Latest news with #Nestor
Edinburgh Reporter
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Oldest rockhopper in town
Keepers at Edinburgh Zoo recently celebrated their oldest penguin when Northern rockhopper Nestor turned 32 years old. The 20 inch tall penguin has been dubbed 'oldest rocker in town' — and he even has a mate exactly half his age. The oldest penguin of any kind at Edinburgh Zoo, he is also believed to be currently the third longest-lived rockhopper penguin in the world. Nestor celebrated his birthday chilling out in the shade in the attraction's Penguins Rock, with his long term mate, 16 year old Issy. Edinburgh Zoo animal keeper Katherine Burnet, said: 'Nestor is a really nice boy and our oldest penguin. 'At the ripe old age of 32 now, he can be a little slower than some of the other penguins in the colony, but he's lovely to work with. 'It's amazing to think he's the third oldest rockhopper in the world. He's already lived over twice the lifespan of a rockhopper in the wild.' Rockhoppers are among the smallest penguins, easily recognised by their bright yellow head plumage and red eyes. The species has declined by 90 per cent in the wild since the 1950s and is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Nestor hatched in France in 1993 and also spent time in Belgium before coming to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) attraction in 2006. He can be identified among the other rockhoppers in his colony by the unique blue and pink coloured band on his right wing. Nestor can be found spending most of his time around the pool with long term partner Issy. They can be seen waddling around their enclosure or preening one another on their nesting ring in a shaded area to the rear of the colony. Katherine said: 'Nestor and Issy have been pair bonded for a few years now and he takes really good care of her. There may be a 16 year age gap but they make a really sweet couple. 'They tend to go around the enclosure together and wherever you see one you often find the other. They have certain spots they frequent. 'Nestor is quite a chilled out boy. He tends to avoid any drama going on in the colony, although he can be quite protective of Issy and he will tell the youngsters off if they come too close to his nest. 'He's also pretty smart so when it's sunny or hot you'll find him in the shade keeping cool.' Edinburgh Zoo is home to over 100 Gentoo, Northern rockhopper and King penguins. The attraction is famed for its Penguin Parade, which first took place in 1951 when a keeper accidentally left the gate open and a few curious penguins left the enclosure. The parade became a much-loved daily ritual until March 2020, when it was stopped to avoid people gathering in large crowds during Covid. The Zoo now hosts the 'Wee Waddle', a reimagined version, which is completely voluntary. Penguins are not coerced into taking part or leaving their enclosure. There is also a small, 'penguin-sized' fence separating the birds from visitors along the short route. Edinburgh was previously home to the world's oldest rockhopper penguin. Mrs Wolowitz was killed by a fox that broke into the enclosure in 2022, just months after she celebrated her 35th birthday. The world's oldest rockhopper is now thought to be 34-year-old JT in Moody Gardens, Texas, a year older than 33-year-old female Janet who lives at Montreal Biodome in Canada, and two years older than Edinburgh's Nestor. Edinburgh Zoo has the oldest Rockhopper 32 (Back and Right) and his partner Issy 16 Picture Alan Simpson Edinburgh Zoo has the oldest Rockhopper 32 (Back and Right) and his partner Issy 16 Picture Alan Simpson Edinburgh Zoo has the oldest Rockhopper 32 (Back and Right) and his partner Issy 16 Picture Alan Simpson Keeper Katherine Burnet PHOTO Alan Simpson The penguin enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo Picture Alan Simpson Like this: Like Related
Agriland
26-05-2025
- Agriland
Farmer says life turned ‘upside down' by farm ban while on bail
By Gordon Deegan A south Co. Galway farmer has told a judge that his life has been turned upside down over his bail ban from Gort and his farm near there. At Gort District Court, Gerard Nestor (60) told Judge Alec Gabbett that he is completely innocent of the charges before the court. Judge Gabbett told Nestor that he is facing an awful lot of charge sheets, including one where Nestor is effectively accused of using a JCB as a weapon in a dispute over a wall with another landowner. In two of the charges before the court, Nestor, of Dun Na Mara Drive, Renmore, Galway and College Road, Galway, is charged with the criminal damage of a block wall belonging to John O'Donoghue on dates between November 20 and November 21, and on November 6 last, at Bunasrah, Ennis Road, Gort. Judge Gabbett said previously that the level of damage to the wall is quite serious and said that it is alleged that it was knocked down twice. Sgt. Claire Henaghan previously told the court that the value of the wall could be around €20,000. Judge Gabbett said that Gardaí have received partial directions from the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) with full directions awaited. In court, Nestor told Judge Gabbett: 'In these circumstances where I am innocent until proven guilty, I should be allowed to go to my hometown of Gort where most of my family still live, where my parents and brother are buried, and I have a farm with animals, and I have not been able to set foot on for six months.' He said: 'The Gardaí have time and time again delayed, delayed and delayed, and here is another example of it to try to keep me out of Gort and out of my farm.' Judge Gabbett said that there are 'particularly serious allegations here as far as I am concerned including one where he is effectively accused of using a JCB as a weapon'. Judge Gabbett said: 'Mr. Nestor has been very good on his bail and there has been no application to revoke the bail conditions. I appreciate it is very onerous and I am not inclined to relax the conditions until we have DPP directions.' Nestor said: 'I have been accused of some very serious criminal damage and this is completely false and I have no doubt that I will be proven innocent in time. But in the meantime, my life has been turned completely upside down.' Judge Gabbett said: 'This is ultimately about a wall and does the wall belong to Mr. O'Donoghue or belong to you?' Nestor said: 'The wall was put there by Mr. O'Donoghue on my land and there is no question that it is my land.' 'There are two sheds on the boundary and Mr. O'Donoghue decided to knock a wall and put a new doorway from his shed into my field.' Judge Gabbett said that he is adjourning the case to June 26 on a peremptory basis, which means that if DPP directions are not before the court, Judge Gabbett may strike out the charges. Nestor told Judge Gabbett that he has been very fair. He told him: 'I am depending on you for justice.'
Mercury
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Mercury
Parkes preview, tips: Nestor gambles on Lockdown in Cup
Jockey Kody Nestor was successful on the Parkes Cup from a wide barrier two years ago and he hopes history can repeat when he partners Lockdown Gamble in this year's edition. In 2023, Nestor partnered the Mack Griffith-trained up and comer Osman to a three length win from barrier 10 – the outside gate. Nestor and Lockdown Gamble have the outside gate in this year's Parkes Cup (1600m) - barrier 14 of 14 – but will jump from barrier 12 under his big weight of 63kg. 'I haven't ridden him in a race before but I have seen plenty of him,' said Nestor. 'Obviously, he has to lump it again and he has drawn wide but he is the proven galloper in the field. 'He's won a Wellington Cup which is a Big Dance Qualifier. The Parkes Cup which is more of a second tier country cup. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'He looks the one to beat on paper, no doubt.' The David Smith-trained gelding heads into the race in terrific form. He resumed this campaign with third to Osman in the Mudgee Cup on February 23 and his next run at Mudgee last Sunday when he won the Benchmark 82 over 1400m with 63kg. 'It was a good, tough win the other day with a big weight,' Nestor said. 'He's got a couple of things against him – his big weight and wide barrier- but he has the class to overcome them. 'His greatest attributes are his last 100m to a furlong along with his toughness and consistency.' Nestor was pleased with the first-up run of Kora Magic at Dubbo two weeks ago and partners the mare again when she contests the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000m). The Mark Jones-trained mare led from barrier 11 and was only caught in the last 20m to finish third behind Cumnock and Twilight Rock. 'She was just beaten the other day first-up without a barrier trial. I thought she was really game,' he said. 'She had a good blow coming back in so she is going to improve off that run. 'We have drawn wide again but she has the early pace to offset the gate. I expect her to lead easily and with the circumference of Parkes, it will be a lot easier on her than Dubbo. 'Dubbo is a very open track and you are exposed a long way from home whereas at Parkes, you can skip off the corner and it's not the longest run home. 'She will be thereabouts in the finish again.' Nestor and Queanbeyan trainer Nick Olive have enjoyed a couple of winners together in recent months including Just Go Bang in the Gilgandra Cup and combine with two good chances this weekend. Sooboogeliscious has been just behind the placegetters in two runs back from a spell and looks ready to peak in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1300m). 'It's a nice competitive race and he is one of the chances,' Nestor said. 'It was a nice run last start and he looks ready to peak third-up. 'He should get a lovely run without doing any work from the inside gate. We just have to pick and choose our runs at the right time.' Midnight Affair will appreciate a drop in grade when she returns to country racing in the Class 2 Handicap (1600m). 'She has been competitive in Highways and better class races than what she is going around in this weekend,' he said. 'We just need an ounce of luck from the barrier. 'Egyptologist is the one to beat but he first-up over the mile. 'I'm just hoping the fitness edge we have can make the difference.' ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 5 No. 10: COUGARS Will take improvement his first-up fifth. Soft track suits. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 1: LOVE SHUCK Was good late in the Wagga Town Plate. This is easier. VALUE BET Race 8 No. 4: SOOBOOGELISCIOUS Just behind the placegetters in both runs back and ready to peak. QUADDIE Race 5: 4, 9, 10 Race 6: 1, 8, 10 Race 7: 1, 5, 7, 9 Race 8: 1, 4, 13 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Kody Nestor has a nice book of rides and looks a good chance in the TAB Jockey Challenge. Kody Nestor looks set for a good day at Parkes. Picture: Bradley Photos INSIDE MAIL – PARKES RACE 1: Telescope Tyres Group Inglis Xtra Bonus Country Boosted Mdn Hcp 1000m SPRING PROSPECT (8) lost the rider pre-race then raced keenly when fifth on debut at Mudgee in December. Has been very good in both trials this time back. Was kept under a hold to beat Egyptologist in his May 4 Dubbo heat. AMORUSO (6) is a debutant by Santos. Led by a big margin and kept on the bridle to win her Apr 1 Tamworth trial by nearly four lengths. CERONS (1) was just behind the placegetters in two recent Queensland runs. Was second in the Maribyrnong Trial on debut. Bet: Spring Prospect to win RACE 2: Mcpherson's Parts & Service / Aeh Group Super Mdn Showcase Hcp 1400m BILLABONG ROSE (8) resumes without a trial. Was momentarily held up on straightening when second to Bondi Prophet at Muswellbrook first-up last campaign. TURNING CIRCLE (13) was a handy third to Oakfield Saturn first-up then raced wide when down the order at Kembla. She didn't handle the Heavy 10 when fourth as favourite at Wyong last start. SWEET KICK (12) was a two length fourth at Sale on debut on Sept 11. Changed stables and well beaten first-up before an improved run when fourth at Dubbo on May 4. Bet: Billabong Rose to win RACE 3: D'aquino's Grand Hotel / Standen Building Showcase Hcp (C2) 1600m MIDNIGHT AFFAIR (2) drops back in grade after running in TAB Highways at her past two starts, the latest a fourth to Canadian Ruler at Hawkesbury's stand-alone meeting. Had a win and two close seconds at her previous three runs in the country. EGYPTOLOGIST (1) was good last preparation when a first-up second at Dubbo before back-to-back wins at Mudgee and Dubbo. Given a shake up when second to Spring Prospect in his May 4 Dubbo trial. NAVAL OFFICER (4) made ground when fourth to Zoomorphic at Dubbo before winning at Wellington. Bet: Midnight Affair each-way RACE 4: Mca Engineering / Tanswell Transport Showcase (Bm58) 1000m KORA MAGIC (8) led from a wide gate and just run down late when third to Cumnock when resuming at Dubbo. Went in without a trial and will be better for the run. SHERIDAN STREET (6) led all-the-way for a debut win at Gundagai on Apr 6. Began awkwardly and over-raced when always well back at Wagga last start. Can bounce back. THE MOOCH (11) was a close second to All Astern at Queanbeyan last start. Gets a nice run from the draw. Bet: Kora Magic each-way RACE 5: McMahon Building / Zac Kelly Golf Showcase Plate (C2) 1200m COUGARS (10) sat outside the leaders before racing away to a big maiden win at the Sapphire Coast to end last campaign. Copped a decent bumped at the start before working forward to be outside the leader and just faded late when resuming with a fifth to Miss Emma at Wagga on May 2. MICRO MIKKI (4) made his NSW debut with a nose win at Narromine before a good win from Joy Of The World at Wellington both over 1100m. LADY ISHIKAWA (9) resumes for a new stable. Scored back-to-back wins at Newcastle last campaign. Bet: Cougars to win RACE 6: Coachman Hotel Punters Club Satellite Hcp 1200m LOVE SHUCK (1) hasn't had a lot of luck this campaign. Held up on the bend when second to Fangela at Canberra first-up. Again held up until passing the 200 when third to I Am Lethal in the Town Plate Prelude at Wagga and knuckled on jumping when sixth to Compelling Truth in the Wagga Town Plate. KEIKOKU (10) was help up until near the 70m when seventh to So You Pence at Wagga last start. Should have finished much closer. STARROS (8) tackled a Randwick Highway last start. Nice Hawkesbury win and made ground at Canterbury when seventh to Yiska. Bet: Love Shuck to win RACE 7: Parkes Services Club Parkes Cup 1600m LOCKDOWN GAMBLE (1) is backing up from a solid first-up win under 63kg over Stratified at Mudgee last weekend. Has the same big weight again but is the class runner of the field. Did win the Wellington Cup last year. LOOSE LOVE (7) won over 1400m here to start his current campaign. Ran on nicely to finish a nose third behind Dark Vador at Wagga last start. ROUGE MOULIN (9) raced in the Highway at Scone yesterday. SIZZLE MINIZZLE (5) is back from a Queensland campaign. Just behind the placegetters at Eagle Farm his last two. Bet: Lockdown Gamble to win RACE 8: Parkes Courier Service / Parkes Farm Centre Country Boosted (Bm58) 1300m SOOBOOGELISCIOUS (4) sat outside the leader and battled away for fifth at Queanbeyan when resuming before a half-length fourth to Capital Heart at the Sapphire Coast. Ready to peak third-up and gets an ideal run from the inside gate. RAYMOND'S REWARD (1) is shooting for a hat-trick after a handy win at Armidale followed by an al-the-way win at Gunnedah. MISS CAPRICORN (13) was badly crowded on jumping and settled a long way back when seventh to Zoomorphic at Dubbo last start. Nice win there the start before. Bet: Sooboogeliscious each-way
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
How to plan the ultimate coastal Greece road trip, from Kalamata to Parga
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). A slow road trip along mainland Greece's coastline takes you from one idyllic site to another, from whitewashed villages tucked alongside sea fortresses to quiet beaches just a short drive from ancient temples. There are plenty of opportunities to stop off for a seafood lunch and a quick swim, and chances to end each day with a sundowner overlooking the sea. Start in Kalamata in the southern Peloponnese, where Greece dips its toes into the gulf linking the Ionian and Aegean Seas. The surrounding groves offer some of the country's tastiest olives. Clamber up to the 13th-century kastro (castle) for a view over the city, then take a coast-skimming drive west past mellow towns and one enticing beach after the next, including crescent-shaped Agia Triada and gold-sand Zaga. Stop at the whitewashed town of Koroni and climb up to its clifftop Venetian castle, before heading to the medieval sea fortress at Methoni. The road then detours inland to the exquisitely preserved Mycenaean palace of Nestor in Pylos, described in Homer's Odyssey. End your first day with sunset drinks in the hilltop old town of Kyparissia. Rise with the sun for an hour's drive along the coast, swinging inland to Olympia to arrive at 8am when the site opens. Immerse yourself in the ruins and myths of Olympic legend in peace for a couple of hours, before the crowds descend. As the heat rises, head north along the coast to Skafidia beach, a soft scoop of golden sand, where you can swim and snorkel. At the Mercouri Estate in nearby Korakochori, you can stroll through vineyards and olive groves before sampling their wines and oils. Riveting views of the Ionian Sea and its islands unfold as you edge north past low-key seaside towns, ruined castles and turquoise bays like Kalogria. From here, it's another pretty drive for an hour to fort-crowned Patras, which traces its history back 3,000 years. Get a crack-of-dawn start for an uplifting drive north, crossing the Charilaos Trikoupis (Rio-Antirrio) Bridge, one of the world's longest cable-stayed bridges, in the soft morning light. Push on east past the curving, pine-brushed bays, jewel-coloured waters and rippling mountains of the Gulf of Corinth to the pretty seaside town of Galaxidi, where a domed church rises above a huddle of terracotta-roofed houses that cast reflections into the water. Slow your pace for the day by wandering along flower-draped lanes, hanging out in harbour cafes or swimming off nearby pebbly coves. For dinner, try booking a table at O Bebelis, a tiny, old-school taverna with checked tablecloths, a heartfelt welcome and delicious mezze. Retrace your route west to stop at Nafpaktos, gathered around a beautiful fortified harbour and topped by a Venetian castle. Swim from one of the two beaches or grab a coffee before the drive west to Messolonghi. The showstopper here is Messolonghi Lagoon, Greece's largest wetland, which attracts almost 300 species of bird; including flamingoes and Dalmatian pelicans. A 15-minute hop north brings you to Aitoliko, an alley-woven island town between two lagoons. Dubbed Greece's 'little Venice', it charms with its pelades (wooden stilt houses) and gaitas (flat-bottomed fishing boats). Local specialities include caviar-like avgotaraho, made from grey mullet roe. Try it in a local taverna like family-run Monomatos. The sea unfurls like a sheet, beaded with the Echinades islands, as you drive north on the final day. In a deep bay at the foot of 3,048ft Mount Veloutsa, the fishing town of Astakos makes an alluring stop. From here, continue north for 30 minutes to pretty Mytikas, where 19th-century stone villas command front-row views of Kalamos island. The wild limestone Acarnanian Mountains ramp up the drama as you head to Preveza, a town with Italianate flair and a lively marina. Nearby Nicopolis is one of Greece's best-preserved Roman cities; take an uncrowded spin of its odeon, stadium, theatre and Byzantine churches. Round off your trip with drinks and a seafood dinner in chilled Parga, a vision in bright pastels, with a Venetian castle posing on the hillside. Published in the April 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
The Independent
11-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
I tried mouth taping for three weeks, and the results surprised me
As a wellbeing editor, I'm all too familiar with mouth taping and the concept of nasal breathing as a way to optimise one's health. But to be honest, mouth taping has never been something I've considered trying. While certain biohacks can be effective, the human body is clever and has evolved to keep us alive – it doesn't actually need much help. Unless you have a medical issue, you probably don't need to optimise your breathing. At least, that's what I thought until I read Breath by James Nestor. This book documented the evolution of the human jaw and respiratory system. It described the effects of variables such as a modern diet of soft processed food on the subsequent rise in mouth breathing. The author met with experts and took part in experiments over several years to find out how and why we all started breathing through our mouths - and what this does to our health in the long term. Some of the purported effects of long-term mouth breathing shocked me. Many seemed incredibly dramatic and, frankly, unlikely. It's claimed that mouth breathing weakens facial structure, causes chronic fatigue, and even increases the risk of infections. So I – along with hordes of people who've watched TikTok videos on mouth breathing – began to wonder if my smooth jawbone and ever-present issues with tiredness might be down to how I breathe at night. Nestor's book was responsible for my interest in the health impacts of breathwork, vagus nerve stimulation and postural alignment. After reading it, I made it my mission to find out whether the points made in the book were legitimate. If they were, I was going to go out and buy some mouth tape. Is breathing through your mouth bad for you? I asked several breathwork experts about the book and they each agreed with several of the points made by Nestor. 'Research that would suggest 30 to 35 per cent of people are falling into some sort of dysfunctional breathing, which is just any way of non optimal breathing or breathing in a way that isn't helping you,' explains breathwork expert Jamie Clements. The health benefits of nasal breathing have been documented since at least the 15th century, when yogic texts described breathwork techniques known as pranayama. Many of these techniques are used by breathwork experts today, particularly alternate nostril breathing or 'nadi shodhana' – which literally translates from Sanskrit as 'channel cleaning'. The claim is that nasal breathing is better for you than mouth breathing. The nasal passages act as a filter, preventing dust, pollen and other allergens from reaching your lungs. Breathing through the nose also encourages slower, deeper breaths, which can help regulate oxygen, nitric oxide and carbon dioxide levels in your body, helping with circulation and cognitive function. To force your body to breathe through your nose, therefore, you tape your mouth shut. That's all fine, but I wanted to know for myself if this would actually make a difference. The tape I'd seen advertised on social media seemed very gimmicky. After all, do we really need more single-use products that pollute the environment? Do we need another product that lets us pretend that we're taking care of ourselves? When I asked Clements for his view on mouth taping, he explained that while the benefits are 'legitimate and real', he's not as keen on the fact that one 'can't move for videos of mouth taping on Tiktok.' 'I've experienced the positive benefits of mouth taping,' he says. 'But there are important medical concerns around pregnancy, around obesity, around sleep apnea and so on. But I always say if you are generally fit, healthy, and well, and you believe you breathe through your mouth during sleep, then it's actually a really accessible and effective intervention.' Mouth taping – did it work? Though I've attempted to train myself to breathe through my nose – and I think I've done a pretty good job – I know for a fact that when I'm asleep, I can't do much to control my facial muscles, so I probably default to mouth breathing. I decided to take the plunge and see if mouth tape would change my life. I wore my mouth tape every night for three weeks, and once I'd gotten over the guilt about single-use products going straight in the bin - and the cringe factor of becoming a ' morning shed ' person - I started to enjoy the process. One thing I should note is that if you usually enjoy a nice chat with your partner before bed, put your tape on right before you go to sleep – otherwise, it's game over. You can't speak with the tape on. The brand I tested offered green, vaguely lip-shaped stickers (£28, that felt like fabric plasters. Latex-free and hypoallergenic, it felt very sticky on my skin. It's a very strong adhesive - it was probably needed after I'd covered my face in serums and creams before bed - but I worried that I might block the pores around my mouth and end up breaking out. Fortunately, this didn't happen. Some tape brands don't include an emergency breathing hole in their designs, but Mintier does. This felt like a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I was happy to fall asleep knowing I had a failsafe in place should my nose become blocked. But on the other hand, I felt as though I could still breathe through my mouth and might unconsciously start doing so in the night. I was also a little worried in the mornings that my dry lips would peel off with the tape, so I considered shelling out on the brand's more expensive collagen -infused tape (£104, Putting lip balm on before the standard tape meant that it didn't stick properly, and going without it meant rolling the dice each morning, so I attempted to drink more water throughout the day to avoid dry-lip injuries. These issues aside, the sensation of wearing the tape was actually quite nice. I was more mindful of my breathing and took slow, deep breaths before bed that I found soothing. I also noticed that my Oura ring reported fewer waking moments in the night, although my sleep score remained in the 70s and 80s rather than the 90s – which is always my goal. To be fair, these scores were likely down to busy days, later nights and a trip abroad, so I don't think I can blame the mouth tape. The verdict I didn't expect to see any changes to my jawline after three weeks. This was the one reported benefit of mouth taping that I felt was a reach. According to Nestor's research, chronic mouth breathing can potentially affect facial structure over time. I think it's a little foolish to jump to the conclusion that breathing through your mouth will, therefore, literally reshape your face. There were no changes to my face structure as I tested the tape. Taping your mouth shut when you sleep won't give you the ' snatched jaw ' of your dreams. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the effects. I felt more relaxed at bedtime, slept soundly and had a decent sleep score for the full testing period. There was nothing I seriously disliked about the tape, apart from the fact that it wasn't recyclable. There are plenty of celebrities and influencers who've jumped on the mouth taping trend – Gwyneth Paltrow and Tess Daly are fans, and plenty of people took to X to critique Ashton Hall's bizarre morning routine, which, of course, included removing his mouth tape. Unless you have a medical condition that affects your breathing, mouth tape is a perfectly viable sleep aid. You don't need it, but it might help you to practice a more soothing form of deep breathing that could benefit your health long term. I'm a fan of the practice and plan to keep taping my mouth, but I might opt for a more moisturising type of tape and potentially try a brand without a hole in the middle to further my research into the benefits.
