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Canada lifts education requirement for Hong Kong immigrants

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:24:10 GMT

Vancouver resident Calvin Wong says he can finally start picturing a future in Canada after the federal government announced it was dropping educational requirements for Hong Kongers seeking permanent residency in the wake of the Chinese city’s crackdown on dissent.Wong, 28, had graduated from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with a computer science degree in 2017 before moving to Canada on a work permit in 2021, looking for a life where he could enjoy “political freedom.”But immigration pathways for Hong Kong residents that have allowed thousands to settle permanently in Canada excluded Wong because it has been more than five years since he graduated.That will change from August 15, after Ottawa announced on Tuesday it would remove all educational requirements for people with at least a year of work experience in Canada.Immigration consultants say the move effectively opens pathways for Hong Kongers of all ages, instead of the current focus on st...

Daily horoscope for July 15, 2023

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:24:10 GMT

Moon Alert: Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT today (5:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. PDT). After that, the Moon moves from Gemini into Cancer.Happy Birthday for Saturday, July 15, 2023:You appreciate art, beauty and intellectual discoveries. You sometimes have a strong effect on people, whether you know it or not. This is a slower-paced year. Take time to focus on relationships, especially those that will benefit you and help you. Take time to rejuvenate yourself.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★★It’s Saturday, and this weekend is an excellent time for family discussions. Be open to listening to the advice of someone older or more experienced, because, let’s face it, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. It’s also a lovely day to schmooze and enjoy playful times with kids and sports. Tonight: Advice.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★Short trips, errands, appointments and interactions with siblings, relatives and neighbors will make thi...

Miss Manners: What can I do when other people’s stuff is where I want to sit?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:24:10 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Does etiquette provide guidance on dealing with inanimate objects that are unaccompanied by their owners?Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: Was I wrong not to let this man have the parking space? Advice | Miss Manners: Their insinuating comments are getting on my nerves Advice | Miss Manners: I’m fed up with being told I’m using offensive words Advice | Miss Manners: I drove three days, then she said there was no room for me Advice | Miss Manners: She’s supposed to be a friend, but she drops innuendo about my marriage I swim laps daily at a recreation center. In the locker room, there are approximately 100 lockers and just two relatively narrow benches for patrons to utilize as they are changing.What should I do when the bench is largely occupied by things like empty baby carriers, gym bags, clothes or buckets of toiletries, leaving no place to comfortably change ...

Brentwood: Altercation ends in two males shooting each other

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:24:10 GMT

BRENTWOOD — Two people shot and injured each other Friday night in Brentwood, police said.The shooting was reported at 7:45 p.m. in the 800 block of Marjoram Drive, the Brentwood Police Department said in a statement.An initial investigation revealed two males were involved in an altercation before they exchanged gunfire, police said. Both were taken to hospitals, one of them with serious injuries.Officers detained others at the scene as part of the investigation, police said.A motive has not been identified, but police described the shooting as an “isolated incident with no apparent threat to public safety.”Anyone with information related to the case can contact detectives at 925-809-7911.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | One man killed, another injured in Pittsburg shooting Crime and Public Safety | Oakland: 8-year-old boy gravely injured in I-580 shooting Crime and Public Safety | Man shot in West Oakland on Thursday night C...

Dear Abby: The bride’s father is throwing a fit about the wedding

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:24:10 GMT

DEAR ABBY: My daughter, “Jessica,” is getting married. My husband offered to pay for most of the wedding. Jessica and her fiance happily accepted the offer.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: She makes Christmas a nightmare with her bizarre demands Advice | Dear Abby: If my wife calls me schlubby, can I point out she’s fat? Advice | Dear Abby: My wife says I’m too sensitive about her lovers Advice | Dear Abby: What can I do about my husband’s embarrassing sneeze? Advice | Dear Abby: My ex-wife says these kids are my grandchildren. I’m not so sure. My husband is now insisting that all of his aunts, uncles and cousins be invited, which means that Jessica and her fiance will have to eliminate nearly all of their friends from the guest list. Note: None of my aunts, uncles or cousins are invited, but I am OK with that.My husband is now threatening not to attend the wedding ...

Mets aim to stop 3-game skid, take on the Dodgers

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:24:10 GMT

Los Angeles Dodgers (52-38, first in the NL West) vs. New York Mets (42-49, fourth in the NL East)New York; Saturday, 7:15 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Dodgers: Tony Gonsolin (5-3, 3.86 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 54 strikeouts); Mets: Kodai Senga (7-5, 3.31 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 113 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Dodgers -114, Mets -106; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE: The New York Mets head into a matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers as losers of three in a row.New York has a 42-49 record overall and a 20-20 record at home. The Mets have gone 17-4 in games when they did not allow a home run.Los Angeles has a 52-38 record overall and a 23-22 record on the road. The Dodgers have hit 150 total home runs to rank second in MLB play.The teams match up Saturday for the fifth time this season. The season series is tied 2-2.TOP PERFORMERS: Brandon Nimmo leads the Mets with a .266 batting average, and has 14 doubles, four triples, 13 home runs, 46 walks and 41 RBI. Francisco Lindor is 14-for-40 with...

Padres bring 3-game win streak into game against the Phillies

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:24:10 GMT

San Diego Padres (44-47, fourth in the NL West) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (48-42, third in the NL East)Philadelphia; Saturday, 1:05 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Padres: Blake Snell (6-7, 2.94 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 132 strikeouts); Phillies: Taijuan Walker (10-3, 4.02 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 85 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Padres -130, Phillies +109; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE: The San Diego Padres will attempt to continue a three-game win streak with a victory against the Philadelphia Phillies.Philadelphia has gone 22-17 in home games and 48-42 overall. The Phillies have the seventh-ranked team ERA in the NL at 4.13.San Diego is 44-47 overall and 19-24 on the road. The Padres have gone 32-14 in games when they record eight or more hits.Saturday’s game is the second meeting between these teams this season.TOP PERFORMERS: Nicholas Castellanos has 26 doubles, a triple and 13 home runs for the Phillies. Alec Bohm is 15-for-37 with four doubles and two home runs over the past 10 g...

Brewers take road win streak into matchup with the Reds

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:24:10 GMT

Milwaukee Brewers (50-42, second in the NL Central) vs. Cincinnati Reds (50-42, first in the NL Central)Cincinnati; Saturday, 7:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Brewers: Freddy Peralta (5-7, 4.60 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 107 strikeouts); Reds: Andrew Abbott (4-1, 2.38 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 48 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Reds -121, Brewers +101; over/under is 10 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Milwaukee Brewers will try to keep a three-game road win streak going when they visit the Cincinnati Reds.Cincinnati has a 23-22 record at home and a 50-42 record overall. The Reds have a 30-8 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.Milwaukee has a 24-21 record in road games and a 50-42 record overall. The Brewers are 25-7 in games when they hit at least two home runs.The teams meet Saturday for the ninth time this season. The Brewers lead the season series 6-2.TOP PERFORMERS: Spencer Steer leads the Reds with 14 home runs while slugging .474. Elly De La Cruz is 14-for-42 with three doubl...

Pirates host the Giants on 3-game home skid

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:24:10 GMT

San Francisco Giants (50-41, third in the NL West) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (41-50, fourth in the NL Central)Pittsburgh; Saturday, 7:05 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Giants: Alex Cobb (6-2, 2.91 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 86 strikeouts); Pirates: Johan Oviedo (3-10, 4.75 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 87 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Giants -153, Pirates +131; over/under is 8 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Pittsburgh Pirates aim to end their three-game home losing streak with a win against the San Francisco Giants.Pittsburgh is 22-22 at home and 41-50 overall. The Pirates have a 19-37 record in games when they have allowed at least one home run.San Francisco is 24-19 in road games and 50-41 overall. The Giants are 27-7 in games when they out-hit their opponents.Saturday’s game is the fifth time these teams square off this season. The season series is tied 2-2.TOP PERFORMERS: Jack Suwinski ranks second on the Pirates with 30 extra base hits (11 doubles and 19 home runs). Ji-Man Choi is 4-for-15 with a d...

Francis Henry Vittek, Baltimore County Police Dept. colonel signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers, dies

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:24:10 GMT

Francis Henry Vittek, a Baltimore County Police Department colonel who — as a promising young catcher — was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers, died of complications from an infection July 12 at Brightview Bel Air, a senior living community. He was ten days short of his 95th birthday.Born in Baltimore and raised in Overlea, he was the son of Frank Vittek, chief inspector of weights and measures for Baltimore County, and Emma Steidle, a homemaker.He was a graduate of Kenwood High School, where he was a catcher on the baseball team. He was recruited by both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Brooklyn Dodgers after his 1946 graduation.After going through training at a Dodgers minor league camp in Cambridge on the Eastern Shore, he developed shoulder problems that sidelined his baseball career.Mr. Vittek enlisted in the Army and was assigned to a Tokyo military hospital as a reconditioning officer.“He had very fond memories of his time in Japan and was so happy to have met General...