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View Full Version : James A. Musick Facility Profile & General Information
10-17-2011, 03:40 PM
Captain Ron White
The men and women assigned to the James A. Musick jail facility serve the residents of Orange County by providing a safe, secure and humane environment for pre-trial and sentenced inmates. Inmates are encouraged and afforded the opportunities for self improvement, personal growth and development with a variety of educational, vocational, and religious programs and classes. The dedicated and trained staff strives to treat everyone professionally with respect and dignity while maintaining or exceeding detention standards and adhering to federal, state and local laws.
The James A. Musick Facility provides custodial and rehabilitative programs for 1,250 adult male and female inmates. Educational programs are available which enable the inmates to receive a G.E.D. while incarcerated. In addition, educational classes are offered in subjects such as; parenting, substance abuse, math, and government. Vocational Classes that are offered at the facility includes; Sewing, Cabinetry Welding, Workforce Readiness, and Food Preparation. A laundry facility is also set up to service the other jail facilities as well as Juvenile Hall and the Orangewood Children's Home.
The James A. Musick Facility is a one hundred acre minimum security facility known as "The Farm." The facility is located in an unincorporated area of the county near the cities of Irvine and Lake Forest. Captain Ron White manages the daily operations of the 1,250 bed facility. The facility was originally opened in 1963 and was named in honor of James A. Musick, who was the Sheriff of Orange County from 1947 to 1975. Originally the facility held a maximum of 200 male minimum-security inmates and was referred to as the "County Industrial Farm" or the "Honor Farm." Since 1986, the inmate housing capacity has increased to 1,250, and includes both men and women. The inmates housed at the facility are considered to be a low security risk and most are in jail for crimes such as driving under the influence, minor drug possession, burglary, failure to pay child support, and or prostitution. Inmates who have committed violent crimes, sex crimes or mayhem are not eligible for transfer to the facility.
Address: 13502 Musick Rd
Irvine, CA 92618
Click here for Directions to the James A. Musick Facility
10-17-2011, 03:40 PM
There is no Cashier at the James A. Musick Facility. Please contact Cashier at Theo Lacy (501 city Drive South, Orange, 08:00 AM – 0200 AM) or the Intake Release Center (550 N. Flower St., Santa Ana, 24-hours per day).
10-17-2011, 03:42 PM
(Inmate Name, Booking Number)
James A. Musick Facility
13502 Musick Rd.
Irvine, CA 92618
Acceptable mail items:
Magazines must be mailed or sent by the publisher
Photographs (no larger than 8x10)
New paperback books must be mailed or sent directly by the publisher or an accepted distributer (i.e. Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, costco.com, walmart.com, etc.). Inmates may only possess a maximum of 5 books or magazines.
Unacceptable mail items:
Addressee not in custody at any of our facilities
Items which cannot be inspected by normal means or without damaging the item, i.e. multilayered cards, photographs, laminated items, etc...
Items containing foil or metal of any type, glass, wood, hard plastic, rubber, or other prohibited substances
Maps, travel brochures, wall calendars, and wall posters
Credit cards or personal checkbooks
Any food item
Any article of clothing, hygiene item or other personal property
Personal checks/Payroll checks
Photos or any items showing nudity or sexually explicit material - Any items which can be purchased through our commissary. This includes writing paper, envelopes, stamps, and blank cards. For a partial listing of items available for inmates to purchase on commissary click here (http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/Sheriff-Coroner%20-%20Sandra%20Hutchens/Commands%20and%20Divisions/Custody%20&%20Court%20Operations%20Command/Inmate%20Services/Commissary%20Operations).
Writing paper, envelopes and stamps (These items can be purchased through Commissary)
Hard cover books or used paperback books
10-17-2011, 03:43 PM
All persons who enter the James A. Musick Facility are subject to a search of their person, property and vehicles. Visitors will be required to pass through a metal detecting screening device prior to entering the Visiting Center. Anyone found in possession of contraband, firearms, deadly weapons, mace or any instrument likely to produce injury are subject to arrest.
Refusal to submit to this screening process will result in a denial of your visit.
Public visiting is conducted Friday - Sunday, 8:00AM - 6:00PM. The last sign-up is taken at 5:00 PM.
Upon request, visitors must provide proof of identity in the form of a picture ID. such as a driver's license, state identification or passport.
Each visit will last 30 minutes.
Each inmate is allowed one visit per day.
Two adults and one child under the age of five may visit.
A minor may visit without an adult only if they are a direct blood relative of the inmate and only with the approval of the Watch Commander.
No food, drinks, candy, gum, cell phones, cigarettes, matches, lighters, pepper spray, weapons or anything deemed inappropriate is allowed on the facility.
All documents requiring an inmate's signature must be submitted to the visiting staff for processing.
Visitors under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed and are subject to arrest.
Visitors shall proceed to their assigned seat and remain there until the inmate arrives.
Clothing that is derogatory, offensive, revealing, or deemed inappropriate by the Watch Commander or his representative will result in a denied visit.
Children must be under parental supervision at all times.
A visitor whose conduct is disruptive, offensive or in any way not conducive to the orderly conduct of jails will be told to leave the facility.
Visitors who are disruptive or interfere with the normal operations of the facility are subject to arrest.
10-17-2011, 03:47 PM
What are the visiting hours?
Visiting hours are Fri-Sun, 8:00 - 5:30. The last sign-up is taken at 4:30 PM.
What can I wear?
Your attire must be appropriate for a correctional facility. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to see-thru clothing, halter tops, tops that expose the midriff and mini-skirts that are too short.
What type of identification is required to visit an inmate?
You must have a valid picture ID, such as a driver's license, state identification or passport.
What items can I bring to the visit?
The only items you can bring to a visit are your identification, your keys and any cash you may be depositing on the inmate's account.
How many people can visit?
The limit is two visitors. The only exception is a third visitor may be added if that visitor is a child who is four years old or younger. The child must be held on the lap of an adult visitor.
How many visits are allowed?
Each inmate is allowed one 30-minute visit per visiting day.
How old do you have to be to visit an inmate?
You must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult to visit. Unaccompanied minors may visit a parent, but must have prior permission from the Watch Commander.
Can I visit if I am on probation or parole?
The only people given consideration for this are spouses or children of the inmate. You will need permission from your Probation/Parole Officer and the Watch Commander prior to the visit. You must also wait at least 60 days from the last time you were incarcerated to make this request.
What is required for me to drive my vehicle onto the facility?
You must have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration and current proof of insurance.
What are the hours of the Cashier's Office?
There is no Cashier office at the Musick Facility. Please refer to Theo Lacy (501 City Drive South, Orange, 8 am to 2 am) or Intact Release Center's Cashier (550 N. Flower St., Santa Ana, 24-hours per day).
What forms of money are accepted for deposits?
We DO NOT accept credit cards. Please refer to IRC or Theo Lacy FAQs for more info.
Can I mail money to an inmate?
You can mail in money orders only. They must be payable to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. They must have the inmate's full name and booking number on the front of the check. No personal checks will be accepted.
How much money can I send in?
Inmates are allowed to have a maximum of $500 on their account. If the amount you send in will cause their account to exceed the $500 limit, the check will be placed on their property and not deposited to their account.
What happens to the money in an inmate's possession when they are arrested?
All cash on their person is deposited into their account. An exception is money that was taken as evidence by the arresting agency.
What court is an inmate going to, and when are they to appear?
This information may obtained from the inmate or by calling Inmate Records at (714) 647-4666.
What can I mail to an inmate?
The most commonly sent items are letters, photos (no Polaroid photographs), cashier's checks, and money orders. Books and magazines may be sent in, but must be sent directly from the publisher. Any item that can be purchased through our commissary cannot be mailed to an inmate. This includes writing paper, envelopes, stamps, and blank cards. For a partial listing of items available for inmates to purchase on commissary click here (http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/Sheriff-Coroner - Sandra Hutchens/Commands and Divisions/Custody & Court Operations Command/Inmate Services/Commissary Operations).
Where do I send the mail?
The inmate's full name and booking number must be on the front of the envelope. Our address is 13502 Musick Road, Irvine, CA 92618.
An inmate is unable to call me collect. What can I do?
The most common cause of this problem is a billing conflict between your phone carrier and AT & T. You must call AT & T Service at 1-800-844-6591 to remove the block from your phone. You should speak with a supervisor to discuss the capabilities of your phone.
Can you deliver a message to an inmate?
We do not deliver messages to inmates. Inmates are allowed to make collect phone calls only when the dayrooms are open, or they can write letters at any time.
What is an inmate's sentence ending date?
The James Musick Facility does not release this information to the public. This information must be obtained from the inmate themselves. Inmates may submit a message slip requesting their release date.
When can I pick up the inmate?
The inmate will have an opportunity to call family or friends to set up a ride upon their release. If they do not have a ride available, we will provide transportation for them to the Central Jail Complex, located at 550 N. Flower St., Santa Ana.
What do I need to pick up an inmate being released from your facility?
You must have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration and current proof of insurance.
Housing Federal Detainees (Beds for Feds Program)
What is the “Beds for Feds” Program?
The Federal Government, specifically the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is responsible for enforcing the immigration laws of our country. In the Post 9/11 era, procedures were put in place to allow local jurisdictions to enter into agreements with ICE for local law enforcement to screen arrestees booked into jails across the country to verify their citizenship status (this is known as the “287g Program,” named after the authorizing federal statute). As a result of this screening, immigration holds are placed on the arrestees who are unable to provide proof that they are either a citizen of the US or living here legally on a temporary/legal condition of residency. Arrestees who are suspected of being in the Country illegally and who are not charged by the District Attorney or who are ordered released by the Superior Court are turned over to ICE pursuant to the immigration hold. Arrestees who are suspected of being in the Country illegally who are convicted must first complete their jail sentences. Then, they also are turned over to ICE to begin the administrative process to determine their citizenship status.
These ICE "detainees" are housed (or detained) in correctional facilities across the country. With the increased population of undocumented immigrants and the limited availability of federally operated and owned detention facilities, the Federal Government began contracting with local jurisdictions for beds to house these detainees. Currently, there is a shortage of detention beds in Southern California for the increasing number of detainees in the custody of ICE. ICE is forced to send detainees from Southern California to be housed in other states which is very costly and delays the deportation process.
Our inmate population has steadily decreased over the past two years. With vacant beds in our facilities, we approached ICE to explore a possible partnership to house federal detainees.
Why should Orange County house the ICE detainees?
Housing ICE detainees in the Orange County jail system generates significant additional revenue that will prevent the closure of more jail facilities and will help avoid significant cuts to core public safety services of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. By partnering with ICE, we are making a fiscally responsible decision that will lessen the financial burden on the taxpayer while maintaining our current level of law enforcement services.
The City of Santa Ana has had a similar contract for over ten years to house ICE detainees in the City’s jail facility. ICE still does not have a sufficient number of beds for detainees in California and transporting detainees to other states carries a significant cost. Therefore, this contract will assist ICE in addressing illegal immigration. By reducing the cost for ICE to house detainees, ICE will have more resources for front-line immigration enforcement.
What if the County Inmate jail population rate begins to increase?
County jail facilities are not expanding or increasing capacity to accommodate ICE detainees. County inmates will always have priority. If the county inmate population begins to increase, our contract with ICE gives us a "right of refusal" to control the number of detainees as well as the ability to provide for beds on a “space available basis”.
What types of federal detainees are housed in the Orange County Correctional facilities?
None of the federal ICE detainees we house have any criminal charges pending. They are simply being detained while their immigration holds are being processed. We will house detainees of all classifications. Our current classification system will be used to classify detainees to ensure detainees are housed in appropriate facilities. For instance, ICE Detainees housed at Musick will be classified as minimum-security – consistent with county inmates currently housed there. ICE detainees will be housed at the Theo Lacy and James A. Musick jail facilities on a space available basis. There is a "right of refusal" clause in our contract with ICE, which will be used to control the number and type of detainees accepted. Our contract currently includes a total of 838 beds to be used for ICE detainees, with 472 located in the Theo Lacy Facility and 366 in the James A. Musick Facility.
Will ICE release detainees directly from an Orange County Jail facility?
No, most detainees are deported and will be transported to an airport or directly to the Mexican border. Other detainees who post a bond, or if it is otherwise determined that release from custody is merited, are transported by ICE personnel from either the Theo Lacy or Musick facilities to one of ICE’s five major offices, including downtown Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Bernardino, Lancaster, or Ventura for out processing. It is only from an ICE office that detainees are released from custody.
Are the Sheriff-Coroner Department jail staff qualified to house ICE detainees?
Yes, the Department provides specific training to jail staff. The Department is also responsible for ensuring the safety of detainees through a classification process that will assign housing to detainees with persons of similar background and criminal history.
The Sheriff-Coroner Department staff operates the ICE housing areas and provides all security and operational duties. ICE staff performs oversight, compliance, and other administrative duties only. ICE has reviewed our jail policies and the facilities and has determined that they are appropriate for housing detainees
Are Federal Detainees being transferred to Orange County from other locations?
ICE has a severe shortage of housing for immigration detainees and needs bed space. The shortage of available housing is critical in Orange County. Some Orange County ICE detainees have been housed as far away as Arizona and New Mexico. In order to help ICE become more efficient in processing detainees, our contract allows ICE to house detainees from other jurisdictions as long as the detainees fall within the appropriate security classifications for our facilities.
Will the County incur any additional costs?
No, all associated costs of the contract will be paid by the federal government. Additionally, many of the costs of staffing and building upkeep that we currently pay out of the Orange County budget will be funded by revenue from the federal government, resulting in significant savings to the County. These savings will prevent the closure of more jail facilities and will help avoid significant cuts to core public safety services in the Sheriff-Coroner Department.
Will ICE be involved in the physical custody and care of the detainees?
No, the Orange County Sheriff's Department is responsible for the care and custody of the detainees in accordance with ICE Detention Standards. Detainee health care is provided by the County’s Health Care Agency while detainees are housed within the Orange County jail system.
ICE personnel handle administrative oversight of the program and performs the deportation process.
What is the duration of the contract?
This is a 5-year contract with the option of a rate/contract adjustment annually. Both parties have a 120 day "opt out" option. The daily bed-rate can be reopened annually to accommodate changes in the costs of housing the detainees.
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domain: law


text:
A woman died after being swept away in floodwater as parts of northern England and the Midlands were battered by a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours, causing water to breach banks and sweep over flood defences.
Her death in the Derwent at Rowsley, near Matlock in Derbyshire, came as the Environment Agency (EA) warned people to stay away from swollen rivers, councils evacuated hundreds of houses and emergency services used boats to rescue stranded homeowners.
Dozens of people were forced to spend Thursday night in the Meadowhall shopping centre near Sheffield.
Roads around the centre had flooded after water from the Don poured over the top of defences completed last year at a cost of more than £20 million.
On Friday night, Boris Johnson visited Matlock to help with the clean-up operation and said the government is putting £2.6bn towards flood defences.
"People have been moved out of their homes and probably hundreds of businesses have seen damage to their properties - we stand ready to help in any way that we can," he added.
By Friday afternoon there were six severe “danger to life” warnings in place around the Don, which also breached its banks at St Oswald’s Church at Kirk Sandall.
On Friday night, 116 flood warnings were in place, mostly in Yorkshire.
Allen Cowles, a councillor in Whiston, Rotherham, where residents were evacuated as the Whiston Brook burst its banks, said: “I am laying the blame squarely on the Environment Agency. They put in minimal flood defences.
“The flood defences have not been raised at all, they are only around 18 inches – the height of a riverbank.”
The EA insisted defences had held around Sheffield. It said fewer than 10 properties had been affected and less than 10 people in the area had been forced to evacuate their homes.
A spokesman said: “Following any flood, we work with the Lead Local Flood Authority, whose duty is to look at the causes and seek to learn lessons.
“The flood defences in Sheffield were not breached, but we regularly monitor all flood defences as a part of our routine maintenance programme.”
Swineshaw in the Peak District recorded 4.4in of rain on Thursday – the most anywhere in England – while parts of Sheffield experienced 3.3in.
The average monthly rainfall for Yorkshire at this time of year is 3.5in. Residents in Toll Bar, near Doncaster, described Thursday’s downpour as “almost biblical”.
“You were just looking out of your window in disbelief at how much of it was coming down,” said Toll Bar Post Office worker Kathleen Overton, 61.
"People’s cars were getting submerged, gardens were ruined, you couldn’t drive anywhere. It was carnage.”
Residents on Yarborough Terrace in Doncaster, including a disabled man trapped in his home, were rescued from their homes by boats as waist-high water filled the street.
Resident Jason Richards, 44, said: “I swept it up with the broom at first, but every time I brushed it away more water just kept on coming back.”
Lacey Hanrahan, 24, was rescued with her baby by boat. “I just can’t believe how deep the water has got,” she said.
In Mansfield, 35 homes were evacuated as a precaution after a mudslide in the area, while residents in around 25 homes in Worksop were also ordered to flee due to the risk of flooding.
In Lincolnshire, the River Witham had risen so much that residents said they were able to see swans swimming up to the edge of their properties.
“I didn’t realise how high the water actually was until I went out and there was a group of them right next to my wall, they were that close I could touch them,” said resident Chelsea Foster, 23.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they rescued more than 100 stranded people on Thursday night, with around 500 calls to its control room between 10pm and 4am.
Professor Hannah Cloke, a hydrologist at the University of Reading, said the floods had been caused by a ‘storm factory’ over the Atlantic bringing torrential rain.
She warned more could be on the way. “If these atmospheric conditions don’t change, it could lead to more rain on the way, potentially causing more floods,” she said.
“It’s impossible to protect everyone from flooding, we will never be able to do that, so we have to stop building on flood plains.”
The weather caused train services to be cancelled and Northern Rail issued a “do not travel” warning to commuters using some of its routes.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) also warned of delays after the East Coast Mainline was flooded between Leeds and Doncaster.
Alex Burkill, meteorologist with the Met Office, said: “The rain is easing and moving south but obviously the impact of that will continue to be felt.
Commuters face evening delays
Passengers in the north of England can expect travel delays this evening as flood waters continue to cause mayhem. Network Rail and train operators are warning passengers to expect severe disruption.
Passengers travelling are advised to check their journeys before travelling by visiting National Rail Enquiries or the website of their train operating company.
Flooding expected to continue in Doncaster
Doncaster Council have issued an urgent update, warning of flood risks in the Bentley area.
In a Twitter post they said: "Following the heavy rain, we are continuing to respond to a major incident for Doncaster with several flood warnings still in place for Kirk Bramwith, South Bramwith, Kirk Sandall, Willow Bridge, Barnby Dun and Bentley.
"The evacuation for Kirk Sandall has been stood down and residents affected have been advised. Please be advised that there is now an imminent risk of flooding to the Bentley/ Scawthorpe area.
"Residents in these areas are being informed by police, fire and rescue and council officers to evacuate their homes and they are being supported to do so. Rest Centres are in place for those affected who are unable to stay with friends and family."
Disabled man rescued in Doncaster
A disabled man has been lifted out of his home on Yarborough Terrace in Doncaster by fire and rescue crews.
It is thought he has not been able to leave his home since flooding started on Friday morning.
The wheelchair-user was loaded onto a boat and taken through the floodwater to the front of the street, where extra emergency service personnel were able to help him.
He was lifted out of the boat onto a chair, before being wheeled into the back of a van and driven away.
Woman's body pulled from flood water in Derbyshire
The body of a woman has been pulled from flood water in Derbyshire.
According to Derbyshire Police, emergency services were called to a stretch of the River Derwent in Darley Dale, close to Matlock, in the early hours of this morning.
"The woman was reported as having been swept away by flood water in Rowsley and the body of what is believed to be the same woman was found in Darley Dale and was recovered at 10.40am," the force said.
"The family of the woman have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time."
Threat level lowered, but Environment Agency urges people to keep clear of rivers
The Environment Agency (EA) reduced its number of flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - to below the 100 mark, with forecasters predicting the worst of the rain had been and gone.
But parts of South Yorkshire remain most at-risk, with six severe warnings around the River Don predicting properties and roads face further flooding.
Chris Wilding, EA flood duty manager, said: "Our field teams have been operating flood defences and deploying temporary flood barriers to help protect people and property.
"We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to walk or drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car."
Residents evacuated from Doncaster in boats
Boats rescued residents from waist-high water on Yarborough Terrace in Doncaster.
Police cars surrounded the area as rescue teams put down sandbags.
One woman, who has lived in her home on the street for more than 20 years, said the downstairs of her property had filled with water at around 7am on Friday.
"I've never known it to be this bad", she said.
Another woman, who did not wish to be named, said she will have to house her daughter and grandchildren for the next few days as a result of the flooding.
She said: "We've just taken the decision to get out of here as soon as possible - it's dangerous as it is and it'll only get worse."
Rainfall was 'almost biblical', says residents
Residents in the village of Toll Bar near Doncaster, which was hit by severe flooding in June 2007, have told how "almost biblical" rain came down on Thursday.
Post Office worker Kathleen Overton said: "It must have started at around 9am yesterday when I was taking my grandson to school, and then it just didn't stop.
"At one point the water was coming right over my doorstep, and my daughters and I were worrying that it was going to come into the house."
The 61-year-old added: "People's cars were getting submerged in the water, gardens were ruined, you couldn't drive anywhere. It was carnage."
Another resident, Roy Kerr, 71, said that without the help of young volunteers who put down sandbags and pumped out water, the situation could have been even worse.
He said: "It wasn't as bad as it was in 2007, but it easily could have been if it wasn't for those lads."
Month's worth of rain falls in 24 hour period
Parts of England have endured a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours.
4.4in of rain fell in Swineshaw in the Peak District on Thursday - the highest total of anywhere across England - an Environment Agency (EA) rain gauge revealed.
Flood-hit parts of Sheffield experienced 3.4in during the same period.
The average monthly rainfall total for Yorkshire at this time of year is 3.5in, although forecasters have predicted that the worst of the rain is now over.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: "Some places have seen a month's worth of rain in one day.
"The rain is easing and moving south but obviously the impact of that will continue to be felt."
Tracks flooded as train delays and disruption to set to continue
Travel disruption looks set to continue for most of the day, with photos released by London North Eastern Railway revealing submerged tracks between Leeds and Doncaster.
According to National Rail, all lines between Doncaster and Sheffield, as well as Wakefield Westgate and Sheffield via Moorthorpe, are currently blocked.
CrossCountry trains will be diverted via Barnsley where possible, and will be unable to call at Doncaster and Wakefield Westgate.
Shoppers stranded overnight in Meadowhall
Shoppers and concert goers were forced to spend the night in Meadowhall's food court until 7am.
Saskia Hazelwood, 17, from Doncaster, said she was among those stranded.
She said: "When we got to Meadowhall it was very hectic and we heard about the flooding and saw the river about to burst.
"Our trains were then cancelled so we went to get food, then spoke to the police and security and they told us it was unsafe to leave and there was no way of getting in or out.
"So we instantly started panicking and, when we found out there was no way of getting home, we went into Primark and all bought spare clothes and we bought food and drinks to keep us going throughout the night.
"We were in M&S for a while on the sofas until they closed the store, and we were then moved to the Oasis food quarter. We were there until 7am.
"We were provided with free refreshments throughout the night and morning but it was certainly not enough. We had to basically camp out in the food area until they finally got a taxi to us at 7am.
"None of us had slept for over 24 hours. We were very tired, stressed and, of course, our families were panicking and kept keeping in touch."
Travel chaos as passengers warned not to travel
Thousands of commuters face mayhem as torrential rain causes disruption on the transport network in parts of England.
Several rail lines are blocked due to flooding and train operators are warning passengers not to travel on a number of routes through Yorkshire and the North West.
This includes lines from Sheffield to destinations such as Leeds via Moorthorpe, Lincoln, Doncaster and Goole.
Trains are also unable to run on routes such as Manchester Piccadilly-Cleethorpes, Leeds-Doncaster and Hebden Bridge-Rochdale.
Rail replacement bus services are not being provided due to road closures and unsafe driving conditions.

domain: geography


The social media juggernaut will have a dedicated team delving into the best ways to incorporate blockchain.
On Tuesday, Facebook’s Messenger lead, David Marcus, announced the launch of a small team “to explore how to best leverage Blockchain across Facebook, starting from scratch.” It’s worth noting that Marcus joined Coinbase’s board of directors in December 2017.
Obviously, there is very little to go on so far. However, according to recode, Facebook’s blockchain team “will be small at launch, fewer than a dozen people, but will include a few key Instagram executives who are moving over to join Marcus: Instagram’s VP of Engineering, James Everingham, and Instagram’s VP of Product, Kevin Weil.”
In a March 2018 interview with Enigma, Everingham confessed that he is “fascinated” with blockchain.
“I think that’s interesting and I think it will be transformative,” he said. “Right now the application is cryptocurrency—but I believe there are many more interesting applications beyond that and will be transformative in medicine, for instance.”
He went on to say, “My personal passion is med tech—specifically the human body as a connected device. I want to get notifications when my blood pressure is up and map it to my calendar.”
No word yet on whether Facebook will use blockchain for that sort of application, but the possibilities remain limitless.
Matthew is a full-time staff writer for ETHNews with a passion for law and technology. In 2016, he graduated from Georgetown University where he studied international economics and music. Matthew enjoys biking and listening to podcasts. He lives in Los Angeles and holds no value in any cryptocurrencies.
ETHNews is committed to its Editorial Policy
Like what you read? Follow us on Twitter @ETHNews_ to receive the latest Facebook, team or other Ethereum business and finance news.


The dead zone: How the Midwest kills marine life in the Gulf of Mexico
The Mississippi River is treasured for the way it sustains life — from migrating birds to the millions of people who rely on the river for drinking water. Yet at its mouth, an area stretching thousands of square miles each year becomes so choked with pollution that little aquatic life can survive.
While dead zones can occur naturally, the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is a humanmade disaster.
The Gulf's dead zone is the result of land-use practices all along the Mississippi River. Runoff pollution from 31 states collects and flows out into the Gulf, where it creates a giant anti-habitat each summer.
How does a dead zone form?
Algae and tiny organisms called phytoplankton are important parts of the marine food web. But when they're given too many nutrients, their populations and density can run amok to the point where there is simply not enough oxygen and food to support them.
When this happens, massive die-offs quickly occur, and the dead algae and phytoplankton sink en masse to the seafloor. Bacterial decomposition uses up the oxygen in the water, suffocating any creatures that can't quickly make their way out of the area. The ocean becomes a wet desert.
The resulting "dead zone" can wipe out fish, ocean plants and crustaceans, and may even affect marine mammals and birds that rely on these food sources.
The Midwest's contribution
Even though we're 1,500 miles north, our land-use practices contribute to the Gulf dead zone.
Conventional agriculture relies on the liberal use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorous (the very nutrients that make marine microorganisms go into overdrive), not all of which stays in the soil.
As we detailed in the 2016 State of the River Report, nitrogen — the primary driver of the annual Gulf dead zone — comes primarily from Midwestern croplands, including Minnesota's. That's bad news for farmers too; farm operations lose hundreds of millions of dollars each year when fertilizers wash off their fields and head downstream.
Urban runoff and wastewater treatment effluent can also contribute to the problem, as storm drains and sanitary sewers discharge nutrients into our waterways.
The Mississippi River, in turn, acts like a giant storm drain system, channeling nutrients from its entire watershed into the Gulf. That's how fertilizer applied to a cornfield in Traverse County or a football field in St. Paul can very well end up feeding phytoplankton off the coast of Louisiana.
Each June, scientists predict how many square miles the dead zone will stretch — usually in the thousands. By the end of the summer, the official measurements are released.
How FMR is making a difference
The only way to restore the Gulf's natural vitality is to change our habits in the Mississippi basin.
FMR's water program is dedicated to addressing the root causes of water pollution, including excess nutrients. We advocate for solutions at the State Capitol and the federal level. We also work with partners to implement solutions on the ground.
The main solution we're advancing is a transition to clean-water crops and continuous living cover cropping systems on our agricultural landscapes. This change could pay big dividends for water quality and boost farmers' bottom lines.
Most upper Midwest "row crops" (like corn and soy) only grow during the summer, which means that fields with these crops don't retain much water or fertilizer during the wet spring and autumn months. By incorporating new crops that grow year-round or during otherwise-bare periods, such as Kernza or pennycress, we can keep living root systems intact and, in turn, limit the excess nutrient runoff that drives the damaging aquatic algae growth in the Gulf.
Our work with the Forever Green Partnership is based on the belief that we can make it profitable and sustainable for farmers to adopt continuous living cover practices, both here in Minnesota and throughout the entire run of the river.
Become a River Guardian to receive email action alerts when opportunities arise to act on issues like this, plus invitations to educational happy hours and other events.


POUGHKEEPSIE – A Union Vale woman was arrested for attempted assault during the evening hours on Wednesday after she allegedly tried to run police officers down with a tractor.
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s office responded to 1927 Bruzgal Road in Union Vale on Wednesday evening to assist the Dutchess County ASPCA on a warrant to seize horses from the location, police said.
Upon arrival, Sandra Kistner, 62, became violent and uncooperative toward both deputies and ASPCA officers. Police said Kistner ultimately attempted to run officers down with a tractor.
Kistner was taken into custody. There were no injuries as a result of the incident, police said.
Kistner was charged with first-degree attempted assault, a felony. She was remanded to Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or a $50,000 bond.


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Putin pleased with acting at Moscow's Maly drama theaterSociety & Culture March 23, 23:35
Former Russian MP killed in Kiev, killer dies in hospitalWorld March 23, 23:32
Russia's Channel One refuses to broadcast Samoilova's performance via satelliteSociety & Culture March 23, 21:52
Experts forecast Bank of Russia will keep key rate at 10%Business & Economy March 23, 21:13
Putin's aide explains why Russia has no fear of supplying S-400 systems to TurkeyRussian Politics & Diplomacy March 23, 20:42
British police identify Westminster attacker as Khalid MasoodWorld March 23, 20:03
Russia develops ‘grenade launcher-propelled’ reconnaissance droneMilitary & Defense March 23, 19:58
Ukraine forbids Russian Eurovision contestant to perform via satelliteWorld March 23, 19:35
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia suspended over extremismSociety & Culture March 23, 19:00
TOKYO, October 17. /TASS/. A spearhead group of Japan’s members of parliament will suggest that the government considers a project of gas pipeline construction from Sakhalin to the Tokyo Bay within the framework of the new plan of economic cooperation with Russia, Kyodo news agency said on Monday.
Members of parliament intend to present the relevant proposal to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Economy Minister Hiroshige Seko, Kyodo reported.
Total length of the gas pipeline is about 1,500 km and the project is valued at 700 bln yen ($6.7 bln). According to the suggested design, the gas pipeline will be mainly laid offshore, with landfalls on the Hokkaido Island and in Ibaraki Prefecture not far from Tokyo.
Japan is currently buying liquefied natural gas (LNG) only and is it globally largest importer. The pipeline from Sakhalin will be capable of delivering 20 bln cubic meters of natural gas yearly, approximately 17% of recent volume of LNG imported by Japan.

domain: news


THE SUPREME Court has rejected a bid by local residents to further adjourn their two legal challenges to the proposed hazardous waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.
The residents wanted the adjournments pending the outcome of a legal action against Ireland in the European Court of Justice (ECJ) by the European Commission based on its view that Ireland failed to transpose properly into Irish law an EC directive relating to the environmental impact assessment of public and private projects, including incinerators.
Among the grounds on which the residents are challenging the proposed €75 million development is that the same EC directive was not properly transposed. The Supreme Court had in another case ruled the directive was properly transposed.
The High Court last May refused to adjourn the residents' cases. The five-judge Supreme Court yesterday dismissed their appeal against that refusal.
The Chief Justice, Mr Justice John Murray, said the residents had failed to establish a substantial risk of conflict between decisions of the Irish courts and the ECJ if the cases went ahead before the ECJ hearing.
The European Commission had announced in October 2007 it was bringing its case against Ireland but no proceedings had yet got under way, he noted.
While the commission appeared in its reasoned opinions to raise the same issues as the residents concerning non-transposition of the directive, the Supreme Court had not seen those opinions or the State's response and did not know the basis on which the ECJ proceedings would be brought, he said.
While the court accepted the commission would probably proceed with its case, it did not know when and there was also a possibility the case might not proceed, he added. It was "somewhat remarkable" the case had not started by now. As of now it was impossible for the Supreme Court to have a considered view about the issues relating to Irish law and the directive.
The Supreme Court also had to take into account that the residents' cases were initiated in 2005 and it was in the interests of the administration of justice, at national and community level, that they were heard and decided with reasonable expedition, he said.
The cases concerned the rights not just of the residents but also An Bord Pleanála, the State and Indaver Ireland.
Mr Justice Murray further noted the residents had raised other issues in their cases outside the directive and said their cases might be determined on those other issues. The residents' claim that they would be deprived of a remedy if their cases proceeded and the ECJ subsequently ruled against Ireland in the EC case, was "speculative". In all the circumstances, the court would not adjourn the cases, he said.
In refusing the adjournments in the High Court, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy accepted arguments by the State that the High Court was bound at this stage by a Supreme Court decision last year rejecting a challenge by Eric Martin to the development of an incinerator in Co Meath.
In the Martin case, the Supreme Court dismissed claims that the EIA directive was not properly transposed and also refused Mr Martin's request to refer to the ECJ the issue of whether the directive was properly transposed.
The adjournments were sought for a judicial review challenge by several local people to the incinerator development against An Bord Pleanála and the State following the board's decision in January 2004 granting permission to Indaver Ireland to construct the development.
In the second case, the Ringaskiddy and District Residents Association want leave from the court to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to grant a waste licence for the incinerator.
The Irish Times


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The multi color dots are surrounded by chocolate color band to the top and bottom of each piece. Design goes all around each piece and are made of resin material.
Hand woven from all-natural Water Hyacinth in a criss-cross design gives it a wonderful look and texture that is sure to complement any space it occupies. A solid wire frame is designed into the cover for optimum strength and is powder coated to prevent any rust or corrosion from wet or damp areas. These remarkable bathroom accessories are not only beautiful but it's exceptionally strong and durable.
Lamont Home Nadina Water Hyacinth Woven Tumbler with Ceramic Insert measures 3-1/4-inch diameter by 5-inch high.
Seven Pieces Bath Accessories Set of Sahara Beige Marble in Nature Exclusive design . All items in this design series have been hand crafted from Natural Beige Marble. They are functional as well as decorative pieces for your bath. Waste basket shown in the picture is not included in seven piece set. But it available for purchase as an added accessory. Under Amazon item No. 405SB.

domain: artistic


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No evidence for preclinical change in personality before the onset of mild cognitive impairment or dementia was identified in a recent cohort study that followed 2,046 older adults for as long as 36 years. The cohort of community-dwelling older adults volunteered to participate in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. The study examined personality and clinical assessments obtained between 1980 and July 13, 2016, from participants with no cognitive impairment at first assessment. Of total participants, 931 [45.5%] were women; mean (SD) age at first assessment was 62.56 (14.63) years. Researchers found:
- During 24,569 person-years, mild cognitive impairment was diagnosed in 104 (5.1%) individuals, and all-cause dementia was diagnosed in 255 (12.5%) participants, including 194 (9.5%) with Alzheimer disease.
- Multilevel modeling that accounted for age, sex, race, and educational level found significant differences on the intercept of several traits: individuals who developed dementia scored higher on neuroticism and lower on conscientiousness and extraversion.
- Change in personality, however, was not significantly different between the non-impaired and the Alzheimer disease groups (eg, neuroticism, conscientiousness).
Terracciano A, An Y, Suton AR. Thambisetty M, Resnick SM. Personality change in the preclinical phase of Alzheimer disease. [Published online ahead of print September 20, 2017]. JAMA Psychiatry. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.2816.
This Week's Must Reads
Depression May Be Linked with SLE Risk in Women, JAMA Psychiatry; ePub 2018 Sep 12; Roberts, et al
Women with MDD During the Childbearing Years, Depress Anxiety; ePub 2018 Sep 7; Freeman, et al
Resilience Examined in Older Adults with Depression, Am J Geriatr Psychiatry; ePub 2018 Aug 25; Laird, et al
Disparities in Depression Care Among Arab Americans, Depress Anxiety; ePub 2018 Aug 12; Dallo, et al
Telehealth vs In-Person Care for Depressed Veterans, J Clin Psychiatry; 2018 Aug 28; Egede, et al
Must Reads in Alzheimer's & Cognition
Widowhood a Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline, Am J Geriatr Psychiatry; ePub 2018 Mar 26; Shin, et al
Caregivers of PLWDs at Risk for Sleep Disturbances, Am J Geriatr Psych; ePub 2018 Feb 4; Polenick, et al
Study: Goal-driven Life Reduces Dementia Risk, Int J Geriatr Psych; ePub Jan 3; Sutin, et al
Walking While Talking and Incident Dementia Risk, Am J Geriatr Psychiatry; ePub 2018 Jan 3; Ceïde, et al
CVD, Late-Life Depression, Dementia Link Examined, Am J Geriatr Psychiatry; ePub 2017 Nov 20; Armstrong, et al

domain: medical


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Swot analysis 2 arenas 21 enough to prevent the pc market from suffering in the current economic climate analysis of dell’s business strategy. This swot analysis of dell points out chinks in armour of dell's fortress dell is one of the worlds best and most known consumer durable brands dell's direct model. Swot analysis of dell computers swot analysis - dell it consulting geographic served worldwide headquarters us current ceo michael dell revenue $ 56. Review and evaluate present and future strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats – pest and swot analysis. Swot is a simple framework for generating strategic alternatives from a situation analysis swot analysis performance of dell inc business essay print. Dell inc company profile- outlook, business segments, competitors strategies in current market conditions, swot swot and financial analysis of dell inc.
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1 what is dell computers' current situations perform a brief swot analysis of dell in order to understand its current situation swot stands for strengths. Learn how to use business swot analysis to find swot is sometimes called internal-external analysis and the swot matrix is as the current small amount of.View

domain: economics


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Penwith Accountancy and Taxation Services45 Trelawney Estate
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Specialising in small to medium sized businesses. Annual Accounts for Sole Traders, Partnerships & Limited Companies. Personal and Business Taxation. Self Assessment Tax Returns. Corporation Tax Returns. Book-Keeping. Payroll Services. VAT Returns. CIS - Construction Industry Scheme Advice. Pick up & drop service. Itemised Bills.
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domain: finance


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What we believe
At Edgecom Energy we believe in challenging the status quo in the energy efficiency industry.
We believe holistic energy management is the key to unlocking the value that energy efficiency can bring to individual businesses and society as a whole.
Most importantly, we believe that improved energy utilization and energy efficiency is the silver bullet in the fight against climate change.
Get In Touch
If you are interested in exploring how to measure and manage your your energy costs then please drop us a line, we'd love top hear from you.


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22 Aug Chinook Wines: Quintessential Yakima Valley
Today’s post is an excerpt of an article posted on Washington Tasting Room website. Read the full article here.
“WE REALLY don’t have that in mind,” says Kay Simon, co-owner of Chinook Wines, dismissing the notion of retirement. Her husband, Clay Mackey, the other co-owner of this winemaking venture, chimes in, “No, not in the cards.” One might assume, with 31 years of successful winemaking under their belts, that the couple would be seriously contemplating the “R” word. But they have other ideas.
“We’re at 3,000 cases and have been for quite some time,” Clay says. “There’s really just the two of us, and that is a comfortable level. Any more, and we’d be looking to hire some people.”
Kay laughs, pointing out, “Whereas most wineries start out small and hope to grow, we started big and went small for quality reasons.” She was referring to the fact that in California, where they began their winemaking careers, both worked for wineries that delivered varietals by the trainload.
After each completed degrees at UC Davis’ renowned enology and viticulture program (which they attended at different times, and had yet to make each other’s acquaintance), they independently gravitated north to Washington and its burgeoning wine industry. Their paths converged in the 1970’s when both began working for Chateau Ste. Michelle, and love ripened among the vines.
At Chateau Ste. Michelle, Clay exercised his degree in viticulture by tending to their grape growing needs, while Kay called upon her background in fermentation science to direct Chateau Ste. Michelle’s red wine production. It was only natural that they combine their professional talents, so in 1983 they launched Chinook Wines.
Opulent Yakima Valley Wines
This couple has a predilection for making single varietal wines, such as Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. For loyal fans of Chinook Wines, however, their Cabernet Franc is front and center, produced every year from a blend of many different vineyards in the Yakima Valley. From the beginning, this winery has supported local growers, including such renowned vineyards as Dutchman Vineyard, Lonesome Spring Ranch, Boushey Vineyard, Oasis Farms and Upland Vineyards.
FEATURED WINE PICKS
Chinook 2012 Yakima Valley Chardonnay, $19
Made from old vine Chardonnay grapes grown by multi-generational Yakima Valley vineyard families, this medium-bodied wine is deftly structured, showing balanced acidity. Nose: Aromas of tropical citrus, green fig, blanched almonds and crème fraîche. Taste: Refined and refreshing, layered with green apple, citrus and spice.
Chinook 2010 Yakima Valley Cabernet Franc, $23
For over 15 years, Chinook has produced a Cab Franc sourced from their Prosser vineyard and other Yakima Valley sites. Nose: Compelling and earthy aromas of Rainier cherries, marionberries, tea leaf and herbal spice. Taste: Richly satisfying and pure fruit flavors of blueberry liqueur, black tea, with top notes of pie cherries and complex savory herbs on a lengthy finish.
Chinook 2012 Yakima Valley Sauvignon blanc, $18
The juice was fermented at a cool temperature to retain its floral and fruity aromas. A versatile food wine, try with Camembert or herbed chevre on rosemary bread. Nose: Intricate aromas of green melon, citrus and savory herb. Taste:Crisp and vibrant, there’s a cut of slate minerality to the lemon-lime citrus and grapefruit, and a hint of lychee.

domain: agronomy


Native to South Africa, Strelitzia reginae is a species of ornamental plant in the Strelitziaceae family. It is the best known of the birds of paradise because it is easily found at florists.
Its name comes from the curious shape of its flowers which resembles a bird’s head. It is very common in public beds in regions with a mild climate or in tropical and subtropical gardens. This plant native to Africa prefers soil rich in organic matter, so it is advisable to provide it with compost.
Except in the south and on the coasts of Brittany, the bird of paradise must be grown in a container and it must winter in a veranda where the temperature will not drop below 10°C. During this period, it is best to continue watering, ensuring that the soil does not dry out completely. Outdoors, below −2°C, the leaves are damaged and eventually disappear. It is possible that the stump will start again when spring returns.
Propagation by division of suckers is the most suitable even if sowing is not to be excluded.


Brett Eldredge will remember 2016 as the year all his Cubs dreams came true. The Illinois native decided to forego attending Wednesday night’s 50th Annual CMA Awards, so he could attend game 7 of the World Series.
After the Chicago team’s victory over the Cleveland Indians, he shared a childhood photo of himself and his brother with his dad all decked out in Cubs gear, next to a present-day picture of all three at the game. “Got to fulfill a lifelong dream as a family… the Cubs are WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS,” he added.
Friday, he both got to hold the Major League Baseball Commissioner’s Trophy and perform “Go Cubs Go” after the victory parade from Wrigley Field to Grant Park.
Brett quickly got back to work though, with shows in both Milwaukee and Minneapolis over the weekend. Tuesday, he’ll be back in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry House to perform songs from his new Glow holiday album, as part of this year’s CMA Country Christmas taping.
Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
— Brett Eldredge (@bretteldredge) November 3, 2016
— Brett Eldredge (@bretteldredge) November 4, 2016


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Well the little storm that could has just parked south of Puerto Rico, and is Sitting and Spinning just like the toy, and continues to dump rain on us. It looks like the newest track for the storm has it doubling back and hitting the south coast of Puerto Rico. It will likely strengthen to a tropical storm, it will be called Omar if that happens. The most current weather report calls for 15 to 30 inches of rain through the end of the week. So even if we don't see much wind it will still be wet.
We came home last night after work and closed the storm shutters on the house just in case.


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“Every shining pine needle, every humming insect. All are holy in the memory and experience of my people. We know the sap which courses through the trees as we know the blood that courses through our veins. We are part of the earth and it is part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters. The bear, the deer, the great eagle, these are our brothers…all belong to the same family.” ~Chief Seattle
A woman knocked on our door.
She had a little boy with her. He was wearing one shoe. They both looked exhausted and cold. She said, “I’m so sorry. We’ve been looking for Ravenna Park. Can you help us find it? We’ve been walking for such a long time and his feet hurt.” My husband immediately said he would drive them there, and the woman burst into tears of gratitude.
I, sitting next to my warm fire, with a murder mystery show paused, and thinking about having a hot cup of cocoa, was jolted out of my cushy reverie. I came to the door, looked over the two of them with their tee shirts and back packs in the cold dark and stared. “It’s freezing out there. Come inside!” I said, swinging the door wide. But it was as if there was an imaginary line in the door frame. She put out her hand. I looked at her dirty hand, confused. Did she want something? Was this a trick of some kind? Then I realized she was giving her hand to me. I took it.
“My name is Sapphire,” She said.
“Oh. I’m Bridget.” Her tear stained, wrinkled face looked so worn, but she could only have been around the same age as me. She looked in my eyes and smiled. Not the plastered, make-uped, meet and greet, small talk kind of smile I’ve become acquainted with from strangers. Genuine.
“Bridget.” She said. I looked into her face and felt like I was falling through a looking glass. What might have been if my circumstances were different? Who would she be if hers were reversed?
A conversation I had a few days prior was fresh in my mind. A friend of mine and I were having a discussion about some Native American statues on a building in Seattle. My friend felt uncomfortable with it, in light of Seattle’s past, while I wanted to find out who made the artwork because I thought it was beautiful. It was made by Victor G Schneider, inspired by the photographs of Edward S. Curtis.
Image courtesy of Jamie Spiro Photography
“Curtis’ goal was not just to photograph, but to document, as much of Native American traditional life as possible before that way of life disappeared. He wrote in the introduction to his first volume in 1907: “The information that is to be gathered … respecting the mode of life of one of the great races of mankind, must be collected at once or the opportunity will be lost.” ~Wikipedia
The conversation I had with my friend surrounded the responsibilities we have, as white women and descendants of a world that has stamped out much of the traditions of the Native American people who used to live on our shores, in keeping their memory sacred and respected. I have very few answers on the subject, honestly. I want to be able to enjoy art without fearing I’m celebrating something that isn’t politically correct. In the case of the statues (which are on the Cobb Building in Seattle), I don’t think there is any reason to take them down or be chastised for liking them. I also felt so removed from any Native American culture that I didn’t know that I had any real right to what to think or how to respond. After all, what direct link did I have with them? It was not as if I encountered any in my day to day.
And then here was a desperate Native American woman knocking on my door.
My little boys came to the door and said hello to Sapphire’s little boy. He stayed back in the shadows, out of reach. “Are you okay?” I asked, “Where do you live?”
“I live in a tent.”
Oh my heart. I didn’t know what to say. What do you do when a woman and child are on your doorstep, you’re already wishing the door could be closed because your feet are getting cold, and you know they are going to go into the woods and try to sleep on the wet ground? I want to be the type of person who could never let someone leave my door without a place to go.
And yet, I did.
I’m crying just writing that.
“[We] all belong to the same family,” Chief Seattle said. Yet our culture turns our backs on homeless people. I do it every day because, what can I do? I live in the city. There are people begging on many corners, and I have learned to ignore them. We worry about them buying drugs or alcohol, and hope that the state has enough programs to care for them, our taxes stretching across an endless chasm.
But my own doorstep. My threshold.
My Grandmother used to buy baskets from Native American women on her doorstep when she was my age. So much has changed.
Then Beau was ready with his keys and we said a quick goodbye before he took them down to the forest. It was rushed, and I had my own three boys to corral, and then it was over. I hesitated, and she was lost.
After Beau came back we talked about how we should have thought to give them our old coats. And a blanket. Or food! Beau said he asked her if she needed anything or if he could give her anything and she said no, and she offered to pay for the gas even though Ravenna is only a couple blocks from our house.
I felt like Marie Antoinette and it made my chest hurt.
Something knocked on my soul that night. Until then I could not recall any time that I had been faced with such dire poverty in my own comfortable bubble. When we first opened the door Sapphire said, “It’s not who you’re expecting.” She could not have used a more apropos word. It was the unexpected that pierced my heart. I couldn’t help but cry at how completely spoiled I am and how, with just one offer of a car ride a woman would give me her hand and her precious name. She had nothing, yet still she gave me kindness.
How many times have I lashed out because I was tired, or not smiled at the school drop off because I hadn’t had my coffee? Here was the very essence of beauty standing before me. A flower opening without any reason. A sister.
The next day I wept for hours. I went to the woods to see if they were there. There is a spot where homeless people make campfires and sleep on tarps hidden under teepees covered in branches, hidden from the bridge above. But I didn’t find them. I wept for that little boy, who looked so much like my Oliver when he was small. I imagined him sleeping in the dark Ravenna woods, not knowing if warmth or food or a thief might come. Ravenna Park has been such a haven to me since we moved here, though I would never venture there at night. I pray that the magic of that place wraps him up and makes him feel safe. I pray that Sapphire remembers our hobbit door as a place that welcomed her and cared about her. And I pray that I remember that night as one where I was given an opportunity to show kindness, but it was the one with nothing who gave it more freely than I.
In this Thanksgiving season, where “Indians and pilgrims” are made light of, and turkeys are stuffed, and we are savoring every rich flavor, I want to savor the bitterness of that night. I have much, perhaps at the cost of others, and if given the opportunity to give…I should not hesitate. I do not have all the answers, only emotions. Tears for a situation I still cannot fathom. It is the salt I will season my bountiful harvest with.
“And when the last Red Man shall have perished, and the memory of my tribe shall have become a myth among the White Men, these shores will swarm with the invisible dead of my tribe, and when your children’s children think themselves alone in the field, the store, the shop, upon the highway, or in the silence of the pathless woods, they will not be alone. In all the earth there is no place dedicated to solitude. At night when the streets of your cities and villages are silent and you think them deserted, they will throng with the returning hosts that once filled them and still love this beautiful land. The White Man will never be alone. ” ~Chief Seattle
Edit: As I was writing this article, Seattle declared a state of emergency on homelessness.
is the artist behind Flora Forager, the mother of three wild boys, and a believer in everyday magic.
so beautiful, bridget. love your prayers.
This has made me weep once again for the lost peoples of our land. Excellent blog.
A poignant read: “Seattle Native”
Thank you for sharing. The homeless community rips my heart wide open. When I leave for work at 2:45am, and there is frost on my window and my fingers are momentarily stinging from the cold I think of them. Those that will endure too much suffering and I do nothing. These thoughts make me weep. I am with you in this struggle and tangle of emotions. I believe all of them are important and they should matter more. Their stories of suffering and challenge are powerful, and their survival in such circumstances blows my mind. I could go on and on… Thank you for sharing.

domain: literature


From Aotearoa (NZ) a production of indigenous earthy feminine power and inspiring cultural identity. Māori world roots, music & dance with live loops, expressive emotional traditional and contemporary dance and instruments with spiritual beats & deep bas
The haka is a challenge, it is the summoning of physical, mental and spiritual power for a very specific intention. There are traditional and contemporary haka for many occasions and women have always had their own haka. The Women’s Haka invokes and expresses a woman’s potency, her power, virtues, culture, lore, and sacredness. It is the summoning of her strength and spiritual essence in a display of unison with her tribe. Participants will learn the calls, actions, words & their history, as well as the meaning, traditions and protocols. Mihirangi is a proud advocate of her culture and her workshops are renowned to be captivating, passionate, inclusive, generous and when appropriate - humorous. No singing or dancing experience is necessary.


AMD to announce the Radeon RX 5500 on October 7
AMD is finally shaking things up on the consumer gaming GPU market. It already introduced the Radeon VII as a high-end competitor for Nvidia’s RTX 2080 and then refreshed its high-mid-range solutions with the Navi-based Radeon RX 5700 GPUs. The lower-mid-range and the entry-level solutions are yet to be refreshed, but it look s like this could happen sooner than expected. Videocardz reports that a new Navi 14 GPU is ready to be launched on October 7.
The upcoming lower-mid-range Navi 14 solution from AMD is dubbed Radeon RX 5500 and it will come in desktop (RX 5500/XT) as well as laptop (RX 5500M) flavors. With these new GPUs, AMD is hoping to disrupt Nvidia’s supremacy and provide decent competition for the GTX 1650 / 1660 GPUs. According to the Videocardz report, the RX 5500 seems to be tuned to take on the GTX 1660, as both integrate 1,408 stream processors. However, the memory bus on the RX 5500 is limited to 128-bit, whereas the GTX 1660 boasts a 192-bit one. Still, AMD is trying to compensate for this with up to 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM and a higher core clock of 1,645 MHz plus possibly higher memory clocks.
This information was apparently relayed by AMD through a private press call. The new RX 5500 is supposed to be a successor for the RX 480, so the price point for the new GPUs is expected to be below US$200.


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As Nahanni Butte struggles to get back to normal after last spring’s flood and community evacuation, Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche argues it might be time to consider relocating the community out of the current floodplain it sits in.
“Climate change is increasing the risk of more frequent and more severe floods in our region,” Menicoche told the House during session last week.
“The community is suggesting a move of about 10 kilometres to the east side of the Liard River where the access road from the highway is. Community leaders are suggesting that it does make sense to relocate there on higher ground. Relocation could be a long-term solution, with community support, and this is a good time to re-evaluate this community.”
The flood level on the Liard River in June was higher than it had been in 50 years – higher than some elders had ever seen or experienced, Menicoche said.
“The people of Nahanni Butte do live in fear of it happening again. I also do not want to see us replacing the community gymnasium floor for a fourth time,” he said.
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Robert C. McLeod said the department would consider the move if backed solidly by the 120 community members.
“If the community is serious about potential relocation, then we would have to look at identifying some resources to start the planning and working with the community on a possible relocation,” McLeod responded.
The federal government recently came forward with a disaster mitigation policy, which McLeod said could hopefully be applied to potential future floods.


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Cost of living in Bristol, United Kingdom compared to Aarhus, Denmark
|Personal Care||- 24%|
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 724 prices entered by 88 different people.
These prices were last updated on February 22, 2018. Exchange rate: 8.436 DKK / GBP
Do you live in Aarhus? We need your help!
Cost of living in Bristol (United Kingdom) is about the same as in Aarhus (Denmark)
For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require kr28,000 in Aarhus you would need to make just about kr27,304 (£3,236) in Bristol.
Recent Prices Added
- Internet connection 300 mbps, 1 month in São Paulo costs R$ 250 (2 minutes ago)
- Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Leicester costs £15 (13 minutes ago)
- 500 g of boneless chicken breast in Copenhagen costs kr50 (27 minutes ago)
- Monthly rent - 85 m2 furnished accommodation in expensive area in La Paz costs $b2,500 (44 minutes ago)
- One-way ticket in public transport in Bogotá costs COL$2,300 (about 1 hour ago)
- Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Seattle, Washington costs $25 (about 1 hour ago)

domain: travel


World Bulletin / News Desk
Turkmenistan has expressed its interest in exporting natural gas to Europe, and Turkey's state owned TANAP may prove to be the solution for this.
Speaking at the Petrol-Gas Summit in Istanbul, the head of the Turkish Energy Ministry's Transit Petrol Pipelines Office, Reha Muratoglu, said that he believes the pumping of Turkmen gas to Europe via TANAP pipelines across the Caspian Sea has now become likely.
Last year Turkey's Energu and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz visited Turkmenistan, where he submitted a request for for an annual supply of 5-6 cubic meters of natural gas to TANAP.
TANAP will start construction work on pipelines across the Caspian to Azerbaijan in early 2015. It is hoped that Turkmen gas will reach Turkey by 2018 and then Europe in 2019.
However, Sohbet Karbuz of the Mediterranean Energy Observatory told Al Jazeera Turk that Turkmenistan is already pumping 65 million cubic meters of gas to China, adding that the US is also pushing for a pipeline between India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. This, he said, would make it difficult for Turkmenistan to pump gas to TANAP.
He also added that Turkmen gas is much cheaper than Azerbaijani gas, and for that reason Azerbaijan may not approve the pipelines as Azerbaijan would naturally prefer to sell its own gas.
At the same time, he added, Azerbaijan is expecting a drop in its natural gas productivity in the 2030s. Perhap then, he said, Azerbaijan may agree to host TANAP pipelines.
Summit is expected to provide member states with opportunity to consult, exchange views on the most important issues concerning them in the framework of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum
Slowdown in Chinese economy, rising oil stocks in US, and oversupply from OPEC are all factors making price of oil lower
'World is more connected than ever before. More and more developing countries are seeking to join global trade networks,' WTO director-general says
European Central Bank is ready to use ‘all instruments available’ to stimulate the eurozone economy, Draghi says
Kazakhstan has overtaken Australia as the lead supplier of uranium for US reactors.
Depreciation of emerging market currencies, combined with low commodities prices, have made investors around the globe nervous
Global growth at further risk from Chinese asset price deflation, and US interest rate increases, Moody's says
Traders fear Chinese government will withdraw support measures markets
European Commission president 'convinced' three-year plan will boost investment in EU
Deal aims to bolster fight against tax fraud through exchange of financial information on Turks holding accounts in US and vice versa
Vessels were delivered to port of Alexandria on June 17
The economic cost of violence according to the 2015 Global Peace Index has reached a staggering $14.3 trillion with Syria the least peaceful country.
The leading opposition lawmaker has said that Turkish President Erdogan is open to all possiblities for a coalition.
Qatar has filed a lawsuit against the leader of the National Front in France for his comments regarding "terror" activities.
Saudi Arabia will put in place an electronic bracelet system for all pilgrims visiting the country to perform their Hajj duties.
After U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen indicated that the central bank was poised to raise interest rates, European stock markets fall.


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Green tea is a popular beverage worldwide for its numerous health benefits. One of the key reasons green tea benefits health is because it contains antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Green tea extract, a concentrated green tea, has even more antioxidants than regular green tea. As you may have guessed, it's why we love the formula of greenteaHAWAII so much - it's a blend of green tea extract, nootropic L-theanine, and Polynesian noni fruit extract.
In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of antioxidants and metabolism related to the regular consumption of green tea extract.
First, let's talk about antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that can neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of various diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Free radicals are produced naturally in the body as a byproduct of metabolism, but they can also be generated by exposure to environmental toxins, such as pollution and cigarette smoke.
Fortunately, the body has a built-in defense system to neutralize free radicals. This defense system includes antioxidants, which can donate electrons to free radicals, stabilizing them and preventing them from causing damage to cells. However, more than the body's natural antioxidant defense system may be needed to keep up with the constant barrage of free radicals, particularly if you're exposed to many environmental toxins or have a poor diet.
This is where green tea extract comes in. Green tea extract contains high levels of antioxidants, particularly a group of antioxidants called catechins. Catechins are particularly effective at neutralizing free radicals, and research has shown that regular consumption of green tea extract can help to reduce oxidative stress in the body.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, green tea extract has been shown to affect metabolism positively. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes in the body to convert food into energy. A healthy metabolism is vital for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. And although we have received testimonies from regular consumers of greenteaHAWAII, we cannot make official claims without verified third-party studies.
Research has shown that green tea extract can help to boost metabolism and increase fat burning. This is due to the presence of a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to increase the activity of enzymes that break down fat. In addition, EGCG has been shown to increase the production of hormones that promote fat burning, such as norepinephrine.
Another way green tea extract can benefit metabolism is by reducing inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Green tea extract contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, and regular consumption of green tea extract has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation in the body.
It's important to note that while green tea extract can be beneficial for health, it's not a magic pill. To reap the benefits of green tea extract, consuming it regularly as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle is important. This means eating a diet rich in whole foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding refined sugars, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
In addition, it's essential to be cautious when consuming green tea extract in supplement form. While green tea extract is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts, taking high doses of green tea extract supplements can lead to adverse effects such as liver damage and gastrointestinal problems or worse. Suppose you're considering taking green tea extract supplements but are already on a health supplement or medication regimen. In that case, you should first talk to your doctor to ensure it's safe for you, especially if you combine it with other supplements or medications.
Regular consumption of greenteaHAWAII can provide numerous health benefits, including antioxidant protection and a boost to the metabolism. By incorporating green tea extract into a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can help to protect your body from oxidative stress and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Just be sure to consume greenteaHAWAII daily, but be mindful not to consume more than seven servings daily if it is the only caffeine you consume. If you also drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages, be aware. The FDA's daily caffeine recommendation is no more than 400 mg daily.

domain: food


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About this item
This illustrated biography of Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsy, the great Russian composer, comes with a CD and provides an introduction to his musicBorn into a wealthy family in Votkinsk in 1840 in Russia, the young Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsy developed an early taste for music. However, he was sent to study law in St. Petersburg, and after graduating he joined the Ministry of Justice. Before long he realized that the life of a civil servant did not suit him, and he entered the newly created Conservatory of Music in St. Petersburg. His dream was to become a composer, and he studied music day and night. By the age of 26 he was appointed as a teacher of Composition at the Moscow Conservatory and had written his first symphony. He went on to write 5 other symphonies, a piano and a violin concerto, operas such asEugene Onegin, and music for ballet, including Swan Lake, for which he is perhaps best known.
Number of Pages: 26
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
Sub-Genre: Biography + Autobiography / Music, Music / Classical
Series Title: First Discovery Music
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
Age Range: 4-8 years
Author: Stu00e9phane Ollivier
Street Date: June 1, 2016
Item Number (DPCI): 248-06-0945
If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it. Report incorrect product info.


The Kent Valley Junior Football League and cup competitions produced plenty of goals on a dramatic weekend of action.
Ibis under 15s and Kirkby Lonsdale under 16s booked their place in the final of the minor cup at Parkside Road.
Ibis had an easier afternoon after a comprehensive 5-1 win over Swarthmoor under 16s. Patrick Savage scored a brace before Kelton Knowles, Brennan Molyneux and Lucas Parker completed the rout.
Kirkby Lonsdale however had to dig deep for the win as they picked up a 1-0 win over Swarthmoor under 15’s. Luke Blackburn scored the only goal as David Foster’s team progressed.
The Dallam Tower Trophy under 14 Semi Final saw Ryan Heddle score a hat trick after Kendal United Rockets routed Wattsfield 11-0.
In the Under 13 Semi Final Wattsfield United edged out Kendal United 3-2. Billy Blaydes, Max Hinman and Oscar Banfield with the goals, while Kendal United Under 12’s won 4-1 at Heathwaite to reach their respective final. Jamie Harries scored a hat trick before Archie Reid rounded off an impressive win.
Wattsfield under 15s defeated Ambleside 6-3 in the first round of the David Baines Trophy competition, Mitchell Bennett with a hat trick.
In the Kent Valley Junior Football League, Wattsfield United under 16’s defeated Kendal United Rockets 3-2 in the big game at the top of the Under 16 league.Brett Walker scored a brace while Sam Wager was also on target.
Ben Higginbottom scored four goals as Appleby defeated Ibis United 7-2 in the Under 15 league while Milnthorpe United picked a 3-0 home win over Wattsfield United.
The Under 14 League saw Kendal United Colts pick up a much needed 4-3 win at Grange United.
All the action happened in the Under 12 League after hat tricks by James McGregor and James Bowen helped Ambleside to a comfortable 8-1 win at Heathwaite.
Grange United picked up a hard fought 3-1 win at Wattsfield, Wattsfield started brightly however Grange opened the scoring against the run of the play.
Wattsfield equalised through Jessie Wilsden at the start of the second half before Grange United scored two more goals as they edged out the 3-1 win.
In the final game Milnthorpe United picked up a hard fought 2-1 win over Wattsfield United, Kai Berry and Lucas Simpson scored for the hosts while Matthew Casson replied for Wattsfield.


DETROIT — The U.S. government has expanded an investigation into fires that can start in the doors of several Toyota models, adding 600,000 Camrys and other vehicles to the inquiry.
The investigation now includes 1.4 million cars and SUVs from the 2007 to 2009 model years. When the probe began in February, it involved more than 800,000 Camrys and RAV4 SUVs from the 2007 model year.
Certain Camrys from the 2008 and 2009 model years, as well as some 2007 to 2009 Yaris subcompacts and all 2008 Highlander Hybrid SUVs, have been added to the investigation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website Monday. The vehicles were built from September 2006 through August 2008, the safety agency said.
So far, Toyota and the government have received 161 complaints of fires involving the vehicles. Nine people have been hurt, according to government documents. All the vehicles use the same power window switch in the driver's door. The switches can overheat and cause fires, the government said.
The NHTSA has upgraded the investigation to a so-called engineering analysis, which can lead to a recall.
Owners of the Toyotas who smell smoke or feel heat in the doors should call their dealers or take them in for an inspection, Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons said.
Toyota's reputation has taken a hit over the past three years due to a string of huge recalls that ballooned to more than 14 million vehicles worldwide.
Federal safety regulators also are investigating a similar fire problem in the doors of 2006 and 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUVs made by General Motors. The NHTSA posted documents on Saturday saying that the GM probe also had been upgraded to a full engineering analysis. The government said Saturday that it also will evaluate other GM vehicles with the same underpinnings. They include the Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X SUVs. GM said it is investigating two reports of fires in Envoys and one in a 9-7X.
The Toyota and GM problems appear to be unrelated.


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Peggy Whitson is a total badass.
The digital quest
She was allowed special permission to bring it in.
The papers were published over the span of four years.
All our emails and map requests make for some thirsty servers.
The ancient city, in one of the earliest color processes.
The grass is greener on my side.
It's all part of the 'Heads Together' campaign.
Is it technically littering if it's in space?
We are so tiny and yet so important.
One illegal stunt took down the airport for a day.
Soak in the view from millions of miles away.
"Hit me. Come on, hit me!"
Google's Earth Day ark.
Todd Webb slept in a friend's kitchen by night and created beautiful images by day.
Participate in the March for Science online.
This guy is pumped about being on the ISS.
Clear your weekend schedule.
Taste the rainbow.
Sure, that sounds right.
The love of facts and reason transcends species.
The tiny Scottish island that chose independence from the mainland.
This Earth Day, people are marching for science.
Happy Earth Day?
The March for Science organizers said this would be a global event. They did not disappoint.
Justin Trudeau loves the great outdoors.
Oh, hey Steve.
Wild times on the Canadian coast.
"We had no agenda. We only wanted to document life on the border."


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ART @ PORTO VISTA HOTEL
In collaboration with Porto Vista Hotel, 1805 Gallery is pleased to present an art program that features local and international artists throughout the hotel. The art program provides an elevated hotel experience as guests encounter unique works of art in unexpected places.
Lobby & Main Elevator
Conveyor is an elevator art exhibition series that showcases art installations annually. The installation will coincide with an exhibition of artworks in the hotel lobby.
Featured Artist: Daniel Barron Corrales
Corrales intuitively responds to the unique nature of environments. He creates interactive sculptures and installations with mass-produced textiles and construction supplies to heighten the experience of commonplaces.
Porto Vista Hotel Guest Rooms
Featured Artist: Lauren Siry
The Icarus series is a collection of watercolor and ink paintings that reference the Greek myth of Icarus, a mythological wax-winged figure that flew too close to the sun. Siry’s falling figures examine the struggle to maintain balance in life, while embracing failure as a crucial component to success.
GlassDoor @ Porto Vista Hotel : 4th Floor Restaurant
Featured Artist: Samantha Louise Marett
Marett’s abstract paintings revisit memories of challenging relationships, financial struggles and insecurities through a colorful palette in order to reclaim those moments as opportunities for personal growth and self love.
1805 Gallery presents Art Above, a rooftop contemporary art exhibition featuring original works of art, installations and performances by emerging and mid-career artists. Art Above is an exhibition series that takes place on the 6,000 sq ft rooftop of the Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy, San Diego. The event is an opportunity for artists to exhibit their work to a larger audience and for an audience to experience original works while enjoying the unique views of the San Diego harbor and Little Italy neighborhood.
Porto Vista Hotel’s restaurant the Glass Door offers a full cocktail bar for guests to enjoy drinks throughout the evening while they navigate through the artist booths.


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In case you missed it, I interviewed a BookTuber called Yasmin the other day and we really got to chat a bit about minimalism as her content changed quite a bit when she started practicing it. From that, I was kind of inspired to discuss it a bit more and do some research to see what other people might be saying about it, especially since having a book hobby can be notorious with having a book collection and buying book-related things – particularly in the online book community.
Having a book collection is not bad – I have one myself, but practicing minimalism is inherently about having and buying less. Enjoying the little things and making good use of what we have. To start the discussion, I thought I’d go through my own journey with minimalism and how it has impacted my life.
NOTE: In this article, when I say getting rid of books, I ALWAYS donate them. I’ve donated books back to op shops to be sold again, I’ve donated ARCs to local primary schools (because ARCs should never be sold). I love the idea that even if you aren’t keeping a book, it can bring enjoyment to someone else.
When you call a person a minimalist, you’re describing their interest in keeping things very simple. A minimalist prefers the minimal amount or degree of something. In art history, the minimalists were artists whose work involved extremely simple gestures and ideas.Vocabulary.com
How I Became A Minimalist
In late 2016, I guess you could say that I started off in the community as a minimalist. I was gifted a Kindle and got heaps on books on it, starting reading again after years of not doing so and this led me to find out about Bookstagram. I had no idea about the community until then, nevertheless bloggers or BookTubers. It inspired me to start my own Instagram account and find so many book recommendations. However, with my imminent employment, it also meant I started buying books.
Lots of books – left and right, I spent so much money on books, second-hand books at op shops, merch (so much merch) and I did this when I could afford it. So when I didn’t have much money to spend on books and merch anymore, I started to notice how much clutter I had acquired. Not just in the stuff I bought that was book-related but there was clutter everywhere in my life. My clothes, my makeup, my stuff. And it bothered me.
This may have been around the time Marie Kondo started getting popular but you could say I followed her method even though I didn’t know I was doing it. Around mid-2018, I began The Purge. I went through everything I owned, got rid of so many books I either didn’t care about, or knew I’d never actually read. I realized that there was no point in collecting all the things I had if they weren’t actually making me feel happy. It didn’t help that seeing others on Instagram and YouTube with libraries and constant consumerism created this pressure, this FOMO that I must get these too to feel better about myself. Not to mention the pretty unsolicited books publishers sent me that didn’t always catch my attention. And that, ladies and gentlemen, was my toxic relationship with consumerism.
The cool thing about The Purge was that it wasn’t a single event either, I continued to do it again and again, really assessing my items. Particularly my clothing; I got rid of a lot of clothes I have had for years and never worn (this was especially hard for my mother who is a bit of a hoarder and kept trying to keep my clothes for herself or my “cousins” who may want it). At the end of 2019, I ended up getting rid of one of my bookcases. I didn’t need it for books anymore because I only kept the ones I really wanted/loved and I wasn’t buying many books anymore.
This year, I started being able to buy more books again! And let me tell you, that it has been a struggle to maintain minimalism. I guess this is where the debate of minimalism vs. being frugal can happen but I’m proud to still call myself a minimalist.
Minimalism Isn’t Just Getting Rid of Books
Something I realized in my journey to being more minimalist was that getting rid of books or unhauling books wasn’t the only way you could practice minimalism. Culling books may be a first step to clearing the clutter and giving myself a fresh start but maintaining my book collection so my buying habits didn’t get out of control again was harder.
The first step was to remind myself that I don’t need to buy certain books right now, they’re not going anywhere and I already have plenty to read on my shelves as it is. We have a lifetime to read what we want, and local libraries generally keep a good collection on hand too.
Second, was to continue analyzing what I had. If I wanted to buy something new, I looked at the existing books, clothes, whatever, and thought, what is this replacing? What can I get rid of now that I wasn’t loving before? It’s so easy to get caught up in the hype and the feeling that you NEED something so bad. It’s harder to step back and wonder, is this really a need or a want to satisfy something else?
You can also practice minimalism by borrowing books from your library, using an eco-friendly digital eReader like a Kindle (which I’m trying to use more but still prefer physical books) and buying from second-hand stores.
When analyzing my book collection and what I want to keep, I found an interesting article a while ago that gave a good guide for what books to keep:
1. & 2. Re-read/Recommend
3. Reference (what I consider to be favourites as well)
4. Rare (I may not collect special editions anymore but doesn’t mean I want to get rid of the ones I have already collected)The Lifestyle Files
I don’t know if you’d necessarily call how it’s impacted my life “results”, because this is a continuous process but I definitely feel so much better about myself and my possessions since I’ve embraced minimalism. I moved out for the first time this year and it made the process so much easier (cause I had so much less stuff to move). I generally tend to feel satisfied after cleaning up my apartment. Removing clutter is another way of cleaning and “cleansing” my space. It allows me to recharge and start fresh!
I’ve become more critical of my spending too, by saving more money and supporting other content creators instead of chasing specific special editions with a passion or impulsively buying books I’m not going to read soon. Something I’m also new at is digital decluttering; organizing and deleting computer files I don’t need – although this one is so tedious and not as satisfying. A work in progress 😛
Being a minimalist isn’t for everyone, may people enjoy having lots of things around them and that’s okay. No one should ever let what someone else does dictate what they also do. Do what feels right for you and focus on your own happiness, particularly your mental health during this unfortunate pandemic.
So, how do you feel about minimalism? Do you practice it too? How does it work with your reading hobby?
Until next time,

domain: hobby


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Without getting too far from Barcelona we can make a unique walking tour through the wonderful surroundins of the mountains of Bertí following the cliffs that wind along the gorges of the Tenes river. This hike offers us an unconventional vision of this surprising site, whose fauna and flora deserve special attention for its variety and beauty. Along the way we will be able to appreciate the presence of wild boars, eagles, hawks and owls, as well as reptiles that populate the river banks. Our trek will begin in the town of Riells del Fai and we will follow the course of the Tenes River until we reach the magnificent Bauma Rosa with its waterfall, which will leave us speechless. The route will be linear, about 5.5 km, with a positive slope of 80 m, classified as a route suitable for all levels and ages, provided you have a minimum habit of walking. The total duration of the trip, from the departure from Barcelona to the return, is five hours, but the tour itself lasts three hours, including stops and rest to enjoy the surroundings. If the excursion is done in summer, ideal time for this, we can enjoy a refreshing swim in the various natural pools that the site offers us. At the end of the walk, we will go around the town and have a refreshing drink in one of the charming bars of the place before returning to Barcelona.
Andrew, Amalia, Elena And Marc
Being mountain guides, We've always loved nature and everything related to it. Therefore, we enjoy sharing with others what nature really means and the many experiences it conveys. To us, sea and mountain go always together, intertwined, and their very secrets await us to be discovered. Moreover, we have a long experience in everything related to mountain activities, as well as in hiking, rock climbing, via ferrata, canyoning and so on. We are four different guides, Andrew, Amalia, Elena and Marc. The 4 of us are professionals and lovers of our work and natural environment.
At just 45 minutes from Barcelona we are able to see the gorges of the Tenes River, the pools created by its riverbed, the cliffs of Bertí and, finally, the town of Riells del Fai, which is located in the region of Vallés Oriental, at the bottom of these cliffs and by the monastery of Sant Miquel del Fai.
예약 가능 여부
만 7세 이상의 게스트 최대 8명 참여 가능
It is important to wear appropriate footwear to ride the mountain. In summer you can bring a swimsuit and towel to be able to bathe in the river pools. Bring sunscreen to avoid sunburn, and something to eat (snacks).
에어비앤비 체험은 퀄리티가 검증되었습니다.
에어비앤비 체험은 퀄리티가 검증되었습니다.
- 현지 전문가
자신이 사는 곳과 하는 일을 진정으로 사랑하는 현지인이 진행합니다.
소수 인원으로 진행되기 때문에 참여자 개개인에게 집중하는 방식으로 체험이 진행됩니다.
- 엄격한 기준 충족
모든 체험은 특별한 기회 제공이라는 기준을 충족해야 합니다.
Discovering the gorges of Tenes river
1인당 $56부터새로운 체험