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Kim Kardashian's switch up on son Saint, 8, has unconvinced fans saying the same thingAs we approach the final month of the year, Netflix certainly has some major releases in store for subscribers. We’ve covered many of them here already, like the highly anticipated second season of coming the day after Christmas. In this post, however, I’m going to highlight two Netflix standouts that are just days away at this point. One is a series and the other a movie — and while they couldn’t be more different from each other, I’m convinced that both will drive significant viewership. Especially since the film will drop in the weeks leading up to Christmas and dramatize the story of the birth of Christ. Here’s a closer look at both upcoming Netflix releases: (Dec. 5) First up is an action-packed Netflix spy drama set against the backdrop of London at Christmastime, and starring Keira Knightley as you’ve never seen her before. Sign up for the most interesting tech & entertainment news out there. By signing up, I agree to the and have reviewed the , created and written by ‘s Joe Barton, stars Knightley as a mother, wife, and professional spy named Helen Webb. She’s been slipping the secrets of her politician husband to a shadowy group called the Black Doves for over a decade — and when Helen’s secret lover Jason is assassinated, Helen’s spymaster calls in her old friend Sam (played by Ben Whishaw) to keep her safe. Per Netflix, Sam is a “suave, Champagne-drinking assassin. But having been out of the game since a failed job with disastrous consequences, he’s come home to a London that has moved on without him. As his past threatens to catch up with him, his task is to protect Helen as she investigates who killed Jason and why.” Helen and Sam set off on a mission that will take them into the heart of darkness, otherwise known as the murky London underworld that’s connected to a looming geopolitical crisis. Spies, crooked politicians, a feral female heroine like Knightley smoking bad guys with ease — the show is basically a grab bag of all the good stuff you want in an espionage drama. (Dec. 6) As for this next Netflix release, a coming-of-age film adapted from events in the Bible, tells the ancient story of the birth of the Son of God. Starring Noa Cohen as the mother of the Messiah, this original movie from the streaming giant dramatizes — and we need to put a big line under that word, dramatizes — events surrounding Mary’s immaculate conception and her eventual fugitive status along with her husband Joseph. It’s pretty much a rule, though; almost anytime Hollywood wades into Biblical content, the pendulum is going to swing too much in the direction of entertainment rather than on the accuracy of the material. You can see what I mean yourself by checking out the trailer below, but the long and short of it is the Bible doesn’t say much at all about the lives of Mary and Joseph. And there are definitely some anachronistic, modern ideas that have been inserted into the film (not that I’d expect anything less from Netflix). I know it sounds like I’m nitpicking, but I think anyone for whom this is an important story is very much allowed to nitpick — especially when the director here is known for a movie about a serial killer (2007’s ). Having said that, I can certainly appreciate the movie for what it’s trying to do. The broad strokes of the story are certainly there. “Love will save the world” is certainly a powerful line coming from the mother of Jesus.
Harry and Meghan ‘have not lived up’ to their lofty image of themselves, German documentary will showSports betting is booming in different parts of the world, and Nigeria is no exception. Technological innovations and advancements are some of the major factors that have led to the industry’s growth, and various online sports betting platforms have further accelerated the growth. Betway Casino Nigeria is an online platform that offers opportunities to all betting enthusiasts. The increase in the number of platforms and websites in Nigeria has also attracted international betting experts. Let us understand the factors behind the success of sports betting in Nigeria. Access to smartphones and the internet The advent of smartphone technologies and the internet have changed the entire sports betting landscape. They have also transformed various industries and changed the way we live. Access to smartphones and the internet has made it easier for individuals to bet online. They can even use their phones to visit the websites and proceed with their bets. It has been established that over 85 million Nigerians are mobile internet users, and this number is expected to increase. Therefore, it brings a great opportunity and can serve the users proficiently. The popularity of football as a sport Of all sports, football is one of the most popular sports in Nigeria. Data from various sources show that football is one of the most popular sports, even among the know-it-alls. Nigerians bet on various football sports leagues. Including La Liga, Serie A, FIFA World Cup, German Bundesliga, English Premier League and the African Cup of Nations. It also attracts a large number of international bettors. On average, Nigerians spend more than 3000 Naira daily on sports betting. This provides an excellent platform and is helping to accelerate the growth of sports betting in the country. Discover the inspiring journey of women’s football in Nigeria, highlighting notable players and teams and their significant impact on the development of the sport. Learn how Nigerian women are making a splash on the African football scene. In the heart of Africa, where the love of football knows no boundaries, a powerful movement is underway. It reshapes the beautiful football landscape. Women’s football in Nigeria has crossed borders, broken barriers and emerged as a formidable force on the African football stage. Today’s match predictions are available to all Nigerian residents at all times so you can follow all women’s football results. This article looks at the remarkable growth and achievements of women’s football in Nigeria. It pays tribute to the players and teams and their indelible mark on the sport. Women’s football in Nigeria faced several challenges in its infancy. Despite social barriers and limited resources, passionate female footballers persevered. The formation of the Nigerian women’s national team, the Super Falcons, in 1991 marked a turning point. Led by players like Mercy Akide and Perpetua Nkwocha, the team showed Nigerian women’s potential in football. The growth of women’s football in Nigeria has had a profound impact on the development of the sport:
DHAKA, Bangladesh , Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With the popularity of electric vehicles in Bangladesh , the globally renowned AIMA brand has also arrived in Bangladesh . The esteemed DX Group has brought the AIMA F-626 to customers. This environmentally friendly battery-operated electric motorbike has already been approved by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authorit y ( B RTA) now. In light of the increasing popularity of electric motorcycles in the country, the internationally-leading brand AIMA has entered the market. By the end of 2023, AIMA electric two-wheelers had established a presence in over 50 countries worldwide, with 11 global production bases, including overseas factories in Indonesia and Vietnam . In 2022, AIMA collaborated with Rob Janoff , the designer of the Apple logo, to refresh the brand's VI system with a youthful and fashionable image. In 2023, AIMA teamed up with PANTONE, the global authority in color expertise, to create the trending color of the year. As an industry leader, AIMA spearheads the electric two-wheeler sector and showcases the prowess of a leading electric two-wheeler brand on a global scale. As of March 31, 2024 , AIMA's total electric two-wheeler sales had reached 80 million units, earning certification from Frost & Sullivan, a globally recognized business growth consulting firm, as the "Global Leading Electric Two-wheeler Brand". Over the years, AIMA has always been a product trendsetter in the electric two-wheeler sector. As of March 31, 2024 , the total sales volume of AIMA electric two-wheelers reached 80 million, and Frost & Sullivan, a world-renowned market consulting company, awarded AIMA with the market status certification of the "Global Leading Electric Two-wheeler Brand (by Sales)". AIMA adhere to the customer-centered product philosophy and technologies that support long-term innovation and breakthroughs. We believe that the efficiency and modern technology of the AIMA F-626 will present an excellent alternative means of communication for our customers. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chinas-aima-brand-electric-motorbike-is-now-in-bangladesh-302314737.html SOURCE AIMA Technology
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Patriots turn their attention to the future after being eliminated from playoff contention FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots are focused on the future following their 25-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts . Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press Dec 2, 2024 2:54 PM Dec 2, 2024 3:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo stands on the field before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots are focused on the future following their 25-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts . The Patriots (3-10) were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss Sunday, meaning that this week’s bye in many ways will begin the process of the coaching staff and front office evaluating the roster for 2025. The good news is that this group has shown plenty of grit this season, playing seven games that were decided by one score. The bad news is that the Patriots are just 2-5 in those games. Though New England’s bye comes late in the season, coach Jerod Mayo said the timing is perfect for a team that is feeling the effects of its shortcomings . “A much-needed bye week, not only physically for the players but also mentally, just being able to hit the reset button and come back, put some good games together and continue to build for the future,” Mayo said. “That has to be our goal.” Tight end Austin Hooper said the seed that needs to be planted over the final four games is finding a way to limit the mistakes — namely penalties and trouble finishing drives — that have hampered the offense throughout the season. “We’ve got to execute at a higher level. We can’t beat a team before you stop hurting yourself,” Hooper said. “It’s not for lack of effort, just things that happen out there that get you scars in this league.” What’s working This was the most balanced performance by the offense this season, with 222 passing yards and a season-high 200 yards rushing. It shows progress under new coordinator Alex Van Pelt, which is something to build on over the final four games. What needs help Red zone efficiency. It continues to be the most glaring deficiency for the Patriots’ offense. They were 2 of 6 on Sunday and rank 30th in the NFL, scoring a touchdown only 44.7% (17 of 38) of the time inside the 20-yard line. Stock up TE Hunter Henry. He finished with seven catches for 75 yards, which is his seventh game this season with five or more receptions. He leads the team this season with 58 catches for 610 yards and continues to be a dependable option for quarterback Drake May as he navigates his rookie season. Stock down K Joey Slye. He made 3 of his 5 field-goal attempts, including a 54-yarder in the second quarter. Most of the conversation following the game was about his NFL record-long 68-yard attempt that came up short as time expired. But because of the 1-point loss, he was lamenting the 25-yard attempt he missed wide left just before halftime. “I take full responsibility for this,” Slye said. “Every point for this team matters with how we play complementary football with offense, defense and special teams. So, whenever I am out there, I have got to score points.” Injuries Henry left the game in the first quarter after a helmet-to-helmet hit. He was able to return in the second quarter and finished the game. Key number 7 — Number of penalties called on the Patriots, costing them 88 yards. Five penalties (four accepted) were called on the offensive line. That included one for holding on Mike Onwenu that nullified a touchdown run by Rhamondre Stevenson in the first quarter and forced New England to settle for a field goal. Next steps The Patriots have a bye this week. They visit the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 15. ___ AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Rams claim CB Emmanuel Forbes off waivers from Washington Dec 2, 2024 3:25 PM Buccaneers are back to .500 and in position to control their playoff hopes down the stretch Dec 2, 2024 3:24 PM QB Josh Allen and coach Sean McDermott deserve credit in Bills latest AFC East-clinching season Dec 2, 2024 3:22 PMIn a world that is increasingly busy and disconnected, it is easy to overlook the simple, yet profound practice of gratitude. The Bible reminds us to cultivate gratitude and to allow Divine peace to govern our hearts and lives. Gratitude is different than being thankful for good things, it is a daily choice to consider God’s goodness, even during trials, hardships, and suffering. In Colossians 3:15-17, Paul reminds us to embrace gratitude and thankfulness, not as a fleeting feeling or emotion, but as an ongoing practice even when life’s burdens overwhelm and challenge us. This passage invites us to make thankfulness a daily expression of worship, and to have a posture of gratitude which transforms our relationships with God and others. Worship is at 10 a.m. Coffee time follows the service. For more information, call 802-463-3220. Offerings and donations can be mailed to 9 Church Street, Bellows Falls. Services at Immanuel Episcopal Church are offered at 20 Church St. and via Zoom at 10 a.m. on Sundays. To attend via Zoom, email immanuelepiscopal@gmail.com . Telephone: 802-463-3178. The 4th Season of The Chosen is being shown on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. The Mass schedule at St. Charles Catholic Church, 31 Cherry Hill St., is as follows: Wednesday through Friday at 9 a.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and Sundays at 9 a.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered every Saturday from 3 to 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact the church or Father Agnel Samy at 802-463-3128 or stcharlesrectory@comcast.com , or visit the website at stcharles.vermontcatholic.org . The United Church (UCC) of Bellows Falls, 8 School St., will hold worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Refreshments and fellowship after the service. For more information, call 802-463-4323 or find the church on Facebook. A tag, food sale, and raffle will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the church. This Sunday's 11:45 a.m. service at All Souls Church will focus on the theme, "We give thanks," led by Rev. Telos Whitfield. Songs: Oh, we give thanks for this precious day, for all gathered here, and those far away; For this time we share with love and care, Oh, we give thanks for this precious day. (Wendy Luella Perkins) In a service of gratitude, members will share what they are thankful for, and re-commit to sharing the power of gratitude and compassion in meaningful ways. The service will be in person at 29 South St., and via Zoom at www.ascvt.org . The Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, Congregation Shir Heharim is a reform congregation with a commitment to practice and celebrate Judaism with creativity. Located at 151 Greenleaf St., BAJC welcomes young families and empty nesters, toddlers and elders, doubters and the devout. BAJC is located at 151 Greenleaf St. For more information, visit https://bajcvermont.org/ or call 802-257-1959. The 26th Sunday after Pentecost will be celebrated this Sunday at 10 a.m. at Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St. The service will also be streamed on the Friends of Centre Congregational Church Facebook Group and Zoom. This Thanksgiving and stewardship-focused week, the congregation will continue the campaign themed “Imagine Together." To celebrate Harvest Sunday, a cornucopia display will be created in the chancel area. Following the children’s message, the children will be led to Sunday School (Faith in Action). The scripture will be Psalm 100. The Rev. Dr. Scott Couper will deliver a message entitled "Open Sesame” wherein the phrase 'enter [the] gates with thanksgiving’ will be interpreted in light of the national holiday and the submission of our pledges. The choir and music director will offer the following music on the piano and organ: Prelude: "Praeludium and Fuga II" by F. Mendelssohn; Anthem: "A Thanksgiving Garden" by J. Martin; Offertory: "As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought" by R. Vaughan Williams; and Postlude: "Now We Thank We All Our God" by S. Karg-Elert. Join in after the service for Hospitality Time with fellowship, light food and drinks. Centre Church hosts a United Church of Christ devotional every Monday at 10 a.m. on Zoom; a Justice and Peace Film Screening in person at 167 Main Street each month (Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.); a bi-weekly Christian Theology class every other Monday at 7 p.m. on Zoom (Dec. 2 will focus on the Congregational theologian Jonathan Edwards); a weekly Thursday Women's Spirit book club in person at 92 Brets Road (Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.); and a weekly Sunday Spirit Book Discussion in person at Centre Church (Nov. 24 at 9 a.m.). For more information, call the church office at 802-254-4730 on any weekday, or e-mail Centrechurchvt@gmail.com , visit the church website at centrechurchvt.org . All are welcome to join in at 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28, at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 57 Putney Road. The gather will feature readings from the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, music for the occasion, and testimonies of thanksgiving. The church also offers regular worship services in person every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., as well as Sunday School for children and teenagers up to the age of 20 at the same hour. A Wednesday testimony meeting is held each week at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit csbrattleboro.org . Everyone is welcome to join in for this week's Sunday Service at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 880 Western Ave. The congregation will discuss participation in a locally and democratically governed church and how the scripture calls us to use the blessings we have to serve the spiritual and material needs of poor and disenfranchised people. The conversation will center on John 18:33-37 in which Jesus draws stark contrast between placing faith in the kingdoms humans create and in God’s Kingdom, especially as they pertain to justice and authority. Music under the leadership of Steve Rice and Lisa Provatas will feature the Choir’s rendition of “For the Fruit of All Creation” as well as various hymns and selections on grand piano and organ. All singers are invited to choir rehearsal at 9 a.m. Children will continue to lead the congregation in their ministries of feeding hungry neighbors through the church's little food pantry as well as Project Warmth in which they collect warm clothes for those in need this winter season. Children continue, this week, in preparing their contributions to the Christmas Bazar on Nov 30. The Rev. Jeremy Kirk's office hours are Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and by chance or appointment other days of the week. The church office is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact us at fccwb1770@gmail.com or 802-254-9767. The Vermont Insight Meditation Center offers meditations on Zoom and on the second floor of The Riverton Building, 28 Vernon St. To ensure access to the building, arrive at least 5 minutes early for in-person practice. Join in for a Sunday Sitting and Dharma Talk this Sunday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to noon. Vermont Insight's weekly schedule includes meditations at 7 a.m. every weekday, Tuesday and Friday evening practices, and meditations every Sunday. For more information about weekly events, plus course and retreat offerings, see vermontinsight.org/calendar or contact Drew Kovach at 802-257-1213. The West Brattleboro Quaker Worship Group meets for unprogrammed worship, both in person and on Zoom, Sundays at 10 a.m. In-person worship is indoors at the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, 151 Greenleaf St. To join via Zoom, email WestBrattQuakers@gmail.com for more information. Each Each Sunday St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave., offers an 8 a.m. service with Eucharist and a 10:15 a.m. service with Eucharist and music and nursery care for children 0-3. The 10:15 service is also available on live stream and are shown during the week on Brattleboro Community TV at channel 1078 on Comcast cable: Wednesday at 2 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. On Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the meeting room, there is an Adult Forum to which all interested people are welcome. On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, St. Michael’s will hold a simple Morning Prayer Service in the Chapel of Mary Magdalene at 8 a.m. A group prays Morning Prayer each weekday in this simple manner. The annual Service of Lessons and Carols will be on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. In addition to the singing of Advent carols with the congregation, St. Michael’s choir will be singing a diverse set of old and new Advent anthems by Chilcott, Brahms, Howells, Ireland, and Gorecki. All are welcome to join the weekly bible study exploring the Book of Acts. The group meets at The Works from 8:30 to 10 a.m. each Wednesday. Bring a mug and coffee will be provided. For information email adwoa at adwoa@stmichaelsvermont.org . Morning Prayer is offered each weekday at 8 a.m. on Zoom and in person in the Chapel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. “Breakfast with the Psalms” is each Wednesday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at The Works on Main Street. Centering Prayer is in the Chapel from 11:30 to 11:55 a.m. each Wednesday and at 8 a.m. each Saturday. Eucharist with the Saints is each Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Contemplative Worship is in the Chapel and on Zoom each Thursday from 5:30 to 6 p.m. The Church office hours are from 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday through Friday. Contact the Church office by emailing jeanie@stmichaelsvermont.org or by calling 802-254-6048, ext. 104. Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., offers weekend Mass on Saturdays at 4 p.m. (also livestreamed, ch. 1078) and Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. There is a coffee social after the 10:30 Mass. Father Henry Furman is the Priest. If you are 1) An unbaptized person who wishes to learn about the Catholic Faith, 2) A baptized Christian from another faith denomination who would like to learn more about the Catholic Church with the possibility of joining, 3) A baptized Catholic who has not yet received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation, or 4) A baptized and confirmed Catholic who would like to learn more about the Catholic Faith, come to meet with Father Henry Furman. Registration forms are available online or in the back of the church. For more information, call 802-257-5101 or email stmichael@vermontcatholic.org . Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), 161 Western Ave., will hold a worship service on Sunday at 9:30 a.m., also livestreamed on the church's Facebook page. Bring food for the food collection. Calendar: Wednesday, 11 a.m. council meeting, 7 p.m. A.A. (women); Thursday, 9 a.m. Tai Chi, 10:15 a.m. Choir; Saturday 9 a.m. discussion and meditation. East Dover Baptist Church, 34 Dover Hill Road, welcomes everyone to worship service this Sunday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The church also offers a simulcast of the service. For more information, visit eastdoverbaptistchurch.org or call 802-348-6366. All are welcome to Sunday Services at 10 a.m. at West Dover Congregational Church, 104 Route 100, or join livestream at www.facebook.com/westdoverchurch . After the service there is a coffee hour and bible study. For more information, visit the website at https://Westdoverchurch.org or call 802-464-1195. Dummerston Congregational Church, UCC will worship this Sunday at 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary at 1535 Middle Road. Rev. Shawn Bracebridge and Mary Westbrook-Geha will lead worship based on the story of Joseph's dream interpretations as told in Genesis 40. Sunday school will meet under the guidance of Billie Slade, with families meeting in worship to begin the morning, then heading downstairs after a special message for children.. Grafton Community Church, 55 Main St., offers virtual worship services via Zoom. Visit graftoncommunitychurch.org or on Facebook (The Grafton Church). Join in this Sunday at 10 a.m. for worship at Guilford Community Church. Sunday services are also streamed live, and a link is available on the church website, www.guilfordchurch.org . This Sunday’s service is led by Allyson Platt. Andy Davis directs the Choir. Rachel Johnson is the accompanist this Sunday. Children are invited to begin in worship with their families. After the Children’s Message they are dismissed to the Sunday Morning program with Mary Grove and Tom Green. The children will go outside; please dress children appropriately for outside activities. There is nursery care for younger children with Merry Futsum Gebre. The Guilford Community Choir welcomes all singers and is led by Stefan Amidon. Arrive at 8:40 a.m. to rehearse. Jamaica Community Church, located in the “Heart of the Village,” welcomes all on Sunday at 11 a.m. To meet with Pastor Pete, call the church (802-874-7109) or his house (802-874-4181) or email him at carlsonpw56@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. His office hours are Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon and Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. Donations to the Wardsboro/Jamaica Food Pantry may be left inside the front door in the large basket during these hours. The First Congregational Church of Newfane is open for in-person worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays. The service will be recorded and audio links will be available at newfanechurch.com . For more information or to leave messages, call the church office at 802-365-4079. Office hours this week are Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out the Facebook page or visit the church website at newfanechurch.com . Join in for worship and gathering at Putney Friends Meeting, 17 Bellows Falls Road, every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (hybrid). Thursday 6 p.m. online. Childcare provided for Sunday 10:30 a.m. worship. Meeting for Worship for Business monthly every third Sunday at noon. Contact clerk@putneyfriendsmeeting.org for online links. Handicapped accessible. For more information, visit putneyfriendsmeeting.org . Forest Flower Zen Sangha meets on Wednesday evenings (weather permitting) in Saxtons River at the 24 Main Street Community Building. Zen meditation and practice in the Diamond Sangha Zen tradition. 6:30 Newcomers welcome and orientation. 7 p.m. Meditation; 7:30 p.m. Dharma talk and discussion; 8 p.m. brief traditional chant and bowing; 8:10 p.m. clean up, putting cushions and chairs away. Donations are accepted but not required. Beginners welcome. Visit www.forestflowerzen.org . Townshend Community Church meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. Pastor Don Hashem leads the service and his wife Carmen leads the music. The church in the country where the difference is worth the distance. Join in for Sunday services at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 26 Elm St., or via Zoom at 10 a.m. The Rev. Fred Chisolm has joined the congregation as priest-in-charge. Morning prayer will be offered on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. with Contemplative Prayer from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and quiet library (reading) time from 11 a.m. to noon most Thursdays. For more information and Zoom link visit the website: www.stjohnswalpole.org or call 603-756-4533. Walpole Unitarian Church offers Sunday services at 10 a.m., led by the Rev. Elaine Bomford, the church’s affiliate minister, and other clergy and lay leaders. The church is located at the corner of Main and Union streets. The congregation embraces spiritual exploration, social justice and care for each other and the planet. The church plans to continue a modified Zoom element to the service as technology permits. Visit walpoleunitarianchurch.org . St. Mary’s in the Mountains Episcopal Church, 13 East Main St., holds services at 10 a.m. every Sunday in person and on Zoom. There will be coffee and refreshments after the service. For a Zoom link, visit smmvt.org .
A recent study that recommended toxic chemicals in black plastic products be immediately thrown away included a math error that significantly overstated the risks of contamination, but its authors are standing by their conclusions and warn against using such products. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Chemosphere , experts from the nonprofit Toxic-Free Future said they detected flame retardants and other toxic chemicals in 85% of 203 items made of black plastic including kitchen utensils , take-out containers, children's toys and hair accessories. In a blog post, Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society in Canada, explained that the Toxin-Free Future scientists miscalculated the lower end of what the EPA considered a health risk through a multiplication error. Instead of humans being potentially exposed to a dose of toxic chemicals in black plastic utensils near the minimum level that the EPA deems a health risk, it's actually about one-tenth of that. (Dreamstime/TNS) The study initially said the potential exposure to chemicals found in one of the kitchen utensils approached the minimum levels the Environmental Protection Agency deemed a health risk. But in an update to the study, the authors say they made an error in their calculations and the real levels were "an order of magnitude lower" than the EPA's thresholds. The error was discovered by Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University's Office for Science and Society in Canada. In a blog post, Schwarcz explained that the Toxin-Free Future scientists miscalculated the lower end of what the EPA considered a health risk through a multiplication error. Instead of humans being potentially exposed to a dose of toxic chemicals in black plastic utensils near the minimum level that the EPA deems a health risk, it's actually about one-tenth of that. Though Schwarcz said the risks outlined in the study aren't enough for him to discard his black plastic kitchen items if he had them, he agreed with the authors that flame retardants shouldn't be in these products in the first place. "The math error does not impact the study's findings, conclusions or recommendations," said Megan Liu, a co-author of the study who is the science and policy manager for Toxic-Free Future . She added that any traces of flame retardants or toxic chemicals in cooking utensils should be concerning for the public. Flame retardants are getting into commonly used items because black-colored products are being made from recycled electronic waste, such as discarded television sets and computers, that frequently contain the additives. When they're heated, the flame retardants and other toxic chemicals can migrate out. If you're wondering whether your old black plastic spoon or other utensils are a part of this group, Liu shared some more guidance. It's nearly impossible to know whether a black plastic product is contaminated. That's because these products that include recycled e-waste don't disclose a detailed list of all ingredients and contaminants in the product. Liu said it's also unclear how many types of flame retardants are in these black plastic products. Some of the products that researchers tested in this recent study "had up to nine different harmful chemicals and harmful flame retardants in them," she said. Anytime you're looking for the type of recycled plastic a product is made of you're going to look for a number within the chasing arrows (that form a triangle) logo. Recycling symbols are numbered 1 to 7 and we commonly associate the numbers with what we can toss in our blue recycling bins. The 1 through 7 numbers stand for, respectively, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or Styrofoam, and miscellaneous plastics (including polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass and nylon). The study found higher levels of toxic flame retardants in polystyrene plastic, which is labeled with the number 6, said Liu. There isn't a definitive timeline of when recycled electronic-waste started to be incorporated into black plastic products specifically, but e-waste started to get recycled in the early 2000s, Liu said. The way computers, cellphones, stereos, printers and copiers were being disposed of previously was to simply add them to a landfill without reusing salvageable parts. But as the National Conference of State Legislatures notes, electronics production required a significant amount of resources that could be recovered through recycling. Recovering resources such as metals, plastics and glass through recycling used a fraction of the energy needed to mine new materials. However, the study pointed out that flame retardants and other chemical contaminates have been detected in and near e-waste recycling facilities, in indoor air and dust at formal e-waste recycling facilities in Canada, China, Spain and the U.S. It also noted contamination in soil samples surrounding e-waste recycling sites in China and Vietnam. The safest nontoxic material options for kitchen utensil are wood and stainless steel. The 20th century brought airplanes, radio, television, the internet, and plastic. Lots of plastic. That plastic is now showing up on shorelines, forming islands in oceans, and generating mountains of translucent trash on land. Around 700 species of animals in the sea have been found to interact with plastic daily. Companies across every industry face pressure to reduce the amount of plastic they produce. Seventy-two percent of the world's largest have made voluntary commitments to reduce their plastic waste, according to a Duke University analysis. One industry, in particular, has greatly benefited from advancements in single-use plastic technology: the medical industry. Only in recent years have businesses and academics in the field begun to talk about minimizing their impact on our environment like beverage manufacturers and other consumer goods-producing businesses. Medical Technology Schools analyzed academic studies published in the National Library of Medicine , the American Medical Association , and news reports to shed light on the medical community's use of plastics through history, their environmental problems, and proposed solutions to reduce their impact. And the impact can be significant. A single hospital patient generates nearly 34 pounds of waste a day —as much as a quarter of it is plastic. The COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the problem. The pandemic pushed hospital capacity to the brink and led to a massive increase in personal protective equipment and medical supply usage. Medical-grade masks and other protective equipment like face shields, made mostly of nonrenewable plastics, were in high demand. In 2020, the World Health Organization estimated that the international need for PPE manufacturing would boost 40% to address the public health crisis. Hospitals needed an estimated 89 million masks, 76 million gloves, and 1.6 million goggles every month of the pandemic. To date, nearly 677 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered, each requiring their own plastic syringe, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Global consulting firm Frost & Sullivan estimated that the U.S. would produce a year's worth of medical waste in just two months due to the pandemic. The World Economic Forum warned that the COVID-19 crisis threatened to " stall and even reverse progress " to reduce large plastic waste. It's a challenge researchers acknowledge today as they search for solutions. Plastics introduced an era of ultraconvenience to the world. It makes our clothes. It's made bike helmets and airbags possible. And it's a cheap material to produce, meaning it's cheap for consumers too. Almost as importantly, it's durable and incredibly easy to make into complex shapes—a trait that helped plastics invented in the mid-20th century quickly replace more expensive metal and wooden goods. That adoption extended to the medical field, where the single-use nature of plastics represented a move toward more hygienic tools for physicians and hospitals. But it wasn't plastic's sanitary qualities that the industry first latched onto. Like so many other technical advancements, convenience and cost were the initial driving factors. That they were more conducive to creating a sterile environment for patients was a benefit that health care began to tout closer to the end of the 20th century. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, replaced glass bottles previously used to hold IV solution and replaced rubber tubing used throughout hospital settings. Plastic has also become the go-to material for making syringes and catheters. Plastic products are generally made from chemicals derived from the oil and natural gas refining process. Chemists use those byproducts to create synthetic materials with malleable and durable chemical structures. The low cost of these materials has helped medical device-makers support better health outcomes for communities across the U.S. since the 1900s. No longer was health care priced at rates only the elite could afford—it was accessible to a much larger swath of the public. In the last decade, the U.S., in particular, has emerged as a massive market for medical plastics. The country generally accounts for nearly half of the global market for medical devices. Plastic's durability is not only a benefit but a detriment to the environment, as the material can take many years to deteriorate when it enters landfills or trashes oceans. Estimates vary widely, but scientists ballpark that depending on the kind of plastic and the environment in which it decomposes, it could take dozens to thousands of years to break down entirely. COVID-19, which remains a burden for health care systems, isn't the only force raising the stakes for a health care industry pressured to reduce reliance on plastics or find ways to reuse them. Global annual production of plastic has doubled in the last two decades , according to the Environmental Protection Agency. As the U.S. looks toward the future, its aging population is another factor that could exacerbate the rate at which medical plastics end up in landfills. People require more medical care as they age, and aging baby boomers are expected to place increased demand on the medical device industry. At the same time, governments are under pressure to lower health care costs, which have become unaffordable even for those insured . As recently as 2021, researchers lamented a lack of data on efforts to recycle medical plastics. Around 350 hospitals participate in Practice Greenhealth's Environmental Excellence Awards . Practice Greenhealth is an organization working to help hospitals increase their sustainability. It's one of the few sources of hospital sustainability data, and its roster of participating hospitals represents a small fraction of the more than 6,000 hospitals operating in the U.S. To meet the need to reduce plastic waste generation, some hospitals are moving away from using plastic in certain applications. Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center replaced health care workers' disposable plastic isolation gowns with reusable cloth gowns at its hospitals in the last decade, saving money and preventing literal tons of medical waste. It also implemented a process for sterilizing and incinerating the boxes that hold used needles, allowing them to be reassembled and reused in a health care setting. Recycling plastic medical waste is complicated by the potential for contamination and the need to separate contaminated and noncontaminated waste; once separated, they can be broken down with heat or treated with chemicals and reprocessed. However, using chemical methods to break down and dispose of plastics has drawbacks. Over 200 nongovernmental organizations signed a letter in 2023 urging the Biden administration to end federal support for methods like these, arguing they generate toxic pollutants. The Vinyl Council of Australia is working with hospitals to recover used materials made of PVC . The materials are broken down into tiny pieces, washed and heated at high temperatures, and remade into things used outside medical settings. In the U.S. and Europe, there's the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council, a coalition of companies working in the health care device space that includes DuPont, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic. In 2021, the HPRC, advised by professionals at Kaiser Permanente and other health systems, rolled out a medical waste recycling pilot project with hopes of scaling it across more hospitals. Story editing by Ashleigh Graf. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Medical Technology Schools and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!
“It Was Tough to Watch”: Tim Hardaway Sr. Reflects on Son Tim Hardaway Jr’s Head Injury Against the HeatTitans kicker Nick Folk dealing with soreness so Tennessee added insurance NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans ' most consistent scoring threat in an ugly season now is on the injury report, and that's why they brought back a player for a bit of insurance. Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press Dec 11, 2024 2:55 PM Dec 11, 2024 3:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Tennessee Titans place kicker Nick Folk (6) celebrates a field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars with teammate offensive tackle JC Latham (55) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans ' most consistent scoring threat in an ugly season now is on the injury report, and that's why they brought back a player for a bit of insurance. Kicker Nick Folk worked through some soreness, making a pair of field goals for Tennessee's only points last week in the Titans' loss to the Jaguars , his longest a 46-yarder. Both Folk and Brayden Narveson were on the field Wednesday during the portion of practice open to reporters, though the Titans listed Folk among six who did not practice. Coach Brian Callahan said it was just some “general soreness" for Folk. But as good as Folk has been this season, he turned 40 last month. So the Titans (3-10) signed Narveson to the practice squad Tuesday after he spent training camp with them in case they need an option Sunday when they host Cincinnati (5-8). “You’re always mindful of it with kickers and that kind of leg soreness," Callahan said. "So he finished the game but was sore. ... He doesn’t do anything on Wednesdays anyway. He’ll try to kick (Thursday), and we’ll see where he’s at. So I don’t really know how to feel about it either way. I just know he’ll kick tomorrow, and then we’ll have a better feel for his status after that.” Folk has an NFL record streak of 85 consecutive field goals made on attempts from less than 40 yards, which included a 39-yarder that put the Titans up 6-0 last week. He ranks 14th in NFL history with 403 field goals and trails Arizona kicker Matt Prater by just four. Prater, who has 407 field goals, currently is on injured reserve. The kicker signed a new deal this offseason after New England traded him to Tennessee in 2023 with Folk going on to lead both the NFL and set a franchise record, making 96.7% of his field goals (29 of 30). Folk has been nearly perfect this season, making all 22 extra point attempts and is 21 of 22 on field goals, including matching his career-long with a 56-yarder earlier this season. Narveson had an impressive preseason for Tennessee, letting Folk focus on preparing for the regular season. The rookie from N.C. State was 6 of 7 on field-goal attempts, including a 59-yarder. He also made a 46-yard attempt as time expired in a 16-15 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. His lone miss was a 58-yarder at the end of the Titans' preseason finale that was nearly returned for a touchdown. He made his first try only to have it nullified because a timeout had been called. Green Bay claimed Narveson when Tennessee waived him at the final roster cutdown. The Packers waived Narveson in October after the kicker missed a league-high five field-goal attempts. “If for some reason he can’t go Sunday, Brayden will be ready to roll in and he’ll kick and do all that,” Callahan said of Narveson. "So obviously it’s nice to have some familiarity with him, and he’s here in case we need him.” Levis update Among the Titans who practiced fully Wednesday was quarterback Will Levis . He said after the loss to the Jaguars that he played the second half after getting a shot after aggravating his right, throwing shoulder. He sprained the AC joint in that shoulder early in a win over Miami on Sept. 30 and later missed three games with the injury. “Feel good,” Levis said after a 75-minute practice. “Just going to see how the week goes and see how the body responds, but I definitely feel better than the last time I nicked it up.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Chargers QB Justin Herbert does not practice because of left ankle injury Dec 11, 2024 3:59 PM Bills defense out to prove against high-scoring Lions that it's better than its dud vs. Rams Dec 11, 2024 3:43 PM Saints QB situation remains cloudy as matchup with Washington nears Dec 11, 2024 3:40 PMPower Play for Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF ( NYSEARCA:BLOK – Get Free Report )’s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $50.99 and last traded at $49.57, with a volume of 124750 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $49.10. Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF Trading Up 4.1 % The firm has a fifty day moving average of $40.70 and a 200 day moving average of $36.97. The company has a market capitalization of $1.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.73 and a beta of 1.64. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,963,460,000. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its position in Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF by 67.7% during the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 274,508 shares of the company’s stock valued at $10,003,000 after purchasing an additional 110,801 shares during the last quarter. Nwam LLC purchased a new position in shares of Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF in the 3rd quarter worth $3,067,000. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its holdings in shares of Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF by 97.4% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 148,397 shares of the company’s stock worth $5,408,000 after buying an additional 73,208 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF by 305.7% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 88,669 shares of the company’s stock valued at $3,231,000 after buying an additional 66,815 shares in the last quarter. About Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF The Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF (BLOK) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in stocks based on a particular theme. The fund is an actively managed portfolio mainly consisting of global equities focusing on blockchain technology. BLOK was launched on Jan 16, 2018 and is managed by Amplify. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .I tried over 15 AI tools this year. These are the ones I still regularly use.
Elon Musk accused of censoring conservatives on X who disagree with him about immigration