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[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - October 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles on Patreon!

1. EV owners volunteer to drive voters to the polls in 11 states (and you can too)

“ChargeTheVote.org is a nonpartisan voter education and engagement initiative to enhance voter turnout in the 2024 election by providing zero-emission transportation in electric vehicles (EVs) to local polling locations. ChargeTheVote will also host a webinar for those who are interested in participating this coming Tuesday, October 22 at 7pm Eastern time.”

2. Kenya moves 50 elephants to a larger park, says it’s a sign poaching is low

“The elephant population in the […”Mwea National Reserve”…] has flourished from its capacity of 50 to a whopping 156 […] requiring the relocation of about 100 of [them…. The] overpopulation in Mwea highlighted the success of conservation efforts over the last three decades.”

3. Australian start-up secures $9m for mine-based gravity energy storage technology

““We expect to configure the gravitational storage technology [which the company “hopes to deploy in disused mines”] for mid-duration storage applications of 4 to 24 hours, deliver 80% energy efficiency and to enable reuse of critical grid infrastructure.“”

4. Africa’s little-known golden cat gets a conservation boost, with community help

“[H]unting households were given a pregnant sow [… so that they] had access to meat without needing to trap it in the wild. […] To address income needs, Embaka started […] a savings and loan co-op[… and an] incentive for the locals to give up hunting in exchange for regular dental care.”

5. 4.8M borrowers — including 1M in public service — have had student debt forgiven

“That brings the total amount of student debt relief under the administration to $175 billion[….] The Education Department said that before Biden's presidency, only 7,000 public servants had ever received student debt relief through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. […] "That’s an increase of more than 14,000% in less than four years.””

6. Puerto Rico closes $861M DOE loan guarantee for huge solar, battery project

“The solar plants combined will have 200 megawatts of solar capacity — enough to power 43,000 homes — while the battery systems are expected to provide up to 285 megawatts of storage capacity. [… O]ver the next 10 years, more than 90 percent of solar capacity in Puerto Rico will come from distributed resources like rooftop solar.”

7. Tim Walz Defends Queer And Trans Youth At Length In Interview With Glennon Doyle

“Walz discussed positive legislative actions, such as codifying hate crime laws and increasing education[.… “We] need to appoint judges who uphold the right to marriage, uphold the right to be who you are [… and] to get the medical care that you need.””

8. Next-Generation Geothermal Development Important Tool for Clean Energy Economy

““The newest forms of geothermal energy hold the promise of generating electricity 24 hours a day using an endlessly renewable, pollution-free resource[… that] causes less disturbance to public lands and wildlife habitat […] than many other forms of energy development[….]”

9. Sarah McBride hopes bid to be first transgender congresswoman encourages ’empathy’ for trans people

““Folks know I am personally invested in equality as an LGBTQ person. But my priorities are going to be affordable child care, paid family and medical leave, housing, health care, reproductive freedom. […] We know throughout history that the power of proximity has opened even the most-closed of hearts and minds.”“

10. At Mexico’s school for jaguars, big cats learn skills to return to the wild

“[A team of scientists] have successfully released two jaguars, and are currently working to reintroduce two other jaguars and three pumas (Puma concolor). [… “Wildlife simulation”] “keeps the jaguars active and reduces the impact of captivity and a sedentary lifestyle[….]””

October 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[karadin]

while you were sleeping ...

The U.S. Army has told units to prepare for deployment at the U.S.-Mexico border in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Trump declared a 'state of emergency' at the border, despite the fact that we have a fully staffed border patrol and we are not in a wartime footing with Mexico.

National Science Foundation freezes grants in response to Trump executive orders

Native Americans concerned that they may be rounded up in mass deportation efforts due to racial profiling

Trump states that GAZA should be 'swept clean' and over one million refugees to be moved to Egypt and Jordan. (these countries have refused by the way)

Trump also mentions that Gaza has 'great beachfront property' and his son in law Jared Kushner, a friend of Netanyahu since childhood, has made the same statements that Gaza would be great place to build condos (and not for Palestinians)

Despite a 'cease fire' attacks have continued in Gaza, many by settler groups with police esorts, as soon as Trump lifted Biden era sanctions on settler incursions.

some USAID officials were put on leave for not abiding Trump's order to halt all international aid.

Trump has placed all Diversity and Inclusion federal employees across agencies on paid leave for 30 days until their positions are terminated.

The US Air Force took down a video for new recruits showcasing the Tuskegee Airmen, a famous all black fighting force from WW2, as well as the WAVES, women who joined the service during WW2.

The advisory office of DOGE now run solely by Elon Musk, a US government contractor puts him in nominal charge of government programs, a conflict of interest, however he has been booted from an office next to Trump in the White House to another building.

This Department of Government Efficiency now is taking over the US Digital Service in charge of all US gov websites, including the new IRS Free File (where you can do your taxes online for free, a holdover from the Biden Administration.)

Trump is paving the way for the Pentagon to remove transgender service members

The Quaker faith have taken the Trump administration to court over a new policy to enter churches and religious spaces in mass deportation efforts.

Trump puts hold on refugees - hundreds of thousands of people fleeing strife in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti and Venezuela have been stopped from entering the US - the program was bipartisan and many have waited years in a legal process to enter.

Trump has revoked a Biden admin program that allowed 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans and nearly 1 million migrants allowed into the country through an app called CBP One, all of these individuals are now targeted for deportation.

Vice President Vance complained when U.S. Catholic bishops condemned ICE entering places of employment, churches and schools in mass deportation raids (lifting an Obama era restriction)

Vice President Vance states that Big Tech is too powerful in the US, at the same time Musk, Bezos and Zuckerberg, along with other 'tech bros' were featured at Trump's inauguration, seated in front of his cabinet picks.

Trump fires DOJ employees who worked on Trump's prosecution for insurrection on Jan 6 as well as his stolen US government 'eyes only' documents. Republicans are investigating the bi-partisan Jan 6th investigations under the Biden administration.

Trump pardoned more than 1,500 individuals for their crimes during the Jan 6th insurrection, this has lead to backlash among a bi-partisan Congress as well as the public. One of the insurrectionists was killed by police at a conflict on his day of release, another was re-arrested for breaking his parole for previous convictions.

[lafayettenossie]

Diana Selene, Nola's Mistress of secrets.

9th Generation Nosferatu.

Diana Selene, Mistress of secrets and her Spy network.

- Biography:

Diana Selena was born in Havana (Cuba) on February 15, 1886 into a Creole military family. When the war broke out in 1895, his father remained under the orders of the Spanish government, but finally decided to return to the Iberian Peninsula at the end of the conflict in 1898. The passenger ship they were traveling on was gunned down by an American ship and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico. Diana would be the only survivor of her large family and she was rescued by a ship of sailors returning to New Orleans.

Young Diana in Storyville, NOLA.

The nearly thirteen-year-old was turned over to one of Storyville's brothels as payment for future services to the sailors... Diana, at that time a lanky girl ("all legs and boobs", as she defined herself) remained under the protection of the neighborhood prostitutes, as an assistant when it came to cleaning the brothels or even being herself on occasion sexually exploited to support herself indoors, with food and shelter. From time to time the nuns from the nearby Ursuline Convent went to Storyville and on more than one occasion they took young Diana with them to try to educate her and remove her from that place of vice and perdition. She lasted a short time between the iron discipline of the nuns and used to escape to return to the neighborhood brothels. There she would befriend a strange woman, Avery, the Childe of Lawrence Meeks, the Primogen Nosferatu and lord of the Web of Spies for Prince Doran. Avery detected that Diana could be one of her agents when she verified the young girl's enormous ability to remember everything she heard and saw with complete accuracy. Diana became the eyes and ears of the spy ring in Storyville.

Unfortunately, as she grew older they ran into a problem: she was becoming too beautiful to remain unnoticed. For months they thought whether to Embrace her or not, Avery made her her ghoul to give her a little support when it came to enduring the diseases that plagued the city (malaria, yellow fever, flu, among others). When Lawrence finally gave the go-ahead for her Embrace, in 1914, to his surprise, another of the Nosferatu's Childer, Roger, would take up her Embrace as a method of trying to harm his Sire Lawrence... Of course, by doing so without the permission of Prince Dorian or his sire, to save her life Avery had to hide the neonate in the swamps and Bayou north of the city. There Diana began to learn how to control fauna for sustenance and began to take care of stray cats, abandoned dogs and rats, which would be her favorite surveillance tools ever since.

After Lawrence's retirement in 1945 and his move to Baton Rouge, and the death of Prince Doran and Marcel's rise to power in 1955, Diana returned to Nola, although always keeping a very low profile and using cats and other stray animals to spy on every vampire entering the city. She sometimes shared juicy information with both her Mawla Avery and the then leader of the Spy Network, her "uncle" Martin (Lawrence's third Childe). She never spoke to Roger again.

2005: Katrina Hurricane arrived...

And one fateful August 29, 2005 the sky opened up and engulfed the Crescent City: Katrina has arrived... Diana survived thanks to her cats, who led her out of the most flooded areas. The city was severely damaged and many of the Kindred that inhabited it suffered Final Death due to the flooding of their Havens or being washed out and succumbing to the light of day. This happened with Prince Marcel Guilbeau and with a good part of the Primogen of the city, including his Mawla Avery and her "brothers" Martin and Roger, her Sire. One of the few Kindred to survive was Antonio Calbullarshi, until then the de facto leader of the Tremere clan in the city. He was one of the first to try to unite the survivors, trying to be a leader despite his ineptitude, which he miraculously achieved... Diana would appear before Calbullarshi with a gift that would open the doors of his Court during those first days after the Hurricane: she located alive in the rubble of the late Prince Marcel's plantation mansion Marie D'Rachel, his wayward Childe and lover of the missing Prince Marcel. Because of this, and with her background, it was not difficult to become the new spymaster and mistress of secrets in New Orleans, holding the position of Primogen of the Nosferatu clan as of 2010.

Diana Selene, NOLA's Nosferatu Primogen.

After a series of adverse situations, Diana would leave the position of Primogen Nosferatu in the NOLA Court at the beginning of 2022. She would start her own company as a provider of information to those who could pay her price. The secrets of the city and its inhabitants were in her hands...

- Multiverse:

* Diana Selene met Francis Louis Lafayette in their teens in Storyville. Both became attracted and finally, with time, were good friends and when both were turned into Nosferatu, years later, she was his Mawla and trained the Nossie Detective into her Spy Network. She finally died in 2022 fighting a Niktuku after resigning from her position as Nosferatu Primogen and moving into the "private sector."

* Diana Selene survived the Niktuku attack in 2022 and continued as a free agent, informing those who could pay for her services. In that universe, Francis Lafayette died and his twin sister Marie Louise lived on...

* In 2046, a young Cuban journalist, Artemisa Luna, remembered her previous life as Diana Selene...

Artemisa Luna, journalist...

- Disciplines and Powers:

* Animalism: Diana can speak and command any kind of animals. She usually uses stray animals (dogs, cats, rats, owls, bats,...) as her eyes and ears everywhere at New Orleans. They are her Spy Network.

* Obsfuscate: Diana can hide herself and others to avoid detection, or pretend to be a certain person or go unnoticed on purpose.

* Potence: Diana is stronger than she appears at first glance. She can hit very hard and break bones with just a hit.

* Protean: Diana can see in complete darkness, grow sharp claws on her fingers or disproportionate fangs in her mouth.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

In the early 2000s, a long-time Louisiana engineer and entrepreneur thought it would be natural for the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico to expand into offshore wind. The industry could use the same workforce, the same shipyards and possibly even the same platforms to generate renewable power.

With designs, data and offshore leases from Texas, Herman Schellstede and his team planned to build a 62-turbine wind farm off Galveston’s coast— one of the first such proposals in the United States and the first in the Gulf of Mexico.

The team approached banks and even Koch Industries seeking financing for the $300 million wind farm, he said. But financing nascent offshore wind was apparently too risky a proposition in the wake of the 2008 financial meltdown. The wind farm was eventually scuttled.

Now, 33 years after the first offshore wind farm was built in waters off Denmark, it’s still unclear if the time is right — or will ever be right — for the United States. In those years, only four wind farms generating 242 megawatts of power have been built off the U.S. coast; the largest just went into service in 2024.

Last year, inflation, supply chain problems and other macroeconomic issues led to the cancellation or renegotiation of about half of all proposed offshore wind projects. And while the Biden Administration is moving as quickly as possible to approve new lease sales and projects — expanding the amount of power generated by 10-fold — former President Donald Trump has promised to end offshore wind if elected.

The industry and advocates, however, do not seem daunted. Studies show offshore wind could meet 5% of the nation’s energy needs by 2035, and up to 25% by 2050.

“We’re all in this room today, not because we just see offshore wind as a massive opportunity — which it is to build you clean energy — but also we see the necessity of offshore wind,” said Amanda Lefton, vice president of offshore development for the renewable energy company RWE.

Lefton, speaking at an April conference of the offshore wind industry in New Orleans, said the technology is needed to meet national and state decarbonization goals. RWE is developing projects off the East Coast and California and working to create a supply chain for offshore wind in the Gulf of Mexico with a large Louisiana-based coalition.

“We know the fundamentals exist in these markets,” said Lefton, the former head of the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management who leads RWE’s East Coast operations. “We know that it’s not an if, it’s a when.”

[zebee-nyx]

CalmWriMo Day 15

[11/15/2023]

Update!

So didn't really get around to working on the prologue today... (-.-) So kinda kicking myself for that. But I did make the writing goal time on other stuff so there is that. On that topic tho! I've been a little bit busier with work than I was honestly anticipating when I made the goal. (o.o) So I'm considering halfling it if things persist like this much longer. Cause the most important part of goals [and for me mental stability (0~o)b] is that they are obtainable! Still just considering it for now, but if it randomly changes next week that'll be why. ('^.^)

Progress:

2 Hour Writing Goal: ✅

Blurb: [see below]

Self Care:

Food: ✅

Hydration: ✅

Sleep: ✅

Reading: ✅

Blurb: NEX Conglomerate

(NEX = Neocago Enterprise Annexes... unless I figure a better acronym that fits lol)

The NEX Conglomerate, or simply NEX, was originally formed behind closed doors by a coalition of corporations who wanted to seize power over the city from Plax Technologies (Neocago's founding corporation). In a rapid hostile take over using both buy outs, refusals to honor security contracts, and a raid on Plax's headquarters the coup of the city ended almost as soon as it started. Now with NEX as the unshakable top dog in the city a new chapter opened in the city's history... and it would be one of cold corporate dominance. NEX is made up of seven corporations alongside their numerous subsidiaries.

List of NEX members:

Ferncorp: At NEX's head is Ferncorp, who controls most of the agriscrapers around the city and with them most of the city's food supply. A fact that they have used to leverage their power to maintain their position. Their subsidiaries are some of the more essential for the city's more financial functions, official media, as well as the remains of Plax itself.

Apex Water: This corporation was originally contracted to provide clean water and plumbing services for the city by Plax. Following the takeover they have effectively gained a monopoly on water in the city. They have begun producing several flavored soft drinks.

Biotechna: Is a corporation that before the Great Collapse was funded by the US government to gather and preserve the genetic material of as many species of plants and animals as possible. Following the collapse they found new contracts with Ferncorp to work on bioengineering projects to design superior crops among other things...

Holder&Holder Security Firm: A security firm with a small military at it's disposal. They primarily only provide protection for NEX assets, properties, and personnel.

Ares Armaments: A corporation that once was contacted to develop and produce weapons for the US. They moved on to working with Plax, and just as quickly jumped to NEX. While significantly quieter than other NEX member corporations they have the widest global reach and sell weapons across the world.

Street Flex: This corporation owns most of the road and rail infrastructure in Neocago after winning a major contract with NEX following the takeover. They keep the city's "veins" maintained and operational in return for a sizable stipend.

Ace Aero: Originally simply an airline company Ace Aero has developed into massive aerospace industry. They own and operated numerous space stations, satellites, and moon bases. They are only headquarter in Neocago as most of their launchpads and vehicle assembly buildings are further south nearer to the Gulf of Mexico. They also own the primary airport in the city.

[Bit of a random lore dump... Not short on ideas, but also not sure what to focus the blurbs on. ('^.^) So if anyone is curious any bits about this world feel free to ask! (^.^)b Anyways and always, I hope you had a lovely day, peace (^v^)v]

[newstfionline]

Friday, October 27, 2023

Biden weighs striking Iranian proxies after attacks on U.S. troops (Washington Post) President Biden faces mounting pressure to strike Iranian proxies that have repeatedly attacked—and injured—U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria this month, but he is weighing any decision to retaliate against his broader concern that the war in Gaza could be on the precipice of erupting into a regionwide tempest, according to U.S. officials and others familiar with the administration’s deliberations. Biden said Wednesday that he warned Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, that if Tehran continues to “move against” U.S. forces in the Middle East, “we will respond.” The president’s disclosure followed reports that nearly two dozen American troops were hurt within the last eight days after 14 or more aerial assaults on their bases in Iraq and Syria. An additional attack was recorded Wednesday, after three rockets were launched at a U.S. outpost in northeast Syria and one landed inside, a defense official said. No one was reported injured.

With House speaker installed, US Congress returns to spending battles (Reuters) The morning after U.S. House of Representatives Republicans united around new Speaker Mike Johnson, lawmakers on Thursday returned their attention to spending bills urgently needed to avert a government shutdown and respond to crises overseas. Congress has just over three weeks until a stopgap measure to keep federal agencies funded runs out on Nov. 17, and Democratic President Joe Biden is also pushing for $106 billion in new spending to aid Israel and Ukraine, and beef up enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border. Meanwhile, House Republicans are pushing for a full plate of 12 separate funding bills to keep agencies running until Sept. 30, 2024, the end of the fiscal year. This rare feat requires close negotiation between the narrowly Republican-controlled House and the Senate, which has a two-vote Democratic majority.

Millions more Americans were food insecure in 2022 than 2021—USDA (AP) Millions more Americans had difficulty securing enough food in 2022 compared to the year prior, including 1 million more households with children, a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) showed on Wednesday. The increase interrupted a years-long trend of declining hunger in the United States. Previous reports from food banks and the U.S. Census Bureau have indicated that hunger is increasing as low-income Americans struggle to recover from the pandemic and from the end of expanded food assistance. The USDA report, which did not provide an explanation for the rise, found that 12.8% of households—equivalent to 17 million households—struggled to get enough food in 2022, up from 10.2%, or 13.5 million households, in 2021. Nearly 7 million households faced very low food security, meaning members’ normal eating patterns were disrupted or food intake dropped because of limited resources, USDA said.

Acapulco residents are left in flooded and windblown chaos with hurricane’s toll still unknown (AP) A day after Hurricane Otis roared ashore in Acapulco, unleashing massive floods and setting off looting, the resort city of nearly 1 million descended into chaos, leaving residents without electricity or internet service and a toll of at least 27 dead. The early images and accounts were of extensive devastation, toppled trees and power lines lying in brown floodwaters that in some areas extended for miles. Many of the once sleek beachfront hotels in Acapulco looked like toothless, shattered hulks a day after the Category 5 storm blew out hundreds—and possibly thousands—of windows. There seemed to be a widespread frustration with authorities. While some 10,000 military troops were deployed to the area, they lacked the tools to clean tons of mud and fallen trees from the streets. Hundreds of trucks from the government electricity company arrived in Acapulco early Wednesday, but seemed at a loss as to how to restore power, with downed electricity lines lying in feet of mud and water.

Shoplifting Surges in U.K., Putting Workers in Scary Situations (NYT) Stashing six bottles of wine into a bag, a man wearing a dark jacket and beanie heads straight to the store exit without paying, barging by a female shop worker who blocks his way and only stopping when her colleague overpowers him just outside the doorway. For the supermarket’s owner, Richard Inglis, the early morning fracas—captured on CCTV—was the day’s first attempted theft but was unlikely to be the last. “I’ll probably have another three or four today,” Mr. Inglis said, adding that, while trying to stop shoplifters, he and his staff members had been punched, kicked, bitten, spat at, threatened with needles, racially abused and attacked with bottles. “It’s like the Wild West out there at the moment.” Britain is seeing a surge in theft from its stores at the hands, stores say, of opportunistic shoplifters, marauding teenagers, people stealing to finance drug use and organized gangs intent on looting. According to official figures, shoplifting incidents recorded by the police rose by 25 percent in the year ending June 2023, and Co-op, a British supermarket chain with about 2,400 stores, recorded its highest ever levels of theft and aggressive behavior, with almost 1,000 incidents each day in the six months to June 2023, a 35 percent spike from the previous year. One of its stores was “looted” three times in one day, it said in a news release.

Russia prison population plummets as convicts are sent to war (Washington Post) Russia has freed up to 100,000 prison inmates and sent them to fight in Ukraine, according to government statistics and rights advocates—a far greater number than was previously known. The sharp drop in the number of inmates is evidence that the Defense Ministry continued to aggressively recruit convicted criminals even after blocking access to prisoners by the Wagner mercenary group, which pioneered the campaign to trade clemency for military service. The Russian prison population, estimated at roughly 420,000 before the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, plummeted to a historic low of about 266,000, according to Deputy Justice Minister Vsevolod Vukolov, who disclosed the figure during a panel discussion earlier this month. Russian forces are now heavily reliant on prisoners plucked from colonies with the promise of pardons, a practice initiated by the late Wagner boss Yevgeniy Prigozhin, who began recruiting convicts to fight in Ukraine a year ago and amassed a 50,000-strong force.

Delhi air turns very poor but ‘worst is yet to come’ (BBC) The air quality in India’s capital Delhi has fallen to poor levels and is expected to deteriorate further in the coming days, officials have said. Delhi is one of the world’s most polluted cities through the year. But its air turns especially toxic in winter due to various factors, including burning of crop remains by farmers, low wind speeds and bursting of firecrackers during festivals. The polluted air causes severe health issues to Delhi residents every year. Some residents said these were the early days in Delhi’s pollution cycle and “the worst was yet to come”.

U.S., Russia veto each other’s U.N. resolutions on Israel-Gaza war (Washington Post) The U.N. Security Council failed again to adopt a unified position on stopping the carnage in the Middle East, with the United States and Russia vetoing each others’ resolutions. The principal difference between the competing resolutions was Washington’s call for “all measures, specifically to include humanitarian pauses,” to allow aid to flow into Gaza—a position it rejected as recently as last week and with no specific mention of ongoing Israeli airstrikes—vs. Moscow’s call for a complete cease-fire. The United States is in an increasingly minority position in rejecting a cease-fire, which is supported by the U.N. Secretary General, Arab states and much of the rest of the world.

Israel’s Strikes on Gaza Are Some of the Most Intense This Century (NYT) Israel’s 19-day bombing campaign in Gaza has become one of the most intense of the 21st century, prompting growing global scrutiny of its scale, purpose and cost to human life. Since terrorists from Gaza raided Israel on Oct. 7, killing roughly 1,400 people according to the Israeli government, the Israeli military says it has struck more than 7,000 targets inside Gaza. That is a higher number than in any previous Israeli military campaign in the territory, a narrow enclave less than half the size of New York City. It also outstrips the most intense month of the United States-led bombing campaign against ISIS, according to Airwars, a British conflict monitor. For Palestinians, the scale of the bombing campaign has appeared vengeful and unfocused, killing Gazans from across a wide spectrum of civilian life and destroying residential areas. The Hamas-run Gazan health ministry says Israeli strikes have killed more than 6,500 people, a number that if verified would make this the deadliest conflict for Palestinians since at least the Lebanon war of 1982. Israelis say the strikes are not about retaliation but defense.

The ‘Devil’s Playground’ of Urban Combat That Israel Is Preparing to Enter (NYT) Heavy fire from rooftops and booby-trapped apartments. Armor-piercing projectiles blowing up troop carriers. Fighters blending in with civilians, launching drone ambushes, or surging from tunnels full of enough ammunition, food and water to sustain a long war. As the Israeli Army gathers tanks at the Gaza border for a threatened invasion aimed at crushing Hamas, experts are warning that the country’s troops could face some of the fiercest street-to-street combat since World War II in Gaza City and other densely packed areas. Urban warfare studies and American officials offer dire comparisons to Iraq: Think of Falluja in 2004, the most intense battles that American troops had faced since Vietnam, or the nine-month fight to defeat the Islamic State in Mosul in 2016, which led to 10,000 civilian deaths. Then multiply the destructive toll, possibly exponentially. Hamas has three to five times as many fighters—perhaps 40,000 in all—as the Islamic State had in Mosul. It can draw reserves from a young, restive population, and has international support from countries like Iran. Even on its own, Hamas’s leadership has had years to prepare for battle across Gaza, including in city streets, where the superiority of tanks and precise munitions can be stymied by guerrilla tactics. “It’s going to be ugly,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Arnold, a U.S. Army strategist who has published studies on urban operations in the Middle East. “Cities are the devil’s playground—they make everything infinitely more difficult.”

Lonely (Gallup) Nearly one in four people worldwide—which translates into more than a billion people—feel very or fairly lonely, according to a recent Meta-Gallup survey of more than 140 countries. Notably, these numbers could be even higher. The survey represents approximately 77% of the world’s adults because it was not asked in the second-most populous country in the world, China. With the World Health Organization and many others—including the U.S. surgeon general—calling attention to the dangers of loneliness, these data, collected in partnership between Gallup and Meta, provide a much-needed global perspective of social wellbeing. Global results indicate that the lowest rates of feeling lonely are reported among older adults (aged 65 and older), with 17% feeling very or fairly lonely, while the highest rates of feeling lonely are reported among young adults (aged 19 to 29), with 27% feeling very or fairly lonely.

[heretiics]

𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐒.

FULL NAME: Teddy Akello Hill Jr. NAME MEANING: Teddy is a name of English origin meaning "gift of God or wealthy guardian." Akello means “blessed” in Luganda and is of Ugandan origin. NICKNAME(S): TJ, Teej, Ted AGE: Thirty-four SPECIES: Human GENDER: Cis man (he/him) ORIENTATION: Het OCCUPATION: Horse ranch owner of Hill Horse Ranch BIRTH DATE: 7 July 1988 BIRTHPLACE: Babylon, Texas HOMETOWN: Babylon, Texas ETHNICITY: African-American MARITAL STATUS: Single RELIGION: Agnostic EDUCATION LEVEL: Equine science (BS Animal Sciences) CURRENT LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: At the Hill family house near the horse ranch RAP SHEET: No record

𝐏𝐇𝐘𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄.

FACECLAIM: Daniel Kaluuya HAIR STYLE: Black, tightly coiled and often styled in a low, close-cropped buzz cut EYE COLOR: Dark brown HEIGHT: 5' 9" / 175 cm BUILD: Fit & toned from his work at the horse ranch STYLE: Usually seen in bright-colored hoodies or shirts and jeans SCENT: A pleasant mixture of hay, leather, and soap VOICE: Deep and velvety, with a hint of gravelly texture USUAL EXPRESSION: Relaxed, unexpressive but with a belying twinkle of amusement in his eyes POSTURE: Straight but not stiff DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Has a slightly uneven gait due to his hips not healing well after being thrown off a horse while trying to break it.

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 & 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐘𝐋𝐄.

DRUG USE: Never ALCOHOL USE: Moderate SMOKING: Every once in a while

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘.

TROPES: The Cowboy / Lone Ranch Owner / Ancestral Name / Lineage Comes from the Father POSITIVE TRAITS: Gentle, resilient, trustworthy, sensible NEGATIVE TRAITS: Passive, reserved, obstinate, self-deprecating MORAL ALIGNMENT: Neutral ZODIAC SIGNS: Cancer sun, Taurus moon, Aquarius rising THEME SONG: A Horse with No Name by America

𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃.

His father’s ancestors moved to Babylon, Texas from New Mexico after the Civil War, and have seen through most of the ups and downs of the town. They had numerous opportunities to leave the godforsaken town, but something seems to bind the Hills to the place. Perhaps it was one of the few places in the South that gave them a chance and they’re eternally grateful for it. Or perhaps they are just loyal. For whatever reason they stuck it out for so long, it is undeniable that the Hills are considered to be staples amongst the community, mildly contributing to the economy with their equine business. It isn’t what is exactly called a flourishing business (as it used to be), but it puts food on the table. The Hill Ranch has been around for years, older than most of the town’s citizens.

TJ’s mother, Agatha  comes from a long line of witches from Salem, Massachusetts. His parents met after his mother’s family (and in time their coven) moved to Babylon for mysterious reasons. Only his sister* inherited their mother’s powers, as it only gets passed down to women in the family. Agatha eventually took position as leader of the Crystal Coven, retiring around thirty years later. She also owns Foster Health, a pharmacy (and apothecary) located at Pilgrim Square. 

TJ is a horse rancher, inheriting both the property and way of life from his father who had recently been declared dead after disappearing 7 years ago. He owns, manages, and operates Hill Horse Ranch in Babylon which is dedicated to breeding, raising, and training horses. He also sells and trades them. 

Although TJ has people helping him around the ranch, he is a hands-on owner. Some of his daily responsibilities include feeding and caring for the horses, cleaning stalls and pastures, training and exercising the horses, and working with clients to provide riding lessons or boarding services.

Much like TJ’s horses, he is a Babylonian born and bred. He has only left Babylon once to pursue formal education in equine science. He hasn’t left since coming back to town immediately after graduation.

Due to his family’s long history in Babylon and his mother’s witch origins, he is aware of the supernatural denizens living with them. He doesn’t exactly know who is what unless explicitly revealed to him, and he generally feels better off not knowing. He believes his father might’ve gotten mixed up in something supernatural or paranormal, which explains his apparent detachment from the case as he thinks it’ll be impossible for him to go up against something non-human.

Despite its flaws and defects, TJ loves the town and would wish to be buried in its soil. Typical of a Hill.

While he seemingly spends more time with horses than humans, he is still a friendly face around town and gregarious enough. He likes a good chat— or more like enjoys listening to people chat.

*TJ's sister is a wanted connection. If interested, feel free to message me!

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒.

TJ's horse ranch and Agatha's pharmacy are submitted locations. You may find more about them here. Agatha (TJ's mom) is also a an active NPC that you may interact with/use in threads.

𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐒.

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[yetisidelblog]

Tell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Save the Monarch Butterflies!

Once again, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is considering protections for the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). Last month, the USFWS determined that Monarchs are "threatened" and are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future through a significant portion of their range.

The USFWS has opened a docket for public comments  on whether to move forward with protections for Monarch butterflies. Please take action today - it takes a village!

We've made it quick and easy to submit your comment. Use the pre-written comment or edit to make it your own.

Insect populations are notorious for their annual fluctuations, but the iconic Monarch butterfly population continues its very clear downward trend. Pesticides, habitat loss, and extreme weather conditions have taken a huge toll. The most recent population estimate available (winter 2023-2024) is the second lowest ever reported. And those numbers are less than half of the previous year, a very steep drop. The Monarchs’ migration is the longest migration of any insect species known to science, providing valuable and essential pollinating services to fruits, vegetables and nuts while gracing us with their beauty from Canada to Mexico.

Tell the USFWS that you support the proposal to protect the monarch butterfly as a threatened species and designate critical protected habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Tell the Agency to add the Monarch to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and to designate critical habitat for the monarch butterfly within the California counties as proposed by the Agency.

Every Monarch butterfly tells a story of resilience, beauty, and the power of nature. But their journey grows more perilous every day. Together, we can be the difference that ensures their flight continues for generations to come.

@upontheshelfreviews

@greenwingspino

@one-time-i-dreamt

@tenaflyviper

@akron-squirrel

@ifihadaworldofmyown

@justice-for-jacob-marley

@voicetalentbrendan

@thebigdeepcheatsy

@what-is-my-aesthetic

@ravenlynclemens

@writerofweird

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@anon-lephant

[kulchurstudio]

[ayushkolhe]

Fruit Smoothies Market Expansion: Examining Consumer Preferences and Emerging Market Penetration Across the Globe

In recent years, the fruit smoothie market has experienced remarkable growth, transforming from a niche offering to a mainstream product in numerous regions globally. As health-conscious consumers demand healthier alternatives to sugary drinks, the market for fruit smoothies has expanded, driven by innovative flavor offerings, convenience, and the increasing emphasis on health and wellness. With fruit smoothies becoming a go-to option for both a nutritious snack and meal replacement, understanding market penetration becomes essential for businesses looking to capitalize on this fast-evolving trend.

Understanding the Fruit Smoothie Market

The fruit smoothies market comprises both retail and foodservice segments. Retail consumers can easily purchase ready-to-drink products from supermarkets, while foodservice establishments like cafes, juice bars, and restaurants offer custom-made, freshly blended smoothies. Global brands, as well as regional players, have increased their focus on fruit smoothie offerings, leading to a highly competitive landscape that includes an array of ingredients such as exotic fruits, vegetables, and superfoods like acai berries, kale, and spirulina.

One of the key drivers behind the increased popularity of fruit smoothies is the rising awareness about the importance of eating clean and adopting healthier lifestyles. People are looking for more natural, nutrient-rich products in their diets, and fruit smoothies fit the bill perfectly. They are not only made with fresh, nutrient-packed fruits but are often blended with other beneficial ingredients, like seeds, protein powders, and plant-based milks, increasing their nutritional appeal.

Penetration in Emerging Markets

Traditionally, fruit smoothies were most popular in markets like North America and Europe, where health trends were already firmly established. However, in recent years, the market has seen significant penetration in emerging economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. This shift is largely driven by the expanding middle class in these regions, an increase in disposable income, and changing consumer preferences toward Western-style diets that focus on health-conscious eating.

For example, countries like India, China, Brazil, and Mexico are experiencing increased demand for nutritious beverages, including smoothies. The desire for nutritious, quick meal replacements, as well as growing health consciousness driven by urbanization and the influence of Western lifestyles, has spurred this growth. To meet the needs of these emerging markets, brands are localizing their product offerings by integrating popular regional fruits such as dragon fruit, papaya, mango, and coconut into smoothies.

Innovation and Differentiation Strategies

To stand out in a saturated market, smoothie brands have turned to innovation in terms of both product ingredients and packaging. The introduction of plant-based smoothies, low-sugar, high-protein options, and the use of trendy superfoods are some of the ways brands are attracting health-conscious consumers. Packaging, too, has evolved, with brands moving toward eco-friendly, single-serve containers to make consumption easier for busy consumers.

With the increasing demand for personalized experiences, many companies are leveraging digital tools and delivery services to cater to consumers looking for on-demand smoothies. Some businesses now offer customers the ability to customize their drinks through mobile apps or websites, enabling them to select fruits, vegetables, and additional supplements based on their preferences or dietary needs.

Online Sales Channels

A key factor driving the penetration of fruit smoothies into untapped markets has been the growth of online shopping platforms. E-commerce allows brands to reach a wider audience and cater to customers who prefer the convenience of ordering their products online. Smoothies made from high-quality organic ingredients are readily available on e-commerce platforms, which provides consumers access to a larger variety of flavors and options than are often found in traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Delivery services, food delivery apps, and subscription-based models, such as smoothie boxes or ingredient kits, are also enhancing the consumer experience and encouraging frequent purchases. As consumers become more comfortable with online food ordering, the reach of fruit smoothie brands continues to increase rapidly.

Competitive Landscape

While the fruit smoothies market continues to expand, competition remains fierce. Major international chains such as Smoothie King, Jamba Juice, and Starbucks have a stronghold in the market, but local players are also emerging and driving growth. The need for continuous innovation and marketing strategies to differentiate brands is more important than ever.

In light of the ongoing competition, successful companies must continually innovate while maintaining quality and nutritional value. Additionally, factors like health concerns, changes in consumer spending, and even seasonal ingredient availability need to be carefully managed to ensure sustained growth and market penetration.

Conclusion

The fruit smoothies market is undergoing significant changes, driven by innovation, increased consumer interest in healthier living, and the rise of e-commerce. Market penetration in developing economies combined with shifting trends in consumer preferences presents tremendous opportunities for companies. To maintain or increase their market share, it’s crucial for brands to continue innovating with flavors, packaging, and service offerings to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers.

The future looks bright for fruit smoothies as consumers increasingly prioritize health, sustainability, and convenience, making them more than just a beverage choice, but a lifestyle. Brands that can tap into this ongoing transformation will be best positioned for growth in the coming years.

[janetushar1]

Plastic Waste Management Market to Hit $41.58 Billion by 2032

What's Trending in Plastic Waste Management Market?

- Keep Yourself Up-To-Date With The Latest Market Trends.

The global Plastic Waste Management Market was valued at USD 33.86 Billion in 2024 and it is estimated to garner USD 41.58 Billion by 2032 with a registered CAGR of 2.6% during the forecast period 2024 to 2032.

Firstly, the Market report for Plastic Waste Management Market describes the current state of the companies and recommends where it is likely to go next. The report shows the production, revenue, price, market share, and growth rate of each type, mainly divided into Product Types and Product Applications etc.

Additionally, this market report focuses on offering key business measures such as real market moves, market size, qualities, and freedoms, as well as forecast opportunities. This Plastic Waste Management Market report also offers distinctive insights into wealthy regions such as Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Get a Sample Copy of the Plastic Waste Management Market Report at: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/plastic-waste-management-market-1605/request-sample

Top Competitors:

Veolia Environnement (France), Suez (France), Waste Management Inc. (US), Republic Services (US), Waste Connections Inc (Canada), Clean Harbors (US), Biffa (UK), Covanta Holding Corporation (US), Stericycle (US), Remondis SE & Co. KG (Germany)

This market report has all the information you need to start or grow your business in the industry. It also includes market drivers, restraints, competitiveness, and geographic estimates, as well as a price and emerging market structure. It is a complete description of a company's business model, benchmarks, consumer preferences, value proposition, and net profit. This comprehensive Plastic Waste Management Market study also sheds light on key techniques that help companies truly assess their customers' buying behavior.

It represents global economic trends between 2024 and 2032. With the help of this market research, top companies can easily make smarter financial decisions. This market analysis is an excellent technique to help companies implement new products. It also includes critical data on major industry topics, including market expansions and evolving market conditions.

This well-researched Plastic Waste Management Market report describes the negative impact COVID-19 is having on various companies and offers companies recommendations on how to recover from the damage suffered by the outbreak as well as the nationwide quarantine. The plan analyzes the company's expectations and priorities, as well as the delivery of all crucial data.

You Can Buy This Report From Here: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/buy-now/plastic-waste-management-market-1605/0

This report analyzes key market segments by type, application, and geography. The geographic analysis section covers key regions such as Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.

This Plastic Waste Management Market report not only provides valuable data but outlines key goals, pricing strategies, and approaches to help market participants' recommendations in this report will make accelerating economic growth easy. It offers some specific tips and business-related data to help new competitors in the market grow their businesses and diversify their product lines. Companies in the industry should choose tactics that include new product launches, mergers, and partnerships to survive in the competitive marketplace and strengthen their position.

Regional Analysis

-North America [United States, Canada, Mexico]

-South America [Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru]

-Europe [Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland]

-Middle East & Africa [GCC, North Africa, South Africa]

-Asia-Pacific [China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Western Asia]

The quantitative information in this Plastic Waste Management Market analysis helps predict future sales and market penetration. This type of information is based on statistics. The qualitative information provided here will greatly help the key players understand the buyer's opinion of your brand. Improving business goals becomes easy with the information provided in this report.

The industries can draw some conclusions about their original goals. In business. This Plastic Waste Management Market research helps you make assumptions about your competition, customers, and the market in order to make informed business decisions. Additionally, it forecasts the competition in the market for the estimated period of 2024-2032. Effective decision-making in companies leads to business growth and is made possible by this precise market study.

Read Full Research Report with [TOC] @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/plastic-waste-management-market-1605

Some of the Key Questions Answered in this Report:

Which are the five top players of the Plastic Waste Management Market?

How will the Plastic Waste Management Market change in the upcoming years?

Which product and application will take a share of the Plastic Waste Management Market?

What will be the CAGR and size of the Plastic Waste Management Market throughout the forecast period?

What are the drivers and restraints of the Plastic Waste Management Market?

Which regional market will show the highest growth?

What is the current industry size, what will the market size be in 2030 and what will the growth rate be?

Who are the major competitors and what is their strategy?

What are the challenges to grow in the industry?

What are the market opportunities and challenges faced by the key vendors?

What are the barriers to entry for new players in the Plastic Waste Management industry?

Check Out More Reports

Global Centrifugal Pump Market:  Report Forecast by 2032

Global Medical Image Analysis Software Market: Report Forecast by 2032

Global Marché de l'acier au carbone: Report Forecast by 2032

Global Forklift Market: Report Forecast by 2032

Global Electric Truck Market: Report Forecast by 2032

[bigchileinnsuite]

Why Temporary Room Rentals in Las Cruces are Perfect for Travelers and Students

When it comes to finding a comfortable, affordable, and convenient place to stay in Las Cruces, temporary room rentals are an excellent solution for both travelers and students. Whether you're visiting the city for a short stay or looking for a flexible housing option while you study, these rentals provide the perfect balance of comfort and affordability. At Big Chile Inn and Suites, we understand the needs of our guests and offer a range of temporary room to rent in Las Cruces, ideal for short-term stays.

The Benefits of Temporary Room Rentals

Flexibility for Short-Term Stays

One of the main advantages of choosing a temporary room to rent in Las Cruces is the flexibility. Whether you need a room for a week, a month, or even just a few nights, these rentals are designed to accommodate your specific needs. Unlike traditional leases that require long-term commitments, temporary rentals offer flexibility without the hassle of signing a lengthy contract.

Affordable for Students and Budget Travelers

Las Cruces is home to many students, especially those attending New Mexico State University. For students who need a temporary room to rent in Las Cruces, affordability is a top priority. Temporary rentals are often more budget-friendly than traditional apartments or hotels, providing students with a cost-effective solution while they study.

Budget-conscious travelers also benefit from these rentals. Whether you're passing through Las Cruces on a road trip or visiting for a few days, temporary room rentals at Big Chile Inn and Suites offer a great value for your stay.

Why Travelers and Students Prefer Temporary Rentals

Convenient Locations

When choosing a temporary room to rent in Las Cruces, location is key. Travelers want to be close to local attractions, restaurants, and entertainment, while students prefer proximity to their campus or educational institutions. At Big Chile Inn and Suites, we provide centrally located rooms that give you easy access to everything Las Cruces has to offer, ensuring that your stay is as convenient as possible.

Fully Furnished and Move-In Ready

Temporary room rentals are typically fully furnished, making them perfect for those who don't want to deal with the stress of moving furniture. Whether you're a student arriving for the semester or a traveler looking for a hassle-free stay, a temporary room to rent in Las Cruces allows you to settle in quickly and comfortably.

Why Choose Big Chile Inn and Suites for Your Stay

At Big Chile Inn and Suites, we pride ourselves on providing affordable, clean, and comfortable temporary room rentals in the heart of Las Cruces. Whether you're a student, traveler, or someone in need of short-term accommodation, our flexible rental options cater to your needs. With our range of amenities and prime location, finding a temporary room to rent in Las Cruces has never been easier.

Our Amenities Include:

Free Wi-Fi for students and business travelers

Comfortable and fully furnished rooms

Convenient proximity to New Mexico State University and downtown Las Cruces

Friendly customer service to assist with all your stay needs

If you're looking for a temporary room to rent in Las Cruces that offers the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and affordability, look no further than Big Chile Inn and Suites. We are here to make your stay in Las Cruces pleasant and stress-free, whether you're here for school, travel, or a short-term visit.

[whatsissue]

Hurricane Milton's Wrath: Florida's Struggle with Devastation and Climate Challenges

The Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: Florida Faces Devastation and Challenges In a relentless display of nature's fury, Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday night near Siesta Key, Florida, setting off approximately eight hours of havoc. As the storm approached, it spurred intense rainfall, devastating tornadoes, significant storm surges, and ferocious winds, leaving towns across Florida reeling from its wake. By Thursday morning, Milton had already moved back over the ocean, downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane by the time it reached Cape Canaveral. Areas Hardest Hit The hurricane's journey of destruction was particularly severe in Sarasota, Fort Myers, St Petersburg, and St Lucie, along with several other Gulf Coast cities. Residents faced the brunt of downed trees, extensive flooding, destroyed homes, and shattered infrastructure. Authorities have scrambled to restore electricity and water systems amidst the chaos. As of Thursday afternoon, more than 3.3 million Florida residents remained without power, illuminating the widespread impact of this natural disaster. In one particularly somber statistic, officials have confirmed nine fatalities linked to Hurricane Milton, and searches for the missing continue. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with approximately 125 homes destroyed, notably within senior mobile home communities. Unpredictable Tornadoes Compound the Crisis Further complicating rescue efforts and clean-up, Hurricane Milton was responsible for numerous tornadoes. Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, reported that these tornadoes could potentially result in additional casualties, with confirmed fatalities already noted in St Lucie County. The National Weather Service recorded at least seven tornadoes as Milton approached, and officials issued over 50 tornado warnings during its rampage. The Threat of Storm Surges Predictions of severe storm surges were mercifully overestimated in many areas. However, Sarasota County did record surges between eight to ten feet, demonstrating the power of such phenomena. Storm surges, often hurricanes' deadliest feature, push seawater inland, potentially leveling entire communities. Despite Milton weakening before landfall, the lingering threat posed by such surges remains a critical concern for coastal residents. Climate Change: Intensifying Storms The onslaught of Hurricane Milton just weeks after another severe hurricane starkly underscores the frequency and intensity with which these storms batter Florida. Climate experts point to the rising temperatures of oceans, driven by climate change, as key accelerators for the power and regularity of these systems. These conditions present increased risks, not only in the form of disastrous storm surges but also through heightened wind speeds and greater rainfall totals. As sea levels continue to rise, experts predict more such catastrophic events with growing frequency. The heated Gulf of Mexico acts as an ideal incubator for these monstrous storms, suggesting that without significant environmental policy changes, similar disasters could become the norm rather than the exception. Looking Ahead Florida's recovery from Hurricane Milton promises to be a long and arduous task. The state must grapple with the immediate need for humanitarian aid and long-term infrastructural redevelopment, all while contending with similar potential threats on the horizon. Robust emergency preparedness and strategic planning will be more critical than ever in ensuring the safety and resilience of vulnerable communities. In the aftermath of such calamity, the discourse on climate action and protection strategies becomes not just pertinent but essential. Relevant Keywords: Hurricane Milton, Florida storm damage, Florida tornadoes, storm surge, climate change impact, hurricane intensity, natural disaster response, Florida power outage, Sarasota County hurricane, Gulf Coast weather events. Read the full article

[naturecoaster]

Rebuilding from Hurricane Helene in Hernando County - Part 1

Thursday, September 26, 2024, was a day to remember along Florida's Nature Coast. Evacuation orders were given for residents and businesses along the Gulf Coast the day before - threats of 120+ mph winds and a 6-12 foot tidal surge made most heed the warnings. Hernando Beach is a community built along Shoal Line Boulevard, with canals cut into the marshy coastland and roads with buildable lots on either side created in the 1970s. It is a tight-knit community that has survived the no-name storm of the 1990s, and several hurricanes, and tropical storm floods since, but Hurricane Helene was exceptionally devastating with its breadth, bringing winds and rains... and lots of tidal waters! Evacuation orders were put out by the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners, and preparations were altered from shelter-in-place with water and canned foods to the more dire requirements of getting your important documents, photos, and family members and leave your property now. What could the local businesses do? Most restaurants, bars, realtors, marinas, and assorted other establishments had to clean out their wares as best as they could, move them to higher ground inland, and send their employees and patrons home, praying for as little damage as possible. High tide brought floodwaters that haven't been seen in years. The water came in, bringing mud, muck and more to buildings whose power was turned off to eliminate electrocution. No phone service, water, sewer... what was a community to do? By Monday, September 30, local establishments were cleaning up the mess, utilizing generators, employees, and volunteer manpower to reclaim their livelihoods - and provide for the residents who call the beautiful enclaves along western Hernando County home - Aripeka, Bayport, Hernando Beach and Weeki Wachee. Establishments are Reopening in Hernando Beach - Let's Support Them! As of October 3, 2024, some businesses have already opened up, and I highly recommend trekking to Hernando Beach to patronize them today! And this weekend. And next weekend. And the one after... you get my drift. So, we are going to keep you up-to-date on local businesses reopening for the next several weeks, at the request of Florida's Adventure Coast-Brooksville-Weeki Wachee and we hope you will share this information with your friends. Music, Food, and Fun at the Drunken Mullet Family Sports Bar The Drunken Mullet, a locally owned family sports bar at 3306 Shoal Line Blvd. in Hernando Beach, reopened Wednesday, October 2 with Karaoke that night and a limited menu for now. This normally hopping establishment has trivia nights, live music on weekends, some cool cocktails and a great waterfront vibe. You can visit 11 am to 11 pm 7 days a week, perhaps a little less during recovery, but certainly a great place for lunch or an evening meal. Clam chowder is fresh today (Thursday) and only $5.99 a bowl! AND 25% off for residents of Aripeka, Hernando Beach, Bayport or Weeki Wachee with ID to help during storm recovery! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMfvhIlLaVs Dining, Sunsets & Dolphins are on the Menu at the Marina Rose of Hernando Beach How about touring the area? The Marina Rose Island Tour is up and running, with a few seats open for this weekend. This beautiful, fully enclosed vessel offers lunch and dinner cruises into the Gulf of Mexico from the Hernando Beach Marina. It is a relaxing trip on a small, but mighty vessel that seats up to 18 for meals, has a lovely deck for that salt air experience, is climate-controlled with plenty of windows to enjoy the view, and offers a classy, but family feel on each of its cruises. Recently taken over by Pat and Sheryl Coggins, from its founders, the Marina Rose experience is great any time, but especially timely as we can all use a little relaxing getaway from post-storm cleanup, so call 352-232-8128 or click here to book your Marina Rose cruise today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TsVPKvXjL0 The Lazy Lizard Lounge is Open for Business After weathering the storm, the Lazy Lizard is back and better than ever! Known as Hernando Beach’s favorite spot, the Lazy Lizard has officially reopened after Hurricane Helene with a limited menu and drinks. This fun establishment stands strong, ready to welcome back locals and visitors alike. Swing by for a cold drink, stunning views, and that laid-back coastal vibe we all love! As soon as things were dried out and cleaned, this coastal bar and grill reopened Monday, September 30, with a limited menu and a lot of heart! Live music has been played there several times since reopening and there seems to be more... check out the latest on their Facebook page and be sure to visit for a burger and fries at 3192 Shoal Line Blvd. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJlQOXHgJEg Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard at KayaKing or Weeki Wachee Marina KayaKing has reopened already. Owned and operated by locals, KayaKing is a stone's throw away from Rogers Park. Browse the souvenir shop and grab a snack before, during, or after your trip on the river. We launch the paddle craft of your choice right from our backyard. No shuttle is needed. This video was made before Hurricane Helene, so please contact KayaKing to book your trip by calling 352-796-2289 to ensure your needs are met. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UGoc5gAtfQ Weeki Wachee Marina is open, with kayak and boat rentals available. After serving customers at this location since 1975, you can bet they have seen a lot, and are ready to serve your boat rental and repair needs. If you need boat repairs, Suzuki outboard, or PowerPole equipment, please contact Weeki Wachee Marina at 352-596-2582. The Hernando Beach Motel was devastated by Hurricane Helene. Its owner has vowed to rebuild better and the structure is already gutted with plans for water-friendly materials and more comfortable accommodations. Let's celebrate! The Silver Dolphin Restaurant and Country Store will be reopening Monday at 7 am. Who will meet us there for breakfast? Read the full article