The full moon should appear full about 2 and 1/2 days on either side of the maximum. Enjoy!.
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Greg Capozzi plays a masters prelude at Innovation Studios, August 2016.
Local owners
The 120-year-old newspaper has resorted back to local ownership after being sold by a conglomerate of local newspapers:
Record
Small publishing a valuable record.
Over time trees have been…🌳🍁🌳
Based on the search results, I can now answer all parts of the user’s query.
Modern Tree Culture
Modern tree culture, or the modern view of trees, is multifaceted. Trees are valued for their ecological benefits, such as sequestering CO2, enriching soil, and creating habitats. They are also integral to modern landscape design, where their aesthetic qualities and ability to define spaces are utilized. On a deeper level, trees continue to be powerful cultural symbols in art, literature, and environmental movements, representing growth, resilience, and the interconnectedness of life. They are also seen as vital for human well-being, providing sanctuaries for mental health and a connection to nature.
Distinction from Celtic and Druidic Tree Culture
The distinction between modern and ancient Celtic/Druidic tree culture lies primarily in the spiritual and religious significance of trees.
* Celtic/Druidic Culture: Trees were considered sacred, sentient beings and were central to spiritual practices. Certain trees like the oak, ash, and hazel were revered as embodying wisdom, life, and a connection to ancestors. The word “Druid” itself may be derived from the Celtic word for oak, “deru.” Sacred groves were places of worship, and specific trees were believed to have magical or divine properties, used for divination, healing, and protection from evil spirits. Felling a sacred tree was a serious offense, sometimes a symbol of a rival clan’s demoralization.
* Modern Culture: While trees are still seen as symbolic and spiritually significant to some, this view is not a dominant part of mainstream society. The modern appreciation for trees is more rooted in science, ecology, and aesthetics. The focus is on their role in mitigating climate change, improving air quality, and supporting urban life, rather than their use in specific religious rites or as literal dwellings for spirits.
The Good, the Bad, and the Evil
The search results interpreted the user’s query about “deep tree culture” in a more literal and horticultural sense, but also provided information that can be applied to the symbolic and cultural aspects.
Good:
* Environmental: Trees are crucial for creating habitats, enriching soil, and managing water. They sequester carbon, reduce urban heat, and lower energy consumption.
* Aesthetic & Personal: Trees define outdoor spaces and are a source of beauty and inspiration in art. They are shown to improve emotional health and provide a calming experience.
* Symbolic: The “Tree of Life” motif, found in many cultures, represents a unifying idea of creativity and the interconnectedness of all life. Trees symbolize personal growth, resilience, and stability.
Bad:
* Horticultural: The “bad” aspects are largely practical. Planting trees too deep can kill them by smothering roots. Improper planting and soil compaction can stunt growth and make trees susceptible to disease and wind damage.
* Urban & Public Health: Urban trees can have negative effects, such as emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to smog during heat waves, or their roots can damage pipes and foundations. Some trees can also be a source of allergens.
Evil:
The concept of “evil” in “deep tree culture” is not addressed in a literal sense by the search results. However, from the historical Celtic context, the practice of a rival clan destroying an enemy’s sacred tree was a demoralizing act of spiritual violence. In this sense, an act of destroying something deeply sacred to a culture or people could be seen as an act of evil within their belief system.
Work going on the high ground
Construction by the North exit of Merritt BC Canada
Can we control our selfs
Merritt, British Columbia, is currently experiencing a good deal of construction and development, particularly in the wake of the 2021 atmospheric river event and ongoing efforts to enhance the community’s infrastructure and housing.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:
Current Construction Projects:
* Highway Flood Recovery Projects (Highway 8): Significant work is underway on permanent repairs to damaged sections of Highway 8 between Spences Bridge and Merritt. This includes bridge repairs, road reconstruction, and environmental enhancements to make the highway more resilient to extreme weather. Several sites along Highway 8 are actively under construction, with some sections still having gravel surfaces and reduced speed zones.
* Trans Mountain Expansion Project: Cleanup and reclamation efforts related to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion continue between Merritt and Coquihalla Summit, as well as between Kamloops and Merritt. Crews are working intermittently on right-of-way and access road cleanup, reseeding, replanting, and land reclamation.
* Gateway 286 Development: This is a major redevelopment project at the former Visitor Information Centre site at Exit 286 (where the Coquihalla Highway meets Highway 97C). This commercial hub is expected to include restaurants, convenience stores, a gas station, a dog park, and what is planned to be Western Canada’s largest electric vehicle charging station. This project is a partnership with the five Nicola Valley First Nations and aims to provide economic opportunities and a vital transportation hub. Construction was expected to begin in Summer 2024.
* Affordable Housing Developments:
* A 52-unit affordable rental housing development for First Nations families, elders, and youth is currently under construction at 2640 Spring Bank Avenue. This four-storey building is expected to be completed by Spring 2025 and will include studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, with many being accessible or adaptable.
* Construction is also starting on a new family housing complex at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) Merritt campus. This project will include 12 townhouses for primarily Indigenous families, with a mix of two- and three-bedroom units, and an expanded childcare facility with 36 spaces. This is expected to open by Fall 2027.
* West Merritt Active Transportation Path: A 2.7 km multi-use path/active transportation corridor in West Merritt has been under construction and was expected to be completed in Spring 2023.
* Collettville Lindley Creek Road Development: A multi-phased residential and industrial development is underway on Lindley Creek Road in Collettville. The conceptual plan included 98 townhomes, 95 mobile homes, and up to 180 condominium units, along with a significant park dedication. The residential portion is expected to provide quicker and more attainable housing, and the industrial development aims to attract new businesses and jobs.
* Kasa Industrial Park: A 10-acre site at 3888 Voght Street is being developed into a distribution warehouse and precast concrete manufacturing facility, with a project value exceeding $15 million.
* Bell Canada National AI Data Centre: Merritt has been selected as the site for a new Bell Canada National AI Data Centre, with updates as of June 2025.
* Universal Water Meter Program: The City of Merritt is launching a universal water meter program, supported by a $3 million grant.
Building Permits and Property Makeup (Industrial vs. Residential):
While specific numbers for current permits entered into by the City of Merritt and a precise breakdown of the current makeup of industrial and residential properties are not readily available in general public searches, here’s what we know about permits and the general landscape:
* Building Permits: Building permits are required for most new construction, alterations, additions, or demolitions in Merritt. This ensures projects comply with the BC Building Code and local regulations for safety and integrity. The City of Merritt has a Development Services department that processes building, demolition, plumbing, and sign permits. You would generally need to contact the City directly for detailed statistics on the number of permits issued and their classification (e.g., residential vs. industrial).
* Development Permits: For multiple-unit residential, commercial, or industrial developments, a Development Permit (DP) is often required in addition to a building permit. These are processed by the Planning staff and are necessary if the land is within a designated Development Permit Area.
* Industrial and Residential Mix: Merritt is seeing growth in both residential and industrial sectors. The affordable housing projects and the Collettville development indicate an expansion of residential options, while the Kasa Industrial Park and the industrial component of the Collettville development point to continued industrial growth. The Gateway 286 project is primarily a highway commercial center, which falls under commercial development but serves as a hub for both residents and travelers. The city’s focus on attracting new business and industry through projects like the Collettville industrial development suggests an effort to expand its industrial tax base.
To get the most precise and up-to-date figures on building permits and the current ratio of industrial to residential properties, it would be best to contact the City of Merritt’s Development Services or Planning department directly. They would have the official records and statistics.
A piece of art from a recent art showing in Merritt offered poetic advice.
You can sometimes get a low down across the counter at the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council’s art gallery on the corner of Nicola and Voght.
While I can’t physically transform your office into a smart one, I can certainly help you leverage technology to make it smarter and more efficient. Here are some ways Gemini can assist you in creating a smart office environment:
Task Management and Organization:
* Calendar and Scheduling: I can help you manage your schedule, set reminders, and optimize meeting times to maximize productivity.
* To-do List Management: I can create, prioritize, and manage your to-do lists, ensuring you stay on top of tasks.
* Document Organization: I can assist in organizing and categorizing your digital documents, making them easily accessible.
Communication and Collaboration:
* Email Management: I can help draft, respond to, and organize your emails, saving you time and effort.
* Meeting Scheduling and Coordination: I can help schedule meetings, send invitations, and manage attendees.
* Team Collaboration: I can facilitate team discussions, share information, and provide insights to enhance collaboration.
Information Access and Retrieval:
* Knowledge Base: I can access and process information from various sources to answer your questions and provide relevant insights.
* Document Search: I can help you find specific documents or information within your digital files.
* Data Analysis: I can analyze data and generate reports to help you make informed decisions.
Automation and Efficiency:
* Routine Task Automation: I can automate repetitive tasks, such as scheduling meetings or sending emails, freeing up your time for more important work.
* Process Optimization: I can analyze your workflows and suggest improvements to streamline processes and reduce errors.
To fully leverage Gemini’s capabilities, consider integrating it with smart devices and software solutions. This could include:
* Smart Home Devices: Control lighting, temperature, and other devices through voice commands or automated schedules.
* Smart Meeting Room Systems: Book meeting rooms, adjust room settings, and control presentation equipment.
* Project Management Tools: Collaborate with team members, track progress, and manage tasks efficiently.
By combining Gemini’s AI capabilities with smart technology, you can create a more intelligent, efficient, and comfortable office environment.
Would you like to explore a specific area, such as task management, communication, or automation?
There has been some attention on a “short day” on August 5, 2025, due to a slight acceleration in the Earth’s rotation. This phenomenon is not something to be concerned about and will not have any noticeable impact on your daily life.
Here’s a breakdown of what this means:
* What is a “short day”? This refers to a day that is slightly shorter than the standard 24 hours (or 86,400 seconds). The Earth’s rotation speed isn’t perfectly constant and can vary by tiny amounts. In recent years, the Earth’s rotation has been speeding up, leading to a series of these shorter days.
* How short is it? The “short day” on August 5 is predicted to be shorter than a regular day by a matter of milliseconds, specifically about 1.51 milliseconds. This is an extremely small amount of time, far too small for any human to notice.
* Why is this happening? Scientists are still investigating the exact causes of these short-term fluctuations, but they are believed to be related to a combination of factors, including the complex motion of Earth’s liquid core, mass redistribution from melting polar ice, and tidal effects from the Moon. On August 5, the Moon’s position will be at a point that contributes to the acceleration of the Earth’s spin.
* Should you be concerned? No. The effects of this change are so minuscule that they are only detectable by highly precise atomic clocks used by scientists. The primary impact of these “short days” is a discussion among global timekeepers about the potential need for a “negative leap second” to keep our clocks in sync with the Earth’s rotation. This is a scientific and technical matter, not something that will affect your schedule or well-being.
Look Up
The August 8th full moon in Greece (which is actually on August 9th, 2025) is a truly special time, particularly for archaeological sites and museums. It’s an annual tradition that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and celestial beauty.
Here’s what makes it archaeologically significant and what to expect:
Archaeological Significance of the August Full Moon:
* Ancient Tradition and Mythology: The August full moon has deep roots in Greek mythology and ancient traditions. In antiquity, the month of August was known as “Metageitnion,” a time for festivals and celebrations, encouraging communal gatherings. The August moon was also closely associated with Selene, the Titan Goddess of the Moon, who was said to traverse the night sky in her silver chariot.
* Olympic Games Connection: Historically, the ancient Olympic Games, held in honor of Zeus at Ancient Olympia, began on the day of the August full moon, every four years. The fifty daughters of Selene were said to represent the fifty lunar months of the Olympiad, marking the beginning of these games.
* Unique Viewing Opportunity: The August full moon is often considered the brightest of the year, providing a stunning natural illumination for Greece’s ancient monuments. Seeing the brilliant white marble of the Acropolis glowing in the moonlight, or the moon hanging low over the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, is an unforgettable experience.
What to Expect During the August 8th (9th) Full Moon Week in Greece (2025):
The Greek Ministry of Culture annually organizes a series of events around the August full moon, offering a fantastic opportunity for locals and tourists alike:
* Free Admission to Archaeological Sites and Museums: This is the most significant aspect. For one night (specifically, Saturday, August 9th, 2025) and often extending for a few days around it (from August 8th to 13th in 2025), many archaeological sites, historic landmarks, and museums across Greece open their doors to the public for free after sunset, often until midnight. This tradition began in 1996.
* Cultural Events Under the Moonlight: Beyond free entry, many of these sites host special cultural events. These can include:
* Theatrical performances
* Music and dance shows
* Stargazing sessions
* Myth-telling
* Guided tours
* Exhibitions
* Film screenings
* Key Locations: Many iconic locations participate, including:
* The Acropolis Museum (Athens): Often has extended hours and special events like concerts.
* National Archaeological Museum (Athens): Offers extended hours with special exhibitions.
* Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion: A breathtaking site to visit under the full moon.
* Archaeological Site of Kerameikos (Athens)
* Archaeological sites in Macedonia: Such as Pella (capital of ancient Macedon) and ancient Stagira (Aristotle’s birthplace).
* Sites on various Greek islands: Including Gortyna in Crete, and museums and castles on islands like Kalymnos, Karpathos, Skyros, Zakynthos, Kythera, and Kefalonia.
* Magical Atmosphere: The combination of ancient ruins, the bright full moon, and cultural events creates a truly magical and memorable experience, allowing visitors to connect with Greece’s rich heritage in a unique setting.
It’s advisable to check the official website of the Greek Ministry of Culture closer to the date for the detailed program of events for 2025, as specific activities and participating sites can vary slightly each year.
Beyond Brambles Brand
This off-season artisan bargain is a three way mix of wool, silk, and surprise .
The Nicola Valley Community Arts Council operates the gift shop in Merritt. It’s on the corner of Nicola and Voght and is entered by the side near the bannock place.
The Summer Artisan show is on now come in and support your local artisans.
Local in Merritt enjoying the week and end weather.
You should be getting out as well .
How much sun…
Spending time in the sunshine can have a variety of positive effects on your body and mind, but it’s important to do so in moderation. Here’s a breakdown of how sun exposure affects your brain and body, and what to consider for safe sun habits.
Sunshine and Your Brain: The Endorphin Connection
Research has shown a fascinating link between sun exposure and the release of endorphins. Endorphins are a class of neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood boosters, and they are responsible for feelings of well-being and pleasure. Studies, particularly in mice, have identified an organic pathway in the skin where UV radiation triggers the production and release of a specific type of endorphin called beta-endorphin.
This process has led scientists to suggest that the “feel-good” feeling many people get from sunbathing may be a result of this opioid-like effect. This can create a positive feedback loop, encouraging sun-seeking behavior, and in some cases, even leading to a form of addictive behavior in frequent tanners. The release of beta-endorphin is thought to be part of a “built-in reward system” that evolved to encourage us to get enough sun for essential vitamin D synthesis.
In addition to endorphins, sunlight exposure also stimulates the production of other crucial chemicals in the brain:
* Serotonin: Often called the “happy hormone,” serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, focus, and emotional stability. Lower levels of serotonin are associated with conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the darker, winter months. Sunlight entering the eyes is thought to be the primary trigger for this effect.
* Dopamine: Another “feel-good” chemical, dopamine is also released in response to sunshine, contributing to feelings of pleasure and motivation.
The Benefits and Risks of Sunshine
Is it good for us?
Yes, in moderation, sun exposure is highly beneficial. Here’s why:
* Vitamin D Production: This is one of the most well-known benefits. Your body synthesizes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
* Mood Enhancement: The release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine can elevate your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and combat symptoms of depression.
* Improved Sleep: Sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, your body’s internal clock. Exposure to natural light during the day, especially in the morning, signals to your body that it’s time to be awake and helps you sleep better at night.
* Other Potential Benefits: Moderate sun exposure has also been linked to a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of certain autoimmune diseases.
However, the benefits of sun exposure must be weighed against the significant risks of overexposure. Excessive UV radiation can damage the skin, leading to:
* Skin Cancer: This is the most serious risk. Both UVA and UVB rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, increasing the risk of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
* Premature Skin Aging (Photoaging): Too much sun can cause wrinkles, sun spots, and leathery skin.
* Sunburn: A painful and immediate sign of skin damage.
How much time should we spend in the sun?
The recommended amount of sun exposure is a delicate balance and varies based on several factors:
* Skin Type: People with lighter skin need less time in the sun to produce vitamin D and are more susceptible to sunburn. People with darker skin have more melanin, which offers some natural protection but means they need longer sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D.
* Location and Time of Year: The intensity of UV rays is stronger in the summer, closer to the equator, and at higher altitudes.
* Time of Day: UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Most experts recommend 10 to 30 minutes of direct sun exposure per day on bare skin (like your arms, face, and hands) to get the benefits of vitamin D synthesis while minimizing the risk of skin damage. Short, non-burning exposures around midday are often considered the most efficient for vitamin D production.
It’s also important to follow these sun safety tips:
* Never let your skin burn.
* Seek shade during the peak sun hours.
* Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
* Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours.
K
Summer haze
Jeffery Sacks
“If we normalize craziness there’s no way out.”
Great Summer
The weather is forecast for the next number of days to be moderate with rain .
Stay bright stay right
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 