Category Archives: High Seas

On July 25, Russia celebrated Navy Day (see EDM, July 26). With plenty of pomp and circumstance, naval parades were held at various Russian Military-Maritime Fleet (Voyenno-Morskoy FlotVMF) bases, from Petropavlovsk (Kamchatka) and Vladivostok (the main bases of the Pacific Fleet, in the east), to Baltiysk (headquarters of the Baltic Fleet, in Kaliningrad Oblast), in the west. The Russian Northern Fleet held its naval parade in its main base, in Severomorsk; the Black Sea Fleet celebrated in Sevastopol; and way south, in Syria, in the Russian naval base in Tartus, the Russian permanent Mediterranean naval operational task force held its own, separate display. Warships were anchored in parade lines for the high brass to observe, while naval jets and helicopters made the requisite flyovers. In 2017, President Vladimir Putin resumed the Soviet ritual of a Main Naval Parade in St. Petersburg. The COVID-19 pandemic did not stop the Main Naval Parade in 2020, and Putin, unvaccinated and without a mask, observed it together with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. On July 25, 2021, both men returned to St. Petersburg, again unmasked, viewing VMF ships on the Neva River and an exhibition of submarines and larger surface vessels at the Kronstadt naval base on Kotlin Island, west of St. Petersburg (Interfax, July 25).

Since the novel coronavirus outbreak began, no one has been allowed to penetrate Putins clean zone bubble, whether indoors or outdoors, inside the Kremlin or traveling, without first spending up to two weeks under tightly monitored, total isolation (see EDM, July 22). And though, at this point, Putin has been fully vaccinated, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov recently confirmed, Precautionary measures are still being taken. Those measures may vary with different people, but they typically include a prolonged quarantine and intense testing (TASS, July 26).

With Russia currently being ravaged by the highly transmittable delta mutation of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the authorities forbade the public to gather on the embankments of the Neva or along the shoreline of Sevastopol Bay, asking Russians to watch the parade on TV. But lots of people came anyway; the usually brutal Russian police did not enforce the ban and allowed the public through. Large, mostly unmasked crowds lined the embankments. According to a recent poll, 51 percent of Russians do not believe a COVID-19 infection poses any threat, while some 38 percent think otherwise. Fewer than 20 percent of Russians have been fully vaccinated (Interfax, July 28). Putins unmasked public appearances, while secretly safe for him, seemingly defy the coronavirus threat and undermine the governments public health recommendations.

It is well known that Putin loves the navy. Growing up as a child in St. Petersburg (then Leningrad)the old imperial capital built by Tsar Peter the Great to be the center of Russian naval powerRussias future president may have been enthralled with the sea and the ships; nonetheless, he ended up graduating from the legal faculty of Leningrad University and enlisted in the KGB to become a spy. After taking over the Kremlin in 2000, Putin has many times been photographed or filmed donning a naval uniform and embarking on ships and even underwater, on a nuclear submarine, where he passed a submariner inauguration ritual: drinking sea water and kissing a hanging sledgehammer (Ytro.news, February 16, 2004). Last Sunday, Putin was visibly thrilled to observe the line of ships on the Neva and at Kronstadt. In an official speech at the Main Naval Parade, he declared the Russian VMF to be battle-ready and prepared to detect, defeat and destroy any enemy, anywhere, underwater, above water, in the air (militarynews, July 25).

The Northern Fleet sent to St. Petersburg Russias newest Borei-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). The K-549the first operational upgraded Borei-Asailed into the Baltic Sea through the Danish Straits on the surface, open for anyone to observe and record its unique sonic profile. The mode of survival of SSBNs is total stealth, hiding in their so-called Barents Sea fortress. But there it was, in the shallow Baltic, parked at Kronstadt for Putin to admire (Interfax, July 25).

Shoigu may have used the naval parade showcase to lobby Putin not to cut the defense budget. Still, the Russian VMF is deeply unhappy. After 2010, as Russian defense spending rapidly increased, the Russian navy had grand expansion and modernization plans, but many of them were rejected or withered. The services hopes included reviving the nuclear Kirov-class nuclear super cruisers, but only Admiral Nakhimov is being refurbishedat a staggering costwhile its two sister-ships are being scrapped (Militarynews.ru, February 18). The navy had also wanted to build nuclear-powered Lider-class super destroyersvessels almost as big as the Kirov-class cruisers, but better armed and equipped to take on the United States Navy on the high seas. Those construction plans have been postponed indefinitely (RIA Novosti, April, 15). Russias only aircraft carrier, Admiral Kuznetsov, is stranded without a propeller, its remont (repair and retrofitting) off schedule due to lack of an adequate dry dock to complete its renovation (Interfax, April 13; see EDM, June 15).

The Russian navy wants carriers, but plans to build them have been equally postponed. Still Russias admirals mostly resent (hate) being dominated by army (tank) generals. The top military commander observing the VMF parade in Sevastopol on July 25 was Army General Aleksandr Dvornikov. As commander of the Southern Military District, he is in charge of the Black Sea Fleet and the Caspian Flotilla. Only the Northern Fleet today has the rank of a separate military district and is somewhat operationally independent of the Ground Forces. According to Admiral (ret.) Vladimir Komoyedov, the VMF is a neglected orphan: The naval command does not control the fleet operationally or its shipbuilding program (Gazeta.ru, July 24).

Ahead of Navy Day, Putin signed an ukaz (decree) stipulating the St. Andrews Cross flag as the Russian navy ensign, replacing a similar 1992 order by then-president Boris Yeltsin. The main difference is that Yeltsins ukaz additionally stipulated the design of naval flag-officers colors, while Putins ukaz does not mention them at all. The VMF leadership believes this may be a conspiracy by army (tank) generals to strip naval flag-officers of their personal ensigns, adding insult to injury (Moskovsky Komsomolets, July 24). Putin may have a mutiny brewing on his watch; but does he comprehend this from inside his safe bubble?

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Disgruntlement Grows Within Leadership Ranks of Russian Navy - Jamestown - The Jamestown Foundation

By Al Alexander| For The Patriot Ledger

With its Pirates of the Caribbean franchise out of gas, the bean counters at Disney are making movies about another theme parkride, Jungle Cruise. Their thought, obviously, was to incorporate the same formula as Pirates, but tweak it a bit by shifting the location from the 19th-century high seas to the Amazon River circa 1925. We still get a rickety boat for transportation, a goofy captain whose jokes arent quite as funny as he thinks they are, and a damsel who is hardly in distress. Oh, and yes, there will be unscrupulous ghosts aplenty, matey just none as entertaining as Johnny Depp'sCapt. Jack Sparrow.

Instead, we get Dwayne Johnson asskipper Frank Wolff, whose creaky riverboat, La Quila, is in hock up to its bow.

Ah, but salvation arrives in the nick of time via a brainy British beauty going by the regal name of Dr. Lily Houghton, an ostracized botanist in search of a legendary tree whose leaves, its said, contain vast healing powers.Problem is no one but the indigenous have ever seen it and theyre not talking, just cannibalizing the gullible white men seeking it, including one notorious conquistador in Lope de Aguirre. Thus, we have the claptrap set-up for Jungle Cruise, an overlong, over-plotted and underachieving adventure yarn in the vein of The African Queen by way of Raiders of the Lost Ark. It pains me to evoke such Hollywood classics as reference points for a summer blockbuster brimming with blockheads. But I see no other way. So, forgive me.

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Just think of Frank as (cringe) Humphrey Bogarts cranky Charlie Allnutt, Emily Blunt as Katharine Hepburns patronizing Rose Sayer, and the Amazon as the asp-infested Nile. Thats where the commonalities end and the rip-offs of Pirates of the Caribbean begin. Not the best role model. But Johnson and Blunt give it their best in the wake of mediocre direction (Orphans Jaume Collet-Serra) and a trio of tedious writers in Michael Green (Logan), and Bad Santa co-scribes Glenn Ficarraand John Requa. For the most part, the two luminous stars generate just enough wattage to light the screen with cheeky banter and faint touches of a potentially sizzling romance. Like Bogart and Hepburn, their hostility toward one another is a snarky facade for love. And for a while, you buy into it, as the sophisticated lady and her slightly chauvinistic guide spar on an up-river journey toward hell that will never be compared with Apocalypse Now.

Its more like the Amazon-set, river-cruise spoof Anaconda, but without the laughs. Not that Jungle Cruise isnt trying to be funny. Its just not succeeding at it. Although some of that must be excused given bad puns uttered by the skipper are an integral part of the Disneyland ride. But that doesn't mean lines such as, Were heading into beheading territory, which is a terrible place to be headed, don't elicit groans. Dont worry, Blunts Lily doesnt find it amusing, either.Nor, I suspect, does she enjoy Franks excessive passive-aggressive taunts, like referring to her as Pants because she never dons frilly frocks. Shes also 10times more book-smart than her escort, who holds the upper hand only when danger lurks. Which is around almost every bend, just like the amusement park ride on which the movie is based.

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Ah, the ride. It recently reopened on the Anaheim campus after closing for several years to be scrubbed of its many archaic depictions of women and minorities that passed muster when it opened in 1955, but are now considered sexist and racist. Alas, the movie it inspired still carries some of those liabilities, but not often. Rather, its refreshing to see Blunts water-fearing Lily acting every bit Johnsons equal, even when fisticuffs break out between our heroes and those whod like to see them dead, including an over-the-top Jesse Plemons as a crazed relative of Kaiser Wilhelm out to beat them to the legendary Tears of the Moon shrine in Peru. His use of a U-boat and other ridiculous weaponry while rolling up the river is bizarre to say the least.

Hes the equivalent of the Nazis in Raiders, but not the least bit scary, as Plemons is wasted almost as badly as Paul Giamatti as a richer, more sophisticated rival of Frank's. On the plus side is comedian Jack Whitehall as Lilys scene-stealing gay brother, MacGregor. His fussiness and fabulous luggage render him pretty much a negative stereotype, but Whitehall bites his tongue and sells it well, albeit cringingly. The kids, who are going to enjoy this discombobulated mess of a movie more than their bored parents, will surely get a charge out of Franks sidekick, a not-as-ferocious-as-he-looks jaguar named Proxima.

The movie, though, is a decidedly mixed bag of kicks and uninspired CGI tricks. What were seeing always looks fake and the writing is for the most part subpar. The costumes by Paco Delgado are period-perfect and Jean-Vincent Puzos production designs are sufficiently dark and creepy, although I could have done without all those slithering snakes. Yes, amid its many flaws, "Jungle Cruise" thrives on the substantial charisma of its two stars. They deftly channel these rough waters into something, as Frank would quip, you can take to the banks.

.

Movie review

JUNGLE CRUISE

(PG-13 for adventure violence.) Cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Jesse Plemons, Paul Giamatti and Jack Whitehall. In theaters and on Disney+ July 30. Grade: B-

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It's a bumpy ride with Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson on 'Jungle Cruise' - The Patriot Ledger

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez are both sailing the high seas near St. Tropez, but who is staying on the nicer luxury liner?

Size-wise, J.Lo has the bigger boat, but as any Page Six reader knows, theres always more to yachts than meets the eye.

Hot-and-heavy couple Lopez and Ben Affleck are aboard the Valerie, worth a reported $140 million. The interior was designed by Pascale Reymond and takes inspiration from Claridges of Londonand Art Deco.

The 279-foot mega-yacht features six decks, nine cabins and can hold 17 guests and 27 crew members.

Features include a central bar and Jacuzzi, panoramic gym, a room for massages and beauty treatments, a steam room and Turkish Hammam. Boat Bennifer also houses a cinema and images from inside additionally show a Schimmel Pegasus Piano that costs around $100,000, in case the pop star is struck by inspiration while at sea.

Despite the fact that photos have emerged of the couple looking cozy while sunbathing on the deck, according to Boat International: Discretion and privacy are at the very heart of [Valeries] flowing exterior design [and] shields guest spaces from onlookers and hides all technical areas.

The pair are on the trip to celebrate Lopezs 52nd birthday.

Rodriguez who posted an aerial shot of him and pals doing the 54D workout on the deck is cruising around on the $32 million Ocean Paradise. He is celebrating his 46th birthday on Tuesday with a planned party on his boat, sources told Page Six.

The 180-foot boat has interior design by Mauro Izzo inspired by Zen gardens, and its six cabins can hold 12 guests and 12 crew members.

It also features a pool with waterfall jets, an indoor and outdoor gym, and a dance floor plus water skis and kayaks.

As of Monday, A-Rods boat was at the port in Monaco. Lopez was photographed shopping in the same luxe principality while wearing a necklace that said BEN, while the following day, her and Afflecks yacht hit the coast of Italy.

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In the battle of the mega-yachts, does Jennifer Lopez or Alex Rodriguez's come out on top? - Page Six

Kaiyuan Temple, featuring exquisite rooftop decorations, is the largest Buddhist temple in Quanzhou. CHINA DAILY

A centuries-old shipwreck off the coast of Guangdong province was finally salvaged in 2007, two decades after it was found completely by chance. Archaeologists named that famous shipwreck, dating to the Southern Song era (1127-1279), Nanhai One.

The ill-fated ship was carrying a full cargo when she, as is believed, sank shortly after setting off from Quanzhou, Fujian province, which was one of the world's busiest ports at the time.

While it was unfortunate for the vessel at the time, for today's researchers, the wreck is a perfect time capsule, sealing the prosperity of ancient maritime trade within its cabinsover 170,000 porcelain artifacts, many of which remain intact, have been found among its ruins. And it is estimated that about one-third of them are white glaze produced in Dehua, a county about 70 kilometers from what is today downtown Quanzhou.

The precious underwater treasure trove unveils one piece of a grand picture depicting the area's porcelain industry, which, according to archaeological findings, formed and blossomed over the course of 3,700 years.

According to Li Jian'an, a veteran researcher of ceramics, who is also the former director of Fujian Provincial Archaeology Research Institute, the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties represented the industry's peak in ancient China.

As "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China "newly gained the UNESCO World Heritage status, the site of Dehua Kilns, which is included in the inscription, is ready to tell stories of the booming trade on the high seas from the mountainous area inland.

"Dehua porcelain is an outstanding representative of ceramic varieties exported from ancient China," Li says. "Thanks to maritime trade, its development leapt between the 10th and 14th centuries," Li says. "It was aimed at the high-end markets overseas due to its refined nature."

In Europe, Blanc de Chine (the white from China) that was produced in Dehua became a popular variety and later influenced the renowned Meissen porcelain in Germany.

Without flamboyant decorations, the white glaze is usually printed or carved with simple but elegant floral patterns.

According to Li, articles including bowls, plates, boxes and vases are among the main types of products exported during the Song and Yuan periods (960-1368). The white porcelain was found in large quantities, not only aboard Nanhai One, but also among shipwrecks from Indonesia, Malaysia, and other areas across South China Sea. Samples of Dehua white porcelain have also been found at archaeological sites in West Asia and East Africa.

Crafting such exquisite products requires time. According to The Travels of Marco Polo, a book chronicling the 13th century Venetian traveler's adventure in China, the way to make the clay base for the porcelain is to take a particular variety of soil from a quarry, and spend 30 to 40 years exposing it to sunshine.

"Fathers take it, and only their sons can use it," the book says.

"White porcelain evidence proves the powerful industry and trading capacity of Quanzhou," Li further explains. "It also shows local people's continuous creativity."

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Elements of successearth, fire and water - Chinadaily.com.cn - Chinadaily USA

A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021. (Photo: Jacqueline Forrester/Royal Australian Air Force)

The Australian Department of Defence announced that the role of the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) C-27J Spartan is being redefined to enhance the Departments support for humanitarian disaster relief, crisis response and regional engagements, allowing the country to better respond to natural disasters in Australia and its near region, regional engagement across the Indo-Pacific and the Australian Defence Forces military logistics and air mobility capability.

The Chief of the RAAF, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, said the Spartans capabilities were aligned with Defences strategic objectives to shape Australias strategic environment, deter actions against the nations interests and when required, respond with credible military force. The RAAF has been working for some years to introduce new capabilities on the C-27J, like the Compact Rescue Systems for Search And Rescue (SAR) missions, and already used the cargo aircraft during emergency scenarios like the bushfire crisis.

The Spartan demonstrated its specific capabilities during the 2019/20 Australian bushfire crisis by safely evacuating 2,400 fire-affected community members and resupplying remote communities that were inaccessible by larger aircraft, which included moving 300,000 kilograms of cargo, Air Marshal Hupfeld said. The Spartan conducted these missions at a range that exceeded the ability of Defence helicopters because of its flexibility and the inherent operational characteristics of a light tactical fixed wing aircraft.

The importance of the C-27J Spartan for the RAAF has been proved again recently both during international exercises and real contingency response missions where it provided assistance to regional neighbours. The use of the Spartan on exercises such as Arnhem Thunder and Talisman Sabre to deliver vital stores to expeditionary airbases, showcases its ability to reach remote and austere airbases, said the Head of Air Force Capability, Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts. And it has also recently transported medical supplies and equipment to Port Moresby to assist PNG in the fight against COVID-19; as well as contributed to Australias support to regional maritime security and fisheries protection on the high seas through deployments on Operations Resolute and Solania.

The No. 35 Squadron, based at RAAF Base Amberly, operates a fleet of 10 C-27J Spartan aircraft, the first of those arrived in Australia in 2015. The multi-mission military transport aircraft complements the larger C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Super Hercules within the Australian air mobility fleet, conducting a wide variety of missions which span from the airlift of cargo loads, to the airdrop of paratroops, to the aeromedical evacuation and SAR support.

Needless to say, the humanitarian disaster relief support role of the RAAF C-27J is just one of the missions the Spartan can carry out. Its mission flexibility is proved by the wide variety of missions the aircraft conduct flying with several operators all around the world. Today Leonardos C-27J Spartan is considered one of the most effective multi-mission airlifters of its category, the only one specifically designed to support the last mile operations, with significant combat experience.

For instance, the JCA (Joint Cargo Aircraft) the US C-27J Spartan had its combat debut in Afghanistan in 2011, supporting coalition forces at forward operating bases with airlift and airdrop mission. As often explained here at The Aviationist, the Italian Air force is among the Spartan operators still successfully performing in the most hostile areas, flying as an airlifter in the Afghan and Iraqi theatres. Moreover, the EC-27J JEDI, a derivative version extensively modified to perform Electronic Warfare missions, is still deployed to Erbil, Iraq supporting the coalition against Daesh and last February the unit celebrated the achievement of 5,000 flight hours flown by EC-27J JEDI over Iraq since Aug. 10, 2016.

Also the Romanian Air Force operated their C-27Js aircraft in Afghanistan, while the Lithuanian Air Force, another operator that can rely on Spartans DASS defence system, further to Afghanistan and Iraq, deployed in 2014 its C-27Js in support to the French-led operation Sangaris, aimed at stabilizing the security situation in the Central African Republic. In addition, all of the above Air Forces use the C-27J as protected VIP transport, where particular safety care is needed.

David Cenciotti is a freelance journalist based in Rome, Italy. He is the Founder and Editor of The Aviationist, one of the worlds most famous and read military aviation blogs. Since 1996, he has written for major worldwide magazines, including Air Forces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, and many others, covering aviation, defense, war, industry, intelligence, crime and cyberwar. He has reported from the U.S., Europe, Australia and Syria, and flown several combat planes with different air forces. He is a former 2nd Lt. of the Italian Air Force, a private pilot and a graduate in Computer Engineering. He has written four books.

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The RAAF Redefines The Role Of The C-27J Spartan For Humanitarian Disaster Relief - The Aviationist

First look photos have been unveiled for Anything Goes as it continues its run at the Barbican!

Cole Porter and PG Wodehouse's classic musical is set on the SS Americana and follows two pairings that try to find love on the high seas. It features numbers such as "I Get A Kick Out of You", "You're the Top", "It's De- Lovely!" and "Anything Goes".

Kathleen Marshall, who directed and choreographed the 2011 revival, will return to helm a brand new version of the show. The creative team also includes set designer Derek McLane, costume designer Jon Morrell, music director and supervisor Stephen Ridley, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, sound designer Jonathan Deans, orchestrator Michael Gibson (with additions by Bill Elliott) and wig designer Campbell Young.

Dance arrangements are by David Chase, vocal arrangements by Rob Fisher, associate direction by Ian Waller, associate choreography by Carol Lee Meadows, associate set design by Ben Davies, associate costume design by Jan Bench, casting by Serena Hill, associate musical direction by Mark Aspinall, associate production management by Tom McEvilly and props supervision by Mary Halliday and Lisa Buckley

The production stars Robert Lindsay, Felicity Kendal, Gary Wilmot and Sutton Foster, as well as Samuel Edwards as Billy Crocker, alongside Nicole-Lily Baisden as Hope Harcourt, Carly Mercedes Dyer as Erma and Haydn Oakley as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.

They are joined by Martin Callaghan (Ship's Purser), Jon Chew (John), Clive Hayward (Ship's Captain), Alistair So (Luke), Marc Akinfolarin, Simon Anthony, Georgie Ashford, Vivien Carter, Natalie Chua, Eamonn Cox, Jordan Crouch, Frances Dee, Charlene Ford, Selina Hamilton, Maddie Harper, Michael Lin, Robbie McMillan, Tom Partridge, Jack Wilcox, Alexandra Wright, George Beet, Gabrielle Cocca, Emily Ormiston and Liam Wrate.

Watch a couple of show clips here:

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Anything Goes at the Barbican first look photos released - WhatsOnStage.com

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Galley Talk is back and so are some very familiar faces.

When Below Deck Mediterranean Galley Talk premiereson Friday, July 30 at 8/7c, it will feature the reunion of Ben Robinson (Below Deck Seasons 1-4, Below Deck Mediterranean Seasons 1 and 4) and Kate Chastain (Below Deck Seasons 2-7), The Daily Dishcan exclusively reveal. Fans first fell in love with the witty repartee between the chef and chief stew, respectively, when theystarted working together in Season 2 of Below Deck. Now, Ben and Kate will be one of four pairs watching and reacting to all of the buzzy moments of this season of Below Deck Med.

They will be joined by returning Below Deck Galley Talk duos Colin Macy-O'Toole(Below Deck MedSeasons 3-4) andBobby Giancola(Below Deck MedSeasons 1-2); Anastasia Surmava(Below Deck MedSeason 4) andAlex Radcliffe(Below Deck MedSeason 5); and Josiah Carter(Below DeckSeason 6) andJulia d'Albert Pusey(Below Deck MedSeason 1).

These alums will be offering their take on all the high seas drama in Season 6 of Below Deck Med, beginning with Episode 605, including what Ben really thinks of chef Mathew Shea's antics in the galley, their reaction to all the fun Mzi "Zee" Dempers brings to a crew night out, and why Alex calls deckhand David Pascoe "a cheeky motherf--ker."

From crew conflict to outrageous charter guests to unexpected emergencies, the Below Deck Mediterranean Galley Talk cast will have so much to say about the Lady Michelle yachties throughout the rest of this season of Below Deck Med. They'll also catch up with one another and share the latest on their post-Below Deck lives.

It all kicks off on Friday, July 30 at 8/7c. Get yourfirst look atBelow Deck Mediterranean Galley Talk, above.

Want more Below Deck Med? Season 6 airs Mondays at 9/8c on Bravo with early access to new episodes on Peacock.

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Kate Chastain and Ben Robinson Reunite for the Return of Galley Talk - Bravo

As Nova Scotias provincial election campaign has unfolded amid deadly heat waves in Western Canada and catastrophic flooding in Europe, the topic of preparing the province for its own potential weather disasters has been submerged by other issues.

Thats not surprising to David Kogon, the mayor of Amherst, the community that sits beside the potential ground zero of a Canadian climate change disaster.

Climate change should be a political hot topic, but I think people today in 2021 are probably more concerned about their personal health care as a problem than rising sea levels, he said in an interview Monday, two days after western wildfires brought haze and a reddish sun to the province.

Kogon, who is also a physician, wishes it werent so, given the importance of climate change adaptation to his town.

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Experts have for decades warned that the combination of a high tide with a powerful storm up the Bay of Fundy could overwhelm aging dikes and flood large portions of Amherst, as well as neighbouring Sackville, N.B. Meanwhile the sea level at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy has been rising at a rate of about 2.4 millimetres a year over the past century, even as the dikes and coastal land continue to subside.

If the disaster occurs, vital transportation and utility links could be severed for weeks, affecting the entire provinces supply of food, medicine and other essentials.

An engineering study looking at ways to prevent flooding is under review by the federal, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick governments, and the party that wins the Nova Scotia election will likely face major funding decisions within the next mandate.

Provincial politicians have to start planning for those expenses, because theyre going to be big, and theyre going to be necessary in the next four to five years, Kogon said.

A 2016 federal study looked at adapting the Chignecto Isthmus, a narrow, low-lying strip of land connecting Nova Scotia to New Brunswick, to climate change. It concluded possible costs ranged from $90 million to build up and alter the existing dikes to $345 million to completely reroute highways and railways. All the options needed at least five years to complete.

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Still, the major parties have only brief comments on climate adaptation in their platforms and no specific costing.

The Progressive Conservatives say they will build climate change adaptive capacity, and will ensure municipalities have sufficient resources to take immediate and long-term action on their adaptation priorities.

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The NDP doesnt specifically mention the isthmus in its 10-year vision document, but promises to partner with municipalities in establishing a fund for climate adaptation projects that would create local jobs and protect municipal infrastructure. A more detailed platform is expected before the Aug. 17 election.

In an interview Monday, party leader Gary Burrill said the public spending that is required to mitigate sea level rise in every respect is very, very important and that includes sea level rise in Cumberland County (the county on the Nova Scotia side of the isthmus).

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The Liberals have yet to provide a full platform. On Tuesday, leader Iain Rankin said his government has supported the study of the Chignecto Isthmus solutions, adding it is one piece of climate change strategy how we adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change and we will continue to be a partner in important infrastructure projects like that.

The Green party, which has no seats in the legislature, released a platform this week that states it would direct resources in all provincial departments towards adapting to climate change and provide adequate financial and resource support to municipalities for mitigation and adaptation.

Ottawa currently helps provinces with disaster mitigation projects through a special fund topped up in the most recent federal budget. However, Nova Scotia can expect competition for federal funds from other provinces, and the adaptation projects needed to protect the provinces coastline from rising seas may involve more than just the isthmus.

A study by a team of geographers at Saint Marys University has indicated that about 70 per cent of the 241 kilometres of dikes in the province could be overtopped in a severe tidal surge coming up the Bay of Fundy.

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Mimi OHandley, a spokeswoman for Nova Scotias major environmental group, the Ecology Action Centre, says the organization is glad to see the topic of adapting to climate disasters mentioned in platforms, but her group would like to see more detailed commitments from the parties.

She said in an email that as major storms increase in frequency and severity, the centre is calling for bold fiscal commitments for immediate and long-term adaptation actions.

Dr. Laurette Geldenhuys, a pathologist and chair of the local chapter of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, said in an interview Thursday that doctors who study the causes of illnesses are increasingly aware of the fallout from weather disasters like the one in British Columbia, where heat-related deaths shot up this summer.

In Nova Scotia, the existing shortfalls on coastal protection and municipal infrastructure could mean flooding disasters will lead to contamination of water supply and homelessness among the poor and vulnerable, she said.

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Meanwhile, without long-term investments in adaptation soon, she warns that cleaning up after disasters could drain budgets of funds politicians are currently targeting for health care.

I was a little alarmed of how climate was not front and centre in the party platforms, she said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 29, 2021.

2021 The Canadian Press

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N.S. politicians critiqued for vague response to threat of rising seas - Global News

Alex Rodriguez was depicted in Saint-Tropez on Monday as he was very close to his former fianc Jennifer Lopezs superyacht.

Today, 46, ARod was riding with NFL presenter Melanie Collins in a bikini, NFL star Eric Decker and his wife Jesse James Decker. Passionate display with boyfriend Ben Affleck again.

Taking him to the high seas the day before his birthday, the sports star was seen grinning with his pretty blonde companion Melanie (35), while Jen (52) and Ben (48). ) Was not found anywhere on their expensive cruisers.

Spectators noticed that ARod and his crew barely missed Benifers boat as they left the port to Capri, Italy.

Ben and Jen were later seen arriving on Capri on Tuesday, leaving the coast open for a former MLB star to celebrate his big day peacefully.

Benifer! ARod will perform a show on the high seas and will be very cozy with a pretty blonde NFL presenter on his 46th birthday in Saint-Tropez and a jet ski drawn just off JLos mega yacht Valerie. I did.

It was just barely! ARod and his friends can be seen riding a jet ski near a former JLo $ 130 million superyacht. She was seen again canoeing with Ben Affleck just a few days ago.

The former baseball player seemed to be in a festive mood as he ran around the water with Melanie in a bikini behind him.

Some reports clearly suggest that they are enjoying each others company for his birthday excursion, but they are just friends.

He also took pictures with NFL star Eric (34) and his wife and singer Jesse (33). They enjoyed Jetski Day on his birthday.

ARod and JLo appear to be competing in a superyacht battle at Saint-Tropez over the past few days across the French Riviera trails.

Fun in the Sun: ARod took a photo with NFL star Eric Decker, 34, and his wife and singer Jesse James Decker, 33.

Something to smile: Some reports suggest that ARod and Melanie, 35, are just friends, but the pair seems to be famous.

Rodriguez is celebrating his birthday tonight on a rented Ocean Paradise yacht. The yacht costs 27,000,000 ($ 31,860,810) and can accommodate 12 guests and 12 crew members.

IG Official: Ben (48) and Jen (52) are cramming into a superyacht PDA

Still, its not comparable to Lopezs Valerie, which currently sells for 110 million ($ 129,817,600).

The 85-meter ship Valerie, rented by Jen, was built by Lrssen in 2011 and underwent a major refurbishment in 2019. It can accommodate 17 guests in 9 well-equipped cabins that can accommodate 27 crew members.

According to Boat International, Valerie boasts seven bedrooms across six decks for voyages, and the wellness theme even includes Haman, who is said to be adorned with steam rooms and mosaics. There is also a massage room and space for cosmetological treatments.

Overlooking the sea, the gym faces the dining room and an outdoor space with a fountain illuminated at night.

Launched in 2011 and refitted in 2019, the ship has six decks, all with elevators, a 20-foot long pool and a Jacuzzi, one of five outdoor spaces. With a magnificent outdoor dining area, the boat was designed with Londons iconic hotel, Clarridge in mind.

The main deck and lounge are designed for the host, centered around a uniquely designed player piano.

The front deck has ample space for helicopters to land, and the upper deck has a lounge, cinema and several cabins.

Size is important! Valerie, an 85-meter-long ship in Lopez, was approaching her former flame boat, which was only 55 meters long and went to work.

How they stack: There was a considerable difference between the two luxury ships

The top speed is 17 knots (about 20 mph), the cruising speed is 12.5 knots, the cruising range is 6000 nautical miles, and the charter costs 950,000 ($ 1,119,000) per week. It is currently on the market for $ 130 million and is sold by Dynamique Brokerage.

Rodriguezs rental superyacht, just 55 meters away, has been dwarfed into his original sea-cruising villa, yet with enviable luxury equipment.

Ocean Paradise can accommodate up to 12 people in 6 rooms, including one master suite with a balcony, and boasts interiors created by Zen Garden-inspired designer Maurozzo.

Life on the First Line: Former MLB Star and NFL Sports Broadcaster are portrayed together on his birthday

Scatter: Melanie, 35, seemed to spend time in her life while staying near ARod for a walk.

All smiles here: A Rod has some fun of his own while Benifer is stuffing into a PDA

The glass walls form the layout of the interior, with floor-to-ceiling windows clearly visible to the sea.

The sundeck has a jacuzzi, a large covered dining area, an indoor / outdoor gym and a dance floor.

According to the online description, the ship has timeless styling, beautiful furniture and luxurious seating features to create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere.

Chartering Ocean Paradise costs 265,000 ($ 312,000) a week, and with a cruising speed of 15.5 knots, Rodriguez can overtake the original yacht over long distances.

It is expected that there will be about 50 guests for his birthday celebration, but only a few lucky people will stay on his Ocean Paradise yacht.

Lopez and Rodriguez ended their engagement in April this year, and in a joint statement they described them as better as friends and we were looking forward to continuing to do so.

Still, Alex seemed happy with his flashy cruiser. Because he was clearly accompanied by his NFL reporter blonde, who was just a friend.

Its his birthday! ARod shared this photo on Instagram and said: We are not only celebrating an important day with wonderful friends and family on this magical journey, but also thank everyone for their wishes, love and support.

Feel Yourself: MLB Star also posted this classy shot of himself in pure white clothes

According to PageSix, Alexis traveling with friends and family, such as Eric and Jessie James Decker. Melanie is a good friend with them. They are all friends and she will attend his party, a source said.

Sources added that Melanie, Deckers, and 50 other guests are hoping to have a party on A-Rods birthday tomorrow.

A-Rod remains single since his split with Jen, except that its linked to something like Madison Leakroy, a blonde Southern charm star, but her romance with ex-Ben is Warp Speed. It moved with and became overdrive.

A-Rod: Valerie, a superyacht currently priced at 110 million ($ 129,817,600), yesterday Ben and Jen recreated a hot and humid scene from the 2002 music video Jenny from the Block. It was seen.

Luxury Life: Today, 46, Rodriguez celebrates his birthday with a stunningly priced Ocean Paradise yacht of 27,000,000 ($ 31,860,810) that can accommodate 12 and 12 crew members.

After flying to the French Riviera on a luxury private jet, perhaps the Bombardier Global 7500, at a cost of about $ 200,000, Benifer was immediately taken to a luxury $ 130 million mega yacht in the Mediterranean, where he exchanged kisses. I was found to be doing it. There is a gentle hug on the sundeck.

52! Lopez declared in an Instagram video and celebrated his birthday. She proudly showed off her appearance in a bikini and elegant flowing beach wrap when she pretended to be on the yacht deck.

Its unclear who is paying for the trip, but Affleck is said to be worth $ 150 million, while JLo is about three times as much as $ 400 million. Meanwhile, A-Rods net worth is rumored to be $ 350 million.

ARod will be performing a show with a pretty blonde NFL presenter on his 46th birthday in Saint-Tropez.

Source link ARod will be performing a show with a pretty blonde NFL presenter on his 46th birthday in Saint-Tropez.

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ARod will be performing a show with a pretty blonde NFL presenter on his 46th birthday in Saint-Tropez. - Texasnewstoday.com

Harvard University researchers will take leading roles in a new National Science Foundation (NSF) artificial intelligence research institute housed at the University of Washington (UW). The UW-led AI Institute for Dynamic Systems is among 11 new AI research institutes announced today by the NSF.

Na Li, the Gordon McKay Professor of Electrical Engineering and Applied Mathematics at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), is a co-principal investigator at the institute and will lead one of the main research thrusts. Michael Brenner, the Michael F. Cronin Professor of Applied Mathematics and Applied Physics and Professor of Physics at SEAS, and Lucas Janson, Assistant Professor of Statistics and Affiliate in Computer Science will also be part of the institutes research team.

The AI Institute for Dynamic Systems will focus on fundamental AI and machine learning theory, algorithms and applications for real-time learning and control of complex dynamic systems, which describe chaotic situations where conditions are constantly shifting and hard to predict. In addition to research, the institute will be focused on training future researchers in this field throughout the education pipeline.

"The engineering sciences are undergoing a revolution that is aided by machine learning and AI algorithms," said institute director J. Nathan Kutz, a UW professor of applied mathematics. "This institute brings together a world-class team of engineers, scientists and mathematicians who aim to integrate fundamental developments in AI with applications in critical and emerging technological applications."

The overall goal of this institute is to integrate physics-based models with AI and machine learning approaches to develop data-enabled efficient and explainable solutions for challenges across science and engineering. The research will be divided into three main thrusts: modeling, control and optimization and sensors.

Li will lead the control research thrust. Li, along with Janson and the rest of the control research team, will leverage the successes of machine learning towards the control of modern complex dynamical systems. Specifically, they will be focused on several challenges pertaining to reinforcement learning (RL), a class of machine learning that addresses the problem of learning to control physical systems by explicitly considering their inherent dynamical structure and feedback loop.

The AI for control team will figure out how to develop scalable learning-based control methods for large-scale dynamical systems; maintain the performance of the learned policies even when there is a model class mismatch; and guarantee that the systems maintain stability and stay within a safety constraint while still learning efficiently.

To date, the successes of RL have been limited to very structured or simulated environments, said Li. Applying RL to real-world systems, like energy systems, advanced manufacturing, and robot autonomy, faces many critical challenges such as scalability, robustness, safety, to name a few. We will develop critically enabling mathematical, computational, and engineering architectures to overcome these challenges to bring the success of AI/ML to our real-world systems.

"One particular focus of ours will be to quantify the statistical uncertainty of what AI learns, enabling us to develop algorithms with rigorous safeguards that prevent them from harming anyone or anything while they explore and learn from their environment," said Janson.

Brenner, a leader in the field of physics-informed machine-learning methods for complex systems, will be part of the AI for modeling research team. That team will be focused on learning physically interpretable models of dynamical systems from off-line and/or on-line streaming data.

"Our research will explore how we can develop better machine-learning technologies by baking in and enforcing known physics, such as conservation laws, symmetries, etc.," said institute associate director Steve Brunton, a UW associate professor of mechanical engineering. "Similarly, in complex systems where we only have partially known or unknown physics such as neuroscience or epidemiology can we use machine learning to learn the 'physics' of these systems?"

Harvard is among several partner institutions including the University of Hawaii at Mnoa, Montana State University, the University of Nevada Reno, Boise State University, the University of Alaska Anchorage, Portland State University and Columbia University. The institute will also partner with high school programs that focus on AI-related projects and creating a post-baccalaureate program that will actively recruit and support recent college graduates from underrepresented groups, United States veterans and first-generation college students with the goal of helping them attend graduate school. The institute will receive about $20 million over five years.

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Harvard researchers part of new NSF AI research institute - Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences