Select Page ::

Military helicopter missing in sea between Italy and Greece – 95.7 News

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

Rogers Media uses cookies for personalization, to customize its online advertisements, and for other purposes. Learn more or change your cookie preferences. Rogers Media supports the Digital Advertising Alliance principles. By continuing to use our service, you agree to our use of cookies.We use cookies (why?) You can change cookie preferences. Continued site use signifies consent.Military helicopter missing in sea between Italy and Greece

by The Associated Press

Posted Apr 29, 2020 3:48 pm ADT

Last Updated Apr 29, 2020 at 3:54 pm ADT

ATHENS, Greece A military helicopter operating off a Canadian frigate taking part in a NATO operation in the Mediterranean has gone missing in the sea between Greece and Italy, Greek state TV reported Wednesday.

ERT said an Italian and a Turkish frigate that were also part of the operation were searching for the helicopter, which was believed to be carrying three people.

Greek authorities said they have not been asked to help as the area is far off the Greek mainland and outside the area where the country has responsibility for search and rescue operations.

The Associated Press

We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. Your existing password has not been changed.

{* backButton *}{* forgotPassword_sendButton *}

Subscribe to NEWS 95.7 newsletters

I understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time

Loading newsletters

{* mergeAccounts *}

{* public_profileBlurb *}

{* public_displayName *}

Updating your profile data...

You have activated your account, please feel free to browse our exclusive contests, videos and content.

An error has occurred while trying to update your details. Please contact us.

{* traditionalSignIn_signInButton *}

{* backButton *}{* traditionalSignIn_signInButton *}

Please confirm the information below before signing up.

Subscribe to NEWS 95.7 newsletters

I understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time

By checking this box, I agree to the terms of service and privacy policy of Rogers Media.

{* backButton *}{* createAccountButton *}

We didn't recognize that password reset code. Enter your email address to get a new one.

Sorry we could not verify that email address. Enter your email below and we'll send you another email.

{* loginWidget *}

See the original post:

Military helicopter missing in sea between Italy and Greece - 95.7 News

Heads up: Stars and planets you can see from your backyard – WSPA 7News

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

April has some amazing astronomy activities you can do in your own backyard. Venus will shine at its brightest on April 27 and the moon can be seen with the dazzling star cluster Messier 35.

When one looks toward the southwest just after dark, Venus is the most prominent object in the night sky after the moon, said Physicist Andr Bormanis to the Los Angeles Times. Venus is currently about 60 million miles away from the Earth. Which means it took the light from Venus about six minutes to hit your eye. Youre seeing Venus six minutes in the past.

Bormanis has a masters degree in science, technology, and public policy from George Washington University.

If youre preparing to view the night sky remember to bundle up, according to Space.com.

Also in the southwest sky the Pleiades are inside the constellation of Taurus the Bull. Just after dusk, look a bit below and to the right of the waxing crescent moon. Thats an open star cluster 440 light-years away. said Bormanis. The light that youre seeing left that star cluster 440 years ago, which, if Im correct, is 1580 30 years before Galileo first turned a telescope toward the night sky.

Give your eyes 15 to 20 minutes to adjust to the night sky which will even make a difference in light-polluted areas. If you need to use a flashlight to view a star map or adjust equipment, try to tape something red over it like construction paper or foil. Download a red filter app for phone screens to reduce glare.

Orion is very prominent low in the southwest. It is facing Taurus the Bull. Orion is trying to slay Taurus the Bull, in fact

Orions hunting dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor, are to his left.

The brightest star in Canis Major is Sirius, the dog star, and its the brightest star in the sky. To find it, look low in the southwest sky, to the left of Orion.

Betelgeuse marks Orions right arm and has been behaving strangely in recent months. Its been dimming. It is a red supergiant star, destined to end its life in a supernova explosion. We dont know when. It will be sometime in the next few hundred thousand years, most probably.

Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are all easily visible without any special equipment, but with a telescope, you can even see Saturns rings or Jupiters moons.

If you go out under the predawn sky, Saturn, Mars and Jupiter are doing a little dance in the southeast. And if you watch them from morning to morning, you can watch their relative positions changing. Were all orbiting the sun in the same direction. Mars is the next planet out from Earth, then Jupiter, then Saturn. So it takes Earth one year to go around the sun. It takes Mars a little over two years. It takes Jupiter 12 years. And Saturn, 30 years.

If you have binoculars, look beneath the belt of Orion at his sword sheath. One of the stars in that sheath will look a little fuzzy. Thats the Orion Nebula, a huge complex of gas and dust where stars are being born. Its a stellar nursery about 1,500 light-years from Earth.

On April 29, a feature on the moon known as Lunar X will be visible with binoculars and backyard telescopes. This is an X-shaped feature that is created when the craters of Parbach, la Caille, and Blanchinus are lit up by sunlight from a certain angle.

Also on the 29, the asteroid 1998 OR2 will safely pass by Earth at a distance 3.9 million miles. This asteroid wont hit Earth but will make a great target for advanced skywatchers with telescopes.

Read the rest here:

Heads up: Stars and planets you can see from your backyard - WSPA 7News

Texas is right to take baby steps toward reopening the economy, but we have far to go – The Dallas Morning News

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

Less than seven weeks ago, Dallas introduced the first restrictions related to COVID-19, limiting gatherings to fewer than 50 people. Doesnt that feel like a lifetime ago?

Since then, life has been turned upside down. In a matter of weeks, gatherings of any size were banned, nonessential businesses, day cares and schools closed, and people were encouraged to stay at home.

Ours was flagged as a city of concern. Id be worried about Dallas, the American Enterprise Institutes Scott Gottlieb told Politico in March, citing the lack of testing in Texas leading to a likely undercount of infections. Our hospitals had the eerie feeling of calm before the storm. Infections started rising. We braced for the worst.

Just two week ago, Dallas County began requiring people to wear masks in public. At the time, my family had two paper masks given to us by a friend, which we started recycling. Like most millennials, I do not own a sewing machine and remember little from eighth grade home economics except for making a sinful macaroni and cheese from scratch.

Takeout margaritas from struggling restaurants and walks with loved ones spaced 6 feet apart became bright spots amid an otherwise depressing landscape of neighborhood stores with closed signs, stories of lost jobs and illness, runs on food pantries, and an emergency homeless shelter set up at the convention center. Thankfully, the curve in Dallas has largely flattened, likely in part from the restrictions in place, though we had one of our deadliest days last Tuesday, suggesting we are not yet out of the woods.

This is why reopening Texas however necessary, however measured feels like a seesaw. Its been a lot. A lot of us are still shellshocked by it all. Almost everything has changed in a short period of time. Then just as soon as it all began, a way out appears.

This will be the first full week that Gov. Greg Abbotts order to reopen Texas takes effect. A selection of industries, including restaurants, malls and movie theaters, are allowed to reopen at 25% capacity. But it wasnt that long ago that the federal government recommended people keep 30 days of food and self-care supplies on hand in case they couldnt be readily accessed. These changes take a level of mental gymnastics. We should be gentle and gracious with ourselves for coming to terms with it all.

In general, Texas reopening strategy strikes the right balance of economic and health risks. While the coastal elite may shake their heads at another red states venture into the wild west, the order appears cautious and measured, unlike the plans in, say, Georgia. It makes sense to stagger the industries that can open based on those that involve the least human contact, and to open at smaller capacities to see if outbreaks are triggered before opening more broadly.

Encouragingly, the businesses being allowed to open first are mostly in line with the Johns Hopkins Public Health Principles for phased reopening during COVID-19, which ranked sectors by contact intensity. Low-contact interactions were defined as being brief and from a distance, and high-contact interactions being prolonged exposure at close proximity. Not surprisingly, retail is relatively low (and thus opening first) compared to gyms, public transit or places of worship. Many businesses and consumers are likely to take a wait-and-see approach, so capacity is likely to be below that which is allowed.

It would inspire more confidence if the testing were in place for assessing if new outbreaks occur. This is not just nice to have, its the linchpin for the entire strategy to work. In the Gottlieb American Enterprise Institute report on the road map to reopening, the trigger for reopening businesses of any type and schools, includes being able to test everyone with COVID-19 symptoms and active monitoring of patients and their contacts. Thats in addition to a sustained reduction in cases for at least 14 days. Texas is not there. It appears that Abbott is taking a bit of a divide-and-conquer strategy, instead of reopening with full testing, to partially reopen with partial testing. The spacing of Abbotts phases (on May 18, gyms open, among other businesses, and capacity increases to 50%) feels far too short to fully understand the impact of reopening on infection rates, given the testing gaps.

After the economic destruction from the last two months, its clear we need a more calibrated approach than what weve been living before a vaccine is developed. That said, the hope of normal must be marked with a dose of realism. This is not getting through a series of reopenings without spikes in infection and we are in the clear come July. The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently said its not a question of if coronavirus will return in the fall; the virus most certainly will. This time must be used to get ready.

Even with reopening, the economic damage is far from a one- or two-quarter blip with a swoosh on the back end. The Congressional Budget Office released a report last week showing that unemployment would likely stay elevated above 10% until sometime in 2021. The impacts of the pandemic, even upon reopening, will be with us for some time.

The reopening should be thought of as baby steps on a long road. The challenge before us is to balance hope and recovery with reason and protection in the continued threat of illness. Texas has taken a first step in that direction.

Abby McCloskey is an economist and founder of McCloskey Policy LLC. She has advised multiple presidential campaigns. Website: mccloskeypolicy.com

View post:

Texas is right to take baby steps toward reopening the economy, but we have far to go - The Dallas Morning News

‘Heads stuck in the sand’ – fury over warning not to offer coronavirus rates relief – Stuff.co.nz

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

A prominent developer whose tenants have been hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown has accused ministers of being "divorced from reality" over a warning to councils not to cut rates.

Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford issued a blunt threat last week that any move by local authorities to reduce rates to relieve financial pain for residents and businesses could jeopardise the Government's willingness to invest in any proposed partnerships.

Rates freezes or reductions were also "unlikely to be effective", Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta told Stuff.

JOSEPH JOHNSON/STUFF

Riverside Market developer Richard Peebles, left, feels ministers are clueless about the impact of the coronavirus lockdown on small businesses.

But Richard Peebles, the developer behind Christchurch's Riverside Market and Little High food venues, accused them of being clueless about the lockdown's effect on small businesses and urged them to "get their heads out of the sand".

READ MORE:*Coronavirus: Councils warned not to cut rates to ease Covid-19 pain*Hundreds of Christchurch ratepayers ask to defer rates payment for six months*Coronavirus: Auckland Council may lower rate rises and suspends hotel rate*Christchurch rates rise expected to be shelved as council looks to save $23m*Wellington City Council reveals proposed coronavirus economic recovery plan

"They must live in some sort of vacuum," he said. "They don't understand the impact of their decisions on small businesses, and I suggest they actually take time to talk to [them] if there's going to be any left."

The anti-rates relief rhetoric comes at a time when councils nationwide are already looking to tighten their belts to ease the burden on ratepayers.

WARWCK SMITH/STUFF

Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford warned councils not to cut rates or risk the Government reconsidering its funding of infrastructure projects.

Some have introduced rates payment holidays, while others are considering slashing planned rates increases, cutting pay for senior staff and re-examining staffing levels.

In Christchurch, mayor Lianne Dalziel is "laser-focused" on eliminating rates rises next year, while council chief executive Dawn Baxendale said savings were being sought from every part of the organisation: "There are no 'no-go' areas'."

Auckland Council is also looking at reducing rates rises and laying off large numbers of temporary workers, while Wellington's council is slashing increases and considering deferring payments.

But such moves could come at a cost and not only for councils' income.

Last month, local authorities bid for $4 billion of Government money $1b for Canterbury alone being earmarked to fast-trackinfrastructure projects to reboot the economy.

Twyford told civic leaders they would have to do their bit financially, and that cutting rates would hamper that.

"If you deliberately cut your revenue by scaling back rates increases, or going for zero rates, or cutting rates, how can I stand up with my colleagues and make the case that we should be investing alongside you," he said. "I can't do that."

Mahuta said rates freezes or reductions would likely be ineffective, do not target those with the greatest need and could create significant financial challenges for councils later.

Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel is "laser-focused" on eliminating a rates rise this year.

"What I am urging councils to do is take some time to gather information, talk to their communities and carefully consider any major financial decisions like this," she said.

But Peebles, who has already seen tenants succumb to the lockdown and his business lose 70 per cent of income, said he was "speechless" at what he saw as a "threat" from central to local government.

A rates reduction would be a major boost for businesses, many now with no income, as rates were thebiggest expenditure for most behind rentand wages, he said.

"It's ignoring the fact that they're assuming all councils are running at best practice, as efficient and lean as they can be, which is obviously just not the case...

"I just don't understand surely a minister should be advising councils to look at all costs and contracts and cut them back so they can actually reduce the burden on their ratepayers.

"You don't need to be a rocket scientist to work out that it's going to be armageddon. Those ministers just need to get their heads out of the sand."

But Dalziel said councils should listen carefully to the ministers' messages that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions to help those in greatest need, that blanket decisions about rates could undermine the ability to invest in recovery and that the council should have to be able to pay its fair share if the Government is to fund extra investment.

"It is vital that we partner with the Government on a cost sharing basis to increase our investment capacity as a city and a region.

Supplied

Dave Cull, president of Local Government NZ, says many councils have been left with little choice but to re-examine rates just to provide essential services.

"Neither of these messages contradicts the need for the chief executive to shape the council for the future - it's not just about numbers, it's about effective delivery of focused priorities...

"We need to rise above the 'noise' the rants from those who think that as long as we cut expenditure there is nothing more to be done."

Wellington mayor Andy Foster said the city council was "very conscious" of the pressure on ratepayers but that Twyford's point around councils paying their share was "not unreasonable".

But former Christchurch council finance chairman Raf Manji said while councils should be looking at their books, local government "does not have the ability to magic up $50 billion of new funding".

STACY SQUIRES/STUFF

Former Christchurch councillor Raf Manji believes the government should consider removing GST from rates to help ratepayers.

"Its funding options are limited and its funders, the ratepayers, are going to be under major financial pressure from the current economic shock.

"If central government is so keen to see projects go ahead, they can fund them directly, and at a much lower cost than local government.

"Whilst they have their chequebook open, they could also remove GST from rates, thus returning $750-800m back to ratepayers."

Councils have fewer financial options at theirdisposal than the Government to help with the economic recovery.

Non-rates revenue such as dividends, investment income, charges for facilities and development contributions, which account on average for 45 per cent of local government income, have taken the biggest hit from the lockdown, forcing councils to review costs.

The situation has left many with little choice but to look at rates increases just to ensure they can provide essential services, Local Government New Zealand president Dave Cull said.

JASON DORDAY/STUFF

Authorities in Auckland are considering a range of measures to help ease the financial burden on ratepayers.

"Of course councils, as collective owners of $120 billion in infrastructure, have a potentially significant role to play in any stimulus investment. But that will take balance sheet capacity, which is where Minister Twyford's comments seem to be aimed."

"We are conscious that there is a fine balance that has to be struck here, and we need to be very careful around income decisions, because there's a lot riding on us being able to help communities get back on their feet."

Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce boss Leeann Watson also said councils should look at "all options" to deliver services and support businesses, and that the chamber had urged the Christchurch authority for years to look beyond rates for funding, such as recycling assets.

Christchurch commentator Mike Yardley has warned that reducing the rates burden"is pivotal to saving distressed businesses from the scrapheap". However, he has alsocalculated that a zero rates increase is "a hell of an ask", equivalent to cutting$100m from the council's $500m annual operational budget.

Despite the warning from Twyford, councils across the country are looking at ways to tighten their purse strings:

CHRISTCHURCH

The city council is looking for savings from "every part of the organisation", said Baxendale, who will have a 10 per cent salary cut next financial year. A planned rates rise looks likely to be scrapped, while some ratepayers can receive an extra six months to pay their bills. Spending will be reviewed, and the public will be consulted on significant changes to levels of service.

Some council-controlled organisations are reviewing costs. Christchurch City Holdings' board and chief executive, along with ChristchurchNZ's board and chief executive, have taken pay cuts of 20 per cent for six months.Christchurch Airport's 200 full-time staff have agreed an 18-month pay freeze, there is a pause on recruitment and "senior remuneration, capability retention and talent strategies" will be reviewed.

Red Bus is carrying out a full business review, while Lyttelton Port has this week reviewed pay for senior staff.

OTAGO

Dunedin City Council chief executive Sue Bidrose has taken a pay cut of 15 per cent for six months, other senior leaders doing similar. Staff at Dunedin International Airport have had 80 per cent pay, reduced hours considered for staff at infrastructure agency Delta and City Forests if they cannot resume work shortly after lockdown, and Dunedin City Holdings has asked its companies to freeze wage and salary reviews.

DEBBIE JAMIESON/STUFF

Councils in Queesntown, like many around New Zealand, are scouring their books for ways to save money.

Some consultants at Otago Regional Council have taken a 10 per cent pay cut, while Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has cut hours for consultants and is aiming to cut rates. Queenstown Airport, owned largely by QLDC, stopped all capital works other than critical ones under the level four alert and is reducing costs and reviewing all expenditure, while staff have taken pay cuts of between five and 20 per cent.

Destination Queenstown, which is not a public organisation or CCO but an incorporated society member, is reviewing its budget.

AUCKLAND

The council is cutting many of up to 1100 temporary or contract staff and consultants, with 450 having already gone.

Executives across the council and its agencies, along with mayor Phil Goff have agreed six month pay cuts of 20 per cent for chief executives and 10 per cent for the second tier.

The chairs of the CCO boards and directors will take 20 and 10 per cent cuts respectively.Four of the five CCOs have frozen recruitment and are reviewing spending.

A budget rethink asks residents to choose between a previously proposed 3.5 per cent annual rate rise, and a lower 2.5 per cent option.

ROSS GIBLIN/STUFF

Wellington City Council is looking to cut rates and defer payments to help ratepayers, but mayor Andy Foster said Phil Twyford's arguments over funding were "not unreasonable".

WELLINGTON

Wellington City Council has proposed cutting its previously approved7.1 per cent rates increase for this year to5.07per cent rates, and offered adeferral ofrates paymentsfor commercial property owners. Aforecast $48 million in lost revenue, partly due to reduced use of community facilitiesand a $14m loss in its airport dividend, will be fundedthrough debt, if approved.

This draft annual plan will be openfor public feedback fromMay 8 until June 8.

A separate pandemic response plan has also been drafted.

Greater Wellington Regional Council is also reviewing "all activities and budgets", while Porirua City Council has identified savings around contractors and consultants.

SOUTHLAND

Invercargill City Council staff who cannot work under the level three alert will receive 50 per cent of their pay, while Gore District Council is making 17 part-time staff redundant.

Additional reporting by Todd Niall, Debbie Jamieson and Mandy Te.

Here is the original post:

'Heads stuck in the sand' - fury over warning not to offer coronavirus rates relief - Stuff.co.nz

Red Bulls soccer: Holmdel native Sean Davis eager for ‘day we can all be together again’ – Asbury Park Press

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

Sean Davis, Guest columnist Published 5:00 a.m. ET April 30, 2020

Sean Davis, a 27-year-old midfielder from Holmdel, was named captain of the New York Red Bulls on Thursday. Morristown Daily Record

This guest column is from Sean Davis, a star soccer player at Holmdel High School and Duke University playing professionallyin New Jersey for theRed Bulls. Davis, 27, is a midfielder and the teamcaptain.

As our car headed onto the Garden State Parkway via Exit 117 to our northbound destination - Red Bull Arena - a true sense of excitement and emotion came upon my family. That December afternoon in 2014 would be that tangible moment where I held up a professional jersey with my name across the back, and proudly, the New York Red Bulls crest on the front.

Joined by my first coach ever, my mother, alongside my father, we stood inside the beautiful 25,000-seat soccer stadium, which became my next home. With the sun shining, General Manager Marc de Grandpre handed me my No. 27 jersey indicating the beginning of my professional journey, which had begun 17 years earlier in the Central Jersey town of Holmdel.

HAT TRICK: 'They treat me like a brother': hockey player with cerebral palsy scores big

MARATHON MAN: NJ teen runs marathon on home treadmill, raises $6k

Like most young boys and girls throughout the state, it all started with the innocence of recreational soccer. Lynn Davis, a true novice to the sport, volunteered to serve as coach for the seven-year old team. Her role on the sidelines is still ingrained as one of the highlights of my time in soccer.

Sean Davis #27 of New York Red Bulls during a game against FC Cincinnati at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ on Sunday March 1, 2020.(Ben Solomon/New York Red Bulls)(Photo: Ben Solomon, (Ben Solomon/New York Red Bulls))

The next year, I was invited to join the Holmdel Bulldogs travel club who played on the old SS White Fields, adjacent to County Road 520. The team was led by Coaches Jay and John, both from my hometown, who played incredible roles as people who truly crafted my love for the game. Most importantly its where I made some lifelong friends that I later attended high school with.

Holmdel native Sean Davis celebrates his first MLS goal in the second half of last Sunday for the New York Red Bulls against the LA Galaxy.(Photo: USA TODAY Sports)

Looking back, Holmdel was the place that granted me so many key people in my life who ended up shaping me - as a soccer player, student and the person who I have become today. Kristin Elfner Savare, my 2nd grade teacher at Holmdel Elementary School, is someone who had a major impact on my life in the classroom. Along with Coaches Jay and John, I am still in touch with Kristin and her family today. They have all come to Red Bull Arena to watch me play; its funny how life comes full circle.

I later attended Holmdel High School, where I had the opportunity to play on the varsity team during my freshman year. At the conclusion of that season, head coach John Nacarlo awarded me the team MVP. I distinctly remember getting the Asbury Park Press on our doorstep and seeing my name in print as an All-Division player. I always loved opening the newspaper to see who appeared on the All-Shore teams.

My journey led me to Durham, North Carolina, where I had the privilege of playing at Duke University. My parents always prioritized education and stressed the importance of graduation, despite my ambition to one day play soccer on a professional level.

Following my collegiate years, I would train with the Red Bulls club with some of their reserves. I caught the eye of club legend Thierry Henry, considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, who encouraged the organization to sign me to a professional contract. I was simply honored and blown away by his endorsement.

Having the privilege to play in front of my family and dearest friends has been my favorite part about playing for the Red Bulls over the last six years. The people that have supported me from such a young age - back on the fields of Holmdel - still support me today at Red Bull Arena. I can look in the stands and see them at every home match we play.

During this pandemic, New Jersey has been one of the hardest hit areas both medically and economically. I dont get to play soccer during these times, but that is not a priority in the grand scheme of things. Due to the current situation, there are people dealing with serious health issues as well as those trying to put food on their table and keeping a roof over their heads. Those are the problems and issues we have to understand and empathize with.

My mother has been an EMT for over ten years. When I think back to my childhood, I think of my mother waking up at all hours of the night (in addition to her full-time job) anytime her pager rang to help support the Holmdel EMT squad. The people on the front lines are the true heroes as they continue to sacrifice their health and wellness for the sake of others.

Holmdel native Sean Davis, now playing for the New York Red Bulls, as a 6-year-old with his mother, Lynn.(Photo: Courtesy Sean Davis)

As team captain of the Red Bulls, my pride and commitment to the community is stronger and deeper than ever before, especially during these trying times. I am truly indebted to my family, friends, coaches and teachers from my hometown of Holmdel, as they all provided me the roadmap for my journey as a professional athlete.

My sincere thoughts are with those impacted during these difficult times and I look forward to the day we can all be together again.

Visit link:

Red Bulls soccer: Holmdel native Sean Davis eager for 'day we can all be together again' - Asbury Park Press

David Seaman reveals why there was no ill-feeling towards David Beckham after red card against Argentina in – talkSPORT.com

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

David Beckham was one of the most hated men in England after his red card against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.

Early in the second-half of the clash in Saint-Etienne, Beckham was given his marching orders for kicking out at former Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone.

Getty Images - Getty

England went on to lose the last-16 tie and their World Cup campaign was brought to a heart-breaking end.

The former Manchester United winger bore the brunt of the nations criticism for Englands defeat, with effigies of him even being made in some parts of the country.

However, Beckhams teammates didnt see him as the reason for Englands World Cup exit, according to David Seaman, who also played in that match.

The former goalkeeper joined Sports Breakfast this morning to reveal what the mood in the England camp was like after that defeat.

AFP - Getty

When asked by Ray Parlour if Beckham felt hed let down the country, Seaman said:Yeah, a little bit.

But for me it was a really severe red card so I think the atmosphere was one of disappointment because we were out of the World Cup.

But then youve got Michael [Owen] who had an unbelievable game and there wasnt a massive amount of focus on Becks because we just felt it wasnt a right decision.

It was a yellow card all day long, it wasnt a red card. We felt it had been unjust.

The match went to penalties with the teams drawing 2-2 after extra-time.

AFP - Getty

Seaman managed to save a spot-kick from Hernan Crespo but misses from Paul Ince and David Batty saw England lose 4-3 in the shootout.

And Seaman also revealed his method, albeit a surprisingly basic one, when facing penalties.

He added:What I used to do was just take it on the run-up. Coming off the back of Euro 96 where I saved a few penalties, I always did it on the run-up.

I rarely looked at videos because good penalty takers change their sides so as soon as their heads went down, I would go one way. It was a calculated guess I called it!

Give COVID-19 the red card

The quicker we work together to stop coronavirus spreading, the sooner we can get back into the pubs, the gyms and stadiums and arenas to see live sport again

STAY AT HOME. Only leave for the following purposes:

For more info and tips, visit theNHS website.

The government has alsoissued further detail on what we can do during lockdown.

Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.

View original post here:

David Seaman reveals why there was no ill-feeling towards David Beckham after red card against Argentina in - talkSPORT.com

Who Will Inherit the Queen’s 100 Million Stamp Collection When She Dies? – Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

Queen Elizabeth II is known for her love of racehorses, breeding dogs (she once broke royal protocol to honor her Corgis), and indulging daily in a slice of chocolate cake. But what some may not know about the queen is that shes a big stamp collector. In fact, she owns a seriously impressive stamp collection experts say is worth 100 million, according to The Telegraph. Keep reading to learn more about her stamp collection and who will likely inherit it upon her death.

As the royal familys website says, philately is the study of stamps. The Royal Philatelic Collection is the British royal familys name for the queens stamp collection which is made up of hundreds of boxes and albums filled with rare, valuable, and historic stamps. The albums are color-coded by monarch; red for King George V, blue for King George VI, and green for Queen Elizabeth.

King George V started collecting stamps in the late 1800s when hed still been the Duke of York, according to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. When he took up the hobby, he enlisted the help of his uncle, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, who had originally started the royal stamp collection in 1864.

Over time, King George V became very interested in the hobby. Whenever he visited London, the king reportedly spent up to three afternoons a week working on the collection, once remarking he wanted the best stamp collection not just one of the best.

After King George V, King George VI took up the hobby and grew the stamp collection even more. Then came Queen Elizabeth who made it what it is today.

The collection isnt housed at Buckingham Palace. Instead, its kept in vaults at St. James Palace. However, certain stamps within the collection have gone on display as part of museum exhibitions.

As The Sun reported, the queen is the fifth monarch to inherit the royal stamp collection. While we dont know for sure, if Queen Elizabeth were to keep with royal tradition, she would leave the Royal Philatelic Collection to her oldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, who is first in the royal familys line of succession. However, we wont know who will inherit the stamp collection until the queens demise.

The queen is said to be partial to giving guests a look at her stamp collection when they stay at Buckingham Palace.

According to The Sun, royal expert Phil Dampier told Fabulous Digital the queens stamp collection is one of her pride and joys and she loves showing it to visitors.

The Queen loves showing her stamp collection to visitors, say heads of state who stay at Buckingham Palace, he said. It is one of her pride and joys, not only because she owns some of the worlds most valuable stamps, but also because she has built on a family treasure and feels she has done her father and previous monarchs who owned it proud.

Who Will Inherit the Queen's 100 Million Stamp Collection When She Dies? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Beaches are back: Orange Beach hosts hundreds of beachgoers on day one of reopen – FOX10 News

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

'); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(""+val.title+""); // if (window.location.hostname == "www.kmov.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kctv5.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.azfamily.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kptv.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.fox5vegas.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.wfsb.com") { if (val.poly != "" && val.polyimg != "") { $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append('"+val.ihtml+""); $("#expandable-weather-block .weather-index-alerts").show(); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body h2").css({"font-family":"'Fira Sans', sans-serif", "font-weight":"500", "padding-bottom":"10px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body p").css({"font-size":"14px", "line-height":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body span.wxalertnum").css({"float":"left", "width":"40px", "height":"40px", "color":"#ffffff", "line-height":"40px", "background-color":"#888888", "border-radius":"40px", "text-align":"center", "margin-right":"12px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body b").css("font-size", "18px"); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body li").css({"font-size":"14px", "line-height":"18px", "margin-bottom":"10px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body ul").css({"margin-bottom":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body pre").css({"margin-bottom":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body img").css({"width":"100%", "margin-bottom":"20px", "borderWidth":"1px", "border-style":"solid", "border-color":"#aaaaaa"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).css({"borderWidth":"0", "border-bottom-width":"1px", "border-style":"dashed", "border-color":"#aaaaaa", "padding-bottom":"10px", "margin-bottom":"40px"}); }); } function parseAlertJSON(json) { console.log(json); alertCount = 0; if (Object.keys(json.alerts).length > 0) { $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body ").empty(); } $.each(json.alerts, function(key, val) { alertCount++; $("#mrd-wx-alerts .alert_count").text(alertCount); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body ").append(''); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(""+val.title+""); // if (window.location.hostname == "www.kmov.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kctv5.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.azfamily.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kptv.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.fox5vegas.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.wfsb.com") { if (val.poly != "" && val.polyimg != "") { $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(''); } else if (val.fips != "" && val.fipsimg != "") { // $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(''); } // } //val.instr = val.instr.replace(/[W_]+/g," "); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(val.dhtml+"

Instruction

Continued here:

Beaches are back: Orange Beach hosts hundreds of beachgoers on day one of reopen - FOX10 News

Old Lyme Beaches to Close Indefinitely Starting This Weekend – NBC Connecticut

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

Public beaches in Old Lyme will be closed indefinitely starting Saturday. The decision was made by the Board of Selectmen earlier this week.

First Selectman Timothy Griswold said the town made the decision after seeing the warm temperatures forecast for this weekend. He said, using history as a guide, large groups of people tend to flock to Sound View beaches and other town beaches when the weather gets nice, making social distancing nearly impossible.

"If we suddenly had 4- or 500 people coming down, the genie would be out of the bottle," said Griswold. "We really would not be able to properly regulate things."

The town has placed electronic message boards along the main roads that lead to the beaches, reminding people that beaches are closed. Griswold said that police officers and rangers will be at Sound View this weekend to inform visitors that the beaches are closed.

According to a press release from the Town of Old Lyme, the town is not regulating the activities of the private beach associations, but they are urging private owners to be vigilant and ensure social distancing procedures are followed.

Restaurants along the beaches are still open. The general manager of Kokomo's at Sound View said that a lot of their business comes from the foot traffic of people visiting the beach.

"I was concerned about the reduction of revenue for us," said Drew McLachlan, general manager of Kokomo's.

While the public beach next door to Kokomo's is closed, the restaurant does have a private beach in its backyard. This weekend, McLachlan said, they are keeping their beach open. They will set up beach chairs, spread out six feet apart, and let people sit in a chair for $20 a visit. The $20 can then be used as a credit for a takeout meal from the restaurant.

"We are hoping to make up for the lost revenue with that," said McLachlan.

Beaches in neighboring towns and state beaches are still open, just encouraging normal social distancing practices.

Griswold said that he hopes the closure will not last long.

"We regret having to do this, but we look forward to the time when we can return to normal," said Griswold.

More here:

Old Lyme Beaches to Close Indefinitely Starting This Weekend - NBC Connecticut

Coronavirus live updates: Officials urge social distancing at beaches; over 65K have died in US – USA TODAY

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

Remdesivir is reportedly showing promise, but there's no guarantee the initial reports will lead to a commercially available treatment for COVID-19. USA TODAY

Officials instates including California andNew Jersey are urging people enjoying recently increased access to parks and beaches to observe social distancing regulations this weekend.

States across the nation are constantly changing their social distancing restrictions, slowlyrelaxing an uneven patchwork of regulations and making moves to reopen ravaged economies. The weekend will again bring challenges as some worry nice weather will cause crowding

Our live blog is being updated throughout the day. Refresh for the latest news, and get updates in your inbox with The Daily Briefing.

Here are the most significant developments to get your weekend started:

What we're talking about today:Should we worry about a meat shortage?

Some good news:Don't feel pressure to exercise too much as you're stuck at home"Whatever your regular exercise routine was, I wouldn't alter it," one expert recommends.

California authorities pleaded for beachgoers to follow social distancing rules over the weekend after Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday temporarily shuttered Orange Countys coastline,a move he said was prompted by overcrowded beaches last weekend.

At least in some places, officials were pleased with results. In San Diego, where people can exercise on the beach but not linger, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer praised residents for heeding safety restrictions that public health officials have credited at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

But even as Newsom and others seek a cautious, phased reopening of the state, protesters dont want to wait.In Huntington Beach, police estimated 2,500 to 3,000 people gathered for May Day on a beachside street. They waved American flags and held signs. Most of them wore no masks and didnt practice social distancing.

In Sacramento, as police lined steps outside the Capitol, protesters waved signs that said Defend Freedom and broke into U-S-A chants.

A similar situation played out in various states on the East Coast on Saturday. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he was pleased with initial reports of social distancing from a beachfront park, state parks and some golf courses that also reopened on Saturday. Meanwhile aReopen Maryland rallydrew a large crowd addressed by Rep. Andy Harris.

--Joel Shannon

More than 30 gravely ill patients who took part in an experimentaltreatment for COVID-19 at Houston Methodist Research Institute have recovered from the illness and have left the hospital, the physician overseeing the therapy said Friday.

"All of these people were very, very sick," Dr. James A. Musser, chairman of the department of pathology and genomic medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital, said in a phone interview. "Many of them were on ventilators. That was the common theme."

It cannot be said with certainty the treatment in which plasma donated by people who had fully recovered from the illness caused by the contagious and sometimes deadly coronavirus is injected into those still sick was responsible for recoveries, Musser said. But it appears to be a hopeful sign, he added.

Experts are still seeking to determine the types of patients who appeared to have benefited from the therapy and thetypes who did not.

John C Moritz

In an effort to limit further coronavirus infections, New York is initiating an intensive projectto identify the population with antibodies and determine the source of new cases.

Newly admitted virus patients into hospitals a majority in the downstate region hover at about 900 daily on a three-day average, including 831 Friday.

In an effort to lower the rate, the state's Department of Health is collecting more detailed demographic data on incoming cases, identifying residence, age, gender, race, underlying conditions, occupation, commuting method and other data to determine patterns in the newly infected and other clues on how new cases are generated.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the aim is to determine if infections, for example, are spread through the homeor limited to front line workers.

In preliminary antibody testing of 15,000 people, up from 3,000 last week, one in five New York City residents tested positive for the virus antibody.

- Jeff Platsky

Spaniards flocked to the streets and parks Saturday to end seven weeks of a strict coronavirus lockdownwhileItaly and France are poised toease rules for businesses on Monday.

Spanish authorities, however, remained cautious, keeping beaches closed and requiring face maskson public transportation. Some small businesses willreopen Monday on a limited basis. In mid-May, each province will begin gradually reopening more broadly every two weeks, as long as individual provinces do not experience a reversal in coronavirus cases.

Italy will begin liftingitsnationwide lockdown Monday by allowing some key businesses primarily construction and manufacturing to reopen under strictsocial distancingrules.Funerals will also be permitted, with participationrestricted to no more than 15 people. Barring a reversal,Italian retail shops will be able to reopen later in May with restaurants, cafes, hair salons and barber shops to follow on June 1. Schools will not reopen until September.

Meannwhile in France, kindergartens and primary and secondary schools will reopen May 11, followed bycafes, restaurants and bars. Germanywill allow hair salons toreopen Monday.

The Navy's Blue Angels and the Air Force's Thunderbirds will fly over parts of the Washington, D.C., area, Baltimore, Atlanta and Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Saturday as a tribute to health care and essential workers battling the coronavirus pandemic.

The tribute, which included a flyover Tuesday in New York City, Philadelphia and Trenton, New Jersey,is part of President Donald Trumps Operation America Strong salute.

Residents within the flight path can expect to hear jet noise as the 12 high-performance aircraft flyin precise formation, and people should be able to view the flyover from their homes.

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Ohio's loosening of stay-at-home orders Friday represents Gov. Mike DeWine's cautious approach, starting with an easing of rules for hospitals, dentists and veterinarians, followed Monday withthe opening of construction and manufacturing. Retail and customer service shops will remain shuttered until May 12.

Meanwhile, to usher in the first ofMay, more than a dozen states like Louisiana and Colorado have allowed restaurants, storesor some other business to reopen, but under tightrestrictionsto keep people apart.Find the latest on your state here.

The coronavirus has left one Chicago neighborhood reeling. Blocks away, residents are living life largely as normal. The difference? Income and race.

USA TODAY took an exclusive look at how the pandemic hasbeen felt inneighborhoods across the nation by collecting the ZIP code-level data from health departments in 12 states.The results paint a grim picture of COVID-19's devastation in places just miles orblocks from communities experiencing far less harm:

Read the report here.

- Grace Hauck, Mark Nichols, Miriam Marini and Andrew Pantazi

For Kentuckians and many across the horse racing industry, the first Saturday in May is a sacred holiday reserved for one thing: The Kentucky Derby.

Today would have marked the 146th running at Churchill Downs, which postponed the race until September due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event annually draws 150,000 people to the Louisville racetrack who come dressed in their best spring attire colorful hats, seersucker suits, linen pants and bow ties all to catch a glimpse of the fastest 2 minutes in sports, drink a Mint Julep and maybe spot a celebrity.

The last time the Derby wasn't held on the first Saturday in May was in 1945, when the U.S. government temporarily banned horse racing because of World War II.

And while racetracks in California, Kentucky and New York are closed,all eyes are on the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park, which rescheduled its race for 3-year-olds fromApril 11 to May 2.

- Rachel Aretakis

Reporters and experts from across the country and the USA TODAY Network talk about America's most urgent questions on disinfection and reinfection. USA TODAY

California has gained praisefor its speed in enactingsocial distancing orders which have helpedkeepthe most populousstate from suffering the kind of runaway outbreaks that have plagued other states. But a USA TODAY Network analysis finds the state is still woefully unprepared to reopenin accordance with public health recommendations.

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently laid out a reopening plan with benchmarks that must be met before he will recommend walking back stay-at-home orders and other social distancing measures.He called for California to test between 60,000 and 80,000 people daily.

California is doing just a third of that, as of late April, conducting only about 52 tests per 100,000 people each day, according to a USA TODAY Networkanalysis. Across the nation, Californiafalls slightly into the bottom half of all states.

California is far behind behind the national leaders Rhode Island, North Dakota and New Mexico which are respectively averaging about 260, 209 and 163 tests per 100,000 residents each day. No other states have yet to achievethe recommended testing metric, though New York and Massachusetts are close.

Newsom has saidsome business sectors, such as retail and manufacturing, may be able to open within weeks if the state's testing capability grows and case numbers slow. Butother businesses such as hair salons will take longer.Large gatherings such as concerts still remain out of reach, he said.

Nicole Hayden,Mark Olalde, Jordan Culver and Joel Shannon

The FDAon Friday issued emergency authorization for use of remdesivir for the treatment of hospitalized coronavirus patients. Remdesivir"may be effective in treating COVID-19,"and "there is no adequate, approvedand available alternative,"the FDAs chief scientist Denise Hinton said in a letter.

Remdesivir is an experimental antiviral drug from the American biotech firm Gilead Sciences. It was originally tested as a treatment for Ebola and other coronaviruses including SARS and is now being tested as a possible COVID-19 treatment.

Early data from a global study released Wednesday found patients given remdesivir recovered faster and may be less likely to die. However, another study published the same day in the British medical journal The Lancet found no clinical benefits to the drug.

- Grace Hauck

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has invoked the states Riot Control Act to seal off all roads to nonessential traffic in the city of Gallupto help control a surging coronavirus outbreak in the former trading post on the outskirts of the Navajo Reservation.

Gallup, a city of 70,000,is the seat of McKinley County andhas reported 1,027 coronavirus cases and 19 deaths, the highest for any New Mexico county. Under Lujan Grishams order, which remains in effect until noon Monday, only two people per vehicle are allowed and residents should stay home except for essential trips.

The spread of #COVID19 in McKinley County is frightful. Physical distancing has not occurred & is not occurring, Lujan Grisham tweeted, after enacting the order at the request of Gallups mayor. Stricter measures are necessary to stop the virus.

Statewide, the governor reported eight deaths Friday, bringing the total to133, and 104 cases, raising the total to 3,513.

McKinley County includes part of the Navajo Nation reservation, which spans parts of New Mexico, Arizonaand Utah. The Navajo Nation ordered its own 57-hour weekend curfew starting at 8 p.m.

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/05/02/coronavirus-update-states-easing-restrictions-testing-concerns-may-2/3066973001/

See more here:

Coronavirus live updates: Officials urge social distancing at beaches; over 65K have died in US - USA TODAY

Tampa begins to open its parks, beaches – Tampa Bay Times

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

TAMPA Tampa Mayor Jane Castor announced late Friday that some of the citys parks would open on Monday at sunrise along with the citys beaches.

The mayor made the announcement on her daily Facebook Live update, saying that dog parks, kayak, canoe and boat launches and other amenities were also reopening.

Here is the list of parks:

Restrooms, playgrounds, picnic area and sports fields will remain closed, according to an accompanying news release.

Castor asked residents to exercise in groups no larger than 10 and to maintain social distancing rules.

Code and law enforcement will monitor the spaces, she said.

Ben T. Davis, the beach on the south side of the eastern terminus of the Courtney Campbell Causeway is the citys most popular beach. The others are Picnic Island, Cypress Point and Davis Islands.

Hillsborough County has already announced it will reopen some of its parks as early as Saturday.

On Wednesday, Castor said she would keep the citys parks and beaches closed for the time being, citing her concern that they would attract crowds.

She also told the Tampa Bay Times in that interview that she considered getting the citys service industry back on its feet to be a higher priority.

Were doing all we can to help out our restaurants and our retail locations, she said. Its critically important that our economy get back open but that we do it very thoughtful, she said in her Facebook appearance.

She said the city would be making an announcement about Gov. Ron DeSantis statewide order allowing restaurants to operate at 25 percent capacity very soon.

Other city parks will remain closed, the release said.

HAVE YOU LOST SOMEONE YOU LOVE TO COVID-19?: Help us remember them

UNEMPLOYMENT Q&A: We answer your questions about Florida unemployment benefits

CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCRAPBOOK: Help us tell the story of life under coronavirus

BRIGHT SPOTS IN DARK TIMES: The world is hard right now, but theres still good news out there

LISTEN TO THE CORONAVIRUS PODCAST: New episodes every week, including interviews with experts and reporters

HAVE A TIP?: Send us confidential news tips

GET THE DAYSTARTER MORNING UPDATE: Sign up to receive the most up-to-date information, six days a week

WATCH VIDEO: How some in Tampa Bay are finding light amid isolation

Were working hard to bring you the latest news on the coronavirus in Florida. This effort takes a lot of resources to gather and update. If you havent already subscribed, please consider buying a print or digital subscription.

See the rest here:

Tampa begins to open its parks, beaches - Tampa Bay Times

San Diego Officials: First beach weekend in 6 weeks will serve as a test – CBS News 8

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

Keep it classy, San Diego. Don't be like Orange County.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. This weekend will mark the first in six weeks most San Diego County beaches will be open after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and law enforcement is not taking it lightly.

Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer on Friday thanked San Diegans for staying strong in the face of COVID-19 health regulations and encourage them to keep it up ahead of warm weather forecasted for the weekend.

He stressed the importance of this weekend's beach behavior.

Nows the time we really have to redouble our efforts for the weekend. Im going to continue to advocate for you at all levels but we need your help cooperation and patience. we cannot go backwards, Mayor Faulconer said.

Police will heavily patrol beaches, and many beachgogers are hoping to stay out of trouble.

Its almost as if there are as many cop cars as there are regular cars, said one woman watching the view from her car.

San Diego officials did express concerns that residents would descend to the coast all at once.

One area I would like to ask for help is Sunset Cliffs. We're still seeing quite a few people to watch the red tide, but we're inundating the area, said San Diego Police Chief Nisleit

Parking at the beach will be limited in order to discourage the crowds.

Officials in San Diego hope residents comply and not ruin it for the rest like in Orange County where beaches were ordered to close again after last weekend's social distancing disaster.

Well at that time it was allowed there was nobody really there. There were no restrictions. It was just very confusing why there were no rules between the cities and counties, said a San Diego couple who happened to be part of the Newport crowds.

More cities are coming on board with San Diegos beach openings.

The cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, and Solana Beach on Friday announced they would reopen their beaches on Monday. Their beaches, too, will remain restricted to recreation use only.

That means beachgoers can: walk, run, bike, swim, surf, kayak, and boat.

Sitting, lying down on the sand, or gathering in groups is not allowed.

Police said their first attempt is a warning, and a quick lecture on the new rules. Those who reject those orders face six months jail time and a $1,000 fine.

For a full list of OPEN parks, go to: http://www.sandiego.gov/coronavirus

Parks are OPEN for passive use.

Parking lots remain CLOSED.

On Friday, City of San Diego golf courses reopened with physical distancing and face covering mandates.

Read this article:

San Diego Officials: First beach weekend in 6 weeks will serve as a test - CBS News 8

Indian River County beaches open for exercise, and there’s hope picnics could return soon – TCPalm

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY Beaches remain open with restrictions on picnics and parties, but officials are hoping that could change soon.

Officials continue to evaluate facilities such as public beaches, County Administrator Jason Brown said Friday. The hope is to lift some restrictions within the next couple of weeks.

"We want to see how the first weekend goes," Brown said.

After closing because of the coronavirus,county beaches re-opened Tuesday to allow activities such as swimming, walking, running and kayaking. Social-distancing ruleskeeping 6 feet apart and limiting groups to less than 10 still apply.

More: Coronavirus in Florida: Indian River County beaches reopen for first day of 'essential activities' only

Indian River County officials re-opened the public beach access points to the community on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Beach activities are limited to "essential activities" only, according to County Administrator Jason Brown. Those include running, walking, surfing and exercise. (Photo: PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM)

Tents, blankets, coolers and chairs remain prohibited items, as sunbathing and "hanging out" activities are not allowed.

While Emergency Services Director Tad Stone said those restrictions couldbe part of the second or third phases of the state's reopening plan,likely two to fourweeks away, Brown said restrictions could be lifted sooner.

Re-opening facilities such as the IG Center could take longer, Brown said.

The county is re-opening a few other facilities, too.

Sandridge Golf Course reopened Friday, and the Indian River County Shooting Range off County Road 512 is expected to open May 8, officials said.

The Indian River County Main Library and North County Library partially opened to "book holds" this week, allowing people to reserve books or DVDs online and then pickthem up outsidethe library. Library materials also can be returned at the libraries.

More: Treasure Coast gears up for business re-opening following Gov. DeSantis' announcement

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Want more Treasure Coast news? If you're already a subscriber to TCPalm, thank you! If not, please subscribe and help keep the news you want coming.

Read or Share this story: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/shaping-our-future/2020/05/01/irc-continues-check-beaches-hoping-lift-restrictions-soon/3060515001/

Indian River County beaches open for exercise, and there's hope picnics could return soon - TCPalm

Hundreds of deputies will be making sure people on Pinellas County beaches are social distancing – ABC Action News

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

ST.PETERSBURG BEACH, Fla. Hundreds of extra deputies will be on Pinellas County beaches to make sure people are social distancing starting Monday.

Pinellas County beaches open at 7 a.m. on Monday morning.

RECOMMENDED: Pinellas County opening public beaches, pools

The sheriff says 250 extra deputies will be on beaches making sure that people are staying six feet apart and in groups of 10 or less.

Every beach access point will have a uniformed deputy to educate people about the social distancing rules.

"Anyone not following the rules is going to be simply asked to leave the beach. If we see certain areas of the beach that exceed safe distancing and capacity requirements, people will be asked to relocate to open areas," said Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County Sheriff.

The sheriff says deputies will be patrolling the beaches and making sure people are obeying parking rules until 8 p.m. every night.

Along with Pinellas County, Sarasota County will lift all beach restrictions starting Monday.

Manatee County is opening beaches on Monday for all activities, but they will have a two-hour parking limit.

Visit link:

Hundreds of deputies will be making sure people on Pinellas County beaches are social distancing - ABC Action News

First full day of Gulf Shores beaches re-open – FOX10 News

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

Instruction

See original here:

First full day of Gulf Shores beaches re-open - FOX10 News

Ventnor beaches to reopen May 8, Boardwalk to remain closed – Press of Atlantic City

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

Ventnor officials announced Friday that the citys beaches will reopen May 8 for passive recreation, but the Boardwalk will remain closed.

Permitted activities on the beach include walking, running or jogging, exercising and dog-walking, according to a post on the citys Facebook page. However, there will be no access to the Boardwalk other than crossing to the beach.

The 14-foot wide Boardwalk does not fit the guidelines for social distancing, according to the post, and will remain closed until further notice.

We believe these measures are in keeping with the spirit of the executive orders and have proven to discourage the surge in population that is counterproductive in reducing the spread of the novel virus Covid -19 in Ventnor, according to the post. We continue to discourage ALL homeowners, full time and seasonal, from unnecessary travel or large gatherings that may contribute to the spread of Covid-19.

14-day trend lines showing appreciable and sustained drop in new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and other metrics reflecting decreasing burden of disease;

Hospitals stepping down from functioning under crisis standards of care.

At least double current diagnostic testing capacity;

Prioritize testing for health care workers, essential personnel, and vulnerable populations;

Create a flexible testing plan accessible to all residents;

Expand partnerships with institutions of higher education, private-sector labs, and the federal government;

Ensure that those who test positive are linked to a health care provider.

Recruit and deploy an army of personnel who will identify and follow-up with contacts;

Leverage technological data and innovative solutions to increase efficiency;

Coordinate the approach of local and state health officials, which will have a coordinated county/regional component.

To the greatest extent possible, provide individuals who do test positive in the future with a safe and free place to isolate and protect others from COVID-19;

Ensure that quarantined contacts are provided supportive services, if needed.

Create the Governors Restart and Recovery Commission to advise on the process and recommend responsible and equitable decisions;

Plan for a methodical and strategic return to work based on level of disease transmission risk and essential classification;

Continuation of social distancing measures, requirements for face coverings, and work-from-home directions where feasible and appropriate;

Leverage any available federal funds and programs to support health care, individual, and small business recoveries.

Learn from the lessons of COVID-19 and prepare for the possibility of a resurgence;

Ensure hospitals, health care systems, and other health delivery facilities have inventories of personal protective equipment and ventilators;

Build our own state personal protective equipment and ventilator stockpile;

Create a playbook for future administrations for the next pandemic.

Continue reading here:

Ventnor beaches to reopen May 8, Boardwalk to remain closed - Press of Atlantic City

Fort Myers Beach reopens to the public – Fox 4

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. As of Saturday, May 2, Fort Myers Beach is back open to everyone.

Hundreds of people swarmed to the shores.

One person told Fox 4 she believes beaches should have reopened weeks ago.

Im a proponent for herd immunity if we dont get out and we dont get exposed there is no way that we are going to be able to fight this, sais Katie Deleuce.

Some people say they are receiving push back for their decision to go on with life as normal.

I feel like there is a lot of hostility with people that feel like everybody should be staying home, and thats fine stay hometo each its own, but when I can get back out there Im going to get back out there said Felicia Baas.

Douglas Sharf says fresh air is good for the soul and couldnt be happier to be back on the beach.

The way things are going all around the country...its like people kind of anything they can get to uplift their spirits, said Douglas Scharf.

The Fort Myers Beach Town Council voted unanimously to reopen beaches after weeks of apprehension.

I feel more comfortable now because the other beaches have opened up as well, so its not just Fort Myers Beach and were getting bombarded by everyone, its spread out, said Mayor Ray Murphy.

Mayor Murphy encourages everyone to still abide by CDC guidelines.

Play by the rules, come out have fun, but just keep your distance for now, said Mayor Ray Murphy.

K.C. Grosse worries the public may start to get too comfortable, forgetting we are all still in a pandemic.

This isnt over, thats our big fear is we do this much and people see everybody out and they think oh its over, its not over there are just certain places we can be and we still need to have precautions, said K.C. Grosse

The town council voted to reopen restaurants and retail stores at 25% capacity, matching Governor Ron DeSantis guidelines for Phase 1 of reopening the state starting Monday.

More here:

Fort Myers Beach reopens to the public - Fox 4

Amid coronavirus, Californians have a right to beaches – Los Angeles Times

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

Every Californian has an unalienable right to a day at the beach.

Or at least an hour or two.

OK, maybe just a few minutes daydreaming in a car while marveling at the foaming breakers. Of course, most beach parking lots are now closed to you and me.

Going to the beach is our birthright as native Californians and our promise to newcomers. Its our gift from the Creator a trade-off for all the quakes, wildfires, mudslides and smog.

Yeah, I know: Every right has limits. Weve got the right to free speech but shouldnt wade into the surf and yell shark. And we shouldnt be spreading germs to other sunbathers.

So hire some beach patrols and enforce the rule about plopping down no closer than six feet apart. Maybe after a couple of warnings issue a citation for enough bucks to cover the administrative costs.

Although, honestly, I cant envision a young couple adhering to the six-foot rule for more than five minutes.

And forget about wearing masks on the beach. One of the oceans appeals is breathing in that salt air drifting in on a soft breeze.

My parents left Oklahoma and Tennessee in the 1920s searching for the California Dream. They met at a Ventura beach party. I practically grew up on beaches between Ventura and Santa Barbara Hollywood Beach, the Rincon, Carpinteria, East Beach while sheltering in Ojai.

At Ventura College, I often took my reading assignment down to a secluded beach on the Rincon. Later at San Jose State, I immediately noticed how pale most northern students were at summers end compared to Southern California beach worshipers. In Santa Cruz, the sun shined less and the water was colder. But it was still paradise.

Recently, it was reassuring to notice that Ventura politicians still get it. Beaches are the substance of local peoples lives. The City Council decided to open them on the first spectacular weekend of the season in support of balancing residents physical and mental health, it announced.

Yes, a warm sun, calm breeze and a little body surfing will do wonders for the mind, relaxing it and enabling the toleration of all manner of aggravations while sheltering at home. You cant find therapy like that good no matter the fee.

Of course, leaders of my old beach town werent very hospitable to outsiders. They told Angelenos to stay out.

To our L.A. County brothers and sisters, normally we like you to come here, but not right now, county Executive Officer Mike Powers was quoted in the Ventura County Star, which gave me my first daily newspaper job while at VC. If you have to travel, keep it to essential travel where you live.

Guess you cant blame people in Ventura, which has avoided being hard hit by COVID-19, for fearing being overrun by residents in more densely populated L.A., where the coronavirus continues to spread.

L.A. has kept its beaches closed. But they were opened in Orange County. And the Newport Beach City Council rejected a proposal to close down the beach in May after people swarmed there on the hot weekend.

Unfortunately, city parking lots at the beach were closed, so beachgoers invaded nearby neighborhoods.

I think you should reopen them, state Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) said Tuesday. Hes a former Orange County supervisor who represents some beach communities. People should have access to facilities.

Moorlach says he understands why people flocked there on a beautiful weekend.

You need to trust people, the senator says. If they exercise proper social distancing, youve got to let people be people. If youre part of a vulnerable group, shame on you for going to the beach. For everyone else whos sheltering in place, the beach may be the best medicine.

We havent seen the surge in virus contagion that was feared, he continues. And Im not seeing a wide band of people in ICUs. I see hospitals in my district struggling because they dont have patients. Somethings amiss. Maybe people are seeing that too.

What Gov. Gavin Newsom saw those crowded beach scenes made him angry.

Those images are an example of what not to seewhat not to do, the governor declared during his Monday virus briefing. You didnt see those images at L.A. beaches and San Diego beaches and [in] Northern California because we had strong guidelines that were not only adopted but were abided by.

So amend the guidelines and loosen up.

Instead, sadly, the governor announced Thursday hes closing Orange County beaches. Thankfully he backed away from closing all beaches in California.

The TV angles were bad and made the beaches look more crowded than they really were, Moorlach says.

Everyone did social distancing. [It] was real cooperative and very respectful. They just wanted to get out and get some sun, which is really healthy.

If its unhealthy, if people are being infected with the virus by being drawn to the ocean as humans always have, show us some data. Do people who go to the beach contract the virus more than people who dont? Show us the numbers.

Until then, heres my declaration of independence from shallow thinking:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Californians are endowed with certain unalienable rights. Among these are sun, surf and a day at the beach.

Newsom could use some beach time.

View original post here:

Amid coronavirus, Californians have a right to beaches - Los Angeles Times

11 Stunning Photos of Zanzibar’s Beaches and Architecture – Cond Nast Traveler

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

The Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar is paradise defined: there are powdery white sand beaches, swaying palms, and the brilliant blue waters of the Indian Ocean, begging a dip. But the semi-autonomous region, which has long lured curious travelers, has a depth in its history and culture that are the true reason for repeat visits.

Also known as Spice Island, Zanzibar was once an important trading hub for traders from mainland Africa, India, and the Arab Peninsula, and that unique mix of influences can now be seen in everything from the food served, to the islands religious beliefs and architecture. In recent years, the pairing of that cultural strongholdwhich is so notably different from that of Tanzania properwith a new swath of chic, barefoot resorts has brought the destination even more buzz than in the past. As Zanzibar evolves, a new volume from Assouline celebrates the many reasons to fawn over the archipelago, with vintage photos, a look inside pilgrimage-worthy stays, and dazzling portraits of the Zanzibaris who make it the place that it is. Below are some of the images, pulled from the book, that are inspiring our future trips.

Go here to read the rest:

11 Stunning Photos of Zanzibar's Beaches and Architecture - Cond Nast Traveler

Newport Beach Officials Release Photos Disputing That Their Beaches Were Overcrowded – CBS Los Angeles

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Danzig

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA) City of Newport Beach officials are disputing allegations that their beaches were overcrowded this past weekend amid news that the governor plans to close all beaches beginning Friday amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The overwhelming majority of Newport Beach residents and visitors were families or practicing social distancing, the Newport Beach police and fire departments said in a joint statement Thursday morning.

Police officers and lifeguards who patrolled the seven-mile stretch of beaches determined that while some clusters of people were not following physical distancing guidelines, the vast majority were, the agencies said.

Furthermore, to try and bolster their point, they released aerial photos from a police helicopter that were taken at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, the peak day of attendance.

The Newport Beach City Council voted Tuesday against a proposal to close its beaches for the next three weekends.

However, that vote may not matter. According to a memo obtained by CBS News, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to announce the closure of all beaches and state parks effective Friday.

The order comes after Newsom, earlier this week, scolded the thousands of people who descended on beaches in Orange and Ventura counties during the weekend heat wave.

The images down in Orange County and Ventura County, on our beaches, those images are an example of what not to see, Newsom said Monday.

This virus doesnt take the weekends off, he added. This virus doesnt go home because its a beautiful, sunny day.

While beaches in L.A. County from Malibu to the South Bay were closed and empty over the weekend, the coastline of the cities of Port Hueneme, Huntington Beachand Newport Beach were quite the opposite, drawing thousands of visitors.

Huntington Beach police Sunday echoed Newport Beach police, tweeting that the majority of our beach goers are complying to social distancing.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Laguna Beach City Council Tuesday voted to reopen its beaches on weekday mornings only, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., beginning May 4.

See the article here:

Newport Beach Officials Release Photos Disputing That Their Beaches Were Overcrowded - CBS Los Angeles

Select Page ::