Respect due, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: GOAT in 100 metres-July 19, 2022

Say it: ‘5 times 100 metres world champion’: that’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce:

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce led from the start. Mommy🚀🚀🚀pic.twitter.com/FzmC0PYrMc

— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) July 18, 2022

The Jamaican women swept, again, as in last year’s Olympics. Hail, too, Shericka Jackson, running 10.73 for 2nd, and Elaine Thompson-Herah 10.81 for 3rd. Having an amazing crop and of the current best sprinters is a wonderful blessing.

Shelly-Ann hit her 2022 peak again in the event, aged 35, running 10.67 seconds, for a championship record, and for the 3rd time this season. She’s just off her personal best/then-national record 10.60 seconds, run in 2021. But, she’s now run under 10.7 5 times in the past 18 months!

Most of the narrative is well-known to Jamaicans. She’s taken time off to give birth, and suffering injuries:

“Taking time off to have a child is just part of the journey”

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is a mother, Olympic Champion, and now 5x World Champion in the 100m 👏🇯🇲 #WorldAthleticsChampionships pic.twitter.com/Xg1t9LHK1m

— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) July 18, 2022

Medal ceremony of the historic women's 100m 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
5th world title for Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
10.67 CR to win the gold
Jamaican sweep 🧹🧹🧹

History! 🇯🇲 pic.twitter.com/1tCKKNKbBx

— bassant hemida stan acc (@TnFtms) July 19, 2022

She has a successful hair business, now a decade-old, which she promotes, happily on the track:

@realshellyannfp Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce launches Chic Hair Ja #Jamaica [Aug. 2013]#Oregon2022https://t.co/VLom8tDsh5

— Ricardo (@rickjam) July 17, 2022

Jamaican sprinter adjusts her wig mid-race but still reaches the semi-finals of the World Championships in Eugene | @benbloomsporthttps://t.co/x3ukr6pv6o

— Telegraph Women’s Sport (@WomensSport) July 19, 2022

Her flowing wigs are a joy to see and trademark to her spirit.

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It ain’t half hot, Mum! UK heatwave-July 18, 2022

It’s official! Red alerts have been issued, in the UK, for the first time.

The Met Office have issued a red extreme heat warning today, with temperatures expected to reach 40C in parts of London.

Take regular breaks, carry water with you, keep hydrated and stop driving if you feel drowsy, tired or unwell. pic.twitter.com/eoDRgims82

— TfL Taxi & Private Hire (@TfLTPH) July 18, 2022

The UK is now catching fire, like much of mainland Europe:

Firefighters are battling to contain wildfires sweeping across southwest Europe as a heatwave showed no sign of abating

Blazes raging in France, Greece, Portugal and Spain have destroyed thousands of hectares of land and forced thousands to fleehttps://t.co/uLwxbHpSUr pic.twitter.com/xXMw4WOaKM

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 18, 2022

UK may have hottest day on record with 41C forecast https://t.co/7lJ3wgdB16

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 18, 2022

Many aspects of life will be affected:

Delays on Underground as London prepares for 40C heat https://t.co/cxs94Wtq9m

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) July 18, 2022

Advice is being provided, especially to cover vulnerable people and animals:

Good morning. Stay safe out there today.

🏠 Try and keep your home cool
🚰 Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol
🕒 Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pmhttps://t.co/iB8DjOhBiw

— NHS (@NHSuk) July 18, 2022

☀️ With the UK set for record high temperatures over the coming days, it’s important to know how to stay safe during a #heatwave. People who drink alcohol or use drugs are at increased risk in hot weather. Here's some simple advice to help protect yourself. ⬇️ #ForFairChances pic.twitter.com/rkLw6e7RAZ

— Humankind (@Humankind_UK) July 15, 2022

⚠️ With Red and Amber extreme heat warnings in place across the UK, vets have issued urgent advice for keeping pets safe from heat-related illnesses. #HeatwaveUK @thebsava @metoffice

Take a look at our top tips 🐶🐱🐰🐰https://t.co/IbFZgeBfw0

— BritishVets (@BritishVets) July 15, 2022

Please don't walk your dog in this heat. #heatwave #UK pic.twitter.com/BrgZ1j9Bgp

— Make me a cuppa. (@CharmaineNagle2) July 8, 2022

Debates will rage about the causes and role of climate change:

People keep telling me that because the UK had a heatwave in 1976, climate change is overhyped.

So here’s the global heat anomaly maps from June 1976 and June 2022. https://t.co/GGVg46UTcI pic.twitter.com/tngiGoEEUl

— Will Norman (@willnorman) July 17, 2022

Some aren’t impressed and scornful, though.

#ReggaeGirlz go up to go ‘down under’, World Cup bound, again-July 12, 2022

In a winner-take-all game against Haiti, Jamaica’s women’s team won 4-0 to seal a spot in Australia and New Zealand in 2023. That’s consecutive qualifications. They and our compatriots should be immensely proud.

QUALIFIED! ⚽️🇯🇲 #TeamJamaica

Congratulations to our #ReggaeGirlz on securing their spot in next year’s World Cup! pic.twitter.com/6AGa49DXFa

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) July 12, 2022

The match was not without scarces as Haiti hit a post at 0-0, and came close several times while trailing 1-0.

🇯🇲 Khadija Shaw led @jff_football to victory tonight.

📹 Enjoy all the action of #CWC ➡️ @ConcacafW https://t.co/Sa05MNkSMn

— Concacaf (@Concacaf) July 12, 2022

USA topped the group, with 3 wins and maximum points, scoring 9, conceding 0. Jamaica scored 5, conceded 5 (all from USA 😰), ending with 2 wins and a loss.

The final numbers of Group A! 🙌#CWC pic.twitter.com/LJ9KGujxfB

— Concacaf W (@ConcacafW) July 12, 2022

The other 2 CONCACAF slots were also decided, with Canada beating Costa Rica 2-0, but both qualify.

Group B action ended with @CanadaSoccerEN 🇨🇦 as the leader and @fepafut 🇵🇦 securing the third spot to qualify for the Intercontinental Playoff! @FIFAWWC #CWC pic.twitter.com/IK0vdyieFN

— Concacaf W (@ConcacafW) July 12, 2022

Canada got maximum points, with same goals scored and goal difference as USA; these two teams look favourites to make the final. But, nothing is certain.

These 4 teams will play CONCACAF semifinals on July 14, and final and 3rd place matches on July 18.

Haiti will have an intercontinental playoff in February 2023 for a vacant World Cup slot:

🇭🇹 @fhfhaiti will play in February ’23 in the Intercontinental Playoff Tournament for their ticket to the @FIFAWWC!🎟️#CWC pic.twitter.com/dzGIkYFmJz

— Concacaf W (@ConcacafW) July 12, 2022

I want to be your leader: UK’s PM prospects raising their hands-July 11, 2022

Mere days after UK PM Boris John’s resigned as his Party’s leader, while clinging on as PM, at least 10 con-didates have raised their hands begging “Choose me!”:

These 10 Candidates Are Vying To Replace Boris Johnson As U.K. Prime Minister https://t.co/WHfOZfyDVL pic.twitter.com/FLNWDoBQ2s

— Forbes (@Forbes) July 10, 2022

A humorous take on them all as 1990s’ cars is worth reading-hilarious:

THREAD: The Tory leadership candidates as 90s British cars.

JEREMY HUNT: Ford Mondeo. Zero edge no matter how slick the design is. There was talk that they listed to the left but they want everyone to know they’ve DEFINITELY fixed that now. pic.twitter.com/WA6ej6iSCW

— Sooz Kempner (@SoozUK) July 11, 2022

Already, the ‘muck raking’ has begun:

That moment that you find out our shiny new Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zawahi has been investigated by the National Crime Agency and the Serious Fraud Office and is under current investigation by HMRC….

Seems like the perfect choice for a Tory Cabinet member 😂

— Jason J Hunter (Not a noble Lord) (@JJHTweets) July 9, 2022

But, let the dust settle more.

Rules of selection have been changed, with minimum support from 20 MPs needed to get on the ballot.

The Tory party's governing body – the 1922 Committee – has revealed how and when Boris Johnson's replacement will be elected. https://t.co/cVUKXUgJ2u

— ITV News (@itvnews) July 11, 2022

Nominations will start and end on July 12:

"Nominations will open and close tomorrow"

Sir Graham Brady provides an update following a meeting of the 1922 Committee on the rules of the upcoming Conservative leadership election.

Latest: https://t.co/uHm0xbqwU1

📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/eLsEmIB1a0

— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 11, 2022

Boris Johnson, getting (his) exit done!-July 7, 2022

After almost 48 hours of ministerial and MP resignations-over 50, the most in history in so short a time-Boris Johnson’s digging his heels in has ended with his feet slipping from underneath and accepting what was blindly obvious to many for week: it’s time to go. He’s just announced his stepping down as Tory Party leader and PM, but wanting to stay out till a new leader is appointed. He may not get that wish, as matters aren’t wholly in his control.

Watch UK PM Boris Johnson make statement in Downing Street – he is expected to confirm his resignation as Conservative leader

Follow live https://t.co/2V6ohpkiut

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) July 7, 2022

Many of his allies have been pleading with him to go, but he didn’t bite that bullet, immediately.

As he said, “Them’s the breaks.”

Let the leadership race begin.

Resigned! Boris Johnson sailing without a crew?-July 6, 2022

First, two front-line Cabinet ministers-finance and health minister-said “enough”, then a floodgate opened and rats fled the ship of Boris Johnson’s government in droves. So, what’s the sum damage…so far?

Who is staying in Boris Johnson's cabinet and who has left? https://t.co/2sVf4dtsNC

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) July 5, 2022

Letters from the Cabinet ministers were damning:

The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously.

I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning.

My letter to the Prime Minister below. pic.twitter.com/vZ1APB1ik1

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 5, 2022

Whoa finally read the Sajid Javid resignation letter in full! pic.twitter.com/C6GDPzUgIw

— Sooz Kempner (@SoozUK) July 6, 2022

Latest tally 9 resignations tonight. 2 cabinet, 4PPS, 1 vice chair, 2 trade envoys.

And it’s getting very ugly. One former cabinet minister (and not an obvious agitator) tells me tonight: “PM’s finished” When I asked how long he’s got, the MP said “a matter of days”

— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) July 5, 2022

A stream of resignations continued today:

With great sadness and regret, I have this morning tendered my resignation to the Prime Minister after I accepted and repeated assurances on Monday to the media which have now been found to be inaccurate.

I wish my successor well – it is the best job in government. pic.twitter.com/65EOmHd47p

— Will Quince MP 🇬🇧 (@willquince) July 6, 2022

BREAKING: Schools Minister Robin Walker MP has offered his resignation. In a letter to the Prime Minister, he said the party "has become distracted from its core missions by a relentless focus on questions of leadership."

Latest: https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3

📺 Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/aL9Xr0HmPJ

— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 6, 2022

Senior Tory MP Robert Halfon has submitted a letter of no confidence in the Prime Minister.

In his letter, posted on Twitter, the MP for Harlow said the public had been “misled” over the appointment of Chris Pincher.

Follow updates here👇https://t.co/M6Jfa2TfVD

— Evening Standard (@standardnews) July 6, 2022

The ugliness of the flow may get worse as the PM has to answer at PMQ later and Sajid Javid explains his resignation to Parliament. All eyes fixed on this matter, today.

Keeping up to date with January 6 Committee (J6C) hearings-July 5, 2022

Not all of us can or want to keep up with all the details of political matters, but the J6C hearings are important in so many ways. So, take the easy route, if desired, of reading key take-aways so far:

5 things we've learned so far from the Jan. 6 committee hearings https://t.co/4aOB5x5lYa

— NPR Politics (@nprpolitics) July 5, 2022

Bombshell testimony to January 6 Committee, by Cassidy Hutchinson…ketchup on the walls-July 3, 2022

Last week, the January 6 Committee heard first hand testimony and reports from a close aide in the White House, Cassidy Hutchinson.

The Select Committee's witness today is Cassidy Hutchinson, who served in the Trump Administration in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs in 2019-2020 and as a Special Assistant to the President in the Chief of Staff’s office from March 2020 through January 2021. pic.twitter.com/835anPrsAC

— January 6th Committee (@January6thCmte) June 28, 2022

It detailed some bizarre behaviour by former president Trump at the time insurrectionists were trying to invade the US Capitol.

Tuesday's hearing revealed that Trump and his allies knowingly pushed a false scheme to overturn the election, and failed to prevent and stop violence at the Capitol.

4️⃣-minute recap of Cassidy Hutchinson’s testimony ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/xa3LPYXlAA

— January 6th Committee (@January6thCmte) July 3, 2022

BREAKING: Arkansas Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson declares that he believes Cassidy Hutchinson’s(no relation) compelling testimony” to the January 6 Committee,” announces that he won’t support Trump in 2024 because he’s a “risk to the nation.” RT TO THANK GOVERNOR HUTCHINSON!

— Occupy Democrats (@OccupyDemocrats) July 2, 2022

Cassidy Hutchinson is my friend. I knew her testimony would be damning. I had no idea it’d be THIS damning.

I am so grateful for her courage & integrity.

To anyone who would try to impugn her character, I’d be glad to put you in touch w/ @January6thCmte to appear UNDER OATH.

— Alyssa Farah Griffin 🇺🇸 (@Alyssafarah) June 28, 2022

Secret Service sources have corroborated key parts of the testimony, about events related to Trump’s desire to go with the rioters:

Accounts of former President Trump angrily demanding to go to Capitol on January 6 — including details similar to how former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson described it to the House select committee — circulated in Secret Service over past year https://t.co/dlkvAMJPeK

— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 1, 2022

We since learned that attempts were made to influence her testimony:

NEW: One of the people who may have been trying to influence Cassidy Hutchinson’s testimony to the House January 6 committee did so at the behest of former-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, sources tell CNN https://t.co/MlyPisHBLW

— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) July 1, 2022

NEW: Trump melted down when the Secret Service refused to take him to the Capitol on January 6 and reached for the steering wheel of the presidential limousine. A security guard stopped him and Trump lunged forward to grab his throat, according to Meadows aide Cassidy Hutchinson.

— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) June 28, 2022

Ronald Sanders | Dust off Commonwealth SG elections | Commentary | Jamaica Gleaner-July 4, 2022

Much has been written in the Caribbean media about the contest surrounding the post of Commonwealth secretary-general (SG) that was decided on Friday, June 24 at an election in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Many statements and claims were made…
— Read on jamaica-gleaner.com/article/commentary/20220702/ronald-sanders-dust-commonwealth-sg-elections

Putting blogging on pause for a month…

I’ve blogged continuously and daily for over 2 years, during the worst of the COVID pandemic. I still have lots of views to share, but want to keep them to myself during July: family holidays beckon.

All being well, regular service will resume in August.

👍🏾