EXCITEMENT BUILDING FOR AUSTRALIAN JUNIORS
This weekend they are all playing for different clubs, competing in different divisions and are focused on winning a State Cup title. In January they will all be wearing the green and gold for Australia and hoping to take home the title of Youth World Champions. Australia’s 20 and 18 Years sides will be on the Sunshine Coast next January for the Youth World Cup. Many of the NSW players and a few of the Queensland players are at the State Cup this weekend. The Men’s 23s division is one of the strongest of this years tournament. With sides such as Wests, Yass, Central Coast and Kempsey Macley all boasting top class players, including Australian representatives, the competition is only going to get tougher as finals get closer. Chris Lukins, Ben Nercessian and Cameron Nicholls are all playing for Western Suburbs Mens 23’s at the State Cup and are all playing Mens or Mixed 18’s at the Youth World Cup. They agree that State Cup is an important element of their preparation for the Youth World Cup and a great chance for them to work on their fitness. “The training for the Youth World Cup has been pretty intense, both at and away from the camps. It’s good to come away and continue that fitness at a tournament,” said 18’s Mixed player Cameron Nicholls. Teammate Ben Nercessian also values playing at State Cup and believes it will help his World Cup preparation. “Every tournament gives players a new experience that they can learn from, and playing here in the Mens 23’s I’m learning things that will help me at the Youth World Cup,” said Nercessian. Mens 18’s team member, Chris Lukins is another excited about representing his country. “It means heaps to be playing touch for Australia, hopefully we can bring home the title,” said Lukins. Womens 18’s representatives Amanda Skwarko and Ashleigh Dobbins are here this weekend with Ulla Dulla Mixed Open side and while both are enjoying playing Mixed and enjoying the tournament, are also realizing the importance of maintaining their fitness. “We’re having heaps of fun here, but we’ve really got to keep working on our fitness because the Youth World Cup will be tough, hopefully by January we’ll be ready to face the Kiwis,” Skwarko said. “It’s been good that it’s a little warmer today because we really need to get used to playing in the heat,” Dobbins said. “The Sunshine Coast will be even hotter than this, so we better get prepared for it.” Yass Boys 23’s team list also boasts the names of several Australian representatives. Chris Rawlinson, Andrew Baggio and Scott Naughton, with all three agreeing the excitement for the Youth World Cup is building quickly. While most of us are enjoying the mountains of good food to descend on us over Christmas, no doubt our Youth World Cup sides will be worrying about those fitness tests and training camps as they days draw closer to the Youth World Cup. Good luck guys, we’ll be thinking of you. By Rachel Moyle and Lisa Plummer
Touch Football Australia (TFA) is pleased to announce ordering for the Off-field range for referees courtesy of BLK is now available.To place an order please use the following Survey Monkey Portal – https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RefereeUniform Ordering Deadline – Midnight Wednesday, 10 December 2014Please see the attached Uniform Catalogue to assist in your ordering.For any enquires please contact Matt Irons matthew.irons@austouch.com.auRelated Filestfa_blk_off-field_off-field_range_-_2014-pdfRelated LinksReferee Uniform
Chelsea hero Pat Nevin: Big 2019 to look forward toby Paul Vegas10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveChelsea hero Pat Nevin believes the club has plenty to look forward to in 2019.He wrote for the club’s website: “Obviously changing a manager is a stressful business, but rarely has that change looked so smooth than it has with the introduction of Maurizio Sarri. “The football is as pleasing on the eye as you could hope for much of the time and the club certainly looks to have taken on board most of the modern technical and tactical football ideas out there.”Maybe the best thing about where we are now at the end of the year is the excitement about the year to come. It will be interesting, enjoyable, entertaining and hopefully successful. It will of course have its ups and downs, but what would I wish for most in the year to come at Chelsea? Like many of us in 12 months’ time I hope once again to be saying the phrase, ‘Eden Hazard has had another great year for Chelsea’. If we can say that, then we will probably have some more silverware too.” About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say
TagsTransfersAbout the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic subject of mega Chinese offerby Paul Vegas10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveWest Ham striker Marko Arnautovic is the subject of a massive bid from China.The Mirror says West Ham are poised to reject a £35m bid from China for key striker Arnautovic.The bid, from an as yet unnamed Chinese Super League Club, was submitted on Wednesday for the 29 year old Austrian, who is joint-top scorer for the Hammers this season with eight goals in 17 games in all competitions.Arnautovic moved to London Stadium for a club record £20m fee from Stoke in July 2017, scoring 11 times for West Ham last season.The Hammers have no intention of selling Arnautovic, whose contract has another four years to run.The club, sources say, value Arnautovic at far higher than £35m – having themselves spent £40m this summer on Brazilian midfielder Felipe Anderson. 
Del Bosque: Don’t ask me about Real Madridby Carlos Volcanoa month agoSend to a friendShare the loveFormer Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque has swerved questions about his old club.Los Blancos are enduring a horrid spell at the moment, but the ex-Spain coach was keen to talk about anything other than their predicament.”I neither owe nor wish Real Madrid any bother,” he said, refusing to comment on their issues.Instead, Del Bosque wanted to focus on Spain and Robert Moreno, in whose direction he sent praise.”There’s good preparation and training,” Del Bosque explained.”Things don’t happen by chance and the federation have done a good job.”It’s not necessary to have been a great player to be a coach.”There’s no direct relationship.” About the authorCarlos VolcanoShare the loveHave your say
national championship referees ball fingertipsIn a word, the refereeing during tonight’s NCAA Tournament championship game was questionable. There were bad calls on both sides during Duke’s 68-63 victory against Wisconsin, but one call seemed to stand out. This one. Former Michigan State star and current Golden State Warrior Draymond Green is ranting hard about the officiating on Twitter. He thinks they should lose their jobs. Between the NCAA not paying players and the calls the referees make I don’t know what’s more corrupt!!! That was ridiculous— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) April 7, 2015If those 3 refs don’t lose their jobs the entire NCAA need to be under federal review!!!!— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) April 7, 2015Congrats to my young bull @BigJah15 doe!!!!— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) April 7, 2015But whew it’s hard not to get that call right— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) April 7, 2015The officiating was poor throughout the NCAA Tournament, so it’s not very surprising that is was poor in the championship game.
De’Andre Johnson Florida StateOn Monday, Florida State dismissed four-star freshman quarterback De’Andre Johnson after a video surfaced of the dual-threat QB punching a woman in a Tallahassee bar in June. Some were critical of FSU and head coach Jimbo Fisher for taking until Monday night to dismiss the talented prospect. Fisher and Florida State officials, though, claim they see the video tape until it was published online yesterday. Via @JShankerESPN: #FSU officials didn’t see video of Johnson punching woman until it was published on Tallahassee Democrat site Monday— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) July 7, 2015#FSU official said Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher didn’t see video until Monday night because he was traveling in West Virginia— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) July 7, 2015In the end, all that really matters is that Johnson was dismissed and justice gets served. But that’s pretty hard to believe.
jalil irvinJalil Irvin, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound player from Stone Mountain, Georgia, has officially committed to the Michigan Wolverines. Irvin dropped the news on Twitter Friday morning, adding that since he still has two years of high school left, he’ll be taking official visits elsewhere. Irvin isn’t yet ranked by 247 Sports, but he does have offers from two other schools – Illinois and Tulane.Think you officially a Michigan commmit #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/78dSlEO3P4— Jalil Irvin (@only1_lil) June 3, 2016Irvin is Michigan’s third 2018 commitment – joining Leonard Taylor and Antwuan Johnson.
Twitter/@CowboyFBWARNING: What you are about to see from Mike Gundy isn’t pretty.Oklahoma State picked up a nice win against Texas on Saturday by the final count of 49-31. Whether or not the loss puts Charlie Strong’s job in jeopardy is an unknown, but we do know one thing and that is that ‘Pokes head coach Mike Gundy can not dance.Here he is celebrating the win over the Longhorns:You know. #okstate #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/9lKoo957G0— Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) October 1, 2016You know from the very start that this is about to be bad as soon as he starts swaying his arms back and forth.It gets even worse when he starts moving closer and closer to the ground in some sort of squatting motion.The arm swaying may be the most cringe worthy part of the dance. It’s almost as if he is imitating a monkey.Shoutout to the person filming this video and keeping such a steady hand in the midst of watching that spectacle.Keep doing you, Mr. Gundy.
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 10: Julian Love #27 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tackles George Campbell #11 of the Florida State Seminoles in the second quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on November 10, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)Earlier: Notre Dame cornerback Julian Love was an All-American this season. Right now, the Fighting Irish are playing without him.Love has missed two series in a row for undisclosed reasons. On the second series, his replacement Donte Vaughn was beaten for a touchdown.That touchdown is the reason Clemson currently leads 9-3.Donte Vaughn fell down covering Justyn Ross on the TD catch. Irish clearly missing Julian Love, who hasn’t been on the field for the last few drives. Don’t know why, but that could make a huge difference in this game.— Alex Wilcox (@AlexWilcoxWNDU) December 29, 2018Right now, there has been no concrete update for Love’s absence. If he has to miss the rest of the game, ND’s secondary could be in trouble.There have been no press box announcements about Julian Love’s absence. #Cottonbowl— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) December 29, 2018We will provide an update on Love’s status as soon as one comes out. The ESPN broadcast says Notre Dame is tight-lipped in regards to injuries, but someone has to know something soon.Clemson and Notre Dame are midway through the second quarter at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.You can watch on ESPN. Update: Love reportedly spent more than 15 minutes in the blue medical tent getting his hamstring looked at. He is currently on the sideline riding a stationary bike.We have a Julian Love sighting….riding stationary bike behind #Irish bench…— Tom Noie (@tnoieNDI) December 29, 2018We’d imagine he tries to give it a go but we’ll see how his leg holds up.
LINCOLN, NE – AUGUST 31: Nebraska fans release red balloons after the Nebraska Cornhuskers score their first points of the game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2013 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)Kansas doesn’t have the reputation as a huge producer of football talent, which may be part of the reason that linebacker Dylan Jordan flew so far under the radar.Even so, as we approach National Signing Day, Jordan has seen things really ramp up in his recruitment as of late.Jordan only recently received rankings from 247Sports.He is a three-star recruit, and the No. 1073 player overall in the class of 2019.The site also has him listed at No. 74 among outside linebackers and No. 8 in Kansas.Those numbers may seem a bit low, given the programs that have come in to land him late in this cycle. Over the last two weekends, he has visited Utah and TCU.This weekend, Dylan Jordan will be making a trip to Nebraska football, as previously scheduled.He confirmed the trip after having Huskers head coach Scott Frost and defensive coordinator Erik Chinander in for a home visit.Thanks @HuskerFBNation for stopping by today! Excited to see campus this weekend on my OV!!?⚪️? #gbr #blackshirtnation pic.twitter.com/6PxOLxfkRf— DJ3️⃣ (@thedylanjordan_) January 21, 2019On Monday, Jordan announced that he will make his announcement next Monday, after returning from Lincoln.I will be shutting down my recruitment a week from today at 5 p.m.! HUGE thanks to all the coaches that have recruited me! Excited to see what my future holds! #AGTG????— DJ3️⃣ (@thedylanjordan_) January 21, 2019That has to be good news for the Huskers, who will get the last shot to impress the linebacker. Other schools like Auburn, Kansas, and Kansas State were reportedly involved as well, but won’t be getting visits.
LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 08: The Nebraska Cornhuskers flag after a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)Nebraska may have an issue bubbling up with its linebacker depth. On Wednesday, the team reportedly lost Breon Dixon, a former four-star player that transferred in from Ole Miss.Now, a second outside linebacker is departing the Huskers in two days. Reserve Quayshon Alexander is set to transfer.Alexander was a member of Nebraska’s 2016 recruiting class. He was a three-star recruit out of New Jersey, and chose the Huskers over nearby Rutgers, as well as Big Ten power Michigan out of high school.Alexander is also coming off of a productive spring game in which he recorded seven tackles, which adds to the surprise a bit.According to a report by the Omaha World-Herald, Quayshon Alexander is set to transfer from Nebraska.From the article:A source with knowledge of the decision confirmed late Wednesday night that junior Quayshon Alexander is leaving NU’s football program. Alexander missed the 2018 football season while recovering from shoulder surgery. He appeared in the 2019 spring game — leading the way with seven tackles — and spoke to reporters afterward.He seemed to hint towards that decision with a Wednesday tweet as well.Another chapter needs to be written— Quayshon T Alexander (@KinG_QuaY_23) April 24, 2019Alexander played sparingly in 2017, and then missed the entire 2018 season after shoulder surgery.[Omaha World-Herald]
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 01: Quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers throws a pass during the first half of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl between LSU and Central Florida at State Farm Stadium on January 01, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Everyone is likely pretty aware of who the best players in college football are heading into the start of the 2019 regular season.Trevor Lawrence, Tua Tagovailoa, Jake Fromm, Jonathan Taylor, Chase Young and others typically make up most “best players in college football” lists.Which players are “most important,” though?ESPN’s Bill Connelly decided to rank the most important players in the College Football Playoff chase heading into the 2019 season.A couple of quarterbacks are sitting at the top of the list, though they are probably not the quarterbacks you think.The top five:Texas A&M QB Kellen MondLSU QB Joe BurrowOklahoma QB Jalen HurtsOhio State QB Justin FieldsPenn State QB Sean CliffordAs you can see, the most “important” players in college football are the quarterbacks of the College Football Playoff contending teams that are not on Alabama, Clemson or Georgia – the three most proven teams.It’s hard to argue against that. If any of those quarterbacks have stellar seasons (Burrow, Fields and Hurts, especially), their teams should be right in the College Football Playoff hunt. If they disappoint, their teams will likely be on the outside looking in.You can view ESPN’s full top 25 list here.
On the other hand, Quinn did reveal that Notre Dame’s schedule could be a major issue, saying “I think the toughest thing they have to battle this year is their schedule.”Notre Dame has to face Georgia, Michigan and Stanford on the road this season.Here is the segment from The Herd that featured Quinn:Trevor Lawrence has the attention of @MattLeinartQB:”He just gets it, he understands it… I’ve never seen a freshman quarterback play like that.” pic.twitter.com/J5iCMaOyCy— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) August 23, 2019Tough road contests are going to pose a threat to Notre Dame’s postseason chances, but that isn’t the only problem. Multiple opponents on the schedule will be coming off their own bye week.“Seven teams coming off bye – that’s the most in college football this year,” Brady Quinn said. “I think those are the roadblocks they’ll have to get through because so many teams are going to have two weeks to prepare for them.”Current projections have the Fighting Irish missing the Playoff. That would change if they can get through all the road tests that are waiting ahead of them.Notre Dame will be on the road to open the 2019 season as it’ll face Louisville on September 2. 
LOS ANGELES – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Brady Quinn #10 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish drops back against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 25, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. USC won 44-24. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)Last season didn’t end the way Notre Dame planned, but the program should be in great shape for this fall. However, former Fighting Irish quarterback Brady Quinn sees a huge obstacle that could prevent his alma mater from getting back to the College Football Playoff.With the college football season just about to start, Doug Gottlieb had multiple experts on FS1’s The Herd. During the segment, Quinn made it clear that he’s confident in the Fighting Irish. Instead of letting the blowout loss to Clemson affect his view of the program, he thinks it’ll serve as a great learning experience.“I think there in a good spot, and I think they feel as good about this year’s team as ever before,” Quinn said. “Ian Book and the rest of the leaders on that team have a good idea of what they need to do moving forward in order to get there (the Playoff).”
MADISON, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines watches action prior to a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)Week four of the 2019 college football season featured some incredible matchups and some surprising results. The most notable, of course, was Wisconsin’s dismantling of Michigan up at Camp Randall.The biggest game of the weekend, however, was Notre Dame at Georgia. While the Fighting Irish hung tough on the road, the Bulldogs ultimately emerged with the victory.There were also a few upsets. USC took down No. 10 Utah to take control of the Pac-12 South, while Pittsburgh used a late trick play to knock off No. 15 UCF.Here’s what we think the AP Poll will look like on Sunday afternoon: ClemsonAlabamaGeorgiaLSUOklahomaOhio StateAuburnFloridaTexasWisconsinNotre DamePenn StateOregonWashington State (plays UCLA tonight)IowaBoise StateTexas A&MUSCUtahWashingtonMichiganCaliforniaVirginiaMichigan StateArmyCollege football fans – do we have it right?
Rajarshi Gupta MelbourneDecember 30, 2018UPDATED: December 30, 2018 12:51 IST Jasprit Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 20 wickets in three Tests so far (AP Photo)HIGHLIGHTSKohli praised Bumrah for his attitude after the pacer’s 9-wicket haul helped India win the Boxing Day TestKohli said Bumrah always thinks of wickets when he looks at any pitchBumrah was named man-of-the-match for his sterling performance at the MCGVirat Kohli lauded Jasprit Bumrah after his star pacer won the man-of-the-match award with his nine-wicket haul in the Boxing Day Test which India won by 137 runs.Bumrah picked six wickets in the first innings and three in the second as India demolished Australia to win their first ever Boxing Day Test Down Under on Sunday.Kohli said Bumrah would is now a scary proposition for opposition batsmen and he wouldn’t want to face him.Bumrah picked up 9 for 86 in the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to record the best haul by an Indian pacer in Australia.”I think the fact that he was showing amazing levels of fitness and energy in white-ball cricket, hence, he was so good because he was not giving runs with the new ball, he was getting wickets and then he would come back in the death overs and not one loose delivery.”He was training like he wanted to play Test cricket. The mindset he has is what separates him from anyone else in the world. He looks at a pitch and he doesn’t think it’s a hard toil. He thinks wickets, he thinks ‘how can I make a breakthrough?’. Your mindset separates you from the rest.”The way he has matured in Test cricket and the areas he is bowling so soon, so quickly in his Test career is a very scary sign for all the batsmen around the world. I wouldn’t want to face Jasprit Bumrah to be honest, because once he’s on a roll he can really crank it up,” Kohli said at the press conference on Sunday.advertisementThe Indian skipper is full of praise for star quick Jasprit Bumrah! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/LRwUY1Fswlcricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2018Bumrah has 20 wickets from three Tests in the ongoing series and has clearly been the standout bowler so far. He finished his first year in Test cricket with 49 wickets across South Africa, England and Australia.Bumrah also recorded five-wicket hauls in South Africa, England and Australia – becoming the first Asian pacer to do that in the same calendar year. He credited the Indian domestic circuit for helping him become the bowler he is today.Kohli, who was criticised for some of his decisions as captain, said he did not read opinions of other people but strived to do what was best for the team.Allan Border had been surprised with India’s decision to not enforce the follow-on after taking a 292-run lead in the first innings. Many others felt rain over the weekend could hamper India’s chances of sealing a historic win.”It’s a good thing I don’t read any comments or opinions (on not enforcing the follow on). I wanted us to bat more, and add some more runs, because batting would be difficult on day four and five.”We knew that it would be tough for Australia, but credit to our bowlers, especially Jasprit (Bumrah). The three fast bowlers have broken the record for most wickets by pacers in a calendar year for a team, which is brilliant. I certainly feel proud as a captain when they bowl in partnerships. No one is looking to out-bowl each other,” Kohli said.Virat Kohli is obsessed #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/XMyETnDWkBcricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2018Relief was writ large on Kohli’s face after India wrapped up victory on the final day. The entire first session was washed out due to rain but India did not take long to secure a well-deserved win.Kohli also lauded opener Hanuma Vihari for his gutsy performance. After KL Rahul and Murali Vijay flopped in Adelaide and Perth, India decided to open with debutant Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari.While Agarwal scored 75 and 42, Vihari did not get many runs but impressed his captain with a resolute and stubborn show in the first innings which Kohli admitted made it easier for him and Pujara to stitch up a strong partnership”Our first-class cricket is amazing, which is why we won. Credit must go to first-class set-up in India, which challenges our fast bowlers in India, and that helps them abroad.”Agarwal showed great character on Boxing Day. And Pujara has always been composed, so we just wanted a big partnership. And the fact that Vihari batted so long in the first innings, it allowed us to bat more confidently. And Rohit’s 60-odd as well,” the 30-year-old skipper said.Also Read | We are not going to stop, ready for Sydney: Virat Kohli after historic Boxing Day Test winAlso Read | Tim Paine cries foul after Australia lose: We served India pitches that suit themAlso Read | Boxing Day Test: Virat Kohli shares dressing room photos after crushing AustraliaadvertisementFor sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted byrohan sen Tags :Follow India beat AustraliaFollow Virat KohliFollow Jasprit BumrahFollow India win Boxing Day Test Jasprit Bumrah scary for opposition batsmen, would not want to face him: Virat KohliIndia vs Australia: Virat Kohli said Jasprit Bumrah always thinks wickets when he looks at any pitch. Bumrah was named man-of-the-match for his 9-wicket haul in the Boxing Day Test vs Australia.advertisement
India vs England: Smriti Mandhana becomes India’s youngest T20I captainIn the absence of an injured Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana is leading India women against England in the ongoing three-match T20I series in Guwahati.advertisement India Today Web Desk GuwahatiMarch 4, 2019UPDATED: March 4, 2019 13:18 IST Smriti Mandhana became the number one ODI batter in the ICC Women’s Rankings last month (AP Photo)HIGHLIGHTSAt 22 years and 229 days, Smriti Mandhana is the youngest T20I captain for IndiaSuresh Raina held the record previously as he was first appointed as India men’s T20I captain aged 23 years and 197 daysSmriti Mandhana won the toss in her first stint as India women’s T20I captain in Guwahati on MondayBatting sensation Smriti Mandhana became the youngest T20I captain for India when she led the women’s team against England in the first T20I in Guwahati. At 22 years and 229 days, the India women’s cricket team opener is taking over from Harmanpreet Kaur, who has been ruled out of the three-match series with an ankle injury.Out-of-favour India batsman, Suresh Raina previously held the record as he was appointed as the captain of the men’s T20I team at 23 years and 197 days. Notably, Harmanpreet was the youngest woman to have led the India women’s T20I team (23 years, 237 days) before Monday.Smriti Mandhana had a lucky start to her captaincy stint as she won the toss and opted to field against England in Guwahati. However, India bowlers conceded 45 runs without picking up a wicket in the first six overs of the ongoing T20I.Mandhana opted for experience in the squad as she brought back senior campaigner Mithali Raj into the playing XI in the absenceo of injured Harmanpreet.Notably, India have headed into the ongoing T20I series on the back of a 2-1 ODI series win over England women in Mumbai.Captain @mandhana_smriti calls it right and India have opted to bowl first. The coin rolled a long distance.?? #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/t0cCMe22BLBCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) March 4, 2019Meanwhile, Mandhana stressed that her approach to the game won’t change with the burden of captaincy on her shoulders.”The preparation won’t change because as a vice-captain for the last 2 years I have been attending all the meetings of strategy. I know already what we are going to do before the match when I was not the captain. But I will make extra effort to speak to bowlers,” Mandhana said on the eve of the first T20I.advertisement”I have been playing under a lot of captains in the last 4-5 years and I have tried to learn everything from them. I don’t really like to mix captaincy and batting…as it will complicate me more.”Mandhana became the number one ODI batter in the ICC Women’s Rankings last month following her exemplary run of form in both the ODIs and T20Is.Also Read | India facing healthy headache, reserves going to be key at the World Cup: MSK PrasadAlso Read | India vs Australia: Usman Khawaja marvels MS Dhoni’s ability to stay calm in run chasesAlso See:For sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted byAkshay Ramesh Tags :Follow Smriti MandhanaFollow India vs EnglandFollow India women’s cricket teamFollow Suresh RainaFollow Harmanpreet Kaur
JP Duminy to retire from ODIs after 2019 ICC World CupJP Duminy announced that he will retire from one-day internationals after the 2019 ICC World Cup but added that he will be available for T20Isadvertisement India Today Web Desk Cape TownMarch 15, 2019UPDATED: March 15, 2019 17:24 IST JP Duminy said the 2019 ICC World Cup will be his last time playing for South Africa in ODIs (Reuters Photo)HIGHLIGHTSJP Duminy said he will retire from ODI after the 2019 ICC World CupDuminy will play his last ODI in South Africa vs Sri Lanka on SaturdayDuminy had earlier called time on his Test career back in September 2017JP Duminy announced that he will retire from one-day internationals after the 2019 ICC World Cup to be later this year in England and Wales. Duminy though clarified, that his retirement is only from ODIs and that he will continue to be available for selection in Twety20 Internationals for South Africa.JP Duminy had earlier called time on his Test as well as first-class career back in September 2017, having represented the Proteas in 46 Test matches.”The last few months on the sidelines have given me an opportunity to re-assess my career going forward and to plot some goals I’d like to achieve in the future,” JP Duminy said, announcing his retirement.”While a decision like this is never easy, I also feel that it is the right time for me to pass on the baton. I will still be available to play international and domestic T20 cricket, but would also like to invest more time towards my growing family, who are my number one priority. I have been privileged to live out my dream playing a sport I love, and I am forever grateful for the support I have received from my teammates, coaches, family, friends and fans throughout the years,” JP Duminy added.”I will still be available to play international and domestic T20 cricket, but would also like to invest more time towards my growing family, who are my number one priority.” – @jpduminy21 #ProteaFire #ThankYouJP pic.twitter.com/xeIDcMZAG9 Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 15, 2019″I have been privileged to live out my dream playing a sport I love, and I am forever grateful for the support I have received from my team mates, coaches, family, friends and fans throughout the years. – @jpduminy21 pic.twitter.com/0i3ZZJ5UViadvertisement Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 15, 2019JP Duminy will play his last ODI in South Africa at Newlands when they take on Sri Lanka in the fifth ODI on Saturday. South Africa lead the series 4-0.Ahead of that match, Duminy has represented South Africa in 193 ODIs and scored 5047 runs, at an average of 37.39, Duminy has also taken a total of 68 ODI wickets.Duminy will be making his third appearance at a 50-over ICC World Cup, after the 2011 edition in India-Bangladesh-Sri Lanka and the 2015 edition in Australia-New Zealand.The 2019 World Cup will be Duminy’s third appearance in the tournament, having featured for South Africa in 2011 in the subcontinent and in 2015 in Australia and New Zealand.Also Read | Sreesanth life ban revoked, Supreme Court asks BCCI to revisit quantum of punishmentAlso Read | Never underestimate importance of MS Dhoni: Michael ClarkeFor sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Tags :Follow JP DuminyFollow ODIFollow retirementFollow 2019 ICC World Cup
Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL image leak shows it will come with 3.5mm headphone jack and no notch, key specs detailed earlierOfficial renders of Google’s Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL have been leaked, clearly showing that these cheaper Pixels will come with a 3.5mm headphone jack and screens that have full fat bezels instead of camera cutouts or water-drop notch.advertisement India Today Tech New DelhiApril 19, 2019UPDATED: April 22, 2019 08:19 IST Image Courtesy: SlashLeaksHIGHLIGHTSThe Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL is expected to launch on May 7, when the Google IO kicks-off.It is expected that the Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL will come similar cameras that are there in the more expensive Pixel 3 phones.The hardware in the Pixel 3a will be more toned down, and screen size is expected to be smaller.It is expected that in a few weeks from now on May 7 Google will announce the Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL as it kicks of the Google IO in San Francisco. Now ahead of the launch fresh renders of the upcoming Pixel phones have been leaked, showing the devices in their full and revealing glory. The Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL are expected to be the cheaper variants of the existing Pixel 3 phones. They are likely to come with the toned down hardware except the camera system, which is the highlight of the current Pixel 3 phones and which Google is likely to keep same in the Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL.But the leaked renders show that there are changes. It is clear from the Pixel 3a renders that the new Pixel phones will sport the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that Google earlier removed from the more expensive Pixel 3. Currently a number of high-end premium phones don’t come with the 3.5mm headphone jack. The renders also show that the Pixel 3a will have rather thick bezels, similar to what we saw in the Pixel 2 in 2017. Currently, the Pixel 3 sports full bezels, albeit somewhat slim, whereas the Pixel 3 Xl comes with cutout notch that houses two front cameras. The Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL will both have thick bezels.The renders also show that the Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL will have single front camera. It has been rumoured that this will be the same 8-megapixel camera with wide-angle lens that is part of the front camera system in the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL.advertisementWhat else do we know about the Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL. A lot actually because there have been a number of leaks.– The Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL are expected to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor. They are likely to come with 4GB RAM.– The Pixel 3a, which is smaller, will come with a 5.6-inch screen with resolution of 2220×1080 pixels. Surprisingly, the bigger Pixel 3a XL with a 6-inch OLED screen, is likely to sport lower resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.– The Pixel 3a is going to have a 3000 mAh battery while the Pixel 3a XL will come with 3400 mAh battery.– The Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL will come with same primary camera that is inside the Pixel 3. This means the same 12-megapixel sensor, and possibly the same excellent images for which Pixel phones are kind of famous now.– Both the upcoming Pixel phones will come with 64GB internal storage, support for eSIM and squeezable frame (something we don’t need but Google insists on it apparently).Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL India price and launchWhile the global launch of the Pixel 3a is on May 7, the India launch will be likely after a few weeks but possibly the same month. Currently there is no word about the India price of these two phones, but there are rumours about the global launch of the Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL and that also gives a hint to the India prices of these two phones.If you were expecting that these are going to be the “cheap” Google Pixel phones, tone down your expectations. Compared to the existing Pixel 3 phones, the Pixel 3a will be relatively affordable but it won’t be cheap. The global price of the Pixel 3a has been rumoured to around $500, and hence it could be priced in India around Rs 40,000. The Pixel 3a XL price in India could be around Rs 50,000 given that it its global price is expected to be around $650.ALSO READ: | Google could launch Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL at Google I/O 2019ALSO READ: | Google Senior VP teases photo from unreleased smartphone, could be Pixel 3aALSO READ: | Google Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL price leaks, may compete with OnePlus 7 in IndiaGet real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted byShweta Ganjoo Tags :Follow GoogleFollow Pixel 3aFollow Pixel 3a XL
First in Indian Cricket: Women state captains to have voice at BCCI ConclaveDuring the May 17 conclave in Mumbai, the captains and coaches of the women’s state teams will be joining their male counterparts in giving an assessment of the just-concluded domestic seasonadvertisement Press Trust of India New DelhiMay 8, 2019UPDATED: May 8, 2019 16:05 IST Jhulan Goswami, Mithali Raj, Jemimah Rodrigues along with other domestic captains will be attending the conference (Twitter: @bcciwomen)HIGHLIGHTSThe more than a decade old conclave is conducted at the end of every domestic seasonJhulan Goswami, Mithali Raj, Jemimah Rodrigues along with other domestic captains will be attending the conferenceSub-standard umpiring across all formats and age groups is also likely to come up for discussionIn a first, the Indian cricket board will be inviting all the state skippers of the women’s teams at its ‘Annual Domestic Captains and Coaches Conclave’, making the event more inclusive.The more than a decade old conclave is conducted at the end of every domestic season. Captains and Coaches of various Ranji Trophy teams give their feedback to the BCCI administration about the season that goes by. However, the women cricketers were not made a part of it in the previous editions.During the May 17 conclave in Mumbai, the captains and coaches of the women’s state teams will be joining their male counterparts in giving assessment of the just-concluded domestic season.”Yes, this is the first time that domestic women’s team captains and the chief coaches have been invited to the conclave. Their feedback is very important and we would like to know what they thought about the last season,” BCCI GM (Cricket Operations) Saba Karim, who is also in charge of overall development of women’s game, told PTI on Wednesday.Karim, however, didn’t wish to get into whether there will be discussions on how to broaden the talent pool in order to have a full-fledged women’s IPL in near future.”I would not like to comment on that but yes we need to get feedback from our women cricketers and coaches for the development of the game and how we can help to raise the quality of cricket at the domestic level,” the former India wicketkeeper said.It is expected that likes of Jhulan Goswami (Bengal), Mithali Raj (Railways), Jemimah Rodrigues (Mumbai) along with other domestic captains will be attending the conference.advertisementAs far as the men’s conclave goes, the notable aspect up for discussion will be the feedback provided by the captains and coaches of the North Eastern states who joined the first class system last season.It is expected that sub-standard umpiring across all formats and age groups (men and women) is also likely to come up for discussion during the meeting.In all, the 2018-19 season featured 2024 domestic matches (men and women) across age-groups with 6471 registered players (men and women) taking part.This was close to 1000 matches more than last year.Also Read | There is still time before women cricketers get equal pay, says Mithali RajAlso Read | Overseas players keen on Women’s IPLFor sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted byAjay Tiwari Tags :Follow BCCIFollow India women cricketFollow Mithali Raj
Reuters New DelhiJune 21, 2019UPDATED: June 21, 2019 09:52 IST Angleique Kerber defeats Maria Sharapova by 6-2 6-3 at Mallorca Open (Photo: Reuters)HIGHLIGHTSMaria Sharapova recently returned from a shoulder surgeryKerber clinched a straight-set win over Sharapova on ThursdayKerber will next face France’s Caroline Garcia in MallorcaTop seed Angelique Kerber won the battle of current and former Wimbledon champions as she beat Maria Sharapova 6-2 6-3 in a heavyweight second-round clash at the Mallorca Open on Thursday.Germany’s Kerber, who will arrive at Wimbledon as reigning champion, proved too solid for Sharapova as her comeback from yet more shoulder problems was cut short.Kerber’s claycourt season was hampered by an ankle injury and she bowed out in the first round of the French Open.But the 31-year-old left-hander looked sharp as she dominated Sharapova on the Santa Ponsa grass, setting up a quarter-final against either France’s Caroline Garcia or Spanish wildcard Paula Badosa.”It was a good match and I felt good from the first point on the court,” Kerber, who now has four consecutive wins over Sharapova, told reporters.”I trusted my game today and just wanted to be aggressive.”Sharapova, who returned to action this week ranked 85th after undergoing shoulder surgery in February, has spent a fortnight on the Mallorca lawns sharpening her game for her comeback but said her lack of match play showed.”I made a few too many unforced errors,” said the 32-year-old Russian, who won Wimbledon in 2004.Despite having only two matches under her belt, Sharapova said it would not be too smart for my shoulder to add another warm-up tournament to her schedule ahead of Wimbledon.”These two matches were very important, for my arm, putting pressure on my arm and seeing how it does and it’s done pretty well so I will take that optimism to London,” she said.advertisement”Right now I have to take it one tournament at a time.”American teenager Amanda Anisimova, who reached the French Open semi-finals this month, eased past Alize Cornet 6-2 6-4.She will next face third seed Belinda Bencic, who also sealed her place in the quarter-finals.She was leading 5-7 6-3 3-1 when American opponent Shelby Rogers had to retire with an injury.Also Read | Mallorca Open: Sharapova wins on return from injury break, set for Kerber testAlso Read | Dominic Thiem extends olive branch to Serena Williams with mixed doubles offerAlso SeeFor sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted byAkshay Ramesh Tags :Follow Maria SharapovaFollow Angelique KerberFollow Mallorca Open Angelique Kerber downs Maria Sharapova at Mallorca OpenReigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber made light work of Maria Sharapova challenge in a big-ticket second round at Mallorca Open, easing past the Russian 6-2, 6-3.advertisement Next
Ruchir Joshi New Delhi August 9, 2019 ISSUE DATE: August 19, 2019UPDATED: August 15, 2019 07:38 IST Image credit: Raj VermaTogether, Indian cricket and its supporters tell us a lot about the journey our society has taken over the last hundred odd years. As Ramachandra Guha’s and Prashant Kidambi’s books on cricket history tell us, in the late 19th century, cricket was a scattered activity in different urban and mofussilTogether, Indian cricket and its supporters tell us a lot about the journey our society has taken over the last hundred odd years. As Ramachandra Guha’s and Prashant Kidambi’s books on cricket history tell us, in the late 19th century, cricket was a scattered activity in different urban and mofussil pockets of pre-Partition India.The first Indian clubs were formed in Bombay, Karachi, Madras and Calcutta and they played among themselves on inferior, bumpy maidans while the sahebs played in a parallel world, on the other side of the fence on their (somewhat) plush green grounds. Around the same time that various Indian political groups began to challenge the Empire’s unquestioned hegemony, Indian teams began to have the occasional game against the goras.At first the Indian teams usually lost, but gradually the outcomes began to be less predictable. These matches would have loud crowds of local janata supporting the native teams. A victory could mean riotous celebrations and the defeat of a desi team, due to what was perceived as biased umpiring, could lead to just plain rioting.It was clear that the game was able to excite passions, even among people who had no access to playing kits, cricketing skills or proper grounds. Or, perhaps, the game worked like a magnifying glass, focusing scattered passions into one flaming pinpoint.The idea of a national team formed at roughly the same time as the independence movement. The important difference was that while Gandhi and the Congress moved out of their middle-class enclosures to connect with the poorest sections of urban and rural India, organised cricket in India kept looking to the Maharajas and Nawabs for leadership.advertisementHowever, unsurprisingly, issues from the country’s politics kept seeping into the sport. Could Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis and Christians play in the same team? What would a team weighted towards upper castes and classes do when the talent of a player from (what one would now call) a Dalit background made it impossible to exclude him? Would the team travel together? Would they eat together? Would they come together only on the playing field?By the end of World War II, there was a large pool of seriously gifted players in the subcontinent, a pool from which a properly selected eleven could challenge any team in the world. A WAG once said that the chief reason the English made sure that India was partitioned was that “a team from a united India would have spelt the end of all meaningful competition in world cricket”.Wistful exaggerations aside, cricketing was among the many intricate networks that Partition sundered, especially in the north and the west of the subcontinent.If the jute factories stayed in West Bengal and the jute fields supplying to those factories went to East Pakistan, people still argue that a bulk of the batting talent stayed in India while almost the entire pace attack went to West Pakistan. While this may be a gross simplification, the fact was that Partition scattered things unevenly across India and the two Pakistans.Just as notions of patriotism had to be rejigged, being a supporter of the Indian team meant different things before and after August 1947. For our test team, the multiple humiliations and honourable draws we suffered in the first 20-odd years of Independence were accompanied by the spread of the radio network.The live cricket commentary coming in from grounds across the world where India were playing left slight scars across the addicted eardrums of Indian cricket fans who grew up in the 1950s and the 1960s, and yet the patriot-cum-cricket fan in us never gave up, never stopped hoping.Indian cricket went through two quantum jumps, one at the beginning of the 1970s and one just after the end of the decade. The unexpected series wins in the West Indies and then England in 1970-71 meant that expectations of the Indian fans went up-we could win Test series, we will keep winning; forget about counting staved off defeats as substitute victories.1983 meant something quite else-we could win even in this format that was, till now, challenging for our slow-scoring batsmen, Test-designed bowlers and sluggish fielders. Earlier, we had won the odd series here and there, most often at home, but this was a World Cup where, in theory, we had been proven superior to every other cricket-playing country in the world.In the years immediately following our World Cup triumph, this superiority waxed and waned, dimmed and brightened, but the screaming, shouting, blue shirt-ripping triumphalism did not waver over the next 30 years.advertisementOf late, though, things have changed. With the Indian team going from being underdogs to bullying overdogs, this triumphalism has transformed into something truly ugly. The final stage of this mutation took place between 2001 and 2011 and is related to, among other things, our improved game, the burgeoning of the Indian TV audience to mammoth proportions and the huge sports industry the IPL has become.Alongside this growth of economic clout is the increasing display of aggression onfield by players.Around 2001 (or possibly a little earlier) our players started becoming infected by what one could call “Aussie-itis” or “Oz-itis”-the extreme sledging and aggressive physical projections perfected into an art form by Steve Waugh’s famous Australians. “Tit-for-Tat”, “toe to toe”, “give as good as you get” and other such phrases became mantras in our press, with our players also spouting these clichés in interviews and such.Some of the Indian team’s retaliations worked, some didn’t. During the 2001 Test series, Ganguly got up Waugh’s nose by making him wait for the toss, Dravid told three hulking Australians surrounding him to “F*** off”, yielding desirable results. But then came the ridiculous sight of Zaheer Khan trying to sledge Matthew Hayden in the 2003 World Cup final in Johannesburg.Hayden was flaying Zaheer’s bowling. Hayden was the master of sledging and this sort of a thing pumped him up; Zaheer, an amateur, struggled for an invective in a language not his own, but eventually got carted across the ground, both verbally and cricket-wise.By the time the next batch of young Indian men put on the country’s colours, the sledging had become as indispensable as batting, bowling and fielding skills.When I bumped into one of these young turks (now a waning senior of fluctuating presence in the team) and suggested that he was being over-aggressive, he snarled into the distance, ‘No, no, nutthhing! Weeyyavtu givvidbag tudem!’The Aussies infected us, but then we added our own strain to the infection. The Aussies might be racist, macho and thuggish, they may also be cheats, but there is no trace of jingoism or militarism in their presentation.Off the field, these Australian men are seen looking after their small babies; even on-field, if there is an addition to their cricketing clothes, it’s to support some cause, such as the fight against breast cancer; their nationalism or political beliefs are kept well out of sight.We, on the other hand, go from the absurd to the ridiculous. Our team walks out wearing military caps in an international match to “show support for our soldiers”; Mahendra Singh Dhoni tags his regimental insignia on to his wicket-keeping gloves in a World Cup; insisting we need to differentiate ourselves from England’s blue, we add one particular colour from our flag to our altered kit and it just happens to be the colour preferred by the ruling political party.You understand what a really wealthy country is when you see extremely well-to-do people happily taking trams to the supermarket.advertisementSimilarly, I understood something about a country that’s really rich in sporting terms, when an Australian cricket fan once told me, “I’m bloody bored of us always winning like machines. I’d really like to see this Ponting side get stuffed, I just don’t like their style of cricket!”While sportsmen are notoriously stupid politically and usually tend to veer towards reactionary strongmen leaders (look at pictures of Recep Erdogan attending Mesut Özil’s wedding), there are also exceptions.Look at the major American football stars refusing to stand for the national anthem, choosing to kneel instead in protest of US president Donald Trump’s policies, or Megan Rapinoe showing Trump her middle digit after winning the World Cup.While we in India are very far from Australia’s wide-ranging sporting success, we are the cricketing world’s boorish nouveau riche and there was some odd satisfaction in seeing the obnoxiously cocky Indian team go down to New Zealand (which would not have been there had we lost to Pakistan, Australia or England) in the semi-finals.As for protests, true independence and true patriotism (and, yes, true sporting wealth) will be evident when some internationally successful Indian sportswoman or sportsman fearlessly stands up to an Indian government on a political issue.Ruchir Joshi is a film-maker and writerYou’ve reached your article limitSign in to keep reading India TodaySign inSign up NOW to get:Premium content on Aaj Tak HD ChannelUnrestricted access to India Today magazine contentGet real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments India on the field | Independence Day SpecialIn India, true patriotism and true sporting wealth will come of age only when sportspersons stop pandering to strongmen and political leaders.advertisement Next
1. Locally Grown Badge T 2. Taylor Stitch Stripe Shirt 3. Duluth Pack Scout Bag 4. Billykirk Carryall Bag 5. Billykirk Belt Finding stylish menswear and accessories is going to be as easy as heading to your local Target. That’s because the Minneapolis-based retailer is launching Target Collective, their first collaboration targeted specifically at men that features, according to the retailer, “impeccably-crafted, U.S.A.-made goods including hand-tooled leather belts, durable canvas bags, graphic tees and irreverent stationery from partners Billykirk, Owen & Fred, Taylor Stitch, Duluth Pack, Locally Grown and Terrapin Stationers.”“What excites me about this program is that we’ve curated brands we think our guests will love, and that we’ve worked with each brand to co-create products specifically with our guests in mind,” said Kathee Tesija, chief merchandising and supply chain officer, Target. “By exploring innovative partnerships like Target Collective, we’re bringing newness to our assortment and offering our guests easy access to stylish, well-crafted, quality products they’ll find only at Target.”That sounds exactly up The Manual’s alley. Prices in the partnership range from $10 to $270, with most items going for less than $100. In the market for a new backpack, weekender back or dopp kit? Duluth has the Pack Scout Bag, Billykirk made a useful messenger bag, carryall bag and a dopp kit. If clothes are what you’re after, go for the nicely crafted Taylor Stitch striped shirt and chambray or chino pants. If grooming accessories are what you’re after, look into getting Owen & Fred’s shave kit or soap. And if you’re in need of a good t-shirt, check out Locally Grown’s offerings.Target Collective makes it easy to find the brands that we at The Manual love to bring to you, so hurry up and get to your local Target before everything sells out. We can’t wait to go there and grab a Billykirk messenger bag.For more information, visit target.com. Keep Your Pants On With the Best Belts for Men Editors’ Recommendations The 12 Best Laptop Bags for Men 
What to Wear for Labor Day and the Unofficial End of Summer You Definitely Need a Shirt Jacket for Fall 5 Canadian Lifestyle Brands You Need to Know 
5 Classic Whiskey Cocktails You Should Know How to Make Editors’ Recommendations The Best Small-Space Furniture for Living Tiny We’re in Love with the Look of Gerber’s New Everyday Carry Knives A Brief History of the Chevrolet Corvette, America’s Most Iconic Sports Car Give Your Hypercar the Garage It Deserves with a Custom Aston Martin Lair Late last month, Aston Martin announced plans to launch no less than three new models before the end of the decade, including a brand new sports car and an all-electric crossover inspired by the DBX concept. However, the next addition to the automaker’s growing lineup is not a car at all but a large powerboat designed and built jointly with a Dutch company called Quintessence Yacht.The boat is dubbed AM37, a name that hints at its 37-foot length. It will feature a hull made of lightweight composite materials, and structural parts crafted out of carbon fiber in order to keep its weight in check. Quintessence promises that the high-tech construction will allow the boat to provide luxury sports car-like handling, performance, and comfort, even on rough seas.The AM37 will be just as high-tech on the inside. It will offer a fully-integrated high-definition touch screen controlled by either voice commands, regular buttons located on the dashboard, or a remote control. The boat will be fitted with a pair of individual captain’s chairs and a sofa-like wrap-around rear-bench with room for at least eight additional passengers.Related: Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT First DriveAlthough precise technical details are not available yet, Quintessence reveals that two versions of the yacht will initially be available. The AM37 S will be a sport yacht capable of reaching a top speed of 60 knots (roughly 70 mph), while the standard AM37 will be a more luxurious gran turismo-style boat with a top speed of 50 knots (about 57 mph).The first prototype is currently being built in a new facility located in England so official pictures have not been published yet, but Aston and Quintessence have released a handful of computer-generated images that give us a decent idea of what to expect from the boat.Aston Martin and Quintessence’s AM37 will be introduced at a private event that will take place late this year. The agreement between the two companies is envisioned as the beginning of a long collaboration that will eventually spawn a full lineup of yachts and powerboats.
Everlane Wants You to Have a Daily Uniform to Make Dressing Easier Learn Guitar (and Don’t Give Up) With the Fender Play App Image courtesy of Laura Bittner via Creative Commons. Editors’ Recommendations How to Transition Your Wardrobe to Fall 
Why Your Desk Chair Matters and the 9 Best Ones to Boost Your Productivity How to Choose the Right Dress Shirt Gone are the days when men would go out into the world swimming in fabric. Raglan sleeves, billowing bodices, rain jackets over suits, and dusters down to the ankles have lost favor with the fashion gods—and thank goodness for that. The age of the well-fitting, simple, clean line-dominated coat is upon us. Whether you’re looking for a casual bomber for a guys night at the bar or a nice overcoat for date night, the possibilities are endless according to Brian Hathaway, a style expert at Mario’s in Portland, OR.“Our philosophy is that you can’t have too much outerwear,” Hathaway says. Men’s outerwear is experiencing a renaissance at the moment.Bombers and parkas and great coats, oh my. Whether you want something dressy or casual, functional or fashionable—or both!—now is a great time to go out and enjoy all the outerwear the world has to offer. There is a jacket for every occasion, and The Manual is here to help you figure out what to wear.LengthThe general rule according to Hathaway is: the longer the coat, the dressier the occasion.While short overcoats were in vogue for a few years, length is making a comeback.These overcoats aren’t your dad’s dusters, however. A properly fitted overcoat should fall just above the knee whether you’re short or tall. There’s room to play with this length if you so choose, but taller gentlemen be warned that anything that hits mid-thigh might make you look oversized, and shorter gents, avoid anything below the knee. Parkas and other rain jackets look best when they fall somewhere between just below the buttocks and just above mid-thigh.Bombers and other short coats should hit just above the derrière or, at the longest, mid-butt.BodiceWhile this is largely dependent on the kind of coat you’re looking for—bombers and track jackets, for instance, tend to have fuller bodices—straight silhouettes are universally flattering. Hathaway says to look for a jacket that fits comfortably through the waist but doesn’t pull. “While you don’t want too much fabric, which overwhelms, you don’t want a skinny fit either.” You should be able to move comfortably in your coat without too much excess fabric, though keep in mind how many layers you plan to wear underneath. If you’re still confused about the right balance between a clean fit and a skinny fit, use the X test for suits. If the jacket pulls at the fastening point, it’s too tight.“The straight silhouette just gives a clean finish and a modern look,” Hathaway says.While tailoring is an option, Hathaway says, you want to get as close a fit off the rack as possible.Related: TGIF Shopping: Norwegian Wool’s Fall Collection Is Here To Warm Your ChillSleeves And ShouldersPay attention to the sleeves of a jacket, and it’ll make the difference between looking dapper and looking like you’re playing dress-up. Hathaway says the sleeve should hit about an inch above the V of your hand. Anything longer, and you’ll look undersized; anything shorter, and you’ll look like you’ve squeezed into a child’s coat.Look for how the shoulder fits as well. You want the shoulder of your jacket to be sharp. Avoid jackets with shoulders that extend more than half an inch to an inch past your actual shoulder. Again, this is dependent upon how much you’ll be layering underneath. The general rule is that you want the shoulder to have a close, sharp fit without any pull. For nicer overcoats, beware raglan sleeves. While not always the case—The Manual always urges you to use your own judgment—the diagonal seam can make the shoulder look shapeless and sloppy.DetailsHathaway says details are getting cleaner and sharper on coats. While there’s room for the occasional flare, for the most part coats are dark, clean, and simple—no more superfluous zippers or piled-on pockets.“Less detail is better,” Hathaway says. “It’s more modern, and it looks better on everyone.” Details like spread collars, shearling, or accent colors—burgundy is our favorite right now—are visually appealing yet subtle. That’s not to say you should avoid fun details if they speak to you. It’s all fair game as long as it doesn’t overwhelm.Hathaway says that he’s seen a lot of really great reversible jackets come through Mario’s as well: one side is a softer fabric, like wool, and the other is nylon. Reversible jackets are chameleons—they look good on every occasion.One of the best parts about shopping for a coat in 2016? Technological advances.“Technology has changed the way we shop for coats,” Hathaway says. Cashmere is no longer reserved for dry days, for example. Now you can buy water resistant cashmere and look sharp in any weather. No matter which way you cut it or what you’re looking for—whether a nice leather jacket for the weekend or a cashmere great coat for a night on the town—as long as you follow our fit guide, you won’t go wrong.
The Barbershop Renaissance and Men’s Grooming Revolution, According to Fellow Barber’s Sam Buffa Long Hair for Men: Tips for Growing and Maintaining Your Style Editors’ Recommendations Fall in Love with Tentree’s New Fall Collection, Then Plant a Tree 9 Best Backpacking Tents for Your Next Adventure, from Budget to Ultralight When visiting Portland, you’ll want to have your hair cut at Rooks Barbershop. Started by Master Barber, Justin King, Rooks was one of the only barbers in the city offering a straight edge shave. Men’s Journal took notice of this PDX favorite, featured the shop and things took off from there. Rooks moved three blocks down, added five barber chairs and three more barbers. They continued to expand offering traditional services from classically trained barbers. We caught up with King for the inside scoop.TM: What can a guy expect from his appointment at Rooks Barbershop? What’s the vibe like?JK: Rooks is a simple barbershop that has become known for its easy-going, laid back vibe. While a lot of shops focus on having a vintage aesthetic with wood and taxidermy, Rooks focuses on what we do best; good old fashioned barbering. During a visit to Rooks, our customers can expect to hear loud banter about politics, sports, news and entertainment, a top-quality haircut or hot shave by experienced, highly trained barbers, and a cold beer. No gimmicks, just barbering.TM: How does Rooks reflect Portland? What are the most popular styles requested by the Portland guys?JK: Rooks is an institution in Portland, being one of the first of the “revival’ barbershops. We reflect the feel of the city, in that we’re simple and down to earth, yet we turn out a quality product.A lot of guys these days are requesting the more timeless, classic looks. It’s not uncommon for us to send someone off looking like they just stepped out of a 1920s speakeasy, or a clean, tapered cut complimented by a well-groomed chest-length beard. Portland is a dynamic city, and our customers run the gamut. From young to old, hipster to student to lawyer, Portland folks trust our barbers to make them look their best.TM: Do you have any tips for taking care of your hair in the dead of winter?JK: Condition your hair! The natural oils in the hair tend to dry up in harsher climates, so it’s important to remember to pay a little extra attention to your hairs health during those winter months. Condition every time you shampoo, no exceptions, as conditioner is made to replenish the moisture you lose by shampooing.TM: Aside from getting rid of the scruff, are there any benefits for the skin from getting a straight edge shave?JK: When done right, a straight shave could be invigorating and rejuvenating for the skin, stripping away dead skin cells and build up.Aside from it being extremely relaxing, both the heat and the oils and lubricants used during a hot towel shave will soften your skin and create a gentler, more thorough shave.TM: What are your favorite shampoo and styling products and why?JK: Rooks sells and uses an array of products. We generally prefer water-based styling products, such as Bonafide or Layrite pomades, as they’re easy to wash out and are less damaging to the hair and scalp.TM: Valentine’s Day is coming. Do you have any suggestions for getting more handsome in a week?JK: Nothing is more handsome than a man with confidence, and having a head of hair that’s custom designed for your head shape, hair type, etc. can help bring that confidence out. Talk to your barber and ask for their help determining what kind of style is best suited for you. Don’t be afraid to bring in a picture or two, as it helps give us a good idea of what you like. After all, you’re the reason we’re here! Street. Getting to Know the Lithuanian Beer Scene
How to Make Loco Moco, a Hawaiian Staple Dish Inhale on the eccentric and exhale on the concentric. For example, when you are doing a leg squat: when you are squatting down toward the floor (eccentric contraction) you will want to inhale, and when you are rising and going into a straight position (concentric contraction) you will want to exhale.Do not hold your breath. This will cause intra-abdominal pressure, or a Valsalva maneuver. This can result in seeing stars, passing out and even vomiting. In addition, you do not want to reverse your breathing because you will lose integrity in your core and surrounding muscles, which are usually activated when you are breathing correctly while moving a resistance load.If you’re still having trouble, try counting under your breath. When you are completing a repetition, count underneath your breath. This is an involuntary way to move air or exhale. For example, when you are doing a chest press and you are pushing the bar away from your chest, say the number “one” softly and when you are doing your second rep, say “two,” etc. ShareVideo Player is loading.Play VideoPlayUnmuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 4:34Loaded: 0%0:00Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -4:34 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedAudio Tracken (Main), selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xFullscreen Is Calisthenics Right For You? A Guide to Bodyweight Workouts Editors’ Recommendations Who among us hasn’t dreamed of rocking washboard abs, especially when in the midst of a grueling set of sit-ups? Working your core can definitely lead you down the path to an aesthetically pleasing midsection, but it’s so much more important than that.When we talk about core muscles, we’re not just referring to your abs. Your core–which is made up of your abdominals, obliques, lower back muscles and glutes–supports and stabilizes your spine and can affect your balance. Working out your core, when done properly, can help prevent back injury and prevent pain and discomfort caused by sitting for 8 hours per day.The Manual has teamed up with Kisar Dhillon, a personal trainer based in Portland, Oregon, and his team at The Art Of Personal Training to bring you the second in a series of videos to help you ease into a strength training routine. You can do these exercises at the gym, at home, or even at work.In this video, Peter Fuller, a trainer with over 15 years of experience, shows us how to properly do squats and planks. Though simple, these are the best core exercises for men who are just starting out with a fitness routine. Fuller shows proper form, breathing technique and how to mix things up if you’re looking for an added challenge.Related: The best leg exercises for menA quick note before you get startedJust as we reminded you with our leg exercises: though these are introductory core exercises, proper technique is important in order to prevent injury and make sure you get the most out of your workout. Dhillon, who has been in the fitness industry for over twenty years, expanded on Fuller’s explanation of proper breathing technique: Ready? Let’s get sweating.The WorkoutThis circuit was designed to increase in difficulty as you go on. The farther you get in the circuit, the more you’ll have to engage your core. Make sure to take a brief rest between sets so you can gauge how your body is feeling. If you’re up for an added challenge, do this circuit twice in a row!Basic squat: 2 sets of 8-10 repsGoblet squat (with kettlebell): 2 sets of 8-10 repsBar squat: 2 sets of 8-10 repsSide plank, knees bent: 2 sets of 10-15 repsSide plank, top leg out: 2 sets of 10-15 repsSide plank, feet out on top of each other: 2 sets of 10-15 repsSide plank, top foot out, bottom foot lifted off the ground: 2 sets of 10-15 reps The best core exercises for men Close How to Build Your Own Home Gym for Under $350 The Best Leg Exercises for Sculpted Calves, Quads, and More How to Change a Light Fixture Without Getting Shocked
The Best Bottles of Whiskey You Can Buy For $20 or Less No matter how tried and true a product may be, every once in a while it’s going to need a little bit of freshening up—a facelift, if you will. In the case of Old Milwaukee, which has been brewed since 1849, decided to go for a visual renewal by simply putting on a beautiful face. Starting this month, the iconic brand is rolling out their Pin-Up label series, featuring beautiful women and never has a can of beer looked so beautiful.The first in the series, “Stars and Stripes,” hearkens back to World War II-era beauties and has the power to make even the most battle-weary soldiers raise a salute. The next pin-up in the series—which will be unveiled in September—will give a nod to the the outdoors, and more specifically, hunting.The Pin-Up Series will run on all Old Milwaukee Lager, Old Milwaukee Light, and Old Milwaukee N.A. packaging and will be available at retailers, bars, and restaurants nationwide. New designs will be released on larger format packages of Old Milwaukee and Old Milwaukee Lite every four months, while “Stars and Stripes” will be a permanent addition on smaller packages and single-serve cans. According to Brand Manager Heather Rodman, the series honors female doers and disruptors who have left a legacy that continues to inspire today. “The new look embraces the heritage of the brand while paying respect to the strong women that made pin-up culture in America something to be proud of,” she said in a statement. The Barbershop Renaissance and Men’s Grooming Revolution, According to Fellow Barber’s Sam Buffa 10 Top Shelf Vodka Brands that are Actually Worth a Damn 15 Best Subscription Boxes for Men Who Love Gifts The Best New Men’s Grooming Brands You Need to Know About Editors’ Recommendations 
Brooklyn Brew Shop/InstagramThe obstacles of brewing your own beer at home can be high. Not only does a new home brewer have the cost of start-up equipment and ingredients, there is also the investment of time. For many would-be home brewers, the hardest element to acquire is the physical space necessary to house all of the gear.Recent entries in the brewing appliance category have definitely reduced the physical footprint needed to homebrew. But if you’re interested in the more traditional, manual brewing arts, you still need plenty of room to ferment and store your equipment and final product.Brooklyn Brew Shop/Facebook Brooklyn Brew Shop/FacebookBrooklyn Brew Shop heard the pain of apartment dwellers and downsizers, and came up with a delightful solution. Through the shop’s online website — and numerous retailers like Amazon, Macy’s, and Williams-Sonoma — you can purchase one-gallon brewing kits that include everything you need to get started in a space-saving package. While most beginning brewer kits service five gallons or more, these relatively tiny starter packs can find a place in even the tightest of kitchens.The one-gallon boxes retail for around $40 each and include a glass fermenter, a thermometer, vinyl tubing, a racking cane, airlock, cleaner, and a stopper. These packages also include a recipe kit featuring crushed grains, hops, yeast, and any required additives. The only things you’ll need to provide are your own brewing pot, bottles, and caps.There are a wide variety of recipes available in the starter packs, from the ever popular India Pale Ale style to pumpkin beers and oatmeal stouts. There are even master brewer kits where the recipes are provided from established craft breweries like Evil Twin and Stillwater Artisanal Ales. After brewing your initial batch, you can return to the Brooklyn Brew Shop website to order additional recipe packs, which are economically priced at $15 each. Need a break from beer? Brooklyn Brew Shop also sells cider and sparkling wine kits and ingredient packages. A one-gallon Brooklyn Brew Shop beer making kit is the perfect way to introduce a friend to home brewing or fill the needs of those with limited space.Feature image courtesy of Brooklyn Brew Shop/Instagram. What’s So Great About the Icelandic Hot Dog? Editors’ Recommendations The Most Interesting Drinks From Around the World You Can Try Today The Most Unique Collaboration Beers in the U.S. Getting to Know the Lithuanian Beer Scene The Best Fresh Hop Beers to Celebrate the Hop Harvest 
World’s First Luxury Space Hotel Promises Climbing Wall, Low-Gravity Basketball Courts Live Out Your Westworld Dreams at Casteel Creek Retreat 1 of 8 This All-Black Cabin is Like a Pair of Binoculars Taking in the Canadian Wilderness Previous Next 
Shark House’s Dramatic Angles Have Serious Bite This Little House in Washington Has Big Personality The tiny house trend is causing a big shift in homeownership. The idea of a smaller mortgage (and nearly non-existent utility bills) has more people looking to downsize their homes from maze-like McMansions to cozy retreats. But with downsizing comes the worry that a small space means less modern amenities we’ve all grown used to. Recognizing this concern, architects like James Cutler of Cutler Anderson Architects are creating new homes packed with luxury in a small footprint.Sandwiched between boulders, Cutler’s Rock House is an 800-square-foot home that overlooks the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada (keep in mind that most “real” tiny houses clock in at 400 square feet max). It is part of Carraig Rock, a rural community designed as a luxury retreat from the hustle of everyday life. The focus of each cabin is to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature in style. The rugged ridge where Rock House sits was the inspiration for the name and layout of the home. Part of the rock was cut away, allowing the home to sit in the ridge and blend in with its surroundings. Using the natural environment as inspiration, the materials of the home include polished stone floors, timber partitions in place of walls, and exposed wood beam ceilings. The entry is at the back of the home and is accessed by a simple dirt path. Stepping inside, the space is filled with natural light thanks to a wall of windows in the front of the home. The use of partitions instead of full-height walls allows light to reach the rear of the home, keeping the entire space bright and airy. The main space is the family room, which includes a sitting area and a luxurious, contemporary kitchen. All of the exterior walls are made of glass, providing jaw-dropping, 180-degree views of the Rocky Mountains. The unique footprint of the home resulted in an almost triangular family room that juts out over the land. The space is decked out in stylish mid-century modern furnishings with a cozy cabin feel enhanced by a wood-burning fireplace.Off to the side is the only bedroom, which also provides a stunning vista of the surrounding landscape. One of the biggest worries people have about downsizing is lack of storage. This issue was cleverly addressed by Cutler; the partition wall has built-in shelving with plenty of space for storage and displaying personal items.Rock House is just one of 44 properties in the Carraig Ridge community. Residents all jointly own the 550 acres of land, ensuring that when you live here, you will get to enjoy the beauty of the land in near seclusion. Doesn’t that sound nice? Editors’ Recommendations 
Ingredients:1 c sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt).5 c mayonnaise.5 tsp dill.5 tsp chives.5 tsp parsley.25 tsp garlic powder.25 tsp onion powder.25 tsp black pepper.25 tsp saltMethod:Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir to incorporate.Let chill 20-30 minutes before serving. 1 of 4 10 Classic Vodka Cocktail Recipes You Can Mix at Home Next Sam Slaughter/The Manual Pro Chefs Dish on the Perfect Seven-Layer Dip Recipes Ranch dressing has become the ubiquitous dipping sauce for everything from fried pickles and buffalo wings to, well, just take a look on the internet — people literally dip everything into ranch. Hell, people have even chugged ranch dressing.The obsession with ranch dressing doesn’t end at consuming it on things. People have put ranch on everything from T-shirts to flasks and have turned ranch dressing flavor into myriad items, from dental floss to soda. We wouldn’t be surprised if there were even ranch-flavored condoms out there (no, we didn’t look that one up).There are a couple things you probably didn’t know about ranch dressing, though. First, did you know it was invented by a Nebraskan cowboy who was living in Alaska? We’re not kidding. A guy named Steve Gayle (formerly Kenneth Gayle) developed the recipe while working as a plumbing contractor. Second, and the reason you’re probably here, it’s actually incredibly easy to make. By easy, we mean that you need absolutely zero talent in the kitchen to mix up a batch of homemade ranch dressing.Sam Slaughter/The ManualIt might seem like some green-flecked mystical concoction that’s come from on high to deliver joy to one’s taste buds and soul, but with just a couple ingredients and about five minutes of prep time, you too can be on your way to recreating what Kenneth Henson did in the early 1950s.The one difference between the recipe you see here and the original is that Henson’s original recipe was developed as a buttermilk dressing. Instead of buttermilk, we’ve used a combination of sour cream (you can substitute Greek yogurt) and mayo, which gives the dressing a little more body than buttermilk. This thickness makes it more a dip than a dressing, so if you are hoping to use it on salads or as a dressing, just substitute the sour cream for milk.Homemade Ranch Dressing Sam Slaughter/The Manual Sam Slaughter/The Manual Editors’ Recommendations Previous Sam Slaughter/The Manual 5 Classic Whiskey Cocktails You Should Know How to Make How to Make Loco Moco, a Hawaiian Staple Dish How to Make a Whiskey Sour
Speaking to agricultural stakeholders at the 64th Hague Agricultural Show in Trelawny, on March 6, Mr. Shaw that if the PLPU needs beefing up, and if it needs more resources, action will be taken. The PLPU is a collaboration between the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries and the Ministry of National Security to curtail the theft of agricultural produce across Jamaica. It makes provision for the appointment of agricultural wardens to engage and assist farmers in an effort to prevent the theft of agricultural produce and livestock.Trelawny is one of a number of farming parishes being affected by high cases of praedial larceny.“It is a disgrace and we need to come together, and the Government must lead the way to curb praedial larceny,” said the Minister.In the meantime, Mr. Shaw outlined that $800 million will be allocated in the upcoming fiscal year to rehabilitate farm roads across Jamaica through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).He noted that production incentives will also be made available to support small farmers as well as plans to distribute farmlands for alternative production.“In Jamaica, we have too much idle lands and idle hands. So, we are going to be distributing lands for alternative production. We are not coming out of sugar, but we are going to rationalise. So, we produce sugar cane efficiently on smaller acres of land and make other acres of land available for the production of other things, such as castor beans for castor oil,” Mr. Shaw said.The Hague Agricultural Show exhibited the best of Trelawny’s farming sector. The event also featured livestock competitions, a farmers’ competition, and the 2019 Farm Queen pageant. Story Highlights “I am going to ensure that we put more resources into the unit, because my heart goes out to all farmers when they raise their goats and cattle, plant their produce and then somebody comes in the dead of night to reap it before they can reap it and take care of their families,” the Minister said.
Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, says he will be reviewing the Praedial Larceny Prevention Unit (PLPU), to make it more effective in reducing farm thefts.Speaking to agricultural stakeholders at the 64th Hague Agricultural Show in Trelawny, on March 6, Mr. Shaw that if the PLPU needs beefing up, and if it needs more resources, action will be taken.“I am going to ensure that we put more resources into the unit, because my heart goes out to all farmers when they raise their goats and cattle, plant their produce and then somebody comes in the dead of night to reap it before they can reap it and take care of their families,” the Minister said.The Guardsman Group Canine Exhibition, which was staged at the 64th Hague Agricultural Show, in Trelawny, on Wednesday, March 6. Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, says he will be reviewing the Praedial Larceny Prevention Unit (PLPU), to make it more effective in reducing farm thefts.
The 13 males and one female, who previously operated as unofficial tour guides in the tourism capital, recently completed a 12-day course covering elements of customer service as well as Montego Bay’s cultural, historical and contemporary heritage. The resort city of Montego Bay now has 14 newly trained and certified tour guides. “You must not allow anyone to destroy what you are out there to do. You have persons on the street who do the things that you do, but they are not certified. So what I would encourage you to do is to encourage them to get certified, because this is the first step in making sure that we all share a bit of the tourism pie,” he said.Mayor Davis was speaking at the graduation ceremony held on Wednesday (March 20) at the offices of the St. James Municipal Corporation, which had partnered with the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCO) in organising the training.Regional Manager for the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCO), Kenya Keddo-Laing, and Regional Director of TPDCo, Odette Dyer, presents sole female in the Montego Bay tour guide training programme, Vennissa Johnson, with her certificate at the graduation ceremony held at the St. James Municipal Corporation on Wednesday, March 20. A total of 14 persons were trained under the Team Jamaica initiative and the Montego Bay City Guides programme as part of efforts to curb visitor harassment. The resort city of Montego Bay now has 14 newly trained and certified tour guides.The 13 males and one female, who previously operated as unofficial tour guides in the tourism capital, recently completed a 12-day course covering elements of customer service as well as Montego Bay’s cultural, historical and contemporary heritage.The training was done under the Team Jamaica initiative and the Montego Bay City Guides programme, and is part of efforts to curb visitor harassment.Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis, commended the tour guides, noting that they have been empowered to make meaningful contributions towards the development of the city, the parish of St. James and the growing tourism sector.Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis (left), hands over a certificate to newly trained Montego Bay tour guide, Lloyd Haye, during a graduation ceremony held on Wednesday (March 20) at the St. James Municipal Corporation. Executive Director, Jamaica Vacations, Joy Roberts, shares the moment. A total of 14 persons were trained under the Team Jamaica initiative and the Montego Bay City Guides programme as part of efforts to curb visitor harassment. Story Highlights The training was done under the Team Jamaica initiative and the Montego Bay City Guides programme, and is part of efforts to curb visitor harassment. He suggested that the Government “look at the legislative framework in order to make their activities legal, because even though they are certified, there is a law against soliciting as it relates to intercepting visitors to offer them a service”.
The Government has allocated some $10 million to boost activities under the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Local Offender and Deported Persons Programme.As outlined in the 2013/14 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, the programme seeks to: reduce the rate of re-offending among local offenders and deportees; improve the rehabilitation and reintegration of deportees and offenders in Jamaica; and establish emergency safety nets to receive deportees immediately on their return to the country.It is also expected to provide services throughout Jamaica to help the reintegration of deportees and local offenders; contribute to the strengthening of the Jamaican government’s policy framework through collaborations between government departments and civil society.For this fiscal year, the government intends to: continue support towards rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives in the Department of Correctional Services (DCS); continue support to existing models throughout Jamaica with keen focus on income generation and entrepreneurship initiatives; establishment of a sustainable reintegration and case management model for deported females in Kingston; and complete activities related to standardising reception and processing protocols in St. James.Up to March this year, some of the achievements include: implementation of rehabilitative activities for local offenders under the Courtney Walsh Foundation and Springboard initiatives based in the DCS; additional support towards Open Arms Charitable Mission (St. James) and the Portland Rehabilitation Management to expand income generation initiatives for deported migrants and ex-offenders; and completion of renovation works at Open Arms for establishment of an administrative and counselling space, as well as computer laboratory and skills training area.The programme, which is being implemented by the Ministry of National Security, began in November 2008, and following a number of extensions, is now scheduled to end in March 2014. By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter
The National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) will be launching its second annual series of retirement planning seminars, at the Cardiff Hall Hotel in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, on Thursday, August 15, starting at 9:30 a.m.The seminars will be held islandwide from August 16 to 22, and will feature a number of presentations, intended to educate and assist persons to set and achieve realistic goals and objectives for the future.Themed: ‘Retirement is a process, not an Event – Be Prepared’, the seminars are aimed at encouraging persons in the informal sector of the society to start planning for their retirement years while working.“We are targeting persons in the informal sector, including farmers, dressmakers, tailors, hairdressers, vendors, musicians, housewives, domestic workers, landscapers and barbers. We have found that the mass proportion of this group do not plan for their retirement, so we hope to create a change in behaviour with the sessions, so that these persons can start planning for their retirement,” Executive Director of the NCSC, Charmaine Muirhead told JIS News.She added that the seminars will also provide the appropriate platform for citizens to look at their lives, and see how best they can make them more meaningful, as they grow older.“We will be providing participants with relevant information that will allow them to shape their lives in a more positive manner, so that they will be able to face the future more confidently. We are targeting both the young and the old, because as soon as persons reach the age of 18 they should start planning for their retirement, so that they can enjoy it in a better manner,” she emphasised.Mrs. Muirhead is encouraging youngsters to educate themselves on all that they can do for their retirement years, because proper retirement planning involves choosing the best possible option, which should start as early as persons obtain their first job.She also implored persons who are approaching retirement to start getting ready, and for those who already have their retirement plans in place, to just endorse the event, and be aware of other existing options.Highlighting the theme, the Executive Director is also urging the target group, persons 18 to 55 years, to start contributing to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), so that they can reap the benefits in the future.She stressed that this is important, because as persons get older, they develop certain illnesses, and require various medications, that are sometimes very costly.“This can be less burdensome if the necessary plans are put in place now, which will guarantee ease of financial burden, health wise, among other benefits,” she said.For additional information on the seminars, persons can contact the nearest NIS parish office or the NCSC at 926-2374 or 906-9277-8. Youngsters encouraged to educate themselves on all that they can do for their retirement years Themed: ‘Retirement is a process, not an Event – Be Prepared’ Story Highlights The seminars will be held islandwide from August 16 to 22
“The amended legislation will feature new penalties and harsher mandatory minimum sentences. This is the way to go, considering that the gun features in 80 per cent of all murders in Jamaica,” he explained. National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, said the MOCA Bill has already been tabled in the Lower House by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and is scheduled for debate next Tuesday (January 30). Story Highlights The Government will be pushing several critical pieces of legislation through Parliament this year that are aimed at strengthening crime-fighting.Among them is the Bill to establish the Major Organised and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) as an independent law-enforcement entity.National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, said the MOCA Bill has already been tabled in the Lower House by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and is scheduled for debate next Tuesday (January 30).He was speaking during the sitting of the House of Representatives on Tuesday (January 23).Minister Montague also informed that the Firearms Act is being reviewed and will be brought before Parliament in three months.“The amended legislation will feature new penalties and harsher mandatory minimum sentences. This is the way to go, considering that the gun features in 80 per cent of all murders in Jamaica,” he explained.The Minister also intends to take to Parliament, in short order, a Bill to merge the Police Services Commission (PSC) with the Police Civilian Oversight Authority (PCOA).“This was one of the recommendations arising from the Strategic Review of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in 2007. We have set ourselves six months to do so. The revamp and realignment of these two institutions will establish a more robust oversight body, which will help to drive accountability within the JCF,” Mr. Montague noted.He further informed that within six months, the Police Service Act will be tabled in Parliament, which will replace and repeal the 150-year-old Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Act.The objective, Mr. Montague said, is to break with the past and “create a modern police service befitting our times, and to better protect the members and serve the public”.Meanwhile, the amendments to the Finger Print Act will be completed within eight months.“The Anti-Gang Act is being amended to allow for a watch list to be established as well as the implementation of control orders against suspected criminals. We are also pursuing amendments to the Proceeds of Crime Act that seek to have persons explain sudden wealth. These two pieces of legislation should be ready in 10 months,” Minister Montague said.He added that the Government is pursuing, immediately, a joint programme against tax cheats who are suspected of funding criminal activities. The Government will be pushing several critical pieces of legislation through Parliament this year that are aimed at strengthening crime-fighting.
Story Highlights “As a rural Member of Parliament for a constituency in which agriculture is the main economic activity, I am extremely sensitive to the plight of farmers. As the former Minister of Finance, I had no hesitation in ensuring a substantial allocation in last year’s Budget of nearly $500 million for the rehabilitation of farm roads, plus another $800 million in this year’s Budget for the same purpose,” he said. Newly appointed Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, has announced that the Government will be allocating $800 million for the improvement of the island’s farm road network.Mr. Shaw, who was speaking at the launch of Farmers’ Month on Tuesday (April 4) at the Jamaica Agricultural Society’s (JAS) Church Street headquarters in downtown Kingston, said the allocation, included in the Budget for the 2018/19 fiscal year, will see the rehabilitation of several roadways, which will help to boost agriculture.“As a rural Member of Parliament for a constituency in which agriculture is the main economic activity, I am extremely sensitive to the plight of farmers. As the former Minister of Finance, I had no hesitation in ensuring a substantial allocation in last year’s Budget of nearly $500 million for the rehabilitation of farm roads, plus another $800 million in this year’s Budget for the same purpose,” he said.Mr. Shaw, who was appointed to the post late March, noted that there is significant potential for growth in the agricultural sector.“It has only been a week now since I assumed this portfolio, but I have already made it abundantly clear that my mission is to unleash the latent potential of agriculture, manufacturing and tourism, thus contributing to growth in the economy and enhancing rural development and prosperity for all farmers. The farmers are at the centre of the Ministry’s mandate,” he said.President of JAS, Norman Grant, told JIS News that the announcement is welcome news for the island’s farmers, as upgraded road conditions will greatly improve efficiency as well as contribute to increased earnings in the agricultural sector.“I would like to welcome the Minister’s announcement for the allocation of $800 million towards farm road improvement… . We called last year for $1 billion, up from the $500 million and we are happy that it is moving in the right direction. We will engage the Ministry and Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to ensure that this is expedited, because there is a strong correlation between increased production and improvement of the rural and farm road network. The JAS is delighted that this allocation has been made,” the JAS President said.He added, “It is important to note, that if we want to increase production and productivity, that we (address the need for a proper) rural road network and farm roads in the agricultural areas.”Celebrated annually throughout the Month of April, this year’s commemoration of Farmers’ Month marks the 35th consecutive staging since its launch by the JAS to recognise the contribution of Jamaica’s farmers to national development.Activities for the month are being held under the theme ‘Grow What We Eat…Eat What We Grow’ and include church services, health fairs, training sessions, a farmers’ award ceremony and a mini expo. Newly appointed Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, has announced that the Government will be allocating $800 million for the improvement of the island’s farm road network. Mr. Shaw, who was speaking at the launch of Farmers’ Month on Tuesday (April 4) at the Jamaica Agricultural Society’s (JAS) Church Street headquarters in downtown Kingston, said the allocation, included in the Budget for the 2018/19 fiscal year, will see the rehabilitation of several roadways, which will help to boost agriculture.
Print Close My location 此页面无法正确加载 Google 地图。您是否拥有此网站？确定 zoom Smit Lamnalco, a marine services company, and Abu Dhabi Petroleum Ports Operating Company, IRSHAD signed a two-year contract for DP2 AHTS vessel SL Labuan shortly after Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) had inaugurated Middle East Workboats Conference and Exhibition.Under the terms of the contract, Smit Lamnalco’s vessel will carry out maintenance activities for two years at three Single Point Mooring (SPM) crude oil terminals in Fujairah.Khalifa Al Qubaisi, General Manager of IRSHAD said: “The vessel has DP2 capabilities and sufficient deck area which makes the SL Labuan ideally suited for such operations, which also involves Saturation Diving activities”. World Maritime News Staff, October 3, 2013
zoom A coalition of government, non-profit and marine industry groups have announced the launch of a new trial incentive program to slow ships down in the Santa Barbara Channel in an effort to reduce air pollution and increase protection of endangered whales.Six global shipping companies, Maersk Line, COSCO, Hapag Lloyd, K Line, Matson, and United Arab Shipping Company are participating in the speed reduction incentive program from July through October.Selected ships in their fleets will reduce their speed to 12 knots or less (reduced from typical speeds of 14-18 knots) as they travel between Point Conception and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Each company will receive USD 2,500 per participating vessel passing through the Santa Barbara Channel.Ship strikes are a threat to recovering endangered whale populations. The ships also emit greenhouse gases and air pollutants, and account for more than 50 percent of ozone-forming nitrogen oxides in Santa Barbara County.“Few people realize that ships off our coast, especially those moving at faster speeds, are a risk to endangered whales and the quality of the air we breathe,” said Kristi Birney of the Environmental Defense Center.“Reducing ship speeds to 12 knots or less reduces emissions of smog-forming air pollutants that harm our health,” said Dave Van Mullem, director, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District.The program has funding to support 16 transits, and the initial response has been extremely positive.The coalition received more than 25 ship transit requests to be included in the trial and is seeking additional funding to expand the trial.“Slowing ships down reduces the likelihood that a ship strike on a whale will be fatal,” said Chris Mobley, superintendent, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.The vessel speed program is supported by local and national foundations. The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation will manage the incentive payments with funding from the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District.Payments will be provided upon verification of the ships’ speeds through the Channel, using Automatic Identification System monitors that receive speed and location data from the transponders on ships as they transit. Press Release; August 12, 2014, Image: awi
zoom French ferry operator Brittany Ferries has cancelled plans to convert several of its vessels to LNG, also binning the order placed at STX France shipyard for an LNG fueled ROpax ferry, deciding instead to install scrubbers on the three ships originally marked for conversion, the company said in a release.Brittany Ferries planned to spend £320 million (USD 509m) on the conversion project in order to meet the new EU regulations on sulphur emissions.The company stated that the necessary conditions to implement the LNG switch had not been met, and that there seems to be no temporary exemptions for shipowners going through the switch to comply with the latest sulphur directive coming into force on January 1, 2015.Jean Marc Roue, the company’s Supervisory Council President, said that the lack of exemptions would make it impossible for Brittany Ferries to stick to the conversion project, while at the same time paying tens of millions of dollars in added fuel costs. Press Release; October 14, 2014
Oslo-listed tanker owner and operator Ocean Yield ASA took delivery of the 37,000 dwt IMO II chemical tanker Navig8 Azotic from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan, South Korea, on Monday, September 7. After being delivered from the shipyard, the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker commenced a 15-year ‘hell and high water’ bareboat charter to Navig8 Chemical Tankers Inc.This is the fourth vessel delivered to Ocean Yield in a series of total eight chemical carriers that will be chartered to Navig8 Chemical Tankers Inc.
zoom India’s Cochin shipyard is set to become the first domestic shipbuilder to build the country’s liquefied natural gas carriers (LNG) priced at USD 200 million each.Cochin Shipyard LTD has reportedly partnered with French Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) to build the LNG carrier containment system, the Times of India reports citing unnamed sources from the country’s shipping ministry.As disclosed, the two should formally sign the deal today. As a result, Cochin will have all the necessary technology and be ready to bid for Gail India’s LNG carriers to be built locally.Indian shipyards lack the necessary expertise in construction of these complex ships, therefore the potential bidders have teamed up with South Korean counterparts to share technology and know-how.India’s Cochin Shipyard Ltd entered into a deal with South Korean Samsung Heavy Industries, L&T Shipbuilding Ltd partnered up with Hyundai Heavy Industries whereas Pipavav teamed up with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering.However, in September Indian shipbuilder Larsen & Toubro Ltd decided to withdraw from the race.In September, Gail issued a new tender to hire nine newly-built LNG carriers under modified terms aimed at facilitating the bidding process and removing hurdles that have prolonged the project.Under the new terms, Indian shipyards have been given the opportunity to take up to 13 % in each of the three carriers to be built locally.The move would see the equity stakes held by India in the ships increase from previous 36% to 49% thus serving as an incentive to global fleet owners to opt for the remaining 51% stake.Gail plans to time-charter the ships from global owners, who will order the construction of the nine ships.The LNG carriers ordered overseas are to be completed by May 2019, whereas the batch to be built by domestic shipyards should be delivered between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.World Maritime News Staff
zoom Finnish engineering company Wärtsilä has been awarded the contract to provide integrated turnkey electrical solutions for four new RoRo ferries being built at the Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) in Germany. The vessels are contracted by SIEM RoRo Carriers and two are to be chartered to Denmark’s DFDS and two to EKOL in Turkey, according to Wärtsilä.The contract with Wärtsilä was signed in the second quarter of this year and started immediately, with first equipment scheduled for summer 2016.The full scope of supply covers the electrical systems engineering and project management, supply and installation of the cables and equipment, Wärtsilä Nacos Platinum navigation and automation, external and internal communication systems, energy distribution, the lighting system, and the engine control room consoles.The 11,000 dwt ferries feature a length of 209 meters and have cabins for 12 drivers and capacity for 283 trailers.“Wärtsilä SAM Electronics are fully familiar with the products and support required for these vessels, having repeated installations on these RoRo’s for many years. With the full integration and repeat of the systems, we expect an improvement in efficiency and reduction in risk,” Alex Gregg-Smith, Managing Director of FSG commented.
zoom Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU) is not happy with the proposals given by Canada Steamship Lines (CSL) regarding the new collective agreement.According to SIU’s president, Jim Given, other than some items on safety that both parties could agree on, and some non monetary issues, the proposals in the agreement offer nothing “but cuts and more cuts, deep cuts.” “For history sake I started in the SIU in 1979 and I dare say these proposals are an attempt to set us back to this date or before. The lack of respect shown to you in these 32 pages is shameful,” Given said in a statement.Negotiations on the proposals for the new contract between the union and CSL will commence on June 1 and are expected to last for three days.“We are professionals, and as such we will meet with CSL on June 1 and deliver your message, a message that says no to cuts and says clearly we are united and we will fight for what we have. Times may be tough, but I don’t think we have ever been as strong as we are now. Over the past couple of years we have forged ahead and won some battles and this one will be no different,” Given added, calling union members to stay strong and unified.The union president further said that even though the proposals may be a reason for great concern, the union has not agreed to any of the items, voicing hope that in light of the recent developments CSL would be willing to negotiate in good faith.World Maritime News Staff
zoom Pan-European ferry operator P&O Ferries has opened its expanded terminal in Zeebrugge, Belgium, which will help the company to double freight capacity in order to meet rising demand from exporters to Britain. The terminal has now been enlarged by 14 hectares, comprising a fourth berth and enhanced rail infrastructure.The expansion is expected to give the ferry company the capacity to handle 700,000 units of freight every year at the Belgian terminal, compared with the current figure of 370,000 units of cargo.From its Zeebrugge hub, P&O Ferries operates services across the North Sea to UK’s Tilbury, Hull and Teesport.Last month, the company said it recorded a 16 percent uplift in freight units on its service between Zeebrugge and Teesport between July and September 2016.In the same quarter, the number of freight units which the company shipped between Gothenburg and Britain almost doubled, compared with the same period in 2015.P&O Ferries operates 20 vessels on eight routes between Britain, France, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
Azerbaijan’s national oil company The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) has bought seven tankers from Turkish shipping firm Palmali Shipping, according to data provided by VesselsValue. The price of the seven ships, which encompass two Suezmaxes and five Aframaxes, was not disclosed.SOCAR confirmed to World Maritime News that the company acquired the aforementioned ships, which were previously on time charter from Palmali to SOCAR. The company added that it “does not have ambition at the moment to acquire more assets.”The vessels in question are Heydar Aliyev, Zarifa Aliyeva, Guneshli, Azerbaijan, Baku, Absheron and Shah Deniz. They were built at South Korean and Japanese shipyards between 2002 and 2010.With the recent purchase, SOCAR plans to expand its transport capacity in the Mediterranean and Caspian Seas, local news site Azernews reported.SOCAR has a permission to market oil produced at Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli field and other fields in Azerbaijan.The oil company has a fleet of 30 vessels with a capacity ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 dwt.World Maritime News Staff
zoom Japanese shipbuilder and ship designer Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (MES) delivered the 60,000 dwt bulk carrier MV Ocean Makmur on April 27.The shipbuilder said that the vessel, which was constructed at its Tamano shipyard, features a length of around 200 meters and a withd of 32 meters.With 34,578 gross tons, the bulk carrier was constructed for Indonesian company Indofood Sukses Makmur, according to data provided by VesselsValue.The 24th ship of Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding’s eco-ship neo60BC class has a market value of USD 26.4 million.The Singapore-flagged ship, which has a capacity of 76,121 m3, is equipped with four cranes and five cargo holds.It is designed for loading various cargos like coal, ore, grain, as well as lengthy/heavy cargo such as steel pipe and hot coil.MES informed that the new form of the bow and stern makes it possible to keep good performance in rough sea conditions as well as calm sea conditions and shows better maneuverability.The shipbuilder added that, considering strengthened restriction for SOx, the ship has low sulfur fuel oil tanks, which are designed for operation in ECA (Emission Control Areas).
The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service will dedicate a Crownattorney exclusively to the prosecution of provincial regulatoryoffences, Attorney General Michael Baker said today, April 26. “This is an important initiative designed to enhance the PublicProsecution Service’s expertise in provincial regulatoryprosecutions,” said Mr. Baker. He said the Crown attorney will concentrate initially onOccupational Health and Safety offences and will serve as an in-house resource for other Nova Scotia Crown attorneys involved inOccupational Health and Safety and other regulatory offenceprosecutions. The decision to assign a Crown attorney exclusively to regulatoryoffence prosecutions was a joint resolve of the PublicProsecution Service and the Department of Environment and Labour.Each organization wants to enhance the way these cases arehandled both at the investigation and prosecution stages. “We’re extremely pleased that the Occupational Health and SafetyAct will be the initial focus of the special prosecutor,” saidEnvironment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash. “Every time abusiness or individual is charged with health and safetyviolations, others are reminded of the financial consequencesbut, more importantly, of the impact on the day-to-day lives ofvictims and their family and friends.” The volume and complexity of Occupational Health and Safety Actoffences will limit the number of major cases the Crown attorneywill handle annually on a solo basis. But this dedicated Crownattorney will partner with other Crown attorneys across theprovince to conduct a number of major regulatory prosecutions anda few additional cases identified as being of medium significanceor difficulty. Prosecutions not identified as major cases willgenerally be prosecuted by Crown attorneys in the regions wherethe cases arise. The dedicated Crown attorney will be available for consultationswith all Crown attorneys who are involved in the prosecution ofthe Occupational Health and Safety Act and other regulatoryoffences. The dedicated Crown attorney may also participate inpost-trial debriefings between Department of Environment andLabour investigators and Crown attorneys. The Crown attorney will also identify and promote training andeducational opportunities for both Crown attorneys andEnvironment and Labour investigators involved in regulatoryprosecutions. Increased education will help improve the qualityof both inspections and prosecution services, ensuring that thecases going forward to the courts will meet the criteria thecourts demand. The Department of Environment and Labour will alsocontinue to promote safe and healthy workplaces by targetinginspections towards businesses or industry sectors where the riskor experience of injury is highest. The Public Prosecution Service will receive an additional$100,000 in provincial funding to implement this initiative. In addition to more than 35,000 criminal cases, the PublicProsecution Service’s 88 Crown attorneys last year handled morethan 4,800 provincial regulatory offence prosecutions. About 50of these were violations of the Occupational Health and SafetyAct. PUBLIC PROSECUTION SERVICE–Crown Attorney To Deal withRegulatory Offences
An independent environmental expert has confirmed that the Cape Breton Island Housing Authority properly managed the asbestos issue in public housing once it was brought to light this spring. The Department of Community Services released a report today, July 27, by Pinchin LeBlanc Environmental Limited, on the actions taken in dealing with vermiculite insulation that contained asbestos in two Cape Breton public housing complexes. The phase one report concluded that the actions taken by the Cape Breton Island Housing Authority met or exceeded industry standards in managing the discovery of asbestos. Recognized as national experts in asbestos management, Pinchin LeBlanc Environmental Limited determined that the Cape Breton Island Housing Authority and its contracted firm, Atlantic Indoor Air Audit Co., took all the necessary and appropriate actions in identifying and containing the asbestos found in vermiculite insulation in the homes at the Whitney Pier and Ashby locations. Ron LeBlanc, president of Pinchin LeBlanc Environmental Limited said, “Based on our review, we determined that the methods, procedures, and materials used for sealing all meet or exceed federal and provincial standards for this type of work.” The provincial government hired Pinchin LeBlanc Environmental Limited to review and validate all activities undertaken by the Cape Breton Island Housing Authority following the April stop-work order issued by the Department of Environment and Labour. Joan McKeough, director of the Cape Breton Island Housing Authority said, “We are pleased to have our early work in asbestos management confirmed as high quality, complete, and an appropriate response to the circumstances. We want to again reassure residents that their homes are safe.” Vermiculite insulation containing asbestos was discovered in attics of the Whitney Pier and Ashby Terrace apartments in April. The Atlantic Indoor Air Audit Co. conducted more than 100 air monitoring tests for the Cape Breton Island Housing Authority. To date, test results from 84 residents’ units indicate only one asbestos fibre has been detected. That is less than .000002 fibres per cubic centimetre, well below the Canadian occupational exposure limit of 0.1 fibres per cubic centimetre. Additional testing by Pinchin LeBlanc Environmental Limited found one asbestos fibre associated with vermiculite which was also well below occupational exposure limits. All attics were sealed with metal plates as were areas where an opportunity for movement of insulation from the attic space to the living space could have occurred, such as wall and ceiling junctions, around electrical fixtures, chimney shafts and furnace areas. Phase two of the Pinchin LeBlanc report is expected this fall and will identify options for permanently dealing with the attic insulation in the public housing units. Ms. McKeough said the Cape Breton Island Housing Authority is looking forward to receiving the phase two report from Pinchin LeBlanc Environmental Limited and to adopting a permanent solution that further ensures the long-term health and safety of residents. A copy of the report is available on the Community Services website at www.gov.ns.ca/coms/documents/PLPhase1.pdf .
The provincial government has introduced legislation to change the way Nova Scotia political parties are financed. Under amendments to the Members and Public Employees Disclosure Act, political donations will be subject to an annual maximum of $5,000 per party and political parties will get an annual grant tied to votes they receive in provincial elections. “These are fundamental, positive changes for our democratic system in Nova Scotia,” said Michael Baker, Minister responsible for the Elections Act. “We believe they will immediately improve the transparency and accountability of the electoral system, while at the same time promoting grassroots participation.” The legislation means that political parties cannot depend on large donations from any one person or organization, including private corporations and unions. Only residents of Nova Scotia can make donations, and donors exceeding the limit may be subject to a fine. Recognized political parties will receive annual public financing of $1.50 for each vote. During the transition to the new system, over the next two years, parties have the option of taking 90 cents per vote and a lump sum payment of $125,000 each. All four recognized political parties will receive payments in 2007, expected to total $745,000. One quarter of the amount will be paid in the 2006-07 fiscal year. In addition to the contribution limits, the legislation contains numerous restrictions related to other sources of political financing, such as loans and trust funds. The bill includes changes to the Income Tax Act that will adjust the tax credits for political donations. Smaller donations — under $1,000 — will be encouraged by a 75 per cent tax credit. Nova Scotia’s proposed legislation is similar to reforms introduced at the federal level and in other provinces, including Manitoba, New Brunswick and P.E.I.