A Federal Judge in Arizona ruled that Swift Transportation Co. had improperly treated some drivers. Swift had been treating drivers like contractors, as opposed to employees. This legal setback will cost them millions. While this ruling only involved 5 drivers, this seven-year long battle has set up a precedent for the future. Similar claims will now be made by thousands of other truckers that were employed under these incorrect conditions over the last 10 years. The plaintiffsbelieve they are owed compensation for payments granted to employees, that were not granted to owner-operators. The defendant disputed that employee status should be handled via arbitration. Ultimately, the Judge ruled that these drivers had to work for them exclusively, and had no say in the contract negotiations.


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Introducing Jonathan, the world's oldest animal on land at 187 years old
By Adam Millward
Born circa 1832 – five years prior to the coronation of Queen Victoria – Jonathan the tortoise is due to turn 187 years old in 2019. That makes him the oldest-known land animal alive today.
This puts him just one year away from the title of oldest chelonian ever, currently held by Tu'i Malila, a radiated tortoise that reached at least 188 years old. She was owned by the royal family of Tonga between c. 1777 and 1965, and had been presented to them by British explorer Captain James Cook during his third – and final – Pacific voyage (1776–80).
In his lifetime, Jonathan has lived through two world wars, the Russian Revolution, seven monarchs on the British throne and 39 US presidents.
His estimated year of birth also predates the release of the Penny Black, the first postage stamp (1840), the building of the first skyscraper (1885) and the completion of the Eiffel Tower (1887) – the tallest iron structure.
Other human milestones to have taken place in his long life include the first photograph of a person (1838), the first incandescent light bulb (1878) and the first powered flight (1903).
Now the oldest animal in the world – among terrestrial animals – Jonathan has outlived the oldest person ever by around 65 years. The greatest authenticated age for a human is a "mere" 122 years 144 days, achieved by Jeanne Calment (1875–1997) from France.
Watch and read about more record-breaking animals in our Records Showcase
Although originating from the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, Jonathan has resided on the remote island of St Helena in the South Atlantic since 1882.
St Helena is perhaps best known for being the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte – who was exiled here after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The banished emperor and Jonathan would never have met, though, as the former died more than six decades prior to the arrival of this record-breaking reptile.
When Jonathan was brought to St Helena, he was already fully grown. Based on known data for this species, that would indicate he was about 50 years of age at the time (hence his estimated birth year of 1832 to make him the longest-lived animal on land). Jonathan was gifted to the then-governor of the Overseas British territory, William Grey-Wilson (in office 1890–97), and he has lived at the governor's residence ever since.
Jonathan's home is the manicured lawns of "Plantation", a Georgian mansion built by the East India Company in 1791–92. Today, he shares the grounds with three other giant tortoises: David, Emma and Fred.
For a long time, Jonathan was identified as an Aldabran tortoise from the Aldabra Atoll, which forms part of the Seychelles archipelago. (All the other tortoises he lives with are Aldabrans.) However, a closer examination of his shell by the Seychelles Nature Trust (and several other zoological professionals) has raised the distinct possibility that he could be a much-rarer Seychelles giant tortoise.
This particular species (some argue "subspecies" or "morphotype" is more accurate) was once believed to be extinct, but there now may be around 80 globally, according to the IUCN's Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.
Considering his great age – he is already well beyond his kind's 150-year average lifespan – Jonathan is in surprisingly good health. He hasn't escaped completely unscathed, though.
The world's oldest tortoise is virtually blind due to cataracts and seems to have lost all sense of smell, but retains excellent hearing and a healthy appetite. According to his vet (see interview below), he still has "a good libido" too, which is an indicator of sound internal health.
We talked to St Helena vet Joe Hollins – one of Jonathan's primary carers – to find out more about this extraordinary ancient animal.
GWR: What's it like treating such an old patient?
Joe Hollins: Although aware of the responsibility and that, of course, he will die one day, I believe we have greatly enhanced his life expectancy. Like any celebrity we have made advance plans for his demise, but hope not to put them into action yet. At an estimated 187 years of age, he has already far exceeded his life expectancy of 150 years.
How does it feel to have such a close relationship with a record-breaking animal?
For a veterinary surgeon, to have the oldest-known living land animal under his care is a great privilege, and something I could never have envisaged happening. I have bonded with him and am very fond of the crusty old reptile!
Can you describe Jonathan's temperament?
As befits his age, Jonathan is gentle and enjoys the company of people. Although mostly blind due to cataracts, he has very good hearing and responds especially to his name at feeding time. He also has a fascination with the sounds of tennis when the paddock court is in use.
Does Jonathan have a mate?
In spite of his age, Jonathan still has good libido and is seen frequently to mate with Emma and sometimes Fred – animals are often not particularly gender-sensitive!
What is Jonathan's favourite food? Have his tastes changed as he ages?
Some 10 years ago, improvements were made to Jonathan's habitat and it was noticed that he [was having problems feeding]. His beak was blunt so that he struggled to scythe the grass (other tortoises have finely grooved beaks resulting in a serrated edge that cuts grass), and he would often try to graze on areas of leaf mould or dirt. His sense of smell seems to be non-existent.
We introduced once-weekly feeding of good calorific food and this has transformed him, demonstrating probable micro-deficiencies of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. He loves banana, but it tends to gum up his mouth. Lettuce hearts, though not very nutritious, are a favourite. He also greatly enjoys cabbage, cucumber, apple, other seasonal fruits, carrots – a good source of dietary fibre that he loves – and any other offerings from Plantation, which provides feed from the kitchens.
Nothing is fed to excess but in moderation and in a balanced mixture. Since doing this, his beak has regained an edge and he is able to graze once more.
What does a typical day involve for Jonathan?
Very relaxed. He enjoys the sun but on very hot days takes to the shade. On mild days, he will sunbathe – his long neck and legs stretched fully out of his shell to absorb heat and transfer it to his core. It's an odd posture and before now we have had panicked phone calls to say he appeared to have died! On cold winter days, he will dig himself into leaf mould or grass clippings and remain there all day.
What do the residents of St Helena think of Jonathan?
He is a local icon, symbolic of persistence in the face of change, and much loved by the islanders, who see him very much as their Jonathan.
Are visitors able to come and see Jonathan?
Although we have applied some restrictions (unfortunately due to mobbing and inappropriate behaviour by cruise-ship tours), Jonathan and his friends can still be seen by visitors to the island.
Three more ancient animals
Oldest parrot
Major Mitchell's cockatoo Cookie was 82–83 years old when he passed away in 2016. He first arrived at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in May 1934 – when he was estimated to be aged at least one. This also makes Cookie the oldest bird overall recorded to date.
Oldest mammal
A study by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in California and the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife in Alaska (both USA) suggests that bowhead whales are the longest-lived mammals. One individual is estimated to have reached 211 years old (the median taken from a range of 177–245 years old).
Oldest animal
Excluding colonial animals such as coral, the king of longevity is the quahog clam. One of these marine molluscs, collected from the cold waters around Iceland, was determined to be 507 years old by scientists at Bangor University (UK). (Sadly, the clam died during the process of ageing it!). The clam was nicknamed "Ming" after the Chinese dynasty that was in power around the time of his birth.
To read more about Jonathan – and a host of other amazing animals and humans besides – get your copy of Guinness World Records 2020, out now in shops and online.
Lucky Diamond, the dog snapped with most celebrities dies at 15
My Story: Chloe Macari - owner of Truffles, record holder for Longest jump by a guinea pig
My Story: Jenna Antol on owning Do, the world's oldest rabbit
Happy 67th birthday to Snooty - the world's oldest living manatee
From the Archives - Deadly Piranha!
World's oldest cat Poppy passes away at the age of 24

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CZO | luquillo
Tamara Heartsill
Introduction: Caribbean Forest Dynamics and Regional Forestry Initiatives. González, G., and Heartsill Scalley T. (2016): Caribbean Naturalist
Building a Collaborative Network to Understand Regional Forest Dynamics and Advance Forestry Initiatives in the Caribbean. González, G., and Heartsill Scalley T. (2016): Caribbean Naturalist
Luquillo Experimental Forest: Research History and Opportunities Experimental Forests and Ranges EFR-1. Harris, N. L, Lugo, A. E., Brown, S., Heartsill Scalley, T. (Eds.). (2012): USDA Forest Service
Long-term dynamics of organic matter and elements exported as coarse particulates from two Caribbean montane watersheds. Heartsill Scalley, T., Scatena, F.N., Moya S., Lugo A.E. (2012): Journal of Tropical Ecology
Disturbance and long-term patterns of rainfall and throughfall nutrient fluxes in a subtropical forest in Puerto Rico. Heartsill-Scalley, T., Scatena, F.N., Estrada, C., McDowell, W.H., Lugo, A.E. (2007): Journal of Hydrology, 33:472-485
Papers and books that explicitly acknowledge a CZO grant are highlighted in PALE ORANGE.
Tropical forest responses to Global change: Evidence from the Luquillo Experimental Forest. González G., Lodge D.J.,McGinley K., Jennings L.N., Heartsill-Scalley T.,Wood T.E. (2014): 99th ESA Annual Meeting (August 10 -- 15, 2014)
Luquillo Experimental Forest: Research History and Opportunities. Harris, N.L.; Lugo, A.E.; Brown, S.; and Heartsill Scalley, T. (Eds.). (2012): Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Poetic Science Exhibit Opens at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico
07 Mar 2014 - A "Poetic Science" exhibit has opened at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico (MAC) a collaboration between the USDA Forest Service...
Luquillo CZO


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No Paper, Digital Only, May Be One Way To Save Newspapers
By Kevin O'Keefe on July 10, 2019
As painful as it may be, and with the move comes declining ad revenue, eliminating a print edition may be the long term answer for most newspapers.
Today, as reported by the New York Times' Monica Davey and John Eligon, The Chicago Defender, the newspaper, that told the story of black life in America, will print its final edition.
"It took note of births and deaths, of graduations and weddings, of everything in between. Through eras of angst, its reporters dug into painful, dangerous stories, relaying grim details of lynchings, of clashes over school integration and of the shootings of black men by white police officers. Among a long list of distinguished bylines: Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks.""
The Defender will continue its digital operation. Per Hiram Jackson, chief executive of Real Times Media, which owns The Defender, the move allows the organization to adapt to a "fast-changing, highly challenging media environment that has upended the entire newspaper industry."
"It is an economic decision," Mr. Jackson told the Times, "but it's more an effort to make sure that The Defender has another 100 years."
Unlike the Defender, the Youngstown, Ohio daily of 150 years, The Vindicator just announced that it is closing its doors after 150 years. No print copy. No digital copy.
Margaret Sullivan, for the Washington Post, shared word of her story on the paper's closing on Facebook.
"The Vindicator, is about to shut its doors after 150 years. It's been family owned for 132 of those years, and the family struggled with the decision, but ultimately felt they had no options. Years of losses and no end in sight — and then not a single interested buyer when the paper was put up for sale. It's not only sad but something we're going to see a great deal more of in cities across the country."
I commented on Facebook that if newspapers like this one accepted disruption early on and moved more rapidly to a business model of digital only, it may give them a fighting chance.
Mark Brown, The Vindicator's general manager spent $23 million to cover losses and to buy a new press in 2010. Admittedly the press was in hope of bringing in new revenue through outside printing, but by 2010 the handwriting was long on the wall that print was on the steep decline.
Investing in an outstanding digital publishing platform, perhaps a cost effective SaaS solution (WordPress?), and eliminating print may have been a better way to go.
Ask the generations running the world today where they get their news. It's on their phone and more often than not, on social media.
Ditching the print, realizing the declining revenue, and getting to digital built for social media may be a possible answer. Newspapers may even need to look to the aggregation of blog coverage and contributions from citizen journalists.
Heck, I don't have all the answers and have never worked for a newspaper, except for being a part-time paperboy, but holding onto paper as if it's the primary means to share news is not working.
Newspapers were invented when we only had paper and ink. If iPhones existed, paper never would have been used.


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Art & Museum Exhibits,
Lectures/Literary
Inspiration for a More Sustainable Birding Community with Tykee James
ykee James is the government affairs coordinator at the National Audubon Society, Co-Chair for the National Black and Latinx Scholarship Fund, and sits on the board of directors of the DC Audubon Society, Wyncote Audubon Society, Audubon Maryland-DC, the Birding Co-op, and the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University. After moving to DC almost two years ago, he became grounded in his special role: organizing bird walks with members of Congress and congressional staff! Tykee has built residency in this work from his experience in Philadelphia, his hometown. His first job was as an environmental educator and community organizer in his own neighborhood. Tykee also served a State Representative as her environmental policy advisor. He continues to develop himself as a leader through his fellowship with the Environmental Leadership Program and membership with the Green Leadership Trust. Tykee has been part of the birding community for almost a decade. Most recently, he earned international recognition as one of the organizers of the first #BlackBirdersWeek in 2020. In his personal time, he is the audio producer for Wildlife Observer Network, a wildlife media project he started with some wildlife-friendly friends in Philly. Tykee hosts two podcasts: Brothers in Birding and On Word for Wildlife. This is a virtual event, zoom information will be sent via email prior to the event.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM on Wed, 26 May 2021
Event Supported By
info@naturemuseum.org
https://www.naturemuseum.org
2430 N Cannon Drive
http://www.naturemuseum.org/


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The Amazon tribe that inspired Avatar | 60 Minutes Australia
There are few places on Earth quite as isolated or as spectacular as the Amazon. Venture deep into its heart and you enter a world completely untouched by the Twenty-First century - where people live as they have done for thousands of years, surviving on the bounty of South America's mightiest river. But their simple life is under threat. The Brazilian government has approved construction of a huge hydro-electric dam. And that's not the worst of it - sixty such dams are being planned all along the Amazon, flooding vast areas of rainforest and wiping out local villages. WATCH more of 60 Minutes Australia: https://www.60minutes.com.au LIKE 60 Minutes Australia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/60Minutes9 FOLLOW 60 Minutes Australia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/60Mins FOLLOW 60 Minutes Australia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/60minutes9 For forty years, 60 Minutes have been telling Australians the world's greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Allison Langdon, Tara Brown, Charles Wooley, Liam Bartlett and Tom Steinfort look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes.
EXTRA MINUTES | Hugh Jackman discusses his extensive training regime.
60 Minutes Australia: Escape From Salt Creek (2017) Part Four
Until February last year few people had ever heard of Salt Creek, a rugged and spectacular piece of coastline 200 kilometres south-east of Adelaide. B ...
Extra Minutes | Lorde opens up on the meaning of her hit song, 'Liability'.
"You talk about being a toy, a plaything that people enjoy but they'll eventually tire of. Is that something you feel?" Lorde opens up to #60Mins on t ...
Foo Fighters: Part One | 60 Minutes Australia
There was no way reporter Allison Langdon was going to refuse the invitation to interview and spend a couple of days with Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkin ...
5SOS | You nearly called the band what?!
You won't believe what band name 5SOS nearly ended up with...
What accent does Ben Simmons have? | 60 Minutes Australia
Aussie-born NBA rookie, Ben Simmons tells reporter Tom Steinfort how his Australian accent sometimes struggles to be understood on the basketball cour ...
Extra Minutes | How Lorde sees sound as colour
"I remember driving home over the Brooklyn Bridge in the back of a cab and just seeing this moving green." Lorde reveals the fascinating neurological ...
EXTRA MINUTES | Extended Interview with LIONEL RICHIE and JOEL MADDEN
Extended Interview | 60 Minutes reporter Liz Hayes sits down with LIONEL RICHIE and JOEL MADDEN.
"I was nearly lion lunch!" - Male lion decides film crew are on the menu
"My heart was absolutely pumping!" - 60 Minutes Reporter Allison Langdon reflects on her close encounter with lions in Africa. WATCH more of 60 Minute ...


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Q: Convergence of $\sum\limits_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{(1+\frac{1}{n})^n}{n^2}$ Could somebody please check my solution?
I want to check, whether $\sum\limits_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{(1+\frac{1}{n})^n}{n^2}$ converges or diverges.
Using the Comparison test:
Let $a_n = \frac{(1+\frac{1}{n})^n}{n^2},~ b_n=\frac{1}{n^2}$
Since $\sum\limits_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{n^2}$ converges and $\lim\limits_{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{a_n}{b_n}= \lim\limits_{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{(1+\frac{1}{n})^n}{n^2} \frac{n^2}{1} = \lim\limits_{n \rightarrow \infty} (1+\frac{1}{n})^n = e$.
Since $0<e<\infty$, $\sum\limits_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{(1+\frac{1}{n})^n}{n^2}$ converges.

A: Your solution is correct. However, the simpler trick implied by the problem is to notice the numerator. Recall that
$$
\lim_{n \to \infty} \left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)^n=e
$$
Since all the terms are positive, we have
$$
0\leq \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{\left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)^n}{n^2} \leq \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{e}{n^2}= e \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^2}
$$
By the $p$-test, the series on the right converges. Therefore, your original series converges.
EDIT As suggested by user21820, it might be unclear what I was saying. The limit just produces me a number, $e$ to use to bound the original series. The solution 'works' because $\left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)^n<e$ for any positive integer $n$. This is usually discussed when one learns the definition of $e$. So then each term on the right sum is larger than that of corresponding ones in the original. The use of $e$ was arbitrary (but suggested by the numerator). We could have used 'any' number, $\pi, e^2,4,10,\sqrt{17}$, so long as $\left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)^n$ was smaller than our choice of number, say $x$, for all positive integer $n$ (or at least all but finitely many of them). Then we would have written
$$
0\leq \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{\left(1+\frac{1}{n}\right)^n}{n^2} \leq \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{x}{n^2}= x \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^2}
$$
for whatever larger number we chose.

A: Using the limit comparison test,
$$ {1\over n^2}\left(1 + {1\over n}\right)^n \sim {e\over n^2},$$
your series converges.

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