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Here are the glitches that are currently taking place in Apex and when a fix will be made by Respawn.
Season 12: Defiance launched in Apex Legends yesterday and Mad Maggie was added to the Games. Not only that, a new LTM (Limited Time Mode) was added called Control and this mode will only be available for the firs three weeks of the season, where changes will likely be made and it will probably become a permanent mode like Arenas.
There has also been a few map changes this season with World's Edge being taken out of rotation and Olympus being added for the first week, with Kings Canyon to be added later as it will appear in the the next split for Ranked. There have also been some major changes for Crypto and Caustic which you can read about by clicking here.
Apex Legends Glitches
As with most seasons, unfortunately the launch of the new season doesn't go so smoothly and there have been issues with the Olympus map on pubs upon launch with frame rate loss on PS4, Xbox 1 and Switch players and there are still some on-going server issues, mainly on PC due to players rising on Steam, which you can read more about by clicking here.
Not only are there issues with the servers, but there are many glitches in-game with the in-game currency balances not showing up and not being able to access the Legends section in the lobby and therefore not being able to unlock any other Legends. There is also a glitch that I experienced when I went into a game in Duos and had selected Mad Maggie at Legend Select and my teammate had selected Horizon but when we were in the game, it changed us to Bloodhound and Gibraltar, which was very strange!
Don't worry though as Respawn are fully award of these issues and are currently working on a fix. Here is a statement that was just made by Respawn:
"We're aware of issues players are seeing with their in-game currency balances, Legend unlocks, and cosmetics. We're currently working to deploy a fix and you may see your store or inventory display inaccurately during this time, which should return to normal after the fix."


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The Tower Hotel is nestled between the River Thames, St Katharine Docks and alongside world Heritage Site The Tower of London with incredible views of Tower Bridge. The financial district, Canary Wharf, the Excel Centre, London City Airport, historic Greenwich, the West End and Westfield Shopping Centre are also within easy reach by public transport - making it the most sought after location in London. This London riverside hotel boasts 801 bedrooms, 19 meeting rooms, with the largest having capacity for 550 people, complimentary Wi-Fi for everyone everywhere, fitness centre and a terrace with unrivalled views of Tower Bridge, The Shard and the Thames. What better way to start your day than enjoying a scrumptious traditional English breakfast at the Gallery Restaurant. Freshly prepared modern fusion cuisine is served at the Vicinity Restaurant. With London at its best in the evening, the Xi Bar has a great atmosphere, with an extensive drinks menu and a view overlooking the beautifully lit Tower Bridge and the Shard.
Your window to London. Relax on the riverside with panoramic views of Tower Bridge and the Shard. You'll find everything you need for a great meal or night out at Vicinity.Our bar offers a range of beers, a contemporary cocktail list with classics and quirks, and a perfectly curated wine and spirit list.We have a simple, but delightful, menu with a range of dishes to suit any appetite, including a Barrel & Stone pizza selection.
Boasting some of the best views in London, Xi Bar & Lounge at The Tower Hotel is the ideal place to relax during the day, get the party started before a night on the town, or settle down with a nightcap. Our wide selection of light snacks, beers, wines and cocktails means there's something for everyone, and the stunning backdrop of Tower Bridge and the River Thames makes Xi Bar the perfect place to unwind with a glass or two. With its central location and proximity to public transport, it makes an ideal post-conference meeting spot for anyone visiting event venues near Tower Bridge, ExCel and the O2 Arena.
The perfect spot to enjoy drinks and a selection of delicious offerings right on the banks of the River Thames. Open seasonally, with BBQs and cocktails for a relaxed riverside experience.Open sesonally.

subset: commoncrawl


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The journey business is characterized by value competition, over-provide and an more and more fragmented marketplace. It may be a challenge to journey to a very new country, especially you probably have by no means been there before or don't speak the language. On this part of travel and leisure we give attention to supplying you with the accessibility you want if you end up in a brand new country. While work is vital so is leisure, so we attempt to provide you with prospects to maximise your leisure time in Germany.
Windham Journey & Leisure focuses on providing concierge-model leisure travel providers for teams and individual purchasers. Founder and Skilled Journey Advisor Marianne Cook Windham has constructed robust relationships along with her journey suppliers. This actually make the distinction, whether or not you have an interest in a household trip, a vacation spot marriage ceremony, a particular interest river cruise or an incentive trip for a hundred or extra vacationers. Windham Journey & Leisure partners with the perfect journey corporations in their field together with cruise lines, tour operators, safari outfitters, villa rental firms, journey travel suppliers, resorts, airways, rail, car rental and limo firms. This helps them to guarantee that your journey will exceed your expectations. The final word purpose is that can assist you experience improbable and unforgettable recollections.
We perceive that you simply're selling an expertise – a flight, a vacation, a night on the town. Customer assist – each service and gross sales – is a part of that have. And it has to be good. We'll fulfill your clients by getting the fundamentals proper – decreasing buyer effort and resolving issues on first contact. Then we'll go the additional mile to show glad prospects into loyal advocates of your model.


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First hypersonic missiles to be installed on US Navy's Zumwalt-class destroyers
The US Navy has chosen Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) to install the first hypersonic missiles on Zumwalt-class destroyers USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) and USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), as revealed in the pre-solicitation notice published by Naval Sea Systems Command.
The upgrading process will be carried out during the destroyer's dry-dock period.
"The modernization scope of the effort will require specialized yard cranes for greater lift capacity, dry-dock facilities, covered assembly areas, and dedicated fabrication shops," the statement reads.
"Additionally, extensive facilities (i.e., pre-outfit areas and large paint and blast facilities), special tooling and test equipment, trained workforces, and extensive material bases necessary to construct, maintain and modernize DDG 1000/1001 will be required."
The navy stressed that choosing other company than HII could result in program delays and "would produce adverse impacts to the DDG 1000/1001 operational requirements."
Further details about the installation process, as well as the contract's value, were not disclosed.
To remind, in April this year, USS Zumwalt conducted its first-in-class, live-fire missile exercise as the crew prepares for their maiden employment.
During the live-fire exercises, Zumwalt's crew engaged live targets with a series of Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Block 1 (ESSM) (RIM 162D) and the Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) as part of the stealth destroyer's final air defense testing.
USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), the lead ship of the US Navy's next-generation, multi-mission surface combatants, entered service in 2016. The vessel is named after Elmo Russell Zumwalt Jr., who was an American naval officer and the youngest man to serve as the Chief of Naval Operations.
The second vessel in the class, USS Michael Monsoor, was commissioned in 2019. The third unit, USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002), conducted sea trials last August.


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When it comes to wedding gowns, used wedding veils are a fantastic option, but where can you buy them from? This article will discuss how to buy used wedding veils online and in brick and mortar stores, how to tell the difference, and how to authenticate a used veil. Ultimately, you will save money and get a beautiful veil for your big day. However, you should be careful about the authenticity process and any return policies.
Online and brick-and-mortar options
Whether you're planning a beach wedding or want to make your special day a little bit more budget friendly, there are several options for used wedding veils. Most of the time, you can find them at consignment stores. But what about online options? Many brides still prefer to touch and feel their wedding gowns before purchasing them. After all, flowers tend to wilt when shipped, and you don't want to risk the quality of your engagement ring if you have to buy it online.
Online and brick-and-mortar options are available for resale wedding veils. Whether you're looking for an older model or simply want to save some money, there are several online and brick-and-mortar options. Brick-and-mortar stores will sell used items as well. There's even a website where you can sell your used wedding dress for as much as 50% off the original cost.
Poshmark is another option. The site connects wedding vendors. Poshmark has a smaller selection of used wedding dresses, but its listing process is simple and free. If you're unsure of what you're buying, Poshmark sends you a prepaid shipping label. Unlike brick-and-mortar retailers, Poshmark doesn't require buyers to pay a listing fee. The seller simply pays a small commission, and the buyer pays the rest of the shipping expenses. Another downside of Poshmark is that it doesn't verify the authenticity of the used wedding dress before you purchase it. Buying secondhand wedding clothes on Poshmark may even be riskier than purchasing them from a brick-and-mortar store.
Value of used wedding veils
The value of used wedding veils varies, but a few factors play a large role in determining how much you should pay for a veil. You should remember that bridal accessories made by hand will cost more than ones that were mass produced. This is due to the artistic design and individual touch that they possess. In addition, used wedding veils will also be more unique than those produced by machines. Regardless of what the reason is for buying a used wedding veil, you'll probably be able to get a good deal.
One factor that affects the price of a used wedding veil is whether or not it is custom made or not. Obviously, a bridal veil purchased from a fancy salon will cost more than one made in a cheaper salon. However, the extra expense goes toward nicer decor and a more luxurious shopping experience. In addition, custom made wedding veils are often more expensive. Therefore, a used bridal veil is a good option for a low budget wedding.
The condition of a used wedding veil can determine the price of the piece. If the veil is not in good condition, you can try selling it on an online marketplace, such as Tradesy. Tradesy is a global marketplace that features designer clothing, accessories, and jewelry. Tradesy's guidelines help you price your wedding accessories, and they'll even give you suggestions to make your listings look better. If you're unsure about whether a used veil is worth selling, consider asking someone who's wearing one.
After choosing a veil, make sure you're sure to choose a hairstyle to match the type of veil you're purchasing. Most veil holders will come with a comb, but if you're feeling unsure, you can always secure it with bobby pins. Bobby pins should be color-coordinated with the rest of your hair and placed on either side of the veil.
Authentication process
There are several different ways to authenticate a used wedding veil. One of the easiest ways is to ask the seller to send images and a full description of the condition. To get the photos, you can message the seller directly from your messaging inbox, avoiding the need to give your personal email address. Once you've gotten all the information you need, you should verify the authenticity of the veil. You may be able to see a certificate of authenticity, the store receipt, or even a photo of the label. If not, you should ask the seller to send you any missing or incorrect information.
Return policies
If you want to return your used wedding veil, you should always check the seller's return policy. Some sellers allow you to modify your veil after you purchase it, and others will not accept it at all. The only exception is if you have made an error. If you have made an error, you can contact the seller and get a replacement veil. But if you are not satisfied with your used wedding veil, you can always contact the seller to return it.
Beyond The Veil Bridal will accept returned veils up to 48 hours after you receive them. However, you must call them within two days of receipt in order to receive a refund or exchange for a different size. You are responsible for shipping costs, but you can ask for a different size for free if it's too large. However, you must include a Return Authorization number on your shipping box if you want to return used veils. You should also take note that used wedding veils are not eligible for refund if you've worn them before.


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The outlook for 2015
New research from the Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) reveals that while business confidence in 2014 climbed to levels not seen since before the financial crisis, a recent spate of uncertainty is weighing on growth prospects for the year ahead. With the price of oil plummeting, the future of the eurozone still far from secure, tensions in Ukraine and concern around the pace of the slowdown in China, the confidence of business leaders, especially in the world's largest three economies, has slipped as we enter 2015.
The IBR shows that global business optimism for 2014 stood at an average of 41% compared to 28% in 2013 and just 12% in 2012. But in Q4, global optimism dropped from 43% to 35%, driven by steep falls in the United states (down 10 percentage points to 59%), China (down 30pp to 25%) and Japan (down 12pp to -12%).
Francesca Lagerberg, global leader for tax services at Grant Thornton, commented:
"We saw the highest levels of business confidence since 2007 over the past 12 months, but looking ahead, there are a number of potential flashpoints which are threatening global economic stability. The volatility in the oil price is of particular concern to global markets: prices have dropped to five-year lows in December and while cheaper oil will benefit net importers and industries such as manufacturing and transport, it is already spelling trouble for energy companies and key markets such as Russia and the Middle East.
"The threat of recession and deflation in the eurozone and Japan is also a massive concern. Shinzo Abe has won a new four-year mandate to try and kickstart the Japanese economy but the first round of his Abenomics programme can hardly be viewed as a success. Meanwhile, the eurozone has barely grown in five years, unemployment remains stubbornly high and a change of party in Greece could reignite the sovereign debt crisis. Add in the slowdown in China, which is dampening demand for natural resources from Latin America and exports from southeast Asia, and it's clear that the outlook for 2015 is far from stable."
This uncertainty is weighing heavily on business growth prospects. Both revenue growth - down 13pp (from 56% to 43%) - and profit growth - down 11pp (from 43% to 32%) - prospects have both fallen globally. In both China (37%) and the US (35%), revenue growth expectations dropped 33pp over the quarter. Profit growth expectations in China (down 33pp to 13%) and the US (down 23pp to 34%) have seen similar falls. That said, European businesses are actually feeling more positive about growth compared with three months previously with profitability expectations up from 32% to 40%.
Francesca Lagerberg added: "The prevailing uncertainty is making life tough for businesses, forcing them to delay decisions over investment in the future growth of their operations. Given the turbulent state of global markets this is understandable. They remain positive about their expansion prospects but certainly less so than three months ago.
"Chinese exports continue to fall as it rebalances which could have major consequences for the global economy. Stronger global demand may boost exports next year, but flagging property investment may largely mitigate this. Meanwhile, if the US Federal Reserve finally raises interest rates next year, it could have major knock-on effects across the world, especially in a number of emerging markets.
"Business confidence is a key indicator of future economic performance. The large rise in global optimism in 2014 came as a pleasant surprise after a couple of tough years but the dip in the last three months suggests that businesses around the globe see trouble on the horizon in 2015."
– ends –


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Joe "Guero" Angel Arredondo Jr., 50, of Abilene, TX, passed away at a local Abilene Hospital on Monday, August 23, 2021.
Joe was born in Abilene, TX to Joe Arredondo Sr. and Feliz Deleon Arredondo. He was the second oldest of three children. Joe loved his family and spending time playing with his grandkids. He had a passion for cars and would help anyone in need.
Joe was dearly loved and is survived by his wife, Shannon (Garcia) Arredondo; Son, Joe Arredondo III of Seattle,WA; Daughter, Jessica Arredondo of Abilene; son, Manuel Arredondo of Abilene; Daughter, Gabrielle Arredondo & Fiance Leroy Santana of Abilene; along with 6 grandchildren. Joe is also survived by his Mother, Feliz Arredondo of Austin,TX; Sister, Eneida (Ricky) Rodriguez of Austin,TX; Brother, Noel (Chip) Burleson of Austin, TX; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
He is preceded in death by his father, Joe Arredondo Sr; grandparents, Rodolfo & Lydia Arredondo,
Honored to be pallbearers: William Galvan Jr., Eric Garcia Sr., Esgar Gutierrez, Jerry Morales, Ricky Rodriguez Jr., Leroy Santana, Abraham Sauceda, Andy Sauceda
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text: Dr. Smith was born in Tonasket, Washington in 1957 to Ken and Joan Marty Smith. After graduating from high school he attended the University of Montana and during this time he began working for the Forest Service as a smoke jumper during his summer breaks. After graduating from college Brent attended medical school in Albuquerque, New Mexico on an Army Medical Scholarship, finishing in 1987 and then attending Officer's Training at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Afterwards he completed his Emergency Medicine Residency Training at Ft. Hood, Texas. During that time he married his high school sweetheart, Lori Campbell. He and Lori would have two daughters, Karli and Katie. After schooling Brent spent 10 years on full active duty in the Army and another dozen years as a physician in the Army Reserve. During this time he participated in several deployments. Brent was deployed to Iraq in 1990/91 during Operation Desert Storm where he served in the 399th Combat Support Hospital and was attached to the 1st Armored Division at a Forward Support Battalion. In '94/'95 he was deployed to the Sinai Peninsula where he served as Assistant Force Surgeon for the MFO (Multinational Force), a peacekeeping force of three battalions. He ran the North camp medical treatment facility and supervised the physicians and medics from Columbia, Fiji, Netherlands, Uruguay and several other countries. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2004/2005 serving in the 325th Combat Support Hospital where he wore several hats that varied from field duty to the most Senior Medical Officer in the AO. It was at the 325th where he also was in charge of the ER facility. His last deployment was to Iraq again in 2007 where he was the Chief of the EMT (ER). In 1996 Brent came to work at Willis-Knighton Hospital here in Shreveport, Louisiana where he was Chief of the ER department. |


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It took a while to get over there and then wait around for an hour or so before finally doing it, but I had a quiet, interesting, no-pressure chat yesterday with Little Children director and co-writer Todd Field at Toronto's Hotel Intercontinental. I recorded it with an IPAQ hand-held organizer — it's not too hard to make out the words.
If you haven't seen the film it'll be hard to follow some of what we discuss, but mainly I asked Field about (a) the film's narration, which has an adult, erudite, slightly avuncular tone; (b) the faint sense of dread that you can feel all through Little Children, (c) the superb Little Children trailer, (d) the excellent choice he made in casting Phyllis Somerville as the mother of Jackie Earle Haley's balding, pale-faced, freckly, oddball sex-offender character, and (e) the Kate Winslet-Patrick Wilson post-coital photo adorning the Little Children one-sheet.
A bunch of journos were shuffling in and out of the suite while I waited — Chicago tribune critic Michael Phillips, The Envelope's Tom O'Neill, Toronto Star's Peter Howell, Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye, David Poland, etc.
There was no finger food to pass the time with….just Cokes and Ginger Ale and ice water. I took a photo of the museum outside on Bloor Street at one point.


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This seriously off-the-beaten-track nature reserve offers the exceptional opportunity to observe the Americas' largest primate and one of its most endangered species – the northern muriqui – in the wild. Call or email ahead to arrange a guided visit. Expect minimal infrastructure – this is first and foremost a biological research station – and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and clothing in preparation for an unpredictable day of scrambling through the forest in search of these fascinating, docile creatures.
Estação Biológica de Caratinga
Minas Gerais


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Human-Ape Gap Quadruples
Remember that old truism that humans and chimpanzees share 98.5% of their genes? Try 94% instead. That's a new estimate by Matthew Hahn (Indiana U) and a team who published in a new online journal, PLoS One.1 J.R. Minkel, writing for Scientific American, said "The 6 percent difference is considerably larger than the commonly cited figure of 1.5 percent."
Why such a drastic revision? Hahn says the earlier estimate fails to take into account duplicated genes. As Minkel explains it assuming evolution,
The new finding supports the idea that evolution may have given humans new genes with new functions that don't exist in chimps, something researchers had not recognized until recently. The older value of 1.5 percent is a measure of the difference between equivalent genes in humans and chimps, like a difference in the spelling of the same word in two similar languages. Based on that figure, experts proposed that humans and chimps have essentially the same genes, but differed in when and where the genes turn on and off.
The new research takes into account the possibility for multiple copies of genes and that the number of copies can differ between species, even though the gene itself is the same or nearly so.
The stats: "The group estimated that humans have acquired 689 new gene duplicates and lost 86 since diverging from our common ancestor with chimps six million years ago. Similarly, they reckoned that chimps have lost 729 gene copies that humans still have."
Minkel and the authors of the paper did not look outside the box of evolution to explain these differences. A geneticist was quoted as saying, "The paper supports the emerging view that change in gene copy number, via gene duplication or loss, is one of the key mechanisms driving mammalian evolution." Exactly how this produces new genes or complex systems was not explained. Minkel also summarized what evolutionists believe in this line: "Researchers believe that additional copies of the same gene allow evolution to experiment, so to speak, finding new functions for old genes." That sentence, along with his earlier line "evolution may have given humans new genes with new functions" personifies evolution as an intelligent, or semi-intelligent, agent.
A press release about this new calculation appeared in EurekAlert entitled, "What it means to be human." The article did not describe this as a problem for evolution. On the contrary, it said, "So the question biologists now face is not which measure is correct but rather which sets of differences have been more important in human evolution." The problem of statistics was briefly mentioned. Although claiming that the 1.5% difference remains when comparing the genes base-per-base, the article admitted, "there isn't a single, standard estimate of variation that incorporates all the ways humans, chimps and other animals can be genetically different from each other." Yet accounting for those differences in the time allowed, and understanding how genetic bit changes could have transformed screeches into sonnets, surely cannot be glossed over in answering the question of what it means to be human vs simian.
1Demuth JP, Bie TD, Stajich JE, Cristianini N, Hahn MW (2006) The Evolution of Mammalian Gene Families. PLoS ONE 1(1): e85. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0000085.
There you have it: another bad case of the statistics fallacy. Genomes are extremely complex entities that are just barely understood. Depending on what you choose to look at, you can find all kinds of similarities and differences and come up with agenda-driven numbers. It seems clear that the earlier estimate was motivated by an evolutionary agenda to show how similar we were to the apes. If this new estimate becomes widely accepted, evolutionists are going to have a terrible time explaining this many genetic changes in "only" six million years. It's too late for them to even try, though, now that neo-Darwinism has been falsified (see 12/14/2006 entry).
We really must help the Darwinian science reporters get over their bad habit of personifying evolution. It's so pre-ID.


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Brief by Martha Quillen
Politics – May 1999 – Colorado Central Magazine
Why National Politics Are Better For You
Everybody has heard of Monica Lewinsky and Slobodan Milosevic.
But does everyone know the names of all their U.S. Senators, U.S. representative, state representative, state senators, county commissioners, town councilmen, local school board members?
It seems unlikely. At the local level, politics just don't generate as much media saturation. (Also, local radio stations and weekly newspapers seldom enthrall viewers with as much sexual or violent content as the media barons do — thank goodness.)
Yet it strikes us that there may be a lot of very good reasons to prefer national politics over local affairs. Among them:
1) If you absolutely despise the president's Balkan policy — and therefore feel compeeled to criticize the President's decisions, judgements and actions — you can barrage your congressmen with protest literature and march in anti-war demonstrations, and while doing so you will probably not run into the President at the grocery store. Better yet, you probably don't live next to the President's cousin, brother, or mother-in-law.
2) If you go to the trouble of researching, documenting, substantiating and then presenting your protest on the Balkans to the President of the United States, and he absolutely ignores your concerns, you probably won't be surprised.
3) Even if you publicly object to presidential policy, it isn't likely that the President or his staff will publicly question or ridicule your motivations, integrity, character, or intelligence (unless you happen to be a congressman criticizing the President's sexual conduct).
4) If you actively participate in national politics and then history someday proves that you were wholly wrong on your Balkan position, you can take comfort in the fact that you probably didn't change the President's — nor even one solitary soldier's — position by a single millimeter. At the local level, you just can't be so sure of your innocuous ineffectuality.
5) If you actively participate in politics in a small community — and it gets out that you are not only willing to donate time, but that you know how to type, or run a copier, or drive an automobile, or answer phones, or operate a computer, or file — you may never have a free weekend again (unless you move).


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Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum lead Celtics in dominant 132-96 win over Orlando Magic
With the playoff picture tightening, the Celtics had a chance to pick up a game against a struggling and shorthanded Orlando Magic team. They made the most of their opportunity, never trailing in a 132-96 win on Wednesday night.
The win is the Celtics' third in their last four games, and improves their record to 35-31. That puts them in a tie for sixth place in the Eastern Conference with the Miami Heat. The Celtics currently own the tiebreaker with the Heat, but the teams still play two more times this season.
On Wednesday night, Boston jumped out to a 19-6 lead, forcing a pair of early Orlando timeouts. Evan Fournier helped set a strong defensive tone against his former team, with two steals in the first six minutes. The Magic settled down but couldn't make up any ground, and the C's led 39-27 after one quarter.
Jayson Tatum got rolling in the second quarter and helped the Celtics extend their lead. He scored 12 points in the frame, and was the driving force behind a 13-3 run. Heading into the half, Boston led 63-45.
In the third quarter, it was Kemba Walker's turn to heat up. He scored 11 points in the first three and a half minutes. Behind Walker's outburst the Celtics built up a 25 point lead, and led 100-75 after three quarters.
Orlando failed to close the gap in the fourth quarter, which allowed Brad Stevens to rest his starters. With a potential play-in seed on the line in the coming weeks, and a condensed schedule, that rest could be key. In the end, all 14 active Celtics played at least five minutes.
Walker ended up leading all scorers with 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including 6-of-9 from three. Tatum followed him with 27 points, while Fournier put up 18 against his former team, and Payton Pritchard contributed 12 off the bench.
The Celtics will stay on the road for their next game, which is Friday in Chicago. Tip-off against the Bulls is set for 7:30 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 7:00 on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub's complete coverage of the Celtics.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at email@example.com.


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Since its inception in 2005, Cycles Gladiator Wines have celebrated and championed women's empowerment. Inspired by the women's suffrage movement, the brand draws its name from the 19th century French bicycle manufacturer, the Gladiator Cycles Company, and honours their powerful original artwork on the wine label.
Over a century later, Cycles Gladiator's striking label still resonates with wine lovers across the country. Adam LaZarre, acclaimed and multiple award-winning winemaker, is at the helm, and has been since the brand's beginning. Having lived in Paso Robles for more than twenty years, Adam is extraordinarily connected to his community and the winegrowers in the area.
Find beautiful aromatics of cherry with a hint of sexy toasted oak. The flavours are lush and sweet with notes of black cherry, pomegranate, and strawberry. The acidity is well balanced and helps preserve the sensation of velvet well into the finish.


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Blackrock's Game-Changing Ethereum ETF Move, Solana And NuggetRush Exhibit Bullish Price Trends
Ethereum's (ETH) value has surged due to BlackRock's recent filing of an S-1 form with the SEC. This filing suggests that BlackRock intends to introduce a spot ether ETF, which has created a buoyant market sentiment for Ethereum.
Also, other cryptocurrencies like Solana (SOL) and NuggetRush (NUGX) are experiencing bullish trends. These projects have cutting-edge technology, high adoption rates, and unique features that set them apart in the cryptocurrency market.
On the other hand, the NuggetRush platform offers a game where you can play to earn (P2E) with great opportunities. The game creates a network rich in minerals and populated by characters in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Let's explore BlackRock's Ethereum ETF move and explore factors contributing to the bullish NuggetRush and Solana trend performance.
NuggetRush (NUGX): GameFi dominance
NuggetRush is the latest project that dominates the GameFi space, integrating the excitement of gaming with an impact on the real world, all on the secure and transparent Ethereum blockchain.
This new decentralised finance (DeFi) crypto is exhibiting bullish price trends in its ongoing presale. In round 2 of the presale, NuggetRush has raised over $500k from selling more than 60 million NUGX to early adopters.
Each NUGX is trading for 0.012 USDT and can be the best crypto to buy in November 2023.
This new DeFi crypto is experiencing a bullish trend due to its partnership with gold providers. Through this collaboration, players can receive their RUSHGEM winnings at their preferred location, creating a valuable link to real-world assets.
Additionally, NuggetRush ensures the platform's reliability and security through smart contract audits conducted by SolidProof. In NuggetRush, players can earn rewards such as character NFTs, RUSHGEMS, staking top NFTs, and trading in-game assets like machinery.
What sets this game apart is that players can also use the in-game currency they earn to trade outside the game. NUGX has a marketplace driven by players, where they can sell or trade character NFTs, rare NFT items, and materials they mine.
Ethereum (ETH): a surge fueled by BlackRock's ETF
Ethereum, a widely recognized cryptocurrency, operates on a decentralized platform. It facilitates the use of intelligent contracts and decentralized applications (DApps).
While Bitcoin primarily serves as a digital currency, Ethereum's blockchain technology extends beyond transactions. ETH empowers developers to create diverse applications and automate complex agreements.
Ethereum's recent rise in value can be attributed to BlackRock's announcement of plans to launch a spot ether ETF. This development has positively impacted market sentiment, resulting in a significant price increase from $1,973 to $2,063 between November 15 and 16.
Ethereum has been exhibiting a bullish trend, with 70% of the days in the past month seeing positive movements in its price. Also, the price of ETH has shown a volatility of 8.31% during this period.
Solana (SOL): a resilient force in cryptocurrency
Solana, a popular blockchain platform, has become well-known in cryptocurrency. Its strong bullish price trend has caught the interest of both investors and enthusiasts.
Solana's key advantages are its remarkable speed and cost efficiency when processing transactions. SOL stands out by being able to handle a large number of transactions per second, making it a preferred option for decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts.
Solana's efficient infrastructure drives its demand, forming a solid base for blockchain projects. With more decentralized applications utilizing Solana's capabilities, the platform shows resilience and growth. This positive momentum reflects investors' trust in SOL's technological progress and its potential impact on the broader blockchain landscape.
The recent move of BlackRock into Ethereum ETFs and the bullish trend of Solana and NuggetRush demonstrate growing confidence in the cryptocurrency industry. NuggetRush's unique gameplay, strong community, and opportunities for earning and staking top NFTs set it apart in the crypto market.
Players can mine their way to success and witness the fusion of virtual and real-world value within the NuggetRush ecosystem, which bodes well for the future of blockchain gaming. When choosing the best crypto to buy in 2023, NuggetRush stands out due to its commitment to robust security measures. For all things NUGX visit NuggetRush presale website.
More By This Author:
Apple Has Reportedly Proposed To End Partnership With Goldman SachsPDD Stock Price Forecast As Temu Growth Gains Steam
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Disclaimer: Invezz is a place where people can find reliable, unbiased information about finance, trading, and investing – but we do not offer financial advice and users should always ...


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Mounties in Langford, B.C., warned drivers to expect major delays after a dump truck rolled over on the Trans-Canada Highway Monday morning.
The accident happened around 8:40 a.m. near the Spencer Road onramp.
West Shore RCMP say the driver of the truck "lost control" due to wet and slippery road conditions.
A DriveBC highway camera captured the moment the truck began to roll over, with its trailer flipping onto its side first, followed by the truck cab.
Police say the driver suffered minor injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital for assessment. No other vehicles were involved in the rollover.
A DriveBC highway camera caught the moment the truck began to roll over, with its trailer flipping onto its side first, followed by the truck cab. (DriveBC)
The truck was carrying a load of gravel at the time, and some if its load spilled onto the southbound lanes of the highway during the crash.
Both southbound highway lanes were closed for several hours, from about 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., so crews could clean up the scene.
While the lanes were closed, with the closure marked by police vehicles and traffic clones, police say one vehicle attempted to weave through the police blockade to get past the crash site.
The driver was handed a ticket for failing to obey police direction. Northbound traffic was unaffected Monday morning.
DriveBC said highway crews were assessing the scene at approximately 9:30 a.m. (DriveBC)
"We want to thank motorists for their patience as traffic was delayed in the area," said West Shore RCMP Cpl. Nancy Saggar in a statement Monday.
A detour was in effect via Leigh Road until the southbound highway lanes reopened to traffic.


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2020-21 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Report
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Vanderbilt
2020–21 Report
This year's annual Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Report arrives at a historically pivotal time. The 2020-21 academic year began in an era of unprecedented challenges, as national acts of violence and racial injustice, along with the hardships and inequities laid bare by COVID-19, culminated in a climate of fear, distress and uncertainty.
At Vanderbilt, our scholarly and educational mission compels us to confront these challenging issues directly. To do so requires a community where all members are valued and belong—and are positioned to thrive at their full human potential.
In July of 2020, Chancellor Diermeier, former Provost Wente and I reaffirmed our deepest commitment to strengthening equity, diversity and inclusion at Vanderbilt, pledging to deepen and broaden our work at every level of our university. We are also continually developing ways to leverage our position as a forum for research and civic discourse to understand the root causes and consequences of inequality and seek innovative paths forward.
We structured our commitment within several pillars of actionable objectives, seeking to:
- Expand and deepen dialogue with members of various Vanderbilt communities
- Increase investment in programming and infrastructure supporting equity, diversity and inclusion
- Deepen our commitment to enhance diversity
- Enhance scholarship and education
- Confront racism in Vanderbilt's own past
- Partner with the city of Nashville to address inequities
This report outlines the progress we have made toward each of these goals, recognizing that in the life of a university, progress is a continual process of improvement with no absolute end. And while it contains many inspiring accomplishments in which we take great pride, it should not be viewed as a finite list of statistics and achievements. Rather, the contents of this report reflect broad foundations upon which we continue to build as we create genuine and lasting change.
The journey toward achieving a more equitable, diverse and inclusive Vanderbilt is one that we share together. Cultivating belonging on our campus is the responsibility of each of us, and its long-term benefits—both within our community and at large—are immeasurable. I know there is still much more work ahead, and great things are possible when we move forward as One Vanderbilt.
André L. Churchwell, M.D.
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
- In 2020, the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust established an ad hoc Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Founded the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy
- Collaborated with diverse campus partners and Nashville community members to provide programs and events aimed at increasing dialogue among our diverse community.
- Launched the Heritage Month Poster Project
- The Black Cultural Center instituted several new alumni engagement programs designed to incorporate our Black alumni in the programming model of the center.
- The Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center offered the OpEd Project's "Write to Change the World" workshop in May.
- This March, Women's History Month programming included 24 events that reached 1,167 people.
Provost Team
Office of the Dean of Students
- Sponsored more than 16 programs and initiatives intentionally developed to expand and deepen dialogue with our Black community members and/or increase awareness and support for our Black community members:
- University Counseling Center: Inaugural identity-based drop-in consultations specifically for Black students, Melanin Matters: A Workshop Series for Black Students
- Project Safe: Sis…Get information: IPV in the Black Community, Screening of (In)Visible Portraits, Project Safe presents Ashlee Haze
- Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni/OSCC partnership to discuss financial support for Black students
- Collaborations: Woke and Well, a workshop series for student-athletes (UCC, Vanderbilt Athletics and Student-Athlete Advisory Council), It's the Peace for Me: A Black Mental Health and Spiritual Practice, a workshop series (UCC, Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life), Acts of Solidarity: A Panel Discussion for Defining and Denormalizing Sexual Assault (Project Safe, Women's Center and Strands and REVAMP student organizations), On The Menu: Gaslighting…When the Receipts Don't Add Up (Project Safe, Black Cultural Center), Actionable Next Steps workshop for National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations (Project Safe, Office of Greek Life), Ahmaud Arbery: A Year Later (Student Center for Social Justice and Identity, BCC), Finding Stillness in Turbulent Times (Center for Student Wellbeing, BCC), IMPerfection Project Speak-Out (CSW, BCC), Inclusive Teaching: Supporting Students of Color with Wellbeing/Academic Needs (CSW, Center for Teaching), Black Girl Magic, a series of inclusive workshops (UCC, Office of Student Care Coordination)
Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
- The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries partnered with the city of Nashville to address racial inequities, expand and deepen dialog with our Black community members, and enhance scholarship and education through multiple activities, including materials acquisition and deepening our relationship with the National Museum for African American Music. The Libraries also partnered through book clubs, expanding Wikipedia articles related to civil rights activism in Nashville, and hosted a Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon, a four-part Wikipedia series on Editing for Social Justice: Sharing Nashville's Story.
Schools & Colleges
Blair School of Music
- Hosted three town halls for students and alumni titled "Inclusive Communities at Blair" focusing on equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Partnered with National Museum of African American Music and Engine for the Arts Democracy and Justice to produce thematic programming, courses and community discussion around the works of Julius Eastman.
- Gave the inaugural concert at NMAAM followed by a discussion on Eastman's music.
Divinity School
- Worked with more than 40 partners across the country to create local 1.5-2-day Mobile Institutes that address issues of racial justice.
School of Medicine, Basic Sciences
- Recruited a second Black faculty member to the Basic Sciences in fall 2020.
- MPB Graduate Student Association researched and assembled a poster cataloging the achievements, milestones and contributions by Black scientists to the field of physiology. The poster was released in conjunction with a video to celebrate Juneteenth in 2021.
School of Medicine
- In the wake of the death of George Floyd and the rise of violence against marginalized groups, the School of Medicine performed multiple listening sessions to hear the concerns, fears, and thoughts of staff, students and faculty.
School of Nursing
- Hosted VUSN for Black Lives Remembrance Day Event
- Organized the VUSN Black Faculty Support Group, which meets monthly.
- Launched a literary group, "Unraveling Social Injustice: Let's Talk About It."
- Hosted a virtual town hall in partnership with the Office for Inclusive Excellence to discuss the intersectionality of person-first vs. identity-first language in the disability and Black communities.
- Engaged with the Black Cultural Center staff about the experience of Black disabled students at Vanderbilt and discussed opportunities for Student Access to connect with the BCC to increase awareness and support among students who are underrepresented.
- Increased Athlete Ally Equality Index—an analysis of an athletic department's support of the LGBTQI community—score to 85, currently the highest in the SEC.
- The women's basketball team was named to the SEC's Community Service Team in recognition of its support for social justice and Black Lives Matter initiatives.
DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMnI RELATIONS
- Increased efforts to expand engagement with leadership and general membership of the Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni through increased access to university leadership and resources, and through enhanced programming.
- AVBA launched an event series entitled 'Dores in Dialogue". This event series was expanded to VAHLA and LAVA.
- New targeted programming amplified efforts and reached new audiences through many activities, including a series of events during Black History Month.
Government and Community Relations
- Through a partnership with the Nashville Public Library Foundation, Vanderbilt has fostered a deeper dialogue on important topics by investing in the Civil Rights and Votes for Women rooms, both of which will be used to provide educational programming for K-12 students in Metro Nashville Public Schools on women's suffrage and voting rights. These programs are now also being used for enrichment experiences for Vanderbilt faculty.
- Partnered to host several community conversations for Chancellor Daniel Diermeier with community members and faith-based leaders that served as ad hoc listening tours.
- Launched Community Conversations, a public program bringing VU faculty and community leaders to the table to discuss topical issues.
Information Technology
- VUIT's Inclusion and Diversity Advisory Board sponsored multiple events, including a leadership panel discussion on racial injustice, movie club discussions of the documentaries 13th and Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, and a lunch and learn on disproving race as biological, the construct of white supremacy and the influence of racism on voting interest.
- In July 2021, the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion joined forces with the Provost's Office for Inclusive Excellence in a move to broaden and deepen the resources supporting these efforts.
- The university also doubled the budget for the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
- The Chancellor's Lecture Series partnered with MLK Commemorative Keynote and a daylong symposium discussing the fight for equity, offering additional support to these community-building events.
- Vanderbilt University Communications and Marketing redesigned its website from the ground up to be consistent with accessibility standards.
- In conjunction with several local nonprofit organizations, the BCC began the Racial & Social Justice Institute to help raise campus awareness about issues that negatively impact marginalized communities.
- BCC officially assumed the coaching responsibilities for the three largest Black cultural organizations on campus: African Student Union, Black Student Association and Caribbean Student Association.
- The Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion partnered with the BCC and numerous campus partners to increase support and resources for a campuswide Juneteenth celebration.
- The team in the former Provost's Office for Inclusive Excellence launched two identity initiatives to support our underrepresented students:
- PersistVU launched in Spring 2021 in collaboration with QuestBridge for Vanderbilt community members from low-income communities or who identify with low-income experiences.
- Network First-Gen launched Spring 2021 in collaboration with student organization FirstVU for community members who identify as first-generation at Vanderbilt.
- The team in the former Provost's Office for Inclusive Excellence piloted a new Transitions Summer Catalyst Program for incoming students as a connection point to prepare them for Vanderbilt's academic rigor and social life.
- The team in the former Provost's Office for Inclusive Excellence offered additional Graduate Recognition Ceremonies.
Provost Team
Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
- Center for Teaching offered its first Course Design Institute on Inclusive Teaching, a four-day institute during which faculty participants (re)designed courses with a focus on developing their practices of inclusion.
- The Office of Faculty Affairs created the Inclusive Faculty Searches Learning Community to provide a holistic approach to faculty searches.
Office of the Dean of Students
- DOS increased investment in programming and initiatives generally supporting equity, diversity and inclusion in the Vanderbilt and Nashville community, including more than 50 trainings and workshops conducted by SCSJI involving approximately 800 students as well as the following events sponsored by offices across DOS:
- UCC: Inaugural identity-based Drop-In Consultations, specifically for LGBTQIA+ and International students, Power Talks: Being an Anti-Racist Ally, Navigating Distress as an International Student, Asian and Asian American Student Support Workshop
- Project Safe: Sex & Survivorship: Lessons from the Margins, Allyship is Assertiveness in Action, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce: Meet Nashville's Changemakers, panel discussion on addressing sexual violence in our region
- SCSJI: Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month and International Student Month, Deloitte Career Recruiting Sessions, program developed to encourage internship opportunities for students with historically marginalized identities
- Arts and Campus Events: A diverse array of programming and entertainment, including comedian Maya May, Chloe x Halle, Andrew Yang, Angela Davis and Laverne Cox
- Office of Greek Life: Greek community reform committees and external review to address issues of equity, diversity and inclusion
- Collaborations: Vanderbilt Recovery Support Pride Meeting Group (CSW, LGBTQI Life), Vanderbilt Alliance on Disability and Condition and Student Care Network partnership, Disproportionate Impact and Justice Denied: Experiences of Sexual Violence among Native American Women (Project Safe, SCSJI), Intimate Partner Violence on the College Campus (Project Safe, Women's Fund of Nashville), Si Se Puede Apoyar: The Importance of College Persistence Practices in Higher Education Through the Lens of Latinx Womxn (Antonella Valdivia, SCSJI)
- During the 2020–21 academic year, DOS also sponsored several programs and initiatives designed to educate staff members to support equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives as well as create a more inclusive environment for staff, including the following:
- DOS: Supporting Students with Historically Marginalized Identities: A Staff Development Series, DOS Staff Bookclub: How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi (DOS)
- UCC: Diversity Dialogues with the UCC Diversity Alliance, Race-Based Affinity Groups for UCC staff
- Student Centers: Identity development curriculum for student employees
- Residential Experience: Resident Adviser (RA) Diversity Education Session
- Collaborations: Helping Self Before Helping Others, in-service session for RAs (Residential Experience, UCC), The First Amendment and Discrimination, in-service session for RAs (Residential Experience, Equal Opportunity and Access), Engaging in Difficult Conversations, in-service session for RAs (Residential Experience, SCSJI)
Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
- The Residential Colleges system increased investment in programming and infrastructure supporting equity, diversity and inclusion and enhanced scholarship and education in several ways, including by creating film and lecture series.
- Residential Colleges also hosted a four-part lecture series titled "Stories of Race and Identity" aimed at examining issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion from various historical and modern perspectives. Each faculty head of college hosted a program on a topic of interest.
- In a prominent example of its EDI work, as a result of the efforts of the Health Professions Advisory Office (HPAO) across campus, Vanderbilt has increased the number of diverse students applying to its medical school through increased investment in programming and infrastructure supporting equity, diversity and inclusion. These initiatives have also enhanced scholarship and education. While holistic review policies across the country have increased the number of URM students being accepted to medical school, nationally, the number of applicants is not changing significantly. However, at Vanderbilt, the number of URM applicants AND the number of URM applicants accepted to medical school has increased: VU applicants from URM groups increased 41% in last six years. In addition, for AY2020, Vanderbilt (with 31 applicants) ranked above the following institutions for number of Black or African American applicants to M.D. programs: UPittsburgh (30), NYU (28), Yale University (24), UChicago (23), Stanford (21), Northwestern (19), Princeton (18), Washington University (17), and for AY2020, Vanderbilt had only five or less than Columbia (36) or Harvard (34). For AY2021, Vanderbilt had 40 Black or African American M.D. acceptances from the Vanderbilt applicant pool of candidates from URM groups, which is an increase of 61% in last six years (62 in 2021 vs. 38 in 2015).
University Enrollment Affairs
- In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, all enrollment activities pivoted to a virtual environment, which ultimately reduced barriers to postsecondary access for underrepresented applicants. The efficacy of virtual high school visits and programming is not yet known.
Schools & Colleges
Blair School of Music
- Appointed our assistant dean for admissions as the chair of a new faculty/student group at Blair called Conversations and Resources for Equity, Accessibility, Transformation and Empowerment (CREATE).
- Creating new partnership with the Sphinx Organization, a Detroit-based national organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. Two Sphinx alumni have also joined the faculty at Blair.
Divinity School
- Recruited first Latina faculty member.
- Recruited and launched first LGBT Faith and Public Policy cohort, with the support of the LGBT Public Policy Lab.
- Hosted over a dozen webinars on racial justice issues.
College of Arts & Science
- Appointed Vicki Greene as director of diversity, equity, and engagement within the A&S Leadership Team. Vicki serves as the main point person for EDI efforts across the college, thinks about how we can better integrate EDI initiatives into our work, connects different projects and efforts to strengthen them, and ensures that these strategies remain a top priority for the college.
- Hired two new faculty in the area of Asian American Studies (one joining the faculty this year, the other next year). They, along with colleagues across the college, will build a new track in the Department of Asian Studies and address some of the concerning issues that have been facing this community in recent years.
- The LGBT Policy Lab was allocated new space in Buttrick Hall by the College of Arts & Science. This space serves as a hub of activity for LGBT-related courses, research seminars, and community events. The mission of the Lab is to understand the causes and consequences of LGBT policies. A&S has recruited new faculty to this trans-institutional center in support of this mission and plans to recruit additional faculty members for August 2022.
Graduate School
- Expanded the Academic Life Coach program, including the addition of two coaches, which is designed to assist graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in their academic endeavors through individual coaching and professional development.
- Engaged in several collaborations aimed at improving access to key services for marginalized students. The Graduate School collaborated with University Enrollment Affairs and the University Registrar's Office to admit and retain a diverse group of top graduate students, the University Counseling Center to enhance graduate student support, and the Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness to provide data-informed approaches that address the needs of Directors of Graduate Studies and to understand the barriers to progress and retention of underrepresented graduate students.
Law School
- Convened a Steering Committee and three task forces in summer 2020 to conduct a top-to-bottom review of our internal practices and culture with the goal of identifying actionable steps we could take to enhance anti-racism, belonging and civility.
- Created the Office of Diversity, Equity and Community and appointed a faculty member as associate dean to convene and coordinate efforts across students, staff and faculty groups and to engage in regular dialogue with underrepresented students.
- Endowed and named our associate dean for diversity, equity and community position in honor of Robert Belton, the first Black faculty member to secure tenure at Vanderbilt Law School, through an anonymous gift.
- Expanded extra-curricular offerings, including launching a new Dean's Lecture Series on Race and Discrimination and a school-wide book club that read four titles addressing themes of racial injustice and civil rights.
- Developed a new a Mentorship Program for Underrepresented Students that connects advanced J.D. students (2Ls and 3Ls) with dedicated VLS alumni mentors to provide networking and professional support.
Owen Graduate School of Management
- Developed and ratified an equity, diversity and inclusion (edi) mission statement, which was voted on by faculty, staff and students.
- Launched a website and weekly newsletter communication to support EDI and student health. CARE (Communicate, Acknowledge, Respect, Educate) is a website and newsletter that reflects Owen's commitment to fostering a safe, healthy and well-informed community. It is a resource for faculty, staff and students to enhance well-being, combat systemic racism and pursue equity, diversity and inclusion at Owen.
- Formed and launched a new Asia Alumni Board, which recruited seven members and held quarterly meetings aimed at the promotion of and support for the school's priorities and initiatives in Asia.
Peabody College
- Provided a brave space to discuss recent incidents of racialized violence against the Black community; the impact of racism, police brutality, attacks on Asians, xenophobia, anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment and other inequalities in our lives and work through Peabody's Crucial Conversations; as well as fold suggestions from these conversations into Peabody's strategic planning initiatives.
School of Engineering
- Launched the VUSE Alumni Mentor Network in September 2020 after a soft launch pilot with about 30 alumni and students. This program increases the ease in which our underrepresented minority students can connect with alumni mentors of similar backgrounds and interests. The network supports students who may not have other networks to rely on for questions.
- In summer 2021, VUSE launched the Fall Early Start Transition (FESTival) program. The goal of the program is to build community for our underrepresented minority and first-generation students as well as strengthen STEM concepts for successful academic progress in the first year of college.
School of Medicine, Basic Sciences
- Established departmental DEI committees comprised of faculty, staff, students and postdoctoral fellows, charged with sponsoring a variety of programming. Several interdisciplinary programs in the biomedical research community also established program DEI committees, including Cancer Biology, the Brain Institute and the Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation (VI4).
- Hosted multiple conversations on diversity and inclusion during the past year within their respective departments. The Molecular Physiology and Biophysics DEI Committee hosted Narrative 4 (Narrative4.com), a storytelling session facilitated by a member of the Vanderbilt Divinity School. The Cell and Developmental Biology Department has an ongoing program, Conversations in Diversity, or CODI.
School of Medicine
- Andre' Churchwell stepped down from his roles in VUMC and SOM to focus solely on his roles as vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer.
School of Nursing
- Promoted the Inclusion Begins with Me Campaign. To date, this activity has promoted collegial relationships throughout VUSN and promoted a sense of camaraderie among 63 VUSN faculty and staff members.
- Hosted a Diversity Month Speaker Series. One of the most impactful VUSN EDI activities is Diversity Month, with Diversity Day always a highlight.
- Developed two monthly dashboards to aid leaders in tracking EDI trends and goals. The executive dashboard delivers year-over-year high-level view of workforce diversity trends at Vanderbilt, whereas the consultant dashboard provides business and work unit specific data to equip HR consultants with the information necessary to support their customers across campus.
- Launched the Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusivity program, a cross-functional project plan including HR, EDI, VCFC, EOA and Communications. Goals include:
- Deliver systems and resources to allow staff to grow in their career
- Provide well-being and family resources to allow our families to thrive
- Cultivate inclusion, diversity and equity in leadership and decision making
- Foster a truly inclusive and welcoming environment for all
- Be good stewards of the resources we are given and ensure this work and momentum continues
- Engage and partner with vendors, design consultants and contractors who reflect Campus Planning and Construction values. As part of their efforts, and in coordination with the procurement office since January 2021, requests for qualifications and proposals have been restructured to increase diversity participation (for both contractors and professional service providers).
- Implemented the Captain's Program in Vanderbilt University Public Safety to significantly increased diversity, equity and inclusion throughout exempt command staff levels in regards to race and gender.
- Reviewed Campus Dining management and frontline information on diversity with senior leadership to identify where opportunities might exist for hiring and promotional practices in the workplace.
- Recognized the implications of including race in ALERTVU notifications, Security Notices and BOLOs. As a result, VUPS eliminated racial descriptors starting this past year to prevent possible victimization of marginalized community members.
- Revised and vetted the general orders on use of force, as well as certified at the state and federal levels to ensure VUPS standards are in compliance. These updates follow President Barack Obama's 21st Century Policing recommendations, 8 Can't Wait, which includes stricter verbiage on duty to intervene, deescalation, prohibition of choke-holds, strangleholds and additional guidance on reporting and investigating any use of force incidents.
- Created the Office for Equal Access and the expansion of the constituent offices, which reflects the investment the Division of Administration has made in ongoing support of equity, diversity and inclusion on behalf of the university. During FY21, Equal Access added four new full-time employees and began recruiting for a fifth. Included in these additions is the informal resolution and supportive measures manager in the Title IX Office, which allows the office to better coordinate support for persons affected by sexual misconduct and to offer alternative paths for resolution of allegations of misconduct.
- Began offering attorney advisers, at no cost, to students, faculty and staff participating as complainants or respondents in the Title IX complaint process in August 2020. Now, all VU complainants and respondents have the option to seek guidance from a trained attorney adviser, which supports equitable participation regardless of the means of the participant.
- Enhanced Human Resources recruitment and onboarding practices in support of equity, diversity and inclusion, with impacts felt across the university:
- Developed a pipeline of minority-, women- and veteran-owned staffing agencies to assist with filling niche and hard to fill temporary needs.
- Added multi-lingual staff to the talent team to better connect with candidates and community resources.
- Updated and continued to include unconscious bias review and discussion as part of every Leadership Search Committee.
- Finalized and implemented a Dual Career Assistance Toolkit and resources, including campus communications and new web resources for leadership search and faculty affairs recruitment efforts.
- Developed a dedicated diversity-focused careers website, based on best practice examples, to serve as a marketing tool and search resource for prospects.
- Updated new hire orientation EDI content including information about implicit bias and ways that new employees can build community and belonging, including our identity centers, employee affinity groups and annual events.
- Debuted a new session in early 2021 within new leader orientation focused on the tenets of inclusive leadership with information about diversity and inclusion, relevant policies and campus identity-based resources.
- Hired Donovan Sheffield as assistant director of human resources with DEI responsibilities, the first position of its kind at Athletics.
- Hired a Black-owned executive search firm to assist with head coaching searches.
- Recently hired a Black sports psychologist for the upcoming academic year, joining Black mental health professionals added to the staff last year.
- Hired Althea Thomas as women's cross country and track and field coach, the second Black woman head coach in Vanderbilt Athletics history.
- Partnered with the United States Basketball Writers Association to launch the Perry Wallace Most Courageous Award at the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four.
Development and Alumni Relations
- Launched the AVBA student mentorship program, working with the BCC to identify students who would be interested in participating.
- Worked to expand and strengthen alumni affinity networks, with prioritization of Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni, Vanderbilt Association of Hispanic and Latinx Alumni, and LGBTQIA Association of Vanderbilt Alumni.
- Hosted EDI-focused activities, programming and events
- Launched a new strategic planning process with Vanderbilt's engagement and annual giving office that will drive new strategies and outcomes through a holistic approach for Commodore Engagement, including increased investment in reaching Hispanic/Latinx, Black, LGBTQIA+ and Asian alumni communities.
- Collaboration between the Office of State Government Relations, Office of Federal Relations and other higher education institutions, which resulted in expansive Tennessee legislation allowing student athletes to profit from their name, image or likeness (NIL); efforts at the federal level are ongoing.
- Continued partnership with the National Museum for African American Music through the archive purchasing fund, which included Vanderbilt purchasing an archive of Dizzy Gillespie materials for display at the museum. In addition, through The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Vanderbilt expanded its partnership to include NMAAM experts on musical topics in various courses. Lastly, Vanderbilt's senior leadership held its annual retreat at the museum, which helped to raise the visibility of the museum across campus.
- Expanded the university's membership with the LGBT Chamber to allow for even broader engagement across campus. GCR worked closely with the chamber and other organizations to stop or significantly alter legislation proposed at the state level that does not match the values and principles of the Vanderbilt community.
Office Of the Chancellor
- Designated Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid staff holiday
- Created inaugural fall and spring staff award assemblies and new staff awards to further engage with our diverse staff community.
- Hosted Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell to headline the first 2020-21 Chancellor's Lecture Series event in November 2020, to showcase a diversity of thought. In January 2021, the university debuted the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy with a conversation series featuring Former Vice President Al Gore and 66th Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
- Developed and implemented a framework for Employee Affinity Groups across campus in collaboration with HR. There are now six groups on campus, including the Vanderbilt Black Faculty & Staff Association, Golden Dores (50+ age group), LGBTQIA+ and more.
- Increased efforts to streamline communication of EDI efforts across campus by working with Vanderbilt University Communications and Marketing, including:
- Launched "The Inclusive Connector" newsletter, which showcases key EDI initiatives, programs and events across the university enterprise.
- Increased communications on social media and other platforms, including social media takeovers aimed at community-building and collaboration on EDI efforts
- Collaborated with Communications and Marketing to publish 198 diversity-related stories, which was a 75 percent increase from the previous academic year. Stories highlighted Vanderbilt's initiatives, research and community efforts to foster a more inclusive and welcoming community.
- Collaborated with Communications and Marketing to develop and execute communications and marketing pieces for different initiatives and events led by EDI
- Collaborated with Communications and Marketing to make diversity a priority in communications from university leadership.
- Compiled a comprehensive timeline of EDI milestones throughout the life of the university since its founding in an effort to present our history with honesty and transparency. The timeline will be housed on the EDI website and updated annually.
- Released the Gender Affirmation Toolkit in collaboration with Human Resources and the Office for LGBTQI Life for managers to support transgender and non-binary staff, including through transitions. The Office for EDI is also working with HR, VUIT and others to ensure that all employees can use chosen names throughout university systems, as well as the Card Office.
- Planned a series of alumni profiles that showcase the growing diversity of our alumni community in an effort to promote a greater sense of belonging and enhanced diversity in admissions in collaboration with DAR and Admissions.
- The Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center has commissioned the "Women and Vanderbilt Portrait Project," six portraits of women from Vanderbilt's past and present, which it plans to install and unveil during Reunion Weekend.
- Renamed the former Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life to the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life. The new name better communicates the center's inclusion of all religious, spiritual and secular viewpoints, wisdom tradition and diverse worldviews at Vanderbilt.
- Delivered 76 "Disrupting Everyday Bias Training" sessions across the university through HR.
- Expanded its posting and outreach for new hires, incorporating recognition of skill sets developed via nontraditional paths to an in-house legal office, as diverse attorneys often travel less-standard paths during their careers. OGC has also included a diverse hiring panel in the interview process.
- Identified opportunities to diversify the outside counsel that serve the university. OGC engages in conversations with outside counsel about assignment of diverse attorneys on university matters and actively requests that any changes in teams include diverse attorneys. We continue to track diverse attorneys assigned to work on Vanderbilt University matters. We track both the percentage of attorneys and the percentage of hours worked on our matters as we want to ensure real opportunities for our diverse attorneys. The FY22 goal is to better our diversity metrics year over year.
Office Of the Chancellor
- Launched Destination Vanderbilt initiative to recruit top faculty and address essential challenges
- The Office for LGBTQI Life hosted more than 57 trainings throughout the academic year, promoting greater inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community to over 2,400 staff, faculty and student participants, including all UCC staff members. The office also launched a yearlong initiative with faculty called Caring for LGBTQ+ Students, including informational sessions, workshops and faculty resource sharing.
- LGBTQI Life offered six programs focused on racism within the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Campus Dining partnered with the Office of Housing and Residential Experience to support Opportunity Vanderbilt students on campus during the summer of 2020 and during the 2020 winter break. The partnership allowed students to stay at Vanderbilt University and receive three meals a day at no expense to alleviate any stress and anxiety associated with food and housing insecurity.
- The Office of Federal Relations actively works to advance policies that would increase research support for historically black colleges and universities and minority serving institutions. This includes supporting provisions in pending U.S. House and Senate legislation that advance research partnerships between Vanderbilt and HBCUs and MSIs that serve to increase their research capacity. A key strategy is to show highlights of VU's existing federally supported partnerships with congressional offices, such as the Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge Program, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation with TSU and the Robert Noyce scholarship program between Vanderbilt's Peabody College and Fisk, which recruits and prepares high-quality STEM teachers for high-need school districts. All of these have received National Science Foundation support.
- The Office of Federal Relations joined with peers across higher education to advocate for a doubling of the Pell Grant program, which would bring the maximum Pell Grant award to $13,000. In addition, the office advocated for policies that ensure that bright and highly skilled students and scholars have the opportunity to study in the U.S., as well as for pathways to citizenship for undocumented students.
Schools & Colleges
Blair School of Music
- Dean's office provided seed money for a new project spearheaded by the Blair Brass Quintet to create high quality and freely accessible recordings of music by underrepresented Black composers.
- Welcomed the most diverse cohort of new faculty hires in its history in the last academic year. Of six new full-time faculty hired during the last academic year, five are women and five are people of color.
College of Arts & Science
- Launched several new initiatives, including revising undergraduate curriculum, increasing communication of STEM courses to incoming first-year students and of numerous innovative programs in Biological Sciences, such as the MARC Scholarship Program, in order to address the gap in grades in STEM education between white students and students of color.
- Worked to advance the conversation on race through two new programs:
- The Racial Justice Lab
- One of the Grand Challenge projects, "Racial Justice: The Third Reconstruction,"
Graduate School
- Reconfigured University Graduate Fellowships and Provost's Graduate Fellowships to make them competitive for longer, which is a centerpiece of recruitment of students from underrepresented minorities. The Graduate School also utilized all of its funds for Endowed Awards this year to support a diverse group of students.
Owen Graduate School of Management
- Launched significant EDI programming, including renovations to orientation, new electives and related speakers. In particular, Owen integrated important EDI topics into the curriculum, such as managing diverse teams and the business impact of structural racism and economic injustice. Two new courses of particular interest are MGT 6424: Strategic Business Solutions to Address Structural Racism and MGT 6459: Diversity in Organizations.
- Increased programming around the subject of racism and racial reconciliation. All students, faculty and staff are reading Ibram X. Kendi's How to be an Antiracist as the community reading. Additionally, Owen hosted two related executive speakers this year: Doug Parker, CEO of American Airlines, reflecting on Robin D'Angelo's White Fragility and Steven Reed, mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, speaking on racial reconciliation.
- Expanded scholarships to further diversify our student body. We successfully increased the percentage of women and URMs in our incoming MBA class (MBA'22).
Peabody College
- Sponsored two conferences this year through the Initiative for Race Research and Justice.
- Provided a number of faculty workshops in EDI and Teaching.
School of Engineering
- Collaborated with the Graduate School, College of Arts & Science and Peabody to develop three new courses focusing on neurodiversity for students entering STEM fields, through the Frist Center's NSF NRT training grant. Engineering leadership hope to develop the approach into a certificate program in the future.
- Developed innovative teaching awards for efforts to faculty who quickly converted their in-person classes to online formats due to COVID-19 pandemic and made innovative, effective use of technology and learning.
- Added cohort and community building activities to our Summer Undergraduate Research Experience. By better creating a sense of community to our students we aim to impact the level of research they conducted while on campus during the summer and the student's experience.
- Emerging Scholars invited lecture seminar series hosted eight up and coming early career academics from underrepresented groups in engineering.
School of Medicine, Basic Sciences
- Showcased the talent of early career Black scientists in five of The Discovery Science Emerging Scholars (DSES) seminars this year.
School of Medicine
- The Office of Health Equity led a conversation on Race and Social Justice in collaboration with the Office for Diversity Affairs, as well as student, staff and faculty leaders. This led to a committee report that offers multiple actions to address issues of racism and equity.
School of Nursing
- Instituted two new awards recognizing equity, diversity and inclusion efforts: the Diversity Alumni Award and the VUSN Award for Recognition of Faculty Achievement in Social Justice.
- Received a nearly $4 million HRSA grant to be used exclusively for tuition scholarships for students from underrepresented ethnic/racial groups who are economically disadvantaged and enrolled in the family nurse practitioner and/or the nurse-midwifery specialties.
- Received more than $5 million to create educational programs to increase the number of nurse practitioners working in rural and underserved communities. The grants make additional funding available to enhance pipelines for more diverse cohorts of students.
- Launched its Collaborative Academic-Practice program, which provides master's students with curricular enhancements that address social determinants of health and provide additional mentoring. It also places students at partner sites specializing in the care of underserved communities and foster opportunities for employment in underserved communities post graduation. Nearly 30 students have completed the program.
Development and alumni Relations
- Launched a campaign to increase support for the Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni Scholarship, and in the past year raised enough funds from its membership to add a third scholarship recipient.
Office of the Chancellor
- Joined the Universities Studying Slavery Consortium for 2020–21.
- Hired a research associate to aid in the examination of the university's history.
Schools & Colleges
Blair School of Music
- Hosted biweekly listening sessions with Blair student government leadership in addition to the town halls titled "Inclusive Communities."
Divinity School
- Launched the new James Lawson Institute for the Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements in collaboration with the College of Arts and Science.
School of Medicine
- A subcommittee of the Racial Equity Task Force team led by medical students, VUMC staff, residents, and faculty collaborated in an effort to change the name of Dixie Way—the street that connects the medical center to 21st Avenue—to Vivien Thomas Way. Thomas was a noted African-American researcher in the medical center in the 1930's who worked with the Chair of Surgery, Dr. Alfred Blalock, on a number of research studies including the study of hemorrhagic shock on the battlefield and their pivotal work on a surgical correction for the fatal "Blue Baby Syndrome."
School of Nursing
- Dean Emerita Linda Norman elevated Dr. Rolanda Johnson, the assistant dean for diversity and inclusion to associate dean for equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Created an administrative faculty position, assistant dean for student affairs. Dr. Tamika Hudson was promoted to the role.
- Added equity, diversity and inclusion to the executive level by making the associate dean for equity, diversity and inclusion to her leadership team.
- Revised its diversity and inclusivity statement to include explicit language rejecting racism and pledging to enact practices that confront racism.
- Created the VUSN Faculty Quick-Guide: Inclusive Practices in Nursing Education.
- Eliminated the term "grandfathered" from Oracle to remove the offensive term from the absence and payroll modules, where it was used in reference to legacy PTO and benefits.
- Published HR resources and information for new, current and prospective employees and leaders regarding confronting racism in the workplace in partnership with EDI.
- Piloted the HR Race Card Project and made it available to teams.
- Co-sponsored the inaugural Racial Justice in Education and Society Conference, hosted by the Initiative for Race Research and Justice at Peabody College.
- Hosted Conversations with Vanderbilt Pioneers virtual event series via the Black and Gold Club.
- Several divisions across campus joined with Government and Community Relations and community partners to pay tribute to the life and Nashville legacy of U.S. Rep. John Lewis with the formal dedication of Rep. John Lewis Way and a public celebration. Vanderbilt's commitment also included a financial contribution by the Division of Government and Community Relations toward the creation of a public mural honoring Lewis, which is still in development.
- Facilitated introductory conversations between Chancellor Diermeier and key figures in the Nashville community in collaboration with GCR. During his first year in office, Diermeier met with leaders in diverse local business, nonprofits, religious life and government. These conversations will expand and continue into the coming academic year.
- Launched the VC Mentor Hour.
Provost Team
Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
- The Vanderbilt University Press published I'll Take You There: Nashville's Social Justice Sites,
Office of the Vice Provost for Research
- Wond'ry + IBM: The Nashville Innovation Academy is a new organization that seeks to elevate the culture of innovation in Nashville.
- Beginning in fall of 2020, the Wond'ry's entrepreneurship practice area opened its programming to Nashville-area colleges and universities, including Nashville's HBCUs. The Social Innovation Practice at the Wond'ry updates:
- Two graduate students in the Peabody M.Ed. Community Development and Action Program advanced to the global Top 8 at the Map the System Global Finals for a project on gentrification and affordable housing in Nashville.
- The Social Venture Think Tank, in collaboration with the student group Change++, created a web-based food access platform for the Mayor's Office in Nashville, which will enable all Nashvillians to search for and access food resources in their communities.
Schools & Colleges
Blair School of Music
- Developed partnerships with the National Museum of African American Music, the W.O. Smith School and Metro Nashville Public Schools. Programming is underway with the first of these.
Divinity School
- Selected by The Henry Luce Foundation to administer $150,000 in grants to the Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative to support rapid response to a range of emergencies related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peabody College
- Developed Tutor Nashville in partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools.
School of Nursing
- Worked with Vanderbilt University Medical Center to launch a mobile vaccination program to bring COVID-19 vaccines to the underrepresented, uninsured and vaccine-hesitant.
- Hosted a door-to-door vaccine campaign, resulting in the vaccination of more than 2,000 people in the Hispanic, Somalian, Kurdish, homeless and low-income communities. The program is ongoing in AY21-22.
- Partnered with Plaza Mariachi and other local affinity groups to enhance HR outreach, engagement and talent pipelines with diverse talent.
- Partnered with Plaza Mariachi to support a back-to-school drive for the Hispanic and Latinx communities.
- Collaborated with Walk Bike Nashville to sponsor a Vision Zero Speaker Series to engage the community around pedestrian safety. Vanderbilt transportation staff are serving on the technical committee for the city's Vision Zero planning effort and WalknBike planning update. Additionally, staff will continue to work with Vanderbilt Student Government to solicit feedback around walking and biking safety issues near campus and share these concerns with the city as part of these planning efforts.
- Launched initiative to collaborate with Black-owned businesses as Athletic Department sponsorship partners.
- Increased supplier diversity and addressable university spend from small and minority businesses up to 10 percent as a step toward the fiscal 2023 target of 23 percent to align with Metro Nashville's diversity footprint. The university's supplier self-service portal provides a streamlined method for Black-owned and other minority business enterprises to enrich their supplier profiles, yielding more than 40 percent inclusion of Black-owned and other minority business enterprises in business opportunities.
Government and Community Relations
- Provided financial support and investments to diverse nonprofits serving marginalized communities throughout Nashville. The Community Impact Fund provides 23 percent to 25 percent of its budget to minority-serving organizations annually—including those serving BIPOC communities, new Americans and disabled individuals. Vanderbilt provided $25,000 in support of Nashville's Center for Nonprofit Management's 2020 Equity Learning Series.
- Deepen our engagement with students, and come to understand their specific needs through meaningful dialogue and initiatives
- Strengthen and unite our overall community by creating more opportunities to work together, take action and hold constructive conversations
- Gather and measure feedback regarding inclusion and belonging across campus, and apply captured data toward new and adjusted efforts to make everyone feel supported
- Revisit and implement previous committee recommendations of particular salience or relevance, including those from the Chancellor's Committee and the University Diversity Council
- Formulate a two-year strategic plan for equity, diversity and inclusion with the goals of strengthening our organizational infrastructure and programs, while also advancing our overall mission and vision


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Online Education - Introducing the Microlecture Format - Open Education - 0 views
in online education "tiny bursts can teach just as well as traditional lectures when paired with assignments and discussions." The microlecture format begins with a podcast that introduces a few key terms or a critical concept, then immediately turns the learning environment over to the students.
"It's a framework for knowledge excavation," Penrose tells Shieh. "We're going to show you where to dig, we're going to tell you what you need to be looking for, and we're going to oversee that process."
It clearly will not work for a course that is designed to feature sustained classroom discussions. And while the concept will work well when an instructor wants to introduce smaller chunks of information, it will likely not work very well when the information is more complex.
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