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No timetable for final caucus results, party says — BLOG
Results are still coming in, but Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has been declared the winner of the Nevada Democratic caucuses.
Highlights from the 2020 Nevada Democratic caucuses (Produced by Michael Quine/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Voters comment on Nevada Democratic caucus (Produced by Michael Quine/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Updated February 22, 2020 - 7:41 pm
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks to supporters at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers labor union on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2019, in Las Vegas. (Elizabeth Brumley/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @EliPagePhoto
Members of the crowd hold up their lit phones in support as Democratic presidential candidate and former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg speaks at Springs Preserve following the caucuses on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images
Supporters chant for presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a caucus night event at IBEW local 357 in Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. (Elizabeth Page Brumley/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @EliPagePhoto
Supporters cheer for presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a caucus night event at IBEW local 357 in Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. (Elizabeth Page Brumley/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @EliPagePhoto
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders visits El Paso for rally Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Abraham Chavez Theatre in El Paso. (Briana Sanchez/El Paso Times)
Precinct 3706 captain Jordan Nacov, center, verifies the tally with his members as caucus day voting for Democratic presidential candidates concludes at Centennial High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images
Precinct 3706 captain Jordan Nacov, right, verifies the tally with his members as caucus day voting for Democratic presidential candidates concludes at Centennial High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images
Beverly Jackson, left, Joe Biden's supporter and Michael Alires, undecided voter, debate before caucusing at Liberty High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfay
A precinct captain counts ballots at the Nevada caucus at Desert Oasis High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @ellenkschmidt_
A group of Bernie Sanders supporters calculates ballots for their group during the Nevada caucus at Desert Oasis High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @ellenkschmidt_
Precinct chair Kim Rogers tallies those for Warren, Sanders and Biden during the Nevada caucus at Desert Oasis High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @ellenkschmidt_
One group begins their first alignment during the Nevada caucus at Desert Oasis High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @ellenkschmidt_
Presidential candidate Tom Steyer greets caucus participants at Cheyenne High School in North Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. (Elizabeth Page Brumley/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @EliPagePhoto
Bernie Sanders supporters hold up their ballots during he first alignment of their group during the Nevada caucus at Desert Oasis High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @ellenkschmidt_
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak greets caucus participants at Cheyenne High School in North Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. (Elizabeth Page Brumley/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @EliPagePhoto
Conor Bredin, right, of Summerlin, checks in for the Nevada caucus at Palo Verde High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. Bredin said he is a Bernie Sanders supporter. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @ellenkschmidt_
Pete Buttigieg supporters converse before the Nevada caucus begins at Palo Verde High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @ellenkschmidt_
at Cheyenne High School in North Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. (Elizabeth Page Brumley/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @EliPagePhoto
Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden is interviewed before the caucus at Cheyenne High School in North Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. (Elizabeth Page Brumley/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @EliPagePhoto
Bernie Sanders supporters chat at their table before the Nevada caucus begins at Palo Verde High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @ellenkschmidt_
David Hohman, a volunteer for Elizabeth Warren campaign, puts sign as Democratic caucus-goers stay in line to sign ahead of the party caucus at Liberty High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye
Lori Church, right, precinct chair, counts as Democratic caucus-goers raise their voting cards to indicate their presidential candidate preference at Liberty High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfay
Lori Church, center, precinct chair, logs voting result on caucus math poster after Democratic caucus-goers indicated their presidential candidate preference at Liberty High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Henderson. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfay
Precinct 3706 captain Jordan Nacov records the final numbers as caucus day voting for Democratic presidential candidates concludes at Centennial High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images
Girl Scouts sell cookies to those attending the Nevada Democratic caucuses at Sierra Vista High School, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. (Brianna Erickson/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Caucusgoers gather at the Doolittle Community Center on Feb. 22, 2020 in Las Vegas. (Rio Lacanlale/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Precinct chair Kim Rogers counts hands for Sen. Elizabeth Warren during the Nevada caucus at Desert Oasis High School on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @ellenkschmidt_
Caucus-goers line up at the East Las Vegas Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Las Vegas. (Elizabeth Brumley/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @EliPagePhoto
Dems still counting
For anyone curious, Nevada Democratic Party officials do not have a specific time set to stop counting ballots Saturday night.
So it's not a situation where when the clock strikes midnight everyone goes home and restarts the counting tomorrow. Yet.
— Rory Appleton
'No timetable for final results'
Despite only a small percentage of caucus results being reported by 7:30 p.m., Nevada State Democratic Party spokesman Jon Summers said the slow trickle was due to the party's quality control measures and not because of any problems at caucus sites.
There was no timetable for final results, Summers said.
'Vote blue no matter who'
It was a short but energetic watch party at Springs Preserve for Pete Buttigieg.
Between 200 and 300 people gathered to hear Buttigieg speak for about 30 minutes, during which he congratulated competitor Bernie Sanders for a "strong showing" and a "vigorous campaign" in Nevada.
"But before we rush to nominate Sen. Sanders as our one shot to take on this president, let's take a look at what's at stake," he said.
Buttigieg said voters can "prioritize either ideological purity or inclusive victory" and also highlighted his and Sanders' different policies on health care, saying he supports "Medicare for all who want it," while Sanders supports "Medicare for all," removing the choice for people who want a private plan option.
The crowd went wild at points, exclaiming so loudly the sign language interpreter had to protect her ears.
Mike Radza, who lives in Southwest Las Vegas and was formerly the vice chairman for the Clark County GOP, said he's disappointed Sanders came out on top in Nevada but said "every state is a battle not the war."
Radza registered as a Democrat to support Buttigieg because he "can no longer support Donald Trump," and said Buttigieg has "the right vision of inclusion, of bringing people together. He'll be able to govern effectively." And character counts, he added. Buttigieg will "restore a level of dignity, class and respectability to the White House."
Self-described die-hard supporter Shonna Mackelprang said she will support Buttigieg until the end. A veteran, Mackelprang said she supports Buttigieg because he is calm, moderate, smart and honest.
Jason Yocum said it's OK that Sanders swept Nevada, "We're going to vote blue no matter who," he said.
— Nicole Raz
Sanders addresses supporters after winning Nevada caucuses
Bernie Sanders is addressing supporters in San Antonio, Texas after being declared the winner of the Nevada caucuses.
Biden thanks supporters
In a roughly 10-minute speech to supporters gathered at the IBEW Local 357, Joe Biden hammered home that he's fighting for the middle class vote.
Taking shots at President Donald Trump, Biden told the jovial crowd he's not leaving anyone behind, especially unionized workers like firefighters, iron workers, teachers and culinary members.
"You're the reason why I'm in this," the former vice president said in between crowd chants and cheers. "You're the ones who built the middle class. I'm bringing everybody along."
Biden noted there were 100 million Americans with pre-existing medical conditions, promising to keep Obamacare afloat if he won office.
"They worry everyday Obamacare is going to to be taken away," he said. "I promise you it will not."
Despite sitting in second in early results from Saturday's caucuses, Biden confidently told the crowd he's looking ahead toward the next steps in his bid to to win the Democratic presidential nod.
"I think we're in a position now to move on in a way that we haven't been until this moment," he said. "We're going to win in South Carolina and Super Tuesday."
— Mick Akers
Sanders declared winner
WASHINGTON — Bernie Sanders wins Democratic presidential caucuses in Nevada, cementing front-runner status.
— The Associated Press
Buttigieg claims running 2nd
Pete Buttigieg's campaign officials said they have had 38 percent of precinct captains report in so far in Nevada, and that they've won 23 percent of those delegates, noting that their numbers show Bernie Sanders leading.
With actual tally sheets transcribed, Buttigieg campaign says their numbers show them in 2nd place currently.
Faulty iPad stalls vote
The issues that stalled one precinct at Sparks High School came down to a faulty iPad.
"There was a failure with the iPad, cleary," Carissa Snedeker, site lead and 1st vice chair of the Washoe Democratic Party, told the group as they recalculated the numbers manually around 3 p.m. Saturday.
The iPad calculator did not correctly tabulate Tom Steyer's votes after the final realignment, Snedeker said, and showed him as nonviable even after being deemed viable in the first alignment.
But the backup plan of manually calculating the votes on paper went exactly as planned, she said.
"We got the numbers. We agreed. Everyone signed off. I'm happy," Snedeker said. "It may have taken a little longer, but we got it done."
— Colton Lochhead
Waiting for Biden
Supporters of Joe Biden are beginning to file into IBEW Local 357 headquarters ahead of a planned appearance by the Democratic presidential hopeful.
The stage is set for the former vice president's arrival at the caucus day event, lined with American and Nevada flags, and a Welcome to Las Vegas sign with "Nevada for Biden" displayed on it.
Biden's wife, Jill, is also scheduled to appear at the event, which is planned to go until 5 p.m.
Early results from the caucuses show Biden running second behind Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Raining on Mayor Pete's parade
Rain in Las Vegas put put a bit of a damper on Pete Buttegieg's event, planned for the Springs Preserve.
Thunder, lightning and the precursor to flooding at @SpringsPreserve for the @PeteButtigieg campaign speech. Videographers were told to leave their cameras, staff yell, "Your life is more valuable!" #RJNow #NVCaucus pic.twitter.com/mG35fmBDFn
— James Schaeffer (@jamesmschaeffer) February 22, 2020
— James Schaeffer
'It went great'
More than 100 people participated in caucus voting at Eldorado High School. Other than complaints about the caucus process itself, voters and volunteers said it went smoothly with no significant technical issues. Voting wrapped up just after 2 p.m.
"I was impressed by the organization," volunteer Christy Craig said.
Craig said all of the voters "were really patient, and gracious, and once people got into it, they really got into it. There were a lot of discussions after someone wasn't viable about who was going to be viable next. And they argued and discussed it, and it went great."
— Glenn Puit
'Results are coming in'
Asked about reports of Nevada State Democratic Party volunteers having difficulties phoning caucus results in, spokeswoman Molly Forgey said this:
"Caucuses are running smoothly, results are coming in, and we'll have them up soon. We've been prepared all along for a high influx of results as caucuses wrap up, and we're working diligently to accommodate and continue processing the high volume of incoming results from precinct chairs."
Waiting on paper ballots
Nearly three hours after caucuses got underway, one precinct at Sparks High School was still struggling with the complicated math that the new early caucus process has brought into the fold.
Those participating in the precinct questioned the math and final realignment numbers. Even after Democratic Party volunteers came in and seemingly figured it out, the numbers have not been finalized. The group is currently waiting on paper ballots to be delivered.
Delegate for Sanders
Monica Smith, a Bellagio employee and member of the Culinary union, said she was "ecstatic" over the results of caucusing at the Bellagio in which Bernie Sanders won the most delegates.
She said she wasn't surprised by the results, saying that Sanders has momentum, despite the Culinary's criticism that Sanders' call for universal health care could jeopardize the union's hard-won health care plan.
She had one caveat: "It's never a good day when you have to see your base split." However, "I think a true democratic process happened here today."
Smith will be a delegate for Sanders at the April 18 county convention.
— Mary Hynes
'Diverse array of participants'
At Cheyenne High School in North Las Vegas, U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., is predicting good caucus showings for former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
"I'm excited to see a diverse array of participants," Horsford said. "I think it's going to be a strong night for Bernie and Vice President Biden."
— Jeff German
Mixed-up votes
One precinct at Desert Oasis High School saw some late confusion. During the second alignment, votes that were supposed to go to Elizabeth Warren (and were cast for Warren on the paper ballot for second alignment), mistakenly went to Bernie Sanders. This was noticed, and volunteers worked to correct the issue.
— Al Mancini
Smooth process at community center
Bernie Sanders won the largest of 10 precincts at the East Las Vegas Community Center as well as several other precincts. Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg were viable in the largest precinct and also were awarded delegates.
Despite some triple-checking of caucus math, there appeared to be no major hiccups in either of the two alignments for any precinct at the center.
— Shea Johnson
Caucusing continues at Cheyenne
Caucusing is still dragging out at four precincts in the cafeteria at Cheyenne High School in North Las Vegas.
About 100 people were listening to speeches on behalf of candidates in an effort to get to a final vote tally.
Strategic move in Sparks
Bernie Sanders was awarded the most delegates at several of the precincts caucusing at Sparks High School on Saturday.
In one precinct, he was the only viable candidate after the initial alignment, while Elizabeth Warren was a single person shy of reaching the needed threshold.
During realignment, Regina Lockwood, the lone in-person Joe Biden voter for the precinct, switched over to Warren, making her viable in that group. Sanders won nine of the 15 available delegates for that precinct, while Warren ended up with six delegates when several early votes boosted her numbers.
Lockwood, 57, said her move to Warren was strategic so that Sanders would not get all of the delegates for that precinct after it was clear Biden wouldn't be able to reach viability.
"Bernie's not going to get elected in the general. I think it would be a real struggle. Of course I would vote for him over Trump, but it would be a real struggle to get him elected," Lockwood said.
Biden-Sanders tie broken
In what had to be the most Vegas ending of the day, a tie between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders in precinct 7706 at Del Sol Academy in eastern Las Vegas was broken in the latter's favor by drawing cards. Tensions began to flare as officials scrambled to determine the correct way to break a tie. The rules were revisited, and it all came down to a game of chance — as so many things do in this city.
— Jason Bracelin
Site lead clarifies rules
At Rancho High School, where things had seemed to wrap up by about 1:40 p.m., one last precinct got caught up.
The final precinct had an extra delegate to assign, but there was confusion over which candidate would get it. After making a call to the voter hotline and bringing in a site lead to clarify the rules, the last delegate was delegated and the caucus was over.
— Max Michor
'Calm and collected'
Tommy and Pasha Blitz said their precinct at Liberty High School went through three alignments. Both Pete Buttigieg supporters, they said things were pretty much split between him and Bernie Sanders from the beginning.
He voted early. She wanted to caucus.
"This, to me, was exciting," she said. "Multiple candidates got votes."
She said Tom Steyer started with nine and ended up with zero.
Megan Castor, another Pete Buttigieg supporter, said the event at Liberty went "really smooth."
Her husband, Jason Castro, another Buttigieg supporter, agreed.
He said he expected a lot of debating but said "everybody was really on board and very calm and collected."
The couple said their precinct awarded four delegates to Buttigieg, three to Warren and two to Sanders.
— Heidi Knapp Rinella and Bailey Schulz
Not Iowa
Caucus votes were done before 2 p.m. at Brinley Middle School, though two precincts were still deciding which voters would serve as delegates.
Sylvia Vasquez, site lead at the school, said Saturday's caucuses went as smoothly as she could have hoped. The site had volunteers from Nevada, California and Arizona.
"I'm very proud of everyone that came together and made it happen," Vasquez said, adding that "today went over without a hitch."
Vasquez said about 180 voters turned out to vote in person at Brinley, and she was glad to see that so many people had voted early.
"Thankfully what happened in Iowa didn't happen here," she said.
— Alexis Egeland
RJ videographer kicked out
Review-Journal videographer Angus Kelly forgot his stick microphone in a caucus room after volunteers kicked him out for wrongly believing that no photographers or videographers were allowed.
Kelly said volunteers removed the batteries and put the mic in the fridge so the Review-Journal wouldn't "bug the room." He said he later got his mic back and was allowed back in the room.
A volunteer earlier at the site kicked a Review-Journal photographer out of a precinct room, but he was later allowed back in.
Molly Forgey, spokeswoman for the Nevada Democratic Party, had told the Review-Journal earlier that photography and filming would be allowed at the site.
— Bailey Schulz
Initial vote discrepancy
There was an initial vote discrepancy in one precinct at Del Sol Academy in eastern Las Vegas, underscoring the potential challenges of incorporating early voting into the caucus process for the first time.
During final realignment, 66 votes were tallied when it should have been 68. The site lead was called, and it was determined that two of the early voters failed to select a third viable candidate, so their votes were not counted.
'My goal is to stop Bernie'
At the North Valleys High School caucus site in northern Reno, Biden won no delegates in the group where Jacqueline Onukwugha served as a precinct captain for the former vice president – a disappointment to her, but not a complete disaster.
Of the nine delegates up for grabs, two went to Pete Buttigieg, three to Elizabeth Warren, and four to Bernie Sanders.
"Bernie didn't take them all," Onukwugha said. "He didn't take half of them. So in that sense I'm satisfied, because it makes a bigger hiccup for Bernie. And if I can't get Biden, my goal is to stop Bernie."
— Bill Dentzer
Caucusing at Centennial
Anne Terlitzky, 49, said she found caucusing to be simple.
"It seems with the early vote, it made things go fast," she said.
The process in the main room at Centennial High School took about an hour.
Terlitzky used to be nonpartisan but changed her party registration after Donald Trump was elected. She caucused for Joe Biden on Saturday.
Geoffrey DeMaio, 55, caucused for Pete Buttigieg.
He said he would caucus in the future, but he would prefer a primary.
"I think primaries are less confusing," he said.
DeMaio, who has Parkinson's disease, said he likes Buttigieg's "Medicare for all who want it" plan.
— Blake Apgar and Michael Scott Davidson
Sanders leads Rancho High School
Caucuses at Rancho High School managed to wrap up without any major issues. After early votes were counted, Bernie Sanders became the only viable candidate in most of the precincts, and subsequent realignments left him with the majority of delegates.
Volunteers reported no issues with technology at the caucus site.
Caucusing begins at Desert Oasis
By 1:25 p.m., caucusing was finally starting at Desert Oasis High School. Early vote counts had been delivered to each precinct.
About 10 minutes later, precincts started to count voters for each candidate.
One precinct, zero votes
Caucusing at Doolittle Community Center, which hosted six precincts, concluded earlier than expected on Saturday. By around 1:20 p.m., the large room had cleared out.
An empty results sheet was taped to the wall throughout caucus day as one of the six precincts did not have any early voters, and no one from that precinct showed up to caucus. One precinct reached final alignment just 20 minutes into caucusing.
Elizabeth Warren was not viable after the first alignment in Sheila Collins' precinct. Warren was her only choice — until her fellow caucusgoers persuaded her to vote for former Vice President Joe Biden.
"They were able to change my mind, the individuals I caucused with," Collins said on her way out of the community center. "Everyone was just very engaged and excited."
— Rio Lacanlale
Quadruple-checking the math
At Western High School, one precinct's volunteers double-, triple- and quadruple-checked their math to make sure their number of delegates was accurate after accounting for realignments and early voters.
Across the school's campus, precinct captain Norma Oppenheim sat by herself in a classroom where voters should have gathered — but no one showed up. That precinct will be determined solely by early voters.
— Janna Karel
Easy process for couple
Carolyn and Lee Wastell wrapped up their participation in the caucus at Eldorado High School as the clock approached 1 p.m. The husband and wife said the experience was an improvement over 2016's caucuses because early voting greatly reduced the lines to get in.
When the couple gathered into their precinct, they learned they were the only two physically there to vote. The rest of their precinct had voted early.
"So it was pretty easy for us to do it," Lee Wastell said.
The couple said the caucus went well, but Carolyn Wastell said she still wishes Nevada would switch to a traditional primary format.
Nurses for Sanders
Naomi Klein, with the Sanders campaign, said she was pleased with the results at Liberty High School.
"He has by far the most supporters," she said.
Rebecca Goldfader traveled from San Francisco, where she's a nurse practitioner, to volunteer with the Sanders campaign.
"I believe that Bernie is a candidate that understands that health care should not be a for-profit business," she said, adding that the nursing unions support Sanders in his campaign for Medicare for all.
— Heidi Knapp Rinella
Peaceful ending at caucus site
No problems cropped up at the Scherkenbach Elementary School caucus site.
After the first alignment, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren were deemed viable in the largest precinct.
Pete Buttigieg was the only candidate with any in-person support who was deemed not viable, leading to a civil, 15-minute period in which his backers were wooed to different candidates. Everything was over, peacefully, by 1:15 p.m.
— Christopher Lawrence
One voter decides precinct candidate
Dr. Joyce Battle has often heard "every vote matters."
But at Centennial High School on Saturday, her vote was critical. Battle, 71, was the only voter in her precinct to participate in the Nevada Democratic caucuses.
With no early votes, Battle alone got to decide which candidate she would represent as a delegate. Seated at a wooden desk, she considered the choice for a couple minutes before voting for Pete Buttigieg.
"He has a set of values he's not afraid to show," she said, noting the candidate's Navy service. "He put his life on the line for this country."
Battle said she's excited at the idea of representing Buttigieg as a county delegate, but the low turnout in her precinct Saturday left her doubting whether a caucus is the best way to pick the party's nominee.
"It's kind of scary," she said. "I don't know if this is working."
— Michael Scott Davidson
Sanders takes early lead
Sen. Bernie Sanders is leading in early caucus results, according to The Associated Press.
Desert Oasis update
The final half-dozen or so registrants were filling out their paperwork at the Desert Oasis High School caucus site. Organizers say the caucus will begin as soon as the early vote totals are delivered to the precincts.
Breaking a rare tie
One precinct at Brinley Middle School had no in-person voters, but it had a three-way tie in the early votes. The precinct had been assigned two delegates.
Instead of drawing playing cards to break the tie, the Democratic headquarters gave the precinct an additional delegate – a rare but legitimate solution.
Delays continue at Desert Oasis
An hour after the caucus was scheduled to begin at Desert Oasis High School, the final caucusgoers were still checking in. Volunteers said check-in started about 45 minutes late and went slowly because voter rolls reportedly hadn't been delivered to the location.
'We need to get the down-ballot races'
Beverly Jackson, a precinct captain for Joe Biden at Liberty High School, was particularly passionate about her candidate.
"Winning and being successful are not the same thing," she said. "It has to be about more than just this cycle. If we don't retake the Senate, we're DOA. We need to get the down-ballot races."
Sanders, Steyer lead in one precinct
In one precinct observed at Lowman Elementary School near Nellis Air Force Base, candidates Bernie Sanders and Tom Steyer were viable. That's one of 22 precincts voting at this caucus site.
— Rick Velotta
Delays across the state
Several caucus sites throughout the state have reported delays due to volunteers not showing up to run precinct caucuses.
Nevada State Democratic Party spokeswoman Molly Forgey said thousands of volunteers have shown up as expected, and the majority of sites have not had these problems.
A party official added that early reports indicate an average of eight volunteers per caucus site, meaning more than 2,000 volunteers have shown up.
The official said as of 11:45 a.m., 15 minutes before caucusing began, more than 1,000 volunteers had successfully logged in to the party's caucus calculator via party-provided iPads.
Volunteer hassles RJ photographer
A Las Vegas Review-Journal photographer was kicked out of the Liberty High School caucus site this afternoon.
A volunteer demanded that photographer Bizu Tesfaye leave the room after he held up his camera during caucusing. The volunteer insisted that members of the media were not allowed to film or take photos, and Tesfaye said the volunteer kicked him out because it looked as though he was "about to" take a photo.
Tesfaye was ultimately allowed to stay and photograph at the caucus site.
Some precincts reach final alignment
Discussions among voters inside a large room at the Doolittle Community Center were calm. By about 12:30 p.m., the crowd had drastically dwindled after at least two of the six precincts at the center had reached final alignment.
"That was way easier than last year," one voter yelled, drawing laughter from other voters. "Thank God for early voting!"
Issues with check-in process
At Desert Oasis High School, caucusgoer Dhinna Munshi said it took about 45 minutes to an hour to start the check-in process.
But once the process started, there was an issue with the lists volunteers had on-site to validate voter registration.
"Luckily I was on the list," Munshi said. "My partner was not on the list, so he was out there for another, probably half-hour to 45 minutes extra."
Sanders, Biden lead at Bellagio
At the Bellagio, only Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden remained viable after one round of caucusing. Of the 123 caucusgoers, Sanders had 75 supporters and Biden had 39. Nineteen were needed for viability.
Slow start but smooth going
The caucuses didn't start until just after 12:30 p.m. at Rancho High School, where Gov. Steve Sisolak made a brief stop earlier.
Despite the delay, the caucuses and registration proceeded with only a little confusion from voters who needed help finding their precinct rooms.
Voters sat patiently and chatted with each other and the students who volunteered to help, and some snapped photos of the media who had come to watch.
Cheering against Trump
Caucusing begins at Arbor View High School. When the moderator of one precinct's caucus says the goal is to select a candidate who is "going to beat Donald Trump," participants cheer enthusiastically.
— John Przybys
Buttigieg stops by
At Sierra Vista High School, Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg stopped to visit the 15 precincts that would be caucusing. Outside, Girl Scouts sold cookies to voters as they walked in.
Though candidate Andrew Yang suspended his campaign, Katy Kinsey of Washington, D.C., and William Lex Hamm had set up a booth to promote his platform. They were still unsure which candidate would prevail in Nevada.
"There's no obvious identified winner right now," Kinsey said.
"What are we actually going to do to unite America and move our society forward?" Lex Hamm added.
By noon, about 200 people had filed into the gymnasium to vote in their precincts.
Michael Weiss, a Las Vegas software engineer, said he voted for Sen. Bernie Sanders in 2016 and hopes 2020 goes better for him.
Heath care, education equal pay and combatting climate change are Weiss' key issues.
"He's not bought," he said of Sanders. "Honesty, integrity and consistency are all traits that I admire in Bernie."
— Briana Erickson
Buttigieg supporter in Reno
Floyd Farber of Reno, who works in sales, is all-in for his fellow veteran Pete Buttigieg.
"I like that he wants Medicare for some, because I have great insurance," Farber said, awaiting the start of the caucus at North Valleys High School, which serves students in the northernmost part of Nevada's third-largest city.
He wasn't sure how Buttigieg would fair in Nevada but said he was buoyed by his good showing in Iowa and New Hampshire.
"I would like to think that he would do better on the West Coast because, typically speaking, people on the West Coast tend to be a little more open minded, a little more free," Farber said. "So I would hope that he would do well here."
Frustration, confusion in Summerlin
Tensions were high at the Palo Verde High School caucus site in Summerlin. An additional registration/check-in line was set up to shield voters from the rain, but that caused confusion, and some people grew upset because the original line kept moving while they had to wait.
The second line was later eliminated.
Kealan and Monique Oates said they were lucky enough to have gotten through the original line in the rain within about 15 minutes.
At check-in, though, Kealan Oates was told he was not registered, though Monique Oates was. Both voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016.
"To come here and say I'm not on the registry is mind blowing," he said.
It ended up being a minor inconvenience, as he was able to register again.
"If I didn't (have same-day registration), I would have had questions as to why I was removed," he said.
— Alex Chhith
'Need somebody with heart'
Just minutes before the caucus was set to begin, 56-year-old Dora Howard and her 81-year-old mother, Dorothy, were discussing their top candidates.
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Dora Howard is a pastor at a local church. After the last four years, she said the most important quality she is looking for in a candidate is a good heart.
"We just need somebody with heart. If you don't have heart for people, you don't have my support," she said.
That's why she's caucusing for Tom Steyer, she added.
"I can just feel his good heart, and Trump just doesn't have a heart for people," Dora Howard said.
Line cutoff
People in line at the East Las Vegas Community Center are guaranteed to be able to vote. But anyone who wasn't in line by noon will be left out. A site volunteer is overheard saying that check-in is running smoothly, but the long line can be attributed to turn out.
Ex-FLOTUS for POTUS
Wearing homemade cardboard shoulder pads with "Draft Michelle Obama POTUS 2020" scrawled upon them in black ink, Peter Robinovitz, a precinct captain for Hillary Clinton in 2016, went off-script at Del Sol Academy in eastern Las Vegas.
"In November, when it's cold and snowing, no one is going to stand in line for these candidates. They'll stand in line forever for her," he said.
Former HUD secretary visits
Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro arrived at the East Las Vegas Community Center and asked caucusgoers to consider Sen. Elizabeth Warren if undecided.
The community center is located in a part of the city with a predominantly Latino population.
Castro declined to say whether he has a No. 2 choice, a decision some might have to pivot to during caucuses.
He thanked voters for participating in the process and pointed to the debacle in Iowa to underscore the importance of Nevada.
"Everybody's counting on Nevada to make a statement about the direction of this campaign," he said, adding that he hoped in the future the state would play an even "stronger" role in presidential nominations.
Governor pops in
At Rancho High School, voters trickled in slowly and milled around with media and volunteers from campaigns.
Gov. Steve Sisolak made a brief appearance to shake hands and take photos with voters before heading off to another caucus location.
With less than 30 minutes remaining before the doors closed, some rooms at Rancho High School sat all but empty, with only volunteers waiting for the caucus to begin.
In the largest room, members of the media outnumbered voters.
Registration confusion
At North Valleys High School in northern Reno, caucusgoers moved through the check-in process with few hiccups, though Josh Bottoms, a student at the University of Nevada, Reno, and an Elizabeth Warren supporter, found that he had to re-register to vote when he arrived.
"I lived at a different address the last time I voted. But I did update my registration in January or early February," Bottoms said.
He went home, checked his registration and returned.
"I am pretty annoyed, especially since I came the first time and they said, 'Well, there's nothing we can do for you,' and I was like, 'Well. that's not gonna fly.'"
Bottoms was able to get it all sorted out.
Assemblywoman helps voters
Assemblywoman Susie Martinez, D-Las Vegas, was encouraged by the turnout at Eldorado High School, saying voter check-in was going smoothly.
"I am so excited," Martinez said. "I am so glad that people are participating. A lot of people early voted which was fantastic."
She expected that people may need help understanding exactly how the caucus process works. She went table to table telling voters about the process, handing out bottled waters and reminding people "how important it is that they need to stay."
Young voter
First-time voter Emma Renfro, 17, isn't sure whom she'll be backing at Arbor View High School today, but she's excited to participate.
"It feels good to get out and know that my vote is going to be heard in an election," she said.
'I identify as American'
Jessica and Chevy Morrow registered as Democrats for the first time ahead of today's caucuses at Western High School in the central valley.
Previously, they registered as Independents.
"I still consider myself Independent. I identify as American," Chevy Morrow said. "But to caucus, you need to register as Democrat."
Chevy Morrow voted early for Sanders this week. Today, he's observing and supporting his wife, who is caucusing for the first time.
Many at the site are still debating which of their two front-runners, Warren or Sanders, they will support.
Strip workers set to caucus
Bethany Khan, a spokeswoman for the Culinary union, said day shift workers primarily from Bellagio will be caucusing during their lunch breaks at the Strip resort today.
Housekeeping staff, who are expected to clean a certain number of rooms in a day, will have their room credits adjusted so they won't be penalized for caucusing, Khan said.
Teacher supporting Sanders
As more people trickled into the Doolittle Community Center, Ariana Rodriguez, 25, sat below a "Bernie" sign, looking around the large room. Rodriguez is a Clark County School District teacher and a first generation college student who voted for Bernie Sanders in 2016.
Today, he is still her top choice — "because his policies perfectly align with mine" — and she is more confident than ever that he will go head to head with President Donald Trump.
"I'm just trying to come out and support and make sure my voice is heard," she said.
Sparks High School site
James Juarez, 60, voted for Donald Trump in 2016. Four years later, Juarez is planning to caucus for Bernie Sanders today at Sparks High School. Juarez said he likes Sanders "because he is a socialist" and thinks he can heal the divisions that he's seen widen under Trump.
"He can't be any worse, and I think he'll try to pull the country back together," Juarez said.
But Juarez, who served in the Army, said he wants to see the candidates address foreign policy more going forward, specifically how they would deal with North Korea and Iran.
Kelly Bolton, a 43-year-old first-grade teacher in Reno, showed up to the caucuses at Sparks High School decked out in Elizabeth Warren gear.
"I feel like she is the best candidate for education, and that's really my main issue," Bolton said. "She understands the struggles of being a teacher and being a public schoolteacher and what we have to deal with," Bolton added. "Especially the issues that we face in Nevada with a pretty low funding and a pretty high teacher turnover rate."
Disillusioned voter
Precincts at Centennial High School are being divided between the school's gymnasium and classrooms.
Voters are able to sign in with little wait, and about 60 voters were in the gymnasium as of 11 a.m.
Despite the apparent smooth sailing, some voters said they were ready for the state's caucus system to go.
"It discourages voting, and it discourages participation," said Scott Clemson, 65, a retired teacher who plans to vote for Tom Steyer.
Elizabeth Warren supporters Dennis and Linda Klemens didn't have many nice things to say about the caucus.
"I'm totally disillusioned already," 76-year-old Linda Klemens said.
She said she is not confident her voice will be heard and she may leave early.
"I feel like I'm wasting my time here," she said.
Clemson brought two bright yellow posters with him that he hung in the classroom where his precinct was gathering. Listed on them were reasons to support Steyer.
He said that's the silver lining to caucusing. He gets to be an ambassador for his candidate throughout the process.
"That's the point of the caucus. You get to talk to people," he said.
'Someone that can beat Trump'
Dozens of 2020 caucus attendees huddled inside Henderson's Liberty High School cafeteria Saturday morning to escape the rain.
Some, like 67-year-old Lawrence Garrett, are still torn on whom to vote for.
"Someone that can beat Trump," he said. "If that's Daffy Duck, I'd vote for Daffy Duck."
Others were confident in their choice, like Katie McCloud, who plans to caucus for Bernie Sanders.
The 24-year-old student said immigration and health care are two of her top priorities. Her husband is an immigrant from Venezuela, and she went through an expensive cancer scare last year.
While she's in remission now and was on her parents' health care plan, she said her medical debt would have been much worse if she didn't have that option. Just one of her medications cost $20,000, and she had to purchase it four times.
'It's about climate change'
Isabel Arana, 50, of Las Vegas is caucusing for the first time. Four years ago, she supported Green Party member Jill Stein.
"That was a mistake," she said at the Western High School caucus site. "And I've always liked Bernie, and this time, I just really believe in his message and what he's saying. He reminds me a lot of Robert Kennedy."
Anthony Brown, a 37-year-old student who previously has caucused in Nevada and New York, is supporting Bernie Sanders at today's event.
"It's about climate change," he said. "It's urgent. We need a Green New Deal. Bernie wants to ban fracking. He believes we need to go with the scientists."
A little after 10:45 a.m., no one had been checked in at the Desert Oasis High School caucus site in the southwest valley.
Volunteers were still waiting on physical lists to validate registration. Members of the crowd, many of whom had been waiting in line since 10 a.m. or earlier, were largely in good spirits.
'Health care is a human right'
Christin Morton, who was in line to register at Liberty High School, said he thought he had registered when he moved here about a year ago and got his driver's license, but he found out at the caucus site that he wasn't in the records.
He said he came out to caucus because he wanted his voice to be heard.
"I think health care is a human right," he said at the southern valley site. "The idea of human debt is ridiculous, and I'd like to change that."
Morton said he supported Bernie Sanders.
Smoother process
Caucusgoers at the Del Sol Academy site in eastern Las Vegas are reporting a much smoother process of gaining entry this year as opposed to 2016 and 2012, where there were hourlong waits, according to numerous past attendees.
Names on paper registries
No problems with technology have been reported at Scherkenbach Elementary School in the far northwest valley. Then again, there's barely any technology.
A couple of dozen voters have been checked in so far this morning after their names were found on paper registries. There's a large desk calculator on a table for the precinct chair.
So far, the biggest news was that a volunteer waiting to sign people in discovered a small cut on her finger. After a brief search, no bandages were found. Someone eventually produced a tissue.
Ensuring a 'big blue wave'
It was a strong turnout for Saturday's Democratic caucuses at Eldorado High School in the eastern Las Vegas Valley. At least 80 people were in line to check in. At first the line was moving slowly but by 10:30 a.m. nearly everyone was checked in.
One voter was Vance Glaser of Las Vegas. He was initially a supporter of Andrew Yang, but when Yang dropped out, he was still committed to participating and having his voice heard.
"Pete Buttigieg is still good," he said. "Bernie is sort of a wild card."
Having never participated in a caucus before, he said he was looking forward to learning how to vote his choice.
"I'll figure it out as I go," he said, adding, "I'm here to make sure that big blue wave comes in 2020."
— Glen Puit
Lack of parking
Lowman Elementary School near Nellis Air Force Base has 22 precincts, and voters are slowly trickling in while it rains.
The lack of parking at the school could discourage some if they have to walk a long way in the rain to get inside. Some voters who arrived early said they were able to walk to the location, but it wasn't raining then.
On the Las Vegas Strip
Jon Summers, a senior adviser to the Nevada Democratic Party, said it's difficult to estimate how many people will be caucusing today in the state.
Seventy-five thousand people voted early in Nevada.
"The big question is how much is that going to enhance caucus turnout and how much is it going to cut into caucus turnout," Summers said.
In comparison, 84,000 people total caucused in 2016, when there was no early voting.
Summers spoke with a reporter at the Bellagio, one of the caucus sites set up on the Strip to accommodate shift workers working Saturday.
Caucusing is scheduled to begin at noon.
Check-in delays
By 10:30 a.m., people had not been able to check in at Desert Oasis High School in southwest Las Vegas.
Volunteers said they are still waiting on lists from the Democratic Party that will be used to validate registration.
Klobuchar supporter
It was gray outside but blue inside as the Democratic Party colors brightened an otherwise gloomy morning at Del Sol Academy in the southeast Las Vegas Valley.
The rain dampened abundant campaign T-shirts but not the spirits of the hundreds who lined up at 10 a.m. to caucus.
Terry Blumfelder, 72, a retired physician, was among the early arrivals, caucusing for Amy Klobuchar.
"I don't think she'll win," she said. "But I'd vote for a slug before I'd vote for who's incumbent."
Family caucuses together
Sabre Schlicht, who was at Liberty High School with her younger brother (a first-time voter), her baby and her mother, said she supported Bernie Sanders.
"I think everyone has good values, but he's not trying to attack the others," she said. "He's trying to get his points across."
Her brother, Brandon, said he supported Sanders because his sister did, but their mother, Monica, said she was on the fence.
"I really am happy with Trump right now, " she said, adding that it was because her tax situation was the best in years.
1o:30 a.m.
About 30 people were in line when doors opened at Arbor View High School in northwest Las Vegas. Under an off-and-on drizzle, voters already were talking politics and the merits of the various candidates.
Meanwhile, signs posted in the school's cafeteria — "Don't be a hen, vote for Ken" and "Vote Jarissa Rose for sophomore class president" — hinted that today's caucuses aren't the only electoral contests being waged at Arbor View.
Northern Nevada caucuses
Earl and Gloria Brown were among a few dozen people lined up outside of Sparks High School before the doors opened for caucus registration Saturday morning.
Earl Brown, 74, said they intended to caucus for former Vice President Joe Biden.
"We think he can remove Trump," Earl Brown said. "God knows I hope so."
About 70 people were inside the caucus location at Centennial High School after doors opened at 10 a.m. Many stood in line outside before the doors opened.
Check-in started at 10:11 a.m. Amy Lahav, precinct captain for Joe Biden, said officials were just making sure everything was being done right.
Orrin Schwab, 63, stood in light rain before doors opened at the school.
"I feel it's my duty to vote," he said. He is caucusing for Pete Buttigieg because he's a moderate candidate.
First in line was John Johnson, 59, who came with his wife and daughter.
It was the former Californian's first time participating in a caucus. Johnson said he planned to first align with progressive candidate Elizabeth Warren.
"We want to make sure we have a viable candidate to beat Donald Trump," he said. "I like Warren because of the fire she exhibits. She's willing to fight."
First time caucusing
Among the first in a small line at the Doolittle Community Center in the Historic Westside was 62-year-old Joyce Travis, a resident of Las Vegas since the 1970s. Saturday marked her first time caucusing.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is her top candidate, but Travis will "vote blue no matter who it is," she said. "It's important to get Trump out of here and fast."
Sanders supporter
Brandon Scienski, 26, said this was his first caucus. A volunteer precinct captain, he supports Bernie Sanders due to Medicare for All. His mom is disabled.
Holding a pink umbrella, he was promoting Sanders outside in the rain to anyone who walked up at the East Las Vegas Community Center.
"I strongly support Bernie so I'm out here braving the elements," he said.
Democratic caucus voters meeting at Lowman Elementary School near Nellis Air Force Base have two additional obstacles besides rainy weather.
Craig Road west of Interstate 15 is a major construction zone these days and Craig east of I-15 is a designated route to get to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for today's scheduled Boyd Gaming 300 NASCAR race that is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. — although rain could be a factor in that.
Trickling in
About 50 people were gathered at Brinley Middle School by 9:50 a.m., 10 minutes before the doors to the caucus opened.
Dozens more trickled in by 10 a.m. to fill the school's lobby, while hundreds lined up along the outside of the building for a food bank.
A few held signs for businessman Tom Steyer, while a handful of others wore shirts in support of former Vice President Joe Biden.
Braving the rain
There were roughly a dozen people outside the East Las Vegas Community Center, drumming up support for their preferred candidates at about 9:55 a.m.
A small group of supporters for Sen. Elizabeth Warren had set up a table and supporters for Sen. Bernie Sanders also were braving drizzling rain outdoors.
Inside the center at least 40 people were waiting in line.
Caucus day kicks off
It's caucus day in Nevada. Democrats will gather at over 250 locations across the state to declare their presidential preferences. Check in will begin at 10 a.m. and caucuses will be called to order at noon.
Nevada Democrats hope to avoid the problems that befell the Iowa caucuses, but at least one candidate and one volunteer have raised concerns about the process going smoothly.
More caucus info
— Need a refresher on how to caucus? (It's been four years.) We've got you covered.
— Still undecided? Use our Voter Guide to see where each Democratic presidential hopefuls stands on all major issues.
— We'll have live coverage of caucus voting from multiple locations throughout the day.
— Bookmark this page for Nevada Caucus results when they become available.
— Also, free pizza for caucusgoers.
Live coverage of caucuses
The Nevada Democratic Caucuses start at noon on Saturday. Caucus locations open at 10 a.m.
Bookmark this page and join us as reviewjournal.com provides live coverage from caucus sites across the Las Vegas Valley and beyond. Over 20 reporters, photographers and videographers will be reporting live from caucus locations throughout the state to bring you the latest as Nevada Democrats gather to choose their presidential nominee.
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Explore India- My Way
It is cliched saying that India is a land of variety. I would prefer to see it as a land of surprises. This is an attempt to unravel these surprises by visiting the lesser known India and recounting my experiences for others to emulate. Exploring India My Way
Gavi- island of tranquility
Personal trials and official tribulations had stymied my creative instincts for quite some time now. Our visit to the idyllic 'Gavi' was inspiring enough for me to instantaneously pick up my pen and start scribbling away. But before I reached Chennai, I learnt that my dear first born was in ICU. God's grace and more importantly, my friends' prayers fared me through the crisis. All said and done, crisis was a bedfellow for the past two months and it is only today that my instinct prodded me "write bhai write".
As we crossed the barricade of civilization into the Periyar Tiger Reserve we were cautioned by the Forest Department personnel in no uncertain terms-(a) Do not stop your vehicle anywhere on the way till you reach Gavi which is 19 kms away. (b) If you so desire, you could talk to your near and dear ones because you wouldn't be able to, till you come back here. I loved both the suggestions but felt pity for my friend Senthil who is strongly wedded to cell phone (hope his wife doesn't read this). Immediately, there was a rush of adrenalin, or say, whatever is left of it after 40, anticipating the adventure in store. As counseled, we did call up our respective homes and warned that we would remain incommunicado for the next 24 hours.
Monsoon rain forests are very inimitable in many respects to the forests elsewhere. As we drove down the impeccably laid, though narrow, road at 12 noon, we could only see a faint ray of sunlight passing through the canopy of pines, teaks, saals, and many other species of tress which are probably more than 5 to 6 decades old. Bubbling with enthusiasm, every now and then there was a desire to stop and enjoy the unruffled environs. But yes, the wise counsel was ringing in the ears, but more than that, fear prevailed over us. At every curve, my friend Senthil, who also doubled up as our navigator on all such trips, kept saying, "if there is a rogue elephant on the road can we turn back?" Others laughed. Laugh, yes we did to taunt him, but somewhere deep in me, I too felt the shiver of pain. But I couldn't afford to be candid, for if the driver is frightened then the team gets perturbed more. Nevertheless, the pleasure was more overwhelming. As we meandered through the thick verdant forest, we lowered our windows to savour the clean, fresh air peppered with the smell of fresh mountain flowers. Senthil's fear, we knew by now was real, for he kept pleading to close the windows and started taking count of his life insurance policies! The 19 kms drive from the check post, to use a very clichéd expression, was memorable. Then without notice, rising up from among the wilderness stood an electrically fenced tiny commune. It was Gavi- the tranquil island of serenity.
Gavi was a place straight out of the picture postcard. A placid lake on one side, thickly forested hill on the other, a stream flowing by, flowers of many hues, chirping of birds and the smell of the mountain herbs and spices permeating the atmosphere. We wondered aloud as to why this place is not on the tourist map, but again reconciled, good that it isn't for its is still unspoilt. We were famished and so rushed to the restaurant to have a heady meal. The forest department officers who received us were insistent that we have our meal. True to the Indian custom, they felt privileged seeing us enjoy the meal. No sooner we finished the lunch, the officers assigned us a guide who would be there to assist us and be in our company to take care of all our needs till we left the place. We felt privileged and at the same time couldn't but raise eyebrows at the very professional attitude of the Government officers who are often scorned for being unprofessional. Our guide advised to take a small nap and be ready by 4 for the trek. I was more than happy at the suggestion and hit the bed.
As we climbed on, while my friend was extolling the virtues of friendship, little did I realize the intent. He was saying "friends should stick together", "they should not leave one another in times of crisis" et al. Only when he continued to sing paeans did I realize that he was scared and scared to the hilt. He needed reassurance that we would be there if a tiger or an elephant took him on. Scary? That was a very blimpish word to describe the feeling and incomplete too. As we trudged up the hill paving our way quite literally, I too was expecting a leap from the bushes. But in about half an hour we were again in the clearing, on top of the hillock. As we stood there with a sense of accomplishment, we had a bird's eye view, as they say, of the valley, the jungle and the unknown. A trumpet halted us in our steps and as our auditory senses scourged the vicinity our nasal instincts too brightened up. We could smell elephant dung in the immediate proximity. Our guide reassured us that the elephant whose trumpet we heard was a rogue elephant and very dangerous but is on the next hill and that for him to reach us, he would have to climb down the hill he is on and climb up the hill we are on. Though we knew that it is not very easy for him to reach us, the very thought of its presence in the vicinity created an eerie pleasure. Our guide then went on to educate us to judge the mood of the elephant from its roar or trumpet. It struck to me then that wildlife is learnt best by experience than reading books. Losing no time, we moved ahead and soon down the other side of the hill. After a brief halt, we were again on to the next hill. The sun which was scorching down on us with all its fury was fading away. It was sunset time.
Having seen many sunsets, on beautiful beaches, in the backdrop of Mount Everest etc., watching sunset again did not appear so encouraging an idea when it was proposed by the guide. But I vouch it was one of the most captivating sights I ever witnessed. A big ball in sublime red over the revered Sabarimala was painting the entire evening sky in all hues of red, yellow, pink and crimson. Being shutterbugs, our cameras went on a rampage at this great splendour taking brief breaks to assimilate the beauty. Cold winds laden with incense of the forest set up the best milieu to witness such a celestial magnificence.
Struck in stupor of a different kind, we failed to realise that it was dusk. Only then did we see a pack of bisons/gaur on the hill on the other side. We wanted a pictures and our guide was hesitant. We cajoled and coerced him into submission and he agreed, though reluctantly on the condition that we run both ways and make our way out of the jungle to the road before it is dark. Having been on tougher treks, I phoo-phooed the challenge and picked up pace to be followed by others. Soon we were within clicking distance of the pack of giant bisons happily grazing away momentarily lifting their heads to see the intruders in their territory. The leader of the pack was constantly keeping an eye on us so that he could alert others in case of danger. Our guide by now was getting impatient and implored us to leave. We were soon to realize the reason for his discomfiture in remaining in the forest.
Running down the slope had drained us of most of the energy and so struggle was the only option. Soon the twilight which was long and splendid soon gave way to darkness. Four of us led by our guide footslogged along the furrowed path one behind the other with thick bushes and shrubs on either side. The smell of herbs peppered the darkness. Then, suddenly, from ahead of us we heard a growl, nay an angry growl. For a moment as we stood frozen, all our bravado vanished not knowing as to what our next move should be. I could see Srinivas with both hands spread and still as if to take soar into a flight. Perplexed and frightened to the hilt, we wondered whether to run ahead or retreat deeper into the forest- a choice between devil and deep sea. Calm and composed guide of ours reassured us, as he always does and asked us to keep moving. One of us asked him again whether we walk silently or by making noise. His reply was ambiguous and told us to just keep walking. I tried humming a tune but out of fright I was shivering or may be due to the cold wind. In the silent darkness I think I heard hearts pounding. Somewhere behind us I knew that a pair of eyes was watching every move of ours. In ten long minutes we were out into the clearing on to the road. Though the road was through the forest, we felt very comfortable and safe as we could see ahead and behind and knew that at least we could run. Soon, we saw two pairs of headlights approaching us. Those were the Forest Rangers coming in search of us in their motorbikes. After severely reprimanding us for not returning to the resort before dark, they escorted us back.
To say we were tired would be an understatement. After a hot shower, we settled down to a quiet dinner in the restaurant. We took up a place out in the lawn under the umbrella there was constant drizzle. The restaurant closes at 7.30 after dinner. It took a little bit of cajoling and a couple of shots of Bacardi to convince the chef that he should wait for us till at least 9.30. Bacardi did work, and the Chef thereafter treated us with wafers and green salads as we enjoyed our drink.
Every session at Gavi had its own unique way of fulfillment. Soft drizzle, cool and fragrant breeze, and the eternal darkness around was a strange and invigorating concoction. Sounds of breaking of twigs , growls and roars could be heard just 100 mts away on the other shore of the lake. Though, the barrier of water separated us from the wild, our eyes were continuously scanning the water surface for any adventurous animal. It was fright, pleasure, peace, silence, contentment all rolled into one moment of happiness. I desired to sit there for eternity and savour the joy, but had to retire to bed by 11 as the next morning we were to be up on our feet by 5 for a Jeep Safari.
After a long cup of hot freshly brewed coffee we were on our way for the safari in an open jeep. We were six in the jeep including the driver and our guide who perched precariously on the back stand and was on the lookout for elephants. In less than five minutes we left the paved road and were in the core forest. The path was a mere five feet wide clearing. After driving into the forest for about fifteen minutes we saw the effect of last night's rain. Only 4WD jeeps can ply in this path. A giant tree lay on the path and the jeep couldn't proceed further. We got down and started walking soon to stop, realizing that leeches were all over our feet. Extricating the leeches is a very tough task and time consuming. They penetrate through every available pore in the trousers, socks and shoes and suck blood. They would release their cling only when their stomach is full of blood. While sucking blood, these leeches release a sort of enzyme which prevents blood from clotting and a sort anesthetic which numbs the area of bite. Resultantly, one would keep bleeding and wouldn't realize till blood starts oozing. Stooping every now and then to remove the leeches, we followed our driver and guide who appeared to more enthusiastic than us in sighting elephants. Though no elephants were sighted, the morning walk through core forest path strewn with fresh elephant dung and remnants of a rampage by elephants was exhilarating enough to drive up the adrenalin. After an hour or so, we sighted an elephant that appeared to be more scared of us than we were of him. He was crossing the path and the moment he noticed that humans were around ran into the forest and disappeared in the thickets. As we stood there reminiscing the coup d'oeil, a small ruffle could be heard among the bamboo tress just besides us. The elephant we thought to have vanished into the forest was there just there a few meters away gauging our move. We stood there and watched in admiration at the smartness and stealth of the jumbo. Lion-tailed-macaques and Malabar Squirrels were there in plenty often taunting us. Criss-crossing the jungle we enjoyed the sublime surroundings. By ten we were reluctantly back in the resort.
Soon it was time to bid good bye to this isle of peace and tranquility. The Foresters and our guide lined up and wished us farewell much like a grieving relative. Not only that they lovingly bade us good bye but also called up the next day to ensure safe reaching at our homes. Kudos to KSFDC (Kerala State Forest Development Corporation)!
For photographs follow this linkhttp://picasaweb.google.com/vnair1966/GaviKerala#
Fact File:-
Gavi is approachable by road from Pathanamthita in Kerala. This road is very scenic but only fairly OK with many potholes and little traffic. Elephant sighting is very common on this road. The other mode is to reach Vandiperiyar either from Kottayam or Kumily and enter the Sanctuary. The distance from Vandiperiyar town to Gavi would be 24 kms of which 19 kms is through the sanctuary. There is no telephone connection and cell phone range at Gavi. Bookings have to be done in advance and the person concerned can be contacted on +919947492339 only between 4pm and 5pm.
Posted by Venugopalan Nair at 6:58 AM
Labels: Gavi
srinivasan March 13, 2010 at 9:35 AM
Santosh March 16, 2010 at 8:39 AM
Good writing. Hope to see many more writings like this
Arun March 23, 2010 at 5:25 AM
Your vivid account of Gavi has almost transported us there and we could feel the bits of fright and excitement expressed therein. Photos certainly came as a bonus.....
Venugopalan Nair
A.Introduction (1) Gavi (1) Parambikulam- Top Slip (1) Valley of Flowers (1) Valley of Flowers through the lens (1) Yumtang-Gurudongmar Lake-Nathulla (1)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Lively, vibrant, friendly and stylish: Just a few of the words that can easily describe Lisbon: the most Western capital of Europe is also becoming one inspiring spot for the start-up scene and a hotbed for the whole tech industry.
On top of that, here you'll find the warmest sun and the nicest beaches and golf courses, along with one breath-taking city to enjoy and explore.
This is what makes Lisbon the perfect venue for this event, where the best European Digital Companies will gather along to dig this amazing city while digging for their businesses.


Walking through the streets of Cienfuegos, I find an unusual site. The name call my attention, "Café la Buena Pipa". Every Cuban knows the famous "endless tale". We say that it even has a very philosophical meaning, or is the name just that … a good name?
Standing at the door I see a cozy business, different, with books that fly … rather, they hang from the ceiling. Curiosity attacks me but time is short. I decide to enter. I already know that this Cafe has a daring atmosphere. Simple paintings decorate the walls and everywhere there are obsolete objects such as acetate discs, turntables and even a Russian TV.
I am curious. I ask for a coffee while I look around. Would be possible to speak with the owners?. I want to know more about this site. Here begins its history.
Roselí Pérez, tells me how she and his friend Yeimi Sosa started this cafe. In fact, the name refers to the story of "never ending." A friend suggested it. However, it is more than a name, it is also a permit: to smoke freely.
They tell me that everything I see is the result of the entrepreneurship of these two young people. Both are instructors of arts, he is instructor of plastic arts and she is instructor of theater arts. They wanted to have their own business to satisfy both artistic and economic needs. Thus emerges this alternative space for people who love art and life. Their project is not only a Cafe, but also a cultural space. They tell me that at the next event, "Queen of the Sea", it will have a space to gather writers and there is a mini concert here.
Everything has been a gift from friends. People who wanted to see what they donated exposed. Everyone also helped with the hard work.
I could not miss the question: Why are books floating? Roselí tells me that was her idea. She was inspired by a short animation in which she saw something similar. They are books in disuse that only few people would read. According to her, up to now, no one has asked to read them.
This Cafe, the result of the personal effort of two young artists, is a recommendable place for the visitor. Oh, and by the way … the coffee with chocolate is exquisite.
For visit: Avenue 52 between 37 & 39. Cienfuegos ("22.14426, -80.44807"). "A welcoming space to enjoy with their friends." Coffee, Drinks and slight Meals. Open daily.


The Colette will be one of the most comfortable thongs you ever put on and one of the prettiest! This flattering lace pattern adds effortlessly chic flair to your summer lingerie collection. The thong comes in a variety of colors including Black, White, blue, Gray, Tan and pink. And at this price why not have one in every color!
Eberjey bottoms run true to size.


Artist, Paul Olson, has been discovering the nuances of the Arnold Arboretum's collections since he first passed through its gates in 2011. A landscape painter for decades, Olson explores the grounds with sketchbook in hand, typically in the early morning hours. His goal is to be unencumbered by any agenda and open to what the light of the day presents. In 2012, he had an exhibition at the Arnold Arboretum titled "Drawn to Woods." The expressive ink drawings in that show were all completed en plein air - on-site in the open air.
The Low Art Tile Company was created in 1878 in Chelsea, Massachusetts, by artist John Gardner Low and his father. Low had studied painting in Paris from 1858 to 1861. He took an interest in the making of pottery and apprenticed with the Chelsea Keramic Art Works. Low's success was swift, and today the tiles he designed are considered the finest produced in the Victorian era. Low branched out with other product lines, most notably soda fountains and cast iron parlor stoves.
The event costs $30, which includes instruction, materials, snacks and assorted soft beverages, and a great time. Complete a painting of a local landscape (Jamaica Pond) with award winning artist and elementarty school art teacher Denise Feeney in about two hours . This is a family friendly event. All ages welcomed. Children artists must be accompanied by a paying adult artist.
The event costs $30, which includes instruction, materials, snacks and a great time. Complete a painting of a local landscape (Jamaica Pond) with award winning artist Denise Feeney in about two hours . There will be a cash bar with limited seating, make your reservation today! All at the beloved, beautiful and historic location of The Footlight Club of Jamaica Plain.
The Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts is proud to present its Spring 2019 Faculty Exhibition, "Taking Form: Fibers & Fabric," showcasing work by 3 fiber arts faculty members and local artists: Jodi Colella, Merill Comeau, and Kristina Goransson. The exhibition is on view at Galatea Fine Art from February 27th through March 31st. Join us for the public Artists' Talk on March 3rd at 3pm to hear from the artists about their bodies of work, practices and techniques. Enjoy light refreshments and conversation. 'Taking Form' showcases works at the intersection of fiber art and sculpture: narrative-based textile wall hangings, 3D sculptural forms that blend needlework with found objects, and elegant wall hangings of sculpted felt.


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Myerson Solicitors LLP
GROSVENOR HOUSE, 20 BARRINGTON ROAD, ALTRINCHAM, WA14 1HB, ENGLAND
Work 0161 941 4000
19865 ALTRINCHAM
www.myerson.co.uk
@myersonllp
North West: Dispute resolution
Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the North West
North West: Private client
Contentious trusts and probate
Within: Commercial litigation: elsewhere in the North West
The 'dynamic, positive, forward-thinking, effective and tenacious' team at Myerson Solicitors LLP gives 'sound and sensible legal advice' and is 'very client-friendly'. It handles general commercial litigation including shareholder disputes and professional negligence, in addition to contentious trusts and probate, IP, banking and property litigation and commercial agency matters. The team is representing CGL Group in a £6m professional negligence claim against a solicitor relating to the mis-selling of interest rate swap agreements. Team head Adam Maher is an 'excellent communicator and an outstanding team leader; he harnesses the best from his team'. Also recommended are the 'very experienced' Tim Norman, who is a 'very clear thinker' and advises on commercial and property cases; and the 'proactive' Jonathan Hassall, who specialises in IP, financial and regulatory disputes. Helen Thompson leads on contentious trusts and probate work and is ably supported by senior solicitor John Lambe, who joined from Hillyer McKeown in 2017. Property litigator Seán Hackett joined the team in 2018 from Pannone Corporate LLP, as did Suzanne Carr.
Within: Leading individuals
Helen Thompson - Myerson Solicitors LLP
Within: Contentious trusts and probate
Myerson Solicitors LLP is an 'expanding firm with an increasing presence in this area'. It is one to watch. The team undertakes a large number of Inheritance Act cases together with complex trusts and private client litigation. Head of team Helen Thompson 'puts clients at ease and is bang up to date with the law'. The 'experienced' Adam Maher 'guides his clients through a notoriously difficult and technical area of law with skill. He has a knack of explaining difficult concepts in a way that clients find easy to follow'. Thompson has undertaken numerous contentious Court of Protection matters and along with senior solicitor John Lambe regularly advises on proprietary estoppel claims. The team has been retained on 150 active and complex contentious probate cases.
Legal Developments worldwide
Economic Substance Requirements - Fund Managers
The International Tax Co-operation (Economic Substance) Law, 2018 (the "ES Law") came into effect in the Cayman Islands on 1 January 2019, requiring in-scope entities that carry on particular activities to have demonstrable economic substance in the Cayman Islands.
- Stuarts Walker Hersant Humphries
Shipping at the spotlight of terrorism
Is terrorism the new norm for shipping?
- Michael Kyprianou & Co
Adidas three stripe Trademark Revocation
In a judgment of the General Court of the European Union of the 19th June 2019, Adidas saw their hopes of extending their three stripes trademark dashed, as the court ruled that there was no distinctiveness in the three stripes trademark. Furthermore, the court held that the Adidas had failed to prove that the mark had acquired distinctive character through use throughout the member states of the EU.
David against Goliath – Libra vs Central Banks: Who will win?
Working in the crypto and DLT space is like being on an emotional rollercoaster with feelings which range from curiosity, excitement, euphoria, revelation, shock, disappointment, hope, wonder and determination – did I miss any?
UK Telecoms company fined £100K over unsolicited marketing messages
The Information Commissioner's Office ('ICO') which is the UK's data protection supervisory authority, recently issued a fine of £100,000 to EE Limited, a telecoms company operating in the UK. The fine was issued in response to EE Limited having sent two and a half million unsolicited direct marketing messages to its customers, back in early 2018. The direct marketing messages were sent without EE Limited having first obtained the required consent to send them to its clients.
British Airways and Marriott International Inc. face huge fines from UK data protection authority
British Airways ('BA') may be hit with what will be the highest-ever penalty which the Information Commissioner's Office ('ICO'), the UK's data protection supervisory authority, has handed out.
UAE Tax domicile certificate
Issued by the Ministry of Finance in the United Arab Emirates ('UAE'), the Tax Domicile Certificate (also referred to as the Tax Residency Certificate) enables eligible government entities, companies and individuals to take advantage of double taxation avoidance agreements on income signed by the UAE.
The Cayman Islands Data Protection Law, 2017
The following information relates to the enactment of The Cayman Islands Data Protection Law, 2017 (" DPL "), which was expected to come into force on 29 January 2019, will now come into force in September 2019. The DPL will regulate the future processing of all personal data in the Cayman Islands.
The Mutual Funds Law (2019 Revision)
The following information relates to the enactment of The Mutual Funds Law (2019 Revision) and the subsequent commencement of related sections of The Mutual Funds (Amendment) Law 2015. The changes require certain funds to notify the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority if they are active in EU jurisdictions.
Stuarts Success - Case Review: Toby -v- Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company
Toby –v- Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company, FSD 152 of 2013 (IMJ), Judgment delivered on 29 August 2018


Creation of management systems. Our approach.
The success of any business depends on how competently its management is developed and how qualitatively basic control functions are performed. Management implies organization of work performance by other people and this real skill.
Professionalism of a manager of any level depends on his ability to perceive organization as a single entity and understand interrelation of its parts, his interpersonal skills, and ability to cooperate efficiently as a team member, his knowledge and skills in a certain professional sphere.
Specifically, a manager of a company is liable for achievement of business strategic goals. What it is necessary for a manager to fulfil his functions?
Firstly, to understand and directly participate in creation of development of business strategy. It enables to agree precisely between the owner of business and his manager about the way business will be developed, what goals it is necessary to achieve, within what terms, how they will be achieved, how efficiency of their achievement and efficiency of business as a whole will be evaluated. It enables manager to plan and organize his work and the work of departments properly.
and refocus as a result of a change in strategic targets and enables manager to use all available recourses to achieve the strategic targets of business as effectively and rationally as possible.
Thirdly, management system of performance enables manager to evaluate the results of the personnel's work duly and maximally objectively, to react and direct their work for achievement the set targets in time.
We provide to our clients methodological and practical help to develop the system of business management, based on process approach.
All the business of a company is considered by us as the system of interrelated processes, which is applied to control business and resources of this company, pegged to its organization structure.
Organization structure is based on the system of processes, i.e., it is its result, but not base.
Interaction between organization units of a company is determined and regulated within the framework of processes.
Each process takes precise place in the organization structure and has its author, who possesses all the resources, necessary to provide a result and efficiency of the process.
Every process is regulated. The documentation of management system is in line with real performance and is applied practically.
The system of processes is based on the strategic targets of the company, so each process has a target and measures of efficiency (KRI and KPI process).
Particularly, application of a process approach in development of business management system makes it the most "transparent" (intelligible) and controlled. We will prove how this can be applied in your business after development of management system together with you.


It has been announced that DeLuca, who headed the Wine Institute for 28 years, will serve as "senior advisor to the board of directors" of America's biggest wine company.
The former deputy mayor of San Francisco adds, "There's no Republican or Democratic way to drink wine." DeLuca characterizes his new appointment as "a beautiful convergence of city and state affairs and governance all coming together." Recently, DeLuca has been a Senior Advisor to the President of the University of California and a member of the Advisory Board for the Shorenstein Center at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
John DeLuca was the 2004 winner of Wine Enthusiast's Lifetime Achievement award.


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for nodejs   test   connection mysql   and more  database test


I want to thank Seiko of Seiko's Diary, Willa of Smart Mommy & Jac of Mom's Diary for including me in their list of nominees for top 10 Emerging Influential blogs for 2009. Thank you ladies, I am so flattered and honored for such recognition.
Willa of Smart Mommy - When I started blogging back in december her blog Fickleminded caught my attention that I have to keep coming back there and read her post. Now she has this new blog "Smart Mommy" where the title speaks it all.
Jacris of Mom's Special Diary - A supermom from Japan who maintains her looks and figures despite with the pressure of being a mom.
Seiko of Seiko's Diary - A dual career supermom from Japan who manage to still look young and cool mom to her daughters. Super active with any activities in their community like rotary club and a very friendly mommy I just met in this blogland.
Melody of Life Marriage and Kids - Who introduced me the fun of blogging. She has an interesting blog that talks about parenting, marriage and more with many funny pictures and videos of her daughters that amused the readers like me.
Cecile of Things That Matter Most - A loving mother, wonderful wife, and great cook. She has other blogs that talks about her interest and many more. This is her latest blog that gain great rank even if she just started it. It shows that she has informative and interesting information in her blog.
Demcy of The Dias Family Spot - Demcy is one of the few bloggers who has a talent in tweaking blog layout and so smart to share information through her blogs about things that we do not know yet.
Genny of Life's Journey - A hardworking mom, loving wife, loyal friend, Good listener, God fearing person and creative blogger. She also has talent in tweaking layout, crafting and designing.
Kara of The Frugal Angel-Guided Psychic - Her blog says it all. A mom and a woman who is full of wisdom. Her blog always remind us to pray and be thankful for every blessings we received and it talks about frugality.
Liza of Mommy's Little Corner - An influential mommy blogger I've known ever since I started blogging. Her blog talks about her adventure as a wife and a mom which discussed about parenting, family, health, food and nutrition.
Chris of The Mommy Journey - She organized the Friday meme where all mommies meet other mommy and share about motherhood and moments with their kids, husband, friends, family and in life.
I wish I could nominate all the bloggers that influence me, but I have to follow rules. Have fun blogging everyone and don't forget to visit each blog/ bloggers I mention above and find out interesting information from them.
oh dear oh dear...ma touch man sad ta sa imong nomination tsang...naka apil man tawon ko sa nomination...murag d man ko qual ani woi...ehhehehe...:) maulaw man ta aning word nga "so smart"..na ginoo ko...hehehe.....bitaw tsang salamat kaayo ha...you are very nice...much appreacited...abi nako ug opps ni...hehehe....joke!
Good evening Mommy Shy!First & foremost I would like to congratulate you.I do believe that you really deserve this nomination more than I.Thank you so much for the good words (blushing)& for posting this & congrats to your nominees too ,'m sure they do deserve this too.It feel so good to feel appreciated isn't it?And I felt the same way too.Thank you always for sending a smile into my site,I do really appreciate it & most of all,thank you so much for being so friendly(big grin)Hugs!
Thanks, Mommy Shy! what a sweet of you to include me.Have a fine Sunday!
congrats po sa lahat ng moms na nominated..
wow! such sweet tribute to ur friends mommy shy. anyway, please update my blog URL ha? i already moved to blogger. here's my new URL: http://www.kikamzpera.com/. thanks! i grabbed din pala your badge. happy sunday!
dont forget to go to the site http://www.influentialblogger.net/2009/05/join-top-10-emerging-influential-blogs.html to drop a comment about your post ha.. so that your nominations will count..
Thank you for the nomination and lovely words sis na touch ako =)ng sobra.
Have a lovely day.Ops before I forgot, how's your bibong Jake doing? and musta na kau sa new house nyo?I like to know where's Jake's new hiding place? Naku masaya to can't wait for ur new post sis!!!
wow, nakaka touch naman tong post mo dire, tsang :-), kahilakon man ko uy, salamat sa pag nominate ha :-); it is an honor to be nominated by you. you really deserve this, dear!Congrats!
Kindly note that Liza and Demcy's blog started before May 2008. Kindly advise when you update.
I'm Jan Geronimo of WritingToExhale and a candidate to Janette's writing project. Please include me in your list of nominees. Not to worry, I've met the cut off date. I started in December 2008.
Hi Shydub. Kindly complete your qualified top 10 list on or before August 3 in order to be counted.


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Revealed by a multidisciplinary effort: History of maize domestication not what we thought
Multiproxy evidence highlights a complex evolutionary legacy of maize in South America
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Revealed by a Multidisciplinary Effort: History of Maize Domestication Not What We Thought: The domestication of maize, a process which began in what is now central Mexico nearly 9,000 years ago, was far more complex and nuanced than once previously thought, a new study finds. The results of an analysis of the ancient grain's genetic heritage reveals southwestern Amazonia as a secondary improvement center for early maize. The findings provide new insight into the human-mediated evolutionary processes that gave rise to one of the planet's most important staple crops. In a related Perspective, Melinda Zeder writes: "The remarkable new multiproxy study of the dispersal of maize into and across northern South America is a fine example of recent advances in unraveling the complex histories of early domesticates." Domesticated maize evolved from teosinte, a wild grass of Mexico, and rapidly spread through the Americas, filling early agricultural landscapes and becoming a near-ubiquitous food source by the time of European arrival. While its widely understood that maize domestication occurred once, the nature of its domestication and spread into South America remain unclear and existing archaeological and genomic data do not always agree. Logan Kistler and colleagues sequenced the genomes of maize from South America - both domesticated indigenous varieties as well as archaeological samples of ancient corn - and compared them to the genetic lineages of modern and ancient maize and teosinte worldwide. According to Kistler et al., the results suggest that ancestral maize arrived in South America "semi-domesticated." Isolated from their Mexican progenitors before the genetic hallmarks of domestication could be fixed, distinct South American lineages evolved -- some becoming fully domesticated under continued human selection. Combining their genomic findings with archaeological, paleoecological and linguistic data, the authors suggest that this parallel, yet independent secondary improvement likely began in the southwestern Amazon.
10.1126/science.aav0207
Logan Kistler
kistlerl@si.edu
/Life sciences/Plant sciences/Horticulture/Agronomy/Crop science/Crops/Maize
/Life sciences/Plant sciences/Horticulture/Crop domestication
/Scientific community/Geographic regions/South America
日本語のニュース


baby booties – Oh So Luvvleigh!
Just some quick updates. The baby shower that I mentioned in my last post was quite a food filled fun filled event. The mother-to-be was tickled by the hat and booties I made for the bouncing girl. My special self didn't take the time to take pictures of the hat and booties before gifting. I'll make sure to do that next time. The hat IMO is a little large for her to wear right away so I plan on making another smaller hat with a finer yarn. The first hat I made with Red Heart in the Plum Pudding colorway. I crocheted the boots to look similar to the pattern sample, cream with a gold/brown sole so they can be worn with more outfits.
I'm starting a sale in my Etsy shop today! Anyone using the coupon code BEMINE214 will receive 20% off their order.
I also will be listing new items between tonight and Sunday for a better selection. I'll keep the sale going until Midnight on 02/17.
I have "adopted" a Pullip! Her name is Fraulein but I'm changing it to Nozomi which mean rare/beautiful and hope.
So check back again soon to see what other goodies I have in store. I promise more pictures and goodies when I return and take the time to peek into my shop over the weekend!


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My Heart Goes (LaDiDa) Becky Hill & Topic Download 'My Heart Goes (LaDiDa)' on iTunes
Jingle Bell Ball
Latest Event News
More Capital FM
T In The Park 2013 Highlights - Pictures
Emeli Sande, Rudimental, Chase & Status, Calvin Harris and more! See the amazing high definition pictures of the T in the Park 2013 line-up.
1. Rita Ora takes to the stage for day three of T in the Park 2013.
2. The singer's set includes Vodafone Big Top 40 hits 'Shine Ya Light' and 'R.I.P'.
3. Rita Ora performs in the sunshine on the T in the Park stage.
4. Rihanna performs a headline set at T in the Park 2013.
5. The 'We Found Love' singer closes a day of performances from Snoop Dogg, Kesha, Lawson and more.
6. Rihanna's appearance comes on the back of her UK stadium tour last month.
7. The 'Diamonds' singer performs tracks from her latest album 'Unapologetic'.
8. Rihanna is greeted by 90,000 fans at the 20th T in the Park event.
9. Rihanna closes her headline set on stage at T in the Park 2013.
10. Little Mix make their T in the Park debut at this year's event.
11. Perrie, Jesy, Leigh-Anne and Jade perform hit singles 'Wings' and 'How Ya Doin?'.
12. Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall during the girls' set at T in the Park 2013.
13. Little Mix's Perrie Edwards on stage at T in the Park 2013.
Picture: Andrew Mitchell
14. Little Mix's Leigh-Anne on stage at T in the Park 2013.
15. American singer Kesha takes to the stage at T in the Park 2013.
16. Kesha is joined on stage by a group of male dancers at T in the Park 2013.
17. The 'Tik Tok' singer performs songs from her latest album 'Warrior'.
18. Scottish singer Emeli Sande takes to the stage at T in the Park 2013.
19. The 'Next To Me' singer performs hits from her debut album 'Our Version Of Events'.
20. The 24-year-old star took to the stage in front of a 90,000 strong crowd.
21. The crowd sing along to Emeli Sande during her live set at T in The Park 2013.
22. 'Drop It Like It's Hot' rapper Snoop Dogg (Lion) takes to the stage at T in the Park 2013.
23. The US rapper performed tracks from his latest album 'Reincarnated'.
24. Lawson make their T in The Park debut performing tracks from album 'Chapman Square'.
25. Lawson perform their latest Vodafone Big Top 40 hit 'Brokenhearted' at T in The Park 2013.
26. Lawson's Adam Pitts during 'Standing In The Dark' at T in the Park 2013.
27. Lawson's Ryan on stage at T in The Park 2013.
28. The T in the Park 2013 crowd enjoying Saturday's performances.
29. The X Factor winner James Arthur takes to the stage at T in the Park 2013
30. 'No More Idols' stars Chase & Status take to the stage at T in The Park 2013.
Picture: Andrew Mitchall
31. The music duo perform current Vodafone Big Top 40 hit 'Lost & Not Found' feat. Louis M^ttrs.
32. Calvin Harris performs a live DJ set at T in The Park 2013.
33. Over 90,000 fans enjoy massive tunes from Harris' latest album '18 Months'.
34. The crowd are covered in ticker tape as they watch Calvin Harris perform during T in the Park.


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BILLERICA MINUTEMAN
Shawsheen superintendent choice postponed, Cook provides families information
Joy Hosford
jhosford@wickedlocal.com
All of our coronavirus stories are being provided for free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus outbreak. For more coverage go to billerica.wickedlocal.com/topics/coronavirus.
With the final four candidates chosen and interviewed, the Shawsheen Valley Technical School Committee was poised to pick a new superintendent. Then COVID19 forced the board to hit pause, cancelling the most recent meeting March 17.
According to Andrew Pigeon, director of community services and post-secondary programs, the committee is working on scheduling the next meeting for the near future. Pigeon said he could not confirm whether the superintendent decision would be made at the next meeting as the committee is working to "finalize and structure" when it will happen.
For profiles of Dr. Susan E. Kustka, Dr. Kelly Ann Fay, Thomas F. Aubin and Jenna Lesko go to our website billerica.wickedlocal.com.
Additionally, after Gov. Charlie Baker's announcement all Massachusetts schools will be closed until Tuesday, April 7, Shawsheen Principal Jessica Cook reached out to families to let them know exactly what administrators and faculty members were doing to keep students safe.
Cook stressed in a recent letter on Friday, March 13, there are no cases of COVID-19, coronavirus, in the district, but that they're taking this step out of caution for students and staff.
A letter from Shawsheen Valley Technical High School Principal Jessica Cook
"We recognize that the closing school can pose struggles for some students/families experiencing economic hardship," Cook wrote. "We encourage families with concerns about the impact of the closure to reach out to my regarding assistance that may be available during this time."
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Cook can be reached at 978-671-3640, or by email at jcook@shawtech.org.
In a second message Cook said staff is disinfecting every part of the building and all learning and shop equipment while closed.
When it comes to the final day of school Cook said, after speaking with members of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education it was clear that no school district will run past the 185 day-limit. Shawsheen's last day of classes will be Wednesday, June 24.
We want to hear from you. What are some of the stories you want seen covered in the Billerica Minuteman? Let us know here.
She urged families to stay home and maintain social distancing. Cook said she would be sending families educational activity options in the coming days and information for grab-and-go meals. Those looking for immediate details for grab-and-go can reach out to the school's Nutrition Director Robert Roach at rroach@shawtech.org, or by phone at 978-671-3669.
Cook also stressed that when the school is closed so are the playing fields and no residents are permitted to be on them at this time.
Students will not be assigned homework during the week off, students on co-op can make the decision to attended their jobs by working with their employer. Cook said students did not attend co-op they would not be penalized.
Shawsheen Valley Technical High School has also made the decision to close their pool on Friday, March 13. They anticipate it will re-open to the public on March 23.
This is an ongoing story. This article will be updated as more information is made available.


We offers a wide range of DCS appliances repair. DCS makes a wide range of different appliances and products, from microwaves to refrigerators. If you want to keep your DCS appliance running, whatever it may be, you're going to have to call a repair company, sooner or later. If you want to make sure your appliance gets the best attention and the best service, you need the best technicians working on it, and that's what Global Appliances Service offers. Give us a call (800) 530-7906. The following are the DCS appliance lines that Global Appliances Service technicians are trained to fix.
Our technicians claim a high level of training and expertise in appliance repair, across most major brands and product lines. We have specialist technicians that are particularly suited to your DCS appliance. In short, when Global Appliances Service sends a technician to your home or place of business, you can be assured that they know what they're doing, and that they're well familiar with the machine they'll be repairing. We make sure every one of our technicians have an intimate understanding of your particular appliance, and are capable of fixing it completely and quickly. You don't have to deal with a lot of guesswork with Global Appliances Service.
A Look At DCS Appliances. The DCS brand is relatively new, and is probably best known for its brushed stainless steel grills, although they also manufacture a number of indoor and outdoor appliances, including microwaves, refrigerators, and more (As shown below). While DCS (Which, if you were wondering, stands for Dynamic Cooking Systems) started out only making grills, but has since expanded.
If you'd like to talk to us, call us at 1-800-530-7906, or email us at info@laapliancefix.com. Global Appliances Service will get a technician out to you as soon as possible, and we'll have your DCS appliance up and running in no time flat. We accept Cash, Credit Cards, Checks. We operate all throughout southern California. We are open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.