California Asbestos Trials in the Age of COVID-19 – Lexology

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We continue to monitor how various courts in California are handling asbestos trials. The situation is unsurprisingly fluid. Some courts have started trials and we are closely following those.

San Francisco assigned one case to a trial judge on June 26, 2020. Discussions of how that matter would proceed to trial were ongoing when the case resolved. Generally, remote jury selection was discussed. There were discussions about how to have the jurors in court socially distanced and having virtually all witnesses appear remotely.

In Alameda County (Oakland), jury selection is ongoing in two cases. These are both living mesothelioma cases with preference trial dates. Both cases had been initially set for trial in March. Jury selection is being conducted remotely with hardships and questionnaires done electronically and voir dire via Zoom. Both cases appear headed to a situation where the jurors are participating 100% remotely unless they do not have the technical ability to do so. It appears that all witnesses will appear remotely. Defendants have raised significant due process concerns, and in one case petitioned the Court of Appeal for a writ. The Court of Appeal denied the petition as premature, even while acknowledging that serious fairness issues were being raised.

Los Angeles County does not have any jurors available yet, but has just started re-issuing jury summonses. It is anticipated that all of the first wave of jurors will go to criminal cases. There are several preference cases pending trial that are being continued on a rolling 15-day basis (per the preference statute) until a jury pool is available. The court has urged parties to waive a jury (neither side has agreed) or consider smaller jury panels. The court is setting new preference trial dates in the fall, but noting that those trial dates are not realistic and the cases will likely be continued until there are juries available.

Low priority cases such as wrongful death cases and non-preference personal injury cases are being continued into 2021 in all three venues. When and how the courts will catch up on those remains to be seen.

All three of Californias primary asbestos courts are utilizing the MSC process to try to facilitate resolution of cases. Los Angeles and Oakland are ordering remote MSCs. San Francisco required counsel to appear in person. None of these courts are requiring client or carrier representatives to travel to appear in person.

Courts with very few cases (Fresno, Sacramento, Solano, etc.) do not seem to be treating asbestos cases any different than any other casesmeaning we do not anticipate trials before 2021.

Federal courts generally remain in operation but jury trials seem to be limited to criminal cases only. We are not aware of any Federal asbestos cases being called to start jury trials since the pandemic shut court operations down.

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California Asbestos Trials in the Age of COVID-19 - Lexology

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Creating NASA Mission Psyche: Mission to an Asteroid – SpaceCoastDaily.com

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mission is moving from planning and designing to high-gear manufacturingPsyche, the NASA mission to explore a metal-rock asteroid of the same name, recently passed a crucial milestone that brings it closer to its August 2022 launch date. (NASA image)

(NASA) Psyche, the NASA mission to explore a metal-rock asteroid of the same name, recently passed a crucial milestone that brings it closer to its August 2022 launch date.

Now the mission is moving from planning and designing to high-gear manufacturing of the spacecraft hardware that will fly to its target in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Mission scientists and engineers worked together to plan the investigations that will determine what makes up the asteroid Psyche, one of the most intriguing targets in the main asteroid belt.

Scientists think that, unlike most other asteroids that are rocky or icy bodies, Psyche is largely metallic iron and nickel similar to Earths core and could be the heart of an early planet that lost its outer layers.

In this image, an electric Hall thruster, identical to those that will be used to propel the Psyche spacecraft, undergoes testing at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The blue glow is produced by the xenon propellant, a neutral gas used in car headlights and plasma TVs.

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Air New Zealand wrongly claims NASA ‘added a new star sign to the zodiac’ – Newshub

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A post on Air New Zealand's Grabaseat Facebook page has captured the attention of many, but not for the intended reason.

The post shows a chart with what are apparently new dates for the zodiac family of star signs, after - as the post claims - NASA added a new star sign to the family.

Ophiuchus, the 'new' sign of the zodiac, was recognised as a constellation by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1930.

The Grabaseat post says as a result of Ophiuchus' arrival, dates of the traditional star signs have changed.

NASA recently tweeted it had heard reports of a new star sign, and set to set the record straight.

"No, we did not change the zodiac. When the Babylonians invented the constellations 3000 years ago, they chose to leave out a 13th sign."

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Air New Zealand wrongly claims NASA 'added a new star sign to the zodiac' - Newshub

MSNBC’s Joy Reid Makes Cable Network History With the Debut of "The ReidOut" – Vogue

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The person who wrote those columns is not the person I got to know sitting across from her at a table in Tampa at Hooters, Capehart says of Reids previous LGBTQ remarks. I don't know that person. I don't know that person who wrote those pieces.

Look, he continues, do you know how many people would be out of my life if I did not, one learn to forgive, and two, give them the room to evolve?

Over the past few months, Reid has witnessed an entire nations belief system on race radically evolve. Following the killing of George Floyd in May and the worldwide protests that followed, America seems ready, finally ready, to take in the very things shes spoken on for years. Before the hoodie became a menacing totem for the alt-right in Florida, Reid fretted over her childrens clothes. She wasnt worried about other kids. She feared something else.

I think it's important to have somebody who looks like you, who can empathize with what you feel, Reid says. For the most part white Americans traditionally been very trusting of the police. The police are Barney Fife. Theyre your friend. They get your cat out of a tree.

Im a law abiding-citizen, she continues. Ive never been arrested or committed a crime. But when I see those blue lights, I feel sick. I feel my heart racing. Even though I know I havent done anything wrong, Im afraid of the police. Im successful. I work at a great company. I have health benefits. And Im afraid of the police.

Matthews swift retirement proved shock to the network. It also offered a reset. It allowed room for something, someone different in different times. In the months that followed, Reid was one of a series of people who held down the 7 p.m. hour as MSNBC sought out a replacement. But there remained no clear choice.

When Caesar Conde, the newly-minted chairman of the NBCUniversal News group called in mid-June, Reid says she thought little of it. After all, Conde, who took over in May, was speaking to a lot of people at the network. In that chat she laid out whats needed with coverage should either Trump or Joe Biden win in November. In one scenario, the press needed to be more proactive when faced with a nation teetering on the edge of authoritarianism. In another, they would see a new president walking into country crippled by a health crisis and social division. One that faces certain economic hardship and a lost standing in the world. Still, she told Conde, the media needed to hold a President Biden accountable, to make sure he met the demands of a country demanding systemic change.

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MSNBC's Joy Reid Makes Cable Network History With the Debut of "The ReidOut" - Vogue

AOC on League of Legends: Right-wing Twitter is childs play compared to inting 13-year-olds – VG247

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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known as AOC, recently reached Silver III tier on League of Legends and apparently, playing League with 13-year-olds is childs play compared to dealing with right-wing Twitter.

Ocasio-Cortez, who is a US House candidate for NY-14 (Bronx and Queens) initially took to Twitter in order to share her accomplishment of reaching Silver III in League. Check out the tweet below.

AOC quickly received a deluge of responses from other League players all over the world, most of whom were delighted to see such a high-profile political representative openly addressing her affinity for playing video games.

Its a well-known fact that Ocasio-Cortez is exceptionally quick-witted, so the clever banter that ensued comes as no surprise.

Check out the tweet below.

Gotta know what role? asked one follower. AOCs response that her role is to support the people was pretty solid. I laughed.

My favourite response, though, was definitely this one.

Calling a video game ult the Medicare for All of said game at least in my case elicited more than the usual nostril exhalation that occurs after reading something funny on the internet. I full on laughed at that one, to the extent that I woke my dog up from his afternoon snooze. I felt a bit bad after, but Im sure he would have laughed too if he could read.

Renowned personalities from the games industry also responded to AOCs tweet. As you can see from the tweet below, SonicFox is dying to get her off the MOBA buzz so they can teach her how to play fighting games.

Anyway, the best part about all of this is that AOC went on to say that right-wing Twitter is like childs play compare to inting 13-year-olds. For those unacquainted with League lingo, inting means intentionally feeding, which in turn means purposely allowing players on the enemy team to benefit from attacking you.

It is genuinely refreshing to see a passionate politician publicly noting that alt-right trolls are less of a nuisance than League-loving 13-year-olds. That is an excellent display of conviction, and it makes me even happier that AOC managed to get Silver III.

If youre curious about who she mains, AOCsaid she won her promos on Sona, but also plays Janna, Lux, and Morg. Shes working on her Lulu, too.

In related news, Valorants new weapon skin bundle is $95. Dont reckon Ill be buying that.

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AOC on League of Legends: Right-wing Twitter is childs play compared to inting 13-year-olds - VG247

Sun shelter added to PY Community Garden – Finger Lakes Times

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PENN YAN The Penn Yan Community Garden has added a sun shelter, built by Lester Hoover and funded by a grant from the J.M. McDonald Foundation.

At 10-by-10 feet, the wood structure serves as an open-air retreat for garden gazing and a place to take a break protected from the sun. It will also help the Yates County Master Gardeners to host programs and activities. As the garden receives full sun throughout the day in the hot summer months, the sun shelter will serve as an outdoor classroom for gardening or food preparation demonstrations, guest speakers, and group discussions.

Located at the end of Pleasant Avenue a short distance from downtown Penn Yan, the Penn Yan Community Garden mission is to improve access to garden space and nutritious, affordable, local food, to provide gardening and environmental education for kids and adults, and to promote cooperation, self-sufficiency, and personal empowerment in a greener and more beautiful community.

An annual garden membership is pay-as-you-can sliding scale from $0-$25, and membership entitles participants to one 4-foot-by-10-foot raised garden plot, compost, water supply, access to the tool shed and garden tools, fencing, a share of compost (when available), and use of a dedicated member parking lot. Many vegetable varieties can be planted in July and August for fall harvest.

Members and visitors can also pick up helpful hints about what to grow next year by viewing the Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners demonstration beds. Labeled with informational signs, these beds are tended by the Yates County Master Gardeners as part of our support of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Gardeners of all skill levels are welcome.

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Sun shelter added to PY Community Garden - Finger Lakes Times

Seizing The Moment: Tackling Entrenched Inequalities To End Epidemics – New Vision

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The UNAIDS new Global Report, Seizing The Moment: tackling entrenched inequalities to tackle epidemics, shows that there were 690,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2019 and 1.7 million new infectionsfar from the global targets of fewer than 500,000 deaths and 500,000 new infections a year that were set for 2020.

The UNAIDS new Global Report, Seizing The Moment: tackling entrenched inequalities to tackle epidemics, shows that there were 690,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2019 and 1.7 million new infectionsfar from the global targets of fewer than 500,000 deaths and 500,000 new infections a year that were set for 2020.

OPINION

By Winnie Byanyima

Like the HIV epidemic before it, COVID-19 is exploiting the extreme inequalities between countries and within them to take root among disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.

I am proud that decades of experience in responding to HIV are being used in the fight against the coronavirus and that activists all over the world are working hard to make sure that the disruption to HIV services is minimized.

But I am also deeply concerned.

Even before the onset of COVID-19, the world was failing in its commitment to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.

The UNAIDS new Global Report, Seizing The Moment: tackling entrenched inequalities to tackle epidemics, shows that there were

690,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2019 and 1.7 million new infectionsfar from the global targets of fewer than 500,000 deaths and 500,000 new infections a year that were set for 2020.

The collective failure to implement and sufficiently invest in comprehensive, rights-based HIV responses has come at a dreadful price. There were 3.5 million more HIV infections and 820,000 more AIDS-related deaths from 2015 to 2020 than the world had aimed to achieve.

This is unacceptable when we have medicines to keep people living with HIV alive and well and an array of prevention tools to stop new infections. We are being held back by entrenched inequalities that put vulnerable and marginalized groups of people at higher risk of becoming infected with HIV and dying of AIDS-related illnesses.

Of course, there are bright spots. South Africa has massively expanded the numbers of people on treatment in the last decade, from 1.4 million people in 2010 to 5.2 million people in 2019. Countries such as Eswatini and Lesotho are showing that new infections can be driven down by rolling out combination prevention options.

But in too many countries the epidemic is worsening. Infections have risen by 72% in Eastern Europe and Central Asia since 2010, with rises of 22% recorded in the Middle East and North Africa and 21% in Latin America.

As ever, it is the most vulnerable who pay the price. Every day, marginalized groups such as gay men, sex workers, transgender people, people who use drugs, prisoners and migrants are prevented from receiving proper health care and are criminalized and marginalized. Denied their right to health, these groups and their sexual partners comprised 62% of all new adult infections in 2019.

Meanwhile, women and girls are too often denied their sexual and reproductive health and rights, while gender-based violence and gender inequalities continue to drive the epidemic forward among young women and girls. In 2019, young women and adolescent girls accounted for 1 in 4 new infections in sub-Saharan Africa, despite making up about 10% of the total population.

It is estimated that globally 243 million women and girls aged 1549 years have been subjected to sexual and/or physical violence perpetrated by an intimate partner in the past 12 months.

Meanwhile, we know that women who experience such violence are 1.5 times more likely to acquire HIV than women who have not experienced violence. Among marginalised groups, a high prevalence of violence is also linked with higher rates of HIV infection. Female sex workers have a 30-times greater risk of acquiring HIV than the general population.

All this must change, and we have to act on multiple fronts. A multisectoral approach that respects the rights and dignity of women and of all marginalized groups is urgently needed to reduce HIV infections and guarantee their right to health and other essential services.

For example, completion of quality secondary education reduces the HIV vulnerability of adolescent girls and young women by half and also yields multiple other social and economic outcomes for advancing health, gender equality, economic empowerment and addressing gender-based violence.

Increasing economic opportunities and the financial asset base for young women between 20 and 24 years improves their health-seeking behaviour, reduces their vulnerability to sexual- and gender-based violence, and directly impacts on their choice of sexual partners.

Access to appropriate, quality and affordable financial services has been documented as essential in influencing personal life choices, attitudes, and behaviours to prepare for life events, set personal goals and develop strategies to achieve them.

Just like HIV, COVID19 holds up a mirror to the stark inequalities and injustices that run through our societies. The COVID-19 pandemic will also be exacerbated unless we address the human rights impact on vulnerable people and their lack of access to health services, education, protection from violence and social, economic and psychological support.

And we need a global commitment that diagnostics, medicines, and an eventual vaccine against the coronavirus are available free at the point of use to everyone everywhere. When a vaccine becomes available it must be a People's Vaccine.

Successful pandemic responses are grounded in human rights, implement evidence-based programming, and should be fully funded to achieve their targets.

Unfortunately, the funding gap for HIV responses is widening. Increases in resources for HIV responses in low- and middle-income countries stalled in 2017, and funding decreased by 7% between 2017 and 2019 after adjusting for inflation. The total HIV funding available in these countries in 2019 amounted to about 70% of the 2020 target set by the United Nations General Assembly.

HIV has been slipping down the international agenda for some years. Now, I am calling on leaders to convene a new United Nations High-Level Meeting On Ending AIDS next year to address with urgency the outstanding issues that are holding us back from ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

We cannot drop the ball on HIV. The futures of millions of people are at stake.

The UNAIDS 2020 global report is a call to action. It highlights the terrible scale of the HIV epidemic and how it runs along the fault lines of inequalities.

We can and must close the gaps.

The writer is the Executive Director, UNAIDS

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Seizing The Moment: Tackling Entrenched Inequalities To End Epidemics - New Vision

Celebrated Medium Isabeau Maxwell Releases Her Compelling and Updated Memoir, ‘Cracking Open: Adventures of a Reluctant Medium’ – Offers Worldwide…

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PORTLAND, Ore., July 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Internationally recognized spiritual teacher, Isabeau "Beau" Maxwell, recently announced the release of her updated memoir, "Cracking Open: Adventures of a Reluctant Medium." A rich and compelling narrative, "Cracking Open" describes Beau's journey through the process of "cracking open" into the realm of mediumship, after the death of her beloved grandmother. The book also serves as an introduction into Beau's practice and her comprehensive training course: The SAGE Method (Spirituality, Alignment, Growth, Empowerment). The former-skeptic turned medium has worked since 2005, using her abilities to help thousands of others, serving as a spiritual bridge to help facilitate communication between those on the other side and the living. Beau also trains others to "crack open" themselves through her practical and unique intuitive development course, and global spiritual community.

From the Introduction to "Cracking Open":

"Yes. This book is for you. As you will discover, you are not alone and you certainly are not crazy. There is more to this life than is commonly perceived. For some, this book may be an invitation to open up to new possibilities. For others, it will be confirmation that your experiences are valid and real. I invite you inside this journey of mine as I experience hours of frustration, moments of debilitating fear, and times I wondered if the brain I had relied on for so many years had finally put itself out to pasture. Join me as all of this is also met with moments of pure bliss, when life unfolds to demonstrate the spectacular beauty of human potential."

Reader Reviews for "Cracking Open: Adventures of a Reluctant Medium"

Over the years, Beau's autobiography has moved many readers, receiving numerous 5-star reviews and testimonials on both Amazon and her personal webpage:

"Compelling story, inside perspective. I have never read an account of someone realizing and experiencing that they are a psychic or a medium. While I still have a hard time imagining the things she describes happening to me, I am certain after reading her book that she is authentic. In reading the book, I found myself pulling for her. I would not be surprised if her account got turned into a movie of some sort in the future." J. McCormack

"More than a must-read, and beyond what I would call a page-turner. If you are having things happening, things you can't explain, and you don't know what to do because you don't want to tell anyone for fear of judgment, fear no more. Get 'Cracking Open' and begin the Journey that is the rest of your REAL life." David

Testimonials for the SAGE Method

The SAGE Method is a 7-week psychic-medium course, based on Beau's own lived experiences of cracking open. More than just a course though, The SAGE Method also offers access to a dedicated, supportive, vibrant inner-circle of people who share similar vision and purpose.

"Wow, Beau! What a beautiful, clear, concise exposition! I love how you illustrate with stories from your experience. I, too, have learned some of these lessons the hard way. But that way sure does make the lesson stick!" Daye

"I really like your style so practical, logical, down to earth. Until I found you, everything was 'woo-woo' and very hard for me to feel or buy into" "Thank you for your kindness and expertise." Bernadette

For more information on The SAGE Method, go online at http://www.TheSageMethod.com. Or follow the author on social media: Facebook, Bloglovin', Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest.

Press Kit

Press

Media Contact:

Isabeau Maxwell, Founder503-572-5681243488@email4pr.com

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Is That Protective Style Actually Protecting Your Hair – Essence

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As the natural hair movement forges on more Black women are rediscovering their love for box braids, faux locs, and other styles that have been in the community for decadesfor some, centuries. And in the last ten years theyve also begun to group these hairdos under a new title: protective styles. But weve seen from countless destroyed hairlines that when executed poorly, or not cared for, these beautiful styles can cause traction alopecia and other damage to the hair.

In her new short documentary Pretty Shouldnt Hurt: An Overdue Conversation About Protective Styles, presented by Un-ruly.com and Dark & Lovely, avid protective style wearer Antonia Opiah explores the dangers that can come with these beloved dos. ESSENCE tapped two of the experts in the film, board certified dermatologist Crystal Aguh, M.D. and celebrity hairstylist and Dark & Lovely spokesperson Derick Monroe, for tips on how women can protect their hair from their protective style.

Be vocal. Hairstyling shouldnt cause you pain, so if it does, tell your stylist immediately. As many of us grow up being taught to respect our elders (with that respect often being shown in the form of silence), this can translate to loss of empowerment while in a stylists chair, says Aguh. Additionally, many people develop very personal relationships with their stylist and are careful not to offend them, even when they are in pain. I understand these feelings and encourage my patients to seek out a new stylist if they dont feel like their current one creates a safe space for feedback. Women should feel just as empowered to seek out a new stylist as they would seeking a new doctor if they felt their needs were not being met.

Be careful with the ratio of added hair to natural hair. While alopecia happens on an individual basis, Aguh identifies certain hairstyles as high risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk for tension. All hairstyles are not created equal according to her study and any style that incorporates additional hair requires a proper measurement. One inch of your hair should have no more than one inch of added hair. Excessive extensions adds weight and puts tension on the hair follicles, causing eventual breakage.

Proper removal of protective styles will prevent breakage and unnecessary hairline damage. Removal of protective styles is a combination of patience, adetangling brush and conditioner such as Dark & Lovelys Detangling Cream, Derick explains. Its enriched with peppermint oil and is great because it melts all the debris that builds up on the base. The important point is to have slip and make sure you get all the hair that may have shed out before shampooing, or else you can end up with serious knots and tangles.

Take breaks from protective styles. Dr. Aguh suggests a four weeks in, four weeks out method. And if youve stopped putting tension on your hair and still see damage, seek professional help. Women should seek medical evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist if they are dealing with any form of progressive hair loss to make sure they receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, she says. Most people do well with over the counter treatments, like minoxidil, but some women may require more aggressive treatment that involves prescription medication. If there is no response to any form of medication then surgery is often required to fully restore the hairline.

Invest in products specifically to care for protective styles. Products can make or break your natural style, Derick adds. Gels and sprays full of alcohol can dry the scalp and the hair out. Some that arent soluble can sit on the hair causing flaking and build up. Dark and lovely has created the first line dedicated to protective styles and with ingredients that soothes and moisturizes such as peppermint oil, aloe, and avocado oil.

Pretty Shouldnt Hurt: An Overdue Conversation About Protective Styles premieres on July 22 on Un-rulys YouTube and Facebook pages.

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Is That Protective Style Actually Protecting Your Hair - Essence

Small is big: Is Bengali television rewriting the rules of womens empowerment? – The Times of India Blog

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July 18, 1861. In Bihars Bhagalpur was born Kadambini Ganguly, who along with Anandi Gopal Joshi, became the first female doctors to qualify for practicing western medicine. Fraught with controversies, the 62 years of Kadambinis life had all the elements for making an engaging biopic in Tollywood. Yet, it was Bengali television that drew inspiration from her life. Currently, Solanki Roy and Ushasi Ray extremely popular faces of Bengali television are playing Kadambini in two different serials for Zee Bangla and Star Jalsha.

Two channels exploring the life of one character can be a coincidence of sorts. But beyond that, does this choice of subject say anything about the content of Bengali television?

To some extent, it does.

Not just Kadambini, Bengali television is now relying heavily on empowered female characters to rule the TRP. Rani Rashmoni another extremely popular megaserial is based on the life of Bengals pathbreaking revolutionary and social reformer. On July 24, the serial will be airing its 1000th episode with viewers being glued to the screen to watch the rise of a simple girl named Rani to become an effective leader who worked for social and womens reforms and even dared to go against the British traders.

Even serials based on contemporary plots are following the same path. Jaba Sengupta the protagonist of one of the longest-running Bengali serials titled Ke Apon Ke Por is a domestic help-turned-lawyer whose sole aim now is to deliver justice.

From Subarnalata and Goenda Ginni to Dwip Jele Jae and Saudaminir Sangshar women fighting for themselves, their dreams or those who have been forever deprived have been grabbing eyeballs on Bengali television for some time now. Many who had moved away from television because of its preference for melodrama-laced plots are slowly connecting with stories that highlight the aspiration of female protagonists. If the protagonist of Alo Chhaya aspires to be a scientist, Jamuna Dhaki is about a village girl who grows up to become a successful female dhaki. Bokul Katha, the recently-concluded serial, was about the protagonist becoming an IPS officer. The USP of Krishnakoli has been the empowering story of the popularity of a kirtan singer who breaks the taboo of skin colour and wins hearts through her talent to become an RJ and a singer.

Kora Pakhi, yet another popular serial with Parno Mittra playing the protagonist named Amon, is about a tribal girl who aspires to be a print journalist. Phirki the story of a girl saved by a transgender is championing the protagonists fight for the trans community. An oven-fresh serial Titli is about a hearing-impaired girl who is aiming to become a pilot. Mohor, one of the most popular serials running on Bengali television now, is about a student with a voice of her own who speaks her mind even if that means countering the director of her college.

But then, this certainly doesnt mean that the saas-bahu tussle has been completely done away with. The irritating thunderclap in the background still hurts the ear every time there is a tiff between rivals. Women decked in tacky gold-plated necklaces still pace down drawing rooms. And of course, Chitra Sen, as the evil mother-in-law, still rolls her eyes at every occasion she gets to counter her daughter-in-law, Sreemoyee (Indrani Halder). Then there is the much-hated mischief maker June Aunty. She is at loggerheads with Sreemoyee the ex-wife of her husband. These venom-spewing female characters add spice to the narrative that curiously revolves around a man living in the same house with both his ex and present wives. But what is reassuring amidst all the chaos is the current track of Sreemoyee that highlights Indranis search and struggle to create an identity for herself in the professional world.

The number of these serials with empowered female protagonists might not yet be in the majority. But the sheer popularity of most of them on the popularity charts makes for an interesting case. It indicates a subtle change in the preference of viewers who dont appreciate regressive content. Makers have understood that tracks highlighting only a love triangle and the high-voltage tu tu main main in a joint family cant be the central focus of a Bengali serial if it has to win the TRP race. A misogynist character like Bishan Nandy, who is regressive to the core, is written in a way that he doesnt get any sympathy from the viewers of Ke Apon Ke Por. The working mother, Aditi Roychowdhury, who had to once leave her family for wanting to pursue her career of a professor, finally gets support from her husband in Mohor.

To do away with regressive content and usher in the rise of empowered women can lead to two conclusions. It can indicate that the profile of those watching Bengali serials is changing and hence forcing the makers to churn out content accordingly. Or, it might suggest a change in the preference of existing viewers. The former is a little too early to expect. The latter is more likely in the current circumstances. Having faced various challenges within the four walls of their house, viewers of Bengali serials are now raring to go and conquer the world outside. They can easily connect with the lonely battles of homemakers who have sacrificed their all for the family and now want to carve a niche for themselves in the professional world. It wouldnt be fair to say that the serials show these protagonists revolting against their families. Not every protagonist is a fighter ready to take on the patriarchal world. Many are just waiting for their turn, hoping to get support of some family members to realise their dreams.

Dealing with dalliance and discord, the viewers understand, will remain a constant part of their daily struggles as they are for the protagonists of the favourite serials. But for now, they are ready to believe that being doormats is not their only option. Most importantly, they are liking the idea of Bengali serials slowly rewriting the rules for the middle class female viewers and showing them that it is fair to be in pursuit of their dreams, balance personal and professional lives and also expect support to make them come true.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

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Small is big: Is Bengali television rewriting the rules of womens empowerment? - The Times of India Blog

Why pharma packaging should be focused more on the patient – EPM Magazine

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Eugene Canavan, medical design director at Design Partners, explains why pharmaceutical packaging should be created with the end user in mind.

In todays world of increasingly complex medication kits, multi-tablet regimens and drug delivery devices, it can be difficult to stand out and differentiate your brand. Often, to patients and various healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists) one offering appears to be much the same as another.

Pharmaceutical packaging is primarily designed to achieve quality standards, meet regulations and to be delivered utilising a lean manufacturing process. Little consideration is given to the end user and their needs. As a result, many packaging formats tend to be austere and dull. Little in this offering promotes patient engagement or encourages adherence over time. In addition, not realising the role of packaging as a tool to enhance and promote a therapeutic alliance between the patent and healthcare professional is a missed opportunity.

The therapeutic alliance recognises that the healthcare professional is expert in the medical field, but that the patient is expert on their own illness and what it means to live with it 24/7. The quality of engagement between healthcare professional and patient is key. The therapeutic alliance is a mutually beneficial relationshipbetween the healthcare professional and patient. It builds trust, patient engagement, and patient empowerment. This relationship which has quality patient and healthcare professional engagement at its core is shown to greatly effect beneficial change for the patient and achieve a positive therapeutic outcome.

In drug development programmes, the purpose of clinical trials are to establish the safety profile and clinical efficacy of the compound and how it is primarily delivered. This process does not focus on patient on boarding, the patient experience or how its effected over time. As a result, not enough consideration is given to the physical presentation of the drug packaging and the positive affect it can have on patient and health care professional engagement, and by extension the therapeutic alliance. With no strategy to consider enhancing quality of engagement and communication with the patient, usability barriers are often overlooked or at worst inadvertently designed in. Usage barriers lead to poorly engaged patients and product dissatisfaction, despite any clinical improvements.

In the transition tooutcomes-based payments, governments, health plans anddrugmanufacturers are now looking to adjusted revenue reimbursement,basedon how well themedicationperforms in a real-world population. This shift from volume to value is a major incentive to drug manufacturers to understand patient needs and promote positive patient engagements, in an effort to improve the treatment outcome.

There are significant areas for differentiating innovation in pharmaceutical packaging relating to the engagement of the healthcare professional and patient, while also considering the relationship or alliance that is required between both parties to optimise the outcome.

For innovation at the front end of packaging design, we need to consider the following:

Clearly identify and contextualise user needs and attitudes:While the primary user is generally the patient, this research must also encompass the pharmacist, prescribing physician, nurses and carers; often including parents, spouses and other family members. Understanding the needs of each respective user group is the key starting point of packaging innovation. While research methodologies such as surveys and questionnaires have value, first-hand voice of customer data gathered through methodologies such as ethnographic studies and contextual enquiry are immensely more powerful tools.

Map the patient journey and perform task analysis at each stage of treatment administration: Understanding the patient journey leads to valuable insight related to barriers to use and the intersection points with healthcare professionals. Gaining an understanding of what is complex in the eyes of the respective user is invaluable. This allows for simplification of each individual task. While also mitigating risk related to usability uncertainty, that may cause the patient to stop treatment or not start in the first instance. This task analysis should also include the initial personal interactions with carers, healthcare professionals and pharmacists.

Create desirability and empathy: Creating a quality, tactile and visually appealing aesthetic will appeal to the senses leading to greater levels of engagement. A simple communication hierarchy will result in less visual clutter and reduced cognitive load for the user. Packaging, which is delivered in a positive and empathetic manner, will have a more impactful out of box experience, emotionally bonds the patient and bringing a greater sense of value to their treatment.

Bring design language consistency across all packaging and support materials: Creating a consistent look, feel and messaging across all patient touch points is something that can be easily overlooked but can have significant consequences that disrupt patient continuity. This also supports the therapeutic alliance by bringing consistency of message at each engagement with healthcare providers. Ensuring continuity of branding and visual design is core to this process, but also at the component level. Variation in pill formats, injectors or kit components can be a source of doubt, efforts to bring consistency will be rewarded.

First impressions count: In our experience, winning the first engagement with the patient is critical to successful on-boarding and increases adherence to the treatment programme. While we can create consistency at the packaging level, efforts must also be made with healthcare professionals and prescribing pharmacists to ensure continuity of messaging and positive reinforcement.

Utilise Human Factors Engineering (HFE) methodologies and processes to de-risk usability: HFE is a process where the usability of the packaging solution can be systematically assessed, tested and refined. Early in the development process HFE formative usability testing is used to assess the merits of concepts and the insights from the testing is brought into the next stage of development.At a later point, usability validation in the form of summative usability testing is used confirm that the packaging is safe and optimised for use. Utilising HFE process will contribute to the regulatory approval and provide an effective risk management tool. These processes will also serve to provide strategic advantage and brand differentiation, while effectively containing costs.

As we progress on a journey to innovate in the world of pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery, the essential quality and regulatory pillars will remain, as will the requirement for lean and value-based manufacturing processes. We also need to innovate our thinking and approach to include users and healthcare professionals as fundamental starting points of the packaging design and creation. This will allow us to deliver products that enhance patient engagement with healthcare, promoting a therapeutic alliance that will ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients and healthcare providers.

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Why pharma packaging should be focused more on the patient - EPM Magazine

A New Partnership is in Town! Women in Cloud and SHEROES Join Forces to Create Economic Impact – TechNative

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Six months into the most unexpected year, it has been a journey of its own

The pandemic brought out a new digital lifestyle we are all forced to embrace, while uncertainty and chaos looms over our heads. But as everybody is accepting the new normal, we have some exciting news to share. Women in Cloud and SHEROES are announcing a collaborative partnership to advance women tech founders and leaders in India to drive economic development goals.

SHEROES is the worlds first and largest women-only social network, exclusively designed around the needs, goals and aspirations of women Internet users. Based out of New Delhi, SHEROES leverages technology to solve the problem of gender disparity in India. Accessible via Sheroes.com and the SHEROES app, the platform is the largest online ecosystem of 20 million users, supporting women. Their offerings can be accessed over communities, a free-to-use counselling chat helpline, resources, mentorship, peer-to-peer conversations, a marketplace, a reproductive health tracker and opportunities for women. SHEROES is reimagining how women use, experience and benefit from the internet.

Women in Cloud is extremely happy to announce this partnership, which will help our network to gain access to the vast and talented women-only SHEROES network. We are also looking forward to achieving the following joint goals:

This partnership is also an effort to carry forward the Global Expansion Plan in India, where the curtain-raiser took place in August 2019.

According to Nasscom, the cloud market in India will grow 3-fold to USD 7.1 billion by 2022, one of the fastest in the world, yet women tech founders are not well presented in driving economic changes. Female Entrepreneurship Index is 70 out 77 as presented by the DWEN Research. Policy makers in India are currently investing in entrepreneurship & economic empowerment for self reliance. This partnership allows Women in Cloud to provide women tech founders exclusive access to Microsoft Cloud Accelerator, to help build inclusive solutions and influence technology-focused job creation in the India market.

What makes Women in Cloud powerful is our community. By sharing our stories, we inspire innovation. By banding together, we change laws. By leveraging our personal networks, we create new opportunities. said Chaitra Vedullapalli, Co-founder and President, Women in Cloud.

It is through collective action that we will help women entrepreneurs access $1 billion in economic access by 2030. We are thrilled to join forces with SHEROES to reach our goal while also helping female tech entrepreneurs in India create economic opportunities,.

Our network has unparalleled reach and depth with women users across India. SHEROES is also helping enhance womens social, economic and digital footprint, and part of this mission has always been to support more women building and owning the technology that runs the world. Were extremely excited to partner with Women In Cloud as part of their plan to expand their footprint in India, and co-curate initiatives that can further move the GDP and gender index here, commented Sairee Chahal, Founder & CEO, SHEROES on the partnership with Women in Cloud.

Both our communities are absolutely elated with this partnership and we are determined to help our society and community be a better space for women entrepreneurs and leaders to find their success.

This is a huge step towards ensuring economic access to women tech founders in both India and the United States. Stay tuned for more updates!

Find out more about Women in Cloud: http://www.womenincloud.com

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A New Partnership is in Town! Women in Cloud and SHEROES Join Forces to Create Economic Impact - TechNative

Defend women rights by any means necessary – The Star, Kenya

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Womens rights in Kenya remain under threat.

Despite the few successes realised in empowering them, numerous issues still exist in the country, ranging from cultural, political, social to economic disenfranchisement, all which negatively affect their well being as well as girls.

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has made it worse, with deeply entrenched women and girls rights violations in the trenches and dungeons of the very homes meant to be safe havens.

According to a recent United Nations report, five in every 10 women in the age bracket of 15 and 49 in Kenya have suffered one form or another of violence.

Besides physical violence on women, recent reports have showed girls suffer other forms of rights violations, including teenage pregnancies and early marriages.

Various reports have also made reference to high numbers of children being forced into sex tourism. In a report titled The Dark Side of the Internet for Children, over 10,000 children from various parts of the country are trafficked to Mtwapa alone for sex tourism in the coastal town.

The same report further showed 25 per cent percent of commercial sexual exploitation of children victims in the Kenyan Coastal region had migrated from upcountry to engage in commercial sex work.

Culture and tradition, particularly in rural Kenya, have played a major role in contributing to gender rights violations.

For example, the belief that a girl should not be educated since doing so will only benefit her in laws has led to many girls ending up out of school. The few who start schooling drop out at early ages, mostly to allow parents to concentrate their efforts on educating the male sibling.

Economic disenfranchisement, including lack of ownership of and access to land by women, further depreciates womens roles in development process of the nation. Such factors hit women hard and renders them vulnerable to all sorts of abuses.

Domestic violence has been on the rise particularly during this Covid-19 pandemic.

The Kenyan law defines domestic violence as violence against a person, or a threat of violence or imminent danger by someone who that person is in or has been in a domestic relationship with.

Domestic relationships are marriages, relationships between divorced couples, people who live together, and those who were in marriages that have been dissolved or declared null and void.

This relationship includes someone you have a child with and any person you have a close personal relationship with. Domestic violence acts include and are not limited to sexual and physical abuse, defilement, child marriage and incest.

Unfortunately, the violence is not only on adults but children too. According to HAKI Africa, which recently went round the rural counties to find out the cause of women battering in homes, the organisation confirmed that most of the women are expected to fend for the families, including their husbands.

When they fail to put food on the table, they are beaten by their husbands and in a few cases, also by other members of the family, including sons.

For the younger girls, they are forced to work as house girls to raise resources to cater for their families basic needs. In the process, they end up being physically and sexually abused by their employers.

It is obvious that women and girls in Kenya are undergoing tremendous challenges.

While generally all the people are faced with trials and tribulations emanating from the pandemic, women and girls situation is further compounded by abuse of their rights.

As a country, we must wake up and address the issues hindering emancipation of our woman and girl. To begin with, we must do away with cultural and traditional beliefs that impede their empowerment in the country.

Poor parenting and societal behaviours that render the girl child susceptible to manipulation must also be done away with. The national and county governments should also work to improve womens rights with the support of faith leaders and civil society.

More importantly, women and girls must refuse to be the weaker sex. They must rise up and defend their rights, by any means necessary.

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Defend women rights by any means necessary - The Star, Kenya

Mandela’s legacy and why it resonates today more than ever – Media Update

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Great people come and go out of this world, but only a few leave behind legacies that resonate for decades.

In the wake of George Floyd's murder, the subsequent protests for racial justice across the world and the call for diversity and inclusion of Black people and people of colour, Mandela's values and personal ideals are as relevant today as they were over five decades ago.

Mandela was at the forefront of boldly pushing for the economic and societal empowerment of the marginalised, while embodying the living example of co-existence working with people of different races, religions and social classes. He worked towards a common goal.

This message of building bridges resonates with us at the Africa Channel. We seek to build bridges between Africa and the world by reinforcing the continent's positive narratives and highlighting the diverse scope of contemporary Africa from across the continent.

Through diverse content and programming, Africans and Africans in the diaspora are seen and heard in ways that counteract monolithic and negative narratives, leading to greater understanding, more positive awareness and greater collaborations.

Our contribution to economic empowerment within our sector is to provide opportunities for Black content creators to amplify and monetise their work. In addition, by investing in developing the capabilities of the many talented African creatives on the continent and in the diaspora, we will enable them to share more diverse stories that facilitate understanding and create deeper dialogue and connections.

Beyond the symbolism of the fight against inequality as seen in the recent protests, solidarity marches and hashtag campaigns we believe that direct action needs to be taken by brands, organisations and institutions to continue Madiba's march towards impactful and lasting change.

Organisations and global influencers need to move from advocating for social justice and equality to direct investment and commitment to enforce diversity. This is by ensuring bold action and creating opportunities at all levels across all sectors.

Today more than ever, as the world reflects on Madiba's lasting legacy, we should all be inspired to make a renewed commitment to change and stand in solidarity with those demanding justice, equal opportunities and economic empowerment for all around the world.

Finally, as we celebrate the birthday of one of Africa's greatest leaders, we also mourn the loss of Zindzi Mandela, another icon of positive change.

For more information, visit http://www.theafricachannel.com. You can also follow the Africa Channel on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.

Nelson Mandela Day 2020 The Africa Channel 2020 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Madiba's legacy Message of equality Media statements about Mandela Day 2020

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Mandela's legacy and why it resonates today more than ever - Media Update

Security and Stability: The kenya-UK partnership – Capital FM Kenya

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In 1934, American psychologist Abraham Maslow published his hierarchy of needs. During his lifetime he lived through the Great War, the Spanish Influenza, which killed roughly 50 million people globally, the crash of stock markets in 1929, the Great Depression and a tide of global populism. Five years after his publication, the Second World War began.

The base of Maslows pyramid of needs set out the basic requirements that we all need as a minimum before you think about psychological needs. In 1934 those basic needs were not met, for many they are not being met now: food, water, warmth as essentials, followed closely by security and safety.

COVID-19 is, initially, a health issue. But the economic and security effects directly impacting on the ability to meet those basic needs may be even more dangerous and wide-reaching than the horrific toll of the virus itself. During crises, existing inequalities are exacerbated. We see people doing amazing things, but a minority also do horrific things to each other.

This outbreak layered with concerns about repeated flooding and the return of locusts has been no different. Globally, criminals are changing tactics, capitalising on vulnerabilities exacerbated by this virus from money scams and corrupt practices, to drug smuggling and human trafficking, to the increase in domestic abuse, including to children.

Our partnership with Kenya has five pillars: Sustainable Development; Security and Stability; Mutual Prosperity; Climate Change and People-People links. Three of these cover the basic needs under Maslows Hierarchy, and Security and Stability is tackling poor behaviours.

As we mark Armed Forces Week, our defence partnership is at the heart of this pillar. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, there has been no let-up in working with Kenya, our defence partner of choice in East Africa. Our British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continues to support local communities in Isiolo, Laikipia and Samburu, distributing food supplies, repairing roads, and providing vital resources such as 5,000 litre water tanks . It is all part of KES 5.5 billion contribution to the local economy since 2016.

We are also delivering virtual mentoring , both for Kenyas anti-corruption Multi-Agency Taskforce, and for the Counter IED Wing at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi continuing to build capability whilst also social distancing.

On Serious and Organised Crime, British experts, in tandemwith the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Kenya, are advisingthe public to be more aware as criminals adapt their tactics in the face of COVID-19. We are sharing intelligence to counter these threats. Together with Interpol and the Government weve translated guidelines into Swahili on good practice for law enforcement officials during COVID-19.

Our joint focus on womens empowerment remains more vital to a secure future than ever. One in three women will experience gender-based violence in their lifetime as someone who has experienced this, I know the toll first hand. Domestic violence has reportedly tripled in countries practicing social distancing. The UK is acting now, puttingwomen and girls rights at the heart of our response. Our partners, Womens Empowerment Link, have worked with the police to develop and rollout guidelines for officers to better support domestic violence victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

In Kenya, the national toll-free line 1195 for reporting incidences of domestic violence has seen a threefold increase in cases. We cannot allow the virus to break down our society, so were working alongside the Kenyan government, to support the national toll-free line and mobile app to provide a lifeline to vulnerable women and girls by connecting them to vital services.

While children spend more time at home, Kenyas Child Protection Unit has seen an increase in digital threats. So we continue to prioritise protecting them from predators and traffickers who operate online. With oursupport, the National Police Services Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Units in Nairobi and Mombasa are safeguarding vulnerable children including through use of the toll free reporting number116.

I need not go through the horrors violent extremists have wreaked on Kenya and over the last decade; Kenyans know this all too well.While we are unitingagainst the virus, we cannot forget our shared aims of tackling insecurity and extremism. We will continue to work in partnership with Kenya on regional security countering Al Shabaab is a priority. Extremists will be looking to sow seeds of discontent, including amongst those who have lost their jobs because of pandemic restrictions. We have committed 2.6 billion KESover five years to work alongside government and civil society partners, supporting communities most vulnerable to violent extremism and extreme poverty, particularlyin Kenyas northern and coastal counties.

False information and conspiracy theories about COVID-19 are alsohampering the fight against the disease, increasing the likelihood of vulnerable people falling into the trap of violent extremism or falling victim to con-men and women. We have dedicated 25 million KES to challenging misinformation working through existing community-led organisations to support vulnerable communities.

Only together can we protect our neighbours, our communities and ourselves. Only together can we tackle those who exploit a terrible virus like COVID and make the situation worse for personal gain. And only together can we build a better world where basic needs, as set out by Maslow, are met for all.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottFCO)

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Security and Stability: The kenya-UK partnership - Capital FM Kenya

Importance of the freedom of expression – The Nation

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I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it -Voltaire

According to Article 19 of the Human Rights Declaration, everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information through any medium without worrying about the consequences. The chief theorist of the principle of freedom of expression was the 19th-century British liberal thinker John Stuart Mill. He argued that the only way society can progress is by letting human beings express their views freely.

Moreover, he said that the West transformed into the leading civilization of the world because freedom of expression underpinned the freedom of enquiry which made possible scientific research and discoveries. In addition to this, Voltaire is another influential philosopher whose name is closely associated with the idea of freedom of expression. It can further be gauged from the fact that freedom of speech has become a permanent part of all constitutions throughout the globe.

There are many important examples of freedom of expression. Firstly, freedom of speech plays a vital role in the creation of a tolerant and pluralistic society. This ensures that people of different colours, creed, class, sects and religion co-exist peacefully. This can be traced through the initiatives of the PTI-led government in Pakistan to open the Kartarpur corridor for the Sikh community and make temples in Islamabad for Hindus. Secondly, freedom of expression also plays a crucial role to flourish democratic culture in the country that causes the development of nations in the world.

Owing to the democratic culture and freedom of speech, the stakeholders pressurise the government to work for the welfare of society. Even the masses can protest against any action that the government takes. This helps safeguard democratic culture. It is because freedom of expression is the backbone of democratic culture. Thirdly, freedom of expression helps enhance accountability. Accountability is a key tenet of democracy that seeks to hold leaders, individuals and policymakers responsible for their decision. It states that no institution or individual is above the law. Last but not least, freedom of expression also helps get rid of all evils from society. No social evils can be eliminated until and unless people speak up against malpractices.

However, there are several examples that demonstrate how a society is worse off in the absence of the right to free speech. The United States, which considered itself the founder of the freedom of speech, failed to provide basic rights to their people according to the first amendment in their constitution. Besides this, many other countries also violate human rights and freedom of speech for their political gains. An example in this regard is the brutality seen by the Indian government in Kashmir. The horrific incident took place recently when an old man was killed in front of his grandson by the Indian Army.

This clearly depicts how denying freedom of speech causes bloodshed and unrest in the society.

To conclude, it can be stated that freedom of speech is as important for society as the heart is for humans. People gained this benefit through a long struggle. Therefore, the collaborative efforts of the international community are needed to ensure freedom of speech for people because it is the backbone of democratic culture.

BILAWAL ALI LAKHO,

Shikarpur.

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Importance of the freedom of expression - The Nation

‘Want people to have freedom’: Donald Trump not to issue national mandate requiring Americans to wear masks – Times Now

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US President Donald Trump   |  Photo Credit: AP

Washington: US President Donald Trump, who was recently seen wearing a mask in public for the first time during the COVID-19 crisis, has said that he was not in favour of issuing a national mandate, requiring Americans to wear masks to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Speaking to an Americal news channel, the US President said that he does not agree with the statement that if everyone wears a mask, everything disappears, adding that people should have certain freedom.

I want people to have a certain freedom and I dont believe in that, no... I dont agree with the statement that if everyone wore a mask, everything disappears, he said in an interview to Fox News on Sunday.

Trump was referring to the statement of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US public health body that urged everyone to wear masks to combat COVID-19 that hasinfected more than 3.6million and killed at least 1,39,000 in the country.

In April, CDC director Dr Robert R Redfield had said that the country could get the virus under control in four to six weeks if everyone wore a mask.

Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus - particularly when used universally within a community setting, Redfield had said.

Trump, who had previously appeared reluctant to wear a face covering, wore a mask in public for the first time last Saturday as recommended by health officials to prevent the coronavirus infection.

He wore the mask during a visit to a military hospital in suburban Washington to meet wounded servicemembers and health care workers looking after COVID-19 patients.

When you're in a hospital, especially ... I think it's a great thing to wear a mask, he had told reporter as he left the White House.

The US President had earlierresisted wearing a mask duringnews conferences, rallies and other public events.

US top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci had recently urged the state and local leaders to be as forceful as possible in getting people to wear masks.

Wearing face coverings, Fauci also said that it is "really important" and "we should be using them, everyone".

Referring to Faucis comments, Trump said, Dr (Anthony) Fauci said dont wear a mask, our surgeon general terrific guy said dont wear a mask. Everybody was saying dont wear a mask, all of a sudden everybodys got to wear a mask.

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'Want people to have freedom': Donald Trump not to issue national mandate requiring Americans to wear masks - Times Now

Video & Interview: From Racing Roots To The Freedom of Freeride with Nico Vink – Pinkbike.com

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A realization that racing wasnt necessarily making him a better rider led him to ultimately quit riding against the clock. Vink says that he didnt feel the fulfillment he craved from spending time in the gym to get faster, but rather wanted to spend time on the bike learning about new ways and new places to ride. Leaving racing on a high note left him motivated to try harder than ever, and thats exactly where his freeride career was born. Now at 37, Vink has brought his riding to Rampage, the FEST series, and on personal freeride trips across the globe.

TGR: Hows life treating you during COVID-19?

Nico Vink: Life has been pretty mellow to be honest, I couldnt really ride for a while, but now that things are slowly opening back up in Europe, its been great to get out again. It was a good opportunity to appreciate the riding around home in Belgium and put some digging time in. It was a nice short break, but Im looking forward to getting back with some cool projects in mind.

TGR: Walk us through your career up until this point.

NV: I basically grew up in a bike shop going to motocross races. As a kid, I raced in a few BMX race, rode a little moto, and grew up biking and riding. Then mountain bikes came around, and I started to race cross-country when I was 12. Then there was some time riding skatepark stuff and dirt jumps before diving into DH racing. That was when I was 15, when I won national champs that year. That led to a career on the World Cup and other circuits. But racing became more about going to the gym and getting fit and stronger, and I didnt really want to go that direction. I wanted to improve my riding instead, so I went freeriding, and thats it. Thats where I am now. I definitely ended racing on a high note, I still enjoyed it at the time and had a good feeling but was ready for something new.

NV: Thats really part of the fun! For me, getting into freeriding was a whole new scene for me. I met a lot of new people, especially as the FEST series started kicking off. Those dudes totally inspire me, and its all about pushing ourselves and having a good time doing it. Someone else who has really taught me a lot is Ben Walker, my old team manager at Scott. When I first met him, I was only racing, but he lived this super adventurous life in the Alps, building trails and testing bikes. That was so sick, and I didnt even know that was a lifestyle I could be living. I think I credit him for getting me to think beyond racing for myself.

TGR: Lets talk about building. What have you learned from that process over the years?

NV: What I like in general about building, is that its really just a part of riding. For me, its just as important. For freeriding, theres honestly not that much building going on. Like in BC, it was pretty raw, so we only cut in a few small things and the rest was all-natural. You kind of look at the mountain and figure out whats possible through experience and a little trial and error. Building new things always makes riding a lot more interesting for me.

NV: I think its one of the best decision Ive made for my career! Joining with the crew at Transition has been awesome, as that team really understands mountain biking. The company, the crew, the bikes, its all super cool. Plus every time I get to visit, I get to ride in Bellingham which is so much fun. Last time, I got to go ride with Hannah Bergemann, and Im stoked to get out more with her, I'm so excited to see her part in the film!

TGR: What have been your favorite places in the world to ride?

NV: I havent traveled too much for freeriding, but some of my favorites have been going to Nicaragua with Kurt Sorge and Kyle Jameson. That was really fun, we rode down these huge volcanos. The BC shoot for Accomplice was definitely one of my favorite zones ever since its so unique. And then theres always Utah, like Virgin and Green River which is so classic.

NV: Its definitely a lot rockier here in the mountains. There are a few places, but everything here is a little smaller. So the freeride lines we have are pretty short. I do want to go explore the Alps more, because theres definitely stuff hiding and its on the to-do list. Were good on other riding though, thats for sure!

TGR: Tell us about riding in BC for the film.

NV: It was my first time in that particular zone, and it was amazing. I had been to areas nearby with Kurt and Aggy before, but that was new to me. I havent done too much camping, and I really enjoyed it. We had a super good crew, and Ill admit us Euros did not come prepared compared to the Canadians. We didnt have anything really! Flying with bikes is already a nightmare enough, so I kind of figured that wed deal with it once we got there. We went to the camping shop and everything was so expensive! Thanks to Aggy for letting Andreu and I borrow his spare tent. It was so cold at night, and Andreu and I were just freezing looking at each other not being able to sleep and we just started laughing. It was that painful we could do nothing but just laugh!

NV: We all get to ride together at all the FEST stops a lot. Ive been to Andreus house a few times in Spain, and was actually just there a short while ago. Same with Aggy and Kurt, we try to make time to get together and ride. Its always so fun.

TGR: Tell us a little more about the FEST series, and how its helped shape freeride as we know it today.

NV: We started it around 2013, and it grew out of the desire to grow the sport beyond racing to include big jumps and cool film projects. Thats always been a part of it, but it never felt really legit. So thats where FEST came in. It actually was born in Norway with Makken (Mads Haugen) who invited a few friends up there to Huck Fest, which became the first FEST stop. We had such a blast with the crew, including Aggy, Sorge, Pescado, Andreu, Reynolds, and few others, that we decided we needed to do more of them. That turned into our tour, where we all kind of design our own course and everyone comes to ride it. Stoked to keep it going for the future!

NV: I agree, and thats the whole point. Its unique from Rampage, racing, slopestyle comps, and all that. We are trying to do it the way we really like. Its about the riding and hanging out with cool people. Its not a competition, but really just a festival where we all ride together. We only ride when conditions are good, and thats very important if you want to do these kinds of things. Im very fortunate to be a part of that crew.

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Video & Interview: From Racing Roots To The Freedom of Freeride with Nico Vink - Pinkbike.com

‘We believe in the freedom to choose’: Anti-mask group to hold demonstrations in Alberta – CTV News Edmonton

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EDMONTON -- A group against mandating the use of face masks is holding marches across Alberta on Sunday.

Organizers behind March to Unmask: Edmonton wrote the goal is "to let our provincial and municipal officials know that we believe in the freedom to choose whether or not to wear a mask."

Supporters will gather at the Alberta legislature at 1 p.m. and march towards city hall.

Similar marches are being held in Red Deer and Calgary.

According to the group's Facebook page, marches are being held across the country.

Masks are not currently required in Alberta but there have been calls to make them mandatory in public spaces.

Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw recommends wearing a mask when it is not possible to keep a two-metre distance from others, especially indoors.

The province has committed to giving away 40 million non-medical masks, most through select restaurant drive-thrus.

The Calgary City Council will debate a municipal rule on Monday. Edmonton's mayor believes the issue of mandatory masks should be decided by the province.

Quebec's mandatory mask rule went into effect on July 18. Anyone age 12 and over must wear a mask in indoor public spaces.

Nova Scotia will require public transit drivers and passengers to wear a mask beginning on July 24.

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'We believe in the freedom to choose': Anti-mask group to hold demonstrations in Alberta - CTV News Edmonton

Chainlink (LINK) Becomes the Tesla of Cryptocurrency Whats Next? – Cointelegraph

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As Bitcoin's (BTC) price continues to trade in a tightening range, the altcoin market has been pushing higher each week, and the most recent surge has come from Chainlink (LINK).

After breaking above the $5 level, LINK's price surged nearly 100% in a matter of days and ended by making a new all-time high at $8.40. Through this massive push, LINK surpassed EOSand Crypto.com (CRO) to claim a spot among the top ten cryptocurrencies listed on CoinMarketCap.

Investors are now curious to see if Tezos (XTZ) will continue to follow LINK, and there are expectations that other altcoins will also follow LINKs upward trajectory.

Crypto market daily performance. Source: Coin360

LINK has proven to be one of the strongest movers in the cryptocurrency markets of recent years. This was proved once again as the cryptocurrency broke above the previous all-time high of $5 and surged with 85% toward$8.50.

LINK/USDT one-day chart. Source: TradingView

In a previous article, a target of $7.00$7.25 was established using the Fibonacci extension tool. However, LINK overshot that target by a mile.

As the chart shows, the rally might be temporarily over, as sellers are stepping in, but this will only be confirmed if the daily candle closes as shown on the chart above. Currently, the candle shows a giant wick on the upside, indicating that theres more sell than buy pressure.

Aside from the candle, such a giant move is due for a corrective move, so it is good to review the levels to watch for potential support.

LINK/USDT one-day chart. Source: TradingView

The 1-day chart is showing clear support levels. One of them is found between $6 and $6.50. The previous resistance at $6.57 can be confirmed as support, which would suit a renewed test of the $8.50 resistance level.

However, a clearer signal would be a corrective move towardthe $5 level, as that used to be a significant resistance zone before the massive breakout occurred.

LINK/USDT four-hour chart. Source: TradingView

The four-hour chart shows a bright support/resistance flip of the $5.70 level, which caused continuation and the price to accelerate toward$8.50.

The most likely scenario is a test of the previous high for support;in this case, the $6.50$6.60 level. A potential wick towardthe $6.20 level is an area to watch for.

If this zone holds, a renewed test of the highs at $8.50 is likely to occur. If the $6.50 level is lost, further downward pressure is likely to occur on the markets with a potential retest of the $5 level.

LINK/BTC one-day chart. Source: TradingView

The LINK/BTC pair shows a massive breakout as well. The resistance zone at 0.00055000 sats was tested several times before the breakout occurred.

This price action is actually quite similar to the resistance zone of Bitcoin that is encountering at $10,000 to $10,500. As the saying goes, the more often a resistance gets tested, the weaker it becomes.

In the case of Bitcoin, the resistance zone at $10,000 to $10,500 has been a tough area to surmount for a year already, and for LINK, the 0.00055000 sats barrier has been a resistance zone for seven months.

As the breakthrough of the resistance zone occurred, massive acceleration took place, but the chart is showing signs of overextension on the upside. For this reason, a corrective motion is likely to occur.

In that case, the potential levels of interest should be the previous resistance at 0.00055000 sats and the area between 0.000650000.00066500 sats.

XTZ/USDT one-day chart. Source: TradingView

Once Chainlink moves, Tezos tends to follow. However, in the previous months, Tezos has been lagging heavily, but the price finally made a strong move over the weekend.

XTZ/USDT has been showing strength in the previous days and currently faces the final hurdle before a new all-time high.

The pair secured support at the $2.40 level before continuation and acceleration toward$3 occurred. The next step to watch for is a test of the $2.70$2.77 level for support.

If that level sustains support, its likely that XTZ/USDT will break through the $3 barrier and test the all-time high.

The $3 resistance area has been tested three times now, and its possible that another test of the resistance zone will see the price finally push through it.

If XTZ/USDT breaks above $3, its assumed well start accelerating and get a similar move to Chainlink. And that similar move means a new all-time high.

XTZ/BTC one-day chart. Source: TradingView

The XTZ/BTC pair is also showing strength, as it recently broke above the 100-day MA. This is also the case with the XTZ/USDT pair. If the previous resistance area at 0.000029000.00002950 sats continues to hold for support, a support/resistance flip will be achieved.

Once this support/resistance flip is confirmed, continuation to the upside is likely to occur, and traders will set their targets around the all-time high zone around 0.000037000.00003800 sats.

If Tezos manages to break through the all-time high levels, the sky's the limit and savvy traders can look to the Fibonacci extensions in order to determine new targets.

The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cointelegraph. Every investment and trading move involves risk. You should conduct your own research when making a decision.

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Chainlink (LINK) Becomes the Tesla of Cryptocurrency Whats Next? - Cointelegraph