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Showing posts from March, 2020

Big splash: The world's largest designer of water parks

Geoff Chutter is the founder of Whitewater West, the world's largest water park design firm. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/39ysBEc

How Dua Lipa and The Weeknd are bringing the 80s back… again

The 1980s are once again influencing some of the world’s biggest artists like Dua Lipa and The Weeknd. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2Uw1y8o

FOX NEWS: Indiana restaurant owner cuts hair like Joe Exotic to raise money for workers after coronavirus shutdown

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Indiana restaurant owner cuts hair like Joe Exotic to raise money for workers after coronavirus shutdown Desperate times call for desperate hair styles. via FOX NEWS https://ift.tt/39wN9gB

FOX NEWS: Burger King, Popeyes to use thermometers on workers, pay bonus for April amid coronavirus outbreak

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Burger King, Popeyes to use thermometers on workers, pay bonus for April amid coronavirus outbreak The owner of several popular fast-food chains recently addressed the coronavirus outbreak. via FOX NEWS https://ift.tt/3aB6KNO

‘Never Thought I Would Need It’: Americans Put Pride Aside to Seek Aid

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By BY CARA BUCKLEY from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2Uygm6p

Human Rights Group Says Two U.S. Strikes Killed Somali Civilians

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By BY CHARLIE SAVAGE AND HELENE COOPER from NYT World https://ift.tt/3dFYDSa

Hellmut Stern, 91, Dies; Violinist Returned to Germany After Fleeing

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By BY KATHARINE Q. SEELYE from NYT Arts https://ift.tt/2R0fBku

Coronavirus Spreads in Veterans’ Home, Leaving ‘Shuddering Loss for Us All’

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By BY ELLEN BARRY from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3dLIbQg

airhead: Word of the day for April 1, 2020

airhead , n : (military) An area of hostile territory that has been seized for use as an airbase to ensure the further safe landing of troops and materiel. (by extension) A (usually temporary) landing area for aircraft for supplying a non-military operation. (mining, archaic) Alternative form of air-head (“a horizontal channel providing ventilation in a mine.”) To celebrate April Fools’ Day, we are featuring a series of homonyms of more common words – enjoy!

Wikipedia article of the day for April 1, 2020

The Wikipedia article of the day for April 1, 2020 is German battleship Tirpitz . Tirpitz was the second of two Bismarck-class battleships built for Nazi Germany during World War II. The ship was laid down in November 1936 and commissioned in February 1941. Tirpitz was armed with a main battery of eight 38-centimetre (15 in) guns in four twin turrets. She was the heaviest battleship ever built by a European navy. In early 1942, the ship sailed to Norway to act as a fleet in being, forcing the British navy to retain significant forces in the area. In September 1943, Tirpitz, along with the battleship Scharnhorst, bombarded Allied positions on Spitzbergen, the only time the ship's main battery was used offensively. On 12 November 1944, British Lancaster bombers equipped with 12,000-pound (5,400 kg) "Tallboys" bombed the ship, causing her to capsize. A deck fire spread to an ammunition magazine causing a large explosion. Between 1948 and 1957, the wreck was broken...

Coronavirus: Stock markets suffer worst quarter since 1987

The Dow Jones and FTSE 100 have fallen more than 20% since the start of the year. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/39wrB3M

SFGATE: What should you do if a member of your household gets COVID-19?

What should you do if a member of your household gets COVID-19?" Published on March 31, 2020 at 04:00PM by Amy Graff Call your doctor is the the first thing to do if someone in your household shows symptoms of COVID-19, which most commonly include fever, a dry cough and shortness of breath.

New story in Politics from Time: Inside Trump’s Coronavirus Theatrics on War Powers, Ventilators and GM

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On Friday, Mar. 27, President Donald Trump took what appeared to be bold, decisive action in the fight against the new coronavirus. Reaching for wartime powers under the Defense Production Act, Trump ordered the federal government to “use any and all authority” to force auto giant General Motors to produce ventilators, the life-saving medical devices desperately needed by patients and hospitals struggling to survive the fast-spreading COVID-19 respiratory illness. For good measure, Trump tweeted, “General Motors MUST immediately open their stupidly abandoned Lordstown plant in Ohio, or some other plant, and START MAKING VENTILATORS, NOW!!!!!!” But if Trump’s Friday performance conveyed urgency and action, four days later, neither is anywhere in evidence. Despite the tough talk and the invocation of presidential powers, Trump and his team by midday on Tuesday had yet to formally file a single order for a GM-made ventilator. While negotiations were ongoing, they had set no mand...

Coronavirus: Are loss of smell and taste key symptoms?

However, experts say a fever and a cough are still the main ones to look out for. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/340vDQA

Coronavirus: 3D-printer owners rally to create NHS face masks

More than 1,000 people volunteer to help make face shields for front-line workers. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/3dFW4zH

Mexico president ramps up rich vs poor rhetoric in coronavirus fight

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As the outlook for Mexico's economy gets gloomier during the coronavirus crisis, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has driven home the message that his government is ready to help the poor to weather the storm - but that the rich can forget it. from Reuters: World News https://ift.tt/2wT7uiH

Australian authorities take cluster approach to contain coronavirus

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Australian authorities will open a pop-up coronavirus testing clinic next to Sydney's Bondi Beach on Wednesday as health workers try to contain clusters of infections across the country. from Reuters: World News https://ift.tt/2ymlXEh

FOX NEWS: President Trump says war against coronavirus is a matter of life and death

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President Trump says war against coronavirus is a matter of life and death President Trump leads White House coronavirus task force briefing, warns nation will face tough two weeks. via FOX NEWS https://ift.tt/2JzEKOF

FOX NEWS: USNS Comfort will provide 1,000 beds, 1,200 medical staff to alleviate stress on NYC hospitals

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USNS Comfort will provide 1,000 beds, 1,200 medical staff to alleviate stress on NYC hospitals Director of nursing services Captain Charles Cather on how the Navy ship will help NYC hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic. via FOX NEWS https://ift.tt/2ymcBZb

FOX NEWS: New York man hid coronavirus symptoms to visit wife in maternity ward: hospital

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New York man hid coronavirus symptoms to visit wife in maternity ward: hospital A New York man with coronavirus symptoms hid them so he could get into the maternity ward as his wife gave birth last week, Fox News has confirmed. via FOX NEWS https://ift.tt/2xBZaUD

Picture of the day for April 1, 2020

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Medal for the 225th anniversary of the porcelain factory in Meissen, 1935. The AV depicts the portrait of the inventor of the stoneware which is named after him, Johann Friedrich Böttger. RV: the crossed swords logo for Meissen and the dates of the jubilee. Brown so-called "Böttgersteinzeug". Learn more .

Coronavirus: Stock markets suffer worst quarter since 1987

The Dow Jones and FTSE 100 have fallen more than 20% since the start of the year. from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/39wrB3M

New top story from Time: Inside Trump’s Coronavirus Theatrics on War Powers, Ventilators and GM

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On Friday, Mar. 27, President Donald Trump took what appeared to be bold, decisive action in the fight against the new coronavirus. Reaching for wartime powers under the Defense Production Act, Trump ordered the federal government to “use any and all authority” to force auto giant General Motors to produce ventilators, the life-saving medical devices desperately needed by patients and hospitals struggling to survive the fast-spreading COVID-19 respiratory illness. For good measure, Trump tweeted, “General Motors MUST immediately open their stupidly abandoned Lordstown plant in Ohio, or some other plant, and START MAKING VENTILATORS, NOW!!!!!!” But if Trump’s Friday performance conveyed urgency and action, four days later, neither is anywhere in evidence. Despite the tough talk and the invocation of presidential powers, Trump and his team by midday on Tuesday had yet to formally file a single order for a GM-made ventilator. While negotiations were ongoing, they had set no mand...

FOX NEWS: Fox News Poll: Trump Approval, Economy Concerns

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Fox News Poll: Trump Approval, Economy Concerns President Trump’s overall job approval ticks up in the latest Fox News poll, while fully 89 percent are very or somewhat concerned the Coronavirus pandemic will cause a recession. via FOX NEWS https://ift.tt/2JsLwWI

FOX NEWS: Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett tweets phone number, says anyone 'overwhelmed or scared' by coronavirus can call him

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Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett tweets phone number, says anyone 'overwhelmed or scared' by coronavirus can call him A congressional lawmaker from Tennessee is encouraging anyone " overwhelmed or scared" of the coronavirus to give him a call and talk about it.  via FOX NEWS https://ift.tt/3dGIImz

FOX NEWS: Trump may expand travel restrictions

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Trump may expand travel restrictions President Trump says travel restrictions might become tougher in order to contain coronavirus in the U.S. via FOX NEWS https://ift.tt/2UsduIq

FOX NEWS: MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, at White House coronavirus briefing, tells people to pray during crisis

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MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, at White House coronavirus briefing, tells people to pray during crisis MyPillow founder Mike Lindell on Monday encouraged Americans to pray during the coronavirus pandemic during a visit to the White House.  via FOX NEWS https://ift.tt/3dGo1HC

Virus Prompts Workplace Protests Over Health Concerns

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By BY NOAM SCHEIBER AND KATE CONGER from NYT Business https://ift.tt/2QWRCCy

Trump to Governors: I’d Like You to Do Us a Favor, Though

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By BY MICHELLE GOLDBERG from NYT Opinion https://ift.tt/2QWRhjg

Alison Roman’s Seder Table

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By BY ALISON ROMAN from NYT Food https://ift.tt/3aGXqIB

Trump’s Virus Defense Is Often an Attack, and the Target Is Often a Woman

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By BY ANNIE KARNI from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3dCNjWW

Listen to the Call: Bullock and Trump Discuss Testing

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By BY THE NEW YORK TIMES from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2JDppgp

Keep It Simple, Albany. This Is No Time for Budget Games.

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By BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD from NYT Opinion https://ift.tt/3bE75zo

Congress Just Spent $2 Trillion on Coronavirus Relief. It’s Eying More.

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By BY EMILY COCHRANE from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3dMluM7

karozzin: Word of the day for March 31, 2020

karozzin , n : (Malta, road transport) A type of traditional carriage pulled by a horse or pair of horses. Today is Jum il-Ħelsien or Freedom Day in Malta.

Wikipedia article of the day for March 31, 2020

The Wikipedia article of the day for March 31, 2020 is 1958 US–UK Mutual Defence Agreement . The 1958 US–UK Mutual Defence Agreement is a bilateral treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom on nuclear weapons co-operation. It allows the two countries to exchange nuclear materials, technology and information, and was signed on 3 July 1958, after the British hydrogen bomb programme successfully tested a thermonuclear device. While the US has nuclear co-operation agreements with other countries, including France and other NATO countries, this agreement is by far the most comprehensive. Exemplifying the Anglo-American Special Relationship, it allowed American nuclear weapons to be supplied under Project E. The treaty has proved mutually beneficial, and paved the way for the Polaris Sales Agreement and the Trident nuclear programme submarines, including HMS Victorious (pictured), all of which use American missiles with British nuclear warheads. The most rec...

Blood test 'can check for more than 50 types of cancer'

The test could help diagnose tumours sooner, often before any symptoms, scientists hope. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/3axPYzd

Coronavirus: Protecting yourself in a migrant camp

The often unsanitary conditions in refugee and migrant camps, like this one on Lesbos, pose a challenge for residents trying to avoid coronavirus. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/3auJAZH

Coronavirus: Has the virus brought borders back to Europe?

The BBC’s Gavin Lee took a road trip in Europe's Schengen area to see how free movement has changed. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2X1Vk1X

How (not) to cut your hair at home

Stuck at home, some people have enlisted their children to help cut their hair. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2UQlH7Y

Coronavirus: The good that can come out of an upside-down world

There are reasons to believe the world may emerge from this upheaval enhanced, writes Matthew Syed. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2QWDCJc

'The phone slipped into the bath': Conference call tales

How to avoid some of the pitfalls of teleconferencing and how it is changing the way we meet and do business. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2xx5TPR

Coronavirus: What should you do if you are stuck abroad?

The government has outlined plans aimed at bringing stranded Britons home. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/3bHsNm3

Brazil's Bolsonaro urges no more coronavirus quarantine, says jobs being lost

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Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Monday that there can be no more quarantine measures imposed on the country than those already in place to combat coronavirus because jobs are being destroyed and the poor are suffering disproportionately. from Reuters: World News https://ift.tt/2wFhlZF

FOX NEWS: Amazon offers higher pay for switching to grocery work amid increased food demand

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Amazon offers higher pay for switching to grocery work amid increased food demand Amazon is trying to entice its own warehouse workers to pick and pack Whole Foods groceries with higher pay amid increased demand for food, an internal document reveals. via FOX NEWS https://ift.tt/3bDQo7u

Picture of the day for March 31, 2020

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Telescope on the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France. Learn more .

Regional connectivity at risk, says airline boss

The head of Loganair, the UK's biggest regional airline, says he will ask the government for help. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2UsJ2xS

The Marvel Spiderman artist teaching children in Ireland to draw

Irish artist Will Sliney is keeping thousands of kids entertained with daily drawing challenges. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2UK7REr

Coronavirus social distancing advice: What two metres looks like

The UK government is advising us to stay two metres apart - but what does that look like? from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2y4LxgS

Rob Lawrie, the ex-squaddie, and the girl taken

Rob thought he was helping a refugee girl and her father as they struggled to get to the UK. But he found out it was all a lie. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2ygtKDz

Timelapse: The streets of London during the coronavirus pandemic

Have you ever seen the streets of the capital so empty? from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2xxityx

Coronavirus doctor's diary: Why are people stealing hospital supplies?

Dr John Wright explains how Bradford Royal Infirmary is preparing for a "tsunami" of Covid-19 cases. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2WTHrTa

Coronavirus and sex: What you need to know

All your questions about sex in the time of coronavirus, answered. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/3dJM88n

A place that makes you ask the questions that really matter

The BBC's Justin Rowlatt found a visit to Antarctica made him emotional, and ultimately hopeful. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2UH2wO2

Coronavirus: The woman behind India's first testing kit

With the first made-in-India kits, the country could hugely scale up testing for the coronavirus. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/39lFNMJ

'My $60m weight-loss app cured my personal pain'

Victoria Repa has created an app to help people lose weight, an issue she struggled with growing up. from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/2Upk3LM

The Best Movies and Shows on Hulu Right Now

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By BY JASON BAILEY from NYT Arts https://ift.tt/3aENJKk

Wikipedia article of the day for March 30, 2020

The Wikipedia article of the day for March 30, 2020 is Secretariat (horse) . Secretariat (March 30, 1970 – October 4, 1989) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who, in 1973, became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. Secretariat set speed records in all three Triple Crown races. His time of 1:59​2⁄5 in the Kentucky Derby still stands as the Churchill Downs track record for ​1 1⁄4 miles. His disputed time in the Preakness Stakes was recognized as a stakes record in 2012. He won the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths, setting an American record for ​1 1⁄2 miles on dirt that still stands. He also set a world record in the Marlboro Cup, and proved his versatility by winning two major stakes races on turf. His 1972–1973 racing career resulted in five Eclipse Awards, including American Horse of the Year honors both years. Of The Blood-Horse's Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century, Secretariat ranks second only to Man o' War. Af...

stilted: Word of the day for March 30, 2020

stilted , adj : Making use of or possessing a stilt or stilts, or things resembling stilts; raised on stilts. (figuratively) Elevated or raised in a contrived or unnatural way; stiff and artificially formal or pompous; also, depending on redundant, unnecessary elements. (architecture) Of a building or architectural feature such as an arch or vault: supported by stilts (“supporting pillars or posts”); also (generally) having the main part raised above the usual level by some structure.

U.S.-backed Kurdish-led group says militants riot in jail in northeast Syria

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Islamic State prisoners on Sunday seized control of the ground floor of a major prison in northeastern Syria run by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with some of the militants managing to escape, an SDF spokesman said. from Reuters: World News https://ift.tt/2QUwxsF

Japan to expand entry ban to include US, China, most of Europe: Asahi

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Japan will expand its entry ban to include citizens traveling from the United States, China, South Korea and most of Europe amid a rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the Asahi newspaper reported on Monday. from Reuters: World News https://ift.tt/3dDJGQq

'No farewells, no ceremonies': China's Hubei cremates coronavirus dead

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Ten unclaimed urns sit in the crematorium in Jingzhou, a city in central China's Hubei province hard-hit by coronavirus. from Reuters: World News https://ift.tt/3dELqsQ