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2017 SCORE BAJA 500 STORY | PHOTOS | RESULTS (UTV Coverage)
Thread starter JoeyD23
JoeyD23
2017 SCORE BAJA 500 STORY | PHOTOS | RESULTS
Like thousands of other off-road racers, team members, and fans, media guys like myself are suffering yet another Baja hangover. The 2017 SCORE Baja 500 has come and gone and with it has left a slew of memories, stories and physical reminders that we have once again survived "the Baja".
Each Baja adventure has its own set of challenges and experiences, but its sort of like your favorite TV show that no matter the episode, the same characters, set and story lines seem to repeat itself. Yet like your favorite TV show, you continue to tune in even though you almost certainly know what the outcome will be. My Baja always starts with cold beer, warm tacos, laughter, excitement and preparation. It almost always ends with a series of hi-fives, bro hugs, thank you's, congratulations, and stomach pains. Its what happens between that make each Baja run unique, this year would be no different.
While I have no clue as to how many Baja races I have experienced to this point, I do know that this was the 49th running of the SCORE Baja 500. For me my Baja stories always seem to blend, this years however will stand out to me forever and the memories will be definitive. It was a unique Baja from start to finish, not just because of the racing, but because of the characters I was surrounded by. As is the case in life, you become who you hang out with, I learned that at a young age. Being that I was going to be fully embedded with the Scanlon Motorsports Group (SMG) for the week, naturally I became one of the "SMG Team" and it was an amazing experience that I feel compelled to share as the foundation for my story this year.
My Baja story kicked off on the Sunday prior to the race. I connected with my close friends RJ Anderson and his legendary father Randy Anderson, as well as rising UTV star, Mitch Guthrie Jr. for an early departure to Ensenada where we would join forces with Craig Scanlon and his high profile SMG racing program. The week would be filled with pre-running, food, laughter, and yes, a little bit of off-road partying. But the mission at hand was to vehemently prepare for the Baja 500, the first Baja race ever for the SMG program.
Craig Scanlon has worked hard for the past year to build his racing program while performing duties as an executive at Polaris and still maintaining a neutral role as the sports largest sponsor of racers. Its a unique situation for him, but in the end its like a dealer stacking the deck. Whether he wins or one of his supported athletes win, in the end, he wins! But Scanlon is as competitive as they come, and he wants so badly to prove beyond the flashy equipment, sponsors and coverage that he too is capable of the results that he expects of his athletes. This pressure is visible, yet Scanlon hasn't lost site of what off-road racing truly is about as a hobby, a lifestyle he embraced long ago.
Our accommodations would be the best I have ever experienced south of the border. Scanlon splurged and treated his many first time team team and even us experienced guys to an amazing first class stay at the infamous "La Mansion" just north of downtown Ensenada. The 15K square foot +/- mansion is perched directly on the coast of the pacific ocean and is one of the most amazing homes I had ever stepped foot in. Like many teams racing in Baja, SMG had a large group of guys looking to help support their driver in reaching the ultimate goal. Putting the team in a home like this for the week is more than just spoiling your guys, its a way to keep everyone together under one roof to bond. It leaves us no need to leave for food or other distracting activities, and while we all found our way to town for food and fun, this method of a home vs. hotel proved to be great for team bonding and building camaraderie leading into a race where cohesiveness and understanding is key.
The bulk of the team all arrived together on Sunday. By Monday AM Craig Scanlon and his co-driver Keith Redstrom as well as RJ Anderson and his co-driver Mitch Guthrie Jr., would suit up and begin their first day of pre-running. While many teams choose to "solo" the Baja (one driver), Scanlon had made the choice to add another amazing driver & co-driver to his team for this grueling race. Benefits of this is that you can focus on your section and perfect it during pre-running all while ensuring that a fresh set of eyes and talent is always behind the wheel. Anyone who has ever raced for 500 + miles will tell you just how exhausting a race like this can be, so to switch mid race with a fresh and talented person like RJ Anderson is a huge advantage.
Scanlon would handle driving duties that would begin at the start of the race and carry him through the first 250 miles. The duo of Anderson & Guthrie Jr. would take over at RM250 and charge onto the finish. The two pairs spent days dialing in their notes and ran their sections to gain a good understanding of what they will be faced with on race day. The team also spent time during these sessions to understand where their pit locations would be and figure out their best strategy for maintaing the vehicle through this long and brutal event. By race day everyone felt confident both in their plan and their equipment. But, one thing you can never plan for is the Baja itself. While you can prepare for most things, you can always bet on the fact that the unexpected will appear. Exactly what the unexpected will be is always just that, unexpected.
This years Baja 500 would see the largest field of UTVs ever for a SCORE sanctioned event. 36 total UTVs (25 PRO UTV FI / 11 PRO UTV NA) would head to Mexico to challenge the 49th running of the SCORE Baja 500. The 515 mile race course would take racers from Ensenada down through the scenic pacific ocean coast line, then traverse east through the long and rough mountain terrain towards the famous Mikes Sky Ranch before hitting the treacherous whoop sections and lake beds near San Felipe. From there the course would head west back to the finish in Ensenada. Much of the course has been used in previous Baja 250, 500 and 1000 races, but SCORE always manages to insert sections of course that have yet to be ran making pre-running essential. Many teams spend weeks down in Baja, while some spend days, and even others spend none. Knowing the course is important for drivers, but its also important for your team members who sometimes will be forced to make decisions on the fly as to where and how to pit a vehicle as its almost certain your initial plan will need to adapt on the fly due to the unforeseen challenges the race almost always presents.
Wayne Matlock would head to Baja on a mission to capture his third Baja 500 win in a row. The factory Polaris RZR athlete has won the Baja 500 a total of five-times leading into this years race. He joins the likes of racing legends like Rob MacCachren, Robby Gordon, Roger Mears, and Mark McMillin as racers who have five Baja 500 wins under their belt. Matlock wouldn't be the only multi-time Baja 500 winner inside of his RZR. Co-Driving duties would be supplied by friend Josh Row who has earned three Baja 500 wins during his career. Row's father Greg also has multiple wins at the Baja 500, four to be exact and he too would be racing his own RZR in the Pro UTV class. Wes Miller, another Factory Polaris RZR athlete holds three Baja 500 titles as does factory Can-Am racer Marc Burnett.
Those stats are impressive, whats even more impressive is that Matlock, the Row's, Miller and Burnett are not the only factory UTV athlete with a reputation for winning the Baja 500 and who came to improve on their resumes. Upon doing some research I turned up that Factory RZR athlete Mike Cafro who would be looking for his first successes since earning his factory sponsorship last year, has won the Baja 500 an astonishing SIX times in his career. He shares six wins with names like Walker Evans, Johnny Campbell, Scot McMillin, Jim Dizney and only a few others. This puts a stamp on the fact that this years Baja 500 would be not only the most talented and well attended UTV field of racers, but also one of the most competitive.
An unfortunate fact of this years race is that off-road racing legend Larry Ragland was slated to compete for the first time behind the wheel of a new Polaris RZR he and close friend Steve Smith have built together. Ragland possesses seven Baja 500 championships, only eight other racers have ever won more. Ragland however was not able to make the trip and instead chose to stay home to be with our great friend and his son Chad Ragland who recently was diagnosed with cancer. We will soon post more on this unfortunate turn of events.
With the prep work complete and the stage being set, 36 of the best and fastest UTV desert racers lined up to head into the unknown. Branden Sims would lead the field of UTVs off the line followed by Wes Miller and then Marc Burnett who was anxious to redeem himself from a season of set backs and mishaps. Burnett won the 2014 Baja 500 behind the wheel of his then factory Can-Am Maverick before making the jump in 2015 to Polaris. Burnett returned to Can-Am for the 2017 season but has yet to experience the full successes he had in 2014. Behind them would be Jacob Carver in a brand new, un-tested, RZR XP Turbo built by he and Rhys Millen. Millen would not make the trip to compete.
Following the 25 turbo powered UTVs would be the first of 11 naturally aspirated UTVs. Paul Champion would lead the NA group followed by Don Whitington, Dodge Poelman, and Adrian Orellana. Down the line would be Kristen Matlock and a new name to UTVs, Red Bull athlete J.T. Homes. Many were excited to see Dave Sparks AKA Heavy D of the Diesel Brothers on the list, but the week prior had to cancel his plans for competing in the Safecraft Products RZR.
While I was able to catch the first twenty or so UTVs off of the line, I was forced to make my way south towards our first location at RM80, also referred to the Urapan area of the course. While I would work hard to cover the race for all UTVs, being embedded with one team presents a challenge. In some cases its beneficial because you run in the pack and know all of the story lines, but in the case of the SMG team, Baja would rear its ugly head and throw us all off line and off pace.
While waiting for the lead UTVs at RM80 a few of us began to debate who we thought we would see first. I immediatley claimed Marc Burnett. Very few in the UTV class spend more time in Baja than Burnett. On top of that, he always sets a fast pace knowing majority opt for a slower pace to start. Burnett lives by the motto of checkers or wreckers and this years Baja 500 proved that to be true once again. Burnett would be the first UTV through as I expected, but what I didn't expect was for the second vehicle to be Justin Lambert. Lambert in his Cognito Motorsports Factory RZR was the 14th vehicle off the line. There were many fast UTVs in front of him and that section from the start to Ojos Negros and on through to the Urapan leaves very little room for passing. Burnett and Lambert were only separated by minutes but it would take almost 20 minutes before we would see the next UTV through.
The race was already beginning to take shape within the first 100 miles. It wouldn't be long before Burnett and his Maverick X3's day was over, but Lambert never looked back. While the UTVs were racing the sunset south and then headed east towards San Felipe, we continued to wait for the SMG RZR. Scanlon broke a brand new factory rear hub in arguably one of the worst areas one could possibly break on course. Not only was it only 50 miles in, it was also in a section with limited chase access. It took time for our team to double back to Ojos Negros and then send RJ & Mitchie in behind the wheel of a RZR we brought along for just this type of situation. They got the parts needed to Scanlon but by the time they got him fixed up they were down by over two hours to the race leaders. The strategy shifted from winning to finishing.
Because of this long delay and the massive lack of online tracking, it was extremely difficult to keep tabs on the race itself. Many people including teams and fans back home were texting me for updates knowing that we are almost always the most reliable source for information. Unfortunately I didn't have much to offer and found myself texting those I know for the same type of intel. I was reminded many times that UTVUnderground.com has become the best way to follow UTVs in Baja so to not be able to provide that coverage was tough for all of us. With that said, I too am a fan first. Long before UTVUnderground.com, I was running around Baja chasing the race as a team member and thats how I gained the experience needed to be able to provide the coverage we all have been accustomed too. Its also because of chasing and working with teams that I gained my love for this sport. Its important for me at times to dive back into those roles either spending the weekend actually racing or just being a productive part of a team to remind myself why I love doing what I do. So while I am certainly bummed I wasn't able to provide better coverage this year, I was equally as happy to get back to chasing the race with a team. I just wish we would have been on the other end of the Baja luck coin.
Once the SMG RZR was up and running they had a near flawless day. One freak part failure ruined the hopes of a podium for the team, but in true Baja spirit the team persevered and literally restarted the race at RM50 from dead last. From there on SMG ran fast and clean and would end up finishing the race 17th in class and only minutes behind the previous three finishers. You never give up in Baja, never! Sometimes you need throw in the towel based on circumstances, but in the case of SMG they had a perfect and fast RZR, talented and prepared drivers, and a team that was dead set on getting to the finish line. Sure, the beer would have been sweeter had it been cracked open while celebrating a podium finish, but a Baja finish line beer always tastes good, even if it is enjoyed at 5am!
While we chased on through the night we got word that Lambert continued to stretch his lead. Behind him Sims, Ellenburg, Rahders, and Cafro were all jockeying for podium positions. Elenburg would fall out after his Maverick X3 would suffer a front end mechanical forcing him to finish on three wheels. Rahders and his RZR XP Turbo would also suffer mechanicals eliminating his hopes of a podium. Sims and Cafro however were still racing to the finish in their RZR XP Turbo's and both would make it separated by minutes.
Lambert however would complete one of the most dominating Baja performances we had seen in recent years in a UTV. Lambert and his #2918 Polaris RZR XP Turbo would best the competition by by almost a full hour and would complete the Baja 500 with an average of just under 40mph! Justin Lambert is coming off a 2016 season that saw him sweep the BITD series. His season this year has been a challenge as they have worked to perfect their new XP Turbo. But all the stars aligned in Baja. Lambert would drive the 515 miles solo and would claim the win for himself and his Cognito Motorsports team!
UTV newcomer and Red Bull action sports athlete, J.T. Holmes would take home the win in the NA class followed by Adrian Orellana and then Don Whittington. They would help complete the sweep for Polaris in Baja giving the RZR the top 3 in both Pro UTV classes.
As impressive as the speeds and times were this year, whats more impressive is the finishing rate. 26 of the 36 UTVs that started would complete their Baja 500 runs making that the best finishing rate we have ever seen. The claim in the past has always been that if you can simply finish, your chances of being on the podium are pretty high. That clearly was not that case here. 22 Turbo machines made it across the line, only 3 would DNF.
As the sunset on yet another Baja adventure I was able to look back and reflect on the week. I was once again awake for over 30 hours before I finally was able to catch some sleep, and as I laid in my bed for the first time in 7 days, and as bad as I needed some sleep I almost didn't want it to be over. I further bonded with close friends, I got to help one of my closest friends compete in his first Baja 500 as a team owner, I stayed in a glorious home positioned with one of the most epic views anyone could ever ask for, witnessed the sports best thrash their junk through some of the harshest off-road terrain in the world, and I got to make it home safe to my family. But easily the best part of the week was spending time in a chase truck with Randy Anderson who holds over 30 off-road racing championships as the leader of the Walker Evans Racing program. The tales of Baja, the experiences he shared and the lessons learned in the hours spent riding shot gun with this legend was something I will never forget. I didn't have "Chasing a Baja race with Randy Anderson" on my bucket list, but I am going to go ahead and add it to the list and cross it off all at once!
I want to extend a huge thank you to Craig Scanlon and his SMG team for including me in this weeks event. I truly had an epic time with this great group of friends. I want to thank every team, racer, fan and friend who took time to chat and hang out through the week, at contingency and during the race. I cherish all of you and appreciate all of your support of UTVUnderground.com and myself. Seeing all of the UTVUG decals, shirts, and hats down in Mexico really brings me a sense of accomplishment and I really do appreciate that. As for the Baja 1000, well my plans still are not made. I kind of want to race it since its a peninsula run and I have only chased those. But whether I am racing, chasing or covering the battle, either way one this is for sure, I will be there and I can't wait! For now, I am going to try and shake this Baja hangover and avoid any Mexican food for at least a couple of days.
Joey D.
PRO UTV FI (Forced Induction, 4-wheel Utility Vehicle)–(25 Starters, 22 Finishers)
1. 2918 Justin Lambert, 41, Bakersfield, Calif./Mitchell Alsup, 26/Eric Sheetz, 33, Polaris RZR XP1000, 13:17:01 (38.67 mph);
2. 2913 Branden Sims, 31, Prescott Valley, Ariz./Justin Krause, 32, Prescott, Ariz., Polaris XP4 Turbo, 14:06:23;
3. 2975 Mike Cafro, 47, Fallbrook, Calif./Jamie Kirkpatrick, 36, Olympia, Wash., Polaris RZR XP4 Turbo, 14:18:14;
4. 2948 Zachary Burroughs, 19, Norco, Calif./Cain Smead, 45, Leona Valley, Calif./Dan Lewis, 52, Jurupa Valley, Calif./Brad Howe, 30, Elizabeth Lake, Calif., Can-Am Maverick X3, 14:43:47;
5. 2990 Steve Smith, 59, Escondido, Calif./Larry Ragland, 73, Cave Creek, Ariz., Polaris RZR XP1000 Turbo, 15:10:12;
6. 2917 Derek Murray, 36/Jason Murray, 34, Eastvale, Calif./Monty Aldrich, 49, Las Vegas, Can-Am Maverick X3, 15:24:58;
7. 2916 Cody Rahders, 22, Alpine, Calif./Kevin Sullivan, 31, Campo, Calif./James Hill, 32, Canyon Lake, Calif., Polaris RZR XP4 Turbo, 15:38:00;
8. 2912 Tony Riggs, 49, Santa Clarita, Calif./Kyle Melville, 26, Lancaster, Calif./Ryan Edwards, 30, Lancaster, Calif., Polaris RZR XP4 Turbo, 15:40:39;
9. 2910 Scott Trafton, 35, Santee, Calif./Marc Behnke, 69, El Cajon, Calif./Dave Price, 55, Alpine, Calif., Polaris RZR XPT1000, 15:40:44;
10. 2904 Cory Sappington, 51, Peoria, Ariz./Scott Sappington, 53, Glendale, Ariz./Jason Flanders, 38, Peoria, Ariz./Darren Sappington, 50, Phoenix, Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo, 15:41:56;
11. 2944 Shane Redline, 41, Amarillo, Texas/Jax Redline, 16, Amarillo, Texas/Jonathan McVay, 41, San Tan Valley, Ariz., Can-Am Maverick X3, 16:15:428; 12. 2905 Marc Burnett, 46, Lakeside, Calif., Can-Am Maverick X3, 16:33:49;
13. 2946 Jose Juarez, 33, Lemon Grove, Calif./Rodolfo Rivera, 30, Chula Vista, Calif./Alex Zuniga, 36, Chula Vista, Calif., Polaris RZR XP4 Turbo, 16:41:00;
14. 2930 Sean Cook, 51, Citrus Heights, Calif./Hans Luenger, Cleveland, Ohio/Jesus Leon, Merida, Mexico/David Jackson, Las Vegas, Can-Am Maverick X3, 17:00:23;
15. 2977 Justin Elenburg, 39, Mesa, Ariz./Ernesto Taylor, 36, Mesa, Ariz./Bryan McBride, 35, Rocky Point, MexicoCan-Am Maverick X3, 17:07:19;
16. 2936 Jacob Carver, 26, Phoenix, Polaris XP4 Turbo, 17:09:01;
17. 2931 Craig Scanlon, 43, Maple Grove, Minn./Keith Redstrom, 49, Glendale, Ariz., Robbie Tiffany, 35, Glendale, Ariz./R.J. Anderson, 24, Riverside, Calif., Polaris RZR XP4 Turbo, 17:13:42;
18. 2919 Brandon Schueler, 28, Phoenix/Justin Schekley, Phoenix/Pat Stone 48, Payson, Polaris RZR XP4 Turbo, 17:19:14;
19. 2989 Wes Miller, 47, Carlsbad, Calif./Jason Luburgh, 33, Zanesville, Ohio, Polaris RZR XP4 Turbo, 17:42:27;
20. 2949 Alonzo Lopez, 43, Murrieta, Calif./Francisco Rodriguez, 45, Chula Vista, Calif., Polaris RZR XP4 Turbo, 18:51:05;
21. 2967 Anthony Perez, 31, California City, Calif./Jason Farrell, 35, Las Vegas/Jeremiah Smith, 33, Palmdale, Calif., Can-Am Maverick X3, 19:02:55; 22. 2929 Paul Wadlington, 51, Colorado Springs, Colo./Chris Barnett, 36, Foxfield, Colo., Polaris RZR XP4 Turbo, 19:04:58.
PRO UTV (Naturally Aspirated, Stock 4-wheel Utility Vehicle)–(11 Starters, 4 Finishers)
1. 1950 JT Holmes, 36, Reno, Nev./Eric Clay, Reno, Nev., Polaris XP1000, 16:10:32 (31.76 mph);
2. 1985 Adrian Orellana, 32, Jamul, Calif./Daniel Gonzales, 25, Menifee, Calif./Victor Orellana, 60, San Diego, Polaris RZR XP1000, 16:20:26;
3. 1998 Don Whittington, 71, Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Angel Marquez, 34, Ensenada, Mexico, Polaris RZR XP1000, 17:44:20;
4. 1925 Matt Scarpuzzi, 36, Alpine, Calif./Mark Reece, 40, San Diego/Jeff Ring, 40, San Diego, Polaris XP1000, 19:50:40.
BANNED4LIFE
the 01 general lee golfcart owes me bigtime....did he finish??
I RENT trophytrucks and bajalite trucks for all races in north america...BAJARACINGADVENTURES.com
BANNED4LIFE said:
He was chugging along at 2am towards San Matias but very slowly. One small amber light bar on the front. Looked painful lol But no, I believe they were a DNF. That was Daniel Parker I believe.
POLARIS RZR DOMINATES BAJA 500
RZRs Fill Podium in Both Pro UTV Forced Induction and Pro UTV Classes
Minneapolis, June 6, 2017– Polaris RZR dominated the Baja 500 taking the top five places in the Pro UTV Forced Induction class, all four finishing spots in Pro UTV and the overall. Nineteen of the 26 finishers raced RZRs showing the durability and race prowess of the vehicles.
Polaris Factory Racers filled the podium in the Pro UTV Forced Induction class with Justin Lambert in his No. 2918 Cognito RZR XP Turbo EPS taking the win and overall. Branden Sims in the No. 2913 Lonestar Racing turbo took second and the No. 2975 Black Hills RZR XP Turbo EPS piloted by Mike Cafro finished third. Polaris Factory Racer Cody Rahders, racing his first year in the SCORE series, would finish in the top ten taking seventh.
In the Pro UTV class, RZRs would be the only vehicles to finish of the 11 starters. JT Holmes took the class win in his No. 1950 RZR XP 1000 EPS, Adrian Orellana finished second and Don Whittington took third.
The next SCORE race is the Rosarito Beach Desert Challenge, Sept. 14-18.
About Polaris
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader with annual 2015 sales of $4.7 billion. Polaris fuels the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts with our RANGER®, RZR® and POLARIS GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; our SPORTSMAN® and POLARIS ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; VICTORY® and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; SLINGSHOT® moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK®, INDY®, SWITCHBACK® and RUSH® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories sold under multiple recognizable brands, and has a growing presence in adjacent markets globally with products including military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. www.polaris.com
we DOMINATED prerunning in our polaris rzrs.....pretty much stock units with radios and gps.....good work polaris....
It is kind of funny that RJ was behind the recovery rzr, i was on RM51-52 when the walker evans rzr stopped asking if we saw a red shinny rzr pass by, and i a ask them, the RJ one, the rigid rzr??? And i told them yes, of course i know who RJ is... i didnt know he was behind the helmet..
Sent from my iPhone using race-deZert
LBZ00 said:
hahhaah.. we laughed about that a couple of times when he told us the story.


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She says that photography saved her life
From "troubled teen" to award winning photographer
One of the first photographs she ever took was used by CEPA Gallery as an ad. These day Aitina Fareed-Cooke is a professional photographer with her own business called Get Fokus'd Productions. She says the first time she walked ito CEPA she was a "troubled teen" and that waht she found here may have saved her life. "Walking into this space I had burdens and weights on my heart and really had thoughts of just ending my life." Aitina was only three when she lost her birth mother. She and her siblings were adopted by her foster mother. She says that discovering photography gave her hope "That changed my life and made me feel like alright, maybe I need to stick around." One of her photographs is a CEPA Members Exhibition Award Winner, and is on display now at the CEPA Gallery inside the Market Arcade. Aitina has become a mentor to other young people through CEPA as well as other organizations. She says "I went into that darkroom I saw this magic, these images come up on the page, I thought-if my life can change, then I know other young people's life can change." More information about CEPA Gallery at their Website and Aitina Fareed-Cooke can be found at her website.
By: Mike Randall
One of the first photographs she ever took was used by CEPA Gallery as an ad. These day Aitina Fareed-Cooke is a professional photographer with her own business called Get Fokus'd Productions.
She says the first time she walked ito CEPA she was a "troubled teen" and that what she found here may have saved her life. "Walking into this space I had burdens and weights on my heart and really had thoughts of just ending my life."
Aitina was only three when she lost her birth mother. She and her siblings were adopted by her foster mother. She says that discovering photography gave her hope "That changed my life and made me feel like alright, maybe I need to stick around."
One of her photographs is a CEPA Members Exhibition Award Winner, and is on display now at the CEPA Gallery inside the Market Arcade. Aitina has become a mentor to other young people through CEPA as well as other organizations. She says "I went into that darkroom and I saw this magic, these images come up on the page, I thought-if my life can change, then I know other young people's life can change."
More information about CEPA Gallery at their Website and Aitina Fareed-Cooke can be found at her website.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Meet the #Ecsite2016 Keynotes
Science citizenship champion Dr. Elizabeth Rasekoala and primatologist Frans de Waal will be delivering this year's keynote speeches, respectively on Friday 10 June and Saturday 11 June.
Innovative narratives and frameworks for inclusive science communication: The European landscape, globalisation and international co-operation
Dr. Elizabeth Rasekoala is the President of African Gong – the Pan-African Network for the Popularisation of Science & Technology, and Science Communication. The vision of African Gong is to realise a scientifically literate African citizenry driven and powered by its ownership of scientific knowledge. African Gong's mission is to embark and sustain African citizens and communities through science communication and the public learning and understanding of science (PLUS) on an evolving, empowering and progressive journey to own and include scientific notions in their everyday experience, so that they are better able to make informed choices and decisions that will improve the quality of their lives.
Dr Rasekoala has championed, advocated, researched, presented and written widely on diversity, sociocultural inclusion and race and gender equality issues in science communication and science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and skills development. She has provided extensive advisory and consultancy expertise to governments and multilateral international organisations over the past 15 years. She has also worked to advance the inclusion of climate change issues in the science communication discourse.
Her keynote speech is entitled: "Innovative narratives and frameworks for inclusive science communication: The European landscape, globalisation and international co-operation".
Prosocial primates: the cooperation background of our species
Dr. Frans B. M. de Waal is a Dutch-American biologist and primatologist known for his work on the behaviour and social cognition of primates, including the study of cooperative beahaviours in these animal groups. His scientific work has been published in journals such as Science, Nature, Scientific American, and outlets specialised in animal behaviour. His popular books - translated into over twenty languages - have made him one of the world's most visible primatologists. His latest book is "Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?" (Norton, 2016).
De Waal is C. H. Candler Professor in Psychology and Director of the Living Links Center at Emory University, and Distinguished Professor at Utrecht University. He has been elected to the (US) National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences. In 2007, he was selected by Time as one of The Worlds' 100 Most Influential People Today.
In his work with monkeys, apes, and elephants, de Waal has found many cases of one individual coming to another's aid in a fight, putting an arm around a previous victim of attack, or other emotional responses to the distress of others. There is also ample cooperation among them. In his keynote speech, he will review expressions of empathy in animals, which ranges from a core mechanism of emotional linkage (known as emotional contagion) to higher levels of perspective-taking and targeted helping. He will also discuss the sense of fairness in animals, and the many ways in which they achieve common goals.
#Ecsite2016
2016 Ecsite Conference
The 2016 Ecsite Conference took place in Graz, Austria. It was the first Ecsite conference to be co-organised by a trio of hosts and it welcomed 1,081 participants from 53 different countries.
Read more about 2016 Ecsite Conference


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GEO Profile Worldwide
The Road to Success
Bob Peebler, President and CEO of ION, helped turn the company around knowing "there will be bumps in the road."
This article appeared in Vol. 5, No. 5 - 2008
Bob Peebler started his career with Schlumberger in wireline operations and, during his 17-year tenure, held several executive positions, including head of U.S. wireline operations and strategic marketing. He served as CEO for Landmark Graphics, and when Halliburton acquired Landmark, Bob became Vice President of e-Business Strategy and Venture for Halliburton. Then in 2001, he founded and was President of Energy Virtual Partners prior to becoming the full-time President of ION Geophysical Corporation. Photo: ION Five years ago, I/O (Input/Output, Inc.) was losing money, wallowing in debt, and acknowledging a real gap in its product portfolio for key market segments. This is when board chairman Jay Lapeyre asked fellow board member Bob Peebler to consider stepping in as President and CEO of the company. After pondering the situation, Bob set out, not only to remedy I/O's current state, but to turn the company into a heavyweight within the geophysical industry.
Bob had some experience with whipping a company back into good shape; during the downturn in the 1980s, he was the Vice President of North American Operations for Schlumberger. He used the downturn as an opportunity to 'retool' the entire organization. "In just one year, Schlumberger lost the fat," says Bob. "We changed the pricing and the sales force because we were not only selling our technologies, we had to be highly competitive to survive."
Mapping the vision
"At the time when I was asked to lead the company, I felt strongly that we were approaching a supply and demand crunch within the energy industry," says Bob. "This is not surprising knowing the growth in Asia and a 10-year downturn of exploration activity by the oil companies."
"I believed there would be solid growth opportunities for the industry as a whole and I believed the upturn would likely last at least 10 to 15 years," Bob adds. "With this in mind, I set some early goals for the company. The first would be to get us to the breakeven point by the end of 2003. Based on the company's performance thus far, I knew this would not be easy, but was something that had to occur before we could plant hopes of raising capital."
By the end of 2003, that first goal had been reached. Now with just over 400 employees, it was time to start building the company.
During the reorganization, Bob and his team were also busy mapping out a new strategy based on Bob's knowledge of the industry. They needed to be in a position to take full advantage of an industry upturn and a strategy that would take advantage of some very large R&D investments, such as the new digital full wave sensor VectorSeis. The company's products and services also needed to be broadened beyond seismic equipment.
"That summer, our digital VectorSeis program was lingering," says Bob. "We had just one geophysicist and problems with our basic analog systems business. We needed a game-changing strategy to get things rolling and compete with the leading alternative in the market. About 70% of the known reserves were on land, yet oil companies were primarily focused on marine technology. I knew land geophysics would become a major commodity, so that year we launched the System 5 (now FireFly®) cableless system.
Another key tactic was to adopt a marketing plan to drive demand for our new acquisition technology by educating oil companies on the value of our new digital full wave measurement."
The capital challenge
Bob Peebler at the Durham Ranch project in Colorado, the first commercial use of FireFly®, ION's full-wave, cableless seismic system. Photo: ION "We now had a plan after our strategy work in the summer of 2003, but the company was cash poor," says Bob "times were pretty tough. In addition, we needed to raise capital to implement our newly minted strategy which included our acquisition targets - GX Technology and Concept Systems. We had a vision but no money to make that vision a reality."
Raising capital was something Bob Peebler had plenty of experience doing. In his 17-year career with Schlumberger, he started out in their summer program, then became a wireline engineer, and fast-tracked into management positions. During his first stint in the New York City office, Bob was involved with portfolio management and global coordination of their technical staff. He gained much needed insight into the financial world as well as some good connections. After several positions at other locations with Schlumberger, he came back to New York and, at the age of 40, the entrepreneurial side of him kicked into full gear. He felt he did not fit into the political mold at Schlumberger and wanted to do something different and left the company.
Later on, Bob, along with his former Schlumberger associate, Paulo Lauretti, researched Gearhart Industries, a wireline logging company. Gearhart was becoming a strong competitor to Schlumberger but the company had found itself in financial trouble during the 1980's turndown. So, Bob and Paulo built a business plan to raise over $165 million in capital to make an offer to buy Gearhart. They made a proposal to Shearson Lehman Brothers with everything ready to be signed by October, 1987. Black Monday, October 19, struck hard when world stock markets plummeted on the signing day along with their hopes of getting their capital.
Undeterred, Bob moved on to become involved with Landmark Graphics in 1989 where he later became the CEO. He and his team were able to grow Landmark 10-fold by the time it was sold to Halliburton in 1997. He remained with Landmark Graphics as CEO, but also joined the Board of I/O in 1999.
Even after that success, something still burned inside of him to keep going. He founded Energy Virtual Partners, a company that was designed to manage oil company properties they want to keep but not invest in. They recruited top people and raised money to develop properties. "All was going well until ENRON imploded," says Bob. "The capital we needed to run the business simply dried up."
Drawing on these experiences, Bob tackled I/O's capital problems. "I had developed good relations with investment bankers over the years," comments Bob. "I gave them my vision and got people excited about the company. We had a good plan, and I was confident we would get the money we needed."
Filling the pot holes
"Now that we were breaking even, we needed to start implementing our plan," says Bob. "We had already launched the R&D effort for our new cableless land seismic system and it was time to acquire a high-end processing company. The oil industry was starting to pick up and we found ourselves competing for both GX Technology (GXT) and Concept Systems with bigger, well-capitalized players. GXT and Concept Systems were already marketing the sale of their companies, but both were attracted to our vision. They agreed to go out and help us raise the money and it worked. We raised the needed capital and completed the acquisition. Our next acquisition had to do with the amount of data we were going to generate with our 3-D, full-wave land seismic systems. We were able to acquire Concept Systems on the data management side of the business."
"With the essential pieces falling into place, we started generating revenue and building a new company," says Bob. "We went from just one geophysicist in 2003 to over 200. We now have products and services that are in demand and have become a full service seismic solutions company."
Completing the route
"To continue building this new company, we needed to develop a strategy that was simple; we wanted to lead in the third wave of geophysical technology from an imaging perspective while at the same time build highly productive acquisition systems such as FireFly®," says Bob.
"You need to know the ground truth," adds Bob. "Ask lots of questions of both your people and your customers; be patient. These technology cycles tend to last a long time simply because it takes time to educate our industry, which has always been slow at adopting new technology"
Bob is still quite excited about what is happening to the company. After two successful tests of their wireless land seismic acquisition system, FireFly® went commercial at the Durham Ranch project in northwest Colorado. The area presented some challenging conditions that would be difficult, if not impossible, with a cable-based system. Evaluation of the fractured shale play required very high resolution data over an environmentally sensitive area in steep terrain: an area well suited for a cableless system.
Now ION looks quite different from what it was in the beginning of 2003. "We had new people and a new direction," says Bob. "I wanted to change the name fairly early in the game as I felt I/O was worn out and did not represent what we had become. Various marketing people gave me similar advice: change the name when the employees and your customers sense a real change We chose the name ION to take us forward and I was pleasantly surprised at how well our employees and customers received the change. He is also proud of how everyone has responded to the challenges that confronted the 'old' I/O. They now have a staff that believes in the company and his vision and have become a technical leader in the digital, full-wave era in both land and marine surveys.
Learning from his experiences, Bob Peebler is an effective leader whose style is informal and approachable. While he credits much of ION's turnaround to the people that work for him, ample credit must also be given to his competitive drive and great vision to put ION where it is today.
"Never stop learning. Reach out to others, including those outside of your industry for new ideas and then bring those ideas into practice. Listen to your customers, learn how your markets work; use what you have observed over time and you can anticipate the future."
Input/Output (I/O) was founded in 1968 as a provider of highly specialized, seismic source synchronization equipment. Since that beginning, they have introduced innovative technologies and completed a series of acquisitions to become a leading independent provider of seismic imaging solutions for the oil and gas industry.
From 1968 to 1988, they designed and manufactured products that improved and complimented seismic acquisition systems from other manufacturers including Texas Instruments, Geoscience, and Sercel.
GEO Physics Worldwide
Bright Spots in Petroleum Exploration
Michael Forrest, also known as the 'Father of Bright Spots' from his work in petroleum exploration with Shell, tells us about the success of his career in geophysics.
GEO Profile Africa
Ben Asante: Riding the Wave
Benjamin Asante, until recently a senior geoscientist at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, has ridden the wave of Ghana's national development. Although his story is full of significant and unusual personal firsts, it also reflects the rapid economic and social development of a postcolonial African state.


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Articles, Reviews
Track by Track: ELA STILES – SONGS ON HARMONIUM WITH VOICE (SELF RELEASE, 2020)
October 7, 2020 weirdowasteland
Words: James Frostick and Ela Stiles
Artist image and cover art: Cait Burgoyne
Today marks the official release of Songs On Harmonium With Voice – the new seven-track album from Ela Stiles. Comprised of old and new compositions – reworked utilising a spartan sonic palette – the record presents a haunting reimagining of tracks born at the opposite end of the musical spectrum. Experimental and pop-driven compositions become grounded and solemn, unveiling a hidden beauty discovered via Ela's powerful vocal performance.
Usually when an artist enacts a stylistic pivot, they typically funnel the new ideas into the genesis of fresh material. Few look back at their established catalogue and elect to rework old songs, but there aren't many artists like Ela Stiles. On Songs On Harmonium With Voice, Ela looks back at her previous EPs and records (as well as some compositions intended for a forthcoming pop album – some background info can be found here), plucking a selection of songs for some canny reconsideration and reconfiguration using a minimal palette of sounds – in this case, voice and harmonium. Ela's previous works have incorporated everything from droning synth to vocal loops, but now, freed of fripperies and presented in this spartan context, new magic reveals itself.
By stripping away the instrumentation of previous tracks, Ela has given her songs a new life, imbued them with a new essence, cast them in a new light. They've become different songs entirely, with added nuances and characteristics to examine and fall in love with all over again. The newer compositions hold promise of further reinvention, too. Tracks like 'Memory Can't Help', 'Lover' and 'Silence' are introduced to us on this record as sombre arrangements, but they all hold the promise of a further evolutional step. Though each newcomer boasts a shadowy beauty, I can't help but envision what they'd be like when bathed in the prismatic light of pop. That's for another time, though. For now, these seven tracks of melancholic sound make for an intense and emotionally resonant listen – a fully realised and perfectly executed idea that stands on its own as a striking work of art.
Ela Stiles has kindly shared some words on the record – the beginnings of songs and the meanings behind them.
'S.B. Mantra'
'Sanctimonious Bitch' wow. This song has some pretty angry themes. "Never think of me, you bring bad luck". The lyrics to me are quite surreal, but also I think I was feeling pretty dark when I wrote it
and all my insecurities and anger went into it. This song was originally on my second record 'Molten Metal' and featured harsh drum machines, tape loops and strange metallic sounds. I think of it as a pop song, but I can understand it being called 'experimental'. I think it sounds more pop performed on harmonium though. This song won't be getting a reprise.
'Memory Can't Help'
This song was originally written and recorded as a pop song for my next record, where it's actually a clubby, techno, pop song; so this harmonium version is a preview of what's to come. "Are you ready for me cause I am ready for you, for you, for you" – performed on harmonium it sounds quite sad (as with most of the songs) but its actually a bit of a sassy, playful pop song.
'Molten Metal'
This song came about when I made a tape loop of the lyrics:
"I seethed like a pot, dark as a grave, molten metal I'm feeling afraid". The rest of the song happened around that. I released it on a tape in 2015 then it had a reprise on my second record as the title track. It probably won't be getting another reprise unless I get around to releasing a remix I made of it ages ago.
'Lover'
This one was also written for my new pop record and its nothing like the harmonium version! Again, it's a club song. I don't think I had even finished the lyrics when we recorded this. Harmonium makes everything sound sad. I think its about a very unthoughtful person who is stringing someone along in the name of 'love'. It also has a bit of a 'fuck you, I deserve better' element to it – "You think you've won. You think I'm dumb. You. Don't. Know. Me". So yeah, again, classic pop themes.
'Kumbh Mela'
This song was on my first S/T album, originally performed a capella.
It was written with my old friend Steve, who was my bandmate in my first band 'Songs' way back. We were working on music together, trying to make something to release but we never quite got there. I stole this song from that.
'Hit Hard'
"Anger rose like in a dark wall, blackening the sky, when I'm mad like sheets of black glass waiting in my eyes". It's about being so angry and sad and just seeing black.
This is the final new song, written for and featuring on my pop album. It was the first song I wrote when I decided to make pop music. "All you'll hear is silence, from me and all you'll see is an outline of me." I really hold a grudge, so if you wrong me I very rarely forgive.
Songs On Harmonium With Voice is out now. You can nab a digital copy via Ela Stiles' Bandcamp page.
ela stilesSongs On Harmonium With Voice
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Ledger Stax Not Sending
May 13, 2022 by local
If you're thinking of purchasing the Ledger Stax to meet your requirements There are some things you should know before you make your purchase. We'll explain everything you need to knowabout the device, including how to get discounts and the features that are offered with this device.
Ledger Stax is a hardware wallet that is designed to assist users in managing your digital possessions. It's a credit card-shaped device that is quite different from earlier versions of the Ledger physical wallets. The latest model has an angled E Ink screen, a magnet system, Bluetooth connectivity, and an alarm screen.
Ledger Stax Ledger Stax supports more than 5,000 cryptocurrencies, including Litecoin, Dogecoin, Ripple and Cardano. The device also has NFT (Non-fungible token) support. These are special coins that can be stored and traded with Ledger Stax.
The Ledger Stax's security features are backed by a Secure Element chip, which can be the exact chip that is used in credit cards and passports. This chip guarantees the security of your cryptocurrency assets. protected from hackers.
The Ledger Stax comes with Bluetooth that allows it to connect with the Ledger Live Mobile app. Users can also make use of its wireless Qi charging function.
Additionally it is worth noting that the Ledger Stax features magnetic technology that permits it to be placed with similar devices. It also has offline mode, meaning that it is powered active even when shut off.
The Ledger Stax is a brand new hardware wallet designed to assist you in managing all your online assets. The device offers an unparalleled degree of customisation as well as a curved touchscreen and also secure components. It's capable of working with Mac, Windows, and Ubuntu, and supports more than 500 cryptocurrency.
Ledger Stax comes with Bluetooth 5.2, a USB-C port and a 200 mah battery. Additionally, it has magnets embedded which allow you to stack several Stax units together.
A crypto wallet as a crypto wallet, the Ledger Stax allows you to safely store the keys to your cryptocurrency. It is also possible to use it as a cold storage device, which means it is less susceptible to attacks by hackers.
The device features a proprietary OS that lets you alter it to your requirements. You can also set a custom image or name for the screen of the lock. In addition, Ledger Stax is equipped with a reliable Bluetooth antenna.
Ledger Stax Ledger Stax is built to comply with industry-leading security standards. It comes with an Secure Element chip that's certified to the CC EAL5+ specifications. It also has the capability of clear signing, which allows users to verify transaction details and reduce the risk of phishing attacks.
Ledger Stax is the latest hardware crypto wallet developed by French start-up Ledger. It has a stylish design, complete lock-in of keys, as well as the ability to store nearly 5500 tokens.
The device sports touchscreen and an E-Ink display that is able to support up to 500 cryptocurrencies. There is also a battery that lasts from weeks to months. It can be connected to a laptop or smartphone via Bluetooth.
To enhance the user experience, Ledger has designed a customized lock screen that can be customized. Furthermore the device is equipped with magnets that are able to bind several devices together. This makes it convenient to transport around.
To ensure the security of its customers, Ledger uses a secure design and a secure chip known as The Secure Element. This is a security system that can be used by institutions to digital asset.
The Ledger's most notable feature is its simple signature. It allows users to verify the details of transactions without risking their privacy. This can help you avoid scams and attacks of phishing.
Ledger is also equipped with a unique feature that lets you see NFTs directly on the device. For instance, you could look up a QR code a label, or any image.
The Ledger Stax is the most recent hardware wallet from the same company that created the popular Ledger Nano S and Nano X. These devices are great for long-term investments as well as being simple for carrying around.
They are incredibly secure and can protect your private key. They also come with unique security features like offline mode. If you are not online however, you are able to access your cryptocurrency by using a built-in magnet.
A single of the thrilling characteristics that comes with the Ledger Stax is its touchscreen. This curved e-ink display provides the ability to read transactions and browse NFT collections. It is additionally suitable for iOS, Windows, and macOS.
The device is powered by Bluetooth 5.2, which allows it to join with Ledger Live through a phone. You can also create a pin code for easier access. There's a specific "Magnet Shell" protection case that is available.
If you live outside of within the United States, Ledger products generally ship for free. However, you might need to pay taxes on the product based upon your area of residence.
Ledger Stax is a wallet that Ledger Stax is a hardware wallet that combines the physical experience of a gadget with the ease of using an electronic display. It's made to be simple to manage and store your cryptocurrencies.
The Ledger Stax is a powerful wallet that is able to handle more than 500 coins, tokens and NFTs. You can also choose to modify the screen using photos or your preferred NFT. A curved touchscreen screen helps you keep an eye on your portfolio of crypto.
The Ledger Stax is also linked to the Ledger Live platform, which offers you an easy method to review transaction information and also to buy or sell your coins. A hardware wallet gives you security on-chain, since your private keys won't be accessible to unauthorised users.
Alongside the storage and management of your cryptocurrency as well as managing your cryptocurrencies, the Ledger Stax software can also be used to manage NFT collections across various blockchains. These include Ethereum and Polygon-based NFTs.
The Ledger Stax is equipped with Bluetooth that lets you connect it to your smartphone , or desktop. It is also possible to use it as a screen cover. To help ensure security the device comes with an internal battery. When the device is not in use the battery will last for three months.
The Ledger Stax is a breakthrough consumer device. It has a 4-inch touchscreen, magnetics, and an secure structure. In comparison to its predecessors the Stax has more security and gives a better user experience. In fact, it's more secure than other wallets that use hardware!
The Ledger Stax can store more than five hundred cryptocurrencies which include Ethereum or Polygon-based NFTs. It also has a powerful 4000mAh battery with a touch-screen interface as well as a sleek magnetic document kit that allows for the highest stackability. If you're hoping to purchase one of the new wallets, you'll have wait a few more months.
It's not a reason to be concerned, though. Ledger Stax is a great product. Ledger Stax has a long way to go. It's several years away from being released in the wild. However, in the interim you'll need to buy the Ledger wallet application as well as the Ledger Nano S or the Ledger S. You can purchase the latter two items on the official website of the manufacturer.
Although using the Ledger Wallet app is your best bet, there's a more sophisticated method of setting up your crypto-holding machine. It involves downloading the firm's application, installing it on your PC, and then permitting it access to your cryptocurrency holdings.
The Ledger Stax is a premium hardware wallet that was developed in collaboration with former Apple iPod creator Tony Fadell and design firm LAYER. Designed to be easy for users, the wallet features an E-Ink display with a brand new design that provides a clear visual interface. It also has an ergonomically curved display and magnets embedded which make it stronger and more convenient.
The Ledger Stax supports a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, such as Litecoin, Dash, Dogecoin, Monero, Ethereum, Binance Coin, BTC, and XRP. It's made to work with mobile devices via Bluetooth and USB-C connections.
Apart from being able to store and transmit different digital assets, it also has the ability to transfer and store a wide range of assets. Stax is also built to protect the non-fungible currency (NFTs). Since it stores private keys in a secure environment, it's less vulnerable to attacks by hackers than other crypto wallets.
Users can personalize their lock screens. Users can select the preferred image, select an individual name for the device and monitor its status when it locks and unlocks. Additionally Stax Stax is compatible with Qi wireless charging, allowing users to charge it with every Qi compatible charger.
Battery life is surprisingly excellent. Ledger Stax's batteries can last for months on a single charge, contingent on the amount of time you spend using the device.
Ledger Stax is the latest generation of hardware wallet from Ledger the company that created its first electronic wallet. It combines the security of Ledger Live and the ease of using a touchscreen. The new model comes with a range of options that make it simple to send and receive cryptocurrency.
The Ledger Stax's screen comprised of a credit card-sized E-ink display. It provides a readable as well as a natural experience for reading, while avoiding reflections and offering a greater contrast. Additionally, the screen has a curved touchscreen for users to view and sign their transactions with the click of a button.
Ledger Stax Ledger Stax also features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It allows the device to remain fully operational for months after a single charge. Furthermore, it can be charged wirelessly, or using an USB-C cable.
For security concerns it is safe to say that the Ledger Stax comes with an element of security that can add an additional layer of security. Furthermore, the device is certified to CC EAL5+ standards. Additionally, the device is also backed by Bluetooth and a secure USB-C port for connecting directly to Ledger Live mobile application.
Ledger Stax Ledger Stax vs Nano X Vs Nano S Plus. Which one should you pick? These devices are the best hardware cryptocurrency wallets. They are simple to use and include numerous features. They are easy to use and come with a variety of features. Nano X, Nano S Plus and Stax are excellent choices for beginners and advanced users alike.
If you're looking for a secure efficient, reliable, and user-friendly device, it's the Ledger Stax can be the way to go. It was created in the hands of iPod creator Tony Fadell, and has all the features of the Nano X, but at an affordable cost. The version with a touchscreen and a rechargeable battery, which helps it last longer.
Ledger has been a pioneer in the world of crypto. They've developed a variety of hardware wallets, and each has certain security features that protect private keys.
Through the Nano X, you can send cryptocurrencies to your smartphone. This is the perfect solution for people traveling. It also has Bluetooth support. You can also connect your phone to the Nano X via USB C. But, you'll have to switch on the device by pressing the left button for three minutes.
If you're searching for a cryptocurrency wallet, you'll be happy to know that Ledger has recently unveiled their Ledger Stax. The new hardware wallet blends an e-ink-curved screen and magnets to make an extremely mobile, reliable device.
Ledger Stax Ledger Stax is an e-wallet that is the size of a credit card which lets you safely keep track of and organize the digital asset you have. It offers a unique sleek design, and has a range of additional features. Some of the features include an e-ink display , as well as NFC capabilities.
The Ledger Stax is built on an aluminum chassis, with a rounded edge and a soft concave surface. The Stax also comes with an integrated magnet that helps in enhancing its stackability. In addition, it has an integrated Bluetooth(r) antenna as well as an effective Bluetooth(r) battery.
It works It is compatible with iOS 12 and up and Windows 10 and up. It is able to connect to your smartphone through Bluetooth and a safe USB-C cable.
It is possible to set up your Ledger Stax with one button. It has a touch-sensitive E Ink display that creates an easy-to-read interface. It lets you customize the lockscreen as well as view your photos.
Ledger Stax is a brand-new hardware crypto wallet that comes with an industry-leading security. This wallet is designed to provide users with a user-friendly experience that allows them to complete transactions quickly and safely.
The device is equipped with a world-class Secure Element chip. This chip is found in passports, credit cards, payment systems, and other critical data.
Another feature that is unique to Ledger Stax is the E Ink touchscreen. This curved touchscreen is a first in the market. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity, and can be linked to Ledger Live mobile app. If it's not being used the device is hidden with magnets.
A key feature of Ledger Stax is the capability to customize your lockscreen. It lets users choose their preferred photos and NFT. Users can also access the Infinity Pass to get their free NFT as well as utilities.
Ledger Stax is made for people who are passionate with their personal digital possessions. They are looking to save them from theft and invest in their assets from the threat of theft. Although this hardware wallet comes at a more expensive prices than many of its competitors but it's an excellent choice for serious cryptocurrency investors.
Ledger Stax is the most recent hardware wallet by French firm Ledger. It's a touch-screen device with an E Ink feature. There are other cool features too.
The Ledger Stax features a curved 3.7 inch touchscreen. It is therefore easier to use. Users can also customize the screen. A magnet allows users to attach the device to a phone.
The Ledger Stax can also generate QR codes. You can use it to pay cash-free. Also, it can be used on mobile devices that are cord-free.
Ledger Stax Ledger Stax can be used to iOS 13+ and Android 9and up. It has a Certified CC EAL5+ chip security system. However, its price is expensive. It costs $279US. nearly twice as costly as Nano X. Nano X.
One of the biggest selling points is the touchscreen. The display is made of E Ink, which is curved. Another major feature is the capacity to save NFTs which are also known as tokens that are non-fungible.
It's compatible with over more than 5,000 cryptocurrency, including Ethereum, Polygon, and Nano X. It also works with the DeFi suite of protocols.
Ledger Stax is a new hardware wallet that is designed to help users keep track of their assets digitally. Designed to look like a credit card, the Stax offers users the ease of carrying an electronic wallet that is crypto-friendly, while maintaining security. It comes with a magnetic case, touchscreen display and a powerful 200 mAh battery it is Stax is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
The device comes with the 3.7 inch curved E Ink touchscreen. It is easy to see transactions and read messages. The display also has Bluetooth 5.2 which will help you to connect to your mobile.
Stax is a lock screen that Stax is compatible for iOS 10+, Android 9+ as well as Ubuntu. Users can also personalize the lock screen. They can monitor the lock/unlock status of their device as well as keep track of the percentage of the battery. The built-in Ledger Live app allows the users to monitor their investment portfolio that includes more than 500 tokens and cryptocurrencies.
The Ledger Stax features a magnetic case that allows you to stack more than one device on top of it. As with the Nano S Plus, the Stax is made for use in the home.
If you have been using Ledger Nano for some time It could be the right time for you to consider the next-generation crypto device, the Ledger Stax. The new model joins an extensive line of hardware wallets that are popular in the Crypto market.
The Ledger Nano Stax, like its predecessor model, is a gadget that is built for the mobile lifestyle. It is a compact device that can handle a range of cryptos. It can manage up to 5,500 different tokens including Polygon NFTs and Ethereum NFTs.
One of the biggest benefits of the Ledger Stax is the touchscreen. The screen of the E Ink2 has a curved design that makes it easier to read.
Another major characteristic of the Ledger Stax is the rechargeable battery. A single charge could keep the device in operation for weeks or months. With Ledger Stax, you'll be able to keep your digital assets in a an organized and secure way.
The Ledger Stax is compatible for iOS 13+ as well as macOS 12and up. You can pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth or via the USB-C cable.
Ledger Stax is the latest on the crypto Hardware wallet industry. The sleek, curvaceous e-ink touchscreen wallet allows users to securely manage their digital assets. It supports more than 5,000 coins and tokens and is optimized for the user experience.
The wallet can be charged via its Qi wireless charging protocol. The wallet also comes with a magnetic locking system. There is a USB Type-C port. A 3.7-inch electronic-ink display lets you view and sign transactions.
The wallet is equipped with the Ledger Live application. Users can also use other apps from the third party to broaden their options. In comparison against that of the Nano S Plus, the Ledger Stax has a larger screen and features.
The Stax is a round edge chassis as well as a powerful Bluetooth antenna. In addition, it has a Secure Element chip, the same chip that is used for the Nano X. These features protect the device from hackers.
With its big screen and magnet system, Stax has an unmatched interactivity. In contrast to other wallets, it allows you to customize the touch screen using an NFT image. It also allows you to generate QR codes.
The Ledger Stax is an anticipated physical wallet which promises a lot. It's designed to enhance security, accessibility, and interactivity while maintaining an excellent user experience. If you're considering buying one, here are some things you should know.
The first thing to note is that it is equipped with a curved ink touchscreen. It is the first of its kind. You can use the device to sign transactions, or browse NFT collections. Furthermore, it features Bluetooth.
There is also an integrated magnet system that lets you stack up to four Stax devices. Another great feature is its ability to be charged via Qi wireless charging. This is the same technology used in Samsung and Apple.
Finally, it includes a built-in battery that can last for months or weeks. That's a really big deal in the case of the crypto hardware wallet.
Overall, it's a great device. There are a few downsides to it. For starters, it's quite expensive. But, if you're prepared to put money into an electronic wallet, it's worth it.
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1/03/22: One Detroit – Interlochen Arts, TRIPTYCH Exhibit, Cinecyde,
This Week on One Detroit, Arts + Culture:
Interlochen Celebrates 30 Years of Growth, Diversity
Growth, diversity and community. The Interlochen Center for the Arts hosted performances from more than a dozen students to celebrate the completion of a 30-year campus master plan that has transformed the school from a summer music organization to a year-round multidisciplinary global arts and education institution. One Detroit's Christy McDonald discussed the organization's evolution with Interlochen President Trey Devey.
Irwin House Gallery Features Detroit Artists in TRIPTYCH Exhibit
At the Irwin House Gallery in Detroit, Gallery Director Misha McGlown works to curate, promote and support local artists, which is why McGlown decided to host Detroit-based artist Jonathan Harris' exhibit "TRIPTYCH: Stronger Together," at the gallery. The exhibit also featuring emerging artist Crystal Starks-Webb and pyrographer Terrell Jahaun Anglin, who bring sincere depictions of family as royalty and historical think pieces around popular figures' spouses into the gallery space. Harris' work itself focuses on the social commentary of experiencing and living in America as a Black person.
One Detroit's Bill Kubota sat down with the three artists to hear how this exhibit came together, the meanings behind each of their pieces of work, and what it means to support local artists.
Cinecyde Stakes Claim as Detroit's First Punk Band
The year was 1976, and Detroit-based punk rock band Cinecyde was staking their claim as the first punk band in Detroit. Little did the band know groups like the Sex Pistols and The Ramones released their first singles that same year, all of which helped culminate into a thriving, eclectic, DIY punk scene in Detroit. Now, more than four decades later, the band is still rocking out and releasing music.
One Detroit's Chris Jordan sat down with the band to talk about the early era of Detroit's punk scene, and early singles like "Gutless Radio" from 1977. They discuss the band's latest album, out of eight, "Vegetable Or Thing," an album they finished during the pandemic, and the evolution of the band's sound nearly 40 years since their inception.
Detroit Performs: Sabrina Nelson's "Molting"
Plus, we close out the show with Sabrina Nelson's moving performance of "Molting" for Detroit Performs: Live From Marygrove.
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Watch One Detroit every Thursday at 7:30pm ET on Detroit Public TV.
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DPSCD Superintendent Extends Virtual Learning in District Through January 24


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VHS horror nostalgia
I have very fond memories of wandering around in video stores and looking at all the movies I would love to own that were prohibitively expensive at the time.
And being a big horror freak, VHS gave me my first look at the forbidden when I was too young to see R rated movies.
And indeed, one night I was at a friends house, he opened a video cabinet, and we spent much of the weekend, watching a bunch of horror films we were too young to be seeing, including Friday the 13th, When a Stranger Calls (still a big favorite), one of the gorier Halloween sequels, and more.
Soon, my parents couldn't stop me from renting horror flicks by the score, and I became a card carrying horror nut for life.
As Uncle Bob Martin, the original editor of Fangoria magazine, says, "During the years that Fangoria became established and something of an institution, what really happened was the video age, and being R didn't mean you couldn't see a movie because you were 16 anymore. When video came in, that's what opened it way up. It created a larger audience for Fangoria, because kids actually would be able to see the movies that we wrote about."
So the other week I'm at Frys, browsing through DVDs (while we still have them), and notice a very large box set in the horror section, but resembling more of an overstuffed lunchbox than the usual oblong box sets you can buy.
Looking through the New York Times, I finally figured out why. There's an underground movement right now in horror to release movies on VHS again, and the box set I was checking out, for the movie Basement, had a VHS version of the movie inside. (The box set is available through Camp Motion Pictures).
Now I doubt this will bring VHS back from the dead, but you never know. Vinyl was phased out and declared dead decades ago, and now it's back strong because the fans don't like being told what format they have to use.
This could be the same with VHS among horror fans, and as I write this. And actually, as I write this article, I have a flick crankin' my VCR in the background – the same VCR I've had for ten plus years that's still in good shape.
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Studying in US: The process amid the Covid-19 pandemic
Travel restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic not only affected tourism but also the thriving international education sector, halting flights and shutting down several schools abroad.
Among plans canceled during this time are those of Filipino students about to fly to the United States to study.
Matt Keener, cultural affairs attaché at the US Embassy in Manila, said the pandemic restrictions came at a critical time because international students apply for visas around June and July ahead of the fall semester in the US.
"That was obviously the toughest time around the world anywhere for visas for international studies, a lot of universities doesn't know what they're going to do that time," he told the Philippine News Agency in an interview early this week.
"We didn't see anything near the number of applications then because of quarantine restrictions in the Philippines," he added.
With Filipinos now allowed to leave the Philippines for non-essential travel, Keener sees a significant volume of student visa applications coming in around November and December if there are students looking to start in the second semester, which typically begins in January and February in the US.
"US universities are open and are receiving international students and we certainly expect that as we emerge from this pandemic that will return to normal," he said.
The US Embassy is starting to accept applications for student visas, but Keener said this process is usually the last step for a student who wants to study in the US. The initial steps are as follows:
– Identify and apply to your school of choice
– Get accepted
– Figure out how you're going to pay for the school (whether from your own income, family payment, or scholarship)
– Get the necessary documents from the university to apply for a student visa
"Once you've got all that sorted and the university accepted you, the application for the student visa will come from the US university, they'll send you a document that you can use to apply for the visa at the Embassy," Keener said.
With the pandemic upending life as we know it for the past few months, Keener noted that US universities have now adapted to and approached the crisis differently depending on the condition of each state, some of which continued with virtual and in-person classes.
'Tremendous potentials'
During the interview, Keener highlighted the "tremendous potentials" for educational exchanges in the Philippines due to the young and mostly English-speaking population of the country.
"As we stay in a competitive and globalized economy, we see tremendous potentials in the Philippines and for more Filipinos to pursue international education to be successful in that globalized economy," he said.
"The US is just a fantastic match for Filipinos for so many reasons. One, the quality of our higher education system there, the diversity of opportunities, and the deeply personal, cultural, and historic ties the Philippines and the US share makes the US a natural fit for Filipinos," he noted.
This year, the Embassy had to double its efforts to attract Filipinos to study in the US and show them the opportunities out there.
Strengthening exchanges
After the two countries signed an agreement on education last year, various discussions were made to strengthen education exchanges and help Philippine and American universities partner with each other. This continues until now.
Keener said the education deal paved for the successful partnership between the Texas International Education Consortium and over 100 state universities and colleges in the Philippines, boosting the latter's capacity to adapt to the challenges brought by Covid-19.
The collaboration, in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education, will help administrators from over 100 schools maximize flexible learning and distance learning systems even beyond the pandemic.
"The greatest thing about this program is these capacities are gonna help universities long after Covid… Having distance learning and flexible learning capacities is a way for universities to help the Philippines reach more students wherever they may be and whatever their technology challenges might be," Keener said.
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Everyday Health Emotional Health Stress
Michael Phelps's Favorite De-Stress Technique Is So Simple, Anyone Can Do It
It even works for his two-year-old son.
By Katie Robinson
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After committing himself to therapy, Michael Phelps learned that he suffers from depression and anxiety — here's how he handles his day-to-day stress.
Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images
Michael Phelps: We know him as one of America's most decorated Olympic athletes. Winner of 23 gold medals and 28 medals overall, the former swimmer has truly shown the world what it means to be the best. In fact, one report published in August 2016 in the Los Angeles Times found that if Phelps were his own country, he would have won more gold medals than 90 countries. But with such success comes an immense amount of pressure to stay on top. The expectations, the drive — it can nearly push someone over the edge. And for Phelps, it almost did.
After he was charged with a DUI in 2014, Phelps soon found himself in a spiraling state of depression, the darkest place he'd ever been. At this point, he locked himself in his room for several days and even faced serious thoughts of committing suicide. "I questioned whether I wanted to be alive anymore," he said at an onstage event with Talkspace (a leading mental health app that connects people to online therapists). "I realized that I'm the strongest person I know, but at that moment I was the weakest."
After family members and loved ones urged him to get help, Phelps decided to enroll himself in The Meadows, an addiction and trauma treatment center in Arizona. There he learned that, in addition to his diagnosis with ADHD, he had also been living with anxiety and depression his whole life. At that point, he knew he had to make a change.
RELATED: Celebrities Who Have Experienced Depression
After winning his last gold medal in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, he decided it was time to focus on his mental health. He teamed up with Talkspace in an effort to spread mental health awareness — particularly to the younger generation. And research shows they need it.
In Everyday Health's United States of Stress Report, Generation Z (people born 1995 or later) clocked in as the most stressed generation of our time. Why? In our tight and competitive economy, where jobs are scarce and education is at an all-time high, the constant feeling of needing to be the best — a self-induced pressure Phelps is certainly familiar with — has caused young people to feel extraordinarily anxious, overworked, and even socially isolated.
To spotlight the issue, we sat down with Phelps to discuss his own strategies for fighting off stress, even on those extra down days.
RELATED: The Best Anxiety Blogs to Read When You Just Can't Deal Anymore
How Michael Phelps Handles Stress and Pressure
For Phelps, it's simpler than you might think. His favorite stress-fighting tactic is one that he and his wife, Nicole Johnson, teach their son, Boomer Phelps. It's called "lion breaths." Whenever Boomer gets upset, his parents tell him to take a lion breath. At that point, Boomer inhales as deeply as if he were trying to suck all the oxygen out of the universe, then lets out the breath in one extravagant exhale.
But Boomer isn't the only Phelps who uses lion breaths. "There are times when I struggle with identity because for so many people, all they see me as is a swimmer," he says of the passing judgments he receives. "Honestly, that's when a lion breath does come into play."
But how can something so simple — say, simple enough to work on a two-year-old — have such an effect on an Olympic medal–winning adult? It's partially the push-to-the-limit environment Phelps grew up in, similar to that of Generation Z. "Because my life was always go, go, go, go, on to the next thing," he says, "I never had a chance to take a breath. So I don't really know how to do it, I guess."
In fact, Phelps had learned a practice called "diaphragmatic breathing" — a type of exercise involving deep inhalation and exhalation. This breathing method was found to be successful not just in stress-relief, but also in commanding sustained focus in adults, according to a study published in June 2017 in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.
RELATED: How to Avoid an Emotional Meltdown, and What to Do if It Happens Anyway
Other Ways Michael Phelps Combats Stress
Identifying His Emotions When upset or anxious, Phelps first asks himself why he feels the way he does. After he recognizes this, he'll take a lion breath. "Those two little things are something, for me personally, that just helps me relax and take a step back and think about everything," he said onstage with Talkspace. "In the past, I would always just react. And it's not healthy."
Saying a Positive Affirmation Before Entering a Room It's a way to help him change his mindset, like a personal pep talk to serve up confidence.
Hitting the Gym "To be as healthy as I can be mentally, I know some things have to happen throughout the day," Phelps said onstage. "For me, workout is so important. If I don't, I'm a nightmare, an absolute nightmare." And when he gets stressed, his daily routine is even more essential. He gave an example of his experience at an airport when he heard whispering comments around him. "I got off the plane and could not wait to get to the hotel," he said. "All I wanted to do was work out. As soon as I worked out, I was able to kind of relax a little bit."
Ignoring the Haters For many years, Phelps struggled with identity. "I think the biggest thing is trying to get to that point where you get comfortable with who you are, and it's hard. It took me 30 years," he said onstage. But now he's learned to compartmentalize the expectations of others and the expectations he has from himself. He doesn't read aggressive comments on social media; he doesn't interact. "I am who I am. Sorry if you don't like it."
Asking for Help Coming from an übercompetitive sports background, Phelps always felt the need to stave off weakness. "It's kind of wild and pretty incredible just understanding if you ask for help, how much you can get back," he said onstage. Whether it's with a therapist, a friend, or someone else, if you're struggling, it's okay to ask.
Accepting Yourself and Where You're At Phelps's greatest weapon against stress? A motto he lives by on a daily basis, one that leads the Talkspace campaign for young adults: "It's okay to not be okay."
If you or someone you know is coping with depression, call one of the hotlines mentioned at Mentalhealth.net for guidance.
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VPN Protocols Explained
In this article, we are exploring all the different VPN protocols explaining how they work as well as their pros and cons.
A VPN protocol determines how data is routed between your computer and the VPN server. Each protocol has different specifications, offering benefits to users in a range of circumstances. For instance, some put emphasis on speed, while others focus on privacy and security.
Let's take a look at the most common VPN protocols.
1. OpenVPN
OpenVPN is one of the most popular VPN protocols. It is an open-source protocol allowing developers and hackers to scrutinize its source code for vulnerabilities, or use it in other projects. OpenVPN is also one of the most secure protocols and one of our personal favorites.
OpenVPN supports what is essentially unbreakable AES-256 bit key encryption with 2048-bit RSA authentication, and a 160-bit SHA1 hash algorithm. It is available on virtually all platforms — including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and routers. What's more, even obsolete platforms such as Windows Phone and Blackberry support OpenVPN.
Some time ago, OpenVPN was best known for its security and privacy but not so much for speed. Recent implementations have resulted in some boosts effectively helping establish OpenVPN as the industry standard.
2. L2TP/IPSec
A successor to the depreciated PPTP, Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol (L2TP) doesn't actually provide any encryption or privacy itself. Therefore, it is commonly bundled with security protocol IPsec and this combo (L2TP/IPSec) then delivers one of the most secure VPN connections backed by the AES-256 bit encryption.
However, while L2TP/IPSec has no known vulnerabilities – it does have its flaws. For start, it defaults to UDP on port 500, making it relatively easy for government agencies, companies and other entities to spot and block its use.
3. SSTP
Another popular option, Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) has been developed by Microsoft and has been fully integrated with every version of Windows since Vista Service Pack 1. This means you can use SSTP with Winlogon.
The protocol uses 2048-bit SSL/TLS certificates for authentication and 256-bit SSL keys for encryption — making it another option you can safely rely on.
In addition to Windows, SSTP has native support for Linux and BSD systems, while Android, macOS, and iOS have support via third party clients.
4. IKEv2
Developed by Microsoft and Cisco, Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) is essentially just a tunneling protocol, providing a secure key exchange session. In that sense, it is frequently paired with IPSec for encryption and authentication.
IKEv2 isn't as popular as other VPN protocols, but it comes included in many mobile VPN apps. This is because it can quickly reconnect during moments of temporary internet connection loss, as well as during a network switch — i.e. from Wi-Fi to mobile data.
IKEv2 comes natively included with Windows, iOS, and Blackberry devices; with Linux and Android being supported through third-party apps.
On the downside though, there is strong evidence that the NSA is actively exploiting IKE flaws to undermine IPSec traffic. In that sense, using an open-source implementation is suggested.
5. PPTP
One of the oldest VPN protocols, the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is still in use in some places, but the majority of services have long upgraded to faster and more secure protocols.
Introduced way back in 1995, PPTP was integrated with Windows 95 and was able to work even with dial-up connections.
The technology has progressed ever since, and PPTP is no longer the most secure option, with governments and criminals being able to crack PPTP's encryption.
However, some people still use it when they are willing to sacrifice security for the connection speed. Think: video streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Disney+. If nothing else works, chances are PPTP will be able to deliver the buffer-free experience.
6. Catapult Hydra
The proprietary protocol developed by AnchorFree that is powering Hotspot Shield as well as the majority of large cybersecurity companies that offer VPN services from within their apps — including McAfee, BitDefender, Cheetah Mobile and many others.
Catapult Hydra is said to be one of the fastest protocols out there, with various reviews giving it an edge over other solutions when testing it with video streaming services. On the other hand, it can be detected by tech-savvy government authorities such as those in China. Therefore, we've never suggested using Hotspot Shield there — for everything else, and for most users, Hotspot Shield rocks. It's simple, secure and fast — what else do you need?
7. WireGuard
Dubbed "the future of all VPN protocols," WireGuard is the open-source VPN protocol that can deliver the highest level of privacy, security and speed. While it is effectively a newcomer to the VPN industry, many experts anticipate it will become the gold standard of VPN protocols, with some services betting it will become the "default protocol for all users."
There are a few things that "work" in WireGuard's favor. First, it uses cutting-edge cryptographic algorithms that other VPN protocols will not be able to easily support due to many separate implementations and required legacy support. Second, WireGuard's code counts a few thousand lines compared to OpenVPN's hundreds of thousands, making it easier for developers to review and validate the security of the protocol. And third, new security advances in connection roaming make WireGuard uniquely superior to any other protocol.
That last bit, about connection roaming, is especially interesting as it allows users to maintain their connection even when switching from one network environment to another. With other protocols, the connection is dropped.
Because of all this, WireGuard is significantly faster and more secure than any protocol that still relies on heavy, conventional codebases. Mobile users, in particular, should experience a noticeable improvement as soon as they connect — they'll get a faster connection as well as slightly extended battery life (that's where the smaller codebase kicks in).
These days, WireGuard is supported by most of the leading VPN services.
We've looked at all major VPN protocols, here's the summary:
OpenVPN – the most popular VPN protocol offering strong encryption and fast connection; also an open-source project.
L2TP/IPSec – very popular with good speeds but easily detectable.
SSTP – solid security, difficult to detect and block.
IKEv2 – fast and very popular in mobile apps.
PPTP – widely supported despite the fact that it's full of security holes.
Catapult Hydra – Anchor Free's proprietary protocol that is said to be among the fastest out there.
WireGuard – the next-generation protocol that is being supported by the increasing number of VPN services.
Now that you know a lot about VPN protocols, you should be able to more easily select the best VPN service for yourself. Start by visiting our Best of the Best VPNs page and take it from there.
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