All posts by nedhamson

Activist, writer, researcher, addicted to sharing information and facts.

Tokyo Diving World Cup cancelled because of poor Covid-19 precautions – BBC Sport

Jack Laugher

In a letter seen by the BBC, Fina also criticises the Japanese government which, in its opinion, “did not take all the necessary measures to ensure successful and fair” competition.

The event was scheduled to run from 18-23 April, and was due to be the final Olympic qualifier and an official test event for the postponed Tokyo Games.

“Fina sincerely regrets this situation,” read the letter. “Despite all best efforts and understanding from Fina, the Executive was obliged to take this drastic decision.”

Fina informed national federations by email on Thursday after receiving what it describes as “worrying” information about the organiser’s proposed Covid-19 strategy, through its taskforce.

“In their view, this plan will not properly ensure health and protection guarantees to participants,” continued the letter. 

Source: Tokyo Diving World Cup cancelled because of poor Covid-19 precautions – BBC Sport

Biden affirms support for Ukraine in first call to leader – The Washington Post

Biden in his conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy affirmed “unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression,” according to a statement from the White House. Source: Biden affirms support for Ukraine in first call to leader – The Washington Post

Chinese troops converging in border town facing Myanmar, report says – UPI.com

It is unclear how much damage was incurred during the destruction of Chinese-supported factories in Hlaingthaya township, on the outer edges of Yangon. Chinese state tabloid Global Times previously reported the incident led to $37 million in losses. Chinese state media reported angry mobs with crowbars, axes and gasoline set fire to 32 Chinese-backed factories.

Unconfirmed reports on social media indicate Chinese factories were not the only targets. A Chinese-owned hotel and several restaurants in the area were also destroyed during last month’s riots.

China has offered a muted response to the coup. The policy has factored into rising anti-Chinese sentiment in Myanmar. Critics of Chinese investments also have said Myanmar’s factory workers are paid a pittance and live in crowded dormitories while being employed at Chinese firms, according to the Post.

Source: Chinese troops converging in border town facing Myanmar, report says – UPI.com

Police officer overtakes athlete as top profession for Japan boys

Police officer has overtaken athlete as the most popular profession among new elementary school boys in Japan, while baker and cake shop owner maintained the top spot for girls, an annual survey showed Friday. It marks the first time ever the top pick for boys has changed since the survey by Kuraray Co., a supplier of synthetic leather used to make school backpacks, began in 1999. Police officer accounted for 17.2 percent of boys’ votes, surpassing 13.0 percent for athlete, while baker and cake shop owner, chosen by 26.7 percent of new elementary school girls, held the top spot for the 23rd year in a row. For girls, police officer moved up three spots to sixth, with a Kuraray spokesperson attributing the profession’s growing popularity, regardless of gender, to the influence of anime and other media.

Source: Police officer overtakes athlete as top profession for Japan boys

Avian Flu Diary: ECDC : Risk Of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission From Previously Infected or Vaccinated Individuals

No one should assume this to be a one-and-done vaccine volley against this virus.  Booster shots are already being developedand it is too soon to let down our guard in public.  Even as the number of fully vaccinated individuals in the United States passes 56 million, we are seeing a fresh surge in cases.

  • There is evidence that reinfection remains a rare event. Results from cohort studies confirm that the protective effect of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection ranges from 81% to 100% from Day 14 following initial infection, for a follow-up period of five to seven months. Protection against reinfection is lower in individuals aged 65 years and older.

Source: Avian Flu Diary: ECDC : Risk Of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission From Previously Infected or Vaccinated Individuals

Discover the First Modern Kitchen–the Frankfurt Kitchen–Pioneered by the Architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky (1926) | Open Culture

Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky - Wikipedia

Nearly 100 years after it was introduced, architect Margarete (Grete) Schütte-Lihotzky’s famous Frankfurt Kitchen continues to exert enormous influence on kitchen design.

Source: Discover the First Modern Kitchen–the Frankfurt Kitchen–Pioneered by the Architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky (1926) | Open Culture

Death of Ethelred

English History

Book 2,Chapter 9, Edward 975 AD to 1016 AD – Edmund Ironside

Edmund possessed great personal strength and bravery, and was known by the surname of Ironside, on account of his valour. He resisted Canute with such address and determination, that, although the Danes ultimately proved successful, it was not without the loss of many of their best and bravest troops. In the various battles which ensued, the country was alternately ravaged by its invaders and by its defenders, for Edmund was compelled to levy in the war districts necessary supplies for the support of his own army, which Ethelred had neither the ability nor the means to furnish with materials or with money, and in the midst of these sanguinary and miserable times, this unhappy monarch ended his long and inglorious reign, dying in London, April 23, 1016 while the Danes were preparing to besiege the capital.

To…

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The Sweetness of Spring — Micro of the Macro

Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems. ~Rainer Maria Rilke This beauty recently came to me via text from a beloved cousin. Thanks, Deb! For the past few days, I’ve noticed the birds are back and making their happy presence known. I took time out this morning to admire the […]

The Sweetness of Spring — Micro of the Macro