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OTTAWA After two years of not being able to travel or see loved ones, Canadians are extremely frustrated by the months of flight delays and cancellations. Today, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra appeared before committee to explain to people why the Liberals havent fixed the delays. NDP Transport Critic Taylor Bachrach (SkeenaBulkley Valley) called on the Liberal government to protect passengers and stand up to big airlines.

For months, Canadians have been facing unacceptable airport delays and even having their flights cancelled because the Liberals failed to prepare for the predictable return of travel, said Bachrach. To make matters worse, were learning airlines have been refusing to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled. It is completely ridiculous that people whove patiently waited to travel are now paying the price because of the Liberals' failure to stand up for them.

Airlines continue to cite crew shortages to avoid providing compensation for cancelled flights under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), which is meant to protect passengers. On July 8th, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) ruled that crew shortages are not a sufficient reason to avoid giving compensation for cancelled flights.

The Liberals promised Canadians the APPR would protect them, but then theyve stood by and allowed the airlines to make a mockery of the rules, said Bachrach. It makes a lot of people wonder whose side the government is on.

To add insult to injury, the huge backlog of complaints at the CTA means it can take months for Canadians to get an issue heard, added Bachrach. Its unfair and unacceptable.

The NDP is calling on the Liberal government, through the CTA, to take a more proactive role in enforcing passenger protections. They need to ensure that passengers who faced delays and cancellations are properly compensated without excuses from airlines, provide resources to deal with the backlog of complaints to get processing times down to the CTAs stated 20-day service standard, increase the maximum fine the CTA can issue to airlines beyond the outdated cap from 1996 and issue fines in cases of repeated non-compliance.

Its time for the government to get serious about protecting air passengers from the appalling treatment theyve experienced in recent months. New Democrats know that the CTA should be a watchdog for Canadians, not a lapdog for the big airlines.

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Liberals refuse to stand up to airlines and protect passengers - New Democratic Party

United States President Donald Trump gave former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu his approval to annex parts of the West Bank in a letter leaked to the Jerusalem Post. The three-page letter, dated Jan. 26, 2020, detailed parts of Trumps deal of the century, which was announced two days later. The Jerusalem Post quoted Donald Trump, saying, [T]he United States will recognize Israeli sovereignty in those areas of the West Bank that my vision contemplates as being part of Israel. In exchange, Netanyahu would recognize the creation of a future Palestinian state.

Unsurprisingly, the letter didnt cause much of a reaction in the legacy news media. The few outlets that covered the story attempted to use it as a wedge between Trumps family and Benjamin Netanyahu. The letter appears to contradict Jared Kushners new memoir Breaking History: A White House Memoir. In it, he says Netanyahus announcement on January 29 to move forward with annexation in the coming days blindsided them. In response to Kushners book, a spokesman for Netanyahu said the allegations were utterly baseless.

The medias contempt for Netanyahu and President Trump is important to remember. That contempt drove their response to the deal of the century. In fact, a big reason why the peace deal ultimately failed was due to the medias concentrated barrage of misinformation and vitriol against the deal. At the time, the media claimed the deal allowed Israel to annex parts of the West Bank immediately and unconditionally. But that simply wasnt true. As this leaked letter proves, before Israel could annex the promised 30 percent, it had to agree to the creation of a Palestinian state. Thus, one of the key stipulations of the deal would be the realization of the Wests two-state solution.

One might argue that this seems like a small price to pay on Israels part. But consider these are the same people who have called for Israels destruction. To place an independent Palestinian state within Israels borders is no small ask. Imagine making New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio their own country. Now imagine filling it with missiles and religious zealots whose stated holy mission was the destruction of America. That is the situation Israel faces right now.

The real problem for the media and the Wests liberal elite was the conditions the deal placed on the Palestinians. If the Palestinians agreed to reject terrorism, renounce any intention to destroy Israel, and make real tangible efforts toward peace with Israel, they would receive an independent state. The liberal media establishment believed Trump would never go through with a Palestinian state. Thus, they condemned the deal as a smokescreen for annexation.

If the Palestinians wanted peace with Israel and a state of their own, this deal really was the deal of the century. The problem was they had no intention to make peace with Israel. Egged on by the media, the Palestinians rejected the plan outright. We say a thousand times: No, no and no to the deal of the century, said Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

With all the negative press, backlash from the international community, and fractured Israeli opinion over annexation, Netanyahu and Trump allowed the deal to silently slip into the dust bin of history. Shortly thereafter, the much more publicly appealing Abraham Accords were announced and signed.

The hostile legacy media completely missed or ignored the real story regarding this leaked letter. This letter shows how willing Netanyahu and Trump were to create and accept a Palestinian state. That willingness may become more relevant in the coming months.

Consider that Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry has been prophesying of Trumps return to the White House ever since Joe Biden stole the 2020 election. Couple that with the upcoming Israeli elections set for November 1. Netanyahu is still Israels most popular politician and stands a real chance to win back the prime ministers office.

So is the deal of the century really dead?

There are three reasons why this deal may pop up again. First, in 2020, one of Netanyahus key campaign promises was to exert Israeli sovereignty over more of the West Bank and Jordan. The deal of the century would have allowed him to do just that. Second, Trump and Netanyahu have never officially renounced or scrapped the deal. Third, neither man is the type to give up so easily on anything. Trump built his foreign-policy legacy on the Middle East peace deals he helped foster. When he returns to office, is it hard to imagine him trying to build on his previous successes?

Mr. Flurry warned against this deal in his Trumpet article Will the Trump Peace Plan Bring Peace to Israel?, writing: If implemented, this plan puts a Palestinian state on the doorstep of Jerusalem and surrounding almost every Jewish settlement in the West Bank. It doesnt create two states side by side with one continuous border: It is a series of roads, tunnels and overpasses connecting islands of Jewish communities in the West Bank, each surrounded by a historically hostile people. Such an arrangement wouldnt bring peace. It would actually create a dangerous wound for the Jews!

Mr. Flurry was very deliberate in his choice of words because he was citing a prophecy in Hosea 5:13, which reads, When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. As Mr. Flurry has explained, the Jewish state of Israel today is Judah in Bible prophecy, and his wound is the Israeli-Arab peace process. The real wound is spiritual: a lack of faith in God, Mr. Flurry wrote. The Jews keep trying to heal themselves by making peace pacts. They were strong when they trusted God.

Whether its Donald Trumps deal of the century or another peace deal, the efforts to make peace with the Palestinians are prophesied to fail catastrophically! Mr. Flurry wrote. But all is not lost, there will be peace in the Middle East! When all of mans peace efforts fail catastrophically, it will trigger the events leading up to the return of Jesus Christ. When He returns, Christ will force mankind to finally have real peace. And He will start by bringing peace to the most violent and blood-soaked city in human history: Jerusalem.

To learn more about where the Israeli-Arab peace process is leading, please read Gerald Flurrys article Will the Trump Peace Plan Bring Peace to Israel? and order your free copy of Jerusalem in Prophecy.

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Could Donald Trump's 'Deal of the Century' Be Resurrected? - theTrumpet.com

Rev. Al Sharpton remains relentless when it comes to Phoenix Suns team owner Robert Sarver.

The civil rights leader wrote PayPal president and CEODan Schulman, in an open letter that appeared in the Sunday edition of The Arizona Republic, demandingthe billion-dollar digital payment companycease its relationship with Sarver, the majority owner of the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Spanish soccer club Real Club Deportivo Mallorca.

As someone who has dedicated my life to fighting injustice and speaking out against hate in all its forms, it is my duty and responsibility to call out such hypocrisy and to call on PayPal to uphold the values for which it proclaims to stand, Sharpton wrote.

The Sarver investigation began in November of last year after an ESPN report detailed allegations of racism and misogyny against Sarver, claiming he created a "toxic" work environment within the Suns' organization.

MORE: Robert Sarver disputes ESPN report, calling it 'innacurate, misleading'

Mr. Sarvers leadership has been riddled with credible allegations of racism, misogyny, and harboring a toxic work environment, Sharpton wrote.

The letter to PayPal ran as a full-page ad paid for by the American Sports Accountability Project.

Sharpton pointed out how PayPal committed $535 million to support Black-owned businesses and to fight economic inequality in wake of the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, but the company remains in business with Sarver.

PayPal has continued to do business with Robert Sarver and is now expanding its business relationship with Mr. Sarver internationally, Sharpton wrote. In light of these commitments, PayPal cannot simply ignore Mr. Sarvers transgressions.

Floyd died under the knee of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, a White male, on May 25, 2020. The death sparked protests in Minneapolis and around the world over racial injustice and policing.

It is time for PayPal to put its money where its mouth is, Sharpton wrote. Issuing a press release and writing a big check two years ago is not equivalent to doing the hard work that is required to achieve real change.

This is the latest action taken by Sharpton as hes been calling for months for the NBA to remove Sarver as Suns team owner and to speed up its investigation.

ASAP launched its website in March with a #SackSarver hashtag that posted a letter written to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver calling for the league to oust Sarver.

Several members of Sharptons American Action Network signed the letter that was copied to the Board of Governors, which is comprised of team owners.

ASAP is committed to bringing accountability to perpetrators of hate speech, abuse, and harassment within the leadership of the American sports industry."

Last month, Silver said in a news conference the Sarver investigation was near completion after the league had a Board of Governorsmeeting in Las Vegas during NBA Summer League.

Sarver attendedthe meeting in Vegas.

Im not prepared to talk about what the conclusion might be, only to say that we are at the sort of last stage of the investigation, Silver said.

Silver was asked why the investigation has nearly taken a year.

I can only say that we are talking about almost an 18-year period that the ESPN article covered in terms of his ownership, Silver said. Hundreds of current and former employees that were involved over that period. And also ensuring that everyones confidentiality, if they asked for it, is met, and ensuring due process is provided to Mr. Sarver as well.

Sarver openly welcomed an investigation that Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, a law firm out of New York, has been conducting.

So these things, I understand how outsiders can be frustrated and say why do these things take so long, Silver continued. But having been involved with many of them, these kinds of big investigations over my time at the league, the most important thing is to get it right and to take the appropriate amount of time to do so.

The Suns and PayPal agreed to a multi-year partnership going into the 2018-19 season.

PayPal became the first jersey patch partner for the Suns. The Mercury team jerseys also include a PayPal logo.

The NBA approved jersey sponsorships as part of a three-year pilot program. The partnership included that PayPaul became the "official payment partner" for the Suns, Mercury and RCD Mallorca.

The Suns (PayPal SixthMan)and Mercury (PayPal X-Factor)brandtheir season ticket sales with PayPal.

I reiterate my call for PayPal to end its relationship with Robert Sarver and help hold him accountable for his egregious behavior, Sharpton wrote in concludingthe letter.

Have opinion about current state of theSuns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

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Rev. Al Sharpton demanding PayPal end relationship with Suns team owner Robert Sarver - The Arizona Republic

Opinion writers weigh in on vaccines, abortion rights, covid and monkeypox.

Los Angeles Times:Vaccines Are Safe. So Why Shouldn't Teens Be Able To Get Them On Their Own?Parents rightfully have oversight of most of their childrens healthcare. But as vaccine misinformation has spread in recent years, they dont always act in their kids best interests. False information proliferating on social media has incorrectly linked vaccines to autism, infertility and even death. (8/19)

Stat:The Biden Administration Needs To Curtail Crisis Pregnancy CentersThousands of fake abortion clinics, also known as crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs), are operating across the country. These centers divert, delay, and deceive people seeking abortion care, exploiting their personal information while accepting millions of dollars in public funding. (Susannah Baruch, 8/22)

USA Today:Really Florida? A 16-Year-Old Is Mature Enough To Have A Baby But Not An Abortion?Since the landmark abortion decision Roe v. Wade was overturned on June 24, advocates, pregnant people and health care providers have been scrambling to navigate the legal landscapefor abortion care, as nearly two dozen states have severely restricted or outright banned abortion health care. (Carli Pierson, 8/20)

The Washington Post:After Roe V. Wade, Tragic Stories Mount About Those Seeking AbortionsThe human toll of denying abortion to people who want or need one can be, and often is, appalling. The state legislatures racing to impose sweeping abortion bans, enabled by the conservative Supreme Court majority that overturned Roe v. Wade in June, have done so despite abundant research on the devastating impact these policies have on Americans well-being and livelihoods. (8/20)

The Washington Post:The World Might Be Done With Covid, But I'm Still Keeping My DistanceThis summer, Ive played a new people-watching game while walking New Yorks sweaty streets: Whats the story behind the mask? Whos still adhering to covid-19 restrictions when weve cast off nearly all public health guidelines in this era of pandemic apathy? (Stacy Torres, 8/21)

Los Angeles Times:We're Starting To Understand 'Long COVID.' We Can Fight ItWeve been chasing the coronavirus since the pandemic began with vaccines and drugs, never getting ahead of it. In fact, well into its third year, COVID-19 is still causing often disabling symptoms among many people who were infected in early 2020. (Eric J. Topol, 8/21)

Newsweek:Monkeypox Must Not Be Another COVID-19 For Communities Of ColorJust as we saw at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, monkeypox is a public health emergency disproportionately impacting communities of color. But this time, we must take immediate action on the lessons we learned from COVID-19 and use them to reduce the spread and suffering and make this time different. (Calvin O. Butts III, Al Sharpton, Reed Tuckerson, Donna Christensen and Debra Fraser-Howze, 8/19)

The rest is here:
Viewpoints: Teens Should Be Able To Get Vaccinated If They Choose; Crisis Pregnancy Centers Should Be Illegal - Kaiser Health News

Quantum Computing refers to a new form of computation based on quantum physics. It is expected to outperform classical computers in processing data and deriving optimisation from it. This technology can be widely adopted in the environmental sector, including enhancing the performance of energy sources and optimising urban planning.

The classical computers that we use in our daily lives are beneficial to the development of humanity. Yet, these are being slowly substituted by increasingly sophisticated machines.

One problem that classical computers are so bad at solving is optimisation. For instance, how many possible combinations are there to configure the seats of 10 people around a table? The answer is 10, equivalent to about 3.6 million combinations. When the number of seats keeps increasing, the number of possible combinations multiplies. In order to find the optimal arrangement of the seats, we first need a list of criteria that determines the optimal arrangement. However, the most energy- and time-consuming part is that the classical computers need to simulate each combination to generate a result. Depending on the scale of the data, it may take an extremely long time for classical computers to generate a result. Yet, quantum computers have the potential to solve problems in just minutes.

The basic unit of information for classical computers is called a binary digit also commonly known as bit. A bit is either 1 or 0. If there are two bits in a row, there will be four possible combinations 00, 01, 10, and 11. Therefore, classical computers need to simulate four times to generate a result.

On the other hand, the basic unit of information for quantum computers is called a qubit. A qubit is not either 1 or 0. Instead, it exists in a superposition of 1 and 0. In other words, it is simultaneously a 1 and a 0. Therefore, two qubits in a row are in a superposition of four states 00, 01, 10, and 11. Why is it revolutionary? Well, being in a superposition of all states suggests that, theoretically, quantum computers are only required to simulate once to generate a result. It only takes a few attempts to find the optimal arrangement of 10 seats within more than 3.6 million combinations.

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Quantum computing can be adopted in any field that requires optimisation; it can be about enhancing the performance of an energy source as well as about developing a smart city where the consumption of energy is minimised.

One example is the quadratic assignment problem (QAP), a mathematical problem that classical computers perform badly. Suppose there are n of facilities and n of locations, and you are required to configure one facility in each location to minimize the consumption of energy. Logically, if we need to transport frequently a lot of goods between two facilities, we would like to place them closer, and vice versa. A study has compared the performance of a quantum computer and a classical computer in solving the quadratic assignment problem by giving them data from 20 facilities and locations. As a result, the quantum computer generated an accurate answer in about 700 seconds whereas the classical computer failed to do so within the time limit of 12 hours. This study demonstrates the huge potential of quantum computing to optimize urban planning to minimize the consumption of energy.

In addition to its functions, quantum computing by itself is an environmentally friendly technology. According to a study jointly published by NASA, Google, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a quantum computer required only 0.002% of the energy consumed by a classical computer to perform the same task. The energy consumed by computers is enormous; not including the energy consumed by normal peoples computers and smartphones, data centres themselves already account for more than 1% of global electricity. If data can be stored in terms of qubits, we can save up a huge amount of energy.

The worlds most powerful quantum computer now is the Eagle, developed by the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) with a capacity of 127 qubits. However, scientists suggest that quantum computers are not commercially useful if their capacity does not reach at least 1,000 qubits. The slow development of quantum computers is mainly due to the technical difficulties in building them.

Scientists are required to manipulate particles as small as electrons in order to make qubits. Electrons need to be maintained in coherence, meaning the state in which the waves of the electrons can coherently interfere with each other. Yet, electrons are highly sensitive to the outside environment, like noise and temperature. Therefore, the manufacturing of qubits is usually done in an isolated environment from the outside world that runs at near absolute zero. Since the movement of atoms is at their lowest state of energy at absolute zero, keeping the electrons at such a temperature helps them to be stable and less affected by the outside environment. This is a way to mitigate the occurrence of decoherence. Yet, we still do not have a clear method to correct decoherence when it occurred because exterior interference may destroy the remaining coherence of other electrons.

Although quantum computing is still at the stage of development, we have already witnessed an enormous improvement in this field since its birth as a theory in the 1980s. Quantum Computing may be the next greatest advancement in humanity, from developing medicines for different incurable diseases by tracking the molecular data of human bodies that classical computers cannot do, to optimising the energy efficiency of cities, countries, and even the world.

You might also like: Top 7 Smart Cities in the World and How They Do It

Originally posted here:
What is Quantum Computing and How Can it Help Mitigate Climate Change? - EARTH.ORG