Stacked With Major Leaguers, Ducks Seek Repeat
Sign up for our COVID-19 newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest coronavirus news throughout New York Dontrelle Willis sitting in the dugout at Bethpage Park during spring training for the Long Island Ducks. (Photo: Rashed Mian/Long Island Press)The Long Island Ducks on Media Day unveiled an impressive array of MLB veterans—and one major no-show—as the team gathered for spring training at Bethpage Ballpark in Central Islip on Saturday.Ace pitcher Dontrelle Willis, former New York Mets catcher Ramon Castro and infielder Josh Barfield joined popular Ducks veteran outfielder Ray Navarrete at the clubhouse to hear opening remarks by team co-owner owner and Atlantic League founder and CEO Frank Boulton.The Ducks won the league championship and survived the off-season onslaught of Superstorm Sandy, which blew off the stadium roof and filled the upstairs indoor restaurant with three inches of rainwater.“It’s pretty remarkable we can talk our 14th season on Long Island,” said Boulton, crediting Suffolk County for its help in the restoration.The team will fly to Sugar Land, Texas, next week, where the weather promises to hit the 80s as the 140-game season begins on April 18, before returning to Long Island for its home opener on April 26.Turning to his co-owner Buddy Harrelson, who’s also the Ducks bench coach, Boulton mentioned that it marked their 21st year together and “he throws pretty good BP (batting practice)!” Harrelson, sporting a gray beard, smiled.Manager Kevin Baez also noted that Harrelson is “hitting fungoes” too and “I pick his brain daily.”Baez said he’s excited about the team’s lineup “from top to bottom.” He noted that he’d played winter ball with Ramon Castro.“I think its a great opportunity for us to go out there and defend our title,” said Baez, adding that he doesn’t feel any pressure to repeat.Ray Navarrete excited for chance to repeat last year’s championship season. (Photo: Rashed Mian/Long Island Press)Conspicuously absent was veteran major Leaguer Vladimir Guerrero, who signed with the Ducks earlier in April with the hope that he could make it back to the big leagues. Baez said “family issues” in the Dominican Republic kept Guerrero from making his appearance with the Ducks and he is still on the club—although his name wasn’t listed in the spring training roster the team handed out.Referring to the recent publicity shot of Guerrero and Ducks President/General Manager Michael Pfaff at his contract signing, Boulton said, “It wasn’t photo-shoppped!” The 38-year-old Guerrero, a nine-time All Star, is expected to join the team soon, but he wouldn’t speculate when.“Buddy’s not getting on a plane and carrying him back,” Boulton said, with a laugh.“I might!” Harrelson said.Meanwhile, the team, which leads its league in overall attendance and number of sold-out games, is making other moves as, Boulton said, it continues to “provide affordable baseball” to Long Island and the New York market. In particular, Pfaff said, the league has changed the rules to speed up the game, limiting the number of visits a manager can make to the mound to twice per pitcher and even shortening the music played as each batter comes to the plate.Willis looked relaxed and confident as he took questions at the podium, teasing Ramon Castro, who he’s known.“He’s shy right now, but he’s a lot of fun,” Willis said.As for joining the Ducks, he said, “It’s a no-brainer.” The park is “beautiful,” he said, and the Ducks put out “a good product” and they’re “ready to play.”
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He said that in the short term it was people who would be the most affected.“Indonesian migrant workers and professionals with jobs, assets and interests in Australia may live in limbo as they are locked in or out of Australia for an indefinite period of time,” he told The Jakarta Post on Friday.The Foreign Ministry’s director for East Asia and Pacific affairs, Santo Darmosumarto, said that as of late 2019 there were approximately 77,500 Indonesians living and working in Australia.“It is indeed a concern for us, but we believe that what Australia decides is done with full responsibility. In this regard, various policies that will be taken by the government of Australia will always be communicated to us beforehand,” he told reporters on Thursday.Some 681 people in Australia have tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, with five deaths, according to data compiled by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering. Meanwhile, the latest data from the Health Ministry recorded 369 confirmed cases in Indonesia, with 32 deaths as of Friday afternoon.Santo said that the Indonesian missions in Australia had swapped notes with their counterparts about policy directives, including the various Australian policies that would affect them.“Hopefully our citizens in Australia are aware about the Australian government’s effort to ‘flatten the curve’ in managing the spread of COVID-19,” he said.Ministry spokesperson Teuku Faizasyah said there was always going to be the potential that Indonesian citizens overseas would experience a lockdown, but he underlined the fact that travelers had a window of opportunity between Tuesday and Friday to sort out their return.De Lieto said that problems could arise especially for Indonesians holding temporary visas because the Australian government had yet to explain what would happen to those whose visas expire in the meantime and prevent them from leaving the country or returning to Indonesia.“Also, temporary migrants have only very limited access to social security benefits and so they are most vulnerable in this downturn. But the same applies to migrants from everywhere, irrespective of their origin country,” he said.The Melbourne-based researcher said that most people had already begun to feel the impact of the stock market crash caused by the coronavirus outbreak.“If the crisis lasts for longer and leads to shutting down borders for more than a few months, the damage and disruption to global supply chains and financial markets that underpin them will become structural and will likely be irreversible in the form that we know today,” he said.Topics : Indonesia’s warming relations with Australia faced new challenges this week as the COVID-19 outbreak forced Jakarta to further restrict entry and Canberra to close down its borders, putting many lucrative partnership projects on hold while the two governments scramble to ensure the safety of their citizens.Indonesia announced on Tuesday a temporary suspension of its visa-exemption facilities for all foreign visitors including Australians, which came into effect on Friday. From that point onward, foreigners who want to travel to Indonesia must provide vetted health documents when applying from an overseas mission.Various officials have insisted that the policies introduced in response to the coronavirus outbreak will be temporary. Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Thursday an unprecedented ban on entry for non-residents coming to Australia, effective from 9 p.m. on Friday, in a move aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 infections.Indonesia and Australia have agreed on various new projects through the recently ratified Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) and the accompanying 2020-2024 plan of action that will serve as a guideline for the economic deal.President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo visited Canberra in early January on his last trip abroad before the coronavirus outbreak began to spread in the region.International trade law lecturer at Monash Business School, Giovanni De Lieto, said that just like all other bilateral relationships, Australia’s travel ban would put on hold any medium- to long-term economic partnership projects.
ABS figures show one in four households in Queensland use solar power.ONE in four Queensland households use solar energy, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, but there’s been slow growth in using power generated by the sun nationally.The proportion of households in Australia with solar panels used for energy and/or hot water has risen slightly from 15 per cent in 2012 to 17 per cent in 2015—16, according to the ABS Survey of Income and Housing. Hamptons style home a hit Shares vs. property Designer’s apartment for sale The biggest increase in solar uptake over this period was a 7 percentage point increase in Queensland, with one in four homes now having solar panels installed. More from newsMould, age, not enough to stop 17 bidders fighting for this homeless than 1 hour agoBuyers ‘crazy’ not to take govt freebies, says 28-yr-old investorless than 1 hour agoThe number of households with solar panels has risen slightly to 17 per cent, according to the ABS.And as the mercury starts to rise, homes and businesses in the Sunshine State are expected to advantage of solar power.Between 2001 and 2015, there were 1.5 million small-scale solar panel installations across the country.The region with the highest take up was Baldivis, a large developing region south of Perth, with 3,511 installations. GET THE LATEST REAL ESTATE NEWS DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX HERE But most of the other regions with a high uptake in solar panel installations were all in Queensland, including Bribie Island (3,493), Noosa Hinterland (3343) and Jimboomba (3158).Homes bought or built in the past decade were more likely to have solar panels than those purchased less recently. However, less than 10 per cent of first home buyers had solar panels on their dwellings compared with 24 per cent of other home buyers.
Radio NZ News 30 May 2015The Ministry of Education yesterday released a new version of its sexuality education guide, updated for the first time in more than a decade.It said the changes would help encourage problem-solving and decision-making for students in relation to sexual activity, as well as assertiveness skills and the ability to identify pressure from others.Post Primary Teachers Association president Angela Roberts said the new guidelines bring sex education into the social-media-dominant era.“They reflect the skills, the understanding and knowledge our kids need to be able to be healthy citizens as they grow up,” she said.“We have some really vulnerable children in our schools and these guidelines will help us to support them.”Sexual Abuse Prevention Network coordinator Fiona McNamara said education in schools was key in stopping abuse among young people.“Yes, there is increased attention towards sexual violence but education is one of the best ways to address these issues.”Lobby group Family First said the guidelines were extreme and that resources should be targeted at parents to help them educate their own children.http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/274992/teachers-back-new-sex-education-guidelines
Sharing is caring! BusinessEntertainmentLifestyleLocalNews Discover Dominica Authority Hosts ‘Maximizing Opportunities for Cruise’ Workshop by: – May 15, 2020 MV Carnival Liberty docked at the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth on Friday 10 April 2015(DDA) In preparation for the eventual return of the cruise industry, Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) in collaboration with Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence hosted a half day workshop on ‘Maximizing Opportunities in Cruise’, on Tuesday, May 12,2020. The workshop targeted cruise stakeholders’ management teams and addressed the following topics:Overview of the Cruise IndustryExcellence in Destination DeliveryExcellence in Operations, Safety and SecurityExcellence in CommunityMaximizing Opportunities Action PlanThe workshop, held via Zoom, was facilitated by Beth Hatt, President of Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence. Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence offers training programs to help cruise destinations and tour operators around the world achieve excellence in their ports, tours, guides, and businesses.DDA is working together with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and Aquila to provide relevant training and coaching programs which will assist tourism service providers to be ready when cruise activities resume and to raise the level of service excellence. It is envisaged that this initiative will assist stakeholder groupings in coming together to think creatively and differently.For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 767 448 2045. Or, visit Dominica’s official website: www.DiscoverDominica.com, follow Dominica on Twitter and Facebook and take a look at our videos on YouTube.About Dominica: Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is a haven for adventure travelers seeking a unique vacation that includes: hiking and adventure, cultural events/festivals, diving and water sports, whale/dolphin watching and canyoning adventures. Dominica lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. Air travelers can connect to Dominica on Air Antilles, Air Sunshine, Coastal Air Transport, interCaribbean Airways, LIAT, Seaborne Airlines, or WINAIR from the surrounding hubs of Antigua, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, St Lucia, the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If travelling by sea, travelers can connect to Dominica on L’Express Des Iles ferry service from Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia and on Val’ferry from Guadeloupe and Martinique. Share Share
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Coloccini provided a calming influence as a misfiring Newcastle ground their way to a last-gasp victory over Paul Lambert’s side to send the club into the final 11 games over the season looking forwards instead of back at the difficult spell through which they have just come. The 32-year-old Argentina international before his withdrawal from the squad: “We have spoken about our current run of form, but it is not something we should focus on too much. In every season there are good times and bad times. “But we are a good team full of good players and we have to keep working hard and remain positive. “It doesn’t help to spend too much thinking about matches that have now gone. Instead we have to look at the ones in front of us and try to start picking up points again.” That will be the challenge at the KC Stadium this weekend as the Magpies attempt to gain revenge for the 3-2 home defeat they suffered at the hands of the Tigers in September. However, Pardew is well aware of how difficult a task that could be with Steve Bruce’s promoted side sitting in 11th place on 30 points and with their destiny in their own hands. The 52-year-old said: “With my League Managers’ Association hat on, I have to say that Steve Bruce, up until this point, is probably manager of the year, although he’s got another 11 games to see that over the line. “But what he did last year with 10 games to go to get them promoted, and to get them into the position they have been in is a fantastic achievement, and he and his staff can be very proud of what they have done.” Pardew will once again be without injured duo Davide Santon and Hatem Ben Arfa, but is hopeful that he will have enough at his disposal to trouble a side which has proved to be formidable at home. He said: “I think they (Hull) have only been beaten four times there and only conceded 10 goals. “It’s a great home record they have, so it’s a tough ask for us this weekend.” Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is backing Cheick Tiote to help fill the void left by Yohan Cabaye after seeing him grow in stature in the wake of the Frenchman’s departure. The Magpies lost their influential playmaker in January when France international Cabaye headed for Paris St Germain in exchange for a cheque for more than £19million. His exit coincided with a dreadful run of results for Pardew’s men which saw their hopes of securing a top-six Barclays Premier League finish dwindle. However, they bounced back with a vital 1-0 victory over Aston Villa last Saturday, and while Tiote may have played the role of artisan alongside Cabaye’s artistry, his manager believes his leadership qualities are coming to the fore. Pardew said: “He is an important player to us, and the captaincy when Colo (Fabricio Coloccini) was out changed him a little bit. “He knows now that in my mind, he is our vice-captain and he has to play the role that that involves. “It’s a big club, so he has a lot of responsibility and he’s dealing with it very well. In fact, it’s spurred him on.” Tiote returned from injury for the Villa game along with Coloccini, who had not played since New Year’s day because of a knee problem, and while both were understandably ring-rusty, their presence was a welcome boost. However, the Argentinian will miss Saturday’s trip to Hull after being allowed to return to South America because of a family bereavement. A club statement said: “Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini will not be involved in Saturday’s Barclays Premier League fixture at Hull following a family bereavement. “The centre-back has been allowed to return home to Argentina to spend time with family rather than make the trip to the KC Stadium.” Press Association
President Trump’s administration Thursday afternoon upgraded its warning to Americans against all international travel as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread.The State Department has issued a new alert which urges Americans not to travel abroad under any circumstances and to return home if they are already abroad, unless they are planning to remain overseas for the foreseeable future.“The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19,” the alert reads. “In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel.”Before the upgraded warning, the department’s advice to U.S. citizens was to “reconsider” all international travel under a “level three” alert. The new, global “level four” warning is typically reserved for specific countries embroiled in conflict, natural disasters or where Americans face specific risks.However, the upgrade is not mandatory, and there are currently limited transportation options for international travel. The only way to ban Americans from traveling abroad would be to invalidate the use of U.S. passports, a ban that is currently in place only for North Korea.In addition, the main impact of such travel alerts is to cause insurance companies to increase customers’ premiums or to cancel travel policies for group and individual tours. Many of those had already been cancelled before the alert was raised to level three earlier this week.On a related note, the State Department has already advised Americans that many U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are operating with reduced staff and hours due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and that services for Americans who are in need of assistance are limited.
Baseball Hall of Fame cancels July inductions due to coronavirus; Jeter, Walker, Simmons, Miller to be honored in 2021 April 29, 2020 Associated Press 
Share This StoryFacebookTwitteremailPrintLinkedinRedditCOOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Baseball Hall of Fame cancels July inductions due to coronavirus; Jeter, Walker, Simmons, Miller to be honored in 2021.,Tampa Bay Lightning advance to face Dallas Stars in Stanley Cup finals, beating New York Islanders 2-1 in OT in Game 6