San Diego Botanic Garden assisting research network

By Staff REGION

— Two California botanic gardens — San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) in Encinitas and California Botanic Garden (CalBG) in Claremont — will be among four public gardens nationwide involved in a new national research network created to provide training in plant science for post-graduates.

and CalBG, also includes a partnership with the Morton Arboretum in Illinois.

The network will help formalize mentoring and training programs in the workforce, rather than exclusively in collegiate settings.

to onshore, blowing out the waves.

Battling the chop was an everyday occurrence then. Bouncing down the face, air dropping, connecting with my board again, leaning into a bottom turn, and, usually, getting blindsided by the whitewater, were all part of a game of solitaire.

Why, you may ask, would anyone want to paddle out into such cold froth? The reason is to experience that increasingly rare feeling of being alone with the elements.

And, like any game of chance, I found I could occasionally score in ways nobody else, safe and warm at home as “Mod Squad” came on the screen, ever could.

The ocean now seems to be more threatening than it died several weeks later.

Teo said one of the complainants against him had been “hoodwinked” and “coerced” into filing the charge by Teo’s “enemies.”

“I did the wrong thing. Was that my intention? Absolutely not,” he said. [ABC News, 2/20/2023]

Least Competent Criminal Quanisha Manago, 28, of Kershaw, South Carolina, got a special delivery on Feb. 13, but it wasn’t from Amazon. WHNS-TV reported that Lancaster County Sheriff’s officers were tipped off about a package coming Manago’s way with valuable contents: two large bricks of cocaine, weighing over 6 pounds. Working with other agencies, an undercover agent delivered the box to Manago’s home, then watched as she stored it in her car and started to drive away. That’s when she was arrested. Sheriff Barry Faile said the cocaine had a street value of more than $180,000. “Thanks to all who participated, it will never hit the street,” he said, adding the packaged was shipped from outside the United States. [WHNS, 2/20/2023]

Government in Action

— On Jan. 19 in Austin, Texas, Chris Newby was sleeping when “the whole house shook,” he said. “It sounds like a plane hit the house.” Instead, according to KXAN-TV, it was a car — an impaired driver barreled was back then. Of course, I realize that I have changed, not it, and that being caught by a big set, leash broken, battling wind and tide to make shore again is no longer for me.

Maybe it never was. I only have my unreliable memory to count on. No matter. It’s much safer to snap photos and remember.

A set wave marches in and I am ready, in the right spot, spinning around, mind surfing. No paddle takeoff, air drop, reconnect, bottom turn, cutback. Stall. Quick barrel. Repeat. That was fun.

The wind begins dying, the whitecaps disappear, and the waves begin to shape up as two surfers paddle out. With surf checks just a text away, there will through Newby’s spare bedroom wall. “The entire room was just crunched,” he said. Ten days later, Newby received a letter from the city informing him that he was in violation of two codes: “One for having a hole in my house and one for having no window,” Newby said. The letter was dated the day of the crash and stipulated that he had 30 days to get repairs completed or face fines of up to $4,000 per day. “It felt tone-deaf to me,” he said. “I’m in violation for being a victim.” But Matthew Noriega, a division manager at the code department, said Newby has time: “If an extension is needed, we will give them that extension,” he clarified. Still, Newby said Austin “feels a little less like home every day.” Sad emoji. [KXAN, 2/20/2023]

— In Florida, the state senate Democratic leader and canine fun-ruiner Lauren Book filed a piece of legislation that would make it illegal to let a dog “extend its head or any other body part outside” a moving car window, WTSP-TV reported on Feb. 21. The bill has other pet-related provisions relating to animal safety, including prohibiting pets riding in the open beds of pickups and drivers holding a dog in their lap. If passed, the bill will become law on July 1. [WTSP, 2/21/2023]

Weird Science

Just looking for a few soon be others coming. minutes of peace and quiet? You might be tempted to step inside the anechoic chamber at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington, Oddity Central reported. However, even if you were allowed to try it, you might find it unbearable — it is the world’s quietest place, at -20.3 decibels. (Calm breathing clocks in at 10 decibels.) “As soon as one enters the room, one immediately feels a strange and unique sensation which is hard to describe,” said Hundraj Gopal, a speech and hearing scientist who helped design the chamber. “When you turn your head, you can hear that motion. The longest continuous time anyone has spent inside the chamber is 55 minutes,” Gopal said. Microsoft uses the room to test microphones, receivers, headphones and speakers. [Oddity Central, 2/20/2023]

Looking south, I know that some of the reefs are about to get good. Even so, only a few of the more rugged among us will leave the car heater for a soggy wetsuit and a chance of getting two or three decent waves.

If you’ve ever rolled the dice on such a day as the one described, you realize that two or three good waves might be too much to ask for. One decent wave that stays open for long enough to get 50 yards down the line is reward enough.

I mean, think about it: What are you missing if you go? “Gilligan’s Island” will be there when you return, and your three-hour tour could just be the greatest adventure you’ve had all week.

Awesome!

When friends presented tattoo artist Karen Green with a brand-new iPhone in 2007, she never even opened the box, CNN reported. She had recently upgraded her unsmart phone and didn’t want to switch carriers, “and I figured it’s an iPhone, so it’ll never go out of date,” Green said. On Feb. 19, Green’s still-shrink-wrapped first-edition iPhone sold for more than $63,000 through an online auction with Louisiana-based LCG Auctions. Featuring a 2-megapixel

The network, known as the Rare Plant RaMP (Research & Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates in Biological Sciences) program seeks to investigate the unprecedented global decline of plant biodiversity and to broaden the experience of individuals who were not able to participate extensively in research during their undergraduate studies.

The program consists of yearlong opportunities to work as part of the science team within the participating botanic gardens. It is particularly intended for individuals from demographics historically excluded from the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) workforce, first-generation scholars, and those from under-resourced institutions.

Made possible by funding from the National Science Foundation, the network is led by the Atlanta Botanical Garden and, in addition to SDBG camera and “sharp corners front and back,” the phone sold originally for $599. Green will use the funds to support her tattoo business.

[CNN, 2/20/2023]

(Not a) Fetish

Don’t call Aakash Majumdar’s attraction to balloons a fetish. The 28-yearold resident of Mumbai, India, identifies as “objectum sexual,” meaning he’s attracted to inanimate objects — but not just sexually. News.com.au reported on Feb. 16 that Majumdar wakes up every morning and “makes out” with his balloons, which he sleeps beside. “I like their presence and warmth, and share intimate feelings with my balloons and vice versa,” he said. “When you’re in love, you spend a lot of time together and accept all kinds of flaws.” Of course, being balloons, they’re vulnerable: “One day while inflating a few balloons with a pump, a balloon got popped,” he said. “I cried for the loss and after that, I became more careful.” [News.com.au, 2/16/2023]

Great Art!

Nick Stoeberl, 33, was awarded a Guinness world record in 2012 for the male with the longest tongue (3.97 inches), United Press International reported, and now he’s putting it to good use. Stoeberl, who’s been dubbed Lickasso, is making paintings with his organ, selling them for up

SDBG, in collaboration with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, will work with mentees to engage in field botany, conservation horticulture, lab-based genetic, genomic and chemical analysis, and design of rare plant monitoring.

The program at SDBG will specifically focus on the conservation of California native plants, medicinal plants and plants useful for food and agriculture.

Mentors providing hands-on training and guidance include Ari Novy, SDBG president/CEO; Colin Khoury, SDBG senior director of science and conservation; and Todd Michael, SDBG research associate and research professor at Salk Institute.

“Working to better understand and protect biodiversity, and to empower a broader diversity of new scientists, are among our most important goals,” said Khoury. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to participate in this initiative.” to $1,200 each. The California man said he wraps his tongue in plastic wrap first, then plies his art on canvas. “Why not express myself through that medium?” he asked. [UPI, 2/21/2023]

For more information about the program and applications, visit bit.ly/3ZcA4Um.

Bright Idea Post-COVID, Carnival parades have resumed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and one unnamed man was ready to PAR-TAY! The Daily Mail reported that on Feb. 19, military police arrested a man wearing a 7-foot-tall penis costume and flip-flops; he had allegedly been chasing women in the city center and “acting suspiciously.” [Daily Mail, 2/22/2023]

News That Sounds

Like a Joke

Oh, to never be a teenager again. Around 1 a.m. on Feb. 20, a homeowner in Centereach, New York, heard loud noises coming from his yard, Fox News reported. His surveillance video showed six people kicking down several sections of his fence. About three hours later, the suspects, aged 12 to 18, returned and ran through the fence together, apparently in completion of a TikTok challenge mimicking the Kool-Aid man. Officers caught up with the kids around 4:15 a.m. and charged them with several counts of criminal mischief; some of them had also destroyed fences in other parts of Suffolk County. [Fox News, 2/21/2023]

Postural

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March 3

AMERICAN POWS

The Coronado Historical Association honors 50th anniversary of the return of the Vietnam POWs with a new exhibit, “Open Vietnam POWs Fifty Years of Freedom.” 5 p.m. at Coronado Historical Association, 1100 Orange Ave, Coronado.

VISTA GARDEN CLUB

Richard Reed presents

“Beyond Bananas, Novel Fruits for Southern California.” 1:45 p.m. at Gloria McClellan Vista Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista.

NERD COMEDY NIGHT

Clever comedy and a smart audience make this Carlsbad tradition one-of-akind. $15, 7 p.m. at Harding Community Center, 3096 Harding St, Carlsbad.

‘LUCKY STIFF’

A musical comedy by Ahrens and Flaherty. 5 p.m. at Oceanside Theatre Company, 217 N. Coast Hwy, Oceanside.

March 4

ROTARY FUNDRAISER

Magician and longtime Rotarian, Paul Dwork, “the Merlin of Magic” performs. 7 p.m. at Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center, 3557 Monroe St, Carlsbad.

KIMCHI WORKSHOP

Kimchi is a Korean style of fermented vegetables. We will explore fermentation and teach you how to make it. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mar. 4 at Maya Moon Collective, 3349 Adams Ave, San Diego.

CARDIFF FARMERS MKT

The Cardiff Farmers Market, sponsored by The Cardiff 101 Mainstreet Association, will feature approximately 60+ vendors every week. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mar. 4 at MiraCosta San Elijo Campus, 3333 Manchester Ave, Encinitas.

March 6

THE FLAMING LIPS

The Flaming Lips bring American indie rock to the stage. 8 p.m. at the Sound at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

CARLSBAD PLAYREADERS

Box office opens at 6:30, house at 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. 7:30 p.m. at Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad.

PARKINSON’S EXERCISE

PURIM CELEBRATION

Children’s party, Megillah reading and Purim feast. 3:30 p.m. at Chabad at La Costa, 1980 La Costa Ave, Carlsbad.

PURIM

Community holiday celebration. 5 p.m. at Chabad Jewish Center Oceanside/ Vista, 1930 Sunset Dr, Vista.

FREE APHASIA CLASS

SUNRISE BREAKFAST

Get to know your local Kiwanis Club. 7 a.m. at Pegah’s Kitchen, 945 S Santa Fe Ave, Vista.

HAPPY HOUR & CHESS

Play chess, cards and backgammon (bring your boards & sets - some chess boards available). 5:30 to 8 p.m. Mar. 8 at Sammy’s Del Mar, 12925 El Camino Real, San Diego.

IMAGINATION STATION

In Imagination Station, create a new show based on fun new characters. For ages 4-8. 9 to 10 a.m. Mar. 4 at New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 State St, Carlsbad.

THEATER CLASSES

New Village Arts Theatre is offering a host of acting classes through March. 5 p.m. at New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 State St, Carlsbad.

OFF TRACK GALLERY

An evening of visual art at Art Night Encinitas.

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mar. 4 at Off Track Gallery, 937 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas.

NORTH COAST SYMPHONY

Organ Symphony, 2:30 p.m. at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas.

March

5

OUR PLANET IN CONCERT

The landmark Emmy award-winning Netflix series that took the world by storm is now a live concert event. Our Planet Live in Concert combines breathtaking HD cinematography with all-new orchestrations by Oscar-winning composer Steven Price performed by a live onstage orchestra. Presented by San Diego Theatres. 7:30 p.m. at Balboa Theater, 868 4th Ave, San Diego.

BALBOA WALKING TOUR

Register for the Women’s Museum of California on first Sundays for the 60-minute, free Women of Balboa Park Walking Tour. 10 a.m. at Bea Evenson fountain, Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego.

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ

A nationwide tour to celebrate the Hall’s 60th anniversary. 5 and 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

JAZZ EVENSONG

A blend of jazz rooted in the context of Anglican meditation and prayer. 4 p.m. at St. Michael’s-by-theSea Episcopal Church, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad.

NVA’S ‘THE FERRYMAN’

Tickets are on sale now for the New Village Arts presentation of “The Ferryman” with a cast of 21 actors, live animals onstage and more. 8 p.m. at New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 State St, Carlsbad.

This group exercise class is appropriate for anyone with Parkinson’s disease. We focus on PWR! Moves, flexibility, strength, endurance, balance and coordination. Modifications are provided and everyone is welcome! This free class meets from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. the first Monday of each month at NeuroLab 360, 2146 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas.

MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE

Explore different styles of dance in musical theater at New Village Arts. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mar. 6 at New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 State St, Carlsbad.

HARRIET TUBMAN

Leslie McCurdy invokes the “spirit” of Harriet Tubman as she portrays the life of the famous Underground Railroad conductor. 7:30 p.m. on March 6 & March 7 at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach.

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT

Inland North County Parkinson’s Support Group. “Tremble Clefs – Parkinson’s Voice & Movement Therapy.” 10 a.m. at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Dr, San Diego.

March 7

AMERICAN AUTHORS

Pop alternative rock folk band at the Belly Up. $25 (21 & up), 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

This group is for individuals with difficulty communicating after a stroke or a brain injury. It is led by a licensed Speech Language Pathologist. Join this group to connect and communicate with individuals with aphasia, and rejoin life’s conversations in a fun and supportive way. 11 a.m. at NeuroLab 360, 2146 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas.

MARCH 8

GONE GONE BEYOND

Folk-Americana and roots music. 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

STEPHAN CRUMP

Grammy-nominated bassist/composer Stephan Crump brings fan-supported pandemic solo project live to San Diego. 7:30 p.m. at Dizzy’s, 1717 Morena Blvd, San Diego.

March 9

MANIA: ABBA TRIBUTE

Dig out those platforms, dust down those flares and enjoy all your favorite ABBA hits. 7:30 p.m. at Balboa Theater, 868 4th Ave, San Diego.

CUT THE CLUTTER

If your current environment is cluttered and you desire to create a more organized and personally satisfying space, this is the seminar for you. Free, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mar. 9 at Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr, Encinitas.

FREE WHEELCHAIR SKILLS

This class is for manual wheelchair users to learn and practice skills such as wheelies, ascending/descending ramps, curbs and