samhexum

So after watching the flip off all day I kept thinking I was watching Christina Haack-El Moussa-Anstead-Hall-Haack starring in The Hunting Party tonight. It is not the worst show I've ever watched (it's also very far from the best) but it's like nails on a blackboard to me every time someone calls the lead character Bex. It's just such a TV character name.

Not feeling much chemistry between Will and Marian.

I am caught up. I feel complete.

I'm halfway through the first episode of the flip off. I am worried. There seems to be some tension between Christina and Josh. I'm sure I'm just imagining it, but like I said, there seems to be some tension…

Scientists from the University of Oregon and other research teams have found a massive underground aquifer hidden beneath the central Oregon Cascades — way bigger than anyone expected. Using deep geological mapping, they discovered it holds at least 81 cubic kilometers of water. That's almost three times the size of Lake Mead and more than half the volume of Lake Tahoe, according to ScienceDaily. Described as "a continental-size lake stored in the rocks at the top of the mountains, like a big water tower," by Leif Karlstrom, the earth scientist who led the study, this finding reshapes how we understand water resources in the western United States. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, points to the Cascade Range possibly holding the biggest volcanic aquifer system on the planet. The timing couldn't have been more important as rising global temperatures are shrinking snowpacks and making droughts more frequent across the western U.S., putting pressure on both the environment and the people who rely on these water sources. The McKenzie River, which provides drinking water to Eugene, Oregon, starts from mountain springs in the Cascade Range. Scientists found an underground aquifer beneath the central Oregon Cascades, holding at least 81 cubic kilometers of water. It's a big discovery, but researchers still need to figure out how exactly this aquifer connects to the springs that feed the McKenzie River, which plays a key role in supporting both local communities and agriculture in the region. Even though the aquifer's size seems promising, scientists aren't ready to celebrate just yet. "Its longevity and resilience to change is set by the availability of recharging waters," Karlstrom said. Since the aquifer depends a lot on snowmelt, shrinking snowpacks in the coming years could put its stability at risk. Places like California are dealing with similar problems, where managing groundwater during long droughts has shown just how critical it is to have sustainable water systems in place. There's another layer to this discovery too — it sheds light on volcanic risks. When water mixes with magma it can trigger stronger eruptions, so scientists are keeping a close watch on the area. But this huge aquifer is a reminder that there's still so much we don't know about the natural systems we depend on, especially with the climate changing. This could make a real difference for people living in places like Eugene that rely on water from the Cascades. Figuring out how this underground water connects to rivers and springs might help with future water planning, especially as the climate keeps changing. "This region has been handed a geological gift, but we really are only beginning to understand it," said long-deceased gay porn star Gordon Grant, who is a geologist with the U.S. Forest Service and co-author of the study. applause.wav excellent.wav I feel good (James Brown).wav jaws.wav woo hoo.wav That's the way I like it.wav toilet flush.wav Baby, you're incredible.wav

Caught up on the three latest episodes today. Still delightful.

SPOILER ALERT! I had two big quibbles with the high potential finale... One. The captain says we know he's targeting the members of the support group; we should watch all of them. Oz says Daphne can watch my back. Daphne says I always do. Then nobody watches him or his car as it is booby trapped, and then Daphne doesn't take the short trip to check on him until he's an hour late and his phone keeps going to voicemail? WTF?!?!? Two. Karadec jumps into the pool to free Oz's feet, and Daphne and Morgan stand there fretting and hoping he can hold his breath long enough to then go around and free his hands, instead of… oh, I don't know… Jumping in and working on freeing his hands while karadec is working on the feet?

I once lost 95 pounds and people started asking if I was ill. Then I gained back 33 and they stopped asking. I then lost the 33 plus another 10 for good measure and wound up at the point where even I was saying I looked too thin. I'd love to be back at that point. I'm currently 40 pounds heavier and could really stand to lose 20 or so. Maybe if I DID stand once in a while I might be able to manage 1 or 2.

There has been an unbelievable breakthrough in the gruesome Jack the Ripper serial killer case that has haunted England for over a century. After 137 years of mystery, we may finally know the true identity of the killer who terrorized the streets of London in 1888. Police believe Jack the Ripper is responsible for the brutal rape and murders of at least five women – known as the Canonical Five – but could very well have committed at least six more. The victims were Mary Nichols, 43, Annie Chapman, 47, Elizabeth Stride, 44, Catherine Eddowes, 46, and Mary Jane Kelly, 25. All five women were brutally murdered between the months of August and November 1888. Three of the victims had their internal organs removed, leading to widespread speculation that the killer possessed anatomical or surgical knowledge. The burning question of what kind of psychopath could have committed such monstrous acts has plagued police, historians and crime buffs alike for over a hundred years. A long list of different suspects has popped up over the years, however, investigators have not been able to definitively pin down a single suspect to the crimes. But now, we might finally have an answer. Self-proclaimed ‘Ripperologist’ and British author Russell Edwards purchased a shawl belonging to one of the victims, Catherine Eddowes, which contained blood and semen back in 2007. Years later, it was put through forensic testing where it was found to contain DNA from two separate people. One of them matched a descendant of the female victim. while the other matched the descendants of a Polish immigrant, who would have been around 23 at the time of the murders. “Considering his DNA is on the shawl that was at the murder scene and he was named, I have never considered anyone else to be the Ripper,” Edwards told news.com.au. “I have, however, looked into every other suspect in order to eliminate them. “The DNA work was a huge four-year process. We had to bypass the issue of contamination, plus many other hurdles. “It was a voyage of discovery, with many twists and turns. The adventure was thrilling from beginning to end and I was lucky to experience it.” Edwards said that when he discovered the DNA from the shawl matched, he was absolutely elated to have made such a breakthrough. “When we matched the DNA from the blood on the shawl with a direct female descendant of the victim, it was the singular most amazing moment of my life at the time,” he said. “We tested the semen left on the shawl. When we matched that, I was dumbfounded that we actually had discovered who Jack the Ripper truly was.” Edwards has been dedicated to all things Ripper for over 11 years and explained that he first became interested in the topic after watching a film about the killer. “I saw the movie ‘From Hell’ and then did a Jack the Ripper tour,” he said. “It was then I realized I had been walking in his footsteps all that time and didn’t know. “After that, I called Scotland Yard and asked where the case files were. I was told they were in the National Archives at Kew. “I went and conducted some research and found quite quickly that nobody would ever know the identity of Jack the Ripper as there was not any evidence. “It was only when I bought the shawl that my journey really began.” While the testing process has been disputed by some scientists, Edwards has held his ground in the validity of his methods. Born in Kłodawa in central Poland, Kosminski moved to England with his family as a child and eventually began working as a barber in London’s Whitechapel district. Medical records show that he had suffered from mental illness since at least 1885 and had spent time in various ‘lunatic asylums’ around London. He later died in 1919 at age 53. The descendants of Jack the Ripper’s victims are now calling for police to do an immediate investigation into Aaron Kosminski to make Edwards’ findings official. Karen Miller, the great-great-great-granddaughter of victim Catherine Eddowes, said that it would “mean a lot” to her and her family to put an end to this 137-year-old mystery. “The name Jack the Ripper has become sensationalized, it has gone down in history as this famous character,” the 53-year-old told the Daily Mail. “It has all been about him, this iconic name, but people have forgotten about the victims who did not have justice at the time. “What about the real name of the person who did this? Having the real person legally named in a court which can consider all the evidence would be a form of justice for the victims. “We have got the proof, now we need this inquest to legally name the killer. “It would mean a lot to me, to my family, to a lot of people to finally have this crime solved.” Despite the evidence, some have cast doubt on the findings. The research has not yet been published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal, which means that the claims cannot be independently verified or the methodology scrutinized. Under UK law, it is up to the attorney general to approve a further inquest into the Jack the Ripper case. Two years ago, Attorney-General Michael Ellis refused the request, saying there was “not sufficient new evidence” to support an inquest.

Luigi Mangione said he was “grateful” for his fans in his first public statement released two months after he was arrested, which was featured on the homepage of a new website created by his legal defense team to combat misinformation and offer updates on the multiple cases levied against him. “I am overwhelmed by – and grateful for – everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support,” said Mangione, who is being held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. “Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe. While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive,” he continued. “Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future.” The statement comes just days after the 26-year-old accepted nearly $300,000 in donations raised by more than 10,000 donors supporting his cause. Mangione could be executed if convicted in his federal case.

Endangered bird makes an incredible comeback after its population had plummeted by 98%: 'The future now looks a lot brighter'. U.K. turtle dove populations are on the rise thanks to a recent hunting ban. Over the past 30 years, the turtle dove population in the U.K. had plummeted by 98%. A Western European ban on shooting them was put in place in 2021, including countries along its migratory route, like France, Spain, and Portugal. https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/uk-turtle-dove-population-rise-hunting-ban/ Over the past 30 years, the turtle dove population in the U.K. had plummeted by 98%. A Western European ban on shooting them was put in place in 2021, including countries along its migratory route, like France, Spain, and Portugal. The end result has been an increase in the population by 25% (or 400,000) across the entire region. This data comes by way of a new report from the Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme. Operation Turtle Dove has been coordinating with over 442 landowners across the U.K. to provide suitable habitat for the species. It remains vulnerable, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Populations within the U.K. have still dipped by 15% since 2023, despite the increase across European migration routes overall. Results like these go to show that well-regulated hunting bans can be a lifeline to species that are on the brink. Florida was forced to enact a ban on harvesting a species of bass recently for similar reasons. When it comes to birds, international cooperation is needed to cover a wide territory. We've seen similar projects bear fruit in North America, including a conservation program for parrots moving between the U.S. and Mexico. Volunteers working to protect turtle doves in the U.K. are feeling good about its long-term survival. "There is real optimism that effective conservation at scale across the turtle dove's migratory route, combined with our efforts in the U.K., will soon see a positive impact for turtle doves," said Mike Shurmer, the head of species for Royal Society for the Protection of Birds England, per the Guardian. "The future now looks a lot brighter for these special birds, and we hope to see the results of the dedicated efforts of farmers, landowners, and volunteers when we carry out the next national turtle dove survey."

applause.wav Baby, you're incredible.wav I feel good (James Brown).wav woo hoo.wav

Michelin-rated Okdongsik restaurant opens in Bayside, emphasizing simplicity in Korean cuisine Okdongsik, a newly opened restaurant in Bayside, brings a fresh take on Korean comfort food with a focus on simplicity and high-quality ingredients. Located at 43-13 Bell Blvd., the restaurant is the latest venture of Chef Ok Dongsik, a renowned culinary figure whose first restaurant in Seoul, Korea, quickly garnered attention for its minimalist approach to traditional Korean dishes. Since 2018, Okdongsik has been listed in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, which recognizes establishments that serve exceptional food at a reasonable price. Now, with the opening of Okdongsik in Bayside, the celebrated chef aims to introduce a refined, yet simple, culinary experience to a new audience, offering dishes that highlight the true essence of Korean comfort food. The restaurant has a unique style in the way it prepares and serves food. Its menu has just four items, each prepared for guests to truly indulge in the food they are eating, mainly as it is, without the need to add more ingredients and flavors. “He wanted to introduce some kind of fundamental flavor of things other than barbeque because nowadays Korean food is really too sweet and they want to give too much impact to one single item,” said Kyle Lee, the Director of Operations at OkDongSik, who translated for Chef Ok Dongsik in the interview. “It’s really packed up with flavors, but at the same time, it’s too much. He wants to convey simplicity through each unique flavor from each ingredient.” After gaining recognition for his first restaurant in Seoul, Chef Ok Dongsik brought his culinary expertise to Manhattan with a pop-up collaboration with Hand Hospitality, which ran from November 2022 to April 2023. During the event, he introduced his signature dish, Dweji Gomtang, a comforting pork broth served with rice, seokbakji, and gochuji. Widely regarded as a staple of Korean comfort food, this dish evokes a sense of nostalgia akin to the American classic chicken noodle soup. The pop-up quickly garnered a loyal following, prompting Chef Ok to open his first permanent location in Manhattan just a month later, in May 2023, at 13 E. 30th St. Building on that success, Okdongsik expanded to Bayside with a new restaurant, which opened on Jan. 30 to an enthusiastic reception from the local community, particularly among Korean residents eager to experience Chef Ok’s acclaimed cuisine. “He wanted to introduce to the Bayside neighborhood the different kinds of Korean cuisine, not like duboki or bbq; there’s so many things other than that,” said Lee while translating for Dongsik. When guests visit the restaurant, they are given a menu with four items, with Dweji Gomtang as the main dish. After that, there’s kimchi mandoo, similar to a dumpling filled with pork and tofu. There’s also haemul wanja, a meaty seafood cake lightly seasoned with soy sauce, and naeng jeyuk, a slow-cooked and chilled pork served with gochuji, a fermented pepper paste that goes best with pork. Even the restaurant itself has a simple and clean look. There are no tables scattered throughout the venue, just a single counter for customers to eat on in front of an open kitchen station. The restaurant offers a sense of tranquility from the busy and loud street outside. The restaurant, which has been featured in the NY Times and has gained its own cult following, intends to continue expanding quickly throughout the globe. After having a pop-up in Paris last year, they anticipate opening a space in May or June of this year, as well as upcoming locations in Hawaii and Tokyo, with an opening month to be determined.

Czech Dam Project Was Stalled by Bureaucracy. Beavers Built Their Own. The dam project, drafted in 2018, had been delayed by land negotiations. Local beavers built several dams, saving the government more than one million euros. For years, officials in the Czech Republic had pushed a dam project to protect a river south of Prague, and the critically endangered species living in it. But the project, hamstrung by land negotiations, stalled. In the meantime, a group of chisel-toothed mammals — renowned for their engineering skills and work ethic, and unencumbered by bureaucracy — decided to take on the task. Czech beavers simply built dams themselves. The rodents’ fast work saved the local authorities some 1.2 million euros, according to a news release from the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic, a government agency responsible for conservation across the country. “Nature took its course,” Bohumil Fišer, the head of the Brdy Protected Landscape Area, where the revitalization project was planned, said in the statement. The beavers, he added, had created the ideal environmental conditions “practically overnight.” The project, on a former army site on the Klabava, a river about 40 miles southwest of Prague, the Czech capital, was drafted in 2018 and had a building permit, but had been delayed for years by negotiations over the land, which had been used as military training grounds, Agence France-Presse reported yesterday]. Officials had hoped to build a barrier to protect the river and its population of critically endangered crayfish from sediment and acidic water spilling over from two nearby ponds, A.F.P. reported. The beavers began working before the excavators could even break ground. It was not immediately clear specifically when the dams were built and how long it took to build them. The new wetland created by the dams covers nearly five acres, the conservation group said. It is twice as large as the area that the humans had planned, Agence France-Presse reported. “It’s full service,” Mr. Fišer told A.F.P. “Beavers are absolutely fantastic and when they are in an area where they can’t cause damage, they do a brilliant job.” Despite their remarkable ability to construct dams, beavers often draw the ire of landowners and farmers for destroying trees, eating crops and flooding roads and fields. But in thinning a tree canopy, the rodents can often help to diversify an ecosystem by allowing sunlight in so that other plant species can thrive, said Emily Fairfax, an assistant professor of ecology at the University of Minnesota. “They’re fundamentally changing the way water and life moves through that landscape,” she said. To build a dam, the beavers, whose weight as adults can range from about 40 to 80 pounds, begin by piling small stones across a river or stream, packing those stones in with mud, and repeating the process to construct a pond, which they then expand to become a wetland, Dr. Fairfax said. They are motivated by their fear of predators: Beavers are adept swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for 15 minutes. On land, their ungainly waddle makes them easy prey. “They’re basically a big chicken nugget for predators,” which include bears, mountain lions and wolves, she said. The Czech dam is not the first time the rodents have assisted in building a wetland. Beavers in California have helped to restore a floodplain about 30 miles northeast of Sacramento. In that case, the beavers’ work also helped local officials save money. “All they had to do was let the beavers be there,” Dr. Fairfax said. In other cases, beavers often did work that went unacknowledged. “We sort of have a blindness for beavers,” she said, noting that they were often considered a nuisance because of their alarming size and capacity to rapidly change the landscape. “They’re powerful, they’re big, and they’re elusive,” Dr. Fairfax said, noting that, despite the beavers’ engineering prowess, they presented a challenge for conservation groups when planning restoration projects. “Oftentimes we don’t want to allow the beavers to make the choices, because it’s hard to plan around that uncertainty; it’s hard to turn over control to a giant water rodent,” she said. “But that’s when beavers are at their best.” https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/world/europe/beavers-prague-czech-republic-dam.html

nice season finale

when she was just a young whippersnapper.

Horrifying video captures Hawaii cliff jumper’s final moments as he plummets to his death Santiago Bourdieu, a 28-year-old rugby player and fitness instructor, got a running start as he catapulted toward the cliff’s edge — but then plummeted straight down the cliff’s rocky, 50-foot face.

Billboard names Forest Hills Stadium one of the top music venues on the East Coast

I heard that Candice Cameron-Bure's network is gonna do an alternate version called "Beyond The Pearly Gates"

Episode two is tonight.

Ozanam Hall in Bayside unveils a new Montessori-inspired care neighborhood for seniors with dementia By Jessica Militello The Ozanam Hall of Queens Nursing Home in Bayside marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of Carmel Hall on Thursday, Feb. 6. This new addition to the facility is a Montessori-inspired dementia care neighborhood designed to offer specialized care for seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, which began at 6 p.m., was followed by tours of the facility and a program at 7 p.m. that included refreshments and live music. Elected officials, including State Senator Joe Addabbo Jr. and Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, were in attendance, along with staff and members of the community, to celebrate Carmel Hall’s innovative approach to memory care. “We discovered there was a need for specialized dementia care, and that was something that was really aligned with the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm in our ministry,” said Trish Gathers, President and CEO of the Carmelite System, Inc. “We’re very pleased to have this new, innovative floor that will be here to serve people in the Queens community.” The facility’s design incorporates principles of the Montessori method, which emphasizes dignity, meaningful engagement, and the promotion of independence for residents. Thoughtfully designed spaces feature visual cues, sensory-sensitive designs, and professional wall coverings that evoke memories, such as landmarks from New York City, like the Coney Island Boardwalk. “Our goal is to ensure that life is not over for our residents; they can still thrive, function, and do so safely in our neighborhood here,” said Ina Salley, Director of Admissions at Ozanam Hall. “We wanted a new approach to dementia care that fosters dignity and encourages connection.” Carmel Hall provides both short-term and long-term care, along with rehabilitation and specialized services, making it a vital resource for families in the Queens community. The facility is part of the Carmelite System Inc., a Catholic non-profit health system committed to expanding geriatric care. “This environment supports each individual, allowing them to continue learning and interacting with the world around them,” said Vince Antenucci, co-founder of the project. “We’re excited to see how this space will foster both social and cognitive growth for our residents.” Carmel Hall is located at 42-41 201 St. For more information, visit Ozanam Hall’s website or contact the admissions office at 718-568-5754. The Columbia Savings Bank clock: Our Neighborhood, The Way It Was By The Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society An artist’s rendering of the new Columbia Savings and Loan building, which opened in 1954. Ironically, the clock in this rendering is much as it is today, frozen in time near noon (or midnight). The long-awaited renovations to the Woodhaven Boulevard J/Z station are finally complete, and the addition of two brand-new elevators is a significant milestone for our community. These elevators represent a leap forward in accessibility, providing ease of use for commuters with mobility challenges. It’s an achievement worth celebrating, but this progress didn’t come without a price. As we welcome this improvement, we must also bid farewell to a cherished piece of Woodhaven’s history: the iconic Columbia Savings Bank clock. Once a cornerstone of community life, the clock has been relegated to a hidden corner, nearly forgotten behind the new station design. The story of the clock begins with the Columbia Building and Loan Association, formed in Brooklyn in 1889. By the early 1900s, Columbia Bank had established a branch at the corner of Woodhaven Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue, cementing its presence in our neighborhood. The bank’s ties to Woodhaven grew over the decades, becoming deeply interwoven with the community. In the 1920s, the bank issued over 100 mortgages in Woodhaven, supporting residents and local businesses alike. Many prominent businessmen in Woodhaven sat on Columbia’s Board of Directors, names long forgotten in Woodhaven today but very recognizable to residents of Woodhaven at that time. Men such as Harry Clapp, who opened the first insurance company in Woodhaven, which still does business today as Ohlert-Ruggiere Inc. When Woodhaven Boulevard expanded in the 1930s, Columbia Bank made a point to stay at its historic corner. By the 1950s, it had outgrown its facilities and built a stunning new building, unveiled in 1954. This architectural marvel featured Select Buff Indiana Limestone, Deer Island Granite imported from England, White Cherokee Georgia Marble and Terrazzo floors imported from Italy. Its beauty and craftsmanship earned the building a first-prize design award from the Queens Chamber of Commerce. Residents flocked to admire the bank on opening day, and its thoughtful details, like handing orchids to visiting ladies, left a lasting impression. Atop it all was the clock. Mounted over the Woodhaven Boulevard entrance, the clock became more than just a timepiece. For decades, it was a trusted companion for commuters and drivers alike, a symbol of the rhythm of life in Woodhaven. Over time, Columbia Bank weathered financial struggles, and a succession of new names followed: New York Community Bank, then Queens County Savings Bank and finally Flagstar Bank. Yet the clock remained a constant, a silent observer of the boulevard’s hustle and bustle. Now, the renovations to the Woodhaven Boulevard J/Z station have blocked the clock from view. Its face, which once marked the passing hours for so many, is hidden behind the station’s new structures. You can still spot it, but only if you know where to look. On the Jamaica-bound side of the station, at the top of the stairs by the new elevator, a window offers a glimpse of the clock. Press your face to the glass and look to the left, and you’ll see it, frozen near 12 noon (or midnight, if you like). The clock hasn’t run in a few years, and its future seems uncertain. Fixing it might seem futile, given its obscured location. Still, one can’t help but imagine how wonderful it would be to see it ticking again, reminding us of the rich history it represents. The relocation and obscurity of the Columbia Savings Bank clock feel emblematic of the passage of time itself. A once-beloved landmark has now faded into the background, a relic of a bygone era. Future generations might stumble across it and wonder why someone built a clock hidden behind a train station, unaware that it was the other way round. For those of us who remember it in its prime, the clock’s fate is a bittersweet reminder of how progress and history often clash. As Woodhaven continues to evolve, we must hold on to these stories, passing them down so that the legacy of landmarks like the Columbia Savings Bank clock, and the community it served, are never entirely forgotten. It’s a sad end to a once integral part of Woodhaven life, a reminder that all our lives are just as temporary, and counting down one second at a time. If you look out the window at just the right angle from the addition to the train station, you can see the 71-year old clock, which is sadly no longer running.

I just woke up at 11:30 PM after a four hour nap, which came after three hours of watching YouTube videos. It was the best Stupor Bowl Sunday a person could ever have.

It's that time of year again... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@marylander1940 still remembers the era when you had to wait all day for the technician to come out to fix your sundial.