Green up Your Tahoe-Reno Trip with A Scenic Train and Some Local Color
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 19:01 EST
Green up Your Tahoe-Reno Trip with A Scenic Train and Some Local Color COLFAX, California, March 2, 2020-If you are planning a Tahoe-Reno this spring or summer, do yourself a favor and take a bit of stress out of your trip with an added stop en route, or even a chance to get out of the car and see one of America's most scenic train routes. Colfax, a historic town along Highway 80, about an hour east of Sacramento, is a great place to get off the highway, board a train or sleep over to enjoy the places in between. Leave Early and Stay-over En Route Here's a tip: consider a Friday departure and layover an hour or so from a favorite destination. Wake up fresh and rested, with daylight to help guide you to your destination safely. Colfax and Dutch Flat offer some interesting choices for enjoy some Sierra local color and hitting the road well-rested for an early start or even, trying a holiday without the car-board Amtrak mid-day for Reno or Truckee and use ski shuttles or public transportation. The message here is simple: maximize outdoor time, minimize traffic hassle. Colfax, named for 1800's politician, Schuyler Colfax, is right next to Highway 80 with a motor lodge, bed and breakfast, Air BNB farmhouse and a Best Western Hotel beginning construction. It's not hard to envision getting an early start from this quiet foothill town and enjoying a more relaxed pace. Just a few miles up the Interstate from Colfax, Dutch Flat also offers a historic family/friendly hotel with multiple bed suites and discounts for return visits and groups. From the one-block long Dutch Flat town center, find your way to the Monte Vista Inn, a mile or so up the road...this is where the locals go for homemade food in an authentic log cabin. (Trivia: Governor Newsom's son Dutch is named for Dutch Flat.) Dump The Car! One more suggestion: Take the train from Colfax and dump the car just as traffic congestion starts. Ever notice how wonderful Tahoe is EXCEPT for the traffic? Take the time to see the Sierra from a totally different vantage point-in the mountains on a train. With daily mid-day departures, this is the slow way to get there, but provides not only a glimpse into spectacular beauty, but history. This was one of the most challenging sections of the Transcontinental Railroad construction and still inspires awe. With stops in Truckee and Reno, there are plenty of on the ground transportation options. In particular, Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) in Truckee has frequent buses from Truckee to favored resorts and restaurants, like Northstar, Squaw and Tahoe City. Ride TART for free as part of a two-year trial public transportation program. As bonus, TART even offers night service from Tahoe City to Truckee until 1:30 am.-well after the taverns close down. While very scenic, train schedules are subject to delays. Plan accordingly. Colfax has free overnight parking and puts a traveler on the train just as the climb through the mountains begins. This trip has a reputation for providing seasonal beauty from snow, to wildflowers to grand summer and fall vistas. Know and Go: Amtrak California Zephyr www.amtrak.com › california-zephyr-trainCalifornia Zephyr Train | Amtrak Tahoe Area Regional Transit https://tahoetruckeetransit.com/how-to-ride/ A Sampler from Colfax Area Lodging Selections Colfax Motor Lodge https://www.yelp.com/biz/colfax-motor-lodge-colfax?utm_source=ishare Stone's Throw Farm https://www.stonesthrowfarmca.com Sierra Sun Cloud Inn http://www.sierrasuncloudinn.com/ Dutch Flat Hotel https://www.yelp.com/biz/dutch-flat-hotel-dutch-flat?utm_source=ishare Contact Colfax Area Chamber of Commerce for further details, or drop by the Colfax Visitor Center adjacent to the Colfax Train Station and Colfax Historical Museum at 99 South Railroad Street, Colfax, CA, online at www.colfaxchamber.com, or call 530-346-8888. Photo captions: The Dutch Flat Hotel is one of many options for extending your trip with a stay-over en route to Tahoe or Reno in the Colfax area. Photo courtesy of Dutch Flat Hotel, Alex Ladner. The Old Iowa Hill Bridge, just outside of Colfax, California, near hiking trails and campgrounds. Photo: thumbler agency
Nation's hospitals unprepared for COVID-19, UC Davis Med Center example as one patient leads to 124 quarantined workers
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 18:37 EST
Despite University of California medical facilities being generally better prepared and equipped to treat challenging medical cases, the recent UC Davis Medical Center COVID-19 case highlights the vulnerability of the nation's hospitals to this virus and the insufficiency of current Centers for Disease Control guidelines. The single COVID-19 patient admitted to the facility on Feb. 19 has now led to the self-quarantine at home of at least 36 RNs and 88 other health care workers. These 124 nurses and health care workers, who are needed now more than ever, have instead been sidelined. Lack of preparedness will create an unsustainable national health care staffing crisis. Nurses view the handling of this COVID-19 case as a system failure and not a success. National Nurses United RNs are speaking out because they are dedicated to protecting the health and safety of their patients, health care workers, and the public. Nurses employed by the University of California medical centers had met with UC officials four times and written repeatedly, starting from Jan. 28, to notify them about the urgency to prepare for coronavirus, make information requests, and offer to work with them. On Feb. 18, UC nurses wrote to Janet Napolitano, the UC system president, to demand increased protection for nurses and patients against the coronavirus. UC Davis nurses on Feb. 11, eight days before this patient was admitted, approached hospital management and asked them to institute infection control plans that already existed and had been in place during the 2014 ebola outbreak, but the hospital did not. "We know that we can be successful in getting all our hospitals prepared to control the spread of this virus," said Bonnie Castillo, RN, executive director of National Nurses United. "We are committed to working with hospitals and state and federal agencies to be ready. But nurses and health care workers need optimal staffing, equipment, and supplies to do so. This is not the time for hospital chains to cut corners or prioritize their profits. This is the time to go the extra mile and make sure health care workers, patients, and the public are protected at the highest standards." National Nurses United is conducting a survey of registered nurses across the country on hospital preparedness and will be releasing those results next week. Preliminary results from more than 1,000 nurses in California are worrisome: Only 27 percent report that there is a plan in place to isolate a patient with a possible novel coronavirus infection. 47 percent report they don't know if there is a plan. Only 73 percent report that they have access to N95 respirators on their units; 47 percent report access to powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) on their units. Only 27 percent report that their employer has sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) stock on hand to protect staff if there is a rapid surge in patients with possible coronavirus infections; 44 percent don't know. In addition to the survey, NNU has sent letters to the federal Centers for Disease Control , asking it to strengthen its guidelines on COVID-19, and to the California Department of Public Health, Cal-OSHA, and the World Health Organization outlining its concerns and recommendations.
American Portfolios Produces and Premieres a Short Film Addressing Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis to Students at Suffolk and Nassau County Schools
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 17:41 EST
American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (AP)-a privately-held, independent broker/dealer that services financial advisors across the country-is pleased to spearhead a public service awareness initiative through its production of a short film documentary addressing drug addiction and the opioid crisis on Long Island in New York. The short film entitled "Unspoken, Now Told: Recovery Stories," premiered at several Suffolk and Nassau County high schools throughout February, with one last showing to occur at Eastport-South Manor Junior-Senior High School on Friday, Feb. 28. The film project's inception stems from AP's long-standing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its mission to usher forth good corporate citizenship. "We have always allocated time and resources to serve people and places we are connected to-more specifically, through our CSR efforts, in which AP gives us a platform to do good work in our communities, in turn, making the world a better place for everyone," states CEO Lon T. Dolber. "We are fortunate to have the means by which we can produce thought-provoking and actionable content through the firm's media production arm. At some point, each and every one of us will be touched in some way by the ongoing opioid crisis; it is our hope that this documentary will give its viewers pause and start conversations that will lead to positive outcomes." "Unspoken, Now Told: Recovery Stories" was produced collaboratively in AP's video production facility, Studio 454, by members of the firm's marketing and corporate communications department, affiliated AP investment professional William Donahue (Holbrook, NY), AP's Director of Supervision Mauro D'Addato, and freelance film editor John Fallon. The short film, which includes an introduction and closing statement from former NBC news anchor Jane Hanson, features four subjects-each of whom are in recovery from drug addiction and now serve as peer advocates for drug recovery programs. Each subject reveals their personal story of struggling with drug addiction and rising through it to achieve recovery. The team responsible for the short film consulted with several program leaders, including Executive Director Kym Laube of HUGS, Inc. (Human Understanding and Growth Services), to ensure the content was represented fairly, accurately and ethically. "American Portfolios' investment of time and money in the production of this public service announcement is commendable," states Laube. "The opportunities to turn this into something sustainable, giving it longer legs and roots by teaming up with student groups in the schools to raise awareness, change practices and policies, considerably increases the probability for a positive health impact in the community." An advertising spot for the film is currently airing on News12 Long Island, which features Laube, former News12 anchor Drew Scott and HUGS, Inc. Peer Advocate Krystle Stoddard. Unspoken, Now Told: Recovery Stories is available for online viewing at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CrNs2pQ8Ao . Among the series of premieres held throughout February, the short film's showing at Hampton Bays High School was attended by 130-plus students, faculty members and administrators, after which two of the recovering substance addiction film interviewees, addressed the students and answered a multitude of questions speaking to the desired effect of the presentation. In attendance, as well, was AP's Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications Melissa Grappone, whose account of the event confirmed the power of the documentary, along with the awareness and engagement it elicited. "To witness the reception of these personal interviews captured on video and shown on a theatre-sized screen in a high school-filled auditorium of students was a very different experience than watching it in a post-production editing room," reflects Grappone. "It was very impactful. These women and men in recovery who shared their stories and have made themselves accessible to their communities to combat this opioid crisis are inspiring and courageous individuals." Based on encouraging initial responses, AP hopes the PSA will serve as an effective tool to bring about awareness of the widespread problem that exists on Long Island and beyond-a positive example of what can be accomplished when educators, business owners and non-profits are brought together to help a community. AP's ongoing association with nonprofit organizations supported through its own non-for-profit, AP Foundation, Inc., most notably include: World T.E.A.M., which organizes athletic events for adaptive and able-bodied citizens to achieve a common goal; The Center for Discovery , a leading provider of health care and education services for more than 1,200 children and adults with complex conditions, medical frailties and Autism Spectrum Disorders; Virtual Enterprises International, Inc. , an experiential learning program that fosters the nation's future business leaders; Honor Flight - Long Island , a nonprofit organization that provides military veterans with free trips to visit the war memorials located in Washington, D.C.; Long Island Cares , which provides nutritional food and support services for a network of more than 580 community-based member agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, child care programs, disability organizations, veteran services programs and more; and The Butterfly Effect Project, a program that empowers young girls by giving them the tools to assist in achieving emotionally-stable and self-confident futures, in hopes of bringing forth a generation of women who are strong, independent and knowledgeable.
2020 Holiday and Leisure Show Opens in Kent on 15 March 2020
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 13:42 EST
Only a few weeks to go until the annual 'Holiday and Leisure show' opens at the Kent Event Centre, Kent Showground, Detling near Maidstone on Sunday 15 March 2020 between 9.30 and 3.30pm.
Race and Rally Cars Head the Grid at H&H Classics' Next Auction Online, March 4th
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 13:11 EST
The next Auction Online at H&H features a number of race and rally cars including this 1972 Chevron B20, the only Formula 3 version of its B20 design built by Chevron. It is estimated to sell for £38,000 to £42,000 at the March 4th sale.
GIMA Innovators' Seed Corn Fund 2019 Winners: Natural Grower - We Find Out How the Award Has Helped Shape Their Business
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 12:22 EST
Since 2014 the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund has helped five brands break into the UK garden retail market. The 2019 winners were Natural Grower, who impressed the judges with the brand's organic and veganic gardening credentials; credentials that fit perfectly with an increasingly demanding consumer conscience. Since being awarded the GISCF accolade at Glee 2019, the Natural Grower team has been incredibly busy. Here we catch up with the company's founder, Charlotte Beaty, to find out more. Congrats on being awarded the 2019 GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund! Was the win a surprise? How did it impact your Glee experience? Winning the Seed Corn Fund was a surprise! We were delighted to have our company and products recognised by GIMA. Glee was a fantastic event for us. It was the first time for us exhibiting at the event and having the Seed Corn Fund awarded to us at the show made it even more memorable. Visitors to our stand all commented on the award, and I am sure it helped to add credence to the company and what we have achieved so far and would like to achieve going forwards. What have you been up to since Glee 2019? How has business been? We have been extremely busy following up all the leads that we made at Glee and have been travelling the length and breadth of the country for meetings. We are receiving a really positive response from all the people we have met with and we currently have new stockists being confirmed on a daily basis which is incredibly exciting. Have you yet utilised some of the benefits of the GISCF win? We have used the benefits of the GISCF to help with the costs of marketing, research and product promotion. It has also been used for consultancy support to launch the products on a number of different online portals. Additionally, becoming a GIMA member has given us access to much needed business advice. The ability to seek advice and help and meet up with representatives who are happy to give their time to advise us has been invaluable. It has also been beneficial from a networking point of view, and as a result we now have an excellent person helping us with sales and promoting the products to garden centres and buying groups. This will significantly help us to achieve increased sales over the coming season. What has been the response to your products? Has this feedback developed your offering at all? We have had a positive response to our products wherever we have gone. Sustainability, eco-friendly and chemical free options are top of the agenda for many people at the moment, and our products tick all those boxes. We are offering our soil conditioner in smaller 1-litre sized pouches as a result of feedback. This is an ideal size for hanging baskets and potted plants, and for those people who don't need the larger 16-litre tub. What does 2020 have in store for Natural Grower? 2020 is set to be a year of continued growth for the company, and we'll be looking to increase the number of stockists around the UK. We'll also be looking at a way to continue the research and development of our products so we can provide veganic options that consumers demand is driving. What consumer trends are driving demand for your products? The strong trend towards sustainability and looking after our environment is driving people to look for non-chemical options for their gardens. The veganic gardening trend is growing as people become more aware of what they are adding to their soils in the quest to grow healthy fruit and vegetables. Are there any issues that are concerning you at present - lack of understanding, costs, legislation etc - how are you responding/countering such concerns? The use of single use plastic is a high concern for all of us. It is, however, difficult to find alternative products to use. Biodegradable and compostable products are not suitable for our type of product and don't have the shelf life that we would require. Over time new packaging products will become available and we will always be on the look-out for a suitable replacement. Until we find an alternative, we have ensured that all our packaging is 100% recyclable, and in the case of our 50-litre bags of soil conditioner they are made from 30% recycled plastic. We use recycled pallets to deliver our stock to garden centres and distributors and encourage people to reuse and recycle our containers and pallets as much as they can. Additionally, a lot of people don't appreciate how important it is to look after the health of our soils. Chemical fertilisers don't provide any long-term benefits to the soil health. The use of organic fertilisers and soil conditioners enables the soil to recover and increased microbial activity improves the soil structure. Organic fertilisers release their nutrients slowly and help to retain moisture, whilst increased worm numbers help to improve drainage and aeration for the plants and the worm castings continue to deliver nutrients to the plants. This all ultimately leads to healthy soil which helps to prevent plant diseases. We are living in a time of great change with regards to how we look after our environment going forwards. Being part of that change with our veganic products is very exciting and I am delighted to be helping to make a difference for future generations to come. Find out more Any businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators interested in entering the GIMA Innovators' Seed Corn Fund in 2020 are invited to do so by visiting http://gima.org.uk/innovators-seed-corn-fund/ and completing the online application form ahead of the late August deadline. Further details about GIMA can also be found at www.gima.org.uk or by calling 01959 564947. Further details regarding Natural Grower can be found at www.naturalgrower.co.uk
Nationally Acclaimed Choreographers and Under-served Youth to Present Four Contemporary Dance Pieces During Annual Concert
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 12:04 EST
The Wooden Floor's 37th Annual Concert: This Way Forward Celebrates Tradition of Thought-Provoking Dance with an Inspiring Vision That Breaks the Cycle of Poverty in Youth from Low-Income Communities SANTA ANA, Calif., (February 28, 2020) - Youth dancers will take the stage to premiere new, collaborative dance performances for The Wooden Floor's 37th Annual Concert: This Way Forward at Irvine Barclay Theatre from May 28-30, 2020 for four showings. Kendra Portier , Christina Robson , and The Wooden Floor's Artistic Director Falon Baltzell are working alongside students throughout the dance-making process, where dancers have dedicated hundreds of hours that illustrate the organization's dance education curriculum and the invaluable lessons of working with dance professionals. By bringing in choreographers that are shaping the genre of contemporary dance into an art-making process with under-served youth, The Wooden Floor's students learn important values of discipline, collaboration, commitment, and achievement throughout the six-month experience. "There has been national dialogue on how instrumental the arts are in developing young people to be prepared with career and life skills - something we have all known since our founding," said Dawn S. Reese, Chief Executive Officer. "Our students learn through dance that having a big vision for their lives requires sacrifice, determination, and focus. Witnessing this in-person at our Annual Concert is a profound experience for audiences, and likewise for our students, recognizing that their big vision for themselves is supported by their community." This Way Forward reflects The Wooden Floor's co-creation process between choreographers and youth dancers, and resonates with the organization's emphasis on dance education as a catalyst for student success. "Trusting ourselves and others, that as a collective, we will arrive to our destination of success even if the way is unclear. And no matter which direction we venture, we are all moving forward together to set our students up for success in school and in life," Baltzell said. Meet the Choreographers Event Details Name: The Wooden Floor's 37th Annual Concert: This Way Forward When: 8:00pm May 28-30, 2020, 2:30pm May 30, 2020 Where: Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612 Tickets: $20 General Seating; $10 seating for children under 13 and students; $50 Benefit Seating, which includes a $30 tax-deductive contribution Available: On sale beginning April 1 at TheWoodenFloor.org/ThisWayForward About The Wooden Floor Founded in 1983, The Wooden Floor is one of the foremost creative youth development nonprofit organizations in the country. We transform the lives of young people in low-income communities through the power of dance and access to higher education. In Orange County and through national licensed partners, we use a long-term approach grounded in exploratory dance education to foster the confidence and gifts within each child to innovate, communicate, and collaborate - skills necessary for success in school and in life. 100 percent of students who graduate from The Wooden Floor immediately enroll in higher education. Our students become change agents and beacons of hope within their own families, their neighborhoods, our community, and our world. ### To cover this event, schedule an interview with choreographers, or interview participating students, please call Payal Avellan at 714-541-8314 ext. 119 or e-mail Payal@TheWoodenFloor.org. Cheat Tweets "Nationally acclaimed choreographers and under-served youth collaborate for the premiere of four original dance pieces during The Wooden Floor's 37th Annual Concert: This Way Forward." "Debut of four original dance works premiering at The Wooden Floor's 37th Annual Concert: This Way Forward, reflecting the creative process between students and nationally acclaimed choreographers throughout the dance-making process." "Self-esteem, self-discipline, and a sense of accomplishment are just some of the values under-served youth experience during the dance-making process with nationally acclaimed choreographers for The Wooden Floor's 37th Annual Concert: This Way Forward." "Inspired by strategic changes, adaptations, and new directions, The Wooden Floor premieres 37th Annual Concert: This Way Forward, an annual concert premiering four original dance works between nationally acclaimed choreographers and under-served youth dancers." The Wooden Floor's Social Media Handles @TheWoodenFloor - Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , YouTube
Nickelodeon Brings Slime Music and Mayhem to Blackpool and London
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 11:41 EST
Nickelodeon UK and VisitBlackpool bring Slime, Music & Mayhem back to Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Arena on 17th - 19th October and for the first time ever - The SSE Arena, Wembley on 26th October, in partnership with DHP Family
Black Hole Looming for Heathrow Luggage as Baggage Specialists Strike Throughout March
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 10:20 EST
Unite, the UK and Ireland's largest union, is warning passengers who are separated from their luggage at Heathrow next month, that they are unlikely to be reunited with it, as specialist baggage handlers take fresh strike action over pay. The workers who are employed by Global Baggage Solutions Ltd will begin strike action at 00:01 on Monday 2 March until 23:59 on Monday 9 March . There will be two further eight day periods of strike action beginning on Saturday 14 March until Saturday 21 March and Thursday 26 March until Thursday 2 April. The workers play a crucial role in locating and repatriating lost baggage with worried customers. The strike is a result of Global Baggage Solutions refusing to make a pay offer for 2019 and offering just a 32 pence an hour increase for 2020. Some of the workers are paid just £9.94 an hour and all are paid below the London Living Wage of £10.75 an hour. Unite is seeking an across the board pay increase to ensure all the workers receive the London Living Wage as a minimum. The revelations that Global Baggage Solutions is not paying the London Living Wage, the minimum amount of money needed to live in London, is acutely embarrassing for Heathrow Airport which portrays itself as a living wage employer. Unite regional officer Clare Keogh said : "Passengers using Heathrow in March need to be aware that if their luggage disappears it is likely to be trapped in a black hole. "Passengers may find the potential that their bags may disappear as distressing, but need to understand this is directly a result of the penny pinching of Global Baggage Solutions. "The workforce undertake an important role at the airport, yet Global Baggage Solutions believe that it is appropriate to pay the workers less than the minimum needed to live in London. "The strikes also expose that Heathrow is far from a living wage employer, as in order to achieve this all of the airports sub-contractors and supply chain must abide by the rules. "Further strikes can still be avoided but Global Baggage Solutions must be prepared to put more money on the table." There has already been two strikes earlier this month from 2 February to 5 February and from 22 to 25 February.
€15M Norwegian Defence Contract Awarded to Nova Systems in Support of the NH90 Maritime Helicopter Programme
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 10:03 EST
Nova Systems Norway, a subsidiary of Nova Systems UK has been awarded a 2-year framework contract worth €15m by the Norwegian Armed Forces to support the NH90 maritime helicopter programme. This contract award has seen a massive expansion for Nova Norway - 'doubling the size of its Norwegian operation overnight'.
Swing into Spring With the Rocky River Avant Garde Arts and Craft Show!
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 08:56 EST
The Avant Garde Arts and Craft show is coming to Rocky River this spring once again! The event will be in town on March 14 th and March 15 th , featuring a variety of local, one-of-a-kind artisans and crafters! Founded in 2011 by Becki Silverstein, the Avant Garde Art and Crafts show has accumulated a great following over the years with over 30 events around the Midwest and each show featuring 50-100 participating vendors. Showcased work includes everything from jewelry, home décor, woodwork and more! On site will also be Manna Food Truck handling concessions in the main vendor hall at the event, one of Cleveland's most beloved food truck vendors! "This events is one of our original shows we launched back in 2011 and is one of our most popular, with good reason! The talent that comes out for this show every spring and fall is outstanding. The variety and quality of the vendors really speaks for itself! Not to mention, the community has been so supportive of its local makers, and we couldn't do it without them!" said Silverstein. In addition to showcasing local talent, every Avant-Garde show donates a portion of its proceeds to a local charity. This year, the proceeds are going towards Wigs for Kids. This amazing charity was founded by Jeffery Paul over 30 years ago. They have provided wigs for kids that have lost their hair for medical reasons at no cost to their families. Avant Garde Art and Crafts show is proud to partner with charities like Wigs for Kids and to-date has raised nearly $54,000 for charities since its launch. Details for this year's Rocky River show can be found below: Date: Saturday & Sunday- March 14th and 15th, 2020 Time: 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am-5:00pm on Sunday Venue: Rocky River Memorial Hall ( 21016 Hilliard Blvd. Rocky River, OH 44116) Admission: $3 for adults, kids are free!
The First-Ever Donor After Cardiac Death (DCD) Heart Transplanted at Vanderbilt Research Center
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 08:45 EST
New Heart Transplant Method Is A Paradigm Changer for Organ Donation Nationwide Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA) announced today that a Kentucky organ donor provided a healthy heart for transplant even after that heart stopped beating. This is only the second such procedure at the southeastern transplant center who transplanted the heart. It is only the tenth thus far in the United States since December 2019. Most people donate organs because their brain has ceased all function which is dying of brain death. After being pronounced deceased, the ventilator is kept on for a short time. This machine keeps the heart and lungs temporarily oxygenating blood that continues to pump throughout the donor's body until the recovery of vital organs for transplant. A brain-dead donor may be able to give the gift of life including heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and small intestines to a child or adult on the organ transplant waiting. In cases of Donation after Cardiac Death (DCD), the patient is not brain dead. After a critical illness or injury and discussion with their healthcare providers, the next of kin may make the decision to withdraw life support. In rare cases, these patients may be able to give the gift of life through organ donation after cardiac death. The DCD procedure involves a controlled setting for the removal of life-support, usually in the operating room. Once the patient's heart has stopped, the organs are recovered promptly while they are still viable for transplant. DCD is a less common form of donation but very powerful in its ability to save more lives than ever before. In the past, it was known that kidneys, lungs and the liver could be recovered from a DCD case, but as in this unique case, heart donation is now also possible. This donation is made possible by a machine that allows the heart to be perfused with warm oxygenated blood after it is procured. This machine also keeping the heart functional enough to be transported and transplanted several hours after procurement. There have only been ten DCD heart transplants performed since the groundbreaking trial was initiated in December 2019 by Duke University. The goal by 2021 is that 15 facilities across the U.S. will be able to perform this miracle. "KODA is proud to have our exceptional clinical teams on the forefront of groundbreaking efforts to honor the wishes of a donor family to save lives," states Julie Bergin, President & CEO of KODA. "This new transplant procedure will provide extraordinary possibilities for thousands of children and adults awaiting a lifesaving heart transplant."
Global Production of Electric Light Commercial Vehicles to Exceed 2.4 Million Units Annually by 2030 Forecasts IDTechEx
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 08:27 EST
The light commercial vehicle market is at the dawn of a revolution; the future is electric. The main discourse around on-road vehicle electrification has been primarily focused on environmental concerns about the automotive sector's contribution to climate change and the damaging effect on human health of exhaust pollutants. For businesses keen to address the environmental impact of their vehicle fleets a degree of altruism has always been required. In the electric light commercial vehicle market, this is about to change. In the near future, the main motivation for businesses to transition to eLCV will not be environmental but economic. To help companies plan for the changes in this market, the newly launched IDTechEx report " Electric Vans 2020-2030 " provides a detailed ten-year outlook for the uptake of electric light commercial vehicles across key regions; China, Europe, North America and the rest of the world, outlining eLCV production, penetration, market revenue and battery requirement. This report will be of value to companies across the automotive industry including OEMs, battery manufacturers, electric drivetrain parts and systems suppliers, materials and research organisations, charging infrastructure developers, government agencies and companies with significant LCV fleets.
New Film Launched to Raise Awareness and Educate Young People About Coercive and Controlling Behaviour
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 06:13 EST
"Last Date is a vital resource for trainers and practitioners to use to raise the issue of coercive control and abuse. I believe this will be a mainstay of DV training for many years to come." Dr Emma Williamson, Head of the Centre for Gender and Violence Research at The University of Bristol We are delighted to announce the launch of Last Date , a social drama film that deals with the often misunderstood and underestimated impact of coercive and controlling behaviour amongst many young people. Produced by Omni Productions and supported by national charity Family Action, Last Date is the follow-up to Leaving, the influential film about domestic violence and abuse, which is a widely respected training resource for many in the health and social sectors. In educational settings, Last Date can be used as a preventative tool, helping young audiences see the early warning signs of abuse. It is also a training resource for specialists working in the field. It is designed for use in conjunction with pastoral support and after care for those who are affected by the issues in the film. Although aimed primarily at young people aged from mid-teens to mid-twenties and professionals who work with them, Last Date will resonate with audiences of all ages affected by coercive or controlling behaviour. It will also be of use to those who may face domestic violence and abuse issues in their professional lives, from police officers to social workers and healthcare professionals. The film gives an insight into how coercive control escalates from the discreet to the explicit. The behaviour is demonstrated through a young couple on a date. The structure of the film cleverly reflects the gradual progression of abuse but in a condensed timeframe to make the warning signs more explicit and recognisable. We hope that it will support young people, potential victims and perpetrators, to recognise the signs and break the cycle. The film, with supporting training resources, has the power to generate discussion and debate around roles and responsibilities within relationships and to challenge perceptions and stereotypes. It also questions the role of society as a whole in how it observes and reacts to coercive and controlling behaviour. Richard Penfold of Omni Productions and Writer-Director of the film said: "The purpose of this film is to be as useful as possible. To actively encourage its audience to think, ask questions and start discussions around relationships and how they can escalate into dangerous situations if control begins to manifest." Sue Harper, National Strategic Lead DVA and Relationship Support, Family Action, said: "I truly believe that any person who views this film will be armed to recognise the early warning signs of coercive control and the potential for domestic abuse. This may not prevent them from entering a controlling relationship or immediately induce them to end an existing one, but the key messages will be held in their memories to inform and aid their future choices". Tracy Foster, Domestic Violence and Abuse Coordinator, Family Action said: "We are pleased to launch Last Date and to have worked alongside Omni productions. This film provides an excellent opportunity to shine the light on the issue of coercive and controlling behaviors and to highlight this with young people and indeed adults. It can assist in challenging and changing attitudes and beliefs and providing young people with increased awareness of this issue, which is sadly so prevalent within our society." As with Leaving , Last Date is available, along with supporting training resources, by online subscription via Social Film Drama. https://sfd.elty.io/ You can view the trailer to the film here https://youtu.be/REP78jp8J-E
London Bus Operators 'Drinking in Last Chance Saloon' to Avoid Capital Wide Strikes
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 05:59 EST
Unite, the UK and Ireland's largest union, has warned London's bus operators that they must swiftly agree capital wide programmes to tackle the chronic problem of fatigue and exhaustion being experienced by bus drivers. Earlier this month as part of the union's 'sick and tired' campaign, London bus drivers recorded a 97 per cent vote in a consultative ballot in favour of strike action, if measures are not introduced to tackle exhaustion and fatigue. Unite has now written to all London bus operators seeking urgent meetings to begin the process of agreeing a London wide fatigue management system. If bus operators do not quickly proceed to support an acceptable fatigue management system then Unite will move to a full postal ballot of members, which could then lead to strikes this spring. Bus drivers are experiencing fatigue and exhaustion due to poor scheduling of shifts, a lack of rest breaks, a deficiency of decent facilities for breaks, late finishing, a lack of running time and not being treated with respect. Unite regional officer John Murphy said: "Make no mistake London bus operators are now drinking in the last chance saloon. "Unite bus drivers have overwhelmingly voted in favour of industrial action they are simply no longer prepared to cope with the devastating effects that permanent work related fatigue is having on their physical and mental health, and diminishing their family lives. "If operators do not swiftly proceed to instigating a comprehensive London wide fatigue management system for all bus drivers, then Unite will ballot our members for strike action. "If strikes action does occur then travel throughout London will inevitably be severely affected." A survey by Loughborough University which was commissioned by TfL, and published last August, discovered that 21 per cent of bus drivers had to 'fight sleepiness' at least two or three times a week and 17 per cent had actually fallen asleep at the wheel at least once in the past year.
Joint Enterprise - The Anarchic Game Launched as a Rebuke to President Nixon's War on Drugs
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 05:45 EST
When President Nixon declared war on drugs in 1971, not everyone sympathised with his stance, as this board game testifies. Scam: The Game of International Dope Smuggling , as it was christened, was an artistic if anarchic response to the policy from underground boardgame producers Brown Bag Enterprises, and was delivered in a rolled up tube that looked like a joint. An excerpt from the rules reads: "Generally, SCAM goes like this: you begin on the drop out of College square and keep moving around the AVE until you have enough money and CONNECTIONS to get off the AVE. You then work the COUNTY and NEW YORK until you get enough money to put together a smuggling SCAM. This involves FLYING to MEXICO, AFGHANISTAN or SOUTH AMERICA, buying dope, smuggling back to the States and selling in NEW YORK (where there's more money) or in THE COUNTY (where there's less PARANOIA). To win the game, you have to make ONE MILLION DOLLARS. If any of the following rules seem vague, unclear or stupid, feel free to change them to suit yourself." The map features maps of Afghanistan, India, Mexico and South America, with a cameo appearance by Uranus in the upper-left corner. New York, The Ave and The County appear as squared diagrams. Daniel Crouch will be asking £5,000 for the game at this year's London Map Fair - Europe's largest map fair with around 40 exhibitors - at the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington Gore on June 6 and 7.
Bloomberg's Billions: Philanthropy, Power and Politics
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 05:15 EST
NCRP Hosts Virtual panel Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. to discuss how Bloomberg philanthropy impacts the current democratic process. Click here to view the discussion on your favorite social media platform, including Facebook . Michael Bloomberg's surge in the Democratic primary process is sparking a conversation about politics, power and the role of billionaire candidates. But heading into Super Tuesday's important primary elections, do voters even know what kind of philanthropist he is? Join NCRP President & CEO Aaron Dorfman live on Friday, February 28, at 3 p.m. ET, as he moderates an online panel of experts to discuss Bloomberg's charitable record and what his philanthropy means for politics, power and democracy. Panelists will include Inside Philanthropy 's David Callahan, Black Voters Matter Executive Director LaTosha Brown and Farhad Ebrahimi of the Chorus Foundation. Dorfman will also share NCRP analysis from publicly available data that details how Bloomberg's philanthropy stacks up against the giving of other living billionaires. Learn more about the panelists here .
IDTechEx Research: Peak Car Bringing Huge Opportunities
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 04:52 EST
2030 will be the global 'tipping point' for sustainable mobility in the world's largest cities, according to Kantar's Mobility Futures study, confirming the IDTechEx study just before. Kantar predicts private car journeys in the world's largest cities decreasing 10% by 2030 due to the sharing economy, multi-modality, autonomous vehicles and ageing population. The analysis shows offset by increased public transport, cycling and walking. Kantar surveyed 20,000 citizens across 31 cities. The report also distilled panel discussions with 53 mobility experts from 14 countries, finding 49% of city trips become greener vs 46% for cars (currently 51%). Taxi, ride-sharing/ride-hailing trips, and other modes become 5%. Consistent with this, in its new report, " Robot Shuttles and Autonomous Buses 2020-2040 ", IDTechEx finds that robot shuttle sales will take off around 2030 as a new form of transport. Symmetrical, they never do U-turns and some will be allowed over piazzas and in shopping malls. Some will double as last mile goods transport. With 37 projects worldwide, they are already the basis of the smart city Toyota is building at the foot of Mount Fuji.
Coronavirus Sparks Rise in Superyacht Charter Enquiries
Fri, Feb 28, 2020 04:12 EST
Sophia Tutino Yachting has revealed that the number of private yacht charter enquiries has increased dramatically following the outbreak of coronavirus across Asia, Europe and America.
Heathrow appeal court decision: Government must act to preserve jobs and the environment
Thu, Feb 27, 2020 21:34 EST
Unite, the UK and Ireland's largest union, which represents thousands of workers at Heathrow airport and throughout the airline industry, is urging the government to take immediate action to ensure that the planned construction of a third runway at Heathrow goes ahead, while ensuring the environment is fully protected. Unite made its call after the appeal court ruled today (Thursday 27 February) that the proposed development should not proceed in its present form. Unite assistant general secretary Diana Holland said: "Hundreds of thousands of jobs are at risk if the government does not take immediate action to ensure that Heathrow expansion goes ahead. However, Unite is adamant this must not be at the expense of the environment. "The government must bring forward new proposals that are in line with the UK's environmental commitments. "Urgent action is needed to tackle the climate emergency that we all face but that must be through a just transition which does not demonise particular sectors or industries. "That is why it is essential that Heathrow becomes entirely carbon neutral and that no additional aircraft take off until those targets are fully met. "Workers across the UK need to urgently know whether the prime minister is prepared to support the £30 billion of private investment that has already been secured for the expansion plans. "This is a major test for the government about whether it is serious about transforming the UK's infrastructure and building a highly skilled, environmentally sustainable economy, capable of dealing with the challenges of the future." Notes to Editors: For more information please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 020 3371 2067 or 07802 329235. Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org.
