#Gulf Shores AL

[gregnrealestate]

Reviving Brownsville: Escambia County's Bold Gambit to Ignite Entrepreneurial Renaissance

Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Birth of the Escambia County Business Incubator

Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Birth of the Escambia County Business Incubator Escambia County is set to embark on an ambitious journey aimed at fostering economic growth and community empowerment in the historic Brownsville neighborhood. With the unveiling of the Escambia County Business Incubator, the county is paving the way for small business owners to thrive and contribute to the area’s…

[cleanairservicesmi]

The Need for Post-Storm HVAC cleaning in New Orleans, LA and Jackson, MS Cleaning

With its unique geographical location and humid subtropical climate, New Orleans is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. The city braces for hurricane season each year, which can bring severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding. These natural elements pose a significant threat to many aspects of daily life, including the functioning of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. In the aftermath of a storm, one must ensure that HVAC cleaning in New Orleans, LA, and Jackson, MS, is underway for better performance and longevity.   How Hurricanes Affect HVAC Systems   Hurricanes and tropical storms can wreak havoc on HVAC systems in several ways:   Water Damage:   Flooding is one of the most common problems during a hurricane. When water enters an HVAC system, it can cause extensive damage to the unit's electrical components, insulation, and overall structure. Even a small amount of water can lead to corrosion, which can compromise the system's efficiency and safety.   Debris and Contamination:   High winds during a hurricane can carry debris, such as leaves, branches, and dirt, which can get lodged in the outdoor unit of an HVAC system. This debris can block airflow, reduce efficiency, and cause the system to overheat. Moreover, hurricanes can contaminate water, introducing mold, bacteria, and other harmful substances into the HVAC system, leading to poor indoor air quality.   Electrical Issues:   Power surges and outages are common during hurricanes. An abrupt loss of power or a sudden surge can damage the electrical components of an HVAC system, such as the compressor, motor, and wiring. This can lead to costly repairs or even the need for a complete system replacement.   Physical Damage:   Strong winds associated with hurricanes can physically damage the HVAC system. Units can be dislodged from their bases, protective covers can be torn off, and components can be dented or broken. This physical damage can impair the system's functionality and may necessitate repairs or replacements.   The Importance of Post-Storm HVAC Cleaning   Given the potential damage caused by hurricanes, post-storm cleaning and inspection of HVAC systems are essential for several reasons:   Restoring System Efficiency:   Debris and water entering the system during a storm can significantly reduce its efficiency. By cleaning the system and removing any obstructions, homeowners can help restore it to optimal functioning. This ensures that the home remains comfortable and helps prevent a spike in energy bills due to an overworked system.   Preventing Health Hazards:    If not addressed promptly, mold, bacteria, and other contaminants introduced by stormwater can pose serious health risks. Post-storm cleaning helps eliminate these hazards, ensuring that the air circulating in one's home is clean and safe to breathe.   Avoiding Costly Repairs:   Regular maintenance, including post-storm cleaning, can help identify and address minor issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach can save homeowners significant money by preventing costly repairs or system replacements.   Extending the Lifespan of the System:   Regular cleaning and maintenance after a hurricane help ensure the HVAC system remains in good working condition for as long as possible. By addressing any damage and preventing further deterioration, one can extend the system's lifespan and protect one's investment.   In hurricane-prone areas like New Orleans, homeowners must be vigilant about the care and maintenance of their HVAC systems and timely duct cleaning in Gulf Shores and Fairhope, AL. These steps not only enhance the comfort and safety of one's home but also safeguard the HVAC investment for the long term.

[kaustubh-wankhede]

Embark on a blissful escape at Al Mamzar Beach Park in Dubai, where the sun-kissed shores meet tranquillity. Indulge in a rejuvenating day out amidst the golden sands, as the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf dance along the coastline. With lush greenery and pristine amenities, this hidden gem offers a perfect blend of nature and recreation. Whether you seek a family picnic, water sports adventure, or a peaceful sunbathing, Al Mamzar invites you to create lasting memories in a picturesque haven.

[yourdreambeachweddingposts]

Dreaming about a beach wedding? We can arrange the best beach weddings in Alabama with fresh and silk flowers and professional photographers. We offer service packages for your destination beach wedding in Gulf Shores AL. For more information, you can call us at 850-559-5560.

[abettercab]

A Better Cab | Taxis in Gulf Shores AL

We are your dependable and trustworthy go-to for prompt Cab Service in Gulf Shores AL. We have an excellent track record and go above and beyond to satisfy our clients. Whether you want to attend a meeting or need to travel for your personal chores, we are ever-ready to cater to all your traveling needs. Our fleet of spotless, recent-model Taxis in Gulf Shores AL, is thoroughly maintained to assure your safety. Moreover, we always employ professional drivers who possess relevant training and experience to make you reach your desired destination on time and with great comfort. So, if you need our assistance, preschedule our service today with a call.

[myfavoritevoices]

Paramore

Gulf Shores, AL

Hangout Music Festival

5/20/2023

[girlactionfigure]

*ISRAEL REALTIME* - "Connecting the World to Israel in Realtime"

🔹No rockets from Gaza yesterday.

▪️Wall Street Journal: Israel informed the US of its intention to establish a buffer zone one kilometer deep in the Gaza Strip.

▪️Shiite militias of Iraq (Iran supported and weapon supplied) state they have shut down Israel’s Haifa and Ashdod ports via suicide drone attack.  “The Islamic resistance in Iraq began the second phase of the naval blockade of the Zionist entity, which includes: a naval blockade in the Mediterranean Sea and the shutdown of its seaports. The siege on it will continue until the blockade of Gaza is lifted and the massacres in the Gaza Strip stop.”  This is called believing your own propaganda and assuming that your enemy failing to report on it is enemy lies.

▪️Flood alert:  Normal Negev and Dead Sea sites for seasonal rain flow are flooding or expected to flood and must be avoided.  Hiking and nature trips should be suspended.  The National Center for Flood Prediction: a flow has been detected down Nahal Ergot, it is expected to reach Highway 90 soon.

▪️The compound and neighborhood where 21 soldiers fell was destroyed yesterday afternoon.

🔶 GAZA-HAMAS Front 

▪️Heavy fighting continues in Khan Yunis, including airstrikes on enemy terror squads.

▪️Enemy action reports: Violent bombardment in various parts of the Gaza Strip now. Israeli aircraft bombed a group of people (fighters - but we report they were children) on the shore of the sea near Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip.  Heavy concentration of IDF forces southwest of Gaza City.  IDF tanks firing at buildings next to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, south Gaza.

▪️Gaza Now reports that somehow, nobody knows why (sarcasm), the HUNDREDS of trucks of food aid entering Gaza and sent to north Gaza keep not arriving or arriving mostly empty.  Where is the aid going?

🔶 RED SEA-Houthis Front 

▪️The Pentagon:  Since the 11th of this month, we have destroyed 25 missile launch facilities and more than 20 missiles, drones and radars in Yemen.

▪️Due to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the German shipping company Hapag Lloyd announced the launch of an overland corridor from the shores of the Persian Gulf in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea - bypasses the "Houthi problem" and also significantly shortens shipping time - truck shipping the containers across Saudi Arabia and loading them on ships in the northern Red Sea closer to the Suez Canal.

🔶 REGIONAL War 

▪️Iraq:  A wave of American attacks in southwestern Iraq and on the way to Qaim (against Iranian backed Shiite militias that have been attacking US bases).  The area under attack is Jarp al-Nasr, an area that was taken over by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (yes, Iran operating in Iraq).  Iraqi Hezbollah battalions were also attacked.  American planes carried out 5 airstrikes.

🔶 JUDEA-SAMARIA Front 

▪️The village of Urif: our forces blew up the house of the terrorist who carried out the deadly shooting attack near the settlement of Eli on June 20 of last year.

[rentbyhost]

Beachfront, Beach View 1 Bedroom Condo for rent in Gulf Shores, Alabama ...

[cleanairservicesmi]

AC Vent Duct Cleaning in New Orleans and Jackson, MS for Historic Homes 

Cleaning the air conditioning (AC) vent ducts in historic homes and buildings in New Orleans presents unique challenges and considerations. The city's rich architectural heritage and distinctive climate add complexity to what might seem like a straightforward task. Here's an exploration of why AC Vent Duct Cleaning in New Orleans and Jackson, MS in these historic structures is crucial, the challenges involved, and the best practices for addressing these challenges effectively.

The Importance of Duct Cleaning in Historic Homes 

Historic homes in New Orleans, often characterized by their unique architectural features and older construction materials, require special care to maintain their structural integrity and aesthetic value. Properly maintained AC duct systems are vital for ensuring good indoor air quality and the efficient operation of HVAC systems. In older homes, ducts can accumulate significant amounts of dust, mold, and other allergens over time, exacerbated by the high humidity levels typical of New Orleans.

Clean ducts help preserve the health of occupants by reducing allergens and pollutants in the air. This is especially important in a city like New Orleans, where high humidity can promote the growth of mold and mildew. Regular duct cleaning can also improve the efficiency of HVAC systems, reducing energy costs and extending the lifespan of the equipment—an important consideration for the often elaborate and delicate HVAC systems in historic homes.

Unique Challenges in Historic Homes 

Delicate Structures and Materials: Historic homes often contain materials that are fragile and irreplaceable. The ductwork may be integrated with original building materials that could be easily damaged during cleaning. Careful handling is essential to avoid harming the structure.

Access Issues: The design of historic homes can make it challenging to access ductwork. Narrow crawl spaces, hidden ducts, and intricate designs can pose significant challenges for cleaning crews.

Older Duct Systems: Many historic homes have older duct systems that might not meet modern standards. These systems can be more prone to leaks and damage, requiring specialized cleaning techniques and equipment to avoid causing harm.

Mold and Mildew: New Orleans' humid climate creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew growth, especially in older, less ventilated duct systems. Addressing these issues requires a thorough understanding of HVAC systems and mold remediation.

Best Practices for Cleaning Ducts in Historic Homes

Detailed Inspection: A thorough inspection of the duct system is necessary before beginning any cleaning. This includes identifying the type and condition of ducts, checking for asbestos or other hazardous materials, and assessing the overall structural integrity.

Specialized Equipment: Using the right equipment is crucial. Soft-bristle brushes and low-pressure vacuum systems can help prevent damage to delicate ducts. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum systems are recommended to capture and contain contaminants without spreading them throughout the home.

Experienced Technicians: It is essential to hire professionals with experience working with historic homes. These technicians understand the nuances and challenges of such projects and can take the necessary precautions to protect the home's integrity.

Mold Remediation Expertise: Given the likelihood of mold and mildew, working with professionals who are also trained in mold remediation is beneficial. This ensures that any mold found in the ducts is safely and thoroughly removed.

Customized Cleaning Plans: Each historic home is unique, and the cleaning plan should be tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the property. This might include scheduling cleaning during certain times to avoid disrupting the household or using specialized techniques to access hard-to-reach areas.

Regular duct cleaning is vital for maintaining the air quality and efficiency of duct cleaning in Gulf Shores, AL and Mandeville, LA. While the process presents unique challenges, careful planning and execution by experienced professionals can ensure that the historic character of these homes is preserved while enhancing the living environment for current occupants.

[water-ways17]

Living the Waterfront Dream: A Day in the Life at Waterways Gulf Shores

Discover Your Dream Home: Gulf Shores Homes for Sale with Pool

At Waterways, we believe in turning dreams into reality. The key to unlocking your ideal coastal home lies in our exquisite selection of Gulf Shores homes for sale with a pool. Imagine the perfect blend of modern luxury and coastal charm as you step into your private oasis. Our homes are meticulously designed to capture the essence of waterfront living, offering panoramic views and seamless integration with the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Whether you’re a sun seeker or someone who enjoys a refreshing dip after a day of adventures, our poolside homes provide the ideal setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. The sound of water becomes a constant companion, creating a soothing ambiance that complements the breathtaking Gulf Shores landscape.

For those looking to invest in both luxury and practicality, Waterways Gulf Shores also offers an exclusive selection of duplexes for sale in Gulf Shores, AL. These unique properties provide a rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise while enjoying the benefits of shared maintenance costs. With stylish architecture and waterfront access, our duplexes redefine the concept of shared living, offering residents the best of both worlds.

Each duplex is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every resident experiences the epitome of comfort and style. Whether you choose to make it your primary residence, a vacation home, or an investment property, our duplexes are a testament to the unparalleled lifestyle that Waterways Gulf Shores has to offer.

A Day in the Life at Waterways Gulf Shores

As the sun rises over the Gulf Shores horizon, a typical day at Waterways begins with the soft glow of morning light dancing on the water. Residents can start their day with a stroll along the scenic waterfront trails, savoring the fresh sea breeze and the sounds of nature. For those seeking adventure, water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding are just steps away, offering an invigorating start to the day.

After an active morning, it’s time to relax by the pool or on your private balcony, taking in the breathtaking views that surround your Gulf Shores home. The day unfolds with endless possibilities — whether it’s exploring the vibrant local culture, indulging in seafood delicacies at nearby restaurants, or simply unwinding with a book by the water’s edge.

As evening falls, residents gather to witness the stunning Gulf Shores sunset, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and gold. The day concludes with a sense of gratitude for the beauty that surrounds them — a beauty that is not just found in nature but also in the carefully curated homes that make up Waterways Gulf Shores.

Invest in Your Waterfront Dream

At Waterways Gulf Shores, the dream of waterfront living becomes a tangible reality. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of Gulf Shores homes for sale with a pool or the practical elegance of duplex living, Waterways offers a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty.

Don’t miss the chance to embark on your waterfront journey. Explore our Gulf Shores homes for sale with a pool or consider the allure of a duplex for sale in Gulf Shores, AL. Waterways Gulf Shores — where every day is a celebration of coastal living and the promise of a life well-lived.

[eretzyisrael]

by Judith Miller

Last fall, Egypt was on the brink of economic collapse. A decade of debt-fueled spending on a pharaonic-scale had emptied its Central Bank coffers. By February, Cairo’s public debt was 89% of its gross domestic product. External debt had soared to 46% of GDP. The pound, its currency, was one of the world’s worst performing. Unable to import supplies and repatriate profits, foreign companies were leaving, or threatening to leave Egypt in droves. Annual inflation was over 35%, and double that for some food staples. Egypt seemed on the verge of a sovereign default—its first ever.

Then came Oct. 7.

Officials, businessmen, and financial analysts say that however horrific the war has been for Israelis and for Palestinians in Gaza, Oct. 7 has helped save Egypt from economic ruin and growing political unrest. To be sure, Egypt is paying heavily for the ongoing Israel-Hamas war on its border. Its three main sources of revenue—hard currency from the Suez Canal, tourism, and remittances from Egyptian workers abroad—have plummeted by between 30% and 40%. But without Hamas’ horrific massacre, which killed 1,200 people and took another 240 hostage, and Israel’s much criticized retaliation in Gaza, Egypt would probably not have gotten the international financial lifeline that has rescued it yet again from economic ruin, just in time.

“Just after the attack, the government began strategizing, successfully it’s turned out, about how to use the crisis to secure a bailout,” said Ahmed Aboudouh, an Egyptian expert at Chatham House, a London-based think tank. “Oct. 7 helped save Egypt’s economy, at least temporarily.”

Last February, the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, unveiled plans to develop a city by the sea on part of the 65-square-mile peninsula of Ras el-Hekma, one of the few undeveloped areas on the Mediterranean coast, part of a sale worth $35 billion in investment and debt relief, the largest foreign direct investment deal in Egyptian history. Egypt will retain a 35% stake in the project. Since Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the chairman of ADQ, is Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan’s brother and the UAE’s national security adviser, the Ras el-Hekma purchase was far more than a financial transaction. It was part of an Egyptian bailout.

Egyptians bristle at the loss of their nation’s diplomatic clout. By reviving its regional profile, Oct. 7 has bestowed another gift on Egypt.

Then in March, Cairo secured a critical $8 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, with strong American support. The IMF infusion, in turn, opened other foreign faucets. The European Union promptly agreed to provide another $8 billion in grants and loans, ostensibly to help Egypt’s economy, but in reality, to assure Egypt’s help in preventing Arab and African migrants from reaching European shores. In total, the IMF, Europe, and the Gulf have now poured well over $50 billion of foreign currency into Egypt’s cash-strapped coffers. “The U.S., Europe, and the Gulf clearly agreed that the Sissi government could not be permitted to fail,” said Steven Cook, an expert on Egypt at the New York-based Council on Foreign Relations. “Geopolitics has taken over.”

Only months before, the IMF had not completed the review of Egypt’s loan agreement approved in December 2022, thereby withholding a tranche of the $3 billion rescue package, as the government had failed to deliver on agreed benchmarks. While the fund attributed its about-face in March to the increasing damage being done to Egypt’s economy by the Israel-Hamas war—or what it euphemistically called a “more challenging external environment”—absent American pressure on the fund and on Egypt to agree belatedly to financial reforms it had previously rejected, the IMF loan and even the Ras el-Hekma deal would not have gone through. Since Washington is the fund’s largest shareholder with a 16.5% stake, it holds sway over its key lending decisions.

The Biden administration, too, was obviously unwilling to risk the economic collapse and political destabilization of the Arab Middle East’s largest country and the first Arab state to make peace with neighboring Israel in the midst of one of the region’s deadliest wars in modern history and with other conflicts around it still raging—especially since Egyptian mediation with Hamas was crucial to White House policy. “Egypt has proven, yet again,” said Aboudouh, “that it is, as its elite believes, too big to fail.”

[snakebusters]

From Hoser, 2014

FORTITERCARINATA TASTYWHENCRISPY SP. NOV.

LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A313B2E2-777B-458E-96C6-275E219E8698

Holotype: A preserved specimen at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, specimen number R21746 collected from the Tjaynera Falls Area, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, Latitude -13.25 S., Longitude 130.733 E.

This government-owned facility allows access to its holdings.

Paratypes: Five preserved specimens at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, being 1/ Specimen number R21733 collected from the Tjaynera Falls Area, Litchfield National Park, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, Latitude -13.25 S., Longitude 130.733 E., 2/ Specimen numbers R12871 and R12888 both collected from Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, Latitude -13.163 S., Longitude 130.685 E., 3/ Specimen number R12098 collected from Tolmer Falls, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, Latitude -13.207 S., Longitude 130.713 E., 4/ Specimen number R12082 collected from Sandy Creek Falls, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, Latitude -13.25 S., Longitude 130.75 E.

Diagnosis: Fortitercarinata amax (Storr, 1974), until now known as Carlia amax, with a type locality of Mitchell Plateau, Northwest Kimberley District, Western Australia, has been treated by most authors as a single taxon occupying the tropical north of Australia from the Kimberley District, across the Northern Territory to the hilly areas on the south shore of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Divergent from this was Wells and Wellington (1985), who formally named a divergent form from Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Australia (type locality of Koongarra, NT, Latitude -12.9384 S., Longitude 132.8051 E.) as Carlia instantanea and also Storr (1974) who named a taxon as Carlia johnstonei grandensis, from Groote Eylandt in the north east of the Northern Territory, which significantly Wells and Wellington (1985) also elevated to full species status.

Notwithstanding the fact that both “Carlia instantanea” and “Carlia grandensis” have been ignored by all publishing herpetologists in the 39 years since Wells and Wellington (1985) was first published, the molecular evidence of Potter et al. (2016) confirmed the taxonomy and nomenclature of Wells and Wellington (1985) to be correct in stark contrast to that of all other relevant publishing authors in the intervening period.

Herein, the three other unnamed forms identified by Potter et al. (2016) are formally named as new species.

Therefore, the Fortitercarinata amax (Storr, 1974) complex is as follows:

F. amax is effectively confined to the Kimberley District of Western Australia.

F. tastywhencrispy sp. nov. is the taxon from the Western section of the Top End of the Northern Territory, generally in a line west of between Darwin and the Victoria River District, with the centre of the population in the Litchfield National Park and Daly River districts.

F. grandensis occupies most parts of the tropical north of the top end, including Kakadu National Park, areas to the south that are hilly and extending to the west side of the Gulf of Carpentaria and including Groote Eylandt, being the type locality for that species.

F. instantanea contrary to the assertion of Wells and Wellington (1985) is not widespread in the ranges of the top end of the Northern Territory but is in fact confined to a relatively small part of the Arnhem Land escarpment, this being generally near the type locality. It is F. grandensis that is the more invasive and wide-ranging taxon.

F. tasteslikesheet sp. nov. is a range restricted taxon, apparently confined to the English Company’s Islands and the adjacent Wessel Islands in the far north-east of the Northern Territory.

F. faark sp. nov. occurs in the hills of the southern shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria, extending to the Selwyn Ranges in north-west Queensland.

The six taxa are readily separated from one another by different sets of characters as follows:

F. amax is a brown coloured lizard all over, with no significant contrast between the head and body upper surfaces colour, or if there is a contrast, it is usually only slight.

That is the head may be slightly more brownish than the greyish body, although quite often any slight transition in colour may be half-way down the trunk rather than between head and upper body (on neck) as seen as a rule in the other species.

The dorsum of F. amax has semi distinct dark spotting and more distinct scattered tiny white spots, which also run along most of the length of the tail. Other than the light spots and dull darker spotting, no lines run onto the tail from the body either on top or on the sides of the tail.

F. amax has white spotting separated from black spots on the dorsum, versus joined in all other species.

The belly is always whitish in this species, versus various configurations in the other five species, including whitish, greyish, with or without darker markings.

Upper surfaces of the limbs in F. amax are medium brown with dull blackish spots.

Most F. amax have contiguous prefrontals, versus generally not so in all the other species in the complex.

F. amax average 21 subdigital lamellae under the fourth toe, versus 23 in the other five species.

F. tastywhencrispy sp. nov. is separated from all other species in the complex by having slightly larger spotting than all others in the group (except for, F. faark sp. nov. which has similarly larger spots and blotches) and also well contrasting rather than semi-distinct dark and light spotting.

F. tastywhencrispy sp. nov. is separated from F. faark sp. nov. by having more dark spotting on the dorsum and especially the flanks in particular, versus F. faark sp. nov. which has a preponderance of white spotting, especially on the flanks and along the tail where they are prominent in that species alone there.

F. tastywhencrispy sp. nov. is further separated from the other five species in the complex by the fact that above the white line that runs from the front of the eye, under the eye to neck is a well-defined dark upper edge and line (contrasting with the lighter brown above this line). In all other species this dark line is either absent, or at best poorly defined and not strongly contrasting with the brown on top of the head.

F. grandensis has a dorsum that is brownish in colour and with moderately numerous very small dark brown dots, formed at the distal parts of some scales, more-or-less arranged longitudinally. There are occasionally a smaller number of scattered tiny white spots as well. These are less distinct on the flanks, making them more-or-less unmarked. Head on top is light brown and body is darker and greyish brown above. Upper labials are whitish, with slight dark etching and similar for lower labials.

In all other species in this complex, there is a well-defined white line that runs from near the nostril, across the underside of the eye, across the ear and along the side of the neck to terminate just anterior of the front leg.

This is not present in F. grandensis. In F. grandensis under the eye is white, but there is no obvious line extending beyond and along the neck. Instead, this area is the same brownish or greyish colour of the rest of the neck region.

F. instantanea has a dorsum that is greyish on top, not brown. On the dorsum is a series of spots formed by black and white sections joined, the black often in the form of tiny triangles superimposed over a white spot, leaving white on the sides of the black. On the flanks these black bits are expanded to form squares of 2-3 scales in size, with the white spots moved away from the black to form flecks on the otherwise light grey flank. The black on the flanks is in two rows, leaving a line along the mid flank without black. There are tiny white spots on this line as well as the rest of the flank.

Towards the hind limb and onto the tail, the density of the black on the flank increases to form a semi-well-defined band of black that extends halfway along the length of the tail, below which is a well-defined white line. The top of the tail is a medium grey.

Upper labials have thick, well-defined dark bars that terminate under the white line that runs below the eye.

Upper surfaces of limbs are light grey, but heavily marked with dark spots, blotches and bars giving them an overall mottled appearance.

There is a well-defined white line that runs from near the nostril, across the underside of the eye, across the ear and along the side of the neck to terminate just anterior of the front leg.

This is not present in F. grandensis as a species found in close proximity to this taxon and potentially sympatric with it.

F. tasteslikesheet sp. nov. is similar in most respects to F. instantanea but differs from that taxon by being a lighter sandy grey colour on top and with a generally washed-out appearance in terms of the dorsum. There is a greater preponderance of tiny white spots on top, versus the darker blackish ones, including when they are combined, but the white spots are not exceptionally numerous as seen in F. faark sp. nov.. Upper surfaces of the limbs in F. tasteslikesheet sp. nov. are generally light grey with scattered dark spots.

The head of F. tasteslikesheet sp. nov. is a light yellowish grey, rather than brownish as seen in F. grandensis or brown anteriorly and greyish brown at the back of the head as seen in F. instantanea.

F. faark sp. nov. is readily separated from the other five species by having a dull brown head, a dull grey body and an obvious preponderance of numerous scattered tiny white spots on the top of the body, the flanks and all over the tail. Any darker spotting is small in amount, very scattered, very dull and barely noticeable on close inspection.

Upper labials are white and with thin dark etching on the margins. There is no evidence of any dark line above the white line running under the eye. The upper sides of the head are the same colour as on top.

The upper surfaces of the limbs are brown with numerous scattered white spots and a lesser number of dull dark blackish ones.

No lines run along the sides of the tail.

The six preceding species, being F. amax, F. tastywhencrispy sp. nov., F. grandensis, F. instantanea, F. tasteslikesheet sp. nov. and F. faark sp. nov. are separated from all other species in the two genera, Carlia Gray, 1845 type species Mocoa melanopogon Gray, 1845 and Lygisaurus De Vis, 1884, type species Lygisaurus foliorum De Vis, 1884 as defined by Cogger (2014) by the following suite of characters:

Interparietal distinct (as in not fused to the frontoparietals); prefrontals in contact or narrowly separated; 5-8 (usually 6) supraciliaries; 26-35 midbody rows; dorsal scales are 6-sided, each usually with an angular posterior or free edge, mostly bicarinate and strongly keeled, the keels not being well aligned with the following scales; ear opening horizontally elliptical, much smaller than the palpebral disc and with only one small lobule on the anterior edge; 19-28 lamellae under the fourth toe. Colouration is mainly uniform above (more brownish on the head and ending greyish on the lower end of the body but varying with species). Distinct or semi-distinct spots and blotches on the body, all tiny in size and generally not distracting from the more-or-less uniform appearance of the lizard. Venter is white, whitish, whitish grey, with or without darker markings.

F. amax is depicted in life in Storr et al. (1981) in plate 1, photo 6, second from bottom on right and online at: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/177476229

and

F. tastywhencrispy sp. nov. is depicted in life in

and

F. grandensis is depicted in life online at: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/100485324

F. instantanea is depicted in life in Wilson and Knowles (1988) on page 253 middle left and online at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nieminski/5315225943/

and https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195641586

and

F. faark sp. nov. is depicted in life online at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/smacdonald/4539877222/ and https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimny_anders/32492490820/ and

and

and

Distribution: F. tastywhencrispy sp. nov. occurs in the region of the Western section of the Top End of the Northern Territory, generally in a line west of between Darwin and the Victoria River District, with the centre of the population in the Litchfield National Park and Daly River districts.

Etymology: In early 2012, I sat at a campfire with an Aboriginal elder from the Marranunggu tribe in the bushland off the road about 2 hours drive south-west of Darwin.

It was a large corroboree with Aboriginals from all across the top end of Australia.

I asked the man about the skink we had just caught and he replied that when you put some seasoning on the dead lizard and cook it up on the hot coals of a campfire that it becomes “tasty when crispy”. Hence the etymology. The words are adjectives in apposition.

[languages-with-ian]

GULF ARABIC

!السلام عليكم

First, I'd like to thank everyone for 50 followers! Please keep sharing these posts and feel free to suggest a language or ask a linguistic question!

As the FIFA World Cup progresses through the knockout stage, I'd like to take a dive into the dialect of Arabic spoken in the host country, Qatar.

Arabic as a language is a very broad umbrella encompassing a wide array of dialects spoken from the Maghreb (Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, etc. -- the term "Maghreb" (الْمَغْرِب) literally means "the west") to the Arabian Peninsula, and from the Horn of Africa to the Levant. Gulf Arabic, the focus of today's profile, is spoken on the western and southern shores of the Persian Gulf, and to a lesser extent, on the northeast shore. According to Glottolog, Gulf Arabic can be classified as part of the North Arabian Bedouin Arabic set of dialects, part of the Peninsular Arabic branch of the Arabic family. Ultimately, it is a Central Semitic language, the same branch of languages that is home to Hebrew, Phoenician, Ugaritic, Aramaic, and a host of other languages originally native to the Middle East.

Gulf Arabic is spoken by about 10.6 million people (both natively and as a second language), mostly in the Gulf region but also in diaspora. Known locally as "Khalījī" (roughly, "of the Gulf"), this dialect has several features that distinguish it from its dialectal neighbors and from Modern Standard Arabic (MSA, or al-Fuṣḥā - the language of most literature, media, and practically anything else across the Arab world besides vernacular, colloquial Arabic).

Before we dive into particulars, let's take a look at the name, "Qatar". A direct borrowing from Arabic "قَطَر" ("qaṭar" transliterated into the Latin script), it's quite often mispronounced* in English-language media. The Gulf Arabic vernacular pronunciation of the nation's name can be represented in IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet, a.k.a. one of my favorite things) like so: [ˈɡɪtˤɑr]. For the uninitiated, imagine saying the English word "guitar" with emphasis on the first syllable. In the video at the beginning of >this article<, the host uses more of a Modern Standard pronunciation, as evidenced by the initial consonant and vowel ("qa" as opposed to "gi").

*However, if someone says something and they mispronounce it or it's not technically a word and you're still able to comprehend what they're trying to say, I say leave it be! It's the polite thing to do, after all.

The Arabic language originated perhaps as far back as 800 BCE somewhere in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Some dialect of Arabic (though certainly not as differentiated as today's Khalījī) was already spoken in Qatar by the time Muhammad sent Al-Ala'a Al-Hadrami (العلاء بن الحضرمي) to spread the message of Islam to the area in 628 CE (6-7 AH) (note: it is customary within Islam to follow the Prophet Muhammad's name with an honorific, which this website explains a few of). (If anything in this paragraph is incorrect or disrespectful, please let me know!)

As the centuries passed, empires and caliphates rose and fell. Control over the peninsula changed hands several times well into the modern period. Qatar declared independence from - gasp! - Great Britain only on September 3, 1971, and it had previously been under the control of the Ottomans, Saudis, Persians, and many other dominant regional powers.

Owing perhaps to such a tumultuous regional history, Gulf Arabic's phonology has made some notable shifts away from Classical Arabic (the basis for MSA). Due to influence from an influx of foreign workers (particularly from South Asia), a foreign "p" sound has entered the dialect that distinguishes itself from the "b" sound, an expressly non-native phenomenon requiring a modified letter. Remember that "g" sound in "Qatar" from earlier? This is another of the more visible phonological shifts - though depending on the speaker, some may realize this sound like a Persian "q" (something like a "g" but pronounced back by the uvula), a French "r" (you know the one), an English "g" (phew!), or even like a Classical Arabic "q" in some instances.

I have not personally attempted to learn Gulf Arabic, so I can't give my recommendation on any particular learning apparatus over any other, although this website has a few potential paths to proficiency. However, if you find yourself in Qatar for business or pleasure, you may or may not be pleased to find that English is quite commonly spoken among native Qataris, owing to the nation's recent colonial past with Great Britain.

I would also like to make mention of a hidden gem you may have noticed within this World Cup's logo: the "t" in "Qatar" is quite stretched.

This "stretchy letter" phenomenon is known as "kashida", a borrowing of the Persian "kešide" (کشیده), which means "long" or "weighted" (or, in this instance, "extended"). It can be used for various purposes, such as emphasis of pronunciation or meaning, or as an effort by a calligrapher to fill extra blank space. In many stylized calligraphic texts written in Arabic and its descendant scripts, kashida is perhaps one of the more recognizable techniques utilized, even to someone with no knowledge of what is written.

Here's a link to some Gulf Arabic greetings complete with sound files. Even making the effort to learn some of these will go a long way in opening new doors to you!

Here's a playlist of music by Qatari artists! Listen to the sounds of the Gulf.

I understand this post is quite Qatar-centric, but if you're interested in hearing more about the history and culture of the other areas where Gulf Arabic is prominent (Kuwait, UAE, etc.) let me know and I'd be more than happy to talk about them!

What language would you like to see me profile next? Comment or send me a message! Please follow, share, like, and reblog for more linguistics!

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