Category Archives: High Seas

In their long history, the Muppets have gone to outer space, sailed the high seas, hung out with Orson Welles, and even became the characters from Charles DickensThe Christmas Carol.Their next destinationis a little more contemporary: the Haunted Mansion from Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Muppets Haunted Mansion is the Muppets next project, and their first-ever Halloween special. Its described in the official press release as a brand-new special featuring a star-studded Muppets cast, celebrity cameos, all-new music and spooky fun for families to enjoy together. How exactly the Muppets interact with the Haunted Mansion whether they go to spooky house inspired by the ride or if they go to the actual ride wasnt made clear, but there is a cute announcement video starring Gonzo and Pepe the King Prawn:

The Muppets have their own Disney World attraction,MuppetVision 3D, which has been a fixture at Disneys Hollywood Studios since 1991. And the Haunted Mansion has been adapted for the screenbefore; in 2003 Eddie Murphy starred in a family comedy loosely inspired by the ride. (A remake is currently in development, to be directed byDear White Peoples Justin Simien.) As if the news wasnt synergistic enough, the announcement ofMuppets Haunted Mansion was made in conjunction with a #HalfwaytoHalloween promotion for the Disney Parks, hyping up Walt Disney Worlds plans for Halloween celebrations this coming fall. Presumably the end point of this act of corporate synergy is a sequel special about the Hatbox Ghost attending a spooky screening ofMuppetVision.

Muppets Haunted Mansionpremieres on Disney+ this fall.

Gallery Great Movies That Became Terrible Franchises:

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The Muppets Will Visit the Haunted Mansion in Disney Plus Special - ScreenCrush

When people look at maps of the Indo-Pacific region, often they see a lot of blue and very little green. They see the massive Pacific Ocean with tiny islands speckled throughout. Closer to the Asian continent, they see archipelagos and island chains with large seas and bays with strategic straits cutting throughout. When national security professionals view the region in this way, they tend to discount landpower in favor of air and sea. While those domains are central to Indo-Pacific security, we see the region through a different lens.

The resources that drive competition including fresh water, energy, food, and scarce minerals in the Indo-Pacific are almost entirely on land. Six out of 10 people on Earth live in the region and are only able to survive from land. Nations only exist on land. Land is where the United States needs to compete, respond to crises, and prepare for conflict to advance and preserve its national interests. Nothing signals a nations commitment as much as putting people on the ground. As Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville emphasized in his paper Army Multi-Domain Transformation, Americas Army serves to protect the Nation and preserve the peace. To fulfill the Armys purpose, landpower needs to be present in the Indo-Pacific.

Today, the United States and its allies and partners face a growing competitor in the region. As the president laid out in his recent speech at the Pentagon, we need to meet the growing challenges posed by China to keep the peace and defend our interests in the Indo-Pacific and globally. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin clarified the nature of this challenge in March as they began engagements in the Indo-Pacific, stating China is all too willing to use coercion to get its way, from internal repression in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong to external violations of international law in the South China Sea.

Left unmet, the challenges Beijing poses will erode the U.S. militarys comparative advantage and undermine U.S. assurances to allies and partners. The concept of a free and open Indo-Pacific could become a fleeting memory. Those committed to the region especially the Army should address this challenge. To that end, the Army is transforming landpower in the Indo-Pacific to engage in, and deliver operations across, the land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace domains on, from, and through land. By calibrating its force posture, developing and employing next-generation capabilities, and synchronizing joint and coalition effects across all domains, the Army will reduce risk in the region by imposing asymmetric costs in competition and applying targeted leverage in crisis. And if conflict does come the Army is ready to fight and win alongside our sister services and allies and partners.

Posture Equals Relationships

Figure 1: Army Solidifies Partnerships

Source: U.S. Army (Photo by Spc. Jessica Scott)

Landpower puts U.S. soldiers alongside allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. This is the Armys competitive advantage: its unique ability to cultivate, forge, and strengthen bonds of trust among members of like-minded nations. Soldiers who are forward-operating, thinking, learning, creating, training, experimenting, innovating, and discovering get to know their teammates where they live. They work together. They share skills and mutual values. Through sustained international military exchanges, military attach engagements, and enduring military presence, the Army is able to build credible relationships with allies and partners. Foreign officers who have trained and learned at Army institutions have gone on to become army chiefs of staff, ministers of defense, and senior officials. These officers form long-term win-win relationships with American partners. Further, these soldier-to-soldier linkages are the foundation of U.S. landpower based and rotating in the region, communicating that the United States will support them if they are threatened. It is also the strongest and most credible signal the country can send to opportunistic actors that the United States intends to respond to a crisis or aggression.

Both of us have experienced the value of forward land forces multiple times throughout our careers. In the Indo-Pacific, we have witnessed exercises like Pacific Pathways deepening partnerships with multiple countries through direct on-the-ground rehearsals. These rehearsals reduce logistical friction while building confidence in mutual contributions. This has led to the pre-positioning of stocks for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies in ground storage or on mobile Army watercraft. Operating together on the ground also forces Army partners to design, test, and employ distributed interoperable networks. This can and does lead to further integration everywhere, from fielding common systems to enduring intelligence sharing.

These actions present policymakers with options. In 2017, with tensions rising on the Korean Peninsula, the Pentagon deployed the Armys Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and rapidly integrated it into the allied air and missile defense system. Expeditionary landpower communicates strategic predictability while maintaining the flexibility to understand and assess potential malign activities. As was the case in 2017, landpower offers immediate, tested levers to de-escalate crises. In a conflict, landpower provides the distributed sustainment network that enables the military to conduct joint and combined operations, blunt aggression, and surge additional forces throughout the region. Most importantly, Army landpower affords the entire military the ground network of logistics, protection, intelligence, fires, and command and control necessary to fight a modern conflict.

Building Emergent Capabilities

Figure 2: Strike Capabilities from Strategic Distances

Source: U.S. Army (Photo by Sgt. Jacob Kohrs)

The Army contributes unique capabilities to the Indo-Pacific, including distributed logistics, mobile air defense/protection, and an integrated intelligence network. It is also building additional capability through its six modernization priorities of long-range precision fires, next-generation combat vehicles, future vertical lift, a modern network, air and missile defense, and enhanced soldier lethality. Underpinned by modernized intelligence, the Army will be able to perform a new and critical role in the Indo-Pacific the ability to strike enemy targets in all domains from land at strategic distances.

Since the early 2000s, the Peoples Liberation Army has undergone a rapid transformation of its capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. From developing counter-satellite capabilities to anti-access area denial anti-ship missiles, the Peoples Liberation Army now has capabilities specifically designed to impede U.S. operations in the region. Further, through targeted use of predatory economics, the Chinese government has coerced other countries into providing access to their assets. Beijing has extracted long-term exclusive port access, stolen intellectual property, and used economic pressure campaigns to dissuade international coordination. The U.S. military needs capabilities to respond to these coercive activities before they become irreversible.

The fundamental aim of Chinas military modernization is to undermine the U.S. militarys ability to access the first island chain, giving it the operational space to carry out coercive military actions. Relying primarily on sea and airpower presents the Peoples Liberation Army with a problem its anti-access area denial capability is designed to solve. The U.S. Armys modernization priorities, calibrated posture, and strong relationships, reinforced by a robust network of intelligence and advisory capabilities in the region, ensure that the military is in position with multiple capabilities to deter Chinese aggression or coercion. Combining that position with foreign military sales delivers an interoperable defense network across the region. These collective capabilities provide the military the agility to operate jointly across all domains in highly contested areas throughout the Indo-Pacific.

New Approaches, New Dilemmas

Figure 3: Emerging Technology

Source: U.S. Army (Photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi)

The Army provides the military a survivable warfighting and intelligence architecture with reliable, persistent access in areas the Peoples Liberation Army works to deny, including the first island chain. By making it easier for the United States and its allies and partners to respond to aggression, that architecture creates strategic predictability for Indo-Pacific countries. Further, the Armys capabilities in the region give the Indo-Pacific Command commander the flexibility to rapidly impose costs, regardless of the position of naval and air forces. If naval and air forces are out of position, the Army can still access and employ its greater intelligence network with integrated protection and long-range fires to enable the military to deliver multi-domain effects. The Army will also leverage its capabilities and posture to facilitate the maneuver of naval and air forces in the time, place, and combination of the commanders choosing. Without landpower, the commander is reliant on the positioning of naval and air forces to deter and respond. With it, he can assure, deter, and respond at any time and in a manner of his choosing.

The Army is exercising its emerging capabilities with the rest of the joint force and our partners in the region through its daily actions in competition, including employment of the Multi-Domain Task Force through exercises like Valiant Shield. To support this joint and multi-national effort, Army Futures Command initiated Project Convergence. Joint and multi-national by design, Project Convergence ensures the United States can fight and win as one team. Project Convergence brings together the right people, the right units, and the right capabilities, all correctly positioned around the world and enabled by the right technologies and intelligence network. Project Convergence is how the Army rapidly and continuously integrates the unprecedented range and speed of converging effects.

The Army will bring the results of Project Convergence to the Indo-Pacific and develop its multi-domain operations approach alongside sister services and partners. Competing this way requires a transformational change in the Armys approach to the region. Landpower based on modern capability, forward posture, and synchronization with sister services and through partners and allies is the key to enduring U.S. military deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. The cumulative result of persistent Army actions in competition is military readiness to deter and respond to adversaries malign activities.

Ultimately, Americas ability to persistently deliver multi-domain effects with and through allies and partners is how the United States competes and wins without fighting across the competition continuum. Beijing should take into account that the United States can contest the Peoples Liberation Army in all domains at all times, and is willing to engage on land to do so. This level of capability and commitment is an undeniable signal to our adversaries and partners alike that the United States will fight for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Landpower Is Indispensable in the Indo-Pacific

Figure 4: Working with Allies

Source: U.S. Army (Photo by Capt. Rachael Jeffcoat)

As the president has noted, the United States will take on directly the challenges posed [to] our prosperity, security, and democratic values by our most serious competitor, China. The Department of Defense needs to marshal all elements of American military power air, cyber, land, sea, and space in response. Given the stakes involved and Beijings continued ability to translate economic growth into military might, the United States cannot afford to discount landpower in its regional strategy.

The United States could just buy more technological platforms and say that this is our competitive advantage.But, if America did that, a quick look at military history would prove it wrong. From Great Britain in the American Revolution to France in World War II to Americas own experience in Vietnam, what a country fights with is nowhere near as important as how it fights. The United States can and should develop new platforms with better technology and enhanced intelligence capabilities, but it should also be clear-eyed about where and how it intends to employ those platforms to create enduring effects. U.S. air-, cyber-, sea-, and spacepower are essential to securing American interests in the Indo-Pacific, but we are unaware of any historical example where a war ended at sea or in the air or in space or cyberspace space for that matter.Does the United States compete in those domains? Absolutely. However, war is won, and peace is preserved, on land. Army landpower needs to be in position to help decide the outcome.

Lt. Gen. Charles Flynn currently serves as U.S. Army deputy chief of staff for operations, strategy, and planning and has been confirmed as the next commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific. Lt. Gen. Laura Potter currently serves as U.S. Army deputy chief of staff for intelligence.

Image: U.S. Army (Photo by 1st Lt. Angelo Mejia)

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Strategic Predictability: Landpower in the Indo-Pacific - War on the Rocks

The daring rescue of a shipwrecked schooners crew is the inspiration for a new public artwork by the Stonehaven Banksy the first to be located outside his hometown.

Based on the fate of the Banff-based Isabella in a deadly gale that lashed the north-east in November 1888, the distinctive metal model is now finished and ready to be installed on the clifftops at Newtonhill.

It was commissioned as part of a community-led project to bring in visitors and help the post-Covid recovery of the local pub, caf, restaurants and other businesses.

A series of linked walking routes taking in the villages picturesque surroundings and rich coastal heritage have also been drawn up which will be featured on a new website and Facebook page: Newtonhill and Beyond.

It carries details of businesses and voluntary groups, maps and guides to the walks, historical information and community updates for the village and nearby Muchalls and Chapelton.

Hello all! As you may have heard, Newtonhill has recently secured a grant from the Phoenix Fund. The Phoenix Fund is

Posted by Newtonhill & Beyond onThursday, December 17, 2020

The initiative is among several selected for funding by Aberdeenshire Councils Phoenix Fund programme, which is aimed at boosting economic recovery in several town and village centres.

Among outfits closely involved in getting it off the ground are the Skateraw Store caf and shop, the Newton Arms pub and the Bettridge leisure centre all of which have played big parts in getting the community through more than a year of lockdown.

When mystery sculptures started appearing overnight along the seafront at neighbouring Stonehaven several years ago, they caused a stir and received national and international attention.

The man behind the intricate nautically-themed models. which remain a very popular sight, was later revealed to be Jim Malcolm, who was commissioned to create another for the village just a few miles up the coast.

He says he is now very much looking forward to an early morning visit once the model is in place to photograph it with the rising sun.

At more than 1.7 metres in length and needing at least two people to lift it is almost twice the size he originally intended.

When I make things I have a rough idea what its going to be but it often ends up different, he says.

I read the story and looked into it and it just developed. Once I got going I just got into the zone and away I went.

But Im really very pleased with it, especially as its the first schooner I have made.

The finished craft has been kept under wraps while lockdown continued and businesses were closed.

But the easing of rules means it can now be installed at its permanent clifftop home, overlooking the harbour where the Isabellas ill-fated journey home finished in disaster.

A planned open day celebrating local groups and businesses and promoting the village will now take place at a later date, once restrictions are lifted further.

It forges a link from Skateraw of the past to Newtonhill and Beyond of the present and future

Alan Jones came up with the original idea and has worked with a small team for months with the support of Newtonhill, Muchalls & Cammachmore Community Council.

He tells us: It has been a privilege to have worked with a dedicated and enthusiastic team in making this happen in challenging circumstances.

Also celebrating the potential of the project are Jamie Donald and Anna Hall, who had not long opened Skateraw Store when the pandemic hit and are now looking forward to being able to welcome people back properly after a year of takeaways and deliveries.

From the very start of the project we wanted to come up with something that was for the people of the village but would also attract others from far and wide.

We are excited to see the sculpture in place. It will be a great focal point for the walks and people visiting Newtonhill for many years to come.

Councillor Wendy Agnew, chair of Aberdeenshire Councils Kincardine and Mearns area committee, says lockdowns have had a particularly hard impact on our town centre economies which were already facing multiple other challenges.

Aberdeenshire Council developed the Phoenix Fund to help some of our town centres to recover and attract footfall back to local businesses and I look forward to seeing the benefits to the local community.

Vice-chair and Newtonhill resident Ian Mollison adds: I am particularly excited to see this project coming to fruition. By extending the work of Stonehavens Banksy out along the Kincardineshire coast, it will encourage more visitors to come to the area, enjoy a healthy walk and spend time in our local shops here in Newtonhill.

And in the words of Newton Arms landlord Ian Beresford: This has been a fantastic project, paying tribute to the courage and kindness of the good folk of Skateraw and the bravery and seamanship of the crew who brought the vessel to shore.

Jim Malcolms sculpture of the Isabella is a lasting work of art of which Newtonhill and the surrounding area can be proud. It forges a link from Skateraw of the past to Newtonhill and Beyond of the present and future.

It was a journey The Isabella had undertaken countless times in the 11 years since she was bought by a Banff coal merchant named Watson for the grand sum of 750.

Setting sail from Sunderland with a full cargo on Monday, November 12, 1888, the schooners five-strong crew were anticipating a relatively smooth sailing back home to the north-east.

They reckoned without the intervention of one if the most ferocious storms to hit the coast for a decade or indeed without the captains chequered history of navigating such choppy waters.

George Lyall had been wrecked twice before and nor would this, tragically, be the last time that fate befell him.

Conditions rapidly deteriorated on the passage north and the heavily-laden 93-tonne vessel, which had made an aborted attempt to seek refuge in the Firth of Forth, began to take on water a problem that had reached crisis point by the time the Girdleness Lighthouse came into sight at 4am.

Tacking and drifting for hours, when daylight finally illuminated the scene, the Isabella could be seen close to the shore at Newtonhill, perilously close to the jagged rocks of Craig Stirling.

A monumental effort by Lyall and his mate William Roy somehow steered the stricken boat clear and into the small harbour, where a gallant band of villagers had gathered.

The prospects of a rescue did not appear promising.

With the south-south-easterly gale still blowing with full fury, witnesses described a sea running mountains high, breaking over the pier and sweeping everything before it.

Along the coast in Aberdeen, a huge crowd had also gathered, defying 50-foot spray with the appearance of a mighty waterspout to watch several other ships try to reach safety.

The arrival of steamers over the previous few years had reduced the threat to seafarers of such dreadful conditions, but there remained many still travelling under sail like the Perth-built Isabella.

Back at the harbour in Newtonhill still known by many then as now as Skateraw the schooner had got close enough to the pier for a rope to be thrown by a gallant band of volunteers, hanging on by the rings on the pier to keep themselves from being washed off by the tremendous seas that swept every new and again over it.

One by one the crew were able to get themselves, hand over hand, to the relative safety of the pier despite the crashing waves threatening constantly to send them flying into the waves.

Leaving the deck last, Lyall was indeed knocked backward by a breaker and only saved from a certain drowning by first one and then another of the locals grabbing a foot each and pulling him to safety.

The report in these pages at the time records two very distinct impressions of the role played by the fisherfolk of Skateraw.

On the one hand it was acknowledged that they treated the rescued seamen with every kindness after taking them to their cottages ranged in a row from the Braehead.

But if labourers, railwaymen and joiners were named among those directly involved in the bravery, it was said that the fisher folks displayed a lamentable reluctance to endanger their own personal safety in getting them to land. Not one of them ventured on the pier to assist when their presence would have been most welcome. They hung back, encouraging the others and comforting their women folk.

This stung not least when as much was entered later into the official report of the incident.

Indeed so deep was the hurt and so intense the umbrage taken at the slur, that the following year they went as far as to employ a certain Major W Disney Innes of Cowie universally recognised as the fishermans friend to conduct an investigation in a bid to clear their name.

Among the findings which most pleased them was that credit is due to them for the promptitude with which they had in fact rushed to Muchalls in search of emergency equipment.

Back at the scene of the drama, the Isabella had been thrown onto her port side, her valuable cargo clean washed out and was clearly becoming beyond salvage.

Lyall managed to get himself aboard in a vain bid to stow the sails and recover anything he could, to the fury of the coastguard, Commander Davies.

The skipper turned a deaf ear before he was virtually placed under arrest, marched to the station and put on a train home.

What wreckage remained from an event which has gone down in village memory to this day, was sold to a Mr Marr, an Aberdeen chandler for 13 just over 1,000 today and local man John Christie snaffled any remaining coals for the princely sum of 10s.

As for Lyall, eventually there came one such drama too many.

Less than a year later, in October 1889, he was captain of the Wetherill when it got into trouble in stormy seas and was lost off Whinnyfold trying to make refuge at Peterhead.

A crewmate who helped him after they were flung into the icy sea then lost sight of the ill-starred captain and, despite running as fast as his bare and bleeding feet would allow across rocks to get help from a crowd of fishermen returning from church, could do no more to help.

Original post:

Stonehaven Banksy is back with a shipwrecked schooner to get a village back on its feet - Press and Journal

Its been a long year for all of us, especially teachers. Theyve had to deal with serious changes, endless Zoom calls, and other peoples kids day in and day out. In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Norwegian Cruise Line is saying thank you in a big way: by giving teachers in the United States and Canada a much-deserved break with a free cruise.

Seriously. From now through June 4, anyone in the US or its neighbor to the north can nominate a teacher in their life or one who left an impression on them to win a free cruise on one of Norwegians decked-out ships. Once youve nominated someone, you can return daily to vote for them and encourage others to do the same via social media. The more votes, the better their chances of winning are and lets be real, they probably could use some time away.

Now more than ever, educators deserve our gratitude and so much more for their perseverance and unwavering commitment to inspire students every day, Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement. Travel is one of the most immersive means of education. It broadens our perspective, encourages us to discover, adapt and accept new cultures and experiences. With Norwegians Giving Joy, we are able to help shed light on these everyday heroes and raise their spirits by awarding them with a long-overdue vacation to help show them the world, as theyve helped shape so many of ours.

The cruise line will select 100 people to win free cruises and three grand prize winners wholl take home $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000 for their respective schools. Winners will be announced during a virtual award ceremony in August 2021. A free (and probably long-overdue) vacay and some cash to continue helping students? What better way to say thank you to teachers, who often dont get the credit they deserve.

Norwegian Cruise Line recognizes that while teachers across the US and Canada may be mentally ready for a break, not everyone is ready to physically travel again amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Luckily, the company said the free voyages will be embarking through August of 2023, per a spokesperson. Thats plenty of time to get everything in order for a safe trip on the high seas free from Zoom calls, lesson plans and, of course, students.

Teachers are at their best when theyre well-rested and have the resources they need to lead in the classroom. While Norwegians Giving Joy contest cant fix the education system as a whole, it will leave them tan, happy and ready to return to the classroom whether in person or virtually and thats all anyone can really ask for. Nominate a teacher today or go show support for other nominees.

Originally posted here:

Norwegian Is Giving Free Cruises to Teachers with Travel Dates into 2023 - Thrillist

IntroductionMy intention is to produce a series of articles (depending on interest) which introduces ideas about volcanic and earthquake activity. I want to go slightly off the beaten track to explore oddities, volcano hazards, analysis methods, Wonders and Mankinds impacts. Keep in mind I am not expert (corrections gratefully received), but hopefully these will at least give a flavour of some different places in the world and provide a few minutes escape from peoples troubles.

Introducing The Salton Sea Buttes Volcanoes

Reason for InterestVolcano activity in Southern California tends to escape attention due to the priority concerns with earthquakes. With volcanic activity in the Salton Sea area being younger than originally thought and crustal extension (rifting) being held back by the locked San Andreas Fault the area needs monitoring. The volume of melt material below the area is thought to be very large so we should not assume that future volcanic activity in the area would be quite as benign as it has been till now. This is probably why the USGS now consider this area to be of particular concern. Maybe what really piques my interest is seeing a side to California you don't normally see.

The SettingOne of the world's largest inland seas and lowest spots on earth at -227 below sea level, Salton Sea was re-created in 1905 when high spring flooding on the Colorado River crashed the canal gates leading into the developing Imperial Valley. For the next 18 months the entire volume of the Colorado River rushed downward into the Salton Trough. By the time engineers were finally able to stop the breaching water in 1907, the Salton Sea had been born at 45 miles long and 20 miles wide and 51 feet deep.

In the 1950s the Salton Sea was the place to vacation for Hollywood stars. The Hollywood influx quickly turned this small vacation getaway into an attraction drawing in 500,000 people a year. Star-filled clubs such as Ace & Spades and the 500 Club sprouted up and recreational boating took off. Many celebrities would come from Los Angeles and down from Palm Springs to take part in the beach life and great water sports offered at Salton Sea. Increasing salinity in the Salton Sea basin has limited the number of types of fish that can be found there, and most fish currently caught are Tilapia. The once-bustling hotels are derelict, broken wooden frames of buildings stand in some spots as other structures are badly decaying with graffiti spray painted over the boarded-up windows and doors. On hot summer days when the temperature can reach up to 120F (48.8C), a pungent Sulphur odor hangs in the air that can be smelled 150 miles away in Los Angeles.

Near the Salton Sea can be found Salvation Mountain which Leonard Knight used 30 years of his life and gave up everything to build this colorful masterpiece. In 1984, Leonard was set out to spread the word of the bible and when his truck broke down he starting building Salvation Mountain on the very spot and lived onsite until 2012 when he was moved to a nursing home.

Nearby can be found East Jesus a community of artists that live together, create art and party in the desert.

The imperial sand dunes to the south of the sea are a 15 mile long and 3 mile wide stretch of 400 foot tall sand dunes. The Dunes have been the home to the tapping of many movies including Stars Wars and is a huge haven for dune buggy enthusiasts.

The Date Farms are the most important part of the Salton Sea areas economy today. Ever since the celebrities and tourists stopped coming in the 1960s most of the area has become a rundown, dingy area, but the Date Farms have stayed strong.

To the North of the Sea is Palm Springs which is like a mini desert Hollywood. Well its not quite filled with the high level of stars it was in the 50s when the Salton Sea was booming but it is still a beautiful place to visit.

If youve ever wondered what Jurassic-sized palm trees may have looked like then the Anza-Borrego State Park and Palm Canyon is your chance to see. This grove of 100 foot tall bushy palms is crazy. The park is located to the west of the Salton Sea. Joshua Tree National Park is in southeastern California, east of Los Angeles and near Palm Springs and north of the Salton sea it is named after the Joshua trees native to the Mojave Desert. Between San Diego and the Salton sea is the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

The Tectonic environmentThe Salton Sea is a large shallow lake located in the central Salton Trough of Southern California. The lake covers the southernmost extension of the San Andreas Fault (SSAF), where the fault takes a southwestward step to the Imperial Fault (IF). The region around the SSAF is actively being stretched due to extensional deformation. Numerous faults, high levels of seismicity and a series of young volcanic buttes suggest this region may be a source for future geohazards.

The Salton Trough is an on shore analog to those rift systems in the Gulf of California. It includes the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, Imperial Valley, and Mexicali Valley from northwest to southeast. The northern Imperial Valley and southern Salton Sea are seismically highly active. Seismicity occurs at 38 km depth in the Salton Sea geothermal field at the southeastern shore of the Salton Sea, 311 km depth in most of the Brawley Seismic Zone. The entire valley is also characterized by very high heat flow.

Brawley Seismic ZoneThe Brawley Seismic Zone is a north-striking zone of northwest and northeast-striking faults that extends from the southern end of the San Andreas fault to the northern end of the Imperial fault. Across this zone crustal spreading occurs within the transition from the Gulf of California mid-ocean ridge to the San Andreas transform fault. The largest earthquakes to have occurred on the cross-faults were the magnitude 6.2 Elmore Ranch event in 1987. Although the Brawley Seismic Zone activity is clearly proximal to the southern San Andreas fault, the San Jacinto fault zone, and the Imperial fault, the current activity is remaining more than 10 km distant from any of these major faults. Repeated swarms occur in the Seismic zone as rifting occurs but there is no suggestion that these swarms are volcanic in nature. Three times in the last 15 years in 2001, 2009, and 2016, clusters of small earthquakes occurred within a few kilometers distance of the southern terminus of the SAF, within the northern Brawley Seismic Zone at a depth of 3 - 10km.

There has been some concern that stress releases in the Brawley Seismic zone could trigger larger earthquakes on the San Andreas fault. The relative likelihood of such an occurrence was considered to be high because the southern SAF ruptured last in a major earthquake more than 320 years ago and the average recurrence rate of large earth-quakes on the southern San Andreas fault is about 180 years. Recent research however suggests that there is likely very little transfer of stress from the Brawley Seismic Zone and to the San Andreas fault. There is however very little research on the impacts to the Brawley Seismic Zone as a result of a significant San Andreas fault earthquake and we are left to guess whether this would lead to enough extension for volcanic activity to initiate again.

The VolcanoThe Salton Buttes are a group of volcanoes in California in the south eastern part of the Salton Sea. They consist of a 7 kilometer long row of five lava domes each no more than 1 kilometer wide. From North to south they are Mullet Island, North Red Hill, South Red Hill, Rock Hill and Obsidian Butte. Obsidian Butte is surrounded by a lava flow, and Mullet Island has a characteristic "onion-skin" foliation with hot springs.

The domes were formed by effusive eruptions, but at least Obsidian Butte and South Red Hill also experienced explosive eruptions, which at Obsidian Butte preceded the effusive eruption stage. The lava source for the volcanoes is a magma chamber beneath the Salton Sea, which also heats water for a nearby geothermal plant.

These volcanic domes are associated with a local northeast-striking magnetic high that is interpreted to be caused by a magnetic mass, 30 km long, 3 to 12 km wide, and about 4 km thick, with its top buried more than 2 km below the surface. The intrusion under the Salton Sea is thought to be a pluton, an arm or protrusion from a deeply buried molten magma. This intrusion is parallel to the axis of the Salton Trough.

Geophysical evidence shows that liquid magma is still present underneath the Salton Buttes. The buttes last erupted between 940 and not 30,000 years ago as previously thought with the U.S. Geological Survey listing the area as a high threat for future blasts.

Hot SpringsThe Hot springs within Salton sea area were known and used by Indians for centuries. The first commercial development in the area dates from the turn of the century, when a therapeutic spa was opened in the foothills of the Chocolate Mountains near Bombay Beach on the east shore of the Salton Sea. This spring is still in use, and is unusual for its high water temperature, ranging from 135 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot springs are concentrated in a linear pattern along the eastern side of the valley. The line of springs extends from Desert Hot Springs into Mexico, and the arrangement strongly suggests that the warm waters are reaching the surface using fractures of the San Andreas fault system as conduits.

There are several experimental geothermal developments in the Imperial Valley, extending from the south shore of the Salton Sea into Mexico. The Salton Sea geothermal field is the largest and the hottest of the several fields in the Salton Valley, and has the longest history of development.

The mysterious mud springRefusing to stay in place, a roiling mass of carbon dioxide and slurry-like soil is migrating across the state at a pace of 20 feet a year. Scientists currently have no real idea why its moving or if it can be stopped. Currently located just north of Niland, the mud spring is moving toward Union Pacific Railroad tracks and giving engineers there a headache. A well dug to depressurize the source of the gas had no effect. Steel walls driven 80 feet into the ground were also nonchalantly circumvented; the mud pot simply ducked under them and continued its freakishly linear path of destruction. Mud pots and mud volcanoes generally dont emit much water, but this one is extremely vigorous, producing somewhere around 40,000 gallons of water a day. This mud spring is close tobut not onthe Wister Fault, a southeastern extension of the San Andreas. However, it appears to be tracing a path thats at right angles to the regions major faults.

Recent ActivityIn late August 2005, a swarm of more than a thousand earthquakes between magnitudes 1 and 5.1 occurred at the Obsidian Buttes, near the southern San Andreas Fault. The earthquake swarm shook the nearby town of Brawley with the USGS attributing the temblors to faults in the Brawley Seismic Zone. In September, a sulfurous stench emanated from the Salton Sea and wafted across the Inland Empire. The odor was tentatively linked to a fish die-off, but could also have been caused by volcanic gases.

DiscussionThese are not impressive volcanoes nor is this a glamorous part of California but for me that is exactly why it should be brought to peoples attention. Perhaps the biggest risk here is from earthquakes but there may well be a large source of Magma which would make me nervous.

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Introducing The Salton Sea Buttes Volcanoes - Space, Science & nature - Netweather

COASTAL RHODE ISLAND

Saturday:A chance of showers, mainly after 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Northeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.Saturday night:A chance of showers, mainly before 7 p.m. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 45. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday:Sunny, with a high near 60. West wind 8 to 16 mph.Sunday night:Showers likely, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Southwest wind 8 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

EXTENDED

Monday:Showers likely, mainly before 10 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. South wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Monday night:Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. West wind 8 to 10 mph.

Tuesday:Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 11 to 14 mph.Tuesday night:Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Northwest wind around 14 mph.

Wednesday:Sunny, with a high near 61. Northwest wind around 14 mph.Wednesday night:Mostly clear, with a low around 46. West wind 8 to 10 mph.

MARINE

Saturday:North-northeastwind around 7 knots becoming east-southeastin the afternoon. A chance of showers, mainly after 2 p.m. Seas 1 foot or less.Saturday night:Variable winds less than 5 knots becoming westaround 6 knotsin the evening. A slight chance of showers before 8 p.m. Seas 1 foot or less.

Sunday:West-northwestwind 7 to 10 knots becoming southwest11 to 14 knots in the afternoon. Mostly sunny. Seas 1 foot or less.Sunday night:Southwestwind 7 to 12 knots becoming southafter midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 knots. Showers likely, mainly after 1 a.m. Seas 1 foot or less.

TIDES, ETC.

Saturday's high tides: 6:31 a.m., 6:53p.m. Low tides: 12:19a.m., 11:59p.m.

Sunday's high tides: 7:13a.m., 7:33p.m. Low tides: 12:49a.m., 12:26p.m.

Saturday's sunrise, 5:34. Sunset, 7:51.

Sunday's sunrise, 5:33. Sunset, 7:52.

Thursday's temperatures: High 64, low 47.

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NEWPORT AREA WEATHER REPORT: May 7-8 - newportri.com

The parallels of life, and football, were on full display in St. Joseph-by-the-Seas 25-17 victory over visiting Xaverian on Senior Day. The Vikings improved to 1-3, while the Clippers fell to 2-2 on Saturday.

In what first-year head coach Joe Goerge hopes is the first of many wins during his Vikings career, senior quarterback Jackson Tucker delivered his finest performance of the campaign, in what amounts to his final high school contest.

St. Joseph-by-the-Sea captured its first and only win of the season on Senior Day. (mmphotos2 for the Staten Island Advance)

It means pretty much everything, what theyve all been through, since last March struggling with everything, said Goerge. Were we going to play? Were we not going to play? This is typical of how the year went, the ups and downs.

Among the ups was Tucker, who was consistently great all night. The St. Johns University baseball commit looked the part of a ballplayer from the opening drive -- utilizing his quick release to complete 14-of-22 throws to seven different receivers for 196 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

We got to build a relationship with Coach Goerge, hes a great person and seeing his face after this win is great, he added. No matter what the scoreboard said after every single game, all these guys who stuck this out for four years, theyre all winners. In my eyes, these guys are undefeated.

The scoreboard had not been kind to the Vikings in recent weeks, who entered play 0-3 and had not reached the end zone since a 50-18 season-opening loss to St. Peters on April 17. However, the Vikings did not look the part of a winless team on Saturday.

On the games opening drive, Tucker methodically worked his team down field -- completing 6-of-8 attempts for 59 yards, including an 11-yard TD strike to Vincent Vazquez (4 receptions, 37 yards) to give the Vikings an early 6-0 advantage (two-point attempt no good). The drive, which ate up more than six minutes of clock, featured a pair of key fourth down conversions.

On 4th and 3 from midfield, Tucker linked up with Thomas Pecora for a 13-yard strike. Later in the drive, he connected with Vazquez on a 4th and 4 from inside the redzone for 14 yards, precluding the eventual touchdown.

Thomas Pecora dances up the sideline after hauling in a pass. (Photo by: Kara Buzga)

I love pressure, I always have, said Tucker. Pressure is something Im extremely used to. Me and every single receiver on this team have put in countless hours and countless time and it showed tonight. Everybody executed extremely well and it was unbelievable being able to look each way and have trust in every guy.

Xaverian rallied to score in the second quarter, though Tucker was swift to respond. The senior signal-caller promptly lofted a 32-yard floater to Justin Alexander (3 receptions, 60 yards), which preceded a 31-yard TD pass to Jacob Stewart (2 receptions, 39 yards) up the right sideline. Pecora would tack on the extra point to take back a 13-7 lead.

Sea's Justin Alexander makes the tackle in the backfield. (Photo by: Kara Buzga)

UP-AND-DOWN SECOND HALF

Coming out of the locker room, Sea held the Clippers to a quick three-and-out to open the second half. The Vikings put a bow on Xaverians opening drive when Devin Malvasio blocked the ensuing punt, which Mario DellaPasqua recovered in the end zone for six more points.

Sea' Devin Malvasio comes up with the tackle. (Photo by: Kara Buzga)

Later in the period, Tucker dumped a ball off to James Speciale in the flat, and the elusive slot man did the rest -- taking it 21 yards for the score. Sea led 25-7.

James Speciale eludes defenders en route to the end zone. (Photo by: Kara Buzga)

We had it. We thought we were ready to put them away, said Goerge.

Not so fast.

Xaverian running back Giancarlo Conti (12 carries - 139 yards, 2 TDs) wrought havoc on would-be tacklers. After Max Wassmer connected on a 34-yard field goal to close out the third quarter, Conti found the end zone early in the fourth -- and suddenly, it was a one-score game again, 25-17.

Our resilience was shown. Maybe some teams wouldve said this is the same old stuff, but not these guys, said Goerge. They stuck in and pushed to the end. They answered the call each time.

Vikings running backs Tyler Murphy (10 carries - 53 yards) and Logan Auerbach (7 carries - 48 yards) helped salt away clock, but key sacks from Jake Shepard and George Kakakis dissuaded Xaverians prior momentum. Stewart, Adonis Trejo, and Rich Runfola also stood out on the defensive side.

You wish now that we could play again, said Goerge after his clubs performance. Proud of the way they finished. This is something they can take with them forever. Its always nice to end on a win. Its exciting for the future as well.

After a drizzly start, it was a beautiful night for spring football at Vikings Park -- where Sea emerge with a 25-17 win over Xaverian. (Photo by: Nick Regina)

KEY STATS

St. Joseph-by-the-Sea: Jackson Tucker: 14-of-22, 196 yards, 3 TDs, 1 Int. Tyler Murphy: 10 carries, 53 yards. Logan Auerbach: 7 carries, 48 yards. Justin Alexander: 3 receptions, 60 yards. Jacob Stewart: 2 receptions, 39 yards, 1 TD. Vincent Vazquez: 4 receptions, 37 yards, 1 TD. James Speciale: 1 reception, 21 yards, 1 TD.

Xaverian: Giancarlo Conti: 12 carries, 139 yards, 2 TDs.

St Joseph By The Sea James Speciale (3) scores a touchdown against Xaverian. (mmphotos2 For The Staten Island Advance)

Continued here:

CHSFL: St. Joseph-by-the-Seas senior quarterback, in his final HS game, delivers coachs first win on Senior - SILive.com

The British Royal Navy has apparently been testing using jet suits to board ships like a scene out of some scrapped Christopher Nolan film, according to a new video released by UK-based Gravity Industries. Business Insider writes that the tests were conducted over three days on the HMS Tamar, a Royal Navy Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol ship.

Royal Marines used Gravity Industries Jet Suit to conduct a visit, board, search, and seizure operation or VBSS. Basically a marine launched from a fast boat tailing the HMS Tamar, flew through the air like a slightly askew Iron Man, and landed on the larger ship, dropping a rope below so their fast boat buddies could climb up and visit the simulated enemy vessel.

The whole thing is very cool, to the point of almost seeming like a wire-assisted fake, and likely as much an ad for the Royal Navy and Gravity Industries as it is an actual test of the Gravity Jet Suits utility in a naval exercise.

If the suit or its creators sound familiar, its because the company has been demonstrating its Iron Man tech for a while now, though in the past, Gravity Industries CEO Richard Browning has been in the pilot seat (or suit, in this case). This also isnt the first time the Royal Navy has helped demo the tech. In 2019, Browning flew an earlier version of the Jet Suit through the Royal Navys assault course. Gravity Industries has also collaborated with the Dutch Maritime Special Operations Force (SOF) to put the suit through its paces.

The suit seems to have been streamlined since these earlier demonstrations, featuring smaller arm rockets and a sleeker backpack jet more fitting for whatever sci-fi movie vibe Gravity Industries seems to be cultivating. What is sort of disappointing is mostly finding military applications of this technology when there are clearly plenty of other uses. Luckily, Gravity Industries has us covered there, too: the company has tested using the Jet Suit with the Great North Air Ambulance, a UK charity that rescues people from mountain ranges and a variety of other emergency scenarios in Northern England.

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The Royal Navy is testing using jet suits to fight high-seas piracy - The Verge

Moving from a ship on the high seas to a wind turbine or any other offshore rig is often a challenge, to say the least. The ship moves in all directions because of the waves. And the passenger pods that are transferred by crane are like a toy tossed in the wind. Dutch inventor Jan van der Tempel has developed a solution to this problem. This gangway, which resembles a passenger boarding bridge(PBB) for airplanes, is able to offset all the movements of a ship. This makes transferring for offshore personnel safer and faster. For his invention, Van der Tempel has now been nominated for the prestigious European Inventor Award 2021 from the European Patent Office (EPO) in the Industry category.

The Dutch engineer developed his invention at the Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands). His university spin-off grew into the company Ampelmann, which leases this access system and associated services all over the world. Including the personnel who take care of the operation of it.

Van der Tempel has not only developed innovative technical solutions for the offshore industry. He has also improved safety for the people working in this sector, boosted efficiency and reduced costs for operators, said EPO President Antnio Campinos, during todays announcement of the nominees for the European Inventor Award 2021. The patent system supports inventors like Jan van der Tempel. Thanks to the combination of technical innovation with effective legal protection, his company has grown into a world leader in the offshore transfer sector.

Want to be inspired 365 days per year? Heres the opportunity. We offer you one "origin of innovation" a day in a compact Telegram message. Seven days a week, delivered around 8 p.m. CET. Straight from our newsroom. Subscribe here, it's free!

Van der Tempel, who also trained as an engineer in Offshore Wind, came up with the concept for his stable gangway system in 2002 during an offshore wind conference in Berlin. He named it after the stoplight man from the former GDR: Der Ampelmann. The system can be compared with an aircraft simulator platform. We have a similar kind of platform. Only it works exactly the other way around. The platform is stationary and the cylinders underneath move with the ship, van der Tempel explains. A gangway is mounted on the platform. This in turn can be compared to the gangway that connects an airplane to the gate. Employees can walk to work. It also means that cargo can easily be transferred. Even in heavy weather.

A motion sensor the size of a shoebox was installed on the ship which is connected to a powerful computer system. Data on the ships movements are transmitted to the control system of a platform structure. Six hydraulic cylinders compensate for the ships movements by independently extending or retracting. By doing so, the walkway remains stationary and as such, provides a safe and stable connection to the offshore structure. We assemble the installation on the ship and supply the personnel who operate the system. We are actually a kind of standby crew, jokes van der Tempel. Hence the association with the Ampelmann; the little man in the traffic light for pedestrians.

The footbridge operates at wind speeds of up to 60 km per hour and waves of up to 4 meters high. This means fewer cancellations due to bad weather. Also, this invention reduces the need for expensive and potentially risky helicopter transfers. Those types of flights also require employees to undergo specialized safety training. Whats more, the system provides a backup for each part. In the event of a failure, the system continues to operate for one minute before shutting down. This gives personnel enough time to get themselves to safety.

Initially, Van der Tempel only intended to develop the technology and then find a company to build and use the system. When that didnt work out, he eventually decided to start his own company via the Delft University of Technology. Ampelmann Operations was founded in 2007. In just under a decade, the company grew to become a major global player in the offshore access market.

Given that much of the development took place at TU Delft, scaling up the invention required only a relatively modest amount of capital outlay. Ampelmann managed to generate its own cash flow almost immediately, so the company grew rapidly and doubled in size every year during the first six years, says van der Tempel. His company has since built more than 65 offshore access systems around the world.

The winners of the EPO Innovation Award will be announced on June 17 at 7 p.m. in a public digital ceremony that will be seen around the world. The public can vote for their favorite nominee.

Also interesting: Energy islands in the North Sea: good news for the climate and an opportunity for Dutch entrepreneurs

The rest is here:

Transferring safely from ship to rig on the high seas in no time - Innovation Origins

Xbox ANZ kicked off Season 2 by setting Sydney Harbour alight with a Sea of Thieves drone show

On 21 April, Xbox ANZ announced a drone show to celebrate the launch of Sea of Thieves Season 2. Since Sea of Thieves launched in 2018, over 20 million pirates globally have begun to chart their own tales of high seas adventures.

Curious fans were encouraged to piece together the map on social media and uncover the secret location of this Pirate themed celebration. A spectacular Sea of Thieves drone show lit up the night and recreated some of the games best iconography above Botanical Gardens, Sydney.

A stream was held on April 21 from 10:30pm* AEDT across Xbox ANZs Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Twitch for fans to catch the action! Viewers could also participate with their own socials with the hashtag #BeMorePirate. Fans could uncover loot of their very own with 50 Ancient Coin and 50 Plunder Pass codes up for grabs during the stream and the chance to win an exclusive, official Sea of Thieves treasure chest of pirate goodies including a limited-edition custom controller.

Were excited to be celebrating the start of Season 2 of Sea of Thieves and thank our Australian fans for all their support over the last three years. 2021 is looking to be the biggest year yet, and we cant wait to bring even more high seas adventures to Aussies. I would like to thank of fans who tuned into our drone show to watch the harbourside takeover fit for a pirate legend. Tania Chee, Xbox Lead for ANZ

Season 2 is the latest content update, available now for Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers who can play the fan favourite title as part of their monthly subscription. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Xbox Live Gold and unlimited access to over 100 high-quality console and PC games. New members can subscribe for just $1 for the first month, then $15.95 each month.

If you havent played yet, theres no need to mutiny! As Sea of Thieves is also available at the Microsoft Store, Steam and other retailers in Australia (RRP AU$49.45).

To find out more visit http://www.seaofthieves.com

Xbox ANZ celebrates Sea of Thieves Season 2! https://t.co/JGguk6V1da

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Special XBOX controller - Sea of Themes Edition

Notes to editors: For more details, please contact the Xbox ANZ PR team at; [emailprotected]

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq MSFT @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

About Sea of Thieves

From acclaimed developer Rare comes a shared-world adventure game that offers the ultimate pirate experience. Set in a rich world of exotic islands, hidden treasures and dangers both natural and supernatural,Sea of Thieveshas everything you need to live the pirate life and is unlike anything

Originally posted here:

Sea of Thieves celebrated Season 2 by lighting up Sydney skies - Microsoft