Letters to the Editor for Monday, Jan. 14
Teach children about evils of gamblingThe prohibitions on children participating in charitable gaming, including bingo, are quite clear in New York State law.According to General Municipal Law section 195-a, “No person under the age of eighteen years shall be permitted to play any game or games of chance.”The prohibition on children operating games of chance, including bingo, are also as clear.According to a 2006 OASAS (a state agency) survey, 10 percent of teens in New York state experienced problem gambling in the past year. They also found that 20 percent were at risk or already experiencing gambling problems. Researchers have also concluded that living within 10 miles of a casino doubles the rate of problem gambling.Based on these scientific findings, one might logically speculate that it’s possible that close to 40 percent, or 553, of students in Niskayuna High School and 1,973 high school students in Schenectady County, according to enrollment data from 2015-16, are at risk of or already experiencing gambling problems. Categories: Letters to the Editor, OpinionModerate columnists the voice of reasonAmidst the chaos of the Trump reign, I believe there’s real reason for optimism as we go forward. Despite the seeming tsunami in Washington, our failure to stand tall among our allies and Trump’s obsequious conduct toward adversaries and autocratic leaders, I’ve observed a growing consensus among center-right and center-left folks who recognize the damage he has inflicted on our country.I’m referring to so many political pundits, former elected officials, retired military officers, former intelligence officials, Et al. who appear on cable TV and write for print media, social media or online news sources.Here I am focusing predominantly on those who have been identified as Republicans or independents since these folks have rejected Trump’s takeover of much of the GOP and either remain loyal to the GOP they grew up with or remain nonaligned. I’m referring to the likes of Michael Steele, George Will, David Brooks, Bret Stephens, Peggy Noonan, Thomas Friedman, S. E. Cupp, David Frum, John Meachem, Bill Kristol, Jennifer Rubin, Evan McMullin, Steve Schmidt, Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Gen. Michael Hayden, Leon Panetta, Malcolm Nance and Michael McFaulThe Democratic list would be equally formidable. Trump must stop wall and telling liesI used to write opinion letters every once in a while, but stopped because I think there’s little point. No one’s going to change the things they believe. Instead of writing an opinion, I’ve decided to ask a question to all the people who support Donald Trump and the wall. Why now? Why wasn’t the wall funded when the Republicans had control of Congress? Why? Why? Why? OK, I give in. I’ll express an opinion. I believe there’s little support for a wall with both Republicans and Democrats. Trump pushed it in the congressional elections and the Republicans lost 40 seats. Trump said he would shut down government and he wouldn’t blame the Democrats. Now, he blames Democrats. Stop using the wall to gain political capital. And while you’re at it Donald Trump, stop telling lies.John MishanecSchenectady In reading the reports of Trump’s unsuccessful meeting with national leaders, it struck me that he didn’t invite the most important player in his ridiculous game: the president of Mexico. After all, he will be providing the funding. No, wait, just kidding. It’s the burden of the taxpayers, of course, as opposed to the wealthy tax dodgers. Just a peek at those returns, Mr. Trump?Much like a spoiled child, he will simply throw a tantrum if he doesn’t get his own way.Too bad our country and the hard-working middle class can ill afford his repeated attempts to establish a dictatorship in our democracy.Virginia NewtonBurnt Hills It has allied itself with Iran, itself a supporter of defiance against Israel. With Saudi Arabia embarrassed by its assault on Yemen, Russia could spread its benevolence over that key to the Suez Canal.Meanwhile, it can conveniently monitor communications with its neighbor, Israel.The only benefit from America’s withdrawal is the lessening of a potential Armageddon between the world’s two great nuclear powers.David ChildsJohnstown People can’t afford Trump dictatorship Politicians putting party over peopleWhen I was young, my parents taught us to respect the men and women in office; it seems this is not true today. I was also taught that the Republicans and Democrats worked together for the good of the people. Now it seems it’s just the party and what it stands for. Whether right or wrong, it also seems some newspapers and media also go with whatever party they believe in. Why don’t the people matter?President Trump tried to stop people from crossing the border, but no matter what he tries to do, he’s wrong. So he wants to build the fence. But no, they won’t even listen to the head of Homeland Security, but talked over her. So the president told them to get out. What kind of childish game is our government playing?I’m a registered Democrat, but I’m very sad that each party seems to think they are more important than the people they serve.If we stay quiet, there can never be a change for the people. Let’s all write, stand up and use your voice and make it clear.Shirley Fronk Altamont Not only is there an emerging coalition of sorts, but these esteemed folks demonstrate a willingness to engage in a civil, informed, rational discourse, leaving divisive politics to Trump and his acolytes. It’s obvious these persons can reach basic consensus on many issues that have otherwise proven elusive. It’s these folks that we need to look to for leadership.Robert K. CorlissSchenectady Swan song coming for Trumps in 2019Here’s a new song for 2019:Trump, Trump another one has left me, another one gone and another one bites the dust.Rachael WilkinsonSaratoga SpringsMore from The Daily Gazette:Foss: Should main downtown branch of the Schenectady County Public Library reopen?EDITORIAL: Urgent: Today is the last day to complete the censusGov. Andrew Cuomo’s press conference for Sunday, Oct. 18EDITORIAL: Beware of voter intimidationEDITORIAL: Find a way to get family members into nursing homes Syrian pullout has bad consequencesPresident Trump’s decision to remove troops from the Syrian theater after the quelling of the ISIS threat may save the Defense Department money, which Trump can use to build his Mexican border wall.However, this act opens up the door for Russia to take over the Middle East.Russia is already deeply embedded in Syria, from which it can spread its influence throughout that unstable region. The Niskayuna Wild Turkeys, the summer recreation swim team, led by Town Board member Denise Murphy McGraw, has held a raffle ticket fund-raiser the past few years. Children participate in the operation of and play this game of chance.Rosendale Elementary School hosts a PTO raffle and bingo fund-raiser for families. Even if this event were only for adults, it would violate statutory provisions regarding prize values.Instead of fostering in children a love of games of chance for material gain, we should be educating them about the negative consequences of gambling.Thomas HodgkinsNiskayuna
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Is the new coronavirus ‘seasonal’?The virus has not been around long enough to be certain.Respiratory infections like flu and the common cold follow seasonal patterns in temperate regions. Environmental conditions including cold weather, low indoor humidity, and spending more time indoors can all hasten the spread of an epidemic.Real-world evidence about the effect of weather on the new virus is mixed. One study of 221 Chinese cities found that temperature, humidity and daylight did not affect speed of spread. The arrival of warmer weather in the Northern Hemisphere raises the question of whether summer could slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. Here is what science says.While warmer weather typically ends the annual flu season in temperate zones, climate alone has not stopped the COVID-19 pandemic from sweeping any part of the globe. In fact, outbreaks in hot and sunny Brazil and Egypt are growing.Still, recent data about how sunlight, humidity and outdoor breezes affect the virus gives some reason for optimism that summer could slow the spread. Two other studies did find an effect, including a look at new infections in 47 countries that linked higher temperatures to slower transmission in places like the Philippines, Australia and Brazil. “The Northern hemisphere may see a decline in new COVID-19 cases during summer and a resurgence during winter,” concluded the authors of another study of 117 countries, which found that each 1-degree of latitude increase in distance from the Equator was associated with a 2.6% increase in cases.Why do respiratory diseases spread differently in summer and winter?”The reason why cold weather is presumed to cause spreading of coughs, colds and flu is that cold air causes irritation in the nasal passages and airways, which makes us more susceptible to viral infection,” said Simon Clarke, an expert in cellular microbiology at Britain’s University of Reading.Winter weather tends to inspire people to spend more time indoors, although air conditioning may also bring people back inside in thesummer.In the lab, when temperatures and humidity rise, coronavirus particles on surfaces more quickly lose their ability to infect people – and they are inactivated especially fast when exposed to sunlight, U.S. government researchers found.It is still a good idea for people to wash hands frequently, practice social distancing and wear a mask in summer, experts say. While virus particles coughed or exhaled by an infected person will disperse faster outdoors, one study found a gentle breeze could carry saliva droplets up to 6 meters (19.69 feet).What else about summer could slow the virus?Vitamin D: Researchers are investigating whether levels of immunity-regulating vitamin D in people’s blood affect how vulnerable they are to infection with the new coronavirus or how sick they become. The majority of vitamin D in the body comes from skin exposure to sunlight.Pollen: A study in the Netherlands of all “flu-like” illness, including COVID-19, in recent years concludes that pollen concentrations are a better predictor than sunlight of respiratory disease trends. Clouds of pollen act as air filters, snagging virus particles, and pollen activates immune responses, even in people without overt allergies.The study found that flu-like illness started to drop when pollen in the air reached 610 grains per cubic meter, a typical level from early spring to October in most middle latitudes.
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Amid waves of backlash against the newly passed Job Creation Law, Indonesian K-Pop fans emerge as a formidable force in the social movement to protest against the controversial law through the digital world, a report has found.These social-media-savvy people helped to echo criticisms against the law and the House of Representatives through Twitter, making hashtags such as #MosiTidakPercaya (vote of no confidence), #DPRRIKhianatiRakyat (house betrays the people) and #TolakOmnibusLaw (reject the omnibus law) trending topics worldwide, according to big data consulting company Drone Emprit.Drone Emprit founder Ismail Fahmi said a single big cluster of conversation related to the law dominated Twitter from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, during the first wave of news about the bill being passed by the House posted by national media.“There was only one big cluster; the cluster of those who oppose the omnibus law. [Twitter] accounts of academics, university student bodies, NGOs, activists and K-Popers [K-Pop fans] all unite to support each other inside this cluster,” Ismail said via his Twitter account @ismailfahmi on Monday.SNA OMNIBUS LAW (17:00– 22:00)Peta percakapan di Twitter pada periode jam ini memperlihatkan pola yang menarik.Hanya ada satu cluster besar, cluster KONTRA Omnibus Law. Akun2 akademisi, BEM, LSM, aktivis, serta K-Popers, semua bersatu saling dukung dalam cluster ini. pic.twitter.com/jln7OpAuSH— Ismail Fahmi (@ismailfahmi) October 5, 2020“From the Twitter avatars of top influencers [who are] against the omnibus law, it was apparent that accounts with K-pop avatars dominated the conversations,” he added.One of the top influencers among the Indonesian K-Pop community on Twitter, @ustadchen, who has more than 140,000 followers, also tweeted about the law on Monday and gained more than 37,000 likes. “Since all of you are brave, I will be brave too. To be honest, I am illiterate about politics. The [laws] in [South] Korea are completely different from what we have here [in Indonesia], so I am still confused about the political news here,” @ustadchen wrote, “Anyway, I have read a lot about the #omnibuslaw and I understand where the problem is.”The post has also been retweeted more than 9,000 times with hundreds of engagements.Twitter users who protested against the law expressed their appreciation to the K-Pop fan community in helping to amplify their concerns about the law, which many critics said would undermine labor rights and prolong environmental destruction.Read also: Labor unions strike, stage rallies to oppose controversial new jobs law“Demographically, [K-Pop fans] are the largest generation of social media users. If they didn’t really know about the omnibus law, they joined the hashtag campaign and learned about it,” Ismail said. Later on Tuesday, Ismail clarified his own statement, saying that “Most K-Pop fans did know about [the omnibus law].”He also noted that most of those who were engaged in echoing protests against the law were mainly non-partisan public.It is not the first time that members of the K-Pop fandom have proven that they are politically aware and capable in driving online campaigns.In June, global K-Pop fans proved themselves to be a powerful political force by wading into social media protests against racism and police brutality in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in the United States.Following the US$1 million donation to the BLM movement made by global K-Pop megastar BTS, fans also raised $1 million in just over a day for organizations that help black people. Topics :
67C Rutledge St, Coolangatta.FEELING the heat?The humble backyard pool has undergone somewhat of a transformation with many pool areas becoming the entertainment hub of the property.Many now sit alongside outdoor kitchens, barbecues, Bali huts and gazebos with indoor-outdoor living soaring in popularity on the Coast.REIQ Gold Coast zone chairman John Newlands said pools added value to a property.“It does add value because if you install one it costs $25,000 plus and in some cases it’s very difficult to put a pool in after the fact.”We’ve found five homes for all budgets that have just hit the market with pools.Check them out below. FIVE GOLD COAST HOMES WITH POOLS THAT HAVE JUST HIT THE MARKET 21 Macleay Circuit, Upper Coomera.21 Macleay Circuit, Upper Coomera$749000Described as an ultra-modern home, this Upper Coomera property is on a large 2000sq m block.The outdoor alfresco area has a built in barbecue and bar fridge while the pool has its own feature wall and waterfall. 19 Tranquility Circuit, Helensvale.More from news02:37Purchasers snap up every residence in the $40 million Siarn Palm Beach North11 hours ago02:37International architect Desmond Brooks selling luxury beach villa1 day ago19 Tranquility Circuit, HelensvaleExpressions of InterestLocated in sought-after oyster Cove, this five-bedroom home is on a 922sq m block,It has a huge pool and garden as well as a pontoon. 107 K P McGrath Drive, Elanora.107 K P McGrath Drive, Elanora Forthcoming auctionThis four-bedroom Elanora property has been designed for entertaining.It features an array of areas perfectly catered for family gatherings and events.
12 Larne Ave, Sorrento.12 Larne Ave, SorrentoExpressions of interestThis property features a massive undercover area with outdoor kitchen overlooking water.It offers contemporary finishes throughout with five bedrooms, a four-car garage and resort-style pool. 96 Cabana Blvd, Benowa Waters.96 Cabana Boulevard Benowa WatersOffers above $1,649,000Hand-crafted timber doors, a crystal chandelier and stone features combine to create a masterpiece in Benowa Waters.Located on a 974sq m waterfront block, the property includes a pool, spa and timber jetty.
Granting UK retirees freedom to spend their savings as they wish could undermine the success of auto-enrolment, according to NEST.The two government policies – automatic enrolment into workplace pension funds, and ‘freedom and choice’ at retirement – are based on “diametrically opposed” assumptions, the defined contribution master trust warned.The UK parliament’s Work and Pensions Select Committee – a cross-party group of MPs from parliament’s lower house – is conducting an inquiry into the rise of scams affecting pension savers. This has been linked to the ‘freedom and choice’ concept, introduced by former chancellor George Osborne in 2015, which removed the requirement for retirees to buy an annuity.In its response to the committee’s call for evidence, NEST said it was “unrealistic” to move from an accumulation phase built around the idea that consumers were disengaged with pensions to a decumulation phase that placed all the “execution risk” on individual savers. ‘Freedom and choice’ was introduced by George Osborne in 2015“Should this state of affairs continue, we are extremely concerned that a large proportion of the NEST membership and wider savings populations will continue being subject to [the] risk of poor outcomes,” the scheme said – including falling victim to fraudsters.NEST added in its response that “there needs to be significant innovation in both the advice and guidance market as well as from a propositional perspective… We do not see any current evidence that this is happening”.NEST was set up in 2010 as a defined contribution provider to enable to introduction of auto-enrolment.What do members think happens at retirement?NEST surveyed a number of its members to find out their expectations for what would happen with the pot of savings they have built up with the scheme.A third of NEST members (34%) said they expected the pension fund to pay a regular income in retirement – which it is not set up to do.The majority (60%) said they did not know what would happen to their pension savings at retirement, either because they hadn’t thought about it, didn’t understand the options, or hadn’t yet decided.Only 6% of members said they would use their retirement savings to “buy something from elsewhere”.The UK regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, also responded to the committee’s inquiry, warning that consumers “may miss out on investment growth and pay more tax than is necessary” because of a general mistrust of pension providers.The regulator also said it was working on a “bespoke and targeted” campaign to raise awareness of scammers, in conjunction with the Pensions Regulator.David Knox, author of the Melbourne Mercer Pensions Index, argued in his latest report – released last week – that the UK’s pension system would be improved by “restoring the requirement to take part of retirement savings as an income stream”.In the Netherlands, discussions about allowing individuals more choice at retirement have led some commentators to warn that people could be worse off if they make the wrong choice. The two “diametrically opposed” policies could undermine each other, NEST argued, if savers failed to use their pension pots to build a “more adequate retirement income”.
Image source: rijkswaterstaat.nlRijkswaterstaat said in its latest announcement that they intend to award a contract for the reinforcement of the Afsluitdijk to Levvel B.V. (Joint Venture in formation). The JV of BAM PPP PGGM Infrastructure Coöperatie U.A./Van Oord Aberdeen Infrastructure Partners B.V./RebelValley B.V. will be responsible for designing, building and pre-financing operations.In addition, this consortium will be responsible for maintenance of this area for the next 25 years, said Van Oord in its release.Construction works are set to begin in the autumn of 2018. It is expected that the works on the Afsluitdijk will be completed no later than 2022.<span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>
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Share LifestyleRelationships The easiest way to fix your marriage begins with pen and paper by: Familyshare.com – December 30, 2014 A relationship is very much like a business or organization with two partners at the top. There are decisions to be made about everything — when to go on dates, how to spend money, who is going to change diapers … Yet many couples lack direction. It’s as though they’re “in the same car with no idea where they want to go.” They just put the car in drive and hope they end up at “forever.”Business 101: Every successful business or organization has a mission statement. If you don’t know where you are going or what you want, how do you know which direction to go or when you’ve arrived? How do you know whether you’re on course or completely off the map?Your marriage, the most important partnership of your life, needs a mission statement. Soon, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without one.Let’s get started:1. Look at actual mission statements of successful companiesThis will be helpful to give you an idea of what you’re trying to accomplish. The really good ones are somewhat short — maybe a paragraph or two — and have specific objectives. As you’re researching, jot down ideas, words and concepts you’d like to include in your mission statement. Remember, this is an exercise for both you and your spouse, so there needs to be room for both of your ideas and words without judgment or criticism.2. Define your relationshipWho are you as a couple? What do you stand for? What are you trying to accomplish? What are your core values? You may be surprised to find areas in which you assumed you were in agreement but discover you’re not. Furthermore, these areas may be sources of tension in your marriage — both partners wanting to move in different directions. Actually defining your relationship is a great way to practice your listening skills as you discover ways to incorporate both partners’ ideas.3. Start writingThe writing portion will probably take several attempts. Your first attempt will probably be wordy and long. That’s OK. An important rule, since you’re writing as a couple, is that no one gets to cross out anything the other wrote. Both partners will be putting down thoughts that are important, and those thoughts should be treated as such. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling or punctuation at this point.4. Let the negotiation begin, and keep the language positiveOnce you have a working paragraph or two, start analyzing your content, and arrange sentences as needed. Are any statements too vague or too specific? Is it repetitive? Rework any negative statements to read in a positive light. You want your mission statement to be energizing and productive — not critical. Slowly work your statement down to a manageable size, and sit with it for a few days or weeks. Does it feel right? Does it reflect your relationship and what you’re trying to accomplish? Are both partners represented?5. Allow for changeAs companies grow through different experiences, sometimes mission statement needs to be reevaluated. Visiting the document annually is a great way to make sure you are on track as you add/delete ideas. One couple with whom I’ve worked, teetering on the edge of divorce, decided they would create a mission statement for just one year. Their one-year mission statement was a little more specific than most because, at that time, one year was the longest period of time they could commit to their relationship. It worked beautifully for them, and they have since created a five-year statement.6. Set goalsAs a product of your new mission statement, set clear and attainable goals, and hang them somewhere noticeable. Do you and your spouse need to have a set date night each week? Are you saving up funds for something specific? Your goals should reflect your mission statement, and they should be a fun and positive way to continue to strengthen your relationship. Write or type out your goals, taking special care to make them look nice so you can hang them somewhere where both you and your spouse will see them and be able to reflect on them often. If something about this process becomes bothersome or annoying, that’s a sign something is not quite right and your goals should be revisited.Ahhh … That feels goodCouples with whom I’ve worked talk about how relieving it is to finally feel they are on the “same page,” heading the same direction. They love having their statements somewhere they can see them — with their goals right underneath. Partners no longer feel the need to “nag” all the time, and, when a partner doesn’t do his or her part, he or she need not feel criticized because there already exists a mutual understanding — an agreement between partners to refer to. This document becomes a third-party buffer and serves to open up conversation without hurting feelings.As marriage becomes more about partnership and negotiation, a mission statement will strengthen it, providing greater clarity and enhancing feelings of intimacy between husbands and wives.
(Google Maps)WEST HARRISON, Ind. – Drivers can now utilize a Dearborn County bridge that has reopened earlier than anticipated.County Bridge #88 on Johnson Fork Road reopened Wednesday night after being closed since early September.The bridge rehabilitation project was slated to close the portion of Johnson Fork for sixty days.Dearborn County Engineer Todd Listerman says, “We weren’t sure how the coordination would happen between the two contractors so we gave them extra time.”“Actually one contractor was coming in while the other was finishing up, so we were able to overlap some work we weren’t sure would have been able to happen.”
Greensburg, IN—Do you have a 6th Grader in your life? Decatur County REMC would like to remind you that Touchstone Energy Camp is the camp of all summer camps to attend this summer. Don’t let your child miss a chance to spend four days at Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, IN where they will canoe, swim, shoot rifles and archery, ride horses, learn about electrical safety, make new friends, and have SO MUCH FUN!To apply, click here.