Daily Archives: September 14, 2022

Families of the deadly Seacor Power disaster are still desperate for closure after the horrific incident of the Seacor Power capsizing in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2021There were 19 people on the Seacor Power ship when it capsized after venturing out into stormy conditions on April 13, 2021. Several people were able to escape, however, six people died and seven remain missing. Attorney Paul Sterbcow represents many of the men's families who were on board when the lift boat capsized last April.The conclusion of lawsuits typically bring some level of closure, and so until and unless we get to that point, these families dont have the closure that they need. It causes them to relive this every day while the litigation is pending it as if it never ends, Sterbcow said.Eleven lawsuits have already been settled, including lawsuits for eight people who died and three who survived. Sterbcow is not saying how much money was awarded for those cases. He said there are still eight pending suits for non-crew members on board. Sterbcow said five died and three survived of the non-crew members. Sterbcow said those who were not crew members and were contracted could fall under the Death on the High Seas Act.The disparity is glaring, Sterbcow said. "Let's say you have a younger worker who was never married or has no children and only supports himself or herself when the vessel capsized under the death on the High Seas Act. Given there is no one that can claim loss of economic support, and there are no minor children, the only thing that is left in that claim is funeral and burial expenses." Sterbcow couldn't say which cases fall under the death on the High Seas Act. Seacor Marine declined to comment.

Families of the deadly Seacor Power disaster are still desperate for closure after the horrific incident of the Seacor Power capsizing in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2021

There were 19 people on the Seacor Power ship when it capsized after venturing out into stormy conditions on April 13, 2021. Several people were able to escape, however, six people died and seven remain missing.

Attorney Paul Sterbcow represents many of the men's families who were on board when the lift boat capsized last April.

The conclusion of lawsuits typically bring some level of closure, and so until and unless we get to that point, these families dont have the closure that they need. It causes them to relive this every day while the litigation is pending it as if it never ends, Sterbcow said.

Eleven lawsuits have already been settled, including lawsuits for eight people who died and three who survived.

Sterbcow is not saying how much money was awarded for those cases. He said there are still eight pending suits for non-crew members on board. Sterbcow said five died and three survived of the non-crew members.

Sterbcow said those who were not crew members and were contracted could fall under the Death on the High Seas Act.

The disparity is glaring, Sterbcow said. "Let's say you have a younger worker who was never married or has no children and only supports himself or herself when the vessel capsized under the death on the High Seas Act. Given there is no one that can claim loss of economic support, and there are no minor children, the only thing that is left in that claim is funeral and burial expenses."

Sterbcow couldn't say which cases fall under the death on the High Seas Act.

Seacor Marine declined to comment.

More here:

'Gone through Hell': Families of workers on board Seacor wait for justice - WDSU New Orleans

Have you ever wondered what exactly happened to Nickelodeon cruises onboard Norwegian Cruise Line?

Cruise lines are constantly evolving to offer the absolute best onboard experiences possible. While some onboard offerings are smash-hits, others dont always stand the test of time.

NorwegianCruise Line partnered with Nickelodeon from 2010 to 2015 to bring to life some of the network's biggest characters onboard its cruise ships. What could make a cruise better than getting to meet Patrick Star and Dora the Explorer in real life?!

As someone who stayed at the Nickelodeon Hotel back in 2009, I have fond memories of seeing my favorite TV cartoons (i.e. Spongebob) come to life while staying at this themed hotel in Orlando, Florida. My sister and I could only dream of what an entire cruise themed with Nickelodeon would be like!

Partnerships are common with cruise lines to enhance their onboard experience with unparalleled experiences, especially youth programs.

For example, Royal Caribbean had a partnership with Dreamworks that gave kids the opportunity to meet Shrek and other characters. Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line joined efforts with Dr. Seuss to offer a Green Eggs and Ham themed breakfast for kids that included character meet and greets.

However, most cruise lines cant compete with Disney Cruise Line when it comes to character meet and greets and its slew of Disney-themed-everything onboard. There's a touch of Disney magic in every aspect of a Disney cruise that you can't find on competing cruise lines.

There's no denying that cruising is an excellent vacation choice for many families. In fact, cruise lines are very intentional about how they can cater to kids by offering family-friendly experiences that simply cant be replicated on land.

For families wanting to have an action-packed onboard experience, the Nickelodeon cruises truly offered an unforgettable cruise vacation for families and kids alike.

Back in 2010, it was announced that Norwegian Cruise Line would partner with Nickelodeon to offer themed programming and activities onboard select cruise ships year-round. These Nickelodeon-themed experiences would include character greetings, themed breakfasts called Pajama Jam Breakfast, poolside parties, and Nickelodeon-themed arts and crafts.

The first ship in Norwegians fleet to feature the new Nickelodeon-themed experiences was Norwegian Breakaway. As the newest ship in Norwegian's fleet at the time, it was the perfect opportunity for the partnership to make its debut.

In addition to interactive games and character meet and greets, kids could splash around with Spongebob and Sandy while enjoying Norwegian's Kid Aqua Park onboard. Families could also enjoy Dancing with Dora and themed-programming throughout their cruise. Families could also attend special themed breakfasts, in which Spongebob and his entourage would sing and dance in the dining room throughout the meal.

One fan favorite on the Nickelodeon cruises was having the opportunity to get slimed on stage during Slime Time Live. During this interactive game show, the famous Nickelodeon green slime was dumped on participants during high-paced races that took place onboard.

In 2014, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that its newest ship, Norwegian Getaway, would also debut with the Nickelodeon partnership experiences. Norwegian Getaway would include new interactive Nickelodeon experiences and family-friendly shows that would star Spongebob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer, Diego and more.

At this time, Norwegian Getaway was the fifth ship in the cruise lines fleet to offer Nickelodeon experiences year-round on its sailings.

Each year, Norwegian Cruise Line also offered all-access Nickelodeon themed cruises that included non-stop, daily activities with all of Nickelodeons most popular characters.Cruisers could be immersed in all-things Nickelodeon everyday of their cruise vacation. For Nickelodeon lovers, these cruises were the ultimate family vacation!

The first all-access cruises departed in 2011 onboard Norwegian Jewel from New York City and Norwegian Epic, which departed from Barcelona.

These cruises also featured meet and greets with some of Nickelodeons biggest stars at the time, including appearances of cast members from shows like iCarly and True Jackson VP. This Nickelodeon-packed cruise also featured the real voice of Spongebob Squarepants and special viewings of never-before-seen episodes of iCarly, Victorious and True Jackson VP.

While we all wish we could cruise with Dora the Explorer and Spongebob Squarepants, Norwegian Cruise Line unfortunately discontinued its partnership with Nickelodeon back in 2015.

To the dismay of cruising families everywhere, the cruise lines partnership with Nickelodeon's parent company, Viacom, expired in 2015 and has yet to return to the high seas.

With the launch of Norwegian Escape in November 2015, the cruise line announced at the time that the Nickelodeon experience wouldnt be included on its newest ship. In addition, Nickelodeon entertainment would be phased out on the remaining five ships in Norwegian Cruise Lines fleet that were still offering the themed experiences.

Although Norwegian Cruise Line has never commented on the reason for the partnership ending, the Nickelodeon brand as a whole was definitely undergoing changes at this time.

In 2016, it was announced that the Nickelodeon Hotel in Orlando, Florida would also be closing. The network would begin a new venture by partnering with a new company, Karisma Hotel and Resorts, to build more modern resorts in the Caribbean.

Just a few weeks before the announcement was made by Norwegian about the end of its partnership, Nickelodeon had started construction on a new all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana.Norwegian stated the partnership was successful and improved overall guest satisfaction by 20% for its youth programming.

Although it was the end of an era for Nickelodeon cruises, there's no doubt that future partnerships will be formed to continue offering incredible youth programming for families.

View post:

What happened to Nickelodeon cruises? | Cruise.Blog - Cruise Blog

FANTASTIC images of the world's finest superyachts have revealed the wild lifestyle of the ultra-rich on the high seas.

The world's wealthiest seafarers own some of the most impressive vessels on the ocean.

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Pictures from inside the 361ft-long Stella del Sud show a gorgeous cinema, three flowing swimming pools and a helipad.

The Italian studio behind the breath-taking designs, Gabriele Teruzzi, says the superyacht is a "glistening diamond" with Art Deco features.

A jewel-shaped window appears on the outside of the boat, using the same piece of glass across all levels.

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The Streets ofMonacois a luxury yacht inspired by the lavish city that will feature everything you'd expect from a visit to theFrenchcity-state, including casinos and swimming pools.

Designed byYacht Island Design, the superyacht is centered around its replica of the famous Grand Prix circuit which will be a functioning go-kart track where guests can race against each other.

Additionally, the yacht includes a helicopter pad, tennis court, spa, gym, manicure and hair salon, sauna and steam rooms, private massage suites, cinema and library.

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Billionaire and Tottenham Spurs owner Joe Lewis spends most of the year on his boat.

"Aviva is more than an office; it is also my home for much of the year. So for me, it is relaxing working from home, wherever Aviva may be in the world," Lewis said.

Powered by an eco-friendly drive system, it can reach a top speed of 20 knots.

The unique hull design that comes together with an electric propulsions system means that less fuel is used.

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Football great Tom Brady is estimated to be worth around $250million, withsupermodel wife Gisele Bundchen adding a further $400m to the family coffers.

And the pair certainly know how to live it up in style, venturing onto the high seas with their state-of-the-art superyacht.

Decked out with a sophisticated cooling system, automatic roof and electronically-adjustable floor, the boat also features three luxurious bedrooms that wouldn't look out of place at a five-star hotel.

And with room for nine people to sleep - including two crew - the whole family can join the fun, especially as the boat can cruise for almost 400 miles.

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Jeff Bezos is the second richest person in the world and his stunning seacruiser certainly reflects that wealth.

The superyacht is more than 400 feet long and cost nearly $500million to build.

Bezos stirred up trouble when he requested that a historic bridge in the Netherlands be dismantled so that his yacht could pass through.

Residentsthreatened to pelt the luxury vessel with eggsif the city went through with his request.

Read more:

Inside crazy superyachts of the future as stunning photos reveal top deck race track and waterfall pools... - The US Sun

Bloody bedlam breaks out on the high seas in writer-director Kim Hongsuns gnarly action-horror that pits cops versus cons aboard a cargo ship with a sinister secret in its hold in Project Wolf Hunting, from Well Go USA, who brought you Train To Busan.

When efforts to extradite notorious convicts from the Philippines to South Korea are stymied by a deadly airport bombing, the Korean authorities commandeer the cargo freighter, Frontier Wolf, for their next transfer. As a rogues gallery of lowlifes, including a callous heir to a criminal empire (Seo In-guk), board the titanic vessel, they are escorted by two dozen hardened detectives and the vigilant oversight of a hot-headed Coast Guard captain (Sung Dong-il). Despite the heavy security, a plot to seize control of the ship percolates among the prisoners and soon boils over, but what neither cop nor crook appears to be privy to is that they are not the freighters only cargo.

What starts as a high-seas hijacking suddenly ricochets into a kind of brutal slasher as a sinister shape (Choi Guyhwa) emerges from the bowels of the ship, indiscriminately hunting its passengers all of whom, judging by the unending geysers of blood that erupt from their wounds, seem to have tremendously high blood pressure.

Project Wolf Hunting barrels along like its Con Air by way of a Capcom survival-horror video game. Writer-director Kim Hongsun judiciously juggles an enormous cast of characters, so sharply sketched and vividly performed that youre thrillingly never quite sure who will survive by the end of each escalating episode of bloody bedlam. What you can expect, however: frenzied firefights, gory martial arts, and decades-old conspiracies, complete with shadowy syndicates and secret experiments, all erupting upon the screen with a rousing, volcanic velocity.

The film is set to make its World Premiere at TIFFs Midnight Madness on September 9, 2022, followed by screenings on the 16th and 17th. A home release should soon be announced.

See the rest here:

'Project Wolf Hunting' Sailing Towards Its World Premiere At TIFF - HorrorFuel.com: Reviews, Ratings and Where to Watch the Best Horror Movies &...

The Banshees of Inisherin

Starring Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, Kerry Condon, Barry Keoghan, Pat Shortt, Gary Lydon, David Pearse and Sheila Flitton. Written and directed by Martin McDonagh. Screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. 114 minutes. STC

The good folk of Inisherin, an island off the coast of Ireland, generally keep their collars buttoned to the top and their tweed garments well layered.

Its to ward off the perpetual chill of a place that is blessed with scenery but not reliably good weather.

The one chill islanders dont have to bother with involves social relations. Everybody gets along with everybody else and, even if they dont, they still talk civilly to one another. How could they not, with statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary smiling at them beatifically at seemingly every turn?

Until the day comes when dairyman Pdraic (Colin Farrell), a man so carefree he often doesnt know what month it is, calls upon his lifelong friend Colm (Brendan Gleeson), a fiddle player and aspiring composer.

Its time for their daily afternoon pint of Guinness down at the pub.

But on this day, Colm is having none of it and apparently never again any of it: I dont like you anymore, he flatly declares to an astonished and hurt Pdraic.

Therein turns the tale of The Banshees of Inisherin, a film by Oscar-winning writer/director Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) that you could call a comedy if you have an extremely dark sense of humour and a keen appreciation of fatalism, as the Irish certainly do.

Whatever you choose to call it, the film is often very funny. Its a f---in good yarn, to use a word that rhymes with pecking, an adjective oft heard in Inisherin.

The movie arrives at the Toronto International Film Festival with garlands of Best Actor (Farrell) and Best Screenplay from the Venice International Film Festival. Judging from the gales of laughter at the screening I attended, it stands a good chance of nabbing the TIFF audience award this weekend.

McDonagh often employs absurd extremes to tell his stories recall the accusatory billboards of his previous film and heres the strangest one yet: Colm tells Pdraic that if he doesnt leave him be, he will respond by chopping off one of his own fingers or thumbs, all 10 digits if need be. Its all the more terrible a deed for a fiddler player to threaten.

And for what mad reason? Colm has decided that he can no longer abide Pdraics endless nattering, which includes a two-hour dissertation on his wee horses anal excretions. In a word, Colm finds Pdraic dull and, as he nears his retirement years, he wants to spend the rest of his days thinking and composing, not engaging in small talk. The year is 1923, which makes it almost a century ahead of our modern phenomenon of ghosting a friend.

Pdraic certainly can talk hes kissed the Blarney Stone, as the Irish would say but everyone agrees its unfair to single him out as being dull.

Youre all f---ing boring! Pdraics sister Siobhan (Kerry Condon) tells Colm and she would know. Shes contemplating leaving the island because theres no man there shed happily marry. This especially includes the local fool Dominic (Barry Keoghan), who has the habit of saying what people are only thinking.

Its seems obvious that Colm is suffering from a serious case of depression hes confessed feelings of despair to his local priest but theres apparently no therapist available to help him. Theres also no doubting the seriousness of his finger-chopping threat, which you know wont stop there if youre familiar with how far McDonagh takes things, especially when he pairs Farrell and Gleeson, as he previously did for In Bruges.

I should mention that Inisherin is a fictional place and the movie is a fairy tale, albeit a very grim one, lit more like dire Irish drama than green-and-sunny shamrock comedy.

Reality intrudes with the sound of gunfire across the water on the mainland, where a sectarian civil war ensues, something that has long shattered the peace of the Emerald Isle. Indeed, if theres any message to the film, its the caution that small hurts and insults left unsettled can lead to bigger and more dangerous battles, as those guns across the water attest.

And what of the banshees of the title, a reference to the female spirits of Irish folklore who wail to portend a family death? Its explained in due course, along with the observation that if Inisherin in fact has any banshees, they sit and observe, amused. And so do we.

TIFF 22 Hot Takes

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery: Mirthful menace as Rian Johnson obeys sequel law for Knives Out 2: more of everything, including fresh schemers, a fab sidekick and exotic location (Greek island). Daniel Craigs sleuth Benoit Blanc still delights, but hes now more Austin Powers than 007.

Triangle of Sadness: Ruben stlunds Cannes 2022 Palme dOr winner gets off to a roaring start on dry land, skewering fashion, models and dating. Then it takes to the high seas on a luxury ship of fools and the jokes get scattered Gilligan, ahoy! Still funny, though.

Broker: The tragedy of child trafficking is played for cheap road trip epiphanies in Hirokazu Kore-edas latest, a sad comedown from Like Father Like Son and Palme-winning Shoplifters. Even an actor as simpatico as Song Kang-ho (Parasite) cant pull this off.

Emily: Actor turned writer/director Frances OConnor starred in a Mansfield Park adaptation; she knows literary drama. Now she what-ifs the birth of Emily Bronts Wuthering Heights, with Emma Mackey giving a smashing title performance that exceeds the films limits.

Holy Spider: Zar Amir-Ebrahimi rocks in this fact-based Ali Abbasi thriller about a serial killer preying on prostitutes in Iran. Ebrahimi plays a journalist who risks her life for the truth, knowing many people consider the killer to be Gods avenger.

The End of Sex: Bundling their daughters off to winter camp (its Canada, eh?), Josh (Jonas Chernick) and Emma (Emily Hampshire) seek to restart the love flame with some kinky fun. Life intrudes. Sean Garritys laugher isnt orgasmic, but its still enjoyable and thats the point.

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The dark and funny The Banshees of Inisherin could nab TIFF Peoples Choice Award - Toronto Star

What will it take for world leaders to agree on how to protect half the planet?

Thats the question scientists, environmentalists and ocean-concerned citizens are left asking after the latest collapse of UN negotiations on a Global Ocean Treaty last month. And its the question theyve been asking for the last 20 years since a treaty was first discussed.

We cant afford to wait any longer for an answer.

Get daily news from Canada's National Observer

The oceans have borne the brunt of the climate crisis and suffered catastrophic losses across ecosystems and food chains, all while regulating our climate and providing food security and livelihoods for coastal communities. Two-thirds of the oceans comprising half the planet are whats called the high seas: areas beyond the jurisdiction of any one country. Theyre some of the most biologically important, and stressed, regions in the world.

Theyre also among the least protected. Only about one per cent of the high seas have proper protection, leaving them vulnerable to threats such as industrial fishing, ship traffic, pollution, noise and deep-sea mining.

Scientists say we need to protect at least 30 per cent of the worlds oceans by 2030, commonly called the 30x30 initiative. This is the minimum to allow marine life to adapt to changes in the oceans from the climate crisis and build resilience and create space for the recovery of threatened species and habitats while safeguarding ocean-dependent livelihoods. More than 100 countries including Canada committed to this goal. And in June, Canada further pledged to secure a Global Ocean Treaty by the end of this year with other G7 leaders.

Last month, these leaders had the chance to make good on their commitment. Much progress was made during the final 48 hours of the fifth round of Global Ocean Treaty talks, according to reports, but time ran out before a treaty could be secured. And now the clock is ticking not only for leaders to secure a treaty before the end of the year, but to logistically meet the 30x30 goal before the damage becomes irreversible. Sadly, what could have been a once-in-a-generation opportunity to land a monumental conservation victory remains, once again, lost at sea.

As a member of the High Ambition Coalition, Canada needs to lead on delivering an ambitious treaty. That means calling for an emergency UN meeting this year to conclude negotiations and finalize an impactful treaty with teeth. It means a treaty that enshrines equitable access and sharing to marine genetic resources because a few rich countries should not be the sole beneficiaries of the global commons. And, finally, it also means a treaty that empowers the UN decision-making body, the Conference of Parties, or COP, to protect global waters by establishing a network of ocean sanctuaries highly or fully protected areas free from destructive industries charting the route to our 30x30 goal.

An empowered Conference of Parties is particularly important because leaving marine protection to regional bodies runs the risk of creating a patchwork of paper parks: areas that might have protection on paper but lack sufficient management to enforce it. We need a treaty that puts its promises on paper into practice. And quickly.

Canada must take a firmer grip on our collective ships wheel, steer it home and secure the protection that life in and adjacent to the oceans so desperately needs and deserves. Canadas leadership needs to show up and speak up.

A treaty wasnt the only thing lost at sea in the latest round of negotiations; Canadas leadership was missing in action and publicly silent, with neither the Prime Ministers Office nor one responsible minister Fisheries and Oceans Minister Joyce Murray, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault even acknowledging the talks were happening.

These talks directly relate to commitments made by our federal government concerning biodiversity on half the planet. When pressed, the federal government only offered a statement saying Canada is firmly committed to the conclusion of a high seas treaty.

Nows the time for our leaders to prove it. Commitments without conduct wont save the oceans. But an ambitious treaty will give them a fighting chance.

Brandon Wei works with Greenpeace Canadas oceans and plastics campaign.

Read the original post:

Canada must anchor an ambitious Global Ocean Treaty before year's end - Canada's National Observer

Netflixs new mystery series has it all to rock this fall. 1899 arrives, from the creators of Dark.

One of the things that has contributed Netflix to the world of television, is that it has allowed us to enjoy series that go beyond the typical Spanish and North American productions that dominated the grill in our country. Thats how we discovered the German series Darkand now his relief arrives, 1899.

Dark is a mystery, drama and science fiction series that revolves around a missing child. 1899 Its not a sequel or anything like that. The only thing they share are their creators, Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friesewho have formed a new production company called DARK WAYS, specialized in filming with virtual sets with LED technology.

We already talked about 1899 a few months ago, but now Netflix confirms its upcoming premiere, surely in the fall. Here you can see the promising poster of the series:

1899 is a period series that takes place in the year that gives it its title. All the action will take place, at least initially, in a ship of European migrants traveling from London to the United States to seek a better life in the new century that is about to begin.

The migrant ship will meet another ship on the high seas, and that is when the nightmare will begin.

Passengers on board of different nationalities, including Spanish actor Miguel Bernardeaufrom the Elite series, they will speak in their language, so you will have to read subtitles. It is an important part of the plot and its creators have already confirmed that certain dialogues will not be dubbed.

1899 will share with series like Stranger Things that mixture of mystery, terror and science fiction that has worked so well for Netflix.

As we mentioned in the introduction 1899 has been shot with a virtual set technology called LED, where is it used a game engine to create complex scenariosallowing greater camera freedom than classic green screens.

Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese want 1899 to be a demonstration of this new way of shooting, and other series to use it through their new Dark Ways studio.

1899 has everything to take over from stranger thingsand become one of the best Netflix series.

Originally posted here:

The creators of Dark have a new mystery ready for Netflix: 1899 - Gearrice

Nearly 650,000 parcels of oceanfront property in the U.S. that currently sit on dry land will be at least partially submerged within 30 years due to rising sea levels from climate change, according to a research study released by Climate Central.

Nearly 650,000 parcels of oceanfront property in the U.S. that currently sit on dry land will be at least partially submerged within 30 years due to rising sea levels from climate change, according to a sobering research study released Thursday by Climate Central.

The effects will strain the pocketbooks of not only the property owners who eventually find themselves under the constant threat of coastal flooding, but also the cities and counties who rely on those property taxes to help fund schools, emergency services and utilities.

Sea levels are forecast to rise through the century as the planet warms. Warmer water occupies more space than cooler water, and melting glaciers only add to the rising tides.

Home collapses into the surf in Rodanthe along North Carolina's Outer Banks

(Cape Hatteras National Seashore / National Park Service)

"As a result, properties and buildings that experienced floods in the past are likely to experience more severe floods in the future," the report stated. "It also means higher flood waters are reaching further inland, flooding properties and buildings that have never flooded before."

Climate Central analyzed more than 51 million properties vulnerable to a rising sea level and found that by 2050, some 649,000 parcels may have lost some property below the tidal boundary line -- where waters are expected to reach during high tide -- relative to water levels in 2000.

The research found Florida to have the most properties vulnerable to at least partial submersion by 2050, with more than 130,000 at risk. Louisiana was second with more than 106,000 and Texas was third at just under 65,000.

Chart showing parcels partially below the tideline boundary by 2050.

Of those, more than 48,000 properties may be completely submerged during high tides by 2050.

Properties by state forecast to be below the boundary tide lines by 2050.

(Climate Central)

"Many of these parcels are owned by families or individuals -- people who will experience the consequences as the sea encroaches on their property," the report said.

Homeowners may not only face more flooding in their homes, but also a reduction in property values as the oceans reclaim more land, exposing homeowners to financial risk.

PLAN, PREPARE, PROTECT: HOW TO BEST COVER YOUR PROPERTY AGAINST FLOODS

The boundary between what is considered state-owned waters and private property along the shores varies by state, but is based on certain tidal boundary levels, as compiled by NOAA data.

Rising sea levels to flood nearly 650,000 oceanfront properties across US by 2050, a new study finds. What advice is there for homeowners and people looking to buy coastal properties? Waterfront Real Estate Agent Bonnie Heatzig explains.

Most states, including all along the West Coast, use the mean high tide mark to set the private-public property boundary. Three states Texas, Louisiana and Hawaii use the mean of the two highest daily high tides each day. Six states, including Massachusetts, Maine and Virginia, use the mean low tide water line.

"Essentially, each state designated a land elevation based on different average tidal levels, such as average high tide or low tide lines, to set the boundaries," according to the study.

HOW DO CLOUDS AFFECT THE CLIMATE ON EARTH?

Using the latest research on climate change from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that assumes the continuation of current carbon emission trends, Climate Central study authors pored over tax assessment data and parcel acreage for 250 waterfront counties, accounting for each state's relevant boundary definitions, to determine potential risk and loss due to rising sea levels.

All told, at least $108 billion of assessed value is at risk by 2100, and due to incomplete value data for some regions, that tally is likely far higher, the study stated. Even by 2050, Florida is expected to have just over $7 billion worth of property affected by rising sea levels.

Major coastal flooding in Charleston, South Carolina

(FOX Weather)

But while the research calculates the potential losses through the year 2100, the authors focused on the anticipated effects by 2050 for the report as the date falls within the range of new 30-year mortgages "to emphasize the imminent risks for homeowners and coastal communities."

Climate Central found that an additional 4.4 million acres may be below the tidal boundary by 2050 -- roughly 3/4 the size of New Jersey -- with Louisiana making up half the lost acreage. Florida, Texas and North Carolina combine with Louisiana to make up 87% of the expected acreage loss.

Chart showing land area in millions of acres affected by sea level rise by 2050.

(Climate Central)

For Louisiana, 8.7% of state land could be affected by rising sea levels by 2050, with Florida at nearly 2%. By 2100, acreage lost more than doubles to 9.1 million, the study found.

Some counties and parishes are predicted to be hit particularly hard by rising sea levels. Of the 250 studied, researchers found that 30 counties/parishes across seven states are at the greatest risk of having at least 10% of their land area affected by rising sea levels in 2050, with Louisiana again hit particularly hard.

Eleven parishes are expected to have 40% or more of their land affected by 2050, with Terrebonne Parish at over 76.6% and Lafourche Parish at 60.9%.

Some of the more populated counties and parishes on the list include Orleans Parish, home to New Orleans; Galveston County, home to Galveston, Texas; Miami-Dade and Monroe counties in Florida that include the Miami shores, and New Jersey's Hudson County in the New York City metro area.

HERES WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR CAR IS FLOODED

If you expand the impact to 5% of the area affected, 54 counties and parishes make up 83% of all affected areas. Climate Central has produced an individual report of each county and parish included in the study, which you can find at this link.

"The seas are rising and we are getting used to this concept of coastal flooding, but now were seeing permanent flooding," Climate Central Project Lead Don Bain told FOX Weather. "And one of the consequences of that is that the lines we use to divide between private popery and public waters and public tide lands is shifting. So we are going to have to get used to the idea that we are losing something to the sea and that is not only devastating to property owners, but it's rough on our local commutes who depend upon property taxes to fund their operations and to fund our schools."

The report warned of an impending reality where thousands of oceanfront buildings nestled as close to the shore as possible while maintaining what has been a safe distance from the water line eventually find themselves below the water line.

Specifically, the report outlines about 84,500 homes and buildings will be in the flood zone by 2050.

Waves break over the sea wall at Middle Beach in Kennebunk as a car drives along Beach Avenue during high tide on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

(Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald / Getty Images)

"People have historically built as close to the ocean as possible while remaining above the observed tides -- an outdated strategy based on the assumption that the sea level remains stable," the study's authors wrote. "Once rapidly rising seas breach a certain threshold, these densely-developed landscapes reach a tipping point where flooding was once the exception is now the rule."

The impacts of rising sea levels go far beyond the direct costs of damaging floods to buildings. Cities and counties will face ever-increasing costs related to increased flooding, such as:

Meanwhile, just as expenses increase, cities may be losing tax revenue. As waterfront residents lose land to sea, they will object to being taxed on property no longer owned, reducing tax revenue to the city and county. Sea-flooded businesses can also petition for a reduction in property taxes due to flood-related devaluations of property.

"So just at the time (cities) are spending more, theyre losing revenue, which is a terrible combination," Bain said.

A car and truck pass through a flooded Beach Avenue in Kennebunk during high tide on Tuesday, April 19, 2022.

(Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald / Getty Images)

Those fights over how, when and whether legal boundaries will be adjusted in response to tidal changes is "very much an open question," the study noted. It is already a complex process to determine land-sea boundaries, and rising sea levels and their implications on tax revenue and infrastructure maintenance will only become more exacerbated.

Any lower tax revenue not only hamstrings municipalities dealing with the added flooding, but also reduces funds available for schools, emergency services, transportation and other crucial taxpayer-funded services.

As cities lose services, property values decrease, leading to a downward spiral in tax revenue.

How cities respond or fail to respond may also impact their ability to repay debt and suffer lower credit ratings, the report warned.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER ON TV

"This pattern sends a critical warning: while change might seem relatively slow and manageable in many places today, we are soon headed for a very different world," the study stated. "Planning, preparation and prevention will be required to avoid a lot of pain."

The study offers four options for government entities to reduce the risk of rising sea levels.

First, they suggest adjusting land policies to encourage development outside new risk zones and limit growth in areas where sea levels are expected to rise. Second, cities and counties should invest in improving stormwater systems, raising roads, building levees or improving coastal wetlands, "that will, at least for a time, help protect the tax base," the authors wrote.

They encourage participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and Community Rating Systems incentives to provide financial resilience for residents and educate local residents, so they can help adapt their local economy and tax base to rising seas.

There is one primary way to prevent impacts from rising sea levels, according to the study ultimately, reducing and eventually eliminating carbon pollution.

"We have a choice between some better outcomes and some worse outcomes," Bain said. "And were hoping that we get a hold of this problem and get to some lower emissions rates so that we have a chance to adapt. If we dont, we run the risk of creating rising seas that are rising faster than our capacity to adapt to them."

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Rising sea levels to flood nearly 650,000 oceanfront properties across US by 2050, study finds - Fox Weather

This season Synchronicity Theatre will take audiences on a journey of self-reflection and celebration. As Synchronicity Theatre launches Act 1 of our 25th Anniversary year, as we continue to uplift the voices of women and girls through theatre, we will take time to reflect on our journey.

The First Act of the 2022-23 season will include Synchronicity's Bold Voices series (bold, contemporary plays for adults), the Family Series (compelling plays for children and families), new play development, and education and outreach events (curated new voices, events, and performances).

Our Bold Voices series starts with Katie Hamill's adaptation Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - #2B. Our Family Series features an all-new musical adaptation of the beloved children's book Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe. The show, written by Karen Abbott with new songs by Taryn Janelle and LeRell Ross, will run on our stage and then go on tour as part of our New Stages touring program to bring high-quality Family Series productions to theatres around the southeast; and the return of Kate DiCamillo's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, adapted by Dwayne Hartford.

The company will continue its long-standing tradition of curating new voices and providing opportunities for emerging artists to perform their works through our arts incubator project Stripped Bare, which provides research and development time to four new projects per season - bolstering new artists, forms, and voices.

Synchronicity will continue its mission of community building with the Playmaking for Kids (after-school programs and camps) and Playmaking for Girls programs (playwriting workshops for teen girls in group homes and refugee communities); and our Designers of Color initiative, which provides support for emerging designers in their first professional jobs, through: structured side-by- side mentorships; financial, life skills, and mental health training, and access to established professional networks.

Later this fall, Synchronicity will announce Act 2 of our 25th anniversary season, including more Bold Voices productions, the popular Women in the Arts & Business Panel Luncheon (WIABL), a discussion of relevant issues facing Atlanta's business and arts communities; and next steps for our new play development projects like Women's Work, a new play in development exploring the relationship of women to work over the past five decades in Georgia and beyond. This project is funded by the MAP Fund, and includes writers Danielle Deadwyler and Mary Lynn Owen.

All performances will be at Synchronicity Theatre, in Midtown's Peachtree Pointe complex. For tickets or more information on Synchronicity Theatre, programming, and events, visit http://www.synchrotheatre.com or call 404-484-8636.

ABOUT THE PLAYS - SEASON 25 ACT 1

Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - #2B

By Kate Hamill

Inspired by the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

You'll find the world's most ingenious detective in the oddest of places. And one of them is on Dr. Joan Watson's last nerve. The game is most definitely afoot in Kate Hamill's gender-bending, irreverent, and affectionate take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved mystery classic. This time, in a highly-theatrical adventure comedy, Sherlock Holmes and Watson are at it again solving mysteries full of mystery, murder and mayhem, and the challenges of sharing a bathroom sink.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Adapted by Dwayne Hartford, from the book by Kate DiCamillo

Everyone's favorite vain and haughty china rabbit is back on the Synchronicity stage. His vest is buttoned tight and his gold pocket watch is set, but who might he be now? Oh, it's just old Edward Tulane. But just for now. He'll have to battle the high seas, pass through the hands of a fisherman, befriend a happy hobo, comfort a sick child on his not-so-planned adventure to find his way home. Based on Kate DiCamillo's award-winning novel, and adapted by Dwayne Hartford, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane takes us on an unexpected magical journey to discover the transformative powers of love.

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

Based on the story by John Steptoe, Adapted for the stage by Karen Abbott, New music & Lyrics by LeRell Ross & Taryn Janelle

Once upon a time there was a man with two very beautiful daughters. Written in the style of African Folktales, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters is an expansive, musical retelling of the classic Cinderella story. Set under the clear Zimbabwean sky comes a tale of true beauty.

Award-winning artist and writer John Steptoe's rich cultural imagery of Africa earned him the Coretta Scott King Award and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters.

Now for the first time with new music created by Synchronicity's artistic team, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters is simply magic for the whole family.

COVID SAFETY POLICY:

Currently we require that audience members wear masks at all times. The situation is fluid and may change.

Because Fulton County is currently "medium risk" according to the CDC and following the lead of many live performing arts organizations in Atlanta and around the country, Synchronicity will no longer ask for proof of vaccination status or negative COVID-19 test. Visit our COVID-19 page for our full COVID-safety protocols, including our ventilation upgrades and HEPA filter installations.

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STRIPPED BARE ARTS INCUBATOR PROJECTS

Synchronicity's arts incubator project, Stripped Bare, will present four ground-breaking new projects and will give early-career artists a space to create and present new work. Stripped Bare focuses on projects that emphasize words and ideas, with minimal technical elements, and encourages young artists to think about the essentials of theatre, "stripped of" intricate sets, lights, props, sound design, and costumes. While each project will use these devices minimally, the focus will be on actors, words, passion, and ideas. Tickets are free for all Stripped Bare performances and take place at Synchronicity Theatre, in Midtown's Peachtree Pointe complex

Elvenses by Odelia San Diego

August 30 & 31, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.

Grams & Me by Deja Holmes

November 9, 2022

The Mad Hatterpillar by Rachel Frawley

January 11, 2023

Yanni Stone and the Honeypot Trap by Anterior Leverett

April 12, 2023

BEYOND THE THEATRE

Our Designers of Color initiative builds a Success Scaffold for emerging designers in their first professional jobs, through: structured side- by-side mentorships; financial, life skills, and mental health training, and access to established professional networks. Community partners include Multiband Studios, 360 Arts Blvd, and Atlanta Theatre Artists for Justice.

The company will continue Playmaking for Kids after school and summer camp drama programming and the acclaimed Playmaking for Girls program for juvenile justice and refugee communities with a performance open to the public in June. Info will be available online at http://www.synchrotheatre.com.

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Atlanta's Synchronicity Theatre Announces ACT 1 of the 25th Anniversary Season! - Broadway World