Latest news with #Stewart
The National
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
SNP minister hits out at Labour Government's welfare cuts
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart's comments came as she launched the Scottish Government's Disability Equality Plan in Glasgow on Friday, a report which aims to put disabled people's experiences and concerns at the centre of policymaking. The plan – which has been in the making since 2016 – looks to improve access to mental health, advice and support services, as well as funding training for policymakers and leaders to build understanding of the issues facing disabled people. READ MORE: Independent MPs table amendment to scrap 'disgusting' welfare bill It also sets out plans to have an annual "Cabinet Takeover", where disabled people will be given a "direct platform" to speak to ministers. As she launched the review, Stewart said she was "firmly opposed" to the UK Government's approach, as she called on Labour to "follow our lead" and protect the welfare system "rather than dismantling it". "At a time when the UK Government's welfare reforms appear to be driven more by cost cutting than by compassion, and balancing the books at the expense of disabled people, let me be frank: Scotland will not, by any means, mirror that approach," she said at the launch. The Labour Government is preparing to push through its Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which – among other things – would change the eligibility criteria for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefit. The UK Government's own analysis has found that the cuts would push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children. Speaking to The National, Stewart reaffirmed the Scottish Government's commitment to a welfare system based on the principles of "dignity, fairness and respect". She said: "In Scotland, we're very proud that we support the social model when it comes to addressing disabled people. "That means that we work very hard to make sure that the environment and the society that they live within – the barriers lie there, we have to limit those barriers, and that includes providing welfare support." READ MORE: BBC issues correction after Debate Night 'bias' on eve of by-election She added that the UK Government's approach "appears to be doing the opposite, by making even further hurdles and undignified and demeaning processes to put off disabled people from claiming what is actually their right". "If you look at Personal Independence Payments, for example, those are very demeaning processes," Stewart continued. "Often disabled people have long-term conditions, they shouldn't have to go through those additional and humiliating experiences to explain time and time again. "Where's the dignity in that?" Stewart said the Scottish Government was "not following that model". She said: "We believe in empowerment, we believe in supporting all of our citizens, and that includes disabled people. "The UK Government should do the same." Labour are facing anger from MPs on both sides of the benches over the cuts, with a significant number of their own MPs set to oppose them. Meanwhile, on Thursday evening, Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft resigned from her position as a Government whip over the planned cuts, which she said were not "part of the solution" to the growing welfare bill. MPs are set to debate the UK Government's welfare proposals on July 1.
Economic Times
5 hours ago
- Economic Times
Minecraft players target of online criminals posing as coders, why it's a big concern and how can gamers stay safe
How does the malware gets triggered Live Events How can gamers stay safe online Use of strong passwords Regularly updating software and devices Monitoring the account activity Restricting the amount of personal info Avoid using public WIFI for gaming Backup your account information Download games from legitimate sources (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The users of Minecraft are on the target of criminals posing as game coders online and tricking them into using malware designed to steal crucial data. This came to light after analysts traced two pieces of malware spread which seemed like Russian gangs on the code-sharing site GitHub, according to cybersecurity firm Check Point, ItGiving details about the malware, the researchers of Check Point said that the malware is developed by a Russian-speaking threat actor and contains several artefacts written in the Russian language, Sky News reported. The malware has been designed to steal from bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, browsers and other computer about the malware spread, Graeme Stewart, head of public sector at Check Point, said that it was similar to the way "gangs operate to take down retail. They create this and then they float it out for people to use it, he them as "modern-day bank heist guys," Stewart said that they are involved in all this just for the money. "They're scraping these details from Minecraft to get into people's crypto wallets, trying to steal bank details, trying to commit bank fraud," he allows users to modify the game as they play along. All players can do anything from fixing bugs to changing how the game looks. The hacking software is hidden inside the code of Minecraft modifications. They are pieces of code that permit users to change the things tend to take a wrong turn when users download the malicious code and place it into their Minecraft application. Unlike their expectations, the users don't get the ability to create "funny maps" or modify the game as promised. The next time when they load the game, the malware gets triggered and starts actively stealing data, according to getting active, the malware starts stealing names, addresses, emails, bank details from the card, he further stated. What makes this malware spread a cause of concern is the fact that of the 200 million people who play Minecraft every month, around 1 million modify the are several smooth ways through which all the gamers who actively participate in online gaming can enjoy their experience while staying safe from hackers and cyber attackers:
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Minecraft players target of online criminals posing as coders, why it's a big concern and how can gamers stay safe
The users of Minecraft are on the target of criminals posing as game coders online and tricking them into using malware designed to steal crucial data. This came to light after analysts traced two pieces of malware spread which seemed like Russian gangs on the code-sharing site GitHub, according to cybersecurity firm Check Point, It Giving details about the malware, the researchers of Check Point said that the malware is developed by a Russian-speaking threat actor and contains several artefacts written in the Russian language, Sky News reported. The malware has been designed to steal from bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, browsers and other computer applications. Speaking about the malware spread, Graeme Stewart, head of public sector at Check Point, said that it was similar to the way "gangs operate to take down retail. They create this and then they float it out for people to use it, he said. Describing them as "modern-day bank heist guys," Stewart said that they are involved in all this just for the money. "They're scraping these details from Minecraft to get into people's crypto wallets, trying to steal bank details, trying to commit bank fraud," he added. How does the malware gets triggered Live Events Minecraft allows users to modify the game as they play along. All players can do anything from fixing bugs to changing how the game looks. The hacking software is hidden inside the code of Minecraft modifications. They are pieces of code that permit users to change the game. The things tend to take a wrong turn when users download the malicious code and place it into their Minecraft application. Unlike their expectations, the users don't get the ability to create "funny maps" or modify the game as promised. The next time when they load the game, the malware gets triggered and starts actively stealing data, according to Stewart. After getting active, the malware starts stealing names, addresses, emails, bank details from the card, he further stated. What makes this malware spread a cause of concern is the fact that of the 200 million people who play Minecraft every month, around 1 million modify the game. How can gamers stay safe online There are several smooth ways through which all the gamers who actively participate in online gaming can enjoy their experience while staying safe from hackers and cyber attackers: These methods include: Use of strong passwords Regularly updating software and devices Monitoring the account activity Restricting the amount of personal info Avoid using public WIFI for gaming Backup your account information Download games from legitimate sources
New York Post
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Martha Stewart sparks hot dog debate over ‘diabolical' condiment
A lifestyle and culinary icon recently took a firm position on the age-old debate of whether ketchup belongs on hot dogs or not. Martha Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living, expressed her opinion in an Instagram reel on June 17. 'I love hot dogs with the works,' Stewart said in the video. She added, 'It has to have bacon, mustard, ketchup, relish, sauerkraut.' Her endorsement of ketchup on hot dogs polarized some of her fans — especially those in the Windy City. 'I love Martha, but ketchup on a hot dog is f—ing diabolical,' one user wrote. 'As a Chicagoan, I cannot abide the ketchup on a hot dog,' another chimed in. 'That'll get you thrown right out of that town faster than disliking deep dish pizza.' 5 Martha Stewart has weighed in on whether ketchup belongs on hot dogs or not. Getty Images 5 'It has to have bacon, mustard, ketchup, relish, sauerkraut,' Stewart said about hot dogs. Brent Hofacker – But others appreciated Stewart's vision and spoke out in favor of condiment-packed hot dogs. 'Martha knows what she's talking about,' a ketchup enthusiast wrote. 'Me too, Martha,' another said. Stewart took the pro-ketchup stance after sharing her Chicago-style hot dog recipe earlier in June, writing that 'there's really only one steadfast rule – no ketchup.' Her comment referred only to Chicago-style hot dogs, though. 5 'Martha knows what she's talking about,' a ketchup enthusiast wrote. WS Studio – Still, some of her fans thought she was in their anti-ketchup camp. 5 'There's really only one steadfast rule – no ketchup,' Stewart said, referring only to Chicago-style hot dogs. Getty Images for Netflix One admirer wrote, 'Absolutely NO ketchup – love you, Martha!' Another chimed in, 'Yes, queenie, no ketchup.' One brave commenter came out in support of ketchup on hot dogs – and was promptly shut down. 5 Fans in the Windy City were not fond of those putting ketchup on hotdogs. DAVID – 'Ketchup is a MUST,' the ketchup fan wrote. 'Not in Chitown,' an Instagram user wrote. 'Not in Chicago,' another repeated. So why is ketchup considered such a controversial addition to hot dogs? Chris Christou, owner of Poochie's Hot Dogs in Chicago, told Fox News Digital his rationale behind skipping ketchup. Christou said the tomato-based condiment's flavor is too overpowering for a Chicago-style hot dog. 'I always felt like ketchup, because of its sweetness, overpowered the rest of the condiments,' the restaurateur said. 'Especially the yellow mustard and dill pickle.' But some devil's advocates continue to support the sweet-and-sour condiment. 'Not only does it enhance the flavor, but adding ketchup offers some real health benefits.' New Jersey-based dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade told Fox News Digital she encourages incorporating ketchup into more meals. 'You need ketchup on your hot dog,' she said, sharing her insights as 'a registered dietitian and mom of three,' she added. 'Not only does it enhance the flavor, but adding ketchup offers some real health benefits.' The dietitian said ketchup contains high amounts of lycopene, which has cancer-fighting properties. '[These] benefits [are] thanks to its high content of lycopene, which is more bioavailable in ketchup versus raw tomatoes due to the cooking process involved in making ketchup.' Palinski-Wade added, 'Studies link higher dietary intake of lycopene from tomatoes and ketchup with a reduced risk of stomach and prostate cancer, thanks to lycopene's antioxidant and anticancer properties.' Fox News Digital reached out to Stewart for comment.
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Daily Record
The Scottish island home to beaches and pub with 'sun trap beer garden'
The isle has everything for a family summer getaway. After a wet start to June, it finally feels like summer is beginning in Scotland. With high temperatures forecast across the country over the coming days, many Scots will be wondering how to make the most of it. When it comes to choosing a day-trip or staycation spot, everybody will have their own preferences. While some prefer easy access to scenic hikes and unique beauty spots, all others want is a friendly pub with a beer garden to soak up some sun. One destination that offers both, and more, is the Isle of Bute. Situated in the Firth of Clyde, the island can be easily reached from Glasgow. Likely your first destination when arriving on Bute will be Rothesay. The main settlement on the island, it has a population of around 4,300 people. The Victorian seaside resort is home to amazing attractions such as Rothesay Castle and the Bute Museum. The former dates back to the 13th century and is famed for its association with the Stewart kings of Scotland, while the Bute Museum is the place to learn more about the incredible natural history of the island. For those looking to get a drink in the sun, one of the top pubs in Rothesay is The Galatea Bar. The venue serves up a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits, ciders, and soft drinks. According to The Galatea Bar Facebook page, the pub features a "sun trap beer garden". There are numerous benches where patrons can enjoy an outdoor drink, while there are also parasols if an unexpected rain shower hits. At the moment, the pub has an average rating of 4.6 out of five on Google based on 217 reviews. Past customers have described it as "stylish and friendly" and "lovely". Rothesay is also home to a number of cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a tasty sit-down meal. Zavaroni's Cafe is a good spot for a light bite or lunch, while The Jam Jar serves up classic dishes such as burgers and fish and chips. Outside of Rothesay, Bute offers a variety of picturesque sandy beaches. Among the most well-known and popular is Ettrick Bay. Situated on the island's northwest coast, Ettrick Bay is comprised of a one-mile-long stretch of golden sand that benefits from sensational views out across to Dunoon and the Isle of Arran. Featuring car parking, toilets, picnic areas, and even a kids' play area, according to Wild About Argyll, it is a great spot for a paddle with the family. Another beautiful beach on Bute is St. Ninian's Bay, which is known for its white cockle shells. Usually quieter than the more popular Ettrick Bay, it is a good choice for those after a picturesque walk or a bit of birdwatching. Other things to see on the Isle of Bute include Mount Stuart and St Blane's Chapel. Mount Stuart features around 300 acres of gardens with amazing plant collections to explore, while St Blane's Chapel consists of the well-preserved ruins of a church dating back hundreds of years. If you are interested in heading to Bute for a staycation this summer, the island can be reached via ferry. There are regular services between Rothesay and Wemyss Bay, which has a rail link to Glasgow. More information about Bute and the things to see and do on the island can be found on the Visit Bute website.
