Sunshine Slate

Over the past decade, 1,000 Florida children in foster care now have permanent homes, thanks to a pilot program focused on placing older kids who typically encounter challenges in being adopted. Robbin Brydges is one of the adoptive parents helped by Wendy’s Wonderful Kids , launched by the Dave Thomas Foundation in 2004. She and her husband wanted to adopt an older child, since they knew they’re often overlooked in the adoption process. Brydges said the program guided them through the process of adopting Dawson, when they discovered he had a brother with special needs, named Dalton. “My husband, his only thoughts were, ‘OK, I guess we are going to have to put in a ramp, huh?’ I’m like, ‘Well yeah,’ because we both agreed that we weren’t going to separate the kids,” Brydges recounted. “You know, the world can’t be that ugly to take and separate the kids, when they are the only person each other has.” And so, they adopted both Dawson, who has grown into playing sports and with dre...

People, or companies, with more innovative ideas to patent are less likely to succeed than those who stay within the norm, research from ESSEC Business School has found. Assistant Professor Pooyan Khashabi investigated the extent to which innovation is disclosed in pre-grant patent documents. The findings show that financial analysts can analyse information in patents before they are granted, but if the patent is extremely high quality or innovative, then they’re much less likely to understand and therefore make errors. This could mean that people with possibly life-changing ideas may be knocked back when trying to patent their ideas. Some people may not look for patents at all as a result, and some will ignore their new and creative idea and choose to focus on a less ‘risky’ venture. Khashabi took advantage of American Inventors Protection Act (1999) which ensures that the pre-grant public disclosure of all information is available within 18 months of the initial filings. He actu...

Bitcoin (BTC) is in for a volatile year, according to Finder’s latest BTC price predictions report . Finder’s panel of 32 cryptocurrency and fintech specialists predict that BTC will peak at US$42k and hit a low of $17k before ending the year at $35k. Technologist & Futurist from the Washington Web3 Foundation Joseph Raczynski, who thinks BTC will be worth $40k by the end of the year, said it’s an incredibly complex time to assess Bitcoin . “…Globally there is tremendous uncertainty, meaning a diminishing demand for the US Dollar, nervousness around bank stability, and concerns about regulation in some countries like the US. Ultimately, while a risk-on investment, demand will likely surge for Bitcoin because of the unknowns.” Seasonal Token’s creator Ruadhan O also thinks Bitcoin will end the year at $40k and agrees that the banking crisis will impact its price. “In 2023, the ongoing banking crisis will force central banks to slow the rate at which they raise interest rates, ...

Conservation groups in Florida and around the country want Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to help states with wildlife conservation. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act has just been reintroduced. It would dedicate $1.4 billion annually to state wildlife agencies and tribes to restore species with the greatest conservation need . In Florida, the gopher tortoise, Florida panther and nesting shorebirds would be among the species to benefit. Sarah Gledhill, president of the Florida Wildlife Federation , said she does not want to see any of Florida’s iconic species being mentioned as candidates for federal ‘endangered’ status. “Because once those species are at risk of extinction, it becomes more timely, more uncertain of their recovery,” Gledhill pointed out. “And most importantly to everyday citizens in Florida, more costly. ” The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would infuse about $38 million annually into Florida for the state’s Wildlife Action Plan, to keep at-ris...

April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month and some of the reasons pets suffer do not necessarily look like what many imagine. Nadia Novik, chief operations officer for the Idaho Humane Society , said people are quick to judge some pet owners. However, she said they may not have stopped to think about why a person is unable to care for their pet the way they would like to. “People love their pets and people want to take care of their pets, but they don’t have the resources to do so,” Novik pointed out. “Especially people in poverty, people in marginalized communities. It makes it really difficult.” Novik emphasized her organization operates a charity-based medical center to help people who are unable to afford the costs of veterinary care. She noted veterinary costs have skyrocketed in recent years, making it difficult for many pet owners, adding some people live far away from a vet’s office or have experienced difficulty getting an appointment. “There really is a national crisis...

Your team may be migrating businesses to a virtual environment, just like other organizations and enterprises. Virtualization have obviously changed the way how enterprises build their infrastructure and manage resources. With type-1 hypervisors, you can easily create and run multiple virtual machines that installed with different guest operating systems on one single physical hardware. VMware ESXi, the type-1 hypervisor of VMware, is the core of vSphere virtualization suite. With direct access to and control of underlying resources, VMware ESXi effectively partitions hardware to consolidate applications and cut costs. As organizations migrating workloads to virtual machines, it is of great importance to ensure the VM data security. A reliable backup software can effectively protect your data from loss. Backup options for VMware ESXi From a methodological point of view, there are 2 types of VMware ESXi VM backup VMware agent-based backup (file-level backup): By installing an age...

Florida’s newest aquatic preserve is officially set to move forward, with a management plan aimed at protecting some 350,000 acres of sea grass. The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve off Florida’s west coast is the first new preserve to be designated in more than 30 years, and part of the largest sea grass bed in the Gulf of Mexico. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has approved a plan to protect the 700 square miles of coastal habitat along Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties. William Toney, a fishing guide in Homosassa, said he is not a political person, but spent years attending meetings to fight for his livelihood, and the health of the Gulf. “It really meant a lot to me, and to the people in our communities here,” Toney emphasized. “Especially us that make a living on the water, you know, we need that protection of our sea grass, for all our fish and crabs and shrimp.” Toney pointed out economies of the towns connected to the preserve are mostly driven by tour...

Substance-abuse prevention advocates are educating people about the dangers of underage drinking during this, Alcohol Awareness Month. In Iowa, that means a heavy emphasis on rural areas, where alcohol consumption is higher than it is in urban areas. Alcohol Awareness Month is organized by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence as a way of increasing outreach and education about the dangers of alcoholism and issues related to alcohol. The program was started in April 1987 focusing on college-aged students who might be drinking too much as they were away from home for the first time. Jennifer Husmann, project coordinator with the Iowa Area Substance Abuse Council , said the number of alcohol-related deaths is still high – 140,000 nationwide last year alone. “More than the number even for opioids,” said Husmann. “We don’t think about how dangerous alcohol really is and how many people are dying. It’s enough people to fill Wrigley stadium one and a half times.” Alc...

As the 2024 Presidential Elections inch closer, speculations and predictions are already being made about who will win the race to the White House. One name that has been gaining momentum as a top contender is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis . In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why DeSantis could potentially win the Presidential Elections. First and foremost, DeSantis has built a strong reputation as a conservative leader who is unapologetic about his beliefs and values. He has been a vocal opponent of progressive policies and has taken a tough stance on issues like immigration, gun rights, and abortion. This stance has earned him a loyal following among conservatives, who see him as a champion for their causes. In a crowded Republican field, DeSantis’ staunch conservative credentials could give him an edge over other candidates who are perceived as more moderate. Secondly, DeSantis has a proven track record of success as Governor of Florida. Under his leadership, t...

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a popular mixed martial arts (MMA) organization that has gained widespread popularity in recent years due to several factors. Here are some possible reasons why people are obsessed with UFC: UFC fights are known for their fast-paced action, intense athleticism, and high-level skill. Fans love the thrill of watching two highly trained fighters compete against each other in the Octagon. UFC fighters are often larger-than-life personalities with compelling backstories and rivalries. Fans love to follow their favorite fighters’ journeys and see how their careers unfold. With the rise of online streaming platforms, it’s easier than ever for fans to watch UFC events from anywhere in the world. The UFC also has a strong social media presence, making it easy for fans to follow the latest news and updates and wear UFC merch everywhere. MMA has evolved significantly since the early days of the UFC, and fans enjoy seeing new techniques and strat...

When refreshing your bedroom for the Summer, the right window treatments can make all the difference. Not only can they keep your room cool and dark for a good night’s sleep, but they can also enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect blinds or curtains for your bedroom this Summer. Choose the Right Fabric Fabric is key, if you’re easily disturbed by light, blackout blinds and curtains are the ideal choice. Made with a thick, tightly woven fabric that effectively blocks out sunlight during the day and streetlights at night, blackout blinds come in various styles, including roller blinds, roman blinds, vertical blinds, pleated blinds and roof blinds. If you’re looking for something that can regulate the temperature of your bedroom so you’re not tossing and turning in the hot, stuffy Summer heat, consider thermal-lined blinds  and  curtains . They work by trapping the hot air between the window and the fabric, e...

Tornadoes are one of the most destructive and powerful natural phenomena that occur on Earth. They are characterized by a rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can cause significant damage to property, infrastructure, and human life, and they are a serious threat to many parts of the world, particularly in the United States. Surviving Tornadoes is not easy; it requires Knowledge Preparation, Detection, and Recovery for the people and businesses involved. Formation and Characteristics of Tornadoes Tornadoes form when warm, moist air rises rapidly and meets with cooler, drier air. This can happen in many different situations, but it often occurs during thunderstorms. As the warm air rises, it creates an updraft, which can begin to rotate due to the wind shear between the warm and cool air masses. This rotation can intensify, forming a mesocyclone, which is a rotating updraft that is several miles wide. As the mesocyclone continues...

Outsourcing software development is becoming more widespread for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions. It allows them to continuously deliver high-quality products without compromising on time and resources. However, outsourcing goes beyond hiring freelancers. Several crucial factors should be considered to determine whether outsourcing software development is worth it. Factor #1:The complexity of the project Projects that do not require specialized knowledge can often be handled in-house. However, as the project’s complexity increases, it may be necessary to bring in outside help. By outsourcing software development, companies can leverage the expertise of a team with experience in the specific technologies and tools needed for your project. Factor #2: The team size Even if an an-house team has the necessary knowledge and tools, they may not have the resources to handle a large project. In such cases, outsourcing can help scale up quickly and efficiently. With outsourcing, ...

With Mental Health Awareness Week less than two months away (15-21st May 2023), it’s important to prioritise our well-being. Creating a “Quiet Sanctuary” within our home can help us relax, rejuvenate and focus on what’s really important – our health, both mental and physical. To quote multi-award-winning Interior Designer, Kelly Hoppen : ” A calm, quiet and harmonious interior can be as beneficial to health as a sensible diet and regular exercise.” According to an article in Readers Digest , your sanctuary “doesn’t have to be a whole room – it could be a reading nook, a knitting or craft space, or even a home spa in your bathroom.” Here are 7 tips that can help you create a “Quiet Sanctuary” at home so you can get the peace and quiet you truly deserve. IMPROVE YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY Image: Honeywell HPA 830 Designer Tower Air Purifier To fully relax at home, and with the allergy season quickly approaching, it’s important to address our indoor air quality, which is, acco...