Latest news with #Phillips
a day ago
- Health
News got you down? Counsellors explain why doom scrolling is so easy — and how to limit it
Western Canada glaciers melting twice as fast as in previous decade, research says; Nigerian judge convicts man of sextorting B.C. teen who died by suicide; Overdose deaths tick up to 165 in April: B.C. Coroners Service; Her husband died after a lung transplant. Now she has to sell her home to pay the bills; Gaza health authorities say Israel kills 44 waiting for aid as war's death toll passes 56,000. Those are just a few of the news headlines from various outlets earlier this week — and they certainly don't paint the brightest picture of this world. And it's headlines like those that have led to an uptick in anxiety around global events, according to Kamloops, B.C.-based counsellor Kaci-Ann Phillips. More and more clients are naming economic and global uncertainty, political tensions, and climate change and environmental concerns as sources for their anxiety, she told CBC News. If that sounds like you, fret not, she said. All this terrible information can trigger the nervous system to protect us from a perceived threat, she added. While the world has always had challenges, she believes access to information is playing a role in mental health. We are connected to news and current events 24/7, and we are not meant to process the weight of the world on a constant basis, Phillips said. With non-stop access to news and social media, we are exposed to a constant stream of distressing information, often without time to emotionally process or recover. Elizabeth Bradley, a registered clinical counsellor in Victoria, said phones are a big part of this. Older generations are used to consuming the news through television — and still do. The television we can turn off, she told CBC's On The Island host Gregor Craigie. Our phone is in our pocket. It's on our bedside table. We're never apart from it. Even when we're not staring at it, our brain knows there's this little device. It's right next to me. It's got every information about every country on this planet available to me every second. Limiting exposure Both counsellors say limiting exposure to social media and news is critical to maintaining mental well-being during turbulent times. That doesn't necessarily mean shutting it out altogether, but instead, setting boundaries about when and how you get your information. It's OK to stay informed, but it's also important to give your nervous system a chance to reset, Phillips said. Ask yourself: Does this information help me take meaningful action, or is it just adding to my distress? Bradley suggests starting off by scheduling short, realistic periods without your phone. WATCH | When is doom scrolling too much?: Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? We all doom scroll sometimes, but when is it too much? Brandon Laur, the CEO of The White Hatter, who specializes in crafting digital literacy workshops, says users must be cautious about preventing their social media use from affecting family, work and responsibilities. He tells BC Today host Michelle Eliot that schools play a role in teaching young people how to engage with technology in a more positive way. Label feelings When you do start to feel that sense of dread or anxiety while watching, reading or listening to the news, Bradley said it's important to label them as such, in an effort to validate your feelings. Those emotions won't go anywhere until we've paid attention to them. Understanding where those feelings come from helps, too. Those feelings come from empathy, Bradley said. As difficult as these feelings might be, they're coming from how empathetic you are, and that can be a really good way to validate the usefulness of those feelings. Focus, connection, intention As that anxiety creeps in, Phillips said there are three important things you can do to try to ease your stress. First, she said, focus on the things you can control — even small things — to restore a sense of hope. Second, she said, connect with others who care. Bradley agrees that connection with community can help in myriad ways. That's not only going to be an antidote to the feelings of overwhelm, but it's going to be where we find solutions to what's going on for us, she said. Third, Phillips advises creating intentional spaces of calm, maybe a place for gentle exercise, somewhere to connect with nature or where you can breathe deeply, without judgment or distraction. Courtney Dickson (new window) · CBC News
Cosmopolitan
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
All the Love Island season 12 cast with famous family and friends as Ben's reality TV star uncle is revealed
Love Island is currently underway and it's getting juicier by the day. Over the years, we've seen lots of contestants with celebrity connections - from season five's Tommy Fury, who is the younger brother of boxer Tyson Fury, to Gemma Owen who appeared on the eighth season and is the daughter of former footballer Michael Owen. It was recently revealed that season 12's Ben Holbrough has a famous connection of his own... His uncle Warren Phillips was a contestant on ITV's Survival of the Fittest. Phillips took part in first season, which came out in 2018 and was hosted by former Love Island host Laura Whitmore. And Ben isn't the only one Islander this year to have a celebrity relative or friend. As Love Island continues, here's all the Love Island 2025 cast with famous connections... Ben is the nephew of Survival of the Fittest contestant Warren Phillips. Phillips took part in the reality TV show, which saw young singles heading to the South African savannah to compete in the ultimate battle of the sexes, facing off in both mental and physical challenges. Phillips, 36, finished in fifth place on the show being a part of the runner-up team, alongside James, David and Tristan. Ben, 24, has shared lots of pictures with his uncle on his Instagram. In one image, the guys can be seen flaunting their toned bodies as they pose shirtless in a bathroom in Ibiza. In another image, they're relaxing with a group of friends at O Beach Ibiza, the well-known beach club owned by Wayne Lineker. Dejon is the son of football manager and former footballer Gifton Noel-Williams. Gifton played for several clubs during his career, most notably Watford, Stoke city and Burnley. Asked what his claim to fame was before joining the show, Dejon said: "My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice." Dejon isn't the only Islander with a footballer relative. Recent bombshell Giorgio Russo is the brother of England and Arsenal Ladies footballer Alessio Russo. Asked what his sister thought about him heading into the villa, Giorgio said: "She's really excited, she watches every year and reckons I can do well so she's excited to see how I get on." Sophie has a lot of celebrity pals. Prior to joining Love Island, the former fire breather was on the influencer scene, so is familiar with a few Islanders. She's friends with Sharon Gaffka, Eve Gale, Gabby Allen, Zara Deniz and Gabby Jeffery. She also does some work with activist and writer Katie Piper. Not sure if this counts as a friend but it's definitely a connection... Harry is footballer Declan Rice's body double. "I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing," the 30-year-old revealed before entering the villa. New episodes of Love Island air on ITV2 on Weekdays and Sundays at 9pm.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ranch owners spark outrage after construction reveals evidence of shocking act: 'They cannot legally touch this land'
When legal permitting processes operate as intended, they ensure developers abide by the laws and regulations that protect residents. If businesses ignore those requirements, it can lead to dangerous pollution or risky conditions that could cause harm. Neighbors protesting the Guajolote Ranch development near Helotes, Texas, argue that's exactly what's happening, according to KSAT. Lennar Corp., a Florida-based construction company, is set to build approximately 3,000 homes. Workers have begun clearing the area, cutting down trees and digging up the ground to lay pipes. However, protesters argue that the work that's being done is illegal on several fronts. Michael Phillips, a Scenic Loop resident, said the legacy live oaks being cut down are on private property and the construction crews don't have the appropriate permits, according to KSAT. "I'm not an expert, but these trees are maybe 60, 70 years old, maybe a little bit less?" Phillips told the outlet. "And they are not easy to grow back." In fact, according to Phillips, the crews shouldn't be in the area at all. "If you look, you can see there's a purple stake right there, and that's a universal sign for 'no trespassing,'" Phillips said. "Now, we had a representative stake out this property with purple stakes going all down the line. These crews have gotten on this property and have ignored these purple stakes in violation of Texas law." The pipe that the crews are laying may not be legal, either, according to Phillips. "Now, what's interesting is the Property Owners Association here at Altair, no individual homeowner can sell water easement rights," he told KSAT. "So, right now, Lennar has no water easement rights here. They cannot legally touch this land to put in water. Lennar is shoving this through in the hopes of getting it done and then asking for forgiveness later and paying the fine." KSAT reported that the development will pump 1 million gallons of treated wastewater into the Helotes Creek watershed every day. It will ultimately flow into the Edwards Aquifer, which supplies drinking water to 1.7 million people, including those in San Antonio. Though the water will be treated to avoid contamination, residents have reasonable concerns. Protesters have called on the local sheriff to stop work on the development until the legalities can be sorted out and have expressed their commitment to continuing their resistance. Further legal battles are anticipated. Do you think gas stoves should be banned nationwide? No way Let each state decide I'm not sure Definitely Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE plays key role in global golf development
1 July 2025 14:20 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship has long been one of the most prestigious and recognisable events on the DP World Tour. For 18 consecutive years, it served as a popular early season stop, attracting some of the world's top players and shining a spotlight on the UAE as a world-class golfing statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Tom Phillips, Director of the Middle East at DP World Tour, said, 'In close collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, we made the strategic decision to move the Championship from its traditional January date to a new position in November. This shift reflects a shared vision to further elevate the tournament's impact and maximise its contribution to the growth of golf across the region.'He explained that recent changes to the global golf calendar presented a timely opportunity to reimagine the role of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.'By aligning it with the DP World Tour Championship, we created a season-ending fortnight of world-class golf in the UAE - a compelling narrative that enhances fan engagement, commercial value, and the region's global profile in a busy sporting landscape,' he repositioning, he said, also reinforces the UAE's role as a powerhouse in professional golf, with Abu Dhabi at the forefront of that growth. The new November date ensures the championship benefits from increased visibility, momentum, and integration within a broader festival of also revealed a long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation, saying, "This partnership builds on a relationship with the region that stretches back to 1989, and reflects a shared commitment to both the grassroots and elite tiers of the partnership has already led to impactful initiatives, including the allocation of 30 player slots across two HotelPlanner Tour events, one in Abu Dhabi and one in Ajman, to provide competitive opportunities for emerging Emirati talent. Some spots have been exchanged with international federations, giving UAE players exposure to global tournaments and valuable experience. Phillips concluded by highlighting a milestone achievement by Ahmad Skaik, the UAE's top amateur, becaming the first UAE-born player to make the cut in a 72-hole professional event at this year's UAE Challenge at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club - a landmark moment and a testament to the progress being made.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Rideshare workers can earn less than minimum wage. But an Ontario law starting July 1 misses a chance to fix that, advocates say
Eight hours after picking up and dropping off passengers for Uber on a sweltering summer day, Earla Phillips had just $49 to show for it. After factoring in the $30 she spent on gas that day, 'I literally made bupkis,' she said. With a decade of experience driving for Uber, Phillips, 63, said her earnings from app-based gig work have plummeted in recent years as the number of rideshare and food couriers on the road has skyrocketed, amid a pandemic-driven surge in delivery app usage. Phillips, who is also the vice-president of the Rideshare Drivers Association of Ontario, said she can often wait hours for a trip as an increasing number of drivers compete for jobs, and she now depends on juggling multiple apps to earn a living. 'Why are we being devalued?' said Phillips. 'My providing a service to someone shouldn't come at the cost of my poverty.' Phillips is one of thousands of Ontario's gig workers who spend long hours on the road working for app-based platforms, often earning less than minimum wage once expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance are factored in. On July 1 the province's Digital Platform Workers' Rights Act is set to take effect, promising minimum wage standards for gig workers on apps like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash. But labour advocates say the legislation falls short. The rules in Ontario guarantee a minimum wage of $17.20 an hour for 'engaged time' — the hours drivers spend actively completing trips or deliveries — but ignore the time spent waiting for work, which many drivers say now makes up a large portion of their day. Experts warn that unless all hours worked are covered, gig workers will continue to bear the financial burden while companies avoid paying for much of their labour. Only paying workers for active time downloads the costs of waiting for orders onto individuals, said labour-relations lawyer Ryan White of Cavalluzzo LLP, adding that it's 'time that is necessary for app companies to deliver services but ultimately gets paid for by workers.' 'It would be like being a firefighter and only being paid when you're fighting fire. It's not the way that we think about work.' In an emailed statement, Ontario's Labour Ministry said it is 'proud to lead the country' with 'the first legislation of its kind to establish new enforceable rights and core protections' for digital platform workers, but it did not address concerns about unpaid time waiting for work. A recent city hall staff report analyzing drivers' wages found that after expenses such as insurance, fuel, repairs and financing, app-based drivers made $5.97 an hour when accounting for all time spent on the app. Uber has rejected that figure, and says its drivers make more than $30 per hour of 'engaged time,' not including tips. A Star investigation has detailed how Uber Eats delivery workers can spend hours a day chasing work around the city with no guarantee they'll be matched with a job. Uber Canada spokesperson Keerthana Rang in an email said that 'since introducing upfront offers, average driver earnings have remained consistent in Ontario.' The engaged-time model 'is unique to rideshare and delivery services because a driver can be 'active' or 'engaged' with Uber but still be 'online' with other apps, Rang said. Lyft, DoorDash and Skip the Dishes did not respond to requests for comment. J.J. Fueser, a researcher with not-for-profit advocacy group RideFair TO, argues that workers only use multiple apps at once 'because they have to — if they got good work from one app they wouldn't need others.' A major problem is that there's no limit on labour supply, and workers 'are being made to wait around with impunity and it's free for these businesses,' Fueser said. Nearly 700,000 Canadians worked for digital platform apps such as Uber, Lyft and DoorDash in 2024, up from 468,000 people in 2023, according to data from Statistics Canada. The number of digital workers increased from 1.7 per cent of the population from the ages of 15 to 69 in 2023, to 2.3 per cent of that age group in 2024. For six weeks, I hustled for orders and made a shockingly low wage. Uber says my experience was One solution is for companies to 'cap the overall number of workers so that we don't oversaturate or supply the marketplace with gig workers all waiting to do a limited number of jobs,' said Thorben Wieditz, also a researcher with RideFair TO. But labour advocates say that the crux of the problem is that app companies for years have gotten around paying drivers minimum wage by misclassifying gig workers as independent contractors, excluding workers from the full set of rights and benefits they would otherwise be entitled to as employees. Many digital platform workers are newcomers who depend on the income, and capping the number of drivers is little more than a 'band-aid solution,' said White. Statistics Canada data showed that immigrants who had arrived in the last five years were more than three times more likely to have done paid work through a digital platform compared with people born in Canada. 'There's a reason why people are doing this work — it is low-barrier,' said White. 'People need to be able to find work and the cap just simply ignores that reality.'
