School children from the Skinner Road Elementary School in Vernon, watch as some of the 3,000 cows get milked on a moving carousel at the Oakridge Dairy Farm on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Ellington. Jim Michaud / Hearst Connecticut Media Some of the 3,000 cows get milked on a moving carousel at the Oakridge Dairy Farm on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Ellington. Jim Michaud / Hearst Connecticut Media The new gas energy facility at the Oakridge Dairy Farm on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Ellington. Jim Michaud / Hearst Connecticut Media A national animal rights group is asking an Ellington dairy to stop calling its cows “happy” in its advertising and is alleging that the farm’s 3,000 cows are kept in confined conditions that worsen stress and health issues. “Cows who suffer at Oakridge Dairy’s farm are anything but ‘happy,’” said Mary Maerz, senior council for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, in a letter to the dairy released Tuesday morning. The letter asks the dairy to stop using "misleading marketing claims." Oakridge, in a statement from its CEO and an interview, stands by the care of its cows. Brie Hyde, farm compliance and food safety manager at the dairy, said she is confident that Oakridge’s animals are comfortable and that the dairy’s 65 employees are working to create the best environment for them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad “My job at Oak Ridge is to believe that I am doing the very best that I can for the animals that we’re providing for,” Hyde said. “How is PETA saying that these cows are unhappy?” Oakridge Dairy, a fifth-generation business at 76 Jobs Hill Road in Ellington, has expanded its subscription Modern Milkman service across the state in the past year, in which its milk and other products are delivered to customer’s doors. The largest dairy farm in the Northeast that supplies 18% of Connecticut's milk, Oakridge also partners with a renewable energy company on a project that turns cow manure into methane that can be used as a power source. It’s that renewable energy project at Oakridge that is the focus of PETA’s concern, said PETA Associate Director Colin Henstock. Advertisement Article continues below this ad To collect all of the cows’ manure for methane production, the animals must be kept in a concrete-floored shed all day, which Hyde confirmed. About 40 dairies nationwide also collect manure for methane generation under similar conditions, Henstock said. “They all rely on cows being forced to remain indoors on hard surfaces and deprived of any chance to take a walk in the fresh air and feel soft grass,” Henstock said. “The cows at Oakridge are confined indoors and are forced to lie on their own dried manure, which the dairy shockingly refers to as quote-unquote posh living quarters.” Hyde said bedding in the barn, made up of processed solids from the manure operation, is dry and clean, and veterinarians on staff monitor each animal for health issues. Special care is taken to make sure the cows don’t have overgrown hooves or leg injuries, she added. “At Oakridge, I would say one of the top priorities is cow comfort,” Hyde said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Each of the cows is fitted with a tracker similar to a Fitbit that measures heart rate, food consumption and weight. “We’re walking the pens constantly to make sure that nobody is having any issues,” Hyde said. “I think in a barn this size, we do a very, very good job at monitoring lameness and hocks (ankles) and feet.” PETA started looking into Oakridge after receiving a tip this spring and visited the dairy as part of a public tour over the summer. Language used in marketing materials for the Modern Milkman mentioning “happy cows” was contradicted by conditions visitors said they observed at the farm, Henstock said. “That's certainly a part of our mission here, to bring awareness to the situation for these cows, but to also specifically call out this company for their claims,” he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad PETA’s Oakridge action is part of a larger effort to persuade Americans to give up dairy and opt for plant milks and other products that minimize animal suffering, Henstock said. “The dairy industry, in and of itself, relies upon exploiting animals,” Henstock said. “Really, no dairy cows in the dairy industry have a good life.” Oakridge CEO Seth Bahler, a fifth-generation of the family that founded the dairy, said care for the cows is the business' top priority. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Every decision we make comes from a place of love and respect for our animals, our environment and the people who rely on us to provide safe, healthy and nutritious food," Bahler said in a statement. "While we respect differing viewpoints, we believe that the groups targeting us may not fully understand the love, dedication and expertise that go into running a farm like ours." About Contact Services Account
Wire Tapping vs. Browser Tracking? Software like Meta Pixel and Google Analytics that website operators use to track what sites a person visits, or what footprint they leave on those sites, is not subject to the same restrictions as wiretapping a phone line, according to a split decision from the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, in a case brought against two hospitals. The court in Vita v. New England Baptist Hospital, et al (SJC-13542), ruled that wiretapping and browser tracking are categorically different pursuits, in its eyes, unless the state legislature decides otherwise. “If the Legislature intends for the Wiretap Act’s criminal and civil penalties to prohibit the tracking of a person’s browsing of, and interaction with, published information on websites, it must say so expressly,” wrote Associate Judge Scott Kafker in the opinion. In deferring to the defendants based on lack of clarity in the law, the court applied the rule of lenity (also called the rule of strict constuction), which might become a model for other courts deciding similar questions where wiretapping statutes are ambiguous in terms of their application to website technology. And given that wiretapping statutes across states typically were written before website “cookies” used to track user behavior had been developed—so they had no reason to directly address such claims—the Massachusetts decision might jump-start efforts in state legislatures to do so; although unlike wiretaps, tracking software can offer a pop-up window with a disclosure that user data will be tracked and could be sold to third parties. However, in the case of Vita filed by plaintiff Kathleen Vita, the hospitals in question, New England Baptist and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, had suggested that patient privacy and data would be protected—a suggestion that prompted Associate Justice Dalila Wendlandt to call them liars in her dissenting opinion. She also noted that the Massachusetts statute included the words “any communication” when describing what the law covers, asserting that’s more definitive than the majority opinion suggested; and she questioned why the law would treat an electronic communication from patient-to-doctor through a website differently than a phone conversation between those same parties—which the law clearly prevents from being bugged. “The Legislature had the clairvoyance to choose these particular words to indicate that it was the tremendous power of electronic surveillance devices—like the tracking software at issue in the instant cases—to enhance the ability to snoop far beyond what could be done by the human ear alone that defined the scope of the act’s protections,” the dissent reads. No doubt this will continue to be a developing area of the law as cases are brought in multiple jurisdictions in the coming months and years. Comments are closed. By clicking ‘Submit’, you agree to Bellas & Wachowski Attorneys at Law’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You consent to receive phone calls and SMS messages from Bellas & Wachowski Attorneys at Law to provide updates and information regarding your business with Bellas & Wachowski Attorneys at Law. Message frequency may vary. Message & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging. Reply HELP for more information. See our Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.
City of Victorville leaders gathered on a chilly December morning to celebrate the grand opening of its Animal Care and Adoption Center. Mayor Elizabeth “Liz” Becerra welcomed city leaders at the city’s first-ever, permanent animal shelter facility located at the former Goodwill High School Campus on E Street in Old Town Victorville. Still a work in progress, the facility will serve Victorville residents with its 19 Animal Service Division staffers at the campus with street sign names like “Bark Ave,” “Bow Wow Blvd” and “Woof Way.” The animal care center will offer vaccine, microchip, licensing, pet adoption and educational events. It will also care for pets housed at the city’s nearby Wellness Center that serves the homeless community. In phase one of the facility’s upgrade, the campus will house at least 135 dogs and 40 cats, with more indoor kennels being constructed, City Manager Keith Metzler told the audience during the event on Thursday, Dec. 12. The animal care center can also accommodate the housing and care of reptiles, with several snakes, including a Mojave Green rattlesnake, on site. Future upgrades will include two large metal buildings for 200 more kennels, a veterinarian suite for complex medical services, a livestock area and added access to the facility from First Street. “We also plan to add a forward-facing admin building and rainbow bridge to support residents overcoming the loss of a beloved pet,” said Metzler, who added that he’s proud of the city’s Animal Services Team for bringing phase one online so quickly. Since Dec. 1, the Animal Service Team has: During the ribbon-cutting event, Deputy City Manager Scott Webb and Becerra recognized members of the Animal Service Team. Metzler also credited city staffers for their hard work and dedication in updating the animal center on an extremely challenging schedule. The campus, north of the BNSF railroad tracks, was originally built in 1926 as Eva Dell Elementary School. Sometime in the 1970s, the site was renamed High Desert High then Goodwill High in 1989. City officials began seeking a solution for animal care after the decades-old Victor Valley Animal Protective League in Apple Valley ceased operations in 2023. During that time, the league gave a 30-day termination notice to the city of Victorville for animal sheltering services, along with their decision not to renew the animal services contract. Metzler explained that constructing a new animal care facility would take too long. That’s when he and Victor Valley Union High School District Superintendent Carl Coles began discussing the idea of the city leasing the old school facility. “I am grateful to Carl for the tremendous collaboration,” Metzler said. “He and his staff have been there with us to support us the entire way.” The Victorville Animal Care and Adoption Center is located at 16648 E Street. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. Pet adoption hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 760-955-5089 or visit victorvilleca.gov. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
Organo di Informazioni Politiche ed Economiche In an era where the lines between faith, politics, and ethics are increasingly blurred, there are profound implications for democracy and global security. Ricardo Baretzky, President of the European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS), highlights this precarious nexus with his declaration: “In fact, there is only one stable judgment: no excuses for those who make the deception and conflict on earth, for those who consider themselves to be at the head of the whole world, those who consider themselves to be representatives of God on Earth, although they themselves do not believe in God; only one thing remains, Bring Judgement Day Unto them!” This powerful statement encapsulates the urgent need to scrutinize the entanglement of religion, politics, and corruption, especially in the context of the challenges facing democracies worldwide. The Corruption of Faith Religion has always played a dual role in the history of humanity: as a source of moral guidance and as a tool for manipulation. Throughout history, various religious institutions and leaders have exploited faith for personal or political gain. This manipulation often leads to a corrupt understanding of faith, where doctrines are twisted to justify unethical behavior, from systemic abuse to outright violence. Religious corruption manifests in numerous ways, including the exploitation of followers for financial gain, the use of religious justifications for violence, and the fostering of divisive ideologies that undermine social cohesion. This is evident in various locales across the globe—from the collusion of political leaders with extremist religious groups to the commodification of faith through megachurches that prioritize profit over spirituality. Radicalization and Its Threats One of the most significant dangers posed by the corruption of religion is the rise of radicalized believers who present themselves as representatives of God. These individuals often exploit the vulnerabilities of their communities, finding traction in disenfranchised populations, and foster ideologies that can lead to extremist behavior. Scientists and scholars continue to investigate the complexities of belief systems and the nature of faith; yet, the existence of God remains a deeply subjective and unprovable assertion. This scientific ambiguity presents a unique challenge. Those who claim to have definitive knowledge of divine will often wield that power to justify acts of violence, discrimination, and even terrorism. The consequences of such radicalization are dire, creating real security threats that can destabilize nations and lead to loss of life. Political Exploitation of Faith The intertwining of religion and politics is nowhere more pronounced than in the behavior of certain politicians who co-opt religious narratives to gain favor and manipulate populations. This can involve invoking divine authority to legitimize questionable policies, pressing for legislation that favors specific religious beliefs, or even engaging in rhetoric that heightens societal divisions. For example, in several democratic nations, leaders have appealed to religious sentiments to rally support, bypassing empirical evidence and endorsing policies that may prioritize a religious ideology over the common good. This tactic can breed mistrust in democratic institutions and promote a culture of intolerance, undermining the foundational principles of democracy itself—pluralism, secularism, and the rule of law. The European Union’s Struggle with Religious Matters In the context of the European Union (EU), we see a tapestry of different beliefs and practices. However, this diversity has also become a breeding ground for conflict and division, exacerbated by political exploitation of religion. The EU has faced challenges in fostering unity amid starkly different cultural and religious backgrounds. The mismatch between democratic ideals and the manipulation of faith by some political leaders poses a significant threat to the EU’s stability. The failure of the EU to effectively address the misuse of religion for political ends has undermined its credibility as a democratic institution. The rise of populist leaders in various member states—who often invoke religious identities to consolidate power—illustrates how religion can distort political processes. Rather than fostering cooperation and understanding, such tactics can deepen divisions, directly challenging the EU’s commitment to democracy and human rights. The Global Landscape: Case Studies Taking a closer look at specific case studies reinforces the issues surrounding the intersection of religion and corruption. 1. Middle East: In regions of ongoing conflict, such as the Middle East, religious extremism often intertwines with local and international politics. Groups claiming divine authority, such as ISIS and al-Qaeda, have used religious rhetoric to recruit followers and justify acts of extreme violence. This has not only threatened regional stability but has also had reverberating effects on global security, inciting fear that can lead to broader conflicts. 2. Philippines: In the Philippines, political leaders have been known to align themselves with specific religious groups, utilizing their influence to gain political capital. This symbiosis has led to a culture of corruption and nepotism, undermining democratic institutions. The rise of violence, often justified through the lens of faith, creates a climate of fear and instability. 3. United States: In the United States, the manipulation of religious sentiment for political gain can be observed with increasing frequency. The rise of the Christian Right and their influence on elections reveals how faith can be weaponized to create political narratives, often sidelining scientific inquiry and rational discourse in favor of predetermined beliefs. The Real Security Threats The dangers posed by radical believers extend beyond direct violence; they also threaten social cohesion and democratic discourse. In societies where radical ideologies take root, divisions become deeper, leading to polarization that can undermine public trust in institutions. This erosion of trust is particularly dangerous in democratic societies, as it can lead to disenfranchisement and apathy among citizens, weakening the very fabric of democracy. Moreover, acts of terrorism and violence conducted in the name of religion create an atmosphere of fear, which can lead to further radicalization. As public perceptions shift toward hostility against particular religious communities, cycles of violence and retribution can ensue. This toxic environment not only endangers lives but also threatens the democratic principles of liberty and equality. A Call for Accountability and Reflection Baretzky’s assertion that there should be “no excuses for those who make the deception and conflict on earth” is a clarion call for accountability. It urges individuals and institutions alike to scrutinize how faith is wielded as a weapon of manipulation and deceit. The misuse of religious authority by those in power must be challenged, with emphasis placed on promoting ethical standards and true representation of democratic values. The challenge we face is the recalibration of society’s collective understanding of faith, politics, and ethics. This requires engaging in dialogues that promote genuine religious understanding rather than divisive rhetoric. Establishing educational programs that encourage critical thinking about religion and politics can foster an engaged citizenry better equipped to navigate these complex relationships. At the heart of our contemporary challenges lies a need for introspection and re-evaluation of how we perceive faith, authority, and governance. Baretzky’s words call us to “Bring Judgement Day Unto them!”—a metaphorical indictment of those who misuse religious narratives for nefarious ends. The intersection of religion and politics presents intricate challenges for democratic societies, but through vigilance, dialogue, and a renewed commitment to ethical governance, we can work towards a future that values truth, trust, and accountability, standing firm against the hearts and minds that seek to exploit faith for personal or political gain. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to the core principles of democracy and the security that stems from a united and informed populace, free from the chains of deception and radicalization. Il tuo indirizzo email non sarà pubblicato.I campi obbligatori sono contrassegnati *
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A Movie and Television News/Commentary Site A Movie and Television News/Commentary Site Transformers One continues a trend of live-action and animated prequels being better than the previous live-action Transformers films. The film is currently available to purchase or rent on digital and will be available to take home December 17 on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD. I have to say first and foremost that my introduction to Transformers were through the live-action series starting in 2007. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to watch the 1986 film or the earlier TV series. As of now, there are way too many Transformers series to keep up with so I’m sticking to the feature films, for better or worse. Oversaturation tends to be terrible for a franchise. This film, first announced years ago, came over a year after Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. It was probably way too soon for releasing another prequel. Remember the five-month difference between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Solo: A Star Wars Story? Or Marvel fatigue coming with too many films and TV series making their way to theaters or Disney+. At some point, executives have to pull back and ask themselves if it is too much. What Transformers One does is tell Optimus Prime/Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron/D-16’s (Brian Tyree Henry) origin story. The two sworn enemies used to be friends and mining bots before their worlds changed. By the end of the film, they are both taking on their current identities. It’s fascinating to watch their arcs play out on Cybertron and how, even then, they hint into what they’ll become. Not only this but we also see the origins of other Transformers such as B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key), better known as Bumblebee or Bee. Elita-1 (Scarlett Johansson) is first introduced as a supervisor to both Orion Pax and D-16. The Transformer was previously seen in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Orion Pax and D-16 journey from the Energon mines to the largely forbidden surface. It’s an attempt to find the vanished Matrix of Leadership. What they don’t know is that there’s more here than meets the eye. Orion idolizes Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm) but he’s in for a rude awakening after Alpha Trion (Laurence Fishburne) tells them the truth. Sentinel Prime is not the heroic leader that he leads the Cybertron population to believe. When the two mining bots compete in the Iacon 5000, they inspire their fellow minors into working harder. Ultimately, the only one their ruse benefits is Sentinel Prime because it leads to more retrieving more Energon. Without giving it all away, what becomes the end of the agreement with the Quintessons ends up becoming another long-running civil war between Optimus Prime’s Autobots and Megatron’s Decepticons. The Transformers films have not been without comedy of some sort. They really lean into the comedy in this film, especially through Keegan-Michael Key. That’s the actor’s real voice, too. He gets room to improvise, naturally, but he is using his real voice for the film. Given how Bee’s voice is damaged in earlier movies, I love that he gets his voice back. Chris Hemsworth has never done voicework for an animated film to my knowledge but he’s got tremendous chemistry with Brian Tyree Henry. The Thor star also reunites with Avengers co-star Scarlett Johansson. My introduction to Sentinel Prime was in 2011’s Transformers: Dark of the Moon. It would lead to my being done with the series until returning with the fifth live-action film. If one goes by this film being canon with the live-action series, Sentinel Prime’s appearance in the 2011 film no longer makes any sense. Sentinel Prime is almost certainly as good as dead by the end of this film. In theory, the film should be the first in a trilogy of films leading into the 2007 movie. However, its underperformance at the box office probably means that this might not be the case. The sad part is that the franchise really benefits from animation over live-action. No offense to Bumblebee and last year’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts but this film may just be the best of the three prequels. Perhaps producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura was onto something. According to the production notes, the producer comments: “But we always knew it wasn’t realistic to think it would be a live-action film. Animation gave us the ability to do things we have never been able to do, like create a whole new world that has never been seen before, but that somehow feels organic.” I just cannot imagine making this film in live-action. It isn’t just that it would also be a very expensive film to make but animation allows filmmakers to do things that just is not really possible in live-action. The other thing is that there is not the bang-bang action that we see in Michael Bay’s previous movies. I think this is the thing that I’ve found so refreshing with the prequels. Once you get away from Bay’s style and let filmmakers bring their own style on board, they’ve become a breath of fresh air so to speak. The market has been oversaturated with Transformers films for a number of years but Transformers One continues a trend of making a better prequel film.
Bonus Features
In The Beginning — Witness the origin story of OPTIMUS PRIME (ORION PAX) and MEGATRON (D-16) and the evolution of their relationship from brothers-in-arms to sworn enemies. Filmmakers discuss the vision for the film and how it was brought to life.
World Building On CYBERTRON — Hear from director Josh Cooley, the production design team, and the visual effects team about rendering the colorful world of CYBERTRON in a way that fans have never seen before.
Together As One — Meet the A-list voice cast for each of the TRANSFORMERS: Chris Hemsworth (ORION PAX/OPTIMUS PRIME), Brian Tyree Henry (D-16/MEGATRON), Scarlett Johansson (ELITA-1), and more!
The Iacon 5000 — Behold the most epic TRANSFORMERS race ever as competitors vie for the ultimate prize! Go behind the scenes with the filmmakers as they break down this breathtaking action sequence.
The Battle For CYBERTRON — Cast and filmmakers take you through the film’s epic climax as OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON battle for CYBERTRON’s future.
DIRECTOR: Josh Cooley SCREENWRITERS: Eric Pearson and Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari CAST: Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, with Laurence Fishburne and Jon Hamm Please subscribe to Dugout Dirt and Solzy on Buttondown.
Nifty Island, an innovative gaming platform built on Ethereum, is gearing up for the launch of its native token, ISLAND, set for December 17. Nifty Island, an innovative gaming platform built on Ethereum, is gearing up for the launch of its native token, ISLAND, set for December 17. This new ERC-20 token aims to enhance the in-game economy of its vibrant metaverse, which has already captured the attention of various Web3 communities. Here’s a comprehensive overview of ISLAND, the upcoming airdrop, and what participants can expect. ISLAND is the utility token for the Nifty Island ecosystem, designed to provide holders with various in-game benefits and incentives. With a total supply of one billion tokens, ISLAND will launch on the Ethereum blockchain and utilize LayerZero's omnichain technology, allowing it to operate on Ethereum layer-2 networks like Base and potentially on Solana in the future. The token generation event for ISLAND is scheduled for December 17 at 10 a.m. ET. This event marks a significant milestone for the Nifty Island community, which has been eagerly anticipating the rollout of this utility token. The ISLAND tokens will be primarily distributed to different groups within the ecosystem, with the community receiving the largest share—40.1% of the total supply. This allocation totals over 400 million tokens and will be divided among three community groups, including a rewards pool, ecosystem incentives, and the play-to-airdrop campaign. A notable aspect of the distribution is the play-to-airdrop campaign, which accounts for 12.6% of the supply. Participants who engaged in this nine-month campaign will be rewarded based on their gameplay and engagement levels, specifically through the collection of Blooms, an in-game resource. A snapshot taken on December 16 will determine eligibility and collector tiers for the airdrop. Players who held eligible NFTs from partner communities during a previous snapshot may also qualify for ISLAND tokens as part of an expanded play-to-airdrop initiative. An additional 175 million tokens (17.5% of the total supply) will be allocated to a rewards pool, which will facilitate real-time earnings through gameplay. Furthermore, 10% of the supply (100 million ISLAND) is earmarked to attract developers and creators to the platform, starting with a contribution to Animoca Brands’ Mocaverse community. Over 300 million ISLAND tokens are reserved for investors and advisors, with a significant portion locked for two years to promote long-term commitment. The Nifty Island team will receive 19.5% of the tokens, with similar lock-up periods to ensure stability. The project treasury will hold 9.2% of the supply, aimed at funding future expansions and promotional efforts. Notably, just 1% of the tokens will be set aside for centralized exchange liquidity. Participants can claim their ISLAND tokens directly on the Nifty Island website. The utility of ISLAND extends beyond mere ownership; holders who stake their tokens will enjoy enhanced rewards, access to exclusive resources, and other benefits. Staking also provides governance opportunities, allowing players to vote on decisions that shape the future of Nifty Island. In conclusion, the ISLAND token launch represents a significant development for Nifty Island and its community. With a robust distribution plan and a focus on rewarding genuine engagement, the platform is poised to enhance its gaming ecosystem and provide exciting opportunities for players and creators alike. Keep an eye on December 17 for the token generation event and prepare to dive into the world of Nifty Island. I'm just your average dog… Only decentralized; also… I'm not your average dog. Join the thousands already learning crypto!
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