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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Pretty lizzie dares the Thar noon
Only those as mad as a hatter would venture into the noon / afternoon heat of the Thar desert for a foodie binge. But for the Brilliant Ground agama (Trapelius / Agama agilis Olivier), a lesser known lizard and commonly confounded by locals with a girgit/korkirla (Garden lizard), the inferno of the desert is best suited for predation on insects and its own safety. This is precisely the time, as the wise lizard knows, the avian hunters such as falcons, hawks and eagles will have beaten a retreat to a shady 'thikana'. Insects, too, are active at this infernal time in the native flora of the Thar: Kheep, Ber, Jaal, Kumbat, Aak etc. Insects feed on foliage and lay eggs, and in turn are gobbled by the 'lizards who duel at high noon'. The lizard is a burrowing species, with the female adapted to dig into the soil for nesting and protection while the male simply slithers under the Thar rocks. 'In summer, male lizards always stay in the open. As temperatures can rise to 55°C, male lizards also get affected by the heat but they counter the onslaught by changing into beautiful colours, which are known to be less absorbent of debilitating sun rays. To humans, it may appear that the lizard has turned magically into a gorgeous creature but the stark colouration changes are critical for survival. So, the head and abdomen changes from the standard dull brown, sandy colour into a vivid blue peppered with white spots while the tail turns yellowish-orange. The male's entire lower surface turns white,' principal of the SBK Government PG College, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, and professor of zoology, Shyam Sunder Meena, told this writer. Meena was the first to venture into the field and study this neglected species of the Thar, resulting in a research paper: Sexual Selection and Sexual Dimorphism in Agama agilis. 'To further cut down on heat absorption, male lizards alternatively move their legs up and down to minimise contact with the warm surface. They also select perches on foliage which are 6-9 feet above the hot earth,' Meena added. The monsoons tail this cuckoo The very early advent of the monsoons this year has manifested itself in avian form. The Pied or Jacobin cuckoo, which is partly a resident species as also a summer migrant from Africa, has been spotted pretty early. The cuckoo migrates to the northern regions of India to lay eggs surreptitiously in the nests of other birds, especially the Turdoides babblers. Cuckoo chicks are then reared by surrogate babbler parents in what is known as 'brood parasitism'. A very early record for Punjab came on May 24, 2025, when birder Manish Ahuja spotted a cuckoo on a power transmission wire just outside Ferozepur. This writer heard a cuckoo late at night the next day in Sector 19 A, Chandigarh. The earliest record for the cuckoo as far as the tricity is concerned is May 23, 2009, when this writer observed one at the 16th hole of the Shivalik Golf Club (SEPTA), Chandimandir. Ebird India, which collates data on avian sightings, shows an unusual record. Samay Srivastava recorded a migrating cuckoo at the Jalvayu Towers Society, Gurugram, on May 1, 2025! Ebird also shows cuckoo records of May 18 and May 23, 2025, from Uttarakhand. The migratory component of the cuckoos is adept at harnessing monsoon winds blowing from the Horn of Africa to migrate 1,500-2,000 km to the Indian coastline and then fly further inland. The pattern that seems to come across is that the monsoon winds come in from the south west but the rains spread southeast to northwest in India. The cuckoos come in with the winds but then spread over India with the rains, southeast to northwest. Due to the cuckoo's augury of the impending monsoon, the bird enjoys cultural resonance, including a reference in Kalidas' Meghdoot as the 'Chataka': '(O cloud) the wind will be favourable, Slow and soft for thee and waft thee ahead, Close on thy left, The Chataka or the Rain lark, Will sing sweetly.' vjswild2@
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Minnesota State Fair announces 2025 free music, entertainment lineup
The free music and entertainment lineup for this year's Minnesota State Fair has been confirmed. The State Fair announced the list of performers will combine for more than 900 free shows at the fairgrounds over the course of the 12-day Great Minnesota Get-Together. Arguably the most sought-after free shows come in the evenings at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell, with singer-songwriter Rachel Platten, Mexican-American rock group Los Lobos, and Minnesota's own indie-pop artist Ber are among the headliners. There are dozens more acts performing on the various stages during the day and evening, with the full list of confirmed performers found below: Rachel Platten – Aug. 21 & 22 at 8:30 p.m. Arrested Development – Aug. 23 & 24 at 8:30 p.m. Los Lobos – Aug. 25 & 26 at 8:30 p.m. Tayler Holder – Aug. 27 & 28 at 8:30 p.m. Karla Perez: Selena The Show – Aug. 29 & 30 at 8:30 p.m. Ber – Aug. 31 & Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. The 34th Infantry Division 'Red Bull' Band Church of Cash Country Roads: The Music of John Denver Davina and The Vagabonds Dylan Salfer Jason Scott & The High Heat Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen Mariachi Campanas de America Matt Vee & The Killer Vees Celebrate the Music of Neil Diamond MPLS the band MSF Amateur Talent Contest Semifinals sponsored by Chase Parrothead Paradise – A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Rosie Flores Sarah Gayle Meech and The Meech Boys Sarah Morris Sean Ardoin Sweet Colleens Talking Dreads Tonic Sol-fa Deke Dickerson & The Whippersnappers – Aug. 21 & 22 at 8 p.m. Jonah Marais – Aug. 23 & 24 at 8 p.m. Poppa Bear Norton – Aug. 25 & 26 at 8 p.m. Lady Midnight – Aug. 27 & 28 at 8 p.m. First Avenue Goes To The Fair – Aug. 29 & 30 at 8 p.m. Joyann Parker – Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. & Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Cindy Lawson Cole Diamond Gary Rue's Magic Carpet Ride Ken Valdez Los Rebeldes Mary Bue Mother Banjo MNHS presents History On-A-Schtick Nicholas David Steve Solkela U.S. Navy Band Country Current Uncle Muskrat Wild Horses Sounds of Santana Starring Joe Cruz – Aug. 21 & 22 at 8 p.m. The Belfast Cowboys – Aug. 23 & 24 at 8 p.m. Jaybee and The Routine – Aug. 25 & 26 at 8 p.m. The Cedar Cultural Center Presents The Global Get-Together – Aug. 27 & 28 at 8 p.m. Malamanya – Aug. 29 & 30 at 8 p.m. Pam McNeill – Janis, Stevie, Dolly, and Me – Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. & Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca BATO BATO! Café Accordion Orchestra Gizzae Hank Thunander Band Intoxicats Jack Brass Band Los Elegidos De La Música Norteña Native Pride Dancers PanAtics TigerByteFace Tyte Phitt Brad Weston The Chipper Experience! Where Comedy & Magic Collide! The Dollipops Hip Hop Juggler Kenny Ahern Lizzy – Comedy Stage Hypnosis Monster Shop Bump'n MSF County Fair Talent Contest Armenian Dance Ensemble of Minnesota Art of Dance Studio Cinema Ballroom Dance Studio Dance and Entertainment Studios Daybreak Collective House of Dance Keri Simonson's Salsa Dance Line Dance Minnesota Line Dance with Billie Mactír Academy of Irish Dance Minnesota Africans United Minnesota Polka Dancers Miss Shannon's Sock Hop Pleasant Valley Cloggers Prairie Fire Choir Rhythm & Swing Rince na Chroi Irish Dance River City Cloggers Somali Museum Dance Troupe Square Dance Federation of Minnesota Tango Society of Minnesota West Coast Swing Wild Rose Cloggers Young Fiddlers Association of Minnesota Zumba® Fitness All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash and Timberworks Lumberjack Show at The North Woods Stage The daily parade at 2 p.m. with floats, special guests, the State Fair High School Marching Band Competition and more. Arts A'Fair, a celebration of performing arts in Minnesota with pop-up dance, theater and musical showcases (schedule to be announced) Mia Dorr's Premier Karaoke in The Garden.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
South Punjab losing native vegetation
Once the silent guardians of South Punjab's rural and urban landscapes, native trees that stood tall for decades are now vanishing, falling victim to rapid urbanisation, agricultural expansion and environmental neglect. About three decades ago, the region's villages and towns were dotted with indigenous species like Kikar, Shisham, Ber, Toot, Neem and Bohar. These trees, not only provided shade, shelter and sustenance but also formed an essential part of the region's cultural, spiritual and ecological identity. Today, their presence has drastically declined, and with them, a vital chapter of South Punjab's environmental and cultural heritage is fading. The decline of these trees is not just about biodiversity loss, it represents a cultural erosion. In many rural areas, the banyan tree was seen as a gathering place as its vast shade provided refuge from the desert sun. Children played on its hanging roots, and elders held community meetings beneath its branches. Neem, known for its medicinal value, was often planted near homes and mosques, while Shisham and Kikar were central to the furniture craft that once thrived in cities like Multan and Bahawalpur. The aggression expansion of agriculture has led to the clearance of native trees for cultivation. Environmental experts suggest that reintroducing native tree plantations along canals, roadsides, schools and government offices can help restore the ecological balance. Creating awareness among schoolchildren about the cultural and medicinal importance of indigenous trees can foster a sense of ownership in the younger generation. Community-based tree adoption programmes and incentives for farmers to maintain old trees on their land can also make a difference. According to forest department sources, tree plantations are under way on government land under the Plant for Pakistan project.
Irish Times
28-04-2025
- General
- Irish Times
What will €260,000 buy in Limerick city and west Cork?
Town Ard na Gréine, 3 Castleview Gardens, Clancy Strand, Limerick city €259,000, O'Connor Murphy This house is on a quiet, narrow and gated lane minutes from the city's Clancy boardwalk. The three-bedroom detached house has great bones but would benefit from modernisation. Extending to 111sq m (1,194sq ft), it has lofty ceilings upstairs and, subject to planning permission, new owners could install the livingroom and kitchen there, possibly adding a deck to take advantage of the view of St John's Castle, with steps down into the big garden. There is room to grow all the fruit and veg you can eat. Plus There is scope to live here and upgrade it gradually Minus Parking on the lane is tight Mill Cove, Droumgunna, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork, P85K500 Country Mill Cove, Droumgunna, Rosscarbery, Co Cork €265,000, Hodnett Forde This 1950s classic double-fronted three-bedroom bungalow almost 3km east of Rosscarbery is painted a restful sage green. Inside it's a soft-pink colourscape in its smartly tiled entrance hall, with upgraded floors throughout and a newly installed bathroom. With a G Ber, it still needs some upgrading but the key selling point here is the view out along Mill Cove, and, for the boating, fishing and swimming enthusiasts, the nearby slipway. The 74sq m (800sq ft) property is on half an acre of land. READ MORE Plus The stellar sea views Minus The G Ber will need upgrading
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
On third anniversary, Ukrainians in Northwest Indiana concerned with path forward in Russia-Ukraine war
Olena Ber woke up at 6 a.m. June 2 to a message from her brother's commanding officer that made her stomach drop. 'Give me a call as soon as possible,' the message read. 'I knew something happened,' said Ber, who grew up in Kiev, Ukraine, and now lives in St. John. Her brother Oleg Savchenko joined the Ukraine army in 2014 when Russia occupied and annexed Crimea from Ukraine. He rose through the ranks and became a sergeant, Ber said. When Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, Savchenko was sent to the front lines, Ber said. On June 1, Savchenko was with a four-man unit in a red-zone area along the front lines when a missile hit a nearby building and he was crushed by debris. He died instantly. Savchenko, 36, left behind four children, his wife, his mother and two sisters, Ber said. 'I was screaming,' Ber, 34, said when the commanding officer told her the news. But she had to collect herself quickly because she had to tell their mom and Savchenko's wife, who live in Ukraine. When their mother picked up the phone, she told Ber she was happy to hear from her. Ber asked her to take a seat, and their mother immediately asked what happened. 'When I told her, she was screaming from the top of her lungs. She was crying and she said, 'That is not true.' Of course, nobody wanted to believe it,' Ber said. Ber said she flew to Kyiv a few days later, and she stayed for a month to organize the funeral and be with family. During the funeral, Savchenko's youngest daughter, who was 4 years old, looked at the closed coffin and asked her family: 'My daddy is sleeping there. He's just tired. He's coming back, right?' 'Nobody took it well,' Ber said, wiping tears from her eyes. Savchenko helped raise her, Ber said, and he taught her to be a good person, to be generous and to have a big heart. 'He always told me, 'That's how it has to be. If you have it, if you can give it, just give it,'' Ber said. Throughout the war, Savchenko and Ber would talk on the phone and send each other messages. He would always ask about her and always asked her to tell her something good that was happening in her life. 'He was like, 'I just want to make sure you have a good life and I'm going to be happy to hear something is good with you',' Ber said. 'You feel guilty about it because you live here.' The last three years have been mentally exhausting and draining, Ber said. The first thing she does every morning is look at her phone and check for messages from her mother, she said. 'Okay, mom's still alive. That's how the morning start,' Ber said. To help her throughout the war, Ber said she's been leaning on the Ukrainian community and participating in various events, like making pierogi, at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church in Munster. Volodymyr Kushnir, the pastor of the church, said Ukrainians are very concerned about the war — especially after the political shift in the U.S. 'The way it goes is not the way we hoped,' Kushnir said. 'We just need a little bit more support from the U.S. and the president to finish it.' U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian officials this week to begin conversations about ending the war in Ukraine, but no officials from Ukraine were invited to the meeting. After the meeting, President Donald Trump claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a dictator and that Ukraine started the war. Ukraine, which doesn't have the military power that Russia does, did not start the war, Ber said. It wasn't right to start peace deal conversations without Ukraine at the table, she said. The Trump administration's actions and statements about the war in Ukraine have been heartbreaking, Ber said. 'He needs to bite his tongue. He never filter what he say, Trump. He needs to filter his language,' Ber said. Dina Spechler, a political science professor with Indiana University Bloomington, rebuked the idea that Ukraine started the war. Trump likely said that because Russian President Vladimir Putin believes Ukraine started the war, but that doesn't make it true, Spechler said. Putin has always viewed Ukraine as having 'natural ties' to Russia, Spechler said, which to an extent is true because they have linguistic and cultural similarities. Putin has also wanted Russia to regain dominant influence over the former Soviet Union states, she said. When Putin became President in 2000, he wanted Ukraine to maintain a leadership that was loyal to Moscow and not the West, Spechler said. Ukrainian leadership has shifted from leaders who are pro-Russia and leaders who are pro-West, she said. In 2004, during the Orange Revolution, Viktor Yushchenko was elected Ukraine's third president and he wanted Ukraine to align more with the West, Spechler said. At a conference in Munich in 2007, Putin gave a speech about the threat of NATO expansion and called it 'a hostile action,' Spechler said. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is a treaty signed in Washington D.C. in 1949 by 12 founding members with the aim of creating mutual assistance to counter any action taken by the Soviet Union to take control of Eastern Europe. By 2008, NATO, which was ultimately agreed to by 32 countries, held a summit during which the U.S., under President George Bush, and Poland pushed for Ukrainian membership in NATO, Spechler said, which not all NATO countries were excited about. NATO members compromised by stating that Ukraine and Georgia could one day be welcomed in NATO and to start developing an action plan to help the countries prepare, Spechler said. To this day, neither country has joined NATO. But, that NATO action 'crossed a red line' in Putin's eyes, Spechler said. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and encouraged and aided Russian separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, the two Eastern portions of Ukraine, to gain autonomy from Ukraine, Spechler said. Leading up to 2022, Spechler said there wasn't an event that took place for Russia to start a war in Ukraine. Putin was increasingly worried about Ukraine joining NATO and the eastern expansion of NATO, she said. 'We know that there had been a very gradual, but very substantial, build up for months of Russian troops on the Ukraine border,' Spechler said. 'The deciding factor may have been some perception or assessment of the readiness of those troops to go in.' As Putin calculated the start of the war in 2022, Spechler said he likely took into account that the West didn't intervene militarily in 2014. Putin anticipated Russian soldiers would be welcomed and wouldn't meet a strong resistance, she said. 'The lead troops in the Russian invasion in 2022 were in dress uniforms. They thought they would have a parade, they would enter Kyiv and the population would support them and the Ukraine military would be easily overwhelmed and that would be that,' Spechler said. Putin didn't properly calculate that Ukraine had a stronger army compared to 2014 and that the West would support Ukraine through military funding, Spechler said. 'It was a colossal miscalculation on Putin's part,' Spechler said. Working with Trump, Putin will likely get the upper hand in any peace negotiations, Spechler said. Putin likely won't achieve what he hoped for when he invaded Ukraine three years ago, which is total Russian control over Ukraine, but he'll walk away from the table with some wins, she said. Putin has recently stated that his main goal now is guarantees from Ukraine and NATO that Ukraine will never join NATO, Spechler said. 'I can't see Zelenskyy signing on to such a deal, but I can see Trump exerting a lot of pressure on Zelenskyy,' Spechler said. Trump doesn't view the Russia-Ukraine war as an American problem, Spechler said. Under Trump, military aid to Ukraine will likely end altogether, Spechler said. Trump has also stated he would roll back sanctions against Russia, which could lead to European countries rolling back their sanctions because they are less effective without U.S. sanctions, she said. While Russia has been economically impacted by the war, Ukraine has been devastated as cities and towns have been largely destroyed, Spechler said. Critical infrastructure like the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant have been threatened or damaged. Without military aid to Ukraine, it's hard to tell how much longer Ukraine an sustain the war effort, she said. If ending the war meant Ukraine gave up some of its territory, Ber said she could accept that. Oksana Kushnir, the pastor's wife, said Ukraine can't give up territory after three years of fighting. 'The simplest way (to end the war) is to ask Putin to leave Ukraine land. After all these years, we can't just give up,' Oksana Kushnir said. akukulka@
