Category Archives: High Seas

The word odyssey means an adventurous journey and there are indeed many adventures awaiting guests on every journey of Odyssey of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbeans newest and most advanced ships. How many of these thrilling features will you attempt on your next cruise?

Odyssey of the Seas is a Quantum-Ultra class ship, measuring 1,139 feet in length and weighing in at 169,379 gross tons. This provides plenty of room for amazing adventures on board, and Odyssey is packed with thrills for passengers of all ages and interests.

Royal Caribbean is well known for offering adventurous thrills on every ship in its fleet, and Odyssey of the Seas continues that tradition with several classic thrills that have come to be expected on many Royal Caribbean ships.

The first thrill Royal Caribbean ever offered is the rock wall, which was introduced in 1999 and then added to every ship in the fleet in 2002. Odysseys rock wall is a colorful climbing adventure located on deck 15, on the starboard side of the ships funnel.

Several skill levels are incorporated into the wall, and climbers of all experience levels or no experience at all! can climb to new heights to ring the bell at the top, signifying their success.

The FlowRider is another classic adventure first introduced by Royal Caribbean in 2006 and now widespread throughout the fleet. This 40-foot long surfing simulator lets guests catch perfect waves and show off boogie boarding and surfing skills right on deck.

The Odyssey of the Seas FlowRider is located on deck 16, aft, and offers both free surfing opportunities as well as private lessons (for a fee).

Sky Pad is a newer adventure on Royal Caribbean ships and was just introduced in 2018. This bungee trampoline offers both an open-view as well as a virtual-reality experience, and guests can choose whether to enjoy classic jumping or to engage in a high-tech adventure with the VR headset option.

Sky Pad has four jump pads to accommodate multiple guests at once, and on Odyssey of the Seas, guests will find the iconic yellow bubble that encases Sky Pad on deck 16.

Royal Caribbean has amped up the thrills on Odyssey with several next-level adventures that allow guests to take to the skies literally!

North Star is the ultimate observation deck, available exclusively on Royal Caribbeans Quantum-class ships. Odyssey of the Seas features the worlds tallest North Star pod, with the ability to extend more than 300 feet above sea level 1.2 degrees higher than the North Star on Spectrum of the Seas, and the tallest of any cruise ship in the world.

While the observation pod operates slowly and gently to suit any passenger, the thrilling views it offers cannot be matched. North Star experiences will vary based on the ships itinerary and whether it is in port or not, and some experiences require additional fees. Access to North Star is on deck 15.

Guests who want an even more thrilling view can take to the skies on Ripcord by iFly, a skydiving simulator that lifts guests to new heights with the guidance of an experienced skydiving instructor.

Available exclusively on the Quantum-class ships, this flight offers just a minute of airtime in the specially designed vertical wind tunnel, but the thrilling memories last a lifetime. Guests can find the access to Ripcord by iFly on deck 15, aft, and view the wind tunnel on deck 16, just forward of FlowRider.

Guests who prefer to stay grounded in their adventures wont want to miss the bumper cars in the SeaPlex on deck 15. This multi-use space is transformed into different adventures throughout every cruise, from pickleball tournaments to soccer shootouts, but the biggest thrill is when the electric bumper cars take the floor.

These full-size bumper cars offer full-size thrills that arent scaled down just because theyre on a cruise ship. The floor is generously spaced so the dozen or so cars reach top speeds and the collisions can be intense be sure your seatbelt is fastened and all belongings are tightly secured! Rides last several generous minutes and there is no charge for the adventure.

With so many adventures on available, everyone can be thrilled at this new ship and this list doesnt cover nearly every thrill on board!

Dont miss the interactive video game arcade, the robot bartenders, Splashaway Bay, the deck games, multi-sensory high-tech shows, and other thrills onboard, not to mention the thrilling destinations Odyssey of the Seas visits, including top ports of call and Perfect Day at CocoCay!

Where will your odyssey of adventures take you with Royal Caribbeans Odyssey of the Seas?

Disclaimer Cruise Hive was invited to participate in a complimentary 2-night trade sailing of Odyssey of the Seas to explore the ships thrills firsthand, but that experience in no way influences the impressions made of the ship or the recommendations made in various articles.

Read more:

What Thrilling Features Can You Find on Odyssey of the Seas? - Cruise Hive

Twelve days ago, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to each other by video conference and then tried to convey as optimistic a message about the relations between the two countries and about global issues as they could manage. The offices of the two presidents issued statements saying they had just had the most substantial talks between them since Biden took office in January. Both sides highlighted the personal relationship the two leaders shared and that the summit was an attempt to ease tensions between the two countries. Yet, no one around the world, and perhaps the two presidents themselves, thought that the talks went well and the world can breathe easy.

The Chinese government mouthpiece Global Times had commented before the summit that The Taiwan question is the ultimate red line of China. And the daggers were out even before the two leaders had logged off from the video call. China warned the US not to play with fire over the Taiwan issue; the US warned Beijing of stricter action against Chinese companies that flout US laws. It is evident that the fig leaf of agreement between the two countries on climate change during the CoP-26 in Glasgow is hardly wide enough to cover all the unpleasant and multiplying differences between the two powers.

Read more:Chinas Arunachal strategy comes into full view

The US has continuously raised the issue of human rights violations in the Xinjiang province where the Uyghur population has been systematically subjected to inhuman treatment by the Chinese State machinery. Beijing has dismissed these charges as baseless allegations and dumped the American protestations with contempt. Beijing has warned the US not to oppress Chinese companies under the guise of protecting American industry and workers from unfair trade practices.

International politics is all about the rise and fall of nations that once were considered leaders of the world order. In about a centurys time, the superpower crown has passed and fallen off multiple heads between the two World Wars and a Cold War and globalisation. Existing powers were challenged by emerging powers, which themselves were sometimes relegated to the background by yet another new comer on the international horizon.

While generally, scholars point out to the exertions of the US post-World War II to build the existing international order, I would think a rather more defining moment to think of in our times is the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis for the strong US decision-making in those 13 days in the face of another superpowers nuclear threat to the Continental United States itself. Will the crisis brewing over Taiwan blow up into such a situation and test the resolve of the US to stand by an ally and a fellow democracy? If it does, how will the US fare today?

The White House has called a conclave of democracies in the second week of December. More than 100 countries have been invited. Of course, China and Russia cant be part of it. Will the conclave signal the resolve of democracies to stand up to authoritarian states and to defeat their hegemonic designs? Will such a conclave help prevent war erupting over flashpoints?

Closer home, India has a vastly challenging regional imbalance to worry about. Geographically contiguous but highly heterogeneous in social, political and economic terms, Indias immediate and extended neighbourhood offers both serious challenges and immense opportunities to New Delhi to lead the emerging multipolar arrangement. The Indo-Pacific region requires an institutional framework and platforms for building supply chains and facilitating trade, transport and technology transfers. A large body of estranged democracies with varied agenda and lacking a unified objective cannot be of much help to New Delhi to play a leading role in the region. Ironically, while Bangladesh, which is playing a greater role in strengthening democracy and fighting terrorism, is not invited to the conclave of democracies, Pakistan, which uses terrorism as State policy and which is Chinas iron brother ally, is invited!

It will be futile to expect such a conclave to add any value to our democratic system, economic revival through supply chain systems or the regional security architecture that we seek to build.

Meanwhile, the Biden-Xi talks were overshadowed by the increasing number of sorties undertaken by Chinese fighter jets into Taiwans Air Defence Zone (ADZ) recently. The US has upped its military posture and put into action its Air Sea Battle Concept and the Joint Concept for Access and Manoeuvre in the Global Commons. These are in response to Chinese anti-access and area denial activities that is affecting freedom of movement in the air and sea in the East and South China Seas. It is clear that Taiwans status has emerged as the focal point and the bone of contention between the competing powers, fuelling questions about the need for countries, including India, to recalibrate their positions on the One China policy.

There is a visible rise in authoritarianism of the State and Party in China, the increasing power of Xi Jinping as its ruler for life, and growing belligerence in Chinas international attitude. On the other hand, Chinas economy is slowing down, its credibility is plummeting, and global acceptance of its leadership is doubtful. In such a situation, the demand for boycott of the Winter Olympics in China is gaining ground. India should support the boycott demand and signal Delhis displeasure to Beijing over the range of issues that bedevil our relations, from whats happening on our Himalayan borders to Chinas disrespect for international law and rules-based behaviour on the high seas.

A coordinated approach to counter Chinas hegemonic objectives is necessary but given the prevarications of the global powers, Delhi needs to look for new partnerships while building up its own capabilities.

(Seshadri Chari reads between the lines on big national and international developments from his vantage point in the BJP National Executive and the RSS)

The rest is here:

The conclave of democracies is fine, but its not going to work for India - Deccan Herald

On 2003, I arrive NCIS with the aim of showing a fiction starring a team of special agents from the Criminal Investigation Service of the United States Navy. Since then, the success has been enormous: today it is one of the quintessential police series and has become a franchise with different locations. This monday will arrive The end of NCIS: New Orleans and here we tell you everything you need to know before seeing it.

From November 8, A&E began broadcasting the episodes of the seventh season of this derived production. In this way, the series starring Scott Bakula came to the homes of Argentina, Colombia and Mexico With 15 episodes and in just two days, the outcome of the investigators who delve into the crimes and cases involving New Orleans military personnel will be known.

It is not a simple farewell: seven years have passed since this spin-off began with the agent Dwayne Pride to the head. And now, it will not only involve seeing the fight against crime in the city, but also the team led by the so-called King will need all its reserves to be able to face the terrible crisis that caused the coronavirus pandemic worldwide.

During this last season, agents have been seen Tammy Gregorio (Vanessa Ferlito) and Quentin Carter (Charles Michael Davis) They are sent by Scott Bakulas character to investigate a suspicious death aboard a humanitarian ship on the high seas, where they learn that some of the crew are infected with the deadly disease.

Also, they have had their participation the special agent Christopher Lasalle (Lucas Black), the forensic agent Sebastian Lund (Rob Kerkovich y Hannah Khoury (Necar Zadegan), an agent specialized in international counterintelligence. In addition to the support of Dr. Loretta, the team includes a specialist in research informatics Patton Plame (Daryl Chill Mitchell).

I am a very lucky guy, who has had a long career. I am a stage, theater and film actor and I was also able to do musical work. NCIS: New Orleans gave me many opportunities to combine all those rolesSaid the leading actor. Somewhat excited, he remarked: I had never done a series with more than 100 episodes, there were many first times for me on this. It was very hard work, but a very exciting time. I love the real man DWayne Swear, which was who my character was based on. Sadly he passed away a few years ago, but he was the heart and soul of our program, and I did my best to maintain his reputation and memory..

About the filming, Scott Bakula assured: Everything was filmed in the middle of the pandemic, with all kinds of security protocols, in a very careful way so that it is a program that could keep people safe. I was lucky enough to convince the company and the writers that we should include the theme in the series. We show how it affected all the characters on the show, how it affected the members of the forces, and how it affected the city as well. Because once again, that city was the heart of our series.

Titled as Let the good times begin, the last chapter of the series will arrive next Monday, November 29 at A&E. It will be set on the eve of Prides wedding to Rita, just as Connor (Drew Scheid) is entering witness protection. In this framework, the character of Bakula must find who attacked Jimmy (Jason Alan Carvell), while discovering the hidden motives of Sasha (Callie Thorne) regarding his son. Both in Colombia and in Mexico and Argentina, will be broadcast at 22 hours.

If you have a Telegram account, just click on the following button.

But if you dont have a profile on the platform yet, you can download it from the Apple Store or the Google Store, depending on your cell phones operating system. Once inside the application, in the search engine put SpoilerBV and there you can give us subscribe to be aware of all the news.

Disclaimer: This article is generated from the feed and not edited by our team.

See the rest here:

NCIS New Orleans premieres its last episode and this is how the series will end - Market Research Telecast

November 28, 2021

For the honor of the flag, in order not to fall into German hands which had just invaded the free zone, the French navy sank all its ships.

Two years after Mers-el-Kbir in 1940, on November 27, 1942, the French fleet once again saw a large part of its ships sink. But this time, it will be scuttling by the very hand of the French. On the evening of November 27, 90% of the ships moored in Toulon harbor were scuttled. All large ocean-going combat vessels are sunk or unrecoverable. A total of 235,000 tonnes rendered useless i.e. three battleships, seven cruisers, fifteen destroyers, thirteen torpedo boats, six avisos, twelve submarines, nine patrol boats and dredgers, nineteen service vessels, one vessel school, twenty-eight tugs and four lifting docks. A suicide for the glory and in respect of the promise made by the admiralty never to fall into the hands of the Germans.

On November 11, Hitler launched Operation Anton in total violation of the armistice agreement signed in June 1940. The Germans invaded the free zone. An invasion in their eyes necessary since the Allies landed on November 8 in North Africa, Morocco and Algeria.

But above all, Hitler feared that the French fleet consigned to the Toulon naval base would consider that after the invasion of the free zone, it was released from article 8 of the armistice agreement which imposed neutrality on it, and does not join the allied forces. The city is now the only unoccupied enclave in mainland France.

On November 26, two panzer columns set in motion to take the arsenal. Code name of the operation: Lila. On the morning of the 27th, the German soldiers arrested the maritime prefect, Admiral Marquis. His Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Robin, manages to escape and transmit to the Arsenal Major General, Rear Admiral Dornon, the scuttling order which he immediately retransmits to the Admiral. Laborde aboard the Strasbourg, flagship of the high seas forces. This radio launches the general destruction order, also reflected by optical signals. The scuttling teams must act quickly. The German tanks entered the arsenal but lost precious time, being unable to find their way around. This leaves time for the scutters to finish their work.

At 6 am, the first explosions are heard then follow one another. The teams light the wicks, open the valves, drown the bunkers sometimes under the threat of German soldiers. Some ships like cruisers Algeria, Marseillaise Where Dupleix will burn for several days. Three submarines manage to reach Algeria and join the Free French Naval Forces (FNFL). That day, the Royale the nickname given to the navy saved the honor of its flag.

Read more here:

the scuttling of the fleet in Toulon Liberation - The Times Hub

Jim Caruso's Cast Party (with Billy Stritch at the piano) will make a triumphant return to Las Vegas on Wednesday, December 1 at 7pm. The "extreme open mic" will take place at Myron's at The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas.

Over the years, Cast Party Las Vegas has been the place for impromptu performances by Donny Osmond, Clint Holmes, Susan Anton, Frankie Moreno, Keith Thompson, Brent Barrett, Chadwick Johnson, CJ Emmons, Giada Valenti, Michelle Johnson, Jonathan Karrant, Fifth Avenue, Amanda King, Ruby Lewis, and so many more!

Jim Caruso's Cast Party is a wildly popular weekly open mic night that has been bringing a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night for the past eighteen years. It's a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle. In the past, Party-ers have been thrilled by impromptu performances by Liza Minnelli, Ariana Grande, Tony Bennett, Michael Feinstein, Natalie Cole, Donny Osmond, Carol Channing, Charlie Puth, Jeffrey Osborne, Larry Gatlin, and thousands more. Cast Party is the ultimate spot to mix and mingle with talented show folk and their fans. The buoyant, sharp and charming Caruso guides the entire affair like a bubbly cruise director, musical genius Billy Stritch (Liza Minnelli and Tony Bennett) holds court at the ivories, and the audience is invited to participate in the festivities! Caruso and Stritch have taken the Party on the road, celebrating talent in London, San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Austin, and on the high seas. Cast Party was also part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Songbook Series, celebrating the Golden Age of Hollywood with an all-star cast.

Jim Caruso made his Broadway debut alongside Liza Minnelli in the Tony Award-winning Liza's At The Palace!, singing, dancing and celebrating the music and arrangements of Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers. He has won six MAC Awards for his nightclub appearances, nine BroadwayWorld Awards, has performed with the New York Pops in a tribute to Kander & Ebb, with Rosemary Clooney celebrating Bing Crosby, and singing the songs of Hope & Crosby with Michael Feinstein, all at Carnegie Hall. Jim was honored to sing with Barbara Cook, Lauren Bacall and a bevy of Broadway stars at President Clinton's First State Dinner at the White House. For eighteen years, he has hosted the weekly showbiz bash "Jim Caruso's Cast Party" at Birdland, Town Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center and across the country. Jim and pianist/singer Billy Stritch have enjoyed crooning during their weekly residency at The Carlyle Hotel for eight years. During the pandemic, Jim hosted the virtual "Pajama Cast Party" for 72 consecutive weeks, celebrating some of the most dazzling musical stars from the Broadway, pop, and country scenes...all from the comfort of their homes! Caruso's two cds, "The Swing Set" and "Caruso Live and In Person" are available online. Follow Jim on Instagram at @JimCaruso1.

Billy Stritch is one of the premier singer-pianists on the New York and national jazz and cabaret scenes. He began his career in Houston, Texas, where he formed the vocal trio Montgomery, Plant and Stritch. The trio performed all over New York and Europe from 1983 until they disbanded in 1990. A chance meeting with Liza Minnelli in March of 1991 resulted in her asking him to create vocal arrangements for the record-breaking extravaganza Liza Stepping Out at Radio City Music Hall. In addition to his 25-year collaboration with as accompanist and opening act for Liza, Billy recently toured with the legendary Tony Bennett as Tony's pianist and musical director. A solo entertainer in his own right, he has performed his own shows (including tributes to Mel Torm and Cy Coleman) in concert halls and nightclubs across the country. Billy also serves as music director for such leading vocalists as Marilyn Maye, Linda Lavin, Linda Eder, Christine Ebersole and Paulo Szot. He is the co-writer of the number one Grammy-winning song "Does He Love You" recorded by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis. Lightning struck twice for this song as a new version was released in 2021 by Reba and the legendary Dolly Parton. When he's not on the road, he is the pianist for Jim Caruso's Cast Party open mic night every Monday at New York's legendary Birdland Jazz Club and he and Jim hold forth on Sunday nights at Bemelmans Bar in Manhattan's fabled Carlyle Hotel. During Covid-19, he created his own weekly Facebook live-stream show "Billy's Place", celebrating the Great American Songbook with songs and stories from his varied career. He has recorded five solo CDs and his latest CD release "Billy's Place" (Club44 Records) is a collection of his favorite songs from these online concerts. Follow Billy on Instagram @billystritch.

*Interested performers should email caruso212@aol.com for more information.

Jim Caruso's Cast Party with Billy Stritch at the pianoWednesday, December 1 at 7pmMyron's at The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegaswww.TheSmithCenter.com

See original here:

JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY With Billy Stritch Will Return to Myron's At The Smith Center - Broadway World

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribunewww.newsofbahrain.com

Pakistan Navy along with coalition partners remains committed to keeping around 3.2 million square miles of international waters safe.

Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Ayub said that Pakistan Navy is a longtime contributor to international security operations as a participant in the multinational Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), particularly the Groups Combined Task Force 150 and anti-piracy Combined Task Force 151.

The ambassador was speaking during an onboard reception held onboard PNS Behr Masah at Salman Port marking the 50 years of diplomatic ties between Bahrain and Pakistan.

As a partner of the Combined Task Force, Pakistan Navy ships with strategic assets and personnel are carrying out important missions to promote security, stability, and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world's most important shipping lanes, he said.

Pakistan Navy has the rare distinction of commanding CTF-150 and CTF-151 eleven and nine times, respectively. Pakistan also has created its own Regional Maritime Security Patrol. Pakistan Navy and Bahrain Royal Naval Forces have been working together to promote maritime security in the region over the years."

The reception was attended by Rear Admiral Mohammed Yousif Al Asam Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Forces, BDF officers, diplomats, and Pakistan community members.

Our Defence forces enjoy deep-rooted cooperation in diverse fields, including training, joint exercises, consultations, and coordination on matters of mutual interest. The Pakistan Navy, in particular, has played a pivotal role in strengthening our bilateral relations," he said.

I am confident that this goodwill visit of Pakistan Navy ships will bolster Pakistan Navys bilateral relations with the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces in diverse avenues.

The ambassador said the current mission is of immense significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Pakistan- Bahrain diplomatic relations.

To celebrate this historic milestone, we have planned several events, including cultural and sporting activities throughout the year. Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy long standing relations rooted in our common faith, shared cultural and social values. These relations are based on solidarity, fraternity, mutual trust, and support. The Pakistani diaspora, including skilled workers, businessmen and educated professionals, is a strong bridge between our two countries."

Commodore Rehan Ali Khan, Mission Commander of Pakistan Contingent in his speech highlighted the importance of the Pakistan Navy and its coalition partners in maintaining peace, stability and free flow of shipping lines in the region which accounts for a major trade route.

The current PNS mission to Manama comprises two ships from the Pakistan Navy and one from the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.

Pakistan believes in promoting peace and security in the region and has remained committed to international community for maintaining stability and to curb terrorism in all its forms, Commander, Rehan Ali Khan told the reception.

Pakistan Navy, as an instrument of Government policy, has a mission to safeguard freedom of seas and trade. In this regard, the Pakistan Navy has taken initiative by deploying its units for Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP), he said.

The objective of RMSP is to maintain presence along critical choke points and areas in the region to fulfill international obligations for maritime security and safeguard national shipping while observing freedom of navigation across high seas, he added.

Our current visit of Pakistan Navy ships to Bahrain opens new vistas for future cooperation in the maritime arena and also a contribution from Pakistan navy towards the celebration of the 50th year of Pakistan Bahrain diplomatic relation. Pakistan also shares the will and desire to make all out efforts for eradication of piracy and elimination of its underlying causes.

Read the original:

Pakistan Navy marks 50 years of diplomatic ties with Bahrain with port visit | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN - News of Bahrain- DT News

One of the environmental legacies of Covid-19 may well be vast amounts of plastic pollution. Since the beginning of the pandemic, scientists have warned of the long-term threat of littering face masks and other personal protective equipment into the environment.

These large plastic items break down into microplastics, which wash into our waterways and agricultural land. Microplastics are commonly defined as solid plastic particles or synthetic fibres of the size between 1 m and 5,000 m, or micrometres.

The problem is of course much bigger than face masks: industrial and private activities release microplastic into the environment in different ways, where they negatively impact ecosystems. Microplastics are found in many ecosystems and even ingested by many species.

Microplastic pollution is best known as a pollutant in oceans, lakes and rivers. But microplastics also have an impact on land: they can break down the structure of soil and harm the creatures that live there, for example when it is ingested by earthworms.

The two environmental problems are related microplastics in soils can also be transported from agricultural fields into rivers, lakes and the ocean by erosion and surface runoff.

In both water and soil, microplastics can have an extremely long life. In soil, plastic particles can last up to a hundred years or more, depending on the characteristics of the plastic particles and the environmental conditions in the soil.

There is a lot we still do not know about how microplastic pollution gets into the environment, and how much is there.

One challenge is determining the content of microplastics in soil. The difficulty lies in the fact that the chemical and physical characteristics of microplastic particles are similar to organic matter, which makes the separation of plastics from soil very difficult.

This means it is very expensive to analyse individual soil samples, and the prohibitive cost limits the number of samples which can be examined at a time. The low number of available samples are normally not enough to derive regional information on emissions or pollution.

But we can use modelling to build a picture of the environmental situation at a regional scale. This can help with identifying pollution hot-spots and potentially useful sample sites.

Our recent study presents an environmental regional model to analyse microplastic emissions into German agricultural soils.

In Germany, microplastic in agricultural soils comes from sewage sludge, compost and from plastic films used in agricultural production (for example, mulch film in vegetable growing).

Farmers apply sewage sludge to use its organic matter and nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphor, as organic fertiliser for crops. Microplastics such as textile fibres from clothes or microbeads from cleaning and cosmetic products enter the sewage sludge via waste water. This means high concentrations are found close to regions with significant population density and with a strong application rate for sewage sludge in agriculture, like Hanover in the mid-north.

Microplastics enter compost as fragments from plastic food packaging in collected biowaste or from plastic littering along parks or highways. Compost is applied for the same reason as sewage sludge. High concentrations of microplastic pollution from compost are identified in densely populated regions where biowaste is used agriculturally, for example around Cologne.

Microplastic from plastic films enters the soil when the film is damaged, for example when removing or changing it. Mulch film is applied in different production systems for vegetables to protect fruit, maintain soil temperature and humidity and to prevent erosion and weeds. Pollution from plastic films is very high in regions where vegetables are grown under mulch film such as the areas south of Berlin or northeast of Munich.

Our modelling shows that the concentrations of microplastic from applied sewage sludge are higher than those found in areas where it comes from compost and plasticulture. Depending on their location, some hot-spots could be more critical than others, for example, if they are close to rivers and lakes.

These findings can help to identify high-risk areas as focus regions for further soil sampling and analysis.

In situations where empirical information on microplastic pollution is rare, model-based analysis is a complementary tool we can use to assess the situation, both currently and in the future. But the results require continuous updating according to new knowledge on quantities and impacts of microplastic in soils.

Regional results can also feed into other simulation models, which, for example, simulate microplastic transport via river systems to the sea. This approach is already in use for other environmental pollution problems including nitrogen and phosphor emissions.

Our general lack of knowledge on the scale of microplastic pollution requires rapid progress in research.

More evidence is required to evaluate the situation and decide whether there is a need for new environmental policies to tackle the problem. Until then, farmers will face the conflict of recycling biowaste as fertiliser for the sake of the circular economy, all while polluting their fields with unknown substances.

Martin Henseler is a Research Engineer, Equipe dEconomie Le Havre Normandie at the Universit Le Havre Normandie.

Elke Brandes is a Scientist and Peter Kreins is a Research Associate at the Thnen Institute.

This article first appeared on The Conversation.

View original post here:

Microplastics are not just polluting the seas they are blighting our soil too - Scroll.in

Age of Empires IV officially released at the end of last month. Then, last week a patch went out to improve performance and fix a couple of other things. Now, we have a roadmap for the future of the game. First, in Winter 2021, there will be hundreds of balance changes, bug fixes, and new key features that players have requested. Heres a little peek courtesy of Xbox Wire:

Make the choice to turn on and view in-game player scores! Based on community feedback, weve made the decision to implement in-game scores for those who wish to have them. We know that using this feature can change the way you choose to play the game, and so we want to empower you to make the choice for yourself starting with our Winter 2021 update, youll be able to enable in-game player score on a case-by-case basis for custom lobby multiplayer and skirmish matches.

Weve moved the Chinese Dynasty button and user interface to a less prominent position on the screen. Youll now find it in the lower left-hand corner.

The ability to view the map post-match is something youve asked for, and weve begun to make changes to allow you to do just that. Starting with the Winter 2021 update, youll be able to pan across the map of a completed match after finishing up your game well be looking to fold in additional options to allow you to easily switch back and forth between the completed map view and post-game stats in Spring 2022.

Refinements made to the in-game mini-map to improve readability are also coming in Winter 2021. Improvements include reducing the size of icons, ensuring the Wonder icon on the mini-map matches the icon displayed in the HUD, increasing the size of the Primary Town Center in comparison to other Landmarks, and adjusting the color of certain resources.

French Hulk ship tweaked to no longer rule the high seas.

Crossbowmen, Spearman and Elite Crossbowmen will pose a greater threat to Cavalry.

Significantly reducing the cost of the Chinese civilizations Repeater crossbow.

Fix to HRE Prelate unit to allow them to continue inspiring after being pushed.

Mongol Superior Mobility adjusted to ensure the speed modifier is appropriately applied. Thanks to the community for calling this out!

Fix issued for the Rus civilization to eliminate infinite Relic duplication.

Then, in Spring 2022, Ranked Seasons and User Generated Content will become accessible. This means that mods will be easily implemented and that you can prove you are the best. If all that isnt enough, here are a few other things that the team is looking at adding and adjusting in the future.

Global Build Queue We know this is a feature many of you have enjoyed in previous Age titles and would like to see in Age of Empires IV.

Improvements to the Unit Stat card Based on your feedback, were looking into how we can better serve up the most meaningful stats at a glance.

Hotkey Improvements We recognize that hotkeys are a big component in competitive play and are a topic our community cares a great deal about. This is a bigger change, and something were investigating from a few different angles, including a movement away from the grid system as well as implementing a few other options via hotkey selections.

Taunts and Cheats Part of the Age Legacy, were exploring what these elements would look (and sound!) like in Age of Empires IV.

AI Difficulty Weve heard from you that AI difficulty could use some tuning, specifically making the Easy AI less aggressive and boosting the challenge of the Hard AI.

Waypoint Indicators Another quality of life feature from previous Age titles, we know this is something many of you want to see returned to Age of Empires IV.

View original post here:

Here's the Roadmap for Updates for AGE OF EMPIRES IV GeekTyrant - GeekTyrant

Updated 20 hours ago

STORM ARWEN IS bringing strong winds to Ireland today as Met ireann warns of a risk of high seas and toppled trees.

The forecaster has issued Status Yellow wind warnings for Donegal, Mayo, and Sligo, while the UK Met Office has done the same for all of Northern Ireland.

Therell be cold, windy and showery weather for the rest of the day, it said, with sleet and snow on high land.

At noon today, there were rain showers recorded at the weather stations in Belmullet, Finner, Gurteen, Knock and Sherkin Island, with recent rain, clouds, and drizzles recorded elsewhere around the country.

In the UK, the Met Office has upgraded its warning to a red alert for parts of Scotland and the north of England.

Cold, windy & showery for the rest of today, heavy at times, falling as sleet & snow over hills and mountains, particularly in the northNorthwesterly winds will be fresh to strong & gusty & will continue to reach gale force on north facing coasts Highs 6 to 9 degrees pic.twitter.com/kmKaJKYnGE

Starting in the afternoon and continuing in the evening and night, northerly winds are expected to reach average speeds of 45 to 65km per hour with gusts of 90 to 110km per hour.

Along north facing costs and on the Inishowen Peninsula, significantly higher gusts are forecasted.

In Donegal, the Status Yellow warning comes into effect this afternoon at 3pm and lifts tomorrow at 6am.

The warning in Mayo and Sligo is set to ease slightly earlier at 5am.

In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has imposed a Yellow wind warning from 9am this morning until midnight and is cautioning that high winds could bring some travel disruption and damage.

Two marine warnings preempt northern or strong gales on coasts from Fair Head to Carlingford Lough to Carnsore Point on the Irish Sea (Status Orange); and for all coasts and on the Irish sea (Status Yellow).

In a statement yesterday, Met ireann meteorologist Elizabeth Coleman said today will be cold and very windy.

Gale to strong gale force winds are forecast along north facing coasts, generating large coastal waves and spray overtopping, Coleman said.

She warned that strong northerly winds over land in the north and northwest could bring down some trees and power lines.

This system will generate high seas too, in the north and west through Friday, with the storm force winds and high seas transferring to the Irish Sea on Friday night.

#Open journalism No news is bad news Support The Journal

Your contributions will help us continue to deliver the stories that are important to you

In the UK, the Met Office has issued a rare red warning for parts of north-east England and Scotland, cautioning that flying debris leading to injuries or danger to life is likely.

The warning, which is the maximum issued by the Met Office, indicates that the impact is likely to be high.

The red alert warns of the potential for damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down.

The alert warns people in the zone of the potential of roads, bridges, and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights and of large waves and beach material being thrown on to coastal roads, sea fronts and homes.

Earlier, UK Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon told the PA news agency that the worst-affected areas will predominantly be on the coasts, with gusts of over 75mph bringing possible disruption to travel and longer journey times, power cuts, flying debris and large waves, with beach material being thrown around.

Storm Arwen is moving in from the North Sea and will travel south before easing on Sunday, he said.

With reporting by Press Association

See the article here:

Storm Arwen: Winds pick up speed as weather warnings to come into effect - thejournal.ie

Justin Swart and Jason Hinch deliver an intricate and impassioned performance on 'Sticks and Stones' Live from High Seas, the latest single from The Amblers upcoming live studio album. The track is vibrant and distinctive, possessing the vintage signature sound that will forever be associated with the blues-rock duo.

The guitar sound is a blissed-out Twin Reverb fuzz-fest that hits like a ten-ton hammer dressed in furs, the drums dig deep into the Bonham tight but loose swing of Bonham legacy (complete with bombastic weight), and the vocals soar with ethereal, cavernous delicacy, making for a delicious array of sounds that totally, totally dig on each other.

Sticks and Stones is a song we really enjoy playing live. A rumbling rollercoaster. Slow, gentle open with a balls to the wall centre-piece, leaning into a gentle close. It's quite the romance. Comments guitarist and vocalist Justin Swart.

The grit, the grime, the sweat on the walls, the blood on the instruments and callouses on the fingers and hands. Any rock & roll band thats put valuable time into fleshing their sound and creating personal chemistry from the garage to the streets wears this badge with pride, and The Amblers have clearly walked this hallowed path. This is a band seemingly born in the past with a keen eye on the future.

Justin Swart (guitar/vocals) and Jason Hinch (drums) are a South African pair that give previous power duos a run for their money in the bluesy/fuzzed-out, minimalist rock department. Unlike, say, the White Stripes, however, these fellas mesh a swinging Yardbirds-meets-Raconteurs vibe (complete with large Stooges cojones) with a folk-induced mindset that makes for a more cerebral listen whilst still rocking out completely, stripped of any bloated clutter.

With two EPs under their belt, The Dustling Man (2017) and Ratty Old Mo (2018), and an exciting new release in the pipeline, The Amblers are set to be your next favourite band, one that will burn through the electrical crackle of the airwaves and land squarely in your psyche.

Follow The Amblers:Facebook| Twitter| Instagram

Read this article:

THE AMBLERS Release Second Track From Their Upcoming LIVE AT HIGH SEAS EP - Underground Press