Category Archives: Ascension

The Ministry of Hemp Podcast

Canadian Hemp & Cutting Edge CBD Research, With Ascension Sciences

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With hemp off to a shaky start in the U.S., we thought wed take a look at Canadian hemp with help from an industry expert.

In episode 67 of the Ministry of Hemp podcast, our host Matt talks with Tomas Skrinskas, Founder and CEO of Ascension Sciences. As a CEO of a Canadian company that works with pharmaceutical companies in developing CBD based medicine, Tomas has a different perspective on the hemp market and how the Canadian government legislates hemp.

Tomas is also an expert on nanomedicines, so Matt and Tomas get into the topic of bioavailability. Ascension Sciences works to make CBD-based medicine more effective through nano-encapsulation, and he explains future of nano-encapsulation of CBD in drinks.

Matt also mentions our recent guide to CBD and CBN products that help you sleep.

For over 15 years, Tomas Skrinskas has been at the leading edge of transformative health care technologies including computer assisted surgery, surgical robotics and genetic nanomedicines. His career began with research and engineering which provided a strong foundation for the business development and operations roles that followed. Tomas founded Ascension Sciences (Twitter: @AscensionSci), a R&D laboratory focused on nanoparticle development for cannabinoid products and therapeutics, in January 2019.

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Below youll find the complete transcript of episode 67 of the Ministry of Hemp podcast, Canadian hemp and CBD:

Ep 67 Transcript:

Matt Baum:Im Matt Baum. And this is the Ministry of Hemp podcast, brought to you by ministryofhemp.com, Americas leading advocate for hemp and hemp education.

Matt Baum:Welcome back to the Ministry of Hemp podcast. And if youre new here, welcome aboard. Nice to have you. Today on the show, we are going to talk about another way pharmaceutical companies are making CBD more readily available to your body after you ingest it, or even rub it on your skin.

Matt Baum:Ive spoken about bioavailability on this show before, Episode 62, specifically. In that episode, I spoke with Dr. Andrew Yates and Professor Saoirse [OSullivan 00:00:00:43], who developed a cocrystal that will improve the bioavailability of CBD. In a nutshell, your body doesnt want to absorb this molecule very well. So we have to come up with creative ways, to get it to absorb into your system. Now, another way of doing this is nanotechnology, specifically nanoencapsulation.

Matt Baum:Today on the show, my conversation is with Dr. Tomas Skrinskas, founder and CEO of Ascension Sciences. And what they do, is work with nanoencapsulation. Basically, taking these molecules and putting them in a really, really tiny container that helps your body absorb it. This is a Canadian company, so we were also able to talk about what its like to develop hemp-based medicine in Canada, as opposed to the US. And Tomas had some really interesting points that I hadnt thought of. Heres my conversation with Tomas Skrinskas, CEO of Ascension Sciences.

Matt Baum:Tomas, welcome to the Ministry of Hemp.

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah. Thanks.

Matt Baum:Glad to have you.

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah, this is Im stoked. This is great.

Matt Baum:I think youre our first Canadian guest.

Tomas Skrinskas:Outstanding.

Matt Baum:Yeah. So we can put a pin in the Ministry of Hemp map now, which is cool.

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah. Thats somewhat surprising, but no. Happy to speak for all of Canada, and to thank you. No, were happy to be here.

Matt Baum:Perfect. So lets talk about hemp in Canada, real quick. Hemp in Canada, and cannabis in Canada, period. Very different from hemp and marijuana, in the United States. You guys have quite the head start on us. Can you give us a quick little historical background of where youre at, compared to where we are?

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah, I can. My entry into the industry, the space, is actually really only been in the last two years. So, a deep history buff, I am not. But what Ive learned, in my short time is, I think theres advantages and disadvantages to what were doing. So, one example is the CBD, an explosion of CBD, from hemp in the US, its actually a little more flexible or a little easier to work with those materials-

Matt Baum:Really?

Tomas Skrinskas: or to develop products. Because its in the Farm Bill, and its all above board, and its easy-peasy. On the Canadian side, we have that CBD aspect thats from hemp, but theres just a lot more red flags and red tape and attention drawn, to make sure where its coming from and what its used for. So for us for example, we just assume and we treat our CBD, like its THC. We have to report and track and-

Matt Baum:Oh, wow.

Tomas Skrinskas:We cant lose a drop of it. And then, thats just to be certain that were doing everything right, because regulations are changing so fast. So all that to say, I missed the whole history part of your question, I just avoided it.

Matt Baum:No, no, this is perfect.

Tomas Skrinskas:But the difference-

Matt Baum:This is perfect.

Tomas Skrinskas:But the differences are there, that its sometimes easier, sometimes harder, but yeah. Its, different.

Matt Baum:As I understand it, its one set of rules for the whole country, though. Basically its not province by province, if you will. Whereas, here in the States, we have different states with completely different cannabis laws. Some you cant even drive cannabis through, let alone Or even hemp, its nuts. So Canada is nationwide, though.

Tomas Skrinskas:Correct. Yeah. There are some age differences, just like alcohol consumption is different in Quebec, and the Prairies and NBC, it changes by one year as you move around, and that goes for cannabis as well.

Matt Baum:Sure.

Tomas Skrinskas:But yeah, across the country, we ship samples and all the rest like, bank. No problem. And all that is easy-peasy.

Matt Baum:See, thats a huge step up from us, right now. So, were having a lot of trouble. Its about smaller companies, as well. When you turn and say, Well, I cant accept credit cards, because we cant figure out if anything is insured, and credit card companies dont want to get in on that yet. Its very difficult. And I think we look to Canada You said, theres a lot of red tape. Were not, wed kill for that red tape. At least theres red tape. And we know we have to cut it, and get through it. We dont even know, right now. Like, Please give us some red tape, please.

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah. For product development and the research that we want to do, we want it, were completely above board and all the rest, but we do compete with people who just neglect the legacy market. Its called the legacy market-

Matt Baum:Right.

Tomas Skrinskas:Just neglects it, and keeps going. And theyll become legal, and the government helps them become legal, so thats the part that kind of pisses me off. Like, Im doing it right. And some people are going to be doing it right, eventually, but they have this little advantage. Theyre just kind of chugging along.

Matt Baum:You say theres a legacy market. Is that almost, when the laws were passed, or people that were already doing it this way? And Canada is nice enough to be like, Well, you guys catch up when you can. Is that, seriously, whats going on?

Tomas Skrinskas:Thats exactly whats going on. And then theres big consultancies and people helping them go from the gray market to the legal market. Its the reality. Yeah. They cant just shutter, or burn the crops or all the rest. Theres systems in place to help them become legal. And, I think thats good.

Matt Baum:Sure.

Tomas Skrinskas:Its, fine.

Matt Baum:But I assume theres a lot of people that are dragging their feet, because this costs money.

Tomas Skrinskas:Exactly. Yeah. The licensing process, you have to spend money to out Security, and record-keeping, and all that-

Matt Baum:Of course.

Tomas Skrinskas:Quality, and all that, absolutely costs money. And its going to, some people wont be able to make it, and maybe theyll take that risk. And, some people wont. Time will tell, time will tell.

Matt Baum:Right. Lets talk about your background, for a minute. You said you got into this about two years ago. Tell me about Ascension Sciences.

Tomas Skrinskas:Yes. So, I had always been in the medical field. I did a masters in biomedical engineering, and it wasnt in particles and drug developments, so to speak. But all that to say, healthcare and hospitals and wellness, has always been part of my upbringing and then education, and career choices. And that brought me to a company called Precision NanoSystems where I came by nanotechnology, and nanoparticles. Meanwhile, they were doing, or they are doing, genetic medicine. But I saw the opportunity to mash that up with cannabinoids, which are essentially insoluble compounds, insoluble drugs, as we see them-

Matt Baum:Right.

Tomas Skrinskas: [crosstalk 00:08:23] therapeutic. So they require these types of delivery systems and cocrystals. I listened to your absolutely handy podcast on bioavailability and cocrystals.

Matt Baum:That was awesome, right? Those guys were so cool.

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah, no, theyre legit. No, Artelo is doing real stuff. Thats the echelon, or thats where were placing ourselves, were in health to therapeutic development. And so, all that to say is, this health technology background, mashed it up and then saw an opportunity. And thats when Ascension Sciences started.

Matt Baum:Why cannabis though? What drew you to that? It seems like theres a lot I dont know if its safer, in Canada. I know Europe, and it sounds like Canada, definitely have better rules in place for people to develop these types of drugs. Where in the States, pharmaceuticals are still, theyre definitely planning. Dont get me wrong. Theyve got these patents, and theyre ready as soon as they feel like its safe.

Tomas Skrinskas:Yes.

Matt Baum:But, what drew you to cannabis?

Tomas Skrinskas:Somewhat opportunistic. The market, and legalization, it just lowered the barrier for the research to be done. If your angle or your, if youre prodding for my epiphany around the plant, and things of that nature, I think its a tool kit in any health and wellness situation. You dont take your Tylenol to hurt your toe, without realizing that its your small shoes, thats hurting your toe-

Matt Baum:Right, exactly.

Tomas Skrinskas: take your shoes off. So in mental health and inflammation, and anxiety, its a tool. And I recognize that, its certainly been part of some situations for me. But, Im opportunistic, as well. [crosstalk 00:10:16] theres-

Matt Baum:Theres nothing wrong with that. Thats a real answer, and I appreciate that. [inaudible 00:10:20].

Tomas Skrinskas:Thank you. Yeah.

Matt Baum:Its nice to say, I had a magic moment, and the sun hit me just right. And I looked at the [crosstalk 00:10:26]

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah.

Matt Baum: [crosstalk 00:10:27] and it spoke. And youre like, Thats great, and all.

Tomas Skrinskas:This is, its a little more calculated. Its a little more calculated, than that. But

Matt Baum:Theres nothing wrong with that, at all. So, what kind of stuff are you guys working on? You were talking about nanotechnology and nanoparticle development. Those are words that are thrown around a lot, and theyre not always thrown around by people that seem to know what it means. Im not putting you on the spot. You seem to know exactly where youre coming from on this, but Ive definitely interviewed people where Ive said, Okay, well, tell me about this nanoencapsulation in your body balm, or whatever. And theyre like, Oh, it makes it really small, so it just slips right through. Im like, Well, what does that mean? What are we talking about, here?

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah. I kind of have the verbatim definition of nanotechnology. Its just manipulating materials, molecules, at a very small scale for some advantage or purpose. So, in drug development, a lot of drugs require nanoparticles to be delivered, around the body. The best analogy is, like a delivery truck. The nanoparticle is the truck. Your drug is inside the truck. And the truck is driving around, getting to the right place at the right time, in the right concentration. And you can design this truck, this nanoparticle, to do those things.

Tomas Skrinskas:And thats where things get interesting. Youre replacing parts. Youre making big trucks, small trucks-

Matt Baum:Sure, sure.

Tomas Skrinskas: all for various benefits, in your administration. Is it in your Are you swallowing it? Is it under your tongue? Is it on your skin? You can design these to aid, or to tune release, depending on what you want and how you want it done.

Matt Baum:So speaking to that, you, we mentioned cocrystals, and whatnot. I learned recently in that podcast, that your body naturally does not want to absorb these cannabinoids, because of the nature of the molecule itself. Can you shrink something down small enough, so that it is absorbed better? Or do you always need a cocrystal, carrier type thing?

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah, thats a good question, or a good point to clarify. So, were not shrinking CBD. Were-

Matt Baum:Shrinking is the wrong word. Yeah. Anyone who says they are, is lying, basically.

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah. Correct, but were packaging it, and were protecting it with other lipids or, things that, a shell around it. And we make it more stable, things of that nature. And cocrystals are, I would say, a competing technology to nanoparticles. When it comes to bioavailability. So you can, the fancy term is functionalize, the CBD. Where you attach something to it, and it becomes more soluble, more bioavailable. Our approach is to package all of the CBD into this matzo ball, and the matzo ball itself, is the soluble component.

Matt Baum:Im Jewish, so now youre just making me hungry. Thanks.

Tomas Skrinskas:Okay, sorry. I can, I [crosstalk 00:14:02] on that. Thats-

Matt Baum:No, thats perfect.

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah. And then, theres pros and cons, from IP to manufacturing costs, to actual reasons to do one or the other. For example, in nanoparticles, we like to draw attention to tuned release. So, long lasting or fast acting? So for pain, we can have a particle that releases it slowly, whereas a cocrystal, it might absorb it immediately, have the effect now for-

Matt Baum:Sure.

Tomas Skrinskas: acute pain. So theres all manner of reasons to do one or the other.

Matt Baum:So in nanoparticle technology, well call it, you can actually tune it to release fast or slow? Or is it a type of thing where, like a cocrystal is always going to be a fast release, and you have more control when it comes down to nanoparticles?

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah. This is a slippery slope. Where-

Matt Baum:Or does it just not work like that? I have no idea. [crosstalk 00:15:18].

Tomas Skrinskas:So, your tablet, your gel cap, has all sorts of other components in it. So the gel cap can dissolve slowly, so thatll impart slow release-

Matt Baum:Okay, sure. Sure.

Tomas Skrinskas: [crosstalk 00:15:33] so you could put cocrystals in your slow release cap, or your slow release tablet. So you can attain different features from both sides, but combining the two as well. Theres no reason that we couldnt put cocrystal CBD into a nanoparticle, and just to have it be that much more bioavailable, that much more controlled and tuned release. And thats where you start to look at the indication.

Tomas Skrinskas:So again, Artelo is getting a lot of press here, for their PTSD applications and mental health situations. You can start to target the brain or wherever you want these things to collect, preferentially, in your body. Thats another reason nanoparticles become interesting.

Matt Baum:So theoretically, you could say, Okay, I want to make a capsule that is good for pain, and thats going to go through the whole body. As opposed to a capsule thats good for anxiety, which might target part of the brain, instead.

Tomas Skrinskas:Correct. Yeah.

Matt Baum:Thats very cool.

Tomas Skrinskas:Where, yeah.

Matt Baum:So what kind of cannabinoid products are you guys working on, right now? What kind of therapeutics? Are you looking at guiding things directly towards like, I want to treat PTSD, or. I want to treat seizure disorders.

Tomas Skrinskas:Yeah. Very good question. So, the short answer is, we do contract research. So we actually look for companies to bring their delivery problem, their therapeutic problem, to us. And we have kind of a toolkit of nanoparticles, and we can guide them, direct them, to some of our toolkit. And say, This particle, it sounds like it will work. Lets work together, and develop it further. And thats our preclinical development business model, at this stage of the company. Thats just somewhat of the reality of it being a six person, R & D licensed outfit. But we want to work with people like Artelo, and work with people like Cardiol and InMed, and GW Pharma. And, help them get their therapeutics to be more efficient, and help that many more people, by being better drugs.

Matt Baum:So I own Company X, and theoretically, were working on a drug for Crohns disease. Very painful, and CBD or cannabinoids, have been shown to help a lot. I can come to your company and say, How do we build this? Whats the best way to build it? Whats the best way to deliver it, and to target Crohns disease? And that is what you work on.

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Canadian Hemp & Cutting Edge CBD Research, With Ascension Sciences - Ministry of Hemp

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo

Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo

The ascension of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf

Editor's note: This story was initially published ahead of Week 6 games, when the Seahawks were on their bye week.

Its Dec. 5, 2015.

The Mississippi class 5A state title is in DK Metcalfs hands.

His Oxford high school against Wayne County. Oxford at the 1-yard line, with time for one last play to win the game. Its championship or nothing.

The ball goes to him. Of course it does. Hes the Chargers best athlete; a four-star receiver and one of the top wideouts in the country.

Metcalf motions to the backfield. The ball is shotgun snapped between the quarterbacks legs to Metcalf, whos supposed to leap over the pile to cross the plane. But the snap is low, disrupting the play. Metcalf runs out wide instead. Hes tackled at the legs. He stretches for the goal line as time expires.

Short.

Euphoria for Wayne County. Heartbreak for Metcalf and Oxford again. For the third straight year, the Chargers lose in the state championship.

Theres no more "next year" for Metcalf, a 17-year-old senior. No state title for his prep career resume.

Guilt consumes him. He didnt send off head coach Johnny Hill the way he envisioned. Oxfords coach of 22 years, Hill announced before the season that it would be his last year.

The Mississippi hall-of-fame coach would now retire without a state title.

He felt like he had let all of us down, recalls current Oxford head football coach Chris Cutcliffe, Metcalfs position coach all four years of high school. He had felt that he let the team down, the coaches down. He kind of put it on his shoulders.

Dad mode turns on for Terrence Metcalf, Oxfords defensive line coach. He picks his son off the ground. He hugs him. DK is devastated; one of the rare times hes shown raw emotion.

You have a lot of football left to play, stresses Terrence. This chapter isnt over in your life. God hasnt closed the door on you for football. Lets get ready for the next chapter.

Yes sir, says DK, fighting through tears.

Father and son, together, walk to the locker room, out of sight.

DK is unguardable to start 2020. Opposing cornerbacks need safety help against him.

DK who went viral ahead of the 2019 draft with a shirtless pic showing his shredded, 6-foot-4, 230-pound physique is not just a social media sensation. And hes doing much more than running in a straight line really, really fast. DK, an ascending route runner, is emerging as the No. 1 receiver in a Seahawks offense that quarterback Russell Wilson says is playing at the highest level it ever has since he arrived in Seattle.

Hes the best in the world at what he does, says Wilson of DK, speaking to reporters last week.

Through five weeks, DK is third in the NFL in receiving yards (496) and tied for second in receiving touchdowns (5). Hes the only player this season with 90-plus receiving yards in each of his first five games. He leads the league in yards per reception (22.5). Explosive plays are his bread and butter.

Withholding comparisons to legends refraining from imagining a bust in Canton because its too early is a futile exercise. Through his first 21 regular-season games, DK has more catches, receiving yards and touchdowns than similarly-built legendary wideouts Terrell Owens and Calvin Johnson. He also has more receiving yards through 21 games than Falcons superstar Julio Jones, who hes tied with in that span in receptions (80) and scores (12).

DK shows us what he can be with a 900-yard receiving rookie season; by putting up 160 receiving yards in his first playoff game, both a franchise postseason record and the most by a rookie in NFL postseason history. Then he shows us hes already that in Year 2 by manhandling arguably the leagues best corner, reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gillmore, in a Sunday night thriller against the Patriots.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 20: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates scoring a second quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots at CenturyLink Field on September 20, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 20: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle...

Hes the man on the Seahawks 94-yard game-winning drive against the Vikings in Week 5, wanting and hauling in two impressive fourth-down catches, including the game-winning touchdown.

Hes the man vs. Dallas two weeks prior; fumbling at the 1-yard line for a touchback early in the game an epic lapse then scoring the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.

And hes the man for even being in this position.

His career at Ole Miss ends because of a neck injury, and a doctor tells him hell never play football again. Four months later, he has a record-setting performance at the 2019 NFL combine. He breaks down on a teary-eyed Facetime call to his family after the fact. But its just his power radiating in the moment.

The ascension of DK his knack for rising to the occasion, his burgeoning star status starts at home.

DK set his sights on the NFL as a little boy in Oxford, Mississippi. By middle school, hes focused on earning a football scholarship. He didnt talk about it, though.

His parents didnt allow it.

You can talk about it all you want, says Terrence, but if you dont show that thats where youre supposed to be through your work ethic and how you treat people in your walk in life, its moot point.

Little DK watches his dad train tirelessly, at Ole Miss and for seven years in the NFL with the Chicago Bears. He notices him going to the facility on his off days. He sees the trip to Super Bowl XLI.

Terrences teammates tell young DK what it takes, too. Former Bears safety Bobby Gray works with him; talks with him. Two-time Pro Bowler and 2005 NFL sack leader Derrick Burgess, one of Terrences best friends and a teammate at Ole Miss, is in his corner. Former Ole Miss star running back Deuce McAllister gives him pointers, too. Its a village of mentors.

When its time for DK to put in his own work, hes ready.

Hes on a lifting routine in sixth grade. Four days a week, from sixth to eighth grade, he goes with Terrence to workout at Ole Miss. He runs the steps at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium; does all the grueling drills dad tells him to do. Because dad says he can be legendary.

One day in sixth grade stands out. Hes more tired than usual in the workout. Hes exhausted, struggling to breathe. He hits a wall. So Terrence pushes him harder; tells him to slow his breathing down and encourages him through it.

DK finishes and makes time for all his 10 110s 110-yard runs from the back of one end zone to the goal line of the other, and vice versa.

I would always tell him, No coach can coach you harder than Ive coached you already, says Terrence. Hes carried that with him, I believe, every day. He lived with that. He trains to set himself apart.

At Oxford high school, DK maintains a year-round training schedule. A four-star football recruit, he shines on the hardwood and in track & field, too. He goes straight from football season to basketball season to track season. It never ends.

He hits the gym at 6 a.m. before school to get his lift in. During football season, he stays late after practice to work on routes with his quarterback and close friend, current Southern Miss star Jack Abraham. The work for the week doesnt finish after the game Friday. They get together most Sundays to throw for an hour and a half. The routine continues into the offseason.

Its DK telling Abraham to stay for more reps most of the time.

I think his daddy kind of leveled his head where he always kept him grounded, says Hill. He wouldn't let him get the big head. He wouldn't let him loaf. He wouldn't let him do this that type stuff. And I think that was a driving force in the fact that he didn't want to be just the best receiver we had at Oxford. He wanted to be the best receiver in the state of Mississippi. He wanted to be the best receiver in the southeast (United States).

DK records six receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns in the dramatic Week 5 win over the Vikings. Its another big game for him to start 2020.

Hes peppered with questions about how he makes the leaping grab on 4th & 10 to keep the game alive; what its like to have the touchdown reception, have it ruled incomplete then get the touchdown again, for real, on the Seahawks last play of the game.

How did his dad help him build the mental fortitude needed to succeed in that moment?

My pops always taught me to be a dog and to not let anything stop me, no matter what it is, whether its in the weight room or on the field, says DK. My dad always told me to be your own person because theres only one you. From everybody I heard of or anybody that I have been around, they always told me how big, strong and intimidating I look, so why not just act like it?

He created a monster.

The monster grows stronger with the Seahawks.

In Seattle, DK has the perfect environment to build on the foundation his father laid. A winning organization. An eventual Hall of Fame coach in Pete Carroll. A superstar quarterback in Wilson.

His chemistry with Wilson is blossoming. He shows unwavering trust in DK; confidence in him to deliver in the biggest moments.

DK is targeted on six of Wilsons final nine passing attempts in the Seahawks stunning game-winning drive vs. Minnesota. Wilson goes to DK for the game-winning TD late in the fourth quarter two weeks prior in the victory against Dallas, after he blows a TD early in the game. And he goes to the second-year pro for the score on 4th & 5 in the season opener at Atlanta, after he drops a wide-open pass earlier in the drive.

The trust comes from waking up for 5:45 a.m. workouts at UCLA with Wilson before his first training camp in 2019. Sitting next to Wilson in meetings as a rookie. Asking him questions, constantly. Devouring Wilsons 15-page, weekly scouting reports on opposing teams; studying those reports so thoroughly that he can answer any question about them when quizzed.

Then DK applies the knowledge on the field. Quickly. In his first NFL game, at home against the Bengals, he posts four receptions for a team-leading 89 yards the most ever by a Seahawks rookie wide receiver in a debut.

A guy like him, who has all the talent in the world, he can take it easy, says Wilson in September. He could do this, he could do that. (But) hes one of the first guys there every day. Hes one of the guys whos always ready to work. Hes always ready to get extra reps. He wants to be great. When somebody wants to be great, its not just about wanting to. Its about doing the actions. Its about everything that you do about it. Its a lifestyle that you have to live. I think he really wants to do it.

Wilson and DK grow closer in 2020. They quarantine together in the spring with the novel coronavirus pandemic ongoing. They workout at Wilsons compound in San Diego. They train in Mexico. Wilson teaches DK how to swim. Wilson calls him one of his best friends; a little brother. DK introduces himself as such, too.

But its not just Wilson. So many in the Seahawks locker room influence DK and help him to grow. Its Tyler Lockett and Duane Brown and Bobby Wagner and others.

Its just a blessing to be around this organization, says DK last Sunday. I can go on and on with the people whove just taken me under their wing and just pulled me to the side. Theyre friends. Theyre not teammates. So it just makes it easier to go out there and lay my life on the line, my body on the line every play for these boys.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 11: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks is congratulated by teammates after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field on October 11, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 11: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle...

Then he plays against Julio Jones and Larry FItzgerald, too. He meets Randy Moss, Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens and Michael Irvin. Legends. He soaks up their knowledge.

He wants to be named in that group so he internalizes what they say.

I think thats always in the forefront of his mind, I have to work like those guys work, because theyre telling him I never took time off. I trained like I wanted to be the best, says Terrence. And then he has Russell as his quarterback thats telling him, hey, it takes this to be this individual. And he already knows what he wants to do.

NFL fans bemoan their favorite team for passing on him. Pundits see a Hall-of-Fame talent. Seahawks safety Jamal Adams sees the new Megatron. Cornerback Quinton Dunbar proclaims he looks like Julio (Jones) out there in practice.

The spotlights grows bigger for DK.

"All he could have ever dreamed for is happening, says Carroll on Monday. DK hasn't played perfectly. He's made his mistakes and missed some balls that he could catch and will catch and all that. So it's still all out there for him. But I think what people are noticing is that you can't help but notice his presence, his physical presence when you play against him. It's so obvious. He's so fast and so strong and so tough. He's getting after guys when he's blocking he'll have to find the rhythm of what that all takes as he's learning. He hasn't had enough success yet to know that yet. He's still learning. He's still working. But he's available to learn.

He's really bright and he cares so much.

DK takes the blame for the state championship heartbreak; that he couldn't finish the play at the 1-yard line against Wayne County. But the Oxford coaches don't see it that way. Its the little things about DK that always make them proud; who he is matters more than that one tough moment five years ago.

Like how against Clarksdale that one year, his dads high school, he picks up his block and drives his man so far they feared hed draw a flag out of bounds, through the Oxford sideline and into the track surrounding the field. Like how, as one of the top college prospects in the South, hes at the spring practice for the Oxford eight graders, carrying water bottles and giving pointers to the young kids.

They beam with pride, too, in how he overcomes that scary neck injury at Ole Miss to run a dazzling 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the 2019 combine. The Oxford football staff, on their lunch break at a coaching clinic in Nashville, watch him run on the TV. His old coaches hoot and holler louder than anyone else, drawing eyes all round.

And just a few days after that run, a moment that lifts his fame ahead of the draft, he comes to see them. He shoots Cutcliffe a text that hes in town. He arrives at Oxford high school. He sees the coaches and his old teachers; those who made an impact on him. He does the morning announcements for the school over the intercom.

So when DK gets drafted an emotional night after everything hes been through, the long wait for the phone call the Oxford football team is there for him, too. They throw a big draft party in their fieldhouse to watch his special moment.

I dont think we could be more proud of him, says Cutcliffe. What he means to the community here, to the teachers and students and especially the football team ... hes left a great legacy at Oxford high school.

After that heartbreak at the 1-yard line against Wayne County, as he lifts up his emotional son off the ground, Terrence offers his fatherly encouragement. But its not a drawn out conversation. It cant be.

Basketball season is up next. Then track in the spring. Hell be back at this very stadium next fall, too, suiting up for the Ole Miss Rebels. And from there, who knows? So the work cant stop.

Train to set yourself apart.

Be legendary.

RELATED:

Ben Arthur covers sports for SeattlePI. He can be reached by email at benjaminarthur@seattlepi.com. Follow him on twitter at @benyarthur.

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The ascension of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf - seattlepi.com

DONALDSONVILLE Ascension Catholics Casey Mays returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown and the Bulldogs never looked back in a 64-22 victory over White Castle on Thursday night at Floyd Boutte Memorial Stadium.

To say it was a special night for Ascension Catholic would be an understatement. ACHS led 42-7 after one quarter despite running just one offensive play. Five TDs came on special teams plays.

Khai Prean added punt returns of 49 and 57 yards for touchdowns in the first quarter for the hosts (3-0, 1-0) in the District 7-1A opener for both teams. Mays later added an 85-yard kickoff return for a another score.

Ascension Catholics JMond Tapp was able to stop White Castles outstanding quarterback Tajh Favorite with consecutive tackles behind the line and forced White Castle to punt, a common theme for White Castle (2-2, 0-1).

White Castle scored a touchdown on a Barry Richard fumble recovery in the first quarter, the lone highlight for the visitors.

The special teams touchdowns staked Ascension Catholic to a 28-7 lead.

Ascension Catholic defensive back Troy Cole picked off Favorite and returned it 40 yards for anther touchdown and a 35-7 lead with 2:55 left in the first quarter.

White Castle added a 16-yard touchdown pass from Favorite to Jabez Allen to make it 42-14 at the end of the first quarter. ACHS ran one offensive play in the first quarter but led 42-14.

Our special teams were outstanding tonight, ACHS coach Benny Saia said. The kids executed, and we have some weapons with Khai Presn and Casey Mays in the return game. The kids were locked in.

ACHS Bryce Leonard added a 53-yard touchdown pass to Cole, along with another Prean touchdown and the Bulldogs led 57-14 at halftime.

Both teams substituted in the second half with ACHS Jacob Latino scoring from 12 yards out and White Castle quarterback Nigel Miles rushing for a 2-yard touchdown.

Ascension Catholic kicker Jacob Dun converted 7 of 7 on extra points. The Bulldogs defensive line harassed White Castle most of the night and linebacker Brayden Duhon led in tackles with eight.

Our defense was really good tonight and they did it against a very explosive offense. Overall a good performance by our team, very proud of their effort, Saia said.

Continued here:

Special win: Ascension Catholic blisters White Castle with four special teams touchdowns - The Advocate

An entrepreneur who started health benefits company Definity Health and sold it to UnitedHealth Group for $300 million is looking to shake up the health plan market again.

Minneapolis-based Bind has focused on redesigninghealth insurance to enable members to view treatment options and compare costs before making a decision. Thisgives employers the opportunity to offer a sustainable, attractive health benefit without compromising coverage or quality, according to the company.

Bind's approach to health insurance innovation has attracted big investors including Ascension Ventures, the venture arm of the Ascension health system, and UnitedHealth.

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The company, which offers "on-demand" health plans, scored a $105 million series B funding round. Bindhas raised nearly $250 million in capital in four years.

Bind was founded in 2016 by entrepreneur Tony Miller, who previously started two companies that he sold to UnitedHealth Group. One company,Definity Health, was sold to UnitedHealth Group in 2004 in a $300 million deal. He also founded healthcare consulting firm Carol Corp., which was sold to Optum, UnitedHealths health services arm, in 2011. The terms of that deal were not disclosed.

Bind started by administering health plans for self-insured employers. The companyoperates its self-funded administrative services only platform nationally for dozens of employers including Best Buy, Culligan, Lumen and Medtronic.

RELATED:Global healthcare funding hit a record in Q3. Here's how much digital health companies raised

Enrollment in Bind grew eightfold from 2019 to 2020 and is expected to double from 2020 to 2021, company officials said.

Bind is different from traditional insurance as its plans feature no deductibles andno coinsurance, and members have the option to buy and activate additional coverage for certain non-urgent medical treatments at any point throughout the year,Miller told Fierce Healthcare.

Bind members can search for doctors or by condition on the MyBind app or by logging into the website,then see what's covered, clear prices for treatments and options of where to gobeforemakingan appointment.

Bind was built on the belief that consumers deserve to see and compare costs in advance, so they can make informed treatment choices for their condition. And they should pay less for providers and treatments that have a greater potential to get them or keep them well, Miller said.

For employers, Bind plans provide members with the opportunity to see clear, upfront prices that demonstrate improvedoutcomes so they can choose effective and efficient paths to health, company officials said.

RELATED:Health tech funding snapshotBright Health lands $500M to expand into employer-based insurance; PicnicHealth scores $25M

In September, Bind released data that show its health plan outperformed risk-adjusted industry benchmarks; total cost (combined employer and employee) of Bind was 23% lower than the average benchmark and 11% lower than the highly managed benchmark. The results show that higher member engagement and better health plan design can lower costs for employees and employers.

The company is now diving into thefully insured health plan market for companies with more than 50 employees. Bind is launching immediately in the state of Florida. The companyexpects to serve more than 30 states with its fully insured offering by year-end 2021.

The company plans to use the latest funding round to rapidly accelerate its growthand expansion into the fully insured health plan market.

To break the cost curve for both employers and employees, we went all in on building a health plan that provides the tools needed to see cost and quality comparisons, as well as treatment path options across conditions. And we removed unnecessary affordability barriers, like deductibles and coinsurance, Miller said.

"Bind has proven when people have cost clarity, they buy more effective and efficient careand that makes healthcare more affordable for everyone," he said.

RELATED:Oscar Health closes $225M funding round

Startups looking to shake up health insurance and benefits management are attracting attention from investors.

Ryan Schuler, managing director of Ascension Ventures, said Bind has progressedfrom an idea of leveraging data and technology to create a next-generation insurance design into a platform that is gaining market traction with employers and with members.

Investors bankrolled nearly $1.5 billion in funding deals for companies focused on employer benefits in the third quarter of 2020, according to CB Insights. Funding has skyrocketed by 241% compared to $429 million raised in the third quarter of 2019.

Big deals in this sector include Bright Health's $500 million round,Waterdrop, a health insurance crowdfunding platform, raising $230 million, and benefits administration platform Rippling banking$145 million.

Tech-enabled insurer Oscar Health scored afunding round for $225 million in June. The company has raised $1.5 billion to date, according to Crunchbase.

GoHealth, a Medicare-focusedhealth insurance marketplace, nabbed a blockbuster initial public offering in July that raised $914 million.

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Bind lands $105M funding round to fuel expansion into fully insured health plan market - FierceHealthcare

Families with loved ones in organizations like the Arc of East Ascension in Gonzales have been without their extended family during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But there is a way to make an impact when things do return to some normalcy.

I miss the center and the people, Micheal Allen said. I miss seeing everybody at the center.

Sharon Morris with the Arc of East Ascension added, They call us and tell us how much they miss us and how much they love us, and we really do miss them too. Its like a dead zone.

The Arc of East Ascension is a valuable resource for dozens of clients. But the pandemic has temporarily shut down the center and slowed its mission of helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Sharon Morris added, If we dont ask the community for support, they may think we dont need support. But we really do need the communitys support here. Were trying to keep the doors open, were trying to make it through the different phases that were going through. And without our clients coming, the participants in our program, we dont get any funding.

Clients like Michael Allen, who is doing is part to help the Arc this fall, and pay it forward to those who have helped him.

I really love to dance, and Ive been dancing for a long time, Allen said. Here I am helping to raise money for the Dancing for a Cause, its like a little contest to help make the Arc better.

Eric Carter, Allens stepfather added, I see that hes matured a lot since hes been in this program, it helps him tremendously.

Voting for this years Virtual Dancing for a Cause kicked off last week and will stay open through the end of the month.

To help raise money for the Arc and this cause is awesome, Carter said.

Micheal Allen added, You can vote for anybody, including me of course.

See the original post here:

Family First: Arc of East Ascension - BRProud.com

You will spend a lot of time in Genshin Impact farming for Weapon Ascension Materials. These are needed to upgrade your weapons, increase their power and damage.

You can find all the Weapon Ascension Materials below, and where to farm them. The Abyssal Domain sin Genshin Impact has rotating rewards, so you can only farm them on specific days. On Sundays, you can technically farm them all, but the shared drop chance means it will be hard to get exactly what you want.

You can use an Alchemy bench to convert lower star rating materials into the next step up in rarity, at a factor of three to one.

There are four different rarities of this material:

They can all be farmed by completing the Cecilia Garden Abyssal Domain in Monddstadt at different difficulties. You can find Cecilia Garden just to the northwest of Wolvendom.

They can be farmed on the following day:

There are four different rarities of this material:

All four materials can be farmed by completing different difficulty levels of the HIdden Palance of Lianshan Forumla, at Mingyun village in Liyue.

They can be farmed on the following days:

There are four different rarities of this material:

All four materials can be farmed by completing different difficulty levels of the HIdden Palance of Lianshan Forumla, at Mingyun village in Liyue.

They can be farmed on the following days:

There are four different rarities of this material:

They can all be farmed by completing the Cecilia Garden Abyssal Domain in Monddstadt at different difficulties. You can find Cecilia Garden just to the northwest of Wolvendom.

They can be farmed on the following day:

There are four different rarities of this material:

All four materials can be farmed by completing different difficulty levels of the HIdden Palance of Lianshan Forumla, at Mingyun village in Liyue.

They can be farmed on the following days:

There are four different rarities of this material:

They can all be farmed by completing the Cecilia Garden Abyssal Domain in Monddstadt at different difficulties. You can find Cecilia Garden just to the northwest of Wolvendom.

They can be farmed on the following day:

Original post:

All Weapon Ascension Materials and how to farm them in Genshin Impact - Gamepur

With Prince Charles' ascension to the throne, wife Camilla Parkerwill encounter a host of problems

Prince Charles has been waiting to take over the coveted British throne since a long time now, and as time passes by, the possibility of that happening seems near more than ever.

However, with Charles' ascension to the throne will come a host of problems for his wife Camilla Parker, who will have uncertainty looming over her title and role in the royal family.

According to royal biographer Penny Junor, Camillas family is fearful over what will happen when Charles becomes King.

As penned by Junor in her book The Duchess, At least one member of her family doesnt want her to become Queen for fear of a backlash.

The family member told Ms Junor, I think it would be better for her if she became Princess Consort.

I do so want her to be alright and I do worry that she wont be. How is she going to be judged? Thats the thing I feel fearful about," stated Camilla's close family member.

Between Diana and the Queen is a hard place to be. People might go a bit wild. The Queen whos been in our lives forever, the worship of Diana, and suddenly Queen Camilla.

Its going to be such a shake-up. I fear for them both," they added.

Clarence House had earlier stated that Camilla will be known as Princess Consort when Charles becomes the King.

Any royal titles, such as Queen Consort or Princess Consort, are conferred by the monarch.

This means that Camilla's fate as Queen rests in the hands of Charles who can decide whether his wife is to be given that title or not.

I have little doubt that Charles is so proud of Camilla, and so grateful for everything she has done for him and sacrificed for him, that he will insist she gets the full title," Junor wrote in her book.

Read more here:

Dark clouds loom over Camillas future after Prince Charles ascension to the throne - The News International

Not too many quarterbacks in the Acadiana area have more experience than Ascension Episcopal's Cole Simon.

A four-year starter, Simon has taken a step forward in his senior season and exceeded expectations. He's led the Blue Gators to a 2-0 start and into the driver's seat for the District 7-2A crown after the program's first win over Catholic High of New Iberia on Friday.

In addition to his explosive play on the field, he's grown as a leader each season.

"(Simon) has improved from year to year," coach Matt Desormeaux said. "He stepped up for us as a freshman and did really good things, and now he's basically like a coach on the field. He's improved mentally and physically as well as in the passing game and running game, but I'd say his biggest improvement is being a team leader."

As a passer, Simon gets the ball where it needs to be.

"His biggest improvement as a passer is that he's become more consistent," Desormeaux said. "He's pretty accurate all the time and makes good throws, but that consistency has been making a difference. Him and the receivers have a really good relationship. Their timing is really good, and they've played a big role in our success so far."

The Blue Gators' passing game has been particularly strong this season.

"It's my last season, so I'm pretty much leaving everything out there and aiming to hit my goals," Simon said. "I feel like this is the best (receiving corps) I've had since I've been at Ascension. I have more faith in my receivers, especially Jude Ardoin, who's 6-foot-5, and Austin Mills, who's a great athlete that always gets open. (Mills) is quick and has great hands."

Simon has dual-threat ability when called upon, and he delivered a 100-yard rushing performance in the victory over Catholic-New Iberia.

"Coach Matt designed more run plays this year," Simon said. "I've always been a fan of running. It's just whether or not he designs it. I knew it was a big game (against Catholic), so I knew I had to do good."

The defense typically dictates how much running Simon does.

Wondering where the top high school football teams in the Acadiana area stack up? Check out the Acadiana Advocate's top 10 teams in the area t

"It depends on what teams are giving us," Desormeaux said. "(Simon) had to be more involved as a runner against Catholic and did a really good job with read stuff whether to run it or throw it. If something comes up then he'll throw it, but if not he'll take off."

Simon's growth has been evident after a challenging junior year.

"I feel like I've matured every year since my freshman year," Simon said. "We didn't throw too much last year, but I've been throwing more and taking more chances this year. My sophomore year was my best year as a passer, and it kind of slowed down a bit my junior year. We're trying to make up for that this year and have a great year."

Simon's a two-sport athlete who shines at baseball as well. He's said he's open to playing either sport in college.

"It really depends on if I get any offers and where they're from," he said. "Louisiana College's offensive coordinator contacted me and some Division III schools have asked me to come out to showcases. I'm open to either football or baseball and will go with whatever one I feel is best for me."

NEW IBERIA Until this week, Ascension Episcopal's senior football players had never beaten District 7-2A rival Catholic-New Iberia.

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Ascension Episcopal quarterback Cole Simon improving his game while stepping up as senior leader - The Advocate

Gonzales Christmas parade canceled

The organizers of the annual Gonzales Christmas Parade announced last week on a Facebook post the cancellation of the parade.

"It is with a very heavy heart and great disappointment that we have to let everyone know that we have decided to cancel the Gonzales Christmas Parade," the Jambalaya Festival Association post said. "There are many moving parts to putting on a parade, and we could not make them fit this year. We will have to have a bigger, better parade next year."

Early voting continues through Oct. 27, except Sunday, at Oak Grove Community Center, the courthouse in Donaldsonville and courthouse annex in Gonzales. Voting is from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit geauxvote.com or the geauxvote app to review your ballot.

The La. 621 Farmers Market moves to Tanger Outlets in Gonzales from 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Nov. 14.

At its Oct. 15 meeting, the Ascension Parish Council set trick-or-treat hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31, in the unincorporated areas of the parish.

Children who plan on trick-or-treating should be chaperoned by an adult. Participants are urged to observe safety precautions, such as wearing brightly colored costumes, using flashlights and avoiding walking on main or heavily traveled highways.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted ways to enjoy a safe experience in the age of COVID-19 at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/halloween.html.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office is hosting two Boo and the Badge Halloween Truck or Treat Drive Thru events.

Families are invited to the drive-thru stations from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Hickley M. Waguespack Center, 1201 Maginnis St., in Donaldsonville or the Gonzales Courthouse, 828 S. Irma Blvd, in Gonzales.

For information or to take part as a vendor, call (225) 621-8361.

Online voting is underway through Oct. 31 for the Arc of East Ascension's Virtual Dancing for a Cause with a Twist fundraiser.

There is a $10 donation to vote for your favorite video of dancing groups of teachers, school groups, businesses and others.

You can vote for your favorite video as many times as you would like once every hour.

To vote, visit thearcea.com or brparents.secondstreetapp.com/Dancing-For-A-Cause-Virtual-2020-With-a-Twist/gallery.

For information, call (225) 621-2005 or email sharon.morris@thearcea.org.

Nov. 6 is the deadline to submit applications for the Ascension Parish Sheriff Office's Christmas Crusade for Children, which provides toys for children around the parish.

Applications should be submitted to the Sheriff's Office, 828 S. Irma Blvd., Gonzales; Donaldsonville office, 300 Houmas St.; Hickley M. Waguespack Center, 1201 Maginnis St., Donaldsonville; District 2 substation, 13200 Airline Highway, Gonzales; and District 3 substation, 38567 La. 42, Prairieville.

For information, call (225) 621-8361.

Ascension Parish's Veterans Parade has been canceled, parade organizers announced.

For quations, call Brent Gautreau at (225) 485-7875 or Tanya Whitney at (256) 656-2124.

Editor's Note: This column was changed on Oct. 21 to announce the cancelation of the Veterans Parade.

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Around Ascension for Oct. 21, 2020 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate

American singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens released his eighth studio album, The Ascension, which instrumentally delivers meditative soundscapes at the cost of listener experience.

The Ascension includes 15 tracks full of calming melodies, almost like a lullaby, yet upbeat with the help of drum machines and synthesizers which give it an electronic vibe.

But throughout this album each song sounded like a continuation of the last which led to a state of meditative-like boredom.

Lyrically, Stevens talks about religion, being true to yourself, and death. The theme of being true to yourself resonates with me due to its meaningful message.

Despite Stevens exploring several themes, he still manages to keep a uniform sound throughout the album.

The opening song Make Me an Offer I Cannot Refuse has a calm yet upbeat energy.

Show me the grace of a natural king Lord, I need deliverance, Stevens sings.

In this song he is arguing that God should deliver grace and peace towards humanity instead of chaos and destruction.

Video Game was the only song that stood out to me because of the melody and message of being yourself unapologetically and not following others expectations.

The synthesizers shine throughout the song and the lyrics I dont wanna play, I dont wanna play your video game just repeats in your head.

The introduction of Die Happy gives a lullaby sound with an eerie energy since the only line sung throughout the song is I wanna die happy.

Death Star and Goodbye to All That finally gives some variety with harsh, gritty, and sharp sounds that detours away from the cohesive sounding album.

But these two songs sound exactly the same, so it goes back to that same repetitiveness.

The album ends with America with another calm yet upbeat song to wrap up the whole album.

The Ascension is a stark contrast from his previous album, Carrie & Lowell which has a more acoustic and indie-folk sound.

Overall, The Ascension brings cohesion of sounds throughout the album but its done in a poor manner leading to a shortfall in diversity.

2/5 stars.

See the article here:

Sufjan Stevens brings cohesive sounds but lacks variety in The Ascension - La Voz Weekly