_Happy boy

Happy birthday akhoya revo ❤️ kol ahtram ❤️

Every year, the same warning repeatedly goes out to the general public: Do not leave your pets in a car in the heat, even with windows cracked for air. Even more critical, don’t let your child(ren) in a car in the heat. And, tragically, every year we get news reports about at least one young child, somewhere, that was forgotten, left behind and succumbed to an overheated vehicle. Such a loss and the agony of living with such a tragedy is beyond imaginable. And, we probably don’t hear so much about pets that suffer the same fate. Because humans are, well, human, such unthinkably sad accidents do happen. While small children and vehicle-riding pets are subject to human decisions, most animals (and people, if they are able) will seek out whatever cooler alternatives might be available when extreme heat threatens their well-being. Thus, during our recent stretches of extreme heat, someone casually driving by here might assume that not a single animal lived on this farm. But the reality is that they’ve all sought shelter in the coolest, shadiest locations they can find, just like we humans do as much as we possibly can. Our dairy barn was always the most comfortable spot on the farm during hot, humid weather, with a myriad of fans blasting air through the center and side alleyways. After being turned out while we cleaned the barn, the girls would be waiting at the back of the barn and almost stampede to get back in under the fans. And, on more than one almost unbearably hot stretch of such weather, I threatened to sleep out there. And, unconfined animals not enjoying fan-blown cooling waves of air can be creative when it comes to finding available creature comfort. To find the beef cows and calves on a sun-blasted, sweltering day, it would take a hike to the farthest tree-shaded corners of the meadow pasture — which none of us here is about to do. Even early in the morning on hot, humid, sultry summer days, it sometimes takes some searching to locate the “beefers.” With the arrival of evening and slightly cooler temperatures, the beef cows will collectively meander up through the pasture to the feed bunk behind the barns, calves playing tag along the way. But, before sunshine burns off the next morning’s dew, they’ll be lounging again in the most distant, shaded haunts. The cool concrete of our basement porch is a comfort magnet for the (supposed) barn cats at those times when our outside thermometer reads 103 degrees, as it did at noontime here one day last week. While the cats often seek out the soft comfort of porch chair cushions during cooler days and overnight, midday heat finds them sprawling, stretched to their maximum whisker-to-tail length, across the shaded, concrete porch floor. Getting around them entails some creative, hopscotch-like footwork on our part. And, heaven forbid you accidentally step on a tail, because you’ll be nursing claw tracks on your ankle for the next several days. Chickens, understandably, aren’t fond of either rain or sweltering heat. They, too, find comfort on the cool concrete of the basement porch. In fact, some steamy afternoons I have to almost shove a half-dozen or so of them away from the door to get past them to the outside. The soil-and-stone floor of the greenhouse nearby is another favorite steamy-day resting spot, especially if I’ve watered it down with a hose and the shaded ground under the plant bench is still damp. The favorite place of most of the feathered girls, though, is under a volunteer cedar that sprouted up some years ago from a seed at a corner of the garage. Now a 10-foot-tall, wide-branched evergreen, it shades a patch of bare soil beneath which is ideal for dusting, digging holes and just chillin’ out. A small rubber-tub water-garden nearby is even handy for a quick drink. As summer reaches its usual crescendo of mid-July heat, the backyard groundhog will sneak into the grass in early morning and snooze in its cool burrow through afternoon. Fence-row bunnies chomp through the soybeans in early morning, then return for more nibbles as the sun dips toward the western hills. And, the woodlot deer will rise and stretch from their understory shade beds and meander out into the bean and hay fields to graze as the sun is setting against the hint of a slight evening breeze. We humans expend considerable amounts of creativity and dollars chasing creature comforts though this season of outdoor overheating. Meanwhile, the creatures just seek out what comforts come naturally.

The 2020 Chicago Auto Show was the last of the big four auto shows to take place before major events began to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic and the 2021 edition opening to the public on Thursday will be the first since restrictions have eased. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association-organized show has been temporarily moved from its traditional February dates and will run a truncated five-day schedule, half as long as normal. Chicago claims it is the largest auto show, with annual attendance often over one million, and will run without capacity restrictions this year, although tickets must be purchased in advance online. "The return of auto shows indicate a return to some sense of normalcy. Auto shows are an ideal place for consumers to shop. They can compare one vehicle against the other under the same roof with no pressure. And we know lots of consumers are back in the car market as indicated by strong sales of recent months," Autotrader Executive Analyst Michelle Krebs said. While a few luxury brands and mainstream automakers -- including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Mazda and Hyundai -- are sitting this one out, top-selling brands like Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, Kia, Ram and Jeep will have their latest models on display. "I think there is a very important space for seeing vehicles live," Dodge and Chrysler CEO Tim Kuniskis told FOX Business. "People want to look, touch, feel, smell. They want to get around the cars, put the cars in perspective, see the actual size. Size is something that’s difficult to judge online. A lot of the stuff you see online, you don’t have anything to give a perspective." One thing missing will be the parade of press conferences and new model unveilings during Wednesday's press preview. There aren’t any major introductions planned, with many of the newest vehicles on display having debuted during online events in recent months, making Chicago the first opportunity for car shoppers to experience them in the metal outside of a dealership. "We can’t wait for them to see F-150 Lightning up close, learn about Maverick and take a ride in Ford Bronco and the Mustang Mach-E while visiting our immersive displays at the show," Ford chief marketing officer Suzy Deering told FOX Business. Ford will be showcasing its new Bronco with an off-road test track set up outside of the McCormick Place convention center, which was made possible by the summer scheduling, while Jeep will have its long-running Camp Jeep display inside. General Motors has limited its auto show presence to just Chevrolet for the rest of the 2021 season, which includes the New York International Auto Show in August and Los Angeles Auto Show in November and continues to evaluate the schedule for 2022, GM auto show communications manager Sabin Blake said. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE "We recognize that due to the changing consumer, media and industry landscape it is important that we remain flexible to ensure we are reaching consumers in the right places with the right products at the right time." Chicago plans to move back to its February slot in 2022 while the marquee North American International Auto Show in Detroit is eying a September date next year after being held in January for the past few decades.

Resources to help you empower your patients to build and maintain healthy habits. The last year has been challenging for all of us, and it may have been difficult for your patients with or at risk for diabetes to maintain a healthy eating pattern and physical activity routine. Encourage your patients to take charge of managing their weight and physical activity habits. Emphasize taking small steps so it feels less overwhelming. Suggested steps might include breaking up exercise by taking 2- to 3-minute walking breaks several times a day reducing screen time and the time spent sitting, even playing a sport or game outside with their family adding motion to their day, such as making routine tasks like sweeping, lifting groceries, vacuuming, and yard work part of a physical activity plan having healthy snacks and meals that are low in added sugar and salt using a food diary to track meals, which can help them discover how to make changes in what they eat and drink to help them lose weight For more guidance, check out five previous blog posts below with resources and tips for working with patients on weight management and healthy living. Obesity Management in People with Diabetes Scott Kahan, MD, MPH, discusses recommendations and resources that health care professionals can use to address obesity and weight management in patients with diabetes. Prescribing Exercise for Almost Anyone Sheri Colberg, PhD, FACSM, shares ways to help patients with diabetes be more active and recommends health care professionals focus their exercise prescriptions on what’s going to be enjoyable to their patients if you want it to stick. Po[CENSORED]r Diets and Patient Support Christopher Gardner, PhD, talks about his research on po[CENSORED]r weight-loss diets, the four fundamental principles of healthy eating, and how health care professionals can help patients find an eating pattern that works for them. Getting Your Patient Active Their Way Learn effective strategies to help you talk with your patients about physical activity, including suggested responses to some common self-defeating barriers. Teens, Genes, and Food Choices: What Contributes to Adolescent Obesity? Paule V. Joseph, PhD, MS, FNP-BC, RN, CTN-B, talks about the rise of obesity in adolescents, the diabetes-related health implications, and what health care professionals can do to reduce young people’s risk for obesity. Visit our Weight Management and Healthy Living Tips page for more information, including a toolkit with a flyer and shareable social media posts. What has helped your patients manage their weight and stay physically active? Tell us in the comments.

link : https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/employees-quit-jobs-pandemic-trend-1.6098888 The pandemic that upended almost everything is finally making its way out the door, but we're about to find it saved one of its greatest upheavals for last. The workplace — one of COVID-19's first strikes — has already been dramatically changed. But as economies begin to emerge from 18 months of lockdowns, two things are becoming clear: employees are holding the cards, and employers who don't accept that will lose the game. Employers in Europe and the United States are already seeing workers quitting their jobs, either because they're burned out or because they're re-evaluating their lifestyle. 'I quit': Wave of resignations prompts concerns over labour shortage The trend has now become noticeable in Canada as well. In an interview with Information Morning Fredericton on Monday, University of Guelph associate human resources professor Nita Chhinzer said the numbers of workers exiting the workforce are climbing, and she warned employers to brace for a potential "turnover tsunami." Generally, the trend in Canada has been that 12 to 13 per cent [of workers] quit per year," Chhinzer said. "But recent statistics over the last couple of weeks have shown that 20 per cent of people are actively looking for a job." And the numbers indicate that will get worse in the months ahead, she said. A "mass exodus" of workers is coming, Chhinzer warned, and only the employers that can adapt to either keep their current workers or offer what new employees want will survive it. An employees' market Kevin Stoddart thinks of the employee-employer relationship as a pendulum. "The power swings back and forth based on market conditions and supply and demand from employer to employee. And right now," he said, "it's skewed towards the employee." Stoddart, co-owner of the Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette executive recruiting firm, is witnessing that power swing first-hand. Employers who just 18 months ago could use wages and advancement opportunities as lures are now finding that flexibility, work-life balance and being able to work from home are the "competitive advantages" employees are looking for. The power swings back and forth based on market conditions and supply and demand from employer to employee. And right now," he said, "it's skewed towards the employee. - Kevin Stoddart, co-owner KBRS executive recruitment firm "During the interview process, the employee gets to ask 'What does it look like to work here and how flexible are you?' " Stoddart said. "That's a question that employers have largely never been asked since the beginning of time. But they are now." Stoddart's advice to employers hoping to woo new talent is "be ready to adjust." Chhinzer shares that sentiment, noting that many workers are now looking for more than just a paycheque and are willing to walk away if they can't find it. As for retaining existing employees, she said, the simplest solution is to find out what is making them think about leaving — and then fix it. "It comes down to finding the trigger for the quit," she said. "Is it because people feel isolated? If so, maybe you want to try to address what's causing them to be isolated. Is it because people don't feel supported at work? Should they be given training and development opportunities?" If it's a case of an employee just "needing a break" rather than leaving permanently, employers should be prepared to be flexible there as well, reassuring a valued employee that their job will be there for them when they are ready to return. As for employees who are worried about asking for such leeway, Chhinzer stressed that good employers will understand and adjust. "Employers don't want the mass exodus. They don't want that kind of disruption. It's harmful to employers who are trying to recover," she said. "But they're also really afraid that they're going to lose some of their best employees. So it's a great time for employees to feel empowered to have that conversation about whatever is causing them to think about leaving." A particular challenge for Atlantic Canada The shifting workplace rules have been a boon to Atlantic Canada's real estate sales and po[CENSORED]tion numbers. In the past few months alone, thousands have left Ontario for New Brunswick, in many cases ditching their pricey Toronto homes but keeping their well-paying Toronto jobs. That has deepened the potential future employee pool considerably. But it has also upped the stakes for its potential future employers. "You have these Bay Street employees whose employer is saying you can keep working remotely, perhaps forever," Stoddart said. "So now you have these highly paid, upwardly mobile professionals in the community of their choosing, oftentimes their hometowns, which is good economically because they're spending locally … buying houses and groceries and cars and whatnot." Why Iceland's 4-day workweek pilot was an 'overwhelming success' Pandemic proves employees can work from home, but will it last? The downside, he said, is that Atlantic Canadian employers are now competing with their counterparts in bigger urban centres for existing and future employees. "And that's hard to compete with because generally the wages are higher and the opportunities are greater in those larger firms," he said. "So a local small business owner in Moncton is now competing with Toronto for talent, all because of COVID and the way that business has pivoted." The big question is: is this forever? Neither Chhinzer nor Stoddart think so. Chhinzer thinks people are "reacting to the last 15 months and forgetting the relationships they've had for 15 years." Stoddart thinks the pendulum will land "somewhere in the middle" eventually. The employer-employee may have changed within the past 18 months, but the rules of capitalism and economics haven't, he said. "Productivity is still the number one measure of success. And that needs to be maintained. … Otherwise, the employer doesn't grow. They don't expand. They don't hire that next new young professional. And in the end, we all pay the price for that."

Australian organizations are a soft target for ransomware attacks, say experts who yesterday issued a fresh warning that the government needs to do more to stop agencies and businesses falling prey to cyber-crime. But in truth, the danger has been growing worldwide for more than three decades. Despite being a relatively new concept to the public, ransomware has roots in the late 1980s and has evolved significantly over the past decade, reaping billions of dollars in ill-gotten gains. With names like Bad Rabbit, Chimera and GoldenEye, ransomware has established a mythical quality with an allure of mystery and fascination. Unless, of course, you are the target. Victims have few options available to them; refusing to pay the ransom depends on having good enough backup practices to recover the corrupted or stolen data. According to a study by security company Coveware, 51% of businesses surveyed were hit with some type of ransomware in 2020. More concerningly still, typical ransom demands are climbing dramatically, from an average of US$6,000 in 2018, to US$84,000 in 2019, and a staggering US$178,000 in 2020. A brief history of ransomware The first known example of ransomware dates back to 1988-89. Joseph Popp, a biologist, distributed floppy disks containing a survey (the "AIDS Information Introductory Diskette") to determine AIDS infection risks. Some 20,000 of them were reportedly distributed at a World Health Organization conference and via postal mailing lists. Unbeknown to those receiving the disks, it contained a virus of its own. The AIDS Trojan lay dormant on systems before locking users' files and demanding a "license fee" to restore access. Although the malware was inelegant and easily undone, it drew media attention at the time as a new type of cyber threat. The demand for payment (by cheque to a PO box in Panama) was primitive by comparison with modern approaches, which call for funds to be transferred electronically, often in cryptocurrencies. It was well over a decade before ransomware truly began to proliferate. In the mid-2000s, stronger encryption allowed for more effective ransom campaigns with the use of asymmetric cryptography (in which two keys are used: one to encrypt, and a second, kept secret by the criminals, to decrypt), which meant even skilled systems administrators could no longer extract the keys from the malware. In 2013, CryptoLocker malware rose to global dominance, partly supported by the GameOver Zeus botnet. Cryptolocker encrypted users' files, sending the unlock key to a server controlled by the criminals with a three-day deadline before the key was destroyed. The network was shut down in 2014, thanks to a major global law enforcement effort called Operation Tovar. It is estimated to have impacted more than 250,000 victims and potentially garnered 42,000 Bitcoin, worth around US$2 billion at today's valuation. In 2016 there were several high-profile incidents involving the Petya ransomware, which prevented users from accessing their hard drives. It was one of the first significant examples of Ransomware as a Service, whereby criminal gangs "sell" their ransomware tools as a managed service. The following year saw arguably the most notorious ransomware attack of all time: the WannaCry attack. It struck hundreds of thousands of computers, including an estimated 70,000 systems at the UK National Health Service. The global impact of WannaCry has been estimated at up to US$4 billion. More recent still was the Ryuk ransomware, which targeted local councils and national government agencies. But cyber-criminals have also attacked specific private companies, including the United States' largest refined oil distribution network, Colonial Pipeline, the multinational meat processor JBS Foods, and Australia's Channel Nine network. Is all ransomware the same? There are hundreds of types of ransomware, but they fit into a few broad categories: Crypto ransomware In modern crypto ransomware attacks, the malware encrypts users' files ("locking" the files to make them unreadable) and will typically involve a "key" to unlock the files being stored on a remote server controlled by the cyber-criminals. Early variants would require the victim to buy software to unlock the files. Locker ransomware Locker ransomware is usually a more complex type of malware that targets a user's entire operating system (such as Windows, macOS or Android), hampering their ability to use their device. Examples can include preventing the computer from booting, or forcing a ransom demand window to appear in the foreground and preventing interaction with the other applications. Although files are not encrypted, the system is typically unusable by most users (as you would likely need another system or software to extract the files). In some cases the ransom demands refer to government agencies with threats of investigations relating to tax fraud, possession of child abuse materials, or terrorist activities. Leakware In a leakware attack, the data are not encrypted but instead are stolen from the victim and held by cyber-criminals. It is the threat of public release alone that is used to secure a ransom payment. From 2020 to 2021, reported occurrences of non-encrypted ransoms have doubled. Double extortion Double extortion is an alarming development whereby not only is a payment required to secure release of encrypted organization data, but there is the added threat of public release. This approach typically involves data being stolen from the organization during the malware infection process, then sent to servers run by the cyber-criminals. To encourage payment, extracts may be posted on public-facing websites to prove possession of the data—coupled with threats to publish the remaining data. Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) Early ransomware was developed by individuals but, as with all software, ransomware has come of age. It is now a multibillion-dollar industry (an estimated US$20 billion in 2020) and is every bit as well designed and implemented as any commercial software. Just as Microsoft's Office 365 has developed into a service, where instead of buying the software, you pay a monthly or yearly subscription, so has ransomware. Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) allows criminals to obtain services, typically in return for a cut of the ransom. To pay, or not to pay? Most law enforcement agencies recommend against ransom payments (just as many governments will not negotiate with terrorists), because it is likely to encourage future attacks. But many organizations nevertheless do pay up. Interestingly, the public sector hands over up to ten times more money to release their files than victims in the private sector. Paying a ransom is frequently seen as the lesser of two evils, particularly for smaller organizations that would otherwise be shut down entirely by the disruption to their systems. Or, if you are lucky, the malware will already have a publicly available antidote. How to remove FBI Moneypak ransomware: http://t.co/UNu8ZVowtY pic.twitter.com/3bycJnEEUH — CGI Doctor (@CGIdoctor) August 2, 2013 But paying the ransom doesn't guarantee you'll get all your data back. By one estimate, an average of 65% of data was typically recovered after paying the ransom, and only 8% of organizations managed to restore all of it. With criminal groups now reaping multimillion-dollar profits, ransomware attacks are likely to target larger organizations where the rewards are richer, perhaps focusing on holders of valuable intellectual property such as the health-care and medical research sectors. The Internet of Things (IoT) will likely be a target for cyber-criminals, with global networks of connected devices held to ransom. While big organizations are likely to have appropriate technical safeguards, user education is still key—a lapse of judgment from a single person can still bring an organization to its knees. For smaller companies, seeking (and following) cyber advice is crucial. Given the huge scale on which cyber-criminals are now operating, we have to hope law enforcement and software security engineers can stay one step ahead.

Rumors of the AMD Raphael Zen4 series of desktop CPUs were making rounds and were listed by a few sources that the amount of cores available would be 24 instead of the 16 core standard. This rumor has since been challenged by ExecutableFix (@ExecuFix on Twitter) to reflect that the new AMD Raphael Zen4 series will instead have 16 cores, which is currently the same count as the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU.Gamers Nexus released information in March 2020 that showed two slides, one that mentioned two Zen4 series CCDs with eight cores and sixteen threads. As with any rumor, the information changed over the last year, which would explain why the information added an additional eight threads and should always be taken with a rain of salt.This new information would also mean that Intel's Alder Lake-S matches the same number of cores. The difference between the Intel Alder Lake-S and the AMD Raphael Zen4 is that the Intel CPU would split power for half of the cores focusing on larger performance than previous models and the other half of the cores for a larger amount of efficiency, also an increase to previous models. The AMD Raphael Zen4 CPU would only showcase cores created strictly for higher performance from all 16 cores.Patrick Schur (@patrickschur_ on Twitter) also adds to the information about the AMD Zen4 Raphael series. He states that the Raphael series will have a TSMC 5nm fabrication node, up to 16 cores maximum, and a thermal design point that push the power as high as 170 watts. With this newer information, the AMD Ryzen 6000 series will more than likely support DDR5 memory, which is slowly becoming a standard, and a newer integrated heat spreader design to be utilized for the AM5 series, a series utilizing that codename for the LGA1718 socket. Also, the AMD Raphael Zen4 CPU has been rumored to be released during the next year, more specifically the second or third quarter of 2022, around the same time that Intel's Raptor Lake series, the Intel Alder Lake-S series successor, are set to be released. Wccftech will continue to follow this story, and will report any newer information as it becomes available.

It's been a long four years, but the patch to fix Nier: Automata's janky Steam port is finally ready, with Square Enix dropping the update later this week. The upgrade patch was initially announced back in April over on the official Nier Twitter account. It followed a rough few weeks for Square Enix, who found Nier: Automata was getting review bombed over on Steam thanks to the Xbox Game Pass for PC release being substantially more stable. The Game Pass version wasn't perfect, mind you, but most found it superior to the Steam version. While a mod that fixes most of Automata's Steam issues has been around for a few years, Square Enix has never taken the liberty of fixing the problem itself. Until now, which makes this the first major fix made to the Steam port since the game released in 2017. The #NieR:Automata Steam patch is coming July 15th at 9am PDT / 6pm CEST, implementing the below changes:HDR detectionBit rate improvementsUI texture upgradeFrame rate adjustmentsOther minor fixesFull details here: https://t.co/Q83twdVv8I pic.twitter.com/f12flZzU8PJuly 13, 2021Most of Automata's major issues seem to be getting fixed. That pesky recurring mouse issue has been addressed, which means the cursor should no longer pop up in the middle of the screen every 10 minutes while using a controller. Cutscenes are mercifully getting a bump up to 60fps, and will no longer awkwardly stretch to different aspect ratios. Borderless window support is finally being added too, a simple option that was bizarrely absent at release. A few graphical options are getting thrown in as well, like UI textures getting a 4K upgrade and being able to toggle different levels of global illumination. The game will now detect HDR and boot the game in HDR mode if it's activated, along with some small adjustments to anti-aliasing. The fixes essentially seem to do what the po[CENSORED]r FAR mod has been doing for years, but it's nice to see Square Enix finally pull its finger out for an official fix. The update will go live on July 15 at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET / 5 PM BST. Better late than never, eh? A bit of a faux-weeb, Mollie will argue why your JRPG waifu is the wrong choice despite having equally awful taste. When she's not lurking in forums for nuggets of news, she's probably still failing to full combo that one song in a rhythm game she's been playing for years.

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A photographer takes a selfie as a brown bear walks past in Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska. (Image credit: Paul Souders via Getty Images) "They are more afraid of you than you are of them" is a saying that is often used to reassure hikers that even large predators, such as bears and pumas, pose little threat to us. But humans are slower and weaker than these animals, so what stops these beasts from snacking on every clothed ape they come across? There are a few likely reasons why they don't attack more often. Looking at our physiology, humans evolved to be bipedal — going from moving with all four limbs to walking upright on longer legs, according to John Hawks, a paleoanthropologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "There is a threat level that comes from being bipedal," Hawks told Live Science. "And when we look at other primates — chimpanzees, gorillas, for instance — they stand to express threats. Becoming larger in appearance is threatening, and that is a really easy way of communicating to predators that you are trouble." Bipedalism may make humans appear bigger and therefore more threatening to other species, but it also has disadvantages. It is typically slower to move on two legs than on four, meaning humans have abandoned any pretext of outrunning any four-legged creature, according to Hawks. "It's sort of like a bluff," Hawks said. "It's like, 'I'm walking around; I'm tough; I'm showing where I am on a landscape.'" Predators see the upright stance and assume humans are tougher than we actually are, according to Hawks. However, even if they were to call our bipedal bluff, predators have other reasons to leave us alone. Larger primates, such as humans and chimps, live in groups and adopted the strategy of aggressively defending themselves against threats, which usually works against predators, Hawks said. Being social has therefore helped keep us safe, along with the benefits of bipedalism. As human technology advanced, we developed an arsenal of advanced weapons, such as bows and guns, that could be used from a distance. With these weapons, humans became so deadly that they began taking the fight to predators. Another reason humans are rarely attacked by large wild animals is that their numbers have declined. "We've been trying to essentially clear the landscape that we use of large predators for a very long time," Justin Suraci, lead scientist in community ecology and conservation biology at Conservation Science Partners, a nonprofit conservation science organization based in California, told Live Science. Large predators and their habitats suffered great losses in the United States before and into the 20th century, before the passing of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, Suraci noted. For example, humans hunted, trapped and poisoned wolves (Canis lupus) to near extinction, Live Science previously reported, and pumas (Puma concolor) were wiped out of the entire eastern half of North America, except for a small po[CENSORED]tion in Florida, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Related: What's the first species humans drove to extinction? Predators living in other areas that are heavily po[CENSORED]ted by humans have faced similar problems. According to Suraci, the animals that have escaped human menace likely learned to become weary of our species. "For very logical reasons, some of these larger predators have a healthy fear of humans in the same way that any prey species would fear its predators," Suraci said. In a 2019 study published in the journal Ecology Letters, Suraci and his colleagues played recordings of human voices through remote speakers in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. The study showed that the sound of humans talking was enough to scare away pumas and several smaller predators, such as bobcats (Lynx rufus). The recordings were designed to simulate benign conversation and consisted mostly of Suraci and his friends reciting poetry and passages from books. The effect was so strong, the recordings had a similar effect to removing predators from an ecosystem altogether, with reduced predator activity allowing small, would-be prey animals, like mice, to forage more than they normally would. Suraci thinks this fear that predators have of humans could also have an upside: It could help prevent conflict between humans and wildlife. Large predators need a lot of space, and in a human-dominated world, they need to be able to live alongside humans without conflict. The fear of humans that a lot of these predators show is really positive in that light," Suraci said. "It gives us some opportunity to potentially share spaces with these animals — to go hiking in places where pumas, bears and wolves all exist, without experiencing any negative impacts." Put another way, wild predators' "healthy fear" of humans may help us coexist, "as long as we're conscious about their presence," Suraci said. Indeed, it's important to be smart while hiking in regions where large predators live. For instance, in bear country, people should hike in groups and periodically yell "Hey bear," to give animals time to leave the vicinity before an encounter, Live Science previously reported. Originally published on Live Science.

PORT ANGELES — Dan Wilder Sr. was a man of faith, family and community who loved people and making Port Angeles a better place, his son and daughter said. Wilder Sr., founder and patriarch of Wilder Auto Center, died Friday of complications from a surgery at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Dan Wilder Jr. said. He was 72. “He was a great man and loved his community,” Wilder Jr. said Sunday. Tami Rose said her father was a “cheerleader for people” who was devoted to his faith and to Sally, his wife of 56 years. “He loved going home,” Rose said. “It was a love story like no other.” A memorial service for Wilder Sr. will be held in August. The family will announce the date. “When we do his service, it’s going to be about their love story,” Rose said of her parents’ bond. “He’s a great man, and everyone knew that, but his love story is beyond all other love stories. He gives that all to God. They both do.” Wilder Sr. received a Clallam County Community Service award in 2010 for his outstanding public service. He was well known for being a community volunteer, educational leader and philanthropist, although he did not like attention or the word philanthropist, Wilder Jr. said. Wilder Sr. served as an elder at Independent Bible Church in Port Angeles. “That’s where everything starts,” Wilder Jr. said. “The big thing he believed in is giving back, and giving back to the community in different ways.” Wilder Sr. sponsored youth baseball teams and other sports and activities. He provided annual scholarships to Peninsula College for children of the 130 employees who work at the auto dealership off Deer Park Road east of Port Angeles. “We have employees that have been with us 30-plus years,” Wilder Jr. said. “We’ve done life together with them. They are family.” The list of charitable organizations and projects that Wilder Sr. supported is extensive. It includes the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, Peninsula College, Olympic Medical Center, Juan de Fuca Foundation of the Arts, Young Life, Port Townsend Wooden Boat Center, Dream Playground Foundation and about two dozen others. Wilder Sr. served on Field Art and Events Hall board, the Peninsula College Board of Trustees and was past president of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association, to name a few. Wilder Sr. was named Washington State Auto Dealer of the Year 2009 and became one of four finalists for Time magazine’s national auto dealer of the year. “He gave to everything, and very few people knew that because he always believed it wasn’t giving if you expected something in return,” said Bruce Skinner, executive director of the Olympic Medical Center Foundation and a longtime friend of Wilder Sr.’s. “There never were any strings attached.” Wilder Sr. was the title sponsor of the OMC Foundation’s Duck Derby and other fundraisers for the hospital. He volunteered to provide new vehicles as the annual Duck Derby’s grand prize. “He was never one to take the podium, but he still had a ton of charisma,” Skinner said in a Sunday interview. “He walked into the room and everybody knew he was there.” Retired Clallam County Superior Court Judge George L. Wood, who knew Wilder Sr. for 44 years, described his close friend as a man of faith. “He lived his life for Christ,” Wood said Sunday. “He was a follower of Christ, and he tried to express Christ whenever he could in his actions and his dealings with people.” Wilder Sr. “grew up humbly” and become generous with his time and money later in life, Wood said. In a 2018 presentation for the Boys and Girls Clubs’ Port Angeles expansion, Wilder Sr. said his mom was a single mother who worked as a waitress in Pasadena, Calif. “He worked his way up from a dishwasher to the dealerships that he’s got now, and he never forgot that,” Wood said. “He treated everybody the same. He respected everybody, and I think that’s why people loved him so much, because he was just genuine to everybody.” Wilder Sr. was born in Colorado and grew up in California. He met Sally in Chico, Calif. They moved to Port Angeles to purchase an auto dealership in 1977. Wilder Sr., 28, was the second-youngest Volkswagen dealer in the United States at the time. Wilder Auto Center would eventually become the largest auto dealership on the North Olympic Peninsula. Wilder Sr. loved football, his son and daughter said. He grew up rooting for the Low Angeles Rams and became an ardent Seattle Seahawks fan. He also supported his alma mater, Western Baptist Bible College, now Corban University, in Salem, Ore. In addition to his wife, son and daughter, Wilder Sr. is survived by eight grandchildren.

Elderly people are more susceptible to falls and accidents, given their progressive deterioration of bones and muscle control. Having an elderly person at home means making it accident-proof, just like how you would do it for a baby. Slips and falls can be more dangerous for an elderly person — leading to hip fractures, cuts, and even catastrophic head and brain traumas — than for middle-aged people. Which is why it is important to have certain preventive measures in place. If you have an old person living with you, Punita Khatter, the co-founder and managing director of SenOcare — a company providing 24-hour personalised eldercare services in India — suggests making the following basic improvements to prevent falls and slips at home. Floors * No loose carpets or rugs. * Repair frayed carpet, tape down loose carpet edges to the floor. * Keep spaces as open as possible, by removing clutters, loose wires. * Make sure all hallways, stairs, and paths are well lit and clear of objects such as books or shoes. * Use rails and banisters when going up and down the stairs. Never place scatter rugs at the bottom or top of stairs. * In case of stairs in the house, put in a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs. You can get light switches that glow. * Wear non-slip footwear, such as slippers with rubber/non-slip bottoms or flat, thin-soled shoes that fit well. * Recommend motion-detecting lights in the bathroom and other rooms as well. Bedroom – Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach. – The phone should be close to the bed. – The bed should not be too high. – Bed rails are crucial to avoid bed fall. You should always select sturdy bed rails and ensure they are installed as securely as possible. They can even help them get up from the bed. – Night-light; so the elderly person can see when they get up. Bathroom * The floor should not be slippery at any time of day or night. * Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor. * Have grab bars near the bath and WC. * Based on the size of a bathroom place a bathing chair, as many a time elders lose balance while bathing. * Install hand-held shower head. Kitchen – Keep things you use often on the lower shelves (at the waist level). – Avoid stacking groceries and food items in high cabinets. – Always use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use a chair as a step stool. Stepping out of the house * Ensure they are not wearing loose, flowing clothes. * Make them wear comfortable shoes. * Give them walking sticks if advised by the doctor. * Have someone accompany the elder.

Link : https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/kevin-j-johnston-criminal-trial-disturbance-calgary-1.6096408 A Calgary mayoral candidate — recently described as "dangerous and out-of-control" by a judge — will go to trial Monday, accused of causing a disturbance. Kevin J. Johnston is currently behind bars on two sets of criminal charges. He is in a host of legal trouble in Calgary after arriving seven months ago from Ontario to run for mayor and to help lead a pandemic-denying, anti-mask movement. Earlier this month, an Alberta judge described Johnston as "frightening" and "venomous." Johnston also faces a charge of criminal harassment for targeting Alberta Health Services employees — one inspector in particular — who have been tasked with enforcing public health measures aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19. Racist mayoral candidate Kevin J. Johnston is about to have all Calgary voters' names, addresses 'Venomous, hateful and threatening' Ten days ago, Johnston was found guilty on three counts of civil contempt for defying judges' orders aimed at controlling frequent rule-breakers who incited others to defy public health restrictions. Until he was taken into custody on May 26, Johnston hosted web broadcasts and online video streams where he would post angry, threatening rants, with much of his rage directed at AHS employees. Some of those videos were presented as evidence at Johnston's civil contempt hearing. In a scathing 20-page decision, Court of Queen's Bench Justice Adam Germain did not mince words, calling Johnston's behaviour "venomous, hateful and threatening." "Most people who have the misfortune of listening to Mr. Johnston would be terrified by the extent of his animus, his frightening facial features and his threats expressed in certain terms," wrote Germain. 'A dangerous, out-of-control individual' Johnston has said several times on video posted to his social media accounts that he is prepared to arm himself and go to the homes of health officials to arrest those who have taken enforcement actions. He has also posted photos of one health inspector and her husband, asking his followers to track down her address and licence plate. "He presents as a dangerous, out-of-control individual," said Germain after watching the videos. "The malice that Mr. Johnston expresses is simply beyond the pale of normal social discourse." Criminal charges in 3 provinces Following months of threats, AHS filed a $1.3-million defamation lawsuit against Johnston. Since his arrest, Johnston has twice been denied bail, deemed too high a risk to reoffend. Johnston's latest trial involves a charge of causing a disturbance. Videos posted by Johnston and his followers show he arrived at the Core shopping mall in downtown Calgary without a mask and became abusive to young employees when asked to either put one on or leave, according to police. Johnston is also facing assault charges in British Columbia and hate crime charges in Ontario. Mayoral candidates with a criminal record or facing charges are not precluded from running for office in Calgary. They simply can't have broken any election laws or owe money to the city.