Astounding wave clouds surge over Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains

The clouds were formed as a result of a phenomenon known as Kelvin-Helmholtz instability

The surf was up Tuesday afternoon along the crest of the Bighorn Mountains. Sky surf, that is.

Applications are now being accepted for #CampCinder, CAL FIRE’s free #firefighter camp for young women ages 14 – 18 to learn about careers in firefighting! Under the supervision of some of CAL FIRE’s most dedicated female firefighters, campers will gain hands-on experience in the field of fire protection through a variety of activities, including ropes and knots, water rescue, hose movement and hose lays, ladders, helicopter operations, leadership skills, teamwork exercises, and more! This 4-night sleep-away camp is offered in June at two locations – Redding and San Luis Obispo. The deadline to register is January 31, 2023. To learn more, visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/camp-cinder

We gave these: #Thanksgiving Day Food Donations. Because giving is better than receiving.

The sale of beer and all other alcoholic beverages at the 2022 World Cup stadiums in Qatar was banned on Friday, just two days before the international soccer tournament kicks off.

The decision was confirmed by FIFA, the tournament’s owner.

Inflation cools but stays near 40-year high

Inflation data arrived after the Fed’s fourth straight jumbo-sized rate hike.

Consumer prices are up 7.7% over the year ending in October, but that’s a significant drop from the 8.2% inflation rate a month prior and below 8% for the first time since February.

Consumer prices are up 7.7% over the year ending in October, but that’s a significant drop from the 8.2% inflation rate a month prior and below 8% for the first time since February.

The report outperformed the expectations of economists, who had predicted a CPI increase around 7.9%.

On a monthly basis, the consumer price index increased at a rate of 0.4%, rising at the same pace that it underwent in September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Thursday.

While year-over-year inflation slowed, it remained near a 40-year high, defying a string of aggressive rate hikes from the Federal Reserve aimed at bringing inflation down to normal levels.

Shelter prices, which include the cost of rent and homeownership, contributed more than half of the monthly increase in consumer prices, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said. Food and gas prices also helped drive the monthly increase.

The Fed last week raised its short-term borrowing rate another 0.75%, marking the latest in a string of jumbo-sized borrowing cost increases imposed by the Fed in recent months as it tries to slash price increases by cooling the economy and choking off demand.

The approach, however, risks tipping the U.S. into a recession and putting millions out of work.

The data release arrived two days after the midterm elections, when Democrats outperformed forecasts of a voter backlash against the party in control of Congress and the White House expected in part due to frustration over sky-high consumer prices.

Polling released days before the elections found that 80% of likely voters considered the economy a top issue in their vote for Congress; while 77% said the same about inflation specifically, an ABC News/Washington Post survey found.

Still, a Republican wave election did not materialize. As of Thursday, control of the House and Senate had yet to be determined.

Despite persistent inflation, growing evidence suggests that the Fed’s rate hikes have put the brakes on some economic activity.

Mortgage rates reached a 20-year high last month, as the U.S. faces an ongoing slowdown in home sales and housing construction.

Job growth has persisted at a strong rate but has shown signs of moderating.

The U.S. added 261,000 jobs in October, exceeding economist expectations and demonstrating the continued strength of the labor market.

But the hiring in October fell well below the typical jobs added over a given month in 2022. Monthly job growth has averaged 407,000 thus far in 2022 versus 562,000 per month in 2021, the jobs data showed.

While some data points to an economic slowdown, a government report released last month showed significant economic growth over three months ending in September.

U.S. gross domestic product grew 2.6% over that period; by contrast, economic activity shrank a combined 2.2% over the first six months of the year.

Inflation, however, remains a top concern for federal policymakers.

When facing high inflation, policymakers fear what’s referred to as a price-wage spiral, in which a rise in prices prompts workers to demand raises that help them afford goods, which in turn pushes up prices, leading to a self-perpetuating cycle of runaway inflation.

However, the October jobs data was the latest to ease such concerns. Average hourly earnings rose 4.7% over the past year, well below the inflation rate and a decline from 5% year-over-year wage growth the previous month. 10/NOV/22

A Rhode Island dog whose inspiring story of going from shelter dog to life-saving police K-9 became the subject of a recent Netflix movie has been euthanized.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Rhode Island dog whose inspiring story of going from shelter dog to lifesaving police K-9 became the subject of a recent Netflix movie has been euthanized.

State Police said Sunday K-9 Ruby was put down Friday following a “sudden, acute, and untreatable illness.” She was 11 years old.

Col. Darnell Weaver, superintendent of the state police, expressed gratitude for K-9 Ruby’s years of service.

“K-9 Ruby dedicated her life to serve the citizens of Rhode Island and make a positive impact on every person she ever interacted with,” he said in a statement. “She became a symbol of hope for all shelter dogs, showing the world what a shelter dog can do when just given love and the chance to shine.”

Ruby served with the Rhode Island State Police for 11 years and was handled by Corporal Daniel O’Neil, Weaver said.

Part Australian shepherd and part border collie, Ruby was one of the first shelter dogs trained to serve with the Rhode Island State Police. She participated in numerous search-and-rescue missions and made many public appearances during her career.

Ruby gained notoriety in 2017 when she located a teenage boy who was severely injured while hiking in the woods. The boy turned out to be the son of the animal shelter volunteer who had fought to keep her from being put down.

“She was a total knucklehead,” shelter volunteer and dog trainer Patricia Inman had told The Associated Press of Ruby, who had been returned by five families for being too rambunctious before O’Neil adopted the then-eight-month-old in 2011.

Ruby earned national recognition for the rescue — the American Humane Hero Dog organization named her the nation’s “Search and Rescue Dog of the Year” — and her story was made into the 2022 Netflix movie “Rescued by Ruby.”

“She had a full, happy, and wonderful life, not only as a trooper, but as part of a loving family,” Weaver said. “She worked right until the end and never gave up doing what she loved most — making people smile.”

Ruby lived with O’Neil and his family and will be honored privately, police said.

“She was given a chance and she’s been doing everything she can to pay it back,” O’Neil said earlier this year. “You have this dog that was given up on, and she’s changed so many people’s lives.”

Despite her lauded search-and-rescue career, Ruby’s mischievous spirit was irrepressible: Three years ago, she bolted near a state park, turning up safe and sound after a 19-hour search. More recently, she returned from a bathroom break with a live skunk writhing — and spraying — in her jaws.

The antics were part of what made Ruby, well, Ruby. Above all, she was a good dog.

“If you show them love and compassion and you give them a certain type of stability, they’ll show their true colors,” O’Neil had said.

Musk says he has secured $46.5 bln in funding for Twitter bidApril 21 (Reuters) – Elon Musk on Thursday said he has lined up $46.5 billion in debt and equity financing to buy Twitter Inc (TWTR.N) and is considering taking his offer directly to shareholders, a filing with U.S. regulators showed.Musk himself has committed to put up $33.5 billion, which will include $21 billion of equity and $12.5 billion of margin loans against some of his Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) shares to finance the transaction. He is chief executive officer of electric vehicle maker Tesla.Musk, the world’s richest person according to a tally by Forbes, on April 14 presented a „best and final” cash offer of $43 billion to Twitter’s board of directors, saying the social media company needs to be taken private to grow and become a platform for free speech. read moreBut Twitter failed to respond to his offer and adopted a „poison pill” to thwart him. Musk also is considering a tender offer to buy all company stock from shareholders but has not decided whether to do so, according to the filing on Thursday. read moreMusk, Twitter’s second-largest shareholder with a 9.1% stake, has said he could make big changes at the micro-blogging company, where he has a following of more than 80 million users.Shares of Twitter rose less than 1% on news of the funding, indicating that the market is still skeptical about the deal.Shares of Tesla climbed more than 3% and the value of Musk’s 172.6 million Tesla shares rose by over $5 billion on Thursday following a strong quarterly report. On Wednesday, he qualified for compensation in the form of stock options now worth about $24 billion after Tesla hit profit and revenue performance targets. read moreIt is unclear whether Musk would sell shares in Tesla to cover the $21 billion equity financing. Musk „may sell, dispose of or transfer” unpledged Tesla stocks at any time, according to a margin loan commitment letter.Banks, including Morgan Stanley, have agreed to provide another $13 billion in debt secured against Twitter itself, according to the filing.A spokesperson for Twitter acknowledged receipt of Musk’s proposal.”As previously announced and communicated to Mr. Musk directly, the board is committed to conducting a careful, comprehensive and deliberate review to determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interest of the company and all Twitter stockholders,” the Twitter representative said in a statement.Ryan Jacob, chief investment officer at Jacob Asset Management, which holds Twitter shares, said Musk’s latest filing would push Twitter’s board to respond.”They had to consider the seriousness of the offer, and this filing may do that,” he said. „It’s going to be hard for them to ignore it.”Josh White, assistant professor of finance at Vanderbilt University and a former financial economist for the Securities and Exchange Commission, said the funding would likely „put pressure on Twitter’s board to either find a White Knight, which is unlikely, or negotiate with Musk to obtain a higher value and remove the poison pill.”The offer from Musk has drawn private equity interest in participating in a deal for Twitter, Reuters reported this week, citing people familiar with the matter.Apollo Global Management Inc (APO.N) is considering ways it can provide financing to any deal and is open to working with Musk or any other bidder, while Thoma Bravo has informed Twitter that it is exploring the possibility of putting together a bid. read moreThe New York Post said on Thursday that Thoma Bravo was in talks with Musk for a joint deal. Thoma Bravo did not respond to a request for comment.Musk has made a number of announcements on the platform, including some that have landed him in hot water with U.S. regulators.In 2018, Musk tweeted that he had „funding secured” to take Tesla private for $420 per share – a move that led to millions of dollars in fines and him being forced to step down as chairman of the car company to resolve claims from the U.S. securities regulator that he defrauded investors.

@BarackObama: Since the day he took office, President Joe Biden has been working to improve the Affordable Care Act. As part of the American Rescue Plan, he lowered the cost of healthcare even further for millions of people. He made signing up easier. He made outreach to those who didn’t know they could get covered a priority. And as a result of these actions, he helped a record 14.5 million Americans get covered during the most recent enrollment period. This is what happens when you have an administration that’s committed to making a program work.

Last week, the Biden-Harris administration took a step further to fix a glitch in the regulations that will lower premiums for nearly 1 million people who need it and allow 200,000 more uninsured Americans to get access to coverage.

I’m grateful to President Biden, Vice President Harris, and everyone else who has worked so hard to write this next chapter of the ACA, and make it everything it can be.

Huge bang in Times Square around 6:50… followed by sirens and hundreds of people running away. Not sure what it was… but a lot of people on edge! #NYC #TimesSquare https://twitter.com/i/status/1513291148881711109

The Academy’s Board of Governors banned Will Smith from attending any Academy event or program, including the Oscars, for 10 years. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors has banned Will Smith from attending any academy event or program, including the Oscars, for 10 years.”The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards,” reads a letter from the academy, signed by Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson, announcing the decision.This disciplinary decision comes after the viral moment at the 2022 Oscars when Smith walked on stage and slapped presenter Rock for a joke he had made about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.The academy apologized for how the incident was handled on its part, saying it was „unprepared for the unprecedented.”The letter also said this outcome is „a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy.” The academy concluded by saying it hoped this „can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”Smith responded in a statement, saying, „I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”Rock’s joke was about Pinkett Smith starring in „G.I. Jane 2” because of her shaved head. This was a reference to a nonexistent sequel to the 1997 film „G.I. Jane,” which starred Demi Moore as a character who shaved her head when becoming the first woman to enter Navy SEAL training.Pinkett Smith has been outspoken about her struggle with alopecia, a condition which results in hair loss. A longtime friend of Rock told ABC News the comedian was unaware of Pinkett Smith’s alopecia.After returning to his seat, Smith yelled at Rock twice, saying, „Keep my wife’s name out your f—— mouth.”The Academy’s Board of Governors was originally scheduled to meet on April 18 to explore disciplinary proceedings against Smith for what they described in a statement from March 30 as „violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy.”In the same statement, the academy called the altercation between Smith and Rock a „deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television.” The academy also said Smith had been „asked to leave the ceremony and refused,” acknowledging they could have „handled the situation differently.”The meeting date was moved up this week by Rubin.Will Packer, producer of the 94th Academy Awards, told „Good Morning America” in an interview, which aired April 1, that the Los Angeles Police Department was ready to arrest Smith at the Oscars.”The LAPD came and needed to talk to Chris. And so they came into my office and they were laying out very clearly what Chris’ rights were,” he said. „They were saying, ‘This is battery. We will go get him. We will go get him right now, you can press charges, we can arrest him.’”Packer recalled Rock being „dismissive” of the options presented to him and insisting he was „fine.”Rock addressed the slap at his first comedy show after the Oscars, briefly touching on it when he asked the audience at the March 30 event, „How was your weekend?” „I don’t have a bunch of s— about what happened,” he continued. „I had like a whole show I wrote before this weekend. I’m kinda processing what happened. So at some point, I’ll talk about that s—.”While suspension and expulsion from the academy were listed as possible disciplinary outcomes of the Academy’s Board of Governors meeting, Smith resigned his academy membership on April 1.Smith said in a statement he was „heartbroken” over the incident and that he had „betrayed the trust of the Academy,” adding that he will „fully accept any and all consequences” that the Board of Governors „deems appropriate.””I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct,” Smith added, calling his actions „shocking, painful, and inexcusable.” Rubin responded to Smith’s resignation on behalf of the academy, saying it had been „received and accepted.”Smith had previously apologized to Rock on March 28, calling himself „a work in progress.””Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” he wrote. „Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.””I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong,” Smith continued. „I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”During his Oscars acceptance speech for winning best actor for his role in „King Richard,” Smith apologized to the academy and his fellow nominees in a heartfelt acceptance speech. He addressed the controversial moment indirectly but did not say Rock’s name or apologize to him, saying „love will make you do crazy things.”After the show, the academy tweeted, „The Academy does not condone violence of any form. Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.” The LAPD told ABC News after the ceremony it was „aware” of the altercation, but no police report had been filed.Pinkett Smith briefly reacted to the altercation on March 29, sharing an Instagram post which read, „This is a season for healing and I’m here for it.”

In a first-person essay published by New Beauty magazine on April 4, the actress and Food Network host revealed that her „mental health has improved immensely” since she ditched the scale.
Valerie Bertinelli is opening up about mental health.
In a first-person essay published by New Beauty magazine on April 4, the actress and Food Network host revealed that her „mental health has improved immensely” since she ditched the scale.
„I stopped weighing myself when I finished writing my book, which was a big thing for me, and I haven’t gotten on a scale since,” Bertinelli wrote. “My clothes still fit; my jeans still zip up. I guess I was afraid that if I didn’t see what number I was and if I wasn’t able to keep an eye on it, that I would balloon up … but that hasn’t happened.””I feel like once that gets on its full journey, then maybe my body will follow. Maybe I’ll want to eat more fruits and vegetables, and drink less alcohol, and eat less sugar, and put things in my body that make both my body and my mind feel better,” she added. „It’s all a test and we’ll see how it works, but I do know that my mental health has improved immensely because I stopped looking at the scale every morning — and that’s the first big step for me.”
The „One Day At A Time” actress has been vocal about her struggles with her weight and body image. Last year, Bertinelli took a stand against body-shamers in an Instagram video after a follower told her that she needed to lose weight.
Bertinelli’s post resonated with many who then started sharing some of their own struggles. Celebrities also commended her for being open about her experience.
„For me, the big thing is my weight — it’s the thing that holds me back,” Bertinelli wrote in her essay for New Beauty. „But I want to start feeling the same about myself — no matter what weight I am. I don’t have to wait until I’ve lost weight to be kind to myself and to be kind to others.”
„It shouldn’t matter what I look like,” she added. „I’m trying to make that a reality in my life, and then, hopefully, my body will follow.”

DETROIT — General Motors is recalling nearly 682,000 compact SUVs because the windshield wipers can fail.The recall covers the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain from the 2014 and 2015 model years.Ball joints in the wiper module can rust, causing one or both wipers to fail, increasing the risk of a crash.Dealers will inspect the module and repair or replace it if needed. Owners will be notified by letter starting May 2.

The body of a Nevada teenager who was allegedly kidnapped from a Walmart parking lot over two weeks ago has been found, authorities say.The body of a Nevada teenager who was allegedly kidnapped from a Walmart parking lot over two weeks ago has been found, authorities said.Naomi Irion, 18, was last seen inside her car outside a Walmart in Fernley, Nevada, outside Reno, on March 12, according to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. Surveillance video captured a man getting into the driver’s seat of her car and leaving in an unknown direction with Irion in the passenger seat.A tip regarding her disappearance led investigators to a remote part of neighboring Churchill County on Tuesday, where they found a „possible gravesite” and recovered the body of a woman from the scene, authorities said. On Wednesday, the remains were identified as Irion’s by the Washoe County Medical Examiners Office.No further information is being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation, authorities said.”We would like to extend our sympathy and condolences to the Irion family and thank all the volunteers for their hard work in trying to find Naomi and bring closure to the family,” the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office said in a joint statement.Irion was waiting for a shuttle bus on March 12 around 5 a.m. to take her to her job at Panasonic Energy of North America in the Reno area. Her brother reported her missing the following day when she did not come home from work.The sheriff’s office initially characterized her disappearance as „suspicious in nature.” After locating her car on March 15 in an industrial park about a mile from the Walmart, the sheriff’s office said investigators found evidence suggesting her disappearance was „criminal in nature.”A suspect in the alleged kidnapping was arrested last week. Troy Driver, 41, of Fallon, Nevada, has been charged with first-degree kidnapping and is being held on $750,000 bail following his first court appearance Wednesday, according to Reno ABC affiliate KOLO.The FBI was offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Irion’s location. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office also released multiple photos and a video of the man authorities say entered Irion’s car in hopes of identifying him.Driver’s next hearing is scheduled for April 5, KOLO reported.

Bruce Willis’ family has announced the actor has been diagnosed with aphasia.
The 67-year-old actor’s ex-wife, Demi Moore, and his daughters shared a photo of him on Instagram on Wednesday with a lengthy message on his health.
„To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” their message began. „As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, aphasia is „a condition that robs you of the ability to communicate,” and the disorder can impact one’s „ability to speak, write and understand language, both verbal and written.”
„This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support,” the message from the actor’s family continued. „We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him.”
„As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up,’ and together we plan to do just that,” they continued.

Will Smith is an Academy Award winner for his performance in “King Richard.”

“In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what god is calling on me to do and be in this world,” Smith said.

“Art imitates life, I look like the crazy father just like they said,” he continued, referencing a seemingly heated confrontation he had with comedian Chris Rock. “Love will make you do crazy things.”

Earlier in the show, the actor left many speechless after a seemingly heated moment on stage between comedian Rock.

Rock, who was presenting the award for best documentary feature, first addressed a few nominees of the evening including Javier Bardem and his wife, Penelope Cruz, then mentioned Will Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith.

“Javier Bardem and his wife are both nominated,” Rock said. “Now, if she loses, he can’t win. He is praying that Will Smith wins, like, please lord, Jada, I love you. ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it, alright?”

Viewers were left stunned when Smith took the stage and appeared to strike Rock after the comedian’s remark. Many took to social media to question if the moment was rehearsed or a genuine reaction from Smith.

While presenting later in the night, Sean “Diddy” Combs mentioned the moment, stating “Will and Chris, we’re going to solve that like family … But right now we’re moving on with love.”

Smith was then shown in the crowd laughing at Combs’ comments.

“I want to apologize to the Academy,” Smith said about the moment on stage. “I want to apologize to my fellow nominees.”

Happy First Day of Spring! In the northern hemisphere, the Spring equinox occurs when the sun crosses the equator line, heading north. What that means for us in Los Angeles is longer days and warmer weather. With more beach days expected, it is important to note that Spring is also a time when some of the most hazardous ocean conditions present themselves. An uneven ocean floor and deep inshore holes continue to exist as a result of large Winter swells. With many hazards existing and elevated surf conditions continuing be sure to:- Swim/ Surf / Bodyboard infront of an OPEN Lifeguard Tower- Check in with a Lifeguard for an update on Ocean & Beach conditions 20/03/22

JUST IN: A preliminary 7.3 magnitude earthquake was felt in Japan late Wednesday, occurring just off the coast from Fukushima.The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a high-tide warning, and no tsunami alert was immediately issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.A strong earthquake struck off the coast of Japan late Wednesday, triggering a tsunami threat.Preliminary reports put it at a 7.3 magnitude. The earthquake occurred just off the coast from Fukushima.A tsunami threat was issued for the east coast of Honshu, Japan, by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center based on preliminary earthquake parameters. The center warned of possible hazardous tsunami waves for coastal communities within 186 miles of the epicenter.A tsunami is not expected in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia or Alaska, according to the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center. (16/3/22)

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake has hit off the coast of Fukushima in northern Japan, triggering a tsunami advisory.TOKYO — A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake shook off the coast of Fukushima in northern Japan on Wednesday evening, triggering a tsunami advisory.The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake struck 60 kilometers (36 miles) below the sea.The region is part of northern Japan that was devastated by a deadly 9.0 quake and tsunami in 2011 that also caused a nuclear disaster.There are no immediate reports of casualties or damage. (16/3/22)