What Breakfast to Have in Summer?

August 17, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

As the sun rises and the weather gets warmer, it’s time to revamp our breakfast routine to embrace the flavors of summer. A nourishing and refreshing morning meal is essential to fuel our bodies and minds for the day ahead.

Say goodbye to heavy and hearty breakfasts and say hello to delightful summer breakfast ideas that will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the world. Let’s dive into a collection of mouthwatering recipes that celebrate the abundance of seasonal fruits, light and cool creations, and hydrating options to keep you cool all summer.

Iced and Refreshing Beverages

Cold Brew Coffee: Beat the heat with a refreshing black cold brew coffee. Serve it over ice with a splash of almond milk and a drizzle of honey for a smooth and satisfying coffee fix.

Iced Herbal Teas: Sip on iced herbal teas for a caffeine-free, hydrating option. Brew hibiscus, mint, orchamomile tea bags and let them cool in the fridge. Add a squeeze of lemon and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. These thirst-quenching teas are perfect for a laid-back summer morning.

Fresh and Fruity Delights

Smoothie Bowls: Start your summer mornings with a burst of tropical flavors in a smoothie bowl. Blend your favorite fruits like ripe mangoes, juicy pineapples, and sweet strawberries. Add coconut water or plain yogurt for a creamy texture. Top it off with sliced kiwi, chia seeds, and granola.

Fruit Salads: Elevate your regular fruit salad with zesty citrus flavors. Combine watermelon cubes, tangy oranges, and succulent blueberries. Drizzle honey and lime juice for a burst of freshness. This colorful medley will brighten your mornings and keep you hydrated.

Cool and Creamy Creations

Overnight Oats: Beat the morning rush with overnight oats. Layer rolled oats, almond milk, and a dollop of plain yogurt in a jar. Add a generous amount of sliced peaches, raspberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Seal the jar and leave it in the fridge overnight. Wake up to a ready-to-eat, cool, creamy breakfast that keeps you full until lunch.

Chia Seed Pudding: Indulge in a velvety chia seed pudding. Combine chia seeds with coconut milk and a hint of vanilla extract. Let it sit in the refrigerator overnight until it thickens. Top it with juicy pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, and a drizzle of honey. This delightful treat will satisfy your sweet tooth without weighing you down.

Light and Refreshing Options

Avocado Toast: Elevate the classic avocado toast by adding colorful vegetables. Mash ripe avocados onto whole-grain toast and layer it with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach. A sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of lemon juice enhances the flavors, making this a light and nutritious breakfast option.

Greek Yogurt Parfaits: Create delicious and visually appealing yogurt parfaits—alternate layers of Greek yogurt with fresh berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey. The creamy yogurt and sweet berries will be the perfect harmony of flavors to kickstart your day.

Grilled and Savory Delicacies

Grilled Vegetable Frittatas: Turn your favorite summer vegetables into a delectable frittata. Grill zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes until slightly charred. Whisk eggs and pour them over the grilled veggies. Bake until the frittata is golden and puffy. This savory delight is packed with nutrients and will satisfy you until your next meal.

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagels: Elevate your bagel game with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on a toasted whole-grain bagel. Top it with luscious smoked salmon, thinly sliced red onions, and a sprinkle of fresh dill. This gourmet breakfast will transport you to a breezy seaside cafe.

With these delightful summer breakfast ideas, you can infuse your mornings with the season’s essence. Embrace summer fruits’ vibrant colors and flavors, indulge in light and cooling options, and start your day refreshingly.

These recipes will make your breakfasts a delightful celebration of the summer season. So, rise and shine to a wholesome and nourishing breakfast that will keep you energized and ready to make the most of your morning.

Culture

54 Percent Of Dogs In North America Are Obese

August 10, 2023 The Silo 1 Comment

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – It’s not just people who are experiencing a high rate of being overweight. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 54% of dogs in the country are considered overweight or obese. That adds up to 50 million dogs in the USA (and much more taking Canada and Mexico pet dogs into consideration) with an increased risk for health problems. This year, as people strive to make changes to improve their own health, Just Food For Dogs is setting out to give people assistance in getting their pet healthier, too.

“What we are doing is making it easy for people to help give their pets healthy food that they can feel good about,” explains Dr. Oscar Chavez, a professor of canine clinical nutrition and staff veterinarian for Just Food for Dogs. “We stick with making wholesome pet foods from good ingredients. Our foods will give dogs the nutrition they need and help improve their quality of life with every bite.”

APOP also reports that overweight and obese dogs are at an increased risk for having chronic inflammation, a reduced life expectancy, skin disorders, orthopedic disease, cancer, kidney dysfunction, respiratory disorders, and metabolic and endocrine disorders. Focusing on improving pet health can help avoid problems and can keep them feeling well.

Here are some tips from Dr. Chavez for helping to get dogs healthy:

Focus on fitness. In addition to taking your dog on walks (or runs) and playing fetch, focus on agility exercises. Look online to create your own obstacle course that will have your dog jumping, swimming, balancing, crawling and tunneling. Is it safe to put your dogs to work? Strength training is important and can be done by fitting your dog with weighted harnesses or latching it to light wagons or sleighs. However, this should only be attempted with properly trained dogs that are already conditioned and are deemed healthy by their veterinarian – just as you wouldn’t jump into strength training – they must ease into it.

Doggy diet do-over. Most commercial dog food is highly processed and can be made with byproducts from the 4 D’s (dead, dying, diseased or drugged) animals, this includes the popular raw diets. Traditional pet food can also contain toxins and cancer-causing agents. Seriously consider changing your dog’s diet to a lightly cooked, fresh, whole-food recipe.

Learn more about pet foods. It’s important to know about what pets need to be healthy and what should be avoided. Use only fresh whole food (ground beef, fish, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc.), and avoid excess fillers that only fatten your pet. Veggies must be cooked, not served raw, as pets may not derive their full nutritional value when served raw and it can be tough on their digestive tract. No spices should be used as you would in human food as it disturbs their digestive system and can cause pain and intestinal problems. Once any potatoes are cooked to the desired level, immediately add ice to halt the cooking and cool the food. This will preserve the maximum nutritional value of the food.

Don’t just read my mind. Like people, dogs thrive on mental stimulation to keep them happy. A bored dog can become depressed, anxious and even ill. You can extend your dog’s life and enrich it by keeping them busy. As they age, keep their mind active with training, socialization, games, one-on- one attention, and other enrichment activities. Doggie daycares are a great way to let your dog stay stimulated when the alternative is to be home alone all day.

Sink your teeth into this one. Dental hygiene is an often-overlooked aspect of pet care. Many of us simply forget to brush our dogs’ teeth on a daily basis. Unfortunately, poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque, gingivitis, and eventually, periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of the mouth that has been linked to heart disease and organ damage. It’s a myth that kibble helps break down tartar – the only thing that will work is daily brushing, so make it a priority to brush your dog’s teeth at least once a day!

“Research shows that a focus on your dogs’ fitness leads to better fitness for yourself,” adds Dr. Chavez. “This is a lifestyle change that selfless and selfish at the same time. Make this the year where you and your dog get healthy together!”

Focusing on wholesome nutrition and freshness, the company doesn’t use any types of preservatives, growth hormones, BHA, BHT, pink slime, or artificial colors. All of their foods are made from recognizable ingredients that are approved for human consumption, lightly cooked, vacuum sealed, and immediately frozen. They remain good for up to 12 months in the freezer, or 3-6 days once in the refrigerator. Their collection of meals includes, turkey and whole wheat macaroni, beef and russet potato, chicken and rice, fish and sweet potato, lamb and brown rice, and venison and squash, and a line of prescription diets used by veterinarians to manage disease.

“Our mission is to help give people a way to get their pets healthier,” added Shawn Buckley, the founder of Just Food for Dogs. “Our dog food is created by dog lovers who want pets to be happy, healthy, and live longer lives. We treat your pet just like we treat our own.”

About Just Food for Dogs
The Just Food for Dogs kitchens and pantries are located in southern California in Costa Mesa, West Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Manhattan Beach, Capistrano Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Anaheim Hills, Long Beach, Glendale, Del Mar and Mission Viejo. The company also offers online recipes for those who want to make their own small batch pet meals from scratch at home. The company has a veterinary nutrition team of nine veterinarians, including a board certified veterinary nutritionist, a board certified veterinary toxicologist, and a board certified veterinary dermatologist. The company also offers treats, supplements, veterinary support recipes, and one recipe for cats. Their foods are also available online and can be shipped nationally.

Featured image- australiandoglover.com

Art

Large Scale Landscapes At Chicago Gray

August 9, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

GRAY Chicago | Sep 8 – Oct 28, 2023

[CHICAGO – August, 2023] – Alex Katz: Autumn is the artist’s tenth solo exhibition at GRAY and the first exhibition of large-scale landscapes since 2018. The exhibition follows his lauded career retrospective, Gathering, which opened at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in the fall of 2022. As Guggenheim curator Katherine Brinson described: “[One] might be surprised by the unbound rapture of the landscape paintings that have consumed much of the artist’s still-considerable energy in recent years. But [these works] are in fact the culmination of a lifelong artistic project that aspires to compress everything into ‘a single burst of energy… to paint it wide open.'”

Alex Katz has painted figures and landscapes in equal measure throughout his career. Expressed at great scale and in vivid color, the paintings exhibited in Autumn present enveloping compositions measuring as wide as fourteen feet. “I started to think about the environmental landscapes [as] being really an environment that wraps around you,” as Katz notes, “There is no narrative. You’re dealing with perception.”

Wedding Dress by Katz shows how much of a departure his new landscape paintings are.

Across eleven monumental canvases, Katz depicts the vibrant foliage, sweeping fields, and windblown trees of the changing season. Created between 2022 and 2023, Katz’s Autumn series relies on a bright fall palette, while other paintings in the exhibition, from the related series Field’s End and Tree Top, present quieter responses to the landscape in muted greens, yellows, and grays. The paintings are exhibited alongside a series of sixteen new portraits on paper. Each drawing possesses an economy of line and is titled after its sitter – Vivien, Niki, Levi, Isaac, Vincent, and others– in reference to the friends, family members, poets, dancers, and artists most central to the artist’s life.

Alex Katz: Autumn opens at GRAY Chicago (2044 West Carroll Avenue) with a public reception on Friday, September 8, from 5-7 PM CT, and will be on view through October 28, 2023. The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue featuring a new poem by Vincent Katz.

Featured image: Sparkling Sea 2007 by A. Katz

Continue Reading…

Reviews

New Tech Japan Debut Earphone Audio Game Changer

August 8, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Keep your conversations and audio completely private with newly debuted technology featured in the nwm MBE001 True Wireless On-Ear Speakers ! In addition to proffering stellar audio quality and comfort, they also notably prioritize privacy via advanced “Personalized Sound Zone” tech that eliminates sound leakage while letting ambient sounds in, keeping conversations and other audio private (even if someone is sitting right next to you) while also maintaining situational awareness and ability to engage with others. The North Star Boys group (55+ million followers strong) pictured/quoted below are praising this comfortable, non-invasive on-ear speaker that can be used in public spaces without disturbing the wearer’s surroundings—or having prying ears listening in no matter how close the other person is.

Japanese Tech Behemoth ‘NTT’ Launches Next Generation of Open-Ear Wireless Earphones Only the Wearer Can Hear

Prioritizing Privacy: NTT subsidiary, NTT sonority, introduces ground-breaking, true wireless on-ear speakers featuring proprietary Personalized Sound Zone technology that eliminates sound leakage while letting ambient sounds in for utmost situational awareness;

Founders of the leading Asian-American creator group and pop band the North Star Boys, 55 million+ social media followers strong, praise the nwm-branded MBE001 wireless headphones—the latest innovation in the company’s ambitious R&D pipeline—which keep the listener’s audio private while enabling human connectivity, conversation and engagement fostering seamless sound for a seamless world

With the global earphone and headphone market’s size forecasted to grow to USD $126 billion usd / $170 billion cad by as soon as 2030, numerous factors are propelling the category to these extreme fiscal heights. This includes rising customer expectations for increased audio quality coupled with the expansion of the music industry, mobile technologies and Internet penetration at large. Earphones have also become a ubiquitous accessory for the numerous ways the device enhances daily lives. From 2-way communication, music, entertainment, fitness and gaming immersion to more utilitarian needs like concentration, noise cancellation and hearing protection, earphones enrich the human experience in so many ways. As this sector burgeons, one visionary company realized the still untapped potential of this product category and is single-handedly taking earphone technology to exciting new heights: NTT sonority—Japan’s audio brand that is a subsidiary of NTT, which is a leading global technology company.

This tech behemoth has significantly raised the bar and is permanently disrupting the market with the launch of its ground-breaking nwm MBE001 True Wireless On-Ear Speakers, now available at www.PersonalizedSoundZone.com, featuring its proprietary “Personalized Sound Zone” (PSZ) Technology. Revolutionizing the way we experience audio, the PSZ innovation allows users to enjoy audio with utmost privacy, situational awareness, sound quality and comfort. The technology minimizes audio leakage by containing sound to the ear, enabling users to use this on-ear speaker in public spaces without worrying about disturbing their surroundings—or having prying ears listening in … even if they are sitting or standing right next to you. This audio technology advancement is at the product’s core, providing users with the ultimate private acoustic space and balanced sound experience allowing them to hear their world differently than ever before.

“It is important for users to remain connected to their environment while indulging in their favorite audio content, and this additional safety element is among the key features setting nwm MBE001 apart from other earphones on the market—both wireless and wired,” said Hiroshi Sakai, NTT sonority Managing Director and CEO. “The technology enables users to enjoy their own personal sound zone without disturbing those around them or allowing them to accidentally or intentionally listen in. With the nwm MBE001 open earphones, audio is confined to within a few centimeters of the ear, ensuring music, audiobooks, videos, conversations and other sounds remain entirely private. These earphones concurrently allow users to stay aware of what’s around them, but without compromising audio quality, comfort or discretion. The wearer will hear more and miss less.”

So noteworthy the innovation, the music industry is quickly taking notice. This as the wildly popular Asian-American creator group and pop band The North Star Boys founded by brothers Sebastian Moy and Oliver Moy, which boasts over 55 million followers combined on social media platforms and a reported 20 million monthly views on their syndicated Snapchat shows, is praising the earphone advancement.

“I’ve always wished for headphones that don’t go directly inside my ear but also have perfect sound that cancels out noise,” Sebastian said. “I’m so happy to use NTT sonority’s nwm wireless headphones! They’re super comfortable and the special technology prevents other people from listening in, even if they’re sitting right next to me. Favorite headphones!”

Oliver Moy is also spreading the love for NTT sonority’s newest earphones, sharing, “Been using the nwm wireless on ear speakers for a couple of days now and, as a music producer, these on-ear speakers bring great quality with great practicality for everyday use. Cannot leave to the gym without them, as they are very comfortable and do not slip off my ear like other ear speakers… and they feel weightless while sitting on my ears.”

User Experience is Everything

The nwm MBE001 on-ear speakers are thoughtfully designed to address numerous factors that directly impact user satisfaction. These key benefits include:

Reduced audio escape for utmost privacy.
These earphones feature “PSZ Technology” creating a Personalized Sound Zone, which reduces audio leakage and ensures a private audio experience … whether that be a conversation, music, video or any other sound source. The PSZ technology resolves the long-lamented sound leakage problem, finally allowing users to listen to music, audiobooks, phone calls and attend online meetings in cafes and other public spaces with peace of mind.
Balanced listening comfort. In addition, the nwm MBE001 open-ear speakers offer balanced listening comfort by not blocking the ears, allowing users to hear ambient sounds and even their own voice clearly. The 12mm diameter drivers provide a natural listening comfort, similar to listening to background music, allowing a unique and equitable listening experience both through and outside of the earphones. Perfect for those who frequently use online communication, the open ears make it easy to speak without blocking the sound of your own voice.
Situational awareness and interaction. Because the device is not inserted inside the ear canal and does not block the ears, users can engage in natural conversations with people around them … even while listening to music or any other audio. They no longer have to remove the device when paying at the cash register, asking a quick question at the gym or responding to co-workers. Most importantly, users can remain alert to the sounds of approaching cars and other possible hazards—fostering potentially life-saving situational awareness.
Superior sound quality. Advanced sound technology allows users to experience crystal-clear audio. These on-ear speakers deliver rich, balanced sound across all genres, elevating the music listening experience to new heights.
Seamless wireless connectivity: The latest Bluetooth technology provides hassle-free pairing and a reliable, uninterrupted wireless connection that allows users to move freely, without any limitations.
Customizable sound via a dedicated app. nwm Connect (for iOS and Android only) is a dedicated app available as a free download. The EQ feature allows you to select your favorite preset and enjoy the sound that best fits to your environment.
Ultra-comfort for extended wear. The earphones are also ultra-light, weighing only 9.5g, ensuring those using the nwm MBE001 wireless on-ear speakers can avoid fatigue from extended use. Its ultra-lightweight, ergonomic design, coupled with the stability of the ear-hook, reduces stress on the ear amid prolonged wear.
Extended battery life: The built-in microphone and zero need to continually recharge throughout the work day or night makes these earphones ideal for remote work and online meetings. Users can enjoy conversations, their favorite music and other audio all day long. The nwm MBE001 wireless on-ear speakers boast an impressive battery life, ensuring the earphones are always ready whenever needed. Moreover, the included charging case and cable provides convenient on-the-go charging.
Button controls: Effortlessly control your audio experience with a simple physical button built into the wearable device. With a simple push, you can play.

“We are committed to pushing the boundaries of audio technology and delivering innovative products that enhance our customers’ audio experiences and lifestyle overall,” Sakai continued. “Our relentless pursuit of balance between sound pressure, quality, ergonomics and aesthetics has led to the disruptive, cutting-edge design of our new nwm MBE001 wireless on-ear speakers. They are not just about sound, but rather connection as they offer a new way of engaging with the world … complete with your very own Personalized Sound Zone. With them, you’re in tune with your world by being in control of your sound.”

Revolutionary Technology

NTT sonority’s journey taking the nwm MBE001 wireless on-ear speakers from concept to product launch was marked by countless trials and adjustments to balance sound pressure and quality while minimizing sound leakage. The company’s PSZ technology is a key innovation that applies the principle of noise cancellation by producing an inverted soundwave to neutralize sound. Unlike conventional audio devices that house the speaker unit in a box to prevent interference, PSZ technology has redefined this norm by confining sound within a 360-degree radius around the ear to minimize sound leakage. This non-directional speaker design offers stress-free, continuous listening without the pressure or vibrations associated with bone conduction earphones.

To incorporate PSZ technology into the nwm MBE001 on-ear speakers , the company had to reduce the size of the speaker units to their smallest possible dimensions. The challenge was to maintain sound quality while achieving sound pressure in the ear. The unique approach of using the inverted waveform from the back of the speaker to cancel out sound has also led NTT sonority to undertake R&D on both aircraft seats that provide a more private acoustic space as well as automobile seats that allow different audio playback for each user—all to improve comfort in ground and air transport vehicles WITHOUT using earphones or headphones. The ability to enjoy audio comfortably in a private space will make long journeys more enjoyable and comfortable while also enabling seamless communication with those around you.

For the Silo, Anne Gold.

About nwm

NTT sonority’s New Wave Maker (nwm) audio brand was created in November 2022 with the goal of creating an optimal audio experience. The company aims to expand its audio solutions to address future ways of working and living by creating not just a sense of immersion, but the comfort of being connected. Learn more at us.nwm.global .

About NTT sonority

NTT sonority is an audio engineering-focused subsidiary of NTT, which is a leading global technology company providing services in over 190 countries and regions to consumers and business as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications and consulting provider. The company’s mission is to foster connection through sound, by letting people choose what they want to hear, and what they want others to hear. The company’s core R&D in sound physics and related hardware powers ground-breaking consumer product lines as well as B2B use cases with wide societal impact. Learn more at https://ntt-sonority.com/en.

Source:

https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/01/19/2592042/0/en/Global-Earphones-and-Headphones-Market-Size-To-Grow-USD-126-Billion-By-2030-CAGR-of-20.html#:~:text=New%20York%2C%20United%20States%20%2C%20Jan,20%25%20during%20the%20forecast%20period

Photos copyright nwm / NTT sonority

Travel

Euro Holiday Destination Searches Skyrocket By 6700 Percent

August 5, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

As searches for “European holidays” skyrocket by 6700%¹, a must-visit list of the best cities in Europe has been announced.

Our friends at Spin Genie analyzed the average price and the number of days it would take to view the tourist attractions of major European cities to create a list of the 11 best places to visit in Europe.

11 of the Best Places to Visit in Europe:

City	Country	Average Hotel Price (per night)	Recommended Length Of Stay
Rome	Italy	€70-€200	5-7 days
London	England	£100-£300	4-5 days
Paris	France	€100-€300	4-6 days
Amsterdam	Netherlands	€80-€200	3-5 days
Prague	Czech Republic	€60-€150	3-4 days
Barcelona	Spain	€80-€150	5-6 days
Santorini	Greece	€150-€300	3-5 days
Budapest	Hungary	€70-€150	4-5 days
Reykjavik	Iceland	€100-€200	3-4 days
Berlin	Germany	€70-€150	3-4 days
Vienna	Austria	€80-€150	3-4 days

Dom Aldworth, Head of Brand Marketing at Spin Genie says “As one of the most influential continents in the world, Europe is home to a vast range of diverse and culturally rich countries. From impressive historical architecture to quaint towns and delicious foods, every country offers travelers a unique and vibrant experience.

“Whether you want to indulge in fine French cuisine, relax in ancient baths or transport yourself back in time, Europe is the perfect place for bucket list adventures.”

Dom continued “Budget-conscious travelers will be pleased to discover that several affordable cities offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank.

“Budapest is often regarded as one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. With its affordable accommodation options, reasonably priced dining choices, and inexpensive public transportation, visitors can explore the city’s stunning architecture, relax in its thermal baths, and indulge in its vibrant nightlife without straining their wallets.”

The team also named their top 5 un-missable tourist attractions.

Trevi Fountain, Rome

“One of Rome’s most famous landmarks, the Trevi Fountain is a bucket list attraction.” Dom at Spin Genie comments “Toss a coin into the stunning Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most famous landmarks. Admire its Baroque design, intricate sculptures, and cascading waters, and make a wish for your return to the Eternal City.”

The London Eye and Tower Of London, London

London has a range of iconic landmarks, from historic buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Ascend to the top for panoramic city views or enjoy a leisurely picnic in its surrounding gardens.

Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam

The world’s only floating flower market, Bloemenmart is the perfect place for lovers of colour, beauty and flowers to visit. Admire colourful displays of flowers, bulbs and souvenirs and take home a piece of Amsterdam’s floral heritage.

Santorini Volcano, Santorini

Take a boat trip to Nea Kameni’s and Palea Kameni’s volcanic islets. Hike up to the active volcano’s crater, bathe in the hot springs, and learn about the volcanic geology that shaped the island.

FAQs

What are the most beautiful cities in Europe?

Beauty is subjective; however, there are a few European cities that are renowned for their beauty.

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, boasts a wealth of artistic and architectural treasures. The city’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and attractions like the Florence Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio showcase its artistic grandeur.

Other beautiful cities include Paris, Prague, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Vienna, Santorini, and Rome.

What are the largest cities in Europe?

The largest cities in Europe by population include Moscow, London, Saint Petersburg, Berlin and Madrid.

Moscow, the capital of Russia, stands as the largest city in Europe, both in terms of population and geographical expanse. This thriving metropolis blends a rich history with modern cosmopolitanism. From the iconic Red Square and the majestic Kremlin to the opulent St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow showcases a fusion of grandeur, architectural marvels, and cultural treasures

What are the oldest cities in Europe?

Europe is a treasure trove of history, and it’s home to some of the oldest cities in the world. These cities have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth of civilizations, and the shaping of European culture.

Plovdiv, located in Bulgaria, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, with evidence of settlement dating back over 8,000 years. The city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts well-preserved Roman ruins, including an ancient theatre that is still in use today.

Other cities include Athens, Rome, Cadiz, Argos, Larnaca, and Byblos.

Which are the cheapest cities in Europe to visit?

Budget-conscious travellers will be pleased to discover that several affordable cities offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank.

Budapest is often regarded as one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. With its affordable accommodation options, reasonably priced dining choices, and inexpensive public transportation, visitors can explore the city’s stunning architecture, relax in its thermal baths, and indulge in its vibrant nightlife without straining their wallets.

Some of the most affordable cities in Europe to visit include Krakow, Lisbon, Warsaw, Athens and Bucharest.

What are the safest cities in Europe?

Europe is generally considered safe, but some cities have lower crime rates than others.

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is often ranked as one of the safest cities in the world. With its efficient public transportation system, well-maintained streets, and low crime rates, Zurich offers a safe environment for travellers to explore its beautiful Old Town, enjoy the pristine Lake Zurich, and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Other safe cities include Copenhagen, Vienna, Helsinki, Stockholm, Munich, Amsterdam, Geneva and Oslo.

What are the most romantic cities in Europe?

When it comes to romantic cities in Europe, certain destinations evoke a sense of enchantment and timeless love. Paris, often called the “City of Love,” tops the list. With its charming cobblestone streets, beautiful parks, and stunning landmarks, Paris provides the perfect backdrop for romantic strolls, candlelit dinners, and unforgettable moments.

Other cities include Venice, known as the “Floating City,” which is a dreamlike destination that exudes romance; Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, captivates with its timeless beauty and artistic heritage; Santorini, a picturesque Greek island and Prague, with its fairytale-like architecture.

These cities have an irresistible charm that evokes romance and captivates the hearts of couples seeking a truly enchanting experience.

Art

In The Studio With Conceptual Artist Margaret Innerhofer

August 4, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

A behind the scene look of the conceptual artist’s solo show SHADOWLAND

It is the first Saturday of Upstate Art Weekend and I am standing in a chemistry classroom of a former public school looking at inverted works, listening to Gregorian chants meets Jimmy Hendrix inspired music, and feeling that I am falling into a trance. In reality, I am meeting the artist Margaret Innerhofer for the first time at her solo show SHADOWLAND, at Ethan Cohen Gallery at The Kube Art Center in Beacon, NY. The renowned gallery describes her exhibition as:
“Photo-based prints and framed canvases that explore the transitional spaces between spiritual and psychological borderlands. Each of the large-scale meditative compositions printed in color has a jarring and surreal black and white reflection that invites the viewer into an alternate psychological and temporal dimension.”
So, what is behind these works laden with heavy and deep symbolism of awake versus sleep? I sat down with the elegant and stylish Margaret to understand how a dreamy child from the Tyrolean mountains became a philosophical artist in Beacon, NY. It turns out that we are all in a trance.

SHADOWLAND at Ethan Cohen Gallery at The Kube Art Center in Beacon

Let’s begin with your upbringing. Where were you born and raised?

I was born, and raised in the Tyrolean Alps, Italy, immersed in the idyllic beauty of its nature and harmonious sounds. My childhood was filled with long mountain climbs, horseback riding, yodeling, playing the guitar and drums, and singing Gregorian chants in a strict convent boarding school. I found fascination in Western movies and the Apache Indian lifestyle, particularly their deep connection with nature and the imagery of wild horses roaming freely in vast deserts, accompanied by their rhythmic chants and drum circles.
These early experiences forged a profound bond with the natural world, which continues to be a driving force behind my visual and sonic artistic expression.

SHADOWLAND at Ethan Cohen Gallery at The Kube Art Center in Beacon

What was your first introduction to art, and how did you start evolving as an artist?

During my Architectural and Fine Art studies, I relocated to Milan, a city that would leave a lasting impact on my artistic path. Dating an artist during that time exposed me to a bohemian lifestyle and immersed me in Milan’s dynamic art, architecture, and design scene. The conceptual and minimalist concepts of the Arte Povera Movement captivated me, drawing me deeper into the contemporary art world.
Socially engaging with fellow artists and actively attending art shows in galleries and museums across Italy and Europe, I was inspired by the diverse expressions of creativity. My early fascination with photography, particularly the works of conceptual artists from the Dada and Surrealist Movements, like Man Ray and Andre Breton, further fueled my artistic interests.
This multifaceted exposure played a pivotal role in shaping me as an artist. It broadened my horizons, offered fresh perspectives, and allowed me to find my own artistic voice.

DECONSTR-ACTIVIST II, 2023

You now have a solo show called SHADOWLAND at Ethan Cohen Gallery at The Kube Art Center in Beacon, NY. What is the main inspiration for the three different series: Sandmen, Heavy Metal, and Deconstr-Activist?

In my latest exhibition, I delve into the intricate realms of the subconscious, guided by profound philosophical and scientific readings. Carl Jung’s exploration of collective consciousness has deeply fascinated me, leading me to explore how our subconscious influences our waking decisions and movements.
Through my artwork, I seek to unravel the enigma of our subconscious control, drawing inspiration from scientific research, which reveals that a significant 80% of human behavior is governed by our subconscious, heavily influenced by experiences from our formative years, particularly ages 0 to 10. This revelation sheds light on why logical arguments may often be overshadowed by emotional reactions rooted in the gut.
Another crucial thread in my exhibition revolves around the environment. I have been an environmental activist well before it became a trend, and I’ve actively co-produced environmental films and fought against practices like fracking. In SHADOWLAND, the subjects in my works interact with nature, and, in many instances, nature appears to reclaim them. This theme highlights the fragile bond between humanity and the natural world, provoking contemplation on our relationship with the environment.

Is it this exploration into the subconscious why the artworks are designed to be inverted? That they can be hung in either vertical orientation?

As I present my art to viewers, I give them the unique opportunity to evoke different visual and emotional responses by allowing them to choose how to hang each piece. They can opt for the color side up, revealing a figurative and realistic view of the artwork. Alternatively, they can explore the more conceptual, surreal, abstract, and volumetric perspective of the black-and-white ‘Shadow image’ when it faces upward.
What’s intriguing is that showing the ‘Shadow image’ facing up, actually, represents a more realistic worldview, one that most people might be unaware of. It’s a perspective that delves into the subconscious, which I believe rules humanity and ‘runs the show.’ It’s a fascinating paradox: while the color side portrays the conscious perception of the world—what’s readily visible—the ‘Shadow image’ uncovers the hidden depths and complexities that shape our lives.
By offering this choice of orientation, I invite viewers to question their own understanding of reality and delve into the intricacies of their subconscious minds. This art goes beyond mere aesthetics; it prompts introspection and contemplation, creating a multi-layered experience that challenges us to consider the complexities of human perception.

DECONSTR – ACTIVIST III, 2023Signature on the back. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle Cotton Canvas,109.2 x 109.2 cm, 43 x 43 in, Edition of 3

Looking specifically at the three different subjects, can you first tell us more about Deconstr-Activist?

My Deconstr-Activist series draws inspiration from the ‘Deconstructivism’ architectural movement, challenging the rationality of modernism and embracing and revealing chaos and complexity. I delve into the intriguing world of shadows, volumes, negative versus positive space, and the interplay between light and darkness. This exploration stems from my background in architecture, which ignited my fascination with these artistic elements.
Throughout the series, I endeavor to capture neglected structures that are gradually being reclaimed by nature. By doing so, I aim to shed light on the physical structures we create to accommodate our fragmented psyches. The juxtaposition of abandoned structures being overtaken by nature serves as a compelling visual metaphor for the inherent fragility and impermanence of human constructs.

HEAVY METAL – VOLKS WAGEN, 2023Signature on the back. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle Cotton Canvas,109.2 x 109.2 cm, 43 x 43 in, Edition of 3

What about Heavy Metal?

In my “Heavy Metal” series, the transition from the pristine mountain range to the Hudson Valley exposed me to a striking contrast—defunct cars replacing the beauty of flowers in many backyards. This encounter sparked an obsession, leading me to spend years capturing these scenes with vintage analog Leica cameras, which I acquired from flea markets, embracing the slight imperfections in their lenses as a welcomed artistic element.
In this body of work, I explore my fascination with American vintage cars left abandoned and outdated, captured within the passage of time and the encroachment of nature. Each photograph alludes to the poignant collision between the past and the future, symbolizing our own embodiment within these vehicles that are increasingly outdated, yet perpetually trapped in the present.
In “Heavy Metal,” I seek to evoke a sense of nostalgia while urging reflection on the transient nature of our material possessions and the fleeting nature of human creations. The juxtaposition of these forgotten vehicles with the ever-encroaching embrace of nature serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of all things, urging us to ponder our place in the grand tapestry of time and the inescapable passage into the unknown future.

SANDMEN III, 2023Signature on the back. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle Cotton Canvas,152.4 x 152.4 cm, 60 x 60 in, Edition of 3

And finally, what can you tell us about Sandmen?

Within each frame, beachgoers blissfully inhabit the horizon, seemingly unaware of their inverted doppelgängers lurking just below the surface. This juxtaposition of colors and reflections becomes a visual metaphor for the duality of human existence—the conscious experience of the moment above the surface and the hidden depths of the subconscious below.
Drawing inspiration from Carl Jung’s concept of the Shadow persona and Quantum Physics, I explore how these profound elements influence human actions and behaviors. The dreamy beachscapes serve as a canvas for contemplating the interplay between our conscious and unconscious selves, the tangible and the intangible aspects of our existence.
In this series, I invite viewers to immerse themselves in the enigmatic world of “Sandmen,” where time seems to stand still, and the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. The photographs become a gateway to introspection, inviting you to reflect on the transient nature of human experiences and the profound complexities that shape our perceptions and actions.

What is your favorite piece in the show and why?

As an artist, it’s challenging for me to pick a favorite, each image represents a moment of inspiration, creativity, and a reflection of my inner world. Each image carries a distinct essence, resonating with different viewers in various ways.
Together with the sound piece ‘Shadowland’ that I have composed, performed, and recorded specifically for this show, the fusion and synergy between my visual art and sound adds a multi-dimensional layer to the overall experience.
The fusion of visual and auditory expressions allows each piece to resonate on a deeper level, connecting with viewers in unique and profound ways.

SANDMEN II, 2023On the back. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle Cotton Canvas,152.4 x 152.4 cm, 60 x 60 in, Edition of 3

What is next on the horizon?

A beach vacation in Italy, is on the immediate horizon!

Culture

Eames: Iconic Husband & Wife 20th/21st Century Designers

August 2, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

The next time that you sit down to a table in a local restaurant for a nice meal with friends, rest in a waiting room, or even thumb through an Ikea catalogue (apologies to those that ‘yuck’ on that idea)—take note of the furniture that stands before your eyes…have you ever given it more thought than the function it is about to perform for you? It has been designed by someone, who, perhaps, has been hired to make sure it is (hopefully) structurally sound, aesthetically appealing (again, hopefully), and possibly economically purchased, therefore mass produced.

Is it a work of art? Do you consider it the work of a master?

Often little attention is given to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of design, so in order to pay it a little respect, I would like to introduce you to a pair whose work you might be somewhat familiar, or dare I say “comfortable” with, Charles Eames and his wife Ray Kaiser Charles Eames (American, b.1907), studied architecture at the Washington University in Illinois, during a time of great innovation in the discipline.

Great advances in building technology at the turn of the 20^th century, namely steel reinforced concrete, allowed architects the design freedom to build taller buildings on a steel skeleton permitting the use of more glass and therefore, more natural light and a better view of the outdoors. After graduation in the late 1920s, Eames was fortunate enough to tour Europe and see the revolutionary designs of such masters in his field as Le Corbusier, Mies Van der Rohe and Walter Gropius. Although this was a time of reconstruction after the Great War and utilitarianism was the mode, steel technology allowed this group of architects the freedom to use more organic forms in their designs and, as a result of the option to employ more glass in their structures, buildings that were based more around their external surroundings.

Eames’ own work really began to take off when he joined forces with his second wife, Ray Kaiser (American, b.1912). Ray was a student of famous painter Hans Hoffman and had keen interest in all the arts, including film and dance. The pair, finding it difficult to secure work during the depression, settled in Los Angeles, Eames finding work designing sets for MGM and Kaiser creating covers for architectural magazines.

Secretly, in the evenings, the couple conducted plywood experiments in their apartment turned studio.

Their aim, along with several collaborators, was to make functional furniture with an attractive design that could be produced cheaply and quickly on a massive scale. Their experiments and designs proved to be successful and the Eames began to get contracts for their moulded plywood furniture that combined an organic aesthetic with technical ingenuity. Branching out from wood, the couple also pioneered such technologies that are widely used today, such as fibreglass, plastic resin, and wire mess chairs. Most notable is the 1956 Lounge Chair, made from leather and plywood, a design that is still quite popular in rec rooms today.

For the sake of the Eames lasting legacy in the history of modern architecture, it is necessary to mention the Eames House was constructed in 1949. The design for this landmark structure was proposed by the husband and wife team for the famous Case Study house program for Arts and Architecture magazine. The goal of this program was to have an architect design a modern house, elaborating on its functional requirements and then actually build the home. The house proposed by the Eames reflected their needs as a young married couple looking for a place to live, work and entertain.

They choose a site along the Pacific coast, and using mostly pre-fabricated steel and glass walls, constructed a home heavily influenced by cubist painter Mondrian’s “Composition in Red, Yellow and Blue”.

As a result, of the replacement of concrete walls for glass, the inhabitant of the home is afforded a spectacular view of the coastal property and exterior greenery, meanwhile, taking advantage of the natural light that is allowed to stream throughout the house. Of all of the proposals that were submitted for the Case Study houses, the Eames House is considered to be the most successful, as it not only made a definite architectural statement, but also functioned quite well as a comfortable and practical living space. The property is still maintained by the Eames family, who continue to use it as an occasional residence, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006.

So… consider this: although you might not find the Eames furniture in your hospital waiting room, rec room,or local restaurant, many mass produced models still bear their innovative legacy, either in their design, comfort or materials. For the Silo, Eve Yantha.

Reviews

Affordable Laser Projector For Golf Simulation Rooms Rivals 4K TVs

August 1, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

BenQ Debuts New LH820ST Laser Projector Built For Small to Medium Golf Simulation Rooms

Designed to Bring BenQ’s Critically Acclaimed Premium Golf Sim Quality to Small Sim Spaces for 2,500$ cad, the LH820ST Shines in Color Accuracy, Brightness, and Ease of Installation

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Aug, 2023 — BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display solutions, continues its commitment to delivering the most realistic, user-friendly golfing experience for the growing at-home and commercial golf simulation market with the new LH820ST laser projector. Available for $1,899 usd/ $2,525 cad MSRP, the full-HD, 3,600-lumen LH820ST short-throw laser projector features 90% Rec. 709 color coverage for realistic golf course images, 0.5 throw ratio, convenient HDMI connectivity, 20,000 hours of maintenance-free use, and robust features for easy, flexible installation. It’s ideal for golf sim in garages, basements, and other shared spaces.

“Golf sim has become mainstream, creating demand for laser projectors that are not only affordable but also work for small sim spaces and have great picture quality,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ Education.

“BenQ has been at the forefront of the golf simulation market since we introduced our 4K UHD LK953ST and WUXGA LU935ST short-throw laser projectors two years ago. The LH820ST checks every box for golfers wanting to put in a golf sim but are tight on space or wanting to update their existing projector for the best quality. It’s the first golf sim laser projector under $2,000 usd offering incredible value.”

“This is like looking through a window. The details are absolutely perfect. It absolutely nails the colors on True North. In comparison between my 4K monitor and this projector, they’re identical.” — Eaglesnbirdies’ YouTube Review of the BenQ LH820ST

The LH820ST uses native 1080p full-HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, providing sharp and detailed images without downscaling or compression, which is perfect for golf simulation, full-HD movies, and gaming. BenQ golf simulator projectors perfectly reproduce the lush greens and vivid blues of golf courses. The company teamed up with color experts to develop an exclusive Golf Mode that optimizes color accuracy. This allows golfers to immerse themselves in pleasantly natural reproductions of the most popular golf courses around the world. With 3,600 lumens, the LH820ST provides bright projection, allowing users to clearly see the image on the golf simulator screen even in bright environments.

“This is the best-looking projector I’ve ever had in [my golf sim room] — without a doubt. I can’t get over how clear and crisp these courses are. I may have to switch out my old projector. There’s no way anybody can get this projector and complain about it.” — Roxor Golf’s YouTube Review of the BenQ LH820ST

The BenQ LH820ST is also the perfect projector for golf sim rooms that need to double as media rooms. The projector’s powerful laser projection utilizes a dual color wheel system that covers an unparalleled 90% of Rec. 709, the industrywide standard for color reproduction in HD video and movies. Users enjoy golf, movies, and games in perfect color, knowing that what’s on-screen is exactly what the director intended. In addition, the increased color ratios and pure laser-generated RGBY hues dramatically enhance color saturation and guarantee superior projected image quality compared to lamp projectors.

“My garage is below the recommended dimensions for a home golf simulator room. … I can’t tell you how happy I am with this projected image. I didn’t even think it was possible to get an image this good. … I don’t even need my TV screen monitor now. I can just look at the projector screen and play proper sim golf now.” — Handicap Golf’s YouTube Review of the BenQ LH820ST

For most golf simulation setups, a short-throw projector is key because it allows for projector placement where it is needed to fill the screen while being mounted safely outside the hitting area and without casting a shadow. This is even more important for small- to medium-sized golf sim rooms. With a 0.5 throw ratio, the LH820ST can project a 177″ image (7.7′ by 13′ screen size or 86″ by 154″ actual viewable size) when placed within just 7 feet from the screen, as an example. It delivers a large picture without the expense of optional lenses. Also, the LH820ST is great for golf simulators that may require a floor-mounted projector due to space restrictions. The LH820ST also features an HDMI input for directly connecting the devices running golf sim software to the projector and ensuring no lag or signal degradation.

“The fact that this is a laser projector for $1,900 usd is great. You get a sharp, bright image with BenQ’s gorgeous color and dynamic range, and the short throw distance is perfect for mounting the projector up close to the screen to help avoid unwanted shadows on your image. This is a projector designed with golf simulation experiences in mind.” — Carl’s Place YouTube Review of the BenQ LH820ST

BenQ provides setup tools to make installation fast, simple, and perfectly aligned. With digital shrink and shift tools, users can adjust the projected image by reducing and moving it by 0.5%. To counteract the trapezoid effect that can occur when a projector is installed or placed off-center, the LH820ST offers a 2D keystone correction range of up to plus or minus 30 degrees on both the horizontal and vertical axes. Corner fit control adjusts each corner for perfectly aligned image geometry. The projector also features screen fill, which allows the projector to easily switch from native resolution to best match the desired aspect ratio with maximized pixel counts while avoiding image distortion, all with just a few clicks in the on-screen menu. Users don’t need to go into graphics card or Windows display settings, which saves time and hassle.

Finally, like all BenQ projectors in its laser family, the LH820ST eliminates the hassle and cost of installing replacement lamps while providing long-lasting 20,000-hour light source life and beautiful colors. Every BenQ laser projector has an IP5X-rated, dustproof, sealed laser engine that eliminates the need for filters, perfect for dust-prone environments such as a garage or basement. The result is a long-lasting projector that keeps users from worrying about filters or lamps — only hooks and slices.

For the Silo, Veronica Esbona.

Highlights

Full HD (1920×1080) resolution

The LH820ST uses native 1080p full HD (1920×1080) resolution, providing sharp and detailed images without downscaling or compression, which is perfect for golf simulation, full HD movies, and gaming.

Exclusive Golf Mode for vivid greens and blues

BenQ golf simulator projectors perfectly reproduce the lush greens and vivid blues of golf courses. BenQ teamed up with color experts to develop an exclusive Golf Mode that optimizes the blue sky and the green grass color. This allows golfers to immerse themselves in pleasantly natural reproductions of blue sky and green grass.

A bright image with 3600 lumens

With 3600 lumens, the LH820ST provides bright projection, allowing users to clearly see the image on the golf simulator screen even with room lights turned on.

Cinema-level color gamut with 90% REC709 coverage

The LH820ST’s powerful laser projection utilizes a dual color wheel system that covers an unparalleled 90% of Rec.709, the industry-wide standard for color reproduction in HD video and movies. Enjoy golf, movies, and games in perfect color, knowing that what you’re seeing on screen is exactly what the director intended. In addition, the increased color ratios and pure laser-generated RGBY hues dramatically enhance color saturation and guarantee superior projected image quality compared to lamp projectors.

Placement outside hit zone plus no shadows with 0.5 throw ratio

For most golf simulation setups, a short throw projector helps you put the projector where it is needed to fill the screen while being mounted safely outside the hitting area and without casting a shadow. With 0.5 throw ratios, the LH820ST can project a 177” image (7.7x13ft (screen size); 86x154in (actual viewable size)) image when placed within just 7 feet from the screen, as an example, delivering a large picture without the expense of optional lenses. Also, the LH820ST is great for golf simulators that may require a floor mounted projector due to space restrictions.

Digital Shrink and Shift for Accurate Image Adjustment

After the projector is installed, the LH820ST allows you to adjust the projected image by reducing and moving it by 0.5% to where you want it.

Ideal projection alignment with 2D keystone and corner fit

To counteract the trapezoid effect that can occur when a projector is installed or placed off-center, the LH820ST offers a 2D keystone correction range of up to ±30° on both the horizontal and vertical axes. Corner Fit control adjusts each corner for perfectly aligned image geometry.

Easy switch of aspect ratios with the screen fill function

The LH820ST features Screen Fill, which allows the projector to easily switch from native resolution to best match your desired aspect ratio with maximized pixel counts while avoiding image distortion, all with just a few clicks in the on-screen menu. You don’t need to go into graphics card or Windows display settings, which saves time and hassle.

Learn More: Switching Aspect Ratios with BenQ’s Screen Fill Feature

HDMI connectivity

The LH820ST supports a perfect digital signal via HDMI input directly from the devices running your golf sim software to the projector with no signal degradation.

Maintenance free performance with laser technology

BenQ laser projectors eliminate the hassle and cost of installing replacement lamps while providing long lasting 20,000-hour light source life and beautiful colors. You can also start projecting right away without waiting for a lamp to warm up. Every BenQ laser projector has an IP5X-rated, dustproof sealed laser engine that eliminates the need for filters, perfect for environments such as a garage or basement. This also saves you money in the long run.

Military

Canadian Provinces Most Likely To Survive Alien Invasion

July 31, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

UFO Hearing – Shocking claims of alien technology defying the laws of physics are shared by whistleblowers

Captivated by extraterrestrial phenomena, our friends and experts at BonusFinder Canada took a crucial step in safeguarding humanity by conducting a study revealing which Canadian provinces are most likely to survive an alien invasion.

Residents of Harbour Mille, N.L., reported seeing three missile-like UFOs fly near their community on the night of Jan. 25, 2010, including this one photographed. ((photo-Darlene Stewart))

The Provinces Most Likely to Survive an Alien Invasion

Rank	Province	Alien Survivability Score /10
1	Nova Scotia	8.03
2	Manitoba	7.50
3	Newfoundland and Labrador	7.47
4	New Brunswick	7.06
5 tie	Alberta	7.02
5 tie	Quebec	7.02
7	Prince Edward Island	6.92
8	Saskatchewan	6.90
9	Ontario	6.65
10	British Columbia	5.96

The experts created a points-based index system evaluating:

Population and population density (per km²)
The average duration of UFO visits (minutes) and sightings per 100,000 people
Total forest area (thousands of hectares) and forest area as a % of land area
Fresh water area as a % total area
Police officers and active military service per 100,000
Number of food businesses
Number of farms, farms per 100 km² and employees in agriculture (in 1,000 people) per 100,000
Construction and manufacturing per 100,000
Healthcare professionals per 100,000
Scientific and professional personnel per 100,000

You can dig further into the data here.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

BonusFinder Canada can reveal that Nova Scotia‘s resilient spirit and strategic coastal location make it a province most likely to survive and endure an alien invasion, with a survivability score of 8.03/10. Having witnessed 22.38 UFOs per 100,000 people in the province, which is actually, the second-highest out of all the provinces, with New Brunswick having the highest (25.92 UFOs/100,000 people). Nova Scotia also has the highest number of active military service with 1011.98 per 100,000 people as well as the most scientific and professional personnel, with a total of 64.89 per 100,000 people.

The province also benefits from the 79% of forest-to-land area ratio, meaning they can be used to take cover to resist alien invaders. Nova Scotia is also very famous for the ‘Shag Harbour Incident’, which is a sighting of a UFO crashing into the waters of Shag Harbour leaving no trace other than yellow foam.

Manitoba takes second place, with an overall survivability score of 7.50/10. Manitoba has seen over 17 UFOs per 100,000 people, which on average last 17.69 minutes. The province benefits from 18,968 hectares of forest, and the highest percentage of fresh water-to-land ratio (15%), the same as Ontario. With 14,543 farms and 1,460.34 agriculturists per 100,000 people, the population’s satiety is in good hands.

Falcon Lake, located in Winnipeg, is one of Manitoba’s most notorious experiences with the unknown, as Stefan Michalak saw two vessels hovering above him in the night sky.

In third place is Newfoundland and Labrador, scoring 7.47/10. It has the second-highest number of scientific and professional personnel with 53.86 per 100,000 people and has the lowest number of UFO sightings with 0.59 per 100,000 people, for an average of 12 minutes. Despite having the lowest % of forest-to-land ratio (29%) and the least manufacturers (1.98 per 100,000 people), the province has the highest number of healthcare professionals per 100,000 people (8.72).

British Columbia, however, ranks the lowest in the research, with an alien survivability score of 5.96/10. Despite its breathtaking landscapes, with a high 63% of forest-to-land ratio, British Columbia’s vast and remote terrain may pose challenges, making it potentially less likely to survive an alien invasion due to its difficulties in coordination and defense – the second–lowest active military service (191.87 per 100,000 people). British Columbia also lacks agriculturists in the province, with 471.92 per 100,000 people.

Culture

How to take care of yourself at night?

July 27, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

After a long day of work or school, it’s important to take care of yourself before bed.

Taking care of yourself at night ensures that you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. Here are some tips on how to take care of yourself at night:

Take Care of Your Skin

Taking care of your skin is an essential part of self-care. Before bed, make sure you remove your makeup and cleanse your face thoroughly. Apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type to keep it hydrated and prevent wrinkles and other skin problems. Don’t forget to use an exfoliating soap for the perfect beauty routine!

Unplug and Disconnect

We are constantly connected to our smartphones, laptops, and other devices. Before you go to bed, switch off all electronic devices or keep them away from your bedroom to ensure a peaceful and restful sleep. The blue light from electronic devices can disrupt our circadian rhythms and affect the quality of our sleep.

Create a Relaxing Environment

Your bedroom should be a peaceful and relaxing environment that promotes restful sleep. Make sure your room is dark, cool, and quiet. Use comfortable bedding and pillows that support your neck and spine. You can also use aromatherapy candles or diffusers to create a calming ambiance that helps you relax.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Good sleep hygiene is essential for a good night’s sleep. Make sure you stick to a regular sleep schedule and go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals before bedtime as they can interfere with your sleep quality. Also, try to establish a bedtime routine that helps you unwind and relax, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or meditating.

Do Relaxing Activities

Engage in relaxing activities before bed to calm your mind and promote a restful sleep. You can try reading a book, listening to calming music, practicing yoga or meditation, or taking a warm bath. These activities help reduce stress and anxiety, which can interfere with your sleep quality.

In conclusion, taking care of yourself at night is crucial for your overall health and well-being. By following these tips, you can create a peaceful and relaxing environment that promotes restful sleep and helps you wake up feeling refreshed and energized. For the Silo, Bill Gordon.

Earth

Why I Am Hooked On Ontario Heirloom Tomatoes

July 27, 2023 The Silo 3 Comments

I’m a tomato snob. I can’t help it. I’ve had the best and will never go back.

The first summery taste of a home-grown tomato, fully matured on the vine and still warm from the sun is one of the great taste pleasures of summertime. You need to experience it to appreciate it.

The poor imported supermarket version of the tomato just doesn’t compare. And in reality, it can’t. The imports are picked when they just start to show some colour, before their texture and especially their flavors have had a chance to develop. Then they travel, sometimes halfway around the world.
Consequently on the store shelves we see these hard, bland-tasting, thick-skinned things that misrepresent what a tomato could be.

In fact, modern tomato varieties are developed specifically for this kind of handling, packaging and transport. Thick skins, uniformity of size and shape are all desirable attributes to producers. Unfortunately, flavor isn’t. But we want tomatoes, so we take what we can get. However, with a little effort, we can get better. Why not grow your own? It’s easy. And why not grow specifically old-fashioned varieties? They taste a million times better than the imports and you aren’t paying for the oil to get them here.

Why I’m hooked on heirloom tomatoes.

The variety of colours, shapes, sizes, and even flavours, is almost endless. And it is a lot like collecting antiques. In my own garden experience I’ve grown everything from the marble-sized ivory-coloured White Currant to the enormous red Sicilian Saucers. The fabulous tasting Black Krim (originating from the Isle of Krim in Russia) is my absolute favourite of all tomatoes, with it’s lovely burgundy skin and marbled magenta and green interior. The appearance, flavour and variety in the heirlooms simply cannot be approached by the mass-produced types.

Though tomatoes originate in ancient Mexico, the heirlooms in my own collection were developed, some as far back as centuries ago, in France, Italy, Germany, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, USA, Russia, and the list goes on. Some of their names are descriptive: Black Cherry, Green Grape, Big Rainbow, Indian Stripe, the absolutely beautiful Persimmon, and the absolutely weird Purple Calabash. And some of them bear the names of their sources: Andrew Rahart’s Jumbo Red, Aunt Gertie’s Gold, Marianna’s Peace, Martha Homestead, and my favourite named – Olga’s Round Yellow Chicken Tomato – all varieties discovered and saved by home gardeners, often passed down through families for generations, and shared with friends.

And so, through the efforts of seed-savers throughout the world, the tomatoes are spared extinction and continue to be enjoyed for their wonderful flavor, but not by the masses. Only by snobs like me. And maybe you.

For the Silo, Rick Posavad.

Comics

Dystopic Comic Book Feels Startling Familiar

July 25, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Here’s the synopsis:

Mainstream Social is DEAD! State censorship, sponsored spam,
cancel culture and inciter-banning means everyone who’s anyone is on the dark web. And no one knows it better than Tucker Scott.

Rampant cyberbullying. Fake news trolling. Spying, voyeurism and privacy invasion. This is Contraband, the ruthless entrepreneurs’
digital underground – where profit-hungry mobs prowl city streets
filming violent events to satisfy society’s demand for sensational
content.

Contraband is a unique cross-Atlantic graphic novel collaboration published by Markosia. Here are a few good reasons why you should definitely pick up this superbly relevant graphic novel.

1. Contraband focuses on one of the more timely, relevant topics in
this year of our Lord, 2021, zeroing in on the early violent, criminal abuse of underground community sharing – and by doing so, adds a whole new meaning to disruptive video mobile and social media technology convergence.

But when activists hack Contraband giving control to any influencer
with the most followers, it’s complete chaos as everybody chases
the money and fame of being number one!

2. Some interesting comics and mainstream news media folks like
what we’re doing: “Behe’s dialogue brings a hip, hyper-real energy to his plot while Elliot’s deceptively plain artwork evokes a shabby world of
compromised morals.” The Financial Times

“As visionary as the technology Behe writes about. “ Broken
Frontier

“Behe’s critique of the public’s willingness to watch all manner
of depravity is a righteous, if not an original, one.” Entertainment
Weekly

“Beneath Contraband’s ultra stylish cover lies a tale of high
action and drama in a very near future where technology and
communications have become inescapable.” Forbidden Planet

3. They’re an odd but solid partnership for making tech fiction
graphic novels: There’s TJ Behe -a Canadian CEO of a self-sovereign ID
privacy firm, an experienced social / telecoms consultant and an Ivey MBA graduate – along with Phil Elliott- a British illustration pro who’s been busy creating amazing comics for over 25 years with the likes of Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman and Eddie Campbell.

Sci-Tech

Lightning-fast Connectivity: The Fastest Broadband in Canada For Gamers

July 24, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Let’s get right to it! Here is the breakdown:

You can find the full dataset here.

Earning it the nickname ‘Canada’s Silicon Valley’, Kitchener, Ontario, is a technology powerhouse with numerous tech companies, start-ups, and research institutions. It achieved first place for broadband speed at 287 Mbps.

Toronto follows closely behind, with 283 Mbps. As the country’s largest city and financial hub, boasting a thriving economy and a diverse range of industries, the demand for the Internet is high, and providers have clearly delivered.

Neighbouring Brampton scored similarly, with 277 Mbps. Home to a growing business sector, particularly in industries such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology, the city has the third-highest connectivity speed in Canada.

The only city in the top five that isn’t in Ontario is Surrey, landing in fourth place. Renowned for its beautiful natural surroundings, including parks, green spaces, and the stunning Fraser River, Surrey achieved an internet download speed of 271 Mbps. London, Ontario, follows closely behind with a broadband speed of 270 Mbps.

It makes sense to see Ontario cities landing in the top 5 as recently the governments of Canada and Ontario invested over $54 million to make the Internet accessible to more than 20,000 homes. This not only will bring a necessary Internet connection to rural Ontario but bring reliable high-speed Internet access to the whole of the country.

Methodology:

BonusFinder Canada wanted to reveal the best Canadian cities for gamers to live in.
In order to achieve that, they created a seed list of the 20 most populated cities in Canada using Data Commons.
Fixed download speeds were obtained from the Ookla dataset with gridded worldwide internet speed data. The data was spatially joined with the coordinates of the cities in Canada using the Geopandas package in Python, which allowed for an average download speed (in megabits per second (Mbps)) per city to be obtained. The coordinates for Canada were obtained from the GADM geospatial data set, (except for Quebec and Montreal which were obtained from the overpass api).
Data was also collected on the number of gaming conventions in each city in 2023 using Video Games Con for gaming conventions and Board Game Geek for board games conventions.
TripAdvisor was then used to count the number of ‘game and entertainment centres.
The number of game development companies in each province was found on Alberta Video Game Studios – Canadian Game Devs.
The number of gaming jobs in each city was found using Indeed, using the search term ‘video game’ as well as each city included in the seed list.
All data was then combined into a definitive ranking which was equally weighted. BonusFinder Canada was then able to assign a final score out of 10 to each city and determine which is best and worst for gamers.
Data is correct as of July 6th, 2023.

For the Silo, Marissa Pysarczuk.

Here is a link to our friends at https://bonus.ca/ who commissioned this data.

Earth

UN Invests 8 Billion USD In World’s Poorest Countries To Grow World’s Food

July 17, 2023 The Silo 1 Comment

Rome, 17 July 2023 – In 2022, despite conflict, climate change and the continued stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic which threatened the food security and livelihoods of millions of rural people, the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) invested US$7.96 billion in rural areas in the world’s poorest countries, according to its annual report released today.

“2022 was a particularly challenging year for rural people the world over. Rural communities have acutely felt the effects of this triple crisis on their food systems, which are a critical source of livelihoods – as well as essential nourishment – for them, and for the millions of people who depend on them,” said IFAD President Alvaro Lario in the report foreword.

“We need to support rural people to cope with present crises. But we also need to invest in building food systems that can support and nourish their families and communities, and help feed the world into the future.”

The annual report captures the organization’s activities, special initiatives and new funding sources as well as impact data. Analysis of the 2022 total rural development project portfolio reveals that 90% of core resources went to low-income countries (LICs) and lower middle-income countries (LMICS). IFAD has since committed to increase that ratio to 100% going forward. Data verification also showed that more than 90% of IFAD’s climate finance is invested in initiatives that enable rural people to adapt to climate change. In addition, it showed that more than half of project participants are women.

In 2022, IFAD launched the Crisis Response Initiative to protect livelihoods and strengthen resilience in 22 countries most in need as a consequence of the war in Ukraine. It focuses on tailored interventions to prevent hunger and food insecurity arising, while supporting sustainable food systems.

In 2022, impact data reveals that between 2019-2021, as a result of IFAD’s investments: more than 77 million people increased their incomes; more than 62 million people expanded their productive capacities; more than 64 million people improved their market access and 38 million people strengthened their resilience. IFAD is the only international financial institution that systematically measures the impact of its investments.

Assessments of the Rural Poor Stimulus Facility – IFAD’s COVID-19 response initiative launched in 2020 to help people survive pandemic-caused financial losses while protecting the global food supply – showed that at least three quarters of participants maintained or increased their levels of production and income, despite the impacts of the pandemic.

“Doing more to get more finance is critical; but we also have to continue to ensure that the people who need it most are the ones who benefit. This is another part of what makes IFAD unique, and we are maintaining our commitment to devote 100% of our core funding to the poorest countries,” wrote Lario. For the Silo, Julie Marshall.

Read the report

IFAD is an international financial institution and a United Nations specialized agency. Based in Rome – the United Nations food and agriculture hub – IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, we have provided more than US$24 billion in grants and low-interest loans to fund projects in developing countries.

Culture

Canada’s Most Googled Netflix Original Series and Movies Revealed

July 14, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Around 75 million US and Canadian adults have a Netflix subscription, with the streaming service a huge hit. But, which Netflix original series and movies are most popular amongst us Canadians?

Our friends at Spin Genie- a leading online casino have helped us out with this one and looked at Google search data, viewing hours, news articles, Instagram posts and Tiktok views for Netflix’s biggest original series and movies to reveal the streaming service’s most popular projects.

Canada’s top 10 most Googled Netflix Original Series:

Rank	Title	Number of Google searches
1	Stranger Things Season 4	1,939,100
2	Bridgerton Season 2	656,500
3	You Season 4	605,700
4	The Crown Season 5	585,100
5	Love Is Blind Season 3	580,900
6	Love Is Blind Season 4	561,130
7	Ozark Season 4	469,400
8	Love, Death & Robots: Volume 3 Season 3	404,030
9	Cobra Kai Season 5	363,200
10	Ginny And Georgia Season 2	312,300

Taking the top spot is Stranger Things Season 4, with nearly 2 million Google searches between January 2022 to April 2023. Stranger Things Season 4 was also crowned Netflix’s best original series according to its overall Netflix score of 9.58/10.

Bridgerton Season 2 is Netflix’s second-most searched-for original series since January 2022, with more than 650,000 searches in Canada. The show also boasts over 1.7 billion Tiktok views, 23,200 news articles and 53,856 Instagram posts.

Rounding out the top three is You Season 4 with just over 600,000 Google searches. Season 4 of You had the most media coverage of any Netflix show, with around 180,000 articles written on Google News.

Canada’s top 10 most Googled Netflix Original Films:

Rank	Title	Number of Google searches
1	The Stranger	76,000
2	Persuasion	50,000
3	Hustle	41,770
4	Blonde	35,400
5	Troll	32,950
6	Purple Hearts	26,000
7	Senior Year	21,930
8	All Quiet on the Western Front	18,540
9	Pinocchio	16,810
10	White Noise	15,960

Taking the number one spot for the most Googled Netflix original movies in Canada, we have The Stranger, with around 76,000 searches since the start of 2022. The film was based on the non-fiction book, The Sting: The Undercover Operation That Caught Daniel Morcombe’s Killer by Kate Kyriacou.

In second place, we have Persuasion, another adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel of the same name. Since the start of 2022, this Netflix original movie has been searched for around 50,000 times.

Hustle rounds out the top three with searches up by 41,770. The sports comedy-drama features Adam Sandler as an NBA scout, and LeBron James was also a producer on the movie, through his company SpringHill.

The research also revealed the following:

Enola Holmes 2 is the most talked about Netflix original movie on Instagram with almost 109k posts. When it comes to Instagram’s most talked about Netflix original series, Wednesday tops the list with over 159k posts on the app.
Purple Hearts is the best Netflix original movie according to its overall Netflix score of 8.87/10. Stranger Things Season 4 takes the crown as Netflix’s best original series, scoring 9.58.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is the most-watched Netflix original movie, amassing 301,730,000 viewing hours in its 7 weeks in the top 10.
Dahmer has been named TikTok’s most talked about Netflix series, with around 8.7 billion views on posts talking about its first season. When it comes to Tiktok’s most talked about Netflix film, Enola Holmes 2 takes the crown with around 2 billion views on the platform.

Art

SwissArtExpo 2023 Will Be Most Visited Hotspot In Zurich

July 10, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Fashion

Sweaty Rocks Activewear For Women Are Ideal For Summer

July 5, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Summer has arrived and with that mind, here is a new and interesting fashion find from our friends at Amazon.com.

The Sweaty Rocks clothing line is composed of high-tech performance fabrics, that feel luxurious and look amazing, and make their activewear clothing a must-have.

“I found the fit to be more generous. It looked great on the model.. on me. This dress is extremely flattering and the lightweight material drapes beautifully on your body making you feel so feminine. ” Kerry Delgado

“It is a must have in every closet. You can wear it with anything! Some of them are very bulky. This one is cut right to give you a nice fitted shape. This one fits right and looks great. The material is soft and shiny It has extra buckles on the sides to give you that badass biker look and it zips all the way up. This one is not only a great quality but also great price.” Nancy Brewer

Travel

Visit Our Friends to the South in Buffalo & Take In July 4 Celebrations

July 4, 2023 The Silo 1 Comment

obeliskMacKinleyMonumentnearcityhall — The Obelisk- MacKinley Monument near Buffalo City Hall

If you’re looking for a spur-of-the-moment day trip from Niagara, Canada side, I have the answer for you.

A visit to downtown Buffalo can be your answer. It’s about an hour away nestled on the American side of the Peace Bridge and it’s a place still oozing with charm. The older downtown area offers a step-back-in-time experience. Forget the Chicken wings; the historic buildings here make a statement about style and sophistication.

July Fourth Fireworks Galore!

There are many places to catch amazing fireworks displays in and around the city core.

Canalside Fireworks, Fourth of July, Fireworks in Buffalo NY

Cool Architecture and Art Deco Stylings

IMG_0068buffalocityhall — Fantastic architecture abounds in Buffalo- here is Buffalo City Hall, a fine example of Art Deco styling

Old City Hall
Start your day of exploring with a visit to Buffalo’s Art Deco City Hall. It dominates everything in the downtown area. Built during the early 1930’s (at the height of the great depression) this is a must see. The building is open free of charge Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Take the elevator to the 22tnd floor, and then walk the stairway to the observation area. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the Empire State building in New York City. You’re rewarded with an awe inspiring view of the city, Niagara River and nearby Fort Erie. Free tours of City Hall are offered Monday to Friday at noon. Just meet in the lobby and a volunteer will put you through your paces as he or she walks and talks about the history of this Buffalo charmer. I was convinced, I was in a time warp. Docent (an American term which usually refers to a historic tour guide),

docent_dictionarymeaning — The term docent is an “Americanistic term” but has roots in the Germanic language

Rick Smyth, a retired teacher explained the meaning behind the many murals and statues that adorn the inside of the building. He said, “They tell about the friendship between Canada and the United States that has extended since the end of the War of 1812″.
Niagara Square
Outside City Hall is Niagara Square .Dominating the square is a monument built to honour the memory of William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States (1897-1901) who was assassinated in Buffalo at the Pan American Exposition in 1901. If you love old architectural buildings and their history you’ve hit the jackpot. Take your pick, the perimeter of the square beckons you. All of these century old buildings have stories to tell. Escorted walking tours can be arranged at www.buffalotours.org or 716-852-3300.
Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square is three blocks to the east of City Hall. It’s a park in the centre of the downtown. The block, which was once square, is lined by many of the city’s tallest buildings including the Liberty Building, and Rand Building. The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library (www.buffalolib.org) is an interesting place to explore. You can a get a first hand glimpse of the manuscripts of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. by Samuel L. Clemens, better know by his non de plume, Mark Twain lived in Buffalo between 1869 and 1871. The library is open daily at 8:30 am, except Sunday, free of charge. This block is surrounded by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s Metro Rail light rail rapid transit, which runs about 12 blocks above-ground along Main Street in what is called the Free Fare Zone. Try it you’ll love it. The ride really is free.
Live Theatre
You’d be hard-pressed to leave this area without visiting one of the many historical theatres that offers touring Broadway shows, concerts, opera, dance and classic film series. Shea’s Performing Arts Center (www.sheas.org) on Main Street, built in the style of 1926 European Opera House, has an outstanding line-up of live entertainment. Greats like George Burns and Frank Sinatra have performed here in the past.

Find a tall building downtown (like the City Hall building) for a great panoramic look of the skyline.

Where to Eat
When the hunger pains start to come on I recommend the Spot Coffee Restaurant (www.spotcoffee.com) at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Chippewa Streets. This independently owned coffee shop is more authentic than places like Starbucks. They have good reasonably priced food and plenty of it. Uneven floors, wood tables and exposed brick make this the perfect neighbourhood eatery. They open at 7 am and close at 11 pm. It’s where I like to hang out during the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade takes place this year on Sunday, March 18 and begins at 2pm.
Downtown Parking
Street parking is reasonable here. Be sure to carry lots of American 25 cent coins to feed the $1 an hour meters. Lot parking is about $8.00 for the day.
For More Information TELL ’em The Silo sent ya ;>
www.visitbuffaloniagara.com or 1-800-283-3256.

For the Silo, George Bailey.

Reviews

1975 Psycho From Texas Bluray is Drive-In Worthy

July 3, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

NOTE- this article has adult themes and language.

A backyard movie night with one of those Blu-rays that are courteous enough to program a drive-in style evening, featuring two movies with an intermission.

The first film, PSYCHO FROM TEXAS (1975), was new to me. It’s about a criminal drifter named Wheeler who arrives in small town Arkansas to take on a kidnap/ransom job. The victim turns out to be the very same kindly old man who treated Wheeler earlier that day to a free Coke *and* a cup of coffee.

But we immediately find out that Wheeler is as cold as they come, and he doesn’t care what the old man did for him, he is actually looking forward to killing him once the money comes through. It turns out Wheeler’s Texas psychopathy stems from having a shitty mom who would beat him in between getting fucked by random dudes who pay her in stockings.

Filmmaking-wise, this is total amateur hour, featuring clumsy transitions and mostly bad acting, even the music suddenly changes back & forth between scenes. After the first half-hour, it meanders with an endless foot chase that is alternately funny and tiresome.

There are also whiplash-inducing shifts in tone, going from dumb good ‘ol boy comedy (complete with country bumpkin music) to ultra-grimy sleaze (Linnea Quigley appears in this, and I don’t think her visual discomfort is all acting, either).

But I can’t deny that I found the overall story kinda intriguing, and the filmmakers sure as hell knew how to end a movie on a high note. I’ve been re-reading the Parker novels recently, and Wheeler reminded me of one of those despicable sadists that Parker occasionally worked with (and who usually ended up fucking over Parker and his partners).

Plus, I’m a sucker for regional drive-in fare; I always felt these movies were better representations of their time & place than bigger budget fare. Probably because they couldn’t afford sets and back-lots. There’s a scene where a sheriff is explaining how a young boy found a very important piece of evidence; the boy is Black, and the sheriff begins to say “You know that young n-” and the print suddenly jump-cuts a couple seconds ahead to “…boy from so-and-so found…”, sparing us that very real Arkansas-in-the-1970s moment. I had to laugh.

Also, Wheeler drives a pretty sweet Dodge Dart Swinger 340, which is something I thought you would appreciate, if you were me.

There was a 13-minute intermission with classic snack bar ads and trailers for movies like COP KILLERS and THE GRIM REAPER (U.S. cut of ANTHROPOPHAGOUS), before moving on to the second feature, THE GATES OF HELL (1980) which is the U.S. cut of Fulci’s CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD. There are much better-looking versions available under the original title, but I appreciated the grind house charm of this scratched up print (I’m pretty sure this was the same print I’ve seen at various all-night marathons).

https://youtu.be/06c1xXYlu5Y

I’ve rambled about this one before; it’s not my favorite Fulci, but it’s good times all the same and it was fun to watch it outside at night, wondering if the creepy sounds I heard behind me were possums, gatos, or some evil zombie priest who wants to bring about the end of the world. (And yet, despite the bleeding eyeballs and puked-up entrails and living dead walking around, that priest *still* refuses to acknowledge his colleagues molesting the altar boys behind closed doors.) For the Silo, E.F. Contentment.

Gaming

Wanted:Dead Cyberpunk Shooter IS Now Half Off At Steam

June 30, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland., June 30, 2023 – Break out the sunscreen and lotion up your weapons because 110 Industries is pleased to announce that Wanted: Dead, its action-packed cyberpunk hybrid slasher/shooter experience, is on sale now until July 13 for PC on Steam. 110 Industries is kicking off the Steam summer gaming season by slashing 50% off the price of Wanted: Dead. If you do the math, that’s 100% ninja killing action for 50% of the price, creating 238% more fun. (FYI, we’re really bad at math.)

Wanted: Dead was developed by Soleil, the makers of Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive.

Play as Lt. Hannah Stone, the no-nonsense ass kicking leader of the Zombie Unit, a special team of former war criminals operating within the ranks of the Hong Kong police force. Use your guns, grenades and sword to eliminate the enemy with razor sharp combos and over 50 finishers. Just don’t forget to wash the off blood when you’re done. Seriously, please shower after every mission. It’s disgusting.

“We had to put the Zombie Unit on sale to generate lost revenue,” said Hong Kong Chief of Police Albert Simmons. “This trigger-happy gang of yahoos have killed so many people we blew our budget on ammunition and pointless karaoke parties. And don’t even get me started on the money we spent in ramen this year. Hopefully this 50% off sale on Steam will keep Dauer Synthetics, who funds the HK police department, off our butts.”

Wanted: Dead is available now for PC, Playstation, and Xbox. The Steam Summer Sale is in effect through July 13.

Purchase your copy of Wanted: Dead at 50% off now at the Steam store:https://store.steampowered.com/app/1981610/Wanted_Dead/

Visit https://wanteddeadgame.com/ and follow @110Industries on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Discord for the latest 110 gaming news and updates.

About 110 Industries
110 Industries is video game publisher founded in 2020 with a focus on original and licensed IPs. Our goal is to publish original properties, like Wanted: Dead, Vengeance is Mine and Red Goes Faster. Along with original gaming IPs, 110 uses their in-house marketing and financing to secure third-party publishing rights for large and smaller scale independent projects. Working with the best professionals around the globe, our mission is to provide creative freedom for talented individuals and inject fresh energy into the video game industry. Our strong core values encourage creativity, bold design choices and innovation. See what we have to offer at www.110Industries.com

Culture

How a Single Mom of 4 Uses Comedy to Cure Single Moms Globally Using YouTube Channel

June 29, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Fitore Lleshi is a Comedian, Actress and host of the show Fitore Laughing at Life, offering a unique blend of comedy and self-help advice for single moms. Becoming a top producer out of 30+ nationwide stores in marketing, while also side hustling as a standup comedian, this single mom of 4 shares practical advice to other single mothers who struggle to get through the day, using music and laughter to connect on a deeper level.

Fitore says, “Growing up, I had always dreamt of becoming a movie star, but life took an unexpected turn when I found myself pregnant and married at a young age, throwing a wrench into my plans. I dabbled in different jobs with a common thread– whether it was convincing customers to opt for higher quality alcohol, matching pants for their jackets, or a larger home to rent, I thrived on the art of persuasion. I soon realized that these roles satisfied my ego, demanded quick thinking and creativity, and allowed me to unleash my comedic talents.”

Her TV and YouTube show, “Fitore Laughing at Life” also offers valuable insights into the world of fitness and personal growth.

https://www.fitorelleshi.com/,

https://www.instagram.com/p/CshIVbigGNy/

https://www.facebook.com/princessfitore

More about Fitore

Fitore Leshi is a rising personality in the entertainment industry with a multifaceted career that includes stand-up comedy, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. Her show, Fitore Laughing at Life, has been a success, offering a unique blend of comedy and self-help advice that has resonated with audiences. Through her show, Fitore has been able to share her personal experiences as a single mother, entrepreneur, and comedian, offering practical advice on everything from building self-esteem to achieving financial success. Her warm, relatable personality and humorous anecdotes have made her a beloved figure among her fans, and she has become a role model for women everywhere. As an entrepreneur and mentor, she has helped countless women achieve their dreams and overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.

Art

Superb Watch From Raketa Uses Vintage Metal From Ekranoplan Landing Craft

June 28, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

The Raketa Watch Factory launches a new tool watch dedicated to the Lun-class Ekranoplan: a Soviet era hybrid machine — half ship, half plane — unlike anything else in the world.

Legendary soviet achievement

Part ship & part plane, the Lun-class Ekranoplan was built in the early 80s by the Soviet Union as an experimental coastal defence vehicle. It can claim to be one of the most extraordinary machines ever built by mankind. It combined the best characteristics of a ship and that of a plane: it could carry as much cargo as a ship and fly as fast as an airplane at speeds of up to 500 km/h. It flew over distances of up to 2,000 km using lift generated by the “ground effect” acting on its large wings when about 4 metres above the surface of the water. This enabled the Ekranoplan to fly undetected by radars.

The name “Lun” was chosen because it comes from the Russian word for “harrier”, a bird which characteristically hunts by flying silently low over open ground.

A remnant of the past

The only Lun-class Ekranoplan ever built lies today on a beach of the Caspian sea near the city of Derbent (Russia) as a lonely reminder of past achievements. With its gigantic size, unique hybrid characteristics and quirky design, the Ekranoplan is a testimony to the incredible originality of Soviet-era engineering. Even now, after almost half a century, it looks incredibly futuristic.

A watch as testimony to the Ekranoplan Lun

The Raketa Watch Factory has always been inspired by incredible human technical achievements. It has therefore designed and manufactured a tool watch as testimony to the Ekranoplan. Raketa also hopes this will attract more attention to the Ekranoplan, and thus contribute to saving it.

Especially for this model, Raketa developed a new stainless steel case and metal band: its sturdy design corresponds to the looks and spirit of the Soviet-era Ekranoplan. The Raketa “Ekranoplan” watch is directly linked to the Lun-class Ekranoplan:

– The insert of the rotating bezel is made from a piece of metal from the Lun-class Ekranoplan, officially given by the city of Derbent which is in charge of safeguarding the Ekranoplan;

– The design of the compass markings on the bezel is directly inspired by the design of the compass on the control panel in the cockpit of the Ekranoplan;

– An embossed image of the Ekranoplan is printed on the dial.

The back of the watch reveals the beautifully decorated 24-hour automatic movement which is entirely produced by the Raketa Watch Factory in Saint-Petersburg.

The Raketa “Ekranoplan” watch model is limited to 500 pieces.

Each watch model is complemented with a leather strap. The model is also available as part of a Gift set which includes the Raketa “Ekranoplan” watch model with stainless steel bracelet, an additional leather strap and a 1:400 scale model of the Lun-class Ekranoplan.

The price

The cost of the watch is 1.667 EUR (without VAT) $2,410.08 CAD at time of writing. The cost of the Gift set is 2083 EUR (without VAT) $3,011.52 CAD at time of writing. For the comfort of customers, Raketa watches are delivered worldwide free of charge by DHL directly up to their front door.

The insert of the rotating bezel is made from a piece of metal from the Lun-class Ekranoplan.

Specifications

Factory:	Raketa Watch Factory (Saint-Petersburg)
Movement:
Calibre:	2624
Functions:	Automatic
Number of jewels:	24
Testing positions:	4
Average rate (s/d):	-10+20
Average running time (h):	40
Frequency/hour:	18.000 / 2.5Hz
Bi-directional automatic winding	Yes
Decoration:	Nanocoating Neva waves Print
Case:
Material:	Stainless steel
Material of the bezel insert:	Metal from the Lun-class Ekranoplan
Size:	41,6 mm
Front glass:	Sapphire
Back glass:	Mineral
Water resistance:	20 АТМ
Hands:	Superluminova
Dial:	Superluminova
Strap/bracelet:
Material:	Stainless steel Genuine leather
Width:	22 mm
Sex:	Male

For the Silo, Lera Komolova. Photos: Lera Komolova

RAKETA “EKRANOPLAN”

Entre ciel et mer !

La Manufacture horlogère Raketa lance une nouvelle montre spécialisée qui est dédiée à l’Ekranoplan Lun : un appareil hybride de l’ère soviétique – mi-avion, mi-bateau – absolument unique en son genre.

Un exploit légendaire de l’époque soviétique

Construit par l’Union soviétique au début des années 1980 en tant qu’engin expérimental de défense côtière – mi-avion, mi-bateau – l’Ekranoplan peut être considéré comme l’une des machines les plus extraordinaires jamais créées par l’homme. L’Ekranoplan réunissait les meilleures qualités d’un navire et d’un avion : il pouvait déplacer autant de cargaison qu’un bateau et pouvait voler aussi vite qu’un avion en atteignant une vitesse de 500 km/h. Il volait à des distances allant jusqu’à 2 000 km grâce à “l’effet d’écran” qui se formait sous ses immenses ailes à environ 4 mètres au-dessus de la surface de la mer. Ceci lui permettait de se déplacer sans être repéré par les radars.

Son nom « Lun » se traduit du russe comme « le busard », et non sans raison, car cet oiseau de proie est connu pour sa chasse en vol silencieux à basse altitude.

Un témoin du passé

Le seul Ekranoplan Lun jamais construit se trouve aujourd’hui sur une plage de la mer Caspienne près de la ville de Derbent (Russie), comme un rappel solitaire des exploits passés. Sa taille gigantesque, ses caractéristiques uniques et son étrange design témoignent de la force et de l’originalité de l’ingénierie soviétique. Encore aujourd’hui, presque cinquante ans après sa conception, il a l’air extrêmement futuriste.

Une montre en hommage à l’Ekranoplan Lun

La Manufacture horlogère Raketa a toujours été inspirée par les plus grands exploits techniques humains. Elle a donc produit une montre spécialisée en hommage à l’Ekranoplan Lun. Raketa souhaite aussi attirer l’attention sur l’Ekranoplan Lun et contribuer ainsi à sa préservation.

Un nouveau boîtier et bracelet en acier ont spécialement été conçus pour ce modèle : leur design rugueux et viril correspond à l’esprit de l’Ekranoplan soviétique. Le modèle Raketa “Ekranoplan” a plusieurs liens avec l’Ekranoplan Lun :

– l’insert de la lunette tournante est fabriqué à partir d’un morceau de métal de l’Ekranoplan Lun, officiellement transmis à la Manufacture Raketa par la ville de Derbent (qui est en charge de la préservation de l’Ekranoplan) ;

– le design des signes de boussole sur la lunette est inspiré de la boussole du tableau de commande situé dans le cockpit de l’Ekranoplan ;

– une image embossée de l’Ekranoplan est imprimée sur le cadran.

Le fond du boîtier permet de contempler un mouvement automatique à 24 heures Raketa, magnifiquement décoré et entièrement créé par la manufacture horlogère Raketa de Saint-Pétersbourg.

Raketa “Ekranoplan” est une édition limitée à 500 pièces.

Chaque montre est livrée avec un bracelet en cuir supplémentaire. Le modèle est également disponible dans un coffret cadeau comprenant la montre Raketa “Ekranoplan” et son bracelet en acier, un bracelet cuir supplémentaire et la maquette de l’Ekranoplan Lun à une échelle de 1:400.

Prix

Le prix est de 1 667 EUR HT pour la montre seule et de 2 083 EUR HT pour le coffret cadeau. Pour le confort de nos clients, les montres Raketa sont livrées gratuitement dans le monde entier par DHL jusqu’à leur porte d’entrée.

Spécifications

Manufacture :	Manufacture de montres Raketa (Saint-Pétersbourg)
Mouvement :
Calibre:	2624
Fonctions :	Automatique, 24 heures
Nombre de rubis :	24
Positions de reglages :	4
Marche moyenne (s/j) :	-10+20
Réserve de marche moyenne (h) :	40
Fréquence/heure :	18.000 / 2.5Hz
Remontage automatique bidirectionnel :	Oui
Décoration :	Nanorevêtement Côtes de NevaImpression
Boitier :
Matériau :	Acier inoxydable
Matériau de l’insert de la lunette :	Métal de l’Ekranoplan “Lun”
Diamètre :	41,6 mm
Glace côté cadran :	Sapphire
Glace arrière :	Minéral
Etanchéité :	20 АТМ
Aiguilles :	Superluminova
Cadran :	Superluminova
Bracelet :
Matériau :	Acier inoxydableCuir véritable
Largeur :	22 mm
Sexe :	Masculin

Culture

(Mostly) All You Need To Know About The Marijuana Market

June 26, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

With legal ‘weed’ readily available from licensed dispensaries in Canada, more states to the South of us are legalizing marijuana for use in America and as such, the demand is increasing.

A good example is Colorado.

The state opened the first regulated recreational marijuana market in the world. A 2014 study also showed that 30% of the heaviest “pot” users in Colorado were responsible for 87% of the demand for the drug. Judging from these stats, we can see that the demand for marijuana is steadily rising as it is becoming accepted and legalized in more places around the world.
The marijuana market is getting bigger by the day as Americans spend roughly $40 USD billion annually on legal and illegal marijuana. There is so much more to these impressive figures and the rest of this article and info-graphic will discuss these factors. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Legalization

Typically, only two countries in the world allow the recreational use of marijuana – Uruguay and Canada. Although marijuana is still illegal under federal law in the United States, there are state laws that make it legal to consume under certain conditions. Marijuana is legal in 12 states for recreational use, and in 33 states for medical use. In the states where marijuana is legalized for medical use, there are licensed dispensaries that distribute it. These states restrict the number of dispensaries and they are usually non-profits. If we take into consideration the fact that the majority of Americans (62%) support legalizing marijuana, we can surely expect even more states to adopt new marijuana-friendly laws. As the public learns more about proven marijuana benefits, the support increases.

Sales and Demand

The rising demand for marijuana keeps driving it to record high sales as 55 million people use marijuana regularly. Studies show that by the end of 2022, recreational marijuana sales in the U.S are projected to more than triple.
The average price per ounce of marijuana differs in the U.S by state and it may vary greatly. For example, the District of Columbia has the highest price at $600.7 USD per ounce while Oregon’s price is $210.6 USD for the same quantity. Also, research shows that the cannabis market is projected to grow at a rate of 21% per year.

Employment

With the escalating demand, there is a corresponding rise in the need for greater production, and the industry provides jobs and opportunities for investments. People with degrees in pharmacology, botany, and chemistry can be very beneficial in the industry. As for the salaries, the starting pay is $40,000 for growers and pharmacologists.
The three factors above paint a clear picture of the state of the marijuana market. It is very lucrative and expected to keep thriving.

Reviews

How New $198K Speaker Produces Jump Factor

June 23, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

HOLBROOK, New York, June, 2023 At Pacific Audio Fest 2023 Nola Speakers will feature the West Coast debut of its Baby Grand Reference Gold Series 3 loudspeaker. The full-range floor standing speaker offers a number of upgrades from the previous model to deliver an extraordinary quality of musical realism, including a new isolation system that provides greatly improved dynamics, low-level resolution and other benefits.

The Nola Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 loudspeaker will be showcased at Pacific Audio Fest, June 23 – 25, 2023 at the Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport, Seattle, Washington, in Olympic Room 3, Wing 7.

The speaker employs Nola’s hallmark open-baffle dipole design for the midrange drivers and tweeters, which eliminates box enclosure colorations and contributes to the speaker’s spacious soundstage. The Nola Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 features four proprietary true ribbon tweeters along with four newly-designed midrange drivers, and dual 220 mm woofers. The new isolation system is a key element in the speaker’s remarkable performance. The isolation base’s construction features a spiked platform with an improved version of Nola’s ball-bearing isolation technology incorporated into the base.

While the concept may seem simple, the results are profound.

Nola president Carl Marchisotto noted, The idea was inspired by attending a recent live music concert. You can instantly tell live from reproduced music, and I wondered why. I was struck by the fact that with live music, the harmonics decay properly with respect to the fundamental. They’re not lost, or cut off abruptly. I set out to make sure this important aural cue was preserved, by designing the new isolation base, and achieving further improvements in performance with our new low-distortion drivers and upgraded crossovers. Marchisotto continued, For the first time, we will demonstrate our ball bearing isolation system applied to the whole system, including the source, amplification and other components as well as the loudspeakers.

The true ribbon tweeters, which are built with final assembly completed in-house with proprietary components, have a frequency response to 100 kHz, for smooth, effortless high-frequency reproduction.

The midrange drivers incorporate Alnico ring magnets for a more lifelike attack and transient response, and now feature the same gold-plated phase plugs used in the woofers. The 220 mm woofers employ magnesium cones and massive Alnico ring magnets, and are housed in individual rear-ported chambers for deeper, more articulate bass with exceptional dynamic response. The 3-1/2-way crossover network is hand-wired with premium components and no PC boards used, to maintain sonic purity.

These speakers have what designers and reviewers used to call the jump factor, where they can surprise you with their dynamic impact and clarity, Marchisotto said. You don’t realize that certain distortions in a loudspeaker are eliminated until you don’t hear them, in a speaker that brings you closer to musical reality. We invite everyone at Pacific Audio Fest to come by and enjoy a very special listening experience.

The Nola Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 is available in mirror-imaged pairs in a choice of True Piano Black Gloss or True Piano Santos Rosewood finishes, with other finishes and colors available by special order. The Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 is now shipping at a suggested retail price of $150,000USD/ $198,190CAD per pair. For the Silo, Frank Doris.

About Nola Speakers

In 2004 Carl and Marilyn Marchisotto founded Accent Speaker Technology Ltd. and created the Nola product line with the goal of bringing the experience of listening to live music to a wider number of people. President and Chief Engineer Marchisotto has been designing audio equipment since 1973 at Dahlquist, Acarian Systems/Alon and Accent/Nola, which now offers a complete loudspeaker lineup from high-performance bookshelf models to the flagship USD$500,000/ CAD$660,650 pair Nola Grand Reference Gold VII System, designed and built to deliver ultimate musical performance in every aspect. Nola employs a number of key technologies including baffle-less dipole drivers, Alnico magnets, Unison Crossover technology that optimally blends the performance of multiple speaker drivers, and many other refinements.

Reviews

Geology Studio’s Open 45 Credenza Optimizes Streaming & Vinyl Listening Experience

June 22, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

“I was on a mission to figure out how to help people like myself engage with their music collections. This piece is the result of that effort,” says designer Adam Friedman.

Military

Five Years After an EMP Strike: Expert Explores What Society Might Look Like

June 21, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Black Mountain, NC, June , 2023 —William R. Forstchen, Ph.D., prays that he is remembered 30 years from now as a crank. Widely considered one of the foremost experts on electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks, Dr. Forstchen wants more than anything to be wrong when he says an attack is imminent.

Dr. Forstchen is also a New York Times bestselling author who has written extensively about EMP weapons. His upcoming book, Five Years After, traces the plight of protagonist John Matherson as he struggles to protect the fragile civilization helped rebuild following an EMP strike.

A means of delivery- Newscom/Alamy Stock Photo/M2T8T5 North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-15 is displayed during a military parade in Pyongyang, 8 February 2018.

Most people have lived through minor power outages lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days. But what would happen if the power went out and didn’t come back on? Historian William R. Forstchen, Ph.D., warns that if something were to cripple the U.S. power grid — an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) for instance — it would trigger a cascade of deadly events, and long-term survival would depend on being in the right place at the right time with the right food supply.

“It is catastrophic. It is not ‘tinfoil hat,’” said Forstchen in a recent interview. “With an EMP, when it hits, it blows the grid out. You’re going to lose your water immediately. Within several days, that’s going to be bad. Second: food supply. … Medication. … and then of course, disease sets in.”

Widely considered one of the foremost experts on EMP attacks, Forstchen is also the New York Times bestselling author of the One Second After series, a fictional exploration rooted in the cold, solid facts of how an EMP strike above U.S. soil would impact society.

How would an EMP attack effect Canada?

The Canadian Press/J.P. Moczulski An aerial view of the Bruce Power nuclear generating station in Kincardine, Ontario, Canada. An EMP event affecting this facility could have catastrophic consequences.

The latest book in the series, Five Years After, follows protagonist John Matherson as he contends with new threats to the fragile civilization that he helped rebuild.

In Five Years After, the Republic of New America has all but collapsed into regional powers, and the world at large is struggling to remain stable as regional conflicts ravage the post-EMP landscape. After several years attempting to lead a quiet life, John receives word that the President is terminal with cancer, and John is asked to take over the reins of government.

Pulled back into the fray, John struggles to hold the tottering Republic together. Facing threats on multiple fronts, he races against time to stop another EMP attack on the former United States and China, putting years of progress at risk. With so much of his work under threat, John must find the strength within to start over, so that he can save the country and the people that he holds dear from even greater calamity.

Forstchen’s depiction of a post-EMP society throughout his One Second After series is rooted in years of extensive research, and he has long been advocating for greater awareness and preparation against an EMP strike, which he considers a very real threat. His goal is not to alarm, but to prompt proactive measures to protect the North American public.

“We’ve got to live our lives; we’ve got to enjoy ourselves … don’t make this the obsession,” Forstchen said of the topic of EMPs. “But it should be out there. You should be thinking about this and doing some basic planning.”

Featured image- NASA “Mini-EMP attacks do happen when conditions on the Sun create discharges powerful enough to reach the Earth’s surface. Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory’s view of the 23 July 2012 coronal mass ejection. The event was the fastest-ever coronal mass ejection, leaving the sun at between 1,800-2,200 miles-per-second.

About the Author

William R. Forstchen is a New York Times bestselling author and a Professor of History at Montreat College, in Montreat, North Carolina. He holds a doctoral degree from Purdue University with a specialization in military history and technology. He is the author of more than 50 books, including the One Second After series that details the realistic effects of an EMP strike.

He is a noted expert historian and public speaker and has been interviewed on FOX News, C-SPAN and many others on topics ranging from history to technology and cultural issues, to space technology development, to security threats.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Years-After-Matherson-Novel/dp/1250854563/

Five Years After

Publisher: Tor/Forge

Release Date: August 22, 2023

ISBN-10: ‎ 1250854563

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250854568

Available for pre-order from Amazon.com

Sci-Tech

World First- Venturi’s Hyper-Deformable Lunar Wheel Presented At Paris Air Show

June 20, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Earlier this week, Venturi Group presented its latest invention at the international Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France: a hyper-deformable lunar wheel. Venturi Lab designed and manufactured the wheel using materials it created. The Venturi wheel is a world first.

A turning point in the history of the space industry, Venturi has reinvented the wheel. Engineers, chemists and physicists at Venturi Lab in Fribourg, Switzerland have created a unique hyper-deformable lunar wheel.

The wheel will be used on Venturi Astrolab’s FLEX rover, a vehicle that will be deposited on the Moon in 2026 by Space X’s Starship rocket and initially used to transport and deploy payloads.

In the past, with the exception of the Apollo missions, space exploration vehicles have always been equipped with rigid wheels. The Venturi wheel, however, is highly deformable while remaining long-lasting and robust. From 2026, when the FLEX rover is put into service at the lunar south pole, where extreme temperatures (-90 to -230°C) prevail, the four wheels supporting the two-tonne vehicle (payload included) will warp in order to absorb ground irregularities as the FLEX travels at 20 km/h. The wheels will need to perform over at least 1,000 kilometres and resist strong radiation from the south pole.

Features of the Venturi wheel include:
– an exceptional diameter of 930 mm
– a complex system of 192 cables that act as spokes
– a tread made flexible by a newly invented material
– an outer rim equipped with springs

This breakthrough technology, based on unique materials, is equal in importance to the arrival of the rubber, and later pneumatic rimmed tyre in the 19th century.

NASA has selected Venturi Astrolab to test and analyse the Venturi wheel at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.

ABOUT VENTURI
Since 2000, the Venturi Group has specialised in the design and manufacture of high-performance electric vehicles. Whether through world records, expeditions on hostile terrain, the creation of the first electric sports car, the development of innovative vehicles or its involvement in the Formula E World Championship, the Venturi Group embodies and demonstrates all the capabilities of the electric vehicle on 2 or 4 wheels. Since 2021, Venturi Lab is part of the Venturi Group. The company invents, studies, designs and manufactures mobility solutions capable of handling the extreme environmental conditions found on the Moon and Mars. In 2026, Venturi Astrolab’s FLEX rover – for which the Venturi Group will have designed and manufactured innovative technologies resulting from disruptive innovations – will be in operation on the Moon.

ABOUT VENTURI ASTROLAB
Venturi Astrolab, Inc (Astrolab) is on a mission to advance humanity to the next horizon by designing, building and operating a fleet of versatile rovers for all planetary surface needs. Comprised of a highly specialised team of former NASA, SpaceX and JPL engineers, Astrolab is dedicated to providing adaptive mobility solutions essential to life beyond Earth. The team has leading experience in terrestrial and planetary robotics, electric vehicles, human spaceflight and more. Astrolab’s extensive experience and strategic partnerships with a wide range of world-class institutions, including the electric vehicle pioneer Venturi Group, allow for the most reliable, flexible and cost-effective lunar and Mars mobility offerings. The company’s headquarters are located in Hawthorne, California.

Culture

Finland Study- Parents Concerned Children Exposed to Inappropriate Content Online

June 16, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Do you know what your child is doing on their phone at night? – stirring night-time outdoor ads portray the harsh reality on children’s phone screens.

Finland’s largest child welfare organization published an outdoor ad campaign to remind parents and adults of the content children see when browsing their phones, especially at night. Canada are you listening?

The campaign consisted of billboards disguised as a child’s screen recording, a continuous stream of disturbing and violent images, including cyberbullying and war. Highlighting the harsh reality that children can face on their phones, the ads were displayed only at night in Helsinki, Finland, because that is when children are most likely to use their phones without adult supervision.

The aim of The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare’s campaign is to support parents in media education for children. According to a Pew Research Center survey (2020), a majority of parents of children aged 11 or younger are concerned that their child is being exposed to inappropriate content online. 59 percent of US parents were concerned about their child accessing violent content online, and 56 percent were concerned about their child being bullied or harassed online*.

“Digitalization has revolutionized our world, for better and for worse. Media is intertwined with children’s lives, where for example the internet, social media, and games are part of their environment. A child has the right to safety in digital environments as well”, says Paula Aalto, The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare’s Head of School Cooperation and Digital Youth Work.

TBWA\Helsinki, the creative partner in the campaign, discovered an approach that allowed drawing attention to the time of day, when children are most likely to use their phones without adult supervision or support. Thus, the outdoor ads are visible only at night.

“Children are at their most vulnerable during the night. We created billboards that are active from 12:00 am to 2:00 am, displaying a stream of images that depict cyberbullying, nudity, war, and violence. It effectively reminds us, adults, about the availability of illicit online content to our children. We purposely hid the content of the billboards from the public – this became the core of our message. These images were too frightening to show, yet they are the harsh reality our kids are exposed to when we aren’t watching”, says TBWA’s Creative Director Joni Furstenborg.

Adults are the solution

The association does not blame adults or technology, but supports parents in educating their children about media.

“It is understandable that parents cannot constantly monitor their child’s phone use. However, as adults, we are the solution to protecting our children from inappropriate content. By developing our own media literacy skills, we also know how to act if a child has seen something scary or inappropriate on their phone”, says Aalto.

The Mannerheim League emphasizes that providing support entails exploring media together, achieving joint successes, and being present and genuinely interested in our children’s lives . Constant communication with the child on and off screen is of the utmost importance. For the Silo, Minna Närhilä.

“As a parent myself, I am concerned about my own children’s media use on their phones. Children are constantly exposed to harmful content, and parents must protect them from seeing things that they do not have the ability to process due to their young age. We, parents, are the solution”, Furstenborg ends.

Japanese Tech Behemoth ‘NTT’ Launches Next Generation of Open-Ear Wireless Earphones Only the Wearer Can Hear

User Experience is Everything

Revolutionary Technology

About nwm

About NTT sonority

11 of the Best Places to Visit in Europe:

Trevi Fountain, Rome

The London Eye and Tower Of London, London

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam

Santorini Volcano, Santorini

FAQs

What are the most beautiful cities in Europe?

What are the largest cities in Europe?

What are the oldest cities in Europe?

Which are the cheapest cities in Europe to visit?

What are the safest cities in Europe?

What are the most romantic cities in Europe?

Is it a work of art? Do you consider it the work of a master?

Secretly, in the evenings, the couple conducted plywood experiments in their apartment turned studio.

Designed to Bring BenQ’s Critically Acclaimed Premium Golf Sim Quality to Small Sim Spaces for 2,500$ cad, the LH820ST Shines in Color Accuracy, Brightness, and Ease of Installation

“Golf sim has become mainstream, creating demand for laser projectors that are not only affordable but also work for small sim spaces and have great picture quality,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ Education.

Highlights

UFO Hearing – Shocking claims of alien technology defying the laws of physics are shared by whistleblowers

The Provinces Most Likely to Survive an Alien Invasion

The experts created a points-based index system evaluating:

Falcon Lake, located in Winnipeg, is one of Manitoba’s most notorious experiences with the unknown, as Stefan Michalak saw two vessels hovering above him in the night sky.

After a long day of work or school, it’s important to take care of yourself before bed.

Take Care of Your Skin

Unplug and Disconnect

Create a Relaxing Environment

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Do Relaxing Activities

I’m a tomato snob. I can’t help it. I’ve had the best and will never go back.

Why I’m hooked on heirloom tomatoes.

And so, through the efforts of seed-savers throughout the world, the tomatoes are spared extinction and continue to be enjoyed for their wonderful flavor, but not by the masses. Only by snobs like me. And maybe you.

Here’s the synopsis:

Contraband is a unique cross-Atlantic graphic novel collaboration published by Markosia. Here are a few good reasons why you should definitely pick up this superbly relevant graphic novel.

Let’s get right to it! Here is the breakdown:

Methodology:

Around 75 million US and Canadian adults have a Netflix subscription, with the streaming service a huge hit. But, which Netflix original series and movies are most popular amongst us Canadians?

Canada’s top 10 most Googled Netflix Original Series:

Canada’s top 10 most Googled Netflix Original Films:

The research also revealed the following:

Summer has arrived and with that mind, here is a new and interesting fashion find from our friends at Amazon.com.

If you’re looking for a spur-of-the-moment day trip from Niagara, Canada side, I have the answer for you.

July Fourth Fireworks Galore!

NOTE- this article has adult themes and language.

A backyard movie night with one of those Blu-rays that are courteous enough to program a drive-in style evening, featuring two movies with an intermission.

Filmmaking-wise, this is total amateur hour, featuring clumsy transitions and mostly bad acting, even the music suddenly changes back & forth between scenes. After the first half-hour, it meanders with an endless foot chase that is alternately funny and tiresome.

Also, Wheeler drives a pretty sweet Dodge Dart Swinger 340, which is something I thought you would appreciate, if you were me.

Wanted: Dead was developed by Soleil, the makers of Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive.

Wanted: Dead is available now for PC, Playstation, and Xbox. The Steam Summer Sale is in effect through July 13.

Her TV and YouTube show, “Fitore Laughing at Life” also offers valuable insights into the world of fitness and personal growth.

More about Fitore

Legendary soviet achievement

A remnant of the past

The Raketa “Ekranoplan” watch model is limited to 500 pieces.

The price

Specifications

With legal ‘weed’ readily available from licensed dispensaries in Canada, more states to the South of us are legalizing marijuana for use in America and as such, the demand is increasing.

Legalization

Sales and Demand

Employment

The Nola Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 loudspeaker will be showcased at Pacific Audio Fest, June 23 – 25, 2023 at the Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport, Seattle, Washington, in Olympic Room 3, Wing 7.

While the concept may seem simple, the results are profound.

The true ribbon tweeters, which are built with final assembly completed in-house with proprietary components, have a frequency response to 100 kHz, for smooth, effortless high-frequency reproduction.

About Nola Speakers

“I was on a mission to figure out how to help people like myself engage with their music collections. This piece is the result of that effort,” says designer Adam Friedman.

About the Author

Do you know what your child is doing on their phone at night? – stirring night-time outdoor ads portray the harsh reality on children’s phone screens.

Adults are the solution

Canada's 'biggest little blogspace'