty contrasts with the work shes doing and relishing. When youre making a film and everything feels so big and expensive, its really nice to come home to a cave at night, Zhao says. Were talking via Zoom early on a recent Saturday morning, sipping coffee, shaking off the sleep. Shes telling me about the few personal touches she brought from her Ojai home: the warm, wool blanket she purchased in England while shooting Eternals, the rice cooker and the kitchen utensils needed to fully employ and enjoy that beloved steaming appliance. We also talked about Nomadland, of course, the film that earned her four Oscar nominations. One story I hadnt heard revolved around the Rose Bowl pop-up drive-in screening of the film last year, which coincided with the Bobcat fire in the San Gabriel Mountains. It didnt start out as an ideal evening but eventually turned into one. And a small part of that had to do with the movie playing next door. Advertisement You didnt see the lightsaber reflecting on our screen? Zhao asks me. Nope. You must be very focused. I appreciate that. If you moved your rearview mirror, you could have watched Empire Strikes Back in your car with the sound of Nomadland. Nomadland filmmaker Chlo Zhao is nominated for four Oscars. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) | All four individual movie honors went to actors of color for the first time. Viola Davis win throws the lead actress Oscar race into a delightful sense of disarray. Chlo Zhao has been holed up at a Burbank Airbnb guesthouse for more than a month now. | pegasus | 2 | https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/newsletter/2021-04-09/sag-awards-chloe-zhao-nomadland-oscars-the-envelope-glenns-edition | 0.13971 |
Does 'Them' on Amazon go too far showing racist violence? | This story contains detailed spoilers from the later episodes of Them: Covenant. The sun shines brightly on the handsome homes and pristine lawns lining Palmer Drive in Compton, but a closer look reveals that its anything but a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Strung up in front of the home, newly occupied by the Emory family, are pickaninny dolls the dominant historical caricature of Black children. The N-word has been burned into the front lawn. The symbols come courtesy of local white residents, a message to the newcomers the only Black family on the block that they are not welcome. The plight of the Emory family is at the center of Amazons new anthology series Them, partly inspired by the Great Migration, when millions of Black families oppressed by the racism of the Jim Crow South relocated to the West, Northwest and Midwest. Set in 1953, the series follows the fictional Emorys, who have journeyed from North Carolina to settle in Compton, which at the time was dominated by whites, a sharp contrast with the citys predominantly Black population today. Advertisement Henry Emory (Ashley Thomas), his wife, Lucky (Deborah Ayorinde), and their two young daughters have more to fear than hostile neighbors. They are locked in a deadly battle with supernatural forces, putting a sinister twist on the familiar refrain, Theres no place like home. The 10-episode first season, subtitled Covenant, follows other high-profile mash-ups of the countrys troubled history of race relations and genre elements. Like last years Emmy winner, Watchmen, its HBO counterpart, Lovecraft Country, and Netflixs Antebellum, Them features horrific scenarios of Black people being attacked, images that remain highly resonant with the national furor surrounding police brutality against Black people and the resurgence of white supremacist groups. While much of the menace in Them comes from things that go bump in the night, the most shocking horror lies in its more realistic scenes of racist violence, which are arguably more disturbing than the vivid images in its recent predecessors. The mayhem gains momentum in the fifth episode, which depicts the murder of a Black infant while his mother is raped and continues in a later episode with the blinding of a Black couple with hot pokers, and a white mob then burning them to death. Advertisement In an effort to warn viewers, Amazon has included advisories, along with commentaries from the cast and filmmakers. Still, the viciousness of the sequences, in particular the death of a child on screen, raises questions about whether the depiction of white supremacist savagery goes too far. A bucolic homestead in North Carolina becomes the site of racist violence in in Amazons Them: Covenant. (Amazon Prime Video) Them creator and executive producer Little Marvin acknowledged that the violence is upsetting but said it was necessary to illustrate the devastating effects of racism. Yes, there is a concern, but at the end of the day, I as an artist have to sit with myself and grapple with the authenticity of the show, he said. How can we be provocative or hot button? We asked ourselves two things: what terrified us the most and what felt most true. Typically, those two things were the same. Tracing the traumas of racism in America from the past to the present was the creative spark for first-time showrunner Little Marvin, who started developing Them about three years ago. (Executive producers on the show, for which Amazon has already ordered a second season, include Emmy winner Lena Waithe.) My inspiration was waking up every day and seeing cellphone videos of Black people being terrorized in some ways, either by threats from police, surveillance or something else, he said. That history goes all the way back to the founding of our country. I was also thinking about the American Dream. Theres nothing more emblematic of that than owning ones home. Theres great pride in that, particularly for Black people. But as you know, its been anything but a dream. Its been a nightmare for Black folks. Advertisement A self-proclaimed horror aficionado who lists The Exorcist among his favorite films, Little Marvin decided to tell his tale through this genre lens because he felt it would be effective not only as a storytelling device but also as a true reflection of Americas racial unrest. Were incredibly fractured and split down the middle, he said. There are people who want to take the country back to a time they consider great, and there are folks who are fighting for progress. Thats a scary place to be in 2021. He was further intrigued when he learned through his research about the racial history of Compton. I didnt know what Black people had experienced moving to Compton during the 50s, particularly East Compton, he said. Compton is an iconic Black place known all over the world, but 60 or 70 years ago, that was not true. Folks in East Compton were very protective of the whiteness of the area. That lit a lightbulb for me. Advertisement The terror begins. A woman, played by Dale Dickey, enters the Emorys yard. (Amazon Prime Video) Them evolved into a story that would portray how Black families migrated from the South to stake their rightful claim, only to be greeted with much of the same terror they sought to escape, he said. The trauma the Emorys faced in the South is hinted at in the series first moments, when Lucky and her infant son, Chester, are home alone in their remote rural residence. A strange woman (Dale Dickey) appears in the front yard and after initially pleasant small talk starts singing an ominous rendition of Stephen Fosters parlor song Old Black Joe. When the woman hears Chester crying, she asks Lucky, Can I have him? The frightened Lucky rushes inside as the woman starts toward the door. Three men in the distance are seen approaching the house. The scene abruptly flashes forward to the Emorys in their car, on the road to California. The baby is not with them. Advertisement What happened inside the house is revealed in the fifth episode, titled Covenant I, written by Little Marvin and Dominic Orlando and directed by Janicza Bravo (Zola). Lucky hides Chester in a closet as the woman and her accomplices break into the house. The men eventually find Lucky and sexually assault her. The woman finds Chester, and after playing with him a bit, stuffs him in a pillowcase. Alongside a Johann Strauss waltz on the soundtrack, Lucky watches helplessly as the invaders toss the trapped child around before the woman starts whirling the case over her head, chanting cat in the bag, finally dropping it to the floor. There is no movement as blood seeps through the pillowcase. The seed for the scene came to Little Marvin in a nightmare he couldnt shake. It was so vivid and intense that I did what I usually do, he said. I wake up in the middle of the night and go to my phone so I can write down touch points quickly so I dont forget it. So I was about to do that this time when I felt physically ill in a way that Ive never felt when contemplating anything Ive ever wanted to write. I told myself, Youre not going to entertain that thought, and went back to bed. Advertisement I was still haunted by it the next day. For the next 48 hours, I couldnt get the scene out of my head. I can feel when something has an integrity about it that doesnt mean I agree with it. My hands were shaking. Ive never felt so viscerally raw or open than I did contemplating that scene. As an artist, its my duty to interrogate theres something going on here that Ive never felt. So I wrote it. Actor Deborah Ayorinde calls one harrowing scene in Them: Covenant the toughest of her career. (Amazon Prime Video) Little Marvin acknowledges that that the scene is not based on an actual historical incident. But, he said, it anchors the racial horror he wanted to spotlight. What Ive come to realize is that I wanted a scene that would rip through the screen, grab the viewer by the jugular and force them to contend with a history of violence against Black bodies in this country, he said. If I did that in a way that youve seen before like an act of police brutality or a slave narrative that in some way creates a distance or a salve for a viewer. Ive seen it before. But this is so abominable it defies you to see it that way. Advertisement In a commentary that accompanies the episode, Ayorinde said the scene was the hardest shes had to perform in her career, adding, It was very important that particular scene was as raw, as honest, as tragic as possible. I wanted anyone who had remotely experienced anything close to that to feel seen, to feel heard, to feel believed. In a later episode titled Covenant II, set in the 19th century, a Black couple who happen upon a religious community are falsely accused of thievery. Their eyes are put out with hot pokers and they are burned to death. The soundtrack for the cruelty is the classic I Only Have Eyes for You. Vernon Sanders, Amazons co-head of television, said Little Marvin detailed the upsetting incidents during his pitch to executives as he outlined the entire arc of the season. By the end, we were teary-eyed. We had chills. We were profoundly moved and shaken. Its vivid in my mind because you dont experience those kinds of reactions. Asked whether he was concerned that viewers might be upset by the violence despite the advisories, Sanders said, I suspect there will be a variety of reactions. We thought about it carefully, gave it great weight. Part of the perspective we all came to is that this is a painful truth of our country. We felt it was important not to hide from it, but to confront it, to address what it has been like for people to live in fear of their lives for something they have no control or power over. Advertisement Coincidentally, Them: Covenant, which premieres Friday on Amazon, arrives during the trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder for his role in the death of George Floyd last year, an incident that sparked massive Black Lives Matter protests around the world. Several witnesses in the trial have discussed the trauma they felt while watching Chauvin hold his knee to Floyds neck for almost nine minutes and 30 seconds. Said Little Marvin: The timing will be what it will be. My hope is that this series speaks to enough folks and that the authenticity and the integrity of it stands. I started this to honor those families, and that has to take precedent over any sense of fear over timing. | Amazon's new anthology series "Them" is set in 1953 in Compton, California. The series is known for its realistic scenes of racist violence. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-04-09/amazon-them-covenant-little-marvin-lena-waithe-violence | 0.424378 |
Does 'Them' on Amazon go too far showing racist violence? | This story contains detailed spoilers from the later episodes of Them: Covenant. The sun shines brightly on the handsome homes and pristine lawns lining Palmer Drive in Compton, but a closer look reveals that its anything but a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Strung up in front of the home, newly occupied by the Emory family, are pickaninny dolls the dominant historical caricature of Black children. The N-word has been burned into the front lawn. The symbols come courtesy of local white residents, a message to the newcomers the only Black family on the block that they are not welcome. The plight of the Emory family is at the center of Amazons new anthology series Them, partly inspired by the Great Migration, when millions of Black families oppressed by the racism of the Jim Crow South relocated to the West, Northwest and Midwest. Set in 1953, the series follows the fictional Emorys, who have journeyed from North Carolina to settle in Compton, which at the time was dominated by whites, a sharp contrast with the citys predominantly Black population today. Advertisement Henry Emory (Ashley Thomas), his wife, Lucky (Deborah Ayorinde), and their two young daughters have more to fear than hostile neighbors. They are locked in a deadly battle with supernatural forces, putting a sinister twist on the familiar refrain, Theres no place like home. The 10-episode first season, subtitled Covenant, follows other high-profile mash-ups of the countrys troubled history of race relations and genre elements. Like last years Emmy winner, Watchmen, its HBO counterpart, Lovecraft Country, and Netflixs Antebellum, Them features horrific scenarios of Black people being attacked, images that remain highly resonant with the national furor surrounding police brutality against Black people and the resurgence of white supremacist groups. While much of the menace in Them comes from things that go bump in the night, the most shocking horror lies in its more realistic scenes of racist violence, which are arguably more disturbing than the vivid images in its recent predecessors. The mayhem gains momentum in the fifth episode, which depicts the murder of a Black infant while his mother is raped and continues in a later episode with the blinding of a Black couple with hot pokers, and a white mob then burning them to death. Advertisement In an effort to warn viewers, Amazon has included advisories, along with commentaries from the cast and filmmakers. Still, the viciousness of the sequences, in particular the death of a child on screen, raises questions about whether the depiction of white supremacist savagery goes too far. A bucolic homestead in North Carolina becomes the site of racist violence in in Amazons Them: Covenant. (Amazon Prime Video) Them creator and executive producer Little Marvin acknowledged that the violence is upsetting but said it was necessary to illustrate the devastating effects of racism. Yes, there is a concern, but at the end of the day, I as an artist have to sit with myself and grapple with the authenticity of the show, he said. How can we be provocative or hot button? We asked ourselves two things: what terrified us the most and what felt most true. Typically, those two things were the same. Tracing the traumas of racism in America from the past to the present was the creative spark for first-time showrunner Little Marvin, who started developing Them about three years ago. (Executive producers on the show, for which Amazon has already ordered a second season, include Emmy winner Lena Waithe.) My inspiration was waking up every day and seeing cellphone videos of Black people being terrorized in some ways, either by threats from police, surveillance or something else, he said. That history goes all the way back to the founding of our country. I was also thinking about the American Dream. Theres nothing more emblematic of that than owning ones home. Theres great pride in that, particularly for Black people. But as you know, its been anything but a dream. Its been a nightmare for Black folks. Advertisement A self-proclaimed horror aficionado who lists The Exorcist among his favorite films, Little Marvin decided to tell his tale through this genre lens because he felt it would be effective not only as a storytelling device but also as a true reflection of Americas racial unrest. Were incredibly fractured and split down the middle, he said. There are people who want to take the country back to a time they consider great, and there are folks who are fighting for progress. Thats a scary place to be in 2021. He was further intrigued when he learned through his research about the racial history of Compton. I didnt know what Black people had experienced moving to Compton during the 50s, particularly East Compton, he said. Compton is an iconic Black place known all over the world, but 60 or 70 years ago, that was not true. Folks in East Compton were very protective of the whiteness of the area. That lit a lightbulb for me. Advertisement The terror begins. A woman, played by Dale Dickey, enters the Emorys yard. (Amazon Prime Video) Them evolved into a story that would portray how Black families migrated from the South to stake their rightful claim, only to be greeted with much of the same terror they sought to escape, he said. The trauma the Emorys faced in the South is hinted at in the series first moments, when Lucky and her infant son, Chester, are home alone in their remote rural residence. A strange woman (Dale Dickey) appears in the front yard and after initially pleasant small talk starts singing an ominous rendition of Stephen Fosters parlor song Old Black Joe. When the woman hears Chester crying, she asks Lucky, Can I have him? The frightened Lucky rushes inside as the woman starts toward the door. Three men in the distance are seen approaching the house. The scene abruptly flashes forward to the Emorys in their car, on the road to California. The baby is not with them. Advertisement What happened inside the house is revealed in the fifth episode, titled Covenant I, written by Little Marvin and Dominic Orlando and directed by Janicza Bravo (Zola). Lucky hides Chester in a closet as the woman and her accomplices break into the house. The men eventually find Lucky and sexually assault her. The woman finds Chester, and after playing with him a bit, stuffs him in a pillowcase. Alongside a Johann Strauss waltz on the soundtrack, Lucky watches helplessly as the invaders toss the trapped child around before the woman starts whirling the case over her head, chanting cat in the bag, finally dropping it to the floor. There is no movement as blood seeps through the pillowcase. The seed for the scene came to Little Marvin in a nightmare he couldnt shake. It was so vivid and intense that I did what I usually do, he said. I wake up in the middle of the night and go to my phone so I can write down touch points quickly so I dont forget it. So I was about to do that this time when I felt physically ill in a way that Ive never felt when contemplating anything Ive ever wanted to write. I told myself, Youre not going to entertain that thought, and went back to bed. Advertisement I was still haunted by it the next day. For the next 48 hours, I couldnt get the scene out of my head. I can feel when something has an integrity about it that doesnt mean I agree with it. My hands were shaking. Ive never felt so viscerally raw or open than I did contemplating that scene. As an artist, its my duty to interrogate theres something going on here that Ive never felt. So I wrote it. Actor Deborah Ayorinde calls one harrowing scene in Them: Covenant the toughest of her career. (Amazon Prime Video) Little Marvin acknowledges that that the scene is not based on an actual historical incident. But, he said, it anchors the racial horror he wanted to spotlight. What Ive come to realize is that I wanted a scene that would rip through the screen, grab the viewer by the jugular and force them to contend with a history of violence against Black bodies in this country, he said. If I did that in a way that youve seen before like an act of police brutality or a slave narrative that in some way creates a distance or a salve for a viewer. Ive seen it before. But this is so abominable it defies you to see it that way. Advertisement In a commentary that accompanies the episode, Ayorinde said the scene was the hardest shes had to perform in her career, adding, It was very important that particular scene was as raw, as honest, as tragic as possible. I wanted anyone who had remotely experienced anything close to that to feel seen, to feel heard, to feel believed. In a later episode titled Covenant II, set in the 19th century, a Black couple who happen upon a religious community are falsely accused of thievery. Their eyes are put out with hot pokers and they are burned to death. The soundtrack for the cruelty is the classic I Only Have Eyes for You. Vernon Sanders, Amazons co-head of television, said Little Marvin detailed the upsetting incidents during his pitch to executives as he outlined the entire arc of the season. By the end, we were teary-eyed. We had chills. We were profoundly moved and shaken. Its vivid in my mind because you dont experience those kinds of reactions. Asked whether he was concerned that viewers might be upset by the violence despite the advisories, Sanders said, I suspect there will be a variety of reactions. We thought about it carefully, gave it great weight. Part of the perspective we all came to is that this is a painful truth of our country. We felt it was important not to hide from it, but to confront it, to address what it has been like for people to live in fear of their lives for something they have no control or power over. Advertisement Coincidentally, Them: Covenant, which premieres Friday on Amazon, arrives during the trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder for his role in the death of George Floyd last year, an incident that sparked massive Black Lives Matter protests around the world. Several witnesses in the trial have discussed the trauma they felt while watching Chauvin hold his knee to Floyds neck for almost nine minutes and 30 seconds. Said Little Marvin: The timing will be what it will be. My hope is that this series speaks to enough folks and that the authenticity and the integrity of it stands. I started this to honor those families, and that has to take precedent over any sense of fear over timing. | Amazon's new anthology series "Them" is set in 1953 in Compton, California. The series is known for its realistic scenes of racist violence. Some viewers have questioned whether the violence goes too far. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-04-09/amazon-them-covenant-little-marvin-lena-waithe-violence | 0.353067 |
Does 'Them' on Amazon go too far showing racist violence? | This story contains detailed spoilers from the later episodes of Them: Covenant. The sun shines brightly on the handsome homes and pristine lawns lining Palmer Drive in Compton, but a closer look reveals that its anything but a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Strung up in front of the home, newly occupied by the Emory family, are pickaninny dolls the dominant historical caricature of Black children. The N-word has been burned into the front lawn. The symbols come courtesy of local white residents, a message to the newcomers the only Black family on the block that they are not welcome. The plight of the Emory family is at the center of Amazons new anthology series Them, partly inspired by the Great Migration, when millions of Black families oppressed by the racism of the Jim Crow South relocated to the West, Northwest and Midwest. Set in 1953, the series follows the fictional Emorys, who have journeyed from North Carolina to settle in Compton, which at the time was dominated by whites, a sharp contrast with the citys predominantly Black population today. Advertisement Henry Emory (Ashley Thomas), his wife, Lucky (Deborah Ayorinde), and their two young daughters have more to fear than hostile neighbors. They are locked in a deadly battle with supernatural forces, putting a sinister twist on the familiar refrain, Theres no place like home. The 10-episode first season, subtitled Covenant, follows other high-profile mash-ups of the countrys troubled history of race relations and genre elements. Like last years Emmy winner, Watchmen, its HBO counterpart, Lovecraft Country, and Netflixs Antebellum, Them features horrific scenarios of Black people being attacked, images that remain highly resonant with the national furor surrounding police brutality against Black people and the resurgence of white supremacist groups. While much of the menace in Them comes from things that go bump in the night, the most shocking horror lies in its more realistic scenes of racist violence, which are arguably more disturbing than the vivid images in its recent predecessors. The mayhem gains momentum in the fifth episode, which depicts the murder of a Black infant while his mother is raped and continues in a later episode with the blinding of a Black couple with hot pokers, and a white mob then burning them to death. Advertisement In an effort to warn viewers, Amazon has included advisories, along with commentaries from the cast and filmmakers. Still, the viciousness of the sequences, in particular the death of a child on screen, raises questions about whether the depiction of white supremacist savagery goes too far. A bucolic homestead in North Carolina becomes the site of racist violence in in Amazons Them: Covenant. (Amazon Prime Video) Them creator and executive producer Little Marvin acknowledged that the violence is upsetting but said it was necessary to illustrate the devastating effects of racism. Yes, there is a concern, but at the end of the day, I as an artist have to sit with myself and grapple with the authenticity of the show, he said. How can we be provocative or hot button? We asked ourselves two things: what terrified us the most and what felt most true. Typically, those two things were the same. Tracing the traumas of racism in America from the past to the present was the creative spark for first-time showrunner Little Marvin, who started developing Them about three years ago. (Executive producers on the show, for which Amazon has already ordered a second season, include Emmy winner Lena Waithe.) My inspiration was waking up every day and seeing cellphone videos of Black people being terrorized in some ways, either by threats from police, surveillance or something else, he said. That history goes all the way back to the founding of our country. I was also thinking about the American Dream. Theres nothing more emblematic of that than owning ones home. Theres great pride in that, particularly for Black people. But as you know, its been anything but a dream. Its been a nightmare for Black folks. Advertisement A self-proclaimed horror aficionado who lists The Exorcist among his favorite films, Little Marvin decided to tell his tale through this genre lens because he felt it would be effective not only as a storytelling device but also as a true reflection of Americas racial unrest. Were incredibly fractured and split down the middle, he said. There are people who want to take the country back to a time they consider great, and there are folks who are fighting for progress. Thats a scary place to be in 2021. He was further intrigued when he learned through his research about the racial history of Compton. I didnt know what Black people had experienced moving to Compton during the 50s, particularly East Compton, he said. Compton is an iconic Black place known all over the world, but 60 or 70 years ago, that was not true. Folks in East Compton were very protective of the whiteness of the area. That lit a lightbulb for me. Advertisement The terror begins. A woman, played by Dale Dickey, enters the Emorys yard. (Amazon Prime Video) Them evolved into a story that would portray how Black families migrated from the South to stake their rightful claim, only to be greeted with much of the same terror they sought to escape, he said. The trauma the Emorys faced in the South is hinted at in the series first moments, when Lucky and her infant son, Chester, are home alone in their remote rural residence. A strange woman (Dale Dickey) appears in the front yard and after initially pleasant small talk starts singing an ominous rendition of Stephen Fosters parlor song Old Black Joe. When the woman hears Chester crying, she asks Lucky, Can I have him? The frightened Lucky rushes inside as the woman starts toward the door. Three men in the distance are seen approaching the house. The scene abruptly flashes forward to the Emorys in their car, on the road to California. The baby is not with them. Advertisement What happened inside the house is revealed in the fifth episode, titled Covenant I, written by Little Marvin and Dominic Orlando and directed by Janicza Bravo (Zola). Lucky hides Chester in a closet as the woman and her accomplices break into the house. The men eventually find Lucky and sexually assault her. The woman finds Chester, and after playing with him a bit, stuffs him in a pillowcase. Alongside a Johann Strauss waltz on the soundtrack, Lucky watches helplessly as the invaders toss the trapped child around before the woman starts whirling the case over her head, chanting cat in the bag, finally dropping it to the floor. There is no movement as blood seeps through the pillowcase. The seed for the scene came to Little Marvin in a nightmare he couldnt shake. It was so vivid and intense that I did what I usually do, he said. I wake up in the middle of the night and go to my phone so I can write down touch points quickly so I dont forget it. So I was about to do that this time when I felt physically ill in a way that Ive never felt when contemplating anything Ive ever wanted to write. I told myself, Youre not going to entertain that thought, and went back to bed. Advertisement I was still haunted by it the next day. For the next 48 hours, I couldnt get the scene out of my head. I can feel when something has an integrity about it that doesnt mean I agree with it. My hands were shaking. Ive never felt so viscerally raw or open than I did contemplating that scene. As an artist, its my duty to interrogate theres something going on here that Ive never felt. So I wrote it. Actor Deborah Ayorinde calls one harrowing scene in Them: Covenant the toughest of her career. (Amazon Prime Video) Little Marvin acknowledges that that the scene is not based on an actual historical incident. But, he said, it anchors the racial horror he wanted to spotlight. What Ive come to realize is that I wanted a scene that would rip through the screen, grab the viewer by the jugular and force them to contend with a history of violence against Black bodies in this country, he said. If I did that in a way that youve seen before like an act of police brutality or a slave narrative that in some way creates a distance or a salve for a viewer. Ive seen it before. But this is so abominable it defies you to see it that way. Advertisement In a commentary that accompanies the episode, Ayorinde said the scene was the hardest shes had to perform in her career, adding, It was very important that particular scene was as raw, as honest, as tragic as possible. I wanted anyone who had remotely experienced anything close to that to feel seen, to feel heard, to feel believed. In a later episode titled Covenant II, set in the 19th century, a Black couple who happen upon a religious community are falsely accused of thievery. Their eyes are put out with hot pokers and they are burned to death. The soundtrack for the cruelty is the classic I Only Have Eyes for You. Vernon Sanders, Amazons co-head of television, said Little Marvin detailed the upsetting incidents during his pitch to executives as he outlined the entire arc of the season. By the end, we were teary-eyed. We had chills. We were profoundly moved and shaken. Its vivid in my mind because you dont experience those kinds of reactions. Asked whether he was concerned that viewers might be upset by the violence despite the advisories, Sanders said, I suspect there will be a variety of reactions. We thought about it carefully, gave it great weight. Part of the perspective we all came to is that this is a painful truth of our country. We felt it was important not to hide from it, but to confront it, to address what it has been like for people to live in fear of their lives for something they have no control or power over. Advertisement Coincidentally, Them: Covenant, which premieres Friday on Amazon, arrives during the trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder for his role in the death of George Floyd last year, an incident that sparked massive Black Lives Matter protests around the world. Several witnesses in the trial have discussed the trauma they felt while watching Chauvin hold his knee to Floyds neck for almost nine minutes and 30 seconds. Said Little Marvin: The timing will be what it will be. My hope is that this series speaks to enough folks and that the authenticity and the integrity of it stands. I started this to honor those families, and that has to take precedent over any sense of fear over timing. | Amazon's new anthology series "Them" is set in 1953 in Compton, California. The series is known for its realistic scenes of racist violence, including the murder of an infant. The show's creator says the violence is necessary to illustrate the devastating effects of racism. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-04-09/amazon-them-covenant-little-marvin-lena-waithe-violence | 0.555917 |
Will some teams pass on players who opted out? | The week began with Ohio State coach Ryan Day questioning whether players who opted out of the 2020 college season love football. The week is ending with chatter regarding whether one or more NFL teams will hold an opt-out decision against a player. Per a league source, at least one owner of a team picking in the top 10 is hesitant to draft a player who opted out. Others may feel the same way. And it will be interesting to track the expected and actual draft position of top prospects. It shouldnt be that way. Players not getting paid should not have been expected to assume the risk of catching the virus or spreading it to family members, based on the information available at the time. Moreover, with the NCAA largely if not entirely AWOL when it came to creating and enforcing standards for masks, testing, and/or distancing in facilities and weight rooms, players had to trust that their head coaches would take the situation seriously and implement reasonable safeguards. Players like former Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley werent willing to assume that risk, and good for him. However, Farley recently told Chris Simms that Farley has been asked about his decision to opt out. Ive got it from teams, Farley said. But at the end of the day, its just my personal situation. . . . I mean, it was something that I couldnt ignore it, you know, I didnt have peace about the situation. . . . It didnt matter if I was the only one. I had to play it cautious. Thats just what I felt in my heart. And I dont want to look back and regret because to this day Im, COVID free. My father was COVID free and you know, I, I just gotta thank God. Farleys mother passed away while he was in high school, and Farley didnt want to give the virus to his father. Its a reasonable and understandable position, and its unfair to question anyones love of the game based on the decisions they had to make during a rare set of circumstances. But some (if not most) NFL teams still want players who wont think, wont question, wont resist. They basically wants robots who will submit to the authority of the team. Still, it seems foolish and unfair to hold such an intensely personal and difficult decision against any player. originally appeared on Pro Football Talk | A league source said at least one owner of a team picking in the top 10 is hesitant to draft a player who opted out. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://sports.yahoo.com/teams-pass-players-opted-144006938.html?src=rss | 0.174983 |
Will some teams pass on players who opted out? | The week began with Ohio State coach Ryan Day questioning whether players who opted out of the 2020 college season love football. The week is ending with chatter regarding whether one or more NFL teams will hold an opt-out decision against a player. Per a league source, at least one owner of a team picking in the top 10 is hesitant to draft a player who opted out. Others may feel the same way. And it will be interesting to track the expected and actual draft position of top prospects. It shouldnt be that way. Players not getting paid should not have been expected to assume the risk of catching the virus or spreading it to family members, based on the information available at the time. Moreover, with the NCAA largely if not entirely AWOL when it came to creating and enforcing standards for masks, testing, and/or distancing in facilities and weight rooms, players had to trust that their head coaches would take the situation seriously and implement reasonable safeguards. Players like former Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley werent willing to assume that risk, and good for him. However, Farley recently told Chris Simms that Farley has been asked about his decision to opt out. Ive got it from teams, Farley said. But at the end of the day, its just my personal situation. . . . I mean, it was something that I couldnt ignore it, you know, I didnt have peace about the situation. . . . It didnt matter if I was the only one. I had to play it cautious. Thats just what I felt in my heart. And I dont want to look back and regret because to this day Im, COVID free. My father was COVID free and you know, I, I just gotta thank God. Farleys mother passed away while he was in high school, and Farley didnt want to give the virus to his father. Its a reasonable and understandable position, and its unfair to question anyones love of the game based on the decisions they had to make during a rare set of circumstances. But some (if not most) NFL teams still want players who wont think, wont question, wont resist. They basically wants robots who will submit to the authority of the team. Still, it seems foolish and unfair to hold such an intensely personal and difficult decision against any player. originally appeared on Pro Football Talk | At least one owner of a team picking in the top 10 is hesitant to draft a player who opted out. Players not getting paid should not have assumed the risk of catching the virus or spreading it to family members. | pegasus | 1 | https://sports.yahoo.com/teams-pass-players-opted-144006938.html?src=rss | 0.239364 |
Will some teams pass on players who opted out? | The week began with Ohio State coach Ryan Day questioning whether players who opted out of the 2020 college season love football. The week is ending with chatter regarding whether one or more NFL teams will hold an opt-out decision against a player. Per a league source, at least one owner of a team picking in the top 10 is hesitant to draft a player who opted out. Others may feel the same way. And it will be interesting to track the expected and actual draft position of top prospects. It shouldnt be that way. Players not getting paid should not have been expected to assume the risk of catching the virus or spreading it to family members, based on the information available at the time. Moreover, with the NCAA largely if not entirely AWOL when it came to creating and enforcing standards for masks, testing, and/or distancing in facilities and weight rooms, players had to trust that their head coaches would take the situation seriously and implement reasonable safeguards. Players like former Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley werent willing to assume that risk, and good for him. However, Farley recently told Chris Simms that Farley has been asked about his decision to opt out. Ive got it from teams, Farley said. But at the end of the day, its just my personal situation. . . . I mean, it was something that I couldnt ignore it, you know, I didnt have peace about the situation. . . . It didnt matter if I was the only one. I had to play it cautious. Thats just what I felt in my heart. And I dont want to look back and regret because to this day Im, COVID free. My father was COVID free and you know, I, I just gotta thank God. Farleys mother passed away while he was in high school, and Farley didnt want to give the virus to his father. Its a reasonable and understandable position, and its unfair to question anyones love of the game based on the decisions they had to make during a rare set of circumstances. But some (if not most) NFL teams still want players who wont think, wont question, wont resist. They basically wants robots who will submit to the authority of the team. Still, it seems foolish and unfair to hold such an intensely personal and difficult decision against any player. originally appeared on Pro Football Talk | Caleb Farley opted out of the 2020 college season because he didn't want to give the virus to his father. At least one NFL team is hesitant to draft a player who opted out. It's unfair to question anyones love of the game based on the decisions they had to make. | bart | 2 | https://sports.yahoo.com/teams-pass-players-opted-144006938.html?src=rss | 0.259005 |
Should Lions Trade Up for Kyle Pitts? | Read more on whether the Detroit Lions should trade up for Florida tight end Kyle Pitts One of the hottest prospects from the 2021 NFL Draft class is Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. He's a surefire bet to land in the top 10, and where he ends up going has been one of the most highly discussed topics around the proverbial water cooler for weeks now. If the Detroit Lions want to draft him, they're likely going to have to trade up from the No. 7 overall pick to get him. Let's take a closer look. For starters, the 6-foot-6, 240-pound Pitts possesses a tremendous skill set. The unanimous first-team All-American selection in 2020 profiles as a wide receiver playing the tight end position, and can line up all over the formation and beat defenders, including on the outside and in the slot. He recorded 100 receptions for 1,492 yards and 18 touchdowns during his three seasons with the Gators. Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports The Draft Network's Jordan Reid views Pitts as being best suited to be "cross-trained" as both a wide receiver and tight end. As Reid writes, "At 6-foot-6, he plays just as big as his size indicates. More in the role of a big receiver, Pitts can align outside, in the slot, or place his hand in the dirt in-line. As an F tight end, his combination of size, athleticism, and hands makes him a multi-level threat for creative offensive coordinators. As a run blocker, hes sustainable and willing as a one-on-one blocker, but also isnt afraid to get his face dirty in the box, either." He'd be a dynamic option for new Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn in the passing game, and he'd form an electric one-two punch with 2020 Pro Bowler T.J. Hockenson at tight end. Adding Pitts would also help make up for the losses of fellow pass-catchers Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. However, if I were Holmes & Co., I'd resist the urge of trading up for the Florida product. As much as he would add a much-needed explosive, play-making presence to Detroit's air attack, the Lions, as a rebuilding franchise, should be looking to accumulate as many draft picks as possible, instead of trading them away. The organization has a variety of needs on both sides of the ball, so no matter how good Pitts may be at the next level -- and he may be really good -- he isn't going to be able to fix all of them. The more likely scenario is that the Lions' front-office brass will trade down from No. 7 to garner further draft capital later in the draft and in future amateur player selections. So, while it might be tempting, my advice for Detroit is to pass on the opportunity to trade up for the highly talented tight end. Campbell: 'You Build a Winner, People Will Want To Be Here' Lions Sign Ex-Bills Safety Dean Marlowe Odds Lions Trade Up to No. 4 Overall Chiefs WR Demarcus Robinson Turned Down Lions Offer 4 Keys to Success for Julian Okwara in 2021 | Kyle Pitts is one of the hottest prospects from the 2021 NFL Draft class. The Detroit Lions are likely to have to trade up from the No. 7 overall pick to get him. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-kyle-pitts-trade-possibility | 0.463702 |
Should Lions Trade Up for Kyle Pitts? | Read more on whether the Detroit Lions should trade up for Florida tight end Kyle Pitts One of the hottest prospects from the 2021 NFL Draft class is Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. He's a surefire bet to land in the top 10, and where he ends up going has been one of the most highly discussed topics around the proverbial water cooler for weeks now. If the Detroit Lions want to draft him, they're likely going to have to trade up from the No. 7 overall pick to get him. Let's take a closer look. For starters, the 6-foot-6, 240-pound Pitts possesses a tremendous skill set. The unanimous first-team All-American selection in 2020 profiles as a wide receiver playing the tight end position, and can line up all over the formation and beat defenders, including on the outside and in the slot. He recorded 100 receptions for 1,492 yards and 18 touchdowns during his three seasons with the Gators. Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports The Draft Network's Jordan Reid views Pitts as being best suited to be "cross-trained" as both a wide receiver and tight end. As Reid writes, "At 6-foot-6, he plays just as big as his size indicates. More in the role of a big receiver, Pitts can align outside, in the slot, or place his hand in the dirt in-line. As an F tight end, his combination of size, athleticism, and hands makes him a multi-level threat for creative offensive coordinators. As a run blocker, hes sustainable and willing as a one-on-one blocker, but also isnt afraid to get his face dirty in the box, either." He'd be a dynamic option for new Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn in the passing game, and he'd form an electric one-two punch with 2020 Pro Bowler T.J. Hockenson at tight end. Adding Pitts would also help make up for the losses of fellow pass-catchers Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. However, if I were Holmes & Co., I'd resist the urge of trading up for the Florida product. As much as he would add a much-needed explosive, play-making presence to Detroit's air attack, the Lions, as a rebuilding franchise, should be looking to accumulate as many draft picks as possible, instead of trading them away. The organization has a variety of needs on both sides of the ball, so no matter how good Pitts may be at the next level -- and he may be really good -- he isn't going to be able to fix all of them. The more likely scenario is that the Lions' front-office brass will trade down from No. 7 to garner further draft capital later in the draft and in future amateur player selections. So, while it might be tempting, my advice for Detroit is to pass on the opportunity to trade up for the highly talented tight end. Campbell: 'You Build a Winner, People Will Want To Be Here' Lions Sign Ex-Bills Safety Dean Marlowe Odds Lions Trade Up to No. 4 Overall Chiefs WR Demarcus Robinson Turned Down Lions Offer 4 Keys to Success for Julian Okwara in 2021 | Kyle Pitts is one of the hottest prospects from the 2021 NFL Draft class. The Detroit Lions are likely to have to trade up from the No. 7 overall pick to get him. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound tight end has a tremendous skill set. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-kyle-pitts-trade-possibility | 0.456401 |
Is Oregon ready to open the floodgates for COVID-19 vaccinations April 19? | Seventy-three days. Thats how much earlier every Oregonian 16 and older will qualify for a COVID-19 vaccination than originally planned, the result of President Bidens pronouncement that every state should fully open eligibility by April 19. The accelerated timeline may be a boon to some Oregonians eager to be vaccinated. But it likely will present new challenges not only for shot-seekers but also state administrators who promised equity in administering doses to racial minorities and vulnerable populations whose vaccination rates lag behind. Although its not entirely clear, it appears Oregon is not expecting a significant increase in vaccine supplies in the weeks ahead, meaning only the most agile and best-connected may be able to immediately score coveted appointments. Come April 19, the state estimates itll have received only about 2 million first doses even though nearly 3.5 million people will be eligible. That leaves Gov. Kate Brown once again in a tricky situation, with Oregon frequently a national outlier and under pressure to open vaccine eligibility. Officials are trying to find some middle ground by increasing the pace of inoculations amid concerns over vaccine hesitancy, all without leaving the most vulnerable behind. Brown originally planned to offer inoculations to everyone 16 and older by July 1, but bumped up the date to May 1 in response to Bidens first deadline. This week Brown moved the date up again, to April 19, in conjunction with Bidens latest direction making Oregon the second-to-last in the nation to announce it would start universal vaccinations by that date. Oregon State University Professor Courtney Campbell, who is studying the equity of vaccine distribution, wonders if there has been some real pressure on politicians to get the vaccine out to the general population. That, coupled with the perception that Oregon is already behind many other states in the vaccine rollout, could possibly be a motivator, he said. I really hope the decisions are not being based on public image, Campbell said. Campbell is most concerned that communities struck hard by the coronavirus will continue to struggle. State statistics show two groups far behind: Latinos comprise 13% of Oregons population but account for only 6% of people vaccinated with at least one dose. Black Oregonians comprise 2.2% of the population but only 1.5% of those vaccinated. Opening vaccinations to everyone 16 and older is a pretty remarkable achievement, Campbell said in an email. But, he added, we dont want to give up on equity for communities whove been at a disadvantage during the entire pandemic. Some observers worry, too, that generally lower-income people who have no internet access or who work frontline jobs and cant go online at the precise times appointments are released will lose out. We still have people in some areas who have a flip phone, said Carlos Crespo, a professor at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. When asked by The Oregonian/OregonLive if the state was bowing to political pressure to follow other states, Charles Boyle, a spokesman for the governor, didnt directly answer in an emailed response. Rather, Boyle said Brown moved up the general population eligibility date because of concern over the spread of more dangerous variants of the coronavirus. But Boyle also acknowledged that under the governors accelerated timeline the necessary doses wont yet be available . (T)here is no doubt that not everyone who is eligible on April 19 will be able to immediately get an appointment with the vaccine supplies we will have on hand, he said in the email. The Oregon Health Authority estimates itll be almost six weeks after April 19 until theres enough vaccine in the state so that 70% of people 16 and older will have had a chance to receive a first dose. Boyle, the governors spokesman, acknowledged the coming days are important. Thats why its critical over the next two weeks and beyond that we increase our targeted efforts with community partners to reach the communities that have been hardest hit by COVID-19: Oregons Black, Indigenous, Latino, Latina, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Tribal, and communities of color, Boyle wrote. The sheer demand for vaccines has been obvious this week, since the governor opened vaccinations statewide to a vast number of Oregonians on Monday. That includes about 1.2 million who are overweight, an unknown number of past smokers, nearly 500,000 current smokers and 1.9 million residents with other underlying conditions ranging from heart disease to asthma. The latest wave also includes hundreds of thousands of others in frontline jobs and their household members. The Oregon Health Authority cant say exactly how many people that is because some people in one group also are a member of another group, such as someone who is overweight, has asthma and works as a K-12 teacher, a profession that became eligible for vaccinations in January. Even if Oregon officials are unsure of the precise numbers of those currently eligible, there are clear signs the system is overwhelmed. Oregon pharmacies within 100 miles of the Portland area Thursday afternoon had booked out all their available vaccination appointments, according to various scheduling websites. Enormous demand also prompted Oregon Health & Science Universitys vaccination scheduling website to freeze up, slow down or boot out users for four days straight this week. The system has a capacity to handle 4,800 visitors at once but found itself instantly overloaded after releasing new appointments for booking at 9 a.m. each day. OHSU is expecting to release a total of 23,300 appointments at its drive-thru sites at Portland International Airport and Hillsboro Stadium this week. Operators of the Oregon Convention Centers mass vaccination site said theyre sending enough electronic invitations out to Portland-area residents this week to fill between 18,000 and 22,000 appointments. But that leaves another 140,000 currently eligible Portland-area residents still waiting in the queue for an invitation to schedule at the convention center having registered at getvaccinated.oregon.gov, which the state uses as a pool to randomly select names of people who will be offered appointments each week. At this rate, it could several weeks before everyone who wants an appointment gets one. And at least nationally, the crunch might even get worse April 19. Whitehouse press secretary Jen Psaki this week warned vulnerable populations -- seniors, in particular -- that they should take advantage of their current eligibility status by getting vaccinated now before the next wave of eligible people hit because the lines are going to become longer. But Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen told a state legislative subcommittee its possible the competition for appointments might not intensify as much as expected April 19, because Oregon granted eligibility to so many more people this week. So we may not have as big a wave of eligibility beginning on the 19th as we did with this wave thats currently open, Allen said. Droves of Portland area residents took to social media this week to grumble about their failed appointment-booking efforts. Some likened it to taking on another full-time job or said they can now sympathize first-hand with the seniors, who faced the same struggles when hundreds of thousands of them overloaded the system when they became eligible week after week in February and early March. Oregon City resident Pam Degler, 62, said shed gone online every day this week at midnight, just when it appears some pharmacies release their appointments. Two cellphones in hand, shed tried to book an appointment for a fourth family member, her 23-year-old son, whos eligible because of his job as a wastewater worker. In previous weeks Degler managed to get appointments for her 85-year-old mother, her 67-year-old husband and herself as her mothers caregiver, but this week is the worst Ive ever seen. You can never get one, Degler said Wednesday, of her efforts to click on and secure an online time slot. It will spin and it will spin and then all of a sudden, it will say, Nope, its gone. Degler said she repeated the process over and over until about 1 a.m., when all the appointments disappeared and she finally went to bed. Degler said her family wants to go on a trip with her sisters and their families in May, precious time to spend with her older sister, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer and will soon after start chemotherapy. Their plan only will happen if everyones fully vaccinated, she said. She was giving up all hope, that is, until Thursday when she achieved success while trying to book in the early evening. Now, the plan to see her sisters depends on other extended family securing appointments, too. Nonetheless, after a series of late nights, she said, she is looking forward to going to bed at a normal time. Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter -- Aimee Green; agreen@oregonian.com; @o_aimee | President Biden said every state should fully open eligibility by April 19. The accelerated timeline may be a boon to some Oregonians eager to be vaccinated. | bart | 0 | https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2021/04/is-oregon-ready-to-open-the-floodgates-for-covid-19-vaccinations-april-19.html | 0.161482 |
Is Oregon ready to open the floodgates for COVID-19 vaccinations April 19? | Seventy-three days. Thats how much earlier every Oregonian 16 and older will qualify for a COVID-19 vaccination than originally planned, the result of President Bidens pronouncement that every state should fully open eligibility by April 19. The accelerated timeline may be a boon to some Oregonians eager to be vaccinated. But it likely will present new challenges not only for shot-seekers but also state administrators who promised equity in administering doses to racial minorities and vulnerable populations whose vaccination rates lag behind. Although its not entirely clear, it appears Oregon is not expecting a significant increase in vaccine supplies in the weeks ahead, meaning only the most agile and best-connected may be able to immediately score coveted appointments. Come April 19, the state estimates itll have received only about 2 million first doses even though nearly 3.5 million people will be eligible. That leaves Gov. Kate Brown once again in a tricky situation, with Oregon frequently a national outlier and under pressure to open vaccine eligibility. Officials are trying to find some middle ground by increasing the pace of inoculations amid concerns over vaccine hesitancy, all without leaving the most vulnerable behind. Brown originally planned to offer inoculations to everyone 16 and older by July 1, but bumped up the date to May 1 in response to Bidens first deadline. This week Brown moved the date up again, to April 19, in conjunction with Bidens latest direction making Oregon the second-to-last in the nation to announce it would start universal vaccinations by that date. Oregon State University Professor Courtney Campbell, who is studying the equity of vaccine distribution, wonders if there has been some real pressure on politicians to get the vaccine out to the general population. That, coupled with the perception that Oregon is already behind many other states in the vaccine rollout, could possibly be a motivator, he said. I really hope the decisions are not being based on public image, Campbell said. Campbell is most concerned that communities struck hard by the coronavirus will continue to struggle. State statistics show two groups far behind: Latinos comprise 13% of Oregons population but account for only 6% of people vaccinated with at least one dose. Black Oregonians comprise 2.2% of the population but only 1.5% of those vaccinated. Opening vaccinations to everyone 16 and older is a pretty remarkable achievement, Campbell said in an email. But, he added, we dont want to give up on equity for communities whove been at a disadvantage during the entire pandemic. Some observers worry, too, that generally lower-income people who have no internet access or who work frontline jobs and cant go online at the precise times appointments are released will lose out. We still have people in some areas who have a flip phone, said Carlos Crespo, a professor at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. When asked by The Oregonian/OregonLive if the state was bowing to political pressure to follow other states, Charles Boyle, a spokesman for the governor, didnt directly answer in an emailed response. Rather, Boyle said Brown moved up the general population eligibility date because of concern over the spread of more dangerous variants of the coronavirus. But Boyle also acknowledged that under the governors accelerated timeline the necessary doses wont yet be available . (T)here is no doubt that not everyone who is eligible on April 19 will be able to immediately get an appointment with the vaccine supplies we will have on hand, he said in the email. The Oregon Health Authority estimates itll be almost six weeks after April 19 until theres enough vaccine in the state so that 70% of people 16 and older will have had a chance to receive a first dose. Boyle, the governors spokesman, acknowledged the coming days are important. Thats why its critical over the next two weeks and beyond that we increase our targeted efforts with community partners to reach the communities that have been hardest hit by COVID-19: Oregons Black, Indigenous, Latino, Latina, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Tribal, and communities of color, Boyle wrote. The sheer demand for vaccines has been obvious this week, since the governor opened vaccinations statewide to a vast number of Oregonians on Monday. That includes about 1.2 million who are overweight, an unknown number of past smokers, nearly 500,000 current smokers and 1.9 million residents with other underlying conditions ranging from heart disease to asthma. The latest wave also includes hundreds of thousands of others in frontline jobs and their household members. The Oregon Health Authority cant say exactly how many people that is because some people in one group also are a member of another group, such as someone who is overweight, has asthma and works as a K-12 teacher, a profession that became eligible for vaccinations in January. Even if Oregon officials are unsure of the precise numbers of those currently eligible, there are clear signs the system is overwhelmed. Oregon pharmacies within 100 miles of the Portland area Thursday afternoon had booked out all their available vaccination appointments, according to various scheduling websites. Enormous demand also prompted Oregon Health & Science Universitys vaccination scheduling website to freeze up, slow down or boot out users for four days straight this week. The system has a capacity to handle 4,800 visitors at once but found itself instantly overloaded after releasing new appointments for booking at 9 a.m. each day. OHSU is expecting to release a total of 23,300 appointments at its drive-thru sites at Portland International Airport and Hillsboro Stadium this week. Operators of the Oregon Convention Centers mass vaccination site said theyre sending enough electronic invitations out to Portland-area residents this week to fill between 18,000 and 22,000 appointments. But that leaves another 140,000 currently eligible Portland-area residents still waiting in the queue for an invitation to schedule at the convention center having registered at getvaccinated.oregon.gov, which the state uses as a pool to randomly select names of people who will be offered appointments each week. At this rate, it could several weeks before everyone who wants an appointment gets one. And at least nationally, the crunch might even get worse April 19. Whitehouse press secretary Jen Psaki this week warned vulnerable populations -- seniors, in particular -- that they should take advantage of their current eligibility status by getting vaccinated now before the next wave of eligible people hit because the lines are going to become longer. But Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen told a state legislative subcommittee its possible the competition for appointments might not intensify as much as expected April 19, because Oregon granted eligibility to so many more people this week. So we may not have as big a wave of eligibility beginning on the 19th as we did with this wave thats currently open, Allen said. Droves of Portland area residents took to social media this week to grumble about their failed appointment-booking efforts. Some likened it to taking on another full-time job or said they can now sympathize first-hand with the seniors, who faced the same struggles when hundreds of thousands of them overloaded the system when they became eligible week after week in February and early March. Oregon City resident Pam Degler, 62, said shed gone online every day this week at midnight, just when it appears some pharmacies release their appointments. Two cellphones in hand, shed tried to book an appointment for a fourth family member, her 23-year-old son, whos eligible because of his job as a wastewater worker. In previous weeks Degler managed to get appointments for her 85-year-old mother, her 67-year-old husband and herself as her mothers caregiver, but this week is the worst Ive ever seen. You can never get one, Degler said Wednesday, of her efforts to click on and secure an online time slot. It will spin and it will spin and then all of a sudden, it will say, Nope, its gone. Degler said she repeated the process over and over until about 1 a.m., when all the appointments disappeared and she finally went to bed. Degler said her family wants to go on a trip with her sisters and their families in May, precious time to spend with her older sister, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer and will soon after start chemotherapy. Their plan only will happen if everyones fully vaccinated, she said. She was giving up all hope, that is, until Thursday when she achieved success while trying to book in the early evening. Now, the plan to see her sisters depends on other extended family securing appointments, too. Nonetheless, after a series of late nights, she said, she is looking forward to going to bed at a normal time. Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter -- Aimee Green; agreen@oregonian.com; @o_aimee | President Biden said every state should fully open eligibility by April 19. The accelerated timeline may be a boon to some Oregonians eager to be vaccinated. But it likely will present new challenges for state administrators who promised equity in administering doses. | bart | 1 | https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2021/04/is-oregon-ready-to-open-the-floodgates-for-covid-19-vaccinations-april-19.html | 0.162015 |
Is Oregon ready to open the floodgates for COVID-19 vaccinations April 19? | Seventy-three days. Thats how much earlier every Oregonian 16 and older will qualify for a COVID-19 vaccination than originally planned, the result of President Bidens pronouncement that every state should fully open eligibility by April 19. The accelerated timeline may be a boon to some Oregonians eager to be vaccinated. But it likely will present new challenges not only for shot-seekers but also state administrators who promised equity in administering doses to racial minorities and vulnerable populations whose vaccination rates lag behind. Although its not entirely clear, it appears Oregon is not expecting a significant increase in vaccine supplies in the weeks ahead, meaning only the most agile and best-connected may be able to immediately score coveted appointments. Come April 19, the state estimates itll have received only about 2 million first doses even though nearly 3.5 million people will be eligible. That leaves Gov. Kate Brown once again in a tricky situation, with Oregon frequently a national outlier and under pressure to open vaccine eligibility. Officials are trying to find some middle ground by increasing the pace of inoculations amid concerns over vaccine hesitancy, all without leaving the most vulnerable behind. Brown originally planned to offer inoculations to everyone 16 and older by July 1, but bumped up the date to May 1 in response to Bidens first deadline. This week Brown moved the date up again, to April 19, in conjunction with Bidens latest direction making Oregon the second-to-last in the nation to announce it would start universal vaccinations by that date. Oregon State University Professor Courtney Campbell, who is studying the equity of vaccine distribution, wonders if there has been some real pressure on politicians to get the vaccine out to the general population. That, coupled with the perception that Oregon is already behind many other states in the vaccine rollout, could possibly be a motivator, he said. I really hope the decisions are not being based on public image, Campbell said. Campbell is most concerned that communities struck hard by the coronavirus will continue to struggle. State statistics show two groups far behind: Latinos comprise 13% of Oregons population but account for only 6% of people vaccinated with at least one dose. Black Oregonians comprise 2.2% of the population but only 1.5% of those vaccinated. Opening vaccinations to everyone 16 and older is a pretty remarkable achievement, Campbell said in an email. But, he added, we dont want to give up on equity for communities whove been at a disadvantage during the entire pandemic. Some observers worry, too, that generally lower-income people who have no internet access or who work frontline jobs and cant go online at the precise times appointments are released will lose out. We still have people in some areas who have a flip phone, said Carlos Crespo, a professor at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. When asked by The Oregonian/OregonLive if the state was bowing to political pressure to follow other states, Charles Boyle, a spokesman for the governor, didnt directly answer in an emailed response. Rather, Boyle said Brown moved up the general population eligibility date because of concern over the spread of more dangerous variants of the coronavirus. But Boyle also acknowledged that under the governors accelerated timeline the necessary doses wont yet be available . (T)here is no doubt that not everyone who is eligible on April 19 will be able to immediately get an appointment with the vaccine supplies we will have on hand, he said in the email. The Oregon Health Authority estimates itll be almost six weeks after April 19 until theres enough vaccine in the state so that 70% of people 16 and older will have had a chance to receive a first dose. Boyle, the governors spokesman, acknowledged the coming days are important. Thats why its critical over the next two weeks and beyond that we increase our targeted efforts with community partners to reach the communities that have been hardest hit by COVID-19: Oregons Black, Indigenous, Latino, Latina, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Tribal, and communities of color, Boyle wrote. The sheer demand for vaccines has been obvious this week, since the governor opened vaccinations statewide to a vast number of Oregonians on Monday. That includes about 1.2 million who are overweight, an unknown number of past smokers, nearly 500,000 current smokers and 1.9 million residents with other underlying conditions ranging from heart disease to asthma. The latest wave also includes hundreds of thousands of others in frontline jobs and their household members. The Oregon Health Authority cant say exactly how many people that is because some people in one group also are a member of another group, such as someone who is overweight, has asthma and works as a K-12 teacher, a profession that became eligible for vaccinations in January. Even if Oregon officials are unsure of the precise numbers of those currently eligible, there are clear signs the system is overwhelmed. Oregon pharmacies within 100 miles of the Portland area Thursday afternoon had booked out all their available vaccination appointments, according to various scheduling websites. Enormous demand also prompted Oregon Health & Science Universitys vaccination scheduling website to freeze up, slow down or boot out users for four days straight this week. The system has a capacity to handle 4,800 visitors at once but found itself instantly overloaded after releasing new appointments for booking at 9 a.m. each day. OHSU is expecting to release a total of 23,300 appointments at its drive-thru sites at Portland International Airport and Hillsboro Stadium this week. Operators of the Oregon Convention Centers mass vaccination site said theyre sending enough electronic invitations out to Portland-area residents this week to fill between 18,000 and 22,000 appointments. But that leaves another 140,000 currently eligible Portland-area residents still waiting in the queue for an invitation to schedule at the convention center having registered at getvaccinated.oregon.gov, which the state uses as a pool to randomly select names of people who will be offered appointments each week. At this rate, it could several weeks before everyone who wants an appointment gets one. And at least nationally, the crunch might even get worse April 19. Whitehouse press secretary Jen Psaki this week warned vulnerable populations -- seniors, in particular -- that they should take advantage of their current eligibility status by getting vaccinated now before the next wave of eligible people hit because the lines are going to become longer. But Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen told a state legislative subcommittee its possible the competition for appointments might not intensify as much as expected April 19, because Oregon granted eligibility to so many more people this week. So we may not have as big a wave of eligibility beginning on the 19th as we did with this wave thats currently open, Allen said. Droves of Portland area residents took to social media this week to grumble about their failed appointment-booking efforts. Some likened it to taking on another full-time job or said they can now sympathize first-hand with the seniors, who faced the same struggles when hundreds of thousands of them overloaded the system when they became eligible week after week in February and early March. Oregon City resident Pam Degler, 62, said shed gone online every day this week at midnight, just when it appears some pharmacies release their appointments. Two cellphones in hand, shed tried to book an appointment for a fourth family member, her 23-year-old son, whos eligible because of his job as a wastewater worker. In previous weeks Degler managed to get appointments for her 85-year-old mother, her 67-year-old husband and herself as her mothers caregiver, but this week is the worst Ive ever seen. You can never get one, Degler said Wednesday, of her efforts to click on and secure an online time slot. It will spin and it will spin and then all of a sudden, it will say, Nope, its gone. Degler said she repeated the process over and over until about 1 a.m., when all the appointments disappeared and she finally went to bed. Degler said her family wants to go on a trip with her sisters and their families in May, precious time to spend with her older sister, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer and will soon after start chemotherapy. Their plan only will happen if everyones fully vaccinated, she said. She was giving up all hope, that is, until Thursday when she achieved success while trying to book in the early evening. Now, the plan to see her sisters depends on other extended family securing appointments, too. Nonetheless, after a series of late nights, she said, she is looking forward to going to bed at a normal time. Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter -- Aimee Green; agreen@oregonian.com; @o_aimee | President Biden said every state should fully open eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations by April 19. The accelerated timeline may be a boon to some Oregonians eager to be vaccinated, but it likely will present new challenges for administrators who promised equity in administering doses to racial minorities and vulnerable populations. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2021/04/is-oregon-ready-to-open-the-floodgates-for-covid-19-vaccinations-april-19.html | 0.285955 |
What are the new Covid rules in England from 12 April? | Lockdown restrictions will be eased further from 12 April in England, with some changes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Here is a roundup of what will be allowed: Shops, hairdressers and zoos All non-essential shops can reopen from 12 April but shoppers will be urged to shop alone or within households. Retailers will stay open until 10pm to ensure compliance with coronavirus guidelines. The communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, said the extended opening hours on Monday to Saturday would help shoppers to return to high streets safely. Shoppers in England will be able to try on clothes when several high street chains reopen changing rooms for the first time in a year. Hairdressers and nail salons will also be allowed to reopen but have been told to avoid lengthy treatments to reduce contact time. Outdoor hospitality venues such as zoos and theme parks will also reopen. Scotland remains in lockdown, but the aim is to open all retail premises, including libraries, museums, and tourist accommodation on 26 April. In Northern Ireland, 10 people from two households will be able to meet outdoors from 12 April. Only essential retail is permitted to remain open and contactless click and collect services is permitted for shops selling baby equipment, clothing, , electrical goods, garden centres and plant nurseries. Pubs Pubs and restaurants are allowed to open and serve customers with outdoor service only. Everyone who visits will have to check in on the NHSs Test-and-trace app and groups are limited to six people or two households. Drinkers have been urged to take cash to the pub with them, as poor broadband and mobile signal means card machines may not work in pub gardens. There are no rules in place requiring pubs to serve a meal alongside alcohol, and there will be no curfew. Travel From Monday, self-catering holidays in England will be allowed for one household, and campsites will be open. Hotels and B&Bs will remain closed. Travel into and out of Wales from the rest of the United Kingdom will be allowed. For Scots, travel within Scotland will be allowed and self-catering accommodation can reopen from 26 April. Gyms Gyms will be able to reopen on Monday but people must exercise alone or with their household and group exercise classes will not be allowed. Saunas and steam rooms in gyms will remain closed, but indoor swimming pools and other indoor exercise venues will reopen. Weddings and funerals Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies may take place, as well as receptions. The limit on the maximum number of attenders will rise from six to 15. Funerals will continue with the current number of guests limited to 30. Weather The Met Offices early outlook for next week suggests much of the country is in for mixed weather, with temperatures remaining chilly. They added that mid-April weather can be difficult to predict but that as the week goes on there are likely to be further spells of unsettled weather with some showers or longer spells of rain crossing all parts of the UK. By the end of the week, temperatures should be close to the average for this time of year, which is about 12C. | All non-essential shops can reopen from 12 April in England. Shoppers will be urged to shop alone or within households. | pegasus | 0 | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/09/what-new-covid-rules-england-12-april-shops-hair-salons | 0.104989 |
What are the new Covid rules in England from 12 April? | Lockdown restrictions will be eased further from 12 April in England, with some changes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Here is a roundup of what will be allowed: Shops, hairdressers and zoos All non-essential shops can reopen from 12 April but shoppers will be urged to shop alone or within households. Retailers will stay open until 10pm to ensure compliance with coronavirus guidelines. The communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, said the extended opening hours on Monday to Saturday would help shoppers to return to high streets safely. Shoppers in England will be able to try on clothes when several high street chains reopen changing rooms for the first time in a year. Hairdressers and nail salons will also be allowed to reopen but have been told to avoid lengthy treatments to reduce contact time. Outdoor hospitality venues such as zoos and theme parks will also reopen. Scotland remains in lockdown, but the aim is to open all retail premises, including libraries, museums, and tourist accommodation on 26 April. In Northern Ireland, 10 people from two households will be able to meet outdoors from 12 April. Only essential retail is permitted to remain open and contactless click and collect services is permitted for shops selling baby equipment, clothing, , electrical goods, garden centres and plant nurseries. Pubs Pubs and restaurants are allowed to open and serve customers with outdoor service only. Everyone who visits will have to check in on the NHSs Test-and-trace app and groups are limited to six people or two households. Drinkers have been urged to take cash to the pub with them, as poor broadband and mobile signal means card machines may not work in pub gardens. There are no rules in place requiring pubs to serve a meal alongside alcohol, and there will be no curfew. Travel From Monday, self-catering holidays in England will be allowed for one household, and campsites will be open. Hotels and B&Bs will remain closed. Travel into and out of Wales from the rest of the United Kingdom will be allowed. For Scots, travel within Scotland will be allowed and self-catering accommodation can reopen from 26 April. Gyms Gyms will be able to reopen on Monday but people must exercise alone or with their household and group exercise classes will not be allowed. Saunas and steam rooms in gyms will remain closed, but indoor swimming pools and other indoor exercise venues will reopen. Weddings and funerals Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies may take place, as well as receptions. The limit on the maximum number of attenders will rise from six to 15. Funerals will continue with the current number of guests limited to 30. Weather The Met Offices early outlook for next week suggests much of the country is in for mixed weather, with temperatures remaining chilly. They added that mid-April weather can be difficult to predict but that as the week goes on there are likely to be further spells of unsettled weather with some showers or longer spells of rain crossing all parts of the UK. By the end of the week, temperatures should be close to the average for this time of year, which is about 12C. | All non-essential shops can reopen from 12 April but shoppers will be urged to shop alone or within households. Shoppers in England will be able to try on clothes when several high street chains reopen changing rooms for the first time in a year. | bart | 1 | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/09/what-new-covid-rules-england-12-april-shops-hair-salons | 0.10292 |
Why was CBS golf analyst Gary McCord banned from covering the Masters golf tournament? | The answer is (now former) CBS golf analyst Gary McCord, who worked as a golf commentator for CBS for 33 years. Known for his outspoken demeanor and curly handlebar mustache, McCord was barred from covering the yearly event at Augusta National over comments he made on a broadcast way back in 1994. Heres the tale of the tape, as told by a 2013 article by USA TODAY Sports: In case you missed his offending remarks at the 1994 Masters, they went like this: Augustas 17th green was so fast it could have been bikini-waxed, while things were even worse for players whose approach shots went behind that green then theyd be stuck out with the body bags. Though it hasnt explicitly been confirmed that those off-color comments are the reason McCord wasnt welcomed back, it didnt appear as though the broadcast veteran had any hard feelings about the decision. McCord has never definitively heard how the ban came about or even if it was really based on the bikini and bag comments. I dont know, I really dont, he says. And Augusta really doesnt have to explain. It could be, We dont like him, hes out. Its their tournament. And I agree with everything theyve done. According to an archived article from The Denver Post, the rationale was that McCord got banned from announcing the Masters because the Augusta National hierarchy still hasnt quite warmed up to his irreverent humor. And while McCord didnt disagree with Augustas decision to ban him, he was somewhat puzzled by a separate but related decision, per USA TODAY Sports piece: I still cant believe David Feherty is still there, McCord said with a laugh. Feherty, another controversial (now former) CBS golf analyst known for his humor, sarcasm and outspokenness, worked the Masters tournament for 19 years. He parted ways with CBS back in 2015. Story continues CBS golf commentator David Feherty during the third round of the 2015 Wyndham Championship golf tournament at Sedgefield Country Club. Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports. Though Feherty was permitted to cover the event at Augusta National, unlike McCord, he spoke candidly about the fit between his personality and the tournament, per a 2018 piece from the Desert Sun. | Gary McCord was banned from covering the Masters over comments he made in 1994. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-cbs-golf-analyst-gary-160111156.html?src=rss | 0.260849 |
Why was CBS golf analyst Gary McCord banned from covering the Masters golf tournament? | The answer is (now former) CBS golf analyst Gary McCord, who worked as a golf commentator for CBS for 33 years. Known for his outspoken demeanor and curly handlebar mustache, McCord was barred from covering the yearly event at Augusta National over comments he made on a broadcast way back in 1994. Heres the tale of the tape, as told by a 2013 article by USA TODAY Sports: In case you missed his offending remarks at the 1994 Masters, they went like this: Augustas 17th green was so fast it could have been bikini-waxed, while things were even worse for players whose approach shots went behind that green then theyd be stuck out with the body bags. Though it hasnt explicitly been confirmed that those off-color comments are the reason McCord wasnt welcomed back, it didnt appear as though the broadcast veteran had any hard feelings about the decision. McCord has never definitively heard how the ban came about or even if it was really based on the bikini and bag comments. I dont know, I really dont, he says. And Augusta really doesnt have to explain. It could be, We dont like him, hes out. Its their tournament. And I agree with everything theyve done. According to an archived article from The Denver Post, the rationale was that McCord got banned from announcing the Masters because the Augusta National hierarchy still hasnt quite warmed up to his irreverent humor. And while McCord didnt disagree with Augustas decision to ban him, he was somewhat puzzled by a separate but related decision, per USA TODAY Sports piece: I still cant believe David Feherty is still there, McCord said with a laugh. Feherty, another controversial (now former) CBS golf analyst known for his humor, sarcasm and outspokenness, worked the Masters tournament for 19 years. He parted ways with CBS back in 2015. Story continues CBS golf commentator David Feherty during the third round of the 2015 Wyndham Championship golf tournament at Sedgefield Country Club. Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports. Though Feherty was permitted to cover the event at Augusta National, unlike McCord, he spoke candidly about the fit between his personality and the tournament, per a 2018 piece from the Desert Sun. | Gary McCord worked as a golf commentator for CBS for 33 years. He was barred from covering the Masters over comments he made on a broadcast in 1994. | bart | 1 | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-cbs-golf-analyst-gary-160111156.html?src=rss | 0.378238 |
Why was CBS golf analyst Gary McCord banned from covering the Masters golf tournament? | The answer is (now former) CBS golf analyst Gary McCord, who worked as a golf commentator for CBS for 33 years. Known for his outspoken demeanor and curly handlebar mustache, McCord was barred from covering the yearly event at Augusta National over comments he made on a broadcast way back in 1994. Heres the tale of the tape, as told by a 2013 article by USA TODAY Sports: In case you missed his offending remarks at the 1994 Masters, they went like this: Augustas 17th green was so fast it could have been bikini-waxed, while things were even worse for players whose approach shots went behind that green then theyd be stuck out with the body bags. Though it hasnt explicitly been confirmed that those off-color comments are the reason McCord wasnt welcomed back, it didnt appear as though the broadcast veteran had any hard feelings about the decision. McCord has never definitively heard how the ban came about or even if it was really based on the bikini and bag comments. I dont know, I really dont, he says. And Augusta really doesnt have to explain. It could be, We dont like him, hes out. Its their tournament. And I agree with everything theyve done. According to an archived article from The Denver Post, the rationale was that McCord got banned from announcing the Masters because the Augusta National hierarchy still hasnt quite warmed up to his irreverent humor. And while McCord didnt disagree with Augustas decision to ban him, he was somewhat puzzled by a separate but related decision, per USA TODAY Sports piece: I still cant believe David Feherty is still there, McCord said with a laugh. Feherty, another controversial (now former) CBS golf analyst known for his humor, sarcasm and outspokenness, worked the Masters tournament for 19 years. He parted ways with CBS back in 2015. Story continues CBS golf commentator David Feherty during the third round of the 2015 Wyndham Championship golf tournament at Sedgefield Country Club. Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports. Though Feherty was permitted to cover the event at Augusta National, unlike McCord, he spoke candidly about the fit between his personality and the tournament, per a 2018 piece from the Desert Sun. | Gary McCord was banned from covering the Masters over comments he made on a broadcast in 1994. McCord has never definitively heard how the ban came about, or even if it was really based on the bikini and bag comments. He said he agrees with everything Augusta National has done. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-cbs-golf-analyst-gary-160111156.html?src=rss | 0.498476 |
How Will Bill O'Brien Stack Up Against Past Alabama Coordinators In His First Season? | Alabama doesn't keep offensive coordinators for too long under Nick Saban, but they all tend to be successful in that short span Alabama just keeps reloading. Year after year the Crimson Tide pulls in the top recruits from around the country and molds them into a championship-caliber team. Heck, every recruiting class that signed to play at Alabama under head coach Nick Saban has a national championship ring to show off. Those championships are due to Saban, obviously. Hes changed the culture at Alabama and collecting shiny hardware is just expected now. Particularly the offensive coordinators, since Alabama replaces them like batteries. There have been seven offensive coordinators in Sabans 14-year tenure in Tuscaloosa. That number moves to eight as Saban enters his 15th season. Bill OBrien is the latest offensive coordinator at Alabama. He takes over for Steve Sarkisian, who departed after two seasons to take the head coaching job at Texas. The offensive coordinator and his philosophy play a big part of Alabamas success. It has to or else the Tide wouldnt have five national titles under Saban. Think about this those five titles were won with four different offensive coordinators. So, does it really doesnt matter who is calling the plays so much as who is executing the plays. A quick look at the individual accolades Alabama players have garnered the past 15 years will verify that. OBrien will have some talented personnel to run his plays this year, too, and the former Houston Texans head coach with 20-plus years of coaching experience will surely have some challenges in 2021. But if history is any indication, he should fare well in his first year. Heres a look at how past offensive coordinators under Saban fared in their first season. Major Applewhite Year: 2007 Record: 7-6 With Applewhite in control of the offense in Sabans first year, the Crimson Tide saw progress from the previous season from a statistical standpoint. That looked good on paper, but the product on the field, particularly the second half of the season, was tough to watch. After a 6-2 start, the Crimson Tide offense lost its way, scoring just three touchdowns in four straight losses. Included in that stretch was a loss to Louisiana-Monroe at Bryant-Denny Stadium. A multitude of excuses could be made, but one that sticks out was Applewhites experience. He was a graduate assistant with Texas from 2003-05 and was the offensive coordinator at Rice in 2006 before coming to Tuscaloosa. Whatever the primary reason, it didnt work out and Applewhite left for his alma mater, Texas, to coach running backs the following year. Jim McElwain Year: 2008 Record: 12-2 Everything changed in 2008, and not just the addition of McElwain as the coordinator. The Crimson Tide added the No. 1 receiver recruit in the country in Julio Jones. But while Jones made an immediate impact with the passing game, Alabamas run game turned the offense around. Under McElwain, the Crimson Tide ripped off 2,598 rushing yards with 32 touchdowns. The key component was a strong and physical offensive line. The offense didnt light up the scoreboard or appear near the top of the rankings in offensive categories in 2008, but the tough, physical style of play that matched the defense was just what Alabama needed. McElwain, who had 20-plus years of coaching experience, was a change of pace from Applewhite, and the Tide won 10 straight games. Of course, the rest of the story is that Alabama didnt finish against Florida in a loss in the SEC title game, and then fell flat in the Sugar Bowl against Utah to end the season on a sour note. Doug Nussmeier Year: 2012 Record: 13-1 Alabama was coming off a national championship season when Nussmeier arrived. He was tasked with opening up the Crimson Tide passing game, which was his offensive philosophy at Washington the previous year. The Huskies Keith Price was No. 10 in the nation in passing in 2011. Alabamas AJ McCarron was No. 24 that same year. A year later under Nussmeier, McCarron moved to No. 1 in the nation with a 175.3 passer rating and No. 4 in yards per attempt (9.3). To top it all off, McCarron set a then-school record for touchdowns in a season (26) and led the Tide with four touchdowns against Notre Dame to deliver another national title. The major impact Nussmeier had on UAs offense was scoring. McCarron had 16 passing touchdowns in 2011 but threw 30 in 2012 under Nussmeiers direction. Also, the Tide moved from 31st in the nation in total offense to 12th. The run game wasnt neglected by Nussmeier. It improved, too. He used Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon efficiently to average 227 yards per game (16th nationally). That was a slight increase from 2011s number of 214. Alabama running backs also scored 37 touchdowns in Nussmeiers first year. Lane Kiffin was offensive coordinator under Nick Saban from 2014-16. SI.com Lane Kiffin Year: 2014 Record: 11-2 There are so many stories, incidents and quotes attributed to Kiffin in his three-year tenure at Alabama that you could write a book. We will stick to Year One and Kiffins success and failures on the field. No one can question Kiffins abilities to coach an offense, and when he arrived in Tuscaloosa the Crimson Tides offense was better for it. Blake Sims, in his only season as the starting quarterback, threw for a then single-season UA record 3,487 yards with 28 touchdowns. Like all Alabama offenses, balance was the main objective. Kiffin accomplished that with a beefed-up run game led Derrick Henry and T.J. Yeldon - both just missed having 1,000-yard seasons and with playmaker Amari Cooper at receiver. He set then single-season records with 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2014. Alabama had all the tools to win the national title. The offense basically laid an egg in the playoff semifinals against Ohio State. Leading 21-6 midway through the second quarter, the Crimson Tide produced just 54 yards on three straight drives while Ohio State scored on three straight drives. It also didnt help that Sims threw a pick-6 in the process to put the Crimson Tide down by two touchdowns. Kiffin took the brunt of the blame for the playoff loss. There were questions as to why Henry, who had the hot hand running the ball in the first quarter, wasnt utilized more. He went nearly two quarters without a touch and still finished with 95 yards and a touchdown. Brian Daboll Year: 2017 Record: 13-1 We all know what happened here. The Crimson Tide won the national championship and a great deal of credit for that goes to Daboll. It was Nick Sabans halftime decision to bench starting quarterback Jalen Hurts for true freshman Tua Tagovailoa that led to second-and-26 and history. Alabama didnt exactly set the world on fire with its offensive system in Dabolls only season as coordinator. It was good enough to win with Hurts, and what he lacked in passing efficiency he made up for with his legs. The dual-threat QB passed for just over 2,000 yards with 17 touchdowns and was Alabamas second-leading rusher with 855 yards and eight scores. Alabama did score in bunches, seven times exceeding the 40-point plateau while hitting 50 points or more three times. But twice in 2014 the Crimson Tide offense just didnt have it, and in one of those instances lost the game to Auburn. The other instance was in the first half against Georgia. Hurts was never comfortable in the pocket and couldnt find his rhythm. The offense clicked with the insertion of Tagovailoa at QB in the second half with the freshman making big play after big play, including the walk-off touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith. Michael Locksley Year: 2018 Record: 14-1 It was Tua time in 2018. Locksley had one of the top quarterbacks in the country to work with and he got everything out of Tua Tagovailoa and more. Alabama led the nation in total points (684) and was third in points per game (45.6). It was all Tua for Alabama during this record-setting season. As a sophomore he set a school record for single-season passing yards (3,966) and tossed a school-record 43 touchdowns. The offense was a machine with Tagovailoa under center and the Crimson Tide steamrolled every opponent in its path in the regular season. Alabama struggled twice late in the season, against Georgia in the SEC title game and vs. Clemson in the national title game. Alabama was bailed out by Jalen Hurts against Georgia, but nothing saved the Crimson Tide from Clemson. Alabamas offense looked pedestrian against the Tigers and nothing worked in a 44-16 rout. Steve Sarkisian was Alabama's offensive coordinator the past two seasons and helped the Crimson Tide win the 2020 national title in a record-breaking season. Alabama Athletics Steve Sarkisian Year: 2019 Record: 11-2 Sarkisian was offensive coordinator in the 2016 season. However, were examining at a full season of work and not just one game a loss to Clemson in the national title game. When Sarkisian returned to Tuscaloosa following a two-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons, he had all the weapons an offensive coach could ask for. Tagovailoa was back at quarterback with the three-headed monster at receiver Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith. Throw in Jaylen Waddle and it was a defensive coachs nightmare. This was a season of what if for Sarkisian and the Tide. Tagovailoa, coming off injures from the previous season and not exactly 100 percent, sustained a season-ending hip injury against Mississippi State. While backup Mac Jones filled in nicely, there was always the sense that the season would have played out differently with a healthy Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa and Jones combined for nearly 4,500 passing yards and 47 touchdowns, while Smith and Jeudy topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark. It was a near miss for Alabama in 2019, but that just set the stage for the following year and a record-breaking season unlike any other in Crimson Tide history. | Bill O'Brien is the latest offensive coordinator at Alabama. The Crimson Tide has won five national titles under Nick Saban. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://www.si.com/college/alabama/bamacentral/how-will-bill-obrien-stack-up-against-past-alabama-coordinators-in-his-first-season | 0.127064 |
How Will Bill O'Brien Stack Up Against Past Alabama Coordinators In His First Season? | Alabama doesn't keep offensive coordinators for too long under Nick Saban, but they all tend to be successful in that short span Alabama just keeps reloading. Year after year the Crimson Tide pulls in the top recruits from around the country and molds them into a championship-caliber team. Heck, every recruiting class that signed to play at Alabama under head coach Nick Saban has a national championship ring to show off. Those championships are due to Saban, obviously. Hes changed the culture at Alabama and collecting shiny hardware is just expected now. Particularly the offensive coordinators, since Alabama replaces them like batteries. There have been seven offensive coordinators in Sabans 14-year tenure in Tuscaloosa. That number moves to eight as Saban enters his 15th season. Bill OBrien is the latest offensive coordinator at Alabama. He takes over for Steve Sarkisian, who departed after two seasons to take the head coaching job at Texas. The offensive coordinator and his philosophy play a big part of Alabamas success. It has to or else the Tide wouldnt have five national titles under Saban. Think about this those five titles were won with four different offensive coordinators. So, does it really doesnt matter who is calling the plays so much as who is executing the plays. A quick look at the individual accolades Alabama players have garnered the past 15 years will verify that. OBrien will have some talented personnel to run his plays this year, too, and the former Houston Texans head coach with 20-plus years of coaching experience will surely have some challenges in 2021. But if history is any indication, he should fare well in his first year. Heres a look at how past offensive coordinators under Saban fared in their first season. Major Applewhite Year: 2007 Record: 7-6 With Applewhite in control of the offense in Sabans first year, the Crimson Tide saw progress from the previous season from a statistical standpoint. That looked good on paper, but the product on the field, particularly the second half of the season, was tough to watch. After a 6-2 start, the Crimson Tide offense lost its way, scoring just three touchdowns in four straight losses. Included in that stretch was a loss to Louisiana-Monroe at Bryant-Denny Stadium. A multitude of excuses could be made, but one that sticks out was Applewhites experience. He was a graduate assistant with Texas from 2003-05 and was the offensive coordinator at Rice in 2006 before coming to Tuscaloosa. Whatever the primary reason, it didnt work out and Applewhite left for his alma mater, Texas, to coach running backs the following year. Jim McElwain Year: 2008 Record: 12-2 Everything changed in 2008, and not just the addition of McElwain as the coordinator. The Crimson Tide added the No. 1 receiver recruit in the country in Julio Jones. But while Jones made an immediate impact with the passing game, Alabamas run game turned the offense around. Under McElwain, the Crimson Tide ripped off 2,598 rushing yards with 32 touchdowns. The key component was a strong and physical offensive line. The offense didnt light up the scoreboard or appear near the top of the rankings in offensive categories in 2008, but the tough, physical style of play that matched the defense was just what Alabama needed. McElwain, who had 20-plus years of coaching experience, was a change of pace from Applewhite, and the Tide won 10 straight games. Of course, the rest of the story is that Alabama didnt finish against Florida in a loss in the SEC title game, and then fell flat in the Sugar Bowl against Utah to end the season on a sour note. Doug Nussmeier Year: 2012 Record: 13-1 Alabama was coming off a national championship season when Nussmeier arrived. He was tasked with opening up the Crimson Tide passing game, which was his offensive philosophy at Washington the previous year. The Huskies Keith Price was No. 10 in the nation in passing in 2011. Alabamas AJ McCarron was No. 24 that same year. A year later under Nussmeier, McCarron moved to No. 1 in the nation with a 175.3 passer rating and No. 4 in yards per attempt (9.3). To top it all off, McCarron set a then-school record for touchdowns in a season (26) and led the Tide with four touchdowns against Notre Dame to deliver another national title. The major impact Nussmeier had on UAs offense was scoring. McCarron had 16 passing touchdowns in 2011 but threw 30 in 2012 under Nussmeiers direction. Also, the Tide moved from 31st in the nation in total offense to 12th. The run game wasnt neglected by Nussmeier. It improved, too. He used Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon efficiently to average 227 yards per game (16th nationally). That was a slight increase from 2011s number of 214. Alabama running backs also scored 37 touchdowns in Nussmeiers first year. Lane Kiffin was offensive coordinator under Nick Saban from 2014-16. SI.com Lane Kiffin Year: 2014 Record: 11-2 There are so many stories, incidents and quotes attributed to Kiffin in his three-year tenure at Alabama that you could write a book. We will stick to Year One and Kiffins success and failures on the field. No one can question Kiffins abilities to coach an offense, and when he arrived in Tuscaloosa the Crimson Tides offense was better for it. Blake Sims, in his only season as the starting quarterback, threw for a then single-season UA record 3,487 yards with 28 touchdowns. Like all Alabama offenses, balance was the main objective. Kiffin accomplished that with a beefed-up run game led Derrick Henry and T.J. Yeldon - both just missed having 1,000-yard seasons and with playmaker Amari Cooper at receiver. He set then single-season records with 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2014. Alabama had all the tools to win the national title. The offense basically laid an egg in the playoff semifinals against Ohio State. Leading 21-6 midway through the second quarter, the Crimson Tide produced just 54 yards on three straight drives while Ohio State scored on three straight drives. It also didnt help that Sims threw a pick-6 in the process to put the Crimson Tide down by two touchdowns. Kiffin took the brunt of the blame for the playoff loss. There were questions as to why Henry, who had the hot hand running the ball in the first quarter, wasnt utilized more. He went nearly two quarters without a touch and still finished with 95 yards and a touchdown. Brian Daboll Year: 2017 Record: 13-1 We all know what happened here. The Crimson Tide won the national championship and a great deal of credit for that goes to Daboll. It was Nick Sabans halftime decision to bench starting quarterback Jalen Hurts for true freshman Tua Tagovailoa that led to second-and-26 and history. Alabama didnt exactly set the world on fire with its offensive system in Dabolls only season as coordinator. It was good enough to win with Hurts, and what he lacked in passing efficiency he made up for with his legs. The dual-threat QB passed for just over 2,000 yards with 17 touchdowns and was Alabamas second-leading rusher with 855 yards and eight scores. Alabama did score in bunches, seven times exceeding the 40-point plateau while hitting 50 points or more three times. But twice in 2014 the Crimson Tide offense just didnt have it, and in one of those instances lost the game to Auburn. The other instance was in the first half against Georgia. Hurts was never comfortable in the pocket and couldnt find his rhythm. The offense clicked with the insertion of Tagovailoa at QB in the second half with the freshman making big play after big play, including the walk-off touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith. Michael Locksley Year: 2018 Record: 14-1 It was Tua time in 2018. Locksley had one of the top quarterbacks in the country to work with and he got everything out of Tua Tagovailoa and more. Alabama led the nation in total points (684) and was third in points per game (45.6). It was all Tua for Alabama during this record-setting season. As a sophomore he set a school record for single-season passing yards (3,966) and tossed a school-record 43 touchdowns. The offense was a machine with Tagovailoa under center and the Crimson Tide steamrolled every opponent in its path in the regular season. Alabama struggled twice late in the season, against Georgia in the SEC title game and vs. Clemson in the national title game. Alabama was bailed out by Jalen Hurts against Georgia, but nothing saved the Crimson Tide from Clemson. Alabamas offense looked pedestrian against the Tigers and nothing worked in a 44-16 rout. Steve Sarkisian was Alabama's offensive coordinator the past two seasons and helped the Crimson Tide win the 2020 national title in a record-breaking season. Alabama Athletics Steve Sarkisian Year: 2019 Record: 11-2 Sarkisian was offensive coordinator in the 2016 season. However, were examining at a full season of work and not just one game a loss to Clemson in the national title game. When Sarkisian returned to Tuscaloosa following a two-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons, he had all the weapons an offensive coach could ask for. Tagovailoa was back at quarterback with the three-headed monster at receiver Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith. Throw in Jaylen Waddle and it was a defensive coachs nightmare. This was a season of what if for Sarkisian and the Tide. Tagovailoa, coming off injures from the previous season and not exactly 100 percent, sustained a season-ending hip injury against Mississippi State. While backup Mac Jones filled in nicely, there was always the sense that the season would have played out differently with a healthy Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa and Jones combined for nearly 4,500 passing yards and 47 touchdowns, while Smith and Jeudy topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark. It was a near miss for Alabama in 2019, but that just set the stage for the following year and a record-breaking season unlike any other in Crimson Tide history. | Bill O'Brien is the latest offensive coordinator at Alabama. The Crimson Tide has won five national titles under Nick Saban. The Tide has had seven offensive coordinators in Saban's 14-year tenure. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.si.com/college/alabama/bamacentral/how-will-bill-obrien-stack-up-against-past-alabama-coordinators-in-his-first-season | 0.119153 |
How Will Bill O'Brien Stack Up Against Past Alabama Coordinators In His First Season? | Alabama doesn't keep offensive coordinators for too long under Nick Saban, but they all tend to be successful in that short span Alabama just keeps reloading. Year after year the Crimson Tide pulls in the top recruits from around the country and molds them into a championship-caliber team. Heck, every recruiting class that signed to play at Alabama under head coach Nick Saban has a national championship ring to show off. Those championships are due to Saban, obviously. Hes changed the culture at Alabama and collecting shiny hardware is just expected now. Particularly the offensive coordinators, since Alabama replaces them like batteries. There have been seven offensive coordinators in Sabans 14-year tenure in Tuscaloosa. That number moves to eight as Saban enters his 15th season. Bill OBrien is the latest offensive coordinator at Alabama. He takes over for Steve Sarkisian, who departed after two seasons to take the head coaching job at Texas. The offensive coordinator and his philosophy play a big part of Alabamas success. It has to or else the Tide wouldnt have five national titles under Saban. Think about this those five titles were won with four different offensive coordinators. So, does it really doesnt matter who is calling the plays so much as who is executing the plays. A quick look at the individual accolades Alabama players have garnered the past 15 years will verify that. OBrien will have some talented personnel to run his plays this year, too, and the former Houston Texans head coach with 20-plus years of coaching experience will surely have some challenges in 2021. But if history is any indication, he should fare well in his first year. Heres a look at how past offensive coordinators under Saban fared in their first season. Major Applewhite Year: 2007 Record: 7-6 With Applewhite in control of the offense in Sabans first year, the Crimson Tide saw progress from the previous season from a statistical standpoint. That looked good on paper, but the product on the field, particularly the second half of the season, was tough to watch. After a 6-2 start, the Crimson Tide offense lost its way, scoring just three touchdowns in four straight losses. Included in that stretch was a loss to Louisiana-Monroe at Bryant-Denny Stadium. A multitude of excuses could be made, but one that sticks out was Applewhites experience. He was a graduate assistant with Texas from 2003-05 and was the offensive coordinator at Rice in 2006 before coming to Tuscaloosa. Whatever the primary reason, it didnt work out and Applewhite left for his alma mater, Texas, to coach running backs the following year. Jim McElwain Year: 2008 Record: 12-2 Everything changed in 2008, and not just the addition of McElwain as the coordinator. The Crimson Tide added the No. 1 receiver recruit in the country in Julio Jones. But while Jones made an immediate impact with the passing game, Alabamas run game turned the offense around. Under McElwain, the Crimson Tide ripped off 2,598 rushing yards with 32 touchdowns. The key component was a strong and physical offensive line. The offense didnt light up the scoreboard or appear near the top of the rankings in offensive categories in 2008, but the tough, physical style of play that matched the defense was just what Alabama needed. McElwain, who had 20-plus years of coaching experience, was a change of pace from Applewhite, and the Tide won 10 straight games. Of course, the rest of the story is that Alabama didnt finish against Florida in a loss in the SEC title game, and then fell flat in the Sugar Bowl against Utah to end the season on a sour note. Doug Nussmeier Year: 2012 Record: 13-1 Alabama was coming off a national championship season when Nussmeier arrived. He was tasked with opening up the Crimson Tide passing game, which was his offensive philosophy at Washington the previous year. The Huskies Keith Price was No. 10 in the nation in passing in 2011. Alabamas AJ McCarron was No. 24 that same year. A year later under Nussmeier, McCarron moved to No. 1 in the nation with a 175.3 passer rating and No. 4 in yards per attempt (9.3). To top it all off, McCarron set a then-school record for touchdowns in a season (26) and led the Tide with four touchdowns against Notre Dame to deliver another national title. The major impact Nussmeier had on UAs offense was scoring. McCarron had 16 passing touchdowns in 2011 but threw 30 in 2012 under Nussmeiers direction. Also, the Tide moved from 31st in the nation in total offense to 12th. The run game wasnt neglected by Nussmeier. It improved, too. He used Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon efficiently to average 227 yards per game (16th nationally). That was a slight increase from 2011s number of 214. Alabama running backs also scored 37 touchdowns in Nussmeiers first year. Lane Kiffin was offensive coordinator under Nick Saban from 2014-16. SI.com Lane Kiffin Year: 2014 Record: 11-2 There are so many stories, incidents and quotes attributed to Kiffin in his three-year tenure at Alabama that you could write a book. We will stick to Year One and Kiffins success and failures on the field. No one can question Kiffins abilities to coach an offense, and when he arrived in Tuscaloosa the Crimson Tides offense was better for it. Blake Sims, in his only season as the starting quarterback, threw for a then single-season UA record 3,487 yards with 28 touchdowns. Like all Alabama offenses, balance was the main objective. Kiffin accomplished that with a beefed-up run game led Derrick Henry and T.J. Yeldon - both just missed having 1,000-yard seasons and with playmaker Amari Cooper at receiver. He set then single-season records with 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2014. Alabama had all the tools to win the national title. The offense basically laid an egg in the playoff semifinals against Ohio State. Leading 21-6 midway through the second quarter, the Crimson Tide produced just 54 yards on three straight drives while Ohio State scored on three straight drives. It also didnt help that Sims threw a pick-6 in the process to put the Crimson Tide down by two touchdowns. Kiffin took the brunt of the blame for the playoff loss. There were questions as to why Henry, who had the hot hand running the ball in the first quarter, wasnt utilized more. He went nearly two quarters without a touch and still finished with 95 yards and a touchdown. Brian Daboll Year: 2017 Record: 13-1 We all know what happened here. The Crimson Tide won the national championship and a great deal of credit for that goes to Daboll. It was Nick Sabans halftime decision to bench starting quarterback Jalen Hurts for true freshman Tua Tagovailoa that led to second-and-26 and history. Alabama didnt exactly set the world on fire with its offensive system in Dabolls only season as coordinator. It was good enough to win with Hurts, and what he lacked in passing efficiency he made up for with his legs. The dual-threat QB passed for just over 2,000 yards with 17 touchdowns and was Alabamas second-leading rusher with 855 yards and eight scores. Alabama did score in bunches, seven times exceeding the 40-point plateau while hitting 50 points or more three times. But twice in 2014 the Crimson Tide offense just didnt have it, and in one of those instances lost the game to Auburn. The other instance was in the first half against Georgia. Hurts was never comfortable in the pocket and couldnt find his rhythm. The offense clicked with the insertion of Tagovailoa at QB in the second half with the freshman making big play after big play, including the walk-off touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith. Michael Locksley Year: 2018 Record: 14-1 It was Tua time in 2018. Locksley had one of the top quarterbacks in the country to work with and he got everything out of Tua Tagovailoa and more. Alabama led the nation in total points (684) and was third in points per game (45.6). It was all Tua for Alabama during this record-setting season. As a sophomore he set a school record for single-season passing yards (3,966) and tossed a school-record 43 touchdowns. The offense was a machine with Tagovailoa under center and the Crimson Tide steamrolled every opponent in its path in the regular season. Alabama struggled twice late in the season, against Georgia in the SEC title game and vs. Clemson in the national title game. Alabama was bailed out by Jalen Hurts against Georgia, but nothing saved the Crimson Tide from Clemson. Alabamas offense looked pedestrian against the Tigers and nothing worked in a 44-16 rout. Steve Sarkisian was Alabama's offensive coordinator the past two seasons and helped the Crimson Tide win the 2020 national title in a record-breaking season. Alabama Athletics Steve Sarkisian Year: 2019 Record: 11-2 Sarkisian was offensive coordinator in the 2016 season. However, were examining at a full season of work and not just one game a loss to Clemson in the national title game. When Sarkisian returned to Tuscaloosa following a two-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons, he had all the weapons an offensive coach could ask for. Tagovailoa was back at quarterback with the three-headed monster at receiver Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith. Throw in Jaylen Waddle and it was a defensive coachs nightmare. This was a season of what if for Sarkisian and the Tide. Tagovailoa, coming off injures from the previous season and not exactly 100 percent, sustained a season-ending hip injury against Mississippi State. While backup Mac Jones filled in nicely, there was always the sense that the season would have played out differently with a healthy Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa and Jones combined for nearly 4,500 passing yards and 47 touchdowns, while Smith and Jeudy topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark. It was a near miss for Alabama in 2019, but that just set the stage for the following year and a record-breaking season unlike any other in Crimson Tide history. | Bill O'Brien is the latest offensive coordinator at Alabama. The Crimson Tide has won five national titles under Nick Saban. The Tide has had seven offensive coordinators in Sabans 14-year tenure in Tuscaloosa. OBrien will have some talented personnel to run his plays this year, too. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.si.com/college/alabama/bamacentral/how-will-bill-obrien-stack-up-against-past-alabama-coordinators-in-his-first-season | 0.23931 |
How Bad is Luka Doncic's Technical Foul Trouble? | Against the Bucks, Luka Doncic recorded his 12th technical foul of the season. DALLAS - Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is leading the team in points and assists as the Mavs make their push for the 6th seed in the Western Conference during the final stretch of the 2020-21 regular NBA season. Heating up, the Mavs are 6-1 in their last seven games, defeating their opponents by an average of 14 points with Doncic averaging 27.7 points per game on 49.0 percent shooting in that span. Most recently, Doncic wow'd in Dallas' victory over the reigning Eastern Conference champions Milwaukee Bucks with a near triple-double; 27 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. The point guard's emotion and effort are ever-present. As the franchise leader in triple-doubles (34), Doncic is also leading the team in a not-so-good stat: technical fouls. Against the Bucks, Doncic recorded his 12th technical foul of the season, edging closer to 16, which is an automatic one-game suspension. Only one player in the league has more - Philadelphia 76ers Dwight Howard (13). The Mavs have 21 regular-season games left and Doncic has four technical fouls left before his sits. Hes aware. My level of concern is there but hes an emotional competitor," Coach Rick Carlisle said. "It all comes from the right place. Hes smart. He knows where the count is. If hes going to get his 16th, hell get it in a situation where its time for a night of rest anyway. Im not really that worried about it." [READ MORE: Luka Doncic Young Star Rankings - How High Can He Rise?] Lakers Center Changes Decision] If Doncic is to reach 16, every two technicals warrant another one-game suspension from there on out. Dallas hosts the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday at 7 p.m. CT and then the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday at 6:30 p.m. CT. | Luka Doncic is leading the Dallas Mavericks in points and assists. He is also the franchise leader in triple-doubles with 34. Doncic is also leading the team in technical fouls with 12. | pegasus | 1 | https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/news/how-bad-is-luka-doncics-technical-foul-trouble | 0.222336 |
How Bad is Luka Doncic's Technical Foul Trouble? | Against the Bucks, Luka Doncic recorded his 12th technical foul of the season. DALLAS - Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is leading the team in points and assists as the Mavs make their push for the 6th seed in the Western Conference during the final stretch of the 2020-21 regular NBA season. Heating up, the Mavs are 6-1 in their last seven games, defeating their opponents by an average of 14 points with Doncic averaging 27.7 points per game on 49.0 percent shooting in that span. Most recently, Doncic wow'd in Dallas' victory over the reigning Eastern Conference champions Milwaukee Bucks with a near triple-double; 27 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. The point guard's emotion and effort are ever-present. As the franchise leader in triple-doubles (34), Doncic is also leading the team in a not-so-good stat: technical fouls. Against the Bucks, Doncic recorded his 12th technical foul of the season, edging closer to 16, which is an automatic one-game suspension. Only one player in the league has more - Philadelphia 76ers Dwight Howard (13). The Mavs have 21 regular-season games left and Doncic has four technical fouls left before his sits. Hes aware. My level of concern is there but hes an emotional competitor," Coach Rick Carlisle said. "It all comes from the right place. Hes smart. He knows where the count is. If hes going to get his 16th, hell get it in a situation where its time for a night of rest anyway. Im not really that worried about it." [READ MORE: Luka Doncic Young Star Rankings - How High Can He Rise?] Lakers Center Changes Decision] If Doncic is to reach 16, every two technicals warrant another one-game suspension from there on out. Dallas hosts the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday at 7 p.m. CT and then the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday at 6:30 p.m. CT. | Luka Doncic is leading the Dallas Mavericks in points and assists. He is also the franchise leader in triple-doubles with 34. Doncic is also leading the team in technical fouls with 12. Only one player in the league has more: Philadelphia 76ers Dwight Howard. | pegasus | 2 | https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/news/how-bad-is-luka-doncics-technical-foul-trouble | 0.203437 |
Why wasn't Prince Philip called king? | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died on Friday at age 99. The prince married Queen Elizabeth II five years before she became queen but when she was crowned, he wasn't given the title of king. That's because Prince Philip, who is actually a former prince of Denmark and Greece, was never in line to the British throne. Prince Philip married Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 and she became queen in 1952 after the death of her father, King George VI. She later gave her husband the title of prince. This title wasn't a slight to Prince Philip he wasn't supposed to be called king or prince. His title was Duke of Edinburgh until February 22, 1957 when the palace released a statement: "The Queen has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm bearing date 22nd February, 1957, to give and grant unto His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T., G.B.E., the style and titular dignity of a Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Whitehall." A woman who marries the king can be called a queen, but for men who marry the monarch, there are different rules. They can't use the king title because it is only given to males who inherit the throne, according to BBC News. Therefore, the couple's eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, will receive the king title when he assumes the position. Their other children: Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward will keep these titles. Prince William, Prince Charles' son and the queen's grandson, is next in line for the king title, followed by his eldest son, Prince George. Giving Prince Philip his title isn't the only unique naming decision made by the queen. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip decided to distinguish themselves from past royals, who did not use last names. They started using a hyphenated surname: Mountbatten-Windsor, Mountbatten coming from Prince Phillip's maternal grandparents. According to BBC News, Prince Phillip asked for this last name change. "I am the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his children," he said when Queen Elizabeth II was persuaded to keep Windsor, BBC News reports. "I'm nothing but a bloody amoeba!" So, the queen's children and grandchildren can use Mountbatten-Windsor as a surname when they need to. However, royals don't really have much use for last names; they already have long enough titles, like Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Prince Philip might not have been king, but he was constantly by his wife's side, and was the Queen's consort, with a primary role of supporting her. He is the longest-serving consort of any British monarch, and he completed more than 22,000 solo engagements by the time he retired from his royal duties in 2017, according to BBC News. | Prince Philip was never in line to the British throne. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://www.cbsnews.com/news/prince-philip-not-king/ | 0.129731 |
Why wasn't Prince Philip called king? | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died on Friday at age 99. The prince married Queen Elizabeth II five years before she became queen but when she was crowned, he wasn't given the title of king. That's because Prince Philip, who is actually a former prince of Denmark and Greece, was never in line to the British throne. Prince Philip married Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 and she became queen in 1952 after the death of her father, King George VI. She later gave her husband the title of prince. This title wasn't a slight to Prince Philip he wasn't supposed to be called king or prince. His title was Duke of Edinburgh until February 22, 1957 when the palace released a statement: "The Queen has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm bearing date 22nd February, 1957, to give and grant unto His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T., G.B.E., the style and titular dignity of a Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Whitehall." A woman who marries the king can be called a queen, but for men who marry the monarch, there are different rules. They can't use the king title because it is only given to males who inherit the throne, according to BBC News. Therefore, the couple's eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, will receive the king title when he assumes the position. Their other children: Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward will keep these titles. Prince William, Prince Charles' son and the queen's grandson, is next in line for the king title, followed by his eldest son, Prince George. Giving Prince Philip his title isn't the only unique naming decision made by the queen. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip decided to distinguish themselves from past royals, who did not use last names. They started using a hyphenated surname: Mountbatten-Windsor, Mountbatten coming from Prince Phillip's maternal grandparents. According to BBC News, Prince Phillip asked for this last name change. "I am the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his children," he said when Queen Elizabeth II was persuaded to keep Windsor, BBC News reports. "I'm nothing but a bloody amoeba!" So, the queen's children and grandchildren can use Mountbatten-Windsor as a surname when they need to. However, royals don't really have much use for last names; they already have long enough titles, like Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Prince Philip might not have been king, but he was constantly by his wife's side, and was the Queen's consort, with a primary role of supporting her. He is the longest-serving consort of any British monarch, and he completed more than 22,000 solo engagements by the time he retired from his royal duties in 2017, according to BBC News. | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died on Friday at age 99. The prince married Queen Elizabeth II five years before she became queen. He wasn't given the title of king because he was never in line to the throne. | bart | 1 | https://www.cbsnews.com/news/prince-philip-not-king/ | 0.421396 |
Why wasn't Prince Philip called king? | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died on Friday at age 99. The prince married Queen Elizabeth II five years before she became queen but when she was crowned, he wasn't given the title of king. That's because Prince Philip, who is actually a former prince of Denmark and Greece, was never in line to the British throne. Prince Philip married Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 and she became queen in 1952 after the death of her father, King George VI. She later gave her husband the title of prince. This title wasn't a slight to Prince Philip he wasn't supposed to be called king or prince. His title was Duke of Edinburgh until February 22, 1957 when the palace released a statement: "The Queen has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm bearing date 22nd February, 1957, to give and grant unto His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T., G.B.E., the style and titular dignity of a Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Whitehall." A woman who marries the king can be called a queen, but for men who marry the monarch, there are different rules. They can't use the king title because it is only given to males who inherit the throne, according to BBC News. Therefore, the couple's eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, will receive the king title when he assumes the position. Their other children: Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward will keep these titles. Prince William, Prince Charles' son and the queen's grandson, is next in line for the king title, followed by his eldest son, Prince George. Giving Prince Philip his title isn't the only unique naming decision made by the queen. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip decided to distinguish themselves from past royals, who did not use last names. They started using a hyphenated surname: Mountbatten-Windsor, Mountbatten coming from Prince Phillip's maternal grandparents. According to BBC News, Prince Phillip asked for this last name change. "I am the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his children," he said when Queen Elizabeth II was persuaded to keep Windsor, BBC News reports. "I'm nothing but a bloody amoeba!" So, the queen's children and grandchildren can use Mountbatten-Windsor as a surname when they need to. However, royals don't really have much use for last names; they already have long enough titles, like Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Prince Philip might not have been king, but he was constantly by his wife's side, and was the Queen's consort, with a primary role of supporting her. He is the longest-serving consort of any British monarch, and he completed more than 22,000 solo engagements by the time he retired from his royal duties in 2017, according to BBC News. | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died on Friday at age 99. The prince married Queen Elizabeth II five years before she became queen. He wasn't given the title of king because he was never in line to the British throne. The queen gave him the title Prince of Edinburgh in 1957. | bart | 2 | https://www.cbsnews.com/news/prince-philip-not-king/ | 0.528184 |
Which Falcons could return to their college numbers? | In the coming days, the NFL is expected to relax its restrictive numbering policy, per Peter King. Until now, the numbers that players wore on the field had to be in accordance with the position they play. Here is the new number allotment set to be established in 2021. Quarterback, Punter/Kicker: 1-19 (unchanged) Running back, wide receivers, tight ends: 1-49, 80-89 Offensive linemen: 50-79 Defensive linemen: 50-79, 90-99 Linebacker: 1-59, 90-99 Defensive backs: 1-49 There are a number of Falcons players who wore a number in college that was prohibited from being worn in the NFL when they first entered the league. The economic side of this is obviously beneficial for the team as many fans would likely flock to buy a No. 8 Julio Jones or a No. 23 Foye Oluokun jersey. Here are seven Falcons players that some fans could see return to their former number. Calvin Ridley - No. 3 Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports The last time we saw Calvin Ridley sporting the No. 3 he was defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in the national championship. Considering Ridley has been in the NFL just a few years, he shouldn't be attached too much to the No. 18 he currently wears for the Falcons. Mykal Walker - No. 3 (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Walker also sported the No. 3 jersey while playing at Fresno State. However, even with the new rule change, teams won't be allowed to have duplicate numbers like they can in college. So a switch to No. 3 only seems likely if Ridley chooses to stay with his current number the Falcons gave him after being drafted. Dante Fowler - No. 6 Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports Dante Fowler has had a very forgettable time with the Falcons, but a switch to his college No. 6 could give the notion "if you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good" some new life. Fowler's 2022 season has been voided, per his recent contract restructuring. So a good showing for the Falcons this year could benefit him for next year's free agency. Story continues Julio Jones - No. 8 Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports Probably the least likely Falcons player to switch, but if he were, I find it hard not to assume his jersey would fly off the shelves. Jones has been a staple figure in the Atlanta sports world since he first stepped on the field for the Falcons. Jones has been sporting the No. 11 jersey since being drafted in 2011 but a switch now just doesn't seem likely. Not to mention, his future with the Falcons is much in doubt. A.J. Terrell - No. 8 Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Terrell got his current No. 24 after the Falcons parted ways with Devonta Freeman last season. But since he came into the league in 2020, he has no ties to No. 24. So a switch back to No. 8 wouldn't be a surprise for the second year cornerback. Foye Oluokun - No. 23 (AP Photo/Gregory Payan) Next to Mykal Walker, Foye going back to his No. 23 he wore while at Yale is my favorite of the bunch. Naturally, the No. 23 is such an iconic number and would look super clean with Oluokun stitched on the back. Foye started off his career on defense at Yale not as a linebacker, where he plays now, but as safety. Oluokun had a successful 2020 campaign and is slated to become a free agent in 2022. A good showing early on could bring an extension his way. Grady Jarrett - No. 50 :Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports Next to Julio, Jarrett going back to the No. 50 he wore while at Clemson also seems unlikely. Numbers really aren't a huge concern to non-skill players, so I imagine he's just fine staying put at No. 97. However, considering that his father, Jessie Tuggle, wore No. 58, Jarrett could opt for a number closer to his. 1 1 | The NFL is expected to relax its restrictive numbering policy in the coming days. Teams won't be allowed to have duplicate numbers like they can in college. Julio Jones has been sporting the No. 11 jersey since being drafted in 2011. | pegasus | 1 | https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-could-return-college-numbers-154522673.html?src=rss | 0.130572 |
What Is A Vaccine Passport And Will We Need One? | As more people become fully vaccinated and start traveling again, different groups are looking to enhance travel safety and reduce the potential coronavirus spread. One concept that's gaining traction across the world is the travel vaccine passport. Here are some key points to better understand what might be involved. BRAZIL - 2021/04/05: In this photo illustration a symbolic COVID-19 health passport seen displayed ... [+] on a smartphone screen in front of the United States of America (USA) flag. (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images How Vaccine Passports Work Here is a quick step-by-step look at how vaccine passports function: Download passport app to your mobile phone Create an account with biometric data (thumbprint or face id) Upload negative test results and vaccination dates Scan passport QR code at travel checkpoints or public venues Until a person receives their vaccine, it's possible to upload negative COVID-19 test results. These results can be used to waive the mandatory quarantines when entering another state or country, for instance. Vaccine passports are not a new invention, but countries and businesses are restarting the idea because of the coronavirus pandemic. United States officials required proof of vaccination for smallpox in the early 1900s. According to a Time Magazine article, proof could be one of three methods: A paper document after receiving a smallpox vaccine A properly scarred arm from the vaccine injection site Pitted face (i.e., recovered from smallpox) This proof was necessary to enter the United States at an international border crossing or one of the immigration processing facilities. Over the 20th century and 21st century, international travelers may have needed to present proof of vaccination to enter certain countries. For instance, Yellow Fever is a common travel vaccine that some countries require. The COVID-19 vaccine may be another mandatory travel vaccine. What makes the coronavirus vaccine passport different from previous versions is that it will be digital. For other shots, travelers may only have to show a paper record that can be relatively easy to forget or forge. International travelers may need to carry their existing travel passports and a vaccine passport. To travel, the final COVID-19 vaccine dose must be administered at least 14 days before departure. There are currently several versions of a vaccine passport to record receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The passport is compatible with mobile phones, but the app may only work for a specific country. People will need to bring their paper proof of vaccination form in places where there isn't a nationwide digital passport available. Yes and no. Some countries already have digital passports to record when people receive their coronavirus vaccines. Citizens must use the passport to travel or access certain public places. In other instances, private business groups are collaborating with biometrics companies like CLEAR to upload diagnostic test results and digital vaccination proof. Here's a look at the current stance of the United States plus a few other destinations. United States There currently isn't a national vaccine passport for the United States. The Biden Administration has repeatedly stated they will not require Americans to carry proof of vaccination or keep a national vaccination database. However, the White House has said they will let the private sector and regional governments like states and cities enact stricter policies. Employers might require vaccination as a condition of employment. Stores, theme parks and travel providers may require customers to be adequately vaccinated to enter. There is also contention between states whether vaccine passports should be mandatory. The Florida, Texas and Idaho governors have passed executive orders discouraging state agencies and private businesses from requiring proof of vaccination to gain entry. Other states are receptive to vaccination passports, including New York, Hawaii and Illinois. New York Excelsior Pass New York is one of the first states to roll out a statewide vaccine passport. The Excelsior Pass can produce stores negative COVID-19 test results and digital proof of vaccination. Government and private vendors can scan the QR code on the pass holder's phone or a printed paper receipt to retrieve their vaccination details. Using this pass is voluntary at the moment. But a growing number of New York State public venues are requiring proof of vaccination or a negative diagnostic test to gain entry. The Excelsior Pass can expedite the entry process. Some places currently accepting the pass include: Barclays Center Madison Square Garden Yankee Stadium Citi Field Arts and entertainment venues Sports events, concerts and broadway shows can eventually require the passport to gain entry. Wedding receptions exceeding the social distancing guidelines in New York already require proof of a negative COVID-19 test for guests to enter. This pass can be used as well to obey the law. Travel Pass A joint international effort among domestic airlines and international airlines is working together to produce a universal passport app. Approximately 23 airlines are testing the Travel Pass to upload vital health credentials necessary for travel between two countries. European Union The European Union may launch a "green pass" to resume travel within the Schengen Zone. Before the pandemic, travelers could journey restriction-free between nations without going through customs or getting a passport stamp. There are also reports that adjacent nations, like Sweden and Denmark, collaborating to permit leisure travel between countries. United Kingdom The United Kingdom will be testing a pilot vaccine passport program at these events in the spring months: World Snooker Championship (Sheffield) FA Cup (London) Luna Cinema (Liverpool) Hot Water Comedy Club (Liverpool) Britons and international tourists may eventually expect to need a digital or paper passport to enter soccer, theater and other sports matches. China China is the largest nation to launch a vaccine passport. It can be downloaded in WeChat. A paper version is available, but the passport isn't mandatory yet. Several tout this initiative as "the world's first vaccine passport." It's possible this passport may be used for multiple nations in the Asian region. So far, the app is only available to Chinese citizens. Bahrain Bahrain is also one of the first nations to launch a passport. The BeAware app shows a green shield next to the person's personal information to prove they are fully vaccinated. Israel Israel has perhaps made the most progress in rolling out a vaccine passport for its citizens. The Green Pass is necessary for Israelis to travel, enter select public places like theaters and gyms and dine inside restaurants. Summary A nationwide vaccine passport currently isn't available in the United States but might be in the coming months. For now, several small nations are implementing their programs that can serve as a model for what Americans can expect once the vaccine becomes widely available, along with a rebound of public events and international travel. Related Articles: | Vaccine passports are not a new invention, but countries and businesses are restarting the idea because of the coronavirus pandemic. | bart | 0 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffwhitmore/2021/04/09/what-is-a-vaccine-passport-and-will-we-need-one/ | 0.144668 |
What Is A Vaccine Passport And Will We Need One? | As more people become fully vaccinated and start traveling again, different groups are looking to enhance travel safety and reduce the potential coronavirus spread. One concept that's gaining traction across the world is the travel vaccine passport. Here are some key points to better understand what might be involved. BRAZIL - 2021/04/05: In this photo illustration a symbolic COVID-19 health passport seen displayed ... [+] on a smartphone screen in front of the United States of America (USA) flag. (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images How Vaccine Passports Work Here is a quick step-by-step look at how vaccine passports function: Download passport app to your mobile phone Create an account with biometric data (thumbprint or face id) Upload negative test results and vaccination dates Scan passport QR code at travel checkpoints or public venues Until a person receives their vaccine, it's possible to upload negative COVID-19 test results. These results can be used to waive the mandatory quarantines when entering another state or country, for instance. Vaccine passports are not a new invention, but countries and businesses are restarting the idea because of the coronavirus pandemic. United States officials required proof of vaccination for smallpox in the early 1900s. According to a Time Magazine article, proof could be one of three methods: A paper document after receiving a smallpox vaccine A properly scarred arm from the vaccine injection site Pitted face (i.e., recovered from smallpox) This proof was necessary to enter the United States at an international border crossing or one of the immigration processing facilities. Over the 20th century and 21st century, international travelers may have needed to present proof of vaccination to enter certain countries. For instance, Yellow Fever is a common travel vaccine that some countries require. The COVID-19 vaccine may be another mandatory travel vaccine. What makes the coronavirus vaccine passport different from previous versions is that it will be digital. For other shots, travelers may only have to show a paper record that can be relatively easy to forget or forge. International travelers may need to carry their existing travel passports and a vaccine passport. To travel, the final COVID-19 vaccine dose must be administered at least 14 days before departure. There are currently several versions of a vaccine passport to record receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The passport is compatible with mobile phones, but the app may only work for a specific country. People will need to bring their paper proof of vaccination form in places where there isn't a nationwide digital passport available. Yes and no. Some countries already have digital passports to record when people receive their coronavirus vaccines. Citizens must use the passport to travel or access certain public places. In other instances, private business groups are collaborating with biometrics companies like CLEAR to upload diagnostic test results and digital vaccination proof. Here's a look at the current stance of the United States plus a few other destinations. United States There currently isn't a national vaccine passport for the United States. The Biden Administration has repeatedly stated they will not require Americans to carry proof of vaccination or keep a national vaccination database. However, the White House has said they will let the private sector and regional governments like states and cities enact stricter policies. Employers might require vaccination as a condition of employment. Stores, theme parks and travel providers may require customers to be adequately vaccinated to enter. There is also contention between states whether vaccine passports should be mandatory. The Florida, Texas and Idaho governors have passed executive orders discouraging state agencies and private businesses from requiring proof of vaccination to gain entry. Other states are receptive to vaccination passports, including New York, Hawaii and Illinois. New York Excelsior Pass New York is one of the first states to roll out a statewide vaccine passport. The Excelsior Pass can produce stores negative COVID-19 test results and digital proof of vaccination. Government and private vendors can scan the QR code on the pass holder's phone or a printed paper receipt to retrieve their vaccination details. Using this pass is voluntary at the moment. But a growing number of New York State public venues are requiring proof of vaccination or a negative diagnostic test to gain entry. The Excelsior Pass can expedite the entry process. Some places currently accepting the pass include: Barclays Center Madison Square Garden Yankee Stadium Citi Field Arts and entertainment venues Sports events, concerts and broadway shows can eventually require the passport to gain entry. Wedding receptions exceeding the social distancing guidelines in New York already require proof of a negative COVID-19 test for guests to enter. This pass can be used as well to obey the law. Travel Pass A joint international effort among domestic airlines and international airlines is working together to produce a universal passport app. Approximately 23 airlines are testing the Travel Pass to upload vital health credentials necessary for travel between two countries. European Union The European Union may launch a "green pass" to resume travel within the Schengen Zone. Before the pandemic, travelers could journey restriction-free between nations without going through customs or getting a passport stamp. There are also reports that adjacent nations, like Sweden and Denmark, collaborating to permit leisure travel between countries. United Kingdom The United Kingdom will be testing a pilot vaccine passport program at these events in the spring months: World Snooker Championship (Sheffield) FA Cup (London) Luna Cinema (Liverpool) Hot Water Comedy Club (Liverpool) Britons and international tourists may eventually expect to need a digital or paper passport to enter soccer, theater and other sports matches. China China is the largest nation to launch a vaccine passport. It can be downloaded in WeChat. A paper version is available, but the passport isn't mandatory yet. Several tout this initiative as "the world's first vaccine passport." It's possible this passport may be used for multiple nations in the Asian region. So far, the app is only available to Chinese citizens. Bahrain Bahrain is also one of the first nations to launch a passport. The BeAware app shows a green shield next to the person's personal information to prove they are fully vaccinated. Israel Israel has perhaps made the most progress in rolling out a vaccine passport for its citizens. The Green Pass is necessary for Israelis to travel, enter select public places like theaters and gyms and dine inside restaurants. Summary A nationwide vaccine passport currently isn't available in the United States but might be in the coming months. For now, several small nations are implementing their programs that can serve as a model for what Americans can expect once the vaccine becomes widely available, along with a rebound of public events and international travel. Related Articles: | Vaccine passports are not a new invention, but countries and businesses are restarting the idea because of the coronavirus pandemic. Until a person receives their vaccine, it's possible to upload negative COVID-19 test results. | pegasus | 1 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffwhitmore/2021/04/09/what-is-a-vaccine-passport-and-will-we-need-one/ | 0.231082 |
What Is A Vaccine Passport And Will We Need One? | As more people become fully vaccinated and start traveling again, different groups are looking to enhance travel safety and reduce the potential coronavirus spread. One concept that's gaining traction across the world is the travel vaccine passport. Here are some key points to better understand what might be involved. BRAZIL - 2021/04/05: In this photo illustration a symbolic COVID-19 health passport seen displayed ... [+] on a smartphone screen in front of the United States of America (USA) flag. (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images How Vaccine Passports Work Here is a quick step-by-step look at how vaccine passports function: Download passport app to your mobile phone Create an account with biometric data (thumbprint or face id) Upload negative test results and vaccination dates Scan passport QR code at travel checkpoints or public venues Until a person receives their vaccine, it's possible to upload negative COVID-19 test results. These results can be used to waive the mandatory quarantines when entering another state or country, for instance. Vaccine passports are not a new invention, but countries and businesses are restarting the idea because of the coronavirus pandemic. United States officials required proof of vaccination for smallpox in the early 1900s. According to a Time Magazine article, proof could be one of three methods: A paper document after receiving a smallpox vaccine A properly scarred arm from the vaccine injection site Pitted face (i.e., recovered from smallpox) This proof was necessary to enter the United States at an international border crossing or one of the immigration processing facilities. Over the 20th century and 21st century, international travelers may have needed to present proof of vaccination to enter certain countries. For instance, Yellow Fever is a common travel vaccine that some countries require. The COVID-19 vaccine may be another mandatory travel vaccine. What makes the coronavirus vaccine passport different from previous versions is that it will be digital. For other shots, travelers may only have to show a paper record that can be relatively easy to forget or forge. International travelers may need to carry their existing travel passports and a vaccine passport. To travel, the final COVID-19 vaccine dose must be administered at least 14 days before departure. There are currently several versions of a vaccine passport to record receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The passport is compatible with mobile phones, but the app may only work for a specific country. People will need to bring their paper proof of vaccination form in places where there isn't a nationwide digital passport available. Yes and no. Some countries already have digital passports to record when people receive their coronavirus vaccines. Citizens must use the passport to travel or access certain public places. In other instances, private business groups are collaborating with biometrics companies like CLEAR to upload diagnostic test results and digital vaccination proof. Here's a look at the current stance of the United States plus a few other destinations. United States There currently isn't a national vaccine passport for the United States. The Biden Administration has repeatedly stated they will not require Americans to carry proof of vaccination or keep a national vaccination database. However, the White House has said they will let the private sector and regional governments like states and cities enact stricter policies. Employers might require vaccination as a condition of employment. Stores, theme parks and travel providers may require customers to be adequately vaccinated to enter. There is also contention between states whether vaccine passports should be mandatory. The Florida, Texas and Idaho governors have passed executive orders discouraging state agencies and private businesses from requiring proof of vaccination to gain entry. Other states are receptive to vaccination passports, including New York, Hawaii and Illinois. New York Excelsior Pass New York is one of the first states to roll out a statewide vaccine passport. The Excelsior Pass can produce stores negative COVID-19 test results and digital proof of vaccination. Government and private vendors can scan the QR code on the pass holder's phone or a printed paper receipt to retrieve their vaccination details. Using this pass is voluntary at the moment. But a growing number of New York State public venues are requiring proof of vaccination or a negative diagnostic test to gain entry. The Excelsior Pass can expedite the entry process. Some places currently accepting the pass include: Barclays Center Madison Square Garden Yankee Stadium Citi Field Arts and entertainment venues Sports events, concerts and broadway shows can eventually require the passport to gain entry. Wedding receptions exceeding the social distancing guidelines in New York already require proof of a negative COVID-19 test for guests to enter. This pass can be used as well to obey the law. Travel Pass A joint international effort among domestic airlines and international airlines is working together to produce a universal passport app. Approximately 23 airlines are testing the Travel Pass to upload vital health credentials necessary for travel between two countries. European Union The European Union may launch a "green pass" to resume travel within the Schengen Zone. Before the pandemic, travelers could journey restriction-free between nations without going through customs or getting a passport stamp. There are also reports that adjacent nations, like Sweden and Denmark, collaborating to permit leisure travel between countries. United Kingdom The United Kingdom will be testing a pilot vaccine passport program at these events in the spring months: World Snooker Championship (Sheffield) FA Cup (London) Luna Cinema (Liverpool) Hot Water Comedy Club (Liverpool) Britons and international tourists may eventually expect to need a digital or paper passport to enter soccer, theater and other sports matches. China China is the largest nation to launch a vaccine passport. It can be downloaded in WeChat. A paper version is available, but the passport isn't mandatory yet. Several tout this initiative as "the world's first vaccine passport." It's possible this passport may be used for multiple nations in the Asian region. So far, the app is only available to Chinese citizens. Bahrain Bahrain is also one of the first nations to launch a passport. The BeAware app shows a green shield next to the person's personal information to prove they are fully vaccinated. Israel Israel has perhaps made the most progress in rolling out a vaccine passport for its citizens. The Green Pass is necessary for Israelis to travel, enter select public places like theaters and gyms and dine inside restaurants. Summary A nationwide vaccine passport currently isn't available in the United States but might be in the coming months. For now, several small nations are implementing their programs that can serve as a model for what Americans can expect once the vaccine becomes widely available, along with a rebound of public events and international travel. Related Articles: | Vaccine passports are not a new invention, but countries and businesses are restarting the idea because of the coronavirus pandemic. Until a person receives their vaccine, it's possible to upload negative COVID-19 test results. People will need to bring their paper proof of vaccination form in places where there isn't a nationwide digital passport available. | pegasus | 2 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffwhitmore/2021/04/09/what-is-a-vaccine-passport-and-will-we-need-one/ | 0.399988 |
Whats Behind Patreons $4B Valuation? | ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JULY 12: CEO of Patreon Jack Conte attends VidCon 2019 at Anaheim Convention ... [+] Center on July 12, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images) Getty Images Patreon has been a keystone in the creative economy since 2013, helping over 200,000 independent artists, musicians, writers and others build broad subscription-based support from users for their projects and lifestyles. The company has reportedly distributed over $2 billion to creators over the past seven years and has accelerated in 2020 to $1 billion a year, relying on a 5-12% cut of revenues raised through a network of 6 million subscribers. Some creators generate enough from member support to practice their art full time; others supplement their day jobs or free up enough time in their lives to engage in their creative pursuits without painful economic sacrifices. No doubt Patreon has built an interesting and useful business with a sterling brand identity, but you have to squint awfully hard at those numbers to see a unicorn in the making. Thats why the company raised eyebrows this week when a $155 million investment led by new investor Tiger Global Management, with participation from Woodline Partners and previous investors Wellington Management, Lone Pine Capital, New Enterprise Associates, Glade Brook Capital, and DFJ Growth, rocketed Patreons overall valuation to $4 billion, up from the $1.2 billion level after its previous $90 million round. One reason for optimism is that the pandemic created a surge in individual creative enterprise, with people working from home or laid off from their jobs, and a corresponding appetite for new art and entertainment from an audience unable to participate in the usual public activities. Thats helped Patreon scale its growth considerably, with the potential to capitalize on permanent changes in consumer behavior in terms of their willingness to directly support creators they like. I think whats happened over the last year makes it very clear that the next 10 years will be the decade of the creator, said Patreon CEO Jack Conte in a recent interview. Im excited for what this means for the leverage that creative people are about to have, the control that creative people are about to have. Another trend working in Patreons favor is the decline in revenues from online advertising, the suspension of in-person events, and changes in payment terms from platforms like YouTube. That has made it challenging for creators to generate stable and predictable income by selling ads on their site or scaling up their online audience on third-party platforms. Patreon enables creators to solicit support from fans in the form of small monthly payments, which entitle them to rewards such as exclusive content, online chat sessions and other forms of special attention. Patreon aggregates the payments to create an economy of scale, and charges its members a 5-12% fee depending on which of the three levels of membership and service they opt for. Basic level provides access to the sites online services, while top level members get personalized Patreon resources to help them build and nurture their audience. Conte said that while the category of individual creators has grown massively in the past decade, few businesses truly support the creators themselves rather than the advertiser community. Patreon allows creators to scale their income independent of factors outside the artists control such as ad rates or platform reimbursement models. Consequently, he said, many Patreon creators double their revenues in a year and triple their revenues in two years by appealing directly to their fans for support. Patreon has grown on both the creator and subscriber side, and sees further potential by taking its business model global. In the past year, the company has added support for popular international currencies and languages. Conte said Patreon will use the $155 million capital infusion to support the creator community by developing new experiences and modes of engagement, as well as fueling continued international expansion. The company also plans to expand its workforce. Amid hints that Patreon may take advantage of the SPAC boom to go public, Conte said he is fielding a lot of inquiries based on the heightened attention on the creator-driven economy, but there is no timeline for such an announcement. Were not focused on that as a company, he said. We are hyper-focused on building value for creators, helping them make money and build their businesses. | A $155 million investment led by new investor Tiger Global Management, rocketed Patreons overall valuation to $4 billion. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2021/04/09/whats-behind-patreons-4b-valuation/ | 0.395507 |
Whats Behind Patreons $4B Valuation? | ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JULY 12: CEO of Patreon Jack Conte attends VidCon 2019 at Anaheim Convention ... [+] Center on July 12, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images) Getty Images Patreon has been a keystone in the creative economy since 2013, helping over 200,000 independent artists, musicians, writers and others build broad subscription-based support from users for their projects and lifestyles. The company has reportedly distributed over $2 billion to creators over the past seven years and has accelerated in 2020 to $1 billion a year, relying on a 5-12% cut of revenues raised through a network of 6 million subscribers. Some creators generate enough from member support to practice their art full time; others supplement their day jobs or free up enough time in their lives to engage in their creative pursuits without painful economic sacrifices. No doubt Patreon has built an interesting and useful business with a sterling brand identity, but you have to squint awfully hard at those numbers to see a unicorn in the making. Thats why the company raised eyebrows this week when a $155 million investment led by new investor Tiger Global Management, with participation from Woodline Partners and previous investors Wellington Management, Lone Pine Capital, New Enterprise Associates, Glade Brook Capital, and DFJ Growth, rocketed Patreons overall valuation to $4 billion, up from the $1.2 billion level after its previous $90 million round. One reason for optimism is that the pandemic created a surge in individual creative enterprise, with people working from home or laid off from their jobs, and a corresponding appetite for new art and entertainment from an audience unable to participate in the usual public activities. Thats helped Patreon scale its growth considerably, with the potential to capitalize on permanent changes in consumer behavior in terms of their willingness to directly support creators they like. I think whats happened over the last year makes it very clear that the next 10 years will be the decade of the creator, said Patreon CEO Jack Conte in a recent interview. Im excited for what this means for the leverage that creative people are about to have, the control that creative people are about to have. Another trend working in Patreons favor is the decline in revenues from online advertising, the suspension of in-person events, and changes in payment terms from platforms like YouTube. That has made it challenging for creators to generate stable and predictable income by selling ads on their site or scaling up their online audience on third-party platforms. Patreon enables creators to solicit support from fans in the form of small monthly payments, which entitle them to rewards such as exclusive content, online chat sessions and other forms of special attention. Patreon aggregates the payments to create an economy of scale, and charges its members a 5-12% fee depending on which of the three levels of membership and service they opt for. Basic level provides access to the sites online services, while top level members get personalized Patreon resources to help them build and nurture their audience. Conte said that while the category of individual creators has grown massively in the past decade, few businesses truly support the creators themselves rather than the advertiser community. Patreon allows creators to scale their income independent of factors outside the artists control such as ad rates or platform reimbursement models. Consequently, he said, many Patreon creators double their revenues in a year and triple their revenues in two years by appealing directly to their fans for support. Patreon has grown on both the creator and subscriber side, and sees further potential by taking its business model global. In the past year, the company has added support for popular international currencies and languages. Conte said Patreon will use the $155 million capital infusion to support the creator community by developing new experiences and modes of engagement, as well as fueling continued international expansion. The company also plans to expand its workforce. Amid hints that Patreon may take advantage of the SPAC boom to go public, Conte said he is fielding a lot of inquiries based on the heightened attention on the creator-driven economy, but there is no timeline for such an announcement. Were not focused on that as a company, he said. We are hyper-focused on building value for creators, helping them make money and build their businesses. | A $155 million investment led by new investor Tiger Global Management, rocketed Patreons overall valuation to $4 billion, up from the $1.2 billion level. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2021/04/09/whats-behind-patreons-4b-valuation/ | 0.443433 |
Whats Behind Patreons $4B Valuation? | ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JULY 12: CEO of Patreon Jack Conte attends VidCon 2019 at Anaheim Convention ... [+] Center on July 12, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images) Getty Images Patreon has been a keystone in the creative economy since 2013, helping over 200,000 independent artists, musicians, writers and others build broad subscription-based support from users for their projects and lifestyles. The company has reportedly distributed over $2 billion to creators over the past seven years and has accelerated in 2020 to $1 billion a year, relying on a 5-12% cut of revenues raised through a network of 6 million subscribers. Some creators generate enough from member support to practice their art full time; others supplement their day jobs or free up enough time in their lives to engage in their creative pursuits without painful economic sacrifices. No doubt Patreon has built an interesting and useful business with a sterling brand identity, but you have to squint awfully hard at those numbers to see a unicorn in the making. Thats why the company raised eyebrows this week when a $155 million investment led by new investor Tiger Global Management, with participation from Woodline Partners and previous investors Wellington Management, Lone Pine Capital, New Enterprise Associates, Glade Brook Capital, and DFJ Growth, rocketed Patreons overall valuation to $4 billion, up from the $1.2 billion level after its previous $90 million round. One reason for optimism is that the pandemic created a surge in individual creative enterprise, with people working from home or laid off from their jobs, and a corresponding appetite for new art and entertainment from an audience unable to participate in the usual public activities. Thats helped Patreon scale its growth considerably, with the potential to capitalize on permanent changes in consumer behavior in terms of their willingness to directly support creators they like. I think whats happened over the last year makes it very clear that the next 10 years will be the decade of the creator, said Patreon CEO Jack Conte in a recent interview. Im excited for what this means for the leverage that creative people are about to have, the control that creative people are about to have. Another trend working in Patreons favor is the decline in revenues from online advertising, the suspension of in-person events, and changes in payment terms from platforms like YouTube. That has made it challenging for creators to generate stable and predictable income by selling ads on their site or scaling up their online audience on third-party platforms. Patreon enables creators to solicit support from fans in the form of small monthly payments, which entitle them to rewards such as exclusive content, online chat sessions and other forms of special attention. Patreon aggregates the payments to create an economy of scale, and charges its members a 5-12% fee depending on which of the three levels of membership and service they opt for. Basic level provides access to the sites online services, while top level members get personalized Patreon resources to help them build and nurture their audience. Conte said that while the category of individual creators has grown massively in the past decade, few businesses truly support the creators themselves rather than the advertiser community. Patreon allows creators to scale their income independent of factors outside the artists control such as ad rates or platform reimbursement models. Consequently, he said, many Patreon creators double their revenues in a year and triple their revenues in two years by appealing directly to their fans for support. Patreon has grown on both the creator and subscriber side, and sees further potential by taking its business model global. In the past year, the company has added support for popular international currencies and languages. Conte said Patreon will use the $155 million capital infusion to support the creator community by developing new experiences and modes of engagement, as well as fueling continued international expansion. The company also plans to expand its workforce. Amid hints that Patreon may take advantage of the SPAC boom to go public, Conte said he is fielding a lot of inquiries based on the heightened attention on the creator-driven economy, but there is no timeline for such an announcement. Were not focused on that as a company, he said. We are hyper-focused on building value for creators, helping them make money and build their businesses. | A $155 million investment led by new investor Tiger Global Management, rocketed Patreons overall valuation to $4 billion, up from the $1.2 billion level after its previous $90 million round. The company has reportedly distributed over $2 billion to creators over the past seven years and has accelerated in 2020 to $1 billion a year. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2021/04/09/whats-behind-patreons-4b-valuation/ | 0.598037 |
Should the Cleveland Indians and MLB require players to take the COVID-19 vaccine? | Register for Indians Subtext to hear your Tribe questions answered exclusively on the show. Send a text to 216-208-4346 to subscribe for $3.99/mo. CLEVELAND, Ohio James Karinchak made headlines earlier this week when he shared a post to his Instagram story that took an anti-vaccination stance just as Indians players were getting ready to receive their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. On Fridays podcast, Paul Hoynes and Joe Noga look at what this means for Cleveland and discuss whether or not making player vaccinations mandatory is a good idea. Click here. We have an Apple podcasts channel exclusively for this podcast. Subscribe to it here. You can also subscribe on Google Play and listen on Spotify. Search Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast or download the audio here. - New Indians face masks for sale: Heres where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charity. Podcast Santanas tip of the cap and three other things Rally pays off in victory over KC, two home runs for Ramrez Attendance not expected to show impact of Gov. Podcast | The Cleveland Indians and MLB are considering requiring players to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Click here for more Cleveland Baseball Talk podcast news. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2021/04/should-the-clevleand-indians-and-mlb-require-players-to-take-the-covid-19-vaccine.html | 0.551902 |
Should the Cleveland Indians and MLB require players to take the COVID-19 vaccine? | Register for Indians Subtext to hear your Tribe questions answered exclusively on the show. Send a text to 216-208-4346 to subscribe for $3.99/mo. CLEVELAND, Ohio James Karinchak made headlines earlier this week when he shared a post to his Instagram story that took an anti-vaccination stance just as Indians players were getting ready to receive their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. On Fridays podcast, Paul Hoynes and Joe Noga look at what this means for Cleveland and discuss whether or not making player vaccinations mandatory is a good idea. Click here. We have an Apple podcasts channel exclusively for this podcast. Subscribe to it here. You can also subscribe on Google Play and listen on Spotify. Search Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast or download the audio here. - New Indians face masks for sale: Heres where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charity. Podcast Santanas tip of the cap and three other things Rally pays off in victory over KC, two home runs for Ramrez Attendance not expected to show impact of Gov. Podcast | The Cleveland Indians and MLB are considering requiring players to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Click here for more Cleveland Baseball Talk podcast news. The team has won the last two games against the Kansas City Royals. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2021/04/should-the-clevleand-indians-and-mlb-require-players-to-take-the-covid-19-vaccine.html | 0.585744 |
Should the Cleveland Indians and MLB require players to take the COVID-19 vaccine? | Register for Indians Subtext to hear your Tribe questions answered exclusively on the show. Send a text to 216-208-4346 to subscribe for $3.99/mo. CLEVELAND, Ohio James Karinchak made headlines earlier this week when he shared a post to his Instagram story that took an anti-vaccination stance just as Indians players were getting ready to receive their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. On Fridays podcast, Paul Hoynes and Joe Noga look at what this means for Cleveland and discuss whether or not making player vaccinations mandatory is a good idea. Click here. We have an Apple podcasts channel exclusively for this podcast. Subscribe to it here. You can also subscribe on Google Play and listen on Spotify. Search Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast or download the audio here. - New Indians face masks for sale: Heres where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charity. Podcast Santanas tip of the cap and three other things Rally pays off in victory over KC, two home runs for Ramrez Attendance not expected to show impact of Gov. Podcast | The Cleveland Indians and MLB are considering requiring players to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Click here for more Cleveland Baseball Talk podcast news. The team has won the last two games against the Kansas City Royals. The Indians have won two of their last three games against Kansas City. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2021/04/should-the-clevleand-indians-and-mlb-require-players-to-take-the-covid-19-vaccine.html | 0.60511 |
Could Kawhi Leonard leave Clippers for Heat as free agent? | Kawhi Leonard will probably re-sign with the Clippers. But Leonard is the type of superstar who can singlehandedly transform the NBA landscape. So, even if the odds strongly favor him staying in L.A., speculation still swirls around his free agency. The significance of him changing teams would be that significant. Beyond the Clippers, much of the chatter has focused on the Heat. Evan Massey of NBA Analysis Network: One NBA agent spoke to NBA Analysis Network about Leonards future and the possibility that he could leave the Clippers. He stated that the Heat would intrigue Leonard on the open market. Kawhi (Leonard) could very well listen to pitches from other teams. That is something that he is considering. If that does end up being the case, he would be intrigued at the possibility of joining the Miami Heat. Joining forces with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo is something that he would absolutely have interest in. ESPNs Brian Windhorst and Rachel Nichols also brought up Leonard to Miami on The Jump (though while expressing doubt): So much of today was about what's going to happen this summer teams making decisions on whether to move or keep players with upcoming free agency demands. @WindhorstESPN on the mechanics there, including the Heat leaving themselves cap room in case Kawhi starts looking around: pic.twitter.com/5PIrtFcZ68 Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) March 25, 2021 Leonards Clippers experience hasnt gone as hoped so far. They were mired in chemistry problems then suffered a historic playoff collapse last season. Leonard has expressed more dissatisfaction this year. Paul George can sound insufferable. Sometimes, players find playing at home isnt what they expected. Story continues Leonard can (and intends to) opt out and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Even if he structured his contract that way planning to re-sign with the Clippers and maximize his salary once he reaches 10 years of experience, the player option gives him an opening to leave. The Heat just made such an impressive showing as a winning franchise with their run to the 2020 NBA Finals. Before L.A. traded for George, Leonard reportedly wanted to team with Butler. Miami, like Leonards native Southern California, has warm weather. But even if they trimmed their roster to just Butler and Adebayo, the Heat wouldnt project to have max cap space for Leonard (a consequence of giving Adebayo a contract extension last offseason rather than waiting to re-sign him as a restricted free agent to a new deal with the same max terms this summer). Miami could engineer a sign-and-trade by exercising Goran Dragics and Andre Igudoalas team options and using them as matching salary. But the Clippers would obviously have to agree. Especially if the Clippers are Leonards second choice, they could try forcing his hand. Of course, Leonard could try convincing the Clippers hed sign with a cap-space team if they dont accommodate a sign-and-trade. The Heat would have to entice L.A. beyond Dragics and Iguodalas contracts with players like Tyler Herro and Precious Achiuwa and/or picks. Duncan Robinson and/or Nunn could get involved in a dual sign-and-trade. There is a path for Leonard to Miami. But this all goes back to Leonard and what he wants. He has been famously private throughout his career. He has even more reason to keep his cards close to the vest now. Even if people have a read into his current offseason plan, the situation can change significantly. How the Clippers fare in the playoffs will leave a major impression ahead of free agency. Heres what we know: Leonard chose the Clippers just two years ago. More than any hints or whispers emerging now, that is the strongest prior when assessing what Leonard will do this summer. originally appeared on NBCSports.com | Kawhi Leonard can opt out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://sports.yahoo.com/could-kawhi-leonard-leave-clippers-173733936.html?src=rss | 0.107589 |
Could Kawhi Leonard leave Clippers for Heat as free agent? | Kawhi Leonard will probably re-sign with the Clippers. But Leonard is the type of superstar who can singlehandedly transform the NBA landscape. So, even if the odds strongly favor him staying in L.A., speculation still swirls around his free agency. The significance of him changing teams would be that significant. Beyond the Clippers, much of the chatter has focused on the Heat. Evan Massey of NBA Analysis Network: One NBA agent spoke to NBA Analysis Network about Leonards future and the possibility that he could leave the Clippers. He stated that the Heat would intrigue Leonard on the open market. Kawhi (Leonard) could very well listen to pitches from other teams. That is something that he is considering. If that does end up being the case, he would be intrigued at the possibility of joining the Miami Heat. Joining forces with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo is something that he would absolutely have interest in. ESPNs Brian Windhorst and Rachel Nichols also brought up Leonard to Miami on The Jump (though while expressing doubt): So much of today was about what's going to happen this summer teams making decisions on whether to move or keep players with upcoming free agency demands. @WindhorstESPN on the mechanics there, including the Heat leaving themselves cap room in case Kawhi starts looking around: pic.twitter.com/5PIrtFcZ68 Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) March 25, 2021 Leonards Clippers experience hasnt gone as hoped so far. They were mired in chemistry problems then suffered a historic playoff collapse last season. Leonard has expressed more dissatisfaction this year. Paul George can sound insufferable. Sometimes, players find playing at home isnt what they expected. Story continues Leonard can (and intends to) opt out and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Even if he structured his contract that way planning to re-sign with the Clippers and maximize his salary once he reaches 10 years of experience, the player option gives him an opening to leave. The Heat just made such an impressive showing as a winning franchise with their run to the 2020 NBA Finals. Before L.A. traded for George, Leonard reportedly wanted to team with Butler. Miami, like Leonards native Southern California, has warm weather. But even if they trimmed their roster to just Butler and Adebayo, the Heat wouldnt project to have max cap space for Leonard (a consequence of giving Adebayo a contract extension last offseason rather than waiting to re-sign him as a restricted free agent to a new deal with the same max terms this summer). Miami could engineer a sign-and-trade by exercising Goran Dragics and Andre Igudoalas team options and using them as matching salary. But the Clippers would obviously have to agree. Especially if the Clippers are Leonards second choice, they could try forcing his hand. Of course, Leonard could try convincing the Clippers hed sign with a cap-space team if they dont accommodate a sign-and-trade. The Heat would have to entice L.A. beyond Dragics and Iguodalas contracts with players like Tyler Herro and Precious Achiuwa and/or picks. Duncan Robinson and/or Nunn could get involved in a dual sign-and-trade. There is a path for Leonard to Miami. But this all goes back to Leonard and what he wants. He has been famously private throughout his career. He has even more reason to keep his cards close to the vest now. Even if people have a read into his current offseason plan, the situation can change significantly. How the Clippers fare in the playoffs will leave a major impression ahead of free agency. Heres what we know: Leonard chose the Clippers just two years ago. More than any hints or whispers emerging now, that is the strongest prior when assessing what Leonard will do this summer. originally appeared on NBCSports.com | Kawhi Leonard can opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Leonard could join the Miami Heat with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. | bart | 1 | https://sports.yahoo.com/could-kawhi-leonard-leave-clippers-173733936.html?src=rss | 0.211012 |
Could Kawhi Leonard leave Clippers for Heat as free agent? | Kawhi Leonard will probably re-sign with the Clippers. But Leonard is the type of superstar who can singlehandedly transform the NBA landscape. So, even if the odds strongly favor him staying in L.A., speculation still swirls around his free agency. The significance of him changing teams would be that significant. Beyond the Clippers, much of the chatter has focused on the Heat. Evan Massey of NBA Analysis Network: One NBA agent spoke to NBA Analysis Network about Leonards future and the possibility that he could leave the Clippers. He stated that the Heat would intrigue Leonard on the open market. Kawhi (Leonard) could very well listen to pitches from other teams. That is something that he is considering. If that does end up being the case, he would be intrigued at the possibility of joining the Miami Heat. Joining forces with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo is something that he would absolutely have interest in. ESPNs Brian Windhorst and Rachel Nichols also brought up Leonard to Miami on The Jump (though while expressing doubt): So much of today was about what's going to happen this summer teams making decisions on whether to move or keep players with upcoming free agency demands. @WindhorstESPN on the mechanics there, including the Heat leaving themselves cap room in case Kawhi starts looking around: pic.twitter.com/5PIrtFcZ68 Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) March 25, 2021 Leonards Clippers experience hasnt gone as hoped so far. They were mired in chemistry problems then suffered a historic playoff collapse last season. Leonard has expressed more dissatisfaction this year. Paul George can sound insufferable. Sometimes, players find playing at home isnt what they expected. Story continues Leonard can (and intends to) opt out and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Even if he structured his contract that way planning to re-sign with the Clippers and maximize his salary once he reaches 10 years of experience, the player option gives him an opening to leave. The Heat just made such an impressive showing as a winning franchise with their run to the 2020 NBA Finals. Before L.A. traded for George, Leonard reportedly wanted to team with Butler. Miami, like Leonards native Southern California, has warm weather. But even if they trimmed their roster to just Butler and Adebayo, the Heat wouldnt project to have max cap space for Leonard (a consequence of giving Adebayo a contract extension last offseason rather than waiting to re-sign him as a restricted free agent to a new deal with the same max terms this summer). Miami could engineer a sign-and-trade by exercising Goran Dragics and Andre Igudoalas team options and using them as matching salary. But the Clippers would obviously have to agree. Especially if the Clippers are Leonards second choice, they could try forcing his hand. Of course, Leonard could try convincing the Clippers hed sign with a cap-space team if they dont accommodate a sign-and-trade. The Heat would have to entice L.A. beyond Dragics and Iguodalas contracts with players like Tyler Herro and Precious Achiuwa and/or picks. Duncan Robinson and/or Nunn could get involved in a dual sign-and-trade. There is a path for Leonard to Miami. But this all goes back to Leonard and what he wants. He has been famously private throughout his career. He has even more reason to keep his cards close to the vest now. Even if people have a read into his current offseason plan, the situation can change significantly. How the Clippers fare in the playoffs will leave a major impression ahead of free agency. Heres what we know: Leonard chose the Clippers just two years ago. More than any hints or whispers emerging now, that is the strongest prior when assessing what Leonard will do this summer. originally appeared on NBCSports.com | Kawhi Leonard can opt out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has been linked to the Miami Heat, who would be able to offer him a contract that would allow him to join Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://sports.yahoo.com/could-kawhi-leonard-leave-clippers-173733936.html?src=rss | 0.385275 |
Why cant the US mens soccer team get into the Olympics? | When the United States mens soccer team lost to Honduras with a Tokyo ticket at stake it marked the fourth time out of the last five that the Americans have failed to qualify for the Olympic Games. Until something changes it probably wont be the last time. Unless US Soccer can persuade European clubs to free up players or MLS starts its season earlier, the US will be putting an underprepared B team on the field for Olympic qualifying. Advertisement No doubt the Yanks would have made it if they had even half a dozen of their top under-24 overseas pros such as Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Sergino Dest (Barcelona), Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen), and Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund). But since clubs arent required to release players for youth tournaments such as the Olympics, they didnt. So Kreis went with MLSers who were in preseason form and played that way. I dont know if I have ever seen a game where weve had players lose control of the ball so much balls rolling under peoples feet, passing out of bounds, said Kreis. North Korea, which says it is skipping the Tokyo Games because of COVID-19 concerns, hasnt missed a summer Olympics since 1988, when it boycotted the Seoul edition because of friction with its southern neighbor. The decision, not yet formalized, came just as North and South announced a joint bid for the 2032 edition, which likely will be awarded to Brisbane. Stone going for three, again Gevvie Stone, the Olympic silver medalist who just missed making her third squad in the womens single in February, gets a second chance in the double at this weeks rowing trials in West Windsor, N.J. The Newton native, wholl team with Westons Kristina Wagner, will be up against Rio finalists Meghan OLeary and Ellen Tomek and Westons Cicely Madden (Stones partner at the last world regatta) and Maggie Fellows of Warwick, Mass. Stone also is listed as one of the 25 camp candidates for the eight and four, whose number includes Rio gold medalists Meghan Musnicki and Emily Regan, Harvard grad Caryn Davies (gold in 2008 and 2012) and nine other members of the 2019 world team. The eight will be gunning for a record fourth straight gold medal in Tokyo. Advertisement Well be there Except for Jden Cox, who didnt make weight at 97 kilograms, all of the titlists from the last world championships made the US Olympic wrestling team at the recent Fort Worth trials. Kyle Dake, the global freestyle champ at 79 kilograms, dropped to 74 and bested London victor (and four-time world champion) Jordan Burroughs. Jacarra Winchester (53 kg), Tamyra Mensah-Stock (68 kg), and Adeline Gray (76 kg) all breezed on the womens side. Theyll join Helen Maroulis (57 kg), who won the historic gold medal in 2016 but had to go three bouts to earn her return ticket. Scioscia the skipper Mike Scioscia, the former Angels manager and Dodgers star, will direct the US baseball squad in its second shot at a Tokyo berth at the hemispheric qualifying tournament in Florida in June. He takes over from Scott Brosius, who took over for Joe Girardi in 2019 after Girardi accepted the Phillies managerial job. If the Americans get to the Games, Scioscia will be the third straight skipper with a Dodgers connection. Tommy Lasorda managed the 2000 squad to the gold medal and Davey Johnson oversaw the 2008 team that earned bronze. Advertisement Track palace at Oregon Hayward Field, the University of Oregons legendary track stadium that will host the Olympic trials and next years world championships, has become the sports modern palace after a two-year, $200 million renovation. The facility has a nine-lane running surface, 12,650 seats (expandable to 25,000), a curved roof undergirded by Douglas fir supports from local forests, an underground museum, and a 10-story tower shaped like an Olympic torch. The effect is a theater-like experience for spectators and what Oregon coach Robert Johnson calls a five-star resort for athletes wholl have access to a sports medicine center with a hydrotherapy room, plunge pools, a nutrition area, and a barber shop and salon. I would never leave, said Galen Rupp, a former Duck and two-time Olympic medalist. I would live there. Lets try this again Omaha, which had sold 90 percent of the seats for the two sets of Olympic swimming trials in June, is doing a complete refund and resale now that capacity at CHI Health Center has been reduced to 50 percent. Existing ticket-holders will get first dibs. Reese decides to retire Eddie Reese, who retired recently at 79 after directing Texas to a record 15th NCAA mens swimming title (at least one in each of the last five decades), has an extraordinary Olympic rsum. He was US head coach at the 1992, 2004, and 2008 Games, and assistant at three others. He supervised 22 gold medalists including a number of Longhorns, among them Gary Hall, Jr., Aaron Peirsol, and Rick Carey. Advertisement Daly enshrined in FIBA Hall Chuck Daly, who coached the Dream Team at the 1992 Games, recently was enshrined posthumously in the FIBA Hall of Fame four years after the entire squad was inducted. Hes joined by, among others, Tom Maher, the Australian who coached four different countries at the Olympics; former NBA star Detlef Schrempf, who played in two tournaments for Germany; and Sergei Tarakanov, a member of the Soviet team that beat the US in 1988. John Powers can be reached at john.powers@globe.com. Material from Olympic committees, sports federations, interviews, and wire services was used in this report. | The United States mens soccer team lost to Honduras with a Tokyo ticket at stake. It marked the fourth time out of the last five that the Americans have failed to qualify for the Olympic Games. North Korea, which says it is skipping the Tokyo Games because of COVID-19 concerns, hasnt missed a summer Olympics since 1988. | pegasus | 2 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/09/sports/why-cant-us-mens-soccer-team-get-into-olympics/ | 0.128113 |
Should cities and towns adopt the future net zero stretch energy code? | Cammy Peterson Marilyn Humphries The new net zero stretch code the state must now develop as an option for cities and towns will pave the way for highly efficient buildings that are predominantly electric and fueled by renewables. The states newly enacted climate law directs the Department of Energy Resources to write this new stretch code, which would set net zero standards for new construction and possibly major renovations exceeding those in the state building code or the existing stretch code. In municipalities adopting the new code, that could mean, for example, requiring highly efficient electric heating and cooling systems and renewable energy, with the goal that residential, commercial, and municipal buildings use no more energy than they generate. Communities should seize this opportunity to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance comfort, and bolster resilience to extreme weather. Municipal leaders have called for the new code to support their climate goals. Twenty-seven percent of Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions result from building heating and hot-water systems. Add electricity from lighting, appliances, and other systems, and buildings constitute over 70 percent of emissions in some municipalities. State data shows that while most building construction between now and 2050 will likely occur by 2030, a net zero code by 2023 could reduce emissions 87 percent from new construction. Advertisement Affordable housing advocates have rejected the claim that the new code will increase production costs or slow housing construction. More efficient affordable units can actually improve the long-term financial viability for low-income residents. Throughout Massachusetts, we are already seeing new net zero affordable buildings being constructed. One report estimates construction is ongoing or complete on over 7 million square feet of these buildings, including schools, homes, and laboratories. They feature robust building envelopes, and heat pumps that provide heating and cooling by exchanging air between the inside and outside and reduce operating costs. Advertisement Net zero buildings will greatly diminish the need for fossil fuels. These highly efficient buildings generally have lower peak electric demand so wont overload the grid, and renewable costs are now often as low as fossil sources. Communities adopting the code will avoid locking in fossil fuels while retaining the option to rescind the code later. Its a no-regrets strategy that advances both better buildings and climate goals. NO Robert L. Brennan, Jr. President of the CapeBuilt Companies; chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Massachusetts; Amesbury resident Robert Brennan Municipalities should not adopt a net zero building code nor should they be asked by lawmakers or others to do so without first being informed of the costs of compliance, without understanding the impacts that increased building costs will have on housing production, and without the Commonwealth standing ready with new programs to offset the higher costs and support housing production. Any objective consideration of a net zero building code must acknowledge the additional costs of construction including for multi-family rental housing and starter homes. These costs will be further increased by the absence of a mature and competitive market for qualifying products and providers. Increased construction costs will impact housing production because they will be passed on to buyers or tenants. Some projects will simply fail to pencil out as financially viable in areas of the state where increased rents cannot be supported or higher purchase prices exceed what new buyers can afford. Advertisement Increased construction costs are not standing alone reason to reject a net zero code. However, municipalities and families should not be forced to choose between housing attainability and climate action. This conflict can be easily avoided. Now that the Legislature has put in motion an opt-in net zero code for municipalities, the Commonwealth has an opportunity and obligation to: (1) objectively calculate the cost implications of every new requirement that the administration considers as it drafts the code; (2) assess the cumulative impact of those additional costs on housing production; and (3) put in place climate and housing programs to mitigate those costs and avoid negative impacts on housing production. These simple steps would allow the Commonwealth to move thoughtfully and effectively toward reducing fossil fuel emissions and continue to support housing production for families. Cost offsetting programs successfully fueled the Commonwealths last major climate initiative by boosting energy production from 3 MW in 2007 to over 2,000 MW in 2018. Similar net zero programs could include tax credits, robust product rebates, and low-interest loans for net zero home improvements. The Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts supports the advancement of both climate policy and housing production. Massachusetts can lead in both! As told to Globe correspondent John Laidler. To suggest a topic, please contact laidler@globe.com. Advertisement This is not a scientific survey. Please only vote once. | Cammy Peterson, Marilyn Humphries: New net zero stretch code the state must now develop as an option for cities and towns. | pegasus | 0 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/09/metro/should-cities-towns-adopt-future-net-zero-stretch-energy-code/ | 0.285615 |
Should cities and towns adopt the future net zero stretch energy code? | Cammy Peterson Marilyn Humphries The new net zero stretch code the state must now develop as an option for cities and towns will pave the way for highly efficient buildings that are predominantly electric and fueled by renewables. The states newly enacted climate law directs the Department of Energy Resources to write this new stretch code, which would set net zero standards for new construction and possibly major renovations exceeding those in the state building code or the existing stretch code. In municipalities adopting the new code, that could mean, for example, requiring highly efficient electric heating and cooling systems and renewable energy, with the goal that residential, commercial, and municipal buildings use no more energy than they generate. Communities should seize this opportunity to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance comfort, and bolster resilience to extreme weather. Municipal leaders have called for the new code to support their climate goals. Twenty-seven percent of Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions result from building heating and hot-water systems. Add electricity from lighting, appliances, and other systems, and buildings constitute over 70 percent of emissions in some municipalities. State data shows that while most building construction between now and 2050 will likely occur by 2030, a net zero code by 2023 could reduce emissions 87 percent from new construction. Advertisement Affordable housing advocates have rejected the claim that the new code will increase production costs or slow housing construction. More efficient affordable units can actually improve the long-term financial viability for low-income residents. Throughout Massachusetts, we are already seeing new net zero affordable buildings being constructed. One report estimates construction is ongoing or complete on over 7 million square feet of these buildings, including schools, homes, and laboratories. They feature robust building envelopes, and heat pumps that provide heating and cooling by exchanging air between the inside and outside and reduce operating costs. Advertisement Net zero buildings will greatly diminish the need for fossil fuels. These highly efficient buildings generally have lower peak electric demand so wont overload the grid, and renewable costs are now often as low as fossil sources. Communities adopting the code will avoid locking in fossil fuels while retaining the option to rescind the code later. Its a no-regrets strategy that advances both better buildings and climate goals. NO Robert L. Brennan, Jr. President of the CapeBuilt Companies; chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Massachusetts; Amesbury resident Robert Brennan Municipalities should not adopt a net zero building code nor should they be asked by lawmakers or others to do so without first being informed of the costs of compliance, without understanding the impacts that increased building costs will have on housing production, and without the Commonwealth standing ready with new programs to offset the higher costs and support housing production. Any objective consideration of a net zero building code must acknowledge the additional costs of construction including for multi-family rental housing and starter homes. These costs will be further increased by the absence of a mature and competitive market for qualifying products and providers. Increased construction costs will impact housing production because they will be passed on to buyers or tenants. Some projects will simply fail to pencil out as financially viable in areas of the state where increased rents cannot be supported or higher purchase prices exceed what new buyers can afford. Advertisement Increased construction costs are not standing alone reason to reject a net zero code. However, municipalities and families should not be forced to choose between housing attainability and climate action. This conflict can be easily avoided. Now that the Legislature has put in motion an opt-in net zero code for municipalities, the Commonwealth has an opportunity and obligation to: (1) objectively calculate the cost implications of every new requirement that the administration considers as it drafts the code; (2) assess the cumulative impact of those additional costs on housing production; and (3) put in place climate and housing programs to mitigate those costs and avoid negative impacts on housing production. These simple steps would allow the Commonwealth to move thoughtfully and effectively toward reducing fossil fuel emissions and continue to support housing production for families. Cost offsetting programs successfully fueled the Commonwealths last major climate initiative by boosting energy production from 3 MW in 2007 to over 2,000 MW in 2018. Similar net zero programs could include tax credits, robust product rebates, and low-interest loans for net zero home improvements. The Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts supports the advancement of both climate policy and housing production. Massachusetts can lead in both! As told to Globe correspondent John Laidler. To suggest a topic, please contact laidler@globe.com. Advertisement This is not a scientific survey. Please only vote once. | Cammy Peterson, Marilyn Humphries: Massachusetts should develop a net zero stretch code. They say the code would require buildings to use no more energy than they generate. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/09/metro/should-cities-towns-adopt-future-net-zero-stretch-energy-code/ | 0.10847 |
Should cities and towns adopt the future net zero stretch energy code? | Cammy Peterson Marilyn Humphries The new net zero stretch code the state must now develop as an option for cities and towns will pave the way for highly efficient buildings that are predominantly electric and fueled by renewables. The states newly enacted climate law directs the Department of Energy Resources to write this new stretch code, which would set net zero standards for new construction and possibly major renovations exceeding those in the state building code or the existing stretch code. In municipalities adopting the new code, that could mean, for example, requiring highly efficient electric heating and cooling systems and renewable energy, with the goal that residential, commercial, and municipal buildings use no more energy than they generate. Communities should seize this opportunity to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance comfort, and bolster resilience to extreme weather. Municipal leaders have called for the new code to support their climate goals. Twenty-seven percent of Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions result from building heating and hot-water systems. Add electricity from lighting, appliances, and other systems, and buildings constitute over 70 percent of emissions in some municipalities. State data shows that while most building construction between now and 2050 will likely occur by 2030, a net zero code by 2023 could reduce emissions 87 percent from new construction. Advertisement Affordable housing advocates have rejected the claim that the new code will increase production costs or slow housing construction. More efficient affordable units can actually improve the long-term financial viability for low-income residents. Throughout Massachusetts, we are already seeing new net zero affordable buildings being constructed. One report estimates construction is ongoing or complete on over 7 million square feet of these buildings, including schools, homes, and laboratories. They feature robust building envelopes, and heat pumps that provide heating and cooling by exchanging air between the inside and outside and reduce operating costs. Advertisement Net zero buildings will greatly diminish the need for fossil fuels. These highly efficient buildings generally have lower peak electric demand so wont overload the grid, and renewable costs are now often as low as fossil sources. Communities adopting the code will avoid locking in fossil fuels while retaining the option to rescind the code later. Its a no-regrets strategy that advances both better buildings and climate goals. NO Robert L. Brennan, Jr. President of the CapeBuilt Companies; chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Massachusetts; Amesbury resident Robert Brennan Municipalities should not adopt a net zero building code nor should they be asked by lawmakers or others to do so without first being informed of the costs of compliance, without understanding the impacts that increased building costs will have on housing production, and without the Commonwealth standing ready with new programs to offset the higher costs and support housing production. Any objective consideration of a net zero building code must acknowledge the additional costs of construction including for multi-family rental housing and starter homes. These costs will be further increased by the absence of a mature and competitive market for qualifying products and providers. Increased construction costs will impact housing production because they will be passed on to buyers or tenants. Some projects will simply fail to pencil out as financially viable in areas of the state where increased rents cannot be supported or higher purchase prices exceed what new buyers can afford. Advertisement Increased construction costs are not standing alone reason to reject a net zero code. However, municipalities and families should not be forced to choose between housing attainability and climate action. This conflict can be easily avoided. Now that the Legislature has put in motion an opt-in net zero code for municipalities, the Commonwealth has an opportunity and obligation to: (1) objectively calculate the cost implications of every new requirement that the administration considers as it drafts the code; (2) assess the cumulative impact of those additional costs on housing production; and (3) put in place climate and housing programs to mitigate those costs and avoid negative impacts on housing production. These simple steps would allow the Commonwealth to move thoughtfully and effectively toward reducing fossil fuel emissions and continue to support housing production for families. Cost offsetting programs successfully fueled the Commonwealths last major climate initiative by boosting energy production from 3 MW in 2007 to over 2,000 MW in 2018. Similar net zero programs could include tax credits, robust product rebates, and low-interest loans for net zero home improvements. The Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts supports the advancement of both climate policy and housing production. Massachusetts can lead in both! As told to Globe correspondent John Laidler. To suggest a topic, please contact laidler@globe.com. Advertisement This is not a scientific survey. Please only vote once. | A new net zero stretch code the state must now develop as an option for cities and towns will pave the way for highly efficient buildings. Cammy Peterson, Marilyn Humphries: Communities should seize this opportunity to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance comfort, and bolster resilience to extreme weather. | pegasus | 2 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/09/metro/should-cities-towns-adopt-future-net-zero-stretch-energy-code/ | 0.388272 |
Could Cornerback Be a Luxury Pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 32? | Tampa Bay intends to utilize the best player available strategy in the upcoming NFL Draft. One way or another, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will need to address their cornerback position in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. Tampa has four cornerbacks on its roster currently, three of which align outside and one primarily in the slot. The starters appear set with Carlton Davis III and Jamel Dean playing the boundaries while Sean Murphy-Bunting mans the slot, but depth and perhaps some competition remains a must. Herb Miller, a second-year, former undrafted free agent, is the only backup at the position. They could have the option to do so, and they might benefit from such a selection. Tampa Bay's coverage schemes favor lengthy, fast outside cornerbacks who handle man coverage well. As the Bucs' defense plays more aggressively, coordinator Todd Bowles likes to infuse press concepts. This will tend to favor a certain breed of cornerback prospects over others, at least when it comes to playing the boundary. Acknowledging the Bucs' type at corner, Virginia Tech's Caleb Farley, Northwestern's Greg Newsome II, and Georgia's Eric Stokes, among others, are considered first-to-early-second-round prospects that would make sense for Tampa Bay at No. 32. Barring a massive slip, it's unlikely that Alabama's Patrick Surtain and South Carolina's Jaycee Horn won't be available when the Bucs are on the clock. Farley is generally considered a mid-to-high first-round pick but could fall after opting out of the 2020 college football season and a recent back surgery. We've written at length about Tampa's ability to address their long-term needs on the defensive and offensive lines before, but the cornerback position provides a similar argument. Davis enjoyed a breakout, four-interceptions season in 2020 and could look to cash in next year as an imminent free agent. Dean and Murphy-Bunting's contracts are set to expire next offseason as well. Not to mention, Tampa Bay's secondary was far from perfect throughout the Super Bowl run of a 2020 season. The unit gained momentum near the end of the season and performed lights-out throughout the playoffs, but it has to be hard for the Bucs to feel totally comfortable on the backend after some down individual performances throughout the year. At times, Dean struggled against more agile receivers and was exposed on shorter, in-breaking routes. He thrives in deeper coverage as one of the NFL's fastest corners, but isn't as strong in press coverage nor as fluid as necessary to mirror routes that break off of the vertical stem. Dean is a solid starter and far from a legitimate issue for Tampa Bay's secondary, but it wouldn't hurt to add some competition at CB No. 2 while targeting depth in general. As Arians indicated in March, the Buccaneers feel as though they do not have a drastic need. The team can draft solely based on their board of prospects and make strong positions even stronger. "This year, going into this draft is probably going to be the best player available, I mean every round, you know?" Arians said. "So it's going to be fun because there's going to be so many guys available. So it's just, you know, the beauty pageant part of it, throwing, who, we like this corner better than that back or this defensive end ... and how much can they help us on special teams right away?" If the best player available at No. 32 is a cornerback, the Bucs might benefit from selecting that player. No matter what, the room needs bodies in case of an injury or if one or more of the starters is to depart in free agency next year. Competition is also always a plus, even at positions of strength, and the cornerback could use competition arguably more than most positions on the roster. | The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have four cornerbacks on their roster currently. The team has the option to select a cornerback at No. 32 in the 2021 NFL Draft. Tampa Bay's coverage schemes favor lengthy, fast outside cornerbacks. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.si.com/nfl/buccaneers/front-office/tampa-bay-buccaneers-nfl-draft-2021-cornerback-round-one | 0.285164 |
Could Cornerback Be a Luxury Pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 32? | Tampa Bay intends to utilize the best player available strategy in the upcoming NFL Draft. One way or another, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will need to address their cornerback position in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. Tampa has four cornerbacks on its roster currently, three of which align outside and one primarily in the slot. The starters appear set with Carlton Davis III and Jamel Dean playing the boundaries while Sean Murphy-Bunting mans the slot, but depth and perhaps some competition remains a must. Herb Miller, a second-year, former undrafted free agent, is the only backup at the position. They could have the option to do so, and they might benefit from such a selection. Tampa Bay's coverage schemes favor lengthy, fast outside cornerbacks who handle man coverage well. As the Bucs' defense plays more aggressively, coordinator Todd Bowles likes to infuse press concepts. This will tend to favor a certain breed of cornerback prospects over others, at least when it comes to playing the boundary. Acknowledging the Bucs' type at corner, Virginia Tech's Caleb Farley, Northwestern's Greg Newsome II, and Georgia's Eric Stokes, among others, are considered first-to-early-second-round prospects that would make sense for Tampa Bay at No. 32. Barring a massive slip, it's unlikely that Alabama's Patrick Surtain and South Carolina's Jaycee Horn won't be available when the Bucs are on the clock. Farley is generally considered a mid-to-high first-round pick but could fall after opting out of the 2020 college football season and a recent back surgery. We've written at length about Tampa's ability to address their long-term needs on the defensive and offensive lines before, but the cornerback position provides a similar argument. Davis enjoyed a breakout, four-interceptions season in 2020 and could look to cash in next year as an imminent free agent. Dean and Murphy-Bunting's contracts are set to expire next offseason as well. Not to mention, Tampa Bay's secondary was far from perfect throughout the Super Bowl run of a 2020 season. The unit gained momentum near the end of the season and performed lights-out throughout the playoffs, but it has to be hard for the Bucs to feel totally comfortable on the backend after some down individual performances throughout the year. At times, Dean struggled against more agile receivers and was exposed on shorter, in-breaking routes. He thrives in deeper coverage as one of the NFL's fastest corners, but isn't as strong in press coverage nor as fluid as necessary to mirror routes that break off of the vertical stem. Dean is a solid starter and far from a legitimate issue for Tampa Bay's secondary, but it wouldn't hurt to add some competition at CB No. 2 while targeting depth in general. As Arians indicated in March, the Buccaneers feel as though they do not have a drastic need. The team can draft solely based on their board of prospects and make strong positions even stronger. "This year, going into this draft is probably going to be the best player available, I mean every round, you know?" Arians said. "So it's going to be fun because there's going to be so many guys available. So it's just, you know, the beauty pageant part of it, throwing, who, we like this corner better than that back or this defensive end ... and how much can they help us on special teams right away?" If the best player available at No. 32 is a cornerback, the Bucs might benefit from selecting that player. No matter what, the room needs bodies in case of an injury or if one or more of the starters is to depart in free agency next year. Competition is also always a plus, even at positions of strength, and the cornerback could use competition arguably more than most positions on the roster. | The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have four cornerbacks on their roster currently. The team has the option to select a cornerback at No. 32 in the 2021 NFL Draft. Tampa Bay's coverage schemes favor lengthy, fast outside cornerbacks who handle man coverage well, at least when it comes to playing the boundary. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.si.com/nfl/buccaneers/front-office/tampa-bay-buccaneers-nfl-draft-2021-cornerback-round-one | 0.37196 |
How Much Does Private School Really Cost & Is It Worth It? | An image of a private school classroom. Getty Images. Art: Jillian Sellers. Last year, when the pandemic shuttered schools nationwide and terrified parents everywhere were faced with Zoom school or bust, plenty of parents turned to alternative optionsfrom homeschooling pod schools to co-op private schoolsin hopes of smaller-group education that still felt like it counted as, you know, group education. And certainly some parents who got their first taste of the private school model mid-pandemic have become motivated to continue. The U.S. annual national average cost of tuition for K-12 education is $11,173, according to the organization Private School Review. The word "average" here is key, because private school costs vary widely between elementary and high school rates, and also state-by-state and even within large urban areas, depending on school type. On the lower end of the scale, private school tuition could run you about $5,279 in Iowa, while private education in Vermont is on the higher end, averaging $22,067 per year. In New York state, private school tuition averages $18,793 per year, but the elite Dalton School in New York City will set you back $55,210 (a fee that does not include After School programs, school trips, or activities). If you're looking for a school that addresses learning differences such as Aspergers, ADHD, or anxiety, private tuition can cost as much as $119,720 a year, the rate at the Glenholme School in Connecticut. The differences in resources available to private school students is stark, and these differences trickle all the way up into admission into the country's most prestigious universities. Data collected from Princeton from 2015-2018 found that, of the top 25 feeder schools to the university, only three are public schools where 15% or more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch (and even those schools were "highly selective" admission-based public schools, like Stuyvesant High School in New York City). Story continues Most recently, COVID-19 highlighted clear racial inequalities in the U.S. school system: recent data published by the Education Department's Institute of Education Sciences found significant racial disparities in school reopenings, with Black, Hispanic, and Asian students in public schools more likely to receive remote learning and to fall further behind academically than their white counterparts. A Guide for Parents and Students Black, Hispanic, and Asian students in public schools [were] more likely to receive remote learning and to fall further behind academically than their white counterparts. Sadly, no. In fact, data indicates that American schools may be more segregated now than they were at the time of Brown v. Board of Education. According to the Economic Policy Institute, only "one in eight white students (12.9%) attends a school where the majority of students are black, Hispanic, Asian, or American Indian in contrast, nearly seven in 10 black children do (69.2%)." Resource discrepancies are also huge, with seven in 10 black children (72.4%) attending a high-poverty school, compared to less than one in three white students (31.3%). The deepening of racially segregated schools around the country is harmful to kids of all racial identities. According to the National Coalition on School Diversity, "racially diverse learning environments have positive impacts on academic achievement for students of all races." While all students benefit from desegregation, some are more negatively affected by the current state of affairs. Children who attend under-resourced schools are subject to numerous negative consequences, including adverse health effects from environmentally unsound buildings. In Philadelphia, the chronic underfunding of the city's school system has led to crisis: an investigation by reporters at the Philadelphia Inquirer in 2019 found that many of the buildings in the city's school district had shockingly high levels of lead, asbestos, and other environmental hazards that are linked to illness. RELATED: Teens Turn to Social Media to Share Experiences of Racism at Private Schools And the disparities continue. Department of Education data consistently shows that Black children and children with disabilities not only are disciplined at much higher rates, but are "disproportionately referred to and arrested by police in schools," in what is known as the "school to prison pipeline." Schools are also unsafe spaces for LGBTQ studentsGLSEN's national climate survey of LGBTQ youth found that the vast majority of LGBTQ students - 86.3%experienced harassment or assault based on personal characteristics, including "sexual orientation [and/or] gender expression" as well as race, ethnicity, and disability. Needless to say, a combination of all of these identitieswhether actual or perceivedmake school a perilous place for many students. These factors have made some Black parents choose to enroll their children in predominantly Black schools. Though sometimes less resource-rich, majority Black schools have the ability to provide a positive space for Black children to be affirmed in their identities. Nationwide, white public school teachers made up the overwhelming majority (80%) in 2015-2016, while Black teachers composed only 7%. The likelihood of having a more racially diverse student body, however, increases with the school's student body racial diversity, with great benefit to students of color. According to the Center for Black Educator Development, "having at least one Black teacher early on reduces a Black student's likelihood of dropping out by up to 39%." RELATED: How to Tell Your Kids That They're the Ones Who Will Be Paying for College Reflecting this, journalist Jamilah Lemieux recently described her decision to enroll her child in a primarily Black school: "I am convinced that my child...is safest in the hands of people who know that she is a human being, who did not have to learn later in life that she is a human being, who were raised by people who look like her to love and understand people who look like her." Similarly, parents of transgender or gender non-conforming children, or parents who are members of the LGBTQ community themselves, might choose to enroll their children in progressive independent schools in areas where local or state laws are hostile to LGBTQ people. GLSEN found that nearly one-fifth of LGBTQ students reported having changed schools due to feeling unsafe or uncomfortable at school. This is a very real concern in states like South Dakota, Alabama, Texas, and 17 other states that have recently passed or are attempting to pass laws restricting the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming children by preventing them from receiving healthcare and playing sports. Given the data above, you might still be asking: "But if private school will give my child an edge up, isn't that worth it?" Well, if you're white and gender-conforming, not really. Data indicates not only that white children's academic achievement does not suffer in racially diverse schools, but that they actually benefit: Their willingness to stereotype others declines, while their ability to adapt in diverse settings increases. Writer Courtney E. Martin, whose book Learning in Public, is out later this year, describes the dilemma in a recent piece in The Nation: "Private schools do a prodigious job of marketing just how much they will train your kid to be an anti-racist systems thinker, soothing the progressive conscience. All the while, your family drains the public school system, and its predominantly Black and brown students, of much-needed resources." In other words: affluent white kids will be just fine in public schools, but not having them there puts the larger community at risk and contributes to a more polarized society. Private schools do a prodigious job of marketing just how much they will train your kid to be an anti-racist systems thinker, soothing the progressive conscience. All the while, your family drains the public school system, and its predominantly Black and brown students, of much-needed resources. While there are no easy answers to the question "is private school worth it," it is clear that making choices that only benefit our individual families will not solve the bigger problemschool inequityor the myriad societal problems that result from it. Learn more about school equity: Nice White Parents is a podcast produced by This American Life that examines issues of school equity at one school in Brooklyn, New York. Integrated Schools is a grassroots network of families around the country who are actively working to integrate schools. Center for Black Educator Development is an organization focused on increasing teacher diversity. GLSEN is an organization dedicated to creating affirming learning environments for LGBTQ youth. | The U.S. annual national average cost of tuition for K-12 education is $11,173. In New York state, private school tuition averages $18,793 per year. | bart | 1 | https://news.yahoo.com/much-does-private-school-really-202803361.html | 0.149708 |
How Much Does Private School Really Cost & Is It Worth It? | An image of a private school classroom. Getty Images. Art: Jillian Sellers. Last year, when the pandemic shuttered schools nationwide and terrified parents everywhere were faced with Zoom school or bust, plenty of parents turned to alternative optionsfrom homeschooling pod schools to co-op private schoolsin hopes of smaller-group education that still felt like it counted as, you know, group education. And certainly some parents who got their first taste of the private school model mid-pandemic have become motivated to continue. The U.S. annual national average cost of tuition for K-12 education is $11,173, according to the organization Private School Review. The word "average" here is key, because private school costs vary widely between elementary and high school rates, and also state-by-state and even within large urban areas, depending on school type. On the lower end of the scale, private school tuition could run you about $5,279 in Iowa, while private education in Vermont is on the higher end, averaging $22,067 per year. In New York state, private school tuition averages $18,793 per year, but the elite Dalton School in New York City will set you back $55,210 (a fee that does not include After School programs, school trips, or activities). If you're looking for a school that addresses learning differences such as Aspergers, ADHD, or anxiety, private tuition can cost as much as $119,720 a year, the rate at the Glenholme School in Connecticut. The differences in resources available to private school students is stark, and these differences trickle all the way up into admission into the country's most prestigious universities. Data collected from Princeton from 2015-2018 found that, of the top 25 feeder schools to the university, only three are public schools where 15% or more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch (and even those schools were "highly selective" admission-based public schools, like Stuyvesant High School in New York City). Story continues Most recently, COVID-19 highlighted clear racial inequalities in the U.S. school system: recent data published by the Education Department's Institute of Education Sciences found significant racial disparities in school reopenings, with Black, Hispanic, and Asian students in public schools more likely to receive remote learning and to fall further behind academically than their white counterparts. A Guide for Parents and Students Black, Hispanic, and Asian students in public schools [were] more likely to receive remote learning and to fall further behind academically than their white counterparts. Sadly, no. In fact, data indicates that American schools may be more segregated now than they were at the time of Brown v. Board of Education. According to the Economic Policy Institute, only "one in eight white students (12.9%) attends a school where the majority of students are black, Hispanic, Asian, or American Indian in contrast, nearly seven in 10 black children do (69.2%)." Resource discrepancies are also huge, with seven in 10 black children (72.4%) attending a high-poverty school, compared to less than one in three white students (31.3%). The deepening of racially segregated schools around the country is harmful to kids of all racial identities. According to the National Coalition on School Diversity, "racially diverse learning environments have positive impacts on academic achievement for students of all races." While all students benefit from desegregation, some are more negatively affected by the current state of affairs. Children who attend under-resourced schools are subject to numerous negative consequences, including adverse health effects from environmentally unsound buildings. In Philadelphia, the chronic underfunding of the city's school system has led to crisis: an investigation by reporters at the Philadelphia Inquirer in 2019 found that many of the buildings in the city's school district had shockingly high levels of lead, asbestos, and other environmental hazards that are linked to illness. RELATED: Teens Turn to Social Media to Share Experiences of Racism at Private Schools And the disparities continue. Department of Education data consistently shows that Black children and children with disabilities not only are disciplined at much higher rates, but are "disproportionately referred to and arrested by police in schools," in what is known as the "school to prison pipeline." Schools are also unsafe spaces for LGBTQ studentsGLSEN's national climate survey of LGBTQ youth found that the vast majority of LGBTQ students - 86.3%experienced harassment or assault based on personal characteristics, including "sexual orientation [and/or] gender expression" as well as race, ethnicity, and disability. Needless to say, a combination of all of these identitieswhether actual or perceivedmake school a perilous place for many students. These factors have made some Black parents choose to enroll their children in predominantly Black schools. Though sometimes less resource-rich, majority Black schools have the ability to provide a positive space for Black children to be affirmed in their identities. Nationwide, white public school teachers made up the overwhelming majority (80%) in 2015-2016, while Black teachers composed only 7%. The likelihood of having a more racially diverse student body, however, increases with the school's student body racial diversity, with great benefit to students of color. According to the Center for Black Educator Development, "having at least one Black teacher early on reduces a Black student's likelihood of dropping out by up to 39%." RELATED: How to Tell Your Kids That They're the Ones Who Will Be Paying for College Reflecting this, journalist Jamilah Lemieux recently described her decision to enroll her child in a primarily Black school: "I am convinced that my child...is safest in the hands of people who know that she is a human being, who did not have to learn later in life that she is a human being, who were raised by people who look like her to love and understand people who look like her." Similarly, parents of transgender or gender non-conforming children, or parents who are members of the LGBTQ community themselves, might choose to enroll their children in progressive independent schools in areas where local or state laws are hostile to LGBTQ people. GLSEN found that nearly one-fifth of LGBTQ students reported having changed schools due to feeling unsafe or uncomfortable at school. This is a very real concern in states like South Dakota, Alabama, Texas, and 17 other states that have recently passed or are attempting to pass laws restricting the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming children by preventing them from receiving healthcare and playing sports. Given the data above, you might still be asking: "But if private school will give my child an edge up, isn't that worth it?" Well, if you're white and gender-conforming, not really. Data indicates not only that white children's academic achievement does not suffer in racially diverse schools, but that they actually benefit: Their willingness to stereotype others declines, while their ability to adapt in diverse settings increases. Writer Courtney E. Martin, whose book Learning in Public, is out later this year, describes the dilemma in a recent piece in The Nation: "Private schools do a prodigious job of marketing just how much they will train your kid to be an anti-racist systems thinker, soothing the progressive conscience. All the while, your family drains the public school system, and its predominantly Black and brown students, of much-needed resources." In other words: affluent white kids will be just fine in public schools, but not having them there puts the larger community at risk and contributes to a more polarized society. Private schools do a prodigious job of marketing just how much they will train your kid to be an anti-racist systems thinker, soothing the progressive conscience. All the while, your family drains the public school system, and its predominantly Black and brown students, of much-needed resources. While there are no easy answers to the question "is private school worth it," it is clear that making choices that only benefit our individual families will not solve the bigger problemschool inequityor the myriad societal problems that result from it. Learn more about school equity: Nice White Parents is a podcast produced by This American Life that examines issues of school equity at one school in Brooklyn, New York. Integrated Schools is a grassroots network of families around the country who are actively working to integrate schools. Center for Black Educator Development is an organization focused on increasing teacher diversity. GLSEN is an organization dedicated to creating affirming learning environments for LGBTQ youth. | The U.S. annual national average cost of tuition for K-12 education is $11,173. On the lower end of the scale, private school tuition could run you about $5,279 in Iowa. If you're looking for a school that addresses learning differences, private tuition can cost as much as $119,720 a year. | pegasus | 2 | https://news.yahoo.com/much-does-private-school-really-202803361.html | 0.299047 |
Will Zalatoris is likely in the final group of the Masters on Saturday. Who is he? | Will Zalatoris hits to the 13th green during the second round of the Masters golf tournament on Friday, April 9, 2021, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) AP Less than two years ago, former Wake Forest golfer Will Zalatoris was ranked outside the top 1,000 in the world, trying to make ends meet and trying to live out his dream of playing professional golf. On Saturday, he will be in the final group during the third round of the 2021 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. Closing with three straight birdies and a blistering 5-under 31 on the back nine, Zalatoris forced his way into Saturdays final group alongside leader Justin Rose with a second-round 68 to go with his opening 70 on Thursday. Rose is at 7-under, Zalatoris is one back, tied with Brian Harman at 6-under. Jordan Spieth, Marc Leishman and Hideki Matsuyama are at 5-under, two back. But the story of the second round was Zalatoris, who finished the 2019 season 60th in regular-season points despite starting the year with no official tour status. He finished 45th that year in the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. Later in 2020, still with no official PGA Tour status, he won his first professional title on the Korn Ferry Tour, which qualified him for the U.S. Open at Winged Foot. He finished tied for sixth there and has posted four top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour since, leading to gaining late entry to the Masters with his top-50 world ranking. This is his first competitive start at Augusta National, and his third appearance in a major. His round Friday was benign on the front, with a bogey on the ninth hole the only non-par of his outward nine. But the magic started to happen on the back. Back-to-back birdies on 11 and 12 pushed him to 1-under for the day, setting up a rare birdie-birdie-birdie finish. He got that rolling by stuffing his tee shot on the par-3 16th and making a mid-range breaker. On 17, he had nearly the identical putt for another birdie. Seventeen, was a very similar putt, just about a half cup out left and hit a pretty good stroke again, Zalatoris told the ESPN broadcast team after the round. I think I one-putted every green on the back, he said. A little of that, too, was putting myself in the right spots. On 18, Zalatoris ripped a drive down the middle of the fairway. And long. I caught that tee shot pretty good, Zalatoris said. I knew right when I hit it it was going to be a perfect number. Obviously, great to give myself a chance to be in the final group. His approach landed just past the flag and spun back to about five feet, and he made that one, too, closing with a 31 on the back nine. I think just enjoy it, Zalatoris said. Ive said a lot, its a lot of gratitude. You know, 17 months ago I didnt have status anywhere, so obviously to be here, its a childhood dream, and to be hopefully in the final group on Saturday is pretty cool. Zalatoris, from Plano, Texas, also had a successful amateur career, winning the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2014 and playing on the 2017 U.S. Walker Cup team. | Will Zalatoris was ranked outside the top 1,000 in the world less than two years ago. He will be in the final group during the third round of the 2021 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. | bart | 1 | https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/other-sports/pga-championship/article250564779.html | 0.103161 |
Will Zalatoris is likely in the final group of the Masters on Saturday. Who is he? | Will Zalatoris hits to the 13th green during the second round of the Masters golf tournament on Friday, April 9, 2021, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) AP Less than two years ago, former Wake Forest golfer Will Zalatoris was ranked outside the top 1,000 in the world, trying to make ends meet and trying to live out his dream of playing professional golf. On Saturday, he will be in the final group during the third round of the 2021 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. Closing with three straight birdies and a blistering 5-under 31 on the back nine, Zalatoris forced his way into Saturdays final group alongside leader Justin Rose with a second-round 68 to go with his opening 70 on Thursday. Rose is at 7-under, Zalatoris is one back, tied with Brian Harman at 6-under. Jordan Spieth, Marc Leishman and Hideki Matsuyama are at 5-under, two back. But the story of the second round was Zalatoris, who finished the 2019 season 60th in regular-season points despite starting the year with no official tour status. He finished 45th that year in the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. Later in 2020, still with no official PGA Tour status, he won his first professional title on the Korn Ferry Tour, which qualified him for the U.S. Open at Winged Foot. He finished tied for sixth there and has posted four top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour since, leading to gaining late entry to the Masters with his top-50 world ranking. This is his first competitive start at Augusta National, and his third appearance in a major. His round Friday was benign on the front, with a bogey on the ninth hole the only non-par of his outward nine. But the magic started to happen on the back. Back-to-back birdies on 11 and 12 pushed him to 1-under for the day, setting up a rare birdie-birdie-birdie finish. He got that rolling by stuffing his tee shot on the par-3 16th and making a mid-range breaker. On 17, he had nearly the identical putt for another birdie. Seventeen, was a very similar putt, just about a half cup out left and hit a pretty good stroke again, Zalatoris told the ESPN broadcast team after the round. I think I one-putted every green on the back, he said. A little of that, too, was putting myself in the right spots. On 18, Zalatoris ripped a drive down the middle of the fairway. And long. I caught that tee shot pretty good, Zalatoris said. I knew right when I hit it it was going to be a perfect number. Obviously, great to give myself a chance to be in the final group. His approach landed just past the flag and spun back to about five feet, and he made that one, too, closing with a 31 on the back nine. I think just enjoy it, Zalatoris said. Ive said a lot, its a lot of gratitude. You know, 17 months ago I didnt have status anywhere, so obviously to be here, its a childhood dream, and to be hopefully in the final group on Saturday is pretty cool. Zalatoris, from Plano, Texas, also had a successful amateur career, winning the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2014 and playing on the 2017 U.S. Walker Cup team. | Will Zalatoris was ranked outside the top 1,000 in the world less than two years ago. He will be in the final group during the third round of the 2021 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. The former Wake Forest golfer is one back, tied with Brian Harman at 6-under. | bart | 2 | https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/other-sports/pga-championship/article250564779.html | 0.176383 |
Can Louis retire now, maintain his desired lifestyle and still leave a substantial estate? | Open this photo in gallery Maureen and Louis. Tijana Martin/The Globe and Mail After years of working to provide a comfortable lifestyle for his wife and two children, Louis is feeling the strain of his high-pressure, $275,000-a-year managerial job. He wants to retire this coming December, but he worries it might mean he cant meet two goals that seem equally important to him and Maureen: to maintain their high standard of living throughout their retirement years and leave a substantial estate for their children, including their lakefront recreational property. The children, both in their early 20s, are living at home. By year end, his target retirement date, Louis will be 59. His wife Maureen, who has stayed home for the past 20 years to raise the children and manage the household, will be 53. They hope to keep their Toronto-area house for another few years and then sell it and perhaps rent a place in town or even move full-time to their lakefront second home. The wild card is the anticipated $2-million inheritance Louis stands to eventually receive from his parents. Can we afford to carry $12,000 a month in expenditures in retirement given our situation? Louis asks in an e-mail. Their retirement spending goal is $144,000 a year after tax. Story continues below advertisement We asked Warren MacKenzie, head of financial planning at Optimize Wealth Management in Toronto, to look at Louis and Maureens situation. What the expert says Estate planning is first and foremost about clarifying goals, Mr. MacKenzie says. So Louis and Maureen have to decide which is most important to them: leaving a large estate for their children or living comfortably now and in their old age, he says. Once that decision is made, the question about retiring at the end of the year is easy. The plan is to leave the two children the lakefront property, valued at $1.8-million, and $200,000 each in cash with todays purchasing power. It is possible that they might be able to spend at this level and also leave a large estate, but this would require uninterrupted high investment returns (at least 6 per cent, or 4 per cent plus the rate of inflation), Louis receiving the full amount of an anticipated inheritance from his parents of $2-million and no unexpected expenses or investment losses, Mr. MacKenzie says. With about $4.8-million of assets, retiring and spending at the desired level is not an issue, the planner says. But if leaving a large estate is a very important goal, Louis will need to work until age 65, he adds. They need to make a choice: retire and enjoy life or continue to work so they can leave their children a larger estate. Most of the couples net worth is tied up in real estate, so if Louis chooses to retire now, their retirement plan will have to include selling either their cottage or their home at some point. Their registered retirement savings plans can sustain them for about 10 years, but then they will have to sell one or both properties, or refinance the properties using the reverse mortgage option, Mr. MacKenzie says. If their No. 1 goal is to leave the largest possible estate, then the appropriate course of action is for them to cut back on their personal spending and for Louis to continue working for as long as possible. Story continues below advertisement They might want to consider tax-exempt, joint and last to die whole life insurance, which in many cases is the way to maximize the amount the beneficiaries will receive upon the death of the insured, the planner says. However, if helping their children financially is their most important goal, they could also consider giving them part of their inheritance in advance so they get to enjoy seeing the good they can do while providing financial assistance when the children likely need it the most. The main long-term impact of all their spending decisions is simply that theyll leave a slightly larger or a slightly small estate. They should also realize that with the exception of the possible need for health care, the level of spending usually declines as people age, Mr. MacKenzie says. Another thing for Louis to consider is what he plans to do after he leaves the working world. Before handing in his resignation, Louis should remember that individuals who have enjoyed success and who have been in leadership roles often get bored in retirement. Louis might want to consider working as a part-time consultant, either for money or as a volunteer for a charity. With regard to Louiss investment portfolio, even though the stock markets are near record highs, he says he is still comfortable with 70 per cent of his portfolio being in stocks and is not worried about ups and downs in the markets. However, Louis should bear in mind that an individuals tolerance for risk changes when they are retired. Given that he can retire now with an average return of 4 per cent, Louis should consider moving to a 50/50 stocks and bonds asset mix. He could further reduce volatility by having some exposure to private equity and private debt, which are less volatile than publicly traded markets, the planner says. Even if Louis decides to work longer so he can leave the cottage plus a sum of money to each of their children, they need to realize that when their children get married, sharing a cottage is frequently a source of conflict between siblings, Mr. MacKenzie says. Story continues below advertisement With regard to Louiss anticipated $2-million inheritance, it may be less after taxes are paid on the estate. The parents investments are largely in registered retirement income funds. After they both have died, the balance of the RRIFs will likely attract tax of close to 50 per cent, Mr. MacKenzie says. Louiss parents also have a cottage on which the estate will have to pay capital gains tax. It is also possible that they may live to age 100 and require expensive nursing home care, he says. From an income tax point of view, there are a few things Louis and Maureen should consider, the planner says. For tax purposes they should plan to split their Canada Pension Plan benefits. Assuming they eventually decide to sell their house or cottage, theyll have more than enough money to use up the unused contribution room in their tax-free savings accounts. By maximizing their contribution to their TFSAs this will allow them to shelter from tax the future investment income that will be earned on this portion of their capital. As well, if Louis retires this year and they convert their RRSPs to RRIFs, they will both be able to get the benefit of the pension income deduction when Maureen is 55. They would also be paying tax at a lower rate than would be the case if the funds were withdrawn later when they are receiving CPP and Old Age Security benefits, as well as RRIF income, Mr. MacKenzie says. Client situation The people: Louis, 58; Maureen, 52; and their two children. Story continues below advertisement The plan: Choose between an early retirement and leaving a large estate. If leaving a large estate is the most important thing, plan to work five more years. Since the market is near record highs, consider moving to a lower-risk asset mix. The payoff: Success in achieving the most important goal, whatever it is. Monthly net income: $14,900 Assets: Bank accounts $100,000; his RRSPs $700,000, her RRSP $600,000; residence $1.59-million; cottage $1.8-million. Total: $4.8-million Monthly outlays: Mortgage $3,575; property taxes $875, home insurance $300, utilities, heating and maintenance $650; car lease payments $1,300; car insurance $600; car fuel and maintenance $625; groceries $1,200; clothing $200; gifting $100; vacations and travel $500; alcohol and tobacco $500; personal care, dining out, entertainment $600; health care $300; TV, phones, internet $700. E-mail finfacelift@gmail.com. Some details may be changed to protect the privacy of the persons profiled. Be smart with your money. Get the latest investing insights delivered right to your inbox three times a week, with the Globe Investor newsletter. Sign up today. | Louis and Maureen are planning to retire at the end of the year. They want to leave a substantial estate for their children. | ctrlsum | 0 | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/retirement/article-can-louis-retire-now-maintain-his-desired-lifestyle-and-still-leave-a/ | 0.421372 |
Can Louis retire now, maintain his desired lifestyle and still leave a substantial estate? | Open this photo in gallery Maureen and Louis. Tijana Martin/The Globe and Mail After years of working to provide a comfortable lifestyle for his wife and two children, Louis is feeling the strain of his high-pressure, $275,000-a-year managerial job. He wants to retire this coming December, but he worries it might mean he cant meet two goals that seem equally important to him and Maureen: to maintain their high standard of living throughout their retirement years and leave a substantial estate for their children, including their lakefront recreational property. The children, both in their early 20s, are living at home. By year end, his target retirement date, Louis will be 59. His wife Maureen, who has stayed home for the past 20 years to raise the children and manage the household, will be 53. They hope to keep their Toronto-area house for another few years and then sell it and perhaps rent a place in town or even move full-time to their lakefront second home. The wild card is the anticipated $2-million inheritance Louis stands to eventually receive from his parents. Can we afford to carry $12,000 a month in expenditures in retirement given our situation? Louis asks in an e-mail. Their retirement spending goal is $144,000 a year after tax. Story continues below advertisement We asked Warren MacKenzie, head of financial planning at Optimize Wealth Management in Toronto, to look at Louis and Maureens situation. What the expert says Estate planning is first and foremost about clarifying goals, Mr. MacKenzie says. So Louis and Maureen have to decide which is most important to them: leaving a large estate for their children or living comfortably now and in their old age, he says. Once that decision is made, the question about retiring at the end of the year is easy. The plan is to leave the two children the lakefront property, valued at $1.8-million, and $200,000 each in cash with todays purchasing power. It is possible that they might be able to spend at this level and also leave a large estate, but this would require uninterrupted high investment returns (at least 6 per cent, or 4 per cent plus the rate of inflation), Louis receiving the full amount of an anticipated inheritance from his parents of $2-million and no unexpected expenses or investment losses, Mr. MacKenzie says. With about $4.8-million of assets, retiring and spending at the desired level is not an issue, the planner says. But if leaving a large estate is a very important goal, Louis will need to work until age 65, he adds. They need to make a choice: retire and enjoy life or continue to work so they can leave their children a larger estate. Most of the couples net worth is tied up in real estate, so if Louis chooses to retire now, their retirement plan will have to include selling either their cottage or their home at some point. Their registered retirement savings plans can sustain them for about 10 years, but then they will have to sell one or both properties, or refinance the properties using the reverse mortgage option, Mr. MacKenzie says. If their No. 1 goal is to leave the largest possible estate, then the appropriate course of action is for them to cut back on their personal spending and for Louis to continue working for as long as possible. Story continues below advertisement They might want to consider tax-exempt, joint and last to die whole life insurance, which in many cases is the way to maximize the amount the beneficiaries will receive upon the death of the insured, the planner says. However, if helping their children financially is their most important goal, they could also consider giving them part of their inheritance in advance so they get to enjoy seeing the good they can do while providing financial assistance when the children likely need it the most. The main long-term impact of all their spending decisions is simply that theyll leave a slightly larger or a slightly small estate. They should also realize that with the exception of the possible need for health care, the level of spending usually declines as people age, Mr. MacKenzie says. Another thing for Louis to consider is what he plans to do after he leaves the working world. Before handing in his resignation, Louis should remember that individuals who have enjoyed success and who have been in leadership roles often get bored in retirement. Louis might want to consider working as a part-time consultant, either for money or as a volunteer for a charity. With regard to Louiss investment portfolio, even though the stock markets are near record highs, he says he is still comfortable with 70 per cent of his portfolio being in stocks and is not worried about ups and downs in the markets. However, Louis should bear in mind that an individuals tolerance for risk changes when they are retired. Given that he can retire now with an average return of 4 per cent, Louis should consider moving to a 50/50 stocks and bonds asset mix. He could further reduce volatility by having some exposure to private equity and private debt, which are less volatile than publicly traded markets, the planner says. Even if Louis decides to work longer so he can leave the cottage plus a sum of money to each of their children, they need to realize that when their children get married, sharing a cottage is frequently a source of conflict between siblings, Mr. MacKenzie says. Story continues below advertisement With regard to Louiss anticipated $2-million inheritance, it may be less after taxes are paid on the estate. The parents investments are largely in registered retirement income funds. After they both have died, the balance of the RRIFs will likely attract tax of close to 50 per cent, Mr. MacKenzie says. Louiss parents also have a cottage on which the estate will have to pay capital gains tax. It is also possible that they may live to age 100 and require expensive nursing home care, he says. From an income tax point of view, there are a few things Louis and Maureen should consider, the planner says. For tax purposes they should plan to split their Canada Pension Plan benefits. Assuming they eventually decide to sell their house or cottage, theyll have more than enough money to use up the unused contribution room in their tax-free savings accounts. By maximizing their contribution to their TFSAs this will allow them to shelter from tax the future investment income that will be earned on this portion of their capital. As well, if Louis retires this year and they convert their RRSPs to RRIFs, they will both be able to get the benefit of the pension income deduction when Maureen is 55. They would also be paying tax at a lower rate than would be the case if the funds were withdrawn later when they are receiving CPP and Old Age Security benefits, as well as RRIF income, Mr. MacKenzie says. Client situation The people: Louis, 58; Maureen, 52; and their two children. Story continues below advertisement The plan: Choose between an early retirement and leaving a large estate. If leaving a large estate is the most important thing, plan to work five more years. Since the market is near record highs, consider moving to a lower-risk asset mix. The payoff: Success in achieving the most important goal, whatever it is. Monthly net income: $14,900 Assets: Bank accounts $100,000; his RRSPs $700,000, her RRSP $600,000; residence $1.59-million; cottage $1.8-million. Total: $4.8-million Monthly outlays: Mortgage $3,575; property taxes $875, home insurance $300, utilities, heating and maintenance $650; car lease payments $1,300; car insurance $600; car fuel and maintenance $625; groceries $1,200; clothing $200; gifting $100; vacations and travel $500; alcohol and tobacco $500; personal care, dining out, entertainment $600; health care $300; TV, phones, internet $700. E-mail finfacelift@gmail.com. Some details may be changed to protect the privacy of the persons profiled. Be smart with your money. Get the latest investing insights delivered right to your inbox three times a week, with the Globe Investor newsletter. Sign up today. | Louis and Maureen are planning to retire at the end of the year. They want to leave a substantial estate for their two children, both in their early 20s. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/retirement/article-can-louis-retire-now-maintain-his-desired-lifestyle-and-still-leave-a/ | 0.425648 |
Can Louis retire now, maintain his desired lifestyle and still leave a substantial estate? | Open this photo in gallery Maureen and Louis. Tijana Martin/The Globe and Mail After years of working to provide a comfortable lifestyle for his wife and two children, Louis is feeling the strain of his high-pressure, $275,000-a-year managerial job. He wants to retire this coming December, but he worries it might mean he cant meet two goals that seem equally important to him and Maureen: to maintain their high standard of living throughout their retirement years and leave a substantial estate for their children, including their lakefront recreational property. The children, both in their early 20s, are living at home. By year end, his target retirement date, Louis will be 59. His wife Maureen, who has stayed home for the past 20 years to raise the children and manage the household, will be 53. They hope to keep their Toronto-area house for another few years and then sell it and perhaps rent a place in town or even move full-time to their lakefront second home. The wild card is the anticipated $2-million inheritance Louis stands to eventually receive from his parents. Can we afford to carry $12,000 a month in expenditures in retirement given our situation? Louis asks in an e-mail. Their retirement spending goal is $144,000 a year after tax. Story continues below advertisement We asked Warren MacKenzie, head of financial planning at Optimize Wealth Management in Toronto, to look at Louis and Maureens situation. What the expert says Estate planning is first and foremost about clarifying goals, Mr. MacKenzie says. So Louis and Maureen have to decide which is most important to them: leaving a large estate for their children or living comfortably now and in their old age, he says. Once that decision is made, the question about retiring at the end of the year is easy. The plan is to leave the two children the lakefront property, valued at $1.8-million, and $200,000 each in cash with todays purchasing power. It is possible that they might be able to spend at this level and also leave a large estate, but this would require uninterrupted high investment returns (at least 6 per cent, or 4 per cent plus the rate of inflation), Louis receiving the full amount of an anticipated inheritance from his parents of $2-million and no unexpected expenses or investment losses, Mr. MacKenzie says. With about $4.8-million of assets, retiring and spending at the desired level is not an issue, the planner says. But if leaving a large estate is a very important goal, Louis will need to work until age 65, he adds. They need to make a choice: retire and enjoy life or continue to work so they can leave their children a larger estate. Most of the couples net worth is tied up in real estate, so if Louis chooses to retire now, their retirement plan will have to include selling either their cottage or their home at some point. Their registered retirement savings plans can sustain them for about 10 years, but then they will have to sell one or both properties, or refinance the properties using the reverse mortgage option, Mr. MacKenzie says. If their No. 1 goal is to leave the largest possible estate, then the appropriate course of action is for them to cut back on their personal spending and for Louis to continue working for as long as possible. Story continues below advertisement They might want to consider tax-exempt, joint and last to die whole life insurance, which in many cases is the way to maximize the amount the beneficiaries will receive upon the death of the insured, the planner says. However, if helping their children financially is their most important goal, they could also consider giving them part of their inheritance in advance so they get to enjoy seeing the good they can do while providing financial assistance when the children likely need it the most. The main long-term impact of all their spending decisions is simply that theyll leave a slightly larger or a slightly small estate. They should also realize that with the exception of the possible need for health care, the level of spending usually declines as people age, Mr. MacKenzie says. Another thing for Louis to consider is what he plans to do after he leaves the working world. Before handing in his resignation, Louis should remember that individuals who have enjoyed success and who have been in leadership roles often get bored in retirement. Louis might want to consider working as a part-time consultant, either for money or as a volunteer for a charity. With regard to Louiss investment portfolio, even though the stock markets are near record highs, he says he is still comfortable with 70 per cent of his portfolio being in stocks and is not worried about ups and downs in the markets. However, Louis should bear in mind that an individuals tolerance for risk changes when they are retired. Given that he can retire now with an average return of 4 per cent, Louis should consider moving to a 50/50 stocks and bonds asset mix. He could further reduce volatility by having some exposure to private equity and private debt, which are less volatile than publicly traded markets, the planner says. Even if Louis decides to work longer so he can leave the cottage plus a sum of money to each of their children, they need to realize that when their children get married, sharing a cottage is frequently a source of conflict between siblings, Mr. MacKenzie says. Story continues below advertisement With regard to Louiss anticipated $2-million inheritance, it may be less after taxes are paid on the estate. The parents investments are largely in registered retirement income funds. After they both have died, the balance of the RRIFs will likely attract tax of close to 50 per cent, Mr. MacKenzie says. Louiss parents also have a cottage on which the estate will have to pay capital gains tax. It is also possible that they may live to age 100 and require expensive nursing home care, he says. From an income tax point of view, there are a few things Louis and Maureen should consider, the planner says. For tax purposes they should plan to split their Canada Pension Plan benefits. Assuming they eventually decide to sell their house or cottage, theyll have more than enough money to use up the unused contribution room in their tax-free savings accounts. By maximizing their contribution to their TFSAs this will allow them to shelter from tax the future investment income that will be earned on this portion of their capital. As well, if Louis retires this year and they convert their RRSPs to RRIFs, they will both be able to get the benefit of the pension income deduction when Maureen is 55. They would also be paying tax at a lower rate than would be the case if the funds were withdrawn later when they are receiving CPP and Old Age Security benefits, as well as RRIF income, Mr. MacKenzie says. Client situation The people: Louis, 58; Maureen, 52; and their two children. Story continues below advertisement The plan: Choose between an early retirement and leaving a large estate. If leaving a large estate is the most important thing, plan to work five more years. Since the market is near record highs, consider moving to a lower-risk asset mix. The payoff: Success in achieving the most important goal, whatever it is. Monthly net income: $14,900 Assets: Bank accounts $100,000; his RRSPs $700,000, her RRSP $600,000; residence $1.59-million; cottage $1.8-million. Total: $4.8-million Monthly outlays: Mortgage $3,575; property taxes $875, home insurance $300, utilities, heating and maintenance $650; car lease payments $1,300; car insurance $600; car fuel and maintenance $625; groceries $1,200; clothing $200; gifting $100; vacations and travel $500; alcohol and tobacco $500; personal care, dining out, entertainment $600; health care $300; TV, phones, internet $700. E-mail finfacelift@gmail.com. Some details may be changed to protect the privacy of the persons profiled. Be smart with your money. Get the latest investing insights delivered right to your inbox three times a week, with the Globe Investor newsletter. Sign up today. | Louis and Maureen are planning to retire at the end of the year. They want to leave a large estate for their two children, both in their early 20s. Expert: Retiring and spending at the desired level is not an issue, with $4.8-million of assets. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/retirement/article-can-louis-retire-now-maintain-his-desired-lifestyle-and-still-leave-a/ | 0.373331 |
Does Damarious Randall Signing Slam Door on Potential Richard Sherman, Seahawks Reunion? | On the surface, bringing Randall back and emphasizing a change back to his original position would suggest the Seahawks have plans for him. But it remains unclear whether his return takes the team out of the running for Sherman's services. Several days after the veteran defensive back hinted he would be re-signing with the team, the Seahawks officially brought back Damarious Randall on a one-year deal on Wednesday, explicitly listing him as a cornerback instead of a safety. This development may or may not be a significant one, as Seattle lost both of its 2020 projected starters at the position, Shaquill Griffin and Quinton Dunbar, to the Jacksonville and Detroit in free agency. With both players departing, the team only has three players in D.J. Reed, Tre Flowers, and recently-signed Ahkello Witherspoon with 10 or more career NFL starts under their belts. None of those players are under contract beyond 2021. Behind those three, the Seahawks have a major dearth in talent and experience. Jordan Miller, who signed to a reserve/future contract, played sparingly in 11 games for the Falcons in 2019 and 2020, while Gavin Heslop dressed for a single game as a practice squad promotion last season. With these depth concerns evident, it's not surprising Seattle has made it clear the team intends to move Randall back to his natural position for the 2021 season. Coming out of Arizona State, he was selected by the Packers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft and started 30 games at cornerback over three seasons, giving him a major experience advantage. From a size perspective, Randall doesn't fit what Seattle has typically looked for on the outside. He's only 5-foot-11, weighing 196 pounds with 30 1/4-inch arms, which falls well below the team's threshold of 32 inches. This has typically been a deal-breaker playing on the outside in the team's scheme. In contrast, Randall passed all of the Seahawks athletic testing criterion with flying colors at the 2015 NFL combine, including posting a 38-inch vertical jump and running the 3-cone drill in 6.83 seconds. In addition, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds and produced 14 bench press reps. Between the lines, Randall flashed at times in Green Bay, showing off the ball skills that made him a star for the Sun Devils in the Pac 12. He amassed 10 interceptions and 32 passes defensed in three seasons, proving himself to be a playmaker in the secondary. He also had a pair of picks in five playoff games. However, Randall's aggressive nature left him susceptible to big plays, as he allowed at least 13 yards per reception each of those seasons. Per Pro Football Focus, he also allowed 18 touchdown receptions in coverage, including surrendering 10 touchdowns in 2016 alone. While Randall is still only 28 years old, such shaky production over an extended period suggests he is not an NFL-starter caliber player. But coach Pete Carroll also loves reclamation projects and he's widely viewed as the Godfather when it comes to coaching defensive backs, so he clearly sees something he believes he can work with. As for Sherman, the four-time First-Team All-Pro cornerback is still a free agent and indicated on the Chris Collinsworth Podcast he doesn't expect to sign with a team until after the draft concludes later this month. Well, apparently we got to wait til the draft happens before anything else shakes out, because everybody has their hopes and dreams in the draft, which is understandable," Sherman remarked. You turn 33, and then its like, Well wait until we get a young pup; and if we cant get a young pup, well take an old fool. So thats where were sitting. Sherman, who turned 33 in March, recently finished up a three-year, $31 million contract with the 49ers. Due to the lowered salary cap, the team was up front with the veteran defender that he likely wouldn't be back due to cost and instead re-signed Jason Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley, who are expected to be the starters next year. Coming off a season in which he only played in five games due to a calf injury, like many aging veterans who haven't signed the dotted line yet, Sherman may need to settle for far less money on a one-year deal. Waiting until after the draft commences may help generate better offers in his favor from teams that fail to address the cornerback position. While it is a possibility until he signs elsewhere, though Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported Sherman would be "open" to returning and the organization had mutual interest, nothing has happened to this point. In the short-term, Seattle could certainly use an upgrade at the position and when healthy, Sherman is still arguably a top-15 cornerback. He's only two years removed from a Second-Team All-Pro selection in San Francisco and earned the highest grade from Pro Football Focus (88.9) that season. After helping guide the team to its first Super Bowl title, he's a true franchise pillar who most fans would be more than happy to welcome back with open arms. But in an offseason that has already been dominated by talk about Russell Wilson's discontent with the organization, there would be risk bringing a vocal character like Sherman. There's plenty of evidence the two stars didn't get along, including Sherman reportedly yelling "you f***** suck!" at Wilson after intercepting a pass in practice back in June 2014. He also maintained animosity towards the signal caller after his decisive game-ending interception in Super Bowl XLIX among other things. Though Sherman's Achilles tear and high-priced contract played a role in the decision to cut him after the 2017 season, reports surfaced indicating the team made the move in an effort to help clean up the locker room. Defensive end Michael Bennett was also traded to the Eagles around the same time as part of a substantial roster purging after the team missed the playoffs for the first time in six years. When asked about his thoughts on the potential of Sherman returning to the Seahawks, former NFL head coach Jim Mora Jr. stated that without knowing all the facts about the relationship between Wilson and Sherman, it's tough to tell if it's plausible or not. From his perspective, that dynamic should be the biggest factor in such a decision. "If there is any sense that there's a divide there between those two, that they are not in concert, then you don't want to go down that road," Mora said. "But if it's something that's a little better over blown and made up and maybe in the background they are close friends, then you can do that." While he holds Sherman in the highest regard and already has cemented his status as a Hall of Famer in his book, Mora believes the risks outweigh the rewards in this instance. Considering the drama around Wilson seems to be "simmering down," he thinks the Seahawks would be wise to steer clear of a reunion with four-alarm fire potential. "I would say that sometimes when you go and get re-married, it's not always the happiest of outcomes," Mora stated. "I think they should move on and I don't say that out of disrespect for Richard Sherman because he's one of my favorite corners of all-time. I love him watching him play, his mindset, I love everything about him." If there's any chance there could be an issue in the locker room, you really need to avoid that." For now, due to limited cap room, Seattle looks poised to roll into a new season with Reed, Flowers, Witherspoon, and Randall as the team's top four corners, leaving plenty of question marks at a critical position in Carroll's scheme. Despite limited draft capital, another player could be added to the mix in the draft as well. But these situations are always fluid and without knowing where things stand relationship-wise between Sherman and the Seahawks, the chances of a reunion can't be completely ruled out. If his price keeps plunging and the organization feels confident about his locker room fit, it could be the best move for both parties later in the offseason. | The Seahawks re-signed Damarious Randall to a one-year deal on Wednesday. Signing Randall doesn't seem to slam the door on a potential Richard Sherman reunion. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.si.com/nfl/seahawks/gm-report/does-damarious-randall-signing-slam-door-on-potential-richard-sherman-seahawks-reunion | 0.219146 |
Does Damarious Randall Signing Slam Door on Potential Richard Sherman, Seahawks Reunion? | On the surface, bringing Randall back and emphasizing a change back to his original position would suggest the Seahawks have plans for him. But it remains unclear whether his return takes the team out of the running for Sherman's services. Several days after the veteran defensive back hinted he would be re-signing with the team, the Seahawks officially brought back Damarious Randall on a one-year deal on Wednesday, explicitly listing him as a cornerback instead of a safety. This development may or may not be a significant one, as Seattle lost both of its 2020 projected starters at the position, Shaquill Griffin and Quinton Dunbar, to the Jacksonville and Detroit in free agency. With both players departing, the team only has three players in D.J. Reed, Tre Flowers, and recently-signed Ahkello Witherspoon with 10 or more career NFL starts under their belts. None of those players are under contract beyond 2021. Behind those three, the Seahawks have a major dearth in talent and experience. Jordan Miller, who signed to a reserve/future contract, played sparingly in 11 games for the Falcons in 2019 and 2020, while Gavin Heslop dressed for a single game as a practice squad promotion last season. With these depth concerns evident, it's not surprising Seattle has made it clear the team intends to move Randall back to his natural position for the 2021 season. Coming out of Arizona State, he was selected by the Packers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft and started 30 games at cornerback over three seasons, giving him a major experience advantage. From a size perspective, Randall doesn't fit what Seattle has typically looked for on the outside. He's only 5-foot-11, weighing 196 pounds with 30 1/4-inch arms, which falls well below the team's threshold of 32 inches. This has typically been a deal-breaker playing on the outside in the team's scheme. In contrast, Randall passed all of the Seahawks athletic testing criterion with flying colors at the 2015 NFL combine, including posting a 38-inch vertical jump and running the 3-cone drill in 6.83 seconds. In addition, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds and produced 14 bench press reps. Between the lines, Randall flashed at times in Green Bay, showing off the ball skills that made him a star for the Sun Devils in the Pac 12. He amassed 10 interceptions and 32 passes defensed in three seasons, proving himself to be a playmaker in the secondary. He also had a pair of picks in five playoff games. However, Randall's aggressive nature left him susceptible to big plays, as he allowed at least 13 yards per reception each of those seasons. Per Pro Football Focus, he also allowed 18 touchdown receptions in coverage, including surrendering 10 touchdowns in 2016 alone. While Randall is still only 28 years old, such shaky production over an extended period suggests he is not an NFL-starter caliber player. But coach Pete Carroll also loves reclamation projects and he's widely viewed as the Godfather when it comes to coaching defensive backs, so he clearly sees something he believes he can work with. As for Sherman, the four-time First-Team All-Pro cornerback is still a free agent and indicated on the Chris Collinsworth Podcast he doesn't expect to sign with a team until after the draft concludes later this month. Well, apparently we got to wait til the draft happens before anything else shakes out, because everybody has their hopes and dreams in the draft, which is understandable," Sherman remarked. You turn 33, and then its like, Well wait until we get a young pup; and if we cant get a young pup, well take an old fool. So thats where were sitting. Sherman, who turned 33 in March, recently finished up a three-year, $31 million contract with the 49ers. Due to the lowered salary cap, the team was up front with the veteran defender that he likely wouldn't be back due to cost and instead re-signed Jason Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley, who are expected to be the starters next year. Coming off a season in which he only played in five games due to a calf injury, like many aging veterans who haven't signed the dotted line yet, Sherman may need to settle for far less money on a one-year deal. Waiting until after the draft commences may help generate better offers in his favor from teams that fail to address the cornerback position. While it is a possibility until he signs elsewhere, though Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported Sherman would be "open" to returning and the organization had mutual interest, nothing has happened to this point. In the short-term, Seattle could certainly use an upgrade at the position and when healthy, Sherman is still arguably a top-15 cornerback. He's only two years removed from a Second-Team All-Pro selection in San Francisco and earned the highest grade from Pro Football Focus (88.9) that season. After helping guide the team to its first Super Bowl title, he's a true franchise pillar who most fans would be more than happy to welcome back with open arms. But in an offseason that has already been dominated by talk about Russell Wilson's discontent with the organization, there would be risk bringing a vocal character like Sherman. There's plenty of evidence the two stars didn't get along, including Sherman reportedly yelling "you f***** suck!" at Wilson after intercepting a pass in practice back in June 2014. He also maintained animosity towards the signal caller after his decisive game-ending interception in Super Bowl XLIX among other things. Though Sherman's Achilles tear and high-priced contract played a role in the decision to cut him after the 2017 season, reports surfaced indicating the team made the move in an effort to help clean up the locker room. Defensive end Michael Bennett was also traded to the Eagles around the same time as part of a substantial roster purging after the team missed the playoffs for the first time in six years. When asked about his thoughts on the potential of Sherman returning to the Seahawks, former NFL head coach Jim Mora Jr. stated that without knowing all the facts about the relationship between Wilson and Sherman, it's tough to tell if it's plausible or not. From his perspective, that dynamic should be the biggest factor in such a decision. "If there is any sense that there's a divide there between those two, that they are not in concert, then you don't want to go down that road," Mora said. "But if it's something that's a little better over blown and made up and maybe in the background they are close friends, then you can do that." While he holds Sherman in the highest regard and already has cemented his status as a Hall of Famer in his book, Mora believes the risks outweigh the rewards in this instance. Considering the drama around Wilson seems to be "simmering down," he thinks the Seahawks would be wise to steer clear of a reunion with four-alarm fire potential. "I would say that sometimes when you go and get re-married, it's not always the happiest of outcomes," Mora stated. "I think they should move on and I don't say that out of disrespect for Richard Sherman because he's one of my favorite corners of all-time. I love him watching him play, his mindset, I love everything about him." If there's any chance there could be an issue in the locker room, you really need to avoid that." For now, due to limited cap room, Seattle looks poised to roll into a new season with Reed, Flowers, Witherspoon, and Randall as the team's top four corners, leaving plenty of question marks at a critical position in Carroll's scheme. Despite limited draft capital, another player could be added to the mix in the draft as well. But these situations are always fluid and without knowing where things stand relationship-wise between Sherman and the Seahawks, the chances of a reunion can't be completely ruled out. If his price keeps plunging and the organization feels confident about his locker room fit, it could be the best move for both parties later in the offseason. | The Seahawks re-signed Damarious Randall to a one-year deal on Wednesday. Signing Randall doesn't seem to slam the door on a potential Richard Sherman reunion. But it's unclear whether his return takes the team out of the running for Sherman's services. The Seahawks lost both of their 2020 projected starters at the position in free agency. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.si.com/nfl/seahawks/gm-report/does-damarious-randall-signing-slam-door-on-potential-richard-sherman-seahawks-reunion | 0.339599 |
What are ghost guns, and can Joe Biden stop their spread? | DURING HIS presidential campaign Joe Biden promised that ending Americas gun violence epidemic was within our grasp. It may be slipping away. Last year the country experienced a surge in murders. On April 8th President Biden laid out his first steps to bring the problem under control. He made much of a promise to stop the proliferation of ghost guns, which are produced without serial numbers and so are untraceable. The number of such weapons is hard to assess but, according to Americas Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), police recovered around 10,000 of them in 2019 during searches, arrests and investigations. By comparison, they recovered 269,000 firearms with serial numbers. Even if ghost guns make up a small number of the almost 400m firearms in America, their use in a number of high-profile shootings (in 2017 a man in northern California used one to kill four people and injure ten more) has brought them to public attention. The Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968 requires manufacturers or importers of firearms to mark the weapons with unique serial numbers. But ghost guns are generally sold as kits, commonly known as 80% receivers because the receiver (or frame) of the gun is only partly constructed. Some cost as little as $400. Once buyers have the kits, they can turn them into working guns in as little as half an hour; some liken the process to assembling IKEA furniture. (Other types of ghost guns can be 3D printed.) Until 2006 the ATF, which is responsible for enforcing the GCA, considered 80% receivers as firearms, requiring serial numbers. But 15 years ago the ATF changed the way it interpreted the GCA, declassifying the kits as firearms. Since then sellers of 80% receivers have proliferated on the internet. Some states have tried to regulate ghost guns. In 2016 California passed a law requiring anyone assembling one to apply to the states Department of Justice to obtain a serial number, which must be engraved on the gun. But this has not curbed their spread. Last year in Pasadena, a city in California, around 10% of the 288 guns that police seized off the street were ghost guns. A number of states and cities including California, Chicago and San Jose are suing the ATF over its interpretation of the GCA. At a national level, last year 15 Democratic Senators co-sponsored the Untraceable Firearms Act, and representatives in the House introduced the Ghost Guns Are Guns Act. Both seek to change the GCA to define ghost guns as firearms. With a narrow majority in Congress, President Biden is not yet pursuing his gun control agenda through legislation. On April 8th he gave the Department of Justice 30 days to issue a new rule to stop the distribution of ghost guns. This may involve changing how the ATF classifies them. He has also nominated David Chipman, a former ATF agent who supports stricter gun controls, to lead the bureau. If the ATF changes its stance on 80% receivers again, opponents of regulation could bring their own lawsuits objecting to the move. Even if the weapons are successfully regulated, it is unlikely to significantly reduce gun crime in America. | Ghost guns are produced without serial numbers and so are untraceable. | bart | 0 | https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2021/04/09/what-are-ghost-guns-and-can-joe-biden-stop-their-spread | 0.259987 |
What are ghost guns, and can Joe Biden stop their spread? | DURING HIS presidential campaign Joe Biden promised that ending Americas gun violence epidemic was within our grasp. It may be slipping away. Last year the country experienced a surge in murders. On April 8th President Biden laid out his first steps to bring the problem under control. He made much of a promise to stop the proliferation of ghost guns, which are produced without serial numbers and so are untraceable. The number of such weapons is hard to assess but, according to Americas Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), police recovered around 10,000 of them in 2019 during searches, arrests and investigations. By comparison, they recovered 269,000 firearms with serial numbers. Even if ghost guns make up a small number of the almost 400m firearms in America, their use in a number of high-profile shootings (in 2017 a man in northern California used one to kill four people and injure ten more) has brought them to public attention. The Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968 requires manufacturers or importers of firearms to mark the weapons with unique serial numbers. But ghost guns are generally sold as kits, commonly known as 80% receivers because the receiver (or frame) of the gun is only partly constructed. Some cost as little as $400. Once buyers have the kits, they can turn them into working guns in as little as half an hour; some liken the process to assembling IKEA furniture. (Other types of ghost guns can be 3D printed.) Until 2006 the ATF, which is responsible for enforcing the GCA, considered 80% receivers as firearms, requiring serial numbers. But 15 years ago the ATF changed the way it interpreted the GCA, declassifying the kits as firearms. Since then sellers of 80% receivers have proliferated on the internet. Some states have tried to regulate ghost guns. In 2016 California passed a law requiring anyone assembling one to apply to the states Department of Justice to obtain a serial number, which must be engraved on the gun. But this has not curbed their spread. Last year in Pasadena, a city in California, around 10% of the 288 guns that police seized off the street were ghost guns. A number of states and cities including California, Chicago and San Jose are suing the ATF over its interpretation of the GCA. At a national level, last year 15 Democratic Senators co-sponsored the Untraceable Firearms Act, and representatives in the House introduced the Ghost Guns Are Guns Act. Both seek to change the GCA to define ghost guns as firearms. With a narrow majority in Congress, President Biden is not yet pursuing his gun control agenda through legislation. On April 8th he gave the Department of Justice 30 days to issue a new rule to stop the distribution of ghost guns. This may involve changing how the ATF classifies them. He has also nominated David Chipman, a former ATF agent who supports stricter gun controls, to lead the bureau. If the ATF changes its stance on 80% receivers again, opponents of regulation could bring their own lawsuits objecting to the move. Even if the weapons are successfully regulated, it is unlikely to significantly reduce gun crime in America. | 'Ghost guns' are produced without serial numbers and so are untraceable. Some states have tried to regulate ghost guns, but this has not curbed their spread. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2021/04/09/what-are-ghost-guns-and-can-joe-biden-stop-their-spread | 0.312414 |
What are ghost guns, and can Joe Biden stop their spread? | DURING HIS presidential campaign Joe Biden promised that ending Americas gun violence epidemic was within our grasp. It may be slipping away. Last year the country experienced a surge in murders. On April 8th President Biden laid out his first steps to bring the problem under control. He made much of a promise to stop the proliferation of ghost guns, which are produced without serial numbers and so are untraceable. The number of such weapons is hard to assess but, according to Americas Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), police recovered around 10,000 of them in 2019 during searches, arrests and investigations. By comparison, they recovered 269,000 firearms with serial numbers. Even if ghost guns make up a small number of the almost 400m firearms in America, their use in a number of high-profile shootings (in 2017 a man in northern California used one to kill four people and injure ten more) has brought them to public attention. The Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968 requires manufacturers or importers of firearms to mark the weapons with unique serial numbers. But ghost guns are generally sold as kits, commonly known as 80% receivers because the receiver (or frame) of the gun is only partly constructed. Some cost as little as $400. Once buyers have the kits, they can turn them into working guns in as little as half an hour; some liken the process to assembling IKEA furniture. (Other types of ghost guns can be 3D printed.) Until 2006 the ATF, which is responsible for enforcing the GCA, considered 80% receivers as firearms, requiring serial numbers. But 15 years ago the ATF changed the way it interpreted the GCA, declassifying the kits as firearms. Since then sellers of 80% receivers have proliferated on the internet. Some states have tried to regulate ghost guns. In 2016 California passed a law requiring anyone assembling one to apply to the states Department of Justice to obtain a serial number, which must be engraved on the gun. But this has not curbed their spread. Last year in Pasadena, a city in California, around 10% of the 288 guns that police seized off the street were ghost guns. A number of states and cities including California, Chicago and San Jose are suing the ATF over its interpretation of the GCA. At a national level, last year 15 Democratic Senators co-sponsored the Untraceable Firearms Act, and representatives in the House introduced the Ghost Guns Are Guns Act. Both seek to change the GCA to define ghost guns as firearms. With a narrow majority in Congress, President Biden is not yet pursuing his gun control agenda through legislation. On April 8th he gave the Department of Justice 30 days to issue a new rule to stop the distribution of ghost guns. This may involve changing how the ATF classifies them. He has also nominated David Chipman, a former ATF agent who supports stricter gun controls, to lead the bureau. If the ATF changes its stance on 80% receivers again, opponents of regulation could bring their own lawsuits objecting to the move. Even if the weapons are successfully regulated, it is unlikely to significantly reduce gun crime in America. | Ghost guns are produced without serial numbers and so are untraceable. The number of such weapons is hard to assess but, according to Americas Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, police recovered around 10,000 of them in 2019. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2021/04/09/what-are-ghost-guns-and-can-joe-biden-stop-their-spread | 0.356734 |
Will LJ Figueroa return to Oregon mens basketball in 2021-22? | EUGENE The door is still open for LJ Figueroa to possibly return to Oregon in 2021-22. The Ducks No. 3 scorer and leading rebounder this season, Figueroa transferred to UO from St. Johns last offseason. He had 12.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists while playing in 26 games this season as a senior. Oregon coach Dana Altman said Figueroa has been taking classes during the spring quarter and hasnt decided whether hell return to use his additional year of eligibility granted to all players by the NCAA or begin a professional career. He hasnt made any decisions and well give him plenty of time, Altman said. It is very encouraging that hes doing a very good job in school here the first two weeks of classes. Should he return, Figueroa would be a massive weapon the wing for the Ducks next season. He was a critical contributor on both ends of the floor and led the Ducks in scoring for the five-game stretch leading up to their loss to USC in the Sweet 16, when Figueroa had arguably the worst game of his career. Altman is expecting Figueroa as well as juniors Will Richardson and Eric Williams Jr. to test the NBA Draft waters and get feedback during that process. Eugene Omoruyi and Chris Duarte have already announced theyll be pursuing professional careers and Altman said fellow senior Amauri Hardy will be moving on as well. Combined with the transfers of Chandler Lawson and Jalen Terry, Oregon could have as many as seven returning players with Nathan Bittle and Isaac Johnson signed to join them, leaving at least four open scholarships for additional signees and transfers. Altman said the coaching staff has been in contact with several players in the transfer portal. Our job is to put a team together that wants to be here at Oregon and fortunately theres a lot of young men calling us about possibilities, Altman said. Were talking to a lot of young men. Its got to be the right fit. I think our coaching staff has done a pretty good job of matching what our needs are with the talent thats available. Guys have come in here and really shown a willingness to be part of a team. Our objectives wont change; well look for the best fit and guys that want to be here. | The door is still open for LJ Figueroa to possibly return to Oregon in 2021-22. | pegasus | 0 | https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2021/04/will-lj-figueroa-return-to-oregon-mens-basketball-in-2021-22.html | 0.453664 |
Will LJ Figueroa return to Oregon mens basketball in 2021-22? | EUGENE The door is still open for LJ Figueroa to possibly return to Oregon in 2021-22. The Ducks No. 3 scorer and leading rebounder this season, Figueroa transferred to UO from St. Johns last offseason. He had 12.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists while playing in 26 games this season as a senior. Oregon coach Dana Altman said Figueroa has been taking classes during the spring quarter and hasnt decided whether hell return to use his additional year of eligibility granted to all players by the NCAA or begin a professional career. He hasnt made any decisions and well give him plenty of time, Altman said. It is very encouraging that hes doing a very good job in school here the first two weeks of classes. Should he return, Figueroa would be a massive weapon the wing for the Ducks next season. He was a critical contributor on both ends of the floor and led the Ducks in scoring for the five-game stretch leading up to their loss to USC in the Sweet 16, when Figueroa had arguably the worst game of his career. Altman is expecting Figueroa as well as juniors Will Richardson and Eric Williams Jr. to test the NBA Draft waters and get feedback during that process. Eugene Omoruyi and Chris Duarte have already announced theyll be pursuing professional careers and Altman said fellow senior Amauri Hardy will be moving on as well. Combined with the transfers of Chandler Lawson and Jalen Terry, Oregon could have as many as seven returning players with Nathan Bittle and Isaac Johnson signed to join them, leaving at least four open scholarships for additional signees and transfers. Altman said the coaching staff has been in contact with several players in the transfer portal. Our job is to put a team together that wants to be here at Oregon and fortunately theres a lot of young men calling us about possibilities, Altman said. Were talking to a lot of young men. Its got to be the right fit. I think our coaching staff has done a pretty good job of matching what our needs are with the talent thats available. Guys have come in here and really shown a willingness to be part of a team. Our objectives wont change; well look for the best fit and guys that want to be here. | The door is still open for LJ Figueroa to possibly return to Oregon in 2021-22. Oregon could have as many as seven returning players next season. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2021/04/will-lj-figueroa-return-to-oregon-mens-basketball-in-2021-22.html | 0.510436 |
Will LJ Figueroa return to Oregon mens basketball in 2021-22? | EUGENE The door is still open for LJ Figueroa to possibly return to Oregon in 2021-22. The Ducks No. 3 scorer and leading rebounder this season, Figueroa transferred to UO from St. Johns last offseason. He had 12.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists while playing in 26 games this season as a senior. Oregon coach Dana Altman said Figueroa has been taking classes during the spring quarter and hasnt decided whether hell return to use his additional year of eligibility granted to all players by the NCAA or begin a professional career. He hasnt made any decisions and well give him plenty of time, Altman said. It is very encouraging that hes doing a very good job in school here the first two weeks of classes. Should he return, Figueroa would be a massive weapon the wing for the Ducks next season. He was a critical contributor on both ends of the floor and led the Ducks in scoring for the five-game stretch leading up to their loss to USC in the Sweet 16, when Figueroa had arguably the worst game of his career. Altman is expecting Figueroa as well as juniors Will Richardson and Eric Williams Jr. to test the NBA Draft waters and get feedback during that process. Eugene Omoruyi and Chris Duarte have already announced theyll be pursuing professional careers and Altman said fellow senior Amauri Hardy will be moving on as well. Combined with the transfers of Chandler Lawson and Jalen Terry, Oregon could have as many as seven returning players with Nathan Bittle and Isaac Johnson signed to join them, leaving at least four open scholarships for additional signees and transfers. Altman said the coaching staff has been in contact with several players in the transfer portal. Our job is to put a team together that wants to be here at Oregon and fortunately theres a lot of young men calling us about possibilities, Altman said. Were talking to a lot of young men. Its got to be the right fit. I think our coaching staff has done a pretty good job of matching what our needs are with the talent thats available. Guys have come in here and really shown a willingness to be part of a team. Our objectives wont change; well look for the best fit and guys that want to be here. | The door is still open for LJ Figueroa to possibly return to Oregon in 2021-22. Oregon could have as many as seven returning players with Nathan Bittle and Isaac Johnson signed to join them, leaving at least four open scholarships for additional signees and transfers. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2021/04/will-lj-figueroa-return-to-oregon-mens-basketball-in-2021-22.html | 0.613115 |
What should the Raptors make of Pascal Siakams late-season renaissance? | As a lost Raptors season continues to circle the drain, you can see it as a silver lining or fools gold: Pascal Siakam, at least, is looking a little more like himself again. There are those who will tell you Siakams late-season renaissance amounts to a heartening bit of consolation in a forgettable Tampa residency. And maybe, when you stack it alongside Chris Bouchers continued rise and Gary Trent Jr.s promising arrival, Siakams apparent rediscovery of his game does amount to a bright side in dark times. And maybe, with the NBAs reigning coach of the year sporting a 20-32 record, it can be spun as the product of a Nick Nurses harsh message being undeniably absorbed. It was most of three weeks ago in Cleveland, after all, that Siakam and Nurse engaged in a heated exchange after Siakam was left out of the game for the entirety of the fourth quarter in a loss to the Cavaliers. Sources will tell you the verbal interaction escalated into something uglier than the typical back-and-forth between a coach and a benched 2019 all-star. To which a fiery team president like Masai Ujiri might say: Thank god somebody got upset. Ujiri, of course, has been known to partake in the occasional heated post-game exchange with a coach himself; hes the guy who tore a strip off Dwane Casey after LeBron James made that game-winning bank shot that effectively signed Caseys pink slip in Toronto in the spring of 2018. And when you consider the high-stress nature of the confrontation between Nurse and Siakam it came amid the eighth loss of a nine-game losing streak well, the idea that tempers flared wasnt exactly unwelcome among the uber-competitive alpha types who run pro-sports franchises. After all, the message to benched players hasnt changed since Naismith: If you want to play more, play better. And to Siakams credit, over the 10 games since his Cleveland disenchantment, hes done precisely that. His numbers over that span 24 points and 7.7 rebounds a game on 48 per cent shooting from the field look a lot like the stats that earned him a spot on the all-NBA second team a season ago, an honour that, during the less-flattering moments of Siakams season, has seemed like a distant and possibly erroneous memory. Considering the sulking depths to which Siakam had fallen during the worst of his pandemic slump considering his subpar work in the playoff bubble last year and his maddeningly slow move out of the gates in Tampa it was fair enough to wonder if hed ever refind such a groove. So maybe its a silver lining. Or maybe its fools gold. Over those most recent 10 games, after all, the Raptors win-loss record is 3-7. When Ujiri signed Siakam to a max contract, the idea wasnt to pay him to put up big numbers for a post-Kawhi Leonard loser. And sure, you can make the case some of the recent results have gone beyond even the greatest players control, what with the laundry list of headaches that have continued to plague this team. In Thursdays 122-113 loss to the Bulls, wherein Siakam racked up an impressive 27 points on 17 field-goal attempts, the Raptors were reduced to the minimum-allowable eight players thanks to suspensions and injuries. Hard to lay that defeat at anyones feet. Still, this is Siakams first season as the highest-paid Raptor, as the only max-contract player on Torontos books. And as much as the most recent 10 games have been statistically solid, heres the truth of this seasons grand scheme. At a moment when the Raptors were hoping Siakam would be continuing his late-blooming ascent toward superstardom at age 27, all in all, hes regressed. Though his overall numbers this season are better than his beyond-dismal performance in the playoff bubble, hes been undeniably worse than he was a season ago Sure, Siakam was cut some slack for his lifeless performance in the Orlando playoffs; everybody has been cut some slack during these unprecedented times. But eyebrows were raised at Siakams obvious lack of preparation in the lead-up to that event. On the day his $130-million contract extension was announced, after all, Siakam was telling the world that, money aside, he was committed to being that same person who is going to be in the gym before anyone else and stay later, the dogged pursuer of excellence who will continue to work and improve and get to that level. That didnt exactly jibe with the out-of-practice sloppiness we saw in the bubble. It didnt exactly jibe with the player who shot 20 per cent from three-point range in the month of January and whos shooting a lamentable 29 per cent from deep for the season. On the upside, Siakam has improved his free-throw shooting, not to mention his willingness to get to the line. On the downside, his go-to move often entails a wild spin into the teeth of the coverage. Even Nurse, who has long professed his love of improvisational jazz, would surely prefer Siakam develop something a little more systematic and at least a little less spastic. Maybe well see more progress in the remaining 20 games. Maybe there are forgiving souls out there wholl toss out the whole season as the product of an impossible situation, extracting the slim positives from the grim whole. But make no mistake: When the Raptors signed Siakam to a max contract, they assumed hed be miles better than this, and tougher than this, by now. And, whether its silver lining or fools gold, theyll need to see more than a late-season upswing to be precisely sure whether their foundational player is the franchises bedrock or its millstone. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Read more about: | Pascal Siakam's late-season renaissance amounts to a heartening bit of consolation in a forgettable Tampa residency. | bart | 0 | https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/opinion/2021/04/09/what-should-the-raptors-make-of-pascal-siakams-late-season-renaissance.html | 0.100969 |
What should the Raptors make of Pascal Siakams late-season renaissance? | As a lost Raptors season continues to circle the drain, you can see it as a silver lining or fools gold: Pascal Siakam, at least, is looking a little more like himself again. There are those who will tell you Siakams late-season renaissance amounts to a heartening bit of consolation in a forgettable Tampa residency. And maybe, when you stack it alongside Chris Bouchers continued rise and Gary Trent Jr.s promising arrival, Siakams apparent rediscovery of his game does amount to a bright side in dark times. And maybe, with the NBAs reigning coach of the year sporting a 20-32 record, it can be spun as the product of a Nick Nurses harsh message being undeniably absorbed. It was most of three weeks ago in Cleveland, after all, that Siakam and Nurse engaged in a heated exchange after Siakam was left out of the game for the entirety of the fourth quarter in a loss to the Cavaliers. Sources will tell you the verbal interaction escalated into something uglier than the typical back-and-forth between a coach and a benched 2019 all-star. To which a fiery team president like Masai Ujiri might say: Thank god somebody got upset. Ujiri, of course, has been known to partake in the occasional heated post-game exchange with a coach himself; hes the guy who tore a strip off Dwane Casey after LeBron James made that game-winning bank shot that effectively signed Caseys pink slip in Toronto in the spring of 2018. And when you consider the high-stress nature of the confrontation between Nurse and Siakam it came amid the eighth loss of a nine-game losing streak well, the idea that tempers flared wasnt exactly unwelcome among the uber-competitive alpha types who run pro-sports franchises. After all, the message to benched players hasnt changed since Naismith: If you want to play more, play better. And to Siakams credit, over the 10 games since his Cleveland disenchantment, hes done precisely that. His numbers over that span 24 points and 7.7 rebounds a game on 48 per cent shooting from the field look a lot like the stats that earned him a spot on the all-NBA second team a season ago, an honour that, during the less-flattering moments of Siakams season, has seemed like a distant and possibly erroneous memory. Considering the sulking depths to which Siakam had fallen during the worst of his pandemic slump considering his subpar work in the playoff bubble last year and his maddeningly slow move out of the gates in Tampa it was fair enough to wonder if hed ever refind such a groove. So maybe its a silver lining. Or maybe its fools gold. Over those most recent 10 games, after all, the Raptors win-loss record is 3-7. When Ujiri signed Siakam to a max contract, the idea wasnt to pay him to put up big numbers for a post-Kawhi Leonard loser. And sure, you can make the case some of the recent results have gone beyond even the greatest players control, what with the laundry list of headaches that have continued to plague this team. In Thursdays 122-113 loss to the Bulls, wherein Siakam racked up an impressive 27 points on 17 field-goal attempts, the Raptors were reduced to the minimum-allowable eight players thanks to suspensions and injuries. Hard to lay that defeat at anyones feet. Still, this is Siakams first season as the highest-paid Raptor, as the only max-contract player on Torontos books. And as much as the most recent 10 games have been statistically solid, heres the truth of this seasons grand scheme. At a moment when the Raptors were hoping Siakam would be continuing his late-blooming ascent toward superstardom at age 27, all in all, hes regressed. Though his overall numbers this season are better than his beyond-dismal performance in the playoff bubble, hes been undeniably worse than he was a season ago Sure, Siakam was cut some slack for his lifeless performance in the Orlando playoffs; everybody has been cut some slack during these unprecedented times. But eyebrows were raised at Siakams obvious lack of preparation in the lead-up to that event. On the day his $130-million contract extension was announced, after all, Siakam was telling the world that, money aside, he was committed to being that same person who is going to be in the gym before anyone else and stay later, the dogged pursuer of excellence who will continue to work and improve and get to that level. That didnt exactly jibe with the out-of-practice sloppiness we saw in the bubble. It didnt exactly jibe with the player who shot 20 per cent from three-point range in the month of January and whos shooting a lamentable 29 per cent from deep for the season. On the upside, Siakam has improved his free-throw shooting, not to mention his willingness to get to the line. On the downside, his go-to move often entails a wild spin into the teeth of the coverage. Even Nurse, who has long professed his love of improvisational jazz, would surely prefer Siakam develop something a little more systematic and at least a little less spastic. Maybe well see more progress in the remaining 20 games. Maybe there are forgiving souls out there wholl toss out the whole season as the product of an impossible situation, extracting the slim positives from the grim whole. But make no mistake: When the Raptors signed Siakam to a max contract, they assumed hed be miles better than this, and tougher than this, by now. And, whether its silver lining or fools gold, theyll need to see more than a late-season upswing to be precisely sure whether their foundational player is the franchises bedrock or its millstone. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Read more about: | Pascal Siakam's late-season renaissance amounts to a heartening bit of consolation in a forgettable Tampa residency. The Raptors win-loss record is 3-7 over the most recent 10 games. | bart | 1 | https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/opinion/2021/04/09/what-should-the-raptors-make-of-pascal-siakams-late-season-renaissance.html | 0.281011 |
What should the Raptors make of Pascal Siakams late-season renaissance? | As a lost Raptors season continues to circle the drain, you can see it as a silver lining or fools gold: Pascal Siakam, at least, is looking a little more like himself again. There are those who will tell you Siakams late-season renaissance amounts to a heartening bit of consolation in a forgettable Tampa residency. And maybe, when you stack it alongside Chris Bouchers continued rise and Gary Trent Jr.s promising arrival, Siakams apparent rediscovery of his game does amount to a bright side in dark times. And maybe, with the NBAs reigning coach of the year sporting a 20-32 record, it can be spun as the product of a Nick Nurses harsh message being undeniably absorbed. It was most of three weeks ago in Cleveland, after all, that Siakam and Nurse engaged in a heated exchange after Siakam was left out of the game for the entirety of the fourth quarter in a loss to the Cavaliers. Sources will tell you the verbal interaction escalated into something uglier than the typical back-and-forth between a coach and a benched 2019 all-star. To which a fiery team president like Masai Ujiri might say: Thank god somebody got upset. Ujiri, of course, has been known to partake in the occasional heated post-game exchange with a coach himself; hes the guy who tore a strip off Dwane Casey after LeBron James made that game-winning bank shot that effectively signed Caseys pink slip in Toronto in the spring of 2018. And when you consider the high-stress nature of the confrontation between Nurse and Siakam it came amid the eighth loss of a nine-game losing streak well, the idea that tempers flared wasnt exactly unwelcome among the uber-competitive alpha types who run pro-sports franchises. After all, the message to benched players hasnt changed since Naismith: If you want to play more, play better. And to Siakams credit, over the 10 games since his Cleveland disenchantment, hes done precisely that. His numbers over that span 24 points and 7.7 rebounds a game on 48 per cent shooting from the field look a lot like the stats that earned him a spot on the all-NBA second team a season ago, an honour that, during the less-flattering moments of Siakams season, has seemed like a distant and possibly erroneous memory. Considering the sulking depths to which Siakam had fallen during the worst of his pandemic slump considering his subpar work in the playoff bubble last year and his maddeningly slow move out of the gates in Tampa it was fair enough to wonder if hed ever refind such a groove. So maybe its a silver lining. Or maybe its fools gold. Over those most recent 10 games, after all, the Raptors win-loss record is 3-7. When Ujiri signed Siakam to a max contract, the idea wasnt to pay him to put up big numbers for a post-Kawhi Leonard loser. And sure, you can make the case some of the recent results have gone beyond even the greatest players control, what with the laundry list of headaches that have continued to plague this team. In Thursdays 122-113 loss to the Bulls, wherein Siakam racked up an impressive 27 points on 17 field-goal attempts, the Raptors were reduced to the minimum-allowable eight players thanks to suspensions and injuries. Hard to lay that defeat at anyones feet. Still, this is Siakams first season as the highest-paid Raptor, as the only max-contract player on Torontos books. And as much as the most recent 10 games have been statistically solid, heres the truth of this seasons grand scheme. At a moment when the Raptors were hoping Siakam would be continuing his late-blooming ascent toward superstardom at age 27, all in all, hes regressed. Though his overall numbers this season are better than his beyond-dismal performance in the playoff bubble, hes been undeniably worse than he was a season ago Sure, Siakam was cut some slack for his lifeless performance in the Orlando playoffs; everybody has been cut some slack during these unprecedented times. But eyebrows were raised at Siakams obvious lack of preparation in the lead-up to that event. On the day his $130-million contract extension was announced, after all, Siakam was telling the world that, money aside, he was committed to being that same person who is going to be in the gym before anyone else and stay later, the dogged pursuer of excellence who will continue to work and improve and get to that level. That didnt exactly jibe with the out-of-practice sloppiness we saw in the bubble. It didnt exactly jibe with the player who shot 20 per cent from three-point range in the month of January and whos shooting a lamentable 29 per cent from deep for the season. On the upside, Siakam has improved his free-throw shooting, not to mention his willingness to get to the line. On the downside, his go-to move often entails a wild spin into the teeth of the coverage. Even Nurse, who has long professed his love of improvisational jazz, would surely prefer Siakam develop something a little more systematic and at least a little less spastic. Maybe well see more progress in the remaining 20 games. Maybe there are forgiving souls out there wholl toss out the whole season as the product of an impossible situation, extracting the slim positives from the grim whole. But make no mistake: When the Raptors signed Siakam to a max contract, they assumed hed be miles better than this, and tougher than this, by now. And, whether its silver lining or fools gold, theyll need to see more than a late-season upswing to be precisely sure whether their foundational player is the franchises bedrock or its millstone. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Read more about: | Pascal Siakam's late-season renaissance amounts to a heartening bit of consolation in a forgettable Tampa residency. The Raptors win-loss record is 3-7 over the most recent 10 games. It was fair enough to wonder if hed ever refind such a groove. | bart | 2 | https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/opinion/2021/04/09/what-should-the-raptors-make-of-pascal-siakams-late-season-renaissance.html | 0.383464 |
Could J.J. Redick Make His Mavs Debut This Weekend? | Dallas Mavericks newcomer J.J. Redick revealed on Friday that he is close to making his much-anticipated Dallas debut. Dallas Mavericks fans have been not-so-patiently waiting for newcomer J.J. Redick to make his Mavs debut since the team brought him over from the New Orleans Pelicans at this year's trade deadline. After not hearing anything publicly from Redick multiple days after the trade went down, fans were starting to worry that the Mavs had gotten into another 2012 Derek Fisher situation. Those fears were soon alleviated though when Redick, on his The Old Man and the Three podcast, endearingly told Mavs Twitter that they could finally "calm the f---" down and that he was excited to play for the Mavs. READ MORE: Mavs Talk: "Playoff-Type Atmosphere" in Mavs Win Over Bucks On Friday, Redick hinted that he could be making his much-anticipated debut for the Mavs very soon... possibly even this weekend when the Dallas takes on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night. Ive been able to ramp up some of my on-court activities," said Redick on his podcast. "Today (Friday), is an off day for the team and for me. I am planning on practicing tomorrow (Saturday). Well see how it goes. I am expecting tomorrow to be able to do some stuff 5-on-5 and some stuff live. It will be my first time doing that. Over the last 15 games, the Mavs have been playing excellent basketball. In that span, Dallas has the 6th best offense and the 5th best defense in the league. Although the team has had a lot of recent success, the addition of Redick's sharp-shooting and swift off-ball movement will enhance Rick Carlisle's rotations even further. READ MORE: Mavs Beat Bucks 116-101 Behind Porzingis' Hot Fourth Quarter According to Synergy Basketball, Redick has an 82-percent effective field goal percentage this season when shooting unguarded catch-and-shoot jump shots. Redick was also shooting 46 percent from deep in his last 15 games for the Pelicans before having to sit out with his heel injury. These kind of shooting numbers are why so many are salivating at the idea of Redick playing alongside superstar Luka Doncic, who can create wide-open shot attempts for his teammates in his sleep. Hopefully, in the next couple games, Ill be available to play," said Redick. Stay tuned to DallasBasketball.com this weekend for updates on Redick's status leading into Sunday night's game against the Spurs. | J.J. Redick hinted on Friday that he could be making his much-anticipated debut for the Mavs very soon... possibly even this weekend when the Dallas takes on the San Antonio Spurs. | ctrlsum | 1 | https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/news/could-j-j-redick-make-his-mavs-debut-this-weekend | 0.250154 |
Could J.J. Redick Make His Mavs Debut This Weekend? | Dallas Mavericks newcomer J.J. Redick revealed on Friday that he is close to making his much-anticipated Dallas debut. Dallas Mavericks fans have been not-so-patiently waiting for newcomer J.J. Redick to make his Mavs debut since the team brought him over from the New Orleans Pelicans at this year's trade deadline. After not hearing anything publicly from Redick multiple days after the trade went down, fans were starting to worry that the Mavs had gotten into another 2012 Derek Fisher situation. Those fears were soon alleviated though when Redick, on his The Old Man and the Three podcast, endearingly told Mavs Twitter that they could finally "calm the f---" down and that he was excited to play for the Mavs. READ MORE: Mavs Talk: "Playoff-Type Atmosphere" in Mavs Win Over Bucks On Friday, Redick hinted that he could be making his much-anticipated debut for the Mavs very soon... possibly even this weekend when the Dallas takes on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night. Ive been able to ramp up some of my on-court activities," said Redick on his podcast. "Today (Friday), is an off day for the team and for me. I am planning on practicing tomorrow (Saturday). Well see how it goes. I am expecting tomorrow to be able to do some stuff 5-on-5 and some stuff live. It will be my first time doing that. Over the last 15 games, the Mavs have been playing excellent basketball. In that span, Dallas has the 6th best offense and the 5th best defense in the league. Although the team has had a lot of recent success, the addition of Redick's sharp-shooting and swift off-ball movement will enhance Rick Carlisle's rotations even further. READ MORE: Mavs Beat Bucks 116-101 Behind Porzingis' Hot Fourth Quarter According to Synergy Basketball, Redick has an 82-percent effective field goal percentage this season when shooting unguarded catch-and-shoot jump shots. Redick was also shooting 46 percent from deep in his last 15 games for the Pelicans before having to sit out with his heel injury. These kind of shooting numbers are why so many are salivating at the idea of Redick playing alongside superstar Luka Doncic, who can create wide-open shot attempts for his teammates in his sleep. Hopefully, in the next couple games, Ill be available to play," said Redick. Stay tuned to DallasBasketball.com this weekend for updates on Redick's status leading into Sunday night's game against the Spurs. | J.J. Redick hinted on Friday that he could be making his much-anticipated debut for the Mavs very soon... possibly even this weekend when the Dallas takes on the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night. The Dallas Mavericks signed Redick from the New Orleans Pelicans at the trade deadline. | ctrlsum | 2 | https://www.si.com/nba/mavericks/news/could-j-j-redick-make-his-mavs-debut-this-weekend | 0.293464 |
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