Month: October 2022

Southwest Florida beach water quality map: See test results for your favorite beach

Southwest Florida beach water quality map: See test results for your favorite beach
On: By: Jeffrey Green

Red tide is blooming in some of our Southwest Florida beaches. 

According to a Herald-Tribune report, red tide reached bloom levels last week in an area that stretched offshore from south Sarasota County, past the mouth of Charlotte Harbor, all the way down to Sanibel Island. 

In the past, red tide and blue-green algae blooms have followed hurricanes because huge slugs of polluted water tend to fertilize blooms that feed off the influx of nutrients, according to a report from The News-Press. 

Database: See beach water quality results in Sarasota

Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida after making landfall on Sept. 28. More than 60 people have died due to the storm. 

Beach water quality results can be found at data.heraldtribune.com/beach-water-quality, which shows the latest enteric bacteria ratings. 

Here are beach water quality results from other areas in Southwest Florida: 

What is enteric bacteria?

Enteric bacteria that inhabits the intestinal tract of people and animals is an indication of fecal pollution. It may come from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage. Symptoms include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes.

play

Video: Here’s the difference between red tide and blue-green algae

Here’s the difference between red tide and blue-green algae

Wochit

Other Florida water databases

Is the water safe to swim or fish near me? This data map shows how clean the water is before you go swimming or fishing near Sarasota, Lee, Collier and other surrounding areas. 

Florida algal bloom map: Sarasota’s data map (Lee, Collier) shows results from the last 90 days. Blue-green algae are types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. They can be blue, bright green, brown or red, and can have a strong odor similar to rotting plants, according to the Florida Department of Health. 

Oscar Santiago Torres is a digital producer for the USA TODAY Network – Florida. Follow him on Twitter at @osantiagotorres.

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Israeli coastline is contaminated with over two tons of microplastics, researchers discover

Israeli coastline is contaminated with over two tons of microplastics, researchers discover
On: By: Jeffrey Green

A new Tel Aviv University study conducted in collaboration with the Mediterranean Sea Research Center of Israel examined the level of microplastic pollution along Israel’s coastline. The researchers collected sand samples from six beaches, from Haifa to Ashkelon. The research findings revealed that the Israeli shoreline is contaminated with more than two million tons of microplastics, with the most polluted beaches being those of Tel Aviv and Hadera.

In light of these worrying findings, the researchers warn exposure to microplastic waste is unavoidable. It should be noted that microplastics are generally proved as dangerous both to the environment and to human health.

The study was led by doctoral student Andrey Ethan Rubin and master’s student Limor Omeysi from the laboratory of Dr. Ines Zucker of the Fleischman Faculty of Engineering and the Porter School of the Environment and Earth Sciences. The study was published in the scientific journal Marine Pollution Bulletin.

Rubin explains that over the course of 2021, the researchers collected samples from six areas along the coast: Ashkelon, Rishon LeZion, Tel Aviv, Hadera, Dor Beach and Haifa. The samples were then taken to the laboratory where various analyses were performed, including particle count, mass measurements, image analysis, and chemical analysis to identify the polymer the plastic was made up of, as well as the elements adsorbed onto the microplastic particles. The researchers discovered, among other things, that the samples included plastic originating from food packaging, single-use plastic products, and fishing nets.

“It was interesting to see that plastics of terrestrial origin, such as food packaging, were more dominant than plastics of marine origin, such as fishing nets,” says Rubin. “This indicates a need for better regulation of coastal waste.”

The research findings show that the beaches of Tel Aviv and Hadera were the most polluted of the beaches tested. The level of contamination on these beaches, which are located near stream estuaries (the Yarkon in Tel Aviv and Nahal Alexander in Hadera) was four times higher than that of Rishon Lezion and Dor Beach, which were the two beaches with the lowest concentration of microplastic particles. Still, even in the Dor Beach nature reserve, which is cleaned frequently, a considerable amount of microplastic particles were found.

The researchers’ assessment is that the high level of pollution on the beaches of Tel Aviv and Hadera and the fact that they are in close proximity to streams indicates that the stream’s waters carry microplastic particles with them into the sea, thereby intensifying the level of contamination on the beach.

For example, the researchers say that Nahal Alexander collects leachate from untreated sewage from the West Bank, as well as waste from agricultural and industrial areas located near the riverbeds. Similarly, microplastics accumulate at the Yarkon River from the industrial centers in Tel Aviv.

“Our research reveals that the Israeli coastline likely contains over two tons of microplastic waste,” says Rubin. “Environmental conditions slowly break this plastic down into even smaller particles. The smaller the plastic particles, the harder it is to remove them from the environment, and the more dangerous they are to the environment and to our health. The microplastic particles that drift into the sea are swallowed by fish, and their remains eventually reach humans.”

Dr. Zucker adds: “Our microplastic studiesy reveal the current state of microplastic pollution along Israel’s Mediterranean coast and provide knowledge on the effects of the presence of microplastics in the environment. Plastic monitoring research in Israel is still lacking, and we must monitor the smaller plastic particles and additional environmental samples, such as sea water and streams, in order to better understand environmental patterns with regards to the presence of microplastics. This way or another, it would appear that exposure to microplastic waste is inevitable. We are working on assessing the environmental and health impacts that may arise given the prevalence and high concentrations of the particles that we found. In a practical perspective, regulatory steps are required in order to reduce Israel’s contribution to microplastic pollution in the Mediterranean.”

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Materials provided by Tel-Aviv University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

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Alzheimer’s & Wandering – Manila News

On: By: Aerotech News

Alzheimer’s in the Philippines…

One of the most common dangers for someone with Alzheimer’s is the proclivity to wander and become disoriented. Over 60% of those with dementia will wander off at some point, which is particularly stressful for caregivers and family members. The majority of their exploration is done on foot, but if a car is available, they can take off and disappear in another city. Even if the keys are hidden, install a tracking device in any vehicle that the patient may drive. They could ride a bike, a motorcycle, or even a horse!

Alzheimer’s & Wandering

Why some people wander and pace can have a variety of causes, just like almost everything else with Alzheimer’s. Sometimes it’s just aimless movement, or, like my husband, it’s the result of always being on the move, especially at work. It is unreasonable to expect someone to spend the entire day sitting or lying in bed. The physical need to move is not only common, but it can help keep Alzheimer’s patients independent for a longer period of time.

If a person has recently moved or is attending a new day care or respite program, they may feel disoriented and seek out ‘home.’ They may begin looking for a specific location, person, or activity, only to forget why they are going and become disoriented. If they cannot see their primary caregiver, they may seek them out, so it is always a good idea to let your loved one know you are nearby.

Dementia patients are frequently bored. Being occupied gives us all a sense of purpose. Keep the person mentally and physically active by engaging them in games or daily chores—even if they don’t do it correctly. They frequently have a lot of extra energy, so walk to the store instead of driving, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and try gardening or other vigorous activity if possible.

When we are in pain, we may walk to get away from it. Check with your doctor to see if you have undiagnosed pain, such as a urinary tract infection, or if it is a side effect of medication, though certain medications can reduce the need to pace. It could be anxiety, fear, loneliness, isolation, or a reaction to a hallucination. Talk to your loved ones about it, assuring them that you will always be there for them and keep them safe. Or they could be hungry and looking for something to eat or a restroom. Some people tend to wander at the same time every day, perhaps when they leave for work, so try to plan an activity for that time to distract them.

If they appear to be looking for something or someone from their past, inquire about it, talk to them, and respect their feelings. Examine some old photographs. Don’t dismiss such things as done and dusted. They frequently have a job or task that they feel compelled to complete, such as caring for a small child or getting to work. You can have a work area with projects, papers to shuffle, or whatever they were used to doing—as well as dolls or stuffed animals to look after.

If they have a strong need to keep moving, which many men do, don’t be afraid to hire someone to walk with your loved one if you are unable to do so yourself, even though the exercise will benefit everyone.

As the weather changes and it becomes dark early in the morning and late at night, someone with dementia becomes confused and, at 2:00 a.m., is ready to get dressed and go to work. Or they simply stand up and walk around the house. My husband would move the clothes hamper, put his shaver in his shoe, and figurines and other small items would be scattered around the house. He was extremely busy.

A completely risk-free environment is impossible to achieve. Install locks as high as possible on outside doors, gates, and windows because Alzheimer’s patients rarely look up. Sometimes having more than one lock in place is the best option. Make sure that other family members understand how to quickly open a locked door in an emergency. Matches and other dangerous items, as well as scatter rugs and exposed electric wires, can be removed.

Make sure your loved one has some form of identification in case they need to leave. A safe return program can provide you with an identification bracelet. Clothing should be labeled with your phone number and address. Keep identification cards in wallets, purses, or pockets. If you are unable to locate someone immediately, contact the local police. Have a recent photo on hand to help them identify your loved one. Don’t chastise them when they return. Reassure and love them even more because they may be scared. This stage will usually pass.

The post Alzheimer’s & Wandering – Manila News appeared first on Petgais News.

Explained:What is ‘Blue Flag’ certification for beaches?

Explained:What is ‘Blue Flag’ certification for beaches?
On: By: Jeffrey Green

The story so far: Earlier this week, two Indian beaches were awarded the ‘Blue Flag’ certification — a global eco-label — taking India’s overall tally to 12 in the list of cleanest beaches in the world.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav took to Twitter to share the development, writing, “Proud moment! Two more Indian beaches have made it to the list of Blue Beaches. Minicoy Thundi beach and Kadmat beach – both in Lakshadweep – are the proud entrants in the coveted list of Blue Beaches.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the people of Lakshadweep. 

What is the ‘Blue Flag’ tag? 

The Blue Flag is a voluntary tag given to environment-friendly and clean beaches with hygienic facilities. The tag is part of an eco-tourism model that promotes sustainability in the tourism sector through environmental awareness, protection and sustainable development practices. It is accorded by Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education, or FEE, as part of its Blue Flag Programme. 

The Blue Flag Programme started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and in areas outside Europe since 2001, when South Africa joined. Japan and South Korea were among the first Asian countries to have Blue Flag beaches.

In France, the programme originally started as an environmental awareness initiative. Schoolchildren wrote messages and put them in a plastic bottle with their names and the name of their nearest beach. These bottles were then collected by the French military and dropped in the Atlantic Ocean. The idea was to highlight the impact of dumping waste in seas and oceans. 

The programme was adopted by other European countries in 1987 and outside Europe in the early 2000s. Since then, the certificate is anually awarded to beaches, marinas and boat tour operators in FEE-member countries.

So far, over 5,000 beaches, marinas and boats have been awarded the Blue Flag in 48 countries. As of 2022, Spain tops the list with more than 700 awarded sites, which includes 621 beaches, followed by Greece with 570 Blue Flag beaches. However, the Blue Flag accreditation is seasonal and the award is valid only if the criteria are fulfilled. 

What are the eligibility criteria?

There are different criteria for beaches, marinas and tourism boats to be considered for accreditation under the programme. For beaches, the Foundation has identified a series of 33 criteria. These standards can be imperative, which means that a beach has to comply with them to be considered for accreditation, or guideline-based, which are not mandatory but preferred. 

Broadly, they are divided into four categories, covering water quality, environmental management, safety, and environmental information and education. The following are some criteria under each broad head:

1. Water quality: A Blue Flag beach should have “excellent” bathing water quality, for which regular sampling and testing need to be carried out. It should not have an oil surface on the water, or floating material like wood, plastic and other waste. Industrial, wastewater or sewage-related discharges must not affect the beach area. The beach must also comply with the Blue Flag requirements for the microbiological parameter Escherichia coli (faecal coli bacteria) and intestinal enterococci. 

All about the the Blue Flag tag

2. Environmental education and information: All certified beaches are required to have at least one Blue Flag information board in place. Bathing water quality information has to be displayed on the information board. There should be a provision of at least five environmental awareness activities for the public, preferably during its Blue Flag season. Bathing water quality information has to be displayed on the information board as well.

“The aim of this criterion is to ensure that beach users are well informed and educated about relevant environmental elements, local ecosystems and any sensitive areas in the surrounding environment so that they are encouraged to learn about and experience the environment in a responsible way. Information about coastal zone ecosystems, wetland areas, unique habitats or any sensitive natural areas must be displayed at or close to the Blue Flag beach,” the updated criteria reads. The code of conduct must address the activities and conduct of beach users. The beach code of conduct must be displayed on the Blue Flag information board.

3. Environmental management: As a general rule, Blue Flag accreditation is only given to sites that can manage visitors and host recreational activities without causing damage to the environment. A Blue Flag beach and its surrounding areas, including paths, parking areas, and access paths should be clean and well-maintained. “Litter should not be allowed to accumulate, causing these areas to become unsightly or hazardous. Waste disposal bins or litter bins (preferably with covers) should be of a suitable design and appearance as well as being functional,” the official website says.

It adds that the number of toilets or restrooms at the beach must be adequate and facilities should be easy to locate through signage. Unauthorised camping, driving and dumping are prohibited. Also, pets, other than assistance dogs, are not allowed on a Blue Flag beach or in the Blue Flag area. If the presence of pets is permitted by local and national legislation, animals are only allowed in parking areas, walkways and promenades.

4. Safety and services: A Blue Flag beach with a high number of visitors isrequired to be patrolled by qualified and easily recognisable lifeguards. Bathing areas should be defined on a map and information boards on the beach with markers or flags. For a beach with few visitors, public rescue equipment hooks, lifejackets and life rafts can replace lifeguards, but they have to be positioned, visible and located at regular intervals. First aid equipment should be available on the beach. Further, there needs to be an emergency plan in case of an event that leads to a large-scale impact on the beach like an oil spill, discharge of stormwater, or dangerous algal blooms.

The public must have access to Blue Flag beaches without being a client of a certain hotel or club. “Access to the beach should preferably be free, although at some beaches public access is provided through charging a small and reasonable fee (no more than $30),” the website says.

It advocates for ramps to make beaches accessible for those with disabilities. “It is strongly recommended that all Blue Flag beaches have facilities that allow access by the physically disabled, granting them access to the beach, surrounding buildings, and the restroom facilities…It is a Blue Flag recommendation that at this beach, if possible, there is access to the water for the physically disabled,” the latest criteria note mentions.

Who can apply and what is the review process?

Blue Flag sites are reviewed annually and awarded for an operating season, which can last up to a full year. Local authorities or private beach operators can apply for the tag, according to the Blue Flag website.

The application proceeds to an independent national jury who check for compliance with standards, and is then forwarded to an international jury. The International jury reviews applicants twice a year, in April for the Northern Hemisphere and in September for the Southern Hemisphere. This jury includes members from key global organisations like UNESCO, World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

After approval, the flag must fly at the beach during Blue Flag season.

The Blue Flag beaches of India

Twelve beaches in India have received the Blue Flag accreditation so far. Those tagged in the past are Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Radhanagar in Andaman and Nicobar, Golden in Odisha, Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry.

Now, Thundi and Kadmat beaches of Lakshadweep have been added to the list.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change started a Beach Environment and Aesthetic Management Service (BEAMS) programme to achieve international standards for Blue Flag certification. Under the programme, activities related to pollution control, beach awareness, aesthetics, safety, surveillances services and environmental education are carried out at identified beaches.

The Environment Ministry had in 2020 relaxed the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules that restrict construction and other related activities on beaches and islands. The norms were eased to enable the authorities to build the required infrastructure and facilities on beaches “subject to maintaining a minimum distance of 10 metres from the High Tide Line.

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Pemuda Indonesia Center Partners with Foreign and Local Volunteers for the ‘Bali Beach Clean Up’ and Welcoming the G20 Summit

Pemuda Indonesia Center Partners with Foreign and Local Volunteers for the ‘Bali Beach Clean Up’ and Welcoming the G20 Summit
On: By: Jeffrey Green

DENPASAR, Indonesia, Oct. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Pemuda Indonesia Center (PIC) is partnering with Trash Hero Chapter Sanur and Dewata Sorong to hold the Bali Beach Clean Up to Welcome & Support the G20 Summit on Saturday, October 29, 2022.

Chairman of the PIC, Ahmad Rivaldi said that his party is proactively gathering volunteers among tourists and residents in and around Bali.

According to Ahmad Rivaldi, the Bali Beach Clean Up is PIC’s efforts to contribute and support the G20 Summit in Bali on November 15 to 16, alongside the residents and visitors of the famous tourist island.

“This activity is carried out on the basis of awareness of the importance of maintaining environmental sustainability and cleanliness, especially beach cleanliness,” said Ahmad Rivaldi to reporters at the event location.

Furthermore, the Bali Beach Clean Up is also part of a mission to build a positive image for Indonesia as the host of the G20 Summit, which puts cleanliness, comfort, and hospitality at the forefront.

I Wayan Aksara, an environmental activist and member of Trash Hero Indonesia, a volunteer movement under the auspices of Trash Hero World, said it is the organization’s mission to educate the public through cleaning campaigns and maintain a clean environment for the next generation.

“Today’s activity was held at Mertasari Beach, Sanur, Denpasar, Bali, as a form of concern and an invitation to tourists and the general public, to maintain cleanliness and comfort, hopefully, the beach can be clean from garbage,” said I Wayan Aksara.

During the Bali Beach Clean Up, Trash Hero and Dewata Sorong invited local residents and foreigners in the area to join as volunteers.

The Bali Beach Clean Up is a campaign to preserve and clean the beautiful beaches of Bali island, which ultimately benefits everyone, locals and foreign tourists alike. All the volunteers worked together to gather organic and non-organic trash on the coastline. The trash gathered is then separated into recyclable and non-recyclable containers.

After the clean-up, volunteers were then given eco-friendly tumblers and t-shirts to take home and remind friends and family to maintain a clean environment, especially around the beach.

“Let’s maintain the cleanliness and safety of the environment together so that it remains conducive and ready to make the G20 Summit in Bali a success,” said Jechris Faam, chairman of Dewata Sorong, a community of Papuan students in Bali.

Delegations for the G20 Summit in Bali are committed to uniting the world and discussing pressing environmental issues such as climate change. Furthermore, the summit is expected to increase efforts to manage the environment and mitigate the global impact of climate change.

In the meeting of the Deputy for Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (G20 EDM-CSWG) which took place in Bali on 29-30 August 2022, all participating countries agreed on three priority issues.

First, supporting a sustainable recovery.

Second, enhancing land-and sea-based actions to support environmental protection and climate objectives.

Third, enhancing resource mobilization to support environmental protection and climate objectives.

To view image, please click here.

SOURCE Pemuda Indonesia Center (PIC)


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In LA, Kiefer builds modern grooves from deep jazz roots

In LA, Kiefer builds modern grooves from deep jazz roots
On: By: Jeffrey Green

Published October 28, 2022 at 6:00 AM PDT

Keyboardist, composer, and producer Kiefer has established a reputation in the world of hip-hop. He won a Grammy Award in 2020 for his work on Anderson .Paak‘s album Ventura. With his new releases this year, Kiefer continues to raise his profile with fans of modern jazz.

Kiefer Shackelford grew up in Southern California in the ’90s learning classical and jazz piano. The influence of hip-hop came early on, Kiefer began experimenting with his own computer-generated beats as a young teenager.

After high school, Kiefer studied with jazz legends like guitarist Kenny Burrell and pianist Tamir Hendelman at UCLA. His professional work, though, was mostly focused on hip-hop projects in Los Angeles which led to producing for .Paak starting in 2017.

More recently, Kiefer appeared on English modern jazz duo Blue Lab Beats‘ debut for Blue Note Records. He co-wrote, produced and played keyboards on last year’s “Dat It,” playing a beautiful acoustic piano melody that guides a laid-back groove.

It’s that improvisational talent that guides Kiefer’s own music, from his beat heavy 2017 debut Kickinit Alone to his trilogy of EPs including guest trumpeter Theo Croker.

This year’s digital release “Why Not?” accompanied a cover of Bobby Hutcherson‘s “Montara” and seems to show Kiefer drawing more directly from his jazz background. Further proof comes in newly released collaborations with saxophonist Braxton Cook, a longtime member of trumpeter Christian Scott’s band.

Listen for Kiefer’s modern jazz trio fused with West Coast hip-hop soul on The New Cool and don’t miss his next visit to Seattle. Kiefer opens for the Boston funk jazz crew Lettuce at the Showbox January 21.

The New Cool airs Fridays at 9 p.m., hosted by Abe Beeson and produced by KNKX Public Radio in Seattle, Washington. LISTEN ON DEMAND

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San Mateo Residents Listed Among SMC Death Notices Sept. 26-Oct. 3

San Mateo Residents Listed Among SMC Death Notices Sept. 26-Oct. 3
On: By: Jeffrey Green

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office sends death notices weekly from the region. We’ve aggregated below names and hometowns of individuals who passed between Sept. 26 and Oct. 3.

The names account for those who were reported deceased to the coroner’s office — typically those who died in San Mateo County at a hospital, nursing home or residence. They do not include hospice patients.

If you would like to submit a free obituary for publication on Patch, email [email protected]

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OCT. 3:

Jose Portacio, 76, San Bruno

David Sugarman, 81, San Mateo

Kent Hundley, 78, San Mateo

Tony Chau, 84, San Francisco

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OCT. 2:

Bette Steves, 90, Menlo Park

Wallace Levin, 90, San Mateo

Bryan Rosas Zaragoza, 22, South San Francisco

Benedicto Narvaez, 69, Daly City

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OCT. 1:

Joann Iwasa, 71, San Carlos

Lorry Lokey, 95, Atherton

Samuel Sales, 78, San Carlos

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SEPT. 30:

Chase Poole, 40, Redwood City

Shahram Mokhtari, 49, Redwood City

Andree Peterson, 58, San Jose

Jimmy Tse, 84, South San Francisco

Carol Grubbie, 87, South San Francisco

Carlos Gonzalez Hernandez, 24, Salinas

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SEPT. 29:

Norma Dickson, 89, Belmont

George Liddle, 95, Menlo Park

Danny Leung, 75, Millbrae

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SEPT. 28:

David Marshall, 78, Burlingame

Hugh Horton, 88, Moss Beach

Tonya Lemberg, 61, Montara

Harald Herrmann, 55, Moss Beach

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SEPT. 27:

Harry Miller, Jr., 94, South San Francisco

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SEPT. 26:

Camille Consunto, 25, San Mateo

Nicholas Corey, 23, San Francisco

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