#Cost-Effective Bird Protection

[fast-safety-nets-chennai]

Transparent Pigeon Nets: Enhancing Views while Preventing Birds

In urban environments, pigeon infestations can pose significant challenges for buildings, compromising cleanliness, structural integrity, and aesthetic appeal. Fast Safety Nets Chennai offers innovative transparent pigeon nets that effectively address these issues while preserving the visual clarity of your surroundings. This blog explores the benefits of transparent pigeon nets and why they are an ideal choice for urban dwellings.

1. Unobtrusive Protection:

1.1 Maintaining Views: Transparent pigeon nets from Fast Safety Nets Chennai provide a clear view through windows and balconies, allowing natural light to enter while preventing pigeons from roosting or nesting. This ensures that your views remain unobstructed, preserving the aesthetic appeal of your living or working space.

1.2 Blending with Architecture: These nets are designed to blend seamlessly with the architecture of your building, whether it's residential or commercial. They do not detract from the building's design, offering discreet bird protection without compromising on style.

2. Enhanced Safety and Hygiene:

2.1 Preventing Health Risks: Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly but also carry potential health risks, including respiratory issues and infections. Transparent nets effectively block pigeons from entering while keeping your environment clean and safe for occupants.

2.2 Structural Preservation: The acidic nature of pigeon droppings can corrode building materials over time, leading to costly repairs. Transparent nets protect your property by preventing pigeons from causing structural damage, thereby extending the lifespan of your building.

3. Noise Reduction:

3.1 Peaceful Living Spaces: Pigeons can be noisy, especially during mating seasons or when they gather in large numbers. Transparent nets help reduce noise pollution by keeping pigeons at bay, creating a quieter and more comfortable indoor environment.

4. Eco-Friendly Solution:

4.1 Humane Bird Control: Transparent pigeon nets offer a humane approach to bird control, preventing birds from accessing unwanted areas without causing harm. This aligns with environmental conservation efforts by respecting wildlife while addressing urban challenges.

4.2 Sustainable Materials: Fast Safety Nets Chennai uses high-quality, eco-friendly materials for their transparent nets, ensuring minimal environmental impact. These nets are durable and weather-resistant, providing long-term bird protection while supporting sustainability initiatives.

5. Cost-Effective and Low Maintenance:

5.1 Long-Term Savings: Investing in transparent pigeon nets is a cost-effective solution for property owners. By preventing damage and reducing cleaning efforts associated with pigeon infestations, these nets offer significant long-term savings.

5.2 Easy to Maintain: Transparent nets are easy to maintain and require minimal upkeep. Regular cleaning to remove dust and debris ensures that they remain effective without compromising visibility or functionality.

6. Professional Installation:

6.1 Expert Installation Services: Fast Safety Nets Chennai offers professional installation services for transparent pigeon nets. Their experienced team ensures precise fitting and secure fixing, optimizing the nets' effectiveness and longevity.

7. Customer Satisfaction:

7.1 Tailored Solutions: Fast Safety Nets Chennai provides customized solutions tailored to meet your specific requirements and architectural nuances. This ensures that the transparent pigeon nets seamlessly integrate with your building's design while delivering superior bird protection.

Conclusion: Transparent pigeon nets from Fast Safety Nets Chennai offer a balance of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability for urban buildings. By choosing these innovative nets, you can enhance views, maintain hygiene, and protect your property from the adverse effects of pigeon infestations. Invest in transparent pigeon nets to transform your living or working environment into a safer, cleaner, and more visually appealing space.

[sairamsafetynets]

Why You Need Pigeon Nets for Your Windows

Pigeon nets are an essential addition to homes and buildings in urban areas, where pigeons and other birds often create problems. From health risks to property damage, pigeons can be a significant nuisance. Installing pigeon nets on your windows is a practical solution to keep these issues at bay. Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai offers high-quality pigeon nets that ensure your windows remain protected while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your property. Here’s why you need pigeon nets for your windows.

1. Health and Hygiene:

1.1 Disease Prevention: Pigeon droppings are known carriers of various diseases, including histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. These diseases can pose severe health risks to humans, especially children and the elderly. Pigeon nets act as a barrier, preventing pigeons from entering your living space and reducing the risk of disease transmission.

1.2 Cleanliness: Bird droppings can create unsightly messes on window sills, ledges, and exterior walls. Regular cleaning can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Pigeon nets help keep these areas clean by preventing pigeons from roosting and nesting near your windows.

2. Property Protection:

2.1 Structural Damage: The acidic nature of pigeon droppings can corrode building materials, leading to long-term structural damage. By installing pigeon nets, you can protect your property from such damage, preserving its integrity and appearance.

2.2 Preventing Nesting: Pigeons often build nests in window corners and ledges, which can block ventilation and drainage systems. Pigeon nets prevent birds from accessing these areas, ensuring your windows and vents remain functional and unobstructed.

3. Noise Reduction:

3.1 Peaceful Environment: Pigeons can be quite noisy, especially when they gather in large numbers. The cooing and fluttering sounds can disrupt your peace and quiet. Pigeon nets help create a noise-free environment by keeping pigeons away from your windows.

4. Aesthetic Appeal:

4.1 Transparent Options: Modern pigeon nets, like those offered by Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai, are available in transparent options that do not obstruct your view. These nets blend seamlessly with your windows, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your property.

5. Cost-Effective Solution:

5.1 Long-Term Savings: While there is an initial cost associated with installing pigeon nets, the long-term savings are significant. You can save on cleaning, repairs, and potential health-related expenses by preventing pigeon-related problems.

6. Easy Maintenance:

6.1 Low Maintenance: Pigeon nets require minimal maintenance. Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, these nets are designed to withstand harsh conditions while remaining effective for years. Occasional cleaning is all that’s needed to keep them in good condition.

7. Environmental Benefits:

7.1 Humane Solution: Pigeon nets provide a humane way to deal with bird problems. Instead of using harmful chemicals or deterrents, nets offer a non-lethal solution that simply prevents pigeons from accessing certain areas.

8. Increased Property Value:

8.1 Attractive Feature: Prospective buyers often look for properties with added safety and cleanliness features. Installing pigeon nets can enhance the value of your property by showcasing your commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy living environment.

Why Choose Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai:

1. Expertise and Experience: Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai has extensive experience in providing bird-proofing solutions. Their professional team ensures precise installation and effective coverage.

2. Quality Materials: They use high-quality, UV-stabilized materials that are durable and long-lasting, ensuring your pigeon nets remain effective for years.

3. Custom Solutions: Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai offers customized solutions tailored to fit your specific needs and window dimensions, providing optimal protection.

4. Professional Installation: Proper installation is crucial for the effectiveness of pigeon nets. Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai ensures that nets are securely and aesthetically installed, offering peace of mind and maximum protection.

Conclusion: Pigeon nets are an essential investment for urban properties, offering numerous benefits from health protection to property preservation. Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai provides high-quality, durable pigeon nets that ensure your windows are safe, clean, and free from bird-related issues. Enhance your living environment with the best pigeon net solutions available.

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - May 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Support me on Ko-fi or $Kaybarr1735! Also, if you tip me on Ko-fi or CashApp (and give me some way to contact you if it doesn’t automatically), at the end of the month I'll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn't use each week - almost double the content!

1. Scientists Invent Healthier More Sustainable Chocolate

“The new chocolate recipe from researchers at ETH Zurich uses more materials from the cocoa pod that are usually discarded, including more of the pulp as well as the inner lining of the husk, known as the endocarp. […] The resulting chocolate also [was “deliciously sweet” and] had 20% more fibre and 30 percent less saturated fat than average European dark chocolate[, and] it could enable cocoa farmers [to] earn more from their crops.”

2. Vermont Is Coming for Big Oil, Making It Pay for Decades of Climate Pollution

“Legislators in Montpelier are on the brink of enacting the "Climate Superfund Act," modeled after the federal Superfund law, that seeks to make oil, gas and coal companies pay for damages linked to historical greenhouse gas emissions. […] Companies would be held liable for the costs associated with […] floods and heat waves, along with losses to biodiversity, safety, economic development and anything else the treasurer deems reasonable[, that were caused by their emissions].”

3. Important bird habitat now protected in the Rocky Mountain Trench

“Grassland-reliant species in the Rocky Mountain Trench now have more protected habitat thanks to a new [270-hectare] conservation area near Cranbrook. […] About one-third of the Skookumchuck Prairie Conservation Area is forested[…,] Most of the site is a dry grassland[…, and] Three hectares of wetlands add to the landscape diversity and offer crucial benefits to wildlife and water systems in the area. This conservation gem also provides habitat for endangered American badger and excellent winter range for elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer.”

4. Lemur Week marked by 70th breeding success

“A wildlife park has celebrated its 70th lemur breeding success ahead of a week raising money to help save the endangered primates. […] The park's open-air Madagascar exhibit is home to 31 free-roaming lemurs and was officially opened in 2008. […] Females are only sexually receptive for just one or two days a year, leaving a small window of opportunity for males to father offspring. […] The two playful siblings, one female and one male, were born to father Bernard and mother Hira.”

5. Innovative material for sustainable building

“Researchers introduce a polymer-based material with unique properties. This material allows sunlight to enter, maintains a more comfortable indoor climate without additional energy, and cleans itself like a lotus leaf. The new development could replace glass components in walls and roofs in the future.”

6. Isle of Wight eagles don't pose threat to lambs as feared

“While there had previously been fears that the eagles would feed on livestock, such as lambs, the project has found no evidence of this. [… “W]hite-tailed eagles effectively steal meals from other predatory birds[, which is] a really important ecological role that had been lost within the landscape and is being restored.” [… The birds’] population was boosted by a chick last year – the first time the species has bred in England in 240 years.”

7. Breakthrough discovery uses engineered surfaces to shed heat

“Cheng's team has found a way to lower the starting point of the [Leidenfrost] effect by producing a surface covered with micropillars. […] The discovery has great potential in heat transfer applications such as the cooling of industrial machines and surface fouling cleaning for heat exchangers. It also could help prevent damage and even disaster to nuclear machinery.”

8. New malaria vaccine delivered for the first time

“A total of 43,000 doses arrived by air today from UNICEF, and another 120,000 are scheduled to show up in the coming days. […] They're the first vaccines designed to work against a human parasite. […] Across four African countries, these trials showed a 75% reduction in malaria cases in the year following vaccination of young children. […] The Serum Institute of India, who will be manufacturing the new vaccine, says a hundred million doses will likely be available to countries by the middle of next year.”

9. Urban gardening may improve human health: Microbial exposure boosts immune system

“"One month of urban indoor gardening boosted the diversity of bacteria on the skin of the subjects and was associated with higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the blood. The group studied used a growing medium with high microbial diversity emulating the forest soil," [… whereas] the control group used a microbially poor peat-based medium. [… N]o changes in the blood or the skin microbiota were seen. […] “This is the first time we can demonstrate that meaningful and natural human activity can increase the diversity of the microbiota of healthy adults and, at the same time, contribute to the regulation of the immune system."”

10. Cities Are Switching to Electric Vehicles Faster Than Individuals

“[M]ost large cities have adopted some kind of climate goal, and some of them are buying EVs for their municipal fleets at a faster rate than the general public. And that progress could speed up as more EVs enter the market and as cities get educated about grant funding and tax incentives that were passed over the last four years.”

May 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[mariacallous]

Within just the last week or so, Elon Musk’s DOGE hit team of mostly young, almost exclusively male engineers and executives have done the following:

Pushed a website live to track “savings” that showed no savings for several days, and made it trivially easy for random people on the internet to make changes to it.

Published classified information on that same website.

Got called out for accidentally inflating that savings amount by $7,992,000,000, and doubled down on their inaccuracy before they fixed it.

Fired hundreds of people who work on nuclear security, then scrambled to rehire them, except they had nuked all the work email addresses and personnel files so they didn’t know how to get in touch.

Basically the same deal, except with the US Department of Agriculture employees working to protect the country from a looming bird flu crisis.

Rehired a 25-year-old engineer with a stack of racist tweets to his name.

Spouted a bunch of nonsense conspiracy theories about who’s getting Social Security benefits. (Okay, that was all Musk.)

That’s just a sampling. It doesn’t include the damage born of purging thousands of workers across multiple government agencies, the consequences of which will reverberate in both obvious and unexpected ways for a generation—not to mention the near-term impact that arbitrarily spiking the unemployment rate will have on the US economy. It doesn’t include the opportunity cost of tossing hundreds of government contracts and programs into a bonfire.

This is just the truly dumb stuff, the peek behind the veil of DOGE, the confirmation that all of this destruction is, in fact, as specious and arbitrary as it seems. When in doubt, tear it all down, see what breaks, assume you can repair it—maybe with AI? It’s the federal government; how hard can it be?

This is incompetence born of self-confidence. It’s a familiar Silicon Valley mindset, the reason startups are forever reinventing a bus, or a bodega, or mail. It’s the implacable certainty that if you’re smart at one thing you must be smart at all of the things.

It doesn’t work like that. Michael Jordan is the best basketball player of all time; when he turned to baseball in 1994, Jordan hit .202 in 127 games for the AA Birmingham Barons. (For anyone unfamiliar with baseball stats, this is very bad. Embarrassing, honestly.) Elon Musk is the undisputed champion of making money for Elon Musk. As effectively the CEO of the United States of America? Very bad. Embarrassing, honestly.

Just look at all of those firings. DOGE has targeted so-called probationary employees first, often without regard for their skill or necessity of their roles. Do you know what a probationary employee is? It’s people who have been in their position for less than a year, or in some cases less than two years. That means new hires, sure, but also experienced workers who recently transferred departments or got promoted.

Not only does DOGE not seem to understand this, it has given no indication that it wants to understand. These are the easiest employees to fire, legally speaking, so they’re gone. It even changed the length of the probationary period—from one year of service to two—in order to super-size its purge of the National Science Foundation.

It takes a certain swashbuckling arrogance to propel a startup to glory. But as we’ve repeatedly said, the United States is not a startup. The federal government exists to do all of the things that are definitionally not profitable, that serve the public good rather than protect investor profits. (The vast majority of startups also fail, something the United States cannot afford to do.)

And if you don’t believe in the public good? You sprint through the ruination. You metastasize from agency to agency, leveling the maximum allowable destruction under the law. DOGE’s costly, embarrassing mistakes are a byproduct of reckless nihilism; if artificial intelligence can sell you a pizza, of course it can future-proof the General Services Administration.

Worse still, none of this will actually help DOGE make a dent in its purported mission. What’s efficient about firing people you have to scramble to hire back? What are the cost savings of a few thousand federal employees compared to the F-35 program? What are we even doing here, actually?

There are two possible explanations for this mess. One is that Musk and DOGE have no interest in the government, or efficiency, but do care deeply about the data they can reap from various agencies and revel in privatization for its own sake. The other is that a bunch of purportedly talented coders have indeed responded to a higher civic calling, but are out here batting .202.

Musk did have a rare moment of self-awareness late last week, during an Oval Office appearance with his four-year-old son and President Donald Trump. “We will make mistakes,” he said. “but we'll act quickly to correct any mistakes.”

So far he’s half right.

[bridenore]

Lights Camera Drarry 2024 recs

Here are some of my favorite fics from @lcdrarry 2024. Listed in alphabetical order.

Black Sheep by shushu_yaoi_lj / @orange-peony [10k]

“You know, Potter, maybe all you need to win is a little—incentive, let’s say.” “An incentive?” Harry asks, his interest piqued. He takes a step closer to the fence, and then another one, until he’s standing so close that he can smell the intoxicating scent of Malfoy’s expensive cologne. “Shall we say that if you win, you can have whatever your heart desires?” Malfoy replies with a smile. “Anything.”

A Ferret, a ScarHead, a Weasel, and a Baby by trishjames [91k]

They say becoming a parent is an unparalleled, priceless joy. Draco Malfoy finds himself putting that theory to the test when the star witness in his dangerous illegal potions case entrusts him with a powerful wish: protect her newborn baby at all costs. Now, it's up to Draco to fulfill that wish despite the looming threat of criminals hunting for the child. To think, just the day before, he was fretting over his inappropriate feelings for his annoying, bespectacled git of a housemate—not the mechanics of changing nappies! Thank Merlin it takes a village to raise a sack of flour, ah, child.

first, she fell by luminae [1k]

Harry's wife is dead. No one knows quite what that means.

Love Will Abide by @dodgerkedavra [39k]

Harry and Draco survive the apocalypse. This is what happens after.

Obscuro by stratigraphy [35k]

Draco is grieving. His conversation partner is here against his will. It's a shameless rip-off of an insipid Muggle reality dating show. Hardly the occasion for true love, if you ask Draco. feat. a cat named Marmalade, a bird named Mumble, Lee Jordan's answer to Love is Blind, and two best friends who only want their dads to be happy.

this strange effect by harDeehar [30k]

Harry hated his job, his cousin, and his inability to figure out how to fit into the boring, depressing world around him. He kept his peace until Draco Malfoy turned out to not be dead like Harry thought he was. Deadly, though? Harry was going to figure that out.

I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I did!

[theweeklydiscourse]

Baghra was always a terrible mentor and we were gaslit into thinking she wasn’t.

I was scanning Ruin and rising to find a few passages for a Darkling meta I was in the process of writing and I happened upon a very interesting conversation between Baghra and Alina. In this conversation, they discuss merzost and its potential consequences as Baghra scolds Alina for seeking the firebird. Baghra’s argument is both contradictory and unhelpful, serving only as a condemnation of Alina’s efforts to defeat the Darkling. There is no wisdom in this exchange, only judgement from an old woman who has no idea what she’s talking about.

So let’s break it down.

Alina confesses that she dabbled in merzost and Baghra responds in her usual ominous and vague manner, grabbing Alina’s wrists for dramatic effect. She warns Alina that merzost can only cause misery, citing the creation of the fold as an example and seems to imply that Alina might journey down a similar path. Baghra gestures towards the inherently corruptive nature of merzost and expresses concern for Alina’s potential. Interestingly, it was exactly her use of merzost that allowed Alina to thwart Aleksander at the end of Siege and Storm. Alina also contradicts herself: “I didn’t do it myself” but “I used the connection between us, (…) to control the Darkling’s power.” she creates a disconnect between herself and the use of merzost as a way of softening the blow. She claims that the merzost was involuntary, but at the same time uses words that signal her activity as opposed to the passivity she initially professed.

This is a small example of Alina’s tendency to claim helplessness and deny her agency. Truthfully, she did use the merzost to save her friends and try to kill Aleksander, a sacrificial act to defeat the big bad. It almost worked, it was effective at warding him off for a time while they regrouped and recovered from the ambush.

Now THIS is what really set me off. Alina argues that she may not have a choice in wether or not she uses merzost to defeat Aleksander and honestly? She’s right. At this point, the narrative has told us that negotiation is not an option, Aleksander is on the war path and the consequences of not fighting him could cost thousands of lives. All of this is presumed to be true and yet, Baghra still takes up this aggravating “holier than thou” attitude towards the pursuit of the firebird.

Baghra: Wow Alina… you’re going to sacrifice the life of this INNOCENT animal for the sake of your own power? This poor innocent bird? I can’t believe you would be so cruel.

Alina: People are dying Baghra.

Baghra’s framing is so manipulative. She’s straight up accusing Alina of being a power hungry villain who would gladly sacrifice an “ancient life” for HER own power. Bitch, since when has this been where we draw the line? Baghra acts as if killing the firebird for the sake of an amplifier is a testament to Alina’s greed but Alina HAS NO OTHER CHOICE. She clutches her pearls at the notion of Alina killing an old bird to save the country as if she hasn’t ranted at length about how dangerous Aleksander is. Baghra has spoken of Aleksander as the apocalypse personified, and yet when presented with the most viable option of defeating him she cries: “but think of that poor ancient life!”?

In the same exchange, she completely dismisses Alina’s peaceful resolution of being merciful to the stag and mocks her for suggesting such a childish idea. But notice how she suggests no other alternative? If she’s so passionate about protecting this ancient creature, why not propose a plan to defeat Aleksander that doesn’t require killing the final amplifier? Instead she scolds Alina for her greed and derides her for doing what is necessary to save the country. Alina tell her that no one is strong enough to stand against an army of shadow soldiers and Baghra STILL dismisses her efforts to do the right thing.

It is here that Alina acknowledges her intentions to seek power and uses sound reasoning to do so. She is the only person strong enough to stand against Aleksander and NEEDS the amplifiers to win. “Abomination against abomination” but I don’t see you offering any alternatives Baghra. If this hag cared so much about preventing an all out magical war maybe she should’ve been proactive during the centuries where she witness Aleksander’s rise to power.

Baghra’s “warnings” are complete nonsense and devoid of reason. It is her reacting to Grisha power with disgust and expressing contempt towards Alina for giving a damn about the country’s welfare. But what do we expect from Baghra? She’s always been more concerned with preserving decorum and her own moral purity than taking a stand against injustice. She does not offer sage advice, only condescending and vague bullshit that validates her self righteous martyr complex.

[twilight-sanctuary]

OC Deep Dive Tag

Thank you for tagging me @squidgang and @mogruith! Some of these answers I had never articulated for myself in detail before, although they had been swirling around in my head.

No pressure tags for @aristenfromwarsaw, @mercymaker, @alstrodurge, @papuchette-atma, @eruvande or anyone who liked the questions can tag themselves.

Phobias and other fears Loa is afraid of losing control of herself, afraid of becoming a pawn in the gods' game (and she is still a pawn in the gods' game). Afraid of persecution and exile, afraid of unforgiveness.

Pet Peeves The theme of world domination and power. This is what her past life has cost her. And she's even a bit grateful to Orin... However any plans for world domination, easy profit, and promising alliances now give her a nervous tic. For the same reason she tries not to socialise with Minthara, Minthara likes to rock an already holey boat too much.

3 items you could find in their bedroom Moon-shaped earrings for every occasion, lavender-citrus perfume, a knife under her pillow and books on medicine that she's long since read and plans to sell but somehow fails to do so every time.

First thing they notice in a person She notices the smell and voice first, oddly enough. In her old life, Loa was a nocturnal creature, hardly interested in people's faces. It was while traveling that she began to notice, to see, to be interested in others, and that's when her true curiosity awoke.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how high is their tolerance to pain? 8-9, perhaps Bhaal's heritage is having an effect. It's also one of the reasons she wears lats - she feels almost no injury and is used to throwing herself chest-first into the front lines, the heavy armour at least protects her from injury. She also has an almost fantastic will to live

Do they go into fight or flight mode when under pressure? The response to mild stress is fight, to severe and prolonged stress is flight. Usually under pressure it can be heated like a frog on a slow fire, it may not even notice it.

Do they come from a large family or are they family people? Lol, oh, Bhaal has a very large family. There used to be at one time. Her father spawned himself a lot of spawns of different races and cultures. Can all of Bhaal's spawn be called family? I think not. Some would probably be more appropriately called friends in misfortune. So her family is those she protects from her inner demons and sometimes from their own.

What animal represents them best? Orca. These whales are quite intelligent and easy to train, plus they don't attack humans first unless they're pissed off. However, they are nonetheless some of the deadliest predators on this planet. Cruelty controlled by internal effort is characteristic of the Loa. What is a smell that they dislike? She also likes the smells of field flowers and cut grass. To unpleasant odors she is tolerant. What's more, she likes Astarion's natural corpse odour. Yes, Dark Urge's tastes are unpredictable. In general, with few exceptions, her scent preferences are more likely to be misunderstood than understood by us.

Have they broken any bones? You know, in the Forgotten Realms, injuries are just part of being an adventurer. Spells can heal a fracture, lift a curse, or regrow a limb. Of course she breaks bones.

How would a stranger likely describe them? “A haughty but smiling drow lady who is clearly hiding something from others.”

Are they a night owl or morning bird? She clearly led and continues to lead a mostly nocturnal lifestyle. I'm guessing that Gale and Wyll are most morning bird. Karlach is just active at all times, but at some point she can get sleepy like a baby. Shadowheart and Astarion are owls, and Lae'zel, because of her Astral plane origins, does not vary in her performance depending on the time of day. Loa's main forays out of the camp occur at sunset and pre-sunset.

What flavor do they hate and what flavor do they love? Oh, her taste and oblation receptors work strangely. She likes spicy and loves meat, quite possibly she once practiced raw food eating, but falling off the nautiloid put old habits on hold.

Do they have any hobbies? +8 Medicine. She's kind of a self-taught surgeon. Experimenting with electricity. +8 Perception. I guess she likes detectives and puzzles. She's also interested in spell books, which she doesn't really understand very well. +4 Deception, +4 Performance. She could quickly figure out gambling and learn to play a musical instrument if she wanted to. But these are developmental perspectives rather than real interests.

Boom, birthday surprise! How do they react to surprises? Oh nooooooo! She doesn't know when her birthday is, lol. She is 87 years old, but there is no exact date. She is suspicious of surprises especially after the Arfur Gregorio toy store. The poor thing totally didn't expect that someone could hide explosives in teddy bears. Do they like to wear jewelry? She used to have a lot of piercings once before! She had a double bridge and a double vertical labret. At the moment she only wears earrings regularly. Do they have neat or sloppy handwriting? She has large, sprawling and slightly sharp handwriting. Do they have a favourite fabric? She likes that ceremonial armor can also be worn with brocade elements. Her undergarments are usually of simple and natural fabrics.

What kind of accent do they have?

Loa's voice is number 8. I'm very bad at accents, and she's lived in Baldur's Gate for 75 years, so I'm guessing her pronunciation of the common tongue is pretty clean.

[hope-for-olicity]

One Week In and Make America Worse is in Full Effect

I keep thinking what I'd do if I had to vote for a candidate for leader of my country that would cause world harm, without considering how they might benefit my country. And if elected that person would help my country, I can't ever imagine voting for someone who I know would actively hurt others.

Yet, so many Americans did.

They voted for a convicted felon, rapiest, liar and generally awful person because - I heard one of the reasons was the lower price of eggs.

This is not about voting Republican versus Democrat. Trump is not a Republican. He is a man with a mission to do what's best for him and his rich buddies. He did similar things the last time he was President, this is not new.

People knew who he was and all the hate he stood for and because they shared that hate towards immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, women and others they cheered him on.

Let's give some people the benefit of the doubt, thought they REALLY don't deserve it and say they, an ordinary American, thought a Trump government would help them. That he would make America great again again.

In the past week his tax plan came out - one that provides cuts only to people who make $360,000 or more, everyone will see their taxes rise. Most Americans will see their taxes rise. That's so going to help the cost of living.

Trump said he would lower inflation, he has no plan - maybe he has concepts of a plan. Inflation is complicated and impacted by numerous factors but Trump thinks assigning people to end will make it so - okay.

One of the many things Bided did that helped all Americans was drastically lowering the price of certain prescription drugs like Insulin. Trump threw this plan out, helping Big Pharma and raising the price of drugs needed by many ordinary Americans by 4200% in on one day.

Trump also announced America is leaving the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations organization that provides information and stops the spread of diseases around the world. Leaving Americans uninformed and unprotected. But already told federal health not to tell Americans about bird flu. Make Americans dumb?

Just a few more mass deportations of Americans who work and pay taxes in low-level jobs. Will send the economy into chaos. And make things harder for ordinary Americans.

On Friday Trump talked about getting rid of FEMA. Red states FEMA even more than blue states. He's already refusing to help the situation in California because they didn't vote for him - so is he not their President? Be careful if he doesn't like you, he'll take away your protection.

Looping back to international. While running he said that the war in the Middle East and Ukraine would be over the moment he took office. Israel might have signed a ceasefire agreement under Biden but they are still bombing Lebanon and the West Bank and Trump just gave Netanyahu access to 2000-ton bombs that Biden had refused as he was using them for mass killings. If the war is over why does Netanyahu need this bomb anyway. Trump told Putin to end the war in Ukraine when he was elected - crickets.

Outside of the Wars, Trump is ruining America's reputation, threatening American friends saying he was to take over Greenland and Canada. Both of which will never happen but the fact that he keeps it up is offensive and will do nothing to improve US international relations.

Finally, Trump is threatening to impose 200% tariffs. Again I do not believe this will happen. There may be tariffs but not 200% and not on all goods. These tariffs will also hurt ordinary Americans by increasing prices.

So Americans knew who Trump was when they voted for him and did it anyway. Unless they are rich, they hurt themselves and the rest of the world. So many people will suffer because many only thought of themselves and even those promises aren't coming true.

[inventors-fair]

Living Legends: Myth ReRealized Winners

~

Our winners this week are @bergdg, @izzet-always-r-versus-u, and @nine-effing-hells!

@bergdg — Songs for the Morning Star

Sagas are one of the clearer choices this week, right after legendary creatures. Heck, the card type was literally made to tell ancient legends! While I'm not particularly familiar with the story being represented here, the picture you've painted between the art description and the effect has me immediately interested. And speaking of the effect, it's a doozy. The final chapter is incredibly strong, but being locked behind a lengthy delay and the size of your board means it creates a good amount of friction. Your opponent has the chance in the interim to cull your creatures, either through wiping the slate clean or removing just enough to protect a crucial card. But on the flipside, the bird being created each turn means it's an uphill battle at all stages. I do think the card could use a slight tweak in mana cost and/or rarity, because gaining 6 life and creating 3 birds on its own already feels a bit like it's punching above its weight class. This one's firmly "I can't substantiate this without actually playing with it," so take it under advisement.

@izzet-always-r-versus-u — Exact Judgement

First of all: phenomenal pun. Genuinely the kind of wordplay that makes me equal parts guffaw and kick myself for not thinking of it myself sooner. Part of me wishes all the numbers you could choose were squares to really go all the way, but 9 is pretty impractical for the effect. Oh well. Anyways, we've seen plenty of board wipes like this over the years, where you're allowed to dictate the parameters of the wipe to hopefully make it miss your most important permanents. This one immediately has an interest point over other power-based conditions like Austere Command and Dawn//Dusk simply because creatures with power 1 are always being hit, nonnegotiable. Thanks to that, it's kind of a no-go in token and/or weenie decks, which is often where these effects find a home. I do wonder if this is a bit too overcosted, though, for what it is. Wrath of God is currently in Foundations, and while I touted its ability to be sculpted to miss your board, it also seems very easy to be forced to miss something you'd really rather destroy. Especially with 2, 3, and 4, which are all extremely common powers. Four mana with the extra color should be fine, right?

@nine-effing-hells — Tantalizing Torment

Ooh, this is positively vile. It's generally a bit of a faux pas to have cards contradict themselves. It's not fun to have a card lie to you about what it does, after all, and it generally makes it a bit too much of a pain to understand in an expedient manner. That said, you can justify just about anything (within the rules, that is) if it plays into what the card does well enough, which brings us neatly to this little number. The complete lockdown on draw and lifegain is brutal, but what really makes this stand out is the sheer cruelty of the last effect. Dangling what they could have and by all rights should have directly in their face while everyone else benefits without issue kind of rules, ultimately. A big selling point for justifying the contradictory effect is that it's also not too clever for its own good: a player who reads through and gets the joke—so to speak—would probably chuckle instead of groan, as so often happens. Now I'm just imagining a situation where you've enchanted every opponent in a four player game and you're just sitting there drawing so many cards that they simply cannot have. Deliciously evil.

~

It won't be long now...the runners approach. —@spooky-bard

[nickeverdeen]

Ezio Auditore da Firenze

Ezio has a deep appreciation for music, particularly the lute

He enjoys listening to street performers and sometimes hums old Florentine melodies when he’s alone

Though Ezio’s life is filled with loss and responsibility, he remains a romantic at heart

Growing up in a wealthy Florentine family, Ezio learned to dance at an early age

Ezio has a refined palate, thanks to his upbringing

He particularly loves Tuscan dishes, like ribollita and bistecca alla Fiorentina, and always makes time to enjoy good food and wine

Early in his training, Ezio secretly struggled with a fear of heights

Though he overcame it over time, he occasionally feels a flicker of unease when standing on precarious ledges

Ezio has a way with animals, especially horses and birds

He often takes a moment to pet a stray cat or feed a pigeon, finding their presence grounding in his chaotic life

While he might not be as eloquent as a professional bard, Ezio occasionally writes down his thoughts in the form of short poems

Ezio never sought to lead the Brotherhood but took on the responsibility out of necessity

Though he doubts himself at times, his natural charisma and empathy make him an inspiring leader

Ezio loves sharing tales from his adventures, often embellishing the details for dramatic effect

Ezio is surprisingly good with children, often entertaining them with magic tricks or playful banter

He sees their innocence as something worth protecting at all costs

Even in his later years, Ezio enjoys showing off his skills

Whether it’s an impressive leap of faith or a perfectly executed counterattack, he takes pride in being the best at what he does

Though he often acts on instinct, Ezio spends sleepless nights replaying decisions and wondering if he could have done better

His guilt over past mistakes lingers, even when others reassure him

Ezio’s travels across Italy and beyond force him to pick up multiple languages

He becomes fluent in Latin, Arabic, and Ottoman Turkish, surprising many with his ability to adapt

[rebeccathenaturalist]

Why Have All the Birds Stopped Singing?

Originally posted on my website at https://rebeccalexa.com/why-have-all-the-birds-stopped-singing/

Summer is nearly halfway through, and while the days are still long there are already changes hinting at fall’s arrival. The heat causes some of the leaves on trees and shrubs to begin to turn just a little, and the sunset is a bit earlier each evening. One phenomenon that often startles people is when they realize that–seemingly overnight–the birds stopped singing.

Now, it’s not unusual for them to quiet down when a predator passes by (that includes us big, scary humans, by the way.) After all, they don’t want to be noticed by something that would happily turn them into a snack. But with each passing week there are fewer birdsongs in the daily chorus, and by the end of August pretty much all the birds stopped singing. Why is that?

Well, first we need to look at why birds sing in the first place.  I start noticing songs late in winter, and then the diversity and frequency build up throughout spring. This is correlated with nesting season. Both male and female birds sing, though male songs have historically been given more attention.

Songs serve to establish and protect territory in which mated pairs of birds build their nests; birds of the same species know that this spot is taken, move along, please–or else. And they also help birds to attract their mate for the year; male songs in particular have been studied in this regard. So what sounds like lovely music to us is serious business for birds, meaning either “Hey, baby, check ME out!” or “GET OFF MY LAWN!” (Birdsong is also more surprisingly complex than we had assumed!)

The singing continues throughout nesting season. Some species of bird only raise one clutch of young a year, especially those whose young may take several weeks to fledge. Others, especially many songbirds, can raise two or even three clutches a year, seeing their young fledge and leave the nest within two weeks of hatching. As long as the nest is active, the parent birds work actively to protect it, to include re-establishing residency through song.

There is, of course, a risk associated with singing. Birds aren’t the only animals noticing the singer; predators also use these songs to home in on a potential meal. Singing does increase the likelihood of becoming prey, but it’s effective enough in helping spread one’s genes that it’s worth the risk from an evolutionary perspective. A bird that gets nabbed while singing near a nest is more likely to have passed its genes through at least one clutch of eggs, and if the surviving parent can get some of the young to fledgling age, then they have a good chance of surviving to spread the singing genes on to the next generation.

As soon as the nest is empty for the year, and the last batch of young have successfully fledged, the birds stopped singing. Why keep bringing attention to yourself when you no longer need to? It’s time to transition to non-breeding behavior patterns, whether that means a solitary existence, or a social group for winter.

But there’s another reason birds quiet down this time of year. By this point, their feathers are pretty beat up from their spring migration (even many resident species still engage in local migrations), and then defending their nests and literally running themselves ragged getting food for demanding, hungry young. They have to prepare for the fall migration, which for many species is a marathon thousands of miles long to their wintering grounds.

If you’re a bird whose flight feathers in your wings and tail are torn and even broken, you aren’t going to be a very efficient flier. Each wingbeat is going to cost you more energy, and on a long journey that inefficiency can be fatal. So July and the first part of August are prime times for North American birds to molt, shedding out old feathers and growing fresh new ones. By the time they’re ready for liftoff for the fall migration–or simply surviving winter’s cold right here–those shiny, undamaged feathers are going to be the perfect tools for energy-efficient flight. By saving valuable calories, they increase the likelihood that they’ll survive to see another breeding season next year.

This northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) looks a little sad with a bare head–but don’t worry, those feathers will grow back soon!

But while they’re molting, they’re going to be additionally hindered in flight. That makes them even more vulnerable to predation. So this is another great reason for birds to quiet down as summer winds on. (They also may look a little silly, and while they probably don’t feel embarrassed about losing all the feathers on their head, I wouldn’t blame them if they were, in fact, a little self-conscious about it.)

Never fear, though–once late winter arrives next year, we’ll get to start hearing our birds warming up their syrinxes again, and soon the mornings will be full of the dawn chorus, fresh and new.

Did you enjoy this post? Consider taking one of my online foraging and natural history classes or hiring me for a guided nature tour, checking out my other articles, or picking up a paperback or ebook I’ve written! You can even buy me a coffee here!

[fast-safety-nets-chennai]

Building Protection: Benefits of Professional Pigeon Net Installation

Pigeon infestations pose significant challenges for buildings in urban environments, ranging from health hazards to structural damage. Fast Safety Nets Chennai specializes in professional pigeon net installation services designed to safeguard buildings effectively. This blog explores the key benefits of opting for professional pigeon net installation and how it can enhance building protection.

1. Comprehensive Bird Control:

1.1 Effective Barrier: Professional pigeon net installation creates a robust barrier that prevents pigeons from entering and nesting in unwanted areas such as balconies, terraces, and windows. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of property damage and health issues caused by pigeon droppings.

1.2 Tailored Solutions: Fast Safety Nets Chennai offers customized pigeon net solutions tailored to the specific needs and architecture of your building. This ensures optimal coverage and protection without compromising the aesthetic appeal of your property.

2. Health and Hygiene:

2.1 Disease Prevention: Pigeon droppings can harbor harmful pathogens that pose health risks to occupants, including respiratory infections and allergic reactions. Professional pigeon net installation helps mitigate these risks by keeping areas clean and pigeon-free.

2.2 Cleanliness Maintenance: By preventing pigeons from roosting, professional installation reduces the frequency of cleaning required to remove droppings and debris. This promotes a cleaner environment and minimizes maintenance costs associated with pigeon infestations.

3. Structural Integrity:

3.1 Preventing Damage: Pigeon droppings contain uric acid, which can corrode building materials over time, leading to structural damage. Professional pigeon nets protect your property by preventing these corrosive substances from accumulating on surfaces.

3.2 Long-Term Savings: Investing in professional pigeon net installation is a cost-effective solution in the long run. It prevents costly repairs and maintenance associated with pigeon-related damage, thereby preserving the value and integrity of your building.

4. Aesthetic Enhancement:

4.1 Seamless Integration: Fast Safety Nets Chennai installs pigeon nets that seamlessly integrate with your building's architecture. They offer transparent and color-matching options that blend discreetly with the surroundings, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your property.

4.2 Noise Reduction: Pigeons can be noisy, especially when they gather in large numbers. Professional pigeon net installation reduces noise pollution by discouraging birds from roosting near windows and other areas, creating a quieter indoor environment.

5. Eco-Friendly Approach:

5.1 Humane Bird Control: Professional pigeon nets provide a humane solution to bird control, ensuring that pigeons are deterred from entering without causing harm. This approach aligns with environmental conservation efforts and wildlife protection guidelines.

5.2 Sustainable Materials: Fast Safety Nets Chennai uses eco-friendly materials for their pigeon nets, minimizing environmental impact while delivering durable and weather-resistant solutions. These nets support sustainable building practices and contribute to a greener urban environment.

6. Expert Installation Services:

6.1 Skilled Installation Team: Fast Safety Nets Chennai employs a skilled team of professionals trained in safe and efficient installation practices. They ensure that pigeon nets are securely fitted and properly anchored, maximizing their effectiveness and longevity.

6.2 Safety Assurance: During installation, safety measures are prioritized to protect both installers and occupants. Fast Safety Nets Chennai adheres to industry standards and guidelines to deliver safe, reliable pigeon net installations.

Conclusion: Professional pigeon net installation with Fast Safety Nets Chennai offers comprehensive protection against pigeon infestations, benefiting buildings in terms of health, hygiene, structural integrity, aesthetics, and sustainability. Invest in professional pigeon net installation to safeguard your property effectively and enhance its overall protection.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from the Audubon Society:

Too often, the debate over climate solutions centers on perceived trade-offs between habitat conservation and the clean energy transition, preserving community and allowing development, or reducing pollution and maintaining profitability. But responsible clean energy deployment can be balanced with the needs of communities and wildlife, representing a win-win that doesn’t give rise to insurmountable trade-offs. Audubon’s new report, Offshore Wind and Birds: Developing the Offshore Wind that Birds Need, confirms that offshore wind can have immense benefits for birds, people, and the economy. This report advocates for the rapid adoption of offshore wind to combat the climate crisis while protecting birds, supporting coastal communities, and addressing the growing demand from advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.

Audubon produced the Birds and Offshore Wind report to examine the best available science regarding the risks to birds. While persistent myths claim widespread and devastating effects of offshore wind turbines on wildlife, the science tells a different story. Our findings clearly indicate that we can responsibly deploy offshore wind in a manner that still protects birds and their habitats. That said, it is important to acknowledge that offshore wind turbines, like all infrastructure, can pose a risk to birds. These risks include turbine collisions, habitat displacement, and avoidance behavior. Fortunately, our research shows developers can effectively manage these risks without significantly increasing project costs. 

To tackle the existing risks, Audubon calls for a four-step planning process:

Identify and remove critically important areas for birds from consideration for leasing.

Implement proven strategies to minimize the potential for turbines to impact birds.

Offset unavoidable impacts, when necessary, through investments in conservation.

Monitor bird movements and population trends to ensure solutions are working.

The impact of offshore wind on wildlife is neither disproportionate nor insurmountable. Proven strategies, such as reducing visible lights on turbines and using perching deterrents on turbines, have been effective in addressing bird impacts. 

Effective policy will be crucial in helping the U.S. fully capitalize on offshore wind opportunities and ensure development happens quickly and responsibly. Measures federal legislators and agencies can take include: 

Providing certainty by safeguarding existing investments and supports like the tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

Taking measures that improve outcomes for birds, like requiring developers to embrace new technologies and best management practices that reduce bird collisions. 

Bolstering investments in research and technology to help developers better understand wildlife interactions with turbines and improve turbine efficiency. 

Collaborating with developers on Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) to help ensure coastal communities benefit from nearby offshore wind projects, with Congress taking steps to formally incentivize CBAs during the leasing process.

Improving project siting and federal permitting to speed the deployment of responsible offshore wind projects. Congress can facilitate timely permitting by increasing investments in the permitting workforce at relevant agencies.

State and local governments also play a key role in offshore wind development. States like New York and Massachusetts provide valuable models for working with local communities, Tribes, commercial interests, and the federal government to deploy offshore wind responsibly and rapidly. States are also instrumental in the siting, permitting, and infrastructure development that connects offshore wind energy to the grid, as well as conducting regionally specific environmental studies to help inform the federal permitting process. 

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - August 22-28

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1. Safari park welcomes flamingo chicks

“An animal park has said it is experiencing a "baby boom", including new flamingo chicks that have hatched. Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire has also recently welcomed rare Amur tiger cubs and an endangered cotton top tamarin monkey baby. [… Flamingos] live 15-20 years in the wild, however in captivity and safe from predators, they can reach ages of 70 years.”

2. Golf clubs fight biodiversity loss

“The project aims to help green-keepers create havens for wildlife, particularly bees and butterflies, as well as introduce mowing methods to protect rare chalk grassland and encourage wildflowers. […] “Clubs doing this are seeing significant increases in pollinators, such as butterflies, without impeding the game."”

3. ‘We’ve got baby owls again’: how farming policy is helping English wildlife

“[In Abby Allen’s] lush Devon fields native cattle graze alongside 400-year-old hedgerows, with birds and butterflies enjoying the species-rich pasture. [… The Environmental Land Management Scheme] pays farmers for things such as planting hedges, sowing wildflowers for birds to feed on and leaving corners of their land wild for nature.”

4. $440 Million to Support Pregnant and New Moms, Infants, and Children through Voluntary Home Visiting Programs

“Through this program […] trained health workers […] provide support on breastfeeding, safe sleep for babies, learning and communications practices that promote early language development, developmental screening, getting children ready to succeed in school, and connecting with key services and resources in the community – like affordable childcare or job and educational opportunities. […] In addition, the [CDC] announced a new investment of $118.5 million, over five years, to 46 states [and] six territories […] to continue building the public health infrastructure to better identify and prevent pregnancy-related deaths.”

5. Endangered leopard frogs released into the wild

“More than a hundred leopard frogs have been released into the wild at Columbia National Wildlife Refuge in Washington state. Leopard frogs are endemic to North America but have been classed as endangered since 1999.”

6. Heat-based batteries are a surprisingly versatile tool

“[T]hermal energy storage [… is] expected to be more cost-effective than conventional lithium-ion batteries for storing cheap clean electricity over longer durations[….] Thermal storage systems take up less space per unit of energy stored than lithium-ion batteries do, [… and] can also deliver their stored energy without the efficiency losses that occur in converting electricity from [AC to DC and back].”

7. Dolly Parton is sending free books to children across 21 states — and around the world

“[In 21 states,] all children under the age of 5 can enroll to have books mailed to their homes monthly. […] Since the program started, books have been sent to more than 240 million to [sic] kids in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.”

8. Biden-Harris Administration Awards $100 Million to Navigators Who Will Help Millions of Americans - Especially in Underserved Communities - Sign Up for Health Coverage

“The grants are part of a commitment of up to $500 million over five years - the longest grant period and financial commitment to date, and a critical boost for recruiting trusted local organizations to better connect with those who often face barriers to obtaining health care coverage. […] Navigators offer free assistance to people exploring health coverage options through HealthCare.gov, from reviewing available plans to assisting with eligibility and enrollment forms, and post-enrollment services such as using their coverage to get care.”

9. ‘Ultra-Accommodating’ Hotel Concept Goes Beyond ADA Accessible

“The property […] will feature wider hallways, larger guest rooms, easy access to elevators and other modifications that exceed the standards required under the [ADA]. Staff will be trained in disability etiquette, how to assist with mobility devices and provide various accommodations ranging from hearing aid loops to sensory-sensitive lighting. […] The location in San Antonio is expected to be the first — not the only one — developed under this concept.”

10. Melbourne zoo welcomes rare southern white rhino calf to the world

“Kipenzi and the new calf have been closely monitored this week, with mother and baby being kept in a secluded area accessible only to keepers while they get to know each other and bond. […] The calf has already been showing a forthright personality, snorting and stomping around his enclosure[….]”

August 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[trump-executive-orders]

Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing and Review of the Federal Government's Leasing and Permitting Practices for Wind Projects

Issued January 20, 2025.

Section 1. Temporary Withdrawal of Areas. Consistent with the principles of responsible public stewardship that are entrusted to this office, with due consideration for a variety of relevant factors, including the need to foster an energy economy capable of meeting the country's growing demand for reliable energy, the importance of marine life, impacts on ocean currents and wind patterns, effects on energy costs for Americans -- especially those who can least afford it -- and to ensure that the United States is able to maintain a robust fishing industry for future generations and provide low cost energy to its citizens, I hereby direct as follows:

Under the authority granted to me in section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1341(a), I hereby withdraw from disposition for wind energy leasing all areas within the Offshore Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1331. This withdrawal shall go into effect beginning on January 21, 2025, and shall remain in effect until this Presidential Memorandum is revoked.

To the extent that an area is already withdrawn from disposition for wind energy leasing, the area's withdrawal is extended for a time period beginning on January 21, 2025, until this Presidential Memorandum is revoked.

This withdrawal temporarily prevents consideration of any area in the OCS for any new or renewed wind energy leasing for the purposes of generation of electricity or any other such use derived from the use of wind. This withdrawal does not apply to leasing related to any other purposes such as, but not limited to, oil, gas, minerals, and environmental conservation.

Nothing in this withdrawal affects rights under existing leases in the withdrawn areas. With respect to such existing leases, the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Attorney General as needed, shall conduct a comprehensive review of the ecological, economic, and environmental necessity of terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases, identifying any legal bases for such removal, and submit a report with recommendations to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy.

Sec. 2. Temporary Cessation and Immediate Review of Federal Wind Leasing and Permitting Practices. (a) In light of various alleged legal deficiencies underlying the Federal Government's leasing and permitting of onshore and offshore wind projects, the consequences of which may lead to grave harm -- including negative impacts on navigational safety interests, transportation interests, national security interests, commercial interests, and marine mammals -- and in light of potential inadequacies in various environmental reviews required by the National Environmental Policy Act to lease or permit wind projects, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the heads of all other relevant agencies, shall not issue new or renewed approvals, rights of way, permits, leases, or loans for onshore or offshore wind projects pending the completion of a comprehensive assessment and review of Federal wind leasing and permitting practices. The Secretary of the Interior shall lead that assessment and review in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Secretary of Energy, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The assessment shall consider the environmental impact of onshore and offshore wind projects upon wildlife, including, but not limited to, birds and marine mammals. The assessment shall also consider the economic costs associated with the intermittent generation of electricity and the effect of subsidies on the viability of the wind industry.

(b) In light of criticism that the Record of Decision (ROD) issued by the Bureau of Land Management on December 5, 2024, with respect to the Lava Ridge Wind Project Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), as approved by the Department of the Interior, is allegedly contrary to the public interest and suffers from legal deficiencies, the Secretary of the Interior shall, as appropriate, place a temporary moratorium on all activities and rights of Magic Valley Energy, LLC, or any other party under the ROD, including, but not limited to, any rights-of-way or rights of development or operation of any projects contemplated in the ROD. The Secretary of the Interior shall review the ROD and, as appropriate, conduct a new, comprehensive analysis of the various interests implicated by the Lava Ridge Wind Project and the potential environmental impacts.

(c) The Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall assess the environmental impact and cost to surrounding communities of defunct and idle windmills and deliver a report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, with their findings and recommended authorities to require the removal of such windmills.

(d) The Attorney General may, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, provide notice of this order to any court with jurisdiction over pending litigation related to any aspect of the Federal leasing or permitting of onshore or offshore wind projects or the Lava Ridge Wind Project, and may, in the Attorney General's discretion, request that the court stay the litigation or otherwise delay further litigation, or seek other appropriate relief consistent with this order, pending the completion of the actions described in subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this section, as applicable.

This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

[2treez]

The felling of a tree should be carefully considered, whether it is to build a road or a house or because the leaves pollute the roof and block the drainage system. Trees offer numerous benefits that should be considered:

🌳 **CO2 absorption and oxygen production:** One tree absorbs about 22 kg of CO2 per year and produces enough oxygen for two people. This contributes significantly to improving air quality.

🌿 **Soil stabilization:** With its deep roots, a tree stabilizes the soil and prevents erosion. The roots improve the soil structure and increase the water retention capacity of the soil.

🌳 **Climate regulation:** Trees reflect and absorb some solar radiation, which helps to cool the environment. A single tree can have the cooling effect of ten air conditioners.

🌿 **Cloud formation and precipitation:** Through evaporation, trees contribute to cloud formation and thus have a positive influence on the local microclimate and precipitation.

🌳 **Soil fertility:** Leaves that fall to the ground decompose and serve as food for the soil. This promotes soil fertility and supports the growth of other plants.

🌿 **Nutrient cycling:** Trees provide sugars to the mycelium in exchange for nutrients, which promotes soil life and supports ecosystem health.

🌳 **Air purification:** Trees absorb dust and pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide, which significantly improves air quality.

🌿 **Habitat:** Trees provide habitat and food for a variety of animals, including birds, insects and rodents, thus promoting biodiversity.

🌳 **Sound and visual protection:** Trees can act as a natural sound and visual barrier, which is particularly beneficial in urban areas.

🌿 **Shade and protection:** Trees provide shade and protection from UV radiation, which pleasantly cools the local microclimate.

Additionally, it can be mentioned:

📊 **Economic benefits:** Urban trees can increase property values and reduce energy costs by providing natural cooling.

📈 **Health benefits:** Spending time near trees and green spaces reduces stress, improves mental health and promotes physical activity.

🌳🫶🏼🌳

**Conclusion:** In addition to CO2 reduction, a tree provides freshness, water and oxygen. Trees are an indispensable technology that can save us! Plant trees, plant hedges. 👍