#Headwater Exploration

[w0rrldly]

[reasonsforhope]

For the first time in 100 years, Atlantic salmon are once again spawning in the upper waters of the River Derwent. 

The return of spawning salmon to the rivers of Derbyshire is a real conservation success story. After centuries of intensive river management by the county’s burgeoning factories, the fish were driven extinct in many of its waterways.

Since then, the health of some of the rivers have improved to an extent that salmon can once again spawn. But the routes for the fish to return are still blocked by the remnants of the industrial boom, with numerous dams and weirs still blocking the migratory route of salmon attempting to swim upstream.  

Dr Tim Jacklin is a Conservation Officer for the Wild Trout Trust who has worked on river restoration projects that encourage and helps the migration of fish such as the Atlantic salmon. He was involved with the removal of a weir at Snake Lane, Derbyshire, which allowed the salmon to recolonise the headwaters of the River Derwent.

The catalyst for this work was seeing salmon making it all the way up the River Derwent, but then being stopped from exploring the upper reaches where the river becomes the Ecclesbourne.

“We’d started to see large salmon turning up in the Derwent in winter,” explains Tim. “They became sort of local celebrities really. People were going out with their head torches at night and looking into the river, because it’s not a particularly large watercourse and these fish were quite literally as long as your arm, without it being an angler’s tale.”

“So they attracted quite a lot of attention. But it also highlighted the fact that Snake Lane Weir, which was a concrete structure that had been built in the 1970s to replace an old mill, was a complete barrier to fish getting upstream.”

This prompted the work to remove the Snake Lane Weir and replace it with a boulder rapid that the fish would, once again, navigate over and continue on their journey.

“It’s very rewarding,” says Tim. “We opened up a good ten kilometres of spawning habitat upstream, so that translates into hundreds more juvenile salmon that make their way downstream and hopefully to come back and spawn.”

Putting the river bends back in

A little further upstream on the Ecclesbourne River, the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is working to continue the work started at Snake Lane. At the edge of a farmer’s field a deep, straight channel rushes along under the trees. This was created by diverting the river to increase its flow to power a mill using a weir. This has formed yet another barrier for the migrating salmon.

But not even 20 metres away the ghost of the river’s original route perseveres. Nothing more than a shallow, muddy ditch with a few scraggly trees overgrowing it, the bends and curves of the river’s natural path can still be seen forming the boundary of a field. 

The wildlife charity is now trying to undo the centuries of harm that bypassing the river’s natural route has done, with the hope that the salmon will travel even further up into the headwaters and spawn once more in the gravel of the restored river. 

“A lot of our rivers across the whole country have been straightened,” explains Jenny Kril from the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. “Unfortunately, what that does is remove any sort of natural habitat that we would expect to see in a healthy river.”

“What we’re doing is re-wiggling or re-meandering the Ecclesbourne, which is essentially just putting the bends back into it. What that does is change the speed and flow of the water. It creates nice beaches and different habitats for a whole host of different species and just making the river more natural.”

It is hoped that this work will create a greater variety of habitats, which in turn will encourage a greater variety of plants and invertebrates, and so boosting the overall biodiversity seen in this section of the river. But the cherry on the cake would be if the salmon start nesting.

“Over the next few years, we’re going to see this whole area just continue to develop naturally,” says Jenny. “We’ll get some sediment being deposited on some of the beaches creating more habitats, and we’re going to do tree planting to further increase the biodiversity of the area.”

“We’re just going to hopefully watch it become the brand-new river and as it should be again.”

There is a long way to go to safeguard the future of the UK’s rivers, but the work on the Ecclesbourne is showing that with the resources and right interventions change can happen and improvements made.  

“I think we’ve got some huge challenges ahead of us, but you know, they’re not making rivers anymore,” says Tim. “So we’ve got to look after the ones that we’ve got.”

-via UK Natural History Museum, April 8, 2024

[uwmspeccoll]

Milestone Monday

On June 17, 1673, French explorers Jacques Marquette (1637-1675) and Louis Jolliet (1645-1700) reach the Mississippi River through Prairie du Chien Wisconsin and continued downstream for thirty days mapping the river's course and interacting with Indigenous communities. Marquette and Jolliet’s legacy would forever be marked as the first Europeans to map the Upper Mississippi and record its local flora and fauna.  

Commemorating the day, we’re sharing Minn of the Mississippi written and illustrated by Holling Clancy Holling and published by Houghton Mifflin Company in 1951. Holland’s story follows the journey of a three-legged snapping turtle from its hatching at the Mississippi headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, Minn encounters a variety of animals, people, and manmade and natural environments. Holling utilizes Minn’s expedition to discuss the ecology, geology, and history of the river through elaborately illustrative marginal content.  

Adding to Holling’s notable publications, Minn of the Mississippi received a Newberry Honor in 1952 and was generally met with positive reviews including accolades for Holling and his contribution to the “art of digression” method of writing and illustrating. This book is part of our extensive Historical Curriculum Collection that can be explored online here.  

Read other Milestone Monday posts here 

– Jenna, Special Collections Graduate Intern 

[happy-little-letters]

[Sediment/Sentiment] Fluxes

The Yukon River exports sixty megatons of sediment per year away into the Bering Sea, the majority of it silt and clay derived from the glaciers carving stone at its headwaters. We call this measurement, movement quantified over time, a flux.

I kissed them the night before they left the hemisphere on an exploration geology contract, a two year visa. They study ores, hard rock, mapping what has sat solid in earth for an age, waiting. Their hands were callused already from the heft of samples.

They study ores, and I study fluxes -- water, sediment, salt, ice. My hands are finicky, shaky things, carved for the precision of catching a change in the act. You cannot hold a flux, only bear witness.

I kissed them in a liminal bedroom, half-boxed, walls bared. I took off my binder and we laughed -- oh, fluxes -- at how when they return, we will be changed, both, irrevocably and unavoidably, sure as every river I've known rises each spring and reworks the geometry of its own banks.

To live is to be in flux. It is my honour and joy, queer geologist I am, to bear witness.

We kiss, forehead to forehead, eyes open. Their hand presses into mine, chipped nail polish, calluses blooming. Sixty megatons of sediment, passing through my spread fingers --

They study what stays. I study what leaves.

[blackinteriormag]

Dear Reader, 

There is a boy sitting in the woods. His chin is cocked up, eyes closed, mouth open with his tongue sticking out like a frog trying to catch a bug. There is a picture of this boy, taken almost a hundred years later, hand in the pocket of his three-piece suit, clutching the waist of his second wife, Shirley. 

Reader, there is a talking house in the woods there, whose windows will at times belch open and sing the chorus of a pageant written for a thousand performers. There is a house of shimmering blue outlines puffing smoke from the chimney and darkening the air with song, I am the smoke king, hail to the Black! The house is a part of a city shaped like a river, snaking up and down the coast and the boy, he flew there to cast his tongue out into the woods and catch everything in his mouth. Like a fisherman, he will spend his life on the edge of things, easing his dropper into blue and purple swirls of salt and particles of life. In his last message he’ll tell us he loved his people and his play. “Time is long,” he’ll say. “Live and believe in life.”

This latest dispatch of Black Interior Magazine is about Du Bois, it takes up his charge. It is the blue-heeled little girl taking your black hand. It says, let us play. 

Up ahead, several resident artists illuminate the shimmering outlines of singing trees, ancient domes for melodious language along the Minnesota River Valley. A woman, who has gotten tired of her ex-boyfriend’s shit because he didn’t ever buy her nothin', treks from the Mississippi headwaters to its Atlantic mouth. Finally, we will explore the latest youth sensation, Black Reconstruction, a first person POV-IRL game guided by abstract rules that confound even our reporter, who attempts participation. There is an exploration of wind as it relates to tone and, as ever, our How To offers a guide for writing land acknowledgements that don’t make you want to rob the white person reading it. This, among other dispatches from the Interior.

Yours, 

The Editor

[mtfishtales]

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[todaysdocument]

Petition and map from John Muir and other founders of Sierra Club protesting a bill to reduce the size of Yosemite National Park, 1/2/1893. 

Record Group 233: Records of the U.S. House of Representatives

Series: Petitions and Memorials

Transcription:

To the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture House of Representatives Washington, D.C. Dear Sir, Whereas at a meeting of the Sierra Club of Saturday, November 5th 1892, said club being a corporation formed for the purposes, to with: "To explore, enjoy and render accessible the mountain regions of the Pacific Coast; to publish authentic information concerning them; to enlist the support and co-operations of the people and the government in preserving the forests and other natural features of the Sierra Nevada Mountains" a resolution was introduced and unanimously adopted directing the Board of Directors to prepare a memorial to Congress against Bill H. R 5764 introduced by Mr. Carminetti and to use every effort to defeat it, Therefore The Board of Directors of the Sierra Club in accordance with the above resolutions do respectfully and emphatically protest against the diminution of the Yosemite National Park situated in California as contemplated in Bill H. R. 5764 introduced by Mr. Carminetti and referred by the House of Representatives to your honorable Committee As shown in the accompanying map all

[page 2]

the territory outside of the blue lines is to be taken out of the Yosemite National Park Reservation, which would First: endanger in J.HS., R25E and R26E + J.3S, R25E the headwaters of the San Joaquin River, a river on whose water the irrigation of the whole San Joaquin Valley is dependent. Secondly: in J1S, J2S.R19E+ J1S, J2S.R20E it will denude the watersheds between the branches of the Tuolumne River and Merced River of the most valuable timber, destroy forests which in their magnific- ent growth from and attraction to visitors not only from the State of California, but from all over the United States and from abroad and although provision is made in paid bill to reserve a trail one mile square containing the Tuolumne Big Tree Grove and also a similar trail about the Merced Grove the destruction of the surrounding forest will necessarily cause a great danger through forest fires to these two groves of Sequoia gigantea, which ought to be and have heretofore bee protected by the United States Government with singular interest Thirdly: The taking of the Reservation of J2N+ J1N R19E will hand over to private ownership most valuable reservoir sites which ought to be jealously guarded for the benefit of the state at large Fourthly: The exemption of 1/2 J2N.R20E, of J2N R21E, J2N + 1/2 J1NR22E of J2N+ 1/2 J1N.R23E of J2N +3/4 J1NR.24E and of J1S R25E will endanger the watershed of the

[page 3]

tributaries of the Tuolumne River as it passes through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River + finally through Hetch Hetchy Valley, a valley which in grandeur + uniqueness is in many respects the peer of Yosemite and will in future form one of the principal attractions of the Sierra Nevada of California If the Territory of the Yosemite National Park should be reduced in accordance with the bill H.R 5764, the dangers to guard against which the Park was orig- inally set aside, would again arise, the herds of sheep which now for two seasons have successfully been kept out of the reservation would denude the watersheds of their vegetation, the forest fires following in the wake of the herds would destroy the magnificent forests and threaten the reservation itself and the timber of price- less value of the speculator. The Directors of the Sierra Club respectfully point out that Senate Bill No 3235 proposed by Mr. Paddock will meet any objections in the interest of mining or farming industries, if there be any, to the continuance of the present limits of the Yosemite National Park Reservation. John Muir J.H. Senger, President Sierra Club Secretary Sierra Club Warren Olney First Vice - President Sierra Club San Francisco, Jan 2nd 1893

[page 4 image description] Map of Yosemite, labeled “MAP OF THE YO SEMITE NATIONAL PARK”. Part of the map is outlined in blue. 

[brooklynislandgirl]

NAME: Ben Prestor

AGE: 34

DO YOU LIKE TO CUDDLE?: He does. Permission helps.

CAN WE MAKE-OUT?: …Yes. 

A NIGHT IN OR DINNER OUT?: Out is okay. Easy on the surprises. 

WHIP CREAM OR CHOCOLATE SYRUP?: *frown deepens as he realizes he and Beth apply different meanings to these… things… and none involve sundaes* Syrup?

CHOCOLATES AND ROSES?: Nah. He’d rather do something for you.

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD VALENTINE?: He didn’t say that.

WOULD YOU COOK FOR ME?: Beth… *thinks* All right.

WOULD YOU LET ME COOK FOR YOU?: *clears throat* That’s okay.

WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE ME ON A DATE? Somewhere natural so he doesn’t have to think about tablecloths. 

WHO’S PAYING?: *flustered silence*

WHAT DID YOU GET ME FOR VALENTINE’S DAY?: He made you something, naturally. A lovely thing carved in bone with a fine skill he may take a little for granted. He’s sorry about that. You have to kiss him first, though, because ^this was hell. 

Better Together || -

Beth's fingertip traces from the natural part in his hair down the slope of his nose, pausing at the very tip, before continuing on over his lips ~she takes care to neither be kissed nor nipped on the journey~ and on down to his chin. From there she travels on an itinerant journey to explore the parts between. The sweep of his jaw, the arch of his cheek. A scattering of freckles here, a mole there. The shell of his ear, the etched lines of his brow. But specifically not the scar. He has trouble enough with that, and she only needs to drown in the turbid headwaters of his eyes to see the way he turns from stray ideas of touch. They are the same in that regard; his is kapu from pain and misery, hers is kapu for its host of other reasons. Even now as they make themselves into living nesting dolls ~she being the holder of the others, Ben tucked up and around her as if with enough determination he can fit into the space between her ribs and disappear, and D.O rested her head on his thigh, where Ben could pet her and she was part of this cozy circle. She doesn't know when she abandoned the quiz, having used it as a buffer to broach things she's too uptight to just bring up like an adult. Some questions don't need to be asked. She knows his name. Has heard everything whispered and shouted about it. From himself, from others. She trusts D.O. as the best judge of character. Beth knows they are of the same age, though it's funny that they should both be water and she's the elder by four-ish months. "I'm not much f' goin' out dese days." He doesn't know how close Mos Espa has come to having a new ever flowing river running red through town like an ancient apocalyptic sign. But she remembers every flinch, every inward curl of shoulder and shuffle-drag of foot. She remembers every time he doesn't lift his gaze and every nasty thing still muttered behind his broad back. Some day she will make them all regret every slight cast his way. She won't shed a tear over it. He ghosts the single word against her ribs and sends a rush of goose bumps rushing from the curve of her hips to the nape of her neck. Ben doesn't always need words; expressions, a flick of his wrist, the tectonic shift of his shoulders is enough to make an elegant counterpoint. She's grateful he doesn't gravitate toward roses, and in turn rewards him with the brush of lips across his brow, the shift of pose allowing him to burrow just that much deeper into her. Ben is a sensitive soul. Maybe because it's so big in him it pushes at his skin and threaten to spill out of his nicks and scars like spring sap. Her fingers tangle themselves in the thick ink of his hair. Lets it stain her skin the way he stains wood; with patience and care, the mark of hesitance. "We don' have to, ya know. Can jus' order some kine jalike. Somet'ing dat totally break da mout'. I could go get it. We could go togeddah." She can't cook, and it seems unfair to force such a thing on him if he's not feeling quite up to it. Sometimes she wonders if he resents food as a necessary evil, the way she does her meds. Therapy. Things she's forced to do in order to simply maintain survival level existence. She doesn't know how to carefully pry at that without letting the worms of argument escape the can. "Or mebbe, jus' could consume each oddah. Live off of..." She trails off, the word sticking in her throat. She shifts again and D.O huffs a little sigh before grudgingly removing her head from Ben's leg, the C of her back now pushing against him as she rests her muzzle on her paws. It's not an indictment of Ben and Beth's relationship but rather being disgruntled by all the moving around. For her part, Beth shimmies down just a little and the bed-frame creaks mournfully. Ben needs a better bed, especially if Beth is going to take up her own negligible space. Her hand slides up the rungs of his ribs. Swerves toward his back. The hand in his hair tightens only enough to tip his face upward. Her lips grace his, a half breath caught between their mouths. "I wanna kiss you. Gonna do it now, okay?" It seems weird to announce her intent; not as a warning, not as a demand ~she has few of those and never with him~ but maybe she's looking for permission, for an acceptance. A substitute for the things that she can't quite get out of her own head.   

[lunavenefica]

Isn't it a bit of appropriation to take Celtic pagan culture and use it for your witchy nonsense? I mean, the only people who could possibly get away with this stuff are the Irish/Scottish etc.

I usually don't reply to these questions but since I can see that whatever you're trying to say comes from a place of ignorance I'll give you a quick history lesson:

1)Who were the Celts?

"Early sources place Celts in western Europe and also occupying land near the headwaters of the Danube River. Their home territories have often been traced to central and eastern France, extending across southern Germany and into the Czech Republic.

In 279BC the Celts were known to have looted Delphi, the sacred Greek site. Strabo (Geographer) recorded a meeting between the Celts and Alexander the Great in 335BC in the Balkans. Classical writers had recorded a large-scale migration of Celts soon after 400BC, this migration took the Celts from central Europe into Northern Italy and Eastern Europe."

As you can see, the Celts weren't only Irish or Scottish, that's something you could've googled and discovered in about 2 seconds.

2) Is it cultural appropriation?

Once again, it would've been enough to scroll through my blog to get your answer, if we're really going into cancel culture and cultural appropriation the answer is still NO!

First of all we have 2 admins, 2 different people with different backgrounds, I (the person answering this ask and managing most of the blog), 'Isidora' am literally of Slavic descent, I was born in Eastern Europe, in the Balkans, near the Danube river quoted in point n.1, and live in Italy, while the other person 'Blaiz' is from France and has Breton roots. So technically speaking, it's not cultural appropriation.

If we're talking about morality? It's still a no!

As absurd as it can seem, different cultures have a LOT, and I tell you, a LOT of common traditions, there may be some smaller differences or a change of names but you'll find a lot of similar holidays, practices and traditions in most cultures.

3) Are we using Celtic Pagan Culture for our witchy non-sense?

Never have I stated that I'm a Celtic Pagan, I am an atheist and see Witchcraft as a craft that combines a bit of psychology, science, self-help and fun to keep myself motivated to work on whatever I need to improve in my life.

What I'm sharing here are my notes and an insight of the history of certain Holidays, or ways to modernize what people did for centuries, because with the progression of technology what was easy to do in the past (like having bonfires) can be difficult in the present.

The other admin, Bleiz is a pagan who works with Breton deities.

They are pagan, there are MANY branches of paganism and there's absolutely nothing wrong in exploring them since the Celts were one of the most widely spread populations in the Ancient Age and there's been a LOT of contamination.

That being said, I hope you find something better to do in your life instead of sending passive aggressive anon messages trying to invalidate someone's beliefs/ruin their day just to get a response on topics that you clearly have very little knowledge of.

Educate yourself before speaking and respect other people's beliefs.

That's all, happy Halloween and touch some grass.

Yours truly,

Isidora

NB : Here is Bleiz writing!

My friend answered really well to your ask. Like she said, descendants of Celtic people are not only in Ireland or Scotland. There is a part in France, called Bretagne, where they stayed and kept a lot of their celtic traditions (mixed with christian religion, but that's another thing). A part of my family comes from there actually. In some villages, we still celebrate the old festivities going back to the celtic people (which were rebranded as 'christian honors' because they were so engraved into the cultures and traditions of Bretagne that the Church couldn't completely suppress them).

Not everyone on this site is american, and we all come from different backgrounds. Your question could have been really interesting, however with the tone you used, it looks more like an aggression to my origins and a disrespect to my ancestors who were murdered by the church because of their beliefs of the ancient gods.

If you don't know something, we would be glad to explain them to you, but please, next time, try not to be so aggressive. There is no shame in not knowing something.

Take care of you, and I hope this will help you to get into Celtic History, traditions and cultures through the different territories because it is fascinating!

Trugarez, kenavo!

⛤Bleiz⛤

[dragonnan]

Personal treasure. I’m sure most of us have something deeply meaningful that, while precious to us, may not have much monetary value. This one is mine.

In the early 80s, when I was somewhere between 9 and 12, my family took one of our many outings. This time we went with close family friends to the Mississippi headwaters.

Here, you can wade across the Mississippi as it is both shallow and narrow- almost impossible to believe the roaring juggernaut it turns into.

All of us played in the water and explored the woods around lake Itasca. After a while it was time to head back to our campsite. However, not without a stop at the gift shop.

While wandering the aisles, I happened upon a shelf with a collection of tiny brass horses in various poses. I was smitten and desperately wanted one. My mother tried to talk me out of it as apparently they were somewhat pricy (to this day I don’t know the actual cost but I can guess it was around $20). However, dad rapidly folded under my pleading and got it for me - with the promise I wouldn’t let the other kids know I got a gift that cost more than the agreed budget.

I’ve had this with me ever since. It has traveled during several moves and even to Alaska. I value it more than any other trinket or valuable I own. Whenever I look at it I remember that day in the gift shop. I remember wading in ice cold waters. And I remember my dad, who did all he could to give his kids whatever they wanted - even when money was tight.

[scotianostra]

On November 14th in 1770 the Scottish adventurer James Bruce reportedly discovered the source of the Nile in north-west Ethiopia.

James Bruce of Kinnaird was only the second known European to visit the isolated mountain kingdom of Abyssinia since the 1630s, and his fame on his return rivalled that of Captain Cook, recently returned from the Pacific, though back in London "his stories were regarded as being too fabulous to be true, and he found himself ridiculed by society, especially by Samuel Johnson who had translated the narrative of Jeronimo Lobo" (Howgego). 

King George III as well as the educated elite rebuffed Bruce's account of his years in Ethiopia, often believing he had fabricated his fascinating tales of butchery and barbarism.  Additionally, Bruce was condemned because he had repudiated the words of the Portuguese priest, Father Lobo, and continued to maintain that he was the first European to reach the Nile's source above Lake Tana.

Spurned by much of London society and intelligentsia, Bruce returned to his native Scotland, where he was more appropriately welcomed. He married Mary Dundas, who bore him several children but tragically died in 1788, 14 years after they had wed.

After his wife's death, Bruce yielded to friends' urgings to publish his journals, working in London with B. H. Latrobe for a year to transcribe his writings into five volumes. Travels to Discover the Sources of the Nile, in the Years 1768, 1769, 1771, 1772, and 1773 was published in 1790, but Bruce refused to pay Latrobe for his efforts. Likewise, he refused to credit the Italian artist, Balugani, who had died in Ethiopia, for his many superb drawings. In fact, Bruce took personal credit for the Italian's drawings. The book's reception was dismal. Critics lampooned his stories of what he had observed in Ethiopia; most of the book was regarded as mere fiction and became the subject of many jokes.

Angry and dejected, James Bruce returned to his family in Scotland. At the age of 64, he accidentally fell on the staircase in his home and was knocked unconscious, he died the next day.

Although James Bruce and his book were reviled in England, the French regarded his contribution as serious. Indeed, the work of James Bruce was most influential in leading the French to Africa, especially to the Nile. Napoleon's Egyptian campaign in 1798 resulted in the brief French occupation of that country, further exploration of the Nile, and the discovery of the Rosetta Stone.

Even though James Bruce had erred in thinking that an Ethiopian swamp high above sea level was the primary source of the Nile, and despite the fact that he inflated his role in the exploration of the Nile River, his contribution to the history of the continent of Africa is important. Not only was he the first European to follow the Blue Nile to where it converged with the White Nile, but his accounts of his travels and the years he spent in Ethiopia are still regarded today as epic. Not until 1960 were the headwaters of the Blue Nile fully charted, almost 200 years after James Bruce climbed more than 6,000 feet to a swampy spot in the Ethiopian highlands.

[rockislandadultreads]

Book Recommendations: New Nonfiction eAudiobooks on Libby

Looking for free access to eBooks or eAudiobooks? Check out Libby, a service from the Rock Island Public Library (RIPL) that can be accessed with your RIPL card number! You can log in to Libby through our website or download it as an app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

In the Shadow of the Mountain by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado

Endless ice. Thin air. The threat of dropping into nothingness thousands of feet below. This is the climb Silvia Vasquez-Lavado braves in her page-turning, pulse-raising memoir following her journey to Mount Everest.

A Latina hero in the elite macho tech world of Silicon Valley, privately, she was hanging by a thread. Deep in the throes of alcoholism, hiding her sexuality from her family, and repressing the abuse she'd suffered as a child, she started climbing. Something about the brute force required for the ascent—the risk and spirit and sheer size of the mountains and death's close proximity—woke her up. She then took her biggest pain as a survivor to the biggest mountain: Everest.

"The Mother of the World," as it's known in Nepal, allows few to reach her summit, but Silvia didn't go alone. She gathered a group of young female survivors and led them to base camp alongside her. It was never easy. At times hair-raising, nerve-racking, and always challenging, Silvia remembers the acute anxiety of leading a group of novice climbers to Everest's base, all the while coping with her own nerves of summiting. But, there were also moments of peace, joy, and healing with the strength of her fellow survivors and community propelling her forward.

Under the Skin by Linda Villarosa

In 2018, Linda Villarosa's New York Times Magazine article on maternal and infant mortality among black mothers and babies in America caused an awakening. Hundreds of studies had previously established a link between racial discrimination and the health of Black Americans, with little progress toward solutions. But Villarosa's article exposing that a Black woman with a college education is as likely to die or nearly die in childbirth as a white woman with an eighth grade education made racial disparities in health care impossible to ignore.

Now, in Under the Skin, Linda Villarosa lays bare the forces in the American health-care system and in American society that cause Black people to “live sicker and die quicker” compared to their white counterparts. Today's medical texts and instruments still carry fallacious slavery-era assumptions that Black bodies are fundamentally different from white bodies. Study after study of medical settings show worse treatment and outcomes for Black patients. Black people live in dirtier, more polluted communities due to environmental racism and neglect from all levels of government. And, most powerfully, Villarosa describes the new understanding that coping with the daily scourge of racism ages Black people prematurely. Anchored by unforgettable human stories and offering incontrovertible proof, Under the Skin is dramatic, tragic, and necessary reading.

River of the Gods by Candice Millard 

For millennia the location of the Nile River’s headwaters was shrouded in mystery. In the 19th century, there was  a frenzy of interest in ancient Egypt. At the same time, European powers sent off waves of explorations intended to map the unknown corners of the globe – and extend their colonial empires.

Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke were sent by the Royal Geographical Society to claim the prize for England. Burton spoke twenty-nine languages, and was a decorated soldier. He was also mercurial, subtle, and an iconoclastic atheist. Speke was a young aristocrat and Army officer determined to make his mark, passionate about hunting, Burton’s opposite in temperament and beliefs.

From the start the two men clashed. They would endure tremendous hardships, illness, and constant setbacks. Two years in, deep in the African interior, Burton became too sick to press on, but Speke did, and claimed he found the source in a great lake that he christened Lake Victoria. When they returned to England, Speke rushed to take credit, disparaging Burton. Burton disputed his claim, and Speke launched another expedition to Africa to prove it. The two became venomous enemies, with the public siding with the more charismatic Burton, to Speke’s great envy. The day before they were to publicly debate,Speke shot himself.

Yet there was a third man on both expeditions, his name obscured by imperial annals, whose exploits were even more extraordinary. This was Sidi Mubarak Bombay, who was enslaved and shipped from his home village in East Africa to India. When the man who purchased him died, he made his way into the local Sultan’s army, and eventually traveled back to Africa, where he used his resourcefulness, linguistic prowess and raw courage to forge a living as a guide. Without Bombay and men like him, who led, carried, and protected the expedition, neither Englishman would have come close to the headwaters of the Nile, or perhaps even survived.

And Finally by Henry Marsh 

As a retired brain surgeon, Henry Marsh thought he understood illness, but he was unprepared for the impact of his diagnosis of advanced cancer. And Finally explores what happens when someone who has spent a lifetime on the frontline of life and death finds himself contemplating what might be his own death sentence.

As he navigates the bewildering transition from doctor to patient, he is haunted by past failures and projects yet to be completed, and frustrated by the inconveniences of illness and old age. But he is also more entranced than ever by the mysteries of science and the brain, the beauty of the natural world and his love for his family. Elegiac, candid, luminous and poignant, And Finally is ultimately not so much an audiobook about death, but an audiobook about life and what matters in the end.

[pristinegazee]

In the current market environment, small-cap Canadian stocks present an intriguing opportunity for investors looking to tap into growth potential outside of large, well-established companies. While global economic uncertainty and fluctuating commodity prices can affect market sentiment, many small-cap companies have demonstrated resilience and innovation in sectors like technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.

Three such Canadian Stocks to have a look at are:

Headwater Exploration Inc. (TSX: HWX)

Trading at $6.42, this security is a key player in the crude oil industry, with a significant land base that facilitates ongoing exploration and expansion efforts. This proactive strategy has resulted in steady resource growth and production increases, with output climbing from an average of 7,393 Boe/day in 2021 to an anticipated 20,000 Boe/day by 2024........Read more

[lewcoty]

Exploring the Gregory River headwaters south of Trout River NL

[roomchailimited]

Road Tripping Through the USA: A Traveler’s Guide to Iconic Routes

The United States is a land of diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, and there’s no better way to experience this than by hitting the open road. From the rugged coastlines of the Pacific to the rolling hills of the Appalachians, road trips across the USA offer an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most iconic routes. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or embarking on your first adventure, this guide will take you through some of the most famous routes, each offering unique sights and experiences.

Route 66: The Mother Road

One of the most legendary highways in the world, Route 66, offers a nostalgic journey through America’s heartland. Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, this iconic route is dotted with quirky roadside attractions, vintage motels, and classic diners. The journey takes you through eight states, offering a glimpse of small-town America, the vastness of the Great Plains, and the stark beauty of the Southwest deserts. Highlights include the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, and the neon lights of the historic Route 66 sign in Los Angeles.

Pacific Coast Highway: California Dreaming

For breathtaking coastal views, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is unmatched. Running along California’s rugged coastline from San Francisco to Los Angeles, this scenic drive offers stunning ocean vistas, towering cliffs, and charming coastal towns. Stops along the way include the famous Bixby Creek Bridge, the artistic enclave of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the picturesque Big Sur region. The journey is a feast for the eyes, with endless photo opportunities and the chance to experience California’s laid-back coastal lifestyle.

Blue Ridge Parkway: Appalachian Splendor

Winding through the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a serene escape into nature. Spanning from Virginia to North Carolina, this scenic drive offers sweeping mountain views, vibrant fall foliage, and numerous hiking trails. The Parkway is a haven for nature lovers, with opportunities to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, and experience the charm of small mountain towns. This route is perfect for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection with nature.

Great River Road: Following the Mighty Mississippi

The Great River Road follows the course of the Mississippi River, from its headwaters in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana. This historic route offers a journey through America’s cultural and natural heartland, passing through ten states. Along the way, you’ll encounter vibrant river towns, lush farmlands, and historic landmarks. Highlights include the lively music scene in Memphis, the historic plantations of the Mississippi Delta, and the vibrant culture of New Orleans. This road trip is a journey through the soul of America, with rich cultural experiences and stunning natural beauty.

Overseas Highway: A Tropical Escape

For a road trip with a tropical twist, the Overseas Highway in Florida is a must. Connecting the Florida mainland to the stunning Florida Keys, this route offers crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and endless sunshine. The journey takes you over 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, offering unparalleled ocean views. Key stops include the vibrant city of Key West, the natural beauty of Bahia Honda State Park, and the opportunity to snorkel or dive in the clear waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Road Trip Experience

Embarking on a road trip across the USA is more than just a journey; it’s an adventure that allows you to connect with the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Whether you choose the historic Route 66, the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, or the tropical Overseas Highway, each route offers a unique experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. At Roomchai Limited, we offer customized road trip packages that cater to your preferences, ensuring that your American road trip is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, the USA’s iconic routes have something for every traveler.

[2annes]

Top Tips for Finding Safe Overnight RV Parking in Minnesota

Minnesota, known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, is a popular destination for RV enthusiasts. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended adventure, finding safe overnight parking for your RV is crucial. Here are some top tips to ensure a comfortable and secure stay during your Minnesota RV journey, with a special focus on options near Red Lake Falls, MN.

Research Designated RV Parks and Campgrounds

The most reliable option for overnight RV parking is at designated RV parks and campgrounds. These facilities are specifically designed to accommodate RVs and often offer amenities like hookups, dump stations, and shower facilities. When looking for an rv park near Red Lake Falls, MN, consider 2Annes Lakeside RV Park. Located on picturesque Cameron Lake, this park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern conveniences, making it an ideal base for exploring the Red Lake Falls area.

Utilize State and National Parks

Minnesota boasts numerous state and national parks that welcome RV campers. While these may not always offer full hookups, they provide a safe and often scenic place to park overnight. Many of these parks require reservations, especially during peak seasons, so plan ahead. Some popular options include Itasca State Park, known for the headwaters of the Mississippi River, and the nearby Rydell National Wildlife Refuge.

Consider Boondocking on Public Lands

For those seeking a more rustic experience, boondocking (camping without hookups) on public lands can be an option in Minnesota. The state has several national forests and wildlife management areas that allow dispersed camping. However, always check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before setting up camp.

Look into Harvest Hosts and Similar Programs

Membership programs like Harvest Hosts offer unique overnight parking opportunities at wineries, farms, and other attractions. While these locations typically don't provide hookups, they offer a chance to experience local culture and often picturesque settings. Keep in mind that these stays usually require a membership and may have specific rules or expectations.

Check with Local Businesses

Some businesses, particularly in rural areas, may allow overnight RV parking. This can include certain Walmart locations, truck stops, or local restaurants. Always ask for permission first and be prepared to move if requested. Remember, these are not campgrounds, so limit your stay and avoid setting up camp.

Use RV-Specific Apps and Websites

Leverage technology to find safe overnight parking spots. Apps and websites like Campendium, RV Parky, and AllStays can help you locate RV-friendly locations, read reviews from other travelers, and even make reservations in some cases. These tools can be particularly helpful when looking for options in specific areas, such as near Red Lake Falls.

Prioritize Safety

Regardless of where you choose to park, safety should be your top priority. Look for well-lit areas, preferably with some form of security presence. If a location feels unsafe, trust your instincts and move on. When parking in less developed areas, be aware of your surroundings and have a plan in case of emergencies.

Respect Local Regulations and Etiquette

Different areas may have specific rules about overnight RV parking. Always adhere to local regulations, including any time limits or quiet hours. Be a good neighbor by keeping noise to a minimum, properly disposing of waste, and leaving your spot as clean (or cleaner) than you found it.

Plan for Self-Sufficiency

When exploring less developed areas or boondocking, ensure your RV is equipped for self-sufficiency. This includes having adequate water, a fully charged battery, and a way to dispose of waste properly. Solar panels or a generator can be helpful for extended stays without hookups.

Support Local Communities

While finding free overnight parking can be appealing, consider supporting local economies by staying at paid RV parks or campgrounds when possible. Places like 2Annes Lakeside RV Park near Red Lake Falls not only provide a safe and comfortable place to stay but also contribute to the local community.

Explore Long-Term Options

If you're planning an extended stay in the Red Lake Falls area, look into long-term RV parking options. Some RV parks, including 2Annes Lakeside RV Park, offer weekly, monthly, or even seasonal rates. These can provide a cost-effective solution for longer visits and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the local community and surrounding attractions.

Be Prepared for Minnesota's Weather

Minnesota's weather can be unpredictable, especially during shoulder seasons. When choosing overnight parking, consider how well the location can accommodate your RV in various weather conditions. Look for level ground, protection from strong winds, and good drainage in case of rain.

By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable RV experience in Minnesota. Whether you're seeking the amenities of a full-service RV park near Red Lake Falls or the solitude of a remote boondocking spot, Minnesota offers diverse options for overnight RV parking. Remember to always prioritize safety, respect local regulations and communities, and take time to appreciate the natural beauty that makes Minnesota a prime destination for RV enthusiasts.