Latest news with #Lambert
Euronews
15-07-2025
- Euronews
Men who felled iconic Sycamore Gap tree jailed for four years
Vandals who cut down England's beloved Sycamore Gap tree were sentenced on Tuesday to more than four years in prison for damaging the country's natural heritage and for the widespread outrage and distress it caused. Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers set out on the night of 28 September 2023 to carry out what a prosecutor called a "moronic mission," and toppled the iconic sycamore onto Hadrian's Wall. Graham, 39, and Carruthers, 32, were each convicted of two counts of criminal damage, one for destroying the tree, the other for damaging the Roman wall that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Justice Christina Lambert sentenced the pair in Newcastle Crown Court to four years and three months in prison because there was a high degree of premeditation and planning to destroy the tree and because the act had angered and saddened so many people. Lambert concluded the two had largely done it for the "sheer bravado." "Felling the tree in the middle of the night and in the middle of a storm gave you some sort of thrill," she said. "You revelled in the coverage, taking evident pride in what you had done, knowing that you were responsible for the crime which so many were talking about." Sarah Dodd, a lawyer specialising in tree law, said it was the first time in the UK that someone had been sentenced to prison for illegally felling a tree. "Today felt profoundly sad. There are no winners," Dodd said. "The Sycamore Gap tree wasn't just wood and leaves. It was a marker of memory, history, belonging." The tree, perched in a saddle between two hills, had been known to locals for its scenic setting, but became famous after a cameo in Kevin Costner's 1991 film 'Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.' It drew tourists, lovers, landscape photographers and those who spread the ashes of loved ones. In 2016, it was voted England's "Tree of the Year". Some of the mystery behind the crime evaporated during the hearing. At trial, the two men testified they were at their respective homes on the night in question and had nothing to do with destroying the tree. But faced with spending up to 10 years behind bars, they changed their testimonies when interviewed by a probation officer in advance of sentencing, though they sought to minimise their culpability, the judge said. Carruthers said he drank a bottle of whisky after a rough day and everything was a blur, Lambert said. While Graham admitted he had joined Carruthers on the journey, he said he was shocked that his former friend had actually cut the tree down. "Although there may be grains of truth in what you have each said, I do not accept that your explanations to the probation officers are wholly honest or the whole story," Lambert said. The illegal felling in Northumberland National Park caused fury and condemnation as news quickly spread beyond the ancient wall built by Emperor Hadrian in AD 122 to protect the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire. "This iconic tree can never be replaced," Andrew Poad, general manager of the heritage and nature conservation charity National Trust, said in a statement read by a prosecutor. "It belonged to the people. It was a totemic symbol for many; a destination to visit whilst walking Hadrian's Wall, a place to make memories, take photos in all seasons; but it was also a place of sanctuary." Despite the denials by the defendants, jurors quickly convicted them in May after prosecutors presented a case that relied heavily on digital evidence. Graham's Range Rover was tracked to a location near the tree around the time it fell. Grainy video of the felling was found on his phone, with metadata showing that it was shot at the location of the tree. As digital data showed Graham's vehicle on its way back to where the two lived about 40 minutes away, Carruthers got a text from his girlfriend with footage of their 12-day-old son. "I've got a better video than that," Carruthers replied. The black and white video showed a single figure next to the tree's prominent silhouette as the wind blew and a chainsaw sparked to life. The person leaned into the trunk and in less than three minutes the tree that had stood for about 150 years teetered and crashed to the ground. Prosecutors couldn't say at trial who cut down the tree and who filmed the act, but said both were equally culpable. Lambert agreed that both shared equal responsibility. But she said that the recent admissions of both men made it clear that Carruthers wielded the saw while Graham shot the video. Graham had sent the video to Carruthers. Carruthers will have to carry the burden for his actions like a "form of personal penance," defence lawyer Andrew Gurney said. "Unfortunately, it is no more than drunken stupidity," Gurney said. "He felled that tree and it is something he will regret for the rest of his life. There's no better explanation than that."
Business Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Stablecoin has long road to mainstream payments, Mastercard says
[NEW YORK] For all the hype around stablecoins, they are a long way from becoming a viable everyday payment tool, according to Mastercard's chief product officer, Jorn Lambert. 'While the technology powering stablecoins holds tremendous promise – high speed, 24/7 availability, low costs, programmability, immutability – those attributes alone do not suffice to turn stablecoin into a payment tool,' Lambert said on Monday (Jul 14) on a call with analysts. 'Just as important, or even more so, are other attributes such as a seamless and predictable user experience, reach and wide distribution to consumers.' Mastercard is positioning itself as the bridge between digital assets and the traditional financial system. Lambert said the company can provide the infrastructure needed to make stablecoins usable at scale by lending network attributes such as global merchant acceptance, security safeguards and regulatory compliance. The strategy has been years in the making. Mastercard and Visa both have stablecoin initiatives that date back to at least 2021. More recently, Mastercard partnered with stablecoin issuer Paxos Trust Company LLC to help institutions mint and redeem a stablecoin known as USDG. It also supports stablecoins including Fiserv's FIUSD, PayPal's PYUSD and Circle's USDC, efforts that suggest the card networks see long-term opportunity in becoming stablecoin infrastructure providers. Lambert pointed out that today, roughly 90 per cent of stablecoin volume is tied to crypto trading as investors use the US dollar-pegged tokens to buy and sell digital assets. While companies such as Shopify and Coinbase Global have taken steps to make stablecoins available for everyday consumer payments, Lambert said such hurdles as consumer adoption and added friction during the online checkout experience will be difficult to clear in the near term. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The consumer value proposition for regular peer-to-merchant payments 'is lacking and stablecoin does not actually do anything in this equation', Lambert said. 'We think of that as almost a prepaid card. You have a stored balance sitting in a wallet and then you need to use it at certain merchants.' Stablecoins have been pitched as a way to bypass card networks, and their associated fees, by enabling consumer-to-merchant payments. The networks are reframing that narrative, casting themselves as partners that can increase the utility of stablecoin by integrating the currencies into their networks. 'At the end of the day, the conversion into stablecoin and out of stablecoin will always be there, into fiat, because that's the usable currency right now,' Raj Seshadri, chief commercial payments officer at Mastercard, said. 'The cost of stablecoin is just the cost of stablecoin, it's not the cost of the end-to-end use case, which has this on and off ramp, FX, regulatory compliance, settlement, et cetera.' The chatter surrounding stablecoin has only grown louder as stablecoin legislation progresses in the US. The pending regulatory clarity has drawn new entrants into the digital asset sector and encouraged financial institutions to consider their place in the evolving industry. It has become a higher priority as financial institutions consider the risk of funds being held as stablecoin balances instead of as bank deposits. 'Every financial institution in the world is wondering 'Gee, what do we need to do here? Do we need to offer stablecoins? Do we need to offer deposit tokens? What is the product-market fit?' Lambert said. 'Many issuers are looking at it simply to make sure they keep hold on their deposits.' In addition to financial institutions, governments and central banks around the world are considering how to spur innovation in their domestic ecosystems to avoid the dollarisation of their economies. 'We will see that multiplicity emerge over time,' Lambert said. BLOOMBERG
Tom's Guide
13-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
5 plants that love the sun and will survive a heatwave
The heat is on, and we're experiencing heatwave after heatwave, with no sign of a break. I'm struggling to stay cool this summer and hydrated in the scorching sun, and my garden is crying out for some shade and a heavy downpour, too. I'm not alone in my quest to keep my garden looking anything but dried out and forlorn in the extreme heat, but it feels like an endless battle. However, thankfully, some plants can handle the heat and will put on a beautiful summer display. Here, Emily Lambert, conservation scientist and co-founder of the wildflower company, Seedball, suggests five drought-resistant flowers that will thrive in the sun. Coneflowers are not subtle. They have a large central seed head with vibrant pink or purple petals radiating outwards and will add an energetic vibe to your yard. Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are perennial flowers related to sunflowers, daisies, and ragweed. Lambert says, "These vibrant, native flowers are not just a feast for the eyes — they're also tough and reliable perennials that come back year after year." She also notes that they are easy to grow and adored by pollinators, making them worth adding to a garden for their environmental benefits, as well as their aesthetic appeal. What's more, they are perfect when the heat ramps up, as apart from bringing long-lasting color to any garden, Lamberts adds they are drought-resistant. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Oxeye daisies might not be the first choice to plant in your yards, as Lambert says they are "often spotted on roadside verges." However, don't let that deter you, as it has many benefits. "The oxeye daisy is a fuss-free flower that thrives on neglect," she adds. "It handles poor soil well and requires very little watering once settled in," she explains. It's sounding more and more like my kind of flower — a specimen that doesn't need much water and survives in dry soil, which sums up the conditions in my backyard. What's more, they don't just thrive in poor conditions, they will bring in the bees and spread. Lambert explains, 'These cheerful self-seeders return annually and spread with ease, bringing with them rustic charm and a welcome haven for pollinators.' However, do be warned, as they can be invasive. Meadow cranesbill is a clump-forming perennial with an abundance of saucer-shaped blue-violet flowers. Each flower has five petals, which get paler towards the center. The flowers develop into pointed, bill-like seed pods, giving the plant its common name, although formerly it is known as Geranium Pratense. Lambert says, "With rich violet blooms and a place in the geranium family, this plant supports pollinators while adding definition and charm to beds and borders." And she adds that "although young plants may need a little more water to begin with, meadow cranesbill is a fantastic choice for dry, well-drained soil once matured." Musk mallow is another of Lambert's favorite flowers for growing in hot environments. She says, "With soft pink flowers and a classic cottage garden appeal, musk mallow is both beautiful and hardy." Musk mallow thrives in full sun but will adapt if planted in partial shade and can handle poor soil, although it will do best in well-drained soil. And it's one early summer-flowering plant that I'm going to add to my must-have list, as she also describes it as low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. But, you'll need to keep the soil moist after planting, as it will only tolerate dry soil once established. If you plant musk mallow, you can expect to have plenty of bees and butterflies visit your garden, with Lambert adding, "Its vintage look and wildlife-friendly nature make it a garden favorite." This Felco bypass pruner is perfect for medium-sized hands and comes with a comfortable ergonomic handle. It has a sturdy design, yet is lightweight and gives a consistent performance. What's more, this pruner is given a 5-star rating in our round up of the best pruning shears. Apart from adding color to your garden, cornflowers make an excellent cutting flower if you prefer a 'cottage' look. And they are also known as Bachelor's Button, referring to a time when young men would wear them in their buttonholes while courting, or to declare their availability. It sounds so much more romantic than today's online dating equivalent! Lamberts says, "These eye-catching blue blooms feature open faces, frilled petals, and curly stamens." The flowers take on a thistle-like shape and are commonly an intense blue color, but they can also be found in purple, pink, red, and white, and they grow to about 36 inches tall. Lamberts says, "Loved by bees and other beneficial insects, cornflowers are easy going once established and thrive with minimal watering." They are also the ideal choice for adding colour and texture to a dry garden.
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 58: a history of the number and who wore it best
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we're at 58 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we're taking a look at the history of No. 58 and the players who wore it best. Current Steelers No. 58 wearer: N/A There is no current wearer of the number on the Steelers roster — and there's a good reason why, as no Steeler has worn it since the best No. 58 retired in 1985. Last four Steelers to wear No. 58: Best No. 58 in Steelers history: LB Jack Lambert Jack Lambert is the best Steeler to ever wear No. 58. Drafted by Pittsburgh with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 1974 NFL Draft, Lambert played for the Steelers from 1974-1984, making 138 starts in his 11-year career. One of the most ferocious linebackers in NFL history, Lambert won four Super Bowls with the legendary Steel Curtain defense. He was named the 1974 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and 1976 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Lambert was named to nine Pro Bowls, as well as earning six First-Team All-Pro selections and two Second-Team All-Pro selections. He also made the NFL's 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Teams, the 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team, and the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor. No. 58 was unofficially retired in the Steelers organization — and rightfully so, as no wearer was, or could ever hope to be, better than Lambert. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Miranda Lambert Asks Fans To ‘Keep Sending Prayers' After Floods Devastate Her Home State of Texas: ‘I Can't Even Come Up With Any Words'
Miranda Lambert Asks Fans To 'Keep Sending Prayers' After Floods Devastate Her Home State of Texas: 'I Can't Even Come Up With Any Words' originally appeared on Parade. Miranda Lambert is using her platform to speak out about the floods that have devastated her home state of Texas. On Saturday, July 5, the country superstar, 41, turned to social media to share her heartbreak over the severe flooding that struck the Lone Star State over the Fourth of July holiday. In a video posted on her Instagram page, a broken-hearted Lambert said, 'Hey y'all. I just want to jump on here and say how devastated we are to hear about the floods in South and Central Texas. I can't even come up with any words for the loss that everybody's suffering." The 'Wranglers' singer and avid pet lover then revealed that she has jumped up to help in the aftermath of the storm through her MuttNation Foundation — a non-profit that she founded with her mother, Bev Lambert, in 2009. 'MuttNation Foundation is working really closely with Kerrville Pets Alive, as we speak to try to get more info and figure out where the needs are to support the pet community and pet owners in this disaster,' Lambert explained of her foundation, which is partnering with the Central Texas-based non-profit organization to help bring aid to Texans and their beloved pets who have been displaced during the storms. 'We will have more info as it goes, but I'll post everything that I know to post right now,' she continued in her message. 'So y'all join with us and try to help out as much as you can, and keep sending prayers, and I'll keep you posted.' According to ABC News, heavy rainfall occurred overnight and into the morning hours of July 4th, overtaking parts of Central Texas and leading to 'catastrophic flooding' in Kerr County and near the Guadalupe River. As of 7 pm ET on July 5, the death toll had risen to 43 people, including 15 children. Those interested in donating to the MuttNation Foundation to assist in Lambert's mission to provide aid to victims can visit the organization's official website Lambert Asks Fans To 'Keep Sending Prayers' After Floods Devastate Her Home State of Texas: 'I Can't Even Come Up With Any Words' first appeared on Parade on Jul 6, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
