Michael W. Dryden
MS, PhD, DVM, DACVM (Parasitology)
Dr. Dryden is a University Distinguished Professor of Veterinary Parasitology at Kansas State University. He received his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State, and practiced for 2.5 years, subsequently receiving his Ph.D. in Veterinary Parasitology from Purdue University. He has authored and co-authored over 140 journal articles and has presented lectures in 22 countries.Read Articles Written by Michael W. Dryden
While often the same products that are used to combat ticks are used to combat fleas, there are substantial differences between flea and tick control. One of the major differences is in the number of species that confront pets. Although one predominant flea species infests dogs in North America—the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)—at least 10 different tick species may be encountered. There can be remarkable regional variability in the number and diversity of tick species that infest dogs.1 Practitioners in Hawaii may only deal with one tick species infesting dogs (the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus), whereas practitioners in New Mexico may encounter 3 different species, in California 6 different species and in Kansas up to 7 different tick species. This wide diversity in tick species means that ticks are active at different times of the year, are associated with different reservoir hosts and carry and transmit different diseases.
Over the past few decades, the distribution and abundance of certain tick species in North America have changed.1-4 Two of the best documented are Amblyomma americanum (lone star ticks) and Ixodes scapularis (black-legged or deer ticks).2-4 Because both of these ticks are important vectors of human and animal pathogens, these changes in distribution and abundance have had a marked effect on both human and animal health. Various factors have contributed to tick population movement, including agricultural practice changes; reforestation; wildlife conservation, relocation and restocking; climatic fluctuations and decreased environmental pesticide application.
Changes in Tick Distribution and Abundance
Several factors have contributed to the increased range of A. americanum, such as increased habitat and its wide host range that includes deer, small mammals, birds and humans. This tick is found most commonly in woodland habitats with dense underbrush. Substantial reforestation over the past century in urban and rural habitats has provided increased areas of habitat for white-tailed deer, and for survival and expansion of A. americanum. The white-tailed deer is considered a preferred host for A. americanum, and all life stages will feed on white-tailed deer.
It is well recognized that before, and in the early- to mid-19th century, white-tailed deer were numerous and widespread throughout North America. But throughout the 19th century, unregulated hunting, loss of natural predators, and extensive loss of habitat decimated deer populations. By the beginning of the 20th century, only an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 deer remained in North America.5 Then during the early- and mid-20th century, restrictions were placed on deer hunting, a number of states began restocking efforts and, combined with an increase in natural habitat, there was a marked resurgence in deer populations to an estimated 30 million by 2015. As deer expanded their range and increased their numbers, there was a corresponding increase in tick species closely associated with deer.5 White-tailed deer populations are so important to the long-term survival of A. americanum that exclusion of deer produces a profound impact on this tick species’ populations. Another host that utilizes similar habitats and is an excellent host for A. americanum larvae and nymphs is the wild turkey.5
Areas with a deciduous forest canopy and high white-tailed deer and wild turkey populations can have remarkably large populations of A. americanum. However, many other animals can be parasitized by this aggressive tick. Immature A. americanum stages can be found on a variety of ground-dwelling birds and numerous mammals, such as cats, coyotes, deer, dogs, rabbits, raccoons, red foxes, squirrels and humans. Adult A. americanum also feed on a variety of hosts, including cats, cattle, coyotes, deer, dogs, horses, raccoons, sheep and humans.
As A. americanum populations expand into new areas, seasonality of ticks found on dogs and cats can change. Nymphs are found from March through September, larvae are frequently encountered in the late summer into the fall and adults are often encountered from late February through early June.5 Because all life stages can parasitize dogs and cats, this means that A. americanum could potentially be encountered on our pets 8 to 9 months out of the year.
A. americanum is considered a major vector of veterinary and human pathogens, including feline cytauxzoonosis (Cytauxzoon felis), Ehrlichia chaffeensis (human monocytic ehrlichiosis), Ehrlichia ewingii, Heartland virus, southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI, a Lyme disease–like infection), Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia rickettsii), tularemia (Francisella tularensis), red meat allergy in humans and Bourbon virus.
I. scapularis (black-legged or deer tick) is widely distributed in eastern and central North America.5-7 Its distribution is from Florida to Nova Scotia, west into far eastern Manitoba and then south through eastern Kansas into central Texas. Reasons for its expansion are very similar to those for A. americanum, including increased populations of its primary reproductive host (the white-tailed deer), reforestation, and climatic fluctuations.
Seasonal activity of I. scapularis varies by geographic region, but larval activity is generally highest in August and September. Larvae attach to and feed on a wide variety of small mammals, including chipmunks, mice and shrews. Larvae also feed on birds and lizards. The white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) is of particular importance in the tick life cycle and disease transmission because it serves as a good host for larval I. scapularis and is a major reservoir of Borrelia burgdorferi.
Immature ticks typically engorge for 2 to 4 days before dropping off to molt in moist, protected areas such as under leaf litter in forested habitats. Larvae overwinter and then molt to nymphs in the spring. Nymphs will feed for 3 to 4 days on a variety of hosts, including birds, cats, chipmunks, mice, opossums, raccoons, shrews, skunks, squirrels and humans. Nymphs are found primarily from May through July in the northern US and in Canada. Adults appear most commonly from October through December. Adults that do not find a host will quest again, typically from March to May. Adults feed for 5 to 7 days, primarily on white-tailed deer, but also on bobcats, cattle, coyotes, dogs, foxes, horses, opossums, raccoons, humans and other mammals.5
I. scapularis is a vector for B. burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum (human granulocytic ehrlichiosis [HGE] agent; formerly Ehrlichia equi) and Babesia microti (humans).
Concerns with Current Tick Control Measures
Although recent pharmaceutical advances have been made in flea reproduction control, such advances in the area of tick control are lacking. With the exception of the brown dog tick, R. sanguineus, our ability to manage tick reproduction is limited, if not almost nonexistent. In most flea infestations, we have the opportunity to control flea reproduction by either killing fleas before they can reproduce or killing flea eggs. However, it is not just because we have effective residual insecticides, insect growth regulators or insect development inhibitors that we are successful. This success is also due in large part to the fact that we can often target the primary reproductive host: the flea-infested dog or cat. And interestingly, failures in flea control often occur when flea-infested feral pets or flea-infested urban wildlife invade the owners’ yards.
But when dealing with most 3-host ticks, the problem is that the majority of the reproducing ticks are not on the dogs or cats, but on their natural wildlife hosts. Because we are limited in our ability to manage ticks on wildlife, reinfestation of pets is a common occurrence, and protracted use of acaricides as preventives is routine in many areas.
Numerous studies demonstrate the high level of efficacy of the various acaricides, but the residual activity is rarely 100%, and the efficacy of products varies between and within species, even in the same laboratory. Evaluations of acaricides under natural or field conditions further illustrate that although efficacy is good, it is not 100%.
For instance, in a field efficacy trial conducted in Kansas, an imidacloprid (8.8% w/w)-permethrin (44.0% w/w) formulation was evaluated on dogs against naturally occurring populations of A. americanum. When dogs were walked in a naturally tick-infested environment, the 48-hour postexposure efficacy of the imidacloprid-permethrin formulation was 93.5%, 98.9%, 94.6%, 94.1% and 96.6% on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28, respectively, post treatment.8
Variation in product efficacy also occurs. In 2 studies conducted at Kansas State University, different results were found when evaluating the efficacy of acaricides against Dermacentor variabilis infestations in dogs from 2 different regions of the United States.9,10 In the first study, the efficacy of imidacloprid-permethrin and fipronil–(S)-methoprene formulations was evaluated against a D. variabilis isolate from California. The 48-hour post-infestation efficacy on day 30 post treatment was 92.0% and 83.2%, respectively, for the imidacloprid-permethrin and fipronil–(S)-methoprene formulations.9 In the second study, the 48-hour post-infestation efficacy on day 30 for the imidacloprid-permethrin and fipronil–(S)-methoprene formulations against a D. variabilis isolate from Oklahoma was 17.5% and 75.7%, respectively.10
Recently, a new class of insecticide/acaricide has provided the first orally administered approach to tick control. Afoxolaner, fluralaner and sarolaner are members of the isoxazoline class and work by inhibiting GABA and glutamate-gated chloride channels, leading to hyperexcitation and death of insects and arachnids.11-13
Methods of Combating Ticks
Understanding Tick Ecology in Your Area
Because tick control can be extremely difficult and because ticks are vectors of a variety of bacterial and protozoal diseases, veterinarians should have an understanding of the ecology of the tick(s) encountered in the area in which they practice. Veterinarians need to be educated on the various aspects of tick ecology, disease transmission and control methodologies so they can then educate their staff and pet owners. CAPC, a leading parasitic content provider, offers client and staff education resources available at capcvet.org and petsandparasites.org.
Managing Pet Owner Expectations
Because 100% tick kill is rarely achievable, perceived efficacy of acaricides may be directly related to the numbers of ticks to which dogs are exposed. If a dog is treated with one of these highly efficacious acaricides and encounters just a few ticks, it is likely that all those ticks will be killed. However, if tick exposure is considerably larger, expect a few ticks to be observed on these dogs, and pet owners may perceive a lack of efficacy. Therefore, in areas where tick populations are increasing, the perception may be that the products are not as effective as they once were.
Pet owners often view tick infestations of their pets differently than flea infestations.12 Whether this is because of concerns about tick-transmitted diseases or simply a phobia, the presence of a couple of ticks on the pet often elicits a more pronounced negative reaction than the presence of a couple of fleas. A 95% effective flea product may provide great client satisfaction, while a similarly effective tick product may be perceived as a failure. Therefore, it is not uncommon for label-recommended application of a product to not appear to control the problem. This result may be real or perceived, based on pet owner expectations of product performance. Given pet owner concerns, a need to reduce tick-borne disease and a lack of 100% efficacy, occasionally additional control measures are needed. If additional control measures are deemed necessary, pet owners need to be educated as to why such measures are necessary and notations made in the pet’s record before extra-label uses are conducted. Finally, restricting pet access from tick-infested environments may be necessary.
Incorporating Environmental Treatment
In some situations, especially in tropical and subtropical regions and in climate-controlled kennels, brown dog ticks (R. sanguineus) may infest buildings, with ticks crawling up walls and curtains and throughout the home or kennel. In these situations, acaricides may need to be sprayed indoors into cracks and crevices, behind and under furniture or cages and along walls and the ceiling. To minimize toxicity problems following application, the acaricide needs to be dry before animals or humans are allowed back into the premises.
The range and local density of certain tick species has increased in many areas. Whatever the factors responsible, it must be recognized that tick infestation may be much higher—and associated tick-transmitted diseases may be more prevalent—in some locations today than in the past. The increase in tick populations means that pets are encountering ticks more frequently, pets are exposed to more ticks per encounter and clients may be seeing more ticks on their pets. Because tick products do not kill or repel all ticks instantly, clients may get the false impression that the products are not performing as well as in the past. These situations necessitate that veterinarians set client expectations for tick control, before clients set unrealistic expectations.
- Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. 2004;5(2):139-154.
- Estrada-Peña A. Increasing habitat suitability in the United States for the tick that transmits Lyme disease: a remote sensing approach. Environ Health Perspect. 2002;110(7):635-640.
- Childs JE, Paddock CD. The ascendancy of Amblyomma americanum as a vector of pathogens affecting humans in the United States. Annu Rev Entomol. 2003;48:307-337.
- Paddock CD, Yabsley MJ. Ecological havoc, the rise of white-tailed deer, and the emergence of Amblyomma americanum–associated zoonoses in the United States. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2007;315:289-324.
- Blagburn BL, Dryden MW. Biology, treatment and control of flea and tick infestations. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2009;39(6):1173-1200, viii.
- Keirans JE, Hutcheson HJ, Durden LA, Klompen JS. Ixodes (Ixodes) scapularis (Acari:Ixodidae): redescription of all active stages, distribution, hosts, geographical variation, and medical and veterinary importance. J Med Entomol. 1996;33(3):297-318.
- Dennis DT, Nekomoto TS, Victor JC, Paul WS, Piesman J. Reported distribution of Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) in the United States. J Med Entomol. 1998;35(5):629-638.
- Dryden MW, Payne PA, Smith V, Hostetler J. Efficacy of imidacloprid (8.8% w/w) plus permethrin (44% w/w) spot-on topical solution against Amblyomma americanum infesting dogs using a natural tick exposure model. Vet Ther. 2006;7(2):99-106.
- Dryden MW, Payne PA, Smith V, et al. Evaluation of an imidacloprid (8.8% w/w)–permethrin (44.0% w/w) topical spot-on and a fipronil (9.8% w/w)–(S)-methoprene (8.8% w/w) topical spot-on to repel, prevent attachment, and kill adult Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor variabilis ticks on dogs. Vet Ther. 2006;7(3):187-198.
- Dryden MW, Payne PA, McBride A, Mailen S, Smith V, Carithers D. Efficacy of fipronil (9.8% w/w) + (S)-methoprene (8.8% w/w) and imidacloprid (8.8% w/w) + permethrin (44% w/w) against Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) on dogs. Vet Ther. 2008;9(1):15-25.
- Rohdich N, Roepke RK, Zschiesche E. A randomized, blinded, controlled and multi-centered field study comparing the efficacy and safety of Bravecto (fluralaner) against Frontline (fipronil) in flea- and tick-infested dogs. Parasit Vectors. 2014 Mar 4;7:83.
- Mitchell EB, McCall JW, Theodore Chester S, Larsen D. Efficacy of afoxolaner against Ixodes scapularis ticks in dogs. Vet Parasitol. 2014;201(3-4):223-225.
- Curtis MP, Vaillancourt V, Goodwin RM, et al. Design and synthesis of sarolaner, a novel, once-a-month, oral isoxazoline for the control of fleas and ticks on dogs. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2016;26(7):1831-1835.


We know that hunger is real for far too many people in Cambridge and North Dumfries. We see our gardens not only as a source of fresh, organic, healthy, and local food, but also as places of opportunity to gain new skills, achieve greater physical, mental, and spiritual health, and build new relationships that break down social barriers.
Our gardens don’t just feed people in our community, they feed community.
Grow-A-Row & Help Feed Your Community
Increased access to fresh food is as simple as planting one extra row. Grow-A-Row is a program operating in many Canadian communities provides gardeners the opportunity to grow a row of vegetables or fruit and to share their harvest with neighbours in need. If you would like resources on growing food for your neighbours, we would be happy to help.
Gleaning is the gathering of unharvested food from the gardens, fields and fruit trees. The Cambridge Food Bank is committed to reducing food waste and increasing the amount of fresh food we have available to our community. If you have surplus food that you would like gleaned by our garden team, contact us today.
Feed More, Waste Less
A 2019 report by Waste Reduction Canada reported that 35.5 million tonnes of food is wasted in Canada each year and 32% of that food, or 11.2 million tonnes, could have been saved. The Cambridge Food Bank’s environmental commitment includes saving as much surplus food as possible and food rescue is a key component to this work. Every week, volunteers gather in our kitchen to cook, freeze and dehydrate food that may otherwise go to waste. This food is then distributed through our food security programs.
For more information about local food programs please contact:
Fig: Local Food Coordinator
"We believe that access to nutritious food is a basic and fundamental human right. "
From The Cambridge Food Bank Guiding Principles


A natural Detox Diet in today’s world of pollution and toxins is an extremely effective way to restore our energy and a general sense of well-being. However, the one thing that is constantly overlooked is the importance of using only pure filtered water.
By far the most important part, indeed the foundation, of any detoxification, is the amount and quality of the water you use, no matter which method you choose.
We currently have herbicides, pesticides, prescription drugs, lead, chlorine and many other toxic chemicals in our supply. This is proven to be a fact with pesticides showing up in most of the samples taken across different states.
What is the point of a natural Detox Diet when you are consuming the very toxins you are trying to eliminate! You can see the futility in this and why so many are unsuccessful, which is a shame as all that is needed is a source of pure filtered water that is healthy.
It has been proven that proper hydration significantly improves the elimination of toxins via the liver and kidneys, and while we are probably all guilty of not drinking enough, care must be taken when following certain methods as too much can be harmful.
The recommended eight glasses a day is good advice and a little increase on this is no problem, but any more is unnecessary for a natural Detox Diet.
The only way, unless you live in the mountains by a clear spring is to invest in a home treatment system! There are many to choose from but the most effective are multi-stage carbon filter systems with ion exchange and these cutting-edge systems will remove 99% of all the toxins.
Crucially, unlike the reverse osmosis products, these will leave the essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium that are vital to our long-term health. Also, remove any thoughts of using bottled water as it is no better than your tap variety and extremely damaging to the environment with over 60,000,000 bottles being discarded each day.
Choosing a home filtration system will probably be the best health investment you ever make and will safeguard your health for the future as well as laying the successful foundation to your natural Detox Diet program that needs pure filtered water as the crucial element.


Unlike the subterranean termites, drywood termites form colonies within the wood itself rather than in the soil below. Since drywood termites form colonies within dead wood, they have no access to free water. This is also the reason for their common name: drywood termites.
This is also why they must either acquire water through metabolism of wood or through moisture in their environments. Some drywood termites make colonies in hot, dry areas such as Southern California, where high temperatures and low humidity reduce the available water from the environment.


Garden spiders often build webs in areas adjacent to open sunny fields where they stay concealed and protected from the wind. The spider can also be found along the eaves of houses and outbuildings or in any tall vegetation where they can securely stretch a web. The circular part of the female's web may reach two feet in diameter. Webs are built at elevations from two to eight feet off the ground.
Female Argiope aurantia spiders tend to be somewhat local, often staying in one place throughout much of their lifetime.
The web of the yellow garden spider is distinctive: a circular shape up to 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter, with a dense zigzag of silk, known as a stabilimentum, in the center. The purpose of the stabilimentum is disputed. It is possible that it acts as camouflage for the spider lurking in the web's center, but it may also attract insect prey, or even warn birds of the presence of the otherwise difficult-to-see web. Only those spiders that are active during the day construct stabilimenta in their webs.( From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)


Clear the air for good — the right bathroom ventilation can purify what you breathe and prevent those unwanted smells
Air pollution, mold and moisture are all things you don't want in your home — especially in your bathroom. The quality of the air inside a home is often worse than the quality outside, and much of this is due to poor home ventilation.
If you suffer from red, itchy eyes when you're at home, you could have poor ventilation. If your bathroom window is always covered in condensation, you could have poor ventilation. Mold and mildew on bathroom ceilings and strong lingering odors are other common signs. A musty-smelling shower is often a sign that the shower was not built and waterproofed properly.
Try these professional tips to help improve the quality of air in your bathroom.
- Get a great fan. A top-quality fan is a must in the quest for better indoor air quality. If you have a noisy fan, no one will want to use it.
- Have multiple ways to dry out your bathroom. A small window for fresh air and a fan are two things that can improve your bathroom’s air quality. You can also take shorter showers to help reduce mold and mildew, since less moisture will need to be removed.
- Install a fan timer. Find a fan timer with a one-hour setting and have your family use it with every shower
- Consider a heated floor. Having a timer for the fan and a floor heating system is a great tag-team approach to a dry and healthy bathroom. Nothing dries out a shower floor or bathroom tile floor faster than some lovely floor heat.
- Make sure shower panels leave room for ventilation. Keep frameless glass installations from going floor to ceiling (unless it's a steam shower), so you get more air circulation.
- Consider a shower transom in steam showers. The transom can be used to help dry the shower when the door is closed. Placing the fan close to the transom also helps draw air out of the shower when the door is closed.
- Pay attention to grout lines. Fewer grout joints means less surface area to absorb moisture and quicker evaporation.


solarbox is a free solar powered charging point for phones in a disused telephone box
OUTSIDE THE DOMINION THEATRE / EXIT 3, TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD STATION
solarbox was decommissioned in April 2016
solarbox provides a public space solution to the everyday problem of poor battery life on modern phones.
solarbox is a repurposed box which uses carbon neutral panels to bring power to the streets and keep people connected
solarbox was commissioned from October 2014 - April 2016
solarbox is open to the public for free charging between the hours of 5:30am - 11:30pm, 365 days a year.
Users charge their phones at their own risk.
solarbox is an award winning initiative funded by UnLtd, LSE Entrepreneurship and Siemens.
solarbox was awarded second place in the Mayor of London's Low Carbon Entrepreneur of the Year Award.


- Adjustable Lace-ups
- Rubber Sole
- Recycled Ocean Plastic Composition
- Stella Mccartney and Adidas Branding
You can’t go wrong with a good pair of Adidas, especially when Stella Mccartney adds their own spin to the shoe. Presenting the lightweight Climacool Sneakers, crafted with recycled ocean plastic and featuring adjustable lace-up, fabric insoles and rubber soles for extreme comfort while on the go. Signature Stella Mccartney and Adidas branding is seen throughout.


DOE Hanford issued a recent press release on the critical components of remediation and cleanup of what used to be one of the most hazardous waste sites on the Hanford Site. These critical componenets are the removal of the final buried piece of vertical pipe unit(s) (VPU’s) filled with contaminated waste, and the removal of contaminated soil from the 316-4 waste site, both of which Polestar Technical Services has been supporting since 2009.
“Completing these tasks are truly amazing accomplishments and we have the team of hard-working, highly experienced people at the 618-10 Project to thank for it,” said Bryan Foley, federal project director for the burial ground cleanup at the Department of Energy’s Richland Operations Office (RL).“
Since 2009 and continuing through 2017, Polestar has been part of the overall success of the 618-10 team, with contributions in areas including:
Concept design including specialized pieces of equipment for waste retrieval from 94 Vertical Pipe Units
Characterization, non-destructive assay and tracking of 2200 burial ground drums
Development of the 618-10 burial ground radioactive source term and inventory
Construction of 618-10 site infrastructure
Authorization basis development and unreviewed safety question support
Emergency preparedness planning
Resident engineer support for burial ground drum excavation and drum handling
Project startup and project execution support for VPU and Burial Ground waste retrievals
Remobilization planning for the 618-10 Burial Grounds and 316-4 waste site
Polestar employees that took part in this phase of the work for CHPRC consisted of Gary MacFarlan, Marty Yakawich, Mark Morton and Dan Haggard.
"These achievements are the result of years of preparation,” said Tammy Hobbes, vice president of the 618-10 Project (at CH2M). “We are near the end of this remediation project, and we are proud of the teamwork and safe progress made.”
Check out the video of the 618.10 project: Video overview
For more information about Polestar's Hanford contributions, download our Hanford Factsheet.


The primary purpose of a gutter system is to protect a building's facade and foundations by channelling rainwater away. The gutter also provides a means to collect rainwater for recycling.
Gutters can be made from a variety of materials such as cast iron, lead, zinc, galvanised steel, painted steel, copper, painted aluminium, PVC, concrete, stone, and wood.
Water collected by a rain gutter is fed, usually via a downspout or "downpipe" from the roof edge to the base of the building where it is either discharged or collected in a rain barrel or cistern.
On modern commercial and industrial buildings it is most common to find a concealed galvanised steel, box gutter system which often feeds into PVC downpipes. It is not unusual for older buildings to have asbestos or concrete gutter systems.
Modern domestic buildings tend to have a PVC gutter and downspout system, although the use of cold formed aluminium or powder coated aluminium is quite common, the latter often replicating the cast iron systems still seen on heritage or listed buildings.
Clogged gutters can cause water leakage into the building as the water backs up. Clogged gutters can also cause vegetation to grow in the gutter which can often cause root infestation to the fabric of the building.
Gutters must be maintained regularly to remove leaves and other debris to keep them from clogging. Gutters that are filled with debris can overflow and also cause numerous issues with the joints and seals if the standing water is allowed to freeze in Winter. EBL Annual Maintenance Programme (AMP) is the perfect solution for all commercial and industrial gutter maintenance
Gutter protection devices include:
- Downpipe/ outlet leaf strainers
- snap-in metal and plastic gutter guards
- stainless steel gutter guards
- hinged gutter guards
- plastic and metal gutter covers
- gutter brushes
Regardless of the gutter guard protection used, all gutter systems should be examined for cleaning and repair twice every year.
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Aqua-Adventures SANDPIPERS (5-9 years)
The sandpiper is that small, energetic bird that you can see at the beach running in the shallow water and hopping energetically along the sand. Just like some younger kids who love the beach but are still a little overwhelmed by deeper water, the sandpiper enjoys being wet, but isn’t likely to head out into the waves.
If your little sandpipers (aged 5 to 9) aren’t quite ready for surfing but still love being near the water and in the shallows, and want to become ocean stronger, this is the camp for them. They will improve their body board skills, learning about marine life, and practice team building through sand structures building and play as well.
Aqua-Adventures SANDPIPERS is the perfect choice for beach newbies who want to become more acclimated to the beach and water. They will learn, in an engaging and fun way, all about the ocean in order to play and stay safe: tides, waves, currents, marine creatures and marine life, the importance of sun protection and beach/water good manners. Through non-competitive games and activities they will strengthen their basic athletic and shallow water skills, experience team-building, and make new friends, all with our philosophy of Empowered Learning in mind. (Refer to “about us” for our teaching philosophy.)
Aqua-Adventures SANDPIPERS CAMP offers the following camp activities:
- Ocean awareness and safety
- Boogie boarding
- Creative sand sculpture
- Surf etiquette/environmental awareness
- Marine ecology education
- Fun beach games including scavenger, treasure, and other hunts
Pricing Charts (5 days or 3 days):
5 Day Options Half Day: 9:30-1 $270
Full Day: 9:30-2:30
$370 Extended Day: 9:30-4 $470
3 Day Options Half Day: 9:30-1 $220
Full Day: 9:30-2:30
$295 Extended Day: 9:30-4 $350
NOTE: An extended day at camp will combine surfers and sandpipers at 2:30pm. This option is only available for campers aged 7+. The rest of the day until 4pm will be more focused on marine science exploration, art projects, and other land games.


Invitation to the 5th SFSC
On behalf of the symposium chairs, Prof. Licheng Sun (Dalian University of Technology, China and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden) and Prof. Can Li (Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences), we sincerely invite you to attend the 5th International Symposium on Solar Fuels and Solar Cells (5th SFSC) in Dalian, China, on October 11-14, 2016. This symposium will cover topics of photocatalysis for solar fuels, materials for solar cells, and fundamental understanding of solar energy conversion processes.
Artificial photosynthesis has attracted much attention during the past years as one of the promising technologies for solving the global environmental and even climate problems that may threaten sustainability of human beings caused by the exhaustion of fossil fules and carbon resources along with the gradual increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. The aim of this symposium is to provide a forum for international academics, researchers, scientists, and students to exchange and share their experiences, ideas, and research results in the development of solar fuels and solar cells, to discuss the present situation and the future prospect of artificial photosynthesis. We believe that the 5th SFSC will surely provide a significant opportunity to contribute to the development of the future of this research field.
The conference is a biennial symposium co-organized by Dalian University of Technology (DUT) and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) since 2008. Every two years we invite active researchers and students in the field of solar fuels and solar cells to Dalian to meet and discuss the recent scientific achievements. So far, four symposia were successfully held and more than 1100 people from 15 countries have participant in these great events. We have confidence to make the 5th SFSC as a high standard international scientific forum in Dalian this year as well.
We feel that it is going to be our great honor and pleasure to have you participating in this symposium and to share your research results related to solar cells and solar fuels. For more information, please contact the Secretary General of the organizing committee, Prof. Fei Li, email@example.com or visit our symposium website at http://sfsc.dlut.edu.cn . We are looking forward to your participation.
The symposium organizing committee


Maggiore, or Lake Verbano as the ancient Romans named it, has
a coastal length of approximately 170 km and a surface length
of 212 km2, making it the second largest Italian lake behind Lake
Garda. In the stretch between Ghiffa (Piedmont shore) and Porto
Valtravaglia (Lombard shore), it reaches a maximum depth of 370
metres. With its glacial origins, the lake is located close to
the Alpine mountain range and it covers a valley with tectonic
From an administrative point of view, the northern shores are
located in Swiss territory. The western shore falls within the
Piedmont regional territory, and is divided among the provinces
of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and Novara, whereas the eastern shore
lies in Lombardy, within the Varese province.
Several rivers feed its waters – among the most important
ones, it is worthwhile to mention the Ticino, which enters the
lake from its northern shore, running through the Magadino plain
in Switzerland and into the south at Sesto Calende, the Maggia
river, running through the Swiss territory, the Toce river coming
down from the Ossola area and the Tresa river running through
the Lombard territory.
It is worthwhile to mention that the Golasecca were among the
first people to settle in the area in early Iron Age.
Fostered by strong temperate climate, and with shores covered
by lush vegetation (oleanders, azaleas, camellias), Lake Maggiore
remains one of the favourite tourist locations since the 19th
century, when it started as an elite tourism destination. The
several villas surrounded by marvellous parks and gardens are
a proof of this.
complete this astonishing picture drawn by Mother Nature, there
are the picturesque coastal villages and the typical inland towns,
which create a sparkling and colourful light effect and a romantic
atmosphere, making it an internationally-renowned tourist attraction.


In the last 10 years, the price of decentralized energy generation systems has dropped by 75%, making them more efficient, reliable and, most importantly, ready for industrial-scale applications.
The effective utilization of energy contained in fuel using combined heat and power generation and the reliability of such plants make them particularly attractive. The variety of technologies available on the market makes it possible to use a wide range of fuels and to implement a variety of concepts with freedom to select the proportions of thermal or electrical energy. As a result, decentralized energy generation units can fully meet the requirements of most industrial energy consumers, both in terms of quality and quantity.
The most commonly used solutions for decentralized energy generation are combined heat and power (CHP) units, steam turbines and gas turbines (GUD) in combination with a waste heat boiler.
The energy supply from CHP plants is especially versatile and cost-effective. These can be adapted to different fuels such as natural gas, biogas, etc. and can be used economically in a range between 100 kilowatts and 10 megawatts. They are therefore not only ideal for industrial applications, but are also a frequently used technology for district heating suppliers, municipalities and large properties.


Engaging Youth in Creative Ecology - June 2022
As a youth mentor with 10 years of experience, I collaborated with Seeds of Independence to lead a hands on workshop for a group of 8 middle school students. The workshop centered around Creative Ecology - a lesson on ethically building a relationship with our natural environment and allowing our observations and curiosities to inspire creative expression.
I shared my experiences of connecting with the various landscapes of Maine and how my observations and ecological insights inspired my project, an Artists Field Guide of Maine. Following the presentation, we explored Neptune Woods in Brunswick and collected ideas and plant material to utilize in making monoprints.
This workshop was made possible in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.
This workshop took place on unceded Wabanaki land.
Photo credit: Savanna Pettengill - www.savannapettengill.com


Birds of Saudi Arabia Topic at Next Audubon Meeting
If you’re curious about the birds of Saudi Arabia, the best — perhaps the only — place to see them is at the May 19th meeting of the Sacramento Audubon Society.
Tourist visas are not issued by the Saudis, and few birders live or work there, according to Speaker Lou Regenmorter, who spent most of his spare time birding while working as an engineering consultant on a flood control project in Saudi Arabia.
The kingdom, five times the size of California, is not just a big desert, he points out. It has acacia savannahs, mountain juniper forests, rocky escarpments and plateaus, and expansive coastal areas. Fresh water is scarce, but there are a few reservoirs, farming operations, and wastewater wetlands that provide an additional bit of man-made habitat.
And there are lots of birds. In the three and a half years he was there, Regenmorter tallied 340 species, and that’s still short of what could be found, he notes.
Resident birds include at least 10 species found only on the Arabian Peninsula, he reports. There are migrants and winter visitors from Europe and Asia, summer residents from Africa. Other special birds found in the kingdom include large populations of resident Crab Plovers and wintering Grey Hypocolius, and a number of wintering Sociable Lapwings, a critically endangered bird.
The public is invited to the 7 p.m. meeting at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Ancil Hoffman Park (For directions, see sacnaturecenter.com).
There will be no charge for the program, and no park entry fee.


More than 50 sculptures by local and national artists.
$10,000 in awards
Awards - Acquisition Award, Ephemeral Award, Peoples Choice Award
Sculptures for ongoing sale and display
Open to professional, mid career and emerging artists.
Artist Opportunities including artist talks, workshops, sculpture sales, interviews & networking.
A unique and rewarding opportunity to be part of a significant cultural and environmental event.
Attracts visitors from around Australia and overseas. Seen by 10,000 plus visitors.
Associated with community spirit and environmental messages that are integral to the Brunswick Sculpture Nature Walk.


· Strong, high-density gusseted bag resists punctures and tears.
· Large handles for easy carrying.
· Reusable and recyclable
Flat Poly bag:9inch * 13inch, 14mic / 8inch * 13inch,15mic or other T-shirt bag: width 18cm+12cm side gusset * length 34cm or other
PE bag: T-shirt bags, Die-cut bags, flat bags, flat bags on roll,Pet poop bags, Loop handle bags,Wicket bags, Envelope bags, Garbage bags, Ice bags, Drawstring bags, Food storage bags, Hanging cover bag, Punch film, Gusset poly bags on roll, Anti-static& ESD bags, etc.
Earth friendly bags :100% biodegradable bags, cornstarch addictive biodegradable bags, EPI addictive oxo-biodegradabe bags.
Q2. Are you a manufacturer?
Yes, we have been providing professional solutions in plastic packaging industry for more than 13 years
Q3. What information should I let you know if I want to get a quotation?
A.Size (width x gusset x length)
B.Material and thickness
C.How many printing colors (or you can send design to us for checking)
If possible, please also advise the usage of the bag and it's best to send some samples for checking.
Q4. How many days will the samples be ready and how about the mass production time?
Sampling tme: 7-15 days \ Mass production: 35-45 days
Q5. Do you inspect the finished products:
Yes, each step of production will be carried out inspection by QC persons.


Government research conducted in 2020 stated the average cost of an air source heat pump to be between £8,900 and £14,500, depending on the extent of the home alterations, and around £20,000 - £25,000 for a Ground Source heat pump.
House alterations are also something to consider. Your property’s specifications for example. For a ground source heat pump, you’ll need a substantial outdoor space (around 2x the size of the dwelling) which can be dug up to lay the ground loop containing the heat fluid.
If you don’t have this space or don’t want to dig up your garden, you can drill one or more bore holes to install the collector pipework however this can be quite expensive. If you don’t wish to do either of these, then an air source heat pump may be more suitable, as it doesn’t require a ground collection system.
Your property’s level of insulation will also determine the cost and efficiency of the heat pump you opt for. New build properties are ideal for heat pump installation, as they are fitted to high energy efficiency standards. Older properties can be insulated to these levels, however, it can be quite disruptive.
You may also consider your current heating system – if you have a gas or an oil-fired boiler then you are likely to find the existing radiators and pipework are not large enough for the lower temperature heat that a heat pump operates at.


The TCU Open Tank Design is ideal for two scenarios: bad supply water quality or no water supply. The small amount of water circulating in this closed loop system makes it easy to chemically treat.
The system is portable and operates with low water pressures.
Delta T Systems’ Open Tank Design Temperature Control Unit (TCU) utilizes a new pump design that creates 50% to 100% greater flow at the same pressure point on the pump curve, as compared to other current designs. This new pump’s reduced energy consumption allows the series to be compliant with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2020 Conservation Standards that will take mandatory effect as of January 2020.
Open Tank Safety Features:
- Bi-metal switch that prevents overheating
- Circuit protection for the motor
- High temperature pump seal
- Dry run protection for the heater
Additional Open Tank Design Improvements:
Design improvements and material selections make the Eco Series temperature control units less susceptible to traditional maintenance problems, and easier to maintain.
- Industrial strength frame and cabinetry
- Lift-off panels for easy access
- IEC and UL compliant components
Compact heater design allows higher capacity in a smaller footprint.
- 9 through 36KW Heater
- 180°F (82°C) Fluid Operating Temperature
- Microprocessor-Based PID Controller
- Motor Overload Protection
- Over Temperature Protection
- Low Water Level Switch
- High Pressure Safety Relief Valve Protection
- Liquid-Filled Delivery Pressure Gauge
- Fused Transformer
- Grounded Circuit Control
- Pilot Lights indicating Separate Functions of Use
- Rugged, Heavy Gauge Sheet Metal Cabinet
- 3" Industrial-Grade Casters, swivel and lockable
- Ease of Service Design
- NEMA 1 Electrical Specifications & Wiring in Conformance with NEC Electrical Codes
- 50 and 60 Hz
- 208, 230 and 460V
- Remote Start/Stop
- Remote Sensor Input
- Water to Water Heat Exchanger for Indirect Cooling
- NEMA Classifications: 3, 4, 4X, 7 and 12 Rated Enclosures
- Audible or Visual Alarms
- Electrical Main Disconnect
- Solid State Heating Contactor
- Automatic Water Make-up
- Anti-Drain Back Kit


My partner and I planned an Erosion Extravaganza day! The class had already learned about landforms and formed them using Play-Doh (you can read about that here). After watching this erosion video,
we divided up our grade level into 3 groups: one group explored erosion and weathering using chocolate chip cookies. The second group was outside experimenting with sand trays and the effects of water on landforms, and the third rotation was annotating passages and taking notes on erosion and various types of rocks. (We had our teaching assistant and two parent volunteers supervising in that room).
During our cookie rotation, we reviewed the 3 types of physical/mechanical weathering:
- Temperature: rub hands together to make heat, then hold a section of the cookie (chocolate chips melt)
- Wind: rub two cookies together to see how wind rubs against rocks, creating deposits
- Water: place a chunk of cookie in water, crumbs disperse and start separating from the main chunk (rock deposits form)
Some kids decided to drink their water (eww!) and they noticed how the cookie crumbs stuck at the bottom forming deposits once the water was gone!
I love that now when we look at landforms during our geography unit, students are calling out "weathering!" "erosion!" They are amazed at the power of nature!


Biosphere Machines are the hope of tomorrow. Sustainability has been constantly dwindling because of pollution. Irresponsible and apathetic energy generation has forsaken the planet and continues to threaten the welfare of the environment. Mother Nature is constantly under attack from pollutants that are unrelenting in draining the life out of our biosphere. Sustainability itself is hanging in the balance and something must be done to tip the scales to the favor of life. If no significant changes occur soon, the planet will reach its demise. The impending doom can only be stopped if people begin to care for the planet. The earth should be treasured for it is the only home we've got.
Biosphere Machines have the ability to empower sustainability and help it overcome the ailments brought upon us by pollution. It will clear all the waste that has scattered all over the face of the planet. It will serve as a conflagration that will decimate every piece of trash and clean the earth's surface. Cleansing of the garbage will pave way for the restoration of nature and make the lands green again, full of plants and trees and a wide diversity of wildlife.
Biosphere Machines are also capable of cleaning the air by preventing air pollution. This will be done by providing an alternative to the currently widely used fossil fuel technologies that greatly harm the planet and the sustainability of life. It will offer a means of acquiring energy that is at par with fossil fuels in terms of efficiency but is leagues ahead when it comes to greenness. The said machines produce the lowest quantities of pollutants during their energy generation procedures. The amount of pollutions is well within the limit that the planet can tolerate and easily overcome with its innate capabilities to recover.
Biosphere Machines will ensure a sustainable future for the human race and all forms of life that depend on the planet for a home. Sustenance is the greatest legacy with can leave behind to the next generation; a legacy we can take pride in. Taking care of the planet is an honor and a responsibility innate to each and every one of us. We should do our best to preserve the environment. Neither scientific nor technological progress should come at the price of nature. Nature should always take top priority for it is what sustains life.


MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) — Justin Ralph estimates he has made about 200 trips to deliver grain from the fields he grows with his brother and uncle this year. They used their four trucks to transport the crop from a total of about 800 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat to market.
What they are not accustomed to is the distances they have traveled over the past two years, as a result of bad weather conditions that are expected to increase in their region as a result of… Climate change. They used to utilize a grain elevator in Mayfield, Kentucky, a massive facility that purchased and stored millions of bushels of grain from farmers. But it was destroyed in Hurricane outbreak 2021 Which led to the killing of dozens of people and the leveling of entire parts of the city to the ground, and the company that was managing it was closed. Now, instead of driving ten minutes, they sometimes travel an hour or more.
“The fluctuations in weather conditions that we have…that’s scary,” he said, especially for those with smaller farms. “If you have a larger farm operation, your acreage is spread out over a larger area, so your risk is likely to be minimized because it’s more spread out.”
Farmers and experts echo Ralph’s sentiment and say larger farms have more ways to manage risk, but smaller and medium-sized farmers suffer when extreme weather hits. Human-caused climate change is expected to amplify the number and intensity of these extreme events Sudden droughts to Increased rainfall. As the planet warms, scientists say the country will see the same More tornadoes and hail-generating storms and those deadly events will strike more frequently in the densely populated Mid-South states A big problem for everyone living in those areas and especially for those trying to hold on to small family farms.
This is already a reality for the area around Mayfield, which is located on a flat coastal plain in the western part of the state and has been exposed to extreme weather in more ways than one. In addition to the hurricane outbreak in 2021, this summer they experienced flooding exceeding 10 inches in some areas, submerging crops.
Keith Lowery, another farmer near Mayfield, woke up one morning this summer to eight inches of rain, and by dinnertime, when the deluge finally stopped, he knew he had a problem.
Lowry found fields of half-submerged corn and soybeans almost completely hidden under the floods, rapids cascading down their streams like a waterfall. Now, at harvest time, it is estimated that they have lost between 5 and 10 percent of their crop this year. On top of that, they had to deal with debris that washed into their fields, a nuisance that got in the way of heavy machinery.
Lowry has a relatively large operation — 3,000 acres, mostly corn and soybeans, plus another 2,000 acres from his son’s farms. Although he has suffered some losses, he says he and other farmers are used to dealing with uncooperative weather. “That’s the nature of the beast,” he said.
But without a grain elevator or on-farm storage and with limited transportation options, Lowery explained that his neighbors would have had to get soybeans into their fields. For that reason, a cloudy day last November found him helping out on a much smaller plot of land, bringing in a crop of about 250 acres.
Following historic rainfall and flooding this summer, farmers in western Kentucky experienced field damage and crop losses. This was after the 2021 hurricane outbreak that killed dozens and destroyed grain stores. (Nov. 19) (AP Video: Joshua A. Bickle)
While farmers and townspeople depend on each other to be resilient, the ripple effect of these natural disasters has had lasting effects on a community where agriculture is the heart of commerce.
“Because we have a large county that is densely populated with grain farmers, the loss of (the grain elevator) forced them to move to surrounding counties, often 40 or 50 miles away, to move their grain,” said Miranda Rudolph, grain management director. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Agent for Graves County. She said fuel prices have risen, adding to the pressure.
Larger farms tend to have a wider range of options to offset their risks, including crop insurance, which often costs less per acre when applied to larger areas, said Hans Schmitz, an agricultural expert with Bordeaux Extension Agency.
For example, Jed Clark, who grows about 3,000 acres of grain near Mayfield, said he relies on crop insurance and also tries to spread his crop rotations strategically, betting that crops in lowland areas will do well in a dry year. Crops on higher ground will outlast those washed away by floods.
On small farms, if farmers have to put everything in a low-lying, flooded area, the entire crop could be affected, Schmitz said. So farmers with less land sometimes look to specialty crops like watermelon or tomatoes to try to increase profits with the space they have, but these crops are not easily insured.
Schmitz said he believes climate change is contributing to the consolidation of farmland, meaning an increase in the size of large farms. It is relatively easy to start a very small farm, but difficult to stay afloat. He said: “What matters to me is the cavity in the middle.”
The small farm’s viability also has to do with infrastructure, said Adam Coe, another Kentucky farmer who owns a family-run farm with 1,200 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat (plus two hog barns and 100 sheep) between Mayfield. And Murray. It is believed that the farmers who were most affected after the hurricane were those who did not have a grain store on their land.
Coe said he has noticed changes in the weather over the years, but he believes the corporate mentality has more to do with why large farms always get bigger. “The people have changed more than the weather,” he added. “Morality has changed in the last 20 years… I call it serial killer.”
However, the effects of weather cannot be denied. Schmitz, who also farms about 1,200 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat in Indiana, says he has seen increased summer moisture promote diseases of wheat, barley and oats in the Midwest. He has seen that higher nighttime temperatures lead to more heat stress on most crops. He said that while some farmers resort to irrigation to cope with sudden and severe droughts, he has seen the same irrigation pivots end up in stagnant water after sudden and severe floods.
“It goes back to the Midwestern adage, ‘If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.’ “We’ve certainly always had the ability to make very large changes in the weather over a short period of time,” he said. “But seeing climate change lead “The potential for these extreme events to worsen in both directions over a short period of time is worrying.”
Associated Press journalist Joshua Bickle contributed to this report.
Read more AP climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment
Follow Melina Walling on X, formerly known as Twitter: @melinawalling.
AP’s climate and environment coverage receives support from many private foundations. Learn more about AP’s climate initiative here. AP is solely responsible for all content.


Although teak has been ranked as a high priority species in many countries, its planting programme is still limited to a small or medium scale in many countries. Keogh (1994) notes the proportion of teak to overall plantation in the tropics fell sharply from 11 % in 1980 to 5 % in 1990. This is so especially where teak is grown as an exotic species. There are many factors limiting the success of teak plantation establishment. The three main factors are site quality, quality and quantity of planting materials, and silvicultural management.
CREDIT: Overview of problems in teak plantation establishment - Dr. Apichart Kaosa-ard
Teak wood is also easy to work with, and it is resistant to decay. The main advantage of teak for the building of ships is its unique ability to prevent rust and corrosion when in contact with metal. These qualities make it a valuable resource. Even today, teak wood is used in the construction of ships and expensive yachts and boats. Since the Middle Ages it has been used in ship building. Its durability and natural oils made it a perfect choice for the construction of ocean going vessels. Teak oil also creates a resistance to splitting and cracking and wards off termites and other insects. Teak wood was admired for its beauty back in the 1800s in India. It was able to capture the romantic nature of the Victorian era making it a perfect complement to an English garden. The durable and versatile nature of teak wood make it well sought after throughout the world
When the ships were no longer sea worthy the ships decking was in such good condition that the teak wood was recycled and made into outdoor furniture. It is possible that the first outdoor teak benches were made of old ship decks. Teak wood is so durable and strong that there are century old teak park benches in England still in use today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/591083


Colson Timber Acquisitions cuts, skids and hauls timber from the forest to the log yard or the saw mill. We are self employed, and an independent logging company and work full time as a timber buyers and logging company supplying large saw mills.
Logging is the most dangerous job in the entire wood producing process. Cutting and skidding logs out of the woods is very dangerous. Falling trees and branches and rolling logs cause several injuries and even deaths every year.
A good logging crew can make or break a harvest. The use of "BMP'S" (best management practice's) is very important to minimize soil erosion and damage to the forest. John Colson is a seasoned and professional logger and is an expert when it comes to directional felling, which can help minimize damage to residual trees and ensure a healthy future crop.
Safety equipment is a must for today's logger. Hard hats, hearing protection, eye protection, and chainsaw chaps are a few of the must-have safety items. These safety items are provided by the loggers, for both themselves and for their employees.
We use chainsaws to cut the trees down. There are several techniques used to fell trees. As loggers we may use directional felling, or controlling the direction in which the tree falls. This technique can be beneficial to the remaining growing stock. However, miracles can not be worked on every tree. Some trees can not be directionally felled due to lean, heavy branches, or rot.
Trees are dragged out of the forest using large, four-wheeled tractors called skidders. These machines are very powerful and can drag heavy loads. Most skidders have a winch on the back, which is used to drag logs short distances. The middle of the skidder articulates to maneuver in the tight spaces of a forest. A roll cage is standard on skidders to protect the operator during a rollover and from falling debris. Some skidders have a small blade on the front that can be used to clean and touch up a skid trail.
The skidder will drag the logs to an area to be stacked according to species and quality. This area is called a landing or yard. Here the logs may be scaled and cut into lengths, loaded onto trucks and hauled to a sawmill. Yards need to be from 1/2 acre to several acres in size, depending on the size of the job. Usually yards are fields or open areas in a forest and have good access to a road.Next the logs move to the sawmill or veneer mill.


Ten Years of Quakes in Indonesia
Note: I am not an earthquake expert. I conducted this work out of curiosity and to improve my data analysis skills.
Indonesia experiences frequent earthquakes, with almost daily quakes measuring around five on the Richter scale. While these earthquakes typically do not cause significant damage, they are a fascinating natural phenomenon worth exploring. sourcesource
Understanding the characteristics of earthquakes is crucial, especially for developers looking to expand their real estate portfolio in new regions. By anticipating the risks, they can plan the materials and designs accordingly. Although earthquake insurance is not very popular in Indonesia, the insurance company can also use earthquake data to calculate the risk factor for earthquake insurance premiums.
Table of Contents
The project focuses on creating visualizations to learn the characteristics of earthquakes in Indonesia, specifically their time, location, depth, and magnitude.
The data in *.tsv format are publicly available as a Kaggle dataset. It comes from the Earthquake Repository managed by BMKG (Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency).
When I worked on this project, the dataset comprised 102,515 rows and 38 variables. These variables include eventID, datetime, latitude, longitude, magnitude, depth, location, agency, and more. Most variables are in float format, with only a few in integer or object format. A detailed description of the variables is available here.
Below are some interesting findings from the raw data, and you can find a complete descriptive analysis of the data in my Kaggle notebook.
- Of the 56 regions, Minahasa Peninsula – Sulawesi has the highest recorded earthquakes.
- On average, the recorded earthquakes occurred at approximately 51.5 km depth, with a median of 16 km depth.
- The average magnitude of the recorded earthquakes is around 3.61, whereas the median magnitude is 3.55.
Data Cleaning and Restructuring
I completed the data cleaning and restructuring task using Python in Kaggle notebook. Below is a list of the data-cleaning and restructuring steps I performed.
- Converting the datatype of the datetime variable from object to datetime.
- Adding five columns related to datetime: date, year, month, week, and hour.
- Removing all variables irrelevant to the project objective.
- Dealing with missing values. We have missing magnitude, mag_type, and location values in this project. To maintain accuracy, I removed rows with missing magnitude and mag_type rather than making assumptions to fill them in. Yet, I relied on the complete information in the latitude and longitude variables to fill in any missing location.
- Confirming no duplicated rows.
- Addressing the outliers. The earthquake data has outliers in depth and magnitude variables; the depths range from 0 to 750km, and the magnitudes vary from 0.6383540561 to 7.9234722. However, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded had a whopping magnitude of 9.5. And earthquakes can occur as deep as 800km. Therefore, I retained all outliers values for both magnitude and depth since a maximum magnitude of 7.9 and a maximum depth of 750km in the dataset are reasonable.sourcesource
- Categorizing magnitude and depth variables.
Key takeaways from cleaned dataset
After cleaning and restructuring the data, we ended up with 102,003 rows and 12 variables. Below are the main points to take away from the cleaned data, and for a detailed descriptive analysis, please refer to Kaggle notebook.
- Data was recorded from November 1, 2008, to April 15, 2023, covering approximately 14 years.
- Out of 56 locations, the Minahasa Peninsula in Sulawesi has experienced the highest number of recorded earthquakes.
- Earthquake magnitudes in the cleaned dataset ranged from 0.64 to 7.92, with a median of 3.55.
- Earthquake depths in the cleaned dataset are between 0 and 750 km, with a median depth of 16 km.
For the evaluation, I only assess data from January 1, 2013, to December 12, 2022, which spans ten years.
The graphs in this section are created using the Plotly Express library in Python. To view the charts interactively, please refer to the Kaggle notebook.
1. The number of recorded earthquakes in Indonesia from 2013 to 2022
2. Weekly frequency of earthquakes between 2013 and 2022 in Indonesia
3. Indonesia’s earthquake magnitude and depth distributions from 2013 to 2022.
4. The correlation between the depth of an earthquake and its magnitude
5. The frequency of earthquakes that recorded in different parts of Indonesia between 2013 and 2022
The dataset includes 56 earthquake zones, known as F-E regions. The size of the bubbles on the map indicates the number of earthquakes in each region. Between 2013 and 2022, the area with the highest number of earthquakes was the Minahasa Peninsula.
The map on the top shows the frequency of all earthquakes recorded between 2013 to 2022, while the map on the bottom shows the earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 or higher. In highly populated areas, an earthquake measuring 6.1 on the magnitude scale can potentially result in significant damage.source
The two maps above show similar bubble sizes for each region, but the positions of the bubbles are different. The bubbles represent the median latitude and longitude of all earthquakes in each region. In the bottom map, the median location of earthquakes in the Minahasa Peninsula region is shifted to the east, suggesting that more damaging earthquakes mainly occurred around the eastern side of the Minahasa Peninsula, near the Molucca Sea.
6. The earthquakes location based on latitude and longitude
I used Tableau to visualize the locations of earthquakes based on their latitude and longitude. You can watch a screen recording below that shows the animation of the earthquake locations every quarter.
The video above illustrates that the earthquakes in Indonesia primarily took place at the meeting point of tectonic plates, represented by the red lines in the figure below.
Key takeaways from evaluation
- From 2013 to 2022, the year with the highest number of recorded earthquakes is 2019.
- From 2013 to 2022, more than three quarters of earthquakes that have been recorded had a magnitude between 2.5 and 5 and were at a depth of no more than 125km.
- Between 2013 and 2022, the F-E region with the highest number of earthquakes was the Minahasa Peninsula.
- The earthquakes in Indonesia primarily took place at the meeting point of tectonic plates.
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Beach cleaning with ‘By the Ocean we Unite’ and ‘Plastic Change’
The beach is the last stadium before plastic ends in the sea (again). Come and help us rid the beach of this waste.
It is fun, rewarding and the crew of By the Ocean we Unite and Plastic Change will be there to answer all your questions about plastic pollution.
Tid: Søn 5 aug kl.16.30-17.45
Mødested: Skagen Grå Fyr – Center for Trækfugle, Fyrvej 36, 9990 Skagen
Pris: Arrangementet er gratis


Just How Much Plastic is in Luminta's Bamboo Toothbrushes?
Our idea to create the Luminta brand was brought about by the high level of waste that we so commonly see in many products sold both in store and online. The decision to focus on providing Australians with a sustainable toothbrush option was a no brainer. There are limited sustainable options on supermarket shelves and even then, the options available still prefer to use unnecessary and excessive plastic in their packaging. This led us to create an easily accessible online store that delivers affordable sustainable bamboo toothbrushes straight to a doorstep anywhere in Australia.
To give you the highest level of transparency possible, we will be outlining just how much plastic is used in our products; from the production of the toothbrushes right up to the delivery of your purchase.
Luminta’s Bamboo Toothbrush
We won’t shy away from the fact that our toothbrush bristles do contain plastic. They are made from a non-biodegradable material called nylon 6.
We thought long and hard about trying to find a viable alternative and at the present time, could not find a comparable option.
There are natural bristle options out there which can be produced from animal hair or corn. There are obvious problems associated with adopting these two types of bristles.
Bristles that are primarily corn based tend not to have long lifespans and on average, need to be replaced at least every two weeks and tend to be more expensive. This compares to the lifespan of up to three or more months with a plastic based bristle. We have also chosen not to substitute plastic for animal hair as Luminta wanted to offer vegan friendly products.
We do hope to introduce fully biodegradable products to our range in time as the technology in this space improves.
On the other hand, the bamboo toothbrush handle is completely biodegradable. By removing the plastic from toothbrush handles, it is estimated that Australians could save up to 1500 tonnes of plastic from toothbrushes ending up in landfill each year.
The best way to dispose of our toothbrush after use is by separating the bristles from the toothbrush handle and disposing the bristles through either normal waste or a specialised plastic recycler near you. The body of the toothbrush can be buried in your garden, composted or allowed to decompose using any other natural agents. Better yet, you could choose to use the handles as a label for your backyard veggie patches.
The Toothbrush Packaging
All of Luminta’s toothbrushes are all individually packed in a neat cardboard container. The good news is that no plastic wrapping is used and the container is completely biodegradable and can be easily be recycled.
Shipping Your Orders
Another area where plastic can be utilised excessively is the packaging that your products come in when you make an online order. To ensure that no plastic is used, we ship our toothbrushes in an envelope slip made from 100% recycled paper. This lower cost and environmentally conscious shipping method also allows us to offer free shipping on every order that anyone makes.
If you have any questions about our products and how we go about minimising waste, please feel free to leave a comment or contact us directly. Alternatively, if you have any ideas on ways that we could continue to improve the sustainability of our product range, we would be more than welcome to discuss this with you.


There seems to be a belief that once we enter our homes, we’re safe from the exterior ambient air associated with a highly polluted, smoky city.
What if we were to tell you that the air inside our homes can be substantially worse?
Truth be told, what we breathe within our homes is often a terrible mixture of pollutants, stale air, poor ventilation and air leakages. No wonder that, according to Johns Hopkins, more than 50 million people in the United States are affected by allergies, including 8% of adults and 10% of children are affected by respiratory allergies.
If only there was a way to prevent this. Enter Passive House design, a building standard that is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and comfort-driven.
What Does Passive House Have To Do With Achieving Better Air Quality?
One of the key design components of any Passive House is that the entire structure is extremely airtight throughout, with ample insulation and triple-paned windows, all of which prevents outside air from entering the home.
That certainly keeps warm air in, but what does that mean for ensuring there’s filtered, fresh air flowing throughout the home? Since it’s vital to address that too, let’s discover how Passive House design can improve the air quality in your home.
As we design an energy-efficient townhome that’s airtight, we simultaneously have to design for a living space that consistently invites fresh, filtered air to flow. In doing so, no more than a few hours will pass before the air is “turned over,” preventing it from becoming stale and unhealthy to breathe.
By eliminating air leaks in a property, we can prevent pollen, allergens and other toxins from further entering the property and contaminating its interior air. So first, we need to identify where those air leaks are occurring, including the exterior walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows.
In addition to potential air leaks, if we experience any chemical smells that may have triggered all types of reactions in your family such as sneezing, coughing, headaches or fatigue, it can point us toward oil-based paints used on your walls, stained wood or one of the biggest culprits of indoor air pollution – formaldehyde, which is commonly found in plywood and particle board. These materials can release fumes into the air, which, if trapped indoors, can lead to mold growth.
Next, we’ll install a ventilation system that circulates fresh, filtered air into the home, expelling any stale air or fumes in the process. Heat recovery ventilation, or HRV, is a type of system that tackles the challenge of toxic chemicals head on by running continuously, facilitating the regular turnover of potentially harmful air to toxin-free air.
What you’re left with is not only fresh air but the kind of consistent temperature that makes a Passive House so remarkably comfortable from room to room. Do you ever notice how some rooms of a traditional home can be very cold while others can be quite warm? This imbalance of temperature is virtually eliminated when an airtight structure combines with a superior fresh air exchanger.
Don’t you deserve to breathe this way 24/7? We certainly think so.
It’s hard for a home to be a true sanctuary when the quality of the indoor air is impacting your well-being.
That’s why Brace has a program that brings together all the elements of a beautifully renovated townhome under Passive House guidelines while utilizing materials and techniques that minimize air leaks.
There’s one more reason to breathe easy with the air ventilation systems we use in Passive House designed homes: Eliminating air leaks can significantly reduce your energy costs.
Energy Star®, a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, states that air leaks account for 20% to 40% of energy costs in heating and cooling buildings. So, with a well-ventilated Passive House, you can recover the energy and humidity content of the air expelled, contributing to energy savings and keeping the home’s relative humidity constant throughout the year.
At Brace, we believe that preserving the very best air quality by design – Passive House design – plays its own special role in transforming a home into the most comfortable, healthiest place it can possibly be. Ready to discover how our higher standard of design can apply to your own home? Let’s talk more at 212.457.9796.


Sustainable Luxury: Eco-Friendly Interior Design for High-Net-Worth Clients
In the world of interior design, a paradigm shift is underway, with an increasing number of high-net-worth clients seeking eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to adorn their living spaces. The bustling city of Ahmedabad is no exception to this trend, and leading the charge is the prestigious interior design firm, Samayinnovation, spearheaded by their Principal Architect, Seme Nadvi. With an unyielding commitment to sustainable luxury, Samayinnovation has carved a niche for itself in the industry, delighting clients with eco-conscious designs that combine opulence with environmental responsibility.
The Rise of Eco-Conscious Luxury Interior Design
With a heightened global focus on environmental conservation and climate change, the concept of sustainable living has permeated various industries, and interior design is no exception. High-net-worth clients have become increasingly aware of their ecological footprint and are embracing eco-friendly design practices. This new wave of environmentally conscious luxury interior design aims to create opulent living spaces that blend seamlessly with nature while treading lightly on the planet.
Samayinnovation: A Beacon of Sustainable Luxury
At the forefront of Ahmedabad’s interior design landscape is Samayinnovation, an esteemed design firm renowned for its environmentally friendly approach to luxury interiors. Led by the visionary Principal Architect, Seme Nadvi, the firm has gained a reputation for weaving sustainable practices into their designs, without compromising on the luxurious aesthetics that discerning clients seek.
One of the fundamental aspects of eco-conscious luxury interior design is the choice of materials. Samayinnovation emphasizes the use of sustainable, recycled, and ethically sourced materials that have a reduced impact on the environment. From reclaimed wood and bamboo to eco-friendly paints and recycled metals, each element is thoughtfully selected to complement the design while adhering to strict eco-friendly standards.
Energy Efficiency and Smart Technology Integration
Apart from material choices, Samayinnovation integrates energy-efficient technologies to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable energy consumption. Smart lighting systems, energy-efficient appliances, and home automation solutions not only enhance the luxury experience but also contribute to long-term energy savings.
Biophilic Design: Harmonizing with Nature
Biophilic design, a concept that connects occupants with nature, is a core element of Samayinnovation’s approach to luxury interiors. From lush indoor gardens to strategically placed windows that optimize natural light and ventilation, these designs create a soothing and refreshing atmosphere that invites nature into the living spaces.
Minimalism with a Touch of Luxury
Samayinnovation believes in the adage “less is more” when it comes to sustainable luxury interior design. By employing minimalist design principles, unnecessary clutter is eliminated, leaving behind clean, sophisticated spaces that exude a sense of tranquility and elegance.
Collaborating with Artisans and Local Communities
Sustainable luxury interior design is not only about the materials but also about the people involved. Samayinnovation is committed to collaborating with local artisans and communities to promote traditional craftsmanship and empower local talent. These collaborations not only foster a sense of community but also contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
The demand for eco-friendly interior design among high-net-worth clients is rapidly growing, and Samayinnovation, led by their visionary Principal Architect, Seme Nadvi, has embraced this trend wholeheartedly. Their commitment to sustainable luxury interior design sets a precedent for the industry, showing that opulence and environmental responsibility can harmoniously coexist. By integrating eco-conscious materials, energy-efficient technologies, and biophilic design principles, Samayinnovation has redefined luxury living in Ahmedabad. As the world continues to strive for a greener future, interior design firms like Samayinnovation prove that a luxurious lifestyle need not come at the cost of the environment. With each sustainable masterpiece they create, they inspire others to join the movement towards a more eco-friendly and conscious design approach.


As technology advances at exponential speeds, it’s becoming more affordable and convenient for homes. From smart light bulbs that help us sleep and save money, to bluetooth door lock systems, it makes us wonder; do these tech upgrades actually make our homes worth more? It depends on how you look at it.
Some smart home devices, although expensive to buy, in the end can save you money like the Nest Learning Thermostat. This thermostat learns what the homeowner’s schedule is and adjusts the temperature automatically for when they’re home or not; thus, saving money in gas and electric bills. If safety and security is a concern, there are many home monitoring systems that stream live video feeds straight to your phone or computer, offering peace of mind. It’s hard to put a dollar amount on the safety of you and your family.
So, do the tech extras add more value to the home? Realtors say these advancements put the home at an advantage over others when it’s up for sale. “I don’t necessarily see these features raising home prices, but having that technology there focuses attention of buyers to that house over others,” says Miami-based Hal Feldman of RE/MAX Advance Realty; “and often I’ve seen those homes sell significantly faster.”
Greg Boss, a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Boise, Idaho, says “Consumers are starting to see it, appreciate it, and ask for it. It won’t deter them from buying a home they like, but in real estate, any time you can bring in another wow factor, it really helps,” he adds. “Builders who are cutting-edge are definitely on top of it. As a younger generation moves here, they’ll be asking for it.”
However, with technology moving at such a fast pace, most home technologies become obsolete in only three to five years. Apps and services get discontinued when newer alternatives become more popular. Sometimes setting up these home-tech ecosystems is more trouble than it’s worth. It’s important for homeowners to decide where to put tech upgrades and how many should be added. Installing expensive-looking gadgets in a rather older looking home can make the rest of house look even more dated.
So which ones are worth it?
If you do decide to make some tech upgrades, consider these, as they each save you money:
The Nest thermostat projects to save $173 per year on energy costs
Smart Smoke Detector
Getting a smart smoke detector can save you 5% on your insurance premiums.
Smart Door Locks
No more having to make copies of keys for cleaning service or family members. A smart door lock opens with codes you give to your guest and can be easily deleted or changed say, you change cleaning companies.
Smart Sprinkler System
For those who live in climates where they have to water their lawns often, customers who buy a smart sprinkler system can save over 30% to 60% on their water bill per year.
A smart lighting system can save you around $264 a year on energy bill by streamlining light usage with motion detectors and making it easy to turn off any lights with your smart phone.
Smart Solar Panels
Solar panels can save you $1,500 a year on utility bills and can add up to $15,000 to your home’s value. The smart solar panels come with smart junction boxes and apps that let you monitor panel performance and even switch off panels in cases of emergency.


We sleep on our Adelaide mattresses every night but how often do we get them professionally cleaned? Your mattress should last a decade and give you the best sleep possible, and our gold standard mattress cleaning service in Adelaide is the best way to maintain your mattress for years to come:
BIO-CLEAN: Lethal to germs, healthy for you! Leaves your mattress a STERILE surface, safe for you to sleep on!
The highest quality Adelaide mattress cleaning you've ever had in your life!
Removes stains, bed bug eggs, dust mites, hair, dirt, allergens & more - perfect for asthma and allergy sufferers!
Dries fast within 4 hours so you can sleep on it that night and leaves your mattress smelling great!
Is a Green Environmentally Friendly Clean using NO toxic chemicals that is safe for your family and pets!
Is Licensed and Certified by the Australian Carpet Cleaning Institute!
Significantly exceeds the Australian requirements in Australian Standard AS3733-1995!
Mattresses can also accumulate stains from bodily sweat and oils which we are almost always able to remove, though our thorough mattress cleaning process will leave your mattress sanitized even if minor visual stains remain. Some mattress manufacturers use cotton and viscose in mattress fibers, and these fabrics will not release soils even when cleaned by our world class mattress cleaners, so mattress protectors are highly recommended! Failure to clean your mattress every couple of years can lead to some extra companions joining you in the bedroom:
Did you know that Australian bed bugs live exclusively on blood with their preferred vintage being the human variety? Annual Adelaide mattress cleaning will prevent them from making your home into theirs! Bed bugs in Adelaide are able to survive without feeding for months at a time and prefer to make their home in your mattress to be close to their food source - you! They are drawn by body heat and carbon dioxide in expired air and their favourite parts of the human body to snack on are the shoulders and arms.
Once an infestation takes hold only a thorough building pest removal treatment can completely remove them from your Adelaide home - our BIO-CLEAN Adelaide mattress cleaners will kill any dust mites and bed bugs on your mattress, but if an infestation has occured they can return from their hiding spots at night! Weekly washing of bedding and sheets together with annual mattress cleaning serves to maintain a high standard of hygiene which prevents bed bugs from infecting your Adelaide home. If bed bugs are introduced into a home through carpet, furniture or a mattress brought in from the outside world, regular mattress cleaning in Adelaide and a high standard of general mattress cleanliness will ensure bed bugs are detected at an early stage when the problem is much easier to deal with!
For the most thorough Adelaide mattress cleaners Call Vlad Now On 0449 127 793 and Experience The Delight BIO-CLEAN Adelaide Mattress Cleaning Difference Today!


#GivingTuesday Chats | Week 3: Oceans 2050
Join St. Supéry CEO Emma Swain and hear from extraordinary philanthropic entrepreneurs each Tuesday in November at 4pm PST. Join on zoom or the winery’s social platforms to find out how these leaders address critical issues of homelessness, health, social equity, environment and education. All sessions will be nationally broadcasted as a podcast series.
St. Supéry, a philanthropic leader and estate winery in the Napa Valley, hopes to inspire others with the innovative approach and creative solutions these organizations are deploying across the United States and world. “One day of Giving in November just isn’t enough states winery CEO Emma Swain. “There are people who watch change happen in the world and there are those who lead that change. Meet these Philanthropic Entrepreneurs who are improving the world for generations to come. We hope they inspire you and bring joy to your day”
Oceans 2050 (Nov. 16), takes a regenerative and restorative approach with focus on five recovery wedges (Ocean Forrest, Farming, Seafood, Coral Reefs and Blue Carbon) aimed to restore our oceans to their historic glory. Hear from founder Alexandra Cousteau, a lifelong ocean advocate that comes from a long lineage dedicated to science and exploration. Cousteau and her partner Fritz Neumeyer, an academic visionary will tell us about their Global Seaweed Project, an effort to quantify seaweed carbon sequestration in an effort to address the climate crisis while also contributing to ocean restoration. This groundbreaking 15 month study spans across 5 continents with goal of advancing science and creating market incentives for seaweed aquaculture.


Second Prize: Single-Family Detached Home
Project Name: Sands of Time
Sonbuilt Custom Homes Ltd.
Brian and Pam Doyle
Jonathan Zerkee, Sonbuilt Custom Homes Ltd.
Mark Douglas, Sonbuilt Custom Homes Ltd.
Trish Becher Interior Design
CMP Enterprises Ltd.
R. Dueck Construction
This home was carefully designed and built to accommodate future wheelchair accessibility. Throughout the design process, the current and future needs of the client were considered and accommodated. This energy efficient high performance home delivers superior value and comfort to the homeowner while maintaining a beautiful, classic design appeal.
- This elegant home of distinction is a delightful combination of tradition and excellence.
- The arched theme throughout the home creates a dramatic effect both inside and out.
- The home is situated in a way that would preserve as many of the trees as possible in this timeless older neighbourhood.
- Thoughtfully designed for aging in place for a retired and active couple.
- User friendly lighting in closets, cabinetry, and stair steps.
- Cabinetry allows for removable sections in the event a wheelchair is used while a low threshold shower is designed for wheelchair accessibility.
- Level front door entry, wide hallways and doorways, and plenty of storage throughout.
- Many universal design concepts for independent living are found in this home.
- Master bedroom and laundry on main floor allows everyday living to take place all on one level.
- Open floor plan with generous, stylish kitchen perfect for entertaining.
- Basement includes a pre-designed space for a legal suite for possible future live in caregiver.
- This Gold qualified Built Green home has an air leakage rate of just 0.49 air changes per hour and an Energuide rating of 87.
- It is built to the R-2000 standard and includes an ICF foundation and uses the airtight drywall approach producing a reliable air barrier.
- Triple glazed Low-E, argon filled windows, a 20 seer heat pump, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances and a Navien tankless water heater contribute to the energy savings.
- An HRV keeps fresh air circulating while maintaining a very comfortable living environment.
- The finishes do not off gas and are low in VOC’s providing the ideal living environment for those highly sensitive to chemicals.
- The passage of time will be of little concern to these homeowners as they enjoy many years of safe, comfortable living in a healthy home environment.


Montenuovo Nature Oasis itineraries, what to see
A natural park that extends over the crater homonymous of the volcano, the youngest in Europe, emerged in the 16th century when the waters of the sea retreated on the coast of Pozzuoli due to the imminent eruption of the Montenuovo volcano. That eruption radically changed the landscape which became arid, like any volcanic area.
As a result of geological changes that took place in the following years, the area became rich in luxuriant vegetation, to the point that in 1996 it was named a naturalistic oasis with plants of all kinds. An ideal area to make a tour of the entire circumference of the volcano, a also suitable for all lovers of trekking routes.
A fascinating journey through the history of the Phlegraean fields in the natural park of Montenuovo there is a study center located inside the oasis where it is possible to watch the simulation of the eruption of the volcano. The oasis can be visited free of charge with the possibility of using a guide.


You've lived a long time. I respect that. However, in my lifetime, a mere 25 years, I have bore witness to two massive oil spills, the creation of two plastic garbage islands sprawling over several kilometers of ocean, the extinction of several species due to loss of habitat and the endangerment of thousands more due to that same loss of habitat. We've seen the incredible rise in cancer rates, in poverty, in obesity, in hunger, and incredible loss in traditionally used lands, in the ability of humans being capable enough to feed themselves without a grocery store around. I have witnessed daily the loss of green spaces and especially forests due to clear cutting instead of selective harvesting.
The car-obsessed, building OUT and not UP mentality has paved over far more than is necessary and contributes to global warming. Your generation had their chance. You had your chance to stop clear cutting but they didn't. You had your chance to stop the plasticization and styrafoamation and the corporations global takeover. You had the chance to stop corporations from producing goods meant to last less than five years. To stop these companies from building them in countries where they've manipulated laws to the point where they can get away with MASS MURDER. (ie: Union Carbide in Bhopal)
Not enough in your generation cared to put a stop to any of these things that my generation will have to deal with. Eventually my generation will have to learn. How to not be dependent on exploiting overseas labor markets. How to clean up the damage done to our oceans, coral reefs, wetlands, grasslands, forests, and fields. How to feed ourselves using the neglected and toxin-soaked farmland left. We will need to figure out sustainable ways of transport when gasoline costs more than we can afford or when the wells finally run dry.
We will eventually tackle the mountains you call landfills and we will remove the toxins from them that leach into our groundwater. And we will have to find a better way to co-exist on this planet if we wish to exist at all.
Previous generation - we thank you for these gifts you've left us with, life being the most important of them. But to accept these gifts means also accepting the responsibility of cleaning and fixing and maintaining these gifts to pass on to the next generation.
I'll be the first to admit that your generation has left this planet in a far worse state than when you were handed her by your parents generation.
Profits over people, wealth over health, convenience over environment - these have been your mantras. Mantras that you whisper with every dollar you spend.
But it's time. It's time to hand over the reigns. Beginning with the end of suburban sprawl, we will right the wrongs and see this planet return to its magnificent glory. We will learn what it means to be sustainable not because we want to but because we have to and need to. Because we finally see that it's the only way.
Your generation fought battles against evil forces, true. But afterward, you turned your back on everything and everyone but those closest to you.
To make a mess and not clean it up is a sign of great slovenliness. But to clean up the mess of another for the sake of life on this planet will make my generation a generation of heroes.


| < May >
|Normal Max/ High Temperature
|Min/ Low Temperature
|Average Sea or Water Temp
|Number of Wet Days (probability of rain on a day)
|Average Sunlight per day
|Average Daylight per day
|Sunny (Cloudy) Daylight Hours
|Sun altitude at solar noon on the 21st day.
- The average sea tempeature is 18 °C (64.4 °F).
- The average temperature in Djerba in May is warm at 21 °C (69.8 °F).
- Afternoons can be hot with average high temperatures reaching 26 °C (78.8 °F).
- Overnight temperatures are generally very mild with an average low of 16 °C (60.8 °F).
- The average diurnal temperature range/ variation in May is 10 °C (18 °F).
- The weather in May is droughty with scarcely any rain. A paltry 17mm (0.7in) of H2O is dropped during on average 2 days.
- In May the blue above Djerba is glorious with an average of an appreciable 10:38 of brilliant solar radiation daily.
- The shortest day is 13:29 long and the longest day is 14:11 long with an average length of 13:52.
- There are approximately 3:05 per day when bright sunshine is absent due to cloud, haze or the sun being too low on the horizon to register.
- It is sunny approximately 77.5% of daylight hours and cloudy 22.5% of daylight hours.
Check the distance to and compare the Djerba May averages with somewhere beginning with:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | All
Weather Trend Graph for May in Djerba, Tunisia
Navigate to May Weather in Locations Surrounding Djerba:
- Bizerte, Tunisia - 417.3 kms (259.3 miles) NNW
- Tunis, Tunisia - 364.8 kms (226.7 miles) N
- Jendouba, Tunisia - 369.6 kms (229.6 miles) NNW
- Sousse, Tunisia - 248.7 kms (154.6 miles) N
- Kairouan, Tunisia - 239.9 kms (149.1 miles) NNW
- Tebessa, Algeria - 318.2 kms (197.7 miles) NW
- Sfax, Tunisia - 126.4 kms (78.5 miles) N
- Gafsa, Tunisia - 203.6 kms (126.5 miles) WNW
- Gabes, Tunisia - 71.5 kms (44.4 miles) WNW
- Jerba, Tunisia - 31.5 kms (19.6 miles) N
- El Oued ( Guemmar ), Algeria - 370.8 kms (230.4 miles) W


Costa dos Corais – If you ever heard of Sao Miguel dos Milagres, Porto de Pedras, Maragogi, Japaratinga ou Barra de Santo Antonio, you probably heard of Costa dos Corais but did not realize it.
Located on the North Shore of the state of Alagoas, this region has over 80 miles worth of natural beauty, mainly by the warm-water beaches, close by the grove of coconut palm trees and colorful sand cliffs.
The area was named after the large coral reef and perfect natural pools located in the region.
Vila Entre Chaves is located in Praia de Morros do Camaragibe. It is surrounded by the Camaragibe River and the colorful sand cliffs between the towns of Barra de Santo Antonio and Barra do Camaragibe.