Parking Lot Safety Map 1. Tunnels Tunnels, passageways, and low-lit areas can present low visibility and you should avoid parking next to them. They allow criminals and perpetrators to hide in the darkness while seeking a victim. 2. Main Entrance Park near the main entrance for a safe and easy route to and from your car, and larger volumes of people. Spots close to the entrance are highly desired, so you may have to find the closest spot available to the entrance. 3. Booth The booth is typically one of the safest areas of a parking lot. It is stationed by a booth agent, has the highest volume of entering and exiting cars, and is normally under security surveillance. Find the booth in the parking lot if you are in danger or need help from the agent. 4. Adjacent Cars Try not to park next to adjacent cars or vans that have their windows blacked out, as this is a common method criminals use to abduct unsuspecting victims when they are entering or exiting their vehicles. Also try to avoid parking between two cars, as you can get boxed in by a third car and robbed. 5. Extra Space Find spots in well-lit busy areas near security cameras and with lots of empty parking spaces surrounding them. Open space, illuminated areas, and security cameras are deterrents for criminals. Other Parking Lot Safety Tips Stay alert when exiting and entering your car by keeping your head on a swivel. Lock your doors immediately upon entering your car so anyone following you won't be able to catch you off guard. Arm and ready yourself with accessible self defense weapons like kubatons, cat ears, or pepper spray so you can defend yourself in the face of immediate danger. Plan your approach and departure by knowing where your car is, having your keys ready, and not lingering in the parking lot. Trust your instincts. If someone or a situation feels weird, trust your gut and don't continue. You can call law enforcement or ask the store's security personnel if they can accompany you to your car. #armyourself

Subway Safety Map 1. Subway Entrances Safety Tip: Enter the station at central and commonly used entrances. Risk: Avoid dimly lit and remote entrances to the train station especially at night. 2. Booth and Turnstile Safety Tip: Swipe in with your card or tap your mobile device on turnstiles at booths that have attendants so they can assist you if necessary and act as a deterrence to criminals. Risk: Digging in your bag and wallet will make you appear distracted and vulnerable to opportunistic criminals. 3. Transitory Areas Safety Tip: Use situational awareness and be mindful of people and objects in your environment and your surroundings. Risk: Steer clear of desolate tunnels, stairways, elevators, and other transitory areas that isolate you. 4. Station Platform Safety Tip: Always stand in the middle of the platform with your body perpendicular to the platform so no one can come up from behind you. Risk: Never stand beyond the yellow line with your back facing the platform. 5. Subway Car Safety Tip: Choose subway cars that have many people and the conductor which are normally the middle, first or last cars. Risk: Avoid empty cars and try not to sit or stand near the door as criminals use these areas to commit crimes and then make a quick getaway. #armyourself

Word of the Day: Convivial. ADJECTIVE 1. (Of an atmosphere or event) Friendly, lively, and enjoyable. 2. (Of a person) Cheerful and friendly; jovial. Example Sentences. 1. "The housewarming party's atmosphere was convivial and welcoming." 2. "The volunteers were convivial to those who sought their help." 3. "Lisa was a charming, convivial dinner host — and a fantastic cook, too." Word Origin. Latin, mid-17th century This adjective originates from the Latin "convivialis," which stems from "convivium," meaning "a feast." Hollywood award shows are known to be lavish affairs both in front of and behind the cameras, which makes for a convivial atmosphere for the nominees and audience. The Oscars, in particular, are noted for their luxurious gifts.

A Minnesota man was convicted of first-degree murder Thursday for beheading his girlfriend in front of several witnesses. Alex Saborit 44, was found guilty in the slaying of America Thayer, 56, in July 2021. In her ruling, the judge found the "nature of the assault" proved Saborit intended to kill Thayer, and that his possession of the machete, threats made prior to the killing and "tumultuous" relationship "marked by frequent arguments and accusations of abuse" showed premeditation, CBS reported. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Saborit struck Thayer with an 8-pound dumbbell while they were in a vehicle near downtown Shakopee, then he decapitated her with a machete. People in other cars and nearby homes saw the attack. One of them shot a video that appeared to show Saborit pull Thayer's body out of the car into the street then pick up her head by the hair. Saborit and Thayer were on the way to his court appearance for felony charges alleging that he set fire to their apartment in Shakopee during a confrontation with police and that Saborit attacked Thayer after she told him she wanted to end their relationship. Saborit fled the scene and disposed of the machete along the way. He was arrested about 1 ½ miles away near the Trave Lodge Hotel where he was staying. County Attorney Ron Hocevar said he was pleased with the verdict, and that he expects Saborit to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. "My mom never deserved to have this happen in the first place," Thayer's 42-year-old son, Charles Thayer, said after the verdict, the Star Tribune reported. "This monster deserves to be put away for life." #TrueCrime