Published 9:41 pm Sunday, December 29, 2024 by BILL BARROW, Associated Press Former President Jimmy Carter speaks on the eradication of the Guinea worm, Feb. 3, 2016, at the House of Lords in London. (Neil Hall/Pool Photo via AP, File) ATLANTA — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center simply said in posting about Carter’s death on the social media platform X. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A president from Plains A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. And then, the world Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors. He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” Email newsletter signup ‘An epic American life’ Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners. He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. A small-town start James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian, would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. ‘Jimmy Who?’ His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Accomplishments, and ‘malaise’ Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. ‘A wonderful life’ At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015. “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” Former Associated Press journalist Alex Sanz contributed to this report.
Renuka Rayasam | (TNS) KFF Health News In April, just 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Kathleen Clark was standing at the receptionist window of her OB-GYN’s office when she was asked to pay $960, the total the office estimated she would owe after she delivered. Clark, 39, was shocked that she was asked to pay that amount during this second prenatal visit. Normally, patients receive the bill after insurance has paid its part, and for pregnant women that’s usually only when the pregnancy ends. It would be months before the office filed the claim with her health insurer. Clark said she felt stuck. The Cleveland, Tennessee, obstetrics practice was affiliated with a birthing center where she wanted to deliver. Plus, she and her husband had been wanting to have a baby for a long time. And Clark was emotional, because just weeks earlier her mother had died. “You’re standing there at the window, and there’s people all around, and you’re trying to be really nice,” recalled Clark, through tears. “So, I paid it.” On online baby message boards and other social media forums , pregnant women say they are being asked by their providers to pay out-of-pocket fees earlier than expected. The practice is legal, but patient advocacy groups call it unethical. Medical providers argue that asking for payment up front ensures they get compensated for their services. How frequently this happens is hard to track because it is considered a private transaction between the provider and the patient. Therefore, the payments are not recorded in insurance claims data and are not studied by researchers. Patients, medical billing experts, and patient advocates say the billing practice causes unexpected anxiety at a time of already heightened stress and financial pressure. Estimates can sometimes be higher than what a patient might ultimately owe and force people to fight for refunds if they miscarry or the amount paid was higher than the final bill. Up-front payments also create hurdles for women who may want to switch providers if they are unhappy with their care. In some cases, they may cause women to forgo prenatal care altogether, especially in places where few other maternity care options exist. It’s “holding their treatment hostage,” said Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the Patient Advocate Foundation . Medical billing and women’s health experts believe OB-GYN offices adopted the practice to manage the high cost of maternity care and the way it is billed for in the U.S. When a pregnancy ends, OB-GYNs typically file a single insurance claim for routine prenatal care, labor, delivery, and, often, postpartum care. That practice of bundling all maternity care into one billing code began three decades ago, said Lisa Satterfield, senior director of health and payment policy at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But such bundled billing has become outdated, she said. Previously, pregnant patients had been subject to copayments for each prenatal visit, which might lead them to skip crucial appointments to save money. But the Affordable Care Act now requires all commercial insurers to fully cover certain prenatal services. Plus, it’s become more common for pregnant women to switch providers, or have different providers handle prenatal care, labor, and delivery — especially in rural areas where patient transfers are common. Some providers say prepayments allow them to spread out one-time payments over the course of the pregnancy to ensure that they are compensated for the care they do provide, even if they don’t ultimately deliver the baby. “You have people who, unfortunately, are not getting paid for the work that they do,” said Pamela Boatner, who works as a midwife in a Georgia hospital. While she believes women should receive pregnancy care regardless of their ability to pay, she also understands that some providers want to make sure their bill isn’t ignored after the baby is delivered. New parents might be overloaded with hospital bills and the costs of caring for a new child, and they may lack income if a parent isn’t working, Boatner said. In the U.S., having a baby can be expensive. People who obtain health insurance through large employers pay an average of nearly $3,000 out-of-pocket for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker . In addition, many people are opting for high-deductible health insurance plans, leaving them to shoulder a larger share of the costs. Of the 100 million U.S. people with health care debt, 12% attribute at least some of it to maternity care, according to a 2022 KFF poll . Families need time to save money for the high costs of pregnancy, childbirth, and child care, especially if they lack paid maternity leave, said Joy Burkhard , CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, a Los Angeles-based policy think tank. Asking them to prepay “is another gut punch,” she said. “What if you don’t have the money? Do you put it on credit cards and hope your credit card goes through?” Calculating the final costs of childbirth depends on multiple factors, such as the timing of the pregnancy , plan benefits, and health complications, said Erin Duffy , a health policy researcher at the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. The final bill for the patient is unclear until a health plan decides how much of the claim it will cover, she said. But sometimes the option to wait for the insurer is taken away. During Jamie Daw’s first pregnancy in 2020, her OB-GYN accepted her refusal to pay in advance because Daw wanted to see the final bill. But in 2023, during her second pregnancy, a private midwifery practice in New York told her that since she had a high-deductible plan, it was mandatory to pay $2,000 spread out with monthly payments. Daw, a health policy researcher at Columbia University, delivered in September 2023 and got a refund check that November for $640 to cover the difference between the estimate and the final bill. “I study health insurance,” she said. “But, as most of us know, it’s so complicated when you’re really living it.” While the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover some prenatal services, it doesn’t prohibit providers from sending their final bill to patients early. It would be a challenge politically and practically for state and federal governments to attempt to regulate the timing of the payment request, said Sabrina Corlette , a co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. Medical lobbying groups are powerful and contracts between insurers and medical providers are proprietary. Because of the legal gray area, Lacy Marshall , an insurance broker at Rapha Health and Life in Texas, advises clients to ask their insurer if they can refuse to prepay their deductible. Some insurance plans prohibit providers in their network from requiring payment up front. If the insurer says they can refuse to pay up front, Marshall said, she tells clients to get established with a practice before declining to pay, so that the provider can’t refuse treatment. Related Articles Health | Which health insurance plan may be right for you? Health | California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health | Your cool black kitchenware could be slowly poisoning you, study says. Here’s what to do Health | Does fluoride cause cancer, IQ loss, and more? Fact-checking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims Health | US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water Clark said she met her insurance deductible after paying for genetic testing, extra ultrasounds, and other services out of her health care flexible spending account. Then she called her OB-GYN’s office and asked for a refund. “I got my spine back,” said Clark, who had previously worked at a health insurer and a medical office. She got an initial check for about half the $960 she originally paid. In August, Clark was sent to the hospital after her blood pressure spiked. A high-risk pregnancy specialist — not her original OB-GYN practice — delivered her son, Peter, prematurely via emergency cesarean section at 30 weeks. It was only after she resolved most of the bills from the delivery that she received the rest of her refund from the other OB-GYN practice. This final check came in October, just days after Clark brought Peter home from the hospital, and after multiple calls to the office. She said it all added stress to an already stressful period. “Why am I having to pay the price as a patient?” she said. “I’m just trying to have a baby.” ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
( MENAFN - TimesNewswire ) BitMart, a premier global digital asset trading platform, listed and debuted Advertising time trace (ATT) for all BitMart users on December 26, 2024. The ATT/USDT trading pair was officially available for trading at 10:26 (UTC). What is Advertising time trace (ATT) ? Advertising Time Trace (ATT) is a pioneering Web3.0 application that integrates real-world assets, decentralized infrastructure, and distributed ledger technology to transform digital advertising. It introduces the DA-AIOT-P mechanism, which combines Decentralized Assets, Artificial Intelligence of Things, and Payment systems to create a new ecosystem for advertisers. With a token supply of 2.1 billion, ATT aims to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3, offering advertisers innovative ways to reach their audience. The ATT platform is designed to enhance advertising efficiency and transparency by leveraging AI-driven strategies and real-time user engagement data. As it continues to evolve, ATT is set to become a scalable solution for the advertising industry, accommodating both traditional and decentralized traffic. This integration promises to usher in a new era of advertising, where digital and physical elements coalesce into a single, cohesive ecosystem. Why is Advertising time trace (ATT) ? Advertising Time Trace (ATT) is a pioneering Web 3.0 application that tackles some of the most pressing challenges in the digital advertising space. By leveraging blockchain technology, ATT enhances transparency, efficiency, and accountability, offering a level of trust that traditional advertising platforms have struggled to provide. Through its innovative approach, ATT ensures that advertisers receive verifiable and accurate data on every campaign. From impressions to conversions, every step of the process is meticulously tracked, guaranteeing that advertisers only pay for genuine user engagement. This effectively combats fraud, optimizes marketing spend, and elevates the transparency of ad metrics, something that was previously unattainable with traditional advertising models. In addition to its transparent tracking system, ATT addresses significant privacy concerns by putting users in control of their own data. In an era where privacy is a top priority, ATT's decentralized structure ensures that all data is handled securely, with minimized risks of breaches or misuse. This creates a trusted environment where consumers and advertisers can interact with confidence. As ATT continues to scale, it holds the potential to revolutionize digital advertising for both Web3 and Web2 traffic, providing a robust and scalable solution that could usher in a new era of advertising-one that prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and data privacy. About BitMart BitMart Exchange is a premier global digital assets trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko , BitMart currently offers 1,400+ trading pairs with one of the lowest trading fees in the industry. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in crypto's potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. To learn more about BitMart, visit their Website , follow their X (Twitter) , or join their Telegram for updates, news, and promotions. Download the BitMart App to trade anytime, anywhere. About Advertising time trace (ATT) – Token Name: Advertising time trace – Token Symbol: ATT – Token Type: Polygon – Total Supply: 2,100,000,000 ATT To learn more about Advertising time trace (ATT), please visit their Website , follow their X (Twitter) and join their Telegram . BitMart Social Media English Telegram | Asia Telegram | BitMart Exchange X (Twitter) I BitMart Research X (Twitter) | BitMart Homepage | BitMart App I Sign up on BitMart, and start trading today! MENAFN26122024006250013577ID1109033797 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Emanuel Wallace, 27, from east London, is better known as Big Manny by his 1.9 million followers on TikTok, where he shares videos explaining various science experiments from his back garden while using Jamaican Patois phrases and London slang. In early December, Mr Wallace won the Education Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Awards ceremony, which he said is a “symbol that anything that you put your mind to you can achieve”. The content creator began making videos during the coronavirus pandemic when schools turned to online learning but has since expanded his teaching from videos to paper after releasing his debut book Science Is Lit in August. He believes his “unconventional” teaching methods help to make his content relatable for younger audiences by using slang deriving from his Jamaican and British heritage. “The language that I use, it’s a combination between Jamaican Patois and London slang because I have Jamaican heritage,” the TikToker, who holds a bachelors and masters degree in biomedical science, told the PA news agency. “That’s why in my videos sometimes I might say things like ‘Wagwan’ or ‘you dun know’. I just want to connect with the young people more, so I speak in the same way that they speak. “The words that I use, the way that I deliver the lesson as well, I would say that my method of teaching is quite unconventional. I speak in a way that is quite conversational.” Examples of his videos include lithium batteries catching fire after being sandwiched inside a raw chicken breast, as well as mixing gold with gallium to create blue gold, earning millions of views. Mr Wallace hopes his content will help make the science industry more diverse, saying “the scientists that I was taught about, none of them look like me”. “Now me being a scientist is showing young people that they can become one as well, regardless of the background that they come from, the upbringing that they’ve had,” he said. “I just want to make it seem more attainable and possible for them because if I can do it, and I come from the same place as you, there’s no reason why you can’t do it as well.” The TikToker has seen a shift in more young people turning to the app as a learning resource and feels short-form videos will soon become a part of the national curriculum in schools. “I’m seeing (young people) using that a lot more – social media as a resource for education – and I feel like in the future, it’s going to become more and more popular as well,” he said. “I get a lot of comments from students saying that my teacher showed my video in the classroom as a resource, so I feel like these short form videos are going to be integrated within the national curriculum at some point in the near future.” He also uses his platform to raise awareness of different social issues, which he said is “extremely important”. One of his videos highlighted an anti-knife campaign backed by actor Idris Elba, which earned more than 39 million views, while his clip about the banning of disposable vapes was viewed more than 4.6 million times. He said there is some pressure being a teacher with a large following online but hopes he can be a role model for young people. “I’m aware that I am in the public eye and there’s a lot of young people watching me,” he said. “Young people can be impressionable, so I make sure that I conduct myself appropriately, so that I can be a role model. “I always have the same message for young people, specifically. I tell them to stay curious. Always ask questions and look a little bit deeper into things.” His plans for 2025 include publishing a second Science Is Lit book and expanding his teaching to television where he soon hopes to create his own science show.Google reportedly breaks away from Qualcomm, opts for MediaTek modems in Pixel 10
Share Tweet Share Share Email The rising cost of healthcare has been a pressing concern for many individuals and families worldwide. Traditional health insurance plans, often riddled with complex terms, high premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses, have left countless people searching for alternative solutions. Enter subscription-based healthcare services—an innovative model that aims to simplify medical costs while providing affordable and accessible care . What Are Subscription-Based Healthcare Services? Subscription-based healthcare services operate on a model similar to popular streaming platforms like Netflix or Spotify. Instead of paying for each service separately or navigating the complexities of traditional insurance, members pay a monthly or annual fee to access a predefined set of healthcare services. These services often include: Routine check-ups Preventive care Virtual consultations Diagnostic tests Chronic disease management This straightforward approach eliminates hidden fees and allows patients to plan their healthcare expenses better. Why Are Healthcare Costs So High? Understanding the need for subscription-based healthcare begins with examining why traditional healthcare costs are so high. Factors contributing to these costs include: Administrative Expenses: A significant portion of healthcare spending goes toward billing, insurance negotiations, and paperwork. Pharmaceutical Prices: Prescription drug costs in some countries, especially the United States, are among the highest in the world. Fee-for-Service Model: Traditional systems often incentivize quantity over quality, leading to unnecessary procedures. Lack of Transparency: Patients rarely know the cost of services upfront, resulting in surprise bills . These challenges have created a demand for simpler, more predictable payment models—a gap that subscription-based services aim to fill. Benefits of Subscription-Based Healthcare Services Cost Predictability One of the primary advantages of subscription-based healthcare is cost predictability. With a fixed monthly fee, patients can budget their medical expenses without worrying about unexpected charges. This transparency fosters trust between providers and patients. Accessibility to Care Subscription models often include telehealth services, making it easier for patients to access care from the comfort of their homes. This is especially beneficial for individuals in remote areas or those with mobility challenges. Focus on Preventive Care Preventive care is a cornerstone of subscription-based healthcare. Regular check-ups and early interventions can prevent minor issues from escalating into costly emergencies, ultimately reducing overall healthcare spending. Enhanced Doctor-Patient Relationships By eliminating the bureaucracy associated with insurance, doctors can spend more time focusing on patient care. Many subscription-based providers limit the number of patients they serve, ensuring personalized attention. No Surprise Bills Unlike traditional healthcare systems, where bills can be confusing and unpredictable, subscription models offer clear pricing structures. Patients know exactly what they are paying for. Examples of Subscription-Based Healthcare Services Several companies and healthcare providers have embraced the subscription model , offering services tailored to different needs: Direct Primary Care (DPC) DPC practices charge a monthly fee, typically ranging from $50 to $150, covering a variety of primary care services. These include office visits, basic lab tests, and chronic disease management. Telehealth Platforms Companies like Teladoc and MDLIVE offer virtual healthcare subscriptions, providing access to doctors, mental health professionals, and specialists via video or phone calls. Specialized Care Subscriptions Some subscription services focus on specific areas like mental health (e.g., BetterHelp) or women’s health (e.g., Maven Clinic), catering to niche patient needs. How Subscription-Based Healthcare Benefits Employers Employers are also recognizing the value of subscription-based healthcare services. Many companies are offering these plans as part of their employee benefits packages to: Reduce overall healthcare costs Enhance employee satisfaction and retention Improve workplace productivity by ensuring employees have access to timely care Subscription-based models are especially attractive to small businesses that may struggle to afford traditional group insurance plans. Challenges and Considerations While subscription-based healthcare services have numerous advantages, they are not without challenges. Here are a few considerations: Limited Coverage Subscription models often focus on primary care and may not cover specialized treatments or hospitalizations. Patients may still need traditional insurance for catastrophic events. Regulatory Hurdles In some regions, regulatory frameworks are not yet equipped to handle this new model, potentially limiting its adoption. Scalability As more patients adopt subscription-based services, providers may face challenges in maintaining the personalized care that sets this model apart. The Future of Subscription-Based Healthcare The subscription-based healthcare model is poised for significant growth, driven by technological advancements and shifting patient preferences. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, wearable health devices, and data analytics can further enhance these services, making care more proactive and personalized. Additionally, as more individuals prioritize transparency and affordability, the demand for subscription-based healthcare is likely to rise. Policymakers and healthcare providers will need to collaborate to address regulatory barriers and ensure that these services are accessible to all. Conclusion Affordable subscription-based healthcare services represent a promising solution to the challenges of traditional healthcare systems. By offering cost predictability, improved access, and a focus on preventive care, this model has the potential to revolutionize how we approach medical costs. While it may not replace traditional insurance entirely, it serves as a valuable complement, providing individuals and families with an alternative path to managing their health. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, subscription-based services will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a more equitable and efficient system for all. Related Items: Healthcare Services , Simplifying Medical Costs , Subscription-Based Healthcare Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Medical Expense Management: Simplifying Payments for Healthcare Services 5G Technology Explained: What It Means for Consumers and Businesses Navigating the Complexities of Life Care Planning in San Diego CommentsWhat are the drones over New Jersey? All the key theories so far from foreign spies to Project Blue Beam
Smokers who quit for a week could save a day of their life, experts say
Emanuel Wallace, 27, from east London, is better known as Big Manny by his 1.9 million followers on TikTok, where he shares videos explaining various science experiments from his back garden while using Jamaican Patois phrases and London slang. In early December, Mr Wallace won the Education Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Awards ceremony, which he said is a “symbol that anything that you put your mind to you can achieve”. The content creator began making videos during the coronavirus pandemic when schools turned to online learning but has since expanded his teaching from videos to paper after releasing his debut book Science Is Lit in August. He believes his “unconventional” teaching methods help to make his content relatable for younger audiences by using slang deriving from his Jamaican and British heritage. “The language that I use, it’s a combination between Jamaican Patois and London slang because I have Jamaican heritage,” the TikToker, who holds a bachelors and masters degree in biomedical science, told the PA news agency. “That’s why in my videos sometimes I might say things like ‘Wagwan’ or ‘you dun know’. I just want to connect with the young people more, so I speak in the same way that they speak. “The words that I use, the way that I deliver the lesson as well, I would say that my method of teaching is quite unconventional. I speak in a way that is quite conversational.” Examples of his videos include lithium batteries catching fire after being sandwiched inside a raw chicken breast, as well as mixing gold with gallium to create blue gold, earning millions of views. Mr Wallace hopes his content will help make the science industry more diverse, saying “the scientists that I was taught about, none of them look like me”. “Now me being a scientist is showing young people that they can become one as well, regardless of the background that they come from, the upbringing that they’ve had,” he said. “I just want to make it seem more attainable and possible for them because if I can do it, and I come from the same place as you, there’s no reason why you can’t do it as well.” The TikToker has seen a shift in more young people turning to the app as a learning resource and feels short-form videos will soon become a part of the national curriculum in schools. “I’m seeing (young people) using that a lot more – social media as a resource for education – and I feel like in the future, it’s going to become more and more popular as well,” he said. “I get a lot of comments from students saying that my teacher showed my video in the classroom as a resource, so I feel like these short form videos are going to be integrated within the national curriculum at some point in the near future.” He also uses his platform to raise awareness of different social issues, which he said is “extremely important”. One of his videos highlighted an anti-knife campaign backed by actor Idris Elba, which earned more than 39 million views, while his clip about the banning of disposable vapes was viewed more than 4.6 million times. He said there is some pressure being a teacher with a large following online but hopes he can be a role model for young people. “I’m aware that I am in the public eye and there’s a lot of young people watching me,” he said. “Young people can be impressionable, so I make sure that I conduct myself appropriately, so that I can be a role model. “I always have the same message for young people, specifically. I tell them to stay curious. Always ask questions and look a little bit deeper into things.” His plans for 2025 include publishing a second Science Is Lit book and expanding his teaching to television where he soon hopes to create his own science show.Building Automation Systems (BAS) Market Industry Dynamics and Contributions by Honeywell International, Johnson Controls, Novar, Siemens AG, Carrier Corporation, Trane, Delta Controls, Robert Bosch GmbH 12-15-2024 09:26 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: STATS N DATA Building Automation Systems (BAS) Market The Building Automation Systems (BAS) market has emerged as a crucial component of modern infrastructure, significantly enhancing the efficiency, safety, and comfort of residential and commercial spaces. As urbanization continues to rise globally, the demand for sophisticated systems that manage lighting, HVAC, security, and access control is more pertinent than ever. BAS integrates various technologies to optimize the operation of building systems, leading to energy savings, improved occupant experience, and streamlined operations. You can access a sample PDF report here: https://www.statsndata.org/download-sample.php?id=96570 Recent developments in this market highlight a surge in technological advancements that are shaping its future. Innovations such as smart sensors, advanced robotics, and artificial intelligence are not only revolutionizing traditional building practices but are also fostering strategic collaborations among key players in the industry. These partnerships are instrumental in driving the adoption of cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. As organizations increasingly recognize the importance of intelligent building systems, the BAS market is poised for significant growth. Current trends indicate a strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, prompting building owners and operators to invest in intelligent automation solutions. These systems not only reduce operational costs but also minimize environmental impact. The integration of renewable energy sources and smart grids into building operations is further propelling market expansion. As a result, stakeholders are encouraged to stay abreast of these evolving trends and leverage actionable insights to navigate the dynamic market landscape effectively. Key Growth Drivers and Trends Several key factors are influencing demand within the Building Automation Systems market. The growing emphasis on sustainability is a primary driver, with organizations seeking solutions that lower carbon footprints and enhance energy efficiency. This increasing consumer awareness around environmental issues is compelling businesses to implement smart building technologies that align with green building standards. In addition to sustainability, the ongoing digitization of various industries is reshaping how buildings are managed. The convergence of IoT technologies with BAS allows for real-time monitoring and control, enabling facility managers to make informed decisions that optimize resources. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence is revolutionizing data analysis, enhancing predictive maintenance capabilities, and facilitating a more personalized user experience. Emerging trends such as product customization are also shaping the future of the BAS market. As customers increasingly demand tailored solutions that fit their unique requirements, manufacturers are focusing on developing modular systems that offer flexibility and scalability. This customization trend is complemented by advancements in emerging technologies, which are paving the way for innovative solutions that redefine traditional automation practices. Market Segmentation The Building Automation Systems market can be segmented into various categories, providing insights into its diverse applications and types of systems available. Segment by Type - Lighting Control Systems: These systems enhance energy efficiency by utilizing smart lighting solutions that adjust based on occupancy and daylight levels. - HVAC Control Systems: These systems are pivotal in regulating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, ensuring optimal comfort while reducing energy consumption. - Security & Access Control Systems: These solutions are essential for safeguarding premises, offering features such as surveillance, alarm systems, and controlled access points. - Others: This category includes various automation technologies that don't fall under the primary classifications but play a significant role in building management. Segment by Application - Residential: The residential sector is rapidly adopting BAS solutions to improve energy efficiency and enhance the quality of living environments. - Commercial: Commercial buildings leverage automation systems to optimize operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure a secure environment for businesses. - Industrial: In the industrial sector, BAS is crucial for managing complex operations, ensuring safety, and enhancing productivity through streamlined processes. Get 30% Discount On Full Report: https://www.statsndata.org/ask-for-discount.php?id=96570 Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape of the Building Automation Systems market features several industry leaders that are driving innovation and setting trends. - Honeywell International: A pioneer in building automation, Honeywell focuses on energy efficiency and innovative technological solutions that cater to diverse sectors. - Johnson Controls: With a strong emphasis on sustainability, Johnson Controls provides integrated solutions that enhance building performance and reduce energy consumption. - Novar: Known for its advanced energy management systems, Novar helps organizations optimize their energy usage through intelligent automation. - Siemens AG: Siemens is at the forefront of smart building technologies, offering solutions that integrate IoT and AI for enhanced operational efficiency. - Carrier Corporation: A leader in HVAC solutions, Carrier integrates automation systems to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality. - Trane: With a focus on sustainable building solutions, Trane offers innovative HVAC and building management systems that promote energy savings. - Delta Controls: Delta specializes in building automation technologies that enhance operational performance and energy efficiency. - Robert Bosch GmbH: Bosch leverages its expertise in IoT to provide advanced building solutions that cater to various sectors. - Performance Mechanical Group: This company focuses on delivering high-quality mechanical solutions and automation systems tailored to client needs. - Schneider Electric SE: Schneider Electric is a leader in energy management and automation, offering solutions that improve building efficiency and sustainability. Each of these companies plays a crucial role in shaping the BAS market through product innovations, market expansions, and strategic partnerships that drive technological advancements. Opportunities and Challenges As the BAS market continues to evolve, numerous opportunities and challenges are emerging. There are untapped regions where the adoption of building automation technologies is still in its infancy. Expanding into these markets presents significant growth potential for both established and emerging players. Additionally, the evolving consumer preferences towards smart and sustainable buildings create avenues for innovation and product development. However, challenges such as regulatory constraints can hinder market growth. Compliance with various standards and regulations requires companies to invest in training and development, which can strain resources. Operational inefficiencies also pose challenges, impacting the ability to deliver seamless automation solutions. Addressing talent shortages is another pressing issue, as the industry increasingly demands skilled professionals to develop, install, and maintain advanced automation systems. To navigate these challenges, companies must adopt proactive strategies, including investing in workforce development, leveraging technology to streamline operations, and engaging in advocacy for favorable regulatory environments. Technological Advancements The impact of technological advancements on the Building Automation Systems market cannot be overstated. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT-driven systems are transforming the landscape of building management. AI enhances predictive analytics capabilities, allowing for proactive maintenance and optimization of building operations. Virtual tools are also making significant contributions, enabling remote monitoring and control of building systems. This capability is especially crucial in times of increased remote work, where facility managers must ensure the safety and comfort of occupants while maintaining operational efficiency. IoT technologies facilitate seamless communication between devices, leading to smarter and more interconnected building environments. These advancements not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance the overall occupant experience by providing tailored solutions that meet individual needs. Research Methodology and Insights STATS N DATA employs a robust research methodology to deliver accurate insights into the Building Automation Systems market. Utilizing both top-down and bottom-up approaches, we ensure a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics. Our research process encompasses extensive primary and secondary research, gathering data from industry experts, market participants, and credible sources. Triangulation techniques are employed to validate findings, ensuring a high level of accuracy in our insights. By analyzing trends, growth drivers, and competitive landscapes, STATS N DATA provides stakeholders with the information necessary to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing market. As the Building Automation Systems market continues to grow and evolve, staying informed about trends, challenges, and opportunities will be vital for stakeholders looking to capitalize on this dynamic landscape. For customization requests, please visit: https://www.statsndata.org/request-customization.php?id=96570 Full Building Automation Systems BAS Market Report Link: https://www.statsndata.org/report/Global-Building-Automation-Systems-BAS-Market-96570 Related Reports: Fuel Tank Semi Trailer Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/fuel-tank-semi-trailer-market-22830 Foam Corner Protectors Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/foam-corner-protectors-market-183830 R&D Incentive Services Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/rd-incentive-services-market-7834 Sensory Deprivation Float Tank Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/sensory-deprivation-float-tank-market-5539 Agricultural Adjuvants Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/agricultural-adjuvants-market-338070 John Jones Sales & Marketing Head | Stats N Data Phone: +1 (315) 642-4324 Email: sales@statsndata.org Website: www.statsndata.org STATS N DATA is a trusted provider of industry intelligence and market research, delivering actionable insights to businesses across diverse sectors. We specialize in helping organizations navigate complex markets with advanced analytics, detailed market segmentation, and strategic guidance. Our expertise spans industries including technology, healthcare, telecommunications, energy, food & beverages, and more. Committed to accuracy and innovation, we provide tailored reports that empower clients to make informed decisions, identify emerging opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. Our team of skilled analysts leverages cutting-edge methodologies to ensure every report addresses the unique challenges of our clients. At STATS N DATA, we transform data into knowledge and insights into success. Partner with us to gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business environment. For more information, visit https://www.statsndata.org or contact us today at sales@statsndata.org This release was published on openPR.
Sceptic Skip, the self-styled Cromer seer, is back to pass on the only authentic home-grown crop of prognostications untainted by prejudice or pressures dressed up as promises. Norfolk’s answer to Cassandra, Nostradamus and Mother Shipton presents his exclusive predictions for the county in 2025, banking again on the old adage that people don’t always believe everything they read – but repeat it to be just on the safe side. With no grants from the Arts Council, Brussels or the Poppyland Soothsayers’ Association, he admits it has been tougher than usual to find scope and inspiration for confident forecasting “ in these breathtakingly ominous times”. January – Television viewers in Norfolk and north Suffolk ask for the old signal to be turned back on because they claim programmes have deteriorated so much since switch to digital transmission. Spokesperson Anna Log says one critic suggested television was called a medium “because so little of it is rare or well done.” Norfolk “parish harmony” programme launched as Egmere is twinned with Baconsthorpe. February -More BBC cuts begin to bite at local level. Radio Norfolk introduces new service for Norwich City’s away fixtures whereby match referees are wired up to provide unbiased running commentaries. Listeners complain about reception affected by strange whistling noises. . Appleton twinned with Syderstone as part of “joint core strategy.” March - Signs of improvement on the Norwich-London railway service following celebrity endorsement by Alan Partridge and Michael Portillo’ ‘ All train drivers now assured of a seat each way. Manningtree halt closed and declared a World Heritage Site. Bale twined with Wheatacre. April – Alarming indications of more serious erosion along the north Norfolk coast. Aylsham inshore lifeboat launched twice. North Walsham lighthouse goes digital. Reepham coastguards seek new recruits. Sidestrand offered a bypass in return for permission to build 500 clifftop retirement homes and an elastic stocking factory. Herringby twinned with Cranworth. May - Housing market picking up. First-time buyers spotted in Burnham Deepdale and North Creake. Survey by Chelsea (Cheaper Homes Encouraged by Local Society of Estate Agents) hints that rural deprivation in some parts of Norfolk means being unable to buy William Morris wallpaper at the village shop. Rushall twinned with Sloley – eventually. June – “Been there. Done that. Can’t remember.” – slogan spotted on senior citizen’s T-shirt in Cromer. Bumper tourist season forecast. Elephant Experience theme park at West Runton voted the area’s best new attraction, complete with trumpeting bays billed as “alternative hunting where you form your own tusk force.” Swannington twinned with Cobholm. July – Singing Postman Academy opened in Burnham Market in honour of cultural local icon and to encourage closer ties between well-heeled visitors and settlers with village natives still claiming to “tork proper”. Four giant solar farms shut down in Norfolk due to lack of sunshine. Dickleburgh refuses to twin with Whittington as it’s too far away. August- Mini-Olympics for Norfolk parish councillors off to a lively start. Briston, Hickling and Knapton disqualified from tug-of-war for pushing and also experience problems in handing over batons in relay races. Even so, they all win their 4x400m heats in one hour and 26 minutes of the last emergency meeting. Wood Rising lift tossing-the-caber crown. Foxley twinned with Wolferton. September – Pedlar of Swaffham surprise winner of the East Anglian leg of Tour of Britain Cycle Race after taking advantage of new park-and-ride service at Little Cressingham. Temperatures dip to record lows at end of the month. Man falls out of bed in Great Snoring and cracks his pyjamas’ Babingley twinned with Brooke. October More BBC cuts and Radio Norfolk forced to repeat old favourites first aired on the national network and now given a more homely flavour. Programmes include Round the Horning, Much Binding in the Marsham, Dick Barton Turf, Have a Hoe, Brooke at Bedtime and Brain of Fritton. Burston twinned with Riddlesworth. November - Confusion reigns on Norfolk County Council. Six Labour members, five Liberal Democrats and a dozen Conservatives defect to the Greens while 23 others resign altogether because there’s nowhere else left for them to go. Norfolk Independence Party takes caretaker control under the banner; “Why not dew diffrunt and stay the same?” Upwell twinned with Downham. December - Christmas lights cut back radically in most Norfolk towns to reflect an increasingly bleak economic picture. King’s Lynn a shining exception. Glow and heat from a new installation nearby brings comfort and joy to a grand outdoor carol concert on the Tuesday Market Place. Bodham twinned with Gomorrah.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight
Men lose 17 minutes of life with every cigarette they smoke while a woman’s life is cut short by 22 minutes with each cigarette, experts have estimated. This is more than previous estimates, which suggest that each cigarette shortens a smoker’s life by 11 minutes. The new estimates, which suggest that each cigarette leads to 20 minutes loss of live on average across both genders, are based on more up-to-date figures from long-term studies tracking the health of the population. Researchers from University College London said that the harm caused by smoking is “cumulative” and the sooner a person stops smoking, and the more cigarettes they avoid smoking, the longer they live. The new analysis, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, suggests that if a 10-cigarettes-a-day smoker quits on January 1, then by January 8 they could “prevent loss of a full day of life”. By February 20, their lives could be extended by a whole week. And if their quitting is successful until August 5, they will likely live for a whole month longer than if they had continued to smoke. The authors added: “Studies suggest that smokers typically lose about the same number of healthy years as they do total years of life. “Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability. “So a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.” The analysis, to be published in the Journal of Addiction, concludes: “We estimate that on average, smokers in Britain who do not quit lose approximately 20 minutes of life expectancy for each cigarette they smoke. “This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health. “Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.” Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy. “The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. “Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately. “It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.” Health officials have said that smokers can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit. “The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.” Commenting on the paper, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating, not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system and economy. “This research is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address cigarette smoking as the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.”Hundreds of files are being opened for public viewing under the 30/20 year rule at the Public Record Office in Belfast. Consideration was given to recruiting women into Northern Ireland’s new police force on a 50:50 basis with men to address their “severe under-representation”, declassified files have revealed. However, legal advice was that a policy that half of new recruits to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) should be women was “not viable”, a memo from 2002 said. Stormont officials did seek legal advice that year on whether the new force’s policy of recruiting 50% of all officers from the Catholic community could be challenged as discriminatory towards ethnic minorities. Details are contained in documents held at the Public Record Office in Belfast. Hundreds of the files are being opened for public viewing under the 30/20 year rule. The majority of the files deal with events in 2003, although some are from earlier years. The PSNI replaced the RUC in 2001 following a number of reforms proposed by Lord Patten. Catholics had been under-represented in the RUC, so a 50:50 recruitment policy ran for the first decade, meaning one Catholic recruit for every one person from a Protestant or other background. A file shows an exchange of emails between civil servants in the Office of the First Minister/Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) following a PSNI human rights conference hosted in October 2002. One of the emails was seeking further information on comments at the conference about recruiting people from ethnic minorities to the force. A responding email said: “It’s all about the Patten formula of 50/50 recruitment: 50% Roman Catholic and 50% Protestant and Others. Minority Ethnics fall into the Others. “The issue, at present, is that most applicants still fall into the latter category (around 65% from memory) so this increases the competition within this grouping and makes the candidate less likely to be successful – this could therefore disadvantage Minority Ethnics. “Joe (Stewart) suggested that options could be to move Minority Ethnics to the Roman Catholic Category or alternatively create a 3rd category, say of 2%. “The issue needs further consideration including how any requirement for change could be progressed.” Another email adds: “When the Race Directive was being negotiated, we drew NIO’s (Northern Ireland Office) attention to the 50/50 recruitment policy and suggested they might want to take this up as we thought it could potentially be discriminatory on the grounds of race (likely to be proportionally more non-RC ethnic minorities than RC). “NIO did not not pursue.” Within the file there are clippings from media reports at the time where concern is being raised about the impact of 50:50 recruitment on police numbers after then PSNI chief constable Hugh Orde announced he was axing the force’s band due to resource pressures. Another internal email was then sent on December 12 under the title “50/50 Recruitment and Race”. It says: “Consideration was also given to including women on a 50-50 basis but legal advice at the time was that this was not viable despite their severe under-representation in the police force.” It says the “50:50 split Catholic/non-Catholic has recently survived a legal challenge”. The email continues: “There may still be a point (although unpopular to argue) that the percentage ethnic minority is too small to claim disadvantage/indirect discrimination – ironically the higher the percentage population of ethnic minorities, the stronger would be the claim for advantage/indirect discrimination because the lower the chance of recruitment to the PSNI (ie because the larger the share of the non-Catholic pool). “Interestingly, a stronger challenge could be brought by a young person for age discrimination whom statistics consistently show is more likely to be not religious and so in the ‘non Catholic’ pool. “Politically, there could be difficulties because there is a high profile agenda in GB at present to recruit ethnic minorities into the police service post-Macpherson/Lawrence.” There is also a draft note seeking legal advice on the issue which states that the 50:50 recruitment policy “would seem to be incompatible with the implementation of the (Race) Directive”.Hidalgo leads No. 6 Notre Dame over JuJu Watkins and third-ranked USC 74-61 in big matchup out West
After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn’t offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.” President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don’t appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.
Miami Dolphins get good news on Friday ahead of clash with New England Patriots
Emanuel Wallace, 27, from east London, is better known as Big Manny by his 1.9 million followers on TikTok, where he shares videos explaining various science experiments from his back garden while using Jamaican Patois phrases and London slang. In early December, Mr Wallace won the Education Creator of the Year award at the TikTok Awards ceremony, which he said is a “symbol that anything that you put your mind to you can achieve”. The content creator began making videos during the coronavirus pandemic when schools turned to online learning but has since expanded his teaching from videos to paper after releasing his debut book Science Is Lit in August. He believes his “unconventional” teaching methods help to make his content relatable for younger audiences by using slang deriving from his Jamaican and British heritage. “The language that I use, it’s a combination between Jamaican Patois and London slang because I have Jamaican heritage,” the TikToker, who holds a bachelors and masters degree in biomedical science, told the PA news agency. “That’s why in my videos sometimes I might say things like ‘Wagwan’ or ‘you dun know’. I just want to connect with the young people more, so I speak in the same way that they speak. “The words that I use, the way that I deliver the lesson as well, I would say that my method of teaching is quite unconventional. I speak in a way that is quite conversational.” Examples of his videos include lithium batteries catching fire after being sandwiched inside a raw chicken breast, as well as mixing gold with gallium to create blue gold, earning millions of views. Mr Wallace hopes his content will help make the science industry more diverse, saying “the scientists that I was taught about, none of them look like me”. “Now me being a scientist is showing young people that they can become one as well, regardless of the background that they come from, the upbringing that they’ve had,” he said. “I just want to make it seem more attainable and possible for them because if I can do it, and I come from the same place as you, there’s no reason why you can’t do it as well.” The TikToker has seen a shift in more young people turning to the app as a learning resource and feels short-form videos will soon become a part of the national curriculum in schools. “I’m seeing (young people) using that a lot more – social media as a resource for education – and I feel like in the future, it’s going to become more and more popular as well,” he said. “I get a lot of comments from students saying that my teacher showed my video in the classroom as a resource, so I feel like these short form videos are going to be integrated within the national curriculum at some point in the near future.” He also uses his platform to raise awareness of different social issues, which he said is “extremely important”. One of his videos highlighted an anti-knife campaign backed by actor Idris Elba, which earned more than 39 million views, while his clip about the banning of disposable vapes was viewed more than 4.6 million times. He said there is some pressure being a teacher with a large following online but hopes he can be a role model for young people. “I’m aware that I am in the public eye and there’s a lot of young people watching me,” he said. “Young people can be impressionable, so I make sure that I conduct myself appropriately, so that I can be a role model. “I always have the same message for young people, specifically. I tell them to stay curious. Always ask questions and look a little bit deeper into things.” His plans for 2025 include publishing a second Science Is Lit book and expanding his teaching to television where he soon hopes to create his own science show.