Humanoid robots are very different from your typical automatons. Instead of being made of metal, humanoid robots look like human beings. They walk on two legs, have arms and hands (instead of claws or blades), and have fully articulated faces. Best of all, they can move around in the same spaces as humans without fear of tripping over, falling through a stairwell, or doing any other kind of dangerous things that could hurt them or anyone else. Humans are among the most complex creatures on earth, with rich emotional lives and complex thinking abilities that make them capable of feats like playing chess and flying to the moon. Creating a humanoid robot is one way to learn more about how humans work and what makes us who we are. With this tutorial, you’ll learn everything you need to know about creating a humanoid robot from scratch.

How To Make A Humanoid Robot

Things to Know Before You Start

You can build any humanoid robot you like, but there are a few things you’ll want to consider before you start. Will your robot be autonomous or remote-controlled? How complex do you want the electronics to be? What materials will you use: metal, plastic, wood, or something else? What tasks will your robot be able to do? Will your robot need to climb stairs, stand on uneven ground, or walk on ice? Once you’ve answered these questions, you’re ready to start building. Depending on the complexity of your robot and the materials you’re using, you may need to create custom parts using a 3D printer or CNC machine. You’ll also need to have a space to work, either a garage or workshop, and tools like a soldering iron, screwdrivers, and wire cutters. You’ll also need an electrical multimeter to check for current, voltage, and resistance.

What Do Humanoid Robots Look Like?

Because humanoid robots are built to resemble human beings, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some, like the famous T-800 from the Terminator movies, are very large and muscular. Others, like Honda’s ASIMO, are shorter and stouter. Regardless of size, they all have certain things in common. – All humanoid robots have two legs and two arms, as well as two hands. The legs end in feet, not wheels or treads like most automatons. – Most humanoid robots have heads, eyes, and ears, but no mouth. They don’t need mouths to talk, but most can use their mouths to pick up objects or drink water. – Most humanoid robots are made of metal and plastic, while some have rubber or silicone skins that look very much like human flesh.

Materials You’ll Need

– Soldering Iron and Wire Cutters: Most humanoid robots are controlled by computers, and computers are made of wires. It’s your job to connect all the wires together, and that’s what the soldering iron and wire cutters are for. – Screw Driver: You’ll need to screw together your frame, motors, and other parts. – Wrench: You’ll need a wrench to tighten your bolts and nuts. – Glue: You may need to glue your frame together, so stock up on glue. – Wire: You’ll need two kinds of wire: one to connect your motors with your frame, and one to connect your computer to your motor controller. – Computer: You’ll need a computer to program your robot. You could also use a handheld device like a smartphone or tablet, but a computer is best.

Installing the Software

Before you can build your robot, you’ll need to download the software that lets your computer “talk” to your robot. The two most common pieces of software are RobotC and Arduino. Both programs are easy to install, but RobotC is more complex and better for more advanced robotics projects. Once you’ve installed the software, you can begin to design your robot from scratch. Start by sketching out your robot on paper and deciding where each of the parts go. Once you’ve sketched out your robot, you can move on to building the frame.

The Frame and Bending Mechanism

All humanoid robots need a frame, even if they’re made of just two pieces of wood. Frames connect the motors with the robot’s arms, legs, and head, giving it the ability to walk, stand, sit, and move its hands. Frames are made using a combination of wood and metal, with plastic pieces in between to add more flexibility. Once you’ve built your frame, you’ll need to connect your motors to it. Most humanoid robots have two legs and two arms, each with a motor. The best way to connect the motors to the frame is with a bending mechanism. A bending mechanism allows the frame to bend as the motors move, keeping the motors and wires from getting pulled out of place.

Scapula and Shoulder Instance Variables

Once your frame is built and the motors are connected, you can start on the upper body. Humanoid robots have arms with hands that are designed to be just like human arms, complete with rotating joints, elbows, wrists, and fingers. For example, if you want your robot to rotate its left hand, you’ll need to rotate its scapula. But how do you know how much to rotate it? Scapulas are like hinges that allow the arms to move. You’ll need to provide them with a specific amount of room to wiggle. To do this, you’ll need to make two instance variables: one for the shoulder and one for the scapula. Shoulder: The shoulder instance variable is easy. It’s basically the width of the arm and the length of the arm. You need to know the width so you know where to put the shoulder and the length so you know how far up the arm goes. Scapula: The scapula instance variable is more complicated. It measures the distance between a point on the shoulder and a point on the hand. To figure out the distance, you’ll need a measuring tape, a table, and a book. Place the measuring tape on the table, with one end on the edge of the table and the other end on the floor. Place a book on the table at the midpoint between the measuring tape and the floor. Now, measure the distance between the book and the table. That’s how far the scapula needs to go.

Instance Variable: Elbow Variable and Bending Mechanism

The elbow is a hinge that allows the arms to bend. You’ll need to provide it with a specific distance to move. Make an instance variable for the elbow and add a percentage (10%, 50%, etc.) that determines how far it can bend. Bending Mechanism: You’ll also need to make a bending machine for the elbow. Bending mechanisms are basically pieces of wood with an elbow joint in the middle connecting the motors to the frame. They make it easier for the motors to bend the elbow.

Instance Variable: Wrist Variable and Hand Instance Variables

The wrist allows the hand to rotate. It doesn’t need a specific distance to travel, so don’t add anything to the wrist instance variable. It’ll be connected to the fingers. Fingers: Like the scapula, the distance between the wrist and the fingers is measured in books. Make another instance variable for the fingers and measure the distance between the wrist and the fingers. Bending Mechanism: The bending mechanism for the fingers is just a piece of wood with two holes cut in it. One hole is for the thumb and one is for the finger. You’ll need to make holes in the wood because you don’t know how big your robot’s hand is.

Bottom Portion Instance Variables

The last part of the robot you need to worry about is the bottom. The bottom portion is made up of the legs and the feet. You’ll need to make instance variables for the distance between the legs, the distance from the bottom to the ground, and the length of the foot. You need to

FAQs:

What is the difference between an instance variable and a regular variable?

Instance variables are like normal variables, except that they only exist within single objects. You can use an instance variable to track the distance between two objects or to track how far a robot’s arm can bend.

What is an initial velocity? What does it have to do with robots?

Initial velocity is a term used in kinematics to describe how fast something starts moving. Initial velocity is important in robotics because you need to know exactly how fast your robot starts moving before you can calculate its distance traveled. This will help you figure out where your robot has traveled so far. If your robot’s initial velocity was 10 units per second, then it would’ve traveled 10 units in one second (1 unit = 1 meter).

The post How To Make A Humanoid Robot: 15 Steps, With Pictures appeared first on Marquette Tribune.

Gerald Sastra/The Cougar

The University has updated its COVID-19 policies, effective June 21, according to an email from Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance Raymond Bartlett.

Bartlett said the virus is “far more manageable” now, causing the University to update its COVID-19 policies, including no longer requiring those who test positive to complete the necessary forms and not enforcing restrictions at events.

“However, you are still required to follow the UH COVID-19 protocols if you are symptomatic, test positive or are exposed to someone who has tested positive, which may include self-isolation or quarantine,” Bartlett said.

The dashboard which identifies positive cases on campus will no longer be in use after June 20, but the website will display relevant information, including guidelines for those with a positive test results.

Business travel requests will revert back to their pre-COVID procedures, and specialty cleaning for positive cases will be reduced. The campus pharmacy will still be giving Pfizer vaccines, along with the walk-up kiosk staying open for testing.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“UH updates COVID-19 policies, lifts certain restrictions” was originally posted on The Cougar

Utah-born musicians The National Parks have teamed up with Sartain and Saunders to bring the second annual Superbloom Music Festival, with all of its fun-in-the-sun celebrations of life, to Hurricane, Utah on Sept. 10, 2022.

SuperBloom Music Festival

Since its premiere in October 2021, the Superbloom Festival has sought to bring an outdoor concert experience with a variety of musicians to a backdrop of red rock in southern Utah.

Billy Eusterman, S&S marketing coordinator, wrote about the process of selecting the venue for the festival. “We landed on Sand Hollow Resort, just outside of Hurricane, Utah. It’s a beautiful resort situated on a stunning red rock backdrop,” Eusterman wrote, “it’s far enough away to be a destination in itself and you’re close to some of the best outdoor adventures in the state.”

The festival takes place near several outdoor locations. Most notably, Utah’s national parks. Whether one is excited by the band of the same name or the destinations known for their views — there are National Parks of both sorts.  

This year’s lineup includes Judah & The Lion, Beeson, The Moss, Birdtalker and others. VIP tickets are available for those who want to attend The Nationals Parks’ Campfire Show on Sept. 9, the day before the festival. VIP ticket holders also get access to front viewing and the festival’s VIP lounge.

These upgrades are part of a substantial update to the festival as a whole. Eusterman shared some of the details on what to expect from the bigger, more evolved Superbloom this year. “Everything is a bit bigger,” Eusterman said. “There are more artists performing, bigger names, and a bigger community of friends to celebrate with. We also have a new location for the VIP Campfire Show at the Sand Hollow Rock Bowl which is something we are very excited about.” 

Uniquely Utah

The collaboration between S&S and The National Parks to set up the festival was an involved one. The group set out to book artists together who they felt embodied the beauty that makes Utah so unique.

Superbloom festival appears to be a destination for those seeking outdoor adventure, music and community while surrounded by the sunshine and adventure of southern Utah. The festival is a uniquely collaborative project between management and musicians. This type of collaboration allows for a creative and professional perspective. It could set a precedent for future festivals to increase the collaboration between professionals and creatives to provide well-rounded experiences that showcase multiple viewpoints.

Whether you’re an outdoor music festival pro, or just someone on the outskirts who wants to celebrate Utah and what life and community can be — Superbloom is likely to provide plenty of opportunities and experiences catered directly to you.

Eusterman wonderfully summed up Superbloom’s intent when he said,  “the thing we want attendees to get out of SuperBloom is an appreciation for all the beauty around them. There’s something indescribable about dancing with your friends under the stars, especially in a place as breathtaking and unique as southern Utah.”   

w.fuller@dailyutahchronicle.com

@whit_fuller_

The post S&S and The National Parks Present Southern Utah Second Superbloom Music Festival appeared first on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

In the wild, nothing comes without risk. Even the mightiest predator is susceptible to attack from another animal, if not by any other natural predator than by humankind. As such, there are very few animals left on this planet that have no natural enemies. In fact, some of the largest predators know all too well what it is like to be hunted by another creature rather than natural prey. The same can be said for bald eagles. Although these birds of prey are known as one of the strongest and most powerful birds in their natural habitat, they do still have their own set of predators. There are generally two types of predators that hunt bald eagles: smaller birds and larger mammals. Due to their size and power, adult bald eagles rarely fall prey to smaller birds. However, young bald ears may occasionally become prey to owls, herons, or other predatory birds. Larger mammals are a more common threat to immature bald eagles than adults due to their strength and agility in flight. Large cats such as bobcats and coyotes pose a threat should they make territories too close to any breeding grounds or nests where the younger eagles reside.

Do Bald Eagles Have Predators

Bald eagles do have predators, but they are not a common threat. The most common predators of bald eagles are other birds of prey, such as owls and hawks. These birds will sometimes kill and eat bald eagles, particularly young eagles that are not yet fully grown. Another predator of bald eagles is the bear, which will sometimes kill and eat these birds.

Which Animals Are Predators Of The Bald Eagle?

1. Owls are the most common predators of the Bald Eagle.
2. Other birds of prey such as hawks, eagles, and vultures are also predators of the Bald Eagle.
3. Bears and wolves sometimes kill and eat bald eagles.
4. Dogs, coyotes, foxes, bears, and other animals sometimes hunt bald eagles.
5. Humans are predators of the Bald Eagle as well as many other birds of prey if they kill them for their feathers or meat.

How Do Eagles Defend Against Predators?

1. Eagles can fly very fast, which makes it difficult for a predator to catch them.
2. Eagles can use their talons to defend themselves.
3. Eagles can dive-bomb predators as a last resort if they are threatened.

How Do You Think The Bald Eagle Would React If You Threw Something At It?

1. It would probably fly away and leave the area quickly to avoid getting hit by whatever was thrown at it.
2. It would probably swoop down and try to grab or attack whoever threw something at it, even if they weren’t trying to kill it.
3. It would probably try to catch whatever was thrown at it and destroy it before it got close to it.

What Do You Think The Bald Eagle Would Do If You Threw A Rock At It?

1. It would probably try to fly away quickly, but if the rock was too heavy and hit its wing, it might fall out of the sky and die.
2. It would probably try to dive-bomb whoever threw a rock at it, but if they were too far away, they might not be able to get close enough to the eagle without being hit by its talons or wings.
3. If someone threw a rock at an adult eagle, they might be able to grab their arm and pull them off of their feet so that they fell out of the air and died on impact with the ground or rocks below them. However, if an adult eagle was thrown off of its feet, there is nothing in their bodies that could protect them from dying from hitting something on impact with the ground or rocks below them.

Are Eagles Ever Predated Upon By Other Animals?

1. Eagles are sometimes killed by other birds of prey and other predators, but they are usually able to defend themselves.
2. If an eagle is attacked by a large predator, it will usually try to fly away as quickly as possible so that it doesn’t get hurt or killed.
3. If an eagle is attacked by a large predator, it will probably try to dive-bomb the predator if it can get close enough to it without being hit by its talons or wings.
4. If an eagle is attacked by a large predator, it might be able to grab its arm and pull them off of its feet so that it fell out of the air and died on impact with the ground or rocks below them. However, if an adult eagle was thrown off of its feet, there is nothing in their bodies that could protect them from dying from hitting something on impact with the ground or rocks below them.

Why Is It That Eagles Are Always Associated With The Story Of Jesus?

1. The story of Jesus is the most important and most significant story in all of history.
2. The story of Jesus is the first story that all people have heard, and it has inspired many people throughout history to follow him.
3. The story of Jesus is the last story that people have heard, and it has inspired them to live their lives as good Christians.
4. There is no other narrative out there that is as inspiring or powerful as the story of Christ’s life and death on the cross for our salvation, so it would make sense for other stories to be associated with it when they are written from a historical perspective.
5. If a person wrote a historical fiction novel about the life and death of a famous historical figure, such as Julius Caesar or Alexander the Great, then they would probably want to associate an eagle with their character’s name in order for their character to be more memorable than if they were just named “John Smith.”

Conclusion

Bald eagles are powerful birds of prey that are renowned for their strength and agility in flight. However, there are still predators out there that are known to attack and even kill bald eagles. The best defense for a bald eagle is to avoid any areas where predators are known to live. They should also be cautious during any nesting seasons and avoid making a big commotion when they have young in their nests.

FAQs:

What is the difference between a bald eagle and an osprey?

There is no difference between a bald eagle and an osprey. The only difference between them is their size, which determines how much food they can eat. Ospreys can eat more because they are bigger than bald eagles.

Why do people refer to bald eagles as “white-tailed sea eagles”?

A: When people refer to bald eagles as “white-tailed sea eagles,” they are saying that the bald eagle has whitetails, which they do not have. They are also referring to the fact that the whitetail on their body looks like an eagle’s tail feather when it is spread out completely. However, these two things are not related to each other. Some people might also say that it looks like an eagle’s tail when it is spread out completely because of its size and its color, but this is not true either. It just looks like a large whitetail feather at first glance due to its size and color.

Why do some people refer to bald eagles as “seahawks”?

A: Because of their large size, some people say that they look like hawks at first glance, which makes them wonder if there were ever any seahawks in the past or if there will be any in the future. Seahawks were birds that lived during the time of dinosaurs, so maybe those dinosaurs were bald eagles.

The post Do Bald Eagles Have Predators appeared first on Marquette Tribune.

America’s Diner Collaborates with TikTok Stars on Limited Time Sweet and Savory Meals SPARTANBURG, S.C., June 16, 2022 – It’s Summertime 2022 and Denny’s is the official hotspot for guests wanting to make the most of the season. For a limited time starting June 22, guests can enjoy the deliciousness of summer with three mouthwatering […]

Suzanne Nora Johnson was elected the new chair of the University Board of Trustees, President Carol Folt announced in a communitywide email Thursday. She is the first woman to ever hold the chair position. 

“Chair Nora Johnson is an insightful strategist and an ethical and collaborative leader,” Folt wrote in the email. “She will work tirelessly to help USC advance and progress, and we will benefit greatly from her experience, enthusiasm, and energy.” 

Nora Johnson’s election follows a “thorough process” led by the Board’s Nominating and Governance Committee, after former Chair Rick Caruso announced in February that he would step down from the position to run for mayor of Los Angeles. 

“After all that we have been through and accomplished, it is bittersweet to step down as board chair of the institution I have been so proud to steer, though I do so passing the baton into the hands of one of the brightest and most principled executives in the country,” Caruso said in an interview with USC News. 

Caruso assumed the chair position one week after former University President C. L. Max Nikias resigned following decades of sexual abuse allegations against former University gynecologist George Tyndall becoming public, and led the Board of Trustees through multiple other scandals, including Operation Varsity Blues. 

“My view is that the Board has developed a really good muscle to be able to deal with both the positive and the negative,” said Nora Johnson in an interview with the Daily Trojan. “I think the good news is, right now, hopefully some of the big scandals of the past are behind us.” 

Folt said that the transition from Caruso to Nora Johnson is “really in a good place,” and that “everybody’s excited about a new personality” in the chair’s position. 

“I think I have an outstanding board chair again to take us into the next level of all the exciting things we see ahead,” said Folt in an interview with the Daily Trojan. “As everybody knows, we may be facing some pretty difficult financial moments in the country right now, and she’s a fabulous board chair in that respect too.” 

Nora Johnson currently serves as board chair and chair of the Compensation Committee for Intuit, chair of the Audit Committee at Pfizer and co-chair of the Brookings Institution. She previously served as the former vice chair of the Goldman Sachs Group. There, she also served as the chair of the firm’s Global Markets Institute and a member of the firm’s management committee. She has also served in various positions on other boards, including the Broad Foundation and America’s Frontier Fund.

Nora Johnson joined the Board of Trustees in 1998, and served on committees devoted to University leadership, including the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and other search committees that led to the hiring of Chief Investment Officer Amy Diamond and Athletic Director Mike Bohn. She also served as head of the Board’s Investment Committee when the University eliminated its investment in fossil fuels in February 2021. 

She was also one of the trustees who advocated for increased accountability across the Board when Caruso was first elected chair, working with the rest of the Board to conduct “pretty comprehensive governance review and reform.” The changes included reducing the number of voting members and committees on the Board, implementing age and term limits and increasing the diversity of its members. 

In her first communitywide email as chair, Nora Johnson wrote that it is a “historic time for USC to establish a pivotal leadership role” in each of Folt’s four “moonshots,” including improving access and affordability, advancing sustainability and promoting research and healthcare. 

“On the moonshot goals in particular, [my goal is] really to have very thoughtful conversations about what the moonshots are, what the goals are, what the resources necessary are to accomplish them and then any other kinds of tools, advice, analysis that [the administration] wants from the Board to help them achieve that,” Nora Johnson said.

As Nora Johnson transitions into the role, she said that the Board wants to be “very engaged with the different constituencies of the University,” especially coming out of the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Prior to COVID, we were talking about what were more touch points between trustees and students, or trustees and faculty or trustees and the community and staff,” Nora Johnson said. “I think you’ll see those things become more robust again and just a higher level of engagement.” 

Nora Johnson graduated from USC in 1979 with her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in economics, philosophy/religion and political science, before receiving her juris doctorate degree from Harvard Law School. In her email, she wrote that “USC’s traditions and history have remained a deep source of pride and gratitude” since she enrolled at the University as a first-year student from Chicago. 

“I am really excited about [the role],” she said. “I feel like we have a unique opportunity to bring people together in common cause and common purpose and common missions. I just want to make sure we continue to build on that.”

The post Suzanne Nora Johnson elected as new Board of Trustees chair appeared first on Daily Trojan.

Cindy Muñoz/The Cougar

For many students, in-class lecturing provides little room for active engagement with class material.  This may be especially true for STEM courses, which are not traditionally associated with creative thinking.

Cougar Mathletics has made recent efforts to deepen students’ math engagement through their directed reading program, where graduate mentors meet with undergraduate mentees to discuss abstract math concepts.

“We just wanted to provide an opportunity for students to learn things that they don’t see in their typical undergraduate math classes,” said vice president of Cougar Mathletics Katherine Wong. “So this is a great way to prepare students who would like to go to graduate school.”

At the end of the program students have the opportunity to give an oral presentation over what they’ve gained, which can be great practice for speaking at future conferences, explained Wong.

The program began this week and is an eight-week commitment.  Meetings take place once a week and are typically an hour to an hour and a half in length.

During these meetings, “a graduate student (mentor) provides problems and readings for the undergrads to partake in, and they have a chance to discuss what they’ve learned and any questions they’ve had during their meetings,” said Wong.

Although the summer program has already begun, all graduate math enthusiasts are encouraged to fill out an interest form to become a mentor for this year’s fall and spring semesters.

According to a tweet by Cougar Mathletics, DRP can be a great way for mentors to deepen their interest and understanding of the field.

“This allows both mentees and mentors the opportunity to develop essential communication skills to continue in academia”.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“Directed reading program brings creativity to STEM” was originally posted on The Cougar

A stark silence of Cal swimmers and colleagues

Jim Xu/Staff

It has been nearly three weeks since the allegations against Cal women’s swim and dive head coach Teri McKeever were first reported by the Southern California News Group, sharing the alleged abuses behind many Cal swimmers’ experiences performing under the tutelage of McKeever. Behind the hidden curtains of Cal women’s swim and dive, McKeever allegedly turned a competitive atmosphere into a haunting one, changing the tides of many athletes’ hopeful collegiate swim careers.

Yet there is an interesting line between the people whose voices are the backbone to this movement and the people related to Cal women’s swim and dive who are staying silent. Many characters associated with Cal swimming have kept their mouths shut, including many of McKeever’s close associates and her superstar swimmers. Even when prompted, many of McKeever’s colleagues and athletes have turned the other way.

Former associate athletics director for communications and head sports information director, Herb Benenson, had worked at Cal since 1990 before his recent retirement. In a request to speak to Benenson, he declined and stated that he has retired. After working closely with McKeever, specifically as the women’s swim and dive sports information director, Benenson’s silence speaks loudly.

Additionally, many athletes in Cal women’s swim and dive have chosen to not speak on McKeever’s allegations, many of whom are her most prized swimmers.

Freshman Leah Polonsky and graduated senior Isabel Ivey were asked to speak on the allegations. However, they did not respond to any press requests.

Ivey, a heralded swimmer and the backbone of Cal women’s swimming this past year, never spoke out against McKeever. Additionally, rising sophomore Polonsky, Cal’s star freshman this past season who earned an appearance at the NCAA championships, declined to comment as well.

The stark distinction between the ones speaking out and the ones who are keeping silent stands at the line of the superstars and those who did not see the spotlight as much. Nevertheless, the allegations against McKeever focus on many years of Cal swimmers who had the potential of rising to the top.

Interim associate athletics director of communications, Jonathan Okanes, shared an updated statement from Cal Athletics after conveying that each athlete can choose whether they want to discuss the allegations with the press.

Firstly, the alleged behavior of McKeever was denounced.

“The allegations described are serious and deeply disturbing. They describe behavior antithetical to our values and policies. We are now, as always, encouraging current and former students to report behaviors and incidents that run counter to those policies and our values,” a statement from Cal Athletics said.

“(Cal Athletics is) encouraging current and former students to report behaviors and incidents that run counter to those policies and our values. We are now, as always, encouraging current and former students who may have been impacted to seek out support and assistance. We stand ready to help students in need to connect with the appropriate campus resources and offices that offer support, guidance and assistance,” the statement continues.

This statement also discusses McKeever’s current place on administrative leave.

As the story unravels, the people speaking out become more and more indicative of how McKeever may have uplifted the greatest swimmers each season and challenged the rest.

Alisa Steel covers women’s swim and dive. Contact her at asteel@dailycal.org.

The Daily Californian

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall proposed a $21 million police budget increase, almost double 2013’s, and up 25% from last year. Mendenhall and SLCPD Chief Mike Brown justify the massive increase with their reports of an influx of calls and resignation of officers. Despite a decrease in violent crime, the 2023 budget is $40 million more than 2016’s — when violent crimes were at their highest.

Mendenhall likes to tout new policies and programs intended to reform the police department, but SLCPD’s 2021 Crime Control plan contradicts any claim of reformation. Until we can guarantee SLCPD won’t abuse the people they’re meant to protect, we shouldn’t increase their funding. And because police will always systemically be oppressors, Mendenhall should pave the way for new structures that omit police presence.

Systemic Oppression in Policing

The SLCPD shoot at racial and ethnic minorities at disproportionate rates. Within the last two years, a K9 officer ordered his police dog to attack a fully compliant Black man. Two officers shot and killed 22-year-old Bernardo Palacios-Carbajal, and all charges were dismissed. SLCPD also can’t handle mental health episodes either, as they shot a 13-year-old autistic boy experiencing a mental health crisis.

We should not increase funding to a department with a history of abuse. Police and law enforcement structures in America were built with racist intentions, and building onto a faulty foundation won’t eliminate police brutality. We shouldn’t settle for anything less than taking tangible steps towards demilitarizing the police and creating community-based public safety.

Minimal Reformation

One small silver lining to the budget proposal is the implementation of a civilian response team. The team will handle low-priority calls like roadside assistance or welfare checks. Best case scenario, it’s a step towards community-based police alternatives. Worst case scenario, civilians can play cop and dangerously step into an authority position. Civilians already abuse citizen’s arrest laws, like in the case of Ahmaud Arbery, who was shot and unjustly killed by men purportedly suspecting him of burglary.

Power should be restored to the people, but not through existing police structures. “It’s great that they’re realizing that civilians can do a lot of these jobs,” said Eliza McKinney, member of Decarcerate Utah, an organization advocating for defunding and ultimately dismantling police. “But why not actually have civilians do it rather than continue to fund the police department and have the police department in charge of these services?”

The budget increase will also fund a youth engagement program and restructure the Victim Advocate Program. Nicole Salazar-Hall, chair of the SLCPD’s Commission on Racial Equity in Policing, supports the new programs and claims they are steps toward “long-term, systemic change in the police department.” While this may sound hopeful at first, these aren’t systemic changes. The changes only expand the current department’s authority and capability. None of these changes work towards dismantling the power structure that encourages police violence, and are a fraction of the increased budget.

Allocate Funds Elsewhere

All new civilian positions account for $1.61 million of the $21 million increase. $8.3 million of the increase go towards salary raises for officers, and the proposed budget far exceeds the needs of the SLCPD.

Services for welfare checks and roadside assistance already exist outside of police forces, but don’t receive nearly as much funding. The University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute offers a 24-hour crisis line staffed by mental health professionals, and increased funding would allow them to respond to welfare checks. And on top of that, the Department of Transportation is equipped to handle roadside assistance or traffic stops.

The money could have alleviated unsheltered individuals, but instead it will be used to harass them. It could have been used to raise the minimum wage and help citizens survive current inflation, or help ex-convicts secure stable housing. The money could have ensured that community needs were met. Unlike increasing police presence, each of these can decrease crime.

Mayor Mendenhall did the minimum to reform SLCPD. In 2020 she signed an executive order that required that police wear body cams and use de-escalation techniques before resorting to force. Though similar policies were implemented across the nation in 2020, more people were fatally shot by police in 2021 than any previous year, with Black people still being disproportionately shot at.

It’s time to stop trying to fix what is fundamentally flawed. Funding police departments prolongs the problem. We’ve spent years devising better plans than pouring money into intentionally oppressive power structures, yet continuously contribute to a broken system.

“The point is to move funding to life,” McKinney said. “It’s replacing police with services that actually keep people safe … rather than increasing punishment and violence in neighborhoods that are already underserved by the city.”

We need to rethink law enforcement on a national level, starting from the ground up. Salt Lake City has the funds to do more, and Mendenhall has the ability. But if we continue funding the SLCPD, they will continue abusing their power.

m.bringhurst@dailyutahchronicle.com

@maggie_bring

The post Bringhurst: Fund Communities Over Cops appeared first on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

America’s Diner Collaborates with TikTok Stars on Limited Time Sweet and Savory Meals

SPARTANBURG, S.C., June 16, 2022 – It’s Summertime 2022 and Denny’s is the official hotspot for guests wanting to make the most of the season. For a limited time starting June 22, guests can enjoy the deliciousness of summer with three mouthwatering meals from Denny’s newest Social Stars Influenced Menu.

To sweeten up summer, Denny’s collaborated with Dmitri Robinson (@.Meech) and Kelz Wright (@kelz) on the newest addition to Denny’s pancake lineup: Shortberry Dream Cakes. These fluffy buttermilk pancakes are topped with vanilla cream, fresh strawberries, shortbread cookie pieces, and strawberry sauce – it’s so good you’d be surprised it isn’t dessert. To make this meal even better, Denny’s is serving up one of the most irresistible flavor combinations – sweet and savory – by pairing the Shortberry Dream Cakes with eggs, hash browns and your choice of bacon strips or sausage links.

Want more mouthwatering deliciousness? Say less. Denny’s partnered with The Rapping Chef (@_MRPYREX) and Grace Africa (@Grace_Africa) on the Brisket-It-All Melt. This next-level melt is made up of slow-smoked brisket burnt ends, crispy diced bacon, two eggs, sharp white cheddar, Diner Q sauce and pickles on grilled artisan bread. If all that wasn’t enough, the melt is also served with wavy-cut fries.

If you’re feeling a bit saucy, then the Brisk-B-Q Melt is for you. It has the same slow-smoked brisket aged as the Brisk-It-All Melt, minus the bacon and eggs, and topped with white cheddar, Diner Q sauce and pickles on grilled artisan bread and with a side of wavy-cut fries. This delectable melt is sure to become the go-to sandwich of the summer.

“As the official restaurant of summer, we’ve got a ton in store that will take summer to another level for our guests and we’re kicking it off with our latest Social Stars Influenced Menu,” said John Dillon, Chief Brand Officer of Denny’s. “Whether guests want sweet strawberries with our Shortberry Dream Cakes or enjoy a tasty cookout everyday with our juicy Brisket Melts, they can count on Denny’s to make this the most delicious summer ever.”

These new menu items are the latest installment in Denny’s Social Stars Influenced Menu that features meals inspired by 24 popular TikTok creators tapped by the iconic brand to put their own personal spin on new Denny’s menu items. These Limited Time Only (LTO) meals will be available at all Denny’s locations nationwide starting June 22, and can be conveniently ordered in-restaurant, online at dennys.com or through the new Denny’s iOS and Android app.

About Denny’s Corp
Denny’s Corporation is the franchisor and operator of one of America’s largest franchised full-service restaurant chains, based on the number of restaurants. As of March 30, 2022, Denny’s had 1,643 franchised, licensed, and company restaurants around the world including 153 restaurants in Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Philippines, New Zealand, Honduras, the United Arab Emirates, Costa Rica, Guam, Guatemala, El Salvador, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. For further information on Denny’s, including news releases, please visit the Denny’s website at www.dennys.com or the brand’s social channel via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn or YouTube.

Media Contact
Sara Soto
Brand Communications Specialist
O: 682.348.5018
ssoto@dennys.com