MIDLAND, Mich., March 14, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Today, Rivers are Life proudly premieres its newest film “Gifts of the Nile”, which takes us to Qursaya Island in Cairo, Egypt along the Nile River. This film takes us on a journey alongside River Hero Alban De Ménonville and his team at VeryNile as they work to remove plastics from the Nile River, while also educating the community and raising awareness around the importance of conservation in our waterways.
After noticing that the communities’ traditional ways of fishing were becoming more challenging due to the amount of plastic that entered the river, VeryNile quickly took action launching the “Reviving Cairo Fishermen” project. This project utilizes local fishermen and women and their knowledge of the river to assist in cleaning out any plastic, and in turn, pays them an above-average wage for putting in the work. This allows the river to be cleaned on a grassroots level by those who grew up on the riverbank and provides additional sources of income for the local community.
The film also follows artisan worker Loza Mahmoud and her fisherman husband, Hamed Aly Hamed, as they show their day-to-day lifestyle raising three children on Qursaya Island and depending on the Nile River to make a living for their family. As Hamed heads out to the fishery each morning with his young son, they focus on net fishing before switching their focus to plastic removal along the river. After realizing that the fish tend to come and go, but the plastic is always there, Hamed makes it a priority to pull bags of plastic out of the river and bring them to a sorting facility. These sorting facilities are employed by locals from the VeryNile organization and are able to compact, package and store the plastic until its ready to be upcycled.
We are then introduced to Salma Ellakany, a VeryNile educator, who focuses on teaching the next generation the importance of conservation. Raising awareness amongst the youth in the area will give these declining ecosystems a chance as the next generation learns to use their passion to help their local community. To come full circle, these bags of plastic that are stored after being removed from the river are then broken down and processed into colorful textiles, purses, hats and other home goods, allowing locals to sell these products as artists and creators. This has brought community locals together, working in unison with one topic of focus – sustainability.
“We have 40 full-time people (artisans, plastic operators) and we are working with around 100 fishermen; so that’s a total of 140 local families benefiting directly from this project,“ said Alban De Ménonville. “We translate a problem into opportunities that positively affect our communities and the health of the Nile River.”
A bill creating a liability shield encouraging private landowners to provide public recreation access on their property is headed to Gov. Jared Polis after passing unanimously in the Colorado House of Representatives on Friday. The bill had already passed in the Senate.
Two similar attempts to strengthen Colorado’s Recreational Use Statute (CRUS) had failed in previous years, leading some landowners to close their properties to hikers, runners, climbers and anglers for fear that they could be held liable for injuries on their land.
Most notably, access to five of the state’s famed 14,000-foot peaks was affected, and outdoors activists feared more land would be closed to recreation without legislative action.
The bill passed Friday clarifies landowner responsibilities, and only requires them to warn the public of known hazards on their land with signs at trailheads. Passage was spearheaded by an alliance of outdoors groups known as the Fix CRUS Coalition. It includes the Colorado Mountain Club, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, the American Alpine Club and The Nature Conservancy.
“The Fix CRUS Coalition is thrilled with the passage of SB 58 which strengthens liability protections for landowners, encouraging increased access to public and private land for hiking, biking, rock climbing and the other activities that make Colorado a great place to live and play,” said Anneliese Steel, who chairs the Fix CRUS Coalition, according to a news release.
“Outdoor recreation is foundational to living in Colorado. With passage of SB 58, the Colorado Legislature has boosted liability protections for private landowners while fostering a climate that should help maintain and expand access to private lands for recreation,” she added.
BOSTON â A new bipartisan proposal calls for lifting a statewide ban on removing abandoned fishing lines to help protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
The legislation, filed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, would authorize the state Division of Marine Fisheries â with the approval of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission and the Department of Fish and Game â to set regulations allowing for the removal of fishing gear from state waters.
Under current law, commercial fishing gear is considered private property and cannot be removed when it becomes dislodged and sinks to the ocean floor or washes up on shore. Backers of the plan say abandoned fishing gear poses a threat to the marine environment and ecosystems.
âIt âghost fishes,â increasing mortality without any harvest benefit, it presents a major risk for entanglement for right whales and other species, it clutters and pollutes the ocean floor, and it presents ongoing problems for coastal communities that have to deal with this form of pollution when it washes ashore and must be collected and disposed of before it does further damage,â Tarr said in a statement.
The rare bipartisan measure is co-sponsored by more than a dozen lawmakers spanning the North Shore, South Shore, Cape Cod and the islands, including state Sen. Joan Lovely, D-Salem, and Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester, and House Minority Leader Brad Jones, R-North Reading.
Itâs also backed by the Massachusetts Lobstermenâs Association, which lauded the fact that the bill would allow abandoned gear to be collected during community beach cleanups.
âThe commercial lobster industry also helps with many of these cleanup efforts to maintain clean beaches for everyone to enjoy,â said Beth Casoni, the associationâs executive director. âWe look forward to seeing this bill through to the end.â
The bill also includes protections for fishermen, including a provision that clarifies it is unlawful to âtake, use, destroy, injure or molestâ traps, lines and other gear âwithout the consent of the owner.â
Lawmakers say the proposal seeks to strike a balance between the protection of right whales while recognizing the impact of government-ordered fishing ground closures and other restrictions on the stateâs commercial lobster fishery.
Driven to the brink of extinction in the 20th century by whalers, North Atlantic right whales are more recently at risk from ship collisions and entanglement in fishing gear.
Scientists say the population of North Atlantic right whales has dwindled to about 360. The species has also been hindered by poor reproduction and several years of high mortality, research has shown.
Environmental activists want to ban commercial fishing nets and gear in state waters to prevent entanglements of whales and turtles. Theyâve also called for federal regulators to expand no-fishing zones and mandate the use of so-called âropelessâ fishing gear to reduce the risk of entanglements.
Federal regulators are considering new regulations requiring modifications in fishing gear to help reduce whale fatalities, but those rules have been put on hold for two years following recent court challenges.
Massachusetts lobstermen argue that theyâre doing more than enough to protect the whales by following conservation measures, including a months-long fishing closure during the winter and early spring and the use of new technology.
They also argue that line entanglements are rare and say additional regulations would mean more financial pressures for an industry that is already struggling amid stringent regulations and closures of fishing areas.
Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the death of a right whale off Marthaâs Vineyard from a fishing line entanglement.
The federal agency said the fishing gear, which had become deeply embedded in the whaleâs tail, was traced back to Maineâs commercial lobster industry.
Meanwhile, authorities discovered another dead right whale carcass floating off the coast of Georgia this week.
The deaths have rekindled demands from environmental groups to impose new restrictions on fishing gear and commercial vessels to protect the critically endangered species.
âThe death of two juvenile North Atlantic whales within three weeks of each other is heartbreaking and preventable,â Kathleen Collins, senior marine campaign manager for the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said in a statement Thursday. âThe right whale graveyard off our eastern seaboard continues to grow and inaction from the administration is digging the graves.â
Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.
It’s no secret how successful and popular the Destiny franchise has become over the years. Recent DLCs like The Witch Queen and Lightfall shattered records and brought the player base to all-time high numbers. However, it’s also not a secret that more often than not, Bungie has had some missed opportunities to improve the game a little, and these are 10 of the biggest examples.
Adding New Mementos
Image Source: Bungie.net
At the time of writing this post, for the first time in nearly two years since the feature was introduced, Destiny 2 revealed a new Memento for crafted weapons for the Festival of the Lost event. However, the new “Lost Memento” is time-gated, meaning it’s only available while Festival of the Lost is live and will leave the game when the event ends in a few weeks.
While it’s cool that we finally have a new Memento in the game, it doesn’t excuse that there haven’t been any other new ones added over the last two years. Specifically, they very easily could have been added to the multiple Raids released, via something like a Taken Memento for the King’s Fall Raid that turns your gun into a Taken weapon.
In fact, it’s mind-boggling to consider that we don’t have any Raid Mementos, where they could be tied to completing Master Raids to make them all the more enticing to play.
Mementos are a great endgame material that makes crafted weapons all the more valuable with amazing shaders like the Trials of Osiris Memento that turns your gun all gold. The possibilities for Mementos could be endless, and Bungie really needs to start cashing in on them.
Adding Ornaments To Master Raids
Image Source: Bungie.net
It’s no secret that Master Raids have been a controversial topic since they were introduced early last year with the Witch Queen DLC. While improvements have been made here and there, Bungie definitely missed out on adding an ample loot opportunity: Ornaments. In particular, unique Armor Ornaments to either the pre-existing Raid Armor sets, or making new Master mode versions all together.
Before the Forsaken DLC, the Leviathan Raid featured a “Prestige” mode complete with Prestige Armor, which was the same Armor set from the normal version but with a unique purple glow on it. While it wasn’t super innovative, it was nonetheless a new Armor set for Guardians to chase in the higher difficulty Raid.
Fast forward years later, and Bungie has yet to do anything special with Raid Armor sets since then, with missed opportunities including the recent reprisal of the Crota’s End Raid. Bungie brought back the unique “Age of Triumph” Armor set from Destiny 1, which was a nice addition, but failed to bring back the normal Crota’s End Armor set. They could have made the Age of Triumph Armor a reward for completing the Master version of the Raid, or lock it behind challenges in the Master mode.
Either way, these options could have made the Raid — and other Master Raids — all the more enticing to partake in after acquiring the Seal for them.
In particular, with the recent reprisal of the Titan destination, we could have seen the return of the Savathun’s Song Strike. Instead, we saw previous “Battleground” activities turned into a Nightfall instead. Whether this was due to a lack of resources needed to do so or as a creative decision on Bungie’s part is unclear, but the end result is the same.
Strikes are in desperate need of a refresh, and the unvaulting of older year one and two Strikes could be the big break we’ve been looking for.
Make Seasonal Events More Worthwhile
Image Source: Bungie.net
The Seasonal events in Destiny 2 — which include Festival of the Lost, The Dawning, Guardian Games, and The Solstice — have always had up and down moments in their respective histories. However, one major problem they all share is that in the grand scheme of things, all of them aren’t worth partaking in.
Every year, Bungie does a great job in terms of cosmetics, making all of the new Ghosts, Sparrows, Ships, Emotes, and Armor Sets really cool and enticing to acquire. However, virtually all of them are locked behind the Eververse pay wall, where you either need to spend your real life money on Silver to buy them or use your hard-earned Bright Dust in the hopes of acquiring some of them, as the Bright Dust prices for them are extremely high.
While Bungie has introduced a new Memento for this year’s Festival of the Lost event, it doesn’t REALLY matter since it’s time-gated and won’t return until next October. Instead, Bungie should begin placing their fantastic cosmetics in each event’s respective activities. For example: Older Festival of the Lost loot should be available from Haunted Sectors, while the new cosmetics are kept behind the Eververse Store.
Furthermore, each year they have the community do a vote between two Armor Sets, and whichever set gets the most votes will be the featured Armor set for the Festival. Instead, Bungie should make both Armor sets, have one of them placed in the Haunted Sector that’s free for everyone to obtain, while the other set can be placed behind the Eververse Store.
Lack Of Clan Support
Image Source: Bungie.net
Clans in Destiny 2 are a fun way of bringing the player base together with one another to form teams of Guardians with similar skills and passions. There’s clans for Raiding, PvP, Nightfalls, Gambit (for the truly insane), and more.
However, there’s virtually no support for it, as the only way to join a clan properly is to go to the Bungie clan search page and request to join. Otherwise, players must go through third-party apps or sites to find clan leaders to receive an invitation.
Clans have such a high potential to make for some exciting events like weekly races to see which Clan can clear the most Raids, for example. Another example is having a tournament system where Clans can duke it out in the Crucible for an exclusive reward.
It’s these ideas and passions that makes Clans fun in the first place, and Bungie really misses the mark with them.
Adding Master Difficulty To Older Raids
Image Source: Bungie.net
Over the last few Seasons, Bungie has been going back into older Raids like the Deep Stone Crypt and Last Wish to make their respective weapons craft-able. While this is definitely a huge win for them, it stands that Bungie could have gone the extra mile to give these Raids a Master version, as currently, Deep Stone Crypt, Last Wish, and Garden of Salvation are the only Raids in the game without them.
It’s baffling why Bungie introduced a more complex version of a Raid back when the Leviathan Raid launched with Destiny 2 and then dropped it a year later with the Forsaken DLC, only to bring it back again last year with the Witch Queen DLC.
Thus, it’s time to bring some challenge and enticing loot back to these older Raids. Otherwise, they’ll be left in the dust once more when Guardians have all of the craftable weapons from them.
Adding Fishing To The Farm
Image Source: Bungie.net
Season of the Deep introduced a new mechanic into the game in the form of Fishing. It was a fun, laid-back activity that allowed Guardians to kick back and simply fish for loot. The rarer the fish, the better loot they got.
However, there was a catch. Fishing was available in three specific locations on the EDZ, Nessus, and Savathun’s Throne World, and it was only live during particular times, as the Fishing spots were in Patrol Zones. This meant that every once in a while, the Fishing Pond would disappear due to a Public Event spawning.
This quickly became very tedious, as when the pond disappeared, Guardians would have to go and complete the Public Event and then wait for a new pond to spawn.
In light of this, some players in the community came up with a fantastic alternative solution; add a Fishing Pond to the Farm. The Farm was previously a smaller Destination in the game where Guardians first started their journey during the Red War campaign, which has since been vaulted. The Farm was brought back as a Destination for Season of Defiance, but it’s only used as a small hub where you can’t really do anything anymore.
Adding Fishing to the Farm would be the perfect opportunity to not only make the Farm viable, but also make Fishing more worthwhile and enticing since there would be no Public Events to despawn the pond. The fact that Bungie hasn’t done so yet is honestly surprising, and we hope they realize the sure-fire win they’re just sitting on.
Adding A Third Darkness Subclass
Image Source: Bungie.net
Very recently, Bungie revealed The Final Shape DLC trailer and gameplay, and as we feared, it seems they are not adding a third Darkness Subclass.
Previously, we were introduced to the Darkness powers with the Beyond Light DLC in the form of Stasis, and now have access to the second iteration of Darkness, Strand, with the launch of the Lightfall expansion.
However, that leaves us with three Light subclasses and only two Darkness subclasses, creating an imbalance that, for me personally, is incredibly bothersome. While it seemed unlikely to receive a new subclass in back-to-back DLCs, it also seemed odd to finish out the Light and Darkness saga while an imbalance of three Lights and two Darks is present.
Of course, The Final Shape has yet to launch, so maybe Bungie is taking a different approach and keeping it hidden this time. But considering they went the route of adding new Supers to the already existing Light subclasses, it seems very likely this stands as a wasted opportunity to give us a third Darkness subclass to finish out the saga.
Removing Gambit
Image Source: Bungie.net
It’s hard to strictly call this one a “missed opportunity,” as it could also be called an “it’s time to move on,” element of Destiny 2.
In the recent State of the Game article, Bungie has stated they have no plans to update or improve Gambit anytime soon. While Gambit will still receive some new guns and shaders every Season, the game mode is fundamentally done, as it has yet to be updated in nearly four years and Bungie doesn’t plan to do so anytime soon.
Given this fact, it’s safe to say it’s finally time to part ways with Gambit. It was a cool concept when it was first released with the Forsaken DLC, but the mode never got the support it needed to take it to the next level truly. Now, it’s more or less taking up space that could be used for older content that is currently vaulted.
Adding A New Enemy Type
Image Source: Bungie.net
Wrapping up the list is, of course, the gigantic missed opportunity for both the Lightfall DLC and The Final Shape to add a new enemy race with Darkness enemies.
We have been fighting the Vex, Cabal, Hive, Scorn, Taken, and the Fallen for years since the franchise’s launch. While we’ve gotten a new Darkness enemy in the form of Tormentors with the Lightfall DLC, that was just one new enemy, not an entirely new race.
The Final Shape DLC is poised to share the same fate, introducing new variants of Tormentors called Subjugators that use Strand and Stasis abilities. It’s cool, there’s no doubt about that, but imagine facing an entire army of brand new enemies we have yet to encounter. Darkness enemies have so much potential, and unfortunately it seems Bungie won’t be capitalizing on it when The Final Shape launches early next year.
About the author
Joe Thomaselli
A fresh college graduate with a passion for Destiny 2, Joe has only been writing professionally for a short time. That doesn’t stop him from covering everything regarding the looter shooter, and more.
Virginia Oliver, who turned 103 on June 6, has been lobster hauling since she was 8 years old. Growing up in Maine, Oliver joined her older brother and father, who was a lobster dealer, on the family boat.
Almost a century later, Oliver is still committed to the fisherman lifestyle, revving up for her 95th lobster hauling season in a few weeks, The Washington Postreported.
Lobstering isn’t exactly the easiest of professions, even for the most young and agile. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health labels lobster fishing as a “hazardous occupation” due to the risks of being pulled overboard and entanglement trap lines. Still, Oliver has committed her life to the work and doesn’t intend to slow down anytime soon.
“You have to keep moving,” Oliver told the outlet. “I intend to do this until I die.”
Oliver has four children (three of whom followed her career path of lobstering) and two grandchildren. When she’s not lobstering, she enjoys baking and cooking for her family, who come over every Saturday for dinner.
For 61 years, Oliver worked alongside her husband and fellow fisherman, Max Oliver, until his passing in 2006. Since then, Oliver’s son, Max Jr., 80, works by her side as her lobster hauling partner.
During the peak lobster season (typically June to September), Oliver and her son hit the Maine waters three days a week — mornings that start around 3 a.m.
“I don’t want to go five days, because that’s a regular job, and I don’t need that,” Oliver says in the 2021 short documentary, Conversations with The Lobster Lady.
Oliver’s youthful spirit and commitment to lobstering has garnered media attention over the years, and even inspired a children’s book titled The Lobster Lady: Maine’s 102-Year-Old Legend, published last year.
In the 2021 documentary, Oliver laughs about needing stitches after getting bitten by a crab during one of her excursions.
“[The doctor said], ‘What are you doing out there, anyway?’ and I said, Well that’s because I want to go.’ He really made me mad,” she said in the film while laughing, “I’m pretty independent.”
Researchers examining the Great Barrier Reef have discovered the coral is infested with a bacteria closely related to chlamydia, which scientists say could help them understand the coral microbiome and its potential impact on coral reef health. What do you think?
“See? Everyone has it.”
Marc Hassett, Haggling Coach
U.S. Blows Itself Up So China Can’t Have It
“Great, now I gotta text all the other underwater ecosystems I also swam in.”
Liliana Kuipers, Request Denier
“That’s what happens when you let just anyone scuba through you.”
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
I’ve been fishing for as long as I can remember, and to this day, when I have some free time to myself or need to clear my head, I go out on the boat and settle in with my line. Growing up, I spent days out on the water with my father, making up some of my ultimate bonding experiences. Not only did it create a special memory for me and those who I shared the experience with, but it also helped shape me into the business leader I am today. You might ask, “How so?” Well, for starters, fishing requires patience, timing, skill, understanding and persistence; all of these are qualities you need as a business leader.
Just like fishing, business is a numbers game. You have to cast and continue to cast if you hope to get lucky enough to catch a fish eventually. Ultimately, even the worst polecasters will catch a fish if they wait long enough. The same goes for business. To achieve success, you need to build up your resilience and ability to stay put because the overwhelming majority of the time, you won’t catch anything — but you must not let that defeat you.
The secret to catching fish is having a constant eye out for change and being adaptable to that change. A return trip out to a favorite spot that once produced success is still no guarantee of another win. Nothing remains constant in nature, and you must continue taking risks and finding new strategies. Currents, temperature, tides and seasons are just some variables a fisherman must deal with. Only after these uncontrollable variables are accounted for do considerations of skill, equipment, patience and tenacity come into play.
I’m the founder of a public relations firm that I started during the pandemic, and I know that fishing was one of the experiences that shaped the skills that allowed me to be tenacious enough to create the business I have today. Here are the five lessons fishing has taught me in business and in life:
Sitting on a boat or the edge of the water, waiting for a bite, sometimes for endless hours, is a great opportunity to learn about patience and the time it takes to succeed. There is no such thing as fast-forwarding to success.
In fishing and business alike, patience is vital because success does not come overnight. It takes time to build a successful business, and setbacks and failures are part of the journey.
Leaders who are patient can navigate the ups and downs of business more effectively. They understand that it takes time to build a great team, develop new products or services and establish a brand reputation. Patient leaders do not make rash decisions based on short-term results; rather, they take a long-term view and focus on sustainable growth and development.
Moreover, patient leaders are more likely to cultivate positive relationships with their employees, customers and partners. They understand that building trust and rapport takes time and consistent effort. They are also more equipped to stop themselves from any impulsive reactions or responses. As a result, they are willing to invest time and resources in nurturing relationships and building a culture of mutual respect and appreciation. In turn, this creates a more loyal and dedicated team that is committed to achieving shared goals and objectives.
Overall, patience is a critical quality for success in fishing and business leadership. By being patient, leaders can weather storms, build sustainable relationships and achieve long-term success.
2. Learning to enjoy activities as we do them, as enjoyment should be found in the activity itself, not the end result
We, as a society, tend to put a lot of emphasis on making it to the finish line. But in fishing and business alike, the point is not always about the productive result. Sometimes in fishing, you work hard to go out to sea with all the right equipment and bait, but the fish just won’t bite — and you end up coming home empty-handed.
This also happens in business; you’ll put hours of work into a project or presentation to a client, but just because you put in the work doesn’t mean you’ll get success every time. This is part of business and a natural part of life. It’s important to learn to enjoy the process. Find the joy in doing the research and the work, and you’ll begin to take a more mindful and enjoyable approach as well as continue to hone in on your craft.
3. Just because you have some nibbles, doesn’t mean you’re going to land the fish
As I stated before, it takes time and patience to establish something worthwhile and so it is with fishing. Just because you feel a little nibble here and there doesn’t mean you’re going to land that big client right out of the gate. However, it does mean you are on the right track. If you never put your reel in, you will never catch anything. Like in business, the worst answer isn’t “no” — it’s never trying in the first place.
4. When you feel like you’re losing everything, the only mistake you can make is to not have your line in the water
In the times between the low tides in both fishing and life, you must not wallow in self-pity or loss. Instead, you must get your line and your mind in the water. Many people believe that they’re least likely to catch a fish during the times when the tide is low, but in contrast, that is actually the time when it’s stirring up the possibility of a good catch. Much like the act of fishing, in life, you must try new things and be fully alive, waking up each day to live your life to the fullest potential.
5. Many of us do things with expectations; fishing teaches you not to
In fishing, as in life, having unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration. For example, if a fisherman expects to catch a large fish every time they cast their line, they will likely be disappointed when this doesn’t happen. Similarly, in business, having unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration, which can negatively impact morale and productivity.
Having expectations can create a rigid mindset that can be limiting and prevent leaders from seeing opportunities or being flexible in their approach. When leaders have preconceived expectations of how things should be, they may miss out on innovative ideas or creative solutions that could drive their business forward.
6. The ocean teaches us a deep lesson about life
The ocean provides us with great nourishment and beauty, but it also can cause us to experience immense pain. Just think about what happens to the sea when a storm looms above.
That’s kind of how it is in the business world, too; it can be great and provide the livelihood we need, but it can also turn our lives absolutely upside down by creating excess stress and chaos.
Many of us are stressed out. Stress in the workplace is a global issue that affects workers around the world. According to the American Institute of Stress, work is one of the top sources of stress for American adults. In 2022, 83% of U.S. workers reported experiencing work-related stress.
The ocean provides us with a source of tranquility once we understand its nature as a provider and as a destroyer — as with the business world — we can find the balance needed to achieve.
As you can see, fishing can be so much more than just a pastime. It can be the very activity you need to hone in on to create your biggest business goals. Fishing or similar activities are critical for a leader to experience because there is also value in having time when you are not connected and not reachable. It’s similar to being a plane with no WiFi. That’s when you can do critical thinking and give your brain a moment to recalibrate — “woosah,” as we say. If you are always on and reachable, you miss out on important “you time” that makes you a better and more collected leader.
True success takes time and trust in the process. So, grab some bait, line, and contemplate your next business venture!
While weighing only about 5 lbs, their T-48 crate transports over 400 lbs of cargo, bears one ton of top weight, and includes patented side-access door.
Press Release –
Feb 13, 2023
WILLIAMSBURG, Va., February 13, 2023 (Newswire.com)
– The American outdoor tactical gear company Outstandards launches its newest product into the U.S. market this week, the rugged Transformer 48 (T-48) collapsible crate. The T-48 crate is highly unique because of several key innovations that make it one of the most durable and versatile collapsible crates in the world. The T-48 crate — which holds a volume of 48 liters (12.7 gallons) and weighs about 5 pounds — can carry over 400 lbs of cargo, setting it apart from any other competitors in this market. Second, the T-48 crate is stackable with a top compression weight capacity of 1.8 tons, allowing a wall of crates to hold enormous weight. Third, incorporated into the T-48 crate is a side access window, which can be opened to access contents on the inside without the need to move or unstack crates.
One of the most innovative features of the Outstandards crate is its collapsible design. When not in use, the crate folds down easily to a collapsed height of less than 3 inches. This compact folded size saves valuable storage space and also permits for the transport of large numbers of crates in vehicles. With its unique design and unparalleled rugged features, this new crate is set to revolutionize the way people manage their storage needs.
The T-48 is designed for a wide variety of uses, from outdoor adventures to home and office storage to vehicle transport and use on the street. A trolley cart is also available, which the crate locks onto and which carries over 300 lbs of weight, making it a viable transport system for street, garage, or warehouse. Outstandards also carries a wooden table top and a cooler bag that fits snugly onto the crate; creating an ideal outdoor package for campers.
The Williamsburg, Virginia-based company is committed to providing customers with products that are highly functional and environmentally responsible. The T-48 crate is made of 100 percent polypropylene plastic, a fully recyclable material that is highly durable, resistant to fatigue, and has high impact strength.
Outstandards COO Jared Boyd said, “We are thrilled to introduce our new collapsible crate to the market. At Outstandards our goal is to provide our customers with innovative, highly adaptive, and sustainable storage solutions. This new product is a testament to our commitment to this goal and we are confident that our customers will love it. Our crate will be a must-have item for anyone who needs to store and transport gear.” Mr. Boyd added that Outstandards holds a commitment to providing the best products and services to their customers.
The Outstandards collapsible T-48 crate is available online at outstandards.com now.
Product emerged among thousands as voted on by panel of international judges.
Press Release –
Nov 7, 2022 17:54 EST
LAS VEGAS, November 7, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– The Jeep®-branded Edition by ADDAX™ Overland Trailer was recognized with a 2022 Global Media Award this week at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas for its new overlanding trailer co-launch.
“We are thrilled that the Jeep-branded Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer has been recognized as a global game changer at SEMA,” said ADDAX CEO Kirk Jowers. “We look forward to continuing to engage with the Jeep brand in engineering more award-winning overlanding products that appeal to the brand’s international community.”
“There are hundreds of aftermarket innovations on the SEMA show floor this week, and from them all, we’re proud that the Jeep Branded Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer is a 2022 SEMA Global Media Award winner because it’s authentic to the Jeep brand,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep Brand North America. “Our Jeep enthusiasts are always looking to go further and do more, and this award-winning overlanding trailer will allow them to go further and stay longer as they continue to push the boundaries of adventure.”
Inspired by the U.S. military’s all-but-indestructible surveillance trailers and engineered by the team that set a world land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Jeep-branded Edition has set the new benchmark for off-road overlanding performance, capability and comfort.
Boasting an unprecedented dry weight of just 850 pounds, Jeep adventure-seekers can now tow a 1,200-pound payload up previously unfathomable terrain—all without compromising a Jeep brand vehicle’s signature stability and efficiency. The Jeep-branded Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer’s high-strength, lightweight engineering makes it the perfect companion for technical rock climbers and beginner off-roaders alike. Thanks to the Jeep-branded Edition’s foldable tongue and compact 5-foot-by-6-foot dimensions, even those adventurers with limited garage space can always be ready to get off the grid.
The Jeep-branded Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer’s independent torsion axle trailer suspension system provides an aggressive 17 inches of ground clearance for maximum maneuverability, control and comfort. The 3/16-inch military-grade steel chassis and 14-gauge steel body are seamlessly bent, instead of welded, to deliver industry-leading durability.
The Jeep-branded Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer comes standard with:
robust 35 cubic feet of storage
four 8,000-pound stabilizing corner jacks
foldable tongue
articulating hitch
rear receiver hitch
heavy-duty, custom rack for endless mounting possibilities
The SEMA Global Media Awards (GMA) Program recognizes those companies that manufacture specialty equipment products and accessories that would have mass appeal to consumers in countries outside the United States. The products are voted on by a prestigious group of international journalists who serve as judges.
“Vehicle customization and personalization has been growing worldwide,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA director of international and government relations. “The GMA program taps top international media experts to weigh in on which new products are likely to succeed in their home markets. The global automotive specialty-equipment market is made up of enthusiasts who are passionate about the hobby. This passion can be found not only throughout the United States but also in countless spots around the globe including in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Melbourne, Australia; and Stockholm, Sweden.”
This year’s program included 11 judges from seven countries. Each judge carefully reviewed and evaluated nearly 2,000 product entries at the SEMA Show before selecting the products that they felt would resonate and appeal most to consumers in their home countries.
The Jeep Edition by ADDAX Overland Trailer was also selected as a “Featured Product” in SEMA’s highly-coveted New Product Showcase.
MOPAR, JEEP®, DODGE, HEMI, PLYMOUTH, RAM, SRT, CHRYSLER and related logos, vehicle model names and trade dress are trademarks of FCA US LLC and used under license by ADDAX Overland LLC.
About ADDAX Overland
Built upon a combined 60 years of off-road industry chops, ADDAX Overland is proud to create the world’s most rugged, reliable, and trailblazing overlanding trailers. Our innovative spirit secured a world land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats. And our thirst for open-air freedom drives our uncompromising pursuit of the ultimate in overlanding performance. We’re based in the backyard of Moab, Utah—Jeep’s home away from home—and we pride ourselves in pushing our trailers to the limit on the iconic red-rock terrain. Forged in the U.S.A. Tested in Hell.™ For more information, visit www.addaxoverland.com.
Jeep Brand
Built on 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand that brings capability, craftsmanship and versatility to people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. The Jeep vehicle range consists of the Gladiator, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. The legendary Jeep brand’s off-road capability is now being enhanced by a global electrification initiative, that is transforming 4xe into new 4×4 in pursuit of the brand’s vision of accomplishing Zero Emission Freedom. A fully electric Jeep 4xe will be offered in every SUV segment by 2025.
About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience, and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.semashow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.
Oct. 14, 2022 — Spending time in “blue spaces” — such as beaches, rivers, and lakes — as a child can have significant and lasting benefits for wellbeing throughout life, according to a new study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology.
When exposed to blue spaces in childhood, people are more likely to revisit bodies of water in adulthood and appreciate the time spent in natural settings.
“Learning to swim and appreciate the dangers in terms of rip currents, cold temperatures, etc., is of course primary,” Mathew White, one of the study authors and a senior scientist at the University of Vienna, told The Guardian.
“But the message we are trying to get across is that to only teach children about the dangers of water settings may make them overly afraid of, and ill-equipped to benefit from, places that can also be hugely beneficial to their health and wellbeing as they grow up,” he said. “The vast majority of blue space visits — both for adults and children — do not involve getting wet, so there are also many advantages from spending time near water, not just in it.”
Researchers from the U.S. and a dozen other countries analyzed data from the BlueHealth International Survey for more than 15,000 people across 18 countries, examining the links between childhood exposure to blue spaces and adult wellbeing.
Participants recalled their experiences up to age 16, noting how often they visited blue spaces, how local they were, and how comfortable their parents or guardians were about allowing them to swim and play. They also discussed their recent contact with blue spaces and green spaces during the previous four weeks, as well as their mental health status during the previous two weeks.
Researchers found that more childhood exposure to blue spaces was associated with better adult wellbeing. They noted the results were consistent across all countries and regions.
Adults also had familiarity with and confidence around coasts, rivers, and lakes, as well as higher levels of joy around bodies of water and a greater propensity to spend recreational time in nature during adulthood. In turn, this lifted their mood and wellbeing.
“We recognize that both green and blue spaces have a positive impact on people’s mental and physical health,” Valeria Vitale, one of the study authors and a doctoral candidate at Sapienza University of Rome, told The Guardian.
In recent years, a growing number of studies have noted the benefits of spending time in nature, including both blue spaces and green spaces such as forests, parks, and gardens. The natural settings can increase people’s physical activity levels, boost mood and wellbeing, and lower stress and anxiety.
Vitale and colleagues noted that blue spaces, in particular, have unique sensory qualities such as wave sounds and light reflections that can improve mood, as well as leisure activities such as swimming, fishing, and water sports.
“We believe our findings are particularly relevant to practitioners and policymakers because of the nationally representative nature of the samples,” she said. “First, our findings reinforce the need to protect and invest in natural spaces in order to optimize the potential benefits to subjective wellbeing. Second, our research suggests that policies and initiatives encouraging greater contact with blue spaces during childhood may support better mental health in later life.”
Virginia Team Wins Over 3.4 Million Dollars in Prize Money with the Event’s Top Catch
Press Release –
Jul 12, 2022
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C., July 12, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament recently celebrated 64 years of competition with a record-breaking purse and top prize payout. This year, 266 teams and over 1,500 competitors vied for a piece of the impressive $5,858,875 purse, and the winning team was able to stack up a total payout of $3,489,813 – a record only surpassed by one other event in all of billfishing’s tournament history.
Day 1 of the tournament started off hot, with Captain Neil Sykes of the 72-foot Viking, “MERCENARIA”, and angler Matthew Brown weighing a 572.6-pound blue marlin. Their entry into the Fabulous Fisherman division of the tournament immediately ensured them at least $777,750 for bringing the first blue marlin to the scales weighing over 500 pounds.
Teams fish four of six days (captain’s choice) of the tournament and can enter as many of the 11 eligible divisions as they prefer, each with unique payout opportunities. Although seven additional blue marlin were brought to the scales at Big Rock Landing throughout the six-day tournament, none could unseat the 572.6-pound fish weighed by “MERCENARIA” on the first day. The team’s first-place blue marlin along with their Fabulous Fisherman prize added up to winnings of $3,489,813. Other popular billfish tournaments have had larger participant fields and total purses available, but only once has a single participating team won a calcutta of prizes this large.
Former NBA and North Carlina basketball superstar Michael Jordan added to the Day 1 excitement, backing into Big Rock Landing in Morehead City aboard his 80-foot Viking yacht, “CATCH 23” and weighing a 24-pound dolphin fish (mahi). Jordan went on to release two blue marlin during the tournament.
While multi-million-dollar winnings are commonplace in the world of professional sports, fishing tournaments like the Big Rock attract entrants from all walks of life and experience levels, with Lady and Junior angler divisions also offering distinct payouts. In the 64 years of tournament history, fishing for blue marlin off North Carolina has truly evolved from a novel hobby to an epic sporting event rewarding anglers with millions of dollars.
This year, nearly 1 million listeners from 60 countries tuned in to Big Rock Radio to keep tabs on the action. Big Rock TV also features daily live stream video sessions and racked up over 2 million viewers in 71 countries.
The Big Rock is not just a week-long sportfishing tournament or unique spectating destination, it is also a charitable foundation that gives to the local community throughout the year. Total charitable contributions since The Big Rock Foundation was formed in 1986 exceed $7.5 million.
As the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament continues to grow its global following and offshore participant base, so will the charitable efforts throughout the communities the Big Rock Foundation serves. The Big Rock Board of Directors is grateful for the support of so many world-class teams, businesses and organizations, and look forward to June 12, 2023, for the kick-off of the 65th Annual tournament! Read Full Recap
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The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament‘s mission is to work diligently to promote sportfishing and conservation while also raising charity funds for regional & international communities. This is accomplished through sponsorships of not only the main tournament, but the Big Rock, Big Hero program, the Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) Tournament, and the Big Rock Kids Tournament. To learn more about Big Rock and charitable giving, visit thebigrock.com.
Neat Jug is the new system to purify free stream water while hiking or camping. The system is now available for pre-order.
Press Release –
updated: Nov 28, 2018
HAMILTON, Ontario, November 28, 2018 (Newswire.com)
– Calling all outdoor enthusiasts, weekend warriors, world travelers and nature adventurers: Neat Jug, a revolutionary water purification system, has been officially released on Kickstarter today.
By utilizing a self-charging mechanism and UV technology, each Neat Jug is NSF Class A system-compliant and can effectively produce up to 20,000 liters of clean and safe purified water. Here’s how it works: By turning the handle for about 180 seconds, the device will be ready to discharge UVC light for 90 seconds (1 cycle) and purify 750 milliliters of water (about the same amount in a typical bottle of wine).
“Every detail of Neat Jug has been intricately designed with efficiency in mind,” says Neat Jug founder David Lee. “We wanted to offer a better way for adventurers to purify water while out in nature – without having to locate a power source or lug around unnecessary equipment.”
The backpack-friendly bottle is developed and ready to go to mass manufacturing. However, to bring the product to the market, Neat Jug is seeking funding on Kickstarter.
In addition to being used for hiking, camping, traveling and disaster-prepping, Neat Jug also offers an opportunity to help those in need. The company is collaborating with Aid for Africa and ARDSO to donate water purifying bottles to areas lacking in clean water and power supply.
“We believe that clean drinking water should be a right to all, not a privilege,” Lee states. “Neat Jug will help make a difference by providing people with easier access to safe water – while also reducing each enthusiast’s carbon footprint. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to packing countless bottles of water, all of which aren’t biodegradable, and can leave you without water if you hike too far and didn’t pack enough to last. We want to eliminate that stress while making a positive impact on the environment.”
To learn more about Neat Jug and back the campaign, visit the company’s Kickstarter page: http://kck.st/2AuSXHO.
Catonsville, Maryland, February 28, 2017 (Newswire.com)
– Caramba Outdoors, a brand new, full-service outdoors adventure and exploration blog designed to bring site readers both the insightful information and products they need to safely conquer the outdoors’ most beautiful offerings, this week officially launched its comprehensive platform for everyone serious about incorporating more nature immersion in 2017.
Borne from a passion for all things outdoors, including adventuring, hiking, biking, fishing, and more, Caramba Outdoors updates regularly to bring site visitors brand new blog posts covering every kind of outdoorsy question a person could have.
“Too many people shy away from experiencing the unadulterated beauty of Mother Nature because they think it’s too complex and involved for them. This platform breaks down how accessible the outdoors can be, with a little reading and a few safety products along the way.”
Charles Herrera, Founder and Owner of Caramba Outdoors
“Too many people shy away from experiencing the unadulterated beauty of Mother Nature because they think it’s too complex and involved for them,” said Charles Herrera, Founder and Owner of Caramba Outdoors. “This platform breaks down how accessible the outdoors can be, with a little reading and a few safety products along the way.”
Free articles currently posted on the site include Lindy Rig Diagram and Tips for Walleye Fishing, Fishing in the Past for the Future, Sport Fishing: Fishing for Trout, Lake Secrets revealed, and the list goes on.
Completely original products available include an, “I Just Want To Go Hiking” mug and accompanying sweatshirt. Caramba Outdoors plans to add dozens more products and informational blogs as the year goes on.
“The site has a My Account and Shopping Cart feature, making online shopping with us as easy and stress-free as possible,” said Herrera. “We want everyone to experience the raw beauty of nature this year, and that starts with accessible and inexpensive products and information. Spread the word on the opening of our platform, and head on over today to learn more about the adventures and travels awaiting us in the beautiful wilderness.”
Billings, Montana, February 23, 2017 (Newswire.com)
– POW Promotions, a new, full-service outdoors, camping, and travel excursion site created to provide individuals with a consolidated and affordable outdoors online shopping location, this week officially opened its virtual doors to all enthusiastic outdoorsmen and campers intent on stocking up with high quality gear before spring arrives.
Borne from a passion for making the great outdoors more accessible to everyday people, no matter their hiking experience, POW Promotions has everything both amateur and professional hikers need to have a good, as well as safe time.
“Too many people shy away from experiencing the great outdoors because they are too intimidated by all of the equipment and expensive costs. This site is designed to show everyone it’s possible to enjoy nature with the proper gear that didn’t break the bank when purchased.”
Paul O. Whitaker, Founder and Owner of POW Promotions
“Too many people shy away from experiencing the great outdoors because they are too intimidated by all of the equipment and expensive costs,” said Paul O. Whitaker, Founder and Owner of POW Promotions. “This site is designed to show everyone it’s possible to enjoy nature with the proper gear that didn’t break the bank when purchased.”
On POW Promotions, shoppers will find categories for camping, backpacking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running and more. The site updates every day to bring visitors the best product deals and discounts available today, removing the hassle of searching the Internet far and wide to find the perfect product.
“This is a place that will have something for everyone, no matter their outdoors intentions,” said Whitaker. “We want to stress that we are a go-to platform for any kind of outdoorsmen, even people who have never camped in their entire lives. It’s important to have the right equipment so it is done safely. Spread the word on the availability of our site, and head on over today to start perusing our expansive selection.”
Visitors will find tents, sleeping bags, hiking shoes, backpacks, thermal clothing, campfire equipment, cooking utensils, and more.
Fairborn, Ohio, February 2, 2017 (Newswire.com)
– The Outback Fun, a new, full-service digital outdoors and camping online business dedicated to bringing consumers the high quality equipment, gear, and accessories they need to enjoy the great outdoors, this week officially launched its comprehensive platform just in time for the new year.
Borne from a passion for all things outdoors and experiencing the world’s pristine nature firsthand, The Outback Fun brings the industry’s latest high-tech gear to the forefront of its platform, at a fraction of the typical market price.
“Too many individuals dismiss hiking, biking, camping, and exploring for fear of it being too costly of a hobby. With our platform, the great outdoors can be a reality for any kind of adventurer. We keep our prices far below the market average, and work hard to scout out the latest products for camping excursions.”
Thomas Stahl,, Founder and Owner of Stahl Outdoors Adventures
“Too many individuals dismiss hiking, biking, camping, and exploring for fear of it being too costly of a hobby,” said Thomas Stahl, Founder and Owner of Stahl Outdoors Adventures. “With our platform, the great outdoors can be a reality for any kind of adventurer. We keep our prices far below the market average, and work hard to scout out the latest products for camping excursions.”
The Outback Fun will provide both an eCommerce platform for online shopping, as well as free information and reviews for interested consumers. Available products on the site include tents, sleeping bags, hiking gear, hiking sticks, backpacks, knapsacks, water jugs, lanterns, fire kindling, and more.
“We want everyone to not only know the outdoors, but to also experience the outdoors in a safe manner,” said Stahl. “It’s important to be prepared for any of Mother Nature’s curveballs, and that’s exactly the kind of products our site supplies. Spread the word on the opening of our new store, and head on over today to check out our selection.”
BestMidwestOutdoors.com has the latest in gear for hiking, fishing, camping – any activity that involves venturing out into and soaking up the Great Outdoors.
Omaha, NE, October 19, 2016 (Newswire.com)
– A new website has launched to bring visitors who love the outdoors all the products they’ll need to maximize their enjoyment. BestMidwestOutdoors.com has the latest in gear for hiking, fishing, camping – any activity that involves venturing out into and soaking up the Great Outdoors.
Founded by people who love making the most of their time with Mother Nature, BestMidwestOutdoors.com is for the outdoor-minded by the outdoor-minded. “We are outdoor-oriented individuals who use these types of products…products that will make the outdoor experience fun and comfortable,” says site owner James Lepert of Be Kind Enterprises LLC. “We look for great deals every week and offer them to our customers.”
“We are outdoor-oriented individuals who use these types of products…products that will make the outdoor experience fun and comfortable.”
James Lepert, Owner
Whether you plan on spending the day navigating the trails, standing knee-deep in a crystal –clear stream with casting a fishing lure, or sleeping out under the stars in the warmth of a Coleman tent, BestMidwestOutdoors.com has everything you need to make the most of your experience.
Products reviewed include pocket blankets, fishing rods, gloves, gear bags…even worms to use as bait!
The next time you plan to venture out into the wild, make BestMidwestOutdoors.com your first stop. Says Lepert, “Get outdoors, take a hike, go fishing and have a good time enjoying true nature!”
An inspired designer introduces her newest product for outdoor enthusiasts via the ‘HARDWIN – Instant Fishing Tent’ project on Indiegogo. The team is crowdfunding to raise the funds needed to bring the HARDWIN Fishing Tent to market.
Xiamen, China, October 19, 2016 (Newswire.com)
– Jingjing Lu, the founder of China based start-up HARDWIN, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. This campaign has a funding goal of $20,000, which needs to be raised in order to bring their flagship product, the HARDWIN Fishing Tent, to market. The HARDWIN Fishing Tent was created for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere, and is designed to be both simple and convenient, with a one touch lift-up system for quick and easy set up. The HARDWIN Fishing Tent promises to make all outdoor activities more relaxing and enjoyable. It was designed to bring the comfort of indoors to the beautiful serenity of outdoors, so nature lovers no longer need to skip that fishing trip because of the weather.
The HARDWIN Fishing Tent comes in 2 sizes: single or duo, and is both wind and water resistant. It is made with lightweight, but sturdy aluminum poles, and oxford cloth with a polyurethane coating for increased wind and water resistance. The tent features a simple locking mechanism to hold it in place after the quick and easy set-up, and has adjustable leg-poles for use on uneven terrain, which means a user will no longer have to look for a flat area to set up the tent. The tent offers 4 different shapes for added convenience and comfort: all flaps open for improved air circulation throughout the tent, only the front flap open, a top sheet for extra protection against the rain and sun, or attach the flysheet for ultimate protection against wind and rain. It is currently only available in standard jungle green, but the team plans to introduce extra color options if enough funding is raised with their campaign.
“Do you ever enjoy a Sunday fishing trip? It is a fascinating life experience, especially taking a finishing tent like this with you.”
Jingjing Lu, Founder of HARDWIN
The team at HARDWIN has been working very diligently on all of the essential groundwork for their Instant Fishing Tent. They are now ready to begin the process of bringing the tent to market which is why they have launched their Indiegogo campaign, and hired a team of crowdfunding specialists to help them spread the word. All supporters of this campaign have the opportunity to pre-order the tent at a substantial savings off of regular retail pricing. The HARDWIN Fishing Tent can be pre-ordered in either size, with an expected delivery date of December 2016. Full details can be found on their Indiegogo campaign page.
HARDWIN was founded by Jingjing Lu and is based in Xiamen, China. The team consist of a large group of outdoor fans, designers, engineers, and liberal artists. They work together to design and create innovative new products for outdoor use, as well as innovative design elements for home decorations.
To learn more about the HARDWIN Fishing Tent crowdfunding project Click Here
To contact via email write to Jingjing Lu at: ljwdada@163.com
To learn more about the team of specialists at Smart Crowdfunding Click Here
