Latest news with #Blake
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Local riders raise awareness for motorcycle safety
MATTYDALE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which is also prime time for motorcyclists in central New York. Syracuse Police say the likelihood of a motorcycle crash happening increases around May each year. Sgt. Blake says motorcycle crashes happen in the city every year, and at least one person dies as a result. 'If operated improperly, motorcycles can be dangerous. We have to remember to be very responsible, not only when we're on the motorcycle but also on the road and observing folks that are riding motorcycles,' said Syracuse Police Sgt. Tom Blake. 'It is both the rider's responsibility and the responsibility of those sharing the road with motorcycles as well to make sure everyone is being safe.' Members of Hades Hounds LEMC in Syracuse are also raising awareness about motorcycle safety. 'We try to keep our bikes up to par, inspected all the new parts and everything and most motorcyclists, except maybe some of the crotch rocket guys, are pretty safety conscious. We want to live another day,' said Lawrence Barnes, a member of Hades Hounds. Barnes, an 82-year-old veteran, said he's been riding his motorcycle since 1996. Despite some of the dangers that come with motorcycling, Barnes doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. 'We try to keep our bikes up to par, inspected all the new parts and everything and most motorcyclists, except maybe some of the crotch rocket guys, are pretty safety conscious. We want to live another day,' said Barnes. Making safety their first priority. 'As long as you maintain your bike, do proper maintenance on your bike, that's pretty much where safety comes in,' said Kurt Sorensen, founder of Hades Hounds LEMC. Hades Hounds says wearing a motorcycle helmet that's DOT approved isn't just a law in New York state. But it can also save your life. 'Other states have options where you can ride with a helmet and without a helmet. If I had my choice, I would wear a helmet, just simply because you don't get a second chance,' said Sorensen. 'Keep in mind, about 50 percent of the fatalities occur with people who are not wearing motorcycle helmets,' said Blake. More motorcycle safety tips can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Spier unveils striking new arts exhibition
Aside from a chic new hotel, elegant country picnics, world-class wines, and a manicured estate that begs to be explored… if you needed another reason to visit Spier Wine Farm outside Stellenbosch, we've got one for you. Now open in the historic Old Wine Cellar of this rejuvenated Stellenbosch estate, Grounded Practice is a brand-new exhibition by Tamlin Blake, Chief Curator of the Spier Arts Trust, who has brought together 63 works by 42 South African artists. More than just a beautiful collection of ceramics, it's intended as a timely reflection on balance, belonging and our bond with the earth. Leaving the theme open-ended, Blake allowed the work of the collected artists to emerge organically. 'What came through, almost overwhelmingly, was a sense of instability – personally, politically, environmentally,' explains Blake. 'Many artists were using their practice to find their footing again, to reestablish a sense of balance and belonging. That's where the title 'Grounded Practice' comes from.' At the heart of the exhibition is clay, a central aspect of the estate's own terroir, and one of the world's oldest art materials. 'Clay is a potent and enduring material in human civilisation,' says Blake. 'It's often seen as a metaphor for creativity, malleability, and human potential. But once it's fired and becomes ceramic, it also represents permanence and resilience.' On display are works that range from bold and conceptual to playful and tactile, with something for art collectors and casual browsers alike. Highlights include Sinethemba Xola's spiritually infused vessels, Anita Sikutshwa's abstract forms drawn from African mythology, and Sylvester Mqeku's haunting sand-cast ceramics. 'Ceramics often don't get the spotlight they deserve,' says Blake. 'This show is a celebration of just how innovative, thoughtful, and beautiful the art form can be.' Best of all? Entry to 'Grounded Practice' is free.
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
ODT Racing Chat: Big day to finish
ODT Racing Chat, brought to you by Fred's Fencing, is back one more time as we preview and review the season's last feature meeting at Wingatui. Qe talk to the world's best tipster, Blake Prince, about what is happening at rugby at the races on Sunday. We check out the rumour that the Punters Club is close to selling out? We need to know if the undie 500 is on again this year? We also pester Blake to give us a couple of winners we can take to the bank. We also grab local trainer Terry Kennedy to give us a rundown on his runners and his best of the day. Remember Racing Chat will be out at the races on Sunday to catch some of the action, for our last video of this season. The races begin at 11.30am on Sunday.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jessica Ramos, Michael Blake don't make cut for 2nd NYC mayoral debate in sign of thinning field
NEW YORK — Back-of-the-pack New York City mayoral candidates Jessica Ramos and Michael Blake won't participate in the second Democratic primary debate next month as they haven't met the fundraising thresholds to qualify for it. The city's Campaign Finance Board, which organizes the mayoral primary debates, announced Thursday that Ramos and Blake had not made the cut for the showdown scheduled for June 12. Ramos, a state senator representing Queens, and Blake, a former Bronx state Assembly member, will participate in this Wednesday's first mayoral primary debate, though. The CFB set lower fundraising thresholds to qualify for that debate. Still, the exclusion from the second debate of Ramos and Blake, who haven't mustered more than 1% support in most mayoral race polls, indicates the crowded primary field could soon start thinning out. A campaign rep for Blake declined to comment Thursday. Ramos' campaign didn't immediately return a request for comment. The Democratic mayoral primary is set for June 24, and the debates will provide voters with an important window into the candidates' messages as the campaign enters the final, hectic few weeks. The candidates who have qualified for the second debate are Andrew Cuomo, Zohran Mamdani, Brad Lander, Adrienne Adams, Scott Stringer, Zellnor Myrie and Whitney Tilson. All of them are also expected to participate in the first debate next week. Lots of attention at the first debate will focus on Cuomo, who's polling as the favorite to win the mayoral primary. Typically in New York City, the winner of the Democratic primary tends to be a shoo-in to become mayor. This year, that tradition is being put to the test, though, as Mayor Eric Adams has dropped out of the Democratic primary to instead run as an independent in November's general election. He made that switch last month as he was facing intense political fallout from the Trump administration's controversial dismissal of his federal corruption indictment. _____
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Community mourns beloved Homecoming King killed in pickup crash
Community mourns beloved Homecoming King killed in pickup crash originally appeared on Bring Me The News. The New York Mills community is paying tribute to Blake Unger, the 18-year-old Homecoming King who was tragically killed in a pickup truck crash just days after graduating from high school. Unger died at the scene following the crash in Otter Tail County on Tuesday evening, with police finding the vehicle in a ditch and Unger outside the vehicle. The 18-year-old driver has been arrested for DWI and criminal vehicular homicide. Tributes to Unger reveal him to be a decorated wrestler and football player at New York Mills Public School, where his visitation and memorial will be held on Wednesday, June 4. A GoFundMe campaign has been created by John Ronning to help the Unger family with their devastating loss, which has raised almost $15,000 in less than 48 hours. One of Unger's relatives paid tribute on Facebook, saying: "Blake touched so many lives with his kindness, laughter, and huge heart. We welcome all who knew and loved him to come and celebrate the beautiful life he lived." The New York Mills wrestling and football teams have posted pictures and videos of Unger in action. "It's with heavy heart that we say goodbye to our big hearted Blake," said New York Mills Wrestling. "Blake had a heart bigger than any wrestling mat. He always took the time to recognize and nurture the youth around him. Your personality and leadership greatly impacted many and will be missed! Once an Eagle, ALWAYS an EAGLE! Fly." The New York Mills Football team shared video of a game-winning interception Unger made during a game against Breckenridge last season. "Today, we are shattered to learn of the passing of one of our own. A teammate, a friend, a brother," the team said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, teammates, and the entire New York Mills community during this incredibly difficult time." This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
