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Rejoining Hockey Canada not a discussion point at BCHL board meetingA long-withheld investigation into a 2019 hacking at LifeLabs Inc. that compromised millions of Canadians' health data has finally been made public after an Ontario court dismissed the company's appeal to prevent its release. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * A long-withheld investigation into a 2019 hacking at LifeLabs Inc. that compromised millions of Canadians' health data has finally been made public after an Ontario court dismissed the company's appeal to prevent its release. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? A long-withheld investigation into a 2019 hacking at LifeLabs Inc. that compromised millions of Canadians’ health data has finally been made public after an Ontario court dismissed the company’s appeal to prevent its release. A statement from the privacy commissioners of both Ontario and British Columbia says their joint report, completed in June 2020, found that LifeLabs “failed to take reasonable steps” to protect clients’ data while collecting more personal health information than was “reasonably necessary.” The report ordered LifeLabs to address a number of issues such as appropriately staffing its security team, and the commissioners’ statement says the company complied with all of the orders and recommendations. LifeLabs had cited litigation and solicitor-client privilege to prevent the document’s publication, but this was opposed by the commissioners’ offices. The company then sought a judicial review in Divisional Court in Ontario before the case made its way to the Ontario Court of Appeal, where LifeLabs’ appeal was dismissed. B.C. Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey says in a statement that “the road to accountability and transparency has been too long” for the victims of the data breach. “LifeLabs’ failure to put in place adequate safeguards to protect against this attack violated patients’ trust, and the risk it exposed them to was unacceptable,” Harvey says. “When this happens, it is important to learn from past mistakes so others can prevent future breaches from happening. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “But to learn from lessons, we need to share them.” Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner Patricia Kosseim says in the statement that she is pleased with the court’s decision to uphold the decision by her office “to help restore public trust in the oversight mechanisms designed to hold organizations accountable.” In May, Canadians who applied to be part of a class-action lawsuit against LifeLabs began receiving cheques and e-transfers, with administrator KPMG saying more than 900,000 valid claims were received. An Ontario court had approved a total Canada-wide settlement of up to $9.8 million in the data breach, which allowed hackers to access the personal information of up to 15 million customers. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement
Cheers and beers for Ruud van Nistelrooy as Leicester reign starts with winOur land is speaking, are we listening?
New Delhi: The Lok Sabha plunged into protests and adjourned till 2 pm on Wednesday after BJP's Nishikant Dubey alleged that the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and Sonia Gandhi had links with George Soros and FDL-AP, which had advocated freedom for Kashmir, and claimed the "Soros-funded" Global Knowledge Initiative run by Sam Pitroda bore the expenses of Rahul Gandhi 's trips to the US for meeting with some contentious outfits/persons. Dubey's charges triggered a furore with the Congress benches denouncing the charges, with a couple of them briefly walking up to the podium of the Chair, while BJP MPs rallied around Dubey, prompting the Chair to adjourn the House till afternoon. Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the form of more questions to Rahul Gandhi (who was not present), Dubey asked: "What relations do the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and Sonia Gandhi have with FDL-AP (Forum of Democratic Leaders in the Asia-Pacific ), which considers Kashmir as a separate country? The FDL-AP is funded by Soros. What is the relation between Soros and Sonia Gandhi? Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Overseas Friends of Congress, runs the Global Knowledge Initiative which is also funded by Soros, and the Global Knowledge Initiative and Pitroda bore the expenditure of Rahul Gandhi's tours to the US, where he met Khalistanis... What is the relation of Rahul Gandhi, Pitroda, Soros and Global Knowledge Initiative?" The Congress MPs protested against Dubey's allegations, and in the din, the Chair adjourned the House. Dubey was called to speak during zero hour on Thursday by presiding officer Jagadambika Paul, right in the middle of a Congress protest over the latter expunging a remark about an industrialist by Congress MP Jyothimani while criticising the government attitude towards the agitating farmers. Congress MPs K C Venugopal and Gaurav Gogoi asked how the Chair could expunge the name of the industrialist by arguing the said person was not in the House. They alleged "double standards" by pointing out union minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday was allowed to take the name of Soros to target the Congress. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell says it was a really easy decision to sign with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the presence of three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani played a part, too. Snell was introduced Tuesday at Dodger Stadium accompanied by his agent Scott Boras. The left-hander finalized a $182 million, five-year contract last Saturday. “It was really easy just cause me and Haeley wanted to live here, it’s something we’ve been talking about for a while,” Snell said, referring to his girlfriend. “Then you look at the team. You look at what they’ve built, what they’re doing. It’s just something you want to be a part of.” Last month, Snell opted out of his deal with San Francisco to become a free agent for the second consecutive offseason after he was slowed by injuries during his lone year with the San Francisco Giants. Snell gets a $52 million signing bonus, payable on Jan. 25, and annual salaries of $26 million, of which $13.2 million each year will be deferred . Because Snell is a Washington state resident, the signing bonus will not be subject to California income tax. “It just played out the way that people around me felt comfortable with, I felt comfortable with, they felt comfortable with,” Snell said. “We talked and found something that could work for both of us. You want your worth, you want your respect, and you want enough time to where you can really make a name for yourself. I've made a name for myself outside of LA, but I'm going to be invested.” Two-way star Ohtani, who signed a record $700 million, 10-year deal a year ago, had a historic first season with the Dodgers. He helped them win the franchise's eighth World Series while playing only as designated hitter and became MVP in the National League for the first time after twice winning the award while in the American League. “It helps with him in the lineup for sure. That’s big motivation,” Snell said. “You want to be around players like that when you’re trying to be one of the best in the game. Yeah, it played a big part.” Snell joins Ohtani and fellow Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto atop Los Angeles’ rotation. All-Star Tyler Glasnow will be back after having his first season in LA derailed by a sprained elbow. Ohtani didn’t pitch this year while recovering from right elbow surgery but is expected back on the mound in 2025. The rest of the rotation includes Tony Gonsolin, Landon Knack, Dustin May, Bobby Miller and Emmet Sheehan. “I pitched on six-man, five-man, four-man rotations,” Snell said. “I'm good with it all as long as we have a plan, we'll execute it.” Snell, who turns 32 on Wednesday, went 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts this year, throwing a no-hitter at Cincinnati on Aug. 2 for one of only 16 individual shutouts in the major leagues this season. He struck out 145 and walked 44 in 104 innings. He was sidelined between April 19 and May 22 by a strained left adductor and between June 2 and July 9 by a strained left groin. Snell won Cy Young Awards in 2018 with Tampa Bay and 2023 with San Diego. He is 76-58 with a 3.19 ERA in nine seasons with the Rays (2016-20), Padres (2021-23) and Giants. He has known Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations, since he was 18. In the aftermath of winning the World Series and discussing how the Dodgers could repeat next year, Friedman said, “All conversations kept coming back to Blake.” “Usually in major league free agency, you're buying the backside of a guy's career, the accomplishments that they have had,” he said. “With Blake, one thing that's really exciting for us is, as much success as he's had, we feel like there's more in there." Snell was 2-2 against the Dodgers in his career. “We couldn’t beat him, so we’re going to have him join us,” Friedman said. .___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration next month — extending a diplomatic olive branch even as Trump threatens to levy massive tariffs on Chinese goods. Trump's incoming press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed on Thursday that Trump invited Xi, but said it was “to be determined” if the leader of the United States' most significant economic and military competitor would attend. “This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies, but our adversaries and our competitors too,” Leavitt said in an appearance on Fox News' program ”Fox & Friends." “We saw this in his first term. He got a lot of criticism for it, but it led to peace around this world. He is willing to talk to anyone and he will always put America’s interest first.” CBS News first reported the invitation to Xi. Asked at a Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing on Thursday about Trump's invitation, spokesperson Mao Ning responded: “I have nothing to share at present.” Leavitt said that other foreign leaders have also been invited, but did not provide any details. The move by Trump to invite a leader of an adversarial nation to the American moment that is Inauguration Day is unorthodox. But it also squares with his belief that foreign policy—much like a business negotiation—should be carried out with carrots and sticks to get the United States' opponents to operate closer to his administration's preferred terms. Jim Bendat, a historian and author of “Democracy’s Big Day: The Inauguration of Our President,” said he was not aware of a previous U.S. inauguration attended by foreign head of state. “It's not necessarily a bad thing to invite foreign leaders to attend,” Bendat said. “But it sure would make more sense to invite an ally before an adversary.” Edward Frantz, a presidential historian at the University of Indianapolis, said the invitation helps Trump burnish his “dealmaker and savvy businessman” brand. “I could see why he might like the optics," Frantz said. “But from the standpoint of American values, it seems shockingly cavalier." White House officials said it was up to Trump to decide whom he invites to the inauguration. “I would just say, without doubt it's the single most consequential bilateral relationship that the United States has in the world,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said. “It is a relationship both fraught with peril and responsibility.” Trump on Thursday during an appearance at the New York Stock Exchange , where he was ringing the opening bell to open the market, said he’s been “thinking about inviting certain people to the inauguration” without referring to any specific individuals. “And some people said, ‘Wow, that’s a little risky, isn’t it?’” Trump said. “And I said, ‘Maybe it is. We’ll see. We’ll see what happens.’ But we like to take little chances.” Meanwhile, a top aide to Hungarian President Viktor Orban, one of Trump's most vocal supporters on the world stage, said Thursday that Orban isn't slated to attend the inauguration. “There is no such plan, at least for the time being," said Gergely Gulyás, Orban's chief of staff. The nationalist Hungarian leader is embraced by Trump but has faced isolation in Europe as he's sought to undermine the European Union's support for Ukraine, and routinely blocked, delayed or watered down the bloc’s efforts to provide weapons and funding and to sanction Moscow for its invasion. Orban recently met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Every country's chief of mission to the United States will also be invited, according to a Trump Inaugural Committee official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The invitation comes as Trump has vowed to enact massive tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China to get those countries to do more to reduce illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He has said that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada and that China could be hit with even higher tariffs. China produces precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, but Beijing has stepped up efforts over the last year to crack down on the export of the chemicals. “We’ve been talking and discussing with President Xi, some things, and others, other world leaders, and I think we’re going to do very well all around,” Trump said in a CNBC interview Thursday. Xi during a meeting with President Joe Biden last month in Peru urged the United States not to start a trade war. “Make the wise choice,” Xi cautioned. “Keep exploring the right way for two major countries to get along well with each other.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also pushed back on Trump's threats, warning such a tariffs move would be perilous for the U.S. economy as well. Trudeau earlier this week said that Americans “are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive” and said he will retaliate if Trump goes ahead with them. Trump responded by calling Canada a state and Trudeau the governor. In addition to the tariff dispute, U.S.-China relations are strained over other issues, including what U.S. officials see as Beijing indirectly supporting Russia's war on Ukraine. The Biden administration says China has supported Russia with a surge in sales of dual use components that help keep its military industrial base afloat. U.S. officials also have expressed frustration with Beijing for not doing more to rein in North Korea's support for the Russian war. China accounts for the vast majority of North Korea’s trade. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dispatched thousands of troops to Russia to help repel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk border region. The North Koreans also have provided Russia with artillery and other munitions, according to U.S. and South Korean intelligence officials. Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration takes place a day after the U.S. deadline for ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of social media giant TikTok, to sell the social media app or face a ban in the United States. — Associated Press writer Balint Domotor in Budapest, Hungary, contributed reporting.HØST PtX Esbjerg secures environmental approvals – development of installing up to 1 GW of electrolyser capacity The Danish Environmental Agency has granted the Project HØST PtX Esbjerg the primary environmental approvals (EIA approval of the project and Environmental approval of the facility). This represents a key milestone for the project and further affirms the regulator’s support for the development of Power-to-X projects in Denmark, hence contributing to the green transition in both Denmark and EU. Project Director of HØST PtX Esbjerg, said : “The approvals not only validate our commitment to the decarbonization of hard-to-electrify sectors, but they also strengthen our belief in the long-term potential of large-scale Power-to-X projects in Denmark. With this important milestone now achieved, we will continue to mature the project towards the next stage of development,” HØST is now entering the next level in the development phase. One of the major milestones for the development of PtX-projects in Denmark is the development of domestic hydrogen infrastructure to enable the export of green hydrogen to the European offtake market, predominantly Germany. HØST will follow this development closely and work toward making a final investment decision (FID) to begin the construction of the plant. – Once operational, we anticipate that the HØST plant in itself will directly generate approximately 100-150 permanent local jobs in Esbjerg, which will have a positive impact on the local economy and support sustainable community growth. HØST will also create jobs in existing industry providing service and maintenance to the plant. To make this happen, we are counting on the continued support from national agencies and TSO’s, adds David Dupont-Mouritzen Obtaining the approvals is just one of many important milestones for Project HØST, that has already secured large areas of land for the future plant, secured access to green power by signing a grid connection agreement with Energinet and secured water supply via the nearby wastewater treatment plant operated by DIN Forsyning. the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at HØST PtX Esbjerg secures environmental approvals – development of installing up to 1 GW of electrolyser capacity, IMI to supply groundbreaking German hydrogen research project with PEM electrolyser The project, which will be delivered by the Fraunhofer-Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems in Zittau... Hygreen Energy Delivers 25MW Electrolyzer System to Largest Hydrogen Project in Shandong Beijing, China – December 10, 2024 – Hygreen Energy, a global electrolyzer manufacturer and hydrogen technology developer... EVOLOH Signs Supply Agreement for 0,5 Gigawatts of Revolutionary Electrolyzers for Low-Carbon Hydrogen The company’s patented and high-performing electrolyzers leverage an efficient, affordable manufacturing platform...
No one doubted that Pitt sixth-year senior volleyball player Valeria Vazquez Gomez had a future as a pro. But the Omaha Supernovas of the Pro Volleyball Federation verified it Monday by choosing her sixth in the fourth round of the second all-time PVF draft. She will have the opportunity to play pro volleyball at the end of Pitt’s season. Vazquez Gomez would join former Pitt volleyball players Courtney Buzzerio, Kayla Lund, Leketor Member-Meneh, Chiamaka Nwokolo and Layne Van Buskirk in the league. Vazquez Gomez recorded her 1,000th career kill against Virginia on Nov. 1 and will take a stat line of 1,050 kills, 983 digs, 124 aces, 151 blocks and 109 assists into No. 1-ranked Pitt’s match at No. 3 Louisville on Wednesday. She was a second-team All-American in 2022 and was an All-ACC and American Volleyball Coaches Association East Coast Region member in ‘22 and ‘23. Vazquez Gomez is first in Pitt history for total digs in an NCAA Tournament (62) and tied for first for most aces (four) in an NCAA Tournament match set last year in the Elite Eight against Louisville.
Stars Like Our Sun Explode With ‘Superflares’ Every 100 Years, Study SuggestsA horoscope is an astrological forecast based on the positions of the planets, stars, and other celestial bodies at a person's birth. People born on 27 December fall under the zodiac sign of Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) or Makar Rashi. Capricorns are typically known for being ambitious, disciplined, and practical. They are often seen as hardworking individuals with a strong desire for success and stability. Coming back to the daily horoscope, it is believed to offer insights into an individual's personality, behaviour, and potential life events. There are 12 zodiac signs - Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each zodiac sign is associated with certain traits and tendencies that influence how a person interacts with the world. Here is your daily horoscope for today, 27 December 2024, along with their lucky number and colour predictions. Weekly Horoscope for December 23-29: Know Astrological Predictions and Tips for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. ♈ Aries: March 21–April 19 Today is a good day for self-reflection. You might feel the urge to break free from any old routines that have been holding you back. Trust your instincts and take small steps toward a new direction. Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Number: 4 ♉ Taurus: April 20–May 20 You could be in a more communicative mood today, making it easier for you to connect with others. Take advantage of this and reach out to those you care about. A creative idea may also emerge during a casual conversation. Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Number: 16 ♊ Gemini: May 21–June 21 Work and responsibilities are at the forefront today. Try to stay focused and be proactive in your tasks, even if you feel distracted. A little extra effort now could lead to long-term benefits. Lucky Colour: Pink Lucky Number: 27 ♋ Cancer: June 22–July 22 Today, your creative energy is heightened. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it's art, music, or spending time with loved ones. Your intuition is strong, so trust what feels right. Lucky Colour: White Lucky Number: 31 ♌ Leo: July 23–August 22 Home and family life could demand your attention today. It's a good time to strengthen those connections and focus on building a harmonious environment around you. Lucky Colour: Light Blue Lucky Number: 9 ♍ Virgo: August 23–September 22 Your mind is sharp today, making it an excellent time for problem-solving and making decisions. If you've been considering a new project or initiative, this is the right moment to take the first step. Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Number: 8 ♎ Libra: September 23–October 23 Financial matters are highlighted today. You may find opportunities to improve your financial situation, but be sure to make careful and well-considered choices. Focus on long-term stability. Lucky Colour: White Lucky Number: 3 ♏ Scorpio: October 24–November 21 You may feel like you are in the spotlight today, with others seeking your advice or leadership. Your confidence is a strong asset, so use it wisely, and don't shy away from taking charge. Lucky Colour: Gold Lucky Number: 1 ♐ Sagittarius: November 22–December 21 Take a step back and focus on your inner well-being. Meditation or time spent alone can help you recharge and gain perspective on recent events. Trust your intuition to guide you forward. Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Number: 22 ♑ Capricorn: December 22–January 19 Social connections and group activities are highlighted today. It's a great time to collaborate with others, whether in personal or professional matters. Together, you can achieve something meaningful. Lucky Colour: Maroon Lucky Number: 19 ♒ Aquarius: January 20–February 18 Your career or public image may be in focus today. Make sure to put your best foot forward and take advantage of any opportunities to showcase your talents and dedication. Lucky Colour: Black Lucky Number: 7 ♓ Pisces: February 19–March 20 You might feel a pull toward learning or travel today. Expanding your horizons, whether mentally or physically, could bring new perspectives and open up exciting possibilities for the future. Lucky Colour: Brown Lucky Number: 16 Disclaimer: The information provided in these horoscopes is not intended to be a definitive guide to your life. Individual experiences may vary. It's important to use your own judgment, and LatestLY advises its readers to consult with qualified professionals before making any important decisions. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 26, 2024 11:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).
The first scientific conference of the Qatari Society for Family and Community Medicine began in Doha Friday. The two-day conference brings together more than 600 healthcare professionals to discuss the best and latest practices in family and community medicine. It also highlights the latest advancements and challenges faced in this field.The event features the participation of over 40 experts from Qatar and abroad, enriching discussions and sharing insights with healthcare workers in Qatar and the region. On the sidelines of the conference, there is an exhibition showcasing the latest scientific advancements in family and community medicine by sponsors and supporting organisations. Additionally, there is another exhibition featuring over 40 research abstracts focusing on studies and solutions to the challenges commonly faced in the family and community medicine sector. Chairperson of the Qatari Society for Family and Community Medicine Dr Samia al-Abdullah said that the conference aims to stimulate innovation and explore best practices in the field through the integration of artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and advanced technologies to revolutionise care and improve patient outcomes. She added that participants aim to foster a culture of patient safety and ethical decision-making among family and community medicine providers, emphasising emotional intelligence and psychological safety in the workplace. She also highlighted the importance of research and its opportunities for advancing family and community medicine by focusing on significant studies and encouraging evidence-based guidelines. Dr al-Abdullah expressed pride in the society’s contribution to showcasing a large number of distinguished Qatari professionals who enrich the discussions and share their experiences and recommendations. Over 100 Qatari doctors specialising in family and community medicine from various sectors in the country have registered for the conference. Dr Amal al-Ali, Chair of the Scientific Committee, stated that the speakers would provide updates on managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and chronic pain, with a focus on family medicine practices and reviews. She noted that the conference offers hands-on training and clinical workshops in essential diagnostic skills, including ECG interpretation, clinical advice in family and community medicine, the impact of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on diabetes care, and medical ethics. Among the panel discussions, practitioners will be equipped with tools to identify, assess, and treat anxiety disorders, depression, and sleep disorders, enhancing mental health care in family and community medicine. She also highlighted a competition for the best research abstracts presented at the research exhibition, which includes over 40 scientific studies submitted by numerous healthcare professionals across various specialities, focusing on advancements in family and community medicine. The Qatari Society for Family and Community Medicine is a non-profit professional organisation under the umbrella of the Qatar Medical Association. Its primary goal is to enhance the scientific and practical skills of doctors while promoting community engagement to increase public awareness. Related Story Alfardan Medical with Northwestern Medicine provides outstanding healthcare in Qatar Shura Council participates in Baku climate conference
“If you’d fix a busted knee, why not a dysregulated brain or disrupted brain wave frequency?” Dr. Kevin Murphy, a radiation oncologist and creator of personalized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (PrTMS), a therapeutic neuromodulation technique, posed this question to challenge our biases around mental health treatment at Beyond the Prescription Pad, a conference spotlighting mental health. As a specialist in central nervous system tumors, Murphy advocates seeing behavioral issues as symptoms of underlying anatomical imbalances rather than personal failings. He suggests destigmatizing brain wave treatment, understanding certain behaviors as reflections of physiological imbalances, and viewing the brain like any other organ in need of attention. An ideal frequency, often associated with a state of calm, is around 10.7 hertz, known as the “earth wave: a clean, noise-free signal,” Murphy said. When the brain is firing too quickly, it may oversample the environment, creating a state of heightened anxiety, Murphy further explained. An over-aroused nervous system with an excess of fast frequencies (such as beta waves) often indicates an individual is stuck in a sympathetic or “fight-or-flight” state, Karlien Balt, neuroscientist and owner of KB Neurofeedback, told The Epoch Times. Psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are also common symptoms of an overactive brain, Balt added. Conversely, when the brain fires too slowly, it essentially goes into sleep mode, with neurons producing symptoms often linked to depression and diminished joy, Murphy explained. “In conditions like Alzheimer’s, there is a general slowing of brain activity, particularly in memory-related regions such as the hippocampus,” Balt added. Stimulants can temporarily elevate slow brain waves, but they also speed up fast waves, which can lead to side effects like insomnia. Eventually, someone may need sedatives to calm these hyperactive frequencies to sleep, a pattern Murphy describes as “the yo-yo system of medication management.” Brain wave frequency also declines naturally with age, dropping by about 0.4 hertz every decade after age 40, said Murphy. “For example, a person with a frequency of 10.6 hertz at age 50 may decline to around 10.2 hertz by age 60, which can correlate with reduced cognitive performance and memory.” Brain wave activity can be measured using quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). This brain scan measures electrical activity in the brain and compares an individual’s brain waves to a “normal” reference point. One approach is repetitive (daily) transcranial (through the skull) magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain. By targeting the brain’s electrical activity, rTMS can help reset disrupted brain waves. PrTMS takes this treatment a step further. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, PrTMS tailors brain stimulation to each patient’s specific needs. This technique allows doctors to fine-tune the brain’s frequency patterns. “I treat my patients with chemo brain, COVID brain, and even my autistic patients the same way—by tuning their brains,“ Murphy told The Epoch Times. ”We’re treating the organ system (the brain) directly, which no one else is doing.” rTMS can be used for daily brain stimulation and involves delivering microcurrents or gentle electrical stimulation to the brain over a daily 30-minute outpatient session, he explained. As the brain receives stimulation, a natural phenomenon known as “entrainment” (when the brain’s electrical activity syncs up with an external rhythm, like a sound or magnetic pulse) occurs. Neurons begin to fire, vibrate, or resonate at the same frequency as the external stimulus. This entrainment helps neurons align with frequencies associated with meditative states and calm focus. Many patients describe this state as “being in the zone” or a flow state, Murphy said. “With PrTMS technology, physicians can estimate each patient’s optimal flow state frequency and then amplify that signal, a process often referred to as ’meditation on steroids,’” he said, referring to the increased intensity. Balt also recommends heart rate variability (HRV) training as a practical tool for clients to use at home. HRV can help regulate brain waves by improving the balance of the autonomic nervous system, which controls both heart rate and brain activity. When HRV is high, it indicates the body is in a relaxed, balanced state, which can encourage brain waves to align with this calm state (like alpha waves). “There are various apps available that could be of use—and you don’t need anything more than your lungs,” she said, adding that specific breathing techniques can also help regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation. Balt added that several home-training devices are also available for neurofeedback and biofeedback. “The reality is that we can all benefit from some form of brain training,” she said. “Our fast-paced lives have led many to live with a dysregulated nervous system, which can contribute to diseases like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. You don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from this; anyone can improve their well-being with these practices.”
Pure Storage and Kioxia Collaborate to Drive Scalability, Efficiency, and Performance in Hyperscale Data Centers
Air traffic control language is commendably succinct. The advisory message that was sent out by the US Command Center at 11.50am GMT on Christmas Eve read: “Nationwide ground stop for all AAL Main and Subs”. AAL is American Airlines , and the instruction to air traffic controllers across the US (and, as it emerged, the world) was to prevent the carrier’s planes from taking off. The fact that it affected “Subs” – smaller airlines flying regional trips for American, as well as the mainline operation – suggested something had gone awry with the departure control system. This is the technology that manages crucial elements of dispatching a flight, from check-in to load control – ensuring that the weight of passengers, cargo and fuel is appropriately distributed on the plane. The ground stop ended just an hour after it had begun. That was excellent news for the frustrated passengers packed on board flight AA137 from London Heathrow to Los Angeles. The Boeing 777 pushed back from the gate on schedule at 11.15am but then held on the ground until the order was lifted. It finally took off at 1pm and is expected to reach California more than an hour late, jeopardising onward connections. In its post-meltdown statement, American Airlines followed standard aviation PR practice of blaming a third party: “A vendor technology issue briefly affected flights this morning. That issue has been resolved and flights have resumed. “It’s all hands on deck as our team is working diligently to get customers where they need to go as quickly as possible.” Good luck with that. The Christmas choreography of air traffic control does not respond well to a giant airline’s entire fleet (save for those already airborne) being held on the ground for an hour. I estimate around 300 flights, all with the necessary air traffic control clearances, were due to depart in that forbidden hour. Those precious permissions cannot simply be held over for the next hour: American Airlines itself has another 300 planes to dispatch in that timeframe. The departure from Heathrow to Charlotte, due out 40 minutes after the ground stop was lifted, took off an hour behind schedule. For connecting passengers, that raises stress levels. Add the uncertainty of how long it will take to clear US Customs and Border Protection, as every arriving passenger must do even if they are transferring to another international flight, and the prospect of reaching their destination before 25 December recedes. All this is happening when airline passengers are heavily invested, emotionally as well as financially, in their festive travel plans. The capacity for aviation to generate a novel nightmare scenario each Christmas knows no bounds. Particularly cruel incidents include the Drone Before Christmas at Gatwick in 2018, which caused the Sussex airport to be closed for three days in the build-up to 25 December – grounding 1,000 flights and wrecking the plans of 150,000 travellers. Five years earlier, in the early hours of Christmas Eve 2013, the basement of Gatwick’s North Terminal flooded. The main electrical system failed , leading to around 100 flights being cancelled and stranding 11,000 passengers. Those numbers were eclipsed at Heathrow in 2010 when heavy snow halted operations for days and thwarted the plans of 600,000 travellers. What lesson can we learn from such flightmares before Christmas? That the more important your journey, the more days you should allow to rearrange your schedule if your plans unravel. Or stay put for the festive season and wait for fares and stress to subside. On Boxing Day, British Airways wants £1,080 for a round-trip from Gatwick to Tampa in Florida for a week; I am leaving 10 days later and paying less than half as much.