Consolidator
Monthly Repayment Schedule
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Repayment frequency
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Results are estimates only. Please allow for slight rounding differences.
1 Feb 2022 $450.29 $233.17 $683.46 $19,549.71
2 Mar 2022 $455.54 $227.92 $683.46 $19,094.17
3 Apr 2022 $460.85 $222.61 $683.46 $18,633.32
4 May 2022 $466.23 $217.23 $683.46 $18,167.09
5 Jun 2022 $471.66 $211.80 $683.46 $17,695.43
6 Jul 2022 $477.16 $206.30 $683.46 $17,218.27
7 Aug 2022 $482.72 $200.74 $683.46 $16,735.55
8 Sep 2022 $488.35 $195.11 $683.46 $16,247.20
9 Oct 2022 $494.04 $189.42 $683.46 $15,753.16
10 Nov 2022 $499.80 $183.66 $683.46 $15,253.36
11 Dec 2022 $505.63 $177.83 $683.46 $14,747.73
2022 Total $5,252.27 $2,265.79 $7,518.06
12 Jan 2023 $511.53 $171.93 $683.46 $14,236.20
13 Feb 2023 $517.49 $165.97 $683.46 $13,718.71
14 Mar 2023 $523.52 $159.94 $683.46 $13,195.19
15 Apr 2023 $529.63 $153.83 $683.46 $12,665.56
16 May 2023 $535.80 $147.66 $683.46 $12,129.76
17 Jun 2023 $542.05 $141.41 $683.46 $11,587.71
18 Jul 2023 $548.37 $135.09 $683.46 $11,039.34
19 Aug 2023 $554.76 $128.70 $683.46 $10,484.58
20 Sep 2023 $561.23 $122.23 $683.46 $9,923.35
21 Oct 2023 $567.77 $115.69 $683.46 $9,355.58
22 Nov 2023 $574.39 $109.07 $683.46 $8,781.19
23 Dec 2023 $581.09 $102.37 $683.46 $8,200.10
24 Jan 2024 $587.86 $95.60 $683.46 $7,612.24
25 Feb 2024 $594.71 $88.75 $683.46 $7,017.53
26 Mar 2024 $601.65 $81.81 $683.46 $6,415.88
27 Apr 2024 $608.66 $74.80 $683.46 $5,807.22
28 May 2024 $615.76 $67.70 $683.46 $5,191.46
29 Jun 2024 $622.94 $60.52 $683.46 $4,568.52
30 Jul 2024 $630.20 $53.26 $683.46 $3,938.32
31 Aug 2024 $637.55 $45.91 $683.46 $3,300.77
32 Sep 2024 $644.98 $38.48 $683.46 $2,655.79
33 Oct 2024 $652.50 $30.96 $683.46 $2,003.29
34 Nov 2024 $660.10 $23.36 $683.46 $1,343.19
35 Dec 2024 $667.80 $15.66 $683.46 $675.39
2024 Total $7,524.71 $676.81 $8,201.52
36 Jan 2025 $675.39 $7.87 $683.26 $0.00
2024 Total $675.39 $7.87 $683.26
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Delhi Riots: Delhi HC directs FSL to expeditiously conduct DNA Test of a charred body
Delhi High Court has issued directions to the Forensic Science Laboratory to quickly conduct a DNA test of a charred body which is stated to be associated with the riots that broke out in northeast districts of Delhi. The Bench comprising of Single judge Justice Vibhu Bakhru has directed the laboratory to conduct the test…
Harsh Gupta
DNA testing of dead bodies to be carried out without waiting for orders: Delhi HC in Delhi riots
On the 23rd of February, the streets of northeast Delhi witnessed the bloodshed and destruction where Hindus and Muslims lived peacefully together. The Delhi riots that killed 53 people who were shot, slashed or even set on fire. The Delhi high court on Wednesday pulled up the Delhi government and the Forensic Science Laboratory, for…
Darshana Suresh
Bru-Reang refugee crisis
With the country protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019. The Act seeks to amend the definition of an illegal immigrant for Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who have lived in India without documentation. They will be granted fast track Indian citizenship in six years. So far 12…
arfeen sayyed
SC says long adjournment 'not justified', asks HC to hear plea on March 6
The Supreme Court on Wednesday held that the decision of the Delhi high court to adjourn a petition seeking registration of FIRs against politicians who made hate speeches that may have instigated the Delhi riots, cannot be justified and directed the High Court to list the matter for Friday, urging it to explore the possibility…
Angel Mary Aju
Delhi HC issues notices on the plea seeking investigation into the forces behind anti-CAA protests
On Saturday, the High Court of Delhi issued notices in a plea seeking a probe by the national investigation agency (NIA) to investigate into the funding and sponsoring of Anti CAA protests. The petition was filed to find out the forces behind the protests in connection with the Citizenship amendment act, 2019. Ajay Gautam, the…
HC grants permission to conduct Public Conference against CAA-NRC-NPR
'Makkal Athikaram', a social organization, has been permitted by the Madras High Court to conduct a public conference called "Withdraw the Citizenship Amendment Act-National Register of Citizens-National Population Register, which destroy the Secularism and Basic Structure of the Constitution of India" on February 23rd 2020, at the Thenur Ulavar Santhai Corporation Ground, Trichy. When the…
Allahabad HC Stays Notice to Compensate Public Damage From Anti-CAA Protester
A petitioner from Kanpur, to whom the UP Government had served recovery notice to compensate for the damage caused to public property during anti-CAA protests, has been granted ad-interim protection by the High court of Allahabad. Mohammad Faizan, the petitioner was accused of destroying public properties during the anti CAA protests of December 2019. The…
SC adjourns plea against Shaheen Bagh protests
The petitioner had taken his grievance to the Delhi High Court where the same was disposed of by asking the authorities to look into the situation at Shaheen Bagh, but without any formal order regarding the same. The HC has disposed of the petition by directing the police to 'consider' the petitioner's grievances. The current…
Kritika Pandey
SC seeks UP Govt response on notices to CAA protestors for damage to public property
The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Uttar Pradesh government on a plea trying to obtain directions to quash notices sent for recovering loss caused to public property to the alleged protesters in the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protest in Uttar Pradesh. A bench headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and K.M. Joseph issued notice…
Nehal Pharande
CAA Protests: No evidence of violence by protestors or injuries to police; UP court grants bail
Court of Bijnor district has granted bail to 48 people accused of rioting and attempted murder by the Uttar Pradesh Police during the violent December protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA. On Wednesday, while hearing the bail applications of 48 of the 83 accused, the judge made some sarcastic observations against the police…
Shefali Bohra


2021 viewer release summaries week #21
Posted on May 31, 2021 September 30, 2022 by Inara Pey
Logos representative only and should not be seen as an endorsement / preference / recommendation
Updates from the week ending Sunday, May 30th
This summary is generally published every Monday, and is a list of SL viewer / client releases (official and TPV) made during the previous week. When reading it, please note:
It is based on my Current Viewer Releases Page, a list of all Second Life viewers and clients that are in popular use (and of which I am aware), and which are recognised as adhering to the TPV Policy. This page includes comprehensive links to download pages, blog notes, release notes, etc., as well as links to any / all reviews of specific viewers / clients made within this blog.
By its nature, this summary presented here will always be in arrears, please refer to the Current Viewer Release Page for more up-to-date information.
Note that for purposes of length, TPV test viewers, preview / beta viewers / nightly builds are generally not recorded in these summaries.
Official LL Viewers
Release viewer: Eau de Vie Maintenance viewer, version 6.4.18.558266, dated April 23, promoted April 29 – no change.
Release channel cohorts:
Love Me Render (LMR) 5 viewer updated to version 6.4.19.560171 on May 27th.
No updates.
LL Viewer Resources
SL release viewer download page – LL
SL viewer release notes – LL
SL Alternate Viewers page – LL
SL available viewer index – LL
Starlight alternative viewer skins page (not officially supported by LL)
Viewer release process overview – this blog
SL Viewer updates and reviews – this blog
Third-party Viewers
V6-style
Kirstens Viewer updated to version S23-6.1610 on May 30th.
Cool VL updated to version 1.28.2.25 (Stable) on May 29th.
Mobile / Other Clients
MetaChat updated to version 1.2.9132 on May 30th.
Additional TPV Resources
Third-party Viewer Directory – LL
Third-party Viewer Policy – LL
Index of release summaries
Tagged 2021 viewer release summaries, Summary archives (2012-)
CK's space adventures in Second Life
Posted on May 31, 2021 January 1, 2022 by Inara Pey
Hoot Suite Gallery: Blushock Space Adventures
Earlier this year, and initially at the suggestion of CK (Ceakay Ballyhoo), I visited Planet Idun, a role-play / photography region developed by Fazzy Constantine (Faisel Constantine) and the Blushock role-play team, which includes CK as a member. I found it an engaging visit, as I noted in An Away Team Mission to Planet Idun in Second Life).
That visit gave me the chance to familiarise myself with the Blushock team, their backstories and role-play and the future mythology they've built up around their activities. It's an acquaintanceship I was able to extend in April, when I paid a further visit to the group's region to tour their latest build, Resilient Station, which in their developing story has become the team's new base of operations (see: Docking at Resilient Station in Second Life).
I mention all of this, because CK is also an artist, and in her latest exhibition has opened at Hoot Suite Gallery in Bellisseria (curated by the super Owl Dragonash), and it focuses on the Blushock team and their adventures within the Vanaheim star system.
As an artist, CK is perhaps best known for her regions-as-paintings installations, rich in story and always a delight to tour (see The Forest Beyond in Second Life and Niamh's Journey of Dreams in Second Life). Here she presents a series of vivid paintings that chart the Blushock Team's adventures across the Vanaheim system, including their time on Idun, at Jasper Point on the planet, and the worlds around the system's blue giant star – including the discovery of Baldur, the asteroid that is now home to Resilient Station.
Rich in colour and vividly portraying the locations the crew have visited – and members of the crew themselves – Blushock Space Adventures presents an engaging set of images and forms a further means of learning about the Blushock Coalition and their activities, information on which can also be found at the Blushock website.
Information on the exhibition and the team will also likely be available at the exhibition party, which will take place 12:00 noon at Hoot Suite Art Gallery, and will feature the music of Joe Paravane.
SLURL DETAILS
Hoot Suite Gallery (Ruthsburg, rated Moderate)
Tagged Art 2021, Galleries, Hoot Suite4 Comments
Space Sunday: Martian clouds, lunar missions and a space station
Posted on May 31, 2021 May 31, 2021 by Inara Pey
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover captured these clouds during the twilight period on March 19, 2021, the 3,063rd Martian day, or sol, of the rover's mission. The image is made up of 21 individual images stitched together and colour corrected so that the scene appears as it would to the human eye. The clouds are drifting over "Mont Mercou," a cliff face that Curiosity has been studying on "Mount Sharp". Credit: NASA/JPL
Clouds are rare on Mars, but they can form, being typically found at the planet's equator in the coldest time of year, when Mars is the farthest from the Sun in its oval-shaped orbit. However, in 2019 – a year ago in Martian terms – the Mars Science Laboratory team managing NASA's Curiosity rover in Gale Crater noticed the clouds there forming earlier than expected.
With the onset of winter in the region earlier in 2021, the MSL team wanted to be ready in case the same thing happened, training the rovers cameras on the sky around "Mount Sharp" to catch any evening cloud formations that might appear as the tenuous atmosphere cooled towards night-time temperatures.
Clouds moving over Mount Sharp, as captured by Curiosity on March 19th, 2021. Credit: NASA/JPL
What resulted are images of wispy puffs filled with ice crystals that scattered light from the setting Sun, some of them shimmering with colour. Visible through both the black-and-white lenses of the rover's navigation cameras and the high-resolution lenses of the Mastcam system, the pictures captured by Curiosity might easily be mistaken for high-altitude clouds here on Earth.
And high altitude is precisely the term to use for this clouds. Most clouds on Mars largely comprise water vapour and water ice. They tend to occur some 60 km above the planet, although they can occur much lower – the massive shield volcano of Olympus Mons, for example, has oft been images with cloud formations around its flanks, the product of differing atmospheric temperature regimes on the slopes.
However, the clouds seen by Curiosity are believed to be far higher than 60 km in the Martian atmosphere, and are thought to be largely composed of frozen carbon dioxide (dry ice). They occur during the twilight hours – although the mechanism that gives rise to them is not fully understood; but they are thin enough for sunlight to pass through them, catching the ice crystals and causing them to shimmer for a time before the Sun drops below their altitude, causing them to darken. This effect gives them their name: noctilucent ("night shining") clouds.
These clouds are best seen in the black and white images captured by the rover's Navcams, as shown here. However, there is a second form of clouds best seen via Curiosity's Mastcam colour images. These are iridescent, or "mother of pearl" clouds, rich in pastel colours.
Mother of Pearl clouds spotted by Curiosity in March 2021. Credit: NASA/JPL
They are the result of the cloud particles all being nearly identical in size, something that tends to happen just after the clouds have formed and have grown at the same rate. The colours are so clear, were you able to stand on Mars and look at the clouds, you'd see the shades with your naked eye, and they are another part of the beauty of Mars.
Ingenuity Hiccups During Sixth Flight
NASA's Mars helicopter Ingenuity encountered some trouble on its sixth flight – the first flight of its extended mission – on May 22nd.
The flight should have seen the helicopter climb to a height of 10 metres, then fly some 150 metres south-west of its starting point to reach a point of interest where it would travel south for 15 metres, imaging the terrain around and below it for study by scientists on Earth, before making a return to a point close to where it lifted-off.
This image was taken from the height of 10 metres by NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter during its sixth flight on May 22, 2021. Credit: NASA/JPL
The flight was designed to be the first specifically targeted at testing the helicopter's ability to be used in support of ground operations on Mars, offering the mission team the chance to determine if the area images might be worth a future foray by the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover.
However, 54 seconds into the flight, Ingenuity suffered a glitch that interrupted the flow of images from its navigation camera to its onboard computer. This meant that each time the navigation algorithm performed a correction based on a navigation image, it was operating on the basis of incorrect information about when the image was taken, leading to incorrect assumptions about where it was and what it should be doing.
This lead to Ingenuity pitching and rolling more than 20 degrees at some points during the flight as it struggled to return to its landing zone, post-flight telemetry revealed the helicopter experienced some significant power consumption spikes. However, it maintained its flight and executed a safe landing just 5 metres from the intended touch-down point.
In a very real sense, Ingenuity muscled through the situation, and while the flight uncovered a timing vulnerability that will now have to be addressed, it also confirmed the robustness of the system in multiple ways. While we did not intentionally plan such a stressful flight, NASA now has flight data probing the outer reaches of the helicopter's performance envelope That data will be carefully analysed in the time ahead, expanding our reservoir of knowledge about flying helicopters on Mars.
Håvard Grip, Ingenuity's chief pilot.
Making the Moon a Busy Place
It's starting to look like the Moon is going to be a terribly busy place. NASA's Artemis programme is gathering pace in several areas – despite a degree of in-fighting among the principal US contractors – Russia and China have signed an accord that is liable to see them operating in the lunar south pole regions alongside the US-led mission (although the two will remain separate mission entities), whilst Canada and Japan have announced missions to the Moon as a part of the overall Artemis framework, and NASA is seeking ideas from lunar rover vehicles.
The in-fighting revolves around NASA's April announcement that SpaceX will be granted a sole contract to develop the HLS – Human Landing System – the vehicle that will place humans on the surface of the Moon and return them to orbit. It was a contentious decision; the US agency had previously indicated that two contracts for HLS would be granted, with three players involved: a team led by Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, a team led by Dynetics, and the late-comer to the party, SpaceX.
The three proposals for NASA's Human Landing System vehicles that had been under consideration for the Artemis programme. Left: the Dynetics lander / ascent vehicle; centre: the modified SpaceX Starship NASA has opted for; right: the National Team's descent / ascent modules. Credit: NASA
There were several leading reasons for the decision – including the matter of cost. However, both Dynetics (potentially with the most flexible approach to HLS) and Blue Origin raised objections with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which ordered NASA to cease any financial support to SpaceX (worth a total of US $2.9 billion) to the SpaceX effort until it has completed an investigation.
The US Senate has also weighed-in on the subject, with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, adding an amendment to the Endless Frontier Act which forms the backbone for financing the Artemis programme, requiring NASA put a further US $10 billion into HLS – whilst Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) went the other way by calling for the cancellation of the entire HLS programme, wrongly characterising it as the "Bezos Bailout", and so doing what he does best; creating further division and confusion.
As it is, the GAO will release its findings on the matter in August, and while it is hard to ascertain the impact of the delay, it would likely further diminish NASA's chances of achieving the original goal of a return to the Moon by the end of 2024.
NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has been targeted for continued financial support by the Biden administration, potentially ending ill-conceived attempts by the previous administration to axe the project. Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre / CI Lab
Continue reading "Space Sunday: Martian clouds, lunar missions and a space station" →
Tagged China, Mars, Spaceflight


Destination Belluno
Belluno surroundings
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Italy › Veneto › Belluno › Destination Belluno › History
History of the province of Belluno
Provincial capital in the Belluno Dolomites
The Belluno we know today was already inhabited in the 5th century BC by the Celts and Veneti before it received the town charter from the Romans in the 2nd century and was named "Bellunum". The city achieved its largest expansion in the 10th century when the province was able to extend to Bassano and Jesolo. In 1404 Belluno also became part of the Doge's republic of Venice, where it remained until the occupation by France. After a vehement struggle for independence, in 1848 Belluno joined the Italian Kingdom together with Veneto in 1866. The province's current size was reached after the First World War with the annexation of Trentino-South Tyrol by Italy.
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Roman sarcophagus
Belluno from antiquity to the Middle Ages
The region around Belluno was already inhabited in the 5th century BC by Veneti and Celts. They gave the city its present name: belo-donum, which means "Shining Hill". The Romans gave the city the town charter in the 2nd century BC and made Bellunum a city of the Roman Empire. With the end of the Roman Empire, Teutons, Lombards and finally Carolingians invaded Belluno. The city achieved its greatest expansion in the 10th century when Bassano and Jesolo were incorporated into the province. The expansion, however, was short-lived – Belluno fell victim to its expanding Venetian neighbours. In 1249 Ezzelino da Romano from Padia conquered the city and it later fell into the hands of the Scaliger family of Verona. In 1404 Belluno was annexed by Venice.
Belluno from modern times until today
Like the neighbouring cities of Veneto, Belluno benefited from the protectorate of Venice until 1797, when French troops invaded the city. In the first Kingdom of Italy Belluno became the capital of the Dipartimento del Piave in 1806. With the defeat of Napoleon, Belluno became part of Lombardy-Venetia and was now ruled by the Austrians. Despite strong independence movements, Belluno, together with Veneto, decided to join the Kingdom of Italy in 1866. The province's present boundaries were set out after the First World War. After the annexation of South Tyrol and Trentino by the Italians, the southeastern parts of the two regions, including Cortina d'Ampezzo Belluno, were given to Belluno.
A great stir was caused in the province by a disaster in 1963 when the reservoir of the Vajont burst its banks and completely destroyed several villages in the valley.


Artist, Pop
Haddaway is a singer and musician best known for his 1993 hit single "What Is Love" which was hugely popular in Europe and later reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. By the beginning of 1994, worldwide sales of "What Is Love" had already reached 2.6 million.
"I Miss You" and "Rock My Heart" were also top 10 smashes across Europe and established him as a successful Eurodance artist. His first LP The Album was also a multi-million seller.
I MISS YOU - HADDAWAY (SK)
ROCK MY HEART - HADDAWAY (SK)
Rock My Heart
WHAT IS LOVE - HADDAWAY (SK)


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Wildlife Heroes
Reptiles are a diverse group of animals including turtles, lizards, snakes and crocodiles.
Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning that their body temperature varies with the outside temperature. They also have scales and reproduce either by laying eggs or giving birth to live young.
Photo credit: Ken Stepnell/OEH
Bearded Dragons have spines under and around their throats that give them their distinguishing feature and name. These spikes are actually quite rubbery, not sharp, and fool predators into thinking that this is a dangerous lizard. Both male and female Bearded Dragons have beards. Wild Bearded Dragons only live in Australia, and right across the mainland. The Eastern Bearded Dragon lives in Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital ..
Blue-tongued Lizard
Photo credit: Peripitus
Australia is home to six species of blue-tongued lizards. They are usually grey with broad brown stripes across their back and tail, and of course their most unique distinguishing feature is their blue tongue. You will start to see blue-tongues in spring as they begin emerging from their winter homes to look for mates. They are only active during the day which makes them easy to spot. The reason for their blue tongues is so they ..
Broad-tailed Gecko
Photo credit: FNPW Image Library
This clever gecko is a master of disguise. Its distinctive tail is used as a decoy to confuse predators. A smooth tail is a sign that it has been lost and regrown. The Broad-tailed Gecko grows up to 15 cm in length including its tail. They have scales all over their bodies, which are pointed. Their rocky appearance gives you a clue as to where they live – they blend right in to the rocks. Sandstone outcrops are certain to host this ..
Burton's Legless Lizard
Photo credit: Matt Clancy
The Burton's Legless Lizard is often mistaken for a snake at first glance, and it's an easy mistake to make. However, the Burton's Legless Lizard is actually more closely related to geckos than to snakes. There are key differences between snakes and this deceptive looking lizard. A good one to look for is the shape of its face. A Burton's Legless Lizard has a wedge-shaped snout that sets it apart from both snakes and other lizards. ..
Bynoe's Gecko
Around February and March, you may find some baby geckos around your place. They could be juvenile Bynoe's Geckos, just hatched from eggs laid from October to early January. Bynoe's Geckos are found all over most of Australia, in an amazing variety of patterns and colours, blending in easily to the environment. Despite their scaly appearance, they are soft to touch. These geckos usually sport at least two prominent colours, ranging f..
Carpet Python
Photo credit: Alex Butler
If you hear a soft slithering in the ceiling, chances are a python or tree snake has taken up residence in your roof. There are 15 species of python in Australia, making up a quarter of all the snakes that live here. Pythons are probably the most commonly seen snake in suburban backyards, the most familiar being the Carpet Python in Queensland and the Diamond Python in eastern NSW and Victoria. Summer is python breeding time, and..
Children's Python
The Children's Python does not eat children – it gets its name from the scientist who first described them in 1842, John George Children, the curator of the British Museum's zoological collection at the time of the discovery. It is the common name given to 4 species of native Australian pythons. They live in northern and central Australia and have also been spotted in northern NSW and northern South Australia. This python buddy is a fair..
Diamond Python
Photo credit: Graysilver
The Diamond Python is found all along the New South Wales coastline down into the north-eastern corner of Victoria. They are frequently spotted in Sydney suburbs that border on bushland. But like all pythons, these snakes are non-venomous. They become most active in November, looking for mates and laying eggs. The male Diamond Python will travel up to 500m a day, following a scent trail left by a female when she is ready to find a mate. ..
Around March, be on the lookout for some Eastern Bearded Dragon youngsters emerging from the soil. Eastern Bearded Dragon adults mate from August to December each year, and the hatchlings emerge about 45 to 79 days later. At 9 cm long, these babies might be easy to miss, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. The mother lays up to three clutches during the breeding season of 14 to 31 soft shelled eggs, which are each ab..
Eastern Long-necked Turtle
Photo credit: Rosie Nicolai
One of the more unexpected visitors to the backyard during summer is the Eastern Long-necked, or snake-necked, turtle Chelodina longicollis, one of 23 Australian freshwater turtle species. Long-necked turtles hibernate during winter and the summer rains are their cue to haul themselves out of their creeks and ponds to find food. They eat fish, tadpoles, frogs and crayfish which they tear apart with their front claws - turtles do not have..
Eastern Water Dragon
The Eastern Water Dragon Physignathus lesueurii is about half a metre long with rough scales, sharp spines and ancient features that resemble fairytale dragons. They are semi-aquatic and live along the east coast of Australia around creeks, rivers or lakes. They can remain submerged for up to 30 minutes and will rise to the surface where they need to breathe. You will be lucky to catch a glimpse of the Eastern Water Dragon who is..
Eastern Water Skink
Photo credit: John Tann
In April, Eastern Water Skinks are busy preparing for the start of winter. They will bask in the warmth of the sun and feed as much as they can to keep warm during winter. These skinks live from Cooktown in northern Queensland to south-east New South Wales, and inland to South Australia through the Murray-Darling basin. The Eastern Water Skink can be tricky to spot, even though it is a large skink and can grow up to 30 cm long. Its c..
Garden Skink
Photo credit: David Cook
They may be shy and quick to hide when you approach, but garden skinks are some of the most common and well known buddies in Australian backyards. Male skinks are highly territorial and aggressively attack other males during spring. You might even find several skinks locked together in a big jumble, all holding on to each other. Odd to see, but this is thought to be a kind of territorial behaviour. Skinks are great backyard buddies ..
Photo credit: Ken Stepnell
Geckos are nocturnal hunters with eyes that are up to 350 times more sensitive at night than human eyes. Most geckos can't blink as they don't have any eyelids. So instead, they clean the dust and dirt away by licking their eyes with their long tongues. Most geckos spend the day hiding under the bark of a nearby tree. Australian native geckos can be found everywhere except for Tasmania. Geckos are the super communicators of the ..
Green Tree Snake
Photo credit: Oliver Neuman
The Green or Common Tree Snake is one of the most commonly seen snakes in suburban backyards, parks, and even inner city gardens. It lives in northern and eastern Australia. Green Tree Snakes have no fangs and no venom. They are very reluctant to bite and would rather slither away. If provoked, a Green Tree Snake will rise up, inflate its throat and body, and make a stink from its anal glands - so best not to get too close. Look out..
Photo credit: Sarah Brookes/OEH
Lace Monitors live in eastern Australian forests and coastal tablelands. They spend most of their time in trees, coming down to hunt for food and to breed. They move with sudden speed when threatened. Warm weather helps reptiles like the Lace Monitor (a type of goanna) to become more active, as they're solar powered. In order to move quickly, they need sunlight and warmth to heat them up. Look out for Lace Monitors at your next picn..
Oblong Turtle
Photo credit: Gnangarra
Oblong turtles live in Perth and throughout the south-west of Western Australia. They are also known as western long necked turtles or snake necked turtles. They are different from most turtles as their shell is not round. Oblong turtles are dark brown to black, with a paler undershell. They live in rivers, lakes and swamps and prefer slow moving water. Turtles may be famous for being slow and steady, but don't be surprised if you s..
Sand Monitor
Photo credit: Alan Couch
Also known as Gould's Monitors or Racehorse Goannas, Sand Monitors are voracious eaters and will eat almost anything that is smaller than them, including other lizards. Their exceptionally strong legs are just made for digging, and they put their sharp claws and snout to work, too. They live in burrows, often setting up a home in an abandoned rabbit warren. These burrows do double duty, as protection from the elements and predators...
Shingleback
Photo credit: John Spencer/OEH
Around November, you may see a Shingleback Lizard out and about with its mate. For most of the year, a Shingleback leads a fairly solitary life. But from September to November they spend up to 75% of their time with their partners, which is unusual lizard behaviour. Year after year, many Shinglebacks find the same mate by scent trails and remain as mostly monogamous pairs for many years. The Shingleback can be spotted in most of sout..
Snake ID
If you see something long, thin and slithery in the backyard, walk away from it slowly. Not all snakes are venomous and some lizards look like snakes at first glance but it's better to be safe than sorry, You are most likely to see a snake during spring, when males are looking for a mate. Most snakes spend the winter months hibernating and they are often found curled up in sheds or garages, under piles of logs and stacks of firewood..
Tree Dtella
The tiny Tree Dtella is highly variable in colour and pattern, although their predominant colour is grey, brown or blue-grey, with darker brown markings that form a net pattern. The markings can often be so prominent that it will lend it the appearance of being blotchy or dark with light markings, rather than the other way around. It has dark markings on the sides of its head. Its underside is also much paler than the rest of its body. ..
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Australia is a land like no other, with about one million different native species. More than 80 per cent of the country's flowering plants, mammals, reptiles and frogs are unique to Australia, along with most of its freshwater fish and almost half of its birds.


Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Stop Frivolous Lawsuits Meant to Intimidate, Bully or Suppress Free Speech
TOP Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Stop...
New Law Deters Abusive "Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation" - Known as SLAPP Lawsuits
Requires Costs and Attorney's Fees to be Recovered Regarding SLAPP lawsuits
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation that protects citizens' rights to free speech and petition by deterring abusive "strategic lawsuits against public participation," known as SLAPPs. SLAPP lawsuits are frivolous litigation brought by affluent plaintiffs who have the ability to spend large sums of money by using expensive and time-consuming litigation to obstruct those exercising their right to free speech. The legislation amends the Civil Rights Law to require costs and attorney's fees to be recovered regarding these frivolous lawsuits, which will deter plaintiffs from bringing such lawsuits in the first place.
"For too long, powerful and wealthy interests have used frivolous lawsuits to harass and intimidate critics by burdening them with exorbitant legal fees and time consuming legal processes. That ends now," Governor Cuomo said. "I am proud to sign this legislation, which protects New Yorkers' fundamental right to free speech without fear of harassment or bullying by those who happen to have more money than they do."
This legislation will amend the civil rights law to protect New Yorker's first amendment rights. The current legal protections are too narrow in scope to ensure the utmost protection for the free exercise of speech, petition, and association rights. Current law does not allow courts to award costs and legal fees to defendants when they are found to be victims of SLAPP suits. This legislation makes clear that legal fees associated with SLAPP suits are required to be awarded to victims if the lawsuit is found to have been initiated in bad faith - encouraging only meritorious litigation.
Senator Brad Hoylman said, "It's unacceptable that wealthy and powerful interests like Donald Trump have been able to abuse New York's civil justice system by bringing meritless lawsuits against their critics with the intent of harassing, intimidating, and bankrupting them. That ends today. With the signing of this bill, New York will have one of the strongest anti-SLAPP suit laws in the nation, protecting New Yorkers' free speech from vindictive bullies. Thank you to Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assemblywoman Weinstein, and Governor Cuomo for your leadership in enacting this important law."
Assemblymember Helene Weinstein said, "The dangerous message that these lawsuits send is that criticism will cost you. Recent experience has shown that there are an increasing number of deep pocketed individuals who have outrageously used New York's court system as a means to harass New Yorkers who have publicly disagreed with them. These lawsuits are started not because they have any chance of ultimate success - they don't - but to make sure that others don't speak out publicly, for fear of being sued. I wish to express my thanks to Senator Hoylman for his sponsorship in the Senate and appreciation to Governor Cuomo for signing this bill into law to protect all New Yorkers."
Bengali Translationবাংলা অনুবাদ
Chinese Translation中文翻譯
Haitian-Creole TranslationTradiksyon kreyòl ayisyen
Korean Translation한국어 번역
Russian TranslationПеревод на русский язык
Spanish TranslationTraducción al español


In My Mailbox - 10/1/11
Credit goes to The Story Siren for creating and hosting the In My Mailbox feature.
Here are the new books I got this week:
For review:
Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey
Wilde Island is in an uproar after the recent death of its king. The uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is fraying, and a bloodthirsty witch hunter with a hidden agenda whips villages into frenzies with wild accusations. Tess, a blacksmith's daughter from a tiny hamlet near the mysterious Dragonswood, finds herself caught in the crosshairs of fate when she is accused of witchery and has to flee for her life along with her two best friends.
Not even Tess's power to see the future can help the girls as they set off on their desperate journey, but she keeps having visions of a man wielding a sword. And when she finally meets him, Tess has no idea how to handle the magnetic attraction she feels for him, or the elusive call she hears from the heart of the Dragonswood.
In this epic romance, an ancient prophecy comes true in a way neither dragon, fairy, nor human would have predicted.
Variant by Robison Wells
Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.
He was wrong.
Now he's trapped in a school that's surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.
Where breaking the rules equals death.
But when Benson stumbles upon the school's real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.
Eve by Anna Carey
The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth's population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve's graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.
Fleeing the only home she's ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.
The Book of Wonders by Jasmine Richards
Magic, Djinn, Ogres, and Sorcerers. Thirteen-year-old Zardi loves to hear stories about fantastical beings, long banned from the kingdom of Arribitha. But anyone caught whispering of their powers will feel the rage of the sultan—a terrifying usurper who, even with his eyes closed, can see all.
When her own beloved sister is captured by the evil ruler, Zardi knows that she must go to any lengths to rescue her. Along with her best friend, Ridhan—a silver-haired, violet-eyed boy of mysterious origins—and an unlikely crew of sailors led by the infamous Captain Sinbad, Zardi ventures forth into strange and wondrous territory with a seemingly impossible mission: to bring magic back to Arribitha and defeat the sultan once and for all.
Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler
Princess Meriel's brothers have been cursed. A terrible enchantment—cast by their conniving new stepmother—has transformed the handsome princes into swans. They now swim forlornly on a beautiful heart-shaped lake that lies just beyond the castle walls.
Meriel will do whatever it takes to rescue her beloved brothers. But she must act quickly. If Heart Lake freezes, her brothers will be forced to fly south or perish.
With help from her newfound friends Riona and Liam—a beautiful half-witch and her clever brother—Meriel vows to finish a seemingly impossible task. If she completes it, her brothers may be saved. But if she fails…all will be lost.
With a mesmerizing voice and delightful imagination, Diane Zahler delivers an exceptionally dazzling retelling—full of magic, adventure, and fascinating characters. Fans of beautifully written and exciting fantasy novels, including those who love Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine, will be enthralled.
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.
NOSOUL
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?
Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.
Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
When her sister becomes betrothed to a prince in a northern nation, Zeraphina's only consolations are that her loyal animal companions are by her side – and that her burning hunger to travel north is finally being sated.
Already her black hair and pale eyes mark her out as different, but now Zeraphina must be even more careful to keep her secret safe. Craving blood is not considered normal behaviour for anyone, let alone a princess. So when the king's advisor, Rodden, seems to know more about her condition than she does, Zeraphina is determined to find out more.
Zeraphina must be willing to sacrifice everything if she's to uncover the truth – but what if the truth is beyond her worst nightmares?
A Forest of Gold by Courtney Maika
It is the 1920s, and twelve-year-old Emily Pattersen lives in a logging community in northern Ontario — a place where lumber is king and the forests make many men rich. She, of course, has more important things to concern herself with: run-ins with know-it-all Tilly at school, dealing with her frustrating brothers, and trying not to roll her eyes at her very serious mother's penchant for assigning Duties.
A new set of worries comes to her when, against their parents' wishes, her hot-headed brother Joe sneaks off to work at a lumber camp. Emily is the only one who knows where he's gone. Scared and anxious, she gets the post every day to intercept Joe's letters, with word about his safety. Life has suddenly become complicated, as Emily struggles to remain an obedient daughter, while protecting her brother's secret.
Debut novelist Courtney Maika is as inspiring as the feisty young heroine she has created. She wrote A Forest of Gold while in grade twelve. A keen reader of the the Dear Canada series, she says: "...they really inspired me, so at one point, when I was sixteen, I thought 'Why wait? I think I'm capable of writing a book now.'" Readers will be glad she did.
Horse Diaries: Risky Chance by Alison Hart
For all lovers of horses and history, it's the next book in the popular Horse Diaries series. Born in California at the start of the Great Depression, Risky Chance is a gray thoroughbred who was born to race. Life at the track and being spoiled by his jockey's young daughter, Marie, is all Chance could ask for. He loves nothing more than running fast and winning. But after an accident, Chance discovers a side of horse racing that has little to do with glory.
Like Black Beauty, this moving novel is told in first person from the horse's own point of view and includes an appendix full of photos and facts about thoroughbreds, horse racing, and the Great Depression.
The Lily Pond by Annika Thor
A year after Stephie Steiner and her younger sister, Nellie, left Nazi-occupied Vienna, Stephie has finally adapted to life on the rugged Swedish island where she now lives. But more change awaits Stephie: her foster parents have allowed her to enroll in school on the mainland, in Goteberg. Stephie is eager to go. Not only will she be pursuing her studies, she'll be living in a cultured city again—under the same roof as Sven, the son of the lodgers who rented her foster parents' cottage for the summer.
Five years her senior, Sven dazzles Stephie with his charm, his talk of equality, and his anti-Hitler sentiments. Stephie can't help herself—she's falling in love. As she navigates a sea of new emotions, she also grapples with what it means to be beholden to others, with her constant worry about what her parents are enduring back in Vienna, and with the menacing spread of Nazi ideology, even in Sweden. In these troubled times, her true friends, Stephie discovers, are the ones she least expected.
Posted by Rebecca Herman at 9:55 PM
Stacey Brucale said...
I've never heard of Blood Song but I love the cover and it sounds really good!
Christina T said...
I really liked Dragon's Keep so I've been interested in reading Dragonswood. I also want to read Variant and Eve. I hadn't heard of The Lily Pond before but it sounds really good. I hope you enjoy these and I look forward to your reviews!
Giselle said...
Awesome haul! Blood Song sounds amazing and the cover is so pretty! Incarnate is also on my TBR list. Hope you enjoy them.
Xpresso Reads
P.S. I've also got a new giveaway on my blog for Remembrance if you want to enter.
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In My Mailbox - 10/23/11
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Chorlton Arts Festival And Exclusive Interview With Jesca Hoop
Rachael Heslehurst has the latest on the festival's events and catches up with singer/songwriter and guitarist Jesca Hoop
Published on May 18th 2012.
CHORLTON'S Arts Festival returns this May for another month of cool culture, cracking musicians and a collection of great poetry and writing.
The festival is celebrating its twelfth year. Last year there were over 200 different events, attracting an audience of 28,000 people over 12 days. 2012 is bigger still.
The festival will run from until Sunday 27 May and will involve events such as a Comedy and Cabaret Act, which sees three performances coming together: The Tourist, who have been named the 'finest sketch group in the Chorlton area'; Mish Mash a night of comedy, saucy dancing and live music hosted by radio presenter Chris Holliday; Gill and Malcolm's Hot Cross Swan by Nick Oram and Tim Grewcock.
As well as comedy, there's Snap: a sound installation by Sunshine Gray, a guided walk around the festival itself, poetry readings including special guests, the poet and academic John McAuliffe who will be reading from his most recent collection for Manky Poets.
John McAuliffe
For music lovers there are lots of bands and musicians to go and see, including alternative jazz artist Stuart McCallum, a presentation of uplifting acapella from Manchester Community Choir and a selection of top acoustic acts from across the UK, including In Quarantine We Trust, Terry Gallagher and Lesley Anne Davies, in Mike Nash's Acoustic Sessions.
Singer/songwriter Jesca Hoop will also be among the acts playing over the course of the festival.
I was lucky enough to catch up with the Californian-born, Manc-loving lady herself.
RH: So you're playing Chorlton Arts Festival?
JH: Yes, looking forward to it, I'm sure it's going to be great.
RH: Good to hear. How old were you when you started singing then?
JH: I was only wee – I've been singing since I could speak. I'd sing when I was riding my bike, I'd sing when I was skateboarding down the street, all the time I'd be thinking of new ideas for songs and lyrics.
RH: How old were you when you started writing your own songs?
JH: I've been writing songs since the age of 16, it has always been a past time for me – I'd always be writing on the way to school.
RH: Who are your musical influences?
JH: When I was growing up my parents would listen to old country music, so that influenced me a lot. Barbara Streisand was an influence but I don't have any particular icons. If I like a song, I think 'I may treat this song the way Black Sabbath would have treated this song', but it doesn't sound the same because my music is different. My interpretation, in terms of material and tones of the music is different and the result is unique.
RH:Tell me about your new upcoming album The House That Jack Built? What elements does the album explore?
JH: Yes – there are threads throughout my writing, about death, sex, war – I like to sing about these subjects because I don't have any crushes on boys. I think there are plenty of people writing about crushes on boys at the moment. All the songs on the album are meaningful, they all come from a place of much intent and one of the most personal numbers is The House That Jack Built. The album will be released on 25 June this year.
They're not diary entries, they're experiences. There's more than just a few who know what I'm talking about.
RH: Is there a particular genre of music you feel close too?
JH: I wouldn't say I have a genre. I call my music Avant-Pop because it doesn't fit into a genre. It's the hybrid of sensibilities that doesn't allow a slot anyway. I'm a songwriter. Me, myself and my trade.
RH: Tom Waits (American singer/songwriter, composer and actor), has described your music as being like 'swimming in a lake at night'. How does that make you feel?
JH: Amazing. Swimming in a lake at night is my favourite thing to do – especially in Arizona. It's a great honour to have Tom Waits endorse my music like that.
RH: What does the future hold?
JH: I want my home life to be outrageously involved with my working life. My art of living at home is more simple than I would like. For now I tour and travel a lot and my home is my little haven. I'd like to work hard enough for my home culture to reap the benefits. I'm very proud of my records and I hope they find the right home and listeners.
You can purchase tickets for Jesca Hoop's performance at St Clements Church here, as well as all other events taking place at Chorlton Arts Festival.
Alternatively, pop into the Festival Hub from Saturday 5 May. The hub is the main festival and ticket point for the Festival and is open Thursday - Saturday 11.30am - 5.30pm, Sunday 2pm - 5pm.
It is advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
You can follow Rachael Heslehurst at @rheslehurst


KCPD to host first Spanish Citizens Academy to connect with Latino community
Anyone is welcome to attend KCPD's first Spanish Citizen's Academy on June 9. People will learn the same things as the English citizen's academy, but this Spanish initiative is the first of its kind in the metro on the Missouri side.
By: Sarah Plake
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Anyone is welcome to attend the Kansas City Police Department's first Spanish Citizens Academy at St. Anthony's on June 9.
This Spanish initiative is the first of its kind in the metro on the Missouri side.
"One thing we know for fact is that when communities don't have trust in the police department or have a positive relationship, they end up becoming the most exploitable to career criminals," Officer Chato Villalobos said.
That's why KCPD is partnering with leaders in the northeast to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the Latino community, especially Spanish speakers.
They are holding the Spanish Citizens Academy at St. Anthony's parish on Benton and hope the location will help ease some anxieties. All people need to do is show up; they'll learn the ins and outs of the police department to gain understanding and, hopefully, trust.
Villalobos said over the last 15 years he's seen the Spanish-speaking population boom and expand out from Kansas City's west side and northeast to places like Belton, Olathe, and Overland Park.
"The demographic has always existed here, but it's growing and we want to make sure the people who do speak Spanish, that they understand you can call 911 and we're going to do everything we can to make sure that you have the service. So language isn't a barrier," Villalobos said.
Villalobos is on the forefront of the new initiative under Chief Rick Smith's guidance.
Father Andres Moreno is the priest at St. Anthony's. Many immigrants sit in his pews. He talks to many folks from Africa and Asia, but the majority are Latino.
"We have people coming every single day for mass. 'Father, can I talk to you after mass?' 'Father, can I make an appointment,'" Father Moreno said.
Father Moreno finds that many of his parishioners often come to him with a major problem rather than calling the police. He likes to tell his parishioners that he is just a spiritual superhero, but also turning to the superheroes on the street can help.
"That is one of the reasons why I am so hopeful that this program with the police department will really help the community get rid of that fear. That they will be safer in this area, and they will be able to have a family in the future," Moreno said.
The big concern for immigrants and Spanish speakers in the northeast is security, Moreno said. The area is often in the news for crime and drugs, but Moreno sees many young families moving in the area hoping to make a good life.
The goal of the citizens academy is to bring communities up and keep families safe.
It hits home for Villalobos.
"My parents were immigrants from Mexico, and Spanish was their dominant language, and where I grew up there's a lot of families that were like mine. I'm a very proud police officer for my police department to do something like this for the community. I'm just excited," Villalobos said.
The Spanish Citizens Academy runs for three weeks on June 9, June 16, and June 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone is welcome and no sign-up is required.


Lifestyle MDIA3010_18 MDIA3010_2ndFeature MDIA3010Tue12.00 Media Uncategorized
The Millennial Dream: Building A Business Through Instagram
May 19, 2018 z5118112 Comments Off on The Millennial Dream: Building A Business Through Instagram
by Paromita Haque
Thousands of students walk through the halls of our most esteemed universities. As time goes on, they all face different paths, many with the hope of having a full-time job or running their own business. What many of them don't know is that the potential to start those careers fits snugly in their own pockets.
The wait is finally over! Juggernaut Athleisure is now available nationwide. Apply code LAUNCH10 at checkout for 10% off. #juggernaut #athleisure
A post shared by Juggernaut Apparel (@juggernaut_apparel) on Dec 9, 2017 at 5:07pm PST
It's the millennial dream; finding a full-time job straight out of uni- or even in uni if you can help it- dreaming of someday taking destiny by the horns and being your own boss. This is a reality for two university students, brothers Tamim and Samin Azfar, who roam the campuses of their universities with the word "Juggernaut" emblazoned on their track pants, an apparel brand they created and launched all by themselves.
"Obviously at the start, they were like "What the hell!", you know, they don't expect it from you," says 20-year-old co-founder, Tamim Azfar of his friends.
But now, along with his younger brother Samin, he finds himself the co-owner of a 6-month-old start-up company already receiving international orders.
The brothers decided to create a line of athleisure wear that was "good quality, has all the good features and a perfect fit, and is something that's also affordable and free shipping and everything,
"Maybe that something that other people would wanna get."
With this belief and no other experience on hand, they began the journey into entrepreneurship.
"We didn't know pretty much anything, we just wanted to start a business. So after we had the idea we kind of just started, we were like, we'll do whatever we have to do" says Tamim,
"We had to wake up early in the morning, stay up late at night, use whatever time we had -spent time on the train learning how to draw or something like that…"
"We worked on stuff even in between tutes at uni, even in tutes," says Samin. "If I knew the content I'd just be sitting on my laptop working on this is whenever I could, like in any spare time. So we were spending less time on other things to make this work out."
A look at their Instagram page could've fooled anyone. The "crisp, clean" aesthetic featured on their page looks professionally maintained, but was actually curated by Samin himself, after taking inspiration from bigger brands and the aesthetic they portray on social media.
Flex. – -@rakinnnn22 -📸@d31t4photography #juggernaut #apparel
A post shared by Juggernaut Apparel (@juggernaut_apparel) on Apr 5, 2018 at 3:36am PDT
"Obviously they know more about what's going to attract viewers to click on photos and like them. So I guess I thought if we followed the same methods- if we had really crisp, clean photos with good editing, that's gonna make people not only like the photos and spread awareness, but also it increases the brand's reputation"
Though he doesn't have any formal editing experience, Samin managed to articulate Juggernaut's images by playing around with the free Photoshop on his school laptop.
As for the photos themselves, they were taken by "hit(ting) up a mate with a DSLR camera and get(ting) them to take the photos." All of the models are also their close friends.
"They're always happy to come model…because a couple of our friends actually do bodybuilding as like a real thing, and they want that exposure" says Tamim.
The brothers say that Instagram has helped them build their brand and network to what it is today, calling it "one of the most important things for small businesses."
"I mean who isn't on Instagram nowadays, right?… Instagram is…a place for aesthetics and stuff. People check their Instagram before their Facebook," says Tamim
"You can see on the backend of our brand…where our referrals come from or where people visit our website from and at least 60 – 70 percent is people who've found us on Instagram" says Samin.
"If you wanna show people what you have to offer, Instagram's the best option because there's such a huge presence of people on there and you can pretty much offer your products for anyone on social media," says Tamim.
The brothers aren't the only ones to find success on the platform. 20-year-old Primary Education student Sumayah Gaffoor turned her hobby of doing henna into a flourishing business within four years with the help of Instagram.
"It's very traditional for some people, for some people it's just for fun, they like to decorate themselves with it," she says.
Sumayah's "not too fussy" with the theme or aesthetics of her Instagram account.
"If someone sends me a photo of henna I did [on them] and it looks nice and it's clear I'll post it…I know some people's accounts have a white background or it HAS to be black and white – mine is just like, if it looks nice I'll post it. It doesn't have a consistent theme,
"Some people say my henna page looks a bit messy coz there's everything, but then others like it like that."
Her Instagram account @henna_by_sumayah serves as a portfolio of her work that allows clients to preview designs, contact her directly, as well as have her art displayed in public at no cost to her.
Henna appointment/interview at @leafcafe_macarthursquare #Hennadesigns #inspired by @hennabydivya @sonikashennaart . . Officially taking henna bookings for all your events and private appointments. For any enquiries or to make a booking, please call/message 0426 285 627 or email: hennabysumayah@gmail.com . . . *Located in Sydney (Campbelltown Area)* ~Able to travel . . . #henna#mehndi #hennadesign #henna_by_sumayah #hennabysumayah #naturalhenna #Australia #Australianhennaartist #temporarytattoo #prohenna #simplehenna #hennainspire #Sydney #sydneyhennaartist #Campbelltown #bridalhenna #allnaturalhenna#hennatattoo
A post shared by Henna by Sumayah / Australia (@henna_by_sumayah) on May 12, 2018 at 4:27am PDT
She says that Instagram is absolutely needed for smaller businesses, as "you can post more photos of your work…show it off properly. It's like an album of all your stuff"
She also utilises features such as liking, tagging and following to widen her audience and open them up to her work, as well as networking. She has so far collaborated with fashion bloggers, bridal clothing companies, even calligraphy accounts – simply by tagging them.
The brothers have also capitalised off many features of Instagram, finding that each has a significant effect on the expansion of their business.
"I didn't really know anything about hashtags… until we started this stuff," says Tamim,
"The more hashtags you have the more exposure you get; more people have a chance of seeing your thing. So we usually just get random hashtags off anything, like any fitness post…it gets put into those categories and random people will see it, they like it and follow your page and whatnot,
"Through Instagram, we've got orders from the US, even though we haven't done any promotions from the US… Just some random people, maybe they saw the hashtag and they clicked on it, they liked the stuff and they ordered it."
Instagram has announced earlier this month that they plan on launching even more tools to help conduct business within the app itself. These include features such as "action buttons" which allow customers to directly book or order things they want to buy without having to leave Instagram. They have also moved customer messages from the pending folder to the main direct inbox and implemented "quick replies", allowing businesses to filter and respond to messages easily.
"It's not easy to start a business," says Ali Busacca, Instagram's Head of Community for Europe, Middle East and Africa in an interview with Verdict.
"We pride ourselves on being an easy solution: anyone with a camera can take a photo and post it online. Additionally, we know that they need insights and we create insights tools. We're proud of how we have the opportunity to create tools that level the playing field."
Instagram's expansion of business tools indicates that they plan to accommodate small businesses like @henna_by_sumayah and Juggernaut Apparel, giving them more scope to reach their audience and expand their business.
As for Juggernaut's future, the boys are currently working on a women's line to supplement the men's line already available on their website.
"We're really into fashion and we like streetwear and all that kinda stuff, so I think later on -maybe after a few more launches- we might go into streetwear, and then after streetwear maybe more casual wear, like shorts and chinos, and just as big as we can make it really,
"There's no end goal."
Stay determined. #juggernaut #apparel #athleisure @saminazfar
A post shared by Juggernaut Apparel (@juggernaut_apparel) on Jan 10, 2018 at 1:50am PST
Tagged Henna by Sumayah, Insights, instagram, Juggernaut, Small Businesses
Health MDIA3010_18 MDIA3010Proj1 MDIA3010Tue12.00
Autoimmunity: The Paradox of Disease
March 24, 2018 March 24, 2018 danapendrick
DANA PENDRICK The story of Selena Gomez's battle with lupus disease has resurfaced in recent news due to her latest appearance in Australia. Last year, the young American popstar disappeared from the public eye to undergo chemotherapy and a kidney transplant as a result of the disease. Lupus, like the other 100 […]
Culture Health Justice Lifestyle MDIA3010_18 MDIA3010_2ndFeature MDIA3010Tue12.00 Media Other PowerPlays Science Society Technology Uncategorized
D.I.Y Dying: Assisted Death for the living
May 10, 2018 May 10, 2018 Abbey Farlow (z5075317)
Do-it-yourself euthanasia kits are being sold legally in Australia under the disguise of home brewing devices. By Abbey Farlow Max Dog Brewing is not what it looks like. It's website is donned with pictures of friends enjoying beer together. The unknowing eye would mistake the site for an independent brewing company selling kits for the […]
May 1, 2019 May 1, 2019 z5251410
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Surface Hotels' Guide to NYFW
by Braden Bradford
New York Fashion Week can quickly become an overwhelming whirlwind of runways, fashion peacocks and never-ending cocktail parties. Cut through the noise with this curated guide to the week, hand-selected by Surface staff.
Feb. 13, 5 p.m.
Last year was a strong one for 32-year-old Alexander Wang, having left his post as creative director of Balenciaga to focus on his many other projects, like a wildly successful collaboration with H&M. "My friends call me the Energizer Bunny," he said in an interview with W last year. All this is to say nothing of his own line, which in the fall already seemed to benefit from the extra attention. It was stripe-heavy and remarkably laid back, but with a New York brand of viciousness to it. Spiked sandals, for example, seemed to embrace the way we work hard and play hard. Mistake it for casualwear at your own risk.
Joseph Altuzarra credits his international education and diverse heritage—he was born in Paris to a Chinese-American mother and a French Basque father—as major influences on his ready-to-wear designs, and it's hard to argue with him. There's a breezy simplicity to his designs, letting the material do the work in a way that feels common to the French, Spanish, and Chinese sensibilities. It's a bit of a throwback in that way, but one that works. Already a heavyweight and one-to-watch in fashion, Altuzarra, 32, has slowly been gaining notoriety among the non-fashion crowd. He had a successful collaboration with Target in 2014, and the knee-high gladiator sandals from one of his spring collections once served as the inspiration for the cover illustration for an issue of The New Yorker.
Feb. 14, 10 a.m.
Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham's line probably wouldn't make it to everyone's must-see list, but take it from us: She's plenty fun to watch. The clothes dance in the Céline or Prada territory of strong, minimal feminism, though they're perhaps a little less serious. Vogue described her spring 2016 line as: "I have achieved the perfect life, but I don't need to try too hard to show that off to you." The line has been fascinating from a business standpoint as well. Since its debut in 2008, the company has grown steadily, with sales doubling between 2012 and 2013, from £15 million to £30 million. At the moment, Beckham and her business partner, Simon Fuller, still own the brand, but rumors swirl that LVMH may want to buy it. If you haven't been paying attention, now's the time to start,
Monday night at 8 o'clock is an important time slot for Fashion Week, kicking off things with a boom, and in 2014 Rag & Bone took it over from Marc Jacobs. This is perhaps fitting, not only for fashion but for New York: As the city becomes ever more tony, international, and London-like every day, it makes sense that our major fashion show should be a house with British origins that does casual American clothing better than most Americans. Last year Rag & Bone rode the wave of '90s nostalgia to new heights, and in the fall even partnered with Uber to give away free tickets to its show at St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood. You want the cutting edge? Rag & Bone has set up shop right on it.
While much of fashion in the past few years has trended towards the muted—neutral tones, the slimmer silhouette—Marc Jacobs has been steadily turning up the volume with crazy prints and flashy metal accents, much of it like something out of some fantasy storybook. The only real consistency in his work is that it straddles the line between art and fashion. The same goes for his week-ending shows: Last fall, he rented out a theater and staged a mock movie premiere. The man always bobs where others weave. He's already announced that Lana Wachowski—the co-director of the Matrix trilogy—will star in his new ads and that Bette Midler will be the face of his campaign. As a company, Marc Jacobs has been growing steadily since Jacobs left Louis Vuitton in 2013 after 16 years. Almost everything the brand does is exciting.
Paul's Baby Grand
PAUL'S BABY GRAND
Nightlife don Paul Sevigny's latest venture is still one of the finest nights out in New York. It's tucked just around the corner from the main entrance of the Tribeca Grand (now the Roxy)—hedges hide the door. The interior resembles a kitschy, garish tropical wonderland, offset by a lovely strict black and white tile floor, acting as a grid amidst chaos. Paintings by Josh Smith hang on the wall, becoming ever less valuable each night. The venue used to have a coatroom, but it's now a place for uncouth activities. The dance floor is always crowded, the music blending New Wave classics with the hits of today. Be advised that it does tend to get a bit loud, so it may not be the place for a business meeting.
www.paulscocktaillounge.com
FANELLI'S
It doesn't get much more classic New York than Fanelli's. From its wood paneling to its red and white checked tablecloth, it's an old-school pub that opened in 1847 and constitutes perhaps the only authentic remaining part of SoHo. These days, it serves as a respite from all the gorgeous high-end fashion boutiques that surround it. Aged fliers promoting 1930s boxing matches pugnaciously adorn the walls and the bartenders are equally prone to scowling. (They're great—they just suffer no fools.) It's the only bar in New York that still sells cigarettes behind the counter, the sort of place where it feels strange to drink anything but whiskey on the rocks. The food is nothing to write home about but everything you'd want. (Expect a very serviceable croque madame.) This is the place to while away the hours discussing whatever you've seen that day.
WAVERLY INN
Not everyone was sold on the concept behind Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter's Waverly Inn back when it opened in 2007. Was it possible for café society to thrive at this late stage of capitalism? Just because something has a velvet rope doesn't mean that people will flock or that what's within is worthwhile. Turns out that sometimes they will, and sometimes it is! The menu is low-key, but just received an infusion of new life from Jeffrey Teller, who joined the restaurant this summer from the M. Wells Steakhouse in Queens. But the real reason to show up is for the dark wood and private club vibe, the centerpiece of which is an impressive mural by Edward Sorel featuring all of "our people": Andy Warhol, James Baldwin, Norman Mailer, Fran Lebowitz, etc. Just being at the Waverly makes you feel like you belong up there yourself.
www.waverlynyc.com
This is the club for people who don't like clubs. In 2014, Up and Down was updated by owners the Butter Group (which also owns the notorious 1Oak nightclub) to make it more like, as one co-owner has described it, "a theme park adventure," with entertainment and variety at every corner. Gilded wall reliefs clash with clunky neon jukeboxes, and the club rewards exploration. It's the sort of place where it's almost strange if you don't dance on the tables. The layout also favors discretion, which is probably why it's been a celebrity hot spot in the past year. Fetty Wap held his album release party there, and Leonardo DiCaprio and Rihanna were spotted leaving it together.
www.uadnyc.com
By the time it closed in 2009, Amy Sacco's Bungalow 8 had made her a legend, with W magazine dubbing her "the jet set's favorite den mother." In 2012, she finally returned with No. 8, a 16th Street hideaway that feels more like a speakeasy than a nightclub, nestled as it is between two boutique hotels, the Maritime and the Dream. You might even miss the entrance if not for the 8-shaped handle on the door. You don't have to be famous to get in here, but it helps. The décor is a mix of influences. The banquettes scream 1920s, but there's also a disco ball suspended from crystals. Records crowd shelves in the secret upstairs "rec room," which resembles a basement den. It's more than likely that you'll end up here anyway, some label having rented out the space for Fashion Week, but if you haven't, it's worth a trip to the Meatpacking District.
www.no8ny.com
The Bowery Hotel
The Greenwich Hotel
New York Edition
THE GREENWICH
As one of Ira Druckier's BD hotels, the Greenwich is part of a family that counts as New York royalty, hotel-wise: The company also owns and operates the Mercer Hotel, the Maritime Hotel, and the Jane. Hidden away in tony Tribeca, the Greenwich features a subtler take on this luxury, as Drukier and co-owner Robert De Niro seem to want to impress at every turn. Take, for example, the pool hidden within its Shibui spa, which features a 250-year-old antique bamboo roof imported from a Japanese farmhouse. The legendary art dealer and designer Axel Vervoordt modeled the hotel's penthouse in a similar Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. To top it all off, the hotel is also home to one of the city's finest Italian restaurants, Locanda Verde.
www.thegreenwichhotel.com
Barry Sternlicht, the CEO of Starwood Capital Group and founder of the W hotel chain, has a mantra for his new 1 Hotel group: "Not a brand, it's a cause." The boutique, eco-friendly 1 Hotels debuted last year in Brooklyn and South Beach, but it's the Central Park location that's perfectly located for Fashion Week goers. Lovingly situated adjacent to the Plaza, the 1 offers a fresher and more conscious experience with no sacrifice to luxury. Think LEED certification, complimentary in-room yoga mats, triple-filtered water, and reclaimed wood as far as the eye can see. The hotel also features an impressive vine-heavy facade, and a restaurant that's nearly as green. Chef Jonathan Waxman has resurrected his groundbreaking, locally sourced restaurant Jams, an Upper East Side staple in the 1980s, for the Central Park 1. Start your day with his signature salmon-and-crème-fraîche-topped pancakes.
www.1hotels.com
The Lower East Side has been gentrified for years, but in many ways the 17-story Bowery Hotel is ground zero for the vibes that have swept the neighborhood in recent years. The lobby is always a buzzing meeting space for people of all stripes—hipsters, Wall Streeters, and everyone in between. The lobby itself is a sight to behold: an Old World aesthetic, with wood paneling, Moroccan tiles, and oriental rugs. The bathrooms are reminiscent of an old-school apothecary. The building was designed by Albert Ledner in 1966 and still largely resembles its original factory-like exterior. Keeping the skeleton was important to co-owner Eric Goode, even if, as he told Vanity Fair when it opened, "The building was literally built out of Styrofoam." The Taavo Somer–designed restaurant Gemma is envisioned as an "Italian brasserie" that feels like charmingly crowded trattoria, and is always good for celebrity spotting.
www.theboweryhotel.com
The glamour, the style, the power—was there anything more New York than Studio 54? Its co-founder Ian Schrager went on to pioneer the concept of the boutique hotel, and he's outdone himself in his latest effort in partnership with Marriott International, the Edition series of hotels. Inspired by private clubs of the 20th century, the new New York hotel is carved out of turn-of-century clock tower bordering Madison Square Park. (Some rooms on the 27th floor apparently feature secret doors that open up to the mechanics behind the clock face.) In true Schrager tradition, the vibe is laidback and most of the interior colors are neutral, aside from the garishly framed photos that cluster the wall of its main restaurant, which marks the U.S. debut for chef Jason Atherton, London's Michelin star–winning up-and-comer. Minimal and welcoming don't always go hand in hand, but that's what the Rockwell Group and Schrager aimed for—and achieved—in the architecture.
www.editionhotels.com
@stevenkolb
@bfa
@joshuawoods
STEVEN KOLB
Crazy as it sounds, Steven Kolb, the president and CEO of the influential Council of Fashion Designers of America, is actually a bit of a fashion outsider. His background is more in philanthropic fundraising, and he's said CFDA board chair Diane von Fürstenberg hired him in 2006 partially because he's a Libra. Yet the position has made him one of the top people in fashion, and needless to say he'll be at everything this Fashion Week (he's likened the CFDA to "air traffic control" for the week). Moreover, his unique background means he has a sensibility all his own. His photos cluster around certain shapes and silhouettes that other photographers might skip over. Perhaps that's part of the appeal of his account: You can tell he's having a good time.
With all due respect to Patrick McMullan, his former protégé Billy Farrell has the upper hand when it comes to Instagram. Want to see Lorde and Tilda Swinton yukking it up? Sure you do. Want to see Aaron Paul touching the art at a Chelsea gallery opening? Of course. A close-up of Michael Chow lighting a life-sized candle of himself by Urs Fischer? You're all over it! BFA knows which celebrities you actually care about, and which Instagram-celebrities are Instagram-famous enough to merit your attention. "You're only as good as your last party," Farrell once told Paper magazine. Rest assured that Farrell's photographers will be at all of Fashion Week's hottest parties, capturing them with the aplomb and enthusiasm that you as a gawker deserve. If they don't cover it, it probably isn't worth your FOMO.
Vanity Fair dubbed her the "Supermodel with Serious Social Media Chops," which is accurate but reductive. This witty 20-year-old Malibu native also happens to be a best friend to Taylor Swift and Kendall Jenner (who is also technically an ex-step-sibling-in-law), and dates former One Direction member Zayn Malik. (And all this is to say nothing of her eyebrows, which are incredible.) An "It Girl" for our time, her social media interactions with the fashion world are personal and charming (think: green room shots, Polaroids, robes; hugs in stairwells; Star Wars jokes with Karl Lagerfeld). There's a vulnerability to her that other supermodels lack. ""I don't change anything about myself," she recently told British Vogue, "what I post just works. When people are different on social media than they are in real life, it becomes forced." If you only follow one model this Fashion Week, make it Gigi.
JOSHUA WOODS
There are plenty of fashion photographers on Instagram, so why should you follow Joshua Woods? Well, this 29-year-old upstart actually began his career at Fashion Week, back in 2012, picking up a camera to shoot it just for fun. Since then he's made his name with gorgeous washed-out portraits and intimate behind-the-scenes shots from the hottest shows, all with such production quality that you wouldn't guess that most are shot on an iPhone. Hood By Air and Public School have invited him backstage and T: The New York Times Style Magazine runs his photo diaries. No matter the subject of the photo, he brings a seductive sensibility that's all his own. Woods especially excels at men's fashion, which by many counts is the most cutting-edge part of the industry today. Keep Woods in your feed for substance with style.
Presented in partnership with Surface Hotels: Stay at the world's best designed hotels—curated by the editors of Surface magazine.
Posted in fashion, travel
tagged with ALEXANDER WANG, ALTUZARRA, VICTORIA BECKHAM, RAG & BONE, MARC JACOBS, Paul's Baby Grand, Vandal, No.8, Up & Down, NYFW, FANELLI'S, WAVERLY INN, The Greenwich Hotel, 1 HOTEL CENTRAL PARK, THE BOWERY HOTEL, NEW YORK EDITION, Steven Kolb, BFA, Gigi Hadid, Vanity Fair, Joshua Woods


Find The Sum Of The Given Series 45 Plus 46 Plus 47 Plus Plus 113 Plus 114 Plus 115
Find the sum of the given series (45+46+47+.........+113+114+115)
Given a series (45+46+47+………+113+114+115)
We need to find the sum of the given series
The given series is in arithmetic progression
So the sum of the series in arithmetic progression is given by
Sum=n/2(a+an) ——————-(i)
n is number of terms
a is the first term
an is the last term of the series
We need to find the value of n, the number of terms first
We know that
an=a+(n-1)d ——————–(ii)
From the series an = 115, a= 45
Substituting the value of an = 115 and a=45 in equation (ii) we get,
115=45+(n-1)1
115=45+n-1
115=44+n
n=115-44
n=71
Substituting the value n=711 in equation (i) we get,
Sum=n/2(a+an)
=71/2(45+115)
=71/2×160
=71×80
Therefore the sum of the series (45+46+47+………+113+114+115) = 5680
What Is The Coordination Number Of Copper Incunh342plus 1 Unified Atomic Mass Unit Is Equal To
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How Do You Simplify I 35


Blue Devils show twists on defense
Times-News
DURHAM — Duke's adjustments have been multi-faceted without point guard Tre Jones.
For Tuesday night at Pittsburgh, it meant lone stretches of use a zone defense.
"We just stayed zone," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said,
Jones, who has been out since suffering a separated shoulder Jan. 14, is probable for this afternoon's game against visiting Georgia Tech.
Duke became primarily a zone team by the midway mark of last season. They Blue Devils returned to mostly man-to-man this season, headed by Jones.
Duke's offense is reliant on freshmen RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson. Combined with Cam Reddish, 11 times this season, two Duke freshmen have combined to rack up 50 or more points in a game.
Barrett has reached the 20-point mark in 15 games.
Not only did Williamson shoot 11-for-13 from the field Tuesday night at Pittsburgh, but he dished out a season-high seven assists.
In the latest game, Jordan Goldwire played some at point guard, but mostly Barrett has taken on extra ball-handling duties.
Georgia Tech is coming off a 63-61 victory against visiting Notre Dame, snapping a two-game losing streak.
That game marked the return of Jose Alvarado, who holds a team-best 13.8 points per game, and Abdoulaye Gueye from injuries. Alvarado missed one game with a groin injury, while Gueye was out for two games because of a medical condition stemming from cramping.
Georgia Tech has limited conference opponents to 67 points per game.
The Yellow Jackets own an ACC road victory at Syracuse this season.
Who: Georgia Tech (11-8, 3-3) at No. 2 Duke (16-2, 5-1)
When: Noon Saturday (Raycom)
Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham
Series: Duke leads 72-23, including 11 victories in a row


Pee Wee Tennis II (5-7 Yrs)
Saturday, April 22, 2023 @ 11:00 AM (CDT) - Saturday, May 20, 2023 @ 11:45 AM (CDT)
High Point Park Tennis Center • 421 W. Spring Creek Parkway Plano, TX 75023
Racquet Sports•
Apr 22 - May 20 (Saturday)
High Point Park Tennis Center
From Apr 22, 2023 to May 20, 2023
In a program created for 5 to 7 year olds, QuickStart equipment and teaching methods are used to introduce youngsters to tennis in a fun and rewarding way. Students must have completed Pee Wee Tennis I before taking this class.
High Point Tennis Center
Tommy Chiu
PLANO PARKS & RECREATION
More activities from PLANO PARKS & RECREATION
Browse Tennis


What's Behind Attacks on the Endangered Species Act? Lots of Industry Money
By Rebecca Bowe, Earthjustice
A small yet vocal group of congressmen are gearing up this summer to dismantle the Endangered Species Act. Campaign finance records of these lawmakers reveal that they have all taken significant money from extractive industries frustrated by the law's protection of critical habitat for endangered species.
The Endangered Species Act has proven to be a powerful, effective conservation safeguard. More than 99 percent of species that have been designated for federal protection continue to exist in the wild today, including the bald eagle, grizzly bear, the leatherback sea turtle and the Florida manatee.
But the work of the Endangered Species Act has only grown more urgent as many scientists agree that the planet is either on the cusp of or already experiencing a sixth mass wave of extinction. A study last week by Stanford scientists found that a significant number of plant and wildlife populations are growing dangerously thin.
Earthjustice is working with coalition partners to oppose efforts on Capitol Hill to weaken protections for endangered species. The public can also make a difference in this fight—despite the big money from fossil fuel industries funding opponents of the Endangered Species Act—by contacting their Congressional offices (use this call-in tool to be directly connected).
The anti-ESA effort and the money behind it
The assault on the ESA comes in the form of dozens of legislative proposals and amendments tacked onto spending bills. One bill that's expected to be introduced in a matter of weeks is the handiwork of Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
A Republican from Wyoming, Barrasso shares something in common with other politicians who have made it a legislative priority to weaken or undermine this conservation law. He's received substantial campaign contributions from extractive industries that wish to exploit public lands for mining, drilling, and other environmentally destructive operations. Across the American West, for instance, the fossil fuel industry is often pitted against conservationists because habitat for the imperiled sage grouse overlaps with lands eyed by industry for mining or drilling.
According to campaign finance records, from 2011 until 2016, Barrasso received $458,466 in total campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry, plus $241,706 from the mining industry. The boost got him a good part of the way toward the $3.66 million he reportedly spent in that time. The Murray Energy Corporation, the nation's largest coal-mining company, was listed as a top donor.
Sen. John Barrasso, chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, received substantial campaign contributions from extractive industries that wish to exploit public lands for mining or drilling.
Sen. James Inhofe, a Republican senator from Oklahoma who also serves on the Environment and Public Works Committee, has also garnered substantial support from the fossil fuel industry, collecting $465,950 from the oil and gas industry and $111,275 from the mining industry in campaign donations from 2011 to 2016. Inhofe, who does not believe in climate change, recently went on national television and answered a question about U.S. Environmental Protection Agency budget cuts by suggesting that that the EPA is "brainwashing our kids."
Rep. Rob Bishop, a Republican congressman from Utah who has gone on the record saying he'd like to "repeal and replace" the Endangered Species Act, received $150,516 in total campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry in the 2015-16 cycle alone.
How you can help protect wildlife
Battles to protect wildlife are intensifying in the face of attacks from these and other lawmakers. However, they may be in for a bigger fight than they realize. A recent poll showed that 90 percent of voters across all demographics were supportive of the ESA.
Join the movement to defend the wild. Call today and tell your senators to stand strong in defense of imperiled wildlife and the lands and waters that sustain them! (Enter your information below to be directly connected with your senators' offices.)


The BlogOscar nominationsanimated filmsferal
2014 Oscar-Nominated Shorts: Animated Appetizers
This year's animated shorts are an impressive testament to the talents working in today's animation, harnessing the potential of the medium's inherent freedom.
Corinna Clendenen, Contributor
Writer of novels, film reviews, food news, and essays on contemporary culture
Feb 3, 2014, 02:27 PM EST | Updated Apr 5, 2014
This year's nominations for best-animated short films selected by the Academy Award committee comprise a jewel box of cut and polished works, visual delights that range from comic to existential. The collection is emceed by an ostrich and a giraffe who trade industry banter in front of a red velvet curtain. It's a classic.
Get a Horse (U.S.A.) is an homage to Mickey and Mini Mouse, featuring the beloved cast of characters, Horace the Horse, Clarabelle the Cow and, of course, the requisite villain, Peg-Leg Pete. The characters journey along a road, a cavorting band of wandering gypsies who look for all the world like the 1940s original. Then Clarabelle flashes her udders and the film breaks into the present, the characters tearing out of the black and white screen onto a color stage. Their antics of switching back and forth between alternate universes speak to the changing world, the concocting of image and events, the nature of fantasy versus reality. Who said they were just the funny papers?
Possessions (Japan) opens with a description of an old Japanese saying that after 100 years, tools and instruments will attack their inventors. This provocative premise is addressed in only a roundabout way in the story of a hunter who gets lost in the mountains one snowy night, and discovers a hut holding the remains of a throwaway culture -- fabrics and umbrellas, torn, tattered and faded into grays. The hunter mends them, resurrecting the spent goods into a panoply of beautifully crafted color and pattern. Its beautifully unfolding images carry the mandate to reduce, reuse, recycle.
Feral (U.S.A.) is a take on Rousseau's notions of man and beast, an animated The Wild Child. A boy, raised by wolves, is adopted by a man who cuts his hair, dresses him in shoes and a blazer and sends him off to school where he finds that rivalries on the playground are not so very different than they were in the forest. In black and white, this animation is beautifully rendered with fades and pans portraying the shifting landscapes.
Two entries from France address society from different vantage points, the past and the future. A La Francaise is a charming farce of pomaded and powdered aristocrats, portrayed by chickens. They strut and coo around the ballrooms and gardens of the palace of Versailles in eighteenth century dress, the cock drawing his sword at the slightest provocation, the hoop-skirted hens busying themselves with croquette, party invitations and pulling worms out of the ground.
Mr. Hublot is a futuristic look at a man who lives in a mechanized world made mostly of discarded parts, clicking machinery, and a robot dog. In his isolated world, his aim is to expand his territory to the factory across the street. The portrait shares sensibilities with Wall-E and Her and The Triplets of Belleville. What both these films lack in story development they make up for in visual virtuosity -- they are both beautifully rendered, the first in the glorious, saccharine pastels of Rococo paintings and the second in the post-industrial browns and grays of Terry Gilliam's Brazil.
The Blue Umbrella (U.S.A.) combines the skills of Pixar with the rose-colored glasses of Disney in a boy-meets-girl romance of two umbrellas, buffeted by stormy weather, who find their answer in love. Room on the Broom (U.K.) is a children's story of loyalty and inclusion, a lovely translation from the book of the same title, whose characters find meaning in friendship and generosity.
Missing Scarf, from the Irish Film Board, uses perhaps the sparest animation style to pose the most probing questions. Albert the squirrel searches the forest for his missing scarf and in looking for it finds other animals who are missing things, like the polar bear his habitat. Its conclusion is an ironic bit of optimism, that life's process of death and rebirth promises us at least the possibility that our dust may find new life in another universe, if not in this one.
This year's animated shorts are an impressive testament to the talents working in today's animation, harnessing the potential of the medium's inherent freedom -- a blank slate for creativity and imagination. While a few may be a bit short on resolution, collectively they are a visual delight, a treat for the senses, a great way to spend a few afternoon hours.
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THE ARCH LONDON
Posted by Ron and Mary James
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE STORY WITH PHOTOS
Before boarding a cruise ship in Southampton earlier this year, we opted to stay in London for a couple of days to shake off jet lag, relax and enjoy one of the great cities of the world. Our search for an upscale but affordable hotel within walking distance of some favorite haunts brought us to The Arch London. This luxurious hotel of linked historic Georgian townhouses is tucked away on a residential street, just blocks away from the bustling West End and Hyde Park and a nifty restaurant row just around the corner.
Admiring the classic white Georgian townhouses around the city, we often wondered what it would be like to live in one. Here was our chance. The Arch London comprises seven townhouses and two mews homes stitched together and modified the interior to serve
hotel guests with no sacrifice of historic charm and detail. It blends beautifully into this very exclusive area, attested to by a neighbor across the street named Madonna, who frequently books the hotel for visiting friends and events. Unfortunately, she was away during our stay, visiting Portugal to cheer on her soccer playing son.
It's not surprising that this five-star property is regularly ranked among the top 20 Luxury hotels in the UK on TripAdvisor and earned the 2017 Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Award. Our room was large and very comfortable, a creative mix of historic flourishes and contemporary furnishings and art. A handpicked selection of classic novels awaits suite guests along
with an internet rad io with over 19,000 channels to keep guests from all across the world entertained and informed. The spacious bathrooms include heated anti-steam mirrors and flat-screen TVs built into the wall above baths.
The hotel is full of notable contemporary art pieces, including in the rooms. The expansive library club room is tastefully and comfortably furnished. Rare tabletop books are neatly stacked on the shelves for guests to enjoy. They also use the room for special events including gatherings requested by the lady across the street. You never know who you'll meet here, celebrities love this hotel because of its modest size and discreet staff.
Service by the entire staff – doormen to the desk clerks – was world-class. For example, we asked for suggestions for a nearby restaurant that was casual and reasonable with great food, the doorman not only suggested Grazing Goat, but led us the two blocks to gastropub. The pick was spot on; the casual but sophisticated ambiance and food were just right for our first night in London.
Our dining the next night at the hotel's Hunter 486 restaurant took farm-to-table cuisine to a whole new level. We were seated in the dining room's Le Salon de Champagne section of the dining, with its intimate leather booths, oozes timeless London glamour. We enjoyed wines perfectly matched with the tasting menu's beautiful array of artfully plated dishes. Our desserts were jaw dropping. The wine list was extensive, with 27 selections available by the glass. It was easy to see why it was named to The World of Fine Wine World's Best Wine Lists 2017.
Now that we've discovered it's possible to live the good life in London and not break the bank, we plan to make The Arch London our second home when we are in the city. And if you wisely decide to stay here, please say hi to Madonna for us.
The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
For reservations, please call: 020 7724 4700 or www.
thearchlondon.com
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