fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
Amazon Fresh — Florida’s first location
By: Planned Grocery
Tags: Amazon, Data, Grocery Store, Mapping, Florida

Earlier this year I talked about how Amazon Fresh is one of the fastest growing grocery retailers in the United States. If you missed it you can still catch it here.

Since then, Amazon Fresh has continued its momentum and currently has 21 locations planned, 23 under construction, and 8 recently built over the past 6 months. Below is a view of current Amazon Fresh activity.

Last month, The Real Deal reported Amazon Fresh is working on its first store in Florida. This store will be located in the Uptown Boca development where the grocer will take over a space that was previously slated for Lucky’s Market (9560 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33428).

Uptown Boca opened late last year and will contain a large retail component along with 456 multi-family units. A sampling of existing retailers includes BurgerFi, Chick-fil-A, Lazy Dog, and REI. A movie theater, dentist, and pet hospital are on the way.

According to Esri demographics the 3-mile Population for 2020 is 99,324, the Average Household income is $103,815 and the Median Age is 50.7.

Where do you think Amazon Fresh goes next in Florida?

Contact me with your thoughts: David Z Beitz — David@plannedgrocery.com

Want to learn more about Planned Grocery?

Give us a call (888.511.5866) or send Alex an email: Alex@plannedgrocery.com
AYS Daily Digest 04/01/2021—Hunger Strike in Remnants of Lipa
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Digest, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Bosnia, Migrants, Refugees

AYS Daily Digest 04/01/2021—Hunger Strike in Remnants of Lipa

The smoldering remnants of Lipa camp in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Photo credit: Chiara Lauvergnac

FEATURE

Protests, hunger strike against awful conditions in Lipa

Starting on New Year’s Day, people trapped in the remnants of Lipa Camp, near the Bosnian–Croatian border, have been on a hunger strike protesting the awful conditions they are in.

Since the fire on Christmas Eve, the people of Lipa have been stuck due to government inaction and protests from locals. The local authorities refused to reopen Bira camp in the nearby city of Bihać, and locals stopped the people from moving to a compound of unused military barracks. They’ve been forced to stay in the burned out camp. The Bosnian army set up tents, but they were unusable due to the muddy ground, did not have beds, and were not appropriate for the winter weather.

Construction has begun on rebuilding Lipa camp, but the people do not want to return to the isolated camp, and forcing them into tents until the camp is rebuilt is not a proper solution.

Now, the people are protesting these conditions by refusing food from the Red Cross, food that was inadequate and unhealthy anyway. On Sunday, they protested in front of a visiting government delegation, asking for freedom and the right to seek asylum in the EU.

Photo credit: Enzo Leclercq, via Balkanbrucke

The situation in Lipa has reached a breaking point now, but the conditions that led to this problem have been present for a long time. There are so many people on the move trapped in Bosnia due to violent pushbacks at the Croatian border by a police force that receives funding from the European Union. The EU may have set aside an additional €3.5 million in humanitarian aid for people on the move in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but what good is that when the militarized EU external border is what has caused this problem in the first place? Both the EU and the High Representative published statements expressing concern about the situation in Lipa, which observers such as Jeff Crisp have pointed out is ironic due to the EU’s direct involvement in humanitarian crises both in Bosnia and elsewhere. Other political actors have failed people on the move as well. The IOM has failed to build camps that are anything but degrading and local authorities have refused to take responsibility.

Solidarity with the people striking!
AYS Daily Digest 09/04/2020– Yazidi Teenager Stabbed to Death in Germany
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Coronavirus, Digest, Germany, Migrants, Refugees

AYS Daily Digest 09/04/2020– Yazidi Teenager Stabbed to Death in Germany

The victim, 15-year-old Arkan Hussein Kjo. Source: Brenda Stoter Boscolo

FEATURE

15-Year-Old Yazidi Boy Killed in Germany

Today, we want to take a moment to remember the life of Arkan Hussein Kjo, who was only a child when he was killed in the Germany city of Celle while riding his bicycle.

Kjo’s family was from the Sinjar region of Iraq and survived the Yazidi genocide before resettling in Germany in 2015, when Arkan was only 10 years old. The untimely death of anyone, especially a child, is heartbreaking. It is especially tragic considering the terrible things he survived with his family, only to be killed while on his way home. His family is heartbroken by the tragedy, as seen in this statement by his older sister Helime Hussein Khalaf.

“Why did they kill my brother in the middle of the road? We are harmless [Ezidi] people, they took everything away from us, we came here over the waters [sea] and drowned in blood.”

The attacker was a 29-year-old German man who was immediately arrested. Police are speculating that the perpetrator may be mentally ill, saying he was “confused” at the time of arrest. However, there is still the possibility that he was motivated by racism and xenophobia. Unfortunately, attacks against people on the move, including children, have been common across Europe. These violent acts are fueled by xenophobic rhetoric spouted by politicians and public figures.

If a racist motive is confirmed in Kjo’s case, he will sadly not be the first nor the last child killed by Europe’s xenophobia. People, including children, are dying every day due to hate crimes, border violence, and horrid conditions in border camps. Just last month, an Iraqi infant and a young Syrian boy drowned off of the coast of Greece. The official story surrounding their deaths was murky and original reports did not uncover any particular signs of foul play. However, a later Al Jazeera investigation uncovered that the boat the children were on was in fact attacked by the Greek Coast Guard, which later tried to cover up the infant’s death. Although the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths of these two children are unclear, even if the Coast Guard did not directly attack their boat they are still victims of racist border policies.

We must remember the life of Arkan Hussein Kjo and work to make sure that no child is needlessly killed again.
AYS Daily Digest 29/04/2020- Protests in Moria Camp…Again
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Digest, Lesvos, Migrants, Moria, Refugees

AYS Daily Digest 29/04/2020- Protests in Moria Camp…Again

Illegal Pushbacks and Abuse of Power in Greece/// Another Ship Missing at Sea/// Slovenia & Portugal to Accept Unaccompanied Minors/// Former OPM Operative Coordinated Deadly Pushback From Malta/// & More Are You Syrious? Follow Apr 30, 2020 · 9 min read

Photographers: Mohammed Essan and Ata Mustafawi for Moria Corona Awareness Team

FEATURE

Moria Residents Protest Conditions in Camp

Early Wednesday morning, a group of Moria residents protested in front of the gates of the camp. The protest is part of a series of weekly demonstrations against the conditions in the camps, which have always been unsanitary but now become even more potentially deadly in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic. The organizers and participants are international — last week the demonstration was made up mostly of Afghan residents, while this week it was mostly residents from Africa who turned out.

Photographers: Mohammed Essan and Ata Mustafawi Moria Corona Awareness Team

People are protesting against unsanitary conditions in the camp and overcrowding that could easily be solved if the rest of the European Union did its duty and accepted asylum seekers.

The Greek government is claiming that 400 asylum seekers will be relocated from Moria to the mainland next Sunday, at a ceremony that will even be attended by Notis Mitarakis, the Minister for Asylum and Immigration. Residents and media are not trusting this announcement, because last weekend a different planned transport for 1500 people was cancelled. Even if several hundred “lucky” people are allowed to leave Moria, the camp will still be thousands over capacity and the conditions for those who remain will still be terrible.

Instead of improving conditions in the camps or addressing the concerns of residents when they rightfully pointed out how deadly an outbreak would be, Mitarakis said on Wednesday that there are no cases so far in island hotspots and implied that the government’s response should be praised because … they carry out daily checks. Never mind that most residents of island camps don’t have access to running water, basic hygienic supplies, or enough space to social distance properly! 130 people who were detained on beach camps in the North of Lesvos and were finally transferred to Moria recently don’t even have any kind of shelter within the camp. In an interview with Mission Lifeline, a mother stuck in Moria talks about the dangerous, unhygienic conditions her and her children are forced to live in.

There are many examples of International organizations and NGOs are trying to help, such as by donating medical equipment to the hospital on Lesvos, but it is not enough.

Photographer: Ali from Refocus Media Labs

Even if the Greek government is ignoring the protests of people in Moria, we must not! Something must be done to fix the situation in island camps.
How To Overcome Culture Shock
By: Jarie Dumadaug
Tags: Culture, Immigration, Migrants, Homesickness, Culture Shock

How To Overcome Culture Shock

Applying for overseas work for the first time? As a future Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), you might want to prepare yourself when you encounter a whole new set of cultures and bouts of homesickness while working abroad.

Working abroad is not all glitz and glamour. Most OFWs know that when you’re working abroad, you need to make certain sacrifices such as giving up buying expensive things in order to send money back home in the Philippines. The money is usually spent on monthly utility bills at home, the children’s tuition fees or projects at school, or monthly amortization if they have bought a house and lot in the Philippines.

Tip #1: Study Everything About The Host Country

Learning the language is also a sign of respect towards the people that you are going to spend time with. It will also help you socialize, gain friends, and avoid being scammed abroad. On top of learning and embracing new traditions, you should always take time to actually learn these things and not rush it.

Tip #2: Push Yourself To Socialize and Immerse in Their Traditions

Cultural appreciation is a conscious effort to broaden your horizons and establish a deeper connection with the locals.

Tip #3: Stay Connected With Your Family and Friends

Your feelings of homesickness are valid and you shouldn’t pretend otherwise. It’s a healthy habit to have someone to talk to when you are going through the four stages of culture shock.

Tip #4: Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

It’s natural to adapt to the eating habits of the country you are based in. You might eat more pork than usual or you might completely switch to a vegetarian lifestyle. It’s important to get your daily exercise, eat healthy food, and drink your vitamins to maintain great physical and mental health.

Tip #5: Limit Your Expectations

Not only are you adapting to a new home environment, you are also learning how to cope with a different behavior. Putting a limit to your expectations will reduce anxiety and feeling down when some things don’t align with what you had in mind.

Life as an OFW is not all travel goals and more money. It’s challenging and most of the time it’s an emotional rollercoaster. But with all the hardships in between successes, it’s definitely a journey worth taking. Once you feel at home, you’ll treasure the new found friends and memories you have made.
AYS Daily Digest 16/06/21 — Demonstration Thursday for regularization in Naples
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Italy, Digest, Protest, Migrants, Refugees

AYS Daily Digest 16/06/21 — Demonstration Thursday for regularization in Naples

Human traffickers sentenced to prison in Ethiopia//Twenty steps to protect people at sea//People lodge complaint with European Commission against Greece Are You Syrious? Follow Jun 17 · 10 min read

FEATURE

Protest in Napoli for regularization

There is a protest on Thursday organized by Movimento Migranti e Rifugiati di Napoli for emergency temporary residence permits that would provide a pathway to permanent status for migrant workers. Current residency permits for workers tie people’s residency to a work contract, which left many without any access to necessary services during the pandemic and economic crisis when many lost their jobs. The amnesty measure the Italian government passed in 2020 was never enough because it only helped people in the agricultural sector, even though foreign workers are also the backbone of housekeeping and other industries, as well as other exclusionary aspects of the bill. You can sign their appeal here and register for the event here.

People without papers have difficulty accessing basic services such as healthcare, including COVID-19 vaccines. The province of Campania just began vaccinating foreigners without residency permits, even though there are thousands of people there in need of vaccines. As the people from MMRN said, it makes no sense to engage in nationalism because vaccine transmission does not ask for someone’s paperwork. Even this expansion of access does not encompass all people and only covers those in specific legal situations. Lack of vaccine access for people in precarious situations, including people on the move, has been a continent-wide problem and unequal rollout threatens people’s fundamental rights.

Even those eligible for legal status under existing regulations have had difficulty doing so. An applicant who made a request for Special Protection directly to Napoli Police Headquarters was rejected because the police claimed that they needed to apply for a residence permit first. Now, The Court of First Instance ordered the Napoli Police to receive requests for Special Protection directly, not just under special circumstances. While this will hopefully open up more opportunities for people to receive protection, the fact that the Court had to cut through such a bureaucratically convoluted process speaks to the ways the Italian government wants to discourage people from getting protection.

So many people have been shut out of the legal system because of convoluted bureaucratic processes, the termination of work contracts, or other circumstances outside their control. That is why there needs to be a pathway towards legalization immediately.
AYS Daily Digest 08/06/21: Repressions and other struggles
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Greece, Digest, Ireland, Migrants, Refugees

Greece

After the Greek government’s decision to consider Turkey as a safe country, in order to deport people more easily, the Legal Centre Lesvos has spoken out. In a statement, the organisation said: “Turkey is not a safe third country for migrants. Most migrants are unable to access any form of protection in Turkey, owing to a geographic restriction that it imposed to the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees, and migrants there are at grave risk of exploitation, inhumane detention, and deportation.” Greece’s decision to expand the application of the policy of Turkey as a “safe third country” just goes to demonstrate the EU and Greece’s attempts to effectively exclude people from its territory.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has revealed that Greek police detained a Dutch TV crew reporting on refugees in the border region to Bulgaria und Turkey. Officials said the journalists were in a restricted are and ordered them to stop filming, before they took them to a local police station for questioning. After one hour, they were released without charge. “Greek authorities must allow reporters covering refugee movements to work freely, especially in border areas,” said Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, in New York. “If police detain, harass, or obstruct journalists, this only indicates that the Greek authorities have something to hide.”

Volunteers have documented an increasing number of pushbacks at the Greek-Northern Macedonian border, Statewatch writes, also by foreign border guards. Altough it is not confirmed yet, NGOs like the Border Violence Monitoring Network have raised concernes that Frontex officers could be involved in such actions and border violence. Five such recorded cases involve Frontex staff who were “engaged in or condoned brutal violence — including the use of tasers and electroshock batons, throwing people into rivers, and tying people up and beating them”. Statewatch has also confronted Frontex with the collected evidence. The agency says it had no knowledge of any incidents and stressed it was only present on the Greek side.
AYS Daily Digest 28/06/21 — Greek Government Forces Journalists to Delete Footage, Continuing Attacks on Civil Society
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Greece, Digest, Journalism, Migrants, Refugees

AYS Daily Digest 28/06/21 — Greek Government Forces Journalists to Delete Footage, Continuing Attacks on Civil Society

Protests in Calais against the government’s ban on food distribution. Photo credit: Refugee Info Bus

FEATURE

Greek Government Continues Attacks on Civil Society By Forcing Journalists to Delete Footage

Journalists from an as-yet-unnamed international TV channel were stopped by Greek Coast Guard security in Lesvos. The security forced them to delete hours of footage from their memory card, probably of scenes exposing the truth about border practices.

This is far from an isolated incident. The authorities in Greece have been ramping up harassment and intimidation of journalists and other members of civil society, such as NGOs. There have been several incidents of authorities forcing journalists to delete footage or stopping them from freely reporting on conditions in the camps.

Dutch journalist Ingeborg Beugel was even arrested for hosting an asylum seeker in her home. She is still waiting for her trial. Legal analysts say that the law under which she was arrested is rarely applied and Beugel herself says that she was most likely targeted for her journalism, which challenges fascist actors on the island of Hydra where she lives.

Meanwhile, tabloids and pro-government sites freely publish misinformation, or rampant lies, about people on the move and solidarity workers. The newspaper Parapolitika repeated a report that accused supporters of the Moria 6 who protested in front of the court of arson, trafficking, and all sorts of crimes. The “report” particularly targeted journalists and legal observers that attempted to enter the courtroom, as was their right by law.

Amid this tightening landscape for journalists, particularly journalists that wish to publish the truth and act in solidarity with people on the move, our BVMN colleagues disinfaux collective are publishing a new site including analysis on the events in Nea Smyrni earlier this year. Please support their work as their brave journalism is much needed.
AYS Daily Digest 09/04/2021 — Young Man Drowned Off the Coast of Melilla
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Digest, Melilla, Spain, Migrants, Refugees

New rescue vessel coming to the Mediterranean//New integration scheme in Greece//The Balkan route during the pandemic

Are You Syrious?

Apr 10 · 10 min read

FEATURE

Another young person drowns off the coast of Melilla

In the past month and a half, seven people have drowned off the coast of Melilla. Tragically, the most recent victim was barely 18. He had recently been expelled from the reception centre upon his 18th birthday.

MS came to Melilla from Morocco when he was still a child. Like many other minors, he started out in a reception centre, then slept in the Plaza de Toros after he was kicked out. His friends and companions are grieving his death even as they themselves face many dangers sleeping rough in Melilla. Those who knew him describe him as a quiet young man who even earned a letter of good conduct from the juvenile centre he stayed at. Although some speculate he died stowing away on a ferry to the mainland, which he had been trying to reach for a long time, others doubt this story.

There is a strong possibility that his body cannot even be returned to his mother in Morocco due to border closures.

The legal limbo that many people, including minors, who come to Melilla get stuck in push many to try desperate methods such as stowing away on a ferry to the mainland. The Immigration Relations authorities often delay processing residency permits for months and even years. Other desperate people try to swim to the fortified enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla from Morocco. The crossing is short but deceptively dangerous thanks to a strong current.

The death of M not only exposes the dangerous routes to and from Melilla but the overall dangers of Spanish sea crossings. Another frequent route, the crossing to the Canary Islands, is also dangerous. Last month, people were shocked to learn about a two-year-old Malian girl who died in a hospital after the crossing. Authorities have since learned that nine others from that same group died on the crossing, including three children. Authorities are investigating the “bosses” from this crossing. In an unrelated operation, authorities detained fifteen people accused of smuggling.

Even though the Canary Islands are safer than the sea, the situation on the archipelago is still bad for people on the move. The Spanish government is effectively using the islands to implement a containment policy, similar to the Aegean islands. People are suffering from racism and a lack of institutional support.
Feels Like Home..
Tags: Ngo, Migrant Workers, Covid 19, Indian Politics, Migrants

COVID and The Informal Sector.

Feels Like Home..

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Home is where the heart is, they say.

But for most people, home is where income is, similar to the case of the migrant workers of India.

These migrants are always subsumed under the arguably vague blanket of ‘Urban poor,’ not realizing the absurdity of the statement. This marginalized section of society travels where they see an opportunity for capital gain.

The existence of numerous corridors of rural-urban corridors of migration, and mass exodus towards the urban cities, are an outcome of believing that income opportunities exist, regular or not, albeit concentrated undoubtedly in the urban areas. The affinity to moving to Urban cities and towns was cemented by the lack of job opportunities in their rural areas. Migrant workers never really did have job security and with most of the informal sector being affected severely due to covid, their vulnerability only intensifies.

With almost no income gain, these workers need to support themselves in an unfamiliar state, send money back home to support their families, and push themselves through adverse working conditions for the sake of a meek wage.

The lockdown in 2020 was imposed with the hope of stabilizing the virus transmission, however, it had an abject effect on the irregular section of workers. Their livelihood went for a toss; images of these workers walking back home has an imprint on our minds. No citizen should have to go through this feeling, the feeling of having to choose between their families or themselves. With transport suspended and roads blocked, they had no other choice but to walk back. Social media flooded with heart-breaking visuals that showed migrant workers walking barefoot, with deep ulcers, women carrying their children on their waists, mothers dragging their babies on suitcases, a young girl riding a bicycle hundreds of kilometers carrying her father, etc.
AYS Daily Digest 09/04/2021 — Young Man Drowned Off the Coast of Melilla
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Digest, Melilla, Spain, Migrants, Refugees

AYS Daily Digest 09/04/2021 — Young Man Drowned Off the Coast of Melilla

Illustrations of the Balkan Route (artist: Hannah Kirmes Daly/Brush & Bow C.I.C. Via TRT World)

FEATURE

Another young person drowns off the coast of Melilla

In the past month and a half, seven people have drowned off the coast of Melilla. Tragically, the most recent victim was barely 18. He had recently been expelled from the reception centre upon his 18th birthday.

MS came to Melilla from Morocco when he was still a child. Like many other minors, he started out in a reception centre, then slept in the Plaza de Toros after he was kicked out. His friends and companions are grieving his death even as they themselves face many dangers sleeping rough in Melilla. Those who knew him describe him as a quiet young man who even earned a letter of good conduct from the juvenile centre he stayed at. Although some speculate he died stowing away on a ferry to the mainland, which he had been trying to reach for a long time, others doubt this story.

There is a strong possibility that his body cannot even be returned to his mother in Morocco due to border closures.

The legal limbo that many people, including minors, who come to Melilla get stuck in push many to try desperate methods such as stowing away on a ferry to the mainland. The Immigration Relations authorities often delay processing residency permits for months and even years. Other desperate people try to swim to the fortified enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla from Morocco. The crossing is short but deceptively dangerous thanks to a strong current.

The death of M not only exposes the dangerous routes to and from Melilla but the overall dangers of Spanish sea crossings. Another frequent route, the crossing to the Canary Islands, is also dangerous. Last month, people were shocked to learn about a two-year-old Malian girl who died in a hospital after the crossing. Authorities have since learned that nine others from that same group died on the crossing, including three children. Authorities are investigating the “bosses” from this crossing. In an unrelated operation, authorities detained fifteen people accused of smuggling.

Even though the Canary Islands are safer than the sea, the situation on the archipelago is still bad for people on the move. The Spanish government is effectively using the islands to implement a containment policy, similar to the Aegean islands. People are suffering from racism and a lack of institutional support.
AYS Daily Digest 09/09/21 — Home Office Announces Intention To Carry Out Pushbacks
By: Are You Syrious
Tags: Home Office, Digest, Pushbacks, Migrants, Refugees

Are You Syrious?

Sep 10 · 10 min read

Who Is Really “Instrumentalizing” Migration?//Dramatic Rescue Off Lampedusa Coast//Briançon 7 Win Appeal

Remnants of the Moria fire, one year ago. Photo credit: Petros Giannakouris/AP Photos

FEATURE

Priti Patel Announces Intention to Carry Out Pushbacks

Most European governments at least attempt to deny that they are carrying out pushbacks while secretly violating international law. The UK has openly announced its intention to do so.

Priti Patel’s Home Office announced that it was training Border Force officers in “turn-around” tactics, which are just illegal pushbacks by another name. The Ministry, supported by many Conservative MPs, would send people crossing in small boats back to France without allowing them to apply for asylum, although it claims that this still complies with international law and safety standards. The government also said that “turn-around” tactics would only be deployed in situations where it was deemed safe, but did not reveal which criteria would be used to determine if it was safe or not.

The plan has already been met with harsh criticism by France, a state that is hardly a bastion of human rights at the borders. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that France would not accept any violation of international maritime law, particularly breaches that would endanger human lives, and said that the ongoing cooperation between the two governments might end if the Home Office went ahead with this plan. (This is not the first time that another country has stopped the Home Office’s excesses, as Ghana recently said that it is not interested in participating in the Home Office’s plans to outsource asylum).

People inside the UK, including representatives from Care4Calais and Channel Rescue, have already criticized the plan. Even some Conservative MPs have said that there is no way to carry out pushbacks while keeping human lives in consideration.

Since France has already announced that it does not intend to cooperate with the UK on this policy, it is possible that it will never be deployed. However, there is no guarantee, and the question always stands that if the Home Office is willing to so blatantly violate international law in public, what is it doing in private?

In the meantime, follow and support organizations helping people on one of the most dangerous crossings in the world such as Channel Rescue.
Dodgers showcase new center field plaza, pavilion renovations
By: Rowan Kavner
Tags: Photos, Updates, Dodger Stadium, Dodgers, Upgrades

Fans going to games early this season will get to utilize the new circulation elements of the ballpark as they make their way to their seats. Other parts of the renovations will only be available as state and county guidelines allow, but Kasten said his hope is the 2 ½-acre center field plaza will be fully open to fans sometime between May 1 and June 15.

A Shake Shack is among a number of new food options in the centerfield plaza, which also hosts the Gold Glove Bar, the Michelob Ultra Centerfield Overlook Bar, the Golden Road Brewing beer garden and a speakeasy in right field. Inside the Gold Glove Bar are Gold Glove Awards from Dodger players and an 82-foot long LED display showing games and stats.

“You will never lose your connection with the action on the playing field when you move around the plazas, nor will you lose contact with what’s going on with other games around the league,” Smith said. “That’s one of our overarching points: We want to make sure Dodger Stadium is a place to celebrate baseball and celebrate the Dodgers. We hope the combination of the things we’ve put here will really allow that to happen.”

On the interior of the stadium, new home run seats have replaced exit stairs at the front of the pavilion. At the back of the pavilion, rows were removed to create wheelchair-accessible seating and standing-room views.

The additional walkways, elevators and escalators will make it easier for fans to get from one place to another and explore all of the stadium’s new offerings. They can enjoy ice cream from a vintage ice cream truck, lemonades and micheladas from a vintage fire truck or specialty local fare from a food truck that will highlight different Los Angeles chefs and restaurants on a rotating basis.

The center field plaza also offers three distinct kids play areas, batting and pitching cages and a virtual photobooth allowing fans to take pictures with players. Smith said she wanted to send a clear message that Dodger Stadium is a family-friendly place that all generations can enjoy.

She also wanted to inspire conversations, stories and connections across those generations with Dodger memorabilia and historic artifacts placed throughout the plazas, from 2020 World Series mementos to Tommy Lasorda tributes and Fernandomania celebrations. The center field plaza also now hosts the Jackie Robinson statue, and soon it will be joined by a Sandy Koufax statue.

“Activities everywhere, art exhibits everywhere, history exhibits everywhere,” Kasten said. “It’s one of the things that will really make a trip here special.”
How Photography influences our lives!
By: Singh App
Tags: Photos, Art, Photography, Influence, Singh

Photography is a form of artistic expression, and capturing an image we see with our eyes. If we go in the past, we see that there is no significant importance to photography. Joseph Nicéphore Niépce when clicked a picture for the very first time, didn’t have any idea that photography is going to be an impressive change for the world in the later eras. Today, we can see that everybody around us is taking pictures with mobile cameras or digital cameras. But the point that comes to mind is that in what way photography makes impact on our lives?

Well there are various ways photography affects our routines. One of the most important things photography has given humanity is the instant and immediate viewing of events. In terms of globalization, we get closer every day that passes.

Photography has influenced the way we do things. Domestic photography is a stunning, personal and genuine act of capturing the vernacular.

Photography has dominated the social media platforms. Social media wouldn’t be what it is today if not for photography. From tags to selfies, photography has helped people to transform their own privacy.

Unlike in the early days when photographs were reserved for today’s elite, everyone is a photographer and we love that. The irony of all of this is that almost every electronic device has installed cameras. Citizens now can share their moments and connect to the world. It is a fact that the message conveyed by photography very much depends on the photographer’s skill level.

Nevertheless, innovations that support photo editing have been established to allow amateur photographers to fine-tune pictures to deliver the precise message. In addition, these editing features enable people to experience the excitement that photography has to offer.

Today, advertising firms and collaborators have discovered how photographs and images synchronize with our subconscious and use them to advertise their services and products.

Business owners are now aware that using images better captures responsiveness than slogans and using big words. Using interesting images will help potential buyers see what you’re offering. If a company wants to gain competitive advantage and dominate the market then the way to go is to use artistic imagery in their advertising strategy.

Not only does photography make you an artist but it also allows you to connect with others.Photography is a fact that it is an intricate language, ironically, people understand it better than other languages. People will be using photographs to express their emotions and interpretations for that reason. Photography also tells us about your personality, your status, your opinion and how you view life.

The imagery of the discovery profoundly changed the way our cultures think and work. The aspect has become an important factor in our lives, and can not be overlooked. Imagery is increasing progressively, and its influence is expected to increase further in the future.
From a lazy bum to a 50km Winner
By: Soumi Banerjee
Tags: Photos, Self Improvement, Holidays, Walking, Nature

They say — “walks are to remember” — This one truly is and clearly one of the achievements I am proud of.

Let’s start from the beginning!

Oxfam India organizes 50km walkathon every year in Mumbai and Bangalore, where teams of 4 have to participate and walk the entire trail together!

This year, somehow, I was convinced to participate in the Bangalore walk by one of my colleagues and I still wonder how I agreed. But thanks to God, I did!

We started the walk around 4:30am when the moon was still shining bright in the morning sky. These were our stops we had to cover:-

Checkpoint 1 –11.2 km; Checkpoint 2 – 6.7km; Checkpoint 3 -9.2km; Checkpoint 5 -8.2km; Checkpoint 6 -10.2km; Checkpoint 7 -4.5km

We watched the sun rise while birds were setting out of their homes

Reached Checkpoint 1 around 9am; had a wholesome breakfast and started out again.

This time, crossing plenty of woods and vineyards

This is me, by the way, trying to keep the pace up after we left Checkpoint 2 (Around 11am)

This is where it got really tough.

On the way to Checkpoint 3 under the scorching heat of the sun, walking a stretch of 10 km.

The green stretches of the way provided us a relief.

We finally made it to Checkpoint 3 around 2:30pm — covering a total of 25km (Almost Halfway!)

And these beauties greeted us in the second hardest trail of our day

On the way to Checkpoint 4 post a heavy lunch and ample rest.

We had our evening tea around 6pm at Checkpoint 6 and when the Sun started getting kinder on us — we started off to the final checkpoint.

On our way, we bid goodbye to the best day of the year so far.

Finally reached Checkpoint 7 (final one) around 8pm.

And once again we met the Moon on the way to Finish line.

We started off around 9pm from the final checkpoint. This was, indisputably, the most relaxed and beautiful trail of the day. We exchanged Ghost stories, songs, countless laughs and pep-talk from other teams.

I realized — Walking in the darkness really strips you from a lot of internal fears.

And here we are! Finished the walk around 11pm -one that lasted more than 17 hours and a beautiful day far from the hustle-bustle of normal life.

Two Life lessons learnt-

There is nothing one can’t do with patience, perseverance, self-confidence and right people by your side. Your body is the closest friend and biggest asset you will ever have; if you treat it well, it will never let you down

New achievement of the Decade! Yay! Yay! Yay!
Instagram and its impact on photography
By: Gabriella Baldacchino
Tags: Photos, Social Media, Instagram, Influence, Photography

In a nutshell, Instagram is a platform that allows users to react and comment on different content. It also allows individuals to capture, edit and share unique photos with the rest of the world. From my perspective, I like the concept of this platform as it gives people like me the chance to share unique photos that reflect and commemorate our lives and what we value and appreciate in life.

The real question is; Is Instagram interfering and changing the authentic values of photography?

This question can bring out varied responses as at the end of the day, each individual has their own beliefs and opinions. A photographer’s response may be different from a person who is simply a consistent Instagram user. People may believe in different values; some may say that Instagram and other similar platforms are interference to show an ideal version of the world. Others may find such platforms helpful to connect with the rest of the world to share their life experiences through unique images. In reality, there is no real answer to this question except for the fact that social media has drastically changed how we see and value our surroundings.

Reaching a wider audience

Instagram is an easy platform where anyone in the world can excess and use. With editing features and endless filters, users can explore and discover new techniques to spice up their Instagram feed and connect with other users. These technological features enhance the application’s performance and allow people to get out of their comfort zone and explore the world of visual art through different images. Instagram is also suitable for those amateur photographers who just started and want a little boost and traffic to their page. Eventually, photographers can ultimately expand their platform and reach a higher exposure, thus increasing future opportunities and partnerships.

What about the future?

Nowadays, for businesses that are more technologically invested, Instagram can be an extraordinary influence to attract different target audiences, specifically the younger generation. Photographers can use this platform and share their unique work with the rest of the world, increasing business exposure and engagement with their audience.

Without a doubt, Instagram has brought out many benefits in the world of photography. This phenomenon has elevated photography to another level. It gave people the opportunity to delve into a digital world and express their thoughts and share their day to day adventures and memories through the art of photography. At the end of the day, Instagram and other similar platforms may not be everyone’s cup of tea; however, for those interested individuals, the purpose of these platforms is to create and form unique connections with the rest of the world through inspiring and creative visuals.
Your selfie face is not your real face!
By: Semi Sentient Sentinel
Tags: Photos, Psychology, Observation, Beauty

Your selfie face is not your real face!

Have you ever observed the differences between your selfies and the photos that your friends tagged you in ? Semi Sentient Sentinel Sep 3·2 min read

Notice the difference between the above pictures of President Lincoln ? Feels weird right? Well, It shouldn’t!

Our friends, family don’t really notice this because of The mere exposure Effect.

The mere exposure effect says that just becoming familiar with something makes us like it more.

We are more familiar with seeing backwards because most of the time we see our faces in the mirror or on the selfie cam on our phones , so what we see is reversed from what other people see. The right side of your face looks like it’s the left side, and vice versa.

This really matters because human faces are not perfectly symmetrical. which means that we keep seeing our asymmetrical features on the wrong side of our face.

But when you look at a photo someone else took, you’re looking at yourself the way the rest of the world sees you. And those little asymmetries

are enough to produce a slightly different face than you’re used to.

That’s why people tend to prefer reversed images of themselves over images from someone else’s perspective. It’s just more familiar and certain.

In a 2015 study of female plastic surgery patients, 73% preferred looking at

mirror-reversed photos of themselves.

But this should not be a concerning to you. Just because you aren’t used to it doesn’t mean your friends think your face is ugly. In fact, since our friends have more exposure to seeing our faces the real way, they tend to prefer non-selfie photos of us.

Familiarity makes us feel warm and fuzzy. The same mere exposure effect happens with words, basic shapes, photographs, and sounds.

One of the oldest tricks in the marketing playbook is that repeated exposure to a product makes people feel more positively about it.

So, the next time when you see the un-flipped version of your photo, Don’t feel sad instead smile remembering how you thought you’d appear to the world.

If you want to learn more about this:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u7Fw2t2D0RziSrKGmHFZOoVoTMSR7V9_jDaAokTZm9g/edit?usp=sharing
The Stalking of Indigenous Girls and Women
By: Voicing Freedom
Tags: Violence Against Women, Rapeonthereservation, Stalking, Media, Indigenous

The Stalking of Indigenous Girls and Women

Keep in mind this is addressing love obsessed but the signs can fit any form of obsession motivated by any number of reasons. My personal experience has never been “Love Obsessed” the sort I’ve personally encountered has mainly been Vengeful sometimes also referred to as Resentful as well as Predatory driven which unfortunately has been classified by law enforcement as the most dangerous types. When someone shows that much hatred and that much of a fixation they are dangerous no doubt about it.

There really isn’t a prototype for stalkers as far as gender. I’ve had similar problems from both a male and females typically having ties to the male who has been court and lawfully documented stalking me for well over a decade.

The numbers for stalking is roughly 1 in 6 Women overall while the number of Men is 1 in 19, however for marginalized Girls/Women such as Indigenous much like with all violence towards us the rate stands at 10 times higher than the national average. This leaves us at a number of 1 in 3. For those who are federally recognized and or reside on tribal lands the legal process is quite the labyrinth due to jurisdictional red tape etc much like with any other violence committed against us thus has historically led to little prosecution rate.

It isn’t unheard of for an Indigenous Woman or Girl to be assaulted followed by resentful stalking and intimidation especially when the survivor seeks any sort of legal retribution. There was a eye opening documentary entitled “Rape On The Reservation” by the now defunct Current TV that touched on this haunting aspect of violence of Girls and Women who have been inflicted by sexual violence.

It is the same model any profession in the spectrum have witnessed and heard of from fellow survivors. It applies whether pertaining to the reservation or to urban areas. The genesis of this unacceptable behavior by perpetrators is generally predators are well aware the law doesn’t apply to them, the data shows the rate of utter impunity when it comes to justice for us.

White Buffalo Calf Women’s Society: https://www.wbcws.org
Hey The Guardian, I rewrote this article on ‘violence against women’ for you
By: Agnes Otzelberger
Tags: Violence Against Women, Gender Equality, Domestic Violence, Metoo, Sexual Assault

Dear Guardian,

Let’s start with a guy’s words — those tend to carry more weight than those of a woman, right? — : Jackson Katz says the term ‘violence against women’ is ‘a passive construction, there’s no active agent in the sentence…nobody is doing it to them. It just happens to them, men aren’t even a part of it.’ Surely, I thought, after #metoo and Sarah Everard, the conversation might have changed? But no.

When I spotted this recent article among your news headlines, I counted for you.

The number of times you mention ‘women’, ‘girls’, or ‘female’? Twenty-nine. Thirty-four if you include the mention of the names of the women abducted, raped and killed as well as the stock photo at the top, which also features a woman.

The number of times you talk about ‘men’, ‘boys’ or ‘male’: Zero.

Not a single mention of the demographic we really need to be talking about and supporting to end this epidemic: The demographic who reportedly committed, for example, 98% of reported cases of rape and assault by penetration in 2019/20, or constituted the majority (92%) of defendants in domestic abuse-related prosecutions in 2018/19 in the UK. Or the men who killed the victims named in this piece.

Violence against women is not a ‘women’s issue’. It is, by and large, a men’s issue. And publishing a 580-word article about this epidemic of violence without mentioning the demographic behind this violence in a single word is a (not so) subtle but effective form of victim blaming.

So, dear Guardian, I know last week you were really busy and distracted reporting the Euro 2020 (and while we’re at it, how about we call it the “Men’s Euro 2020?”) and omitting the dismantling of our right to protest this mess from your news coverage. So I thought I’d give you a hand and rewrite this piece for you.

Yours,

A tired female data-point

***

Here’s my re-write of your article from 7 July 2021: