Whirlpool opens in Brisbane flood

Whirlpool opens in Brisbane flood

A whirlwind moving through the floods of a submerged football field terrified locals trying to survive the biggest flood they have ever seen.

Michael Hall from Brisbane shared a video of Monday’s disturbing sight of a sports oval in the southeast Queensland floods.

The swirling water collected floating debris and debris, making it look like the “gates of hell” to spectators.

Brisbane's Michael Hall shared a video Monday of a vortex formed on a sports oval in flooding in southeastern Queensland

Brisbane’s Michael Hall shared a video Monday of a vortex formed on a sports oval in flooding in southeastern Queensland

A man uses a kayak to sail to Milton on Monday as floods continue to clog roads

A man uses a kayak to sail to Milton on Monday as floods continue to clog roads

The magnitude of the damage is realized in Lismore, NSW, on Tuesday after the Wilson River flood

The magnitude of the damage is realized in Lismore, NSW, on Tuesday after the Wilson River flood

Vortices are formed by currents directed in two different directions, colliding, a circumstance that can easily occur in chaotic floods.

A devastating flood in southeastern Queensland has flooded at least 15,000 homes in Brisbane and cut off power to another 53,000.

Eight people have died in the worst floods in Queensland since 2011, and at least four more are unaccounted for.

The Brisbane River peaked at 3.85m at 8am on Monday and 140 suburbs received flood warnings.

Silver Street in Windsor, Brisbane, was severely flooded on Monday, leaving parked cars blocked

Silver Street in Windsor, Brisbane, was severely flooded on Monday, leaving parked cars blocked

Massive efforts will be needed to clear debris from the Hawethorne ferry terminal

Massive efforts will be needed to clear debris from the Hawethorne ferry terminal

Another catastrophic peak of 3.7 meters is expected on Tuesday.

More than 1,000 homes were sunk in Jimmy, 188km north of Brisbane, and hundreds of Queenslanders were forced to evacuate flooded properties.

Lismore, northeastern NSW, is facing its worst flood crisis since the city’s ditch collapsed.

Residents of Lismore were evacuated urgently on Monday after the city dike collapsed

Residents of Lismore were evacuated urgently on Monday after the city dike collapsed

Residents were evicted from flooded homes in Lismore on Monday as the Wilson River rose to its highest recorded point

Residents were evicted from flooded homes in Lismore on Monday as the Wilson River rose to its highest recorded point

Flood water threatens to engulf houses in Lismore, with reports of locals hearing screams from trapped people in their flooded homes

Flood water threatens to engulf houses in Lismore, with reports of locals hearing screams from trapped people in their flooded homes

Lismore residents were forced to evacuate the flooded city on Monday morning.

Horrific reports have surfaced of residents hearing people trapped in floods screaming from their homes as desperate pleas for help spread.

As of Tuesday morning, nine Lismore residents are unaccounted for, and 400 are still awaiting rescue.

Residents set out to rescue neighbors and pets from flooding in Lismore on Monday

Residents set out to rescue neighbors and pets from flooding in Lismore on Monday

Locals, SES and emergency crews, as well as the military helped with the desperate evacuation and rescue in Lismore

Locals, SES and emergency crews, as well as the military helped with the desperate evacuation and rescue in Lismore

Emergency services were applauded online for their caring nature when helping Lismore residents, especially children and the elderly.

Emergency services were applauded online for their caring nature when helping Lismore residents, especially children and the elderly.

On Monday morning, Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg called on everyone on a boat to help a pregnant woman stranded on the roof.

“As flooding is widespread in the Northern Rivers area of ​​NSW and can reach Engine Street in South Lismore, a pregnant woman is sitting on the roof. HELP, please, “he wrote.

There were also concerns about members of the disabled community following reports of a mother with muscular dystrophy caught in her bunk bed surrounded by flooded water and a man in a wheelchair unable to escape from his home.

Photos show a number of boats rescuing Lismore residents on Monday as 400 locals remain trapped in flooded homes

Photos show a number of boats rescuing Lismore residents on Monday as 400 locals remain trapped in flooded homes

Flood water continues to rise in Lismore as severe weather warnings issued for the region

Flood water continues to rise in Lismore as severe weather warnings issued for the region

Lismore residents desperately snatch valuables and furry family members to save from floods

Lismore residents desperately snatch valuables and furry family members to save from floods

Locals report cases of caught neighbors cutting their corrugated roofs to escape rising water.

The Wilson River, which flows through Lismore, crossed 14 meters and broke the city’s previous record by almost two meters.

Locals, emergency services and the military have helped with large-scale evacuation efforts.

The Wilson River, which flows through Lismore, crossed 14 meters and broke the city's previous record by almost two meters as evacuation efforts continued.

The Wilson River, which flows through Lismore, crossed 14 meters and broke the city’s previous record by almost two meters as evacuation efforts continued.

The military arrived in Lismore after a huge rescue and evacuation mission by locals and the SES in Lismore on Monday

The military arrived in Lismore after a huge rescue and evacuation mission by locals and the SES in Lismore on Monday

Disaster befell Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane on Monday when a pontoon carrying a crane was pulled from the mooring

Disaster befell Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane on Monday when a pontoon carrying a crane was pulled from the mooring

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday that residents affected by the catastrophic floods will be entitled to payment for disaster recovery.

Eligible adults will receive $ 1,000 and eligible children will receive $ 400, which can be accessed through Services Australia.

The disaster struck Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane on Monday when a crane pontoon was pulled out of the mooring, closing the Story Bridge.

The SES of Queensland called on everyone in the area to evacuate immediately.

The death toll in Queensland rose to eight on Monday after rescuers found the bodies of a 50-year-old man and his dog in a sunken car in the Crumbin Valley.

The traveling crane closed Story Bridge, Brisbane, as authorities continue to monitor the situation

The traveling crane closed Story Bridge, Brisbane, as authorities continue to monitor the situation

The free pontoon crane travels down the river after being released from its floodplain

The free pontoon crane travels down the river after being released from its floodplain

The two were swept off the road hours earlier after driving 30 to 40 meters in floods.

However, a young father was found in the Goodna area after he disappeared on Sunday night.

Cameron Rodgers, 32, traveled to his flooded home in Brisbane to pick up pets and carry personal belongings on Sunday.

He later contacted a friend to meet at Goodna Station, but has not been seen or heard from since.

The massive damage caused by the flood was uncovered at the Windsor Chemist warehouse on Monday as staff worked to clean up the rubble.

The massive damage caused by the flood was uncovered at the Windsor Chemist warehouse on Monday as staff worked to clean up the rubble.

Mr Rodgers’ frantic sister told Nine News that the family was out of sorts.

“She told me that the police and the SES had checked his home. He is not there. His car stays at the station. So far, there is no sign of Cameron this morning, “said reporter Jess Milward.

Police then confirmed that Mr Rodgers had been found alive and well in the Goodna area.

The pitch of the Mitchell football club in Brisbane was left devastated by floods on Monday

The pitch of the Mitchell football club in Brisbane was left devastated by floods on Monday

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday that residents affected by the catastrophic floods will be entitled to payment for disaster recovery

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday that residents affected by the catastrophic floods will be entitled to payment for disaster recovery

QUINSLAND FLOODS – KEY FIGURES

The current peak of the Brisbane River is lower than the 2011 emergency with a high current of 3.85 m compared to 4.46 m 11 years ago.

There are no trains in Brisbane and all bus routes have been stopped

Gold Coast trams are currently open

More than 1,000 schools in the state have closed

1544 Queenslanders are in evacuation centers

15,000 homes in Brisbane have been affected by the severe weather

3,600 homes in Gympie were destroyed

There are 51,000 electricity-free homes in Queensland

The peak of the river Bremer is 17 meters

The Maryborough River is expected to peak on Monday

The Logan and Albert rivers are closely monitored

CRITICAL INFORMATION TO REMEMBER

  • Never drive, drive or walk in floods.
  • Arrange items, records, supplies or equipment on benches and tables by placing electrical items on top.
  • Provide items that are likely to float and cause damage.
  • Move waste containers, chemicals and poisons well above floor level.
  • Activate your home or business emergency plan.
  • Keep listening to your local radio for information, updates, and tips.
  • Keep in touch with your neighbors.
  • Be prepared to evacuate if advised by the emergency services.
  • Take action early, as roads can become congested or closed.

Source: NSW SES

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Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina REFUSES to face Russian Anastasia

Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina REFUSES to face Russian Anastasia Potapova

Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina REFUSES to face Russian Anastasia Potapova in the last 32 matches of the Monterey Open, unless the calls of the International Olympic Committee to ban Russian athletes are met

  • Elina Svitolina asked the governing bodies of tennis to follow the IOC’s call
  • The Ukrainian said she would not face any Russian or Belarusian opponents
  • However, she did not rule out that players from the nations will face neutral athletes

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina He said he would not play his match in the round of 16 against Russia’s Anastasia Potapova at the Monterey Open unless the governing bodies of tennis follow the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee.

The IOC executive director said on Friday that Russian and Belarusian national flags should not be displayed at post-Russian international sporting events. invasion of Ukraine.

On Monday, the IOC’s executive board went further and recommended that sports federations ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from competing, but Svitolina expressed her feelings before the latest publication.

“We, the Ukrainian players, have asked the ATP, WTA and ITF to follow the IOC’s recommendations to accept Russian or Belarusian nationals only as neutral athletes, without displaying any national symbols, colors, flags or anthems,” Svitolina said.

“Accordingly, I would like to announce that I will not play tomorrow in Monterey or any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players until our organizations make this necessary decision.”

Elina Svitolina from Ukraine refused to play her last 32 matches against Anastasia Potapova

Elina Svitolina from Ukraine refused to play her last 32 matches against Anastasia Potapova

In a separate but similar statement earlier Monday, Ukrainian tennis players, including Marta Kostyuk and Lesya Tsurenko, called on the WTA to withdraw all tournaments from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Athletes from Ukraine and other nations have called on international bodies to take action after Russia launched its land, air and sea invasion last week after President Vladimir Putin declared war.

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a “special operation” which it says is not intended to occupy territory, but to destroy the military capabilities of its southern neighbor and capture dangerous nationalists.

Russian star Potapova had to face her Ukrainian counterpart at the Monterrey Open

Russian star Potapova had to face her Ukrainian counterpart at the Monterrey Open

“We, the Ukrainian tennis players, would like to express our great surprise and dissatisfaction with the lack of any response to the situation with our country,” the statement said.

“It is particularly strange that in previous cases of social injustice and sexual harassment, the WTA’s response has been swift, appropriate and bold.

“We want the WTA to immediately condemn the Russian government, withdraw all tournaments from Russia and turn to the ITF to do the same. Stop the war. Stop Russian aggression. Bring peace to our homes. Be a man.

The WTA did not respond immediately to an email requesting comment.

On Sunday, the Ukrainian Tennis Federation called on the governing body of sports, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), to immediately exclude Russia and Belarus from the organization and ban Russia from team and individual tournaments.

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Trump APPEALS federal judges decision that he Don Jr and

Trump APPEALS federal judge’s decision that he, Don Jr. and Ivanka must testify

Former President Trump is appealing against a New York judge’s order that he and his two eldest children testify as part of a civil investigation into his business practices on Monday.

Trump’s attorneys, Don Jr. and Ivanka, filed for review by the U.S. Court of Appeals after Judge Arthur Engoren forced them to testify in a Feb. 17 ruling. The ruling gives Trump 21 days to appear, and the complaint is likely to support the battle for the former president’s testimony for months.

Lawyers say Trump’s order to testify violates their constitutional rights, as anything Trump says in civil testimony can be used against him in the criminal investigation overseen by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

At a hearing before Engoron’s ruling, Trump’s lawyers argued that sitting him on civil testimony was a misguided attempt to circumvent a U.S. law banning prosecutors from summoning someone to testify before a grand jury without granting them immunity.

A federal judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump must testify in a civil fraud case.

A federal judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump must testify in a civil fraud case.

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoren has ruled that Trump, Don Jr. and Ivana must appear within 21 days

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoren has ruled that Trump, Don Jr. and Ivana must appear within 21 days

A lawyer from the Attorney General’s Office told Engoron that it is not uncommon for civil and criminal investigations to be conducted simultaneously, and Engoron rejected Trump’s lawyers’ request to suspend the civil investigation until the criminal case is over.

Last summer, prompted by evidence uncovered in James’ civil investigation, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office accused Weiselberg and the Trump Organization of tax fraud, claiming he had collected more than $ 1.7 million in unregistered damages. Weisselberg and the company pleaded not guilty. The future of the criminal investigation was called into question last week when the two prosecutors leading it abruptly left.

New York AG Leticia James claims that everyone has vital information about Trump’s business relationships and assets. She has already accused Trump of raising the estimates of financial statements when looking for a loan.

Trump is no stranger to testimony – he answered questions for 4 1/2 hours last year in a lawsuit filed by men who claim to have been attacked by security guards at Trump Tower.

His other adult son, Eric Trump, has previously testified in civil cases and repeatedly invoked the rights of the Fifth Amendment – more than 500 times, according to documents from James’ office.

Don Jr. and Eric ran the Trump organization along with already-accused CEO Alan Weisselberg while Trump was president.

The decision comes after a bomb was dropped on Monday, revealing that Trump’s longtime accounting firm Mazars USA has left and cannot rely on 10-year financial statements.

Although undoubtedly useful to prosecutors, James has already been able to obtain a wealth of information through summonses and interviews with other company employees.

She was able to obtain a wealth of tax and financial information from Trump’s longtime accounting firm, Mazars, following a lawsuit that went to the Supreme Court.

The decision was made the day James, who is about to be re-elected, took a triumphant tour of the Manhattan Democratic Party Congress, blowing up former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and promising not to be “harassed.”

“Today, justice prevails,” James said in a statement. “Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump have been ordered by the court to comply with our lawful investigation into Mr. Trump and the Trump Organization’s financial transactions. No one will have the right to stand in the way of the pursuit of justice, no matter how strong it is. No one is above the law, “she added.

This week, Trump accused James of “vicious intimidation tactics” against his longtime firm after Mazars said he could no longer rely on the financial statements for a decade she had worked for him and announced she was ending her relationship with the company. .

Ivanka Trump had the option to buy an apartment on Park Avenue, rented to her by her father's company for $ 8.5 million, according to a court order for testimony filed by the AG office.  But the company said it was worth up to $ 25 million in financial statements

Ivanka Trump had the option to buy an apartment on Park Avenue, rented to her by her father’s company for $ 8.5 million, according to a court order for testimony filed by the AG office. But the company said it was worth up to $ 25 million in financial statements

Ivanka was able to buy the apartment on Park Avenue for $ 8.5 million, according to a court order to seek testimony from the AG office after renting it out on

Ivanka was able to buy the apartment on Park Avenue for $ 8.5 million, according to a court order to seek testimony from the AG office after renting it out on “extremely favorable terms.” Ivanka is seen in the apartment with two of her children

Trump said they were “essentially forced to give up a great long-term bill because of the prosecutor’s misconduct.”

In his statement, Trump continued to provide dollar figures for cash and marketable securities, escrow, reserve deposits and other categories that he said led to net value of $ 5.8 billion.

Earlier on Thursday, Trump’s lawyer, Alina Haba, used a hearing in a case of alleged fraud by the former president to accuse District Attorney Leticia James of harassing him, “probably because he could win again in ’24.”

A lawyer from Badminster, New Jersey, also took the opportunity to accuse Trump’s 2016 rival, Hillary Clinton, of “spying” on his campaign.

Guiding Trump’s tone in his frequent online statements and his demands to investigate his investigators, she told James and another attorney at the state AG office: “I want to know … will you prosecute Hillary Clinton for what she is doing to me customer?

The Trump family’s lawyers asked the appeals court on Monday to consider three issues:

– whether James’ office violated their rights by issuing subpoenas for their testimony while participating in the criminal investigation;

– whether the protection of witnesses of the Grand Jury under state law, as immunity, can be eroded if the same agency involved in the criminal investigation simply launches a “civil” investigation on the same issues “;

– and whether Engoron was wrong to reject Trump’s claim that James was involved in selective prosecution.

In his ruling, Engoron said the thousands of pages of evidence he had reviewed the case showed that there was good reason to continue the investigation and undermined “the notion that this ongoing investigation is based on personal animosity, not facts and law.” ‘

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How low calorie sweeteners can make weight loss harder

How low-calorie sweeteners can make weight loss harder

Concerns about the effect sugar can have on weight and teeth are fueling demand for products made with calorie-free artificial sweeteners based on chemicals such as aspartame, acesulfame K, saccharin, sorbitol, sucralose and xylitol.

These products, considered a marker for a healthy lifestyle, are found in everything from soft drinks and ready meals to pastries and toothpaste, and the British spend about 68 million pounds a year on them.

But while there is no doubt that they reduce the risk of tooth decay, there are questions about how healthy they are as a weight loss aid – with suggestions that they can actually make our cravings for sweet and fat foods even worse.

Concerns about the effect that sugar can have on weight and teeth are fueling demand for products made with calorie-free artificial sweeteners based on chemicals such as aspartame, acesulfame K, saccharin, sorbitol, sucralose and xylitol.

Concerns about the effect that sugar can have on weight and teeth are fueling demand for products made with calorie-free artificial sweeteners based on chemicals such as aspartame, acesulfame K, saccharin, sorbitol, sucralose and xylitol.

Several studies in recent years have found that regular consumption of sweetened foods and beverages can make it harder, not easier, for some people to lose weight because of the way chemicals interact with the brain.

Now scientists think they know why.

A revolutionary new study suggests that the cells in the gut tell the brain that we have eaten sugar – and therefore calories – do not do this for sweeteners, leaving us still craving sweet foods.

Other studies show that the brain itself reacts differently to sugar sweeteners.

One of the most recent, in 2021, was conducted by experts at the Institute of Diabetes and Obesity at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, who scanned the brains of 74 men and women after consuming sucralose – a widely used alternative to sugar. and which is 600 times sweeter than sugar.

During a series of laboratory experiments, volunteers were asked to drink either plain water, a beverage containing sucralose, or a beverage flavored with sugar.

After each drink, they underwent an MRI scan to measure blood flow to different areas of the brain at the same time while looking at images of high-calorie foods, sweet treats or spicy snacks.

The researchers stressed that their findings do not represent a clear and humiliating sentence for sweeteners - on the one hand, increased appetite is observed mainly in women and not in men.

The researchers stressed that their findings do not represent a clear and humiliating sentence for sweeteners – on the one hand, increased appetite is observed mainly in women and not in men.

The results, published in the September 2021 issue of the JAMA Network Open, reveal higher levels of blood flow – a sign of increased nerve (brain) activity – in areas of the brain responsible for food hunger, such as the hippocampus, after a fall. sweetener-based drink than sugar.

In a separate test, the volunteers were also told to help themselves with everything you can eat at the buffet two hours after consuming the same drinks. They ate the most after the sweetener-based drink.

Researchers emphasize that their findings do not represent a clear and humiliating sentence for sweeteners – on the one hand, increased appetite is observed mainly in women and not in men.

One theory is that the women in this study were in the first years of birth, when their brains may be harder to look for more high-calorie foods to support their chances of successful reproduction and survival.

But summing up the study, lead author Dr. Kathleen Page, an endocrinologist, said: “Based on these findings, I would suggest that sucralose may not be as effective in women as it is in reducing appetite and food cravings.”

Other research questions if effects are limited to women.

In a 2019 study at the University of Leiden, the Netherlands, researchers performed an MRI scan of the brains of healthy young men.

After a sweet drink, there was an immediate response in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for signaling satiety – or fullness – that reduced appetite in minutes.

But after a drink made with the sweetener sucralose, this response is significantly smaller and more fun, increasing the likelihood of consuming more calories later to feel full. But why would the brain react so differently to a chemical sweetener than to sugar?

The latest study, published in January in Nature Neuroscience, may provide vital evidence.

Researchers at Duke University in North Carolina have found that humans and animals have specific cells in their gut that can differentiate between the two, more like taste buds that distinguish between sweet and sour.

These “sensory” cells – which the research team called neuropods – then trigger different messages to the brain, depending on which substance they find.

For example, within a second of detecting sugar in the gut, these neurops secrete a chemical called glutamate, which sends a signal to the brain via the vagus nerve.

This is the body’s main “highway” for electrical signals that travel between the brain and many of the body’s major organs.

This signal immediately tells the brain that the body’s caloric needs are reduced due to the “shock” of sugar.

But such an increase in glutamate levels does not happen when the gut finds sweeteners, so the thirst for calories remains.

Other studies question whether replacing sugar with sweeteners is of any medical benefit to people with diabetes; sweeteners have been shown not to cause an immediate spike in blood sugar levels like sugar.

Indeed, a statement on Diabetes UK’s position on sweeteners says: “They can be used to control weight and diabetes, as long as they replace [for sugar] does not lead to later compensation with increased energy intake. ‘

The British Dietetic Association says that sweeteners can “help” with weight loss and diabetes.

However, Cochrane’s 2020 review of the evidence for sweeteners and diabetes, which looked at data from more than a dozen large studies, concluded: “Available data do not show a clear difference between sweeteners and sugar for blood sugar or body weight. ‘

Some experts go further. Mike Lean, a professor of human nutrition at the University of Glasgow, an authority on diabetes who has written about the role of sugar in the obesity epidemic, says questions remain about the long-term benefits of sweeteners.

“There is no convincing evidence of better results than using artificial sugar sweeteners in normal amounts,” he said. “International guidelines say keep added sugar below 10 percent of calorie intake. And even that is to protect teeth, not to control diabetes or avoid weight gain: the evidence for this is very weak.

Professor Tim Specter, an expert in genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, author of The Diet Myth – The Real Science Behind What We Eat, agrees, saying the experiments show little or no weight loss or reduced risk of diabetes in those which range from sweet carbonated drinks to those that contain sweeteners.

“There’s no obvious benefit to switching to a diet drink – except when it comes to your teeth,” says Professor Specter. “These people need to lose weight, but they are not.”

He says that something else must be happening in the body; he says that either the brain is “reset” at the neuronal level (ie between brain cells) by the chemicals in the sweeteners so that it does not react like sugar, or artificial products affect the body’s intestinal microbiome – intestinal “soup” , made up of trillions of organisms that are thought to play a major role in everything from our appetite to our immune system.

“Our gut microbes may not know how to deal with chemicals we should never have eaten,” he said.

Proponents of stevia claim that it has an advantage over other sweeteners because it is plant-based and not created in a laboratory.

But Professor Specter believes that the very idea of ​​replacing sugar with super-sweet alternatives is wrong. “We need to wean people, especially children, from oversweetened foods and teach them to enjoy other tastes instead,” he said.

Under the microscope

Former Jamaican cricketer Michael Holding, 67, meets our health test

Can you run up the stairs?

This is not a problem for me – I have no serious problems with playing cricket. But I can’t say that I have a lot of fitness these days, because the daily walks I did are now very sporadic.

Do you get your five a day?

I eat healthy: lots of fresh vegetables in salads and lots of fruit. I do not drink soft drinks, and if I drink beer and wine it is only with dinner.

Have you ever been on a diet?

No. I’m lighter now than when I played [he retired in 1989] – My parents gave me good genes. When I was playing, I worked out a lot in the gym and I had a lot of muscle, but I never gained too much weight. I weigh 187 pounds (13th 5 pounds) and am 6 feet 3½ inches.

Any vices?

I love racing and horses and just watching them. People would say it’s a vice because I bet on them. I don’t need to drink wine or beer, but horses, I would hardly stop being interested in them.

Any family illnesses?

There is a history of prostate cancer in my family. My father got it in the ’80s, even though he didn’t kill it. As my sister, a doctor, said, he will die before prostate cancer has any effect. Five years ago, my brother got prostate cancer and it killed him. I have an annual checkup that includes my prostate, but this has been going on for a long time.

The most serious illness / injury?

I had several cricket injuries. I tore the muscles in my right shoulder in 1979 and had my cartilage removed from my left knee in 1982. I resumed my career after both. I’m very lucky – I was quite healthy. As I told so many of my friends, one day I will just fall dead; I can’t imagine being sick.

Have you ever had plastic surgery?

No. What God has given me, I am pleased with.

Have you tried alternative remedies?

Only vitamin D. I was advised to take it because of the coronavirus [to boost immunity]. I get a lot of sun anyway, so I take in less power than most people.

A cure for a hangover?

I don’t drink enough for that.

What keeps you awake?

Sometimes I lay awake thinking about the future and my children [he has three], and even myself and what the future holds. But at my age there is not much future, so I do not stay awake and think about it.

Do you want to live forever?

Definitely not. I watch what is happening in the world today and most of the time I am so grateful that my parents are not around to see it. I don’t want to be around when people do what they want and no one holds them accountable. This is the direction in which I am moving.

n Why We Kneel, How We Rise, by Michael Holding (Simon and Schuster, £ 20).

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Teen ticks affected by increased use of social media during

Teen ticks affected by increased use of social media during the Covid pandemic

Does social media worsen teen tics? Young people say their condition was affected by increased online activity during the Covid pandemic … but the expert says more research is needed on a possible link

  • Tics are rapid, repetitive muscle movements that lead to sudden concussions or body sounds.
  • Overall, 85% say the frequency of their tics has worsened during Covid
  • Half of the respondents say that increased use makes their condition worse
  • Dr Jessica Frey of the University of Florida said more research was needed

Teenagers with tics say their condition was affected by increased online activity during the Covid pandemic, but an expert says more research is needed on a possible link.

Half of the respondents said that the increased online activity during the pandemic had worsened their condition.

U.S. researchers studied 20 people between the ages of 11 and 21 who experienced tics – defined as rapid, repetitive muscle movements that lead to sudden concussions or body sounds.

Nearly two-thirds say they spend about six hours a day on social media, while nine out of ten say their online activity increased during the pandemic.

Overall, 85% say the frequency of their tics has worsened during the pandemic – and 50% say social media has had a negative impact on them.

But Dr. Jessica Frey of the University of Florida said more research was still needed.

U.S. researchers studied 20 people between the ages of 11 and 21 who experienced tics ¿defined as rapid, repetitive muscle movements that lead to sudden concussions or sounds.

US researchers have studied 20 people between the ages of 11 and 21 who have experienced tics – defined as rapid, repetitive muscle movements that lead to sudden concussions or sounds.

Nearly two-thirds say they spend about six hours a day on social media, while nine out of ten say their online activity increased during the pandemic.

Nearly two-thirds say they spend about six hours a day on social media, while nine out of ten say their online activity increased during the pandemic.

Ms. Frey said she conducted the study after noticing an increase in the number of young people coming to her clinic after the coronavirus epidemic.

She said the results “shed light” on the impact the pandemic and increased use of social media have on young adults.

But she stressed that more research is needed to better identify the exact cause.

Participants were asked to rank the weight of the tic on a scale from zero to six – zero means least severe and six means the highest.

Those who do not report an increase in the use of social media rate their rating at four, while those who say they have used it more rate it at five.

They were also asked to rank their quality of life on the same scale – zero means excellent, three suggest no change, and six are “the worst week ever”.

Those who increased their use of social media reported scores of 2.5, while those who reported low online activity had scores of 1.5.

Dr Frey said: “Given the known increase in the use of social media during the pandemic, as well as the parallel increase in tic disorders we observed in our clinic, we investigated whether there is any link between the use of social media and tic symptoms.

“Our results have begun to shed light on the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic and increased use of social media can have on teenagers and young people with tics.”

She added: “More research is needed to better identify the exact stressors that lead to more severe tics so we can work to reduce stressors.”

The study will be presented at the 73rd annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology next month.

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McConnell and McCarthy criticize Marjorie Taylor Green for appearing with

McConnell and McCarthy criticize Marjorie Taylor Green for appearing with the white race

Senator Mitch McConnell’s minority leader and House of Representatives minority leader Kevin McCarthy have spoken out against MP Marjorie Taylor Green for her appearance at a white event over the weekend.

McCarthy, R-California, said he planned to talk to Georgia republican and representative Paul Gossar, who spoke at the event last year and appeared this year in a 30-second pre-recorded video.

McCarthy said Green had to leave the stage after the event’s organizer, Nick Fuentes, said, announcing, “Can we get a round of applause for Russia?” And the crowd began chanting “Putin!” Putin! Putin!

“It was horrible and wrong for me,” McCarthy said CNN“There is no place in our party for any of this.” “This is unacceptable,” he added.

“The party should not be associated with an anti-Semitic organization at any time and in any place,” said the California Republican.

McConnell repeated his feelings in a statement to Politico“There is no room in the Republican Party for white supremacy or anti-Semitism.”

Fuentes, who is described as a supporter of the White Race by the Anti-Defamation League, founded AFPAC in 2020 to compete with the popular Conservative Political Action Conference, which also held its annual conference over the weekend.

When event organizer Nick Fuentes introduced Green, he said,

When event organizer Nick Fuentes introduced Green, he said, “Can we get a round of applause for Russia?” And the crowd began chanting “Putin!” Putin! Putin!

The leader of the minority in the House, Kevin McCarthy Minority Senator Mitch McConnell

Republican leaders condemn Republican Marjorie Taylor Green for white nationalist rally

Before introducing Green, Fuentes told the crowd: “Now they are talking about Russia, and Vladimir Putin is Hitler – they say this is not good.”

He gained disgrace by making many anti-Semitic comments, denying the Holocaust and opposing women’s right to vote. Fuentes was also part of the deadly white nationalist rally in Charlottesville in 2017.

In an address to AFPAC, she said Democrats had destroyed “gender” and “pronouns” by adopting trans-inclusive language, and told the crowd that they had to “fight for the Constitution”.

“You have taken the responsibility to fight for our constitution and to defend our freedoms and to stop the Democrats, who are the Communist Party of the United States,” Green said.

But the appearance of the Republican from Georgia at the rally left her increasingly isolated from members of her own party.

“I definitely want to differentiate myself from that,” Sen. Minority Sen. John Tune told Politico. This is unacceptable.

Senator Mitt Romney, R-Utah, did not smile at his criticism of Green and Gossar. “Moroni. I have idiots on my team, “Romney said Sunday.

Even chap. Mike Pompeo called Green’s appearance at the rally “shameful”.

“Communicating with anti-Semitic neo-Nazis is not in line with the conservative values ​​I have defended for decades. Representative Taylor-Green is playing with Nick Fuentes and his move is embarrassing, “Pompeo wrote on Twitter.

Even a colleague of far-right Congresswoman Lauren Boubert distanced herself from Green: “I do not apologize for the other members and what they say or do. I do not support white supporters like Nick Fuentes, period.

After Green’s speech to AFPAC, speaker Vincent James Fox told the crowd, “They want to replace you.”

“Western white culture is the culture of the majority that even non-whites assimilate today – and they are better than that.”

When Green left CPAC, where she also spoke to the crowd, she claimed she did not know Fuentes.

“I do not know Nick Fuentes. I’ve never heard him speak, I’ve never seen a video. I don’t know what his views are, so I don’t agree with anything that is contradictory, “she told CBS reporter Robert Costa.

“I went to his event last night to address his many followers because they are very young followers and this is a generation I am extremely concerned about,” she said.

And as her appearance at the conference drew media attention, Green wrote on Twitter: “I will not play the guilt game by association, in which you require every conservative to justify everything ever said by someone with whom he has ever shared a room. I will not be involved in this. I am only responsible for what I say. So ask me about my speech.

Green came out as a special guest at Fuentes' AFPAC event to talk about

Green came out as a special guest at Fuentes’ AFPAC event to talk about “god and freedom.” The two were filmed together at Friday’s event

US MP Marjorie Taylor Green (center) has denied knowing white nationalist Nick Fuentes (right), although she posed with him and right-wing expert Michelle Malkin during his conference on America's first political action in Orlando on Friday.

US MP Marjorie Taylor Green (center) has denied knowing white nationalist Nick Fuentes (right), although she posed with him and right-wing expert Michelle Malkin during his conference on America’s first political action in Orlando on Friday.

“I was talking about God and freedom. I will also not deny the opportunity to speak to 1,200 young patriots from America First because of a few frivolous remarks from another speaker, even if I find these remarks unpleasant. ”

“I want to embrace the young, boisterous and energetic conservatives in our movement, not cancel them out, as the establishment does.

“I will play him. You talked to a group about white supremacy. You defend your presence there. If this was not a strange world, you would be rebuked and excommunicated from the Republican Party. In the end, you will lose, just like Putin. And people will curse your name, “spokesman Adam Kinsinger, R-Ill, said on Twitter.

One Republican remains in Green’s camp: Donald Trump. He praised the congresswoman when she took the CPAC stage, jokingly describing her as “a man who is very shy, doesn’t like to say what he thinks, but still does.”

Even Republican National Committee (RNC) chairwoman Rona McDaniel described Green’s appearance at the event, saying in a statement: “White supremacy, neo-Nazism, hate speech and bigotry are disgusting and have no home in the Republican Party.”

An RNC member suggested on Twitter that he would pass a resolution condemning Green and Gosar, just as the committee did for Kinsinger and Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., To join the House of Representatives committee on January 6.

McDaniel did not reject the idea, but instead suggested in an interview with reporters that the next party meeting in August would be a forum to discuss the issue.

McConnell and McCarthy criticize Marjorie Taylor Green for appearing with the white race Read More »

Russia promises that the EU will receive a harsh response

Russia promises that the EU will receive a “harsh response” for its support for Ukraine

Russia pledged on Monday to retaliate against the EU after supporting Ukraine, and warned the West not to supply weapons to the country.

A spokesman for the country’s foreign ministry said the steps the bloc had taken against it since then invasion of Ukrainewhich include sanctions, “will not go unanswered”.

He also warned that “EU citizens and structures” involved in sending weapons to Ukraine would be “responsible for any consequences”.

The threat came after the EU closed its airspace to all Russian planes – which later saw Russian carrier Aeroflot suspend all flights to Europe – and banned Kremlin propaganda channels. Russia today and Sputnik.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said last night that this was the first time the EU had done so for a country under attack.

EU defense ministers also had to discuss plans to send defense weapons to Ukraine today.

The bloc’s foreign minister, Josep Borrell, said: “Half a billion euros [$560 million] will be dedicated to the provision of defensive weapons, high-caliber weapons and anti-tank weapons [equipment] – any agreements to repel aggression.

“We need to coordinate what we do and what we can do further with these resources,” he added.

Russia promises that the EU will receive a harsh response

Russia pledged on Monday to retaliate against the EU after supporting Ukraine, and warned the West not to supply weapons to the country.

According to CNN, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said: “Citizens and EU structures involved in the supply of deadly weapons and fuels and lubricants to Ukraine’s armed forces will be responsible for any consequences of such actions in the context of the ongoing special military operation. .

“They cannot help but understand the degree of danger of the consequences,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The statement continued to reduce the sanctions regime imposed by Western countries and the EU.

The spokesman said the sanctions were “illegitimate under international law” and intended to “do maximum damage to Russia”.

“The actions of the European Union will not go unanswered,” they added.

“Russia will continue to guarantee the realization of its vital national interests, without taking into account sanctions and their threats.

“It’s time for Western countries to realize that their undivided dominance in the global economy is long gone.”

Ms von der Leyen said last night: “We are closing EU airspace to all Russian planes, including the private planes of oligarchs.

“Second, in another unprecedented step, we will ban the Kremlin’s media machine in the EU.

“State-owned Russia Today and Sputnik, as well as their subsidiaries, will no longer be able to spread their lies in support of Putin’s lies.”

Ms von der Leyen also backed Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, after President Vladimir Zelensky insisted on joining.

1646095168 669 Russia promises that the EU will receive a harsh response

The threat came after the EU closed its airspace to all Russian planes – which later saw Russian carrier Aeroflot suspend all flights to Europe – and banned Kremlin propaganda publications Russia Today and Sputnik. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (pictured) said last night that this was the first time the EU had done so for an attacked country

Russia has warned that

Russia has warned that “EU citizens and structures” involved in arms shipments to Ukraine will be “responsible for any consequences”. Above: Soldiers from the breakaway republic of Luhansk

She said Euronews: “We have a process with Ukraine, which is, for example, the integration of the Ukrainian market into the single market. We have very close cooperation in the energy network, for example.

“So many topics that we work on very closely together and really belong to us over time. They are one of us and we want them to be present.

Ms von der Layen also said Putin’s confidence was “completely broken and eroded” after Brussels unveiled a new package of sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s regime.

In the wake of his comments, Zelensky signed a request for Ukraine to join the EU “immediately” as his country continued to face Russian attack.

He called for “Ukraine’s immediate accession through a new special procedure”.

But Ms von der Layen’s spokeswoman withdrew from her previous comments, saying she meant Europe “as a whole” and was already in the process of joining the bloc.

This sentiment was echoed by European Council President Charles Michel, who said there were long-standing differences between EU countries over the accession of new members.

President Zelensky signed a request for Ukraine to join the EU

President Zelensky signed a request for Ukraine to join the EU “immediately” as troops resist a fierce attack by Russia, but Brussels officials warn that the process of joining the bloc takes years

Eric Mamer, spokesman for Ms von der Layen, said that the EU High Representative meant that Ukraine “is a European country and we want them to be present, that is, Europe as a whole”.

“She also clarified that there is a process (for joining the EU). And I think that’s the important point, “he added.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmigal wrote on Twitter that “it’s time to write it down.” Ukraine is applying for EU membership under a special procedure.

However, such a fast-track procedure does not exist, officials said.

Joining the bloc can be a long and complex process that often requires major reforms to meet EU standards.

They also need to prove that their finances are moving in a direction that will allow them to adopt the euro.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said any membership bid could take “many years”.

The European Commission has said that in any case, it can only negotiate with credible candidate countries on the basis of a mandate from the 27 EU member states – something it has not received for Ukraine.

“Ultimately, this is a debate at the highest political level, for the (European) Council,” where member states make decisions, said commission spokeswoman Ana Pisonero.

President Zelenski said: European Council President Charles Michel has said that Kyiv will have to submit a formal request to join before member states - which will have to give the green light for unanimity - can come up with a position

President Zelenski, left, said: “Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing. I’m sure it’s fair. I’m sure it’s possible. ” European Council President Charles Michel, right, said Kyiv would have to submit a formal request to join before member states – which will have to give the green light for membership unanimously – could take a stand.

View of a car that was destroyed by the recent shelling on the outskirts of Kyiv on Sunday, when the EU appears to have rejected Ukraine's application to speed up EU membership

View of a car that was destroyed by the recent shelling on the outskirts of Kyiv on Sunday, when the EU appears to have rejected Ukraine’s application to speed up EU membership

According to Zelensky's social media channel, the Ukrainian president signed the EU's request on Monday

According to Zelensky’s social media channel, the Ukrainian president signed the EU’s request on Monday

European Council President Charles Michel told a group of journalists that there have been long-standing differences between EU countries over the bloc’s enlargement.

“There are different opinions and sensitivities in the EU about enlargement,” he told a group of journalists.

He said Kyiv would have to submit a formal request to join before member states, which would have to give the green light for unanimity, could come up with a position.

According to a telegram from Zelensky’s channel, the Ukrainian president signed such a request on Monday.

“Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing,” he said. “I’m sure it’s fair.” I’m sure it’s possible.

The European Union, made up of six nations under different names in 1957, has expanded in four waves over the last three decades. Since Britain left the bloc in 2020, it has 27 member states.

There are currently five candidate countries – Turkey, Serbia, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania – but their candidacies have remained unknown for years.

The last country to join the EU was Croatia, which joined in 2013, after nearly a decade of negotiations and reforms.

Countries that have so far sent military aid to Ukraine include Britain, Germany, the United States, France and Belgium.

The United Kingdom sent 2,000 next-generation light anti-tank weapons (NLAW) to Ukraine, while the United States sent a plane loaded with 300 Javelin missiles worth about $ 50 million to Kyiv last month.

Other countries, including Turkey, the Czech Republic and Estonia, also followed suit.

Germany has repealed its own policy of transferring deadly weapons to send military aid.

It will supply Ukraine with 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles from its armed forces, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday.

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marks a turning point. “It is our duty to do everything we can to support Ukraine in defending itself against Putin’s invading army,” Scholz wrote on Twitter.

In addition, the German Ministry of Economy and Climate said that Germany allows the Netherlands to send 400 anti-tank weapons made in Germany to Ukraine.

Germany will also send 14 armored vehicles and up to 10,000 tons of fuel to Ukraine.

Earlier on Saturday, the Dutch government said in a letter to parliament that it would deliver 200 missiles to Ukraine’s air defenses as soon as possible.

The Netherlands will deliver 200 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine as soon as possible, the Dutch government said in a letter to parliament on Saturday.

Belgium has promised 2,000 machine guns and 3,800 tons of fuel.

France has decided to send defensive military equipment to Ukraine to support the country against Russia’s invasion, a French army spokesman said on Saturday, adding that the issue of sending offensive weapons was still under consideration.

Russia promises that the EU will receive a “harsh response” for its support for Ukraine Read More »

Texas Primary What to Watch

Texas Primary: What to Watch

Cisneros, backed by progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is having a rematch against Cuellar, the anti-abortion right Democrat, after she nearly lost in the 2020 primary. But, as Edgar Sandoval said, Conservative Democrats may have better luck in parts of South Texas.

However, when the FBI raided Cuellar’s home and campaign office earlier this year, the political calculation has changed. The purpose of the FBI’s investigation remains unclear, and national Republican groups are watching to see if there’s a window for who will make it out of the GOP primary.

This does not necessarily mean that Cisneros is more likely to take the Democratic seat than Cuellar. If national abortion rights organizations get involved in the race, they could provoke Republicans to play more aggressively in the county.

“Trying to actually change the political dynamic in Texas doesn’t help when national organizations come to you and declare themselves liberal and wave blue flags and say we’re going to turn things blue and flip them,” he said. Matt Engle, founder of the Lone Star Project, which provides opposition research and other support to Democratic candidates in Texas.

There is a third Democrat on the ballot for the race, so it’s entirely possible that neither Cuellar nor Cisneros will make it through Tuesday’s primary. If the race moves to the primary, there are still a few months left for the Cisneros-Cuellar primary to take place — and even more time to see what happens with the FBI investigation.

There is only one district built to be truly competitive in 2022. But we probably won’t know who’s running until the second round in May.

The incumbent for the 15th Congressional District in South Texas would be Representative Vicente Gonzalez, a Democrat. However, he instead chose to run in a seat that was slightly safer for Democrats after the constituency change, leaving his current seat open.

Texas Primary: What to Watch Read More »