2020 will have publicly-traded cryptocurrency firms Barry Silbert – FXStreet

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Barry Silbert, the CEO of Digital Currency Group (DCC), has predicted that there will be publicly-traded cryptocurrency companies in 2020. He said that special-purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) have been approaching him with merger pitches in a recent tweet.

SPACs are shell companies that raise money from IPO investors to invest in operating businesses later. While going through the usual IPO can take months, going public through a SPAC IPO is possible within just a few weeks.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse had made a similar prediction at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January. He claimed that there would be IPOs in the blockchain space and Ripple would lead that trend.

In the next 12 months, youll see IPOs in the crypto/blockchain space. Were not going to be the first and were not going to be the last, but I expect us to be on the leading side its a natural evolution for our company.

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2020 will have publicly-traded cryptocurrency firms Barry Silbert - FXStreet

CEO of Toronto-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinsquare resigns after regulatory probe – CBC.ca

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Coinsquare Ltd. CEO Cole Diamond will step down after securities regulators accused the cryptocurrency company of misleading investors and manipulating the market.

Founder and president Virgile Rostand will also step aside from the Toronto-based company, which creates tools for people to access digital currency markets, as part of the settlement agreement approved on Tuesday by the Ontario Securities Commission.

The company inflated 90 per cent of its trading volumes between July 2018 and December 2019 with fake trades, according to the settlement agreement from the OSC.

In addition to paying costs for the OSC investigation, Diamond and Rostand will pay fines of $1 million and $900,000, respectively, and the company will be required to create an independent board of directors.

Jeff Kehoe, the OSC's director of enforcement, says the settlement is also an important milestone as it marks the first time a company has been disciplined under 2016 laws barring reprisal against a whistleblower.

A company spokesperson for Coinsquare told The Canadian Press that the company acted on wrong legal advice but the company put clients, employees and shareholders first, and that the increased volume did not impact cryptocurrency prices.

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CEO of Toronto-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinsquare resigns after regulatory probe - CBC.ca

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Industry Market: Business Opportunities, Current T – News by aeresearch

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The Global Covid-19 Impact on Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Industry market gives detailed Evaluation about all the Important aspects related to the marketplace. The analysis on global Covid-19 Impact on Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Industry economy, offers profound insights regarding the Covid-19 Impact on Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Industry market covering all of the crucial aspects of the market. Moreover, the report offers historical information with future prediction over the forecast period. Various important factors such as market trends, earnings growth patterns market shares and demand and supply are contained in almost all the market research report for every industry. A number of the vital facets analyzed in the report contains market share, production, key regions, earnings rate in addition to key players.

The business intelligence summary of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Industry market is a compilation of the key trends leading the business growth related to the competitive terrain and geographical landscape. Additionally, the study covers the restraints that upset the market growth and throws light on the opportunities and drivers that are anticipated to foster business expansion in existing and untapped markets. Moreover, the report encompasses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to impart a better understanding of this industry vertical to all the investors.

Key highlights from COVID-19 impact analysis:

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A gist of the regional landscape:

Other highlights from the Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Industry market report:

The main questions answered in the report are:

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Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Industry Market: Business Opportunities, Current T - News by aeresearch

Prevail Therapeutics Granted Composition of Matter Patent for Experimental Gene Therapy Program PR006 – GlobeNewswire

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NEW YORK, July 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prevail Therapeutics Inc.(Nasdaq: PRVL), a biotechnology company developing potentially disease-modifying AAV-based gene therapies for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on June 23, 2020 issued a composition of matter patent, U.S.PatentNo.10,689,625,with claims directed to the AAV vector used in PR006, Prevails experimental gene therapy program for the treatment of frontotemporal dementia patients withGRNmutations (FTD-GRN). The base patent term extends until October 2038, excluding patent term extensions or coverage in additional related patent filings.

At Prevail, we are working continuously to bring innovative treatments to patients with neurodegenerative diseases, said Asa Abeliovich, M.D., Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Prevail. FTD-GRN is a devastating condition, with no disease-modifying therapeutic options available. We are excited about the possibility of making a significant impact with PR006.

In March of this year, Prevail announced an active IND for the Phase 1/2 clinical trial of PR006 for the treatment of FTD-GRN. TheU.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has granted the therapy Fast Track Designation.

PR006 is being developed as a potential one-time gene therapy for FTD-GRN, a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in theGRNgene that reduce production of progranulin, a protein critical for lysosomal function, neuronal survival and normal microglial activities. The progranulin deficiency leads to lysosomal dysfunction, ineffective protein degradation and recycling, neuroinflammation, and ultimately neurodegeneration and death, typically within three to ten years of diagnosis.

PR006 is designed to increase progranulin levels in the brains of FTD-GRN patients by delivering a healthy GRN gene using an AAV9 vector.

About Frontotemporal Dementia with GRNMutationsFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common cause of dementia in people under the age of 65, after Alzheimers disease. FTD affects 50,000 to 60,000 people in theU.S.and 80,000 to 110,000 individuals in theEuropean Union. FTD-GRN represents 5-10% of all patients withFTD.FTDresults from the progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which control decision-making, behavior, emotion and language.In FTD-GRN patients, reduced levels of progranulin lead to age-dependent lysosomal dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. There are no approved treatments forFTDor FTD-GRN.

AboutPrevail TherapeuticsPrevail is a gene therapy company leveraging breakthroughs in human genetics with the goal of developing and commercializing disease-modifying AAV-based gene therapies for patients with neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to PR006 for patients with frontotemporal dementia with GRN mutations (FTD-GRN), the company is developing PR001 for patients with Parkinsons disease with GBA1 mutations (PD-GBA) and neuronopathic Gaucher disease, and PR004 for patients with certain synucleinopathies.

Prevail was founded by Dr. Asa Abeliovich in 2017, through a collaborative effort withThe Silverstein Foundationfor Parkinsons with GBA and OrbiMed, and is headquartered inNew York, NY.

Forward-Looking Statements Related to PrevailStatements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Examples of these forward-looking statements include statements concerning Prevails ability to develop meaningful therapeutic advances for patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: Prevails novel approach to gene therapy makes it difficult to predict the time, cost and potential success of product candidate development or regulatory approval; Prevails gene therapy programs may not meet safety and efficacy levels needed to support ongoing clinical development or regulatory approval; the regulatory landscape for gene therapy is rigorous, complex, uncertain and subject to change; the fact that gene therapies are novel, complex and difficult to manufacture; and risks relating to the impact on our business of the COVID-19 pandemic or similar public health crises. These and other risks are described more fully in Prevails filings with theSecurities and Exchange Commission(SEC), including the Risk Factors section of the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period endedMarch 31, 2020, filed with theSEConMay 14, 2020, and its other documents subsequently filed with or furnished to theSEC. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, Prevail undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Media Contact:Mary CarmichaelTenBridge Communicationsmary@tenbridgecommunications.com617-413-3543

Investor Contact:investors@prevailtherapeutics.com

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Prevail Therapeutics Granted Composition of Matter Patent for Experimental Gene Therapy Program PR006 - GlobeNewswire

Portrait of an Artist: Jozimar Matimano paints in the colors of freedom – Manchester Ink Link

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Manchester artist Jozimar Matimano. Photo/Becky Field

MANCHESTER, NH Jozimar Matimano is a full-time laser print operator working second shift at a local manufacturing company and an art student, pursuing his future career as a fine artist.

At 25, his determination and work ethic are admirable. But what is most remarkable is all that Matimano has endured to now be pursuing his American dream.

He is a refugee who arrived in Manchester with his family of eight less than four years ago.

Matimano was living a different life in 2005, one of privilege in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He attended private school and lived in one of the three homes his parents owned. His father was a high school math and physics teacher. Then civil war broke out, and everything changed. A year later Matimano and his family were forced to sell their belongings and eventually were moved to a refugee camp in neighboring Uganda where they remained for the next decade.

In 2016 the United Nations assisted his family in finding a permanent home in the U.S. a land of opportunity known only to Matimano through movies and pop-culture, a destination with great promise for a young man with big dreams.

Manchester was their new home, a longtime major refugee-receiving city for refugee resettlement over the years. Although he grew up speaking French thanks to his private school education, and learned English and several other languages while living in the refugee camp his language skills needed work if he was to get his high school diploma and enroll in college.

In March of 2018 Matimano was accepted into the NH Job Corps Center.

Finding Job Corps was transformational for Matimano, who loved painting and sculpting as a hobby, but recognized the need to get an education and a career to help support his parents and five younger siblings. Matimano obtained his Penn-Foster diploma along with certificates in both Security and Advanced Manufacturing in July of 2019, just one month after receiving his Green Card a banner year for him and for his family, who depend on him as driver, interpreter and their financial support.

Before arriving in the U.S. Matimano had never painted, although his father had an interest in art and passed down his talent to his son. Art became an important pastime for Matimano while living in the refugee camp.

When Matimano first started dabbling in painting here, he says he tried his hand at a still life of flowers but flowers have never been Matimanos strong suit. He prefers portraits and often uses his own image as the subject of his work that combines realism with symbolism. For one thing, hes always available to pose when he needs a model, he says with a broad smile. But also, its important to him to authentically paint what he knows.

In that way his success in art derives from his honest and emotional portrayal of the often harsh realities of life for Black people in America, his identity as a refugee fleeing conflict in Africa, and the singular wisdom that can only shine through the brush strokes of a talented artist.

Before the war he recalls growing up in Kiwanja, which he describes as halfway between a city and a village, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His early childhood was a happy one characterized by playing with his friends one where there was plenty of room for his imagination to grow. They used what they had mainly clay made from the dust and empty boxes to create toys and other playthings.

We used to go and make, you know, dust here you dont have it its like clay. And we used to make things out of those. I played with boxes and made houses from them, he says.

We used to make phones out of clay. It was fun. Making houses out of the boxes and cars out of how can I explain it you know maize? Like corn? Matimano searches his mind for the right word. A polyglot who speaks seven languages from his experience living in the refugee camp for so long with other kids from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, and Sudan, he finally settles on the right word, The stalk. We used to make cars out of that.

Fleeing civil war

Before leaving the Congo, Matimano recalls having the freedom to run and play with his friends after school, and occasionally snacking on a mango they would stealthily pick from a neighbors tree.

The freedom he felt throughout his childhood quickly faded though, when the conflict in DRC escalated. Matimano recounts kidnappings for ransom being a regular occurrence and even confides witnessing a shooting take place in front of him. Despite the trauma inflicted on himself and his loved ones, according to Matimano, he has made peace with those who have incited violence in his home country, and doesnt see the sense in war, genocide or passing that hatred down to the next generation.

Its really traumatic but at a certain point, you have to let it go. We have this conflict in Congo, like Congolese dont like Rwandan, because they say that Rwandans come and try to take their country. I grew up hating them and always feeling like maybe I can kill them, but at a certain point I was like, whats the purpose to hate the children of them? Like whats the purpose? Whats the point? explains Matimano.

His family arrived at Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda where they remained long enough for his parents to have his two youngest siblings, bringing the family to a total of eight.

In 2016, the Matimanos were finally approved for resettlement in the U.S. The entire resettlement process took nearly three years. At one point he says they thought they would be sent to Sweden, which disappointed Matimano. As a kid he absorbed all he could about American culture, and got lost in films like Rambo, and Coming to America.

I felt like America has the better life of all places that you could live in, in the whole world, he says.

He was 21 when the family finally packed their bags and made it to Manchester, moving to an apartment in center city where his bedroom doubles as an art studio. Since then, Matimano has navigated adult life in an unfamiliar country with poise and determination.

I was the best English speaker in my family so it was up to me to communicate and try to explain everything, which was hard. But with time it adjusted and I found out that everything was getting good, Matimano says.

Initially the family was approved for food stamps and Medicaid, and his parents received assistance in the form of $200 every other week, not enough to cover all of their living expenses.

I was the first one who found a job. We reached here in October and by January I was working. It was called RCD Components, thats where I used to work, says Matimano.

Matimanos boss at RCD Components, Maria Grisanzio, took an interest in him, encouraging him to earn his high school diploma.

We developed a friendship over time. She stayed in touch with me and she helped me to buy some stuff when I had my first exhibition here in Manchester. You know the Art Jam? I used to do that, in like 2017-2018, says Matimano.

Matimanos determination to succeed has been fueled by many who recognized his natural artistic talent and ability to quickly learn and thrive in a new environment, where the possibilities and opportunities seemed endless.

Matimano entered NH Job Corps Center in 2018 and graduated in July of 2019. Thats how I ended up at Tecomet. Actually Im in an apprenticeship program. I won an award Outstanding Student of 2019, Matimano says, with a note of pride in his voice.

Job Corps opened the doors

Working in manufacturing provides financial stability and a foundation on which he is able to build the life hes always dreamed of, as an artist. He attends art school where he is fine-tuning his natural talent in sculpture and painting.

He has become well known for his talent and determination.

Shortly before graduating from Job Corps in May of last year, Matimano was invited by Congressman Chris Pappas to submit a piece of his artwork to the annual NH Congressional Art Competition for students. That piece is currently on loan and displayed at the Congressmans downtown Manchester office.

With the help of his Career Transition Counselor at Job Corps, Matimano earned a small scholarship at the Currier Art Museum, where he took a painting class while working. Soon after he toured, applied for and was accepted to the NH Institute of Art in Manchester, which has recently merged with New England College in Henniker. He earned a scholarship, which covers 60 percent of his tuition, and based on his manufacturing skills, he also landed a great apprenticeship as a machinist, assembling medical devices for Tecomet in Manchester, where he continues to work to cover the rest of his school expenses.

While juggling family, job and school responsibilities is not easy, Matimano sees it as an interesting challenge along with the greatest gift of freedom to do so. He openly attributes his ability to do all of that to Job Corps, which gave him the opportunity and tools to succeed with a combination of excellent technical training, determination, self-discipline and focus. His appreciation for that opportunity was reiterated recently when he served as a guest speaker for a Virtual Community Relations Council Conference at Job Corps.

Finding his voice as an artist

He says his formal art training has helped him discover his true voice as an artist.

I had the drawing talent, but when I started with painting at first, I wasnt so good. I started with painting [a still life] of a flower. Actually that flower it stayed in my mind. It still stayed in my mind. I started painting it and I didnt like it. I gave up that same day, explains Matimano.

But by the next day he was ready to paint again, and Matimano quickly discovered his calling in the form of raw portrayals of the racism, unequal wealth distribution and heavy-handed policing that he has come to understand as part of American culture. His paintings critique the obvious and subtle power dynamics underlying a racist system.

The thing that I always do is expressing how I feel in America with my art. I express how I feel or interpret how other people feel in life, like what Ive been through, whats going on in the society with my art, Matimano relates.

With paintings ranging from a portrait of one of his childhood friends peering out at the viewer from a background in the shape of Africa, to a depiction of actor/singer Childish Gambino from the music video for This is America, Matimanos art is versatile in its emotional and political portrayals of life. About Childish Gambino, Matimano relates, I like that guy. Hes just American. He feels free.

An art show planned for the spring of 2020 was postponed due to COVID-19, so Matimano has found other ways to gain exposure for his work. He recently started experimenting with printing his paintings onto T-shirts and would like to eventually sell them as a way of generating more income.

He was also among 40 New Americans featured in a hardcover book, Finding Home, recently published by Concord photographer Becky Field, which also includes a synopsis of his journey and pursuit of a career in art. Proceeds from the book go to support organizations that work directly with refugee and immigrant families, according to Field

As a new American, Matimano has taken full advantage of the opportunities he has manifested for himself as a young adult. Since his arrival he has not only shown his younger siblings how to survive life in a new country, but also how to thrive. Even more, in his raw interpretations and untamed expressions of life in the U.S. through his art, he has shown us all what it means to be truly American what it means to be free.

Reporter Carol Robidoux and Marcia Burns of Job Corps contributed to this story.

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Finding Freedom book extracts claim to tell Harry and Meghan’s story, but they say they weren’t involved – ABC News

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An upcoming book promises to tell the inside story of how Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, turned their backs on royal life.

Here's what we know about Finding Freedom and whether the duke and duchess were involved along with some of the biggest things we've already learned.

That's one day later than the UK and USA.

However, you can already get a taste. Multiple extracts have already been published by Britain's The Times and The Sunday Times.

Finding Freedom's publishers say Carolyn Durand (a journalist who has covered the royal family for two decades) and Omid Scobie (the royal editor for Harper's Bazaar) had "unique access" and wrote their book "with the participation of those closest to the couple".

The extracts published so far certainly have a fly-on-the-wall feel.

However, the duke and duchess themselves weren't involved. This is what a spokesperson said in a statement:

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not interviewed and did not contribute to 'Finding Freedom'.

"This book is based on the authors' own experiences as members of the royal press corps and their own independent reporting."

Nevertheless, the authors have been described as "sympathetic" to the couple.

Durand and Scobie write that when Harry and Meghan were dating, the duke sat down with his brother Prince William to discuss the relationship.

According to a source, William, who had only met Meghan a "handful" of times, wanted to ensure Harry "wasn't blindsided by lust".

Harry was said to be offended by this alleged statement from his brother:

"Take as much time as you need to get to know this girl."

Durand and Scobie explain:

"In those last two words, 'this girl', Harry heard the tone of snobbishness that was anathema to his approach to the world. During his 10-year career in the military, outside the royal bubble, he had learnt not to make snap judgments about people based on their accent, education, ethnicity, class or profession.

"Also, to remove Meghan from the equation, Harry was tired of the dynamic that had become established between him and his older brother. There had come a point when Harry no longer felt as though he needed looking after. There was a thin line between caring and condescending. Just because he went about his life differently from his brother didn't make it wrong."

Whether Harry would recognise that portrayal, we don't know, but he did acknowledge tensions last year.

A source also told Durand and Scobie that there was an open invitation for William and his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, to visit Harry and Meghan when they were living in Oxfordshire from May 2018 to March 2019, but they never did.

According to Durand and Scobie, Meghan and Catherine only spent a "handful of occasions" together before the 2018 wedding.

"Meghan was disappointed that she and Kate hadn't bonded over the position they shared, but she wasn't losing sleep over it. According to a source, Kate felt they didn't have much in common 'other than the fact that they lived at Kensington Palace'."

But despite the "duelling duchesses" narrative in the media, Finding Freedom says there was no bad blood.

This is how Durand and Scobie describe the relationship:

"Meghan would agree with the assessment that the duchesses were not the best of friends. Their relationship hadn't progressed much since she was Harry's girlfriend. Although Meghan might have understood Kate's wariness to strike up a meaningful friendship, they were still no closer by the time she was a fellow senior working member of the royal family and the wife of William's brother. Flowers for her birthday were nice, but Meghan would far rather have had Kate check in on her during the most difficult times with the press.

"But they were not at war with each other either."

According to Durand and Scobie, a senior royal referred to Meghan as "Harry's showgirl", while another said she came with "a lot of baggage".

It was a similar story with a high-ranking courtier, who was quoted as telling a colleague: "There's just something about her I don't trust."

According to a source, courtiers as well as "some family" also blamed Meghan for the difficulties caused by the Sussexes' push for independence.

Meghan is said to have told a friend in March:

"I gave up my entire life for this family. I was willing to do whatever it takes. But here we are. It's very sad."

That characterisation of the Queen and Prince Philip's reaction was courtesy of "several" members of the royal family.

"The family is very private and bringing it into the public domain, when they were told not to, hurt the Queen," a source said.

The duke and duchess launched the Sussex Royal website, along with an Instagram account, earlier this year, announcing their plans to "step back" as senior members of the royal family, become financially independent, and divide their time between the UK and North America.

Buckingham Palace says Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, will no longer use the titles "royal highness" or receive public funds under a deal struck for them to step aside as senior royals.

Finding Freedom describes the negotiations that followed, including the "Sandringham summit" attended by the Queen, Prince Charles and William and Harry (with Meghan believed to have joined by phone from Canada).

The deal that followed involved Harry and Meghan giving up the Sussex Royal brand.

But according to a "source close to the couple", Harry's loss of his honorary military appointments hit the hardest:

"That's been a tough pill to swallow, and one that has been most painful to Meghan witness him go through [sic] It's the one that made Harry emotional."

A senior Buckingham Palace aide is also quoted as saying:

"Harry and Meghan would have reached a more beneficial agreement to allow them to live the life they wanted if they had handled things in a private, dignified way."

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Finding Freedom book extracts claim to tell Harry and Meghan's story, but they say they weren't involved - ABC News

Wind advisory in effect for Maui and Hawaii island – Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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A wind advisory is in effect for Maui and Hawaii island, with strong trade winds expected through tonight, forecasters said today.

The wind, however, isnt related toTropical Storm Douglas, which continues to weaken on its path further west of the main Hawaiian Islands.

At 11 a.m. today, Douglas was about 715 miles west-northwest of Honolulu, and 150 miles west-northwest of French Frigate Shoals, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Douglas was moving west-northwest at 18 mph.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for portions of Papahanaumokuakea, from French Frigate Shoals to Maro Reef to Lisianski.

In the main isles, meanwhile, breezy to locally windy trades, with passing windward and mauka showers will continue for the rest of the week due to a strong, high-pressure ridge to the north.

A wind advisory has been issued for the Kohala district of Hawaii island, as well as central Maui, Lanai and Kahoolawe, starting at 6 a.m. today, and lasting through 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph, with localized gusts over 45 mph are expected through Wednesday morning. Winds this strong are capable of downing trees and causing power outages. Motorists should use extra caution while driving.

A small craft advisory for all Hawaiian waters also remains in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Todays forecast for smaller isles is mostly sunny and windy, with scattered showers throughout the day, and highs from 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Tonights lows are from 72 to 77 degrees.

Tradewinds of 15 to 30 mph continue through today and tonight.

Surf is low for all sides of Oahu except for the east shores, where strong trades will maintain rough surf of 5 to 7 feet today, before lowering to 4 to 6 feet Wednesday.

Surf along north shores is expected to remain at 2 to 4 feet through Wednesday. Surf along south and west shores will remain at 1 to 3 feet through Wednesday.

No significant swells are expected through the weekend, which forecasters say will be sunny, with a typical summer trade wind pattern.

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Wind advisory in effect for Maui and Hawaii island - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Zaha Hadid Architects Creates Residential Project for the Island of Roatn, Honduras in the Caribbean – ArchDaily

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Zaha Hadid Architects Creates Residential Project for the Island of Roatn, Honduras in the Caribbean

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Zaha Hadid Architects has just unveiled Roatn Prspera Residences, its latest project with AKT II and Hilson Moran. Located on the island of Roatn in the Caribbean, the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, the project takes on specific ecological and social criteria, to develop homes for the island.

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Generating a digital architectural platform to create homes for Roatn Prspera, the first Economic Development Hub is built on the Prospera Platform, a zone for economic development and employment, integrated with local communities and have semi-autonomous governance and regulation, within Honduras.Integrating local vernacular tradition of timber construction, climatic appropriateness and spatial experience with new digital design, engineering, and construction techniques, the design of Roatn Prspera Residences responds directly to the climate, terrain and culture challenges. Relying on a comprehensive approach of the context, and working with existing local materials, craftsmanship, and manufacturing facilities to support the local economy, the initiative aims to blend completely with the territory. In collaboration with AKT II, the structural elements are made from local sustainable timber.

With the use of digital information technologies, waste, pollution, carbon footprint and energy can be reduced to a minimum; while better construction quality can be achieved,with off-site fabrication. In fact, the modular system developed of kit of parts, quickly assembled on-site, is a cost-controlled solution specifically tailored to local supply chains, transportation, and installation. Working towards providing local craftsmen, tradesmen and construction teams with a new kind of experience, working and using innovative technological tools, the design process aims to build lasting relationships between homeowners and the local community that will help new residents to integrate with the local culture.

Moreover, through this digital configuration platform, home-owners can plan their homes, according to their spatial needs and connect with local suppliers. Applying parametric design software developed by the Computational and Design Group at ZHA (ZHCODE) and the Computational Engineering Team at AKT II, (P.ART), the platform ensures that each residence is developed specifically to the configuration defined by each future resident.

In fact, a principle underpinning the configuration platform is three-dimensional property rights with homeowners acquiring occupational and exclusion rights for units of 3D space called volume-pixels or voxels. Their residences will be algorithmically computed to fit within their chosen arrangement of voxels. Each voxel is 35 square meters in plan-area and 4 meters high. Residential units vary from 35 sq.m studios (1 voxel) to 175 sq.m family homes (5 voxels). Owners can customize their layouts with this platform to fit their preferred number of voxels, with at least 15,000 different variations to configure the maximum of 5 voxels.

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Zaha Hadid Architects Creates Residential Project for the Island of Roatn, Honduras in the Caribbean - ArchDaily

Mary Kay Inc. Advocates for Women’s Empowerment, Safe and Dignified Work Environments at International Women’s Forum TIME’S UP UK Virtual Event -…

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DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On May 21st, Mary Kay Inc., an advocate for global womens empowerment and entrepreneurship, joined the International Women's Forum (IWF) Virtual Conference, for a session titled SAFE SETS: An online panel discussion with TIMES UP UK.

The live session tackled the ever-present issue for women across the globe: sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace. TIMES UP UK stressed the critical importance of changing the culture to ensure a safe workplace free from harassment and referred to the work being done to define safety for women in film through intimacy guidelines.

The speakers with TIMES UP UK included:

TIMES UPs efforts will help bring about broader change for women in the workplace worldwide and across industries, said Carolyn Passey, General Manager of Mary Kay UK and Ireland. As one of the worlds leading champions of womens empowerment, Mary Kay is proud to support, through IWF, women leaders who are standing up to give fellow women a voice, help them embrace their identity and define their own boundaries.

What was increasingly apparent throughout the conversation was how #MeToo and TIMES UP have had a huge and positive influence for changing the way productions work, how they are shifting to better practices in many new ways, and in particular with the new role of the Intimacy Coordinator, said Dame Heather Rabbatts. The conversation about safe sets is about how we make the culture shift, one industry after another, until we dont need to have this conversation ever again.

Yes, means yes, no means no, and maybe means no we celebrate and embrace the no, emphasized Ita OBrien, when talking of the process during which actors get to voice their comfort level when shooting intimate scenes. The firm founded by OBrien, Intimacy on Set, has put in place guidelines to provide clear lanes of communication and consent not only between actors, but also everyone else involved in shooting intimate and emotional scenes. Clear boundaries actually create freedom and help understand what is right for you.

This line goes to the heart of the matter, and how we are all learning to express where our boundaries lie, and not being afraid to share them, concluded Dame Heather Rabbatts. Having in place some mechanisms to protect yourself is very important, so that we know we can exercise a no. This should empower us in all the sticky and difficult situations that happen in life, whether personal or professional.

It is invigorating to witness the influential work that female thought leaders and advocates have achieved over the past several years for the advancement of womens safety and security in the workplace. These women, some of the most influential thought leaders in the United Kingdom, are on a mission to champion the next generation of women to become tomorrows leaders, said Marty Wikstrom, Member of IWF U.K. and co-chair of the Cornerstone Conference. IWF has been advancing womens leadership and championing equality worldwide since 1974, and Mary Kay has been an advocate of womens entrepreneurship and leadership since 1963. This session reflects a meeting of the minds, and we are proud to showcase this female-fueled partnership.

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her beauty company more than 56 years ago with three goals: develop rewarding opportunities for women, offer irresistible products, and make the world a better place. That dream has blossomed into a multibillion-dollar company with millions of independent sales force members in nearly 40 countries. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skin care, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements and fragrances. Mary Kay is committed to empowering women and their families by partnering with organizations from around the world, focusing on supporting cancer research, protecting survivors from domestic abuse, beautifying our communities, and encouraging children to follow their dreams. Mary Kay Ashs original vision continues to shineone lipstick at a time. Learn more at MaryKay.com.

About International Womens Forum (IWF) and the Leadership Foundation

IWF is an invitation-only membership organization of more than 7,000 diverse and accomplished women from 33 nations on six continents. IWF advances womens leadership and champions equality worldwide by connecting accomplished women both globally and locally. Members include Fortune 500 executives, government leaders from the local to sovereign level, international nonprofit leaders, and luminaries from the academy, arts and sciences: http://www.iwforum.org.

About TIMES UP UK

TIMES UP is an organisation that insists on safe, fair and dignified work for women of all kinds. In response to the growing TIMES UP movement in the US, a group of UK-based women: actors, producers, writers and others from the film, TV and theatre industries catalysed a sister initiative in the UK. For maximum impact it is set up under the TIMES UP brand and aims to amplify and reinforce the message already promoted in the US.

The UK movement seeks to build on key elements of the solidarity letter released by TIMES UP and the statement by the activists attending the Globes, which emphasised the need to highlight the connections between the harassment revelations in Hollywood and the wider, systematic nature of harassment and violence against women across all industries, contexts and countries with the recognition that this issue is universal. We seek strength in unity and maximum cooperation. The activist statement also flagged the ways in which the TIMES UP initiative joins an ever-growing collective of organisations, movements and leaders working to end gender-based violence. The UK work stands absolutely in solidarity with existing movements: TIMES UP UK is also now a recently formed charity, and as a charity we can only continue the work with support and donations. We all appreciate that we are experiencing unprecedented challenges but as TIMES UP focusses on safety for all women in the workplace, which now includes the home, we hope you will be able to support us: http://www.timesupuk.org.

About Intimacy on Set

Founded in 2018, Intimacy on Set provides services to TV, film, & theatre when dealing with intimacy, sexual content, and nudity. Its Founder, UKs leading Intimacy Coordinator, Ita OBrien, pioneered the role of the Intimacy Coordinator and since 2014 has been developing best practice Intimacy on Set Guidelines, which have been widely adopted in the industry. Championed by the TIMES UP movement and others, the firm advocates for safe, fair and dignified work for everyone. OBrien has worked on numerous high profile productions including Normal People (BBC3/Hulu), Sex Education 1&2 (Netflix), Gangs of London (Sky Atlantic), The Great (Hulu) and I May Destroy You (BBC/HBO), and has been widely covered in the national and international media as the leading spokesperson in this space: http://www.intimacyonset.com/.

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Mary Kay Inc. Advocates for Women's Empowerment, Safe and Dignified Work Environments at International Women's Forum TIME'S UP UK Virtual Event -...

Mentors appeal to youth in effort to quell violence in Schenectady – The Daily Gazette

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SCHENECTADY Alfredo Smalls cradled his friend Rashad Robinson before he bled to death after being shot outside of a Mont Pleasant bar in 2011.

That was the beginning of his decision to shun the gang lifestyle.

But the trauma remains.

Ultimately, he attended 28 funerals in 36 months.

Im not healed, said Smalls, co-founder of Save our Streets, the Schenectady-based community empowerment group.

As the city convulses under a recent spasm of gun violence five people were shot last weekend, while three have been slain by gunfire in two months a handful of gang members-turned-mentors shared their stories Tuesday in a plea for peace.

Instead of asking for a seat at the table, were creating our own table, said William Rivas, co-founder of Save Our Streets. The event was organized by518 Talks.

Representatives from Nationally Touching Greatness and Band of Brothers also gathered at Jerry Burrell Park on Tuesday evening, just steps away from where someone was injured by gunfire on Schenectady Street last weekend.

Each spoke of the allure of getting pulled into the streets, a key factor being the lack of strong male role models.

Smalls mother moved the family from Brooklyn to Schenectady, where Alfredo had never seen the sheer amount of open space. But it wasnt enough to escape getting sucked into violence.

Phyllis Smalls, his mother, asked what more she could have done.

Honestly, there was nothing you could have done, he said. The absence came from the males.

Ali Walker recounted a similar trajectory. With a single mom working two jobs, four siblings and a father nowhere to be found, he longed for male mentorship.

Sports provided a temporary diversion.

When I looked into those bleachers, I didnt see anyone there for me, Walker said.

By 14, he was making bad decisions.

Shaquan Page said he had poor coping mechanisms, and developed what he referred to as an f-the-world attitude.

I was in accelerated classes, but at the same time, I was the baddest kid in school, he said.

And while he hated drugs growing up because his mother was an addict, Page gravitated towardthe local drug dealer because he had the most money in the neighborhood.

Page was in prison by 16 and served 12 years on robbery and burglary charges.

While there, he engaged down a path of self-improvement.

These kids need people to talk to, Page said.

Panelists didnt make excuses for their actions several served stints in state prison but rather wanted to present an unvarnished portraitof the streets to attendees, including city Police Chief Eric Clifford and City Council members Carmel Patrick and Karen Zaleski-Wildzunas, in order to better inform their policy making.

The people making the decisions dont know this, Rivas said.

The rise in gun violence comes amid a national reckoning on racial discriminationand as the city continues to grapple with the fallout of a violent encounter between a Schenectady police officer and suspect.

Rivas offered the crowd of roughly three dozen attendees a chance to ask questions, but mainly wanted the speakers to share their stories.

Marva Isaacs pointed at the shooting last weekend near her Duane Avenue home and contrasted the rash of gunfire with sustained activism in the Capital Region calling for police reforms following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.

All lives matter, Isaacs said.

Page responded, They need to be reminded Black Lives Matter themselves ... everything starts with self.

Asked whats lacking in the community, Page circled back to the lack of strong role models.

They need a viable, consistent source of morality, he said, calling for more discipline:Physical. Spiritual. Emotional.

The community as a whole needs to be a family,Smalls said.

Each panelist had different reasons for their own personal evolution.

Delvern Cooper, founder of Nationally Touching Greatness, was tired of being incarcerated.

Walker lost his mother, and was unable to be with her when she died.

Smalls said he was about to do something bad, but Rivas gave him a job at the Altamount Program, where he now works as a case manager.

The panel also addressed a group of youngsters, who lined up on picnic tables as the mentors gave them a dose of straight talk.

Be a leader, not a follower, Cooper said.

Rivas said the kids werent much younger than when the speakers had flocked to the gang lifestyle.

You guys are kids and we want you to remain innocent, Rivas said.

Smalls said, I was doing the same things I told you not to do. I shot someone, and I went to jail for that.

Walker, co-founder of the Albany-based Band of Brothers, says youth mentoring would have inevitably steered him down an alternative path.

I was getting in trouble because I had nothing to do, he said. The fun things were the wrong things to do.

Clifford attended the event with five officers and said his primary goal was to listen.

It was very meaningful, Clifford said. We never get to hear stories like this.

While panelists have eschewed the gang lifestyle, several remain gang-affiliated, a measure important to retain credibility with kids, said Smalls, who is affiliated with the Crips.

A lot of young kids only listen to kids in these gangs, Smalls said.

On the origin of gangs: It was always about making sure our community stays intact, he said, and somewhere along the line, we lost that.

Page said gangs need to pivot back and reinforce their original message, and wield their powers for good.

The structure of gangs is to fight against oppression, he said.

Cooper, who is affiliated with Nine Trey, roundly denounced gun violence.

The increase in gun violence is not acceptable in our communities, he said.

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Mentors appeal to youth in effort to quell violence in Schenectady - The Daily Gazette

Shania Twain to Executive Produce, Write Songs for ‘Heart of Texas’ TV Series – Wide Open Country

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AuthorDebbie Macomber's Heartof Texas novels are coming to television, and Shania Twain's along for the ride.

The book series dates back to 1998's "Lonesome Cowboy" and tells the story of siblings Savanah, Grady and Richard Weston as they cope with the death of their parents, keep the family ranch afloat and maneuver their own personal lives.

"Heart of Texas is an exciting project for me to be involved in as I very much relate to the dynamics and the powerful connection of friends and family of a small-town community," Twain said in a statement. "It's a story of love, laughter and true grit, all elements that so strongly influence my song writing."

Twain will be an executive producer for the series, teaming her with production company Reel World Management's Roma Roth and Christopher E. Perry, the duo behind Netflix'sVirgin RiverTVseries.

"Reel World Management is excited to collaborate with Shania Twain and Debbie Macomber, two outstanding female creatives who have successfully built powerhouse brands, to create a series that will resonate emotionally with a global audience while also reinforcing the valuable themes of tolerance, female empowerment, family, community, diversity and endurance," says Roth in a statement.

Read More: Hear Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's New Duet 'Happy Anywhere'

Twain's social media post teases new music from a five-time Grammy award winner and the queen of country pop.

"I'll be able to write about love and loss and hardship and triumph. It's going to run the gamut in that sense," Twain told The Hollywood Reporter. "I'm still getting a feel for the sound and mood of the music. I'll be getting together with an arranger, and that's going to be new for me as well, getting involved with the actual scoring."

Macomber's novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

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Shania Twain to Executive Produce, Write Songs for 'Heart of Texas' TV Series - Wide Open Country

Fibroids and the Black Womb: Four Women and Their Mission to Heal Others From Uterine Fibroids – Chicago Defender

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For many women, that time of the month can bring about a range of emotions. From cravings to mood swings, women all over have different experiences when getting their monthly visit from dear Aunt Flo. However, for women who suffer from uterine fibroids, especially Black women, it is an entirely different experience.

Although 80% of all women will develop uterine fibroids by the age of 50, Black women experience them at a more alarming and severe rate. When speaking with doctors about symptoms or various treatment methods, Black women are often dismissed or offered hysterectomies as the only option. And with the number of Black women who suffer from fibroids increasing, more and more are taking matters into their own hands by educating themselves, establishing advocacy organizations, finding support within their communities, and restructuring their lifestyles so that this debilitating dilemma can someday be a thing of the past.

Here, four Black women weigh in on fibroids and how they are using their personal experiences to improve the quality of life for others.

Tanika Gray Valbrun, founder of The White Dress Project https://thewhitedressproject.org/

What is The White Dress Project?

We are a nonprofit, patient advocacy organization, and believe that as scientists and government officials, there should be more of an investment in the research of this epidemic. I came up with the name after having my first surgery in 2013. I was going through a lot mentally while recovering, had never had surgery before, and my procedure invasive. So, I was having a tough time. Through all my ups and downs, I realized that I did not have anything white in my closet. And it reminded me of all that I sacrificed. Having to avoid something for so long in my life was a problem.

Then I thought about all the other areas of my life that I sacrificed due to fibroids. It bothered me that one was talking about it and that doctors would make statements saying, If they (the fibroids) arent bothering you, dont bother them. However, when I mentioned it to friends, it was a common thing. It was then that I realized we should support one another. As women, we are experiencing debilitating symptoms and going through them alone. We are making excuses when calling in sick, when, we are laying on our bathroom floors, in a fetal position due to our fibroid symptoms. And I just felt that that should not be so. If it were a male issue, there would be more support and discussion, and I wanted to see that for women, especially Black women. So that was the birth of the White Dress Project.

I was familiar with fibroids because my mother had them. She lost two sets of twins because of them and later had to have a hysterectomy. Hearing my moms stories and knowing what she went through, in addition to other women who maybe did not have a history or whose mothers never talked about it, made me realize how it has been normalized. And I found that to be problematic.

What are some of how your organization supports women?

When I first started, I wanted support for myself and to create a community of women who no longer had to suffer in silence, to show them that they are not alone, and remove the shame surrounding reproductive health issues. In comparison to the research, it was vital that we talked about it. A large part of what we do is to get women to a place where they no longer feel silenced or feel as though they must shun themselves.

Before COVID, we held events where women would come dressed in their white to help women feel pretty and supported and loved. We knew that we were not necessarily comfortable in wearing our white, but we also knew that we were there to support one another. When you have fibroids, you do not feel comfortable wearing white, but we are pushing through that.

We also offer community education through our advisory council of doctors, with one of the signature programs Dialogue with the Doctors. The idea behind it is to have a conversation with a doctor and almost get a free second opinion. We are continually providing resources, education, and access to doctors and healthcare professionals because we know the many areas that fibroids affect us. During COVID, however, we pivoted and provided all our programming virtually.

What many people do not know is that we are singlehandedly the ones who created Fibroid Awareness Month. In 2014, I got legislation through the Georgia House of Representatives to declare July as Fibroid Awareness Month. After passing in Georgia, it was then passed in the US House. So, it really warms my heart to see how it is grown and hear so many people talking about it. All while knowing that we are the ones responsible for it.

LaToya Dwight, BBA, MSM, RHU, CHCC, REBC, Founder of The Fibroid Pandemic info@thefibroidpandemic.com

What led you to create your platform, The Fibroid Pandemic?

I have uterine fibroids and was offered a hysterectomy. At the time, I did not know what fibroids were, and was not given any resources other than being told that there is no proven data as to what caused them. That did not sit well with me and made me do my research. I began doing yoga, qigong, eating for my blood type, and just really taking my womb into my own hands. After deciding that I would have a minimally invasive procedure, I realized that a lot of women do not know where to turn because they are typically given the recommendation of having a hysterectomy. And while there is nothing wrong with having one, statistically, 60% of hysterectomies are not needed. So, the reason I started this platform was to be a resource or solution for women to have somewhere to turn and do their own research.

What can you tell me about the relationship between Black women and fibroids?

It is mainly due to Black women being more overweight than our white counterparts. Not only that, the environment that Black women are exposed to is also a major factor. Historically, within our culture, the foods that we eat used to be the scraps. So, generation after generation, a lot of those eating habits such as dairy, pork, fat, fried food, and sugar have continued and contributed to the development of fibroids. It may be more common to see white women in the gym, running outdoors, and being active, but it did not necessarily become common in Black communities until 10-20 years ago. Because of that reason, Black women tend to be more obese.

Also, due to our environments, Black women tend to carry more stress. Whether it is on our jobs, in our relationships, or our households. Many of our Black men are absent from the households, and Black women are left to raise the children on their own. So those components contribute to the development of fibroids in Black women more than our white counterparts.

We tend to suffer longer because we do not always have the support or know where to begin. A lot of times, we do not even know what is going on in our bodies. There are a lot of women who have very heavy menstrual and feel that it is normal when it is not.

With all those factors combined, that is why Black women suffer three times more likely than white women.

What are some different holistic methods that Black women can do to improve their symptoms or shrink their fibroids?

There are several ways that a woman can naturally shrink their fibroids, but it takes time, and consistency is key. One thing women can do is remove dairy from their diets. Also removing any external stressors. Stress plays a big role in fibroid development. But really incorporating organic produce and changing the way you prepare your foods.

Switching cosmetic products is key, as well. More so, the feminine hygiene products. I sell the Cherish brand, sanitary napkins. The more commercial-grade products that you see in the stores are made with so many chemicals that are, in fact, poisonous to our wombs and feeding a slow death to the uterus. What happens is, they go through a seven to the eight-stage bleaching process, and the companies do not tell you all the chemicals they are using. So, you have young girls who start using these products during teen and pre-teen years, and by the time they get to their early 20s, these products have fed poison into their uterus. And it is no wonder we have someone who at 25 years old is receiving a recommendation for a hysterectomy.

So, when taking all of this into consideration, these are ways to shrink or minimize fibroids. But again, the key is consistency.

Phyllis Frempong, RN, Fitness Coach, The Fibroid Queen https://www.instagram.com/fibroidqueen/

What would you say is the link between Black women and fibroids?

I would say that we are more at risk based on awareness, research, and empowerment. Starting with awareness, Black women are last when learning the information needed to maximize our options. In the medical system, it has been this way for a long time. It has been set up for us to be at a disadvantage; therefore, we are required to educate and empower ourselves to stay abreast of what is going on.

With doctors and nurses, there can be a lot of cultural incompetence. And for me, being a Black woman, I can talk from both a patient and nurses perspective that Black women are completely unaware when it comes to knowing their bodies or how to communicate what is going on. I have been in situations where I was immediately judged by the color of my skin and pigeonholed into a decision that a doctor thought was best for me. So, I encourage Black women to be aware of not only fibroids but what is going on in their bodies.

The second thing is having a recollection of what you can do and being aware of your decisions. With fibroids, we have gone from hysterectomies being the only option to having more and knowing how they can impact your quality of life.

When looking at fibroids, they are caused by a hormonal imbalance which is driven by different factors. From having a sedentary lifestyle, emotional disease, diet, and environment. All of that has an effect on the liver and hormones that are regulating in your body. So, removing the actual fibroid or the uterus itself does not get to the root of the cause. Empowering Black women to know that their bodies are stronger than they think and that if they can give it what it needs, can really improve the power of our bodies. And that is what I had to do with my journey.

I have been able to educate and empower women through different holistic resources to help them get symptom relief and not look at surgery as their only option.

Being that you are a nurse, what are some things that Black women should look out for?

There are four main triggers which include bloating, anemia, heavy cycles, and painful cramps. For the most part, we are made to think that those things are normal and a part of being a woman. Also, the myth that Black women have a high tolerance for pain. Knowing that you have to communicate what is going on with because doctors will take that information with a grain of salt. The standard is when experiencing those four main triggers, to request an ultrasound because the physical assessment is not enough.

Another thing is being aware of your vitamin D levels. They say that vitamin D is almost a prevention for fibroids. When it comes to Black women and our skin, vitamin D is harder to absorb due to our melanin. So, in your labs, make sure that your vitamin D is where it needs to be.

Also, your hemoglobin and iron levels are key indicators of heavy cycles. They tell you how much oxygen and blood are running through your body, and if it is low then something is wrong. So, you want to be sure to check for that as well.

So, what has been your personal experience with fibroids?

I grew up in an African household, so talking about medical issues was not encouraged. I remember my mom coming home really drained and tired, and asking her what happened. After initially dismissing me, she later said that her doctor informed her that she would need to get her uterus taken out. I asked why and she said that was fibroids.

I did not quite know what fibroids were, I just remembered the name. So, years later, while in nursing school, I asked the doctor for an ultrasound and was questioned. When in a situation like this, always go with your instincts. Something told me to request it, and after finding a quarter-sized fibroid on my uterus, I was told to just monitor it.

Now there is nothing wrong with the wait and watch approach, but you need some strategies to prevent the fibroids from thriving. There is something that you are doing that made them appear. When being told to monitor it, I feel that it is a set up because you need some information on what to do to prevent an increase in symptoms and having to request something extreme.

After later being told that my fibroids increased in number and size, I went into a depression and felt like my body failed me. Being a coach, I have always been healthy, but after taking care of others and lacking in my own self-care, my body suffered. After feeling low, I empowered myself and turned my home into a lab. I used what I learned as a nurse and fitness coach and created a lifestyle regiment to not only reduce my symptoms but shrink my fibroids. I realized that if I could do that, then I could help others.

So now, my mission is to help millions of women end their suffering with holistic resources and a community of like-minded women to live their lives beyond fibroids.

Dr. Soyini Hawkins, MD, MPH, FACOG http://fibroidandpelvicwellness.com/

What has been your experience with treating fibroids?

I am a minimally invasive gynecological surgeon and my practice primarily focuses on gynecological surgery, all ailments of women who may need surgical intervention, and the top one in my community is fibroids. Getting into that niche of fibroid surgery has become a passion of mine starting from a personal place. I had fibroids and underwent an intense surgery. Since then, I have had two children, and now in my own practice, I decided to go into this. So, managing fibroids naturopathically is just as important to me as surgery.

Aside from most talked about fibroid symptoms, what are some additional warning signs that Black women should look out for?

Unbeknownst to many, fibroid symptoms can be associated with things that we think are normal.

And while heavy menstrual bleeding is most talked about symptom, fibroids can cause back pain, frequent urination, discharge, recurring infections, pain with activities, and constipation. So, the things that we think are a result something else, could in fact be fibroids.

Do you know why Black women experience fibroids at a higher rate than our white counterparts?

The thing about fibroids is that they do not discriminate. However, Black women are two to three times more likely to experience not only fibroids but symptomatic fibroids than white women. Eighty percent of Black women will develop fibroids during their childbearing years compared to 70% of white women. The reason why is still unknown, and I do feel that fibroids are understudied and under-researched. We know that there is a hereditary component and that there are things that are a part of our diet as well as our cosmetic products and melanin. But fibroids are very multi-factorial, so from one person to the next, we do not understand exactly what makes them grow or re-grow.

Do you feel that Black women are ignored when we discussing our symptoms with our doctors?

Yes, and that is a part of the problem. Therefore, there are movements focused on educating and advocating and empowering women to understand their bodies as well as options for treatment. What has happened, especially with Black women is that if we have a bad experience with the doctor, we get dismissed. It then becomes a thing of guilt or that we put it away, or we feel like no one is going to help us. Then when we do find a doctor that is willing to help, Black women are only offered hysterectomies, when a lot of times, they are asking for something minimally invasive.

What are some things that Black women should keep in mind when advocating for themselves?

Do not be afraid of getting a second opinion or finding someone who is going to listen. Also, understand that what you hear, may not always be what you want to hear, but a good doctor is going to help you understand your options. The understanding is what helps us, especially Black women, to embrace that and feel like we are a part of our health care team. It also helps to relieve some of the mental anguish that comes along with it.

Contributing Writer, Racquel Coral is a lifestyle writer based in Chicago. Find her on social media @withloveracquel.

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Fibroids and the Black Womb: Four Women and Their Mission to Heal Others From Uterine Fibroids - Chicago Defender

Helping Teens Overcome Heightened Anxiety – The University Network

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The teenage years are a transformative time in every persons life. Despite the typical struggles faced by teenagers, these years are meant to be a period full of exploration and growth. Traditionally, its a time when they begin to form the passions and ideas that will shape them throughout their personal and professional lives.

In the year 2020, however, mental health is getting in the way. The majority of teens 62 percent said that their anxiety now keeps them from being the person they want to be, according to a new survey funded by the Allstate Foundation.

Teenagers are paying attention to the world around them. Theyve experienced, either first-hand or on the news, the struggles the United States is facing, most notably, in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic and current race relations. As a result, many are overwhelmed with feelings of fear and uncertainty.

Overall, 73 percent of the 1,000 teens surveyed said that they feel more worried about the future now than they did six months ago. And whether their school will be administered in person or online, teens are uncertain, nervous and stressed about returning.

Teens are paying attention. They are speaking clearly about their needs, and we must answer their call, Stacy Sharpe, senior vice president at Allstate, said in a news release.

So, in these trying, uncertain times, the Allstate Foundation highlights the importance of social and emotional learning.

More than two decades of research shows that SEL, or social and emotional learning, helps young people build important life skills like empathy, stress-management and resilience so that they can thrive in an ever-changing world, according to the brief summarizing the survey.

Working with its nonprofit and company partners, the foundation has compiled a list of free resources to help teenagers develop the life skills to handle anything that is thrown their way.

One free resource available is the Inner Explorer family app, a free mindfulness and mediation app that can teach teenagers and their family members to curb their anxieties, stressors and fears by living in the moment.

And for teens and parents who are anxious and confused about the state of race relations in the country, the foundation suggests they check out the resources provided by its partner The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), which recently hosted a webinar Owning Your Power To Raise Kids Who Challenge Racism and provided a summary sheet with tips that can help individuals increase their understanding of race and racism in the United States.

To help teens explore and reflect on their emotions, the foundation points to a resource guide to journaling during the coronavirus pandemic, which is something that less than half of the teens surveyed said they currently do. While the guide was created by the foundations partner Facing History and Ourselves as a tool for educators, it can also serve a resource for parents to encourage journaling at home, according to the foundation.

Independently, the foundation has also created a guide to help parents instill skills like resilience and empathy in their teenage children.

As a long-time champion of youth empowerment, we know skills such as empathy, stress-management and resilience are critical to young peoples success in life, Sharpe said in the release. Thats why we partner with leading nonprofits to give families access to important social and emotional learning resources to prepare our youth and the adults who support them for the future.

News & Content Manager

Jackson Schroeder is a graduate of Ohio University with a B.A. in Journalism from the E.W. Scripps School. He is originally from Savannah, Georgia. Jackson has covered a wide range of topics, including sustainability, technology, sports, culture, travel, and music. He plays bass and guitar, and enjoys playing and listening to live music in his free time.

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Helping Teens Overcome Heightened Anxiety - The University Network

Civil Rights Groups Urge Congressional Action on Voting Rights"in Honor of the Remarkable Legacy of John Lewis" – Ms. Magazine

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On Tuesday, 155 civil rights organizationsfrom Feminist Majority Foundation to the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rightscalled onmembers ofCongress to swiftly pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4), recently reintroduced as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

The letter also urged swift passage of the HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), which contains essential funding for states to hold safe elections during the pandemic.

Dear Member of Congress:

The death of Congressman John Lewis, a civil rights giant, has had a profound impact on people around the world. Public officials both national and international have offered moving words of praise and admiration in honor of the remarkable life and legacy of Mr. Lewis. There is no greater way to pay tribute to Mr. Lewis than by turning those laudatory words into action.

It is in this spirit that The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the 154 undersigned organizations write to urge you to honor the life and legacy of the late Representative John Lewis by passing federal legislation to safeguard the fundamental right to vote. Mr. Lewis helped lead the historic 1965 march for voting rights in Selma, Alabamasustaining a cracked skull at the hands of state troopersand he spent the next half century at the helm of the nations fight for voting rights and equality. Mr. Lewis was a civil rights icon, an American hero, and the conscience of the Congress.

There would be no truer tribute to Representative Lewis than for the Senate to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA)recently reintroduced as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Actand the election provisions of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act.

Enacting these critical legislative measures would protect the integrity of the November election and counter the disenfranchisement of communities of color that the nation has sadly witnessed in the aftermath of the Supreme Courts infamous Shelby County v. Holder opinion in 2013. That decision gutted the preclearance provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which required states and jurisdictions with a history of discrimination to obtain federal approval before making changes to their voting laws and elections.

In one of his last public statementson June 25, 2020, the seventh anniversary of the Shelby County decisionRepresentative Lewis observed:

In our country, the right to vote is preciousalmost sacred. Countless people marched and protested for this right. Some gave a little blood, and far too many lost their lives. Around the globe, generations of U.S. officials boasted of this legacy and progress. Today, the world is horrified in watching Americansespecially people of coloronce again stand in immovable lines and experience undeniable, targeted, systematic barriers to democracy. The record is clear. A rampant war is being waged against minorities voting rights in my home state of Georgia and across the nation.

In the days since his passing, public officials from across the political spectrum have paid tribute to Representative Lewis, a reflection of the universal respect and admiration he commanded during his life of public service and sacrifice. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called John Lewis a monumental figure who made huge personal sacrifices to help our nation move past the sin of racism.

But he said nothing about restoring the Voting Rights Act or taking actions to honor John Lewis. The true measure of people are their deeds, not their words. If Senate leadership truly wishes to pay tribute to Representative Lewis, they will restore the Voting Rights Act by passing the Voting Rights Advancement Act. This crucial bill would correct the Supreme Courts shameful Shelby County v. Holder ruling, create a new Section 5 coverage formula based on recent evidence of discrimination, and help safeguard the right to vote for communities of color across thenation.

Representative Lewis was a fierce advocate of the Voting Rights Advancement Act, and he held the gavel as the House of Representatives passed it over seven months ago, on December 6, 2019. RepresentativeLewis often called the right to vote the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in our democratic society, and he said the VRAA was necessary because the country was in an ongoing struggle to redeem the soul of America, and were not there yet.

To honor the legacy of John Lewis, the Senate must promptly conduct hearings on the Voting Rights Advancement Act and build an appropriate evidentiary record to buttress this legislation, and then bring it up for a vote. The House has done its partconducting extensive hearings last year and amassing significant evidence of ongoing voter discrimination in Americaand now it is time for the Senate to follow suit.

In addition, the Senate must honor the memory of John Lewis by passing the election provisions of the HEROES Act. This legislation would provide necessary funding of $3.6 billion to states for election assistance as well as vital voting rights reforms that were based on Representative Lewiss Voter Empowerment Act such as no-excuse absentee ballots, at least 15 days of in-person early voting, accessible online and same-day voter registration, and equal access for voters with disabilitiesthat are essential to help this nation safeguard the November 2020 election. Once again, the House has done its partpassing the HEROES Act over two months agoand now the Senate must act.

Congress is poised to pass another COVID-19 relief package in the coming weeks, and the package must include robust election assistance and voting reforms for states so that the November general election does not become a large-scale replication of what we witnessed during the primary process. In too many states during the primary season, long lines, poll closures, poll worker shortages and insufficient training,inaccessible polling places and broken machines, and surges in absentee ballot requests that went unfulfilled left many votersparticularly voters of color and voters with disabilitiesunable to safely exercise their fundamental right to vote. It is simply unacceptable to force voters to choose between their fundamental right to vote and their personal health and safety.

John Lewiss home state of Georgia was ground zero for democracy dysfunction during this years primaries. During the Georgia primary in June, some voters of color had to wait in lines of up to seven hours in inclement weather in order to cast their ballot as a result of such problems as polling place closures, voters not receiving absentee ballots on time, the need to clean and sanitize voting machines, insufficient numbers of and malfunctioning machines, and inadequate training of poll workers.

This is nothing short of modern-day voter suppression. The problems in Georgia were exacerbated by the fact thatafter Shelby County v. Holderstates with proven records of discriminatory voting practices, likeGeorgia, no longer had to obtain federal approval before making election changes.

John Lewis was never satisfied with an America that did not keep faith with its promises. He refused to accept a country that did not live up to its highest moral values. And he rejected the idea that Americacould not be betterparticularly toward those so often left behind in our society. His life was a living vigil for what it means to remain a foot soldier in the march for equality. Whether in the area of votingrights or systemic racism, or anywhere in which injustice remains, we honor his legacy by continuing his fight for a democracy that works for all of us.

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Civil Rights Groups Urge Congressional Action on Voting Rights"in Honor of the Remarkable Legacy of John Lewis" - Ms. Magazine

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. Introduces OFFLINE by Aerie, a Fresh Take on Activewear Designed for Real Life – Business Wire

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) announced today the launch of OFFLINE by Aerie, a new sub-brand offering a complete collection of activewear and accessories built for REAL movement and REAL comfort. Leveraging AEOs continued success cultivating lifestyle brands, paired with Aeries incredible strength and growing customer demand, OFFLINE is the evolution and expansion of the brands popular Chill.Play.Move. collection into an unparalleled offering of soft, cozy and comfortable activewear. Uniquely designed for the Aerie girls slam dunks, slipups, the hell yeas, the ughs, the 5ks and the recovery days.

Health and wellness have always been at the core of Aeries mission as weve led the body positivity movement, inspiring and empowering women around the world to feel confident inside and out. OFFLINEs unique take on active lifestyle products celebrates REAL life when some days you feel like you can take on the world and other days you need that extra push to get off the couch, said Jennifer Foyle, Aerie Global Brand President. Building on the growing success of our leggings and activewear, OFFLINE provides another powerful platform to grow our community, while uniquely complementing Aeries full lifestyle collection of bras, undies, lounge and soft apparel. Were here for your journey as you fly and as you fall, and even the slant of the I in our name is a reminder that there is no straight path to the finish line.

OFFLINE by Aerie will be available online at aerie.com with two retail store locations planned to open by the end of 2020.

The OFFLINE collection features an activewear assortment of leggings, bike shorts, tops, sports bras, fleece, bottoms and accessories. Signature products include:

The sub-brand also continues Aeries commitment to responsibly sourced styles, which are reflected through the REAL Good badge, an icon that identifies products made from more sustainable raw materials including recycled fabrics. It also designates products manufactured in a factory that meets expectations for AEOs Water Leadership Program, an initiative that focuses on water reduction and water recycling, in keeping with the companys ongoing commitment to sustainability.

About Aerie

Aerie is a lifestyle brand offering intimates, apparel, activewear and swim collections. With the #AerieREAL movement, Aerie celebrates its community by advocating for body positivity and the empowerment of all women. Aerie believes in inspiring customers to love their real selves, inside and out. Retouching-free since 2014. Visit http://www.aerie.com to learn more. Let the Real You Shine.

About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle and Aerie brands. Our purpose is to show the world that theres REAL power in the optimism of youth. The company operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong, and ships to 81 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 200 international locations operated by licensees in 25 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.aeo-inc.com.

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American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. Introduces OFFLINE by Aerie, a Fresh Take on Activewear Designed for Real Life - Business Wire

Holder hopes England tour Caribbean by end of the year – Yahoo Sports

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Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) - West Indies captain Jason Holder hopes England will tour the Caribbean before the end of the year in response to his side braving the coronavirus pandemic by coming to Britain.

The West Indies left their relatively unaffected region to travel to the UK -- the European country worst-hit by the COVID-19 outbreak -- and relaunch international cricket after lockdown with a Test campaign against England.

But they did so while accepting a 50 percent pay cut from Cricket West Indies, with Holder's men losing the series 2-1 following a crushing 269-run defeat in the third Test at Old Trafford concluded Tuesday.

Teams such as the West Indies and Pakistan, who begin a three-Test series against England at Old Trafford next week, have long been among cricket's financially poorest nations, with the likes of England, Australia and India the wealthiest.

But while England captain Joe Root led the tributes to the West Indies, who spent some two months holed up in onsite hotels at the Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford in bio-secure bubbles, for making the trip, Holder called for more practical assistance.

"I was speaking to our chief executive, Johnny Grave, who highlighted that we really only make money from playing England and India (at home)," he said.

"Maybe we break even with Australia and Pakistan. But we lose money against other teams."

- 'Keep us afloat' -

England and the West Indies have now met home and away in the past 18 months and there are no plans for Root's side to visit the Caribbean in 2020.

But amid fixture uncertainty caused by the pandemic, Holder said: "We don't know what's going to happen after this series with the international calendar but if there is an opportunity for England to come over to the Caribbean before the end of the year that would help significantly.

"It's been a tough last few years for us financially, pretty much and we've taken a pay cut due to the circumstances.

"A tour hopefully, if it is possible before the end of 2020, would help keep us afloat," the all-rounder added.

The England and Wales Cricket Board -- who stood to lose hundreds of millions of pounds if the virus wiped out the 2020 season -- gave CWI a loan before the tour.

This was effectively an advance on money due to CWI from the International Cricket Council.

But all broadcast revenues currently go to the home board.

Grave, an Englishman who made his name in cricket administration with county club Surrey, has suggested a fifth should go to the away side.

It was an idea supported by Holder, who insisted: "Now more than ever highlights the differences in finances.

"England get a huge chunk of money, Australia do too and India are a powerhouse. Outside those top three, the rest struggle."

"(Revenue-sharing) is definitely something that needs to be looked at by the powers that be. If something doesn't happen soon enough we'll see less international cricket played by the so-called smaller countries."

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Holder hopes England tour Caribbean by end of the year - Yahoo Sports

Genomic insights into the early peopling of the Caribbean – Science Magazine

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A complex dispersal into the Caribbean

The settlement of the Caribbean and genetic relationships among pre-European Caribbean people remain a mystery. After examining 93 ancient genomes dating to a range from about 3200 to 400 years ago, Ngele et al. suggest that at least three separate colonization events, including a previously unknown wave, were connected to radiation events in North America. The two more ancient lineages coexisted in Cuba but were fully separate genetically, with later movement into the region from a third group from South America. The study not only informs on the settlement of the Caribbean but also lends insights into the broader-scale intercontinental radiation of humans across the American landscape, including across substantial water boundaries.

Science, this issue p. 456

The Caribbean was one of the last regions of the Americas to be settled by humans, but where they came from and how and when they reached the islands remain unclear. We generated genome-wide data for 93 ancient Caribbean islanders dating between 3200 and 400 calibrated years before the present and found evidence of at least three separate dispersals into the region, including two early dispersals into the Western Caribbean, one of which seems connected to radiation events in North America. This was followed by a later expansion from South America. We also detected genetic differences between the early settlers and the newcomers from South America, with almost no evidence of admixture. Our results add to our understanding of the initial peopling of the Caribbean and the movements of Archaic Age peoples in the Americas.

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Genomic insights into the early peopling of the Caribbean - Science Magazine

First Amendment Zone: How to protest (or not) at the RNC in Jacksonville – The Florida Times-Union

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Mayor Lenny Currys bill will limit protests to a designated "First Amendment Zone."

A just-filed bill setting up plans for the 2020 Republican National Convention next month details how and where protesters and supporters can gather downtown, assuming the convention still happens.

The bill faces its own significant challenges after City Council President Tommy Hazouri announced his opposition Wednesday evening, putting the bills chances of passing at risk.

If that bill does pass, however, it would designate what areas of downtown can be used for the conventions celebration event, where a free-speech zone would be set up and where protesters can receive permits to take to the street.

The Republican National Convention is scheduled to take place downtown at several venues from Aug. 24 through Aug. 27. It was initially scheduled for Charlotte, but President Trump moved it after the North Carolina governor said he couldnt guarantee guests would be able to fill Spectrum Center because of coronavirus concerns.

Some parts of the bill will affect the whole city, like a temporary change allowing more time for alcohol sales, from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m.

The "Convention Celebration Complex would make up nearly 140 acres around TIAA Bank Field and the surrounding parking lots.

A few blocks away, the city would designate a four-acre "First Amendment Zone." The city said it was necessary to "establish specific areas designated for free speech," while limiting speech elsewhere.

Limiting protests to a specific zone set apart from the convention is necessary, the bill said, to "promote and protect the general safety and welfare of the residents of and visitors to of the City during the Convention while also allowing persons and organizations to exercise their First Amendment rights to peacefully assemble and parade."

The mile-long parade route, a designated area for protesters to take to the streets from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, will be near A. Philip Randolph and the Arlington Expressway, coming off the Mathews Bridge, just blocks away from where Randolph, a labor organizer who orchestrated the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, grew up.

The parade route would require protesters obtain a permit, which would allow them to march for up to one hour and stick to a small area far removed from the conventions venues. Protesters wont be allowed to use bullhorns.

In the convention celebration complex, the city would allow the Republican National Committee to sell liquor with no corkage fees, and the city would waive its open container laws within the convention security zone.

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First Amendment Zone: How to protest (or not) at the RNC in Jacksonville - The Florida Times-Union

Washington Football Team Coach Ron Rivera Will Stand During National Anthem, Might Kneel for Coin Toss – NBC4 Washington

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Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera will not be kneeling during the national anthem, he told The Athleticon Monday.

Rivera, who earlier this offseasonexpressed support for any of his players who decideto kneel, said he may take a kneeduring the coin toss to show his support of Black Lives Matter. But his decision to stand during the national anthem is tied to honoring family who haveserved.

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"I'm not gonna kneel because my father served in the military," Rivera said."My brother was a first responder. My wife's family was in the military. My dad had brothers that served in World War II. So to me, standing at attention is what I'm going to do. That's how I'm going to honor them. I might kneel during the coin toss because I do support Black Lives Matter. I do support the movement to help correct the policing."

In reiteratinghis support for players who decide to kneel, Rivera citedtheir rights to do so under the first amendment of the Constitution of the United States, which gives people the freedom of speech and right to peaceably assemble.

RELATED: DWAYNE HASKINS UNSURE IF HE WILL KNEEL DURING ANTHEM

"Let's go back to our Constitution, to our Bill of Rights, the amendment," Rivera said."Let's go back to the oath of office to serve and protect. Part of the Constitution is the First Amendment. There's a lot of people out there that support the Second Amendment vehemently. Well, if you support the Second Amendment vehemently, why wouldn't you support the first one, which is freedom of expression, freedom of speech? And that's all that is. That's an extension of one of our unalienable rights, one of our God-given rights, one of the things written into the Constitution. So, again, let's at least applaud that. Let's celebrate that as well."

In June, following the death of George Floyd, Washington running back Adrian Peterson said he "without a doubt"would be kneeling during the national anthem this fall to protest police brutality. He said other players would too: "We're all getting ready to take a knee together."

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Washington Football Team coach Ron Rivera will stand during national anthem, might kneel for coin toss originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

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Washington Football Team Coach Ron Rivera Will Stand During National Anthem, Might Kneel for Coin Toss - NBC4 Washington

Midsummer Space Station and August Sights – Santa Barbara Edhat

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By Chuck Macpuzl

The International Space Station will be making evening passes through Santa Barbaras skies from now into the first week of August. Its orbit is likely to change when the Crew Dragon capsule departs, so to get the latest and most complete predictions, visit Heavens Above.

On Tuesday, July 28, the ISS will make a low pass over our mountains, appearing in the NNW at 10:19 PM PDT in the nose of Ursa Major, and disappearing in the NNE below the W of Cassiopeia at 10:21 PM.

On Wednesday, its first pass will be a very low but longer version of Tuesday's trajectory, rising in the N at 9:32 PM, and fading away at 9:34 PM in the NE. It will return on its next orbit, popping up at 11:07 PM in the NW in the hind legs of Ursa Major, and vanishing in our shadow before reaching the bowl of the Big Dipper.

Thursday's pop-up will start in the NNW at 10:19 PM, passing through the shoulder of Ursa Major and fading away just before reaching Polaris in the N at 10:21 PM.

Friday will have a low mountain horizon pass starting at 9:31 PM in the NNW, from the nose of Ursa Major to dim Lacerta in the ENE at 9:35 PM.

To start August, the station will first appear in the N at 8:44 PM, again in the nose of the Great Bear, and disappear in the ENE at 8:48 PM just before reaching Pegasus. Then, it will pop up at 10:20 in the NW in the hind legs of the Bear, and climb into Coma Berenices, disappearing in the WNW at 10:22 PM.

The brightest pass of this sequence will be on Sunday, August 2, starting at 9:32 PM in the NW in the feet of the Bear, passing through the bowl of the Big Dipper, along Draco, the Dragon, and fading away near Albireo, the beak of Cygnus in the ESE at 8:47 PM. With binoculars or a telescope, you should be able to see that Albireo is a beautiful color contrast double star.

Monday's first pass will start at 8:44 PM in the NNW and be a lower version of Sunday's pass, setting in the ESE at 8:47 PM as the ISS nears the Moon. It will reappear at 10:21 PM in the W, making a low sweep from Denebola to the SSW at 9:36 PM, fading out between bluish Spica below and orange Arcturus above.

Tuesday's pass will be a bright one, rising at 8:44 PM in the NW in the feet of the Bear, cruising close by Arcturus, the Guardian of the Bear, tracing the two halves of Serpens, and setting in the Teapot of Sagittarius in the SSE at 8:50 PM.

Thursday will have the last ISS pass of this sequence, starting low in the W at 8:46 PM in Leo, and skimming the horizon below Spica and through Centaurus and Lupus to set below the tail of Scorpius, the Fishhook of Maui, at 8:50 PM in the S.

I hope you've all been getting nice views of Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE in the northwest after sunset. The comet will start August in Coma Berenices, left and below the handle of the Big Dipper. It will remain an early evening object, and should still be bright enough to detect with your unaided eyes from a dark site, but is getting dimmer as it moves away from us. Binoculars will give the best views. By August 7, it will be below Arcturus, heading into Virgo by the end of the month.

On August 1, a 97% illuminated Moon will make a nice triangle with Jupiter and Saturn in the southeastern sky. This month is prime time to observe the gas giants.

On August 3, Mars will be at perihelion. Rising between 11 PM and midnight, it is brightening and growing in apparent size as it heads for its close appearance and prime viewing in October. On the night of August 9, it will be in a close pairing with a nearly full Moon.

The annual Perseid Meteor Shower will peak for us on the morning of August 12, but will unfortunately be accompanied by a bright, just past last quarter Moon. It will still be worth looking for fireballs before moonrise on the nights before and after the peak.

At 9:15 PM PDT on August 14, you can catch the shadows of both Io and Ganymede crossing the face of Jupiter. If you miss it, you get another chance at 11:40 PM on August 21, same planet, same moons. You'll need a telescope.

Before dawn on August 15, catch a crescent Moon with brilliant Venus in the eastern sky.

On August 25, between about 4:35 PM and 7 PM, scan the Moon along the terminator to see the Lunar X, formed by the illuminated peaks of intersecting crater walls.

See a dwarf planet in binoculars on the night August 28 as Ceres reaches opposition in Aquarius, at a visual magnitude of about 7.7. Checkskyandtelescope.orgor your favorite planetarium app for a finder chart.

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Midsummer Space Station and August Sights - Santa Barbara Edhat