Kobe Bryant & Golden State Warriors ticket prices soar
Basketball fans are paying up to $27,500 (£19,315) to see Kobe Bryant's final game for the LA Lakers.
Bryant, 37, the third-highest scorer in NBA history, will bring his 20-year career to an end when the Lakers face Utah Jazz in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
At the same time, defending champions Golden State Warriors will be going for a record 73 wins when they host Memphis Grizzlies in Oakland, California.
Resale tickets for that game are going for up to $15,900 (£11,155).
The Warriors are looking to break a record set by Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls in 1995-96.
The game is a 19,595 capacity sell-out with tickets only available via the resale market. Tickets via official channels start at $336 (£236) and rise to £15,900 for courtside seats on resale websites such as Stubhub.
Only resale tickets can be bought for the Lakers' game at the 18,118-capacity Staples Center too, with prices fetching between $700 (£491) and $27,500 for the chance to see 18-time all-star and five-time championship winner Bryant for a final time.
The Lakers have issued a fraud alert to fans warning them to only buy from their official ticket exchange, where fans can resell tickets securely. However, buyers using the official exchange can still expect to pay up to $10,000 (£7,000) to see the game.
Source-ABC
Diabetic foot care
Hello listeners. Welcome to another addition of Lifeline RX. I’m Aldora Robinson and your health tip for the day is on Diabetic foot care in recognition of World Health day which was observed on the 7th of April under the theme Beat Diabetes.
Do you want to lower your chances of getting foot problems that can lead to the loss of a toe, foot, or leg? These tips tells you how. It's all about taking care of your feet. Even if you have had diabetes for a long time using these tips will help you to make your own plan for taking care of your feet.
Why is foot care important?
Over time, diabetes can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. When you lose feeling in your feet, you may not feel a pebble inside your sock or a blister on your foot, which can lead to cuts and sores. Diabetes also can lower the amount of blood flow in your feet. Numbness and less blood flow in the feet can lead to foot problems.
Foot care is very important for all people with diabetes, but even more so if you have:
Pain or loss of feeling in your feet (numbness, tingling)
Changes in the shape of your feet or toes
Sores, cuts, or ulcers on your feet that do not heal
If you take care of your feet every day, you can lower your chances of losing a toe, foot, or leg. Managing your blood sugar can also help keep your feet healthy.
Work with your health care team to make a diabetes plan that fits your lifestyle and includes foot care. The team may include your doctor, a nutritionist, a nurse, and other specialists who can help you manage your diabetes
Check your feet for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling, and infected toenails. You may have foot problems, but feel no pain in your feet.
Check your feet each evening when you take off your shoes.
If you have trouble bending over to see your feet, use a mirror to help. You can also ask a family member or caregiver to help you. Here are a few more tips!
• Rub a thin coat of lotion, cream, or petroleum jelly on the tops and bottoms of your feet.
• Do not put lotion or cream between your toes because this might cause an infection due to excessive moisture
• Thick patches of skin called corns or calluses can grow on the feet. If you have corns or calluses, check with your doctor about the best way to care for them.
• If your doctor tells you to, use a pumice stone to smooth corns and calluses after bathing or showering. A pumice stone is a type of rock used to smooth the skin. Rub gently, only in one direction, to avoid tearing the skin.
• Do not cut corns and calluses.
• Do not use razor blades, corn plasters, or liquid corn and callus removers - they can damage your skin and cause an infection
• Trim your toenails with nail clippers after you wash and dry your feet.
• Trim your toenails straight across and smooth the corners with an emery board or nail file. This prevents the nails from growing into the skin. Do not cut into the corners of the toenail
• Wear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot when indoors or outside. It is easy to step on something and hurt your feet. You may not feel any pain and not know that you hurt yourself.
• Make sure you wear socks, stockings, or nylons with your shoes to keep from getting blisters and sores.
• Choose clean, lightly padded socks that fit well. Socks that have no seams are best.
• Check inside your shoes before you put them on. Make sure the lining is smooth and that there are no objects in your shoes.
• Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet.
• Put your feet up when you are sitting.
• Wiggle your toes for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. Move your ankles up and down and in and out to help blood flow in your feet and legs.
• Do not cross your legs for long periods of time.
• Do not wear tight socks, elastic, or rubber bands around your legs.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can lower the amount of blood flow to your feet
For more information, listen to Lifeline RX on Monday's at 9:30am or visit this website for tips.
5 Ways to Understand the levels of Autism
Your health tip for the day 4th April is on Autism in recognition of World Autism day which was observed on the 2nd of April. Having a disability or special need like Autism is a human experience that contributes to human diversity. As such, the `United Nations has emphasized the need to mainstream disabilities in an Organization’s development agenda. Mainstreaming disabilities require an integral approach in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes in all political, economic and societal spheres, so that inequality is not perpetuated.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, developmental disabilities or delays are impacting families and communities.
Developmental delay refers to when a child does not achieve developmental milestones within the normal age range.
Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavioral areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.
Developmental disabilities can come from
• a genetic defect, such as Down syndrome or
• fetal alcohol syndrome, caused by a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
They can also come from:
• fragile X syndrome, an inherited type of cognitive impairment;
• severe medical problems developing soon after birth, often associated with prematurity; and
• often times, no cause can be found
Autism is one of the most prevalent developmental disabilities in the TCI and Did you know that worldwide…
• Autism affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys
• Autism prevalence figures are growing, and
• Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
Autism is a group of complex disorders of brain development, characterized in varying levels.
One of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should be reaching.
The following "red flags" may indicate that your child is at risk for autism. If your child exhibits any of the following, please don’t delay in asking your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation:
• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months
• No babbling by 12 months
• No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
• No words by 16 months
• No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
• Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age
Children develop at their own pace, so it's impossible to tell exactly when a child will learn a given skill. However, the developmental milestones give a general idea of the changes to expect as a child gets older.
As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you think there could be a problem with your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor or health care provider and share your concerns. Don’t wait
How Is Autism Treated?
Every child or adult with autism is unique in their way. When developing an intervention plan, it must be tailored to address that child’s specific needs.
Research has shown that there is no medical detection or cure for autism.
Intervention can involve behavioral treatments, medicines or both. Many persons with autism have additional medical conditions such as sleep disturbance, seizures and gastrointestinal distress. Addressing these conditions can improve attention, learning and related behaviors.
Early intensive behavioral intervention involves a child's entire family, working closely with a team of professionals.
For more information on Autism, visit RTC at www.rtc107fm.com and click on the health matters webpage. You can also listen to this other episodes. Join us next week for another addition of Lifeline RX.
The following website can be useful in obtaining information on Autism:
www.Autismspeaks.org
www.livestrong.com
www.autism-resources.
www.teaches.com
5 Ways to Understand the Different Levels of Autism
Hello listeners. Welcome to another addition of Lifeline RX. I’m Aldora Robinson and your health tip for the day is on Autism in recognition of World Autism day which was observed on the 2nd of April. Having a disability or special need like Autism is a human experience that contributes to human diversity. As such, the `United Nations has emphasized the need to mainstream disabilities in an Organization’s development agenda. Mainstreaming disabilities require an integral approach in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes in all political, economic and societal spheres, so that inequality is not perpetuated.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, developmental disabilities or delays are impacting families and communities.
Developmental delay refers to when a child does not achieve developmental milestones within the normal age range.
Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavioral areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.
Developmental disabilities can come from
• a genetic defect, such as Down syndrome or
• fetal alcohol syndrome, caused by a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
They can also come from:
• fragile X syndrome, an inherited type of cognitive impairment;
• severe medical problems developing soon after birth, often associated with prematurity; and
• often times, no cause can be found
Autism is one of the most prevalent developmental disabilities in the TCI and Did you know that worldwide…
• Autism affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys
• Autism prevalence figures are growing, and
• Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
Autism is a group of complex disorders of brain development, characterized in varying levels.
One of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should be reaching.
The following "red flags" may indicate that your child is at risk for autism. If your child exhibits any of the following, please don’t delay in asking your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation:
• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months
• No babbling by 12 months
• No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months
• No words by 16 months
• No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months
• Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age
Children develop at their own pace, so it's impossible to tell exactly when a child will learn a given skill. However, the developmental milestones give a general idea of the changes to expect as a child gets older.
As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you think there could be a problem with your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor or health care provider and share your concerns. Don’t wait!
How Is Autism Treated?
Every child or adult with autism is unique in their way. When developing an intervention plan, it must be tailored to address that child’s specific needs.
Research has shown that there is no medical detection or cure for autism.
Intervention can involve behavioral treatments, medicines or both. Many persons with autism have additional medical conditions such as sleep disturbance, seizures and gastrointestinal distress. Addressing these conditions can improve attention, learning and related behaviors.
Early intensive behavioral intervention involves a child's entire family, working closely with a team of professionals.
For more information on Autism, visit RTC at www.rtc107fm.com and click on the health matters webpage. You can also listen to this other episodes. Join us next week for another addition of Lifeline RX.
The following website can be useful in obtaining information on Autism:
www.Autismspeaks.org
www.livestrong.com
www.autism-resources.
www.teaches.com
Angola to Open Loan Talks With IMF
Angola will begin loan negotiations with the International Monetary Fund on a three-year loan facility next week as lower oil prices hammer the finances of Africa's second-largest crude exporter, the Finance Ministry and the IMF said on Wednesday.
Angola's economy has grown rapidly since a 27-year civil war ended in 2002, peaking at 12 percent three years ago, but a sharp drop in oil prices has sapped dollar inflows, dented the kwanza and prompted heavy government borrowing.
Oil output represents 40 percent of gross domestic product and more than 95 percent of foreign exchange revenue. Brent crude traded below $39 a barrel on Wednesday, down more than 30 percent compared with a year ago.
"The government of Angola is aware that the high dependence of the oil sector represents vulnerability for the public finances and the economy in an extensive way," the Finance Ministry said in a statement.
"The government requested the support of the IMF for a supplementary program ... taking account of the decline in the price of petroleum."
Finance Minister Armando Manuel told Reuters in March Angola had no plans to approach the IMF for loans.
In Washington, IMF Deputy Managing Director Min Zhu said discussions would start with Angolan authorities next week during the Fund's spring meetings on a three-year Extended Fund Facility. The talks will move to Angola shortly thereafter.
In a statement, Zhu said low oil prices have challenged oil-exporting countries, especially those that have not yet diversified their economies.
"The IMF stands ready to help Angola address the economic challenges it is currently facing by supporting a comprehensive policy package to accelerate the diversification of the economy, while safeguarding macroeconomic and financial stability," Zhu said.
The IMF's Extended Fund Facility program is designed for countries with balance of payments issues and slow growth or structural impediments. Under normal access, it allows a member country to borrow up to 145 percent of its quota share in the Fund annually.
For Angola, that could mean about $1.5 billion a year, based on its share and current exchange rates, with a cumulative total capped at just over $4.5 billion, net of repayments.
Angola will work with the IMF to design reforms aimed at improving fiscal discipline, simplifying the tax system and increasing public finance transparency and the banking sector, as part of loan talks, the Finance Ministry statement said.
Source-VOA
Janet Jackson Postpones Tour
Janet Jackson’s taking a break from her Unbreakable tour to start a family.
The singer reveled the news Wednesday morning in a video posted to her Twitter. “My husband and I are planning our family, so I’m gonna have to delay the tour,” Janet says, in part. “Please, if you can try and understand that it’s important that I do this now. I have to rest up -- doctor’s orders.”
Jackson, who’s 49, has been married to 41-year-old businessman Wissam Saleh Al Mana since 2012.
Other than the big news, the video announcement -- which runs just under two minutes -- is mostly Janet thanking her staff, concert promoter Live Nation, and her fans for their understanding, and promising to “continue the tour as soon as I possibly can.”
Janet doesn’t provide details about how she and her husband intend to start their family, although since she’s stepping off the road and says it’s “doctor’s orders,” it’s logical to speculate she may be attempting a natural birth -- or indeed, may even be pregnant now. Hopefully, Janet will provide more details soon. She has no children at present.
Jackson’s Unbreakable world tour began August 31 and was scheduled to kick off its second leg May 14 in Las Vegas.
Source-ABC
PABA STANDINGS & HIGHLIGHTS
The PABA games continued last week and here are the results. The Five Cays Knights defeated the Sonics 104 - 40.
M. Handfield led the way with 27 points six rebounds and six three pointers for the Knights while Darly Francis scored 20 points for the Sonics.
The Kings defeated the Huslterz 103-86. Lofton Seymour scored 30 points 4 rebounds, 2 assists and ended with 7 steals. Shardanno Clarke scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Huslterz. While Kirk Adams added 19 points, Javardo Smith chipped in with 17 points and nabbed 5 rebounds.
The North Caicos Spartans rebounded after a losing streak to shake up the the Harborr Boys in a thrilling 66-60 win.
Reco Forbes scored 16 points, 13 Rebs and handed off the ball to earn 4 assists while Trevente Williams ended the evening with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals for the Spartans.
Duran Dean was the highpoint man for the Harbour boys with 19 points and 5 rebounds while Alvardo Parker added 13 pts.
The following games will be played this week:
WEDNESDAY - HARBOUR VS SONICS
- STALLIONS VS KINGS.
THURSDAY - POLICE VS NORTH
-SOUTH VS HUSTLERZ
FRIDAY - FLYERS VS HUSTLERZ
-KINGS VS KNIGHTS
SATURDAY- FLYERS VS SONICS
-KINGS VS SPARTANS.
The PABA standings up this point are also attached for fans to note.
6ae38aec8d3bd42cb13394cd697f0f20.jpg
Russian Public Unfazed by Panama Papers
People around the world have reacted with shock and outrage to the trove of documents leaked from a law firm in Panama that revealed secret bank accounts connected to hundreds of public officials, politicians and celebrities. The list of notables includes the current leaders of Argentina, Britain, China, Iceland, Russia, and Ukraine, among others, or people closely linked to them.
But, while the Panama Papers named close friends of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and suggested Putin himself might be involved, the reaction of the Russian public has been muted.
While thousands of people protested outside the prime minister’s office in Reykjavik Monday demanding Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson’s resignation, a mere three demonstrators showed up outside the Russian parliament building in Moscow Tuesday, and they were quickly detained.
The fact that even such a small public protest was quickly silenced comes as little surprise to political analysts, who say authorities are taking no chances with parliamentary elections scheduled later this year.
The Russian public's general apathy to the Panama Papers' allegations of high-level corruption may perplex some outside observers.
A public opinion poll released Wednesday by the independent Levada Center sheds some light on Russian thinking on the issue. It shows that while 56 percent of Russians think that corruption and bribery can be reduced, only 15 percent say it can be eliminated while 24 percent believe it is permanent.
The poll was conducted in February, before the Panama Papers leak was made public.
While Russians have to deal with everyday corruption - paying bribes to avoid tickets from traffic police, to get decent care in hospitals, and to more quickly navigate the state bureaucracy - they rarely get a glimpse of high-level corruption.
Most Russians get their information from ubiquitous Russian state media, which all send the same message, designed to show officials, especially at the very top, working hard for Russia. As Western media, and the few independent media in Moscow, were awaiting the revelations of the Panama Papers, the Kremlin prepared the public by announcing an expected “information attack” against Putin and his associates. Meanwhile, Putin confirmed a proposed National Anti-Corruption Plan for 2016-2017.
Russian state media gave only dismissive coverage to the Panama Papers, portraying them as part of a Western conspiracy to diminish Russia by any means necessary. According to Grazhdankin, most Russians buy into this conspiracy theory.
“Under the present confrontation with the West, they are interpreted by most Russians as ‘anti-Russian propaganda’ and the attempts of the West to discredit Russia,” he said.
The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office told the Interfax news agency it plans to investigate the data in the leaked documents to see if any Russian laws or international commitments were broken.
Source-VOA
NIS Pays Out $116.5 Million in Benefits 2016, 24th Anniversary
On reflecting on the critically important role that the NIB has played over the past 24 years in the lives of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, newly appointed Director/ CEO of the National Insurance Board, Mr. Walter Gardiner, has released some overwhelmingly important statistics to the public that the NIB has paid in excess of 116.5 million dollars in benefit payments in the TCI since its inception in April 1992.
April 6, 2016 marks the 24th anniversary of the country’s social insurance programme and, in looking back on the introductory years, Mr. Gardiner commented:
“The NIS legislation today is undoubtedly the best pieces of social protection legislation ever implemented in the TCI. Introduced under an extremely dark cloud of suspicion, mistrust and bitter opposition from employers, employees and the self-employed alike, convincing the general public to “buy in” was a very difficult sell at that time as this was the very first time that monies were mandatorily deducted from the salaries of their employees.
It was not an easy task enforcing compliance as the majority of persons viewed us at that time as just another form of taxation guised as social security to put monies into the coffers of government to abuse and borrow from. Indeed, we received strong resistance from many self employed persons; large and small employers, who refused to pay unless prosecuted, threatened to reduce staff or close business- even petitions from the then Chamber of Commerce that an introduction at that time would prove to be a deterrent to potential investors.. Indeed, many predicted that we would fail because we were managed by young, inexperienced personnel.
However, today, we have certainly proven our worth to the people of the TCI and have earned their confidence, trust and admiration for the social and financial protection that we have provided these past 24 years and will continue to provide in countless years to come. Literally, thousands of people depend on us, but more importantly, thousands of people can depend on us”, commented Mr. Gardiner.
Mr. Gardiner reported that as at March 2015, the reserves of the NIB excess of $191 million.
The institution currently collects $27 million annually in contribution income and provides over $13 million annually in benefit payments.
To date the programme has paid out $87,743,225 in long term pensions since its inception and currently supports 1,505 persons with long term pensions as follows:
Pension Type # of Recipients Total Amount Paid
Retirement Pension 971 51,596,052
Non Contributory Old Age Pension 221 15,873,154
Survivors Pension 178 8,901,841
Invalidity Pension 95 6,845,975
Disablement Pension 29 2,577,141
Death Benefit 8 1,822,220
Constant Attendance Allowance 3 126,842
Total: 1,505 87,743,225
Mr. Gardiner further revealed that the institution paid out a total of $28,778,835 in the remaining short term benefits as follows:
Benefit Type Total Amount Paid 1992- Feb 2016
Maternity Allowance 11,337,920
Maternity Grant 2,499,200
Injury Benefit 1,637,139
Medical Expenses 76,961
Sickness Benefit 10,555,807
Funeral Grant 1,580,978
Retirement Grant 894,021
Travel Expenses 77,459
Survivors Grant 90,547
Death Grant 28,800
TOTAL $28,778,835
These payouts combined means that the NIB has been responsible for the distribution of $116,522,060 within the local economy since its inception.
On behalf of the Honourable Minister, C. Washington Misick, the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the NIB, we say Happy 24th Anniversary to all our contributors and beneficiaries as we look forward to continue providing you excellent social insurance coverage.
TCIHTA sponsors reparation of Police Patrol Bikes
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Community Policing Unit bicycles are repaired and properly packed with new gadgets for better biking patrols, thanks to the Turks and Caicos Islands Hotel and Tourism Association.
On Monday 4th, April 2016 Mrs. Stacy Cox handed to the Commissioner of Police Mr. James Smith, fully functional and newly maintained bikes on behalf of the TCIHTA.
“I am delighted that TCI HTA continues to support the Police as we seek to ensure we maximize our visibility in the communities we serve. The use of bicycles allows our officers to patrol in a way that they can interact with people, particularly in our tourist areas and are accessible to them. As we deliver more patrolling officers, these bicycles will ensure offices are mobile, visible and responsive." Said Commissioner Smith.
“Bicycles help the police interact more with the public.” Said Assistant Superintendent of Police Hilton Duncan. “Unlike patrolling in vehicles, persons can stop the police and speak to them. Also, on a bicycle, common obstacles are easily cleared. It’s faster to stop, manipulate the bike over a fence, and then ride on. Therefore, It makes it easier for the police to get to areas that a vehicle cannot access."
The bicycles were repaired and geared with sirens and flashing lights. Helmets and gloves were also purchased for the officers who will be using them.
These bikes will be used to patrol the Lower Bight and Gracebay areas.