‘Greek Freak’ Giannis Antetokounmpo voted NBA All-Star Game starter
In an all-time first for Greek basketball, Milwaukee Bucks small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been selected for the NBA All-Star game in New Orleans on February 19.The 22-year-old known by fans as the “Greek Freak” received more than 1.6 million votes and came third in the Eastern Conference’s five-man squad, behind Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James with 1.9 million votes and Kyrie Irving, a three-time all-star, with 1.7 million votes. No other Eastern players got passed the 1-million mark.Antetokounmpo, who was born in Athens to Nigerian parents, made a series of tweets in Greek and English celebrating his win and thanking his fans and his brother and campaign manager, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, also a basketball player.“I would like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for your support throughout these days,” Antetokounmpo wrote on his Twitter account in Greek. “You all took an active part in making my dream come true… I really appreciate it! You can be certain that I will be playing for you too at the All-Star Game. Thanks Greece!”At the age of 22 and 74 days, Antetokounmpo is the youngest non-American All-Star Game starter, after China’s Yoa Ming, who played in 2003 at the age of 22 years and four months. He is also the first Milwaukee Buck to play at the event since 2004.Source: KathimeriniTweetPinShare1313 Shares
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is all set to be back in action in four days time when India play their opening game of the Asia Cup against Hong Kong next Tuesday.Dhoni will be key to the Rohit Sharma-led India side in UAE not only for his experience but also for his batting, which has drawn some serious criticism lately.With Virat Kohli taking a rest, India’s batting will heavily depend on the openers and Dhoni in a middle-order, that keeps on shuffling. But, that being said, it gives Dhoni the chance to do something that not only he but everyone in the country perhaps feel should be done — bat at No.4.Much like KL Rahul, Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav, Dhoni will have a lot to prove to people, who have raised questions about his strike rate and finishing abilities during the limited-overs series in England.Dhoni’s slow batting led to boos from the stands in Lord’s as India failed to chase down England’s set target of 323 in the second ODI. India were already behind the asking rate when Dhoni walked in to bat at the fall of Virat Kohli’s wicket and his approach thereafter was baffling: Dhoni scored 37 off 59 balls and hit only two boundaries.Also read – MS Dhoni booed at Lord’s, Virat Kohli defends former captainAt the end, when Lord’s did reverberate with applause, it was because Dhoni was dismissed by Liam Plunkett in the 47th over of the Indian innings.In the next ODI as well, Dhoni got runs but failed to hit the ground running, therefore, disappointing the fans. Dhoni managed to score only 79 runs from 125 balls in two innings against England and he was heavily criticised by pundits as well.advertisement”If Dhoni has got to play (in the 2019 World Cup), then he has got to get in a position where he keeps hitting. If it is 24-25 overs and he has got to build an innings, he is struggling at the moment.Also read – MS Dhoni reveals why he stepped down as India captain”He may turn it around as he has been a great player for India but at the present he is not turning it around enough and this has been going on for more than an year,” Ganguly said after the second ODI at Lord’s. MS Dhoni was booed at Lord’s for his slow batting in the 2nd ODI against England (AP Photo)The boos were an unusual sight for a player, who has only been loved wherever he has gone. Dhoni’s failure in England was baffling to many because the World Cup-winning captain was coming off a brilliant Indian Premier League, where he led the returning Chennai Super Kings to their third IPL crown just a month ago.Also read – Pant ideal replacement for Dhoni but after 2019 World Cup, feels Virender SehwagDhoni scored 455 runs from 18 matches at an average of 40.16 and a strike-rate of 138.19. Mahi smashed 24 boundaries and 30 maximums in the 11th edition of the IPL.What worked for Dhoni was that he came to bat at No.4 and it gave him time to settle in and take on the bowlers later on. Dhoni’s fearless hitting gave fans enough hope going into the England series and the World Cup ahead, that the good-old hard-hitting Dhoni is back but a month later…he was nowhere to be found.The most obvious reason one could say behind Dhoni’s failure in England would be the fact that he came to bat down the order and had less balls to face. And this is where the Asia Cup could change things for the wicket-keeper batsman.Also read – Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and 7 other Team India members depart early for Asia CupWith Kohli not being present at No.3, Dhoni has the chance to come up the order and play the anchor’s role before taking on the bowlers towards the end of the innings. With conditions conducive to spin bowling, he will have the chance to get his eye in and then attack the faster bowlers towards the end.Yes! Dhoni has struggled against the wrist-spinners lately but his experience remains and some lusty blows from the meat of the bat will do him great good in terms of confidence.WATCH – Rohit Sharma & Co. depart for Asia Cup 2018Dhoni’s role in the batting order will be very important to India’s chances in the Asia Cup. With Kohli not being there, teams will fancy their chances against a shaky middle-order and this is where, Dhoni’s experience and ability will be really helpful for Rohit and the team.advertisementAlso, a great run at No.4 at the Asia Cup, followed by some good innings against West Indies and Australia later in the year, can well give India the answer to their middle-order woes going into the World Cup in England and Wales in June, 2019.
To many, India’s Test series in England already feels like a distant memory. Not for Hanuma Vihari though. It was only last month that he had made his Test debut at the Oval, the last game of a forgettable tour. All had been lost for the visitors but there was everything to gain for the Andhra batsman getting ready to celebrate his 25th birthday. The proverbial butterflies in his stomach, his struggle against the moving ball initially and then a gritty half-century with skipper Virat Kohli at the other end, Vihari remembers every second that he spent in the middle during his first Test innings.”Yes, I do remember every bit of it. I faced difficulty in adjusting to those conditions initially as the ball was moving a lot. However, after I got settled everything fell in place and I could play my natural game,” Vihari says of his 56-run innings in a chat with India Today.He scored a match-winning 87 not out for India ‘B’ against India ‘A’ in the first match of the Deodhar Trophy at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Tuesday.A home series against the West Indies followed but Vihari knew it will be difficult to break-in the playing eleven at home. He was released from the Indian squad during the second and final Test to captain Andhra’s quarter-final game in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The team didn’t make it to the semis but the young lad scored 95.”I know it will be difficult for me to get into the Test eleven while playing at home as five bowlers will play in India. I understand that. I have already started preparing for the Australia tour and, if given an opportunity, will strive to perform well Down Under.”advertisementRead – Hanuma Vihari reveals how tips from Virat Kohli helped him face England pacersThe team management has given a brief to all Test players as far as preparation for the future tours is concerned. A tour of New Zealand with the India ‘A’ team could be in the offing for Vihari next month to prepare for the Test series against Australia which starts in Adelaide from December 6.Vihari says his journey has many “ups and downs” especially after not getting a chance to play at the higher level in spite of good show in the Ranji Trophy. But that is part of history now.”My mother has sacrificed a lot for me, all this whatever I have achieved today is because of her,” he says emotionally while remembering the days of struggle.Vihari 26th Indian to score 50 on Test debutVihari is a “huge admirer” of Mahendra Singh Dhoni for “the way he handles himself and presents himself on the field.” He is also full of praise for skipper Virat Kohli.”Virat is very passionate and aggressive on the field. It is something which rubs on to the other players also. It was a good experience to play alongside him at the Oval in those conditions. It gave me a lot of confidence.”Also Read – Rahul Dravid helped me ease my nerves before Test debut, says VihariOnly two days ago, Vihari got engaged to his childhood friend Preetiraj Yeruva in Hyderabad.”Yeah, I think the lady luck is already smiling on me… I played a match-winning knock for my team today,” he said before leaving for the Kotla dressing room.
Professor Pati was delivering the distinguished lecture on human trafficking held recently at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), St. Andrew. “A phenomenon like trafficking is too big of a problem to be faced by governments alone. It’s too big of a problem to be faced by any nation State alone, it doesn’t matter how powerful. It’s a transnational crime encompassing multiple jurisdictions throughout the world; we have to work together,” she said. Professor of law and director of the Human Trafficking Academy at St. Thomas University in the United States, Dr. Roza Pati, says a multi-national approach is needed to combat human trafficking. Story Highlights Professor of law and director of the Human Trafficking Academy at St. Thomas University in the United States, Dr. Roza Pati, says a multi-national approach is needed to combat human trafficking.“A phenomenon like trafficking is too big of a problem to be faced by governments alone. It’s too big of a problem to be faced by any nation State alone, it doesn’t matter how powerful. It’s a transnational crime encompassing multiple jurisdictions throughout the world; we have to work together,” she said.Professor Pati was delivering the distinguished lecture on human trafficking held recently at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), St. Andrew.She noted that nations must be willing to work together to achieve the mutual goal of eliminating human trafficking globally.“Nation States must have the willingness to go to the table at the United Nations, right now, when the efforts are being made to have a binding document; a treaty,” she said.She commended the Jamaican Government for acknowledging the issue and putting measures in place to fight the crime.“Your Government is taking the lead but your Government cannot do it alone. Your Government needs you,” Professor Pati said, while urging the youth to become part of the global efforts against the scourge.Head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit, Deputy Superintendant of Police (DSP) Carl Berry, also called on young people to become engaged in the fight against human trafficking.“Be that global advocate, start the hashtag…why not start that movement on social media, be that voice for the victim. Remember they (victims) are downtrodden, they are traumatized and scared to death but guess what you have? You have the benefit of friendship and freedom.“You have the skills of the computer; you know how to navigate social media. We ask you as global citizens to remember that you have a right to ensure that your brothers and sisters are free,” he said.Meanwhile, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, Internationalisation and Online Programmes at UCC, Professor Bernadette Warner, said that the institution was pleased to partner with the National Task Force Against Trafficking In Persons (NATFATIP) in the staging of the lecture.“We were very confident that this was a partnership UCC wanted to engage in. A partnership with the philosophy of sustainability, because we felt that as an educational institution, there are ways that we might be able to assist NATFATIP,” she noted.These, she said, are through the development of educational programmes that are relevant in the fight against human trafficking and structuring degree programmes to enable agents and practitioners to build their competence.“Our Bachelor of Science degrees in Social Work and Applied Psychology and our Master of Laws programme are all designed to help in this fight,” Professor Warner pointed out.She said that the lecture provided an avenue to educate students and the wider public about the nature of human trafficking and how they can become a part of the fight.“We heard from NATFATIP the cry for volunteers and I’ve already said that we will be very happy to link onto our website the opportunity for our students to register,” she said.Chair of the NATFATIP Prevention Sub-Committee, Sandra Graham, for her part, said that the entity values the partnership with UCC because there is an indispensable role for educational institutions to play in addressing human trafficking.She expressed the hope that more institutions will see such collaboration as a moral obligation.
Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, says by next week he will report to the country, “once and for all,” the way forward in relation to an alternative source of energy. Addressing students and energy stakeholders at a seminar on energy management at the University of Technology’s (UTech) Papine campus on January 31, Mr. Paulwell informed that Thursday, January 31 was the final day for the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to “complete its process of determining and convincing the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) that it has a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) solution.” Mr. Paulwell said following its meeting with the JPS, the OUR is expected to meet with the Energy Ministry on Friday, February 1, to present its views on the power company’s plans. “And by next week we intend to signal to the country, once and for all, the way forward in relation to whether it’s going to be LNG or some other fuel,” he said. The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment under the National Energy Policy, to reduce the cost of electricity to Jamaicans through the use of alternative sources, such as LNG. He noted that for many years, governments have failed to reach a decision on the matter to the detriment of the country and consumers. “For many years we have failed as a country to diversify our energy sources. And the governments have to bear a brunt of that embarrassing situation, because we have not been able to make timely decisions on transforming to various fuel sources,” he pointed out. Mr. Paulwell said for too long governments have been in “varying minds” in regard to the country’s plans for energy diversification. “At one time we were clear about coal being the best alternative fuel, then we got caught up with LNG and it preoccupied our minds for some time. In 2006, when I was Minister, we shifted to coal and I mandated coal, and if coal had come, today the prices would have been 50 per cent less,” he said. He pointed out that a change of government in 2007 saw the country going back to LNG “and last year we came back and inherited this LNG project.” Mr. Paulwell said if he had been given a clean sheet when the administration returned to power in 2011, “the policy would be that the government would play no role at all and that the market would determine, on a competitive, basis the best way forward.” The Government, last year, removed itself from the fuel source selection process of the LNG project, turning that responsibility over to the JPS, while it concentrated on creating the appropriate legislative and regulatory framework. The Minister further noted that as the government seeks to cut the cost of electricity to Jamaicans, other energy sources such as coal, nuclear and renewable energy are being considered. On the matter
“This work contemplates the idea of a self-healing network, which means that when there is an outage in one area of New Kingston, the intelligent network will automatically correct the issue so that the shortage is short-lived,” she explained during her contribution to the 2019/20 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 14. Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams, says the Jamaica Public Service Co. (JPS) has advised that it has started piloting the Smart City concept in New Kingston.“This work contemplates the idea of a self-healing network, which means that when there is an outage in one area of New Kingston, the intelligent network will automatically correct the issue so that the shortage is short-lived,” she explained during her contribution to the 2019/20 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 14.Mrs. Williams said that distribution automation switches, smart meters, public Internet connectivity, smart parking and air quality monitoring are being contemplated in the pilot.“Discussions will be held with stakeholders to determine how the programme will be implemented in other areas, going forward,” she told the House.Meanwhile, she informed that the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has indicated that it will be piloting a programme this year to curb the high rate of electricity theft.“We support this initiative and look forward to the results. JPS has some ideas, as well, which they have been discussing with the Ministry,” she noted.Mrs. Williams said electricity theft costs the country some US$140 million each year.“This represents 17 per cent of electricity generated and is a significant contributor to high electricity costs. All of us who pay for electricity, pay approximately 8.5 per cent more on our bills, to cover the amount that is stolen. In addition, not many persons realise the hazard that is created by stealing electricity, such as the loss of life, limb and property,” she said.JPS reported that last year, it removed approximately 170,000 “throw-ups”.“Despite, the many community meetings, the ready boards (with a breaker, bulb, switch and socket) and prepaid meters, theft of electricity continues unabated, and it is not just certain communities; many billed customers are reported to be getting around the meters,” Mrs. Williams said. Mrs. Williams said that distribution automation switches, smart meters, public Internet connectivity, smart parking and air quality monitoring are being contemplated in the pilot. Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams, says the Jamaica Public Service Co. (JPS) has advised that it has started piloting the Smart City concept in New Kingston. Story Highlights
Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping said the cooperation agreements worth more than USD 64 billion were signed at a CEO conference during the 2nd Belt and Road Forum which concluded here on Saturday.A total of 283 items of practical outcomes were achieved during the preparatory process and the holding of the forum, Xi said in a statement before the media on Saturday after his roundtable meeting with 37 heads of state and governments who took part in the meeting. Also Read – Commercial vehicle sales to remain subdued in current fiscal: IcraEarlier in the day, Xi called for joint efforts of all parties to promote high-quality development of the Belt and Road (BRI) initiative at the leaders’ roundtable meeting of the forum. In his address at the roundtable meet, Xi said his trillion-dollar BRI initiative should benefit all around the world and deliver common development by following established international rules and norms. He again stressed that the BRI would focus on common development of all the participating countries and their people. Also Read – Ashok Leyland stock tanks over 5 pc as co plans to suspend production for up to 15 days”We must implement the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits to see that all voices are heard, all reached their full potential and all stand to benefit,” the Chinese President said. The BRI must be open, clean and green and follow high standards, people centred sustainable approach, he said, adding that it should be aligned to the United Nations’ sustainable development agenda. “Align our cooperation with universally accepted rules, standards and best practices and pursue social and economic progress and environmental protection in a balanced way. The BRI should be beneficial to all and deliver common development,” Xi said. Those who attended the BRF meeting included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and heads of several Asian, African and Latin American countries besides heads of the UN and the IMF. India and the US skipped the meeting. India, which boycotted the first BRF meeting held in 2017 over its objections to the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, skipped its second edition for the same reasons. The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan’s Balochistan with China’s Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of the BRI. India has also been airing its concerns over the BRI financing, saying that connectivity initiatives must follow principles of financial responsibility to avoid projects that would create unsustainable debt burden for communities. This time the US has emerged as a fierce critic of the BRI, asserting that its predatory financing is leaving the smaller countries in heavy debt. The concerns grew louder after China acquired Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port for a 99-year lease as a debt swap. The heavy Chinese financing of the CPEC also raised concerns over Pakistan’s ability to pay back. China has clarified that less than 20 per cent of the CPEC projects are based on loans provided by it and the rest of the 80 per cent ventures are either directly invested by Beijing or used Chinese grants. The BRI was launched by President Xi when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link southeast Asia, central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. China is doling out huge sums of money for infrastructure projects in countries from Asia to Africa and Europe, enhancing its global influence. In his speech at the opening ceremony of the 2nd BRF on Friday, Xi allayed fears that China is using the BRI as a geopolitical tool to attain superpower status. He said the BRI was “not an exclusive club”. “Everything should be done in a transparent way and we should have zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.
Australia has already lost market share to international competitors in the race to meet the strongest global growth in demand for minerals and energy in a generation and could lose more if capacity constraints are not addressed, new research has found. The research by Access Economics, which was commissioned by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), showed that if Australia had maintained its global market share between 2002 and 2007, the minerals industry would have earned another A$17 billion in today’s prices – the equivalent of 1.6% of nominal national income in 2007. The benefits of successfully addressing capacity constraints are massive. The research shows if capacity constraints are overcome and market share expanded, Australia could be A$129 billion – or 8.5% of today’s national income – better off by the year 2020. In order to maintain Australia’s present global market share by the year 2020, Access Economics found that massive increases in minerals production will be required, specifically:Nickel production will have to grow by more than 120%Iron ore by more than 100%Zinc and copper by more than 80%Coal and lead by more than 40%Aluminium by more than 20%Gold by around 15%.The research was commissioned by the MCA as part of a new flagship 2020 Vision Project outlined during the Minerals Industry Seminar by Ian Smith, MCA Chairman and the Managing Director & CEO of Newcrest Mining. The project was commissioned to provide a framework for the future development of the minerals industry and to identify appropriate policies and strategies to build capacity enabling Australia to maintain its position as a premium global supplier of minerals products well into the future.Smith said the research findings: “indicate the current expansion in global demand for minerals is set to continue well into the future. This is great news for the industry and great news for Australia. The challenge will be to ensure that the present capacity constraints limiting supply are addressed – this is the economic policy issue of the moment.“The speed and extent to which we address supply constraints is increasingly the key determinant of a country’s and an enterprise’s competitiveness. It presents Australian policy makers and the industry with an enormous challenge but also the prospect of great rewards.” Access Economics found that mining was one of the few industries where Australia is a global productivity leader.“Mining is a rich field of comparative advantage for the Australian economy relative to the rest of the world – in part due to the quality and quantity of the natural resources on the continent, but also reflecting the high levels of productivity in the industry”, the research found. But Access Economics warns that once global market share is lost, it may be difficult to win back.“If Australia fails to expand its production base at optimal pace, then we are foregoing that income to another region or country. And if that happens, the production gap, once opened will not be easily closed”.A key issue identified by Access was the importance of getting the management of the supply chain right, including resolving issues around infrastructure development, regulation and ongoing management to allow the minerals industry to expand and export as quickly as possible. The capacity constraints include: chronic skills shortages, congested and poorly functioning export corridors, inadequate social and physical infrastructure in remote and regional communities, emerging shortages of energy and water and duplicative and excessive regulations.Employment in the already buoyant minerals sector is set for even stronger growth with a 70% increase forecast by the year 2020. Professor Sue Richardson, Director of the National Institute of Labour Studies at Flinders University reported that the minerals industry in the year 2020 will need to employ an additional 90,000 people – a 70% increase on current employment levels.This report forecasts 6% annual employment growth in the minerals sector to 2012 – double the Federal Government’s estimate of 3% and far higher than previous industry forecasts. The greatest demand will be in skilled trades with an additional 31,000 people required. Demand for semi-skilled operators will increase by 30,000 and demand for mining professionals will grow by 9,000 or 70% on current numbers.MCA Chief Executive Mitchell H Hooke said the report’s findings showed the strength and longevity of the current minerals sector expansion was defying a whole range of predictions and underscored the view that the strong global growth was due to a profound underlying structural adjustment in the economy rather than a traditional commodity boom.“Australia is expected to largely weather the current uncertainty in global financial markets resulting from the sub prime mortgage problems in the US and this is because of the strength in global demand for minerals and energy from especially developing countries such as China and India. We are confident we are three years into a ‘super cycle’ of global demand for our products – a decade and more of sustained demand – which some consider could even last 20 years.“This super cycle of demand is driven by an underlying structural adjustment in the global economy and the global industry, more so than the traditional drivers of the commodity cycles and is like nothing like we’ve experienced in a generation.“The strong growth in employment to the year 2020 has the potential to benefit local communities and Indigenous communities in remote and regional areas, where many of our new minerals projects are planned.”The report found that more than half the growth in jobs will occur in Western Australia, Queensland’s minerals industry labour force will grow by 50% and South Australia’s demand for minerals workers will more than double.The minerals industry already employs 128,000 people directly, with more than 200,000 people employed indirectly in related industries.The latest ABARE figures show that the industry is set for further expansion with a record A$70.5 billion committed to 97 projects either under construction or in an advanced stage of planning and a further 244 projects planned.While welcoming the report’s findings, Hooke sounded a note of caution. “The report’s findings will place added pressure on an already tight labour market, particularly in the skilled and professional areas of employment. The labour market is already running at capacity and this extra demand will mean it is even more critical that Australia’s chronic skills shortages are addressed. While the Minerals Council welcomes recent Federal Government initiatives to increase the number of skilled training places and streamline temporary visa applications for skilled immigration, more must be done to expand and reform the vocational education and training system, lift funding for earth science courses in the higher education sector and further increase skilled migration. We must make sure that we are able to fully capitalize on the opportunities for all Australians presented by the enormous growth in global demand for minerals and energy.”
SteelSeries Arctis 1 Is World’s First USB-C Wireless Gaming HeadsetGeek Pick: Shure MV88+ Is An Excellent, On the Go Microphone Kit Going to the gym, especially when it’s crappy weather outside, might require too much effort. However, Plankk, a wellness startup, just introduced a new app that will let you take classes with your favorite fitness influencers — without leaving home.This week, Plankk debuted Plankk Studio, an app that makes it easy to workout in your bedroom, living room, or other preferred living space. The app, which is available on the App Store and Google Play for $14.99 per month, lets you access live classes hosted by popular fitness stars. From cardio-heavy HIIT to chill yoga flows, Plankk Studio gives you access to many exercise activities whenever you need them.Unlike other health apps, Plankk Studio takes a more personalized fitness approach. With over 1,000 on-demand classes and multiple skill levels, you can customize your own exercise routine. All you have to do is open the app, tap the class you would like to join, and start working out. You’ll find classes led by TV host and athlete Lauren Abraham, motivational trailer James Ellis, and other global health celebrities.Photo Credit: Plankk Studio/YouTube)Accountability is key though, too: Plankk Studio’s calendar tracks your fitness progress each week, so you’ll see your physical activity log in a digital format. There’s also an in-app community too, which could be helpful if you need extra motivation to get up and move.If forking over $14.99 a month isn’t for you, Plankk Studio does offer two other subscription plans: You can pay a fee of $32.99 ($10.99 per month) on a quarterly basis, or pay $89.99 annually ($7.50 per month). For the convenience of working out at home and no additional fees, it’s not a bad deal.But, if you’re still on a budget, there are always free fitness apps, like Asics’ Runkeeper or Down Dog, that can help you get in shape without an expensive gym or studio membership.More on Geek.com:Best Fitness Trackers for Tech LoversNew App Warns LA Users of Impending Earthquake‘Find My iPhone’ App Helps Catch Hit-and-Run Suspect Stay on target
New Rangers Football Club signing Kyle Lafferty hopes his return to the club will give him the opportunity to mend his broken heart whilst making peace with the club’s supporters.The Northern Ireland international is back at the Ibrox, six years after his departure to Swiss side FC Sion after the club went into financial turmoil.Lafferty is hopeful his second coming to Rangers is a fruitful one whilst hoping he can replicate his form with Hearts with the Gers.The 30-year-old could make his debut as early as Thursday when Rangers face FC Ufa in the UEFA Europa League playoffs.Lafferty said, as quoted by Express: “I have supported the club since I was a kid and have played here before, but the way I left I was disappointed. Walking out those doors six years ago broke my heart, but to be given a second chance to redeem myself… I jumped at the chance. I am happy to be home.”“I always wanted to come back and put things right and show the fans what I am all about.”
Rangers is still behind Celtic: John Hartson Manuel R. Medina – September 3, 2019 According to the former Celtic player, there’s still a massive gap between his ex-club and Rangers in the Scottish Premier League.“Did I think I would get another chance? Not really. I went to Hearts last season and had a good season and now I have been given a second chance, which I am lucky to have.”Lafferty added: “It has been a long time since we have seen a Rangers team like this, so it is exciting times ahead.”“I wanted to be part of this because they are heading in the right direction and I want to be involved in winning trophies with Rangers.”“I want to be here for success and with the squad of players that we have here we will do that.”Lafferty bagged three titles, a Scottish Cup and two League Cups during his first spell at Rangers.
Vancouver firefighters responded to two fires within a half-hour Wednesday night, one that ruined a motor home and a pickup truck.At 8:21 p.m., firefighters went to Northeast 33rd Circle and 62nd Avenue, north of Fourth Plain Boulevard and near state Highway 500. They found an older and unlicensed motor home, a truck and a large fir tree in flames.Eighteen firefighters put out the fire, and a fire marshal was on the scene at The Columbian’s press time. No one was reported injured, Capt. Kevin Murray said.At 8:46 p.m., firefighters responded to a second-story fire in a condo at Hampton Downs, 5301 Plomondon St. Murray said a bedroom was on fire. He said no one was injured and was not certain if anyone was in the condo when the fire broke out.More details were expected to be released Thursday morning and will be available on online.Fire destroyed two motor homes earlier Wednesday at Sam’s Good RV Park.
Darjeeling: The minimum wage amount calculated by the state government will be announced from Uttar Kanya by Labour minister Malay Ghatak on July 30. This assurance led to the deferring of agitation programmes, including tea estate shutdowns and a general strike by the Joint Forum of tea unions earlier slated for July 23, 24 and 25.Tripartite talks were held between the state government, Joint Forum and associations representing the management at Uttar Kanya, the mini secretariat in Jalpaiguri on Tuesday. Also Read – Rain batters Kolkata, cripples normal life”We communicated the progress in implementation of minimum wages and the details on how it is being calculated. On July 30, Labour minister Malay Ghatak will make an official announcement on the amount that has been fixed as minimum wage. As we have made much progress, we would request the Joint Forum to lift their agitation programmes, thereby maintaining peace and tranquility in the gardens,” stated Jawaid Akhtar, labour commissioner.The Joint Forum (a conglomeration of 26 operating tea unions), demanding the implementation of minimum wages in tea gardens, had called for a closure of all tea gardens in North Bengal on July 23, 24 and 25, along with a general strike in the tea belt on July 24. Also Read – Speeding Jaguar crashes into Mercedes car in Kolkata, 2 pedestrians killedThough the unions operational in the Hills had decided not to enforce the bandh, they had called for stopping tea dispatch from the Hill gardens.Following the tripartite talks, the Joint Forum went into a huddle to decide on the fate of the agitation programme. “As the state government initiative is positive, we have decided to defer the 3-day strike. This will be announced in all the tea gardens on July 20, before the workers go to work. We will attend the meeting on July 30 at Uttar Kanya. However, if the announcement on that day is anti-worker, we will draw up our future course of action which will include a more severe agitation after July 30,” stated Zia Ur Alam, convenor of the forum. Alam stated that though the government was positive, the attitude of the management is clearly anti-worker.Towing the Chief Minister’s line, Dola Sen, president, INTTUC, stated: “Bandh will not resolve anything. It is the workers who suffer in a bandh. Our government is pro-worker. After coming to power, the daily wage of workers that stood at Rs 66 in 2011, has been incremented to Rs 159 at present.”The minimum wage is being calculated taking into consideration various components including cost of food, clothing, housing and the 1:3 composition (3 dependents per worker). Disbursement of PF, gratuity and filling up of vacancies in the gardens were also discussed in the tripartite meeting.
Dell may expand its XPS line of laptops sometime next year with a 17-inch model and a mysterious “XPS Dual Screen Maximus.” Those rumors come from a leaked product roadmap, published by Dutch tech site Tweekers, that supposedly shows the release schedule for XPS laptops until 2022. If the leak is legit, Dell will also refresh the XPS 13 in early 2020 and release a new XPS 15 a few months after. Those who have been waiting for Dell to finally refresh the XPS 13 2-in-1 are also in luck. Based on the leak, a new convertible will launch between July and August of this year with Intel Ice Lake-U CPUs. MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Which 13-inch MacBook Is Right For You?Apple’s entry-level MacBook Air and Pro look pretty similar, but our testing proved they differ in crucial ways.Your Recommended PlaylistVolume 0%Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcutsKeyboard Shortcutsplay/pauseincrease volumedecrease volumeseek forwardsseek backwardstoggle captionstoggle fullscreenmute/unmuteseek to %SPACE↑↓→←cfm0-9接下来播放Which Cheap Tablet Is Best? Amazon Fire 7 vs Walmart Onn02:45关闭选项Automated Captions – en-USAutomated Captions – en-USAutomated Captions – en-US facebook twitter 发邮件 reddit 链接https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/dell-xps-17-dual-screen-rumor?jwsource=cl已复制直播00:0003:4603:46 MORE: Dell Reveals Key Features Coming to the New XPS 15Most of the upcoming XPS laptops feature in the leak are your typical refreshes, but two entries appear to be entirely new models: The XPS 17 7700 (codename: Stradale) and the XPS Dual Screen Maximus. The XPS 17 7700 will supposedly come with a Comet Lake-H CPU and Nvidia’s newest GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q graphics. Of course, the model number all but confirms a 17-inch display, though screen size is not explicitly described in the leak. The roadmap doesn’t provide any specific information about the “Dual Screen Maximus,” but the name hints at a device similar to the bizarre Lenovo Yoga Book C930, which has a secondary E Ink display on the deck along with a standard 10.8-inch IPS display. There’s also a chance that this mysterious device has a foldable design that’s more akin to the Samsung Galaxy Fold. Credit: USPTOThat wouldn’t be a huge surprise. After all, Gregory Bryant, the senior vice president and general manager of Intel’s Client Computing Group, told PCWorld last year that the company is experimenting with “bendables and foldables.” And as Digital Trends points out, Dell has already filed a patent illustrating a device that lets you attach multiple displays to its base, effectively creating a multi-screen workstation in a portable form. Dell has not confirmed the roadmap, so you should take the timeline with a grain of salt. But if it is correct, then Dell has some seriously mouthwatering XPS laptop in the pipeline. Best Dell and Alienware Laptops Phillip Tracy, Phillip Tracy is a senior writer at Tom’s Guide and Laptop Mag, where he reviews laptops and covers the latest industry news. After graduating with a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Phillip became a tech reporter at the Daily Dot. There, he wrote reviews for a range of gadgets and covered everything from social media trends to cybersecurity. Prior to that, he wrote for RCR Wireless News and NewBay Media. When he’s not tinkering with devices, you can find Phillip playing video games, reading, listening to indie music or watching soccer. Author Bio by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeKelley Blue Book5 Mid-engine Corvettes That Weren’tKelley Blue BookUndoVerizon WirelessThis new phone will blow your mind.Verizon WirelessUndoTODAYPolice Identify Girl Licking Ice Cream Tub In Viral VideoTODAYUndoMy Food and FamilyHealthy, Homemade Drunken Thai Noodles In Just 20 MinutesMy Food and FamilyUndo247 SportsRanking The Highest-Paid NBA Players In 2019247 SportsUndoCIO for DOMOBrandPost: Does Your Leadership Style Support Diversity?CIO for DOMOUndoAdvertisement Phillip Tracy,
The United States’ leadership in the deployment of 5G is critical and must be done right. Localities have a central role to play; the technical expertise possessed by industry should be utilized; and cybersecurity must be a core consideration. A network built by the federal government, I fear, does not leverage the best approach needed for our nation to win the 5G race.Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) joined the chorus, adding a little dig of his own:While I’m glad that the Trump Administration recognizes that maintaining American leadership in the information age requires a significant investment commitment, I’m concerned that constructing a nationalized 5G network would be both expensive and duplicative, particularly at a time when the Administration is proposing to slash critical federal investments in R&D and broadband support for unserved areas.The Trump administration itself told Recode that the document Axios saw was dated, and that it wasn’t a seriously considered proposition. The National Security Council doesn’t oversee broadband deployment, and there’s no way this would get past the FCC, which as you can see above would likely be united in opposition to such a strategy.And although the NSC clearly has national security in mind when it suggests this path, I frankly would not trust the government to build a secure network of any kind, let alone one this big. There would also be considerable irony in a government attempting to secure its internet infrastructure while simultaneously attempting to undermine effective encryption.The U.S. government may very well use part of the 5G network being built for its own purposes, and it of course subsidizes the rollout of the tech so it can use it itself — first responder networks, military stuff, that kind of thing. But the idea that it would, or could, build a competitive 5G network in the manner suggested has no basis in reality.Featured Image: Prasit photo/Getty Images A report this weekend by Axios cited documents from within the National Security Council describing the possibility — nay, inevitability — of a 5G network built and operated by the U.S. government. Officials have since poured cold water on this idea, and really, it was never feasible.In brief, the report cited by Axios suggested that the only way to truly secure the next generation of wireless networks, on which critical infrastructure like self-driving cars will rely, against snooping by China and others, would be for the government to build that network itself.There are several things wrong with this idea. You probably thought of a couple before you even got to this sentence.Perhaps the most obvious problem is that the government would probably have to contract or at least work closely alongside the very companies it would effectively replace, such as AT&T and Verizon, in order to build a new 5G network. They are, of course, the ones who know how to do it. (Disclosure: Verizon owns Oath, which owns TechCrunch.)That would be awkward, since those companies, along with others around the world, are well into the process of testing and deploying 5G networks. The idea of a government network operating separately but in concert with the commercial networks doesn’t hold water (we’ve considered it before).Even if it was attempted, there’s just no way that the U.S. government, even at its best and most efficient, and if it started bipartisan work on this tomorrow, could be in any way competitive in the timing and scale of such a deployment. It takes billions of dollars and years of work to lay the foundation for something like this, and others have a huge head start. And let us not forget that we are experiencing one of an endless series of budget crises, which would not be alleviated by the proposal of this kind of massive undertaking.FCC Chairman Ajit Pai was unsparing in his spite for this proposal, which is as expected from someone who favors free market forces over government involvement:I oppose any proposal for the federal government to build and operate a nationwide 5G network. The main lesson to draw from the wireless sector’s development over the past three decades—including American leadership in 4G—is that the market, not government, is best positioned to drive innovation and investment. What government can and should do is to push spectrum into the commercial marketplace and set rules that encourage the private sector to develop and deploy next-generation infrastructure. Any federal effort to construct a nationalized 5G network would be a costly and counterproductive distraction from the policies we need to help the United States win the 5G future.Commissioner Clyburn was similarly unfriendly to the idea:
Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading… GAYSTARNEWS- eTN Chatroom for Readers (join us) A promising sign: Two lesbians of color won big elections in the USHey, American people: You need to vote to change the countryGay US veteran announces he’s running for office in AlabamaRead the full article on Gaystarnews: :https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/lgbtq-candidates-running-office/ This year is critical for Democrats looking to take back at least a portion of the government.After their major victories last year — including Danica Roem, Doug Jones in Alabama, and others — energy is higher than normal in a midterm election year.More women, people of color, and LGBTQ candidates are running than ever before. Here are 15 LGBTQ candidates to keep an eye on.Nelson Araujo seeing RENT. | Photo: Twitter @NelsonAraujoNVNelson Araujo (Nevada)Born to El Salvadorian immigrant parents, Araujo is currently serving as a Democrat in the state House of Representatives. He’s now seeking the position go Secretary of State.If he wins, he’ll be the first openly LGBTQ person elected statewide in Nevada. He’ll also be the second openly LGBTQ Secretary of State in the US.Previously, he got several bills signed into law, including Assembly Bill 99. This bill increased protections for LGBTQ kids in foster care.Lauren Baer (Florida)An attorney and foreign policy expert, Baer is hoping to be the first lesbian elected to Congress from Florida. She’s seeking a position in the House. She would also be one of the first LGBTQ mothers in Congress.Elsewhere in Florida, David Richardson is hoping to be the first gay man elected to Congress from the state — also in the House.Angie Craig (Minnesota)Craig is running for Minnesota’s House of Representatives. She wants to be the first openly LGBTQ person in the body. Like Baer, she would also be an LGBTQ mother in Congress.First, however, she has to win the Democratic primary on 14 August.If she wins, she won’t be Minnesota’s only victory. Last year, Andrea Jenkins was the first trans woman of color elected to public office.Pat Davis (New Mexico)Davis currently serves on the Albuquerque City Council but is now setting his sights on Congress. If he wins the primary on 5 June, and then the general election in November, he’ll be the first openly LGBTQ member of Congress from New Mexico.Gray at a campaign event. | Photo: Twitter @JimGrayCongressJim Gray (Kentucky)Alabama isn’t the only Southern state looking to blue, rather than red.Gray, who’s currently the mayor of Lexington, wants to be the first openly LGBTQ Congressman from Kentucky. His primary is on 22 May.Steven Kirkland (Texas)Kirkland is a judge, currently serving Texas’ Harris County as a District Court Judge. Now, running as a Democrat, he’s hoping to make it to the state’s Supreme Court. If he does, he’ll be the first openly LGBTQ statewide official in Texas.His primary is one of the earliest — it’s on 6 March.Richard Madaleno (Maryland)In 2012, Maryland became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage by ballot. Madaleno, as a Senator, led that victory. Now, he’s seeking to become the first LGBTQ governor of the state. He would also be the first openly gay man to server as governor — but perhaps not the only one this year. His primary is on 26 June.Running for office. | Photo: Twitter @ElectTippiTippi McCullough (Arkansas)McCullough is a teacher in Arkansas. Higher-ups fired her in 2013 after she married her partner. Now, running as a Democrat alongside everyone else on this list, she’s seeking a spot in Arkansas’ House of Representatives.If she wins her primary on 22 May and goes on to win the general, she’ll be the only openly LGBTQ woman in the Arkansas State Legislature.Josh Mers (Kentucky)Going back to Kentucky, Mers is fighting to join the state’s House of Reps. He’ll be the only openly LGBTQ member of the state legislature.He’s currently a Commissioner of Human Rights for the City of Lexington and his primary is on 22 May.Jeremy Moss (Michigan)Moss is in his second term in Michigan’s House of Representatives. This year, he’s hoping to transition into the Senate and be the only openly LGBTQ member of the Michigan State Senate. His primary is on 8 August.Jones is hoping to add to the wave of Democratic wins. | Photo: Twitter @ginaortizjonesGina Ortiz Jones (Texas)Jones announced her candidacy earlier this year. She’s an Iraq War veteran and has a 14-year career in national security under her belt.With a primary on 6 March, she’s running to join Texas’ House. If she wins, she’ll be the first openly LGBTQ person elected to Congress from Texas and the second LGBTQ woman of color in Congress.Chris Pappas (New Hampshire)Currently on New Hampshire’s Executive Council, Pappas wants to be the state’s first openly LGBTQ Congressman. His primary is on 11 September.Jared Polis (Colorado)Polis, like Madaleno, is seeking to be the first openly gay man elected as a state governor (or perhaps in tandem with Madaleno). He’s currently serving the House of Representatives. He also serves on several Committees and his primary is on 26 June.Sinema in a campaign video. | Photo: Twitter @KyrstenSinemaKyrsten Sinema (Arizona)Sinema is aiming for several significant firsts. Currently serving in the House, she’s switching lanes to run for Senate in Arizona.If she wins, she’ll be the first openly bisexual Senator and the first female Senator from Arizona. Her primary is on 28 August.Fran Watson (Texas)Last but not least, Watson is a Democratic candidate running for the Texas State Senate in District 17. If she wins, she’ll become the first openly LGBTQ and the third black woman elected to the Texas Senate. Her primary is on 6 March.More information on all these candidates can be found at Victory Fund.Got a news tip? Want to share your story? Email us . The midterm elections in the United States occur this year on 6 November — and several LGBTQ candidates are running.Midterms are general elections that take place the two years after a presidential election. They focus on seats in Congress (both House and Senate), governor races, and other various state and local offices.