Tag: event

Photos: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

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Each year, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books draws authors representing diverse genres, from established figures to emerging talents, and attendees who engage with panels and discussions, storytelling sessions, book signings and interactive exhibits. A wealth of experiences awaited readers of all ages at this year’s event over the weekend at USC.

Mary Lara adds to the “Tell us what you’re reading” board, alongside daughters Aria Cook, 4, and Selena Cook, 8.

(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)

Julian Obobo and Ani Kelemdjian roam the festival.

(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)

USC cheerleaders and band members perform during the festival.

(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)

Readers wait for the next event.

(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)

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1. Karlie, 11, reads “The Summer She Went Missing” by Chelsea Ichaso. (Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times) 2. Susan Olson’s sticker made a big statement. (Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times) 3. Tiffany Haddish sings after her panel. (Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times) 4. Jeezy speaks with L.A. Times editor Jevon Phillips about his memoir “Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe.” (Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)

RuPaul, onstage with his sisters, discusses his memoir “The House of Hidden Meanings.”

(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)

From left, Sharon Levin, Kim Johnson, Paula Yoo, and Jennifer Baker speak at the “Do the Right Thing: Social Justice and Dystopias in Young Adult Fiction” panel on the Young Adult Stage.

(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)

Books are available for purchase.

(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)

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Michael Blackshire

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April 21, 2024
Things to do in Denver this weekend, April 19-21

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By Cassidy Ritter, Special to Denverite

Dia Del Niño events will take place at several Denver Public Library locations this weekend. Other happenings include 420 festivals and events, Earth Day clean-ups, Ice Cube and Wiz Khalifa at Red Rocks, and a Taylor Swift album release party at Stanley Marketplace.

For sports fans, the Colorado Rockies are back in town and the Denver Nuggets take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Whatever you get up to, make it a great weekend!

Notes: Events with an * are taking place virtually or outdoors.

Friday, April 19

Just for fun

*Earther Betterers: Sun Valley Clean Up. Meow Wolf at Sun Valley Kitchen, 1260 Decatur St. 10 a.m. Free.

Kids and family

Little University Art Studio: Yarn Art with Line and Scribble. Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library, 1498 N. Irving St. 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Ideal for ages 5 and under, when accompanied by an adult.

Comedy and theater

3rd Annual Savage 420 Comedy Show. Woods Boss Brewing, 2208 California St. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $15.

Bored Teachers Tour. Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary.

Akaash Singh. Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village. 9:45 p.m. $30-$45.

Arts, culture, and media

Stripped. Walker Fine Art, 300 W. 11th Ave., Unit A. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

Rough Gems 2024: Laugh Lines. Union Hall, 1750 Wewatta St., Suite 144. Noon-6 p.m. No cover.

Opening Reception of “Remembering…” Next Gallery, 6501 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood. 5-10 p.m. Free.

Third Friday Collector’s Night. Art District on Santa Fe, 525 Santa Fe Dr. 5:30-9:30 p.m. No cover.

Music and nightlife

*Alley Soundscapes: Racyne Parker. Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee St. 5-7 p.m. Free.

*Ice Cube. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. 6:30 p.m. Prices vary.

Kai Wachi. Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. 7 p.m. $35 (general admission), $99.95 (VIP).

Ray Bonneville and Seth Walker. Shallow Hill Music – Tuft Theatre, 71 E. Yale Ave. 8 p.m. $30 (in advance), $35 (day of).

Saka. Meow Wolf, 1338 1st St. 9 p.m. $25.

Sports and fitness

*Seattle Mariners vs. Colorado Rockies. Coors Field, 2001 Blake St. Watch on Colorado Rockies or listen at 850 AM. 6:40 p.m. Prices vary.

Saturday, April 20

Just for fun

Earth Day at Farm & Market: Urban Farm Fair. 2401 Larimer St. 9:30 a.m. Free.

Paint and Sip. Valdez-Perry Branch Library, 4690 Vine St. 11 a.m.-noon. Free.

April Makers Market. The Source Hotel, 3330 Brighton Blvd. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. No cover.

*Mile High 420 Festival. Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave. Starting at 1 p.m. Free (general admission), $175 (VIP).

Earth Day Plant Bar Pop-Up. Woods Boss Brewing, 2210 California St. 1-5 p.m. Prices vary.

Kids and family

The Learning Lab: Magic Show. Ross-Broadway Branch Library, 33 E. Bayaud Ave. 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Ideal for ages 6 and under, when accompanied by an adult.

Little U: Dia De Los Ninos Party Day and Face Painting. Hadley Branch Library, 1890 S. Grove St. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Ideal for ages 5 and under, when accompanied by an adult.

Library Garden- Building Planters. Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton St. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. All ages.

Dia Del Niño Fiesta. Hadley Branch Library, 1890 S. Grove St. Noon-2 p.m. Free. Ideal for ages 18 and under.

Comedy and theater

*Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton St. Noon. Free. (Read more about the performance and what to expect here.)

Don’t Tell Denver. Five Points, the exact location sent to ticket holders on the day of the show. 7:30 p.m. $25.

Akaash Singh. Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village. 9:45 p.m. $30-$45.

Art, culture, and media

Stripped. Walker Fine Art, 300 W. 11th Ave., Unit A. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

Rough Gems 2024: Laugh Lines. Union Hall, 1750 Wewatta St., Suite 144. Noon-6 p.m. No cover.

Lumonics Immersed. Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery, 800 E. 73rd Ave., Unit 11. 8-10 p.m. $25.

Eat and drink

Drag Bingo Lunch. Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse, 3636 Chestnut Place. 1-2 p.m. $10.

Books, Brews & Haikus. Denver Public Library at Fiction Beer Co., 7101 E. Colfax Ave. 1-4 p.m. No cover.

Arvada Beer Fest. Freedom Street Social, 15177 Candelas Parkway, Arvada. 1-5 p.m. $55 (general admission), $80 (VIP).

Music and nightlife

Taylor Swift Album Release Party. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 N. Dallas St., Aurora. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

Chamber Music Concert. Decker Branch Library, 1501 S. Logan St. 2-3:30 p.m. Free.

*Alley Soundscapes: Racyne Parker. Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee St. 5-7 p.m. Free.

*Wiz Khalifa & Flatbush Zombies. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. 6 p.m. Prices vary.

Sports and fitness

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets. Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle. Watch on ABC. 6:30 p.m. Prices vary.

*Seattle Mariners vs. Colorado Rockies. Coors Field, 2001 Blake St. Watch on Colorado Rockies or listen at 850 AM. 6:10 p.m. Prices vary.

*Colorado Rapids vs. FC Dallas. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City. Watch on Apple TV. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary.

Sunday, April 21

Just for fun

Earth Day at Farm & Market: Urban Farm Fair. 2401 Larimer St. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

*Earth Day Celebration. Denver Botanic Gardens York Street, 1007 York St., and Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Prices vary by location.

*RiNo Flea Market. The Bird Lot, 2571 Larimer St. Noon-7 p.m. No cover.

Comedy and theater

Today’s Topics with John Novosad. Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St. 7 p.m. $15.

Eat and drink

Spring Cookie Decorating. Little Man Ice Cream Factory, 4411 W. Colfax Ave. Noon-2 p.m. $8. Advanced registration is required.

Music and nightlife

Denver miniFEST. Cervantes Other Side, 2637 Welton St. 2:15-11:45 p.m. $22.99 (live stream), $26.24 (in-person concert).

*Key Glock. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. 6:30 p.m. Prices vary.

Miku Expo 2024 North America. Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. 8 p.m. Prices vary.

Sports and fitness

*Seattle Mariners vs. Colorado Rockies. Coors Field, 2001 Blake St. Watch on Colorado Rockies or listen at 850 AM. 1:10 p.m. Prices vary.

All Weekend

Kids and family

Orcas: Our Shared Future. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Prices vary, this requires a timed ticket and museum admission. All ages. Advanced registration is recommended.

Art, culture, and media

Process Makes Perfect: Printmakers Explore the Natural World. Denver Botanic Gardens – York Street Location, 1007 York St. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (members and children 2 and under), $11.50 (children ages 3-15 and students), $12 (seniors and military members), $15.75 (adults).

Have a Seat. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (members and guests ages 18 and under), $15 (seniors 65+ and Colorado students), $18 (Colorado residents), $19 (non-resident adults and college students), $22 (non-resident adults).

Mile High Magic. History Colorado Center, 1200 N. Broadway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (members and children 18 and under), $15 (adults).

Museum of Illusions Denver. 951 16th Street Mall. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Friday and Saturday) and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Sunday). $20 (children ages 5-12), $22 (seniors and active military), $24 (adults). Advanced registration is required for timed entry.

The Lost Paradise. MCA Denver, 1485 Delgany St. Noon- 7 p.m. (Friday) and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday). Free (members and children 18 and under), $9 (college students, teachers, seniors, and active military members), and $12 (adults).

Space Explorers – The Infinite. Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora. 2-7 p.m. (Friday), 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Saturday) and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sunday). Prices vary. Advanced registration is required for timed entry.

Eat and drink

6th Birthday Celebration Weekend. Red Rocks Beer Garden, 116 Stone St., Morrison. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Friday and Saturday) and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Sunday). No cover.

Worth the Drive

Saturday

Dank Grass Fest – Bluegrass and IPA Festival. Oskar Blues Brewery (Longmont Taproom), 1800 Pike Road, Longmont. Noon-9 p.m. Free.

All weekend

Castle Rock Home Show. Douglas County Fairgrounds Event Center, 500 Fairgrounds Road, Castle Rock. Noon-6 p.m. (Friday), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Saturday) and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sunday). Free.

Long Live Tattoo Festival. Ameristar Black Hawk, 111 Richman St., Black Hawk. 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (Friday and Saturday) and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Sunday). $25-$30 (GA day pass), $50-$60 (weekend pass), $125 (VIP)

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April 19, 2024
Your last-minute guide to enjoying the solar eclipse — in L.A. and beyond

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It’s finally here: the great eclipse of 2024.

The last total solar eclipse that crossed the contiguous United States was in August 2017, according to NASA. Another one won’t cross again for 20 years.

Throngs of people are traveling to the Midwest and east, where the eclipse action will be the most dramatic.

And although California won’t experience the phenomenon of totality, there is still plenty to see.

Here is a quick guide:

The basics

Total eclipse: Midday darkness will be cast on a sliver of states, including Texas, Illinois, Ohio and New York — but there won’t be any “totality” in Los Angeles.

Partial eclipse: In Los Angeles, about half of the sun will be visibly covered by the moon, and in San Francisco, one-third will be.

The northernmost parts of the state will see the smallest amount of the eclipse, while cities to the south will experience more.

The timing

In Los Angeles, the action begins at 10:06 a.m. A substantial blocking of the sun will be obvious by 10:39 a.m. and will peak at 11:12 a.m. By 12:22 p.m., it will be over, according to the Griffith Observatory.

There will be a lot of events locally.

Safety, glasses, phones

Looking up: The first rule of a solar eclipse is, don’t look at the sun without specialized eclipse glasses or a solar viewer. It’s not safe. If you look up at the eclipse without protection, it will cause severe eye injury, according to NASA.

Using the right glasses: Here are some safety and glasses tips.

Taking pictures: Even taking photos on your phone can pose risks to your eyes. Casually including the sun in a photo for a quick snapshot isn’t really a safety issue for the camera. But experts have tips.

And finally …

Enjoy the day! Rare moments can bring people together. At least some scientists think so.

Of course they can also spark end-times conspiracies (please, ignore those!).

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Rong-Gong Lin II, Hannah Fry, Karen Garcia

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April 8, 2024
20 Pomona College protesters arrested after storming, occupying president’s office

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What began as a peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstration on Friday afternoon at Pomona College, quickly devolved after protesters stormed and then occupied the college president’s office. By the end of the evening, 20 students had been arrested and booked by riot-gear-wearing local police forces.

Nineteen students were charged with misdemeanor trespassing, and one with obstruction of justice, according to the Claremont Police Department. Police from Claremont, Pomona, Azusa, and La Verne responded to the scene.

The protest started over the college’s dismantling of a piece of student-erected pro-Palestinian protest art on the Claremont campus, which had been standing since March 28.

The 32-foot-long, eight-paneled “apartheid wall” outside the Smith Campus Center was a physical and artistic protest designed to highlight “the unequal treatment of the Palestinian people living under the brutal conditions of the illegal Israeli Occupation,” and underscore the administration’s refusal to heed the will of students, who voted in February for the college to divest from companies seen as aiding Israel.

“Civil disobedience and peaceful protests by students were met with tactical gear and assault rifles,” wrote members of the Claremont Consortium Faculty for Justice in Palestine in a statement about the event. “Students who are scheduled to graduate in less than a month are being threatened with suspension for non-violent protest. This response is shameful.”

A letter sent out Friday by Gabrielle Starr, the Pomona College president, described the situation as “an escalating series of incidents on our campus, which has included persistent harassment of visitors for admission tours.”

She said protesters had refused to identify themselves to campus authorities, and had verbally harassed staff, “even using a sickening, anti-black racial slur in addressing an administrator.”

On Friday morning, students were told the campus would be taking down the wall. Many students had been camping there since the wall was erected in late March, but according to Eve Oishi, a professor of cultural studies at Claremont Graduate University, had packed up and disassembled their encampment.

Oishi said she stopped by the wall late Friday morning in order to drop off books and snacks for the few students sitting at a table nearby. They requested “unhealthy snacks,” she said, because they’d been living off donated and shared granola bars for days.

The wall consisted of eight wooden panels including maps of Palestinian territory since 1946, and large lettering with phrases such as “Disrupt the Death Machine,” “Apartheid College; We are all Complicit,” and “Smash Imperialism, Long Live Int’l Solidarity.”

Oishi said the wall “was not highly unusual at all” in terms of the kinds of art, installations and protests often seen around campus. “I don’t understand why it was seen as such a threat.”

At around 1:15 p.m., college staff began to take apart the wall “in preparation for events scheduled on Sunday, and in line with our policy,” wrote Starr in a statement, describing the “occupiers” as masked — which is against college policy.

It was at this point, alleged Starr, that the students “proceeded to verbally harass campus staff” and used a racial slur.

According to a statement from the Claremont Consortium Faculty for Justice in Palestine, college staff removed half of the installation’s panels, while students “protected the other panels from removal.”

At 4 p.m., 18 of the demonstrators entered Alexander Hall, “under false pretenses,” according to Starr, and made their way up a staircase and into Starr’s office.

According to a news release from Pomona Divest Apartheid, “the 18+ students sitting in Starr’s office were barricaded in by Campus Safety Officers, who positioned themselves in front of the exits.”

Fifty more protesters spilled into the building in a second wave, after a protester unlocked a door to let them in. They occupied the hallway outside Starr’s office.

According to the Claremont Courier, local police arrived roughly an hour later in riot gear, and then exited with 19 arrested students.

Social media photos and videos of the events show police physically pushing student reporters out of the room, and closing window blinds to prevent them from documenting the situation.

The arrested students were taken to the Claremont Police Department, where a demonstration quickly grew.

At 12:20 a.m., the 20 students were released.

According to Oishi, the students were from Pomona, Scripps and Pitzer colleges. She said the students have been expelled from campus and “not allowed back into their dorm rooms. Some of them are a month away from graduation. They have no place to to stay. No way to eat, no way to get to finish their classes.”

In Starr’s statement, she wrote that any Pomona students involved in the protest would be subject to immediate suspension, whiles students from the other Claremont Colleges would be banned from Pomona’s campus and “subject to discipline on their own campuses.”

Oishi said faculty would be looking into the “due process policies that the President used extraordinary emergency powers that were not merited, given the lack of community threat.”

She said campus security had sent out an announcement saying there was no threat to the community.

“So why were heavily armed and militarized police necessary?” she said.

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Susanne Rust

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April 6, 2024
Who turned out the lights? Los Angeles-area landmarks go dark in observance of Earth Hour

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The famed Pacific Wheel at Santa Monica Pier and the glowing Gateway Pylons at Los Angeles International Airport are just a couple of the local landmarks that will go dark Saturday night in observance of Earth Hour.

“Tonight, LAX will temporarily turn off its iconic gateway pylons in observance of Earth Hour. The pylons will be lit green before going dark from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. in unison with other city-owned buildings and famous landmarks across Los Angeles,” the airport posted on social media.

Earth Hour, which began in Australia in 2007, is sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund. The event is intended to engage the public’s interest in matters involving global warming and to encourage individuals and businesses across the globe to dedicate an hour to activities benefiting Earth’s environment.

The Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier, which bills itself as the world’s only solar-powered wheel, will turn off all but its wheel rim safety lights. The lights-off event can be viewed online at the Pacific Park website.

“In an increasingly divided world, Earth Hour serves as a beacon of positivity, hope and inspiration to rally as many people as possible, in particular people who are not fully engaged with the environmental crisis yet,” read a statement from Pacific Park operators.

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Monte Morin

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March 23, 2024
VRCCO Celebrates the Opening of its Emergency & Specialty Veterinary Hospital and Food Truck Pavilion

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The Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon sets a new standard for excellence with a state-of-the-art facility and exterior community space.

BEND, Ore., March 20, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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The Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon is excited to announce that the doors to its new state-of-the-art emergency and specialty hospital are now open. This facility supports VRCCO’s vision to deliver the best experience and healthcare by delivering one-of-a-kind experiences for its community of pet parents and patient guests.

VRCCO’s new hospital offers the most advanced veterinary care in Central Oregon, with 24/7 emergency services and specialties, including the Bone, Joint & Spine Center, surgery, internal medicine, oncology, dermatology, ophthalmology, neurology and rehabilitation therapy. The hospital’s intentional design includes everything from advanced equipment and technology like Central Oregon’s first pet-dedicated MRI to Vet Cadets, a certified childcare center for staff and community members. This facility was built to support VRCCO team members, allowing them to push the boundaries of veterinary medicine in order to achieve outcomes that may otherwise not be possible.

Accompanying its hospital is VRCCO’s new food truck pavilion and beer garden, which is now open next to the main facility. Ponch’s Place is a space for the community to gather for food, drinks and entertainment. This pavilion offers local craft beverages and delicious cuisine from four different food trucks – Carmelitas, Alley Dogz, Sweet Herb and God of Pizza. VRCCO hopes to exceed your expectations when you visit this location, and expects that you are met with a welcoming and supportive atmosphere both inside and outside of their main facility.

Additionally, VRCCO is excited to celebrate this achievement with Central Oregon on Saturday, April 13 from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Its grand opening party will take place at Ponch’s Place and will include a ribbon cutting, tours of the hospital, musical entertainment and special food truck samplings. Also, they will be offering 1$ off all GoodLife beers on tap, plus proceeds of these beers will benefit the VRCCO Care Fund which provides financial assistance to pet-parents facing hardship in the Central Oregon community.

The Veterinary Referral Center is still operating in its original location as a dedicated Urgent Care Center on 1820 NW Monterey Pines Drive in Bend. This location offers VRCCO standards with same-day convenience and is open Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. for cases that are urgent but not in critical condition. With two locations now available, VRCCO can better serve Central Oregon pets and help you on your journey to become your pet’s hero.

For more information on the VRCCO Grand Opening Event, please visit: https://vrcvet.com/grand-opening-event/.

For general questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact:
VRCCO Emergency & Specialty Hospital: 541-209-6960, info@vrcvet.com
Urgent Care Center at VRCCO: 541-204-1261, infowest@vrcvet.com

For general information, please visit: www.vrcvet.com.

Source: Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon

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March 20, 2024
Gorayeb & Associates Celebrates Ecuadorian Culture as Main Sponsor of Annual Parade and Festival in New York

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The distinguished law firm reinforces its commitment to New York’s Hispanic communities by continuing to support the Ecuadorian Parade and Festival in Queens.

NEW YORK, March 18, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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Gorayeb & Associates, a foremost law firm specializing in construction accident law, is thrilled to announce its ongoing sponsorship of the Ecuadorian Civic Committee of New York’s hallmark cultural celebrations: the 41st Ecuadorian Parade and the 10th Ecuadorian Festival. These pivotal events celebrate the rich Ecuadorian traditions and their significant role within New York City’s diverse Hispanic tapestry.

On August 4th, Queens’ Northern Boulevard will host the Ecuadorian Parade, displaying floats from various groups and celebrating Ecuadorian and Hispanic heritage. This free event fosters community unity and cultural pride. Continuing on August 11th, the Ecuadorian Festival at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park will feature Ecuadorian and Hispanic performers. The festival will highlight the community’s cultural arts and cuisine, further promoting cultural understanding in New York.

Gorayeb & Associates’ support of these events underscores its deep commitment to the Ecuadorian community and fostering cultural diversity and integration across all Hispanic communities in New York. This sponsorship aligns with the firm’s mission to actively contribute to the vibrant multicultural landscape of New York City.

Since 1980, the Ecuadorian Civic Committee of New York has stood as a beacon for the Ecuadorian and Hispanic communities, promoting unity, culture, and social welfare. Gorayeb & Associates takes pride in supporting the Committee’s efforts to organize events highlighting Ecuadorians and Hispanics’ invaluable contributions to New York City’s rich cultural fabric.

Christopher Gorayeb, founder and partner at Gorayeb & Associates, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Our sponsorship of the Ecuadorian Parade and Festival signifies our unwavering support for the Ecuadorian and Hispanic communities. It reflects our firm’s belief in celebrating and understanding our diverse cultures. We warmly invite everyone to join us in these celebrations that honor the spirit and traditions of Ecuador and the broader Hispanic heritage.”

Gorayeb & Associates encourages the public to participate in these engaging events, which are designed to strengthen community bonds and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage that Hispanics bring to New York.

About Gorayeb & Associates, P.C.

Gorayeb & Associates P.C., “Los Abogados del Pueblo,” with 35+ years in personal injury law, focuses on construction accidents and supports New York’s Hispanic communities. Beyond sponsoring the Ecuadorian Parade and Festival to promote cultural diversity, they back sports leagues like Liga Amistad de Beisbol and NY Honduras Soccer League, plus community groups including Frente Hispano-Local 79 and the Ecuadorian Civic Committee. Their diverse initiatives reflect a deep commitment to enriching Hispanic lives in New York.

Source: Gorayeb & Associates, P.C

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March 18, 2024
What is the State of the Union? A look at some of the history surrounding the annual event

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The U.S. Constitution spells it out clearly in Article II, Section 3: The president “shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”But the modern State of the Union address — the pageantry, the televised address and the agenda-setting message — is a far more recent tradition.A look at some State of the Union history as President Joe Biden prepares to give his address to Congress:Who delivered the first State of the Union address?George Washington on Jan. 8, 1790, in New York.Does it have to be a speech?No. For his first address on Dec. 8, 1801, Thomas Jefferson sent written copies to both houses of Congress to be read by each chamber’s clerks. Jefferson wanted to simplify what he believed was an aristocratic imitation of the British monarch’s speech from the throne, which he thought ill-suited for a republic. The practice of sending written copies to Congress continued for more than a century.Woodrow Wilson later resumed the tradition of delivering the annual message in person on April 8, 1913. He’s also credited with transforming the speech from a report on executive branch activity into a blueprint for the president’s legislative agenda for the year.When did it become known as the “State of the Union” address?Franklin D. Roosevelt applied the constitutional phrase “State of the Union” to both the message and the event. It became the popular terminology from then on.How has the speech been affected by technology?Calvin Coolidge delivered the first speech broadcast on radio in 1923. Harry Truman’s address in 1947 was the first broadcast on television. Lyndon B. Johnson recognized the importance of having a national audience when he moved the speech from midafternoon to 9 p.m. in 1965 to attract the largest number of TV viewers. George W. Bush’s 2002 speech was the first available as a live webcast on the White House website.Is there a State of the Union speech every year?No. Recent presidents — Reagan in 1981, George H.W. Bush in 1989, Bill Clinton in 1993, George W. Bush in 2001, Barack Obama in 2009, Trump in 2017 and Biden in 2021 — did not give an official State of the Union address their first year in office. That speech would have come soon after their inaugural addresses. However, many of them still gave a major speech to Congress soon after their inauguration.Has it always been delivered in person since Wilson resumed it?No. Truman sent his final message in print, as did Eisenhower in 1961 and Carter in 1981. As Eisenhower recovered from a heart attack in 1956, he prepared a seven-minute, filmed summary of the message from his retreat in Key West, Florida, that was broadcast nationwide. Richard Nixon sent a printed message in 1973; his staff said an oral message would have come too soon after his second inaugural address.Which presidents didn’t deliver a State of the Union message?William Henry Harrison, who died 32 days after his inauguration in 1841, and James A. Garfield, who was assassinated in 1881 after 199 days in office.___Sources: Congressional Research Service, White House.

The U.S. Constitution spells it out clearly in Article II, Section 3: The president “shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”

But the modern State of the Union address — the pageantry, the televised address and the agenda-setting message — is a far more recent tradition.

A look at some State of the Union history as President Joe Biden prepares to give his address to Congress:

Who delivered the first State of the Union address?

George Washington on Jan. 8, 1790, in New York.

Does it have to be a speech?

No. For his first address on Dec. 8, 1801, Thomas Jefferson sent written copies to both houses of Congress to be read by each chamber’s clerks. Jefferson wanted to simplify what he believed was an aristocratic imitation of the British monarch’s speech from the throne, which he thought ill-suited for a republic. The practice of sending written copies to Congress continued for more than a century.

Woodrow Wilson later resumed the tradition of delivering the annual message in person on April 8, 1913. He’s also credited with transforming the speech from a report on executive branch activity into a blueprint for the president’s legislative agenda for the year.

When did it become known as the “State of the Union” address?

Franklin D. Roosevelt applied the constitutional phrase “State of the Union” to both the message and the event. It became the popular terminology from then on.

How has the speech been affected by technology?

Calvin Coolidge delivered the first speech broadcast on radio in 1923. Harry Truman’s address in 1947 was the first broadcast on television. Lyndon B. Johnson recognized the importance of having a national audience when he moved the speech from midafternoon to 9 p.m. in 1965 to attract the largest number of TV viewers. George W. Bush’s 2002 speech was the first available as a live webcast on the White House website.

Is there a State of the Union speech every year?

No. Recent presidents — Reagan in 1981, George H.W. Bush in 1989, Bill Clinton in 1993, George W. Bush in 2001, Barack Obama in 2009, Trump in 2017 and Biden in 2021 — did not give an official State of the Union address their first year in office. That speech would have come soon after their inaugural addresses. However, many of them still gave a major speech to Congress soon after their inauguration.

Has it always been delivered in person since Wilson resumed it?

No. Truman sent his final message in print, as did Eisenhower in 1961 and Carter in 1981. As Eisenhower recovered from a heart attack in 1956, he prepared a seven-minute, filmed summary of the message from his retreat in Key West, Florida, that was broadcast nationwide. Richard Nixon sent a printed message in 1973; his staff said an oral message would have come too soon after his second inaugural address.

Which presidents didn’t deliver a State of the Union message?

William Henry Harrison, who died 32 days after his inauguration in 1841, and James A. Garfield, who was assassinated in 1881 after 199 days in office.

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Sources: Congressional Research Service, White House.

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March 6, 2024
Runners fill the streets of Durham for annual ‘Cupid’s Undie Run’

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Sunday, February 18, 2024 2:39AM

Participants ran for a mile in their undergarments to raise awareness of neurofibromatosis.

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Dozens of runners filled the streets of Downtown Durham Saturday for the annual Cupid’s Undie Run.

Participants ran for a mile in their undergarments to raise awareness of neurofibromatosis (NF).

NF is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body.

After the run participants enjoyed a dance party.

ALSO SEE: Mild winter ushers in early start to allergy season in central NC

Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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WTVD

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February 17, 2024
Siena College hosts ‘Journey to Freedom’ project
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LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Siena College hosted a reception of the Journey to Freedom project on February 3. The event honored 15 Capital Region veterans of the Civil Rights Movement.

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The reception featured live music performances and the presentation of a film series showing interviews from women and men who participated in the 1960s social justice campaign. The interviews will be archived and available to the public on the Siena College website.
(Journey to Freedom Project)
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Jackson Tollerton

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February 4, 2024
Biden skips visit to South Carolina for presidential primary, stops in L.A. instead

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South Carolina held the first official Democratic presidential primary Saturday. But as the polls closed, President Biden was 2,400 miles away, in Los Angeles, stepping off Air Force One.

Biden’s victory in the Palmetto State was a foregone conclusion, and his campaign invested significant time there leading up to the primary.

So Biden headed west. He and First Lady Jill Biden landed at LAX around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and were greeted by Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Maxine Waters before the president choppered to the Santa Monica Airport and his wife left separately for an event.

It’s unclear what they did while in Los Angeles. They had no public events, and there were no fundraisers known to be taking place.

Biden had an afternoon campaign meeting at a historic Bel Air estate owned by director George Lucas.

Biden’s son Hunter lives in Malibu, and Sunday is his 54th birthday. Hunter Biden is a favorite target of the president’s Republican critics and faces federal tax charges.

The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Republicans predictably grumbled about Biden’s decision not to visit South Carolina on Saturday, which they claimed was a slight by the incumbent.

“It just goes to show you how much he cares about actually coming and how serious he’s taking it,” said Abby Zilch, spokeswoman for the South Carolina Republican Party. “He and Kamala have spent the last three months coming down to South Carolina, telling South Carolina Democratic voters how much they’re grateful for their party here and how much South Carolina means to them. Yet he was all the way across the country on the day of the Democrats’ first primary.”

Shortly after Air Force One landed at the Los Angeles International Airport, news broke that Biden had easily won the South Carolina primary.

The state saved his 2020 presidential campaign after he was trounced in Iowa and New Hampshire and finished a distant second in Nevada. An endorsement from Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) and the enthusiastic support of Black voters in the state gave Biden an overwhelming victory and provided momentum heading into the Super Tuesday primaries, which were critical to him becoming the Democratic nominee.

In return, the Democratic National Committee, at Biden’s behest, overhauled the 2024 nominating calendar, officially making South Carolina the first state to hold a primary. The move was ostensibly meant to give a greater voice to diverse voters in the early stages of the race, compared with caucuses and a primary in overwhelmingly white Iowa and New Hampshire; it was largely viewed as a gift to South Carolina for saving Biden’s 2020 campaign.

The president, Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, have spent considerable time in South Carolina promoting the Biden campaign.

On Friday, Harris spoke to supporters at South Carolina State University, a historically Black college. After a drumline performed, Harris was introduced by the reigning Miss South Carolina State and touted the administration’s efforts to cancel student loan debt, cap insulin costs and boost the economy.

“President Biden and I are guided by a fundamental belief: We work for you, the American people. And every day, we fight for you,” she said. “Sadly, however, that is not true for everyone. Case in point: Donald Trump. Former President Trump has made clear time and time again: His fight is not for the people. He fights for himself.”

Scott Huffmon, a political science professor at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., noted the frequency of visits by Democrats and their surrogates, including Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who visited his home county on Friday.

“This is repayment for what South Carolina did for Joe Biden, but on a larger scale, South Carolina is so stunningly important to the national Democratic presidential process that keeping this relationship tight and warm is incredibly important,” Huffmon said.

He added that he doesn’t think most Palmetto State Democrats would have a problem with Biden spending primary night in Los Angeles, given South Carolina’s rightward tilt in the general election. Trump easily carried the state in the 2020 presidential election. The last time a Democrat won there in the general election was 1976, and the candidate was a fellow Southerner, Jimmy Carter.

“He’s paid his fealty. He’s done his bows and curtsies, and now realism sets in. He’s not going to win South Carolina in November,” Huffmon said. “So the repayment of the debt has happened. Now reality sets in.”

Indeed, on Sunday, Biden heads to campaign events in Nevada, which is holding its Democratic primary Tuesday and is pivotal to his reelection bid.

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Seema Mehta

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February 3, 2024
Vice president brings abortion rights tour to California as Democrats fight for House control

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SAN JOSE —

Vice President Kamala Harris brought her abortion rights tour to California on Monday, elevating the issue in a left-leaning state as Democrats nationwide warn that Republicans could enact a federal ban on the procedure if they take control of Congress on election day.

At an event at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose, Harris applauded the state for having some of the nation’s strongest abortion access protections but rallied California voters to remain “vigilant” and to take the issue seriously in congressional races in November.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” said Harris, who has also traveled to Virginia and Wisconsin to rally for reproductive rights ahead of the election. “Let’s understand: None of us can afford to sit back and think, ‘Thank God we’re in California.’”

The vice president’s visit to the liberal Bay Area comes as Democrats hammer the issue in campaigns to flip some of the state’s Republican-held districts in order to gain control of the House of Representatives. With several potential toss-up districts, California is considered pivotal to the Democratic Party’s goal.

Likely Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has taken credit for and applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade but has stopped short of endorsing a national abortion ban. Abortion-rights advocates do not trust Trump and fear that the continuance of a Republican-majority House could risk the loss of more reproductive healthcare protections, including access to birth control.

On Monday, Harris portrayed abortion access as a personal freedom that is merely the tip of the iceberg, warning that if empowered, Republicans could also target LGBTQ+ and voting rights. She attempted to cut through deep divisions over the issue based on religious beliefs and focused on policies in red states that do not allow abortion exceptions in cases of rape or incest.

“One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government should not be telling her what to do with her body,” Harris said to applause, calling for a majority to be elected to Congress who “simply agree it’s not the government’s right” to prohibit reproductive healthcare.

Democratic California Sens. Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra joined Harris at Monday’s event, a show of force as Democrats focus on abortion rights in their attempt to hold the White House and win congressional control.

Becerra, who planned to meet with OB-GYN doctors and medical students at the University of California San Francisco following Monday’s event, said that if Democrats regain control of the House and President Biden is reelected, abortion rights nationwide can be restored.

“All I know is that we all gotta be in this one,” Becerra said. “There is nothing we can leave in our pocket.”

Monday’s event, also attended by Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, was repeatedly disrupted by protesters calling for an Israel-Hamas cease-fire. Before being escorted out of the building, protesters chanted that Harris was “complicit in genocide”; in attempts to drown them out, her supporters chanted, “Four more years.”

Harris and Biden, running for a second term, have framed the future of abortion as a fundamental freedom at stake in the election.

California voters in 2022 approved a measure that enshrined reproductive rights in the state Constitution; since then, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed laws that solidify the state as a “safe haven” for doctors and patients.

Under California law, law enforcement agencies are prohibited from helping with out-of-state abortion investigations. California has also moved to broaden the types of providers that can perform abortions and opened training to out-of-state doctors living under “hostile” laws.

Abortion rights advocates fear that the continuance of a Republican-majority House could risk the loss of more healthcare protections. Nearly two dozen states have limited abortion access or banned it altogether.

Last week, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California released a “burn book” that targets a dozen congressional candidates, including Reps. John Duarte (R-Modesto) and David Valadao (R-Hanford), for their voting records on abortion legislation.

“The future of abortion is very much going to be determined over the next 12 months, including in California,” Sue Dunlap, president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, told The Times in an interview.

Dunlap said she is concerned about voter fatigue on the issue because of California’s long-held abortion rights protections.

“We don’t get there if we don’t win in California,” Dunlap said. “We’re not living in a country or a world where California exists in and of itself. We have to take these threats seriously.”

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Mackenzie Mays

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January 29, 2024
Schenectady Soup Stroll winners announced
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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The eighth annual Schenectady Soup Stroll was held on January 27. Attendees were able to warm up from the winter chill by sampling a wide array of soups from 32 local eateries.

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Guests cast their votes for the 2024 “Souperstar”, but only three restaurants were honored for having the top soups in the city. For the third year in row, Simone’s Kitchen’s came in first place with their Greek-style Cauliflower Chowder with Lemon Potatoes.

Backstage Pub was honored in second place for their Loaded Baked Potato and Bacon Chowder with Asiago Stuffed Gnocchi, Sriracha Crema and Chives, while Manhattan Exchange came in third place with their Carne Asada Chipotle Corn Chowder. A panel of judges from the community also awarded accolades across a variety of categories:
- Judge’s Choice: Tara Kitchen – Cheezy Chicken ‘n’ Bacon Corn Chowder
- Best Chowder: Manhattan Exchange – Carne Asada Chipotle Corn Chowder
- Best Presentation: Take Two Café – Vindaloo Chili
- Most Creative: Simone’s Kitchen – Greek-style Cauliflower Chowder with Lemon Potatoes
- Most Hearty: YaYa’s House Southern Cuisine – YaYa’s Chicken ‘n’ Dumpling Soup
- Best Gluten Free: SUNY Schenectady Food Truck – Chanko Nabe Hotpot Soup
Civitello’s in Schenectady closes for renovations

Promotions manager for the event Amy Sonder said “We couldn’t have asked for better weather to have the Soup Stroll, which has become a signature winter event in Downtown Schenectady. We are continually impressed by our downtown restaurants for always putting out incredibly unique offerings. The support the community shows for the restaurants downtown is so greatly appreciated. The team at DSIC is proud to have hosted the 8th Annual Schenectady Soup Stroll and we encourage everyone to continue to visit these amazing locally owned businesses.”
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Jackson Tollerton

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January 28, 2024
Pokémon Go ‘Taken Treasures’ event, Timed Research guide
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Pokémon Go is refreshing the Team Rocket encounters in the latest event, “Taken Treasure,” which runs from Jan. 27 until Feb. 1.

The event has the usual Team Go Rocket event bonuses that we’re used to seeing: Team Go Rocket balloons will appear once every three hours and you can use Charged TMs to remove the move Frustration from shadow Pokémon.

In addition to this, all the Team Go Rocket leaders and Giovanni have new Pokémon lineups.

For the non-shadow Pokémon lovers, this event also adds Varoom, which can be hatched out of 12 km eggs.

Below, we list all the event perks and Timed Research for Pokémon Go’s “Taken Treasures” event.

Pokémon Go ‘Taken Treasure’ event Timed Research

This research is ticketed only. You’ll need to pay $4.99 for the research in the shop. We don’t really think this research is worth it due to the timed nature of it. It’s only worth buying if you really want the special pose you get for completing it.

Note that you need to finish this research before Feb. 1 at 11:59 p.m. in your local time or else you will lose out on the rewards.

Step 1 of 4
- Spin 10 PokéStops (25 Poké Balls)
- Defeat 5 Team Go Rocket grunts (Bruxish encounter)
- Make 20 curveball throws (15 Great Balls)
Rewards: 1,000 Stardust, 1 Egg Incubator, 1,000 XP

Step 2 of 4
- Catch 20 Pokémon (5 Hyper Potions)
- Transfer 25 Pokémon (Scraggy encounter)
- Defeat 5 Team Go Rocket grunts (5 Revives)
Rewards: 2,000 Stardust, 3 Silver Pinap Berries, 2,000 XP

Step 3 of 4
- Make 30 curveball throws (5 Max Revives)
- Defeat 10 Team Go Rocket grunts (Weezing encounter)
- Catch 5 shadow Pokémon (5 Max Potions)
Rewards: 3,000 Stardust, 1 Incense, 3,000 XP

Step 4 of 4
- Transfer 30 Pokémon (3 Fast TMs)
- Defeat 10 Team Go Rocket grunts (Vullaby encounter)
- Purify 10 shadow Pokémon (3 Charged TMs)
Rewards: 4,000 Stardust, 1 Boss Pose, 4,000 XP

Pokémon Go ‘Taken Treasure’ event Field Research Tasks

Spinning PokéStops and gyms during the event period may yield one of these tasks:
- Catch a shadow Pokémon (1 Mystery Component)
- Defeat 1 Team Go Rocket grunt (Ekans, Koffing, Poochyena, or Croagunk encounter)
- Defeat 2 Team Go Rocket grunts (Paldean Wooper, Scraggy, Mareanie, Bruxish, or Nymble encounter)
- Defeat 3 Team Go Rocket grunts (Hisuian Qwilfish or Sableye encounter)
- Purify 3 shadow Pokémon (1 Fast or Charged TM)
Pokémon Go ‘Taken Treasure’ event raid targets

These Pokémon will appear in raids during the event period:
- Alolan Rattata (1-star)
- Alolan Meowth (1-star)
- Alolan Grimer (1-star)
- Galarian Zigzagoon (1-star)
- Weezing (3-star)
- Galarian Weezing (3-star)
- Tyranitar (3-star)
- Bombirdier (3-star)
- Shadow Sandshrew (shadow 1-star)
- Shadow Murkrow (shadow 1-star)
- Shadow Pineco (shadow 1-star)
- Shadow Croagunk (shadow 1-star)
- Shadow Scyther (shadow 3-star)
- Shadow Skarmory (shadow 3-star)
- Shadow Golett (shadow 3-star)
- Shadow Ho-oh (shadow 5-star)
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Julia Lee

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January 26, 2024
Inglewood people mover gets $1-billion commitment from federal officials

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Federal officials have pledged up to $1 billion for an elevated train connecting SoFi Stadium and other venues to the Crenshaw Line, marking a major milestone for a marquee project that could open ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

The Federal Transit Administration commitment would finance half of the project’s $2-billion price tag.

To lock down the award, the city of Inglewood and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority must clear several more hurdles, including securing the other half of the money and making substantial progress to prepare the project for construction.

“It’s going to improve the fan experience,” said Inglewood Mayor James Butts, who has championed the project. “Fans, our residents and the employees deserve affordable and efficient transit options. This system will be good for the environment. It will again create jobs.”

Known as the Inglewood Transit Connector, the fully automated three-stop people mover will roll through Inglewood’s downtown and ferry fans to the city’s growing list of entertainment venues, which include the Kia Forum and the soon-to-be opened Inuit Dome. It’s expected to ease traffic during major events.

The city and Metro, which together form the project’s joint powers authority, say they have secured about 85% of the total $2-billion tab, counting the federal commitment. Although that commitment is not finalized, officials say it signals the viability of an ambitious project they aim to open before the 2028 Olympic Games.

“This federal support is a force multiplier on our momentum and an endorsement of all levels of government working together to benefit the public. We will get the next step done,” said Lisa Trifiletti, who is overseeing the project for the authority.

And although officials hope the people mover will be running by 2028, Federal Transit Administration documents show that it isn’t expected to open until 2030 and will cost $33 million a year to operate.

If the connector does open in time for the Olympics, Inglewood, a city of about 104,000, would be center stage, starting with the opening ceremonies at SoFi Stadium. Transit officials plan on creating a car-free Olympics and have been using events at SoFi, including Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, as a testing ground for not only the Olympics but how to deal with changing ridership patterns.

Backers say the elevated people mover and the tourists it brings will also help revitalize downtown Inglewood. But dozens of business will be forced to relocate to make room for it. And transportation experts question whether the people mover, which has increased in price by more than half a billion dollars over the last few years, is worth the cost and will deliver on its promises.

On a busy weekday, hundreds come through the door of Fiesta Martin Bar & Grill at Florence Avenue and Market Street. Esaul Martin, who runs the downtown Inglewood restaurant with his sister, is among those who will be forced to relocate.

“We don’t have a choice in what to do,” he said. The outside patio is teeming on weekends, and he has a steady local clientele.

Though his family owns several restaurants in town, he said, this is the most successful.

“Most people aren’t happy about it,” Martin said about other businesses nearby. “The options that they are giving us doesn’t come close. Either it doesn’t have parking, it’s too small, or the rent is four times this.”

Martin has hired a lawyer. But, he said, no relocation fee can replicate what he has created here. And he worries about his 45 employees.

Butts said change is hard, but the relocation packages are generous.

“This is major progress in the evolution of the city. Things are not going to be the way they are,” he said. “The benefits of this project far outweigh the angst of displacement, because everyone in Inglewood wins.”

Transit experts say the other big winners are people like Rams owner Stan Kroenke.

The $5-billion SoFi Stadium, home to the Rams and Chargers, opened in 2020. It had bypassed the lengthy environmental review process typically required in California, which would have quantified the traffic, pollution and noise that would come with a 70,000-seat stadium. Often, the developer must mitigate those impacts.

Instead, the project was approved six weeks after it was announced.

“There is definitely a good case to be made that at least there should be some financial contribution from the stadium owners,” said Jacob Wasserman, a research project manager at UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies. “It is going to serve the customers there who pay money to go see events and games. All transit serves businesses, and it’s a public service, but I think that this is disproportionately focused on these event venues.”

Butts said providing transportation is the job of municipalities.

The authority estimates that the people mover will have 4 million boardings in 2028 and nearly 8 million by 2078, which Wasserman said is likely overly optimistic.

Environmental studies show regular weekdays will be much quieter, bringing 414 passengers during peak hours and carrying 11,450 riders the hour after games.

Three pre-qualified teams are now preparing bids for the project, and the authority expects to choose one this summer.

Is it worth it?

James Moore, founding director of the USC Transportation Engineering Program, said it probably isn’t. He pointed to the half billion dollars it cost to connect the Oakland Airport to BART, which, he said, ended up having no measurable effect on either airport traffic or BART ridership.

“The bus was doing just fine,” he said. “If the goal is to connect riders from the event generator to the rail line, this is an expensive way to do it.”

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Rachel Uranga

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January 8, 2024
R.I.P. Shaunzi. Second elephant in about a year dies at L.A. Zoo

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An elephant at the Los Angeles Zoo died this week, the second in about a year and just days before a vigil is set to be held by animal activists at the zoo to mourn elephants who have died in captivity.

Shaunzi, a 53-year-old female Asian elephant, was euthanized early Wednesday morning, according to zoo officials.

Around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Shaunzi was seen lying down in the exhibit she shared with the zoo’s other female elephant, Tina, and appeared unable to get up. Zoo veterinarians and care staff evaluated her condition, but efforts to help her were unsuccessful. She was sedated and subsequently put down.

“The decision to euthanize Shaunzi was a consensus decision made by her care team based on several factors including prognosis and welfare,” zoo officials said in an email. “These factors include her age, past medical history, her inability to right herself with supportive efforts to raise her” and other concerns.

“As a result, it was deemed the best for her welfare to let her go,” the statement concluded.

Shaunzi is the second L.A. Zoo elephant to die in about a year after Jewel, a 61-year-old female, was euthanized in January 2023 due to what zoo officials said was her declining quality of life. Asian elephants typically have a lifespan of 60 to 70 years in the wild, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

The L.A. Zoo has two Asian elephants remaining: Tina, 58, who arrived at the zoo in 2010, and Billy, a 39-year-old male who has been at the zoo since 1989.

Shaunzi was born in 1970 in Thailand, where she lived for about a year before she was captured and used in circus work in the United States. In 1983, she was given to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, where she lived before being transferred to the L.A. Zoo in 2017.

“Shaunzi lived a full life and was an ambassador for her species,” the zoo said in a statement on her passing. “She helped Angelenos learn about her wild counterparts and the challenges they face in their native range.”

Shaunzi’s death comes days before a group of animal welfare activists are set to hold the annual International Candlelight Vigil for Elephants outside the L.A. Zoo. The event is meant to honor the elephants who died in captivity over the last year at zoos and sanctuaries around the world, as well as highlight the host of problems they face compared with elephants in the wild, including medical issues such as arthritis and the bone infection osteomyelitis.

“The lack of space alone is extremely cruel, because their brains and their bodies are meant for walking huge distances,” said Courtney Scott, an elephant consultant for In Defense of Animals, one of the groups behind the event.

The vigil is set to take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday outside the Los Angeles Zoo, at 5333 Zoo Drive. Zoo officials said they were aware of the event but declined to comment further.

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Jeremy Childs

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January 5, 2024
Tiffany Haddish raves about 'beautiful' Beverly Hills jail: juice, maxi pads and naps

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Tiffany Haddish was looking on the bright side during her Christmas set at the Laugh Factory, making light of her Thanksgiving weekend arrest and the Beverly Hills jail she was locked up in.

The comedian, who was taken into custody on Nov. 24 after being found asleep behind the wheel, was charged earlier this month with two misdemeanors — one count of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of driving with at least a 0.08% blood alcohol level. She pleaded not guilty to both charges during her Dec. 20 arraignment.

“I know I’ll be all right, I’ve been through way worse than this,” she quipped onstage during the Monday night feast at the comedy club, according to footage obtained by TMZ. “I’m sorry but you ain’t lived ’til you got arrested in Beverly Hills. It’s beautiful over there. I’ve been in quite a few jails … and if you’re gonna do something, I say get arrested over there ’cause that jail is nice.”

The 44-year-old raved about the iconic enclave’s detention facility, specifically its cleanliness and how she was offered food and juice. She also shared that she started her menstrual cycle in jail that day and revealed that “they had the best maxi pads,” joking that they were so large she could use an additional one as a pillow.

“I did that. I took a nap. It was beautiful, mm-hmm, it was a wonderful experience,” she said.

Before the event, the “Girls Trip” and “Haunted Mansion” star reflected on the arrest and charges, getting candid about what she learned from the ordeal in a Friday radio interview while plugging her Christmas Day performance at the Laugh Factory’s 44th Free Christmas Feast and Comedy Show. As she explained it, she hands out free meals and performs during the community feasts out of duty and necessity, but she said her involvement ultimately stretches her too thin.

“I’m not perfect. I’m a human being,” she said on Los Angeles’ all-news radio station KNX. “And I’ve been doing my research on this. A million people in America every year are charged with DUI. And what have I realized? I gotta go to bed. I can’t help everybody. OK. I can’t show up and rescue people, ’cause I be tired.

“I’ve learned also that everyone thinks I’m super rich and I think that they forget that I’m a Black woman working in this business,” she added. “And they think that people want to work on holidays. And they don’t. The driver don’t want to drive on the holidays and they definitely don’t want to drive me to go help somebody else. They’re not going there,” she said. (Haddish was arrested on Thanksgiving after serving meals at L.A.’s Laugh Factory and performing a set at the historic comedy club.)

Her remarks came on the heels of “Empire” and “The Color Purple” star Taraji P. Henson making headlines and gaining broad support from other Black entertainers after talking about the pay disparity in Hollywood.

Although Haddish previously quipped about her run-ins with law enforcement in California and Georgia, she said she’s “doing great” and dealing with underlying issues in therapy.

“I’ve been taking care of me. I’ve been going to therapy since I was 16, and me and the therapist was definitely talking about this. And I’ve learned that I have to have boundaries — with you, with anybody, especially with my friends and family, I have to have boundaries,” she said.

“I think because I grew up in foster care, because I didn’t have a lot of friends growing up, I didn’t have a support system — I try to show up for other people and I have to realize a lot of them [are] not going to show up for me. Although, they did show up to jail when I was walking out, they was all standing there in the lobby, sure was.”

The Emmy- and Grammy-winning actor said that people are shocked that she still performs at the Laugh Factory’s community events, which she remembers attending as “a homeless individual” in the late 1990s.

“People think that once you get a certain level of fame, you don’t show up no more. I notice a lot of celebrities don’t show up no more. … A lot of those people that used to be there — those comics, those entertainers — they don’t come anymore. I’ve never wanted to be that person that stops showing up,” she explained.

However, given how her arrest played out worldwide, Haddish said this might be her last year performing at the events.

“I might have to stop showing up. I’m going to show up this year, but next year I might not because I’m famous, famous,” she said. “A lot of other famous people get DUIs, you don’t ever see them on the news, and I was on the Korean news, girl. I didn’t know I crossed over. I didn’t know I had a crossover. I said, ‘Wow, I’m white girl famous with Black girl problems.’”

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Nardine Saad

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December 27, 2023
Pokémon Go December 2023 Community Weekend event guide
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The end of the year is here, which means Pokémon Go is wrapping up another one with a huge Community Day Weekend event. The 2023 Community Weekend event will cover all of the Pokémon featured in Community Days throughout the year and it’ll even give you a chance to grab some Pokémon from 2022 days.

The event takes place on Dec. 16 and 17 and most of the perks will be active from 2-5 p.m. in your local time. There are some other perks, like special trades or evolving to get special moves, that take place out of that event period (which we explain below).

If you like collecting shiny Pokémon and you missed out on any of these Community Days earlier, this is your chance. It’s also a great chance to grab powerful Pokémon like Conkeldurr or Blastoise.

The featured Community Day Pokémon from throughout the year will be split among two days. Any Pokémon that were featured in a 2023 Community Day Classic will spawn on both days, but at a rarer rate. Meanwhile, 2022 Community Day Pokemon will also appear in eggs and raids. Below we list out the spawn times, special moves, and other perks of the Pokémon Go 2023 Community Weekend.

Saturday Community Day Pokémon spawns

The following will spawn on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2-5 p.m.:

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Sunday Community Day Pokémon spawns

The following will spawn on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2-5 p.m.:

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: JUlia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Community Day Classic Pokémon spawns

The following will spawn on both Saturday and Sunday at 2-5 p.m.:

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Image sources: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

2022 Community Day raid and 2 km egg Pokémon

The Pokémon below are from 2022 Community Days, but they’ll be hatching out of eggs and appearing in raids.

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Image sources: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Image sources: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Image sources: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Image sources: Niantic/The Pokémon Company

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Image sources: Mihoyo

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic/The Pokémon Company

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Image sources: Niantic/The Pokémon Company

Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Image sources: Niantic

December 2023 Community Weekend special moves

When these Pokémon evolve on Dec. 16 starting at 9 a.m. until Dec. 17 at 9 p.m., they will learn a special move (with Ursaluna being a special exception):
- Charmeleon → Charizard: Dragon Breath and Blast Burn
- Wartortle → Blastoise: Hydro Cannon
- Sandshrew → Sandslash: Night Slash
- Alolan Sandshrew → Alolan Sandslash: Shadow Claw
- Alolan Geodude → Alolan Golem: Rollout
- Poliwhirl → Poliwrath: Counter
- Slowpoke → Slowbro/Slowking: Surf
- Flaaffy → Ampharos: Dragon Pulse
- Poliwhirl → Politoed: Ice Beam
- Skiploom → Jumpluff: Acrobatics
- Wooper → Quagsire: Aqua Tail
- Pupitar → Tyranitar: Smack Down
- Sealeo → Walrein: Icicle Spear
- Staravia → Staraptor: Gust
- Togetic → Togekiss: Aura Sphere
- Piloswine → Mamoswine: Ancient Power
- Boldore → Gigalith: Meteor Beam
- Gurdurr → Conkeldurr: Brutal Swing
- Lampent → Chandelure: Poltergeist
- Fraxure → Haxorus: Breaking Swipe
- Zweilous → Hydreigon: Brutal Swing
- Quilladin → Chesnaught: Frenzy Plant
- Braixen → Delphox: Blast Burn
- Frogadier → Greninja: Hydro Cannon
- Noibat → Noivern: Boomburst
- Grubbin → Charjabug: Volt Switch
- Charjabug → Vikavolt: Volt Switch
- Stufful → Bewear: Drain Punch
- Galarian Linoone → Obstagoon: Obstruct
- Ursaring → Ursaluna: High Horsepower
- Paldean Wooper → Clodsire: Megahorn
Note that Ursaring will only evolve during a special full moon, which Niantic said will occur at 2 p.m. on Dec. 16 until 6 a.m. on Dec. 17. The moon will also occur from 2-9 p.m. on Dec. 17.

December Community Day bonuses and perks

From 2-5 p.m. on both days, the following bonuses will be active:
- Catch XP doubled
- Catch Stardust doubled
- Catch candy doubled (XL included)
- Hatch distance for eggs put into Incubators during the above time halved
- Lures last for three hours
- Incense last for three house
From 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on both days, you’ll also be able to do two special trades per day. Plus, Stardust costs for trading will be halved.
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Julia Lee

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December 15, 2023
How to get the Shard of Dawn Aspect in Diablo 4’s Midwinter Blight event

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The Shard of Dawn Aspect is a brand new Legendary Power added in Diablo 4’s Midwinter Blight holiday event. It features a complex buff: Night’s Grasp.

This new power increases your movement speed and attack speed under certain conditions, but can be very difficult to understand when reading the tooltip. Thankfully, we’re here to help.

In this Diablo 4 guide, we’ll show you how to get the Shard of Dawn Aspect and explain how the Night’s Grasp buff works.

How to get the Shard of Dawn Aspect in Diablo 4

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

You can buy The Shard of Dawn Aspect from Gileon’s shop in Kyovashad in the Fractured Peaks for 10 Midwinter Proofs.

In order to get Midwinter Proofs, you’ll need to exchange one of three currencies at the Collection Table in town: Blighted Fragments, Lost Heirlooms, and Red-Cloaked Trophies.

You’ll find each of these currencies out in the world of the Fractured Peaks during the Midwinter Blight event. Hop onto your horse and ride around killing enemies (which typically drop Blighted Fragments) and destroying the Frigid Husk ice statues (which drop Lost Heirlooms).

The most efficient way to farm these items is in a new event called Blighted Revelry. As you ride around, look for an event where a bunch of little freaks are jumping around in a circle around a broken cart. Kill the little freaks and interact with the cart to start the event. Protect the cart until the fire gets large enough to unfreeze the Frigid Husks nearby. Use this method to destroy all five Frigid Husks to spawn the Red-Cloaked Horror. Defeat this big goat boss to finish the event, get some loot, and pick up the Red-Cloaked Trophy.

Back in town, you can convert 300 Blight Fragments, 30 Lost Heirlooms, or one Red-Cloaked Trophy into 1 Midwinter Proof. Once you have 10 Midwinter Proofs, you can buy the Shard of Dawn Aspect from Gileon.

If you need more Midwinter Proofs for cosmetics or if you don’t yet have enough for the Aspect, just head back out into the Fractured Peaks to explore (and maybe do the “Secret of the Spring” quest while you’re out there), kill monsters, and collect the currencies that you can exchange for more Proofs.

How Night’s Grasp works in Diablo 4

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

The Shard of Dawn Aspect reads like stereo instructions if you haven’t progressed far enough into the Midwinter Blight event. And even then, it’s hard to understand. Let’s break it down.

After 30 seconds of Night’s Grasp, gain Dawn’s Haste, increasing your Attack Speed by 25-35% and Movement Speed by 20% for 12 seconds. While empowered by the Midwinter Ward, killing an enemy reduces Night’s Grasp’s duration by 1 second.

There are three buffs mentioned in that description, but it only tells you what one of them does.

First, let’s talk about Night’s Grasp. This is a buff that appears on your character when you’re in combat and wielding the Shard of Dawn. However, it doesn’t do anything. All it’s there for is to denote that you don’t have the Dawn’s Haste buff currently active on you. But once you’ve had Night’s Grasp on you for 30 seconds, you’ll gain the benefits of Dawn’s Haste, which increases your attack speed and movement speed for 12 seconds. Once Dawn’s Haste ends, Night’s Grasp returns and the cycle starts over again.

Dawn’s Haste is a pretty slick buff, as attack speed is desirable for most generator/spender builds and movement speed is valuable for all builds. To wit, you want to lower that 30 second window if at all possible. That’s where the Midwinter’s Ward buff factors into the Shard of Dawn, as it reduces the 30-second cooldown between Night’s Grasp and Dawn’s Haste by 1 second each time you kill an enemy.

Midwinter’s Ward is a buff that you can acquire from a special totem inside Kyovashad, next to Gileon’s shop. However, you’ll need to upgrade your Midwinter Tribute level to Tier 3 before it even appears in town. To gain Tribute experience and level up, all you need to do is exchange the Midwinter Blight currencies for Midwinter Proofs at the Collection’s Table. Once you’ve leveled up all the way to Tier 3, you’ll be able to acquire the Midwinter Tribute buff, which lasts for about six minutes and also gives you some bonus damage against Blightfiends and the Red-Cloaked Horror.

Finally, it’s worth noting here that the Shard of Dawn Aspect does not appear in the Codex of Power. Instead, you’ll need to repurchase it for 10 Midwinter Proofs every time you want to apply it to a new piece of gear. So make sure you choose your gear piece carefully when applying the Aspect at the Occultist.

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Ryan Gilliam

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December 13, 2023
Southern Sky opens medical marijuana processing facility in Canton – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

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CANTON, Miss. (WJTV) – Southern Sky Brands held a grand opening for its cannabis cultivation and processing facility in Canton on Tusday.

The 70,000-square foot facility will support Mississippi’s growing medical marijuana industry.

The business has partnered with multiple celebrities, including Cheech and Chong, Mike Tyson, and Ric Flair, to bring their brands to Mississippi.

Original Author Link click here to read complete story..

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MMP News Author

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December 12, 2023