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Farm Animals, Fur and Fur Farming, General News, Hunting, Live Transport, Stray Animals	 April 30, 2020
For the Animals – We Will Always Fight For You – Trust Us.
General News, Stray Animals	 April 30, 2020
Harmony Fund: It's All About Your Heart. Please Become A Member / Donor For Animals In Need.
I (Mark) have a monthly standing order with the Harmony Fund which provides animal rescue and food services around the world to those in need. I have a passion to help stray animals in Serbia; and I make the request that my donation goes to helping Serbian animals (an optional request).
As you can see below, it gives me great pleasure to know that many Serbian animals, and lots of others, are being helped to get food (from me) via the Harmony Fund membership scheme.
https://harmonyfund.org/harmony-fund
If you can become a Harmony member and give a donation to help feed animals in need then please click on the link to sign up, or give a one off donation.
In their own words:
The Harmony Fund
The Harmony Fund offers a lifeline to so called "underdog" animal rescue squads across the planet. Our partners are the small but incredibly courageous and effective animal rescue teams who operate in parts of the world where funding is very hard to come by. Our supporters are helping us to dramatically impact the capacity of these rescue teams to touch thousands upon thousands of animals who might otherwise be unreachable.
Gratitude and respect are at the cornerstone of our relationship with our supporters. We do not expose our supporters to graphic photos of animal suffering or distribute dire forecasts about animal suffering. Instead we focus on a spirit of joy and determination as we pursue essential operations to provide food, veterinary medicine, shelter and protection from cruelty for animals worldwide.
Home page – https://harmonyfund.org/
Here is a video which shows the amazing work done by Harmony to get food to animals in need. We are very pleased that our monthly standing order helps to put food into hungry little mouths. Stray animals don't ask for anything; survival is their daily aim, and by helping them with the basics such as food you will be helping to make their daily lives just a little easier:
Harmony Fund Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFundAnimalRescue/
Watch some amazing videos by clicking on this link – https://harmonyfund.org/videos
Today we have so much to be grateful for and it's all because of you. The last several weeks have been transformational as we locked arms with rescue squads internationally to provide food for thousands of animals in shelters and on the street.
The rescuers typically start before dawn to prepare meals for the animals who wait for them on the street, in warehouses, on the grounds of cemeteries and at the edge of the forest.
The folks we work with don't have uniforms or nice vans with a logo painted on the side. They are running a bare bones mission using the most meager of resources, yet they are saving lives hand-over-fist. Over and over again, they tell us how astonished they are that people from far away are helping. https://youtu.be/DMwX0b2sya0
Our aid means the difference between them being able to feed the animals once a week and being able to feed them every day.
Today we send out special thanks to our monthly donors who truly move mountains.
We hope all of you will enjoy this small update on our work.
General News	 April 30, 2020
Mass infection with corona in a German slaughterhouse
Communication offensive at Müller-Meat-Company: Around three weeks after the start of the massive corona infection among employees with 300 people affected, the management responded to the "most serious crisis" in the company's 50-year history by telephone conference.
Almost at the same time, the DGB (German trade union federation) also takes cell phones in hand and calls the family business in Birkenfeld the "cause of the catastrophe".
According to the government in Bucharest, more than 200 Romanian workers have been infected with the corona virus. The Foreign Ministry said that they are not seasonal workers, but employees of subcontractors of the German meat company.
In addition to the Romanians, around 100 other local workers had also tested positive for the corona virus, the ministry also said, citing information from the German authorities. All infected people are in quarantine. According to the local authorities, about five infected people are being treated in hospital, and one is being ventilated with machines.
A total of 500 Romanians are employed in the slaughterhouse, but also from Poland and Hungary.
"No foreign employee is threatened existentially", say the miller's bosses against the rumors about the social situation. All are covered by health and social insurance – this is also part of the audit guidelines. The fact that there are so many foreign workers is due to the situation in Germany. Regionally there are hardly any butcher jobs.
The operation with a total of 1100 employees continues to run "somewhat reduced", said a spokesman for the company. 50 new employees are coming.
At Müller-Company, the effects of the major infection are that "the meat products are fully marketable and can be consumed safely".
The slaughtering capacities had been adjusted to the lower workforce, delivery obligations could be "fully" fulfilled.
Companies and the health department see no risk to consumers.
https://bnn.de/lokales/pforzheim/noch-mehr-corona-infizierte-bei-mueller-fleisch-in-birkenfeld
I have no comment, but…The German animal rights organization ("Animal Peace") has written a humorous and very enlightening comment on this incident:
Animal-Peace curious:
Commissioned by animals, we have the following questions for the corona experts:
1. Can viruses be transmitted to the body parts of the murder victims?
2. How long does the virus survive on corpses?
3. Up to what temperature can corpses be heated so that the virus remains active when consumed?
4. Can the human get infected through virus consumption?
In anticipation of positive news, we remain with kind regards,
ANIMAL PEACE
Animal ethics our society: use and throw away!
In the corona quarantine, a dog or a cat as a playmate? Sounds like fun, but the bizarre trend is causing trouble in the shelter.
Ban on contact, keeping distance and little prospect of loosening in times of the corona crisis. Sitting at home is often particularly difficult to bear, especially for single people. But also families with children often hardly know how to keep the little ones busy.
How good that there are dogs and cats, many think. A bizarre trend has developed in Hessen, Germany.
Coronavirus is the trigger: A dog or a cat forbidding contact – the phone does not stand still in the shelter!!
Shortly after the Corona ban on contact was also introduced in Hesse, the telephone of the "Animal Protection Association Frankfurt am Main" suddenly does not stand still in the shelter!!
And the staff at the shelter were amazed when the first request reached them: Whether it is possible to rent dogs and cats. Temporary – because of the corona crisis.
The pet, dog or cat would then be returned when the corona measures were relaxed again.
And it was far from the case of individual inquiries, explains Sabine Urbainsky from the Frankfurt animal shelter: "It was really a lot, it was actually so bad at the beginning that the phone rang almost only because of that. The most popular loan pet was the dog, and cats were only asked occasionally".
Corona crisis: temporary pets – and if the corona measures are relaxed, the animal can be given back.
With sentences like "I would have a lot of time for a dog in the home office right now," and "with me the pet is better off than in the kennel", people of all stripes justified their request.
Even a father called, says the animal shelter manager from Frankfurt.
Because his son is in front of his computer all the time, a dog would be great (!!!). Then the son would finally go out again.
But if the school started again after the corona measures were relaxed, the family would want to give the dog back because there was no time for a pet.
Of course no dog and cat or other pets will be arranged on a temporary basis, says the shelter manager Sabine Urbainsky.
"The pet doesn't understand the whole thing. It thinks it has a new home and then suddenly ends up in the shelter again. There are pets that break down mentally, " explains the shelter manager."Dogs or cats that suddenly lose their homes often develop lethargic behavior and refuse to eat. The animal shelter staff then have their hands full to pep up the animal again".
https://www.fnp.de/frankfurt/hund-katze-corona-tierheim-frankfurt-ausleihen-trend-haustiere-coronavirus-kontaktverbot-zr-13714548.html
And I mean..We can see what the current moral of this society is: use and throw away.
There is nothing worse for an animal than losing its home.
The joy, the conviviality, the security that is built up while living together is gone in one day.
This is man's betrayal of the animal!
If some feel lonely and underemployed, have to go to animal shelters themselves and lead the – also lonely – dogs to a walk. Or help with the amount of work that the stressed employees do for the animals.
The loneliness in Corona times is temporary.
The loneliness of the animals in the animal shelters is lifelong.
Be a responsible adopter and give an animal love and partnership for life!
FOR LIFE!
Environmental	 April 29, 2020
Therefore vegan …
1. rainforest
2. clearing
3. soy for animal fattening
4. dead landscapes
Live vegan
Protect your children's future
Protect nature and animals
Regards and good night from Venus
Hunting	 April 29, 2020 April 30, 2020
Latvia: organized hunting criminality
The Baltic wolf population is scientifically estimated at 3,600 individuals, of which 600 live in Latvia.
There was a premium for wolf shootings until 1999, and wolf hunting was fully open until 2003. That means there were no requirements in terms of a shooting plan. Over 200 wolves were killed annually in the 1990s, and nearly 400 in 1996.
On average, half of the gray dogs killed in the Baltic States fall in Latvia.
Latvia has it all: lynx, wolf, elk, deer, sow, deer – and everything can be hunted in Latvia.
Latvia is a member of the EU but has not signed the species protection directives.
Do you wonder? Nobody in the country does that. The wolves are hunted as usual, like in four other EU countries, namely in Lithuania, Finland, Greece and parts of Spain.
In 1997, Latvia acceded to the Bern Convention, an agreement to conserve European wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats, provided that no special protection was granted to the wolf.
In the accession negotiations with the EU, the Baltic States achieved a so-called geographical exception, namely: Wolf was recognized as a population with a favorable conservation status.
Wolf hunting is legal under the following conditions:
1. application of the hunting methods permitted in the directive,
2. continuous population surveillance,
3. Implementation of more suitable protective measures
There are psychopaths who dream of killing a lion in the African steppe, a polar bear in the eternal ice or a magnificent lynx in Latvia!
For many serial offenders, it is a great feeling when the trophy is stuffed over the fireplace at home or used as a bed mat.
In fact, there are a number of organizers worldwide who handle such requests – for a lot of money. Hunting a polar bear in Canada costs up to 40,000 euros, elephants and lions in Africa up to 60,000 euros and black rhino even up to 280,000 euros. A shot at the wolf in Macedonia costs 3,000 euros.
Nevertheless, there is great interest.
In Bulgaria and Romania, this primitive pleasure of killing the wolf for pleasure is far cheaper. There the hunt for the wild animal costs 400 to 500 euros. And if one of these hunting tourists shot a wolf in an EU member state, he is also allowed to import it into Germany, according to customs officials.
Quote from the story of a German hunter who took part in a hunting tour against wolf: "Latvia is not only the cheaper alternative, no, in Latvia you can legally hunt wolves. Captured wolf trophies can be prepared and taken to Germany with CITES- approval *! It was clear to all of us: we will be back "!
* (CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
P.S: We got a call for help from blog readers.
They asked us to write a separate article about the brutality and unscrupulousness of the lynx and wolf hunters in Latvia.
Hunting is legal in this country and psychopaths make shameless use of it.
We therefore only see the possibility of petitioning:
(a) to the Government of Latvia and
(b) to the EU Commission.
Of course, we have to say in advance that the results of a petition are not always positive, even if they are widely accepted.
However, a petition brings up unknown crimes that most countries want to avoid.
In any case, we must not give up, we have to keep fighting, we owe it to the animals.
Best regards to all, Venus
Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport	 April 29, 2020 April 29, 2020
EU;; Have the Welfare Lobby Been Saying This for Years ? – DG SANTE audit reveals major problems with live export from Romania !
WAV Comment – when it comes to the enforcement of EU animal welfare regulations, the EU is basically a chocolate fireman, melting away with do nothings, but putting out press statements which, if you are not involved with EU 'ways', would lead the normal person to think that they are on top of the situation. Believe us, when it comes to live animal transport, the EU never has, is currently not, and never will be able to enforce its own slapdash Regulation 1/2005, on the 'protection of animals during transport'. The regulation is a simple, formal EU smokescreen which all its officials and Commissioners can hide within whilst the reality is that the abuse and suffering of animals in transport continues within the EU (and globally) on a daily basis.
'After the serious violations of the EU Regulation 1/2005 (Transport Regulation) by Romania in sending nearly 70,000 sheep to the Persian Gulf last summer, an audit by DG Sante has found that the country's central competent authority did not provide the necessary information, instructions or access to suitably qualified staff to support official veterinarians in checking the technical requirements of livestock vessels'.
So what is actually new here ? – DG Sante investigations now finding out what EU animal welfare organisations have been telling, and showing (with undercover investigations) for the last 25 years or more.
The real question now is 'what are the EU going to do about it all ?'. We think the response from the EU will be a fairly simple one – 'nothing really'.
And now at a time when the Coronavirus can be used as an excuse, not a reason, for not taking action. Actions; if there ever were any, by the EU have probably been put back at least another year or more regarding live animal transport (fortunately for the EU) due to a virus called 'Coronavirus'. And yes, Cornavirus appears to have originated in animal wet markets in China due to the non enforcement of regulations by the Chinese authorities. Spot the link ? – we can.
So now are we going to witness Bernard Van Goethem (pictured above) – DG Sante section 'G' – 'Crisis management in food, animals and plants' actually step up to the plate and do something; or is he going to do his usual, of waving his arms in the air whilst making statements about not being able to do anything !
We know a little about his ineffectiveness; and have had personal interactions with him in the past:
https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2016/12/03/romania-take-action-for-romanian-live-exports-a-useless-van-goethem-eu-as-always/
https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2016/09/05/nl-the-situation-in-turkey-gets-no-better-in-fact-even-worse-blame-mr-van-goethem-and-his-in-effective-team-at-the-eu/
https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2016/07/21/mr-van-goethem-and-eu-others-all-talk-and-no-action-a-real-head-in-the-sand-situation/
https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2016/06/29/mr-van-goethem-resign-now/
https://serbiananimalsvoice.com/2016/06/07/eu-must-ensure-animal-welfare-or-mr-van-goethem-will-get-you-and-the-next-joke-is/
We don't ask for your money, never have done and never will. We don't ask for your cash to undertake yet more investigations to gather evidence which as a result, is continually ignored by the EU 'chocolate brigade' under the smokescreen of Reg 1/2005.
We don't need yet more supporter funds to keep on gathering information which forever results in nothing from the EU; we have had experience of this filthy trade for over 30 years; and we know how it works. If legislators cannot enforce the legislation; then possibly it needs a virus to shut the entire system down and make them think what they are going to do next.
A ban on live animal transport throughout the EU by the EU regulators would be more than welcome; but then we have the national financial implications, the meat mafia and the meat lobbyists to contend with. Then again, the huge downturn in milk consumption, combined with the massive decline in meat eating – one could say that the industry is doing a pretty good job in killing itself, without the need for presenting further evidence to the 'do nothing' officials at the EU.
Lets now await what action the EU takes with regard to EU member state Romania and the non enforcement of EU Regulation 1/2005 for the 'protection of' animals during transport.
Sadly, I think I will be holding my breath for a long time !
But, we keep on fighting;
Regards Mark.
https://www.eurogroupforanimals.org/news/dg-sante-audit-reveals-major-problems-live-export-romania
DG SANTE audit reveals major problems with live export from Romania
EurogroupforAnimals
After the serious violations of the EU Regulation 1/2005 (Transport Regulation) by Romania in sending nearly 70,000 sheep to the Persian Gulf last summer, an audit by DG Sante has found that the country's central competent authority did not provide the necessary information, instructions or access to suitably qualified staff to support official veterinarians in checking the technical requirements of livestock vessels. Eurogroup for Animals urges the EU Commission to start infringement proceedings against Romania.
The lack of proper checks translated into animals transported alive with inadequate equipment to ensure their welfare during transport, and on a vessel with serious structural problems. Worryingly, this is likely to have affected many more animals: as highlighted in the report, the authority in one port inspected by DG SANTE is responsible for the approval of 43 of the 79 (56%) livestock vessels approved by the Member States, so "there is a distinct possibility that animal welfare issues arise during sea transport on board these vessels".
Indeed, past investigations have shown that during such voyages, heat and humidity combinations reach levels that cause heat stroke, resulting in animals literally cooking alive in the holds of vessels. Eurogroup for Animals' member organisation Animals International, who were following this particular 2019 Romanian shipment's progress last summer, found the vessel stopping at Gulf ports in temperatures of 47°C.
Auditors tasked with assessing the level of enforcement of the Transport Regulation at the Romanian port also found that there is a general lack of records in the system of controls to ensure animal welfare during transport by sea to non-EU countries. There is no evidence of checks confirming that the animals are fit to continue the journey, or of the adequacy of vessels' drainage systems. Given the absence of documented procedures, records and support to official veterinarians in checking vessels, auditors concluded that "there is little assurance of the effectiveness of most controls carried out".
"We welcome the decision of the European Commission to carry out an audit after the tragedy of last summer, and given the results, Romania should stay under strict scrutiny," says Reineke Hameleers, CEO at Eurogroup for Animals. "Now we call on the Commission to start infringement proceedings against Romania and to start the process of a revision of the Transport Regulation to limit the duration of journeys and end these horrific sea transports for good".
We (WAV) covered this shipment of sheep from Romania to the Middle East every day; providing updates of ship positions, temperatures and ports used if applicable. Here are a few links to just a few of our posts so that you can see what we undertook.
https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/09/20/eu-finally-after-a-second-try-we-get-one-response-out-of-10regarding-our-concerns-for-romanian-sheep-exports-now-we-wait-to-see-what-happens-if-anything/
https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/09/04/nightmare-comes-true-for-romanian-sheep-exported-to-the-gulf/
https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/08/02/2-8-19-copy-of-the-letter-from-the-eu-do-nothing-commissioner-to-the-animal-welfare-ignorant-romanian-minister/
https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/07/31/romanian-sheep-transporter-ship-update-31-7-19/
https://worldanimalsvoice.com/2019/07/26/eu-does-the-eu-enforce-its-own-regulations-no-what-planet-are-you-from/
Regards to all – Mark.
Spain: the "pilgrimage of dew" is suspended
The governing board of the Brotherhood of Almonte (Huelva) has decided to suspend the pilgrimage of El Rocío, scheduled between May 29 and June 1, 2020, due to the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
As reported by the brotherhood in a statement, "due to responsibility" and due to the evolution of the scenario caused by the covid-19, the government board has decided to also suspend all previous acts scheduled in Almonte such as the procession of the Virgen del Rocío through its streets on the 17th or the return to the village of El Rocío on the 24th of the same month.
It is a decision that the governing board of the Matriz de Almonte brotherhood has taken "with pain but with strength" and above all "out of responsibility", taking into account the recommendations of all the authorities and considering "the highest priority in these Moments should be the only reason for everyone's attention and concern: health. "
https://cadenaser.com/emisora/2020/03/23/radio_huelva/1584964080_198844.html
And I mean…More than 20,000 animals are used each year in the Romería del Rocío among horses, oxen and donkeys.
More than 20,000 animals know exhaustion, mistreatment, lack of water and rest, injuries, and also death every year.
This year, and thanks to Corona they won't have to go through that.
Go, Corona, Go!
General News	 April 28, 2020 April 28, 2020
USA: Virginia Bans Public Contact with Captive Big Cats, Monkeys and Other Exotic Animals.
Virginia Bans Public Contact with Captive Big Cats, Monkeys and Other Exotic Animals
Posted by Jane Wolfe | April 22, 2020
Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures/Pixabay
In a victory for animal welfare, the General Assembly of Virginia has passed a new law banning public contact with captive wild animals, including lions, tigers, bears and monkeys.
Signed into law on April 2 by Gov. Ralph Northam, Senate Bill 1030 makes it illegal for any animal "keeper" to provide or offer direct contact with a "dangerous captive animal" to any member of the public, whether in exchange for payment or not.
In effect, the new legislation will prevent people in Virginia from "petting" these captive animals or posing for photos at cruel roadside zoos and tourist attractions, helping to bring an end to the suffering of innocent animals carelessly used for human amusement.
The bill was passed before the airing of Netflix documentary Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness, which offers a glimpse into the big cat industry's greed and exploitation. It will come into effect on July 1, 2021. Anyone violating the law will be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to $500.
The Commonwealth already has a ban on the private ownership of big cats, but shockingly, there are thousands still being kept as "pets" in the United States. To help save these lions, tigers and other wild felines from unnecessary suffering, please sign LFT's petition urging House and Senate leaders to pass The Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA).
SIGN: Save Tigers and Lions from Miserable Captivity As 'Pets'
Posted by Carly Day
Petition Link –
https://ladyfreethinker.org/sign-pass-the-big-cat-safety-act-to-save-tigers-and-lions-from-cruel-ownership/
PETITION TARGET: United States House and Senate Leaders
Thousands of big cats are wasting away as "pets" in the United States. These majestic animals are torn from their mothers while only babies and may spend their lives pacing miserably in tiny, cramped cages with no hope of a natural life.
Not only do these animals suffer mentally and physically, but they are also a threat to people, with hundreds of dangerous incidents involving big cats and humans occurring over the last 30 years.
The Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA) seeks to ban private individuals from owning any big cat species and restrict direct contact between these animals and the general public.
"Big cats are powerful predators, not pets, and pose a particular threat to public safety," said the bill's sponsor, Senator Richard Blumenthal.
Only licensed facilities would be allowed to house big cats, effectively removing these animals from roadside zoos.
The BCPSA is currently moving through the Senate (S. 2561) and House of Representatives (H.R. 1380) and needs your support!
Sign this petition urging House and Senate leaders to pass this bill, saving thousands of big cats from suffering.
China: Following Shenzhen's historic ban in April, Zhuhai has now become the second city in China to introduce a law banning the consumption of cats and dogs.
Following Shenzhen's historic ban in April, Zhuhai has now become the second city in China to introduce a law banning the consumption of cats and dogs.
This welcome legislation, originally reported by China News, comes shortly after a public statement from China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs recognizing dogs as companion animals and not "livestock."
After May 1 — the date the law goes into effect — anyone selling or consuming dog or cat meat could face financial penalties of up to 20 times the value of that meat, according to a report from Xinhua.
"As the second city in China to ban dog and cat meat, Zhuhai is helping pave the way to a more compassionate future," said Lady Freethinker founder Nina Jackel. "Activists in China and across the globe have fought so hard to end this cruel and needless industry, and it's exciting to see true progress happening."
Shenzhen was the first Chinese city to prohibit its residents from eating cat and dog meat, and this could be the beginning of a domino effect that will lead to a nationwide ban.
As encouraging as this ban is, there are still millions of dogs and cats slaughtered in China's cruel dog and cat meat trade, which continues throughout other Chinese cities. Lady Freethinker (LFT) is doing everything possible to end this barbaric practice.
If you haven't yet added your voice, please sign LFT's petition to save these innocent animals.


Glenn Close, Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, Timothee Chalamet and "Black Panther" are among the pre-announced winners in top categories for the Hollywood Film Awards, which will unofficially launch the 2018 awards season this Sunday, November 4. Actress and comedian Awkwafina ("Crazy Rich Asians," "Ocean's 8") will host the 22nd annual ceremony at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.
While all of the awards have been arranged in advance by the studios and their campaigners, it is an important stop by contenders looking for success at the Oscars, Golden Globes and elsewhere. That's because it is the first opportunity for many of the hopefuls to be on an awards red carpet with representatives from a wide variety of films and also be on stage accepting a trophy.
Are the Hollywood Film Awards televised?
Well, I sure hope this ceremony is usually inaccurate. I'm about 50-50 with this winners, both predictions and as far as ones I like.
Not to be shady but I still don't know who Awkwafina is.
I like most of these except Best Actor & film.
This is just the start, now it gets exciting.
I wish it was televised.
It's just the start! I don't agree with Best Picture or Best Actor.


text:
Road project in economically deprived Indonesian region threatens wildlife habitat
by Junaidi Hanafiah on 1 April 2020 | Translated by Basten Gokkon
A road project at the northwestern tip of Sumatra poses the threats of deforestation and habitat fragmentation for a lowland forest that is home to critically endangered tigers, elephants and orangutans.
Officials say the project is necessary to boost connectivity and local livelihoods in this remote part of Indonesia's Aceh province.
But conservationists say they fear the project will carve up important wildlife habitat and lead to greater human encroachment into this wilderness area.
They have called on the government to review the project in light of the potential for environmental damage.
ACEH BESAR, Indonesia — Conservationists say a road project at the northern tip of Indonesia's Sumatra Island poses a threat to critically endangered wildlife, but the government says it's a vital part of the region's economic development.
Two stretches of road, running a combined 99 kilometers (60 miles), are being planned as part of a highway that will cross the province of Aceh and run a total of 444 km (276 mi). One stretch will run between the districts of Aceh Besar and Pidie, and the other from Pidie to Central Aceh.
Both will cut through protected forest in the Ulu Masen ecosystem, an area spanning 750,000 hectares (1.85 million acres) and known for its rich biodiversity that includes critically endangered Sumatran tigers, elephants and orangutans. The ecosystem is also a key source of freshwater and livelihood for the estimated 130,000 people who live on its fringes.
Carving roads through this wilderness will fragment one of the last major habitats for many of these species and lead to greater human encroachment into the ecosystem, conservationists say.
Part of the road project being developed in Aceh Besar district, in Indonesia's Aceh province. Image by Junaidi Hanafiah/Mongabay Indonesia.
"People will race to clear land for farming, which is one of the forms of illegal encroachment that the government will fail to stop. That's our concern," said Muhammad Nur, director of the Aceh chapter of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi).
"There are a lot of downsides" to the road project, he added. "The government will be overwhelmed with handling those conflicts, and that's not including the increase of potential for environmental disaster due to forest-use change."
Nearly 40% of the Ulu Masen ecosystem constitutes lowland forests, historically the most prone to deforestation and degradation across Sumatra, Nur said.
He called on the Aceh provincial government to review the road development plans in light of the potential for environmental damage.
"The government of Aceh has a responsibility to safeguard the protected forest area," he said.
Sumatran elephants. Image by Rhett Butler/Mongabay.
The Ulu Masen ecosystem isn't a single swath of protected forest. Instead, it's a patchwork of protected areas interspersed with production forest, classified as being eligible for logging.
It sits near the northwesternmost tip of Indonesia, a remote area in a province that for decades missed out on development because of an armed insurgency. The planned roads will help connect once-remote communities to the rest of Aceh and Sumatra, giving a much-needed boost to local livelihoods, the government says.
"Better road access will support the economy of the people in the area," Basuki Hadimuljono, the minister of public works, said recently.
The Aceh government says the road developers have secured the necessary permits to clear forest and are expected to begin work later this year. They have also secured a combined $5.4 million in funding for construction this year, out of an estimated total of $51 million needed to complete these two stretches by 2024.
The Aceh government says the road project is among its top development priorities over the next few years.
"For so long, people [from Aceh Besar and Central Aceh] who want to get to Pidie district have to take another road that requires traveling a longer distance," said Elvi Roza, the public works ministry official in charge of road projects in Aceh.
This story was first reported by Mongabay's Indonesia team and published here on our Indonesian site on March 28, 2020.
Biodiversity, Conservation, Deforestation, Environment, Forests, Fragmentation, Habitat Degradation, Habitat Destruction, Habitat Loss, Infrastructure, Land Use Change, Protected Areas, Roads, Tropical Forests, Wildlife, Wildlife Corridors

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Ability scores in Mörk Borg are rated from –3 to +3. They're used directly as modifiers to d20 rolls, which is straightforward and easy to use in play. I mention this to provide context for the game's remarkable advancement system. Like many contemporary old school RPGs, Mörk Borg doesn't track experience points, opting instead for a more freeform approach. As the rulebook explains,
the game master decides when a character should be improved. It can be after completing a scenario, killing mighty foes or bringing home treasure.
Like or hate it, it's entirely up to the referee to decide when a character advances. In Mörk Borg, such advancement can take several forms: hit points, gaining money/scrolls, and ability score changes. A random roll determines whether a character advances in each of these categories. Notice I wrote "whether." That's because it's entirely possible that the referee could grant a character an advance and yet, because of the dice rolls, the character doesn't improve at all. That might seem odd, even unfair, but I think it makes sense in an advancement system as freeform as this one (not to mention the thematic appropriateness for a doom-laden dark fantasy).
Where the system is unusual, though, is when it comes to ability scores. Whereas the worst possible outcome for hit points or wealth is that the character gains nothing, for ability scores, it's possible for them to decrease. The system works like this:
Roll a d6 against every ability. Results equal to or greater than the ability increase it by 1, to a maximum of +6. Results below the ability decrease it by 1.
Abilities from –3 to +1 are always increased by 1 unless the d6 result is 1. The ability is then reduced by 1, but never below –3.
With the possible exception of Traveller, I'm hard pressed to think of another roleplaying game where there's a chance that characters might get worse through play rather than constantly improve. The idea of the perpetual advancement of a character is one of the most far reaching ideas of Dungeons & Dragons, influencing not just other RPGs but also video and board games. It's also, I think, a very limiting one, not because there's anything at all wrong with character advancement, but because not every roleplaying game needs an advancement system at all, let alone one descended from D&D's.
Mörk Borg's advancement system is its own and probably wouldn't be appropriate for many (any?) other RPGs. My point is more that we need to be more willing to consider alternative approaches to advancement, including ones that, like Mörk Borg, not only reject the idea of perpetual improvement but embrace the possibility of decline. Again, that's not appropriate in every circumstance, but we need more out of the box thinking like this. Why limit our game designs?
Posted by James Maliszewski at 3:00 PM
Labels: DnD, experience, mörk borg, musings
ktrey November 2, 2020 at 3:20 PM
I believe Rolemaster 2nd Edition was where I first encountered a chance for Ability Scores/Statistics to diminish on levelling (you tracked a "Temporary/Current" and "Potential Score" for each of the ten) and every level you got to roll on a table to see if your temporary went up by a few points based on the difference between the two scores. There was a miniscule chance of it going down though, so even once this was reached, you had to check.
Through a misreading/misunderstanding of the Holmes Experience tables, we thought that HD were all rerolled whenever a level was gained. Leading to HP going down sometimes. I still like this interpretation a bit, as it reflects the rigors of adventuring life...but it hasn't proved popular when I've tried to sell my players on it as a house rule in current games :).
brink. November 2, 2020 at 4:45 PM
I convinced my players to re-roll their HD every session. I don't think any of them loved it, but I guess they liked it more than finding a new DM...
Ynas Midgard November 2, 2020 at 7:50 PM
In Kazamaták és Kompániák, Hit Dice are re-rolled before each expedition - and that's how you heal up (unless in the wilderness, where healing is merely 1 hp/day).
Vagabundork (Chaos Magick-User) November 2, 2020 at 3:53 PM
Another game where characters get worse during play is Call of Cthulhu. But I have never seen a CoC game played properly, it's always shutguns and detectivs versus Cthulhu, pretty boring.
James Maliszewski November 2, 2020 at 3:55 PM
The reason I don't find that playstyle improper (in fact, I find it genuine) is because to me role-playing games are essentially "what if?" scenarios and "what would _you_ do?" games, and not genre reenactment (even if there is, naturally, a degree of separation between players and characters).
Picador November 2, 2020 at 9:33 PM
CoC is perhaps the most popular RPG in which character degradation is a central and conspicuous feature of the advancement mechanics. However, a number of games, stretching back to the 70s, feature some kind of rules for PC degradation, of various types:
Insanity (CoC and its descendants, e.g. Unknown Armies)
Dismemberment (Runequest, Swordbearer, Rolemaster/MERP, various D&D rulesets using "death & dismemberment" rules)
Aging (Runequest, Swordbearer, Traveller, Cyberpunk, even AD&D tucked into some corner of the DMG)
Loss of Humanity (Cyberpunk, Sorcerer, Shadowrun, Vampire: the Masquerade)
Skill loss (Runequest - a fumble on an experience roll would result in loss of skill points in at least some early editions)
And of course many story games are built around a character arc involving gradual degradation until an end-game is reached (e.g. My Life With Master, Polaris, Otherkind).
Tenebrous November 3, 2020 at 8:39 AM
This reminds me of the old Wizardry computer game, where your stats could increase or decrease with every level gained.
James Maliszewski November 3, 2020 at 8:45 AM
I had completely forgotten about that. Thank you for reminding me of it.


DJI Phantom Drone – Today we'll focus on one choice: the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+. Coming in at a cool $1,800, this marks the top end of what could be considered DJI's consumer line, with the next level up being the $3,000 pro-level Inspire 2. At a casual glance, the Phantom 4 Pro+ (P4P+, if you will) looks exactly like the regular Phantom 4 (which we loved) or the Phantom 4 Advanced.
Four propellers, white body, fixed legs, and a camera on a gimbal dangling from its undercarriage. But there's an obvious difference here: the remote control that comes with it. It's the first DJI remote with a built-in screen a 5.5-inches with a 1080p resolution, and it's bright. Fantastically bright.
DJI's Phantoms are often called "the iPhones of drones" and that's a fair description. They're one of the most popular drones on the planet, packed with high-end features and functionality, and the latest models are always at the top of their class. On top of that, DJI also releases new models at a steady rate, packing even better features into a nearly identical form factor. Case in point? The stellar new DJI Phantom 4 Pro.
As an evolution of the original Phantom 4, the Pro boasts a number of small but significant improvements. Many of the original Phantom 4's design attributes, electronic components, and features have been ported over to the pro model, while others have been upgraded, and a few new features have been added. The first and most obvious addition is the Pro's new 5-direction obstacle avoidance system. Whereas the P4 only featured forward facing sense and avoid, the new and improved version has sensors on its front back, left, right, and underside. These sensors actively scan the environment around the drone and allow it to autonomously avoid things like trees, buildings, and anything else you might encounter during flight.
The Pro looks nearly identical to the original Phantom 4. The other standout improvement is the Pro's camera. The Pro uses all-new hardware with a 1-inch image sensor which is four times the size as what's used in the original Phantom 4. On top of that, the camera can shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, and still images at up to 20 megapixels. DJI also tossed in aperture control and a mechanical shutter. No matter how you look at it, the P4's new camera is bigger, better, and more customizable than ever.
If there's any single reason to buy the P4 Pro instead of the standard P4, it's the camera. DJI put some serious work into the Pro's image capture system, and the result is one of the best cameras we've ever seen on a quad. The biggest improvement is the size of the camera's sensor. The Pro boasts a 1-inch CMOS sensor which is roughly four times the size of the more typical 1/2.3-inch class used by most drones (including the Phantom 3 series and the Phantom 4), flagship smartphones, and point-and-shoot cameras. This extra surface area allows it to capture far more detail, and maintain image/video quality at higher ISOs.
The P4 Pro is nearly identical to the original P4 in terms of both design and builds quality. It retains the same hull shape as its predecessor, save for a few minor differences where the new sensors are placed. As such, it's every bit as strong and sturdy as the P4, which remains among the most attractive and drones available.
The flight performance of the Phantom 4 hasn't changed in this new version. The P4 Pro boasts nearly identical flight specs to the original P4 when it comes to things like speed and agility. Luckily, this isn't much of a letdown, since the P4 is still among the most nimble quad-blade drones sold. Speed and agility are basically unchanged in the P4 Pro. Both the P4 and P4 Pro top out at 45 miles per hour (72 kph) though you can easily reach higher speeds with a good tailwind behind you. It's not the fastest drone on the market (some can go 55 or even 60 mph), but it's quick enough for most uses.
The range is also quite a bit better than the original P4. Just like the Mavic Pro, the P4 Pro is equipped with DJI's new OcuSync video transmission technology, which stretches the drone's maximum range and provides a live HD video feed from the camera from up to 4.3 miles away. That, however, is only possible in the most optimal conditions. This is arguably the best way to spend $1,500.
We took it out to the one-mile mark on a handful of different occasions without so much as a jitter in the video feed but transmission distance varies widely depending on the environment you're flying in. If there's a lot of interference, the feed can cut out at or before the half-mile mark. It all depends on where you're flying, but even with the occasional feed cutout, the Phantom 4 Pro still boasts some of the best range we've ever seen in a drone.
Under optimal conditions, DJI says the Phantom 4 Pro can stay airborne for up to 30 minutes but of course, real-world conditions aren't always optimal. To put these claims to the test, we ran the P4 Pro through our usual series of endurance tests. First up was a hover test, where we let the drone hover in place until the battery life became "critically low," and the drone automatically landed. Our hover test lasted for 28 minutes and 8 seconds which isn't very far off from DJI's claimed 30-minute flight time.
While you shouldn't expect a full 30 minutes of airtime, the endurance is excellent, the best we've seen so far. A DJI Mavic Pro lasted 23 minutes and 19 seconds in our hover test, and the Yuneec Typhoon H lasted 23 minutes, 20 seconds. A smaller, more affordable, simpler drone will last far less than any of these. The Hover Camera Passport, for instance, lasted less than 10 minutes.
Some of the biggest improvements in the P4 Pro are related to DJI's new autopilot features. In addition to porting over most of the "standard" autonomous flight modes from the original P4, DJI also borrowed a few of the Pro's features from the recently-released Mavic and even added a few extras that we haven't seen before.


In-spite of the cute, compact design of the C343a, it has proved to me to be a piece of junk. This phone was offered to me as a "free upgrade" about 1 1/2 years ago by Qwest if I signed an additional 1 yr contract. Since then, I have regretted that decision, & I'm still not sure who I am more dissatisfied with - Qwest, or Motorola. After numerous complaints to Qwest concerning the fact that my phone wasn't ringing, it wasn't showing missed calls, & I wasn't receiving voice-mail notifications, nor the actual voice-mail messages themselves, they tried resetting some things, & finally sent me a replacement phone. To this day, I still have the same problems, even with the replacement. Oh, & also, when set to "vibe & ring", the phone only vibrates. I have complained a few more times to Qwest, & they have offered to either replace this phone (with the same model), which I not so graciously declined, or I can purchase a new phone for an astronomical amount of money & extend my contract again - I guess they aren't offering any more "free upgrades". They also advised me that they had only issued this phone with their service for a very short period of time because of equipment problems & complaints - so I basically got a free piece of junk! My last complaint, or should I say my last act of desperation after so many attempts to resolve the continual problems with this phone, was to Motorola. They talked me through a reset of the initial set-up, which Qwest has done several times as well, & told me if that didn't help, I could send it in to them for $75 plus tax, plus blah, blah, blah, to see if they can fix it, or I can drive about 70 miles to the only Motorola service provider around here to see if they can fix it at no charge, except of course my gas & time, which I have already wasted enough of. So, now I'm down to this; maybe it's not my provider, maybe it really is that Motorola manufactured & distributed.......... a complete piece of junk!
I have had this phone for 1.5 years and finally Verizon is letting me get rid of it. I have gone through 5 of them. The earpiece went 3 times, the mouthpiece once, and the battery terminals corroded. The buttons are confusing since they are backwards, and the battery dies almost instantly during a long call. I upgraded to this phone for 10 bucks and now I see why it was so cheap.
I've onyly had this phone(the c341) for about 6 months and i am buying another one. It just feels cheeply made. And when I text/dial/push anything, the phone cover(origional) squeeks! It drives me nuts! Another thing that bugs me is the text messaging. on my old phone when you wrote a text message you had no interruptions. like when you received a new message, it wouldn't make the message u were typing stop. Now on this phone, when u get a new message it interrupts and stops what ur typing and makes u chose to open it or not. That was the only problem i had when i was buying this phone.
-faceplates you buy for it change the phone design totally. The c341 has no faceplates that look like it.
Pros: Well, this is overall a pretty solid little phone. I've had it for about a year and don't have too many major complaints. The phone is pretty user-friendly and very cute. Good selection of ringtones and customization options. It is pretty durable, as I have dropped it several times and it is still working.
Cons: The keys are tiny and the phone is sometimes slow to respond when dialing a number (sometimes I have the whole number dialed before it shows up on the screen and the keypad makes any noise). I had to have the antenna repaired because of dropped calls but ever since it has been fine. This may seem silly, but I wish the screensavers would stay animated like they are in the picture-viewer (when it is actually your screen saver there is little or no movement unless the phone is charging). Also, the phone has "frozen" two or three times (but that's over the course of a year).
All in all, not horrible, not great. Just definately better than the Audiovox I used to have.
I bought this phone in March of 2004.
I liked the color screen, bright keypad, loud volume, and customizeable ringers. The reception is good with this phone and comparable to others I've used.
One problem is that the menus are severely slow to respond while making a call, and slightly less slow normally. Another problem, the phone gets really hot during a long call.
The problems started in January when the phone began to boot to a lit but black screen. Then the earpiece started to get very quiet. Now the built-in earpiece only works for the first 5 seconds of a conversation. Thank god they include a free hand's free earpiece.
Luckily, I turned it in for repair just two days before the warranty ended. USCC is repairing it for free, but I must say that I am disappointed with this. The rep at the store said that this model suffers from a dead earpiece quite often, and he said that this is unusual since the mic is usually more prone to failure.
Don't get me wrong, the phone is functional. The navigation is intuitive and the phone is nice, but the problems with slow menus, screen blacking, and a dying earpiece make this phone not worth the hassle.
This phone is okay for an entry level user, and especially if you don't use the phone for long conversations that will burn up the earpiece.
With all that said, I have the means to get a moto V810 for $30 when another one of my family member's contracts is up in a week or so. So I am not hellbent against Motorola or anything. Allthough LG does have some convincing offerings. My GF's LG vx4400 hasn't ever given her a problem, but the reported quality of the RF on the V810 won me over since my college is in the boondocks of WV.
Finally Motorola makes a awesome none flip phone for Verizon's awesome network. I had the C333 and was pleased but I longed for a Tri-Mode phone since there are areas in Indianapolis that require it. The phone display is very nice and the phone size is perfect for my shirt pocket. Thanks again Motorola.
We have been selling this product for over three months now and have had less than 5 returned back to us. It is considered so far to be a quality affordable product. It has a versatile sleek look and appeals to all ages and sexes. Definitely a good starter phone. Its features are a bit hidden, but once you get the hang of them, its very easy to run. I would definitely recommend this phone to people if they are looking for an inexpensive model, or as a quality cellular telephone.
i give it a 3.0 for now..
i always get excited when i hear that my wireless provider that i work will be releasing new phones into our market. but once i found out one of the phones we were getting was a motorola handset i was totally turned off by this phone (because of the problems the 120 had). its cool that its a color screen and the animations on it are at least kinda cool...but to navigate this phone is such a pain. you tend to think that your menu button is your ok button and you forget about the soft keys in the upper right and left hand corners. i hate what the screen displays when you actually get into the menu. cause you dont really know exactly what you can get in to. at least you can customize your shortcuts and what comes up first when you get into the menu. since it is a motorola you can find ringtones on the net... also since this phone is a brew phone you should be able to access a network right on the phone and download ringtones right on the phone. at a small price of course. maybe if i have more time with this phone and see what the customers think...maybe i might change my mind.
I just love this phone! it has many cool features such as customizable ringtones, color graphics, and a huge inbox for text messages. One of the problems I found is that when you plug the charger in, the phone automatically goes to a loud profile. It tends to be a pain at work. Also, I can't find any sites for ringtones for the composer. Other than that, it is a very cool little phone.


Just days after the Italian government was forced to scrap its Fertility Day campaign after backlash, its second attempt has also prompted much discussion across social media.
And it's safe to say that it hasn't gone well.
The hashtag '#FertilityDay' was trending in Italy on Wednesday afternoon, but the Health Ministry probably wasn't pleased at the response they received.
Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin ordered changes to the campaign at the start of September after captioned images intended to promote an upcoming Fertility Day were denounced as patronizing, sexist and hectoring.
But it wasn't long before social media photos pointed out that the group promoting 'good habits' all happened to be white, while the second group were a mixed ethnicity group, sporting Afro hairstyles, leading many to label the PR effort as "racist". The promotional material has now been removed from the Ministry of Health's website.
Others called for Lorenzin - who has spearheaded the campaign - to resign - while some social media users wondered if it could be a deliberate act of sabotage against the government.
Some eagle-eyed Tweeters pointed out that the photo used to illustrate 'good habits' appeared to have been taken from a website advertizing dental implants.
One Twitter user said: "What good habits – a group selfie? A smoke with friends is better than that!
"To avoid becoming sterile you should avoid drugs, fine... but also avoid a diverse friendship group?"asked Monica Congiu.
Lorenzin released a statement saying she was launching an internal investigation and had sacked the ministry's communications director.
The campaign is a second attempt, after the images of its first incarnation were widely criticized as sexist, and neglecting to address issues such as economic hardship which may affect people's choice to have children.
"Beauty has no age. But fertility does," said the caption, widely criticized for implying women delaying pregnancy had only themselves to blame if they ended up childless.
Men were not treated any more sensitively. A picture of rotting banana skin was deployed to make the point that: "Male fertility is much more vulnerable than you might think.
Events to protest the initiative have been set up in various cities, called Fertility Fake. As part of the official Fertility Day, September 22nd will see scientific conventions on fertility take place in Padua, Bologna and Catania, and Lorenzin will also give an interview on the topic.
Those behind these events are using the hashtag '#siamoinattesa' (we're waiting) to show the government that the reason they aren't rushing to have children is because they are waiting, whether for a job, a house, affordable childcare or for gay adoption to be fully legalized.
Italy has the lowest birthrate in the European Union and one of the lowest in the world, with only eight babies born for every 1,000 residents in 2015, according to EU figures released in July.
A total of 485,000 babies were born in the country last year, a record low and less than half the level of the 1960s.


The Iles Group : Trevor Iles Ltd.
Established in 1973, the Trevor Iles Group has grown to become Yorkshire's leading independent cleaning & hygiene supply house, and with the addition of Thomas Owen & Sons in Newcastle, we're able to deliver excellent service throughout the North of England all the way to the Scottish Border.
With everything from cleaning & hygiene supplies, waste & recycling systems and a complete range of floorcare machines, we can provide the solution to all your cleaning requirements.


text:
International Business Scholar Tamer Cavusgil Appointed Regents' Professor
Jenifer Shockley
Robinson College of Business
jshockley@gsu.edu
ATLANTA – S. Tamer Cavusgil, Fuller E. Callaway Professorial Chair and executive director of the Center for International Business and Research at Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business (GSU-CIBER), has been appointed a Regents' Professor, the highest academic recognition bestowed by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG).
Cavusgil, who joined Georgia State in 2008, is a world-renowned educator, scholar, mentor, journal editor, institution builder, leader of professional societies, and an advisor to senior executives and international agencies. His career spans three decades of teaching, mentoring, research and administrative leadership.
His scholarship on internationalizing firms, exporting, global strategy and multinationalism has placed Cavusgil among the most prolific international business authors. He is one of a handful of scholars who have authored more than a dozen articles in the "Journal of International Business Studies." He is an elected fellow and a past vice president of the Academy of International Business, as well as a past elected president of the Association of International Business Education and Research (AIBER), and Gianni and Joan Montezemolo Visiting Chair at the University of Cambridge; in addition, he currently serves as a visiting professor at Manchester Business School in the United Kingdom. Tamer is also the senior author of the leading text "International Business: Strategy, Management, and the New Realities" (Pearson Education) and author or co-author of more than 2000 referred journal articles.
He has received thonorary doctorates for his contributions in in international business from the University of Southern Denmark and Hasselt University in Belgium.
"Tamer exemplifies the qualities of a Regents' Professor," said Richard Phillips, dean of the Robinson College of Business. "He has a distinguished record of achievement across all areas of scholarship, dissemination of knowledge, and service to the discipline and the university."
mm/dd/yy
Arts and Sciences Grads Named As Georgia State 40 Under 40 Honorees
Biomedical Sciences Expert on Using Nanotechnology to Treat IBD and Colorectal Cancer Available for Interviews
WomenLead Concludes Semester With Remarks from President Blake and High-Energy Poster Presentations


Travel destination feature for LATAM Airlines showcasing Santiago, Chile, released July 2016. Travel, documentary & portrait photographic work.
Travel destination feature for LATAM Airlines on Patagonia, Chile in South America, released July 2016. Travel, documentary & portrait photographic work.
Travel destination feature for LATAM Airlines on The Sacred Valley, in Peru's Andean Highlands, released July 2016. Travel, documentary & portrait photographic work.


Are you still on track to fulfill all your New Year's Resolutions? If the answer is yes, good for you! You're one of the lucky ones. And if the answer is no, well, welcome to the club. But in any case, shake it all off because February is here! You know what that means? Spring is right around the corner! And a new chapter can be written in 2019, regardless of what your New Year's Resolutions are, it's a brand-new month. While it might still be winter and super cold, you can already picture the fresh flowers, the refreshing smell of a newly mowed lawn, a crunchy salad, and (unfortunately), you've also started some of your Spring cleaning. While you're still daydreaming of Spring, I have the perfect chocolatey dessert to hold you over until warmer days finally come back again – Chocolate Cupcakes are the one and only answer!
With moist chocolatey cake and delicious chocolate cream to garnish, this dessert is everything you need right now. If you want to make this dessert even more decadent, you can fill the cupcakes with pleasing chocolate ganache that you only discover once you've taken a bite, YUM! Chocolate ganache is simply melted chocolate mixed with heavy cream; don't let the name scare you! Each type of chocolate (dark/ milk/ white) has different ratios to keep when making ganache and you can read all about it here.
Because I wanted to make these cupcakes parve (nondairy), I used nondairy heavy cream for the chocolate ganache. You can also use coconut cream if you prefer.
For the cream on top of the cupcakes, I also used non-dairy heavy cream, if you don't mind or you want the cupcakes to be dairy, just use regular heavy cream. Additionally, I created a post about vegan whipped cream that is made from coconut cream and can also replace non-dairy heavy cream, check it out.
In short, if you plan to use coconut cream, you need to be able to whip it to a stiff peak! Be sure to chill the tin of coconut cream for an entire night in the fridge. When whipping the cream, just use the non-liquid parts that float to the top of the tin. It is important to use coconut cream with high fat in it, like 20% or more. You won't be able to whip lower fat creams.
The cupcakes themselves contain shredded coconut that goes perfectly well with the heavenly chocolate flavor and adds more texture to the cake. The shredded coconut makes an excellent fit if you choose to use coconut cream.
The last garnish I added to these divine cupcakes is strawberries; not only do they look nice and add color, but they taste delicious! Overall, they enhance the flavor of the chocolate cupcake. You can also garnish with other fruits or omit them – it's your choice.
To bake the cupcakes, I used silicon cupcakes cases. You can use paper cases as well, just be sure to place them inside a cupcake tin so the shape of the cupcakes will remain.
If you are in the mood for vanilla cupcakes, my blackberry vanilla cupcakes are just what you need! Or if you are on the hunt for other delicious desserts, be sure to explore my recipe index.
Heat the oven to 180°C / 350°F with the fan.
In a mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cocoa powder, salt and shredded coconut.
Add eggs, oil and water and mix to a unified batter.
Pour the batter into the cupcakes cases up to 3/4 height - the cakes will grow in the oven.
Make the dark chocolate ganache.
With a teaspoon, create small holes in each cupcake center.
Fill the holes with the dark chocolate ganache.
For the cream: in a mixer bowl, place non-dairy heavy cream, powdered sugar and instant chocolate pudding powder.
With a whipping attachment, whip the cream until it has stiff peaks.
Transfer the cream to a piping bag with a star nozzle.
Have a cupcake and enjoy!


Our Prayer Chain Ministry is a group of trusted individuals who love to pray for the needs of our Trinity Church Family.
If you have a prayer request that you would like to have sent out to our email prayer team, contact Kimberly Carlson in the church office, Monday through Friday, during office hours.
On Sunday mornings, if you'd like someone to pray with you privately about a need or concern you have, members of our Prayer Ministry Team are available at the sides of the Worship Center following each service.
On Tuesday mornings each week, our Trinity staff meets to pray together. If you have a praise or prayer request you'd like for them to join with you in praying about, you may email it to Kimberly Carlson or you may fill out a Praise & Prayer Request card any Sunday morning and place it in the offering plate, or give it to an usher before you leave.
Join our pastors and others any Saturday evening from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in our Worship Center for a time of prayer for our Sunday worship, missions, and other ministries.
On Sunday mornings, our pastors and others also meet in Room 117 from 8:15-8:40 a.m. to pray for all the ministries, all those who will be serving, and all those who will be attending our church on Sunday morning.
These are wonderful opportunities to prepare your heart for Sunday morning worship and enjoy meaningful prayer time with others in the Trinity church family.
No need to contact us ahead of time, we love those who drop in to join us anytime for this powerful intercessory prayer.


text:
Q: VBA code failing due to runtime error 1004 Microsoft excel cannot paste the data I am getting runtime error 1004 Microsoft Excel cannot paste the data
in the following code. I had been running a copy and paste picture routine for some time and all of a sudden Excel starting giving me this run time error. It had been working fine for several days until now (no OS update or reboot). Can anyone help?
Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()
    Application.ScreenUpdating = False
    r = "Business Mobile List - July 2017"
    Filename = Application.InputBox("Enter Filename:", "Business Mobile
    FileName", r)
    If (Filename <> "") Then
    xlFile = "D:\try\big file vba\" & Filename
    Set XL = CreateObject("Excel.Application")
    Set wbk = XL.Workbooks.Open(xlFile)
    Application.CutCopyMode = False

         dateS = Format(Date, "dd/mm/yyyy")
        dateString = Application.InputBox("Enter A Date: (Format dd-mm-yyyy)",
         dateS, dateS)
         TheDate = DateValue(dateString)

          With ActiveSheet
        LastRow = wbk.Sheets("Stuck orders").Cells(.Rows.Count,
         "B").End(xlUp).Row
           End With

               For i = 2 To LastRow
              If (wbk.Sheets("Stuck orders").Cells(i, 19) = TheDate) Then
               wbk.Sheets("Stuck orders").Rows(i).EntireRow.Copy

               erow = ActiveSheet.Cells(Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Offset(1, 0).Row
               ActiveSheet.Cells(erow, 1).Select
               **ActiveSheet.Paste** 'error occured while pasting
               ActiveWorkbook.Save
              Application.CutCopyMode = False
                   End If

               Next i
          MsgBox "Fileuploaded"
           wbk.Save
            wbk.Close
           Application.CutCopyMode = False

                  Else
              MsgBox "File does not exist"
                End If
End Sub

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