Daily Archives: July 1, 2024

Intelsat selects Starfish Space to provide life extending services to its geostationary satellite SatNews – SatNews

Posted: July 1, 2024 at 1:32 am

Intelsat signed a contract for a Starfish Otter servicing vehicle to provide life extension services to an Intelsat geostationary satellite, beginning in 2026. This major agreement furthers Intelsats commitment to use satellite servicing technologies to maximize the value its satellites can provide to customers and will mark Starfishs first mission to provide services to a commercial satellite operator with Otter.

For six decades, Intelsat has shown commitment to innovation and leveraging new technologies from throughout the industry, said Jean-Luc Froeliger, Intelsats Senior Vice President of Space Systems. By engaging with emerging ventures, we create unique value for Intelsat while fostering a dynamic and competitive environment that drives advancement in space systems. Starfish is the perfect example of this kind of progress, and we look forward to utilizing the services provided by their Otter satellite to maximize the value the worlds largest geostationary satellite fleet can deliver for our customers.

Intelsat has been a pioneer of extending satellite missions, signing its first agreement for satellite life extension in 2016, and procuring multiple additional life extension missions in recent years. The contract between Intelsat and Starfish represents a significant step for both companies, expanding the market for satellite servicing, and moving the industry towards a new paradigm for satellite operations. With its Otter spacecraft, Starfish Space uses a small satellite architecture and breakthrough hardware and software technologies to provide rapid, flexible, and cost-effective on-orbit servicing missions for satellites.

Starfish will begin its first servicing mission for Intelsat in 2026. Initially, Otter will dock with and maneuver a retired Intelsat satellite in geostationary graveyard orbit. Following this initial operation, Otter will proceed to dock with and provide life extension service to an operational Intelsat satellite, using its onboard propulsion system to keep the client satellite in operational orbit for additional years of life.

Starfish Space is delighted to be supporting Intelsat with services provided by Otter, said Dr. Trevor Bennett, Co-Founder of Starfish Space. They are an incredible team at the forefront of the industry and the Otter will help them deliver even more to their customers. Were also excited that this will be the first of many Otters that will make on-orbit servicing a standard part of satellite operations.

Read the original:

Intelsat selects Starfish Space to provide life extending services to its geostationary satellite SatNews - SatNews

Posted in Life Extension | Comments Off on Intelsat selects Starfish Space to provide life extending services to its geostationary satellite SatNews – SatNews

What Is Eczema and How Can You Treat it? – POPSUGAR

Posted: at 1:32 am

The following scenario is all too familiar to many: you experience a sudden, intense itch. That itch turns into an angry, scaly red rash, and then that begins to spread. No, it's not poison ivy nor chickenpox. You have atopic dermatitis, better known as eczema.

According to the National Eczema Association, more than 31 million people in the United States alone experience this genetic skin condition. Everyone from Adele to Suni Lee has dealt with it and recently, it gained media attention thanks to the 2023 documentary "Under My Skin: Untold Stories of Life with Eczema," as well as the 2016 HBO series "The Night Of," in which John Turturro's character, John Stone, has an intense case of eczema. While his flare-ups famously landed him in the hospital, the common ailment can typically be managed with some simple tips.

To better understand eczema and what causes it, we spoke with dermatologist Craig Austin, MD, New York City dermatologist and founder of Cane + Austin, to get the lowdown. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Craig Austin, MD, is a New York City dermatologist and founder of Cane + Austin.

Eczema is a common, chronic inflammatory skin condition where an overactive immune system leads to an impaired skin barrier that can cause dry, itchy skin and even skin infections. "Medically, it's called atopic dermatitis," says Dr. Austin. "It's usually an itch that rashes rather than a rash that itches."

What makes the skin condition more complicated, however, is that it manifests itself differently for everyone. It can appear as early as infancy and usually shows up on the face, elbows, and knees. From there, it can eventually spread to other parts of the body and can be quite painful if left untreated. Dermatologists typically diagnose eczema by its appearance and occasionally by biopsies to exclude any other issues.

Eczema's cause is unknown, though the British Journal of Dermatology found that it may begin as an autoimmune condition. Genetics, as well as a family history of allergies, can also play a role. If someone in your family has eczema, you're more likely to develop it at some point during your life.

The tricky part about this skin condition is that there are many potential causes that can trigger flare-ups, such as genetics, your environment, stress, or even allergies. "Once your skin is dry, it breaks down easily to form a rash," Dr. Austin says.

Environmental factors like cold, dry air, overexposure to water, air pollutants, low humidity, smoking, irritating soaps or perfumes, stress, and diet can all contribute to eczema.

Again, though eczema rashes can occur anywhere on the body, Dr. Austin says that it's more common on flexural areas (elbows, backs of knees, neck, etc.) and arms and legs. "It probably occurs on the extremities more due to the lack of circulation to these areas, thus resulting in drier skin."

Unfortunately, eczema can go beyond seriously intense itching; sufferers are more at risk for skin infections. "A person with eczema who develops a cold sore due to herpes simplex virus is more susceptible to having it spread all over the skin," says Dr. Austin. Those with this condition are also vulnerable to erythroderma, an inflammatory disease that causes much of the body to become red. This will lead to loss of bodily fluids and electrolytes.

"These are serious issues which all need to be regulated in a hospital under supervision of doctors," he says.

The best course of action when treating any serious skin condition, but especially severe eczema, is with a dermatologist's help. They can equip you with prescription-strength steroids to alleviate rashes quickly. Another option is over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, but make sure you don't use it for longer than five days to a week.

Otherwise, gentle exfoliation and deep hydration are essential when dealing with these rashes; exfoliate to remove the dull, dry skin, then moisturize the tender skin underneath with a rich cream. Some of the best products for eczema on the market are available at the drugstore.

Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at PS, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.

Emily Orofino was a former editor for PS Beauty.

Read the rest here:
What Is Eczema and How Can You Treat it? - POPSUGAR

Posted in Eczema | Comments Off on What Is Eczema and How Can You Treat it? – POPSUGAR

Olympian Suni Lee Shares ‘Isolating’ Eczema Struggle: ‘Daily Thing That I Have to Battle’ – Yahoo Canada Shine On

Posted: at 1:32 am

As she looks ahead to the Paris Olympics, the gold medalist shares how shes overcome the stress of the chronic skin condition

Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty

U.S. Olympic champion Sunisa 'Suni' Lee is sharing her lifelong struggle with eczema, which she said started when she was child.

My skin was always super dry, super flaky. It was really uncomfortable because it was really itchy," she said, according to CBS News, sharing that her mom took her to a dermatologist to help get the chronic skin condition under control.

"It can be kind of isolating when you deal with eczema and having an eczema flare-up, so I just want people to know that you are not alone and it does not define you."

Evan Frost/Minnesota Public Radio via AP

Lee, who won the gold medal for Team USA in the gymnastics all-around at the Tokyo Summer Olympics, is looking forward to the upcoming gymnastic trials, which will determine who represents the U.S. at the upcomingParis Olympics. Lee, 21, shared her eczema struggle during a panel with pharmaceutical brand Eli Lilly and Company, which is a sponsor of Team USA.

Never miss a story sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

"Eczema flare ups, they can definitely get in my head," said Lee during the panel. "Being on a competition floor, having so many eyes on you and just trying not to be worried about if people are looking at my skin or like itching myself because the more that I itch myself, the flakier it's going to get, the drier it's going to get."

The National Eczema Association says that anxiety and stress can trigger a flare-up of the itchy, chronic condition something Lee said she experiences.

Related: After Years of Struggling with Severe Eczema, Abby Tai Has Found Healing Through Helping Others 'Conquer' Theirs

Stress is a daily thing that I have to battle," she said, and that "definitely starts to pick up when I have to perform."

"I do have to be out there in a leotard where my skin is fully exposed and everyone can see it, and the insecurity I feel like was just holding me back," she said. "So the more I started to embrace it ... and just went out there and competed with it, I was fine.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty

"When you deal with it and you're constantly looking down at your skin, you probably think, 'Oh, other people are looking at it and staring at it.' But in reality, I don't really think anyone's looking that hard.

The gymnast who said she has a treatment plan in place for her eczema has been open about her other health struggles, sharing that she was diagnosed with an incurable kidney disease that forced her to cut her college gymnastics career short.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

But she said that shes taking steps to protect her mental health: I like to journal and get out everything I feel. I also go to therapy a lot, where I can just say how I feel and just work through all of the mental challenges that I have to go through."

And now, shes looking to the future and competing for her place on Team USA.

Related: Katie Couric Shows Eczema Flare-Up in Vulnerable Photo: 'It Just Flares Up a Lot and Its So Annoying!'

"I have had to deal with so much the past two years. Just feels so good to know that I can be back out there, not even at my best, and I can still be able to perform," she told CBS News.

"I'm so excited."

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.

Follow this link:
Olympian Suni Lee Shares 'Isolating' Eczema Struggle: 'Daily Thing That I Have to Battle' - Yahoo Canada Shine On

Posted in Eczema | Comments Off on Olympian Suni Lee Shares ‘Isolating’ Eczema Struggle: ‘Daily Thing That I Have to Battle’ – Yahoo Canada Shine On

Many With Eczema Don’t Get the Mental Health Support They Need, Study Shows – Everyday Health

Posted: at 1:32 am

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) comes with an increased risk of mental health issues like depression or anxiety. That can be due to feelings of shame or embarrassment about their condition or sleep problems caused by itch, for instance. But, many with atopic dermatitis dont receive the mental health support they need, according to a new study from the National Eczema Association (NEA).

[1]

[2]

Our data really does indicate that many individuals even with milder disease, or even clearer skin are dealing with mental health issues, says senior study author Wendy Smith Begolka, who is the chief strategy officer at the National Eczema Association, where she oversees research, medical, and community affairs. So theres certainly an opportunity to talk about mental health alongside treatment in a more holistic way, broader than whats just on the skin.

[3]

This link between eczema symptoms and worsened mental health can be a vicious cycle, says Peter Lio, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University in Chicago, who was not affiliated with the study. For instance, patients may worry whether their treatment is working, about a current or future flare-up, or about their ongoing symptoms and stresses like these are known to exacerbate eczema, he says.

Theres a huge psychological component associated with atopic dermatitis and it really isnt addressed often, says Dr. Lio. When your skin is causing you trouble, youre itchy, youre uncomfortable, youre ashamed of how you look and youre not sleeping well thats going to make anybody feel pretty miserable. And when youre feeling stressed and anxious, thats been shown to further increase inflammation and worsen the skin.

Right now, mental health support isnt part of the standard treatment for eczema, which often includes options like topical ointments, systemic drugs, medications like antibiotics or antifungals, and self-care strategies like using a humidifier and avoiding tight or scratchy fabrics or lengthy showers in hot water.

[4]

These conversations could be as simple as doctors asking patients how theyre faring, if theyre sleeping well, or are under any distress, says Begolka. For patients, this may involve starting the conversation by telling their healthcare provider how theyre feeling, she adds.

Our [patient] community did feel they could tell the correlation between the increasing severity of their atopic dermatitis and their mental health. They have a strong sense of when something is off, she says. If youre feeling it, try to have that strength and comfort to be able to raise that with your healthcare provider so they can work to address it in a variety of ways.

Sixty-four percent of adults and caregivers of young patients in the study werent referred by their providers to mental health resources. But when patients were referred, the most common resources were counseling (23 percent), cognitive behavioral therapy (13 percent), and peer and social support groups (12 percent).

Never feel like you have to go at this alone, says Begolka. We recognize this is a disease that has a lot of nuance, its a multidimensional burden, and we have a number of resources that can be helpful to support not only healthcare providers but patients throughout their journey.

If youd like to seek mental health help, either through counseling given by a mental health professional or a support group, Begolka recommends the following resources:

More research is still needed to pinpoint the most effective mental health interventions for people with eczema, to recognize the current barriers to referring patients to mental health care, and to better understand the role organizations like the NEA or NAMI have in helping to connect patients and doctors to resources, notes Begolka.

Lio adds that it can be tricky for dermatologists to open up the lines of communication for mental health help for their patients. While they can offer suggestions or make referrals, issues like proximity to counseling services, insurance policies, and wait times can get in the way, he says. Some dermatologists may feel out of place recommending mental health assistance to patients, too, he says.

But Lio and Begolka agree the new research is an important step in normalizing mental health discussions within the eczema community. This is an opportunity for the conversation to occur in a much more standardized way across all atopic dermatitis care, regardless of what healthcare provider is being seen, Begolka says.

Continue reading here:
Many With Eczema Don't Get the Mental Health Support They Need, Study Shows - Everyday Health

Posted in Eczema | Comments Off on Many With Eczema Don’t Get the Mental Health Support They Need, Study Shows – Everyday Health

Most voters want Biden to step down, but dont agree on suitable alternative poll – The Guardian US

Posted: at 1:32 am

Most voters want Biden to step down, but dont agree on suitable alternative poll  The Guardian US

Go here to see the original:

Most voters want Biden to step down, but dont agree on suitable alternative poll - The Guardian US

Posted in Donald Trump | Comments Off on Most voters want Biden to step down, but dont agree on suitable alternative poll – The Guardian US

Top Biden allies say he’s still the best bet to win against Trump in November – NBC News

Posted: at 1:32 am

Top allies of President Joe Biden came to his defense across several news programs on Sunday, acknowledging the presidents subdued debate performance but arguing that he remains the strongest contender against former President Donald Trump in the general election.

I think hes the only Democrat who can beat Donald Trump, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., a Biden campaign co-chair, said during an interview on ABC News This Week. And let me tell you, we had the single best day of grassroots fundraising after the debate.

The Biden campaign on Sunday said it had raised $33 million in the time since the debate, of which $26 million came from grassroots donations. Bidens senior adviser Anita Dunn on Saturday also touted the campaigns fundraising numbers during a panel on MSNBCs The Weekend. She argued that voters liked Bidens focus on the issues at the debate rather than Trumps rhetoric and personality.

The reality is that I think voters experienced this debate a little differently than perhaps some of the insiders did, Dunn said. Coons on Sunday also touted the campaigns standing with voters following the debate.

The first poll that we saw after the debate showed Joe Biden gaining ground on Donald Trump. I understand theres a lot of hand-wringing and concern and pearl-clutching amongst the commentary thats great, thats expected, Coons said.

While some Biden campaign staffers acknowledged his grassroots support, they also referenced internal daily polling that reflected Bidens debate-night performance.

The president is the first to say it was not his best night, Biden campaign pollster Molly Murphy said in an interview on Inside with Jen Psaki. We see that in our polls. That is something that we have seen.

What they also took out of the debate is a majority of people who watched the debate felt like the president talked about issues that they cared about, she added.

Asked whether Bidens advisers and the campaign bear any responsibility for the performance, Coons also acknowledged that Biden had a weak debate, but argued that Trumps baseless claims amounted to a horrifying performance.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who served as House speaker, similarly referenced Trump while acknowledging on CNNs State of the Union that Biden had a bad night.

Asked to respond to a late-June CBS News/YouGovpoll that showed 72% of voters dont believe Biden has the mental and cognitive health to serve as president, with a margin of error of 4.2%, Pelosi sought to draw a stark contrast between Biden and Trump.

Well, what do they think about the other guy? Do they think that he has the integrity to be president after that performance? Pelosi said, referring to Trump. Let us not make a judgment about a presidency on one debate.

Its not about performance in terms of a debate, its about performance in a presidency, she continued. And I want you to know that the fact is that the reaction to the lies of Donald Trump is something that maybe TV isnt focusing on, but people are. And to have a debate where you have to spend half your time negating what he said, because he knows nothing but the truth. One side of the screen, you have integrity. The other side you have dishonesty.

Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., another top Biden ally, said the presidents bad performance during the debate is not reflective of his presidential record.

I always say that the best predictor of future behavior is past performance, and when we look at the past performance of these two men that are the front-runners and their partners, we get a lot of indication about what their future behavior would be, Clyburn said on CNNs State of the Union. So Joe Biden should continue to run on this record.

Asked if he understands why some Democrats and independents who were not interested in voting for Trump are now not interested in voting for Biden either after the debate, Clyburn said he would tell them to take Bidens presidential record into account.

Clyburn maintained that Biden should stay in the race amid calls for him to step aside, arguing that the president was obligated to combat Trumps false claims during the debate due to the rules that were set beforehand.

The guy told 30-some-odd lies, and nobody checked him on it and said that was up to Joe Biden to do, he said.

The strong defense from Bidens top allies comes after his debate performance prompted significant concerns within the Democratic Party, with some congressional Democrats and regional editorial boards calling on the president to drop out of the presidential race and allow a younger candidate to run instead.

The Biden campaign, however, has made efforts to reassure that the president isnt going anywhere and remains focused on next steps after his dismal debate performance. One senior administration official told NBC News that during multiple discussions with Bidens top aides and advisers, one main message was conveyed: Well weather the storm, just like we always have.

Here is the original post:

Top Biden allies say he's still the best bet to win against Trump in November - NBC News

Posted in Donald Trump | Comments Off on Top Biden allies say he’s still the best bet to win against Trump in November – NBC News

Trump is a liar, but Biden debate disaster failed to reassure America – MSNBC

Posted: at 1:32 am

Trump is a liar, but Biden debate disaster failed to reassure America  MSNBC

See the original post:

Trump is a liar, but Biden debate disaster failed to reassure America - MSNBC

Posted in Donald Trump | Comments Off on Trump is a liar, but Biden debate disaster failed to reassure America – MSNBC

Trump or Biden: Who’s the better golfer? – Salt Lake Tribune

Posted: at 1:32 am

(Alex Brandon | AP) In this Nov. 28, 2020, photo former President Donald Trump plays golf at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Va.

| June 28, 2024, 2:31 p.m.

After watching the presidential debate on Thursday night, a night that must have depressed every citizen that cares about this country, my initial reaction might be an irresponsible one, but at least not one without humor.

Sometimes we have to laugh before we cry.

On the one hand, you had a morally corrupt former president who some say is a threat to our democracy, who refused to answer questions, who said the United States currently is a dumpster ablaze, firing off clusters of lies with the rapidity of an overheated machine gun on important issues; on the other hand, you had a president who couldnt keep a train of thought, who spoke in incomplete sentences, who seemed at times to be lost in a cloud of um, what was the subject again?

All of that said, theres only one thing to do with this election, a sporting thing cancel the whole durn thing and settle it by way of a golf match. Thats right, save us all the pain of watching so much nonsense, all the turpitude, all the lies, all the bumbling and stumbling around, all the geriatrics, and put it all on the line on the links.

You saw in the debate the fireworks between Joe Biden and Donald Trump over whats this? youve got to be kidding, but youre not who has the better golf swing.

Whos the better golfer.

(Manuel Balce Ceneta | AP) President Joe Biden drives a golf cart with his brother Jimmy Biden at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Sunday, June 4,2023.

What would George Washington or Abraham Lincoln have thought about that?

In that moment, I couldnt believe what I was seeing and hearing with my own eyes and ears. What a freaking joke. This is the best we can do to lead the USA, to lead the free world?

There Trump was, offering the worst policies with the best delivery. And there Biden was, offering the best policies with the worst delivery.

It was embarrassing, humiliating for a proud country forced to watch this mess, cascading into the nadir of bickering over who hits purer flop wedges and 5-irons and drivers.

Ive had better arguments with my buddies in the clubhouse over who would win at Bingo, Bango, Bongo! (Thats a golf game, not Biden stammering.)

One fact-checker said Trump lied more than 30 times, Biden nine times.

Can our country endure four-plus more months of this?

Its exhausting. More than that, its dangerous. Not only were American voters watching the debate, so were leaders of nations across the globe. What were they thinking, allies and foes alike?

A friend suggested that instead of getting all wrapped up in the drama of this election, try sitting back and watching it as you would a movie. The problem with that is, its transformed into a horror flick.

Lets just take it on out to the golf course and settle it there. That would be less harmful to the national psyche, less damaging to our collective mental health. Youre up, Mr. President. As the man currently sitting in the Oval Office, you have honors. Mr. Trump, you can wait. But there will be no jingling of keys on the greens while the other guy putts, no burping or belching or sneezing straight in the middle of backswings, no mulligans.

The only problem with this idea is the matter of cheating, the use of foot wedges, the bad math, the creative subtraction of strokes, the improvement of lies.

We all know which of the two candidates is most adept at messing with lies.

It is said that Mark Twain said, Golf is a good walk spoiled.

Thats a lie, too. If Twain ever uttered those words, and thats very much in doubt, others said it first.

But golf would be a bad presidential election made better.

I say, lets tee em high and let em fly and hope for the best. And spare us all, all of us who love this country, the torture of more of what we suffered through this week.

Read the original:

Trump or Biden: Who's the better golfer? - Salt Lake Tribune

Posted in Donald Trump | Comments Off on Trump or Biden: Who’s the better golfer? – Salt Lake Tribune

Presidential debate: An unfortunate reality check about the night’s weirdest Trump-Biden exchange. – Slate

Posted: at 1:32 am

For the first hour and 20 minutes of Thursday nights presidential debate, Joe Biden and Donald Trump gracefully and thoughtfully debated the days critical issues. Having fulfilled their democratic obligationsTrump by honestly describing his policy proposals, Biden by effectively stringing together several sentences at oncethe candidates took a deserved respite to talk about golf.

Moderator Dana Bash asked the candidates about their ages (78 for Trump, 81 for Biden). Trump, after bragging about his performance on cognitive and fitness tests, brought his answer to the links.

I just won two club championshipsnot even senior, the former president said, as recreational golfers all over the world pointed at their TVs like that Leonardo DiCaprio meme. Two regular club championships. To do that, you have to be quite smart, and you have to be able to hit the ball a long way. He doesnt do it. He cant hit a ball 50 yards. He challenged me to a golf match; he cant hit a ball 50 yards.

Biden replied: Id be happy to have a driving contest. I got my handicap when I was vice president down to a six. By the way, I told you before, Im happy to play golf with you if you carry your own bag. Think you can do it? Trump was incredulous: Thats the biggest liethat he was a six handicapof all. (In golf, a lower handicap is better. It represents, more or less, how many strokes over par a player can be expected to shoot in a given round. Anything in the single digits is good, and anything close to zero is great.)

Biden then said, I was an eight handicap. Eight. He tried to keep talking but could not get the words out, so its not clear if he was ultimately claiming to be a six or an eight handicap.

Ive seen your swing, Trump said. I know your swing. Lets not act like children.

Who would win this golf match in hell? First, a little fact check: As it concerns their respective golf abilities, both candidates for president were absolutely, utterly full of shit, though Biden was at least factually close to the pin in describing his own handicap. Most recently, his official handicap index maintained with the United States Golf Association was a 6.7, but he has not listed a score since 2018.

Trumps history of cheating in golf and lying about his exploits is old hat. It is the subject of an entire book and countless testimonials. Over the years, Trumps playing partners have described seeing all the usual manners of golf cheating: taking mulligans in ostensibly competitive matches, moving his ball to a more favorable lie, throwing it out of a bunker and onto the grass. He does it all. Rick Reilly, the author of the book about Trumps golf fabrications, told Vox in 2019 that Trump cheats like a mafia accountant, adding: He kicks the ball so much that caddies call him Pel.

These arecommon ways in which golfers deflate their own scores, and in doing them, Trump isnt different than any typical rich asshole who loves golf. But he diverges from a bargain-basement country club member because he owns numerous golf clubs and uses his status to attribute club championships to himself. Every golf club puts on a championship every year to crown the best player at the club. Reilly described Trump racking up club championships by buying a club, setting up a match between himself and the prior champion, and declaring himself the winner of that match. Nobody other than Melania Trump would be on hand to serve as a witness, and even if Trump won fair and square, it wouldnt be the same as winning a club championship.

Is Trump actually good at golf? Its hard to say, in part because good is a moving target for all amateurs. Trump is an unathletic-looking 78-year-old, and most of his thousands of golf rounds have occurred out of public view. Its easy to find a video, though, of Trump hitting a brutal shank on an extremely straightforward pitch shot from right in front of the green in 2023. All golfers hit horrible shots, but the one caught on video was a level of bad that would be quite unusual for the best player at a club. Trump reports an excellent 2.5 handicap with the USGA, which I find completely implausible. It is what golfers would call a vanity handicap, the product of fudged scorekeeping and nobody in Trumps world trying to stop him. (He has only posted two scores since his 2016 election, usually keeping his totals off the internet.)

However, many of the best golfers in the world have attested that Trump is a pretty good player. Theres some partisan bias at play there; you probably dont play with Trump unless youre a fan of Trump, like U.S. Open champion and big-time Trump guy Bryson DeChambeau, or all-time majors leader Jack Nicklaus. The Golden Bear has said Trump is the best player of the several presidents with whom hes teed it up. But Nicklaus is also a Trump sycophant who lacks the courage of his Trumpist convictions. And no human in the history of the world has had better access to high-level facilities and instruction than Donald Trump, so his not being a pretty decent player would be astonishing.

Biden does not have the same long history of bragging about how good he is at golf. His handicap when he was vice president was 6.7, so not far off the six and eight that he alternately claimed as he argued with Trump. But the idea that Biden is currently any good at golf is, uh, questionable. He does not play regularly as Trump did in his White House days. Bidens swing as of late 2022 looked just fine for a senior, but I dont think the president is in his golfing heyday.

The presidents campaign staff are obsessed with finding opportunities to make him look spry, limber, and energetic. To that end, hes had a handful of photo ops riding his bike. Unlike both Trump and Barack Obama, hes had few or none on the golf course. (In 2012, Biden and Obama played with John Boehner and John Kasich, who later joked that Biden exaggerated his ability.) When Bidens campaign unveiled a five-minute video of Biden playing golf in Michigan, it did not actually show him swinging a clubonly putting, briefly, at the end of the video. If anyone thought it looked good, wed have all seen more.

So to answer the most important question of a fine night for America: I do not believe that Biden would currently beat Trump in a golf match. I also do not believe that Trump could be even remotely competitive in an officially scored match with the best player at any of his clubs. But at least both Biden and Trump have done something relatable in hamming up their golf abilities for public consumption.

Slate wants to help.Submit your questions here. Its anonymous! No question is too dumbor too existential.

Link:

Presidential debate: An unfortunate reality check about the night's weirdest Trump-Biden exchange. - Slate

Posted in Donald Trump | Comments Off on Presidential debate: An unfortunate reality check about the night’s weirdest Trump-Biden exchange. – Slate

Letters: Between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, here’s who actually paid attention during the debate – Chicago Tribune

Posted: at 1:32 am

A number of people have expressed concerns about President Joe Bidens performance during his Thursday presidential debate with former President Donald Trump. Unfortunately, I think at least some of them might be letting surface issues (e.g., Biden initially appearing to lack energy) get in their way of developing a more accurate and complete perception of Bidens debate performance.

In particular, Biden pretty consistently answered the questions actually asked by the moderators arguably an indicator of cognitive flexibility and adaptiveness and made a number of true statements in the process.

By contrast, while Trump may have come across to some people as more polished in his delivery, he frequently didnt answer the moderators questions, despite the moderators explicitly prompting him frequently to refocus. Trumps persistence in not answering the moderators questions and focusing instead on irrelevant issues may be an indicator of a lack of cognitive flexibility and adaptiveness. Additionally, Trumps persistence in making false and misleading statements repeating familiar ones while also creating new ones was on full display.

If I had to vote today, I would much rather choose the candidate who, while perhaps at times appearing less physically energetic, was able to focus and shift that focus as called for in the situation rather than the candidate who, threats against our democratic republic aside, often seemed unable to perform those basic cognitive tasks.

James Carney, Evanston

I am an 85-year-old veteran of the Air Force (1962-65). I am also a father to three sons and a grandfather of three. I can confirm that we grandpas have bad days every now and then, and President Joe Biden just had one.

But I also know that for a liar and cheat, every day is a bad day.

My vote for commander in chief is still for honorable servant Grandpa Joe rather than convicted felon Uncle Donald.

Glenn Shipley, Chicago

President Joe Biden may not have performed well on this one debate night, but hes been performing well for the past 3 1/2 years, adding jobs, kindness and dignity to the Office of the President of the United States on the world stage. Yes, his voice was low while Trump boomed his lies. And now, it seems the Democrats, in their panic, will publicly throw him under the bus instead of sticking together and having faith in whats been accomplished.

Only Republicans will mystifyingly band together to support of a convicted felon, a man held liable for sexual abuse, a liar and a threat to democracy, who ended a two-century run of peacefully passing on the presidential office with an attack on the U.S. Capitol and democracy itself.

I pray that letter writer Jerry Hanson (There are millions of us, June 22) is right and there indeed are millions and millions of us who show up to vote and support our democracy.

Sandra Lurie, Highland Park

Well, we witnessed the very sorry state that we now find ourselves in after watching the debate. How can it be that here in the United States of America, we cannot field a multiple of extraordinary people who have exceptional intelligence, integrity and common sense? Do we need to force-feed a substantial change to our political system and process? The debate was an extreme embarrassment in front of the entire world.

It was most obvious that President Joe Biden no longer has the mental acuity to serve our country in any capacity, let alone the presidency. Former President Donald Trump has proved he no longer has the level of fear/respect that he once had on the world stage. Additionally, at best, he will be only tolerated by our allies and disregarded by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and others. While he proved in his first term that he has an ability to make decisions beneficial for our country, his lack of credibility renders him unworthy to hold the office.

Why, then, do we have party zealots defending and supporting these individuals? What is the rationale? Is there no one who can step up and command respect? Is the political system so filled with political landmines that taking an opposing position is too risky for ones political future?

Where are the true leaders? Isnt there a multiple of highly qualified people available? Are there not any true statesmen and stateswomen with proven ability to be worthy of the office? Is the system broken? Is it possible that we can find new ways and means for a nomination process that will provide we the people with many great candidates whom we could be very proud of and who would have great respect throughout the world?

In the continued absence of having great choices, we will remain in a very sad state.

Dave Roberts, Frankfort

Thursday evenings prime TV event was not a debate. Viewers watched two adversaries positioned in two different spheres. One, a buffoon, hurled insults and untruths, focused as always on self-aggrandizement and acting like a spoiled youngster. The other haltingly and gropingly attempted to defend his record and preview his future plans for the country. At least the latter has a laudable record and sound plans for a second term; good, capable people around him; and a strong moral compass. The other has a criminal record and no clearly articulated, reasonable plans for a second term as president, and a good number of those who surrounded him in his first term are in jail or under indictment. He has no moral compass in his personal or public life.

For me, the choice in the upcoming election is clear. Televised political debates should not be the measure by which citizens weigh their options and cast their votes.

Madeleine Felix, Evanston

Regarding the editorial As America sank into the couch, Joe Biden and Donald Trump combined for a depressing farce. Enough.: I agree it was awful, but the Tribune Editorial Board continues to do the same thing all major outlets do give Donald Trump a pass. Sure, the board says slightly negative things, such as, Trump was mostly just himself, energetically narcissistic, cavalier with truths, cruel of tone, bereft of empathy. The editorial board knows thats what his followers like about him, right?

What the editorial board should have said was: Trump was himself, spewing lie after lie about his administration, attacking America with falsehoods, making wild, evidence-free claims about Joe Biden and his supporters and denigrating the U.S. with every sentence. In short, being the pathological liar that he is.

But major media outlets, including the Tribune, wont tell the truth about Trump, for whatever reason, and it may lead to the downfall of our great country.

Martin A. Pierce, St. Charles

What we witnessed during the first presidential debate was the erosion of our democracy. President Joe Biden performed ineptly, and Donald Trump delivered one lie after another. The lies won out!

Sam Solomon, Deerfield

Despite a disappointing debate performance, accentuated by a pronounced feeble manner and weak voice, President Joe Biden still demonstrated that experience, integrity and a grasp of issues that affect all Americans eclipse the views of one in service of himself.

Donald Trump was undeniably more vigorous, but vitality alone is not a measure of reassurance when it comes to protecting the sovereignty of our nation. Trumps widely known character flaws usually detract attention from his ignorance about matters crucial to effective governance. Not this time. His nescience was on full display.

The contrast in competing visions couldnt have been more clear-cut, but this election isnt just about dissimilar ideologies. It is about the very survival of the republic. So, voters must decide if they want an ill-informed president who favors dismantling the Constitution or one hell-bent on doing whatever is necessary to protect it.

Jim Paladino, Tampa, Florida

The Thursday debate between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump provided new and terrifying insight into Trumps foreign policy perspectives. He asserted that had he been president instead of Biden, the wars in Ukraine and Israel would never have taken place. So how, then, might that have come about?

It takes little imagination to see how Trump could have averted the war in Ukraine: In keeping with his own well-demonstrated proclivities, once the Russians began with their saber rattling and their assertions that ethnic Russians in Ukraine were being abused, Trump most certainly would have made it known to Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelenskyy that the United States had no interest in the affairs of his country, nor would he provide any monetary or military support for his defense efforts.

Under those circumstances, Ukraine might have been able to hold off the Russian army for a short while, but eventually, Trumps friend Russian President Vladimir Putin would undoubtedly have prevailed. Moreover, the United States would have saved billions of dollars.

We have no idea where Putins ambitions might take Russia after his takeover of Ukraine, perhaps Poland and the Baltic states, but those countries are members of NATO and are therefore part of a mutual defense agreement that includes the United States. That would have provided a perfect time for Trump to move ahead with his long-held plan to withdraw our country from NATO and leave Europe to fend for itself.

It is still unclear how Trump could have averted the war between Israel and Hamas. Perhaps he will clarify that one in a later debate.

George Honig, Chicago

It is Thursday at 9:21 p.m. while I write this, and I have been watching the presidential debate from its start. Im frustrated. One of the contestants is talking policy and offering provable facts while the other is doing nothing but complain, even saying that the country is falling apart. And he has not offered any proven policy statements. Just complaints.

Lordy, lordy.

Bernard Biernacki, Aurora

If the Democrats do as the Tribune Editorial Board is calling for and replace Joe Biden, they lose incumbency, party cohesion and the presidency. Chicago is again host to a chaotic Democratic open convention with no clear leader.

Why not call for convicted felon Donald Trump to step down for the good of the country? You know the answer; he wont.

Biden is not incompetent. He will win again. The country will be led well through 2028, as it has been since 2020. And way better than a criminal demagogue.

Tony Quintanilla, Chicago

I am unconcerned about what some think were shortcomings in President Joe Bidens debate performance that were far more about presentation than content, the latter being more important.

The presidency is not a no notes job, and one cant repeat the greatest hits of rally speeches, no matter how well-rehearsed, for four years and call it governance.

Donald Trump, as always, was a walking make-work project for fact-checkers.

Curt Fredrikson, Mokena, Illinois

President Joe Biden missed many opportunities to deliver haymakers against Donald Trump during the debate. Every time Trump brought up the border, the response should have been that the bipartisan border deal, championed by conservative Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford, was scuttled by MAGA Republicans so Trump could use it as a campaign issue. When the economy was the topic, Bidens easy answer was to point out that Trump had several infrastructure weeks, but the Biden administration passed an actual infrastructure bill.

Trumps contention that somehow we are a failing country is laughable. All Biden had to ask in return is: If thats true, why do people from the world over wish to come here? Why do they send their children here for college?

Biden stumbled badly; there is no denying that fact. Because of that, I believe Trump will cancel the September debate. He wont need it.

Until the debate, I was not overly concerned about Bidens age. It is now obvious to me that his age will be the focus for millions of voters.

Biden claims to have always put the country first, and his record of service bears that out.

I take no pleasure in saying it, but if that still holds true, he should withdraw from the race and release his delegates. The Democratic Party has a strong bench of young, vigorous men and women, ready to serve. A brokered convention would be interesting, to say the least, and it would yield the best candidate to defeat the authoritarian fascist candidate that is Trump.

If the polls are accurate, Biden versus Trump is the contest most of the country does not want.

It is time for the Democrats to prove they are the adults in the room.

Len Levy, Glenview

Granted, President Joe Biden was not feeling his best on Thursday. He had a cold, and hes dealing with major world issues while trying to make life better for us Americans at the same time. Hes got a lot on his mind, and he got some statistics wrong. I have trouble remembering stats, too, so I try to avoid them.

Still, Biden provided many truths over Donald Trumps lies. If we look beyond his confusion over statistics, Biden still looked like the better man and the wise elder statesman that he is.

Linda Morton, Harvard

JoeBidendoes not need to defeat Donald Trump. The American people need to defeat Donald Trump.

Joe Artabasy, Glencoe

As I watched the debate, my heart sank. This president appeared to be a doddering old man. His rival appeared to be a blathering liar. What to do? Move to Canada? I hear that they have great health care!

The future looks bleak to this senior citizen.

Carole Bogaard, Oak Lawn

Note to readers: If you are a cyclist, we would appreciate knowing your thoughts on the citys bike infrastructure and your experiences using a bicycle for transportation, whether positive or negative. Send us a letter of no more than 400 words to letters@chicagotribune.com. Provide your full name and your contact information including city.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

See the article here:

Letters: Between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, here's who actually paid attention during the debate - Chicago Tribune

Posted in Donald Trump | Comments Off on Letters: Between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, here’s who actually paid attention during the debate – Chicago Tribune