Latest news with #Masson
NZ Herald
17-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Boxing: Floyd Masson ready to take on John Parker in ‘statement' fight
'Make sure you bring your best John Parker in that ring that night.' Masson said he didn't know much about Parker's fighting style as a pro, however, he remembered him as an amateur. 'I remember [Parker] was brawling a lot back then, and it was a bit of a brawl-type fight back in the amateurs.' Masson doesn't usually watch a lot of his opponents' fights, saying he left it to his coaching team who came up with a game plan for the fight. If he did join his team, they would have a look at the fighter and the style, size and 'how he likes to fight'. 'Then we kind of work around that.' However, Masson said during 'fight camp' his team would focus more on his skills rather than on what the opponent does. Masson began his career as an amateur boxer in New Zealand before moving to Western Australia for his boxing career in hope to score more lucrative fights. Former Waikato boxer Floyd Masson will take on John Parker in Australia. When many boxers struggled during the Covid-18 pandemic, Australian promoter Angelo Di Carlo took on Masson. Di Carlo initially brought him out to spar with world title contender Mark Flanagan, but now, Masson lives in Queensland and works with Di Carlo boxing promoter Ace Boxing Group. During his time as world champion, Masson trained in Las Vegas, but decided to move back to this side of the world as his family was slowly growing. However, with one door closing, another door opened, and he quickly found a new coach, Blair Studley. Studley, owner of Nitro Boxing Fitness Centre in Chermside, trained many excellent boxers, including former Australian Super Welterweight champion Dan Hill, Australian Heavyweight champion Stevan Ivić, Jeremiah Tupai and Issac Hardman. Studley himself has 30 years of experience in boxing and martial arts. He previously held the Queensland Light Heavyweight Boxing and Queensland Light Heavyweight Kickboxing titles, and he has a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a black belt in Karate. Masson highly praised his coach, saying he wished he had met Studley earlier in his boxing career. 'He works what's best for his boxers and not what is best for the trainer.' The Floyd Masson vs John Parker fight for the IBF Pan Pacific Cruiserweight title will take place on July 30 at Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm, Queensland, Australia. Benjamin Watt is a retired boxing judge and New Zealand boxing writer with a decade of experience. Watt has also been BoxRec's New Zealand record-keeper since 2014.
New York Post
05-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Don't waste your money on this viral supplement, dietitian warns: ‘It's really not necessary for humans'
The latest health fad has fans seeing green. A liquid supplement is going viral, with wellness influencers claiming it can do everything from clear up skin and curb cravings to combat body odor and even crush cancer. But while the internet is busy guzzling it by the dropper, many experts aren't convinced it's the cure-all it's hyped up to be. Here's everything you need to know about the so-called 'green magic' flooding social media feeds. 5 Chlorophyll supplements are often sold in liquid or capsule form. Masson – What is chlorophyll? It's the natural pigment that gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll plays a vital role in photosynthesis, helping plants convert sunlight into energy while releasing oxygen into the air. You'll find it in leafy greens like spinach, kale, and parsley. But the version sold in supplement form — usually labeled chlorophyllin — is a semi-synthetic, water-soluble compound made from sodium copper salts derived from natural chlorophyll. Can it really clear up your skin? Some of the most popular videos promoting chlorophyll feature people claiming it transformed their skin in a matter of days. While some research suggests that chlorophyll could help with acne and wrinkles, the evidence hasn't won over experts. 5 Some studies suggest chlorophyll may reduce inflammation and help heal wounds, but more research is needed. New Africa – 'The studies showed a very mild effect,' Dr. Zain Syed, a dermatologist, told The Washington Post. 'Nothing to the effect of what is being portrayed in these videos.' Plus, all of the studies tested chlorophyll in topical form — not the liquid people are drinking. They also involved very small groups of participants and weren't tested against a placebo. 'Even this small amount of evidence is very weak,' Syed said. Other skeptical experts theorize that the clearer skin might come from something simpler: people are drinking more water than usual because they have to mix chlorophyll supplements into it. Can chlorophyll support weight loss? Some TikTokers tout chlorophyll as 'natural Ozempic,' claiming it can help people shed weight fast. There is some science to back this up, but it's limited at best. 5 The evidence supporting chlorophyll's ability to aid in weight loss is limited and inconclusive. sofiko14 – In one study, mice given chlorophyll early in life gained less weight than those that didn't. In another, overweight women who took a green plant extract containing chlorophyll lost more weight and reported fewer cravings over 90 days compared to those given a placebo. Can it actually prevent cancer? Chlorophyll has antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize free radicals — or unstable molecules that can damage cells and can potentially lead to cancer. Some studies suggest it might also bind to carcinogens and other toxins in the digestive tract, blocking their absorption. Research in animals has shown that it can potentially help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells at typical exposure levels. But at very high doses, some studies indicate it may actually increase tumor risk. 5 Videos touting the benefits of chlorophyllin have racked up millions of views. Tiktok/@boysandwellness Most of these studies focus on chlorophyllin — the lab-made version found in supplements — not the natural chlorophyll found in plants. Still, scientists are also looking at whether a chlorophyll-rich diet could offer some protection. What are the other potential health benefits of chlorophyll? Skin health, weight loss, and cancer prevention are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to claims about chlorophyll's powers. Supporters say the pigment may also help: But the research backing these claims is extremely limited. 'Supplement makers claim that chlorophyll can do many things, but few of the claims are backed by scientific evidence,' Dr. Vijaya Surampudi, associate professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, told National Geographic. Are there any risks associated with chlorophyll? For most people, chlorophyll supplements appear to be safe in moderation. 'There's no real risk of taking it, although some people report side effects like diarrhea or nausea,' dietitian Lindsey Wohlford told MD Anderson Cancer Center. 5 Most of the side effects of chlorophyll are mild, like stomach discomfort. methaphum – Other reported effects include green stool, stomach cramps, a yellow or black tongue or mild skin irritation from topical use. In rare cases, people can have allergic reactions — symptoms include rash, chest tightness and dizziness. Should you take chlorophyll? 'Would I recommend chlorophyll? No,' Beth Czerwony, a dietitian, told the Cleveland Clinic. 'Plants need chlorophyll far more than we do. It's really not necessary for humans.' While some benefits like chlorophyll's antioxidant properties are backed by research, Czerwony warns against treating it like a miracle cure. 'If something truly worked, it's safe to say it wouldn't be a secret just exposed to the world through TikTok,' she said. 'There's reason for skepticism.' That said, there are clear benefits to eating a diet rich in leafy greens and other plants that contain chlorophyll. If you want to boost your intake, Czerwony suggests skipping the supplement and heading straight to the produce aisle. Foods rich in chlorophyll include spinach, kale, collard greens, parsley, broccoli, green beans, and asparagus. Algae like spirulina and chlorella pack an even bigger punch.
Hamilton Spectator
24-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Minister says Canada needs ‘infrastructure that gets our energy to tidewater' at Calgary meeting
Canada's new energy and natural resources minister championed the energy sector Friday, calling on governments and industry to work together to build the Pathways Alliance's proposed carbon capture project. In a keynote speech to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Tim Hodgson pitched his government's vision of Canada as an energy superpower — exporting oil and gas to the world for decades to come — and pledged to be a voice for Alberta and Western Canada at the cabinet table. 'We need infrastructure that gets our energy to tidewater and to trusted allies — diversifying beyond the US,' he said. To do this, the federal government will fast-track approvals of projects in the 'national interest' with Prime Minister Mark Carney's promised policy of 'one project, one review,' less red tape and more certainty, Hodgson said. 'I think he was trying to set a tone that says, 'We're going to change the system',' said Richard Masson, an executive fellow at the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy and the former CEO of the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission Masson said Hodgson's speech signalled that the government is 'going to focus on getting things done and make it more attractive for private-sector development and investment.' Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has been relentless in her calls for the federal government to abandon its proposed regulations to cap oil and gas sector emissions and scrap the Impact Assessment Act, among other environment and climate policies. Carney recently opened the door to making changes to these key policies to move projects forward. Hodgson's speech doesn't reference these two policies by name but leaves that question open, said Masson and Martin Olszynski, an associate professor and chair in energy, resources and sustainability at the University of Calgary. Oil and gas is the country's largest emitting economic sector and the draft regulations would require oil and gas companies to cut emissions by 35 per cent below 2019 levels by 2030. 'He didn't explicitly say what he was going to do, but I think there is … a recognition that some of this stuff has to change or they won't achieve their objectives,' Masson said, referring to the goal of reducing emissions and exporting energy. To Olszynski, Hodgson's speech suggests 'a willingness to discuss and even adjust current policies … but it will be backstopped with an intention to still meet some of those goals.' Hodgson, in his speech, placed particular emphasis on the $16.5-billion Pathways Alliance project to capture carbon dioxide from 13 oilsands sites in northern Alberta and send it to an underground storage site south of Cold Lake through 600 kilometres of pipeline. 'We will invest in carbon capture, methane reduction and other technologies to ensure Canadian oil and gas is not only produced responsibly, but is the most competitive in the world,' Hodgson said. 'This government will not be a government of talk, but a government of action. We need the same from the province of Alberta and the Pathways Alliance.' The Pathways project is undergoing regulatory reviews for over 100 different segments, but on the business side, the project is still awaiting a final investment decision. A global think tank, the international Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, found the project's business model is shaky . Masson said the federal government has a lot of work to do to establish certainty for investors. The potential for a cap on oil- and gas-sector emissions and uncertainty around carbon credits would 'complicate everything to the point where nobody would be willing to invest.' 'It's going to take getting everybody in a room and sorting out where the real barriers are,' Masson said. According to Hodgson's speech, his government is ready to do the work to create certainty and turn Canada into an energy superpower, but needs a willing partner. 'We need to demonstrate to our customers outside the US, and to our fellow Canadians, that we are a responsible industry — and this government believes Pathways is critical to that reality,' Hodgson said. Hodgson played up his Western roots and business background for the oil and gas crowd, particularly his time as a board member at MEG Energy, and at Goldman Sachs, where he brokered the Alliance Pipeline deal to move natural gas from northwestern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia to the American midwest. He also pointed to his time as board chair of Hydro One and belief that Canada's future depends on integrated electricity grids. 'Our new government will quickly work with provinces and territories on east-west transmission and better integrate our systems,' Hodgson said, adding this is part of Carney's stated goal of creating one economy, not 13. This idea of an east-west transmission grid is a clear priority for the federal government and a big deal, both in terms of energy security and decarbonization goals, Olszynski said. 'A lot of people are waiting with bated breath to figure out what's the direction this government is going to go in,' Olszynski said. 'We're starting to see the contours of that here … I'll be watching to see how the province responds and how industry responds now.'
National Observer
23-05-2025
- Business
- National Observer
Minister says Canada needs 'infrastructure that gets our energy to tidewater' at Calgary meeting
Canada's new energy and natural resources minister championed the energy sector Friday, calling on governments and industry to work together to build the Pathways Alliance's proposed carbon capture project. In a keynote speech to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Tim Hodgson pitched his government's vision of Canada as an energy superpower — exporting oil and gas to the world for decades to come — and pledged to be a voice for Alberta and Western Canada at the cabinet table. 'We need infrastructure that gets our energy to tidewater and to trusted allies — diversifying beyond the US,' he said. To do this, the federal government will fast-track approvals of projects in the 'national interest' with Prime Minister Mark Carney's promised policy of "one project, one review,' less red tape and more certainty, Hodgson said. 'I think he was trying to set a tone that says, 'We're going to change the system',' said Richard Masson, an executive fellow at the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy and the former CEO of the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission Masson said Hodgson's speech signalled that the government is 'going to focus on getting things done and make it more attractive for private-sector development and investment.' Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has been relentless in her calls for the federal government to abandon its proposed regulations to cap oil and gas sector emissions and scrap the Impact Assessment Act, among other environment and climate policies. Carney recently opened the door to making changes to these key policies to move projects forward. Hodgson's speech doesn't reference these two policies by name but leaves that question open, said Masson and Martin Olszynski, an associate professor and chair in energy, resources and sustainability at the University of Calgary. Oil and gas is the country's largest emitting economic sector and the draft regulations would require oil and gas companies to cut emissions by 35 per cent below 2019 levels by 2030. 'He didn't explicitly say what he was going to do, but I think there is … a recognition that some of this stuff has to change or they won't achieve their objectives,' Masson said, referring to the goal of reducing emissions and exporting energy. To Olszynski, Hodgson's speech suggests 'a willingness to discuss and even adjust current policies … but it will be backstopped with an intention to still meet some of those goals.' Hodgson, in his speech, placed particular emphasis on the $16.5-billion Pathways Alliance project to capture carbon dioxide from 13 oilsands sites in northern Alberta and send it to an underground storage site south of Cold Lake through 600 kilometres of pipeline. 'We will invest in carbon capture, methane reduction and other technologies to ensure Canadian oil and gas is not only produced responsibly, but is the most competitive in the world,' Hodgson said. 'This government will not be a government of talk, but a government of action. We need the same from the province of Alberta and the Pathways Alliance.' The Pathways project is undergoing regulatory reviews for over 100 different segments, but on the business side, the project is still awaiting a final investment decision. A global think tank, the international Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, found the project's business model is shaky. Masson said the federal government has a lot of work to do to establish certainty for investors. The potential for a cap on oil- and gas-sector emissions and uncertainty around carbon credits would 'complicate everything to the point where nobody would be willing to invest.' 'It's going to take getting everybody in a room and sorting out where the real barriers are,' Masson said. According to Hodgson's speech, his government is ready to do the work to create certainty and turn Canada into an energy superpower, but needs a willing partner. 'We need to demonstrate to our customers outside the US, and to our fellow Canadians, that we are a responsible industry — and this government believes Pathways is critical to that reality,' Hodgson said. Hodgson played up his Western roots and business background for the oil and gas crowd, particularly his time as a board member at MEG Energy, and at Goldman Sachs, where he brokered the Alliance Pipeline deal to move natural gas from northwestern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia to the American midwest. He also pointed to his time as board chair of Hydro One and belief that Canada's future depends on integrated electricity grids. 'Our new government will quickly work with provinces and territories on east-west transmission and better integrate our systems,' Hodgson said, adding this is part of Carney's stated goal of creating one economy, not 13. This idea of an east-west transmission grid is a clear priority for the federal government and a big deal, both in terms of energy security and decarbonization goals, Olszynski said. 'A lot of people are waiting with bated breath to figure out what's the direction this government is going to go in,' Olszynski said. 'We're starting to see the contours of that here … I'll be watching to see how the province responds and how industry responds now.'
Global News
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Global News
Plunging world oil prices are a mixed blessing for Albertans
With world oil prices plunging to four-year lows — combined with the recent elimination of the federal carbon price — many Alberta drivers are saving some money when they pull up to the pump. Mani Singh of Edmonton told Global News that he used to spend about $500 per month on gas, but now he's only spending about $300 per month. 'I'm saving a lot of money,' said Singh, who on Friday was paying 124.9 for a litre of gas at his local station. In Calgary, after selling for as low and 109.9 per litre on Wednesday, the price had jumped back up over 130. per litre by Friday. View image in full screen Mani Singh of Edmonton said he used to spend about $500. per month on gas, but he's now spending about $300. per month. Global News 'I think for Albertans as consumers going into the driving season, prices will be pretty favourable,' said Richard Masson, an executive fellow at the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy. Story continues below advertisement 'With the reduction from the carbon tax of 18 cents and now lower oil prices, that's all translating into lower prices at the pumps, which will help Albertans. Especially those who decided to stay home and holiday this year,' added Masson. 1:52 Alberta responds to OPEC production increase Masson said there are two primary reasons why oil prices are plunging. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Prices have weakened over the last few weeks, primarily driven by the tariff threat that President Trump has around the world and the likelihood that will lead to a recession which lowers oil demand,' said Masson. 'On top of that, Saudi Arabia has been working to bring back 2 million barrels a day of OPEC plus cuts and they decided to do it quicker than anybody had expected.' View image in full screen Oil industry experts say, while the plunging price of oil may be good for drivers, it threatens to put a huge hole in the government of Alberta's budget. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Larry MacDougal The uncertainty in the world oil markets has pushed the price below $58 US per barrel this week. Story continues below advertisement While the low prices may be a blessing for drivers, if the price continues at that level it will create a huge problem for the provincial budget, which was originally forecast to include a $5.2-billion deficit on the expectation that oil prices would average about $68 per barrel. 'Each $1 change is a $750 million hit to the Alberta budget — so a $10 change over the course of the year is $7.5 billion,' said Masson. The pain may be lessened somewhat because the price difference between the price of west Texas intermediate (the benchmark grade for global oil pricing) and western Canada select (the price heavier Canadian crude) has narrowed in recent months — which should help reduce the size of the deficit. But Masson said if these low world oil prices continue, 'it's going to put a lot of pressure on provincial spending.' The office of the Alberta finance minister says the provincial government will provide a budget update in August.
