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DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police need help catching two crooks caught on camera at a Davie hardware store.
They said the men stole several took kits, nail guns, and other hardware supplies on separate occasions.
The crimes happened at a Lowe���s near Interstate 95 and Hiatus Road in August and November.
If you have any information regarding the thefts, call police or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
Copyright 2019 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. | DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A no-swim advisory has been lifted at the Deerfield Beach Pier.
The Florida Department of Health in Broward County issued the advisory on Friday after waters by the pier did not meet state requirements.
Officials lifted the advisory Tuesday after water samples they tested met state requirements.
Copyright 2019 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. | 1.5 |
Govt officials confirm Trump can block US companies from operating in China The US president has not made an order as yet, only requesting for US companies to move out of China.
An open database exposing records containing the sensitive data of hotel customers as well as US military personnel and officials has been disclosed by researchers.
On Monday, vpnMentor's cybersecurity team, led by Noam Rotem and Ran Locar, said the database belonged to Autoclerk, a service owned by Best Western Hotels and Resorts group.
Autoclerk is a reservations management system used by resorts to manage web bookings, revenue, loyalty programs, guest profiles, and payment processing.
In a report shared with ZDNet, the researchers said the open Elasticsearch database was discovered through vpnMentor's web mapping project. It was possible to access the database, given it had no encryption or security barriers whatsoever, and perform searches to examine the records contained within.
The team says that "thousands" of individuals were impacted, although due to ethical reasons it was not possible to examine every record in the leaking database to come up with a specific number.
Hundreds of thousands of booking reservations for guests were available to view and data including full names, dates of birth, home addresses, phone numbers, dates and travel costs, some check-in times and room numbers, and masked credit card details were also exposed.
See also: Citizen Lab: WeChat's real-time censorship system uses hash indexes to filter content
Data breaches are a common occurrence and can end up compromising information belonging to thousands or millions of us in single cases of a successful cyberattack.
What is more uncommon, however, is that the US government and military figures have also been involved in this security incident.
It appears that one of the platforms connected to Autoclerk exposed in the breach is a contractor of the US government that deals with travel arrangements.
vpnMentor was able to view records relating to the travel arrangements of government and military personnel -- both past and future -- who are connected to the US government, military, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Within the records, for example, were logs for US Army generals visiting Russia and Israel, among other countries.
CNET: California proposes regulations to enforce new privacy law
Autoclerk facilitates communication between different hospitality platforms, and it appears that a substantial portion of the data originated from external platforms. In total, the database -- hosted by AWS -- contained over 179GB of data.
At the time of writing it has not been possible to track the overall owner of the database due to the "number of external origin points and sheer size of the data exposed," the team says.
The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) was informed of the leak on September 13 but did not respond to the researcher's findings.
vpnMentor then reached out to the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, and seven days later, the team contacted a representative of the Pentagon who promised swift action. Access to the database was revoked on October 2.
TechRepublic: Financial industry spends millions to deal with breaches
"The greatest risk posed by this leak is to the US government and military," the team says. "Significant amounts of sensitive employee and military personnel data could now be in the public domain. This gives invaluable insight into the operations and activities of the US government and military personnel. The national security implications for the US government and military are wide-ranging and serious."
ZDNet has reached out to US-CERT and affected parties and will update when we hear back.
Previous and related coverage
Have a tip? Get in touch securely via WhatsApp | Signal at +447713 025 499, or over at Keybase: charlie0 | The latest huge unsecured cloud storage find is in Autoclerk���a service owned by Best Western. ���Hundreds of thousands��� of hotel guest records containing sensitive personal data, all available on the internet with no authentication nor encryption.
And, to make it worse, Autoclerk was also used for U.S. government travel. So terrorists could have tracked the movements of strategic staff.
Here we go again. In today���s SB Blogwatch, we d��j�� vu anew.
Your humble blogwatcher curated these bloggy bits for your entertainment. Not to mention: Rollin���.
AWS Data Lake Leak
What���s the craic? Charlie Osborne reports������Database leaked 179GB in customer, US government, and military records���:
An open database exposing records containing the sensitive data of hotel customers as well as US military personnel and officials has been disclosed. ��� Autoclerk, a service owned by Best Western Hotels and Resorts group ��� is a reservations management system used by resorts to manage web bookings, revenue, loyalty programs, guest profiles, and payment processing.
���
It had no encryption or security barriers whatsoever. ��� Hundreds of thousands of booking reservations for guests were available to view ��� including full names, dates of birth, home addresses, phone numbers, dates and travel costs, some check-in times and room numbers.
���
It appears that one of the platforms connected to Autoclerk exposed in the breach is a contractor of the US government that deals with travel arrangements. ��� Within the records, for example, were logs for US Army generals visiting Russia and Israel, among other countries.
���
The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) was informed of the leak on September 13 but did not respond.
Ouch. Lindsey O���Donnell adds������Data Leaked By Autoclerk���:
Autoclerk ��� was acquired by the Best Western Hotel and Resorts Group in August. ��� Autoclerk software is used by third-party travel agencies [including] HAPI Cloud, OpenTravel and Synxis by Sabre Hospitality Solutions.
���
Beyond the privacy implications of hackers getting their hands on PII of customers, researchers said that the reservation details of customers in the database could provide attackers with valuable clues to piece together fraud or phishing attacks. ��� The database could also have physically dangerous implications for victims ��� especially for potentially high-profile government or military personnel.
Who found it? vpnMentor���s Noam Rotem and Ran Locar������Travel Reservations Platform Leaks���:
The leak exposed sensitive personal data of users and hotel guests, along with a complete overview of their hotel and travel reservations ��� with millions of new records being added daily. ��� This represented a massive breach of security for the government agencies and departments impacted.
���
We have contacted the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT). We outlined the nature of the leak, and the government, military, and DHS data that was exposed. However, at the time of publishing, they have not replied to our email, ignoring our concerns.
���
All this information is incredibly valuable for criminal hackers and online thieves. ��� For the US government, alarm bells should be ringing. ��� Criminals could pose as hotels or booking engines used by guests, crafting convincing emails to easily fool them. The effects could be devastating, both financially and personally.
���
This represents a major flaw in the data security apparatus around such sensitive information. Any company concerned with the travel logistics of high-level military personnel should be adhering to the strictest data protection practices.
Ain���t that the truth? e-sushi���@originalesushi���feels the shockwave:
You���ve probably seen it in the movies: that short, silent moment between the detonation of a nuke, and the blast that sets in to wipe you off this planet.
That���s how job security must feel when you were in charge of the security of that 179GB database.
Time to prosecute the CEO? rtb61 curbs your enthusiasm:
Ahh padawan I see you do not understand, here is the lesson: lowest tender vs. safety and security. When you do it as cheap as you can, do not expect good outcomes���they will not happen.
���
Profit was the primary focus and costs are the enemy of profit, the blood enemy, the enemy to be ruthlessly, relentless attacked. And of course, the **** up turned into someone else���s problem after you have wandered off with the profits and bonuses.
���
[But] expect pretty rapid change after a CEO, board members and tech staff, receive years long custodial sentences. ��� You don���t think they would ever give a **** about actual security do you? Only if there is a profit in it.
���
The system has been ****ed by psychopaths and will routinely fail.
A slightly less sweary Dean of Pentacles���@da_terry���gets all wistful:
Remember the 90s, when things needed to be hacked? Today, everything is just laying around on the internet.
I know, right? Marlin Schwanke asks, ���Why Even Bother Reporting Breaches?���:
Why even bother to report this stuff anymore? We should all assume that every bit of our personal information is freely available online and get over it. The way business runs their IT it doesn���t seem far off the mark.
Business that amass and store consumer data in such a sloppy fashion should be shuttered. I won���t be holding my breath.
And Doctor Syntax is IN:
You���d think by now that hotel chains would have learned that
(a) they really need to do a thorough annual audit of their own security, and
(b) do the same in spades for any business they���re thinking of buying.
���
It���s going to take a few more big fines and lawsuits, big enough for the board and investors to notice. Even then it seems doubtful that they���ll manage to learn from the misfortunes of others.
Meanwhile, Volatile_Memory randomly remembers:
I stayed at a Best Western in Georgia (US) once and they had the username and password for their reservation system written on a note taped next to the computer. I told them about it and ��� was met with a bored stare.
And Finally:
This is how we roll
Previously in And Finally
You have been reading SB Blogwatch by Richi Jennings. Richi curates the best bloggy bits, finest forums, and weirdest websites��� so you don���t have to. Hate mail may be directed to @RiCHi or sbbw@richi.uk. Ask your doctor before reading. Your mileage may vary. E&OE.
Image source: Raysonho (cc:0) | 4 |
Ducks defenseman Erik Gudbranson, left, knocks the puck away from Golden Knights center Cody Glass during the second period of Tuesday���s game in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Alex Tuch (89) celebrates after scoring against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Vegas Golden Knights players celebrate after Alex Tuch (89) scored against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Sound The gallery will resume in seconds
Vegas Golden Knights players celebrate after right wing Mark Stone (61) scored against Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Korbinian Holzer, left, celebrates after scoring against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Alex Tuch (89) scores on Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg, center, celebrates after a teammate scored against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) attempts a shot on Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty, center, celebrates after Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) scored against Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Vegas Golden Knights left wing Tomas Nosek (92) skates around Anaheim Ducks left wing Nicolas Deslauriers (20) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) skates around Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm (47) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm (47) checks Vegas Golden Knights left wing William Carrier (28) into the boards during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) celebrates after scoring against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Anaheim Ducks left wing Max Comtois (53) fights with Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Anaheim Ducks left wing Max Comtois (53) attempts a shot on Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) stops the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Anaheim Ducks left wing Max Jones (49) vies for the puck with Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Anaheim Ducks right wing Ondrej Kase (25) tries to skate through Vegas Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Vegas Golden Knights left wing Tomas Nosek (92) attempts a shot on Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault (81) celebrates after scoring against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Vegas Golden Knights left wing Tomas Nosek (92) skates around Anaheim Ducks left wing Nicolas Deslauriers (20) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
LAS VEGAS ��� The Ducks didn���t have a chance Tuesday afternoon because they didn���t give themselves a chance. They tossed the puck around like it was toxic and paid the price for their carelessness with a 5-2 loss to the opportunistic Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.
The Golden Knights jumped the Ducks from the start, and it wasn���t as if they needed help to build a commanding lead. But the Ducks gave it to them anyway, sandwiching two egregious turnovers around an own goal as Vegas skated away with a 3-1 advantage entering the third period.
Funny thing, too.
The Ducks actually weathered an early Vegas onslaught to take a 1-0 lead on defenseman Korbinian Holzer���s first goal of the season, a chip shot that found the back of the net 8:13 into the game. It was more or less, all downhill from there for the Ducks.
���It���s frustrating when we come out and we���re not ready to play,��� Ducks goaltender John Gibson said. ���It���s a privilege to play in the National Hockey League and it feels like some guys are starting to take it for granted and are just kind of happy to be here. We play a good game every now and then and we can���t string it together, put two in a row, can���t seem to get points.���
Gibson turned away the Golden Knights again and again, but he was left to fend for himself far too often. Vegas outshot the Ducks by 43-28, including 22-5 in the first period.
���We���ve got to find a way to be more consistent in our game,��� Holzer said. ���There are stretches in the game where we play really well and there are stretches where we play absolutely terrible. We can���t have ���Gibby��� bail us out every night. It���s not the way we should play. It���s not a recipe for success.���
The rest of the opening period unfolded in a nightmarish fashion of the Ducks��� own making.
Ducks defenseman Erik Gudbranson lost control of the puck in front of his net. Mark Stone, who separated Sam Steel from the puck a nanosecond earlier, jumped on Gudbranson���s misplay and beat Ducks goaltender Gibson for the tying goal at 14:36 of the first period.
Vegas then made it 2-1 in the closing seconds of the opening period. Or rather the Ducks did. Alex Tuch was credited with the tiebreaking goal at 19:40, when he swatted a loose puck beneath Gibson. The puck kept moving and then Ducks defenseman Josh Manson tapped it into his own net.
The Ducks complained that a whistle should have halted play, but to no avail. Gibson later said he watched the replay during the intermission and admitted the call was correct. He even skated out and spoke to referee Dean Morton before the second period began.
Related Articles Ducks goalie John Gibson credits break with improved play
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Ducks ride second-period flurry to victory over Golden Knights ���It was just kind of sitting there,��� Gibson said of the loose puck that ended up squirting free before Manson mishandled it. ���I think Manson went to grab it and it went into the net. I was upset with it and then I looked at it and (Morton) made the right call.���
Late in the second period, after the Ducks had pushed back and actually began to generate sustained pressure in the Golden Knights��� end, disaster struck again. Adam Henrique���s clearing attempt sailed directly onto the stick of Vegas��� Reilly Smith, who beat Gibson for a 3-1 lead at 17:55.
In the third, Jonathan Marchessault scored twice, including on a penalty shot that extended the Vegas lead to 4-1. Jakob Silfverberg���s team-leading 14th goal cut the Ducks��� deficit to 4-2, but Marchessault sealed it with an empty-net goal with 1:54 left.
���It would be one thing if we had shown all year that we weren���t able to play with teams like this, but we have shown that we can,��� Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said. ���That���s where you kind of (hurt) yourself. It���s like if you go out and run a four-minute mile and you show up every day after that and you run a seven-minute mile. Something���s wrong because you showed you could do it.���
'Get that mentality that every night is going to be a hard working night, bear down, and hopefully we can string some games together'. Jakob Silfverberg is looking toward the new year with optimism! @AnaheimDucks are back in action Thursday vs the #Coyotes!#LetsGoDucks pic.twitter.com/Ehabq2aaZu ��� FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) December 31, 2019
THAT'S OUT ALL STAR������ Silfvy finds the net in the third for the @AnaheimDucks!@jsilfverberg33 | #LetsGoDucks pic.twitter.com/6399g2ObG0 ��� FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) December 31, 2019 | Woody Guthrie's 1943 New Year's Resolutions are a powerful reminder to "Keep the hope machine running."
I'd seen this before, but I was reminded of it when I saw Billy Bragg share a webcomic version of it on Facebook. But here are Woody Guthrie's New Year's resolutions from 1943. While they were written in the throes of World War II, I think we'd all do well by following their example every day and every year, but especially right now.
1. Work more and better
2. Work by a schedule
3. Wash teeth if any
4. Shave
5. Take bath
6. Eat good ��� fruit ��� vegetables ��� milk
7. Drink very scant if any
8. Write a song a day
9. Wear clean clothes ��� look good
10. Shine shoes
11. Change socks
12. Change bed cloths often
13. Read lots good books
14. Listen to radio a lot
15. Learn people better
16. Keep rancho clean
17. Dont get lonesome
18. Stay glad
19. Keep hoping machine running
20. Dream good
21. Bank all extra money
22. Save dough
23. Have company but dont waste time
24. Send Mary and kids money
25. Play and sing good
26. Dance better
27. Help win war ��� beat fascism
28. Love mama
29. Love papa
30. Love Pete
31. Love everybody
32. Make up your mind
33. Wake up and fight
Dance better. Beat fascism. Keep the hope machine running. I think that pretty much covers everything.
Woody Guthrie���s Doodle-Filled List of 33 New Year���s Resolutions From 1943 | 1 |
The West Bengal government���s proposal was rejected after an Expert Committee examined it in two rounds of meeting. (File Photo/PIB)
West Bengal Republic Day tableau: Twenty-two proposals, 16 from states and union territories and six from central ministries ��� out of a total 56 have been short-listed for this Republic Day parade, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.
The Ministry had received 32 tableau proposals from states and union territories and 24 from central ministries and departments.
���Out of these, 22 proposals, comprising 16 states/UTs and 6 ministries/departments, have finally been short-listed for participation in the Republic Day Parade 2020 after a series of five meetings,��� a statement by the ministry said.
The West Bengal government���s proposal was rejected after an Expert Committee examined it in two rounds of meeting, it said.
���The tableau proposal of the West Bengal government was not taken forward for further consideration by the Expert Committee after deliberations in the second meeting.
���It is pertinent to mention here that the tableau of the Government of West Bengal was short-listed for participation in the Republic Day Parade 2019 as an outcome of the same process,��� it added.
There is a well-established system for selection of tableau for participation in the Republic Day Parade. The Ministry of Defence invites proposals from all states, union territories, central ministries and departments.
The proposals are then evaluated in a series of meetings of the Expert Committee comprising eminent persons in the fields of art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, choreography, etc.
The Committee examines the proposals on the basis of theme, concept, design and its visual impact before making its recommendations, the statement said.
Due to time constraints, only a limited number of tableau can be short-listed for participation in the parade. ���The selection process in vogue, leads to participation of the best tableau in the parade,��� the statement added. | Mumbai: The NCP and Shiv Sena on Thursday targeted Centre for rejecting Maharashtra's tableau for the Republic Day parade, with the Sharad Pawar-led party dubbing the move an insult to the state. However, the state BJP said that in the past Maharashtra's tableau had not featured in the January 26 parade many times.
Republican Party of India leader and Union minister Ramdas Athawale said he would see to it that the state's tableau figured in the procession. NCP MP Supriya Sule claimed the Centre has denied permission to the tableaux from the non-BJP-ruled Maharashtra and West Bengal, adding the Modi government was behaving in a "prejudiced" manner.
She said the two states had played a key role in the freedom struggle and the decision to deny permission to their tableaux was an "insult" of the people. "The Centre has rejected permissions to the tableaux of Maharashtra and West Bengal from parading on Republic Day.
It is a festival of the country and the Centre is expected to give representation to all the states," Sule tweeted. "But the government is behaving in a prejudiced manner, giving step motherly treatment to the states being ruled by opposition parties," she added.
The Parliamentarian from Baramati also shared a news report that claims that the Defence Ministry has rejected West Bengal's tableau for the Republic Day parade (on January 26). "You will have to explain why the tableaux of the two states were rejected. The chief minister of Maharashtra should probe the matter. It has to be found out who is responsible for this. Are there elements having loyalty to previous government? There may not be. But this has to be probed," Sena MP Sanjay Raut told a Marathi news channel.
Sule and Raut were responding to reports that the Ministry of Defence has selected 22 tableaux out of 56 proposals for the Republic Day parade. The selected tableau will feature 16 states and Union territories and six Central ministries.
Maharashtra minister Jitendra Awhad said the decision to reject the tableau has hurt the "asmita" (self-respect) of people of the state. The state BJP, however, said that Sule and Raut were misleading the people.
@BJP4Maharashtra, the state BJP's Twitter handle, pointed out that Maharashtra's tableau had not figured in the parade on many occasions in the past. "Centre invites entries from 32 states of which 16 are selected rotation-wise. Along with it, eight central ministries are also selected...making the total count 24," it said.
"Maharashtra's tableau was not selected even earlier as well. In 1972, 1987, 1989, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2013 and 2016 Maharashtra's tableau was not selected," the party said. "Except two years, Congress was in power at the Centre as well as in the state during these years," the party added, asking why, then, the Narendra Modi government was being targeted.
BJP ally and Union minister Ramdas Athawale said he will try to ensure that Maharashtra's tableau made it to the annual event. "I have no information so far whether Maharashtra's tableau will be there for the Republic Day Parade or not...but I will try to see that the tableau is there. "This is not a political issue," the Union Minister of State for Social Justice in a statement.
Get the best of News18 delivered to your inbox - subscribe to News18 Daybreak. Follow News18.com on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, TikTok and on YouTube, and stay in the know with what's happening in the world around you ��� in real time. | 3.5 |
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As we enter a new decade, we take a look back at the bars and clubs we've loved and lost over the last 10 years.
There have been many changes in the city centre since 2010 with lots of our favourite venues closing their doors forever and other relocating to alternative areas.
Some club bosses said they struggled as a result of ongoing roadworks in the city, others were forced to close after their licences were revoked by the council.
Here are some of our memories of Brum's nightlife over the last decade - please do tell us yours.
Mechu
Mechu was one of Birmingham's most glamorous nightclubs, a popular celebrity hangout with private booths and VIP areas.
It opened in Summer Row in 2003 and enjoyed 14 successful years in the city.
But, in March 2017, the club, bar and restaurant hosted a farewell party then closed its doors, having struggled as a result of the disruption from the Paradise roadworks.
It reopened two months later as M Club , a sophisticated nightclub aimed at the over 30s.
(Image: Emma Lee)
Apr��s Bar
Within months of the closure of Mechu, its neighbouring bar Apr��s closed too.
Apr��s Bar, which originally opened in 2002 with a 'Scandinavian lodge theme', screened major football and F1 fixtures on giant 3D plasmas.
It sat next door to Mechu and was owned by the same company, Town and Country Inns.
Sadly, it closed within months of its sister venue Mechu and was replaced with the Texan Sports Cafe Bar in August 2017 but this has since closed too.
(Image: TripAdvisor)
The old Snobs
The original Paradise Circus site, near Fletcher's Walk, was home to Brum's legendary nightclub, best loved for its weekend and student Big Wednesdays, which cost just ��4 to enter with your NUS card.
It closed in September 2014 after 40 years in the same spot, opening just a couple of days later in Smallbrook Queensway following a ��2 million renovation project.
The new Snobs is just as popular but many Brummies still hold fond memories of the original venue, which hosted famous names such as Felicity Jones and the indie band Peace
Remember the original 'face wall', the mirrored hallway and graffiti etched tables?
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Bar Risa
Remember when Bar Risa hosted a 'Halloween Ebola breakout party' in 2014?
Bosses were criticised for the event and staff apologised for 'huge error of judgement. In the same year, there were violent scenes when a man's throat was cut inside the venue and the bar hosted EDL supporters ahead of a rally in Centenary Square.
In May 2015, the bar was shut down after disorder erupted outside the venue and police ordered an urgent review. As a result, Birmingham City Council suspended the licence.
Later that year, the nightspot was reborn as 6 On Broad Street after a ��1 million makeover then, in 2017, a further ��1 million was spent on the venue and it became Rosie's.
Gatecrasher
Initially club brand Gatecrasher hosted nights at The Works on Broad Street then took over the entire club in September 2008.
It became the biggest nightclub in Brum, with a capacity of 2,400 (only eclipsed by Dome II which had already shut).
However, the nightclub lost its licence in November 2015. In June 2016, it opened as PRYZM following a ��1.4 million relaunch.
Chameleon
Chameleon restaurant, cocktail bar and club opened in 2010 and described itself as ���the place to be for sheer style and sophistication���.
It was particularly popular as a place to party for the over-thirties, as had been its predecessor Henry's cafe bar.
But the venue, on the corner of Victoria Square and Hill Street, abruptly closed in February 2018 when a letter from law firm CMS, secured to the door, said tenant Suitable Ventures Ltd was in liquidation.
It reopened in November 2018 as Kongs , a late-night 1980s arcade gaming club, bar and nightclub where you can play Pac Man, ping pong and dance to 80s hip hop.
Temple Street Social
���British-themed��� restaurant Temple Street Social was part of the historic Somerset House in Temple Street.
It closed in the summer of 2015 and remained empty for a couple of years. Then, in August 2017, it was reopened by South American restaurant chain Las Iguanas,specialising in food with a Latin flavour.
The Bureau Bar
The Bureau Bar enjoyed rave reviews for its food and won Designmynight.com's Hidden Gem award when it launched in a stunning Grade II listed building on Colmore Row back in 2014.
It boasted a roof terrace which made it a popular choice for New Year's Eve revellers keen to watch fireworks in the city. But, in January 2019, it closed its doors , telling BirminghamLive: "A lot of bars have folded in the area recently."
The venue reopened in November as Henman & Cooper , a cocktail bar named after the architects who designed the 1902 building.
Prisma Bar
Prisma Bar was known for its 'Fusion Fridays' full of house and garage tunes and 'Scandalous Saturdays' boasting RnB.
But the Bristol Street nightclub was closed down when Birmingham City Council revoked its licence over public safety fears in February 2018.
This came after a gun and knife were brandished inside the venue and a man was slashed across the face.
A hearing heard that Prisma had been hosting an event called Soca Junkie in one room and a private 30th party in an event called We Pray in another room.
Rainbow Venues
Rainbow Venues announced it was to close all of its clubs down in January 2018 after its licence was revoked by Birmingham City Council following a drug-related death at Rainbow Warehouse in Lower Trinity Street.
The venue was ordered to shut down after student Michael Trueman, 19, was understood to have taken MDMA at a Halloween event and died in hospital the next day. The tragedy was the second drug-related death in two years at the Digbeth venue.
The nightclub announced the closure with an emotive video on its Facebook page featuring supporters, DJs including Birmingham's Hannah Wants and promoters.
Flares
Flares was the disco venue of Brum, particularly popular with hen parties and revellers in fancy dress.
You could expect plenty of ABBA and Gloria Gaynor songs at the popular Broad Street retro nightclub.
Having previously been known as The Church in the 90s, the venue was reinvented in 2014 when it became known as kitsch party venue Popworld.
Rococo and Mooch Bar
Licensing chiefs slapped stringent conditions on Rococo on Broad Street following gang-related violence at the start of 2013.
Mooch Bar took over from Rococo in 2014, declaring itself as 'Birmingham's most stylish bar' with a glamorous and chic interior.
When news broke that the venue was going to be turned into a Coyote Ugly Saloon there was much excitement in Brum. The new venue opened in August 2019.
The Sports Cafe
The Sports Cafe in Broad Street was, as the name suggests, a popular place to catch all the latest football screenings.
In 2011, it became Bliss nightclub and it was turned into Players Bar in 2014, which remains there today. | Jacksonville, FL - I'm not sure how we'll look back at film in the 2010s. Much of it already seems like a blur, leaving me asking questions like, "Was that the Batman movie with Ben Affleck or Christian Bale?" or "Which of the five Spider-Man and five Star Wars movies did you like the best?"
To put it another way, how are we supposed to really evaluate the 21 Marvel Cinematic Universe movies theatrically released in this decade? Even Marvel movies represent only about half of the total comic book-related films produced in the 2010s. It���s just disorienting.
It's mostly the product of monopoly capitalism. Fewer giant corporations own most of the franchises and intellectual properties today than even ten years ago. In pursuit of profit, studios fall back on less risky, tried-and-true bankable stories and franchises. To that end, we���ve seen an explosion of sequels, prequels, remakes, reboots, spinoffs and more in the last ten years.
We end up in absurd situations where Sony remakes Spider-Man every couple of years for no other reason than to stop their franchise rights from lapsing back to Marvel (owned by Disney). Now 20th Century Fox's Alien Queen is technically a Disney princess. Even movies that completely bombed in theaters but developed a cult following on home video, like Blade Runner, get treated like major franchises.
The other factor driving all of this is the Great Recession. For most of us, the economy never recovered from the 2008 crisis. All capitalism can offer us anymore - especially my generation - is this fake, totally banal nostalgia for a past that supposedly didn't suck so much (it did; we were just kids). In Capitalist America, you might not have the money to see a doctor, but you can watch Gargoyles, or Lizzy Maguire, or a brand new Star Wars TV show on Disney+ for $6.99 per month.
It���s appropriate that the 1980s weighed so heavy on pop culture this decade. We continue to live in the hangover of Reaganomics, and the billionaire reality-TV psychopath who came to encompass the greediest excesses of that era now sits in the White House. Rest assured, a similarly exhausting wave of 90s cultural nostalgia is on the horizon for the 2020s. Let���s hope that it���s limited to movies and music and not politics or economics.
As less of us went to the movies in the aftermath of the recession, Hollywood increasingly came to rely on overseas audiences for ticket sales. This lends itself to studios producing bigger blockbusters, which are heavy on special effects and colorful characters but lighter on dialogue and story - since the latter, of course, has to get translated.
But it wasn't just blockbusters. Even the supposedly 'high-brow' cinema adored by the rich and famous mostly sucked. Take a look at this decade���s Oscar winners and nominees: The King's Speech - a sendup to the British crown? The Artist - a silent film no one saw? Argo - thinly disguised propaganda for war with Iran? Birdman - an eye-rolling 'love letter' to rich yuppies in New York? All of these movies won Oscars for ���Best Picture.��� Even on the off-chance that you saw them, does anybody really think these movies had anything important or lasting to say about the world?
All that said, the 2010s wasn't all cynical garbage. There were plenty of outstanding movies, including many not on my list. But in the interests of cutting through the haze, I've highlighted 20 movies from the last ten years that stood out:
1. Free State of Jones (2016) - This isn't just the best Civil War movie ever - it's a revolutionary manifesto for organizing in the South. I wrote a full review back in 2016 for Fight Back!, which you can read here.
2. Sorry to Bother You (2018) - It���s the most pro-union, anti-capitalist movie made in the U.S. in several decades, delivering an original story and a legendary sci-fi plot twist worthy. Sorry to Bother You isn���t just great political art. It perfectly speaks to the struggles facing the working-class youth of today in an age dominated by monopoly corporations like Amazon and flooded with social media, low wages, high rent and soul-crushing jobs.
3. It Follows (2014) - Solidly one of the five best horror films I've seen, ever. Perfectly captures the dreadful inevitability of a nightmare.
4. Arrival (2016) - The most aspirational sci-fi film of the decade, and one that lays out Nietzsche's problem of the eternal recurrence in a hopeful way. Arrival left me believing that humanity has a chance to stop our impending climate and war-driven apocalypse and live better than we ever have.
5. Lincoln (2012) - Staggering and important portrayal of the political fight to abolish slavery in the United States. All the better because it's not an insipid biopic like the title might suggest.
6. The First Purge (2018) - The apex for the best original franchise to emerge from the 2010s. Every couple of years, The Purge series offered the most biting and timely political commentary at the movies or on television. With its Black working-class protagonists battling for survival against rich neo-Nazis, The First Purge, technically the fourth installment, represented the series at its most class-conscious.
7. Inception (2010) - I cooled on all of Christopher Nolan's movies over the last decade except for this one. Truly an exceptional mind-thriller that stunningly represents the way we perceive and construct ideas.
8. First Reformed (2018) - What does it mean to accept that the capitalist system we live under will lead to certain doom for humanity and the earth, but also to set aside that terrible realization enough to do something about it? How do you stave off nihilistic despair and embrace a positive vision worth fighting for? Those questions asked in First Reformed bring to mind Huey Newton���s writing about ���reactionary suicide��� and ���revolutionary suicide��� - something the film explores beautifully.
9. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) - Without a doubt the best comic book movie of the decade. It's hard to even remember it's animated and not live-action.
10. Get Out (2017) - Jordan Peele was the source of some of the best comedy in the 2010s, but he also penned the perfect horror movie about racism and wealthy liberals - one that I suspect will go down as an all-time great in the genre. Get Out has forever raised the bar for socially conscious horror films.
11. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) - A rare sequel/reboot I didn't think we needed, but we did. Visually unparalleled, electrifying and revolutionary.
12. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) - Just a cut above practically every film in the Star Wars series. This is a movie that grapples seriously with guerrilla warfare and gives desperately needed texture to the Rebel Alliance
13. Django Unchained (2012) - Tarantino's first and last great film of the decade, set in the antebellum U.S. South.
14. El Libertador (2014) - Ignore that Netflix series. This staggering film about South American revolutionary Simon Bolivar���s life is unparalleled. You can see the mark of the late great Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, who helped finance the movie, all over it.
15. 3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets (2015) - Having organized in 2014 to win justice for Jordan Davis, the 17-year-old African American murdered in his car for playing rap music, I'm still floored by Marc Silver���s documentary on racist vigilante murder in Jacksonville, Florida. You can read my full review on Fight Back! News here.
16. Carlos (2010) - The Godfather trilogy of 1970s Marxist guerrillas.
17. Vox Lux (2018) - An underrated neoliberal dystopia about the fascist impulses of our popular culture, rooted right here in modern-day USA.
18. Ex Machina (2014) - Truly insidious sci-fi horror that will only become more terrifying as we progress further down the automation and robotics rabbit hole.
19. Inside Out (2015) - Delightful, insightful and soul-enriching for both young and old. It left an unforgettable mark on me like no Pixar movie has since I was a kid.
20. Nightcrawler (2014) - Diabolical look at the twisted capitalist ethos that pervades television media in this country. Go to your local news Facebook comments section if you think Nightcrawler is just fiction. | 1 |
Lex uses a MacBook Pro, an iPhone 4S, a third-generation iPad, a Kindle 3, a TiVo HD, and a treadmill desk, and loves them all. His latest book, a children's book parody for adults, is called "The Kid in the Crib." Lex lives in New Jersey with his wife and three young kids. More by Lex Friedman
When Apple introduced iCloud in 2011, it announced that every customer with an Apple ID would receive 5GB of iCloud storage space for free. You can add more storage at a rate of $2 per gigabyte per year, in 10GB, 20GB, or 50GB increments. But if you���re not interested in ponying up extra cash for iCloud storage, that 5GB can quickly get tight.
That���s especially true if you use your iCloud storage allotment to back up your iOS devices. Some Apple customers find that they���re unable to back up both an iPad and iPhone to iCloud, because they don't have enough room. Does that mean you need to either pay for more storage or revert to old-fashioned iTunes backups?
Not necessarily. Instead, it means you need to exercise a little extra manual control over how you send items���and more specifically, what you send���to iCloud for safekeeping.
Once more unto the Settings app
To start, open the Settings app on one of your iOS devices, and then tap iCloud. Scroll down and tap Storage & Backup. On the screen that appears, you���ll see the total amount of storage space you have on iCloud (5GB, if you haven���t upgraded), along with the amount of space that's still unused. Beneath that is a Manage Storage button. Tap it.
At the top of the subsequent Manage Storage screen, you���ll see a list of all the iOS devices that you���re backing up to iCloud, including the current device. Examine the list closely. If it claims that you���re still backing up, say, the old iPhone 3GS that you haven���t used since before House was cancelled, you���ll want to delete its backup so that it stops gobbling up your precious storage space. Tap the unneeded device���s name, and then tap the red Delete Backup button that appears.
If you instead tap the name of the device you���re currently using, you reach a screen offering fine control over the precise items you���re backing up for that device.
The role of the Camera Roll
On that screen, you���ll see the current size of your device���s backup, along with an estimate of how large your next backup will be. Below that, you'll see a list of apps that can back up their data to iCloud. With one exception, the list appears in descending order according to the amount of space each app requires to back up its data in iCloud. The one exception: Camera Roll is always first. It isn't always the biggest item on the list, but it often is; for example, my own iPhone���s Camera Roll accounts for 1.1GB of the phone���s 1.7GB backup.
Tapping to turn off the Camera Roll brings up an intimidating question: 'Do you want to turn off Camera Roll backups and delete the backup data from iCloud?' You can choose Turn Off & Delete or Cancel. That first option is scary. If you think it means you'll lose your precious photos and videos, don't worry: You won't���or, rather, you probably won't.
By default, iCloud backs up your iOS devices��� Camera Rolls. That way, if your iPhone croaks, chokes, or otherwise gives up the ghost, you can restore from iCloud and get all your photos and videos back. If you do tap Turn Off & Delete, then, you aren't deleting those visual memories from your device; rather, you���re simply freeing up the iCloud backup space they consume, and removing the ability to restore those photos from iCloud should disaster strike your iOS device.
That isn't necessarily as risky a move as it sounds. Whenever you connect your iOS device to your Mac, you can back up its saved photos and videos to iPhoto. But even if you rarely���or never���sync your iOS devices over USB, you probably don���t need iCloud to back up your photos, thanks to Photo Stream, which keeps up to 1000 of the last photos you snapped over the past 30 days. Since the iCloud Camera Roll backup is really there only in case of emergency, and you���re likely to note a major emergency involving your iOS device in fewer than 30 days, you can generally trust that your photos are safe even if they���re not backed up to iCloud directly. (Photo Stream photos don���t count against your 5GB iCloud quota.)
Merely turning off the Camera Roll backup will shave off a significant chunk of your iOS devices��� backups. That may be enough to allow you to back up all of your iOS devices without busting the 5GB cap. But you can do even more.
Trim the app fat
Depending on how you use your iOS device, you likely will want to continue allowing some apps to back up their data to iCloud. If you frequently create documents in an iOS text editor, create songs in GarageBand, or generate any content at all, and you don���t regularly back it up (or export it in some other fashion), you should use iCloud backup for those apps.
But you probably don���t need to use iCloud to back up data from many other apps you use. And even if most of those apps account for only a few megabytes per backup per app, they can add up to a significant chunk of storage. For example, you might disable iBooks��� iCloud backup, since you can always restore your iBooks purchases from directly within the iBookstore. You probably don���t need to back up whatever data is stored by games for your kids, or games for yourself in which you don���t care about in-game progress or customizations that you might have made. And for apps that sync and back up their data on the Web���such as Instapaper���backup might be unnecessary, too.
Careful, though: Don���t turn things off willy-nilly. For example, you might think, ���Hey, I don���t need to back up my data from the Cards app!��� And you may well be right. But if you were to learn that, after an iCloud restore, your old photo cards were now but a memory, you'd be crushed.
Documents, data, and mail
At long last, let���s back up one level from that device-specific screen in iCloud���s settings. (Remember, though, to configure the settings for Camera Roll and other apps on each iOS device you back up.) On the main Manage Storage screen, past the list of your devices, you���ll see two other sections: Documents & Data and Mail.
The Documents & Data section refers not to the kind of content iCloud should back up, exactly; instead it refers to all those bits of data that iCloud syncs between your iOS devices (and, in some cases, your computer). This data counts against your iCloud storage allotment.
Interestingly enough, this section of iCloud���s settings can even refer to data that you saved only on your Mac. In my case, it revealed several megabytes' worth of content I���d saved in Preview while exploring; deleting those old, unneeded documents freed up a little extra iCloud space.
In addition, this section lists synced data from iCloud-leveraging apps and games. On my iPhone, that list includes Pages, Passbook, Keynote, and The Incident. I want my progress in The Incident synced between devices, and the sync data consumes just a single kilobyte, so it survives the cut. But if, for example, you see that Pages is taking up many megs (or more), you can tap it to get a listing of each document saved there, along with the amount of space it���s taking up. If you notice files you no longer need, clean ���em out.
If you use iCloud as your primary email account, you may have your work cut out for you: All that mail counts against your iCloud quota. If you don���t regularly archive email offline, prune attachments, and delete what���s deletable, Mail may gobble up an increasingly large percentage of your iCloud quota. I don���t use iCloud Mail, but I found that it was���at first���claiming about 20MB of storage space. I logged in to iCloud.com and cleared out my initial welcome message and a few other test messages to whittle that number down, though it never hit zero: I do use my iCloud account for syncing Notes between devices, and that data counts against the Mail tally, too.
Freedom can be free
Combine these tricks���disable Camera Roll backups, curate which apps get to back up their data to iCloud, limit what types of data you sync with iCloud, and prune unneeded iCloud mail���and you can dramatically shrink the space required to back up your devices with iCloud.
But if you just can���t trim enough iCloud-stored data to fit everything you need, Apple is always happy to let you pay for more space. | Every change begins with a leadership decision. Making the decision to institute changes is not always easy. Being prepared, planning well, and being surrounded by a good team will make that decision a lot easier. Begin by putting yourself in a positive frame of mind. You are likely to experience higher than normal levels of stress and knowing this beforehand will give you the ability to be prepared mentally and physically. You will be the anchorperson and foundation, and with your steady hand will guide your team through the stressful events. Be a reassuring and active force throughout the whole process.
It is impossible to prepare for every contingency, but planning for the known is a must. Add time or extra room to the schedule for the unknowns. When you encounter an unexpected event, your schedule should not be put off by much if you have built in some leeway. It will provide that buffer that gives you and your team the ability to deal with the unknowns and keep rolling with the change process
Surround yourself with people that you can delegate to and be confident in their abilities and skills. Be precise and specific with your directions as when the change process begins you will be depending on these individuals and their talents. Communicating and providing feedback are the keys to successful delegation; make sure your team understands this. If communication fails or there is not accurate feedback the chances of a success are lessened.
An issue that sometimes arises when delegating is micro managing. Keep an eye out to not micro-manage as you can quickly lose track of events and it will take time away from your main duties. Delegating is a skill that takes time as you must first learn the strengths and weakness of your team and know what tasks you can and cannot hand out. It may not be possible to always delegate, but when it can be done it will provide a great resource.
Always be available during the change process. Before the change prepare your friends and family that you may not be available for social events. Reassure your team that you are there for them and you are here to provide them with the necessary resources to lead them through the change. Stress to them that you are available and focused on keeping the communications lines open.
Always be aware of rumors, they will happen before during and after the change. Do not ignore any rumor, put out honest and clear communication as soon as possible. Reassure your team that if they hear a rumor to seek out more information from a reliable source. Remind them that spreading rumors helps no one and will cause more harm than good.
Not everyone will agree on the change. Keep in mind that these types of feelings are normal, as people generally do not enjoy change and are sometimes made nervous by it. You will likely encounter pushback and resistance by a number of team members. Provide facts and data to show why the change is happening and reassure them the need and benefits of the change. These types of individuals are best suited to be educated about the change with information.
If you are encountering an extreme case of pushback, provide them with some choices that still fall within the spectrum of the intended change. They should then feel more involved in the process and it will help alleviate the negative mindset they may be experiencing.It is vitally important to make sure that all stakeholders and employees are on board with a change.
In order to continue increasing awareness and to build desire to support the upcoming change; the change management team must reach out to the organization at large. The force field analysis, developed by German social psychologist Kurt Lewin helps a change management team to:
��� Identify pros and cons of an option prior to making a decision
��� Explore what is going right ��� and what is going wrong
��� Analyse any two opposing positions.
If concerns or issues arise, then steps must be taken to ensure awareness is continually raised and that desire to support the change is increased. Strategies that can help the change management team responsively address employees��� concerns include:
��� Engaging employees, providing forums for people to express their questions and concerns
��� Equipping managers & supervisors to be effective change leaders and managers of resistance
��� Orchestrating opportunities for advocates of the change to contact those not yet on board
��� Aligning incentive and performance management systems to support the change.
Change is not exempt from Murphy���s Law. And even if something isn���t going wrong, change management team members must constantly be observing, listening, and evaluating the progress and process during a change. Below are several tools to help the team accomplish this.
A feedback form is used to gather information from those involved in a change to help shape the remaining course of the change project. Instead of a paper form, feedback can be obtained through online surveys (Zoomerang.com or Survey Monkey.com), an in-house questionnaire on the intranet, a few questions sent by email, or a focus group. The questions will vary depending upon the subject being queried.
Open Feedback include asking participants for suggestions and comments. The compiled results of the feedback forms can be used by the change management team members to modify the project plan and/or the communication plan or to work with specific individuals or groups that may be providing roadblocks to success.
Once a change initiative is underway, it is critical to sustain the change with reinforcement. The leader must make sure that the project and communication plan remain on track. They need to identify, and explore any issues from employees or stakeholders that have emerged, and review and consider any feedback gathered to date.
Acting as a facilitator, the leader helps to bring about learning and productivity. Communication will be a byproduct of this by providing indirect or unobtrusive assistance, guidance, and supervision.He or she listens actively, asks questions, encourages diverse viewpoints, organizes information, helps the group reach consensus, and understands that the individual needs of team members will affect teamwork.
The LEAD model provides a simple methodology for facilitating a participative meeting:
��� Lead with objectives: When clear objectives are stated up front, group energy is channeled toward achieving an outcome. The objectives shape the content of the meeting.
��� Empower to participate: In the Lead model, the facilitator is empowered to encourage active participation.
��� Aim for consensus: Getting the team to consensus will have members more likely to support and carry out the decisions of the team.
��� Direct the process: How the meeting progresses will influence the quality of the decisions of the team, and influences the commitment of team members.
Leaders must differentiate between process and content. Content includes the topics, subjects, or issues; process is about how the topics, subjects, or issues are addressed.
Because communications from managers and supervisors have been shown to have a significant impact on employees during a change initiative, it is appropriate that they be actively involved in celebrating success with employees as a result of positive performance. Celebrations can occur on three levels:
1. One on one conversation: In a private meeting, a supervisor should attest to the fact that due to the employee���s effort, a change was made, and how it is succeeding. He or she should extend verbal thanks to the employee.
2. Public recognition: Public recognition officially acknowledges outstanding performance and points out a role model that helped make a successful change happen. Supervisors should carefully consider who receives recognition, and not alienate group members who participated in the change but who many not have distinguished themselves as significantly.
3. Group celebrations: Fun or engaging activities are used to celebrate key milestones by a group. They include buffet or restaurant lunches, dinner events, or can include group outings to sports, amusement, or cultural events. It is important that these types of celebrations try to include the involvement of the primary change sponsor in some way.
Professor Akindotun Merino
Email: Info@africamentalhealth.net
Twitter: @drakinmerino
Fb: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Africamentalhealth/
Phone: 08118048229 | 1 |
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I have joined a club that is bigger than it should be and is certainly one that I definitely do not want to belong to. On Christmas Eve, my beautiful friend Sheila Green was murdered by her brother who suffered from psychosis. So now, I am one of the approximately 40% of Americans who know someone who was killed with a gun. That is an obscenely high number and is probably a low estimate as that study was done in 2015.
My wife, Sheryl, and I, met Sheila through mutual friends and through Sheryl���s work, when we first moved to Madison in 1985, as Sheila was an ultrasound tech at the same hospital where Sheryl did her medical residency. It was easy to become friends with Sheila as she had an ever present smile that always made you feel good when you saw her.
Sheila was also a chocolate aficionado, purchasing only the finest chocolates and baking up scrumptious chocolate treats on a regular basis. She was kind enough to share her flourless chocolate torte recipe with my wife, who has made countless of them over the years, and we think of Sheila every time we eat one. Sadly now, we will fondly remember her with each future torte.
Sheila came from a large family, and she was close with her many siblings. She did her best to care for her troubled brother. Sheila knew he owned a gun, and in fact, he had a concealed carry permit. She insisted that he not bring it to her home. For reasons we may never know, her brother did not honor that request on Christmas eve, and brought his gun to her home and shot and killed her.
Sheila���s friends and family are all grieving now for such a needless loss. It is especially needless because there are extreme risk protection laws in 17 states also known as red flag laws which are specifically designed to prevent murders by people who are known to be dangerous. These laws authorize courts to issue a protection order, allowing the police to temporarily confiscate firearms from people who are deemed by a judge to be a danger to themselves or to others.
Usually, the request for the order will come from relatives or friends concerned about a loved one who owns one or more guns and has expressed suicidal thoughts or discussed shooting people. Wisconsin, however, is not one of those states. Yet, it could easily have had this law in place in time to protect Sheila from her brother, who was a known danger who legally possessed a gun.
This past October, Gov. Tony Evers called a special legislative session to consider two common sense gun control measures: universal background checks and red flag legislation. Despite the fact that 80% of Wisconsin residents support passage of these laws, Republican legislative leaders refused to vote on, or even debate these popular measures.
In an utter act of contempt for voters, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald dismissed the Senate in 30 seconds and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos dismissed the Assembly in 15 seconds. Gov. Evers has considered calling another special session on these measures, but thus far, has not done so.
One would like to believe that as society grows and learns, it improves. Yet, when it comes to gun control, the United States continues to behave as if there is nothing we can do to prevent gun violence, leaving our nation stuck in a warped 21st Century Wild, Wild West.
This is my tenth gun control post on my blog in seven years, and while sometimes I feel like giving up, I persist, because too many innocent lives are being snuffed out on a daily basis. Sadly, this time, she was a friend.
I grew up during the Vietnam War, and every Friday on the evening news, the anchorman would report the weekly body count of dead and wounded. My mother shared some wisdom with me at that time, that applies to every single gun death. She said that she wished that they did not publish the number of dead, because that made them anonymous and allowed people to forget that each life lost was a real human being with friends and family.
The same is true with America���s out of control gun violence. I will not add the gruesome statistics to this post because I want every reader to read Sheila Green���s name, look at her beautiful smiling face, that will smile no more ��� and then call or e-mail Robin Vos and Scott Fitzgerald and demand that they find some courage to pass a red flag law.
It is too late for Sheila, but it is not too late for the many lives who could be saved in the future.
I sincerely hope that the loss of Sheila���s life will gain some purpose if the Wisconsin legislature passes a red flag law. We could even call it Sheila���s Law.
Reprinted with permission of Wisconsin Examiner.
Jeff Spitzer-Resnick is a nationally recognized attorney with over thirty-four years of experience in the fields of civil rights, disability and education law. He runs Systems Change Consulting, a consulting and training law firm with a focus is on making progressive systems change in the areas of civil rights, disability rights, general and special education, and combating abuse and neglect of vulnerable populations. | He said he's hopeful that this coming year will include a consensus surrounding the issue, though he lamented what he sees as the "minimization of the problem" of possible contamination of nitrates and so-called "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, which are found in firefighting foam and more.
"The concern I have is that we have folks already saying, 'Well we can't overregulate this issue, we can't do this around this issue, we can't we can't,'" he said.
As a key figure among Wisconsin Democrats, Evers said takes both down-ticket races and the presidential match-up seriously. Maintaining Democratic numbers in the Legislature, he said, "keeps my veto in place" as both GOP-led chambers currently lack enough members to override Evers' actions ��� something he said is especially important because of the approaching census and redistricting round.
As for the presidential election, he stressed the need to get candidates to the state "and have the people in Wisconsin understand the issues that each of them care about and we get a good turnout in the primary, good turnout next fall."
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Baku, January 1, AZERTAC
"Problems of the IDPs are being resolved. This year, new apartments and homes were built for more than 5,000 IDP families and about 800 martyr families," said President Ilham Aliyev in his message of congratulation to the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year.
"Thousands of homes have been built for the residents of Shamakhi, Ismayilli and Aghsu districts affected by the earthquake. The absolute majority of the consequences of this major earthquake were eliminated in just 10 months. This is also a unique issue because it demonstrates our intentions and strength. The Azerbaijani government and leadership demonstrated again that they are always with citizens," the head of state emphasized. | Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 1
Trend:
"2019 will go down in history as a year of in-depth reforms. Political reforms, personnel reforms, structural reforms, economic, reforms in the political and social spheres have made us stronger. Our economy grew this year, the non-oil sector of the economy grew by more than 3 percent," said President Ilham Aliyev in his message of congratulation to the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year.
"Our foreign debt accounts for only 17 percent of the GDP. This is the ninth indicator in the world. In the following years, our foreign debt will decline further. Our foreign exchange reserves have grown by $4.5 billion this year, reaching a record high of $50 billion. Our currency reserves exceed our foreign debt more than five times. In other words, this shows the sustainability of the economic and financial opportunities of our country. Industrial production has increased, especially in the non-oil sector, by 14 percent. There is a 7 percent increase in agriculture. So the successful development of our country in all key areas is a reality," the head of state added.
Follow Trend on Telegram. Only most interesting and important news | 2.5 |
The Quadrantids can shower around 50 to 100 meteors in an hour.
The start of 2020 is going to be with night sky lighting up with Quadrantid meteor shower on January 3 and 4. Stargazers in the UAE can expect to witness the spectacular starting Friday until predawn hours on Saturday when the meteor shower will be at peak.
According to International Meteor Organization (IMO), the Quadrantids can shower around 50 to 100 meteors in an hour but have a narrow peak window compared to other meteor showers.
However, the Quadrantids are considered to be one of the best because they are fireball meteors that come from larger particles of matter. Fireball meteors are much brighter, and their light and color lasts longer than your average meteor shower, according to Inverse.com.
The IMO predicts that the shower's peak will occur around 3am EST on January 4, and only last for about four hours.
According to Dubai Astronomy Group, the best time to see it is before dawn, starting at 2 after midnight on the northeastern side. The group will be hosting a event at Al Qudra Lake from 10pm-3am.
The Quadrantids will take place in the northern part of the sky and hence it will visible better from the Northern Hemisphere. | If you haven���t made any long drive or desert plans during these cooool winter months yet, well then now you have the PERFECT excuse to do so this Friday. *Insert bad space pun* Sirius-ly you guys!!
Grab your squad and plan for a quick trip to the desert this Friday night to catch the EPIC Quadrantid meteor shower taking place late at night from January 3-4 in full swing. Issa Happy New Year indeeeed!
The Quadrantid meteor shower is expected to peak late night on Friday, January 3 until the dawn of Saturday, January 4. | 3.5 |
The Department of Foreign Affairs assisted 1,723 Irish citizens caught up in major incidents overseas last year.
These incidents included terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka and Kenya, protests in Hong Kong and political instability in South America.
Medical emergencies were the most common cause of contact, with 270 people requiring assistance for that.
Over 260 families required the support of the Department following the death of a loved one abroad, while 243 people needed help with overseas arrests.
Some 112 people were victims of crime in another country, while72 families required help tracing a missing person.
The Department assisted these people through its consular office in Dublin, in its 80 embassies and consulates-general, and in the 94 honorary consuls around the world.
One of the most notable cases in which the Department provided assistance was that of teenager Nora Quoirin, whose body was found in a Malaysian rainforest after a 10-day search.
In April 2019 a series of terrorist attacks on churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka left 259 people dead, many of them tourists.
The Department of Foreign Affairs advised people to stay indoors and obey the curfew that was in place at the time, saying they could contact the Honorary Consul in Colombo for assistance if needed.
Commenting on the figures, Minister Simon Coveney said:
���Irish citizens continue to travel more often and more widely than ever before - meaning a greater frequency and complexity of consular cases. This presents ever-growing challenges in providing assistance for Irish citizens who get into difficulty overseas.
���While most journeys overseas go smoothly, the 2019 statistics show that things can and do go wrong and that it is important to be prepared. As people consider travel plans for the year ahead, I urge them to get comprehensive travel insurance.��� | Forgive the obvious pun, but our vision for 2020 starts here.
As a news organization, it���s AIN���s job to stick to reporting on what has already happened. One exception is this time, every year. In the following segments, you���ll read what we believe to be the outlook for key elements of our industry for the next 12 months���views inevitably shaped by the past, but with an eye toward what we believe is just beyond the immediate horizon.
You���ll get our take on the immediate future of eVTOL, not the lofty aspirations of the over-optimistic, but the cold reality; the bubbling cauldron of election-year politics as it impacts our industry; 2020���s outlook for what���s in line for the FBO industry; what���s on tap for OEMs in an ever-volatile market; avionics in the wake of the ADS-B (soft?) deadline; and what you can expect to see on the shop floors���and in the order books���of MROs.
So, how did we do last year? Here are some samples of what we were projecting for 2019:
eVTOL: ���Even if eVTOLs win public acceptance and clear regulatory and technological hurdles, can OEMs and service providers deliver the technology at a price the general public can afford?��� That remains the biggest open question in aviation.
Touchscreens: ���It won���t be a surprise to see more manufacturers adopting this technology, especially as younger tech-savvy pilots move up the flying food chain to more sophisticated aircraft.��� Twelve months later, that seems on track.
Supersonics: ���Through 2019, Aerion and its partners will be initiating the process of selecting Tier 1 suppliers for the next phase of development.��� This predated the February 2019 announcement of Boeing���s investment and involvement in the AS2 project. Since then, the program has gone largely silent.
Come January 2021, we���ll take another look back at this year���s look forward. | 1 |
Mobile gaming is in an ugly spot, so a popular narrative goes, and that���s why Apple tried to tidy up the situation with its curated Apple Arcade subscription service. And we���re big fans of Apple Arcade! You should totally check out our list of the service���s best games once you���re done here.
It���s a flawed narrative, though. Look beyond the chaff of flavor-of-the-moment, ad-riddled games and microtransaction-heavy ���freemium��� titles, and you���ll find games that are every bit as good as what you���ll see on Apple Arcade. Some of them are even better. And this list doesn���t even count many of the fun freemium games that dropped in 2019, which include Nintendo���s Mario Kart Tour and Bethesda���s The Elder Scrolls: Blades. You should check them out, too, but I find they���re a little too eager to dig into your pocketbooks for this list. | Benefits of Hiring a Landscape Designer
In every homestead, the outlook of the landscape matters. This involves the generation of ideas to change the viewpoint of the environment. It may include the addition of some aspects as well as removing other obstructions. Thus people usually struggle to design their environment to attract people and to suit their desires. However, people can plan their landscapes. To achieve the best landscape designs in the market today, one may opt to hire an expert in the preparation of the view. Thus there are usually professionals offering the landscape design services. There are different platforms through which people can get the landscape designing service provider. However, there are several factors one need to consider to hire the best landscape designer. Several benefits have accrued from hiring landscape designers. This article will explain some of the benefits that homeowners have enjoyed from hiring professional landscape designers.
First and foremost, the landscape designer articulates the generation of new ideas. These professionals have helped the property owners look into the latest designs of making their landscapes. The owners sometimes look into the most expensive designing of the landscape. Still, through hiring the professional designers��� new ideas can be generated that can help the owner achieve the desired outlook as well as investing little amount.
Additionally, landscape designers can ease the budget of creation. For instance, the designer can model up the designing techniques that are cheaper and easier to work on. Some scenarios can be complicated and a lot more expensive, and a landscape designer can quickly identify some of the easiest and cheapest methods of designing. Every design desire the best articulation of ideas, and therefore, it is essential to consider the most affordable design methods that can be employed.
Secondly, the designers usually come up with the best construction planning for the landscape. Sometimes the owners cannot ideally come up with the best design option. Thus, professional landscape designers help them to come up with the best designer construction methods. Landscape designers help the owners to analyse the site and perform the required level of corrections and analysis. Places may need prior preparations before the designing. Therefore the designers will guide the site owners to choose the best site preparation options.
Entirely the landscape designers help the owner of the piece of land manage the entire project of designing. Designing the landscape requires time and commitment, and therefore the designer will help the client oversee through the whole period of the project. It is essential to, therefore, look into the training and profession of the landscape designers whether they can entirely oversee through the projects.
However, despite these benefits, there are several factors the client need to consider before hiring the landscape designers. This includes the licensing of the company rendering the service as well as the price quoted. It is essential to know that there are several benefits alongside hiring, but there can be some limitations. Therefore, it is crucial to consider some of the factors such as the experience of the landscape designer. To achieve the best design one has to hire an experienced designer.
5 Takeaways That I Learned About
6 Facts About Everyone Thinks Are True | 1 |
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Holly Willoughby rang in the new year surrounded by her family - all while sharing a cryptic message.
The This Morning presenter has been enjoying time away from TV as she takes a Christmas break.
Recently the host as been plagued by rumours of a feud with Phillip Schofield.
Editor of This Morning Martin Frizell hit back at claims saying: "We have the smartest viewers watching telly and believe me they would be the first to notice any issues ��� they haven���t because there are none."
The Mirror reports that ITV also refuted any unrest, saying in a full statement: ���It���s deeply disappointing and unfair for Phillip to be the target of this sort of malicious gossip.
"Phillip is a much respected broadcaster and colleague and this is absolutely not a description of This Morning that we recognise.
"Holly and Phil are great friends both on and off screen and are popular among viewers and colleagues alike."
However, Holly was keen to post a motivational and positive message for her fans to embrace in 2020.
Posting a photo to Instagram, Holly could be seen with her three children and husband Dan.
(Image: noholdenback/Instagram)
They appeared to be waving at a burning 2020 sign whilst paddling in water.
She captioned the post: "To kindness and love ... the things we need most... #ifyouknowyouknow."
Also sharing a cryptic message was Amanda Holden - who used to work alongside Phil on This Morning.
Sharing a collage of numerous snaps, she wrote: "I started 2019 with great determination and a new headspace which was to suffer no fools, to put my energy into good people and honestly not give a damn about the rest!
"It's hard because I'm naturally a people pleaser .. but it's paid off and I have never felt stronger or happier.
"Most importantly I never forget how lucky I am to have such love and true friends surrounding me. Thank-you for your positivity and support!! Here's to an even bigger 2020! #newdecade."
She added: "#2019 has turned out to be one of the best and most extraordinary years of my life. So many ambitions and dreams realised
"In the centre of it all my beautiful family. ..My anchor Chris." | America Ferrera has celebrated the new year by announcing she is expecting a second child with husband Ryan Piers Williams.
The Ugly Betty actress is already a mother to one-year-old son Sebastian. | 2 |
By NEIL HARTNELL
Tribune Business Editor
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A well-known businessman yesterday voiced fears that the ���overwhelming majority��� of Nassau residents may not feel the benefits even with the capital���s economy poised for ���a good inning��� in 2020.
Sir Franklyn Wilson told Tribune Business that the increasing wealth gap between ���the haves and have nots��� appeared to be ���off the radar��� where the government was concerned, even though ���fewer and fewer��� Bahamians were seeing their share of national income increase.
He argued that the cruise port���s $250m transformation, together with other multi-million dollar developments such as Baha Mar���s water-based theme park, The Pointe���s completion, the Gold Wynn and Hurricane Hole projects, and continued investment by the likes of Albany would ensure New Providence���s economy enjoys ���a good year��� - but only at the macroeconomic level.
���I believe New Providence is poised to have a good inning,��� the Arawak Homes and Sunshine Holdings chairman told this newspaper. ���I think there���s a reasonable basis to think that New Providence will have a good year...
���However, you know, while I say New Providence should have a good inning, those are macroeconomic numbers. While the macroeconomic numbers may be favourable, the impact on the majority of people may not necessarily follow as the gap between the haves and have nots continues to widen.
���The pot as a whole is getting bigger, but fewer and fewer people are getting a decent share. Even when I say New Providence will have a good inning, I���m talking in macroeconomic terms which may not necessarily translate to the overwhelming majority of the population a year from now feeling any better off. The majority will not feel any better off.���
Sir Franklyn said the government seemed to have forgotten the growing income inequality, and widening gap between rich and lower income Bahamians, given that none of its public statements or speeches had ever addressed the issue.
���I have yet to hear any government minister make any statement that they see this as an issue,��� he added. ���I cannot think of any statement a cabinet minister has made which specifically addresses the imbalance between the haves and the have nots as a key public policy issue. This is not even on the radar of the authorities.���
Concerns over income inequality, and a widening gap between rich and poor stemming from a middle class ���squeeze���, have been voiced periodically ever since the 2008-2009 recession. Real per capita incomes took 10 years to recover to their pre-recession levels, hitting this mark only in 2017.
Sir Franklyn, meanwhile, suggested that K Peter Turnquest, deputy prime minister, may come under pressure from his Cabinet colleagues to loosen spending and other fiscal controls in a bid to shore up the Government���s popularity just over half-way through its term in office.
Asked about the Government���s ability to avoid a further sovereign credit rating downgrade post-Dorian, he replied: ���Minster Turnquest, he is really giving it a good shot. He is trying. I���m sure he will do his personal best to try and avoid it.
���I get the sense that there���s some restlessness within the Cabinet. They sense the popularity of the Government is not trending in a favourable direction, so they will push the minister of finance to do things which may not be consistent with avoiding that downgrade. I think a lot truly depends on the extent to which the Minister of Finance can be strong in the face of pressure from his own Cabinet colleagues.���
The Government previously revealed it will have to seek Parliamentary approval to borrow an extra $508m to finance post-Hurricane Dorian reconstruction, blowing out its projected 2019-2020 fiscal deficit to $677.5m from the initially projected $137m.
Its Fiscal Strategy Report also shows it borrowing a further $499m in 2020-2021, and $301.2m in 2021-2022, meaning that the Minnis administration is forecasting it will need to borrow some $1.479bn over its final three years in office and taking the national debt to nearly $9.5bn.
The likes of Standard & Poor���s (S&P) and Moody���s have effectively taken a wait-and-see approach, though, seemingly preferring to assess how The Bahamas manages the post-Dorian fall-out and whether it can restrain any unnecessary spending before moving to again narrow the deficit.
Sir Franklyn yesterday urged Mr Turnquest to follow ���the Paul Adderley model��� and ���put country before party��� in how he handles the public finances in the aftermath of the Category Five storm.
He added that it was ���likely to be significant��� that Mr Turnquest was finance minister, rather than the Prime Minister, which was the structure employed by all Dr Hubert Minnis��� predecessors.
���Thank God that we do not have that model where the Prime Minister is the de facto minister of finance,��� Sir Franklyn told Tribune Business. ���Experience has shown whether it was Pindling, Ingraham or Christie, it���s hard under that model to resist pressure to open up the purse.
���Thank God we don���t have that model today. Hopefully, the deputy prime minister has the ability on his part to say: ���Man, let���s not look at this thing in the short run���. The late Paul Adderley increased taxes right before the 1992 general election. He had to know that what he was doing was good for the country even if it was bad for the party.
���I say to Mr Turnquest: ���Keep in mind the Paul Adderley model���. Do the right thing. If you do the right thing for the country it may not be good for the party, but country first.��� | By NEIL HARTNELL
Tribune Business Editor
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
Bahamian insurers yesterday urged the prime minister to ���treat the industry with the respect it deserves��� over its $2bn Dorian-related payout after he suggested it was ���holding back��� recovery efforts.
Anton Saunders, RoyalStar Assurance���s managing director, told Tribune Business that Dr Hubert Minnis and his officials knew where to reach the Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) and the industry���s ���major players��� if they had any issues with their role following the category five storm.
Responding after the prime minister was reported to have said that demolition of unsafe buildings on Abaco and Grand Bahama is being delayed while the insurance companies complete their claims assessments, Mr Saunders reiterated that the extent of Dorian���s devastation was bound to make this process take slightly longer than in previous storms.
He also pointed out that the industry, and its loss adjusters, had been denied access to the worst-hit parts of Abaco for the immediate fortnight post-Dorian by the government as it sought to make the area safe.
���If the prime minister has information, he or his representatives should come to the BIA, call us to a meeting and discuss it,��� Mr Saunders told Tribune Business. ���I don���t know where he���s getting his information from.
���If you have an organisation that���s spent $2bn, somebody needs to pick up the phone. The prime minister knows all the big players in the insurance industry; if he has legitimate concerns with the insurance industry he���s the prime minister. He can summon us to a meeting and cure all this upset.���
Dr Minnis had suggested, according to media reports, that the post-Dorian reconstruction and recovery effort was being ���held back��� because the insurance companies were still completing their claims adjusting work.
���The insurance companies have not yet completed their job in terms of assessing and compensating individuals,��� the prime minister said on Christmas Day. ���So we are held back to some extent even by insurance companies... We cannot move buildings until they have been assessed by the insurance companies.���
Asked subsequently for clarification, Dr Minnis said: ���One of the challenges we have with Abaco is you cannot do much, not even within the yards. You have to wait for clearance by the insurance companies - those who have insurance - because if you were to demolish them then insurance companies can always argue that the building was not as bad as said. So you have to work hand in hand with them.���
Bahamian property and casualty insurers earlier this month told Tribune Business that the industry���s total Dorian claims payouts are now estimated to come in at the upper end of the last $1.5bn to $2bn estimate, making the storm comfortably the largest ever loss event suffered by the sector and its reinsurance partners in this nation.
Mr Saunders yesterday said he wanted to avoid getting into any ���blame game��� or finger-pointing in relation to the Prime Minister���s comments, but revealed that he ���just laughed��� when he saw them in the newspaper.
���Treat the insurance industry with the respect it deserves and call a meeting,��� the RoyalStar chief told Tribune Business. ���We���re all big boys. The industry didn���t even get access to Abaco for the first two weeks because the Government, rightfully so, said they didn���t want us there until they did what they had to do.
���If the Prime Minister has a problem with the insurance industry he has all the resources to call a meeting with all its executives, some of whom he knows personally, and ask us what the hell is going on.���
Sir Franklyn Wilson, RoyalStar Assurance���s chairman, told Tribune Business he, too, was unsure what the Prime Minister meant by his remarks that the insurance industry���s processes were ���holding back��� post-Dorian reconstruction.
���I see the Prime Minister making comments that the insurance industry is slow, but in the case of RoyalStar where I am chairman we���ve done yeoman���s work. I don���t know what the Prime Minister is alluding to, but most of our adjusters were set to go home before Christmas because their work, their task was effectively done,��� Sir Franklyn added yesterday.
Mr Saunders had earlier this month told Tribune Business that RoyalStar had settled around 80 percent of its roughly 1,800 Dorian claims, while his Bahamas First counterpart, Patrick Ward, had revealed that 50 percent of its 2,000 claims had been paid out and agreed.
���The industry has proven its weight and value,��� Mr Saunders said then, ���and doesn���t get as much credit as it deserves for being an economic stabilising force in The Bahamas. Imagine if the insurance industry was not here. Who else is going to pay that additional $2bn.
���Every claim we are responsible for internally, all of our reinsurers, all of our network partners, we have a gross reserve of $325m. All in we have a total of 1,800 claims, and of those 1,800 claims we have satisfied and settled 80 percent of those. We���re slightly ahead of expected pace.��� | 1.5 |
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A seven-year-old was among a handful of youngsters found carrying knives at school but could not be charged because they were below the age of criminal responsibility.
Figures from Kent Police, obtained by the PA news agency, show 109 children were investigated for possessing, or threatening with, an offensive weapon or blade - or attempting to - in Kent from April 2017 to December 2019.
The law says children aged under 10 cannot currently be charged with a crime.
Two children, aged seven and nine, were prevented from being prosecuted for a knife-related offence because of their age, while a 10-year-old was also let off for the same reason, meaning he or she was likely suspected of committing an offence while still below the age of criminal responsibility.
(Image: Mirror)
Data showed the most common age for suspects was 14 (23 incidents), while 13-year-olds were involved in 21 incidents, and 15-year-olds were suspected of 20 offences.
Five adults, aged 45, 35, 31, 19 and 18, were also investigated for having knives on school premises.
Three of them, the 35-year-old and the two teenagers, were later charged with an offence.
In total, 116 incidents were recorded by Kent Police during the two-and-a-half-year time frame.
All but three of them involved a knife.
There were 15 community resolutions, where police deal with low-level offences without resorting to formal criminal justice sanctions.
Seven cases resulted in a youth caution, while "evidential difficulties" put an end to a potential prosecution in dozens of cases.
On other occasions, the incident was either passed on to another body to deal with away from the courts, or a prosecution was deemed not to be in the public interest.
The release of data by Kent Police follows similar disclosures by the majority of forces in England and Wales under FoI laws earlier in the year.
A PA investigation in October found thousands of children had been caught carrying weapons in school, with suspects as young as four years old.
Police seized scores of knives, blades and other sharp instruments, while a 14-year-old was found in possession of a sword.
The total figure for England and Wales was expected to be much higher, considering a number of forces, including the Metropolitan Police, the largest in the country, did not provide data.e. | When the dog starts to smell like Eau de Garbage, his breath is bad enough to peel paint off the walls, and people think he is a brown dog when really he is white, I know it���s time to give him a bath. Since I am the one who feeds, walks and cleans up after him, it has fallen to me to be the official dog bather as well. Naturally, there are many different books written on this subject, and many people who think they know the best way to bathe a dog, but I like to think that over the years, I have really perfected this particular duty of pet ownership. Having a vast amount of expertise in this area, I will share with you the procedure for the absolute best way to bathe a dog:
1) Fill tub with warm water up to your dog���s elbows.
2) Carefully lift dog into tub.
3) Chase dripping dog through house after he jumps out of the tub, out the bathroom, up the stairs, and onto your bed.
4) Drag dog back downstairs and bring him back into the bathroom.
5) THIS TIME, remember to close bathroom door behind you.
6) Lift dog back into tub.
7) Turn on water and shriek helplessly as hose attachment whips around spraying water everywhere.
8) Clean up water that sprayed everywhere.
9) THIS TIME, remember to switch off hose attachment before you run water.
10) When the water is lukewarm, switch faucet back to hose, hold dog firmly with one hand and spray dog until fur is soaked through.
11) Release dog to get shampoo that you left under the sink and shriek helplessly as dog shakes repeatedly and sprays water everywhere.
12) Clean up water that sprayed everywhere.
13) THIS TIME, remember to keep firm hold on dog as you apply dime-sized amount of dog shampoo to fur and work into a lather all over dog.
14) Scream, ���NO, DON���T OPEN THAT DOOR!!!��� when daughter opens bathroom door and comes in to see what you are doing.
15) Chase very soapy dog through house after he jumps out of the tub, out the bathroom, up the stairs and back onto your bed.
16) Make mental note to put ���DO NOT OPEN!!!��� sign on bathroom door next time you wash dog.
17) Drag soapy dog back downstairs and lift him back into tub.
18) Remember that floor is now quite slippery and take caution lifting dog.
19) Abandon dog to get ice pack from freezer. Apply to forehead where you slipped and banged head on side of tub.
20) Return to bathroom to find daughter, covered in dog hair and soap, in bathtub with dog.
21) Abandon dog to go wash daughter.
22) Realize you left bathroom door open when you went to wash daughter.
23) Go get dog off wet and soapy bed.
24) Drag dog back downstairs
25) Put leash on dog and drive him to professional groomers.
This is a repeated Lost in Suburbia column, which has appeared in GateHouse Media newspapers since 2008. As Tracy Beckerman���s main column is shifting focus - her kids are grown and she has moved back to the city - we are rerunning her earlier work for readers who may have missed these the first time around. You can follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LostinSuburbiaFanPage/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/tracybeckerman. | 1 |
INN turned to experts in the market to get a sense of what���s in store for investors looking to plug into the gaming industry in the new year.
Gaming and the esports industry ��� characterized by massive video game tournaments ��� saw unprecedented growth in 2019 as investors recognized opportunity.
Now, heading into 2020, the gaming sector is poised to further shift into a lucrative market as increased interest supports the growth of players in the space.
Here the Investing News Network (INN) turns to experts in the market to get a sense of what���s in store for investors looking to plug into the esports industry in the new year.
Why are Google and Apple are investing heavily in the gaming market? Read our FREE outlook report on the gaming market! Give me my free report!
Gaming outlook 2020: A closer look at the numbers
The esports industry is looking to capitalize on a successful 2019 moving into 2020 and beyond.
In its 2019 global games market report, gaming research firm Newzoo states that the international gaming market could be worth US$196 billion by 2022.
Mobile games in particular are projected to generate US$95.4 billion by 2022, driven primarily by smartphone activity. Cross-platform titles such as Mario Kart Tour on iOS and Android, a general increase in smartphone users and improvements to hardware and infrastructure are factors that will lead to the projected growth, according to the firm.
The console segment, on the other hand, is set to reach US$61.1 billion in 2022, Newzoo estimates, boosted by the upcoming generation of Xbox and PlayStation systems, created by Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Sony (NYSE:SNE,TSE:6758), respectively.
PC gaming will be a bit slower in the coming years, according to the researchers, though it is gaining traction and could be valued at US$39.5 billion over the next two year period.
In a previous interview with INN, Erik Dekker, senior vice president and portfolio manager with Dekker Hewett Group at Canaccord Genuity, said, ���Gaming is bigger than film box offices, bigger than television, bigger than digital music. I think it���s about a US$116 billion market at this time.���
Gaming outlook 2020: The growth of team organizations
In esports, organizations like Team Liquid and OG are big generators of cash for the industry. Team Liquid, which has teams in many of the top esports leagues, currently has a merchandise collaboration with Marvel, and OG just announced a Counter Strike: Global Offensive team following its big Dota 2 win.
Team support and attachment have been reflected in the sheer amount of interest in gaming tournaments, another important revenue stream for esport companies.
In August, the Dota 2 The International 9 tournament had the world���s largest prize pool in history at a whopping US$34.3 million in winnings, and OG took home the top prize.
But organizations are evolving to rely on more than just their athletes and tournaments ��� instead, they���re taking a holistic approach to branding and maintaining a public image.
Why are Google and Apple are investing heavily in the gaming market? Read our FREE outlook report on the gaming market! Give me my free report!
���It���s going to ultimately come down to teams that can create brand lifestyles, create great content programming and diversify the revenue streams to find more profitability,��� Daniel Mitre, CEO of New Wave Esports (CSE:NWES), told INN via email.
Mitre said the impressive growth of the sector has already led heavy hitters in gaming to throw their hats into the ring. The executive explained that companies like Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI) and Riot Games, a subsidiary of Chinese conglomerate Tencent (HKEX:0700), have carefully crafted plans attached to their esports franchises and leagues.
���None of this movement around big games, AAA publishers and developers is coming to a slow,��� said Mitre. ���In fact, it���s just going to start picking up further.���
This sentiment was shared by another expert in gaming who is optimistic about the market���s trajectory.
Haywood Securities investment banker Sean MacGillis said the skill of the gaming industry is in the flexibility of its revenue channels, which include everything from merchandise and ticket sales to advertising and sponsorship revenue.
���The ability to monetize games is an order of magnitude larger than the ability to monetize traditional forms of content,��� MacGillis explained.
Gaming outlook 2020: Possible concerns in the new year
Some experts have noted possible pitfalls for the industry, despite its recent levels of success.
For Nick Mersch, associate portfolio manager at Purpose Investments, the biggest risks for the space could come with the hypothetical collapse of the Overwatch League, one of the biggest leagues in the sector. Mersch said a downturn for the league could turn off existing and prospective investors.
���A lot of traditional sports owners wrote huge checks into teams in this league, and if they get burned here it will be difficult to attract capital back to the space,��� Mersch told INN.
According to a report from Variety, viewers for the Overwatch League Grand Finals grew by 16 percent in 2019, with the event reaching 1.12 million average viewers.
Mersch said he���s also keeping his eye on the overvaluation that has plagued esports, pointing to a recent Forbes list ranking ���the most valuable companies in esports��� that still seems to exaggerate the values of some organizations on it, according to the expert.
Why are Google and Apple are investing heavily in the gaming market? Read our FREE outlook report on the gaming market! Give me my free report!
Other concerns have larger political implications. The ongoing US-China trade war dampened the growth of the sector, according to Trevor Doerksen, CEO of ePlay Digital (CSE:EPY), and could continue to do so into 2020, especially given China���s place as one of the world���s largest hubs for gaming.
In 2019, it was projected that US$36.5 billion was spent on gaming in China, according to Newzoo.
���Geopolitical forces and the US-China trade war muted global collaboration and access to markets, and important data that would help better understand and grow esports in 2019,��� said Doerksen.
The executive said there could be better access to content, games and data across both markets if the relationship between the two countries improves in 2020.
Gaming outlook 2020: Investor takeaway
Mersch said moving forward, the most important factor for gaming will be the work done by data firm Nielsen, owned by The Nielsen Company (NYSE:NLSN), in its esports division, which works to get accurate information on engagement and viewership data.
In his view, Nielsen���s work could help close the existing gap between how the industry is growing and how it���s monetizing that growth, Mersch told INN.
���To close this gap, Fortune 500 companies need actionable return of investment metrics in order to justify more (spending) in the space. Nielsen and other data analytic companies can provide this.���
In terms of the overall health within the sector, Mitre told INN that the increasing popularity of gaming and its viewership will help in building a strong foundation for an interesting investment market.
���We���ve always had this propensity to watch people play better than us, whether it���s standing at the arcade and watching someone play Street Fighter, or the emergence of a Twitch and YouTube influencer space watching other people play video games,��� said Mitre.
Don���t forget to follow us @INN_Technology for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Danielle Edwards, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence. | Sign up to FREE daily email alerts from walesonline - daily Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
More foldable smartphones and a new generation of games consoles are likely to be among the biggest new gadgets of 2020.
Here is a look at what to expect over the coming 12 months in the world of technology.
A 5G iPhone
While some manufacturers have been quick to introduce 5G smartphones even as the network coverage only begins to appear, Apple is yet to bring the connectivity to the iPhone.
Many believe this will change in 2020, with a 5G iPhone introduced alongside a number of other iPhone handsets.
It would be seen as a watershed moment for the technology by some - Apple's status as a brand means that innovation is not always considered mainstream until the Cupertino firm is involved.
By the time a 5G iPhone arrives - likely to be in September - 5G coverage should be far wider than it is currently - wide enough that Apple feels it is time to add the connectivity to its smartphone.
The new console wars
2020 looks likely to be one of the biggest and most important years in the video games industry for some time.
Not only is cloud streaming taking off, allowing console-standard gaming on mobile devices, but both Microsoft's Xbox and Sony's PlayStation will launch their next-generation consoles in time for next Christmas.
The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 have both been confirmed, complete with high-end specs which both say will make them the most powerful consoles either firm has ever made.
It will be a redrawing of the battle lines for the two biggest names in gaming, as they compete to set the standard for the next generation of video games.
More foldable phones
As 2019 draws to a close, only Samsung of the major smartphone makers has a foldable device on sale in the UK - expect that to drastically change in 2020.
Samsung itself has already hinted at new types of foldable phones which could be on the way, while Motorola's revamped, foldable Razr will also become available.
Huawei's Mate X has gone on sale in China, but could 2020 see it or another Huawei foldable make it to Europe?
A number of smaller firms are also likely to try and break the status quo too - some of which could choose to reveal themselves during the CES trade show in Las Vegas, early in the new year.
Microsoft's Surface Duo and Neo
Not quite fully-fledged foldables, but Microsoft's Surface Duo and Surface Neo will make their debut in 2020, attempting to be a new type of mobile device.
Both gadgets have two screens bound together by a hinge and can fold into a number of positions. Both are due to go on sale at the end of 2020.
The Duo is smartphone-sized, while the Neo is closer to that of a laptop or tablet - however, Microsoft is adamant neither should be considered as part of those categories.
In much the same way the tech giant's Surface helped create the "two-in-one" category of tablet combined with laptop, Microsoft hopes the Duo and Neo can change how people use their devices every day. | 1.666667 |
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. ��� The City of Fort Lauderdale provided a New Year's Day update on the sewage main issues plaguing residents over the past month.
Two crews were seen by Local 10 News crews on Wednesday, working on the latest spills.
According to officials, those crews were doing cleanup and remediation work on the latest damaged pipes, which have been patched up.
A total of six sewage main breaks have happened in Fort Lauderdale since the beginning of December.
Restoration and remediation work is expected to continue this month.
The gushing raw human waste flooded streets and properties, closing roads and contaminating waterways, like the Tarpon River and Himmarshee Canal.
Residents now left wondering about the about the long term effects on their health and the health of the area���s waterways.
Hector Park and Virginia Young Park have been closed due to the spills.
The City of Fort Lauderdale set up several websites so that residents can have access to the most updated information.
For updated information on sewage main repairs, click here.
For the latest traffic advisories and road closures, click here.
For any precautionary waterway advisories, click here. | SCOTT, La. (AP) ��� The improper disposal of fireworks led to a New Year's Day house fire in Scott, officials said.
First responders were called to a home shortly after midnight, Wednesday., KATC-TV reported. Fire and smoke were coming from the home's roof by the time firefighters arrived, they made their way into the attic and quickly extinguished the flames.
All six of the people who were in the home were able to escape safely. Two pets were among the unharmed escapees.
Firefighters said an investigation into the incident revealed that the fire was accidental. Apparently, a resident discarded used fireworks in an outside plastic trash bin that was placed next to the home. The fireworks were still smoldering when discarded and eventually, flames spread to one of the home's exterior walls before creeping into its attic.
The house sustained major damage to its attic and minor damage to a living area. | 1 |
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 26: A young fan reacts after getting the sneakers of Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons after a game against the Washington Wizards on December 26, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
With the season heading in a direction that no one saw coming, when should Detroit Pistons fans accept what this team is?
It���s a rather arbitrary thing to even profess but if the Detroit Pistons are going to continue to lose games, at some point should the fans become content with that? With a franchise that for the last decade has had trouble looking ahead to the future and instead focusing all their time on the present, being forced into a rebuild may not be such a bad thing.
After all, it���s overdue. As it stands, the Pistons are currently sitting on a 12-22 record and have lost eight of their last ten games. With the Lakers and Clippers on the horizon within the next three games, in all likelihood that record is going to continue to drop.
With the way this season has gone Detroit has played a majority of these last few months with a heavily depleted roster. Injuries continue to pile up which has played a major role in the woes. The silver lining to this ��� if one can be found ��� is that it���s forced some of the Pistons younger players into elevated roles. Svi Mykhaililuk is a prime example, someone who was expected to see some time off of the bench, but was not expected to play 24 minutes per game like he has in his last six outings.
Bruce Brown has been bouncing back in forth between shooting guard and his new role as one of Detroit���s point guards. Doing this has opened up an interesting wrinkle in his versatility and play making ability. His defense is ever improving and even his three-point shot is slowly starting to fall with more consistency.
Prior to his injury even Luke Kennard was beginning to look noticeably more confident with the ball in his hands, and one can assume he���s been given the green light to shoot whenever he feels comfortable. His development is more or less on par with fan expectations, but the others may be slightly quicker than anticipated.
So at some point, evaluating the current field of talent in the league versus what product is currently in Detroit ��� is it really the worst thing in the world if this team is forced to take a direction that they aren���t comfortable taking? No, it isn���t. Although this upcoming draft class currently feels slightly underwhelming, it���s undoubtedly front loaded with some interesting prospects at the point guard position ��� something that Detroit would likely utilize with their first round pick.
It���s never going to necessarily be fun watching a team begin to tank, but when it���s inadvertently happening to begin with due to a lack of ability to compete ��� what���s the difference? If nothing else fans can find solace in the fact that they have a chance to secure a top draft pick. The current front office in Detroit has done a commendable job with their drafting in their short tenure.
At the end of the day regardless of how many injuries are currently effecting the Pistons, it feels as if the decision should be clear to mail it in this season and at the very least ��� try to re-tool for next season. Blake Griffin���s window is beginning to close so that doesn���t leave much time to keep messing around.
Detroit needs a fresh start and whether or not they accept it willingly, it may arrive all the same. | Two people were killed and six others were wounded when unknown suspects opened fire on a popular restaurant on 7th Street.
An eyewitness has described his version of events that lead to the shooting of eight people in Melville, Johannesburg, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Two people were killed and six others were wounded when unknown suspects opened fire on a popular restaurant on 7th Street.
Two of the injured are in a critical condition in hospital.
Gauteng police are calling for anyone with further information on the drive-by shooting to come forward.
An eyewitness says a fight ensued before people were shot at randomly.
���It was not the first time that there was shooting randomly with a car that is unknown, unregistered, unmarked. It was just a fight, three coloured guys and one black guy. They fought and dispersed, went to Liquid Blue and the other clubs. The fight happened here. These guys came back here and shot randomly. They shot anyone and anybody that didn���t know a thing,��� describes the eyewitness.
���Negative impact on business���
A business owner in Melville, Johannesburg has expressed shock over the shooting incident. Walter Niemand owns a Bed and Breakfast with his wife, not far from where the shooting took place.
He says he fears that the incident will have a negative impact on their business and it may also affect international tourism.
���We are all affected and it���s not just us as business people but it���s also for Melville, Johannesburg and the country. At the moment, we have guests from Holland, obviously, it won���t make a good impression and they will tell their family and friends in Holland what they had experienced here,��� explains Niemand.
���Residents terrified���
Residents of Melville say crime in their area has gotten out of hand and they are terrified. Some residents describe how they are feeling following the shooting.
���Obviously we are shocked at what goes on around here. Melville is a really vibey area and it���s full of these beautiful and fun restaurants. Why do people want to come with aggression and just grab guns and shoot others? This is what happens in Melville, certain places operate as restaurants and they do not have entertainment licenses but they have loud music and DJs up to 3 in the morning. I never imagined there would be killings and injuries down the road from where I live,��� residents say.
Watch related video below: | 1 |
You���ve finally secured a new job, and now you want to start off on the right foot, making a positive impression on your new boss and colleagues.
You want to be careful not to make any career-ending mistakes, says recruitment specialist, Glassdoor.
So, what should you never do when starting a new job?
Here are 10 things to avoid:
1. Don���t show up late.
You learned this in first grade, when the teacher began keeping track of tardies: Being on time matters. Especially in a new job. In fact, showing up late on the first day (or even in the first few weeks) is guaranteed to make a negative impression.
To ensure you���ll be on time, test drive the route to your new job before you start so you���ll know how long it takes to get there. Factor in extra time if there���s traffic, construction, or other reasons to expect a delay.
2. Don���t dress unprofessionally.
Before starting your job, talk with the hiring manager or human resources professional to make sure you understand what constitutes acceptable attire for your new workplace.
There���s nothing more embarrassing than showing up in a getup that doesn���t fly with your supervisors ��� and making an unprofessional first impression.
3. Don���t blow off orientation.
Many companies require new employees to go through an orientation or training process before starting a new position. While it may be tempting to skip these sessions or treat them lightly, don���t do it.
Even if your training managers won���t be your direct supervisors, they are watching you. Avoid any behavior that could prompt a training manager to report your behavior back to your boss and team members.
4. Don���t expect hand-holding.
No matter where you���re working, there are certain processes, tools, and forms that make up the standard operating procedures of your company.
You may have been introduced to these through a very organized, systematic orientation, or you may feel like you���re expected to absorb them by osmosis.
If you were formally informed, ���consider yourself fortunate,��� writes Heather Huhman, Glassdoor career and workplace expert.
���If not, don���t feel shortchanged or frustrated. Instead, take initiative and master the basics on your own.���
5. Don���t ask co-workers to do your work.
It���s understandable that you may need help or guidance during your first few weeks at a new job, and asking co-workers for assistance or just to answer questions can be perfectly acceptable.
But there���s no quicker way to make enemies than to ask or expect your new co-workers to do your job for you.
Remember, you were hired because managers believed in your ability to get the job done. Ask for help if you need it, but believe in yourself and prove that you can do the work yourself.
6. Don���t take too many personal calls.
The time you spend at work is for, well, work. Your employer isn���t paying you to chat with your girlfriend or even your kids��� babysitter.
If friends or family members are prone to call you during working hours, remind them before you start your new job that you will now be working during certain hours and request that they avoid calling you during those hours.
Make a personal policy of limiting personal phone calls and texts to your lunch break, except for during emergencies.
7. Don���t ask for more money.
Most likely, you and your employer agreed to a certain salary during the hiring process. So don���t change your mind before you even show up at work. If you agreed to the salary offered, be satisfied with that.
Don���t expect more money (and don���t ask for more) until you���ve worked long enough to prove your value to the employer.
8. Don���t try to change things.
Of course you want to make a good impression as soon as you arrive at a new job, and show your new employer they made the right choice in hiring you.
However, be cautious of suggesting new policies or strategies during your first few weeks, as it may not be the best way to demonstrate you are a team player. Plus, it could prompt some of your new co-workers to think twice about you as the right person for the job.
At first, take time to really understand and learn your job, then over time, you can make suggestions and changes as situations arise, and as your input and expertise is called upon.
9. Don���t be dishonest.
In a new job, there will always be a learning curve, and effective supervisors understand that. Inevitably, you���ll be asked to do something or expected to know something that you don���t yet know or know how to do. Rather than saying you can complete the task on your own, be honest. ���Don���t be afraid to say, ���I don���t know,������ Huhman writes.
���Honesty is a huge differentiator. Simply look people in the eye and say unabashedly and with confidence, ���I don���t know. Let me find out and get back to you. Then do it.���
10. Don���t be afraid to ask for help.
You may be so eager to start your new job that you don���t want to stop and ask questions. But by skipping even the most basic questions, you are setting yourself up for failure.
Rather than making a mistake that could cost the company time and money, ask questions about everything you need to know, from what your job responsibilities are to who can help you with Internet or phone problems, to how you get paid and much more.
By following these tips from Glassdoor, you���ll be on your way to keeping your job and impressing your boss and co-workers.
Read: Microsoft conducted a 4-day workweek experiment ��� here���s what happened | New Years-fresh starts, clean slates and new resolutions. Every first of January, people set New Year���s Resolutions in the hopes of improving themselves or their lives; but how best to make them stick?
The following are a few tips to help with keeping what we resolve to do-or not do in the new year, according to experts:
1. Set intentions. An intention is a guiding principle for how you want to be, live, show up in the world and is the starting point to every goal.
2. Ask yourself why the intention or goal you set matters to you-and if it is realistic. Expectations that are too high can cause you to be too overwhelmed to start or maintain your goals.
3. Talk to people about your resolutions. This creates a support system as well as can hold you accountable.
4. Make a list of plans. Big goals can seem daunting, break your plan up into little things you can do each day to help achieve your ultimate goal.
5. Take the first step. Don���t procrastinate. You don���t need to wait until everything is just right. Get started now and make adjustments as you go along.
6. Ditch deprivation. Try not to approach your New Year���s resolutions from a place of deprivation, restriction or punishment.
7. Try not to focus on the end result. When you commit to the process of the goal, rather than the result, it���s easier to make it an enjoyable experience.
8. Take breaks. A goal should not consume your every thought and life, after all, is meant to be lived.
9. Plan for success. Instead of thinking about failing and what could go wrong, think of succeeding; put those positive thoughts out to the world. Worrying about failure is pointless and destructive.
10. Reward yourself. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small; you deserve it! | 2.5 |
New 2020 is almost upon us and it���s going to be a landmark year for gaming. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are coming, some long-awaited titles like The Last of Us Part II and Final Fantasy VII Remake will finally arrive, and cloud gaming and other new ways to play will continue to make inroads. 2020 is going to be a year of transition and upheaval for our hobby, which means it���s a great time for all good little gamers to turn over a new leaf. To make some New Year���s resolutions that will improve your own situation and the gaming scene as a whole.
Of course, sometimes it���s tough to come up with good resolutions, so I���m here to help! Here are a few 2020 gaming resolution suggestions to get your minds percolating���
The Financial Year in Tech 2019: Highs, Lows, and Future Trends
Slim Down Your Backlog in January and February
It���s time to put your pile of shame on a diet. 2020 will eventually see some big releases, with March and April being particularly crazy, but the first two months of the year? Those are unusually barren, so it���s time to finally finish up some of those games that have been lingering for weeks, months, or even years. Personally, I���m finally going to see the end of Red Dead Redemption 2. It, uh, all turns out great, right?
Truly Master at Least One Game
While that aforementioned March-April period will be out of control (get ready for Final Fantasy VII Remake, Cyberpunk 2077, Resident Evil 3, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and more within the span of weeks) but, overall, 2020 is a transition year. Things will probably be a bit slower than usual, particularly if you don���t pick up a PS4 or Xbox Series X (we���ll talk about that later). That means, instead of increasing your pile of shame, 2020 is a great year to really drill down and master something. Really become good at a fighting or action game or 100 percent that new RPG. It���s more satisfying to master one game than half-finish a half dozen, and your bank account will thank you.
Stop Fighting Steam and Epic���s Battles for Them
Thankfully, it already seems to be dying down a bit, but the Steam vs. Epic Games Store Wars were the most pointless thing we devoted our time to in 2019. These massively-profitable companies don���t need you fighting their battles for them. Downloading an extra launcher is not a huge imposition, and we���re finally starting to see some real, consumer-benefitting competition, with both Steam and Epic offering some great promotions this holiday season.
Arise: A Simple Story Review ��� A Good Life, A So-So Video Game
I���d say you should all give up your console and NVIDIA vs. AMD wars as well, but I���m trying to keep these resolutions at least somewhat realistic.
Stay Vigilant About Monetization
2019 was the year the loot box died (or least started writing up its Last Will and Testament) and it was regular players speaking up that forced the change. The big publishers certainly wouldn���t have given them up on their own. That said, do keep an eye out for new monetization schemes, because you know certain publishers are diligently working on their next big money-grubbing innovation.
Don���t Buy a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X at Launch
I won���t be sticking to this resolution myself, but if you don���t strictly need a next-gen console for your job like I do, wait a while to buy PS5 or Xbox Series X. Consoles are overpriced at launch and it takes a while before you know if a machine is going to be successful. Also, in most cases, the first great, truly next-gen games don���t come out until about a year into a console���s lifespan. Both the PS5 and XSX are probably going to be around for a while, so sit back, consider your options, and make an informed decision.
Do Buy a Switch if You Haven���t Already
But maybe you have some cash earmarked for a new console just burning a hole in your pocket? Well, if you haven���t already, go ahead and grab yourself a Switch. Yes, it���s not the most powerful machine on the market, but 2019 was the year Nintendo���s little system definitively proved it was more than just a gimmick. The Switch boasts a fantastic library featuring top-notch Nintendo exclusives, the best indies of the past five years, and a handful of surprisingly-solid triple-A ports. I���m a pretty platform-agnostic kind of guy, but this past year most of my gaming free time was spent on the Switch. You might be surprised to find the same thing happening to you.
Don���t Be Jerks to People Who Make the Games You Love
We���re all passionate about his hobby, but that passion can turn into anger when a game or series does something you don���t like. I totally get that, but that said, do keep in mind that games are made by real people, most of whom are just trying their best to make something that will entertain players, so don���t lash out at them. Most of the decisions you���re upset about were probably made by committee in fancy boardrooms, so reserve your anger for publishers, not the rank and file. Also, do try to support devs when stories of crunch or workplace toxicity come out. Happy devs make better games, so better workplace conditions benefit everyone.
Play More Games With Friends
I���ve always believed gaming is at its best when you���re playing with someone close to you on the same couch, or, failing that, a real friend over the Internet. Unfortunately, it���s all too easy to fall into the habit of just playing randoms online ��� to start thinking of the people you���re playing strictly as adversaries instead of friends. A lot of modern games, particularly battle royale stuff, really encourages that. I can guarantee you���ll feel a little better about the hobby, and have to absorb a lot less abuse from trolls, if you make the time to game with friends and family more often.
Try Something New���
As I���ve said, 2020 is a transition year, so why not branch out with something new? Give a genre you���ve never tried a spin, or give one you gave up on long ago another shot. Give that quirky indie a chance. A lot of 2019���s best games were off the regular beaten path, and the same will probably hold true for 2020.
���But Don���t Be Ashamed to Like What You Like
That said, while trying something new is worthwhile, don���t be afraid to wear your quirky gaming tastes on your sleeve. You don���t have to pretend to be into the next Call of Duty or Madden if you���d rather be playing weird Japanese visual novels. Or dense PC strategy games. Or candy-colored rhythm games. Or Pokemon Go. Or whatever! If you genuinely love CoD, that���s fine too. The gaming scene is more varied than ever, so you do you.
So, there you go, a few suggested New Year���s resolutions for 2020. Of course, nobody���s forcing you to take my advice! What gaming resolutions will you be making in the new year? | SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) ��� Ever notice your gym gets busier in January? Getting active is one of the top New Year���s resolutions that people make.
���It���s interesting to watch how many stick with it and are here in February and March. It���s fun to watch them come and go and try and encourage people to do it,��� a gym member and Wilbraham resident, Sue Rigney said.
That���s because fitness, in many surveys we saw, was the number one resolution for people in the new year.
Unfortunately, many people end up abandoning the resolution only a few weeks in. According to U.S. News and World Report, the failure rate for resolutions is 80 percent.
���Some people set unrealistic expectations unfortunately sometimes. So it���s good to have a good set one,��� Best Fitness front desk employee, Tyler Cote told 22News.
Google Trends shows that searches related to exercise peak around January 1st every year. That���s when gyms also typically see a spike in membership sign-ups.
The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association says 12 percent of new gym memberships happen in January, the most out of any other month.
���I know we���re going to start seeing a lot of new people coming in because you know everyone has their fitness resolutions and once the new year comes everyone���s like let���s get on it. It���s the best time, new year new me,��� Cote continued.
Gym staff recommends starting a small goal that you can track for your New Year���s fitness journey to avoid taking on too much, too fast.
���The first step is to come in the door,��� Cote said. | 1 |
It's only natural that many investors, especially those who are new to the game, prefer to buy shares in 'sexy' stocks with a good story, even if those businesses lose money. But as Warren Buffett has mused, 'If you've been playing poker for half an hour and you still don't know who the patsy is, you're the patsy.' When they buy such story stocks, investors are all too often the patsy.
So if you're like me, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like H.B. Fuller (NYSE:FUL). While that doesn't make the shares worth buying at any price, you can't deny that successful capitalism requires profit, eventually. In comparison, loss making companies act like a sponge for capital - but unlike such a sponge they do not always produce something when squeezed.
View our latest analysis for H.B. Fuller
H.B. Fuller's Earnings Per Share Are Growing.
If you believe that markets are even vaguely efficient, then over the long term you'd expect a company's share price to follow its earnings per share (EPS). That means EPS growth is considered a real positive by most successful long-term investors. H.B. Fuller managed to grow EPS by 7.7% per year, over three years. That might not be particularly high growth, but it does show that per-share earnings are moving steadily in the right direction.
Careful consideration of revenue growth and earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margins can help inform a view on the sustainability of the recent profit growth. It seems H.B. Fuller is pretty stable, since revenue and EBIT margins are pretty flat year on year. That's not bad, but it doesn't point to ongoing future growth, either.
In the chart below, you can see how the company has grown earnings, and revenue, over time. To see the actual numbers, click on the chart.
NYSE:FUL Income Statement, December 31st 2019 More
Of course the knack is to find stocks that have their best days in the future, not in the past. You could base your opinion on past performance, of course, but you may also want to check this interactive graph of professional analyst EPS forecasts for H.B. Fuller.
Are H.B. Fuller Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?
It makes me feel more secure owning shares in a company if insiders also own shares, thusly more closely aligning our interests. So it is good to see that H.B. Fuller insiders have a significant amount of capital invested in the stock. Indeed, they hold US$22m worth of its stock. That shows significant buy-in, and may indicate conviction in the business strategy. Even though that's only about 0.9% of the company, it's enough money to indicate alignment between the leaders of the business and ordinary shareholders.
Should You Add H.B. Fuller To Your Watchlist?
One positive for H.B. Fuller is that it is growing EPS. That's nice to see. Just as polish makes silverware pop, the high level of insider ownership enhances my enthusiasm for this growth. That combination appeals to me, for one. So yes, I do think the stock is worth keeping an eye on. Of course, identifying quality businesses is only half the battle; investors need to know whether the stock is undervalued. So you might want to consider this free discounted cashflow valuation of H.B. Fuller.
Although H.B. Fuller certainly looks good to me, I would like it more if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see insider buying, too, then this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying, could be exactly what you're looking for.
Story continues | Today, we'll introduce the concept of the P/E ratio for those who are learning about investing. We'll look at Hotel Grand Central Limited's (SGX:H18) P/E ratio and reflect on what it tells us about the company's share price. Hotel Grand Central has a price to earnings ratio of 38.26, based on the last twelve months. That corresponds to an earnings yield of approximately 2.6%.
View our latest analysis for Hotel Grand Central
How Do I Calculate A Price To Earnings Ratio?
The formula for price to earnings is:
Price to Earnings Ratio = Price per Share �� Earnings per Share (EPS)
Or for Hotel Grand Central:
P/E of 38.26 = SGD1.30 �� SGD0.03 (Based on the year to September 2019.)
Is A High P/E Ratio Good?
A higher P/E ratio implies that investors pay a higher price for the earning power of the business. All else being equal, it's better to pay a low price -- but as Warren Buffett said, 'It's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price'.
Does Hotel Grand Central Have A Relatively High Or Low P/E For Its Industry?
We can get an indication of market expectations by looking at the P/E ratio. You can see in the image below that the average P/E (26.6) for companies in the hospitality industry is lower than Hotel Grand Central's P/E.
SGX:H18 Price Estimation Relative to Market, January 2nd 2020 More
Hotel Grand Central's P/E tells us that market participants think the company will perform better than its industry peers, going forward. Shareholders are clearly optimistic, but the future is always uncertain. So investors should always consider the P/E ratio alongside other factors, such as whether company directors have been buying shares.
How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios
If earnings fall then in the future the 'E' will be lower. That means unless the share price falls, the P/E will increase in a few years. So while a stock may look cheap based on past earnings, it could be expensive based on future earnings.
Hotel Grand Central shrunk earnings per share by 24% over the last year. And EPS is down 20% a year, over the last 3 years. This might lead to low expectations.
Remember: P/E Ratios Don't Consider The Balance Sheet
One drawback of using a P/E ratio is that it considers market capitalization, but not the balance sheet. Thus, the metric does not reflect cash or debt held by the company. In theory, a company can lower its future P/E ratio by using cash or debt to invest in growth.
Such spending might be good or bad, overall, but the key point here is that you need to look at debt to understand the P/E ratio in context.
Hotel Grand Central's Balance Sheet
Hotel Grand Central has net cash of S$147m. This is fairly high at 16% of its market capitalization. That might mean balance sheet strength is important to the business, but should also help push the P/E a bit higher than it would otherwise be.
The Verdict On Hotel Grand Central's P/E Ratio
Hotel Grand Central has a P/E of 38.3. That's higher than the average in its market, which is 13.5. Falling earnings per share is probably keeping traditional value investors away, but the healthy balance sheet means the company retains potential for future growth. If fails to eventuate, the current high P/E could prove to be temporary, as the share price falls.
Investors have an opportunity when market expectations about a stock are wrong. As value investor Benjamin Graham famously said, 'In the short run, the market is a voting machine but in the long run, it is a weighing machine. Although we don't have analyst forecasts you could get a better understanding of its growth by checking out this more detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow. | 2.333333 |
No Patrick Beverley. No Lou Williams. No Terance Mann.
Yes, Derrick Walton Jr.
The 6-foot point guard from Michigan ��� via the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas and Germany���s Alba Berlin ��� finished 2019 by further ingratiating himself with Clippers��� fandom and his teammates alike.
Walton, 24, chalked up a career-high 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting to buoy the short-handed Clippers on Tuesday in a convincing 105-87 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
���Yessssir boyyy hooping,��� tweeted Beverley, who missed the first of what���s expected to be a few games with a sprained right wrist.
Walton was, indeed, hooping: He curled comfortably around a Montrezl Harrell screen and sank a jumper; he buried a wide-open rainbow 3-pointer from the top of the arc; he buried another in a defender���s face; he recovered after being blocked by Bogdan Bogdanovic by popping up for another two points from the elbow ��� and looked exceedingly comfortable all the while.
���He���s just solid, he knows he can score, he knows he can shoot the ball,��� coach Doc Rivers told reporters in Sacramento who asked about Walton, who once scored 41 points in a G League game for the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
���It���s like the league doesn���t know he can do that so they���re going to keep leaving him open. He���s not going to hesitate.���
Walton isn���t the flinching type. During his televised postgame interview with Fox Sports��� Kristina Pink, he answered a question about what he���s looking forward to in the new year ��� which tips off for the Clippers (24-11) on Thursday against the 12-22 Detroit Pistons (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Prime Ticket) and former Clippers star Blake Griffin, who���s been nursing a sore knee.
���Just being a part of something special,��� Walton told Pink in response to her question. ���We���re preparing for something big. But you try to take it a day at a time������
At that point, veteran forward Moe Harkless interrupted, draping a towel over Walton���s head and giving the guard an affectionate noogie ��� which did not derail Walton���s train of thought: ������ and know we got an end goal and just try to build blocks to make sure, at the end of the day, we���re most prepared for what we���re trying to get accomplished.���
Before Walton was called up from Ontario to join the L.A. Clippers on Dec. 1, Walton was preparing for his current opportunity by stuffing stat sheets in the G League, with 13.4 points, 7.2 assists 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in his five games with Agua Caliente.
Now, in 17 contests with L.A., he���s shooting an 55.6 percent from the field, 47.1 percent from 3-point range and is one of six regular Clippers with a positive ��� plus 1.2 ��� net plus-minus (the net point differential per 100 offensive and defensive possessions).
Just before this season began, Walton offered a hint of what he believed he could contribute.
���I feel like I���m always silently confident,��� he said. ���Everything about this situation is about fitting and opportunities.���
PISTONS AT CLIPPERSWhen: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles
TV: Fox Sports Prime Ticket | SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) ��� Paul George and Kawhi Leonard had far more success passing the ball in the first half than they did shooting it ��� and the Clippers still put up nearly 60 points.
That, as Leonard pointed out afterward, bodes well for a franchise in serious pursuit of its first NBA championship.
George had 21 points with season highs of 11 rebounds and nine assists to shake off a slow start, and short-handed Los Angeles thumped the Sacramento Kings 105-87 on Tuesday.
Leonard scored 14 of his 24 points in the third quarter to help the Clippers to their 14th consecutive win in Sacramento dating to 2013.
���That���s what championship teams are about,��� said Leonard, who led Toronto to the title a year ago before signing with the Clippers in hopes of bringing a banner to Los Angeles.
���Going through playoff runs, the best players aren���t going to play great some nights. It might be somebody off the bench or somebody (else) starting that has a big game that propels us to win.���
Ivica Zubac added eight points and 13 rebounds and Maurice Harkless scored 12 points for the Clippers. Los Angeles also got a big lift from Larry Shamet and Derrick Walton Jr., who combined for 19 points.
That was pivotal on a night when George shot 6 of 25 and Leonard was 8 of 21.
���We just kind of hung in there,��� Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers said. ���We went zone a little bit and changed our look. I just like our defense.���
The Clippers played without Patrick Beverley and sixth man Lou Williams. Beverley is nursing a sprained right wrist he injured during Saturday night���s loss in Utah, while Williams missed the game because of personal reasons.
Richaun Holmes had 22 points and 10 rebounds for Sacramento. The Kings have lost eight straight.
���They pushed us around out there and they had their way,��� Sacramento coach Luke Walton said. ���We have to come together and we���ve got to be mentally stronger, physically stronger and fight our way out of it. That���s the only way to get out of this type of slump that we���re in, and we���ve done it before.���
Three days after a 13-point loss to Utah, Los Angeles took control in the first half despite both George and Leonard struggling offensively. The All-Stars missed 17 of their first 24 shots combined.
Both got going after the break.
Leonard made five of seven shots in the third quarter, and George ��� who missed eight of his first nine shots beyond the arc ��� made a 3 to open the fourth. George added another 3-pointer later that put the Clippers ahead 103-86.
���I had the mindset of just go and attack, be aggressive, be physical,��� George said. ���I got the spots I wanted to. I got to the shots I wanted to. But it���s just that stretch for me right now where the ball���s not going down.���
Even with Leonard and George struggling most of the first half, the Clippers still built a big lead on the slumping Kings late in the second quarter. Shamet���s 3-pointer gave Los Angeles a 57-40 halftime lead.
Leonard got going in the third and the Clippers went on a 9-2 run to extend their lead to 19. Montrezl Harrell tipped in an offensive rebound then made a pair of free throws that made it 85-66.
WIN, THEN LOSE, THEN WIN
The Clippers have alternated wins and losses over the past nine games. George said that���s indicative of a team with new players still trying to adjust. ���We���ve probably got one game under our belt where everybody���s been healthy,��� George said. ���We���re still learning each other. Our winning streak���s going to come, sooner than later I believe.���
TIP-INS
Clippers: Beverley was injured Saturday against Utah. Although X-rays taken on his wrist were negative, Beverley is expected to miss a handful of games.
Kings: De���Aaron Fox had nine points and six assists after sitting out most of two games because of back spasms. ��� Sacramento���s losing streak is its longest since an eight-game stretch two seasons ago.
UP NEXT
Clippers: Return to Los Angeles to play Detroit on Thursday.
Kings: Host Memphis on Thursday. Sacramento has won two straight home games against the Grizzlies but was beaten 119-115 on Dec. 21 in Memphis. | 2 |
Privacy-focussed messaging app Telegram has released a new update for the new year.
The update brought along a number of new features, including:
Theme Editor 2.0
Using the new theme editor in Chat Settings (or Appearance Settings on iOS), you can quickly tweak the style of elements in Telegram chats and add awesome gradients to both your messages and your background. Switch between tabs (Main Color, Background, My Messages) to see how deep this rabbit hole goes:
Once you���re done editing, you can quickly share the result of your work with friends so that they can continue tuning your theme.
Telegram bundled dozens of cool patterns to make it easy to get started and also a large number of predefined color schemes for Telegram���s default themes.
Send When Online
Telegram has also added schedule messages to be sent when your recipient comes online. The option is only available if you are allowed to see your recipient���s online status.
Improved Venue Sharing
Location sharing has been updated to make finding venues easier. You can now tap a place directly on the map to select it, rather than scrolling through a list of all the available venues.
View Search Results as a List
The Search function allows you to easily jump between messages containing a keyword ��� or sent by a particular person, or even from a certain day. Tapping the bottom bar will now switch to list view in case you want to see all the results on one page.
On iOS, you can now also select several messages without leaving Search Mode.
Podcast and Audiobook Support
You���ve always been able to share files of up to 1,5 GB, but podcasts and audiobooks now get special treatment. Telegram apps will remember your last position when resuming playback of audio files longer than 20 minutes.
If you���d like to make podcasts get to the point a little faster, try the new 2x button (which you already know from voice messages) that eliminates voice chipmunking in 96.8% of cases.
On iOS, you can skip forward and back with high-precision scrubbing: just hold on the progress bar and slide your finger down, then left or right.
New On Android
Switch to Night Mode Faster
Telegram has shielded your eyes in dark places with Night Mode since 2017. With the Night Mode Switch at the top of the menu you can tap the moon icon switch in and out of night mode faster.
Maps now also support Night Mode, so you don���t accidentally burn yourself while browsing locations late in the evening.
On iOS, dark maps turn on and off with the system dark mode. Speaking of which, we recently added the option to sync your Telegram theme with system dark mode on iOS 13. The app now also includes Sleek New Animations.
Select Parts of Messages
Following in the footsteps of the iOS app, Android now also lets you select a portion of the message text to copy or share, instead of only the full text.
Multi-sharing from Other Apps
Telegram has made it easier than ever to share content from other apps with your friends. You can now tap and hold to select multiple recipients ��� and even add a comment.
Mark Archive as Read
Clear up those extra unread message counters in your archive by tapping and holding the archive folder and marking them all read.
Other Android Goodies
You can choose video quality in a more intuitive way when sending videos.
Sending contacts now uses a simple, card-style interface that won���t take up your whole screen (unless you pull up to expand it).
When you���re done listening to a voice message with your phone up to your ear, Telegram automatically records a reply ��� but now you can disable that by turning off Raise to Speak in your Chat Settings.
There is an additional 31 other fixes and improvements in the Android app.
New on iOS
Text Size, All the Way
You���ve been able to adjust the size of message text on Telegram from the beginning, but now you can scale the font size throughout the app.
Choose Your Browser
External browsers are now supported for opening links ��� you can select your preferred app in Settings > Data and Storage > Other.
Share Sheet Settings
Your most popular Telegram chats were recently added to the iOS Share Sheet. In case you���d like to control what can (or can���t ) appear there, you can use the new toggles under Settings > Data and Storage > Other > Share Sheet.
Switch Accounts Faster
You can use Telegram with multiple accounts, switching between up to 3 phone numbers without logging out. You can now swiftly switch accounts right from your home screen on iOS 13. Simply hold down on the app icon any time you need to change costumes.
Storage Usage At a Glance
The Storage Usage page has been redesigned to more quickly find the settings you���re looking for. It also shows your device���s storage status, and how much space all those other pesky apps are using compared to Telegram.
Cache-Clearing Shortcuts
Selecting multiple messages in a group or channel gives you the option to clear the chat���s cache.
Check out Settings > Data and Storage > Storage Usage for more options.
Member Lists: The Shorter Scrolls
Long member lists will collapse, so you can get to the ���Leave Group��� button without scrolling.
Alternatively, swiping on a group or channel from the chat list and selecting ���Delete��� is even quicker.
Find the latest download links at Telegram here.
Via Neowin | tech2 News Staff
End to end encrypted messaging app Telegram has announced a whole bunch of new features that will be seen on the app soon.
These features were announced in a blog post last night. Being a security focused app, Telegram will now let developers who make open source apps to independently verify their code on GitHub and ensure that it is the same code that was used to build the app they downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.
The new features coming to Telegram have already started rolling out.
Here are the major features.
New Theme Editor 2.0
via GIPHY
You will need to head to Chat Settings (Android) or Appearance Settings (iOS) to tweak how your Telegram interface looks. From changing the background to changing the chat window gradients, you can tweak the look to your heart's content. You also have predefined colour themes, where you can further tweak some things.
Send When Online
via GIPHY
Telegram already had a feature to schedule your messages when the recipient came online, provided you are allowed by the recipient to see when they are online. Now you can also schedule Stickers along with messages, with or without sound.
View Search Results as a list
via GIPHY
You can use the universal search feature to search for a particular word or phrase in a Telegram chat. But earlier you had to click on the up/down arrow to toggle between search results. The latest update shows you a list of search results thereby reducing the number of clicks required to go to your desired result.
Podcast and Audiobook support
This is a boon for podcast addicts. If you have an audio file or a podcast longer than 20 mins, Telegram will be able to remember your last played position. There's also a 2x speed dial for podcasts.
Android updates
Switch to Night Mode quicker
via GIPHY
Telegram on Android has supported Night Mode since 2017, but activating that involved a lot of steps. Now with just a single tap, you can switch between regular and night mode. This applies to the Maps as well.
New ripple animations
via GIPHY
Select part of a message
via GIPHY
This feature has been there on iOS. Now the Android app will also let you select part of the message instead of the full text.
Multi-sharing from other apps
via GIPHY
Telegram on Android will now let you share stuff with your friends from multiple apps. You can send a photo from Instagram or a tweet from Twitter to multiple friends and will even get an option to add a comment accompanying it.
iOS updates
Choose your browser
External browser support has now been added for opening links. Head to Settings > Data and Storage > Other to select between in-app Safari, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera Touch among others.
Share sheet settings
You can control what does or doesn't appear in your iOS Share Sheet (which generally adds your most popular Telegram chats). Head over to Settings >Data and Storage > Other > Share Sheet and toggle according to your preference.
Switch Accounts faster
Just long hold on the Telegram icon and it will show you the other Telegram accounts. You can switch between up to three phone numbers without logging out.
Storage usage at a glance
You can get a quick look at how Telegram is using your phone's storage now. You can see the Telegram Cache, Other apps and Free storage. There is a button to clear Telegram Cache with a single click as well. Head over to Settings > Data and Storage > Storage Usage for more options.
Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Get technology news, gadgets reviews & ratings. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison. | 4 |
Payton places
North Marion freshman finished fifth nationally in the Junior World Finals pole bending competitions held in Las Vegas
North Marion High School freshman Payton Johnson notched her name at a national level, placing fifth in the 17-and-under pole bending category at the Junior World Finals held in Las Vegas Dec. 9-14.
Johnson's three successive rides clocked 21.628, 21.522 and 20.475 for a 63.971 final. The first two qualified Johnson for the finale.
"The first two rounds are where everybody gets to go," Johnson said of the field of roughly 40 riders. "Then the top 10 in the average get to go in the short round."
Johnson stood at No. 6 going into the short round before improving with her final ride.
Cassidy Evans of Yuma, Colo., took the top spot at 60.383 (20.655, 19.775 and 19.953).
Johnson, who lives in the Broadacres area, said she was happy with her performance in Las Vegas, and she looks forward to more competitions in the future.
"I think for my first time, it was pretty good," she said
But perhaps the most enjoyable part of the adventure was meeting people from all over the country.
"I got to meet a lot of different people from all kinds of places," Johnson said. "There were some super-nice people from Mississippi, and pretty cool people from Texas. I met people from Pennsylvania and California. That was a lot of fun."
Johnson, who turns 15 this month, is a member of the Oregon High School Rodeo where she competes as an all-around cowgirl in barrel racing, pole bending, team roping, breakaway roping and goat tying. She qualified for the Junior World Finals earlier in the year at a national rodeo held in Red Bluff, Calif.
Junior World Finals
Pole Bending 17 and under results
1. Cassidy Evans, Yuma, Colorado, 60.383; 2. Mollie Compton, Cleveland, Oklahoma, 60.834; 3. Cashen Turner, Edmond, Oklahoma, 61.834; 4. Brianna Sharp, Brentwood, Calif., 63.020; 5. Payton Johnson, Aurora, Ore., 63.971; 6. Jill Hines, Snohomish, Wash., 64.063; 7. Mesa Allen, Thermopolis, Wyo., 65.560; 8. Madison Comozzi, Petaluma, Calif., 65.794; 9. Emma Hulse, Snohomish, Wash., 69.103; 10. Saige Smith, Touchet, Wash., 75.186.
You count on us to stay informed and we depend on you to fund our efforts. Quality local journalism takes time and money. Please support us to protect the future of community journalism. | How these brands think they look:
How they actually look:
This is why you don���t want a bunch of old men calling ALL the shots.
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More funny pics: | 1 |
Michonne is back for the second half of season 10 (Picture: AMC)
The Walking Dead fans were left scratching their heads over whether they had seen Dania Gurira���s character Michonne bow out from the show for good, or whether her sword-wielding character could resurface in season 10.
But now all has been revealed because TV bosses have teased Michonne���s return in the second half of season 10 as she and Virgil (Kevin Carroll) search for weapons on an island naval base.
With these weapons, the survivors will be able to end their war against the Whisperers and their walker herd, although we still are none the wiser about how many more episodes Gurira will appear before her planned departure.
Speaking about her exit, Gurira began: ���It was overwhelming.
���I mean, I haven���t talked about it yet because we haven���t really said I was done yet, so it was kinda just talking about it for the first time now but it was really overwhelming the love. They got me because I thought I was going home,��� she told ComicBook.com.
But when will she leave? (Picture: AMC)
Kevin has hinted at a juicy storyline (Picture: Gene Page/AMC)
Speaking to TV Insider, Kevin hinted that Virgil might not be all he seems, leading to an exciting storyline.
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He explained: ���I just want to tell [fans] that in this world of The Walking Dead, anything is possible.
���At this point, I���m just excited for Virgil to get on the map, and start to mix it up in this world.
���I am anxiously hoping that the fans can appreciate what this journey is about to be.
���For people who love Michonne, this will be a rewarding piece of the journey for her. I think they���re going to have a good time with the twists and turns of this story.���
The actor also teased that ���every facet of humanity is up for grabs because of everybody���s need to survive.��� So there���s a chance we could see Virgil turn���
But Kevin was keeping schtum on that, adding: ���I���m going to leave it at that, and tell them to have a great time figuring it out.���
The Walking Dead season 10 will return to AMC on 23 February.
Got a showbiz story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Rick Grimes might lose his hand in solo The Walking Dead movie trilogy in nod to scrapped comic storyline
MORE: The Walking Dead manages to get even bleaker with original cast photo ahead of season 10B | Kevin didn���t specify which character it would be (Picture: Marvel Comics)
Marvel boss Kevin Feige confirmed that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is getting their first transgender character.
After pleas for Marvel to include more LGBTQ+ characters in their franchise, Kevin appears to have delivered in The Eternals.
When asked at the New York Film Academy whether there were any plans to introduce more diverse characters, specifically transgender characters, the 46-year-old producer said: ���Yes, absolutely yes.
���Very soon, in a movie, we���re shooting right now, yes.���
Kevin never specified which movie the character will appear in, but The Eternals is currently the only project in the middle of filming.
The Eternals stars Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, and Salma Hayek.
According to Kevin, The Eternals will also be getting a gay character, who is ���married, he���s got a family, and that is just part of who he is.���
Kevin revealed The Eternals also has a gay character (Picture: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
On 7 December, a few lucky fans were treated to a first look at The Eternals, giving a glimpse at Angelina and Salma���s characters.
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Kevin hosted a panel at Comic-con in Sao Paolo where he unveiled a fresh look at Scarlett Johansson���s Black Widow after the official trailer dropped last week.
But it was The Eternals preview which had everyone talking as it���s been kept tightly under wraps since news of the movie broke earlier this year.
And while the first look footage still isn���t available for the wider public, a group of lucky Comic-Con attendees were able to watch a short clip.
According to Deadline, the video showed a blonde Angelina ���kicking some major a*s��� during a huge fight scene and, frankly, we wouldn���t expect anything less.
The rest of the heroes are then shown in different parts of the world before the footage closes with Salma���s character Ajak stating: ���This world has changed us. We must protect it.���
Got a showbiz story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Who is in the cast of Marvel���s The Eternals with Angelina Jolie and when is the release date?
MORE: Marvel���s The Eternals��� Richard Madden and Angelina Jolie evacuated after unexploded bomb found on set | 1 |
Slim down. Drop a few pounds. Make my scale happy. Reverse my clothes shrinkage.
However it's worded, weight loss is one of the most common New Year���s Resolutions. Not surprisingly, a lot of these resolutions fail: Unrealistic goals and trendy weight programs lead to frustration and burnout with a return to original behaviors (and the same resolution the next year). Instead, the focus when trying to lose weight should be creating permanent healthy habits through realistic weight loss goals fueled by minor tweaks to everyday routines. Not only is this strategy easier to stick to but it also adds up over time and helps prevent setbacks from derailing your end goal.
What is a reasonable goal and how do you set one? Simplified, weight loss occurs when you burn more energy (calories) through activity and normal body functions than you consume through eating. A healthy weight loss goal is between 0.5 to 2 pounds per week ��� this amounts to a calorie deficit of 1750 to 7000 calories per week or 250 to 1000 calories per day. This deficit can be achieved by either eating less (reduction of calories in), becoming more active (increase in calories out), or a combination of the two. To set a goal, first determine what you want the end result to be (lose 10 pounds), how you want to get there (diet and/or exercise), and what your weekly goal is based on how likely you are to stick to a new plan (be honest, if cutting 1000 calories per day is impossible for you, start smaller and work your way up).
To enact your new weight loss plan, focus on small changes to your daily habits to reach your daily goals. Try not to focus on your weight as it may fluctuate by 5 pounds per day based on what and when you eat and drink, if and when you exercised, and your stress levels and sleep quality. If you choose a daily weight check, do it at the same time every day, such as first thing in the morning. Adding an activity to your routine would help you quickly reach your daily deficit.
Work out or play a sport for 20 minutes.
Walk briskly or jog for 20-40 minutes.
Do some yardwork or chores for 40-60 minutes.
To burn 250 calories (these are estimates):
Or decrease your caloric intake by 250 calories by making some easy food choices:
Keep your caffeine fix by swapping a large frappe with a small cappuccino
Replace a large order of fries with a small order
Substitute an apple or baby carrots for a protein bar.
So what tools can you use to help keep you on track with your weight loss plan? Health and fitness apps and other wearables can be very helpful as they can track activities and calculate energy burned; other apps log your food intake and calculate the calories you have eaten. HealthMetric is an all-in-one health and fitness app that personalizes your weight loss journey. With HealthMetric���s weight loss program, you set your goal and select a strategy to meet your goal: diet, exercise, or a combination. The app provides daily feedback on your progress, shows how others with similar goals are doing, and predicts how you'll do tomorrow to keep you motivated. In addition, you can use voice commands to search and record food, drinks, and exercises from our large, curated nutritional and activity databases.
With HealthMetric, you control how to become: Healthier. Strong. Better. You. | Dear Dr. Roach ��� I���m a 75-year-old male who can���t remember whether or not he���s had chickenpox as a child. This is somewhat important, as I���m c��� | 1.666667 |
KOTA KINABALU - The chief of Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) who enjoys close ties with Umno leaders has said that Islam doesn't have the swearing of an oath as carried out by ex-premier Najib Razak recently, to deny his involvement in the murder of a Mongolian woman.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang was quoted on Wednesday (Jan 1) by Free Malaysia Today (FMT) news site as saying there is only the "li'an" oath in Islam, which is sworn by a husband and his wife in cases of suspected adultery where legal proof is unavailable.
Datuk Seri Hadi was answering a question by a member of an audience who wanted to know about Najib's oath, at a talk in the Sabah capital on Tuesday (Dec 31), FMT said.
According to Mr Hadi, an influential ustaz (Islamic cleric) in his party, there are no other legal oaths in Islam, though there are no restrictions against anyone wanting to take whatever oath, FMT reported.
"But if the accused does not have any witnesses, it's best to keep quiet," he was quoted as saying.
Najib on Dec 20 swore an oath in a mosque in Kuala Lumpur to deny an accusation that he gave the order to kill Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu.
The accusation was made by former police commando Azilah Hadri, who was convicted in 2009 of the murder, in a recent statutory declaration (SD).
Altantuya, 28, was shot and her body blown up with explosives in a gruesome murder in 2006.
Najib carried out the controversial oath inside Masjid Jamek in Kampung Baru after Friday prayers.
Mr Hadi - whose decision to get close to Najib, when the latter was Umno president, paved the way for close Umno-PAS ties today - warned against being too eager to take such oaths as it may incur Allah's displeasure, FMT said.
The solemn oath, called sumpah laknat in Malay, is rarely uttered by Muslims as it calls for divine retribution on the party who is lying.
Related Story Malaysia may reopen Mongolia murder case as Najib Razak vows innocence
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This was the second time that Najib has sworn using the sumpah laknat in dealing with the murder of Altantuya.
Najib swore a similar oath in 2008 at the height of the controversy over Ms Altantuya's murder, in a mosque in Penang.
When Najib made the second oath on Dec 20, retired military general Mohamed Arshad Raji was quoted as saying Najib should stop "making a mockery of the Islamic religious oath".
Mr Arshad, chief of the National Patriot Association said, as quoted by Malaysiakini: "An allegation of murder is a very serious matter. It is not a trivial matter such as a chicken or a goat has gone missing in a kampung where the matter can be settled with a sumpah (oath)". | KUALA LUMPUR - Some 300 Muslim students gathered on Wednesday (Jan 1) to protest against Chinese educationist group Dong Zong for opposing a Malaysian government's plan to introduce Jawi writing in Chinese and Tamil schools.
The peaceful gathering, organised by the Malaysian Muslim Students Coalition (Gamis), was held despite a warning by the police on Tuesday (Dec 31) that the organiser failed to obtained a permit from Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the police for the march.
Police did not interfere with the protest held outside a popular mall in downtown Kuala Lumur. The college students held up placards and banners while listening to speeches by several speakers.
One large banner in Jawi, complete with a clenched fist painted in red, read, 'People, rise to defend Jawi'. A placard read: 'Undergraduates rise to defend Jawi'.
Earlier, some 150 students had assembled at the historic Masjid Jamek Kuala Lumpur mosque and were planning to march to the mall nearby. But they were advised against doing so by Gamis president Saifullah Baiduri, MalayMail online news reported, because holding a march without a proper permit is forbidden by a local law.
Ethnic tensions rose last week after Chinese education groups - the United Chinese Schools Teachers' Association (Jiao Zong) and the United Chinese School Committees' Association (Dong Zong) - planned to hold a protest congress against Jawi's introduction.
There are more than 1,200 Chinese and 523 Tamil primary schools in Malaysia that use either Mandarin or Tamil as the medium of instruction.
In August, the ministry surprised most people by saying it would include Jawi writing in the Year 4 (Primary 4) syllabus of Bahasa Melayu in the vernacular schools, raising concerns over creeping Islamisation.
These vernacular schools are run independently of national schools, and where the students, mainly Malays, are taught Jawi writing as part of Islamic studies.
Related Story Put teaching of Jawi in Chinese and Tamil schools on hold, urges National Jawi Congress
Related Story Tensions rise again over Jawi writing in Malaysia
The police obtained a court order to stop the congress planned by the Chinese education groups, but allowed a National Jawi Congress to proceed on Sunday.
The organisers of Sunday's congress that included prominent political activists urged the government to put on hold the teaching of a Jawi calligraphy module in the vernacular schools. | 2.5 |
The SKILLZ COVID-19 RESPONSE curriculum was developed in March 2020 to help address the COVID-19 pandemic. Grassroot Soccer (grassrootsoccer.org) and its team of curriculum advisors rapidly designed this sport-based tool as a way for coaches, educators, and parents to easily facilitate fun, simple, and effective sessions with young people (ages 9+).
The curriculum aims to increase comprehensive knowledge on COVID-19, promote healthy behaviors such as proper handwashing, provide skills for mental wellbeing during stressful times, and dispel common myths about the disease. Use this SKILLZ COVID-19 RESPONSE curriculum to connect with young people either in schools or the classroom (if deemed safe by local health authorities) or remotely through video-conferencing and WhatsApp (where available). .
Parents and caregivers can also use this tool to provide COVID-19 education to children at home.
Grassroot Soccer (GRS) is an adolescent health organization that leverages the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and mobilize at-risk youth in developing countries to overcome their greatest health challenges, live healthier, more productive lives, and be agents for change in their communities. Since 2002, GRS has reached over 2 million young people in 50 countries with life-saving HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services.
Other related documents are: | Laughing at Wall Street: How I Beat the Pros at Investing (by Reading Tabloids, Shopping at the Mall, and Connecting on Facebook) and How You Can, Too Chris Camillo
(4.5/5)
Free | 1 |
The New Right Party is on the lookout for some new candidates to add to its electoral list for the upcoming elections who will boost its popularity, including some former members of the Zehut Party. New Right will possibly add one or two new candidates to its recent electoral lists, and may make some appointments based on the ability of such candidates to boost the party���s electoral appeal in specific sectors of the population.To that end, party coleader and Defense Minister Naftali Bennett met in recent days with figures in the newly established New Liberal Party, including Libby Molad and Refael Minnes, who were both candidates in the Zehut Party���s run for Knesset in the April elections.Zehut took 2.74% of the vote in that election, not enough to cross the 3.25% electoral threshold but enough to garner 118,000 votes, worth some three Knesset seats.Many of those ballot slips were likely cast by politically right-wing, economically liberal voters who could see New Right as a reasonable alternative to Zehut in the upcoming election, given the party���s right-wing approach to diplomatic and security affairs and its economic, free market liberalism.Sources in New Right confirmed that there have been contacts between Bennett and the former Zehut figures, but said that any agreement would see the addition of only one individual in an obtainable spot on the party list, and that any notion that New Right would merge with another party is not realistic.The source added that no decision on new candidates for its electoral list is imminent, and that New Right is looking at potential new candidates from a spectrum of population sectors and smaller parties.Such candidates could come from the Anglophone, French or Ethiopian communities, or from the community of immigrants from the former Soviet Union.Additionally, the order of candidates on the New Right electoral list could be altered from its previous iterations, with the possibility that some candidates will be moved up or down.Molad said in response to the initial report about the contacts with New Right that the New Liberal Party is looking at ���different connections with parties whose values overlap with the liberal values we bring with us,��� adding that New Right is ���certainly a worthwhile option,��� but that ���when we reach this river we will cross it.��� | Living An Orange Dream
Our CHEF for MIXMASTER CHALLENGE #36 is Temari 09.
CHEF Temari challenges us to express the secret life of flowers...
��� Your image must include one and only one flower though that same flower may be repeated up to 12 times.
��� You must use a basically two-toned background with colors derived from your flower.
��� Include at least one sphere or bubble.
��� The image must have from two (min) to five (max) fairies and/or butterflies and/or bees.
��� NO BIRDS.
The flower(s) and spheres are my photography. Butterflies are from Photoshop.
Thanks everyone for your views, awards, comments, invites and faves.
Done | 1 |
(Image by jinxmcc at flickr.com/people/64443083@N00/) Details DMCA
By the Solstice bonfire
I pulled him aside and told him about the colors
The colors of spontaneous remission
He the adjuster of bones listened
While the fire fed on the darkness
Of our annual lost-and-foundness
Our circle much enlarged
All of us were there for one thing
And one thing only
Gazing into the fire
So long as I am you are we
Are just like children here
I'll tell you how it all got started
(Have you noticed how that old tree
Poised in the fire-glow seems to want
To be photographed and shared)
The reach of the fire is astounding
The flames come apart
Like a wing separating from the body of a bird
As if flight were more important than life
And as I told you my story
Our faces were refreshed by the fire
You, joint-healer, bone-mender, husband and father
Me the old poet dream-worker, husband, father, son of my father
Me out of work can you believe it But no matter
We both know something that the other craved
For surely just as the fire reaches up
A vortex spirals down
And out of this elision of realities comes remission
The story starts when the old raven came to me
When I was still partly raven myself
Just when I was about to climb down into the human world
It was then he fixed his gaze upon me
And then I got sick and forgot what he told me
And later there were the colors and I found myself
Holding a baby and weeping and I was well
And I was human as ravens do not weep
And my bones were no longer hollow
And such a wonder has never happened since
But here we are and this too may never repeat | (Image by Isengardt at flickr.com/people/49840171@N08/) Details DMCA
On day seven
Creator grew restless
And sadly contemplated
All He had made that must be undone
And then He began to pack up thing within thing
Time He reversed
So for a millisecond the whale
Walked again
And the primal mud
Was once again Creator's pride and joy
On day six the rivers He stopped from flowing
The tides He stilled
The sea surge He quieted with a look
The wind He stopped it from blowing
The storm He calmed
The funnel He summoned it back
Into the purple cloud
On day five He paused to watch the horses
Running across the plain
He laid His palm across their wildness
And they collapsed and slept
The herd a heap
And He saw that it wasn't good
On day four
The colors of the world He muted
The stars He blew out of the sky
The sun He extinguished
The mountains flattened
The sea He drank
And all the waters of creation
He sucked them dry fountain and spring
The fires of the middle earth
He snuffed just like a candle
Day three
All the creatures He had named
He orphaned them
He took their names back
So all of life was nameless
The sea and sky He joined back together
So the fish and birds of the sky
Looked at each other in a long moment
Of awkward recognition
And two by two all living things
Feathered, scaled, naked and creeping
Paraded from His memory
Like fleeting images from a magic lantern
Day two
Energy He withdrew from matter
So that wood and bone and metal and flesh
Were all the same in His eye
And spirit He removed from energy
And He saw that it was not good
On day one
He stopped
Because all His work was undone
He allowed His sadness to spread into a great silence
And into this silence
Into this sadness He stole Himself away
And was no more
(Article changed on January 1, 2020 at 21:51) | 1 |
Leftover Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) are explosive weapons (bombs, bullets, shells, grenades, land mines, naval mines, etc.) that did not explode when they were employed and still pose a risk of detonation, potentially many decades after they were used or discarded. The majority of UXO in Lao are cluster bombs.
A cluster bomb is a small explosive submunition or bomblet that is delivered to its target in a large canister or shell.
Cluster bombs are indiscriminate. They cannot distinguish between civilian and military targets. Their wide-area coverage and poor targeting mechanisms nearly guarantee that unintended victims will die or be injured, even when the weapons function as designed.
Cluster munitions continue to kill long after a war ends because these weapons often fail to explode on impact as designed. (Source: Mennonite Central Committee)
To see how a cluster bomb works and how it is detected and detonated, view the Multimedia Interactive Center (MIC). | By Jonah DeChants
Ben Carson, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, made news earlier this year for his statements about transgender people.
In a September meeting with HUD staff, Carson remarked that he was concerned about "big, hairy men" trying to use women's shelters. It is reported that his comments upset the HUD staff in attendance, causing one women to leave the room in protest.
Carson later doubled down on his comments in a congressional hearing, declining to apologize and saying "I think this whole concept of political correctness ��� you can say this, you can't say that, you can't repeat what someone said ��� is total foolishness."
While his comments demonstrate a lack of understanding of the needs of transgender people, his agency's moves to remove protections represent a real threat for transgender Americans who need shelter.
As my research shows, transgender people experience high rates of discrimination in housing and shelter services, exacerbating their already elevated rates of homelessness.
Disproportionate Risk of Homelessness
According to the 2017 U.S. Trans Survey, a survey of more than 27,000 transgender people across the U.S. conducted by the nonprofit National Center for Transgender Equality, 30% have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives. Twelve percent report at least one episode of homelessness in the last year.
Once they become homeless, transgender people are also likely to experience discrimination and harassment when seeking shelter services. A study by the Center for American Progress found that 21% of shelters refuse to serve transgender women.
While in a shelter, 70% of U.S. Trans Survey respondents reported harassment, sexual or physical assault due to their transgender identity.
This discrimination makes transgender people hesitant to seek shelter ��� more than a quarter of respondents reported avoiding staying in shelter due to fear or mistreatment.
Best Practices
There is a small but growing body of literature on the experiences and needs of transgender people living in homeless shelters.
Organizations that work on LGBTQ housing access, such as the National Center for Transgender Equality and True Colors United, recommend that shelters respect clients��� self-identified gender as best practice for housing transgender clients.
In practice, this can include housing clients in the dorm of their self-identified gender; offering private living and bathing spaces; training shelter staff about transgender identities; and adopting inclusive language in administrative paperwork, such as intake forms.
Recognizing both the high levels of need and the unique challenges faced by transgender people experiencing homelessness, the National Coalition for the Homeless adopted a nondiscrimination policy in 2003, which protects people on the basis of gender identity and expression.
In 2016, HUD implemented new regulations to protect transgender people from discrimination in housing services. The Gender Identity Rule clarified policies for single-gender shelter facilities with shared sleeping or living spaces.
It required all HUD funding recipients to respect the gender identity of transgender clients, housing them in facilities that align with their gender identity rather than their birth sex. It also removed a previous prohibition against asking about clients' gender identity, allowing providers to ask about gender identity and house clients accordingly.
The rule included extensive guidance of how to safely house transgender clients, including information about bathroom facilities and how to deal with concerns or harassment from other clients.
Weakened Regulations
While the Gender Identity Rule provided important protections, I also see significant weaknesses.
The nondiscrimination protections apply only to organizations which receive federal funding. Some shelters are run and funded by private, and often religious, organizations, and therefore do not have to follow this rule.
Enforcement mechanisms are also weak. Individuals who have experienced discrimination may submit a complaint to HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. However, people experiencing homelessness may not be aware of their rights or have the capacity to submit a complaint while struggling to meet their basic needs.
What's more, the protections that this rule offers may soon be undone.
In May, HUD proposed a new rule that would give housing providers who get federal funding the right to establish their own policies regarding how to house transgender clients. The proposed rule states that organizations may use a client's sex to make decisions about where and how to house them, without providing any guidance about how to determine an individual's sex.
The proposed rule is now working its way through the regulatory process, with advocacy groups meeting with HUD to discuss its potential impact. It is also supposed to go through a period of public comment.
HUD has also scaled back enforcement of the Fair Housing Act, which protects against discrimination in housing based on race, religion, sex, ability, and other protected classes, by freezing investigations into discriminatory practices. This freeze includes investigations into discrimination against parolees and former inmates, people with disabilities and racial or ethnic minorities.
The administration's decision to halt these investigations implies that they do not consider nondiscrimination protections to be a priority. That can further endanger transgender people experiencing discrimination in shelters and housing services.
This article was written by Jonah DeChants, postdoctoral fellow at Colorado State University for The Conversation. It was originally published on Dec. 16 and has been republished with permission. | 2.5 |
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