It’s Official: ‘Freedom Gas’ Is the Worst Phrase of the Year – Gizmodo

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The Trump administration has plumbed the depths of the English language from the presidents recent large turd obsession to an advisor who compared the demonization of carbon dioxide to the Holocaust to Ryan Zinke telling a protestor, Id like to see your child fight for energy (which weird flex but okay). Truly, these are all terrible and terribly stupid things to say.

But in the lexicon of the Trump administration, we now have the definitive word on what the worst phrase is. On Tuesday, the Plain English Foundation declared freedom gas the worst words of the year. The group bills itself as the authority in clear communication, and I have no reason to doubt this as their word choice is inspired.

The Department of Energy included that fateful phrase in a May 2019 press release about natural gas, attributing the phrase to Under Secretary of Energy Mark Menezes.

Increasing export capacity from the Freeport LNG project is critical to spreading freedom gas throughout the world by giving Americas allies a diverse and affordable source of clean energy, Menzes said before talking about molecules of freedom.

Honestly, molecules of freedom would be my choice for worst phrase of the year. It sounds like the name of a wretched, fascist tribute band of supergroup Atoms for Peace. But alas, Im just a humble blogger. Lets hear what Neil James, the executive director of the authority in clear communication, had this to say about their choice:

When a simple product like natural gas starts being named through partisan politics, we are entering dangerous terrain. Why cant natural gas just remain natural gas?

Too true, Neil. Too true.

This isnt even the administrations first flirtation with freedom fuels. Last year, then-Energy Secretary Rick Perry told CNBC that American fracked gas was the kind of freedom that is priceless. Mastercard, eat your heart out.

But while Trumps toilet riff is kinda funny (aside from having to think about our president taking a 15-flush dump), the attempt to rebrand natural gas as some kind of patriotic duty is an Orwellian nightmare. The U.S. has flooded the world with natural gas over the past decade or so thanks to advances in fracking. This is hardly liberating. Instead, its made the world more dependent on gas with many utilities infrastructure meant to last for decades.

Extracting and burning natural gas releases carbon dioxide and methane, a greenhouse gas thats way more potent than carbon dioxide (and which the Trump administration wants to deregulate). The more the world burns, the more it worsens the climate emergency. Again, not exactly freedom.

In fact, if were going to rebrand natural gas, how about make it unnatural gas for the world its creating. Or terror gas if we want to get a little spicier. You know, on second thought lets forget all about it and leave it in the ground.

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It's Official: 'Freedom Gas' Is the Worst Phrase of the Year - Gizmodo

The Times view on freedom of speech: Taking Offence – The Times

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December 26 2019, 12:01am,The Times

Complaints of hurt feelings must never trump the exercise of free speech

No one has a right not to be offended. This trenchant observation is made in The Times today by Sir Alan Moses, the outgoing chairman of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso), the press regulator. He is right. There is a disturbing tendency in modern culture to treat peoples deeply held beliefs, especially but not only in religious matters, as sacrosanct. That is no part of a free society. Knowledge advances not by a process of mutual accommodation but by a willingness to subject ideas to criticism, which includes denunciation, derision and mockery.

Sir Alan may have been alluding to an Ipso ruling that was widely criticised yet was sensible. It dismissed a complaint in 2016 against Kelvin MacKenzie for a column in The Sun

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The Times view on freedom of speech: Taking Offence - The Times

In Punjab, the Legacy of the Ghadar Movement Continues to Inspire the Fight for Justice – The Wire

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Jalandhar: Every year at the beginning of November, progressive writers, thinkers and activists young and old come together at the Mela Ghadari Babian Da in this Punjab city to pay homage to the revolutionaries who had laid down their lives as part of the Ghadar movement during Indias struggle for freedom.

Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall. Photo: Pawanjot Kaur

This year, the 28th Mela Ghadari Babian Da commemmorated the centennial year of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre as well. The three-day event began with the release of the Punjabi translation of Arundhati Roys latest novel, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, by author and journalist Daljit Ami.

Members of the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) addressed the gathering after Roy spoke on her book. The NFIW also released a fact-finding report from Kashmir on state brutality against minors.

Inevitably then, the mood of the three-day-long event was set. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre followed by illegal detentions by the British in Punjab were seen as a parallel to the crackdown unleashed on ordinary Kashmiris after the regions special status was revoked this August.

Also read: Excerpt | The Man Who Told the World of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Every year, a musical, called Ghadar da geet or A song of ghadar is presented at the festival.

The musical this year highlighted the situation in Kashmir. Young boys and girls covered their eyes with cotton patches to show the pain of pellet survivors. Posters of incarcerated human-rights activists like Sudha Bharadwaj were raised along with posters of free-thinkers like Gauri Lankesh and Narendra Dabholkar, who were murdered by Hindutva activists. A scene on mob-lynchings was presented too.

Photo: Pawanjot Kaur

The musical represented the evils that plague modern Indian society and highlighted a prominent one communalism.

Ghadar movement

Ghadar also written as Ghadr in English is an Urdu word for rebellion and the Mela Ghadari Babian Da gets its name from the Ghadar party, formed in 1913, by early Indian immigrants settled in North America. Their motive was to wage a nationwide armed struggle against British colonialism in India.

Most members of the Ghadar party came from the peasantry who first began migrating from Punjab to cities in Asia like Hong Kong, Manila and Singapore at the dawn of the 20th century. Later, with the rise in the lumber industry in Canada and the US, many moved to North America, where they thrived but also became victims of institutionalised racism.

In 1907, Asian immigrants coming to Canada were allowed in only if they had $200 with them. The racism against Indians who had the right to enter Canada as subjects of the British Empire was so pronounced that Canadian authorities eventually passed a Continuous Journey Provision, under which only those ships were permitted to Canada which arrived from their point of origin through a direct route. Since there were no direct ship routes between India and Canada at the time, it was assumed that this rule would put an end to Indians arriving at Canadas shores.

Also read: Kashmiris Should Be Given Freedom to Take Their Own Decisions: Punjab Farmers

Incessant discrimination against Indians took place, not just in Canada, but also in the US. The loss of dignity in such a manner seeded the idea of freedom and nationalism in the imaginations of working-class men and women settled in North America. They mobilised themselves against the whites. But when they started, they did so with very little or no knowledge of the English language until Lala Hardyal, a former professor of Indian Philosophy at Stanford, at the time, learnt about this.

The pioneers

After almost a decade-long fight against racism in Canada and in the US, Sohan Singh Bakhna and Pandit Kanshi Ram met Lala Hardyal in 1913 and formed the Ghadar Party a party that hoped to liberate Indians. They wanted justice but also vengeance.

The Pioneers. Photo: Ghadarmemorial.net

Together, Lala Hardyal, Pandit Kanshi Ram and Sohan Singh Bakhna, along with young rebels like Kartar Singh Saraba, based themselves in San Francisco, at 436 Hill Street, called it the Yugantar Ashram and set up a printing press to publish vernacular newspapers in Punjabi and Urdu. It was a party of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Parsis. A truly multicultural organisation that represented the nation of Indian people fighting for freedom before anything else.

A photo of the Hindustan Ghadar Party Headquarters displayed at the Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, Jalandhar. Photo: Pawanjot Kaur

Hindustan Ghadar was the name given to the newspaper and a weekly compilation of poetry and songs called Ghadar ki Goonj was published too.

With this, the news of a newly-born revolutionary party spread like wildfire. An advertisement with the following lines was carried in the inaugural issue of the newspaper:

Wanted: Brave soldiers to stir up revolution in IndiaPay: DeathPrize: MartyrdomPension: LibertyField of Battle: India

Hindustan Ghadar published profiles of martyrs, anthologies of rebel leaders, the 1857 rebellion and informed the Indian diaspora about their rights and the need for equality and justice. The party grew to about a thousand members within a few months and recruitment continued.

Revolution begins

With a successful printing press, Lala Hardyal and others managed to mobilise thousands of Indians abroad. Once the Ghadar Party had recruited enough young rebels, they decided to set sail to India.

Ghadar leaders decided to take advantage of Britains weak standing during World War I. Armed with money and weapons, and with the help of German agents operating in America at the time, Ghadar leaders left for India in batches.

The British had already learnt about these developments and had started laying down precautions for a mutiny. An Ingress Into India Ordinance was passed, under which strict restrictions were imposed on all immigrants returning to India. All ships coming to Indian ports were thoroughly inspected and a large number of people were hunted down. This was the beginning of the many challenges the Ghadar Party faced.

Failure of the revolution

Even before setting foot on Indian soil, a large number of Ghadar leaders were arrested as they were imprisoned after they disembarked.

Some, who evaded arrest Kartar Singh Saraba, Pandit Kanshi Ram and G. Pingale among others gathered in Punjab to carry out the revolution. At the time, Micheal O Dwyer was the lieutenant-general of Punjab.

Also read: How a Gandhi-Led Movement Against Bhagat Singhs Death Sentence Could Have Changed Indias History

In Punjab, Ghadar leaders adopted different strategies. The British targeted them as dacoits and they were not welcomed by the native Punjabi population too. A section of the Sikhs in Punjab branded the Ghadar leaders as apostates. At the time, Sikhs were the most loyal men in the British Army and had benefited enough from these jobs.

This loyalty towards the British by their country-men was unacceptable to the Ghadar leaders. Winning over native Punjabis became imperative for the revolution.

One of the many strategies adopted by them to carry out operations within India was to bring Indian soldiers of the British Army on their side. They did this by crossing cantonments and clandestinely speaking to well-trained soldiers in the lines. The 19-year-old Kartar Singh Saraba was the most active in this operation.

Kartar Singh Saraba. Photo: CPI(ML) website

Men from various regiments in Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Peshawar agreed to revolt and bombings on Mianmir and Ferozepur cantonments were carried out subsequently. Yet, the lack of discretion in carrying out bombings in Punjab and wide rejection by native Punjabi population were constant challenges that Ghadar members faced.

The mass unrest that the bombings caused made the British-Indian government, especially Micheal ODwyer, launch an aggressive crackdown against them. ODwyer ordered the imprisonment of every Ghadar member legally or illegally.

A new law to contain the revolution was introduced the Defence of India Act of 1915 under which all revolutionary and nationalist activities were banned. People were incarcerated without trial and sent to indefinite detentions in jails built in the middle of nowhere. Fearing this, Rash Behari Bose, who was at the time given the reins of the Ghadar movement, escaped to Japan, leaving the party with no leadership.

Lala Hardyal (L) and Pandit Kanshi Ram (R). Photo: Pawanjot Kaur

The Ghadar movement inspired to transpose egalitarian values of American culture in the social framework of colonial India, notes political scientist Harish Puri who has written widely on the Ghadar movement.

Most Indians believed the commonly peddled narrative about Ghadar leaders being dacoits and apostates. So there was a lack of acceptance for this revolution in the first place. Secondly, the movement also lacked centralised leadership.

Scholars have noted that the Ghadar leaders ideology was a departure from Marxism, where one party guides the revolution. Instead, people like Lala Hardyal were inspired by Russian anarchists and their belief in spontaneous acts of bravery.

Also read: Sufi Amba Prasad, Indias Forgotten Freedom Fighter

These spontaneous acts of bravery, however, were not enough to overthrow the British Raj in India. The British took all of this as a nuisance, especially since a majority of native Indians were still on their side. Ghadar leaders were not negotiating with the British like Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak or Dadabhai Naoroji for Swaraj (self-rule) but for complete freedom.

The legacy of Ghadar

Ghadar Party of 1913 failed to achieve its motives. It was not a successful armed rebellion for more reasons than one. But the movement became a milestone in Punjabs history of the struggle for freedom. Ghadar leaders and their spontaneous acts of bravery became a part of Punjabs folklore and continue to be so even today.

The rebellion successful or not set into motion various important events that marked Indias struggle against the British. The Pagdi Sambhal Jatta movement, led by Ajit Singh was one such event. Ajit Singh was closely associated with the Ghadar Party. In 1907, his fight for the rights of peasants in Lyallpur was an outright revolt against exploitative taxation policies of the British.

The Ghadar movement had a strong impression on Bhagat Singh as well. It is a widely known fact that Kartar Singh Saraba, the youngest member of the Ghadar party who was 19 when he carried out bombings inside army cantonments had been one of the most inspiring figures for Bhagat Singh, Ajit Singhs nephew. It is also said that Bhagat Singh carried a photo of Kartar Singh Saraba in his front pocket at all times.

The Rowlatt Act and the massacre that followed at Jallianwala Bagh in 1919 had a strong bearing of the Ghadar movement too. After the provisions of the Defence of India Act expired, the British feared the mushrooming of nationalist revolutionary organisations once again. This fear was the precursor for enabling the Rowlatt Act as a legislation. They didnt want Ghadar to happen once again, said Parminder Singh, a retired professor of English literature and general secretary of the Ghadar committee in Amritsar who was present at the festival.

Photo: Pawanjot Kaur

Two boys from Haryana in their 20s told The Wire that they attend the festival every year because Bhagat Singh inspires them. So we identify with the Ghadaris too, they said. The present government doesnt care about youth unemployment or about farmer distress. We are fighting for our rights like this countrys great martyrs did.

Women in Ghadar

Not much has been written about the role of women in the Ghadar movement. A huge photo gallery of martyrs at the Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall in Jalandhar has photos of women rebels. The Wire spoke to Gurmeet Singh, General Secretary of the Desh Bhagat Yadgar Committee, who had also curated the photo gallery. Singh said that Bibi Gulab Kaur, Mata Jass Kaur, Madam Cama, Durga Bhabhi were prominent women members of the Ghadar movement among others.

Gulab Kaur. Photo: Sikhchic.net

Bibi Gulab Kaurs role was key to the distribution of arms and Ghadar literature. She posed as a journalist with a fake press card to carry out operations of the party and was also at the forefront of recruiting members through her fiery speeches. In his book, Ghadar Di Dhee or The Daughter of Ghadar, Kesar Singh documents Gulab Kaurs life. He notes how Gulab Kaur was inspired by the lectures of Ghadar Party members in Manila, which led her to join the movement.

Kaur was married to Mann Singh, who refused to take part in the revolution when they were in Manila. Nonetheless, Kaur went ahead with her mission and boarded the ship to India with fifty other Ghadar leaders. She was ultimately sentenced to prison and tortured for seditious activities. She died in 1931.

The annual festival in Jalandhar is not limited to celebrating the Ghadar movement alone. It celebrates the idea of revolution.

The two reasons why we must always remember the Ghadar movement are this. First, they stood for a kind of a future which must be the future of a working-class and second, they stood for secularism. They were out and out secular people. They never tried to follow any kind of religious ideas, Parminder Singh told The Wire in a video interview.

At a time when India is witnessing the peak of right-wing politics, Mela Ghadari Babian Da stands out. It is a space where people can openly speak about the need for secularism, the need for action against human rights violations and the need for rights of working class in India.

Poster seeking justice for Tabrez Ansari. Photo: Pawanjot Kaur

Indefinite detentions and illegal incarceration of revolutionaries by the British under the Defence of India Act, and subsequently under the Rowlatt Act, resonates with the detentions of dozens of Kashmiris today. The tyranny of laws that impinged on basic human dignity under the British stands in parallel to the violation of human rights in Kashmir.

Also read: A Popular Annual Mela in Jalandhar Celebrates Resistance and Diversity

Mela Ghadari Babian Da is held annually at the Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, constructed in 1959 by a Ghadar veteran, Amar Singh Sandhwan. The festival and the hall is run and managed by the Desh Bhagat Yadgar Committee. This committee was set up before partition by Ghadar leaders themselves. At the time, it was called the Desh Bhagat Parivar Sahayak Committee. Their aim was to spread the message of Ghadar, identify and help the families of Ghadar leaders who were left behind after their imprisonment.

Comrade Surinder Singh. Photo: Pawanjot Kaur

Comrade Surinder Singh, a third-generation Ghadari, is one such trustee of the Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall. Speaking to The Wire, he said that his grandfather joined the Ghadar Party from Panama and arrived in India around 1934. Within a year, he was arrested in Amritsar and jailed. But later Singhs father, and later, he himself and now even his son the fourth generation spread the message of Ghadar and live by the principles of secularism, equality and liberalism.

While chatting with comrades at the Mela, one of them said that the Ghadar leher or the Ghadar wave is never spoken about in mainstream culture, yet it teaches the most relevant ideas to live by in the current political climate of India.

Our [Ghadar leaders] struggles have not been highlighted in the history of Indias struggle for freedom. Whatever Ghadar leaders documented about themselves was not circulated enough. The British tried hard that nothing about the Ghadar leaders gets documented. Later, the Indian National Congress did not want our stories to be told either. For them, Gandhijis struggle for freedom was vital and Nehruji was a prominent revolutionary, 78-year-old comrade Surinder Kaur said.

The legacy of the Ghadar movement has been an antidote to communal politics in India and will always be, added Parminder Singh.

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In Punjab, the Legacy of the Ghadar Movement Continues to Inspire the Fight for Justice - The Wire

For these Detroit Lions, jersey swaps are more than just about the piece of cloth – Detroit Free Press

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As players spilled onto the field for postgame handshakes, after Dwayne Haskins posed for a selfie with fans and Case Keenum took the final kneel-down snap in his place, Bo Scarbrough had one thing on his mind: meeting his idol, Adrian Peterson.

Scarbrough weaved his way through traffic and found Peterson near where Keenum took his knee. The two spent a minute expressing admiration for each others game, and when they were done, Peterson retreated to his locker room, peeled the jersey off his back and sent it to the young Detroit Lions running back in the visiting locker room at Washingtons FedExField.

I walked straight over there to him like, boom, Scarbrough said about the Nov. 24 game. Told him hes my favorite player. We had a conversation and he told me, Yeah, (you can have it). It was like Fourth of July and Christmas.

Detroit Lions running back Bo Scarbrough (43) jumps over Washington Redskins linebacker Carroll Phillips (58) while running with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)(Photo: The Associated Press)

Scarbrough kept Petersons game-worn No. 26 jersey in his locker the next few days, relishing the inscription on the number 2 as validation of the hard work hed put in.

Bo, young fella, keep running that rock hard, the inscription read. I love to see that physical play! God bless you! Put God #1. Everything else will fall into place. A.D.

A seventh-round pick by the Cowboys in 2018, Scarbrough never sniffed the field in Dallas and made pit stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks before finally catching his break with the Lions.

He made his first NFL start in mid-November against the Cowboys, and playing on the same field as Peterson a week later, he rushed for a career-high 98 yards in the Lions 19-16 loss to Washington.

Scarbrough, who has 80 carries for 335 yards and one touchdown in five games this season, said he has long tried to emulate Petersons running style, which he describes as big (and) angry.

Washington running back Adrian Peterson carries the ball past Lions strong safety Tavon Wilson during the first quarter on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Landover, Md.(Photo: Amber Searls, Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports)

He just dont give a (expletive) about nobody, Scarbrough said. I feel like when he gets the ball, its just like a light in the sky. You never know what he going to do with it. Its a miracle when you watch him.

Heis one of dozens of Lions players who have traded jerseys with opponents after games this season. Some fans, coaches and players dont like the look of cavorting with the enemy after a loss. But those who take part in the ritual say its often deeply personal.

[How Kyle Sloter knows he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL]

For Scarbrough, who plans to display Petersons jersey in a frame that reads, My Favorite Running Back of All-Time, simply being on the same field as Peterson was emotional, given his path to the NFL.

Its just like a little kid just smashing his hand in a pile of cake, Scarbrough said. Thats how exciting it is to get to meet one of your favorite players thats been your favorite player since you can remember, and you finally get to actually meet him and play against him.

With one more chance to exchange jerseys this season Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, three other Lions explain why jersey swaps are meaningful to them.

Ford grew up in Alton, Illinois, across the state line from St. Louis, where Ezekiel Elliott was a schoolboy star. Ford and Elliott never played against each other in high school, but they ranked 1-2 in the St. Louis area in rushing one season, and when they met for the first time on the field this season, Ford had to ask Elliott for his jersey.

Ezekiel Elliott high steps into the end zone on a touchdown run against the Lions.(Photo: Raj Mehta, USA TODAY Sports)

Ive known him since I was like 5, Ford said. Hes from exactly where Im from, same area. We grew up in the same area. Went to the same Boys and Girls Club. Same guy.

Ford said he sought advice from Elliott coming out of the draft and occasionally talks football with the Dallas Cowboys running back via social media or text.

Getting Elliotts jersey, he said, was a way to pay homage to his hometown.

Itll be super cool to be like, Me and that guy from the same area both made it, hesaid. Just to be able to exchange jerseys, its something, not just for me but for the city and just everybody thats keeping eyes on us. Its super cool.

Ford, in his second NFL season, said he trades jerseys only with guys that Im really cool with and that I feel Im real good friends with.

Me and Zeke been knowing each other since we were real young kids, worked out together before we went to college, he said. Hes just my guy. Just a guy that I hang out with, known since we were young. Its just kind of like old friends that made it to the league, exchanged jerseys.

Slay has an extensive jersey collection from his seven seasons in the league. At one point, he was exchanging jerseys with opponents on an almost weekly basis, often with close friends.

This year, Slay said he made one swap that was especially meaningful with Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) makes a catch against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)(Photo: The Associated Press)

Hes a special guy, man, Slay said. Hall of Famer. Great receiver. Been going against him for quite a bit, so its an honor that he gave me his jersey.

Slay and Fitzgerald have played against each other six times. The Lions are 2-3-1 in those games, and while Slay hasnt always covered Fitzgerald, he has immense respect for Fitzgeralds game and style of play.

At 36 years old, Fitzgerald is nearing the end of his career.

Slay said he wanted Fitzgeralds jersey both as a way to commemorate their battles against each other and also to have a piece of history from one of the games all-time greats.

Hes a competitor, Slay said. He competes at a high level. Very humble guy, man. Probably one of the most humble receivers. Him and Calvin (Johnson), are the most humble two guys I ever met as a receiver corps that dont say nothing to nobody, just uplifting guys. So very humble dude.

Like Ford, Golladay said he rarely trades jerseys, and when he does its usually with close friends.

In his locker, he has the jerseys of former Lions wide receiver T.J. Jones and Miami Dolphins tight end Nick OLeary, and after last weeks loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he swapped jerseys with defensive end Pat OConnor.

Nov 24, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) carries the ball past Washington Redskins cornerback Fabian Moreau (31) during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports(Photo: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports)

Teammates at St. Rita High in Chicago, Golladay and OConnor have followed similar paths to the NFL. They both went to Mid-American Conference schools OConnor at Eastern Michigan and Golladay at Northern Illinois (after a pit stop at FCS North Dakota) and both were 2017 draft choices of the Lions.

We didnt know each coming into freshman year of high school, but played against each other in college, got drafted by the same team, Golladay said. Thats always been my boy, even in high school.

Along with OConnors jersey and those of Jones and OLeary, Golladay said his collection includes the likes of Jacoby Brissett, Jimmy Ward and Tommylee Lewis.

Golladay played with Ward and Lewis at Northern Illinois, and he spends his offseasons training in Florida with Brissett, Lewis and OLeary (the three of whom were high school teammates at Palm Beach Dwyer High).

Not saying I wouldnt trade jerseys with other people, Golladay said. But I just feel like it just means a little bit more (when its) somebody who I know.

Contact Dave Birkett atdbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@davebirkett.Read more on theDetroit Lionsand sign up for ourLions newsletter.

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For these Detroit Lions, jersey swaps are more than just about the piece of cloth - Detroit Free Press

Patrick Peterson is Projected to Be the #86 DB the Rest of the 2019 Season… Keep on the Waiver Wire – Scout

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REST OF SEASON OUTLOOK AND POSITION RANK

Patrick Peterson is not projected to be worth a roster spot based on total fantasy points the rest of the season. His 5 projected fantasy points puts him at #86 behind Anthony Harris and ahead of Montae Nicholson. Patrick Peterson is expected to improve on this season-to-date's #98 fantasy position rank.

These projections power SportsLine's Computer Picks and Fantasy Data. But for contest winning DFS optimal lineups by top experts like Mike McClure visit SportsLine's new Daily Fantasy Hub.

His biggest fantasy week was week 15 where he had 13 fantasy points. He finished as the #3 defensive back twice. Patrick Peterson had more below average weeks than above average weeks. The table below has his weekly games played, fantasy points and weekly position rank.

The tables below show projected stats (totals and averages) for the rest of the season and current week. Also included are actual stats from the current and last season.

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Patrick Peterson is Projected to Be the #86 DB the Rest of the 2019 Season... Keep on the Waiver Wire - Scout

Dwayne The Rock Johnson has ties to Tom Peterson, Portland wrestling and, of course, Salt & Straw – OregonLive

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Not only does Dwayne The Rock Johnson have a new ownership stake in the Portland-based Salt & Straw ice cream chain, it turns out the pro wrestler-turned-TV-and-movie star has even more Northwest connections. On Johnsons Twitter page, hes been busy posting about his new hit movie, Jumanji: The Next Level, Salt & Straws Dwanta Claus Holiday Pack ice cream flavors, and the fact that Johnson has ties to such local icons as Tom Peterson and Portland wrestling.

Responding to another Twitter post, Johnson wrote, I lived in Vancouver, WA when my old man wrestled for Portland based wrestling promoter, Don Owens. I practically lived in the old Portland sports arena when I was a kid. Lots of ties to Oregon & Portland in particular.

As if that wasnt enough, Johnson added, in another Twitter post, Haha and another crazy connection to Portland..my uncle, Siva married Tom Petersons (famous local Portland appliance and electronics store owner) daughter, Kathy. Back in the 80s I believe.

Johnsons posts have drawn plenty of responses, including invitations for Johnson to attend a Portland Timbers match, along with a Twitter poster who wrote, Thats some serious old Portland credibility. The only other way you could top it is having been on the Ramblin Rod show as a kid.

As The Oregonian/OregonLive recently reported, Johnson became an investor in Salt & Straw via the Garcia Companies, an investment firm operated by Johnsons ex-wife, Dany Garcia.

Along with his many other talents, Johnson seems to be a gifted salesman, because according to the Salt & Straw website, the $65 Dwanta Claus Holiday Pack, is, at the moment, sold out.

More of our coverage:

-- Kristi Turnquist

kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.

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Dwayne The Rock Johnson has ties to Tom Peterson, Portland wrestling and, of course, Salt & Straw - OregonLive

Harsin and the Broncos to face former head coach Chris Peterson in upcoming Las Vegas Bowl – Boise State University The Arbiter Online

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The time for the Boise State Broncos to celebrate their Mountain West Championship title has come and gone. The team must now prepare to face the Washington Huskies in the 2019 Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m.

From a record standpoint, Boise State seems to have the upper hand with 12-1 on the season, while Washington trails with 7-5. However, the Huskies case is strengthened with their 45-19 victory over BYU the team that defeated the Broncos 28-25 handing them their single loss of the 2019 season.

The bowl will feature an incomplete Washington offense, missing both senior left tackle Trey Adams and junior tight end Hunter Bryant. In their absence, redshirt junior quarterback Jacob Eason will rely on second-string protection and senior wide receiver Aaron Fuller. Junior tailback Salvon Ahmed also poses a threat to the Broncos as he comes off a 1000-yard rushing season.

Washingtons defense ranks 23rd in the nation, just above Boise State. In this season alone, junior defensive back Elijah Molden has accumulated 70 tackles and three interceptions, and redshirt sophomore outside linebacker Joe Tryon has 40 tackles and 8 sacks.

For deep-rooted Boise State fans, this years bowl selection may feel like dj vu, since the same matchup was seen in the 2012 MAACO Bowl Las Vegas, when the Broncos came up with a 28-26 victory after a nail-biting battle with the Huskies.

Despite the repeat in teams, there is a key difference between then and now: head coach Chris Peterson.

When Boise State defeated Washington in the 2012 Las Vegas Bowl, Peterson was the head coach of the Broncos. This year, however, Peterson is entering the Las Vegas Bowl as head coach of the Huskies, opposing the team he first led to the event.

Peterson was on Boise States coaching staff for 13 seasons, where he served as offensive coordinator from 2001-2005 and head coach from 2006-2013. Peteron left the Broncos in 2014 to be Washingtons head coach, remaining in the position since.

The 2019 Las Vegas Bowl will be Petersons last game with Washington before he steps down. One may say that playing the Broncos in his send-off game is full-circle, while others may consider the situation to be awkward.

At his press conference, Peterson spoke on the connotations of the approaching bowl game and how playing against the Broncos is not ideal.

Obviously, personally speaking, theres a lot of other teams that I would probably like to be playing for this last time, Peterson said.

Current Boise State head coach Bryan Harsin, who worked under Peterson as offensive coordinator from 2006-2010, made it clear that he did not want the implied rivalry to distract from the game itself.

There is an obvious storyline in this game, Harsin said. The most important thing that we all have to consider [is to]not overshadow the players that are actually going to play in the game.

Boise State graduate defensive tackle David Moa heads into the bowl with a perspective not shared by the newer additions to his team. Peterson was directly involved in the recruitment of Moa.

That one opportunity I got to talk to him on the phone, you could just see how special of a person he was through what he was saying I honestly committed right then, on the spot, Moa said.

Moa committed to Boise State on Nov. 21, 2013, less than a month before Petersons departure, but bears no hard feelings toward the coach and looks forward to seeing him on the field.

Senior safety Kekoa Nawahine, who committed nine days before Moa, shares a positive outlook on facing coach Peterson and his Huskies.

I feel like its kind of a poetic ending to my career here at Boise State, Nawahine said.

Despite the excitement of athletes and fans, Harsin and Petersons press conferences shared an overlapping theme of disregarding the stigma.

It is what it is, both coaches said.

A victory in the 2019 Las Vegas Bowl holds great value to each coach Harsin would cap off his winningest season yet, and Peterson would end his coaching career on a high note.

When the Broncos and Huskies take the field, the country will see the effects of Petersons past with the Boise State coaching staff and roster, if any effects at all.

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Harsin and the Broncos to face former head coach Chris Peterson in upcoming Las Vegas Bowl - Boise State University The Arbiter Online

Hosey: Where in the world is Drew Peterson? – DeKalb Daily Chronicle

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It was 12 years and two months ago that Stacy Peterson disappeared.

In all that time, the police never have been able to figure out where she went or what happened to her.

The cops combed through the home she shared with her husband, Bolingbrook police Sgt. Drew Peterson, volunteer searchers walked fields, divers went into ponds and the canal and nobody managed to turn up a trace of Stacy, who would be 35 if shes still alive.

Drew Peterson, incidentally, is 65 years old, but only was 49 when he made 19-year-old Stacy his fourth wife.

After Stacy disappeared, the state police named Peterson a suspect in her potential homicide, but never charged him with killing her, potentially or otherwise. In fact, they never charged him with doing anything to her at all.

If Peterson did do anything at all to Stacy, he probably regrets it now, because it forced the authorities to look at the untimely demise of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, in 2004.

The circumstances of Savios death truly were suspicious. Yet the state police, for some reason, dismissed it at the time as nothing more than an unfortunate, freak bathtub accident.

Peterson ended up getting 38 years for Savios murder. Then he got another 40 years for supposedly conspiring to orchestrate the killing of Will County States Attorney James Glasgow from behind the walls of maximum security Menard Correctional Center.

Thats a lot of years and it would be nothing short of a miracle for Peterson outlive his sentence. Still, there has been no justice for Stacy. Unless thats what all this is about with prison officials hiding Peterson away from the rest of the world.

First they moved Peterson out of Illinois, taking him from Menard and putting him in a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana. Then, last week, Peterson was pulled out of Terre Haute and sent off to well, no one seems to know, as prison officials are keeping it secret.

The Illinois Department of Corrections did issue a statement about it, saying, Drew Peterson has transferred from the Federal Bureau of Prisons to a state facility outside Illinois. He remains under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Corrections. For safety and security purposes, the department does not discuss details concerning the placement of offenders who have transferred under the terms of the Interstate Corrections Compact Agreement.

It boggles my mind, said Joseph Shark Lopez, one of the attorneys who represented Peterson in his murder case, of the recent moves made.

Ive never seen anything like that in my life, Lopez said. Very strange.

Another of Petersons attorneys, Steve Greenberg, said he had no idea what became of him. He suggested the authorities secretly may have released Peterson, or that he could have escaped, or was possibly dead.

Either way, Greenberg, who now has R. Kelly as a client, said he hadnt heard from Peterson since he departed the prison in Terre Haute.

The last I heard from him was a few months ago. Peterson called to tell a story of his cellmate setting him up and getting him in trouble.

He said he was working in the prison laundry, a day like any other day, when he was pulled into the lieutenants office, where they advised me that a knife and a 25-foot rope was found in my locker. Those were both pretty serious charges for the prison.

Peterson said he ultimately was cleared of wrongdoing, but not before he spent a month in the prisons Special Housing Unit.

Its a nightmarish place where they dont allow TV, phones, magazines or nothing, Peterson said of the unit. All they let you do is read, which is something I really dont do.

It sounds pretty awful, even if reading is something you happen to do. But at least we had some idea where they were keeping Peterson.

Now, its anybodys guess. It might as well be a potential homicide.

Joe Hosey is the editor of The Herald-News. You can reach him at 815-280-4094, at jhosey@shawmedia,com or on Twitter @JoeHosey.

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Hosey: Where in the world is Drew Peterson? - DeKalb Daily Chronicle

Evers says he’s a work in progress entering second year – Minneapolis Star Tribune

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MADISON, Wis. Former school teacher and state education education secretary Tony Evers isn't ready to give himself a grade on his first year as Wisconsin's governor.

"Incomplete," Evers said during a wide-ranging interview that looked back at his first year in office and ahead to 2020. "After four years, I'll be glad to offer A through F, but at this point it's incomplete."

Evers' first year was marked by partisan disagreements with Republicans who control the Legislature, and although he and his fellow Democrats have registered some victories, little headway was made on many substantive issues.

"I think we made good progress where we're poised to do better things in the future," he said.

Evers took office in January after defeating two-term Republican incumbent Scott Walker. But Republicans maintained their majorities in the Legislature, creating a recipe for gridlock that proved largely to be true. Republicans started by cutting Evers' powers during a lame duck legislative session before he even took office. Most major Democratic proposals have been stymied, and Republicans have described themselves as serving as a "goalkeeper" to block Evers' agenda.

Still, Evers did sign a budget that hit many of his top priorities and campaign promises. He increased funding for schools and the University of Wisconsin, and put more money into roads and health care, but far less than what he wanted. He also cut middle class taxes by 10%, which Republicans strongly supported.

He cited the enactment of the budget as a highlight, calling it a "down payment on the future."

"We set a high bar," Evers said. "We had some success in getting there."

Many other issues are going nowhere.

Bipartisan bills that would legalize medical marijuana have stalled, as have Democratic efforts to expand Medicaid, address the "dark store" loophole, a property tax issue that's important to local governments, and institute new gun control measures. Evers tried to force Republicans to debate universal gun background checks and a "red flag" law that would give judges the power to take guns from people determined to be a risk to themselves or others, but Republicans didn't even debate the measures before adjourning a special session Evers called.

Their discord also showed up in the usually routine matter of confirming Cabinet secretaries, those who lead state agencies and work closely with the governor. Republicans rejected Evers' choice for the state agriculture department, in part because of his push to institute divisive, tougher siting rules designed to protect farmers' neighbors from the stench of manure. It was the first time the Senate had rejected a Cabinet pick since at least the 1980s.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said it's possible the Senate may adjourn for the year without voting on some of Ever's Cabinet picks.

The Senate fired Evers' agriculture secretary the same week it took no action on the gun bills during the special session. Evers showed his anger, lashing out at Republicans in comments to reporters laced with four-letter words.

Evers tried to force Republicans to release money to combat homelessness in December, but they refused.

While Evers refused to give himself a grade on his first year, legislative leaders were happy to.

Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos gave him a C, while he said the budget was worthy of an A-minus.

"C is average, right?" Vos said. "You know, in many ways I feel like it's incomplete because I haven't seen a whole lot of proposals from him. But I would say average."

Fitzgerald declined to give Evers a grade, but he was critical of how the governor worked with lawmakers.

"It's been kind of a rocky road," he said.

Not surprisingly, Democrats were more generous.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling gave Evers a B. Democratic Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz gave Evers an A-minus, although he said many of Evers' victories like flying a gay pride flag over the Capitol for the first time were symbolic.

Hintz praised Evers for trying to govern from the center. That's a break from Walker, who Hintz said was "political 24-7."

"I think it comes across as authentic," Hintz said of Evers. "Some of the victories have been symbolic, but I've appreciated his willingness to speak out on issues."

Evers rejected the notion his victories were symbolic, specifically citing funding increases for schools, roads and health care included in the state budget as substantial.

Those "would not have happened if I wasn't sitting in this office," Evers said. "And all you do is you have to do is walk down the street and walk around the state and talk to people in the schools and ask them if they got a better deal under me than Scott Walker."

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Evers says he's a work in progress entering second year - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Hepatitis C, cell therapy among breakthroughs in decade of progress – The Columbian

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Luckily, more options are on their way. Some drugmakers are focused on different types of blood cancers. Others hope to mitigate side effects or create treatments that can be grown from donor cells to reduce expenses and speed up treatment. In the longer run, companies are targeting trickier solid tumors. Scientists wouldnt be looking so far into the future without this decades extraordinary progress.

Researchers have spent years trying to figure out how to replace faulty DNA to cure genetic diseases, potentially with as little as one treatment. Scientific slip-ups and safety issues derailed a wave of initial excitement about these therapies starting in the 1990s; the first two such treatments to be approved in Europe turned out to be commercial flops.

This decade, the technology has come of age. Luxturna, a treatment developed by Spark Therapeutics Inc. for a rare eye disease, became the first gene therapy to get U.S. approval in late 2017. Then in May came the approval of Novartis AGs Zolgensma for a deadly muscle-wasting disease. The drugs have the potential to stave off blindness and death or significant disability with a single dose, and, unsurprisingly, Big Pharma has given them a substantial financial endorsement. Roche Holding AG paid $4.7 billion to acquire Spark this year, while Novartis spent $8.7 billion in 2018 to buy Zolgensma developer Avexis Inc.

Dozens of additional therapies are in development for a variety of other conditions and should hit the market in the next few years. They offer the tantalizing potential not just to cure diseases, but to replace years of wildly expensive alternative treatment. If drugmakers can resist the temptation to squeeze out every ounce of value by doing things like charging $2.1 million for Zolgensma, theres potential for these treatments to save both lives and money.

The above treatments modify DNA; this group uses the bodys messaging system to turn a patients cells into a drug factory or interrupt a harmful process. Two scientists won a Nobel Prize in 2006 for discoveries related to RNA interference (RNAi), one approach to making this type of drug, showing its potential to treat difficult diseases. That prompted an enormous amount of hype and investment, but a series of clinical failures and safety issues led large drugmakers to give up on the approach. Sticking with it into this decade paid off.

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Hepatitis C, cell therapy among breakthroughs in decade of progress - The Columbian

Kevin Rennie: this New Years resolve to celebrate while also working to continue progress – Hartford Courant

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The Turkish government issued an arrest warrant for me, filed an Interpol red notice demanding that other countries detain me, threatened my family and arrested my father. I dont communicate with relatives in Turkey because I fear that a single message could be used as evidence of terrorist activity, Kanter wrote in the Washington Post in November. That was on the eve of a visit to Washington by Erdogan to meet with Donald Trump. In October, Trump abandoned our loyal, ferocious allies the Syrian Kurds, leaving them to the mercy of Erdogan and other malicious forces in the regions. Kanter refuses to be silence in the face of injustice, providing a striking contrast to many Republican leaders who could once be relied on to support freedom and the dignity of humankind where it is under attack.

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Kevin Rennie: this New Years resolve to celebrate while also working to continue progress - Hartford Courant

Another Bump In The Rhode Island: How A Sports Betting Lawsuit Could Derail Progress – Legal Sports Report

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Rhode Island has been slow to hit its stride with legal sports betting, despite its head start. The state which saw a $22.2 million handle in September has not seen that translate into significant revenue via the 51 percent tax that was imposed.

While the small state may still eliminate potential hurdles to profit maximization by eliminating things like in-person registration for mobile, another issue may stall the states revenue ambitions.

Over the last several months, a plaintiff in Rhode Island has been seeking to challenge the state lottery and state casinos ability to offer sports betting without a referendum from the states voters and an amendment to the states constitution.

An earlier attempt by the plaintiff to challenge the enactment of the RI sports betting law was thwarted by the lottery and casinos, arguing that the plaintiff lacked standing to bring the lawsuit. The Rhode Island Superior Court agreed, and granted a motion to dismiss.

It appears, however, as though the plaintiff may have failed to include in his third amended complaint that he had actually placed a wager in the state. With the courts permission, the plaintiff amended his complaint stating that he placed a bet on the New England Patriots in December 2018 at the Twin River-Tiverton casino, which he lost.

The state lottery and casino defendants moved to dismiss the Plaintiffs fourth attempt. They argued that he still lacked standing even though he now acknowledged placing a bet to challenge the law.

The plaintiff countered that he has standing to challenge the enactment of sports wagering because he placed a sports wager that was authorized pursuant to an unconstitutional statute and suffered economic harm thereby.

In order for a plaintiff to prove that they have standing they must show that they can satisfy three elements:

The first element a plaintiff must prove is an invasion of a legally protected interest.

This term lacks a uniformly accepted meaning, but courts have found that monetary harm, or the type of loss suffered by the plaintiff, may satisfy the element of injury in fact required to prove standing.

The Rhode Island Superior Court found that the Plaintiff has alleged the invasion of a legally protected interest: interest in the money that he spent and lost on a sports wager.

The second element for the establishment of standing is a concrete and particularized injury. This means that there must be an actual injury, as opposed to a hypothetical or abstract ailment. The injury must also affect the plaintiff in a personal and individual way.

The Rhode Island court concluded that the plaintiffs injury was both concrete and particularized. Indeed, Plaintiffs alleged economic harm of losing money on a sports wager is nonspeculative; rather, it is actual and measurable as a definite amount of money.

Relatedly, the loss of money was held to be particularized because it was the plaintiffs own money, and would thus affect him in a personal way.

The final element necessary to establish standing is that the alleged injury must be actual or imminent. The court quickly concluded that the plaintiff established an actual injury for purposes of standing. The plaintiff lost money by wagering on the Patriots, and no longer has that money as a result of what the plaintiff claims is an unconstitutional law.

Whether a court can hear a claim depends on more than just standing. The plaintiff must also establish that the case is otherwise justiciable. This includes a showing by the plaintiff that what they are seeking the court to grant them is something within the courts power.

Unfortunately for the defendants in the case, the Rhode Island court found that a state court has the ability to review the constitutionality of a state law and award corresponding damages to an injured plaintiff.

The defendants argued that because the plaintiff had placed a sports bet voluntarily, this precluded him from challenging the law. Their argument is that by placing a sports bet, the plaintiff conceded that the statute enabling such behavior was constitutional.

The court rejected this argument, noting that this behavior has a long precedent as a means for challenge statutes.

The final element that the Court looked to in determining whether the claim was justiciable was whether the action causing injury could be traced to the defendants. The court found that losing money on a sports bet at a casino offering sports betting satisfied the traceability requirement.

The immediate takeaway from the decision is that the plaintiffs lawsuit will continue. The lawsuit survived an early challenge, but this decision doesnt appear to threaten sports betting in Rhode Island.

The immediate decision allows the case to continue. Its not a decision on the merits of the plaintiff claim, only a threshold issue allowing the claim to proceed.

The Rhode Island Superior Court judge noted that the defendants only filed a motion arguing that the plaintiff lacked standing. The defendants seemed to argue, however, that the plaintiff also failed to state a claim.

Though the judge noted the scope of the motion as limited to standing, it leaves the door open that the defendants may file a motion alleging that the plaintiffs complaint fails to state a claim. Such a motion would need to satisfy a different standard.

While this lawsuit could derail the states sports gambling, there are many legal proceedings to come before approaching that point.

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Another Bump In The Rhode Island: How A Sports Betting Lawsuit Could Derail Progress - Legal Sports Report

Precision BioSciences Makes Impressive Progress On Mission To Change CAR-T Therapy Landscape – Seeking Alpha

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Precision BioSciences (DTIL) is a biotech that should be on everyone's radar. While it is still an early-stage speculative biotech, it holds so much potential in the CAR-T space. It has a unique off the shelf approach to utilizing CAR-T, which will likely set itself apart from all the competitors in the space. Preliminary data was good, in the sense that PBCAR0191 was active, but the stock fell initially as some investors were not as impressed with the initial data. I believe that it is too early to write off this biotech, because there are a few key areas that must be addressed as it relates to results from the Phase 1/2a study using this particular CAR-T to treat patients with relapsed/refractory hematological malignancies.

I feel that Precision BioSciences was mistreated in terms of the reaction from the clinical data it had released at ASH. It released results from its Phase 1/2a study using PBCAR0191 to treat patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL) and relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). In the r/r NHL population, there were 4 out of 6 patients who responded, for a 66% overall response rate (ORR). I believe that investor disappointment came from the next dataset, in which it was noted 2 early responders given this CAR-T had progressed.

On the r/r B-cell precursor ALL front it was decent as well with 1 out of 3 patients responding, or 33% ORR at day 28+. The good news here with respect to this patient is that it was a complete response. There are a few changes that can be observed in eventually seeing an improvement in data, which is why I believe the sell-off was irrational. Especially, since the stock had hit a bottom of $9.50 per share on December 9, 2019. Since then, it has traded higher to where it is now around $14.60 per share.

The first item to notice is that this is a new type of technology. Precision is basing its CAR-T as an allogeneic type of treatment. This is new territory, but one worth exploring. For instance, allogeneic means that engineered T-cells are modified from a healthy human donor and not the patient themselves. This brings a more rapid process for developing treatments, because patients don't have to wait weeks to be treated. With autologous CAR-T, T-cells must first be extracted from the cancer patient in question. Then sent to a lab to be engineered/modified with CARs needed to go after cancerous cells. Then those engineered cells are shipped back to the treatment center. Such an autologous process can take a very long time.

For example, Novartis (NVS) has its CAR-T Kymriah and Gilead Sciences (GILD) has Yescarta. The point here is that the vein-to-vein time (length of time of T-cell recruitment, CAR modification, and back to treatment center) can take 3 to 4 weeks. That means the patient must wait this long of a period of time before they are even ever treated. That's why I believe it is imperative that the allogeneic approach to CAR-T is perfected. If anything 3 to 4 weeks of waiting for a treatment is not a good thing for these cancer patients where time is of the essence.

The second item to note involves a small sample size. In my opinion, it works both ways. If a small sample size doesn't guarantee clinical success, then the inference can't be that it also proves the failure of a treatment. The Phase 1/2a study only recruited 6 patients for r/r NHL and then 3 patients for r/r B-cell precursor ALL. There needs to be a larger sample size like other late-stage CAR-T studies to really see whether or not PBCAR0191 is effective for these patient populations.

The third item involves dose escalation. As is the norm, Phase 1 studies look more towards safety of a drug. In other words, the goal is to see if there are dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) which occur during the study. Since Precision BioSciences didn't see anything major in earlier doses (dose 1 and dose 2), it is able to assess the next set of clinical data expected in Q1 of 2020 using dose 3. The 3rd dose level of 3x106 cells/kg will be used for this study and next data readout. Even then, the next set of data expected at that time may not be the final dose eventually used towards a mid-stage study.

The key point here being that dose escalation will continue until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is established. Once an MTD is used for a mid-stage study, then the focus falls on efficacy of the drug at that time. At this point, it is really too early to say that PBCAR0191 is not effective in these patient populations. At least for the time being, the company was able to generate some response rates with lower doses, which is impressive early on. This bodes well for higher dosing in the coming cohorts.

The final item to highlight is the need for a more safer alternative CAR-T. Especially, as you may be aware that these types of treatments require lymphodepletion before treatment is administered to patients. Precision is taking a more moderate approach to lymphodepletion. In a study with 9 patients there were Grade 3 and Grade 4 adverse events typically associated with lymphodepletion, but no infections. That means the Flu/Cy lymphodepletion regimen being given in a moderate treatment approach, spares patients from severe adverse events such as infections which are associated with biologics. This is another key positive for those patients who are treated with allogeneic CAR-Ts. The advantage here being that with a more moderate approach of lymphodepletion, pending no SAEs, there could even be combination therapies explored for these patients. This also makes it easier to potentially increase to a higher level 4 dose.

Setting aside that the data reported from the Phase 1/2a study with the use of PBCAR0191, it's important to note the context of this CAR-T. This particular candidate targets cancer cells that express CD19. This is why the therapy is good, specifically for the treatment of NHL and ALL. However, Precision already had another CAR-T candidate lined up directly behind PBCAR0191.

This other candidate is known as PBCAR20A and is named as such that it targets cancer cells that express CD20. Therefore, some cancer indications appropriate for this target are NHL, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic leukemia (SLL). This is a good backup candidate just in case PBCAR0191 doesn't make it to the finish line for marketing approval. Even then, that CAR-T is still in the dose-expansion phase. The Phase 1/2a study using PBCAR20A will be initiated in the coming weeks/months. That's because the IND has already been cleared by the FDA so that the biotech can get this study initiated soon.

The ARCUS technology platform utilizes a synthetic ARC nuclease enzyme. The key advantage here being that the ARC nuclease enzyme is similar to the natural genome process of a homing endonuclease found in Eukaryotic species (species that have cells with an enclosed nucleus with membrane). Why is the ARCUS technology flexible? Well, above it was shown that Precision was able to establish off the shelf CAR-T cells based on this genome editing platform.

In the same way it can engineer or manipulate CARs, it can cut into DNA sequences as part of genome editing against other diseases. That's all great, but isn't this early stage technology? It is quite early in the process for genome editing, but Precision is definitely onto something with its ARCUS platform. This can be proven in that Gilead Sciences was already willing to generate a deal with Precision. This is a good deal, because Precision is eligible for a potential of $445 million in milestone payments. Not only that, but Gilead will fully fund the research and development of the Hepatitis B product being explored with this partnership.

According to the 10-Q SEC Filing, Precision BioSciences had $206.3 million in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2019. With this cash on hand, it believes it can fund its operations into 2021. Based on this projection, I don't foresee a near-term cash raise. If anything, I believe a cash raise may be done during the 2nd half of 2020. The only way an earlier raise will be done is if the biotech has other expansion plans in mind. In the long term though, as long as good data is observed in the genome editing product for the treatment of Hepatitis B, then Precision will be eligible for millions in milestone payments.

The main risk deals with the first CAR-T product highlighted above PBCAR0191. That's because even though there is potential for improved efficacy at a higher dose level, there are two items to keep an eye on. The first is whether or not dose level 3 is safe. This means that there aren't highly toxic events that forces the biotech to not move forward with a higher dose. The second would be to see an improvement in clinical data. In this regard, it will be important to note if improved response rates are achieved as the dose is increased.

If the data stays the same or gets worse, that will be very troublesome. Lastly, it falls back on being patient as the trial progresses. A small group of 3 or 6 patients will not predict final clinical outcome in other studies. Eventually, it will be important to see a mid-stage study that incorporates 30 or more patients. That will be a better sample size, in order to determine whether or not PBCAR0191 is effective in treating relapsed/refractory NHL and ALL patients.

Precision BioSciences still holds potential to advance its first CAR-T product PBCAR0191 in treating patients with relapsed/refractory NHL and ALL. There is another CAR-T therapy that is already in the clinic known as PBCAR20A, which is expected to begin a Phase 1/2a study in the coming weeks/months. This will help reduce investor risk as it relates to the allogeneic CAR-T therapy pipeline. The genome editing platform is another potential area where the biotech can capitalize on. It's too early to state whether or not all products stemming from this platform will be successful.

However, it is bullish that Gilead Sciences has already made a commitment to fully funding research and clinical studies towards developing a gene therapy product for patients with Hepatitis B. The stock recovered after the initial fall based on the early allogeneic CAR-T PBCAR0191. I believe that there is potential for a recovery of the stock and if dosing continues to escalate without major toxicity issues, then an improvement in clinical outcomes can be achieved when data is reported again in Q1 2020.

This article is published by Terry Chrisomalis, who runs the Biotech Analysis Central pharmaceutical service on Seeking Alpha Marketplace. If you like what you read here and would like to subscribe to, I'm currently offering a two-week free trial period for subscribers to take advantage of. My service offers a deep-dive analysis of many pharmaceutical companies. The Biotech Analysis Central SA marketplace is $49 per month, but for those who sign up for the yearly plan will be able to take advantage of a 33.50% discount price of $399 per year.

Disclosure: I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

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Precision BioSciences Makes Impressive Progress On Mission To Change CAR-T Therapy Landscape - Seeking Alpha

Spirit of St. Louis: Pathways to Progress – KPLR 11 St. Louis

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ST. LOUIS - One area family is getting quite a surprise under the tree this year thanks to the generosity of those giving to Pathways to Progress, one of our Spirit of St Louis charities.

Kamillya Mitchell's family in north St. Louis County will feel the spirit of the season after being adopted for Christmas through the United Way's 100 Neediest Cases program. This would be a year of struggle after losing her mom and shortly thereafter her father on her mom's birthday and trying to provide for her three children ages 22, 7, and 5, and a 1-year-old grandbaby on a low income.

"I appreciate the help because they are always there when I need it," Mitchell said.

It has been hard for her to keep a job due to being at the doctor a lot with one of her daughters, who has Down's syndrome.

"I still get out there and try with the help of Pathways," she said.

Her advisor submitted her story and when she wasn't adopted last year, they were thrilled to get the message that she was chosen to receive a slew of donated gifts for her family.

"Individuals can't do this by themselves, we all need a village to surround us, and Pathways is no different and sometimes when the road takes a different path, then they expect that member advisor is here to walk with the member through all of that and to know when it's time to ask one of those community partners to come in and walk alongside for part of the journey," said Maryn Olson, program director with Pathways.

We hope the giving spirit continues, you can make these moments happen for other families by donating at fox2now.com and kplr11.com and to find out more about Pathways log on to ccstl.org/spiritofstlouis.

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Spirit of St. Louis: Pathways to Progress - KPLR 11 St. Louis

Rebooting health goals – Progress Index

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By American Heart Association News

ThursdayDec26,2019at11:00AMDec26,2019at11:00AM

Looking to reboot your health in 2020? What you need to do is clear.We should sit less, move more, sleep more and be mindful about what we eat, said Mercedes Carnethon, an epidemiologist and vice chair of the department of preventive medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. Setting goals that balance these priorities but are achievable is going to be very important to set the right tone.How you do that can take effort. But its far from impossible. Here are some ways to start.Eat and drink healthierBegin with small changes and measurable goals when it comes to eating better and reducing calories, said nutritionist and author Claudia Gonzalez of Miami.Pick a couple of healthy new behaviors each month. Keep dessert under control at home by having only an occasional scoop of ice cream or a small piece of chocolate.If your goal is to eat more servings of fruits and vegetables, try to include them in foods you already like, Gonzalez suggested. Add spinach or green peppers to your pizza, or dip raw broccoli or carrots in a little salad dressing.Your mind thinks, Wow, its not too bad. At the end, you become a friend of vegetables, she said.Portion size at meals is key to healthy eating. Experiment by eating half or three-fourths of what you might normally eat at a meal.Sugary drinks are not the right choice for hydration, and their calories add up fast, Gonzalez said. So, make water your beverage of choice. Need flavor? Add strawberries or cucumber slices.Get better sleepRegular, restorative sleep about seven to nine hours a night for most healthy adults is necessary for a healthy metabolism, optimal brain function and quality of life, Carnethon said.Without enough sleep, she said, long-term problems can include weight gain and chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.Commit to moving morePhysical activity burns calories, helps you lose weight and contributes to your overall health.Carnethon said its important to take things slowly. Set measurable weekly and monthly goals that are realistic. If youre a couch potato, dont say youll run a marathon in two months; focus on smaller steps, such as walking 30 minutes a day for two weeks. Then, set a bigger goal that involves more intensive walking. Then running.The mistake some people make when it comes to setting goals is to be either too ambitious or not ambitious enough, Carnethon said. She suggests setting an initial goal that is a reach but a feasible reach.Cardiovascular disease risk increases with too much sedentary time, so adults should strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Try to work in some muscle-strengthening activities, too. Aim to boost physical activity through an exercise class, brisk walks, vigorous yard work or even dancing.The activity doesnt have to be continuous. Exercise sessions or other types of physical activity can be broken into small segments throughout the week.Schedule a checkupTo maintain physical and mental health, its crucial to meet regularly with your healthcare provider. The visits should address all factors that can affect your health, including changing lifestyle behaviors and barriers to taking medications, Carnethon said.Those conversations also should include family history, a strong link to heart disease risk. So, if you dont know your family health history, start asking relatives. Begin with your immediate family and then branch out.

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Rebooting health goals - Progress Index

Maryland wrestling showed signs of progress in loss to No. 10 Pittsburgh – The Diamondback

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For a brief moment, Maryland wrestlings King Sandoval had the attention of college wrestling fans against No. 10 Pittsburgh on Friday.

The 133-pounder faced off against No. 5 Micky Phillippi, who entered the bout with a perfect 9-0 record. But, within 30 seconds of the first period, Sandoval the clear underdog nearly blemished Phillippis pristine start to the season.

He attacked, taking control of Phillippis right arm from the neutral position, eventually flipping him over for a fall count. Sandoval couldnt hold it, but he was awarded two points for the takedown and four near-fall points to go up 6-0 in the bout. Phillippi worked his way back, though, eventually securing an 8-6 decision.

But Fridays performance was still uncharacteristic for the Terps. Despite a 27-10 loss to the Panthers, three Maryland wrestlers were within a takedown or striking distance to win their bouts, including Sandoval a promising effort against the No. 10 team in the country that has the program trending in the right direction.

I dont believe in moral victories, coach Alex Clemsen said. Losing sucks. I frickin hate it. With that said, the only way were going to win, in this sport, is to fight tremendously hard and up and down our lineup, all 10 kids had good fights and put themselves in the match.

[Read more: No. 10 Pittsburgh pulls out dual win over Maryland wrestling, 27-10]

Among the other close bouts, 141-pounder Hunter Baxter was 30 seconds away from an upset over 141-pounder No. 19 Cole Matthews, but he was pinned with seven seconds left in the third period.

Maryland suffered its own upset defeat in the 174-pound matchup as No. 20 Philip Spadafora, seconds away from clinching the Terps third win of the night, was taken down, losing 5-4 at the buzzer to Gregg Harvey.

However, 157-pounder Jahi Jones had already done the same to Pittsburgh, knocking off No. 11 Taleb Rahmani in a low-scoring 3-2 decision after fighting off a last-second takedown attempt in the third period.

I think that just comes with grit, Jones said. Ive been in that position in practice a thousand times, so I wasnt the slightest bit worried that I was gonna give up a takedown.

[Read more: Maryland wrestlings transition with new coach Alex Clemsen is an ongoing process]

The redshirt senior has had a front-row seat to Marylands struggles since joining the Big Ten, as the Terps have gone 15-57 during his tenure, with just one conference dual win.

Despite the lack of success the team has had in recent years, Jones saw Fridays match as a step forward.

Were going in the right direction, Jones said. You cant just turn that around overnight.

There has been a noticeable shift within the program, and much of that has stemmed from this offseasons coaching shuffle. While former coach Kerry McCoy led the Terps to frequent success in the ACC, he was unable to do so in the Big Ten. Theres hope that Clemsen will be the one to reverse that trend.

With any type of change, even if its symbolic, theres a shift in mentality, 197-pounder Jaron Smith said. Theres a little bit of relief that like, I need to reevaluate my dedication to this sport and take a deep look at whats going on around you. I feel like that happened with our program.

Five seasons at the bottom of the Big Ten can make a big difference, but in his first year, Clemsen has thrown all his chips in to change the stigma around his program. Friday was the first evidence of the teams fortune flipping.

Its hard when youre taking scratches and you keep saying, Hey, were close, Smith said. You can take those lumps and at some point, its not going to be, Hey, were close. Its going to be Hey, we did it.

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Maryland wrestling showed signs of progress in loss to No. 10 Pittsburgh - The Diamondback

5,100 cr spent, but tardy progress on most new AIIMS – BusinessLine

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Even after spending close to 5,100 crore in 2019-20, the Ministry of Health could not make satisfactory progress on the 15 newly-sanctioned All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

While the first batch of MBBS (2019-20) with 50 seats in each of the six new AIIMS Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Kalyani (West Bengal), Bhatinda (Punjab), Deogarh (Jharkhand), Bibinagar (Hyderabad) and Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) has started and outpatient department services have commenced in Nagpur and Bhatinda, construction work at most institutes has been slow, as land, water and power issues are to be sorted out, Health Ministry officials said. BusinessLine accessed a copy of the minutes of a meeting of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), which charted out the hurdles that need to be cleared in the process of building these AIIMS.

AIIMS Raebareli was sanctioned in the second phase, but construction is stuck because 50 acres of additional land, out of the total 150 acres committed by the Uttar Pradesh government is pending.

Also, removal of hindrances and encroachment in the form of water bodies, condemned buildings, religious places of worship, no-objection certificate of phase I is pending from Raebareli authorities. Old buildings have to be dismantled by the Public Works Department, the minutes read.

While no hospitals were taken up in the third phase, four were sanctioned in the fourth in Nagpur and Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh). Kalyani and Gorakhpur.

While classes have started in Gorakhpur, up to 54 per cent work has been completed for the hospital. The State has to expedite diversion and shifting of a drain running through the campus, as also action is required for disposal of storm water from the AIIMS complex to an external drain, a senior official handling PMSSY in the Ministry said.

In Nagpur, too, shifting of waterline and electrical cable passing inside the campus is an issue. In Kalyani, the site is awaiting electricity supply and there is shortage of good earth inside the campus for external development work, the minutes note.

While in Mangalagiri arrangement is yet to be made for water supply, storm water drain, main approach road to the campus, electric substation, shifting of an NDRF campus and dismantling and disposal of an old building of a tuberculosis sanatorium for the AIIMS to come up. In the fifth phase, seven hospitals were sanctioned, at Bathinda, Guwahati (Assam), Samba (Jammu), Awantipora (Kashmir), Madurai (Tamilnadu), Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh) and Bihar.

In Kashmir, 15 acres proposed for the site is stuck in litigation and, therefore, the site has not yet been handed over. In Bilaspur, the authorities have to remove a structure of the Animal Husbandry Department and hand over an encumbrance-free area while in Bhatinda and Guwahati, construction of electric substations needs to be expedited.

Supply of raw water and disposal of storm water and sewage has to be figured out, the official said. In Bihar, the State government has not yet finalised a site to be forwarded for the Centres approval.

In the sixth phase, three hospitals were sanctioned in Rajkot (Gujarat), Deoghar and Bibinagar (Telangana), but due to local issues they are stuck.

In Rajkot, the issue is of providing encumbrance-free land and it is not clear how much land the State government is planning to provide. Local people have cultivated crops on the proposed site, which need to be cleared. Only one AIIMS is proposed in Haryana, at Manethi, in the seventh phase. Its construction has run into trouble as the Ministry of Environments Forest Advisory Committee has declined the proposal of the State government for conversion of forest land for construction of the AIIMS. Now Haryana is searching for an alternative site, said the official.

Close to 4,000 crore was spent in 2019-20 by the Centre to strengthen super-specialty hospitals including 21 AIIMS and 75 government-run medical colleges.

In addition, a 3,500-crore has been sanctioned as HEFA loan to be repaid by the government over the next ten years, from Ministry of Human Resources and Development, of which 1,100 crore has been drawn till date, officials said.

From 2009 to 2019, up to 20,756 crore has been approved for building the 15 new AIIMS, and are targeted to be completed between 2020 and 2023.

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5,100 cr spent, but tardy progress on most new AIIMS - BusinessLine

View From The Town End: ‘Midtable’ QPR Still A Work In Progress – The Tilehurst End

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Reading kick off the second half of the season on Boxing Day with a match against the second team Mark Bowen took charge against: QPR. Rangers had started the season strongly, but have dropped from the top six to mid-table since we last faced them.

The Royals will of course want to go one better than that 2-2 draw at Loftus Road, but will we manage it? We spoke to QPR fan and writer Clive Whittingham from website Loft For Words.

Find them on Twitter here, their website here, and a preview piece we did for them ahead of the match here.

Were a midtable team. Apart from one win at Sheff Wed who are now third, and one defeat at Barnsley who are in the drop zone, then basically whenever we play a team in the bottom half we win and whenever we play a team in the top half we lose. Coming into the Reading game wed had a run of fixtures against the divisions poorer sides, won, and climbed into the top six. Then through November we played a lot of the better teams and dropped back down. It was really disappointing to lose at Barnsley and then draw with Charlton on the back of two successive wins because we were looking at this little run of games as a chance to climb back into contention but it doesnt look like its going to happen.

Important to remember that we changed our entire squad in the summer (20 out, 16 in), cut the wage bill again for the fourth consecutive year, and were tipped to really struggle so this is still above expectations. Were a work in progress, and were usually very good to watch second best attack in the league, third worst defence.

Yeh, he could be. Pleasure to watch at the moment, particularly when we play him with bright Osayi-Samuel which stops defenders doubling up on him. Our man of the match awards are starting to turn into who was man of the match apart from Eze?. Spurs are having a sniff so Im sure we can look forward to Daniel Levy trying to persuade us a couple of million and a clutch of players they dont really want and we dont really need is a great deal for us.

Hes 21, just had his first start for England under-21s but has Nigerian parents and theres a lot of speculation about them wanting him to play internationally for them. From Greenwich, unbelievably released by Millwall as a teenager, presumably because he wasnt kicking it high enough in the air and far enough down the pitch.

He started last season very strongly, played every minute of every game under Steve McClaren, and basically burned out in the second half of the year. He looks stronger, and is obviously more experienced now with getting on for 100 appearances under his belt now. Ideally you want him to play ten but he floats around all over in the attack, and has improved his defensive game to the point where he can now play on the wing without exposing a full back. This year hes been most successful drifting in off the left side with Bright hugging the right touchline to spread opponents and create space.

Ryan Manning, another youngster and previously a midfielder, has had a very good season at left back. Yoann Barbet, a summer signing from Brentford, was defensively erratic when he played but his injury has coincided with us struggling to play out from the back as Mark Warburton demands. Ive been impressed with how Toni Leistner has come back from being totally bombed out in the summer to win his place back in the team, and has had some great performances at centre back, but hes very rudimentary and prone to the odd horror. Were also struggling to get any of our goalkeepers into any sort of form.

Actually havent seen you since the Loftus Road game which is unusual for me because I watch this drudgery and slop religiously. I thought you caught us out a bit that night, and Swift and Ejaria were the best players on the pitch, so I was a little surprised to see Swift on the bench at the weekend when I checked.

Mark Bowen isnt popular at QPR. He was assistant to Mark Hughes in a period when we spent many hundreds of millions of pounds on scumbag players who didnt want to be at the club and destroyed all the good that Neil Warnock had done before. When that spend lumbered us with one of the worst Premier League teams in recent memory, Hughes used to send Bowen out as a frontman.

His appearance, possibly after wine had been taken, on the Open All Rs Podcast just before they got sacked when he basically said they had no idea why it was going so wrong, nor what they were going to do about it, is still talked about to this day. That whole era was horrible, followed by the similarly ruinous Harry Redknapp reign, and were still trying to recover from that.

I said sixteenth at the start, and was being optimistic. Now it would be disappointing if we end up that low, but I dont see us being far away from it. In a poor league, with Eze, Hugill and Wells up front, I worry we may look back on this season as a missed opportunity, but it was always meant to be a building year so in theory success would be midtable and a squad moving in the right direction for next season.

The key thing is whether we can get some serious, James Maddison-style, money for Eze. Weve been a bit guilty of selling players too cheaply to balance the books recently (Smithies 3m, Darnell Furlong 1.5m, Freeman 5m) and to get out of the spot weve worked ourselves into we need to be doing what Brentford have done and regularly be getting north of 8m for players weve scouted and developed. Norwich transformed their team with the Maddison money and won promotion thats what we should aspire to. We wont have a talent like him for a long time; hes English, hes under contract if we were to shovel him on for 6-7m and the money just dissipates into bills and FFP compliance that will be heartbreaking.

Couple of weeks back Id have said I fancied us for a win. The 2-0 we got at Birmingham City recently was our fifth away win of the season already which is as many as we managed in the whole of last year, and two more than we got in 2017/18. Reading are bottom half, and as said we tend to beat the bottom half and lose to the top half.

We also looked to have fixed the defensive issues with our first two clean sheets of the season against Preston and Birmingham. But a 5-3 at Barnsley was chaotic and while Charlton equalised with literally the last kick of the game at the weekend and we missed a sack load of chances we were a bit erratic there as well against a team on a bad run.

I dont know, we can be quite dangerous on the road this season. But were wild. It could be anything. 2-2 seems quite a good bet if youre gambling on QPR this season.

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View From The Town End: 'Midtable' QPR Still A Work In Progress - The Tilehurst End

Why This Comedian Wants to Be Every Instagay’s Gay Fat Friend – NewNowNext

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by Sam Manzella 4h ago

Todd Masterson is a Los Angelesbased television writer and stand-up comedy veteran of more than 10 years, but this fall he managed to cut-and-paste himself into a new space: the world of #Instagays.

On Instagram, Masterson is best known by his alias @GayFatFriend, under which he uploads photos and videos of himself Photoshopped onto group shots of muscly, conventionally attractive gay hunks. The posts and their captions are all in good humor, says Masterson. In fact, the gay comedian lays out his mission statement point-blank in his Instagram bio: Ive always wondered what itd be like if these gays had a fat friend, so I added myself to their pics. See? Still havin fun!

NewNowNext recently caught up with Masterson for a chat.

I started doing it as a joke. I see these guys in West Hollywood I just found this group of friends who take all these silly pictures, so I used their pictures to start. Theyre always together and always taking these goofy pictures, and theres never a fat person in sight. And none of them have any fat friends. They dont really socialize with fat people ever. I just thought this joke would be funnyits kind of ribbing them, but also just showing them that, look, theres a fat person in your picture. Its still fine.

[Originally], I was just going to upload maybe one picture a week, and just as a little hobby. And then my friend Eliot Glazer, who was on Broad City, reposted it, and it started blowing up. I got, like, 1,000 followers in one day. So I was like, Oh, this might actually be a thing. Then I started posting like every daywhich I was only going to do for like a week. Because I got so many followers all of a sudden, I was like, Oh, I should probably keep making content. Which is the grossest word ever, by the way.

Yeah. Thats what I do now. I post a picture every day, but its been really fun. It doesnt feel like a chore. Im never bummed or scared that I have to make a picture to post. Im always like, Yay, I get to make another picture!

Oh, all of these muscly, traditionally gorgeous people send me their pictures because they want to be a part of it. Or [followers] send me profiles they found that they were like, This picture would be really funny for your page. Theres not really a shortage of muscly guys on Instagram. Theyre fairly easy to find. But I try to only use ones that are just extra-ridiculous.

Usually, inspiration strikes daily. So, at around eight every night Ill pick my picture or whatever Im going to [spoof], and then Ill grab my husband. His name is Rob; hes my photographer. So Im like, Come on, weve got to go take a picture. And then we run to the bedroom because that has the best lighting. Ill usually strip down and put on a bathing suit of some sort, and then well take pictures.

I will say, besides the original group of guys whose pictures I used, [the feedback] has been 100% positive. Everyone loves it. I have not had one troll comment. Ive not had one person make fun of me or be meannot one. And I get, like, hundreds of messages a day, and Ive gotten 7,000 followers in a month. [The page is] really active every day.

Im never mean. Thats a point I like to make, too: Im just being silly. I dont think these guys are stupid. I dont hate these guys. I literally do want to be their friends! So Im like, This is what it could be if we were friends, you guys. Look at us! Were having so much fun.

I honestly wasnt expecting it. It kind of blows my mind every day that everybody is so kind! Its funny because for meIm going to be 40 next year, and I have pretty much been a never-nude my whole life. I dont even take my shirt off at the beach. But, I dont know, something clicked in the last year, and I was like, Im married. Ive been married for eight years! I guess I just feel like I have nothing left to lose.

Its weird, feeling almost like, You know what? Im going to take my shirt off and show people [my body] now. Im half-naked in all these pictures, on the internet, for thousands of people to see. Its just so crazy to me. But a lot of people message me and are like, Youre the hottest one in the picture, or, Youre the cute one. It made me realize that when it comes to attraction and sexuality, theres a lid for every trash can. My body is hot to a lot of people. Just because Im maybe not attracted to my body doesnt mean there arent a ton of people that are. And thats been really funto become this weird, kind of funny sex symbol to a lot of people.

Oh, yes. Im feeling more confident in everything Im doing now, even when Im on stage doing stand-up. I used to always worry, Am I standing the right way so that my stomach doesnt look so big? Now Ive been so much more casual and relaxed on stage, and Im really liking where my stand-up is.

Oh, my God. I mean, it would have to be candy of some sort because I have a huge sweet tooth. I called out Reeses Peanut Butter Cups [on my Instagram Story highlights]I would totally love to work with Reeses. That would be so funny.

Not to sound cheesy, but just laughter. I hope they laugh. A lot of the messages I get are people being like, Oh, I was having a really shitty morning, and I found your page. It just totally made me laugh. And now Im not so sad.

You can follow @GayFatFriend on Instagram.

Brooklyn-based writer and editor. Probably drinking iced coffee or getting tattooed.

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Why This Comedian Wants to Be Every Instagay's Gay Fat Friend - NewNowNext

9 Commandments for Using Chatbots to Deliver Great Content Experience – MarTech Advisor

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In a world overwhelmed with content, marketers can ensure their story stands out, writes, Sairam Vedam, CMO, Kore.ai.

Customer-centricity is a buzzword marketers love. To produce content thats relevant to customers and serves their needs is an overwhelming concern for any marketer.

But most marketers fail in their quest.

Because, in the name of marketing what they end up doing is brag about their product development, advertising campaign or sales strategy.

If you want to produce customer-centric content, you need to know customers well enough and anticipate what interests them. Apparently, thats not the case. A vast majority of customers believe the marketing they receive is irrelevant (with only 3% confirming that advertising is useful to them).

In an age where conversational experiences are determining customer success, this could be a major disability. Todays customers demand highly interactive, personalized moments and more humanized experiences to stay engaged with a product, service or brand.

Learn More:Move Over Chatbots, Conversational AI Is Here

So, how do you bring customers to the center of your narrative when your focus is about your product, service or brand?

Many examples abound, but lets look at a typical case Hubspots Ian Byrne highlighted sometime back. Explaining the power of narratives in driving business, Byrne pointed out that some companies succeed enormously better than others not because they have better technology or other natural advantages compared to their competition, but rather they have a better story that connects with their audience.

Byrne picked on the famed rivalry that electrified the video rentals industry in the US at the turn of millennium, in a typical David versus Goliath fashion. How did Netflix, which came in as a novice into market monopolized by the reigning giant, Blockbuster, not just outsmart it but drove it into oblivion all within a span of a decade?

When Netflix launched in 1997, Blockbuster was a household name in the home entertainment category. It ran an extremely efficient network of video rental stores across 2,800 locations globally, which catered to the demands of the local population. People craved great entertainment, and Blockbuster figured out how to make it most accessible to them. There was something novel in the concept that people can watch their favorite movies from the comfort of their drawing rooms, at the time of their choice, in the manner that was most comfortable to them. Though video rentals were not new, Blockbuster built a retail empire out of it that became a brand in itself. People relied on the fact that Blockbuster would never turn away its customers without their choice of movies, any given day.

Starting from a single store in 1985, it grew into a retail giant with network across thousands of locations because it executed well: a well-oiled operational machine that sourced a vast repository of movies and vetted the tastes of the local audience.

No wonder it became the commonplace that people thronged to. Long weekends, holidays or even forecasts of snowstorms (which meant isolation from the outside world) inevitably led people to queue up at Blockbuster stores for stocking up on their favorite movies. As the Walmart of the entertainment world, Blockbuster prided itself on operational efficiency. It focused on increasing the number of customers storming its stores and the revenues that came in the form of rentals and penalties (for defaulting on returning the videos).

Blockbuster perfected a model that was here to stay, or so it seemed.

Netflix saw the game differently. The Internet was just about spreading, and dotcoms were booming everywhere. Surely, there were better ways of distributing entertainment. Should a customer travel all the way to a brick-and-mortar store for physical hard disk of a movie when he can access the same content through a simple mail?

The online model, Nextflix discerned early on, not just gave a better means to disseminate content, it helped discover a whole new way of connecting with the customer. The direct streaming -- and billing -- relationship with customers was a game-changer. You could track online behavior of a customer and garner insights on his entertainment needs (both stated and unstated), preferences and consumption patterns, and it leverage to deliver a truly personalized service for future. Over the next few years, Netflix went ahead to innovate a model that proved formidable with customer and his entertainment needs at the center of its universe.

Pray, how personalized is this experience?

Each person experiences his own Netflix moment.

In effect, theres no single Netflix, but multitudes of Netflixes, as many as the number of subscribers they have.

Personalization and an immersive customer experience backed by strong analytics are then at the core of Netflixs success as a brand, leaving marketers with important implications for content creation.

Marketing is moving from transactional to experiential. Often, the challenge is not just about creating great content, but making sure the right person sees that content at the right time on the right channel.

To create a memorable brand experience for the customer, each piece of content must fit into a larger conversation, contextualized to the individual. For each message, Marketers should consider the environment in which it will live; how it will drive engagement; the most appropriate channels to deliver it; and where it should appear in the customer journey. For maximum impact, everything must come together to create a seamless end-to-end content experience.

Steve Taylor, CEO, BlueRush

To create a great content experience, three elements are important:

So, is chatbot the perfect tool to personalize marketing outreach? It should be obvious by now. But there are caveats that apply when it comes to leveraging chatbots.

Learn More:8 Ways to Turn Up Customer Satisfaction with Conversational AI

Integrating chatbots into your content experience strategy enables you to interact with your target audience while collecting valuable data and insights along the way. While the technologies associated with conversational AI are becoming mainstream, there are always novel ways to use it, and content marketing is definitely one of them.

So jump in and become an early adopter.

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9 Commandments for Using Chatbots to Deliver Great Content Experience - MarTech Advisor