Archive for the ‘Media Control’ Category

These photos show who is (and isn’t) included in the Taliban’s Afghanistan – NPR

One year ago this August, the Taliban raised their white flag over Afghanistan's capital for the second time, pulling down the tricolor flag of the republic that had endured for the two decades between.

Their victory gave the radical religious movement supreme power over a country with a median age of 18 which means most citizens weren't alive for the Taliban's violent years in power from 1996-2001. The young people on the left of this photo above had never seen such a change of power. On the right, 62-year-old carpet seller Ahmed Shah Kashefi says he's lived through many upheavals and it's always hard.

The self-proclaimed Islamic emirate now controls government compounds, universities and other institutions surrounded by blast walls concrete structures once built to keep out the Taliban, along with bombers from other extremist groups.

The Taliban also control rural villages, like this one in Wardak Province. Its few remaining residents say the old government bulldozed mud-walled homes as part of their ongoing battle with the Taliban for control of nearby Highway One.

Their single biggest prize is Kabul, a growing city in a mountain valley, where neighborhoods climb up the slopes on all sides.

At this used furniture store, Wahid Kashafi (left) and Abdul Kahar give a snapshot of life in the capital. Few people have money to buy furniture, but many are selling as they prepare to leave the country, or to buy food.

Kabul's population is 4.5 million, about twice its population when the Taliban last ruled. In their previous reign there were almost no phones and no television, except what residents watched on smuggled DVD's. Now the city is in instant communication with the world.

Kabul's economy is less connected. Taliban leaders face global economic sanctions. The U.S. froze the assets of the central bank, and other Afghan banks were unable to do business with the world.

Credit cards ceased to function; it even became hard for Afghans abroad to send money home.

At the airport, at taxi stands, and at bread shops it's not hard to find children seeking a handout.

Shop owners we met said business was bad, though some were philosophical and said it's always like this when the government changes.

So who is included in the Taliban's Afghanistan? The free media are still allowed to function. Some, such as TOLOnews, have endured the hard times, the loss of staff, and periodic Taliban demands to leave out inconvenient facts.

The role of women and girls is ambiguous at best. Younger girls are in school while those of junior high and high school age are not.

Some women are still working, while others are not. Muzhda Noor says that one year ago she was a university dean overseeing 19 male professors. After the takeover, a new chancellor ordered new restrictions on women, and told Noor she should no longer attend faculty meetings with men. She sought a transfer but eventually was dismissed from the university.

The political opposition has no formal space of its own. Gulalai Mohammadi was a member of the Afghan parliament that the Taliban declared defunct. She says she's now at home, with no way to exercise a cause she supported in the assembly women's rights.

A former president, Hamid Karzai, remains in Kabul and is able to speak freely, as in a recent NPR interview, but has not been allowed to leave Afghanistan.

Many of the men who brought the Taliban to power have returned to their homes. They include these men in the Tangi Valley in rural Wardak Province. The fighters we met said they were pleased to live under their version of Islamic rule, but as we left the valley we also heard that residents wished their girls could return to school.

And it doesn't take long for a visitor to begin seeing the vast number of people in society who are obliged under the new rules to go unseen.

How do the Taliban mean to answer the uncertainties of their rule? Analyst Abdul Jabar Baheer was present this summer when Taliban leaders held a mass meeting, but reached no decisions on major policies or a permanent form of government. Hibatullah Akhundzada, described as the emir of Afghanistan, said he would not obey the West, but said little about what he intended to do.

We sought clarity at a famous compound in Kandahar, Afghanistan. It's the compound of Mullah Omar, who led the Taliban during their first rule. The U.S. and its Afghan allies later turned it into a base, and it's strewn with military equipment.

The compound is now home to Mullah Omar's son, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, who has become defense minister in the Taliban's interim government.

Yaqoob said the Taliban take "seriously" the question of girls in school, and that he hopes for further announcements. He also said it's a "necessity" to adopt a formal constitution.

The Taliban said there will be no room in their system for democracy and they have for the moment eliminated elections, elected offices and a formal opposition.

Yet they've inherited a complex society that now faces an economic crisis. Through the media, the few remaining independent political figures, and the demands of the people, they face democratic calls to govern effectively and inclusively.

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These photos show who is (and isn't) included in the Taliban's Afghanistan - NPR

‘It’s sort of the anti-diet:’ Taking back control of your health through intuitive eating – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Diets, body images fed by social media, and food desire fed by the constant barrage of advertising - it all creates a vicious cycle for those trying to control their weight to look like what society expects.

Enter "intuitive eating" which is trying to reverse the trend.

It doesn't cost a cent, in fact, you were born with it, you just have to find it again.

"No rules, only intuition and tuning into yourself," said Natalie Colantuono, a registered dietitian at Inspird.

"We're kind of going back to our default setting, we're all born as intuitive eaters," added Haley Goodrich, a registered dietitian as well as the founder of Inspird.

They said we lose that intuition over time, whether it's lost by being told to clean a plate or eating when it's time to eat, even though we aren't really hungry.

"We've been told to suppress it so we learn over time that our bodies can't be trusted," Colantuono said.

Goodrich and Colantuono from the Monroeville-based Inspird are all about helping those with eating disorders, and everyone else for that matter, to start trusting their bodies again.

"You're making peace with food, sort of getting rid of all of the rules that you've learned over time," said Goodrich.

She also said that you're honoring hunger and tuning into what your body is telling you.

"Our bodies are so much smarter than we give them credit for," Colantuono added.

Goodrich said we're wired to eat every three-to-four hours but not on a clock and it takes some training to break out of old habits.

So, essentially, our kids have it right when they push away their food and say they're full.

Overall, it's pretty simple - it's just listening to our bodies and not peer pressure when it comes to eating.

"We all grow up in a society that focuses on weight and food and ultimately equates it to our worth," Colantuono said.

Intuitive eating is turning your back on the societal noises and listening internally.

"Trying to identify and listen to your hunger, your fullness, what satisfaction might be," said Goodrich.

Goodrich founded Inspird to help pull the desperate out of eating disorders and Colantuano is also part of the mission and said we spend a lot of time and mental energy focused on what we do and don't and how we look.

"By allowing ourselves to eat intuitively, we are able to focus on our values and things that are really important to us," Colantuono explained.

Goodrich said the cues to eating are left up to your body and too many diet programs are trying to curb hunger, and appetite, and that hunger is a signal from our body saying we need food.

"What we like to eat are individual food preferences, and our bodies have a lot of internal wisdom and we don't need those external rules," Colantuono added.

"It's sort of the anti-diet," Goodrich said.

If you can break free and embrace intuitive eating, you may or may not lose weight.

It also may happen because Goodrich said you're making peace with food - it no longer controls you. You use it for what it's for: fuel for the needs of your body. You eat what you need and you are less likely to overindulge.

John Shumway joined KDKA in October 1988 as a General Assignment Reporter. During his years at KDKA, he has anchored the morning and weekend news and is currently a featured General Assignment Reporter on the station's 4, 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts.

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'It's sort of the anti-diet:' Taking back control of your health through intuitive eating - CBS Pittsburgh

Cresswell: It’s up to us to control the atmosphere – West Ham United F.C.

I've played there in the Championship years ago, about ten years ago, but I remember it being a special ground with a lot of history, and for them to be out the Premier League for 24 years, I'm sure it's going to be one of the toughest places to go again this season, he told whufc.com.

But this is the Premier League and that's what we're up against. I'm sure the atmosphere is going to be really, really loud and really high, but it's up to us to control that as well.

Forest, like West Ham, made a losing start to the 2022/23 campaign, going down 2-0 at Newcastle United on the opening weekend, while David Moyes side lost by the same margin to champions Manchester City at London Stadium.

Steve Cooper has made eleven new signings to strengthen his newly promoted squad, including former West Ham loanee Jesse Lingard, but Cresswell says the Londoners have to focus on their own jobs and exploiting any weaknesses in Forest, rather than worry about their opponents.

Theyve made a lot of changes to adapt to the Premier League and obviously Jesse is there and it'll be nice to see Jesse, but our main focus is to go there and get a win, he confirmed.

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Cresswell: It's up to us to control the atmosphere - West Ham United F.C.

TxDOT Project Updates for the Week of Aug. 15, 2022 – Texas Department of Transportation

Anderson CountyPalestine Maintenance crews will be performing base repair on FM 2961. Expect daytime lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic.

Anderson County construction projects updates:

US 79 Super 2 Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue work on final cleanup. Project consists of widening for a Super 2, including sub-grade work, surface treatment, base and surface hot mix asphalt, widening structures, bridge rail, MBGF, signage and permanent striping.

SH 155 Overlay Project

The contractor is scheduled to work on driveways and drainage structures on SH 155 in Anderson County. The speed limit is scheduled to be reduced to 60 mph throughout the project limits. Motorists should use caution when traveling through the project and expect lane closures and delays. It consists of OCST, PFC surface, shoulder texturing, edge treatment and pavement markings.

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Cherokee CountyJacksonville crews will be working on blade overlay on FM 851 between Alto and FM 343. Expect daytime lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic.

Rusk crews will also be working on blade overlay on FM 1247 between Wells and FM 1911. Expect daytime lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic.

Seal coat operations will also be taking place at these locations:

Cherokee County construction projects updates:

SH 204 Super-2 Widening Project

No work is scheduled this week. The project adds passing lanes and incorporates safety upgrades.

US 84 Widening

The contractor is scheduled to seed throughout the project. Lane closures will be in place. Expect delays on this corridor when construction is in progress. The project will widen and resurface the roadway, along with adding safety upgrades.

FM 22 Safety Widening and Bridge Replacement Project

No work is scheduled this week. The bridge is now open to traffic. The project will widen the existing roadway, replace three bridges and incorporate safety upgrades.

SH 21 Resurfacing Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue road work construction on driveway upgrades and structure extensions. No lane closures are expected. The project will consist of pavement resurfacing.

SH 135 Bridge Replacements

No work is scheduled this week. The project is currently under time suspension due to migrating birds nesting under the bridges. The project consists of the replacement of the bridge at Mud Creek and Mud Creek Relief.

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Gregg CountyLongview Maintenance will be performing base repair on SH 31 eastbound between FM 3053 and FM 1639. Crews will also be performing base repair on FM 349 westbound from just east of the intersection at FM 2276. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic on both jobs.

Also, striping operations will be taking place at these locations:

Gregg County construction projects updates:

Spur 63/McCann Road Bridge Project

This project is part of the City of Longview Guthrie Creek Trail project. It will consist of building a bridge over Guthrie Creek to allow bicyclist and pedestrians to travel under Spur 63. The traffic will be reduced to two lanes, one northbound lane and one south bound lane to allow the contractor to build half of the bridge. Traffic will be switched later to allow completion of the bridge construction. Expect delays.

FM 2206/Harrison Road

This project consists of widening a two-lane road to four lanes with a center turn lane. This includes drainage structures, new bridge, flexible base, hot mix and pavement markings. Contractor will be extending culverts and constructing detours. There will be daytime lane closures. Expect delays.

FM 2206/Harrison Road

This project consists of widening a two-lane road to four lanes with a center turn lane. This includes drainage structures, flexible base, curb and gutter, sidewalks, hot mix and pavement markings. Contractor will be extending culverts and constructing detours. There will be daytime lane closures. Expect delays.

Pentecost Rd. Bridge Replacement

The project consists of replacing the bridge structure on Big Head Creek. Pentecost Road will be closed to through traffic. Only local traffic will be allowed. Through traffic needs to select an alternate route. Estimated completion is August of 2022.

SLP 281 Mill and Inlay

The project consists of performing mill and inlay all lanes with hot mix in both directions, including the center turn lane. Work will be performed at night. There will be alternating lane closures. Expect delays. Estimated completion is August 2022.

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Henderson CountyAthens maintenance is scheduled to perform base repairs on FM 3062 between SH 198 and State Maintenance Ends. A second crew is scheduled to edge repair on FM 753 between SH 31 and FM 2494. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic.

Henderson County construction projects updates:

SH 198 Bridge Project

The contractor is scheduled to work on the new northbound bridge and roadway elements. Motorists should be prepared for lane closures and delays. The speed limit has been reduced to 50 mph throughout the project. The project consists of the construction of replacing bridges, approaches, grading, structures, asphalt concrete pavement (ACP) base, ACP surface, retaining walls, curb & gutter, MBGF, and pavement markings.

BUS 175 Safety Improvement Project

The contractor is scheduled to work on sidewalks and roadway elements. Motorists should be prepared for lane closures and delays. The project includes traffic signals, curb ramps and pavement markings.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Resurface Project

The contractor is scheduled to work on the final cleanup of the parking areas in the fishery and intersection with FM 2495 in Henderson County. The project consists of OCST and pavement markings.

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Rusk CountyHenderson crews will seal coat on FM 840. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic.

Also, seal coat operations will take place this week at the following locations in Rusk County:

Also, striping operations will be taking place at these locations in Rusk County:

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Smith CountyTyler Maintenance will have a base failure crew on FM 3271 just off of SH 110. This will be under flagging operation. Also, a sweeper and herbicide unit will be in various locations throughout the county.

Also, striping operations will be taking place at these locations:

Smith County construction projects updates:

Sidewalks at Various Locations in Smith County

The contractor is scheduled to complete punch list items. Lane closures are anticipated. The project consists of sidewalk construction along SH 64 west in Tyler, SH 110 west in Troup and SH 135 north in Troup.

FM 344, etc., Safety Improvements

No work is scheduled this week. The project consists of improving drainage, culvert work, and guardrail upgrades.

SH 155 Resurfacing Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue seal coat. Anticipate lane closures while work is in progress. When in progress, hours will be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday nights. Expect delays. The project will resurface the roadway, upgrade drainage structures, and repair bridge joints.

SH 64 Bridge Maintenance

The contractor is scheduled to complete punch list items. Lane closures are anticipated. When work is in progress, hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The project consists of bridge maintenance and repair.

Tyler State Park Bridge and Resurfacing Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue construction on the bridge and continue cut/fill work throughout the project. The project consists of bridge and pavement resurfacing.

SH 110 & FM 346 Landscape Project

No work is scheduled this week. The project consists of landscape development.

Whittle Street, CR 2110 and CR 289 Bridge Replacement Project

The contractor is scheduled to begin construction on Whittle Street at West Mud Creek Tributary. The road is closed to through traffic. The project replaces the existing bridge with a new structure.

The contractor is scheduled to continue construction on the CR 2110 bridge at Kickapoo Creek. The road is closed to through traffic. The project replaces the existing bridge with a new structure.

No work is scheduled this week on the CR 289 bridge at Prairie Creek. The road is open to traffic. The project replaces the existing bridge with a new structure. The contractor will complete one bridge at a time. Weather permitting, the bridge is scheduled to be completed at the end of May.

IH 20 Mill and Inlay

The contractor is scheduled to begin 2-inch mill and inlay under overpasses. Contractor plans to begin placing PFC throughout the project. Work will be done at night, Sundays from 9 PM to 5 AM and Monday-Thursday 8 PM to 5 AM. Expect delays on this corridor when construction is in progress. Project consists of an overlay with TBPFC surface, ACP surface, planing, shoulder texturing and pavement markings.

US 271 Rehab, Turn Lanes, and Pavement Overlay

Crews will be preparing for paving operations on the northbound rehab area and southbound inside lane. The northbound outside lane will be permanently closed with signs and channelizing devices for the affected section. No lane closures are anticipated southbound. Traffic control will be managed by flaggers as needed. The project consists of paving, structures, MBGF, and pavement markings from I-20 north to the Gregg County line. The portion from I-20 to FM 16 also includes turn lanes and pavement rehabilitation.

IH 20 at Barber Road

This project consists of widening on ramps and exit ramps, culverts, drainage upgrades, new metal beam guard fence and bridge rails on the Barber Road overpass, and asphalt overlay. No work this week on this project.

Safety Improvement Project (Van Zandt, Anderson, Smith and Henderson County)

The contractor is scheduled to continue final cleanup on FM 850 in Smith County. Motorists should be prepared for lane closures and delays. The project includes grading, structure work, guard rail replacement and bridge rail upgrades.

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Van Zandt CountyMaintenance crews are scheduled to perform mill and inlay on SH 243, starting at SH 198 to the Kaufman County line. Expect daytime lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic.

Van Zandt County construction projects updates:

I-20 MBGF Improvements (Van Zandt, Smith, and Gregg counties)

Project is in final inspection phase and no work is anticipated. This project is to construct safety improvements consisting of upgrading metal beam guard fence and mow strip.

SH 19 Super Two Widening & Overlay (South of Canton)

Crews will be performing roadway widening operations northbound. Traffic control will consist of a northbound shoulder closure managed by channelizing devices. The project consists of Super 2 work including grading, base repair, treated subgrade, flex base, OCST, PFC surface, structures, signs and pavement markings.

SH 19 Super Two Widening & Overlay (North of US 80)

Crews will be extending drainage structures. Traffic control will consist of a northbound shoulder closure managed by channelizing devices. The project consists of Super 2 work including grading, base repair, treated subgrade, flex base, OCST, PFC surface, structures, signs and pavement markings.

CR 2918, etc. Bridge Replacements

Contractor will be addressing punch list items. CR 2708 will be closed at the bridge for the remainder of construction. Minimal impact to the traveling public is anticipated. The project consists of removing and replacing four bridges.

IH 20 Mill and Inlay

The project consists of milling and inlaying hot mix on various frontage roads in the area. Estimated completion is August 2022.

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Wood CountyMaintenance crews are scheduled to begin hot mix overlay on SH 11 east of Winnsboro to the Camp County line. Expect one lane closure with flaggers and a pilot vehicle controlling traffic. Delays are expected.

Wood County construction projects updates:

SH 37 Road Widening and PFC Overlay

Crews will be paving shoulder level-up and overlaying northbound and southbound. Traffic control will consist of daily shoulder closures managed by flaggers and a pilot car. The project consists of base repair, level-up, spray paver, permeable friction course surface, structures, bridge rail, metal beam guard fence, and pavement markings.

FM 2088, etc. MBGF Improvements in Wood County

Crews will be replacing MBGF on FM 2966 and FM 514 at three Lake Fork bridges east of Yantis. They also will be placing mowstrip at three locations on FM 17. Traffic control will consist of daily lane closures managed with flaggers. The project is for bridge maintenance consisting of MBGF and bridge retrofit rail.

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I-20 Total Maintenance Contract

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TxDOT Project Updates for the Week of Aug. 15, 2022 - Texas Department of Transportation

RTA scoops Best Business Award 2022 for innovative technology use – Government of Dubai Media Office

Represented by the Enterprise Command and Control Centre (EC3), Dubais Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has won the Best Business Award for the Innovative Use of Technology. The awards are among the most reputed accolades in the UK for recognising excellence in a variety of fields.

This new achievement is credited to a submission by RTA about its Enterprise Command and Control Centre (EC3). The EC3 is acknowledged as one of the biggest and most sophisticated control centres worldwide in terms of technology used and ability to integrate and control all mass transit means such as the metro, tram, public buses, taxis and marine transit modes. It also links and controls traffic control systems and ensures smooth planning of transportation to meet various transportation challenges in the emirate.

Enterprise Command and Control Centre

The Enterprise Command and Control Centre (EC3) was developed using agile procedures to manage a road network consisting of about 5,000 kilometres, 1700 public buses, more than 10,000 taxis, 129 metro trains comprising 645 carriages, and 54 metro stations including 7 stations on Route 2020, in addition to 11 trams and 11 tram stations. It also manages the main control room fitted with a giant screen covering 53 square metres and linked to 34 technical devices to ensure full and instant integration of all systems.

The EC3 is also capable of accommodating and processing the feed of more than 10,000 surveillance cameras. It can use artificial intelligence in managing accidents and crises and mobile phone data in planning and managing mobility and crowds through identifying dense assembly points and directing transport means to serve them. The Centre can simulate the reality in the heart of an event through a 3D visual display and monitor mobility by drones. It also has other technical capabilities rendering it one of the largest and distinguished control centres worldwide.

Best Business Awards

The Best Business Awards are acknowledged as one of the prestigious business awards in the United Kingdom that attract broad-based participation from businesses and organisations including multinational companies and SMEs characterised by innovation and leadership. The awards are managed by the reputed business awards expert Awards Intelligence.

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RTA scoops Best Business Award 2022 for innovative technology use - Government of Dubai Media Office