Latest news with #Dupont
France 24
a day ago
- Sport
- France 24
Ex-All Black Kaino's Toulouse not expecting 'walkover' in Top 14 final
Kaino's side hammered Bordeaux-Begles 59-3 12 months ago but have lost three straight games to the newly-crowned Champions Cup winners. On the way to lifting the continental crown in May, Bordeaux-Begles beat Toulouse in the semi-finals leaving the record 23-time French champions with just the league to play for this season. "We never walk into a finals game thinking that it's going to be a walkover like that one, but if history repeats itself like the semi-final, it's going to be a tough one," Toulouse assistant coach Kaino told AFP. "Bordeaux-Begles have definitely been improving. "They're not the same team as the team that we played in the Top 14 final last year," the 42-year-old added. Kaino joined Toulouse in 2018, a year after winning the last of his 81 Test appearances, which included Rugby World Cup success in 2011 and four years later. He retired from playing in 2021 with a Top 14 and Champions Cup double before transitioning into coaching as a skills specialist with the aristocrats of French and European rugby. "Oh, it's been amazing," Kaino enthusiastically said of the change. "I wouldn't say easy because the coaches definitely put in a lot of work and it's definitely challenging coming from player to coach because when you're a player, you worry about yourself, what's needed for you to be at your best come Saturday or come the weekend. "But as a coach, you've got to worry about 50 to 60 other players for them to be at the best on the weekend and that juggling act is a bit of a challenge sometimes," he added. 'Gnarly' The stand-out name among the 60 or so squad members Kaino works with at Stade Ernest-Wallon is France poster boy Antoine Dupont. Scrum-half Dupont will miss this weekend's blockbuster in Paris however as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury suffered in March. Centre Peato Mauvaka and flying wing Ange Capuozzo are also out of action. Dupont's childhood friend Paul Graou will again stand-in for the 28-year-old, having scored three tries in his past five games including one in last Friday's semi-final win over Bayonne. "He's improving. He works really hard to be able to get out there," Kaino said. "How could you not get out there and work when you're replacing one of the best players ever to lace up rugby boots? "He's driving the team really well and he's been able to put us into another final," he added. Standing in the way of Toulouse and a third-straight title are Bordeaux-Begles' superstar backs, including international wings Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who was pronounced "fit" on Wednesday following time out with concussion, as well as their monstrous set of forwards, led by Tonga captain Ben Tameifuna in the front row. "Big Ben. King of Tonga. He's got a million nicknames," Kaino joked. "They've been building really nicely and obviously they've proven that with their Champions Cup title. "I could sit here all day and talk about their pack, but they've also got some gnarly backs as well which are able to counter-attack with the speed they have. "They've been on fire recently," he added. Fixture © 2025 AFP
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Meet the unsung heroes: How local marshals are trained for Formula E races
Image credit: Formula E Safety and technical knowledge are paramount in Formula E, where the sport involves handling some of the world's fastest electric cars. Now, the FIA has given fans a behind-the-scenes look at how local marshals in each host country are trained before every Formula E race to ensure that operations run swiftly, efficiently, and to the highest standards. Training local marshals at Formula E circuits A video shared on the FIA Official Instagram page features Benoit Dupont, Head of Circuit Operations at FIA Formula E, offering a glimpse into the marshal training process at the Jakarta E-Prix. Speaking about the preparation in Jakarta this year, Dupont explains, 'Before each Formula E race, we make sure that marshals are trained to the correct level to understand how to efficiently remove and recover a car. It's very important to have precise and fast operations. We've been in Indonesia before, but it was two years ago, so the goal here is to bring everyone back up to speed.' He adds that Formula E cars require a specific method of being lifted, particularly using a strap in a defined way. As a result, every post is trained individually to ensure marshals are fully up to date. Dupont also highlights the crucial role of the clerk of the course, who acts as a bridge between FIA officials and local marshals. He says, 'Leaving a legacy is an important part of what the FIA brings to these races. There are international procedures that might not be followed at local races, so we ensure they meet the latest standards. That's why we conduct training sessions like this,' he says. 'The clerk of the course connects with the marshals, all the trackside personnel, and the recovery team. Since they communicate in their local language, the clerk ensures the communication line remains as efficient as possible.' Commenting on the video, one Formula E fan wrote, 'Well done on showcasing these wonderful men and women who keep races going and clear up the mess after an OOPS moment from the drivers.' Also Read: Dan Ticktum shares unfiltered pictures and a note after Jakarta win, mentions losing F1 chance: 'It wasn't down to my attitude' The Jakarta E-Prix was a single-header this year, unlike its double-header format in the 2023 season. With just four more races remaining, the 2024–25 Formula E season is nearing its conclusion. Next up is the Berlin double-header on July 11–12, followed by the season finale in London on July 26–27. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Washington's work zone speed camera program continues rollout
The Brief Washington's "Work Zone Speed Camera Program" aims to reduce speeding and crashes in highway work zones. Since April, over 2,600 infractions have been issued, with most being first-time violations without fines. More cameras will be deployed next month, with the program running until June 2030. DUPONT, Wash. - Less than two months after launching, transportation officials are liking what they are seeing so far when it comes to the state's "Work Zone Speed Camera Program." Though some confusion exists among drivers through one work zone about the initiative. Created by a 2023 law, the WSDOT campaign rotates trailer-mounted cameras in various active highway work zones across the state to catch speeding drivers in hopes of slowing them down. WSDOT data shows an average of over 1,300 crashes have taken place annually around work zones over the past five years, with speeding being one of the main causes of those accidents. "Work zones are dangerous places in themselves, right? And then obviously having people drive through those work zones at a very high rate of speed also increases the danger for the workers and also the traveling public that goes through those work zones," said Kyle Miller, Program Manager for the camera project. The first camera launched in April, and another one rolled out this past week. Miller said the mobile cameras have moved around numerous work zones across Western Washington, including the Interstate 90/State Route 18 interchange project, fish passage work on U.S. Highway 12 in Grays Harbor County and work on Interstate 5 along Joint Base Lewis-McChord. "Anywhere where there's a worker – WSDOT, construction, some sort of project – we are able to use this solution," Miller said. "This tool is allowed to be used in any type of work zone – whether it's maintenance, whether it's an emergency, whether it's a big construction project you see on I-5 or I-90." According to Washington State Patrol data, 2,618 infractions have been issued since the program started. 2,504 of them were first-time violations that have no fine, while the remaining 114 infractions were second-time violations with a fine of $248. WSDOT is still compiling and analyzing data as the program is in its beginning phases, but Miller said work crews are reporting a difference in driver behavior. "When people see those signs, they appear to be slowing down from the feedback that I'm getting from the field itself – which is great, great news," he said. Many drivers through the Interstate 5 work zone said they support the idea of having a camera to slow people down for safety. Though a lot of them did not even know a camera could be there. "It's the first I've heard of it," said driver Tyler Hays from Chehalis. "I could see it being a good cause for the construction workers so people aren't exceeding the speed limit. It just keeps it safer for the construction workers who are just trying to do their jobs." "I've never seen it before," said DuPont resident Jinnori Serino. "It kinda just looks like part of the construction that is every day." Commuters through the area said while it is important to follow speed limits regardless of a camera, they would want to see more clear signage where one could be. "If your regular speed on the freeway, you're gonna keep going 70 – and especially if there's nothing that is significantly to show you that there's construction and a speed camera and whatnot," Serino said. "I think the speed cameras are okay, but only if people know that they're there," said Tacoma resident James King. "It should be to help people keep the speed limit so they'll keep themselves safe and those around them safe." WSDOT said they put up as many signs as possible alerting drivers to the camera's presence, as they want people to know to slow down. "This is not a gotcha in any way," said Assistant Communications Manager Amy Moreno. "We're actually happy when we don't generate infractions because people slowed down and that's a pretty successful deployment for us." As the rollout continues, Miller said more cameras will be launched next month, with work zones all across the state being discussed as new deployment locations. And as summer travel coincides with more road maintenance, it is in everyone's best interest to slow down. "This is not just about the worker's safety, it's also about the traveling public that goes through," he said. "Because ultimately, we really do want to make sure that everybody can come home safe." Miller said the program should have 15 cameras available to rotate across work zones within the next few years. The program is set to expire at the end of June 2030. The Source Information in this story came from Albert James, a television reporter covering state government as part of the Murrow News Fellowship program – a collaborative effort between news outlets statewide and Washington State University. Travis Decker manhunt: 'Remote' areas of 5 WA counties told to lock doors Former Army squadmate shares insight into Travis Decker's military past Miles Hudson found guilty on 2 counts of reckless driving in Seattle Key figures from Bryan Kohberger's youth summoned to Idaho for student murders trial Rochester dog training facility owner accused of killing employee during video shoot To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Local France
06-06-2025
- General
- Local France
French Word of the Day: RDC
Why do I need to know RDC? Because this acronym might help you find your way out of a French building if you are lost. What does it mean? RDC - roughly pronounced RDC - may be the acronym for the central African country, known as 'DRC' or Democratic Republic of Congo in English. But it has a more common meaning in French too, and you might see it on an invitation, an address, or when riding in an elevator. RDC is the acronym for rez-de-chaussée , meaning the part of the building on the ground level, though you might occasionally also see people refer to this as the rez-de-cour or rez-de-jardin. Americans should beware that in Europe, the ground floor is either RDZ or '0' on elevators and staircases. The first floor, instead, is the first floor above the ground floor. Advertisement For example, if you are visiting a new friend in France, they might leave instructions saying Sonnez pour Dupont, première porte à droite, RDC (Ring for Dupont, first door on the right on the ground level). The word rez-de-chaussée has existed since the 14th century, according to the Académie Française . The old preposition rez comes from the Latin rasus , the past participle of radere , meaning to shave or polish. As for chaussée , linguists say that it likely came from the Latin calciata , referring to roads made of limestone. Use it like this Suivez les panneaux indiquant le bâtiment C. Le cabinet se trouve au numéro 12, RDC. - Follow the signs to Building C. The office is located at number 12, ground floor. J'étais perdue en cherchant sa place partout au premier étage, mais après j'ai compris qu'il avait dit RDC. - I was lost looking for his place anywhere on the first floor, but then I realised he'd said RDC.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Farmer discovers 150 tonnes of gold worth over ₹340 crore on his land. The amount he will receive may surprise you
In what could have been a real-life rags-to-riches fairy tale, a French farmer has uncovered a hidden treasure beneath his land—only to be told he can't keep a single cent. The discovery? A staggering $4 billion worth of gold. The twist? A maze of legal and environmental restrictions that have turned Michel Dupont's golden dream into a bureaucratic nightmare. The Sparkle That Changed Everything Michel Dupont, a 52-year-old farmer from France's serene Auvergne region, was on what he called a routine check of his land when he noticed something unusual glinting under a muddy stream. Curious, he dug a little deeper. What he pulled from the earth changed his life—if not his fortune. 'I couldn't believe what I was holding in my hands,' Dupont recalled. What began as a single gold fragment quickly led to the discovery of more and more, until experts estimated that his land held up to 150 tonnes of gold—an amount valued at over $4 billion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you eat ginger every day for a month, your body will experience the following phenomena Tips and Tricks Undo — Ignite_83 (@Ignite_83) A Law as Cold as the Metal It Guards But just as Dupont's heart soared, the crushing weight of legal red tape came crashing down. Despite the treasure lying beneath his own soil, the French government was quick to intervene. Authorities from the Auvergne region declared that any form of extraction would require strict environmental and technical assessments. Until then, Michel is legally barred from mining even a gram of the gold buried beneath his feet. Environmental regulations in France place heavy restrictions on activities that could disrupt ecologically sensitive or culturally significant regions—categories under which Dupont's farmland now unexpectedly falls. The irony is cruel: the very land that provided his livelihood has now become the reason he may never see a cent of his newfound wealth. You Might Also Like: Have scientists just found a new cosmic source of gold? How 'starquakes' might forge the glittering metal Gold vs. Green: The Backlash Begins The discovery has stirred unrest beyond the bureaucratic circles. Environmental activists have voiced strong objections to any proposed mining operations on Dupont's property, warning that the ecological damage and noise pollution would destroy the region's natural tranquility. 'I understand their caution,' Dupont admitted, though his voice carried the unmistakable weight of disappointment. 'It's frustrating to know what's there and be told you can't touch it. But I also love this land—I've worked it all my life. I want to do the right thing.' — MrBeats61134631 (@MrBeats61134631) From Farmer to Billionaire… to Bystander? Dupont's story is more than just one man's unlucky strike of fortune. It raises uncomfortable questions about land ownership, natural resource rights, and how far governments should go to protect the environment—even at the cost of an individual's golden opportunity. As the battle between regulation and riches unfolds, Michel Dupont stands at the crossroads—his boots firmly planted in fields worth billions, his hands empty. For now, the gold stays buried, and so too does the dream. You Might Also Like: People made money in gold, stocks and real estate. Then, why you could not? Akshat Shrivastava has an answer
