Philadelphia CBP Agriculture K9 Detects Prohibited Animal Products from Albania

Release Date:

January 6, 2020

PHILADELPHIA

– A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture detector dog led to the seizure of nearly 14 pounds of prohibited food products at Philadelphia International Airport December 19.

CBP agriculture specialists discovered this

unknown animal in a traveler\’s baggage.

CBP agriculture detector K9 Potter alerted to the baggage of two travelers who arrived on a flight from Albania. During a secondary examination, CBP agriculture specialists discovered 6.2 kilograms of raw unknown meat, pork hot dogs and raw ruminant tripe, 2.2 kilograms of fresh leeks, and two kilograms of fresh chestnuts. Within the chestnuts, agriculture specialists discovered two live insects,

Cydia splendana

(Tortricidae), a chestnut tortrix moth common to Europe, and

Curculio sp

. (Curculionidae), a nut weevil.

CBP seized the prohibited food products and released the travelers to continue their visit to Philadelphia. All prohibited agricultural items were destroyed.

CBP agriculture specialists observe increases in prohibited agriculture products during the holidays when foreign travelers bring traditional meals and products to celebrate with family in the United States.

“Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists protect our nation from a variety of potential agriculture threats every day, including these raw meat products that may carry an economy-damaging animal disease,” said Casey Durst, Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Baltimore Field Office. “CBP agriculture specialists continue to exercise extraordinary vigilance in their fight to protect our nation’s agriculture and economic prosperity from invasive pests and animal diseases.”

CBP agriculture specialists

perform a critical border security role in safeguarding America’s agricultural and natural resources from harmful pests and plant diseases. They have extensive training and experience in the biological sciences and agricultural inspection.

During a typical day last year, CBP agriculture specialists across the nation seized 4,552 prohibited plants, meats, animal byproducts, and soil, and intercepted 319 insect pests at U.S. ports of entry. See what else CBP achieved on a

typical day during 2018

CBP encourages foreign visitors to ‘

know before you go

’ by viewing general guidelines on a variety of

prohibited or restricted products

, or by visiting CBP’s Travel site at

www.CBP.gov

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation\’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

FACE OF DEFENSE

AMERICAN HERO

How to Get a Car Loan When You Have Bad Credit Score

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(January 8, 2020)–The

credit scorecard

plays an important role in getting a loan for the car. Unfortunately, bad credit score makes the process difficult for the borrower in terms of getting a favorable loan amount, monthly payments, and average interest rates. If you have got your heart set on

purchasing the dream car, then you probably need to contact a reliable lender for receiving

auto loans

. Your lender will guarantee the best auto financing deal regardless of your credit history. Read this article for more

information on getting a car loan with bad credit portfolio.

Work On Your Existing Scorecard

It is recommended to work on your existing credit score before you decide to buy a car on a loan. Check-in advance if your credit report will allow you to get a car loan or not. The bad credit portfolio surely decreases your chances of availing loans on favorable terms and conditions. By improving the score of your credit, you can shop around to choose the lending institution that fits best with your desires. It also increases your chances of getting car loans at the lowest possible rates. You can start by evaluating all the probable items that are responsible for your bad credit profile. Clean all the liabilities by paying off your unpaid accounts, reducing the number of total debts, highlighting the positive information on your scorecard, and resolving credit report errors. The continuous improvement in your scorecard leaves a good impression on the car dealers.

Increase the Amount of Down Payment

When you get to increase the amount of down payment, it means you have automatically improved your chances to receive a car loan even with bad credit history. Higher the down payment results in lesser the number of monthly payments, shorten the terms of your loan and lower the borrowing cost. The down payment is considered as money-in-hand which can impact the decisions of car loan lenders. The auto loans lender will support you in getting a car of your dreams even with a low credit score. It tends to reduce the risks associated with the default of the debtor.

Buy a Car That You Can Afford

Have you ever heard a common saying, “the less is more?” Well, that is also true when you make your decision to apply for a loan to buy a new car. If you desire to get an expensive car, then you probably realize that you would also have to take a considerable amount of loans. Similarly, when you have a limited amount saved up as down payment, then you will again have to cover the rest of the amount by getting a loan from financial lenders. Make sure you choose a car based on your estimated budget so you can afford monthly loan payments. Also, this will allow you to negotiate the average rate of interest against an approved amount of car loan.

Put Up Collateral Option

You can benefit from the collateral option if you are in trouble because of a bad credit scorecard. The collateral option allows the financial lenders to trust you because you have the intention to pledge something of great value like your house or expensive jewelry. This technique ensures the monthly payments and the residual amount of loan in the event of default or

bankruptcy

. Be careful when pledging your valuables as collateral, because your lender will sell them in case you are not able to pay. Consider all the significant risks to avoid worse case scenarios.

Consider the Help of a Co-Signer

If you have no credit history or if you are someone with a bad credit score, then don’t you worry! You can ask your parents, friends, siblings, or even your employer to co-sign the car loan. When you are financially stable and have a definite source of income, then your people will have no problem supporting you. Similarly, lenders will be happy to close a deal with you if you are in a position to mitigate the potential risks. Be absolutely sure you can make payments on time. Otherwise, your co-signer will become responsible for your debts.

image courtesy of Pinterest

STUDY: Lifelong Female Exercisers Benefit from Better Muscle Function

Newswise — Rockville, Md. (January 7, 2020)—Exercising throughout a woman’s life may help preserve muscle power during the aging process, according to recent research.

The study

, the first to examine the effects of lifelong aerobic exercise on a woman’s muscles as she ages, is published in the

Journal of Applied Physiology

and was chosen as an

APS

select

article for January

Cultural shifts in the past 50 years surrounding the inclusion of women in professional and elite athletics have led to more women being physically active for long periods of their lives. In fact, women outnumber men in organized running

competitions. However, even with more women becoming involved in lifelong exercise habits—on both recreational and competitive levels—the significance of exercise over a woman’s total lifespan has not been well-studied. Learning more about the effects of aerobic training on the muscles at a cellular level can help scientists better understand how physical activity slows various aspects of aging.

Researchers from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., analyzed muscle strength, power and the size and type of muscle fibers in the thigh muscles of three groups of women:

One group was over the age of 70 and had exercised consistently for almost 50 years (“older exercisers”).

One group had an average age of 25 and were also regularly physically active (“younger exercisers”).

A third group was over the age of 70 and did not regularly exercise (“nonexercisers”).

The older exercisers had more slow-twitch muscle fibers that contribute to endurance and help use energy more efficiently than both their nonexercising counterparts and young exercisers. The size of the slow-twitch fibers was consistent among the three groups. Compared to the younger exercisers, both groups of older women had smaller fast-twitch fibers—the type of muscles that contribute more to power than endurance.

The older exercisers had more power in the slow-twitch muscle fibers and preserved power in the fast-twitch muscle fibers when compared with the nonexercisers. Typically, fast-twitch muscle fiber function declines with age. These results “are unique and provide new insights into aging skeletal plasticity in women on the myocellular level,” the authors wrote. “Future research should consider other modes of exercise (i.e., resistance exercise) and the potential wide range of benefits across multiple physiological systems with lifelong exercise.”

Read the full article, “

Single-muscle fiber contractile properties in lifelong aerobic exercising women

,” published in the

Journal of Applied Physiology

. It is highlighted as one of this month’s “best of the best” as part of the American Physiological Society’s APS

select

program. Read all of

this month’s selected research articles

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS:

To schedule an interview with a member of the research team, please contact the

APS Communications Office

or call 301.634.7314. Find more research highlights in our

News Room

Physiology is the study of how molecules, cells, tissues and organs function in health and disease.

Established in 1887, the American Physiological Society (APS) was the first U.S. society in the biomedical sciences field. The Society represents nearly 10,000 members and publishes 15 peer-reviewed journals with a worldwide readership

SEE ORIGINAL STUDY

January, February and March Events in Philadelphia & The Surrounding Area

January 7

–

19, 2020

THE BAND’S VISIT.

One of the most Tony-award winning musicals in history makes a stop at the

Academy of Music

as part of the Broadway Philadelphia series. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

January 10 & 11, 2020

DRUMLINE LIVE.

The energy, rhythm and musicality of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands hit center stage at the

Merriam Theater.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

January 14 – 19, 2020

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL OF BLACKS IN DANCE.

The Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) continues its 50th anniversary celebration by hosting this event at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus’ Merriam Theater and SEI Innovation Studio, the DoubleTree Philadelphia, Cambria Hotel Philadelphia and The University of the Arts. (301) 755-0831,

iabdassociation.org

philadanco.org

January 17 – 19, 2020

HAMLISCH: WITH LOVE.

In dedication and tribute to the late composer Marvin Hamlisch, The Philly POPS perform renditions of his award-winning songs from Broadway (

A Chorus Line

) and Hollywood,

The Way We Were

, with help from vocalist Ashley Brown. (215) 893-1999,

phillypops.org

January 18 – March 22

, 2020

ORCHID EXTRAVAGANZA. Longwood Gardens

creates an absolutely transcendent experience for orchid lovers, perching and planting the rarest and most beautiful of flora from conservatories to outdoors. (610) 388-1000,

longwoodgardens.org

January 22 & 23, February 26 & 27, March 18 & 19, 2020

DANCE UP CLOSE.

A three-part, midweek, midwinter dance festival begins with

Junkspace

featuring Tori Lawrence at

Christ Church Neighborhood

House

in January; continues with

Boundaries & Other Works

and

Nest

, at

Christ Church Neighborhood House

in February; and wraps with

Reassembling Corporeal Knowledge

, featuring short videos, live solos and duets at

FringeArts

in March.

philadelphiadance.org

January 20, 2020

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY OF SERVICE.

Greater Philadelphia holds the country’s largest day of service every Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with tens of thousands of volunteers doing community projects throughout the city and region.

mlkdayofservice.org

January 21–26, 2020

RIVERDANCE – NEW 25TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW.

This brand-new production reinvents the Irish and international dance and music stylings of the worldwide sensation at the

Merriam Theater.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

January 12–24, 2020

CENTER CITY RESTAURANT WEEK.

Select restaurants in the

Center City District

will offer signature three-course dinners for $35 per person, and three-course lunches for $20 per guest.

ccdrestaurantweek.com

January 18, 2020

LUNAR NEW YEAR CULTUREFEST.

Asian Arts Initiative helps host the

Penn Museum’s

annual celebration of the Lunar New Year with dance, martial arts, music, craft-making, calligraphy, storytelling and a grand finale lion dance. (215) 898-4000,

penn.museum

January 23 – February 8, 2020

BEETHOVENNOW.

The Philadelphia Orchestra marks Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday with pianists Yefim Bronfman, Daniil Trifonov and Emanuel Ax performing all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos. January performances take place at the

Academy of Music;

February performances occur at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

(215) 893-1900,

philorch.org

January 24, 2020

WONDERSPACES. Fashion District Philadelphia

debuts its latest in immersive, experiential fun: a 24,000-square-foot art gallery and bar designed for the date-night crowd.

philadelphia.wonderspaces.com

January 25, 2020

JERRY BLAVAT DISCO, ROCK N’ ROLL AND SOUL.

The Boss with the Hot Sauce hosts a show in

Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

featuring musical acts Peaches & Herb, The Trammps and Gary U.S. Bonds, among others, and a tribute to the late Johnny Maestro. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

January 25, 2020

LUNAR NEW YEAR.

The celebration of the Year of the Rat includes a parade through

Chinatown,

midnight lion-dance performances and special events at

Reading Terminal Market,

the

Independence Seaport Museum

and

The Rail Park.

FEBRUARY 2020

Philadelphia Auto Show, February 8-17, 2020

— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Through February 8, 2020

BEETHOVENNOW.

The Philadelphia Orchestra marks Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday with pianists Yefim Bronfman, Daniil Trifonov and Emanuel Ax performing all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

(215) 893-1900,

philorch.org

Through February 23, 2020

THE ROTHMAN ORTHOPAEDICS ICE RINK AND CABIN AND WINTERGARDEN.

The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Skating Rink, the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin and Wintergarden finish their seasonal run at

Dilworth Park,

City Hall’s front yard. (215) 440-5500,

centercityphila.org

Through February 29, 2020

BLACK HISTORY MONTH.

Major attractions across the city—including

The African American Museum in Philadelphia,

the

National Constitution Center,

the

Free Library of Philadelphia

and more—celebrate the month throughout February with events and special programming.

visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/black-history-month-in-philadelphia

February 1, 2020

AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR.

One of the oldest and largest single-day events for African American children’s books in the country, the 28th annual African American Children’s Book Fair at the

Community College of Philadelphia

features nationally known and bestselling authors and illustrators, representatives from the multicultural literary community, enriching children’s books, and activities that promote the power and joy of reading.

theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org

February 1–16, 2020

GETAWAY AT THE GREENHOUSE.

Fairmount Park Horticultural Center

celebrates summer in winter, setting up a giant sandbox, live music, food trucks and

Gaia, The Traveling Artwork

, British artist Luke Jerram’s spectacular giant globe of the Earth featuring detailed NASA photography. (215) 685-0096,

myphillypark.org

my-earth.org

February 1 – June 7, 2020

VOTES FOR WOMEN: A VISUAL HISTORY.

The

Brandywine Museum of Art

commemorates the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote using drawings, illustrations and posters expressing the message of the suffragists, as well as costumes, clothing, sashes and emblems worn by the women activists. (610) 388-2700,

brandywine.org

February 1 – June 14, 2020

WITNESS TO HISTORY: SELMA PHOTOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN SOMERSTEIN.

This exhibit on display at the

Brandywine Museum of Art

documents the historic 54-mile march for civil rights from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. (610) 388-2700,

brandywine.org

February 6–9, 2020

GREY ROCK.

A fantastical new work from director and playwright Amir Nizar Zuabi bridges American and Palestinian cultures and makes its Philadelphia debut with a five-person cast from Palestine, including acclaimed actor Khalifa Natour, at

SEI Innovation Studio

at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus.

kimmelcenter.org

February 6–16, 2020

PHILLY THEATRE WEEK.

A 10-day regional theatrical festival promises 100 events, including panels, concerts, meet-ups and loads of live theater. (267) 761-9950,

theatrephiladelphia.org

February 7–9, 2020

NICK JR. LIVE! MOVE TO THE MUSIC.

Friends from

Bubble Guppies

Paw Patrol

Dora the Explorer

Shimmer and Shine

Blue’s Clues and You

Blaze and the Monster Machines

, and

Top Wing

lead a singing-and-dancing adventure at the

Academy of Music.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

February 8, 2020

JOURNEYS.

Acting Without Boundaries (AWB), a Philadelphia-based theater workshop for kids, teens and young adults with physical disabilities, takes part in Philly Theatre Week (see above) by performing a songs and scenes from some of Broadway’s greatest hits in the

Rendell Room of the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus.

kimmelcenter.org

February 8–17, 2020

PHILADELPHIA AUTO SHOW.

The automotive industry’s latest creations are on a 750,000-square-foot display at the

Pennsylvania Convention Center,

the showplace for more than 700 pre-production, classic, luxury and exotic cars.

phillyautoshow.com

February 14–16, 2020

ARETHA: RESPECT.

To honor the Queen of Soul, The Philly POPS features Broadway powerhouse Capathia Jenkins and R&B singer Ryan Shaw in a program that includes renditions of

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Respect

and

Chain of Fools

. (215) 893-1999,

phillypops.org

February 15, 2020

AFRICAN AND DIASPORIC CULTURES CELEBRATION.

The Penn Museum’s second CultureFest of the year reunites traditional and contemporary African and African Diasporic arts through mask-making, drumming and more live music, storytelling, film screenings and an African marketplace. (215) 898-4000,

penn.museum

February 15 – September 20, 2020

SURVIVAL OF THE SLOWEST.

Survival strategies of sloths, iguanas and pancake tortoises, among other animals that are slow and small, are explored in this exhibit at the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

(215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

February 16, 2019

MUMMENSCHANZ: YOU & ME

. The mesmerizing Swiss theatrical troupe performs their brand-new show at the

Annenberg Center

creating shapes, forms, sounds and stories that delight audiences of every age. (215) 898-3900,

annenbergcenter.org

February 19 – March 1, 2020

HELLO, DOLLY!

Matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi and the rest of the characters from the musical-comedy classic make their way to the

Academy of Music

as part of the Broadway Philadelphia series. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

February 21 – March 14, 2020

#GLASSFEST.

This three-week festival presented by the

Annenberg Center

celebrates Philip Glass’ career and includes the Philadelphia premiere of the composer’s

Music in Twelve Parts

and the world premiere of

The White Lama

, a theatrical piece by Nikki Appino that features a score by Glass. (215) 898-3900,

annenbergcenter.org

February 23

–

May 10, 2020

MARIE CUTTOLI: THE MODERN THREAD FROM MIRÓ TO MAN RAY.

Cuttoli, a modern art pioneer, commissioned international modernist artists to design pieces that were woven into tapestries, as seen in this

Barnes Foundation

exhibit. (215) 278-7200,

barnesfoundation.org

February 24 – March 6, 2020

EAST PASSYUNK RESTAURANT WEEK.

Three-course prix fixe lunches and dinners are available (tax, alcohol and gratuity not included) at various restaurants in the South Philly neighborhood.

eastpassyunkrestaurantweek.com

February 26 & 27, March 18 & 19, 2020

DANCE UP CLOSE.

A three-part, midweek, midwinter dance festival that began with

Junkspace

with Tori Lawrence at

Christ Church Neighborhood

House

in January continues with

Boundaries & Other Works

and

Nest

, at

Christ Church Neighborhood House

in February, and wraps

Reassembling Corporeal Knowledge

, featuring short videos, live solos and duets at

FringeArts

in March.

philadelphiadance.org

February 26–29, 2020

TURN.

Philadelphia performance artist M’Balia Singley world premieres a work that delves into themes from Shakespeare’s

Othello

through the lens of an African American woman at the

SEI Innovation Studio

at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus.

kimmelcenter.org

February 29 – March 8, 2020

PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW.

The annual gardening celebration at the

Pennsylvania Convention Center

is the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind, with top-of-the-line horticulture and landscape design, entertainment and more than 100 vendors. This year’s theme: “Riviera Holiday.” (215) 988-8800,

theflowershow.com

MARCH 2020

Philly Wine Week, March 30-April 6, 2020

— Photo courtesy Philly Wine Week

March 2020

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH.

March marks Women’s History Month, a time when attractions and venues across the city welcome guests for special events, tours and presentations oriented around the month-long celebration.

Through March 1, 2020

HELLO, DOLLY!

Matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi and the rest of the characters from the musical-comedy classic make their way to the

Academy of Music

as part of the Broadway Philadelphia series. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

Through March 1, 2020

IN CONVERSATION: VISUAL MEDITATIONS ON BLACK MASCULINITY.

Fifty-five female and non-binary photographers of African descent present an exhibition at the

African American Museum in Philadelphia

exploring the notions of Black men, masculinity, sexuality and gender identity. (215) 574-0380,

aampmuseum.org

Through March 5, 2020

BLUE CROSS RIVERRINK WINTERFEST.

Penn’s Landing’s

wintertime ice-skating rink and Winterfest wonderland, complete with a lodge, arcade and confectionery cabin enjoy their seasonal run. (215) 629-3200,

riverrink.com

Through March 8, 2020

DESIGNS FOR DIFFERENT FUTURES.

The future feeds designers’ inspiration and this exhibit at the

Philadelphia Museum of Art

shares examples of what creators think the years ahead hold. (215) 763-8100,

philamuseum.org

Through March 8, 2020

PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW.

The annual gardening celebration at the

Pennsylvania Convention Center

theflowershow.com

Through March 17, 2020

COST OF REVOLUTION.

This 5,000-square-foot exhibition at the

Museum of the American Revolution

chronicles the untold story of Irish soldier Richard St. George who, after an injury at the Battle of Germantown in 1777, returned to his native country to find it energized by the revolutionary spirit. (215) 253-6731,

amrevmuseum.org

March 22, 2020

ORCHID EXTRAVAGANZA. Longwood Gardens

creates an absolutely transcendent experience for orchid lovers, perching and planting the rarest and most beautiful of flora from conservatories to outdoors. (610) 388-1000,

longwoodgardens.org

March 1, 2020

FRANKLIN SQUARE.

The carousel resumes to turning and Square Burger gets back to making Cake Shakes, as Historic Philadelphia Inc.’s Franklin Square fully reopens after a winter break. (215) 629-4026,

historicphiladelphia.org

March 1 – September 20, 2020

SEAT AT THE TABLE

A free, seven-day-a-week, interactive art exhibition by Dome Collective at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

invites the public to experience women’s representation in places of power (seats at tables) through 3D infographic furniture, while a wall of interactive screens introduces pioneers in women’s history. (215) 893-1999,

domecollective.com

March 5–7, 2020

PORGY AND BESS.

Conductor Marin Alsop leads The Philadelphia Orchestra and a cast including soprano Angel Blue, baritone Lester Lynch and the Morgan State University Choir in George Gershwin’s American classic that shares a story of heartbreak and hope along Charleston’s Catfish Row. (215) 893-1999,

philorch.org

March 6–8, 2020

POPS ROCKS PHIL COLLINS.

Philadelphia salutes the only performer to play both London and Philly for Live Aid in 1985 in this tribute performance to Phil Collins at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts,

featuring hits such as

Easy Lover

One More Night

and

Two Hearts

. (215) 893-1999,

phillypops.org

March 7, 2020

PHILLY CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL.

Called “one of the top 10 beer festivals in America” by

Forbes Traveler

, the festival features national and international breweries, food trucks and a VIP session with rare brews at the

Philadelphia Navy Yard.

(631) 940-7290,

phillycraftbeerfest.com

March 7–29, 2020

ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL. The Israeli Film Festival,

Philadelphia’s annual showcase of the best in Israeli film, returns with a powerful lineup of documentaries, dramas, films and more. (484) 904-5421,

iffphila.com

March 7 & 8, 2020

PALEOPALOOZA.

Visitors get up-close-and-personal with rare fossils from the collection of the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

, talk to paleontologists and participate in a number of activities planned for dinosaur fans of all ages. (215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

March 12, 2020

BALLET FOLCLÒRICO NACIONAL DE MÉXICO DE SILVIA LOZANO.

This nearly 60-year-old institution brings the culture of Mexico to the

Merriam Theater

through folklore, dance, music and costumes. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

March 12 – April 5, 2020

BEETHOVENNOW.

The second of two epic celebrations marking Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday sees the Philadelphia Orchestra at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

juxtaposing the composer’s nine genre-transforming symphonies with contemporary works from composer-in-residence Gabriela Lena Frank and her diverse composers from the Creative Academy of Music. (215) 893-1900,

philorch.org

March 14–22, 2020

THE WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL.

It’s year five for this empowering, Philly-grown, women-centric festival that celebrates women’s roles behind and in front of the camera.

thewomensfilmfestival.org

March 15, 2020

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE.

Marching bands, decorated floats, music and dance groups, youth groups and Irish associations march down Broad Street to City Hall and from City Hall to Market Street to Penn’s Landing.

philadelphiastpatsparade.com

March 17

–

29, 2020

LES MISÉRABLES.

The Broadway Philadelphia series brings the Tony-Award winning musical classic with its inspiring tale to the

Academy of Music.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

March 18 & 19, 2020

DANCE UP CLOSE.

A three-part, midweek, midwinter dance festival that began with

Junkspace

with Tori Lawrence at

Christ Church Neighborhood

House

in January and

Boundaries & Other Works

and

Nest

, at

Christ Church Neighborhood House

in February wraps with

Reassembling Corporeal Knowledge

, featuring short videos, live solos and duets at

FringeArts

in March.

philadelphiadance.org

March 21, 2020

FOUNDERS DAY.

Visitors pay what they wish at the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

to celebrate the founding day in 1812 of the oldest natural history museum in the Americas. (215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

March 21, 2020

SIMPLE GIFTS WITH ORGAN: THE CASHORE MARIONETTES & ORGANIST MARVIN MILLS.

The music of Vivaldi, Strauss, Beethoven and Copland fills

Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts,

while the Cashore Marionettes express touching scenes of everyday life. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

March 22–29, 2020

QFLIX PHILADELPHIA.

This annual festival celebrates all genres of film that pertain to or were created by members of the LGBTQ communities, with screenings based at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre.

qflixphilly.com

March 28, 2020

NOWRUZ. Penn Museum’s

CultureFest honors Nowruz, an ancient Persian New Year festival celebrated by people in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and beyond, by hosting live performances, art-making, gallery tours, storytelling, workshops and a Persian bazaar. (215) 898-4000,

penn.museum

March 29 – May 3, 2020

SPRING BLOOMS.

Visitors take in the sights and smells of spring’s arrival at

Longwood Gardens

with 240,000 tulips, azaleas, dogwoods and more. (610) 388-1000,

longwoodgardens.org

March 29 – August 23, 2020

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR.

This exhibit at the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

, organized and produced by the Natural History Museum in London, displays 100 stunning images of nature and wildlife. (215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

March 30 – April 6, 2020

PHILLY WINE WEEK.

The annual eight-day festival returns for another year of wine-centric events, tastings, pairings and specials at bars and restaurants throughout Philadelphia.

phillywineweek.org

March 2020 (TBA)

CENTENNIAL INNOVATIONS.

Please Touch Museum

unveils a new, 5,000-square-foot permanent gallery that takes a colorful, interactive look back at its building’s roots in the 1876 Centennial Exposition — the fair that introduced the U.S. to the telephone, banana, Corliss engine, popcorn, typewriter, adhesive bandage and more — in order to let kids look into their future.

pleasetouchmuseum.org

Can\’t Decide What Type Of Boat To Buy? Here Is A Short Guide

Buying a boat for the first time can be an overwhelming process for the first time. Many different types of boats can be used for various purposes. You shouldn’t look at any friend’s or family member’s vessel and get the same thing because it might not be as suitable for your needs. Here is a list of the various kinds of boats, and other things that you might want to consider before making the decision.

Before Thinking Of Buying

The first thing is, you will need to have a boating license. For which you should consider taking classes, consider taking

practice tests by Aceboater

if you are in Canada. Then, check the laws in the state you plan on riding the boat. Similar to registering a car, you might need to register the vessel as well. Also, learn about transferring the registration to your name if you are considering to purchase a used boat.

Look into each different kind of boat

Think about what you want to do with the boat. Make a list of all the activities that you, or your family, might want to do. Here is a list of the common types of boats:

Aluminum Fishing Boats

It is very commonly used for angling, which is a fishing sport. It has lightweight, and it is effortless to transport.

All-Purpose Fishing Boats

If you are really into fishing and like to catch all kinds of fishes, then this might be a good option. This type is excellent for maximum versatility.

Bowriders

Bowriders are excellent for families and groups of people. They can be used for numerous watersports and regular joy rides.

Cuddy Cabins

Cuddy cabins are excellent for a beautiful day out in the waters, under the sun. If needed, they also have a covered area.

Cabin Cruisers

These are more luxuries versions of cuddy cabins.

Deck Boats

These boats are fantastic for bigger crowds. They are all about making more space inside and maximizing the seating capacity. They can even be used to throw small parties.

Fish and Ski

If you are the kind of person who loves to fish but also enjoys the occasional water sports with friends and family, this might be the ideal boat for you.

High Performance

If you are planning to race, or love speed, then a streamlined boat with high speed and low air resistance would be suitable. Luckily, high-performance boats are just that.

These are just a few, and there are many other types that you should look at before buying.

New Or Used

Now that you have the appropriate information about the kind of boat that would be best, take a look at the budget. It would help if you decided whether to buy a brand new boat or a used one. If you have been saving up for a while, or money is not a problem, then new ones are the way to go. If you are a little low on cash, then purchasing a used one would be better. Used boats can be just as good and last just as long if they are in good condition. Consider getting a thorough inspection before buying a pre-owned vessel.

Visit

boatsforsale.co.uk

and browse through their wide selection of different types of boats both new and used.

images courtesy of Pinterest

New Year\’s Eve Ideas for Fun, Food, and Decorations

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(January 7, 2020)– is nearer than ever and marks the end of a beautiful decade. The new year is not just the start of another year, but the start of a new decade as well, where most of us will be going through life-changing events, getting married, completing degrees, having kids, while some of us may still stick to playing slot games in online

casinos and their sister sites

all day.

Celebrating this special new year\’s eve in the best way possible is essential as you\’ll be starting your new year and a new decade with nothing but high hopes and happiness. This is why today we\’ll be discussing the best New Year\’s Eve ideas for fun, food and decorations and more!

Bring Your Own Food Party

Bring Your Food is a great concept and can come in handy if you\’re hosting a New Year\’s Eve party with a moderate amount of guests. Contact the people that you\’re willing to invite to your party and ask them to bring some appetizers with them, which they can cook themselves or get from the market. Anything is appreciated, and it doesn\’t have to be something marvelous or Unique – If it\’s difficult for them to cook something, you can just ask them to get a can or two of beans or nuts!

Setting up a Champagne Bar

Probably the most essential thing when it comes to celebrating new years\’ eve is a Champagne Bar. Using pretty Glassware, tables, Bowls and jars and fill some of them with pomegranate seeds tacky citrus herbs and let your guests do their thing. Everyone loves a Champagne bar, so why not make your New Year\’s Eve party even more fun with one?

Midnight Supper

After your guests are done with the Champagne bar (If you set up any), close it and invite everyone for a midnight supper to start the year off for good. A

baked potato bar, Roasted Sweet Potato, Pear & Pomegranate Spinach Salad

Baked Mac and Cheese

are some of the best and inexpensive midnight

supper ideas which you can carry out for your New Year\’s Eve Party!

Hiring a photographer

If you\’re in it for making memories, hiring a photographer makes it nice and easy for you to get those before and after pics for your new year\’s eve, and a lot of organized and candid pictures for you to look back and see in a couple of years. If hiring a good photographer isn\’t what you want, you can ask a guest or a friend to do all the pictures, or if no one is willing to do it, you can do the photography job yourself.

Game Idea – Writing Resolutions

What\’s more fun than

playing games with your guests on a New Year\’s Eve

, and while there are plenty of game ideas out there, like board games and more, the best one that comes to the mind is asking your guests to write their new year\’s resolutions. It\’s also a fun and interactive way to make conversations with your guests and provokes an interactive session between people as well!

Two Delaware Men Arrested on Drug and Weapon-Related Charges

Jamar Smith and Joseph B. Coverdale

DOVER (Jan. 6, 2020) – DNREC’s Delaware Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit arrested two Wilmington men Dec. 31 and charged them with numerous drug- and weapon-related crimes after a traffic stop on Route 1 southbound led to discovery of crack cocaine in their possession. One of the men arrested had multiple warrants outstanding with the Wilmington Police Department, including first-degree robbery, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, and resisting arrest.

After pulling over the vehicle and making contact with the driver, Jamar Smith, 30, and passenger Joseph B. Coverdale, a DNREC ECU officer detected an odor of marijuana. An ECU search of the vehicle and the two occupants yielded 27.39 grams of crack cocaine and 1 gram of marijuana.

In connection with the traffic stop, Smith was charged by DNREC ECU with one count each of the following: manufacture/delivery of, or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in a tier 3 quantity; conspiracy second degree – agreement to engage in felony criminal conduct; possession of drug paraphernalia not related to personal use quantity of marijuana; possession of marijuana, and failure to signal continuously when moving right, left, or turning.

In connection with the traffic stop, Coverdale was charged with one count of each of the following: manufacture/delivery of, or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in a tier 3 quantity; tampering with physical evidence; conspiracy second degree – agreement to engage in felony criminal conduct; possession of drug paraphernalia not related to personal use quantity of marijuana; and possession of marijuana. Coverdale had multiple warrants outstanding with the Wilmington Police Department for the following charges: robbery first degree; possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; carrying a concealed deadly weapon – firearm; conspiracy first degree; burglary second degree; and resisting arrest.

Following the traffic stop and initial charges, the Delaware State Police Governor’s Task Force and Delaware Probation and Parole conducted a search of a residence on Deville Circle in Wilmington that yielded 11 bags of heroin and a loaded 9-mm handgun.

In connection with the Deville Circle residential search, Smith was also charged by Delaware State Police with one count each of the following: possession, purchase, own or control of a deadly weapon, semi-automatic weapon, or automatic weapon by a person prohibited, who also possesses a controlled substance; possession, purchase, own or control of a firearm/destructive weapon if previously convicted of two violent felonies on separate occasions; possession, purchase, own or control of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited due to a prior violent crime or felony conviction; and possession or consumption of a controlled or counterfeit substance except human growth hormone without a prescription; and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child by committing a Title 16offense with a child in the dwelling.

Both men were video-arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover. Smith was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown on $26,226 secured bond. Coverdale was committed to the same facility on $78,400 cash bond.

Delawareans are encouraged to report environmental violations to DNREC’s Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit by calling the 24-hour environmental complaints line at 800-662-8802.

New Audit: Problems with Pennsylvania Voter System

HARRISBURG, PA–An audit of the state’s voter registration system uncovered “potentially bad data and sloppy record-keeping,” but stopped short of saying the results revealed any inappropriate voting.

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale’s examination of the Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) found what he said were more than 50,000 cases with potentially inaccurate voter records. While he called the estimate conservative, the review “did not validate the thousands of cases/situations identified.”

DePasquale, who is running for Congress, noted a lack of cooperation by PennDOT and four county election offices in compiling his audit. He also said the Department of State denied his office access to potentially relevant documents.

“It is past time to improve this system,” DePasquale said.

“Some county election officials are busy replacing voting equipment ahead of next year’s presidential election,” DePasquale said. “But keeping voter registration records up-to-date is an equally important task. And as we all know, the next year’s presidential election may be one of the most historic elections and one of the most closely watched elections in not only Pennsylvania but in U.S. history. The closeness of Pennsylvania in 2016 means that every single record is important.”

The state created SURE more than 15 years ago, and the system holds the records of more than 8.5 million registered voters. The audit covered Jan. 1, 2016, through April 16 of this year.

DePasquale’s office handed down 50 recommendations he says will strengthen the Department of State’s policies and management controls. The auditor wants the Department of State to work with counties to resolve records management issues, including duplicate voter records.

Of the 50,000 cases with potentially inaccurate voter records, in 24,408 cases, the same driver’s license number was listed in more than one voter record, while 13,913 were potential duplicate cases. Furthermore, 6,876 had a possible date of birth (DOB) inaccuracy, while 2,230 had potential DOB or registration date inaccuracies and 2,991 were records of potentially deceased voters.

As part of the audit, DePasquale selected 196 voters from the more than 8.5 million registered and requested source documents to verify the accuracy of data within SURE. The team was able to test 58 records and confirmed those were accurate.

However, the team was “unable to form any conclusions as to the accuracy of the entire population of voter records maintained in SURE since we could not test 138 or 70 percent of the records we sampled due to source documentation not being made available,” they said in the audit.

DePasquale said his audit did not suggest inaccuracies in votes cast during the 2016 presidential election or that deceased voters or people living illegally in the country had voted. The Department of State did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment, but

told WESA

the findings were “flawed and misleading.”

published here with permission of The Center Square

Video: Dan Crenshaw Explains Exactly Why Killing Qasem Soleimani Was A Great Move

WHO IS DAN CRENSHAW?

Daniel Reed Crenshaw

[1]

(born March 14, 1984)

[2]

is an American politician and former

United States Navy SEAL

officer serving in the

United States House of Representative

for

Texas\’s 2nd congressional

district

since 2019. A member of the

Republican Party

, he was elected in the

2018 midterms

While serving in the

Helmand Province

of Afghanistan in 2012, during his third deployment, he was injured by the detonation of an

improvised explosive device

; he lost his right eye and required surgery to save the vision in his left eye.

[16]

After the injury, he was deployed to his fourth and fifth tours of duty in

Bahrain

and

South Korea

[16]

As a Navy SEAL, he earned two

Bronze Star Medals

, the

Purple Heart

, and the

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal

with

valor

. He medically retired from military service in 2016 as a

Lieutenant Commander

[16]

~CNBNews editor

republished here with

permission of The Daily Caller

How to Design Your Shop to Boost Sales

(Gloucestercitynews.net((January 6, 2020)–Enticing customers into your shop is a vital part of becoming a successful business. After all, you need people to buy your products for you to continue trading. Your customers can also be your biggest cheerleaders because, depending on their experience with your brand, they may well recommend you to other people they know. This, of course, means more sales for you.

However, your customers’ experience will also include what your shop is like. You might sell the exact product they’re looking for, but your store may not be a pleasant place for them to be in. That could mean a sale you lose to a competitor. So if you don’t want that to happen to you, then have a think about some of these tips on how you can boost sales by improving your premises.

Think of Your Threshold

Your threshold area

will be the first place your prospective customers go when entering your store: it will be their initial experience of what you have to offer. It’s also at this point that customers will make judgements such as how cheap or expensive your store may be, and how well coordinated items such as your displays, fixtures and colors are. Customers are also more likely to miss products, carts or signs you place here, because they’re in the transition mode from high street to store.

What Path Will They Take?

Of all the consumers in North America, 90% of them will unconsciously turn right when they enter a store. So pay attention to the ‘power wall’ — the first wall they see — as this will give a high-impact first impression of your merchandise.

Then create a clear path for your customers through your store. This is so they get maximum exposure to your products, which can increase the chances of a purchase being made. A well thought-out path can also control the flow of traffic.

Your tills should then be at a natural stopping point that you’ve purposefully designed. So if your customers turn right when they enter, then the front left may be the ideal location. However, this will depend on the size and layout of your store.

Be a Curator

Carefully editing your merchandise

is a way to escape from the number of choices available to your customers. So treating each product you have as an exhibit is a way to make your space feel more like a gallery.

Curated retail means you can have focused shopping and product relevance. Your customers are then also shown the products that are most important to them. Curation puts customers in the center of the retail process, with their preferences highlighted as being important with an uncomplicated, yet compelling shopping experience.

By using

retail design

, you can also make the experience fun. Humans crave entertainment and intrigue, so using items such as touchscreens and other retail technologies can turn your space into a playground, while also providing personalization and competing with online competitors.