Huge win for consumers 'mis-sold' Barclays Partner Finance loans by disgraced timeshare company
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 19:26 EDT
Barclays Partner Finance (BPF) agree to refund 1482 loans (worth £48 million) written by Maltese timeshare company Azure following 4 year battle by pertinacious timeshare lawyer Adriana Stoyanova
Premio Inc Recognized in the 2021 SIA New Product Showcase at ISC West
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 15:31 EDT
Innovative AI Edge Inference Computer Wins Video Surveillance Data Storage Category Premio Inc. was recognized by the Security Industry Association (SIA) as an award winner at the 2021 SIA New Product Showcase Awards , the flagship awards program in partnership with ISC West , recognizing innovative security products, services, and solutions. Premio was selected as the 2021 winner in the Video Surveillance Data Storage category for its new AI Edge Inference Computer (RCO-6141E-4U2C-2060S) and honored June 17 during the virtual 2021 SIA New Product Showcase awards ceremony. Premio Inc's RCO-6141E-4U2C-2060S edge computer will be on display July 19-21 at ISC West at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas - the nation's largest converged security trade show - along with the other 2021 SIA New Product Showcase entrants in booth #14073 on the ISC West show floor. Attendees are welcome to also visit the Premio booth #21120 for a deeper dive into the design and key features. Two key benefits from Premio's AI edge inference computers for video surveillance data storage include: 1. Industrial Fanless PC on Top The RCO-6141E-4U2C-2060S Series AI Edge Inference Computer is extremely modular and comes in three distinct configurations that act as performance building blocks. The base model RCO-6100 Series is a fanless, rugged computer capable of performing powerful processing at the edge while enduring harsh environmental conditions. The base model can be configured with 2x internal 2.5" SATA SSDs in 9mm height, 2x hot-swappable SATA SSDs in 7mm height, and a single internal M.2 NVMe SSD on the motherboard as an operating system boot drive. Several optimized technologies have converged to promote real-time, in-depth responsiveness at the edge. Multi-core CPUs and advanced GPUs stand ready to perform numerous parallel processes, while 5G, 10GbE, and speedier I/O technologies wait to receive and offload volumes of rich data. SSD (solid-state drive) storage offers a vastly quicker and structurally more rugged data repository than its HDD (hard disk drive) cousin. 2. Flexible and Performance Accelerating "EDGEboost Nodes" on Bottom A key differentiator of Premio's RCO-6141E-4U2C-2060S Series AI Edge Inference Computer is its modular add-on nodes for powerful inferencing capabilities and high-performance NVMe storage. Premio's EDGEBoost Nodes are highly configurable and meet the demands of the most complex applications that require data processing, storage, and inference analysis. These innovative modular EDGEBoost nodes consolidate the latest performance accelerations technologies into scalable hardware nodes that enable machine learning and automation at the rugged edge. "Premio's embedded engineering team combined next-generation processing and high-speed storage technologies with the latest IoT connectivity features to create a hardened computing solution designed to deliver holistic inference analysis and real-time processing at the rugged edge," said Premio's Director of Product Marketing, Dustin Seetoo. "Deploying powerful inference computers at the edge to process data and make decisions in real-time enables security and surveillance integrators the ability to reflexively respond to situational data, glean keener insights into their data footage, achieve low latency data processing and decision-making, and reduce their overall network traffic." Users can select specific nodes that provide high-speed, high-capacity NVMe storage and GPU performance acceleration directly for their edge application deployments. Each storage node is designed with a lockable and hot-swappable NVMe canister brick that enables secure data ingestion and acquisition for additional processing in the cloud. This mechanical design provides the ability for a rugged and fanless industrial computer that pairs with performance acceleration nodes, or "EDGEboost Nodes" dedicated for complex workloads at the edge. "Each year, SIA's New Product Showcase challenges companies to develop extraordinary, cutting-edge security technology products and solutions, and this year's winners represent the industry's best new offerings," said SIA CEO Don Erickson. "SIA congratulates Premio Inc. for standing out among the entries in this highly competitive program." Since its inception in 1979, the SIA New Product Showcase has been the security industry's premier product awards program. New products are reviewed by a panel of judges with extensive industry experience, and in 2021, the 30+ judges presented awards for technologies covering 25 product and service categories, along with the Best New Product Award and the prestigious Judges' Choice Award. View the full list of SIA New Product Showcase winners here.
New Research Brings Age of 65m-Year-Old Meteorite Impact Into Sharper Focus
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 14:00 EDT
New research into one of the most volatile periods in Earth's geological history has narrowed down the precise age of a meteorite impact in the Ukraine around 65 million years ago, ruling out the chance that it contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs but offering new insight into the planet's climate history. A team of geologists, led by researchers from the University of Glasgow, applied state-of-the-art dating techniques to samples of melted rock created during the fiery landing of a giant meteorite in Ukraine's Kivorohad Oblast region. The explosive collision formed a 15-mile-wide basin known as the Boltysh impact crater, which over time filled with water and formed a lake. Previous analysis of samples from the Boltysh crater, undertaken decades ago, suggested that the meteorite may have struck the Earth between two and five thousand years before the Chicxulub meteorite impact in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. The Chicxulub impact is widely believed to have caused the mass extinction event which made non-avian dinosaurs extinct, and the climate event which created the geological signature known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. However, questions still remained over whether the Boltysh impact might have occurred close enough in time to have had an effect on both. The new analysis, led by researchers from the University of Glasgow, suggests that, in fact, the impact happened around 650,000 years after the Chicxulub event. The results, published today (Friday 18 June) in the journal Science Advances , provide further support for the Chicxulub extinction theory. The findings could also help us better understand how our atmosphere has responded to climate change in the past. To determine the date of the Boltysh impact more precisely than ever before, the researchers selected four samples from two rock cores taken from the Boltysh crater, containing rocks generated during the impact event and lake sediments which accumulated over time after the crater was formed. They determined the age of the samples using the argon-argon dating facility run by Professor Darren Mark at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre in East Kilbride. Argon-argon dating measures the radioactive decay of potassium to argon. The level of decay acts as a 'rock clock', which ticks down over geological time and allows researchers today to determine when the rocks were created during the Boltysh impact event.
Nashville NASCAR Meet Driver Quinn Houff
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 13:17 EDT
Nashville NASCAR Meet Driver Quinn Houff 🚨MEET QUIN HOUFF 🚨 WHEN: Saturday, June 19th WHERE: Tractor Supply Co, Store 2314 TIME: 2PM-5PM CT #MeetandGreet #StarComRacing #ManenTail #QuinHouff #SpiritUntamed Location and Contact info for Venue 2176 HILLSBORO RD STE 122 Franklin TN 37069 Store Manager - Phil Craig 615 595 5700 str2314@tractorsupply.com
61 Percent of US Consumers Feel Brands Have Done Little to Nothing to Follow Through on Their Anti-Racism Pledges
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 11:53 EDT
61 Percent of US Consumers Feel Brands Have Done Little to Nothing to Follow Through on Their Anti-Racism Pledges Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate Movements Have Increased the Importance of Tackling Racism for US Adults Consumer Snapshot: Black Lives Matter Movement New research from GWI , a leading polling and audience targeting company, finds that the vast majority of American consumers do not think brands have followed through very much at all on the anti-racism commitments they made during the summer of 2020. More than one-third (34%) say brands have only done a little to tackle anti-racism, and a further quarter (27%) say they've done even less. The fact 1 in 5 (20%) Americans say they are not sure about brands' follow through suggests brands can do a lot more to let consumers know how they are doing their part. "Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 were, by volume, the largest demonstrations in American history. As a result they have had a serious lasting effect on both the national conversation around race, as well as the responsibility of businesses to do their part in tackling racism. Now more than ever, consumers are actually holding brands accountable for their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives." GWI Trends Analyst Doug Gorman. Additionally: Six in 10 (61%) consumers in the US said that they believe brands have only done a little or nothing at all at this point in regards to their anti-racism pledges; this number rises slightly among people of color (66%.) Specifically, one in five (22%) people of color said brands have not done very much, and 37 percent said they have only done a little. One-third (33%) of 55-64 year olds said they were "not sure" when asked how much they believe brands have followed through on anti-racism pledges, the highest among all age groups. Just 27 percent of 25-34 year olds and 26 percent of 35-44 year olds said brands have followed through "a lot." Nearly four in 10 (37%) adults living in urban areas said brands have followed through on their pledges "a little," and nearly one-quarter (24%) said "a lot." Men are more than likely than women to say brands have not done enough to follow through on their pledges: 64 percent of men and 58 percent of women said brands have done little to nothing at all around their anti-racism pledges. Black Lives Matter Movement Increased Importance of Anti-Black Racism Issue for Adults Under 35 The Black Lives Matter Movement has driven many adults in the US to take action and support anti-Black racism efforts, and research now shows that adults under 35 are more likely than average adults to say the movement has increased the focus of this issue in their lives. According to the survey: Nearly half (45%) of 25-34 year olds, a large portion of the Millennial generation, said the movement has made tackling anti-Black racism a more important issue for them, which is the highest percentage among all age groups. US adults 45 and over were the most likely to say the movement has not made tackling this issue more important to them, though 28 percent of 45-54 year olds and 22 percent of 55-64 year olds said the issue was already important to them. On average, 28 percent of US adults said this issue is already important to them, with another 30 percent saying the movement has increased their interest in tackling anti-Black racism. Women are slightly more likely than men to say the movement has made tackling this issue more important to them (31% vs. 29%), and that the issue was already something they were focused on (29% vs. 27). Stop Asian Hate Movement Increased the Importance of the Issue for People of Color The large movement seen in 2021 to bring light to the issue of anti-Asian racism has drawn adults from all corners to feel more inspired to tackle this form of racism. GWI's latest survey found that on average, more than one-third (34%) of US adults said the movement made tackling anti-Asian racism more important to them. Additionally: Four out of 10 (43%) of people of color surveyed in the US said that the movement has made tackling the issue of anti-Asian racism more important to them; three in 10 (31%) White adults in the US said so as well. Nearly one-quarter (24%) of people of color in the US agreed the issue was already important to them; on average, 22 percent of adults in the US said the issue was already important to them. Methodology: This data is from the May wave of GWI's Zeitgeist study, a survey of 2,059 American internet users aged 16-64, of which 384 are people of color, 1,657 are white, 362 are 16-34 years old, 304 are 25-34 years old, 560 are 35-44 years old, 488 are 45-54 years old, and 649 are 55-64 years old.
Chivas Brothers Workers Accept Pay Deal
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 10:58 EDT
Unite Scotland has today (18 June) confirmed that its membership at Chivas Brothers have voted to accept a pay offer. Last month, Unite members voted for strike action by 82% on a 62% turnout. However, following negotiations facilitated through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) a new offer was put to the workforce in late May. The pay deal will mean that Chivas workers will receive the greater of 2.5% or inflation on 1 July 2021, and an increase by the greater of 2.0% or inflation on 1 July 2022. Unite has hundreds of members at the company's Kilmalid, Strathclyde Grain Distillery, Southern Operations and Northern Operations with the company estimated to employ around 1,600 workers in Scotland. Elaine Dougall, Unite regional coordinating officer, said: "Unite's members at Chivas Brothers have voted to accept a pay offer following negotiations facilitated by Acas. The pay deal will mean our members' incomes will be protected against any rises in inflation over the next two years. It's disappointing that we had to threaten to hold strike action in order to get Chivas Brothers to make a fair offer to the workforce who have worked nonstop throughout the pandemic. We hope that this deal can reset the relationship with Chivas Brothers so we can avoid the instability of the last few months for the future."
Strikes at Sunrise Medical in Dudley Suspended As Unite Secures Improved Deal
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 10:50 EDT
Strikes planned for next week at electrical wheelchair maker Sunrise Medical have been postponed after negotiators for Unite, the UK's leading union, secured an improved offer in the dispute over pay. Workers at the Brierley Hill factory were due to take strike action on Monday 21 June and Friday 25 June but, following talks at the conciliation service Acas today (Friday 18 June), an improved pay offer has been presented by Sunrise Medical management which Unite members will be balloted on next week. If the offer is accepted, the dispute will be over. If not, then fresh strike dates will be announced. Unite regional officer Su Lowe said: "Unite has been clear from the outset that this dispute could and should be resolved through negotiation. "Following talks at Acas, significant progress was made and an improved offer will be presented to members who will be balloted about whether it meets their aspirations." Notes: Strikes at Sunrise Medical in Dudley 'paused' for fresh talks During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.
Student Finds Voice Via AAA School Safety Patrol
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 10:33 EDT
Student-led school campaign captures the attention of national civil rights icon WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 18, 2021) AAA congratulates Daisy Casey, a South San Francisco, CA student at Martin Elementary School, for being named the 2021 AAA School Safety Patrol's National Patroller of the Year. An academically talented student, Daisy has undergone a complete transformation since joining the AAA School Safety Patrol. She went from having selective mutism, a childhood anxiety disorder that prevented her from speaking freely, to talking with her teachers and classmates. Her newfound confidence motivated her to create safety videos for school announcements and become a young agent-for-change in her community. "AAA School Safety Patrol has changed me and my life for the better," said Casey. "In the past, I have never talked to anyone. Participating in my AAA School Safety Patrol has helped me to become a better leader by pushing me to become more confident in myself." Recently, Daisy had the chance to address San Francisco Mayor London Breed about Martin Elementary School's efforts to create a statewide Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. Bridges was only six years old when in November 1960, she became the first Black student to integrate an elementary school in the South. Along with other Martin Elementary School students, Daisy's goal is to create a nationwide movement to honor the civil rights icon while promoting respect and equal treatment for students of all backgrounds. "I'm absolutely amazed, and in awe, with the hard work the students at Martin Elementary have put into pursuing Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day," said Ms. Bridges. "I've seen hope in the young people I've met. People like Daisy Casey who are carving their own paths and leading the charge to make a better world." More than 679,000 students in 35,000 schools across the country participate in the AAA School Safety Patrol program, which is celebrating its centennial anniversary . Students like Daisy Casey represent the very best of this program and use their leadership skills to create an environment where all students are welcome and safe. About AAA: AAA provides more than 62 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 30 motor clubs and more than 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com.
Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival Returns Showcasing Best Breweries
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 09:39 EDT
The craft beer festival celebrates its sixth year Hops in the Hills, an annual craft brewing festival, is set to return on June 25 - 26, 2021 for a sixth year and will offer people across the region entertainment and exceptional beer. The festival will allow attendees to sample local craft beer from the best breweries in the region.
Employers Need To Check Settled Status for Current and New Employees
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 09:19 EDT
UK employers need to remind all their EU/ EEA and Swiss employees that they must apply for settled status in the UK by 30th June, say leading tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg. Robert Salter, a tax director at the firm said: "Whilst there is no absolute requirement for employers to do this, by helping ensure that workers understand their legal obligations and make the appropriate submissions on a timely basis, employers will be helping themselves." He added: "In addition, employers should ensure that they have a clear process in place for reviewing the status of all new EU (or EEA / Swiss) employees being recruited from 1st July onwards. From that date employers will be obliged to check that the individuals have settled or pre-settled status (or potentially a frontier worker permit), rather than simply depending upon an EU / EEA ID card or passport as they have been able to do historically." Robert said: "The Government has deliberately had a 'soft landing' approach to Brexit - which means that EU or EEA nationals in the UK as at 31/12/20 have until the end of June to formally apply for settled status (or pre-settled status) in the UK. "This has meant that employers, for example, haven't had to review whether their existing EU / EEA (and Swiss) employees in the UK have the right to continue working in the UK during this period.". He added: "However, this easement on the part of the Government ceases from July onwards and EU / EEA nationals will lose their automatic rights to continue working in the UK from 1st July 2021 onwards, if they have not applied for pre-settled or settled status in the UK (or some alternative UK rights - e.g., as an Irish national or via the UK's frontier worker scheme), by the 30th of June. Robert said: "Employers should look out for any forthcoming guidance from the Home Office re what should be done in respect of those EU / EEA / Swiss nationals who haven't applied for the settled status on a timely basis. He added: "The initial guidance from the Home Office has consistently stated that employers are not obliged to make retrospective checks for existing employees - i.e., for those individuals who were in the UK prior on or before 31/12/20 and employed by the company before 30th June 2021. However, the Home Office then subsequently announced on the 10th of June that 'they will provide guidance for employers with workers who haven't applied for the settled status on a timely basis shortly." He added: "Whilst any forthcoming guidance in this area will hopefully not require employers to undertake any new reviews of their employee's legal status in the UK, it may be sensible to at least consider putting together a provisional plan in this regard. "After all, if the Home Office does introduce 'retrospective checks', the cost to employers from making mistakes - in theory up to £20,000 per case, are very significant."
Wakefield artist's colourful glimpse of mining life comes to the NCMME
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 08:05 EDT
Wakefield artist, Seanna Doonan tells the story of Wakefield's mining community with her Shine a Light exhibition, a vibrant collection of work depicting miners at work, at home and at play. Growing up in a family of musicians, Seanna is inspired by the folk songs of childhood, tales of the Miners' Strike and the social struggles of the city's working class. She explains: "It's impossible to look at the history of Wakefield without acknowledging the deep mining roots embedded within, almost everyone has a story to tell. I've always found these stories so interesting, so important, that I've naturally wanted to create an honest portrayal of that time, that community." Rebecca Hudson, Curator of Art & Photography at the National Coal Mining Museum said "Seanna's process often begins with a story, photo, or memory, which form an initial sketch. Using pen and ink, the illustrations develop and lead onto a process of experimentation using print, paint, and digital colour. Her work is very different to much of the work we have in our art collection and it is always good to bring in a different perspective of the mining community" The Shine a Light Exhibition will run until 2 January 2022 and admission is FREE.
Northeast Healthcare Provider Eyes Up £100M Acquisition Plan
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 06:10 EDT
SALUTARIS PEOPLE APPOINTS MHA TAIT WALKER Salutaris People, the Tyneside-based healthcare and testing company that provides rapid PCR testing for airline passengers at Liverpool John Lennon Airport in partnership with Test Assurance Group (TAG) and Liverpool John Lennon Airport , has today announced a £100m acquisition plan to acquire a number of businesses in the healthcare and facilities management sectors over the next three years. The company, which is on the UK Government's list of approved Covid-19 test providers, will develop subsidiaries in Covid 19 testing centres, healthcare recruitment, facilities management and logistics. It is looking to acquire existing businesses across the UK operating within these sectors with a turnover of between £1m to £10m. In addition to its existing private/corporate testing and PPE supply, Salutaris People will also tender for Government and NHS contracts. Previously, the PPE market has been the subject of intense public and media scrutiny over the awarding of such contracts during the pandemic to businesses with no background in medical or healthcare. The founders of Salutaris People, who have a combined 30-year proven track record in the healthcare and medical sectors, believe their exemplary track record in terms of service, transparency and accountability will put them in good standing for securing both UK and overseas Government contracts. Salutaris People has retained one of the Northeast's leading corporate finance firms MHA Tait Walker to handle its acquisition growth and corporate finance. Corporate Finance Associate Partner Lee Humble will work closely alongside Salutaris People and its founder Ross Tomkins to oversee the corporate growth strategy over the next three years. A Big 4-qualified ACA accountant, Lee Humble started his career with PWC over 15 years ago and has a varied background with first-hand experience as a business owner, as well as being a finance director and advisor to several businesses he assisted with the pursuit of organic and acquisitive growth strategies. Since joining MHA Tait Walker in 2019, Lee has become a key leading member of the corporate finance team, with a focus on fast growth business and equity/debt-led transactions. Lee is also a central member in the MHA Corporate Finance network, which is one of the most active deal advisory groups in the UK. Salutaris People CEO and healthcare entrepreneur Ross Tomkins said: "We are delighted to be working with MHA Tait Walker on the corporate expansion plans for Salutrais People. Lee Humble brings a considerable amount of specialist expertise and knowledge to this client relationship, with the backing of a large advisory team in MHA. As an accountant, corporate finance specialist, investor and business owner, he understands both sides of the relationship, which is really important to us as we start our expansion plans. We aim to channel our combined 30 years of expertise in the healthcare sector to make Salutaris People a global brand.Healthcare recruitment will become a big part of our corporate offering, as we have seen the strain placed on the NHS during the pandemic and how this has then filtered down into the private sector. As many Government contracts in the PPE and Covid testing sectors come under rigorous scrutiny and oversight, we believe Salutaris People will be best placed to facilitate those supply chain contracts due to the very high standards and efficacy we adopt within our business practices." Northumbrian entrepreneur Ross Tomkins has a number of business interests across the Northeast, with a strong focus on healthcare. He is the CEO and founder of Therapy Direct Healthcare, Balmoral Physio and Normedica medical supplies. Therapy Direct Healthcare is an ISO 9001, ISO 27001 and ISO 45001 accredited company formed in 2006 by clinical director Ross Tomkins, providing private and occupational health and physiotherapy services. Its client base ranges from NHS trusts, county councils and blue light fire and rescue services to companies operating in the oil and gas sectors. Normedica was formed in 2007 and registered with the MHRA as a medical and hospital supplies business. The business was acquired in 2019 by Ross & Joanne Tomkins and has since gone from strength to strength. It now supplies a wide range of public and private sector clients, including the NHS, Virgin Care and the Irish Government. Lee Humble of MHA Tait Walker said: "We are excited to be working with such a dynamic entrepreneur in Ross Tomkins. Salutaris People has an incredibly exciting future ahead both in the private and public sector, due to the nature of the markets it will operate in. Ross and his team bring an impressive 30-year track record in the healthcare sector to Salutaris People. This will enable the business to expand its Covid testing capability, develop its healthcare recruitment, facilities management and logistics services. The £100M three-year acquisition plan is more than achievable given the sectors it plans to operate in and the high standards operated by the management teams both in situ and yet to join. We have numerous funding channels open to us with a view to facilitating our growth plans and we are already in active dialogue with multiple parties who we see as a great fit." Salutaris People plans to open three Covid-19 testing centres in the Northeast as air travel restrictions are gradually lifted under the traffic light system. It currently has rapid PCR testing suites and a laboratory at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Wilmslow in Cheshire. The company will launch its Newcastle Upon Tyne, Stockton-On-Tees and Sunderland testing suites in July to serve airline passengers wanting to fly from Newcastle International Airport and Teeside airport. Both the Salutaris People test suites at Liverpool and Wilmslow provide Covid-19 testing for airline passengers wishing to fly from Manchester International Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. For more information on Salutaris People and to book a test, visit: www.salutarispeople.com For more information on Salutaris airport testing, visit: www.salutarispeople.com/airport-testing/
Royal Brunei Airlines Nominated for Three Categories in the 28th World Travel Awards - Asia
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 06:02 EDT
Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) is thrilled to announce that the national carrier has been nominated in three (03) categories for the Asia sub-region of the 28th World Travel Awards, namely; Asia's Leading Airline, Asia's Leading Airline - Business Class and Asia's Leading Cabin Crew. In 2020, RB emerged as champion for both Asia's and World's Leading Cabin Crew - outshining many major leading airlines around the world. Captain Khalidkhan Haji Asmakhan, RB's CEO said "The double win last year for Asia's Leading Cabin Crew and World's Leading Cabin crew is definitely one of the proudest achievements - it is indeed a testament that even with global pandemic, we are still able to perform and provide the best of Bruneian hospitality to our guests. This year's nomination also further proves this resilience, I am exceptionally proud of all members of our staff, and extremely grateful to our guests for their continuous support for the airline" "We shall work together to also reflect His Majesty's Titah during His Majesty's visit to RB in 2020 to ensure that we retain the winning title in many years to come. Therefore, we would like to invite our guests, business and trade partners, media, family, friends and fans of RB to show support towards the national carrier by taking their time to vote." he added. Voting is open from now at https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote until 16 August 2021. Since World Travel Awards was first established in 1993, RB had won 5 awards and nominated for more than 26 times. More details of past awards and nominations can be found here or visit www.flyRB.com/votenow
Revolutionary Edge Golf College Set To Tee-Off at Troia
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 04:30 EDT
Troia Resort is set to welcome aspirational young golf talents from across Europe as the brand-new Edge Golf College prepares to swing into action. Ranked as Portugal's second-best course in 2020 by Golf World magazine, the stunning Portuguese resort has partnered with Edge Golf College as the next generation of aspiring professional players embark on an intensive three-year programme in a bid to reach the elite level of the sport. Written and developed by a selection of industry specialists, the carefully designed combination of higher-education curriculum, training time and tournament play will provide students with every opportunity to hone their skills in all areas of their game. The course qualification offers a degree in Sports Business Management or Sports Coaching Performance, awarded by the University of Central Lancashire, which will also provide all the tools to pursue a career in the golf industry. The schedule includes more than 45 hours of practice per week, with Troia's state-of-the-art academy, newly designed driving range and several short game areas all available for use. For the students, mastering the 18-hole Troia course will come in very handy for the commencement of the five-event Edge Golf Championships, with three being hosted at Troia and the winner gaining access to the 2022 Portugal Masters - a European Tour event. With monthly World Amateur Golf Ranking events available and an abundance of internal competitions, developing the players' ability to compete at their best under the pressure of a tournament will be made a key focus for the programme, which should provide vital experience on the path to becoming a fully-fledged professional. Students will also have unlimited access to Troia's spectacular championship course, designed by the legendary American golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones Senior, with the stunning course challenging players with a combination of natural obstacles and clever design. The par-72 course stretches 6,317m along the sand-skirted peninsula, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Arrábida mountain range and with a favourable year-round climate. Alexandre Barroso, director of golf at Troia, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome the students at the Edge Golf College to Troia, and really believe that the environment and facilities that we have here are perfectly suited to developing the young players from talented amateurs into professional prospects. "The design of our 18-hole course, with its narrow fairways and cleverly-positioned bunkers, will ensure that, even with all the training that the players can put in across our fantastic facilities, there will still be a daily challenge for them to continue to up their game." Neil Connolly, co-founder of Edge Golf College, said: "We launched Edge Golf College in the hope of protecting the best players that Europe has to offer at amateur level. I think many countries have become used to seeing their best talents disappear to take up scholarship offers in the US - now we can finally challenge that. "With the endorsements we have received from the game at large, including The R&A, the European Tour, and the French, Dutch and Portuguese golf federations, I think everyone agrees that we should be doing more to protect our future stars of the sport and I believe Edge Golf College has a great chance of doing just that." There are three learning options available - remote, blended and residential - with a price point to suit every player's budget. Edge Golf College has attracted players from all across Europe, but a limited number of places are still available for the first course at Troia, which starts in September 2021. Players interested in taking their game to the next level and pursuing their dream can register their interest on the 'contact' page at www.edgegolfcollege.com .
Private Housing RMI Market To Bounce Back Following COVID-19
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 04:00 EDT
Private housing RMI output grew strongly in February and March 2021 - the highest level for over a decade. After the initial shock of the first national lockdown in March 2020, output levels recovered quite quickly. Even with the country in lockdown in January 2021, private housing RMI output was at the same level as January 2020, at around £1.5bn. There are a range of economic, social and demographic factors that all influence the overall market for private sector housing RMI, including increased population and number of households, ageing population, growing number of single person households and economic factors such as interest rates, inflation and the economic environment. Alex Blagden Senior Research Analyst at AMA Research and editor of the Private housing RMI Market Report states, "Although 2020 was undoubtedly a difficult year for contractors working in private housing RMI, recent data is more encouraging. with output levels recovering quite quickly after the initial shock of the first national lockdown in March / April and rising to their highest monthly level for over a decade by March 2021, a total of £2.1 bn. Over the medium term, the net increase in private housing stock will drive up demand for RMI services, not only due to newbuild but also conversions of former commercial property into homes and the continuation of Right To Buy programme. Output is forecast to increase from £19.3bn in 2020 reach £22.2bn by 2025." In terms of contractors' output, private housing RMI had been a fairly stable market in recent years, with total output value of around £22bn a year from 2017 to 2019. While demand for private housing RMI work fluctuates in line with trends in the overall economy, the peaks and troughs are less severe than for newbuild, as a large proportion of RMI is essential work e.g. fire safety measures. However, in line with the rest of the construction sector, private housing RMI was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with contractors' output falling over 13%. Ongoing skill shortages in the construction sector also continue to constrain the supply of RMI services, although the proportion of contractors having difficulties finding skilled workers was lower in 2020 with hundreds of thousands of workers furloughed at some point during the year. The construction workforce is also ageing, with 37% of tradesmen now aged over 50, while the number of younger people taking up places on apprenticeship schemes is low. Growth in the stock of privately rented properties will increase demand for RMI services due to the existence of clauses in many residential tenancy contracts forbidding tenants from carrying out DIY home improvements, with contracts often specifying that any RMI activity must be approved by landlords and undertaken by approved contractors. In recent years, there has been a slight shift back towards owner-occupation after growth in private rental up till 2016. It appears the UK is gradually recovering from the effects of pandemic. Construction output is on track to return to pre-COVID levels although the threat of further waves could bring further disruption to consumer spending, business confidence, investment and funding priorities.
The UK's First Fully Inclusive Open Water and Pool Facility
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 03:58 EDT
On the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, UK, is a new purpose-built open water swimming training centre. The Ocean Walker Academy has been transformed by Adam Walker and Gemma Clarke into a stunning 7 acre lake with four islands and 3 acres of elevated landscaped garden to provide beautiful viewing points. In addition, there is a multi-purpose activity barn with an indoor endless pool for swim technique training/water therapy, as well as a gym and open space for fitness classes, business conferences and weddings. The lake has shallow areas and easy access to allow children and disabled swimmers to enjoy a safe open water swimming experience. Using Adam's developed Ocean Walker Technique, the Academy looks at the biomechanics of stroke work within the body's natural range. It is a suitable technique for amateur, professional, pool and open water swimmers, no matter your shape and size, or whether you are able-bodied, injured, rehabilitating or disabled. The Ocean Walker Technique helps swimmers swim faster and for longer. The founder and brains behind the academy are Adam Walker (first British person to complete the toughest 7 ocean swims in the world and founder/creator of Ocean Walker Technique) and Gemma Clarke (Co founder and Head Coach of the Ocean Walker Technique). Their passion is to help people achieve their swimming goals by teaching them a unique way of swimming, which can overcome injury and make them swim the most efficient way possible. Adam is keen to welcome all swimmers. "I believe that swimming truly is for everyone, and having developed my technique that helped me achieve the toughest swims in the world, I can help all body types and abilities to improve their swimming. We are inclusive of all people and want to help show it is not too late and it is possible to stay active and enjoy swimming!" Ash Jenkins has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and is excited to experience open water swimming at this new academy. "This facility is the first of its kind. It has been built by someone who has struggled and battled through injury and come out on top. The Ocean Walker Academy allows others who may find it too difficult to swim, or believe their body's condition would prevent them from being able to be active, to see that there is a way." You can find out more about The Ocean Walker Academy via their website: https://oceanwalkeracademy.com/
Bacon Receives Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 03:46 EDT
Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) was today recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with the Abraham Lincoln Leadership Award for 2021, for demonstrating leadership critical to advancing policies supportive of America's free enterprise system. The award is presented to the top 20 members of Congress who have demonstrated through their actions, the leadership critical to advancing policies that support America's free enterprise system. Rep. Bacon was the highest-ranked Republican in the House with a score of 100 percent. "During my time in Congress, I've made it a priority of mine to work across party lines and find bipartisan, common-sense solutions to our country's biggest issues," said Rep. Bacon. "We need to continue introducing and passing legislation that strengthens our economy, supports small businesses and American innovation, and puts hard-earned money back into the hands of American workers. Thank you to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for recognizing my efforts to help advance the spirit of enterprise and our free-market system." "These awards recognize members of Congress based on their co-sponsorship of legislation important to the business community," said U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark. "The Chamber appreciates Rep. Bacon's support of policies that create jobs and support economic growth." "Congress needs leaders who focus on job creation and economic growth and are willing to build strong partnerships. The NE Chamber appreciates Congressman Don Bacon's steadfast commitment to these principles and his work on behalf of the business community," said Bryan Slone, president, Nebraska Çhamber. "We applaud the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for their work in recognizing exemplary leaders who routinely support the remarkable work of our free-enterprise system. Today, we join many in celebrating the 20 recipients of this prestigious award, including Nebraska's own Don Bacon. We are grateful for your commitment to economic growth, thriving communities and the people who work hard to create jobs and opportunity," said David G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber.
AIPH and WCoG Green Roofs and Walls Webinar Presents a Convincing and Inspiring Case for City Greening
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 03:30 EDT
The environmental, health and economic benefits of nature-based-solutions are a convincing argument for integrating green roofs and green walls into city infrastructure - say experts during a City of London Green City Briefing run by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and the Worshipful Company of Gardeners. The third in the series of highly relevant Briefings, held on 15 June 2021, explored how green roofs and walls provide an extra-dimensional approach to city greening.
Bacon Votes To Make Juneteenth a Federal Holiday
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 03:15 EDT
Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) yesterday voted in favor of S. 475, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which designates Juneteenth (June 19) a federal holiday. The vote passed 415-14. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to ensure African American slaves were freed, despite the Emancipation Proclamation being signed two years prior. Union Army Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston to deliver the address and declare that "all persons held as salves within any States, or designated part of the State, the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." "I voted to make Juneteenth a holiday because we need to remember the slaves who were not freed until June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed," said Rep. Bacon. "For many of our ancestral Americans, this was their Independence Day. The dream of America is that 'all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.' Juneteenth is a historic milestone for America in living up to this dream." "The Omaha Branch of the NAACP commends Congressman Bacon for his vote and support of the Juneteenth bill. The fight for social justice and civil rights; the freedom for all continues," said Vickie R. Young, president, Omaha Branch-NAACP. "This is just the catalyst towards addressing justice reform, economic equality, and opportunities for all," added Rep. Bacon. Rep. Bacon has worked on the following legislative items to enhance racial equity: Introduced the Eliminating a Quantifiably Unjust Application of the Law (EQUAL) Act. The bipartisan legislation would eliminate the federal crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity and retroactively apply it to those already convicted or sentenced. 81% of individuals convicted of crack cocaine offenses in 2019 were Black, while historically 66% of crack cocaine users have been white or Hispanic. Cosponsored the 400 Years of African American History Commission Act which, among other things, includes the development of programs to acknowledge the impact of slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination had on the United States. Introduced Anti-lynching legislation which establishes a new criminal civil rights violation for lynching. Specifically, a person who conspires to commit certain civil rights offenses (e.g., a hate crime act) is subject to criminal penalties. Cosponsored the National Opposition to Hate, Assault, and Threats to Equality Act which provides incentives for hate crime reporting, provides grants for State-run hate crime hotlines, and establishes additional penalties for individuals convicted under the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Cosponsored H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act into law. This is a bipartisan bill that provides our nation's teachers with additional resources and training to teach our children the important lessons of the Holocaust and the consequences of intolerance and hate. Led the charge through the National Defense Authorization Act to rename military bases currently names for Confederate leaders. Cosponsored the Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act which modifies policies and procedures related to information sharing, reporting and investigation of missing, unidentified, and murdered Native Americans.
At-Risk Species of Freshwater Fish Reintroduced to Scotland's Lochs
Fri, Jun 18, 2021 03:00 EDT
An at-risk species of fish has established itself in lochs across Scotland with the help of conservation managers and by rapidly adapting to its new environment, resulting in changes to their DNA, their ecology, and body shape, according to a new study. In an urgent bid to conserve the freshwater powan species of fish, scientists introduced eggs and fish to new loch sites across Scotland over the past 30 years, with the aim of establishing new and robust populations. The research - led by a team at the University of Glasgow - shows that the translocated fish have indeed established in their new loch homes. The new powan populations have lower genetic diversity than the original source populations, but not worryingly low. By using state-of-the-art genome analysis techniques, the study showed that the translocated populations are tapping into specific regions of the genome in adaptive evolutionary changes to the new populations. The powan ( Coregonus lavaretus ) is one of Scotland's rarest fishes and found natively in only lochs Eck and Lomond. Powan is a species of high natural heritage value for Scotland, but is in worrying decline due to habitat destruction caused by climate change, increasing water temperatures and the of non-native ruffe fish in Loch Lomond, which voraciously feeds on powan eggs. With the long-term health of the population depending on its genetic diversity and the evolutionary effect of translocation, the scientists wanted to find out how the populations changed, to look more closely at the species' genetic health and determine if translocation was a successful strategy. The study brought together a team of fish biologists, ecologists, and evolutionary geneticists at the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment (SCENE) and the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine at the University of Glasgow; and the Limnological Institute at University of Konstanz in Germany and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Lead author Dr Marco Crotti, who recently completed his PhD on these fishes, noted: "We can see evidence of the translocation as changes in the powan genome and their ecology, but they are genetically healthy and are establishing." Co-author Prof Colin Adams, Director of SCENE at the University of Glasgow, said: "This study is important for biodiversity and conservation management: Actions to conserve fish populations need evidence of their success. This work shows that translocations were a successful way to help Scottish powan. The translocations worked as an emergency measure, but the best mitigation is preserving the original populations." Co-author Prof Kathryn Elmer said: "The translocation show how fast adaptation and evolution can occur in wild populations, even in just a few generations. This is natural selection in action - changes in DNA and genomes helping the fishes survive and establish in their new environment." The study is published in the scientific journal Evolutionary Applications and can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.13267 * Pictures available on request*
