Latest news with #NorthernCalifornia-based
Malaysian Reserve
21-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Enloe Health signs Medline as Prime Vendor Supplier
Northern California-based health system signs with Medline to help increase operational efficiency NORTHFIELD, Ill., July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Medline today announced it has entered a multi-year prime vendor partnership with Enloe Health, based in Chico, Calif. Enloe Health serves patients throughout Butte County and California's North State region, with Enloe Medical Center serving as the regional medical center for six counties, as well as a Level II trauma center. Enloe Health will have access to Medline's portfolio of medical-surgical products and supply chain expertise to help it improve its operational efficiency, part of which entails helping to ensure product availability for optimal patient care. 'Enloe Health is excited for this new partnership,' said Alan Weintraub, Enloe Health's chief procurement officer. 'We believe Medline's portfolio of products, services and performance is consistent with Enloe's goals and offers a great opportunity to help us further elevate care for the communities we serve.' Enloe Health will be serviced out of Medline's distribution center in Tracy, Calif., with products delivered by Medline's fully owned and operated MedTrans fleet. In addition, Enloe Health will have access to Medline's advanced analytics platforms to more easily monitor key metrics across its operation, such as item use, contract compliance, price accuracy and spend by product categories. 'We are honored to be selected as the prime vendor for Enloe Health,' said Medline sales representative Alex Coad. 'This agreement is a testament to our team's dedication and our ability to deliver value-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency. We are excited to partner with Enloe and support their mission to deliver the highest standards of patient care.' Learn how Medline supports hospitals and clinics to improve clinical, financial and operational outcomes at About Medline Medline is the largest provider of medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions serving all points of care. Through its broad product portfolio, resilient supply chain and leading clinical solutions, Medline helps healthcare providers improve their clinical, financial and operational outcomes. Headquartered in Northfield, Ill., the company employs more than 43,000 people worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries and territories. To learn more about how Medline makes healthcare run better, visit FacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube
Boston Globe
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Kathy Wang's latest novel ponders satisfaction, and how to achieve it in our absurd modern world
Advertisement That kind of droll, deadpan aperçu characterizes Wang's prose, as well as (in close third-person point of view) Joan's reasoning. Her parents are, in fact, hella mean. Wang continues blithely: '... and she was married for only six weeks before she stabbed her husband. The year was 1975.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Awake now? With that bold fillip we start to grasp Joan's uncanny nature — both demure and shockingly brave — and Wang's smooth control of a bucking-bronco of a story, as we enter the awareness of a young Asian woman, transplanted from scarcity, facing the triple-whammy of American luxury, mores, and prejudices. Advertisement When Joan next marries Bill, a wealthy older white man, she inherits his lush world of (Northern California-based) affluence — his fabulous designer home — and his selfish, quarrelsome extended family, including spoiled grown twins. (We want to jump into some scenes and shout at all of them.) Joan manages the transition with resourceful wit and courage — even if she's often baffled. Take the lonely anguish of dinner party small talk, 'lobbing tedious little bombs back and forth indefinitely.' And then, the thesis: 'Oh, how did people do any of this? Sometimes Joan wished there was a place she could visit to feel less alone: a restaurant with very friendly servers where she might order a bowl of spaghetti and casually surrender her insecurities. When she was little, she used to daydream of a place she named in her head the Satisfaction Cafe ... not stretched to fantastic outcomes but ... a reasonable amount of happiness.' There — and in other remarkable passages — beats this work's eloquent heart: the perpetual riddle of universal loneliness, and Joan's consuming vision to remedy that. '[A] global deficit in satisfaction ... obsessed Joan.' Wang gives generous thought to the formula. 'Joan had discovered this was what people wanted, to be asked about themselves. … As time passed, [she] became increasingly convinced of a serious epidemic of lack of attention in the world.' Joan raises young children: 'What an incredible experience parenting was: all the ways one could suffer.' She endures a cavalcade of ordeals and losses — some bizarre; many darkly funny. Yet alert readers will recognize that life regularly delivers exactly such ironies and absurd insults, one flowing into the next naturally as a tinkling creek. Against practical wisdom and others' attitudes, Joan sets about creating and fine-tuning her cherished cafe, where countless odd souls find consolation and connection — including, ultimately, Joan herself. Advertisement Every detail mesmerizes: food (oh, the food!), landscapes, architecture, clothing, personalities, and a steady, sly, Austenian dissection of various social specimens. ''I hate [my husband],'' one bored dinner guest tells Joan. ''He's awfully cheap.' A pear-shaped diamond gleamed from her left ring finger. Her right hand featured a blue sapphire the size of a gumball, which mirrored her necklace and earrings.' The more we read the more we crave. Wang flawlessly enters the minds and orbits of other principals: Joan's children; even her lawyer. All of them age together — time's movement seamless yet swift. Best, Wang compassionately explores the morphing mind-sets of aging. In late life, Joan reflects on a former lover (now a kind friend) who's become an old man: 'Sometimes there were people ... who [might have been a bigger] part of your life ... but it wasn't meant to be, and you had only that limited share. [When Joan thought of] all the things she would never experience because she was past that stage ... she would have to go and sit by herself for a while.' Toward the novel's close, Joan recalls a period of driving around, 'through extended stretches of dusty roads, little towns, and lone farmhouses, and [finding] herself overcome by all these worlds she'd never know. She'd had the urge many times to pull over and knock on a door. Who are you inside? She wanted to ask. We'd never meet otherwise, isn't that a shame? … [B]y building the cafe, she had knocked on the door of the universe.' Advertisement For my money, that passage alone may be worth the candle. But every single one of the novel's pages pay that quality of sparkling attention, affording readers effortless pleasure — like that of a long, delicious meal alongside a roster of eccentric, seductive, incorrigible guests. Bon appetit. THE SATISFACTION CAFÉ By Kathy Wang Scribner, 352 pages, $27.99 Joan Frank's latest books are ' ' and ' .' Her recent novella, 'Troldhaugen,' appears in the online literary journal 'Failbetter.'
San Francisco Chronicle
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
The most powerful act at Napa's La Onda festival? It's not on the main stage
One of the most important performances at La Onda in Napa doesn't take place on any of the big stages. It isn't projected on jumbo screens, doesn't feature any dazzling pyrotechnics or conclude with an audience-requested encore. In fact, for the tens-of-thousands at the Napa Valley Expo on Saturday and Sunday May 31-June 1, for the second annual Latin music festival, it may happen quietly, without them ever noticing. Yet, it may arguably be the most essential act of the weekend. In the margins of the two-day festival's footprint, Callpuli Anahuak, a Northern California-based Aztec danza group, gathered in a circle and offered ancestral drumming and prayer. No microphones. No spotlights. Just feet against soil. Carlos Romero, who leads the group and has been dancing for Callpuli Anahuak for more than 20 years, describes it plainly: 'We're ceremonial.' 'It's a spiritual journey from our ancestors, from our people. When we bring ceremony, it feels like everybody connects — every culture,' he went on. 'I feel like every human being needs that.' Romero and his multi-generational dance and ceremony cohort returned after a stirring performance at La Onda's inaugural year, one that stood in quieter contrast to the festival's usual programming. Their presence, however, isn't just some cultural veneer for La Onda. According to Romero, to the organizers' credit, that was never the intention when they first approached them for the festival's inaugural year in 2024. But given the current political backdrop, all four of Callpuli Anahuak's La Onda performances (both days at 1:45 and 4:45 p.m. on the field by the Verizon Stage) may feel like a spiritual intervention, arriving at a moment when Latinx identity is being simultaneously marketed, marginalized and persecuted. It certainly served as a respite for LIlian Zepeda. A Napa native, she's Mexican and African American; watching her fellow festivalgoers cheer on the group on Saturday afternoon, she said, made her feel more at peace amid the current political climate. 'It feels like an acceptance in this country,' Zepeda said, adding that despite 'what's going on, (we're) still proud of who we are.' Perhaps inadvertent, but that's the kind of chord La Onda festival organizers hit this year. 'In these challenging times, it's gratifying to know that these Callpuli Anahuak ceremonial performances are resonating with our attendees,' Dave Graham, a partner at BottleRock Napa Valley, which also produces La Onda, told the Chronicle. The fear that lives just outside the gates of La Onda is not imagined. In the Napa Valley and greater Bay Area, anxiety has risen among the immigrant community under the Trump administration following renewed federal threats of mass deportations. It feels all the more significant since Grupo Firme — one of the most prominent and highly anticipated acts on La Onda's lineup — was forced to withdraw from the festival due to delayed visa approvals. In that context, Romero sees Callpuli Anahuak's performance not just as entertainment but a form of resistance. 'We're being attacked,' said Romero, who was born in Mexico and raised in Sonoma County. But he quickly added, 'our people never give up. We work all the hard jobs. We're the backbone of this country.' Standing on the field of the region's premier Latin music festival he also notes that Callpuli Anahuak isn't dancing this weekend in direct protest. They dance in defiance of invisibility. 'We forget to be present,' Romero said. 'We forget to be in the moment, and I think ceremony helps you with that. It reminds you that you're here, right now, and you're breathing and that's a blessing.' And presence, right now, is power. Julio Lara is a freelance writer.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Here's what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled in the U.S.
In a perfect world, every flight would take off promptly and make it to its final destination 20 minutes early. But in the real world, delays and outright cancellations are all too common. From thunderstorms to mechanical issues to air traffic control snafus, there are plenty of reasons to prevent your plane from making an on-time departure. The good news is that travelers have options and access to some compensation when wait times drag on. Here's what to know when the dreaded 'delayed' or 'canceled' warning shows up on the airport's departure board. At first, your options are: Wait it out on the original itinerary, try to get on another flight with the same airline, or rebook for free with a partner airline (not all carriers allow this). But once the delay reaches three hours on a domestic flight (six for an international one), the 'automatic refund' rule kicks in. This new policy, which went into effect in 2024, requires an airline to refund the full amount of your trip if you so choose, even if you bought a nonrefundable ticket, and regardless of the reason for the delay. However, Janice Hough, a Northern California-based travel adviser, warns that the refund works only if you decide to stay home, or you can find another way to get there, such as an affordable last-minute alternate flight. 'It's not always a solution in getting you to the place you're trying to go,' she says. (Related: Jet lag doesn't have to ruin your trip. Here's what you can do.) The reason or cause for a flight delay does matter. If the delay is out of the airline's control, such as bad weather, then probably not. If it's the airline's fault that you're late, also known as a controllable delay—a mechanical problem, fueling, or issues with the crew—then yes. All major U.S. carriers will provide money or a voucher for a meal if you're delayed more than three hours. A few will even give you a travel voucher and/or frequent flier miles for the inconvenience. If you're in a foreign airport when the delay happens, you might be eligible for cash, too. European Union countries and the UK provide payouts for certain delays, even if you're flying a U.S. airline. The same 'automatic refund' rule applies, so you can opt for your money back or rebook the flight. Some airlines might offer a flight voucher or frequent flyer miles instead of a refund. You can only pick one form of compensation. If the cancellation has you stranded overnight, and it's a controllable delay, then some carriers will cover the cost of a hotel and transportation to and from the airport. Check the Department of Transportation's dashboard to see exactly how passengers can be compensated. Airlines don't have to offer these perks, but if they've committed to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to do so, then they are legally required to honor it. If your airline offers lodging, that doesn't necessarily mean that you can book yourself into the nearest Ritz-Carlton and expect reimbursement, cautions John Breyault, an aviation expert with the National Consumers League. 'Most of the airlines have processes in place and hotels that they work with,' he says. Check with customer service to see if you need to book a particular hotel or use a voucher. Otherwise, there's no guarantee the airline will reimburse you. Remember to save all receipts if you decide to make arrangements on your own. (Related: Dreading a long layover? Here's how to turn it into a second vacation.) You're probably not the only person looking to get on another flight, regardless of whether it's a lengthy delay or a cancellation. This can quickly lead to 200-person-deep lines with the gate agent. 'Don't limit yourself to just one channel to try to fix things,' says Breyault. Get in line but also try to chat with an agent on the airline's app and/or call the main customer service number, which may get you help faster. If you're really desperate, advises Hough, see if you can buy a day pass to the airline's airport lounge. They're often staffed with agents who can help you rebook, and the lines will be much shorter. (Bonus: Lounges offer food and drinks, too.) And if you booked your trip through a travel agent, call them right away. Professionals have access to preferred customer service phone numbers for faster rebooking. Don't forget that you're now competing with the other passengers on your flight. 'Whatever you do, try to do it quickly,' Hough says. 'If there are other flight options with limited seats, you want to be there first.' (Related: Flying in 2025? Here's how to find the cheapest flights.) In the unfortunate event that you and the airline disagree about your rights, start by pulling up the DOT dashboard and/or the airline's policy on its website and showing it to the agent. Keep things calm and polite. A loud, heated conversation with employees won't help your cause. If that doesn't work, you still stand a decent chance of getting reimbursement after the trip ends by appealing to the airline's general customer service staff. 'It's always worth a polite email,' says Hough. 'Get it in writing. If you can say, 'I lost this many hours and had to pay a hotel bill, and I believe I deserve some compensation,' sometimes you get it.' This typically comes in the form of a travel voucher or frequent flier miles. If all else fails, you can file a complaint with the DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection. 'Record as much as you can,' advises Breyault. 'Take notes on whether you spoke to gate agents or people on the phone, and what was said in the conversation. Keep receipts, emails, and any text messages you may have received. The more paperwork you have to back up your complaint, the better.' Experts suggest choosing flights earlier in the day to avoid any delays that compound into the afternoon and evening, and skipping airlines with the worst on-time performance. But the best strategy might be to give yourself extra time whenever possible. That means avoiding tight connections and even flying a day early. Hough recommends, 'If something is absolutely critical, like a cruise departure or a wedding, don't put yourself in a situation where an airline delay will make you miss a major life event. (Related: What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled in the U.K.) Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan is a freelance writer and editor based in Montana.
National Geographic
21-05-2025
- National Geographic
Here's what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled in the U.S.
In a perfect world, every flight would take off promptly and make it to its final destination 20 minutes early. But in the real world, delays and outright cancellations are all too common. From thunderstorms to mechanical issues to air traffic control snafus, there are plenty of reasons to prevent your plane from making an on-time departure. The good news is that travelers have options and access to some compensation when wait times drag on. Here's what to know when the dreaded 'delayed' or 'canceled' warning shows up on the airport's departure board. My flight is delayed. What do I do now? At first, your options are: Wait it out on the original itinerary, try to get on another flight with the same airline, or rebook for free with a partner airline (not all carriers allow this). But once the delay reaches three hours on a domestic flight (six for an international one), the 'automatic refund' rule kicks in. This new policy, which went into effect in 2024, requires an airline to refund the full amount of your trip if you so choose, even if you bought a nonrefundable ticket, and regardless of the reason for the delay. However, Janice Hough, a Northern California-based travel adviser, warns that the refund works only if you decide to stay home, or you can find another way to get there, such as an affordable last-minute alternate flight. 'It's not always a solution in getting you to the place you're trying to go,' she says. (Related: Jet lag doesn't have to ruin your trip. Here's what you can do.) Can I receive compensation if I wait at the airport for my flight delay to be resolved? The reason or cause for a flight delay does matter. If the delay is out of the airline's control, such as bad weather, then probably not. If it's the airline's fault that you're late, also known as a controllable delay—a mechanical problem, fueling, or issues with the crew—then yes. All major U.S. carriers will provide money or a voucher for a meal if you're delayed more than three hours. A few will even give you a travel voucher and/or frequent flier miles for the inconvenience. If you're in a foreign airport when the delay happens, you might be eligible for cash, too. European Union countries and the UK provide payouts for certain delays, even if you're flying a U.S. airline. What if my flight is canceled? The same 'automatic refund' rule applies, so you can opt for your money back or rebook the flight. Some airlines might offer a flight voucher or frequent flyer miles instead of a refund. You can only pick one form of compensation. If the cancellation has you stranded overnight, and it's a controllable delay, then some carriers will cover the cost of a hotel and transportation to and from the airport. Check the Department of Transportation's dashboard to see exactly how passengers can be compensated. Airlines don't have to offer these perks, but if they've committed to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to do so, then they are legally required to honor it. If your airline offers lodging, that doesn't necessarily mean that you can book yourself into the nearest Ritz-Carlton and expect reimbursement, cautions John Breyault, an aviation expert with the National Consumers League. 'Most of the airlines have processes in place and hotels that they work with,' he says. Check with customer service to see if you need to book a particular hotel or use a voucher. Otherwise, there's no guarantee the airline will reimburse you. Remember to save all receipts if you decide to make arrangements on your own. (Related: Dreading a long layover? Here's how to turn it into a second vacation.) How do I make rebooking the flight less of a hassle? You're probably not the only person looking to get on another flight, regardless of whether it's a lengthy delay or a cancellation. This can quickly lead to 200-person-deep lines with the gate agent. 'Don't limit yourself to just one channel to try to fix things,' says Breyault. Get in line but also try to chat with an agent on the airline's app and/or call the main customer service number, which may get you help faster. If you're really desperate, advises Hough, see if you can buy a day pass to the airline's airport lounge. They're often staffed with agents who can help you rebook, and the lines will be much shorter. (Bonus: Lounges offer food and drinks, too.) And if you booked your trip through a travel agent, call them right away. Professionals have access to preferred customer service phone numbers for faster rebooking. Don't forget that you're now competing with the other passengers on your flight. 'Whatever you do, try to do it quickly,' Hough says. 'If there are other flight options with limited seats, you want to be there first.' (Related: Flying in 2025? Here's how to find the cheapest flights.) What if my airline refuses to pay up? In the unfortunate event that you and the airline disagree about your rights, start by pulling up the DOT dashboard and/or the airline's policy on its website and showing it to the agent. Keep things calm and polite. A loud, heated conversation with employees won't help your cause. If that doesn't work, you still stand a decent chance of getting reimbursement after the trip ends by appealing to the airline's general customer service staff. 'It's always worth a polite email,' says Hough. 'Get it in writing. If you can say, 'I lost this many hours and had to pay a hotel bill, and I believe I deserve some compensation,' sometimes you get it.' This typically comes in the form of a travel voucher or frequent flier miles. If all else fails, you can file a complaint with the DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection. 'Record as much as you can,' advises Breyault. 'Take notes on whether you spoke to gate agents or people on the phone, and what was said in the conversation. Keep receipts, emails, and any text messages you may have received. The more paperwork you have to back up your complaint, the better.' How can I prevent this next time? Experts suggest choosing flights earlier in the day to avoid any delays that compound into the afternoon and evening, and skipping airlines with the worst on-time performance. But the best strategy might be to give yourself extra time whenever possible. That means avoiding tight connections and even flying a day early. Hough recommends, 'If something is absolutely critical, like a cruise departure or a wedding, don't put yourself in a situation where an airline delay will make you miss a major life event. (Related: What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled in the U.K.) Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan is a freelance writer and editor based in Montana.
