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.” We rose to our feet, Tobi standing several inches taller than me. “I need to check with Lettie and my parents.”
A few minutes later, we left the house and headed to the nearest place that sold delightfully greasy burgers.
We sat and talked for a bit after we’d eaten, and I took the opportunity to look at him, much like I had Felix earlier. There was no denying that Tobias Rosebrook was a hot guy. You’d have to literally be blind not to notice the perfectly tousled blond hair, big brown eyes, and the mountains of muscle on him.
The thing was, I definitely felt a difference when I looked at Felix than right now when I was looking at Tobi. Tobi was my best friend—the first one I’d made at my current school. He was damn near like a brother to me. Felix, on the other hand…I shied away from applying a label to him.
“Hey, Tobi, can I ask you something?”
He arched one platinum blond brow. “Sure.”
“Do you ever, like, see other guys and, I guess, recognize how attractive they are, but not, like, actually want them or anything? Same way you see a girl and think she’s hot but not want to actually do anything about it, you know? It’s just a thing that you know.” If that made any sense, I’d be fucking amazed.
Tobi looked at me like I’d grown a second head. “No,” he said slowly, drawing the word out. “I don’t look at other guys. Why?”
I shrugged, shifting in my seat. “No reason. A friend and I were just having a conversation earlier.” It was a hollow excuse and I knew it, but, fortunately, Tobi didn’t press.
I wasn’t surprised by his response. I’d thought that I was normal. That it was just a typical way of looking at people. I’d been wrong.
Felix, again, came to my mind, and, unbidden, I felt a warmth in my stomach. That was crazy, though, because I was straight. I was straight, and I always had been.
All this time, I couldn’t have been living a lie. | 2,700 |
The winner of this year's "Power Lunch with Warren" charity auction - who paid a record $4.6 million for the privilege of a 45-minute lunch meeting with the Oracle of Omaha - has just outed himself as a crypto enthusiast and ICO founder.
And though he agreed to pay a record sum for the privilege, we imagine Buffett is wondering right now if there's any sum that could justify the epic session of crypto mansplaining the billionaire investor is about to endure.
Justin Sun, best known for founding the cryptocurrency Tron, which had a brief stint as the altcoin-of-the-moment, revealed in a tweet on Tuesday that he was the winning bidder. The 29-year-old Chinese national is also CEO of BitTorrent (remember BitTorrent?).
Sun said that he will be inviting friends from the crypto industry to try and "talk to [Buffett] about the promise of blockchain" (the terms of the deal allow Sun to invite up to seven friends).
"I’m excited to talk to Warren Buffett about the promise of blockchain and to get valuable tips and insights from him about entrepreneurship and making bold bets on the future," Sun said in a statement, per WSJ.
An avowed crypto skeptic, Buffett has derided bitcoin and ICOs as a scam. Meanwhile, Sun's Tron project raised $17 billion via an ICO that is now worth roughly 1/10th that.
The revelation just so happened to coincide with a brutal day for tech stocks that drove the Nasdaq into correction territory. Since Buffett announced Berkshire's stake in Amazon - a stake that the Oracle of Omaha was careful to specify wasn't his idea - the e-commerce giant's shares have fallen 15%.
I officially announce I’ve won the record-setting 20th-anniversary charity lunch hosted by @WarrenBuffett. I’ll also invite #blockchain industry leaders to meet with a titan of investment. I hope this benefits everyone. #TRON #TRX #BTT #BitTorrent pic.twitter.com/EMZ4TMhgpR — Justin Sun (@justinsuntron) June 3, 2019
While Buffett has dismissed bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a scam, "rat poison squared" and boasted that, if he could, he would buy a five-year put on every cryptocurrency, the 88-year-old investor has said he believes blockchain technology may hold some promise.
So maybe Buffett and the 8 crypto diehards with whom he will be sharing a meal can find a happy medium. | 2,701 |
Doncaster Rovers are pleased to announce the signing of former Aston Villa and Brentford attacking midfielder Harry Forrester.
Forrester began his footballing education in the youth set up at Watford and immediately impressed attracting interest from top Premier League clubs.
In January 2008 Aston Villa paid a fee of around £250,000 for the then seventeen year old beating the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs to his signature.
Forrester made an instant impact, after joining Villa, helping the U18s side to FA Premier Academy League glory in his first season in the Midlands.
After seeing his contract out at Aston Villa, the impressive Forrester went on trial at Dutch giants Ajax. Scoring a hat-trick for the Ajax reserve side he received high praise from manager Frank de Boer and was subsequently offered a deal with the four-time European Cup winners.
He went on to become a regular starter in the Villa reserve team helping them to the Reserve League title in 2010.
A string of eye-catching performances during the 2012/13 season helped the Bees to a place in the League One play-off final at Wembley.
Forrester decided to turn the chance to play in the Netherlands down and opted to sign for League One club Brentford instead.
“As soon as I met Paul [Dickov] and John [Ryan] it became a no brainier for me; I spoke to my agent straight away and told him I thought Doncaster is the place for me. The deal was done a couple of days after that and now I’m just really happy to get things going.
Forrester spoke exclusively to Rovers Player upon joining the club and expressed his delight at having finalised the deal: “I’m very excited to be here, I’ve been here a while now and have got to know the lads and the manager and I’m really excited for the season ahead.
Forrester, 22, now joins Paul Dickov’s side on a three year contract.
“There’s a good core to the team here, we will have to add a couple of new faces which I’m sure the backroom staff are looking at now. The team and players that we have got here at the moment are good enough but with further additions we can give it a real go – it’s not going to be easy but we have got to enjoy it.”
| 2,702 |
This holiday, one brave underground organization is turning to the Internet to help them help North Koreans. And Reddit is responding.
Escaping from North Korea is a dangerous, arduous ordeal that usually ends with the refugee being caught in China and being promptly returned to North Korea to face imprisonment or worse. Nor do refugees have safety in numbers; groups larger than five are easy to detect—and arrest.
The nonprofit organization Liberty in North Korea combats the dangers North Korean refugees face by helping them along a 3,000-mile “underground railroad” network of support through their journey from Korea into China. The network of support on the Chinese leg of the journey is perhaps the most risky, due to the possibility of being informed upon, captured, and repatriated.
Earlier this month, Reddit’s r/northkoreanews stepped up to fundraise for the cause, hoping to raise the $2,500 necessary to safely help one person escape through Liberty in North Korea’s refugee program.
NorthKoreaNews is a relatively small subreddit, with only 11,000 subscribers. Still, one redditor urged the group to try and make the $2,500 mark by Christmas—and the Redditors came through.
As of Christmas day, their total stands at $2,700, enough to see one person safely out of the country—and even more importantly, allow them to begin a new life in South Korea. Without that network of support, some defectors end up in South Korea with no money left and no way to sustain themselves. A handful even wind up returning to North Korea voluntarily.
China’s policy of North Korean repatriation is controversial—and heartbreaking—but it’s unlikely to change. One reason for this is that in South Korea, concern and frustration have turned into apathy. Seoul-based North Korean watchdog Daily NK spoke to Jun Young Ji, president of Korean student group Young NK:
“Generally, people think of North Korea merely as our enemy or a people to pity,” Ji said. “We are trying to change this, looking at North Korea as two entirely different entities: its citizens and its government.”
In the wake of Kim Jong-Un’s unexpected execution of his uncle and chief aide, possibly while drunk, high-ranking officials are fleeing the country.
Meanwhile, other nonprofit groups like the NKHR Rescue Fund are also putting North Koreans along the “underground railroad” to freedom—hopefully for good.
Photo via mattpaish/Flickr | 2,703 |
Amateur cook, Ammara Noman won the first-ever MasterChef Pakistan – a reality TV show based on the popular global TV franchise – after a tough competition between the three finalists on Sunday night.
Gulnaz and Madiha Khalid were the other finalists.
Ammara was awarded a number of prizes including chef training from leading professional chefs, the title of MasterChef, the chance to have her own cookbook published, and Rs5,000,000 in cash. Second prize won by Gulnaz was Rs1,000,000 while Madiha received Rs500,000.
The hashtag #masterchefpakistan became one of the top trends in Pakistan as local Twitter users gave a blow-by-blow of the episode.
Masterchef Pakistan is the third global TV franchise to come to local screens after Survivor and Pakistan Idol.
The show took amateur chefs – many of whom simply cook as a hobby – and attempted to turn one of them into culinary masters. Contestants had the opportunity to develop their cooking skills while being encouraged, mentored and celebrated by some of the local industry's best.
The judges’ panel comprised of Chef Mehboob, Chef Zakir and debuting Executive Assistant Manager of Movenpick Hotel Karachi, Khurram Awan.
Out of initial 50 contestants, 20 had managed to progress to the main stage of the show, who were then whittled down through a number of individual and team-based cooking challenges and weekly elimination rounds.
The final three
Ammara Noman
Ammara is a 33 year old house wife and a mother of four. She was married at a very young age and did not get a chance to complete her education. She has always been interested in cooking and has been learning different cuisines over the years.
Gulnaz
Gulnaz is a 31 year old mother of three boys from Chitral. She has done her Intermediate from Chitral. Her husband was her inspiration to pursue her dream to be a Chef. Her knowledge of Chitrali cuisine was her strength in the competition. At the risk of earning her in-laws disapproval Gulnaz has decided to pursue a career in the food industry by participating in MasterChef Pakistan.
Madiha Khalid
Madiha is a 22 year old house wife. She has done her BSC Honors in Economics and Management from Roots International College and University. Her family and friends encouraged her to pursue her passion in cooking. | 2,704 |
boarding, and spending time with our friends and family. We also know that we are only as strong as our team members are inspired. We thus encourage continuous learning and personal development, in addition to emphasising collaboration and the sharing of ideas (e.g. by actively encouraging paired sessions of programming or other skills, impromptu video chats with other team members and a healthy amount of ‘off topic’ conversation!).
Timezone details
Since we are a fully remote team distributed across different time zones, we have a flexible approach to work schedule. That said, during your first year of working with us, we would usually expect you to cross at least 5 hours of 8am–6pm (GMT+0) from Monday to Friday.
Diversity policy
Pixelcabin is committed to building a culturally diverse company, and we value a broad set of opinions in our team. As we grow, we are looking to build a team with a range of viewpoints at its core, and we encourage applications from female and minority candidates.
About Pixelcabin
Founded in 2012, Pixelcabin is an agile web development agency that engineers e-commerce solutions using the Shopify Plus platform. We have worked with some of the world’s most influential companies (like Budweiser, Major League Baseball and Net-a-Porter) and are always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what Shopify can do for our clients and their customers. We expand Shopify’s native functionality with bespoke Rails apps that leverage Shopify’s extensive API, in addition to building fully customized front-end experiences. We are also a core Partner of Shopify, which means we have advance access to Shopify’s upcoming APIs and features.
At Pixelcabin, we believe in offering solutions, not different ways of saying no. Since the beginning, we have been driven by three core principles: value quality over quantity, under-promise and over-deliver, and take pride in your work. We take on projects that will present new problems for us to solve, and get excited about elegant solutions to complex challenges.
To apply: Please send all applications to [email protected], including your Github, LinkedIn, and any other relevant links. The email body should include cover letter content, with a CV as an attachment (only required if no LinkedIn). The subject of your email should be ‘2019 Mid-Level Front-End Developer Application’. Application emails without this subject will be automatically screened-out and not read.
| 2,705 |
Windows 10 is getting better and better, Microsoft insists, as it works to build confidence in the operating system in the run up to the next major update. The company says that the Creators Update (version 1703) has seen a 39 percent drop in driver and operating system stability issues relative to the Anniversary Update (version 1607).
Performance is better too; according to Microsoft's telemetry, boot time is 13 percent faster, logging in 18 percent faster, and facial recognition 30 percent faster. There are incremental improvements in battery life, too, from 2.5 to 5 percent longer life watching videos in the Movies & TV app, and a 17 percent improvement in the Edge browser.
The subtext to these numbers is that Microsoft is still working to convince customers, especially corporate customers, that the new Windows development model is working, and that the company is hearing the feedback. The Anniversary Update was rapidly deployed, and it hit a number of issues soon after launch, causing problems for both consumers and enterprise users alike.
Microsoft had to examine how it handled deployments, and the result is a much more conservative, much more careful staged deployment. Five months after the Creators Update was released, it was only on two-thirds of Windows machines, compared to 85 percent at the same stage for the Anniversary Update. This less-aggressive rollout seems to have done a good job; there have been far fewer complaints about the Creators Update, and in general it has worked as it should.
The numbers also send a message that the updates are worthwhile: even if the major features of each update aren't of interest, the improved stability, battery life, and security capabilities are valuable and make updates worth having. This is particularly important for Enterprise customers, as it means they shouldn't be tempted by the Long Term Servicing Channel version of Windows. This version doesn't receive the six monthly updates and instead uses the traditional, familiar ten year servicing model that previous versions of Windows used. On the basis of this data, the last LTSC version (which coincided with the Anniversary Update) is meaningfully less stable and efficient than the current mainstream version.
Underpinning the slower rollout and stability data is, of course, the contentious collection of telemetry data. Microsoft uses the data to, among other things, detect deployment issues with the Creators Update and, if necessary, delay its rollout to problematic hardware, drivers, or other software. The Fall Creators Update will give enterprises a little more control over which telemetry data is collected, but a built-in way to disable telemetry collection entirely remains out of reach for regular consumers. | 2,706 |
Egyptian swimmer Farida Osman beat the African record for women’s 50-meter butterfly in Santa Clara in the U.S. on Saturday.
“I'm really happy with my record because I know I'm moving in the right direction now,” Osman told Al Arabiya News.
“It feels great to be ranked now 12th on the world list,” she said.
Osman broke her own record by improving the previous timing of 26.12 seconds to 26.08 at the Arena Pro Swim Series.
Her recent achievements made her jump to 12th place in 2015’s world rankings for 50m butterfly.
The Egyptian swimmer was followed by Daynara De Paula who finished second in 26.37 and Wisconsin’s Ivy Martin taking third in 26.42.
Speaking about the main factors which motivated her to move forward in her aquatic career, the 20-year-old, said: “My family, my friends and my achievements kept me going because I felt I moved a long way.”
“Also seeing my teammates' dedication at Cal and how they believe in themselves and how Coach [Teri] McKeever believes in us really motivated me.”
Osman moved to California after finishing high school in the Egyptian capital to study in UC Berkeley in 2013 where she made an immediate impact on the Cal squad.
Her coach, McKeever, remembers Osman’s first year Cal: "I think she always wanted to be good and be the best, but I don't think she really knew what that entailed... Egypt is not exactly the hotbed of swimming."
Cal is known for having one of the best collegiate swim programs in the United States.
The Egyptian-raised woman also said that being put “in the right environment where I can balance between my studies and training” also helped her making “great achievements.”
The swimmer, who started competing at the age of 11, added that she was aiming high for the summer world championships in Kazan/Russia as well as the summer Olympics in Rio 2016.
Osman was born in Indianapolis 1995 before moving to Cairo where she started swimming at the age of five.
She started being recognized at home in 2012 after being the only female swimmer representing Egypt at the London Olympics the same year. She finished 41st in the 50 freestyle.
Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:46 - GMT 06:46 | 2,707 |
In addition to the life on the surface of Earth and in its oceans, ecosystems have evolved deep under us in a realm coined the "deep biosphere" which stretches several kilometers down into the bedrock. Down there, the conditions are harsh and life is forced to adjust to a lifestyle that we at the surface would call extreme. One major difference to surface conditions is the lack of oxygen; a compound we take for granted and consider to be a prerequisite for survival but which subsurface life has to cope without.
The knowledge about ancient life in this deep environment is extremely scarce and most studies so far have focused on the prokaryotes. A new study by an international team of researchers led by Dr Henrik Drake of the Linnaeus University and Dr Magnus Ivarsson of the Swedish Museum of Natural History sheds light on eukaryotes in this deep setting. They present the first in situ finding of fungi at great depth in the bedrock. This ancient life is found at 740 m below the ground surface. It represents a new piece in the deep biosphere puzzle.
Henrik Drake, lead author of the study, explains the discovery: "In a cavity hidden within a vein in a drill core I was examining, there were beautiful mineral crystals and abundant mycelium of fungal hyphae. To me this was like observing a small community frozen in time."
Magnus Ivarsson tells more about the fungi: "Our detailed synchrotron-based investigations clearly prove that it is fungi adapted to anaerobic conditions. The fungi is partly mineralized and partly organically preserved, which is a rare find that tells how organisms in this environment are fossilized and preserved."
High spatial resolution isotope analysis within the minerals that occur along with the fungi revealed that a variety of microbial processes had occurred in the caveat, including methane consumption and sulfate reduction. The fungi could not be dated precisely but there are proxies pointing to an age of tens of millions of years.
The study confirms a previously hypothesized consortium between fungi and sulfate reducing bacteria, a coupling that has yet been unsupported by direct evidence in nature. As fungi provide hydrogen gas that fuel prokaryotes, the findings suggest a re-evaluation of the energy cycling within the energy-poor deep continental biosphere. Eukaryotes have been neglected in the deep biosphere research. This new finding proposes that they may be key players in this globally vast realm.
Studies of subterranean life-forms have implications for early life on our planet and for life on other planets, where hostile conditions may have inhibited colonization of the surface. | 2,708 |
late 1990s than it would otherwise have been.
This higher-than-normal rate of sea level rise in the early part of the satellite record makes it appear that the rate of sea level rise has not accelerated over time and may actually have decreased somewhat. In fact, according to the study, if the Pinatubo eruption had not occurred—leaving sea level at a higher starting point in the early 1990s—the satellite record would have shown a clear acceleration.
"The satellite record is unable to account for everything that happened before the first satellite was launched, " Fasullo said. "This study is a great example of how computer models can give us the historical context that's needed to understand some of what we're seeing in the satellite record."
Understanding whether the rate of sea level rise is accelerating or remaining constant is important because it drastically changes what sea levels might look like in 20, 50, or 100 years.
"These scientists have disentangled the major role played by the 1991 volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo on trends in global mean sea level," said Anjuli Bamzai, program director in the National Science Foundation's Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences, which funded the research. "This research is vital as society prepares for the potential effects of climate change."
Because the study's findings suggest that acceleration due to climate change is already under way, the acceleration should become evident in the satellite record in the coming decade, Fasullo said.
Since the original TOPEX/Poseidon mission, other satellites have been launched—Jason-1 in 2001 and Jason-2 in 2008—to continue tracking sea levels. The most recent satellite, Jason-3, launched on Jan. 17 of this year.
"Sea level rise is potentially one of the most damaging impacts of climate change, so it's critical that we understand how quickly it will rise in the future," Fasullo said. "Measurements from Jason-3 will help us evaluate what we've learned in this study and help us better plan for the future."
Explore further CryoSat sets new standard for measuring sea levels
More information: J.T. Fasullo, R. S. Nerem, and B. Hamlington, "Is the detection of sea level rise imminent?," Scientific Reports, DOI: 10.1038/srep31245 Journal information: Nature, Scientific Reports J.T. Fasullo, R. S. Nerem, and B. Hamlington, "Is the detection of sea level rise imminent?," | 2,709 |
briefed Trump family members on the Moscow tower deal “approximately 10 times.”
Cohen also described standing in a room in June 2016 with Trump when Trump Jr. walked behind his father’s desk and said “in a low voice” that “the meeting is all set.’” Trump said “Okay, good,” according to Cohen. Cohen said he later concluded that in this exchange, Trump Jr. had told his father about the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting where Trump Jr. hoped to get “dirt” on Hillary Clinton offered by a Russian emissary.
Both assertions could implicate Trump in perjury. Trump reportedly claimed in written answers to special counsel Robert Mueller that Stone did not tell him about WikiLeaks and that he did not know in advance about the 2016 Trump Tower meeting.
Cohen also suggested Trump committed perjury during a 2013 deposition when Trump denied having a relationship with Felix Sater, a convicted felon and former FBI informant who worked for Trump pursing deals. Sater would later team up with Cohen on a secret effort to win Kremlin support to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.
“I’ve seen him a couple of times; I have met him,” Trump said under oath. “If he were sitting in the room right now, I really wouldn’t know what he looked like.” Cohen told the committee that Trump lied in that statement; Cohen noted that Sater had used an office on the same floor of Trump Tower where Trump had an office—a sign of closeness to the president. Did Trump “lie under oath” in that deposition, Cohen was asked. “Yes,” Cohen said.
Cohen also testified that he had briefed members of the Trump family—he later specified that he meant Trump Jr. or Ivanka Trump—on the Moscow tower deal “approximately 10 times.” That’s not what Trump Jr. told the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2017: “I was peripherally aware of it, but most of my knowledge has been gained since as it relates to hearing about it over the last few weeks.” He was testifying to that panel under oath, and the discrepancy increases his chances of perjury charges.
And More
That’s not all. Cohen suggested Trump may have defrauded insurers, cheated on his taxes and illegally used his charity for personal profit. Cohen also said he knew of other criminal activity by the president, but said he could not discuss it due to his ongoing participation in federal investigations. | 2,710 |
Isn’t it ironic?
A recent article by the Open Science Collaboration (a group of 270 coauthors) gained considerable academic and public attention due to its sensational conclusion that the replicability of psychological science is surprisingly low. Science magazine lauded this article as one of the top 10 scientific breakthroughs of the year across all fields of science, reports of which appeared on the front pages of newspapers worldwide. We show that OSC’s article contains three major statistical errors and, when corrected, provides no evidence of a replication crisis. Indeed, the evidence is consistent with the opposite conclusion — that the reproducibility of psychological science is quite high and, in fact, statistically indistinguishable from 100%. The moral of the story is that meta-science must follow the rules of science.
A new article by Gilbert, King, Pettigrew, and Wilson.
This excerpt is rather amazing:
For example, many of OSC’s replication studies drew their samples from different populations than the original studies did. An original study that measured American’s attitudes toward African Americans was replicated with Italians, who do not share the same stereotypes; an original study that asked college students to imagine being called on by a professor was replicated with participants who had never been to college; and an original study that asked students who commute to school to choose between apartments that were short and long drives from campus was replicated with students who do not commute to school. What’s more, many of OSC’s replication studies used procedures that differed from the original study’s procedures in substantial ways: An original study that asked Israelis to imagine the consequences of military service was replicated by asking Americans to imagine the consequences of a honeymoon; an original study that gave younger children the difficult task of locating targets on a large screen was replicated by giving older children the easier task of locating targets on a small screen; an original study that showed how a change in the wording of a charitable appeal sent by mail to Koreans could boost response rates was replicated by sending 771,408 e-mail messages to people all over the world (which produced a response rate of essentially zero in all conditions).
While the fact that this was detected and reported on quickly is (in some sense) evidence of science working, it seems that something is broken about the review and referee process that the original paper got through the publication process.
Update: The original group of authors don’t like the replication of their replication. See Andrew Gelman’s excellent and skeptical discussion. I have read none of these closely enough to have an opinion. | 2,711 |
New warship to be named HMS Sheffield Published duration 22 November 2018 Related Topics Falklands War
image copyright BAE image caption A computer-generated image of the new Type 26 frigate
A new multi-million pound warship is to be named HMS Sheffield, more than 35 years after its namesake was hit by a missile in the Falklands War.
The Type 26 frigate is one of eight anti-submarine vessels to be built and will be the fourth HMS Sheffield to serve the Royal Navy.
A £3.7bn order for the first three ships was placed in 2017.
Twenty people died and 26 were injured when an Exocet missile hit HMS Sheffield in 1982.
media caption The burnt-out hulk of HMS Sheffield a few days after she was abandoned
The name of the new vessel was revealed by Defence Minister Stuart Andrew at Chesterfield Special Cylinders, in Sheffield, which makes high pressure gas storage systems for the ships.
He said: "HMS Sheffield will be at the forefront of our world leading Royal Navy for decades to come, providing cutting edge protection for our aircraft carriers and nuclear deterrent, and offering unrivalled capability at sea."
The names of five other frigates have previously been revealed as HMS Glasgow, HMS Belfast, HMS Cardiff, HMS Birmingham and HMS London. The name of a sixth warship was also revealed earlier as HMS Newcastle.
image copyright PA image caption HMS Sheffield was hit by an Argentine Exocet missile on 4 May 1982
The First HMS Sheffield was built in 1935 and saw action in World War Two, notably assisting with the evacuation of troops from Andalsnes in Norway in 1940.
But it was the second incarnation of HMS Sheffield which imprinted itself on the national conscience.
On 4 May 1982 the Type 42 destroyer was hit by an Argentine missile while carrying out a scouting mission off Port Stanley in the South Atlantic.
The ship was engulfed by flames and eventually abandoned but it did not sink until being towed away from the Falklands almost a week later.
It was the first British ship to be lost in enemy action since World War Two and the first of four British ships to be sunk by the Argentine air force in the Falklands conflict.
image copyright PA image caption Twenty people died and 26 were injured in the attack on HMS Sheffield
The new Type 26 frigate is principally designed for anti-submarine warfare and will partially replace the current Type 23 frigate.
The first Type 26, HMS Glasgow, is due in service in the mid-2020s. | 2,712 |
Introduction
IOSP and GB/s does *not* tell the whole story!
NVMe was a great thing to happen to SSDs. The per-IO reduction in latency and CPU overhead was more than welcome, as PCIe SSDs were previously using the antiquated AHCI protocol, which was a carryover from the SATA HDD days. With NVMe came additional required support in Operating Systems and UEFI BIOS implementations. We did some crazy experiments with arrays of these new devices, but we were initially limited by the lack of native hardware-level RAID support to tie multiple PCIe devices together. The launch of the Z170 chipset saw a remedy to this, by including the ability to tie as many as three PCIe SSDs behind a chipset-configured array. The recent C600 server chipset also saw the addition of RSTe capability, expanding this functionality to enterprise devices like the Intel SSD P3608, which was actually a pair of SSDs on a single PCB.
Most Z170 motherboards have come with one or two M.2 slots, meaning that enthusiasts wanting to employ the 3x PCIe RAID made possible by this new chipset would have to get creative with the use of interposer / adapter boards (or use a combination of PCI and U.2 connected Intel SSD 750s). With the Samsung 950 Pro available, as well as the slew of other M.2 SSDs we saw at CES 2016, it’s safe to say that U.2 is going to push back into the enterprise sector, leaving M.2 as the choice for consumer motherboards moving forward. It was therefore only a matter of time before a triple-M.2 motherboard was launched, and that just recently happened – Behold the Gigabyte Z170X-SOC Force!
This new motherboard sits at the high end of Gigabyte’s lineup, with a water-capable VRM cooler and other premium features. We will be passing this board onto Morry for a full review, but this piece will be focusing on one section in particular:
I have to hand it to Gigabyte for this functional and elegant design choice. The space between the required four full length PCIe slots makes it look like it was chosen to fit M.2 SSDs in-between them. I should also note that it would be possible to use three U.2 adapters linked to three U.2 Intel SSD 750s, but native M.2 devices makes for a significantly more compact and consumer friendly package.
With the test system set up, let’s get right into it, shall we? | 2,713 |
CLEAR LAKE, Iowa — Beto O’Rourke said that the United States, which has endured a bloody Civil War and, as recently as the 1960s, political assassinations, race riots and a Vietnam war that ultimately led to 58,000 U.S. casualties in a conflict most Americans opposed, is "more divided' and'more highly polarized' in 2019 than ever before.
The former Texas congressman and his 2020 Democratic rival Pete Buttigieg drew connections between gun violence, white nationalism, and national security as they made their respective pitches at the Iowa Democrats "Wing Ding" dinner on Friday night.
O’Rourke, 46, appeared at the Friday night fundraiser via video from his hometown of El Paso, which is grappling with the shooting deaths of 22 people at a Walmart last weekend after a white supremacist opened fire with an assault-style weapon.
“I’m here to make sure that at this moment we do not allow ourselves to be defined by this act of terror, this act of hatred, this act of violence, but instead by the way in which this community overcomes this attack,” the presidential candidate told prospective voters.
“And also sets an example, I hope, for the rest of the country, a country that has never been more divided or more highly polarized, this community’s ability to see our differences not only as something that should be tolerated or respected, but as embraced as the foundation of our success, of our strength, and yes our safety and our security," he added.
Meanwhile, Buttigieg, 37, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, said the country couldn’t achieve national security without racial justice.
“Let alone when we have a president who is coddling white nationalists,” he told the crowd. “White nationalism is a national security threat to this country.”
The prospect of more stringent gun control dominated the discussion at the dinner, which featuring much of the 2020 Democratic primary field, including during Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan’s speech. Ryan has been lobbying Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to reconvene the Senate so Congress can take legislative action.
Following the shooting in El Paso, nine more people were killed by a man wielding a firearm in Dayton, Ohio. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker dedicated his five-minute address to gun violence, praising O’Rourke for his leadership and saying the 2020 election wasn’t just a referendum on Trump, but was a “moral moment” for the American public. | 2,714 |
China and Russia are teaming up for a joint uranium mining project in Western Russia.
The ARMZ Uranium holding subsidiary of Russian state owned energy giant Rosatom will be partnering with the Russia-China Investment fund (RCIF) on the $325 million project in the Zabaikalsky region.
The Priargunsky Industrial Mining and Chemical Union will reportedly own 51% of the new project, while ARMZ will hold the remaining 49%. The majority of the financing will come from the China National Nuclear Corporation with a $282 million investment, while the RCIF will put up the rest.
The mine has a total reported reserves of 40,000 tons of uranium ore, with an annual capacity of 850,000 tons expected - and will break ground by 2023.
China is the first foreign country allowed to invest in Russian uranium mining, which the Kremlin has been aggressively pursuing as part of a "uranium dominance strategy" uncovered by undercover FBI whistleblower William D. Campbell, who supplied the agency with information from the highest levels of Russia's nuclear industry.
The strategy included the purchase of Canadian-based Uranium One, which gave the Kremlin rights to 20% of American yellowcake uranium.
Campbell told lawmakers the purchase of the Uranium One assets and the securing of billions of new uranium sales contracts inside the United States during the Obama years were part of the “Russian uranium dominance strategy.” -The Hill
Campbell, despite being severely ill with cancer, testified before Congress about his undercover work - telling them of a scheme to route millions of dollars to the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) through lobbying firm APCO, which was expected to funnel a portion of its annual $3 million lobbying fee to the charity.
“The contract called for four payments of $750,000 over twelve months. APCO was expected to give assistance free of charge to the Clinton Global Initiative as part of their effort to create a favorable environment to ensure the Obama administration made affirmative decisions on everything from Uranium One to the U.S.-Russia Civilian Nuclear Cooperation agreement.“ -William Campbell
Officials with APCO - the lobbying firm accused of funneling the money to the Clinton Global Initiative, told The Hill that its support for CGI and its work for Russia were not connected in any way, and involved different divisions of the firm.
Meanwhile, Russia's Rosatom expects to sign foreign contracts worth $26 billion in 2018 for the construction and maintenance of nuclear power plants in India, Iran, Egypt, China and several other countries - including 16 plants in Saudi Arabia. | 2,715 |
the Zionist agenda. In “Unjust War Theory: Christian Zionism and the Road to Jerusalem,” Prof. David W. Lutz writes, “Untermeyer used Scofield, a Kansas City lawyer with no formal training in theology, to inject Zionist ideas into American Protestantism. Untermeyer and other wealthy and influential Zionists whom he introduced to Scofield promoted and funded the latter’s career, including travel in Europe.”
On one of these European trips, Oxford University Press publisher Henry Frowde “expressed immediate interest” in Scofield’s project. According to a biography of Frowde, although the OUP publisher was “[n]ot demonstrative in his religious views, all his Christian life he was associated with brethren known as ‘Exclusive.’” The “Exclusive Brethren” refers to the group of Christian evangelicals that, in an 1848 split in the Plymouth Brethren, followed John Nelson Darby, the Anglo-Irish missionary generally considered to have been the most influential figure in the development of Christian Zionism, and a major influence on Scofield.
SCOFIELD’S LEGACY
Had the Scofield Bible never been published, American presidents influenced by Christian Zionism such as Truman, Johnson, Reagan and George W. Bush might have been less sympathetic to Israeli demands, and consequently more attentive to U.S. interests. Moreover, the American people could have been spared the pseudo-Christian rants of John Hagee, Pat Robertson and the late Jerry Falwell, not to mention the lucrative End Times Rapture “prophecy” peddled by Hal Lindsey and Tim LaHaye.
But it is the people of the Middle East who have been most affected by an expansionist Israel emboldened by the unswerving allegiance of Christian Zionists led to believe that Scofield’s words are God’s will. Not least among the many victims of the Scofield Bible are 5 million Palestinian refugees whose right to return is fervently opposed by America’s Zionized Christians. Thanks to their indoctrination by Scofield’s unholy book, they believe that Palestine belongs not to the Palestinians—many of whom are fellow Christians—but exclusively to “God’s chosen people.”
Maidhc Ó Cathail writes extensively on U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East. He is also the creator and editor of The Passionate Attachment blog, which focuses primarily on the U.S.-Israeli relationship. | 2,716 |
Massachusetts is the healthiest state in the nation, according to a new report from the United Health Foundation that looks at the healthy and not-so-healthy habits of people across the United States.
The 2017 annual report looks at 35 different factors affecting people's health including rates of smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, low birth weight, drug deaths, environmental conditions like air pollution, and the number of doctors, dentists, and mental health providers per 100,000 people in their state.
Overall, the report reveals the nation is facing serious public health challenges, including rising rates of premature deaths and an uneven distribution of health care providers.
United Health Foundation
For example, Massachusetts has the highest concentration of mental health providers with more than 547 per 100,000 residents. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Alabama – one of the lowest ranking states on the list – has just 85 mental health care providers per 100,000 people.
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Massachusetts also ranks among the states with the highest numbers of primary care physicians and dentists.
However, even though the state does well in most measures, it experienced a 69 percent increase in the rate of drug deaths since 2012, largely due to the spike in opioid overdoses.
Another state that did well overall, Utah, which is ranked as the fourth-healthiest state, also saw one of the largest increases in the cardiovascular death rate — up 10 percent since 2012.
Louisiana, which ranked second-least healthy overall, experienced an increase in drug deaths over the past five years, but in more positive news saw cancer and cardiovascular deaths decline during the same period.
The top 10 healthiest states:
Massachusetts Hawaii Vermont Utah Connecticut Minnesota Colorado New Hampshire Washington New York
The 10 least healthy states:
Mississippi Louisiana Arkansas Alabama West Virginia Tennessee South Carolina Oklahoma Kentucky Georgia
Florida and Utah experienced the largest improvements in the rankings since last year, rising four places each to number 32 and number 4, respectively.
Florida's improvements include positive changes in the percentage of children living in poverty and the frequency of mental distress in the past year. Utah improved its rankings in air pollution and immunization rates among young children.
Conversely, North Dakota experienced the largest rank decline, falling seven places since last year to number 18. The state's rankings for smoking, Salmonella, and immunizations for children all declined since 2016.
The authors say they hope the data will be used "to drive action in improving the health of our communities." | 2,717 |
Being a socialist, I feel that when the technology comes along that increases productivity, everyone should share in those gains.”
Last summer, Hinton and I had lunch in the Google cafeteria downtown. The space has the daycare aesthetic of most digital companies, with bright colours, amoeba couches and an array of healthy lunch options being eaten by a lot of people under 30. On the patios are a mini-putt course and a pollinator beehive. An espresso machine whirs loudly. It’s hard to imagine this is where the machine invasion might start, and yet….
“The apocalypse scenario where computers take over—that’s not something that could happen for a very long time,” says Hinton, standing and eating his quinoa and chicken. “We’re a long, long way away from anything like that. It’s fine for philosophers to think about, but I’m not particularly interested in that issue because it’s not something I’m going to have to deal with in my lifetime.” Ever deadpan, it’s hard to tell if he’s joking.
But what about the ways in which this dependence on machines changes us? I tell him that whenever my phone prompts me with a suggested response (“Sounds good!” “See you there!”), I feel like I’m losing agency. I become mechanized myself. Pop culture has been funnelling this exact apprehension since 2001: A Space Odyssey. In entertainment, machine progress is braided to a personal loneliness, a loss. It’s almost as if, by the machine becoming more human, we become less human.
Hinton listens and looks at me not unkindly, but with a trace of incredulity. “Do you feel less human when you use a pocket calculator?” he asks. Around him, the Google millennials eat salad and drink their coffee, their key cards swinging from their hips. Almost all of them are on their phones, or holding their phones. “We’re machines,” says Hinton. “We’re just produced biologically. Most people doing AI don’t have doubt that we’re machines. We’re just extremely fancy machines. And I shouldn’t say just. We’re special, wonderful machines.”
This story originally appeared in Toronto Life magazine. To subscribe, for just $29.95 a year, click here. | 2,718 |
Jill Crank misses her patients terribly. And she is worried about them.
“The last thing I want is for them to think I abandoned them,” Jill said. “I’m afraid they might not know what to do.”
During almost nine years as a nurse practitioner at Chase Brexton Health Care in Baltimore, and more recently as their Assistant Medical Director, Jill had a caseload of about 600 clients. It included patients, largely from the LGBT community, who were being helped with mental health issues, HIV treatment and prevention, transgender health, and addiction and recovery services.
They are the kind of patients who rely on the trust built between them and their healthcare provider. They are often awash in social stigma and barriers to quality care. They count on people like Jill Crank.
“They trusted me, yes,” Jill says. She is still finding it difficult to discuss them without getting emotional. “That trust translated into our making positive decisions about their health together. So many of them were in the middle of life-changing issues, like choosing to recover from addiction or deciding on new HIV treatment. These issues are not easily resolved by a quick fix-it visit with a new provider.”
Those crucial relationships were abruptly broken last week, when Jill and four other management-level employees at Chase Brexton, the largest provider of clinical services to Baltimore’s most vulnerable populations, were unceremoniously fired from their jobs.
All five employees had exemplary records of service, some dating back decades. They have been honored for their work, received glowing performance reviews, and had virtually no warning their careers at Chase Brexton were about to end.
That end came as the result of a chillingly vindictive move on the part of Chase Brexton senior management. With a union organizing effort underway by employees — who cite an unreasonable workload that is having an effect on the quality of patient care – senior management evidently tried one of the oldest, and most cruelly transparent, tricks in the playbook. They fired managers (who are not eligible to join the union themselves but might be seen as supportive of the change) in an apparent effort to intimidate those seeking to join the union.
To speak to those five employees, who were interviewed individually for this story, is to hear a litany of confusion and heartbreak. The word “devastated” is used by all of them. Without exception, they mention a deep concern for their patients, who were notified of the disappearance of their provider without explanation. | 2,719 |
of them actually have been farmed out to, I don’t care who runs it, day care, state-run or not, during the early formative years. Family’s family for a reason. But the left has come along because the political necessities of feminism by design require women to abandon everything traditional about motherhood. Hell, even giving birth is now considered a sickness. A pregnancy is a sickness. It’s a societally imposed penalty. It’s just absurd.
In other news:
Conservatives took aim at communism on the 100th anniversary of Russia’s October Revolution. The Federalist’s Robert Tracinski wrote a piece titled “Why Won’t the Nightmare Dream Of Communism Die?” “If Communism represents the full implementation of a commonly accepted view of morality, we can understand the compulsion to make excuses for it, to claim it’s never really been tried, to forget its disasters and atrocities, to allow only a gauzy airbrushed version of its history, and to desperately wish that if we just tried it one more time and really did it right, we would finally reach the promised paradise,” he wrote. “We’ve done that for a full century, and even longer. After all, Communism was tried on a small scale, in voluntary utopian communities, for more than a century before it failed upward and took over entire countries.”
The Daily Wire’s video series, The Michael Knowles Show, devoted its opening segment to criticizing defenders of communism and the Washington Post’s Anne Applebaum, a former Slate columnist who wrote a piece warning about the rise of neo-Bolsheviks including, according to her, Donald Trump.
Vladimir Lenin is said to have called communist sympathizers in America “useful idiots”. The phrase refers to people like New York Times reporter Lincoln Steffens, who traveled to the Soviet Union shortly after the revolution and claimed “I have seen the future, and it works.” Or New York Times reporter Walter Duranty—I’m seeing a trend here—who won the Pulitzer Prize for publishing Stalin’s propaganda denying the Holodomor that starved to death seven and a half million people. Or Anne Applebaum, the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who penned today’s insipid twaddle in the Washington Post. All allegedly expert thought leaders on a subject about which they wrote in such ignorance.
daily roundup of the biggest stories in right-wing media. | 2,720 |
The factor that contributed most to the demise of the Republic was not, in fact, the war, but rampant self-interest. Endemic to the political process our ancestors engineered, the insidious pursuit of self-enrichment grew only more pervasive through the long centuries, and in the end left the body politic feckless and corrupt. Consider the self-interest of the Core Worlds, unwavering in their exploitation of the Outer Systems for resources; the Outer Systems themselves, undermined by their permissive disregard of smuggling and slavery; those ambitious members of the Senate who sought only status and opportunity. The reason our Emperor was able to negotiate the dark waters that characterized the terminal years of the Republic and remain at the helm through a catastrophic war that spanned the galaxy is that he has never been interested in status or self-glorification. On the contrary, he has been tireless in his devotion to unify the galaxy and assure the well-being of its myriad populations. Now, with the institution of sector and oversector governance, we are in the unique position to repay our debt to the Emperor for his decades of selfless service, by lifting some of the burden of quotidian rulership from his shoulders. By partitioning the galaxy into regions, we actually achieve a unity previously absent; where once our loyalties and allegiances were divided, they now serve one being, with one goal: a cohesive galaxy in which everyone prospers. For the first time in one thousand generations our sector governors will not be working solely to enrich Coruscant and the Core Worlds, but to advance the quality of life in the star systems that make up each sector-keeping the spaceways safe, maintaining open and accessible communications, assuring that tax revenues are properly levied and allocated to improving the infrastructure. The Senate will likewise be made up of beings devoted not to their own enrichment, but to the enrichment of the worlds they represent. This bold vision of the future requires not only the service of those of immaculate reputation and consummate skill in the just exercise of power, but also the service of a vast military dedicated to upholding the laws necessary to ensure galactic harmony. It may appear to some that the enactment of universal laws and the widespread deployment of a heavily armed military are steps toward galactic domination, but these actions are taken merely to protect us from those who would invade, enslave, exploit, or foment political dissent, and to punish accordingly any who engage in such acts. Look on our new military not as trespassers or interlopers, but as gatekeepers, here to shore up the Emperor's vision of a pacified and prosperous galaxy. | 2,721 |
Another day, another story pertaining to the ongoing patent disputes between technology giants Apple and Samsung.
The U.S. Supreme Court denied Samsung's appeal against its biggest rival that saw the iPhone maker awarded $120 million in a patent infringement case. To add insult to injury, the verdict was delivered through a single line by the justices in the judgment.
Samsung, a company that has eaten away Apple's once-dominant market share in the smartphone market, argued that several Apple patents covered technology that’s too trivial to be patented.
The justices decided not to reexamine the 2016 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit that upheld a verdict against Samsung that states the South Korean company infringed Apple's patents on a few popular features from the iPhone, including autocorrect and slide-to-unlock.
The ruling is one of the latest in the long-standing court battles between the companies. Although the decision today halts the smartphone patent battles, albeit temporarily, last year, the Supreme Court ordered a reevaluation of a different $399 million ruling in Apple's favor that alleged Samsung copied the iPhone's design. They'll meet again in May for a new trial involving the aforementioned case.
Samsung, meanwhile, poked fun at the patent court when it said within legal papers that it has "long served as the bulwark when the Federal Circuit tips the balance too far in favor of patent-holders' rights at the expense of innovation and competition."
According to Samsung, the Federal Circuit has made it “virtually impossible to invalidate even the most trivial patents.” The company continued, "The ’721 patent claim, for example, is so trivial that every other jurisdiction in the world to consider it has invalidated it. Slide-to-unlock was well known in the prior art (Neonode); Apple added only an image moving with 16 the user’s finger across the screen, and that trivial addition was also well known in the prior art (Plaisant).”
Apple and Samsung's history extends outside of the courts, too. The latter has directly mocked its rival in a new commercial that attacks the iPhone X. It begins by teasing iPhone users that they've been running out of space due to Apple's persistence in releasing a 16GB model.
The court case battle continues disputes between the companies that began back in 2011. We're guessing that every court decision made in the future, as evidenced by history, will be appealed, so don't expect Apple vs. Samsung to settle down anytime soon. | 2,722 |
click to enlarge Shutterstock
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer elicited laughter at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Thursday when she reiterated that every adult and child in Michigan would have to spend $2,500 a year on legal marijuana to raise enough money in taxes to fix the damn roads.“And let’s be honest: At that level, no one’s going to care about the damn roads,” Whitmer joked.Truth is, all 10 million Michigan residents, including children, would have to buy more than $7,000 worth of legal marijuana a year to generate $2.5 billion in needed roadwork. But since recreational marijuana sales are illegal for people under the age of 21, it would take more than $10,000 a year from every resident 21 and older.So how much pot would $10,000 buy?Let’s break it down:• 1,000 joints at $10 each.• 222 eighths at $45 a pop.• 30.8 ounces at $325 each.Whitmer based her numbers on a 10 percent excise tax that will be imposed on the sale of all recreational marijuana beginning next year. Under her hypothetical, every penny raised from the excise tax would be spent on roads. But state law only allows Michigan to tap 35 percent of the excise tax for roads. The rest of the money goes to schools, cities, and counties.If every Michigan resident, including children, spent $2,500 a year on legal marijuana, that would only raise $875 million — about a third of what’s needed.Whitmer’s spokesman Tiffany Brown acknowledged that the governor’s hypothetical “ignores fund distribution issues” with the excise tax.Either way, the point is clear: The recreational marijuana excise tax won’t raise nearly enough money to fix the damn roads.Whitmer has proposed increasing the fuel tax by 45 cents to finance the roadwork. But Republican lawmakers have rejected the plan without offering an alternative solution.The Senate Fiscal Agency estimates that each adult is likely to only spend an average of $140 a year on state-sanctioned pot. The state is expecting about $1.1 billion in cannabis sales in 2020 to 2021. That would generate $32.1 million in new road taxes — or just 1.3 percent of the needed $2.5 billion.To raise $2.5 billion for the roads, licensed dispensaries would have to sell $714.3 billion worth of marijuana a year — or more than 71 billion joints, 15 billion eighths, or 2.2 billion ounces. | 2,723 |
The man was found dead in the seat of a car near the road checkpoint two kilometres from Alakurtti on the main road from Kandalaksha on the Kola Peninsula towards Salla border to Finland, reports Severpost.
According to law enforcement officials, the man was found dead Sunday morning. Then he had been waiting at the checkpoint for five days, since January 12th. Those five days have been some of the coldest this winter with temperatures dropping below minus 30 degree Celsius in the area.
Eyewitnesses say the man, reportedly a Indian citizen, had been shivering in the car for a few days, Flashnord reports. Komsomolskaya Pravda reports that the man did not get help from others because he could not pay for “service.”
The numbers of migrants on the Arctic Route heading for Finland’s Salla border have increased substantially since Norway introduced stricter immigration rules in late November last year. Since November 29th, not one single migrant without legal entry visa to Norway has been let through Russia’s Borisoglebsk border checkpoint and subsequently not entered Norway at Storskog.
This weekend, 52 migrants have entered Lapland from Russia at Salla, Finland’s Border Guard reports. So far in 2016, 306 persons have applied for asylum at Raja-Jooseppi (Ivalo) and Salla border checkpoints.
The majority are Afghans, Nepalese, Indians, Iranians and Iraqis.
Last week, the Independent Barents Observer reported that groups of people, including children, started to walk on the road from Kandalaksha towards Salla. The people were rescued by the local medical service in Alakurtti because of the freezing cold weather.
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After the incident with the walking migrants in the frost, regional authorities on Saturday decided to open the hotel in Kandalaksha for migrants awaiting transport to the Finnish border, Komsomolskaya Pravda reported. The newspaper also informs that many migrants have been staying in cars on the road for days in the extreme cold weather, with temperatures down to minus 40 degree Celsius.
The reason why the migrants choose to stay for days in the cars in line for the checkpoint to Alakurtti is said to be because they don’t want to lose their number in the queue.
The road from Kandalaksha, via Alakurtti and further to Salla goes through some of the most remote wilderness areas on the Kola Peninsula with very few buildings along the road. | 2,724 |
NEW DELHI : The National Company Law Tribunal has ordered to initiate insolvency proceedings against Aviva Life Insurance in a case filed by Apeejay Trust.
A two-member bench of NCLT Delhi comprising Justice R D Khare and Sumita Purkayastha allowed the plea against Aviva Life Insurance and has also appointed an interim resolution professional to run day-to-day affairs of the company.
Apeejay Trust, which had leased its Mumbai-based (Vashi) premise to Aviva Life Insurance, claimed a default of ₹27.67 lakh as an operational creditor for not receiving payments towards service tax and license fee for the premise.
According to the trust, Aviva -- a JV between Dabur Invest Corp (Dabur group) and Aviva International Holding Ltd -- has not paid license fee, car parking, maintenance/service charge and service tax. It had made its last payment in this regard on October 5, 2017 and from then the debt was lying due.
"Considering the circumstances this tribunal is inclined to admit this petition and initiate CIRP of the corporate debtor. Accordingly this petition is admitted," The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) said.
It has also declared a moratorium under section 14 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, protecting the company from its lenders during the process.
During the proceedings, Aviva had questioned the maintainability of Appeejay Trust's plea on the ground that it is an insurance company and thus being a financial service provider, IBC can not be applied against it.
According to it, there is an absolute bar under IBC to initiate any proceedings against insurance companies.
This was rejected by the NCLT saying "the operational creditor does not have any claim in respect of contract of insurance. The claim is with respect to the outstanding license fee and the service tax amount".
"Hence, the corporate debtor can not use the provision of... IBC as a blanket cover to claim exclusion from IBC proceedings on the ground that it is an financial service provider," said the NCLT in its order dated November 4, 2019.
Meanwhile, Aviva Life Insurance in a statement said: "The issue at hand is a commercial dispute with a vendor and Aviva reserves it rights & remedies in the court of law. Our customers policies are fully secure & we remain committed to growing our business and customers in india".
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For the 2nd month in a row, home prices in Calgary - corporate hub of Canada's oil industry - have fallen. This is the biggest 2-month-drop in almost 2 years (and comes on the heels of yesterday's news that Suncor is slashing jobs and capex). As Bloomberg reports, Bank of Canada Deputy Governor Tim Lane said yesterday development of the more expensive deposits are threatened by lower crude oil prices. "The dive in energy prices will put pressure on house prices in the Western provinces in the coming months," warns one economist and as the following chart shows, more pain is likely...
It appears the price of homes in Canada's most important energy region are extremely correlated with a lagged oil price... which suggests a lot more pain is to come...
* * *
As we explained previously, this won't end well...
In Canadian debt we trust
There was an inflexion point for US markets when household debt surpassed household income. People kept saying it was a liquidity crisis initially but it was truly a solvency crisis. People took on too much debt and were walking on a financial tightrope. In the US, this peaked above 120 percent. Canada is well on its way above 160 percent:
Basically Canadians are deeper in debt relative to their income. And a large part of this debt is housing related. A large part of the economy is also tied to oil and as you may know, oil just took a massive cut.
...
Canada has enjoyed many years of the global commodities boom and now finds itself contending with a market full of debt and inflated housing values. Short of oil rising back up to $80 a barrel and higher Canada is likely going to face some short-term pain. The housing market is due for a correction. Those of us in California realize that booms and busts can occur all of a sudden but the events leading up to this are largely foreseeable.
I’m sure many in Canada assume that home values will simply continue to go up and just because banks check incomes doesn’t mean squat. As the above data shows, households are already deep in the quicksand of massive debt. It is all dandy when everything is going up including oil. When oil gets smashed as it did, it came on quickly. Canada has their versions of $700,000 crap shacks usually in the form of condos. Hey, at least with a crap shack you don’t have to share a common wall. When you look at the Canadian housing market it makes the US look like a frugal uncle. | 2,726 |
Jihadists conquering Iraq and Syria upload clip showing they are launching rockets on Israel; launchers hit by IAF in video.
Despite the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant's (ISIS) statements that it will not join the attack on Israel for now, a new video by the Sunni Jihadist group claims to show its terrorists are in fact firing rockets on Israel.
In the video, which was uploaded to YouTube, alleged members of ISIS's "Bayt el-Maqdis" (Jerusalem) unit in Gaza can be seen firing rockets towards Israeli civilian centers.
A total of eight rockets are seen being fired by the group in the video, a drop in the ocean to the hundreds fired by Gaza terrorist groups in recent days.
ISIS terrorists are seen preparing the rockets in rocket launchers embedded underground in a Gaza orchard; the rockets are connected by electrical wires so as to allow them to be fired simultaneously. The rockets are seen launching both in night and day conditions.
At the very end of the clip, the rocket launchers are seen being attacked by the IAF shortly after launching. Apparently an Israeli fighter drone patrolling the area located the launchers and opened fire on them.
After capturing vast swathes of Iraq and Syria, ISIS declared the regions under its control as a "Caliphate", or Islamic state.
A spokesman for ISIS on Monday declared that his organization intends first to deal with "Muslims who have become infidels," and then attack Israel, although the recent attack shows they are not staying true to that statement.
In a recent statement, another spokesman said ISIS needs to complete six specific stages before attacking Israel.
Some of those "stages," such as building a base in Iraq from which to attack Syria and Lebanon, have been completed. But the group still intends to weaken the US and expand its rule over "Greater Syria" (which includes Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and possibly Gaza) first, before taking on Israel.
Video last week revealed ISIS has transferred weaponry captured in Iraq to Syria, including a long-range Scud missile that a member of the group threatened is "heading towards Israel."
ISIS last Friday captured a Syrian oil field in the Deir el-Zour province in the east of the country near Iraq, after seizing Syria's largest oil field last Thursday in the same region.
It has already amassed great assets in Iraq, seizing Iraq's largest oil refinery, a chemical weapons facility, and becoming the "world's richest terrorist organization" by looting 500 billion Iraqi dinars ($425 million) from banks in Mosul. | 2,727 |
The Doom Original Game Soundtrack will be available on Amazon on July 13. While its release date is closing in, we want to know more about this epic music and how it had been created. Mick Gordon gives us an insight into the development of this astounding soundtrack.
Mick Gordon is the creator of various gaming soundtracks. Most of them are undoubtedly magnificent. He has worked on Wolfenstein: The New Order, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus and both Killer Instinct video games. However, he is also the mastermind behind the fantastic DOOM reboot soundtrack.
In a recent interview with fandom.wikia.com, among other things, Mick Gordon talked about the ‘DOOM instrument.’ He mentioned that they did not want to make something that was similar to anything else. In fact, that is a great risk when it comes to composing any song. However, their idea of mixing the raw building blocks of different sounds was what made DOOM’s music successful. He specifically said:
“We kind of stumbled upon this idea of taking the raw building blocks of any sound – noise and sine waves, consonants and vowels essentially – and playing them through circuitry. It’s not like treating the circuitry, you’re actually trying to capture the essence of the circuitry. Then if you do that with fifty different things, it’s like they become their own band.”
Gordon also talked about the influences the reboot soundtrack drew upon from DOOM’s history. He mentioned the importance of various iconic game soundtracks as well. Gordon tried using the vibe he gets from them and what he felt the first time he heard them. That way he can transform those feelings into music.
However, his most important comment was about the upcoming DOOM Eternal game and its music. Gordon could not reveal too much about the sequel’s music. Nevertheless, he pointed out the importance of not tampering with the original music of the game. Therefore in DOOM Eternal, we are going to experience the same chills we got from the previous DOOM titles.
“I always feel really disappointed when I play a game and I think the music is great, and then by the time the second one comes around, the music is completely different and it loses the feel of what you liked about the game in the first place. We spent so much time defining the sound of DOOM, we’re not going to abandon it now.”
When it comes out, you will be able to download the Doom Original Game Soundtrack here. | 2,728 |
Pencil improvements: I'm more of a doodler and a note-taker than I used to be, but I still don't use the Apple Pencil that often. But for those of you who do, there are plenty of Pencil-friendly updates to be found in iPadOS. The palette of tools that pops up when you start using the Pencil has been redesigned, and you can flick it around the screen so it doesn't obscure whatever you were doing in the first place. Apple has also said that, thanks to some under-the-hood optimizations, the Pencil's latency has dropped to as low as 9ms. With that said, I haven't noticed a huge difference in Pencil performance so far.
For what it's worth, one of the smallest changes to the Pencil experience has been the most useful. If you swipe in from the side of the screen with the Pencil, the iPad will take a screenshot you can immediately start marking up. You can even use this feature to take full-length screenshots of web pages and documents.
Sidecar: One of the most interesting additions to iPadOS is the ability to connect iPad Pros to Macs for use as secondary displays or graphics tablets. My colleague Dana has the Catalina update running on an iMac and took the feature for a spin herself. You can read her impressions here.
Mouse support: At long last, you can use a mouse (wired or Bluetooth) with your iPad. It takes a little setting up, though: You have to enable it as a pointing device in the Assistive Touch, which requires a trip into iPadOS' accessibility settings. Scroll wheels work fine right out of the gate, and if your mouse has additional buttons you can easily customize their actions. Keep in mind that iPadOS and iOS aren't really optimized for interacting with mice, so the feature isn't quite as helpful as you might hope. Since there aren't any sensitivity controls, the cursor just jets all over the screen even though I'm barely moving my hand.
It'll be a few more months before Apple releases a final version of iPadOS and based on what I've seen so far, it's going to be worth the wait. The company's business customers should be especially excited: Apple addressed many of the criticisms that prevented the iPad Pro from being the do-it-all computer it aspires to be. As for everyone else, they'll benefit from subtle performance improvements and some extra polish. There's something for everyone here, and since Apple is one of the last major players in the tablet space, that's good news indeed. | 2,729 |
a ceremony celebrating the new law in April. Federal prosecutors in Tampa, meanwhile, had filed paperwork to appeal that decision and force him back to prison. They dropped the appeal three weeks later, without explanation.
Legal experts say they are aware of few other cases in which the federal government has tried to re-incarcerate someone who has been freed due to a sentence reduction.
“It’s particularly cruel,” said Mary Price, an attorney with Families Against Mandatory Minimums, a nonpartisan group. “The whole point of the First Step Act was to give some relief to people who were sentenced to unduly long sentences.”
A TURBULENT LIFE
According to court documents and his own account, Davis has led a turbulent life. The son of a prostitute who entered the witness protection program when testifying in a criminal case, Davis was given a new name and moved to New Orleans when he was seven years old.
By the time he was fifteen, back in Buffalo, both parents and a younger brother were dead and he was selling drugs. He dropped out of high school.
He killed a woman accidentally when he was nineteen, he said, and records show he eventually pleaded guilty to state manslaughter charges.
By the time he was 30, federal agents say, Davis oversaw a network that sold crack and cocaine across western New York and Pennsylvania.
“Your life has been a disaster, and maybe not all of it your fault,” U.S. Judge William Skretny told him in 2009 as he sentenced him.
In March, the same judge ruled that Davis should be freed under the First Step Act.
“I fell off the chair,” Davis recalled. “I couldn’t believe it.”
Prosecutors told the court they intend to appeal. The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York, James P. Kennedy Jr., declined to comment on Davis’s case, but said in a prepared statement that asking for appellate review “is consistent with our mission of seeing to it that justice is done in each case.”
Meanwhile, Davis is learning to use a smartphone and planning to start welding classes in September. Eventually, he says, he aims to run a cleaning service or auto shop, and set aside money for his six grandchildren so they can have a better life than he did.
“I know God has a plan for me,” he said. “I know I’m not finished yet.” | 2,730 |
Simon Riondet, the Head of Financial Intelligence at Europol
From 16 to 18 January 2017, Europol, Interpol and the Basel Institute on Governance jointly organised the Global Conference on Money Laundering and Digital Currencies in Doha, Qatar.
The event was attended by more than 400 financial investigators from money laundering, cybercrime and financial intelligence units, together with experts in asset recovery and relevant private sector representatives. One of the main focuses of the conference was the misuse of digital currencies by criminals and terrorist financiers to launder money and support other criminal activities.
The conference was a direct result of the partnership established in September 2016 dedicated to investigating money laundering involving virtual currencies. The event was also in line with another objective of a working group (of Europol, Interpol and the Basel Institute on Governance), which aims to create a network of experts to share best practices, as well as provide operational assistance and policy recommendations.
In his speech, Simon Riondet, the Head of Financial Intelligence at Europol, stressed: “Digital currencies are now undoubtedly part of the payment system. Their use is expected to increase exponentially in the coming years. And understandably so, since they improve payment efficiency, reduce transaction and fund transfer costs, while facilitating international remittances. But the other side of this narrative is that they are also a powerful new tool for criminals and terrorist financiers to convert, remit and conceal illicit funds from law enforcement authorities.”
At the end of the conference, participants agreed upon a set of conclusions which included:
Increase information sharing in the field of money laundering and digital currencies, with particular emphasis on the exchange of suspicious Bitcoin addresses that threaten economic stability
Regulate digital currency exchangers and wallet providers under current anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing legislation in line with obligations already pending with the financial sector
Take action against digital currency mixers/tumblers, designed to anonymise transactions, which burdens the work of law enforcement agencies to detect and trace suspicious transactions.
Europol recognises the danger that virtual currencies pose in the hands of criminals and terrorists and is prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead. In December 2016, Europol supported an operation that led to the dismantling of a criminal network believed to be one of the biggest vendors of counterfeit euro currency online. Bitcoin was used as cryptocurrency to pay for the counterfeit banknotes. As a result, eight individuals were arrested. This operation proves once again that cooperation between law enforcement, and information exchange, are key elements in combating the misuse of virtual currencies. | 2,731 |
pain relievers and heroin, opioids account for almost 61,000 deaths each year.
Synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, caused nearly 28,500 deaths while prescription opioids overdose deaths and heroin overdose deaths caused about 17,000 and 15,500 respectively.
Although opioids are powerful enough to trigger an overdose on their own, many people combine alcohol and other drugs with opioids, which creates a more dangerous risk.
Drug Overdose Treatment
If someone exhibits the signs or symptoms of an overdose, they need medical attention immediately. Trained medical professionals offer the best treatment for a drug overdose.
A person who is overdosing cannot care for themselves, so the people around them need to:
Call 911 immediately
Never leave the overdosing person alone
Perform CPR, if needed
Stay calm and follow the directions of the 911 operator
Once in medical care, the person will receive drug overdose treatment like:
Stomach pumping or laxatives to remove the substances
Breathing support
Scans and X-rays
Mental health support when immediate symptoms diminish
Overdose Reversal Drugs
One of the most useful tools a person has to treat an overdose is an overdose reversal drug. These medicines work to block and undo the effects of the drug overdose. In many situations, they can save a person’s life.
Reversal drugs are available as several substances, but the most common is Narcan, the brand name for the opioid reversal drug naloxone.
Narcan is available as an injection a person can put into a large muscle of someone overdosing. The medication is also available as a nasal spray that a person sprays into the nostril of the person who is overdosing.
If someone is overdosing on an opioid like heroin, another person can administer the Narcan to avoid worsening overdose symptoms. The Narcan works by essentially tricking the brain into thinking there are no opioids in the system. The person will then feel sick from the experience, but they will likely survive the overdose.
Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. | 2,732 |
Accused Family Court bomber Leonard John Warwick has formally pleaded not guilty to a string of murders and bombings in Sydney in the 1980s.
Warwick is charged with multiple offences that include four murders, allegedly following a custody and property battle with his ex wife.
The 69-year-old is charged with the shooting murders of his wife's brother Stephen Blanchard and of Justice David Opas.
He is also accused of setting off one bomb that killed Pearl Watson — the wife of Justice Ray Watson — and another bomb that killed Graham Wykes in a Jehovah's Witness Hall.
Warwick has formally pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in the NSW Supreme Court.
Wearing prison greens, he appeared in court via video link.
He then pleaded not guilty to each of the long list of charges as they were read out.
The crimes allegedly committed by Warwick include:
the fatal shooting of his brother-in-law, Stephen Blanchard, in 1980
the fatal shooting of his brother-in-law, Stephen Blanchard, in 1980 the fatal shooting of judge David Opas in 1980
the fatal shooting of judge David Opas in 1980 the bombing of the home of judge Richard Gee in 1984
the bombing of the home of judge Richard Gee in 1984 the bombing of the Parramatta Family Court in 1984
the bombing of the Parramatta Family Court in 1984 the bombing of the home of Judge Ray Watson, killing his wife Pearl, in 1984
the bombing of the home of Judge Ray Watson, killing his wife Pearl, in 1984 the bombing of a Jehovah's Witness church hall, killing Graham Wykes and injuring other churchgoers, in 1985.
Prosecutor Gina O'Rourke said the crown case would revolve around seven incidents in the 1980s.
Leonard Warwick is charged with multiple offences including four murders. ( ABC News: Vincent de Gouw )
"The crown case is that they are all linked to Family Court proceedings," she said.
"The matters in relation to the Jehovah's Witnesses will be the strongest part of the Crown case."
The court heard DNA evidence and evidence about explosive material would be presented at the trial.
When asked about the defence case, Warwick's barrister Richard Thomas said: "There is simply a total denial of involvement at any level."
The trial is expected to run for six months and hear from more than 100 witnesses.
Justice Garling set a trial date of February 2018.
Warwick remains in custody. | 2,733 |
chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, to end the panel’s investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election, according to a half dozen lawmakers and aides. Mr. Trump’s requests were a highly unusual intervention from a president into a legislative inquiry involving his family and close aides,” the New York Times reports.
“Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina, the intelligence committee chairman, said in an interview this week that Mr. Trump told him that he was eager to see an investigation that has overshadowed much of the first year of his presidency come to an end. ‘It was something along the lines of, “I hope you can conclude this as quickly as possible,”’ Mr. Burr said. He said he replied to Mr. Trump that “when we have exhausted everybody we need to talk to, we will finish.”
Red State:The Kate Steinle case wasn’t as clear-cut as Trump’s rhetoric in 2015-2016 suggested
Last night and this morning, President Trump has criticized the not-guilty verdict in the death of Kate Steinle. “A disgraceful verdict in the Kate Steinle case! No wonder the people of our Country are so angry with Illegal Immigration,” Trump tweeted.
But as Red State’s Sarah Rumpf notes, the case wasn’t as clear-cut as Trump’s rhetoric during the 2016 election suggested.
The San Francisco Chronicle: “A jury handed a stunning acquittal on murder and manslaughter charges to a homeless undocumented immigrant whose arrest in the killing of Kate Steinle on a San Francisco Bay pier intensified a national debate over sanctuary laws.”
More: “In returning its verdict Thursday afternoon on the sixth day of deliberations, the Superior Court jury also pronounced Jose Ines Garcia Zarate not guilty of assault with a firearm, finding credence in defense attorneys’ argument that the shot that ricocheted off the concrete ground before piercing Steinle’s heart was an accident, with the gun discharging after the defendant stumbled upon it on the waterfront on July 1, 2015.”
“Prosecutors told the jury that Garcia Zarate brought the gun to the pier that day to do harm, aimed it toward Steinle and pulled the trigger... Defense lawyers said the shooting was an accident that happened when Garcia Zarate, who had a history of nonviolent drug crimes, found the gun wrapped in a T-shirt or cloth under his seat on the pier just seconds before it discharged in his hands.” | 2,734 |
A refrigerator or fridge is the mechanical equipment that helps in preserving food for our future needs by keeping the food or water in cool condition. The refrigerator also works on the same principle which AC will work the cycle which will be used in cooling the refrigerator is vapor compression refrigeration cycle in this cycle the coolness produced from the evaporator is used for cooling the food or water as required to our needs.
The refrigerator is a modern world human comfort is used for the comfort of our livelihood, but sometimes refrigerators might also face some common problems they need to be tuned with qualified technicians.
The common problems in the refrigerator or the fridge is Freezer not cooling, Freezer cooling will not happen due to the many reasons some of them are the damage to the evaporator coil, Insufficient gas in the compressor, Clogging in the evaporator coil, Noise from the fridge.
Sometimes his nose we will hear from the refrigerator or fridge is caused due to different issues like a hole in the suction or discharge pipe Which leads in leaking gas from the pipe water leaking from the fridge. Water leaking from the refrigerator cause due to damage in the drainpipe or improper placement of the drainpipe with the evaporation coil this leads to leaking of water from the fridge.
Gas leaking from the refrigerator: Gas leaking from the fridge is also a major problem it is fatal to humans, leaking occurs due to puncture in the suction or discharge pipe Which are connected from evaporator and compressor this leads to improper cooling In the fridge. Refrigerator overcooling: Refrigerator or fridge freezes the food which we place in the food compartment might be due to the increases in the refrigeration cycle.
Water dispenser not working: The water dispenser will not work in the refrigerator because of the improper alignment in the refrigerator. Food compartment is warming up: Fresh food compartment warms up in the fridge if the cooling the effect created by the refrigeration cycle is not sufficient for cooling the food which we placed in these cases cooling effect should be increased by checking the problems in the cooling cycle.
Dirty condenser coil: The dirty condenser coil is also a problem which will affect heat dissipation from the condenser coil if heat is not dissipated from the condenser coil it will lead to a decrease in the cooling effect and efficiency of the refrigerator.
These are the common problems which we face in the refrigerator. In the beginning, they will show Small signs of malfunction in the equipment we should make it correct by checking and frequently maintaining it by taking assistance from the technicians or refrigeration experts before the problems go worse. | 2,735 |
YORK’S Conservative leader has said he believes “poverty is an overused word” in the wake of controversial comments by a member of his party about food banks.
Chris Steward, a Conservative councillor, sparked an angry row after stating there is no absolute poverty in Britain and food banks were “an insult” to starving people around the world. He said donating to them allowed recipients to spend more money on alcohol and cigarettes.
In response to the comments, Tory leader Ian Gillies said he had not yet spoken to Coun Steward but questioned how many people were in poverty, stating that while food banks “can only be a good thing” for those in need, there are some people who claim to be in need if they do not have satellite television.
Coun Gillies said: “Poverty is an overused word. Some people say they are in poverty if they can’t afford Sky television.
“But that does not detract from the people we need to help. There are obviously people in need and we should be doing everything we can to help those people.
“I would say the word poverty is used too quickly. There are people in need of help and some less fortunate than others.
“There are people who say they are in poverty but really don’t know the meaning of the word poverty.”
Coun Steward’s comments were condemned by The Trussell Trust, which runs 275 food banks nationwide, which said he was “poorly informed”.
A spokesperson for the York-based Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) said: “York may be a relatively well-off city, but that only masks the very real hardship experienced by many right on our doorstep.
“Food parcels were once the preserve of wartime Britain. But such is the struggle to meet the cost of essentials, the growth of food banks is tantamount to the reality facing families today.
“Food costs for families with children have increased by about 20 per cent since 2008 and the gap between the incomes and needs of worst-off households is widening.
“Six million people in working households are now in poverty – which is testament to the prevalence of hardship in the UK. The fact is millions of ordinary people are finding it ever harder to make end meets and put food on the table.
“We need policies that help ease the real struggles faced by families, not squabbles or denial as to whether that struggle exists.” | 2,736 |
Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Bill Clinton Met Amid Email Investigation
Enlarge this image toggle caption Allison Shelley/Getty Images Allison Shelley/Getty Images
An unscheduled meeting between the U.S. attorney general and former President Bill Clinton at an airport in Phoenix on Monday could present some unwanted political problems for both.
The former president, who was waiting to depart the state, boarded Loretta Lynch's government aircraft shortly after she landed in Arizona for a community policing event. Lynch later told reporters there the conversation centered on "his grandchildren."
"It was primarily social and about our travels," including golf he played, Lynch said.
Law Lawmakers Question Loretta Lynch On Clinton Email Probe Lawmakers Question Loretta Lynch On Clinton Email Probe Listen · 2:04 2:04
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The attorney general insisted, "There was no discussion of any matter pending for the department or any matter pending for any other body."
The Justice Department and FBI are investigating the security of Hillary Clinton's private email server, which she used to conduct official business as secretary of state. There's no public sign Hillary Clinton has been interviewed by federal agents, but the matter is growing ever more sensitive, as she prepares to secure the Democratic presidential nomination at her party's convention next month.
Answering a reporter's question about the appearance of impropriety over the unscheduled meeting on the tarmac, Lynch said the State Department email matter is being handled by career agents and prosecutors "who always follow the facts and the law and do the same thorough independent examination in this matter that they've done in all" matters.
Still, word of the meeting could fuel new calls from Sen. John Cornyn of Texas and other congressional Republicans for a special prosecutor outside the Justice Department chain of command to lead the email investigation.
The controversy has trailed Hillary Clinton for more than a year. She has said the use of a private server was a mistake. But her closest aides have been subjected to questioning from federal investigators and conservative watchdogs like Judicial Watch.
Just this week, Huma Abedin, Clinton's former deputy chief of staff and now a key campaign operative, told Judicial Watch lawyers she didn't recall talks with State Department officials about Clinton's server arrangement.
Abedin added in the deposition that "it wasn't a secret that [Clinton] was using this email address to be communicating with U.S. government officials, because they were receiving emails from her." | 2,737 |
KALISPELL, Mont. -- Classes were scheduled to resume Tuesday in northwestern Montana's Flathead Valley after more than 30 public and private schools canceled classes last week because several schools received cyber-threats. More than 15,000 students stayed home because of the closures.
Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said investigators told school administrators there was no indication the threats were being made from northwestern Montana.
On Monday, he took the unusual step of releasing a ransom letter sent to school officials from a hacker or group of hackers calling themselves The Dark Overlord.
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"We feel this is important to allow our community to understand that the threats were not real, and were simply a tactic used by the cyber extortionists to facilitate their demand for money," Curry posted on the Facebook page for the sheriff's office.
Curry said the group is already the subject of active investigations within the U.S., but the threats are thought to be coming from abroad, reports CBS Missoula, Montana affiliate KPAX-TV. It's also believed that the same group was behind the recent hacks of Netflix, HBO and other businesses, the station says.
The first threat was sent late Sept. 13 to Columbia Falls High School. Other schools then received similar threats.
Schools canceled classes on Thursday and Friday and postponed weekend extracurricular activities due to the threats.
Investigators believe the person hacked into the Columbia Falls school district computer and used information from it to send disturbing threats via text and email to students, families and staff on Saturday.
The Dark Overload has claimed responsibility for the Montana threats, attempting extortion and talking up the operation to journalists in online chats.
The Dark Overlord, which first emerged last year, has claimed responsibility for more than a dozen digital breaches and the sale of more than 1 million private records, according to a criminal complaint obtained by tech website Motherboard. The hacker or hackers, who were recently in touch with The Associated Press to boast about the Montana threats, routinely try to extort money from their victims via highly personalized threats.
Informational meetings for parents were held Monday and there will be a law enforcement presence at area schools "until we are able to apprehend the suspect or further discredit the threat," Curry said.
The suspect has taken extraordinary measures to conceal his or her identity and location, Curry has said.
Teachers returned to public schools on Monday.
Classes also resumed Monday for students at Flathead Valley Community College campuses in Kalispell and Libby. | 2,738 |
of expensive Chocolates and a paper bag full of champagne [bottles].”
His tie came off and he became the center of attention. “Everybody wanted a handshake, they were happy, the office looked great— they were toasting me.”
At some point during this party, a co-worker, who I’ve been asked to call “Neil”, introduced John to his Japanese girlfriend, who we will call “Barbara”.
Barbara wore a red and gold sweater with jeans and silver heels that night. She is the type that nods when introducing herself. She is a children’s dance instructor in a major city, and english is her third language.
John was cordial and, “said something [to Neil] along the lines of ‘don’t let this one get away’.”
John spent the next 40 minutes having drinks with the marketing team in their offices, recounting his somber goodbye with Harold, and wishing Hal’s son a happy birthday via skype in his office. The call lasted 3 minutes.
Each pool of desks had a different DJ that night, so wandering between the corridors provided a slew of Christmas songs and different holiday smells and many similar conversations for John; the heat in the building had been turned up to 80 degrees.
John began stumbling at 8:45pm. He made an off-color joke by pointing back and forth between two co-workers whose department had planned to “hook them up” that night. Everyone laughed, Delan Nguyen “clapped uproariously.”
He was sweating, “he looked dehydrated”.
John was spotted by [Sarah] and her husband at 9:15 in his office with the lights off, they had assumed that he was talking on the phone. “He had his hands like this, one on his ear and one over his mouth, so we left his present outside and waved but I think he didn’t see.”
At around 9:20pm, the marketing team had merged into the sales department’s space where people were “drinking — making plans to head to Porter’s, which is a great bar that serves burgers” but John approached and interrupted.
“I didn’t even realize he was there until after everything stopped, I missed the whole thing. Yeah what did he say? ‘I’m so sorry’ or something?” | 2,739 |
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territory (OCHA) issued a new report accusing Israel of continuing its serious violations against the Palestinian people, and of preventing access to basic services.OCHA said that the majority of these restrictions were enforced during the first four years of the Al-Aqsa Intifada (September 28, 2000), and added that most of these restrictions are still in place despite the significant improvement of the security situation.
Quoting the report, Israeli daily, Haaretz, reported that despite recent easing of certain restrictions on main roads and junctions in the West Bank, Israel is still denying the Palestinians access to basic services, their lands and livelihoods, and that these restrictions are obstructing health and education services, in addition to access to water resources.
OCHA said that Israel, as an occupying force, has the moral and legal obligation to provide the Palestinians with the needed services, and has the obligation to ensure they can enjoy their fundamental rights.
OCHA further reported that Israel’s settlements in the West Bank are part of the Israeli restrictions and violations that hinder the freedom of movement of the Palestinian people, especially when taking into consideration that Israel’s settlements are illegal under International Law, and are largely built on privately-owned Palestinian lands.
As for home demolitions carried out by Israel, OCHA said that %45 of the Palestinian homes that were demolished in the last two years, are located in Area “C” under Israeli security and administrative rule, leading to the displacement of more than 820 Palestinians.
Furthermore, OCHA demanded Israel to act and fulfill its international obligations, and to open all central and main roads linking between different Palestinian cities and districts in the West Bank.
It also demanded Israel to allow the Palestinians access to areas that became isolated behind the illegal Annexation Wall, and to allow them access to their lands and orchards.
OCHA also stated that Israel must lift all restrictions imposed on Palestinian traffic, and to allow the Palestinians full access to the Old City of Hebron and the Jordan Valley.
It is worth mentioning that on November 1st, an international committee will be arriving in Palestine to investigate Israel’s settlement activities in the occupied West Bank, including in occupied East Jerusalem, and the impacts of these violations on the Palestinian people.
Several Israeli officials previously stated that Israel will not cooperate with the delegates, and claimed that Israel is trying to ease the suffering of the Palestinians, but certain restrictions “are essential” to provide protection for the settlers and the soldiers. | 2,740 |
Drafted one year apart into one of professional sports’ fiercest rivalries, the Alexander Ovechkin-Sidney Crosby rivalry has been nothing short of majestic. Two international superstars one a soft-spoken, technically skilled Canadian and the other a beloved freak athlete from Moscow – have captured the attention of hockey fans across the country, continent and globe.
A decade later, both players have lived up to (and exceeded) the high expectations set upon them by their respective organization and fan base.
Alexander Ovechkin continues to dominate defenses with his unique blend of power and speed, embodying an all-around skill set that regularly brings Washingtonians out of their seats. Whether Ovechkin scores solo on a one-man break or finishes (always perfect) Nicklas Backstrom passes with a physics-defying slapshot, The Great 8 is known to leave Caps fans wondering “how the hell does he do that?”
It’s almost a guarantee Ovechkin will sound off the goal siren on a nightly basis, flashing his trademark toothless grin as he crashes into the glass and celebrates with the Verizon Center faithful.
Sidney Crosby has settled for more steak, less sizzle. While he may not have the highlight reel goals, board-rattling hits and nationwide fandom his rival is known for, Crosby is no doubt a winner. Two Olympic gold medals and one Stanley Cup victory have often led to Crosby overshadowing Ovechkin, with fans and critics alike praising Crosby’s team-first style. While Crosby has consistently had a better supporting cast in Pittsburgh, there’s no denying the key piece behind the Penguins multiple Stanley Cup runs.
So which player is the true face of the NHL?
Skeptics argue Ovechkin’s numbers don’t mean anything without a cup, but I would argue that the blame falls on his teammates, who have failed to give necessary support in the playoffs.
Sidney haters argue that Crosby’s team accomplishments do not make him superior to Ovechkin, but his individual numbers are not far off from Ovi. Without the year and a half of inactivity due to concussions, Crosby could be right there with Ovechkin regarding goals scored.
Luckily we still have another decade or so to watch these two greats settle the argument once and for all. Until then, it’s just a matter of opinion on which of these two future Hall of Famers is the greatest of his era. | 2,741 |
to reach the semi-finals and make a push for his sixth year-end No. 1 finish in the ATP Rankings. Federer, meanwhile, was going for his second “Big Title” of the season after winning his 28th ATP Masters 1000 title in Miami (d. Isner).
The Swiss also was looking to recalibrate his rivalry with Djokovic. The Serbian had won nine of their past 11 matchups, including the Wimbledon final in July. But, before their 49th FedEx ATP Head2Head meeting, Federer batted off any suggestions that the tough loss at SW19 would affect him at The O2.
“I didn't hope I was never going to play him again,” Federer said. “Actually, it's good for me to play him again, and maybe that all helps to get a chance to get him back.
“I'm personally excited to play against Novak.”
The excitement showed. Federer played one of his best matches of the season, executing his aggressive game plan close to perfection and overwhelming Djokovic, who never had the upper hand.
At 1-1, the Serbian donated two double faults to start, and on break point, 0/40, Federer walloped a sitting backhand. On serve, Federer won 87 per cent (20/23) of his service points and made only one unforced error in the first set.
Djokovic saw a break point in the fourth game of the second set, but Federer saved it and broke the next game as the crowd chanted, “Let's go, Ro-ger, let's go!”
Federer broke once more to close it out. He finished with 23 winners to only five unforced errors.
Watch Federer-Djokovic Nitto ATP Finals Highlights
“There was a lot riding on the match. I think I served great, had great anticipation, a clear game plan and it worked to perfection tonight, and hopefully not the last time against Novak,” Federer said. “But even if it [is], it was all worth it. It was a great performance tonight from me.”
Federer would fall short of winning the season's final title, losing to Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-finals. But the Swiss had reset his rivalry with Djokovic, a promising sign for Federer and his fans heading into 2020.
Djokovic vs. Federer In 2019 | 2,742 |
Story highlights No premiere date has been announced for Seth Meyers on "Late Night"
Leno's "Tonight Show" exit and Fallon's debut coincide with the Winter Olympics in 2014.
Like Fallon before him, Meyers anchored SNL's "Weekend Update" desk
"Saturday Night Live" writer-performer Seth Meyers will take over NBC's "Late Night" show next year when current host Jimmy Fallon moves to "The Tonight Show," NBC announced Sunday.
SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels will also be the executive producer of "Late Night with Seth Meyers." He was also named executive producer of "The Tonight Show" earlier this year when the network announced Fallon would replace Jay Leno.
No premiere date has been announced, but NBC has said Leno's exit and Fallon's debut will coincide with the Winter Olympics coverage in 2014.
All three shows will broadcast from NBC's New York headquarters at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. NBC announced in April that "Tonight" would relocate back to New York from Burbank, California. Johnny Carson moved the show there four decades ago to take advantage of Hollywood-based guests and Southern California's lifestyle.
Meyers, 39, would be the fourth comedian to host "Late Night" since it went on the air in 1982, starting with David Letterman and followed by Conan O'Brien and Fallon. "Seth couldn't be in better company," Michaels said.
JUST WATCHED Leno leaving 'Tonight Show'... again Replay More Videos... MUST WATCH Leno leaving 'Tonight Show'... again 03:14
JUST WATCHED Hear Leno, Fallon belt out duet Replay More Videos... MUST WATCH Hear Leno, Fallon belt out duet 01:25
"We think Seth is one of the brightest, most insightful comedy writers and performers of his generation," NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt said in the official announcement.
Meyers has been the frontrunner in speculation about who would succeed Fallon.
Like Fallon before him, Meyers anchored SNL's "Weekend Update" desk. Along with being a performer, Meyers is the show's head writer. Meyers is currently in his 12th season with SNL.
"I only have to work for Lorne for five more years before I pay him back for the time I totaled his car," Meyers said in the NBC news release. "12:30 on NBC has long been incredible real estate. I hope I can do it justice."
The NBC announcement did not say when Meyers would leave his SNL duties. | 2,743 |
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Where do fish go in a storm? It’s a weird question to ask, but think about it: just because fish are wet all the time doesn’t mean a rainstorm has no effect. Storms bring waves and choppy water that can make it hard for fish to swim. And changes in light, temperature, and pressure can be uncomfortable, or even dangerous.
Previously, scientists have asked what happens to fish populations after a hurricane. But researchers in Western Australia wondered how fish cope during less catastrophic bad weather.
So how do fish deal with the wind and the waves? On one Australian reef the answer, it seems, depends on the fish—and on how tough they are.
During four bouts of bad weather in 2013, researchers filmed an area of reef near southwestern Australia’s Warnbro Sound as the storms moved through—buffeting and churning the sea. At the same time, environmental loggers tracked the changing weather.
The cameras filmed nearly 1,600 fish from 43 species. As the waves got higher, the number of fish decreased. So did the variety of species swimming past the cameras.
The authors can’t say exactly where the fish disappeared to, but they think they either ducked into the reef for shelter, or swam for calmer waters.
But not all fish behaved the same way. The black-spotted wrasse, for example, was a wimp. Its numbers dropped when waves got higher than about three meters. But the McCulloch’s scalyfin proved to be pretty tough—these fish held their ground until the most severe waves, those above five meters, blew through.
The scientists write that a fish’s body type may determine the conditions it can handle. The McCulloch’s scalyfin has a body well built for maneuvering, so rough waters may not bother it. Being buffeted by a storm may be more energetically draining for smaller or less maneuverable fish, so they’ll hide in a sheltered place.
Many fish are also highly sensitive to temperature and pressure, the authors write, and changes can affect their behavior. And, when storm clouds darken the sky and sap the sea of light, some fish find it hard to hunt or to watch for predators, so, instead, they may seek shelter.
So while we still don’t know where fish go in a storm, we know a little bit about when they go. To learn more, we’re just going to have to find them. | 2,744 |
I’m not afraid to get hit, but the ball can do some damage, and I’m just trying to do damage to the baseball. That’s it.”
The Pirates mostly denied any sort of motive behind Archer’s pitch, but Vazquez said they did not appreciate the way Dietrich admired his home run.
“I think it was a little too much. He can look at it and start running. Don’t stay in there then start walking,” Vazquez said. “We all knew it was going to be far, but you don’t have to wait until the ball hits the ground then start walking. You’re not supposed to do that.”
Vazquez was uncertain why he was ejected, saying he was primarily trying to calm down other players. It may have been because he entered the scrum without wearing a jersey, the result of him rushing out of the clubhouse as Dietrich came to the plate. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said he was told Vazquez and Kela were tossed for being “very aggressive.”
Protect the ship no matter what🥊 — Nightmare Vazquez (@F_Vazquez73) April 7, 2019
“Both of them were very aggressive, is what I was told, as were Garrett and Puig,” Hurdle said. “That’s why the guys got thrown out. Basically their actions spoke to their ejections.”
Prince’s low-stance block of the 6-foot-2, 240-pound Puig was a topic of conversation in Pittsburgh’s clubhouse after the game. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said GM Neal Huntington shared an online post joking that the Pittsburgh Steelers were “going to reach out to him for maybe some guard play on the offensive line.
“He had a very firm foundation, I guess,” Hurdle added. “He was trying to get out there and take care of Cervelli.”
When play finally resumed, Archer struck out Dietrich.
“There was some admiration there, definitely. That’s for you guys to judge. That’s for everybody else to judge,” Archer said of Dietrich’s first home run. “I was trying to stay focused on the game. Things did kind of get out of hand, but I was just happy to punch him out two times after that.” | 2,745 |
Rip-Off: God of War Christianity DLC Only Has One Boss
Sources have confirmed that the upcoming God of War: Christianity DLC will only have one boss, a move that many see as continuing a trend of studios pressuring gamers into spending their hard earned money on overpriced and shallow content.
“The God of War series’ top priority has always been historical and cultural accuracy,” said creative director Cory Barlog, defending the decision to gathered press earlier today. “It would be categorically wrong to have any other boss besides our Lord God, YHWH, the Alpha and the Omega. Besides, there’s plenty of other content to justify the $24.99 price tag. We have this really fun fishers of men minigame, and we’re bringing back quick-time events to make Kratos hug tax collectors.”
What a cheapskate! Unsurprisingly, users of the r/GodofWar subreddit were vocally displeased about the announcement.
“I can’t believe Sony would fuck us over like this,” redditor PM_ME_UR_GREEK_NUDES said in a gilded post. “Some bootlickers in this sub have been saying there are actually three bosses, but they’re just different forms of the same guy. And I heard most of the DLC is an escort mission with twelve NPCs. Don’t support Sony’s shitty business practices. I bet a hundred bucks they’re just gonna reskin this one for the Judaism and Islam DLCs.”
Although most agree that the release is nothing more than a cynical cash grab, the Vatican has applauded the DLC’s theological accuracy. Pope Francis even issued an official papal statement on the matter.
“As a devout follower of Christ and a huge fan of that Kratos dude, the Church can wholly endorse the new downloadable content,” the statement read. “Our playtest of consecrated review code offered at least two hours of Biblically sound ultraviolent gameplay. My favorite new mechanic is how the player must shout three Hail Marys into the PS4 headset to restore health. The regen in Rage Mode was totally OP anyway.”
Despite Pope Francis’ blessing, it appears that the backlash from might have resonated with Sony, resulting in a rare victory for the cash strapped gamer. At press time, Barlog had announced Hinduism DLC, which will add a boss rush mode with 33 million rounds. | 2,746 |
Obama: Congress' Refusal To Pass the Law I Like Grants Me The Power To Do Like Whatever
The Constitutional Law Scholar in the White House (TM).
I rarely assume tyrannical power, but when I do, I prefer socialist tyrannical power.
Think about how stupid this is: Obama is claiming that Congress' choice not to pass a law constitutes an abandonment of constitutional power (rather than the exercise of it), and then that power flows precisely to the President.
Just how the Framers' designed it, huh?
You have refused to grant me the power of Imperium. Therefore, you have irresponsibly abandoned your exercise of that power, and the power to declare myself emperor flows into my own hands.
Grant me power, or I will seize it. The choice is yours.
Senator Ron Johnson and actual law professor Jonathan Turley address the crisis that Obama has created.
A growing crisis in our constitutional system threatens to fundamentally alter the balance of powers -- and accountability -- within our government. This crisis did not begin with Obama, but it has reached a constitutional tipping point during his presidency. Indeed, it is enough to bring the two of us -- a liberal academic and a conservative U.S. senator -- together in shared concern over the future of our 225-year-old constitutional system of self�governance.
... First, we need to discuss the erosion of legislative authority within the evolving model of the federal government. There has been a dramatic shift of authority toward presidential powers and the emergence of what is essentially a fourth branch of government -- a vast network of federal agencies with expanded legislative and judicial power. While the federal bureaucracy is a hallmark of the modern administrative state, it presents a fundamental change to a system of three coequal branches designed to check and balance each other. The growing authority invested in federal agencies comes from a diminished Congress, which seems to have a dramatically reduced ability to actively monitor, let alone influence, agency actions.
... The framers believed that members of each branch of government would transcend individual political ambitions to vigorously defend the power of their institutions. Presidents have persistently expanded their authority with considerable success. Congress has been largely passive or, worse, complicit in the draining of legislative authority. Judges have adopted doctrines of avoidance that have removed the courts from important conflicts between the branches. Now is the time for members of Congress and the judiciary to affirm their oaths to �support and defend the Constitution� and to work to re-establish our delicate constitutional balance.
Indeed, the Supreme Court has the Last Clear Chance of averting an actual coup. | 2,747 |
reporters a contradictory official version of events in real time.
Asked by CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union" if Kelly's job is in jeopardy, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said: "No."
Jake Tapper on "State of the Union" if Kelly's job is in jeopardy, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said: "No." Conway said Trump told her: "Please tell Jake that I have full faith in Chief of Staff John Kelly."
According to the version Porter is providing associates, he told Kelly on Tuesday that a Daily Mail story was coming, and "indicated that based on the questions the reporter was asking, it would be bad." Here is Porter's version:
Porter told Kelly, as he had before, that he'd "had troubled marriages but that the more outrageous allegations of physical abuse that might be suggested were untrue."
as he had before, that he'd "had troubled marriages but that the more outrageous allegations of physical abuse that might be suggested were untrue." Porter "never misrepresented anything" to Kelly.
"never misrepresented anything" to Kelly. Porter offered to resign on Tuesday after the first story was published, but some senior White House officials urged him to "stay and fight."
offered to resign on Tuesday after the first story was published, but some senior White House officials urged him to "stay and fight." On Wednesday, Kelly told Porter it was unlikely he would ultimately get a permanent security clearance, given the accusations.
Kelly told Porter it was unlikely he would ultimately get a permanent security clearance, given the accusations. Porter told Kelly he "did not want to be a distraction or be problematic for the White House."
told Kelly he "did not want to be a distraction or be problematic for the White House." Porter again offered his resignation, which was accepted.
again offered his resignation, which was accepted. In a brief conversation with Kelly later in the day, Porter indicated that he "was committed to ensure a smooth transition and was prepared to leave immediately or stay for a period of days or weeks, whatever Kelly and the President preferred."
with Kelly later in the day, Porter indicated that he "was committed to ensure a smooth transition and was prepared to leave immediately or stay for a period of days or weeks, whatever Kelly and the President preferred." Porter "learned later that evening from news reports, not from Kelly or anyone at the White House," that Thursday would be his last day.
Get more stories like this by signing up for our daily morning newsletter, Axios AM. | 2,748 |
Holders of decentralized open-source cryptocurrency Tron may want to keep hold of their TRX tokens with several upcoming events projected to boost its price.
Founded by Justin Sun, the creator of the Tron Foundation, Tron is aiming to create an environment providing a free content entertainment industry by using the blockchain and distributed storage technology. According to its white paper, each user can ‘freely publish, store and own data’ in a decentralised entertainment ecosystem.
According to CoinMarketCap, 14th-placed altcoin Tron is currently enjoying a 12.50 percent increase in value, with market prices across the board experiencing a positive rally following a major slump in values last week. With a market capitalisation worth $2.3 billion and its token priced at $0.035383, at the time of publishing, Tron is looking toward a bright future that may push its price even higher.
Last last month, Sun revealed that the Tron token would be listed on the LBANK exchange, with more exchanges expected, helping to push it further into the limelight. It’s reported that after Tron completes its mainnet launch it will come off of the ERC-20 network, which could make it more attractive to other crypto exchanges such as Coinbase. This, in turn, could help to boost its price up.
Prior to the mainnet launch will be Tron’s test net launch, which is expected to take place on the 31st March. It’s hoped that this will enable a full running node and is expected to bear the operations of a full blockchain. Also projected to occur on the 31st March, is the Tron Coin Burn. With the platform working on its proof-of-burn algorithm, coin burning is required. This means that each miner on the network will have to provide proof of the coin burns. Notably, though, they don’t lose any coins. However, the scarcity experienced by users after this is another factor that will draw the price of the Tron token up.
The launch of the Tron mainnet is not expected until the 1st May, subsequently splitting Tron away from Ethereum. It’s because of this that holders should retain hold of their tokens as it could enable lower costs while making it more adaptable around the world. Not only that, but more companies are likely to want to partner with Tron. This can already be seen by the fact that BitGuild, a blockchain gaming platform has teamed up with Tron to deliver limited edition in-game assets for the Tron community. | 2,749 |
PHUKET: Residents in northern Phuket are blockading the main road to Phuket's south after a local Muslim woman was killed by a pickup at Phuket's most notoriously dangerous curve.
Traffic was slowed to a crawl at the curve on Thepkasattri Road, marked by the turnoff to Yacht Haven Marina, known as the Baan Ko Ean corner.
A second multiple crash at the Bypass t-intersection with Thepkasattri Road after 8pm caused more traffic chaos closer to Phuket City.
Earlier, residents of Baan Ko Ean expressed anger after a pickup lost control at the curve and, it is believed, crashed into a motorcycle, killing the 47-year-old female rider.
The road was blocked about 5.30pm and has yet to be properly cleared, reports said. Police are diverting traffic around the blockade.
Phuket Vice Governor Somkiet Samgkaosutthirak was at the scene talking to residents last night. A meeting has been scheduled for Provincial Hall in Phuket City at 10am tomorrow.
A policeman confirmed that the road had been partially blocked since 5.30pm, with traffic diverted around the protest.
Before the curve was fitted with a large and costly safety barrier and made safe some years ago for all but the fastest-travelling vehicles, trucks would occasionally burst through barriers and drop into the village street below.
Residents say the corner is still not safe and more than one local has died there.
Over the years, Ko Ean residents have been known to remonstrate severely with people who injure locals while driving too fast through the village.
Blockades are the form of ''local island law'' used when residents of villages on Phuket believe there has been an exceptional lack of justice.
Phuket Road Department Director Aroon Snea told Phuketwan this evening that the curve had been made safer in 2006, following the death of a local child in a crash there.
He said that even with the improved safety barrier, the curve should be taken at 60kmh, although some motorists tended to take it faster.
Rain was believed to have been falling when the crash occurred tonight.
After 8pm, a multiple pileup near the Toyota Pearl showrooms on the Bypass Road t-intersection - the Bang Khu intersection - slowed inbound traffic heading for Phuket City even further. | 2,750 |
Cells rely on a range of signalling systems to communicate with each other and to control their own internal workings. Scientists from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Hamburg, Germany, have now found a way to hack into a vital communications system, raising the possibility of developing new drugs to tackle disorders like neurodegeneration, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
In a study published in Science Signaling, they have pieced together the first snapshot of what two of the system's components look like while interacting.
One way these signalling systems work is by triggering a flood of calcium ions inside the cell. These get picked up by a receiver, a protein called calmodulin which turns this calcium signal into action by switching various parts of the cell's machinery on or off. Calmodulin regulates a set of proteins called kinases, each of which controls the activity of specific parts of the cell, thus altering the cell's behaviour.
Using high-energy X-rays produced by the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, and by the German Synchrotron Radiation Centre (DESY), in Hamburg, Germany, Matthias Wilmanns' team at EMBL revealed the molecular structure of one of these kinases, a protein called Death-Associated Protein Kinase DAPK, when bound to calmodulin. The structure showed how calmodulin binds to a particular section of DAPK, switching the kinase on so that it can go and change the function of its targets. The team then worked out which of DAPK's building blocks, or amino acids, were crucial for calmodulin to bind.
"Faulty versions of DAPK are involved in the development of some cancers," says Wilmanns, "so we want to know more about how this protein functions to allow its better exploitation as an anti-cancer target."
What's more, DAPK has physical similarities to many of the other kinases controlled by calmodulin, meaning many of them are likely to interact with calmodulin in the same, or similar ways. Being able to see the three-dimensional structures of these proteins, how they clip together and alter each other's behaviour means researchers can devise ways to manipulate this interaction with drugs.
"That will provide a platform to get into drug discovery," says Wilmanns, adding, "obviously, this is the beginning of the story." He is planning to do so in an ongoing collaboration with Adi Kimchi's team at the Weizmann Institute in Israel and other groups from EMBL. | 2,751 |
Lindsey Vonn runs into travel snag trying to get to Winter Olympics
Tom Schad | USA TODAY
Show Caption Hide Caption 10 to Watch: Lindsey Vonn Profile on Winter Olympics skier Lindsey Vonn, who hopes to bring home some more medals for Team USA.
Lindsey Vonn, one of the most well-known athletes in the U.S. Olympic delegation, has hit a snag in her journey to South Korea.
Vonn wrote on Twitter on Wednesday that she had been sitting on a plane for about two hours but had yet to take off, explaining that "apparently we don’t have the right documents to fly."
"Well hopefully we get to Korea," Vonn wrote. "Apparently we don’t have the right documents to fly??? About 2 hours on the plane so far and just siting at the gate. Some Germans and Italians on the plane too. @lufthansa #canweflynowplease"
Well hopefully we get to Korea....apparently we don’t have the right documents to fly??? About 2 hours on the plane so far and just siting at the gate. Some Germans and Italians on the plane too. 🤷🏼♀️@lufthansa #canweflynowplease — lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) February 7, 2018
In subsequent tweets, Vonn said she had deboarded the original plane and, after more than an hour, boarded another.
"Have to give a BIG thank you to all of the flight attendants for working overtime to stay on this flight. They all volunteered and we wouldn’t be able to fly without them!" Vonn wrote. "Now let’s hope we actually take off tonight."
Finally on a new plane! Have to give a BIG thank you to all of the flight attendants for working overtime to stay on this flight. They all volunteered and we wouldn’t be able to fly without them! Now let’s hope we actually take off tonight🙏🏻 — lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) February 7, 2018
A spokesperson for the U.S. Ski Team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Vonn, who won a gold medal at the 2010 Games in Vancouver, has picked up quite a bit of momentum leading up to the Pyeongchang Olympics, winning five of her past eight races.
The opening ceremony for the Games is Thursday. | 2,752 |
in chief at Johns Hopkins Hospital:
When children who reported transgender feelings were tracked without medical or surgical treatment at both Vanderbilt University and London’s Portman Clinic, 70%-80% of them spontaneously lost those feelings.
And also don’t forget — as the Times acknowledges — that a decade after surgery, the suicide mortality rate for transgendered people is more than 19 times that of the general population. This is unsurprising, as Kat’s story just gets more brutal. Here is her post-surgery reality:
It was too late to change some things, like Kat’s tenor voice and facial hair. “I hate my voice,” she said. “I shave.” She chose not to save sperm — to her, a revolting reminder of masculinity — so she cannot have children, the one sacrifice that gave her father a pang. The operation involved deconstructing her male genitals and repurposing the nerves and skin as female anatomy. When it was over, Kat developed aspiration pneumonia and had vomiting and dry heaves for days, normal reactions to anesthesia, narcotics and antibiotics, but Dr. McGinn said Kat was hit harder than most. Before the surgery, she had been impish and playful. Now she buried her nose in her Nintendo 3DS and cracked a rare smile at an old text message consisting entirely of “Meow,” “Meow.” Her father felt helpless as she refused food and lost about 20 pounds. Dr. McGinn said it was not unusual for patients to become depressed after surgery and compared this to postpartum depression. Kat was anxious about having enough privacy in college, since her new vagina needs constant care or it will close off like a wound. “The only thing I’m thinking about now is the room situation,” she said.
The story ends with this haunting correction:
An earlier version of a picture caption with this article misstated the circumstances of Katherine Boone’s suicide threat. She cut herself when she was 17, not 16, and when she had already begun gender reassignment, not before.
Words fail. At this moment, I’m reminded of Christ’s warnings to those who prey on children: “If anyone causes one of these little ones–those who believe in me–to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” May God have mercy on their souls, and may God bless Kat Boone. | 2,753 |
Following the February 14, 2018, Parkland high school attack, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) encouraged Florida lawmakers to get all the gun control they can.
He claimed the criminal use of guns in schools will not end until AR-15s and other commonly owned semiautomatic firearms are banned.
Tragically, the deadliest shooting at an institution of higher learning–the April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech attack–cost the lives of 32 people and was carried out by an individual armed with two handguns.
The Tallahassee Democrat reports that Florida’s legislative session was close to ending when the Parkland shooting occurred, so Nelson encouraged them to get all the gun they could get with the time remaining, then push an “assault weapons” ban upon reconvening in December.
He stressed that criminal use of guns in schools will not end until private possession of commonly owned semiautomatic firearms are banned: “You are not going to solve the problem until you get the assault rifles off the street and until you can get a criminal background check on every transfer of a gun.”
His attack on private gun sales overlooks the fact that Parkland high school attacker did not acquire his gun via a private sale. Rather, he got is via a background check at retail.
In fact, every high profile attacker since the Virginia Tech attack–school, workplace, or otherwise–has acquired his or her guns via a background check except two. Both of those two, the Sandy Hook Elementary School attacker and the Clackamas Town Center attacker, stole their guns.
The bottom line is that Nelson’s gun controls would do absolutely nothing to stop the attacks we have witnessed in the 21st century, and that is because those attacks are not due to a certain type of gun or certain means of firearm acquisition. Sadly, they are due to soft targets created by gun-free zones and the Democrats insidious gun control agenda, which does little to disarm criminals but goes a long way in discouraging law-abiding citizens from acquiring guns.
AWR Hawkins is an award-winning Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News, the host of the Breitbart podcast Bullets with AWR Hawkins, and the writer/curator of Down Range with AWR Hawkins, a weekly newsletter focused on all things Second Amendment, also for Breitbart News. He is the political analyst for Armed American Radio. Follow him on Twitter: @AWRHawkins. Reach him directly at [email protected]. Sign up to get Down Range at breitbart.com/downrange. | 2,754 |
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Friday rejected President Trump Donald John TrumpBarr criticizes DOJ in speech declaring all agency power 'is invested in the attorney general' Military leaders asked about using heat ray on protesters outside White House: report Powell warns failure to reach COVID-19 deal could'scar and damage' economy MORE’s calls for “safe zones” within his nation.
“[It’s] not a realistic idea at all,” he told Yahoo News’ Michael Isikoff during his first interview since Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration. "But actually, it won’t [protect civilians], it won’t.”
“Safe zones for the Syrians can only happen when you have stability and security, where you don’t have terrorists, where you don’t have [the] flow and support of those terrorists by the neighboring countries or by Western countries,” Assad added.
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“This is where you can have a natural safe zone, which is our country. They don’t need safe zones at all. It’s not a realistic idea at all.”
Assad then explained why he opposes safe zones for Syria’s citizens, considering nearly half have been displaced by Syria’s ongoing civil war.
“They were displaced for two reasons: first of all, the terrorist acts and the support from the outside,” he said. "Second, the [U.S.] embargo on Syria. Many people didn’t only leave Syria because of the security issues.”
“But they don’t find a way of life in Syria, so they have to travel abroad in order to find their living,” Assad added of displaced Syrians. "If you stop all these acts, most of the people will go back to their country.”
Trump pledged during a Jan. 25 interview with ABC News he would “absolutely do safe zones in Syria for the people” displaced by its civil war.
The president then spoke with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Jan. 29, getting the foreign leader to support safe zones in Syria and Yemen, which is dealing with similar local strife.
Trump issued an executive order late last month imposing a 90-day ban on travelers from Syria and six other Muslim-majority nations.
The measure also froze general refugee admissions into the U.S. for 120 days, indefinitely pausing Syrian refugees due to Syria’s civil war. | 2,755 |
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- West Huntsville's bustling
neighborhood is set to grow again, and plans call for more than tripling the number of single-family homes.
Providence developers David and Todd Slyman recently unveiled plans for 460 new homesites in what is now a wooded area between Indian Creek and U.S. 72 W., just south of the current residential development.
The city Planning Commission approved the layout of the first 49 lots last week. The Slyman brothers hope to hire a contractor soon to begin clearing trees, paving streets and running utilities.
"We'd like to get started in the next 30 to 45 days," Todd Slyman said Tuesday.
Founded in late 2003, the mixed-use neighborhood also includes several restaurants, retail shops, offices, a Homewood Suites hotel and 42 high-end condos.
A $9 million SpringHill Suites hotel opened two weeks ago on Providence Main Street.
Slyman said the neighborhood now has about 200 residential lots on the north side of Indian Creek, nearly all of which are already occupied or sold.
"Demand is calling on us to develop new homesites," he said. "We've kind of developed as the market has called for it, and now is the time."
Don't look for any radical changes in the formula, which emphasizes a denser, walkable neighborhood. The new houses will be a blend of sizes and architectural styles priced from the upper $200,000s to "wherever you want to go," said Slyman. Some homes will be perched on a wooded bluff above Indian Creek.
Construction is expected to begin by next summer, but Slyman said it will take several years to fully develop the property.
When the Slymans donated the land for Providence School in 2004, the city agreed to put in a $900,000 bridge over Indian Creek. Until now, it has dead-ended at the undeveloped side of the creek.
Several other projects are also steaming toward completion in Providence.
Slyman said the 226-unit Providence Place apartments are on track to be ready by late next spring or early summer. About 40 apartments have already been pre-leased.
US Diagnostics is building a 20,000-square-foot corporate office in Providence, and work will begin soon on a two-story office building next to Phuket Thai Restaurant. A defense contractor and chiropractor will be among the tenants, said Slyman.
Follow me on Twitter: @swdoyle | 2,756 |
Are you thinking about adopting a pet? How about considering a pet uniquely to Arizona?
Arizona Game and Fish Department says dozens of captive desert tortoises need forever homes.
“Many people don’t even consider opening up their homes to desert tortoises, but they make fantastic and personable pets,” said Tegan Wolf, Arizona Game and Fish Department Desert Tortoise Adoption Program coordinator. “It’s rewarding to hear stories from those who have adopted a captive tortoise and made them part of the family because they’re a unique alternative to traditional family pets. They offer many of the same life lessons to children and can provide just as much companionship and personality as a dog or cat.”
According to a news release, AZGFD has dozens of tortoises of varying ages and sizes available for adoption primarily because of illegal breeding.
Captive tortoises grow up to about 14 inches long and can live upwards of 80 years, AZGFD said. However, they cannot be released back into the wild because they could spread diseases that harm wild populations.
Arizona residents interested in providing an adoptive home can submit an online application at www.azgfd.gov/tortoise. Those applying to adopt a tortoise will be contacted by the department once their application is reviewed and approved.
Requirements:
Adopters must have a securely enclosed yard or construct a separate enclosure/burrow to protect the tortoise from potential hazards such as a fire pit, unfenced pool or dogs. The enclosed area must include an appropriate shelter for the tortoise to escape Arizona’s extreme summer heat and a place to brumate — a seasonal period of inactivity similar to hibernation — during winter.
The department typically adopts one tortoise per household, but an additional tortoise of the same sex can be adopted if it is placed in a completely separate enclosure as they can be territorial. Federal law prohibits desert tortoises from being transported across state lines.
“While it is illegal to remove Sonoran desert tortoises from the wild, it’s also illegal to allow them to breed in captivity,” the department said. “Each year, AZGFD and its partners must spend valuable resources and time to find homes for dozens of captive tortoises.”
If you suspect someone is illegally breeding Sonoran desert tortoises, you are urged to contact the AZGFD Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-352-0700. Those submitting a tip can remain anonymous. | 2,757 |
Apple and Amazon deny China hack claims Published duration 5 October 2018
image copyright Reuters
A report alleging that Apple and Amazon had data stolen by Chinese spies has been strongly disputed by both tech firms.
Apple and Amazon have both responded publicly to claims made by Bloomberg Businessweek which described the cyber-attack.
The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said it had "no reason to doubt" Apple and Amazon's assessments.
Bloomberg has yet to respond to a BBC request for a comment about the repeated denials from Apple and others.
image copyright Apple image caption Apple was blunt in its response to Bloomberg Businessweek's story
Earlier it said: "We stand by our story and are confident in our reporting and sources."
Full disclosure
Published on 4 October, Bloomberg's story alleges that Chinese spies managed to insert chips on servers made in China that could be activated once the machines were plugged in overseas. The servers were manufactured for US firm Super Micro Computer Inc.
Shares in Chinese tech firms including Lenovo and ZTE fell sharply following the publication of the Bloomberg report.
The news agency's story, which Bloomberg said resulted from a 12-month investigation, relied on unnamed and unidentified sources which, it said, included insiders at both Amazon and Apple.
Bloomberg linked to the denials given to it by the tech firms and Super Micro Computer when it approached them with its evidence.
image copyright Reuters image caption Amazon disputed the findings reported in the spy chip story
Now Apple has published its statement in full on its media site saying it had "repeatedly explained" to Bloomberg reporters that they were wrong.
Apple said it had conducted "rigorous internal investigations" based on the evidence given to it by Bloomberg reporters and had found "absolutely no evidence" to support their claims.
It said: "On this we can be very clear: Apple has never found malicious chips, 'hardware manipulations' or vulnerabilities purposely planted in any server."
It added that it was not operating under any "gag order" or any other confidentiality restriction that stopped it sharing information.
Amazon published a blog that also said the spy chip story was "untrue" saying it had never found "modified hardware or malicious chips" on its systems.
The NCSC responded to questions about the alleged spy chip attack by saying it was aware of media reports but had "no reason to doubt the detailed assessments made by AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Apple".
It urged anyone with "credible intelligence" about the allegations to get in touch. | 2,758 |
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This is definitely amazing. This app is from the Arab united states and, therefore, it gives us quite some channels in that language however we can also locate contents from other international locations: the united kingdom, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Italy from widespread open channels to thematic personal channels. sure, there may be also soccer, so you can watch the Champions League and your preferred national tournaments. And usually beneath your personal obligation, we do not need to be held liable for your piracy activities.
My comments
I think this is a very neat and tidy android app for live tv and offers many countries such as the united kingdom, Spanish, Arabic inc Osn channels, sports channels inc bein.
We also have places like Romanian and France included. The only downside I see with this apk is that fact I don’t see any USA channels or content.
Hopefully, in the future, the developer can add this option. Since I last reviewed this app it has been updated often and now includes movies from all types of countries and has a very large list of on-demand that may be useful for many users. For more information on this apk check out my video review below. To download the original file click HERE
Note
Sometime Channels will not work and you might need to use a Vpn. This is because of Some Isp Block Live Streaming Channels.
If 7 Day Trial Complete Clear Cache & Clear Date Then Create New Account Another 7 Days Trial.
If Access PRO IPTV, MyHD IPTV, TNT IPTV Required Premium Account.
Star7 Live v3.4 -Mod by KirIif’ | 2,759 |
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos Sunday morning that President Barack Obama needed to speak forthrightly about the severity of the problems facing the Affordable Care Act, and that the troubled Obamacare rollout vindicated his decision not to construct a New Jersey health care exchange.
“The president’s biggest problem right now is he’s gotta tell the truth,” Christie said. “I’ve told lots of hard truths in New Jersey that people didn’t necessarily agree with, but they give you credit for looking them in the eye and telling them the truth.”
“So let’s get to that point. Let’s own up, tell the truth about what’s going on, then they can worry about whether he can work something out to fix the problem. But if you’re working out of a fantasy that these are not major problems that need to be fixed and need to be addressed—this is what lots of us have been saying all along, about the fact that this was just too big for the government to handle.”
Stephanopoulos noted that though Christie had not participated in the exchange, he did expand New Jersey’s Medicaid program under the ACA.
“I do what’s best for the people in the state of New Jersey every day,” the governor responded, “and expanding Medicaid in the state of New Jersey—given how expansive our program already was—it’s a relatively small expansion, but it’s gonna mean a lot, and it’s also gonna benefit New Jersey’s budget.”
“Here’s what makes me different than a lot of these other guys,” Christie continued. “I’m going to do what I think is right for the people who elected me, and a lot of these other folks are always trying to put their figure in the wind and see which way the wind’s blowing that day. My job is to run the state of New Jersey; that’s what I do every day; and the fact is, when you do that, people across the spectrum give you credit, and that’s what those election results—61% of the vote on Tuesday—show.”
Watch the clip below, via ABC News:
[Image via screengrab]
——
>> Follow Evan McMurry (@evanmcmurry) on Twitter
Have a tip we should know? [email protected] | 2,760 |
GRID DRAW REVEALED FOR WORLD RX OF SWEDEN Q1
Friday 5th of July 2019
Xite Racing’s Oliver Bennett will start the first race of Q1 at the Swecon World RX of Sweden from pole position, in the capacity line up for round six of the FIA World Rallycross Championship at Holjes.
The random Q1 grid draw has been revealed by the FIA, with GCK Academy’s Rokas Baciuska in P2 for race 1, EKS Sport’s Krisztian Sazbo P3 and Norway’s Kjetil Larsen in P4. On the outside of the grid for race 1 will be local hero Kevin Hansen, the same position his Team Hansen MJP team mate and championship leader Timmy Hansen will take in race 2.
Three French drivers line up on the inside in race 2, with Pailler Competition’s Fabien Pailler on pole position, GCK Academy’s Cyril Raymond in P2 and the other team Pailler driver, Jonathan Pailler in the middle. Olsbergs MSE’s Sebastian Eriksson will make his return to World RX in P4. Team STARD drivers take pole position in two Q1 races, Finland’s Jere Kalliokoski on pole in race 3 and Latvia’s Janis Baumanis taking the inside in race 4. ALL-INKL.COM Muennuch Motorsport’s Timo Scheider, GC Kompetition’s Guerlain Chicherit and GCK Academy’s Guillaume De Ridder will hold the middle of the grid in Race 3, with Olsbergs MSE’s Kevin Eriksson on the outside.
GRX team mates Reinis Nitiss and Timur Timerzyanov will take P2 and P3 in race 4, joined by wildcard drivers Philip Gehrman and Ulrik Linnemann on the outside of the grid, with Great Britain’s Liam Doran on pole in race 5. Next to Doran in the final race of the session will be his Monster Energy RX Cartel team mate, Andreas Bakkerud, with ESmotorsport Labas-GAS’ Kevin Abbring making his second World RX start from the middle of the grid, GCK’s Anton Marklund and GRX’s Niclas Gronholm taking P4 and P5.
See full Holjes RX Q1 grid here. | 2,761 |
US-backed Kurdish militia has begun to withdraw from Manbij in northern Syria, inviting the Syrian army to move in as Turkey masses troops on the border. Kurdish presence in the city was a major irritant for Turkey.
About 30 vehicles and 400 members of the Kurdish YPG militia have left Manbij since January 1, as part of an agreement with Damascus, the Syrian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The Kurdish fighters are pulling back across the Euphrates river, the Syrian government said.
Video of the withdrawal was posted on the Syrian Defense Ministry’s Facebook page.
The Kurds have been the main element of the US-backed ‘Syrian Democratic Forces’, a proxy army operating in northeastern Syria against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS). The SDF has previously refused to restore the territories liberated from IS to Syrian government rule. That changed, however, after US President Donald Trump announced last month that US forces will be leaving Syria.
Last week, the Syrian army announced it had entered Manbij and raised the Syrian flag, after striking a deal with the YPG. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the announcement a “psyop” and denied that the Kurds were withdrawing. If the Kurds – which Ankara considers terrorists – were to actually leave the area, there would be “no job left” there for the Turkish military, Erdogan said.
Also on rt.com Erdogan: Reports of Damascus taking control of Manbij, Kurdish-held town bordering Turkey is ‘psyop’
Turkey has been massing troops and equipment on its border with Syria for the past several weeks. Erdogan has been threatening a new military action in northern Syria, demanding the Kurdish withdrawal east of the Euphrates once again.
Following the Kurds’ liberation of Manbij from IS in August 2016, Turkey invaded Syria in a military operation dubbed ‘Euphrates Shield’, capturing a swath of territory in the north. Mediation by Russia and the US prevented a direct conflict between the Turkish-backed militias and Kurds in Manbij at the time, but Ankara has continued to insist on a Kurdish withdrawal beyond the Euphrates ever since.
It is unclear whether the proof of a Kurdish pullout will deter Turkey from launching another military operation in Syria, but the government in Damascus has repeatedly said it views Turkish troops as invaders and will fight them if necessary.
Also on rt.com Christmas colors light up a diverse Syria as peace & stability return – and the West barely noticed
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! | 2,762 |
Giant Toilet
In the summer of 2015 a class of Drexel Architecture and Design students worked with Greensgrow to create and develop a plan for its new site at 51st and Baltimore Avenue. Working collaboratively, the students generated several iterations of a balanced program that accommodates many uses, including the facilities for a Solar Composting Toilet. Architecture student Matthew Wang generated the final construction documents for the Solar Compost Toilet with advice and guidance from Jason Austin, Architecture Professor, who is also associated with the Greensgrow summer class and the independent study advisor for Matt's project. The Solar Composting Toilet is a unique approach to composting in an effort towards sustainable practices, to “close the loop” on the food/waste cycle by producing a nutrient rich compost product. The primary benefits of a solar compost toilet compared to a traditional commode are cleaner waste water and a fundamentally useful product. At Greensgrow, it will introduce and educate visitors to the sustainable concept that waste equals food.
The compost toilet works first by separating liquids from solids. The solids are collected in a bucket containing a mixture of sawdust and other natural material to dissipate remaining excess moisture. The container of solids is then covered with a transparent lid and placed in direct sunlight for a period of several months allowing controlled decomposition to bake and cure the nutrients of harmful bacteria. Earth and other soil mixtures can then be added to create the final nutrient rich compost product, which is only intended for use with ornamental plants and flowers that will not be used for human-consumption. The maintence of the composting process was made safe and convenient for Greensgrow employees by incorporating a beam with a hoist for lifting buckets to roof level. After pulling a bucket from under the toilet it is capped and hooked to the hoist –rope is then tied to a cleat. The employee then climbs a fixed ladder to the roof where the bucket can be detached and placed for baking.
Drexel’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design has provided administrative support and use of their product design lab for Matthew to build the pieces of the compost toilet structure. Upon completion of the pre-fabricated pieces they will be delivered to 51st and Baltimore where final assembly will take place. Additional support for the project is provided by donation of waste building materials from Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). Labor is donated by building trades members of Transportation Workers Union Local 234. http://www.greensgrow.org/about-us/Further information about Greensgrow can be found at their website: | 2,763 |
Given Ontario’s aging population, the Province is focused on helping seniors live healthy, active and socially connected lives, including:
How we’re creating more opportunity for people
Introducing a new dental program for low-income seniors who lack benefits. Individual seniors with annual incomes of $19,300 or less, or senior couples with combined incomes of less than $32,300, will be able to receive dental services in public health units, community health centres and Aboriginal Health Access Centres across the province. The program would begin by late summer 2019.
The dental care program will be an annual investment of approximately $90 million when fully implemented.
By this coming winter, the program will expand to include new dental services in underserviced areas, including through mobile dental buses and an increased number of dental suites in public health units.
Ending hallway health care
Ending hallway health care, and giving patients and families access to better and more connected health care by investing an additional $384 million in hospitals and an additional $267 million in home and community care. This will include increasing front-line care delivery, such as personal support services, nursing, therapy and other professional services at home and in the community. This is expected to reduce waitlists for long-term care.
Creating long-term care solutions
As part of ending hallway health care, the government will create 15,000 new long-term care beds and upgrade 15,000 older long-term care beds to meet modern design standards over the next five years, for a total investment of approximately $1.75 billion in additional funding.
In addition to the over 6,000 new beds previously allocated, 1,157 new long-term care beds will immediately be allocated to 16 projects across the province.
Improving treatment for mental health
Investing $3.8 billion for mental health, addictions and housing supports over 10 years, beginning with the creation of a mental health and addictions system.
In 2019–20, an investment of $174 million will support community mental health and addictions services, mental health and justice services, supportive housing and acute mental health inpatient beds.
Tax relief for families when they need it most
Proposing to provide tax relief for families when they need it the most, as the death of a loved one is a difficult time. Effective January 1, 2020, the Estate Administration Tax would be eliminated for taxable estates with assets of $50,000 or less, and would be reduced by $250 for larger taxable estates.
Making Ontario more accessible | 2,764 |
There were fires lit in the Calais camp last night ahead of today's evacuation. Source: Emilio Morenatti/PA Images
MIGRANTS HAVE BEGUN arriving at official meeting points set by French authorities as part of the full evacuation of the Calais “Jungle” camp.
Men and women carrying suitcases and bundles of possessions gathered in front of a warehouse which is serving as the main headquarters of the operation in which some 6,000 to 8,000 migrants will be moved to reception centres across the country.
A queue of around 60 people already stretched in front of the closed doors of the operational headquarters, under the glow of streetlights.
Dozens of riot police vehicles and other trucks carrying equipment had earlier set off in the direction of the operation centre, an AFP correspondent saw.
France’s government has billed the enormous operation to clear the camp as “humanitarian”. Three days have been set aside for the operation to clear the camp near Calais port.
It will allow the closure of the largest shanty town in France, which has grown up over the last 18 months, filled with refugees — mostly from Afghanistan, Sudan and Eritrea — seeking to cross the Channel to get to Britain.
“I feel very happy, I’ve had enough of the Jungle,” said 25-year-old Abbas from Sudan.
“There are a lot of people who don’t want to leave. There might be problems later. That’s why I came out first,” he added.
The closure of the squalid camp is aimed at relieving tensions in the Calais area, where clashes between police and migrants trying to climb onto trucks heading to Britain are an almost nightly occurrence.
As officials and charity workers spread out across the Jungle on Sunday distributing flyers about the camp’s impending demolition, some were still clinging to hopes of a new life across the Channel.
“They’ll have to force us to leave. We want to go to Britain,” said Karhazi, a young Afghan among many of the migrants who had their hearts set on Britain, believing it to offer better prospects.
“We have yet to convince some people to accept accommodation and give up their dream of Britain. That’s the hardest part,” Didier Leschi, head of the French immigration office OFII told AFP.
Around 1,250 police and security officials have been mobilised in order to ensure the smooth roll out of the operation. | 2,765 |
Politics does make for strange bedfellows. Or Oddfellows. Linda Derschang’s food and drink empire finds itself allied with the likes of Costco in its support for I-1100, one of two initiatives on November’s ballot to privatize liquor sales in Washington State. Not only has Derschang lent her face and name to the effort (check out the commercial she appeared in, below), she has helped bankroll the initiative by donating $1000 to the cause in the name of each of her four Seattle bars ($250 each). But she’s not the only one around Capitol Hill putting her money where her mouth is. CHS looked at state records for contributions to initiatives and ballot measures from the Hill’s three main ZIP codes, 98102, 98112 and 98122. Here’s what we found.
First, a reminder of what’s on this November’s ballot. The links will take you to http://wa.electionland.com/ for more information.
Derschang’s contributions don’t rank in the top 10 of Capitol Hill area contributors. Here’s the list of biggest givers in the three ZIP codes. All totals are through September 28 and includes any “in kind” giving of services, etc. in addition to cash. Top contributor Dean Allen is the CEO of Seattle construction giant McKinstry and has a Madison Park address. He threw his cash behind the R-52 bond measure that would finance construction and repair projects at schools across the state.
Here is a look at how the initiative committees rank in terms of financial support in our area. Our biggest outlays support two of the more socially minded items on the November ballot. The group Washingtonians for Education Health & Tax Relief supports 1098’s push to institute a state income tax for people who earn more than $200,000 or joint filers who earn more than $400,000. You’ll note the list also includes the Sensible Washington group that failed in its effort to bring a marijuana decriminalization initiative onto the ballot. In the second table below, we’ve shown the top five contributors for each committee.
We also rolled up the 94 contributors in the dataset by employer. Our favorite mix of businesses is for the supporters of Sensible Washington. Even though the group’s initiative didn’t make the ballot, we think any political union that brings together Boeing, the City of Seattle, Netmotion Wireless and Car Toys can’t be all bad.
| 2,766 |
plumber
Plumber allows you to create a web API by merely decorating your existing R source code with special comments. Take a look at an example.
# plumber.R #* Echo back the input #* @param msg The message to echo #* @get /echo function ( msg = "" ) { list paste0 "The message is: '", msg, "'" )) } #* Plot a histogram #* @png #* @get /plot function () { rand <- rnorm 100 ) hist rand ) } #* Return the sum of two numbers #* @param a The first number to add #* @param b The second number to add #* @post /sum function ( a, b ) { as.numeric a ) + as.numeric b ) }
These comments allow plumber to make your R functions available as API endpoints. You can use either #* as the prefix or #', but we recommend the former since #' will collide with Roxygen.
library plumber # 'plumber.R' is the location of the file shown above pr "plumber.R" ) %>% pr_run 8000 )
You can visit this URL using a browser or a terminal to run your R function and get the results. For instance http://localhost:8000/plot will show you a histogram, and http://localhost:8000/echo?msg=hello will echo back the ‘hello’ message you provided.
Here we’re using curl via a Mac/Linux terminal.
$ curl "http://localhost:8000/echo" {"msg":["The message is: ''"]} $ curl "http://localhost:8000/echo?msg=hello" {"msg":["The message is: 'hello'"]}
As you might have guessed, the request’s query string parameters are forwarded to the R function as arguments (as character strings).
$ curl --data "a=4&b=3" "http://localhost:8000/sum" [7]
You can also send your data as JSON:
$ curl --data '{"a":4, "b":5}' http://localhost:8000/sum [9]
Installation You can install the latest stable version from CRAN using the following command: install.packages "plumber" ) If you want to try out the latest development version, you can install it from GitHub. remotes :: install_github "rstudio/plumber" ) library plumber | 2,767 |
[GOAL] About Open Access India
Dear All Concerned, Kind apologies to use this global platform for introduction of Open Access India, a community of practice (openaccessindia.org). Dear Colleagues, we under the banner of Open Access India were many working for the Advocacy of Open Access, Open Data, Open Education using the social networking platforms. But we are not very much active on this platform. Though we could contribute to Open Access policies, we didn't establish ourselves as a think tank of Open Access. Now we want to get more involved in the Open Access Movement in India and contribute more by forming a registered Scholary Society in India in which people from abroad also could be members. To start with, we have formulated the following aims and objects of the society. Please give your valuable suggestions. 1. To promote and cultivate the spirit of openness among all for the advancement of scientific research, literature, education, cultural aspects related to science, scholarship and society for the public good. 2. To advocate and promote Open Access, Open Data, Open Education, Open Licences, Open Metrics, Open Research, Open Science among all researchers, students, research managers, administrators, policy makers within the country and abroad and extend its usefulness for the public advantage. 3. To provide a forum for the free exchange and dissemination of research information and experiences related to Open Access, Open Data, Open Education, Open Research, and Open Science. 4. To build capacities of individuals and institutions to embrace openness, develop, advance and contribute to Open Access, Open Data, Open Education, Open Licences, Open Metrics, Open Research, and Open Science. 5. To organise and participate in meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences, training programme, courses and other activities in partnership, collaboration and co-operation with schools, colleges, universities, research institutes/organisations, non-profit organisations, think tanks, government, and other organisations in India and abroad. 6. To publish open access newsletters, monographs, journals in the interest of the public. 7. To participate in all such activities, consultations, meetings which are relevant to the accomplishment of openness in science and scholarship. 8. To do all and any other acts or things as may be incidental or conducive to the attainment of all or any of the above objects Thank you With Regards Sridhar Sent from Outlook Mobile -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mailman.ecs.soton.ac.uk/pipermail/goal/attachments/20160420/4274c440/attachment.html | 2,768 |
news, local-news
IN THE POST The postcodes that will still be able to access interstate next-day guaranteed delivery: 7000-7019; 7050-7053; 7055; 7170;7172. THE majority of Tasmania will lose its guaranteed next-day postal service for interstate deliveries from April 8. Launceston's Australia Post outlets are some of many in the state that will be affected by the alterations. Under the changes, only 22 postcodes - all in the greater Hobart region - will be guaranteed next-day delivery for interstate Express Post parcels. Now, all Tasmanian postcodes are listed by Australia Post as being able to utilise the service. Intrastate Express Post next-day guarantees will not be affected. A statement from an Australia Post spokeswoman said air freight arrangements between Tasmania and the mainland were to blame for the changes. ``Express Post products will continue to be available at all outlets and they will continue to provide a faster service than regular parcel post delivery,'' the spokeswoman said. ``However, the next business day guarantee will not apply to Express Post products sent between Launceston and interstate locations.'' A Launceston Australia Post outlet owner said the decision would have a massive impact on customers. ``We would send and sell at least 1000 Express Post parcels a week - and we are just one outlet,'' the owner said. ``This is going to have a massive impact on customers... legal firms sending documents, real estate firms sending documents... everyone.'' Bass Labor MHR Geoff Lyons said he was not aware of the changes. ``If this is the case I'll be fighting like hell to keep [the service],'' Mr Lyons said. ``I can't believe that's going on. I'll be telling the minister, in no uncertain terms, that Tasmania is part of Australia and we deserve this service.'' Launceston alderman Rob Soward also vowed to fight to retain the service. ``I'll be putting a motion to the council on [February 25] that we fight to overturn this decision,'' Alderman Soward said. ``This will have massive ramifications for everyone.'' Australia Post said there would be no impact on staffing levels and more information would be available about the changes soon.
https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/resize/frm/storypad-cEhczfdf7xzEKFmkduwWkH/bc80deb4-7e91-485e-b848-180be370fced.JPG/w1200_h678_fcrop.jpg | 2,769 |
ody', 'Smoke on the water' ]
[ 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Smoke on the water' ]
[ 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Smoke on the water' ]
...
Now we have to tell the infinite loop when to stop, for that we create an if, if the index we just created is greater than the length of our array, we send that the iteration stop with an object { value: undefined, done: true }.
const songsFromYoel = {
allsongs: {
rock: ["Bohemian Rhapsody", "Smoke on the water"],
metal: ["Walk", "Enter Sandman"]
}, [Symbol.iterator]() {
let allSongs = Object.values(this.allsongs);
let allsongsIndex = 0;
return {
next() {
if (allsongsIndex >= allSongs.length) {
return { value: undefined, done: true };
}
return {
value: allSongs[allsongsIndex],
done: false
};
}
};
}
};
But it still fails, because it doesn’t show us the second elements of the array.
Because we need to create a new index to iterate in that second array and increase the allsongsIndex.
const songsFromYoel = {
allsongs: {
rock: ["Bohemian Rhapsody", "Smoke on the water"],
metal: ["Walk", "Enter Sandman"]
}, [Symbol.iterator]() {
let allSongs = Object.values(this.allsongs);
let allsongsIndex = 0;
let songsfromYoelIndex = 0;
return {
next() {
if (songsfromYoelIndex >= allSongs[allsongsIndex].length){
allsongsIndex++;
songsfromYoelIndex = 0;
} if (allsongsIndex >= allSongs.length) {
return { value: undefined, done: true };
}
return {
value: allSongs[allsongsIndex],
done: false
};
}
};
}
};
And we need to add the new index to the return value. | 2,770 |
The four combat ships are designed to fight in coastal areas and represent further signs of America’s military tilt to Asia
This article is more than 5 years old
This article is more than 5 years old
Four US warships designed to fight in coastal areas similar to south-east Asian waters will operate out of Singapore by 2018, a senior US Navy official said Tuesday, further underscoring Washington’s military tilt to Asia.
The “rotational deployment” of the vessels, called littoral combat ships (LCS), comes as China continues to flex its muscles in the South China Sea and tensions remain on the Korean Peninsula.
“We will soon see up to four LCS here in Singapore as we rotationally deploy Seventh Fleet ships,” said Rear Admiral Charles Williams.
“We envision four ships here by May 2017 to sometime in 2018... but I think what you have is that by 2018, four LCS ships will be rotationally deployed here to Singapore.”
Williams, commander of the Seventh Fleet’s Task Force 73, was speaking to reporters aboard the USS Fort Worth, an LCS on a 16-month deployment to south-east Asia.
It replaced another LCS, the USS Freedom, which recently ended an eight-month tour of duty.
The USS Fort Worth is set to take part in exercise Foal Eagle, a joint military drill with South Korea from 24 February - 6 March.
It will also join regional navies in the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercises and the International Maritime Defence Exhibition.
“The role of the US navy in both south-east Asia and north-east Asia is about presence. It’s about being where it matters when it matters,” Williams said.
Fast and agile, LCS vessels can be adapted for specific missions through a system of interchangeable modules and crew.
The US Navy plans to build 52 LCS vessels at a total cost of $37 billion but the programme has become controversial due to cost inflation, design and construction issues.
In 2012 the then-US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced that Washington would shift the bulk of its naval fleet to the Pacific by 2020 as part of a new strategic focus on Asia.
China is embroiled in a maritime dispute with four south-east Asian countries - Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam - as well as with Taiwan over territorial claims in the South China Sea.
While not a claimant, the United States has said it has an interest to ensure freedom of navigation in the area. | 2,771 |
The Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack on a passenger bus in Karachi on Wednesday by six heavily armed gunmen, who killed at least 43 people and injured 20 others, highlighting Isis' increasing influence in Pakistan.
"Thanks be to Allah, 43 apostates were killed and around 30 were wounded in an attack carried out by Islamic State soldiers on a bus transporting Shia Ismaili infidels in the city of Karachi," the Islamic State said in a statement that was shared by Isis-affiliated Twitter accounts.
Earlier in the day, Jundullah, a splinter group of the Tehreek-e-Taliban, which claimed allegiance to the Islamic State last year, had claimed responsibility for the attack.
Who are Shia Ismailis and Why are They Targeted?
The motorcycle-borne gunmen opened indiscriminate fire on the bus in Karachi's Safora Chowrangi area. About 60 people, including children, of the minority Ismaili Shia community were said to be travelling in the bus.
Among the dead were 16 women, the Dawn reported.
Some news channels also reported that the gunmen entered the bus and then opened fire. The attackers then fled the spot.
Jundullah spokesperson Ahmed Marwat told Reuters that the group was behind the attack.
"These killed people were Ismaili and we consider them kafir (non-Muslim). We had four attackers. In the coming days we will attack Ismailis, Shi'ites and Christians," Marwat told Reuters.
According to some reports, a blood-stained pamphlet was found at the scene in which Isis claimed responsibility.
Last month, an attack on an American aid worker was said to be carried out by Isis supporters, and Islamic State leaflets were found on the scene.
According to The Express Tribune, 60 empty bullet shells of Kalashnikovs were found from the crime scene.
Media reports quoted the police as saying that the Shia Ismaili passengers were the target of the attack as the bus belonged to a housing project of the community -- Al-Azhar Garden Colony -- based in Karachi.
Pakistani and Indian politicians condemned the terror attack.
Stunned & grieved at most condemnable terror attack in Karachi on ordinary citizens of Pak belonging to a most peaceful community. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 13, 2015
The attack in Karachi is deeply saddening & utterly condemnable. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 13, 2015 | 2,772 |
man can take time from his boardroom duties to yap about his favorite basketball team, his golf game and his vintage cars, surely a woman should be able to look up from her policy papers for a brief fashion reverie without facing criticism.
Is Givhan trying to say that Hillary Clinton is criticized for her fashion obsessions? Has her sense of style, or lack thereof, been a major campaign issue? Are women in general criticized for talking about fashion? Really? In what world?
In this race, of all races, I highly doubt that “women talking about fashion” is a major issue when on the Democratic side you have the Washington Post-declared style icon of all time (Clinton is also considered a fashionista in Kosovo) and on the Republican side you have the father of a fashion designer with her own line of clothing, jewelry, and shoes.
Listen. Hillary Clinton’s problems in her campaign for presidency revolve around her legacy of failed foreign policy decisions, penchant for lying, and ability to work a corrupted political system for personal gain. They don’t revolve around fashion, even when she dresses like this:
Classified email? She’s not even sophisticated enough to maintain a wardrobe. pic.twitter.com/CgXNVD2mI2 — BigHeadSports (@BigHeadSports) August 24, 2016
Here’s the most recent outfit the Washington Post’s “style icon” wore on the trail.
This was worn at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Gala last week. The boxy, double-breasted, bumble-bee-in-fall-foliage, horizontal striped jacket isn’t the worst thing I’ve ever seen. It’s not trendsetting so much as safe and fashion-present. It’s very Ann Taylor-meets-more-expensive-version-of-Ann Taylor-for-older-ladies. No big deal.
It’s no big deal until you start telling me that this is the height of fashion and that this is inspiration for countless designers. Nearly every mainstream reporter in America is loudly telling us that Hillary Clinton is wearing the finest clothing spun by the most magical weavers and only the stupid can’t see it.
It’s bad enough when the other reporters are trying to sell this crap sandwich and getting angry when people aren’t buying it. But for Robin Givhan to try it on actual fashion is even worse. Funnier, but worse. | 2,773 |
review Chapter 3, your test on the material will be on the first class of the next week."
Cynna's attention snapped back to the professor. She was continuing to give directions to the rest of the class, but even looking at the professor wasn't helping her to pay attention to what she was saying.
New Eteras had a secret, a secret which put the fate of the entire floating city, the academy, at risk. Which meant that she was at risk, far greater risk than she'd realized. When she first discovered the vampires, she thought it was merely an interesting bit of knowledge. She didn't realize the connection with the Conclave of the Swolib until she'd had time to dwell on it. Did the professors and other academy staff know the same thing? They must have, surely they'd have made the connection just as she had?
Just as Cynna was resting on that thought, a sudden jolt rocked through the room, likely the whole academy. Cynna wasn't the only one who felt it. There were exclamations all throughout the classroom. There was a moment's hesitation, and then another jolt, and everyone seemed to realize themselves all at once and there was a rush for the door.
The panic was at least controlled. Cynna had to admire that, no one was being trampled, and though the door bottleknecked, the crowd of people was still filtering out. Cynna chose a different route, however, and walked over to one of the tall picture windows that let light into the classroom. At first, all she could see was what she normally saw. Trees, other windows, the stone from which the academy was built. Then... clouds. There weren't always clouds below, that only happened when the clouds were low enough, if the floating city was much higher up, it wouldn't be habitable. As it was, a strong ritual of protective magic provided New Eteras with a climate that made living so high up a bit easier, and protected them from the storms they often passed through.
But there was something else... thrust up through the clouds was some finger or tendril that seemed quite out-of-place as it reached for the bedrock. Then, with a surprising suddenness, Cynna realized what it was: a root. A root from a tree and just as she made that connection the tendril made it to its target and there was yet another jolt throughout the room.
New Eteras was under attack.
(website under construction) | 2,774 |
Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat who's seeking his party's 2020 presidential nomination, had an awkward moment during a televised town hall Wednesday night when he was asked about the time he took his mother to see the notorious 1972 pornographic film "Deep Throat."
The unusual story is highlighted in an excerpt from Hickenlooper’s 2016 memoir, "The Opposite of Woe: My Life in Beer and Politics." CNN anchor Dana Bash asked the candidate to share the tale.
DEM PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL HICKENLOOPER CLAIMS CREDIT HE DOESN'T DESERVE
“You have the floor, sir,” Bash jokingly said to the embarrassed candidate.
“Thank you so much for that question,” Hickenlooper sarcastically responded.
Hickenlooper began describing how lonely his mother became after he went off to college because his father had passed away during his childhood. One night he came home from college to a feast of a dinner -- the same night he had promised a friend he’d go see a movie with him.
The Democrat then recalled asking his mother if she wanted to join them, which he admitted was a “mistake.”
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“I didn’t know what an X-movie was," Hickenlooper said. "We thought it was a little naughty, but we didn’t think it was that bad. You have to understand, I was eighteen years old.
"I didn’t know what an X-movie was. We thought it was a little naughty, but we didn’t think it was that bad." — Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper
“So I took my mother to see ‘Deep Throat,’” Hickenlooper revealed to a big roar from the audience. “But I will tell you: I’m sure my mother was mortified, and I said repeatedly, ‘I think we should leave, I think we should go,” and my mother was the type of person that rarely went to a movie.... Once she paid, she was going to stay. And at the end, she knew that I was humiliated. And so we drove home… ‘I asked her, ‘Well that was some experience.’ And she goes, she says, ‘Well, I thought the lighting was very good in the movie.’” | 2,775 |
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Darrelle Revis filed a lawsuit Tuesday against his former agents, Neil Schwartz and Jonathan Feinsod, alleging that they “secretly and unilaterally” increased their commission fee on an endorsement deal from 10 percent to 50 percent, according to a court document.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Westchester County Supreme Court, claims “breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, breach of contract, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing, unjust enrichment, conversion, and other common law violations at law and in equity.”
Revis alleges that Schwartz and Feinsod “set out to take advantage” of him and his limited liability company, Shavae LLC, while the football star was “focused on” the playoffs and Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots. According to the complaint, Schwartz had Revis sign a one-page contract with Healthy Beverage LLC, a manufacturer of iced tea and energy drinks, without explaining the terms of the contract.
The lawsuit also claims that Revis was unaware that his former agents had hired a law firm to represent him in his dealings with the energy drink company. The complaint states that Schwartz and Feinsod “prevented” the new attorney from sending a retainer agreement for legal services directly to Revis and, without Revis’ knowledge, arranged for the company to pay the attorney’s legal bill “directly from funds owed” to Revis.
According to the complaint, “Shocked that a person who had been his lawyer for about nine years, a person he had trusted totally, had taken advantage of him, stolen from him, and refused to return the misappropriated funds,” Revis terminated Schwartz as his lawyer and legal representative in a letter dated May 1, 2016.
Manhattan attorney Mario Aieta told Courthouse News that Schwartz had acted only as Revis’ sports agent and had “never been his attorney.”
Reached by phone Monday evening, Aieta told Newsday: “When all of the facts are known, the allegations against my clients will be proven to be false. And they will confirm that, in fact, Neil Schwartz and Jonathan Feinsod have done a spectacular job for Mr. Revis, as they’ve done for all of their clients.”
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Aieta also said he’s worked with the pair for more than 15 years. | 2,776 |
Sabotage’s love letter to old school 8-bit and 16-bit classics plays with your expectations in a surprising way
When Sabotage creative director Thierry Boulanger was eight years old, his grandfather gave him a copy of Ninja Gaiden II. This event sparked a lifelong interest in telling stories and creating his own dream video game.
About 25 years later, The Messenger, an 8-bit ninja platformer that blossoms into a 16-bit Metroidvania, was released to critical acclaim, earned the Game Award for best Debut Indie Game of 2018 and was even praised by the Ninja Gaiden creators themselves.
In The Messenger, players take the role of a young ninja tasked with carrying a magic scroll across a cursed world in order to save his clan besieged by a demon army.
While on the surface The Messenger might look like a simple homage to the classic platformers, you’ll quickly discover that the game plays with your expectations to surprise you with its modern game design approach, clever writing and super tight controls.
The cast of memorable characters as well as its fourth wall and the inclusion of a few mechanics from other game genres also contribute in making The Messenger a truly unique gaming experience.
While the game is considered fair compared to platformers of the early 90s, it still proves very challenging even to hardcore players with its 45 optional Power Seals to collect as well as its unique additive New Game+ system.
We also designed The Messenger with the speedrunning community in mind from the beginning and we make a point to wholeheartedly support the scene in any way we can.
Ever since The Messenger was announced, fans have been asking us to bring it to PS4. Well, the wait is over, and we are very excited that the PlayStation family can carry the scroll and do the thing with a Dualshock controller starting 19th March.
But that’s not all. This summer, the story of The Messenger will take an unexpected turn with the release of a free expansion entitled Picnic Panic. This resolutely silly adventure will test your skills even more as our ninja heads to Voodkin Island in order to thwart Barma’thazël’s wicked plan.
Sabotage is a Quebec City based indie studio mostly made up of veteran developers with a deep passion for retro games and the punk attitude. We hope that you will enjoy The Messenger as it was created with a lot of love to bring back those memories of gaming from another era while keeping you on the edge as truly modern games do so well. | 2,777 |
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Vegan food and beer!? Count us in! America’s first fully plant-based beer hall and eatery, Rewild, is set to open in Quincy, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, as early as spring of 2018. The exciting project is a collaboration between Rewild owner, Paul McAuley, of the popular Eat Green Make Green website, as well as Marrissa Hughes and chef Will Hernandez. Hughes and Hernandez previously worked with by CHLOE, a New York-based vegan restaurant chain.
The bar will feature 20 plant-based beers on tap, the majority of which will be from local breweries, as well as non-alcoholic beverages such as kombucha, seltzer, and coffee, including nitro.
And as for the food? The menu will include yummy goodness such as burgers, tacos, and pizza. Rewild also plans to serve wildly popular Impossible Burger sliders, as well as vegan bacon-wrapped scallops made with oyster mushrooms and rice paper-based bacon!
Rewild/Instagram
“Getting some inspiration from @plnthouse on South Beach. Similar vibes coming to Quincy this Summer!” Rewild shared on their Instagram page.
Rewild/Instagram
“There’s no place in Massachusetts that you can go have a few beers, hang out with friends, and eat plant-based food. My primary goal of the whole project is to just bring plant-based food in a social and fun way, specifically to the South Shore, but to Boston as well,” said McAuley.
Rewild/Instagram
Rewild sounds like the perfect place to enjoy a beer, hang with friends, and dine on some tasty vegan food! With more and more people leaving animals off their plates and opting for plant-based foods instead, whether it be for animal welfare, health, or environmental reasons, we are certain Rewild will be a huge hit!
To stay up to date on Rewild’s opening, follow them on social media, and if you live in the area, be sure to pay them a visit once they open!
To learn more about the environmental impact of our food choices as well as trends and developments in the plant-based food space, check out our podcast #EatForThePlanet with Nil Zacharias.
Lead Image Source: spooky_kid/Pixabay | 2,778 |
20 Years Ago, 'Buffy' Welcomed Us All To The Hellmouth (aka High School)
Enlarge this image toggle caption Warner Bros./Getty Images Warner Bros./Getty Images
Twenty years ago, on March 10, 1997, TV audiences were introduced to Buffy Summers, a pint-sized blonde who could hold her own against the undead. Buffy the Vampire Slayer ran for seven seasons from 1997 to 2003. It had witty dialogue and used monsters as a metaphor for everyday high school problems like bullies, catfishing and feeling invisible.
If that wasn't enough to make high school seem hellish, the characters went to school on top of a literal Hellmouth. "So many people at the time sent us letters saying, 'I'm only getting through high school because of Buffy,' " says Buffy writer and producer Jane Espenson.
The show earned a cult following — and made a lasting impact. "You see a lot more female protagonists on TV," Espenson says. "I think you see a lot more genre stuff now, even on network."
Much of that is thanks to creator Joss Whedon's high standards for show plotlines. Espenson recalls how Whedon would test a plot's merit: "He would always ask, 'Is that true? Is it needed? Is it urgent? Does it feel real?' And if something didn't rise to that level, he wouldn't do it."
For example, when Espenson learned that actor Nicholas Brendon (who played Scooby Gang member Xander Harris) had a twin brother, she proposed an episode in which Xander gets split in two. Whedon challenged the idea: "That's not what the character of Xander is going through right now," she recalls him saying. "We can't tell that story until there's an emotional need in Xander for us to tell that story."
Eventually, that episode was made, but the conversation left Espenson particularly impressed with Whedon's discipline. "You aren't going to jump at just something that would be an amazing episode of ordinary television," she says. "You wait until it's an amazing episode of Buffy."
Twenty years later, not every aspect of the show has aged well (the special effects, for one) but its message that anyone can be a hero is timeless. Espenson says she knew that when she was working on the final season.
"I remember literally saying, '20 years from now, we're going to be... looking back on this and we're gonna remember that we were part of a classic show that changed a lot of things. We gotta remember this time.' " | 2,779 |
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Liverpool are in the Champions League final after an astonishing 4-0 semi-final second-leg win over Barcelona following a remarkable effort from the players, fans and a hidden hero who was pitchside during the most critical moment.
The Reds trailed Barcelona 3-0 following the first-leg hammering at the Camp Nou but Divock Origi made everyone believe the impossible by netting in the first half.
Georginio Wijnaldum's quickfire double after coming off the bench then levelled the tie before one of the most amazing moments in Liverpool's history.
Trent Alexander-Arnold won a corner down the right-hand side and rather than allow everyone including his own players to set themselves for the corner, he sent in a quick low cross which took the Barcelona defence by surprise but not Origi, who calmly tucked the ball home.
However, this moment was more than just about the clever delivery from Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool legend Graeme Souness explained on Virgin Media Sport. There was also a hidden hero who helped ensure the right-back could take the corner quickly.
(Image: BT Sport)
A Liverpool ballboy provided a key role in the win by ensuring a different ball to the one Alexander-Arnold won the corner with was ushered towards the Reds' defender.
Origi acted quickly seconds earlier to kick the original ball out of play but the ballboy also helped ensure that happened too by standing up and clearly calling for the ball as the screenshot above highlights. This all allowed Alexander-Arnold to provide the corner before Barcelona were fully ready.
Souness was subsequently delighted with the work from the ballboy and told TV viewers that he should be handsomely rewarded by the club.
He said: "Watch this, we will circle him. It goes out for a corner. They are following the ball...watch the ballboy here. He is already on the spot. He puts it down now. He goes to walk away and he realises there is a few dopes gone to sleep.
"They have all turned their back on it. That is criminal, criminal for a professional footballer," Souness added before explaining that the ballboy should be given a season ticket and two Champions League final tickets for the act, as the tweet above shows.
It's safe to say that ballboy is now a Liverpool hero. | 2,780 |
Rafael Benítez has reminded Mike Ashley of his enduring craving for trophies and suggested the time has come for Newcastle United’s owner to either buy into an ambitious blueprint or bid him farewell.
Benítez’s contract expires on 30 June and Newcastle’s manager will not renew it unless Ashley offers him autonomy over recruitment and the transfer budget needed to make the club competitive. “For me, the potential’s here,” said Benítez, whose team travel to Brighton on Saturday. “It’s a massive club, a massive city and the support’s massive.”
Benítez likens Newcastle contract talks with Ashley to Brexit Read more
The Spaniard’s problem is that Ashley seems content with Premier League survival. “I used to compete for titles and I’d like to be sure we can compete against anyone,” the former Valencia, Liverpool, Internazionale, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid coach said. “I’m not happy when you play against a top side and it’s a draw. When you’re used to winning, you want to keep doing it.
“But at the same time, I’m realistic. I understand each club has its own potential and has to decide what they want to do or can do; that’s fine. You can bring in another manager and then maybe he will be happy if they finish 15th. But I would like to compete for something more.”
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The subtext is that the time has come for Ashley to make his mind up about the scale of his plans for Newcastle. “It’s just so simple to understand,” Benítez said. “I don’t want to push anyone, it’s just to be sure where we are. If we’re clear, we move forward. If we do the right things we can compete and try to be at least close to winning something.
“With the potential we have we can compete and we want to compete – or at least I want to compete – we want to be able to go into any game and try to win. I want to try to win trophies but you cannot compete in the cups when you’re at the bottom of the table, have a risk of two or three key players getting injured and don’t have the replacements.” | 2,781 |
Invasive Asian Hornet spotted in Britain for first time, experts confirm Published duration 20 September 2016
image copyright PA image caption Asian hornets prey on pollinating insects such as honey bees and could do serious damage to colonies in the UK, which have not evolved to cope with the threat
An invasive hornet that kills honey bees has been spotted in Britain for the first time, experts have confirmed.
The Asian hornet was found near Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Work is under way to find and destroy its nests.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has set up a three-mile (5km) surveillance zone.
Defra said it had been anticipating the hornets' arrival "for some years" and had a "well-established protocol in place to eradicate them".
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), which is up to 2.5cm (1in) long, is now common across Europe after being accidentally introduced to France in 2004 in a shipment of pottery from China.
In the summer, the non-native species was discovered in the Channel Islands of Jersey and Alderney for the first time.
image copyright PA image caption It is thought the hornets will not be able to survive in the north of the UK due to the colder winters
Nicola Spence, from Defra, said: "It is important to remember they pose no greater risk to human health than a bee, though we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies.
"That's why we are taking swift and robust action to identify and destroy any nests."
media caption How the government is trying to trace nests of invasive hornet which kills honey bees
A Defra spokesman said, the hornet found in the Tetbury area had been killed and was undergoing DNA testing to establish how it arrived in the UK.
Meanwhile, bee inspectors are using infrared cameras and traps in a bid to locate and destroy any nests in a three-mile area radius around the initial sighting.
Identifying an Asian hornet
Vespa velutina queens are up to 3cm (1.2in) in length; workers up to 2.5cm (1in)
Entirely dark brown or black velvety body, bordered with a fine yellow band
Only one band on the abdomen: fourth abdominal segment almost entirely yellow/orange
Legs brown with yellow ends
Head black with an orange-yellow face
Source: National Bee Unit | 2,782 |
to hear the news about Willie Dunlop. Willie was a friend and a great fella. RIP — Adrian Logan (@OurLogie) July 7, 2018
Awful news about William Dunlop. Another tragic loss for the Dunlop family. Condolences to sorrowing family and friends. — Jim Allister (@JimAllister) July 7, 2018
Desperately sad. Sincere condolences to the Dunlop family. https://t.co/EnnEbNgoJ1 — Naomi Long MLA (@naomi_long) July 8, 2018
How sad to hear of the death of William Dunlop. Like his father Robert, uncle Joey, the Armoy Armada and all the friends and colleagues who lived and died by their sport, RIP — Mike Nesbitt (@mikenesbittni) July 7, 2018
We are so saddened by the terrible, tragic loss of William Dunlop. A brilliant sportsman - but above all a sweet, kind man. A gentleman. A friend. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family.
DoubleBand. pic.twitter.com/qsS1i86Lpm — DoubleBand Films (@doublebandfilms) July 8, 2018
North Antrim DUP MLA Mervyn Storey said: “This is a tragedy beyond belief. The Dunlop family has again been plunged into grief. William Dunlop was a legend in his own right, on and off the road. He was a household name.
"Everyone in Northern Ireland will be saddened by this news. However the sadness will be particularly felt in his home town of Ballymoney. The Dunlop family are well known and greatly respected in our town and further afield, we feel the great loss and sadness at this news.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family circle at their time. The entire family circle will be remembered by everyone during this difficult time. We assure them of our support as they face the coming days.”
Sinn Fein North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan said Dunlop was "a hero to many".
William was a hero to many in these parts and the community will be devastated at this news. Philip McGuigan
“This is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts and prayers are with the Dunlop family at this difficult time," he said.
“Motorbike racing is very popular throughout Ireland but nowhere more is that the case than in North Antrim."
Belfast Telegraph | 2,783 |
).
One of the more exciting aspects of future U.S. drug policy revolves around the medical use of psychedelic drugs such as LSD, ecstasy and psilocybin (magic mushrooms). Last year, Oakland became the second U.S. city (after Denver) to decriminalise magic mushrooms. The potential use of these drugs to treat mental health issues, PTSD, addictions and end-of-life trauma are profound, and scientific studies concur. Ecstasy could be legally available through a registered doctor by the beginning of next decade.
Of course, drug legalization is only one aspect of changing societal attitudes towards drugs. The stigmas and stereotypes around drug use and abuse, pushed by many in the media for decades, must change. How we think, write and talk about drugs has contributed to politicians believing that they could prosecute a racialized drug war for over 100 years. For example, racial bias is endemic within the management of the opioid crisis in the U.S.; white sufferers are benefitting from doctors prescribing drugs to treat their problems while black sufferers are either ignored or denied appropriate medication.
Ending the drug war is more imaginable now than at any time in the last half century. It won’t happen overnight, nor with President Donald Trump in the White House, but the appeal of harsh prohibition is dwindling. While the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) continues to receive obscenely huge amounts of government largesse, so many Americans now use and abuse drugs that it’s the height of futility to try and stop it. Punishing individuals who make the personal choice to consume an illicit substance has no place in the 21st century.
Antony Loewenstein is a Jerusalem-based Australian journalist who has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, the BBC, The Washington Post, The Nation, Huffington Post, Haaretz, and many others. His latest book is Pills, Powder and Smoke: Inside the Bloody War on Drugs. He's the author of Disaster Capitalism: Making a Killing Out of Catastrophe; the writer/co-producer of the associated documentary, Disaster Capitalism; and the co-director of an Al-Jazeera English film on the opioid drug tramadol. His other books include My Israel Question, The Blogging Revolution, and Profits of Doom, and he is the co-editor of the books Left Turn and After Zionism, and is a contributor to For God’s Sake.
Correction: The amount the U.S. spent in 2016 on cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines has been corrected. | 2,784 |
Journey Through Dungeons & Dragons: the Movie Check out our free movie tie-in adventure! This exclusive three-part scenario by Jeff Grubb and Rich Redman is compatible with the Dungeons & Dragons Adventure game rules. It comes complete with characters, high-resolution maps, and complete notes on how to run each encounter. So what if you didnt get cast for the movie? Heres your chance to star in the adventure! What Youll Need to Play If youre completely new to D&D, take a look at our online demo before you try to play the movie adventure. Unless youre already familiar with D&D, youll need the Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Game to enjoy this adventure. To learn more about the Adventure Game, visit its product page on our online store. What do I do when I see something that looks like "(DC 20)"? Most of the questions youll have as the game progresses will involve the players wanting to do something. Any time a player wants to use one of his or her characters skills, you first need to determine how hard what they want to do is. In the game, this is represented by a number called the Difficulty Class or DC for short. Anytime you see a DC written in the adventure, youll know how hard the task is. If the players want to do something that isnt written in the adventure, youll have to set the DC on your own. Guidelines for setting DCs can be found in the Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Game. After you know the DC, the player still needs to give the task a try. The player just rolls a d20 and adds a bonus for the skill. For example, Ridley wants to climb a wall. He has a climb skill of +5, and youve determined that the DC is 15. Ridley rolls a d20 and adds five. If he beats 15, he has successfully climbed the wall. Download Now! Part 1: The Antius Thieves Guild (PDF Format 144k)
Part 2: Damodars Refuge (PDF Format 148k)
Part 3: Savrilles Crypt (PDF Format 216k)
Maps: (ZIP file 555k)
Marina Character Sheet (PDF Format 92k)
Elwood Character Sheet (PDF Format 88k)
Ridley Character Sheet (PDF Format 88k)
Snails Character Sheet (PDF Format 88k) (D&D Movie Main Page) | 2,785 |
A report published on Tuesday in the Guardian highlights the exorbitant costs associated with childbirth in the United States—often catching families by surprise and leaving them thousands of dollars in debt to hospitals—and underscores the world of difference between maternal care in the U.S. and other industrialized nations with universal healthcare.
A study by the advocacy group Childbirth Connection found that while costs vary by state and hospital, the average price tag for a vaginal delivery with no complications, including care for a newborn directly after birth, is $32,093 in the U.S. A caesarean section costs more than $51,000 on average.
The report came just days after President Donald Trump vulgarly pondered why there aren't more immigrants from Norway in the U.S. Like most industrialized countries, Norway provides healthcare to its citizens free-of-charge, and huge debts or medical bankruptcy brought on by the delivery of a child would be impossible there.
In 2015, Norway ranked as the best-performing country in the world in terms of healthcare for new mothers, according to Save the Children, and was found to have an infant mortality rate below two percent, compared with the U.S. rate of 7.9 percent.
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The author of a highly respected 2007 study of medical bankruptcy in the U.S. estimated that 11 years later, as many as 56,000 households still go bankrupt annually as a result of childbirth or adoption.
"Why any society should let anyone be bankrupted by medical bills is beyond me, frankly," Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, a co-founder of Physicians for a National Health Program, told the Guardian. "It just doesn't happen in other western democracies."
While insurance companies often cover much of the cost of childbirth, many American families are still caught off-guard when they learn the amount they owe facilities after delivering. Childbirth Connection found that the average insured family pays about $3,400 after a birth—more than the total cost of childbirth in other countries including Spain and South Africa.
The Guardian report also came weeks after House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) informed Americans that "we need to have higher birth rates in this country" in order to continue to fund programs like Social Security and Medicare—following the passage of the Republican Party's tax bill which many policy experts expect to trigger cuts to those programs, and decades of efforts to make prenatal healthcare and childcare less affordable and accessible to Americans. | 2,786 |
Since the first ancient Buddhist texts, there’s been the analogy that the Buddha was like a doctor, his teaching being his medicine, “therapy for suffering hearts and minds” as it’s described by Thanissaro Bhikkhu on Access to Insight. “The Buddha’s path consisted not only of mindfulness, concentration, and insight practices, but also of virtue, beginning with the five precepts. In fact, the precepts constitute the first step in the path. There is a tendency in the West to dismiss the five precepts as Sunday-school rules bound to old cultural norms that no longer apply to our modern society, but this misses the role that the Buddha intended for them: They are part of a course of therapy for wounded minds. In particular, they are aimed at curing two ailments that underlie low self-esteem: regret and denial.”
The Buddha offered his medicine, free for anyone willing to make the effort. It’s up to us whether we take it or choose something else.
There are a couple of lines of Taj Mahal’s that leap out of this song at me. “The doctor said it’ll kill me but he didn’t say when…” Well, the Buddha took it a step further. Not only will we die, but we will keep dying, again and again, until the day we reach the Deathless State of utter peace. As for it being “ain’t nobody’s business but my own,” if you think of it from a non-dual, interconnectedness point of view, our suffering really is all of our business. I think of all the ones who have taken the Great Vow, not to enter Nirvana until every last sentient being enters together. I’ve recited it myself (half reluctantly!) on occasion. Could I look any of them in the eye and tell them my suffering isn’t any of their business?
Thanissaro Bhikkhu continues, “When our actions don’t measure up to certain standards of behavior, we either (1) regret the actions or (2) engage in one of two kinds of denial, either (a) denying that our actions did in fact happen or (b) denying that the standards of measurement are really valid.”
The moment we blur our mind with intoxicants, it’s that much easier to slip into denial, convenient disbelief that our suffering is ours alone, when what truly becomes required is responsibility.
∞ | 2,787 |
Google, the world's biggest advertising platform, allows advertisers to specifically target ads to people typing racist and bigoted terms into its search bar, BuzzFeed News has discovered. Not only that, Google will suggest additional racist and bigoted terms once you type some into its ad-buying tool.
Type "White people ruin," as a potential advertising keyword into Google's ad platform, and Google will suggest you run ads next to searches including "black people ruin neighborhoods." Type "Why do Jews ruin everything," and Google will suggest you run ads next to searches including "the evil jew" and "jewish control of banks."
BuzzFeed News ran an ad campaign targeted to all these keywords and others this week. The ads went live and were visible when we searched for the keywords we'd selected. Google's ad buying platform tracked the ad views. The issue is not unique to Google. On Thursday, ProPublica reported a similar issue with Facebook's ad targeting system.
Following our inquiry, Google disabled every keyword in this ad campaign save one — an exact match for "blacks destroy everything," is still eligible. Google told BuzzFeed News that just because a phrase is eligible does not guarantee an ad campaign will run against it. A total of 17 ad impressions were served before the keywords were disabled.
"This violates our policies against derogatory speech and we have removed it," a Google spokesperson told BuzzFeed News after being sent a screenshot of live ad campaign targeted to the search terms "Zionists control the world."
Friday morning, following publication of this story, Google provided a second statement to BuzzFeed News from Senior Vice President of Advertising Sridhar Ramaswamy. "Our goal is to prevent our keyword suggestions tool from making offensive suggestions, and to stop any offensive ads appearing. We have language that informs advertisers when their ads are offensive and therefore rejected. In this instance, ads didn’t run against the vast majority of these keywords, but we didn't catch all these offensive suggestions. That's not good enough and we’re not making excuses. We've already turned off these suggestions, and any ads that made it through, and will work harder to stop this from happening again."
This revelation comes as Facebook is scrambling to adjust its advertising platform which allowed marketers to target "Jew haters." Facebook blamed the issue, first reported by ProPublica, on its software algorithms. The company said these targeting criteria emerged when people listed the terms under their education and employer fields of their profiles. Facebook Thursday night said it would temporarily stop offering advertisers the option to target by these self-reported targeting fields.
| 2,788 |
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Click here to download this full length amateur bareback video and hundreds more amateur gay porn videos at Chaos Men.
Click here to download this full length amateur bareback video and hundreds more amateur gay porn videos at Chaos Men. | 2,789 |
, above the bar. The bar, named after former owners Jimmy and Rose Twist, is now owned by Gary and Denise Riordan. The Twists' nephew was named - what else? - Oliver.
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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Why it made the top 10: A surprisingly varied menu, everything from steamers, mussels and tempura tuna roll to flatbread pizza, char-grilled pork chop and salmon tabbouleh. Great waterfront setting, in a town many New Jerseyans couldn't find on a map. My favorite thing here: the maple cinnamon sweet potato fries.
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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Hudson House, North Beach Haven
The Hudson House really is a house, on a side street, and there's no big neon sign. It's cash only, and there's no food unless you count potato chips and pretzels. "We added beef jerky (recently),'' bartender Jackie Sneyers said on our last visit. The shuffleboard board dates to the '50s and the general atmosphere is laid-back and leisurely. There's no website or official Facebook page. The Hud is compact, cozy and stuck in time.
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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Why it made the top 10: They don't make them like this any more, especially on LBI. Cash-only, no food, shuffleboard table: it's a dive bar, and proud of it. The beer selection is better than you might expect, with 16 beers on tap, including Goose Island IPA, Ship Bottom Lager, Kane Sneak Box and Asbury Park Blonde.
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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
What's next
Now it gets serious. I will visit all 10 finalists starting tomorrow - two bars a day all the way through Saturday. Watch for the trip schedule later today; show up and support your favorite bar during our visit. Next week we will announce the winner live on NJ.com. Don't forget to vote for our readers choice winner.
If you love New Jersey food, you’re going to love Jersey Eats, our new Facebook group dedicated to New Jersey restaurants and all of our favorite foods.
Join the group and let's talk Jersey Eats! Click here to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jerseyeats/
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Higher levels of maternal vitamin D during pregnancy have been linked to better muscle development in children, say researchers.
The study on 678 children, published in Endocrine Research, showed vitamin D levels in the womb were linked to grip strength at the age of four.
The team at the University of Southampton say the muscle boost could persist throughout life.
Trials are taking place to see how effective pregnancy supplements are.
Most vitamin D is made by the skin when exposed to sunlight and supplements are offered during pregnancy.
It is likely that the greater muscle strength observed at four years of age in children born to mothers with higher vitamin D levels will track into adulthood, and so potentially help to reduce the burden of illness associated with loss of muscle mass in old age Dr Nicholas Harvey, Researcher
Some doctors have voiced concerns about vitamin D deficiency as people become more "sun aware" and have linked it with a range of health problems.
Hold tight
The team at the University of Southampton investigated the impact of the vitamin in pregnancy.
Blood samples were taken 34 weeks into the pregnancy and the vitamin D levels were compared with how tightly their children could squeeze a device in their hand at the age of four.
The results showed that women with high levels of vitamin D in the late stages of pregnancy were more likely to have children with greater muscle strength.
Dr Nicholas Harvey told the BBC that: "There's some evidence that 'fast' muscle fibres go down in vitamin D deficiency and you get more fat in muscle.
"If there is deficiency in utero then they may end up with a lower number of numbers of these 'fast' muscle fibres."
The group in Southampton is now conducting a trial in which 1,200 expectant mothers are given higher doses of vitamin D supplements to assess the impact on both bone and muscle strength.
Dr Harvey said there may be long term benefits to increasing muscle strength.
"It peaks in young adulthood before declining in older age and low grip strength in adulthood has been associated with poor health outcomes including diabetes, falls and fractures.
"It is likely that the greater muscle strength observed at four years of age in children born to mothers with higher vitamin D levels will track into adulthood, and so potentially help to reduce the burden of illness associated with loss of muscle mass in old age."
Prof Cyrus Cooper, from the Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, added: "This work should help us to design interventions aimed at optimising body composition in childhood and later adulthood and thus improve the health of future generations." | 2,791 |
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2018-10-08T11:58:45+00:00
2018-10-08T13:39:36+00:00.
DeShaun Thomas talked to Eurohoops about the upcoming season and how he feels in the new environment with Panathinaikos.
By Kostas Giataganas/ [email protected]
DeShaun Thomas has played 101 EuroLeague games so far throughout his career with various teams and the clashes against Panathinaikos were inevitable. He came to know the atmosphere which PAO fans create every time and now that he is on their side, he can’t be more proud:
“I was on the other side, I was against them. Now I’m on this side and I’m proud to be on this side with the fans. The good thing is they know the game, they are out there cheering. And, you know, the fans get really loud and crazy, and that’s a good thing. I’m glad to be on this side, to be a part of that.”
Whoever joins Panathinaikos must be ready for the fiery derby against Olympiacos and, Thomas is not only ready but also has an extra motive against the ‘Reds’. In fact, his teams were eliminated twice by them in the EuroLeague quarterfinals (Barcelona, 2014-15; Efes, 2016-17), so, he might be looking for a payback:
“Yes, I’m ready. If you think about it, Olympiacos put me out of the playoffs when I played with Barca, when I played with Efes, so, it’s a derby for me no matter what. It’s in the back of your mind. You had a chance to go to the Final Four with Barcelona, you had a chance with Efes. I just feel like I have to get over that. If we meet against them, we’ll just have to fight and get over that.”
Thomas also talked about his previous experience with coach Xavi Pascual, how he feels playing beside Nick Calathes, about his role in the lineup and much more. Here is the full interview:
More EuroLeague news
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a mood-setting, serene soundtrack that knows exactly when to speed up or slow down, and you have the makings of a sensory vacation.
In addition to its breathtaking campaign, Entwined also sports an addictive, five-stage challenge mode. Players given three lives to use towards surviving for as long as possible during an endless tunnel sequence. Each of these beautiful levels, which are unlocked by achieving a certain score in the preceding stage, is based off of one of five materials or substances: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. This is not called challenge mode simply for show, as it is incredibly difficult to attain the level of perfection necessary to complete each stage. These challenging levels, in addition to the incredibly replayable campaign, mean that Entwined is a sensational value; this is absolutely not a “one and done” title.
What takes Entwined from a great game to a borderline masterpiece is its ending, which evokes memories of reaching the peak of the mountain in Journey. Without spoiling anything, Entwined‘s conclusion makes every second of its roughly two-hour long campaign worth experiencing. It is the type of ending that will bring tears to the eyes and smiles to the faces of many, as it is pure, unadulterated beauty in its finest form. In fact, Entwined‘s ending is so emotionally spectacular that its easy to see it becoming something that thousands of gamers experience over and over again. It will brighten up the darkest days; it will remind you why love is the most important thing in the world. It can easily be said without a shred of hyperbole that this is the best video game ending of 2014.
Closing Comments:
It’s easy to see why Sony chose to give Entwined air-time during its conference, as it is absolutely exceptional. This is one of those games that players will go to time and time again due to its extensive replay value. Entwined has the potential to cheer up the heartbroken, enlighten the lonely, and reinvigorate the jaded. Its incredibly touching metaphor-based story brings tears to one’s eyes, while its gameplay is engaging enough to completely stand on its own. The new contender in the race for the title of Flagship PlayStation 4 Game, Entwined validates Sony’s commitment to both creativity and the indie movement. Don’t be surprised to see this small, yet emotionally giant, title competing against the big boys for Game of the Year 2014.
Version Reviewed: PlayStation 4 | 2,793 |
Brett Gardner doesn’t appear to be a good fit in Toronto, despite recent rumours linking the durable New York Yankees left-fielder to the Blue Jays, says MLB Network’s Jon Paul Morosi.
Last week Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star wrote that Gardner, a staple atop the Yankees’ batting order in recent seasons, is among the Blue Jays’ “trade avenues to explore” along with Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson of the New York Mets.
Gardner would seem to fill a major hole for the Blue Jays, who currently lack a clear leadoff hitter and starting left fielder, but Morosi isn’t so sure.
“To me the Jays are now going down the list of options,” Morosi said Tuesday morning on Dean Blundell & Co. on Sportsnet 590 The Fan. “You circle back and say, ‘Well, is this option really better than bringing back (free agent) Jose Bautista?’ I think in the case of Gardner, the answer is candidly, ‘No.’”
Morosi points to Gardner’s.726 OPS out of the leadoff spot this past season, a drastic dip from his 2015 mark of.824. He also notes the Blue Jays as a team posted a.761 OPS out of the lineup’s top spot in 2016.
“They had better production than what Gardner gave the Yankees last year,” said Morosi. “He really had one of his worst offensive seasons of his career in 2016.”
Though he did win his first Gold Glove this past season, Gardner, 33, saw his offensive numbers decline compared to years past. He hit.261/.351/.362 in 2016 with seven home runs, 41 RBIs and 80 runs scored, while his.713 OPS was his lowest since 2011.
It’s also worth noting that Gardner’s stolen base totals have steadily declined in recent years, falling from 49 in 2011 to just 16 this past year.
With Bautista and Michael Saunders not slated to return in 2017, outfield remains a concern for the Blue Jays, who have Kevin Pillar, Melvin Upton Jr., Ezequiel Carrera and Dalton Pompey as current internal options.
Bautista, who spent time last season as the Blue Jays’ leadoff hitter, remains a free agent, with recent reports suggesting he’s in “active talks” with the club about a possible return. | 2,794 |
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANDA!
THE EVENT IS NOW OVER. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED. ANSWERS, WINNERS AND MORE WILL BE POSTED WITHIN 24H.
Tier 3: 13+ Tickets
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Tier 1: 1-6 Tickets
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PREVIOUS INFORMATION
How To Win?
1) Participate in any event(s) from Post #2, below.
2) Post your in-game name in this thread to get a Post Number (Do NOT post any answers/spoilers etc)
3) Complete the Entry Form and submit - LINK
4) Repeat if you wish to enter more answers/events later.
Rules:
Congratulations to all the winners below! Around 5.8 million flux worth of prizes have been rolled to the lucky people! I'll try to contact you from the morning onwards, or you can add me/visit the world or contact Ylva or Wyndsong also if I'm not online. You have until next Monday to claim your prizes. Thanks again for entering!I am proud to present the Easter EggstravaGANDA! (baa dum tss). The EggstravaGANDA is made up of 4 cracking events within our club world which you can take part in. Take a ganda at all the prizes, below!Every event that you participate in will earn you tickets to the prize draw where all the prizes will be won. However prizes will be tiered - see post #3 for more informationYou will win a small number of tickets for just trying and taking part, and if you do well in that event you will earn more tickets. Each event description tells you how many tickets you can earn. The more tickets you earn, the higher your chance to win!3) No alt accounts. This is at our discretion to deter multiple entries per person, and may include looking at in game mastery rank, number of forum posts and time since account creation.4) I will be using www.randompicker.com to manage the entries and prize draw.5) If there isn’t enough interest or many entries, I reserve the right to withdraw prizes as necessary.6) Rules and conditons are subject to change without notice, to ensure fairness. | 2,795 |
A city council in Maryland has voted in favor of allowing resident non-citizens such as illegal immigrants to participate in local elections.
The city council in College Park, home to the University of Maryland campus, has joined six other towns that allow green-card holders, illegal immigrants and other non-citizens to vote in local elections.
The decision was reached following a 4-3 council vote, which was initially scheduled last month but was postponed.
“My goal is to keep the conversation tomorrow civil and productive,” Mayor Patrick Wojahn told the Washington Post ahead of Tuesday night's city hall meeting. “I’m hoping that we won’t have the circus around it that we had last time.”
In August, most of the residents voiced their opposition to the amendment letting all non-citizen residents to vote in local elections, but by Tuesday night, the majority wrote to the mayor in support of the proposal, Wojahn told the Post.
The city hall meeting was packed and almost two-dozen people spoke against or for the motion expanding the voting privileges, Fox 5 DC reported. Local police were on hand due to previous threats and harassment over the motion.
Both sides clashed verbally – with one man allegedly being called a Nazi while waiting to voice his opinion against the motion.
Beth Debrovsky, a resident who voted against the change, argued that only citizens should be allowed to vote as it is “constitutional.”
“Although you come up here and you say that there are hundreds of citizens and residents of College Park that are for this charter, I can tell you that there are thousands against it,” she said, according to Fox 5 DC. “Voting is a right of the citizens. It's plain and clear. It's constitutional. It's also written at the state level and it also belongs at the local level.”
Todd Larson, who campaigned for the proposal and is co-director of the Green America group, said the change will make the city more inclusive.
“The reality is allowing all people to vote in municipal elections is going to make College Park more inclusive, and that has been the history of voting rights expansion in the United States and what has happened in our neighbors in Maryland who have expanded voting rights to non-U.S. citizens,” he said, Fox 5 DC reported.
Late into the meeting, a council member proposed an amendment to allow only green-card holders to vote while barring illegal immigrants. The suggestion was not accepted. | 2,796 |
replaced the old, meat-centric dishes.
As the new season of AMC’s popular zombie drama was about to hit the airwaves in October, members of the cast and crew of “The Walking Dead” revealed they were forced to go vegetarian after filming the TV series’ notoriously gory scenes.
In the middle of October, chef and Maine native Matthew Kenney cooked a sold-out vegan dinner for the New York City Wine & Food Festival. The dinner at the Park Lane Hotel followed his second sold-out vegan dinner for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in February.
Throughout the year, Israel’s fast-growing vegan community, pegged at 4 percent of the population, garnered significant attention. According to the Times of Israel, 15,000 people attended the day-long Vegan Fest in Tel Aviv in October. Observers say the country’s vegan trend is tied to religious practices of separating meat and milk, a regional cuisine with many traditional vegan dishes and the frequent comparisons made by vegan activists between Nazi concentration camps and modern factory farms.
According to the results of a study published in the journal Nutrition in October, overweight and obese adults randomly assigned to vegetarian diets lost more weight than study participants assigned to diets that included meat.
The German-based all-vegan grocery chain Veganz opened its ninth store in November. The chain’s founder later announced plans to franchise 60 more stores across Europe and the United States by 2020. Veganz is the largest in this tiny but rapidly growing segment of the grocery business.
In December, British think tank Chatham House echoed warnings from the United Nations and other experts when it released a report saying the only way to avoid catastrophic climate change is to reduce the global appetite for meat, since animal agriculture generates more greenhouse gas pollution than any other industry.
A noteworthy trend in 2014 was the opening of vegetarian butcher shops. The first such shop, selling mock meats, opened in the Netherlands in 2010. The trend jumped the pond when the Herbivorous Butcher opened in Minneapolis in June. Now, the totally plant-based Butcher’s Son is planning to open in Berkeley this year.
The trend-spotters are predicting we’ll see vegetarian and particularly vegan foods continue to grow in popularity in 2015. I look forward to what the new year has in store.
Avery Yale Kamila is a freelance food writer who lives in Portland. She can be contacted at:
[email protected]
Twitter: AveryYaleKamila
Send questions/comments to the editors. | 2,797 |
Victor Pickard, associate professor of communication at the University Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School, talked with Jacobin's Meagan Day recently about the threat to the internet posed by the Federal Communication Commission's looming decision to do away with net neutrality and the open internet. It's a great interview in full, but it's this part that is perhaps most frightening and most dangerous as the authoritarian bent of popular vote loser Donald Trump continues to be almost completely unchecked by Congress.
If we were to lose net neutrality protections, which by all appearances we will, that would suddenly create all kinds of vulnerabilities for independent media. There are clear dangers associated with vertical integration, where the company that owns the pipes is able to control the dissemination of information, and able to set the terms by which we access that information. When we think about, for instance, dissenting political news sources that don’t have the resources to compete in a pay-to-play media environment, we see that there are obvious political hazards. And more than that, we could start to see scenarios where ISPs don't like the political views that are being disseminated from a particular news outlet. Without net neutrality they would be free to block or slow down content from those sites. There have been cases like this already. In 2005, the company Telus, which is the second largest telecommunications company in Canada, began blocking access to a server that hosted a website that supported a labor strike against Telus. Anyone involved in journalism or activism should be concerned about this kind of retaliation and censorship.
It's likely not going to be just independent media that becomes vulnerable. Consider Trump's jihad against CNN, and how he appears to be using his Department of Justiceto block AT&T from acquiring Time Warner in retribution for CNN's coverage of him. We don't know how this particular story is going to play out yet (and yes, there are reasons to cheer this merger not going through) but it's clear that Trump and his administration will retaliate against the media.
The open internet has been essential for the resistance and for new civil rights movements. It has "decentralized the media and allowed black activists in a modern movement against police and state violence to bypass discriminatory media gatekeepers and reveal the extent of the state’s abuse." The ability to record police abuses in real time and to disseminate that footage quickly—or even in real time—and cheaply makes the open internet the primary tool for fighting for social justice.
It makes its potential loss at the point in time, with the Trump administration in power, so much more dangerous for this nation's future. | 2,798 |
From space cats and ceiling cats to the mushroom kitten, and even those precious purritos, the Internet is pretty much overrun with fantastic felines.
So, in honor of Garfield's birthday (June 19) and International Sushi Day (June 18), we present to you: Neko-Sushi, also known as Sushi Cats.
The brainchild of Japanese company Tange & Nakimushi Peanuts, these "extremely unusual life-forms" are featured on its website, NekoZushi.com. In a series of weirdly hilarious photographs and videos, the company has created an elaborate imaginary history on the origin of Sushi Cats, featuring tales (ahem) of far-off adventures.
The ridiculous adorable portraits are available for sale online. Some cost more than $400 per portrait. There are other items, too -- including postcards and calendars. And of course, there's an app for them.
Below, meet some of the Sushi Cats and their unique purrr-sonalities, which have been loosely translated from NekoZushi.com.
Nyaataro Tange & Nakimushi Peanuts Hero of all Sushi Cats, so he must carry the burden of being the vegetarian lobster.
Wasabi Tange & Nakimushi Peanuts A third-generation Sushi Cat who is always fast to fight.
Toromi Tange & Nakimushi Peanuts An idol of everyone, though she dreams of the future.
Maggie Tange & Nakimushi Peanuts A nagging, but caring, grandma whose quilting skills win contests.
Maago Tange & Nakimushi Peanuts A mischievous and curious boy, who's a friend of Nyaataro.
Miyao Tange & Nakimushi Peanuts A strange Sushi Cat with mysterious powers whose footsteps are always stealthy.
Lili-san Tange & Nakimushi Peanuts A silver screen actress who once took the world by storm.
Fever Tange & Nakimushi Peanuts He is incomparable -- who else would pair a candy-dotted silver garland cape with those shades?
Kikorashi Jimmy Tange & Nakimushi Peanuts Cold and abandoned, he wanders the Sushi Cat world alone, and he's greedy when it comes to food.
Chibi Tange & Nakimushi Peanuts A tiny Sushi Cat riding a warship.
Ebinosuke Tange & Nakimushi Peanuts The naive Prince Charming. | 2,799 |
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