Monthly Archives: June 2023

Google to start paying for NZ news content shared via News … – Stuff

Posted: June 14, 2023 at 12:42 pm

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Tech giant Google has agreed to pay Stuff, as well as several other publications, to provide content for its News Showcase platform. (File photo)

Google will soon start paying to share Stuff content after the news company reached an agreement to join Google News Showcase.

The tech giant has agreed to pay Stuff - publisher of this website - as well as several other New Zealand publications, to provide content for its Showcase platform, launched internationally in 2020.

The deal is the culmination of pressure from the industry as well as extensive lobbying of the Government to introduce a legislative backstop as well as stiffen its rhetoric to compel companies such as Google to come to the table and pay for content.

The deals come after the Government last year modestly increased pressure on Google and Meta to strike more deals to support the news media.

NZ Parliament

Broadcasting Minister Willie Jackson says law change will address "bargaining imbalance" (video first published in December).

Legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament next month, with media companies keen for it to still progress, in spite of the deal and even with an election looming. Google is the only company which has made a deal so far.

Unlike Google search results, which show small sections of news stories and leave it to news sites to monetise that content, Google Showcase pays publishers directly for the right to feature their stories.

Google New Zealand country director Caroline Rainsford said the agreements showed Googles ongoing commitment to New Zealands news industry.

Were so pleased to be continuing to bring a broad spectrum of Aotearoas publications to more audiences through Google News Showcase, she said.

Many of these titles have served their communities for decades, providing vital news and information to their regions. Were pleased to reach these agreements to help support public interest journalism in New Zealand.

Stuff chief executive Sinead Boucher said the agreement acknowledged the value Stuffs trustworthy journalism provided to Kiwis all over the motu.

We're pleased to reach terms with Google to ensure our content reaches News Showcase readers, she said.

Google also reached News Showcase agreements with Allied Press, The Spinoff, Ashburton Guardian, Mahurangi Matters and Hibiscus Matters, Gisborne Herald, The Wairarapa Times-Age and the Wanaka App.

It is understood that the collective deal which has been negotiated over the past 12 months has yielded a better result for the companies that reached agreements than was previously expected or that looked likely at the beginning of the process.

Former Nine and Fairfax publishing executive Chris Janz was hired by the Newspaper Publishers Association to do the negotiating with Google, after successfully minting deals with both Google and Meta the parent company of Facebook in 2021.

However, those deals came off the back of vociferous support from the Australian Government and in particular the then Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Facebook even threatened at one point to block Australians from sharing content.

Once negotiations began, they were concluded in a matter of weeks.

Labour has shown no such enthusiasm for assisting the sector in negotiations with some of the tech giants, and it is widely considered that Google has made a deal to head off the prospect of any legislative interference.

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"Stunning development": Experts say Trump target letter is surest … – Salon

Posted: June 12, 2023 at 10:18 pm

Federal prosecutors notified Donald Trump's legal team that he is a target of their probe into his handling of classified documents after leaving office, people familiar with the investigation told The New York Times.

This has been the clearest signal so far from special counsel Jack Smith's team that Trump is likely to face charges in the Mar-a-Lago documents case, The Times reported.

"It should come as no surprise to anyone that Trump is a target of this investigation, based on public reporting about the evidence," former U.S. Attorney Barb McQuade, a University of Michigan law professor, told Salon. "He is at the center of what appears to be a willful retention of classified documents and obstruction of justice."

Trump's legal team received a "target letter" days before his lawyers James Trusty, John Rowley and Lindsey Halligan met with Smith, who is leading the probe, and others at the Justice Department, to ask prosecutors not to charge the former president.

"Typically, prosecutors will tell a defense attorney upon request whether the client is a target, usually so that the client can assess his potential criminal exposure to decide whether to testify or instead assert the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination," McQuade said.

The Department of Justice is getting ready to petition a grand jury in Washington, DC, to indict the former president on charges of breaching the Espionage Act and obstructing justice as early as Thursday, according to The Independent.Prosecutors are ready to ask grand jurors to approve an indictment against the former president for violating a portion of the US criminal code known as Section 793, which prohibits "gathering, transmitting or losing" any "information respecting the national defense," The Independent reported.Prosecutors plan to ask grand jurors to vote on the indictment on Thursday, but the vote may be delayed for up to a week to give investigators more time to gather additional evidence if required, according to the outlet.

"Legally, the Trump team will get organized for charges to be filed and politically the former president will have to decide on a strategy to publicly address possible charges," Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, told Salon.

Since last year, prosecutors have been examining potential mishandling of classified materials and obstruction of government efforts by Trump after more than 300 documents with classified markings were discovered at Mar-a-Lago.

Last year, FBI agents retrieved more than 100 classified documents from Mar-a-Lago despite Trump being issued a subpoena in May 2022 requesting the return of all documents in his possession and his legal team saying that a diligent search had not turned up any more.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Recent reports indicate that Smith is in the final stages of concluding the probe into Trump after obtaining testimony from various individuals with close ties to the ex-president.

Over 20 members of Trump's Secret Service security team have either testified or been summoned by the Washington grand jury in recent months, according to The Times.

A Florida grand jury has also been hearing testimony from a handful of witnesses since last month, which legal experts have suggested could mean that federal prosecutors have decided as an appropriate venue to file charges.

Former Trump spokesperson Taylor Budowich, who testified before the Florida grand jury on Wednesday, criticized the Justice Department's probe as "bogus and deeply troubling," on Twitter.

It remains unclear how many more witnesses are scheduled to testify before the Miami grand jury.

"This is a stunning development in the political world of former presidents," Rottinghaus said. "We have not had an indictment against a former president let alone one running for president again."

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Congressman Matt Gaetz Introduces Resolution to Hold Former … – Congressman Matt Gaetz

Posted: at 10:18 pm

Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) introduced a resolution to hold Mark F. Pomerantz, a former Trump prosecutor, in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with a congressional subpoena. The resolution directs the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives to summon him.

On February 7th, 2023, Pomerantz published a book about his experience joining the New York County District Attorneys Office in February 2021 to work on the investigation of President Donald Trump. On April 6th, 2023, Pomerantz was subpoenaed by the House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. After frivolous legal challenges to the subpoena, he appeared under oath for a congressional deposition on May 12th, 2023, after a federal judge told him no one is above the law. However, during his appearance, he failed to comply with the subpoena by incorrectly asserting his Fifth Amendment right when asked questions about information he referenced in his book.

"Through his lack of testimony, Mark Pomerantz has undoubtedly undermined the legitimacy of this witch hunt indictment against President Donald Trump. Mr. Pomerantz pled the Fifth to nearly every question about his time in the Manhattan DAs office, despite writing a tell-all book about his time there.

I believe Mr. Pomerantz engaged in misconduct in his targeting of President Trump, and his refusal to answer simple questions should not go unpunished. He should be held in contempt of Congress and be compelled to answer the questions regarding the weaponization of the Manhattan DAs office. If he fails to comply with the congressional subpoena, then the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives must summon him by force, Congressman Gaetz said.

Full text of Congressman Gaetzsresolution can be foundHERE. Additionally, exclusive coverage of the resolution by Fox News can be found HERE.

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Forupdates, subscribe to Congressman Gaetzs newsletterhere.

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LIV, PGA drop a bombshell on Washington – POLITICO

Posted: at 10:18 pm

With help from Daniel Lippman

LIV AND PGAS BOMBSHELL: Saudi-financed LIV Golf announced this morning that it would merge with the PGA Tour and the tours European counterpart in a deal that reverberated across the golf world and official Washington alike after years of acrimony and days after one Washington PR firm registered as a foreign agent for its work for the Saudi upstart league.

As part of the deal, LIV, PGA and DP World Tour will combine to form a new for-profit entity that has yet to be named, into which Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, will pour potentially billions of dollars, PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who will chair the combined entity, told CNBC. Contentious litigation between the golf bodies will come to an end as part of the deal as well.

As POLITICOs Kierra Frazier, Josh Sisco and Hailey Fuchs report, the deal is sure to spark fresh antitrust concerns at the Justice Department, while critics who accused Saudi Arabia of using LIV to rehab the kingdoms tarnished reputation on human rights (critics that until recently included the PGA Tour itself) directed some of that criticism back at the PGA Tour.

Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) called the merger a brazen, shameless cash grab and vowed to dive into every piece of Saudi Arabias deal with the PGA.

Even before the deal was announced, 9/11 Families United demanded that DOJ investigate what the group alleged were numerous disturbing violations of FARA following the retroactive registration last month of the consulting firm Gitcho Goodwin for months of PR work on LIVs behalf. Even as these two consultants have filed retroactively, the groups national Chair Terry Strada wrote in a letter obtained by POLITICO, it appears a number of U.S. consultants paid by the Saudi government have not.

Strada pointed to POLITICOs reporting on the contingent of firms including those with ties to the GOP political world that have supported LIVs launch and efforts to rebuff criticism. As PI wrote last week, several FARA experts predicted that Gitcho Goodwins FARA registration (which has since been terminated) was unlikely to be the last for those working for LIV.

Whether thats true of the soon-to-be-combined golf entity remains to be seen, with so few details available about the structure of the new company. I would think that both the PGA and LIV would account for foreign influence-related considerations (including FARA) in the transaction and prospective structure since those have been so front-and-center during LIVs existence, said Matthew Sanderson, an attorney at Caplin & Drysdale who advises clients on the law.

Josh Rosenstein, an attorney with Sandler Reiff Lamb Rosenstein & Birkenstock who specializes in FARA, argued that the devil will be in the details here, pointing to the statutes exemptions for foreign or state owned or funded companies for certain work. PIF and other sovereign wealth funds like it have invested in plenty of major companies, whose representatives dont register under FARA. The merger does raise the real possibility that the new entity itself would be required to register under FARA, particularly if it remains funded or subsidized by the PIF, he said in an email.

But even though Gitcho Goodwins rationale for registering under FARA which in part cited court filings from LIVs litigation with the PGA Tour might appear to leave little wiggle room for the combined league, he added, theres still a path for the new companys advisers to avoid having to register.

Happy Tuesday and welcome to PI. Send K Street tips: [emailprotected]. And be sure to follow me on Twitter: @caitlinoprysko. CHAMBER ADDS FTC AIDE: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has hired a former aide to recently departed Republican FTC Commissioner Christine Wilson amid the business lobbys feud with the agency and its aggressive antitrust agenda under Chair Lina Khan. Nina Frant is joining the Chamber as vice president for consumer policy.

She most recently served as an attorney-adviser to Wilson, who quit the FTC in protest of Khans leadership earlier this year, and previously was a consumer protection counsel at Wells Fargo and an attorney in the Office of Supervision Policy at the CFPB (another Chamber sparring partner).

In a statement, Chamber antitrust executive Sean Heather said that Frant understands that policies can be both pro-consumer and pro-business, as markets ensure the interests of both are well-aligned. Her experience will be invaluable to our members as we seek to hold regulatory overreach in check.

As part of that effort, the Chamber has already sued the FTC for documents about its rulemaking process and has accused the agency of exceeding its authority. The organization last week applauded the news that Republicans on the House Oversight Committee had opened an investigation into Khans tenure as chair.

FIRST IN PI NARRATIVE BREAKS OUT HEALTH CARE PRACTICE: Public affairs firm Narrative Strategies has hired Rachel Gartner Clark as a managing director, where she will lead a new, formal health care practice for the firm. Gartner Clark was most recently a senior group director at Real Chemistry, and is a Weber Shandwick and Edelman alum.

Since our founding, Narrative has helped healthcare clients win some of the most challenging policy fights while building and enhancing their reputations, Narrative founding partner Ken Spain said in a statement, adding that the restructure would give us an even greater ability to deliver strategic guidance to a growing roster of industry clients.

The firm has also added Zazni Vlijter and Connor Brandi as strategic communications associates. Brandi was previously an associate at Hilltop Public Solutions, and Vlijter was previously an intern at the firm.

NOT GOING DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT: Pharmaceutical giant Merck sued the federal government on Tuesday to block Medicare drug price negotiations, calling the program unconstitutional, POLITICOs Megan Wilson reports.

The complaint, filed against the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, argued that Medicares efforts to negotiate certain drug prices is political Kabuki theater that is tantamount to extortion. It further described the drug negotiation program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, as a dystopian parody of negotiation that violates the companys First and Fifth Amendment rights.

Merck, in its complaint, said the negotiations and the stipulated minimum discounts drugmakers are forced to provide lest they incur a massive tax, run afoul of the Fifth Amendments takings clause, which requires the government provide just compensation for property taken for public use.

WILL THEY GO FOR A HAT TRICK?: The Securities and Exchange Commission sued Coinbase on Tuesday, a back-to-back punch by regulators trying to flex their power over the crypto industry The Wall Street Journals Dave Michaels and Vicky Ge Huang report, following the regulators lawsuit on Monday against Binance and its founder.

The SEC alleged that Coinbase, the largest crypto exchange in the U.S., violated rules that require it to register as an exchange and be overseen by the federal agency. The lawsuits are significant moves by the SEC and Chair Gary Gensler, who took office in 2021, to try to regulate the entire crypto industry.

The SECs strategy has centered on using its enforcement division to subdue crypto companies and show why its regulations apply to crypto activities, with increasing focus on the biggest players rather than just the companies and currencies at the margins.

The SECs lawsuit against Coinbase, filed in Manhattan federal court, bore some notable differences from its lawsuit the day before against Binance. The SEC didnt name Coinbase Chief Executive Brian Armstrong as a defendant or accuse the company of mishandling customer funds. Binance and its U.S. affiliate Binance.US said Monday they would defend themselves, and that all user assets were secure.

The agency had been telegraphing todays move against Coinbase for months, and the exchange pushed back on Tuesday, accusing the SEC of taking an enforcement-only approach with the crypto industry in the absence of clear rules.

FLY-IN SZN: A slew of industry and advocacy groups are hitting the Hill this week for fly-ins, including the National Wood Pallets & Container Association, which is bringing executives to share its priorities for the farm bill like supply chain sustainability and workforce and trade constraints. The trade group is set to meet with more than two dozen offices with an emphasis on Agriculture Committee leaders and members in both chambers, including meetings with Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.).

The Natural Products Association is bringing natural product manufacturers, distributors and retailers to the Hill tomorrow to discuss FDA oversight and enforcement, the dietary supply chain and expanding HSA/FSA coverage for supplements. The group is set to meet with offices from the Senate Finance and HELP and House Ways and Means committees, and Sens. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

The National Grocers Association, meanwhile, is holding its second competition-focused fly-in today and tomorrow. Independent grocers and wholesalers will push lawmakers to strengthen the Robinson-Patman Act and support for SNAP in the farm bill and hold a grocery bagging competition with lawmakers.

Hospice and palliative care advocates are also in town with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Hospice Action Network to educate members and staff on the value of hospice care, and advocate for payment increases and workforce shortages. Theyve got meetings scheduled with more than 100 offices.

Former HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan has been named CEO and president of the housing nonprofit Enterprise Community Partners.

Andrea McGee has joined the National Federation of Independent Business as a federal government relations manager after more than a decade working for Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), most recently as administrative director.

Robert Falb is joining the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations as director of government affairs. He previously served as the director of U.S. regulatory affairs at the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine.

The Household & Commercial Products Association has promoted Mike Gruber from senior vice president to executive vice president of government relations and public policy, and Christopher Finarelli and Michelle Kopa from directors to senior director of state government relations and public policy for the west and east regions, respectively.

Chris Andresen has been named a partner at Dutko Government Relations. Hes been with the firm for 17 years, most recently as a senior vice president.

Amy Davis is Leidos new senior vice president and chief security officer. She was most recently deputy chief for the National Security Agencys office of security and counterintelligence.

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Neil Thurgood has joined Anduril Industries as senior vice president and will lead the companys expansion in Huntsville, Ala. He was most recently the inaugural director of the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technology Office.

Ted Love, the former CEO of Global Blood Therapeutics, was elected chair of the Biotechnology Innovation Organizations board of directors. Love, who will serve a two-year term, succeeds Nkarta CEO Paul Hastings.

Benjy Messner is now of counsel at Precision Strategies to help lead their data and analytics practice. He will also continue work with his own firm, New River Strategies.

Jason Botel is joining Age of Learning as vice president of national partnerships. He was most recently vice president of corporate development at Catapult Learning and is an Education Department alum.

None.

Association for Commuter Transportation PAC (ACT PAC) (PAC) Blue AZ PAC (Super PAC) Don Tommy Pham (PAC) Fight Like Hell PAC (Hybrid PAC) The Riverside PAC (Super PAC) Vannevar Labs, Inc. PAC (PAC) Voyager PAC (PAC)

Ballard Partners: Julian Rudolph Ballard Partners: Sr Technologies, Inc. Ballard Partners: Techlaunch Academy Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Sierra Space Cfm Strategic Communications (Conkling Fiskum & Mccormick): Seh America Empire Consulting Group: Fox Corporation Holland & Knight LLP: Quantum Industry Coalition Intealth: Intealth Mclarty Inbound LLC: An Acquisition, LLC Ogilvy Government Relations: Iapd - The Performance Plastics Association Subject Matter: Fox Corporation The Normandy Group, LLC: City Of Boerne, Texas The Raben Group: Reform Alliance Todd Strategy Group: Fox Corporation Tonio Burgos & Associates, Inc.: Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency And Financial Advisory Authority Venable LLP: Vertanical Gmbh Vitello Consulting: Stonington Global On Bhalf Of Pyle USa

None.

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It’s time to end home equity theft in Maine – Bangor Daily News

Posted: at 10:18 pm

The BDN Opinion section operates independently and does not set newsroom policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or onbangordailynews.com.

Nick Murray is the director of policy at Maine Policy Institute, a free-market think tank headquartered in Portland.

Imagine being a retiree who has owned your home for many years. You primarily live off Social Security but do odd jobs on occasion to keep up with the bills.

The COVID-19 pandemic hits. Fearing the virus, given your own vulnerability, you stop taking on those odd jobs and opt to stay indoors. Now youre relying entirely on Social Security.

As the pandemic rages on and the government responds by spending trillions of dollars, contributing to inflation, you find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. Grocery, heatand utility billsall rose. Your budget is stretched thinner than ever before.

Now you dont have enough money to pay your property tax bill on time. The late fees pile up. Eventually, the town seizes your property and sells it. It keeps all the proceeds despite the comparatively small debt you owed.

You cant even take the equity you built in your old home over the years to resettle elsewhere the town kept it. You have literally nothing left.

Sadly, laws in 13 states, including Maine, allow this situation to play out. Its called home equity theft, and its time to put an end to it.

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court held unanimouslythat municipalities cannot keep surplus home equity after seizing and selling a delinquent taxpayers property to settle the debt.

The case concerned 94-year-old Geraldine Tyler of Minnesota who failed to keep up with her property taxes, owing nearly $3,000 in taxes and more than $12,000 in late fees to Hennepin County. The county seized her property and sold it for $40,000. But county officials didnt return the $25,000 she had built in equity they kept it.

Ultimately, the court sided with Tyler and ruled that local governments cannot take more than what is required to pay off the debt, as such a seizure conflicts with the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment. This clause prohibits the government from taking property from individuals without just compensation.

This happens in Maine, too. According to the Pacific Legal Foundation, between 2014 and 2021, 43 Maine homes were subject to home equity theft. On average, the owners of those homes lost $167,000, or 88 percent, of the equity they had built. Those individuals lost a total of $4 million combined in equity. Sixty-five percent of those seizures were for tax debts less than the cost of a 10-year-old Ford F-150 pickup truck.

Its hard to understand the rationale for why such a law would exist in the first place. If a state can strip someones property rights because of a tax debt, and allow a local government to seize that property for its own uses, the Fifth Amendment is meaningless.

Of course, you should pay your taxes on time, but it has never made much sense why a local government can seize and sell a property for its full value when only a fraction of that price was owed in debt. It has been and will always be theft.

Fortunately, there is a vehicle in the Maine Legislature that would improve the status quo. LD 101, sponsored by Rep. Chad Perkins, RDover-Foxcroft, would only allow a town to keep surplus equity in this situation if a homeowner fails to claim it within 90 days.

While this provides an avenue for homeowners to reclaim the equity they lost, even better would be to require towns to return the surplus equity in full to the former homeowner. There is no good reason for local governments to keep these funds after the debt has been paid. The decision in the Tyler case shows that the Supreme Court shares this view.

Unfortunately, the Legislatures Tax Committee voted to table the billon May 30, making its passage unlikely by the end of the current special session.

Why should Mainers have to wait for this unjust law to be fixed? The high court was clear that laws like Maines which allow for home equity theft cannot stand, and lawmakers must act accordingly. If not, as reported by the Bangor Daily News, states could face damages in the millions in future lawsuits.

Its time for the state and local governments to cut the cord and stop violating Mainers private property rights.

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Morning Medical Update: Gut bacteria and longevity; People with … – Medical Economics

Posted: at 10:17 pm

Alena Kryazheva - stock.adobe.com

Gut bacteria and longevity

Scientists recently examined the microbiomes of centenarians from Japan and Sardinia and found that they have more diverse bacteria and viruses. The study included 195 centenarians, 133 older adults, and 61 young adults. Of the 4,422 viruses they found, 1,746 were newly discovered.

People with focal epilepsy often have seizures while driving before diagnosis

Prior to a focal epilepsy diagnosis, 5% of sufferers have had a seizure while driving. Focal epilepsy accounts for half of all epilepsy diagnoses. It affects one half of the brain. There are roughly 126,180 driving-age people in the country diagnosed with epilepsy each year,"Jacob Pellinen, MD, study author, University of Colorado in Aurora and member of the American Academy of Neurology said in an article. We estimate nearly 6,500 people per year may experience prediagnosis seizures while driving in the United States alone, leading to nearly 4,000 possible motor vehicle accidents and over 2,200 hospitalizations.

Chemo drug shortage

More than 90% of cancer centers in the United States are reporting a shortage of chemotherapy drugs, specifically cisplatin and carboplatin. In response, the Food and Drug Administration announced it would partner with Chinese company Qilu Pharmaceutical to boost the supply. Canadian company Apotex will also distribute the medication.

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Saint Bernard Lifespan: How Long Do Saint Bernards Live? – AZ Animals

Posted: at 10:17 pm

Key Points

Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock.com

Saint Bernards are beloved giant dogs known for their gentle nature, loyalty, and remarkable rescue abilities. One question often asked by potential owners is, How long do Saint Bernards live? Understanding the lifespan of this magnificent breed is essential for providing them with the best care throughout their lives.

On average, Saint Bernards have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. However, individual dogs may vary, with some living shorter or longer lives. Several factors contribute to the lifespan of Saint Bernards, including genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall living conditions.

everydoghasastory/Shutterstock.com

The Saint Bernard is an iconic and beloved dog breed known for its massive size, gentle nature, and incredible rescue abilities. With a rich history and endearing temperament, Saint Bernards have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide. Lets dive into the fascinating world of this remarkable breed.

Originating from the Swiss Alps, the Saint Bernard has a history rooted in the hospice of the Great St. Bernard Pass. These dogs were bred by monks in the hospice to serve as rescue dogs, aiding travelers who found themselves trapped or lost in the treacherous mountainous terrain. With their exceptional sense of direction, powerful build, and instinctive rescue abilities, Saint Bernards played a vital role in saving numerous lives.

One of the most distinguishing features of the Saint Bernard is its massive size. These dogs are considered giants. According to the AKC, males typically stand 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 140 to 180 pounds (64 to 82 kg). Females are slightly smaller but still impressively large, standing 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm) tall and weighing between 120 to 140 pounds (54 to 64 kg). Their imposing stature, combined with their friendly and patient nature, make them an unforgettable presence.

The Saint Bernard has a strong and muscular build, well-suited to its historical role as a rescue dog. Their broad chests, deep bodies, and sturdy legs give them the strength and endurance to navigate treacherous mountainous terrain. Their large, expressive eyes are gentle and kind, reflecting their friendly and approachable personality.

This breeds coat is dense and weather-resistant, designed to protect them in harsh alpine conditions. The Saint Bernard has two coat types: smooth and rough. The smooth-coated variety has a short and sleek coat. In contrast, the rough-coated variety has a dense, long coat with feathering on the legs and tail. Their coats come in various colors, including the classic combination of white with red, red with white, or mahogany brindle markings.

Known for their gentle and friendly nature, Saint Bernards are renowned for being excellent family pets. They are famously patient and tolerant, especially with children, making them ideal companions for families of all sizes. Their calm and easygoing temperament makes them well-suited for living in households with other pets. However, their sheer size and exuberance may require supervision and training to ensure they dont unintentionally overwhelm smaller animals or individuals.

Saint Bernards are intelligent and eager to please, although they may exhibit a stubborn streak at times. Early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement-based training methods are key to ensuring they grow up well-behaved and obedient companions. With patience, consistency, and rewards, these dogs can excel in obedience training and even participate in various canine sports and activities.

While Saint Bernards are generally calm and docile, they still require regular exercise to maintain their overall health and well-being. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential to prevent boredom and keep them physically fit. Despite their size, they can adapt well to living in apartments or smaller homes as long as owners meet their exercise needs.

Marie A. Dolphin/Shutterstock.com

The lifespan of a Saint Bernard mixed breed can vary depending on several factors. While the average lifespan of a purebred Saint Bernard is around 8 to 10 years, the lifespan of a mixed breed dog is affected by the genetic traits inherited from both parent breeds. Popular mixed breeds may inherit health issues from Saint Bernard or the other parent breed. Proper care, including regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and early detection of health issues, can contribute to a longer and healthier life for a Saint Bernard mixed breed.

Poodles are known for their intelligence and low-shedding coats, and they have a lifespan ranging from 10 to 18 years. The Saint Berdoodle may inherit these desirable traits when mixed with a Saint Bernard. This mix often results in a large, intelligent, hypoallergenic dog with a wavy or curly coat. Saint Berdoodles are typically friendly, social, and good-natured, making them excellent companions for families or individuals.

German Shepherds are renowned for their loyalty, trainability, and protective instincts, with an average lifespan of 9 to 13 years. When combined with a Saint Bernard, the Saint Shepherd can exhibit a blend of these characteristics. This mix may result in a large, agile, and intelligent dog with a protective nature. Saint Shepherds are often devoted to their families, making them excellent working dogs, companions, or guardians.

The Great Pyrenees is known for its protective nature and has a lifespan of around 10 to 12 years. When mixed with a Saint Bernard, the Saint Pyrenees can inherit both parent breeds gentle and loyal traits. This mix may result in a large, majestic dog with a thick, weather-resistant coat. Saint Pyrenees dogs are often devoted to their families, making them excellent family pets or companions.

Rottweilers are renowned for their strength and loyalty and typically have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. When mixed with a Saint Bernard, the Saint Weiler may possess a combination of both parent breeds protective instincts and working abilities. This mix may result in a large, powerful, and confident dog that requires consistent training and socialization from an early age.

Great Danes are known for their gentle and friendly nature, with an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. When combined with a Saint Bernard, the Saint Dane can inherit the impressive size and loving disposition of both parent breeds. This mix may result in a giant dog with a calm and patient temperament. Saint Danes often make affectionate and loyal companions, but their large size requires adequate space and regular exercise.

Belgian Malinois are intelligent and energetic dogs with a lifespan of around 12 to 14 years. When mixed with a Saint Bernard, the Saint Malinois may inherit the high energy levels and agility of both parent breeds. This mix may result in a large and active dog that thrives on mental and physical stimulation. Saint Malinois dogs often excel in various activities such as obedience, agility, and search and rescue.

Newfoundlands are known for their gentle and patient nature, with an average lifespan of approximately 9 to 10 years. When combined with a Saint Bernard, the Saint Bernewfie can possess both parent breeds sweet and affectionate qualities. This mix may result in a large and friendly dog well-suited for families. Saint Bernewfies often exhibit a calm demeanor and enjoy spending time with their loved ones.

It is important to note that each individual dog within these mixed breeds can vary in appearance, temperament, and health. While these descriptions provide an overview of the potential characteristics, it is essential to research and meet specific mixed-breed dogs to understand their unique traits and needs better.

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Barry holds the distinction of being one of the oldest Saint Bernards with documented records. One of the most celebrated Saint Bernards in history, he has become a symbol of the breeds rescue abilities. He was born in 1800. Barry served as a mountain rescue dog at the Great St. Bernard Pass hospice in the Swiss Alps. He gained recognition for his exceptional tracking skills, intelligence, and courage in rescuing stranded travelers in the mountains.

Barrys impressive rescue career spanned over a decade, during which he saved numerous lives. He became renowned for his heroic efforts and was credited with saving more than 40 people. Barrys bravery and loyalty captured the imagination of people worldwide. He became a legendary figure in the annals of rescue dogs.

After retiring, Barry lived out the rest of his life at the hospice. Here he became a beloved and cherished companion to the monks and travelers. Barry passed away in 1814 at the age of 14. He left an indelible mark on the history of the Saint Bernard breed.

Although limited official documentation exists on the ages of oldest-living Saint Bernards, anecdotal reports indicate that dogs of this breed have lived well into their teens. These unofficial reports suggest that some Saint Bernards have reached ages such as 14. Some claim of individuals who have lived to be up to 18 years old. These reports highlight the potential for extended lifespans within the breed.

The factors that contribute to the Saint Bernards longevity are multifaceted. Genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and living conditions all play a role in determining a dogs lifespan. Responsible breeding can increase the likelihood of producing long-lived dogs, too.

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Various factors influence the lifespan of a Saint Bernard. These factors range from underlying health issues to the care and environment they receive throughout their lives. Understanding these factors can help owners make informed decisions to promote a long and healthy life for their beloved Saint Bernards. Here are some key factors that impact the lifespan of these gentle giants.

Like many large dog breeds, Saint Bernards are prone to specific health issues that can impact their lifespan. Common health concerns in Saint Bernards include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, bloat, and certain types of cancer. These conditions can affect the dogs quality of life and potentially shorten their lifespan. Responsible breeding practices require following procedures such as health testing and carefully selecting breeding pairs with good genetic health. This effort can help reduce the risk of inheriting these health issues.

Veterinarians commonly perform these procedures on dogs to prevent specific health issues. As well as unwanted pregnancies. Spaying a female Saint Bernard before her first heat cycle can help reduce the risk of mammary tumors and uterine infections. Neutering a male Saint Bernard can help prevent testicular cancer and reduce the risk of prostate issues. These procedures may contribute to a longer and healthier life for Saint Bernards by mitigating certain health risks associated with reproductive organs.

Regular veterinary care is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of a Saint Bernard. Routine check-ups, vaccinations, parasite control, and dental care are essential components of preventive healthcare. Early detection and treatment of any health issues can help prevent them from progressing and potentially extend the dogs lifespan. Regular veterinary visits also allow the veterinarian to assess the dogs overall health and provide guidance on specific care needs.

Regular exercise is vital for the physical and mental well-being of a Saint Bernard. While they have a calm and gentle nature, they still require moderate exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity. As well as to keep their muscles and joints in good condition. Adequate exercise can also contribute to cardiovascular health and mental stimulation. However, it is important to avoid excessive exercise. Especially in young Saint Bernards, as their joints are still developing, and excessive strain can lead to long-term joint issues.

A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for a Saint Bernards overall health and longevity. High-quality dog food that meets their specific nutritional needs should be provided. The diet should be rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. In addition to avoiding excessive calories that can lead to obesity. Avoiding overfeeding to prevent weight gain is important. Excessive weight gain can put extra strain on joints and organs and increase the risk of certain health issues. Consultation with a veterinarian can help determine the appropriate diet for an individual Saint Bernard. Veterinarians can determine a proper diet based on the age, weight, and specific health requirements of a dog.

The living environment of a Saint Bernard can impact their lifespan. Extreme weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, can be detrimental to their health and well-being. Owners must provide adequate shelter and climate control to ensure comfort and safety. A safe and secure living environment that minimizes exposure to potential hazards or accidents can also contribute to a longer and healthier life.

Saint Bernards exhibit a gentle and affectionate nature.. Providing them with love, attention, and social interaction is crucial for their emotional well-being. From an early age, positive socialization experiences with other animals and humans can help shape their behavior and temperament. Spending quality time with them and providing mental stimulation is key. As well as engaging in bonding activities to strengthen the human-canine bond and contribute to their happiness and contentment.

Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock.com

In conclusion, various factors affect the lifespan of Saint Bernards. Responsible breeding practices, routine veterinary care, exercise, a balanced diet, a suitable environment, and the love and affection their owners provide all promote a long and healthy life for these magnificent dogs. By understanding and addressing these factors, owners can contribute to the well-being and longevity of their cherished Saint Bernards.

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Artificial Intelligence and the Aging Process: A Match Made for … – Down to Game

Posted: at 10:17 pm

Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Prolonging the Aging Process and Enhancing Longevity

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in recent years, revolutionizing industries and transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. One area where AI is poised to make a significant impact is in the field of aging and longevity. As the global population continues to age, there is a growing need for innovative solutions to address the challenges associated with aging and to promote healthy, active, and fulfilling lives for older adults. AI has the potential to play a crucial role in this endeavor, helping to unlock the secrets of the aging process and develop novel interventions to extend human lifespan and improve overall health.

One of the most promising applications of AI in the field of aging research is the use of machine learning algorithms to analyze large-scale, complex datasets. These datasets, which can include genomic, proteomic, and other molecular data, can provide valuable insights into the biological processes that drive aging and age-related diseases. By identifying patterns and relationships within these data, AI can help researchers pinpoint key factors that contribute to aging and develop targeted interventions to slow or reverse the aging process.

For example, AI has been used to identify new genetic targets for age-related diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons, as well as to discover novel compounds that can extend the lifespan of model organisms such as yeast, worms, and flies. In one study, researchers used machine learning to analyze the gene expression profiles of long-lived individuals and identified a set of genes that were associated with increased longevity. These findings could potentially be used to develop new therapies that target these genes and promote healthy aging.

Another area where AI is making a significant impact is in the development of personalized medicine for older adults. As individuals age, they often experience a decline in organ function and an increased susceptibility to chronic diseases. AI can help to address these challenges by analyzing individual health data and providing personalized recommendations for lifestyle changes, medications, and other interventions that can help to optimize health and well-being.

For instance, AI-powered wearable devices can monitor vital signs, activity levels, and other health metrics in real-time, allowing for the early detection of potential health issues and the delivery of personalized interventions. Additionally, AI can be used to analyze electronic health records and other medical data to identify patterns and trends that can inform the development of individualized treatment plans for older adults.

AI is also playing a role in the development of new technologies that can improve the quality of life for older adults and help them maintain their independence. For example, AI-powered robots and smart home systems can assist with daily tasks, provide companionship, and monitor the health and safety of older adults, allowing them to age in place and reduce the burden on caregivers and healthcare systems.

Moreover, AI can help to address the social and emotional aspects of aging by facilitating communication and social interaction among older adults. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide companionship and support, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation that are common among older adults. These technologies can also help to bridge the gap between older adults and their younger family members, fostering intergenerational connections and promoting a sense of belonging and purpose.

In conclusion, the integration of artificial intelligence into the field of aging research and care holds great promise for enhancing longevity and improving the quality of life for older adults. By harnessing the power of AI to analyze complex datasets, develop personalized interventions, and create innovative technologies, we can unlock the secrets of the aging process and pave the way for a future where aging is no longer synonymous with decline and disease, but rather with health, vitality, and fulfillment.

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‘Human Resources’ Was Poised to Be Netflix’s Longest-Running … – PRIMETIMER

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Rosie Perez as Petra the Ambition Gremlin, Maria Bamford as Tito the Anxiety Mosquito, Randall Park as Pete the Logic Rock, and Keke Palmer as Rochelle the Lovebug in Human Resources (Photo: Netflix)

The animated comedy Big Mouth debuted in 2017, which means that Nick Birch (Nick Kroll), Andrew Glouberman (John Mulaney), and all their friends have already been in middle school for six years. With two more seasons on the way over the next two years, these kids have been experiencing the pains of puberty for more than half as long as theyve been alive. It puts into perspective the limits of a series that explores a very specific time and universal series of events.

The 2022 spinoff, Human Resources, seemed to solve that problem. Instead of a coming-of-age or school-based story, it was positioned as a workplace sitcom. The creatures introduced through the perspectives of the central characters in Big Mouth didnt just disappear into a void when they werent around they went back to an office with countless other departments and monsters and clients, a set with a seemingly endless well of inspiration for stories.

But Netflix announced earlier this year that Season 2 will be Human Resources last, ending two years before Big Mouth wraps up in 2025. Over the last year, the two shows have remained tethered, sharing characters and storylines, and Big Mouths final two seasons promise to continue that symbiosis. It was Human Resources, however, that was primed to be the last one standing. In fact, its the Netflix show that could have outlasted every other series on the streamer.

As an animated series, its already better positioned for longevity than most of Netflixs offerings. Unlike a show like, say, Stranger Things, theres no worry about cast members aging out of their roles, no big-budget effects to worry about, and no real need for actors to be in the same room to share a scene. The concept of the series is specific enough to stand out in Netflixs library without stepping on the toes of other original programming, but the office setting makes for a relatable and understandable format. The fact that said office exists in a completely made-up realm where earthly rules dont apply makes anything possible.

Of course, it's one thing to have that freedom without knowing exactly how to use it and something entirely different to wield it to create something smart, inclusive, and extremely silly. The newly released Season 2 does just that by introducing some new creatures while focusing on an entirely different set of human clients, offering an opportunity for more representation among the cast and narrative.

For example, disability rights activist Alice Wong plays a fictionalized version of herself. She is primarily guided by her lovebug, Rochelle (Keke Palmer), but soon grows to have a complicated relationship with the newly introduced Hope (Niecy Nash-Betts), which is made worse when Rochelle turns into a hate-worm.

On the surface, personifying each emotion into its a cartoon character may seem like an oversimplification of what Alice and other clients are feeling as they navigate the world. But humanizing even the smallest human emotion allows for a nuanced exploration of why love turns to hate, how hope can lead to disappointment, why logic alone cant solve every problem, and how often throughout someones life the hormones that make them the horniest can appear out of nowhere. Its a tactic thats not just useful for the younger audiences that Big Mouth may draw what Human Resources really taps into is the idea that all people (yes, even adults!) are just doing their best to figure out how they feel and why.

A wide variety of people could easily fit into Human Resources template for exploring universal human emotions, and there are many more nuanced emotions begging for departments and employees of their own. The series debuted with a firmly established and perpetually reloadable premise in place, and Season 2 is proof of its staying power. Unfortunately, at least for now, its potential will go unrealized, and well be left having to figure out how to deal with what and how we feel about that on our own.

Human Resources Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Netflix. Join the discussion about the show in our forums.

Brianna Wellen is a TV Reporter at Primetimer who became obsessed with television when her parents let her stay up late to watch E.R.

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Early Life Adversity Doesn’t Affect Gorillas Like Other Species – The Good Men Project

Posted: at 10:16 pm

By Morgan Sherburne-Michigan

Gorillas who survive past age 6 are largely unaffected by adversity they encountered as infants or juveniles, according to new research.

Theres something most speciesfrom baboons to humans to horseshave in common: When they suffer serious adversity early in life, theyre more likely to experience hardship later on in life.

When researchers decided to look at this question in gorillas, they werent sure what they would find.

Previous studies revealed that young gorillas are surprisingly resilient to losing their mothers, in contrast to what has been found in many other species. But losing your mother is only one of many potential bad things that can happen to young animals.

Assuming that you survive something that we consider early life adversity, its often still the case that you will be less healthy or you will have fewer kids or your lifespan will be shorterno matter what species you are, says Stacy Rosenbaum, assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Michigan and senior author of the study in the journal Current Biology.

Theres this whole range of things that happens to you that seems to just make your life worse in adulthood.

Like other species, humans also deal with early life adversity, and the effects of this can follow us into adulthood, such as a shorter lifespan or health complications, Rosenbaum says. But in humans, its difficult to tease out whether we, for example, develop cancer or die early as adults because of an adverse event early in life per se, or whether its because of a multitude of behavioral, environmental, and cultural factorsor a combination of all of the above.

Studying these early adverse events in nonhuman species could help researchers understand how such events affect humans, and how to mitigate them.

When you look at animals, you remove a lot of the variation that we have in humans. For example, they are all eating similar diets, they all get exercise as part of their daily lives, they dont have the opportunity to engage in behaviors with negative health outcomes like smoking, says lead author Robin Morrison, a researcher with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

But despite this, in most species it is still the case that early adversity can have negative effects in adulthood, which suggests that there is some kind of deeper biological mechanism there that we dont understand very well, Morrison says.

That gorillas show a different pattern suggests these early life adversities can be overcome. Understanding why and how this happens can have significant implications for our own species, she says.

Like humans, gorillas live a long time and have a small number of offspring that they heavily invest in. This makes them a good comparative animal model for understanding the ramifications of early life adverse events.

For the study, the researchers looked at 55 years of long-term data collected in 253 wild mountain gorillas, 135 of which were male and 118 female. These gorillas live in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and have been monitored for more than five decades by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

The researchers identified six different kinds of early life adversity: losing a father or mother, experiencing the death of a group member by infanticide, social group instability, having few age-mates in the social group, and having a competing sibling who was born soon after them. The data included information about how many of these early adversities each gorilla experienced and at what age, as well as how long each gorilla lived.

The researchers looked at what happened when a gorilla experienced none, one, two, or three or more adverse events. They found that the more of these adverse events gorillas experienced before age 6, the more likely they were to die as juveniles.

But if, despite experiencing early adversity, they survived until age 6past their juvenile stagethe researchers found no evidence that their lifespans were shorter, no matter how many adverse events the gorillas suffered.

In fact, if a gorilla experienced three or more forms of adversity, it actually lived longer; this group of animals had a 70% reduction in the risk of death across adulthood.

But this was driven by greater longevity in males specifically, and the researchers suspect the trend was due to something called viability selection. This means that if a gorilla was strong enough to survive difficult early life events, it might just be a higher-quality individual, and thus more likely to have a longer life span.

I was expecting to see that these gorillas would have short lifespans and would not do very well as adults, Rosenbaum says. We found that these events are definitely associated with a much higher risk of death when youre young. But if you survive to age 6, theres no evidence that those shorten your lifespan at all. This is quite different from what we see in other species.

The researchers have some theories about why these mountain gorillas were so resilient. Gorillas have very tight-knit social groups and prior studies have shown that when a young gorilla loses its mom, it doesnt actually become more isolated: other gorillas fill the gap in social companionship.

The youngster actually increases its time near other gorillas after the loss of its mom and in particular the highest-ranking adult male, even if he isnt their biological father, Morrison says. These strong networks might provide critical social buffering, as has been shown in humans. The quality of our social relationships is a very important predictor of our health and longevityin some cases, more important than genetics or lifestyle.

Another reason they may be relatively buffered from the consequences of adversity is that mountain gorillas live in a resource-rich environment compared to many other wild primates. It may be easier for a gorilla to survive difficult circumstances if they are not also constantly dealing with the stress of finding enough food and water, Rosenbaum says.

For comparison, savanna baboonswho were the inspiration for this analysislive in this highly seasonal environment where they go through extreme droughts. They sometimes will have to walk miles to get to a water hole. Theyre often struggling for every single calorie they take in, she says. Thats not the world that mountain gorillas live in. Theyre often described as living in a giant salad bowl.

The findings suggest that species similar to our own can have significant resilience to early life adversity. The results also raise important questions about the biological roots of sensitivity to early experiences, and the protective mechanisms that contribute to resilience in gorillas.

I dont think we should assume that the long-term negative effects of early life adversity are universal, Rosenbaum says. We tend to talk about this as if its a ubiquitous experience, and a given that your adulthood is going to be compromised if you live through early adversity.

But I dont think its nearly that cut-and-dry, even in the human literature. I think the data are a lot more complex for humans and this research would suggest that they might be more complex for other animals, too. And I actually think that thats a hopeful story.

Source: University of Michigan

Original Study DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.051

This post was previously published on Futurity with a Creative Commons License.

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