‘High Seas’ Netflix Review: Stream It or Skip It?

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We love mysteries. Love them; great pulpy mysteries like the ones Agatha Christie wrote. But we dont see those kind of mysteries on TV anymore, ones where the people and setting are glamorous, and things are violent but not dark. The Spanish miniseries,High Seas is that kind of mystery. Read on for more about this new Netflix series

Opening Shot: A ships captain writes in his log about the three murders that have already occurred in ten days on this damned ship.

The Gist:The Villenueva sisters Eva (Ivana Baquero) and Carolina (Alejandra Onieva) are on their way to a cruise ship to take a one-way journey from Spain to Brazil. Why one way? Carolina is getting married on board and setting up a new life in Rio, while Eva, an author, is meeting a publisher who is interested in her work. As they approach the port, their car accidentally hits a young woman named Luisa (Manuela Vells), who claims that theyre going to kill me if shes caught. Eva, whos trusting and empathetic almost to a fault, convinces Carolina to stow her in their steamer trunk and sneak her on board.

Eva is confident they can get Luisa on board because Carolina is marrying the ships owner, Fernando Fabregas (Eloy Azorin), so the trunk isnt in storage. When they finally are able to get Luisa out, she says shes running from her fiance, a powerful man who demands they get married. Carolina wants to tell Fernando, but Luisa begs her to wait until theyre at sea and she cant be taken off the ship. Eva convinces her not to tell Fernando when the two of them visit him at his office just as he gets a call to meet a mysterious person at midnight.

Everyones making a new start on this cruise: The sisters just lost their father, and their uncle Pedro (Jos Sacristn) has decided to sell the business they ran together when Carolina and Eva decided not to take over. The captain is leading his first cruise since his wife died, and he wants no part of superstition like an albatross hitting the bridge right before they set sail. His first officer, Nicolas Vazquez (Jon Kortajarena), used to be a petty thief until the captain took him under his wing.

Luisa, having been taken down to the third class quarters of the sisters nanny Francisca and her daughter Victoria, knocks Francisca out, steals her key to the sisters cabin, and starts ransacking it, looking for something. As Eva gets cozy with Nicolas on the deck around midnight, though, she hears a woman scream and sees her fall from the ship. As the crew searches for the woman, both Eva and Carolina think that the woman who went overboard was Luisa, and they finally tell Fernando. But did the woman fall from the deck or was she pushed?

Our Take: High Seas(original name:Alta mar) is created by Ramon Campos and Gema R. Neira (Cocaine Coast), and its an amazingly good-looking show. Its post-WWII setting can not only be seen in the costumes and props like cameras and luggage, but the sets depicting the lavish, art deco-style hallways, ballrooms and staterooms of the luxury cruise ship the characters are on are a sight to see. Also, the costuming gives us little clues about the characters: Eva the independent artist, for instance, wears pants, which was just starting to be a thing in the late 40s.

The story plays out like one of those potboiler mysteries that Agatha Christie might have written in that time period; lots of colorful characters, all with an agenda and a motive, populate the ship, and mysteries abound. Sometimes, we thought Campos and Neira were a bit too coy with some of the mysteries, as when the ships doctor has a cryptic conversation with Uncle Pedro about what they might be doing when they arrive in Rio. But, for the most part, the characters are well-drawn and the story is intriguing.

One of the other things we found fun aboutHigh Seas is that the tone of the show isnt dark, like some of the period mysteries weve seen of late have been. No, it takes an old-fashioned approach to the murder mystery, making the setting glamorous even the third-class deck looks like a fun party instead of something resembling steerage the characters witty and sophisticated, and the mystery the central part of the story, not blood and gore. Were looking forward to seeing how this plays out over the series eight episodes.

Parting Shot: On the deck where the woman was thrown overboard, Eva finds an engineers pin, the same one Carolina gave Fernando just before the ship set sail.

Sleeper Star:Kortajarena is intriguing as Nicolas. He has taken a liking to Eva, and their relationship on board will likely have a big influence on the mystery.

Most Pilot-y Line: Sebastian, after meeting Victoria: I hate it when she goes, but I love watching her leave. Funny line, of course, but also very cliche.

Our Call: STREAM IT.High Seas is a good-looking, light mystery with performances that signal that theyre not taking things all that seriously, which is a good thing for a show like this.

Joel Keller (@joelkeller) writes about food, entertainment, parenting and tech, but he doesnt kid himself: hes a TV junkie. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Salon, VanityFair.com, Playboy.com, Fast Companys Co.Create and elsewhere.

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'High Seas' Netflix Review: Stream It or Skip It?

GAME ON: Drift gently along the high seas with your ‘Raft,’ your pals and sharks – NWAOnline

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Here to trigger everyone's thalassophobia, or fear of the sea, is the open-water survival and crafting game "Raft."

"Raft" is fairly simple. You start out on a two-by-two section of raft with nothing but the wood beneath your feet and a makeshift grappling hook. Around you is the wide-open ocean and a neverending stream of flotsam and jetsam that drifts your way (or are you drifting into it? The mind wonders).

Players throw the hook and snag nearby debris, collecting wood, plastic, vines and more to stay alive and expand the raft.

Players must manage their hunger and thirst as they collect resources to maintain and upgrade the raft.

But beware about simply jumping off the raft and swimming over to resources to collect them a hungry shark stalks the raft, and attacks the boat frequently, destroying sections unless driven off.

Alone on the ocean, in a raft, with a great white shark circling? Cue the "Jaws" music.

It sounds terrifying, but "Raft" is also quite calming and wholesome. Each day brings a set of tasks required to survive until the next dawn.

Seawater must be purified. Food, such as herring caught with a fishing pole, or potatoes found in drifting barrels, must be grilled. Every few minutes, the shark attacks a section of the raft and must be fought off.

The game does get deeper and more complex, however. As you drift along, you'll notice the occasional island pop into view on the horizon. Collect enough resources, and a sail and anchor can be built, allowing for a temporary stopover to harvest rare resources, such as seeds and fruits.

The true reward of islands, though, lies beneath the water, where seaweed and deposits of ores can be found -- provided you've found a way to distract the maneater that's still hunting you.

There's an actual storyline, too, although it doesn't begin until the player has acquired enough technology and resources to craft a radio receiver and three antennas.

"Raft" is currently in Early Access on Steam, although it has been there for a while. The first chapter of the story, in which players will start to uncover why the world is covered in water, was released late last year, and the second chapter is due to come out this fall. Once the storyline is unlocked, the player will encounter special named islands that offer unique resources and blueprints.

Players can advance fairly significantly, technology-wise. Early on, jabbing the shark with a sharp stick is the best you can do as your tiny home floats along a current. Eventually, players can acquire a steering wheel, biofuels and engines. Automatic collection nets will snag floating debris as it goes past, and players can smelt ore, grow crops and trees and even raise livestock on the raft.

Not to be forgotten is that "Raft" is also a multiplayer-capable game. Join friends on Steam or invite new pals found through the game's official Discord server, and players can drift the high seas in good company.

The more players that join a game, the more the materials that will spawn to be collected. But multiple sharks can also spawn, which can make some parts of the game more challenging. Also, more players mean more mouths to feed.

Interestingly, there's no limit to how many friends can join your game, nor how big the raft can become. It's limited only by the computing power of your PC, although I wouldn't recommend more than two to four players.

There are quite a few crafting options for raft expansion, too it doesn't have to be flat. You can have ladders and stairs, so feel free to turn your raft into a houseboat with many stories.

"Raft" comes with four difficulty modes Peaceful, Easy, Hard and Creative. In the first three, the difficulty slowly increases, with hunger and thirst draining more quickly and sharks re-spawning faster (yes, you can kill the shark and harvest its meat, but after a few minutes, another will appear).

In Creative mode, players have unlimited supplies and health, so they don't have to gather any materials, research blueprints or worry about survival, and can instead just have fun building the raft of their dreams.

Hard mode has an additional difficulty modifier that makes it really suitable only for confident solo players, or in multiplayer mode players who die cannot re-spawn on their own. Another player will need to grab the body and drag it to a bed to be brought back into the game. Up to five sharks can spawn at a time.

"Raft" is developed by a small Swedish studio of just eight people and originally was a student project. It has been a lot of fun to play.

Raft

Platform: Windows

Cost: $19.99

Rating: Everyone 8+

Score: 8 out of 10

"Raft" is a video game in which you drift the high seas while defending yourself from a shark and collecting flotsam to fancy up your raft. (Photo courtesy Redbeet Interactive)

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GAME ON: Drift gently along the high seas with your 'Raft,' your pals and sharks - NWAOnline

Releases of the week on Netflix: High Seas, Slender Man and more – Checkersaga

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Although we are in the middle of August, Netflix does not falter when it comes to offering premieres and this week adds a good number of series and movies to its catalog. We will review all of them and the dates they arrive.

This first week of August Netflix has decided to help those who have vacations with numerous series and movies, almost twenty products that are added to the platforms catalog and that, without a doubt, offer a wide offer for all types of users.

Months go by and It seems that the coronavirus crisis has not affected Netflixs offer too much, just look at the series of own production and those bought from other producers that can be seen from this week, with some Spanish, such as Alta mar, but also many international and renowned, among which is the last season of The Rain .

If you want to know which premieres this week of August 3 on Netflix, here are all the news.

Sign up for Disney + and enjoy one of the broadest catalogs that exist in the streaming scene, with sagas like Star Wars or Marvel.

As usual, Netflix continues with its commitment to national productions and also with casts of well-known performers. This week we have the return of Alta mar and Ivana Baquero, Jon Kortajarena and Alejandra Onieva.

High seas returns in its third season and with many secrets still to be revealedbut especially the search for the deadly virus cabin by cabin on the cruise ship and a countdown that does not look away from all the questions that remained to be resolved from previous seasons. This series that began as a second line has been gaining in followers and will be one of the most important news of the month for many.

The High Seas arrives on Netflix on August 7, are you going to miss it?

Netflix has revealed what are its 10 most viewed original movies of all time, among which is the Spanish El hoyo. Pay attention to the titles that make up the ranking and do not miss the opportunity to see them (if you have not already done so).

Slender Man was the film adaptation of the famous creepypasta of the same name, one of the best-known horror characters who was born on an internet forum and from whom a thousand different stories have been written before making the leap to the cinema with this film.

Is horror movie It has a very classic scheme: young people from a small population begin to disappear and die. Although no one believes their stories, they think its the well-known Slender Marn who is destroying his friends and they decide to ally to fight against him. However, it is too uneven a fight.

This movie is more interesting as a first approach to Slender Man than for its quality. In case you want to see it, it premieres on August 3.

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Releases of the week on Netflix: High Seas, Slender Man and more - Checkersaga

The best and most beautiful boating holidays in the UK and Europe this year – iNews

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The high seas in Devon and Cornwall

Put the wind back in your sails on a skippered sail around the topaz-coloured coast of Devon and Cornwall. Bessie Ellen and Agnes are two historic sailing vessels, the former a 100ft classic tall ship featured on the National Historic Ships Register sleeping 12, the latter a recreation of an original Isles of Scilly wooden pilot cutter, sleeping eight. Both are available skippered for family bubbles and will trace the south-west coastline from Fowey or Falmouth, stopping for swimming, hiking and history lessons.

From 130pp per night full-board, venturesailholidays.com

What could be more appealing than mooring a narrowboat for the night then sitting out to enjoy a Dark Sky Reserve? In the Brecon Beacons, you can cruise the tree-lined Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal by day, stopping at market towns such as Brecon, Abergavenny and Crickhowell and enjoy the stars by night amid the green hills of the National Park.

One weekfrom 1,405 for two, beaconparkboats.com

Onderneming is an 1899 Dutch sailing barge that stretches to almost 100ft on the River Alde in Snape, just outside Aldeburgh. She is permanently moored, offering a static boat holiday that requires no navigational skills and a tranquil base for country and coastal walks. The boat is also dog-friendly, with space for up to six guests in three bedrooms, a childrens den and free use of bikes.

Four nights from 968 with breakfast, woodfarmbarges.com

Board a narrowboat and ascend 146ft up Hatton Locks in just over two miles on the Grand Union Canal. From the Black Prince base at Napton, you can explore Shakespeare country or Warwick Castle, or just wait for quiet moments to spot ducks, swans, sparrows, wagtails, grass snakes and the occasional badger. Peel off the Grand Union Canal for the peaceful Ashby Canal or visit the Stoke Bruern Canal Village. The narrowboats sleep between two and eight and many are pet-friendly.

Four-nights from 1,259 for eight, black-prince.com

The Pennines are hallowed stomping ground, but it is possible to soak up their brooding grandeur from a narrowboat too. From Sowerby Bridge, drift along the Rochdale Canal through the Calder Valley and stop at Ted Hughess birthplace Mytholmroyd, as well as Hebden Bridge, with its independent shops and pubs and nearby waymarked trails. The system is steep, with plenty of locks, but that means plenty of interest too.

Four nights from 915 for four, waterwaysholidays.com

This is a classic boating holiday and one that requires no prior experience as you navigate the gentle, inland waters of the National Park. The shallow lakes dug for peat in medieval times now provide a haven for bird and wildlife including more than a quarter of the UKs rarest species, such as the swallowtail butterfly and Norfolk hawker dragonfly, as well as otters. Modern boats dominate, but there are also wooden vessels for experienced helmspeople, including a fleet of 30s engineless sailing craft in the village of Ludham. Hoist the sails and glide quietly through the water.

One week from 795 for two, huntersyard.co.uk

You will need a head for heights to navigate the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, designed by Thomas Telford and Williams Jessop almost 130ft above the River Dee in North Wales. This part of the Llangollen Canal is a Unesco World Heritage Site, as it is elevated through the Vale of Llangollen, and is the worlds highest canal aqueduct. It is easy to access from the Andersen Boats narrowboat base at Middlewich in Cheshire, from where you can pootle west to cross the border from England to Wales.

Three nights from 668 for two, andersenboats.com

The 60-mile Caledonian Canal, which cuts through the Great Glen from the east to the west coast via four lochs, is now open to boat transits again. Cruise west to Banavie for views of Ben Nevis, then turn around for the return journey through Loch Ness, which can be completed in a week. It is also possible to moor up and explore the Great Glen Way by bike or on foot.

One week from 1,615 for four, caleycruisers.com

Cruise the bigger of the two connected lakes that form Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh, exploring the many islands, coves and inlets on the tranquil water, including the island town of Enniskillen. Vestiges of history can be found on many islands, including relics from ancient Celts, Christian monks and Vikings. Get closer to the water on a canoe, hike the trails that pulse through the countryside, or go trout or salmon fishing nearby.

One week from 852 for four,hoseasons.co.uk

One of the most popular boating holidays in France is along this 17th-century World Heritage canal, which runs for 360km from Toulouse past the vineyards of the Languedoc to the flamingo-speckled tang de Thau right beside the Mediterranean sea. Glide through arboreal tunnels of plane trees and moor outside villages for a coffee and croissant or to stock up at markets, admiring the majesty of Carcasonnes mighty ramparts along the way.

One week from 1,589 for two, leboat.co.uk

Just east of the Canal du Midi lies the Camargue, a patchwork of saltwater lagoons where you might see its resident white horses and pink flamingos. Cruisers ply the Canal du Rhne Ste, which connects the tang de Thau lagoon with the Rhne river at Beaucaire. There are beaches, birdlife, wildlife and Roman history to explore in Arles and Nimes.

One week from 1,099pp, french-waterways.com

Big cruise liners have made unwelcome news in Venice in recent years, but it is possible to explore the lagoon on a much smaller scale. Setting off from the western end of the lagoon or the river Sile, you can commandeer small cruiser to explore the islands including Murano and the Lido as well as the beaches of Jesolo, then enjoy La Serenissima with the mass cruise crowds absent.

One week from 2,270 for four, cruiseinitaly.com

From Loosdrecht lake, the Netherlands emblematic canals and the River Vecht course north to Amsterdam and south to Gouda and Amsterdam in miniature Utrecht. There is a marina in the heart of Amsterdam, meaning you can moor and explore, and a cheese market in Woerden as well as several historic castles near Loosdrecht. Utrecht is a historic university city with an independent and creative spirit and plenty of canal-side restaurants and breweries.

One week from 1,474 (1,325) for five, locaboat.com

The land of 1,000 lakes adorns the north of Germany, the largest lakeland in Europe, which offers no shortage of opportunities for outdoor activity on a holiday afloat forest bike and hiking trails, fishing, history and heritage. Setting off from Lbz, an easterly route delivers Germanys northernmost vineyards, or head west to discover the fairytale Schwerin castle, former home of the dukes of Mecklenburg, on an island in the citys lake.

One week from 1,529 (1,375) for two, boat-renting-nicols.co.uk

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The best and most beautiful boating holidays in the UK and Europe this year - iNews

Maintaining Command of the Sea: Maritime Doctrines of Pakistan and India – Modern Diplomacy

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Maritime and naval component is an important part of political, economic and military domain of a maritime nation. This component enhances a states role in foreign policy, diplomacy, economy and especially in military domain to further its national interests. Pakistan and India apart from being a hostile neighbors with over 3,323 km of international land border also share maritime space in Indian Ocean Region. To ensure robust presence and control of the maritime frontiers its the responsibility of the navy and its maritime forces to establish the writ of the state in alignment of national interests. For this purpose to understand and devise the role and duties of the navy a doctrine is established which acts as a anchor to establish the norms of the naval and maritime components and develop understanding among tri services (Army and Air-Force) and also of one states national maritime objectives with other states. Thus, for this purpose the establishment of a naval doctrine is necessary for a maritime nation. Pakistan being a responsible maritime state has published its own maritime doctrine termed as Preserving Freedom of Seas in December 2018.India on the other hand enjoys largest coastline of 7,516 km among any other maritime state with its blue water navy ambitions. The Indian Maritime Doctrine which was published in 2009 highlights the naval ambitions of yet a developing state which causes grave concerns and challenges to Pakistans maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region. Thus, a comparative analysis of both these doctrines underlines the aims and objectives of how both these states perceives the space of Indian Ocean Region.

Indian Ocean Region

Indian Ocean Region is the worlds third largest water body which comprises an area of 65.556 million sq km and have a coastline of 66,526 km. The IOR lies in one of the worlds most contested region which is rich in natural resources including fossil fuels, oil and gas, fisheries and untampered ores and minerals. The IOR has four most crucial access points or choke points namely water ways of Suez Canal (in Egypt), Strait of Hormuz (between Iran and Oman), Strait of Malacca (located between Malaysia and Indonesia) and Bab-al-Mandeb (located near Djibouti and Yemen). The area is currently facing various turmoils and challenges including civil unrest, state conflicts and is in the lime-light of the major power politics and strategic interests. The northern part of Indian ocean region ferries 70% of sea borne oil trade and about 50% of sea borne trade.[1]

Pakistan and India both share a significant importance in the international politics due to their geographical positioning and relevancy to major land and maritime routes. Pakistan enjoys an area of 350 nautical miles of Exclusive Economic Zone in Indian Ocean Region, while, India maintains a significant larger jurisdiction over 2.8 million sq km of space in Indian Ocean.[2] With over two naval engagements of 1965-1971 and disputed territories in the region including Sir Creek dispute, both of these South Asian states hold Indian Ocean as a vital component of their strategic apparatus in political, diplomatic and military domains. The economic importance attached to the mercantile component of the Indian Ocean Region thrives the economy of not only Pakistan and India but also the world at large with the onslaught of advance sea borne container freights and other vessels.

Pakistans Maritime Doctrine 2018

The Maritime Doctrine of Pakistan Navy was published in December 2018 during Maritime Security Workshop which was held at Karachi.[3] This doctrine was published after a research of seven years by the academicians of Naval War College. The doctrine is a comprehensive document on issues pertaining to the maritime affairs and role of Pakistan Navy in mitigating them in the light of national interests. The main role as highlighted by the document is to protect the vital maritime interests, ensure national security and mitigate threats posed by any sea based source, economic viability and implement vital foreign policy tools and diplomacy through the naval component. Other major factors highlighted by the doctrine highlights the commitments of Pakistan at the international level and the responsible role played by Pakistan to fulfill its role to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region under its Area of Responsibility (AoR).

According to the document, the role of the doctrine is to establish particular set of principles which are advocated by major policy narratives acquired through experience and provide guidance pertaining to certain issues. The purpose of the doctrine should be to highlight the important factors, give accurate and authentic information, while, remaining flexible with continuous change. The doctrine helps in analyzing and managing change, the shared principles and practices, and is the force behind the institutional development which pursue fundamental national objectives. The interplay between the policy, strategy and doctrine is based upon the national interests and objectives enunciated in the constitutional directives issued by political leadership.[4]

The Naval and Maritime Strategy

According to the document the naval strategy deals with the aspect of employment and deployment of the naval forces in time of war and peace. While, the maritime strategy comprises of a broader domain encompassing the issues pertaining to maritime ecosystem, economy, trade, security and safety, threats and opportunities emanating from the maritime domain. The economic component include the sea borne trade, fishery and marine resources, natural resources, while, the threats include sea borne human, drug trafficking, gun-running, piracy and poaching.

Maritime Force

The naval component of the strategy comprise upon the employment and deployment of naval fire power against surface, sub-surface, air and ashore based threats. The domain of the naval strategy also comprises of the electromagnetic and cyber domain also which are neutralized by various hardware assets and human capital having technological edge over the adversary. This technological edge is ensured by maintaining advanced cruisers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, amphibious assault ships and other fleet auxiliaries.

Foreign Policy Tool

The maritime forces maintained by a state should be flexible, versatile, and sustainable giving them mobility and readiness to operate when and where needed as the need arises, thus, ensuring the naval supremacy of a maritime power nation. Moreover, navy is an important component of the foreign policy ensuring the pursue of entailed objectives such as freedom of navigation, extension of alliances through friendly port visits, aiding in humanitarian and disaster relief operations among others.

International Maritime Regimes

The interaction of states on the high seas is regulated and controlled by various international regimes mainly United Nations Convention Laws of Seas (UNCLOS-1982). The role of the international maritime regimes is crucial to regulating the sea space between the states. Pakistan being a responsible member of the international community is a member of various cooperative, economic and security regimes. Regimes such as Indian Ocean Maritime Affairs Cooperation which was ratified in June 1983 focuses upon ocean governance and management. The Indian Ocean Rim Association which was signed in Mauritius in 1997 focuses upon regional technological and economic cooperation in maritime domain among member states. The International Maritime Conference such as AMAN are held biennially from 2007 by Pakistan to promote cooperation among regional naval forces and share same sense of security towards the maritime threats and challenges. Western Pacific Naval Symposium emphasizes upon pragmatic cooperation between the major states and has developed code of unplanned encounters in sea among the member states which ensures safety and develop bilateral relations.

Maritime Security Initiatives

The maritime security initiatives were readily taken in the aftermath of the 9/11 incident in order to curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction through the international water ways. These initiatives ensure that the sea is safe from all threats and challenges. These initiatives comprises of issues relating to conventional maritime security issues, state sovereignty, non-traditional maritime security problems, terrorism, territorial disputes and human and drug trafficking issues. The initiatives comprises of International Ship Port Facility Security Code ISPS, which was launched in December 2002, focuses on security issues pertaining to port facilities and maintaining good order at sea. Other initiatives such as Automatic Identification System AIS is similar to Identification of Friend or Foe IFF but on sea regulating the movement of sea vessels and personnel onboard. Other multifaceted maritime security initiatives include Secure Freight Initiatives SFI, Proliferation Security Initiative PSI and Container Security Initiative CSI. These initiatives monitor sea based cargo and personnel movement through various checks and balances using non-intrusive equipment and optical character recognition instruments.

Maritime Environment

The progressive rise in the economic power centers especially in Asia-Pacific from trans-Atlantic has raised the stakes for the maritime component of trade, geo-politics and strategic dominance in the region. The threats in the region include jeopardizing the maritime trade due to political purposes, sea lanes of communications, combat restricted exclusive economic zones. The increasing maritime threats include smuggling, human and drug trafficking, gun-running. Moreover, the initiation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC is the pilot project to enhance the economic importance of the Gwadar port and Pakistan in the region.

Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

Climate change is a considerable threat which is dramatically impacting the coastal domain, increasing the sea level, changing the wave patterns, soil sedimentation and unpredictable storm events. These alterations impact the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem and also threatens the coastal regions.

Collaborative Maritime Security

The collaborative maritime security initiatives include Pakistans active participation in the Combined Task Force 150 and 151 which has been regularly commanded by Pakistan Navy. These task force ensures that the water ways in the Northern, Western and Central Indian Ocean are kept free from piracy and trafficking, ensuring a safe environment to the economic trade and free movement of sea freight.

Command Of The Sea

The command of the sea is projected through maritime power which enables a nation to control the sea through various spectrums of threats including surface, air, electromagnetic and cyber domains. The naval strategies are adopted by various sea based platforms which perform naval blockade, Force benign role such as ensuring balancing and avoiding head on collision with a greater enemy, naval diplomacy, coercion, gun-boat diplomacy and deterrence at conventional, sub-conventional and nuclear level among many others.

Maritime Command and Control

Maritime command and control is ensured by having a situational domain awareness across the sea based on technological advanced intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition ISRTA systems. Thus, the domain awareness helps in establishing a more robust and flexible strike element according to changing threat environment. The contemporary increase in sub-conventional maritime threats has forced navy to converge its focus upon threats generating from non-state actors either at land or sea.

The nuclearization of the Indian Ocean by the adversary has raised the stakes in the region, while, the adversary is still instigating in sub-conventional warfare under the cover of nuclear umbrella. Thus, the deliberate desire of the enemy to keep the conventional theater alive calls upon changing the apprehensions regarding the conventional threat. The Pakistan Navy considers that the prevalence of deterrence across all the spectrums must be ensured and upon the failure of the deterrence the protection of maritime interests must be ensured at all costs. For this purpose Pakistan Navy has adopted the approach of provocative, and flexible mobility using the sea space, regulating attrition from multi-dimension cause dilution of enemy forces. Lastly the approaches include hit first with maximum effects and minimum application of force. The nature of naval warfare in coming era will require a robust and flexible force posture ensuring stealthy capabilities. The high-tempo and high-intensity diversion and disruption of sea lanes of communications of the enemy using submarine component of the force to dominate the war theater are among the major priorities of the navy.

The future warfare environment would be in a network centric environment which would be prone to cyber threats upon the major critical infrastructure. Navy is working on ensuring that the force is ready to overcome the future challenges in coming years ranging from information wars to cyber threats and ensuring interoperability of land and air-forces in synchronization with navy thus ensuring accomplishment of goals as desired by political leadership.

The Comparative Analysis of Pakistans Maritime Doctrine with Indian Maritime Doctrine

The maritime doctrine of India was published in 2009, which propagated the increasing role of Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean Region highlighting the Blue Water Navy ambitions of India. The doctrine of Pakistan Navy contrasts and contradicts the Indian Naval apprehensions at various points. While, both of the doctrines ensure to maintain the conventional and nuclear deterrence and ensure capability enhancement to overcome the upcoming information and cyber warfare domains. The Indian Naval doctrine undermines the chances of any Force-Benign and force balancing posture and subsequently highlights the of the role of maintaining a strategic superiority in the region. While, the maritime doctrine of Pakistan ensures that it is a responsible state by complying to international commitments pertaining to maritime domain. Indian Navy on the other hand does not highlight and discuss the importance of the maritime security initiatives altogether. Thus, this aspect highlights the Indian Naval ambitions to acquire superiority in the region.The contrasts in the doctrines of India and Pakistan are there to persist, but there are various similarities along various points relating to the command of sea and on war. The highlighted points include the realization of prevalence of sub-conventional warfare and the rapid change in the battle field and role of the navy in terms of combating various threats. The role of the navy has enhanced from maintaining control of the sea at non-conventional low intensity conflicts to conventional and all out nuclear conflicts including the total-war scenarios.[5]

Recommendations

To maintain strategic stability and effective control over the maritime domain it is recommended that Pakistan should engage in effective diplomatic relations with states in Indian Ocean Region especially Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar and engage in enhancing the naval capabilities of these states, lease naval assets and deploy listening posts in the region to maintain surveillance over Indian naval movements. This ambit could be further expanded to Strait of Malacca especially Malaysia, Indonesia and in Strait of Hormuz due to its economic and strategic importance as more than 80% of energy resources for Pakistan flow through the Persian Gulf. Pakistan should diplomatically engage Gulf States especially Oman which hosts Indian Naval listening post in Ras al Hadd to monitor the potential hostile naval activates of India Navy in specific which has enhanced its patrolling in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.[6] For maintaining an effective maritime domain awareness in the region it is recommended that Pakistan Navy should develop an Information Fusion Center (IFC) in the region including allies states which would enable to maintain a joint maritime domain awareness, further enhance the ambit of its Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) and Amman Naval Exercises.[7] This would enable the navy to develop a comprehensive network centric capability which would act as force multiplier and enabler for the navy to obtain its objectives as described in the maritime doctrine effectively. The strategic competition in the region and the changing strategic and military alliances following formulation of US Indo-Pacific Command following multiple strategic agreements between India and USA following 2+2 Dialogue, Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA),[8]India US Logistical Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOSA), Basic Exchange Agreement for Geo-Spatial Cooperation (BECA) and Quadrilateral Security Dialogue[9] would enhance Indian naval capabilities to project its blue water ambitions not only in the Indian Ocean Region alone but beyond that especially in South China Sea and Persian Gulf.[10]Indian also have developed its Information Fusion Center for Indian Ocean region to enhance its maritime domain awareness with collaboration with regional and international partners including US and Australia in December 2018.[11] Thus, following materialization of these agreements especially COMCASA would enable India to use not only US and NATO maritime domain awareness assets but also the real time and exclusive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in potential areas of interest in Indian Ocean Region and South China Sea vis--vis Pakistan and Chinas naval capabilities. Thus, the emerging strategic picture following contemporary shifts in the region especially in maritime domain would pose a considerable threat to viability of maintaining command of the sea for Pakistan in its area of interest. For this reason Pakistan should develop and enhance considerable force structure, establish and deepen its strategic relations with the regional allies mainly China for enhancing its naval capabilities and maintain command of the sea according to its national interests and to counter the threats posed from Indian Blue Water ambitions.

Conclusion

The Indian Ocean Region is a shared space between not only the two South Asian neighbors but also by the whole world which is connected by the intricate web of land, sea, air and cyber links. The role of doctrines is to ensure stability and maintain rationality among the state actors in their dealings at various levels of analysis. The maritime doctrines of both Pakistan and India ensure that while they both long for peace and stability in the region they will not undermine their national security at any cost. To ensure peace and stability in the region, Pakistan has showcased its commitments to international community ensuring that its a responsible nation. While, the Indian on the other hand with their aspirations of becoming sole regional power are undermining their commitment to peace and security in the region. While, the trade and economics are a crucial part of the maritime domain Pakistan is working on readily to reinvigorate its economic resources to pursue its national interests accordingly. It is advised that India with its power ambitions may act a regional destabilizer that would enforce Pakistan to take provocative steps to maintain strategic balance.

[1] Indian Ocean Region, US Naval War College, https://usnwc.libguides.com/IndianOcean, Accessed on December 19, 2019.

[2] The Exclusive Economic Zone of the Seas around India, Geography and You, January 24, 2018, https://www.geographyandyou.com/exclusive-economic-zone-seas-around-india/, Accessed on December 19, 2019.

[3]President launches first Maritime Doctrine of Pakistan, Pakistan Today, December 21, 2018, https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/12/21/president-launches-first-maritime-doctrine-of-pakistan/ (Accessed on December 19, 2019).

[4] Naval Headquarters, Islamabad, Maritime Doctrine of Pakistan Preserving Freedom of Seas, 2018.

[5] Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defense (Navy), Indian Maritime Doctrine, 2009.

[6] Indian Listening Station In Oman Monitoring Pakistans Naval Communications,Aamen, February 27, 2013, https://www.aame.in/2013/02/indian-listening-station-in-oman.html

[7]SOHAIL A. AZMIE,Regional maritime security patrols: Pak Navys initiative for preserving freedom of the seas, The Nation, June 2, 2019, https://nation.com.pk/02-Jun-2019/regional-maritime-security-patrols-pak-navy-s-initiative-for-preserving-freedom-of-the-seas

[8] Ankit Panda,What the Recently Concluded US-India COMCASA Means, The Diplomat, September 09, 2018, https://thediplomat.com/2018/09/what-the-recently-concluded-us-india-comcasa-means/

[9]Patrick M. Cronin, US Asia Strategy: Beyond the Quad, The Diplomat, March 09, 2019, https://thediplomat.com/2019/03/us-asia-strategy-beyond-the-quad/

[10]Dinakar Peri, What is LEMOA?,The Hindu, August 30, 2016,https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/What-is-LEMOA/article15604647.ecein

[11] Pradip R Sagar, Indian Navy launches Information Fusion Centre to boost maritime security, The Week, December 22, 2018, https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2018/12/22/Indian-Navy-launches-Information-Fusion-Centre-to-boost-maritime-security.html.

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Elon Musk’s Neuralink Brain Chip Will Soon Allow Users to Take Charge of Moods and Emotions – Tech Times

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BOCA CHICA, TX - SEPTEMBER 28: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk gives an update on the next-generation Starship spacecraft at the company's Texas launch facility on September 28, 2019 in Boca Chica near Brownsville, Texas. The Starship spacecraft is a massive vehicle meant to take people to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. ( (Photo by Loren Elliott/Getty Images) )

Elon Musk's Neuralink currently develops a new feature on their brain chip that will enable humans to go forth and choose the mood by balancing off a person's hormone levels.

The secret project mentioned byMuskteased an update that will provide new feats for the company. He stated that an event on August 28, 2020, will thoroughly explain what the Tech CEO pertains.

The American Tech Company founded by Musk, Neuralink, is working on their current project, the brain-implanted chip, that is capable of controlling a human's emotion and mood by emitting waves that are beyond the usual or natural frequency and amplitude.

Neuralink pushes through updating the software of the project, as well as the chip and other hardware of the project. The Electronics reports that this software update aims to make the project more potent by programming its algorithms to learn more and improve the overall system. The Neuralink ASIC neural processor is upgraded as well, together with the project's proposed threads that are going to be used to collect data from the brain.

The brain chip's function would move forward from its original innovation of helping people with an entirely severed spinal cord to restore mobility and movement. The tech would help in alleviating stress and anxiety by altering and balancing the brain's hormone levels, relieving emotional tension.

ALSO READ:Elon Musk's Mysterious Neuralink Chip Could Make You Hear Things That Were Impossible to Hear Before

Neuralink's promising technology makes use of flexible threads that are believing it to be safe and effective for a brain implant. This technology will cause less of the supposed or expected harm that befalls the implant on a person's brains.

The thread will function as it is named by having a deviceperforming as a "sewing machine"that will then sew threads to the brain chip that can be connected via a USB-C cable to transmit vast loads of data for each person's intended use.

This technology is capable of connecting the human brain to a computer if it emerges successful and able to produce a working prototype. A chunk load of data bandwidth will be available for streaming and use for the human brain.

Musk is also optimistic for the chip to be parring with artificial intelligence as the project progresses. The company's team of scientists and researchers said in a published paper, last year.

ALSO READ:[UPDATE] Teenage Twitter Hacker is Also a 'Minecraft' Scammer, According to Investigation

(Photo : Unsplash)

Apart from the chip's functions that will help in treating paralysis and mobility problems, it would also possess a brain-altering feature that will help in enhancing the human brain.

This technology will help in a person's temperament and emotional levels to handle a surge in stress and emotions. In turn, the person using Neuralink's chip will have more control and have better reasoning skills.

Musk strongly advocates for this project to combat AI as he suspects that the machines would overrun the world in the coming years. Not only does this project work for a person's well-being but doubles as a revolutionary step in enhancing a person's capabilities.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah Alonzo

2018 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

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The Crypto Daily Movers and Shakers August 9th, 2020 – FX Empire

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It was a mixed start to the day. Bitcoin fell to an early morning intraday low $11,523 before finding support.

Steering clear of the first major support level at $11,304, Bitcoin rose to a mid-day intraday high $11,796.

Falling short of the first major resistance level at $11,878, Bitcoin fell back to a low $11,601.

Avoiding sub-$11,600 levels, Bitcoin moved back through to $11,700 levels to deliver the upside on the day.

The near-term bullish trend remained intact, supported by the latest move through to $11,000 levels. For the bears, Bitcoin would need to slide through the 62% FIB of $6,400 to form a near-term bearish trend.

Across the rest of the majors, it was a bullish day for the majors on Saturday.

Cardanos ADA and Tezos led the way, with gains of 5.74% and 9.84% respectively.

Binance Coin (+2.64%), Ethereum (+4.67%), Litecoin (+2.15%), and Trons TRX (+3.19%) also found strong support.

Bitcoin Cash ABC (+1.61%), Bitcoin Cash SV (+1.25%), EOS (+1.89%), Moneros XMR (+1.08%), Ripples XRP (+0.40%), and Stellars Lumen (+0.97%) trailed the pack.

In the current week, the crypto total market cap rose from a Monday low $322.88bn to a Thursday high $355.09bn. At the time of writing, the total market cap stood at $349.48bn.

Bitcoins dominance fell to a Tuesday low 61.24% before rising to a Friday high 63.16%. At the time of writing, Bitcoins dominance stood at 62.15%.

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The Crypto Daily Movers and Shakers August 9th, 2020 - FX Empire

Island Fights greatest: 10 fighters who reached the highest stage after Island Fights – Pensacola News Journal

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With the 10th anniversary of Island Fights approaching on Sept. 6, countless big names have been built and have competed in front of an electrifying crowd in Pensacola.

Take a look at 10 mixed martial artists who have competed at Island Fights on their way to some of the biggest stages in the sport including the UFC, Professional Fighting League and the Bare Knuckle Fight Championships.

Fighters are listed in alphabetical order:

Dillon Cleckler (red corner) vs. Jordan Mitchell (blue corner) during Island Fights 58 at the Pensacola Bay Center in Pensacola on Friday, August 2, 2019.(Photo: Gregg Pachkowski/gregg@pnj.com)

Cleckler started 10-0 as an amateur in Island Fights, then rattled off an eight-fight win streak as a professional. After a four-year hiatus, he returned to win two-consecutive bouts. He then signed a major deal with the BKFC, shortly after the company merged with DAZN.

To take the break he did and then sign with one of the biggest companies out there is no doubt impressive, Island Fights founder and CEO Dean Toole said. It was a very proud moment for us.

Brandon Davis reacts after defeating Randy Costa (not pictured) during UFC 236 at State Farm Arena.(Photo: John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports)

Davis made one appearance at Island Fights and made a major impression, which landed him a spot in UFC commissioner Dana Whites contender series and ultimately a UFC contract.

Him at Island Fights was the greatest fight Ive ever seen, Toole said. He took several short-notice fights and had some tough, split-decision losses. A lot of his fights, it seemed like he was just one judge away from winning.

Davis finished 10-8 before retiring in September2019.

Mike Davis, red tape, takes on Elvin Brito at the Pensacola Bay Center on Friday, December 21, 2018, during Island Fights 51. Davis won by knockout in the third round.(Photo: Jody Link/online@pnj.com)

Davis went undefeated through Island Fights and up to the finals of Whites contender series. He lost to Sodiq Yusuff, who is currently undefeated in the UFC.

That was the best fight Ive seen in a contender series, Toole said. Whoever won that fight was going to get a UFC contract immediately.

Davis returned to Island Fights and rattled off two more wins. He was called for a short-notice UFC contract in April 2019 five weeks after his most-recent Island Fights win and has gone 1-1 in the UFC since.

Hes currently 8-2 as a professional fighter in the UFCs lightweight division.

Hannah Goldy, blue tape, takes on Shannon Goughary during Island Fights 50 at the Pensacola Bay Center on Saturday, September 29, 2018. Goldy won by unanimous decision.(Photo: Jody Link/online@pnj.com)

Goldy appeared at Island Fights three times and instantly became a fan favorite while winning each bout. She accounted for the first female main event in Island Fights history at Island Fights 50. She went on to Whites contender series and currently has a UFC contract.

She wasnt local, so we wondered if she could be a ticker seller for us, Toole said. Before her, we had never seen a non-local fighter get that much support. Island Fights ended up being a huge start for her career and she did a lot for Island Fights. She got a lot of people that werent fight fans excited.

Goldy is 5-1 in the UFC's flyweight division.

Jacob Kilburn (red corner) vs. Deivision Ribeiro (blue corner) during Island Fights 58 at the Pensacola Bay Center in Pensacola on Friday, August 2, 2019.(Photo: Gregg Pachkowski/gregg@pnj.com)

Kilburn has shown great perseverance while continuing to chase his goals as a professional fighter.

He won his first time at Island Fights against an amazing local Elvin Brito, Toole said. He got on Dana Whites contender series after that.

Kilburn took a loss at the contender series and decided to take one year off.

He returned for UFC Fight Pass at Island Fights with a knockout victory. He earned another KO win five weeks later in Georgia.

Hes currently 3-3 in the UFCs featherweight division.

Thats super impressive; if you lose on the contender series, you can be mentally defeated, Toole said. He took a little time off and got right back in there.

Max Mustaki, red tape, takes on Mike Barnett at the Pensacola Bay Center on Friday, December 21, 2018, during Island Fights 51. Barnett won by unanimous decision.(Photo: Jody Link/online@pnj.com)

Mustaki garnered a reputation for creating must-see action every time he put on the gloves. He broke his foot during Whites contender series, but displayed more than enough talent to land a deal.

He will be fighting for Icon on UFC Fight Pass in Biloxi on Sept. 24.

Every fight he had at Island Fights were some of the best Ive seen in Island Fights history, Toole said.

Mustaki is currently 6-4 as a professional.

Alex Nicholson, red tape, takes on Chris Barnett during Island Fights 42 at the Pensacola Bay Center on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Nicholson won by knockout in the first round.(Photo: Jody Link/online@PNJ.com)

Nicholson went undefeated during his time with Island Fights, including wins over previously unbeaten fighters like Cleckler, Chaz Morgan and Chase Sherman. Nicholsons UFC career was highlighted by a first-round knockout against Devin Clark in July 2016. Hes currently fighting in the PFL with a 13-9 MMA record.

He beat every undefeated heavyweight during his time with Island Fights, Toole said. He had a good run in the UFC. He made it all the way to the semifinals in the PFL where you have to fight twice in one night and lost in a very close, split decision.

Frank Carrillo, blue gloves, and Mike Perry, red gloves, fight each other Friday night during Island Fights 37 at the Pensacola Bay Center. Perry knocked Carrillo out in the first round for the win.(Photo: Jody Link/GoPensacola.com)

Perry went 9-0 as an amateur and is currently 14-6 in the UFCs welterweight division. He boxed twice at Island Fights and competed in one MMA bout.

He fought for us a few times and became one of the biggest and up-and-coming stars in the UFC, Toole said. Hes someone that is always exciting to see and always is in an exciting fight.

Perry is 14-6 and currently in the UFC's welterweight division.

Chase Sherman, who has fought on UFC cards, savors his Island Fights 51 win against Frank Tate in their MMA heavyweight bout by chugging a Bud Light at ringside at the Pensacola Bay Center.(Photo: Jody Link/online@pnj.com)

Getting into the UFC is difficult, but making a return after being released is even more daunting.

After a 7-1 start as a pro, Sherman signed to UFC and fought in six bouts, two on short notice.

His contract was not renewed and he returned for three wins at Island Fights between December and May 2019.

He returned to the UFC in May 2020, and defeated Isaac Villanueva by TKO in round two. He also signed a contract with BKFC in March 2019.

He didnt have the best run his first time in the UFC, but he also took a lot of short-notice fights, Toole said. Its the hardest thing in the world to get into the UFC and its nearly impossible to get back in. But that shows what type of fighter Sherman is.

Brok Weaver, red tape, takes on Tyler Hill at the Pensacola Bay Center on Friday, December 21, 2018, during Island Fights 51. Weaver won by submission via a rear naked choke.(Photo: Jody Link/online@pnj.com)

Weaver has made more appearances in Island Fights than anyone and has had plenty of ups and downs in his career.

As an amateur, he had a below .500 record but he was always in an exciting fight, Toole said. Just when we were thinking, 'Dang, maybe this isnt for you, Brok,' he goes on an eight-fight win streak. He got on contender, won some fights and lost in a battle in the finals. He gave the most epic post-fight speech and signed a UFC contract shortly after.

Weaver is 15-5 as a pro and will compete against Frank Camacho at UFC Fight Night on Sept. 12.

Theres been a handful of people that have been instrumental in the growth of Island Fights, Toole said. They might not have made it to the UFC, but they helped get Island Fights where it is today. With Island Fights approaching the 10-year anniversary, its amazing to think about the athletes that have gone through the promotion. Its all been worth it. Theres been countless hours. Matchmaking fights is a 24-7 gig. Its been a super grind for me and my staff for the last 10 years and its all been worth it.

Brian Achatz can be reached at bachatz@pnj.com

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Island Fights greatest: 10 fighters who reached the highest stage after Island Fights - Pensacola News Journal

Discovering Lastovo, Croatia’s Southernmost Inhabited Island – Total Croatia News

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August 10, 2020 - The southernmost Croatian inhabited island, Lastovo, together with other 45 islets, cliffs, and reefs, is Croatia's youngest nature park. Due to the richness of Mediterranean plants and endangered animal species, Lastovo is among the last ten treasures of Mediterranean biodiversity. Along with Mljet, Lastovo is the most forested Croatian island, with about 70% of forest area. Larger settlements on the island are Lastovo, Ubli, Pasadur, Zaklopatica and Skrivena Luka.

The hilly landscape formed by numerous karst fields and bays is ideal for those who enjoy recreational cycling. The seabed rich in caves and passages is a paradise for diving lovers. Of the diving sites, the most attractive and the most visited are Seka Draan and Petrovac.

In addition to the above activities, visitors can enjoy hunting, recreational and sport fishing and star gazing. Lastovo is an island with one of the darkest skies in Europe and among tourists, it's also known as the island of crystal stars.

According to the 2011 census, Lastovo has 792 inhabitants, but the real number is much lower. In the last ten years, many have moved away and the number of those who are registered there, but actually live and work elsewhere, is not negligible.

Most islanders are engaged in tourism and related activities such as agriculture, fishing and trade. Since the season on Lastovo is very short, tourism is not the only branch from which most residents live.

Part of the population is employed in the institutions located on the island, such us JUPP Lastovo islands, Elementary School Braa Glumac, police, army, post office, state administration office There are those whom agriculture, tourism or fishing is the only source of income, so when the season is over, after a short break, preparations for the next one begin very quickly, says Bruna Rizvanovi, director of the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Lastovo.

In terms of tourism, last year was a record for the number of overnight stays.

Due to the tendency to increase in number of overnight stays in the last seven years, we believed that it would continue by at least 5-10% in terms of capacity. We planned our activities accordingly. However, this epidemic surprised us all and showed that the future is unpredictable. I believe that we will be able to push through this year and that this experience will help us to become even better and to develop in line with sustainable tourism, she explains.

During July 2020, 74.21% of last year's arrivals and 73.79% of last year's overnight stays were realized in the municipality of Lastovo. All catering facilities are open, but most of them opened later than planned, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As for the music festivals for which Lastovo is famous, one has not been held, and the other will be held from 12th to 16th of August.

The 'LUZ Lastovo u zvijezdama' festival was not held this year, but the reason was not the current situation, but technical difficulties with the organization. I believe and hope that next year, the organizers of LUZ will meet again and continue the tradition of a diverse program and offer in the pre-season period, which is extremely important for our island, Rizvanovi adds.

This year's edition of festival LAstovo.OTOKGLAZBE. adheres to a slighty different concept of organization due to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the attitude of organizers about the importance of ensuring the health of visitors. Because of it, it will be held in a much smaller capacity, without the organization of a camp and with fewer visitors than usual.

DJ D-Gree, Stray Dogg and Mary May are responsible for the music program, while the young contemporary circus collective Madame Gauc will perform the show Fil. In addition to the abovementioned program that will take place in MihajLA bay, part will take place in the village of Lastovo.

Rizvanovi believes that the results of this tourist season are more than good, considering the situation in the rest of the county.

I believe that the distance of the island from large city centers and the lack of crowds, but also the fact that we didn't record any cases of COVID-19, have affected that the results of tourist traffic are higher than expected. People feel safe knowing that the possibility of infection on the island is small, Rizvanovi concludes.

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily.

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DNR: Conservation officer rescues two men stranded near an island – KESQ

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Michigan (WNEM) Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Todd Sumbera is receiving praise after rescuing two men who were stranded offshore near Drummond Island.

The two Chicago men were stranded in rough water on Friday, Aug. 7. for about 10 minutes.

DNR officials said Sumbera was conducting marine patrol offshore north of the Island and west of Harbor Island when he saw two people in the water clinging to an overturn personal watercraft.

As Sumbera approached the men he identified himself as help.

DNR officials said a 41-year-old man expressed his gratitude to Sumbera stating he didnt know how to swim. They said both men were properly wearing torn life jackets.

Im happy that Sumbera safely returned the men to shore in what could have been a much worse situation had the men not been wearing life jackets, said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division. This is an example of how wearing a life jacket can save a life.

According to officials, after Sumbera helped the men onto his patrol vessel, he determined they were in stable condition.

The 64-year-old man told Sumbera that they had never operated a personal watercraft before and the high winds and rough water swamped them extremely fast when they put the watercraft in reverse, the DNR said.

Sumbera towed the waterlogged watercraft back to the Drummond Island Yacht Haven and took the two men to shore.

Officials said Sumbera advised the men to obtain and use properly fitting, well-maintained life jackets before their next adventure.

DNR officials said several people have drowned or almost-drowned this summer. For more tips on boating and beach safety, visit the DNR website.

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Nuclear watchdog opposes any agreement that would transfer ownership of Three Mile Island Unit 2 – LancasterOnline

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Discussions are ongoing about a criticized plan to transfer ownership of Three Mile Islands defunct Unit 2 reactor to a Utah-based company that would complete its dismantling.

And signs point to a settlement between state and federal regulators, and FirstEnergy, the power company that now owns the unit that partially melted down in 1979.

At least thats what Dauphin County-based nuclear watchdog Eric Epstein said he suspects. Epstein said he opposes any kind of agreement that would advance the plan, which he worries could threaten radioactive disaster.

We will not agree to allow Three Mile Island to become a radioactive waste site, Epstein said. An island in a river is the worst place for it.

Spokespeople speaking on the behalf of the state Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission did not provide details about the negotiations.

Regarding a settlement, DEP is evaluating the motion and will reach a decision soon, DEP spokesman Neil Shader said. More information will be available once a decision is reached.

FirstEnergy spokeswoman Jennifer Young said much the same.

FirstEnergy continues to work with the DEP as well as the NRC to address questions relevant to the license transfer and decommissioning plans for TMI-2, she said. Details of the settlement agreement are confidential.

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Last fall, Unit 2s owners at FirstEnergy announced they planned to transfer ownership of all related licenses and assets to a subsidiary of Utah-based EnergySolutions, which would eventually dismantle the reactor.

The transfer must be approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and its to that commission that Epstein of the Harrisburg-based Three Mile Island Alert raised concerns, urging that the transfer not be approved before they are addressed.

Specifically, he worried about the environmental threats of leaving radioactive waste on the island, which is situated in the Susquehanna River just north of Conoy Township near the Dauphin-Lancaster counties line. That's in addition to fears that rate-payer funded accounts will not have enough money to cover the cost of decommissioning.

Similar concerns were included in a letter sent earlier this year from DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell to federal regulators.

But now, Epstein worries that DEP officials will settle, undermining those fears, though he admits he hasnt been a part of ongoing discussions a point of contention.

I dont know how you build public confidence by excluding the public, he said.

Regardless of what may come from negotiations, Epstein said his organization plans to continue advocating for safety by any legal means, appealing decisions if necessary.

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Grand Island football team in quarantine; one staffer tests positive for coronavirus – Omaha World-Herald

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GRAND ISLAND, Neb. Grand Island's football team is in quarantine through Aug. 19 and cannot begin workouts until Aug. 24, Superintendent Tawana Grover announced Sunday in a letter to families in the school district.

Two members of the GISH football staff are quarantined due to COVID-19, she said. One has been confirmed COVID-19 positive and another is quarantined at this time following CDHD and GIPS protocols. The quarantine process is being practiced as a precaution to the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes and coaches.

The letter also said that school is still scheduled to start onsite as planned, while football players can return to school Aug. 20.

Grand Island is looking to reschedule its postponed Aug. 28 season opener against rival Kearney in what would have been the first game played in Memorial Stadium after the completion of its $17 million renovation.

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Mysterious evolution of wonky whale skulls – EarthSky

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The skulls of whales with teeth such as sperm whales (pictured above) evolved to be lopsided, with the bones on one side in different positions from the same bones on the other side. Image via Day Donaldson/ Flickr/ Science News for Students.

By Ellen Coombs, UCL

Some whales are wonky. You might not know it to look at them, but their skulls are actually incredibly asymmetrical. This mysterious feature helps with echolocation, the way that whales work out where things are by making sounds and sensing how they are reflected back.

But this wonkiness isnt present in all whales. My colleagues and I recently conducted research to find out why and when wonky whales started to evolve in a different way from their symmetrical cousins. We now know wonky whale skulls first appeared around 30 million years ago, and that they continued to become even more asymmetrical as the creatures evolved into the modern species we know today.

Sperm whale skull. Image via JvL/ Flickr.

In order to understand how wonky whales got this way, we needed to look at how they lived and adapted in the past. Fortunately for us, the whale fossil record is so remarkably represented that scientists have even called the whale a posterchild of evolution. Complete skulls and skeletons stretch right back to the earliest whales of 50 million years ago, and more fossils are dotted throughout whale history, right up to the living animals we know today.

Asymmetrical narwhal skull the red arrows highlight the skewed bones. Image via The Conversation.

With this record, were able to see that whales nostrils have moved from the tip of their snout to the top of their head, an evolutionary tactic to make for easy breathing at the surface of the water. And the skulls of whales with teeth (which technically includes dolphins, as well as species such as sperm whales) have become more lopsided, with the bones on one side in different positions from the same bones on the other side.

This is because of a mass of fatty tissue called a melon that toothed whales use for echolocation. The melon and the soft tissue needed for echolocation are positioned leftwards above the skull on toothed whales, giving them a bulbous forehead and also causing the bones in the skull underneath to grow skewed to the left. As toothed whales evolved, their skulls got wonkier.

But why dont all whales have this wonkiness? The first whales were called archaeocetes (which literally means ancient whales). They evolved from walking on land to being fully aquatic in a relatively short 8 million years or so.

We know that archaeocete fossils have wonky rostrums (or snouts). This might be a distortion of the fossils or a feature that helped archaeocetes work out which direction sounds were coming from underwater.

Ambulocetus natans, an early whale ancestor. Image via Ghedoghedo.

Then, around 39 million years ago, whales diverged into two groups: those with teeth in their mouths, known as the odontocetes, and those with baleen (rows of bristles that allow whales to filter food from the water), known as the mysticetes.

At some point, the toothed whales evolved wonky skulls and echolocation. However, the mysticetes, which include the big baleen whales (such as blue whales), diverged down a completely different evolutionary path. They evolved baleen and filter feeding and skulls that are more symmetrical than both the archaeocetes and the toothed whales.

We wanted to understand why, and exactly when, this happened. So to track asymmetry in the evolution of the whale skull, we produced 3D scans of 162 skulls, 78 of which were fossils. By mapping this wonky shape change in the skull across the whale family tree, we could track precisely when in evolutionary history it first appeared and in which families it evolved.

Asymmetry appears

Based on analyses of these skulls, naso-facial asymmetry (wonkiness) appears to have first evolved around 30 million years ago. This was after the transition from archaeocetes to modern whales, and after the split between the odontocetes and the mysticetes. Around the same time this wonkiness was appearing, these early toothed whales were evolving high-frequency hearing and complex echolocation.

We also confirmed that early ancestors of living whales had little cranial asymmetry in the naso-facial area and likely were not able to echolocate. As such, its likely that baleen whales have never been able to echolocate.

Most surprisingly, this asymmetry has reached its highest levels in some specific animals such a sperm whales and narwhals and other species that live in deep or extreme environments.

This suggests that animals living in these complex environments, including belugas that live in icy, cluttered waters and river dolphins that live in shallow, murky rivers, have evolved a different echolocation ability such as a more diverse or discrete sound repertoire to help them navigate and hunt, and with it the bones around the nasal and face have become more asymmetrical.

This evolutionary path of toothed whales becoming ever more asymmetrical suggests that their skulls and the overlying soft tissues may continue to get wonkier as their echolocation techniques become more specialized.

These findings remind us not only of the complex evolutionary pathways that cetaceans have undergone to become the superbly adapted iconic ocean inhabitants that we know today, but also that despite living alongside some of the largest animals that have ever existed, there is still a lot for us to learn about them.

Ellen Coombs, Ph.D. Candidate in Biosciences, UCL

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Bottom line: Why and when some whales evolved asymmetrical skulls.

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Mysterious evolution of wonky whale skulls - EarthSky

Evolution turned this fish into a ‘penis with a heart.’ Here’s how. – Live Science

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When it comes to dating in the abyssal depths of the ocean, appearance doesn't matter much. That's fortunate for anglerfish, which resemble nightmarish fanged potatoes with a little reading lamp on top. And those are just the females.

If you've never seen a male anglerfish before, you're not missing much. Measuring just a few centimeters long on average, male anglers are a mere fraction of their partners' size, and contribute a fraction of the work to their relationships. For many anglerfish species, the male's sole responsibility is to permanently latch onto an obliging mate, fuse his circulatory system with hers, then slowly allow his eyes, fins and most of his internal organs to degenerate until he becomes what biologist Stephen Jay Gould called "a penis with a heart." The male gets constant nourishment; the female gets sperm on demand. The anglerfish circle of life spins on.

It's beautiful, we know. But this unique mating ritual which biologists call "sexual parasitism" has long stumped researchers. How could the female angler's immune system even allow such a permanent, parasitic union to occur? Humans have a hard-enough time accepting organ transplants that don't precisely match their own tissues, so how does a female anglerfish's body accept a male's (or, in some cases, up to eight simultaneous males) so willingly? A genetic study published July 30 in the journal Science finally offers an answer: Anglerfish mating is only possible because the fish have somehow evolved away some of their most crucial immune defenses.

"For humans, the combined loss of important immune facilities observed in anglerfishes would result in fatal immunodeficiency," study co-author Thomas Boehm, director at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Germany, said in a statement. "We assume that as yet unknown evolutionary forces first drive changes in the immune system, which are then exploited for the evolution of sexual parasitism."

Related: Photos: The world's freakiest-looking fish

In the new study, Boehm and his colleagues analyzed the genomes of 10 different species of anglerfish, including species that fuse permanently during reproduction and species that fuse only temporarily. In both groups, the team found a clear absence of genes crucial to the fish's antibody response that is, how effectively the fish's immune system is able to find and identify foreign invaders.

For anglerfish that fuse permanently during mating, even more immunological hardware was missing. In addition to lacking even more genes related to antibodies, the perma-fusers also lacked genes responsible for encoding killer T cells, which normally attack infected cells or foreign tissues, the researchers said. Overall, it seemed that evolution had totally deleted the adaptive immune system the part of the immune response that identifies and attacks specific foreign invaders from these sexually parasitic fishes.

Strangely, anglerfish seem to have had no problem adapting to the deep sea an ecosystem with no shortage of parasitic microbes despite their missing immune machinery. It's likely, the researchers wrote in the study, that anglerfish compensate for their lack of adaptive immunity with a beefed-up innate immune system. In other words, they must have some pre-existing, nonspecific defenses that protect them from a wide variety of pathogens without interrupting their invasive mating process.

It's still unclear what those inborn defenses might be but, whatever they are, they only make anglerfish an even more unique outlier among the world's vertebrates. It may be hard to believe, but it looks like anglerfish are even weirder than we thought.

Originally published on Live Science.

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Evolution turned this fish into a 'penis with a heart.' Here's how. - Live Science

Cooperative Evolution: Food coops like Seward and the Wedge have adapted quickly during troubled times – The Growler

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Access to food is about as elemental as it gets. But in troubled times with lives on the line, not every grocery store has responded to the pandemic with equal skill and speed.

Well into April and May, we visited grocery stores in Minneapolis where masking, even by employees, was sporadic, social distancing was irregular, and store capacity was unannounced and unenforced.

And in the wake of the death of George Floyd, reaction from companies has varied from nothing to brief, almost neutral statements expressing a hope for racial equality, to deep community engagement. Many grocery stores have ended up toward the nothing side of the spectrum.

But in the food retail sector, one store format has adapted to the challenges of 2020 with surprising speed: food cooperatives, which are by many counts more prominent in Minnesota than in any other state in the union. Co-ops, which are member-owned and governed, straddle a line between for-profit and non-profit businesses, as they endeavor to sell goods to sustain themselves and grow while serving the needs of their community.

The roots of food co-ops stem from a desire on the part of farmers to eliminate middlemen, share risk, and bring crops to market, says Craig B. Upright. Upright is the author of the new book Grocery Activism: The Radical History of Food Cooperatives in Minnesota, which traces the movement from its roots in the 19th century through the so-called Co-op Wars of the 1970s up through the modern organizations that dot the current day retail landscape. From that initial wellspring of the movement up until the current day, co-ops have adapted to their times while retaining their essential member-driven character.

That characterand the size of co-ops relative to big grocery chainshelps these stores adapt to challenging times. If Cub [Foods] wants to change their policy, they have a huge corporate structure to go through to implement it, even on a local level, says Upright. The co-ops, because they are run by their members, because they exist as independent stores within this larger federation of coops, theyre much more nimble, and theyre much more able to change their policies faster than the larger big box stores.

That ability to shift policy in response to a crisis was tested this spring with the emergence of COVID-19.

Josh Resnik, CEO of the Twin Cities Co-op Partnerswhich runs Wedge Community Co-op and Linden Hills Co-opwas poised in March to spend four days at a natural foods conference in Anaheim, California. But vendors began dropping outby the dozen and then by the hundredsand the conference was canceled as the severity of COVID-19s impact became clear.

Instead of networking with industry peers, Resnik stayed in Minnesota. I spent those four days working with my team and saying, What is our plan if were going to operate in this environment?' he says. His teams biggest movethe one that guided every response that followedwas establishing four baseline principles for pandemic response.

The first was safety, he says. The second was food access. Third was employment, and fourth was long-term business sustainability. Everything got looked at through that lens and it all had to start with safety. What would create a safe environment for our shoppers and employees? We were one of the first to install plexiglass [screens]. We put marks on the floor to create social distancing, we put caps on the total number of shoppers.

Even as Resnik and his team worked to create distance and barriers to infection, they also strove to provide access to food, something their community relied upon. The idea of shutting down or going to down to only five shoppers at a timewe wanted to make sure, especially in March when there was this panic-buyingwe wanted to make sure there was a really good supply of food and people knew they could trust us as a place they could come and get the food they needed, he says.

Keeping food available and keeping employees and customers safe, says Resnik, meant that jobs could be preserved, as well. Keeping jobs and keeping people employed was paramount, he says. Knowing there was a lot of employee uncertainty, we created policies around our leave options. We had different leave options where people who wanted to come in and felt comfortable, they had a place to come and continue to get that paycheck, but for other people with personal or family health concerns, we had different programs in place to make sure they were covered.

For Sean Doyle, the general manager of Seward Community Co-op, the pandemic presented an even more urgent threat when one of the stores employees at the Franklin Avenue location was diagnosed with the disease in March. Seward was transparent about the diagnosis and their response to it, which touched off considerable media coverage.

We closed our Franklin store, recalls Doyle. We had no real clarity about even what the protocols for cleaning was. At the same time, Doyle says, the whole Seward infrastructure was buckling under demand from consumers.

What was happening prior to that closure was that same period about six to seven days where our sales were almost twice the normal volume, he says. We were in this incredibly manic place just doing what we could just to keep the shelves stockedI was working stocking groceries which I havent done much in a long time, because the scale of the co-op is we have three businesses and 260-plus employees, its just not the best use of my time. Every hand was on deck, youd open up a box of pasta, and before you could get it to the shelf literally people were taking it from you. Or youd put it on the shelf and turn around and itd already be gone.

Under the pressure of TV cameras reporting on the COVID-19 diagnosis at the store, Doyle and his team adapted with furious speed. The Franklin store really drove our Friendship store to make immediate changes and we tried to find everything we possibly could out there about what protocols could be in place to protect our employees and our customers, he says. Within a day or two we had plexiglass up at the point of sale, [and] we started to regulate the number of people who could come in the storeat first it was 50now its 30. Its been a state of constant refinement.

Community and employee involvement has been key, says Doyle, to driving new policy to keep Seward Community Co-op community members healthy. That community includes our shoppers, our employees, our members, and the broader geographic community around our location, says Doyle. We dont operate in a bubble. We might have an ideological bubble, but we dont live in a physical bubble. That is what drove us to adopt, early on, a lot of our social distancing protocols. Our whole model was lets try something and if that doesnt work, lets revise, lets revise, and lets revise.

Constant, fearless iteration marks the effort at the Wedge as well. If you visit the Wedges website, you can read a log, tracked by date, detailing all the changes the store has made in response to COVID-19. Its an unusual amount of transparency, and it reflects co-ops dedication to collective decision-making.

All of this dovetails with the essential DNA of co-ops. One of their core ideals, says author Craig B. Upright, is the concept of community. The idea of whats best for our community? is really driving what theyre doing, he says. Rather than trying to extract resources from their membership and their customers, theyre thinking about how do we re-funnel these resources into our store and our community. That willingness to do whats right for their community is part of whats guiding this.

The historic protests that touched off in Minneapolis in May 2020 presented another challenge for co-ops. It was very trying, especially for me being a Black male, says Ray Williams, who is the operations manager for Seward Community Co-op, recalling the events that began with the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.

I often operate within a level of fear as a Black male, and that didnt necessarily change but there was a very high level of frustrationOh my god, were living through this again, seeing another person killed at the hands of the police, Williams says.

The co-ops mission, says Williams, helped to guide its response to the killing and the community outcry that followed. What happened with George Floyd was very unfortunate and as a co-op we stand on the side of being vocal and we stand in solidarity when it comes to injustices in our community and in society as a whole, says Williams. We didnt have to sit down and make a decision as to whether we were going to respond to George Floydwe knew we were going to respond. It was just what response we were going to give.

Seward Co-op was unique in that not only were its values as a co-op put to the test by the killing and the community response to the killing, but its stores were physically proximate to the unrest. The stores Friendship location is located just blocks from 38th and Chicago where Floyd was killed, and looters breached the stores Franklin location and attempted to break into its ATM. Ultimately, the community helped protect the store from further destruction.

When the stories circulated around about neighborhoods being under attack by what appeared to be white racists, and a number of different employees shared experiences on that fronta lot of them were active on block responses, recalls Seward general manager Sean Doyle. Neighbors at both locations made the co-op part of the area they were guarding, he says. The neighbors without our askingnor could we ask because of legal liabilitiesstood guard to protect the communitys assets. It was really moving in a lot of ways to see the community step up that way.

The co-ops, in turn, donated food and water to support the protests and their neighbors.

For all their adaptation, says Doyle, the path ahead remains one that requires constant questioning and searching.

If our primary purpose to sustain a healthy communityhow do you sustain a healthy community in a pandemic, in a period of incredible [wealth] disparity as well, that showed up before the pandemic, and before the murder of George Floydweve been asking ourselves that, he says.

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Cooperative Evolution: Food coops like Seward and the Wedge have adapted quickly during troubled times - The Growler

AR/VR is the next evolution in product try on, says House of Beauty CEO Ritika Sharma – The New Indian Express

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Express News Service

Themassive shift towards online businesses, driven by the pandemic, is noticable especially in the self-care and wellness segment. Cashing in on the scenario, House of Beauty launched its new e-commerce platform boddess.com with AR/VR technology; over 60 skincare, make up, hair care and fragrance brands onboard; and contactless delivery to your doorstep. In July, they launched an app to refine the consumer shopping experience. Excerpts from an interview with Founder and CEO Ritika Sharma:

What was the idea behind Boddess?

We aspire to change the way people discover beauty and grooming. Also, we wanted to create a holistic experience through a superior technology led e-Commerce platform that puts the customer at the forefront and provides value from every aspect. External beauty to internal wellness.

How is Boddess different from other beauty websites?

Our technology makes us stand out. Our in-house proprietary AR/VR skin diagnostic, make-up try-on tools and hand-picked artist talent in areas of hair, skin and make-up, are onboard full-time.

How many experts do you have on board?

We have multiple celebrity experts and influencers for hair care, makeup and skin care including Anu Kaushik, Rod Anker, Dr Geetika Mittal and Manjari Singh.

What tools does the app provide?

The Boddess Virtual Pro allows customers to accurately diagnose their skin condition, try on makeup virtually and get recommended product solutions. The Boddess Edit offers access to celebrity and in-house makeup, hair and skin experts to engage with, learn about new skincare recipes, tips. The Boddess Virtual Pro Skin Diagnostic tool assesses wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes and inflammation, pigmentation, sensitivity/ redness, pores, dark spots and circles.

The Virtual Makeup Tool allows customers to choose options from colour cosmetic brands for lip, eye, foundation, and blush in real time. Boddess Virtual Pro will soon launch the Eyebrow Virtual Pro soon. How will AR/VR technology cash in on more customers? The Boddess Virtual Pro was designed to solve one of the biggest pain points customers unable to try on products at an e-commerce platform. Led by MIT leadership, we developed this technologically futuristic, yet implementable solution to create value for our customers.

Will this technology help in skin treatments and consultations?

Our team spent the past few months building our Machine Learning database of skin types in partnership with leading dermatologists in India. We take thousands of high-resolution images of men and women and tag their skin condition with our proprietary collection of skin metrics (things like hydration, wrinkles, dark spots, skin age etc.). We make sure to train our algorithms on a diverse array of skin colours, ages, and ethnicities, and then train our algorithms on this data set and build supervised machine learning models to improve this algorithm every week. More images we collect, the better it gets.

Is AR/VR technology the future of the beauty industry?

With COVID limiting physical interactions in stores, AR/VR is the next evolution in product try on. From virtual try on, digital catalogues for social selling to 3D printed makeup tools, customised cosmetic and skincare product requests in one click to 3D face masks and voice-based technology are all in the pipeline across startups and big organisations. For example; finding the perfect foundation shade, out of 9,000 shades, now takes less than a minute.

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AR/VR is the next evolution in product try on, says House of Beauty CEO Ritika Sharma - The New Indian Express

New Insights Into How Ovarian Cancer Grows and Evolves – Technology Networks

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In a paper published in the journalCancer Research, Associate ProfessorLevi Waldron, post-doctoral fellow Ludwig Geistlinger, and colleagues at theInstitute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) provide new insights into how ovarian cancer grows and evolves within a person.The paper, Multi-omic analysis of subtype evolution and heterogeneity in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma [1] is of basic scientific interest for its methodology and insights into the decades-long process of tumorigenesis, and of practical interest for the implications these insights have on the viability of subtype-targeted therapies. More than 20,000 women receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer each year in the United States, and approximately 14,000 die each year.

Understanding how a heterogeneous tumor evolves prior to diagnosis is difficult because we cant directly observe that evolution, says Professor Waldron. But by observing tumors identified at different stages of that evolution, and through detailed investigation of tumor genomics and heterogeneity, we can still learn something about it. The key thing we wanted to know was whether a tumor starts as a certain subtype and stays that way, or evolves, changes, and even multiplies subtypes over time. If subtypes can evolve and multiply within one tumor, then subtype-specific therapies are unlikely to help.

To answer these questions, the team developed a new method of inferring the existence of heterogeneous subtypes from complementary types of genomic data, published separately in theJournal of Clinical Oncology Clinical Cancer Informatics[2], and teamed up with researchers from the University of Minnesota who leveraged new technology to sequence the RNA of single cells.

We used complementary but completely different approaches to approach the same question one using more traditional approach using DNA and RNA sequencing of hundreds of bulk tumors, and the other using new single-cell sequencing methods for a few tumors, Waldron elaborates, Seeing a consistent picture from both approaches really strengthened confidence in results coming from two novel approaches.

A surprising outcome of the research is a dismissal of the idea of discrete transcriptome subtypes for this cancer, and replacement by a model of continuous tumor development that includes mixtures of subclones, accumulation of mutations, infiltration of immune and stromal cells in proportions correlated with tumor stage and tissue of origin, and evolution between properties previously associated with discrete subtypes.

Unfortunately, previous ideas of discrete subtypes were overly simplistic and unlikely to progress our understanding, prevention, or treatment of this disease, says Waldron. Fortunately, with the clearer picture emerging of tumor heterogeneity, and the rapid development of technologies to help understand it, we are well-positioned to make progress.

The project involved a primary collaboration with the University of Minnesota where single-cell RNA sequencing was performed, and with the Dana-Farber Cancer Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. CUNY SPH post-doc Sehyun Oh, and MPH alumni Marcel Ramos and Lucas Schiffer were also involved in the research.

References

[1] Geistlinger L, et al. (2020).Multi-omic analysis of subtype evolution and heterogeneity in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.Cancer Res.DOI:https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2020/08/01/0008-5472.CAN-20-0521

[2] Oh S, Geistlinger L, et al. (2020).Reliable Analysis of Clinical Tumor-Only Whole-Exome Sequencing Data.JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics. DOI:10.1200/CCI.19.00130

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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‘An American Pickle’ Is the Next Step In the Evolution of Seth Rogen – Decider

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Seth Rogen doesnt smoke weed in An American Pickle.He doesnt trip on ecstasy. He doesnt even enjoy a drink, unless you count a particularly precious glass of seltzer water. Thats pretty unusual for a comedy produced by Rogen and his longtime partner Evan Goldberg. In fact, An American Picklewhich began streaming on HBO Max todayis their first non-R-rated movie since The Guilt Trip in 2012.

The film may surprise his longtime fans for that reason; but also, maybe not. Because theres been a change in the way people talk about Seth Rogen in the last few years. Have you noticed it? Its less lol, Seth Rogen, and more wow, Seth Rogen! It started about three years ago, around the time The Disaster Artista Rogen-Goldberg produced comedy starring James Franco as the real-life filmmaker of the famously bad The Roomwas getting Oscar buzz. It continued on through Long Shot, a romantic comedy that set out to make Rogen a worthy romantic interest for Charlize Theron, and, surprisingly, succeeded. (What can I say? He cleaned up in that tuxedo!) Now its taken the next logical step with An American Pickle, which may be the best showcase for Rogens acting skills yet.

Directed by Brandon Trosta cinematographer and frequent Rogen collaborator, making his solo directorial debutAn American Pickle is essentially 88 minutes of Rogen doing a two-man show with himself. Its based on a short story by Simon Rich (who also wrote the script), and comes with a wacky concept: A Polish-Jewish immigrant falls into a vat of pickle brine in Brooklyn in the year 1919, wakes up 100 years later, and meets his great-grandson. Both the immigrant, Herschel, and the great-grandson, Ben, are played by Rogen. Its a shtick often used in the silliest of comedies and sounds like a perfect set-up for some classic Rogen shenanigans.

But thats not what the film delivers. An American Pickle deliberately strives for something more serious. Herschel and Ben swap jokes about David Bowie, and Rogen has a lot of fun with his accent, but much of the film is spent exploring heritage, religion, and what it truly means to grieve for lost loved ones. Bens parents died in a car crash, you see. Right away, Herschel notices that his great-grandson doesnt have any pictures of his family hung in his home. (He does, however, have a David Bowie poster.) Ben insists hes grieved in his own way. Herschel insists they visit his parents graveand the grave of Herschels long-dead wife, played by Sarah Snookto grieve in the traditional way. Ben checks his phone while Herschel prays. Later, when Ben finally does pray in a synagogue in the old country, he breaks down crying.

All of these dramatic scenes fall on the shoulders of Rogen, and Rogen alone. The comedian filmed all of Herschels scenes first, shaved his beard, and then filmed all of Bens scenes with an earpiece of his previous performance in his ear. Its hardly the first time an actor has pulled that off, but its certainly a first for Rogen, whose movies used to come with a cohort of his Hollywood buddies. In the early years, he was a staple of Judd Apatows crew, having been discovered by the producer for the short-lived Freaks and Geeks TV show when Rogen was 16. Eventually, he and fellow Freaks and Geeks star James Franco formed their own crewalong with Goldberg and other familiar facescollaborating on successful stoner comedies like Pineapple Express (2008), This Is The End(2013), and the infamous controversial parody, The Interview (2014).

Recently, while its still Rogen and Goldberg as the dynamic duo behind the scenes, on camera Rogens been branching out on his own. Long Shot found him acting with a whole host of people he hadnt worked with before, including Theron, with whom, it turned out, he had great chemistry. In An American Pickle, he barely acts with anyone else at all, save for a few scenes with Snook. Without the constant presence of his pals, Rogens given himself more control over his own narrative as an actor.

These days, its harder to know what to expect from a Seth Rogen movie. Its not a total reinvention; its more like an upgrade. Youre still getting comedy, to be sure. Its hard to imagine Rogen doing a total 180 to drama, la Jonah Hill in Moneyball. But who knows? Long Shot felt like a turn for Rogen as an actor; An American Pickle feels like an even bigger one. That said, the American Pickle mid-credits scene does feature Rogen and Rogen lusting after Barbara Streisand in Yentl, so maybe some things never change.

Watch An American Pickle on HBO Max

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'An American Pickle' Is the Next Step In the Evolution of Seth Rogen - Decider

How U.S. And Russian Nuclear Warhead Stockpiles Evolved [Infographic] – Forbes

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75 years on from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, there are still approximately 13,400 nuclear warheads across the world. Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the first of two attacks on Japan towards the end of World War II involving devices with a yield of 15 kilotons and 22 kilotons respectively. Today's nuclear warheads are far more powerful with the U.S. Trident SLBM yielding 455 kilotons while the Russian SS ICBM has an 800-kiloton yield. Both of those countries possess more than 90% of the world's nuclear warheads and they have a stockpile of just over 8,000 between them according to The Federation of American Scientists. That total includes active and inactive warheads in military custody but excludes strategic warheads currently deployed on intercontinental missiles and at heavy bomber bases.

The following infographic illustrates the evolution of U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals since the early 1950s, as well as the impact of treaties that sought to curtail the arms race. Stockpiles fell significantly in the wake of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty which was signed when both states possessed more than 61,000 warheads. The trend of disarmament accelerated after the fall of the Berlin Wall and subsequent collapse of the USSR but more recent developments are cause for concern. Despite the noticeable decline in nuclear weapons since the end of the Cold War, states have moved to modernize their stockpiles, adding new types, changing their roles and committing to possessing them long-term.

Developments in Washington haven't eased growing levels of uncertainty either. Last year, the Trump administration left the above-mentioned 1987 treaty and there are mounting fears the president will also withdraw from New START which limits the U.S. and Russia to 1,550 deployed nuclear missiles each. Trump has insisted that China has to be part of future limits on nuclear arms, a move Beijing has categorically ruled out. The treaty expires in February, a relatively short time after the presidential inauguration. Trump has already abandoned the Iran nuclear accord and most recently, he took the U.S. out of the Open Skies Treaty, citing a lack of Russian compliance.

*Click below to enlarge (charted byStatista)

Estimated stockpiled nuclear warhead count by year.

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How U.S. And Russian Nuclear Warhead Stockpiles Evolved [Infographic] - Forbes

Lukashenkos Biggest Election Opponent: the Internet – Voice of America

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In the closing days of the Belarus presidential election campaign, opposition candidates are holding mass rallies and incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko is visiting businesses, giving speeches to the Security Council and government and lashing out at the news media.

During a meeting with campaign staff, Lukashenko railed at local and international media, saying the Belarussian edition of Russian daily Komsomolskaya Pravda will soon turn into a tabloid and accusing foreign outlets, including the BBC and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, of being biased and calling for riots.

Lukashenko, who has been in power for 26 years, asked the Foreign Ministry to intervene.

There is no need whatsoever to wait until the end of the election campaign. Get them out of here if they do not comply with our laws and call people to Maidans, he said on July 23, referring to mass protests in Ukraine in 2013 over the countrys move away from the European Union.

In the months leading up to the August 9 vote, journalists and bloggers in Belarus have been arrested, harassed and even deported as Lukashenko faces an unexpectedly tough election amid discontent with the economy and his poor handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

The president, who says he tested positive for the virus, kept the country open and early on recommended fighting the virus with saunas and vodka.

Opposition presidential candidates were also forced out of the race, with two detained and a third Valery Tsepkalo, a former ambassador to the United States forced to flee to Russia, fearing arrest.

Media in Belarus already work under repressive conditions, with strict accreditation rules and access to independent news websites blocked. The country ranks 153rd out of 180 countries, where 1 is the most free, according to the World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders.

In Belarus, the situation with freedom of speech is traditionally bad, Alexander Klaskovsky, head of analytical projects of the BelaPAN news agency, told VOA. During election campaigns this situation becomes aggravated.

Klaskovsky said journalists were bearing the brunt of a difficult presidential campaign for Lukashenko.

On August 5, police arrested a freelancer for the German agency Deutsche Welle twice in one day. And after a July 31 rally for opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya in the city of Maladzechna, police detained a crew for the independent Belarusian-language station Belsat TV.

Tikhanovskaya stepped in as a candidate after the arrest of her husband, Sergei Tikhanovsky, a popular video blogger who runs the YouTube channel Country to Live In, and who was registered to run.

Earlier in the campaign, Sergei Tikhanovsky was the main irritant for authorities, said Klaskovsky.

He traveled all over the country," Klaskovsky said. "In small towns, he would give the microphone to disadvantaged people blasting the authorities. And the authorities felt that it was dangerous, because their biggest fear is the street, since the election commissions are staffed with loyal people and the counting of votes is completely under state control.

On May 6, authorities charged Sergei Tikhanovsky and seven others with organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order.

Boris Goretsky, deputy chair of the Belarusian Association of Journalists, said arrests and oppression of journalists have increased, with over 60 incidents recorded during the campaign.

The authorities are afraid of freely disseminated information, as evidenced by the recent arrests of journalists after rallies, Goretsky told VOA. Authorities try to detain the maximum number of journalists so no one is there to provide video coverage and distribute it on the internet.

After all, information is what motivates people to act, he said.

In addition to the arrests, authorities are beating journalists at rallies and obstructing live broadcasts, said Natalya Radina, editor-in-chief of the news website Charter97.

Klaskovsky, of BelaPAN, added that bloggers and administrators of public and Telegram channels working under the Country to Live In brand have been hit hard, but the pressure is also felt by independent news websites, news agencies and publications whose editorial offices are abroad.

These journalists are often not invited to press conferences or other official events, where the priority is given to state-owned press. And those covering mass gatherings risk being arbitrarily detained, having equipment broken or confiscated and, if they lack accreditation, being fined for illegal fabrication of mass media products.

The rest of the press finds itself in an information vacuum, Klaskovsky said.

The Belarus Embassy in Washington told VOA on Friday to send questions via email. The embassy did not respond to VOAs emailed questions.

Under supervision

Independent media in Belarus are still tightly controlled. Journalists need accreditation to access official events, and the State Security Committee still known as the KGB, its Soviet-era name regularly monitors the press, with officials calling reporters to discuss their work.

Because of these officials described by some journalists as supervisors it is very difficult to determine the degree of independence of a local outlet, said Irina Khalip, a Belarus correspondent for Novaya Gazeta, an independent Russia paper known for its critical and investigative coverage of Russian political and social affairs.

All foreign journalists need to be accredited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And this accreditation comes with lines you cannot cross, Khalip said. One step over and your accreditation is revoked."

In May, the Foreign Ministry stripped a Channel One correspondent of his accreditation and deported him to Russia. The ministry did not state the reason, but Channel One, a Russian state broadcaster, said it came one day after a segment on Belarus coronavirus cases.

Khalip works without accreditation, but says it comes at a cost.

I cannot attend any press conference of a government official because no one will let me in there. But in this case, the editorial board decided, Well, to hell with those officials! Khalip said. There are streams, there are news agencies, if you need to quote somebody. Better to have a free correspondent.

Internet freedom

With a stifled media, Telegram channels and video blogs are increasingly popular and coming to Lukashenkos attention.

Lukashenko at all his meetings says that it is they who are to blame for everything, Khalip said, adding that authorities at first did not know how to address it. You can revoke the accreditation of a journalist, but what do you do with a YouTube channel?

Authorities have stepped up the arrests and harassment of bloggers. But Khalip believes its a losing battle.

It is possible to oppress a certain number of journalists located in Belarus, but it is impossible to fight the internet. Therefore, in my opinion, they have already lost this war.

The journalist was convicted of rioting after the 2010 election and authorities jailed her husband, Andrew Sannikov, who ran as an opposition presidential candidate.

News websites based outside Belarus are a key source of information. Despite attempts by authorities to block the sites, readers are finding ways to access them online.

The Charter'97 website has been blocked for over two years, editor-in-chief Radina said. But people have learned to bypass the blocking via virtual private networks [and] anonymizers, and still read us because they need accurate information.

It is impossible to completely cut off information, because these days not only journalists but everyone can record videos on their mobile phones and post them on the internet. Information on what happens in Belarus on August 9 and 10 will appear anyway, Radina said.

Goretsky, deputy chair of the Belarusian Association of Journalists, said the internet, along with social media and Telegram channels, makes it faster and easier to share or access objective information.

People no longer watch TV day and night; they watch YouTube channels. This gave birth to the phenomenon of Sergei Tikhanovsky, who created his own channel, which was popular with the older generation as well, he said.

While the government has been fighting all these years for print runs and compulsory subscriptions, independent publications have de facto taken over the internet," Goretsky said. And although many of them do not have accreditation and cannot attend official events, they have several advantages, including the internet.

This article originated in VOAs Russian service.

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Lukashenkos Biggest Election Opponent: the Internet - Voice of America