The racing world and the sports business landscape are about to witness a unique and unexpected alliance. NFL Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs, famous for turning the Washington Redskins into an NFL powerhouse, is about to become closely linked with Josh Harris, the billionaire businessman poised to purchase Gibbs' former NFL franchise, the Washington Commanders.
Harris, along with business partner David Blitzer under their HBSE banner (Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment), is making a significant financial investment in Gibbs' NASCAR conglomerate, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). A group of private equity platform Arctos Partners is also participating in the deal. Sources, who requested anonymity due to the pending transaction, revealed that the group will acquire a minority stake in JGR, which boasts an impressive resume of five NASCAR Cup Series Championships, six NASCAR Xfinity Series Owner Championships, and more than 400 race wins across NASCAR's top three racing series since its inception in 1992.
However, Gibbs, now an integral part of the NASCAR Hall of Fame since 2020, will retain full control of the day-to-day operations of his racing team. Harris Blitzer Sports and Arctos Partners will focus on bolstering marketing, sales, and the business side of the operation without meddling in Gibbs' family-run business model.
While the specifics of the investment remain undisclosed, it is clear that Harris and Gibbs share a budding camaraderie. Gibbs has been providing counsel to Harris during his pursuit of acquiring the Washington Commanders from current owner Dan Snyder. Upon the tentative agreement to sell the NFL franchise to Harris and his group for over $6 billion, Gibbs extended his support to the incoming owner.
The addition of Joe Gibbs Racing to Harris' sports empire, which already includes the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL's New Jersey Devils, further cements Harris' position in the sports industry. Additionally, Gibbs will become a limited partner in HBSE, pending approval by the NBA and NHL.
For JGR, this investment brings a welcome influx of capital that can be invested in ensuring the team's competitiveness on the racetrack. In NASCAR, money translates to speed, and Gibbs' association with Harris opens up exciting possibilities for the racing powerhouse.
With the deal still pending finalization and regulatory approvals, the sports world eagerly awaits the unfolding partnership between NFL legend Joe Gibbs and NBA billionaire Josh Harris. Whether it's touchdowns or checkered flags, it seems this dynamic duo is set to leave their mark on two vastly different sports realms.
The digitalization of various aspects of life, accelerated by the pandemic, has made online interactions and transactions more prevalent. Businesses and organizations, ranging from utilities and restaurants to health care providers and the government, encourage people to use apps or websites for their needs. While this is convenient for many, it has left some older adults behind, as they may not have grown up in a digital world and struggle to adapt to new technologies.
Mildred Lovell, a 62-year-old woman, found herself in this situation when she began studying for a doctorate online. Despite her successful career in interacting with people at a day care center, she realized that her tech skills were lacking. With the patient assistance of a digital literacy associate, she has been gradually learning various tech skills, helping her feel more comfortable with technology.
Recognizing the challenges faced by older adults, particularly those born outside the United States, New York City is considering establishing a free tech support program for adults over 65, offering assistance over the phone in multiple languages.
While research shows that the majority of older adults now use the internet and own smartphones, it doesn't mean that their online experiences are smooth. Dr. Sara Czaja, who studies aging and behavior at Weill Cornell Medicine, notes that older adults can learn new things but may require more time due to changes in processing speed. Nevertheless, their brains retain plasticity, enabling them to adapt to new experiences.
A potential reason for the technology gap for older adults is that young designers typically create tech products, often without considering the needs of older users. Don Norman, a former Apple vice president and usability expert, advocates for incorporating older people into the design process to ensure products are user-friendly for everyone.
Some companies acknowledge the limitations of their digital services for older users but may not address the issue until economic pressure forces them to do so. For instance, a big bank had challenges with its website and phone line for older customers, but since there was no evident churn, the bank didn't make significant changes. However, designing separate lanes or dedicated phone lines for older consumers might not be a perfect solution, as younger users might end up using them too.
The shift to digital also impacts people with disabilities, as areas with higher rates of disability insurance claims often lack sufficient high-speed internet access, even in non-rural and urban areas.
Nonetheless, there is a growing market incentive to develop technology that caters to older adults as the baby boomer generation ages. This recognition highlights the importance of considering the diverse needs of users while designing technology and digital services to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all age groups and abilities.
New hope is on the horizon for heart attack survivors as researchers unveil a groundbreaking biomaterial that could potentially revolutionize heart attack treatment. A team of researchers, led by bioengineer Karen Christman from the University of California, San Diego, has developed a biomaterial capable of healing damaged heart tissue from the inside out.
Heart attacks result in the death of cardiac muscle tissue, leading to scarring and permanent damage within just six hours of the event. This damage hinders the heart's proper functioning, and current treatments are limited in their ability to prevent scar tissue formation.
Christman's team sought to address this limitation by creating a biomaterial that could initiate healing immediately after a heart attack, potentially salvaging tissue and promoting regeneration. In tests on rodents and pigs, the biomaterial showed promising results, repairing tissue damage and reducing inflammation shortly after a heart attack.
The key to the biomaterial's success lies in its composition, which includes the extracellular matrix—a lattice of proteins that provide structural support to cells in cardiac muscle tissue. Previous research had shown that stem cells derived from body fat could be used to heal various tissues, including the heart. Inspired by this, Christman's team wanted to harness the regenerative abilities of the extracellular matrix, which is more cost-effective than stem cells.
In 2009, the team created a hydrogel using particles from the extracellular matrix, but its larger size necessitated delivery through a needle, posing a risk of triggering arrhythmia. To address this issue, they modified the hydrogel, creating a thinner material composed of nanoparticles that could be delivered intravenously through heart blood vessels.
The results were promising. The modified biomaterial not only adhered to the damaged tissue but also bound to leaky blood vessels, preventing inflammatory cells from entering the heart tissue and causing further harm. This reduction in inflammation and stimulation of the healing process through cell growth could be a game-changer in heart attack treatment.
Although more safety studies are needed before the biomaterial is ready for clinical trials, researchers are optimistic about its potential. The first human trial is likely to focus on repairing cardiac tissue post-heart attack, with other applications, such as treating leaky blood vessels in the brain after traumatic injuries, also being considered.
This groundbreaking discovery could pave the way for a new era in heart attack treatment, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide.
Picture this: a young physicist faces a life-changing decision between two job offers, each holding their own allure and uncertainties. In the end, he chooses the university job, but a nagging "what if" haunts him for years. Ever wonder how life could have unfolded if you took that other path? It seems we all have a penchant for pondering the roads not taken.
As if plucked from the pages of a sci-fi novel, the concept of "possible worlds" has fascinated philosophers for centuries. But it wasn't until quantum physics entered the scene that these alternate realities became more than just intriguing thought experiments. Enter the "many-worlds" interpretation, where every possible outcome exists in its own universe.
In this multiverse, there's a version of you with different hair, a different job, or perhaps no existence at all. It's like a cosmic game of chance where every possible combination comes to life. Remember Schrödinger's cat? In this bizarre thought experiment, a cat is both alive and dead until someone looks inside the box to find out. In the multiverse, it's as if every outcome is true simultaneously until it's measured or observed.
But what does this mean for our understanding of reality? Some believe these parallel worlds are real and connected, while others see them as useful theoretical tools. To physicists like Alvin Plantinga, it's more of a philosophical playground than an actuality.
Regardless of their reality, possible worlds captivate our imagination. They've inspired countless novels, movies, and TV shows, from space operas to superhero adventures. In these tales, characters navigate alternative realities, and we ponder how our decisions shape us.
We even find parallels in our own lives. Dreams, after all, are our minds' multiverses, where loved ones act out of character or strange landscapes unfold before us. The human mind seems wired to explore multiple futures from the present.
As we embrace these diverse narratives, we must also learn to navigate their consequences. Longing for other lives can lead to unhappiness, as we question our choices. But perhaps there's a lesson in embracing the one path we've chosen. Every life, with its joys and sorrows, holds its unique meaning, just like suffering in Nietzsche's perspective.
In the end, we're all storytellers, modifying details to create different worlds. It's an essential aspect of human nature, shaping our understanding of the world. And with an abundance of information and perspectives in our data-driven age, we should remain open to the myriad possibilities life offers.
So, next time you find yourself contemplating that "what if," remember the wise words of Nora Seed in Matt Haig's novel: "Those lives are happening, it is true, but you are happening as well."
In a heart-wrenching incident, a migrant smuggling ship sank off the coast of Greece, leaving more than 500 people missing. Nine suspects, all Egyptians, were held in pretrial custody, facing charges of participation in a criminal organization, manslaughter, and causing a shipwreck. Only 104 people survived, and the bodies of 82 victims have been recovered so far.
Survivors have described harrowing conditions during the ill-fated journey. Around 750 people paid thousands of dollars each to board the battered blue fishing trawler, hoping for a better life in Europe. Most were denied food and water, and those unable to bribe the crew were beaten if they tried to reach the deck.
The sinking occurred in calm seas, and it seems the ship capsized and sank within minutes, trapping women and children in the hold. The survivors' testimonies revealed that a tow line was attached to the trawler by a Greek ship, contradicting the Greek coast guard's claims that no tow rope was used.
The suspects, while in court, denied the charges and claimed to be migrants themselves. However, the court rejected the argument that Greek courts lacked jurisdiction due to the incident occurring in international waters.
The tragic incident highlights the perils faced by migrants seeking refuge in Europe and raises questions about the responsibility of nations and organizations in offering aid. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged the urgency of the situation and emphasized the need to act.
As the search for survivors continues, it is a somber reminder of the desperate situation many migrants face, seeking a safer and better future. The incident calls for a collective effort to address the underlying causes and offer humanitarian assistance to those in need.
In the wild and wonderful world of art, some artists stand out as true originals, and David Shrigley is undeniably one of them. With a knack for the bizarre and a dash of dark humor, Shrigley has captured the hearts of art enthusiasts worldwide. Let's take a peek into the mind of this English-born, Glasgow-trained, and now Brighton-based conceptual artist, as we explore his unique journey and creative process.
Over the last 30 years, Shrigley has been churning out his peculiar musings through various forms of art. He's an expert in deadpan humor and doesn't shy away from the morbid or absurd. From navigating the contemporary art world to dabbling in interactive art, Shrigley's career trajectory has been unwavering, marked by a refusal to compromise his aesthetics.
In our recent conversations, Shrigley candidly shares insights into his work and personality. One thing becomes clear - while he claims to contradict himself, he's nothing short of honest about who he is and the artistic path he's chosen.
Behind his quirky creations lies an intriguing process. Shrigley starts by scouring books and the internet for interesting images, striving to depict subjects he's never explored before. He then outlines the image and starts drawing, sometimes adding text afterward. The result is a delightful concoction of visuals and words that often take on a life of their own.
For an artist known for his humorous pieces, Shrigley has an endearing confession to make: he's slightly obsessive-compulsive. From his special doodle notebook to his peculiar drawing style, his idiosyncrasies add to the charm of his art.
Despite his success, Shrigley remains refreshingly grounded. He acknowledges that his lack of objective skill is an advantage, allowing him to create art that veers away from the overly aesthetic and leans into the awkward and strange. For him, it's not about perfection but embracing imperfection to evoke intrigue.
What's fascinating about Shrigley's work is its universal appeal. Language barriers seem irrelevant; his art connects on a deeper level, transcending words and cultures. Even if he were a master painter like Delacroix, his art wouldn't carry the same universal message.
Throughout his career, Shrigley has followed his artistic instincts, unafraid to tread where others might hesitate. His piece, the Mayfair Tennis Ball Exchange, is a testament to this. A project shunned by commercial galleries, he pursued it anyway, embracing the freedom of being an artist.
And while success has found him, Shrigley remains humble, seeing each day as an opportunity for creativity. His studio sessions, marked by excitement and motivation, are a reminder of the joy he finds in the process. Yet, he emphasizes the need for discipline, even during times of resistance.
So, what makes David Shrigley tick? Perhaps, it's his ability to hold contradictory thoughts and to change his mind, finding joy in exploring new territories within the realm of art. His art reflects the spontaneity of a child painting for the first time, coupled with the wisdom of a seasoned artist.
In the end, what truly matters is Shrigley's body of work, a testament to his unique perspective on life, art, and absurdity. As we delve into his world, we can't help but be charmed by the playful mind of this serious man.
Source
The story of one of America's strangest Ponzi schemes began when Robin H. Swanson, a secretary at an aerospace firm in Southern California, ordered flowers for her boss's wife from a business called Floral Fantasies. Swanson paid $23.95 with her Visa card, but later discovered she had been charged $601.11 for the order. Frustrated and determined to get her money back, she contacted the owner of the flower shop, Barry Minkow, who was also a charismatic young entrepreneur running a successful carpet cleaning business called ZZZZ Best.
Unbeknownst to Swanson, ZZZZ Best's success was built on a fraudulent empire. Minkow had engaged in various illegal activities, including faking burglaries at his headquarters and using fake restoration projects to inflate the company's revenue and attract investors. He also overcharged customers' credit cards and used new investors' funds to pay off existing loans, running a classic Ponzi scheme.
Swanson's obsession with getting her money back led her to investigate Minkow further. She even sneaked into his gated community to catch a glimpse of him. After winning a small claims case against Minkow, she alerted a Los Angeles journalist about his fraudulent activities, setting the stage for the downfall of ZZZZ Best.
Despite ZZZZ Best's public listing on the Nasdaq and Minkow's attempts to expand the company, the expose by the Los Angeles Times and other investigators exposed the fraud. KeyServ Group, a major carpet cleaning business that ZZZZ Best planned to acquire, pulled out of the deal, causing the company's stock to plummet, and Minkow eventually resigned. ZZZZ Best filed for bankruptcy, and Minkow was convicted of fraud, sentenced to 25 years in prison, and forced to pay back defrauded investors $26 million in restitution.
Swanson's role in bringing down the Ponzi scheme has largely been forgotten, but she believes that her persistence and obsession may have saved some people from losing their life savings. Meanwhile, Minkow served time in prison and later faced additional convictions for financial crimes.
In a significant stride in the realm of sustainable agriculture, Plenty has officially opened the Plenty Compton Farm, positioned as the West Coast's sole commercial-scale vertical farm. Situated in Compton, California, this state-of-the-art indoor vertical farm boasts a cutting-edge design facilitating the annual production of up to 4.5 million pounds of leafy greens within a single city block.
Plenty, a pioneer in indoor farming, utilizes a unique 3D vertical architecture that stands as a key factor behind its impressive yield, reaching up to 350 times the output per acre compared to traditional farms. The farm's establishment marks the fruition of nearly a decade of research and development by Plenty, culminating in what CEO Arama Kukutai describes as a scalable platform for indoor farming. Kukutai highlights the farm's potential to provide a consistent, year-round supply of fresh produce with economically favorable unit dynamics, emphasizing the significance of this advancement for the global food supply.
Distinguishing itself from conventional greenhouses and "vertical" farms operating on flat planes, Plenty's innovation resides in its 3D growth approach, employing vertical towers that extend almost two stories high. This distinctive architecture enhances efficiency, enabling increased produce yields in less space while facilitating full automation throughout the growth cycle—from planting to harvest. Such advancements contribute to the reduction of production costs, aligning with Plenty's commitment to making affordable produce accessible across diverse communities.
Mayor Emma Sharif of Compton lauds the project, citing its role in reintroducing field-scale farming to the community. Over 30% of the farm's workforce hails from Compton, presenting job opportunities and cultivating interest in agriculture careers. Sharif sees the Plenty Compton Farm as a model for enhancing access to fresh, locally grown food in urban settings and supporting economic development in cities.
Plenty's approach to indoor farming addresses future challenges in the agricultural landscape. With an anticipated 50% surge in food demand by 2050 and a concurrent threat of soil degradation, Plenty's method proves resilient. By utilizing minimal land and water compared to conventional farming, the Plenty Compton Farm aims to save millions of gallons of water annually. Secretary Karen Ross of the California Department of Food and Agriculture applauds this innovative farming model, emphasizing its role in building climate-resilient food systems.
The initial produce offerings from the farm include four varieties of leafy greens: Baby Arugula, Baby Kale, Crispy Lettuce, and Curly Baby Spinach. Notably, the spinach, released as Plenty's newest product, is among the world's few vertically grown, pesticide-free spinach varieties. The meticulous development process involved designing a new filtration system and analyzing vast data inputs to create a spinach environment with a distinct sweet flavor and unique crunch.
Plenty's pesticide-free leafy greens are currently available at Bristol Farms, select Whole Foods Market stores in Northern California, local grocers in Compton, and as a featured ingredient on Singapore Airlines flights departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Additionally, a collaboration with Walmart has introduced a new brand for indoor-grown, pesticide-free produce supplied by Plenty in Southern California Walmart stores. Plans for expanding Plenty's retail presence throughout California and beyond are set to unfold in the coming summer months. For updated availability, interested consumers can refer to the store locator on Plenty's official website.
The 2023 Formula 1 season has seen Daniel Ricciardo take on the role of reserve driver for Red Bull, sparking speculations about his possible return to the grid with a full-time drive. Recent events, however, suggest that replacing AlphaTauri's Nyck de Vries midseason might not be in the cards, as the rookie's form has improved, and Red Bull's focus remains on nurturing its crop of young talents.
Nevertheless, Ricciardo has been candid about his desire to return to F1. In an interview with RaceFans, he expressed that he doesn't want his story to end without giving more to the sport. If the right opportunity arises, he would love to make a comeback.
And he has a specific "fairytale" ending in mind: returning to Red Bull. Speaking with ESPN, Ricciardo revealed that returning to the grid with Red Bull would be his dream scenario. However, securing a seat with the team may prove challenging, as Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez have existing contracts until 2028 and 2024, respectively.
Ricciardo has shown enthusiasm for a potential drive with AlphaTauri in 2024, but he firmly believes he can return to his prime form next season. His performances in the simulator have impressed Team Principal Christian Horner, and Ricciardo is set for a test at Silverstone after the British Grand Prix.
Despite the challenges, Ricciardo seems willing to make the necessary sacrifices for his return. During the alternate telecast of the Canadian Grand Prix on ESPN's The Grandstand, he humorously mentioned that if he's back on the grid next year, he won't be able to enjoy eating during races anymore.
While Ricciardo's desired "fairytale" ending may require some twists and turns, the talented driver remains optimistic about the possibility of writing the next chapter of his F1 journey with Red Bull. Racing fans will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on how this story unfolds.
It's been a wild ride for the past four decades with the rugged archeologist, Dr. Henry Jones, better known as Indiana Jones. With his iconic fedora and leather jacket, he has entertained and thrilled us through countless adventures, chasing precious relics that, in his gruff voice, "belong in a museum." But now, as "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" hits theaters on June 30th, we brace ourselves for the bittersweet truth that this will be Harrison Ford's final outing as our beloved Indy.
Let's set aside the debates over whether the new film will be as good as the original or if it merely trades in nostalgia. Instead, let's celebrate the quirky legacy of Indy and the amusing titles inspired by his character, like "The Indiana Jones of Anesthesiology" and "The Indiana Jones of Spanish Baroque Music." The Internet never fails to surprise!
However, as we bid adieu to our adventurous uncle, it's time to ponder his impact on the world of archaeology. While some experts thank Indy for bringing popular interest to their field, others protest that his fiction leaves an inaccurate impression. The character's roots lie in real-life explorers like Hiram Bingham, the "real-life Indiana Jones" who had his own struggles with Peruvian scholars over the tombs and "lost cities" of the Incas. Indy's escapades may be outré, but they are not divorced from reality.
As we explore the depths of history, Indy becomes a mirror reflecting the darker side of archaeological practices, including harassment, exploitation, and colonial attitudes. The more we learn about the past, the less escapist Indy becomes. He now symbolizes a reckoning with the skeletons in anthropology's closet.
But despite this critical examination, it feels disloyal not to express why many of us adore Indy. The heart of the franchise lies in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," which humanizes him through his complicated relationship with his father. The emotional connection and reconciliation between the two Jones men touched audiences and gave the series its soul.
For many of us, our love for Indy goes beyond the movies. He represents cherished memories with our parents and an outlet for big feelings through toys and play. Even after growing up and recognizing the franchise's flaws, Indy remains a nostalgic anchor.
As we pass on the legacy of Indiana Jones to the next generation, we remember the joy of adventure and the importance of exploring the world's secrets with loved ones. So, while we say goodbye to Harrison Ford's iconic portrayal, we carry Indy's spirit within us—braving the challenges of life's adventure, just like our beloved archeologist.