Latest news with #Hummingbirds
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Young filmmakers celebrate a radical yet joyful approach to life with ‘Hummingbirds'
Silvia Del Carmen Castaños was a student in a Laredo, Texas, high school when the budding cineaste submitted a short piece to a community film festival. 'I wasn't allowed to go because I had bad grades at school,' says Castaños, who uses they/them pronouns. However, New York-based documentarian Jillian Schlesinger did attend and saw the film. 'It got third place, but it got first place in Jillian's heart,' Castaños adds. Schlesinger, along with partner Miguel Drake-McLaughlin, had been working with student filmmakers in a local magnet arts program, with hopes of finding young visionaries to support in a collaborative production. She was 'totally blown away by the voice and creativity and craft' of Castaños' work, Schlesinger says, and quickly got in touch with her via Facebook Messenger. 'My mom was like, 'You better not go meet this random lady,'' says Castaños, who went anyway. 'I still have my kidneys and, in fact, we made a beautiful film.' That film is 'Hummingbirds,' a lyrical, nonfiction portrait of best friends — Castaños, who was then 18, and Estefanía 'Beba' Contreras, then 21 — and their dreams, anxieties and misadventures as captured in 2019, months before the pandemic reordered the world. The artists and activists, Mexican immigrants in a border town on the Rio Grande, tilt at policies targeting not only their families and neighbors but their bodies — amid sequences of chaotic abandon and stargazing reverie. Broadcast on the PBS 'POV' showcase, 'Hummingbirds' won a grand jury prize at the 2023 Berlinale and also was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. 'We always knew we were going to be stars,' jokes Contreras, a gifted musician who directed the film with Castaños. The pair joined Schlesinger and Drake-McLaughlin — who formed a supporting production team of four co-directors with Ana Rodriguez-Falcó and Diane Ng — on a recent Zoom chat. 'It didn't feel like there was a lot of pressure to do something super extraordinary. It felt like we were doing a little school project with Silvia, and at the end, the credits [would be] all of our names, over and over and over and over,' Contreras says. While the film's celebration of feminist bonding and subversive antics shares an energy with movies like 'Ghost World' and the Czech classic 'Daisies,' the filmmakers credit Sean Baker as an inspiration. ''The Florida Project' is the rave,' says Castaños. Another more direct influence was the 2016 Polish film 'All These Sleepless Nights,' a so-called docufiction about a friendship between two young men on the Warsaw party scene. 'We didn't watch that many documentaries,' Schlesinger says, 'but we did steal a lot of production process stuff.' Besides stocking long-lasting camera batteries, the filmmakers sought ways to enhance the intimacy of each shoot. 'Not everyone who was behind the camera was also in front of the camera, but everyone who was in front of the camera was also behind the camera, if that makes sense.' Much of the film's easy, spontaneous flow arises naturally from the charismatic personalities of its subjects, already seasoned as storytellers of their own lives from an early age. 'Snapchat was the whole thing,' Castaños says. 'Social media really ruled the world when we were younger.' The filmmakers' instincts liberate the project from the canned, reality-television vibe that often compromises coming-of-age documentaries. 'We tried really hard to come up with something like fiction, but at the end of the day … it just started to become really important that we show just our normal, regular lives of being, and being silly, and what we were going through,' Contreras says. 'And there was no need for us to add anything extra.' Although shot nearly six years ago, in what now feels like another era, the political and social issues that underscore the story with such tension are even more present today. The movie is too relevant to be consigned to a time capsule. 'You don't really see it happen, but Beba and I went through a lot,' Castaños says. 'We had to board up windows and ICE raids were going on in every neighborhood, and it felt really scary. Having to teach your younger siblings not to trust figures of authority. That's very intense. Obviously, it's happening again right now. The issue is it's always happening, but it gets worse.' They cite the book 'Joyful Militancy: Building Thriving Resistance in Toxic Times,' by Carla Bergman and Nick Montgomery, as a useful touchstone. 'I talk a lot about how joy is rarely comfortable — but there is something radical about creating community and being joyful,' Castaños says. 'We're going to fly our kites. We're going to try and live our lives despite that fear. And I think that is very radical, right?'
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Hummingbird migration map: See where hummingbirds have been spotted in Wisconsin
The migration of the world's tiniest feathered fliers is in full swing. As of May 1, ruby-throated hummingbird sightings in the U.S. have been reported from Key Largo at the southern tip of Florida to as far north as Hayward, Wisconsin, according to Hummingbird Central. A variety of hummingbirds have also been spotted along the West Coast, including Anna's Hummingbirds along the California coast and Rufus Hummingbirds in the Pacific Northwest. Black chin Hummingbirds were sighted across Texas, while the Broad-tailed Hummingbird species was seen in Colorado. An interactive map Wisconsin eBird shows that the popular Ruby-throated hummingbird has been spotted in every county in the state. The map records daily sightings from amateur birders. A similar map on Hummingbird Central shows that the tiny bird, which begins its migration from its wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico, has taken up residence across the eastern half of the U.S. For many Wisconsin residents, spring hasn't arrived until the first Robin has been spotted. However, hummingbird aficionados are just dedicated. As the little birds begin making their way further north, following nectar sources such as flowers and feeders, sightings begin trickling in. According to reports on Hummingbird Central, the first sighting in Wisconsin was recorded on April 17 in Eagle River. One early birder in Kenosha spotted the first Ruby-throated Hummingbird on April 18 and noted, "Earliest ever for us. Glad I had feeders up!" A birder in Hayward County spotted a male hummingbird on April 30 and commented on the early arrival. Hummingbird sightings in Fond du Lac and Brown counties were reported on April 28, while the tiny birds were spotted at feeders along Lake Michigan from April 23 through April 30. Sightings in Stevens Point and Wausau were recorded on April 28 and April 30. Bird watchers in southeast Wisconsin reported 'on time' arrivals in Belgium Mequon, Brookfield, New Berlin and Wales. A Menomonee Falls birder reported their first sighting on the last day of April, exclaiming "So excited to finally see one!" You can follow Hummingbird Central's live map throughout the spring and summer, as well as report your own sightings here. More: Will April showers continue into May and stall fieldwork for farmers? What do forecasters say? More news: For some farm families, grieving the loss of a loved one comes with an added burden: a hefty tax bill The best way to encourage hummingbirds to your yard is to plant plenty of food resources for them. You should ideally grow a variety of nectar-producing flowers, with feeders to supplement when blooms are in short supply, according to the UW-Madison Department of Horticulture. The department also recommends staggering bloom times to make sure hummingbirds have a food source for the entire season, as well as providing a source of water and trees or tall shrubs for nesting and perching. Make sure to avoid using pesticides that kill small insects that hummingbirds regularly eat. Here are some of the best Midwestern plants to grow for hummingbirds, according to UW-Madison. There are many other plants that will also attract the birds, so find a longer list here. Cuphea, especially "David Verity" cuphea plants Cardinals Coral honeysuckle Beebalm Texas or scarlet sage Blue anise sage Amateur birders can report and track their daily bird sightings on the following sites: Wisconsin eBird: Allows you to report and track your daily sighting from your birding excursions. You can also see real-time bird sightings from other birders across the state. Wisconsin Society of Ornithology: Provides information to document rare birds and how to use eBird for seasonal reports. The Great Backyard Bird Count: A global project to record bird abundance and distribution. You can contribute by reporting your observations of Wisconsin birds. Report a rare bird: This information is used for species on Wisconsin's Natural Heritage Working List. Report a sick or dead bird by using the directory of wildlife rehabilitators or contacting your local DNR office. This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Here's where hummingbirds have been sighted in Wisconsin this spring
Wall Street Journal
03-04-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
The Best Juicers to Buy Now, According to the Pros
When you shop for an electric juicer, you'll find a few different types, including citrus, masticating and centrifugal. We polled top bartenders on the models they rely on now to produce fresh juices on demand. While Sunkist's citrus juicers have an undeniable and devoted following among bar pros, we focused on testing masticating and centrifugal juicers. You can use both to juice peeled citrus, and they have broader applications, too, processing everything from cucumbers and ginger to fresh herbs and peak summer peaches into juice you can use in cocktails and non-alcoholic mixed drinks–or just guzzle on its own. Many of today's juicers can also be used to make nut milks—which certainly seems virtuous but can also be a pathway to homemade orgeat syrup for your Mai Tais. Our list of standouts came down to these three juicers, each at a different price point. This masticating juicer has many parts, but it's relatively easy to clean—much of it can go in the dishwasher. And since it's blade-less, you won't risk slicing your hand. Of the juicers we tested, this was the quietest and slowest, an important trait when it comes to cold-pressing. The yield impressed us, especially with ingredients like apples and cucumbers. This is the machine used at New York's Le Veau d'Or and the key to its Trou Normand cocktail, made with Granny Smith apple juice and freezer-cold Blanche Armagnac. Breville cold-press juicers have found a following among bartenders both for their speed and the way they aerate juices. At Public Parking in Madison, Wis., co-owner JR Mocanu swears by this one for juicing limes for daiquiris, among many other uses. 'We peel the fruit and throw the whole lime in. It gets a little bitterness from the pith and adds a ton of air to give the cocktail a frothy, pillowy texture,' he said. While most juicers require you to do a lot of chopping, this one's chute is so wide we found we could drop in whole beets, apples and even a quartered pineapple. Available in a variety of different colors, it lives up to its XL name with a 70-ounce pitcher, nice for entertaining. Produced by a family-run company in Buffalo, N.Y., the Hummingbird is an appliance to keep on the countertop. Large, heavy and incredibly efficient, this computer-run machine has found its way into many top juice bars around the country. 'I'm convinced [it] could even juice a rock,' said Natasha Bermudez, bar director for the new Printemps in New York City. She's relying on custom-made Hummingbirds to create both healthy 'elixirs' and cocktail syrups made from pineapple, celery, ginger and more. Its two-step process—grinding, then cold pressing—results in very fresh, flavorful juices and nut milks, too. Since all the pulp is pressed into a compostable, disposable bag, clean-up is simple.
Forbes
03-04-2025
- Forbes
As Earth Day Nears, Travelers Seek Environmentally-Conscious Options
People are participating in environmentally-conscious efforts world-wide. Millions of people will celebrate the 55th anniversary of Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 by attending local events or participating in environmentally-conscious efforts at destinations throughout the world. With a theme of 'Our Power, Our Planet,' Earth Day highlights the importance of sustainability throughout all aspects of society. As travelers seek more meaningful and eco-conscious experiences, they are increasingly drawn to destinations that emphasize sustainability without compromising comfort or luxury. Often prioritizing sustainability and positive impact over traditional tourism, travelers are now choosing destinations that protect the environment and support local communities. Solmar Hotels & Resorts participates in the Sea Turtle Conservation Program. From preserving the region's fragile ecosystems to pioneering environmentally responsible initiatives, Solmar Hotels & Resorts continues to shape the future of green travel. Sustainability is at the heart of Solmar Hotels & Resorts, with comprehensive eco-friendly initiatives implemented across all properties. Key conservation efforts include: Sea turtle protection programs, including participation in the Municipal Sea Turtle Conservation Program of Los Cabos; Conservation, protection and relocation of pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds and bats. At Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes, 106 acres have been preserved with native flora such as cacti and Bougainvillea, creating a thriving habitat for local wildlife. Watering holes attract black-tailed deer, bobcats, Greater Roadrunners and Costa's Hummingbirds. The eco-lodge is dedicated to protecting and preserving wild places. Alaska's Within the Wild Adventure Company and their luxury eco-lodge Tutka Bay Lodge run Be The Wild, a nonprofit land stewardship project dedicated to protecting and preserving wild places in Southcentral Alaska. Through strategic land acquisition and stewardship, the initiative safeguards wild land parcels at risk of being developed, preserving critical habitats and providing opportunities for education and conservation. Ongoing projects include preserving forested land near Tutka Bay Lodge and protecting ecologically significant sites within Kachemak Bay. The project also fosters partnerships to support traditional knowledge and cultural preservation efforts within the region. Throughout the summer, guests of Tutka Bay Lodge can take boat trips from the lodge to Gull Island, a famed rookery and summer home to 15,000 birds. The Inn has profound respect for the majestic land it occupies. Post Ranch Inn, a been a pioneer of eco-forward hospitality, blends luxury with a profound respect for the majestic land it occupies. Set atop the striking cliffs of Big Sur overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the property spans 100 acres and is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty that surrounds it – all while providing guests with a transformative, eco-conscious experience. Post Ranch Inn is home to California's largest hotel solar array, consisting of 990 solar panels that generate clean, renewable energy. Each room reflects the Inn's commitment to sustainability without compromising on luxury. Custom-made linens and towels are free from harmful chemicals, and organic bath amenities are provided in eco-friendly, refillable containers. The resort has partnered with Treecovery Hawaii. Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows is the first resort to receive a silver certification for the Reef Friendly Landscaping Program from the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, a nonprofit working toward healthier oceans, for committing to abstain from using chemicals that negatively impact coral reef ecosystems. In addition, Royal Lahaina Resort has partnered with Treecovery Hawaii, a nonprofit organization that aims to restore the island's forests after wildfires. The resort is home to a Treecovery grow hub, which tends to seedlings until they can be planted on burned properties to help restore the landscape and ecological recovery of West Maui. The resort includes a striking new vertical garden tower. Rosewood São Paulo, set within the historical enclave of Cidade Matarazzo, is a complex of elegantly preserved buildings from the early 20th century that have been carefully transformed into private residences, high-end stores and a striking new vertical garden tower. The transformation of the heritage buildings is rooted in sustainability and makes Cidade Matarazzo Brazil's largest upcycling project, with a focus on celebrating and protecting the country's cultural heritage and natural environment. The hotel was constructed out of 100% Brazilian wood and marble and most of the hotel's furniture is of locally sourced, upcycled or recycled materials. Sustainable measures used in Rosewood São Paulo's creation include the meticulous restoration of historical buildings, a biodiversity program with more than 250 species of plant and trees and more than 50,000 native bees released in the hotel's spaces. Rangers safeguard the delicate reef ecosystem. At Turneffe Island Resort, conservation is more than just a commitment – it's a daily practice embedded into every aspect of the experience. Located off of the coast of Belize, the Green Globe Certified resort plays an active role in marine protection, wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism to ensure that the natural habitat thrives for generations to come. The resort hosts rangers from Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association who safeguard the delicate reef ecosystem, ensuring the health of fish populations and coral reefs. To support the rehabilitation of manatees, the resort partners with the Belize Manatee Conservation Program by selling locally handcrafted manatee earrings in the gift shop, with all proceeds going to conservation efforts, and it protects nesting beaches for the Least Tern, an endangered seabird species. Sustainable luxury is embedded in Otesaga Resort Hotel's fabric. The Otesaga Resort Hotel, a lakeside hotel in Cooperstown, stands as a beacon of sustainable luxury. As part of its green initiatives, The Otesaga Resort Hotel incorporates high-efficiency windows, water-conserving fixtures and a detailed recycling program. The AAA Four Diamond hotel's organic farm-to-table dining features ingredients sourced from local farms, reducing the carbon footprint of its kitchen. Their waste reduction efforts include composting pre and post-consumer food waste and their fryer oil is recycled into biodiesel fuel. The resort is also committed to supporting the community with donations of retired furnishings to local shelters. It's within walking distance of downtown Cooperstown, including the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The shoreline was developed with great sensitivity to protect the coast. Opened in 2024, The Strand, Turks and Caicos embedded sustainable practices from the start which allowed the site to inform the design, organically tucking the resort into the landscape. The developer preserved much of the site's natural vegetation, prioritizing a delicate footprint that blends in the natural environment and developed the shoreline with great sensitivity to protect the coast. Now one of the most sustainable luxury resorts in the Caribbean, more than 75% of the property's energy comes from solar power. The Strand is also the Caribbean's first designated pollinator sanctuary partnership with the team at Colorado's Butterfly Pavilion. Authentic sustainability is woven into the fabric of their ethos. At Cayo Levantado Resort, a luxury all-inclusive secluded island resort in the Samaná Bay of the Dominican Republic, authentic sustainability is woven into the fabric of their ethos. The resort prioritizes eco-friendly practices and environmental conservation through clean energy initiatives and eco-friendly design, along with immersive nature experiences and biodiversity projects that take place on property. Led by a passionate team of expert on-staff curators, an eco-walk delves into the island's geological history, current environmental challenges and innovative solutions, offering insights into its wonders and the strategies in place to safeguard them. Delve into nature by using microscopes, experimenting with aromatic herbs, experiencing the music/vibrations of plants and taking walks through the resort's extensive organic garden.
