Why Did ESPN Bet Offer Juicy NFL Promos? | Sports Betting News | LSR Podcast 222
The new app on the block made waves with unusually generous limits and boosts for the NFL Divisional Playoffs and the crew speculates about why. Plus, the latest California sports betting effort quietly dies, a wild story about the Iowa sports betting investigation, the official launch date arrives in North Carolina, and Nevada takes another step into the present.
Matt Brown (00:07):
Hello and welcome to episode number 222 of the LSR Podcast. My name is Matt Brown, joined each and every week by the brightest minds in all of the gaming industry. With me, I have Adam Candee. You can find him over on the Twitter machine @AdamCandee, two E’s, no Y. If you want to follow me because you hate yourself, @MattBrownM2. Apple, Spotify, Google, all the places that you get your podcast, absolutely free, so please go in, subscribe, rate review. Everything is absolutely free. So we do appreciate your support there. We will hit what’s going on over in California as well as North Carolina. We will talk some Iowa stuff, as well. But let’s kick things off here, Adam, with the news du jour so far of the last few days, which is a promo over at ESPN Bet that raised a lot of eyebrows.
The new app on the block made waves
Adam Candee (00:54):
I’m not going to talk a lot about this. I’m going to kick it back to you because I know you’ve been in the middle of this too. But the long and short of what we’re talking about here is ESPN Bet having some boosted odds, and more importantly than the boosted odds, some alt lines available, and maybe more important than all of it, no real cap, apparently on how much you could bet on the Ravens and Texans game. That’s where this became a real issue. And there were a lot of questions about why is ESPN offering these options and Penn Entertainment behind the ESPN Bet logo. Why have they moved and offered a Ravens 10.5 number that is super juicy at the price? Why is it boosted as much as it is? Why has it moved the way it has? I’m going to stop there and let you get into this a little bit more because there are a lot of questions out there about what the strategy was here, and I’m still not 100% convinced there was a strategy, but I’m going to leave that to you first.
Matt Brown (02:03):
Yeah. I don’t want to speculate either on it all. I’m sure you’ve read all of the rumors and stuff that I have and all of the people guessing that, “OK, was this a promotional stunt? Was this whatever? Was this them trying to get off of a position?” There’s all kinds of different stuff. None of it being confirmed, so I don’t know. I don’t really get it. But at the very least, odds boost, as we know, we talked about in a ton here on the podcast, so nothing new. There’s odds boosts all the time, but typically, these odds boosts, even the most juicy of odds boosts, maybe they’ll let you get down a couple of hundred bucks. Most of them are capped at 100 or 50 bucks. And if they’re super, super odds boosts, they might let you get down to $25, and it’s more of just a fun type deal because they’re giving you a massive, massive edge on what the actual bet should be.
So they’re like, “OK, whatever. We’ll let you put 25 bucks down.” If we’re to believe what the reporting is … And again, you and I don’t live in an ESPN Bet state, so we were not able to check this out ourselves and all. It’s like, that seven figures were able to have been bet on these bets. And again, this is all reporting. I do not have anyone that, firsthand, was able to take advantage of this. I don’t know. But the reporting seems as if there were seven figures that were able to be put on these bets. And what was happening is the odds boosts were so high that you were able to create an arbitrage situation. And if you’re not quite sure what that is, it’s basically you can bet both sides of a bet and guarantee a profit. There’s no way to lose money on a bet because of the way that the odds are set up.
And so that was the case in this. And so there were a lot of people who were going out. They were betting this, and then heading to other sportsbooks and heading to betting exchanges and heading to all of that and making sure that they got down a bunch of money on the other side of the bet, and basically locking in lots of profiting given the number that ESPN apparently was allowing you to bet. Adam, I know arbors. You’ve heard of arbors before. Look, they’re grinders, and you got to grind. And listen, it can be profitable, but typically, you’re grinding out 100 bucks, 150 bucks, 500 bucks. You can hit 400, 300 here and there. These people were able to make thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars with these arbitrage opportunities, given the amount of bet, given the amount of money that you were able to bet on all these.
So this was a once-in-a-lifetime type situation for these guys that knew what they were doing and going in and taking advantage of all of this. And so it was odd, and as you mentioned, we don’t really know the reason behind it. There’s been nothing said yet officially. No spokesperson has come out and said, “This is why we did this” or anything, but I’m with you. I don’t know if there was a strategy. It seems to me, maybe a decision was made without really fully thinking it through. And then you get what we have here, which is a bunch of people that were able to make a whole bunch of money for free.
Adam Candee (05:00):
And most people have heard it called an arb. It’s been referred to as a scalp. It’s referred to as synthetic hold. There are ways to create these two-sided markets in which you have no way to lose. And, Matt, you just hit the nail on the head. It’s the size of the arb that was available here that is just remarkable if you had the bankroll to be able to accomplish it. And that in particular feeds into one of the most important points when we start doing the detective work as to why this existed. Because those who say it was a promotional play, here’s the problem with that. If it’s a promotional play, you are not trying to bring in the type of bettor who is going to be able to scalp you for 3, 4, or $5,000 at a time.
Matt Brown (05:48):
That’s why I can’t get there, right? It’s like the person who even knows how valuable that bet was is already betting. Yeah. It doesn’t, to me, seem like that resonates to the casual bettor.
Adam Candee (06:05):
No. And so I don’t think you’re doing some sort of galaxy brain thing looking for the coverage that comes out of this two days later. You want people on your app at the time of the bet. That’s why the bet, in theory, is there. And I want to give credit, by the way, fully, I think Adam Levitan from Establish the Run, who laid out a pretty good set of circumstances here on all of the different possibilities. I just think the one possibility that was left out is that someone didn’t fully think through not capping the boost.
And I don’t think it’s impossible. I’m not saying anybody was stupid or dumb or didn’t do their job, but it seems pretty egregious that we’re talking about a boost on either a moneyline or a boost on a point spread because that’s typically not where we’ve seen a lot of these. Modern odds boosts that we see tend to be … this three-leg parlay is boosted from +500 to +600. That’s more of what tends to be out there, not these interesting synthetic hold markets. And what I’m talking about, like Ravens 10.5, +140.
That’s not so far off market that you need to offer +140 to come get it. And I think Jeff Benson from Circa laid out that case essentially and said, “Look, it’s not crazy, but the price is.” And you don’t need to necessarily do that. And I think when we talk about the regulated market in particular, Matt, there is a real question about whether this is signal or noise because what has been the biggest criticism of the regulated market from the sports betting Twitterati? “No one will take a bet. We can’t get any money down.” Well, you sure could this weekend.
Matt Brown (08:01):
And listen, just present all sides here. That is another side of this that I’ve heard, which is if it was some sort of promotional thing, and like we just said, it certainly wasn’t geared towards the casual bettor, that it was some sort of basically promotional deal that was actually geared towards the high-volume bettors and the bigger bettors because they had been run out of what was formerly Barstool. We heard about all the limits, and we heard about all of the stuff that was going on over there. And then maybe this was like, “Hey, look. Now that we’re not this anymore, we’re taking bigger bets.” I don’t necessarily get there either. Again, I don’t really get there either. I heard that as being floated around. And I’m like, “You know, that’s something that can be done with a simple email. I don’t think you really have to do that.” It’s like, if you’re catering to big bettors, be like, “Hey, by the way-”
Adam Candee (08:53):
That’s a VIP-host thing.
Matt Brown (08:54):
Yeah. It’s like, “Hey, we’re taking six-figure bets again.” Whatever. It’s like, “Sorry that things went south the first time. We’d like to welcome you back. Hey, we’re taking six-figure bets again.” So yeah, that’s a more personal type thing than this. So I get it. Everyone’s trying to figure things out, and so I’m not faulting anybody for floating theories or whatever because, the hell, that’s what we do. And until we actually figure out what the true logic and reasoning behind it is, there’s going to be more of them. But yeah, that was one that went around where I was like, “Yeah, I see where you’re going with all that, but that also doesn’t really add up at the end of the day.”
Adam Candee (09:32):
No, I feel like we’re at the point where we’re talking about Drew Brees getting hit by lightning here in terms of how deep down the hole we are trying to figure out what actually is going on. We don’t know. To your point, Matt, I think a VIP host is probably a better way to communicate, “We’re taking limits than we used to be, different than we used to be.”
And I think also, you could probably get that done if you want that kind of publicity, you could probably get one of your casino whales and let them get that kind of money down and get that kind of publicity if that’s what you want, and not get this type of action from very sharp bettors. Because the flip side to what you just said is, if you throw the doors open and say, “We’re going to take these kind of bets,” and next week you don’t, and next week the limits come back down, you have lost all the value of this in the first place. If you then come back and someone gets cut to being able to bet 500 a side, then what was the point?
Matt Brown (10:31):
Yeah, it’s super interesting. I’m assuming, at some point, we’ll figure it out. I figure somebody will say something about whatever. But until that happens, it is interesting. Certainly, some stuff that a lot of people in the bubble, and this is one of those in-the-bubble things, which is also why I don’t look at it as more of a promotional type of deal because no casual bettor even knew about it. It’s more of everybody who would notice, “Oh, what an advantage that is.” And those aren’t the guys that you’re getting signed up on your side over there.
Latest California sports betting effort quietly dies
So I can’t wait to get the actual, real story when it’s all said and done. All right, guys. So it’s going to be a topic here on this pod until something ever does get done. But what is going to happen over in California? We know that this is an ongoing saga over there, which we think will eventually end with somebody caving to every single demand that the tribes put out there. But until that day comes, Adam, we’re going to have to continue to report on things like what’s over to LSR right now.
Adam Candee (11:35):
Remember the old Saturday Night Live skit, Bad Idea Jeans?
Matt Brown (11:39):
Yes. Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes.
Adam Candee (11:41):
Yeah, yeah. I feel like the idea of doing a ballot initiative in 2024, after the ballot initiatives in 2022 got less than 18%, was cooked up on the basketball court wearing Bad Idea Jeans with Kevin Nealon and David Spade. This did not ever seem like an idea that had serious legs, and the news out this week is that Kasey Thompson, Reeve Collins, the ones who were behind what was to be a multimillion-dollar signature-gathering effort to get sports betting on the ballot in California this year, have dropped it. And their quote to our Mike Mazzeo from Kasey Thompson was to say, “We said all along that if the tribes weren’t going to be behind this, that we weren’t going to go forward with it.” Well, we saw the main tribal gaming group vote next to unanimously against it.
They were only able to get, who are the proponents, a handful of small tribes on their side and none of the major gaming tribes. And I feel like the last big blow is something we talked about on this podcast, which is when FanDuel, DraftKings, et al, came out and said, “Yeah, we’re not behind this either.” We’re like, “We don’t want this. We’re lined up with the tribes.” And at that point, it seemed like the game was pretty much over. So the quotes to me about, “We feel like we advanced some good ideas, and we were never going to do this without the tribes,” well, they just don’t square up with, “Why didn’t you talk to them about this in the first place?”
And so in the end, it feels like a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing. What it means is that 2026 again becomes the first time that you might see something, anything happen. And if you believe what you’re hearing out of tribal interests, it’s going to start with some sort of in-person sports betting, and that might not be ’26. That might be ’28, but what the tribes have made clear in both defeating the ballot measure in ’22, in keeping this one from ever getting in ’24, frankly going back to 2020 and defeating it at the Legislature, is that it’s going to get done their way one way or the other if it ever truly gets done.
Matt Brown (13:48):
It is, listen, of utmost importance for the industry, though, that eventually something would get done. Adam, we talk about it’s a low-margin business is sports betting. However, in enough volume, there’s money to be made, and we know there’s a lot of people in California. There’s a lot of people in Texas. The reason why we continue to talk about these states, it seems like, ad nauseum here on this podcast is because, at this point, it’s just volume that’s needed. You need the liquidity, you need more people in the market for this to continue to uptick, and for these companies to realize any sort of potential ceiling down the line. And so this is why we continue to beat everyone over the head with every single California news, every single bit of Texas news, will it ever open up in Florida, all these different things like that because, again, these are three of the most populous states in this country, and it actually does matter to the bottom line quite a bit.
Adam Candee (14:47):
And I think that’s why it’s also vital that we keep a very close eye on the pending attorney general opinion on daily fantasy sports and pick’em games that is pending in California right now, because that is the other major angle that comes out of this whole discussion is that as long as the controversial pick’em games are allowed in California and Texas … in particular, Florida, they have received cease-and-desist orders but have not gone along with those yet. But we are now seeing that those markets are going to become even more vital when it comes to that pick’em question, as long as it’s going to take minimum ’26, if not ’28, in California, and at the very earliest, ’25 in Texas.
Wild story about the Iowa sports betting investigation
Matt Brown (15:32):
If you head on over to legalsportsreport.com, hopefully you’ve read this a little bit already, and then Adam can just give you his thoughts on this. But if you have not dug into what went on in Iowa, I highly recommend going in and reading the words on this one. But Adam, let’s go ahead and give them the story of what went on there in Iowa.
Adam Candee (15:49):
I’m going to not get too deep into the weeds on this because I guarantee I will screw up a detail because it is so in depth, but it is also so insane, this entire story about what happened with the investigation into some Iowa State student athletes. And let me be very clear, what allegedly happened according to not only the attorney for a couple of these student athletes, but, and this is the wild part, according to one of the agents from the state regulator that is charged with investigating these issues, who testified that one of his fellow agents, in particular, was doing some things wrong, and then also a number of others kind of tricked him into doing something that he did not believe was right. The long and short is, that there’s an allegation of illegal warrantless search being done on these student athletes, that essentially a state agent from the gambling regulator was setting up these geo-perimeters in areas where the student athletes were to try to catch them without a warrant.
I’m not going to get deeper into it than that. The long and short of this is that we have had questions about this Iowa situation from the jump where we’ve said, “Why in particular are we getting all of these stories about Iowa and Iowa State student athletes who have been busted for illegal gambling, who’ve pleaded down to lesser charges, et cetera, et cetera? Why is it Iowa in particular where we’re getting all of this?” Well, if most of this is true, that’s why we’re getting more out of Iowa than in other places because the depth to which this search was happening, potentially illegally so, is patently nuts. The idea that there would be a rogue state-level agent who decided that he was going to become the ultimate spy in exposing what was going on with sports betting with certain Iowa and Iowa State student athletes just blows my mind.
Matt Brown (17:58):
Yeah. You got to go in and read the article guide to the point where one of the people working on the case asked to be moved off of the case because he felt uncomfortable with the way that things were going. So it is a really, really wild story in that. And again, the full details, everything over at legalsportsreport.com. Let’s leave here on a happy note, Adam. Listen, we’ve been talking about North Carolina for quite a hot minute here on the old podcast. So let’s give some people over there in the Tar Heel State something to be happy about.
Official launch date arrives in North Carolina
Adam Candee (18:28):
We’ve been telling you and telling you and telling you and telling you that online sports betting was coming to the state of North Carolina. We had the vague assurance that even though they were not able to get it launched by NFL season, that it would be before March Madness that legal online sports betting apps would be available in California. We got the date today. And we’re recording this on Wednesday. The date will be March 11th. Preregistration can begin as soon as March 1st, and we now have all of the seven applicants for legal sports betting who wanted to be on the starting line for day one. They all have partnerships now. So those partnerships were necessitated by a change in the law that came about in September. The weird change that we say nobody has been able to claim ownership of from changing a settled law to require these partnerships with professional sports organizations.
Regardless, those are now done. And so those applicants are now going through the background check process. It is mostly de rigueur when it comes to these sorts of things. It should be taken care of. Those should be ready to go on March 11th. If you’re not going to get in by the beginning of NFL season, if you’re then not going to be able to get in before the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl, the next biggest acquisition opportunity on the calendar is March Madness. You and I know from Las Vegas, it is the single most bet event in all of the entire world sports calendar in non-World Cup years. You will hear all about how, over the first weekend all the way to the Final Four, draws well more than the Super Bowl.
Matt Brown (20:07):
Yes, absolutely. The article over … does reveal it is Bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, FanDuel, and, Adam, Underdog, who has secured … And we knew this all along. This was always the difference between Underdog and PrizePicks. The difference between Underdog and PrizePicks is Underdog never made their intentions ambiguous at all. It was like, “No, we want to be a sportsbook. We want to be a sportsbook operator.”
You and I have traded texts over the last year or so because headhunters will send me, “Hey, here’s a job opportunity,” whatever, all the time. And it’s like, I’ve gotten several for Underdog. So we knew for a long time on the back end that they were building out a sportsbook and that that was the ultimate goal for the brand. And so we see here, at least in North Carolina, Bet365, they continue their expansion and push here in the states. MGM, as you would imagine, DraftKings, FanDuel, as you would imagine, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, but Underdog’s securing that partnership in North Carolina.
Adam Candee (21:13):
And important to note that Caesars already had its partnership established through the Harrah’s casinos. There’s been in-person tribal sports betting at a couple of remote locations for a couple of years now. About Underdog, what’s interesting is that, remember that North Carolina, initially, about a month ago, said that it was going to ban the controversial pick’em games from PrizePicks and Underdog. These are of course separate from the sports betting license and got some pushback from those companies, and ultimately decided, “You know what? We’ve got enough to figure out before we get this thing launched. We’re just going to remove the prohibition for now, and we will come back to this later.” And so what’s really interesting to me about Underdog being at the starting line when it comes to sports betting is we’re now going to get a real look at what the Underdog sports betting product looks like.
And I think the question that everybody who has been involved with this industry through the course of 2023 is going to say is, “How different does it look than the pick’em game?” Right?
Matt Brown (22:11):
Adam Candee (22:12):
When they’re offering props, are they distinguishing what is what? There are a lot of very smart people involved with this company. I’m sure that there’s going to be clear lines that can be drawn when it comes to the two products. I just feel like when we talk about this state in particular, you’ve got multiple things to watch for when it comes to that particular company that I think will give you clues about what is to come in 2024 for PrizePicks, Underdog, and similar DFS companies trying to make it in the pick’em space.
Nevada takes another step into the present
Matt Brown (22:43):
And something that only matters to me … Actually, not. It is news, and we talk about the news here in the sports betting world. Adam, I’m going to hold up to the camera, and those are you who are not watching-
Adam Candee (22:56):
Here it comes. I know what’s coming.
Matt Brown (22:56):
… at home.
Adam Candee (22:57):
Haven’t even seen it yet. I know what’s coming there it is.
Matt Brown (23:00):
That right there, that is as of today. Nevada does have the rest-of-country MGM app now. So we saw this happen with Caesars already. So Caesars got rid of their trash app and went with their rest-of-country app for Nevada. And then now, we’ve seen BetMGM get rid of their trash app and have now gone to their rest-of-country app with Nevada as well. And one of the things that you and I have talked about is, one, it offers more stuff, so they’re going to get more action on it as it is anyway, because they just have a much bigger menu. But also now, and this is just from a business aspect, Adam, this is like, “Hey, someone from Arizona can come to Nevada now, and they don’t have to download a separate app and fund a different app and all of the things that are going on there.” It is one app with one wallet wherever you go in the United States. And from a business standpoint, that makes a lot of sense, as opposed to people having to get a different app when they visit Nevada.
Adam Candee (24:00):
Matt, I wonder why, on January 24th, with the Super Bowl being in Las Vegas on February 11th, that might be the case. Why is that do you think, that it dropped right now? Is MGM like everyone else with a legacy casino in Las Vegas expecting a lot of people from other states with sports betting apps to be showing up to their town sometime soon? I think they are. And so we saw what happened with Caesars/William Hill last year with the crash at Super Bowl time, and that obviously could not happen again. So that got migrated over in Nevada and everywhere else. And we’ve been hearing rumors that this BetMGM move was going to happen for months and months now, and deadlines spur action. And with the Super Bowl coming up, you’re going to have people showing up with their Caesars app and with their MGM app from the rest of the country.
And keep in mind, this is a particularly big opportunity for Caesars and MGM with whoever’s going to be in town for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas because you can’t get anything down on DraftKings or FanDuel on the apps when it comes to being in Nevada. There is the in-person FanDuel sportsbook downtown, not the same as what we’re used to seeing with FanDuel rest-of-country. So for those two companies in particular who are going to have such a huge presence on the strip and around the actual Super Bowl game at Allegiant Stadium, this is a major opportunity when it comes to showing themselves off to those who will not be able to bet on DraftKings or FanDuel.
Matt Brown (25:34):
Absolutely. And it’s not only the people, like you said, that typically just use DraftKings or FanDuel that will be able to use Caesars and MGM, but also the people who already use Caesars and MGM will not have to download a separate app, fund a separate account, and they will have the familiarity of using the app that they use whenever they’re at home. It’s a good move all around. And so that now puts Nevada up to three actual rest-of-country functionality apps. Weirdly enough, Stations, new app. Stations Casinos has moved into the next gen stuff, so same deal, same-game parlays, the instant updated live betting, all the different things like that, and it’s crazy.
I know that you rest-of-country people out there listening to this are going, “What are you talking about? That’s like every single app.” No, it is not. Trust me, it has not been. And so finally, the Stone Age is starting to go away here in Nevada. Adam and I know something you lived through for several, several years, something that I beat my head against the wall about, but we do. There is Caesars now. Now there’s MGM. Stations has moved over to that. We’ll see if anybody else steps up to the plate.
Adam Candee (26:42):
Yeah. And I do want to give at least a small bouquet of flowers to Boyd for having a large prop menu-
Matt Brown (26:48):
Adam Candee (26:48):
… long before anybody else did in Las Vegas. The app still, for a lot of the time that I was using it, looked like Atari, but it’s at least available.
Matt Brown (26:59):
True. Very true. So interesting stuff, though, here that MGM did move that over to Nevada as well. Guys, like I said, can’t recommend enough heading over to LSR and just reading that article on Iowa. It really is wild, and it’s something that you really need to read for yourself to go, “Wow, you kidding me? That’s interesting.”
The words are going to be more powerful than what we’re going to be able to do on this podcast, that’s for sure. If you haven’t already, we do appreciate any subscriptions, any reviews, any ratings, all of that. We do love the five-star stuff because it is absolutely free, everything we do here on this pod. So for Adam, I’m Matt. Talk to you guys next week.


I am not an unadulterated fan of Radiohead in the same way as I am a fan of The Kinks, for example. The Kinks have done some horrible stuff, a few great things, some of their good stuff is even schmaltzy and a bit juvenile, admittedly. But, they hold a special place in my heart. Ray is an unusual person. He is the father of a child with Chrissie Hynde, one of my favorite female songwriters and rock performers. He’s also a vegetarian who has been known to indulge in vanilla milkshakes after a concert rather than a bottle of Jack Daniels.
Their U.S. appearance in St. Paul, MN, in September, 1981 was my very first rock concert. And—“L-O-L-A”—I was not disappointed. To this day, I want women to have dark-brown voices and, should they squeeze me tight, want them to nearly break my spine, oh, my Lola. La-la-la-lay Lola.
Radiohead has appeared on the scene long after I can give my heart and a good chunk of nostalgic memory over so readily. Yet, they battle for ground within my head. And, goddamn them, they’re doing pretty well at setting up their musical shop there.
Since I’m not knowledgeable about musical structure I’m unable to tell you why I hear some of the things about Radiohead that I’ve heard. NPR did a short piece last year about a classical musical composer who is attempting to create arrangements of Radiohead songs that can be performed by orchestra. He feels that their music—the chord structures, time signatures, etc.—are challenging and inventive enough to create interest for a classical music audience.
For me, the attraction is watching Thom Yorke, that overexcitable elf (and I mean that in the best sense, Mr. Yorke), as he gets punk–rock‘n’roll–crazy while performing his songs. There’s an energy there that is infectious. And even with my limited musical understanding I can feel that the songs are not just verse–chorus–verse–chorus, etc., and all of it made of one slab of the same-colored plastic 95% of radio’s pop trash is built from. And by that I mean pop trash that has no feeling, no righteous groove and no development of lyric, mood or tempo.
Radiohead’s songs don’t even wander close to that kind of pop boneyard and yet they maintain some pop accessibility which, according to the more complicated qualities I’ve said they possess, they have no right to encourage this kind of happy, uncritical enjoyment by the listener.
Rather than go on all day about what their music is or is not like, let me post a new Radiohead song from their latest album, “In Rainbows.” Did I mention that Radiohead had a marketing experiment going on in which people could buy their latest album buy naming their own price (until 12/2007)?
Here’s a link for an interview with Thom Yorke (Thom Yorke Interview 3) talking about the problem of global warming and how ignorant and sold-out we look from the U.K.’s side of the Atlantic.
The video, “Bodysnatchers,” from Radiohead.
P.S. Mr. Yorke and company, if you read this, please share the wealth and send me one of those older Fender guitars, OK?
A guitarless, guitarist wannabe.


125 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta
The Best Parks, Conservation Areas and Wild Places
Since the first travellers visited the hot springs in Banff during the railway era of tourism, Alberta has been a compelling destination for visitors worldwide. Les mer
- Vår pris
Leveringstid: Sendes innen 21 dager
Leveringstid: Sendes innen 21 dager
Since the first travellers visited the hot springs in Banff during the railway era of tourism, Alberta has been a compelling destination for visitors worldwide. Banff became Canada’s first national park in 1885 and it remains one of the most popular destinations in the nation with towering mountain peaks, massive glaciers, impossibly blue lakes and abundant wildlife. The mountain parks are just one part of a province that is filled with spectacular landscapes. Canada’s fourth largest province is also blessed with thick forests, sparkling lakes and mysterious badlands that conceal the fossilized remains of dinosaurs.
125 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta is a reader-friendly guidebook that explores this remarkable splendor and natural diversity. Organized by region, each hot spot entry includes a descriptive destination profile, a colour photograph and a sidebar of at-a-glance information about special features and location.
Here are a few examples of the destinations: Whitehorse Wildland — one of the few places in Alberta where you can drive to an alpine meadow; Wood Buffalo National Park — free-roaming bison and the world’s largest dark sky preserve; Writing-on-Stone/Áísínai’pi — national historic site containing petroglyphs and pictographs; Columbia Icefield — the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains of North America; Waterton Lakes National Park — one of the best mountain parks to
view bears and other wildlife; Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park — highest point between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador.
Travel Alberta reports that the province had a record-breaking 16 million visitors in 2016, the vast majority from the USA, the UK, Australia, Germany and Asia. This book provides fresh insights on popular spots and valuable information about lesser-known destinations that are equally worthy of a visit. 125 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta is an essential selection for libraries, tourism offices, travel agents, and bookstores.
Forlag: Firefly Books Ltd
Format: 24 x 19 cm
«Crammed full of gorgeous, colour photos and information on sites to see in the Rocky Mountains, Southern Alberta, Northern Alberta, places along the Hwy 2 corridor, and special interests like caves, waterfalls, and hikes.--Susan Zielnski"Red Deer Advocate" (05/01/2018) Organized by regions -- southern and northern Alberta, the Rocky Mountains, Calgary and Edmonton, and one on special interests such as hot springs and places to enjoy dark skies -- the book is user-friendly. Each entry profiles the destination and includes a sidebar on what makes this spot so special. There are lots of well-known destinations in the books such as Columbia Icefields and Moraine Lake, but many hidden gems, too... The photos bring the book to life with spectacular colour.-- (05/25/2018) It is a book welcomed by nature-lovers across province as it highlights a huge cross-section of natural spaces in Alberta, both those that are widely known as well as many unique hidden treasures.--Ellis Bird Farm Blog (05/24/2018) These books are »
Debbie Olsen is an award-winning Alberta-based writer who loves to travel and explore natural areas around the world. She is an expert on travel within Canada and has contributed to nine Fodor’s guidebooks about Alberta. She writes a regular travel column for the Calgary Herald.


text:
Feeling extra stress or pressure at the holidays is normal. With added social events, family gatherings to host, and holiday shopping to do, most people tend to feel a bit overwhelmed. However, when you are struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, you may feel like skipping the holidays altogether. These feelings are understandable. Many mothers who have struggled with postpartum depression have vague memories at best of the holidays after their baby was born. Watching everyone celebrating and experiencing the joy of the season around you can make you feel even further disconnected. If you're feeling sad this holiday because of PPD, call Legacy Freedom. We offer affordable Charlotte, NC depression treatment and we can help you get past this.
The daily struggle you have to get up out of bed, care for your child and your family doesn't go away during this festive time of year. In fact, older children are probably excited about family traditions and holiday events. Their joy may seem overwhelming at times for you. Getting through the holiday season can be difficult. Here are some tips for coping with postpartum depression during the holidays:
Rely on Your Partner: Confide in your spouse or partner when you begin to feel overwhelmed. Whether the idea of attending the family gathering is too much or you aren't sure you can brave the trip to the mall to take the kids to see Santa, be honest. No one will be angry with you for being vocal about your needs. Take breaks from the celebrations when you need to and permit yourself to say no when necessary.
Ask for Help: Your close family members who know you are struggling have probably offered time and time again to help. Let them pitch in to make your holidays tolerable. Whether it's finishing your last minute shopping for you or taking over hosting the Christmas Eve festivities, let those who love you lend a hand. Showing up and being present is enough.
Make a List of Priorities: Choose the things about the season that bring you joy and focus on them. Reading a favorite book by the tree, baking cookies, or wrapping gifts with special touches may bring a quiet happiness to your holidays without inducing a sense of fear or panic. Be willing to let go of those small details that no one notices and turn your attention towards finding peace during the season.
The holidays are challenging for those who struggle with all types of depression. At Legacy Freedom, we know that getting through each day when you have postpartum depression can be exhausting. Taking care of yourself and your mental health is essential. Mustering the energy to ask for help or being honest about your thoughts and feelings is incredibly brave. We'll talk about this in our next post. Take a look by clicking here.
Affordable Charlotte, NC Depression Treatment For Women With PPD
Our experienced and compassionate staff wants to help you overcome your feelings of sadness this holiday season and find small joys. Learning to cope with your postpartum depression in a new way can help you move past this challenging time in your life and on to better and brighter days. Utilizing a holistic approach to your mental health care allows us to combine alternative therapy methods with traditional talk therapy to create a unique care plan that is focused on you, not your depression.
Learn more about our Charlotte, NC depression treatment here at Legacy Freedom on our blog. When you're ready to take control of your life and work through your depression, we are here to help. Call or click to connect with Legacy of Charlotte and begin your journey to overcoming your postpartum depression today.

domain: health


text:
Kmart to close Hunt Road location in Blue Ash
Store to close in June
Kmart says one of its Hamilton County stores will close this summer.
Spokesman Howard Riefs said the Hunt Road store in Blue Ash will close in early June. Liquidation of its inventory will start March 16, he said.
"The store has 77 employees. Those associates that are eligible will receive severance and have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Sears or Kmart stores. Most of the associates are part time/hourly," Riefs said in an email.
"Store closures are part of a series of actions we’re taking to reduce on-going expenses, adjust our asset base, and accelerate the transformation of our business model. These actions will better enable us to focus our investments on serving our customers and members through integrated retail – at the store, online and in the home," he said.
A Kmart in Newport is also slated to close this spring.

domain: economics


text:
The messy $81m deadline day scramble that left a rival boss fuming
Arsenal’s late deadline-day swoop for Thomas Partey has reportedly left Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid fuming.
The Gunners left it until the last second to squeeze in Partey’s signature before the transfer window slammed shut.
Reports claim the £45m ($A81m) release clause was triggered just 32 minutes before the official deadline came around.
Watch live coverage from every round of 2020/21 LaLiga Season with beIN Sports on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
It was described by football transfers reporter Fabrizio Romano as a “race against time”, so much so that the frantic nature of Arsenal’s chase caught Simeone off guard.
The Atletico Madrid boss was so certain the star would be staying that he had already been planning how to build the side’s midfield around him.
That is according to Libertad Digital, which reports that he was so sure the 27-year old would be staying put that he had spoke with his own deadline-day arrival, Lucas Torreria, about where he would fit alongside Partey in the side’s tactical plans.
Further complicating the release was reports that Arsenal did not tell Atletico they would activate Partey’s release clause, with them instead finding out just 32 minutes before the deadline window closed.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
In a statement on their website, Atletico wrote: “LaLiga informed Atletico de Madrid at 11.28pm on Monday that Arsenal representatives have paid Thomas Partey’s release clause at the sports association’s headquarters.
“The player has therefore unilaterally terminated his contract with our club, which ran until June 30, 2023.”
Arsenal boss said the club had been watching Partey closely for some time now.
“We have been watching Thomas for a while, so we’re now delighted to add such a high quality player to our squad,” he said.
“He is a dynamic midfielder with great energy.
“He brings a lot of experience from a top club that has competed at the highest level in La Liga and the Champions League for several years.
“We’re very impressed with his attitude and his approach to the game.
“He’s an intelligent footballer and we’re looking forward to him integrating into our system and contributing to the progress we’re building at the moment at the club.”

domain: sports


SC Guard, Community rally around Kershaw County school damaged by Tornado
National Weather Service confirms EF 2 Tornado touched down in Kershaw Co and tore through North Central HS
KERSHAW, SC (WOLO)–Monday, it was announced that South Carolina State Guard troops have been called up to help with the tornado aftermath at North Central High School in Kershaw County. According to officials, the guard members are on the scene helping to protect property.
The National Weather Service confirmed a high end EF 2 Tornado touched down in Kershaw county and tore through North Central High School on Saturday.
We are getting a closer look at the damage, our Marvin Beech reports.


text:
Melbourne City Council loses $1m in rates over delay in Docklands wheel reopening
- From: Herald Sun
- August 28, 2013
MELBOURNE City Council has sacrificed almost $1 million in rates to help businesses affected by the delayed reopening of the Docklands wheel.
Harbour Town traders were given discounts for two years after they lodged rate objections following the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel's closure in January 2009 after only 40 days of operation.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said businesses were still getting some rate relief because the council had re-evaluated their financial circumstances.
"That will continue, we'll negotiate that with them," Cr Doyle said.
The Herald Sun revealed this week that the wheel's reopening would be pushed back to next year.
But there was some good news with the installation of the first of 21 cabins.
Each cabin is 5.7m long and 4m wide, weighs 13 tonnes and will hold up to 20 people.
"With the installation process now under way, we can begin finalising our opening timeline and launch activity," the Melbourne Star Management Group said in a statement.
The 120m-high wheel, which originally had structural problems, is being rebuilt by Sanoyas Rides Corporation and local and international engineers.


text:
I’m reminded of the power of our listening and rather than punishment by this video a member mama sent in. It’s of her 4 yo who has been struggling with impulse control issues and some pretty big and hard to understand feelings since her parents recent separation.
Instead of hitting mom or their dog as she had been doing, after a week with her new friend Yellow Lion, this child was able to name and share her feelings instead.
Happy (yellow), sad (blue), calm (green), and mad (red).
Noticing and naming. This is self-awareness and compassion in the making.
We can not threaten kindness into a child (or any human being for that matter...), but we can nurture it - with clear boundaries, tools, support... and lots and lots of love.
Here’s to a kinder world. Change just one child’s world for the better and then sit back and watch the ripples.
Generation Mindful creates educational tools, toys, and programs that nurture emotional intelligence through play and positive discipline. Join us and receive joy in your inbox each week.

domain: psychology


text:
Phoenix Zoo Members:
Some “Bunny” Loves You!
Make your plans now to hop down and join us to celebrate spring as the Easter Bunny makes a special trip to the Phoenix Zoo! Enjoy a French toast breakfast buffet with fresh seasonal fruit, scrambled eggs and country-sliced ham at the Zoo’s scenic Stone House Pavilion. Orange juice, coffee and hot tea are also included. Following breakfast, there will be a special meet & greet (including a photo opportunity) with the Easter Bunny!**
Seating is limited.
9 – 10 a.m. | Brunch at Stone House Pavilion
10 – 11 a.m. | Easter Bunny Photos
$20 – Adults | $16 – Children (ages 3 – 13) | 2 and younger are FREE
Must be a current member to purchase tickets for this event.
Not a Phoenix Zoo Member?
Join TODAY for family fun and adventure!
Become a member of the Phoenix Zoo and enjoy more than 3,000 animals and a variety of exciting benefits, including FREE daytime admission for one full year, invitations to previews and special events like our members-only Mother’s Day Breakfast and discounts throughout the Zoo, including at Desert Marketplace Gift Shop and all of our exciting experiences. And that’s not all! Our Value and Total Experience ticket packages allow members the opportunity for an even deeper discount by enhancing their visit with select groupings of our experiences, including 4-D Theater and Stingray Bay. Don’t miss out on all the savings and fun. Call 602.914.4393 to join today!
**Photo packages available on site; member discounted rate applies. Receive additional savings when pre-purchased online.

domain: entertainment


text:
Public-private partnerships and global health equity: prospects and challenges
Augustine D Asante, Anthony B Zwi
Health equity remains a major challenge to policymakers despite the resurgence of interest to promote it. In developing countries, especially, the sheer inadequacy of financial and human resources for health and the progressive undermining of state capacity in many under-resourced settings have made it extremely difficult to promote and achieve significant improvements in equity in health and access to healthcare. In the last decade, public-private partnerships have been explored as a mechanism to mobilise additional resources and support for health activities, notably in resource-poor countries. While public-private partnerships are conceptually appealing, many concerns have been raised regarding their impact on global health equity. This paper examines the viability of public-private partnerships for improving global health equity and highlights some key prospects and challenges. The focus is on global health partnerships and excludes domestic public-private mechanisms such as the state contracting out publicly-financed health delivery or management responsibilities to private partners. The paper is intended to stimulate further debate on the implications of public-private partnerships for global health equity.
Healthcare delivery is primarily the responsibility of national governments. However, in many developing countries the sheer inadequacy of financial and human resources has hampered efforts by governments to deliver healthcare to all who need it. Inefficiencies in the public sector have also undermined the effective delivery of healthcare even in those countries where resources are available. With inequities in access to healthcare and essential medicines widening both within and between nations, the need for additional resources and efficient delivery strategies has never been more pressing.
Access to effective HIV/AIDS treatment, for example, remains largely inequitable worldwide. In India, a country which supplies about half of the developing world’s HIV-positive population with life-saving generic antiretroviral drugs, access to treatment is between 6 per cent and 15 per cent – well below the 28 per cent average for low- and middle- income countries (1). In many sub-Saharan African countries including Ghana, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of the Congo, access to antiretroviral drugs, despite recent improvements, remains under 20 per cent. This contrasts sharply with the situation in the developed world where over 50 per cent of patients have access to HIV medication. In Australia about 70 per cent of the 15,310 people living with HIV in 2005 had access to treatment (1, 2).
Public-private partnerships have been explored as a mechanism through which to mobilise additional resources and support for health activities, particularly in under-resourced developing countries. Over 80 such partnerships exist, many focusing on combating neglected diseases or engaged in developing new drugs or vaccines (3). The UN and its agencies have been at the forefront of engaging with the private sector in an attempt to foster collaboration that would deliver more resources for health in poorer countries (4). The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified partnerships with civil society organisations, philanthropic foundations and the for-profit private sector as key to the future of global health (5). This burgeoning collaboration with the private sector is in accordance with the United Nations’ Global Compact which seeks to increase and distribute the benefits of global economic development through voluntary corporate policies and actions in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment, and good governance (6, 7).
Enthusiasts of public-private partnership such as the World Bank believe these partnerships could help address specific cost and investment challenges faced by governments and improve efficiency and quality of health services (8). Others like the WHO and several pharmaceutical companies think public-private partnerships can contribute to improving equity in access to essential drugs while enhancing research into some of the world’s forgotten diseases such as trypanosomiasis, buruli ulcer, tuberculosis and malaria, all of which predominantly affect the poor (9, 10).
While public-private partnerships are conceptually appealing, many concerns exist. The structures and governance arrangements under which these partnerships operate have been critiqued, as has been their potential impact on healthcare delivery in the international context, particularly their implications for global health governance. Not so much debate, however, exists on how public-private partnerships improve or undermine global health equity. This commentary considers the viability of public-private partnerships for improving global health equity and highlights some of the key prospects and challenges. The focus is on global health partnerships and excludes domestic partnerships such as the contracting out of publicly-financed health delivery and management responsibilities to a private partner or partners. The paper is intended to stimulate debate on the implications, for global health equity, of public-private partnerships and motivate evaluative research into the equity impacts of these collaborations.
Overview of types of public-private partnership
Public-private partnerships come in diverse forms and can mean different things to different people. While the terms “public” (state-financed and controlled) and “private” (non-state actors operating solely for profit or on a not-for-profit basis) are less controversial, that of “partnership” is loaded with ambiguities and has no single acceptable definition. It has been used to describe a variety of collaborations between different actors. Literally, it implies the commitment to a common goal through the joint provision of resources and expertise and the sharing of risks (11). In the health sector, public-private partnership commonly refers to any partnership in global health involving government and/or inter-governmental institutions and industry (12). To some people, collaborations between government institutions, particularly ministries of health and non-governmental organisations, are good examples of public-private partnership. For purposes of the analysis in this paper, the WHO’s definition which sees public-private partnership as the “means to bring together a set of actors for the common goal of improving the health of a population through mutually agreed roles and principles” appears more appropriate (13).
Lob-Levyt (14) identified three main foci for public-private partnerships in health – products, outcome and activities. Product-oriented partnerships cover efforts to increase investments in research and development into new drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tests in the face of dwindling funding for research focusing on diseases that disproportionately affect the world’s poor. In these partnerships, links between public sector institutions, the pharmaceutical industry and philanthropic foundations are considered crucial. Pharmaceutical companies usually possess the technology as well as manufacturing and distribution expertise. These can be paired with funding from public sector partners such as governments or philanthropic foundations like the Gates Foundation to invest in vaccine and drug research and development. In order to provide incentives for the development of a particular drug, tax credits may be offered to the companies involved, or agreements may be established for advance purchases to guarantee markets for the product if it is developed. The Global Alliance for TB Drug Development involving Glaxo Smith Kline and other partners is an example of product-oriented public-private partnership.
Outcome-oriented partnerships usually involve government institutions, industry and/or private philanthropists teaming up to fight certain poverty-related diseases such as polio. A typical example is the Global 2000 initiative of Jimmy Carter, former US president, which aims at eradicating guinea worm infection (one of the world’s most forgotten diseases) in endemic sub-Saharan Africa and other developing countries. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation and the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis are other examples of outcome-oriented partnership.
Finally, activity-focused partnerships may encompass the coming together of a number of organisations to work on developing a particular drug for a particular disease. The partnership between Hoffmann La Roche and Basilea Pharmaceutica – both of Switzerland – and Fulcrum Pharma of the UK to identify next-generation oxonides that will provide a single-dose oral cure for patients with uncomplicated plasmodium falciparum malaria under the Medicines for Malaria Venture is a good example of an activity-focused partnership. An activity-focused partnership can also be one that employs private sector mechanisms in the delivery of public goods, for example, the social marketing of commodities such as condoms and bed nets.
While the above classification may serve analytical purposes, there are a plethora of collaborations in the health sector that could be described as public-private partnerships and it is not always clear how best to describe or position them.
Public-private partnerships and global health equity
Underlying the bulk of global partnerships for health is the desire to bridge the inequity gap in healthcare access between rich and poor countries, especially access to essential drugs, and to develop new vaccines for diseases of prime importance to poorer nations. In particular, partnerships involving the UN agencies consider equity a primary goal as the organisation appears to have rediscovered its core equity values in recent years. But to what extent do these partnerships seek to and actually deliver on equity? Evidence of how public-private partnerships in the health sector have affected global health equity is scarce. In addition, scepticism about the profit motives of private corporations involved in these partnerships, especially pharmaceutical companies, often leads people to overlook any of their potential equity benefits. Indeed, many have criticised what they perceive to be an “open invitation” to private corporations to play a greater role in healthcare delivery, citing the risk of exacerbating current inequities in health as a major concern.
The rest of this paper considers the prospects and challenges of public-private partnerships for improving global health equity. As noted earlier, within the international health arena there are a variety of joint initiatives that merit the description of public-private partnerships. We focus specifically on global health partnerships involving private for-profit companies, particularly those in the pharmaceutical industry.
Prospects for improving global health equity
Conceptually, health equity, irrespective of how one interprets it, requires extending access to healthcare to a broader range of citizens whether or not they have the ability to pay for the services. This seems inherently contradictory to the objectives of private companies which are established largely to make profit. So is there any evidence that global health equity has been improved through public-private partnerships?
Recent update on the HIV/AIDS pandemic by UNAIDS/WHO clearly shows an increase in access to treatment and care in low- and middle-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, the number of people receiving HIV/AIDS treatment increased more than eight-fold from about 100,000 to 810,000 between 2003 and 2005 and more than doubled in 2005 (15). This massive improvement would not have been possible without key public-private partnerships in the HIV/AIDS sector. Partnerships such as the Accelerating Access Initiative, formed in 2000 between some UN organisations and a number of pharmaceutical companies, the Drug Access Initiative and the 3 by 5 campaign have, through price bargaining and discounting, significantly reduced prices for antiretroviral drugs in poorer developing countries, making them more affordable. Much of the HIV medications are sold today in Africa and elsewhere in the developing world at discounted prices far lower than their original prices. For example, since 2001, Abbott has been selling HIV medications in 69 least developed countries including all of Africa at $500 per patient per year; the same drug costs approximately US$7,500 per patient per year in the US (16).
In addition to the discounted prices, there have been several global donation initiatives which have enhanced equity by making HIV drugs more accessible in developing countries. The Viramune Donation Programme, for example, has since 2000 donated nevirapine for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission while the Diflucan Partnership Programme has donated fluconazole for treatment of opportunistic infections from 2001. Under the Africa Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the government of Botswana receives donation of Stocrin and Crixivan from Merck to boost its HIV/AIDS treatment campaign (17).
Apart from HIV/AIDS, public-private partnerships with pharmaceutical companies have contributed significantly to combating other “neglected” diseases such as leprosy, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria and tuberculosis. These diseases have debilitating effects on their victims in poorer countries where resources to fight them are significantly limited. Through public-private partnerships such as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, the Mectizan Donation Programme, the Global Alliance to Eliminate Leprosy and the STOP TB initiative, there have been vaccines and considerable financial and material resources to combat some of these diseases as well as to raise their sinking profile on the global health agenda. The above examples clearly demonstrate the important role that public-private partnerships can play in improving global health equity. There are, however, several challenges that must be overcome for these partnerships to contribute effectively to enhancing global health equity.
Challenges for improving global health equity
Concerns about the viability of public-private partnerships to improve global health equity revolve around several issues including the profit motives of the private sector. Private companies seek to maintain profitability in order to survive and thrive as business entities. However, with the push to give globalisation a human face, these companies want to be seen as socially responsible in their quest for profit. While in public most of them are keen to demonstrate their “good corporate citizenship” credentials, particularly how they are helping poorer nations to access drugs at affordable prices, in private they may take actions that are largely motivated by profit and contradict claims of good corporate citizenship. Regarding access to HIV/AIDS medication, for example, although prices of antiretrovirals have dropped significantly in poorer countries, it took strong political pressure and campaign by AIDS activists for pharmaceutical companies to reduce prices.
There is evidence suggesting that several multinational drug companies still engage in policies that restrict universal access to antiretroviral drugs. For example, the World Trade Organisation recognises the importance of access to essential medicines in times of public health crisis and gives governments some freedom in the Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS) to bypass patents on drugs in emergency situations. However, several pharmaceutical companies involved in public-private partnerships have also promoted policies limiting the capacity of governments in developing countries to use TRIPS flexibility to improve drug access (17). The recent row between the government of Thailand and Merck, Abbott and Sanofi-Aventis over the planned manufacture of generic copies of the antiretrovirals Efavirenz and Kaletra and the heart drug Plavix under the TRIPS flexibility provision illustrate the desire of pharmaceutical companies to limit access in order to maximise profit. Without underestimating the importance of patent rights, such actions do not promote global health.
Another challenge regarding global health equity is the limited transparency and accountability surrounding public-private partnerships. Often, partnership arrangements with the private sector are not open to public scrutiny. The process of selecting private partners, the setting of targets to be achieved and the formulation of management guidelines are anything but transparent. Partnerships involving UN agencies, including the WHO, and private corporations usually fail to involve poorer developing nations who are often the main beneficiaries of such collaborations. The apparent lack of openness makes it difficult to assess what equity targets are set and who should be held accountable for achieving those targets, if any. It is also difficult to hold private companies accountable for failed public-private partnerships given their complex structures and governance, and the different processes of accountability within the public and private sectors. While public sector organisations are theoretically accountable to the population and could be held responsible for issues such as equity, private companies are answerable to shareholders who are typically more concerned about returns on investments than improving equity.
Competence to negotiate a mutually beneficial partnership agreement differs between the public and private sectors. Many public-private partnerships in the health sector today exist between governments of poorer developing nations and pharmaceutical companies. Most of these governments depend largely on donor funding for their healthcare provision and this may come with strings attached. Governments engaging in direct partnerships with private companies may negotiate from a weak position depending on the source of their donor support. By contrast, pharmaceutical companies have tremendous technical and financial clout and are often backed by powerful governments. The US government’s aggressive defence of intellectual property rights of American pharmaceutical companies is well known (18). The massive influence of private companies could be used to dictate partnership terms and conditions to suit commercial interests and this could have severe repercussions for health equity.
Furthermore, public-private partnerships in the health sector have focused overwhelmingly on improving drug access. While this is crucial in many health systems, particularly in poorer nations, there is more to health equity than simply improving access to medicines. Equity in health, according to Sen (19), should be assessed in terms of health capabilities and achievements rather than healthcare activities. Improving drug access by cutting down prices is necessary but not sufficient to improve equity. Reasonable consensus exists among health economists that individuals have different capacities to benefit from healthcare (20) and that access to services is not synonymous with utilisation of healthcare. In sub-Saharan Africa there is ample evidence suggesting that despite improvements in access to antiretroviral drugs the bulk of people with HIV/AIDS are still without access (15). In short, equity requires adequate social arrangements that provide individuals the opportunity to achieve good health (21). It cannot therefore be effectively promoted through partnerships that focus narrowly on improving drug access; rather, it must to be pursued as part of a broader reform to strengthen health systems.
Finally, there are concerns that public-private partnerships in the health sector could threaten global health governance and derail the promotion of equity. The health sector needs strong leadership if equity objectives are to be seriously pursued. At the global level, the WHO is generally regarded as the natural leader. However, the organisation’s increasing participation in partnerships with private corporations has offered the private sector a platform to actively engage in global health decision-making. There are fears that as profit-seeking corporations gain louder voice in decision-making, the WHO’s leadership might be compromised and this could adversely affect the promotion of equity.
Another source of worry with regards to leadership and equity is the growing influence of the World Bank on the international health stage. Relying on its massive funding power, the World Bank has, over the past 15 years, entrenched itself as the leader in global health development. It is currently the world’s largest external funder of health, committing more than $1 billion annually in new lending to improve health, nutrition and population in developing countries. In the fight against HIV/AIDS, its commitment (among the largest in the world) stands in excess of $1.3 billion, with about half of it going to sub-Saharan Africa (22). While funding from the World Bank is crucial to the efforts to improve health, there are concerns that equity considerations may suffer if neoliberals in the Bank dominate. The bank’s traditional support for market mechanisms including privatisation of the health sector particularly makes many equity advocates nervous.
There are also concerns about the impact of public-private partnerships on health sector governance at country levels. In many countries, the evidence suggests that national ownership of health programmes has suffered with the increase in public-private partnerships. In Zambia and Uganda, for example, Caines and Lush (17) found little indication of national ownership of HIV/AIDS public-private partnerships programmes. Non-governmental organisations, in most cases, own and control these programmes. The limited national ownership of such programmes can potentially harm domestic policies and strategies designed to promote health equity. There is the need, however, for further research into how specific global public-private partnerships have affected health sector governance and how this in turn has enhanced or undermined equity as concrete evidence at country levels in this area remains scarce.
The growing inequities in health and access to healthcare worldwide require serious global attention and strong leadership from the WHO and national governments. Partnership with the private sector brings to the public health sector private financing and private sector know-how. In several instances, it has contributed to improving access to essential medicines in poorer countries and helped to mobilise additional resources and support for healthcare in the face of declining investments and rising demand for services. However, in terms of equity, public-private partnership is like a double-edged sword – it can promote as well as undermine fairness in global health. Private companies are established to generate profit and will not invest or participate in partnerships where the opportunity to make profit does not exist. The public sector stands the risk of subsidising the commercial sector with public funds if it does not go into these partnerships with well defined goals and achievable targets. It is incumbent on all governments and inter-governmental agencies engaging in partnership with the private sector to set out clear goals for improving global health equity and ensure that these goals are achieved. This should go beyond narrowly promoting equity in access to essential medicines and target improving overall equity in health by paying special attention to the determinants of ill health, the establishment of effective health systems, and improvement of access and quality of care for those worst-off.
- WHO/UNAIDS/UNICEF. Towards universal access: scaling up priority HIV/AIDS interventions in the health sector. Progress Report. WHO/UNAIDS/UNICEF: Geneva; 2007 Apr.
- National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research. Annual surveillance report: HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections in Australia. NCHECR: University of New South Wales, Sydney; 2006.
- Wemos. Good intentions with side effects: information on global public private initiatives in health. Wemos: Amsterdam; 200 [Monograph on the Internet]. [Cited 2007 Jun 7]. Available from: http://www.wemos.nl
- Buse K, Waxman A. Public-private partnerships: a strategy for WHO. Bull World Health Organ 2001; 79: 748-54.
- Brundtland GH. One world: global health. Oral presentation at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association Atlanta, GA, USA: 2001 Oct 22.
- United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. Survey of small and medium enterprises in the global compact. UNIDO; Vienna: 2004.
- Williams M. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation: is it a new model for effective public-private cooperation in international public health? Am J Public Health 2004; 94: 1922-5
- Nikolic IA, Maikisch H. Public-private partnerships and collaboration in the health sector: an overview with case studies from recent European experience. Discussion Paper. World Bank Health, Nutrition and Population (HNP): Washington, DC; 2006.
- World Health Organization / Joint UN Programme on AIDS. Accelerating access initiative: widening access to care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS. Progress Report. Geneva: WHO/UNAIDS; 2002 Jun.
- GlaxoSmithKline. A Human Race. Corporate Responsibility Report of 200 [Cited 2007 Jun 15]. Available from: www.gsk.com/responsibility/cr-review-2006/downloads/CR-Report-2006.pdf
- Ridley RG. Putting the partnership into public-private partnerships. Editorials. Bull World Health Organ 2001; 79: 694.
- Bale HE. Reversing failure. In: Ridley RG, Lob-Levyt J, Sachs J, Johns D, Evans T, Bale HE, Quick JD, et al. A role for public-private partnerships in controlling neglected diseases? Round Table Discussion. Bull World Health Organ 2001; 79: 771-7.
- World Health Organization. Guidelines on collaborations and partnership with commercial enterprise. WHO: Geneva;1999.
- Lob-Levyt J. A donor perspective. In: Ridley RG, Lob-Levyt J, Sachs J, Johns D, Evans T, Bale HE, Quick JD, et al. A role for public-private partnerships in controlling neglected diseases? Round Table Discussion. Bull World Health Organ 2001; 79: 771-7.
- Joint UN Programme on AIDS. Report on the global AIDS epidemic. Geneva: UNAIDS; 2006.
- Abbott. Generations: Global Citizenship Report 2006. 2007 Apr. [Cited 2007 Oct 3]. Available from: http://www.abbott.com/static/content/document/2006_gcr.pdf
- Caines K, Lush L. Impact of public-private partnerships addressing access to pharmaceuticals in selected low and middle income countries: a synthesis report from studies in Botswana, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Zambia. Geneva: Initiative on Public-Private Partnerships for Health; 2004.
- Bond P. Against global apartheid: South Africa meets the World Bank, IMF and international finance. Cape Town: University of Cape Town Press; 2001.
- Sen A. Inequality re-examined. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 1995.
- Culyer AJ. Equity – some theory and its policy implications. J Med Ethics 2001, 27: 275-83.
- Sen A. Why health equity? Health Economics 2002; 11: 659-66.
- Ruger JP. The changing role of the World Bank in global health. Am J Public Health 2005; 95: 60 -70.

domain: sociology


text:
According to Wikipedia, November is a month of many observances: it’s National Novel Writing Month, Native American Heritage Month, and National Veteran and Military Families Month. Of course, it’s also the start of the holiday season.
Lucky for you, gallupARTS has you covered. We’re celebrating all of the above with special events, workshops and art shows. Check out our November Calendar for all the info.
This month’s featured artists also checks several of November’s boxes. Born Arnold Peña, Arnulfo Peña is a native Texan of Mescalero Apache descent. Arnulfo just recently moved Zuni, NM and we are very pleased to have him showing at ART123 Gallery as part of our Veteran Artist Group Show.
Arnulfo has had a long career as an artist: he sold his first painting when he was in the fifth grade and he says that early success set him on a lifetime of painting. After serving a tour in Vietnam in 1969 and earning 3 bronze stars, Arnulfo received a full scholarship to the University of Texas at Tyler where he pursued and earned his Fine Arts degree.
He describes his style as “Southwestern Art.” However, he says it is constantly evolving and changing. “I have redefined my style again recently, relying on themes that are closest to my heart,” he says. These themes include his adopted Zuni family, Pow Wow friends, American Indian culture, heritage, stories and traditions as well as his experiences in Vietnam. With the bold strokes and aggressive style, Arnulfo says hopes to stir in viewers the same emotions he feels when he is with his people, “the Native Americans who are proud descendants of a rich history.”
Arnulfo has had several solo shows over the years and he regularly participated as a featured artist in the annual “Santa Fe Days” Event in Carrollton, Texas. Among his career highlights and honors he includes the murals he has painted, a painting commissioned by a German gallery and a show at the Fort Worth Public Library downtown.
In addition to painting, he enjoys teaching art, mentoring young artists, and being with friends and family. He also enjoys attending and participating in the Renegade Nation Color Guard activities of which he is a member.
See four of Arnuflo’s paintings in ART123’s Veteran Artist Group Show, opening on Saturday, November 11 from 7 – 9pm and running through December 5.

domain: artistic


text:
USD/BRL Technical Analysis: RSI Suggesting Near-Term Drop Coming
USD/BRL TECHNICAL STRATEGY: BEARISH
- USD/BRL skyrocketed through key resistance level at 3.8140
- Negative RSI divergence indicates upside momentum fading
- Re-testing 3.8140 support crucial to determine market outlook
See our free guide to learn how to use economic news in your trading strategy !
Since March 1, USD/BRL has jumped over two percent, blasting through a key resistance at 3.8140 and is within spitting distance of an intimidating psychological barrier at 3.8504. However, negative RSI divergence is signaling a potential short-term fall as upside momentum appears to be fading.
USD/BRL – 15-Minute Chart
The dramatic spike could be the result of thin liquidity caused by the Brazilian Carnival holiday which kept the Stock market in Sao Paulo closed on March 4 and 5. When traders returned the following day, the pair gapped higher to account for market developments that occurred over the holiday which pushed USD higher. This can be seen with a Dollar-weighted index that rose while Brazilian markets were closed.
USD/BRL, Dollar-Weighted Index – 15-Minute Chart
Re-testing the support at 3.8140 will be a crucial indicator of investor sentiment. If it breaks the support, re-tests it and fails to breach, it could signal that investors are not yet ready to be bullish above this level. However, if it is re-tested and it bounces, a that may speak to an underlying bullish sentiment that may take the pair beyond 3.8504 and toward the next psychological wall at 3.9363.
USD/BRL – Daily Chart
USD/BRL TRADING RESOURCES
- Join a free Q&A webinar and have your trading questions answered
- Just getting started? See our beginners’ guide for FX traders
- Having trouble with your strategy? Here’s the #1 mistake that traders make
--- Written by Dimitri Zabelin, Jr Currency Analyst for DailyFX.com
To contact Dimitri, use the comments section below or @ZabelinDimitri on Twitter
DailyFX provides forex news and technical analysis on the trends that influence the global currency markets.


text:
News Story of the Day
By Agence France-Presse, Manila Bulletin, May 19, 2018
All of Chile’s bishops offered to resign Friday over child sex cover-up claims dating back decades, the latest in a series of abuse scandals facing the Catholic Church globally.
Here is a rundown of other notable cases:
The third-highest member of the Vatican hierarchy, Australian George Pell was ordered in May to stand trial on “multiple” historical sex charges, which he denies.
His case coincided with an Australian public enquiry that found that seven percent of priests were accused of paedophilic acts between 1950 and 2010.
May 17, 2018, Watertown Daily Times
In opposing various measures that would benefit victims of child sexual abuse, leaders of the Roman Catholic Church are once again circling the wagons.
And Republican members of the state Senate have helped them. They have for years blocked legislation that would eliminate “the statutes of limitation for prosecuting child sexual abuse crimes and filing civil lawsuits for damages against individuals, public institutions, and private institutions related to child sexual abuse.
This act also creates a one-year revival period for previously time-barred civil actions which alleged conduct representing the commission of certain sexual offenses committed against a child less than 18 years of age,” according to language in S809, also known as the Child Victims Act.
One of New Jersey's most elite private schools says it will improve programs to protect students on its campus as part of a settlement reached last week with 21 victims of alleged sexual abuse at the school.
The Pingry School also reached a financial settlement with the victims for an undisclosed amount, according to a statement released Friday.
"We are deeply sorry for the abuse the survivors experienced while at our school and the pain they have endured since. Their courage in coming forward is extraordinary," Jeffrey Edwards, chairman of Pingry's board of trustees, said in the statement.
By Chris Mosby, Toledo Patch, May 14, 2018
TOLEDO, OH — A former Toledo-area pastor had sex with two underage girls, including a victim of sexual abuse, according to a plea agreement released by the Department of Justice. Kenneth Butler will now likely spend the next 17 years of his life in prison.
"This defendant has admitted to crimes that include preying on a foster child who was previously the victim of sexual abuse, and he committed these crimes in a house of worship," U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. "Butler may hold himself out to the community as a pastor, but in the eyes of the law he is a criminal who pays money to sexually assault children."
Opinion by Ed Palattella, May 13, 2018, GoErie.com
In his latest effort, state Rep. Mark Rozzi wants the General Assembly to pass a law that would give the victims retroactive access to the civil courts.
The prosecution of the Rev. David Poulson, the Catholic Diocese of Erie priest charged on Tuesday with child sexual abuse, will take place in Jefferson County, where Poulson owns a hunting camp.
The Jefferson County connection was notable to state Rep. Mark Rozzi.
By KENDRA GRAVELLE, May 11, 2018, The Narragansett Times
PROVIDENCE—Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee has joined with other advocates for victims of sexual abuse to fight to abolish the statute of limitations for pressing civil charges against alleged sexual abusers.
Introduced in the House by McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett) and in the Senate by Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence), the legislation proposed would eliminate the current seven-year civil statute of limitations (SOL) for injuries suffered as a result of sexual abuse.
“Basically, what happens to these people is when they get abused as a child they’re silenced by their perpetrator,” McEntee said Monday. “Then once they get their voice as adults they’re silenced again.”
By Keith Gushard, Meadville Tribune, May 11, 2018
A statement by the Catholic Diocese of Erie's retired bishop insisting there was no cover-up of alleged sexual abuse by a priest against two boys conflicts with findings of fact issued by the statewide grand jury investigating the case.
Donald Trautman, the retired bishop of the diocese, released a statement Wednesday stating there was no cover-up of the alleged sexual abuse by Father David Poulson and that Trautman "was aggressive in the removal of abusive priests."
Findings of fact issued by the 40th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury after it heard testimony and reviewed church records contradict Trautman's public statement.
May 9, 2018, The Buffalo News
Entering into a fight is sometimes the only way to get what you want. Other times, it just leaves you with a black eye. That’s what is happening to the Catholic Church as it fights to keep some victims of sexual abuse from seeking redress.
A story in Monday’s Buffalo News detailed how the New York State Catholic Conference spent $1.8 million over six years on lobbying in Albany, including a push to stop the Child Victims Act, a bill that would make it easier for victims of child molestation to file lawsuits or bring criminal charges against their abusers.
The bill, which passed the Assembly last week but faces long odds for approval in the state Senate, would create a one-year window in which victims could file civil lawsuits for alleged abuse, bypassing the statute of limitations.
By Rochelle Alleyne, May 8, 2018, Spectrum News Jamestown
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Billboards calling out several local senators for allegedly not supporting the Child Victims Act have popped up along the 190 in South Buffalo.
The woman behind them is Kat Sullivan, a New York City based survivor of childhood sexual abuse that has been following this law for more than a decade.

domain: news


text:
Necessary Factors Of Dentist - The Facts
Function of Dental Services For Healthy and balanced Teeth
It's intriguing how some individual can undergo their lives without ever before needing anything more than the basic orthodontic services. On the other hand, there are those individuals that need to put on braces for several years or have orthodontic and also prosthodontic procedures carried out periodically. Nevertheless, dental experts have a whole lot even more to do with orthodontic health than aesthetic procedures. Poor oral wellness causes soreness and also pain as well as the opportunity of illness.
Upkeep as well as prevention
One more among the crucial target locations of all dental practitioners is the problem of upkeep and prevention with maintenance being the key to better dental wellness and also avoidance being the evasion of dental illness and also various other problems by exercising proper orthodontic health. The maintenance and avoidance regimen typically includes two examinations annually that include expert cleansing along with examining the problem of one's teeth as well as gums.
The importance of selecting a good dental companies
New procedures for enhancing oral hygiene and the wellness of a person's teeth are being established all the time which has brought about the need for more customized orthodontic professionals that execute these procedures. When you at first begin searching for a household or individual dental practitioner, it is extremely important that you select the appropriate orthodontic companies.
This isn't always easy as there are essentially hundreds being advertised everyday. Simply look in your town yellow web pages or search online to obtain an idea of the quantity of selections that are presently available. Merely remember that no two dental professionals are ever alike. So when you think about exactly how crucial they are where orthodontic wellness and also hygiene is worried, it is extremely important that you select the ideal oral companies.
Recommendation for picking the most effective dentist
For keeping the best dental health possible, you should select the most effective dentist to resolve you as well as your family members's requirements. Here are some pointers relating to selecting the most effective dentist and also the providers:
o Make a list of all the dental experts in your area and also learn what dental solutions each one gives. Some offer aesthetic solutions while others do not, so make sure to discover.
o Pick the services that you as well as your family members demand. Inquire about the professional encounter and also any sort of unique training the dental professional has had in these areas.
o Inquire about their emergency dental services policies so you understand that if an orthodontic issue emerges outside routine office hrs that you could have it taken care of.
o Learn the location of their offices. It is essential to have one relatively close dentists open on sunday to you if there is a therapy needing frequent gos to or if there is an emergency situation.
o Evaluate the problem of the oral office and the hygiene of the dental practitioner in addition to their assistants as well as office workers.
All these problems are extremely important when it involves choosing the most effective dental professional and the orthodontic services that they give. Remember, your teeth and gums rely on you making the best decision.

domain: medical


text:
I have a little gift for you and your family. It’s a printable Valentine activity that you can do today or any day. Now, I realize it’s a bit late for Valentine’s Day this year as it’s the afternoon of February 14th as I post this, but!
This is an activity that you can do any day of the year, with your kids or on your own. It could be a good way to think about values and priorities, a conversation starter, or even a powerful way to begin a vision board.
This printable is based on the Map of My Heart Activity that we’ve been doing year after year, first inspired by the Playful Learning book. In that one, we each draw a heart on a piece of paper and then draw, write, and paint the things that have a place in our heart.
This Valentine activity is similar, but I’m providing a printable as a prompt for you and your family and friends.
Printable Valentine Activity :: What’s In My Heart
Print one out for everyone in your family (or just for yourself—it’s up to you!) and sit down with a pen or some colorful art supplies. Use words, drawings, doodles, collage, or paint to show the ideas, people, and things that are important to you.
Or simply decorate the heart if you like!
I hope you enjoy this Valentine’s Day activity!
3 More Valentine’s Day Activities
- A Back-and-Forth Heart Drawing Activity :: These are a Valentine take on the back-and-forth mandala drawings we do around the year. We love the process of creating a join artwork, taking turns adding our own design or layer. I also LOVE the symbolism of “my heart inside your heart inside my heart”! So sweet! I do this with each of my kids separately and we also do three-way heart mandalas.
- Make playdough Valentines :: We started with lace prints in playdough, but you can just roll yours out before using a cookie cutter and decorating your hearts with beads and other poke-ins.
- Paint a Map of My Heart :: Similar to this activity, but we started with DIY paint-with-water pages.
Pin It for Later

domain: design


text:
Custom Homes building your vision
We love taking our clients’ visions and turning them into a reality. Whether you prefer an open floor plan, or cozy private rooms, your home offers a wealth of possibilities. Existing homes don’t often offer the flexibility needed by today’s families. Whether you need more space for your family, want to include space for an aging parent, or have a separate living space to rent out, we offer you many options when it comes to designing and building a home that will fit your needs today and tomorrow.


text:
Madison in Madison County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Erected 1995 by Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-361.)
Location. 30° 28.219′ N, 83° 24.757′ W. Marker is in Madison, Florida, in Madison County. Marker is at the intersection of Northeast Marion Street and Northeast Range Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Northeast Marion Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 N.E. Marion St., Madison FL 32340, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Mary's Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); W.T. Davis Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Wardlaw-Smith House Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pioneer Hickstown Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); First Baptist Church 1898 Sanctuary (approx. ¼ mile away); The Ellaville Post Office (approx. 0.4 miles away); Steam Engine of the Florida Manufacturing Company (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
Categories. • Notable Buildings •
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2017. This page originally submitted on April 2, 2017, by Jay Kravetz of West Palm Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 2, 2017, by Jay Kravetz of West Palm Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context. • Can you help?

domain: history


text:
Entering the New Credit SYF Service Login
- Existing User ID and password can be used to enter
- New cardholders can register for online account access
- Synchrony customer service contact information is available
When an old familiar credit card gets put out to pasture (or in this case outright ELIMINATED) one tends to feel the unwelcome symptoms of anxiety begin to creep up. Fortunately, those who had been issued a now canceled “R” Us MasterCard (it’s the old credit card for Toys R Us if the name didn’t already give it away) won’t have to worry about any unease caused by a choppy account transition process. After receiving the new Synchrony MasterCard in replacement of the old “R” Us card, cardholders can navigate to the newly established Credit SYF Service login page where account access can be gained using the EXACT SAME User ID and password associated with then old account (how’s that for ease of use??). As if the process couldn’t get any more convenient the Remember User ID box can be checked prior to logging in to receive expedited account access in the future. Those who wish to switch the language used to manage the account can do so by clicking one of the links posted at the top right hand side of the Credit SYF Service login page (English and Spanish are available).
Wait, what is Synchrony??
- A financial services company traded over the New York Stock Exchange under SYF
- Big name partners include Amazon, Walmart, and JC Penney (just to name a few!)
- Offers a Care Credit healthcare credit card that can be used to cover medical needs
- Saving products include CDs, High Yield Savings Accounts, Money Markets, and IRAs
- Exceeded a mind-bending $132 BILLION in financial sales in the 2017 (awe-inspiring)
New cardholders who have yet to sign up for online access to the Credit SYF Service login page can begin by clicking the Register button and entering a card number and zip code. In the event a User ID or password has been forgotten, the links found beneath the login fields can be clicked to begin the account recovery process. Those who are having trouble gaining access to an account after attempting to self-help recovery options can try utilizing the online chat tool at the top of the page. General inquiries for Synchrony can be addressed by dialing 866-419-4096 (sometimes a quick phone call is the easiest way to go about things!).
Synchrony Mailing Address
- PO Box 105972, Atlanta, GA 30348-5972

domain: finance


Reader Opinion: Sensible change necessary
The state of Minnesota should lower the age cap on fishing licenses considerably lower.
How many of you fishermen have wanted to take an elderly friend or neighbor fishing only to be told by them, “Can’t, I don’t have a license.” How many of you know there is an age cap for needing a fishing license in Minnesota? That cap is 90 years old. That’s right, 90!
I think most would agree how ridiculous a law this is. How many 85-90 year olds even own a boat or fish house any more let alone have the ability to use it? Typically their only opportunities lie with the goodwill of friends and relatives a couple times a year. This rule is an embarrassment and a real slap in the face. Really, in a state that prides itself on its lakes and the sport of fishing?
Most elderly sportsmen and sportswomen have likely each paid thousands of dollars in license fees over their lifetime. The state should reward them with an age cap considerably lower instead of punishing them when they can’t afford to go with a friend and continue to enjoy a sport they loved all their life.
I urge you to contact a legislator and let’s get this fixed.


The planned closure of the St. Paul Macy’s, which occupies a city block between Wabasha and Cedar streets and Sixth Street and West Seventh Place, will leave a big void in the heart of downtown.
St. Paul Macy’s closing
The planned closure of the St. Paul Macy’s, which occupies a city block between Wabasha and Cedar streets and Sixth Street and West Seventh Place, will leave downtown without a major department store for the first time in 130 years.
This is sad, especially since Macy’s really never seemed to give this location a chance with the same selections one would find at other stores. St. Paul needs a great shopping place but I’m not sure what store would come here to fill in the space.Dawn Darner
Noooo! @PioneerPress Downtown St. Paul Macy’s to close, sources say. Timeline not yet known. http://ht.ly/guAgGSusan Campbell
Sad news for DT #stpaul. Media reports indicate Macy’s to close. First time St. Paul will be without a major dept. store in 130 years.esandvick
What about The River Room popovers? 🙁 Macy’s to close downtown St. Paul store | http://StarTribune.com http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/185462222.htmlBrianna Gallett
I will miss the River Room, big time.Laura Weber
… while others are quite indifferent.
Downtown St. Paul Macy’s was already basically closed, even while it was open.Â§
Ooops, my mistake, I was getting all sad over the Mpls Macy’s… never been to the St. Paul one #myfaceisredSusan Garcia Hagen
The news is, of course, not surprising …
Not surprised. 🙁 RT @PioneerPressDowntown St. Paul Macy’s to close, sources say. Timeline not yet known. http://ht.ly/guAgGsuzi
Macy’s announce tomorrow that it is closing it’s downtown St. Paul store, according to @PioneerPress. Widely expected, but still a big blow.John Vomhof Jr.
… so let’s turn our attention to what will come next.
With #Macy’s closing dwtn St.Paul, perhaps something sexier can move in? #WholeFoods #Target #Lundshttp://ht.ly/guAgG@PioneerPressChey Cab
casino? hahaAnthony Asuncion
Although I enjoy having Macy’s just a few blocks from my downtown St. Paul residence, I do believe a large retailer might do well in that space, especially if they offer product lines from a variety of price points (discount to mid/high end). I think with the addition of several apartment/condo buildings in downtown, the number of current downtown residents, the light rail, Lunds and the new stadium, downtown could certainly use a large retailer. I know I’d welcome it!Kenneta Fabing


text:
An historic road in West Cornwall is going up against London and Liverpool for the title of Britain's Greatest Street.
Chapel Street in Penzance has made the final three in the national 'Urbanism Awards', a celebration of architecture, culture and community run by the Academy of Urbanism.
Falmouth will also be taking on Shrewsbury and Galway for the Great Town award.
Both will find out if they've won at a ceremony on Friday night.
More top news
Thousands of rugby fans made the journey to Twickenham today to see the Exeter Chiefs take on Saracens.
Thousands of music lovers have been at Powderham Castle just outside Exeter for the first day of the Big Weekend festival.
Crowds at Exeter's premiership final against saracens this afternoon paid tribute to an Army Captain who died during the London Marathon.


text:
It's weekend - enjoy!
We've got some good weather forecast for the next 2 days, but after that it will be getting more like autumn, so it will be time to get my warm pullovers and jackets out!
Recently, while clearing out my arty kitchen, I found several A3 journal pages which I had started and not finished. This one is now done, the others will follow. The background was painted and collaged with napkins. I rolled over it with my love-words roller-stamp and used stencils for the birds, people and the sentiment. I added washi tape around the edges and sewed over it:
The following pics were taken in the early mornings this week:
And these pics are from my walk this afternoon:
And a close-up of the beautiful Nile goose:
Have a great weekend, take care,
and thanks a lot for coming by!