#kansas wildlife exhibit
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Something about going by The Keeper in reference to like. The consciousness. Like. Or the body. The thing that contains the fronter. Or the system overall. Idk
There's a statue in my hometown called the Keeper of the Plains. It would connect to not just the meaning I've been looking for, but the several layers of sentiment, And a connection to my ancestry
#system babbles#system posting#actually plural#keeper of the plains#the exhibit#kansas wildlife exhibit#the walks by the river#riverfest#kiba and akito#native culture#native history#art history#i just. idk i could go on and on
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Honoring Emporia's Native American Heritage: A Rich Tapestry Woven into Kansas.
Introduction: Emporia, Kansas, is a city steeped in history, with a vibrant tapestry of cultures shaping its identity. Among these, the influence of Native American heritage stands as a cornerstone, enriching the city's cultural landscape. From the days of the Kansa and Osage peoples to the modern-day efforts of preservation and recognition, Emporia's Native American heritage is a narrative worth exploring.
Pre-European Settlement: Long before European settlers arrived, the land that would become Emporia was inhabited by indigenous peoples. The Kansa and Osage tribes were among the first to call this region home, drawn to its fertile lands and abundant wildlife. These tribes established vibrant communities, leaving behind traces of their presence in the form of artifacts, burial sites, and oral traditions.
Impact of European Colonization: The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century marked a significant shift in the region's dynamics. Forced relocation, land seizures, and cultural assimilation efforts disrupted the lives of indigenous peoples, leading to the displacement of many Native American communities. Despite these challenges, elements of Native American culture persisted, influencing the region's traditions, place names, and customs.
Emporia's Indigenous Legacy: Emporia's Native American heritage is evident in various aspects of the city's identity. From street names like Osage Avenue to landmarks such as the Flint Hills and Cottonwood River, reminders of the area's indigenous past are woven into its geography. Additionally, annual events like the Flint Hills Wisdom Keepers Gathering celebrate Native American culture through music, dance, and storytelling, fostering a deeper appreciation for indigenous traditions.
Education and Awareness: Efforts to educate the public about Emporia's Native American heritage are ongoing. Local museums, such as the Lyon County Historical Society Museum, showcase exhibits highlighting the history and contributions of indigenous peoples to the region. Educational programs in schools and community organizations aim to raise awareness about Native American history, promoting understanding and respect for diverse cultural perspectives.
Preservation and Recognition: In recent years, there has been a growing movement to preserve and honor Emporia's Native American heritage. Initiatives such as the restoration of sacred sites, protection of burial grounds, and recognition of tribal sovereignty have gained momentum, signaling a renewed commitment to respecting indigenous rights and traditions. Additionally, partnerships between tribal nations and local governments have facilitated greater collaboration on issues of cultural preservation and economic development.
Challenges and Opportunities: Despite progress, challenges remain in fully acknowledging and preserving Emporia's Native American heritage. Ongoing efforts to address historical injustices, promote cultural sensitivity, and support indigenous communities are essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By embracing diversity and honoring the contributions of all peoples, Emporia can continue to thrive as a community that values its rich multicultural heritage.
Conclusion: Emporia's Native American heritage is a vital part of the city's identity, shaping its past, present, and future. From the enduring legacy of indigenous peoples to contemporary efforts of preservation and recognition, the influence of Native American culture can be seen and felt throughout the community. By acknowledging and honoring this heritage, Emporia not only pays tribute to its roots but also enriches the lives of all who call this place home.
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Holidays 4.20
Holidays
Anniversary of Something That Happened So Long Ago Everyone Has Forgotten What It Was Day
Chinese Language Day (UN)
Columbine Anniversary Day
Cuckoo Day (Medieval Europe)
Daffodil King Day
Day of Shame (Elder Scrolls)
Deepwater Horizon Anniversary Day
Doge Day
Dushanbe Day (Tajikistan)s
Environment Day (Ukraine)
420 [April 20] (a.k.a. ...
Cannabis Culture Day
Four-Twenty
International Cannabis Day
Global CRSwNP Awareness Day
Go Around Humming "You Light Up My Life" Until Everybody Screams Day
Grain Rains Day (Chinese Farmer’s Calendar)
Indian Day (Brazil)
International Cli-Fi Day (a.k.a. Climate Fiction Day)
International Peter Tosh Day
Jose de Diego’s Birthday (Puerto Rico)
Justice Authorities Employees Day (Tajikistan)
Knife Day (French Republic)s
Look Alike Day
L. Ron Hubbard Exhibition Day (Scientology)
National Administrative Professional Day
National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day
National Canadian Film Day (Canada)
National Consumer Day (Indonesia)
National Day of Action Against Gun Violence in Schools
National Death Doula Day
National Donor Day (Russia)
National Erection Day (South Africa)
National Foot Job Day
National Goal Buddies Day
National Oil Price Day
National Pot Smoking Day
National Seaweed Day
National Squat Day
National Stop Snoring Day
National Weed Day
Palindrome Day
Pastele Blajinilor (Memory/Parents’ Day; Moldova)
Post Office Day (Japan)
Radium Day
Robanukah begins (Futurama)
Rose Day (French Republic)
Sumardagurinn First (1st Day of Summer; Iceland)
Sylvester the Cat Day
Take a Break to Rest Your Mind Day
Volunteer Recognition Day
World Animal Vaccination Day
World Armwrestling Day
World Durood Day
World Orphans Day
Zipper Day
Food & Drink Celebrations
International Milk Tea Dumpling Day
Lima Bean Respect Day
National Cheddar Fries Day
National Cold Brew Day
National Cold IPA Day
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day
3rd Saturday in April
California Poppy Festival begins [3rd Saturday]
Hardware Freedom Day [3rd Saturday]
Husband Appreciation Day [3rd Saturday]
International Reconciliation Day [3rd Saturday]
National Auctioneers Day [3rd Saturday]
Record Store Day [3rd Saturday]
World Circus Day [3rd Saturday]
Weekly Holidays beginning April 20 (3rd Week)
International Wildlife Film Week [thru 4.25]
National Park Week [thru 4.28]
National Stop Snoring Week [thru 4.26]
Independence & Related Days
Arlandia (Declared; 2020) [unrecognized]
Arnerea (Declared; 2019) [unrecognized]
Flammancia (Declared; 2014) [unrecognized]
Morland (Declared; 2014) [unrecognized]
Rome (Founded by Romulus & Remus; 735 BCE; 3961 Julian Period; 4th Year of 6th Olympiad)
West Korea (Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]
New Year’s Days
New Years Holidays (Myanmar)
Festivals Beginning April 20, 2024
Arkansas State Chili Championships (Eureka Springs, Arkansas)
BBQ & Blues Festival (Barnesville, Georgia)
Blacksburg Fork and Cork (Blacksburg, Virginia)
Blessing of Sonoita Vineyards (Elgin, Arizona)
Bluebird Music Festival (Boulder, Colorado)
Butter & Egg Days (Petaluma, California)
California Nut Festival (Chico, California)
Catersville BBQ & Brews Festival (Catersville, Georgia)
Columbus International Film & Animation Festival (Columbus, Ohio) [thru 4.21]
Connecticut Craft Beer Fest (Hartford, Connecticut)
Crawfish Cook-Off (Slidell, Louisiana)
Dessert Wars (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
East Coast She Crap Soup Classic (Virigina Beach, Virginia)
East Maui Taro Festival (Maui, Hawaii)
Ferguson Brewing 14th Anniversary Beer Festival (Ferguson, Missouri)
Fort Pierce Oyster Festival (Fort Pierce, Florida)
Glens Falls Briefest (Glens Falls, New York)
Great Plains Renaissance & Scottish Festival (Wichita, Kansas) [thru 4.21]
High Water Festival (North Charleston, South Carolina) [thru 4.21]
Massachusetts Craft Brewers Festival (Boston, Massachusetts)
Mile High 420 Festival (Denver, Colorado)
Moors and Christians of Alcoy Festival (Alcoy, Spain) [thru 4.22]
Pennsylvania Maple Festival (Meyersdale, Pennsylvania) [thru 4.21 & 4.24-28]
Ramp Festival (Sherman, Connecticut)
Scallop Festival in Brittany (Paimpol, France) [thru 4.21]
Schram Haus’ Goast Fest (Chaska, Minnesota)
Shad Fest (New Hope/Lambertville, New Jersey)
Stuttgart Spring Festival (Stuttgart, Germany) [thru 5.12]
SweetWater 420 Fest (Atlanta, Georgia) [thru 4.21]
Venice Art Biennale (Venice, Italy) [thru 11.24]
Weifang International Kite Festival (Weifang, China) [thru 4.22]
West End Beer Fest (Spokane, Washington)
Wine & Food Festival (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Wine Stroll (Westminster, Maryland)
World Class Crab Races & Crab Feed (Westport, Washington)
World’s Biggest Fish Fry (Paris, Tennessee)
Feast Days
Afanc Day (Giant Beaver; Celtic Book of Days)
Agnes of Monte Pulciano (Christian; Saint & Virgin)
Anicetus, Pope (Christian; Saint)
Anniversary of Something That Happened So Long Ago Everyone Has Forgotten What It Was (Shamanism)
Beuno (Christian; Saint)
Blodeuedd Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)
Caedwalla of Wales (Christian; Saint)
Daniel Chester French (Artology)
Eastre (Teutonic Goddess of Spring)
Franz Xaver Winterhalter (Artology)
Frontinus (Positivist; Saint)
Gabriel of Bialystok (Orthodox Christian; Poland)
Hildegund (Christian; Saint & Virgin)
Hugh of Anzy le Duc (Christian; Saint)
Intergalactic Alien Solidarity Day (Pastafarian)
James of Sclavonia (Christian; Saint)
Joan Miró (Artology)
Johannes Bugenhagen (Lutheran)
Marcellinus of Gaul (a.k.a. Embrun; Christian; Saint)
Marcian (a.k.a. Marian; Christian; Saint)
Oda of Brabant (Christian; Blessed)
Odilon Redon (Artology)
Peter S. Beagle (Writerism)
R. Bud Dwyer Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)
Ridván begins (until May 2; Bahá'í)
Sebastian Faulks (Writerism)
Serf or Servanus of Scotland (Christian; Saint)
Theotimos (Christian; Saint)
Tuktuki (Muppetism)
Hebrew Calendar Holidays [Begins at Sundown Day Before]
Shabbat HaGadol [12 Nisan]
Lucky & Unlucky Days
Dismal Day (Unlucky or Evil Day; Medieval Europe; 8 of 24)
Egyptian Day (Unlucky Day; Middle Ages Europe) [8 of 24]
Fortunate Day (Pagan) [16 of 53]
Historically Bad Day (Hitler born, Columbine massacre, Deepwater Horizon explosion & 7 other tragedies) [2 of 11]
Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]
Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because it’s Hitler's birthday. Plus, everyone's high.)
Unlucky Day (Grafton’s Manual of 1565) [22 of 60]
Premieres
African Diary (Disney Cartoon; 1945)
Aggretsuko (Anime TV Series; 2018)
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (Song; 1967)
American Idiot (Broadway Musical; 2010)
Annie Hall (Film; 1977)
The Barnyard Five (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1936)
Boyhood Daze (WB MM Cartoon; 1957)
Buccaneer Woodpecker (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1953)
Buddy in Africa (WB LT Cartoon; 1935)
Charming (Animated Film; 2018)
The Company of Women, by Mary Gordon (Novel; 1981)
Dawn of the Dead (Film; 1979)
The Diplomat (TV Series; 2023)
Disappointment, of the Force of Credulity, by Samuel Adler (Comic Ballad Opera; 1762) [1st American Opera; Performance canceled at last minute; wasn’t performed until 1976]
Duck Duck Goose (Animated Film; 2018)
Dummy (TV Series; 2020)
El Capitan, by John Philip Sousa (March; 1896)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, recorded by Judy Garland (Song; 1944)
Hot Fuzz (Film; 2007)
Jazz Samba, by Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd (Album; 1962)
Jumping’ Jack Flash, recorded by The Rolling Stones (Song; 1968)
Just a Clown (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1934)
The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle (Novel; 1968)
Macbeth, by William Shakespeare (Play; 1611)
Make Mine Music (Animated Disney Film; 1946)
The Man Who Lived Underground, by Richard Wright (Novel; 1942)
Mexican Cat Dance (WB LT Cartoon; 1963)
Miami Blues (Film; 1990)
My Boy Jack (Film; 2007)
Panhandle Scandal (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1959)
Puppy Love, by Dolly Parton (Song; 1959)
A Rainy Day (MGM Cartoon; 1940)
Rising Sun, by Michael Crichton (Novel; 1992)
The Robber Kitten (Disney Silly Symphony Cartoon; 1935)
Roman Punch (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1930)
Salem (TV Series; 2014)
The Spirit of St. Louis (Film; 1957)
Sunny South (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1931)
Thrill of Fair (Fleischer/Famous Popeye Cartoon; 1951)
The Velveteen Rabbit (Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Special; 1985)
When It’s Sleepy Time Down South, recorded by Louis Armstrong (Song; 1931)
Today’s Name Days
Hildegund, Odetta, Wilhelm (Austria)
Berta, Loen, Marta (Croatia)
Marcela (Czech Republic)
Sulpicius (Denmark)
Orvi, Urbe, Urva, Urve, Urvi (Estonia)
Lauha, Neela, Nella (Finland)
Odette, Théotime (France)
Hildegund, Odetta (Germany)
Zakhaios (Greece)
Tivadar (Hungary)
Adalgisa (Italy)
Amula, Armands, Mirta, Ziedīte (Latvia)
Agnė, Eisvydė, Gostautas, Marcijonas (Lithuania)
Kjellaug, Kjellrun (Norway)
Agnieszka, Amalia, Czech, Czechasz, Czechoń, Czesław, Florencjusz, Florenty, Nawoj, Sulpicjusz, Szymon, Teodor (Poland)
Teotim (Romania)
Marcel (Slovakia)
Inés (Spain)
Amalia, Amelie (Sweden)
Svyatoslav, Svyatoslava (Ukraine)
Ramsey, Rosco, Roscoe, Ross (USA)
Today is Also…
Day of Year: Day 111 of 2024; 255 days remaining in the year
ISO: Day 6 of week 16 of 2024
Celtic Tree Calendar: Saille (Willow) [Day 7 of 28]
Chinese: Month 3 (Wu-Chen), Day 12 (Jia-Yin)
Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]
Hebrew: 12 Nisan 5784
Islamic: 11 Shawwal 1445
J Cal: 21 Cyan; Sevenday [20 of 30]
Julian: 7 April 2024
Moon: 90%: Waxing Gibbous
Positivist: 27 Archimedes (4th Month) [Plutarch]
Runic Half Month: Man (Human Being) [Day 11 of 15]
Season: Spring (Day 33 of 92)
Week: 3rd Week of April
Zodiac: Taurus (Day 1 of 31)
Calendar Changes
Taurus (The Bull) begins [Zodiac Sign 2; thru 5.20]
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Holidays 4.20
Holidays
Anniversary of Something That Happened So Long Ago Everyone Has Forgotten What It Was Day
Chinese Language Day (UN)
Columbine Anniversary Day
Cuckoo Day (Medieval Europe)
Daffodil King Day
Day of Shame (Elder Scrolls)
Deepwater Horizon Anniversary Day
Doge Day
Dushanbe Day (Tajikistan)s
Environment Day (Ukraine)
420 [April 20] (a.k.a. ...
Cannabis Culture Day
Four-Twenty
International Cannabis Day
Global CRSwNP Awareness Day
Go Around Humming "You Light Up My Life" Until Everybody Screams Day
Grain Rains Day (Chinese Farmer’s Calendar)
Indian Day (Brazil)
International Cli-Fi Day (a.k.a. Climate Fiction Day)
International Peter Tosh Day
Jose de Diego’s Birthday (Puerto Rico)
Justice Authorities Employees Day (Tajikistan)
Knife Day (French Republic)s
Look Alike Day
L. Ron Hubbard Exhibition Day (Scientology)
National Administrative Professional Day
National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day
National Canadian Film Day (Canada)
National Consumer Day (Indonesia)
National Day of Action Against Gun Violence in Schools
National Death Doula Day
National Donor Day (Russia)
National Erection Day (South Africa)
National Foot Job Day
National Goal Buddies Day
National Oil Price Day
National Pot Smoking Day
National Seaweed Day
National Squat Day
National Stop Snoring Day
National Weed Day
Palindrome Day
Pastele Blajinilor (Memory/Parents’ Day; Moldova)
Post Office Day (Japan)
Radium Day
Robanukah begins (Futurama)
Rose Day (French Republic)
Sumardagurinn First (1st Day of Summer; Iceland)
Sylvester the Cat Day
Take a Break to Rest Your Mind Day
Volunteer Recognition Day
World Animal Vaccination Day
World Armwrestling Day
World Durood Day
World Orphans Day
Zipper Day
Food & Drink Celebrations
International Milk Tea Dumpling Day
Lima Bean Respect Day
National Cheddar Fries Day
National Cold Brew Day
National Cold IPA Day
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day
3rd Saturday in April
California Poppy Festival begins [3rd Saturday]
Hardware Freedom Day [3rd Saturday]
Husband Appreciation Day [3rd Saturday]
International Reconciliation Day [3rd Saturday]
National Auctioneers Day [3rd Saturday]
Record Store Day [3rd Saturday]
World Circus Day [3rd Saturday]
Weekly Holidays beginning April 20 (3rd Week)
International Wildlife Film Week [thru 4.25]
National Park Week [thru 4.28]
National Stop Snoring Week [thru 4.26]
Independence & Related Days
Arlandia (Declared; 2020) [unrecognized]
Arnerea (Declared; 2019) [unrecognized]
Flammancia (Declared; 2014) [unrecognized]
Morland (Declared; 2014) [unrecognized]
Rome (Founded by Romulus & Remus; 735 BCE; 3961 Julian Period; 4th Year of 6th Olympiad)
West Korea (Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]
New Year’s Days
New Years Holidays (Myanmar)
Festivals Beginning April 20, 2024
Arkansas State Chili Championships (Eureka Springs, Arkansas)
BBQ & Blues Festival (Barnesville, Georgia)
Blacksburg Fork and Cork (Blacksburg, Virginia)
Blessing of Sonoita Vineyards (Elgin, Arizona)
Bluebird Music Festival (Boulder, Colorado)
Butter & Egg Days (Petaluma, California)
California Nut Festival (Chico, California)
Catersville BBQ & Brews Festival (Catersville, Georgia)
Columbus International Film & Animation Festival (Columbus, Ohio) [thru 4.21]
Connecticut Craft Beer Fest (Hartford, Connecticut)
Crawfish Cook-Off (Slidell, Louisiana)
Dessert Wars (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
East Coast She Crap Soup Classic (Virigina Beach, Virginia)
East Maui Taro Festival (Maui, Hawaii)
Ferguson Brewing 14th Anniversary Beer Festival (Ferguson, Missouri)
Fort Pierce Oyster Festival (Fort Pierce, Florida)
Glens Falls Briefest (Glens Falls, New York)
Great Plains Renaissance & Scottish Festival (Wichita, Kansas) [thru 4.21]
High Water Festival (North Charleston, South Carolina) [thru 4.21]
Massachusetts Craft Brewers Festival (Boston, Massachusetts)
Mile High 420 Festival (Denver, Colorado)
Moors and Christians of Alcoy Festival (Alcoy, Spain) [thru 4.22]
Pennsylvania Maple Festival (Meyersdale, Pennsylvania) [thru 4.21 & 4.24-28]
Ramp Festival (Sherman, Connecticut)
Scallop Festival in Brittany (Paimpol, France) [thru 4.21]
Schram Haus’ Goast Fest (Chaska, Minnesota)
Shad Fest (New Hope/Lambertville, New Jersey)
Stuttgart Spring Festival (Stuttgart, Germany) [thru 5.12]
SweetWater 420 Fest (Atlanta, Georgia) [thru 4.21]
Venice Art Biennale (Venice, Italy) [thru 11.24]
Weifang International Kite Festival (Weifang, China) [thru 4.22]
West End Beer Fest (Spokane, Washington)
Wine & Food Festival (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Wine Stroll (Westminster, Maryland)
World Class Crab Races & Crab Feed (Westport, Washington)
World’s Biggest Fish Fry (Paris, Tennessee)
Feast Days
Afanc Day (Giant Beaver; Celtic Book of Days)
Agnes of Monte Pulciano (Christian; Saint & Virgin)
Anicetus, Pope (Christian; Saint)
Anniversary of Something That Happened So Long Ago Everyone Has Forgotten What It Was (Shamanism)
Beuno (Christian; Saint)
Blodeuedd Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)
Caedwalla of Wales (Christian; Saint)
Daniel Chester French (Artology)
Eastre (Teutonic Goddess of Spring)
Franz Xaver Winterhalter (Artology)
Frontinus (Positivist; Saint)
Gabriel of Bialystok (Orthodox Christian; Poland)
Hildegund (Christian; Saint & Virgin)
Hugh of Anzy le Duc (Christian; Saint)
Intergalactic Alien Solidarity Day (Pastafarian)
James of Sclavonia (Christian; Saint)
Joan Miró (Artology)
Johannes Bugenhagen (Lutheran)
Marcellinus of Gaul (a.k.a. Embrun; Christian; Saint)
Marcian (a.k.a. Marian; Christian; Saint)
Oda of Brabant (Christian; Blessed)
Odilon Redon (Artology)
Peter S. Beagle (Writerism)
R. Bud Dwyer Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)
Ridván begins (until May 2; Bahá'í)
Sebastian Faulks (Writerism)
Serf or Servanus of Scotland (Christian; Saint)
Theotimos (Christian; Saint)
Tuktuki (Muppetism)
Hebrew Calendar Holidays [Begins at Sundown Day Before]
Shabbat HaGadol [12 Nisan]
Lucky & Unlucky Days
Dismal Day (Unlucky or Evil Day; Medieval Europe; 8 of 24)
Egyptian Day (Unlucky Day; Middle Ages Europe) [8 of 24]
Fortunate Day (Pagan) [16 of 53]
Historically Bad Day (Hitler born, Columbine massacre, Deepwater Horizon explosion & 7 other tragedies) [2 of 11]
Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]
Uncyclopedia Bad to Be Born Today (because it’s Hitler's birthday. Plus, everyone's high.)
Unlucky Day (Grafton’s Manual of 1565) [22 of 60]
Premieres
African Diary (Disney Cartoon; 1945)
Aggretsuko (Anime TV Series; 2018)
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (Song; 1967)
American Idiot (Broadway Musical; 2010)
Annie Hall (Film; 1977)
The Barnyard Five (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1936)
Boyhood Daze (WB MM Cartoon; 1957)
Buccaneer Woodpecker (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1953)
Buddy in Africa (WB LT Cartoon; 1935)
Charming (Animated Film; 2018)
The Company of Women, by Mary Gordon (Novel; 1981)
Dawn of the Dead (Film; 1979)
The Diplomat (TV Series; 2023)
Disappointment, of the Force of Credulity, by Samuel Adler (Comic Ballad Opera; 1762) [1st American Opera; Performance canceled at last minute; wasn’t performed until 1976]
Duck Duck Goose (Animated Film; 2018)
Dummy (TV Series; 2020)
El Capitan, by John Philip Sousa (March; 1896)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, recorded by Judy Garland (Song; 1944)
Hot Fuzz (Film; 2007)
Jazz Samba, by Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd (Album; 1962)
Jumping’ Jack Flash, recorded by The Rolling Stones (Song; 1968)
Just a Clown (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1934)
The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle (Novel; 1968)
Macbeth, by William Shakespeare (Play; 1611)
Make Mine Music (Animated Disney Film; 1946)
The Man Who Lived Underground, by Richard Wright (Novel; 1942)
Mexican Cat Dance (WB LT Cartoon; 1963)
Miami Blues (Film; 1990)
My Boy Jack (Film; 2007)
Panhandle Scandal (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1959)
Puppy Love, by Dolly Parton (Song; 1959)
A Rainy Day (MGM Cartoon; 1940)
Rising Sun, by Michael Crichton (Novel; 1992)
The Robber Kitten (Disney Silly Symphony Cartoon; 1935)
Roman Punch (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1930)
Salem (TV Series; 2014)
The Spirit of St. Louis (Film; 1957)
Sunny South (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1931)
Thrill of Fair (Fleischer/Famous Popeye Cartoon; 1951)
The Velveteen Rabbit (Hanna-Barbera Animated TV Special; 1985)
When It’s Sleepy Time Down South, recorded by Louis Armstrong (Song; 1931)
Today’s Name Days
Hildegund, Odetta, Wilhelm (Austria)
Berta, Loen, Marta (Croatia)
Marcela (Czech Republic)
Sulpicius (Denmark)
Orvi, Urbe, Urva, Urve, Urvi (Estonia)
Lauha, Neela, Nella (Finland)
Odette, Théotime (France)
Hildegund, Odetta (Germany)
Zakhaios (Greece)
Tivadar (Hungary)
Adalgisa (Italy)
Amula, Armands, Mirta, Ziedīte (Latvia)
Agnė, Eisvydė, Gostautas, Marcijonas (Lithuania)
Kjellaug, Kjellrun (Norway)
Agnieszka, Amalia, Czech, Czechasz, Czechoń, Czesław, Florencjusz, Florenty, Nawoj, Sulpicjusz, Szymon, Teodor (Poland)
Teotim (Romania)
Marcel (Slovakia)
Inés (Spain)
Amalia, Amelie (Sweden)
Svyatoslav, Svyatoslava (Ukraine)
Ramsey, Rosco, Roscoe, Ross (USA)
Today is Also…
Day of Year: Day 111 of 2024; 255 days remaining in the year
ISO: Day 6 of week 16 of 2024
Celtic Tree Calendar: Saille (Willow) [Day 7 of 28]
Chinese: Month 3 (Wu-Chen), Day 12 (Jia-Yin)
Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]
Hebrew: 12 Nisan 5784
Islamic: 11 Shawwal 1445
J Cal: 21 Cyan; Sevenday [20 of 30]
Julian: 7 April 2024
Moon: 90%: Waxing Gibbous
Positivist: 27 Archimedes (4th Month) [Plutarch]
Runic Half Month: Man (Human Being) [Day 11 of 15]
Season: Spring (Day 33 of 92)
Week: 3rd Week of April
Zodiac: Taurus (Day 1 of 31)
Calendar Changes
Taurus (The Bull) begins [Zodiac Sign 2; thru 5.20]
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Family Fun in Overland Park: Top Activities for All Ages
Welcome to Overland Park, where family fun knows no bounds! Nestled in the heart of Kansas, Overland Park offers a plethora of activities perfect for every member of the family, ensuring unforgettable memories and cherished moments. Whether you're exploring nature, learning something new, or simply enjoying quality time together, Overland Park has something for everyone. Join us as we dive into the top activities that cater to all ages in this vibrant city.
Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens: Where Nature's Beauty Flourishes As you step into the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, a world of wonder awaits. Spread across 300 acres, this enchanting oasis boasts breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora, and interactive exhibits sure to captivate visitors of all ages. Take a leisurely stroll along the winding nature trails, where every twist and turn unveils new wonders of the natural world. Engage in a game of hide-and-seek amidst the lush greenery or embark on a scavenger hunt to uncover hidden treasures scattered throughout the gardens. The Children's Garden invites little ones to unleash their imaginations amidst whimsical sculptures, playful fountains, and hands-on activities that ignite their curiosity. Educational tours led by knowledgeable experts offer insights into native plants, wildlife conservation, and sustainable gardening practices, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment.
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead: A Slice of Rural Charm Step back in time at the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, where the sights, sounds, and smells of rural life come to life. This living history farm offers a delightful blend of education and entertainment, making it a favorite destination for families seeking a taste of the countryside. Wander through historic buildings such as a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and dairy barn, where interactive exhibits transport visitors back in time to experience farm life as it once was. Animal encounters provide the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, from friendly goats and curious chickens to majestic horses and adorable piglets. Play areas featuring giant slides, pedal tractors, and a fishing pond offer endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Museum at Prairiefire: Where Science Meets Imagination Embark on a journey of discovery at the Museum at Prairiefire, where science, art, and innovation collide to inspire minds of all ages. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits that engage the senses and ignite the imagination, from dinosaur fossils and prehistoric artifacts to cutting-edge technology and virtual reality experiences. Keep an eye out for special events and programs offered at the museum throughout the year, including science workshops, art classes, guest lectures, and family festivals. Spark curiosity and inspire lifelong learning with educational programs designed for families, featuring hands-on experiments, thought-provoking discussions, and exploration of the natural world.
Overland Park Soccer Complex: Where the Spirit of the Game Thrives Calling all sports enthusiasts! Head to the Overland Park Soccer Complex for a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the thrill of the game. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual spectator, this state-of-the-art facility offers something for everyone to enjoy. Cheer on aspiring athletes as they showcase their skills on the field during youth soccer tournaments held regularly at the complex. Family-friendly amenities including picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails provide the perfect backdrop for quality family time. Hone your soccer skills or introduce little ones to the sport with soccer clinics and camps led by experienced coaches and instructors.
Oak Park Mall: Where Shopping Meets Entertainment Indulge in a shopping spree like no other at Oak Park Mall, where premier retailers, delectable dining options, and family-friendly entertainment converge to create the ultimate shopping destination for all ages. Explore an impressive array of shops and boutiques offering everything from fashion-forward apparel and accessories to the latest gadgets and home decor. Refuel and recharge at one of Oak Park Mall's many dining establishments, ranging from casual eateries and fast-casual favorites to upscale restaurants and gourmet cafes. Keep the fun going with a visit to Oak Park Mall's entertainment venues, where you can catch the latest blockbuster film, challenge your friends to a game of laser tag, or test your skills at the arcade.
Conclusion As we conclude our journey through the top family-friendly activities in Overland Park, we hope you're inspired to embark on your own adventure and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. From exploring the wonders of nature to delving into the realms of science and history, Overland Park offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to all ages and interests. So pack your bags, gather your family, and get ready to discover the endless possibilities that await in this vibrant city. Happy exploring!
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Kansas City's Best Family-Friendly Hotels
For couples arranging a wedding, Cedar Crest Lodge, an hour outside of Kansas City, provides a stress-free honeymoon experience. Located in a serene rural area, the lodge offers a romantic retreat with a natural theme. Savour fine dining, stroll around the Certified Wildlife Habitat, and leisurely afternoons before indulging in spa services to rejuvenate. Couples seeking a stress-free and delightful getaway can spend their time and energy exactly how they choose at Cedar Crest Lodge. Make an enjoyable trip to Kansas City by booking DTW flights and taking advantage of the city's many activities and attractions.
The Westin Kansas City
Excellent quality and outstanding customer service can be found at the opulent Westin Kansas City at Crown Centre Hotel in Kansas City. Its large rooms with Heavenly® Beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, and distinctive amenities are conveniently located near all of the city attractions. With its waterfall and heated outdoor pool area, the hotel is well-known for its family-friendly setting. Crown Centre is a unique tourist destination because it's conveniently located near Union Station and the Power & Light District.
21C Museum Hotel
Between River Market and the Power & Light neighborhood in downtown Kansas City is the chef-driven restaurant and boutique hotel 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City. The hotel has a gallery with works by local and regional artists as well as exhibits of contemporary art. For a 21% off stay, use coupon 21CKC.
Inn at Meadowbrook
Offering plenty of solitude and friendliness, the Inn has 54 unique rooms with opulent amenities. A comfortable stay in a calm environment is guaranteed by its intimate design, which delivers 5-star service.
Stoney Creek Hotel
Situated in the Falls of Crackerneck Creek, Kansas City provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and an abundance of recreational options along a two-mile walking route that is encircled by a small lake. Because of its central location, it's simple to get to athletic events, the Power & Light District, and shopping at the Plaza. Visit every boulevard, including Beer Boulevard, which is open for tours, to enjoy world-class art and entertainment as well as barbecue that is known across the world.
Aloft Leawood-Overland Park Hotel
Travelers seeking a cool retreat might find Aloft Leawood-Overland Park on the outskirts of Kansas City. Guests can take advantage of live music performances in the chic lounge, which is close to premium shopping and the Overland Park Convention Centre.
Lee's Summit Hampton Inn
970 acres of botanical gardens and wildlife paths may be found at Powell Gardens, which is 25 minutes from Kansas City. The Lee's Summit historic town center is only eight minutes distant, while the Paradise Park amusement park is one mile away. Every day, make use of WiFi and a cooked breakfast.
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Lazy Sundays for Peyton, Blackfire, and Rocklyn. All three of these napping siblings once faced euthanasia. When they were rescued as cubs from Colorado, their legs were shattered due to complications of metabolic bone disease. Our team rushed them back to the Refuge and rehabbed them so they can now walk, jump, and run today!
Peyton and siblings Blackfire and Rocklyn all suffer from a metabolic bone disease, and upon arriving at TCWR were unable to walk or do much of anything on their own. After intensive rehabilitation, they progressed rapidly and were able to be released into a habitat.
Peyton - Peyton is very sweet and the most relaxed of her siblings and frequently enjoys being an observer as they play ball.
Blackfire - Over his life, Blackfire has continued to have medical issues stemming from MBD, including one offsite surgery at Kansas State University Veterinary Hospital. Blackfire is a “professional napper” whether it’s in the sunshine, shade or on his bench! He’ll drown his toys in his pool in the warmer months and is known to be quite laid back, even though he has a more mischievous side.
Rocklyn - Because of inbreeding Rocklyn is severely cross-eyed, but this does not prevent her from a happy and healthy life. This blue-eyed chatty tiger is particularly fond of water and her toys.
Rescue Story: In 2016, the owner of a Colorado-based cub petting and breeding operation was diagnosed with cancer, and could no longer run his profitable business. Turpentine Creek acquired the 12-acre closed-down exhibition facility to enable our rescue of the 115 animals onsite. There, we found big cats suffering in cramped cages with flimsy plywood dens that were dangerously exposed to public areas. Onsite records showed very little history of veterinary care but revealed that the owner had ties to Joe Exotic, and was breeding his big cats to supply other entities within the cub petting and entertainment industries.
TCWR staff and interns spent six months both on-site caring for the animals and in the relocation of every animal to accredited sanctuaries throughout the nation. After 6 months and many miles traveled, all animals were placed in forever homes for a second chance at life and 34 of those animals came to Turpentine Creek. Peyton is one of those 34 animals.
Learn more about Turpentine Wildlife Refuge at https://www.turpentinecreek.org/
Find us on the following Social Media Channels & Pages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurpentineCreekWildlifeRefuge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turpentinecreek/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/turpentine-creek-wildlife-refuge/
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COVID-19 and the Epidemiology of Zoonotic Disease in Relationship to Modern Human Industry: Educated Guesses from an Amateur’s Brief Research
Wikipedia's basic description of the SARS-COV-2 says that while bats are the most likely natural reservoir, the genome of the virus as it exists in bats is just different enough from the human strain that there was probably an intermediate host between bats and humans. In other words, the virus probably did not come from people EATING bats, nor purchasing bats from the market, but perhaps it did come from going to the market to purchase bats for eating.
I find Wikipedia's explanation plausible because of an article I read on Chuangchn.org, which asserts that we get epidemics when an expansion of human activity into wild microbial reservoirs allows certain viruses to hit crowded populations with low immunity, be they livestock feedlots or slums full of severely stressed humans. Normally those reservoirs have buffers against infecting humans because of a great genetic variety among the wildlife, such that any one strain can only spread so far; as modern capitalism steadily reduces the size and genetic variety of wild populations, their attendant microbial parasites have fewer barriers against reaching humans.
So you get one virus running into, say, a vast pen of cattle, and as the cattle have no immunity, the virus faces very little selection pressure that would force a greater genetic variety. Instead the selection pressure is to spread as fast as possible, which means to grow as fast as possible, and the faster a virus grows, the more strain it places on the host, so within a short time the virus goes from benign to deadly.
And so you tend to get epidemics coming close on the heels of major capitalistic shifts in the concentration of living creatures. English outbreaks came in the era when they began to enclose their cattle in pens; the Spanish Flu started in the pigs of a Kansas stockyard shortly following the rise of American industrialized agriculture.
Admittedly these viral outbreaks can occur with direct human incursions into the wild, either by incorporating wild animals into modern markets or simply pushing industrialism into wild areas. Ebola seems to have appeared first in the 1970s with an English-owned cotton mill operation that planted itself in the central African jungle and occurred again every time that sort of industrialism increased its presence in the area. Likewise HIV is said to have come from humans eating "bushmeat", which is any manner of monkey meat, as if humans had not been doing such a thing before, so that they had no immunity to what they found within those animals -- maybe, then, they were going after bushmeat because their usual food sources were out of reach? Oh, wouldn't it be interesting if HIV and Ebola came from the same damn cotton mill!
This is not the case. According to the Chuangchn article, Ebola was first recorded in 1976 where the most common strain of HIV appears to come from early-20th-century Kinshasa, or should I say Leopoldville, the capital of the Belgian Congo and centerpoint for a great deal of environmental degradation and societal upheaval through modern capitalism. Bushmeat had been a common food source for a long time, with Simian Immunodefficiency Virus being endemic in wild primates. People used to catch SIV all the time. They resisted it well and fast enough that it could never spread from human to human. Then Leopoldville created a world where increased prostitution could spread syphilis more quickly, such that the ulcers which present the greatest danger of transferring SIV were all over the place, and SIV was now able to jump from one person to another fast enough to mutate into HIV.
Now as for Ebola and HIV, both of those diseases are more deadly than the diseases that seem to come from livestock concentration. One of them is a hundred percent fatal, the other fifty percent without treatment. Likewise the source of the Black Plague was Central or East Asian rodents moving into human agricultural areas due to climate change, and the disease itself appears to have an untreated mortality rate of thirty to sixty percent if bubonic, one hundred percent if pneumonic or Septicimic -- as if a wild microbe that hits human populations without an intermediary host is invariably more deadly than one that arises out of the intermediary host.
That's assuming the Plague hit humans directly through people eating gerbils in the manner of people eating Bushmeat to catch SIV, and that neither rats nor fleas were the intermediate host where the bacteria could go from benign to virulent. To compare the Black Plague to Ebola is also to conflate the behavior of viruses with bacteria. I do not know if they would react to certain selection pressure the same way.
All I know is that these microbes which become dangerous among crowded livestock seem to have a lower, or perhaps slower, mortality rate than the ones which develop from direct wild-to-human transfer. The zoonotic diseases that humans are supposed to have picked up from livestock at the beginning of human-animal domestication -- Tuberculosis, Smallpox, Cowpox, Glanders, Escheria Coli, and so forth -- generally have a much lower mortality rate than Ebola, with only Smallpox reaching the untreated mortality rate of the Black Plague --
In populations already exposed to the disease, at any rate. For virgin populations such as the entire Western Hemisphere circa 1492, the untreated mortality rate was something even Ebola could not match. It may simply be that the zoonotic diseases livestock herders are familiar with are less deadly because their most dangerous strains burned themselves out tens of thousands of years ago. In that sense, the only real difference between zoonotic diseases incubating in livestock and those hitting humans directly would be the novelty, where these wild diseases, being invariably new to us, have not yet burned through enough people to create a selection pressure towards less fatal strains.
One might argue that Rabies has been known for many thousands of years and remains as deadly as it ever was, and is a very good example of how dangerous a virus can be when it infects humans directly from the wild. But the fact that Rabies spreads though biting means that it's not viral in the same way as most other diseases. Despite the fact that the virus itself has an evolution rate similar to any other RNA virus, it doesn't have the transmission rate of most other RNA viruses, so I would expect that its effective rate of evolution is much too slow to force it into something less deadly.
In point of fact, of the seven major species in the Lyssavirus family, nearly all of them follow the same pattern as Rabies: bats as a wild reservoir, human transmission through biting, fatal if untreated, human transmission extremely rare. Only Mokola Virus is endemic in mammal populations like the Rabies we know, and then only in South Africa; as it has the possibility of being transferred by Mosquitoes, it may have a much shorter time scale for selection pressure than any other Lyssavirus and, as it happens, one of the two humans who contracted the disease recovered. Nor do the cats infected with Mokola Virus exhibit unprovoked aggression in the manner of Rabies. While all these strains appear to have evolved within the last 1500 years, only Mokola Virus appears to face enough selection pressure to evolve into a milder form. For the rest, they still run wild, and it will be a long, long time before they settle down.
Rabies remains deadly for being new in comparison to its evolutionary time scale, and HIV remains deadly for being new in relation to its own time scale, and Ebola remains deadly for being new in general, where livestock-zoonotic diseases have been facing more intense selection pressure for quite a while longer than these diseases direct from the wild. We're all virgin populations for Ebola, Rabies, and HIV like the Western Hemisphere was a virgin population for Smallpox. That's a more prosaic explanation for this discrepancy than some aspect of livestock that makes their epidemics less deadly...
Especially since James Gallagher at the BBC News says HIV is already adapting into a slightly less deadly form as it gets used to human immune systems.
And yet the initial outbreak of SARS in 2003 was entirely novel, it came from a wild vector and its case fatality rate was an average of nine percent. That looks like a case of a novel wild virus with direct transfer being much less than fatal. Palm Civets, there you go, there's the vector, right? Except that these palm civets were in the wild-animal MARKET, and the virus itself has a wild reservoir in bats, so if the civets were shoved in close together like any livestock then the disease would have developed within their population just the same as if they were all pigs. I can't say that SARS was a direct transfer from the wild.
As for this Novel Coronavirus...while Hubei does a lot of livestock operations but the pandemic has been traced to Wuhan's Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, which also sells lots and lots of wild animals, quite similar to the meat market in Guandong where the 2003 SARS came from. As I imagine it, the virus started from one bat, incubated among wild animals crowded together, and developed in just the same way as 2003 SARS.
The fact that the virus appears to have a low variability among known genomic sequences stands in marked contrast to HIV, which has a great deal of genetic variability in its many subtypes, and Ebola, which is an entire genus of viruses, as well as the aforementioned seven species of Lyssavirus, of which Rabies is but one part. It is as if this novel Coronavirus hit a crowded population just once and took off from there, facing, as I said, no selection pressure to force genetic variety, where viruses picked up directly from the wild have competed against their wild hosts a long time before ever reaching humans.
I imagine the scenario as follows:
1. A living landscape in its proper state has a great deal of genetic variety among its multicelled organisms.
2. This variety creates an evolutionary selection pressure in their attendant microbial populations, which means these microbial populations will have a degree of genetic diversity matching the macrobial popluation.
3. Humans pushing their industry into these areas for the first time reduce the genetic diversity of the area, thereby reducing the diversity of immune responses, and letting certain microbes spread farther.
4. At the same time, humans pushing industry into these areas are coming across populations of wild microbes that still have a high degree of genetic diversity.
5. Humans doing the grunt work in this industrial push have many opportunities for contact with this population of wild microbes through direct contact with wild animals.
6. Wild microbes enter the human population with multiple strains, be they subtypes or whole species, where a wild microbe hitting a stockyard first would be only one or a very few strains.
7. Having a high degree of genetic variety from the start, they have much more chance to compete against human immune systems than the intermediary-incubated epidemics, so they are invariably more damaging to their human host.
8. By the same token, they cannot be endemic among human populations like the diseases that grew out of microbes hitting livestock operations, because as they have survived within wild macrobial populations that resist them well, they are optimized for surviving within a host and against virulence. Their methods of human-to-human transfer, be it saliva, sexual intercourse, or skin contact, have a low rate of success compared to the livestock-incubated diseases.
See for example Leprosy, which appears to have a wild reservoir in Red Squirrels, does terrible things to its victims, and...is not very contagious between humans.
The existence of Cholera complicates this picture because it is an incredibly deadly disease like Ebola, and it seems to be endemic to human populations, in contrast to Ebola which disappears until industry expands into the jungle again. And it is extremely virulent, without having a stealthy effect on humans. How does Cholera win the epidemic jackpot? By having its wild microbial reservoir in water. Water contaminated with fecal matter causes zooplankton to pick up the bacteria; oysters then eat the zooplankton; humans eat the oysters, and get sick; suddenly they’re contaminating the water with their own fecal matter and the disease is living free in the local water for a while, and everyone else gets it. Cholera is unusual for having a wild reservoir that is invariably close to human habitation, such that it remains endemic without becoming any less wild. Let us say, then, that Cholera is not endemic to humans, but is endemic to a source so close to them that it might as well be. It comes in waves, because it comes on the waves.
Perhaps not so unusual. There is a land-based wild reservoir that resembles that of Cholera. Once upon a time, there was once another extremely virulent and deadly disease in the manner of Cholera, called the English Sweating Sickness. It killed its victims in the space of hours, and had outbreaks from 1485 to 1551. The most likely source was a strain of Hantavirus with a wild reservoir in rodents. Like the schools of wild fish, its reservoir was constantly interacting with human populations, as rodents broke into human food stores. English Sweating Sickness has never been seen again, but Hantaviruses remain quite dangerous, enough so that a discovery of mouse droppings in a human space demands immediate and thorough cleanup.
I find it telling that the aforementioned article mentions this English Sweating Sickness coming in a time of agricultural and social upheaval. I also find it telling that Wikipedia attributes the first major recorded Cholera epidemic to increased commerce, pilgrimage and migration. Just like folks in China hitting the SARS viruses, eh? Wuhan’s meat market has a bunch of wild animals to sell because people are running into them more, as they push capitalist industry further into wild spaces. So those wild microbes hit populations that are tailor-made for turning a virus into an epidemic. These wild reservoirs are somewhat dangerous on their own, as Rabies and Lyme Disease will tell. You can walk in the forest without fear of breathing them in, as long as you avoid getting bit by anything. But to destroy their habitats, to reduce the genetic diversity of those places, so that there's less buffer between the viruses and us, just for the sake of making more money faster, well...that’s when these critters get into our lungs.
It’s the interface of an increase in Intensive Industrialism with Wilderness that does the trick.
As I live in the Northeast United States, in the foothills of the northern Appalachian Mountains, I and all my friends deal with this every damn summer when we have to worry about Deer Ticks. Those didn’t become a problem until people shoved their big suburban houses up against the woods just as they were coming back, and in the new forest with new deer populations there were no wolves, so there’s deer everywhere and there are deer ticks everywhere. Lyme Disease gets into a person and it never goes away on its own, but gums up your joints and wears you down over the years if left untreated. Call it the AIDS of New England. Human immune systems can’t handle AIDS nor Lyme Disease, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. Lyme Disease is yet another virus direct from the woods.
Supposedly Poison Ivy comes from the same issue, for as people shove their houses up against the woods they create more of the edge-forest area where Poison Ivy thrives.
It’s that edge that does it. The edge between Industry and Wilderness, that’s where the world boils and roils and spits out hot stuff like someone put too much oil in the fry pan. Edge environments always have the most activity in the first place even if they’re All Natural. Continental shelves, forest edges, river banks, lake shores, swamps, salt marshes, whatever the biologists will call an Ecotone. That’s where the living world boils and roils, as the creatures of one biome meet another. If Intense Human Industry barges into the place and smashes it up without an ounce of caution -- well, the results are like someone smashing a fist into a frypan of simmering oil.
“That’s what you get for messing with the Wilderness!” cry the Eco-facists and all the folks who think humans are a disease upon the earth. “Mother Gaia takes her revenge! So there!”
And there I come to the one part of Chuangchn’s article that I really disagree with. The author thinks that we’re Losing The Wilderness. But I don’t think we’ve ever really had any. Not Wilderness with a capital W, at any rate. Humans have been significant shapers of the living landscape for tens of thousands of years. Our species has been fairly well integrated with the world and highly influential, a lot like beavers making ponds all across northeast North America. In the same time period as beavers, humans were setting enough small fires in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico to be a bigger factor for forest fires than the climate was. Likewise the Amazon Rainforest that we think of being a Pristine Landscape Untouched By The Hand Of Man was actually shaped by centuries of human activity. Humans made all the terra preta that you can find throughout the rainforest. Hard to believe that they could make fertile soil without livestock! I will leave you to guess of where that manure came from.
Indeed, to speak of "wilderness" implies that we are separate from the world, and it is this mindset that leads us to set aside certain areas as Natural Pristine Beauty and then pave over everything around them. Both lands are thus diminished by the desire for Purity. If we were willing to incorporate the rest of living world, letting it live and grow with our influence but not our destruction, as once we used to, such that the genetic variety of the world was not reduced -- perhaps then we would not have these epidemics after all. It is not that we need to Preserve The Wilderness so much as we need to become part of the world again.
As it is, capitalism prefers that this does not happen, because it means a slower increase in personal wealth for the select people holding all the money. Capitalism does not live and let live. It cannot. The system wants more, more, more, faster and faster. To clarify: certain people holding all the money want more, more, more, faster and faster. There is no place they would let alone if they could make lots of money off it soon, nor any place they would let make money slowly when it could make money quickly. So you see people choosing to strip-mine a place instead of sell tickets for river rafting.
This was never necessary, except to serve the greed for personal wealth and power. And yet, was it even necessary for that? The Empire of the Incans functioned without money or markets, as did every civilization for thousands of years, until someone invented coinage around the 600s BCE. Plenty of wealth and power to be had without coins, surely! The real value of money is liquidity and speed, and some people want their fortune Now. Maybe it’s the Greed For Speed that makes the difference between the power-grabbing of an aristocrat and the power-grabbing of a merchant.
And so as we alter the landscape too fast it cannot adapt in time, and suffers greatly.
We see the results in one epidemic after another. It’s not Gaia’s Revenge; it’s just the fallout of us setting things up to make a virus’s happy accident our unhappy accident, time and again.
#Coronavirus#covid-19#epidemic#epidemiology#capitalism#if I was a real researcher this thing would have taken me a week and it would be closer to the mark#as it is it took a day#but I have done my best from the sources I could find#I have tried to make sure that my educated guesses are reasonable and well-supported#such that this essay will contribute to your understanding of the issue#instead of leading you astray#make of it what you will
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For just $25.00 I spend large amounts of time in pursuit of beautiful places and wildlife, often having to wait until just the right time. I spent 15 years in Kansas City including my High School years. Still have family there so I visit sometimes and look around for new views of the city. This is from the airport in NKC, managed to get this shot even though the sun only shined for about 5 seconds and I could see a security guard coming for me. There are 4 choices on this item, 2 sizes of matted prints, and 2 sizes of prints only. Please select a size in print only or matted print. If matted print is chosen then another choice of mat color is needed. Color option is irrelevant on print option, please simply choose white for a print only order. All choice will be sent flat except 13x19 print only and that will be shipped rolled via a shipping tube. This item is your choice of 8x10 in an 11x14 double mat, or an 11x14 print in a 16x20 double matted enclosure, ready for easy to find standard size framing. Or prints with no mats of 8x10 and 13x19 inch sizes. Artwork was created with the finest photography gear, fast clear lenses and lightning. Then printed with pigment not dye ink, and will last several lifetimes. Printed on the finest archival paper, then assembled with acid free materials, before sealing in an archival sleeve. This piece is signed by the artist on the print and again on the artists bio backing. Outer Matting colors offered are White, Black, and Grey, please chose in drop-down. + Ready to drop in ready made inexpensive frame. + Printed on the best exhibition fiber paper available + Print is archival assembled no glue or acid + Created by an internationally published artist + Standard size and dimension + Signed by the artist
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On Seeing, A Journal. #278 Andrew Moore, "Dirt Meridian,” a book review.
Sun Through Rain. ©Andrew Moore
Schoolhouse, China Pasture. ©Andrew Moore
I receive, daily, the internationally informative photography news site
The Eye of Photography from the former editor-in-chief of French Photo Magazine and now editor-in-chief of The Eye of Photography, Jean-Jacques Naudet. This daily posting is phenomenally valuable, covering all sorts of photography events, portfolios of photographers throughout the world, gallery shows, museum exhibitions, etc.
The site is free, though as an aside they can use financial help for their service. Apart from having contributed features from time to time, I have no affiliation with them, I’m only interested in seeing the on-going success of something that publishes so much information and imagery every day.
Other important sources include AtEdge and Graphis.
Each of these open up to a wide world of brilliant photographers, designers, and other creatives.
A recent post contained an article about the The Yancy Richardson Gallery in New York City. The images of Andrew Moore who is represented by the gallery particularly caught my eye. I went to his site ((http://www.andrewlmoore.com)) and was so moved by his body of work that I bought his recent book, "Dirt Meridian.”
I do that, buy and collect photography books. Along with the internet, books are my major source of self-education. I am well aware that if I am to grow in this visual art, it’s imperative that I study, continually, tenaciously. It’s essential to gain, maintain and expand a vast visual data bank if one desires to create unique, original and exciting work. For photography, one needs to look, study, and look even more, reviewing and surveying everything available in galleries, web sites, periodicals, museums, presentations and, yes, books. Our brains are such that images drop out; constant replenishment is needed for any sort of positive development, success, and even survival in this challenging art. It’s essential to recognize what’s been done before in order to avoid repetition. Knowing what hasn’t been done, or done well enough, comes when one has seen – and keeps seeing -- a vast range of imagery.
When “Dirt Meridian” arrived, I opened it and couldn’t put it down, studying every image. And, as I always do with a new book of photographs, I left it out, opened, on a counter I pass daily, so that I could look at it again and again and imprint the images in my memory.
This is not the kind of photography I endeavor to create in the controlled environment of a studio (or a pool, my particular kind of studio). Moore’s work is done outdoors, in this case in the vast, almost empty space of the great plains of middle America. What he shows us are sand hills and sky and weather and cattle. And the Badlands and old abandoned barns and buffalo and meadows and creeks, windmills and wildlife. He also shows the determined struggle of the human spirit against the toughest elements, and the effect of those on deserted homesteads.
America, its 100th meridian.
Moore’s epic visions of the vast treeless space in the 100th meridian, cutting through North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, are all about space -- empty sprawling and seemingly infinite space. The images are intoxicating, filled with magnificent beauty in the loneliness that is the trackless expanse of seemingly endless land. From his Acknowledgement: “…the land’s beauty lies in its vast and sublime emptiness."
I wrote to Moore and learned, happily, that his NYC studio/office is located only a few blocks from mine. So, I invited him for lunch and an in-person review of his magnificent photographs.
Working on this book project, he spent weeks at a time on many trips from the East, met many individuals and recorded their stories, histories, lives. Each photograph is accompanied by text containing fascinating information which provides a rich understanding of the work.
Moore made many of the photographs from a Cessna 180 single-engine plane flown by Doug Dean. They attached his medium format digital camera to one of the plane’s wing struts, using a screen and remote control from the passenger seat.
They flew low, yielding a unique perspective. This technique is one important reason why the images look so different from photographs of this area I’ve seen before. He spoke of the emptiness as a spiritual reservoir, a spiritual landscape. He wrote in the Acknowledgements, “the intimate seemed conjoined to the infinite."
During the project he moved from north to south, contrasting open spaces with cluttered, claustrophobic interiors, rich with poor, immigrants and native born, industrial scenes with mythic landscapes, all of which he explained was a metaphor for the sense of possibility, of hope that tomorrow will be a better day.
In the book his pilot wrote, “I hope you take pause, if only for a moment, to consider the story of this land, where second chances are few, and how the decisions we make today will impact the generations to follow."
Moore allowed me to choose images I personally wished to use for this review.
Storm Blow. ©Andrew Moore
From the book: “Sheridan County, Nebraska. These dry, fallow lands and terraces lie to the southeast of Clinton. The wind coming out of the north was blowing at over 70 mph. When choosing the angle approach to a subject, Doug Dean piloted us, if possible, into a headwind, since that slowed the plane down and allowed a bit more time for picture making. On this day we had little choice but to let a powerful tailwind take us on a Nantucket sleigh ride if we wanted to catch this billowing cloud of white dirt."
Pronghorn Antelope. ©Andrew Moore
From the book: “A herd of the wild antelope, which in wintertime can number into the hundreds, roams the high plains that stretch toward the Big Horn Mountains in the background. Early pioneer cattlemen noticed that the native grass animals roaming this area tasted particularly good, and to this day Niobrara County grass has become famous among livestock buyers for the finish it gives cattle.”
Riding Fence. ©Andrew Moore
From the book: “Sheridan County, Nebraska, 2013. Heidi and Brock Terrell and their son Royal (led by their red heeler) ride fence along their land in Sheridan County. They not only raise both cattle and sheep but they also farm soybeans and sugar beets. Heidi is a sixth generation descendant of Jules Sandoz, among the earliest homesteaders in the area. Better known as ‘Old Jules,’ legendary for his cussedness and his justly famous tenacity, he was immortalized in the biography of the same name written in 1935 by daughter Mari Sandoz.”
First Light. ©Andrew Moore
From the book: "Cherry County, Nebraska, 2013. Cattle and heron share a drink at the tank in the residual morning fog. Much of the success of cattle ranching in the Sandhills is due to the shallow reach down to the Ogallala Aquifer. In some places it's only six feet to water, so one can easily and cheaply put down a windmill in order to water livestock anywhere in the vastness of this terrain. (There are many sub-irrigated meadows that provide hay at the driest times.) The hilly landscape provides the herd with protection from the wind and snow. However, the quality of the grass is not as good as on hard soil land, so it can still take 20 to 30 acres to support just one cow/calf pair."
Round Up Number 2. ©Andrew Moore
From the book: “McKenzie County, North Dakota, 2005. Branding day at the Hepper Ranch outside the town of Keene. In the shadows of the Blue Buttes, amidst lush May grass, family, friends, and neighbors (and several dogs) help round up this herd of 300 cow/calf pairs. The large crew included five heelers, six sets of floppers, branders, vaccinators, and iron tenders. The older more experienced cowboys do the actual branding while the younger folks who wrestle the calves are known as floppers.”
In the book’s introduction, Kent Haruf wrote, “These are wonderful photographs, clear, and evocative, unsentimental, they seem to understand the sacredness of the country. They suggest its holiness."
Howard Schatz, November, 2018.
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A chance encounter with, and a note of appreciation for, photographer Sam Abell. July, 15, 2019
Sam Abell was in Rockport, Maine where he’d given a photography workshop and was having an exhibition of his work. On the evening of my encounter he’d given a gallery talk reflecting on his life in photography. Now 74 years old, Sam had a lot to say.
The occasion for his presence and exhibition was a workshop he was teaching at the Maine Media Center. The modest audience, which appeared to be mostly his students, gathered in the gallery to hear the old master. Of the approximately 30 images in the exhibition he singled-out just four pictures to discuss, but in these were his acquired wisdom. Sam referred to a photograph of an owl flying above the horizon in the Artic. The image was made not long after the boat he was traveling on capsized spilling many rolls of his film and several cameras into the sea. He was taking a walk, brooding, when he came across an owl. They seemed to have startled each other and the owl flew away though cocked its head to make prolonged eye contact. Sam made one exposure. It’s dark, the focus is soft. It would never pass for a good “wildlife” picture- the magazine employs other photographers with those gifts. Still, the image captures how he felt in that moment and remains one of his favorite photographs. “You can teach someone how to make a picture but you can’t teach them how to feel.” Sam spoke about how growing up in rural Ohio he felt the horizon, always visible, was a sign of optimism. The line cuts through nearly every photograph in the show.
Sam discussed the influence of his soft-spoken father who taught him photography and the influence of his stern mother on his photographs that he only recently has come to realize. He pointed to his earliest picture in the show- a B&W 8x10 photo of silhouette of a man waiting for a train in a frozen landscape he made as a teenager and submitted to a contest, which he won. After making the photograph he made three prints – one that he owns, another is in the possession of a long-time friend (who lent it for the show), the last lives in a museum collection. The photograph, both the image and the gelatin silver print, are outstanding and point to his lustrous life to come as a picture maker. He spent 33 years working for National Geographic; mostly during the time I was discovering the world through the iconographic yellow-framed covers of the magazine. My grandfather had a nearly life-long subscription. He built two bookcases that created a wall between the dining and living rooms of the farmhouse with a space between them to pass through. These shelves were devoted almost exclusively to National Geographic. Older years of the magazine piled up in the children’s bedroom. At some point my grandfather gave a subscription to me. My mother still receives the magazine monthly. Some of the issues Sam shot cover stories for were on a nearby stage. I recalled each one. From my rural Kansas home I would look through the pages and dream of distant places. When I grew a little older I began to read the stories too. I frequently re-visited my favorite photo essays year after year. This was long before the critical reexamination of National Geographic that considered how it presented a colonialist gaze making an “other” of much of the world, especially that which wasn’t white. I suspect much of the distant world would have found my almost entirely white sparsely populated world on the Great Plains nearly as exotic. Still, it was the editors of the magazine that were shaping perceptions of those with little agency to tell their own stories for a global audience. The magazine has recently acknowledged, and sought to come to terms with, that history and vowed to do better. Regrettably, I no longer regularly see the issues and therefore can’t evaluate their progress. Though it had its faults, faults that reflected those of the nation, it was for me both an escape and education I’m grateful to have had.
After the talk Sam retreated to the side of the gallery to gather himself. I introduced myself, told him I was from rural Kansas and was very familiar with the horizon he spoke of. I told him how before I had any formal education in photography I had his photographs and those of his colleagues. They instilled in me a curiosity for the world that in the years since I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to explore. (My grandfather often said travel was the best education.) Sam’s photos also had a grace to them and demonstrated a man who seemed at ease in the world. He said during his talk that in making a photograph, “you and the world meet half way”. He was referring to how the photographer must prepare, consider all the surrounding elements, try to align them into an arresting composition, then wait for - in Henry Cartier Bresson’s words- “the decisive moment”. Sam has met the world, perhaps more than halfway, from his first assignment in Newfoundland in 1974, to the Arctic, to the Amazon, to … on and on around the globe. To me one of his most memorable stories was of cattle being branded in Montana. About fifteen years ago I was driving from Buffalo, NY to Kansas via Canada. I dropped back into the states in search of Laura Ingall’s Little House on the Prairie in South Dakota (after her stay in Kansas). Driving along a small desolate highway I passed ranchers in a field castrating and branding cattle. I turned around, parked off the pavement and went to talk with them and take some pictures. My camera then wasn’t very good and neither were my images- not on account of the camera but perhaps because I couldn’t shake the shadow of Sam’s images, which were one of the reasons I had stopped. My difficulty may have also stemmed from the squeal of a calf getting stuck with the hot iron or the plunk of its testicles dropping into a plastic bucket.
Sam wasn’t one of my “photography heroes”. When his images made the deepest impression on me I wasn’t much concerned with who made them and I had yet to have an art education. Then, I couldn’t have named any living artist. Later in college Sam’s name was never mentioned, his photographs never shown. He’s not part of “the canon”. But he’s made a life making pictures and those pictures have reached and inspired countless people and that is a beautiful, and artful, thing. Now teaching photography I frequently use his images and one of his books, “The Life of a Photograph” as educational references in how to construct an image. The book shows variations of his iconographic photographs, the moments before, or the moments after “the one”. It’s like being given access to his contact sheets and even better, access to his thoughts as to why he choose the image he did. This was also represented in the exhibition with multiple image variations on display and hand-written notes scribed in cursive on the exhibition prints.
I had a still shrink-wrapped copy of my book “Louisiana Trail Riders” in the car that I gave Sam as a token of appreciation. He asked me to inscribe it so I retreated to a window seal in the back of the gallery to do so. While the ink was drying he came over and thanked me again. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall when he looked through the pictures. We spoke for a while longer, pausing for a snapshot together.
It was a serendipitous encounter. At a restaurant for lunch in Camden, ME a few days earlier I picked up a postcard for the show with information on the talk. Coming down Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park earlier in the afternoon-then enjoying a peanut butter sandwich on the rocky cliffs over-looking the ocean- I had just enough time to drive the 1 hour 49 minutes south to Rockport to hear Sam speak. I parked directly in front of the little gallery and walked in. While I was in the bathroom washing the sweat off my face from the hike I heard him being introduced.
The world, which appeared so vast in the pages of National Geographic where I first saw Sam’s photographs as a boy, has subsequently proved to be quite small.
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Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca carolinensis) at the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit https://www.instagram.com/p/CUcjfq0gt5S/?utm_medium=tumblr
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Topeka and surrounding cities provide plenty of activities and attractions
Topeka truly finds a delight in parks because people can come together for enjoyment. Bring your picnic basket along for a stroll in a scenic park during the summer! Organizers plant nearly 70,000 plants in more than 260 natural flower gardens throughout Topeka. These gardens are a great place to relax and to have fun. They are also an ideal location to observe wildlife.
The most popular parks in Topeka are located in two areas: Shawnee National Forest and Prairie State Park. At Shawnee National Forest, visitors can enjoy the beautiful trails that begin at the trail head off the paved parking lot. Proceed through a gate on the south side of the forest, and you will see two playgrounds where you can jump, run, or play a variety of games. There is also a shaded picnic area where you can cool off with a drink. On the opposite side of the trail, you will find the wildlife viewing panels where you can view elk, deer, and coyote. Children and adults alike are intrigued by these animals.
At the Park District, located on the south side of Topeka, visitors can find beautiful gardens where they can relax. The gardens are divided into sections called Topeka Creek Park Districts. Within the parks, you will find nature programs, hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children. You can also enjoy walking through the beautiful Willow Creek Country Club and Golf Links communities.
Topeka State Park offers several activities for kids to do. Among them is the Gage park mini-train, which travels around the grounds of the Park District. This exciting station is reminiscent of the Metrolist bus system used by school districts across the country but has fewer stops.
The North Proctor Park features beautiful gardens surrounding a lake. It was designed by landscape architect Oscar Graves. The structure of the park, which includes a small bridge, adds a unique atmosphere. It allows visitors to walk on the lake in calm and peaceful conditions. People can also tour the old administration buildings that contain historical artifacts.
The towns of Topeka and Gage Park are located east of Kansas City. Between them is the Ozark Mountains. These two towns feature many attractions for travelers and tourists. They are perfect places to take pictures, drive to places, and sightsee. Visitors can go shopping at the popular shopping malls in Topeka or visit the gaggle of restaurants serving Mexican cuisine in Gage Park.
The biggest attraction in Topeka is the Grand Prairie Dam, an engineering marvel. The dam, which was completed in 1924, is the largest dam in the world. Its reservoirs and other features to help make it one of the most scenic places in the United States. There are a number of areas that are beautiful in the Grand Prairie area. The park district of Topeka has a wonderful feature close to its main office building that allows you to have a boat trip on the Ozark River.
A big attraction of Topeka is its largest city park, the Topeka City Park. The city park serves various activities for the whole family. It features canoeing, swimming, hiking, biking, and nature trails. Other features of the park include having a nature trail for strolling around, a swimming beach, a boat ramp, playgrounds, and bird watching. The grand opening of Topeka City Park was made in appreciation of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. A special day was held to dedicate the park as a place for all people.
Shawnee National Forest is another popular destination for tourists to Topeka. The Grand Traction and Vehicle Museum are a great place for kids to explore cars and trains. The museum offers information about the history of the logging industry in Shawnee, Kansas. The Gage Park Mini-Train is also available for viewing. You can take a train ride through a realistic environment to learn about the history of mining in the region.
The Trolley Museum is another area that has plenty to offer. It is a cultural center with exhibits and displays on local arts and crafts. The Trolley Museum also features animal exhibits including an African American carousel and a Georgia leather carousel. You can see the famous Mississippi Gulf Coast railroad and traveling exhibits. Many of the exhibits have been rearranged to show different scenes throughout the years. There are also many interactive learning activities to help children learn about the history of the area.
For visitors who enjoy nature, the Ozark region is the perfect place to visit. The landscape is picturesque and there are thousands of miles of beautiful trails. The landscape of the Ozark area is perfect for camping trips, canoeing, horseback riding and hiking. Several topnotch attractions can be found in the area including the Trolley Museum, Great Big River, Toles Cave, Gingaman's Island, and the beautiful lakes of Lake Shawnee and Lake To'oka. All of these destinations are only a few miles away from Topeka, Kansas.
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I 💗Tanganyika Wildlife Park. They have a great rescue and breeding program. No government funding. Lots of interactive exhibits. Where else can you feed lemurs, rhinos, Pygmy hippos, lorikeets and giraffes? #tanganyikawildlifepark #wildlife #ict #kansas (at Tanganyika Wildlife Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2KOJd8DW3q/?igshid=tgtrhfngsxwp
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Post Submission
{Although internet based booking engines have made it simple for vacationers to get their own flights and rooms in hotels, travel specialists still offer a level of service and experience not really offered by a search bot. Every time you
On account of the prevalence of social networks and review sites, eco-friendly destination travel and eco-friendly experiences is well established, brand reputation is more critical than ever before.
Some tourism industry ideas are here to stay. Trending demand for eco-friendly destination travel is still gaining attention.
In response to requests in the news a brand new and good piece around ethical destination travel and experiences was shared recently.
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Green Tours
The green tourism industry is difficult to navigate because there are many definitions being in use. Whatever you prefer to call it the idea continues to be alike: scrupulous environmentally aware low-impact tourism that doesn't impose the wrong things. It's imperative that vacationers do some research into hotel promises of being sustainable before making reservations. Most eco-friendly hotels have information on their websites about their sustainability initiatives discussing their tangible steps of saving natural resources, preserving vegetation and wildlife, and contribute to the welfare of local areas. Sometimes the most explanatory written content are not extensive academic scientific studies but intimate stories showcasing people and small communities. Ironically frequently it's the largest organizations that provide the more entertaining and enlightening accounts. Needless to say there is also a role for hospitality and travel statistical reviews or policy assessment. Posts including Post Submission posted by tourguide on News support us to browse the far reaching ideas of sustainable tourism hospitality and travel. During a vacation there are steps a considerate traveling companion can exhibit that they have awareness of people.
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Trash, toilet odor build at national parks amid government shutdown
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — California’s Joshua Tree National Park on Wednesday will become the latest casualty of the federal government’s partial shutdown, closing campgrounds amid health and safety concerns over near-capacity pit toilets.
With a quarter of the federal government employee workforce beginning 2019 out of work or working without a paycheck, agencies from the National Park Service to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Smithsonian museums are feeling the pinch.
Unlike some previous government shutdowns, when national parks closed entirely, gates have remained opened under the Trump administration, leaving parks severely understaffed.
Joshua Tree, more than 792,000 acres of national park nestled between Palm Springs to the south and the town of Joshua Tree to the north, will remain open during the shutdown but its popular campgrounds will close at noon Wednesday, according to the National Park Service.
A car drives into Joshua Tree National Park in California past an entrance station closed due to the partial shutdown of the US federal government on December 30, 2018. – The park remains open, but visitor services are not being provided. The shutdown began on December 22, with Congress at loggerheads over whether to include the $5 billion sought by Donald Trump to fund a wall on the border with Mexico, a central pillar of his election campaign and of his presidency. (Photo by LOIC PIALAT/AFP/Getty Images)
“The park is being forced to take this action for health and safety concerns as vault toilets reach capacity,” the park service said.
“In addition to human waste in public areas, driving off-road and other infractions that damage the resource are becoming a problem.”
The National Park Service also said the shutdown prevented it from making staff available to “provide guidance, assistance, maintenance, or emergency response.”
“Any entry onto NPS property during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor’s sole risk,” the park service said this week.
Trash collection has stopped along with road and walkway maintenance.
Rattlesnake Canyon will close to reduce the number of search and rescue events for rangers already spread thin because of the shutdown, the park service said.
The shutdown has also left a stinking mess at Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in eastern California.
Yosemite, the nation’s third most-visited national park, remains open but various campgrounds as well as snow play areas are “closed due to human waste issues and lack of staffing,” according to its website.
On the Yosemite Twitter account on Sunday, officials said a “lack of the restrooms and resulting impacts from human waste” forced the closure of the campgrounds.
“People entering closed areas are being cited,” the tweet said.
The visitor center and museum at Yosemite are closed and emergency response times may increase during the shutdown.
Kristen Brengel, vice president of government affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association, said the shutdown not only hurts the parks but also surrounding communities that rely on an estimated $18 million a day from tourism.
“It’s really a big deal for Joshua Tree,” she said of the campground closings. “This is a very popular season for people that come there.”
Brengel said staff shortages had created a sense of “lawlessness” in the parks.
“People are bringing in dogs and drones and there are instances where people aren’t following the rules and it is not good for the wildlife and the environment,” she said.
Joshua Tree Superintendent David Smith, in a statement, thanked the “local businesses, volunteer groups, and tribal members” who have stepped up to collect trash and maintain grounds during the shutdown.
“This is a reflection on their efforts and the park is very fortunate to have a community that exhibits the kind of care and concern witnessed over the last week,” he said.
David Lamfrom, director of the California Desert and National Wildlife Programs of the National Parks Conservation Association, said the volunteer efforts can’t supplant the work of the park service.
“People are walking off trails, bringing their dogs,” he said. “People are trampling and destroying the things they want to preserve without knowing it. … People are camping where they want or showing up really early or late at certain watering holes so animals like bighorn sheep won’t come down to drink.”
Key parts of the federal government have been impacted by the December 22 shutdown, including the departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Interior, State and Housing and Urban Development.
The shutdown began after President Donald Trump was unwilling to back down from his demand for $5 billion for his long-promised border wall. The figure was a nonstarter for Democrats, leaving Congress at an impasse.
from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/2019/01/01/trash-toilet-odor-build-at-national-parks-amid-government-shutdown/
from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2019/01/02/trash-toilet-odor-build-at-national-parks-amid-government-shutdown/
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