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FakeNoose
FakeNoose's Journal
FakeNoose's Journal
February 14, 2023
- more at link -
This Reuters story has a video of the battery-powered robotaxi that I can't copy-paste, but it looks quite good.
Amazon might be onto something - for areas that aren't served by regular ride-sharing services.
Amazon's Zoox tests robotaxi on public road with employees as passengers
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc's (AMZN.O) self-driving vehicle unit, Zoox, said on Monday it has successfully tested a robotaxi with employees as passengers on a public road in a move to bring it closer to commercial service for the general public.
The Feb. 11 test, conducted between two Zoox buildings a mile apart at its headquarters in Foster City, California, was part of the launch of a no-cost employee shuttle service that will also help the company refine its technology.
"Putting the vehicle on (an) open public road and validating our approach to all of the different requirements, including regulatory, is a big step and we would not have done it unless internally we were already looking at the line of sight for going commercial," Chief Executive Aicha Evans told reporters on a conference call.
Evans declined to provide a timeline for the commercial launch, which will need additional government clearances.
The Feb. 11 test, conducted between two Zoox buildings a mile apart at its headquarters in Foster City, California, was part of the launch of a no-cost employee shuttle service that will also help the company refine its technology.
"Putting the vehicle on (an) open public road and validating our approach to all of the different requirements, including regulatory, is a big step and we would not have done it unless internally we were already looking at the line of sight for going commercial," Chief Executive Aicha Evans told reporters on a conference call.
Evans declined to provide a timeline for the commercial launch, which will need additional government clearances.
- more at link -
This Reuters story has a video of the battery-powered robotaxi that I can't copy-paste, but it looks quite good.
Amazon might be onto something - for areas that aren't served by regular ride-sharing services.
February 14, 2023
May your day be filled with hearts, flowers, balloons and butterflies.
And chocolate! Lots of chocolate ...
Valentine Greetings to Democratic Underground
May your day be filled with hearts, flowers, balloons and butterflies.
And chocolate! Lots of chocolate ...
February 14, 2023
- more at link -
In a nutshell, the OP article covers these five ways:
* Overhauling the medical program
* Decriminalization
* DUI protections
* Employment rules
* Legalization
Good points are made in this discussion. Recommended!
New York and New Jersey have already made recreational marijuana legal for adult use, and Maryland has just approved the same for their residents. So we're neighboring states that have already permitted the "whacky weed." I believe Pennsylvania is next, and it could happen very soon.
5 ways Pennsylvania's marijuana laws could change in 2023
(link) https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2023/02/pa-medical-marijuana-card-rules-changes-legalization/
HARRISBURG — As the legislative session picks up, Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a host of changes to the state’s cannabis laws that would expand who is eligible for a medical marijuana card and increase protections against DUI charges for patients, among other proposals.
And the new Democratic majority in the state House is bringing fresh hope to advocates who want to see Pennsylvania join dozens of other states where possessing a small amount of cannabis is legal or decriminalized.
Amending marijuana laws could open up debate over a host of other issues — several of which were highlighted in a series of investigative stories from Spotlight PA that uncovered serious flaws in the medical program, including questionable health claims, weak oversight, and unfair rules. Here are the five marijuana proposals to watch this legislative session.
And the new Democratic majority in the state House is bringing fresh hope to advocates who want to see Pennsylvania join dozens of other states where possessing a small amount of cannabis is legal or decriminalized.
Amending marijuana laws could open up debate over a host of other issues — several of which were highlighted in a series of investigative stories from Spotlight PA that uncovered serious flaws in the medical program, including questionable health claims, weak oversight, and unfair rules. Here are the five marijuana proposals to watch this legislative session.
- more at link -
In a nutshell, the OP article covers these five ways:
* Overhauling the medical program
* Decriminalization
* DUI protections
* Employment rules
* Legalization
Good points are made in this discussion. Recommended!
New York and New Jersey have already made recreational marijuana legal for adult use, and Maryland has just approved the same for their residents. So we're neighboring states that have already permitted the "whacky weed." I believe Pennsylvania is next, and it could happen very soon.
February 13, 2023
A Philly jury has awarded $43.5 million to a former Eagles captain suing his doctors
Full headline:
A Philly jury has awarded $43.5 million to a former Eagles captain suing his doctors over a career-ending knee injury
(link) https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/chris-maragos-eagles-lawsuit-verdict-knee-injury-trial-20230213.html
The doctors for former Eagles team captain Chris Maragos exhibited “medical negligence” in treating the special teamer’s 2017 career-ending knee injury, a Philadelphia jury found Monday, ordering them to pay the ex-NFL All-Pro player $43.5 million. Shortly after his 2019 retirement from the NFL, Maragos sued his acclaimed Pittsburgh-based surgeon, James Bradley, and Rothman Orthopaedics Institute, whose physicians serve as the Eagles’ orthopedic doctors and who oversaw Maragos’ knee surgery rehabilitation.
The lawsuit alleged the special teams ace’s NFL run was cut short by “medical negligence” from his doctors who operated on and rehabilitated Maragos’ torn posterior cruciate ligament following an injury during the Eagles 2017-18 Super Bowl season. While addressing his PCL, the doctors, Maragos’ attorneys say, ignored damage to the player’s meniscus — leading to a premature end to his professional career, and causing ongoing knee issues.
Attorneys for Bradley and Rothman denied the allegations, saying that they were cognizant of Maragos’ meniscus tear, but that the tissue was “stable” and that surgery would have caused more harm than good.
After less than three hours of deliberations, the 12-member panel found Bradley and Rothman negligent, ordering Bradley to pay roughly $29.2 million to the former NFL player, and Rothman to pay around $14.3 million. As the foreperson read the verdict, Maragos and his wife, Serah, embraced, quietly crying. After the jury concluded, the couple stood, hugging each other and their attorneys.
The lawsuit alleged the special teams ace’s NFL run was cut short by “medical negligence” from his doctors who operated on and rehabilitated Maragos’ torn posterior cruciate ligament following an injury during the Eagles 2017-18 Super Bowl season. While addressing his PCL, the doctors, Maragos’ attorneys say, ignored damage to the player’s meniscus — leading to a premature end to his professional career, and causing ongoing knee issues.
Attorneys for Bradley and Rothman denied the allegations, saying that they were cognizant of Maragos’ meniscus tear, but that the tissue was “stable” and that surgery would have caused more harm than good.
After less than three hours of deliberations, the 12-member panel found Bradley and Rothman negligent, ordering Bradley to pay roughly $29.2 million to the former NFL player, and Rothman to pay around $14.3 million. As the foreperson read the verdict, Maragos and his wife, Serah, embraced, quietly crying. After the jury concluded, the couple stood, hugging each other and their attorneys.
February 13, 2023
PDF version of the report "PA Needs Teachers" can be downloaded here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/625efa338ff616655e317829/t/63d2bb6cbb01ef36e58ebe6e/1674754988415/%23PNT%3A+Addressing+Pennsylvania%27s+Teacher+Shortage+Crisis+Through+Systemic+Solutions
- more at link -
New report offers solutions to the 'dire' teacher shortage crisis in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is facing a “dire and worsening teacher shortage crisis,” according to a new report that details sweeping recommendations to address short-term challenges while also looking into the root cause of the systemic problem.
The 36-page (link below) PA Needs Teachers report delves into how educators are prepared for their roles, paid and retained while also outlining guidance for specific policy changes. The recommendations range from offering free schooling for prospective teachers to creating avenues for advancement within a teaching position.
The guidance was a compilation of suggestions presented at a September PA Needs Teachers Summit in Harrisburg by Teach Plus and the National Center on Education and the Economy, two national nonprofits. The summit – which included 150 participants including K-12 educators, higher education leaders, policymakers and public education and nonprofit advocates – launched a new coalition effort to address hiring and retainment challenges facing school districts across the state.
- snip -
The state is also facing a declining number of issued teacher certifications. In 2010, there were about 15,000 new in-state teacher certifications issued. That number dropped to more than just 5,000 for the 2020-21 school year, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. During the 2020-21 school year, Pennsylvania issued more emergency permits – people with a bachelor’s degree can become certified to temporarily fill open teaching positions – than teacher certifications.
The 36-page (link below) PA Needs Teachers report delves into how educators are prepared for their roles, paid and retained while also outlining guidance for specific policy changes. The recommendations range from offering free schooling for prospective teachers to creating avenues for advancement within a teaching position.
The guidance was a compilation of suggestions presented at a September PA Needs Teachers Summit in Harrisburg by Teach Plus and the National Center on Education and the Economy, two national nonprofits. The summit – which included 150 participants including K-12 educators, higher education leaders, policymakers and public education and nonprofit advocates – launched a new coalition effort to address hiring and retainment challenges facing school districts across the state.
- snip -
The state is also facing a declining number of issued teacher certifications. In 2010, there were about 15,000 new in-state teacher certifications issued. That number dropped to more than just 5,000 for the 2020-21 school year, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. During the 2020-21 school year, Pennsylvania issued more emergency permits – people with a bachelor’s degree can become certified to temporarily fill open teaching positions – than teacher certifications.
PDF version of the report "PA Needs Teachers" can be downloaded here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/625efa338ff616655e317829/t/63d2bb6cbb01ef36e58ebe6e/1674754988415/%23PNT%3A+Addressing+Pennsylvania%27s+Teacher+Shortage+Crisis+Through+Systemic+Solutions
- more at link -
February 13, 2023
- more at link -
It will be released this Thursday.
A judge will release parts of the Georgia special grand jury report on Trump's efforts to overturn
Full headline: A judge will release parts of the Georgia special grand jury report on Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election
(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2023/02/13/georgia-special-grand-jury-election-donald-trump-brad-raffensperger/stories/202302130056
This is an AP story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
ATLANTA — A Georgia judge on Monday ordered the partial release later this week of a special grand jury report into efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn his 2020 election loss. The report’s introduction and conclusion, as well as a section in which the grand jurors expressed concerns that some witnesses may have lied under oath, will be released on Thursday, said Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney.
Any recommendations on who should or should not be prosecuted will remain secret for now to protect their due process rights, Judge McBurney wrote. Judge McBurney's order came three weeks after hearing arguments from prosecutors, who urged the report be kept secret until they decide on charges, and a coalition of media organizations, which pressed for its release.
The release is a significant development in a case that threatens legal jeopardy for the former president as he ramps up a 2024 White House campaign. The special grand jury spent about seven months hearing testimony from witnesses including high-profile Trump allies, such as attorney Rudy Giuliani and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and high-ranking Georgia officials, such as Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Gov. Brian Kemp.
Judge McBurney wrote that the report includes recommendations for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, including “a roster of who should (or should not) be indicted, and for what, in relation to the conduct (and aftermath) of the 2020 general election in Georgia.” The special grand jury did not have the power to issue indictments, and it will ultimately be up to Willis to decide whether to seek indictments from a regular grand jury.
Any recommendations on who should or should not be prosecuted will remain secret for now to protect their due process rights, Judge McBurney wrote. Judge McBurney's order came three weeks after hearing arguments from prosecutors, who urged the report be kept secret until they decide on charges, and a coalition of media organizations, which pressed for its release.
The release is a significant development in a case that threatens legal jeopardy for the former president as he ramps up a 2024 White House campaign. The special grand jury spent about seven months hearing testimony from witnesses including high-profile Trump allies, such as attorney Rudy Giuliani and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and high-ranking Georgia officials, such as Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Gov. Brian Kemp.
Judge McBurney wrote that the report includes recommendations for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, including “a roster of who should (or should not) be indicted, and for what, in relation to the conduct (and aftermath) of the 2020 general election in Georgia.” The special grand jury did not have the power to issue indictments, and it will ultimately be up to Willis to decide whether to seek indictments from a regular grand jury.
- more at link -
It will be released this Thursday.
February 12, 2023
Play Super Bowl Bingo during the big game
Whether you're rooting for the Eagles, the Chiefs, or even if you're just watching the TV commercials this is fun to play along. The Bingo cards are provided by the Philadelphia Inquirer, so you can sort of guess who they're rooting for. 
(link) https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/super-bowl-2023-bingo-cards-eagles-chiefs-20230212.html?query=Super%20Bowl%20Bingo
Here are the cards:
Good luck! Go Birds!
February 11, 2023
(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2023/02/10/east-palestine-train-derailment-video-fire-axle-alert/stories/202302100070
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette exclusive story
- more at link -
Video on OP link shows that at least one axle was glowing red-hot and possibly on fire, and it was spotted 20 miles before the derailment. Why hadn't the alert come sooner so the train could have been stopped before derailing? Investigation is continuing.
Footage showing a fiery axle 20 miles before Ohio derailment raises questions about alert timing
(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2023/02/10/east-palestine-train-derailment-video-fire-axle-alert/stories/202302100070
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette exclusive story
The Norfolk Southern train that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, last week, setting aflame tankers of hazardous chemicals and prompting an evacuation of thousands of residents for almost a week, had traveled at least 20 miles with a malfunctioning axle, according to security camera footage from businesses in Salem, Ohio.
At 8:12 p.m. on Feb. 3, the southbound freight train passed by Butech Bliss, an industrial equipment manufacturer in Salem. One car, a few dozen behind the first locomotive, glowed brightly on the bottom as it passed. A minute later and a mile down the track, a camera at a meat processing plant called Fresh Mark captured the same fiery axle.
The National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation into the derailment, said it believes a mechanical issue with one of the rail car axles is responsible for the accident. Board member Michael Graham said at a news conference on Feb. 4 that the train crew had gotten an alert “shortly before the derailment indicating the mechanical issue,” and started to apply the brakes.
What’s not yet known is when the alert came through.
At 8:12 p.m. on Feb. 3, the southbound freight train passed by Butech Bliss, an industrial equipment manufacturer in Salem. One car, a few dozen behind the first locomotive, glowed brightly on the bottom as it passed. A minute later and a mile down the track, a camera at a meat processing plant called Fresh Mark captured the same fiery axle.
The National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation into the derailment, said it believes a mechanical issue with one of the rail car axles is responsible for the accident. Board member Michael Graham said at a news conference on Feb. 4 that the train crew had gotten an alert “shortly before the derailment indicating the mechanical issue,” and started to apply the brakes.
What’s not yet known is when the alert came through.
- more at link -
Video on OP link shows that at least one axle was glowing red-hot and possibly on fire, and it was spotted 20 miles before the derailment. Why hadn't the alert come sooner so the train could have been stopped before derailing? Investigation is continuing.
February 10, 2023
- more at link, with video -
I'm rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles this year, since the Steelers didn't make the playoffs.
Go Eagles!
Governor Shapiro announces Super Bowl LVII bets with Missouri, Kansas governors
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — On Thursday, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that he made friendly bets with Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly ahead of Super Bowl LVII between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Like millions of Pennsylvanians, Lori and I are excited to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles and watch them bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the Commonwealth,” said Governor Shapiro. “Pennsylvania is home to the greatest small businesses in the country – and while I love to share the best Pennsylvania has to offer with my friends in other states, the Eagles have been so good this season that I’m willing to double down on a win this week. Go Birds!”
Before the game, Gov. Parson and Gov. Shapiro will exchange Eagles and Chiefs flags. The governor of the losing team will have to hang the flag of the winning team in their office.
Gov. Shapiro has bet an assortment of food from Pennsylvania small businesses as part of the wager with Gov. Kelly. The following foods will be sent to Gov. Kelly if the Chiefs win:
*Soft pretzels from Philly Style Hand Twisted Soft Pretzel Bakery in Levittown, Bucks County
*Cheesesteaks from Tony Luke’s in Philadelphia
*Eagles Mini Donuts from Collegeville Italian Bakery in Montgomery County
If the Eagles win, Gov. Kelly will send Gov. Shapiro the following:
*Creekstone Farms Black Angus Beef
*Chocolate-covered sunflower seeds
“Like millions of Pennsylvanians, Lori and I are excited to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles and watch them bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the Commonwealth,” said Governor Shapiro. “Pennsylvania is home to the greatest small businesses in the country – and while I love to share the best Pennsylvania has to offer with my friends in other states, the Eagles have been so good this season that I’m willing to double down on a win this week. Go Birds!”
Before the game, Gov. Parson and Gov. Shapiro will exchange Eagles and Chiefs flags. The governor of the losing team will have to hang the flag of the winning team in their office.
Gov. Shapiro has bet an assortment of food from Pennsylvania small businesses as part of the wager with Gov. Kelly. The following foods will be sent to Gov. Kelly if the Chiefs win:
*Soft pretzels from Philly Style Hand Twisted Soft Pretzel Bakery in Levittown, Bucks County
*Cheesesteaks from Tony Luke’s in Philadelphia
*Eagles Mini Donuts from Collegeville Italian Bakery in Montgomery County
If the Eagles win, Gov. Kelly will send Gov. Shapiro the following:
*Creekstone Farms Black Angus Beef
*Chocolate-covered sunflower seeds
- more at link, with video -
I'm rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles this year, since the Steelers didn't make the playoffs.
Go Eagles!
February 10, 2023
(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2023/02/09/john-fetterman-hospitalized-senate-retreat-stroke-health/stories/202302090096
- more at link -
Whew! Prayers and healthy vibes to our newest Senator...
New stroke ruled out after Fetterman hospitalized for lightheadedness
(link) https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2023/02/09/john-fetterman-hospitalized-senate-retreat-stroke-health/stories/202302090096
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, the Pennsylvania Democrat who suffered a stroke during his campaign last year that almost killed him, was hospitalized Wednesday night after feeling lightheaded. His office said late Thursday that later tests made clear he hasn’t suffered another stroke.
Testing at George Washington University Hospital that ruled out a new stroke included magnetic resonance imaging among other procedures, Fetterman spokesman Joe Calvello said in a statement.
Mr. Fetterman “is being monitored with an EEG for signs of seizure - so far there are no signs of seizure, but he is still being monitored,” Mr. Calvello said Thursday evening. “We will continue to provide information as it comes in, and we will have more updates as we get them.”
The senator went to the hospital for observation after feeling lightheaded during a retreat for Senate Democrats, Mr. Fetterman’s spokesman stated late Wednesday. He was “in good spirits and talking with his staff and family,” Mr. Calvello said in that previous statement.
Testing at George Washington University Hospital that ruled out a new stroke included magnetic resonance imaging among other procedures, Fetterman spokesman Joe Calvello said in a statement.
Mr. Fetterman “is being monitored with an EEG for signs of seizure - so far there are no signs of seizure, but he is still being monitored,” Mr. Calvello said Thursday evening. “We will continue to provide information as it comes in, and we will have more updates as we get them.”
The senator went to the hospital for observation after feeling lightheaded during a retreat for Senate Democrats, Mr. Fetterman’s spokesman stated late Wednesday. He was “in good spirits and talking with his staff and family,” Mr. Calvello said in that previous statement.
- more at link -
Whew! Prayers and healthy vibes to our newest Senator...
Profile Information
Name: Kathy HinsmanGender: Female
Hometown: Pittsburgh PA
Home country: USA
Current location: Pittsburgh
Member since: Sat Feb 18, 2017, 02:16 PM
Number of posts: 32,853
