#Veterans Institute Summit

[samsdisneydiary]

Disney Supports Military Veterans with $1 Million Donation

As Disney celebrates its 100th anniversary, we are also proudly celebrating 100 years of support for our nation’s veterans and military service members. We honor our military and veterans every day, and today we reinforced that commitment with several exciting announcements. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, with Jared Lyon, president and CEO of Student Veterans of…

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in May 2024

01/05 On behalf of The King, held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace. 🎖️

As President of the City and Guilds of London Institute, attended The Princess Royal Training Awards Alumni Skills Summit at Guildhall. 🏆

With Sir Tim As Patron of the Whitley Fund for Nature, attended the Annual Whitley Awards Ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society. 🦋

02/05 With Sir Tim Named a Great Western Railway Intercity Express Train ‘HRH The Princess Royal’ at Paddington Railway Station. 🚉

Unofficial With Sir Tim Attended day two of the Royal Windsor Horse Show. 🐎

03/05 With Sir Tim Departed the UK from Stansted Airport for Canada and arrived at Vancouver International Airport

HRH, as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy (Pacific Fleet), with Sir Tim, carried out engagements in Vancouver;

Attended the Commissioning Ceremony for HMCS MAX BERNAYS at North Vancouver Burrard Drydock, before attending a Reception onboard. ⛴️ 🇨🇦

Attended a Dinner onboard HMCS MAX BERNAYS at sea. 🍽️

04/05 HRH, as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy (Pacific Fleet), with Sir Tim, carried out engagements in Victoria;

Toured HMCS Max Bernays at sea. 🌊

Visited Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre at the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. 👪🪖

As President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visited God’s Acre Cemetery and laid a wreath at the Memorial. 🌹

Visited the Maritime Museum of British Columbia Archive. 📜⚓️

Her Royal Highness afterwards visited Fed Urban Agriculture Society Urban Farm, 395 Harbour Road. 🌾

Attended a Reception given by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia (the Hon Janet Austin) at Government House. 🥂

Attended a Dinner given by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia at Government House. 🍽️

05/05 HRH, as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy (Pacific Fleet), with Sir Tim, carried out engagements in Victoria;

Visited Government House Gardens. 🪴⛲️

Attended the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Parade at the Parliament Building and laid a wreath at the Cenotaph before taking the salute at the march past of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans, Serving Personnel and Cadets. 🫡

Attended a Royal Victoria Yacht Club Youth Dinghy Regatta. 🛥️

As Patron of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, visited Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association. 🐎

Departed Vancouver International Airport for the United Kingdom. 🇨🇦✈️🇬🇧

06/05 Arrived at Heathrow Airport from Canada 🇨🇦✈️🇬🇧

08/05 Hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace alongside The King and Queen, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. 🍃☀️🪴

As Patron of the Woolf Institute, attended a Reception, followed by a Dinner, to launch the Randeree End of Life Programme. 🥂🍽️

09/05 As Patron of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, visited the Headquarters at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth. ⚓️

As Patron of the Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust, attended the Annual Presentation and Reception at the National Museum of the Royal Navy. 🏛️

As Patron of the Association of Wrens, opened the new Headquarters Building at Lanyard House, HM Naval Base. 🫡

With Sir Tim As Patron of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, visited the HMS Victory Conservation Project at HM Naval Base ⚓️

With Sir Tim As Patron of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, attended the HMS Victory Conservation Project Dinner onboard HMS Victory at HM Naval Base. ⚓️🍽️

10/05 As Patron of Catch22, visited Greater Manchester Victims’ Services at Greater Manchester Police Headquarters. 👮

Visited the East Manchester Community Boat Project at Portland Basin Museum Marina in Ashton-Under-Lyne to mark its 30th Anniversary. 🛥️🎂

11/05 unofficial With Sir Tim Went to Badminton Horse Trials to cheer on Zara Tindall in her Cross Country stage of the three day event. 🏇🏼

13/05 Visited Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool to mark its 90th Anniversary. 🏊‍♀️🍾🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

As Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps and Marine Society and Sea Cadets, opened Stonehaven and District New Headquarters. ⚓️🫡 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

14/05 With Sir Tim As Patron of the United Kingdom Sailing Academy held a Founders’ Club Luncheon at St James’s Palace. ⛵️

As Chancellor of the University of London, attended the King’s Centre for Military Health Research Conference. 👩‍⚕️

With Sir Tim As Patron of the Wellington Trust, attended a Dinner onboard HMS WELLINGTON (mto mark the Ship’s Ninetieth Anniversary. ⚓️🥂

15/05 As Court Member of the Fishmongers’ Company, visited Glenarm Organic Salmon Fish Farm, off Glenarm Harbour in Ballymena. 🍣🚤

As Court Member of the Fishmongers’ Company, attended a Luncheon at Glenarm Castle. 🐟🍽️🏰

16/05 As Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, visited Bembridge Station, followed by a Reception at Brading Haven Yacht Club in Ryde, Isle of Wight. 🔍🌊

As President, Royal Yachting Association, opened the Sea View Yacht Club's Training Centre in Seaview, Isle of Wight. 🛥️

17/05 With Sir Tim Hosted the annual Not Forgotten Association garden party at Buckingham Palace. 🫖🍰☀️

20/05 unofficial Departed from RAF Brize Norton for Norway and landed at Oslo Gardermoen Airport. 🇬🇧✈️🇳🇴

21/05 As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, visited the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum in Vemork, Norway. 🔨⚙️🇳🇴

As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, received a briefing on the sinking of DF Hydro at Mael Station in Telemark, Norway. 🏭🇳🇴

Attended a Reception given by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway at the Residence in Oslo. 🥂🇳🇴🇬🇧

22/05 As President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visited Vestre Gravlund Cemetery and laid a wreath on the memorial. 🪦

As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, visited the Linge Club and attended a Reception at Akershus Fortress, Oslo. 🇳🇴🇬🇧

As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, visited the Norwegian Shipowners’ Mutual War Risks Insurance Association. 🪖🇳🇴

As Patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, with The Crown Prince of Norway, visited the Norwegian Resistance Museum, Akershus Fortress. 🏰 🇳🇴

unofficial Departed from Oslo Gardermoen Airport and landed at RAF Brize Norton . 🇬🇧✈️🇳🇴

23/05 As Patron of the Hornet Services Sailing Club, visited the club for their 60th anniversary. ⛵️🎂

Opened the Army Sailing Association Offshore Centre in Gosport. ⛵️

With Sir Tim & Duke of Kent Held a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's 200th anniversary. 🛟☕️

With Sir Tim Visited the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. 🌸🌺🌼💐

24/05 Opened the Admiral Lord Cochrane Room at the Royal United Services Institute in Whitehall, London. 🔐

Sometime in May unofficial Sir Tim, as Chair of Trustees, attended the Science Museum Groups annual dinner

Total official engagements for Anne in May: 53

2024 total so far: 224

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in May: 23

2024 total so far: 55

FYI - due to certain royal family members being off ill/in recovery I won't be posting everyone's engagement counts out of respect, I am continuing to count them and release the totals at the end of the year.

[changingplumbob]

Boy oh boy this has been a long one! Sorry it's taken so long. Rotation 9 began all the way back on March 20th which means it's taken me around six and a half months to get through everyone. During this time I have also been plagued by a bad IBS flare up that leaves me fatigued so my guess is that's why things took much longer than normal.

While all households collectively aged a year and three quarters when you put it all together we've lived through 17 and a half years of sim time for a total of 70 sim days. Thank you for joining me on the journey! I'm going to be taking the rest of the month of October off from long form writing while I build SBL back up and engage in Simblreen antics. Rotations and Growing with Glenn will start back up in November.

Now, on to the noteworthy stuff! Main points followed by chapter summaries below the cut. Time to celebrate my sims achievements!

Five Sims Promoted - One max career!

Nine Skills Maxed

Eight New Builds

Seven Birthdays

One Wedding

Four Household Adoptions

York Household, Chapter 9

Calista and Aaron made their first nectar but mostly they were in parent/grandparent mode. Deanna was dumped by Paris and had a bad bug but still passed her first term of university. The youngest York aged up, realised they were trans, and she has renamed herself Artemisia, or Emi or Emisia to her friends and family.

2. Chopra Household, Chapter 6

Rahul worked from home all week to help with his young family. Mercedes and Savannah aged up to children and have started school. Savannah is still feeling the effects of her motor delay while Mercedes may have a speech delay but turns out to be gifted. Viola aged up into a wild toddler and the household is due another shake up as Cassandra discovered she is pregnant for the third time!

3. Romero Household, Chapter 1

Marta helped her fiance Keira learn about Dia de los Muertos as they paid respect to those in the forever save who couldn't attend the wedding. Keira began her job at the Marine Life Institute and Marta met some of her neighbours after barista shifts. Then the couple were married at Willow Creek church and honeymooned in Sulani. They are currently looking at options for having kids.

4. Pancakes Household, Chapter 9

Eliza got promoted to level 9 of the corporate career. She and Bob decided that rather than have another pregnancy they would adopt so infant Tiana joined the family. Ginger got another fur sibling as dog Strawberry joined the household. Fergus aged up to a materialistic teen and after a week of working on their grades and cheer skills Onyx finally got their horse, named Maelstrom.

5. New Goth Household, Chapter 4

Alexander and Milton retrieved Bella's old journals for Milton to begin reading, and the family celebrated Harvestfest with the Chopras. Alexander and James talked about having kids, and James admitted he would like to adopt a teen rather than having an infant. Milton went through a bear phase and Ariadne was adopted by the couple.

6. Villareal Household, Chapter 6

Joey released his first video game and became a one star celebrity. Devin filmed a pirate film and her regular TV series. Luna spent most of her time trying to patch things up between her younger brother Max and his wife. Alfred broke many dollhouses and Rilian got a kiddie pool to play in.

7. Nishidake Household, Chapter 7

It was a speedrun for this family but both Charlie and Kaori have finally reached the rock climbing skill needed to attempt to make it to the mountain summit. Clover learned to not eat trash but continued to knock the bin over for fun.

8. Woods Household, Chapter 2

The murder mystery took a backseat this time. The couple met the Moonwood Collective and Samir ranked up to a Veteran werewolf. Reece started his biology degree and hosted some meditation sessions. The pair have also discovered they are fated mates.

9. Knightstone Household, Chapter 9

It was festive season for the aliens in Chestnut Ridge. While Adam worked on his skills angling for that final promotion he managed to publish three books. Suzanna had a tough time with coworker Faye but reached a truce for the sake of their careers. She also finished a third collection, the My Sims trophy collection. Silas grew closer with fellow aliens Ruth and Tyree and showed off a Red Coral at show and tell. Pollock aged from an infant into a toddler and continued to learn.

10. Foster Household, Chapter 9

Winter ended in Sulani. Harvey managed to get promoted but didn't catch any new types of fish this time. Kayleigh sold enough paintings to become a global Superstar and was our first sim to reach the top of her career! The focus was mainly on Carson who was navigating a crush while figuring out his identity as an asexual. Clumsy flirting eventually led to him officially being Ariadne's boyfriend though.

Woah that was a lot huh? I need to rearrange my navigation for this save before rotation 11 starts but any pressing thoughts? Any bits you loved or hated? How was the new bold and colour coded dialogue? Did it make it any easier to follow when multiple people were talking? Any things you wish will or won't happen next time?

[beardedmrbean]

NPR defended embattled chief executive Katherine Maher against "online actors with explicit agendas" on Wednesday as her old social media posts continue to go viral for exposing her personal left-wing ideology. 

What seems like a never-ending supply of social media messages Maher posted before running NPR have been unearthed in recent days by critics of NPR, including Manhattan Institute senior fellow Christopher Rufo. 

Maher, who served as the CEO for Web Summit and Wikimedia Foundation prior to taking over NPR last month, showed her support for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020 while regularly sharing liberal talking points and criticizing Donald Trump. Many feel that someone with such blunt partisan views running NPR on the heels of veteran editor Uri Berliner penning a scathing takedown that detailed the "absence of viewpoint diversity" at the organization could be troublesome, but the organization chalked up the resurfaced tweets as "bad faith" attacks. 

"This is a bad faith attack that follows an established playbook, as online actors with explicit agendas work to discredit independent news organizations," an NPR spokesperson told Fox News Digital. 

"In this case, they resorted to digging up old tweets and making conjectures based on our new CEO’s resume," the spokesperson continued. "Spending time on these accusations is intended to detract from NPR’s mission of informing the American public and providing local information in communities around the country is more important than ever."

Rufo has also unearthed old video of Maher saying the First Amendment makes it too difficult to censor "bad information." But much of the controversy surrounding her is the result of posts on X, the platform previously known as Twitter. 

Before taking over NPR, Maher tweeted essentially whatever was on her mind. For example, she once shared details of a dream where her and Kamala Harris were on a road trip together "comparing nuts and baklava from roadside stands" before she "woke up very hungry." 

Others were more political. 

Maher wrote on X in May 2020 that while "looting is counterproductive," it was "hard to be mad about protests not prioritizing the private property of a system of oppression founded on treating people's ancestors as private property." In another post on the thread, Maher said that property damage was "not the thing" Americans should be upset over. 

In another 2020 post, Maher is seen donning a Biden for president hat and said it was the "best part" of her efforts to get out the vote.

"I can’t stop crying with relief," she wrote after Biden won. 

Maher also took issue with the infamous New York Times Tom Cotton op-ed in 2020, saying it was "full of racist dog whistles." She argued it was based on the "false premise that the country is in a state of ‘disorder.'"

Several of her old posts that have resurfaced reference concern over White privilege and "White silence."

In June 2020, Maher declared "White silence is complicity." 

"If you are White, today is the day to start a conversation in your community," she continued. 

Maher identified herself as an "unalloyed progressive" supporting Clinton in the 2016 election. However, Maher had some criticism for Clinton at the time, saying she wished the then-Democratic presidential nominee "wouldn't use the language of ‘boy and girl,'" because it was "erasing language for non-binary people."

In 2018, she wrote, "I’m angry. Hot angry, slow angry, relentless angry. This anger is going to fuel and burn for a long time, and it will deliver back exponentially," during Christine Blasey Ford's testimony accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault.

Rufo joined Fox News on Tuesday to explain why he’s been busy circulating Maher’s old tweets. 

"I spent the last day or two digging through her tweets to show people exactly what she believes. It’s actually incredible. It is the most vapid, left-wing propaganda imaginable," Rufo said on "Jesse Watters Primetime."

"She’s been at it for year. She’s a supporter of BLM, she believes in the pseudo-science of White privilege, White fragility, she criticized her own Whiteness," he continued. "It’s like Mad Libs for left-wing women." 

In addition to the deluge of old social media messages being resurfaced, NewBusters reported on Wednesday that Maher has donated to Democratic candidates such as Stacey Abrams. NPR did not immediately respond to a request for comment about her donations.  

Berliner, who resigned after blowing the whistle on NPR’s liberal bias, doesn’t think Maher is fit for the job. 

"We're looking for a leader right now who's going to be unifying and bring more people into the tent and have a broader perspective on, sort of, what America is all about," Berliner told NPR media reporter David Folkenflik prior to quitting. "And this seems to be the opposite of that."

Berliner also scolded Maher when he stepped down. 

"I am resigning from NPR, a great American institution where I have worked for 25 years. I don’t support calls to defund NPR," Berliner wrote in a statement published on X. "I respect the integrity of my colleagues and wish for NPR to thrive and do important journalism."

"But I cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems at NPR I cited in my Free Press essay," Berliner continued.

[mariacallous]

As Yugoslavia threatened to descend into bloodshed in 1991, its neighbours flew in to offer help. “This is the hour of Europe,” declared Jacques Poos, the Luxembourgish foreign minister dispatched to Belgrade by the European institutions in Brussels to stop all-out war from erupting. It was not. Savage fighting ensued, ultimately brought to an end mostly by America, proving Mr Poos wrong. Three decades on, the hour of Europe has come again. On February 1st, at a summit of the EU’s 27 national leaders in Brussels, politicians will emerge bleary-eyed from into-the-night talks to announce—if all goes well—a package of €50bn ($55bn) in support of Ukraine. Amid the self-congratulation and soaring press-conference guff about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with an embattled neighbour, it will be considered impolite to note the package is to be spread out over four years and amounts to around 0.08% of the GDP of the union in that period.

As in the time of the hapless Mr Poos, a gap exists between how Europe describes the situation and the means it is putting up to tackle it. Listen to politicians and things sound dire enough. French officials describe Europe as needing to shift to a “war economy”, fully mobilised to thwart the Kremlin’s imperial ambitions. Central Europeans say Russian victory in Ukraine would lead to further wars of conquest, and justifiably worry they might be next. Such anxious tones will be familiar to veterans of other crises that have befallen the continent, whether it be covid-19, an imploding euro or the prospect of climate change. To face up to those challenges, finding money was no object. Taboos were broken to fight the pandemic, including a €750bn jointly borrowed recovery fund. Keeping up the green transition will cost over €1trn a year. And a decade ago the European Central Bank promised to do “whatever it takes” to save the single currency. When it comes to Ukraine, Europeans are content to commit a sum of money that represents a mere rounding error in their national accounts.

Is the prospect of a revanchist Russia not worse than a pandemic, even? It is not that the EU has done nothing for Ukraine: refugees have been welcomed, sanctions imposed, and Ukraine offered the prospect of joining the club. Contrast that with America, which started off by providing lots of military kit but has for now ended shipments as its own $61bn assistance package is caught in partisan gridlock. Nor is the €50bn to be agreed next week the only help EU members are proffering. Some countries, notably Germany, are still sending lots of military and financial aid bilaterally. Non-EU Europeans, whether from Britain or Norway, have pledged large amounts of weapons and cash too.

But the multi-year package has all but replaced fresh offers of short-term aid: this is what Ukraine will have to make do with for the moment, according to diplomats from EU countries. Europe’s purse-strings have been kept tight by three factors. One is that some politicians, notably in western Europe, may have silently been fine with Ukraine getting a trickle of money—enough for it not to lose but not to win too comprehensively either, lest that humiliate Russia. That may have been the case in the war’s early stages, but feels out of date now. Still, keeping the authorities in Kyiv on a short leash has its advantages, for example if Ukraine one day needs to be pushed towards the negotiating table.

The second is that assistance to Ukraine often comes not in the form of cash, but of military equipment. There is not much left in national armouries to send east, so shells and cannons need to be made instead. Some countries, notably France, want to ensure the weapons are manufactured in Europe (ie France, often). The aim is not for local firms to profit, though that doesn’t hurt, but for arms-making capacity to be built up as part of plans for Europe to bolster its “strategic autonomy”. Alas combining the aim of helping Ukraine with that of industrial policy has not worked well. Last spring the EU promised that it would send 1m shells to Ukraine within a year; yet by late December only 300,000 had been delivered, and few think the target realistic. Meanwhile, North Korea alone (GDP: 1/500th of the EU) has managed to send Russia over 1m shells, say South Korean spooks. Russia is closer to becoming a “war economy”, pushing defence spending to over 6% of GDP.

The third reason for Europe’s stinginess is that Ukraine has been caught in the EU’s internal wrangling. The mooted €50bn has been sourced through the bloc’s institutions in Brussels, whose annual budget is itself tiny, at just 1% or so of the 27 members’ GDP. Because the aid to Ukraine is tied to a review of overall EU spending, it has taken seven months to unblock the amount. Changes to the union budget need to be agreed unanimously, which gave undue leverage to Viktor Orban, Hungary’s prime minister and chum to the Kremlin. An expert blackmailer, he blocked the €50bn deal at a summit in December, forcing his fellow leaders back to Brussels. He may do so again, though he now has a new source of blackmail: after Turkey’s parliament signed off on Sweden’s accession to NATO on January 23rd, Hungary is the only hold-out.

Show me the money

Amid the haggling and the summiteering, some simple facts seem to have been overlooked. Europe is a rich place. It would be far worse off if Ukraine lost the war. Proper funding would help Ukraine, which faces a budget shortfall just this year of over $40bn. A far more generous offer would be in Europe’s interest. Kaja Kallas, the Estonian prime minister, has suggested Ukraine’s allies should pony up 0.25% of their GDP per year. That is about one-third of what countries are meant to spend on development aid, and one-eighth of NATO defence-spending targets. Such an allowance, roughly triple what is on offer now, would allow the government in Kyiv to plan for victory, and for Russian defeat. Either Europeans are spewing nonsense about how tied their fates are to Ukraine’s, or they are being short-sighted. Either way, they are not putting their money where their mouths are.

[newstfionline]

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Extreme weather cost $2tn globally over past decade, report finds (Guardian) Violent weather cost the world $2tn over the past decade, a report has found, as diplomats descend on the Cop29 climate summit for a tense fight over finance. The analysis of 4,000 climate-related extreme weather events, from flash floods that wash away homes in an instant to slow-burning droughts that ruin farms over years, found economic damages hit $451bn across the past two years alone. The report found a gradual upward trend in the cost of extreme weather events between 2014 and 2023, with a spike in 2017 when an active hurricane season battered North America. The US suffered the greatest economic losses over the 10-year period, at $935bn, followed by China at $268bn and India at $112bn. Germany, Australia, France and Brazil all made the top 10. When measured per person, small islands such as Saint Martin and the Bahamas saw the greatest losses.

Optimism and uncertainty at summit as Middle East awaits Trump’s return (BBC) As leaders of dozens of Arab and Islamic nations gather in the Saudi capital for a summit, there is widespread speculation about what a second Trump presidency will mean for the region. In sharp contrast to the fears voiced in Europe about Donald Trump’s famous unpredictability, Gulf Arab countries tend to view him as a force for stability. Writing in the officially approved Arab News opinion column, the prominent UAE business leader Khalaf al-Habtoor says: “In a Middle East where security is paramount, Trump’s focus on strengthening alliances and curbing extremist forces offers a way forward.” Here in Saudi Arabia, Trump is viewed much more favourably than Joe Biden. Through his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Trump enjoys warm relations with the de facto Saudi ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known by his initials, MBS. The crown prince has never forgiven or forgotten Biden saying that Saudi Arabia needed to be made a pariah for its attitude to human rights.

As the Pandemic Deepened, Americans Kept Drinking More (NYT) Americans started drinking more as the Covid-19 pandemic got underway. They were stressed, isolated, uncertain—the world as they had known it had changed overnight. Two years into the disaster, the trend had not abated, researchers reported on Monday. The percentage of Americans who consumed alcohol, which had already risen from 2018 to 2020, inched up further in 2021 and 2022. And more people reported heavy or binge drinking. “Early on in the pandemic, we were seeing an enormous surge of people coming in to the clinic and the hospital with alcohol-related problems,” said Dr. Brian P. Lee, a hepatologist at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California and the principal investigator of the study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Rates of heavy drinking and of alcohol-related liver disease had been rising steadily for decades before the pandemic struck. But alcohol-related deaths surged in 2020, with one study reporting a 25 percent increase in a single year, said Christian Hendershot, director of clinical research at U.S.C.’s Institute for Addiction Science.

Fire crews on both US coasts battle wildfires (AP) Fire crews battled small wildfires across the Northeast U.S. on Monday, including a blaze in New York and New Jersey that killed a parks employee over the weekend and postponed Veterans Day plans. The fire is one of several burning on the East Coast amid a lack of much rainfall since September. The East Coast fires were burning as much larger wildfires raged in California. Firefighters continued making progress against a wildfire northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County that broke out Wednesday and quickly exploded in size due to dry, warm and gusty Santa Ana winds. The Mountain Fire in Ventura County prompted thousands of residents to flee their homes and was 41% contained as of Monday. The fire’s size remains around 32 square miles (about 83 square kilometers). In neighboring Nevada, authorities ordered the evacuation of hundreds of homes southwest of Reno and closed the main highway to Lake Tahoe after a wind-whipped wildfire erupted Monday and spread quickly through mountainside vegetation.

Haiti’s main airport shuts down as gang violence surges and a new prime minister is sworn in (AP) Haiti’s international airport shut down on Monday after gangs opened fire at a commercial flight landing in Port-Au-Prince, prompting some airlines to temporarily suspend operations as the country swore in a new interim prime minister who promised to restore peace. The Spirit Airlines flight headed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Port-Au-Prince was just hundreds of feet from landing in Haiti’s capital when gangs shot at the plane striking a flight attendant, who suffered minor injuries, according to the airline, the U.S. Embassy and flight tracking data. The flight was diverted and landed in the Dominican Republic. Photos and videos obtained by The Associated Press show bullet holes dotting the interior of a plane.

Dutch tram set on fire while tensions are high after violence targeting Israeli fans (AP) Dozens of people armed with sticks and firecrackers set a tram on fire in Amsterdam on Monday, police said, while the city is facing tensions following violence last week targeting fans of an Israeli soccer club. Police said the fire was quickly extinguished and riot officers cleared the square. Images online showed people damaging property and setting firecrackers. Police said it was not clear who started the unrest and whether it was related to what happened last week. But they noted the tense atmosphere since five people were treated in the hospital and dozens detained Thursday following a Maccabi Tel Aviv-Ajax match. Reports of antisemitic speech, vandalism and violence have been on the rise in Europe since the start of the war in Gaza.

Russian glide bombs, drones and a ballistic missile kill 6, injure 30 in Ukraine (AP) Russian glide bombs, drones and a ballistic missile smashed into cities in southern and eastern Ukraine on Monday, officials said, killing at least six civilians and injuring about 30 others. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia has recently intensified strikes that have long tormented civilian areas, in an apparent effort to unnerve Ukrainians and wear down their willingness to keep up a war that is approaching its 1,000-day milestone. Both Russia and Ukraine are waiting to see how Washington will change its policy on the war after Donald Trump takes office as the U.S. president in January. The U.S. is the biggest provider of military help to Ukraine, but Trump has chided the Biden administration for giving Kyiv tens of billions of dollars of aid.

With new stealth fighter, China displays ambitions to challenge U.S. (Washington Post) China on Tuesday debuted its latest model of stealth fighter jet and foreshadowed an ambitious pipeline of advanced drones, as Beijing displayed its determination to match American military might by investing heavily in the latest tech and forging ever-closer bonds with partners like Russia. The maiden flight demonstration of the J-35A, a “fifth generation” fighter designed to evade radar detection and attack enemy targets at supersonic speeds, was the main attraction on the opening day of the Zhuhai air show on Tuesday. Chinese manufacturers have churned out huge numbers of ships, warplanes, missiles and drones to enforce Beijing’s sweeping territorial claims—and send a warning to the United States and its allies. Also on display were China’s efforts to present itself as an alternative to the United States when it comes to arms and as a reliable security partner for nations that share Beijing’s hostility toward the U.S.-led military alliance network. “By holding an air show of such proportion with such high publicity, China is definitely trying to [reach out to] like-minded countries in the ‘global south’ that are tired of western sanctions and don’t trust western technology,” said Collin Koh, a defense expert at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

Driver rams his car into crowd in China, killing 35 (AP) A man who authorities said was upset over his divorce settlement rammed his car into a crowd of people exercising at a sports complex in southern China, killing 35 and severely injuring dozens of others, police said Tuesday. Police detained the 62-year-old man, who is being treated for wounds thought to be self-inflicted, shortly after the attack Monday night in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai. The city is hosting the People’s Liberation Army’s annual aviation exhibition, which opened Tuesday, and searches for what happened were heavily censored for users behind China’s Great Firewall. Outside of the controls, however, videos circulated on the social media platform X. In several, dozens of people could be seen lying on the track at the sports complex, which is regularly used by hundreds of residents to run, play soccer or dance.

Ishiba survived a rare runoff to remain Japan’s prime minister but will face turmoil (AP) Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, battered in parliamentary elections last month, has survived a rare runoff vote against the opposition to remain the country’s leader but he still faces turmoil ahead. One of his top priorities is dealing with the aftermath of a major corruption scandal in the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party, in which dozens of lawmakers from the party are alleged to have pocketed profits from event ticket sales as kickbacks. Ishiba also now has a much-emboldened, opposition eager to push through policies long stymied by the LDP. Support ratings for his Cabinet have fallen to about 30%. Ishiba also faces challenges of restoring unity in his own party. A number of senior LDP lawmakers are waiting to overthrow him.

Israel Issues New Evacuation Warnings in Lebanon (NYT) The Israeli military issued new evacuation warnings for more than 20 towns and villages in southern Lebanon on Monday, and Hezbollah unleashed a large rocket barrage into northern Israel, the latest indications that the conflict showed few signs of abating. The widespread warnings across Lebanon’s south, the first in nearly a month, called on civilians to evacuate their homes immediately and move north above the Awali River, farther from the Israeli border. The river effectively demarcates southern Lebanon, which Israel invaded last month in a bid to destroy Hezbollah’s infrastructure and stop it from firing rockets and missiles into Israel. Repeated rounds of shuttle diplomacy over the past year, led by the Biden administration, have so far failed to contain the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began last October when Hezbollah started its cross-border assaults in support of Hamas in Gaza. Officials say 3,200 people have been killed in Lebanon and more than a fifth of the population displaced.

Caught Between Wars, Syrian Refugees in Lebanon Return Home (NYT) When the civil war in Syria threatened his village more than a decade ago, a farmer and his family fled to neighboring Lebanon. The farmer, Ali Kheir Khallu, 37, found work there growing oranges and bananas. Life was hard, he said, but at least he felt safe. That feeling vanished last month as Israel ramped up its war with Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese militia, heavily bombing sites that it said belonged to the group. When the bombs fell near Mr. Kheir Khallu’s house, he packed up his family, left behind the new lives they had built in Lebanon and fled back to Syria, where they are now struggling to start over, yet again. As the war in Lebanon expands, more than 1.2 million people—one-fifth of the population—have been displaced from their homes, the government says. While most have sought safety in other parts of Lebanon, more than 470,000 people, mostly Syrians, have crossed into Syria in the last six weeks, aid groups say.

[aimaindia]

AIMA's PGDM Courses

Understanding PGDM

In contrast to the traditional MBA, typically awarded by universities, PGDM courses are offered by autonomous institutes. These institutes often boast strong industry linkages, resulting in a curriculum that is more dynamic and aligned with current industry trends and business needs. AIMA's PGDM course stands out in this regard, offering specialisations such as Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, and Financial Research & Valuation modeling, in addition to core areas like HR, Marketing, and Finance.

AIMA's PGDM Courses

Established in 1957 with government and industry backing, AIMA is a titan in the Indian management landscape. Its PGDM course, accredited by AICTE, combines over four decades of expertise with a unique blend of elements:

Highly Experienced Faculty: Learn from industry veterans and academic luminaries, gaining insights from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

Case Studies and Simulations: Hone your decision-making and analytical skills through real-world scenarios, preparing you for the challenges of the corporate world.

12 Specialisations: Choose from a diverse range of fields to align your education with your career aspirations.

Live Industry Interaction: Network with industry leaders, attend seminars and summits and gain invaluable exposure to the professional landscape.

Hybrid Learning: Pursue your PGDM through live virtual or in-person weekend classes, accommodating your busy schedule.

Beyond the Classroom: AIMA's Holistic Approach

AIMA's PGDM course goes beyond academic excellence, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for professional growth. This includes:

Complimentary AIMA Student Membership: Gain access to exclusive resources and events, connecting with a vibrant network of management professionals.

Monthly Journal Access: Stay updated on industry trends and thought leadership with AIMA's flagship publication, "Indian Management."

Placement Assistance: Leverage AIMA's robust network to land your dream job, with dedicated support throughout the process.

Eligibility and course Options:

AIMA's PGDM course welcomes both working professionals and fresh graduates with a bachelor's degree from any recognized university. Choose from two delivery options:

Option A: 15 hours of face-to-face weekend classes and industry interaction.

Option B: 15 hours of e-learning content with subject expert sessions, industry interaction, and a foundation course.

The PGDM Course Advantage: A Stepping Stone to Global Recognition

AIMA's PGDM course equips you with:

Solid Grounding in Business Concepts and Practical Knowledge: Gain a comprehensive understanding of management principles and apply them to real-world scenarios.

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Strategic Decision-Making Skills: Learn to navigate complex business situations, making informed choices based on both traditional and innovative approaches.

Investing in Your Future: Why AIMA's PGDM?

Choosing AIMA's PGDM course is an investment in your future. It serves as a gateway to a fulfilling career in the dynamic world of management. With its industry-focused curriculum, experienced faculty, and comprehensive support system, AIMA empowers you to:

Sharpen Your Skills and Knowledge: Gain the expertise needed to excel in your chosen field.

Build a Strong Professional Network: Connect with industry leaders and fellow management professionals, fostering valuable relationships.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're seeking a PGDM course that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to thrive in the modern business world, AIMA's PGDM is your answer. Visit the website or contact the admissions team to learn more about this transformative course and embark on your journey to managerial.

[libertariantaoist]

News Roundup 11/20/2023 | The Libertarian Institute

Here is your daily roundup of today's news:

News Roundup 11/20/2023

by Kyle Anzalone

US News

The House Intelligence Committee says the FBI should be required under the law to obtain a “probable cause warrant” before searching the foreign intelligence surveillance program database for information related to domestic crimes. Wire

The Senate on Thursday passed a bill by voice vote that would suspend military aid to Azerbaijan for two years following Baku’s takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh, which pushed over 100,000 ethnic Armenians out of the territory. AWC

Department of Veterans Affairs Reports Veterans Suicides Increased in 2021. X

Russia

The Turkish parliament’s foreign affairs commission has delayed a vote on Sweden’s NATO membership bid. X

On Thursday, the US Treasury Department imposed a set of new sanctions on ships and companies accused of using American service providers to ship Russian crude oil above the $60 price cap. The cap, imposed by the US and the Group of Seven (G7) nations in late 2022, was meant to deprive the Kremlin of funds for its war effort, but that strategy has failed. AWC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that deliveries of artillery shells from the US have “decreased” since Israel unleashed its relentless bombing campaign in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attack. AWC

China

Joe Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for talks in San Francisco. Beijing and Washington described the conversation between the leaders as “productive” and important. After the summit, Biden called his Chinese counterpart a “dictator.” AWC

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel was “trying to [minimize] civilian casualties. But unfortunately, we’re not successful.” The prime minister’s statement comes as the UN warns that the Israeli fuel embargo of Gaza could cause widespread starvation in the besieged enclave. AWC

On Friday the UN said that it was no longer able to continue aid deliveries into Gaza as an Israeli fuel blockade of the enclave has led to a widespread communications blackout. The World Health Organization warned that the ending of aid deliveries means the “immediate possibility of starvation” for the 2.3 million people in Gaza. AWC

Haaretz reports, according to a police source, an investigation shows that an IDF combat helicopter at the Nova music festival fired on Hamas and hit some of the people attending the music festival. HaaretzAWC

President Joe Biden said the Palestinian Authority should ultimately govern the Gaza Strip. Tel Aviv has said that its forces will control Gaza. MEE

Death Toll in Gaza At Least 13,000, Including 5,500 Children. MEE

A World Health Organization group inspected the al-Shifa Hospital and called the situation “unbearable and unjustifiable.” X

Biden adviser Brett McGurk said, “Simply calling for cease-fire is not a path to peace.” He argued Hamas must release hostages before a significant pause in fighting could occur. The Hill

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir says he will introduce a bill in the Knesset mandating the death penalty for terrorists. X

Sen. Bernie Sanders Says Military Aid to Israel Should Be Conditioned on Ending Occupation. Press Release

Some members of Israel’s War Cabinet Reject Hostage Deal that Includes Pause in Fighting. Haaretz

The Israeli military forced the evacuation of the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. WashPo

Deputy Speaker of Israeli Knesset Says “We Are Too Humane. Burn Gaza Now No Less!” Times of Israel

Biden’s Approval Rating Slips to 40% as 70% of Young Voters Disapprove of Israel Policy. NBC NewsThe Institute

White House Believes Israeli PM Netanyahu Will Relent and Allow Palestinian Authority to Govern Gaza. Haaretz

US Approves of Israeli Military Operation in South Gaza, But Asks Tel Aviv for a Delay. HaaretzAWC

Thirty-one premature babies have been evacuated from northern Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital to southern Gaza, where they are being prepared to enter Egypt for medical care. AWC

Middle East

The Treasury Department on Friday sanctioned individuals it said are tied to Kata’ib Hezbollah and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada in Iraq. X

Israel Says Yemen’s Houthis Seized Ship in Red Sea. Al ArabiyaAWC

Read More

[evoldir]

Fwd: Job: AgnesScottC_Atlanta.Bioinformatics

Begin forwarded message: > From: evoldir@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca > Subject: Job: AgnesScottC_Atlanta.Bioinformatics > Date: 15 September 2023 at 08:10:36 BST > To: rdmpage@gmail.com > > > Position: Assistant Professor in Bioinformatics > Type: Tenure-track Faculty > Department/Program: Biology > > The Agnes Scott College Biology Department invites applications for a > tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in bioinformatics > or related area to begin August of 2024. The ideal candidate will carry > out original research that will incorporate undergraduates. The biology > department faculty retain research laboratories and collaborative efforts > may be forged with other local institutions. The successful candidate will > have a Ph.D. by August of 2024. Post-doctoral and teaching experience > is desired.  Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to work with a > socially and economically diverse student population > > We seek a broadly-trained biologist who will excel in inclusive, > undergraduate teaching and engage undergraduate students in their > productive research program. In addition to the biology major program, the > biology department contributes to programs in neuroscience, biochemistry > and molecular biology, environmental and sustainability studies, and > public health. The 3/2 teaching load includes Introductory Biology, > Bioinformatics, Molecular Genetics, a senior seminar course, courses in > areas of specialty, and contribution to SUMMIT, the college’s global > learning and leadership development initiative. > > The college is committed to providing its faculty with a supportive > academic environment that includes a balance of teaching, research, > and service. Evaluations for promotion and tenure consider excellence > in undergraduate teaching, establishing an effective and sustainable > research program that is accessible to undergraduates, and service to > students, the biology department, and the college. Support for faculty > research and development includes travel funds, a one-semester research > leave after successful completion of the third-year review, a post-tenure > sabbatical program, and the opportunity to apply for internal professional > development awards. > > To apply, e-mail curriculum vitae, teaching statement, research statement, > diversity statement,and three letters of recommendation to:Prof. > Lock Rogers, Chair, Department of Biology, . Teaching evaluations will > be solicited from selected candidates later in the hiring process. Review > of applications will begin on October 1, 2023. > > Agnes Scott College is a highly selective, independent, national > liberal arts college for women located in metropolitan Atlanta, > a cosmopolitan and ethnically diverse region with a vibrant cultural > life. The college has been nationally recognized for innovation, a highly > diverse student population, and excellence in teaching and is committed > to providing its faculty with a supportive academic environment. All > faculty reviews evaluate the candidate’s performance in the areas > of teaching, scholarship, and service, with the highest priority given > to teaching. Support for faculty development includes travel funding, > a one-semester research leave at full pay after successful completion > of the third-year review, a post-tenure sabbatical program, and the > opportunity to apply for internal professional development awards. An > equal opportunity employer, Agnes Scott College does not discriminate > on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual > orientation, age, veteran status, disability or genetic information, > gender identity, gender expression or any other characteristic protected > by law in its employment. Agnes Scott College has a strong commitment > to diversity and urges members of underrepresented groups to apply. > > > > > Jennifer Kovacs

[clickyourradio]

🇨🇦 Somebody's Curses - 🎶 Bedhead

Fresh to Toronto, the enigmatic and cave-dwelling troglodyte, Somebody’s Curses, crawls out of a centipede-ridden basement to debut his first single from an upcoming self-titled album.

Set in the headspace of the perpetually tired, “Bedhead” is an inky piano ballad with creeping instrumentals that eventually climbs to a hectic and bittersweet summit. Partially recorded at the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology and Noble Street Studios, the single uses multiple recording environments to create a juxtaposition of intimate vocals and wide-open sounding piano and guitar.

With guidance and advice from veteran engineer Dean Nelson (Beck, Jamie Lidell) and production from EDM artist Jasper Terpstra, the single taps into a 90’s era of biting melodies and dynamic structure while maintaining a modern and complex sound.

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in March 2024

01/03 In Dubai Princess Anne; 🇦🇪

As President of the Mission to Seafarers, visited Dubai Ports World in Port of Jebel Ali. 🚢

As President of the Mission to Seafarers, attended a Women in Shipping and Trading Conference Panel Discussion at Dubai Ports World Pavilion. 👩‍💼🛳️

Opened Donnelly Lines British Forces Headquarters at Al Minhad Airbase. 🛫

Called upon HH Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum (wife of the Vice President and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai). 👑

Attended a Royal British Legion Reception on board the QUEEN ELIZABETH II floating hotel. 🍾

As President of the Royal Yachting Association, visited Dubai Offshore Sailing Club. 🛥️

As President of the Mission to Seafarers, this attended a Dinner at the One and Only Royal Mirage Hotel. 🍽️

02/03 Departed Dubai International Airport and returned to Heathrow Airport 🇦🇪✈️🇬🇧

04/03 As Guardian of the Chaffinch Trust, held a Management Team Meeting at Gatcombe Park. 🤝

As Guardian of Give Them A Sporting Chance, held a Management Team Meeting at Gatcombe Park. ⚽️

unofficial Along with the Duke of Kent (President of the RNLI), Sir Tim (Vice President of the RNLI) attended a Service of Thanksgiving to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the RNLI at Westminster Abbey. 🛟

05/03 As Patron of Livability, visited New Court Place, to mark its 180th Anniversary. 🦼

Opened First Garden Cities Homes' Sheltered Housing Scheme at John Coxall Court in Letchworth Garden City. 🏡

As Patron of the Butler Trust, visited HMP/Young Offenders Institute Aylesbury. 🔗👮

06/03 On behalf of the King, held two investiture ceremonies at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

07/03 As President, attended the 32nd National Equine Forum at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. 🐴

As Grand Master of the Royal Victorian Order, attended Evensong and a Reception at The King’s Chapel of the Savoy. ⛪️🎖️

08/03 As Chancellor of the University of London, visited King’s College London’s Portable MRI Project at the Denmark Hill Campus. 🩻

As Patron of Save the Children UK, attended the International Women’s Day Luncheon at Bluebird on Kings Road. 👭💪

10/03 Attended the Global Fraud Summit at the Guildhall in London. 💻👾

11/03 Attended the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey alongside The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and The Duke of Kent. 🌎🌍🌏

Attended a Commonwealth Day Reception at Westminster Abbey. 🌍🥂

With Sir Tim As Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers, attended the Annual City Food and Drink Lecture at Guildhall. 🍽️🍾

12/03 With Sir Tim Attended a luncheon on board Hebridean Princess to mark its 60th Anniversary in Greenock. 🥪

With Sir Tim Visited Peel Ports Group Limited Greenock Ocean Terminal. 🛳️

13/03 unofficial Attended Style Wednesday at Cheltenham Festival. 👒

14/03 unofficial Attended St. Patrick’s Thursday at Cheltenham Festival. ☘️

15/03 With Sir Tim Attended Gold Cup Friday at Cheltenham Festival. 🏆

16/03 With Sir Tim As Patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, attended the Six Nations Rugby Match between Scotland and Ireland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪🏉

18/03 As Patron of Save the Children UK, attended the International Financial Review Annual Awards Dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.🏅

19/03 As Patron of Sense, opened Sense Hub Loughborough.🦻👨‍🦯

On behalf of The King, with the Duchess of Edinburgh, held a Reception for Korean War Veterans at Buckingham Palace. 🪖

As Patron of the Butler Trust, held the Annual Awards Ceremony at St James’s Palace. 🏆

With Sir Tim As President of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, attended a Presidential Dinner at Fishmongers’ Hall. 🐟🍽️

20/03 Held a morning and an afternoon investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

21/03 As President of the Benenden Society and Founders’ Patron of Benenden School, attended the Centenary Service in Canterbury Cathedral. ⛪️👩‍🦰

Attended the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir Presentation Concert at Spencer House. 🎻🎼

22/03 Opened the new North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Headquarters Accommodation at the Officers’ Mess in Imjin Barracks. 🌊

Visited the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre and Ministry of Defence Medal Office at Innsworth House in Imjin Barracks. ⛑️🎖️

As Patron of Stroud Hospital League of Friends, visited Stroud Maternity Unit. 🏥👶

25/03 Visited MacRebur Limited. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🛣️

Visited the Lockerbie Air Disaster Memorial at Lockerbie Garden of Remembrance. 🌹👼🏻

As President of the Scotch Chef’s Club, opened Browns Food Group’s new facilities at Kelloholm Industrial Estate. 🐄

As Royal Patron of Friends of TS Queen Mary, attended a Reception at the Hilton Glasgow. ⛴️🥂

26/03 Opened the Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre at Scotland's Rural College in Inverness. 🩺🐑

As Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, attended the Integrated Land Use Conference. 🚜🧑‍🌾

As Royal Patron of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, visited the Saving Wildcats Project at Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig. 🐯🦁

As Patron and Honorary Member of the Grand Antiquity Society of Glasgow, attended a Dinner at the Trades Hall of Glasgow. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿📜

Unofficial Sir Tim, as Chair of Trustees, attended the opening of the Adani Green Energy Gallery at the Science Museum 🌍🍃💚

31/03 unofficial With Sir Tim Attended the Easter Mattins service held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle ⛪️🐣

Total official engagements for Anne in March: 49

2024 total so far: 134

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in March: 6

2024 total so far: 29

FYI - due to certain royal family members being off ill/in recovery I won't be posting everyone's engagement counts out of respect, I am continuing to count them and release the totals at the end of the year.

[thesecrettimes]

BRICS Is No Joke, Bloc Could Become G7 Counterpart, Experts Say

BRICS Push for Global Economic and Financial Reform Deemed Hard to Ignore With more countries willing to join BRICS, which currently consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the bloc’s push to reform the global economic and financial system should be taken seriously, according to Anthony Rowley, a veteran journalist specializing in Asian economic and financial affairs. Given the weight of the economies of the BRICS members, which already account for more than a quarter of the world GDP, “no one can dismiss lightheartedly now their challenge to the established economic order,” Rowley wrote in an article published Saturday by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. BRICS leaders are preparing to discuss the organization’s expansion during their summit on August 22 – 24 in Johannesburg and the piece quotes South Africa’s top diplomat responsible for relations with the bloc who revealed that over 40 countries have either formally applied or expressed interest in joining the union. “But it is not so much size that matters as the diverse areas into which BRICS members are projecting their influence,” Rowley remarked. He believes that this diversity is what seems to have guided BRICS towards a more global perspective than that demonstrated by other regional formats. The journalist also pointed out that BRICS differs from regional trade and investment agreements in seeking to provide members with alternative financing sources, including through its New Development Bank (NDB), launching mechanisms for settlements in local fiat and developing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). He also said: BRICS is a natural pole of attraction because its chief focus is to promote multilateralism and global governance, not least in the areas of economics and finance. BRICS Future Role Depends on China-India Rivalry At the same time, some see these traits jeopardized by the rivalry between China and India, which have differing views on the bloc’s enlargement. While Beijing is pushing for rapid expansion, New Delhi favors association of other countries without necessarily granting them full membership. BRICS “could evolve to become a counterpart to the Group of Seven (G7) in world affairs, resulting in a profound impact on international relations,” according to Hung Tran, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank. Whether this is positive or negative depends on whether China’s or India’s approach prevails, he was quoted as saying. Tran elaborated that India “has tried to resist China’s efforts to turn the BRICS group into a support organization for China’s geopolitical agenda … and explicit anti-U.S. rhetoric.” India also wants to focus BRICS on Global-South economic and financial cooperation, reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar and reforming international financial institutions to give developing countries more voice. Rowley and Tran’s comments on the role and future of BRICS come after the UAE professor of international affairs and strategy Mohamed El Yattioui suggested recently that the induction of new members would allow the grouping to push Western nations to accept changes in international relations and recognize what he called the “new world order.” Do you think BRICS can rival established intergovernmental forums like the Group of Seven (G7) format? Share your thoughts on the subject in the comments section below. Read the full article

[captainmdhridoyhossain-blog]

[ad_1] Republican Nancy Mace is considered one of 5 U.S. lawmakers on a one-day wonder talk over with to Taiwan, the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto embassy, introduced. Mic Smith/AP cover caption toggle caption Mic Smith/AP Republican Nancy Mace is considered one of 5 U.S. lawmakers on a one-day wonder talk over with to Taiwan, the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto embassy, introduced. Mic Smith/AP TAIPEI, Taiwan — 5 U.S. lawmakers met with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen Friday morning in a wonder one-day talk over with meant to reaffirm america' "rock forged" make stronger for the self-governing island. The bi-partisan team of lawmakers from the U.S. Space of Representatives arrived in Taiwan on Thursday evening and have been making plans to satisfy with senior leaders together with Tsai, mentioned the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto embassy. No additional main points have been supplied about their itinerary. The talk over with comes as tensions between Taiwan and China have risen to their best stage in many years. Taiwan has been self-ruled for the reason that two facets break up throughout a civil conflict in 1949, however China considers the island a part of its personal territory. "When information of our shuttle broke the day before today, my workplace won a blunt message from the Chinese language Embassy, telling me to name off the shuttle," Consultant Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., who is a part of the delegation, wrote on Twitter. Representatives Mark Takano, D-Calif., Colin Allred, D-Texas., Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., and Nancy Mace, R-S.C., also are a part of the visiting delegation. "We're right here in Taiwan this week to remind our companions and allies, after two making an attempt years that now we have continued, that our dedication and shared accountability for a unfastened and protected Indo-Pacific area stay more potent than ever," mentioned Takano. Takano added that the U.S. courting with Taiwan is "rock forged and has remained steadfast as the binds between us have deepened." Tsai, who welcomed the lawmakers and the AIT director on the Presidential Workplace in Taipei, famous the 2 facets' cooperation in veterans' affairs, financial problems and industry whilst reiterating the island's shut alignment with the U.S. "Taiwan will proceed to step up cooperation with america with the intention to uphold our shared values of freedom and democracy and to make sure peace and balance within the area," Tsai mentioned. The talk over with is the 3rd via U.S. lawmakers to Taiwan this 12 months and springs only a few weeks after a bunch of six Republican participants of Congress visited the island. That delegation met with President Tsai, Nationwide Safety Secretary Normal Wellington Koo and International Minister Joseph Wu, amongst others. In June, 3 participants of Congress flew to Taiwan to donate badly wanted vaccines at a time when the island was once suffering to get sufficient. The Biden management has additionally invited Taiwan to a Summit for Democracy subsequent month, a transfer that drew a pointy rebuke from China. China's International Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian mentioned on Wednesday, "What the U.S. did proves that the so-called democracy is only a pretext and gear for it to pursue geopolitical targets, suppress different nations, divide the arena, serve its personal pastime and handle its hegemony on the earth." [ad_2] #lawmakers #meet

[treatnow]

BRAIN WOUND UPDATE #1

BRINGING YOU CURRENT INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO HELP TREAT AND HEAL BRAIN WOUNDS: CONCUSSIONS, TBI, PTSD

This is the first of a weekly compendium of events, research, news, and insights about Brain Wounds: Concussion, TBI, PTSD. The focus is on Brain Wound healing and reduction of suicidal ideation; the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as a safe and effective treatment for brain wounds; and the clinical and evidence-based proof of a new era in our understanding of how to improve brain health and Quality of Life after a brain wound. ********************* Virginia becomes 10th state to pass legislation calling for the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen to treat and heal TBI/PTSD. SENATE BILL NO. 1082 A BILL to allow the Department of Veterans Services to contract with any hyperbaric clinic or any hospital in the Commonwealth that furnishes a comprehensive treatment program to any veteran who has been certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any branch of the United States Armed Forces as having post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia: That the Department of Veterans Services may contract with any hyperbaric clinic providing medical-grade 100 percent oxygen in U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved chambers in the Commonwealth or any hospital that furnishes a comprehensive treatment program that may include medication, psychotherapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, from an accredited program, to any veteran in the Commonwealth who has been certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any branch of the United States Armed Forces as having post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. Unanimously passed in VA House and Senate and signed into law, March 2023. Soccer: CTE cases in soccer players raise fresh questions about safety of heading the ball New diagnoses come as officials gather in Chicago for a Head Injury Summit (May 2023). The Concussion Legacy Foundation announced Tuesday that English pro and Oregon State head coach Jimmy Conway, Scottish and Seattle NASL midfielder Jimmy Gabriel, and NCAA champion Franny Pantuosco also were found to have the degenerative brain disease that has been linked to concussions in athletes, combat veterans and others who have sustained repeated head trauma. They are the first diagnoses among those who played in the NASL, a precursor to MLS as the top U.S. pro soccer league that attracted attention with high-profile signings — including Pele — before folding in 1985. Early Brain Amyloid Accumulation at PET in Military Instructors Exposed to Subconcussive Blast Injuries Early brain amyloid β deposition was found in the brains of otherwise healthy adult men exposed to repeated subconcussive blast injury using amyloid PET. Military instructors who were routinely exposed to repeated blast events were evaluated at two different points: baseline (before blast exposure from breacher or grenade) and approximately 5 months after baseline (after blast exposure). Age-matched healthy control participants not exposed to blasts and without a history of brain injury were evaluated at similar two points. Neurocognitive evaluation was performed with standard neuropsychologic testing in both groups. In the blast-exposed participants, four brain regions showed significantly increased amyloid deposition after blast exposure. . . No amyloid deposition was observed in the control participants. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Acute Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review This review summarizes 40 years of clinical and pre-clinical research on the treatment of acute TBI with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) in the context of an impending National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke–funded, multi-center, randomized, adaptive Phase II clinical trial —the Hyperbaric Oxygen Brain Injury Treatment (HOBIT) trial.... These studies provided evidence that HBO2 significantly improves physiologic measures without causing cerebral or pulmonary toxicity and can potentially improve clinical outcome. These results were consistent across the other four reviewed clinical studies, thus providing preliminary clinical data supporting the HOBIT trial. This comprehensive review demonstrates that HBO2 has the potential to be the first significant treatment in the acute phase of severe TBI. Fighting and Penalty Minutes Associated With Long-term Mortality Among National Hockey League Players, 1967 to 2022 National Hockey League (NHL) "enforcers" with 50 or more career fights or 3 or more penalty minutes per game died 10 years earlier and more often of drug overdose and suicide when compared with age-matched NHL player controls.  This matched cohort study of 6039 NHL players from 1967 to 2022 confirmed that NHL enforcers died at similar rates but approximately 10 years earlier when compared with NHL controls. Furthermore, the causes of death in the 21 enforcers included neurodegenerative disorders, drug overdose, suicide, and motor vehicle crashes, whereas only 1 of the 24 age-matched controls died of any of these causes (motor vehicle crash).   The information provided by TreatNOW.org does not constitute a medical recommendation. It is intended for informational purposes only, and no claims, either real or implied, are being made. Heal Brains. Stop Suicides. Restore Lives. TreatNOW. Read the full article

[reportwire]

Hiring Our Heroes: Virtual Career Fair Town Hall

Hiring Our Heroes: Virtual Career Fair Town Hall

NEW YORK (WABC) — WABC-TV is teaming up with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative and Disney’s Veterans Institute for a virtual town hall on August 10. The goal of this town hall is to prepare job seekers from the military community for the Hiring Our Heroes – Virtual Career Fair on August 31. Click here to register as a job seeker or employer for the virtual…

[abrantepakjunyor]

Biden is chastised for the US's lack of climate finance.

Joe Biden may get some credit for not being Donald Trump, but when it comes to funding for impoverished nations to combat climate change, the world expects the United States president to pick up the tab left by his predecessor.

In her State of the European Union speech on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen singled out the United States, announcing an increase in EU climate money.

She stated, "My message today is that Europe is ready to contribute more." “However, we expect the United States and our allies to do their part as well.”

According to one person who communicated with the staff of US Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change John Kerry, the EU move came unexpectedly and stingingly.

They were "a little vexed," according to the person. “In this case, I believe they're saying something along the lines of, 'Hey, we're the good people here, and you know what limits we have.' The president can't seem to get money on the table with a flick of his fingers.'

Despite Biden's claims that the United States is a reborn climate leader, veterans of international climate talks told POLITICO that the United States' frugality is one of the biggest roadblocks to success at the COP26 climate summit in November.

Allies of the United States are losing patience.

“Nah, it's all fair game,” a European ambassador stated. “They haven't gone far enough; they must go further. Everyone is aware of it. They're aware of it.”

Rich countries pledged in 2009 to provide $100 billion per year to the poor world by 2020, acknowledging that they were suffering costs to address a crisis to which they had contributed little. The United Nations anticipates that the totemic vow was breached last year, with the OECD revealing on Friday that the wealthy stiffed the poor by roughly $20 billion in 2019.

Alok Sharma, the UK minister in charge of the COP26, reacted angrily to the OECD study.

He remarked, "There is no excuse: Meeting the $100 billion goal is a question of trust."

Even while the United States is not the only country contributing to the deficit, its European allies perceive it as an outlier on the subject.

In April, the Biden administration announced that the United States would increase its yearly climate financing contributions to $5.6 billion.

According to an analysis released this month by the Overseas Development Institute, despite being the world's largest economy and being more responsible than any other country for historical emissions driving climate change, the United States ranks dead last in terms of providing its "fair share" of climate finance.