Latest news with #DanielRobinson
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Go green in Dublin
100 Weekends in Europe by Lonely Planet spotlights green spaces in and around Dublin, Ireland. If you were to plan a weekend in Dublin, you'd imagine a city break. Maybe gazing at the archaeological treasures of the National Museum of Ireland, taking a stroll around the Trinity College campus, having a drink and taking in the top-floor view at the Guinness Storehouse ( or listening to music in a Temple Bar pub. All great Dublin experiences. But also worth including on your itinerary are the city's green spaces: St Stephen's Green, the most popular; Merrion Square, an elegant public garden; Herbert Park, full of locals enjoying outdoor sports; and Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe. And there's much more greenery of the less manicured variety on Dublin's southern doorstep in County Wicklow, a wild land combining coastal splendour with a mountainous interior studded with chilly lakes, glacial valleys and the remains of an early monastic site. For a taste of this Garden of Ireland, set off on the Wicklow Way hiking trail ( from Rathfarnham on Dublin's outskirts and see how far you get. Hike in Glendalough In the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Glendalough (the valley of two lakes) is considered one of Ireland's most beautiful spots, thanks to its wild and romantic landscapes. It's also a great place to hike and to view the impressive ruins of an ancient monastic site and its famous round tower. The valley is crisscrossed by nine trails, the longest of which is about 10km long. Set off from the national park information centre ( near the upper lake carpark. A bus service (St Kevins bus; links Dublin to Glendalough twice a day in just under one hour, 30 minutes. Be intoxicated by Powerscourt Gardens The eminent 19th century horticulturist Daniel Robinson, creator of the splendid Powerscourt Gardens, was allegedly sometimes too drunk to stand in the exceptional gardens he designed. You too will be intoxicated by the terraces, statues, water features and grottoes of the vast green spaces Robinson created, where over 200 varieties of trees and plants grow. Elsewhere on the estate, seek out the 121m Powerscourt waterfall, accessed by road and footpath. From Enniskerry, 18km south of Dublin, it's a short walk to Powerscourt. Saunter through a coastal garden just outside Bray, a popular seaside resort with a long promenade along the beach: Killruddery House & Gardens ( is a mix of historic manor house (guided tour compulsory) and one of Ireland's oldest gardens, where an impressive collection of statues and plants flourishes. From Dublin, Bray is just 20km south and can be reached by bus in less than 45 minutes. Admire Dublin from Howth Summit The pretty port of Howth sits on a green peninsula 15km northeast of the Irish capital (30 minutes by train). The hill overlooking the town provides spectacular views of Dublin Bay back to the city. Howth also has a castle with grounds that contain a dolmen (ancient tomb) and medieval ruins. Buy local at Avoca Handweavers It was in the tiny village of Avoca, located in a wooded valley in County Wicklow, that Avoca Handweavers ( Ireland's most famous traditional clothing manufacturer, was born. To stock up on knitwear and elegant handmade souvenirs, there are two branches: 11-13 Suffolk Street, in central Dublin; or Kilmacanogue, 5km (3 miles) southeast of Enniskerry, at the company's headquarters, which occupies a 19th century arboretum. More time? Mt Usher Gardens: A green paradise on the edge of Ashford, 50km south of Dublin. Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens: Ornamental gardens set around an 18th century manor house, 65km south of Dublin. Kilmainham Gaol: In Dublin, this former prison houses a remarkable museum retracing the painful process that led to Irish independence. Great Sugar Loaf: The Great Sugar Loaf is County Wicklow's iconic peak (501m), a conical shape looming over the village of Kilmacanogue, 35km south of Dublin. The round system It's my round! The getting-a-round-in system of paying for a drink with the person/people who bought you one is the foundation of Irish pub culture, summed up very simply by the Irish saying: "It's impossible for two men to go to the pub for just one drink." Make sure you follow this sacred rule. And why not comply with a pint of famous Guinness, the black stout developed in 1759 by Arthur Guinness, which is said to take its flavour from the water of the Wicklow Mountains. Practicalities How to get there & around Dublin Airport has flights to destinations across Europe and the rest of the world. Once in the city, in addition to buses and trams for getting around, the Dublin Area Rapid Transport (Dart) provides a fast train service to the coast, as far as Howth. Enniskerry, a good base for visiting Powescourt and Glendalough, is 45 minutes by Dart, then 30 minutes by bus 185. Where to stay County Wicklow is a popular weekend destination for Dubliners, so book early. You'll find everything from hostels and backpacker campsites to farmhouses converted into B&Bs and manor houses transformed into luxury hotels. Among these, the Powerscourt Hotel & Spa ( is a huge, luxury option right on the Powerscourt Estate. Events In September, the weather can be surprisingly mild, making it a good time for hiking and enjoying the Dublin Fringe Festival ( with over 100 shows being held in the streets and bars of the capital. The book 100 Weekends in Europe by Lonely Planet, $55 RRP. Available at Whitcoulls or contact
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Lancashire rapist jailed for 22 years over 'abhorrent' attacks
A "dangerous" man who repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted a woman has been Robinson, 32, continued his "abhorrent" crimes despite his victim telling him to stop, Lancashire Police was found guilty of three counts of rape and four sexual assault charges and was given a 22-year sentence at Preston Crown her court impact statement, the victim said: "It's been such a long time since I felt happiness. I just feel hurt and lost." She added that she was "tired of being in survival mode daily just to get through each day".Det Supt Gem Lashley said: "Understandably, Robinson's actions will have had a huge impact on [the victim], but I hope she can now begin to move forward with her life knowing that he has been brought to justice and is serving a significant custodial sentence for his crimes."Robinson's crimes were abhorrent. When his victim told him to stop, he continued to rape her. "He is a dangerous man and I am pleased he has been brought to justice." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
USA Today
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
What states have the highest, lowest auto insurance rates?
What states have the highest, lowest auto insurance rates? Show Caption Hide Caption How to save money on car insurance This app can help save you money on car insurance. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY The average auto insurance rate in the U.S. is expected to go up by 7.5% in 2025, according to a new analysis by MarketWatch Guides. The hikes will add an average $182 to the average annual full-coverage premium nationwide raising it to $2,615 from $2,433. Drivers in several states face increases of $200 or more. With the average American worker making $68,000, auto insurance will consume nearly 3.9% of annual income and significantly more in states with lower median incomes, MarketWatch Guides said. MarketWatch Guides calculated average auto insurance rates using data from Quadrant Information Services for a 35-year-old single driver with a clean driving record and good credit who drives a 2023 Toyota Camry. Why are auto insurance premiums going up? The auto insurance industry faced headwinds a few years ago in 2022 and 2023, said Daniel Robinson, senior auto insurance research and writer at MarketWatch Guides. There was increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, like floods, wildfires, and hurricanes, he said. "These disasters led to higher-than-expected claims, straining insurers' bottom lines," Robinson told USA TODAY. Insurance premiums have been on a steady climb since dramatic pandemic-era disruptions spurred rate hikes, but have slowed to smaller increases, he said. A shortage of vehicle parts and skilled auto repair workers that emerged during the pandemic era when there were supply chain snarls still plays a role in increased repair costs today, Robinson said. Insurers unfortunately took the brunt of those repair costs, which required them to raise premiums to stay financially stable. "We've also seen prices of cars in general rise in recent years due to inflation and increased demand. This adds another compounding effect," he said. Tariffs, which have led to an increase in the cost of imported car parts, also make repairing cars more expensive and are passed on in higher insurance premiums, Robinson said. What states have the highest auto premiums? Drivers in Louisiana pay the most, with an average of $3,481 per year or $290 a month for a full-coverage policy. Louisiana also has one of the highest rates of highway fatalities, with 19.7 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The national average is 12.8 deaths per 100,000 residents. Vermont drivers have the lowest average premium at $1,624 per year on average or $135 a month. The state has a below-average rate of highway fatalities at 11.7 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to MarketWatch Guides. More money: Add auto insurance to the list of things increasing in price with Trump's tariffs Where is car insurance increasing the most? MarketWatch Guides' analysis found the most dramatic insurance premium price hike was in Washington, D.C., where premiums rose by 20% from $2,684 to $3,209. Maine and South Carolina also saw big increases of 10%. In South Carolina, a 10% raise in premiums is $221 more in costs per year, the second-highest dollar amount increase after Washington, D.C. ($525). Nevada had the biggest decreases in premiums. Nevada's average premium fell from $3,549 to $2,889. That's a 19% decrease and a $660 difference. Even though Louisiana is the most expensive state for auto premiums, it had the second-highest decrease in annual premiums in terms of dollar amounts and as a percentage. Premiums in Louisiana fell by 14% in 2025 or $576. Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@ or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher and @ on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Device Measures How Much Breast Milk a Baby Is Getting
Fact checked by Sarah ScottA team of engineers, neonatologists, and pediatricians at Northwestern University developed a wearable device that can help parents gauge how much breastmilk their baby is getting. The device could help ease any stress or concern about whether their baby is eating enough. Until the device is on the market, there are several other ways to make sure your baby is getting enough and chestfeeding offers countless benefits for mom and baby, but one aspect of nursing causes many parents intense stress. I mean, who among us hasn't worried that our baby isn't getting enough breast milk? While there are ways to determine if your baby is being properly nourished, like counting diaper output, researchers at Northwestern University felt there must be an easier and more updated method. So, they developed a device that uses sensors to measure exactly how much breast milk a baby is drinking. It's important to note that the sensors are not available at the moment, but the hope is that the technology will be at new parents' disposal in a few years. Lead researcher Daniel Robinson, MD MSc, an associate professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explains to Parents that the device was designed to help health care professionals manage the nutritional needs of preterm and sick infants in the NICU. Their goal is also to reduce stress for breastfeeding parents and avoid the cumbersome use of pre- and post-feed weighing of infants. 'A mother would place a wireless sensor on the breast,' Robinson explains about how the device functions. 'Technically, the sensor is measuring a change in bioimpedance as the infant pulls milk out of the breast. The signal changes as the milk is expressed and breast tissue changes.' Then, that information would be sent via Bluetooth to a smartphone, so parents can keep track of their baby's breastmilk intake. Until the device is operational, if you are not a technophile, or if you can be technically challenged (timidly raises hand), Abrie McCoy, an IBCLC with SimpliFed, wants new parents to remember their bodies were made to breastfeed efficiently! That said, McCoy emphasizes, 'It's completely normal to wonder if your baby is getting enough to eat.' 'While these concerns are valid, take a deep breath and trust in your body and your ability to nourish your baby,' she advises new parents. McCoy says instead of focusing on finding an exact measurement of breast milk intake, parents should look for the signs of a successful feed. Signs of a successful feeding routine include: Your newborn is nursing often. McCoy says a new baby will nurse at least 8 to 10 times in a 24-hour period. Baby is making wet and dirty diapers. 'From day 3 to 1 month old, your baby should have at least six wet diapers and three dirty diapers per day,' McCoy says. 'These numbers tell us your baby is well-hydrated and getting the nourishment they need.' Baby continues to grow and thrive. This is a key indication that your baby is receiving the nourishment required. Baby is experiencing a steady increase in head circumference, length, and weight. These trends are measured at your baby's well visits. McCoy encourages new parents to support their bodies in providing nourishment to their babies, and following the baby's lead when it comes to showing hunger cues. Don't forget to relax and reach out for help from a lactation specialist or your child's pediatrician if you have concerns. Read the original article on Parents
Axios
21-05-2025
- Axios
Red 6 targets pilot training woes with airborne augmented reality
In a small hangar east of downtown Orlando sits a custom two-seater aircraft hardwired for combat. It carries no missiles under its wings. It has no concealed weapons bay. And it has no refueling probe. It does, however, host the Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS), which can simulate all of the above. The big picture: Training and rehearsal are cornerstones of military success. But it's easier said than done. Services like the U.S. Air Force are plagued by pilot shortages, aging aircraft and availability issues. Historically, there has been an "inability to train against representative threats at scale and at frequency to keep ourselves ready," Daniel Robinson, the CEO of ATARS maker Red 6, told Axios during a visit last week. "We were never, ever, ever going to fix this problem of training using physical assets and pilots and dollars, because we just don't have enough of them." How it works: The ATARS headset projects virtual, interactive objects against the real world, offering users a custom training environment. It works in the air, while flying an actual plane, or on the ground strapped into a mock cockpit. "It's basically a massively multiplayer video game being played outdoors to a very, very high standard," said Robinson, a former F-22 and Tornado pilot. Surface-to-air missile sites perch on the horizon. Missiles zip past your head. Your digital wingman screeches off. Ships glide through the water below. State of play: Red 6's tech is embedded in the T-38. The company, employing about 150 people, is also tinkering with the F-16 and MC-130. It has existing relationships with BAE Systems, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The intrigue: The sandbox can be quickly updated; it already includes collaborative combat aircraft. The Air Force's competition for them hasn't even concluded. Robinson said he flew against a Chinese J-36 the morning of the media tour. (That aircraft emerged in December, causing quite the online stir.) Our thought bubble: The virtual world can be incredibly useful for visualizing, engineering and testing bleeding-edge weapons and vehicles. Digital twin chatter is more than hype. Zoom out: The Pentagon has long sought accurate, agile simulation. The Army established an entire program executive office dedicated to it and has pursued projects like the Synthetic Training Environment and One World Terrain. Orlando, meanwhile, is home to I/ITSEC, a premier modeling-and-simulation defense conference. The bottom line: "The whole premise was: Let's try to solve training in the air for the Air Force, in a way that's novel, that no one else has done," said Brandon Harris, the company's vice president of operations and chief pilot.
