I've gone to this particular photographic well before, having posted a couple of other shots of my morning shoot with the Cormorant Fishermen on the Li River in Guilin China. Not super original, but still among my favorites both for the fascinating subject and exotic landscape and because it was a magical morning and one of my favorite all time photographic experiences. Here the first sunrise tones are just reflecting low on the river backlighting the fisherman. This was a bit of a crazy adventure, and definitely took me outside of my comfort zone. At the tail end of a working trip to China I had saved a day before my midnight flight back to the US. I was originally considering a side trip to see Wulingyuan National Park with its famous "Avatar"-like Karsts, but after some research realized that a) this would be more than a one day undertaking, and b) that there was an equal if not better Karst environment around Guilin and much more accessible. I'd arranged for a local guide to pick me up early in the morning and drive me to meet with the Cormorant fisherman before dawn, so after just a couple hours of sleep I was up again and heading out in to the back country up river with a little bit of apprehension. While I've never felt in any physical danger in China, there are still plenty of scams and people ready to take your money and/or things, and it isn't that hard to find yourself suddenly in uncomfortable circumstances (been there, done that!). However, I'd booked the guide through a reputable company and figured the risk was minimal. Indeed, we arrived at a small fishing village after a longish drive without any hiccups at all. The humid tropical smells hit me immediately and woke me up. Morning is my favorite time under normal circumstances, and on this day I was very excited; every sense really felt alive, and I was thoroughly engaged and in the moment. The surroundings were exotic, the skies just beginning to reveal the cloud structure in the early morning darkness and I could see a lot of cloud but not an unbroken gloom. I was introduced to the fisherman and he paddled us out to a little dock and then floated off on his bamboo raft and lit his small lantern. Later, once the dawn broke fully he took out his net and set his cormorants to work, demonstrating this ancient working relationship between these wonderful birds and their handlers. After a couple of hours on the river, we packed up and headed out to take some other landscape photos throughout the day, including a couple of tough climbs up to the peak of some of the Karsts to get a better view of this amazing area. Finally just after sunset it was time to leave, and after a bit of a delay and a small panic I made it back to Shanghai in time to catch my flight to the US. An extremely tiring but incredibly rewarding experience. That feeling of total immersion in a moment of time was truly priceless and is my favorite thing about this hobby. I would very much like to go back to Guilin and spend much more time appreciating this spectacular location. Hit up my album for China if you're interested in seeing other pics from Guilin.

Explore 05 May 2020 72376 1741 176

Mayor Catherine Pugh says the state has agreed to restore 16 parole and probation officers to the city that were cut by the O’Malley administration. She also says there are other, non-law enforcement initiatives, in her plan to fight crime.

House Speaker Mike Busch and Senate President Mike Miller say they are waiting for the results of a disparity study of the state's medical cannabis program, and will consider emergency legislation when lawmakers return to Annapolis in January.

Snow continued into early Wednesday morning with a dusting to 1 inch around Baltimore, and higher amounts northwest of Baltimore City.

The battle against coronavirus has intensified across the country as more workers are laid off, medical supplies dwindle, and states enact new rules to get Americans to stay home.

Another spectacular Sankey diagram from the final report of the project “Resource conservation through material flow-oriented secondary raw materials management” published by German Environment Protection Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA). This one is on non-ferrous metals in waste and recycling paths Germany. Flows are in mio. t for the year 2013.
[See image gallery at www.sankey-diagrams.com]
I had presented another Sankey diagam from this report (on paper and cardboard streams) here on the blog back in January. You can access the full report here.

Four men arrested March 9 as part of the federal government's racehorse doping investigation pleaded not guilty on Tuesday in a telephonic arraignment conducted by District Court Judge P. Kevin Castel for the Southern District of New York. The defendants waived their right to physically appear in court because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Veterinarian […]

The post Grasso, Three Others Enter Not Guilty Pleas; Feds Outline Volume Of Discovery In Doping Investigation appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Thoroughbred racing remains on hold in three of the most important circuits in the United States, and despite discussions between track and government officials there is no agreement for a start-up date to resume the sport – even without spectactors on-site – in California, Kentucky or New York. On […]

The post COVID-19 Update: Talks And Proposals But No Resumption Of Racing In Kentucky, California Or New York appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Some of you might have read the USA Today Network story about horse racing this week. The piece highlighted some pretty impressive statistics related to the broadcast and marketing of the limited racing calendar we've all been experiencing. One quote caught my eye: “NYRA chief revenue officer Tony Allevato said it had signed up seven […]

The post Commentary: Racing Has A New Set Of Wagering Customers, But Now What? appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

When the Kentucky Horse Racing Committee holds its next scheduled meeting on June 16, it will have a new chairman and four new members. On April 28, an executive order from Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear appointed Alan J. Leavitt, Dr. Naveed Chowhan, Jonathan Rabinowitz and James Edwin “Ed” Worley to the commission. Charles Francis O'Connor […]

The post Beshear Appoints Four New Kentucky Racing Commissioners, Rabinowitz New Chairman appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Keeneland today announced Nourish the Backstretch, powered by Keeneland, Nourish Lexington and Blue Grass Farms Charities (BGFC), which will provide weekly meals and groceries to stable area workers at Keeneland and The Thoroughbred Center (TTC). More than 500 people are employed by trainers to care for horses at the two locations. Proceeds from wagers placed […]

The post Keeneland Announces New Initiative To Provide Meals, Groceries To Stable Workers appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

As with just about every sport, horse racing has all but disappeared in this year of the Great Pandemic. Meetings have been canceled, the Kentucky Derby re-scheduled for the fall, and we have little notion as to when racing may return in front of live, on-site audiences. But life goes on, and so too will […]

The post Entries Announced For 2019 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

With two stakes victories and a five-win day, Joel Rosario was voted the Jockeys' Guild Foundation Detox Jockey of the Week for April 27-May 3. The award is voted on by a panel of experts for riding accomplishments by members of the Jockeys' Guild, the organization which represents more than 950 riders in North America. […]

The post Five-Win Day At Oaklawn Nets Rosario Jockey Of The Week Honors appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

VINO ROSSO (USA) [126] posted an impressive victory in the LONGINES Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) to join the top five of the ninth edition of the LONGINES World's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2019. Vino Rosso improved his rating from 121 to 126 when he defeated MCKINZIE (USA) [123] by 4 1/4 lengths at Santa Anita. Earlier […]

The post World’s Best Racehorse Rankings: Vino Rosso’s Breeders’ Cup Classic Win Vaults Him Into Top Five appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

The Breeders' Cup, one of Thoroughbred racing's most prestigious international events, today announced that tickets to the 2020 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland on November 6 and 7 are now on sale to the general public. In accordance with continuous efforts by the Breeders' Cup to enhance the fan and participant experience, the 2020 event will incorporate […]

The post Tickets For 2020 Breeders’ Cup At Keeneland Now On Sale appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Darrel McHargue, a jockey for 16 years until 1988, when he retired from the saddle to become a racing official – the last 30 years as a steward/Chief Steward with the California Horse Racing Board – has been elected to the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame for his riding accomplishments. He will be […]

The post ‘A Complete Surprise’: 1978’s Champion Jockey Darrel McHargue Honored To Join Hall Of Fame appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

On Saturday May 9, 2020, the featured stakes at Florida's Gulfstream Park will be the Sunshine Forever Stakes, a tribute to the champion grass runner who was the first stallion retired to Old Friends, the non-profit Thoroughbred retirement facility based in Georgetown, KY. The son of Roberto out of the stakes-placed mare Outward Sunshine (by […]

The post Former Old Friends Retiree Sunshine Forever Honored With Stakes Race Saturday At Gulfstream appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Mike Dimoff, the new race caller at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico, spent his first day in the track's announcer's booth on May 6 calling schooling works races as preparations are under way for the opening day of the 2020 meet on May 22. “It feels very comfortable,” Dimoff said, stepping away from the microphone […]

The post New Ruidoso Announcer Dimoff Tunes Up In Schooling Races appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

The Washington Horse Racing Commission on Friday voted to approve a 44-day season for Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash. Racing was originally scheduled to begin on April 18 but has been delayed because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The new opening day is scheduled for Monday, June 22.  Initially, races will be conducted every Monday […]

The post Emerald Downs To Begin Racing June 22 With No Fans, Monday-Tuesday Schedule appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk has tried to stay prepared if the NHL season restarts but, at least, his family worries are behind him.

While most pro teams are named after the cities they are based in, each of Minnesota's six teams uses the state name — the Twins, Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Lynx and United. Blame the Twin Cities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a hole in the Gophers' budget, and AD Mark Coyle said, 'Everything is on the table.' Minnesota has the eighth biggest budget in the Big Ten, yet supports the fourth most sports.

Sometimes the picture alone is not enough to tell the whole story. Special guest Monika Andrae shares her experience and her issues when doing people photography while traveling. Photo: Monika Andrae [sc:podlovebutton] Links: Monika Andrae’s Ethiopia Picture Book SPONSOR: PhotoPlus Expo @ photoplusexpo.com – use promo code TOPFLOOR to register now for free Download the … Continue reading "879 The Picture Is Not Enough"

The post 879 The Picture Is Not Enough appeared first on PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FROM THE TOP FLOOR.

Expand programs to meet the urgencies of this moment. There'll be broad, bipartisan support from the public.

A reassessment of the relationship is due, but now the world must work to fight COVID-19.

An exciting lineup of racing greets fans this Saturday: a couple of Grade 1 races are on the card at Santa Anita and a pair of Kentucky Derby prep races each feature a strong lineup. With just eight weeks left to the big race, these sophomore hopefuls need to showcase their abilities soon or risk […]

The post The Xpressbet Weekend Bankroll: The Time Is Now appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) reported Thursday that work is ongoing with Government officials around an appropriate date for the resumption of racing in Ireland, as confirmation came from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine that June 29th was the date outlined for racing to return behind closed doors. Races have not been held […]

The post Live Racing In Ireland May Not Resume Until June 29 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

The Racing and Community Development Act of 2020, which will protect the long-term future of horse racing in Maryland through the rebuilding of Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park into state-of-the art facilities, was one of many bills Gov. Larry Hogan allowed to become law without his signature on Thursday, May 7. The legislation, which […]

The post Maryland Governor Allows $375 Million Racetrack Renovation Bill To Become Law appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

The Maryland Jockey Club has released a spring condition book for Laurel Park covering a period of 15 days ahead of the still-undetermined resumption of live racing in the state. Specific dates have not been set. As part of Gov. Larry Hogan's statewide shutdown, live racing was paused in Maryland following the March 15 program […]

The post Maryland Jockey Club Releases Spring Condition Book; No Specific Dates Set For Live Racing appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

The Breeders' Cup, one of Thoroughbred horse racing's most prestigious international events, announced Blessings for the Backstretch, a charitable initiative in partnership with The Stronach Group to support mothers living and working on the backstretch at Santa Anita Park this Mother's Day. On Sunday morning, May 10, the two organizations will hand-deliver Mother's Day Blessings […]

The post Blessings For The Backstretch: Breeders’ Cup Honors ‘Pivotal’ Racing Employees On Mother’s Day appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

The Hanover Street Bridge will be closed this weekend. Part of Greene Street in the downtown area will be closed on Saturday. There are new traffic patterns on I-83 Southbound in Timonium and on I-95 in Bel Air. Mid-day work continues on I-97 in Crownsville and on MD 295 in Westport. The Southbound Harbor Tunnel on I-895 remains closed for long term work.

A bond bill critical to a deal brokered between city leaders and the track's operator is now law.

Afternoon Star Tribune Local Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) Weather Video Forecast

Afternoon Star Tribune Local Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) Weather Video Forecast

The Minnesota National Guard conducted statewide flyovers on Wednesday in recognition of those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response.

A study suggests short, high-intensity workouts may offset health risks caused by sitting.

It's a new twist on the old jackpot game. Maryland Lottery Director Stephen Martino explains the key concept.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: ‘We have to test more people’: Wisconsin expands coronavirus testing for African American, Latino and tribal communities. “All African Americans, Latinos and tribal community members in Wisconsin will have access to free COVID-19 testing under a plan announced Thursday by Gov. Tony Evers. Evers’ plan is an effort to combat the staggering … Continue reading ‘We have to test more people’: Wisconsin expands coronavirus testing for African American, Latino and tribal communities (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

BuzzFeed News: The J.Crew Bankruptcy Has Exposed A Hard Truth About The Influencer Economy. “The news this week that the parent company of beloved preppy brand J.Crew and its hip millennial sister, Madewell, had filed for bankruptcy led to an outpouring of sadness from fans across social media. It also led to a stark revelation … Continue reading BuzzFeed News: The J.Crew Bankruptcy Has Exposed A Hard Truth About The Influencer Economy

The suspect vehicle was described over the police scanner as a newer model Chevrolet Impala.

Jory D. Wiebrand remains a suspect in a 2013 assault and robbery in Bunker Hills Park in Andover.

Throughout the year, the NTRA will provide a guide to the best stakes races in North America and beyond. Races are listed in chronological order (all times Eastern). Full previews when available can be found through the link for each race. There may be no Kentucky Oaks or Kentucky Derby this weekend, but there is […]

The post Weekend Lineup: No Derby, But Plenty Of Action At Oaklawn appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

The partnership between breeder Stonestreet Farm and consignor Denali Stud has produced a bevy of top-dollar horses at auction, and Charlatan's eye-popping triumph in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby showed just what a high-priced offering from that union can do on the racetrack. Charlatan was offered by Denali Stud as agent for Stonestreet's “Bred and […]

The post Kentucky Derby Consignor Standings Presented By Keeneland: Charlatan Keeps Rewarding Denali Stud, Stonestreet Partnership appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

The Hall of Fame defensive end also had his name on a chain of restaurants.

Consumers will find the farmers market experience to be altered due to social distancing guidelines.

The Hanover Street Bridge will be closed this weekend. Part of Greene Street in the downtown area will be closed on Saturday. There are new traffic patterns on I-83 Southbound in Timonium and on I-95 in Bel Air. Mid-day work continues on I-97 in Crownsville and on MD 295 in Westport. The Southbound Harbor Tunnel on I-895 remains closed for long term work.

The Daily Racing Form reported Thursday that trainer Todd Pletcher is sending strings of horses north to Churchill Downs and Belmont Park next week. Pletcher had pulled many of his horses from Belmont and sent them to Florida in late March as shutdowns and fears surrounding the coronavirus pandemic ramped up. Pletcher told the Form […]

The post Pletcher Sending Horses Back North After Waiting Out COVID-19 In Florida appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

No, no, no, NO! There is NO legalese that you can post on your Facebook wall that will protect your privacy nor the ownership of your posts and photos. The agreement between you and Facebook is completely defined by the […]

The post How to Post a Facebook Privacy Notice appeared first on Tech Tips » Surfnetkids.