THE MOVIE GUY — Netflix scores again with The Irishman
There’s no doubt that “The Irishman” is a great film—certainly one of the best of the year, but it’s also a film that would have benefitted if it were a full hour shorter. I understand why a director of Scorsese’s stature would be so precious with this material. I just disagree with his conclusion that every detail of the man’s life needed to be in this story.Diehard Scorsese fans will probably take me to task for daring to criticize a master filmmaker. I still think he’s great. I simply wish that a good editor or producer would have been there to focus all that greatness into an even better film. Movie reviews by Sean, “The Movie Guy,” are each week in “The Port Arthur News” and seen weekly on KFDM and Fox4. Sean welcomes your comments via email at smcbride@sbgtv.com. The same holds true for fans of great acting. In addition to De Niro and Pacino in the leading roles, the film is peppered with solid supporting turns from such notable actors as Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale and Anna Paquin. It’s no surprise that a filmmaker of Scorsese’s stature can assemble a collection of the world’s best actors, and that he can get superb work out of them.The same holds true for his production crews, which are uniformly top notch. From Rodrigo Prieto’s fluid cinematography to the costume and sets that transport you back to the 1950s and ’60s, this is a film that deserves to be recognized on multiple fronts come Oscar time.Despite all of this, “The Irishman” is not without its problems. Clocking in at a bladder-busting three and a half hours, the film ends up being a mob hit man’s meandering trip down memory lane. He has some intriguing stories to tell, but there’s also a lot of filler. The bottom line for me is that while I loved much of this story, I also spent a lot of time anxiously waiting for the film to get on to the good stuff.
For the second year in a row, Netflix has forced its way into the Oscar conversation with some very good films. With apologies to The Two Popes and Marriage Story, their film garnering the most praise this year is Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama, The Irishman.By epic, I mean that this is a sprawling film that tells how a lowly truck driver (Robert De Niro) worked his way into the world of organized crime and eventually became an associate of Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). The film is told as a series of his recollections about various illegal enterprises, and how they ultimately touched on Hoffa’s fate.In short, this is a film that’s filled with the sort of salacious, violent and bloody details that have always fascinated Scorsese. Indeed, The Irishmen can be seen as a companion piece of sorts to some of his greatest films. If you liked The Godfather or Casino, this is certainly a film that will pique your interest as well.
What? That new Vaya road bike ain’t tough enough for your adventures? Fine, here’s the new Salsa La Cruz, a titanium cyclocross bike made to take a little off road abuse and meet those archaic UCI rules that ban disc brakes (lame).The Ti La Cruz borrows from the steel version Salsa’s had in their stable for a bit and tweaks the geometry just a smidge to better suit the material. There’s also a few additional sizes to match the range of their Chili Con Crosso racing bike.The Ti La Cruz frame has 42mm tire clearance and 130mm rear hub spacing, canti brakes and comes at ya for $1,800 (frame / seat clamp…Salsa, of course). It’s designed for cross forks with 395mm axle to crown with a 45-47mm rake. It’s available in eight sizes 51.5cm through 60.6cm, and the sizing is based on the Effective Top Tube just like the Vaya…which is apparently Salsa’s new overall sizing scheme.Want one? Get on it, dealers are placing their first orders by March 1 to guarantee a mid-year delivery. Find a Salsa dealer here, and find a pic of the frame only right after the jump…
Mission Workshop is inviting everyone in the area to come down to their HQ to enjoy some food, drinks, and a presentation and Q&A session with the founder of Argonaut Cycles, Ben Farver. Known for their full custom carbon road bikes, Argonaut offers a level of personalization and technology not found with many other carbon frames, especially those made in the US. Get more info straight from the source, check out the photography of Brian Vernor on display, and enjoy some time with other bike minded people this Friday, 7-10 PM at 40 Rondel Place, San Francisco. RSVP on Facebook, and if you can’t make it the bike and photography will be on display until the 26th, with photos and videos of the event to be posted on the MW blog.
What are your goals and expectations? How likely is it that team Canada repeats as Gold medalists?That’s our ultimate goal, to win gold and every day that’s something that we’re working towards. It’s a process and I have no doubt that we can do it. We’re continuing to work every single day and pushing each other to be the best that we can be and bring home that gold medal for Canada.What do you hope to take out of your experience at the Olympics?I think being in this atmosphere, being with these girls and this coaching staff is really going to help me as a person, not just as a hockey player. So, I think with this experience I’m really growing, I’ll mature as a person and as a hockey player. I think that’s probably the biggest thing. Hockey is huge in Canada, has the University of Minnesota been able to replicate that environment?Totally, Minnesota is the state of hockey. That’s one reason why I committed too, it’s just that Minnesota is all about hockey and it’s been amazing. Our fan base and support that we’ve received through the last couple years and years prior has been unbelievable. I’m really grateful to be able to play for Minnesota and have that hockey is everything mentality, so it’s been pretty special and fun. What do you think of [the Gophers] this year? I think they’re an extremely talented group. Our freshmen have been stepping up a lot and everyone has been putting the puck in the net. It hasn’t just been one player so I think that is very cool. I think that they have a really good chance this year of winning it and doing it again. I have no doubt that they will and I think it’d be really cool for them. Everyone’s contributing, everyone is doing well, I think they’re going to do amazing like they always have. I’m really excited to see what they can do. Q&A: Sarah Potomak on Gophers women’s hockey and 2018 OlympicsPotomak is playing with Team Canada in preparation for the 2018 Winter Olympics.Joe SulikGophers forward Sarah Potomak maneuvers the puck away from Yale at Ridders Arena on Nov. 20, 2015. Owen MageauOctober 19, 2017Jump to CommentsShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare via EmailPrintThis week, the Minnesota Daily talked with Sarah Potomak. Potomak ranked second among Gophers hockey players in goals and assists last season. Since then, she has taken an Olympic redshirt in an attempt to make the Canadian National Team’s final roster.Playing for your country isn’t new to you, what does representing your country mean?It’s a pretty humbling experience, the opportunity to represent your country. It’s something I’ve worked towards my whole life, so to get this chance is really an honor. I’m also really proud to be Canadian, so any chance I get to wear the Maple Leaf is a really great experience. What has been your favorite experience playing for your country so far? Oh gosh, there has been a lot. I think my favorite would probably be winning gold in Budapest in my first year with team Canada, playing for the U18 team. That was pretty awesome. Then, just the people I get to meet through this experience and the friendships that I have made has probably been one of the highlights for me.How exciting would it be to compete in the Olympics this February?It would be indescribable if that happened. It would be an absolute dream come true for me and I would be ecstatic. It would be a huge honor if I make the Olympics.Playing for team Canada, what is the biggest thing you are doing to prepare yourself for the Olympics?We are doing a lot. We’re playing tons of games against the midget boys here. They’re a really good comparison to playing against the U.S. and Finland. They’re really fast and strong, so that should prepare us a lot. Then just practices and workouts, we’re just continuing to build as a team and getting stronger. Every day we take another step forward towards our goal. It’s been really busy and tough, but it’s been awesome for us. We’ve really grown together as a team.
Chris RyanMr. Ryan has most recently been Director of Real Estate with TitleMax, Inc. He was responsible for the development and growth of the company’s locations throughout Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada and New Mexico. Prior to this position, he was a broker with De Rito Partners as well. He is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif. where he studied business and finance. Greg AbbottMr. Abbott is a twenty-year veteran of the Arizona retail real estate market. He returns to CBRE, where he had three prior years’ experience, after roles with Grubb & Ellis, Strategic Retail Group and De Rito Partners, Inc. He is a graduate of Arizona State University in where he earned a B.S. in marketing. CBRE has hired Vice Presidents Greg Abbott, Bill Bones and Chris Ryan, three tenured, well-respected commercial real estate professionals, to join the firm’s Retail Services Group in Phoenix, Ariz. They will partner on a team that will deliver integrated, strategic landlord advisory services including the leasing, acquisition and disposition of retail space in the Phoenix metro market. They will also partner with CBRE’s existing, best-in-class, property management team to deliver a cohesive set of property value enhancement services to their clients“Greg, Bill and Chris have established track records and solid reputations in the industry, which makes them an excellent complement to CBRE’s team of best-in-class retail professionals,” said Craig Henig, CBRE’s senior managing director and Arizona market leader. “Their combined talent and market knowledge add value and strengthen our ability to serve the complex real estate requirements of retail property owners and operators.”Misters Abbott, Bones and Ryan have completed more than 1,200 transactions totaling over 7.25 million sq. ft. Their combined 53 years of experience, vast market knowledge, and individual unique skill sets will ensure CBRE’s retail clients receive the most strategic, personalized and outcome-driven service.
Bill BonesMr. Bones comes to CBRE from De Rito Partners. He has spent the last ten years honing his skills of creating and implementing strategic, results-oriented leasing plans for clients. A fourth generation Arizonan, Bill Bones specializes in landlord representation, tenant representation, land sales, and pre-pleasing of new developments in Arizona. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in real estate from the WP Carey School of Business at ASU.
Share Pinterest Currently, diagnosing schizophrenia and similar disorders requires a thorough psychological evaluation and a comprehensive medical exam to rule out other conditions. A patient may be evaluated for six or more months before receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment, particularly if he or she shows only early signs of the disorder.Recent studies have indicated that patient outcomes could be improved if the time elapsed between the onset of symptoms and the initiation of treatment is much shorter. For this reason, researchers believe a chemical test that could detect oxidative stress in the blood — a state commonly linked with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders — could be invaluable in helping to diagnose schizophrenia more quickly.The UMD and UMB team, led by research associate Eunkyoung Kim, used a discovery-driven approach based on the assumptions that chemical biomarkers relating to oxidative stress could be found in blood, and that they could be measured by common electrochemical instruments.Building on an understanding of how foods are tested for antioxidants, an iridium salt was used to probe blood serum samples for detectable optical and electrochemical signals that indicate oxidative stress in the body. The promising initial tests have shown various biological reductants can be detected, including glutathione, the most prominent antioxidant in the body.The group worked with professor of psychiatry Deanna Kelly and her team at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, to perform an initial clinical evaluation using serum samples from 10 clinical research study participants who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and a healthy control group. Using the new testing method, the research group was able to correctly differentiate the samples of those who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia from those who had no history of the disorder.“Much emerging data suggests that schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders may be due, in part, to inflammation and oxidative stress abnormalities,” Kelly said. “Current methods for measuring these potential biomarkers are not standardized and have many flaws. Our team is excited to work with our collaborators at the University of Maryland to help develop a technique that can more globally measure these outcomes. Being able to have a subjective marker for clinical response or aid in more prompt diagnosis could be revolutionary.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook
Researchers from the University of Maryland College Park (UMD) and Baltimore (UMB) campuses have developed a blood test that could help doctors more quickly diagnose schizophrenia and other disorders. Their study, “Redox Probing for Chemical Information of Oxidative Stress,” was recently published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.“We hope our new technique will allow a more rapid detection and intervention for schizophrenia, and ultimately lead to better outcomes,” said Gregory Payne, one of the authors and a joint professor with UMD’s Fischell Department of Bioengineering (BIOE) and the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR).Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental disorder that affects approximately one percent of the U.S. adult population and influences how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. The onset of symptoms usually begins between ages 16 and 30. Symptoms can range from visual and auditory hallucinations and movement disorders to difficulty beginning and sustaining activities. Email LinkedIn
Since Zika virus (ZIKV) infections erupted in Brazil in 2015, several studies have attempted to quantify the likelihood of birth defects, including microcephaly, in Zika-affected pregnancies. A prospective cohort study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)shows that 7% of all pregnancies with laboratory confirmed Zika infections had evidence of a Zika-related birth defect.The study’s findings are similar to results from a study of birth outcomes in US territories published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last June. That study found 5% of babies born to women with confirmed Zika had birth defects.The current study is based on data collected from French territories (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Martinique) in the Americas. Researchers followed 546 pregnancies from March through November of 2016. All mothers had confirmation of Zika infection in pregnancy and were symptomatic. The 546 pregnancies produced 527 live births and 28 that were not carried to term or were stillborn.Thirty-nine, or 7% of the fetuses and infants, had signs of neurologic and ocular defects associated with Zika infection. Of those, 10 fetuses were aborted for medical reasons, 1 was stillborn, and 28 were live-born. Microcephaly was detected in 32 of the 39 fetuses and infants.Though a risk of possible Zika-related birth defects existed regardless of when a mother contracted the virus, the risk was much higher in the first trimester of pregnancy, a finding also seen in the US study.”The risk of birth defects was 12.7% when ZIKV infection occurred in the first trimester, 3.6% when it occurred in the second trimester, and 5.3% when it occurred in the third trimester, and the risk of the congenital Zika syndrome was 6.9%, 1.2%, and 0.9%, respectively,” the authors concluded.While findings from the French and US territories are similar, a Brazilian cohort study published in 2016 showed a much higher percentage of affected births: 42%.The authors of today’s study suggest that discrepancy is caused by wider neurologic defects considered in the Brazilian study. Rates of microcephaly, the most feared and severe Zika outcome, were roughly the same among US, Brazilian, and French territory cohorts (3.4% to 5.8%). But the Brazilian study included MRI imaging results that captured a broader range of neurologic outcomes.Risk among asymptomatic pregnancies still unknownIn a NEJM commentary on the new study, Margaret Honein, PhD, MPH, of the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, said that although the study is a useful guide for pregnancies with confirmed, acute, maternal Zika infections, there is still a gap of knowledge about the overall risk of Zika birth defects in parts of the world where the virus is endemic.”While it seems we have been talking about Zika for awhile, we’re really just at the beginning of understanding this virus,” Honein told CIDRAP News.Honein said it was very reassuring that the French territory data so closely aligned with US surveillance data. She reiterated that the rates of microcephaly have been similar in all studies based on the recent outbreak in the Americas.About 80% of Zika infections go undiagnosed because they are asymptomatic or produce only mild flu-like symptoms.”Population-level increases in ZIKV-associated birth defects are unlikely to be recognized without ongoing timely and comprehensive surveillance of birth defects that captures all affected fetuses and infants regardless of whether maternal ZIKV exposure or infection was identified,” Honein wrote in the commentary.Ongoing surveillance will help detect Zika outcomes not present at birth, including hearing loss, learning problems, and a range of other possible defects, Honein said in the interview.See also:Mar 14 NEJM studyMar 14 NEJM commentary Jun 8, 2017, CIDRAP News story “CDC notes 5% rate of Zika birth defects in US territories”Dec 14, 2016, CIDRAP News story “Two studies highlight risk of fetal Zika damage”
A report from the education and skills select committee, headed by Labour MP Barry Sheerman, will criticise the programme for missing the opportunity to promote sustainable building methods.Liberal Democrat committee member Paul Holmes said it was ‘pretty stupid’ that ministers had failed to put sustainability at the heart of the biggest public-sector building project since the 1960s.In a recent meeting with the Sustainable Development Commission, competing contractors said they were keen to build schools with better Green credentials, but feared the costs could mean they would lose out to rivals in the bidding process.
With more than 20 years of experience across multiple industries and functional areas, deMoulpied has particular expertise in organizations with complex technical products. Combined, his prior positions have required a spectrum of skills in corporate strategy, operations improvement, product quality, and revenue cycle management. He has an impressive history of utilizing data driven problem solving (Lean Six Sigma) and project management (PMP and CSM) to achieve strategic goals surrounding customer satisfaction, operational efficiency and improved profit. CANTON, Ohio — The Timken Co. has announced the appointment of Mark Ritucci to the position of regional manager for commercial vehicle aftermarket sales for the eastern regions of the U.S. and Canada. Prior to joining Timken, Ritucci served as district sales manager at a leading commercial vehicle parts manufacturer and territory sales manager at a major commercial vehicle distributor. He possesses broad experience in the automotive industry, specifically in wheel-end related products. LSI President Brett Tennar says, “Steve’s success in developing operational strategies that improves the bottom line, builds teamwork, reduces waste and ensures quality product development and distribution checks many of the boxes of what we were looking for in a COO. This, coupled with his career in the Air Force working with highly technical systems and his in-depth understanding of Lean Six Sigma and Business Process Management sealed our offer. As our tagline states, our products are Powered by Science. This data driven approach is one reason why our company has grown exponentially as we employ the most advanced technology to product development. I am confident that Steve is the right person to drive operational strategy for our diverse and growing brands.” Advertisement AdvertisementClick Here to Read MoreAdvertisement,Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI), manufacturer of Hot Shot’s Secret brand of performance additives and oils, recently announced the expansion of senior leadership. Steve deMoulpied joins LSI as the company’s chief operating officer (COO). AdvertisementClick Here to Read MoreAdvertisement
DeMoulpied comes to LSI from the Private Client Services practice of Ernst & Young where he managed strategy & operations improvement engagements for privately held client businesses. Some of his prior roles include VP of strategic development, director of strategic initiatives, and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt at OptumHealth, UnitedHealth Group’s health services business, as well as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt at General Electric, where he applied operations improvement principles to customer service, supply chain and product development. A successful entrepreneur, deMoulpied is also the founder of PrestoFresh, a Cleveland-based e-commerce food/grocery business. A native of Middleboro, Mass., Ritucci earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. DeMoulpied has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Management from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Dayton in Marketing and International Business. He served six years with the USAF overseeing the development of technology used on fighter aircraft and the E-3 Surveillance aircraft, finishing his career honorably as Captain.
Automotive Suppliers Jointly Introduce Sustainable Concept Car At NAIAS Peterson Manufacturing To Mark 70th Year In Business See Also: Consulting Group Says Self-Driving Vehicle Features Could Represent $42 Billion Market By 2025
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Luanne Brown, president and founder of eTool Developers, has been selected to receive the Spirit of Leadership Award from the Women’s Automotive Association International (WAAI) organization.AdvertisementClick Here to Read MoreAdvertisementEach year, the Spirit of Leadership Award is presented to a select group of professional women in the automotive industry in recognition of significant professional accomplishments, and service to community and family. Award recipients have shown superior professional performance, community involvement and support of women within the automotive industry. Brown is one of six exceptional women selected to receive the Spirit of Leadership Award.Brown’s company, eTool Developers, is best-known for providing content management, product data management and online learning platforms customized for the automotive industry. The company’s clientele includes PWA, LEER, Go Rhino/Big Country, Motor State Distributing, Husky Liners, the Truck Accessories Group (TAG) and others.“As an entrepreneur and a passionate supporter of other women in the industry, this award means so much,” said Brown. “I’m humbled and express my sincere thanks for this special recognition. My hope is that this award might serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to other women in our industry.”Award recipients will be honored during a special ceremony on Jan. 24 at the a.Muse Gallery in San Francisco, Calif. Tim Roth Becomes APRA Chairman Of The Board