“In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion,” said Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s Director-General. “A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient.”
Health insurance is a regulated financial product. Insurers operate under binding contracts, overseen by state insurance commissioners, that legally obligate them to pay claims meeting policy terms. Policyholders who believe a covered claim was wrongfully denied have legal recourse through state regulatory channels.
The New Zealand Merino Company, now rebranded as Zentera, has quietly removed the phrase “world’s leading ethical wool brand” from its website, a notable change that comes after a disturbing investigation by PETA Asia-Pacific into the company’s ZQ-certified wool supply chain, PETA reports to Green Prophet.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
“In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion,” said Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s Director-General. “A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient.”
Health insurance is a regulated financial product. Insurers operate under binding contracts, overseen by state insurance commissioners, that legally obligate them to pay claims meeting policy terms. Policyholders who believe a covered claim was wrongfully denied have legal recourse through state regulatory channels.
The New Zealand Merino Company, now rebranded as Zentera, has quietly removed the phrase “world’s leading ethical wool brand” from its website, a notable change that comes after a disturbing investigation by PETA Asia-Pacific into the company’s ZQ-certified wool supply chain, PETA reports to Green Prophet.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
“In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion,” said Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s Director-General. “A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient.”
Health insurance is a regulated financial product. Insurers operate under binding contracts, overseen by state insurance commissioners, that legally obligate them to pay claims meeting policy terms. Policyholders who believe a covered claim was wrongfully denied have legal recourse through state regulatory channels.
The New Zealand Merino Company, now rebranded as Zentera, has quietly removed the phrase “world’s leading ethical wool brand” from its website, a notable change that comes after a disturbing investigation by PETA Asia-Pacific into the company’s ZQ-certified wool supply chain, PETA reports to Green Prophet.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
“In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion,” said Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s Director-General. “A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient.”
Health insurance is a regulated financial product. Insurers operate under binding contracts, overseen by state insurance commissioners, that legally obligate them to pay claims meeting policy terms. Policyholders who believe a covered claim was wrongfully denied have legal recourse through state regulatory channels.
The New Zealand Merino Company, now rebranded as Zentera, has quietly removed the phrase “world’s leading ethical wool brand” from its website, a notable change that comes after a disturbing investigation by PETA Asia-Pacific into the company’s ZQ-certified wool supply chain, PETA reports to Green Prophet.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
“In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion,” said Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s Director-General. “A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient.”
Health insurance is a regulated financial product. Insurers operate under binding contracts, overseen by state insurance commissioners, that legally obligate them to pay claims meeting policy terms. Policyholders who believe a covered claim was wrongfully denied have legal recourse through state regulatory channels.
The New Zealand Merino Company, now rebranded as Zentera, has quietly removed the phrase “world’s leading ethical wool brand” from its website, a notable change that comes after a disturbing investigation by PETA Asia-Pacific into the company’s ZQ-certified wool supply chain, PETA reports to Green Prophet.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
“In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion,” said Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s Director-General. “A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient.”
Health insurance is a regulated financial product. Insurers operate under binding contracts, overseen by state insurance commissioners, that legally obligate them to pay claims meeting policy terms. Policyholders who believe a covered claim was wrongfully denied have legal recourse through state regulatory channels.
The New Zealand Merino Company, now rebranded as Zentera, has quietly removed the phrase “world’s leading ethical wool brand” from its website, a notable change that comes after a disturbing investigation by PETA Asia-Pacific into the company’s ZQ-certified wool supply chain, PETA reports to Green Prophet.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
“In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion,” said Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s Director-General. “A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient.”
Health insurance is a regulated financial product. Insurers operate under binding contracts, overseen by state insurance commissioners, that legally obligate them to pay claims meeting policy terms. Policyholders who believe a covered claim was wrongfully denied have legal recourse through state regulatory channels.
The New Zealand Merino Company, now rebranded as Zentera, has quietly removed the phrase “world’s leading ethical wool brand” from its website, a notable change that comes after a disturbing investigation by PETA Asia-Pacific into the company’s ZQ-certified wool supply chain, PETA reports to Green Prophet.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
“In the midst of uncertain time, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion,” said Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s Director-General. “A more decentralised energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient.”
Health insurance is a regulated financial product. Insurers operate under binding contracts, overseen by state insurance commissioners, that legally obligate them to pay claims meeting policy terms. Policyholders who believe a covered claim was wrongfully denied have legal recourse through state regulatory channels.
The New Zealand Merino Company, now rebranded as Zentera, has quietly removed the phrase “world’s leading ethical wool brand” from its website, a notable change that comes after a disturbing investigation by PETA Asia-Pacific into the company’s ZQ-certified wool supply chain, PETA reports to Green Prophet.
Somehow vegetables with short seasons excite the imagination and appetite more sharply than produce that’s available all year around. Good Middle Eastern cooks have many recipes for delicate fava beans, and this turmeric-fragrant soup is one.
Originally from China, persimmon trees have been grown for thousands of years for their delicious fruit and beautiful wood.
In the Middle East’s November, the landscape changes from dry, brown summer to soft green. After a week of good rain, you’ll see clovers and fuzzy hints of wild grasses sprouting everywhere -between the cracks in the sidewalk, along road medians, and in gardens. This bodes well for the produce of late fall.
Fruit of November:
Olives are still on some trees, left to ripen and turn black for late harvest. If you don’t mind stooping, you can pick quite a lot from those that fell to the ground. Good olive pickings are found in national parks.
Persimmons are fat and orange, but most aren’t quite ripe. Buy, but put them aside a day or two until they soften.
Avocados are fat and green, and their price has gone down. In the shuk (market), there’s usually a stand of avocados ripe for eating, which the vendor is desperate to sell before they go too soft. Select some, but beware signs of bruising on the flesh. One way to tell if an avocado is good is to scratch the little nub of stem off the top. If the patch of flesh under it is a healthy green, buy the avocado. If it’s a sad brown, reject it.
Apples and pears are in full season. Here, the best pears are the unassuming-looking, little green ones. They feel wooden in the hand until they ripen, and then they’re far more flavorful than any imported pear.
Citrus fruit is best after the first rain, so pick up all that vitamin C in fruit shape. Oranges, clementines, lemons, yellow and red grapefruit and pomelos are sweet and juicy now. Lemons are especially suited to freezing. Just rinse and pat them dry, and stash them in the freezer, whole. They’ll be mushy when thawed out, but easy to juice.
Dragon fruit and bananas are in season. There are still plenty of pomegranates.
Pineapples of a reasonable size are available too, where once they were tiny and sort of sad-looking.
If you like guavas, now is the season. Some people can’t abide them, but I like them, and buy a couple every year just to set out on a plate and enjoy the pungent fragrance.
Vegetables in season in November
Rain brings on glorious vegetables. Leafy greens in season now are kale, Swiss chard, fat lettuces, leeks, and artichokes.
Jerusalem artichokes, kohlrabi and fennel are worth buying right now. Cucumbers, hothouse tomatoes, pumpkins, and squashes are abundant and (relatively) cheap.
Kohlrabi salad, by Ottolenghi
Beets, potato varieties, celeriac, carrots of different colors and red and purple sweet potatoes are good, although root vegetables will be even better in October and December.
Cauliflower and broccoli are recovering from summer’s heat. They were available at the beginning of the month, but not advisable; now they’re worth buying. Just turn the package around to inspect them closely, and if you can handle the vegetable itself, check for insect infestation.
Onions, which looked withered in summer, are now plump and firm. Eggplants, which shriveled with exhaustion just a month ago, have perked up with cooler weather. You can buy large baladi (heritage) eggplants with their attractive ridges and big flavor, and for a short while, baby eggplants for pickling.
Bell peppers of all colors are looking firm and good. But chili-heads beware: if you’re looking for hot peppers, hurry up and buy some now, because in winter, hot peppers aren’t very hot.
Buy sweet corn too, because the season won’t last much longer.
Mushrooms are grown in specialty farms, but somehow are more beautiful in cooler weather. Mushroom prices are reasonable, and shops offer several different varieties.
Herbs in Season in November
The herbs you love are for sale in big bunches tied with rubber bands.There’s watercress, basil, rocket, dill, tarragon, chives, thyme (good for hanging up and drying), scallions, mint, coriander leaf, parsley, and sour grass.
Writing in mid-November, I haven’t seen any great abundance of wild herbs. Nettles and chickweed are just sprouting and not noticeable unless you’re keeping an eye out for them. Look for mallows and wild beets in December.
Wildlife protection is essential to preserving biological diversity and the equilibrium of the environment. Adopting effective wildlife conservation laws is crucial to maintaining ecological health and guaranteeing the existence of animals.
The universe is an array of diversity, with beautiful scenery, unique cultural traditions, religious faith, a wealth of vegetation and animals, and much more. The chance of exploring this fascinating world is among the nicest gifts you might offer yourself.
But while on holiday, it’s important to remember that animals are not to be utilized as background images. As moral travelers, we have a responsibility to protect the welfare of our fellow human beings in order to stop injustice and cruelty. So, these are the 5 nifty steps to preserve our wildlife.
Environmentally friendly techniques for using land
Promoting responsible land-use methods can help save animals by minimizing habitat destruction and extinction. This can involve encouraging environmentally friendly practices in forestry and other sectors of the economy, cutting back on the administration of pesticides and other dangerous chemicals, and supporting environmentally friendly agriculture.
Wildfoot travel
Reputed travel companies such as Wildfoot Travel work towards minimizing the effect of human activity on the animal population. This can involve taking steps to lessen chaos, cut down on pollution, and steer clear of actions that upset the balance of ecosystems. We can contribute to lowering stress levels in wildlife populations and ensuring their continued existence by minimizing human environmental effects.
Finding and Setting Priorities for Conservation-Needed Regions
Maasai women hunters
Prioritizing locations that require urgent conservation or rehabilitation work is crucial for the successful preservation of wildlife habitats. In order to identify the best strategies for habitat conservation, this frequently entails evaluating the affected region and putting together a team.
Creating an action plan which describes the best ways to preserve each of these places after they have been recognized and assessed is the following step. The security and well-being of the habitat should be ensured by such plans, which should incorporate both short- and long-term objectives and minimize human effects.
Never feed wild animals
The chance of spreading infectious diseases between humans and animals, such as the common cold and flu, measles, TB, pneumonia, and other zoonotic illnesses, is increased when food is swapped. Overweight and poor hair conditions can also be associated with excessive human food content in primate diets. Wild creatures become reliant on people for sustenance when they are trained to anticipate it.
Humans feed and provide these monkeys in order to appease their convictions about religion, luring them out of their native environments, including langurs and rhesus macaques. This weakens their innate ability to survive and puts them at risk from things like fighting with other primates, getting electrocuted by high-voltage power lines, getting into car accidents, and even kidnapped for profit.
Evaluating Human Activity’s Effect on Wildlife Environments
Ancient man built elaborate hunting traps, and worked collaboratively.
Knowing how our actions impact ecosystems that support wildlife is essential to their conservation. Our impact on the natural world has increased along with our reach, and this effect frequently has a negative impact on the well-being of these environments. This encompasses problems like overfishing, excessive hunting, and extraction-related businesses like mining that lead to the excessive use of the earth’s resources.
In the same manner, abrupt changes in weather conditions brought about by human-caused worldwide warming have disrupted entire ecological networks and severely damaged wildlife habitats.
Furthermore, human actions like contamination, urbanization, and deforestation have all had substantial effects on wildlife habitats. Many species have lost their homes due to deforestation, and environmental dispersion brought about by civilization has made it increasingly challenging for animals to travel around and look for food.
Since pollution contaminates land, water, and the air by releasing contaminants and hazardous compounds into the surroundings, it has also had catastrophic effects on the ecology.
Awareness-raising and dissemination of knowledge
Building an ethic of appropriate and environmentally conscious conduct requires first educating the general population about the importance of animal conservation. Reaching out to the public, enlightening people, and creating consciousness about the negative effects that human behavior has on animals are some approaches to do this.
People might comprehend it properly with more perspective and by knowing more about wildlife and the world around us. People can have greater comprehension and enjoyment of the environment through discovering information about different kinds of animals and their distinctive traits. This can encourage people to take action to safeguard species and their natural environments by fostering an awareness of duty and sustainability.
Be cautious of wildlife keepsakes
You will inevitably return from a trip to a foreign nation with a few sentimental mementos; however, we implore you to consider carefully what you are purchasing. Refuse mementoes constructed from animal parts, such as shells, coral, peacock feathers, and conventional medicinal products.
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India forbids the sale or purchase of any goods that originate from animals that are regulated by law. Thus, it’s advisable to avoid buying such things! Alternatively, to promote indigenous cultures and save animals, opt to buy keepsakes made locally and sustainably.
Recycling
Camels eat plastic and then die
By reducing the amount of garbage transported to landfills and incinerators—two primary contributors to carbon emissions—recycling lowers the need for novel items, saves animal lives, and helps offset the release of carbon dioxide. By removing garbage from these locations, recycling contributes to reducing an organization’s total carbon impact. Additionally, by using reused components, the habitats are preserved for wildlife and less stress is placed on them.
Investigation and Observation
For efficient conservation leadership, tracking the condition and patterns of animal populations is crucial. Investigation can help guide governance and policy decisions as well as spot preservation possibilities. Tracking alterations in population dimensions, the condition of habitat, and other crucial markers of wildlife preservation and well-being can be part of this.
Encourage regional economies
Populations that depend on animals must also be taken care of in order to sustain them. An ideal human-animal equilibrium is necessary for the coexistence of any biosphere. Both the humans and animals who live in those areas ought to profit financially from sustainable wildlife travel. It is not advisable to provide financial support to multinational companies.
Try regional cuisine, choose lodgings that are operated regionally, and immerse yourself in the local way of life when you travel instead. The local economy is greatly impacted by tourism, and by helping the community financially, you can make sure that those who have a genuine love for the area will have the resources to preserve its treasures of nature for future generations.
There are numerous approaches to safeguarding animals. Techniques for preserving the natural world include recycling, planting trees, creating wildlife habitats, public outreach and awareness campaigns, and ecologically sound land use methods described above.
Establishing a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine can have a significant effect on your sleep health. But did you know that your bedroom can also help you find a better night’s sleep? Recent research highlights the importance of having a comfortable and stress-free environment for adequate sleep. But how can you adjust your sleep space in an eco-friendly way? Below are some tips to help you create the ideal sleep space while still being kind to the planet.
1. Find an Eco-Friendly Mattress
Purchasing a mattress that provides adequate support is one of the best things you can do from your sleep health. However, traditional mattress production takes a large toll on the environment. When mattresses made of petroleum-based products and constructed using toxic chemicals end up in landfills, they can leech these chemicals into the ground, causing soil and water population.
Additionally, mattresses made of products produced through conventional farming methods can harm our natural resources and contributes to pollution. Lastly, conventional farming contributes significantly to air, water, and soil pollution. Statistics show that conventionally farmed cotton, which is typically used in traditional mattresses, uses 16 percent of all global insecticide use.
But all hope is not lost. There are many mattress companies making every effort to construct some of the best mattresses in the most sustainable way possible. When searching for the most eco-friendly mattress, it is helpful to consider both the materials and the construction.
Materials
Many organic mattress companies are opting to go through the strict process of obtaining organic certifications in order to show that their mattresses are made with pesticide-free fabrics. Certifications from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) ensure that all materials are organic and are harvested in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Some companies are also using plant-based memory foam with emission-free production processes.
Construction
Eco-friendly mattress companies using organic materials typically use sustainable farming and manufacturing methods. Many of these methods involve the promotion of soil health, minimize water use, and lower pollution levels. According to the US National Institution of Food and Agriculture, sustainable farming works to “protect the environment, expand the earth’s natural resource base, and maintain and improve soil fertility.” These practices can also help to strengthen the local economy and increase the wellbeing and livelihood of farm families and communities. Some companies are also producing their mattresses locally to reduce their environmental footprint.
2. Cover Your Mattress is Eco-Friendly Bedding
Many bedding companies are now creating premium products that are sustainably-sourced and constructed with environmentally responsible methods. Purchasing products made of 100 percent organic natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool will ensure fabrics were not produced using toxic pesticides or synthetic chemicals.
GOTS and OEKO-TEXcertifications can also apply to bedding. Third-party vetting processes are a great way to verify that you are getting an eco-friendly product. Natural fibers are also ideal if you are a hot sleeper since cotton and linen are breathable and soft. Opting for bedding made of recycled materials will also guarantee that you are supporting a company with sustainable practices.
3. Look for Paint without Harsh Chemicals
Painting the walls of your bedroom in soothing sleep inducing colors can have a big impact on your ability to relax. Pale blues, greens, lavenders, yellows, and beiges, can have a calming effect on your mind and body.
Though many of us may not consider paint eco-friendly, believe it or not, there are many eco-friendly paint companies available. When shopping for eco-friendly paint, look for products that do not contain airborne chemicals or gases. These will be identified as being low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which can create toxic emissions that leach into the air. Try ECOS it’s widely available.
4. Use only the Best Furniture
The hunt for the ultimate (and eco) bed is on!
When considering your bedroom furniture, opt for eco-furniture made from reclaimed wood, salvaged, or recycled wood or metal as these materials can be easily broken down and recycled. It is best to avoid furniture made of plastic or synthetic materials since these are non-biodegradable and are produced using toxic chemicals that end up polluting our environment.
When shopping for wood furniture, you can also rely on a third-party vetting process. A Forest Stewardship Council Certification (FSC) will verify that the product was produced in a way that protects the biological diversity of the forest. A low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) certification will also certify that no toxic glues, paints, or finishes were used on the product.
If you are not in a position to purchase brand new furniture, you may want to consider purchasing from a second-hand retailer. Purchasing second-hand is a great way to extend the life of a piece of furniture and keep it out of the landfill.
5. How is Your Lighting?
If the lighting in your bedroom is too harsh, it can be difficult for you to relax and fall asleep. In addition to removing all electronic lights and screens from your bedroom, consider using lower watt light bulbs which offer a more ambient and gentle light. A wattage of 45 to 50 is gentle enough to make the room feel tranquil while still providing adequate light.
Purchasing energy-efficient lights – Light Emitting Diode (LED) or Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) bulbs will provide a more sustainable alternative than traditional incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs use around 25-80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 percent longer. LED bulbs also emit less heat, with only 3.4 BTUs of heat per hour while traditional bulbs produce 85 BTUs per hour. By conserving energy, you will be helping the planet, saving money, and keeping your bedroom cooler.
6. Flooring Matters!
Tiled floor for the bedroom. Maybe gently heated underneath?
A sustainably carpeted bedroom can help create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while also reducing noise transfer. But before you re-carpet your sleep space, you will want to consider the environmental impact of traditional carpet. Traditional carpet is often produced with the use of VOCs and is toxic to us and our planet. The manufacturing methods of traditional carpet companies can also damage and pollute our natural resources.
When considering the flooring in your bedroom, you may want to consider rugs and carpeting made from all-natural materials such as wool and cotton. Because these fabrics are harvested from renewable sources, they produce less environmental impact and help to preserve our natural resources. But we have a sustainable floor guide here so you can learn about the options from cork to bamboo to ceramic tikes and upcycled wood.
Asma Al-Assad, the Syrian president’s wife, is accused of playing a major role in the crimes of her husband and his regime during Syria’s 12-year war; she’s played no small role in the country’s $57B Captagon drug trade. Image via AFP
Asma al-Assad, the wife of Syria’s dictator Bashar al-Assad grew up in London attending a private school. She went to Queen’s College and studied with people like Ringo Starr’s daughter. Asma was described by a source we spoke with as pretty normal. So how does a girl from London with a career in investment banking at JP Morgan go to running a drug ring?
After years of the world forgetting how Asma and her husband Bashar killed 230,000 Syrians, and refugee’ed almost 7 million people, the two are are back in the game, making media appearances and attending conferences in China and the UAE.
Back in 2011, Asma was dressed to kill in a Vogue article debacle entitled “A Rose in the Desert” which served as a litmus test for cynicism when considered against the backdrop of mass-murder, torture and imprisonment of tens of thousands of Syrians that had occurred since the story was first published.
Some 6.7 million Syrian refugees have since moved to Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan and probably will never go back. Canada accepted 40,000 of them. While Vogue took down the article after the Arab Spring riots took over, we found a copy of it. Vogue article – get the PDF
The Vogue article that disappeared online
In March, 2011, the 3,200-word story on Asma al-Assad praised the “wildly democratic” family-centric couple who vacation in Europe, nurture Christianity, (ignore their country’s “missing” Jews) and leave their security guards at home when cruising around Damascus with Brad and Angelina. The article’s author Joan Buck declared that “Syria is known as the safest country in the Middle East” and described the couple’s aim was to give Syria a “brand essence.”
With catastrophic mistiming, the story was published online right before Syria’s Arab Spring erupted. It was later revealed to be the result of a coordinated public relations effort managed by Brown Lloyd James, the same firm that handled media spin for Libya’s Qaddafi regime.
Asma said in the Vogue article about her business acumen:
“What I’ve been able to take away from banking was the transferable skills—the analytical thinking, understanding the business side of running a company—to run an NGO or to try and oversee a project.”
She runs her office like a business, chairs meeting after meeting, starts work many days at six, never breaks for lunch, and runs home to her children at four.
She also made a recent appearance in China. This FT article exposes Syria’s $57B Captagon drug ring, naming Asma as playing a major role in its operation. A USA Today article suggests Captagon was found on Hamas-linked Palestinian terrorists that attacked Israel on October 7. Palestinian-Hamas terrorists crossed over and raped women, killed babies in front of their children, and blew up families hiding in their bomb shelters. Were they high on Captagon while doing it?
Captagon is called many names, writes USA Today: The jihadi drug, Captain Courage, the Poor Man’s Cocaine. But were Hamas terrorists high on the synthetic stimulant Captagon when they attacked Israel on Oct. 7, brutally killing more than 1,200 people and kidnapping at least 240 more? The Israeli government won’t say but they did find bags of pills on the bodies of terrorists.
Washington’s regional allies, particularly Jordan, have lobbied Washington to take a more active role in stopping the drug’s proliferation. The 2022 defence spending bill included the Captagon Act, requiring the US government to devise a strategy to disrupt and dismantle Syria’s narcotics networks.
“Syria has become a global leader in the production of highly addictive Captagon, much of which is trafficked through Lebanon,” said Andrea Gacki, the senior Treasury official handling sanctions.
“With our allies, we will hold accountable those who support Bashar al-Assad’s regime with illicit drug revenue and other financial means that enable the regime’s continued repression of the Syrian people,” she added.
Prof. Eyal Zisser of Tel Aviv University, who specializes in the contemporary history of Syria and Lebanon says that after the economy of the Syrian regime collapsed, the entire country became a Captagon production laboratory. He told Globes: “The product is transported by drones and UAVs across borders. Saudi Arabia is flooded with it, Jordan is flooded with it.”
Asma’s presence underscored something little understood outside Syria: how a woman initially sidelined as an obstinate young newly-wed with lofty western ideals has since risen to become one of the most powerful people in the country, at the apex of the country’s ruthless ruling family.
In public, she styles herself as the Mother of the Nation, radiating maternal care as she tends to Syria’s military families, cancer-stricken children and survivors of the February 6 earthquake. She sports delicate ribbons in her hair, her petite frame draped in dresses sewn by the widows of men martyred in her husband’s war.
But privately, Asma has manoeuvred herself into a position of remarkable power, according to interviews with 18 people familiar with the regime’s operations, including heads of business, aid workers and former government officials. She now controls some of the key levers in Syria’s battered economy, both as policymaker and profiteer, helping consolidate the family’s grip over a country in bloodied ruin.
Experts say the couple is using new illicit revenue streams for the regime to help keep it afloat: weapons, oil smuggling, alcohol (which is prohibited by Islam) and sales of the illegal amphetamine Captagon.
When I visited Syria in 1999 the people were living very poorly, kids were playing in piles of rubble and locals were plundering archeological sites. I felt that I had entered a time machine going back to the 50s. Most people got around by mini-bus and I felt safe not because there was no crime but because Basher’s father’s face was plastered everywhere. The people were living in fear of Basher’s father and in fear of each other. If you did not express your featly to the regime you could disappear. The regime hated Jews so much that even saying the word Israel was punishable. Locals said to never say the word Israel. This made me want to visit Israel even more.
Israel: codeword Disneyland
The hotels did keep guidebooks on Israel, however, covered over with the code name Disneyland. Most tourists in Syria then were headed for Jordan, Israel, then Sinai. I met a number of loving, decent Syrians when I was there. They all were afraid to mention Bashar’s father name. They were prisoners to the regime and begged that I would send them art books or any notes from the outside world as no-one in Syria was allowed to use the internet then.
We had spies following us around when we were there. We did feel very safe in Syria and slept overnight by ourselves in a Crusader Castle. We were the only guests.
People in Syria are less afraid today and social media has opened up space for critique: According to the Middle East Institute, there is a notable trend that has emerged among Alawites in Syria’s regime-held areas, including those from powerful families. They are no longer allowing themselves to be silenced.
“Writers, journalists, and rank-and-file Alawites have taken to social media platforms to express their deep frustration with the regime’s economic policies and the centralized nature of the dictatorship under President Bashar al-Assad, as well as his wife Asma al-Assad’s outsized influence and corruption linked to her secretive “economic council.””
Some activists in Syria claim the Assads have gone so far as to start forest fires.
BBC offers a must-see investigative piece on Captagon in Syria and Lebanon. Warning: the video is age-restricted.
“Living conditions are hard and the people are manipulated,” says the Jordan army who attempts to hunt down infiltrators to their border carrying Captagon. He told BBC reporters that al-Assad’s regime uses children to smuggle drugs across the border.
“In April we reported the death of a child from the Ramthan tribe. Instead of carrying his school bag he was carrying a backpack of drugs. He met his death on the Syrian-Jordanian border.”
A BBC screenshot on Captagon
The average salary for a Syrian is $15 US a month. If they smuggle Captagon they can earn $15,000 – enough for a house and to get married.
In Jordan in 2022, a border officer was killed by drug traffickers from Syria and King Abdullah of Jordan said that border police could shoot and kill anyone that attempts to cross the border. Days later 27 Syrians were shot and killed.
Syrians interviewed said that most smuggling is done by civilians living in regime-controlled areas in Syria and they have connections to the regime. The regime also enlists women and children. The drugs are then exported to Gulf States, Turkey, Europe and Africa.
Hezbollah controls the Bekaa valley: BBC
The BBC documentary also links Captagon production and smuggling to the Hezbollah. They report that the Lebanese government has lost control of the Bekaa Valley where the production and smuggling of Captagon takes place. This is the area firing rockets into Israel currently.
Captagon: Inside Syria’s drug trafficking empire
Update May, 2024 – Asma al-Assad’s cancer diagnosis:
The traditional olive harvest in southern Lebanon is a crucial economic activity to a battered economy (Lebanon can barely keep the lights on), and it faces severe disruption now because of the Islamic jihad group, the Hezbollah. The Israeli army is firing back in response to the Hezbollah rocket attacks meant as a provocation, and olive farmer Adel Khoury from Rachaya al Foukhar, in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley is afraid for his life, he tells The Media Line.
He is afraid that Israeli surveillance might consider their harvesting activities as part of the Hezbollah terror group, and kill him in the crossfire.
Olive harvesting
Christians from Lebanon who became refugees in Israel told me that Christians in Lebanon are not able to speak out against the Hezbollah. Sharbel Salameh was from the south Lebanese village of Klayaa, and joined about 2,500 Lebanese Christian refugees who fled to Israel while trying to fight against the Hezbollah. The story is here. I also covered this story for the Catholic News Service.
Rachaya Al Foukhar is a Lebanese village in the district of Hasbaya in the Nabatiye Governorate in southern Lebanon. It is located on the western slopes of Mount Hermon.
Hezbollah is a Shiite Muslim political party and militant group based in Lebanon, where its extensive security apparatus, political organization, and social services network fostered its reputation as “a state within a state.” Founded in the chaos of the fifteen-year Lebanese Civil War, the Iran-backed group is driven by its opposition to Israel and its resistance to Western influence in the Middle East. Western means Europe and America.
Lebanese Agriculture Minister Abbas Hajj Hassan reported that around 12,000 hectares of olive orchards have been affected by the Hezbollah-Israel strikes. Riad Harb, head of the olive oil producers syndicate in southern Lebanon, said that about 60% of farmers have been unable to harvest their crops, urging for a truce under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon’s supervision to allow for safe harvesting before winter.
In5, part of TECOM Group, presents the region’s largest 3D printed exhibition stand, The North Star at Dubai Design Week, which opened doors at Dubai Design District on Nov. 7 and which closed on Nov 12.
Nyxo’s 3D printed pavilion
NYXO designed and built The North Star from recycled polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) to showcase how recycling can be incorporated into real-world architecture.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stands in front of the the first world functional 3D printed offices during the official opening in Dubai May 23, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
Spanning over 1,000 square feet The North Star represents pressing environmental challenges say its designers. An infinite loop generating four spaces and organising surfaces make up the pavilion, with the surfaces joining and folding together to create pockets that are continuously connected to signify in5’s legacy as start-up incubator.
The Tecom portfolio consists of 10 business districts catering to six vital knowledge-based economic sectors, including design, education, manufacturing, media, science, and technology. It provides a varied and tailor-made leasing portfolio – which includes offices, co-working spaces, warehouses, and land – to over 10,800 customers and more than 105,000 professionals.
Italian Designers Mirko and Michele Daneluzzo are also the founders of NYXO Visionary Design ( @nyxo_studio ), an architecture and product design studio based in Dubai. Via Nyxo Instagram.
The design house Nyxo has some other enchanting products, like Desert, a table 3D-printed to resemble the Emirati desert: “Desert is a table whose design is inspired by the fossil dunes of the Emirati desert. Printed with Foaming PLA, a lightweight, low-density material Desert is a sculptural coffee table whose organic curves are inspired by nature, in particular by the spontaneous fossil formations. Just as the layering of the sand over time created the fossils, so the layering of the 3d printing creates this table.”
Desert, a 3D printed table reminiscent of fossils in the Emirati desert
“The material has a porosity that graciously simulates the roughness of desert sand,” say the Italian designers at Nyxo, based in Dubai.
We also love Thigmo, a 3D designed porcelain cup set, “characterized by a relief surface that is inspired by the generative processes that we find in nature.”
Thigmo, 3D printed ceramic cup mold
Thigmo, 3D printed ceramic cup form
“The intricate veining surface is the result of a digital simulation of the behavior of growth of mycelium, the interweaving of filaments which constitutes the vegetative apparatus of fungi. The survey has a unique appearance and offers a tactile experience very stimulating, as well as allowing you to manipulate the cup in serenity even in the presence of a good hot coffee.”
A pasture system in Andorra, hay milk in Austria, areas growing chestnuts, white ginger and waxberries in China, flood-spreading gardens and a walnut cultivating region in Iran and an all-female fishery in the Republic of Korea –– these are all among the latest agricultural systems to be recognized by a UN group aiming to preserve and encourage traditional farming and fishing systems around the world. It’s like UNESCO but for food. The designation may help protect and fund such traditional cultures, but the UN groups have very little control in protecting systems, ecosystems and culture around the world.
We understood this when UNESCO heritage sites like Jonah’s tomb (from Jonah and the Whale in the Bible) were blown up in 2104 by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Terrorists went from town to town wiping out Jewish, Christian and other non-Sunni Muslim religious and cultural sites in 2014 and 2015, videotaping their exploits the way in a similar fashion to the Palestinians who joined the Hamas raid on October 7, did to Israelis and foreigners in kibbutzes and at the Supernova dance party. These people will never return and the heritage sites lost forever in the name of extremism.
But the UN says that by recognizing and supporting agricultural systems, this know-how can be passed down from generation to generation, alleviating poverty and giving people a better chance of avoiding a life in violence. The Slow Food movement is doing something in Europe. Read about the Slow Cheese Winners of the World.
Like UNESCO heritage sites, the UN is recognizing sites of agricultural significance. They are called Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) – and are part of a new database created by the UN to recognize and support culturally-rich agricultural practices around the world.
The systems, formally designated during a meeting of the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group taking place in Rome from November 7 to 10 included the first ones to be approved from Andorra and Austria. Meanwhile, additional sites in China, Iran and the Republic of Korea highlight the key role played by Asia’s traditional agricultural practices in food security and combating climate change and biodiversity loss.
Under the flagship programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the selection criteria stipulate that sites must be of global importance, have value as a public good, supporting food and livelihood security, agro-biodiversity, sustainable knowledge systems and practices, social values and culture as well as outstanding landscapes.
“Now over 20 years strong, GIAHS has proven to be a great model for showcasing longstanding practices to render agrifood systems more resilient to climate change,” said Maria Helena Semedo from the FAO.
With the newest addition to the global agricultural heritage systems list, FAO’s worldwide agricultural heritage network now consists of 86 systems in 26 countries around the globe.
The subalpine and supraforestal pastures of Andorra reflect the longstanding agropastoral system developed in this tiny landlocked country which lies almost 2,000 metres above sea level on average in the Pyrenees mountains. The local population has combined spontaneous pastures and cultivated feeding. This supports the production of livestock, bovines, ovines, horses, on free-range and extensive grazing, which can be traded for other goods and food with the neighbouring regions.
It is based on common lands and shared pastures, with the animals’ owners paying a shepherd or taking turns to protect herds from predators, freeing the rest of the farmers for other tasks.
The production of hay milk, from cattle fed on fresh grass and hay rather than fermented fodder, is as old as the keeping of dairy animals in Europe. Using hay as a nutrient-rich winter feed helps get ruminants through the vegetation-less cold season, thus ensuring the livelihood of farming families.
Hay milk used to make up most of Austria’s milk production but now it accounts for only 15 percent. Austria’s 6,500 hay milk farmers and 60 major processors have come together in the ARGE Heumilch Österreich community. It aims to preserve hay farming and communicate the benefits of this sustainable method so that a fair milk producer price can be obtained in the marketplace.
Chestnut, White Ginger and Waxberry heartlands in China
Kuancheng Traditional Chestnut Eco-Planting System in Hebei Province, China
The Kuancheng Traditional Chestnut Eco-Planting System in northern China’s Hebei Province is located in one of the first and most important areas in China to cultivate chestnuts, dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 CE). A traditional cultivation system with chestnuts as the core together with other crops, medicinal materials, and poultry industries was gradually established.
It forms an important part of the global chestnut variety resource bank and it is rich in cultural content, respecting nature and based on a form of social organisation that promotes agricultural production.
The Tongling White Ginger Plantation System forms an important part of Southern China’s ginger planting area. There are 17 varieties of ginger in the Tongling White Ginger Plantation System, and white ginger is the main variety. Semi-late rice is the main crop for rice cultivation in Tongling, with fewer early-season and late rice varieties. There are 31 main varieties of rice.
Tongling has developed key techniques for ginger plantation including ginger pavilions for seed-preserving and germination-accelerating. There are many processing recipes dating back over nearly 1,000 years such as Salt-pickled Ginger, Sauced Ginger, Sweet-and-Sour Ginger, and Sugared Ginger.
The Xianju Ancient Chinese Waxberry Composite System in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province is in an area where the cultivation of these fruit trees dates back more than 1,600 years, with many villagers tending them in combination with tea, chickens and bees. There are 100,000 farmers in the GIAHS site, of whom 26,000 are engaged in waxberry cultivation, composite planting and breeding, and other related industries.
The site has accumulated a large number of ancient waxberry genetic resources with diverse types and rich varieties. In May 2015, China’s first county-level biodiversity conservation action plan was released by the local government of Xianju County.
Flood-spreading gardens and walnut cultivation in Iran
Gardens of Qazvin Bāghestān. The traditional Gardens of Qazvin, called locally “Bāghestān-e Sonnatī” or simply “Bāghestān” are a flood-spreading system that dates back to thousands of years ago, when the city of Qazvin developed. Copyright: Mehdi Motamed
The traditional Gardens of Qazvin, northwest of Iran’s capital Tehran, are a flood-spreading system that dates back thousands of years. Situated in the foothills of the Alborz ranges, the creation of the gardens surrounding the city has protected its inhabitants from floods adapting to and taking advantage of the watershed to produce nuts and local delicacies.
By capturing, redirecting and sharing floodwaters, local communities have been able to cultivate and grow fruits all around Qazvin. Today, the system provides food and employment opportunities for people but also cools the temperature of the city and serves to replenish groundwater tables.
Traditional Walnut Agricultural System in Tuyserkan, Hamedan Province, Islamic Republic of Iran
The Traditional Walnut Agricultural System in Tuyserkan, Iran is known not just for its walnut orchards but also for its delicacies as well as its landscapes and historical monuments. Based on family-farming, the cultivation of walnuts supports the livelihoods of a major part of the households in the area.
This cultivation is mainly developed in valleys and is irrigated using water canals designed at different levels and fed mainly by rivers and springs as well as Qanats. Among the local practices is irrigating walnut trees in the cold and frost season, which farmers believe helps to eliminate pests and diseases.
Unique all-female se women fisheries in the Republic of Korea
All female fisheries Korea
The Jeju haenyeo fishing practice is a traditional subsistence fishing system predominantly carried out by women. The Haenyeo” (“sea women” in Korean) dive underwater without the aid of breathing apparatus and collect seafood such as disk abalone, horned turban, and sea mustard. They have long been engaged in a half-farming and half-fishery lifestyle.
This system is believed to be the sole fishery globally that is managed solely by women. Its primary purpose is to serve as a source of household sustenance rather than engaging in commercial fishing.The diving skills and traditional wisdom of Jeju haenyeo represent a living social system that has been listed as an intangible world heritage by UNESCO.
Australia is riding the green wave with a discernible shift towards renewable energy, which has not only led to plummeting electricity costs but also serves as a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change.
In a remarkable incident last September, a near-complete demand for electricity in eastern Australia was almost met by renewable energy. For a fleeting half-hour, the nation glimpsed a future where clean energy reigns supreme, marking a pivotal moment in Australia’s energy transition narrative.
The National Electricity Market (NEM) reported that the September quarter saw renewables supplying 38.9% of the total electricity. This uptake of clean energy has precipitated a notable dip in wholesale electricity prices, averaging at $63 per megawatt hour (MWh), a drastic reduction from last year’s $216/MWh during the same period.
This bodes well for households, heralding the prospect of diminished retail energy bills, though a sustained reduction in wholesale prices is necessary to make a significant dent in consumers’ energy expenditures.
Conversely, the traditional stalwarts of Australia’s energy sector, the coal and gas-fired power plants, are feeling the heat. With solar energy peaking during mid-day, the demand for energy from these traditional sources often dwindles, rendering them less competitive.
The burgeoning renewable energy sector is not just a harbinger of economic relief but also a significant stride towards environmental preservation. By reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, Australia is making headway in cutting down its greenhouse gas emissions, a critical step in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
This green transition is a ray of hope for marine conservationists. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions bodes well for the embattled Great Barrier Reef, which has been reeling under the devastating impacts of climate change. In particular, the efforts of organisations like the Citizens Of The Great Barrier Reef in preserving this natural wonder, have been amplified with the surge in renewable energy.
The transition to renewable energy also mirrors a global consciousness about the dire need to address environmental challenges. As renewable projects burgeon, the traditional energy market landscape is being reshaped, signalling a future where clean energy is the mainstay.
The ripple effects of this transition extend beyond the shores of Australia. As a microcosm of a global shift, Australia’s journey towards renewable energy serves as a blueprint for other nations grappling with similar energy and environmental challenges.
Australia is a sustainabilist’s dream. Nature in every city, around every corner
Moreover, the tangible benefits of this green transition underscore the symbiotic relationship between economic development and environmental preservation. It’s a testament to the potential of renewable energy in ushering in a sustainable future, both economically and ecologically.
However, transitioning to a renewable-energy dominated grid is not without its hurdles. The dwindling but still present reliance on black coal and gas pose significant challenges. Moreover, the current infrastructure needs to evolve to accommodate the influx of renewable energy, ensuring reliability and efficiency in energy supply.
The government’s role is indispensable in facilitating this transition through supportive policies, investments in grid infrastructure, and fostering innovation in energy storage solutions to handle the intermittent nature of renewable energy. Additionally, public education on the benefits and necessity of renewable energy is crucial for garnering widespread support for this transition.
In the aftermath of the severe coral bleaching events of 2016 and 2017, triggered by climate change, the urgency to find solutions became apparent. It was during this critical juncture that angel investor and environmental advocate Sandrina Postorino, joined forces with the Citizens Of The Great Barrier Reef team. Through meticulous surveys, they aimed to identify key source reefs—the resilient ones with the potential to rejuvenate the surrounding deteriorating coral reefs. This collaborative effort not only spotlighted the pressing issues facing marine ecosystems but also underscored the pivotal role renewable energy plays in fostering marine conservation, aligning with Australia’s broader narrative of transitioning towards renewable energy for the well-being of its marine life.
The synergy between marine conservation efforts and the rising tide of renewable energy is palpable. As Australia harnesses the sun and wind, the ripple effects resonate through the labyrinth of coral reefs, fostering hope for a vibrant marine ecosystem.
As Australia continues to harness the power of renewables, and individuals such as Postorino take action, the nation is not only inching closer to economic relief but also contributing significantly to the global fight against climate change. The narrative of renewable energy becomes intertwined with the broader goal of preserving the natural world, carving a pathway towards a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
The Grazie Mama was sunk off the coast of Morocco – attacked by some angry orcas
They say that loose lips sink ships, and for the fourth time in two years, it’s not just lips but orca whales sinking ships. A pod of orcas attacked a sailing boat off the coast of Morocco on Oct. 31 and didn’t stop for 45 minutes until the boat sunk. Luckily the crew sent out a mayday and everyone on board was rescued in time. We wrote about avenging orcas just this past May and see the orcas have struck again.
It wasn’t a Halloween prank, says the company that runs cruises on Grazie Mamma — a sailing yacht owned by Polish cruise company Morskie Mile. Marine zoologists believe that a specific orca was attacked by a fishing boat some years ago. She carries her trauma and has taught other orcas how to help get revenge.
The company announced, “Yesterday in the Strait of Gibraltar early afternoon our yacht was attacked by a herd of orcas. They hit the steering fin for 45 minutes, causing major damage and leakage. Despite attempts to bring the yacht to the port by the captain, crew and rescuers, port tugs and the Moroccan Navy, the unit sunk near the entrance to the port of Tanger Med. The crew is safe, unharmed and safe in Spain.
It’s been reported that orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar have been harassing boats for over three years. Most of them don’t sink.
The orcas (Orcinus orca), also known as killer whales, hit the Polish yacht’s rudder causing major damage, allowing water to enter the hull.
Attacks have been reported as early as 2020, and all come from the Strait of Gibraltar — a narrow strait between Spain and Morocco that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
The attack highlights the intelligence of killer whales.
Orca whales are attacking and sinking ships in the Strait of Gibraltar
Since 2020, this orca pod has been regularly harassing boats believed to be started by White Gladis, a female orca who may have been traumatized by a past boat collision. The whales are becoming better at sinking ships, sinking three boats since 2022. In June a rudder was ripped off a yacht in 15 minutes. We reported earlier how the whales appear to be teaching each other how to maximise damage.
“Lifeline” to be hung in every office and school in America; funds raised to rebuild a kibbutz community that terror ripped apart
It was 6:25 in the morning Oct. 7, and Gal-Lee Maroodi’s husband Omer put his ear to the window as dozens of rockets fired from Gaza hit his agricultural village, 3 miles from the Gaza Strip: “We were used to hiding in the safe rooms to protect us from rockets,” says Maroodi, 25, from Kibbutz Reim. “But this time it sounded different because there were rockets raining down on us non-stop. I told him it’s not safe by the window, but coming from a special guerilla unit in the IDF, he told me something doesn’t sound right. He heard AK-47s, machine guns that Israel would never use. He told me to take the baby and run.
Houses destroyed at Kibbutz Reim
“We dodged rockets and sped off down the road, warning others from the community that we are being attacked by terrorists. If we had been two minutes later on the road, we would have been shot,” says Maroodi, whose kibbutz is a community of 400 people that farm and run a factory for laser cut machine parts. Five people from the kibbutz were murdered; there are 6 hostages now in Gaza. She is the spokesperson for Lifeline –– an art print and historical project to document the painful communication between the kibbutz members on Oct. 7. They hope to raise money through sales of the prints to rebuild the kibbutz.
Lifeline terror text
They are coming closer. They are in my backyard. Urgent, urgent to Dvir’s house. Daria and Levi are alone. Dvir was murdered. Urgent. Please! Friends, lock the house and stay inside. Urgent, urgent. Please. The children are alone. Please.
These words are a sample from several hours of Whatsapp messages during the morning of the Hamas attack. They are inscribed on a high-quality art print, written in cursive Hebrew by kibbutz member Adi Drimer. She created the unique pattern, a mandala, as a form of therapy after the terror attack and now Kibbutz Reim members are hoping this historical print will be hung in every office, school and community center in the United States and Canada.
Mandala means ‘circle’ in Sanskrit. They are used as a spiritual guidance tool, in meditation or for creating a sacred space. For Kibbutz Reim and Jews everywhere, this mandala will be a symbol of not standing for terror, and as historical evidence that Oct. 7 will never be forgotten. All proceeds raised will go to rebuilding the kibbutz.
Art that is also an historical document
Lifeline, Kibbutz Reim
The name is Lifeline because the WhatsApp group chat was the actual lifeline for kibbutz members each in their own homes. Through the app, they managed to save two kids whose father and partner were murdered right in front of them. It helps the members tell their story: how they warned each other about invaders, about the heroic acts of men who ran through hellfire to rescue children who couldn’t close the door of the bomb shelter –– because their dad’s dead girlfriend’s arm was in the way.
While memories of the horror are still fresh, kibbutz members know they will need to rebuild their homes, and businesses, and Lifeline proceeds will help them do that: to repair factories, rebuild homes and educational centers. Every dollar raised will go towards rebuilding the community ripped apart by fire, grenades, looting and machine gun fire.
Gal-Lee Maroodi, spokesperson for Lifeline
“It’s a strange situation now because we are terrified about going back to the kibbutz, but we also miss it terribly because it’s our home,” says Maroodi whose home was used as a command center by Hamas. When her husband went back he found blood on the floor, pictures broken. “They went through everything. We heard them through our baby monitor.”
We won’t forget. We won’t let them win.
“It is such a beautiful area and we can’t let them win. If we don’t go back and rebuild the kibbutz, then they’ve won. So we need to rebuild even if it’s painful,” says Maroodi. “ She considers herself lucky as she wasn’t burned out of her safe room or murdered in front of her child:
“We could hear them tormenting people in their homes. Smacking their safe rooms and laughing. Burning their houses waiting for them to come out. One family stayed in the bomb shelter. They said, ‘We’d rather burn to death than, God knows what they will do to us, if we come out’.”
Lifeline is not an easy object to hold but it is essential:“We must never forget,” says Maroodi. “People risked their lives helping each other here. That’s the beauty of the kibbutz. We are really family. Everyone feels the pain of the other. As a Jew, or even non-Jew standing by our side, Lifeline is art that every single one of us should have; it looks like a fingerprint and it’s to make sure we will never forget Oct. 7,” she concludes.
Pakistan razing the mud home of Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban, 2023 screenshot of video below Radiofree Europe
Millions of Afghans had fled to Pakistan over the years as refugees – some from since the Taliban takeover in 2021, many from decades before. They have built homes and lives in Pakistan, some homes built from mud with their own hands, and believed they would be welcomed to stay, live and continue working in the Muslim-majority country of Pakistan. This past October, according to the BBC, Afghan refugees have have been told it’s time to return to Afghanistan.
Afghan refugee. Many were born in Pakistan but now they are being sent back to the Taliban. VOA
Pakistan is sending them back to the Taliban terror group, of which they are terrified, and is bulldozing mud homes that Afghan refugees have built over the years.
“I am very sad about leaving my house. I can’t express in words the pain I felt leaving it. Our house was made of mud, and we built it ourselves. I planted many trees there. My neighbours and friends were in tears [when I left] – It’s the cruel government that is making us leave,” says Abdullah, who has a family of 20 people all born in Pakistan, while speaking to the BBC.
Pakistan is conducting a nationwide return of Afghans and others who they say are in the country illegally. A decree was issued at the beginning of October this year that some 1.7 million Afghans must return to Afghanistan. Pakistan has seen an increase of terror attacks, of which they are linking to Afghans. But they are collectively punishing all Afghans for any Taliban involvement.
The United Nations and its aid agencies in Afghanistan posted a message on Tuesday that they urgently need funds to provide “post-arrival” assistance to hundreds of Afghan families returning from neighboring Pakistan daily to avoid arrest and deportation.
“More than 60% of arrivals are children,” a UN coordination agency said in a statement. “Their condition is desperate, with many having traveled for days, unclear of where to return to and stranded at the border.”
The Pakistani government, in early October, ordered the deportation of all foreigners without legal documents, including 1.7 million Afghans, warning those who remained in the country beyond November 1 would be arrested and expelled to their countries of origin.
Traditional mud house, Badakhshan, Afghanistan, April 16, 2021
The UN refugee agency UNHCR, migration agency IOM, together with children’s agency UNICEF, said they are “deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of children and families affected…and alarmed at the potential consequences of this plan’s implementation.”
Almost 30 million people require humanitarian assistance and 3.3 million are internally displaced inside Afghanistan amidst overlapping crises. According to the UN, since September 15, an estimated 160,000 Afghans have left Pakistan, with 86 percent of families reported fear of arrest as the most common reason for leaving.
According to the AP those that leave Pakistan come with nothing because all their property was seized at the border crossing from Pakistan. There is no food, housing, toilets on their return.
Arshad Malik, country director for Save the Children, said those returning are coming back without education documents, making it difficult for them to continue their learning, as well as lacking the local Afghan languages of Dari and Pashto because they studied Urdu and English in Pakistan.
He warned that child labor in Afghanistan as well as their involvement in smuggling are likely to increase due to poverty as most returning families were among the poorest migrants in Pakistan.
A girl in Kabul, Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, 2021
“Smuggling at Torkham by children was one of the concerns from the past, so the involvement of children in smuggling and illegal goods’ transfer will increase,” Malik said.
According to the UN, Afghans make up one of the largest refugee populations worldwide. There are 2.6 million registered Afghan refugees in the world, of whom 2.2 million are registered in Iran and Pakistan. Some are in the United States, and some are in Europe. According to Canada’s CBC news Canada has welcomed 30,000 Afghan refugees recently.
Another 3.5 million people are internally displaced, having fled their homes searching for refuge within the country. In light of the rapidly deteriorating security situation since the Taliban took over in 2021, the number of people fleeing will likely continue to rise. Meanwhile, the Taliban is visiting Iran looking to cooperate.
The Taliban returned to power in 2021 after capturing Kabul and overthrowing the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, ending the 2001–2021 war. In September 2021 the Taliban re-established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The Taliban government remains internationally unrecognized.
As officials from Mediterranean countries gather this week for the the UN’s General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) annual session in Croatia. The FAO-based group are working with NGOs urging the adoption of measures that would allow the GFCM to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and cases of non-compliance within its region – a call backed by a legal analysis published this week that shows that GFCM has the competency to impose such measures.
The Mediterranean is being overfished and damaging, illegal trawlers are killing undersea ecosystems. But with the UN’s poor track record in fighting and naming larger issues such as terrorism, it is likely that a UN group will have full faith buy-in for people fighting for fish.
The proposed system under discussion this week – which already exists in other regional fisheries management organisations – would allow the UN-run GFCM group to take action against countries that consistently disregard fishing regulations.
Several organisations of the Med Sea Alliance argue that creating a compliance mechanism is crucial for the Mediterranean’s biodiversity, fish stock recovery, and the communities that rely on marine resources.
“At the moment, the GFCM cannot act when countries systematically fail to follow its requirements on, for example, fleet control or properly reporting on their fishing activities, but with such a system in place, the GFCM could apply measures such as suspending fishing authorisations or requiring increased controls,” said Helena Álvarez, Senior Marine Scientist at Oceana in Europe. “This is a prerequisite for ensuring the survival of the Mediterranean’s unique biodiversity, to support the recovery of fish stocks and the communities that rely on marine resources”.
“The Mediterranean Sea, rich in biodiversity and vital to the livelihoods of countless fishermen, faces persistent challenges”, said Nils Courcy, Senior Jurist, Marine & Mediterranean, at ClientEarth. “Fishing rules and regulations are established through consensus, but implementation and enforcement often fall short. A compliance mechanism can help enforce regulations that prevent destructive fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, which can harm or destroy vital habitats, such as seagrass (Posidonia oceanica). This gap in enforcement endangers shared natural resources and the very existence of the fishermen who depend on them.”
A legal analysis by Professor Tullio Scovazzi – retired former professor of international law at the Universities of Parma, Genoa, Milan and Milan-Bicocca, Italy – and Professor Simone Vezzani, – professor of international and European law at the University of Perugia, Italy – confirms that the GFCM has the competency to impose corrective measures in cases of non-compliance.
The analysis was commissioned by the Med Sea Alliance, a coalition of non-governmental organisations working to improve the health and productivity of the Mediterranean Sea, in response to questions raised during the GFCM Compliance Committee meeting in May 2023 about the compatibility of such a system with international law. The legal analysis concludes that the current lack of a compliance mechanism is not a legal, but rather a political question.
“As this legal analysis shows, the only thing holding back GFCM from effectively dealing with states who don’t follow the rules is a matter of political will,” said Jesús Urios Culiañez, Environmental Justice Foundation’s lead campaigner for the Mediterranean. “This week, GFCM Members have an opportunity to make the meaningful change we need. By establishing a strong enforcement system for the conservation and management of the Mediterranean, they can protect marine ecosystems and support the livelihoods of those who rely on them. They must not let this opportunity slip away.”
In a Call to Action published during the GFCM High-level conference on MedFish4Ever initiatives, several member organisations of the Med Sea Alliance urged GFCM members to create a compliance mechanism, expand vessel tracking and that other tracking measures (AIS) and ensure that that trawl bans in the Mediterranean Sea are fully enforced and complied with to support the recovery of fish stocks and the protection of sensitive habitats.
Hair serum can be natural or pharmaceutical but great hair often starts with a good diet
Most people are pretty passionate when it comes to their hair. The average person spends countless hours washing, drying, cutting, and styling their locks throughout their lifetime. Unfortunately, your hair isn’t guaranteed to stay luscious and thick just because you take good care of it. Hair loss can happen to anyone at any time. Depending on its underlying cause, it could be mild or severe.
Whether your missing locks are from a genetic condition or excessive stress, you may be wondering what to do next. Is it possible for your hair to grow back like your nails do after you cut them? Or could it be that your condition is permanent and you have to learn how to deal with the new you? The answers to these questions may not be the same for everyone. But here are a few things you should know about available hair loss treatments and their effectiveness for regrowing hair.
Effectiveness of Available Hair Regrowth Treatments
Over the years, scientists and researchers have tried to “crack the code” to hair loss and regrowth. Through meticulous study and research, they have learned much about the top causes of balding. In response, they have developed products to help combat thinning hair caused by common conditions such as male pattern baldness and telogen effluvium. These products aren’t guaranteed to work for everyone, but they offer hopeful hair regrowth results for many people.
The following list of hair regrowth treatments isn’t a comprehensive one. But it includes some of the most well-known products and procedures available. Learn more about the details and effectiveness of each option. That way, you can make an informed decision about which one you want to try first.
Topical Solutions
Topical hair regrowth products are very popular because they’re effective, easy to use, and often easily accessible. Topical minoxidil is one of the most popular topical solutions for stopping hair loss and stimulating regrowth. It’s FDA-approved and works for many people. When it comes to the effectiveness of topical minoxidil products, concentration can matter. In one study, men who used 5% minoxidil for 48 weeks experienced45% more hair regrowth than study participants who used 2% minoxidil. Women typically can see fairly decent results with a 2% solution though.
Finasteride is another popular hair loss solution for men. It is available in both oral and topical forms. Many men choose the topical form because it’s associated with fewer side effects. Topical finasteride can help regrow scalp hair byreducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels by up to 75%. DHT is one of the key hormones linked to male pattern baldness. Finasteride often isn’t recommended for women because of the possibility of birth defects.
Supplements
In addition to hair regrowth medications, you also have the option to take nutritional supplements for your thinning locks. Most hair supplements contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, or herbs believed to slow hair loss and promote new growth. Nutrafol and Viviscal are two popular options. Nutrafol contains biotin (a B vitamin), vitamins A and C, and an herb called saw palmetto. Many users report improved hair growth after about six months of consistent use.
Viviscal is another supplement with a similarly good track record. It contains marine collagen, which provides amino acids that the body can use to create hair. Like Nutrafol, it also contains biotin. The body uses this vitamin to produce keratin, which is a key component of hair. A biotin deficiency can lead to hair thinning, so it’s important to supplement with this vitamin if you have hair problems.
Hair Transplants
A hair transplant is a type of surgery that moves hair from one portion of the head to another. It’s also commonly referred to as hair replacement or hair restoration. For many people, hair transplants are a last resort for hair regrowth. They’re more invasive than the other treatments mentioned here. However, they’re also highly effective and offer permanent results.
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is a method that moves a skin flap from the rear of the head to the top areas experiencing thinning. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a method that takes follicles one at a time from one location and implants them to another. When it comes to effectiveness, high-end clinics report that both options have around 99% success rates. However, FUE is often preferred because it’s less invasive and causes less noticeable scarring.
Prosthetics
Of course, if all other treatments fail, there’s always the possibility of using hair prosthetics. These are wigs or hairpieces that may cover the entire head or only the balding portions. There is nothing wrong with wearing a wig, especially if you’re dealing with irreversible hair loss.
The nice thing about prosthetics is that they are very effective at covering up balding areas. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about spending money on a method that may not end up working well for you.
No matter what’s causing your hair loss, you don’t have to settle for thin or balding hair. Give the hair regrowth treatments above a try. In many cases, taking quick action could be the difference between reversible and irreversible balding. Don’t wait to see if your hair stops falling out on its own. Be proactive to increase your chance of being able to regrow your beautiful locks.
Blood diamonds, or diamonds mined from countries that use slave labor and low wages to harvest diamonds are out. Vintage diamonds are in, but if you want maximum bling and want to buy a few carats, your best bet in style and cut will be a lab-grown diamond.
My small-town jeweller in Ontario, Canada says that he can’t tell the difference and will only buy lab-grown diamonds after his mined diamond stock runs out. Bigger diamonds are preferred and the biggest, unless you are married to the prince of Saudi Arabia, will be out too.
She wants bling, so make is sustainable and a lab-grown diamond
So we thought to bring you some solid choices from companies around the world who grow their diamonds in a lab. You can shop in person or online for your ring, and some if they know what they are looking for and can be guaranteed a good return policy. Lab-grown diamonds are known by different names: cultured diamonds, man made diamonds, synthetic diamonds are a few. A carat and a half of a synthetic diamond (1.5 carats) starts at $2000 USD, so don’t expect cubic zirconium prices.
We are talking about real diamonds, made in a laboratory under pressure, in a week and a half inside a large appliance with conditions that are just like in nature, but sped up with the help of pressure.
Leading lab-grown diamond manufacturers in the world?
VRAI is a new diamond retailer selling diamond engagement rings online. They are lab-grown, which means eco, sustainable and cartel-free
Some of the companies that manufacture lab diamonds sell only directly to shops or wholesalers while others sell directly to the consumer. Large and important purchases are probably best made in person, while sizing your ring. But we know that people trust online shopping so the below list includes wholesale companies as well as those who do direct to consumer purchases.
Clean Origin
Clear Origin is a US based company that lets you customize size, cut clarity, setting and a pile of other things that might be important to you. This company sells directly to consumer and the price range for a round, 1/5 carat in a gold setting is about $1500 USD.
Vibranium Lab
Vibranium Lab is a London-based company that also does direct to consumer shipping, with a list of customizable details that you can select. The cost for a 1.5 carat round diamond is about $2500 USD. Being in a central hub likes London makes it easier for returns or changes in settings.
James Allen
James Allen has a really visual site that lets you see a large ranges of diamond cuts, not in illustration format. The US-based company does direct to consumer shipping and custom orders. They are known for variety so if you want to be dazzled go to James Allen.
Blue Nile
Blue Nile is an online jewellery retailer founded in 1999. It is based in Seattle, Washington. As of February 2017, it is a subsidiary of Bain Capital. They mainly lead you to their conflict-free diamonds, with 1.5 carats starting around $5000 USD. But if you dig around a bit you find their expansion into lab diamonds. The series is called Lightbox.
Ritani
Ritani, from White Plains, NY has a better landing page when you enter than Blue Nile, helping you chose earth-grown diamonds over a lab diamond. Choose your own adventure.
Diamond Foundry
Diamond Foundry is a producer of lab grown diamonds in San Francisco, California, USA. They have about 120 employees, so it’s an established company. I like their advertising, “compressed greenhouse gas.” Which goes on, “Just diamond. No mining. No carbon emissions. No cartel pricing.
VRAI
VRAI, which means “real” or “true” or “right” in french, is a fine jewellery brand specialising in ethical, man-made diamonds. Using recycled gold and utilising unusual diamond shapes their modern take on luxury jewellery makes for great heirlooms. In terms of settings, they go for a minimalistic “hipster” feel which I like. They are considered best for premium cuts. Visit a showroom to help you select.
12FIFTEEN
Environmentally superior lab grown diamonds at a fraction of the cost. Welcome to diamonds made simple, says 12FIFTEEN based in Franklin, Wisconsin.
Pandora
Pandora offers its Brilliance collection, a range of lab-created diamond jewellery, and every piece features a round, brilliant cut gemstone.
Queensmith
Queensmith is a UK-based diamond seller offering lab diamonds as identical to the ones found in nature.
Noemie
Noemie diamonds are the best lab grown diamonds if you are looking for delicate styles.
Lark and Berry
Lark and Berry do classic rings best.
Swarovski
Swarovski is a glass-based company that somehow managed to market crystal, that look like my Polish aunt’s serving chalices, into luxury goods. The company is now expanding into lab-grown diamonds. They are based in Austria.
Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth is one of the leading brands in marketing sustainable or cruelty-free diamonds. Our lab grown diamonds display the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds, and exhibit the same fire and scintillation.
Have a brand to add? Contact our sustainable luxury editor at [email protected] or enter the name in the comments below.
In this image from surveillance video aired by Iranian state television, women pull 16-year-old Armita Geravand from a train car on the Tehran Metro in Tehran, Iran, October 1, 2023. (Iranian state television)
The despotic enforcers of Iran’s “hijab law” have claimed another victim in the name of religion. In a mysterious incident reported a few weeks ago in international press, a young woman Armita Geravand, just 16 was injured going into the Tehran Metro in Iran. She was in a coma for a few weeks and has since died. Her death takes place a year after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini which unleashed a flurry of protests in Iran: Mahsa was taken into custody, sustained injuries in some sort of mysterious way, and then died in the hands of the police not long after. Same story.
A teenage Iranian girl who fell into a coma after she was allegedly assaulted by the country’s morality police for not wearing a headscarf has died, according to Iranian state media.
Women who defy Iran’s mandatory headscarf-wearing, or hijab, law is a clear sign that they are unhappy with the Iranian regime. Iran is a theocracy that disappears environmental activists, whistleblowers, journalists (one we interviewed was later disappeared) and people who practice homosexuality. You will even go to jail if you dance in an Instagram or TikTok video in Iran. Or if you try to save lakes, like the protestors working to save Lake Urmia from dying up.
Iran drafted a Hijab and Chastity Bill—which is a draft law consisting of 70 articles—all which would increase punishments for those seen wearing a “western” dress code, and which challenges the ethics put in place by the Islamic Republic. Increased fines and jail time, and AI cameras to catch the violators is part of the Morality Police code of tools.
Armita Geravand
What happened to Geravand when she entered the train on October 1 remains a big question. A friend told a local TV station that she hit her head on the platform, but soundless footage offers no clues and it is likely that those who truly know are afraid of being silenced with a gun –– the same “silencing” that will happen to you in Gaza if you do not comply with the Hamas code, which is rule of the jungle.
TIME offers a great background on the law and how it can be enforced in Iran.
According to the Norway-based human rights group Hengaw which interviewed her two friends, Geravand was assaulted by the morality police for not wearing a head covering. She fell and hit her head and was admitted into the hospital with “severe brain injuries”. The Iranian regime have denied any physical confrontation took place. They said she fainted from low blood pressure, a similar stance taken after Mahsa Amini was murdered for the same offence.
Iran has a reputation for evaporating people, or for whisking them away and brainwashing them until they lose a part of themselves like the Godfather of blogging Hossein Derakhshan we interviewed in the past –– or Soheil Arabi who was sentenced to death for his Facebook posts.
What the footage did catch is Geravand’s limp body being carried away. Now she is dead for wanting her her free hair to blow in the wind.
This video shows why #ArmitaGaravand, Iranian schoolgirl got beaten by hijab police & killed.
Cameras are everywhere to identify & arrest unveiled women. But see how bravely she was walking unveiled to show her resistance to forced hijab.
She’s a hero.
Iranian journalist activist Masih Alinejad writes on X: “This regime excels at suppressing and killing women, all while negotiating and forging ties with Western politicians. How many more innocent girls need to perish before Western countries realize that this regime is irredeemable?
“This is the very regime that not only oppresses its citizens but also instigates unrest in Ukraine, Israel, Iraq, and Syria. After decades of atrocities by this totalitarian Islamic regime, the world must finally take a stand and hold them accountable.”
