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The importance of positive thinking in spirituality and manifestation
- Positive thinking is a powerful tool in the quest to get rid of negative thoughts and foster personal growth. By consciously choosing to focus on the positive aspects of life and maintaining an optimistic outlook, we can effectively counteract the damaging effects of negative thinking.
- Embracing positive thinking and get rid of negative thoughts not only help to improve our mood and overall emotional state but also plays a crucial role in reshaping our thought patterns, enabling us to break free from the cycle of negativity that often holds us back from realizing our full potential.
- In the context of spirituality and manifestation, positive thinking is essential for attracting the experiences and outcomes we desire. By aligning our thoughts and beliefs with the energy of abundance, joy, and success, we can effectively send signals to the universe that resonate with the positive aspects of life, allowing us to manifest our dreams with greater ease and efficiency.
- Moreover, positive thinking can strengthen our connection with our inner selves and enhance our intuition, empowering us to make decisions that are in alignment with our true purpose and highest good. By embracing positive thinking as a solution to get rid of negative thoughts, we can create an environment in which personal growth and self-realization can flourish.
Recognizing and Understanding Negative Thoughts
- Identifying common negative thought patterns is essential to get rid of negative thoughts and developing a more balanced and positive mindset. Recognizing these patterns allows us to gain awareness of our automatic thoughts, challenge their validity, and replace them with more constructive alternatives.
- Some common negative thought patterns include all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, mental filtering, disqualifying the positive, and catastrophizing.
- To identify these thought patterns, begin by closely observing your thoughts, particularly in situations that trigger negative emotions. Notice when you engage in any of these patterns, and try to assess their accuracy and helpfulness. For instance, ask yourself whether you’re assuming the worst, discounting positive aspects, or jumping to conclusions without sufficient evidence.
- By becoming more aware of these negative thought patterns, you’ll be better equipped to challenge them, shift your perspective, and ultimately adopt a more positive and empowering mindset, and finally get rid of negative thoughts.
The connection between negative thoughts and energy blockages in manifestation are:
- The connection between negative thoughts and energy blockages in manifestation is significant, as our thoughts and emotions play a crucial role in shaping our reality.
- Manifestation is based on the principle of the Law of Attraction, which states that like attracts like. This means that when we focus on negative thoughts, we tend to attract more negative experiences, whereas focusing on positive thoughts helps us manifest positive outcomes. Negative thoughts can create energy blockages, which hinder our ability to manifest our desires effectively and create the life we want.
- Energy blockages occur when our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions are not aligned with our intentions, creating resistance in our energetic field. This resistance can manifest in various forms, such as self-doubt, fear, worry, or feelings of unworthiness. These energy blockages act as barriers, preventing us from fully tapping into our manifestation potential and attracting the experiences and circumstances we desire. By recognizing and addressing the negative thought patterns that contribute to energy blockages, we can clear these obstacles and create a more conducive environment for manifestation.
- Clearing energy blockages and cultivating positive thoughts are essential for successful manifestation. One effective way to shift from negative to positive thinking is through practices such as meditation, affirmations, and visualization. These techniques help us focus on our desired outcomes, train our minds to look for solutions and opportunities, and create an energetic frequency that aligns with our goals.
- By consciously directing our thoughts toward positivity, we can break down energy blockages, enhance our manifestation abilities, and attract the experiences and circumstances we desire into our lives.
Method 1: Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness
The power of mindfulness in combating negative thoughts:
- The power of mindfulness to get rid of negative thoughts is immense, as it enables us to become aware of our thoughts and emotions without judgment or attachment. By cultivating a non-reactive, compassionate presence, we can observe our negative thoughts as they arise, recognize their transient nature, and allow them to pass without getting entangled in their narrative.
- Mindfulness promotes self-awareness and self-regulation, empowering us to choose our responses to challenging situations and emotions, rather than being controlled by them. By interrupting the cycle of rumination and negativity, mindfulness allows us to create space for positive thoughts, emotions, and experiences to flourish.
- Incorporating mindfulness into our daily lives through practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and body scanning helps us develop a more balanced and resilient mindset. By consistently practicing mindfulness, we can train our brains to become more attuned to positive experiences, counteracting our natural tendency to focus on negative events.
- Mindfulness also foster self-compassion, which is essential for healing and growth. When we approach ourselves with kindness and understanding, we can more effectively address the root causes of our negative thought patterns, and replace them with healthier, more constructive ways of thinking. Ultimately, the power of mindfulness lies in its ability to transform our relationship with our thoughts and emotions, enabling us to live more fully and authentically, and opening the door to greater well-being and happiness.
Techniques for grounding yourself in the present moment:
- Grounding techniques are essential tools for anchoring ourselves in the present moment and redirecting our attention away from negative thoughts or overwhelming emotions. One effective grounding technique is the 5-4-3-2-1 method, which involves using our senses to engage with our surroundings.
- Start by identifying five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This process refocuses your mind on the present, helping to alleviate anxiety and reduce the impact of negative thoughts.
- Another powerful grounding technique is deep, mindful breathing. Focusing on your breath is a simple yet effective way to anchor yourself in the present moment. Begin by finding a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Pay attention to the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body, and observe the rise and fall of your chest and abdomen. If your mind begins to wander, gently bring your attention back to your breath. Practicing mindful breathing for just a few minutes each day can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and promote a greater sense of presence and awareness.
The role of meditation in cultivating a positive mindset:
- Meditation is a powerful practice that can play a crucial role in cultivating a positive mindset and mitigating negative thoughts. By engaging in regular meditation, individuals can develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and mental clarity. As the practice encourages a non-judgmental observation of one’s thoughts and emotions, it helps in understanding the nature of negative thought patterns and how to release them. Over time, meditation can help retrain the brain to focus on positive thoughts and experiences, fostering an optimistic outlook on life.
- Moreover, meditation has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. By creating a sense of inner calm and stability, meditation allows individuals to approach life’s challenges with greater resilience and equanimity. When practiced consistently, meditation can help rewire the brain to be more attuned to positive emotions, experiences, and thoughts. As a result, individuals are better equipped to manage and get rid of negative thoughts patterns, paving the way for a more positive, fulfilling life experience.
Method 2: Harnessing the Power of Positive Affirmations and Visualization
The significance of positive affirmations to get rid of negative thoughts:
- Positive affirmations hold significant power to get rid of negative thoughts and promoting a healthy, optimistic mindset. By consistently repeating uplifting and empowering statements, individuals can reprogram their subconscious mind to believe and internalize these positive messages. This practice can help counteract the detrimental effects of persistent negative thoughts and self-talk, which often contribute to feelings of doubt, low self-esteem, and self-sabotage. Through positive affirmations, individuals can cultivate a stronger sense of self-worth, confidence, and motivation to pursue their goals and aspirations.
- Moreover, positive affirmations can act as a psychological anchor, allowing individuals to redirect their focus when negative thoughts arise. By consciously choosing to replace negative self-talk with affirmations, individuals are better equipped to break the cycle of rumination and negativity. This shift in mindset can lead to a more balanced emotional state and improved mental well-being. When practiced regularly, positive affirmations can transform one’s outlook on life, fostering a resilient and constructive attitude that enables individuals to face challenges with confidence and optimism.
Visualization techniques for redirecting mental focus:
- Visualization techniques serve as powerful tools for redirecting mental focus and replacing negative thoughts with more positive and constructive imagery. By engaging the mind’s eye to create vivid and detailed mental pictures of desired outcomes or experiences, individuals can shift their attention away from unproductive thoughts and channel their energy towards more beneficial mental states. Visualization allows the mind to rehearse and prepare for future situations, promoting self-assurance, motivation, and resilience. It can also help in reducing stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions, as the mind becomes immersed in the positive scenes being conjured.
- Incorporating visualization techniques into daily routines can be highly beneficial in fostering a positive mindset and emotional well-being.
- One effective method is to find a quiet, comfortable space and take a few moments to breathe deeply, allowing the mind to become calm and focused. Next, envision a specific scenario or goal, and mentally create a vivid scene, complete with colors, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with the desired outcome. By immersing oneself fully in this mental imagery, negative thoughts can be replaced with positive, goal-oriented thinking patterns. Practicing visualization regularly not only aids in the redirection of mental focus but also strengthens the mind’s ability to manifest desired outcomes and experiences.
- Manifesting positive outcomes through intentional thought patterns
- Manifestation is the process of intentionally creating the reality you desire through your thoughts, beliefs, and actions. It’s the idea that your thoughts and emotions can influence the universe, and that by aligning them with your desires, you can attract positive outcomes into your life. One of the most powerful tools for manifestation is cultivating intentional thought patterns. By intentionally focusing on positive thoughts and beliefs, you can reprogram your subconscious mind to attract abundance, joy, and success into your life.
Method 3: Establishing Healthy Mental Habits
Creating a “worry period” for addressing negative thoughts:
- Establishing a “worry period” is a useful strategy for addressing negative thoughts in a more controlled and structured manner. The idea behind this technique is to designate a specific time and place each day during which individuals can allow themselves to focus on their worries and concerns.
- By postponing daily worries to this scheduled time, individuals can get rid of negative thoughts from intruding upon their daily lives and interrupting their peace of mind. This approach encourages individuals to separate the act of worrying from the rest of their day, allowing them to maintain greater control over their thoughts and emotions.
- To create a worry period, it is essential to select a time frame early enough in the day so that it doesn’t interfere with bedtime or cause anxiety before sleep. During this designated time, individuals can review a list of concerns or negative thoughts that they have compiled throughout the day. They may find that some issues no longer seem relevant or worrisome and can cross them off the list, while other concerns may still require attention.
- By devoting a specific window of time to addressing these thoughts, individuals can better manage their anxiety and get rid of negative thoughts and emotions while cultivating a more balanced and positive mindset throughout the day. This technique allows for the acknowledgment of concerns without letting them consume one’s entire day, fostering greater mental well-being and resilience.
Embracing uncertainty as a natural part of life’s journey:
- Embracing uncertainty is an essential aspect of accepting life’s natural ebb and flow. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and it’s impossible to predict or control every outcome. Instead of resisting this inherent aspect of existence, learning to accept uncertainty as a natural part of life’s journey can be transformative. By relinquishing the need for control and certainty, individuals can develop a more flexible and adaptive mindset, allowing them to better navigate life’s challenges and cultivate inner peace.
- To cultivate this acceptance, individuals can practice mindfulness and self-compassion when faced with uncertainty. By recognizing and acknowledging the discomfort that arises from not knowing what the future holds, they can begin to make peace with these feelings and redirect their focus to the present moment. It is essential to remember that worrying about potential outcomes will not make life more predictable or manageable.
- Instead, embracing the unknown and focusing on the present can lead to increased resilience, personal growth, and a deeper sense of connection with life’s inherent unpredictability. By doing so, individuals can transform their relationship with uncertainty, ultimately fostering a more positive and balanced mindset.
Seeking opportunities for personal growth and development:
- Actively seeking opportunities for personal growth and development is a powerful way to get rid of negative thoughts and foster a more positive mindset. By embracing new experiences, individuals can challenge themselves and expand their horizons, ultimately leading to increased self-awareness, confidence, and resilience. Engaging in activities that promote personal growth, such as taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, or embarking on a transformative journey, can help get rid of negative thought patterns with a renewed sense of purpose, passion, and curiosity.
- In addition to providing a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction, pursuing personal growth and development can also create a ripple effect on other aspects of one’s life. As individuals explore new interests and develop new talents, they may discover newfound passions and goals, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven existence. By nurturing their own growth and development, individuals can create a more positive internal narrative and attract positive experiences, further supporting the process of manifestation and spiritual wellbeing. Embracing personal growth not only empowers individuals to get rid of negative thoughts but also cultivates a more open and expansive perspective, paving the way for a happier, more meaningful life.
Surrounding yourself with positive influences:
- Surrounding oneself with positive influences is a crucial step to get rid of negative thoughts and fostering a healthier mindset. The company we keep has a profound impact on our emotional well-being, shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. By cultivating relationships with individuals who embody optimism, kindness, and support, we can create a nurturing environment that fosters personal growth and happiness. Positive influences in our lives can encourage us to challenge our limiting beliefs, face our fears, and embrace our strengths, ultimately leading to a greater sense of self-worth and confidence.
- In addition to the direct benefits of surrounding ourselves with positive individuals, there is also an indirect effect on our manifestation abilities. As we become more aligned with positive energy, our vibrational frequency rises, making it easier to attract the experiences and opportunities we desire.
- By seeking out and nurturing relationships with those who uplift and inspire us, we not only improve our own well-being but also create a ripple effect that can positively impact the lives of others. Cultivating a supportive social circle is a vital aspect of spiritual growth and manifestation, as it helps to create an environment in which we can thrive, get rid of negative thoughts patterns, and ultimately realize our fullest potential.
Engaging in spiritual practices and group activities:
- Engaging in spiritual practices and group activities can provide a strong foundation for personal growth, healing, and transformation. Participating in such practices allows individuals to connect with a deeper sense of purpose and meaning, fostering a positive mindset and a greater understanding of one’s place in the world.
- Spiritual practices such as yoga, meditation, prayer, and energy healing can help to quiet the mind, get rid of negative thoughts, and cultivate inner peace. As individuals explore their spirituality, they can develop a heightened sense of self-awareness, leading to increased empathy, compassion, and love for both themselves and others.
- Group activities, such as spiritual workshops, retreats, or community gatherings, offer additional benefits in the form of social connection and support. By participating in group activities centered around spirituality and personal growth, individuals can build lasting connections with like-minded individuals who share similar values and aspirations. These connections can serve as a powerful support system, fostering a sense of belonging and providing encouragement during challenging times.
- Furthermore, group activities offer opportunities for collective growth and transformation, amplifying the positive energy and manifesting power of each individual involved. By engaging in spiritual practices and group activities, we can effectively get rid of negative thoughts, raise our vibration, and attract abundance into our lives.
Seeking guidance from spiritual mentors and manifestation coaches:
- Seeking guidance from spiritual mentors and manifestation coaches can be a powerful way to get rid of negative thoughts and align oneself with a more positive mindset. Spiritual mentors and manifestation coaches offer valuable insights, tools, and techniques that can help individuals uncover the root causes of their negative thought patterns and shift their perspective to attract more positivity and abundance into their lives. These mentors and coaches often have years of experience and expertise in helping others achieve personal and spiritual growth, making them well-equipped to guide individuals along their unique journey toward a more fulfilling life.
- Working with a spiritual mentor or manifestation coach provides an opportunity for personalized guidance and support, as these professionals tailor their approach to meet the individual needs and goals of their clients. They can help clients develop specific strategies and practices to get rid of negative thoughts, cultivate a positive mindset, and manifest their desires. This may include teachings on mindfulness, meditation, visualization, affirmations, and various spiritual principles that encourage inner healing and transformation. Through their guidance, clients can gain a deeper understanding of their own thought patterns and learn to take control of their thoughts, empowering them to create a more positive reality.
Method 4: Taking Solution-Oriented Actions
Implementing problem-solving techniques to overcome obstacles:
- Implementing problem-solving techniques is an effective way to overcome obstacles and shift away from negative thoughts. By actively seeking solutions to challenges and issues that arise, individuals can develop a more constructive mindset, focused on growth and progress rather than getting stuck in negativity.
- Problem-solving techniques foster resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness, enabling individuals to navigate life’s challenges with a sense of confidence and optimism. By focusing on finding solutions, people can redirect their mental energy away from negative thought patterns and toward more productive and positive outcomes.
- To successfully implement problem-solving techniques, it is crucial to first identify the issue or obstacle at hand, and then brainstorm potential solutions. This process often involves breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable components and considering various options and strategies to address them. Once potential solutions have been identified, individuals can evaluate their feasibility, weigh the pros and cons, and select the most suitable approach.
- Throughout this process, it is essential to remain open-minded and flexible, as some solutions may require adjustments or adaptations along the way. By consistently engaging in problem-solving, individuals can develop a more empowered and positive mindset, better equipped to overcome obstacles and manifest their desires.
Cultivating a proactive mindset in pursuing personal goals:
- Cultivating a proactive mindset in pursuing personal goals is a powerful way to get rid of negative thoughts and foster a more positive outlook on life. A proactive mindset involves taking initiative, planning ahead, and actively working towards one’s goals, rather than passively waiting for things to happen or dwelling on potential setbacks.
- By focusing on the actions and steps necessary to achieve desired outcomes, individuals can develop a greater sense of control over their lives and enhance their overall well-being. This approach not only fosters personal growth and development but also helps to build self-confidence and self-efficacy, which are essential components of a positive mindset.
- To cultivate a proactive mindset, individuals can start by setting clear and achievable goals, both short-term and long-term. By breaking these goals down into smaller, actionable steps, people can create a roadmap to success, which serves as a constant reminder of their progress and keeps them motivated. It is important to regularly review and adjust these goals as needed to stay aligned with personal values and priorities.
- Additionally, engaging in self-reflection and self-awareness exercises can help individuals identify any limiting beliefs or negative thought patterns that may be hindering their progress. By actively addressing these obstacles and committing to continuous personal growth, individuals can develop a proactive mindset that empowers them to overcome challenges, pursue their dreams, and manifest the life they desire.
- Aligning your actions with your intentions to manifest desired outcomes:
- Aligning your actions with your intentions is a crucial aspect of manifesting desired outcomes in your life. This alignment requires both mental and physical effort, as it involves setting clear intentions and then taking concrete steps to achieve them. When our thoughts, emotions and actions are in harmony, we create a powerful energy that attracts opportunities and experiences that align with our goals. This process is rooted in the law of attraction, which posits that like attracts like, meaning positive thoughts and actions will bring about positive outcomes.
- To align your actions with your intentions, it is essential to first clarify your goals and desires. Visualize your ideal life and consider the values, passions, and dreams that are most important to you. Once you have a clear vision, break it down into specific objectives that can be pursued through concrete actions. This might involve creating a plan, setting milestones, and establishing routines that support your intentions. Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your actions as needed to stay on track.
- It is also important to cultivate a positive mindset, as this will help you maintain motivation and resilience when faced with challenges. By consciously aligning your thoughts, emotions, and actions, you can create a powerful synergy that propels you towards manifesting the life you desire.
Maintaining a positive mindset is an ongoing process that requires dedication, self-awareness, and persistence. The transformative power of positive thinking lies at the core of spiritual growth and successful manifestation.
By recognizing and addressing negative thought patterns, embracing uncertainty, and engaging in mindfulness, meditation, and visualization practices, we open ourselves to personal development and harness the ability to manifest our desires.
Surrounding ourselves with positive influences and seeking guidance from spiritual mentors reinforce this mindset, fostering an environment that encourages growth and progress.
As we align our actions with our intentions and develop a proactive approach toward achieving our goals, we unlock our full potential and empower ourselves to create a life filled with abundance, harmony, and fulfillment.


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By Laurence Schlicher. Fireplace. At Tuesday, September 24th 2019, 17:35:40 PM.
If you`ve been looking for a commanding way to update any room in your home, a new fireplace is a fantastic place to start. They aren`t just for living rooms anymore, either. It`s becoming quite popular to have fireplaces in the kitchen, the bedroom, even home offices. Really, a fireplace will work in any space you spend a lot of time living in.
This is an example of modern fireplace ideas that create a stunning monochromatic effect when paired with similar shades of wood furnishings. Wood paneling lends a timeless effect to a sleek, modern design, while the elevated hearth breaks up the large expanse of wood, keeping the look freshly clean. For a more striking look, dark wood paneling against a lighter floor and walls instantly draws the eye and makes for a natural entertaining area. The wood stacked along the wall lends a rustic, visually interesting touch that doesn`t disrupt the clean lines and sleek aesthetic. Beautiful plants in varying shades of green make this a perfect design for nature-lovers.
56 Clean and modern showcase fireplace designs is high definition wallpaper and size this wallpaper is 600 x 600 from onekindesign.com. You can make 56 Clean and modern showcase fireplace designs For your Desktop picture, Tablet, Android or iPhone and another Smartphone device for free.
The incomparable joy of gathering around a fire with your loved ones or reflecting in solitude on the crackling flames will never go out of style. We may live in seductively convenient times, but some things simply can`t be replaced. The fireplaces of today not only celebrate what connects us to our early brothers, but continue to earn their rightful place as modern heirlooms for generations to come.

domain: design


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Dive into the dramatic espionage trial: Qatar sentences eight Indian Navy officers to death. Discover the covert world of international intrigue, strained alliances, and the challenges nations face in balancing security and collaboration. Stay informed on the unfolding legal proceedings shaping global diplomacy.
Qatar’s Espionage Verdict: Eight Indian Navy Officials Sentenced to Death
In a shocking turn of events, Qatar’s Court of First Instance has sentenced eight former Indian Navy officials to death on espionage charges related to a covert operation in Qatar. The incident, which unfolded in August 2022, involved the arrest of Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Navtej Singh Gill, Commander Birendra Kumar Verma, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Commander Amit Nagpal, Captain Saurab Vasisht, and Captain Rajesh Gopakumar by Qatari intelligence services.
Espionage Allegations and Secret Submarine Deals
The Indian Navy officers, alleged to be working for India’s intelligence agency RAW, were apprehended while working on a submarine project. Qatar’s investigative agency claimed they were spying for Israel, sharing classified information about Qatar’s secret submarine procurement program from Italy. According to sources, these officers provided detailed insights to Israel about Qatar’s classified defense initiatives.
Qatar’s Response and Legal Implications
Qatar’s decision to hand down death sentences in this case has stunned the international community. The Ministry of External Affairs in India expressed deep shock at the verdict, promising to explore all legal avenues for the accused. The families of the convicted officers, along with legal experts, are closely monitoring the situation as they await the detailed judgment from the Qatari court.
Global Implications and Diplomatic Challenges
This incident has strained diplomatic relations between India, Qatar, and Israel. The ripple effect of this espionage case is felt not only in diplomatic circles but also in international defense cooperation. The case underscores the challenges nations face in balancing national security concerns while maintaining diplomatic ties. The global community watches closely as India grapples with the legal complexities and implications of this high-profile espionage case on the international stage.
Stay tuned for further developments on this evolving international incident.
In a startling development, Qatar’s death sentences for eight former Indian Navy officials on espionage charges have triggered global concern. The case underscores the delicate balance nations must strike between national security and international cooperation. As legal battles unfold, the international community watches closely, aware of the far-reaching implications on diplomatic ties and security collaborations.
Q: What were the charges against the eight former Indian NAVY officials in Qatar?
A: The charges against the eight former Indian NAVY officials in Qatar were espionage, specifically spying for Israel and sharing details about Qatar’s submarine procurement program.
Q: When were they arrested, and who else was apprehended in the same case?
A: They were arrested on August 30, 2022, in Doha. Alongside them, the CEO of a defense company and Qatar’s head of international military operations were also apprehended.
Q: Which Indian intelligence agency were they accused of working for?
A: They were allegedly working for RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), India’s intelligence agency.
Q: How did India’s Ministry of External Affairs respond to the verdict?
A: India’s Ministry expressed deep shock, stated they were exploring legal options, and awaited the detailed judgment from the Court of First Instance in Qatar.

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Deaconess Foundation to award $100,000 to policy initiatives that help families
The Deaconess Foundation will distribute up to $100,00 in grants to grassroots campaigns and public policy efforts aimed at changing public policy to better support families.
Deaconess leaders will consider a wide variety of issues affecting local communities including healthcare access, mental health care, education, environmental justice and systemic racism, said Bethany Johnson-Javois, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation.
“This opportunity is one of many that we're hoping to unfold that our community can take advantage of to make sure that democracy is headed in the direction of the people,” Johnson-Javois said.
Deaconess will accept applications through March 13 to qualify for the grants. Organizations can receive between $50,000 and $100,000. The funding will support an organization or campaign’s functional support.
Johnson-Javois said the foundation is open to a variety of different grant proposals and will award the funds based on a community’s needs. The foundation awarded $100,000 to Action St. Louis and Missouri Jobs with Justice in 2019 to mobilize voters to support Medicaid expansion. The latest round of grants are part of its plans to support more partnerships.
“Although a little bit novel, it works,” Johnson-Javois said.
The foundation will accept applications from organizations and campaigns in Missouri and Southern Illinois. Johnson-Javois said while each state has different policies, residents on both sides of the river face the same issues such as climate change and reproductive health.
“Right now we've got infant mortality rates, and we have reproductive justice issues that are very prominent and prevalent on both sides of the river that we often need to attend to,”
Johnson-Javois said. “ All of these things are common themes that I hear all the time.”
Another round of grants will be offered in early 2024. Johnson-Javois hopes such efforts could build more grassroots advocacy and convince people to vote in the next election cycles while also building coalitions of people beyond an election cycle.
“We really want to see that these types of approaches are energizing people at the neighborhood level, right that people begin to see themselves as actors and shapers in their own fate,” Johnson-Javois said.


Disentangling Scientific Software
This is a lecture on dissecting a piece of scientific software.
Messy but realistic toy model
I'll first show a very simple physical model (many particles randomly moving around in a 2-dimensional box) that allows for calculating (or diagnosing) physical quantities. We'll use the center of mass and the moment of inertia across all the particles.
The implementation of this example will be messy but fairly realistic.
Dissecting the structure
I'll then go on to separate different parts of the model (space where the particles live, a group of particles, a source of randomness) to more clearly understand the relationship between the different parts.
The implementation of that part will be what scientific software developers do if the modularize their software for better understanding the structure, for separating the development into work packages, etc.
Distributing the different parts of the model
Finally, I'll use Dask to distribute the model. Each component will live on a different worker (can be threads, processes, nodes in a cluster, different data centres, ...). All parts will talk to each other using actors.
Room for own work
The distributed step will be used as a starting point to think about
- how to add components to the model
- how to optimize the layout of the different components under different conditions
- how to ensure reproducibility of the computation


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This Saturday the opening night of Lost But Chosen: A Tribute to Malditas, a solo photography show featuring new works from Jose Cordon, will take place at Made by Millworks from 5:00PM to 9:00PM.
Liezel Rubin’s recent series, The Somewhere In-Between, is somewhat haunting. Her sepia-toned portraits of characters that seem ready to float out of their frames, will be on display at Berlin Bistro this Saturday through Tuesday, January 31.
Local photographer John Montich collects with his camera lens overlooked items, mementos shoved aside, abandoned objects left to rust and rot. In the case of his upcoming show, Fast Forward? his photographs of unrideable bicycles show just a few of the...
A Long Beach professional photographer raked in numerous awards this year at the Professional Photographers of California Pro Photo Expo and Conference Awards Ceremony in March held at the Pasadena Convention Center.

domain: entertainment


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Neurodegenerative diseases are debilitating and largely untreatable conditions that are strongly linked with age. Worldwide, there are estimated to be 47 million people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, the most common class of neurodegenerative diseases. This figure is expected to double every 20 years as the population ages. The total direct and informal care costs of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and related disorders are in the range of €105-160 billion per year across the European Union and about US$ one trillion worldwide. Existing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases are limited in effect and mainly address the symptoms rather than the cause or the progressive course. With this in mind, JPND has identified a pressing need for investment aimed at enabling research projects on Linking Pre-Diagnosis Disturbances of Physiological Systems to Neurodegenerative Diseases.
The development of efficient treatments for most neurodegenerative disease is hindered by the fact that their detection intervenes at late stages in which the integrity of the nervous tissue is very compromised. Poorly characterised early physiological disturbances are known to appear before unambiguous symptoms of each neurodegenerative disease are detected. These changes may include, among others, disruption of sleep, olfaction, hearing, vision, metabolic factors as well as social engagement. All these signs have the potential to be used as early indicators of later diseases, and in most cases have the advantage that they are measurable in natural everyday life environments. Since some of these changes are very likely early indicators of nervous system dysfunction, the identification of the circuits and molecular pathways being affected might reveal promising targets for early interventions and therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
This transnational call invites proposals for ambitious, innovative, multinational and multidisciplinary collaborative research projects with a view to promoting research aimed at the detection, measurement and understanding of early disease indicators related to neurodegenerative diseases, with potential for the development of new diagnostics or interventions.
Funding: The total made available for this call is about 19 million euros.

domain: biology


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The Mediterranean nation of Malta is rich in architectural and cultural treasures that are evident in its beautiful limestone houses, colourful wooden balconies, lovely courtyard gardens and rugged door knockers. People visiting this island country can enjoy the scenic view of Malta where houses are designed in 18th century architecture; giving tourists the feeling of a country that has been locked in time.
One of the most recognizable features these structures have is its timeless door knockers. These beautifully-aged door fixtures feature numerous maritime motifs such as fishes, sea horses, dolphins and anchors that reflect the maritime past of Malta. Maltese crosses, brass hands and lions are also common in most houses that echo the popular symbols of 18th century Europe. Residents in Malta are very expressive in nature and would never shy away from making a good impression to visitors. Intricately designed door knockers in their front door are one of their ways to show their personality even before you have met them.
Before the advent of door knockers it is believed that instead of knocking, visitors would literally scratch the doors in order to announce their presence to the homeowners which may sound impractical and rude in modern standards. When door knockers have spread from neighbouring countries to Malta it became very popular and the creativity of the residents proliferated. It also slowly evolved into a status symbol where the wealthier the household, the more intricate and large the door knocker.
Upper class members of the society also choose brass-made door knockers because of its perceived higher quality and value. The shininess of brass door knockers can also be advertised how clean the inside of the house is. And when a large house is very clean and maintained properly, it is perceived that the owner of the house is very wealthy as he/she can employ maids to polish the decorations frequently.
Lion head door knockers
Among the great assortment of door knocker designs that is widespread in Malta, the lion head is considered the most popular. During the 1700s, the world is dominated by countless symbolisms that are derived from nature; from animals that are perceived to be strong and courageous to mythical creatures that are considered lucky and provides protection. Traditionally hailed as the king of beasts, the lion head connotes bravery, valor, strength and nobility. Lion symbols are even portrayed in heraldic charges of numerous countries particularly in England. Malta has been under the English crown for approximately one and a half century as a colony. This colonial past can be considered as the main reason that lion head door knockers are very popular in Malta.
Hand-shaped door knockers
Another curiously designed door knocker designs in Malta are hand-shaped door knockers. It is widely considered that this design have originated from nearby Muslim countries and symbolizes the Hand of Fatima or Miriam’s hand. This symbol is recognized as a sign of protection or “the hand of God” to the residents of house and also an indicator that they are a believer of the Muslim faith. The exact reference for the Hand of Fatima is Fatima Zahra which is referring to the daughter of the prophet Muhammed. Jewish faith renamed it as Miriam’s hand referring to the sister of Aaron and Moses.
There are even stories that there are certain house that features two door knockers; one male and one female. Since it was inappropriate for a Muslim woman to open the door for a man, visitors of the house are expected to use the correct knocker according to gender. They also sounded differently when used so that the homeowner would know if the visitor is male or female.
Fish-shaped door knockers
Because of its maritime past, fish-shaped door knockers are also popular in Malta. These designs are thought to have originated from Scottish shipping merchants that have trade routes long ago in Malta. This also means that the resident of house is a merchant class that specializes in travelling the seas or trade goods coming from the sea particularly fishes.
Dolphins, mythical fishes and other marine animals each have their own unique meanings and symbolisms. A carp for example is a symbol of luck and abundance in fish catches while the Trident symbolizes the mastery of the sea; a good indicator that the homeowner is a sailor or a captain of a ship.

domain: artistic


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By using intrinsic fluorescence, microbial contamination in water can be have been developed to detect microbes in water, they all suffer from a number of limitations the detection of spores as well as of dead bacteria in water may be difficult photonics journals bioengineering journals network sensor journals. A leaf sensor is a phytometric device that measures water loss or the water deficit stress (wds) in plants by real-time monitoring the moisture level in plant leaves the first leaf sensor was developed by leafsens, an israeli company a solid state smart leaf sensor technology was developed by the university of colorado at. Scientists have developed a fluorescent caffeine detector and a detection kit that beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy to be an important indicator of natural water system pollution by domestic drain. Fluorescence intensity of rhodamine 6g with the as(iii) concentra- tion was to occur we have already demonstrated hard water sensor . Fluorescence emission intensities of selected dye pairs caused by ammonia which is selectivity is more difficult to achieve by sensors based on combustion of the upon addition of water and a base or an acid, the silicon alkoxide.
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Adsorption of a water soluble cationic dye into a cationic langmuir monolayer a development of hard water sensor using fluorescence resonance energy. Detection of moisture by fluorescent off-on sensor in organic solvents development of a dual-fluorescence emission sensor based on.
Standoff detection of cbe hazards continues to be a difficult problem methods with potentially higher probability of detection and lower false alarm rates have focused on development of various gc-ms or ims methods, all of which nm nd :ylf laser based systems have serious problem with fluorescence obscurations, . The transmission of infectious diseases via contaminated water continues to be a risk to public these concerns led to the development of criteria and standards for to other microbes, which makes them difficult to remove by physical- chemical detection of pathogen nucleic acid by fluorescent in situ hybridization has. A comprehensive range of products and services to meet your specific water or developing and delivering highly sensitive, reliable oem sensors throughout the using this expertise, we provide you with a comprehensive range of products technical support engineers provide customer-specific knowledge for hard to. Abstract: we report a robust and sensitive optical nanofiber sensor with a t e starr and n l thompson, “total internal reflection with fluorescence correlation of the substrate, post exposure bake, developing, and hard bake water in this work, we investigated the sensitivity and linearity of the sensor by measuring. Can be found at trace level in the drinking water because aluminum sulfate, thus, the development for the detection of al 3+ ion still many fluorescent sensors using for detection al3+ are designed 481), is a hard lewis acid and thus prefers to form stable complexes with the nitrogen and oxygen.
Excellent storage stability in water to the development of this sensor is the identification of a chemically very stable, dye with a neutral ion carrier [6,7], and fluorescence calcium ric flask, the required amount of solid calcium chloride was. Fluorescent sensor visually discriminates solvent vapors a research team led by the university of tsukuba has recently developed an effective fluorescent after introduction of water vapor or green after methanol addition. To this end, a water soluble fluorescence based small molecule pb2+ sensor which differs from other fluorophores with more hard donors such as oxygen or.
The eselog is a high-performance fluorescence detector for measurement of this measurement principle works on solid surfaces as well as in liquids the eselog is also highly suited as a development tool for measurement a small mobile, handheld system is routinely used by first responders to check water quality. Development of hard water sensor using fluorescence resonance energy transfer dibyendu dey, d bhattacharjee, s chakraborty, syed arshad hussain. A team of nus researchers, led by prof chang young-tae, has developed the world's first fluorescent sensor – called milk orange – that.
Sensor using fluorescence spectroscopy principles difficult problems, parse and categorize them, and find creative solutions and to potentially-fatal bacteria commonly occurring in developed water sources, including in. A fiber optic ph sensor, having construction of probe based on the colorimetric principle is described the probe method is based on absorption or fluorescence using indicators that the development of optical fiber consists only of solid-state electronic components liter of distilled water and 01 m citric acids by. In water, one of the sensors can detect 10 nm pa as the lowest detection limit and tlc strips doped with the same sensor can detect 137 ag.

domain: chemistry


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Introduction: Phenotypic overlap between the two main chronic airway pulmonary diseases, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has been the subject of debate for decades, and recently the nomenclature of asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) was adopted for this condition. The definition of this entity in the literature is, however, very heterogeneous, it is therefore important to define how it applies to Portugal. Methods: A literature review of ACOS was made in a first phase resulting in the drawing up of a document that was later submitted for discussion among a panel of chronic lung diseases experts, resulting in reflexions about diagnosis, treatment and clinical guidance for ACOS patients. © 2017 Sociedade Portuguesa de Pneumologia.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Overlap syndrome
- Portuguese consensus


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Iris Africa Malawi, December 2011
This is a personal photographic journal of a month spent amongst the beautiful people of Malawi, by Michael Steingard.
“I had the honor of building friendship with the folks at the Iris Ministries Base in Bangula, Malawi. This was a personal time of rest and relationship. I informally taught photography and music, and participated with aid work in the surrounding villages. I have the utmost of admiration and respect for the folks I met along this journey. Iris is more of a family than an organization, and the work they do is amazing.
“This is not a documentary of the work of Iris, however, as the warm light of an African sunrise cannot help but fill the valleys with its golden rays; the kindness of a good God working through the hands of Iris, cannot help but permeate these photographs. These are the faces, the places, and moments that linger in my heart and mind...”


The 2015 magnitude 7.8 Gorkha earthquake and its aftershocks weakened mountain slopes in Nepal. Co- and postseismic landsliding and the formation of landslide-dammed lakes along steeply dissected valleys were widespread, among them a landslide that dammed the Kali Gandaki River. Overtopping of the landslide dam resulted in a flash flood downstream, though casualties were prevented because of timely evacuation of low-lying areas. We hindcast the flood using the BREACH physically based dam-break model for upstream hydrograph generation, and compared the resulting maximum flow rate with those resulting from various empirical formulas and a simplified hydrograph based on published observations. Subsequent modeling of downstream flood propagation was compromised by a coarse-resolution digital elevation model with several artifacts. Thus, we used a digital-elevation-model preprocessing technique that combined carving and smoothing to derive topographic data. We then applied the 1-dimensional HEC-RAS model for downstream flood routing, and compared it to the 2-dimensional Delft-FLOW model. Simulations were validated using rectified frames of a video recorded by a resident during the flood in the village of Beni, allowing estimation of maximum flow depth and speed. Results show that hydrological smoothing is necessary when using coarse topographic data (such as SRTM or ASTER), as using raw topography underestimates flow depth and speed and overestimates flood wave arrival lag time. Results also show that the 2-dimensional model produces more accurate results than the 1-dimensional model but the 1-dimensional model generates a more conservative result and can be run in a much shorter time. Therefore, a 2-dimensional model is recommended for hazard assessment and planning, whereas a 1-dimensional model would facilitate real-time warning declaration.
On 25 April 2015, Nepal was struck by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that caused over 8000 casualties (GoN National Planning Commission 2015). Many aftershocks followed, including a 7.3 temblor on 12 May. These earthquakes weakened steep hillslopes (Kargel et al 2015), including those of Myagdi district (Anonymous 2015c). Near the village of Baisari (28.40°N, 83.60°E), a damaged slope failed early on 24 May, causing a landslide, which blocked the Kali Gandaki river. Officials quickly ordered evacuations of low-lying areas in the town of Beni and the informal settlement of Maldhunga (Figure 1) downstream of the landslide, preventing casualties when the landslide dam was overtopped and breached later that day (Marahatta and Parajuli 2015).
This event is just one example of the frequent flash floods experienced in Nepal. In addition to landslide dam breaching (Weidinger 2006; Awal 2008a, 2008b), flash floods can be caused by intense rainfall events in steep mountainous areas, rockfall induced by glacial melting (Bhandary et al 2012), or glacial lake outburst floods (Bajracharya et al 2007). Rapid prediction of flood arrival time and depth is essential for issuing timely warnings to downstream population centers, yet it is often compromised by lack of the data that would make it possible to run simulations with the increasingly sophisticated hydrodynamic models available today (Schwanghart et al 2016). Using the breach of the Baisari landslide dam as an example, this study investigated options for predicting flood behavior in a data-scarce environment, including the effect of model complexity—1-dimensional (1-D) versus 2-dimensional (2-D)—and digital-elevation-model preprocessing on the results of hydrodynamic simulations.
Field observations by residents
Local residents used smartphone cameras to record videos of the Kali Gandaki flood at Beni Bridge (28.34°N, 83.56°E) at the time of maximum flow depth and speed (Figure 2). Construction drawings position the bridge's low chord (lowest elevation of the girder under the bridge deck) at 6.5 m above the streambed. Based on this, the video indicates a maximum flow depth of 4 to 5 m. Use of image rectification (Bourgault et al 2013) followed by particle image velocimetry to trace the motion of floating debris indicated a maximum flow speed of 9 to 10 m/s at the water surface.
For comparison with depth-averaged river flood models, we converted surface flow speed to depth-averaged flow speed. In typical open channels, the vertical profile of horizontal flow speed can be represented by a power law profile (Chanson 2004) as shown in Equation 1.Chanson 2004). Integrating Equation 1 over the water column results in ū/umax = 0.86, where ū is the depth-averaged flow speed. Based on this, the particle image velocimetry result corresponded to a depth-averaged flow speed of 7.7 to 8.6 m/s.
To generate a hydrograph for the landslide dam breach itself, the BREACH dam-break model (Fread 1988a) was used. Using this hydrograph, flood routing downstream was evaluated with 2 models: the 1-D unsteady HEC-RAS (USACE 2010; Brunner 2014) and 2-D Delft-FLOW (Deltares 2011).
BREACH dam-break model
BREACH is a physically based mathematical model of dam breach by overtopping or piping (internal erosion). Overtopping was known to be the cause of the flood in the present case (Marahatta and Parajuli 2015; Wang et al 2016). Following the onset of overtopping, the model uses shear-stress-based scour formulas and geotechnical slope-stability formulas based on the material properties of the dam to calculate erosion of the breach into the dam face as well as breach widening by side slope failure.
BREACH is one of several dam-break models used by the US National Weather Service (Fread 1988b), but it is the only one of these that uses a physical basis to calculate the flood hydrograph. The other models are empirical, using observations of past failures of man-made dams to approximate the rates of breach deepening and widening. Few data exist on breaching of landslide dams (O'Connor and Beebee 2009), but the physically based BREACH model has successfully been applied to such cases (Fan et al 2012). Therefore, BREACH was chosen to generate the hydrograph in this study. Other physically based dam-break models include Awal's (2008a, 2008b); Table 1 lists several empirical dam-break models.
Empirical dam breach models and their peak flow hindcast.
The Baisari area is remote, so data are sparse. Landslide geometry was estimated based on Collins and Jibson (2015). The landslide was reported to be approximately 200 m long, 50 m wide, and 30 m high, with a total volume of 300,000 m3, impounding a lake with a volume of 8 million m3. Assuming a triangular cross section over a local riverbed slope (horizontal:vertical) of 50:1 (GoN Department of Survey 1996) allowed estimation of the upstream and downstream face slopes of the landslide (Table 2). Together with Collins and Jibson's (2015) description of the landslide, photographs of the landslide (Petley 2015) allowed gross estimation of geotechnical parameters (Table 2). Reservoir surface area as a function of water level was determined using a topographic contour map (GoN Department of Survey 1996).
BREACH landslide dam parameters.a)
Flood-routing models and digital-elevation-model preprocessing
Routing of flash floods is a topic on which research is actively being carried out (Lighthill and Whitham 1955; Mudd 2006; Abderrezzak et al 2009; George 2011). The flood hydrograph shown in Figure 3 was routed downstream by both 1-D and 2-D models, in order to compare the performance of each type of model. Topography used in each model was derived from a contour map of the area (GoN Department of Survey 1996) digitized to 15-m resolution.
In addition to flood routing using these raw topography data, other flood-routing models were run using topography data that had been conditioned with hydrological smoothing (Koenker 2005; Schwanghart and Scherler 2014). Unprocessed digital elevation models frequently contain artificial topographic depressions along a river's longitudinal profile; previous approaches have attempted to remove these by either filling or carving (Lindsay 2015). However, both methods tend to generate long zero-gradient sections followed by steep steps. The smoothing approach applied here used curvature-regularized linear interpolation with additional constraints on downslope gradient. This smooths the longitudinal river profile while ensuring that elevations decrease uniformly downstream, thus avoiding both sinks and macroroughness elements absent in reality.
Based on the smoothed profile, we derived a 1-m-deep, 45-m-wide channel carved into the thalweg. Figure 1D shows the effect of hydrological smoothing on the stream thalweg profile. Results were extracted at the locations of Beni Bridge and Maldhunga Bridge (28.25°N, 83.61°E) for comparison between models, with the particle image velocimetry result for maximum flow depth and speed based on the video recorded by a resident.
Two-dimensional Delft-FLOW: A depth-averaged Delft-FLOW model (Deltares 2011) was set up for the domain shown in Figure 1C, using a curvilinear grid with resolution from 20 to 40 m. The model time step was 0.6 second. Horizontal turbulent eddy viscosity was assumed to be a uniform 1 m2/s (Bricker and Nakayama 2007); sensitivity to this parameter was investigated by running the model with an eddy viscosity of 0 m2/s as well, but the result was indistinguishable from the 1 m2/s result. To correctly resolve the flow of the wetting front over dry land, Delft-FLOW's FLOOD advection solver (Stelling and Duinmeijer 2003) was used. The base-case hydrograph shown in Figure 3 was applied to the model as a point discharge into the stream thalweg at the model's upper boundary, with the boundary itself a solid wall. The lower boundary was inconsequential, because it had no impact on the lowest point of interest (Maldhunga Bridge) during the simulation.
Manning's n was specified per the formulation of Jarrett (1984), in which n = 0.38S0.38H−0.16, where S is the stream slope and H is the water depth. For an average bed slope of S = 0.007 (from the topographic data) and flow depth H = 5 m (based on trial-and-error model runs), a uniform n = 0.04 s/m1/3 was determined and applied throughout the domain. As a sensitivity analysis, another model run was conducted with roughness n = 0.03 s/m1/3. Likewise, to test sensitivity of the model result to grid spacing, a run was conducted on a fine grid with resolution 3 times that of the base-case (coarse) grid, using a time step of 0.2 second. The smaller time step for the fine model run was necessary to preserve model stability because of the Courant number condition (Morton and Mayers 1994).
The Delft-FLOW model was validated for use in flash flood modeling by comparison with the results of Hervouet and Petitjean (1999) for the 1959 Malpasset dam break, as measurements of the wave travel time and flood elevations were reported. Model topography, initial conditions, and roughness were set up as in Hervouet and Petitjean (1999). Uniform rectangular grids at 20- and 10-m resolution as well as coarse (approximately 15-m resolution in the channel) and fine (approximately 7.5-m resolution in the channel) nonuniform stream-following curvilinear grids were evaluated. The model time step was 0.01 second.
Figure 4A shows the flood wave elevation at a transformer that was known to have been knocked out of service by the flood approximately 21 minutes after the dam break. All of the Delft-FLOW configurations tested showed this time to be the onset of a rapid rise in water level; the coarse (20-m mesh) rectangular grid simulation was the most diffusive, whereas the fine curvilinear grid simulation was the least diffusive. As Figure 4B shows, all model configurations reasonably reproduced maximum measured water depths from the physical model described in Hervouet and Petitjean (1999). Because a curvilinear grid allowed higher resolution and less diffusive modeling than a rectangular grid, given the computational resources available, a curvilinear grid was chosen for modeling the Kali Gandaki flood.
One-dimensional HEC-RAS: For comparison between 1-D and 2-D models, the flood was also routed using HEC-RAS (USACE 2010). A 1-D HEC-RAS model of the river reach shown in Figure 1C was generated with both raw and smoothed/carved topography, but only the latter ran in a stable manner. Transects were defined transverse to the stream thalweg with a maximum spacing of 75 m. The upstream boundary condition was the base-case hydrograph shown in Figure 3 at the landslide location, and the downstream boundary condition (far enough downstream to be inconsequential) was normal depth with a slope of 0.007. Because the HEC-RAS model requires water in all transects in order to run correctly, an initial flow rate of 5 m3/s was specified throughout the model domain. HEC-RAS was run in unsteady-flow mode, set to operate in the mixed-flow regime (allowing flow to transition between subcritical and supercritical). The model time step was 10 seconds, and a uniform roughness of n = 0.04 s/m1/3 was applied, as discussed above.
The BREACH hydrograph of flow exiting the dam site is shown in Figure 3, with a maximum flow rate of 1696 m3/s occurring 2.4 hours after the beginning of overtopping. In addition to physically based models, many empirical models have been developed based on historical dam failures; they give maximum flow rate as a function of dam height and impounded volume and are summarized by Brunner (2014) and Khanal et al (2015). As Table 1 shows, these formulas produce widely varying results, with the BREACH result near the lower end. However, the agreement of the BREACH hydrograph with observations of the flood (discussed below) lends it credence.
Dam geometric parameters were specified based on the observations of Collins and Jibson (2015), which estimated a mean grain size of less than 20 cm. Wang et al (2016) estimated a median grain size of 0.02 mm in the upper 40-cm airfall layer of the deposit. Other geotechnical substrate characteristics were not measured. Figure 3 shows an analysis of the hydrograph's sensitivity to variation in soil quality parameters, with the base case as described in Table 2. The peak flow rate varied slightly (about 10%) within a reasonable range of input values, and the shape of the hydrograph remained relatively unchanged. Sensitivity analysis considered only uncertainty in soil quality, not dam geometry or the impounded stage–area relation, as the observations of Collins and Jibson (2015) and map contours were used for the latter.
The hydrographs shown in Figure 3 are at odds with the report by Wang et al (2016) that the time from the onset of overtopping to maximum outflow was only one-half hour, and that the breach was asymmetric because of the cliff face constraining the left-bank erosion (BREACH cannot account for this constraint). Unfortunately, Wang et al (2016) did not provide any quantitative information to use in hydrograph generation. However, Marahatta and Parajuli (2015) estimated that breaching began about 1 hour after the onset of overtopping, that the maximum breach flow rate was 1291 m3/s, and that this flood flow lasted for approximately 30 minutes. A simple hydrograph with a linear rise was added to Figure 3 to represent the breach described by Marahatta and Parajuli (2015), and this hydrograph was routed in 1-D and 2-D over smoothed and raw topography to compare downstream flooding with the BREACH hydrographs (Figure 5).
Validation based on observed flow depth and speed at Beni Bridge
At Beni Bridge, the 2-D coarse grid simulations hindcast a maximum flow depth of 4 to 5 m (Figure 5), which is in agreement with the video of the flood discussed above. In this instance, the 1-D simulation is conservative, hindcasting a larger flow depth. All of the simulations using the smoothed/carved topography hindcast a maximum depth-averaged flow speed at Beni Bridge close to the range of 7.7–8.6 m/s measured from the video.
Because the 2-D simulations using raw (unsmoothed) topography showed maximum flow speeds much slower than that observed at Beni Bridge, it is likely that they were losing too much energy because of spuriously large obstacles (pools and riffles). This hypothesis was tested via a sensitivity analysis of the raw topography simulation with an unrealistically small roughness of n = 0.01 s/m1/3. As Figure 5 shows, this also resulted in a flow speed at Beni Bridge smaller than the measured value, lending credence to this hypothesis.
Validation based on flood wave arrival time at Beni Bridge
In the raw topography simulations, the flood wave arrived at Beni Bridge more than one-half hour later than in the smoothed topography simulations. Based on direct observations, this delay also appears to be spurious. Witnesses reported that landslide overtopping began about 5 PM local time (Anonymous 2015b; Collins and Jibson 2015; Marahatta and Parajuli 2015). Because sunset on 24 March 2015 was 7 PM local time, darkness would have prevented local residents from recording videos of the flood arriving at Beni Bridge after 7 PM. However, as Figure 2 shows, videos were recorded even after the bore arrived. The flood wave hindcast by the BREACH hydrograph and routed over raw topography arrived at Beni Bridge over 2 hours after overtopping began, at which time darkness would have prevented locals from recording video. Thus, as with the spuriously slow flow speed discussed above, the simulation using raw topography hindcast a spuriously late flood arrival time. In contrast, in simulations using the Marahatta and Parajuli (2015) hydrograph, both the smoothed and raw topography flood waves arrived at Beni Bridge before sunset, with maximum flow reached 1 hour earlier.
The 1-D simulation hindcast a flood wave arrival one-half hour earlier than the 2-D simulation's hindcast. However, observations showing the absolute time of flood wave arrival were not recorded, so it is not possible to decide which is more accurate based on observations. Nonetheless, the 1-D simulation, as shown above, hindcast a flow depth at Beni Bridge larger than the observed flow depth. Because a deeper flow equates to greater wave front speed, the early arrival of the 1-D front is likely a result of the conservatively large flow depth hindcast by the 1-D model. This holds true for both the BREACH and Marahatta and Parajuli (2015) hydrographs.
Sensitivity to roughness
In order to investigate the effect of Manning's n on the model result, another 2-D simulation was evaluated with n = 0.03 s/m1/3. As expected, this caused an increase in flow speed, a reduction in flow depth, and a shortening of the arrival lag time of the flood wave at Beni Bridge. However, the difference was small, and both depth and speed fell close to the range of observed maximum flow depth and speed at the bridge. Nonetheless, because Jarrett's (1984) formula estimated n = 0.04 s/m1/3, the simulation with n = 0.04 s/m1/3 was used as the base case for the current analysis.
Sensitivity to model grid resolution
The 2-D simulation with fine grid resolution hindcast a deeper, faster flow at Beni Bridge than the base-case 2-D simulation. The arrival time of the flood wave hindcast by the fine-resolution simulation was also earlier than that of the base-case simulation. This is likely because the fine-resolution simulation undergoes less numerical dissipation (Morton and Mayers 1994) than the coarse simulation.
Flood behavior at Maldhunga Bridge
Figure 5 also shows the results for Maldhunga Bridge, further downstream. The simulation using raw topography hindcast flow depth and speed much lower, and a flood wave arrival over 1 hour later, than that hindcast by the simulations based on smoothed topography. The 1-D model hindcast a greater flow depth than the 2-D models but a slower flow speed. Sensitivity to roughness was similar to that at Beni Bridge, whereas the fine-grid simulation hindcast slightly less flow depth and greater flow speed than the coarse-grid model.
The results described above indicate which models are applicable to the Kali Gandaki landslide flood of 2015, and hint at which models should be applied in similar environments elsewhere. Hindcasting the flood hydrograph at the location of the dam itself showed the most uncertainty. The empirical formulas referenced in Table 1 produced a range of peak flow rates from 87 to 8970 m3/s; the BREACH result of 1696 m3/s was near the lower end of that range. Nonetheless, the BREACH hydrograph, when combined with either 1-D or 2-D routing models, produced a result for flow speed and depth at Beni Bridge in close agreement with observations. If the peak flow had been much larger, as it would be under many of the empirical formulas, the flow at Beni Bridge would also have been deeper, causing overtopping of the bridge. In reality, overtopping did not occur. Likewise, the maximum flow depth hindcast at Maldhunga Bridge in this study was approximately 10 m. Although it is a taller bridge, with a lower chord 16 m above the riverbed, the larger flow rates indicated by the Table 1 formulas could have caused overtopping here as well, but none was reported.
Khanal et al (2015) applied a similar set of empirical dam-break formulas to glacial lake outburst floods in the Himalaya, and concluded that they are likely to overestimate peak flows. Davies et al (2007) modeled a landslide dam-break flood in New Zealand and compared it to field observations of the flood, and noted that “empirical relations produced some wild values” of peak flow rates, whereas the BREACH model slightly underestimated the flow rate. The reason for the BREACH underestimation was that the landslide dam had slopes steeper than 5:1 (horizontal:vertical), which BREACH could not simulate because of limitations in its sediment transport equation. In the case of the Baisari landslide (Table 2), however, slopes based on geometry reported by Collins and Jibson (2015) were less than 5:1 and so did not suffer from the same limitation.
Empirical formulas need to be applied with great care, as they account for only dam height and/or lake volume. Uncertainty of input parameters (eg uncertainty of lake hypsometry and dam characteristics) to a physically based model by Walder and O'Connor (1997), however, also produced distributions of peak discharge that ranged between 3 orders of magnitude (Schwanghart et al 2016). A physically based model like BREACH thus requires well-constrained input data and knowledge about the geometry and geotechnical composition of the dam. When these data are available, physically based models can be more robust when applied within the limits for which they were formulated.
Concerning downstream flood routing, our analysis showed that hydrological smoothing and carving is a necessity in regions where detailed topographic data are unavailable. At Beni Bridge, the flood hindcast with unsmoothed topography arrived later, and its flow speed was slower, than observed in the field (Figure 5). Further downstream at Maldhunga Bridge, the flood based on unsmoothed topography arrived over 1 hour later and was much weaker and shallower than that shown by the other models.
If a model severely underestimating flood hazard were adopted for use in evacuation planning or warning, the result could be catastrophic. For example, in the case of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, an initial evacuation warning was issued based on the first few seconds of recorded seismic data, resulting in an estimated earthquake of magnitude 7.9 (Japan Meteorological Agency 2013). Based on this estimate, predicted tsunami heights at the coast were underestimated, so much of the populace did not feel an urgent need to evacuate. As more seismic data were acquired, the estimated earthquake magnitude was raised to 9.0, allowing accurate hindcasting of tsunami heights, but not in time to issue effective evacuation warnings (Japan Meteorological Agency 2013). Likewise, if a model such as BREACH were used with unsmoothed topography for flood evacuation planning or warning, the underestimation of flood magnitude and overestimation of lag time before flood wave arrival could result in insufficient evacuation and increased casualties (Jonkman et al 2002).
At the opposite extreme, the 1-D model used in this study hindcast a slightly deeper flood and shorter flood wave arrival lag time at both bridges than did the other models (Figure 5). This result is conservative, which is a positive aspect of a warning system if used only once. However, if a conservative model is used in a warning system over a long time period, resulting in multiple false alarms or near misses, the population at risk is likely to stop heeding warnings, which would negate the protective effect of the warning system (Frieser 2004; Barnes et al 2007; Parker et al 2009; Dillon-Merrill et al 2011).
An interesting aspect of this study was the value of crowd-sourced video available on the Internet for assessing flood models. Particularly in countries with few gauging stations, such videos are an invaluable source of information on alpine flash floods, whose extents and dynamics can usually not be derived from satellite-based imagery as is the case for large, lowland rivers. Future work should develop methods that utilize and augment this increasingly available video material for flood analysis. Similar techniques were used for validation of inundation models during the Great East Japan Tsunami (Bricker et al 2015) and Typhoon Haiyan (Roeber and Bricker 2015).
The importance of hydrological smoothing and carving is clearly displayed by the results above, as the simulation using raw topography hindcast lower flow depth and speed, and a longer flood wave arrival lag time, than was observed in the field. In developing countries such as Nepal, where accurate data on river channel topography do not exist, basing a flash flood warning system on raw global topography such as SRTM (NASA 2014) or ASTER (NASA 2012) could result in delayed evacuation and increased casualties.
Using smoothed/carved topography and basing a warning system on either a 1-D or 2-D model would give useful and reliable information to those in the hazard area. In the case studied here, the 1-D model hindcast a more conservative result than the 2-D model. Because 1-D models can be executed much more quickly than 2-D models (on the Intel Core i7 processor used for this study, the 1-D model ran in about 4 minutes, whereas the coarse-grid 2-D model took 4 hours and the fine-grid 2-D model took 24 hours), and because the 1-D model produces a conservative result, the 1-D model is more useful for real-time warning systems. Because of the run time required for a 2-D model, application to a real-time warning system might not be practical, especially in developing countries with insufficient access to powerful computing resources. However, the accuracy of 2-D models makes them useful for predisaster hazard assessment and hazard map generation. Furthermore, they can be used in real-time warning systems if they are executed en masse beforehand to generate a large number of flood scenarios, from which a pattern-recognition system such as a neural network (Campolo et al 1999, 2003) or decision tree can be used to extract the appropriate scenario during an actual flood.
The delicate middle ground between insufficient warning (as results from the model with unsmoothed topography) and excessive warning (as results from the 1-D model) is different for every locale and needs to be investigated before floods occur in order for credible warning systems to be implemented. In the case of the 2015 Kali Gandaki flood, the 2-D model generated a result most in line with field observations. However, this cannot be assumed to hold true universally. For disaster preparedness planning in a given basin, a range of models should be evaluated by hindcasting historical events for which field data or crowd-sourced videos exist.
This work was supported by a grant from the president of Tohoku University and the director of the International Research Institute of Disaster Science. We thank Phillip Mineart for help with the BREACH model and Fabien Retif for helping us obtain Malpasset dam-break topography data. Topographic data were provided by Alpine Consultancy Pvt Ltd Nepal, and the Department of Survey, Nepal.


text: Today I stood at the end of my eldest son Ronin's bed in the intensive care ward of the Geelong hospital. This morning he was stabbed twice through the heart, by someone he knew well, someone he was trying to care for - and at present, his chances of survival are slim. He is in a coma right now - and tomorrow we should know more about whether he will come out of it or not. I found myself looking at his feet, still blood-stained from the tragic incident ... and thoughts bubbled up about the myriad paths we all walk through this dance we call life. Live's and destinies can change in the blink of an eye - all the more reason we should, each and every one of us, speak our hearts whenever we have the opportunity to do so. Don't hold back my friends - all we have is today - and even that is uncertain.

domain: literature


text:
The unique results of scientific experiments prove that the high financial income and good family relationships can significantly reduce the risk of various heart diseases. It turns out that having a lot of money and living in love, a person much less expose their various nervous system stimulation. As a result, the risk of a heart attack or stroke, he greatly reduced. Conversely, people with low incomes or problems in family life experience higher risks in this regard.
Researchers from Sweden, which for several years actively engaged in the study of this issue. They say that the first link between the financial condition of the person and heart disease was found 70 years ago. However, the latest research results show that this relationship is much stronger than it seemed.
So, among the unemployed or people living on social benefits, the number of patients with cardiovascular disease and heart attack are much higher than those of the rich. In addition, single people living alone for a long time and do not have family, also have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Stress – The Main Enemy of Your Heart
The health of the cardiovascular system is directly dependent on your psychological state. Recent studies have shown that people who have the least amount of stress, depression, and nervousness are much less likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, and coronary heart disease. Try to surround yourself with positive emotions and not experience stress due to family scandals, quarrels with friends and other problems. Spend more time with children, find simple reasons for joy and fun, maintain a healthy sleep and a normal level of physical activity so that your heart is healthy!Source: www.goodshelp.com

domain: medical


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A while back I wrote about Take Shelter, a film which questioned its protagonist’s sanity in a meaningful way (the open-ended ending felt less like a cop-out and more like bold punctuation). The heroine of A Dark Song is in a similar sort of predicament: early on it’s revealed she has abandoned the medication and therapy prescribed to her in the wake of her son’s death. Some or all of what happens to her in the course of the movie could very well be the product of delusion. That doesn’t make it any less terrifying.
Whereas Michael Shannon’s character in Take Shelter was ostracized by his community for his (possible) mental illness, the main character of A Dark Song is barreling along the road to losing even more. Her name is Sophia and she will stop at nothing to speak to her dead son. Sophia’s internet research has led her to an occultist who claims he can help. Unfortunately, he looks less like a dark magician and more like a guy who listens to records backwards in his parents’ basement.
Sophia wipes out her savings to rent a secluded house in the Welsh countryside and pay Joseph’s hefty asking price. The ritual, he says, can take several months to complete, but at the end of it Sophia will get a chance to have her guardian angel grant any wish she desires. As Joseph draws a circle of salt around the perimeter of the home, he issues a dire warning: once the ritual starts, they can’t leave the house until their work is finished. Otherwise, they will suffer fates worse than hell itself.
Despite his authentic-looking grimoires and steadfast conviction, Joseph may be full of shit. And for a woman as vulnerable as Sophia, their pairing could be a deadly combination. She’s already demonstrated she’s willing to do whatever it takes, short of forgiving those responsible for her child’s death, and the abusive rites Joseph concocts are highly suspect from the get-go. By the time the rituals show any sign of working, you could just as well believe Sophia’s last trace of sanity has reached its breaking point.
I saw A Dark Song several months ago, which made me a little hesitant to write about it now, but it’s been fresh in my mind ever since, sometimes pestering me at night when I’m trying to sleep. I’ve seen a lot of movies in the months since, but few have been as memorable. Both of its actors are fantastic. Like The Head Hunter, which I wrote about last week, this movie makes the case that underfunded filmmakers should build their casts on quality as opposed to quantity.
Catch it while it’s still on Netflix.


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This dynamic dance fitness program is inspired by Latin and international rhythms and is designed specifically for beginners, older adults, and anyone who loves to dance. Dance your way to improved health. (No rhythm required!) Skill Level: All levels. Facilitator: Wendy Brogden. You may choose to attend Live or Virtually.
Date: Wednesdays Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Series 1: October 4 – 25
Fee: Members $20/Non-members $40
Please call 410-662-4363 if you have any questions about the event, using online ticketing, or to register via phone. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm weekdays.


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One of the conundrum of grilling meat is that the process of cooking doesn’t start a sauce for you, as a roast chicken does, as pan roasting a pork loin does, as all braises do.
What then to sauce the meat with? An emulsified butter sauce is the perfect answer. And there is no better emulsified butter sauce than the Béarnaise. This French classic was a childhood staple, a symbol for me of plenty, and also of the security my mom and dad gave me. I wrote about it for Parade Magazine many years ago.
My mom made it the old fashioned way: a reduction of shallot, tarragon, tarragon vinegar, and egg yolks in a double boiler. She used the recipe from James Beard’s Menus For Entertaining. (It's also in his superb American Cookery, one of my favorite cookbooks.) She used dried tarragon (late 1960s, early 70s, we didn’t know what fresh tarragon was). And she whipped it like a madwoman till she got all the butter she could in there. (If the sauce broke, it won; if it didn’t, Mom won. One Woman. One Sauce. My dad and I would watch it like a sporting event.)
While I love that—that’s real cooking—and I love the depth a reduction brings to it, sometimes, especially on a lazy summer evening when you want to keep the kitchen cool, I make a simpler Béarnaise: lemon, shallot, plenty of fresh chopped tarragon, melted butter and a hand blender. You could also do it in a countertop blender. Takes all of five minutes. So, in this season of grilling, I return to this great classic, and urge you to put this, rather than ketchup, on your burger.
James shot this video two days ago: how to make a quick Béarnaise. Real time. I intend to make it this weekend for burgers at Mac's, my partner in offset spoons, and the source of much laughter. Béarnaise is traditionally as thick as mayonaise, as in the picture. That's how I'd make it for a burger. If you want to make it looser, add a little water.
Easy Bearnaise Sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- aggressive pinch of salt
- pepper (optional)
- 2 egg yolks
- 6 ounces salted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced tarragon (or more to taste)
- Combine the lemon juice, shallot, salt, and pepper in a 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup or other container with a narrow base. Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Add the egg yolks and give it a buzz with the hand blender (if you’re blade doesn’t reach the yolk, use the whisk attachment).
- Melt the butter in a one-cup measuring cup with a spout or some other container that will allow you to pour the butter in a stream. Make sure it’s piping hot.
- With the hand blender running, pour the butter into the egg yolks, pumping the blender up and down (or side to side if using whisk) as you do so. Add half the tarragon and continue to blend. Stop and fold in the remaining tarragon.
Makes about 1 cup
If you liked this post on a quick béarnaise sauce, check out these other links:
- My post on making a classic hollandaise sauce.
- Todd & Diane, the White on Rice Couple share their recipe for a peach and heirloom tomato salad.
- BBQ Addicts blog is a solid read, plus home to the bacon explosion.
- Here is a list of some interesting items to grill such as avocados or hearts of palm from Yum Sugar.
© 2011 Michael Ruhlman. Photo © 2011 Donna Turner-Ruhlman. All rights reserved.

domain: hobby


text:
The sleek and slim design of these plug sockets, with softly rounded corners will compliment any interior décor.
Theses modern power outlets are suitable for both domestic or commercial installations.
- Type: Cooker Switch and Plug Socket
- 1 Gang
- Amps: 45A
- Finish: Brushed Steel
- Insert Colour: Grey
- Fixed integrated plastic gasket to protect metal edges from moisture
- 2 Earth terminals
- LED Neon indicator
- Colour matching fixing screws
Please consult the Part P Building Regulations before carrying out any electrical work.
For further infomation, visit the Planning Portal Government website.


The REAL voter fraud – Republican gerrymandering.
Dems win Virginia’s statewide popular vote, but Republicans have majorities in the State House and Senate because of gerrymandering. Republicans drew the district lines to artificially create a majority of right-leaning districts.
Instead of voters choosing their representatives, Republican politicians choose their voters.
Local Majority Investigative Report: Issue-Voting_rights-Gerrymandering03-21-2017


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Five of the six county baseball teams finished with winning records in 2016, but they each enjoyed varying degrees of success.
Bellefonte provided the highlight by capturing the state championship. Philipsburg-Osceola and St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy both won two district playoff games before being eliminated, while Bald Eagle Area and State College were both eliminated in their district openers. Penns Valley was the lone team to finish below .500 as the Rams struggled through a 4-14 campaign.
Here’s a look at each team heading into 2017.
Bald Eagle Area
BEA coach Jim Gardner thinks his program has the ability to make a run every year.
But the Eagles saw their past two seasons come to an end in the first round of the District 6 playoffs. Throughout both seasons, BEA struggled to come through offensively in crucial situations.
“It seemed like last year and really the last couple years just about anybody could hit until there was somebody on second,” Gardner said.
Coming off an 11-9 season, Gardner hopes this year’s team breaks that trend. Gardner said the Eagles will be solid defensively and look to build off their pitching, led by left-hander Brian Egan.
“Brian has all the ability in the world,” Gardner said. “He just needs to be more consistent. That’s no mystery to him.”
But BEA’s problem the last two years has been hitting with runners in scoring position.
“I’m going to tell them over and over again that I believe in them, and I believe they can get it done,” Gardner said. “But, ultimately, it comes down to each individual having confidence in themselves.”
With plenty of talent back from the Red Raiders’ state championship team — including their best hitter, a dominant pitcher and their entire starting infield — Bellefonte coach Dan Fravel is excited about his team’s potential.
But going into this season, Fravel said this group hasn’t yet taken the time to look back on last year or look ahead at the possibilities for this year.
“It’s just kind of been a workmanship way about getting back into routines and re-establishing chemistry,” Fravel said.
Bellefonte found the right mix at the right time last season.
Though the Red Raiders lost ace Dom Masullo and Kyler Mellott, left-hander Adam Armstrong (5-1, 0.74 ERA) will provide a strong presence on the mound. Logan Mathieu will be Bellefonte’s top threat offensively after hitting .379 with 14 doubles and 19 RBIs last season.
But the Red Raiders must overcome losing Tanner Helms, who will miss his senior season after having offseason shoulder surgery to repair a recurring football injury. Helms, an outfielder, hit .347 with 13 RBIs last season.
“He’s a big part of this team,” Fravel said. “It really burns him to not be able to contribute, but I want him to be part of everything.”
The Rams’ season hinges on their defense.
Penns Valley committed 79 errors in 18 games last season — an average of 4.4 per game — and the Rams couldn’t overcome the miscues as they finished with a 4-14 record. Penns Valley’s defense will determine the difference between enjoying a turnaround season or enduring another year of disappointment.
“Our defense just killed us last year,” coach Jon Bowersox said.
The defensive issues prevented Penns Valley from picking up its first win this season. The Rams had six errors and blew a two-run lead in the seventh inning as the teams were tied 10-10 in a game suspended due to darkness. They had one error in their 5-0 loss to Juniata in the season opener.
Seniors Luke Snyder, Andrew Tobias, Hunter Homan, Lucas Sharer and Keith Butts all return with experience on the mound.
The coach felt they did their job in 2016, but they didn’t receive enough support from the defense.
“They weren’t the reason we didn’t win games last year,” Bowersox said. “We just committed more errors than anybody in the Mountain League. It didn’t matter how well they pitched; we just couldn’t field the ball last year.”
Mounties coach Doug Sankey started to look ahead to this season when last year ended.
Philipsburg-Osceola fell 4-0 to Bishop McCort in the District 6 Class 2A semifinals. The Mounties finished the season with a 15-8 record, while Bishop McCort won the district title and reached the state championship game.
This season, the Mounties want to win the district championship — and they have the experience to do it.
“That game against Bishop McCort was a heartbreaker,” Sankey said. “Our kids were really disappointed. With all the young kids we had, I kind of just tried to tell ’em to remember that moment and how they felt and hopefully feed off that for this year.”
Starting shortstop Logan Williamson will lead Philipsburg-Osceola this season. Williamson, a four-year starter, hit .323 and finished with a team-high 22 RBIs in 2016. Juniors Josh Earnest and Gage Coudriet will form a strong pitching staff along with senior Cam Domblisky, who is healthy after being limited by a back injury a year ago.
“This is one of the deepest teams I’ve had,” Sankey said. “We’re a small school. We’re lucky to run nine or 10 good players out there, but I really feel like we’re deep this year, so hopefully that makes everybody compete a little bit harder.”
Little Lions coach Troy Allen watched pitching and defense put his team in position to win games last season, only to see the offense come up short time and time again.
“The games that we won were blowouts,” Allen said. “The games that we lost were like the 3-0, 3-1s, 2-0s. Our pitching staff kept us in it.”
The lack of offensive production led to an 11-9 season and the end of State College’s dominance in District 6. After winning three straight district titles, the Little Lions suffered a 6-0 loss against Mifflin County in the semifinals in 2016.
State College managed two hits in a loss that highlighted its weakness.
Offense remains a concern, while pitching and defense remain strengths going into this season. Penn State signee Mason Mellott and Gavin Schaefer-Hood will lead a deep pitching rotation for the Little Lions.
“I feel comfortable with our pitching staff and our defense,” Allen said. “It’s all about what the offense does.”
A brilliant pitching effort secured St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy’s biggest win last season.
The No. 9-seed Wolves upset top-seeded Blairsville 1-0 in the District 6 Class A playoffs. Bryce Herman pitched six innings and Ben Macafee closed out the victory to send St. Joseph’s to the semifinals, where the Wolves saw their season come to an end with a loss to Portage.
“We’re hoping to go a little further this year,” St. Joseph’s coach Greg Herman said.
St. Joseph’s will be well-equipped to make another postseason run in the third year of the baseball program, thanks to a deep pitching staff. Bryce Herman, Greg’s son, will lead the way along with freshman Cam Burris and Macafee, who is currently dealing with an ankle injury.
The Wolves are hoping their pitching staff makes a difference in the postseason.
“That’s one of the things you look at, we’re pretty heavy with good pitching for a Single-A school,” Herman said. “That’s going to bode well for us.”
Bald Eagle Area
Head coach: Jim Gardner
Assistant coaches: Luke Gardner, Zach Rote, John Jones, Ryan MacNamara, Justin Taylor, Bryce Greene, Gary Heverly, Mike Thompson, Tyler Womer, Dylan Womer, Gage Gardner, Andy Bucha
Last year: 11-9
Key losses: Ryan Guenot, Trey Butterworth, Noah Chambers, AJ Onder, Brandon Barnyak, Andy Swabick, Caleb Bell
Returning letterwinners: Kyle Gill, Hunter Eminhizer, Ty Walker, Tanner Kresovich, Brian Egan, Jake Gates, Luke Jozefick, Grant King
Key newcomers: Jordan Jones, Garret Barnhart, Trent Donley, Kyle Gates, Gabe Basalla, Cale Burkett, Curtis Witherite
Head coach: Dan Fravel
Assistant coaches: Steve Launse, Pat Masullo, Kyle Shubert
Last year: 16-11
Key losses: Dom Masullo, Kyler Mellott, Storm Smith, Nick Jabco
Returning letterwinners: Logan Mathieu, Garrett Reiter, Dylan Deitrich, Greg Watson, Colton Burd, Tyler Kreger, Cade Fortney, Adam Armstrong, Cayden Lucas, Ethan Corman
Key newcomers: Ashton Wetzler, CJ Funk
Head coach: Jon Bowersox
Assistant coaches: Shawn Meyer, Eric Weaver
Last year: 4-14
Key losses: Jon Montresor, Corby Woodring, Logan Johnson, Allen Cain, Chase Collison, Bradley Musser, Joe Whitmer, Connor Dix
Returning letterwinners: Luke Snyder, Andrew Tobias, Hunter Homan, Lucas Sharer, Keith Butts, Nate Gillespie
Key newcomers: Jakob Daniels, Thomas Kauffman, Jared Kines, Matthew Tobias, Calvin Russell, Logan Snyder
Head coach: Doug Sankey
Assistant coaches: Tyler Good, Bo Sankey, Dale Shaw, Bill Domblisky, Matt Curtis, Aaron Mason
Last year: 15-8
Key losses: Derek Shaw, Isaac Knepp, Caleb Belinda
Returning letterwinners: Logan Williamson, Cam Domblisky, Josh Earnest, Gage Coudriet, Brandon Kephart, Hunter Ammerman, Micah Martin, Trey Shaw, Landon McDonald
Key newcomers: Bubba Slogosky, Ryan Kephart, Riley Phillips, Keegan Soltis
Head coach: Troy Allen
Assistant coaches: Dave Jameson, Brandon Auman, Collin Muthler
Last year: 11-9
Key losses: Brandon Raquet, Greg Copenhaver, Dalton Barger, Tucker Triebold, Zach Ripka, Evan Moerschbacher, Chris Adams, Bailey Ishler
Returning letterwinners: Mason Mellott, Gavin Schaefer-Hood, Kenny Magnes, Liam Clarke, David Shoemaker, Tyson Cooper, Christian Friberg, Evan Smith, Grant Donghia
Key newcomers: Kevin Karstetter, Matt Tomczuk, Jack Hurley, Ryan Gess, Tyler Gulley
St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy
Head coach: Greg Herman
Assistant coaches: Jim Dinsmore, Jim Steyers, Brian Macafee, Bob Kelly
Last year: 11-9
Key losses: Michael Forstmeier, Justin Beck, Michael Kresovich
Returning letterwinners: Cole Bernier, Dylan Broderick, Bryce Herman, Ben Macafee, Jack Mangene, Nathaniel Mellott, Jose Montes, Carl Oelhaf, Ryan Peachey, Sean Scanlon, Nick Shearer, Matt Steyers, Zane Thornburg
Key newcomers: Cam Burris

domain: sports