RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR Electric Picnic Home News New testing regulations announced for Coronavirus in Ireland News Facebook Bizarre situation as Ben Brennan breaks up Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael arrangement to take Graiguecullen-Portarlington vice-chair role Facebook News Laois Councillor ‘amazed’ at Electric Picnic decision to apply for later date for 2021 festival Previous articleLaois Abroad: The Ballickmoyler girl feeling a long way from homeNext articleSeanad Election: Fiona O’Loughlin on losing her seat – and hitting the campaign trail once again Alan HartnettStradbally native Alan Hartnett is a graduate of Knockbeg College who has worked in the local and national media since 2008. Alan has a BA in Economics, Politics and Law and an MA in Journalism from DCU. His happiest moment was when Jody Dillon scored THAT goal in the Laois senior football final in 2016. Pinterest Twitter Pinterest Electric Picnic organisers release statement following confirmation of new festival date WhatsApp Twitter TAGSCoronavirusCovid-19 WhatsApp Electric Picnic Irish Medical Organisation and Irish College of GPs have announced big changes to the testing for Coronavirus.New rules have been introduced for Covid-19 testing which means patients will need to meet revised criteria to qualify for a test in the future.Patients will now have to meet two criteria – a clinical status and they must also fall into one of the priority groups in order to be referred for a test.The priority groups, under the new testing regime, include close contacts of a confirmed case; healthcare staff and vulnerable groups who have symptoms.In relation to the clinical criteria, patients will have to show two major symptoms – a fever and either a cough or shortness of breath.All patients who have not yet been swabbed and do not have an appointment for a test date, will not now be tested.They will be required to reengage with their GP if they still want a test.All patients who have had their swabs taken will have their samples tested and processed.LaoisToday understands a number of Laois people have received text messages this morning informing them of this change and telling them to reapply for a test if they still need one.The changes folllow the application of new World Health Organisation case definition and prioritisation criteria.For patients who now have to re-engage with their GP, under the new test rules, who were already referred for a test – if the GP refers them again for a test, after triage under the new rules, the GP will again be paid €30 per patient.93% of samples tested at the National Virus Reference Laboratory (14,692) so far have tested negative.The Department of Health opened a Coronavirus testing facility in Emo last week. While a ‘Community Assessment Hub’, located on the grounds of St Fintan’s Hospital in Portlaoise, is set to come on stream soon.While Laois GAA also have opened up MW O’Moore Park to be used as a drive-thru testing facility. New testing regulations announced for Coronavirus in Ireland By Alan Hartnett – 25th March 2020 
Home Lifestyle Entertainment From Los Angeles to London and Canada to Laois – how a… LifestyleEntertainment WhatsApp RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR Facebook Electric Picnic apply to Laois County Council for new date for this year’s festival Electric Picnic organisers release statement following confirmation of new festival date Pinterest Twitter Laois Councillor ‘amazed’ at Electric Picnic decision to apply for later date for 2021 festival SEE ALSO – LaoisToday Podcast: Bernard O’Shea on growing up in Laois, his new book and his plans for 2021 Electric Picnic From Los Angeles to London and Canada to Laois – how a local musician produced a new Christmas song
Electric Picnic WhatsApp Facebook Local music fans will be familiar with James O’Connor who has been performing at venues around the county for a number of years now and also teaches in Music Generation Laois and in a number of primary schools.The Coronavirus restrictions have been difficult for the entertainment sector but he has used the time productively by first producing and album and more recently a Christmas song titled Memories of Christmas Day. “It’s very hard not to be cliché when you are writing a Christmas song,” he told Paul Downey on the first episode of the new Midweek podcast on LaoisToday. “But we wanted to capture that nostalgic feeling, that warm, that thing of nice nostalgic about me growing up at Christmas, sneaking down the stairs, trying to catch out Santa. And then growing up, fall in love, getting married and having your own kids and watching them do the same.”And he also explained the process behind putting it together – and using musical resources from all over the world.“One Mac is Michael McMahon is his real name and he’s originally from Dublin he was originally a DJ under the name Mick Taylor. “In the last few years I decided I want to get back creating writing music. So we teamed up, he used to come to my gigs, saw me online and liked my stuff. “And we got chatting at a gig and we did a couple of things, a couple of collaborations. And then he said to me this year, we’ll do a Christmas song is you are interested. “And I always wanted to write a Christmas song as well. So I said Jesus you know why not, I have been putting it off. So we managed to meet, we managed to meet there back during when there wasn’t a lockdown at one stage … we met for a couple of hours and got together. He had some lyrics, I had the music. “And then the rest was done on Zoom. And we just kept working because I have the recording bits here. I was able to record the tracks and the guitar tracks and the vocals send it over and he’d send over bits to me. “And Kim Diaz Smith is actually in Los Angeles. So Michael found her on a thing called ‘Fiverr’ … it’s another thing I have discovered during lockdown.“There is a whole site there that someone can sing your song or whatever. But Kim was on there and Michael got in touch with her and she sang then, recorded in Los Angeles and sent it back to us. “So we were able to piece it altogether. And David Hart another chap from Portlaoise … he played base on it and a chap in Canada played drums and then a chap in England mixed it and a lad in Limerick mastered it! So it’s been back and forth.”“It’s a real multinational kind of song isn’t it?” said Paul.“Yes definitely and I was able to get some of my friends to do backing vocals as well. And my own mother did backing vocals, so there’s a load of credits on there as well.”You can listen to the song in full here while you can listen to the full podcast with Paul Downey below also on Apple Podcasts or below on Spotify. By Steven Miller – 20th December 2020 Pinterest Electric Picnic TAGSJames O’ConnorMidweek Podcast Previous articleMagic of a drive-thru Santa – Laois GAA club pull out all the stops for their young membersNext articleLaois man guides Limerick to second successive Munster minor hurling title Steven Millerhttp://www.laoistoday.ieSteven Miller is owner and managing editor of LaoisToday.ie. From Laois, Steven studied Journalism in DCU and has 14 years experience in the media, almost 10 of those in an editorial role. Husband of Emily, father of William and Lillian, he’s happiest when he’s telling stories or kicking a point. Twitter
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iStock Keywords Fraud, Enforcement Share this article and your comments with peers on social media PwC alleges deleted emails, unusual transactions in Bridging Finance case Facebook LinkedIn Twitter James Langton BFI investors plead for firm’s sale Toronto police have charged another man in connection with an alleged multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme targeting the city’s Filipino community.Back in August, police charged a couple with fraud, forgery and money laundering offences, following a year-long investigation by the financial crimes unit which uncovered a purported $3.5 million investment scheme. On Oct. 2, police announced that Jason Gaurana, 37, has been arrested and charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000 as part of their ongoing investigation, known as Project Cosmo.Police said it’s believed that “additional companies and people are involved” in the alleged fraud.“The investigation has now expanded and officers continue to look into the company Infy Trading Inc.,” they said, adding that one of the company’s directors allegedly recruited investors to take out loans and second mortgages, or use their credit cards to invest in the scheme.Another company, D-Con Design and Construct Solutions Inc., and a church, The Vessels of Hope International Community Church, are also alleged to be involved in the scheme.Gaurana, who police say is the pastor of the church, is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 3.None of the charges have been proven. Related news
RelatedCultural Tribute Raises Funds for Miss Lou Scholarship Cultural Tribute Raises Funds for Miss Lou Scholarship UncategorizedOctober 31, 2007 RelatedCultural Tribute Raises Funds for Miss Lou Scholarship FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail Some US$6,000 was raised from a cultural tribute held recently in Miami, to support the annual Louise Bennett-Coverley (Miss Lou) Scholarship. The second annual award will be made in November to two students pursuing studies in music and dance at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. The cultural tribute, which was held at the Sierra Norwood Calvary Baptist Church in North Miami, featured performances from talented Jamaicans in South Florida. Performances included a wide range of poetry, prose, dialect, song and drama, all reminiscent of Miss Lou and her style of entertaining.The event was organized by Jamaica Folk Revue, which is a Florida-based Jamaican cultural organization.Director of Jamaica Folk Revue, Norma Darby, told JIS News that it is important to honour the life and legacy of Miss Lou, who made immeasurable contributions to Jamaica’s cultural development, “and had given to us all a sense of dignity, authenticity and pride in the country’s heritage and culture.” Mrs. Darby is hopeful that the scholarship recipients will use the opportunity to study the life and work of Miss Lou, including her illustrious career as a poet, playwright, comedienne, actor and lyricist, “so that they can continue to keep her legacy alive.” Dayon Gray and Vennessa Gardner, who are pursuing studies in drama at Edna Manley, were the first recipients of the scholarship awards in November 2006.
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RelatedJamaicans in South Florida to be Honoured for Contribution to Community Development RelatedJamaicans in South Florida to be Honoured for Contribution to Community Development Advertisements Jamaicans in South Florida to be Honoured for Contribution to Community Development UncategorizedMarch 7, 2008
RelatedJamaicans in South Florida to be Honoured for Contribution to Community Development FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail The Jamaican Consulate in Miami will stage its second annual Community Service Awards ceremony on Sunday (March 30), to honour the positive contributions of 12 Jamaican nationals in South Florida.Prime Minister, Bruce Golding and Mrs. Golding are expected to attend the event, which is slated for the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Miami.The honorees will be recognized for longevity of service and pioneering work and awards will be presented for contributions in areas of culture, the development of Caribbean media, and in civic and professional capacities in Jamaica and South Florida.Consul General Richard Allicock said that over the years, Jamaican nationals have shown commitment to the development of their homeland, and are deserving of recognition for their efforts.At the first event held last March, 18 persons were recognized for their pioneering spirit and perseverance in the development of the South Florida community.
Statement by Minister Chagger on International Day of Pink From: Canadian HeritageCanadians are encouraged to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ2 communities on International Day of PinkInternational Day of Pink is an opportunity to renew our commitment to diversity and inclusion by combatting all forms of discrimination that fuel bullying and violence, which many LGBTQ2 youth continue to face. By wearing a pink shirt on this day, we stand in solidary with LGBTQ2 communities in Canada and everywhere, as we continue to promote an equitable society where everyone is free to be their true authentic self.This day celebrates the strength and resilience of LGBTQ2 individuals and shines a light on the violence, bullying, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia that many, including youth, face daily. Despite these ongoing challenges, there is hope as we continue to make progress in breaking down barriers and making strides towards building safer and consciously more inclusive schools and communities in which everyone has equitable opportunities.Fourteen years ago, students at a high school in Nova Scotia saw their classmate being bullied for wearing a pink shirt and took action. They took a step towards denouncing discrimination when they stood together in solidarity and wore pink shirts to support their classmate, an act that resonated across Canada and around the world. We can learn from their brave example by coming together, especially during the pandemic, and standing up for what is right while challenging social norms to create meaningful change and inclusion.As Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, on behalf of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Government of Canada, I encourage everyone from coast to coast to coast to wear a pink shirt today and learn what the government is doing to promote equity for LGBTQ2 communities. Visit the LGBTQ2 Secretariat website and join the conversation by using #FreeToBeMe and #VirtualDayofPink. Keep well and safe. /Public Release. This material comes from the originating organization and may be of a point-in-time nature, edited for clarity, style and length. View in full here. Why?Well, unlike many news organisations, we have no sponsors, no corporate or ideological interests. We don’t put up a paywall – we believe in free access to information of public interest. Media ownership in Australia is one of the most concentrated in the world (Learn more). Since the trend of consolidation is and has historically been upward, fewer and fewer individuals or organizations control increasing shares of the mass media in our country. According to independent assessment, about 98% of the media sector is held by three conglomerates. This tendency is not only totally unacceptable, but also to a degree frightening). Learn more hereWe endeavour to provide the community with real-time access to true unfiltered news firsthand from primary sources. It is a bumpy road with all sorties of difficulties. We can only achieve this goal together. Our website is open to any citizen journalists and organizations who want to contribute, publish high-quality insights or send media releases to improve public access to impartial information. You and we have the right to know, learn, read, hear what and how we deem appropriate.Your support is greatly appreciated. All donations are kept completely private and confidential.Thank you in advance!Tags:building, bullying, Canada, diversity, Government, Justin Trudeau, Minister, pandemic, Prime Minister, resilience, school, Society, students, violence, website, Youth
New report on early planned caesarean sections Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health CareWHAT Launch of the Fourth Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation 2021Early planned caesarean section births will be a key focus of the Fourth Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation, to be released by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) on Wednesday 28 April.The Atlas series, which commenced in 2015, examines variations in healthcare use in Australia based on where people live, and analyses appropriateness and equity of healthcare delivery.The fourth Atlas investigates 17 items across six clinical topics, including early planned births and potentially preventable hospitalisations for chronic disease and infection, and makes specific achievable recommendations to reduce unwarranted variation.For the key topic of early planned birth, findings show that many Australian babies are being placed at unnecessary risk because their caesarean section birth is scheduled too early, without a medical reason. This is despite higher risks of adverse effects for babies born before 39 weeks’ gestation.Minister for Health and Aged Care The Hon Greg Hunt MP will launch the Atlas in a live webcast event on Wednesday 28 April with the Commission’s Board Chair, Professor Villis Marshall AC. Hosted by Professor Anne Duggan, Commission Acting Chief Medical Officer, the webcast will feature presentations from Professor John Newnham AM, Senior Australian of the Year 2020 and Professor in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at The University of Western Australia, and Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer.WHEN Wednesday 28 April, 12:00pm – 1:00pm AEST – Presentations and discussionFORMAT Live-streamed online eventRegistrations: https://kapara.rdbk.com.au/landers/539292.htmlMedia are invited to register. Interviews are available before and after the launch.• Professor John Newnham AM, Senior Australian of the Year 2020 and Professor of Obstetrics at The University of Western Australia• Professor Villis Marshall AC, Board Chair, the Commission /Public Release. This material comes from the originating organization and may be of a point-in-time nature, edited for clarity, style and length. Why?Well, unlike many news organisations, we have no sponsors, no corporate or ideological interests. We don’t put up a paywall – we believe in free access to information of public interest. Media ownership in Australia is one of the most concentrated in the world (Learn more). Since the trend of consolidation is and has historically been upward, fewer and fewer individuals or organizations control increasing shares of the mass media in our country. According to independent assessment, about 98% of the media sector is held by three conglomerates. This tendency is not only totally unacceptable, but also to a degree frightening). Learn more hereWe endeavour to provide the community with real-time access to true unfiltered news firsthand from primary sources. It is a bumpy road with all sorties of difficulties. We can only achieve this goal together. Our website is open to any citizen journalists and organizations who want to contribute, publish high-quality insights or send media releases to improve public access to impartial information. You and we have the right to know, learn, read, hear what and how we deem appropriate.Your support is greatly appreciated. All donations are kept completely private and confidential.Thank you in advance!Tags:aged care, Australia, Australian, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, Australian Government, australian of the year, chronic disease, Commission, Government, health, healthcare, infection, obstetrics, university, University of Western Australia, Western Australia
RelatedConsultation to Prepare Jamaica for Climate Change Conference FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail Story HighlightsWorld Town Planning Day will focus on expanding access to, and encouraging more efficient use of potable water.The day will be observed under the theme: ‘Water: Too much, too little, Unusable or in the wrong place’.The highlight of activities marking this year’s observance of WTPD is the hosting of a public lecture. Photo: JIS PhotographerDirector of the Spatial Planning Division of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Leonard Francis (centre), addressing a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on October 31. Others are (from left): Janet Hyde, Snr. Manager in the Spatial Planning Division of NEPA and Geronimo Tuzo, member of the Jamaica Institute of Planners. World Town Planning Day to Focus on WaterJIS News | Presented by: PausePlay% buffered00:0000:00UnmuteMuteDisable captionsEnable captionsSettingsCaptionsDisabledQualityundefinedSpeedNormalCaptionsGo back to previous menuQualityGo back to previous menuSpeedGo back to previous menu0.5×0.75×Normal1.25×1.5×1.75×2×Exit fullscreenEnter fullscreenPlay On Friday, November 8, Jamaica will join the rest of the international community in observing World Town Planning Day (WTPD), which will focus on expanding access to, and encouraging more efficient use of potable water.The day will be observed under the theme: ‘Water: Too much, too little, Unusable or in the wrong place’.The aim of WTPD is to promote a better understanding and awareness of planning issues at all levels of government among the population and to encourage greater private/ public partnership.Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on October 31, Director of the Spatial Planning Division of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Leonard Francis, pointed out that World Town Planning Day facilitates a critical focus on water, its storage, use and availability, especially in light of the mitigating impact of Climate Change.The highlight of activities marking this year’s observance of WTPD is the hosting of a public lecture. Guest speaker will be Chairman of the National Housing Trust, Hon. Easton Douglas, who is also a Town Planner by profession.“He’ll be addressing water and its impact on the Jamaican settlement pattern and the country as a whole in development. He’ll also look at the planning process in Jamaica and will address development planning approval process,” he pointed out.Several other activities are planned, including an exhibition and visits to schools to discuss career in Planning; examining climate change and the importance of water; and an awards ceremony honouring stalwarts in the planning profession.Mr. Francis pointed out that NEPA has been promoting development that involve or integrate water recycling, water catchment and use. He stressed that greater effort will be made this year to find ways to address the availability and re-cycling of water.“Sometimes we have too much water in one place, sometimes we have too little and sometimes the water cannot be used. [Perhaps] at the end of it all, people will understand the importance of planning in the entire development process and the growth of the country; that there will be a move toward the recycling of water from the kitchen which can be treated and used to water your lawn and a host of other things,” he said.Four new Development Orders are currently being promulgated for the Negril/Green Island Area in Westmoreland and for the parishes of Portland, Trelawny and Manchester.Mr. Francis noted that these Orders will facilitate and guide the sustainable development in the areas they cover by designating prescribed spaces for recreational use, parking for the general public and the disabled, commercial use and for residential purposes.They will also address and make provisions for the preservation of environmentally sensitive and agricultural lands, proposed developments, the building of funeral homes and the location of cell towers.
RelatedNEPA Investigating Reports of Crocodiles Being Eaten RelatedGreater Environmental Protection Stewardship Urged World Town Planning Day to Focus on Water EnvironmentNovember 1, 2013Written by: Rodger Hutchinson Advertisements
Related Home ZTE continues Axon M rollout Author India to shun China vendors in 5G trials AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to LinkedInLinkedInLinkedInShare to TwitterTwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookFacebookShare to MoreAddThisMore 17 JAN 2018 Steve Costello Previous ArticleGionee set for continued international pushNext ArticleMTN expands scope of Ghana mobile money service Steve works across all of Mobile World Live’s channels and played a lead role in the launch and ongoing success of our apps and devices services. He has been a journalist…More Read more 
FCC mulls expanded Huawei, ZTE bans Tags ZTE Mobile Devices launched its foldable Axon M smartphone in its home market of China, promising launches in Europe with operators “such as TIM and Vodafone”.The dual-screen device was unveiled in the US late in 2017 with AT&T, and subsequently appeared at NTT Docomo’s winter press conference in Japan. In China, it will be available from ZTE and JD.com online, and via operator China Telecom.Lixin Cheng, CEO of ZTE Mobile Devices, said: “We will continue to develop and lead the industry in the foldable smartphone category to provide meaningful innovation to customers.” Asia ZTE pushes flexibility, simplicity in private 5G networks ZTE