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newstfionline · 4 years

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Friday, March 26, 2021

Border crossings strain resources in Rio Grande Valley (AP) Elmer Maldonado spent a week in immigration custody with his 1-year-old son after crossing the Rio Grande through Texas to request asylum. One night, the Honduran father and son slept on the dirt under a bridge shivering from the cold temperatures at an intake site where large groups of migrants turn themselves in to Border Patrol officers. His experience illustrates a cycle that is repeating itself thousands of times a week amid a dramatic rise in migrant children and families at the U.S.-Mexico border: They arrive in the middle of the night by the dozens and are kept at outdoor intake sites, then taken to overcrowded detention facilities well past the 72-hour court-imposed limit. From there, the families are either released into the U.S. or expelled to Mexico, the lucky ones dropped off at a COVID-19 testing site with documents. Children traveling without their parents go to federal shelters that are also quickly filling up. The process is largely out of the public eye. The Associated Press has not been allowed in any of the Border Patrol facilities. Journalists are often limited by authorities even when going to the banks of the Rio Grande to witness the process and talk to immigrants.

Capitol fencing removed 77 days after deadly riot (USA Today) An imposing fence-line strung with razor wire has been removed from the outer perimeter of the U.S. Capitol complex, more than two months after the deadly siege. Capitol Police said Wednesday that local streets blocked by the network of barriers also had been re-opened to traffic, though authorities said they are prepared to “quickly ramp up security at a moment’s notice, if needed.” An inner-perimeter fence around the actual Capitol building will remain in place while police and lawmakers continue to hash out a long-term security plan.

US saw estimated 4,000 extra murders in 2020 amid surge in daily gun violence (Guardian) For exactly a year during the pandemic, the United States did not see a single high-profile public mass shooting. But a surge in daily gun violence contributed to an estimated 4,000 additional murders throughout 2020, in what experts warn will probably be the worst single-year increase in murders on record. Early estimates suggest the US may have seen at least 4,000 more murders last year than in 2019, and potentially as many as 5,000 more, according to projections based on FBI data, though complete official statistics will not be available until the fall. Many of the homicides are concentrated in communities of color that have historically seen the worst burden of daily gun violence, including in Philadelphia, St Louis, Chicago and Oakland.

In Myanmar, a New Resistance Rises (NYT) In a jungle in the borderlands of Myanmar, the troops sweated through basic training. They learned how to load a rifle, pull the pin of a hand grenade and assemble a firebomb. These cadets are not members of Myanmar’s military, which seized power last month and quickly imposed a battlefield brutality on the country’s populace. Instead, they are an eclectic corps of students, activists and ordinary office workers who believe that fighting back is the only way to defeat one of the world’s most ruthless armed forces. After weeks of peaceful protests, the frontline of Myanmar’s resistance to the Feb. 1 coup is mobilizing into a kind of guerrilla force. In the cities, protesters have built barricades to protect neighborhoods from military incursions and learned how to make smoke bombs on the internet. In the forests, they are training in basic warfare techniques and plotting to sabotage military-linked facilities. The opposition is a defensive response to the military’s mounting reign of terror. The Tatmadaw has cracked down on peaceful protesters and unarmed bystanders alike, killing at least 275 people since the coup, according to a monitoring group.

Torch relay for Tokyo Olympics kicks off its 121-day journey (AP) The torch relay for the postponed Tokyo Olympics began its 121-day journey across Japan on Thursday and is headed toward the opening ceremony in Tokyo on July 23. The relay began in northeastern Fukushima prefecture, the area that was devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and the meltdown of three nuclear reactors. About 18,000 died in the tragedy. About 10,000 runners are expected to take part, with the relay touching Japan’s 47 prefectures.

Taiwan beefing up its defenses (South China Morning Post) Taiwan has begun mass production of a long-range missile and is developing three other models, a senior official said on Thursday, in a rare admission of efforts to develop strike capacity amid growing pressure from mainland China. The island’s armed forces are in the middle of a modernization program to offer a more effective deterrent, including the ability to hit back at bases deep within mainland China in the event of a conflict.

Some Australians return home as others evacuated in floods crisis (Reuters) Australians hit by devastating floodwaters began returning to their homes on Thursday as skies cleared and authorities accelerated clean-up efforts, though fresh evacuation orders were issued in some areas where water levels were still rising. Relentless rains for five straight days—the worst downpour in more than half a century—burst river banks, inundating homes, roads, bridges and farms and cutting off entire towns in Australia’s east. More than 40,000 people were forced to move to safe zones and two men were killed after their cars became trapped in floodwaters. Water continued to flow from overloaded dams and rivers on Thursday, particularly in New South Wales state, leading authorities to urge caution. Major flooding also continues in Sydney’s western suburbs of North Richmond and Windsor, while fresh evacuation orders were issued for some areas in the centre of the state.

One man’s mission offers Beirut neighbourhood a vision of hope after blast (Reuters) The sheer scale of the destruction in Beirut’s Karantina district after the massive explosion at the port last August made rebuilding a daunting feat. That was where Marc Torbey El Helou, a charity worker, came in. The low-income neighbourhood was one of the closest to the blast that killed 200 people. It stands across from the giant, mutilated grain silo that has become a symbol of the tragedy. Helou decided a day after the explosion to dedicate himself, and the aid group he runs, to rebuilding the neighbourhood. Just removing the rubble required 300 truckloads. Some buildings needed immediate help to stop them collapsing. Helou says the same of Karantina’s residents. “There were children here who would not laugh or play for months.” Helou’s charity, Offre Joie (Joy of Giving), has repaired Lebanese districts hit by war and violence since 1985. “Unfortunately, it means we have the experience for this,” said Helou, 33, who has used a wheelchair since a diving accident in 2016. With the Lebanese state hollowed out by decades of corruption and failure, it fell to aid groups and volunteers like Helou to rebuild the city. Offre Joie took on six blocks in Karantina and nearby. That includes the homes of about 350 families. More than seven months after the explosion, one of the largest non-nuclear detonations on record, many residents have yet to return. But the streets are bustling with life again, and the buildings never looked so good. The charity’s budget was trapped in the bank thanks to controls imposed during Lebanon’s financial crisis. But donations poured in from abroad: up to three million dollars in cash, construction material and containers full of food. Thousands of volunteers also came, including engineers and psychologists.

Musical Chairs But The Song Never Ends (NYT) Four elections in two years have failed to give Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the necessary 61 seats to form a coalition government with a majority in Parliament. With more than 90% of Wednesday’s vote counted, Netanyahu’s right-wing alliance had 52 seats and his opponents had 56. And the gridlock extends beyond the election. Administrative stagnation has left Israel without a national budget for two consecutive years in the middle of a pandemic, and with several key Civil Service posts unstaffed. The idea that the political deadlock paralyzing the country isn’t going to get better, and in fact appears to have gotten worse, has Israelis pondering the viability of their electoral system, the functionality of their government and whether the divisions between the country’s various politics—secular and devout, right-wing and leftist, Jewish and Arab—have made the nation unmanageable. A Tel Aviv-based analyst said Israel isn’t yet a failed state, like Lebanon, because it still has institutions. “But there is definitely erosion,” she said. “Not having a budget for two years—this is really dangerous.”

Saudi official denies threat to harm UN Khashoggi investigator (Reuters) A senior Saudi official denied on Thursday he had threatened to harm the human rights expert who led the U.N. investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, after the United Nations confirmed the expert’s account of the threat. Agnes Callamard, the U.N. expert on summary killings, has said that a Saudi official threatened at a Jan. 2020 meeting in Geneva that she would be “taken care of” if she was not reined in following her investigation into the journalist’s murder. She said the remark was interpreted by U.N. officials as a “death threat”. The United Nations confirmed her account on Wednesday, describing the remark as a “threat”. Neither Callamard nor the United Nations has identified the Saudi official who made the remark. However, the head of Saudi Arabia’s human rights commission, Awwad Alawwad, identified himself as the official on Thursday, while denying he had intended any threat.

Stuck ship in Egypt’s Suez Canal imperils shipping worldwide (Washington Post) A skyscraper-sized cargo ship wedged across Egypt’s Suez Canal further imperiled global shipping Thursday as at least 150 other vessels needing to pass through the crucial waterway idled waiting for the obstruction to clear, authorities said. The Ever Given, a Panama-flagged ship that carries cargo between Asia and Europe, ran aground Tuesday in the narrow, man-made canal dividing continental Africa from the Sinai Peninsula. In the time since, efforts to free the ship using dredgers, digging and the aid of high tides have yet to push the container vessel aside—affecting billions of dollars’ worth of cargo. Overall, famed shipping journal Lloyd’s List estimates each day the Suez Canal is closed disrupts over $9 billion worth of goods that should be passing through the waterway. A quarter of all Suez Canal traffic a day comes from container ships like the Ever Given, the journal said. “Blocking something like the Suez Canal really sets in motion a number of dominos toppling each other over,” said Lars Jensen, chief executive of Denmark-based SeaIntelligence Consulting. “The effect is not only going to be the simple, immediate one with cargo being delayed over the next few weeks, but will actually have repercussions several months down the line for the supply chain.”

#headlines #news

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thirteen-beaxhes · 5 years

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Till The End Of the Earth (Tyrus One Shot)

Summary: Cyrus has had his head up in space ever since he was a child, wanting nothing more than to explore the stars. TJ fell in love with plants like they were family, and he is very content to keep his feet firmly on the ground.

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(information not accurate in au)

Words: 8001

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The universe is observed to be 13.8 billion years old has been expanding since its formation in the Big Bang.

Space has revolved around Cyrus’ head since he was a child, the fluorescent, glow-in-the-dark stars stuck hastily on his ceiling providing fuel to his dream every night for many, many years. His mom read him stories about the moon, her words a comforting lullaby.

When he closed his eyes, Cyrus would dream his bed would turn into a spaceship, one with giant windows, and a control panel of just a button and a lever, and Cyrus would smile, pushing the lever forward, propelling him into the stars. He would float off his bed, the lack of gravity making his stomach get that tingly feeling he loved, the one he only got when he was really having fun with his friends. He would fly past Saturn, steering his spaceship around the rings, racing any cosmic being his imagination could conjure. He would eventually sit on the perimeter of the atmosphere of Pluto, hugging his teddy bear, squinting and trying to spot earth.

(He couldn’t. Pluto was 4.6 billion miles away. Even if he combined his binoculars with his telescope, it was only a hazy blue dot.)

Eventually, as he saw the Earth turn about its axis, he would push the lever forward, edging towards Earth, towards the Northern Hemisphere, towards USA, nearer to Shadyside, to his bedroom window. And he would land peacefully, wrapping his blanket tight around himself after his mission.

But sometimes, he would fly to the stars, and fall on the moon. Those days were special, when he never wanted to come back down to Earth. If it were up to him, he never would.

There was nothing Cyrus wanted more than to explore space. Nothing he wanted more.

The flower of the titan arum (Amorphophallus titanium) is the largest unbranched flower in the world and can reach up to 15 feet tall.

In more ways than one, TJ was a boy of the Earth. He loved his feet digging in the dirt, the mud getting stuck in his fingernails. One of his favourite spots in the park was the patch of grass beside the flower bed, where his mom would sit as he ran around the playground.

His mother is the one who introduced him to gardening and nurtured his love of nature and plants. It’s something they bonded over, her patient and endearing smile as she guided his hands, showing him the right way. Their inside jokes, their quiet laughter, their quiet understanding of each other. When he was out in their small garden with his mom, planting and tending to flowers and plants of all hues and sizes, his mind was still, and nothing could bother him.

After his mother had passed away, however, he couldn’t bear to look at the flowers, the plants, the garden. For a long time, he would ask his father to take him out the back door, just to avoid walking past them. How could he, knowing that the flowers were too bright, too vibrant for what his world had become. So, the weeks went by, marching on as they did, and bit by bit, the flowers and plants began to wilt.

One day, many weeks later, TJ was huffing, rubbing his eyes after a bad day in school. Whoever said 5th grade was easy was stupid, he thought as he trudged home. Unaware of his surrounding, he walked in through the front gate, but paused, his eye catching onto something.

The flowers.

They were still hanging on, because TJ’s father had been watering them regularly. But most were wilting, their drooping petals browning on the edges. Because no one had been giving them the specific care they needed.

TJ felt a tear roll down his cheek, and he hastily wiped it away. But he made a decision. As soon as he walked into the house, he dumped his bag in his room, grabbed the gardening supplies his mother used to always meticulously lay out, and headed outside.

Feeling the dirt under his fingers, the smell of the flowers and leaves, it all just came back to TJ as he let out a small sigh, letting the tears roll down. And as he went on, TJ realised that as long as he kept loving and taking care of the plants…

His mother was not far away from him.

Our galaxy will collide with Andromeda Galaxy in about 5 billion years. Some astronomers refer to our two galaxy as a binary system of giant spirals.

Cyrus was walking back home, taking a shortcut through the park. He was clutching his notebook full of drawings and writing close to him, along with some library books, his bag slung over his shoulder. He walked fast, keeping his eyes trained to the ground. He wasn’t trying to run away from anything, but 2 hours out in the real world was more than enough for him and now he just wanted to go home.

As he rounded the corner to the main sidewalk, however, someone walked into him, and Cyrus dropped all his things on the ground, something he noted with a defeated sigh as he bent down to pick everything up.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry! I should have seen where I was going,” the voice above him said, and Cyrus looked up to see a boy with blonde hair and green eyes, looking down at him, clearly apologetic.

“It’s okay,” Cyrus mumbled quietly, gathering some scattered papers. But soon, he saw a pair of hands helping him, the boy gathering them and holding them out to Cyrus.

“No, let me help. Least I could do, right?” he said quietly, chuckling. Cyrus smiled gratefully, taking the papers from him. In doing so, their fingers brushed slightly, and Cyrus could feel his heart beat faster than normal. What was that about?

“Thanks,” Cyrus said with a smile, standing up, the boy following. He was looking at him with a bashful but curious smile, scratching the back of his neck. Cyrus looked up at him, but dropped his eyes down to his shoes, bouncing on the balls of his feet. Eventually, the boy pointed at one of his library books.

“So, ‘From Outer Space’, huh? A fan of space I take it?” he asked, a small smile on his face.

Cyrus smiled, holding the book up slightly. “I have a slight obsession I guess.”

The other boy laughed, nodding. “You know a lot about it then?”

“I like to think so,” Cyrus replied.

“Well, could you tell me a fact?”

“What kind? Specific planet or…?”

“Any kind. Only if you want to by the way,” TJ said, holding out his hands.

“It’s okay, just give me a minute,” Cyrus said, laughing softly as he thought for a minute. Latching onto something, he looked up, with his classic smirk and twinkle in his eyes that was only saved for when he gushed about his love for nebulas and quasars.

“The edge of our solar system is not Pluto,” he said, smiling at the way the boy’s eyebrows furrowed, clearly confused.

“Wait, what? You’re joking, right?”

“Nope,” Cyrus said, popping the ‘p’. For some reason, he was finding the boy’s confused face extremely endearing, and it the butterflies in his stomach go wild. “The edge of the solar system is actually something called the Oort Cloud, but it’s so far away, that even if our diagrams were in the scale they are, it wouldn’t be close to the paper.”

“Whoa,” the boy said, a smile spreading onto his face. “Learn something new everyday,” he said, scratching his ear. “Thanks for telling me that. I have to admit, I’m more into things ON Earth, but space is pretty fascinating.”

“Yeah, it is,” Cyrus said. “Wait, what does ‘things on Earth’ mean?”

“Oh, I like, plants and stuff.”

“Oh! Well, since I gave you a free space fact, I think a fair trade would be a fact about plants,” Cyrus said, throwing in a wink involuntarily. Something that happened to make the other boy extremely flustered, as his face went red, his eyes trained to the ground as he smiled.

“Well,” the boy said, thinking for a minute, looking up. “A sunflower looks like one large flower, but each head is composed of hundreds of tiny flowers called florets, which ripen to become the seeds.”

“What?! No way!”

“Yup,” the boy said with a smirk. Cyrus smiled back at him, amazed. They boy laughed a bit, but looked down at his watch, and his face dropped. “I should, I should probably get going. Sorry again,” he said with an apologetic smile as he turned to walk in the opposite direction.

“Wait!” Cyrus called out, suddenly realising something. “I never said, I’m Cyrus Goodman.”

“Oh yeah,” he said softly, with a short laugh. “Hi, Cyrus Goodman. I’m TJ Kippen.”

TJ Kippen, the boy who knew facts about plants, someone Cyrus would probably never see again.

Scientists discovered the world’s oldest flower in 2002, in northeast China. The flower, named Archaefructus sinensis, bloomed around 125 million years ago and resembles a water lily.

5 years later, and many us and downs later, Cyrus was sitting on his bed, refreshing his email constantly. TJ was lying down at the foot of the bed, tossing a small blue ball up and down as he stared at the ceiling. Cyrus was staring worriedly at his laptop screen, and TJ eventually stopped throwing the ball and sat up, looking at Cyrus.

“Cy, you shouldn’t stare at it so much. A watching pot never boils,” he said, and Cyrus just threw him an unimpressed look.

“I’m sure that isn’t the saying, and plus. The letters are due any day now, and I, I just, I’m scared,” he said, sighing as he set aside the laptop, causing TJ to smile sympathetically. He pushed himself up and made his way to sit beside Cyrus, grabbing his hand and squeezing it.

“It’ll all work out, Cy. I believe in you,” TJ said softly, a comforting smile on his face.

Cyrus smiled gratefully, aware of how his breath hitched at the miniscule space between them. His gaze flicked down TJ’s face, but he brought it back up almost immediately. The soft lighting of his bedroom illuminating TJ’s face in a soft orange glow was not helping Cyrus’ case. It wasn’t any secret at this point how he felt about TJ. And it wasn’t like he thought TJ would hate him. Only last year, they had come out to each other, whispered confessions over a bed in the dead of night, the only sound being their mutual happy tears. But, that didn’t stop his silent puzzle of whether TJ felt the same. So, Cyrus had made an albeit stupid promise to himself. That if he got into Harvard for engineering and astrophysics, he would tell TJ how he felt. But if he didn’t, he’d keep quiet, but continue to remain TJ’s friend. Because whatever their relationship, TJ was incredibly important to Cyrus.

Just as these thoughts raced through Cyrus’ head, he heard a ‘ding’ from his laptop. He snapped out of his daze, suddenly aware of the way he had leaned in towards TJ. He immediately jumped back, grabbing his laptop to distract from the way his cheeks were undoubtedly tinged red.

“Oh God, it’s the school,” Cyrus said, the panic building in his voice. TJ placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him slightly.

“Breathe, Cy,” he whispered, and Cyrus took a deep breath, steadying himself. Here goes nothing, h thought, clicking on the email.

The world was silent for a few moments, as Cyrus’ eyes ran through the email. But soon, the air was filled with surprised and ecstatic gasps.

“I got in!” Cyrus yelled, turning to look at TJ, who beamed back at him. “I actually got in!”

“Cyrus I’m so proud of you!” TJ yelled, pulling Cyrus in for a tight hug. “I knew you’d do it,” he said softly, holding on tight. Cyrus closed his eyes, revelling in the feeling of being in TJ’s arms. As they pulled away, smiles still on their faces, Cyrus noted for the second time that day, the lack of distance between their faces. But this time, it seemed like TJ was also aware of this, his hand still loosely placed on Cyrus’ shoulder, his smile fading away, as his eyes flicked down.

He couldn’t hold it back anymore. Cyrus moved his hand behind TJ’s neck, leaning forward and pressing their lips together, unsure of what was propelling him forward. But as soon as he realised what he had done, he pulled away, horrified.

“Oh, oh my god, I’m so sorry TJ I, I wasn’t thinking. I just, there’s this stupid thing I said to myself, but I shouldn’t have done that, I,” Cyrus began rambling, but before he could continue, he was cut off by TJ pulling him forward and kissing him back. Cyrus was shocked, but wrapped his arms around TJ’s neck, holding him close. So this is what it felt like.

When they pulled away, Cyrus felt slightly giddy, resting his forehead against TJ’s as he let out a small sigh, slightly out off breath.

“I’ve been waiting for that,” TJ whispered, laughing softly. Cyrus smiled, looking at TJ.

“You aren’t the only one.”

The space between galaxies is not completely empty but has an average of one atom per cubic meter.

College was rough, pushing Cyrus to the absolute limit. There were many days where he just wanted to give up, mostly when he was up past 3 am, running on 7 espresso shots, trying to cram information in his brain. But then, he would just look at the posters he had gotten from his house, and shift his eyes down slightly to TJ’s sleeping form on the bed, and he’d smile softly, his hope slightly reinvigorated. TJ was studying botany at a nearby university, and both of them had moved in together after both their first years in college. And Cyrus couldn’t be happier for it, because without TJ, he didn’t know if he would have gotten through university. And he knew TJ felt the same way, and he showed it in the way he would massage Cyrus’ head after a particularly stressful day, he would always make extra coffee for the days before Cyrus’ exams, and how he would leave encouraging post-it notes when he needed motivation. So, when Cyrus walked across the stage at his graduations for both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, he kept his head high, knowing his family and his boyfriend were in the crowd, cheering for him and supporting him.

One day, a couple years after college had ended, and Cyrus had desperately been applying to programs, whilst maintaining a steady job at a downtown coffee shop, TJ heard a shriek form the other side of the apartment.

“TJ!

Cyrus was shouting from the other side of their apartment, and he ran in with his laptop, somehow deftly avoiding their couch. “I got in! I have been accepted into the space exploration training program!”

“Cyrus! That’s amazing! That’s always been your dream!” TJ exclaimed, crushing his boyfriend in a hug, expressing his happiness as much as he could.

Cyrus kissed TJ in excitement and said, “I can’t believe it. I’m gonna be in the program. I may go to space.”

“Not may, you definitely will. I believe in you.”

“Yeah, I know,” Cyrus’ face suddenly fell slightly and he started walking away.

“Hey, wait what happened?” TJ asked, concerned. “Muffin,” he said, lifting Cyrus’ chin, “Is everything okay?”

“If I go, training lasts a few months. Then, if they need me for missions, I’ll be gone for months, if not years, at a time. I can’t leave you for that long,” Cyrus said, his voice cracking and eyes brimming with tears.

“Hey Cy, no listen. Don’t worry about me, okay? This has always been your dream, and I don’t want you to even consider giving it up for me. Ever,” TJ replied, cupping his cheek, trying to comfort him. He pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I’ll be here for you whenever you go and return. Always.”

Moon flowers bloom only at night, closing during the day.

The first time Cyrus had to leave for general training, both of them were in tears, Cyrus holding TJ as tight as he could. Even though it was just training, it would still last for about 8 months.

“I’ll see you in a bit,” Cyrus said with a tearful smile, throwing his bag over his shoulder as he left.

The first 2 months were hell for TJ, and he didn’t leave the house, the phone always on, his laptop always open for any information from the agency. Buffy and Andi, friends Cyrus had made in university, kept coming over, trying to get TJ to leave the house. They never succeeded, but they did end up getting to know each other very well. Buffy and TJ both discovered they had a penchant for competitiveness and basketball, something that they agreed to challenge each other on soon. And Andi was just a lovely person who made TJ bracelets and other knick knacks for around the house to try and cheer him up.

“You know, you should think about getting a job,” Buffy said one day, as she walked about the living room, tutting at the mess TJ had left. “Also seriously, do you ever clean up around here?”

“Hey, I’ll have you know, this mess is very much organised,” TJ said, crossing his arms. “Plus, I don’t know, Driscoll. Are there any available jobs out there?”

“Well you never know unless you walk out there and see,” she said, patting him sympathetically on the shoulder as she left. “Just think about it, Kippen. It could help.”

After she had gone, TJ sighed, picking himself up off the couch and headed over to the growing mini garden on the balcony. As he went to work trimming and watering them, TJ thought about Cyrus. What could he be doing? Probably has that smile on his face, that one of wonder and pure joy when he learns more about something he loves.

He also thought about what Buffy said, about getting a job. It was true that he needed to leave. So, after he had finished tending to his plants, he changed into decent clothes, put on his shoes and walked down the streets, taking in the sights and sounds.

It was a beautiful day, but TJ was keeping his eyes peeled for any ‘Hiring’ signs. As he walked down the street, he noticed a beautiful nursery, full of vibrant and diverse varieties of flowers. Immediately drawn to it, TJ’s feet led him right to the entrance where, by the best stroke of luck possible, there was a ‘Hiring’ sign.

Maybe getting a job wouldn’t be so bad.

Jupiter's moon Io has towering volcanic eruptions.

“I missed you from the moon to back” Cyrus mumbled into TJ’s neck, his body completely wrapped around TJ.

“Oh God Cy, seriously did you have to make that pun?” TJ groaned, attempting to push Cyrus off him in protest.

“Yes, and you love me for it.”

“I don’t know why I do, honestly. I shouldn’t encourage this.”

“Just kiss me already,” Cyrus said, pulling TJ to him and kissing him with all the emotion he could muster to make up for the past 8 months.

“I missed you too, Cyrus. So much,” TJ said, in between kisses. “But a lot has happened while you were gone.”

“Really? Like what?” Cyrus asked, moving them to the couch where he sat down next to TJ.

“Well, I got a job. At a nursery! By the way, you have to meet Marty, my boss. He is an absolute dumbass.”

“Look forward to meeting him!” Cyrus said with a laugh. “Anything else?”

“Nothing really. Oh, I bought more plants, so nothing new there. And Andi and Buffy have been visiting regularly, so I got them to help me out. You’ll be getting angry texts from them about my living situations soon.

Cyrus looked at TJ and felt so proud that he was doing so much and didn’t just sit waiting for Cyrus. Not that it would be bad, but Cyrus knew TJ. He had to be doing something or else he would slip into a listless state that Cyrus had only seen once, but he hated.

“But what about you, Cy? How was training and everything?”

“It was amazing. I’ve learnt so many things and seeing how things work has been incredible. But, I do have a mission assigned to me now.”

“Cyrus, that’s fantastic! I’m so proud of you.”

“But don’t worry. I have to leave for mission-specific training after 4 months only. But...” Cyrus trailed off, unsure.

“But what Cyrus? How long is the mission?” TJ asked, shifting closer to Cyrus on their couch.

“Around 5 months. It’s just a surveillance task, but that means-”

“Cyrus, remember what I told you? Don’t worry about that okay?”

“Yeah, I know. But thanks,” Cyrus smiled at TJ, unable to understand how he managed to find someone so perfect for him.

“Anyway,” TJ said with a soft smile, pressing a kiss to Cyrus’ cheek. “What do you wanna do now that you’re home?”

Cyrus smiled, resting his head on his hand. “Anything. As long as its with you.”

All parts of the oleander (Nerium oleander), a beautiful Mediterranean-native flowering shrub, are poisonous.

They settled into a type of routine as the years went by. Cyrus would leave for missions that lasted around a year including training and actual space travel. And when he came home, he and TJ would relax for a week in pajamas, catching up on every trashy movie possible that had released on Netflix while Cyrus had been gone.

TJ continued to work at the nursery, thoroughly enjoying using his knowledge of plants in a way to help other people. He also began hanging out with Marty and his boyfriend Jonah, outside of work, finding that they were really compatible as friends. Sometimes Buffy and Andi would join them, and the five of them would go out frequently, having a ton of fun. He was grateful for all of them, as it gave him a reason to leave the house while Cyrus was among the stars. Plants and friends and Cyrus became his life, and TJ was more than happy with it.

Cyrus had always loved space, but being in a spaceship, doing work exploring the system and working with the backdrop of the planets, made him love for space overflow. Amidst the great nothingness and the infinite expanse, Cyrus felt at home. There was only place he’d want to be as much as there, at home with TJ. That was the only thing that could compare to the beauty of the great beyond of outer space.

TJ missed Cyrus when he went away, obviously, but he also appreciated the alone time he would get. It allowed for him to connect with plants and nature alone, and it reminded him a lot of his mother, who he know had a habit of speaking to through the plants. He told her everything, about Cyrus, his new friends, his job, his worries. He liked this peaceful time of what felt like reflection.. Besides, whenever Cyrus came home, they clung and stuck to each other, so he liked having the space to himself for some time. And he knew Cyrus felt the same. He knew that Cyrus also appreciated the time he got alone among the planets, head filled with stardust. But of course, he also knew Cyrus missed him greatly, evident from how he wrapped himself around TJ whenever he would return from missions. A little alone time was not a bad thing.

As the years went on, the missions got more frequent. Earlier, when they would have a comfortable spacing of at least 5 to 6 months in between, nowadays, they would be lucky to get 3 or 4 months. And, it was left unspoken between them as they were thankful for any time they got to spend together, but inevitably there would come the day when the mission would last incredibly long, and they wouldn’t see each other for years. TJ didn’t want to think about that day, preferring to just bask in the feeling of Cyrus being near him when he came home.

But he was starting to get frustrated. And he hated himself for feeling that. But he was. Cyrus’ breaks were getting lesser and lesser, and the missions were getting longer. He tried to hide his frustration as best as he could, behind soft smiles and kisses at night in the middle of movies, because it was Cyrus’ dream. And he was achieving what he had always wanted. So TJ would support him, despite his emotions. Besides, nothing would stop their established comeback routine.

Which reminded TJ, as he snapped out of his thoughts to the beep of the oven. Cyrus would be home in about an hour and TJ was excited and relieved. It had been a gruelling 14 months, and all he wanted to do was kiss his boyfriend and spend the next few hours in bed, watching movies and kissing and cuddling.

TJ cleaned up the apartment as best as he could, and set the table, and waited for Cyrus to come home.

After 2 hours, he was still waiting. And waiting. No sign of Cyrus. TJ’s brain started supplying unhelpful worries, feeding into his doubt and fears. Where could he be? He wasn’t picking up any of his calls. Where was he?

After waiting for some more time, TJ just decided to retire to bed, leaving the now-cold spaghetti on the table. Just then, he heard the doorbell. Rushing and almost falling down the stairs, TJ opened the door and there he stood. Cyrus.

TJ tackled him in a bone-crushing hug, but pulled away in annoyance, whisper-yelling, “Where were you? I was so worried! I thought something had happened!”

“I’m fine, TJ. Nothing happened,” Cyrus said, flinching slightly at TJ’s tone. “You didn’t need to wait up for me.”

“Of course I did! I made us dinner and everything. If you want, I can heat it up, though I don’t guarantee its flavour.”

“I already ate.”

For some reason, those words cut TJ in a way he couldn’t have imagined. “Oh. What did you have?”

“Pizza. I went out with the guys from the mission for some catching up.”

Cyrus clearly couldn’t see how that hurt TJ more. Why did it hurt? He was allowed to have other friends.

“But we always have dinner together when you come back, Cyrus. That’s like, tradition.” TJ needed to get it together, his emotions were about to betray him.

“I just wanted to hang out with the guys, TJ. We can have dinner tomorrow,” Cyrus sounded nonchalant, like what he was saying wasn’t sending TJ’s head into a whirlwind or emotions he couldn’t understand.

TJ just turned away and walked into the living room, plopping himself down on the couch, hoping that if not dinner, they could keep their tradition of movies and cuddles and kissing. “You up for some Noah Centineo? The plot’s the exact same as always but this time, there’s crime involved,” TJ said with a hopeful smile, picking up the remote.

“You go ahead, I’m feeling sleepy TJ. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Cyrus yawned out, walking into the bedroom. No goodnight kiss either.

After Cyrus was safely in their bedroom, TJ let the tears fall. He broke down, crying more than he did the first day Cyrus had left. He felt stupid for crying too. He was obviously overthinking everything. That’s what he did. Cyrus was absolutely allowed to hang out with whoever he wanted to after he returned, and it was great he was getting along with his coworkers. But TJ couldn’t help but feel sidelined. Cyrus had just abandoned their plans with no warning, and he hadn’t even told TJ he was going for dinner.

TJ was confused. And hurt. But mostly confused. But he couldn’t tell Cyrus that he felt this way. He had just come home. He didn’t want to make it unpleasant for him. But he knew that as soon as he would see Cyrus he would want to scream it to his face, say that he was hurt. TJ couldn’t risk that. No no. He wouldn’t. He would just try and avoid Cyrus as much as possible. Say he had go to work. Yes, that would work. Besides, chances were based on that night, that Cyrus wouldn’t mind much if TJ were out of his way.

TJ, all out of tears and exhaustion haunting his bones, just lay down on the couch, trying to hide his overthinking brain.

But apparently, avoiding Cyrus was harder than it appeared. TJ woke up early in an attempt to make coffee and breakfast for himself so he could leave for work before Cyrus woke up. The day just after his returns, Cyrus could sleep till almost 3 pm straight. However, as was TJ’s luck, Cyrus was somehow awake and waiting for TJ with two cups of steaming coffee.

Cyrus didn’t look like he had slept very well at all, which was surprising because those missions were exhausting and draining. He slept like a zombie at home. But his face lit up as soon as TJ walked in, making TJ feel guilty for the promise he had made himself at night.

“Good morning,” Cyrus said, wrapping his arm around TJ’s neck and pulling him in for a sweet kiss. “You didn’t come to bed last night,” his eyes dropping on saying that.

“Sorry, I fell asleep on the couch. Super tired,” TJ said, trying to make it seem believable. “How come you’re awake so early?”

“Feeling awake now. Plus, I wanted to see you. Maybe, we can go to the cinema today? My treat! I heard there is this new film that everyone is saying is good,” Cyrus said, smiling as he turned to make breakfast.

“Cyrus, I have work today. So I can’t,” TJ said, avoiding eye contact with him. Cyrus furrowed his eyebrows, tilting his head in confusion.

“You don’t normally have work the week I’m back?”

“Yeah, but Marty needed some extra help and asked me.”

“Then cancel it,” Cyrus said, kissing TJ, wrapping his arms around his neck. No he couldn’t do this. “Tell her you’re sick.”

“I can’t do that, Cyrus. I’ll be back in the evening, okay?” TJ said, pulling away and walking out the door, leaving the house as fast as he could. Cyrus was shocked, and felt as if he had been slapped across the face. Why was TJ acting that way? He wasn’t himself since last night.

Cyrus walked into the living room with his coffee, sinking into the couch. He had cancelled dinner without telling him, and he had gone to bed earlier. Maybe that was what had upset him? But Cyrus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, remembering that he had an important reason. But he didn’t know what was going on.

TJ ran as fast as he could to the nursery, where he couldn’t see Marty anywhere in sight. But Buffy was there, walking around, and as soon as she saw TJ, she narrowed her eyes..

“TJ? What are you doing here? It’s your week off,” she asked, surprised at seeing TJ looking dishevelled.

“Yeah, but I can work, don’t worry, so I’ll just find Marty and tell him,” TJ said, trying to pass off his unusual presence as normal. But Buffy, stuck her hand out in front of him.

“Marty has gone to pick up some things, so he called in a favour. But I don’t believe you,” she said, walking up to him, face written with concern. “Something happened. What is it?”

TJ sighed, knowing that if anyone would know what to do, it would probably be Buffy Driscoll, even if it meant swallowing his pride about their little playful ‘feud’.

“Cyrus came home last night. And we have a tradition of spending the first night only with each other, me making dinner and with movies, and stuff. But he came home much later, saying that he went to dinner with the guys from the mission and he went immediately to bed. Now, I’m not saying Cyrus can’t meet his friends, I’m super happy that he is getting along with them. But, for some reason all these really hurt me? All of a sudden, our traditions were broken, and he didn’t even seem to care. But I can’t tell him this stuff. I don’t wanna ruin the break for him. But if I see him, I can’t trust myself to hide it from him, so…”

“So you are here at work trying to avoid him, aren’t you?”

TJ simply nodded.

Buffy took a pensive breath and said, “TJ, you can’t not tell him and you certainly can’t keep avoiding him. That’ll ruin his break more. Listen,” She grabbed TJ’s hands and continued, “Cyrus loves you. So much. You have to tell him this stuff, maybe he has a reason for it. Even if he doesn’t, you should tell him. You can’t hide from him, TJ. Please don’t.”

TJ looked up at Buffy and sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “You’re right. I have to tell him. But how?”

She smiled, saying, “Just tell him. He’ll listen.” She patted him on the shoulder, but then, an evil grin spread over her face. “So, this meant you needed my help, right?”

“Bye Buffy!” TJ yelled, rolling his eyes as he walked away, Buffy laughing as he left.

Cyrus was waiting for him when TJ got home, his eyes red with tears. That sight alone broke TJ’s heart, knowing that he had caused that.

“I’m sorry, Cyrus. I shouldn’t have just left. But I needed to think about something-”

“Do you still love me, TJ?”

That caught TJ off-guard. “Of- Of course I do, Cyrus. Why would you ask that?”

“You left so suddenly. Like you are trying to avoid me.”

TJ sighed. “Cyrus, that’s not your fault. It’s me.”

“What does that mean TJ? How is it not my fault?”

“Because yesterday, I should have been happy for you that you were having fun with your coworkers at dinner, but I was sad. I was acting stupid because you didn’t come home to me like you always do, and that shouldn’t affect me like that. But it did, I felt sidelined and hurt, and I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t want to hurt you. And now, I have.”

TJ sat down on the couch, frustrated at himself. He almost didn’t hear Cyrus sit beside him.

“I’m sorry, I know I missed dinner, and I know I walked away from you. I just, I couldn’t face you…”

“Why not?” TJ asked, turning to Cyrus in confusion.

“I got another mission offer.”

“Cy, that’s great news! Why couldn’t you face me after this?”

“Because I have to leave in 3 weeks if I accept.”

TJ felt all the air leave his lungs. He was shocked into silence. He looked at Cyrus and saw his eyes were glistening with tears.

Cyrus grabbed his arm and continued, “That isn’t it TJ. The mission,” he hesitated, looking up at the ceiling before turning back to TJ. “It doesn’t have an end date.”

“What?” TJ whispered, his voice choked, unable to believe what he had just heard.

“They don’t know when I will be able to come back. It could be any time after 4 years, could be 7 or even 10. Because I’m exploring new planets,” Cyrus said, tearfully in a broken voice.

TJ was lost for words. 10 years. He wouldn’t live. He couldn’t live. Tears rolled down his cheeks against his will.

Cyrus leaned his head on TJ’s shoulder, his tears wetting TJ’s shirt as they both sat in silence around their collapsing world.

Finally, TJ cleared his voice and said, “Cyrus, this has always been your dream. You should-”

“No,” Cyrus almost shouted, shaking his head violently. “I can’t leave you that long.”

“Cyrus, you can’t sacrifice your dream for just me!”

“BUT YOU’RE NOT JUST TJ TO ME!” Cyrus shouted, standing up. He walked to the other side of the room, hiding his head in his hands. Then, he turned back to TJ. “Do you know, when I’m up in space, there is only one thing I can think of that is as amazing as being there?”

“Cyrus…” TJ started, getting up too, his cheeks wet with tears. But Cyrus didn’t hear him.

“It’s being with you, TJ! Because, all my life since I’ve known you, I love who I am with you! And, as much as I love space, I can’t just leave you,” Cyrus cried, his voice breaking as he sniffed. “I can’t.”

“Cyrus,” TJ said quietly, walking over to Cyrus and cupping his cheeks. “I love you so much, and believe me, I do love life here, but it is a thousand times better when you’re home with me. But,” he said, looking down. “I can’t let you give up on your dreams for me. I can’t do that to you, Cy. Because I don’t want you to regret it.”

Cyrus was silent, tears streaming down his face as he looked up at TJ. “You don’t know when I’ll be back. It could be never.”

“That won’t stop me from loving you, Cy,” TJ said, pulling Cyrus in for a tearful kiss.

And he knew it was true.

Because the fault scarps are relatively small, scientists are sure that they weren't created that long ago and that Mercury is still contracting 4.5 billion years after the solar system was formed.

Those three weeks were a rollercoaster. Cyrus and TJ spent as much of their time together as they could. Things were as normal as they could have been. Neither spoke about the mission looming on the horizon, but it hung over their heads like a sword dangling on a thread, and it followed them wherever they went. Their friends were well aware of the situation, but they never talked about it outright, just exchanged glances every now and then.

The weeks passed by too quick for their liking, and soon enough, Cyrus was packing up his things, and looking around the apartment, mentally saying goodbye to everything. He was to leave the next afternoon, and TJ was trying desperately to keep it together, to be strong for Cyrus. He could break after he was gone.

TJ set down the plate of lasagne before Cyrus, leaning in to give him a kiss before setting his plate down. He was smiling, but anyone could see that it didn’t reach his eyes. They ate dinner in relative silence, unusual for them. But neither could think of anything to say.

Finally, after he had finished his dinner, Cyrus looked up at TJ. “I got you something.”

“Oh?” TJ said with his mouth full, making Cyrus laugh as he walked over to the door where there was a brown paper bag. He pulled out a pot, and TJ gasped quietly.

“Pink carnation,” he said softly, gingerly holding the pot.

“I asked Marty for some help, and he told me that pink carnation means…”

“I’ll never forget you,” TJ whispered, looking up at Cyrus as tears filled his eyes. He walked over to the balcony and placed the pot on the higher shelf.

“Thank you, Cy,” TJ said, leaning in to kiss him. Cyrus kissed back, letting the tears fall, but he pulled away.

“We need to talk about this, Teej,” he said, and TJ nodded sadly, walking over to the couch.

“I love you,” Cyrus started. “So so much. And I am so lucky that I found someone like you.”

“But,” TJ said, squeezing his eyes shut, predicting Cyrus’ next words. Cyrus just sighed.

“I will be gone for who knows how long. And, it isn’t fair to just have you here waiting for me,” he said, sniffing. He looked up to see TJ’s reaction, and he was just nodding along.

“So, you want to break up?” TJ whispered.

Cyrus held his breath, unsure of what to answer. “Well, not exactly. Or, yes, I don’t know,” he muttered, hiding his head in his hands. “But it isn’t fair to just leave you waiting for what could possibly be forever.”

TJ looked up at Cyrus. “I love you, Cyrus.”

“I love you too, TJ.”

“So, what happens now?” he asked, getting up. Cyrus followed him, grabbing his hands.

“Well, we will always be very good friends. And whenever I come back, if we are meant to be more, the universe will let us know.”

After Cyrus had left, most traces of him gone from the apartment, it was like the first time he had left. TJ was broken, but he pushed himself to go to work. His friends noticed this, and immediately did small things here and there to remind him that he wasn’t alone, he had people. And he appreciated them. So, he was able to get through, inch by inch.

He had to get a smaller apartment, the rent too much for just him. So, it was just him in a small, cramped apartment, in a building with an interesting mix of neighbours. But he made it work. And every night, he would look up at the sky, at the stars, and talk. A small part of him hoped Cyrus was hearing him, but he knew he couldn’t. But it helped, knowing he was out there. And things seemed to be getting back on track.

Until it wasn’t.

It had been 4 years, and TJ was just returning from the nursery, having to manage it for a while as Marty and Jonah were on their honeymoon. He was walking into his house, laden with grocery bags, when his phone rang. He unceremoniously dumped everything into his kitchen, and looked at the Caller ID, surprised to see the name of Cyrus’ agency staring back at him. Could he be coming home?

“Hello?”

“Mr Kippen? Partner of Mr Goodman?”

“Speaking?”

“We’re very sorry sir, but there has been an accident…”

The lotus was considered a sacred flower by ancient Egyptians and was used in burial rituals. This flower blooms in rivers and damp wetlands, but may lie dormant for years during times of drought, only to rise again with the return of water.

This was worse than when Cyrus had left for the first time.

Because all the times Cyrus left, and TJ broke down, he new he was coming back, he knew he’d be back home in his arms. But now, it wasn’t true. He wouldn’t be back. He would never be back. Never never never.

He became a ghost of himself, moving from work, to home, empty. His friends were worried about him, and Marty desperately tried to convince him to take time off, but TJ just brushed it aside. He couldn’t not work. Besides, plants were the only thing keeping him tethered to reality.

Plants plants plants. TJ surrounded himself with them, throwing himself into his work at the nursery and then at home, tending furiously to them, hoping to feel better.

This worked before. Why isn’t it working now? Why why why???

Eventually, a couple smashed pots and a broken phone call to Andi later, TJ was crying onto her shoulder, finally letting loose all the emotions he had been keeping bottled up inside for more than a year. She just sat beside him, holding him and whispering words of encouragement as she rubbed comforting circles on his back.

It was what he needed, and bit by bit, he began to pick up the shattered fragments. Nothing would be completely okay, but it got close enough for him to be able to have a picture of him and Cyrus beside his bed without spiralling.

And, a few years after that, he met someone. He had been at a bar, just stopping by for a quick drink before heading home, when he accidentally bumped into Dylan, a cute, brown-haired astrophysics professor. Clearly, he had a type. Dylan had been waiting for someone who had never showed up but, as he went on to keep saying, he couldn’t have thanked the person more.

TJ enjoyed being with Dylan, and eventually let himself fall in love with him, deciding not to let fear rule over him anymore. And Dylan was more than understanding of TJ’s situation, smiling and encouraging every time the topic of ‘Cyrus Goodman’ came up.

“I know you will always love him, and I wouldn’t tell you not to,” is what Dylan would say with a smile and a reassuring kiss. And TJ would smile back appreciatively.

It was night time, on a relatively ordinary day. TJ was pouring a glass of wine for him and Dylan, when Dylan came up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder.

“What is it, babe? I’m just,” TJ said as he turned around, his voice trailing off as he saw Dylan on one knee before him, holding out a ring.

“TJ,” Dylan started. “The day I met you, I was ready to never trust another person again. But then, you waltzed into my life. And I have never been happier. And I knew from the moment I first kissed you, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So, I wanted to ask you. Will you marry me?”

TJ stood there, frozen. A million thoughts ran through his mind, but he couldn’t say anything. But his chest felt stuffed.

“Can I have a moment?” he mumbled, and Dylan nodded, completely understanding, as TJ ran out onto the balcony, shutting the door behind him.

Out in the cold night air, he took a deep breath, and walked over to the pillar on his balcony, and he hugged it, looking up at the sky.

“Hey Cyrus,” he said softly, smiling. “It’s, uh. It’s been a while. Sorry about that. I don’t know if you can hear me, but, I wanted to talk to you.”

TJ took a deep breath. “So, I met someone. Brunette, obsessed with space, so clearly there’s a pattern here,” he said, laughing. “Anyway, we’ve been going out for a couple years and, and I really like him. But now, he’s, um, he’s asked me to marry him,” he said with a sigh. “And this is big, Cy. It’s huge. And, and I think I know my answer.”

TJ looked at the ground, feeling his words getting choked up. “But, for me to give him my answer, I need to do something hard. I need to let you go. For real.”

TJ sniffed, wiping his nose. “You’re so important to me, Cy. But, I need to let you go, or else, I don’t know, I’ll never really let myself be really happy. You’re okay with that, right? If I let you go?”

Just then, a gust of wind hit TJ and he smiled. “Wow, that was quick,” he said with a sad laugh. But he looked up. “I’ll always love you, and I still have your carnations so, that means something.”

He pushed himself off the pillar, and rested a hand on the handle of the door. He looked back up at the stars, twinkling up in space, one last time before going in. “Goodbye, Cyrus.”

He pushed open the door, and Dylan was there, sitting on the couch, a small smile on his face.

“So?”

TJ took a deep breath and looked him in the eye.

“Yes.”

~~~~~~

sorry

#andi mack #tyrus #my fic #tyrus one shot #tyrus fanfic #tyrus fanfiction #au #angst #tj x cyrus #tj kippen #cyrus goodman #buffy driscoll #andi #marty from the party #im sorry

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uberclimb-blog · 5 years

Text

60 Hurricane Safety Tips: Learn What To Do Before, During & After A Hurricane

Introduction

A hurricane also known as a typhoon (in Indian / Pacific Ocean) is a large storm. It typically is identified by a low-pressure center around which there is high speed storm system, high winds together with thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rains. Countries with major coast lines are especially at rise of such storms. They tend to occur every year.

At the focal point of hurricane, air sinks instead of rises. For a suitably strong storm, the air may sink over a layer deep enough to smother cloud formation, in this way making a clear region also called an "eye" of the storm.

Hurricanes take time to develop, usually a few days or more. They typically begin as thunderstorms then become stronger and stronger and grow in size into large scale weather disturbances.

Hurricanes are effectively followed and checked by climate satellites & weather aircraft due to their regularity and potential for destructive damage. In this way, weather agencies are constantly monitoring hurricane movements. Hence if you are in an affected area, it’s wise to keep up to date with latest warnings.

Hurricanes are defined by 5 categories

Category

Wind Speed (mph)

Damage

74-95

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

96-110

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage

111-129

Devastating damage will occur

130-156

Catastrophic damage will occur

>157

Catastrophic damage will occur

Category 1: 74–95 mph . Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

Category 2: 96–110 mph . Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

Category 3: 111–129 mph . Devastating damage will occur

Category 4: 130–156 mph . Catastrophic damage will occur

Category 5: >157 mph . Catastrophic damage will occur

Countries Affected

According to the US NOARA the main countries with most hurricane strikes since 1970 are:-

· United States

· China

· Philippines

· Japan

· Mexico

· Taiwan

· Vietnam

· Australia

· Madagascar

· Cuba

Other Countries

· Mexico – Western coast

· New Zealand

The main Caribbean islands that are struck by hurrianes on regular basis are:-

· Island of Abaco

· Saba, Netherland Antilles

· Grand Bahama, Bahama

· Habana, Cuba

· Key West, USA

· St. Eustatius, Netherland Antilles

· Nevis, West Indies

· Bimini, Bahamas

· Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas

· Tortola, British Virgin Islands

· St. Maarten/St. Martin

Hurricane Season

Northern Hemisphere - May 1st to November 30th for the Atlantic and the Caribbean each year, and the Eastern Pacific hurricane season starts in mid-May.

Southern Hemisphere - Seasons are the opposite of those in the northern, of course, and their hurricane season peaks in March and April.

To help your preparation below are some tips. This is not meant to be exhaustive but more of a guide:-

Before Hurricane Impact

1. Most importantly keep up to date with latest weather updates Useful to have a portable (battery/crank up) radio in case of power failure caused by the hurricane.

2. Check and ensure everyone is accounted for including pets. Also that they know what to do.

3. You could, if you have the funds/space consider purchasing a back up generator with full tank if fuel and a reserve fuel on hand.

4. Prepare for flooding with sandbags, and suitable stock of brooms, mops squeegees, and other absorbents to help remove water and other deposits.

5. If your have trees in your garden or grounds, consider trimming or remove large trees that could fall and damage your or your neighbouring properties.

6. Prior to a storm remove patio furniture, yard decorations and anything not securely fastened.

7. If your child’s school or child care center is in an area at risk from hurricanes, find out how its emergency plans address hurricanes.

8. Inside you home ensure you have enough supplies including spare batteries, first aid kit. Attach tape over windows to prevent any shattering.

You can find suitable types of first aid kits at https://www.uberclimb.com/gear/First-Aid

9. On the exterior of your home, remove/tie down any potential loose objects. Also, close all your home windows and doors.

10.Install permanent shutters to protect windows, doors and skylights from flying debris and wind. You could also, board up windows/doors if required.

11.Strengthen your garage door by replacing it with a pressure-rated model or install a bracing system to prevent the door from failing.

12.If you have to evacuate, ensure all members of your family are accounted for. Check you have full tank of fuel and familiarise with evacuation route & destination. Evacuate as soon as possible when you receive an evacuation notice or you feel in immediate danger.

13.When moving outside avoid potential dangerous places. Especially avoid places where the riverbed is high or close to other waterways. Also, avoid areas likely to have landslides or flooding.

14.Normally, it is advisable to stay indoors whenever possible. Try and avoid venturing outdoors if not necessary. There could be flying debris and other hazards caused by the hurricane.

15.Try and avoid beaches where water can quickly flood in. Also best to avoid harbours areas/, river mouths. These will be venerable at at high tide/high water conditions such as caused by hurricanes.

16.It also advisable to stay away from low lying coastal areas as tides will be much higher and waves much stronger at full tide. Levee breaks also cause serious disaster.

If you are on or near alluvial areas be extra wary. These have increased risks of flooding. Exercise extreme caution because deltas (made of sediment carried by the river and deposited at the mouth of it) and floodplains (region made of accumulated sand carried by regular flooding) can easily be swamped.

18.Also note that river basins and dry riverbeds can also present a serious/life threatening danger of flooding during storms, hence avoid venturing there or leave the area as soon as possible.

Avoid developed land as this is normally made by breaking up hillsides and hence may contain unstable soil and terrain and therefore weaker ground. These areas may slide when downpours or water flooding loosen the ground.

20.Torrential downpour caused by hurricane weather s may cause mountain landslides, and alluvial cones at the foot of a mountain may especially vulnerable. Be especially wary of steep sloping lands of greater than 30° angles and heights of more than 5m may experience a landslide when there are heavy rains.

If you live in mobile home it is safer to go to a shelter.

22. Be sure to fully charge all mobile phones and other battery powered devices. Also, print out emergency contact information in case you lose power.

23.Stock up on groceries, water, medications, and any other necessities such as infant supplies to avoid the need for travel during the storm. You could storage water in a suitable container. One option can be found at

https://www.uberclimb.com/gear/hyrdration/naturehike-food-grade-water-container-large-capacity

24.Ideally purchase appliances that come with built in surge protection or consider a surge protected sockets power strips to plug your electrical devices.

25.Have some emergency cash in case you need to purchase items in areas where there is no power.

26.Check and repair (if necessary) roof drains, gutters and gaps in walls.

27.Remove TV and radio antennas as well satellite dishes from roof areas.

28.Ensure that any storm drains, culverts and catch basins are cleared of debris.

29.Prior to evacuation, bring identification, insurance papers, and other important documents for every family member in your family/group. Obey all special traffic signs and law enforcement orders. Bring adequate water, snacks, cash, and medications.

30.Consider creating a family communications plan that can help ensure that everyone knows how to connect and where to meet during an emergency.

31.Identify a family member or friend to serve as an out-of-state contact so all family members have a single point of contact. Write down or capture two contact methods for this individual such as telephone, cell phone, e-mail address, or social media. Determine safe places where your family can go for protection or to reconnect if separated.

32.Consider signup with American Red Cross Safe and Well social media app. Learn about the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System.

33.Remember, texting may work best before, during, and after a disaster as a text message may be more likely to reach the recipient as it requires far less bandwidth to send than making a phone call.

34.Make sure that everyone, including children, knows how and when to call 9-1-1 for emergency help. Remember, only call 9-1-1 if there is a life-threatening emergency.

35.Store at least one emergency contact under the names “In Case of Emergency” or “ICE” for all mobile phones and devices. This will help someone identify your emergency contact if needed.

36.Those with special medical needs such as oxygen, dialysis etc should go to special needs shelters only. These typically only provide medical monitoring and limited medical care. Bring a caregiver if possible.

It is good preparation to build a storm shelter or tornado safe room. The safest place may be a small, interior, windowless room such as a closet or bathroom on the lowest level of the structure.

38.If possible ensure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer.

Where possible, store food on shelves that will be safely out of the way of (contaminated) water in case of flooding.

Purchase flood insurance in advance of the storm.

41.Create a disaster preparedness kit filled with critical supplies, including important documents and medications. You can find a list here.

42.It is advisable to keep your pets in a designated area in your home. Ensure to place enough water and food in that area. If your pet has special care needs, make sure to provide it. Animals, just like humans, can also feel scared.

During The Hurricane

43.Keep up-to-date on weather status especially in your area.

44.Shut down all gas fired equipment and shut off main gas values.

45.Conserve your cell phone battery by reducing the brightness of your screen, placing your phone in “airplane” mode, and closing unnecessary apps that you do not need.

46.Shut down all non-critical and non-essential electrical equipment.

47.Stay in a secure room and away from windows.

48.If your power goes out, report your outage immediately to your local power company.

Be aware, it typically takes about two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and trucks.

After Hurricane

Ensure that the storm has completely passed before venturing outside.

Also, stay away from downed power lines, flooded areas, and debris. Treat all fallen wires and anything touching them as though they are energized/live. Immediately report downed lines to your power company.

52.If your power is cut, listen to your local radio stations for information and instructions.

If you are encountering hot weather, close drapes and blinds on the sunny side of your house, drink plenty of fluids, take your pets to a cool basement location, and go to an air-conditioned civic center, mall, or library if necessary to stay cool.

54.Remain patient. Every electric company has a detailed plan for restoring electrical service after a power outage.

If possible, try and turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Also, to help ensure your food will keep longer, try and minimise opening the fridge door as much as possible if the power goes out.

56.Check if your local community has a hurricane response plan.

57.Do not move seriously injured individuals. There may be falling debris even more likely if you have high rise buildings.

58.Provide search and rescue personnel with last known location and descriptions of any missing victims.

59.Clear out roof drains, and remove debris from roofs.

60.Check refrigerated items from spoilage if there has been a power failure.

On entering your home do an inspection of every room. However, be careful in entering every room. Keep a lookout for reptiles or other wild animals that may have been driven by floodwaters to higher ground. If you happen to find one, don’t try and handle the animal - instead contact local wildlife authority or agency.

You can find other useful articles at

https://www.uberclimb.com/index.php?route=extension/d_blog_module/category&category_id=1

Useful Sites

North America

The Hurricane Watch Net

https://www.hwn.org

Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/hurricane

DHS Disaster & Emergancy Advice

http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

National Hurricane Center

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php

Asia

Philippines

https://www.pgyc.org/weather.php

Japan

https://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/

Taiwan

https://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7e/prevent/typhoon/ty.htm

Vietnam

http://www.nchmf.gov.vn/web/en-US/43/Default.aspx

Australia

http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/

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h2ohealth · 3 days

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Why Your Home Should Have a Whole House Water System

In today’s world, the quality of the water we consume has never been more crucial. While most households rely on municipal water supplies or private wells, not all sources are created equal, and contaminants can make their way into your home's water system. This is why investing in a whole-house water filtration system is not just a luxury but a necessity. A properly installed and maintained whole-house water system can offer numerous benefits, from improved health and well-being to enhanced longevity of home appliances. However, it is essential to note that not all systems are created equal; selecting a system that is tailored to the specific needs of your household and the unique composition of your water supply is paramount.

Understanding Whole House Water Systems

A whole house water filtration system, often referred to as a point-of-entry (POE) system, filters the water at the main entry point into your home, ensuring that all the water used for drinking, bathing, cooking, and washing is clean and safe. These systems are designed to remove a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and even bacteria and viruses.

Key Components of a Whole House Water System

A comprehensive whole-house water filtration system typically includes:

· Pre-Filters: These filters are designed to remove larger particles like sediment, rust, and silt, which can clog pipes and damage household appliances.

· Carbon Filters: Activated carbon filters are effective at removing chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, and other chemicals that affect the taste and odor of water.

· Water Softeners: These components address hard water issues by removing calcium and magnesium ions, which can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances.

· UV Filters: For households concerned with bacterial contamination, UV filters can kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens without adding any chemicals to the water.

· Post-Filters: These are used to capture any remaining particles, ensuring that the water delivered to every faucet in your home is of the highest quality.

Benefits of Installing a Whole House Water System

1. Enhanced Health and Safety

Contaminated water can harbor harmful substances that pose significant health risks. Even if your water source is considered safe, it can still contain traces of chemicals, heavy metals, and microorganisms. A whole house water system ensures that every drop of water in your home is filtered, providing clean, pure water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. This is particularly important for individuals with compromised immune systems, children, and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to contaminants.

2. Improved Skin and Hair Health

Chlorine and other chemicals commonly found in tap water can strip natural oils from your skin and hair, leading to dryness, irritation, and damage. With a whole house water system, you can enjoy softer skin and shinier hair, as the filtration process removes these harsh chemicals, leaving your water free from irritants.

3. Protection for Your Home’s Plumbing and Appliances

Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. By installing a water softener as part of your whole house water system, you can prevent these issues, leading to lower maintenance costs and increased longevity for appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.

4. Better Tasting and Smelling Water

Municipal water often contains chlorine and other chemicals used for disinfection, which can leave an unpleasant taste and odor. A whole house water system with activated carbon filters can remove these chemicals, resulting in water that tastes and smells fresh and clean, making it more enjoyable to drink.

5. Environmental Benefits

By reducing the need for bottled water, a whole-house water system can significantly cut down on plastic waste. Additionally, these systems often operate without the need for electricity, making them an eco-friendly choice for sustainable living.

Why Customization Matters: Choosing the Right System for Your Water

Not all water supplies are the same, and this is why it is crucial to choose a system that is specifically designed to address the unique contaminants present in your water. A one-size-fits-all approach can lead to inefficiencies and less-than-optimal results. Working with a company that offers personalized water testing and system design is essential to ensure that the filtration process effectively addresses your specific water quality issues.

For instance, if your water has high levels of iron or sulfur, a standard carbon filter may not be sufficient. A tailored system with specialized filters can provide a more comprehensive solution, ensuring that all contaminants are adequately addressed. H2O Health Water & Health Solutions excels in designing and installing whole-house water systems that meet the specific needs of your household, ensuring that you receive the highest quality water possible.

Maintaining Your Whole House Water System

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the ongoing performance and longevity of your whole house water system. This includes replacing filters as needed, checking for scale buildup, and monitoring the overall function of the system. A reliable water filtration provider will offer maintenance services and support to keep your system running smoothly.

Maintenance Tips

· Replace Filters Regularly: Depending on the quality of your water and the type of filters used, you may need to replace filters every 3 to 6 months.

· Monitor Water Pressure: A drop in water pressure can indicate that a filter is clogged and needs replacement.

· Schedule Professional Inspections: Regular inspections by a qualified technician can help identify any issues before they become major problems.

Invest in Your Health and Home

A whole house water system is an investment in your family’s health, the longevity of your home’s plumbing, and the overall quality of your daily life. By ensuring that every drop of water in your home is clean and safe, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your water is free from harmful contaminants. Remember, the key to a successful whole-house water system is customization—finding a system that is specifically designed for your water’s unique characteristics.

For a tailored solution that fits your specific needs, consider reaching out to H2O Health Water & Health Solutions, located in Prescott, AZ. Their expertise in designing and installing custom whole-house water systems ensures that you receive the best possible water quality for your home.

To learn more about whole house water systems and find the best option for your home, contact H2O Health Water & Health Solutions at (928) 899-7504, or visit them at 3250 Gateway Blvd #168, Prescott, AZ 86303. https://h2ohealth.com

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generalpersoncycle · 2 years

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15 Best Pinterest Boards of All Time About pond filtration system diagram

There may be much more to developing a Koi pond than simply just digging a hole as part of your backyard and filling it with h2o. And while the concept of spending countless several hours making the most of A non-public paradise in your own home is pleasing, care need to be taken to assist protect against this desire from starting to be a nightmare. Unlike swimming swimming pools, which can be effortlessly maintained by adding chlorine, a backyard fish pond is surely an ecosystem unto by itself. And not using a persistent refreshing water source, this environment must be managed as a way to guarantee balanced water for Koi together with other pond fish.

There are various crucial parts to take into account when designing any backyard water characteristic. Arguably, the most important of those factors is pond filtration. An acceptable pond filter serves to essential roles. The 1st of such roles, mechanical filtration, entails eliminating fish waste, leaves, and various particles from the pond drinking water. With no filter, this particles would speedily start to deteriorate while in the pond and end in very poor drinking water good quality. This weak h2o high-quality would then cause parasitic outbreaks, fish disease, and in Excessive conditions, Koi fish Dying.

The second job played by a pond filter is called biological filtration. This describes why a lot of pond filters are commonly referred to as bio filters. This sort of filtration will involve making a ample atmosphere to aid the nitrification procedure. In brief, this process involves the transformation of ammonia, which happens to be poisonous to fish, to nitrites, and eventually to nitrates. So that you can obtain this method, numerous bio filters make the most of a media form made to give superior area region. This area place provides an ideal environment for helpful germs progress.

Often disregarded being a "rich male's hobby," the recent expansion in popularity of water gardening and koi maintaining has resulted in numerous business pond filter units getting launched which can in good shape inside pretty much any funds. With lots of options offered; even so, it might be tough For lots of new pond proprietors to discover the very best Koi pond filter for their distinct desires. Several pond filters are rated determined by full pond h2o quantity (gallons), or fish stocking amount (complete fish weight). To various degrees, all these programs have a tendency to offer equally bio and mechanical filtration.

In order to minimize costs, quite a few new pond homeowners try and Make their own individual pond filters using 55-gallon barrels, outdated Rubbermaid containers, or simply old paint buckets. These do-it-oneself pond filters can do an adequate job for scaled-down ponds with very low stocking costs, but will often be tricky to preserve and they are typically ineffective when useful for more substantial ponds. In many cases, pond proprietors with DIY filters eventually elect to improve to some business pond filter system in a few years once they have got developed Bored with the everyday upkeep expected for most Do-it-yourself filter designs.

There are essentially 4 forms of economic pond filter devices available to hobbyists from the USA. These choices include things like pressurized filters, sequential filters, moving bed filters, and bead filters. Down below is often a summary in the features inherent in each of such systems.

Pressurized Filters

Pressurized Filters, which happen to be similar to canister filters frequently Utilized in aquariums, are a preferred option for smaller sized fish ponds and h2o gardens. Lots of of those programs attribute an built-in ultraviolet clarifier, which helps to obtain clear water though preventing algae blooms. Many of these units are available with a submersible pump, that's an added comfort for that pond owner. Laguna ClearFlo Filters, which involve a bio filter, UV, and pump, are Visit this page 1 illustration of this filter sort.

Sequential Filters

Sequential filters generally function by having drinking water pass through a sequence of chambers, with each chamber showcasing a distinct bio media kind. As h2o cycles by way of Just about every chamber, debris is removed, biological filtration is obtained, and drinking water is polished on its way back towards the pond. Matala Filter Media, a bio media precisely designed for use in outdoor fish ponds, is usually used for several of these techniques.

Transferring Mattress Filters

Going mattress filters typically benefit from a floating bio media which floats in water. This media is held in a very chamber which happens to be linked to an air pump. This air pump is then utilized to thrust a constant flow of oxygen in the chamber, which keeps the media continuously relocating. This oxygen prosperous environment with superior floor spot makes a wonderful natural environment for your nitrification method to happen, causing excellent water good quality.

Bead Filters

Also referred to as pressurized bead filters, from the skin these techniques resemble sand and gravel filters usually used to obtain crystal clear h2o in swimming swimming pools. On the inside; having said that, bead filters are extremely distinct. Made specifically for use in Koi ponds, these programs benefit from bio media to be certain maximum floor location for valuable microbes development while also eliminating fine particulates from your pond water. Supplying a compact footprint and easy upkeep, these programs are extremely popular for use in larger ponds with high Koi stocking rates.

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#pond #pond filter #DIY ponds #Youtube

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ayumii · 6 years

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New Orleans

from InterViews X, Ayumi Rahn, 2018

Because

your shoes are on your feet and your feet are on the street and this street is Bourbon Street.

overheard

The past is never dead. It‘s not even past.

William Faulkner

We open the blinds slightly and look outside, about shoulder height. Outside there is a car parked. A man staggers around the hood, he stops in front of the driver‘s door standing with his back towards us. He gets out his dick and supporting himself on the car top with his left arm he pees at the closed driver‘s door in front of him. He puts his dick back in, gets out his car key, unlocks the car door and drops down into the driver‘s seat. The door wide open, his feet still on the street, he dozes off, already far away in another place, his mouth hangs open, utterly stoned.

In the room, the air-conditioning is running as is a large fan on the ceiling, at least one meter in diameter for sure. Intuitively one imagines that here, every room, every smallest compartment, is provided with at least one of them. Here, south, hot and humid, so different that you doubt that this here belongs to the USA, to the United States, to the same United States to which New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Albuquerque belong. To which Donald Trump as well as Barack and Michelle Obama also belong. And the Mississippi River, that name always seemed to me as if it could have easily emerged from a fairy tale. Is there really such a thing as the Mississippi River? Does there exist such a thing? If someone would tell me, that in fact the Mississippi River has been created like the tale of Sleeping Beauty, for the sole purpose of telling a story. A kind of informative story, in this case a story of extraordinary dimensions, I wouldn‘t doubt it. The Mississippi River doesn‘t exist, it’s just a word, a made-up word. A confirmation that you don’t know anything, and you don’t understand either, because you never could get close enough or will you ever and for certain you will never be able to comprehend it all. It’s just so. While here, oversized fans are rotating.

They are rotating in the dark and noisy bars at Bourbon Street, full of music. Parallel to Bourbon Street, just a few blocks away, there lies the Moon Walk, the promenade along the Mississippi River. New Orleans. New Aaaw-lens, is a port city and Bourbon Street might be a kind of „Große Freiheit“ (the „Great Freedom“, a street in Hamburg) it seemed to me, although the scale is different. Drunks, tourists, party mood. Out of nothing, some tourists chat to us in German: In such and such bar, they serve the best Irish Coffee, and they are about to go there now. And, sure thing, the couple said, they also did a Plantation Tour. It‘s all part of the package. And after all they are already here for some days, and now they know their way around. Bourbon Street. Mississippi River. Moon Walk.

The Moon Walk. There, on Mardi Gras, carnival Tuesday, they spread the ashes of the deceased mixed with glitter into the river. While the ashes vanish in the water immediately, you can still see the glitter floating on the surface for a while. A new birth of sorts. In the middle of June, we are sitting on the stairs, looking at the water of the Mississippi River at our feet. A few hundred meters further along a steamboat is piping a swaying, husky melody with its full boiler, while the tourists stand in line waiting for the evening cruise. Broad stairs are leading down to the river, which sloshes against them with slow waves. So very sluggish seeming more like an ocean then a river. But wait, over there, don‘t you see? Is that a body sloshing back and forth and against the debris at the riverside? So very slow, almost with pleasure and without any refusal, back and forth with the waves, like only a lifeless body can slosh. A relatively large dead body, splish, splash, is it a dead seal? But how in the world did a seal get here?

Visiting a swamp is a main attraction. New Orleans had to be constructed, that was certain from the start. There was no way around it. At the mouth of such a big river, at the entrance of such a big country, there has to be a big city, an important city, let‘s say a metropolis. A fact, for sure. In the case of New Orleans, there was no doubt. First of all, wetlands had to be turned into land. You do what you can. The swamps must be drained, then a city can be built upon it. Yet still, giant pumping systems are continuously pumping water out of the swamps, on which the city stands. Otherwise, the city would turn into swamp, it would suck up water like a sponge. What an achievement. Marshland works as a natural defense to hurricanes. As they sweep through the swamps, they lose power. No swamp, no defense.

2005 The lower of Lower Ninth Ward, a district of New Orleans, is the same lower like in Lower Manhattan in contrast to Upper Manhattan. It has often been misinterpreted, that the Lower Ninth Ward is located lower beneath sea level than the rest of the city. In fact, it is just describing the area south of the Ninth Ward. The Lower Ninth Ward is within the area that had been most worst affected by the devastations due to Hurricane Katrina. But why? To protect from various risks- such as the missing swamp defense and the dangerous proximity to the Mississippi Gulf Outlet, the MRGO, which was built as a shortcut for the shipping industry. But working like a large funnel it leads storms directly into the city. To protect the city from several risks levees were constructed. Amsterdam, located below sea level like New Orleans, is protected from flooding by a levee. But what is the use of a levee, if it is built on mud. Against multiple and subsequent engineering failures none of it helps in the end. 2005 because of hurricane Katrina, the levees breach at several points. Instead of 17 meters as is required the levee was barely anchored to the ground. It is washed out and washed away. In 2005 between 1100 and 1800 people died in New Orleans because of Katrina. To this date there is still disagreement as to number of deaths.

There was a lot going wrong in 2005, not to say everything. About 20.000 people took refuge from the storm in the Super Dome and waited for help in inhuman conditions. Help didn’t come. They waited for about a week. Finally, coaches arrived, in which they were being sat, driving them anywhere. Specifically meaning: the people on the bus have no idea where the bus is going. Baton Rouge, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, New York City? The residents of New Orleans, citizens of the United States, are being dispersed throughout the entire country as fugitives, families are torn apart.

And how can you come back home again after it all? When? And what kind of home? Is the house still standing? The insurances refuse to pay. The worst damages are not storm damages but damages caused by flooding. And these are not covered by the hurricane insurances. Soon it is under discussion to just tear down the most affected neighborhoods- in which predominately a black population live. Perhaps turn it back into marshland? What about a health resort? A city park, to promote the health of the city people? And again, the misunderstanding: „The Lower Ninth Ward is just so low, lower than the rest of the city. It is only reasonable to not build it up again. The residents would do better elsewhere after all.” In the chaos that lasted for years, different, mainly white stakeholders see their chance to gain influence in impeding the return of the people that are dispersed throughout the country as fugitives. Houses are torn down. Even those without essential damage. Following thesis is put forward: „Maybe the storm was an act of God, so that the city of New Orleans could rise from the ashes but only white.” Tenants of social housing in the city center are being locked out by their residential districts. The so-called Public Housing Projects were torn down by private real estate companies. More than 99 percent of the affected residents are African Americans, among them primarily single mothers, disabled and elderly people.

The bridge to Gretna. As the city lay in ruins, covered by water, immediately after the storm, a group of people wandered through the destroyed streets looking for shelter, for help and probably for drinking water too. The heat was almost 40° centigrade. Now and then they encountered overwhelmed police officers. Now and then they encountered other helpless people who join the group. Finding a way out together, out of the destroyed city, looking for help. Finally, they were told, they should cross the river. “On the other side of the Mississippi River, there in Gretna, coaches are waiting to bring you to safety.” The group, already in their hundreds, included elderly people, people in wheelchairs and children among them. In the heat, they trudged over the asphalt of the huge four lane bridge, the Crescent City Connection. From a distance, they could see police officers standing on the other side of the bridge. Obviously, they were expecting them. As they came within earshot, they heard the armed policemen shout: “Stay where you are, don’t get any closer, or we’ll shoot.” The people in the group thought they had misheard and came closer. “Where are the busses that will get us to safety? Is there any drinking water? Some of us just cannot take it any longer.” “Turn back, or we shoot”, the Gretna police shouted towards the helpless New Orleans citizens. Gretna, by the Mississippi River, on the opposite side from New Orleans. Then they started firing into the air. The group turned back. “We really thought now they’re going to shoot us.” “We were acting for the safety of the city of Gretna. We couldn’t just let anyone come into our town”, said the police department afterwards. The threat was a group of people escaping a destroyed city. Up to 95% black people. “We‘re not having black people coming into our neighborhood”, that at least is what Larry Bradshaw from the group of the fleeing people understood.

We are doing a swamp tour. Here a swamp is called bayou. A small boat, six people, a silent engine, perhaps we’ll even see a crocodile. It’s swarming with alligators here. The meeting point is at a truck stop on the Pearl River. There huge trucks are parking one next to another, ten, maybe fifteen. Each truck easily the size of one and a half European trucks. A heat of nearly 40° centigrade and nearly 100 percent air humidity. How are you supposed to breath? Is it sweat or air moisture? Everything is soaked. While in every room at least one disproportionate fan is rotating, the whole row of parked trucks keep their engines running. What? Why? What a terrible noise, and what about the environment? The drivers are resting inside, without air conditioning it would be unbearable. In the bayou, the water level is low. You can read different water levels at the trunks of the mangroves. In New Orleans plastic beads are hanging from all lampposts and trees in all colors. Mardi Gras Beads. Here, Spanish Moss is hanging from the branches. In photos it looks damp, like a kind of moss, but it is not, it is rather dry, like a kind of lichen. Garlands. There is a lot of noise in the bayou: chirping, rustling, whistling. It’s going to rain. The hurricane season had started at the beginning of June. Here and there, around the next river bend, we see little huts on stilts. Some are even floating and will rise with the water, others are likely to sink soon, built for one season, just until the next storm comes up or the water rises. Who lives here? What would it be like to spent the night here? What kind of sounds could you hear at night? The huts are about caravan-size. Tiny houses. Most of them have a small porch with a rocking chair. Maybe they watch too much TV, one wonders. Probably not, but one does wonder. At the next river bend, there is a sandbank. Toys are lying scattered in the sand. Really? I thought it was swarming with alligators? And yet children are playing in the sand by the water?On the water which stands motionless in the bayou, a surface like mercury, an infinite number of flies are sitting. Whole nations of tiny flies, sitting on the water surface with their flyweight. The surface doesn’t move at all________________________________ As we are coming closer tiny waves are formed, rolling towards the flies. Now suddenly, they are panicking and start fleeing jumping over each other. In a velocity, so that the panic seems more like an elaborate choreography, which is set in motion by our boat.

As soon as we are back in the car, it starts raining. First it rains, then it pours. Water is whipping over the windscreen like waves. The wiper works in full swing, but just as well one could use it to paddle through the bayou. Not much good. We can also turn it off. We are driving on Interstate 10, which is leading over bridges and lakes and swamps. Quite impressive. But we can’t see anything because of the rain. If we would drive on Interstate 10 to the end, we would arrive in Los Angeles. Water is whipping across the windshield. The street is flooded. Like the END OF THE WORLD. Then the rain stops.The Mississippi River Road runs directly along the Mississippi River, which one does not see, because it is hidden behind a tall wall of grass. Here is where some time ago the richest residents of the United States lived. A map shows it in the Land Registry: Strip to strip to strip. Plantation to plantation sugar cane was cultivated here. The harvest and processing of the sugar cane is very painful, because the leaves are rigid and sharp as razor blades.

The German immigrant Ambroise Heidel founded the Whitney Plantation in 1721. Its name comes from a later owner who ran the plantation after the time of slavery. Today’s owner, John Cummings, a New Orleans lawyer, created the open-air museum and memorial place, the so-called Whitney Plantation Historic District. In a small Baptist church built by free slaves after the civil war we are watching a short introductory film. All around us are dozens of life-size bronze figures of children, girls and boys, in dresses and overalls. These 40 sculptures by the sculptor Woodrow Nash portray the children of the Whitney Plantation, witnesses of the past. Our admission tickets depict one of these sculptures each. One of the children and his name. We learn they are survivors. All sculptures are portraits, each of it made according to original pictures.The survivors are getting a chance to speak about the time when they were other people’s property. Each sculpture is a portrait of a human being with their own name and their own story. On my ticket, I read the name “Henry Reed”. On the back a quotation tells about his life at the plantation. The child on the front is about 7 years old. At the time, Henry Reed was interviewed he was 86. He has survived. On a “Wall of Honor” the names of 2200 children are engraved, children that died at the Whitney and the bordering communities. On average a grown man would survive 7 years of plantation labor. Women usually lived longer. Women were more expensive, more valuable than healthy, strong men, which were used up for slave labor. From women, they could breed new working power. Two human beings were locked up in a cage, until the woman was pregnant. Cages, metal blocks, in which the heat must have been unbearable. Unborn life, valuable property. New life, more capital. The container-sized cages were manufactured in Philadelphia. The whole country was involved, not only the South. In the South is where the nasty business happened, inhuman and murderous, the rest of the country would be turning their backs to it. But here is where most of the millionaires lived.

Before the time of slavery, the US was a subordinate trade partner of the major European powers. After the time of slavery, it became an economic superpower. At the Whitney Plantation Historic District there are black marble memorials with engraved names in commemoration of the victims. One name after another. Names of the people that lived here as slaves. Bodies, which served only to accumulate their owner’s capital. More valuable or less valuable, according to health, sex, working power, fertility and the ability to give birth. One marble block is left blank intentionally. It is for those that remained nameless. A large blank surface. Somewhere on the estate the gong still hangs that marked the beginning and the end of the daily slave labor. A brass plate with a heavy hammer. We get invited to ring it to remember the victims, those who died and those who survived. It sounds heavy and resonates for a while. Even though we had expected unsettling things keeping our composure feels kind of tough. Again, it starts raining. Our guide Ali intently says, that retelling is important. We can all see how deeply he cares, and that he is right. It is not over yet. The half has never been told. He says loudly: Slavery and oppression are not past, it is not over yet. In the USA, more citizens are in jail as in any other country in the world. 25 % of those imprisoned worldwide are in an US penitentiary. Out of 100.000 white US-citizens there are 478 prison inmates, out of the same amount of black US-citizens there are 3.023. Out of more than 35.000 museums in the USA the Whitney Plantation Historic District is the only one dedicated exclusively to the history of the enslaved plantation inhabitants.

The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is located south of New Orleans. On wooden planks one can walk right through the wetlands and explore it. We see swarms of dragon flies, giant locusts and two alligators. Later, we chat with a Ranger. He tells us about an alligator den which is being guarded by an alligator mother somewhere around here. Don’t get too close! The Ranger is a little man with an uncanny resemblance to Steve Buscemi. Maybe because we are from Germany he suddenly starts talking: His ancestors came from Europe. His ancestors settled in the north of the USA. His ancestors didn’t cast out native Americans neither did they murder them, yet they benefited from the fact that others did. When the ships brought tons of cotton from the plantations up the Mississippi River to the north of the country passengers could travel on empty ships back southwards almost for free. So, his ancestors moved on. He says: “My ancestors never traded in slaves neither did they keep slaves, but, again, they benefited from the fact that others did.” From what have we benefitted?

Finally, we want to visit another plantation. I say: the way that they are processing the past of course is American. But they do process it and from the perspective of the victims and of those who survived, that is a good thing. I had no idea and have learned a lot. At TripAdvisor, the Laura Plantation is highly recommended. Five stars, best plantation ever: Immerse yourself in the history. Visitors enter the Laura Plantation through the gift shop. Obviously, the marketing is working. Shower gel, cookies, bottle openers, towels, all kinds of souvenirs, most of them with an image of Laura on it. Laura, youngest member of the plantation owner dynasty, she soon left the plantation to live in a big city, an emancipated woman. At some point, she wrote down her memories of the plantation. That all was not well with it, sure thing. We are a large group, US-Americans from all over the country looking forward to seeing a real plantation. Southern states’ glory, North and South. At least one selfie in front of the mighty oaks that are quite a bit younger than the plantation itself, but never mind: The manor house is a splendor. Our guide is squeezing her PET bottle in her back pocket and introduces herself as Katie: “You know whenever you have a question...“. Her eyes wide open she tells stories of life in the plantation: “Sometimes, when a slave did something wrong they would just, shoot him. And nobody would be accused of murder because: a slave’s life was not worth much.” In the basement, we are seeing life-sized cardboard stand-ups of the plantation owners. It had been the largest plantation so far. The Master and his wife lived like king and queen. Of course, there was a lot of work, with such a giant plantation– “Hey Katie! Is this furniture in the original state?” No, of course not, we just collected it somewhere, who cares. But hey, we planted banana trees: They are thriving in our hot and humid Louisiana climate. “Come on and check it out! Now, let’s have a look at the kitchen, the cooking barn. Here the slaves prepared all their delicious dishes they brought to us from their old homeland, Africa. Jambalaya, Gumbo– watch out: Each paving stone on which we’re standing, each and every brick you’re seeing, the slaves made with their own hands. Brick by brick. From the MUD, that they carried here from the shores of the MISSISSIPPI RIVER…” I mean... whaat? They love the Laura Plantation on TripAdvisor: If you ever wanted to see a major sugar cane plantation, you go there. Gone with the Wind. We are waiting until the whole group has entered the kitchen barn and then we run across the plantation, take the back door out, and breath a sigh of relief to be back in our car.

The series NOLA (New Orleans) is shown in this issue. Ten pieces, watercolor on paper, first the back, then the front. It is all beads, water, water like mercury, flies on the water surface, the bayou, huts mounted on stilts, with porches and rocking chairs, Mardi Gras Beads, mud, mold, Spanish Moss, fans, trucks with their engines running, heat, swamps and wetlands, a levee built on silt, heavy rain, storms, destroyed houses, demolished housing blocks, the Mississippi River, and the millionaires who lived along its shores.

Ayumi Rahn, 2018

InterViews X New Orleans

#artist's book #friends with books #Ayumi Rahn #New Orleans #whitney plantation #Interviews #artzine #nola #watercolor #beyond the bayou tours

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carlsen11bateman-blog · 6 years

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My 10 Best Rated Riverside, CA Movers In 2018 By Opinions

Moving San Diego To Riverside, Our Movers May help!

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esglatestmarketnews · 3 years

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Polycarbonate Market Overview, Trends, Competitive Landscape, Growth Outlook And Forecast till 2024

August 02, 2021: Global Polycarbonate Market is anticipated to reach USD 25.37 billion by 2024 owing to the regulation policies that encourage the use of plastics by automotive OEMs for improving fuel efficiency and reducing vehicle’s weight. Polycarbonate are naturally translucent amorphous thermoplastic plastics. Owing to this feature, polycarbonates can internally transmit light as effectively as glass to sustain greater impacts as compared to other commonly used plastics.

Moreover, the flexibility of polycarbonates enables the manufacturing process at the room temperature with no cracks or breaks to convert without heat application. Despite the material known for its flexibility and strength, the transparency makes them ideal for use for a variety of applications that similar materials cannot offer.

Focusing on the low emissions by the environmental authorities, the automobile manufacturers are emphasizing on developing light weight automobiles. The extensive use of polycarbonate in manufacturing light weight automobiles is one of the major driving factors of the market. Also, the speedy expansion of consumer electronics segment is playing major role in the growth of polycarbonate industry.

Currently, polycarbonate holds considerable share of plastic market and the dominance is predicted to increase in the forecast period. This can be attributed to the growing demand from key end use industries like electronics, consumer goods and automotive. Polycarbonate is widely used for applications across verticals such as packaging, construction, medical devices, which is propelling the growth of polycarbonate market.

Request a Free Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.millioninsights.com/industry-reports/polycarbonate-market/request-sample

On a global scale, polycarbonate material is also used in several structural, safety and aesthetic applications, especially in the automobile industry. The material is used in automotive components and other internal parts like front-end body panels, glazing, and bumper fascia.

Polycarbonate holdsdi-electric and retardance property that makes it ideal to be used in applications like electronics and electrical industries, which induces the growth of polycarbonate industry in the forecast period. Nevertheless, the unstable prices of raw materials like bisphenol A (BPA) is negatively impacting market growth. Additionally, significant cost of polycarbonate and low scratch resistant property of the material is predicted to hamper the growth of the market in the coming years.

Owing to the increase in demand for polycarbonates, manufacturers are developing products that could be used for new applications as well. Some leading players like BASF, Bayer, and DowDuPont are extensively engaged in research & development activities to develop eco-friendly products and comply with the current government regulations. Moreover, to enhance their competitive advantage in the industry constantly, they have been investing in development of modern technologies.

Polycarbonate market is categorized on the basis of application and geography. On the basis of application, the market is divided into automotive components, home appliances, electrical equipment, construction (polycarbonate resins & sheets), medical, food (bottles, water filter systems, dinnerware, tableware, etc.), and security & protection. Among these, electrical and automotive components segments are predicted lead polycarbonate industry. They are expected to remain dominant in future as well since they are widely used in most household appliances and automobiles.

Geographically, polycarbonate market is segmented as North Americas, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to lead the market owing to the increase in demand for the product from various end use industries like transportation and electrical appliances. China manufactures polycarbonate at a high rate and is also the largest consumer of the same.

Browse Full Research Report @ https://www.millioninsights.com/industry-reports/polycarbonate-market

The major players of polycarbonate industry include EVONIK INDUSTRIES AG, Covestro, Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics Corp., Asahi Kasei Chemical Corporation, Bayer AG, LG Chemicals, Formosa, Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd., SABIC, and Teijin Limited, among others.

Market Segment:

Global Polycarbonate Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2024)

• Transportation

• Electrical & Electronics

• Construction

• Packaging

• Consumer Goods

• Optical Media

• Medical Devices

• Others

Global Polycarbonate Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2024)

• North America

• U.S.

• Canada

• Europe

• France

• Germany

• Italy

• Russia

• Spain

• Asia Pacific

• China

• India

• Japan

• Korea

• Taiwan

• Latin America

• Brazil

• Mexico

• Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia

Get in touch

At Million Insights, we work with the aim to reach the highest levels of customer satisfaction. Our representatives strive to understand diverse client requirements and cater to the same with the most innovative and functional solutions.

Contact Person:

Ryan Manuel

Research Support Specialist, USA

Email: [email protected]

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h2ohealth · 1 month

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Why You Should Choose H2O Water and Health Solutions for Your Full House Water System

The Importance of a Full House Water System for Your Home

In today’s world, ensuring the quality of your home’s water supply is more important than ever. As awareness grows about the harmful effects of contaminants, the need for comprehensive water filtration systems has become clear. A full house water system is a powerful solution that guarantees every drop of water in your home is clean, safe, and beneficial for you and your family.

But why is a full house water system so essential for your home? The key lies in its ability to filter all the water that enters your home, protecting against contaminants that can impact your health and damage your plumbing and appliances. Unlike point-of-use filters that only treat water at specific locations; a full house system ensures that all your water is of the highest quality.

Comprehensive Water Filtration for Every Need

A full house water system is designed to tackle multiple water quality issues simultaneously. Whether your water comes from a municipal source or a private well, it may contain contaminants like chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and microorganisms. These pollutants can cause a range of problems, from bad tastes and odors to serious health risks.

Chlorine Removal: Municipal water often contains chlorine, used to kill bacteria and viruses. However, chlorine can form harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs), linked to health issues including cancer. A full house water system effectively removes chlorine and its byproducts, improving both the taste and safety of your water.

Sediment and Particulate Filtration: Sediment and other particles in your water can cause cloudiness and affect the performance of your plumbing and appliances. A full house water system uses pre-filters to capture these particles, ensuring clear and debris-free water.

Heavy Metals and Chemical Contaminants: Heavy metals such as lead and mercury, along with chemical contaminants like pesticides, can be harmful to your health. A full house water system with advanced filtration media effectively removes most of these substances, ensuring safe drinking water.

Preserving the Longevity of Your Plumbing and Appliances

One of the significant benefits of a full house water system is its ability to protect your plumbing and appliances from most of the damaging effects of hard water and other contaminants. Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can lead to scale buildup in your pipes and appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.

Scale Prevention: A full house water system can include components that neutralize the hardness minerals in your water, preventing scale formation. This not only extends the life of your plumbing and appliances but also enhances their performance and reduces maintenance costs.

Appliance Longevity: Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters rely on clean water to function efficiently. Contaminants such as sediment, chlorine, and hard water minerals can cause these appliances to wear out faster, leading to costly repairs or replacements. With a full house water system, you ensure that these appliances receive high-quality water, prolonging their lifespan and saving you money.

Healthier Skin and Hair

The quality of the water you use for bathing can have a significant impact on your skin and hair health. Chlorine and other chemicals in unfiltered water can strip your skin and hair of their natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and other issues.

Gentler on Skin and Hair: A full house water system removes these harsh chemicals and minerals, resulting in softer water that is gentler on your skin and hair. You’ll notice smoother skin, more manageable hair, and an overall improvement in your hygiene when you switch to filtered water.

Why Choose H2O Water and Health Solutions in Prescott, Arizona?

When selecting a full house water system for your home, working with a trusted provider is crucial. H2O Water and Health Solutions in Prescott, Arizona, stands out as the expert in water filtration and health solutions, offering top-of-the-line systems tailored to meet your specific needs.

Expertise and Experience: With extensive experience in the industry, H2O Water and Health Solutions have the knowledge to recommend and install the best full house water system for your home and YOUR water. Our professionals are dedicated to providing personalized service, ensuring that your system addresses the unique water quality issues in your area.

High-Quality Products: We use only the highest quality components in our water systems, ensuring reliable and long-lasting protection for your home. Our systems are designed to be efficient and effective, delivering clean, safe water to every faucet and appliance in your home.

Local Service and Support: As a locally owned and operated business, we are committed to serving the Prescott community. We understand the specific water challenges faced by homeowners in this area, and we are here to provide ongoing support and maintenance to keep your water system running smoothly.

Conclusion

A full house water system is an essential investment for any homeowner who values the quality of their water and the health of their family. By choosing H2O Water and Health Solutions in Prescott, Arizona, you ensure your home receives the best protection from water contaminants. Our expertise, high-quality products, and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the ideal choice for your full house water system needs.

For more information, visit H2O Water and Health Solutions. www.h2ohealth.com

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newstfionline · 4 years

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Monday, November 9, 2020

Trump considers how to keep up fight, find a graceful exit (AP) President Donald Trump never admits defeat. But he faces a stark choice now that Democrat Joe Biden has won the White House: Concede graciously for the sake of the nation or don’t—and get evicted anyway. After nearly four tortured days of counting yielded a victory for Biden on Saturday, Trump was still insisting the race was not over. He threw out baseless allegations of voter fraud, promised a flurry of legal action and fired off all-caps tweets falsely insisting he’d “WON THIS ELECTION, BY A LOT.” Trump is not expected to ever formally concede, according to people close to him, but is likely to grudgingly vacate the White House at the end of his term. His ongoing efforts to paint the election as unfair are seen both as an effort to soothe a bruised ego and to show his loyal base of supporters that he is still fighting. That could be key to keeping them energized for what comes next. Would Trump ever concede? “I doubt it,” said Trump’s longtime friend and adviser Roger Stone, whom the president recently pardoned. As a result, Stone said, Biden will have “a cloud over his presidency with half the people in the country believing that he was illegitimately elected.” Allies suggested that if Trump wants to launch a media empire in coming years, he has an incentive to prolong the drama. So, too, if he intends to keep the door open to a possible 2024 comeback—he would be only a year older then than Biden is now.

Donald Trump has lost to Joe Biden, what’s next? (USA Today) America is unique among established democracies in many ways, among them the extraordinary length of time from an election to the actual transfer of power. Parliamentary systems that have a change in administration make the change overnight. We take 2 1/2 months. That period leaves the losing president in charge, with all his powers, while the winning president-elect prepares to take office. In modern times, this is a complicated process, as the winner creates a large series of “landing teams,” groups of experts and former officials for each agency, department and office that interact with the existing government executives, career and appointed, to discuss policy history, take possession of key documents necessary to understand what the agency has done and why, and plan for a new agenda with a new team. Transitions are not always smooth, even if they occur within a party. Outgoing people are often glum and resentful, and they don’t always feel an incentive to take time from the jobs they are still performing to help their successors succeed in undoing what they have done. Trump has repeatedly refused to commit to a peaceful transition. Also, there are actions he can take as president that will make life for Biden as president more difficult and tumultuous. Expect a slew of executive orders and executive actions. Second, expect a slew of pardons—for Trump himself, for his family and staff, for his Cabinet and other officials facing possible charges of corruption and malfeasance. Next is what Trump can do in the foreign policy arena. Possibilities include ways to make it harder to go back to the Iran nuclear deal, an escalation of tariff wars with China and mischief in the Middle East or the Pacific. Or worse. All that is in addition to the problems that can arise in the day-to-day contact between Trump officials in agencies and Biden’s transition team. Some might cooperate fully; others will move into full massive resistance. Change is coming, but along the way, fasten seatbelts for severe turbulence.

Biden Victory Brings Sighs of Relief Overseas (NYT) For a world that held its breath as Americans went to the polls last Tuesday, the triumph of Joseph R. Biden Jr. over President Trump provoked many emotions, but above all, a profound sigh of relief. As news of Mr. Biden’s victory reverberated from Europe and the Middle East to Asia and Latin America on Saturday, foreign leaders showered him with congratulations. Diplomats and commentators expressed gratitude, satisfaction and even jubilation that a new president would bring a much-needed return to normalcy. The former vice president is a familiar fixture on the global stage, a centrist Democrat who is likely to restore the traditional habits and methods of American power abroad. Mr. Trump, who held no office before the presidency, has been a great disrupter, leaving alliances in tatters and casting into doubt the liberal international order that the United States helped build after World War II. “I feel optimistic for the first time in quite a long time,” said Simon Fraser, a former head of Britain’s Foreign Office. “I’m not expecting a radical change in American foreign policy, but I do expect a change in body language and tone, and a shift away from unilateralism to collaboration with allies.”

Already flooded, South Florida feeling wrath of Eta (AP) Beaches and coronavirus testing sites were closed, public transportation shut down and some evacuations in place early Monday after Tropical Storm Eta made landfall in the Florida Keys, bringing heavy rains to already flooded city streets after leaving scores of dead and over 100 missing in Mexico and Central America. Eta hit land late Sunday on Lower Matecumbe Key, Florida. The system’s slow speed and heavy rains posed and enormous threat to South Florida, an area already drenched from more than 14 inches (350 millimeters) of rain last month. Eta could dump an additional 6 to 12 inches (150 to 300 millimeters), forecasters said.

Azerbaijani leader: Forces seize key Nagorno-Karabakh city (AP) Azerbaijani forces have taken control of the strategically key city of Shushi in Nagorno-Karabakh where fighting with Armenia has raged for more than a month, the country’s president said Sunday. Shushi is of significant military value because it sits on heights about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of the region’s capital of Stepanakert and lies along the main road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia. Nagorno-Karabakh is within Azerbaijan, but has been under the control of local ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since 1994. The latest outbreak of fighting started on Sept. 27 and has left hundreds—if not thousands—dead.

As Hong Kong Law Goes After ‘Black Sheep,’ Fear Clouds Universities (NYT) As China tries to quell the political upheaval in Hong Kong, the city’s universities—ranked among the best in Asia, if not the world—have become potent symbols of the shrinking space for dissent or even discussion. Politically active professors have been fired or denied contracts, in what they call retribution for their criticism of the government. Students are requesting more secure platforms for submitting assignments. Scholars are reconsidering whether Hong Kong is a viable home for their careers. The new law, which gives Beijing the broad power to crack down on political dissent, has even altered universities’ physical landscapes. The University of Hong Kong recently dismantled a wall of protest posters that students erected last summer. At the Chinese University of Hong Kong, a thicket of barbed wire now envelops a bridge where clashes had erupted between students and police. Government officials have been open about their intent to subdue the once-freewheeling campuses, even as they insist that academic freedom remains intact. Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, said last month that the city’s education secretary would meet with university presidents to discuss how they would roll out the law at their institutions. The scrutiny is part of a wider campaign to control education. The Education Bureau has offered to review textbooks, and last month it stripped a primary schoolteacher of his teaching credentials for discussing Hong Kong independence. Beijing’s top official in Hong Kong has called on the government to bolster “patriotic education.”

Japan emperor’s brother proclaimed 1st in line to throne (AP) Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, was formally sworn in as first in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne in a traditional palace ritual Sunday that had been postponed for seven month and scaled down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Sunday’s proclamation for the 54-year-old crown prince paves the way for the government to start discussing what to do with the dire shortage of heirs. Naruhito’s succession left only two younger men in line for the throne—Fumihito and his 14-year-old son, Hisahito. Naruhito’s 18-year-old daughter, Aiko, and the crown prince’s two daughters Mako and Kako are not in line because they are women. Japan’s Imperial House Law, largely based on pre-war constitution, does not allow a female emperor and bars women when they marry commoners. Surveys have shown that most Japanese support having female emperors.

Thai police use water cannons on pro-democracy protesters (AP) Pro-democracy protesters in Thailand were confronted by riot police and sprayed by water cannons Sunday as they tried to approach Bangkok’s Grand Palace to deliver letters about their political grievances addressed to the country’s king. The pro-democracy movement has been pushing a bold challenge to reform the country’s monarchy with almost daily demonstrations. Sunday marked the second time water cannons were used against them during several months of demonstrations. The protesters pushed aside one of several buses that along with barbed wire was serving as a barrier to marchers trying to approach the palace, which houses the royal offices but is only used by King Maha Vajiralongkorn on infrequent ceremonial occasions. The attempt to break through came after police had declared their march illegal and asked for protesters to send representatives to talk. The water cannons were employed by the police for just a short time, and it appeared that no one suffered any serious injuries.

Ethiopia to replace Tigray region leadership as forces clash (AP) Ethiopia moved Saturday to replace the leadership of the country’s defiant northern Tigray region, where deadly clashes between regional and federal government forces are fueling fears the major African power is sliding into civil war. Tigray’s leader told the African Union that the federal government was planning a “full-fledged military offensive.” Neither side appeared ready for the dialogue that experts say is needed to avert disaster in one of the world’s most strategic yet vulnerable regions, the Horn of Africa. Experts and diplomats are watching in dismay as the two heavily armed forces clash. Observers warn that a civil war in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country with 110 million people, could suck in or destabilize neighbors such as Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia. “It’s a very, very bad situation,” Audrey Van der Schoot, head of mission for aid group Doctors Without Borders in Ethiopia, told The Associated Press. Heavy shelling resumed Saturday morning, for the first time since Wednesday, near the group’s outpost in the Amhara region by the Tigray border. It was so close, Van der Schoot could hear it over the phone.

Global uncertainty could risk war (Reuters) Current global uncertainty and anxiety amid the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic could risk another world war, the head of Britain’s armed forces has warned. In an interview aired to coincide with Remembrance Sunday, the annual commemorations for those who have been killed and wounded in conflict, Nick Carter, Britain’s Chief of the Defence Staff, said an escalation in regional tensions and errors of judgement could ultimately lead to widespread conflict. “I think we are living at a moment in time where the world is a very uncertain and anxious place and of course, the dynamic of global competition is a feature of our lives as well, and I think the real risk we have with quite a lot of the regional conflicts that are going on at the moment, is you could see escalation lead to miscalculation,” Carter told Sky News. Asked if that meant there was a genuine threat of another world war, Carter replied: “I’m saying it’s a risk and we need to be conscious of those risks.” Carter, who became the British military chief in 2018, said it was important to remember those who had died in previous wars as a warning to those who might repeat past mistakes. “If you forget about the horror of war, then the great risk I think is that people might think that going to war is a reasonable thing to do,” he said.

#headlines #news

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csvistas2020 · 4 years

Text

The Icy Island

Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The area has had a widely disputed history over the course of the past 2 centuries. The island currently has a population close to 58,000 people only.

Natural Resources

As the Arctic ice continues to melt due to global warming, Greenland’s mineral and energy resources – including iron ore, lead, zinc, diamonds, gold, rare earth elements, uranium and oil – are becoming more accessible. The political establishment in Greenland has made natural resource extraction a central part of its plans to become economically self-sufficient, and ultimately politically independent, from the Kingdom of Denmark. This will be no easy task, and it is made more difficult by Greenland’s rapidly aging population. Global market developments are even less favourable in the short term for commercial production of offshore oil. The conditions in Greenland are very harsh and technically demanding, and the costs of extraction high.

The Greenland government has been making progress in preparing for large-scale mining projects, with some success. The government has been appropriately cautious in developing regulatory structures and building environmental safeguards, while at the same time trying to create an attractive investment climate.

Greenland is widely believed to hold excellent potential for a host of natural resources, including zinc, lead, gold, iron ore, heavy and light rare earth elements, copper, and oil. Considering that only a small fraction of this massive island has been properly explored, in the coming years more data gathering, and analysis would be helpful to assess the full potential of Greenland.

Investments

Though Chinese companies have featured prominently in public debates in both Greenland, Denmark and beyond, in fact we found little evidence to support the idea that Chinese firms are eager to invest in Greenland, despite substantial efforts by the Greenland administration to attract them. Chinese investment in iron ore, for example, has slowed in recent years after a series of ill-advised investments in Western Australia have proved unprofitable and have become a burden on the domestic iron and steel industry. In addition, while there has been widespread concern in Greenland about the potential influx of several thousands of Chinese workers to construct an iron ore mine, we note that for a population the size of Greenland, which has only 56,000 people, the sudden arrival of several thousand workers should always be a cause of concern, regardless where these workers come from. Nevertheless, this is a reality Greenland will have to face if it is to develop large scale mines.

In its quest to secure alternative resource suppliers, the European Union has eyed Greenland with great interest. In recent years European policy makers have developed raw materials policies in which Greenland features prominently. Though it seems too early to draw definitive conclusions about these policies, it is our impression that Greenland can benefit from European support, as its fishing industries have for many years, and that vice-versa Greenland could someday become an alternative supplier of some commodities to Europe. The case of rare earth elements though, which has made headlines in recent years, is at least partly based on misconceptions of China’s interventions in the global rare earth supply chain, and in particular on an apparently incorrect understanding in many western capitals that China has shown a willingness to cut off its supply of rare earth elements during times of conflict. There are also concerns about China’s dominance in the global supply chain.

Strategic Importance

President Donald Trump had expressed interest in buying Greenland. But it had become clear Greenland had no interest in selling, under a self-rule act passed in 2009, Greenland has control over its domestic infrastructure or economic policy issues, but Denmark maintains veto power on security issues.

However, the U.S. doesn’t really need all of Greenland for strategic reasons, because of the basing agreements it already has, including one of the U.S. military’s most important strategic tracking systems. Located on the north-western coast of Greenland, Thule Air Base is the U.S. military’s northernmost base and the only installation north of the Arctic Circle. It is home to the 12th Space Warning Squadron, a cadre of Air Force officers and enlisted personnel that provide 24/7 missile warning and space surveillance using a massive AN/FPS-132 radar. Thule’s position on the globe and its radar’s 240 degrees of coverage — which projects over the Arctic Ocean and Russia’s northern coast — make it an ideal location to track intercontinental ballistic missiles and satellites in low-Earth orbit, including polar orbit satellites.

Besides being a critical site for missile defence and space situational awareness, Thule hosts the Defence Department’s northernmost deep-water seaport and airfield. Those assets would come into play in any sort of military conflict in the arctic, giving the Pentagon forward- basing options if needed.

In 2018, a Chinese government-owned firm was announced as a likely winner for a contract to build a new airport. The 3.6 billion Danish krone (U.S. $560 million) contract would have given China major economic power over the local government, and decision makers in both Washington and Copenhagen worried it could lead to the U.S. being pushed out of Thule – or give Beijing a ready-made airport that could accommodate Chinese military planes in case of a conflict. Eventually Copenhagen and Nuuk reached an agreement, with generous financial support from Denmark’s coffers, to pick a different contractor. But it is likely that China will continue to push for entry into Greenland, underlining its strategic importance once again.

All these variable make Greenland a strategically important site for both China and the USA.

Task at Hand

The Year is 2020 and the Government of Denmark has decided to open up tendering bids for Greenland considering the high maintenance costs and pressure from both the countries. An acquisition of Greenland would give the United States permanent possession of an island that is crucial to its defence. The country would acquire vast amounts of natural resources—whether found or expected—including petroleum and rare minerals. Climate change may by 2030 make the Northern Sea Route the first of the Arctic shipping routes to be ice-free, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and greatly improving accessibility of Greenland's resources.

The United States would become the second-largest nation in the world by land area, after the Russian Federation. It would be the single-largest territorial acquisition in American history, slightly larger than the Louisiana Purchase.

As a representative of the US Government, you are tasked with extensively filling the tender. Before filling the same, you have been appointed by the President to draft a report with detailed information for the following deliverables-

1. Details of Bid Pricing for Purchase of Greenland (Can also be an alternative to money)

a) Pricing Details

b) Sources of Funds

c) Terms and Conditions of Payment

d) Strategies to Strengthen ties with Denmark

2. Vision, Mission and Tier-wise Objectives for the Island

3. Strategies to Develop the Island and make it suitable for economic development

4. Sub-Contracting the Work of Oil Exploration and Drilling

a) List of Companies and their Purpose

b) Terms of Contract with the Companies

c) Payment Structure and costing of Oil Exploration Rights for the Companies

d) Draft a Tender Invitation Letter (Purpose of Tender, List of Requirements, Terms of Payment)

5. Sub-Contracting the Work of Mining

a) List of Companies and Their Purpose

b) Terms of Contract with the Companies

c) Payment Structure and Costing of Mining Rights for the Companies

d) Draft a Tender Invitation Letter (Purpose of Tender, List of Requirements, Terms of Payment)

6. Strategic Alliances for Development of Greenland (International Partners- Both companies and countries)

7. Strategies to Attract FDI in Island

8. Plan of action to develop SEZ’s in Greenland

9. Strategies to make Greenland a strategic base from a military point of view

a) Letter of Objectives

b) Plan of Action

c) Analysis of Sites to develop Defense bases and their strategic Importance

10. Strategies to Gain Control over the Arctic Circle

11. Extensive Cost breakdown of all the above mentioned plans

12. 10 Year GDP forecast of Greenland with Breakdown of revenue

13. Extensive 15 year Phase Wise Implementation Plan

Submit a report with the above mentioned deliverables by 10:00 PM tomorrow. (10:00 PM IST, 8th November, 2020)

May the force be with you.

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