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The indigenous people of this region are Azeri peoples, and the main products of the village are honey and tree fruits such as walnuts, almonds, apricots, and apples.
Mohamad Rahman Bour
With conical houses and beehive-shaped doors and windows, one of the world’s most unique villages lies northwest of Iran, where its inhabitants still live in the heart of volcanic rocks.
Kandwan village is located near the Azeri city of Tabriz, and the continuity of life in it made it an exceptional village in the world. It is unlike the cities of “Cappadocia” in Turkey and “Dakota” in the United…
Faleh broke the rule of creativity and innovation, and was able, through his innate art, to form paintings that differ from the ordinary
BAGHDAD — Without any brushes or paint, and on the floor of his small shop in one of Baghdad’s neighborhoods, Hussein Faleh, a men’s hairdresser, paints wonderful paintings using the remains of his clients’ hair.
Faleh tells Al Jazeera Net that he loves drawing since his childhood, where he used to draw using paper and pen, and because of his love for excellence until he reached his unique method in his drawings. Using the…
A 24-hour, teacher-less, unscheduled programming and coding school set up by OCP Group to meet the country’s technological expertise needs.
Nicknamed “Silicon Valley” synonymous with the term high-tech companies, it is a unique university institution, its distinction begins with its name “1337” or as its pioneers pronounce it divided “13” then “37”, a coded name where each number corresponds to a letter, meaning “elite”.
The Foundation for Programming and Coding operates 24 hours a day without professors and was established by the OCP Group in order to meet the country’s needs for technological expertise.
It does not…
By Sana Al-Quwaiti
The use of tea and saffron was a method adopted by the sheikhs of the Ait Ben Haddou tribe in the past to exchange secret messages. Their grandchildren have turned it into an art form that is special to the region.
Mohamed Oti, a Moroccan young man, soaks tea and saffron in two different bowls of water for a while until the water absorbs the color of the substance soaked in it. …
Souheib Khalaf — North Syria
In the morning, Saba says goodbye to her only eight-year-old child to go to his school, while she goes to another school where she works as an educational counselor.
Saba is not accustomed to life in the northern countryside of Idlib, where she has lived in an atmosphere of alienation from her city, Maarat al-Numan, since she was displaced from it about a year ago, during the control of the Russian-backed regime forces.
This alienation is not the only challenge in the life of Saba and her son. …
Atef Douglas — Nablus
Days after receiving treatment at the governmental hospital in Tulkarm (northern West Bank); The young Muawiyah Al-Ayesh returns to his home in the city of Nablus; To complete his treatment, after he was shot by the Israeli occupation forces last week while crossing the road trying to enter Israel for work.
Through a hole made in the metal separation barrier, which Israel built along its border with the occupied West Bank in 1967, Al-Ayesh and other workers wanted to cross the barrier after being closed by Israel under the pretext of Corona, and forced them…
For the second time, Palestinian journalist Alaa Shamali and his family taste the bitterness of homelessness, as a result of an Israeli airstrike that destroyed the apartment building in which they had moved after the destruction of their home in the Shujaiya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, during the 2014 war.
Alaa, who works for the local newspaper ‘Palestine’ in Gaza told Aljazeera Net, “The occupation planes are chasing us and assassinating even our dreams of a safe life inside our homes”.
The occupation did not let Alaa and his family of five children enjoy…
Algerians pride themselves on celebrating their female new-borns as much as males, if not more
The popular proverb in the Algerian East says, “The father of a girl is blessed,” because girls can be a source of sustenance. Some families celebrate female babies as well as male ones, if not more. Many Algerians boast about the customs that honour girls.
In the centre of the city of Annaba, 600 km east of the Algerian capital, the women of one of the ancient families in the city gather, adorned in traditional dress. …
By Ahmed Al-Ghunaimi
Since the outbreak of the Arab Spring a decade ago, armies have spawned tyranny, as in the Egyptian case, and civil war, as in the cases of Yemen, Syria and Libya — and a difficult path toward democracy in Tunisia.
The indisputable fact confirmed by the Arab Spring is that “popular uprisings can lead to tyrannical collapses only when armies cease to defend the status quo.” Why then did the Egyptian military abandon Mubarak? …


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Agriculture at the heart of Equity Bank’s financial model
The current global economic crisis has led to a sharp increase in food prices and is a stark reminder of the importance of increasing our food production capacity and reducing reliance on global supply chains for critical food items.
Regional lender Equity has been supporting farmers and other primary players in the agriculture value chain to access farm inputs and machinery in support of enhancing food security and empowering small-scale farmers to farm the future, as underpinned in the first pillar of the `Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan.’
A notable area of intervention is the strategic Public-Private Partnership between the government, European Union (EU) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Equity Bank; Kenya Cereals Enhancement Program (KCEP-CRAL).
The program aims at supporting smallholder farmers to increase the productivity and profitability of cereals by ensuring that targeted smallholder farmers have access to farm inputs, value chain financing, markets, post-harvest management and investments in interventions that build resilience to climate change and sustainable natural resources management.
The Bank through its subsidiary Equity Group Foundation (EGF) has built the capacity of value chain stakeholders through financial literacy and entrepreneurship training and to 47,608 farmers on Financial Education while 209 agro-dealers have received advanced financial management skills.
Read also: Equity’s road to 100 million members
Further, a total of 54,267 farmers have already benefitted from the program by accessing certified farm inputs worth Kes2.1 billion via the e-voucher platform.
Through affordable financing, Equity is seeking to make the agriculture ecosystem more coordinated, connected, and capacitated, with mechanization as a key pillar driving higher productivity and enhancing the industrialization of Africa.
In June this year, Equity announced a partnership with CFAO Group to provide farmers with financing to purchase Case IH and Captain Tractors through the Bank’s asset finance credit facilities.
Through this partnership, Equity is providing farmers and individuals with up to 80 percent financing with flexible terms and at attractive rates with an additional option of allowing them to adjust their repayment terms based on the farming season, therefore, promoting the increased adoption of mechanization in agriculture.
Equity Group CEO, Dr James Mwangi underscored the important role the agriculture sector plays when announcing the partnership with CFAO Group, “We are doing everything we can to increase agriculture production. We want to secure the values and aspirations of our people and with agriculture being 33 percent of Kenya’s GDP, capturing 40 percent of employment with 40 percent of that in rural areas and with almost 65 percent of agriculture accounting for foreign exchange, for us at Equity this is important.”
According to Equity Group’s financial results for six months to June, the lender’s Kes650.6 billion went to the food and agriculture sector.
Young people in agriculture, small-scale, medium scale and large-scale farmers also benefit from financial and digital literacy training allowing them to enhance their money and business management skills and enhancing their wealth creation.
Additionally, the Bank’s efforts in digitizing its customer touchpoints to deliver flexibility and convenience also align with the theme of this year’s ASK Show series: “Promoting Innovation and Technology in Agriculture and Trade.”
Today, farmers can access instant loans of between Kes100 and Kes3 million from the convenience of their mobile devices anywhere and at any time by dialing *247# on any network or through their Equitel lines or through the upgraded Equity Mobile app.

domain: agronomy


Meet the new Bruce Jenner. Yep … you read that right …. this man changed his name to Bruce Jenner.
Mark Behar who has close ties to many in the adult industry (including working as security at the Bunny Ranch), recently legally changed his name to Bruce Jenner. When asked why he did it, he said it was “to return to Bruce Jenner name to its heterosexual roots.” No my friends, I can not make this shit up, this actually really happened.
Turns out Mark Behar who is now Bruce Jenner has won 3 AVN awards as well.
Mark Behar now Bruce Jenner was once even featured on an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians with Caitlyn Jenner (then Bruce Jenner) in 2009 and once acted as Kim Kardashian’s bodyguard.
This isn’t just some publicity stunt. Mark Behar really legally changed his name to Bruce Jenner. Here are the official court documents to prove it.


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Towards the ed Bluish Woman, died during the medical shortly after form herself ablaze outside a courtroom from inside the Tehran. She had been charged with “lookin in public places as opposed to an effective hijab” just after seeking to enter into Azadi Arena clothed just like the a man, flouting the nation’s infamous exclude towards women in sporting events arenas.
Similarly, plenty of Iranian young people are on Myspace
Within the an airport transit couch 1000s of kms out, as development started to give out-of Khodayari’s death, a smart device started initially to ping. And you may ping. And you will ping.
“Anywhere between my personal flights, I found myself speaking with mass media and you will trying place the phrase aside. We spoke and you may blogged to a lot of reporters, however, my personal date was brief, and i also is actually that have loads of panic attacks.
“Way too many journalists sent me texts for the Facebook wanting to make about it facts, nonetheless only wished to come up with what happened in order to Sahar. They could simply do a bing research to see what happened in order to the woman. However it is vital to enter about what is the reason trailing just what she performed. It was not an easy situation.”
The new Discover Arenas direction, and therefore means by itself into Myspace because the “A motion away from Iranian Ladies looking to avoid discrimination & help people attend arenas,” could have been productive for nearly 15 years.
They began as the a tiny group of ladies recreations admirers protesting external Azadi Stadium throughout good 2005 World Mug qualification meets between Iran and Bahrain
Now, it’s got changed into a motion to have ladies liberties inside Iran more basically, and become a lightning pole to have vital conversations how football’s governments operate towards individual legal rights abuses.
“[The season] 2005 is actually the start of girls stating so it best due to the fact a woman’s correct. For all of us, it had been tough in a lot of points since additional feminists was in fact so against you; they certainly were stating things such as ‘within the Iran we have a whole lot more essential problems for ladies’ legal rights referring to little versus them’,” Discover Stadiums said.
“I believe among the many one thing we made an effort to tell you in order to her or him is it’s a good female’s right to access any public facilities, therefore we reached this simply because now it is important out-of women’s need for its rights in Iran.”
Ahead of social media took off, Discover Stadiums had written emails so you can Fifa therefore the AFC, demanding step be studied on Iran’s ticket out of peoples legal rights. They wrote in order to residential and you will international reports retailers, making an application for someone to listen, but was mainly confronted by quiet.
It was not until 2013 that earth’s media began to grab see. Previous Fifa chairman Sepp Blatter is actually coming to Iran, followed closely by government panel associate, Moya Dodd, to generally meet with the state’s officials.
“Every https://datingmentor.org/upforit-review/ where she went, she chatted about this issue. At that time, not one of your own individual liberties organisations is actually following all of our problem. Nevertheless when Moya chatted about it, Human Legal rights View came and you can served all of us. All individual rights organisations and many other journalists internationally arrived. Basically, she linked me to the realm of sporting events a lot more.
“I needed these to know to their formal go to that half of this nation planned to watch sporting events, but they are banned out-of stadiums. Plus it took place Sepp Blatter, in his interviewing officials inside Iran, he said it. That has been an issue at that time.”
However, Blatter’s pleas were not heeded from the Iran’s regulators. And even after alterations in leadership both in Iran and Fifa over the next few years, nothing advances was developed into training the newest arena exclude. That’s whenever Discover Arenas got to Twitter.
“[Twitter] is really important. But in addition, regrettably because of vocabulary barriers, unnecessary things happen within the Iran however, not many people within the industry familiarize yourself with what’s happening. That has been my reason to write 90 per cent for the English and you may express the headlines off what’s going on surrounding this promotion,” Open Stadiums said.

domain: news


Cliff teamed up once again with Steve Anderson to produce their 3rd studio album for Susan Boyle. The album, “Wonderful World” features duets with Michael Bolton and Nat King Cole… And perhaps most unexpectedly, a cover of Madonna’s “Like A Prayer”.
Cliff's Work: michael bolton
Cliff also conducted the “We Will Remember Them” project, one of the largest sessions to be held at London’s Abbey Road Studios, featuring Michael Bolton, Robin Gibb, Hayley Westenra, Atomic Kitten, Paul Carrack, Mica Paris, Paul Rodgers and Lee Mead as well as The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra,Pipes and Drums from the Army School of Music, a celebrity choir and members of the Carmel Thomas Youth Choir. […]


The H.264 video codec is a popular streaming standard that has been used for years because of its high efficiency and image quality. It was designed to be an open format that would work across all platforms, including mobile devices, to provide HD video quality with low bandwidth requirements.
This article discusses the basics and some of the more advanced features of the H.264 video codec.
What is H264 Codec?
H.264 or AVC – Advanced Video Coding is a digital video compression standard that uses a combination of lossy and lossless compression. It is the most advanced video codec available and is used in various applications, including streaming media, Blu-ray discs, and HDTV broadcasts. The H.264 video codec standard was developed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG).
How does the H.264 video codec work?
H.264 video codec uses block-oriented standards and motion-compensated algorithms to analyze and process images. H264 encoders perform prediction, transformation, and encoding to create bits in a bitstream. The encoder makes multiple macroblocks (16 x 16) in the entire sequence and divides them into small forecast blocks for transportation. When a block is inserted in the encoder, the code is regrouped to allow re-encoding of that block. H.264 codecs have varying profiles, e.g., encoding techniques in video encoding. The compression technique will vary according to the maximum bit rate of each code and its resolution. That’s why H264 is better than H265, as it uses more techniques to achieve high-quality video at a lower bit rate.
Benefits of H.264 Video Codec
H.264 offers two main benefits over other video codecs: improved compression efficiency and improved quality at lower bitrates.
H.264 video codec is more efficient than other codecs because it uses a combination of inter-frame and intra-frame compression. Inter-frame compression-only looks at the differences between frames, while intra-frame compression encodes each frame independently. It means that H.264 can achieve better compression ratios than other codecs without sacrificing quality.
H.264 offers excellent video quality at lower bitrates, which is why it is used for streaming media and Blu-ray discs. When compared to other codecs, H.264 provides the same video quality at lower bitrates or better video quality at the same bitrate.
In addition to its improved compression efficiency and quality, H.264 also offers many advanced features, including:
Scalability: H.264 is scalable, which means that it can be used for a variety of applications, from low-quality video conferencing to high-definition television broadcasts.
Error Resilience: H.264 is designed to be resilient to errors, such as those that occur when streaming video over the internet.
Multi-view Coding: H.264 can encode multiple views of a scene, such as those captured by multiple cameras, into a single bitstream.
Disadvantages of H264 Video Codec
There are a few disadvantages to the H264 video codec. It is a proprietary codec, so it is not an open standard. This means it is not as widely adopted as other codecs and may not be compatible with all devices and software. Another disadvantage is that it is a CPU-intensive codec, so it can tax your computer’s resources and may not be suitable for real-time encoding.
H.264 applications – When and Where to use?
HVC compression format enables data transmission over long distances using existing wires and infrastructure. This format is becoming increasingly popular due to its wide range of applications, including outside broadcast (OB vans), energy industries education, and travel drone video recording for environmental surveillance applications.
Is H264 better than H265?
The short answer is yes. H.264 is more efficient than H.265, which means it can achieve better compression ratios without sacrificing quality. Additionally, H.264 offers several advanced features, such as scalability and error resilience, that make it the preferred codec for various applications.
Let’s Wrap it Up
H.264 is a video codec that is used to compress video data to be transmitted or stored more efficiently. It is used in various applications, including Blu-ray Discs, digital television, and online video. H.264 offers many advantages over other codecs, including better compression ratios, reduced file sizes, and better image quality.
Despite these advantages, H.264 is not without its drawbacks. One of the biggest concerns with the codec is that it is patented and licensed by several companies. Users may have to pay royalties to use H.264-encoded video. Additionally, H.264 can be more computationally demanding than other codecs, leading to increased power consumption and slower processing speeds.
Also Learn Quick Ways to Fix Blurry Video


In my March 24th post about linearapoli (linear urban areas), a number of examples were provided from the United States and Canada. Several others have been identified since then by readers and myself. Of these examples, none more aptly depicts my definition of a linearapolis when seen from a satellite image than the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan region of Northeast Pennsylvania. Even the southwest to northeast angle of the urbanized area eerily resembles a huge linear regression line graphed onto the underlying Pennsylvania topography.
Extending more than 50 miles from southwest (south of Nanticoke) to northeast (past Carbondale) along the Susquehanna and Lackawanna river valleys, the Northeast Pennsylvania Linearapolis rarely exceeds 15 miles in width. The linearapolis is hemmed in by Bell Mountain, Bald Mountain, Bunker Hill, and Larksville Mountain on the west side of these rivers and by the Moosic and Wilkes-Barre mountains on the east side.
Scranton and Wilkes-Barre are the two principal urban nodes within the linearapolis, but many smaller cities, towns, villages, and townships form the imaginary dotted regression line created by the built environment. It was almost like a statistician founded and created this urban area as a living test of their mathematical theorems.
Many key components of the larger metropolitan area are situated within the linearapolis, including the international airport, rail lines, river harbor facilities, and major streets. However, most expressways were constructed laterally along the adjacent mountains or in some instances bisect the linearapolis in a 90 degree fashion. Otherwise, large portions of the linearapolis would have been severely disrupted by the expressways. A by-product of the expressways avoiding the denser areas is that it has opened up hillside areas for greenfield developments, particularly those projects which require large amounts of acreage or are regional in nature. Examples include Lackawanna Stadium (PNC Field), the Wyoming Valley Mall, Mohegan Sun Arena, and several medical centers.
During more recent decades, some portions of the Northeast Pennsylvania Linearapolis have begun to spill out beyond the original confined valley. However, despite these forays to higher ground, the overall continuity of the linearapolis has remained quite sound. Whether this continuity remains will depend on a number of factors.
As one respondent to the original post noted, linearapoli are perfectly suited to mass transit due to their inherently narrow development pattern and great potential for a denser spatial form. Personally, one would have to believe that some sort of commuter rail, light rail, or dedicated BRT route running lengthwise through this 50 mile long linearapolis at regular intervals would be quite successful.
As an avid bike commuter, I believe a full-lengthwise paved, off-road bicycling route would be a sure success. The recent spike in gasoline prices could be another factor to work in favor of solidifying the Northeast Pennsylvania Linearapolis, as drivers try to reduce their commuting time and expenses. New urbanism, placemaking, walkability, and successful third places could each play a positive role as well. Meanwhile, overemphasizing new highway construction or building more large-scale greenfield projects on the periphery of the linearapolis could have the exact opposite effect.
A review of the mass transit options in Northeast Pennsylvania shows that discussions have been held to link and coordinate the two predominant systems – COLTS (gotta love that name when you are from Indy like me) in Scranton and Luzerne County Transitin Wilkes-Barre. COLTS stands for County of Lackawanna Transit System. This should improve and encourage alternative/energy-efficient transportation choices along the urban corridor.
Sadly, as with so many cities in the United States, following World War II, Scranton’s long-successful electric trolley (interurban) system was abandoned for buses and new highways in December of 1954. Today, the Electric City Trolley Museum standards as a testament to the impressive interurban system that once operated here. Hopefully, the ongoing cooperation between the mass transit systems will further re-knit together the social and economic fabric of this elongated urban area, allowing for nearly seamless connections throughout the valley. Personally, I would love to see modern streetcars brought back to the streets Scranton and surrounding areas. As the cost of driving continues to rise, such alternatives would be nice to have available once more.
A direct commuter rail link to Hoboken, New Jersey is also in the planning and financing stages. If funded and built, the rail route running from Scranton east through the Pocono Mountain resort and retirement areas to Hoboken, across the Hudson River from Manhattan, may spur new growth in that direction, which is largely located outside the region’s existing narrow linearapolis corridor.
Some discussion was found about the potential for light rail and/or bus rapid transit along the Northeast Pennsylvania Linearapolis, but it primarily appears to be a long-range goal versus a project pending at this time. In regards to non-motorized transportation, currently under development is the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT). When fully completed, the multi-purpose trail will provide a 40 mile long linear route from Pittston, which is the approximate midpoint of the linearapolis on the south, to Union Dale where it meets the Delaware & Hudson Trail at the north end. The D & H Rail Trail continues all the way to the New York state line, thus creating an approximate 70 mile continuous non-motorized option for recreation and commuting purposes.
In the southern portion of the linearapolis, a number of trail projects are planned and/or already open, including one which parallels an active freight line for nearly 10 miles. Linking and coordinating the northern and southern parts of the linearapolis by means other than streets and highways are two key components to placemaking a vibrant region that is competitive in attracting both talent and new employers.
In the end, it will be up the residents of Northeast Pennsylvania Linearapolis as to what direction they want to take their metropolitan region and whether they wish to further emphasize cooperation and coordination. As an urban and regional planner, I believe it would be to the region’s great benefit to do so. It was surprising to discover the area has two separate convention and visitors authorities – a unified approach would seem to be more practical, effective, and efficient. As a planner who is fascinated by the elements of urban/spatial form, I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the Scranton/Wilke-Barre region and wishes all of those in the Northeast Pennsylvania Linearapolis the very best.
I’m curious as to the author’s previous experience with this particular region. If he had little or none, I’m intrigued as to his graphically falling into this. Beyond this, what is the anticipated reception for prescriptions coming from the outside? Thanks.
Fair question. While I have not lived there, I have visited NE PA several times. Most of the ideas suggested are already being employed in some manner or are under consideration. The main exception is combining their convention and visitor efforts. Having seen the ill effects of such a format elsewhere, it seems to be a fair suggestion. In the end I clearly state the choice as to their future direction is theirs and I wish them only the best.


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Future released his Honest single a few weeks back and now he shares some behind the scenes footage from the video shoot. Look for the full Colin Tilley-directed visual to be premiered on September 11th.
Maybach O waste no time and shoots the official visual for his latest single Know You Better featuring Pusha T and Fabolous. Look for this to featured on the upcoming Self Made 3 album.
Kirko Bangz recently shot the visual for his latest single Cup Up Top Down featuring Z-Ro, Paull Wall & Slim Thug and here is a look behind the scenes. Expect to see the full video soon and expect Kirko’s Progression III tape to finally drop on the 12th.
Yo Gotti recently shot a video for his new single Act Right featuring Young Jeezy and YG. Above, you can peep some behind the scenes footage from the shoot. Yo Gotti’s upcoming album I Am is coming soon.
Jay-Z was at the Pace Gallery in New York City earlier tonight and gave a 6 hour live performance/behind the scenes look at the upcoming visual for Picasso Baby. The footage from the event will be edited into the official video, which should be dropping soon. Magna Carta Holy Grail is in stores and on iTunes now.
The Game is a little late with all of the Jesus Piece promo but I’m not complaining since it was a solid album. Game plans to release a visual for the Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Fabolous & Jeremih-featured single All That (Lady) and here is a look behind the scenes. He also goes on to speak about the concept of the video, his upcoming projects and label talk.
Ace Hood and Lil Wayne have already shot the official video for their latest collaboration We Outchea but before we get to see that, here is a look behind the scenes. Ace Hood’s Trials & Tribulations album hits stores on July 16th.
Stalley recently shot a video for his collaboration track with Scarface titled Swangin. Above, you can watch part 1 of the behind the scenes footage from the set. Hit the jump below for more footage.
Here is a behind the scenes look at French Montana’s upcoming video for his new single Gifted featuring The Weeknd. The record will be on his upcoming debut album Excuse My French, which is set to drop on May 21st.
DJ Felli Fel’s star-studded single Reason To Hate will be getting the visual treatment soon but before then, here is a look behind the scenes. Directed by Matt Alonzo & Kai Henry. Expect to see the full video soon.

domain: artistic


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The transition from summer to fall can be hard, but you will be eager to make your home cozy and comfortable with these five autumn decor pieces.
Open Market Pillow, Anthropologie, $70.40, anthropologie.com
Add a splash of earthy tones to your living space with these cotton and wool pillows. An accent pillow like this has the ability to transform any room, becoming a snug place where everyone will want to spend their holiday season.
Large Handwoven Flo Basket, Ethan Allen, $159, ethanallen.com
Adding these beautifully woven baskets throughout your home will give off the perfect autumn vibe. Festive yet functional, these baskets will have your home exuding fall confidence.
Harvest Pumpkin Candle Basket, Pottery Barn, $103, potterybarn.com
Nothing says fall decor quite like the obvious: pumpkins and candles. This handcrafted candle basket is the quintessential piece of decor that every home needs this fall season. Put a spin on your classic seasonal centerpiece during your next dinner party.
Chunky Hand-Knit Throw, Restoration Hardware, $415, restorationhardware.com
Cozy up by the fire this season and drape yourself in one of Restoration Hardware's hand-knit throw blankets. Nothing says fall more than a cozy oversized blanket and a cup of pumpkin spice coffee to start your Sunday morning.
Magnolia & Cornhusk Wreath, Nordstrom, $69.99, nordstrom.com
Perfect for both indoor and outdoor, this leafy wreath is guaranteed to brighten up your home, giving any door a little bit of autumn glamour. The splashes of reds and burnt oranges in this wreath enable you to enjoy it through November.

domain: design


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Areas of practice
- Addictions - Including Substances
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Dissociative Disorders
- Men's Issues
- Personal Growth
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Trauma Counselling
- Jungian Psychotherapy
- Mindfulness approaches
- Narrative Therapy
Counselling practice website:https://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca
Geoff has demonstrated an exemplary ability to connect with clients while working with the Sunshine Coast Health Centre. An extensive background in both residential and outpatient addiction treatment has helped Geoff keep things in perspective when clients feel overwhelmed.
Geoff earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Saybrook University and is a certified member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. He spent several years as a Clinical Addictions Counsellor at Maple Ridge Treatment Centre and also managed two provincial government treatment programs. Geoff has also been executive director for the International Network on Personal Meaning, managing editor of the International Journal of Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy, and program director of the biennial Meaning Conference. His latest interest is in helping those suffering from trauma.
Among his publications are A Long Night’s Journey into Day: A Psychobiography of Eugene O’Neill’s Recovery from Alcoholism (2006), A Meaning-Centered Therapy for Addictions (2012), and co-editing The Positive Psychology of Meaning and Addiction Recovery (2013), and Treating Addiction as a Problem of Meaning (2018).

domain: psychology


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I’ve been busy. (“Ha ha,” you say. “Tell me something new.”)
Seriously, there is something new here. I have a lot going on, yes. But I also have this emerging core value I’ve been attending to. I haven’t found a just-right word for it yet, but self-regard comes close. It’s a familiar state of being, one I’ve honed for years now. And even though I genuinely feel such things as self-respect, compassion for my own shortcomings, and deservingness, my behavior doesn’t always align. I often “dis”-regard my own needs in light of an abundance of things to do and people to serve.
And so I get tired. Exhausted, sometimes.
Earlier this year, I decided something has to give. And the answer, I knew then and know still, is not to simply do less. It has more to do with the quality with which I carry myself through life than the length of my to-do list. It has little to do with the amount of hours I sleep and is more about what I do with the hours I’m awake. Regard for my own needs is paramount if I am going to truly contribute in this life.
In the last week, a friend (who knows of this new pursuit), has prefaced a number of statements with “If you’re not resting …” Each time I heard or read those words, I had a visceral reaction. I wanted to shout: “Of course I’m not resting, I’m busy.” Or, “I don’t need to rest – I’m energized.” At the same time I was thinking these thoughts, I was carefully managing my energy. Despite a packed work schedule, in the last three days I’ve made time for exercise, fun visits with friends, a great book, a good movie and a weekday lunch with Arthur.
After examining my reaction to my friend’s implication that I needed “rest,” I understood it. It’s the word, and what the word connotes to me.
Resting takes many forms of course. Some rest on the sofa while others rest on the dance floor. We can rest in motion, or rest … errr … at rest. Mental rest is different from physical rest. In my analysis of why the word itself produces such a reaction in me, I realized that I judge rest. In the crazy way I have it wired, some is deserved, some not. Some is for sissies, and some is to be savored like fine wine. Even the dictionary definition of rest seems polarized. Descriptions like “Death,” and “To lie unfarmed,” sit beside “A place to stop and relax” and “Freedom from anxiety.”
How do you view rest? Is it an essential chore, or a delicious and deserved reward? How do you practice rest? Do you crash exhausted or plan the things that uniquely refresh you?
I’ve reframed my point of view on rest. Does yours need a reset too?


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We are seeing an increase in flu activity mainly among school children indicating the start of this year's flu season.
Flu vaccination is still the most effective way of preventing flu and it is not too late to get it so we would encourage all those who are in 'at risk' groups to get vaccinated as they are more vulnerable to developing complications from flu.
These include people with underlying conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, lung, liver or renal diseases and those with weakened immune systems, as well as older people and pregnant women.
More top news
Passengers have been escorted off the Oblivion rollercoaster ride at Alton Towers after it stopped at its highest point.
Charlie Gard's parents are embroiled in a fresh High Court battle over whether the terminally ill baby can spend his final days at home.
The rogue surgeon was previously convicted of deliberately wounding his patients and carrying out needless operations.

domain: medical


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Kage woke up with a searing headache. He placed his hand on the back of his neck, feeling for cricks. As he moved his head around on his hair in his drowsiness, he noticed two bumps on the sides of his head; they were hard, but not bruises. They felt almost like horns. He slid his legs out to the floor, standing slowly. He noticed also that his toes bent less, strangeley, and they were in somewhat of a point. The nails had become darker colored on the inside.
"Whoa.....what.....Well, I guess maybe I got bruised and such last night? Though wow, must have been really hard falls or something....I can't remember falling asleep!" he murmured aloud.
He slowly walked to the bathroom with his clothes. While in the shower, he noticed a most certain increase of hair, and a slight miscoloration, turning brownish as opposed to the typical body hair color of black and very dark brown. He just shook this off, like the other changes, though began to worry about the others. He looked at his phone as he got out of the shower, tempted to call Jason or Liz. He decided better of it as he put his clothes on, noticing the bumps yet again. He walked down the hall with his back pack and items, looking forward to breakfast.
A pleasant smell of hash browns, bacon, eggs, and bicuits with gravy entranced Kage as he meandered into the kitchen.
"Well, I see breakfast is going to be great." Kage said with lusting eyes looking at the bacon.
"Yup. Come on, hurry up and eat. School starts in about thirty minutes, and the bus comes in ten." Kage's mother said.
Kage ate quickly, remembering school. When he finished eating, he grabbed his things and headed out the door. The bus rounded a corner as he arrived outside.
As soon as he was at school, he headed straight towards his locker. He grabbed the appropriate things, like his guitar, and headed for the band hall for his first class. Before he did though, he felt the need to venture out towards the front of the school. He thought he had heard some commotion.
He was indeed right; as he got there, he found his friend Jason passed out and pale (For his relatively observed changed body). He picked him up with some grunts and heaving, and took him to the nurse's office.
"So, who've we got here?" The nurse said.
"Um, this is my friend Jason. He was passed out in the floor when I found him." Kage said with worry.
"Alright, I will se what I can do." The nurse said.
A few minutes later, Jason's eyes opened, and Kage got up and looked at him.
"Glad to see you’re awake buddy.” Kage said happily.
“Kage, this may sound weird but do you know how I got here?” asked Jason, siiting up while talking.
“I found you passed out on the floor and carried you here.” explained Kage.
Jason rubbed his eyes and stood up. “Thanks man.” said Jason.
Kage patted Jason on the back, saying "No problem, bro."
They walked out of the nurse's office. While they walked, they spotted Liz and Kayla. They approached the duo before Jason was pushed over by Derek.
"Out of my way loser!" boomed Derek
"Last time I checked, you were the one who got in my way." Jason said. Kage just stood waiting but ready.
"Why you." Derek said. Derek grabbed Jason by the collar. All of the sudden, Kage intervened by pulling Jason from the scenario, and faces Derek.
"Why don't you take me on, Derek?" Kage asked rhetorically.
Derek grabbed Kage and was perfectly prepared to slam his hard fist into Kage's open chest. Suddenly the football coach approached him and layed his hand on Derek's shoulder.
"My office now!" The coach said.
“Thanks again buddy” said Jason.
"Anytime." Replied Kage.
Kage looked around, seeing Liz and Kayla gone. Jason was fixing his hair and walked off to his next class. Kage walked to his next class also.
When Kage got to his Mathematics class, he saw, much to his displeasure, Derek sitting in a desk beside him. Kage was knowledgeable enough to know that Derek was verily willing to make sure Kage didn't get a moment's peace. Kage looked at him with disgust. At the end of class, the entire room had begun to talk; all except Kage. Kage sat in his seat in a casual poise, waiting for the bell.
After class, Kage began to walk home. Instead of going directly home, he decided to take a walk through the woods.
When he got to a clearing, he began to feel pains everywhere. He fell to his knees writhing in pain. He watched through blurred vision as his hair grew longer and more abundant everywhere, and turned a mud brown everywhere. The bumps on his head grew large and cumbersome stick like things, which developed into antlers very quickly. His shoes felll off as his feet merged and turned hard, transforming into hooves.

domain: literature


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Non-headache symptoms are common occurrences during migraines’ prodrome or postdrome phases, the severity of which may affect overall burden of migraine. These symptoms include depression, lethargy and food cravings during the prodrome phase 1, and weakness, tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and decreased energy in the postdrome phase. 2
Preventive treatments currently available do not target prodrome- or postdrome-associated symptoms. 3 A group from the Mayo Clinic Arizona presented studies at the American Headache Society’s 58th Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA, in which they sought to evaluate the effects of TEV-48125, a monoclonal antibody against Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) on these non-headache symptoms. 4
Previous studies showed TEV-48125 to effectively prevent the headache phase of chronic (CM) and high-frequency episodic migraines (EM) 5, 6. In a post-hoc analysis for Phase 2b clinical trials for use of TEV-48125 in treating CM and high-frequency EM 7-9, researchers evaluated the effects of 2 doses of the antibody on overall ‘wellness’ during headache-free days, and assessed levels of wellness against proximity to headache days.
Wellness was assessed prospectively using electronic headache diaries, and collected on headache-free days. Data collected included ‘the ability to work/study normally, no time spent working more slowly or taking longer to complete tasks, no difficulty concentrating on what needed to be done, no time feeling very tired/asleep/drained, performing household activities normally, being very engaged with partner’s or children’s activities, and being very interested in doing daily activities.’
Study results indicate a significant increase from baseline in headache-free days for the duration of the treatment in patients administered TEV-48125 vs untreated controls. Both doses of TEV-48125 used on EM patients (225 mg and 675 mg), and TEV-48125 at 900 mg for CM-affected individuals showed high statistical significance in improving all aforementioned measures of wellness. For example, the ‘work/study normally’ measure was significantly improved in TEV-48125 treated- vs placebo-treated study participants (EM 225mg P=.0002, 675mg P=.0012; CM 900mg P=.0111).
Results from these clinical trials indicate the effectiveness of TEV-48125 in enhancing overall patient wellness during migraines’ prodrome and postdrome phases. The authors postulate that these improvements are a consequence of interictal symptom alleviation due to the treatment during the migraine’s prodrome phase.
Find additional coverage of AHS 2016 here.
1.Rozen TD. Migraine prodrome: a nose on a face. Lancet. 2004;363(9408):517.
2.Ng-mak DS, Fitzgerald KA, Norquist JM, et al. Key concepts of migraine postdrome: a qualitative study to develop a post-migraine questionnaire. Headache. 2011;51(1):105-17.
3.Sprenger T, Goadsby PJ. Migraine pathogenesis and state of pharmacological treatment options. BMC Med. 2009;7:71.
4.VanderPluym J, Bigal M, Dodick DW. Abstract OR10. Effect of Monoclonal Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Antibody (TEV-48125) on Wellness during Headache Free Days Presented at: 2016 American Headache Society Annual Meeting. June 9-12, 2016; San Diego, CA.
5.Bigal ME, Dodick DW, Krymchantowski AV, et al. TEV-48125 for the preventive treatment of chronic migraine: Efficacy at early time points. Neurology. 2016;
6.Bigal ME, Dodick DW, Rapoport AM, et al. Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of TEV-48125 for preventive treatment of high-frequency episodic migraine: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b study. Lancet Neurol. 2015;14(11):1081-90.


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This week, in an annual event called the “upfronts,” television networks are presenting their new fall schedules to advertisers and members of the TV press — including our own James Poniewozik, who has been filing daily dispatches. Trailers released during the presentations will give you a few months to decide which shows to save a spot for on your DVR.
From ABC, we can expect a TV version of Little Giants, but with a mom instead of a dad, and baseball instead of football (Back in the Game); Rebel Wilson as a girl gone a little bit wild (Super Fun Night); and, as seen above, a Wonder Years-style trip down memory lane (The Goldbergs).
The rest of the ABC trailers are here are here on YouTube.
Among the trailers unveiled by Fox were from such shows as a modern update to the headless horseman story (Sleepy Hollow), an online-dating romance (Us & Them) and, below, Brooklyn Nine Nine starring Andy Samberg as a hapless cop. The rest of the Fox trailers are here on YouTube.
NBC released trailers for a teen-pregnancy comedy (Welcome to the Family); a Sean Hayes single-dad comedy (Sean Saves the World); and The Michael J. Fox Show, in which the actor plays version of himself as a newscaster with Parkinson’s disease. The rest of the NBC trailers are here on YouTube.

domain: entertainment


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A lazy Sunday spent noshing and sipping at Portland breweries including Gigantic, Bridgeport, and Amnesia. includes beer, food, souvenir glass, transportation, journal, and pretzel necklace. Visit http://experiencebrewvana.com/tour to secure your seat.
Various Locations, Portland, OR 97232
1520 SE 7th Ave., Portland, OR 97214
1401 SE Morrison #117, Portland, Oregon
2329 NE Glisan, Portland, OR
2340 NE Sandy, Portland, Oregon 97232

domain: geography


text:
What Is The Difference Between Refinance And Home Equity Loan
Home Equity Line Of Credit In TexasHome Equity Line Of Credit In Texas
Contents Mortgage refinance offers 7 proposition 2 Auto loan. court documents showed Annual fees. heloc benefits. home Highest prime rate Home Equity Loan For Veterans VA and the Consumer Financial.
Texas Home Equity LawsTexas Home Equity Laws
Contents Home equity loans Fixed rate. calculate Create home equity lines Laws include strong protections Irs allocation rules Candidates call home: texas (beto Our home equity loans come with no
Home Equity Loan For VeteransHome Equity Loan For Veterans
Contents Spouses buy homes Home equity loan 3 va-backed loans. learn Administration (va) loans Mortgage refinance offers Eligible surviving spouses VA Home Loan and VA Mortgage Rate Information for. –

domain: economics


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Is Sears still in business 2022?
Since Eddie Lampert acquired the last Sears and Kmart stores out of bankruptcy in early 2019 — over the objections of unsecured creditors — both banners have continued their seemingly never-ending decline that started more than a decade ago.
How many Sears stores are still open in the United States?
That is no doubt what happened to many of those approximately 100 stores open at the end of 2020. Today, multiple reports say there are just 23 Sears full-line stores still open for business.
Is Sears really going out of business?
Sears Holdings, which also owned Kmart, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October 2018. Transformco later acquired Sears out of bankruptcy and has since closed dozens of the remaining Sears and Kmart locations across the United States. Kmart’s last location in Manhattan recently shut.
Who bought Sears?
Transformco, the holding company controlled by Edward Lampert that bought the assets of Sears Holdings (also once controlled by Edward Lampert) out of bankruptcy court two years ago, is now saying its future rests with these nearly 300 local stores rather than its once ubiquitous large-format locations.
Is Sears still a brand?
But the percentage drop in stores since the company emerged from bankruptcy in February of 2019 has been even steeper. Today there are only 21 full-line Sears stores left in the mainland United States, and two more in Puerto Rico, according to the store locator on the Sears website, once recent closings are eliminated.
What is happening with Sears?
Sears, once the nation’s top retailer and its largest employer, continues its slide into obsolescence with pending store closures in Pasadena and Downey — a move that will leave just two Sears locations in Southern California. The Pasadena store at 3801 E. Foothill Blvd. and Downey location at 500 Stonewood St.
Why did Sears go out of business?
As sales declined in the late 2000s, the company was forced to adopt dramatic cost-cutting strategies. They allowed their brand to stagnate and their stores to fall into disrepair. This created a negative feedback loop which further exasperated Sears’ financial troubles.
Where are the remaining Sears stores located?
Full list of remaining Sears stores in the United States
- Colorado. Fort Collins (Sears Appliance)
- Florida. Miami – Coral Gables. Orlando. Palm Beach Gardens.
- Hawaii. Honolulu (Appliance & Mattress)
- Kansas. Overland Park (Home & Life)
- Louisiana. Lafayette (Home & Life)
- Maryland. Frederick (Store visit post) Massachusetts.
When did Sears go out of business?
Through the 1980s, Sears was the largest retailer in the United States. In 2018, it was the 31st-largest. After several years of declining sales, Sears’s parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 15, 2018.
How many Sears stores are left in California?
Sears store locations in California, online shopping information – 42 stores and outlet stores locations in database for state California.
Sears – stores located in California.
|Sears locations in California total:||42 stores and outlets in database|
|Number of Sears active flyers:||1 active flyer|
How many Kmarts are left?
From Kmart’s peak in the 1990s, with about 2,400 stores and 350,000 employees, it is now down to just four stores remaining in the U.S. after the company announced that it will be closing two more stores.
What happened to Sears and Roebuck?
Sears, in full Sears, Roebuck and Company, American retailer of general merchandise, tools, home appliances, clothing, and automotive parts and services. It is a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation, which, following a bankruptcy auction, was purchased by the hedge fund ESL Investments in 2019.


Historically renowned for bringing together providers of 3D sensing, 3D processing, and 3D visualization solutions with key buyers from myriad industries, SPAR 3D Expo & Conference continues its evolution by co-locating with AEC Next Technology Expo + Conference to attract an even larger audience of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction professionals. This brings together two high tech conferences and one shared vendor-neutral show floor. Ensure your solutions are front and center by exhibiting, and you’ll have an unparalleled opportunity to connect with decision-makers looking for the latest AEC and 3D tech solutions. Hardware manufacturers, software developers, and service providers promoting AEC and 3D products and services are encouraged to exhibit.
Want to know if exhibiting at this quickly growing event is right for your company? Download our exhibitor information materials to access:
Reach out to discuss how to reserve your booth and get the most exposure at the only AEC event of its kind.
architectural, interiors, specifiers
HVAC, environmental, mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, power/process/plant
homebuilders, commercial, design/build
government, facility managers, developers, planners
building/construction product vendors, technology providers, software developers
consultants, associations, document/resource management
AEC Next is gearing up to be an incredible event, bringing together industry leaders who are shaping the future of the built environment. The opportunity to exhibit is an opportunity to be the center of a pivotal conversation on where the AEC industry is headed.


BRADENTON -- A court case that has dragged on since 2007 involving the city of Bradenton suing Reflections of Manatee ended Wednesday to the benefit of Mineral Springs Park, which will double in size.
According to court documents, the city listed as surplus land in the 300 block of 14th Street East and south of Second Avenue East in the late 1990s. Reflections of Manatee wanted to preserve the area for historical educational purposes, so the city sold the property for $1. However, more land was deeded than what was intended. The city discovered the error in 2003 and filed suit in 2007 in attempt to regain the land.
On Nov. 23, the city and Reflections entered into mediation that gives the land back to the city with stipulations that the properties be dedicated as an expansion of Mineral Springs Park. Conditions of the mediation agreement include that Reflections has input into the park's development and that any disturbances to the ground at more than 12 inches during development be monitored by Reflections for archeological purposes.
Ward 4 City Councilman Bemis Smith saw the ongoing lawsuit as an opportunity to bring more focus to the city's "real historical area," after a publicly contentious period involving the development of Villages at Riverwalk and the relocation of Glazier-Gates Park, which the city approved in October. The approval came with a stipulation by Smith that the developer pay an additional $500,000 for improvements at Mineral Springs Park and ensure connectivity from the park to the eventual eastern expansion of Riverwalk.
Smith said the mediation agreement and new partnership with Reflections "will make a substantial expansion of Mineral Springs Park. We look forward to working with that body in making it a successful park. In reality, this park is the historic park in Manatee County."
Smith said it's an opportunity to ease any ill will remaining from the city's action to relocate Glazier-Gates Park.
"Considering the debate in the way we are trying to improve Glazier-Gates Park by moving it to the north along the river, I'm hoping this will mitigate some of the change that is going on over there," with the future development of the 521-unit Villages at Riverwalk rental complex.
The city has maintained that Glaizer-Gates, while an old city park, was not the real historical area. Smith's move to ensure additional funding for Mineral Springs, as well as helping coordinate the mediation efforts, will move Mineral Springs Park into a bigger, better and more protected future. Smith said the city will begin working on what the park will look like after the first of the year.
Sherry Svekis, Reflections vice president, praised Smith for bringing an eight-year battle to a mutually satisfying conclusion.
"People may ask why we fought the city for eight years only to give the land back," said Svekis. "We fought the city for eight years because our goal always was to ensure this area is protected and that's what this agreement does. I give full credit to Bemis Smith for helping to make this happen. We met with him last summer and he came up with some great ideas."
Svekis said Reflections has wanted to do a lot with the property but has had limited resources. Svekis said a priority is to remove the concrete cap atop the historic spring and turn it into some kind of water feature.
"This has been a very complex issue with difficult conversations," said Mayor Wayne Poston. "Bemis did a yeoman's job with this. This will be a good northern terminus of Riverwalk and something we can all be proud of."
Svekis said the mediation agreement isn't an admission that Reflections did anything wrong in holding onto the land despite the city's claims it made a mistake in the deed. It's the outcome that is most important.
"We're very pleased with it because of what we achieved out of the agreement," she said. "The property will be protected and designated a public park in perpetuity and we have been assured that the designation cannot be reversed. That's why we acquired the land to begin with and now we can work with the city to really develop the park into a real community asset and raise the significance of the site."
Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter@urbanmark2014.


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❉ Listen to The Kinks’ previously unreleased track, 1968’s ‘Time Song’.
The Kinks have shared a previously unreleased track from 1968 – ‘Time Song’. It’s taken from the remastered 50th anniversary reissue of the band’s sixth album ‘The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society’, reports NME.
NME writes: “The reissue will be released on October 26 and includes the track that has never officially appeared on an album.”
❉ ‘Time Song’ appears on remastered 50th anniversary reissue of ‘The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society’
❉ News source: NME (Source: https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-kinks-unreleased-song-time-song-2367114)
❉ We Are Cult is not responsible for the content of this news release.


The Black Keys will play at the Pepsi Center on November 13 in support of their upcoming new album "Turn Blue," along with opener Jake Bugg. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, May 16, but you could win a pair before then by keeping it in the OpenAir.
We’ll be giving away a pair to one lucky listener on-air each weekday from Friday, May 9 until Thursday, May 15. That's five chances to win!
Stay tuned to OpenAir throughout the coming days for your chance to see The Black Keys courtesy of OpenAir.


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Little is known about the timing of migration, migration routes, and migratory connectivity of most of the >230 species of birds that breed at south temperate latitudes of South America and then migrate toward the tropics to overwinter. We used light-level geolocators to track the migration of 3 male and 3 female Fork-tailed Flycatchers (Tyrannus savana) captured on their breeding territories in Argentina. All birds initiated fall migration between late January and late February, and migrated 45 to 66 km day-1 in a northwesterly direction through central South America to either one or two wintering areas. Five individuals first spent several weeks (in April and May) in western Amazonia (mainly Peru, northwestern Brazil, and southern Colombia) before moving east to spend the rest of the non-breeding season in central Venezuela and northern Brazil. One individual occupied primarily one wintering area in eastern Colombia, northwestern Brazil, and southwestern Venezuela. Fall migration took approximately 7–12 weeks to complete and covered a distance of 2,888–4,105 km. We did not analyze spring migration data because of broad overlap with the austral spring equinox. These results are the first data on wintering locations, migration timing, and routes of individual migrant passerine birds that breed in South America. Given the general lack of similar data for practically all migratory birds that breed in South America, geolocator technology has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of how birds migrate—and the threats they face—on South America's rapidly changing landscape.
EVERY YEAR, BILLIONS of birds across the planet migrate between breeding and wintering grounds (Newton 2008). These seasonal and often spectacular movements have long been studied in the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in a large body of work on migratory timing, duration, speed, and routes of many species (reviewed by Newton 2008, Faaborg et al. 2010).
By contrast, the basic natural history of bird migration in most of the Southern Hemisphere is poorly understood, largely because of the lack of infrastructure, fewer ornithologists, and the logistical challenges associated with tracking any organism across a vast scale (Jahn et al. 2009). These constraints are pronounced in South America, where >230 species migrate entirely within the continent (Stotz et al. 1996), comprising (in number of species) the third-largest bird migration system in the world (Chesser 1994, Jahn et al. 2004). Furthermore, bird migration in South America is increasingly viewed as surprisingly complex and distinct from that in North America. In particular, numerous types of bird migration exist in South America, including migration between temperate breeding grounds and the tropics, migration wholly within tropical latitudes or within temperate latitudes, elevational migration, and longitudinal migration (i.e., breeding at one longitude and wintering at another; Areta and Bodrati 2008, 2010; Cueto et al. 2011; reviewed by Chesser 1994, Joseph 1997, Faaborg et al. 2010). This wide variety of migratory strategies among species is almost certainly complicated by the tendency for sex-, age-, and population-specific variation in migratory strategies within species (e.g., Jahn et al. 2010).
It has also become increasingly apparent that theories about migration developed for species that breed at north temperate latitudes may not be directly applicable to migrants that breed in much of South America. For example, although seasonality ultimately drives migration across latitudes, the type of seasonality experienced by birds is fundamentally different between north temperate latitudes, where seasons are largely defined by variation in temperature, and most of South America, where they are largely defined by variation in rainfall. In short, migration may be motivated by different currencies in different hemispheres (Jahn et al. 2010). Even large-scale patterns of bird migration in South America are generally different from those in North America. Migrants in South America generally travel shorter distances and exhibit a greater incidence of seasonal range overlap than their North American counterparts (Chesser 1994, Stotz et al. 1996, Dingle 2008).
Given the difficulty of tracking small birds over large distances, very little information is available on migratory strategies of individual passerine birds; however, the recent and rapidly growing technological revolution in the field of animal tracking (Bowlin et al. 2010, Robinson et al. 2010, Bridge et al. 2011) presents an unprecedented opportunity to understand bird migration at an individual level and at a larger scale than was previously possible. In particular, light-level geolocators (hereafter “geolocators”), which provide daily estimates of a bird's geographic position by recording day length (Stutchbury et al. 2009, Robinson et al. 2010), have revolutionized our understanding of the movements of long-distance migrants (e.g., Heckscher et al. 2011, Bairlein et al. 2012, Seavy et al. 2012).
Data from geolocators can provide powerful tests of current theory and will likely generate new hypotheses as researchers dissect the specific circumstances associated with migratory behavior of many birds, on a daily basis, at the individual level. For example, the speed and pace of migration may be dictated by such variables as the distance of the migratory journey, season (fall or spring), and weather (Berthold 2001, Newton 2008), yet evaluating these hypotheses is practically impossible without integrated, fine-scale temporal data and large-scale spatial data. Although geolocators provide such data, the small numbers of species and individuals tracked with geolocators to date preclude meaningful tests of theory; the field is in a natural-history phase (Bodemer and Ruggeri 2012, Ricklefs 2012).
Using geolocators, we studied the migration of a long-distance migrant in South America, the Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus s. savana). The nominate subspecies breeds primarily from central South America (Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil) to central Argentina and overwinters in northern South America (Ridgely and Tudor 1994, Chesser 1995). Their migration has been observed for decades (Zimmer 1938, Antas 1987, Capllonch et al. 2009); however, no information has been available on the migratory behavior of individuals.
Our goal was to answer the following questions. (1) What is the migration speed of Fork-tailed Flycatchers, and how does it compare with that of other passerine migrants? Given that South America presents few major topographic or hydrologic barriers to migration (Chesser 1994), migrants there should not have to fly nonstop for extended periods. We therefore expect that Fork-tailed Flycatchers generally migrate more slowly than most birds of a similar size (i.e., <100 g) on other continents. (2) What is the location and extent of the wintering range of individual Fork-tailed Flycatchers, and how does the area they occupy in winter compare to that of other passerine migrants? Recent evidence from other migrant passerines demonstrates that at least some occupy more than one area (Heckscher et al. 2011, Tøttrup et al. 2012), or move throughout winter (Beason et al. 2012).
Study site.—We attached geolocators to 43 nesting Fork-tailed Flycatchers at Reserva Privada El Destino (35.13°S, 57.40°W), Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, during the breeding seasons (primarily November-December) of 2009 and 2010. The site is composed of temperate grasslands and marshes, intersected by woodland tracts generally dominated by Spiny Hackberry (Celtis ehrenbergiana) and Coronillo (Scutia buxifolia). The climate consists of hot summers and mild winters, with mean annual precipitation of 885 mm (n = 10 years). The rainiest months are January and February (mid- to late summer).
Field methods.—Flycatchers were captured by placing a predator model (e.g., Chimango Caracara [Milvago chimango]), coupled with vocalizations delivered from a portable speaker within 2 m of one or two 38-mm-mesh mist nets at a distance of 2–4 m from an active nest (except during the incubation stage, to avoid abandonment of the nest by the adult) or by placing a Fork-tailed Flycatcher model along with a conspecific call within 2 m of a mist net on a defended territory. Captured birds were banded with a numbered metal band and a unique combination of up to three Darvic color bands and were sexed as described in Pyle (1997). Eight individuals were fitted with an Mk10S geolocator (1.2 g; Fox 2010) during the 2009 breeding season, and 35 were fitted with an Mk12S geolocator (0.9 g) during the 2010 breeding season. Geolocators were attached using a leg-loop backpack harness (Rappole and Tipton 1991) made of Filament Kevlar (500 Tex., Saunders Thread, Gastonia, North Carolina). All birds flew well upon release. We recovered 9 geolocators in subsequent breeding seasons and were able to recover usable data from 6. None of the recaptured individuals showed any sign of injury from the geolocator or harness.
Analytical methods.—Geolocators were programmed to measure light intensity every minute but to permanently store only the maximum reading every 10 min. We estimated geolocator error by analyzing light data from the first 7 days after deployment, a period during which flycatchers were still present at the study site, typically with nestlings or fledglings. After adjusting for clock drift, we used TRANSEDIT (British Antarctic Survey [BAS], Cambridge, United Kingdom) to estimate the sun elevation that corresponded to a light threshold level of 16 (Fox 2010). This calibration resulted in a mean (± SD) error of 116.5 ± 77.1 km for the data from the 6 birds with recovered geolocators. Sunrise and sunset transitions with obvious shading events were excluded from the analysis, as well as those from 21 days before and after the austral fall and spring equinoxes (Fox 2010).
Latitude and longitude coordinates of location fixes (i.e., estimated daily location of the bird) were calculated with LOCATOR software (BAS) using midnight locations, because we assumed that the birds were most likely stationary at night (to the best of our knowledge, Fork-tailed Flycatchers migrate primarily during the day; A. E. Jahn pers. obs.). Thus, midnight locations should provide greater accuracy than midday locations, given that the bird was at the same location overnight (Fox 2010). Our construction of maps of daily locations did not include 6 coordinates that were clearly anomalous (likely because of shading): 1 far from the regular species range (in southern Chile), 3 on or off of the Pacific coast (Peru and Chile), 1 over the Atlantic Ocean, and 1 that would have necessitated movement of >1,500 km in a single day.
Light-level geolocation can estimate longitude more accurately than latitude (Fudickar et al. 2012). Therefore, similar to previous studies (e.g., Bairlein et al. 2012), we define the initiation of fall migration by a marked (i.e., ≥1°) and typically permanent change in longitude away from the study site after the breeding season. We define the last day of fall migration (and the beginning of the wintering period) as the first of at least 7 days during which the bird moved ≤3° longitude and was located ≥3° longitude from the longitude(s) that it occupied during migration. We used this conservative method to define the end of fall migration because most birds continued to move throughout winter (see below), resulting in an indistinct separation between the fall migration route and the wintering range.
We calculated distance of fall migration as the straight-line distance between the breeding site in Argentina and the first fix obtained in winter as defined above, and we calculated the speed of fall migration by dividing the fall migration distance by duration. We estimated fall migration routes using the mean of daily fixes during fall migration with Hawth's Analysis Tools for ARCGIS, version 9.3 (Beyer 2004). We used a minimum of 6 fixes bird-1 during the entire migration period. We were unable to estimate the location of the fall migration route of two birds (C and F) because we obtained ≤2 fixes during fall migration for each, or for another (E) because there were no fixes >600 km from the study site. We were unable to document the timing and route of spring migration because of broad overlap with the austral spring equinox.
We created a spatially explicit description of the winter distribution of each bird using kernel density estimator analysis (Silverman 1986, Terrell and Scott 1992) in the Spatial Analysis tool of ARCMAP, version 9.3 (ESRI, Redlands, California). We set the search radius at 200 km and grid cell size at 2 km (Bächler et al. 2010, Ryder et al. 2011) and required ≥24 coordinates to estimate the winter distribution of each bird. For each individual, we present kernel densities encompassing >50%, 50–70%, and 70–95% of the maximum density. We used 21 days prior to the austral spring equinox as the cutoff date for the analysis of winter range, because of the difficulty associated with estimating the location of the bird near the equinox. Results are presented as means ± SD.
Fork-tailed Flycatchers at our study site in Argentina breed primarily from late November to mid-January. Individuals with geolocators initiated fall migration between late January and late February and migrated 2,888–4,105 km during a period of 48–84 days (Table 1), arriving on the winter grounds in mid-April (Fig. 1). The typical route of migration was northwest through Uruguay and northeastern Argentina, then across central South America (Paraguay and Bolivia) to northern South America (Fig. 1). All 3 birds appeared at times to reverse direction during fall migration (Fig. 1), although we are uncertain whether these movements are actual or due to calculation error (e.g., associated with proximity to the austral fall equinox).
The maximum speed was 66 km day-1, and the average speed among the 6 birds was 55 ± 9.8 km day-1 (Table 1). Average migration speed of males (57 ± 8.4 km day-1) was slightly higher than that of females (52 ± 12.2 km day-1). Although these speeds are not significantly different from each other (Wilcoxon test for independent samples, W = 12.5, P = 0.60), the small sample size precludes definitive conclusions. On average, females migrated 3,588 ± 628.7 km and males migrated 3,440 ± 452.3 km.
After fall migration, 5 of 6 individuals occupied two wintering areas in succession. The first was in western Amazonia (i.e., primarily Peru, northwestern Brazil, and southern Colombia), where they remained 8–39 days during mid-April to late May (Fig. 1). They then moved >800 km east to central Venezuela and northern Brazil, where they stayed 84–136 days before sampling was ended because of the proximity of the austral spring equinox (Fig. 1).
Initiation, duration, distance, and speed of fall migration of 3 male and 3 female Fork-tailed Flycatchers captured at Reserva Privada El Destino, Argentina. Initiation of fall migration is the first date on which there was a change of ≥1° longitude in relation to that of the breeding site. Distance is the straight-line distance between the breeding site and the first fix obtained in winter. Speed represents the distance of migration divided by duration of migration in days.
The 6 Fork-tailed Flycatchers in our study all left the breeding site in Argentina within a 1-month period and migrated <70 km day-1. The 3 individuals for which we had migratory-route data migrated northwest in fall, primarily through northern Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia, which corroborates previous records of this species as passage migrants in Bolivia from February to April (Davis 1993, Chesser 1997).
Fall migration speeds of Fork-tailed Flycatchers in our study were generally lower than those of Purple Martins (Progne subis; >150 km day-1; Stutchbury et al. 2009), European Hoopoes (Upupa epops epops; >81 km day-1; Bächler et al. 2010), Veeries (Catharus fuscescens; 82 km day-1; Heckscher et al. 2011), Northern Black Swifts (Cypseloides niger borealis; 341 km day-1; Beason et al. 2012), Red-backed Shrikes (Lanius corullio; 101 km day-1; Tøttrup et al. 2012), Northern Wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe; 88–160 km day-1; Bairlein et al. 2012, Schmaljohann et al. 2012), and congeneric Eastern Kingbirds (T. tyrannus), Western Kingbirds (T. verticalis), and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers (T. forficatus; all >90 km day-1; Jahn et al. 2013). However, they are similar to fall migration speeds of Wood Thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina; 27– 106 km day-1), though these values were calculated by including stopover days, which can be prolonged before and after a Wood Thrush crosses the Gulf of Mexico in fall (Stutchbury et al. 2009).
Our results, therefore, generally support our expectation that Fork-tailed Flycatchers migrate more slowly than migrants of a similar size, which may be attributed, in part, to the lack of major topographical barriers in South America, such as deserts or large bodies of water. Additionally, Fork-tailed Flycatchers migrate primarily during the day and, presumably, must devote a portion of daylight hours to foraging. By contrast, nocturnal migrants such as Red-backed Shrikes can migrate at night and refuel during the day (Tøttrup et al. 2012). This argument for why diurnal migrants travel more slowly than nocturnal migrants does not hold, however, for Purple Martins and Northern Black Swifts, diurnal migrants that travel vast distances per day on migration. We suggest that they are able to travel more quickly because their morphology allows for high velocities and their foraging behavior allows for simultaneous feeding and flying. Fork-tailed Flycatcher morphology, on the other hand, may be better suited for slower velocities and maneuverability associated with foraging by sallying from a perch.
All but one of the birds we studied used two wintering areas, a pattern similar to that of several other migrants that appear to occupy sequential areas during the non-breeding season. Two congeners of Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Eastern and Western kingbirds, also use more than one wintering area, with Eastern Kingbirds occupying northwestern South America at the same time (April) that Fork-tailed Flycatchers occupy this general region (Jahn et al. 2013). Veeries use two wintering areas in Amazonia, perhaps following local increases in food abundance associated with river flooding across the Amazon Basin (Heckscher et al. 2011). Similarly, Northern Black Swifts overwinter in Amazonia and have large winter distributions, with a tendency to move westward toward the end of the non-breeding season (Beason et al. 2012). Red-backed Shrikes likewise first use the Sahel savanna of Sudan for ≤2 months after breeding, before moving farther south for the rest of the winter (Tøttrup et al. 2012). Taken together, the results of these studies and our own suggest that large-scale (i.e., hundreds to thousands of kilometers) movements of overwintering migrants in the tropics may be more common than was previously thought.
We propose that the use of two wintering areas in South America is related to spatial and temporal variation in rainfall across the Amazon Basin. Rainfall appears to be important in maintaining adequate food supplies for migrating and overwintering insectivorous migratory birds in both the Neotropics and Paleotropics (Sinclair 1978, Hutto 1985, Sherry and Holmes 1996, Herremans 1998, Brown and Sherry 2006, Tøttrup et al. 2012). Rainfall is at or near its annual peak in April in northwestern Amazonia (i.e., the first winter area of the birds we tracked) when the birds arrive there (Fig. 1). Rainfall in that region begins to decrease in June, by the time the birds have moved east to extreme northern Brazil and central Venezuela, where rainfall peaks in June and July (Poveda et al. 2006, Espinoza et al. 2009) and where the birds spend the rest of winter.
Another explanation for the use of two wintering areas could be related to postbreeding molt. In North America, congeneric Western Kingbirds exhibit a molt-migration in fall. Adults migrate to the region of the Mexican monsoon (Arizona-northern Mexico), where they molt primary flight feathers before proceeding farther south to overwinter (Barry et al. 2009, Jahn et al. 2013). Presumably, they do so to take advantage of a temporal window of food abundance associated with the Mexican monsoon (Rohwer et al. 2005). Fork-tailed Flycatchers also molt primarily during the non-breeding season (Zimmer 1938, A. E. Jahn pers. obs.), although the exact timing of the molt and how it varies across the winter range remain unknown.
Our study represents the first tracking of individual passerine migrants that breed in South America, and demonstrates that individual Fork-tailed Flycatchers can occupy all three major watersheds on the continent-Río de la Plata, Amazon, and Orinoco River basins—and up to eight countries on an annual basis (Fig. 1). We also demonstrate the feasibility of using geolocators to better understand the annual cycle of migratory birds within South America. Among short- to medium-distance migrants, geolocators are likely most useful for species that migrate wholly at temperate latitudes (i.e., Patagonia) because geolocator data are most accurate at higher latitudes. Additionally, given that location estimation based on longitude provides a relatively good estimate of movement, even for short-distance migrants (Fudickar et al. 2012), geolocators can provide novel information about the annual cycle of short-distance longitudinal migrants in South America (Areta and Bodrati 2008, 2010).
Geolocators can be used in South America to address many basic and important questions, including the following. (1) What are the potential carryover effects between the non-breeding season in northern South America and the breeding season at south temperate latitudes? (2) What potential benefits do migratory birds gain from occupying two areas after fall migration? For example, do they undergo a molt at the first site (as in molt-migration; Rohwer et al. 2005) and/or benefit from higher food abundance there? And (3) what are the migration routes, timing of migration, speed of migration, and winter distributions of other migratory bird populations in South America? Until such basic data are collected, the mechanisms that underlie the evolution and regulation of bird migration in South America cannot be adequately addressed (Cavalcanti 1990, Jahn et al. 2006, Alves 2007). More generally, comparisons across migratory systems, hemispheres, and continents promise a better understanding of the mechanisms that drive avian migratory strategies across the planet (Dingle 2008, Jahn and Cueto 2012).
We dedicate this paper to our late friend and colleague Marvin Morales Jacinto. P. Stouffer and two anonymous reviewers provided many valuable comments that greatly improved the manuscript. We thank the Elsa Shaw de Pearson Foundation for providing logistical support; the staff of Reserva Privada El Destino for their hospitality; and O. Barroso, N. Bogado, V. Sandoval, Q. Vidoz, and E. Williams for assistance in the field. This research was funded through a Scientific Research Grant (no. 8444-08) from the National Geographic Society, a National Science Foundation International Research Fellowship to A.E.J. (IRFP-0965213), the Gatorade Fund of the University of Florida, and Optics for the Tropics. V.R.C. acknowledges the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires for supporting his research in Argentina. This research was conducted with the authorization of the Departamento de Flora y Fauna, Ministerio de Asuntos Agrarios, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina (disposición 256/11).
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Celine Dion, the singer who became a global celebrity with the Titanic "My Heart Will Go On", turned down an important role of singing for Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.
According to Herald, there are rumors around the big question. Why? What made Celine Dion refuse to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration?
The answer is - her prior engagements. Celine Dion will sing at Vegas the same night, so she does not want to upset her fans by cancelling her event.
Many previous events have been postponed by Dion earlier too, after her husband Rene Angelil's death. Even the Oscar Awards were given a skip by her once.
Hence, Las Vegas-based hotelier Steve Wynn had failed to fulfil his promise of bringing Dion to perform for the inauguration function, according to The Wrap.
Interestingly, Trump's inaugural function has been rejected by a number of celebrity singers, including Sir Elton John, country star Garth Brooks as well as opera singer Andrea Bocelli. Trump is reported to be rather furious about it.
Reportedly, Donald Trump is so unpopular with Hollywood that a couple of "talent wranglers" said they were even offered ambassadorships if they could book some top singers.
No one is really willing to play or perform, said the Chairman of the Presidential Inaugural Committee Tom Barrack. "Does he need the celebrities and want the celebrities? Of course. But they're all going to weigh in when they find the judiciousness of the man [once he's in office]," Barrack said.
One Hollywood insider said that many of the celebrities who were contacted said they do not want to "normalize" Trump's presidency. Celine Dion is one of them.
Currently, only one performance has been confirmed for his inauguration. It includes Jackie Evancho, 16-year-old America's Got Talent candidate. Evancho is supposed to be singing Make America Great! Welcome Celebration.
Another group is The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, confirms The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
So there is one person who won't sing for now. Celine Dion.

domain: celebrity


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J & J Design have been engaged by a number of clients who have acquired single plots or existing properties for redevelopment. Government has now recognised the contribution to the housing stock which can be provided by the Self-Build/Custom Build sector.
In particular, the following statutory provisions have been enacted:
- Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015
- Housing and Planning Act 2016 Chapter 2
Each project raises its own challenges. The following are two typical recent projects:
A rural site fronting to the former main road, now relieved of through traffic by a bypass. The 0.15 hectare site was occupied by an older traditional three bedroom bungalow and detached garage. Whilst structurally sound the existing property required extensive renovation. The clients took the decision to demolish and rebuild. An ecological survey revealed bats roosting in the roof structure, giving rise to the need for a licence for Bat relocation prior to demolition. Bat boxes have been provided in the new cavity walls of the replacement house.
As the site was in open countryside care was needed to ensure that the replacement house complied with the Local Plan policy requirements limiting the size of the new dwelling.
J & J Design handled both the planning application and approval of details, together with the Building Regulations application.
Following the refusal of planning permission, J & J Design was engaged to undertake an appeal. This was handled by means of Written Representations.
The site was immediately south of the village envelope and was therefore treated as ‘Open Countryside’ for planning policy purposes. However, the site was part of a disused horticultural nursery, with the remains of nursery buildings. It was enclosed by existing dwellings on one side and a modern church and car park, together with other existing dwellings to the north. The entire nursey site had been under consideration for residential growth site in the local SHLAA. The district council were unable to demonstrate the minimum five years housing land requirement and several other planning appeals had been allowed in the area.
The Inspector agreed that the proposed dwelling would not extend into true open countryside and given the extent of enclosure by existing development and the absence of a 5 years housing land supply, he allowed the appeal and granted planning permission.


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Images can help tell a story. Pictures can add meaning and impart a deeper understanding. What we see with our eyes and read with our eyes join together and, in my opinion, turn an otherwise good read into a great read. Imagery stirs emotions, pricks our memory and takes us back to places we’ve been or transports us to places we will never see for ourselves. Words are busy, pictures are quiet. Together, they’re a great team.
The old cliche` is so true … “A picture is worth a thousand words.” With that in mind, I decided to take a little stroll through my photos (hundreds) to see if they had anything to say. It was fun and I was surprised at the thoughts that came to mind when I looked at many of them. I’ll share a few with you and they alone are the main dish in this blog offering. If any of them strike a note with you, please feel free to save the image.
Thank you muchly for visiting this little corner of MaryJanesFarm (on the ranch)and my little corner of the world in Wyoming. ~ Shery