Monthly Archives: May 2021

New Jersey fire crews making progress in fighting massive wildfire – 69News WFMZ-TV

Posted: May 18, 2021 at 3:51 am

LITTLE EGG TWP., Pa. - The Little Egg Township, New Jersey fire that was burning out of control Sunday night is 75% contained as of 6 p.m. Monday.

The fire started around 4 p.m. in a wildland urban interface, meaning hundreds of acres of woods with homes mixed in. The good news is the fire is contained to the deep woods and no one was injured or had to flee their homes.

What looked catastrophic overnight was curtailed early afternoon Monday. This as crews put out hot spots of the 617-acre fire in New Jersey's Bass River State Forest.

"The fire occurred later in the day. Allowed us to take benefit of the nighttime operations with cooler temperatures, lower winds, higher humidity," saidRob Gill of the New Jersey State Fire Services.

Gill adds the aerial views from their helicopter showed the fire was contained to the deepest part of the forest away from neighboring homes.

Not the case Sunday night.

"A little nerve-wracking. Asked us to put the gas cans and motorcycle into the front lawn," said homeowner Randy Campoli.

Campoli moved in only a month ago and his backyard came already face-to-face with flames.

"There were five to six fire trucks in our street which gave us a little comfort," he said.

100 homes were threatened but none was damaged, and no one was evacuated.

Gill credits the bulldozed plow line or trenches, and then bordering brush lit on fire, as the key method in saving area homes.

"The fire will burn progressively in the main body and come together and burn out because there is no more fuel," he said.

Fire crews are continuing to work the scene.

The cause is still not known.

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Notes: Manoah making progress in Triple-A – MLB.com

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The Blue Jays' pitching prospect receiving the most buzz these days is Alek Manoah, a recent addition to MLB Pipelines Top 100 prospects class -- at No. 100. As with any prospect that reaches Triple-A and finds success there, which Manoah has so far, one obvious question looms: When might he make the ascent to MLB?

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins conducted a wide-ranging media session on Sunday, and this was the first question he received.

As it relates to the timing and how were making that decision, obviously his effectiveness is a huge piece of that equation, Atkins said of Manoah, who has 17 strikeouts in 12 scoreless innings so far with Triple-A Buffalo. Its just not as simple as, OK, hes had two starts. Now lets just see if it works in [the Majors].

Atkins identified a few areas he hopes Manoah can improve upon in the Minors: better command, smarter changeup usage and willingness to use breaking balls in more varied situations (i.e. while working from behind in counts).

His fastball is such an effective weapon that he has to challenge himself against certain hitters to use his entire arsenal, Atkins said.

Theres a bit of a what-if with Manoah, who the Blue Jays selected 11th overall in the 2019 MLB Draft, because of how the 2020 season was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the shutdown of the Minor League season, Manoah missed out on what wouldve been his first full season as a pro.

He did participate at the alternate training site, but due to contracting COVID-19 he wasnt able to participate as much as others. As far as his development goes, that lost time is being factored in, Atkins said.

[Manoah] missed an opportunity there, Atkins said. However, he absolutely maximized his offseason and maximized Spring Training, and is getting absolutely every ounce out of Triple-A baseball right now.

Whether Manoah stays in the Minors all season or not, his workload will be something to follow. Between college and Low-A Vancouver in 2019, Manoah tossed 125 1/3 innings, which Atkins identified as an important marker for how he can be used moving forward.

Hes checking a lot of boxes as it relates to thinking about workload, Atkins said. Its not something that we feel like we need to be restricting him by any means in development.

Here are two additional takeaways from Atkinss session.

Biggest need? A steady rotationDue to injuries and a general lack of consistency from about 40% of the rotation, the Blue Jays have had to get creative in eating innings from the starting spot. By May 9, theyd already deployed a league-high 12 starters.

If we were to write it up and describe what we feel is ideal, it would not be just mixing and matching, Atkins said. Sustainable to get by and be competitive? I think so.

But is that the blueprint theyre targeting? No.

Our goal is to have five effective starters and a rotation where were getting five, six, seven innings deep, he said. To have a bullpen thats giving us three-to-four innings every night.

So far, the bullpen has been asked to do quite a bit more than that. At 159 2/3 innings, Torontos relief corps ranks fourth in the Majors in usage. The group has responded admirably, though, with a 2.99 ERA (also fourth in MLB).

Wall, Moreno among prospects to watchWith as much talk as the Manoahs and the Nate Pearsons of the world receive, Atkins made sure to shower some praise on a couple of lesser-discussed prospects: catcher Gabriel Moreno (Double-A New Hampshire) and outfielder Forrest Wall (Triple-A).

Moreno, the No. 7 prospect in the Blue Jays system, is off to a white-hot start with the Fisher Cats, slashing .455/.526/.636 in his first eight games this season. Atkins noted Morenos approach, "and just how consistent and mature that has been, as the 21-year-old takes on his highest level of pro ball so far.

In Walls case, Atkins called the Rockies former first-round pick (2014) an incredible off-roster prospect. Wall has gone 16-for-49 (.327) so far for Buffalo, with the type of speed that makes him an elite defender in Atkins eyes.

I would imagine [hell] be on our roster at some point, Atkins said. And probably this year. I hope that, for him. [I'm] really exceptionally encouraged by Forrest.

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PPIC: State Makes Progress on Wildfire and Forest Health Policy – YubaNet

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Californians are gearing up for what could be another dangerous wildfire season, particularly in light of significant drought conditions. Grasses, shrubs, and forests are drying out early due to a lack of precipitation, providing potential fuel for wildfires. Red flag warningswhen high winds and low humidity increase fire riskhave already been issued this year across broad swaths of the state. Small spring wildfires have put firefighters and communities on edge.

Is the state prepared for another bad wildfire season? And how much progress has been made to improve the resilience of vulnerable communities and headwater forests?

Californias wildfire problem is multi-faceted and complex, and is expected to accelerate in a warming climate. The governor and legislaturehave pushed for reformsto improve the states resilience to wildfire. High-priority reforms include:

Over the past few years, wildfires have caused huge damage to communities and infrastructure, from the mountainous headwater forests to coastal metropolitan areas. State leadership is scrambling to address these challenges with both short- and long-term solutions. Actions taken now can help the state adapt to living with fire.

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Government of Canada progress update on improving access to clean water in First Nations communities – Yahoo Finance

Posted: at 3:51 am

OTTAWA, UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TERRITORY, ON, May 17, 2021 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada and First Nations are working in partnership to improve access to clean drinking water and lift all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves as soon as possible.

Today, Indigenous Services Canada provided an update on progress toward clean drinking water in all First Nations communities. As of May 17, 2021, 106 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted. In other words, reliable access to safe drinking water has been restored for 5920 homes and 447 buildings in 77 communities since November 2015.

Much work remains and projects are underway to address the remaining 53 long-term drinking water advisories in effect in 34 First Nations communities.

Our commitment to improving access to clean drinking water on reserves now and into the future goes beyond lifting long-term drinking water advisories. The Government of Canada recognizes that increased support for operations and maintenance (O&M) is essential to long-term sustainability of water infrastructure and preventing the reoccurrence of drinking water advisories in the future. Investments announced as part of Budget 2019 and the 2020 Fall Economic Statement mean that Indigenous Services Canada will be increasing the annual funding it provides First Nations to support the operations and maintenance of water and wastewater systems on a permanent basis by almost four times.

With these investments, one hundred percent of water and wastewater operations and maintenance costs will be covered based on the O&M funding formula, up from the 80 percent previously covered.

First Nations communities across the country have now received additional O&M funding for fiscal year 2020-2021. For this fiscal year, the majority of O&M funding has been allocated to First Nations enabling the planning of O&M activities. Additional funding amounts will be communicated as early as possible to put communities in the best position possible for future planning of operations and maintenance.

Story continues

The Government continues to make significant investments in long-term water-related infrastructure projects to support reliable access to clean drinking water and prevent drinking water advisories from becoming long-term. Since November 2015, the Government has invested in 694 water and wastewater projects in 581 First Nations communities. Sixty new water and wastewater treatment plants and lagoons have been built and 39 more are underway.

Progress on eliminating all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves

Since our last progress update on March 31, 2021, First Nations, with support from Indigenous Services Canada, lifted 1 long-term drinking water advisory.

Wahta Mohawks as of March 31, 2021

Wahta Mohawks lifted a long-term drinking water advisory affecting the Wahta Administration/Community Centre water system. The advisory, in place since September 2013, was lifted on March 31, 2021, following the construction of a new well and installation of a point-of-entry treatment unit. The water meets all applicable requirements. Indigenous Services Canada continues to work with Wahta Mohawk on a community-wide solution for sustainable access to clean water.

Additionally, since April 1, 2021, three short-term drinking water advisories, lasting between two and 12 months, were lifted before becoming long-term.

Quotes

"We know progress cannot come quickly enough and one long-term advisory is one too many. One hundred and six long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted to date, and projects are in place to address each of the remaining advisories. Our commitment to improving access to clean water on reserves does not come with a deadline, nor is it limited to our work to lift all long-term drinking water advisories. First Nations communities have now received the first installment of increased operations and maintenance funding. These improvements will provide First Nations a predictable funding stream, which will assist them in making strategic plans for their communities. We will not stop until every First Nation has clean water and we will continue to build the foundation for predictable, lasting solutions that support the unique needs of First Nations communities."

The Honourable Marc MillerMinister of Indigenous Services

Quick facts

A drinking water advisory becomes long-term when it has been in place for more than a year. Between November 2015 and May 17, 2021, 106 long-term advisories affecting public systems on reserves were lifted. 53 remain in effect in 34 First Nations.

As of December 31, 2020, more than $1.82 billion of targeted funds has been allocated to support 694 water and wastewater projects in 581 First Nations communities, serving approximately 463,000 people. A total of 393 of these projects are complete.

In December 2020, the Government of Canada announced an additional $1.5 billion to help accelerate the work being done to end all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves, to better support the operation and maintenance of systems, and to continue program investments in water and wastewater infrastructure. This funding includes $616.3 million over six years, and $114.1 million ongoing, to increase the support provided for operations and maintenance of water and wastewater infrastructure on reserves.

With the increases in funding for operations and maintenance for water systems in recent years, it means that by 2025-26, over $400 million per year in permanent funding will be provided to First Nations, compared to $109 million in 2018-19.

For this fiscal year, the majority of O&M funding has been allocated to First Nations according to the base amount provided last year, enabling the planning of O&M activities. The balance of O&M funding will be distributed according to an updated O&M formula to better account for O&M costs in fiscal years 2021-2022 and beyond. Allocations will continue to cover 100% of formula-based O&M costs for water and wastewater systems.

Through the Investing in Canada Plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

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What Is This Thing Called Progress? – CMSWire

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Over a wire is the most energy efficient way to transfer data. In a Digital Waste survey, when we asked people if they tried to transfer data (particularly large quantities of data) using wired cable instead of using Wi-Fi, or 3G, 4G or 5G, 62% said no.

A German study found that video streaming for one hour:

Some studies indicate that transferring data over 5G can be 90% more energy efficient than 4G. However, other studies state that 5G base stations will require at least twice the amount of energy to run as 4G stations, and that these costs can be even higher depending on the type of processing that occurs. Because of its need for speed, 5G will require dozens of times more base stations than 4G, adding to the overall energy bill. Other studies estimate that 5G will drive a 160% increase in overall energy consumption over 10 years because so much more data will be sent using 5G. Indications from China, which has one of the most advanced 5G rollouts, are that energy costs are higher than expected, with some carriers looking for government subsidies.

Lets assume for a moment that sending one gigabyte of data over 5G will be more efficient than sending it over 4G. This will not cause the overall data energy costs to go down because there will be an explosion in the amount of data sent. And its hard to imagine how 5G could ever be more energy efficient than fiber optic cable.

What is this thing called progress? Progress in consumption? Progress in the extraction of raw materials? Progress in destruction of the conditions for life on this planet?

If you make a phone call for one hour using one of those ancient phones connected to a landline, about 3.5 MB of data will be produced. If you make the exact same audio call using Skype or Zoom, about 27 MB will be produced. Is that progress? Wow, a technologist said to me when I showed him these figures, you should have seen what it used to be like making a call over the internet. Its got much more efficient. He said it with pride in his voice. As if in 2021, creating 10 times more pollution to make an audio call with your new technology that replaced an old technology was something to be proud of.

One of the defining characteristics of most modern-day technologists and developers is their almost total lack of concern if not disdain for energy-conscious thinking. They treat digital as this limitless, boundless, costless space. I heard one developer sneer about how he wasnt going to lose any sleep over whether his app was wasting energy or not.

How do we change this horrible, destructive culture that has led us into this climate emergency? One practical step is to focus on conserving energy. If youre transferring data:

Gerry McGovern is the founder and CEO of Customer Carewords. He is widely regarded as the worldwide authority on increasing web satisfaction by managing customer tasks.

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Nord Stream 2 pipeline cleared to make more progress – EURACTIV

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The Capitals brings you the latest news from across Europe, through on-the-ground reporting by EURACTIVs media network. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.

Before you start reading todays edition of the Capitals, feel free to have a look at the article Race to succeed Merkel wide open as German election nears, by EURACTIV Germany.

Also read the article EUs dismissal of crop-based biofuels will impede transport decarbonisation: industry by Sean Goulding Carroll.

The European news you deserve to read. Welcome to The Capitals by EURACTIV.

In todays news from the Capitals:

BERLIN

The construction of two kilometres of the hotly contested Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in German waters which had been halted due to environmental concerns was ordered by the German maritime authority (BSH) on Monday to allow safe continuation of works in Danish waters. The entire German side of the project was green-lit in April. Read more.

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EU PRESIDENCY

Portugal to proceed against Poland, Hungary for violation of European values. Portugals minister of foreign affairs reaffirmed on Monday the intention of the Portuguese presidency of the Council of the EU to move forward with the proceedings against Poland and Hungary for suspected violations of European values. More

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VIENNA

Divides deepen within Austrias Conservative-Green coalition. Dissatisfaction among the Greens with conservative coalition partner VP is growing after the party of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz got hit by a series of political scandals which has stirred up a circle of escalation that could end in a snap election, one of Austrias leading political analysts, Peter Filzmaier, told ORF in an interview. Read more.

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PARIS

Fake EU jobs controversy puts Le Pens party back in the spotlight. French weekly Journal du Dimanche (JDD) published on Sunday (16 May) extracts from the report of the French anti-corruption office in its probe of Marine Le Pens National Front (FN), now Rassemblement National, finding that the far-right party had set up an organised system of fraud to misappropriate EU funds to pay party members. Read more.

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LUXEMBOURG

Luxembourg finds EU prosecutor candidates. Three Luxembourg magistrates have applied to fill two positions as prosecutors who will work with the EUs new fraud-fighting agency, a spokesman for the justice ministry said on Monday. The country will propose two of the names as delegated prosecutors at the Luxembourg-based European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO), which is led by Laura Kvesi from Romania. The institution has earlier rejected national candidates, for instance from Bulgaria, France and Malta.(Anne Damani | EURACTIV.fr)

UK AND IRELAND

BELFAST

Doug Beattie elected leader of Ulster Unionist Party. Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie has been elected to be the new leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. He was the only candidate to run for the position. Read more.

NORDICS AND BALTICS

STOCKHOLM

2,800 radioactive waste barrels found near Baltic Sea, stored carelessly. A stock control inspection has revealed that about 2,800 barrels of radioactive waste partly originating from the healthcare and defence industries may have been handled carelessly, Swedish Television (SVT) reported. Read more.

EUROPES SOUTH

Italy announces loosening of curfew measures. Italys coronavirus curfew will be moved back from 10 pm to 11 pm as of Wednesday, the government has decreed. From 7 June, curfew will start at midnight, and will be finally lifted from 21 June. From 1 June, bars and restaurants will be allowed to resume indoor service.

We decided to proceed gradually to monitor the effects of the reopening on infections, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said during the meeting where the new rules were decided.

In other news, PM Draghi spoke with Chinese Prime Minister Li Kequiang in a call to affirm Italys desire to strengthen bilateral economic-trade relations, make them more equitable and deal effectively the issues on which differences of opinion still remain. During the talks, Li said he hoped instead that relations between China and the EU would continue in the right direction and asked for cooperation so that the investment agreement signed in December 2020 enters into force as soon as possible, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported. (Daniele Lettig | EURACTIV.it)

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MADRID

Pro-independence parties form regional government in Catalonia. After five months of tough negotiations, pro-independence parties in Catalonia have announced they have formed a new coalition government in the northeastern region that staves off the need for fresh regional elections. Read the full story.

VISEGRAD

BUDAPEST

Budapest rejects Chinese university building site plans. Budapests green mayor Gergely Karcsony, who recently announced his run for the prime ministerial post in the opposition primaries, has rejected the construction of the Fudan university on its planned site after talks with Innovation and Technology Minister Lszl Palkovics on Monday. Read more.

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WARSAW

Polands Civic Platform party continues to lose members. Polish MEP Ra Thun announced on Monday she was leaving Polands main opposition party Civic Platform after diverging from the party line over the vote on the EU recovery fund. Thuns departure comes after lawmakers Pawe Zalewski and Ireneusz Ra were removed from the party last week for acting to the partys detriment. Read more.

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PRAGUE

Czech government approves national recovery plan. The Czech government approved on Monday a national recovery plan with investments worth 7.9 billion, mostly funded by the EU recovery fund. Read more.

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BRATISLAVA

Slovakias ageing population to drastically increase public spending. Slovakia will increase public spending to deal with the challenges of its aging population to a level not seen in any other EU country by 2070, the Slovak Institute of Financial Policy has claimed. Read more.

NEWS FROM THE BALKANS

BELGRADE | ZAGREB

NATO chief confirms KFOR to remain in Kosovo. All 30 NATO members, including the US, will remain committed to the KFOR mission in Kosovo and there will be no changes to KFORs mandate, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels on Monday, refuting rumours that some powers were asking for KFOR to withdraw. Read more.

In other news, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabi will replace President Vui at a working dinner for West Balkan leaders hosted by EU High Representative Josep Borrell on Tuesday, the European External Action Service in Brussels and the Serbian PMs office confirmed to Serbian media on Monday. The Serbian presidents office issued a press release earlier stating that Vui would be in the Czech Republic on an official visit from Tuesday to Wednesday.

North Macedonian PM Zoran Zaev, Albanian PM Edi Rama, Kosovo Premier Albin Kurti, Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Chairman Milorad Dodik and Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovi have confirmed their attendance at the dinner. According to earlier announcements, the topics of conversation will include the overall political situation in the Western Balkans and the EU integration process of the regions countries. (EURACTIV.rs | betabriefing.com)

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SOFIA

Bulgarian secret services take leave until September. The heads of Bulgarias security services have gone on unpaid leave until September, Acting Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Boyko Rashkov revealed on Monday, with the move taking effect immediately after the caretaker government took office. Read more.

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BUCHAREST

Romania plans reform of freight transport taxation. The Romanian government has proposed a reform of the taxation of road freight transport on highways in a bid to reduce pollution in the long term. Read more.

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LJUBLJANA

Slovenian parliament session aborted amid lack of clear majority. The gridlock in the Slovenian parliament, where neither the centre-right coalition nor the centre-left opposition has a clear majority, has derailed a key multi-day plenary at which a motion to impeach Prime Minister Janez Jana was on the agenda. More

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ZAGREB

Croatian Archbishop apologises to gay community. Mate Uzini, the Archbishop Coadjutor of the Rijeka diocese who is known for his liberal views, voiced regret on Tuesday at the fact that the gay community is still being discriminated against in the Church and asked them for forgiveness.

It is our duty to respect every person, regardless of their sexual orientation, and accept them with respect, but also avoid any kind of discrimination, aggression or violence, said Uzini in comments to mark the International Day Against Homophobia.It is our duty to provide such people and their families with considerate pastoral guidance I am sorry that there are still Catholics who disagree with this [] and I am asking for forgiveness from homosexual people for feeling abandoned by the Church, he added. (eljko Trkanjec | EURACTIV.hr)

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SARAJEVO

BiH accuses Serbia of infringing on its sovereignty. Bosnia and Herzegovinas Foreign Minister Bisera Turkovi criticised Serbia on Monday for undermining good relations between the two countries with its investment in the construction of a hydropower plant on the Drina River without prior approval from Sarajevo. Read more.

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SKOPJE

North Macedonia PM: Bulgaria should show magnanimity. North Macedonias Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said he believes the country will manage to solve the dispute with Bulgaria and urged Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and his caretaker government to show magnanimity and give the country a chance to resume the EU accession process. (eljko Trkanjec | EURACTIV.hr)

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TIRANA

Albanias opposition Democratic Party to elect new leader. The members of the Democratic Party of Albania will elect their new party chairman on 13 June, exit.al reported. Read more.

Agenda:

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[Edited by Sarantis Michalopoulos, Daniel Eck, Paula Kenny, Josie Le Blond]

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9 Effective Ways to Track Fitness Progress – SpaceCoastDaily.com

Posted: at 3:51 am

Physicalfitnessof the human body can be equated with fine-tuning of a machine. Unless we are physically fit and sound, we cannot utilize our maximum potential.

If you are into a regularworkout, it is also important to consider the differentways to track fitness progress to analyze what works the best for your body.

A goodworkoutplan coupled with a properdietcan help to improve your cardiovascular and respiratory health, eliminate the risk of type-2 diabetes, and promote strong bones and muscles. It also increases the life expectancy of an individual. Therefore, being physically fit rewards you with the energy to indulge in a few extra hours of physical activity that you would not be able to do otherwise.

9 Effective Ways to Track Your Fitness Progress

When you start working out, you set some goals for yourself. While someone might be aiming forweight gain, the other might be trying to shed a few extra pounds. Some people also put themselves under strenuous training forstrength trainingormuscle building. Alongside your physical training, your diet also plays an important role in determining your progress.

The choice and frequency of meals in onesdietvary based on an individuals requirement of energy intake. For instance, the carb intake should be high for anyone focusing onmuscle buildingand low for someone looking forward toweight loss.

With the kind of hectic lives that people live today, they are very likely to lose track of their progress. This article mentions severaltracking methodsin which you can measure yourfitness progress:

Measure the Body

Before you start with your fitness regime, measure your body. You will have to measure your body composition, which refers to your bodys muscle versus fat percentage. As you work out, you may be gaining muscles and shedding excess fat, which will cause your body weight to remain the same. Therefore, simply measuring the weight wont give you an idea about your real-time progress.

You should also measure your chest, hips, waist, and all other body parts where you wish to see a change.

Make a Workout Journal

A workout journal is not only fun to maintain but is also a great way to track your bodys progress. There is no universal workout plan for all kinds of bodies. The journal of a person trying totrack weight losswill be different from someone who aspiresstrength gain. It is important to jot down all the nitty-gritty details of your workout for a proper assessment of yourfitness progress.

You can either write down a workout template on a book or simply adhere to a more convenient digital mode such as an excel sheet. If you are unsure of how to write your journal, go through some workout templates and customize a suitable one based on your fitness goals.

Take Progression Photos

Click post-workout photos every now and then. Compare your latest pictures with the ones you clicked when you had first started working out. After all, pictures never lie! This is ideally suited to check the visiblemuscle growthone experiences over time.

Test your Rep Max

Rep Max is the shortened form of Repetition Maximum. It refers to the maximum weight that one can lift for a specific number of reps. Rep Max or RM is a measure that is used to determine the strength level of an individual. Measuring your RM from time to time will help you understand yourstrength gains.

Measure Body Weight

If you are on aweight gainor loss spree, the easiest way to do so is by measuring your body weight periodically and keeping a record in your workout journal. As you start totrack weight lossor gain, mention your diet and your workout plan alongside. Consult your trainer and your dietician and learn about the periodic changes you need to make in your nutrition plan and exercise.

Track Your Workouts

This is one of the most obvioustracking methods. You can measure this by calculating training volume (workout volume = set x reps x weight)

Jot down the gradual progress you have made by measuring how the weights you lifted per exercise each week kept increasing, how you grew more and more comfortable with doing more reps, and so on.

To track your cardioworkoutprogress, you need to assess your amelioration from low (having heart rate below 50% of the maximum heart rate) to moderate (50-70% of the maximum heart rate) and then to high intensity (more than 70% of the maximum heart rate) cardio workout.

Mirror

This is an easy and accessible way to measure your fitness progress without having to go through the hassle of calculating numbers. It can give you a rough guesstimate whether you are coming closer to achieving your goal. The visiblemuscle growthor the beautifully toned body afterweight losswill motivate you to push yourself further.

Consistency

For any work you do, consistency is the key to success. You can easily measure this by quantifying consistency.

Just calculate the number of workout days/week. And plot a 4 period moving average and 8 period moving average on a spreadsheet and look for their divergence. It would be best if you keep them close and steady.

Be itstrength trainingor a weight loss program, make sure that you remain consistent with your workout plan. Also, be consistent with the equipment and the conditions under which you measure your progress.

Set a Reward for Each Milestone

What might seem to be an unachievable task, if taken all together, will appear much easier when you break it down into smaller goals. Divide your plan for the dream body into multiple small parts and set a reward for each time you achieve it. Treat yourself to the cheese burst pizza that you have been craving for long!

These are some of the best ways in which you can track yourworkout progress.

Final Words

Being physically fit does not always mean having a buff or muscular body. There are certain activities that require immense physicalfitnessand, once accomplished, can instill a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in you. Physical inactivity exposes you to the risk of several health hazards like cardiac diseases, mental health, and many more.

Exercising regularly and good intake ofnutritioncan enhance the strength of your muscles, improve bone density and stability, and reduce the risk of accidental injuries. With the different ways to fitness progress, you can get visible results, feel motivated, and strive to stay in the pink of health!

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All this week on 8: West Michigan In Progress – WOODTV.com

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W-Med in Kalamazoo hosting a live virtual gala celebrating 10 years! (sponsored)eightWest / 16 hours ago

WMed in Kalamazoo hosting a live virtual gala celebrating 10 years! (sponsored)eightWest / 16 hours ago

Healthy options to choose at barbecues this summereightWest / 16 hours ago

Metro Health University of Michigan Health discusses COPD treatments and symptomseightWest / 4 days ago

Have a travel bug? Explore hot spots in Michigan and beyond with Rachael Ruiz' travel guideeightWest / 4 days ago

Metro Health University of Michigan Health discusses diabetes diagnosis and treatment optionseightWest / 4 days ago

Spectrum Health discusses COVID-19 vaccines and CDC updateseightWest / 4 days ago

The 5th Annual Grand Rapids Children's Business Fair takes place next Saturday in AdaeightWest / 4 days ago

GRCC offering free Bridges to College program for recent Kent & Ottawa County graduateseightWest / 4 days ago

Metro Health University of Michigan Health talks about cardiac recoveryeightWest / 4 days ago

Metro Health University of Michigan Health discusses ways to effectively manage congestive heart failureeightWest / 4 days ago

Metro Health University of Michigan Health discusses heart attacks in women and how it's different than in meneightWest / 4 days ago

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All this week on 8: West Michigan In Progress - WOODTV.com

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Whitmer says legislature is to blame for lack of progress on ‘damn roads’ – WSYM-TV

Posted: at 3:51 am

MICHIGAN.

It's a promise most all Michiganders remember, "fix the damn roads."

But three years into Gretchen Whitmer's term as Michigan governor, how are the roads really?

According to Michigan.gov's pavement tracker, overall road conditions were better in 2018-2019, than they were in 2019 - 2020, the most recent year for which data is available.

According to Michigan.gov's pavement tracker, overall road conditions were better in 2018-2019, than they were in 2019 - 2020, the most recent year for which data is available.

Ask how she felt about that, Whitmer said, "Well, I think that, as I explained, you know, we're doing a lot of work on the state trunklines and bridges."

"Because the legislature wouldn't move forward on what I had proposed, the gas tax, I know no one wants to raise taxes, but we've got a problem with infrastructure and I said I was going to solve it and that really would have been a good solution," she said. "All that being said, the legislature wouldn't do it, and so we are seeing our local roads continue to deteriorate."

Kyle Melinn is the editor of Michigan Information and Research Service, which covers Michigan state government exclusively.

Kyle Melinn is the editor of Michigan Information and Research Service, which covers Michigan state government exclusively.

On the topic of the legislature working with Whitmer he said; "I'm reminded of the old Dr. Seuss story about the two Zax, the westward, or the northward facing Zax and the southward facing Zax, in that you had two people who got to a certain point where they were both not going to budge off their position, and so now the rest of the world has had to kind of work around them in order to improve roads and bridges."

" You had two people who got to a certain point where they were both not going to budge off their position."

In 2019, Whitmer proposed a 45 cent gas tax increase to fix Michigan roads, he said, and Republicans replied with the offer to hike the tax by 15 cents. They never reached a compromise.

"It really damaged relations between the two. Since then, really, they haven't been able to agree on anything," said Melinn.

Throughout the spring, Whitmer has been making visits to road projects as part of her $3.5 billion "Rebuilding Michigan Plan."

The bonding plan is Whitmer's attempt to fix Michigan roads without having to work with the Republican-controlled legislature.

The bonding plan is Whitmer's attempt to fix Michigan roads without having to work with the Republican-controlled legislature.

"We moved forward with the bonding plan, we did this unilaterally," said Whitmer, "and we are putting $3.5 billion into roads across the state. Now it only addresses the state roads. I can't fix them, myself, the local ones. I need the legislature to work with me."

The bonding plan has 21 projects in the works.

Which brings us back to square one: the two Zax.

The governor maintains that the reason Michigan roads as a whole have not improved is that the legislature wouldn't work with her in 2019, and they won't work with her today.

The governor maintains that the reason Michigan roads as a whole have not improved is that the legislature wouldn't work with her in 2019, and they won't work with her today.

"I said that first year that I took office, I put a plan on the table that would have solved all of these problems. The legislature wouldn't...they wouldn't embrace the plan," she said. "But they also didn't even offer an alternative. They just walked away."

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey responded with a statement calling Whitmer's account "blatantly false.

FOX 47 News, 2021

"The Legislature put before the governor multiple alternative plans to fix our roads from driveway to highway, and she chose to walk away. Her disastrous plan to nearly triple gas taxes would not have addressed local roads, but it would have made filling up your tank at the pump cost more. Even in recent weeks, the governor continues to abandon working with the Legislature on pressing issues facing Michigan, namely COVID response and the state budget," Shirkey said.

With 18 months left in Whitmer's term as governor, will the two Zax find a way to get Michigan road repairs moving?

With 18 months left in Whitmer's term as governor, will the two Zax find a way to get Michigan road repairs moving?

"There will not be a consensus within the time between now and the election for there to be a package in which taxes are raised to fund for roads," said Melinn. "I think that train has left the station and it's gone and done. The question now has to do with bonding."

The bonding plan could fill a much larger pot-hole in Michigan's road problems if President Biden's American Jobs Plan passes.

The plan would give $600 billion to U.S. infrastructure.

The plan would give $600 billion to U.S. infrastructure.

"The Biden administration is moving forward with their American Jobs Plan," Whitmer said. "There's a lot of resources for infrastructure, this may help us address some of those issues that I just described, and so I'm feeling optimistic."

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Whitmer says legislature is to blame for lack of progress on 'damn roads' - WSYM-TV

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Hes doing the small things: Hawks rookie Okongwu showing progress – Atlanta Journal Constitution

Posted: at 3:51 am

Of all the seasons to be a rookie in the NBA, this has to be one of the toughest, so that advice from more seasoned teammates certainly comes in handy. Because of the coronavirus, the leagues calendar was upended, compressed into a tight schedule that severely limits practice time, which is especially tough on guys who are still adjusting to the league. Okongwu also entered with an injury that limited him in the preseason and beginning of the season, as he dealt with a stress fracture in the sesamoid bone of his left foot.

In the first half of the season, under Lloyd Pierce, Okongwu played in 14 games. Under interim coach Nate McMillan, who took over March 1, he has played in 35. Playing more consistently has helped him settle into more of a rhythm as the Hawks backup center, behind starter Clint Capela.

His stats dont jump off the page (4.2 points, 0.6 blocks, three rebounds in 11.6 minutes per game), but the Hawks dont need him to put up eye-popping numbers they need him to take time to develop his game, while helping out the second unit. Whether he plays much in the postseason, as rotations tighten, Okongwu has taken a step forward, even if he still has rookie moments here and there.

Its all experience, Okongwu said. The more reps I get, the more I learn, the better I get. As of right now, Im just trying to go out there, do what I do, have fun, learn how to stay out of foul trouble. Trying to stay away from picking up ticky-tack fouls, but its all a learning experience.

With his athletic ability, coming out of USC, Okongwu drew comparisons with Miamis Bam Adebayo. As Okongwu continues in the league, he wants to develop his ball-handling and passing, as Adebayo did.

I feel like when me and him came out of college, we were the same type of player, Okongwu said of Adebayo, who played one season for Kentucky. He developed over the course of these past couple years, me and him started off the same, and then he was able to develop his game these past couple years, how he handles the ball, facilitates. I feel like if I keep working, I can be a top player like him. We have the same build, same athleticism, overall I feel like were the same build. So I think over the course of my career, I can have a game like that.

On Wednesday, Okongwu had 11 points in the Hawks 120-116 win vs. Washington, helping the team clinch a Top 6 playoff spot. Toward the end of the third quarter, he had four consecutive points to narrow the deficit to nine, before an eventual fourth-quarter comeback.

In the 135-103 win vs. the Suns (then the top team in the West) on May 5, Okongwu was part of why the bench dominated, turning the game into a complete blowout in the fourth quarter. He finished with a season-high 14 points, to go with seven rebounds, three steals and two assists.

On defense, he had a scrappy performance in the Hawks win vs. Miami on April 23, limiting Adebayo and the Heat to 14 points in the fourth quarter (Okongwu actually started that game and played 28 minutes, with Capela out because of injury).

Overall, hes showing more good activity on the court, even if it hasnt translated to the box score yet. While watching film a few weeks ago, power forward John Collins noticed Okongwu throw a cross-court pass out of a short roll. It was an indication that Okongwus game is developing.

Youre just starting to see his game mature, a couple nuances. Thats really big for O, who, as I say, is really a year removed from high school, Collins said. And to come in and be a real player in this league and have to contribute minutes, hes doing the small things that end up eventually making something big happen. So, were all proud of O.

With more reps, Okongwu has been able to get a feel for what the Hawks want from him, McMillan thinks.

I think hes going to be a really good player, solid player, in this league, for a long time, McMillan said. He has the skill, he wants to learn, he asks a ton of questions, and thats what you want from a young rookie, is that he watches film, so he wants to learn. He absorbs what you tell him and hes a physical player. He doesnt shy away from contact in the paint.

He went up against an All-Star (April 23) in Bam, and Bam is very physical in that paint. So hes done a good job, and as he continues to get minutes and get out there and play, and play in important situations like what were facing right now, hell get better. Hell get better with time. But the potential that he has is, I think, unlimited.

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Hes doing the small things: Hawks rookie Okongwu showing progress - Atlanta Journal Constitution

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