Vishal: The most important medicine to fight corona is not letting fear affect you – Times of India

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There had been reports of actor Vishal and his father, producer-actor GK Reddy, having tested positive for coronavirus. The actor took to his social media page yesterday to announce that his father, his manager and he had been diagnosed with COVID-19. He wrote, Yes its True, my Dad was tested Positive, by helping him I had the same symptoms of High Temperature, Cold, Cough & was the same for my Manager. All of us took Ayurvedic Medicine & were out of Danger in a weeks time. We are now Hale & Healthy (sic). Today, the actor shared a 4-odd-minute-long video to talk about how he fought the virus. He tweeted, I have shared many Tweets on my Movies & several Social Causes, but this one is something very important according to me... I decided that it is important to share this experience of mine on the basis of Humanity....(sic). In the preview to the video, Vishal said that one of the main reasons why he wanted to share this message was to tell people to not be scared before or after corona. Im also not advocating a form of medicinal practice or its not an advertisement for a doctor. This is for humanitys sake, he said. Vishal further said in the video. Yes, my father was tested positive. I didnt take appa to the hospital. Sorry, Im not against hospital or anything like that. I took care of him at home. When I was taking care of him, I got the same symptoms - temperature above 100-103, and cold and cough the next day. My manager Hari also had the same symptoms. We took Ayurvedic and homeopathy medicine. Our temperature and symptoms reduced in four days. In the next seven days, we were perfectly alright. He continued, This video is to only convey that we became alright by taking Ayurvedic medicine. Im not saying this to advocate Ayurvedic medicine or sell Ayurvedic products. Engala enna kaapthichu-nu sollanum. So, I am sharing it. I will also share the medicine on Twitter. My sincere thanks to Dr Hari, hes like a God. Vishal said that he understood what the most important medicine for corona is. Before testing positive or after being tested positive, please dont get scared. Indha bayam dhan oru ikkattana soozhnilayila nammala koottittu poi vidum. The most importance medicine is, be courageous and dont let fear affect you. Have the will that you will definitely fight corona. That worked for my dad. And his confidence cured me. I also self-quarantined and took tablet. We are back to work and we have made sure that nobody else is getting affected by us, he said,

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Vishal: The most important medicine to fight corona is not letting fear affect you - Times of India

Sometimes the best medicine for a veteran is the company of another veteran – The Times and Democrat

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These are two among many other areas that veteran peers are providing effective supports.

Getting civilians into the act

The mental health care provided by civilians for veterans can also benefit from lessons learned from these veteran-driven programs.

Understanding the unique culture shared by military members and their families can be a daunting task for Americans who have not experienced the military lifestyle. Given the volunteer nature of our armed services and the historically small size of our current force, this culture is familiar to only a small proportion of American citizens. Instead of assuming this cultural gap cannot be breached, we are learning the powerful impact that civilian health care professionals can make when they become trained in military culture and practice military-informed care.

Research efforts are underway to understand how to best train practitioners to better understand the clinical impact of this cultural competency. Research can assess, for example, whether this knowledge can help improve veterans engagement in care, increase their treatment completion and improve their clinical outcomes.

The VA has hired 800 peers as of 2013 with 100 more planned annually. In addition to Texas, New York, Michigan and California, as well as Canada and the United Kingdom, have veteran peer support programs.

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Sometimes the best medicine for a veteran is the company of another veteran - The Times and Democrat

Married to Medicine star gifts activist with veneers after cop knocked out her teeth – REVOLT TV

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On the evening of July 17, 18-year-old activist Miracle Boyd was assaulted by a Chicago police officer while protesting at the Christopher Columbus statue in Grant Park. Several of her teeth were knocked out during the physical encounter. The teen has since received a new smile courtesy of Married To Medicine star Dr. Heavenly.

Dr. Heavenly took to Instagram to share photos and video of Boyds new veneers. My beautiful Miracle @miracleboyd18, she captioned the post. Im so sorry this happened to you! Glad I could help. #BlackLivesMatter #PrayForOURBabies @smilesbydrheavenly.

A few days after the assault, Boyd spoke out at a press conference.

So, basically, a caucasian male was [getting] arrested and I was recording the police, she said. The police officer came up to me and he smacked my phone out my hand and it hit me in the mouth. My [teeth] got knocked out. I feel like it shouldnt have happened.

She added, [The cop] wanted me to put my phone away, I wasnt going to put it away. You cant deny me my rights. Boyd also called for the officer to be relieved of his duties.

Many people witnessed the assault and it was even caught on video. Jeanette Taylor spoke out about the situation shortly after it took place. Im going to tell you right now, if this was my kid and Miracle is one of mine I would burn this city to the ground, Taylor said of Boyd, who is good friends with her daughter. You beat people up over a statue? You rough them up over a statue?

She concluded, Theyre so busy protecting white supremacy, theyre so busy protecting a Christopher Columbus statue that they beat her.

More than 20 complaints were filed against the Chicago Police Department the night of Boyds assault. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has since ordered the removal of the Columbus statues from two Chicago parks to prevent further confrontation between the officers and protesters.

Check out video and photos of Boyds new smile below.

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Married to Medicine star gifts activist with veneers after cop knocked out her teeth - REVOLT TV

PHOTOS: Jurassic Park "Velocicoaster" Construction Update at Islands of Adventure as Rock Work Gets Detailed and Show Building Painting…

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As construction continues on the newest addition to Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure, weve been keeping an eye out for any changes. As we check in on the latest updates to Velocicoaster, we can see some new additions to the show buildings as well as more details added to the rock structure.

Two rectangular structures have been added along the top of the show building near the lagoon.

Theyre partially wrapped in what appears to be a white plastic wrap, and we can even make out the letters N on one side and E on the other. We can assume that these are directional markings to indicate North and East.

There seems to be a lot of activity taking place lately down near the lagoon area. We can see a lot of changes to the landscape already as the ground is leveled and adjusted to make room for the new coaster.

More of the show building has been enclosed in a brown, crate-like design. Strips of metal have been added to two sections of the brown building.

We can just see the top of a smaller structure between the rock work and the large, brown building.

This small section of rock work looks nearly complete, with its new textured design and cool, gray stone coloring. Were eager to see what else starts to develop in this area.

Thats all for this update, but construction is constantly happening around here, so be sure to stay tuned to Universal Parks New Today for more updates on Velocicoaster!

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PHOTOS: Jurassic Park "Velocicoaster" Construction Update at Islands of Adventure as Rock Work Gets Detailed and Show Building Painting...

‘Envision Plum Island’ report spurs renewed call for preservation – Riverhead News Review

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When a survey of marine habitats on and around Plum Island was completed last September, one of the many remarkable discoveries was the abundance of birds on the 822-acre island east of Orient Point.

In all, those who conducted the survey found, the island is home to 227 bird species, nearly a quarter of all bird species in the United States and Canada stretching all the way to the Artic.

When you think of something thats so small and yet it has such high diversity, you wonder why, and were beginning to learn that its a combination of many elements, said Louise Harrison, New York natural areas coordinator for Save the Sound. Its the clean waters that are coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. Its the estuarine waters leaving Long Island Sound and the Peconic Estuary and the mixing that goes on between the Peconic Estuary and Long Island Sound, the high oxygen level coming in from the Atlantic Ocean, and the lack of disturbance.

Most of Plum Island has been allowed to be without much disturbance for the last 70 years, ever since the Army left in the early 1950s. Its a place where wildlife has returned, and the fact that its there in such diversity is fabulous, she told The Suffolk Times in May.

Save the Sound and The Nature Conservancy have authored a report on the island and its future, called Envision Plum Island, which they unveiled at a virtual press conference on Wednesday that was attended virtually speaking by 100 individuals.

Elected officials at all levels of government and two states coming together in a bipartisan effort should be a message to Washington that stopping the sale of this gem is a top priority

The goal of the report, and the work of both groups over the past few years, is to get the federal government to stop its plans to auction off the island after the Plum Island Animal Disease Center moves to Manhattan, Kansas.

The island is extraordinary, Ms. Harrison said after the press conference. We want to do all that we can to see it stays the way it is.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture came to the island in the early 1950s to conduct critically needed research into animal diseases that could wipe out entire species. Research into these diseases was developed at the research facility, which occupies the western-most end of the island. The vaccine for hoof and mouth disease capable of wiping out cattle was developed at the Plum Island facility by world-class veterinarians.

Prior to the research facility coming to the island, it was home to military posts and training facilities. Fort Terry was built on the island during the Spanish-American War in the late 19th century. The islands strategic importance can be seen in the simple fact that it sits at the mouth to Long Island Sound. Forts were also built on Fishers Island and Great Gull Island.

Among the many stakeholders and officials who attended Wednesdays press conference were both U.S. senators from Connecticut, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, along with 1st District congressman Lee Zeldin, who has been a vocal supporter of preservation.

Both New York senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, praised the report as charting a path for the islands preservation. In a statement, Mr. Zeldin said he was honored to serve with other state and regional political figures focused on the islands preservation.

The federal government put the island up for auction more than a decade ago. The island is now under the Department of Homeland Security. Those who supported the sale said the proceeds would go to the new lab in Kansas, but that was later changed. The new lab is expected to open in 2023.

Southold Town has been adamantly opposed to the sale of the island and, in 2013, moved to create a zoning for the island that officials hoped would scare off any potential developers. The new zoning divided the island into a research district and a conservation district all in an attempt to keep this largely untouched island as it is, forever.

Supervisor Scott Russell, in an email Friday, said the preservation of the island is vitally important to the town, but also the entire region.

Over 100 people participated in the press conference, each deeply committed to the protection and preservation of Plum Island, which underscores how important this effort is, he said. Elected officials at all levels of government and two states coming together in a bipartisan effort should be a message to Washington that stopping the sale of this gem is a top priority.

Representative Lee Zeldin, who has been battling in the trenches with us from the beginning, has clearly gotten the attention of Congress. This plan, created with the leadership of our own Louise Harrison, envisions a future for Plum Island that is comprehensive, sweeping in its scope and, once implemented, will ensure our treasured asset will remain that way for generations.

In a release, Envision Plum Island speaks of the island as home to nationally significant natural and cultural resources, including lands traditionally used by Indigenous people. Other rarities on the island are the decommissioned Army post, and 500 plant and animal species. The group said any sale to a developer would cause irreversible harm to wildlife, including seals and endangered roseate terns, and threaten Native American artifacts and important, historical buildings.

The Envision report speaks to creating sanctuaries for wildlife, preservation of Fort Terry and the historic Plum Island Lighthouse, along with research and educational facilities.

We believe there are some structures that are unique to America, Ms. Harrison said.

What comes next?

Congress has suspended the marketing for the sale of the island until the end of September. But, if that is lifted, the federal government could once again resume advertising the island to potential buyers.

We think congress should repeal the legislation that says the island should be put up for public sale, Ms. Harrison said. It could then be offered to other agencies or the states as park land. We would certainly favor that. But we have to get it off the auction block.

As for islands uniqueness, Southold Town historian Amy Folk summed it up this way: Today it is one of the few areas left where one can truly see what Long Island used to look like before the immense development of the suburbs took over the length and breadth of Long Island.

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'Envision Plum Island' report spurs renewed call for preservation - Riverhead News Review

I left Manus Island but it’s hard to feel free while my refugee brothers and sisters are still detained – The Guardian

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On 19 July 2013 the Australian government announced that those who arrived by boat seeking safety would never reach the mainland. The effect of this policy is beyond description and I am still haunted by the memories of the time myself and hundreds of others were held captive on Manus Island.

The concept of a system ruining peoples lives is not easy to understand. It is complex, destructive and manipulative and every aspect is highly politicised. It is a form of systematic torture, the scars of which are not obvious, but they are real and will affect a person for the rest of his or her life.

Over time, we questioned many of the decisions made and the waste which was so obvious. No books were allowed, but cigarettes were supplied; staff lost their jobs as a result of bringing reading material to refugees; food was thrown out while hungry local children drooled at the fence. We were surrounded by security guards watching our every move. I could go on and on, but the thoughts stir too many emotions as all these frustrations became torture when lived day after day.

I am free today but overwhelmed with guilt. My struggle came to an end in June 2018 when the United States offered me liberty and changed my stateless life in a way that I cant put into words. I never dreamed that I would find my new home in this part of the world.

Being able to speak the language shaped my new life on so many levels. Although I had never had the opportunity to gain an education, I obtained my high school equivalency diploma in less than a year, something I never imagined would be possible. Now, I am completing my second semester at Truman College.

Life feels real and I can see a bright future ahead; however, my free life feels constrained in some ways. It seems those of us who have resettled in the US and other countries feel the same way because we all left someone very close to us behind. I think and rethink before I publish a photo of myself as it may cause my refugee brothers and sisters to feel even more hopeless. They didnt do anything wrong to be left behind but fate took us to different places.

It is hard for us to feel completely free while this year will mark eight years in detention for those who are still suffering in Papua New Guinea, Nauru and Australia, and whose future is still unknown. I want to move on, thrive, and forgive the Australian government for everything it inflicted on me for five years, but I just dont know when I can do that as it has separated the family I made during my incarceration on Manus Island. It continues to play politics with their fragile lives.

While most of us are reliving old memories during this pandemic, we are fortunate to have control over our lives, have the meals we want, and live in a safe home without constantly being watched. It is not easy for us to see our refugee brothers and sisters are being held in confined areas with no space to maintain social distancing. It does break our hearts and it is like we are suffering too because of all we have suffered together our experiences are real, our brotherhood and sisterhood are real.

Shamindan Kanapadhi, a Sri Lankan refugee living in Port Moresby, recently wrote a Facebook post which has reminded me of the powerlessness and hopelessness that I used to feel every day on Manus. He wrote: Life is sustained by hope, the hope of future prospects and dreams being fulfilled. Every night as you go to sleep, you are sustained by the hope that the next morning when you wake all your problems will be solved. Hope allows us to keep striving. But sadly, when your hope is shattered by unexpected incidents, you are left with an unbearable pain and a disheartening situation.

His words shattered my heart, as I cant bring an end to this crisis. Australias offshore refugee policy has been criticised internally and globally. However, refugees are still locked up, now for nearly a decade. How could we let this happen to our fellow human beings? Where is our humanity? I dont sleep in peace. But I survived.

The minister for home affairs, Peter Dutton, has no plan to release the refugees. Instead he continues to punish the innocent by trying to remove the only lifeline they have telephones. It is another political strategy to keep the public and media occupied talking about phones instead of thinking about refugees release. I never thought Australia would treat refugees the way it does.

It is high time the Australian government put an end to this systematic torture before it is too late. Thirteen refugees have already lost their lives as a consequence of the offshore detention regime. I urge those in power to let all our souls heal and contribute to this world.

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I left Manus Island but it's hard to feel free while my refugee brothers and sisters are still detained - The Guardian

Missing person search underway in the east of the Island – Jersey Evening Post

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According to the States police, Elizabeth McDougall was last seen in the area of Route de la Hougue Bie in St Martin at around 5pm on Sunday (26 July). She was wearing a green-coloured parka jacket.

The Channel Islands Air Search aircraft which is equipped with a high-powered night vision infra-red camera was seen making several low passes over the search area.

In a statement, a spokesperson for CIAS, said: 'At 1.02am on Monday 27 July, CIAS were alerted to a missing person last seen at La Route de La Hougue Bie, Jersey.

'Arriving on scene at 2.09am and using the Wescam [infra-red camera], the crew saturated the areas of Queen's Valley and identified various heat sources which were discounted as domestic animals. The weather was clear and using the camera, visibility was excellent from 2,000 feet.

'Police were asked to check a heat source in a field near Rue du Rue [in St Martin] but this was discounted. The search area widened and the surrounding roads and fields were checked with no trace of the missing person.

'Air Search 1 was stood down at 4.16am, landing in Guernsey [CIAS' base] at 4.23am.'

Anyone who has seen Elizabeth or knows her whereabouts is urged to contact the States police by calling 612612 and selecting option 2.

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Missing person search underway in the east of the Island - Jersey Evening Post

Was there another mysterious explosion on Irans Qeshm Island? – The Jerusalem Post

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Residents of Qeshm Island in southern Iran reported the sound of an explosion just after 10 p.m. on Saturday. It caused concern because the electricity went off. Officials claimed there was an earthquake, but many did not believe them.Rumors pointed to other possibilities. Qeshm is known for fishing and tourism. It is a long island off the important Port of Bandar Abbas. Illicit oil trading takes place off some of the islands between Iran and the Gulf.The tanker Gulf Sky, at the center of an international case involving Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps front companies, was anchored off the island in mid-July after allegedly being hijacked from near the UAE. It is also of strategic value because the IRGC has a naval base on the island.In this context, some social-media accounts and local Arabic and Persian media outlets claimed there had been a mysterious explosion. This would be in line with another dozen such explosions that have impacted Iran since late June.One destroyed a surface-to-surface missile facility at Khojir; another harmed centrifuges at the Natanz nuclear-enrichment facility. This has left many Iranians on edge over concerns they may be targeted by cyberattacks or other acts the government is not admitting to.There are other controversies related to Qeshm. Fishermen want more support, and some believe the island will form part of a free-trade zone nexus, along with Kish Island, and that China will have a growing role there. Iran is not for sale, say some nationalist and populist social-media accounts, challenging Chinas alleged upcoming role.Fishermen held a meeting on Friday about facing issues in transporting their catch. Could an explosion be some sort of sabotage? People say it could be human error or an IRGC secret maneuver.The fishermen said they were told not to go out fishing on Saturday and link this to the supposed explosion. There are questions over whether it might be linked to ammunition storage on the island.In the absence of any real evidence that something happened at Qeshm Island, the incident will likely come and go without further details. What it does show is how Iran has been jarred by all the recent explosions and how locals are quick to report any rumors of what they think is another incident.

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Was there another mysterious explosion on Irans Qeshm Island? - The Jerusalem Post

2 murders, S.I. Expressway hit-run top Staten Island crime news this week – SILive.com

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Heres a look at the top criminal-justice headlines from around the borough over the past week:

MAN, 35, DEAD AFTER WEST BRIGHTON STREET-CORNER SHOOTING

The NYPD responds to a shooting on Castleton Avenue and Barker Street in West Brighton on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)

A 35-year-old man was gunned down on a West Brighton corner Wednesday morning.

Barry Moultrie, was fatally shot at about 11:25 a.m. at Castleton Avenue and Barker Street when a verbal disagreement escalated into violence, a source said.

Moultrie was found by officers on the scene with a gunshot wound to his torso. He was initially transported to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

Click here for the full story.

MAN, 25, KILLED IN MARINERS HARBOR DELI SHOOTING

Caution tape remains around the Holland Deli on Richmond Terrace on Thursday, July 23, 2020, a day after Kaseem Scott, 25, was fatally shot at that store. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

A 25-year-old man died after being shot inside a deli on Richmond Terrace in Mariners Harbor Wednesday night, and the suspect remains at large, police said.

Kaseem Scott of Mariners Harbor died at Richmond University Medical Center, according to a statement from the NYPD.

Police responded around 9:30 p.m. to a 911 call of a male shot inside of Holland Deli at 3400 Richmond Terrace, according to the police statement. Officers found Scott suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Click here for the story.

MALE, 18, SHOT IN GROIN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING IN CASTLETON CORNERS

Police responded to a report of a man shot early Sunday morning near the intersection of Westwood Avenue and Todt Hill Road in Castleton Corners. (Google Maps)

An 18-year-old male was shot early Sunday morning in Castleton Corners by an unknown suspect, according to an NYPD spokesman.

The victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the groin, was transported in stable condition to Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, police said.

Police responded to a 911 call just before 4 a.m. for a report of a shooting near the intersection of Westwood Avenue and Todt Hill Road.

Click here for the story.

COPS: WOMAN KILLED TRYING TO CROSS SIE IN HIT-RUN

Police are investigating a crash on the Staten Island Expressway near Richmond Road on Friday morning. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

A 28-year-old woman was struck and killed by a suspected hit-and-run driver while she was trying to cross the Staten Island Expressway early on Friday morning, according to police.

Police responded to a 911 call of a crash involving a pedestrian on the New Jersey-bound expressway in the vicinity of Richmond Road, according to a statement from the NYPD.

The incident was reported at 3:11 a.m.

Click here for the story.

S.I. MAN ALLEGEDLY IMPERSONATED EMS OFFICER

Robert Schnepf, who is facing charges related to impersonating an EMT officer, is pictured in an undated photo. (Courtesy:FDNY)

Officials with the FDNY say a Staten Island man posed as an EMS lieutenant in an effort to swindle local businesses.

FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro announced last Friday that fire marshals arrested 45-year-old Robert Schnepf for his alleged scheme impersonating Lt. Hart.

Schnepf swindled multiple Staten Island businesses out of money, goods and services while allegedly wearing a fake uniform and flashing a fake badge, according to an FDNY media release.

Click here for more details.

CHARGES UPPED VS. MAN IN CRASH WITH WOMAN ON HOOD

Tierra Eddy, 29, known affectionately as "Tee-Tee," was killed early Sunday morning in what police are calling a vehicular assault following a domestic incident with her boyfriend. (Submitted)

A Brooklyn man was indicted Monday on murder and other charges stemming from the death of his girlfriend who was killed when he allegedly was drunk and crashed his car into a West Brighton home while she was on the vehicles hood.

Jahfare Ford, 26, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in state Supreme Court, St. George, in connection with the March 14 incident that claimed the life of Tierra Eddy, 29.

Eddy was killed two months after she and Ford had held a funeral service for their baby girl who died in the womb, the victims mother previously told the Advance.

Click here for the story.

ELECTRONICS STOLEN IN BURGLARY AT ST. CLARES SCHOOL

Police are seen going inside the Lindenwood Road entrance to St. Clare's School in Great Kills following the report of a burglary on Tuesday, July 21, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Maura Grunlund)

Police are investigating a burglary at St. Clares School in Great Kills where four males were seen fleeing in a car.

The burglary occurred between 10:40 and 11:18 p.m. on Monday at the school at 151 Lindenwood Road and the incident was reported on Tuesday, according to a spokeswoman for the NYPD.

The four unknown individuals broke the glass panel of a door to enter the location and removed electronics worth about $400, the police spokeswoman said.

Click here for more details.

MAN ACCUSED OF FIRING GUN INSIDE CAR; ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

A man from Mariners Harbor was trying to commit murder when he fired a gun inside a car in Stapleton, authorities allege.

Destin Burks, of Brabrant Street in the Mariners Harbor Houses, stands accused in the incident that occurred on July 15 at about 2:35 a.m. on the 100 block of Broad Street.

The suspect, with intent to cause the death of another, fired a gun multiple times into an occupied, black Toyota sedan, according to the criminal complaint.

Click here for the full story.

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2 murders, S.I. Expressway hit-run top Staten Island crime news this week - SILive.com

ISLAND-WIDE TESTING FOR COVID-19 NOT ON THE CARDS OFFICIALS CONFIRM – Island Echo

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Island-wide COVID-19 testing is not on the cards, according to the director of public health.

Simon Bryant, director of public health, told a meeting last week that Island-wide testing would not be helpful as it would pick up false positives.

At a meeting of the Isle of Wight Councils Health and Wellbeing Board, concerns were raised by 1 parish councillor about those who may have COVID-19 and are potentially spreading the virus but not realising it as they are showing no symptoms.

Councillor Bob Blezzard, a member of Lake Parish Council and representative of the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils, said:

This seems to me to be a problematic area. Is there a way [testing] could be rolled out to everyone on the Island?

We were used as a guinea pig for the NHS Track and Traceappcould we not be used as a guinea pig for wider testing?

However, Mr Bryant said he would not recommend asymptomatic testing tests for those who are showing no signs of the virus for the whole Island as it would not be cost-effective. He said:

We are doing asymptomatic testing in particular settings where we know the spread is much more devastating in care homes and other places.

If we have an outbreak (two or more cases in the same area), we do test other people to see if they have got it and we will pick up asymptomatic cases in that sense.

We also have to remember, the Island has a very low prevalence of infection so it is not effective to do testing because we will start to pick up false positives which isnt helpful.

Mr Bryant mentioned a pilot trial in Southampton which conducts weekly surveillance of people by doing spit tests and suggested nationally there may be more pilots such as that.

On the Isle of Wight, 421 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in all settings hospitals, care homes, drive-through centres and more but Mr Bryant says there had been no new cases in the last 7 days.

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ISLAND-WIDE TESTING FOR COVID-19 NOT ON THE CARDS OFFICIALS CONFIRM - Island Echo

The otherworldy Spanish island that’s a hit with movie buffs – Telegraph.co.uk

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Suppose you were a TV film-maker adapting a niche fantasy fiction book series or video game that features a monster-hunter beset by wolves, vampires and assorted nasties. Eastern Europe is lined up to supply the forests and castles. But where should you go to find the wildest, most primitive locations?

The answer, the producers of cult series The Witcher decided last year, was the popular holiday island of Gran Canaria. On the face of it, that might sound to you like a mad choice. After all, you wouldnt expect to stumble across medieval warriors, bards or princesses in the burger bars and infinity pools of the commercialised south.

But, visiting the island shortly after filming ended, I soon discovered that behind and beyond its coastal tourist resorts Gran Canaria harbours an amazingly diverse and evocative volcanic landscape. Rich in history and mystery, its tantalisingly lost in time. If youre looking ahead to snatching some Canarian sunshine post-lockdown, and plan to self-cater or are doubtful about spending too many days cooped up in a big hotel complex, its a perfect place to explore. Especially if you happen to be a film buff.

Gran Canaria has attracted scores of film-makers over the decades. Its photogenic in its own right, of course, but its also a location scouts dream when it comes to evoking alternative time-zones, countries or cultures. The film crews for The Witcher rolled up in March 2019. Inspired by news of the shoot, I hit the movie trail a month later on a mission to experience the islands chameleon magic at first-hand.

I awarded myself an A-listers head start, and began my adventure in the souths super-glamorous Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia, an exclusive garden enclave with just 54 rooms. (Previous guests include Bruce Springsteen, the manager confided to me proudly. Oh and your Mary Berry, he added. Though presumably not travelling together, I reflected. Now, that would have made a film-and-a-half.)

Just an hour into my visit and 330 yards from the hotel grounds I found myself on the western edge of one of Gran Canarias most-photographed marvels. The magnificent shifting dunes of Maspalomas are one-and-a-half square miles of undulating golden sand whipped into drifts and ridges by winnowing winds. A huddle of bored camels had been assembled to offer rides to tourists, but the dunes are easily walkable and I trekked happily inland into silence. With only blue skies and shimmering sands for company, it was mesmerisingly surreal like stepping into a melting Salvador Dali painting.

A dramatic pursuit across the Maspalomas dunes was one of the earliest scenes filmed for The Witcher. But the most distinctive filming locations of the nine-day shoot drew on landscapes that are still imbued with the spirit of Gran Canarias aboriginal settlers, a race of cave-dwellers who are thought to have arrived in the Canary Islands from the Berber regions of North Africa over 2,000 years ago.

In the north-west of the island, the remains of ancient burial sites and troglodyte villages still linger around the town of Galdr (a former capital) and rural Agaete. I spent a heady morning soaking up the scent of thick curtains of pinewoods in the Tamadaba massif (another filming location), before repairing to the areas wild and rocky beaches the antithesis of the well-manicured south. In the pleasantly scruffy fishing village of Sardina del Norte I sipped a bracing cortado coffee that was intermittently doused in sea-spray as breakers slapped over the jetty. A marmalade cat had sensibly taken up residence beneath a half-upturned boat.

The following day, I headed for the core of the island, its heritage heartland of sharp-toothed volcanoes and knife-edge ravines with walls still studded with cave-houses. Unmissably dominant are the islands twin symbols the majestic volcanic chimney Roque Nublo (Cloud Rock) and the aboriginals sacred mountain, Roque Bentayga. The drive was breathtaking, as the road spiralled upwards from the yellow-broom slopes of Barranco de Fataga into what felt like a petrified forest of tree and stone.

Misty layers of rock formations were massed against the horizon like jigsaw pieces. I pulled up at a pleasant picnic area, drowsy with birds and bees. A group of birdwatchers with binoculars were heading up the mountain footpath, clutching leaflets depicting the islands rare blue chaffinch. Above them, 90 minutes away on foot, rust-red Roque Nublo was wreathed in swirling cloud. Sometimes it was visible, sometimes it vanished. I was well and truly bewitched.

Then it was time for something completely different a visit to the islands capital. Cosmopolitan Las Palmas definitely isnt monster-slayer territory. But its no stranger to film crews, and I was ready now for a bit of clean-cut nostalgia courtesy of 1964s Wonderful Life (starring Cliff Richard and the Shadows). Although most of this musical romp was shot in the south, the opening scenes were filmed in Las Palmass Puerto de la Luz, so thats where I headed first. Strolling along the quayside where our heroes pursued a tartan-clad Susan Hampshire, I was struck by how similar parts of the palm-studded waterfront still looked to the 1960s footage.

The port was proving to be an unexpected delight. I lingered over a bowl of albndigas (spicy meatballs) at one of the tapas bars in the atmospheric fin-de-sicle Mercado del Puerto, a bustling wrought-iron market hall piled high with traffic-light peppers and papayas the size of rugby balls. Buzzing with chattering locals on lunch-breaks from nearby office blocks, their jackets and ties heaped on stools, it felt wonderfully non-touristy.

Just minutes away from the market hall were the ritzy caf-lined promenades of Playas de las Canteras, the two miles of buttery town beach that are Las Palmass equivalent of Copacabana. When Gregory Peck filmed scenes for Moby Dick (1956) here, he and director John Huston stayed at the nearby Santa Catalina Hotel, the citys most famous celebrity hideaway now recently reopened after a years closure for refurbishment.

But I wasnt on a whale trail right now. Instead, I wandered south to the jewel in Las Palmass crown the narrow cobbled alleyways and hidden courtyards of its old quarter, Vegueta, and the gracious neoclassical squares and buildings of adjacent Triana. Steeped in history, Veguetas balconied houses have provided the backdrop for many a period movie. In May 2016, Triana even switched continents. Its main square, Plaza de Cairasco, was covered in sand, and became Casablanca in the Second World War for the Hollywood thriller Allied, starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard.

Vegueta was enchanting. I spent an absorbing couple of hours exploring art galleries, Santa Ana cathedral and the fine colonial mansion, Casa de Coln, that houses a museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Yet it was the little mysteries and surprises that fascinated me the most. Near the Guiniguada theatre, on the corner of Calle la Pelota, I came across a fairy-tale three-storey house turreted with enclosed balconies of glass and wrought iron. It looked as though there could be a story behind it and sure enough, I discovered that there was.

In 1889, deeply depressed by the death of his mother and fearing he might never write music again, the composer Camille Saint-Sans fled life in the Parisian spotlight to hide away for the winter in Las Palmas. He registered at a hotel under a pseudonym. One evening, walking out in the streets of Vegueta with a music teacher hed met, he heard the strains of his own Danse Macabre drifting from a window. It turned out that the talented pianist was 19 year-old Candelaria Navarro Sigala, his new friends pupil. Hearing her play, Saint-Sans was inspired to write again and he dedicated his new composition, Valse Canariote, to her.

The house that I was gazing at was built for Candelaria in 1901, after her marriage. By then, Saint-Sans had become a firm family friend. Candelaria played her grand piano there until her death in 1945, and for some years the composer continued to visit her. I pictured him, an honoured guest sitting at one of those exquisite birdcage windows while his muse played on, older but still beautiful to him. Someone should make a film about it.

Linda Cookson travelled as the guest of Sovereign Luxury Travel (01293 832459; sovereign.com) which will offer seven nights in the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia from 1,599pp, B&B, after the hotel reopens on Sept 12. Prices are based on two sharing, including flights from Gatwick (with security fast passes and access to No1 Lounge) and private resort transfers. For July or August breaks with Sovereign, seven nights B&B in a different five-star hotel starts at 899pp, including flights and private transfers.

Airlines have resumed flights to Gran Canaria from UK airports. Given the current uncertainties, check cancellation policies of airlines and operators you book with to make sure you are happy with how flexible they are about last-minute changes.

Gran Canarias airport is 11 miles south of Las Palmas and around 16 miles north of the main resorts of the south. Bus lines 60 and 90 go north from the airport to Las Palmas (20 mins/2); lines 66 and 90 head south to main resorts and Maspalomas (40 mins/3.50).

Local car hire specialists Cicar (cicar.com) and Cabrera Medina (cabreramedina.com) offer seven days hire from around 95.

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The otherworldy Spanish island that's a hit with movie buffs - Telegraph.co.uk

Cops: Woman, 28, killed trying to cross Staten Island Expressway in suspected hit-run – SILive.com

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 28-year-old woman was struck and killed by a suspected hit-and-run driver while she was trying to cross the Staten Island Expressway early on Friday morning, according to police.

Police responded to a 911 call of a crash involving a pedestrian on the New Jersey-bound expressway in the vicinity of Richmond Road, according to a statement from the NYPD.

The incident was reported at 3:11 a.m., a spokesman for the FDNY/EMS said.

Upon arrival, officers saw a 28-year-old woman who was unconscious and unresponsive lying on the roadway near the HOV lane. She suffered trauma on her body and was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS, the police statement said.

Further investigation by the NYPD Highway Districts Collision Investigation Squad determined that the woman was attempting to walk across the New Jersey-bound expressway in the vicinity of the Clove Road/Richmond Road/Targee Street exits when she was struck by an vehicle that did not remain at the scene, the police statement said.

The investigation continues and a description for the vehicle is not yet available.

A police spokesman said the woman lived in Brooklyn; her identity is pending family notification, the police statement said.

A source with knowledge of the incident said that the initial call was for an emotionally disturbed person at that location on that expressway.

All lanes were reopened to traffic by 6:45 a.m., after two lanes still were blocked around 6 a.m. Lane closures began around 3:30 a.m., according to 511 NY.

More information will be posted when it becomes available.

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Cops: Woman, 28, killed trying to cross Staten Island Expressway in suspected hit-run - SILive.com

LATEST: The Oso Creek flooding warning has been cancelled with a lower forecast crest today. – KIIITV.com

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As the outer tropical bands continue to spiral into the area, they have the possibility of spinning up a tornado. This watch expires at 10pm.

The Oso Creek flooding warning has been cancelled with a lower forecast crest today (Last night it was up over flood stage).

Also, the waters near the Texas State Aquarium and Art Museum of South Texas on either side of the port have receded. Interesting to note here...The tide was only 3-4 ft. above normal at this location. Not much of a rise for such a dramatic affect.

Tornado Warning in effect until 11 AM. This includes San Diego, TX extending into Rosita, TX.

Center of Tropical Storm Hanna moving west-southwest near 9 MPH. Motion is expected through Monday. Will move over northeastern Mexico tonight.

Maximum sustained winds down to 45 MPH. It has weakened immensely since landfall. This will soon become a Tropical Depression by the afternoon/evening over Mexico.

Tornado Warning including Charco, TX until 9:30 AM. Also, penny size hail possible within this particular storm. This is northeast of Corpus Christi.

Heres a look at what kind of wind speeds we had yesterday. Baffin Bay reported a wind speed of 81 MPH closer to the center of the hurricane. Incredible!

Source: National Weather Service

In addition, Coastal Flood Warnings in effect. Numerous roads will be closed, beach roads impassable and low lying property will be inundated.

As the outer tropical bands continue to spiral into the area, they have the possiblity of spinning up a tornado. This is just a watch. We're watching out because conditions are favorable for isolated activity. Nothing as of right now.

This has been recently updated. It expires at 10 PM tonight. (7:50 AM Update)

As the outer tropical bands continue to spiral into the area, they have the possiblity of spinning up a tornado. This is just a watch. We're watching out because conditions are favorable for isolated...

Hanna is now a weakening Tropical Storm crossing the Mexico border after moving into Starr county. This will dive into Mexico falling apart through Monday. This will continue to send in waves of tropical rain through the day today leading to potential flooding.

6 AM UPDATE Hanna is now a weakening Tropical Storm crossing the Mexico border after moving into Starr county. This will dive into Mexico falling apart through Monday. This will continue to send in...

Hanna is now a Tropical Storm. Winds sustained 60 MPH.

Moving West Southwest bear 9 MPH.

Will continue to weaken as it moves into Mexico through tonight.

Hanna is currently a tropical storm pushing over the western Rio Grande Valley.

Photos/video of damage at Marina Del Sol Marina on Ocean Drive in Corpus Christi. Not associated with the Marina Del Sol Condominiums. Emergency crews attempting to rescue a couple from their house boat.

Most of North Beach underwater. Water looks to be flooding the first floor of the Art Museum downtown:

Traffic signal nearly hits pickup truck on South Padre Island Drive:

Hurricane Hanna wind and rain bands:

Facebook Live Q&A with Bill Vessey: 8:45 p.m.

Friday evening tropical update w/Meteorologist Bill Vessey

From the National Weather Service:

Hanna continues to drive west-northwest as a moderate Tropical Storm. However, based on recent satellite imagery, it's in the process of forming an eyewall. This will aid in strengthening through tomorrow morning. The National Hurricane Center is calling for a Category 1 just before landfall Saturday afternoon.

The 3News Weather Team and National Hurricane Center are following the very latest on Tropical Storm Hanna as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico towards the Texas coast.

Below are the latest updates on the storm.

2PM, TROPICAL STORM HANNA Facebook LiveAlan Holt 3 News Meteorologist

UPDATE: 1 p.m.

Winds have increased to 50 mph, with gusts of 60 mph in Tropical Storm Hanna. Strengthening is expected through landfall, Saturday afternoon. Current forecast has Hanna making landfall along the South Texas Gulf Coast early Saturday afternoon. Winds at 65 mph with gusts of 75 mph.

Tropical Storm Hanna has strengthened a little this morning. Sustained winds of 45 mph, up from 40 mph last night/this morning. The forecast track at 10am has not changed a whole lot; just a slight jog to the South, but still in line to move in Saturday afternoon along the South Texas Gulf Coast. Intensity forecast still calls for a 65mph tropical storm with gusts up to 75 mph. Highest winds will be confined to near the center of the storm. If I had to pick a spot for landfall of the center of this storm it would be in the Baffin Bay area. Remember, tropical storm force conditions can and will likely extend 50 miles or so away from the center of the storm.

At this point, I do not think winds are forecast to be high enough to warrant boarding of windows. That being said, they will be strong enough to blow loose items around, so SECURE THOSE TODAY.

Flash Flood Watches will be in effect all weekend as flooding rains are expected throughout all of South Texas. Heaviest rains and highest totals will be focused in deep South Texas in the valley.

UPDATE: 8:55 a.m. --Live Question and Answer Session:

Alan Holt 3 News MeteorologistTROPICAL UPDATE - Tropical Storm Hanna.Recording starting at 9:07am

A pair of upper level lows flanking Hanna to the East and SW are aiding in outflow (exhaust) of the storm, which should warrant a strengthening storm plus hurricane hunters finding stronger winds.

Been getting questions on why this is trending south. In my opinion, the upper level low to the SW of Hanna is tugging the storm to the south but that ULL is moving away and weakening a little.

There's some wind shear in the northern gulf which is affecting some of the northernflank of the storm.

Overall, I'd expect the 10 a.m. update to indicate a stronger tropical storm. We'll see.

Given the current forecast of Tropical Storm Hanna bringing tropical storm force conditions to South Texas (39-73 mph winds), there will probably be some power outages in the region, Saturday. Keep in mind, sometimes power gets knocked out on breezy/sunny days (30-40 mph winds)

Alan Holt 3 News Meteorologist Given the current forecast of Tropica... l Storm Hanna bringing tropical storm force conditions to South Texas (39-73 mph winds), there will probably be some power outages in the region, Saturday. Keep in mind, sometimes power gets knocked out on breezy/sunny days (30-40 mph winds)

Coastal Effects and Key takeaways from Tropical Storm Hanna, Saturday.

UPDATE: July 23 9:58 p.m.

Latest update brings Tropical Depression #8 to Tropical Storm strength (Hanna), Friday. Landfall near San Antonio Bay/Copano Bay Saturday morning or early afternoon with 50 mph winds; gusts up to 60-65 mph, into Mexico as a tropical depression on Sunday. Flooding rains still the primary hazard.

Tropical Storm Watches will go into effect Friday night and into Saturday as this system approaches. While winds are forecast to be strong, it is not to the point of boarding up yet. Loose lawn items need to be secured or brought in prior to Saturday. A trend that I've noted over the last 24 hours is forecast models increasing wind speeds little by little. The latest run of models brings in moderate tropical storm force conditions as this storm makes landfall Saturday.

Tropical downpours, dropping heavy rains, leading to flooding remains the primary threat. Widespread 4-6" expected across the Coastal Bend. Isolated higher totals. This will likely lead to ponding/standing water or impassable roads on Saturday. Travel is discouraged, Saturday.

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LATEST: The Oso Creek flooding warning has been cancelled with a lower forecast crest today. - KIIITV.com

Fraser Island crash victim Deklan Gilmartin remembered as investigation continues into deadly vehicle rollover – ABC News

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A man who died in a four-wheel-drive vehicle rollover crash on Fraser Island off south-east Queensland on the weekend has been remembered as a talented soccer player and "much-loved character".

NSW man Deklan Gilmartin, 29, originally from the UK, was driving along 75 Mile Beach on the island with three friends on Sunday morning when their hire car rolled.

Mr Gilmartin died at the scene.

His three friends also understood to be British nationals living in New South Wales survived the crash.

Two of the men were discharged from hospital yesterday and a third remains in the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.

Football New South Wales released a statement yesterday praising the midfielder, who had played semi-professional soccer in Sydney's eastern and southern suburbs.

It said Mr Gilmartin was a much-loved player who "always played with a smile".

"Football NSW was deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragic passing of one of our well-liked characters in our game, Deklan Gilmartin," the statement said.

"His infectious personality is what characterised Gilmartin, who also played for Coogee United in the Eastern Suburbs Football Association, Spirit FC and Futsal side Mascot Vipers.

"May he rest in heavenly peace."

Coogee United FC announced the club was "heartbroken" by the news, describing him as "arguably the most gifted player we've ever had but it was Dek's tremendous love of life off the park that people adored even more".

"Our club will never be the same again and we will miss Dek so much," the post said.

"Our thoughts and love are with the Gilmartin family at this terrible time.

"RIP Dekkers, you really were one of a kind and will always be in our hearts."

Dave Darmody, from the Australian Offroad Academy, trains people to drive on Fraser Island and said the beach was a "dynamic environment" where conditions change quickly.

"The edge of the road is literally moving every five seconds with the waves," he said.

"There is no painted white line down the middle of the road.

"You can drive down a beach at low tide and have a fabulous day out and actually find completely different conditions as you drive back that night."

Mr Darmody said the news of Mr Gilmartin's death was "just shattering" but fatal accidents on the island were "thankfully rare".

"You probably have more bingles at your local shopping centre every afternoon, but sadly, when they happen [on Fraser Island], they're serious," he said.

Maryborough Patrol Group Inspector Tony Clowes said it was still "very early days" in the investigation into what caused the crash.

"My understanding is the conditions weren't too poorly they were driving near the water's edge we haven't been able to determine if speed was a factor," he said.

He urged beach drivers to "drive to the conditions".

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Fraser Island crash victim Deklan Gilmartin remembered as investigation continues into deadly vehicle rollover - ABC News

Shelter Island Reporter Editorial: Paying the price of the pandemic – Shelter Island Reporter

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As Long Island continues its recovery from the devastating effects of COVID-19, there are clouds on the near horizon that should alarm everyone. While the pandemic rages on in places like Florida, concerns grow here that a second wave could hit us later in the summer or early in the fall, which would force us to take a big step backward.

Beyond worry about a resurgence, though, are all the signs that highlight the pandemics devastating impact on Long Islands economy repercussions that could last for years and will reach into everyones pocketbooks.

A recent report laid out in stark terms what COVID-19 has done to the economy. In March and April, as the pandemic intensified, 270,000 jobs were lost on Long Island. Those jobs evaporated at a far higher rate than even in New York City and other suburban counties in the state.

The report predicted that job losses in Nassau and Suffolk could top 375,000 by the end of the year. The estimated price tag: $61 billion in local economic activity. This deep hole made worse by huge losses in sales tax and other government revenues will have to be filled somehow, either through steep cuts in government spending or sharp increases in taxes.

In releasing the economic report, county officials documented a Long Island economy that fell off a steep cliff after COVID-19 struck. Some 82,000 hospitality industry jobs vanished; health care lost 60,000 jobs. Retail enterprises the very heart of small town economies totaled about 52,000 jobs lost.

Gov. Andrew Cuomos budget office said in May that statewide financial losses would require either $10 billion in spending cuts or higher taxes. State officials also said then that sales tax revenue on Long Island had fallen by more than 33% over May 2019.

Theres no doubt that state aid to Long Islands school districts will fall some estimate by as much as $8 billion. In one of the most heavily taxed regions in America, this will be a heavy hit for residents who will be asked to pick up the tab.

The consultants who did the economic study estimated that revenues for Suffolk County for this year will fall by at least $325 million. County officials have said the budget gap in the county, which has 1.4 million residents, could top $800 million.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said that shortfall could soar to $1.5 billion over the next 15 months.

Right now, our regional economic future looks grim. Census records in recent months also show that New York has one of the highest rates of residents relocating to states with lower taxes.

The current economic crisis will only make that worse.

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Shelter Island Reporter Editorial: Paying the price of the pandemic - Shelter Island Reporter

South Padre Island bar owner encourages people to visit SPI – KGBT-TV

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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (KVEO) While thousands in the Rio Grande Valley are being told to shelter-in-place, one local business is encouraging people to come out and enjoy the sunshine.

South Padre Island is open, so are national parks, state parks, we are no different if people want to come, said Clayton Brashear, the owner of Claytons Beach Bar and Grill, Claytons is the biggest beach bar in Texas and the safest beach bar in Texas.

But recently, Brashear has been facing heat on social media after posting to Facebook encouraging elderly people to head to the beach.

He says the posts have been taken out of context and have since been deleted.

Social media, we can get it wrong sometimes, I get social media wrong, my idea is to put a post or information that South Padre Island is welcoming, but at the same time bring your mask and social distance, said Brashear.

He says he is taking the pandemic serious and is practicing safe measures at the beach bar.

Everybody that comes into the bar has to wear a mask to order drinks to go, employees have hand sanitizer on the bar next to them, we have sanitizing stations inside close to the restrooms, we have them in different areas, we are a big place, Claytons is 30,000 square feet so people go out and buy food, were outdoors, were all learning how to social distance, said Brashear.

South Padre Island City beaches are open, however there is an emergency order in place. The details are below:

* All types of canopies and pop-up tents will be prohibited. Single-pole shade structures larger than 8 feet (96-inches) in diameterwill be prohibited.

You can read the entire order here.

If youre headed to the beach, follow the order below:

BEACH VENDORS:* Beach vendors can only preset the front-row following thespacing guidelines below.* All non-single pole shade structures will be prohibited.* All single-pole shade structures will be separated by a minimumof 15 feet from the outside edge/tip of the structure.* All secondary beach chairs and umbrellas must be stored at thedune line and setup on demand only.* Chairs and umbrellas must be rented and occupied at the time of * setup, for the secondary rows.* Only two chairs per single pole shade structure will be permitted.

BEACH GOERS:* All types of canopies and pop-up tents will be prohibited. Single-pole shade structures larger than 8 feet (96-inches) in diameterwill be prohibited.* All single-pole shade structures will be separated by a minimumof 15 feet from the outside edge/tip of the structure.* Only two chairs per single pole shade structure will be permitted.* Other setups are prohibited within the 15 feet between theequipment.

This emergency management order will remain in effect until August 5, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.

Peace Officers, City of South Padre Island Health Inspectors, Code Enforcement/Ordinance Officers/Inspectors are hereby authorized to enforce this order. A violation of this order is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00 in accordance with the City of South Padre Island Code of Ordinances.

The Mayor and the Emergency Management Coordinator can close the beach at any time if social distancing is not followed.

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South Padre Island bar owner encourages people to visit SPI - KGBT-TV

The Book of Vision Trailer: Terrence Malick-Produced Drama Is a Time-Jumping Spiritual Journey – IndieWire

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Having the imprimatur of one Terrence Malick on your film, especially as executive producer, is never a bad thing. Director Carlo S. Hintermann, who makes his narrative feature debut with The Book of Vision after several documentaries, worked with Malick as second unit director on the Italian shoot of 2011s The Tree of Life. Now, Malick has helped the Italian-Swiss filmmaker shepherd this latest project. The Book of Vision is set to open the Venice Film Festival Critics Week, and it has a first trailer. See below.

Heres the synopsis: Eva, a promising young doctor, leaves her brilliant career to study History of Medicine in a remote university. Now is the time for her to call everything into question: her nature, her body, her illness, and her sealed fate. Johan Anmuth is an 18th Century Prussian physician in perpetual conflict between the rise of rationalism and ancient forms of animism. The Book of Vision is a manuscript that sweeps these two existences up, blending them into a never-ending vortex. Far from a proper scientific text, the book contains the hopes, fears, and dreams of more than 1800 patients. Dr. Anmuth truly knew how to listen to his patients, whose spirits still wander through the pages, life and death, merging in a continuous flow. The story of Anmuth and his patients inspire Eva to live her life to the fullest. Nothing expires in its time. Only what you desire is real, not merely what happens.

Hintermann directs an international cast including Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Lotte Verbeek (Outlander, The Borgias), Sverrir Gudnason (Borg vs McEnroe), Isolda Dychauk (The Borgias, Faust) and Italian actor Filippo Nigro. The art was created by Lorenzo Ceccotti, aka LRNZ, who also served as the concept visual designer of the film. With this film I tried to capture and isolate the transcendent and immanent vision of nature, which swarms outside and inside the body, always changing like the soul, LRNZ said.

Speaking to Variety, Hintermann described The Book of Vision as a game of mirrors between two dimensions with time jumps inspired by the type of storytelling in video games. The director also described the movie as a cross between Barry Lyndon and Labyrinth.

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The Book of Vision Trailer: Terrence Malick-Produced Drama Is a Time-Jumping Spiritual Journey - IndieWire

Hyundai Robotics and Hyundai E&C partner to develop construction robots – Geospatial World

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Hyundai Robotics signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hyundai E&C for Joint R&D of Construction Robotics Technology at the Hyundai Building in Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

This MoU will allow both the companies to jointly carry out the following roles:

A research and development co-operation system will also be established by both the companies together. The system will allow demonstration and commercialization of developed technology at all times.

Hyundai Robotics and Hyundai E&C will jointly build Autonomous Driving Integrated Software by combining indoor and outdoor autonomous driving technologies, with their own strengths.

Dae-kyu Yoon, director of Hyundai Robotics,stated that through this cooperation, theyre going to expand the appliance of robot solutions to manufacturing and logistics, then to construction. He also added that they will continue to upgrade robots in the construction sector based on specialized technologies from each company in line with the era of the fourth industrial revolution.

Gu-yong Park, director of Hyundai E&C, commented that theyre going to introduce the concept of automatic production, like that of producing , to the development site and lead innovation in the construction industry by cooperating with Hyundai Robotics within the post-corona era.

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Hyundai Robotics and Hyundai E&C partner to develop construction robots - Geospatial World

New trend to watch in post-pandemic Romania: Robotics – Business Review

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The COVID-19 pandemic will accelerate new trends in Romanian business environment, including robotics. Whether we are talking about robotic process automation (RPA) or the automation of certain production processes, the post-COVID-19 reality in Romania will be based on new business models.

By Claudiu Vrinceanu

As an example, the pandemic has generated a lot of demand for UiPaths software robots to assist hospitals with processing medical tests. Health care is predicted to have a 36 percent automation potential. This means more than a third of health care tasksespecially managerial and back-office functionscould be automated, allowing providers to offer more direct, value-based patient care at lower costs and higher efficiency rates.

Also in the area of robotics, but this time the physical kind, we have the example of autonomous disinfection robots using ultraviolet light to disinfect large and crowded spaces. Normally, hospitals are very difficult to disinfect with traditional methods, so Romanian entrepreneurs have offered robots to hospitals in Bucharest. The technology used by the robot is effective in fighting bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. The autonomous UVD disinfection robot, created by Bucharest Promo Robots, the first startup in Romania addressed to the humanoid service robots market, destroys up to 99.99 percent of resistant bacteria.

We are having discussions with the Romanian authorities. Together with the Support Association, we contacted representatives in the Internal Affairs Ministrys Emergency Situations Department and offered to make the robot available in some of the Bucharest hospitals that were treating coronavirus cases, said Ana-Maria Stancu, the CEO of Bucharest Promo Robots.

The COVID-19 crisis has also created the context for an increase in automation across Romania. The main arguments for automation start from the need for companies to protect their employees, so that they are less vulnerable, and are based on Europes intent to consolidate sustainably through local production facilities. What are the areas expected to see growth in the coming years? First of all, robotics, especially in industries still lagging behind in terms of the adoption of robots, like the food, pharmaceutical, lighting industries, said Costin Borc, Director for Central Europe at SNEF. For example, according to IMSAT Groupe SNEF, the development potential of projects with industrial robots is very high in Romania, which currently has 15 industrial robots per 10,000 workers, below the levels seen in Poland or Hungary. The global average is 74 industrial robots per 10,000 employees, according to the International Federation for Robotics. Therefore, in order to become more competitive at the European level, Romanian industrial producers need new investments and projects in automation and robotics.

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New trend to watch in post-pandemic Romania: Robotics - Business Review

International training on automation, robotics in agriculture held – The Tribune India

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Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 26

A web-based online international training on Automation and robotics in agriculture has been organised by the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The 10-day international training is being conducted under the aegis of the School of Natural Resource Management (SNRM), a project sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the umbrella of the National Higher Education Project-Centre of Advanced Agricultural Science and Technology (NAHEP-CAAST), which is operational at the PAU.

Selected young faculty, representatives of the industry, research scholars and students from state agricultural universities, ICAR institutes and countries such as Canada, South Korea, USA and Kenya are attending the course.

Dr AK Garg, Director, International Cooperation and Bilateral Trade, Innovation and IPR Division (R&D) in Electronics Group, Ministry of Electronics and IT, New Delhi, was the chief guest during the inaugural function. Dr GK Sangha, Dean, Postgraduate Studies, was the guest of honour. Dr OP Choudahry, head, Department of Soil Science, and project investigator of the NAHEP-CAAST project, shed light on different activities conducted under the SNRM.

Earlier, Dr Manjeet Singh, head, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, and Director, International Training, welcomed guests and participants. He said speakers and experts, who are delivering their presentation, are from various parts of the world as well as different disciplines such as computer science, electronics, agricultural engineering and agriculture.

Coordinators of international training Dr Vishal Bector, associate director, International Linkages, and Dr Aseem Verma, scientist from the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, were among those others present online during the inaugural function.

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International training on automation, robotics in agriculture held - The Tribune India