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Lawmakers break down legislative progress in St. Paul KTTC – KTTC

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

Minneapolis, Minn. (KTTC) -- So, how did the second special legislative session go in St. Paul? Tuesday evening, The Council of Minnesotans of African Heritage held an online debrief to answer that.

The one major piece of legislation that did pass is the police reform and accountability bill.

"This was a significant move compared to where we were. We have made a step forward to addressing the issue of policing in our communities," said Rep. Mohamud Noor, (DFL) Minneapolis.

The bill banned certain police tactics but also addressed stress management for officers.

"What that means is when you have good police officers coming into our communities, they're dealing with stress based on the job that they're in. That they can get the care [that they need]." Noor said

The lawmakers also talked about Gov. Tim Walz's pandemic response.

"We can't evaluate the governor by what's happening. We are fighting an enemy in which we can't see. We are in unprecedented times. There are so many things happening. And I think that he is doing the best he can. Could we do better? Yes. Could we do more? Absolutely," said Rep. Hodan Hassan, (DFL) Minneapolis.

"The work that he has done to monitor the evictions, providing support to small businesses, to creating more opportunities for the distance learning, which we will be hearing more on Thursday. His leadership has been phenomenal," added Noor.

Still unresolved, passage of the bonding bill, the legislation that lays out spending for public projects.

"We are hoping to come back in September notwithstanding some issues behind bonding sales and get this work done. We haven't completed our work," said Sen. Jeff Hayden, (DFL) Minneapolis.

Gov. Walz has not specifically said that he would call a third special session, but he was disappointed that more didn't get done during the second session.

Lawmakers break down legislative progress in St. Paul KTTC - KTTC

Leadership of NOBLE to discuss progress made and reforms still needed since death of George Floyd at National Press Club Virtual Newsmaker July 30 -…

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The death of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement sparked global outrage and inspired multiple generations of Americans to leave the safety of their homes during a pandemic and join in widespread demonstrations against police brutality. Nearly two months later, the protests and calls for justice, accountability, and sweeping law enforcement reforms continue.

On Thursday, July 30, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) outgoing president Cerelyn J. Davis and incoming president Lynda R. Williams will deliver a live national address on what progress has been made in the fight for social justice and equality, and what changes still need to come in order to move forward as a society.

This 1-hour program will stream live at 1:00 p.m. ET as part of the National Press Club's Virtual Newsmaker series, and is accessible to both the media and members of the general public free-of-charge. Click here to view the livestream.

With nearly 60 chapters representing more than 3,000 members nationwide, NOBLE prides itself as an organization that "serves as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to justice by action." NOBLE's membership is comprised of chief executive officers and command-level leadership from every tier and sector of law enforcement.

Opening remarks will be followed by a moderated question-and-answer session with National Press Club President Michael Freedman. Viewers can send their questions for Davis and Williams via email to Headliners@press.org. Freedman will ask as many questions as time permits.

PRESS CONTACT: Lindsay Underwood for The National Press Club; lunderwood@press.org, (202) 662-7561

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Leadership of NOBLE to discuss progress made and reforms still needed since death of George Floyd at National Press Club Virtual Newsmaker July 30 -...

Why Movie Theater Reopenings Overseas Show ‘Early Signs of Progress’ for the Industry – TheWrap

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

Business in the U.K. seems to be picking up looking at increasing location counts, as opposed to gross since the market reopened, Boxoffice Pro editor Daniel Loria said

Hollywood has resigned itself to forgo releasing new movies in theaters (for now), instead rolling out shelved wares overseas in markets where the novel coronavirus pandemic is more under control.

One sign of promising demand came Tuesday from Imax, which pulls roughly 70% of its overall revenue from outside of the U.S. The large-format theater exhibitor has reopened 624 of its theaters globally, or approximately 40% of its network, including 409 theaters in China over the July 24 weekend, CEO Rich Gelfond said Tuesday.

Over the weekend in China, Dolittle and Bloodshot earned $750,000 on Imax screens, despite playing in only 40% of the companys Chinese theaters with a 30% capacity limitation and reduced ticket prices, the company said Tuesday. We project that approximately 1,400 screens in 70 markets, or 90% of our global network, will open by the end of August.

Also Read: Imax Reports Revenue Down 92%, $26 Million Loss in Q2

Reopening theaters and getting the moviegoing business up and running again has proven difficult for studios and exhibitors, particularly in the U.S., where cases of COVID-19 continue to spike in many key markets.

On Monday, Warner Bros. committed to releasing Christopher Nolans highly anticipated big-screen spectacle Tenet in more than 70 countries worldwide ahead of the U.S. The film will open starting Aug. 26 in international territories, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Russia, Spain and the U.K. It will open in the U.S. over Labor Day weekend in select cities. But that decision followed months of uncertainty and three announced delays in a release date.

In South Korea, theaters have been able to successfully reopen and even produced a genuine box office hit: Peninsula, the blockbuster sequel to 2016s Train to Busan, has grossed more than $21 million in the country since its July 15 release. Thats a case where a successful domestic title on the market can make a real impact, Boxoffice Pro Editorial Director Daniel Loria said.

Also Read: Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet' Will Not Skip Theaters for HBO Max Debut - But Other Movies Could

Peninsula continues to perform well across markets in Asia and Europe, drawing $26.5 million in global box office despite capacity limitations and highlighting solid demand among moviegoers in lower-risk markets worldwide, Gelfond said in a statement on Imaxs second quarter earnings. We are seeing early signs of progress, with approximately 40% of our global network currently generating revenue We believe that our solid financial position gives IMAX the strength to be ready as the rest of our network comes back online.

On the other end of the overseas theatrical spectrum, however, French theaters have struggled since reopening in June. The French Cinema Federation has called on the government to provide additional aid the cinema sector.

Theaters there were allowed to reopen on June 22 and are hoping the influx of studio product helps their cause a bit, Loria said. Admissions from repertory titles and domestic films havent been able to keep Pariss iconic Grand Rex open its closing temporarily through much of August. Complicating things further is a creeping number of domestic films in France now opting for a VOD release instead of hitting theaters at reduced capacity.

Gelfond assured analysts that theaters can operate successfully at 50% capacity or below, noting that Imaxs average global capacity was roughly 10% in 2019, when the company set a new box office record. Of course, a lot is still riding on whether people will feel comfortable enough to head back to theaters (signs point to yes) and whether major studio releases will draw moviegoers back to the theater, even at more limited capacity as Pennisula has done for South Korea.

Also Read: Hanks vs Theron vs Samberg: With Theaters Still Closed, Summer Movie Showdowns Shift to Streaming

According to the British Film Institute, the top 15 films at the box office during the July 17 to July 19 weekend (the most recent available) grossed more than $300,000. None of the films in the top 15 was a major release, most being library titles.

In terms of performance, without studio reporting were somewhat limited in what weve been able to track, Loria said. Business in the U.K. seems to be picking up, however looking at increasing location counts, as opposed to gross since the market reopened.

As the coronavirus continues to spread, an increasing number of movies are delaying or suspending production. As the number of impacted movies grows, TheWrap felt it would be most informative to keep a running list.

"No Time to Die"

MGM, Universal and Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli announced that after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace, the release of "No Time to Die" will be postponed until November 2020.

"A Quiet Place Part II"

Director John Krasinski announced on Instagram that the horror sequel's March theatrical release would be delayed amid the growing spread of the coronavirus around the globe. Paramount has now dated the film for release on Sept. 4.

Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway

"Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway" was one of the first films delayed as part of the coronavirus, with Sony pushing its late March release to Aug. 7. But as the shutdowns continued, Sony juggled its release slate so that the family film will now open Jan. 15, 2021.

"Fast and Furious 9"

The release of the next Fast & Furious installment, F9, has been delayed from May 22 to now opening on April 2, 2021.

"The Lovebirds"

Paramount postponed the April 3 theatrical release of the romantic comedy The Lovebirds" starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani after its SXSW premiere was also canceled. Netflix then acquired the film from Paramount and debuted it on May 22.

"Blue Story"

Paramount postponed the theatrical release UK gang film "Blue Story," which was set to open on March 20. The film then premiered on digital on May 5.

"The Artist's Wife"

Strand Releasing and Water's End Productions delayed the limited release of the Bruce Dern and Lena Olin film "The Artist's Wife." The film was meant to open in New York on April 3 in Los Angeles on April 10 and in San Francisco on April 17. No new release date has been set.

"The Truth"

Hirokazu Kore-eda's film "The Truth" from IFC Films will postpone its March 20 domestic release to now open at an unspecified date in summer 2020. The film is in both French and English starring Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche and Ethan Hawke and has already opened in some overseas markets. IFC Films has set a new release date for July 3.

"Mulan"

Disney postponed the release of its blockbuster, live-action remake of the animated film "Mulan" from March 27 to now open on July 24. The shift was part of a big shuffle of films Disney made to its release calendar on April 3.

"The New Mutants"

After numerous delays, 20th Century's X-Men spinoff "The New Mutants" was also pushed back by Disney "out of an abundance of caution." The film from director Josh Boone was meant to open April 3. The film will now open Aug. 28, 2020.

"Antlers"

"Antlers," an indie horror film from director Scott Cooper starring Keri Russell, was also pushed back by Disney and Searchlight Pictures from its April 17 release. No new release date has been set.

"Black Widow" and the MCU

In a restructuring of its entire release calendar, Disney pushed back every Marvel movie in the cinematic universe. "Black Widow" was meant to open on May 1, but will now shift back to the slot previously occupied by "The Eternals" on Nov. 6.Eternals is moving to February 12, 2021, Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings will open May 7, 2021, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is shifting to Nov. 5, 2021. The changes also affected Marvel's slate for 2022 with Thor: Love and Thunder opening Feb. 18, 2022, Black Panther 2 shifting to May 8, 2022, and Captain Marvel 2, which was not previously dated, is now set for a July 8, 2022 release.

Untitled Elvis Movie

Baz Luhrmann's Elvis Presley biopic starring Austin Butler ceased production in Australia after co-star Tom Hanks (playing Presley manager Col. Parker) and his wife, Rita Wilson, tested positive for COVID-19. The planned release date was also bumped back one month to now open Nov. 5, 2021.

"Mission: Impossible 7 and 8"

In late February, Paramount's action sequel halted production in Italy on the Tom Cruise action sequel. Paramount on April 24 also bumped the release dates of both films, with "M:I 7" moving to November 19, 2021 from its July 2021 release date, and the eighth film also moving back to Nov. 4, 2022 from its summer release.

"The Nightingale"

Sony postponed the Budapest shoot of the drama starring real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning.

"Birds of Paradise"

Amazon Studios halted production in Budapest on director Sarah Adina Smith's ballet drama.

"Jurassic World: Dominion"

Universal put a pause on production on the third "Jurassic World" in March after four weeks of shooting had been completed in the UK for a 20-week shoot. Production will resume on July 6, and the film is expected to be released on June 11, 2021.

"Flint Strong"

Universal also halted production on this boxing biopic starring Ice Cube and Ryan Destiny.

"Man From Toronto"

Sony delayed the start of production on the action comedy starring Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson (who stepped in to replace Jason Statham).

"Official Competition"

Spanish studio Mediapro suspended production on the new comedy starring Penlope Cruz and Antonio Banderas.

"The Batman"

On March 14, Warner Bros. halted the U.K. production on Matt Reeve's DC Films reboot for at least two weeks. The film stars Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader. On April 20, Warner Bros. officially shifted the release date back four months to Oct. 1 from its originally planned June 2021 release date. The shift also pushed back some other DC titles, including "The Flash" to June 3, 2022 and "Shazam 2!" to Nov. 4, 2022.

"Samaritan"

On March 14, MGM paused production on the Sylvester Stallone thriller. The film had been shooting in Atlanta.

"Cinderella"

Sony's modernized take on "Cinderella" from director Kay Cannon and starring Camila Cabello will put its production on hiatus due to the travel ban extension to the UK. The film was shooting at Pinewood Studios.

"Fantastic Beasts 3"

The third installment of J.K. Rowling's "Fantastic Beasts" series that's spun off from the Harry Potter universe will postpone its production that was scheduled to begin in March in the U.K. The film stars Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Katherine Waterston.

"The Card Counter"

Paul Schrader's "The Card Counter," starring Oscar Isaac, Willem Dafoe, Tye Sheridan and Tiffany Haddish, shut down production with five days remaining in its shoot after the director said on Facebook that a "day player" tested positive for the virus. "Myself, I would have shot through hellfire rain to complete the film," Schrader added. "I'm old and asthmatic, what better way to die than on the job?" Schrader said in an interview in June that the film would resume production on July 6 but that all major crowd and intimate scenes had been completed.

"The Matrix 4"

Production on "The Matrix 4" was temporarily put on hold in March, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap. The sequel starring Keanu Reeves was in production in Berlin, Germany.

"First Cow"

After releasing Kelly Reichardt's "First Cow" in limited release on March 6, the distributor announced Monday it will re-release the film in theaters later this year.

"Deerskin"

The theatrical release of the indie film "Deerskin" from director Quentin Dupieux starring Jean Dujardin has been postponed until further notice. Greenwich Entertainment meant to release the film on March 20 after it played at Cannes, TIFF and Fantastic Fest. The movie will now open via a virtual cinema offering on May 1.

"Uncharted"

Uncharted, the film adaptation of the popular PlayStation video game franchise starring Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, and Antonio Banderas, was unable to begin production in March amid coronavirus concerns. As part of a larger shuffle of Sony's release slate, the most recent release date for the film was also shifted back from March 2021 to Oct. 8, 2021.

"The Climb"

Sony Pictures Classics' indie comedy "The Climb," which played at Sundance this year, was meant to hit theaters March 20 and will now be released on Oct. 9.

"Avatar"

The sequels to James Cameron's four "Avatar" sequels delayed shooting in New Zealand indefinitely, according to the film's producer Jon Landau speaking to the New Zealand Herald. The executive team was to fly to Wellington, NZ on Friday but will remain in Los Angeles due to the coronavirus. Landau said he couldn't give an answer as to when production would resume and when the local Kiwi crew could get back to work. "If I told you we are going to know something in two weeks I'd be lying. I might not be wrong - even a broken clock is right twice a day. But I would be lying because I don't know," Landau said."We're in the midst of a global crisis and this is not about the film industry. I think everybody needs to do now whatever we can do, as we say here, to flatten the curve."

"The Personal History of David Copperfield"

Searchlight Studios was meant to release "Veep" creator Armando Iannucci's comedic take on the Charles Dickens novel on May 8. It will now open in limited release on August 14.

"The Woman in the Window"

The Amy Adams mystery thriller from director Joe Wright, "The Woman in the Window" was meant to open in theaters on May 15 from 20th Century Studios. No new release date has been set.

"Bull"

The theatrical release of the Annie Silverstein indie drama "Bull" was postponed from its March 20 release and will now open on VOD and digital on May 1. The film has toured the festival circuit since making its debut at Cannes in 2019.

"Minions: The Rise of Gru"

The latest "Minions" movie "The Rise of Gru" was postponed from its release date on July 3. Illumination Entertainment's Paris office was forced to shut down due to the coronavirus, so the film was not able to be finished in time. Universal will release the film on July 2, 2021, a full year after its initial date.

"Wonder Woman 1984"

The sequel to "Wonder Woman" starring Gal Gadot will now hit theaters on Oct. 2 after first being pushed back from its June 5 release date and again from Aug. 12.

"In the Heights"

The movie musical based on Lin-Manuel Miranda's stage production "In the Heights" was postponed by Warner Bros. from its June 26 release date and bumped to June 18, 2021.

"Malignant"

"Malignant," a horror film from director James Wan, was pushed indefinitely from its release date on Aug. 14 to clear the way for "Wonder Woman 1984" to open at the tail end of the summer.

"Peter Rabbit 2," "Morbius" and "Ghostbusters: Afterlife"

In a sweeping overhaul of its release slate, Sony moved three films it had scheduled for release this summer to the first quarter of 2021. The "Peter Rabbit" sequel will now be released in January 2021 while both "Morbius" and "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" have been moved to next March.

"Greyhound"

Sony has moved a WWII drama written by and starring Tom Hanks off of its mid-June release date and partnered with Apple to release the film on Apple TV+ in early July.

"Wicked"

Universal has removed the movie musical adaptation of Wicked from its release slate from its original date on Dec. 22, 2021, and will be redated at a later time.

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Why Movie Theater Reopenings Overseas Show 'Early Signs of Progress' for the Industry - TheWrap

Prices Decline due to Crop Progress – AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST – AGInfo Ag Information Network Of The West

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

Its time for your Market Line Commodity Report. Im Tim Hammerich.

Grains continue to slide as crops seem to be progressing even better than expected. Standard Grains Joe Vaclavik shared the details on his Grain Markets and Other Stuff Podcast.

Vaclavik So what you've got here is a situation where traders and analysts are going to update their yield models or already have, to account for these better crop ratings. Which will lead them to the conclusion that the yield is going to be better than what they had originally anticipated. So those traders and analysts who were working with the corn yield say at 180, maybe now they're thinking maybe it's a 181 or 182. And you could say something similar about the soybeans. That's not set in stone, that's not gospel, but that's what a lot of the people are thinking here this morning.

Chicago September Wheat futures closed down $0.04 to $5.23 .

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat down $0.02 to $4.36 .

September Corn closed down $0.05 to $3.20.

Portland prices for soft white wheat of ordinary protein unchanged yesterday ranging from $5.75 to $5.78.

Club Wheat of Ordinary Protein also steady ranging from $5.78 to $7.50.

Dark Northern Spring wheat prices down $0.01 ranging from $6.01 to $6.21 for 14% protein.

Live Cattle futures were up $0.47 on the August board to $100.90. Feeder Cattle for August back up $1.35 after Tuesdays losses to $140.70.

Class III milk for August down $.20 to $21.91.

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Prices Decline due to Crop Progress - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST - AGInfo Ag Information Network Of The West

EDC Board reports progress on projects – warrenrecord.com

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

A July 20 meeting of the Warren County Economic Development Commission Board, along with County Manager Vincent Jones heard comments from the public and provided updates on projects in progress throughout the county.

A submission by Mike Ernzen opened the comments section of the meeting. If we get a vote, mine is a big No! he wrote with regard to the Chateau on the Lake, the $100 million hotel project that former EDC Director Stacy Woodhouse helped bring to Lake Gaston.

What happens if it gets built and goes bankrupt? Carolyn Hobgood asked.

Hers was one in a series of comments read by Charla Duncan, senior assistant to the county manager. Duncan was named the point of contact for all EDC-related matters while a search is conducted for a new director following Woodhouses resignation on June 23.

Citing traffic congestion, water and sewer treatment, and negative environmental impact, David Deck said hes strongly opposed to the zoning changes that would allow Chateaux at the Lake to move forward.

I am very much against this development as are a majority of my neighbors, he wrote. I respectfully ask that you not approve any zoning changes for this proposed development, and the development itself.

Louis Arp attended the meeting in person, spoke briefly and submitted his comments in writing. As a member of Eatons Ferry Estates Property Owners Association, which represents 300 Warren County taxpayers, Arp said, We oppose the high density zoning changes being requested by Chateau on the Lake developer.

He said the development is problematic in many ways, including creating major environmental, traffic and boating safety issues, lack of waste water treatment capacity for the development and property owners along the distribution route, and a questionable business model with a high degree of risk.

Littleton resident Joe Johnson, who also attended in person said, As a former developer of active adult communities in Raleigh and Cary, on topographically challenged land, I can assure the county that the expense of attempting to develop and maintain a user friendly beach at that location will be a very expensive exercise.

He went on to say, As taxpayers, we encourage the Warren County Board of Commissioners to take a real hard look at the long-term cost and effects of accepting a donation of the 1.84 acre parcel. Now is the time to embark on serious due diligence before the county gets too far committed into a project it will regret doing.

Betty Mazor expressed concerns about too much traffic.

Its entirely too big for this location, she wrote of the proposed project.

I do believe that we need a hotel, doctors office and retail stores here in Warren County, and that tax revenue from such would be welcomed. However, these revenues do not and should not be all located on the same piece of property that leads into a two-lane highway and two-lane bridge.

County Manager Vincent Jones said a Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting will need to be held in order give the final recommendation to the Board of Commissioners for the project to move forward.

However, he said no additional work will be done by the county until its safe to hold an in-person meeting, when residents can make additional comments and express further concerns. In the meantime, those who wish to do so can send their comments to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Project update

After meeting with Woodhouse, Duncan reported the following progress on the projects he was working on.

According to a July 10 email, the developer once interested in building a multi-family apartment building on the land across from Mazatlan in Warrentons extra territorial jurisdiction has withdrawn from the 2020 cycle.

A housing project in Warrenton with no county money involved has been handed off to the town.

The hotel portion of the Wise interchange project off Interstate 85 is on hold, but construction of new sewer infrastructure is moving forward this summer.

The Heritage Mulch project, which had gone before the Board of Commissioners in October 2019, received funding support for a waterline extension project not to exceed $40,000. Further communication will be necessary to determine the status of this project going forward.

A potential project involving a CBD extraction company and the old Norlina High School facility is no longer viable.

Resignations and reappointments

Joseph Kronner resigned from the EDC board, while members Claude OHagan and Jane Ball-Groom will go before the Board of Commissioners for reappointment.

Carl Lynch, the former EDC board chairman, resigned after serving three terms. Lynch would have had to come off the board before being reappointed had he wanted to stay on. Dr. Ray Spain is now the board chairman.

It was time for me to leave, Lynch said. Asked about the decision to change the EDC by-laws that prompted Woodhouses resignation, Lynch said he was not part of the decision. Not consulted by either the county manager or the board of commissioners chairman, Lynch said he doesnt know anything about what prompted the change.

Its less my business now, Lynch said. But Im curious myself about what transpired.

Originally created to operate somewhat independently from the Board of Commissioners, Lynch said he imagines the decision was an attempt to bring the EDC under the auspices of county government.

It could be good and could be bad depending on what they decide to do, he said. I dont know where we go from here. There were a lot of good things going on prior to now that might not come to fruition.

While allowing that its pure speculation and just his humble opinion, the retired former HR professional said it seemed like [Woodhouse] wanted to run and others wanted to walk slowly.

With a strong interest in seeing the county move forward, Lynch said some ideas and industries will be good for the county and others might not be.

I hope they get past the bumps in the road and do their best for the county, he said of the EDC Board.

Of Woodhouse, Lynch said, The guy is brilliant, no doubt about it. His decision to leave is, in my opinion, a loss to the county.

Lynch said it would have been interesting to see what Woodhouse could have done had he been given the full range of support to implement his and others ideas. He was the best Ive ever seen at pulling things together.

But now Lynch said the ball is in the court of the county manager and the board of commissioners.

I wish them nothing but success, he said. I hope someone comes in who can pick up the pieces and serve the citizens of Warren County.

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EDC Board reports progress on projects - warrenrecord.com

IDAMs Automotive 3D Printing Production Lines Make Progress with BMW, GKN and More – 3DPrint.com

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

Since the inception of the Industrialization and Digitalization of Additive Manufacturing (IDAM) project in March 2019, progress has been made: partners have been creating the promised digitalized AM pilot lines, and working on the three established phases of pre-printing, printing, and post-printing for automotive applications.

Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the 20-million-euro initiative consists of the following 12 partners:

Marking the halfway point for the project, the partners are heavily focused on constructing digital standards and the IoT overview for a comprehensive digital architecture. Most are either small to medium-sized business, committed to furthering progress with metallic 3D printing in the automotive industry.

GKN Powder Metallurgy is currently validating a recently acquired EOS M300-4 quad-laser system, testing out multi-laser exposure strategies and pushing the systems productivity (Image: GKN Powder Metallurgy)

Their goal is to consider the whole additive manufacturing process, integrating process chain modules, and creating a stable process for serial volume production. Pilot lines are being set up at the GKN Powder Metallurgy factory in Bonn, and also at BMW in Munich.

Laser powder bed fusion (LBPF) systems present a range of obstacles (from limited automation to its cost-prohibitive nature), making it difficult to establish the required reliability and versatility needed within the digital architecture, but at the Bonn site, the GKN PM team is testing out new strategies on an EOS M300-4 quad-laser system installed in May. GKN PM is also creating a new metal powder, DP 600, meant for industrial parts in automotive applicationsallowing for mechanical properties to be adjusted with heat. The new powder offers the following:

The partners are testing concepts used in the pilot line modules, and expecting to have them all on site by the beginning of next year. The partners will be able to test and qualify systems, parts, and processes over the next year as they look toward the prototyping chapterwith the ultimate goal of fabricating more than 10,000 automotive parts annually.

The pilot line should not only be open-source, but also easily customized for any LPBF system. To decrease costs further, the use of water atomized powders will be explored in further experiments.

GKN continues to function as a bridge between project members, considering strategies that may be either academic or application centered. Find out more about BMWs involvement in the project here, as well as the opening of their Additive Manufacturing campus here.

Consortium of the BMBF project IDAM at the kick-off in Munich on March 27, 2019 (Photo: BMW Group)

IDAMs Automotive 3D Printing Production Lines Make Progress with BMW, GKN and More - 3DPrint.com

Firefighters make progress in containing 300-acre Ridge fire, which burned one home in Gorman – Los Angeles Times

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

Firefighters have contained 40% of the Ridge fire, which rapidly grew to 310 acres and engulfed one home Monday afternoon.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department received the call about 3:45 p.m. for a 2-acre brush fire in a remote area of Gorman with heavy fuels, said Leslie Lua, a spokesperson for the agency.

By about 5 p.m., the Ridge fire had grown to 200 acres. By 6:40 p.m., more than 300 firefighters were able to stop the fires forward progress at just more than 300 acres.

Using aircraft provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and assistance form the Los Angeles Fire Department, firefighters were able to prevent injuries or damage to additional homes, the L.A. County Fire Department said in a tweet.

Firefighters will work through the night to to continue containing the fire.

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Firefighters make progress in containing 300-acre Ridge fire, which burned one home in Gorman - Los Angeles Times

ONLINE EVENT ADVISORY: The Importance of Term Limits for the Supreme Court – Center For American Progress

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

Washington, D.C. The rules governing the appointment of justices to the Supreme Court should be updated to reflect the realities of modern life. The average length of a justices tenure has grown significantly since the establishment of the federal judiciary in the 1700s, giving outsize power to nine individuals in a way never imagined by the framers of the Constitution.

This longevity has led to fewer vacancies on the court and turned the confirmation process into a political sideshow. This state of affairs in untenable. Policymakers must address these issues and consider legislation creating term limits for justices.

Please join the Center for American Progress for an online discussion on the importance of term limits for the U.S. Supreme Courtfeaturing professor Jamal Greene from Columbia Law School; Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix the Court; and Caroline Fredrickson, senior fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice.

If you have questions for our panel before the start of the event, please submit them on Twitter using the hashtag #SCOTUSTermLimits or send them to gro.ssergorpnacirema@snoitseuqtnevePAC.

WHO:

Introductory remarks:Neera Tanden, President and CEO, Center for American Progress

Featured panelists:Caroline Fredrickson, Senior Fellow, Brennan Center for JusticeJamal Greene, Dwight Professor of Law, Columbia Law SchoolGabe Roth, Executive Director, Fix the Court

Moderator:Maggie Jo Buchanan, Director of Legal Progress, Center for American Progress

WHEN:

Tuesday, August 4, 202010:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. ET

WHERE:

You can RSVPto the livestream by clicking this link.

For more information,please contact Sam Hananel at gro.ssergorpnacirema@lenanahsor 202-478-6327.

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ONLINE EVENT ADVISORY: The Importance of Term Limits for the Supreme Court - Center For American Progress

Family Healthcast: Progress being made toward COVID-19 vaccine – WSYR

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

Posted: Jul 28, 2020 / 06:00 PM EDT / Updated: Jul 28, 2020 / 06:00 PM EDT

(WSYR-TV) Hopes are high for a coronavirus vaccine early in the new year. Whether that happens depends on testing being done right now.

In fact, 27 vaccines are being tested on people right now.

The largest study took a huge step forward this week when the experimental shot was given to the first of 30,000 people at 89 sites around the country.

Half of the people will receive two shots of the vaccine, 28 days apart, and half will receive two shots of a saltwater placebo. Neither the volunteers nor the medical staff giving the injections will know who is getting the real vaccine.

Researchers will then monitor the subjects, looking for side effects and waiting to see if significantly fewer vaccinated people get COVID-19, indicating that the vaccine works.

The main goal is to determine whether the vaccine can prevent the illness.

The study will also try to find out if it can prevent severe COVID-19 and death, if it can prevent infection entirely based on lab tests and if just one shot can prevent the illness.

The full enrollment of 30,000 people in the trial is expected to be completed by the end of the summer and results might be available by November.

At least three more so-called Phase Three trials will be starting soon, each also needing 30,000 patients.

A second company, Pfizer, announced late Monday afternoon that it had also begun a late-stage study of a coronavirus vaccine.

The first subjects in that study received injections at the University of Rochester on Monday.

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Family Healthcast: Progress being made toward COVID-19 vaccine - WSYR

MODERN MORGAN: Be proud of your progress and forgive the failures of yesterday – The Daily Iberian

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

To the person who is struggling with selective memory that is fueled by hindsight. This, my friend, is for you.

I know where you are. Ive been there. Truly, we all have. Its a mental trap where it hurts to hold onto the pain, but feels almost impossible to let it go. Youre stuck on suffering and question if there is even a way out. But there is always a way to overcome that burden that you carry so near to your heart. However, to get beyond it you must wholeheartedly go through it.

Drowning in the details

Allow yourself to feel and deal with that pain as you accept that its place in your life is no longer welcome or warranted. Most importantly, accept the things you cannot change and understand that life seldom plays out how wed ideally have it.

No matter how good, detail oriented, or perfect you may want to be your life will not always go according to plan. In fact, there will be seasons that seem to go in every direction except that one you so desperately want it to go. You will choose the wrong paths, experience consecutive losses, and feel broken at the hands of those you helped put together. Those times will seemingly stop the clock and sometimes even act as a reference point of your joy and pain.

As wonderful as our lives may have been before and after those experiences, some of us still wrestle with letting go of the storms that led us to this place.

We see the fruit of our lessons and losses today, but struggle to release the bitter taste of yesterdays pain. We do this because we are human. We do this because our hearts have been changed, and we have difficulties accepting that one time they were so hard.

Keep your head above water

We do this because although we may be refined, resilient, and ready to level up now, we cant shake the rebellion we once showed, the disrespect we once endured, or the wreckage we had to wade through to seek higher ground.

In those times whenever the waves of regret and resentment want to crash in, simply remember one thing: God allowed it. Every single thing that occurred both good and bad had to unfold exactly how it did to bring forth the level of compassion, awareness and strength that you possess today.

Release the experience that immediately comes to your mind whenever you hear the words let it go, and hold on to your lessons. You are more than your mistakes and foolishness. You are more than the pain you endured.

There is more to your story than your struggles, shortcomings and shame. Celebrate your strengths, be proud of your progress and forgive the failures of yesterday.

This is your journey, testimony and truth. Now is the time to release it all and rest in your resilience. Regret nothing and choose to grow. Every piece of lifes puzzle created the amazing person you are today. Embrace it.

MORGAN RICHARD OLIVIER is an author, business owner, and wife from New Iberia. She uses empathy and lessons learned to empower and encourage others.

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MODERN MORGAN: Be proud of your progress and forgive the failures of yesterday - The Daily Iberian

Are we making progress? – Daily American Online

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

It was beach week, and while my kids and grandkids did the socially distancing sand, surf, sun thing, I sat on the deck or inside the air-conditioned beach house reading and overeating.

Based on my absolute hatred of hot sun, ocean creatures, and sand in my body parts, I decided to read two books. One was by Damian Dressick titled, 40 Patchtown, and the other was by Cody McDevitt, called Banished from Johnstown. Both were based in the 1922-23 era, but their subject matter is all too familiar today.

Dressick wrote his historic fiction about what was described as the most brutal labor struggle in American history. It was based on the coal miners strike of 1922 in Windber. The Berwinds brought in Pinkerton guards, scab laborers, and then applied all the power of corporate America to break the miners labor union.

Meanwhile, McDevitts book is also about labor, but it took a completely different slant because his book, also very thoroughly researched, is an historic depiction of the depth of racial prejudice that was present in Johnstown during that time.

Keep in mind that more than 50,000,000 people had died of the Spanish flu that started in 1918 and ended sometime around 1920. There were mass graves in places like Central City, and the former Mercy Hospital was started out of necessity in 1918 because, according to the history of the area, the primary Johnstown hospital established after the flood of 1889, refused to treat immigrants who presented with the flu. Consequently, tents were set up on the hill beside it, and Mercy nuns provided what aid they could to those individuals. (Mask wearing was controversial at time as well, hence the 50,000,000 deaths.)

Dressicks book on Windber is filled with familiar names (some probably changed to avoid lawsuits), places, and situations that came directly from both the oral and written history of that time. He describes the brutal murders, bully tactics, and squalid living conditions of those who were dependent upon the Berwind family corporate mines.

McDevitts book provides an incredibly well-documented expos of the Rosedale Riot in Johnstown and, to quote Richard Burkett, president of the Johnstown Heritage Association, the tensions created in this industrial city once the steel plant found it necessary to recruit Southern African Americans to perform the unskilled tasks previously done by East Central European immigrants.

In McDevitts book, we learn about the overwhelming influence of the Ku Klux Klan in the Johnstown area, the incredibly unjust steps taken by the then mayor of the city, Joseph Caufiell, who informed all black and Mexican residents who had not lived there for at least seven years that they had to leave the city within 24 hours or face imprisonment or worse. His actions, orders, and brutal prejudices forced about 2000 non-white citizens to leave Johnstown within a few days of his proclamation, and the outrage caused by this illegal, unconstitutional act reverberated around the world.

Ironically, the same tactics and powers being used to create fear and hatred toward non-white and/or immigrant individuals in 1922-23 continue today. Corporate greed and white supremacy techniques were used in heinous, un-American ways to incite fear and hatred to take over or remain in power. History is repeating itself in many ways.

The original fake news concept started when the country was founded and continued indiscriminately during this period. The newspapers delivered their stories with very different slants to appeal to their readers; KKK crosses burned on every hill surrounding Johnstown; and gun-for-hire Pinkertons beat and killed miners in Windber. Both books are good, easy reads and reveal the roots of certain prejudices, political beliefs, and labor stands that still exist today.

Truthfully, the eye-opener for me was how very far we havent yet progressed.

Wear your masks, but keep your eyes and minds open.

(Nick Jacobs of Windber is a Senior Partner with Senior Management Soultions and author of the blog healinghospitals.com.)

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Are we making progress? - Daily American Online

Joe Biden is the best choice for space progress | Opinion – Florida Today

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

Sean OKeefe and John Grunsfeld, Your Turn Published 7:27 a.m. ET July 28, 2020

As we struggle with the disastrous effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to reflect on our nations capacity for great achievements in response to challenge. Fifty-one years ago this month, the world watched in awe as the Apollo 11 crew fulfilled President John F. Kennedys vision for our nations preeminence in space, humanitys dream of exploration beyond our planet, and the hard work of Floridians to get them there.

The plaque the Apollo 11 crew members left behind at Tranquility Base expressed the spirit in which America undertook the quest: We Came In Peace for All Mankind.

Today, Americans face a choice about whether we want to renew that vision and continue to lead the world in exploration beyond our own planet, and our drive to unravel the mysteries of the universe. With opportunities at hand for innovation and exploration, the United States can again go in peace for all humankind.

We believe the best leader to realize that ambition is Joe Biden.

Like President Kennedy, Biden believes that NASA represents the best of America and helps our country to be even better that NASA inspires all Americans, serves as an engine for economic and technology developments, engages citizens in science and engineering, and boosts our global leadership by working with our partners across the world for continued peaceful development of space to the benefit of all.

Biden captured the essence of our space aspirations when at the funeral for his long-time colleague, friend, and intrepid explorer, John Glenn, he observed, We are a country of possibility, opportunity - always a belief in tomorrow.

Biden appreciates that our current space efforts, led by NASA with the support of the emerging commercial space companies, are important sources of scientific, economic, and technological progress which further improves our nations ability to leverage cooperation with other nations.The space agencys missions involve not only extending our exploration reach beyond our planet, but also using science to inform our efforts to save it, combating climate change, improving the lives of American citizens with micro gravity research to help fight disease, developing new materials and innovative manufacturing methods, and advancing aeronautical technology and safety.

John Grunsfeld is a veteran astronaut of five Space Shuttle flights and served as NASA Chief Scientist in the Bush Administration and NASA Associate Administrator for Science in the Obama-Biden Administration.(Photo: Provided)

Since NASA routinely engages with global partners, Biden is mindful that this is an opportunity to exert active public diplomacy on matters of common interest with other nations. Over the last two decades, the International Space Station is the only place off this planet that has been continuously occupied by humans from 18 different nations engaged in science and research to improve life here on earth and develop new ways to explore beyond.

With his diplomatic experience in the U.S. Senate and White House, Biden appreciates that long standing success with global collaboration helps complement our diplomatic engagements to reduce tensions in relationships and solve problems with other nations. With an increasing number of countries launching their own national satellites, space systems and communications networks, the prospects of tension, conflict and collisions are rising. This isnt just the stuff that Hollywood movies are made of this emerging challenge is real. Given his global credibility, Biden can uniquely leverage his deep relationships abroad to establish safe protocols, diminish the friction between operators in space and advance global compliance of peaceful uses in space.

Biden knows that NASA has accomplished a great deal by evolving and adapting to rapid change. Through his public service, Biden has had an important influence to forge bipartisan support for NASA. Seeing the vast potential of the burgeoning commercial space industry, the Obama-Biden Administration helped NASA seize opportunities to extend our exploration reach and conduct its other important activities.

The recent NASA/SpaceX launch of American astronauts to the International Space Station was set in motion by a strategy devised in the George W. Bush Administration and enabled by policies established by the Obama-Biden Administration and is yielding results now.

After the Falcon 9 launch in May, Biden noted, We planted the seeds of todays success during the 2009 Recovery Act. According to NASA, it has now saved taxpayers up to $30 billion and invigorated an aerospace industry in Florida that accounts for more than 130,000 jobs in the state.

Sean OKeefe served as NASA Administrator from 2001-2005 in the George W. Bush Administration.(Photo: Provided)

All eyes in the years ahead should again be on Floridas Space Coast. With Bidens leadership we will see new jobs, new missions and new benefits to extend our exploration horizons, seek answers to profound scientific questions, and provide tangible benefits for all Americans.

We have some insight into what this will take. One of us is among the few to go to space and experience the wonder of exploration. One of us had the privilege to lead the agency that achieved great ambitions. Both of us are honored to support Joe Biden because he is uniquely qualified to lead the nation and our global partners in this next chapter of discovery.

Sean OKeefe served as NASA Administrator from 2001-2005 in the George W. Bush Administration. John Grunsfeld is a veteran astronaut of five Space Shuttle flights and served as NASA Chief Scientist in the Bush Administration and NASA Associate Administrator for Science in the Obama-Biden Administration.

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Joe Biden is the best choice for space progress | Opinion - Florida Today

Michigan State footballs offseason progress continues to be thwarted – MLive.com

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

A metal fence blocks a closed sidewalk on the west side of the Duffy Daugherty Building while plastic covers part of an unfinished exterior wall.

Its part of the ongoing project to upgrade the football facilities and expected to be completed in August.

Work inside the weight room and on the practice fields, meanwhile, is at a standstill.

Michigan State football suspended workouts on Wednesday after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19 and on Friday announced the entire team would quarantine or isolate for 14 days after a second staff member and a player also tested positive.

Its the latest roadblock in an offseason marked by bad timing that has limited the programs attempt to make progress under new leadership. Mel Tucker was hired away from Colorado to replace Mark Dantonio, who abruptly announced his retirement on Feb. 4 after 13 seasons leading the team.

We want to hit the ground running, Tucker said during his introductory press conference on Feb. 12. Time is of the essence. Were not going to waste any time. We are going to be efficient, were going to be effective in everything that we do.

An offseason coaching search in February is far from ideal but Tucker retained a pair of Dantonio assistants in Mike Tressel and Ron Burton and had his coaching staff in place before the calendar flipped to March. He talked about a culture shift and sense of urgency while noting the gratification derived from creating a to-do list and checking off tasks. A major one was getting a feel for a team that lost half its starters on offense and defense and was moving forward with new coordinators on both sides of the ball.

Well see them work out, well go through spring ball, well be able to evaluate, Tucker said on Feb. 24, in his last press briefing with beat reporters. In the spring its going to be very important for us to install our base schemes on offense, defense, special teams things that we know were going to do and at the same time evaluate the guys that we have so we can go into the summer program and say OK, this is what we think we can do with this group of guys right now.

Tucker and his staff were able to oversee offseason conditioning and the first of 15 spring practices was scheduled for March 17. Four days before a critical portion of the offseason was supposed to begin, spring practice was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Michigan State players and coaches were sent home and spent the next three months communicating and installing schemes via videoconference.

Were going to get through this thing and when they open it back up were going to hit the ground running, Tucker said on March 19 during a radio appearance on the Spartan Sports Network.

There wasnt a way to make up for the loss of spring practice but players began returning to campus on June 15 to be tested for COVID-19 in preparation for voluntary workouts. The NCAA adopted an extended summer schedule with team activities limited to eight hours a week of conditioning, weight training and film study from July 13 through 23. The allotted time extended to 20 hours a week from July 24 to Aug. 6 and could include walk-throughs.

The Spartans didnt even make it through the first phase before workouts were shelved on Wednesday. A team spokesman said the quarantine and isolation began Wednesday and is scheduled to last through Aug. 4, three days before the Spartans were slated to begin fall camp.

Zach Binney, an epidemiologist at Oxford College of Emory University in Georgia, said Michigan States decision to quarantine the entire team was exactly the right move, and complimented some of the other COVID-19 protocols put in place by the university.

Thats one thing to do in the summer, he said of the quarantine. Would you do the same thing in the season? Because, my worry is that you will have a situation at least this bad in the season once you have brought everybody back to campus and you have a lot more people interacting every day and a lot more opportunities for the virus to spread, especially as we get into the fall and flu season.

In a press release sent Friday to announce the two-week quarantine, Michigan State said surveillance testing will be performed on players before they can return to workouts. By then, there might not even be a season to prepare for.

With positive COVID-19 cases rising nationally, the Big Ten on July 9 announced it is planning on playing only conference games this season but has yet to release revised schedules. Michigan State was slated to open the season against Northwestern on Sept. 5, but its online schedule is now listed as TBA.

The NCAA Board of Governors met on Friday but didnt make a decision about fall sports championships and their next scheduled meeting is Aug. 4. Although the NCAA doesnt run the College Football Playoff or bowl system, it would be difficult to suggest its safe for the FBS season to proceed if the rest of the fall sports, including footballs lower divisions, were scrapped.

If the college football season proceeds this fall, Michigan State would likely be at a significant disadvantage. Zero spring practices for a team that has a new coaching staff and lost a significant amount of talent to graduation or early departures for the NFL. Then, just two days before team activities were going to ramp up to 20 hours a week, all workouts were scrapped for at least two weeks.

Who will win the quarterback competition to succeed three-year starter Brian Lewerke? What will be the makeup of the offensive line? What will the defense look like after losing six three-year starters? Those questions, and plenty more, were left unanswered due to a lost spring and linger through the end of July for a team that cant even have players lifting weights in small groups.

This was always going to be a challenging offseason for Tucker while transitioning the program into a new era. And it has only continued to become more difficult.

Get Spartan Confidential texts straight to your phone from our Michigan State football writers. Cut through the clutter of social media and communicate directly with our beat reporters, just like you would with your friends. It costs $4.99 a month but you will get a 60-day free trial by texting 517-343-1808 to sign up now.

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Michigan State footballs offseason progress continues to be thwarted - MLive.com

A Work in Progress That Explores Our Collective Ignorance – The New York Times

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

In this new series, The Artists, an installment of which will publish every day this week and regularly thereafter, T will highlight a recent or little-shown work by a Black artist, along with a few words from that artist, putting the work into context. Today, were looking at a piece by Pope.L, whos known for his paintings, performances and installations that often explore themes of endurance alongside the history of race in America.

Name: Pope.L

Age: Ageless

Based in: Chicago, also home of the former governor and convicted felon Rod Blagojevich.

Originally from: A reed basket found floating on the Passaic River flowing through Newark, N.J.

When and where did you make this work? I made this work over the last 5 years or so in Chicago, the land of Lincoln. Its still being made.

Can you describe whats going on in it? This work is about our need for self-blinding and encourages reflection on our use, as a community, of unknowledge, misinformation and ignorance. The recent controversy regarding The New York Times allowing the printing of a hot topic Op-Ed by Senator Tom Cotton without proper vetting is a layered example. Who, in this scenario, is the most ignorant actor? The Cotton? NYT? Or us? Is it the Senator, because he recommends killing his own? Is it the Tombs, because they condoned his ignorance and then claimed they did not know what they were publishing? Or is it Usn, myself included, because, well, its The Times, and they stand for us all? Well. Maybe they do not. Maybe they cannot. Maybe they have not. For a while now. And we, and we were too self-blinding to admit it?

What inspired you to make this work? Knowing I dont know.

Whats the work of art in any medium that changed your life? Survivor, the band AND the TV show.

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A Work in Progress That Explores Our Collective Ignorance - The New York Times

Can you really buy your own private island getaway? – The Star Online

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

Even to those who havent read Robinson Crusoe, the idea of living alone on an island is a familiar daydream.

Particularly in these times of a pandemic, what could be better than holidaying alone on your own island, with as much space and privacy as you want?

It might sound unlikely, but it isnt, although you may need the necessary capital, says Farhad Vladi, a Hamburg-born real estate agent in Germany specialising in private islands.

The 75-year-old man, who says he himself was inspired by Crusoe, has been in the business for 50 years and has sold 3,000 islands, from Canada to the Seychelles and New Zealand.

There are around 12,000 private islands in the world, Vladi says.

But not everything that sticks out of the sea is worth having as a private island.

In order to get a building permit, for example, an island needs to be at least one hectare in size. It should be reachable by boat and look nice.

If youre set on buying your own private island, youll be limited to those countries where foreigners are allowed to buy one.

There are only about 40 countries where thats possible, Vladi says. Thailand, with its rich marine life, is not among them.

If you dont have tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to spare, many private islands up for sale can also be rented out for holidays at prices that arent very different from those of a good hotel, so long as you share the costs with friends or family.

But what about buying your own island? Isnt that something thats only for the super rich?

If you can afford a good car, you can afford an island, says Vladi.

On the east coast of Canada, for example, you can buy an island for US$50,000 (RM213,775) with nothing on it, of course. You can also buy one for US$30mil (RM1.28bil).

Its nice to have an island if you also have the freedom to travel to it when you want to. Its not good to be trapped on an island, says Vladi, who himself bought an island off New Zealand.

So whats it like spending all your time on an island? For every plan you have to have an alternative plan at the ready, says Nele Wree.

The weather can quickly destroy any plans you have.

Together with her partner Holger Spreer and her daughters Fenja and Ilvy, she has lived on the island of Hallig Suederoog, off the coast of northern Germany, for almost seven years.

It was a series of coincidences that led the 37-year-old art historian to become an island lessee. Spreer, a fisherman, also gave up his job when the pair landed jobs at the local councils coastal, park and marine protection department.

Six kilometres separate the 60ha island from the nearest big island Pellworm. Instead of power lines they have solar panels and diesel generators, though they are connected to the water mains.

Our main tasks are coastal and nature protection work and tourism. That includes securing the Hallig revetments, counting birds, monitoring the drift lines and lots more, she says.

They also look after more than 80 sheep and lambs, more than 20 ducks and geese, three cows, two mini pigs, one cat and six beehives.

People imagine it to be very romantic, that you spend the entire day together as a couple. But its more of a working community, says Wree with a laugh. You constantly have to make decisions together.

Around 1,500 tourists visit Suederoog every year between May and October. Its only possible by taking a guided tour of the mudflats or from Pellworm, says Wree.

And visitors arent allowed to stay longer than an hour. She serves them homemade cakes and hearty soups.

The island inhabited by Alexander Selkirk, thought to have been the man the story of Robinson Crusoe was based on, is still shrouded in mystery.

On the Chilean island of Mas a Tierra, whose name was officially changed to Robinson Crusoe Island in 1966, a real pirate treasure is supposed to be buried: at least 800 sacks of gold. It could be worth a visit if you want a real adventure. dpa

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Can you really buy your own private island getaway? - The Star Online

Plan A Staycation At One Of These Beautiful Island Resorts In Malaysia – Tatler Malaysia

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

Photo: Gayana Marine Resort

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Unwind to the sound of the waves at your doorstep with a stay at the eco-friendly Gayana Marine Resort. Located on Gaya Island, the largest of five pristine islands in Sabahs Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the resorts 45 overwater villas promise stunning views of the Malohom Bays azure blue waters and the lush mangrove forest.

From now until Oct 31, 2020, Gayana Marine Resort is offering weekend staycation packages for a maximum of two adults and two kids (aged seven and below) at the Rainforest Villa at RM550 per night, or at the Ocean Villa at RM850 per night.

Travel tip: Healthcare workers who book the Rainforest Villa will be upgraded to the Ocean Villa, subject to availability.

Call 08-8380 390 or email rsvn.gayana@echoresorts.com

Related: Luxury Private Island Retreats In Asia That You Can Rent

Situated a 20-minute speedboat ride away from Mersing, Johor, this gorgeous beachfront resort draws families, couples and solo travellers to its quiet stretch of white beach and untouched natural beauty.

A stay at the breezy Waterfront Bungalow or Beachfront Chalet will have you waking up to stunning views of the South China Sea. For added privacy, book the Frangipani Villa located on a separate stretch of beach.

Travel Tip: Explore Rawa Islands exquisite coral cover and naturally shallow house reef at the resorts dive centre.

Call 07-799 1204, email rawaisland@live.com or click here

More: Private Retreats In Malaysia For A Post-Quarantine Staycation

Home to the Tengah Island Conservation centre (TIC), Batu Batu basks in the unspoilt beauty of the Johor Marine Park. This luxe retreat boasts 2 two-bedroom villas and 20 one-bedroom villas overlooking the waters of South China Sea. The view from the Ocean Deluxe Villa, in particular, promises some spectacular views from its lofty private balcony.

Conservation is a key feature here, and part of the rent will go towards supporting initiatives like TICs endangered sea turtle project and other causes impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Call 07-228 8000 or click here

Holiday Bliss: The Most Idyllic Luxury Holiday Resorts In Malaysia

Perfect for honeymooners and small groups, this secluded getaway off the coast of Terengganu is all about catching up on some much-needed R&R with the South China Sea as a backdrop. Located just a 15-minute boat ride from Marang jetty, the resort boasts 45 sea villas lining the shore.

While youre there, enjoy some fun in the sun with activities on the islands three secluded beaches and explore the sights by kayaking, paddle boarding, diving or snorkelling at the house reef.

Call 03-6205 5555 or email pcw@gemisland.com.my

Embrace the sun, sea and privacy at this low-key property in Pantai Tengah, Langkawi. Surrounded by a lush ancient rainforest overlooking the Andaman Sea, this private retreat consists of nine well-appointed villas, each with its own private pool.

Just 300m away is the Ambong-Ambong Rainforest Retreat, comprising two cottages, six studios and three one-bedroom suites each with a wooden bathtub on the balcony.

Travel Tip: In light of Covid-19, contactless check-ins and check-outs can be done at the pool villas. Guests can get also get meals delivered from on-site restaurants Rimba and Monsoon Bar at no extra cost.

Call 04-9558 428 or email reservations@ambong-ambong.com

ICYMI: These Luxe Hotel Bathrooms In Asia Have The Best Views

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Plan A Staycation At One Of These Beautiful Island Resorts In Malaysia - Tatler Malaysia

Is There a Connection Between Jeffrey Epstein and SpongeBob SquarePants? – The Dispatch

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

A viral Facebook post claimed that the address found on Nickelodeon cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants driver license is the same address as a building on Jeffrey Epsteins private island, citing this as evidence that all of these cartoons are tainted by pedophiles. our kids are not safe.

Jeffrey Epstein owned Little Saint James, an island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, before his death last year. It is alleged that many of the sex crimes Epstein committed took place on the island, leading the FBI to search the island after Epsteins death.

The address in question appears if a Google search is done for Little St James theme park. The listing has been claimed on Google, but it has not been verified. Satellite imagery of the location showed that initially, the theme park is actually what was formerly Epsteins main compound on the island. As of the publication of this article, a second location has been added with the exact same address and business name, this one for a building on an unnamed road on the island of St. Thomas. The theme park on Little St. James has nine reviews, all from within the last week, and the listed phone number is for SpongeBob and the Find Gary hotline. (Gary is SpongeBobs pet snail in the television show.) The number was created as part of a promotion for a SpongeBob film.

Google has lax standards in allowing people to list businesses on Google Maps that have led to the platform being overrun with millions of false business addresses and fake names, according to advertisers, search experts and current and former Google employees as pointed out in a 2019 Wall Street Journal article. Some of these fake businesses are deliberately intended to deceive Google users, while others are done as jokes. For example, in 2015 one prankster claimed the White House was the location of their fake snowboarding shop named "Edwards Snow Den," a joking reference to the NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. All evidence seems to point toward SpongeBobs address being found on Epsteins island as being another one of these practical jokes. Theres nothing to indicate an actual connection between SpongeBob Squarepants and Little St. James exists124 Conch Street, Bikini Bottom is the address of a pineapple under the sea, not a theme park on Jeffrey Epsteins island.

If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email atfactcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please emailcorrections@thedispatch.com.

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Is There a Connection Between Jeffrey Epstein and SpongeBob SquarePants? - The Dispatch

Sweeping Conservation Initiative Protects Rare Lands on Cuttyhunk – The Vineyard Gazette – Martha’s Vineyard News

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

A sweeping conservation initiative announced Monday will preserve nearly all the remaining undeveloped land on Cuttyhunk including a large swath of unspoiled barrier beach, salt marsh and coastal upland on the tiny island at the tip of the Elizabeth island chain.

The public-private partnership will place 68 acres under permanent protection, in tandem with the donation of a conservation restriction on a separate 250-acre parcel at the remote, unspoiled west end of Cuttyhunk.

The properties will remain open for public use.

The Buzzards Bay Coalition, town of Gosnold, commonwealth of Massachusetts, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bouchard 120 Oil Spill Natural Resources Damages Trustee Council and 198 private donors all contributed to the $6.1 million acquisition, according to a press release.

Unspoiled marsh and coastal upland are included in $6.1 million initiative. Mark Alan Lovewell/Gazette file photo

The property had been on the market for potential development.

All told, the acquisition will protect more than 300 acres of land and more than five miles of Massachusetts coastline.

Protecting and permanently preserving such a significant portion of Cuttyhunk is a truly historic achievement for the long-term protection of Buzzards Bay, said Buzzards Bay Coalition president Mark Rasmussen in the release. This is one of our regions most unique landscapes.

The land was owned by descendants of William Wood, the turn-of-the-century industrialist who bought much of the land on Cuttyhunk beginning in 1905. Mr. Wood built the islands two great houses Avalon and Winter House. As stewards of much of the undeveloped land on Cuttyhunk, and following in the tradition of our great-grandfather, William Wood, who established our familys foothold on Cuttyhunk, we are proud to participate in this preservation plan of our beloved island, said Van Spaulding, in a statement on behalf of the family.

The 68 acres include Barges Beach, the scenic Lookout and Bayberry Hills, a portion of Copicut Neck all of which will be owned and managed by the Buzzards Bay coalition and Churchs Beach, which will be owned by the town of Gosnold. All the properties will be managed as public reserves, ensuring public access.

Days spent swimming, picnicking, and fishing at Barges and Churchs beaches and walks up to the stunning views from the top of Cuttyhunks highest points will remain forever part of life on Cuttyhunk, the press release said.

The acquisition earned praise from a wide array of state and federal officials, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Cong. Bill Keating, the Cape and Islands state legislative delegation, Gov. Charlie Baker, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Gosnold selectmen.

Beyond public access and recreation, the two beaches bookend the islands federally recognized harbor of refuge, an important navigational feature at the entrance to Buzzards Bay, the press release said. The protected land will also preserve water quality in the bay and protect the islands only public drinking water supply, as well as protecting the unique maritime island ecosystem.

Earlier this year, the state awarded $1.4 million for the project through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action grant program, which aims to strengthen coastal resilience in the face of climate change and rising sea levels.

Two large federal grants $1.15 million from the Bouchard 120 Oil Spill Trustee Council and $1 million from the federal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program focused on preservation of habitats and wildlife.

The Bouchard oil spill occurred in April 2003 when a tank barge struck the rocks south of Westport after passing on the wrong side of a navigational marker at the entrance to Buzzards Bay. The accident released nearly 100,000 gallons of fuel oil in Buzzards Bay.

Protecting Cuttyhunk island is a fitting way to help offset the 2003 oil spill, which coated the islands shores, said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regional director Wendi Weber in the release.

In the spring of 2019, voters at the Gosnold town meeting unanimously approved contributing $400,000 to the project.

The project was also awarded a $400,000 state L.A.N.D. (Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity) grant, a $300,000 state grant to guard the public drinking water supply on the island and a municipal mini-grant from the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, a joint program of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) helped to coordinate one of the large federal grants, and technical support was provided by the Marthas Vineyard Commission.

Completing the fundraising was $1.4 million in private donations from 198 Cuttyhunk residents.

The Buzzards Bay Coalition will manage and care for the land. Trails will be improved over the winter with an expected reserve opening in 2021.

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Sweeping Conservation Initiative Protects Rare Lands on Cuttyhunk - The Vineyard Gazette - Martha's Vineyard News

Clubs in Crisis: Artists and Indie Venues on the Future of Live Music Post-COVID – FLOOD Magazine

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

Americas independent music clubs and theaters are at deaths door. Right now, there are no fewer than three bills in front of Congress, all of which could help the live music industry survive the catastrophic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Congresss last day in session is August 7. The session could theoretically be extended, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has stated he will not do that.

The bills are designated as RESTART, Save Our Stages (a.k.a. SOS), and ENCORES (Entertainment New Credit Opportunity for Relief & Economic Sustainability). If none of themor no Frankensteined combination or permutationpasses, is there another way that independent American music clubs can stay alive? A plan B?

Thats the question put to Dayna Frank of the Minneapolis venue First Avenue. She was on the phone last week, speaking not just for her own club but for nearly two thousand independent venues across the nation. Frank heads up a network of American clubs and theaters called the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). It was formed in the wake of the massive March COVID-19-spawned shutdown. Its goal is to lobby Congress to find a way that would allow clubs to stay solvent as they generate exactly zero business now and for the foreseeable future.

Frank pauses before answering. There are no other plans. We looked at it, we brainstormed and tried to come up with a plan B, C, or D, but no. There are ways to save individual venues, but this is a ten-billion-dollar problem and the only way to save the industry and ecosystem as a whole is through the federal government.

Austins Barracuda, which shut down in June / photo by Daniel Cavazos

Look at it this way: Even if there is an effective and widespread vaccine available early next yearand audiences feel comfortable enough to mix and mingle in publictours have to be planned and those bands need to have places to play. Yes, the clubs owned and/or booked by deep-pocketed promoting giants Live Nation and AEG may survive, but for the myriad clubs and theaters that arent part of those chains, if theyre shuttered, theres no place for many of those bands to play, a catch-22.

Audrey Fix Schaefer, Communications Director for the 9:30 Club in Washington, and also a NIVA spokesperson, adds, Like all other venues, were in a truly dire situation. Zero revenue and enormous overhead. Theres only so long we can hang on. No business is prepared for this no matter how successful youve been in the past. Without assistance were all going to fold. And this is why were fighting so hard.

If none of these bills pass, says Christine Karayan, of LAs fabled Troubadour, Were not going down without a dramatic fight. You will see bombs exploding.

We were doing well, says J.J. Gonson, self-described proprietrix of the Somerville, MA club ONCE. Weve been closed four months and Im afraid. I lie awake at night. What am I gonna do? Live Nation and AEG have the money to wait it out and all were gonna have is Live Nation and AEG. The world turned upside down and everything got handed to the bad guys. Weve been inclusive and cooperative and caring of our community. Are we going to end up with nothing but corporate hands-off booking?

Its a situation that affects not just the venues, of course, but all those connected: the touring musicians, the crew, the staff, the caterers, the agents, the promoters, the communities in which the clubs are located, and those ancillary businesses. People who go to clubs also go to nearby restaurants.

Were a magnet for other economic activities, says Schaefer. People who come to a show have dinner before, or drinks afterwards. For every dollar spent on a ticket in a small venue, twelve dollars of economic activity is generated, considering the caterers for the act, other restaurants, transportation, and other things. The federal government assisting us is an investmentnot just in keeping our industry from folding, but other businesses as well.

There are ways to save individual venues, but this is a ten-billion-dollar problem and the only way to save the industry and ecosystem as a whole is through the federal government. Dayna Frank, head of NIVA

A million plus emails were sent to Congress, she adds. Hopefully, theyre taking note. Its not a red or blue issue, but a green issuehelping business on main street USA. It is a fight for survival right now. No sugarcoating it, we are on the precipice if we dont get this help.

Cracker guitarist/singer Johnny Hickman has spent the better part of the last thirty-plus years of his life on the road, with his main band and in various other setups. Ive long gotten used to adjusting to change, he says, but we as an industry have never dealt with this The parking brake is pulled, everything is at a standstill for the foreseeable future scenario. Buildings being sold, venues being torn down to make room for a freeway, a beloved club owner passing away or retiring, clubs being absorbed by big-gun entertainment conglomerates, these changes we know.

Musicians, booking agencies, managers, and the fans themselves are all now faced with a mutual dilemma. The positive takeaway is that we all know this. If live music is going to survive COVID-19, we haveto look out for one another and fight to acquire some help for the little guys. Though also adversely affected, the acts that play stadium-sized venues and those venues themselves have a better chance at long term survival. Its the hundred-and-fifty to twelve hundred capacity small- and medium-sized clubs and the artists that rely on them that are the most vulnerable here. The passing of some of these proposed bills and grants is crucial.

Tobi Parks is the owner and talent buyer at xBk in Des Moines, Iowa, a two-hundred-and-fiftycapacity club that opened last September. The name of the club stands for ex-Brooklyn, where Parks hailed from. She sunk her life savings into it. If theres not some kind of package, RESTART or SOS, or some combination, we will not survive, she says The other proposals out there [in front of Congress] dont work for our industry. Were not like restaurants that pop up and reopen. This could be years. We are the only industry that literally has zero revenue. I have to pay my mortgage, and the electric bill comes every month.

Were going through the nest egg. Ive shut off everything I can, but Im still cranking out X amount of dollars a month in rent and insurance. Christine Karayan of LAs Troubadour

The Troubadour, run by Karayan and in her family since the early 80s, admits that because of the market theyre inand because of the clubs visibility and prominencetheyre not in as bad a shape as some others. Nevertheless, Were going through the nest egg. Ive shut off everything I can, but Im still cranking out X amount of dollars a month in rent and insurance. Were probably OK til the end of the year. Were not glitzy and shiny. Were smelly and kind of oldwhat you see is what you get, and a lot of people appreciate it for the familiarity of it.

If [one of the bills] gets through, then, yes, it will be beyond a sense of relief, she says. You could, at that point, start to breathe. Unfortunately, with the other loans currently available, the structure doesnt work for our type of business. I dont know what day I can open the doors or when I can get up and running. Can I take on more debt than I have in place and drown myself?

Michael Dorf, the CEO of the City Winery chain of small clubs, says frankly, Not being able to put on a show is death. And the live industry is one of the only avenues for musicians to earn a living, an incredibly valuable aspect that is at risk of extinction. The world goes nuts when a bald eagles nest is disrupted during a construction project and I agree thats important, but were talking about live music culture and it isnt getting the attention.

Dorfs right. If youre a musician, unless youre topping the streaming or sales world, youre making your living by touring. How much of your income? 75 percent? 90 percent? The Dream Syndicates singer-guitarist Steve Wynn laughs sarcastically. Are you kidding? Id say about 99.9999 percent from touring and the rest from sales and streaming.

I do most of my touring over in Europe and there isconsiderable relieffunding over there forindependent clubs,musicians, and other artistsrightnow, he continues. Over here, its a differentstory.I hate to think of all the great clubs that Ive enjoyed as a fan and as a touring musician that wont stand a chance over here if this goes on much longer without some kind ofassistance.Its sad. They obviously understand the concepts of a quality of life and a more enlightened society in the old country, dont they?

Stiff Little Fingers singer/guitarist Jake Burns began his life on the rock road back in Belfast, Northern Ireland in the late 70s and has lived in Chicago for many years. Before the pandemic, Stiff Little Fingers was touring a lot and had eight to ten European festival dates ahead of them. While a spring 2021 tour is being planned, everything is, of course, speculative.

This is my job. If I dont work, I dont get paid, says Burns, who says his band is in danger of hitting its endpoint. Bob Geldof said this years ago: Musicians make two types of money, more than you can ever imagine or not as much as you think. And hes right. Private islands or working stiffs. There are very few bands in the middle ground. Royalties arent there anymore.

In June, more than six hundred artistsDave Grohl, Billie Eilish, Brittany Howard, Willie Nelson, Lady Gaga, Neil Young, and Leon Bridges among themsigned a letter sent to Congress saying, in part, Independent venues give artists their start, often as the first stage most of us have played on. These venues were the first to close and will be the last to reopen If these independent venues close forever, cities and towns across America will not only lose their cultural and entertainment hearts, but they will lose the engine that would otherwise be a driver of economic renewal for all the businesses that surround them.

NIVA has gotten some TV attention. Jimmy Kimmel guest host Joel McHale chatted it up and bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings played from Nashvilles The Station Inn. Jimmy Fallon also plugged NIVA before segueing to Jimmy Buffett.

How optimistic or pessimistic are the club owners and musicians? My research over the past week suggests that everyone is on a see-saw.

This is my job. If I dont work, I dont get paid. Bob Geldof said this years ago: Musicians make two types of money, more than you can ever imagine or not as much as you think. And hes right. Private islands or working stiffs. There are very few bands in the middle ground. Royalties arent there anymore. Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers

Ive swung the entire spectrum from reasonably optimistic to totally pessimistic, says Burns.

Im cautiously optimistic, says Austen Bailey, talent buyer for the Mohawk Austin club in Texas. But weve gotta use the phrase You cant perform a transplant on a dead body.

It depends on what day of the week youre asking me, says the Troubadours Karayan.Today, Im a little more optimistic overall. This will end at some point. But theres no way you can open at a quarter capacity and have it make any financial sense.

On the one-to-ten scaletotal pessimism a one and complete optimism a ten, Robert Mercurio, co-owner of New Orleans Tipitina, says, My feelings of confidence go up and down. Today, I will say three. I watch the news and try to get a temperature of where Congress is at and its a real tossup.

Mercurio is in a somewhat unique position, too: Not only does he co-own a club, hes bassist for the funk-rock band Galactic. We own the club and are stewards of this historic venue, one of the most storied venues in New Orleans and a big part in the history of our band. Were a band so were doubly hit, struggling on both sides. Its been extremely difficult. Its not like we have another day job. Were popular, but we cant afford to take off that long.

City Winerys Dorf praises NIVAs campaignextraordinarybut my opinion which is quite cynical right now, is Im not that optimistic about our government. Fingers crossed, but I dont see a magic program opening up in the next few weeks.

To be honest, says Crackers Hickman, my biggest fear is that as weve seen under the current administration, the ones at the top of the food chain, the one-percenters and the least vulnerable, will siphon off any and all of the proposed financial assistance. My hope is that the big-gun corporations who rely on alcohol and ticket sales will step in with some muscle and help us get these bills and grants green lighted before its too late. Theres my wounded, but unsinkable, optimism. I hope its as contagious as this horrible fucking virus.

Then, Hickman addresses what might be the elephant in the room: Could there be negative sentiment that would kill these bills because right-wingers may hate entertainment elites and view rock clubs as such? That they, like President Donald Trump, consider art superfluous?Oh, absolutely, Hickman says. This is where the opposition will come from. The right wing traditionally operates from a place of fear or greed. If they can profit from it, they help. If not, fuck you, little club, little band. Fortunately, we have artists like Roger Waters and Taylor Swift on our side, calling out the filth and corruption of the soulless fascists currently at the helm.

Frank differs, believing NIVAs case is so strong it will transcend political bias. Its so blatantly obvious, she says. We are small intimate spaces where people sing and talk, and you have a virus that kills people in small intimate spaces primarily by singing and talking. Youd be hard-pressed to find an industry that needs aid more than we do, especially independents who have no ancillary revenue, no corporate parents, and no other ways of getting cash right now.

If theres a silver lining amidst these huge and hovering dark clouds, its been that NIVA has been able to organize all these disparate clubs into a network on short notice. While they were all dependent on each other to a degreea band needs to route its tours by connecting with multiple venuesNIVA has put many of the players on the communicative playing field. Congressional action is on everyones mutual interest. Why has there never been an organization like this before? We never had a need, says Frank, Weve never been shut down on three-hours notice.

Instead of a loanI hate to use the word bailout, but it is going to be a lifeline. The government has provided similar support to other industries. Ours is a tiny drop in the bucketwere looking for ten billion dollars compared to hundreds of billions that were allocated to save banks and airlines. Tobi Parks of Des Moines xBk

The RESTART and ENCORES bills have been filed, and Save Our Stages, co-sponsored by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), was introduced in the Senate last week, and was introduced on the House floor Monday, July 27, by Roger Williams (R-TX-15) and Peter Welch (D-VT-At large). For NIVA, its the preferred bill.

Schaefer explains RESTART as a loan program where a lot of it can be forgiven, with Save Our Stages being an out-and-out grant program. Both have components that would fit our needs, she says. Congress negotiates what goes into the overall bill. This is when the sausage-making on the hill happens. I cant predict what will happen, and people whove made law for the last twenty-five years cannot predict what will happen.

Save Our Stages is similar to RESTART in the way it identifies the business, but is more industry-specific, says Parks of xBk. Instead of a loanI hate to use the word bailout, but it is going to be a lifeline. The government has provided similar support to other industries. Ours is a tiny drop in the bucketwere looking for ten billion dollars compared to hundreds of billions that were allocated to save banks and airlines.

I reached out via phone and email to various sponsors of the bills, hoping to probe their thoughts on the potential passing, only hearing back from U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.): The forty-two Senators who have co-sponsored the RESTART Act demonstrates the overwhelming bipartisan support for the bill. Momentum continues to build with a wide cross-section of industries for this proposal as wellfrom concert venues to restaurants to hotels and manufacturing companiesbecause the hardest-hit businesses know it is tailored for their needs, and provides sustained support with flexible options for loan forgiveness and a reasonable amount of time to pay it back. If we want to prevent temporary job losses from turning in to permanent ones, and if we want to help the broader economy recover, we must include the RESTART Act in this next COVID-19 relief package. FL

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Clubs in Crisis: Artists and Indie Venues on the Future of Live Music Post-COVID - FLOOD Magazine

Conspiracy theorists think theres a connection between Epstein and SpongeBob – The Daily Dot

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Danzig

Conspiracy theorists are claiming theres a connection between deceased convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and Nickelodeon cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants.

They are pointing to addresses on SpongeBobs driver license and a building on Epsteins private island, Little Saint James. The addresses are seemingly the same: 124 Conch St., Bikini Bottom/s.

So can we talk about why spongebobs address on his license is the address for jeffery epsteins pedo island??? this is truly sick. all of these cartoons are tainted by pedophiles. our kids are not safe. Exploding head this is breaking my heart, Twitter user @StormEllimac wrote, including screenshots of SpongeBobs license and the address to Ledges of Little St. James, as shown on Google Maps.

Others are claiming the alleged connection proves elites are trying to normalize pedophilia and that the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, Stephen Hillenburg, was a pedophile (Hillenburg died in 2018).

The conspiracy also blew up on TikTok, with one video that highlights the connection amassing over half a million views.

While the Daily Dot can confirm the address on Google did list Ledges of Little St. James at 124 conch street, Bikini bottom when searching specifically for Little St James theme park, the address has since been changed.

As noted by the Dispatch, Ledges of Little St. James was listed as a theme park and claimed it was good for kids, but, in reality, it is what was formerly known as the main compound on Little Saint James. The private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands was owned by Epstein up until his death in 2019. The island has come to be known as Pedophile Island, as it is alleged many sex crimes committed by Epstein, along with other elites in cahoots with the disgraced financier, took place there.

So, is there a connection between SpongeBob and Epstein? Probably not. It is fairly easy to add and claim businesses on Google Maps, which is probably what happened in this case. The listing was claimed but not verified on Google Maps. The Dispatch also reports the phone number listed for the Ledges of Little St. James connected callers to a hotline that was created as a promotional stunt for an upcoming SpongeBob film. The Daily Dot was not able to independently verify this.

The Daily Dot has reached out to Google.

*First Published: Jul 23, 2020, 6:29 pm

Eilish OSullivan is the news wire editor for the Daily Dot. Her work has appeared in the Austin Chronicle and the Daily Texan.

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Conspiracy theorists think theres a connection between Epstein and SpongeBob - The Daily Dot

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