bubble the amazing digital circus
bubble the amazing digital circus
Bird watchers don’t stop. They’re always on alert, following a flutter in the air, pondering a feather that fell to the ground and talking about a frenzy at backyard feeders. They traverse mountains, deserts, grasslands, marshes and forests with binoculars strapped around their necks, a worn Sibley guide at their side. But there is one day a year in which tens of thousands of bird enthusiasts go all in, postponing a surgery, skipping a holiday gathering and scouting, sometimes from dawn to dusk, in a large or small part of a specific 15-mile circle. Their mission: to tally the types and numbers of birds they see to contribute to the National Audubon Society’s most powerful community science effort, the Christmas Bird Count. “CBC” for short. And Oregon birders are ready. Oregon has about 47 CBC groups that each spend one day counting birds from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5. The count is a concentration of what people love about birding: gathering useful new information and enjoying fellowship with others fascinated by birds. And like the U.S. Census, the data collected is prized and analyzed, and used to document changes and draw conclusions. The Christmas Bird Count is the world’s largest and longest-running — 125 years so far — bird census. The database has become one of the most important sources for researchers, conservation biologists and wildlife agencies to track the health of avian populations across the Western Hemisphere. While some duck, goose and swan populations are exploding, Christmas Bird Count data, collected by volunteers, has helped prove that the numbers of more than half of all U.S. bird species are dwindling, according to a report by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative. Christmas Bird Count and other consistently compiled data also show that many species are spending the winter much farther north than they did decades ago due to milder temperatures, and for some species, the greater availability of bird feeders. When combined with other information such as the Breeding Bird Survey, the annual Audubon count provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed over the last century. Birds are indicators of environmental conditions — the canaries in the coal mine — and much more. Physicist Albert Einstein wrote in 1949 that studying migratory birds and carrier pigeons could lead to a deeper understanding of physical processes not yet known, and musician Paul McCartney said birdwatching in the countryside removed him from “the normal stream of life.” For many bird enthusiasts, the count is a winter ritual, cherished time with relatives and close friends who take satisfaction adding to an important scientific project the National Audubon Society launched in 1900 to discourage people from shooting birds for sport. And environmentally conscious Oregon, with public lands and opportunities to explore nature, is welcoming to birders and people who just can’t help to notice what’s flying around, said Ashland bird expert Pepper Trail. Trail, a retired ornithologist who worked 23 years at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensic Laboratory in Ashland, has been covering the Kelly Slough part of the Medford count circle since 2000. Before the Savage Rapids Dam on the Rogue River was removed in 2009, he and his friend, the late Mike Uhtoff, would paddle a canoe across the river and into the flooded slough. Trail and Uhtoff’s son, Chris, continued the physically taxing tradition. On Medford’s Christmas Bird Count day, Trail seems more like an Indiana Jones character than a mild-mannered biologist. He hikes, battles overgrown blackberries — he’s bringing a machete this year — and makes sure he’s in position to record as many as 20,000 robins and starlings flying out of their roost before day break and returning at dusk. Trail and Chris Uhtoff are also tracking waterfowl in ponds, birds feeding on pyracantha berries and other action on publicly accessed Lower Table Rock and remote land protected by the Nature Conservancy. “People are devoted to spending a cold winter day counting birds because it’s a great tradition” for personal and scientific reasons, said Trail, 71. He remembers his first official Christmas count with his dad, Paris Trail, in the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in upstate New York. He was 9. Participants don’t have to be an expert or have a professional degree to contribute to the Audubon’s international database. People of all ages volunteer to record the birds they see out their home window, called feeder watchers, or tromp through all types of terrain as field observers. Last year, 72,129 CBC field observers and 11,057 feeder watchers in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America and Pacific Islands tallied close to 41 million birds representing about 2,380 species, according to the National Audubon Society. Also last year, 43 new circles were established. Each year, the effort and geographic coverage of the bird count increases and yet there are overall declines in the total birds counted, according to Audubon. “Even small changes like avoiding pesticides and plastics, drinking bird-friendly coffee, planting native plants around our homes, and making our windows bird-safe can have meaningful and significant impacts for our bird populations,” Audubon experts said. Cold noses and hot cocoa June O’Connor was a toddler riding in a baby carrier on her dad’s back when she experienced her first Christmas Bird Count. Now, the 6-year-old competes with her sisters — Madelyn, 12, Lily, 10, and Eleanor, 3 — to spot as many birds as she can. Rory and Emily O’Connor’s family, who live in the tiny city of Hines in eastern Oregon’s High Desert, will join flocks of other kids watching the skies of Burns and Hines on Dec. 13 during the fifth annual Christmas Bird Count for Kids & Families (CBC4Kids) organized through the Harney County Library . The next day is Burn’s official Christmas Bird Count. Like a scavenger hunt, kids participating in the CBC4Kids are given a map to bird-rich parks and front yards, and pictures of common birds. After fueling up on hot cocoa and chocolate-covered donuts with sprinkles at the library, they venture off with borrowed binoculars and “eagle eyes,” said Emily O’Connor. Hours later, they return to the library to share their bird sighting list, enjoy story time, crafts and a bird book giveaway, and eat pizza. “The CBC tends to be less thrilling for our girls because you’re supposed to stay in one spot and count the birds you can see,” said O’Connor. “We might only see two chickadees.” But if the family can walk or drive around, they can practice their skills of estimating the large number of starlings, doves and quails in the area, as well as possibly spotting a rare winter bird like an evening grosbeak. “It’s always really exciting to the girls if we see something different like a flicker or a hawk,” O’Connor said, “and that leads to yelling and screaming. Our birding trips are not very quiet.” The girls will most definitely see short-legged California quail with a distinctive feathered topknot that looks like something created for a Pixar movie and sounds like squeaky dog toy. At the last count, Burns volunteers reported seeing 4,629 California quails. Emily O’Connor, who has a degree in ecology, and Rory, who is a rangeland research ecologist for Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Station, said paying attention to birds makes their daughters more observant of their surroundings, and they feel good learning about wildlife and contributing to a citizen science effort. Isabelle Fleuraud, Harney County Library’s Youth Services coordinator and a birdwatching hobbyist, said children quickly realize that nature is everywhere. “You can just look out a window and walk down your street,” said Fleuraud, who started the CBC4Kids five years ago with Teresa Wicks, a biologist with the Bird Alliance of Oregon, and Janelle Wicks, director of Friends of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge , the 190,000-acre home to more than 340 species of birds and known as the “Gem of the Pacific Flyway.” Wicks said studies show being in a wildlife area multiple times or watching birds in the backyard can enhance children’s mental health and school grades. Kids learn patience, and improve focus abilities while paying attention to details, like a bird’s distinguishing color, markings, size, shape, calls, songs and behaviors. “They can also grow a sense of stewardship for nature and place, foster an understanding of the connections between birds and habitat, and how changes in weather and climate can change bird communities,” Wicks said. Learning that birds evolved from small carnivorous dinosaurs and having another outdoor activity in winter also makes the Christmas Bird Count and CBC4Kids fun for people of all ages, she said. Oregon’s bird status On Christmas Bird Count days, Oregonians look on the coast for loons, puffins and gulls, and scour the sagebrush steppe of eastern Oregon for sage grouses, prairie falcons and golden eagles. Southern Oregon’s Klamath Basin draws crowds to see bald eagles, rough-legged hawks and hundreds of tundra swans, and Sauvie Island west of Portland is the winter vacation spot for the northernmost sandhill cranes, said bird expert and author Harry Fuller , who lives in Salem. Oregon’s big claim to fame: Christmas Bird Count reports of a great gray owl, “one of the most elusive species in the Lower 48,” said Fuller, who has participated in Christmas counts across the state. His latest book is “Birding Harney County.” In 2010, when Fuller was an Ashland resident, he co-founded that city’s Christmas Bird Count with John Bullock to include spotted owls, Clark’s nutcrackers, mountain bluebirds and other species not found below 2,000 feet. Dawn Villaescusa of Seven Capes Bird Alliance in Lincoln City sees lots of out-of-towners pitching in at her area’s bird count, a bucket-list experience for serious birders seeking a variety of sea, lake, river, wetland, farm and forest habitats. “I know people who use their vacation time to travel to as many CBCs as they can and change family gatherings to other days,” said Villaescusa. She hosts people at her home, which has bird decor and nature art by science illustrator Nora Sherwood and a great egret painted on tiles by Wendy Thompson . Villaescusa also displays a carved Peregrine falcon she purchased at the Coastal Carvers’ Artistry in Wood Show at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort. Villaescusa hasn’t yet met internationally famous birdwatchers like “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” author Amy Tan or Christian Cooper , who wrote “Better Living Through Birding,” but at her area’s Audubon count this year, she expects to see plenty of visiting Pacific Northwest bird stars. She quickly names authors Alan Contreras , who wrote “A History of Oregon Ornithology: From Territorial Days to the Rise of Birding,” Dave Irons, who wrote “American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Oregon,” and Cameron Cox, who co-wrote “Peterson Reference Guide To Seawatching: Eastern Waterbirds in Flight.” One of the largest and oldest Christmas counts in the world is organized by Portland’s Bird Alliance of Oregon . With about 350 participants — second only to Canada’s Edmonton with 535 participants and Victoria’s 405 last year — Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Joe Liebezeit spreads volunteers to cover urban to rural habitats . “We want to make these community science events as inclusive as possible,” said Liebezeit, 56, who started birding as a kid in New Jersey. He organizes the Christmas count for Bird Alliance of Oregon while serving as its assistant director of statewide conservation. The call for help goes out on the Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Facebook page, with almost 110,000 followers, other social media and emails. New birders can be helpful recording the data as experienced birders call out what they see, he said. “It’s a great way for new birders to get experience in a fun way.” Most volunteers dedicate a full day; some like Liebezeit start with the pre-dawn owl survey. But volunteers can also go out in the morning when birds are most active and be home for lunch. Liebezeit said his job is advocating for bird protection and working to get conservation legislation passed, but he still looks forward to the annual count. “It’s important for me to get back in the field,” he said, “because that’s where I first became interested in helping birds and wildlife.” Since starting in 1926, the Portland group has been collecting data, like all of the Christmas count teams, the old-fashioned way: People record what they saw in a notebook and fill out a form that lists specific names of waterfowl, raptors and falcons, owls, woodpeckers and other birds common in their area. The list is submitted to a Portland area leader, who brings the information to an evening get together. In “round-robin fashion,” said Liebezeit, everyone tells how many they saw of more than 100 species spotted that day. There are always surprises during the count day like a MacGillivray’s warbler or Western tanager, notable missing regulars like a Greater White-fronted goose, and jokesters who report a jet as a “silver-sided gas hog.” In the end, the compiler creates a spreadsheet that is sent to the National Audubon Society, and the volunteers, muddy and exhausted, head home. History and reach 1900: Ornithologist Frank Chapman and two dozen other conservationists initiated a Christmas Bird Census of counting birds to replace the “side hunt” competition to see how many wild birds could be shot on Christmas Day. 1918: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 was passed that protects migratory birds and their habitats. 1970s-1980s: Researchers began to recognize the potential value of the Christmas Bird Count as a data set, especially when combined with the results of the Breeding Bird Survey, which started in the mid-1960s. 1997: The interactive website “BirdSource” where people submit their bird sightings was created by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Since 2000, all Christmas Bird Count results have been entered into the online database. — Janet Eastman covers design and trends. Reach her at 503-294-4072, jeastman@oregonian.com and follow her on X @janeteastman
TORONTO, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rivalry Corp. (the "Company" or "Rivalry") (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQX: RVLCF) (FSE: 9VK), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for digital-first players, is pleased to announce that it has closed the third tranche (the “Third Closing”) of its non-brokered private placement of units of the Company (the "Units"), previously announced on November 26, 2024 (the "Offering"). Under the Third Closing, the Company issued 2,231,253 Units at a price of $0.15 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $334,688. The Company may complete one or more additional closings, for aggregate gross proceeds (together with the proceeds raised under the initial closing, second closing and Third Closing) of up to approximately USD$3 million. Unless otherwise noted, all dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars. Each Unit is comprised of one (1) subordinate voting share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Subordinate Voting Share") and one-half of one (1/2) Subordinate Voting Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one Subordinate Voting Share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.25 per Warrant Share for a period of 12 months from the date hereof, subject to the Company's right to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants upon 30 days' notice in the event that the closing price of the Subordinate Voting Shares is equal to or exceeds $0.50 on the TSX Venture Exchange (or such other recognized Canadian stock exchange as the Subordinate Voting Shares are primarily traded on) for a period of 10 consecutive trading days. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for corporate development and general working capital purposes. The Subordinate Voting Shares and Warrants, and any securities issuable upon exercise thereof, are subject to a four-month statutory hold period, in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The Company has paid an aggregate of $10,501.20 in finder's fees in connection with the Third Closing. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. 100,200 Units were issued to family members of Steven Isenberg, a director of the Company and a "related party" (within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101")) and 500,000 Units were issued to Kevin Wimer, a director of the Company and a "related party", and such issuances are considered a "related party transaction" for the purposes of MI 61-101. Such related party transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the securities being issued to the related parties nor the consideration being paid by the related parties exceeded 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The purchasers of the Units and the extent of such participation were not finalized until shortly prior to the completion of the Offering. Accordingly, it was not possible to publicly disclose details of the nature and extent of related party participation in the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to a material change report filed at least 21 days prior to the completion of such transactions. About Rivalry Rivalry Corp. wholly owns and operates Rivalry Limited , a leading sport betting and media company offering fully regulated online wagering on esports, traditional sports, and casino for the digital generation. Based in Toronto, Rivalry operates a global team in more than 20 countries and growing. Rivalry Limited has held an Isle of Man license since 2018, considered one of the premier online gambling jurisdictions, as well as an internet gaming registration in Ontario, and is currently in the process of obtaining additional country licenses. With world class creative execution and brand positioning in online culture, a native crypto token, and demonstrated market leadership among digital-first users Rivalry is shaping the future of online gambling for a generation born on the internet. Company Contact: Steven Salz, Co-founder & CEO ss@rivalry.com Investor Contact: investors@rivalry.com Media Contact: Cody Luongo, Head of Communications cody@rivalry.com 203-947-1936 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of the Company at the date the statements are made based on information then available to the Company. Various factors and assumptions are applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve a number of known and unknown, variables, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations; the ability to obtain and maintain required licenses; the esports and sports betting industry being a heavily regulated industry; the complex and evolving regulatory environment for the online gaming and online gambling industry; the success of esports and other betting products are not guaranteed; changes in public perception of the esports and online gambling industry; failure to retain or add customers; the Company having a limited operating history; negative cash flow from operations; operational risks; cybersecurity risks; reliance on management; reliance on third parties and third-party networks; exchange rate risks; risks related to cryptocurrency transactions; risk of intellectual property infringement or invalid claims; the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and general economic, market and business conditions. For additional risks, please see the Company’s MD&A dated April 30, 2024 and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . No assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Source: Rivalry Corp.Takeaways from Nebraska football's bowl-clinching win over Wisconsin
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams faced fourth-and-5 at the Buffalo 35 with a 38-35 lead and just under four minutes to play Sunday in their high-octane showdown with the Bills. Sean McVay is often a conservative coach, and it would not have been surprising to see him try a long field goal, or even punt. He kept his offense on the field, and Matthew Stafford calmly went through his progression before finding Tutu Atwell across the middle for an 11-yard gain that played a major role in the Rams’ ability to hold on for a season-altering, 44-42 victory over the powerhouse Bills . “We felt like we needed to make it a two-possession game,” McVay said Monday. “They were rolling. We talked about aggressively going to win that game. ... It was just a reflection of the confidence in that group and what we felt like we needed to do to be able to win the game.” The Rams offense has earned the confidence McVay showed in it at that crucial moment. That unit hasn’t always been good this season, entering last weekend rated just 18th in the league, but the Rams finally are mostly healthy heading down the stretch — and Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams are again playing at last season’s Pro Bowl level. RELATED COVERAGE Cowboys set to host Bengals under open roof after falling debris thwarted that plan against Texans Cardinals’ sudden 3-game tailspin has turned their once solid playoff hopes into a long shot The 49ers’ playoff hopes are still teetering even after get-right game against the Bears That was bad news for Buffalo, and it could mean trouble for the rest of the NFC if the Rams (7-6) can keep scoring like this. Los Angeles will hope to keep this offensive momentum on a short week heading to San Francisco on Thursday night. Nacua said it was “fantastic being able to feel like, man, this is what it feels like when the Rams are moving and connecting on all cylinders.” Los Angeles had six scoring drives of at least 65 yards while racking up 457 yards against Buffalo. Stafford had a season-high 320 yards passing, while Nacua had another spectacular game with 162 yards receiving and two touchdowns along with 16 yards rushing and another TD on five carries. The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . Incredibly, it was the Rams’ first 40-point game with Stafford behind center. Thanks to that stellar offensive performance, the Rams are above .500 for the first time all season and just one game back of Seattle (8-5) in the NFC West after winning six of their past eight games. A team that appeared to be headed for a grim season after a 1-4 start is still firmly in the playoff race, also trailing Washington (8-5) by just one game for the final wild-card spot. “It’s cool to be able to play meaningful football in December,” said McVay, who led the Rams to five playoff berths in his first seven seasons. “You never take that for granted.” What’s working The offense hummed largely because it went 11 of 15 on third downs. That’s the Rams’ highest success rate in a game since 2001 — and don’t forget that crucial fourth down conversion, either. What needs help Few teams can stop Josh Allen, but the Rams’ defense didn’t come close. The defensive backs particularly struggled, from Darious Williams getting beaten repeatedly in coverage to Quentin Lake’s 34-yard pass-interference penalty in the final moments. Two weeks after Philadelphia dropped 481 yards at SoFi Stadium, Buffalo had 445 to push the Rams down to 26th in total defense entering Monday. Stock up The Rams’ offensive line has struggled mightily at times this season, but it allowed no sacks and just three hits on Stafford while clearing the way for 137 yards rushing. With full health, the line is no longer a liability. Stock down Edge rusher Byron Young had a rough outing that included two penalties on Buffalo’s first drive — an egregious late hit on Allen and a defensive offside that negated a 2-yard Bills loss on second down from the LA 1. The Rams’ overall defensive discipline was repeatedly poor, and it cost them. Injuries CB Cobie Durant has a bruised lung, McVay revealed Monday. The Rams are uncertain whether it will prevent him from playing Thursday. Durant has started all 13 games this season. ... WR Demarcus Robinson sprained his shoulder against Buffalo, but kept playing. Key number 1 — The numbers of NFL games played with two teams scoring at least 40 points and making no turnovers. The Rams and Bills made history. Next steps The 49ers haven’t been this vulnerable in four years, but Kyle Shanahan has had McVay’s number throughout their careers — notwithstanding the Rams’ 27-24 comeback win in September when both teams’ top offensive playmakers were all injured. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
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Home | Hyderabad | Hyderabad Traffic Restrictions In Place On Dec 1 In View Of Mala Simha Gharjana Meeting At Parade Grounds Hyderabad: Traffic restrictions in place on Dec 1 in view of ‘Mala Simha Gharjana’ meeting at Parade Grounds General passengers who are intending to travel by evening trains of Secunderabad Railway Station and by RTC buses through Jubilee Bus Station are requested to start early to reach in time By Telangana Today Published Date - 30 November 2024, 11:23 PM Representational Image Hyderabad: In connection with the ‘Mala Simha Gharjana’ meeting at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad on December 1, between 1pm and 8pm, certain traffic restrictions have been placed in the surroundings on the day. General passengers who are intending to travel by evening trains of Secunderabad railway station and by RTC buses through Jubilee Bus Station are requested to start early to reach railway station in time and also advised to utilise the Metro Rail service. Traffic congestion points: *Alugaddabavi – Secunderabad Railway Station – Sangeet ‘X’ road – Clock Tower – Patny –Paradise – St.John’s Rotary – Begumpet – YMCA – CTO – Rasoolpura – Balamrai – Brooke Bond – Tivoli –Sweekar Upkaar . *Bowenpally – Tadbund – Ranigunj – Tank Bund – Karkhana – JBS – RTA Trimulgherry – Bowenpally Market and AOC. *Punjagutta – Khairatabad – Green Lands – Raj Bhavan. Hyderabad Traffic Police requested citizens to make note of the diversions and take alternate routes to avoid inconvenience. Follow Us : Tags Hyderabad Mala Simha Gharjana Parade Grounds Secunderabad Related News Watch: Fuel spill on Kushaiguda-Nagaram road in Hyderabad turns dangerous for motorists Golden Eagles soar to victory in nail-biting TPGL finale in Hyderabad NIHOC International School shines with thrilling first Annual Sports Day: Over 300 young champs steal the Show Singareni launches social media QR codes to share information
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bubble the amazing digital circus
Bird watchers don’t stop. They’re always on alert, following a flutter in the air, pondering a feather that fell to the ground and talking about a frenzy at backyard feeders. They traverse mountains, deserts, grasslands, marshes and forests with binoculars strapped around their necks, a worn Sibley guide at their side. But there is one day a year in which tens of thousands of bird enthusiasts go all in, postponing a surgery, skipping a holiday gathering and scouting, sometimes from dawn to dusk, in a large or small part of a specific 15-mile circle. Their mission: to tally the types and numbers of birds they see to contribute to the National Audubon Society’s most powerful community science effort, the Christmas Bird Count. “CBC” for short. And Oregon birders are ready. Oregon has about 47 CBC groups that each spend one day counting birds from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5. The count is a concentration of what people love about birding: gathering useful new information and enjoying fellowship with others fascinated by birds. And like the U.S. Census, the data collected is prized and analyzed, and used to document changes and draw conclusions. The Christmas Bird Count is the world’s largest and longest-running — 125 years so far — bird census. The database has become one of the most important sources for researchers, conservation biologists and wildlife agencies to track the health of avian populations across the Western Hemisphere. While some duck, goose and swan populations are exploding, Christmas Bird Count data, collected by volunteers, has helped prove that the numbers of more than half of all U.S. bird species are dwindling, according to a report by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative. Christmas Bird Count and other consistently compiled data also show that many species are spending the winter much farther north than they did decades ago due to milder temperatures, and for some species, the greater availability of bird feeders. When combined with other information such as the Breeding Bird Survey, the annual Audubon count provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed over the last century. Birds are indicators of environmental conditions — the canaries in the coal mine — and much more. Physicist Albert Einstein wrote in 1949 that studying migratory birds and carrier pigeons could lead to a deeper understanding of physical processes not yet known, and musician Paul McCartney said birdwatching in the countryside removed him from “the normal stream of life.” For many bird enthusiasts, the count is a winter ritual, cherished time with relatives and close friends who take satisfaction adding to an important scientific project the National Audubon Society launched in 1900 to discourage people from shooting birds for sport. And environmentally conscious Oregon, with public lands and opportunities to explore nature, is welcoming to birders and people who just can’t help to notice what’s flying around, said Ashland bird expert Pepper Trail. Trail, a retired ornithologist who worked 23 years at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensic Laboratory in Ashland, has been covering the Kelly Slough part of the Medford count circle since 2000. Before the Savage Rapids Dam on the Rogue River was removed in 2009, he and his friend, the late Mike Uhtoff, would paddle a canoe across the river and into the flooded slough. Trail and Uhtoff’s son, Chris, continued the physically taxing tradition. On Medford’s Christmas Bird Count day, Trail seems more like an Indiana Jones character than a mild-mannered biologist. He hikes, battles overgrown blackberries — he’s bringing a machete this year — and makes sure he’s in position to record as many as 20,000 robins and starlings flying out of their roost before day break and returning at dusk. Trail and Chris Uhtoff are also tracking waterfowl in ponds, birds feeding on pyracantha berries and other action on publicly accessed Lower Table Rock and remote land protected by the Nature Conservancy. “People are devoted to spending a cold winter day counting birds because it’s a great tradition” for personal and scientific reasons, said Trail, 71. He remembers his first official Christmas count with his dad, Paris Trail, in the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in upstate New York. He was 9. Participants don’t have to be an expert or have a professional degree to contribute to the Audubon’s international database. People of all ages volunteer to record the birds they see out their home window, called feeder watchers, or tromp through all types of terrain as field observers. Last year, 72,129 CBC field observers and 11,057 feeder watchers in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America and Pacific Islands tallied close to 41 million birds representing about 2,380 species, according to the National Audubon Society. Also last year, 43 new circles were established. Each year, the effort and geographic coverage of the bird count increases and yet there are overall declines in the total birds counted, according to Audubon. “Even small changes like avoiding pesticides and plastics, drinking bird-friendly coffee, planting native plants around our homes, and making our windows bird-safe can have meaningful and significant impacts for our bird populations,” Audubon experts said. Cold noses and hot cocoa June O’Connor was a toddler riding in a baby carrier on her dad’s back when she experienced her first Christmas Bird Count. Now, the 6-year-old competes with her sisters — Madelyn, 12, Lily, 10, and Eleanor, 3 — to spot as many birds as she can. Rory and Emily O’Connor’s family, who live in the tiny city of Hines in eastern Oregon’s High Desert, will join flocks of other kids watching the skies of Burns and Hines on Dec. 13 during the fifth annual Christmas Bird Count for Kids & Families (CBC4Kids) organized through the Harney County Library . The next day is Burn’s official Christmas Bird Count. Like a scavenger hunt, kids participating in the CBC4Kids are given a map to bird-rich parks and front yards, and pictures of common birds. After fueling up on hot cocoa and chocolate-covered donuts with sprinkles at the library, they venture off with borrowed binoculars and “eagle eyes,” said Emily O’Connor. Hours later, they return to the library to share their bird sighting list, enjoy story time, crafts and a bird book giveaway, and eat pizza. “The CBC tends to be less thrilling for our girls because you’re supposed to stay in one spot and count the birds you can see,” said O’Connor. “We might only see two chickadees.” But if the family can walk or drive around, they can practice their skills of estimating the large number of starlings, doves and quails in the area, as well as possibly spotting a rare winter bird like an evening grosbeak. “It’s always really exciting to the girls if we see something different like a flicker or a hawk,” O’Connor said, “and that leads to yelling and screaming. Our birding trips are not very quiet.” The girls will most definitely see short-legged California quail with a distinctive feathered topknot that looks like something created for a Pixar movie and sounds like squeaky dog toy. At the last count, Burns volunteers reported seeing 4,629 California quails. Emily O’Connor, who has a degree in ecology, and Rory, who is a rangeland research ecologist for Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Station, said paying attention to birds makes their daughters more observant of their surroundings, and they feel good learning about wildlife and contributing to a citizen science effort. Isabelle Fleuraud, Harney County Library’s Youth Services coordinator and a birdwatching hobbyist, said children quickly realize that nature is everywhere. “You can just look out a window and walk down your street,” said Fleuraud, who started the CBC4Kids five years ago with Teresa Wicks, a biologist with the Bird Alliance of Oregon, and Janelle Wicks, director of Friends of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge , the 190,000-acre home to more than 340 species of birds and known as the “Gem of the Pacific Flyway.” Wicks said studies show being in a wildlife area multiple times or watching birds in the backyard can enhance children’s mental health and school grades. Kids learn patience, and improve focus abilities while paying attention to details, like a bird’s distinguishing color, markings, size, shape, calls, songs and behaviors. “They can also grow a sense of stewardship for nature and place, foster an understanding of the connections between birds and habitat, and how changes in weather and climate can change bird communities,” Wicks said. Learning that birds evolved from small carnivorous dinosaurs and having another outdoor activity in winter also makes the Christmas Bird Count and CBC4Kids fun for people of all ages, she said. Oregon’s bird status On Christmas Bird Count days, Oregonians look on the coast for loons, puffins and gulls, and scour the sagebrush steppe of eastern Oregon for sage grouses, prairie falcons and golden eagles. Southern Oregon’s Klamath Basin draws crowds to see bald eagles, rough-legged hawks and hundreds of tundra swans, and Sauvie Island west of Portland is the winter vacation spot for the northernmost sandhill cranes, said bird expert and author Harry Fuller , who lives in Salem. Oregon’s big claim to fame: Christmas Bird Count reports of a great gray owl, “one of the most elusive species in the Lower 48,” said Fuller, who has participated in Christmas counts across the state. His latest book is “Birding Harney County.” In 2010, when Fuller was an Ashland resident, he co-founded that city’s Christmas Bird Count with John Bullock to include spotted owls, Clark’s nutcrackers, mountain bluebirds and other species not found below 2,000 feet. Dawn Villaescusa of Seven Capes Bird Alliance in Lincoln City sees lots of out-of-towners pitching in at her area’s bird count, a bucket-list experience for serious birders seeking a variety of sea, lake, river, wetland, farm and forest habitats. “I know people who use their vacation time to travel to as many CBCs as they can and change family gatherings to other days,” said Villaescusa. She hosts people at her home, which has bird decor and nature art by science illustrator Nora Sherwood and a great egret painted on tiles by Wendy Thompson . Villaescusa also displays a carved Peregrine falcon she purchased at the Coastal Carvers’ Artistry in Wood Show at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort. Villaescusa hasn’t yet met internationally famous birdwatchers like “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” author Amy Tan or Christian Cooper , who wrote “Better Living Through Birding,” but at her area’s Audubon count this year, she expects to see plenty of visiting Pacific Northwest bird stars. She quickly names authors Alan Contreras , who wrote “A History of Oregon Ornithology: From Territorial Days to the Rise of Birding,” Dave Irons, who wrote “American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Oregon,” and Cameron Cox, who co-wrote “Peterson Reference Guide To Seawatching: Eastern Waterbirds in Flight.” One of the largest and oldest Christmas counts in the world is organized by Portland’s Bird Alliance of Oregon . With about 350 participants — second only to Canada’s Edmonton with 535 participants and Victoria’s 405 last year — Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Joe Liebezeit spreads volunteers to cover urban to rural habitats . “We want to make these community science events as inclusive as possible,” said Liebezeit, 56, who started birding as a kid in New Jersey. He organizes the Christmas count for Bird Alliance of Oregon while serving as its assistant director of statewide conservation. The call for help goes out on the Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Facebook page, with almost 110,000 followers, other social media and emails. New birders can be helpful recording the data as experienced birders call out what they see, he said. “It’s a great way for new birders to get experience in a fun way.” Most volunteers dedicate a full day; some like Liebezeit start with the pre-dawn owl survey. But volunteers can also go out in the morning when birds are most active and be home for lunch. Liebezeit said his job is advocating for bird protection and working to get conservation legislation passed, but he still looks forward to the annual count. “It’s important for me to get back in the field,” he said, “because that’s where I first became interested in helping birds and wildlife.” Since starting in 1926, the Portland group has been collecting data, like all of the Christmas count teams, the old-fashioned way: People record what they saw in a notebook and fill out a form that lists specific names of waterfowl, raptors and falcons, owls, woodpeckers and other birds common in their area. The list is submitted to a Portland area leader, who brings the information to an evening get together. In “round-robin fashion,” said Liebezeit, everyone tells how many they saw of more than 100 species spotted that day. There are always surprises during the count day like a MacGillivray’s warbler or Western tanager, notable missing regulars like a Greater White-fronted goose, and jokesters who report a jet as a “silver-sided gas hog.” In the end, the compiler creates a spreadsheet that is sent to the National Audubon Society, and the volunteers, muddy and exhausted, head home. History and reach 1900: Ornithologist Frank Chapman and two dozen other conservationists initiated a Christmas Bird Census of counting birds to replace the “side hunt” competition to see how many wild birds could be shot on Christmas Day. 1918: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 was passed that protects migratory birds and their habitats. 1970s-1980s: Researchers began to recognize the potential value of the Christmas Bird Count as a data set, especially when combined with the results of the Breeding Bird Survey, which started in the mid-1960s. 1997: The interactive website “BirdSource” where people submit their bird sightings was created by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Since 2000, all Christmas Bird Count results have been entered into the online database. — Janet Eastman covers design and trends. Reach her at 503-294-4072, jeastman@oregonian.com and follow her on X @janeteastman
TORONTO, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rivalry Corp. (the "Company" or "Rivalry") (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQX: RVLCF) (FSE: 9VK), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for digital-first players, is pleased to announce that it has closed the third tranche (the “Third Closing”) of its non-brokered private placement of units of the Company (the "Units"), previously announced on November 26, 2024 (the "Offering"). Under the Third Closing, the Company issued 2,231,253 Units at a price of $0.15 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $334,688. The Company may complete one or more additional closings, for aggregate gross proceeds (together with the proceeds raised under the initial closing, second closing and Third Closing) of up to approximately USD$3 million. Unless otherwise noted, all dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars. Each Unit is comprised of one (1) subordinate voting share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Subordinate Voting Share") and one-half of one (1/2) Subordinate Voting Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one Subordinate Voting Share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.25 per Warrant Share for a period of 12 months from the date hereof, subject to the Company's right to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants upon 30 days' notice in the event that the closing price of the Subordinate Voting Shares is equal to or exceeds $0.50 on the TSX Venture Exchange (or such other recognized Canadian stock exchange as the Subordinate Voting Shares are primarily traded on) for a period of 10 consecutive trading days. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for corporate development and general working capital purposes. The Subordinate Voting Shares and Warrants, and any securities issuable upon exercise thereof, are subject to a four-month statutory hold period, in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The Company has paid an aggregate of $10,501.20 in finder's fees in connection with the Third Closing. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. 100,200 Units were issued to family members of Steven Isenberg, a director of the Company and a "related party" (within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101")) and 500,000 Units were issued to Kevin Wimer, a director of the Company and a "related party", and such issuances are considered a "related party transaction" for the purposes of MI 61-101. Such related party transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the securities being issued to the related parties nor the consideration being paid by the related parties exceeded 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The purchasers of the Units and the extent of such participation were not finalized until shortly prior to the completion of the Offering. Accordingly, it was not possible to publicly disclose details of the nature and extent of related party participation in the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to a material change report filed at least 21 days prior to the completion of such transactions. About Rivalry Rivalry Corp. wholly owns and operates Rivalry Limited , a leading sport betting and media company offering fully regulated online wagering on esports, traditional sports, and casino for the digital generation. Based in Toronto, Rivalry operates a global team in more than 20 countries and growing. Rivalry Limited has held an Isle of Man license since 2018, considered one of the premier online gambling jurisdictions, as well as an internet gaming registration in Ontario, and is currently in the process of obtaining additional country licenses. With world class creative execution and brand positioning in online culture, a native crypto token, and demonstrated market leadership among digital-first users Rivalry is shaping the future of online gambling for a generation born on the internet. Company Contact: Steven Salz, Co-founder & CEO ss@rivalry.com Investor Contact: investors@rivalry.com Media Contact: Cody Luongo, Head of Communications cody@rivalry.com 203-947-1936 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of the Company at the date the statements are made based on information then available to the Company. Various factors and assumptions are applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve a number of known and unknown, variables, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations; the ability to obtain and maintain required licenses; the esports and sports betting industry being a heavily regulated industry; the complex and evolving regulatory environment for the online gaming and online gambling industry; the success of esports and other betting products are not guaranteed; changes in public perception of the esports and online gambling industry; failure to retain or add customers; the Company having a limited operating history; negative cash flow from operations; operational risks; cybersecurity risks; reliance on management; reliance on third parties and third-party networks; exchange rate risks; risks related to cryptocurrency transactions; risk of intellectual property infringement or invalid claims; the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and general economic, market and business conditions. For additional risks, please see the Company’s MD&A dated April 30, 2024 and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . No assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Source: Rivalry Corp.Takeaways from Nebraska football's bowl-clinching win over Wisconsin
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams faced fourth-and-5 at the Buffalo 35 with a 38-35 lead and just under four minutes to play Sunday in their high-octane showdown with the Bills. Sean McVay is often a conservative coach, and it would not have been surprising to see him try a long field goal, or even punt. He kept his offense on the field, and Matthew Stafford calmly went through his progression before finding Tutu Atwell across the middle for an 11-yard gain that played a major role in the Rams’ ability to hold on for a season-altering, 44-42 victory over the powerhouse Bills . “We felt like we needed to make it a two-possession game,” McVay said Monday. “They were rolling. We talked about aggressively going to win that game. ... It was just a reflection of the confidence in that group and what we felt like we needed to do to be able to win the game.” The Rams offense has earned the confidence McVay showed in it at that crucial moment. That unit hasn’t always been good this season, entering last weekend rated just 18th in the league, but the Rams finally are mostly healthy heading down the stretch — and Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams are again playing at last season’s Pro Bowl level. RELATED COVERAGE Cowboys set to host Bengals under open roof after falling debris thwarted that plan against Texans Cardinals’ sudden 3-game tailspin has turned their once solid playoff hopes into a long shot The 49ers’ playoff hopes are still teetering even after get-right game against the Bears That was bad news for Buffalo, and it could mean trouble for the rest of the NFC if the Rams (7-6) can keep scoring like this. Los Angeles will hope to keep this offensive momentum on a short week heading to San Francisco on Thursday night. Nacua said it was “fantastic being able to feel like, man, this is what it feels like when the Rams are moving and connecting on all cylinders.” Los Angeles had six scoring drives of at least 65 yards while racking up 457 yards against Buffalo. Stafford had a season-high 320 yards passing, while Nacua had another spectacular game with 162 yards receiving and two touchdowns along with 16 yards rushing and another TD on five carries. The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . Incredibly, it was the Rams’ first 40-point game with Stafford behind center. Thanks to that stellar offensive performance, the Rams are above .500 for the first time all season and just one game back of Seattle (8-5) in the NFC West after winning six of their past eight games. A team that appeared to be headed for a grim season after a 1-4 start is still firmly in the playoff race, also trailing Washington (8-5) by just one game for the final wild-card spot. “It’s cool to be able to play meaningful football in December,” said McVay, who led the Rams to five playoff berths in his first seven seasons. “You never take that for granted.” What’s working The offense hummed largely because it went 11 of 15 on third downs. That’s the Rams’ highest success rate in a game since 2001 — and don’t forget that crucial fourth down conversion, either. What needs help Few teams can stop Josh Allen, but the Rams’ defense didn’t come close. The defensive backs particularly struggled, from Darious Williams getting beaten repeatedly in coverage to Quentin Lake’s 34-yard pass-interference penalty in the final moments. Two weeks after Philadelphia dropped 481 yards at SoFi Stadium, Buffalo had 445 to push the Rams down to 26th in total defense entering Monday. Stock up The Rams’ offensive line has struggled mightily at times this season, but it allowed no sacks and just three hits on Stafford while clearing the way for 137 yards rushing. With full health, the line is no longer a liability. Stock down Edge rusher Byron Young had a rough outing that included two penalties on Buffalo’s first drive — an egregious late hit on Allen and a defensive offside that negated a 2-yard Bills loss on second down from the LA 1. The Rams’ overall defensive discipline was repeatedly poor, and it cost them. Injuries CB Cobie Durant has a bruised lung, McVay revealed Monday. The Rams are uncertain whether it will prevent him from playing Thursday. Durant has started all 13 games this season. ... WR Demarcus Robinson sprained his shoulder against Buffalo, but kept playing. Key number 1 — The numbers of NFL games played with two teams scoring at least 40 points and making no turnovers. The Rams and Bills made history. Next steps The 49ers haven’t been this vulnerable in four years, but Kyle Shanahan has had McVay’s number throughout their careers — notwithstanding the Rams’ 27-24 comeback win in September when both teams’ top offensive playmakers were all injured. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
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Home | Hyderabad | Hyderabad Traffic Restrictions In Place On Dec 1 In View Of Mala Simha Gharjana Meeting At Parade Grounds Hyderabad: Traffic restrictions in place on Dec 1 in view of ‘Mala Simha Gharjana’ meeting at Parade Grounds General passengers who are intending to travel by evening trains of Secunderabad Railway Station and by RTC buses through Jubilee Bus Station are requested to start early to reach in time By Telangana Today Published Date - 30 November 2024, 11:23 PM Representational Image Hyderabad: In connection with the ‘Mala Simha Gharjana’ meeting at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad on December 1, between 1pm and 8pm, certain traffic restrictions have been placed in the surroundings on the day. General passengers who are intending to travel by evening trains of Secunderabad railway station and by RTC buses through Jubilee Bus Station are requested to start early to reach railway station in time and also advised to utilise the Metro Rail service. Traffic congestion points: *Alugaddabavi – Secunderabad Railway Station – Sangeet ‘X’ road – Clock Tower – Patny –Paradise – St.John’s Rotary – Begumpet – YMCA – CTO – Rasoolpura – Balamrai – Brooke Bond – Tivoli –Sweekar Upkaar . *Bowenpally – Tadbund – Ranigunj – Tank Bund – Karkhana – JBS – RTA Trimulgherry – Bowenpally Market and AOC. *Punjagutta – Khairatabad – Green Lands – Raj Bhavan. Hyderabad Traffic Police requested citizens to make note of the diversions and take alternate routes to avoid inconvenience. Follow Us : Tags Hyderabad Mala Simha Gharjana Parade Grounds Secunderabad Related News Watch: Fuel spill on Kushaiguda-Nagaram road in Hyderabad turns dangerous for motorists Golden Eagles soar to victory in nail-biting TPGL finale in Hyderabad NIHOC International School shines with thrilling first Annual Sports Day: Over 300 young champs steal the Show Singareni launches social media QR codes to share information
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