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Incredible Edible Munch Marva Bouillabaisse is food editor for Incredible Edible Munch. She hails from Calipatria, Calif., where under the watchful eye of her mom, who specialized in southern cooking, she was introduced to the culinary art, later honing her knowledge and skills in food preparation working in five-star hotels for more than 20 years as director of catering alongside master chefs. PEELING GARLIC Here's a useful microwave garlic hack Garlic is a superfood, not only because it's good for you but also because it can make almost any savory dish taste more delicious. However, the one downside of garlic is that it can be frustratingly difficult to peel. Especially when you are making something that uses a lot of it, like a heart- warming roasted garlic soup that calls for around three whole bulbs. In this case, using less garlic means a less flavorful soup, but peeling and dicing all that garlic will take a long time and runs the risk of making your hands a sticky, garlicky mess. Luckily, there is a quick and easy hack that makes peeling garlic simple—all you have to do is pop the whole bulb in the microwave for 20 seconds. Then, let the garlic sit on the counter for around the same amount of time, and you are ready to get peeling. Except now, the garlic skin should easily slide right off of each clove, saving you both time and messy fingers. ​ According to Gavin Sacks, an assistant professor of food science at Cornell University, the reason this hack works so well is because the microwave actually "will heat the water in the garlic, causing cells to rupture," he wrote in response to a query from NPR. This, in turn, causes the release of steam from inside the raw garlic, which then separates the garlic skin from the clove. ​ The steam is what makes the trick work, but it also causes the garlic to be quite hot when removed from the microwave. This is why it is important to allow the garlic to sit for at least 20 seconds to half a minute before peeling. Once slightly cooled, peeling is as easy as simply cutting off the top of the bulb and then pulling away the outer skin. Once each of the cloves has been separated from the bulb, you can squeeze them at either end to make the garlic pop out of the peel. ​ So, now you may be wondering, because microwaving garlic is essentially lightly cooking it, whether this hack will affect the taste of the garlic in any way. According to Sacks, putting the garlic in the microwave may make it slightly less strong in scent and flavor than raw garlic. However, the difference likely isn't enough to be noticeable, and the convenience makes it worth it. ​ Courtesy the Daily Meal. The Lighter side: Soup and Salad Cabbage Soup Weight Loss Wonder Soup Delicious cabbage soup recipe for your diet plan. Full of nutritional vegetables and proven to help you lose weight. ​ Ingredients 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped 1 cup celery, diced 1 cup white or yellow onion, diced 1 cup carrots, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups chicken broth 14 oz can basil 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon basil, garlic, diced tomatoes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes A few shakes of black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt, optional Instructions 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add celery, onions, bell peppers, and carrots. 3. Saute until slightly tender. 4. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. 5. Pour in chicken broth. 6. Stir in tomatoes and cabbage. 7. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. 8. Cook until cabbage is tender. 9. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt (Season to taste) ​ ​ Roasted Cauliflower Soup With Cumin and Caraway Seed ​ Ingredients One medium cauliflower head, cut into florets Three celery stalks, diced One yellow onion, diced Four garlic cloves, unpeeled, crushed One parsnip, peeled and diced 4 cups low sodium vegetable stock One tsp cumin One tsp caraway Two tsp extra virgin olive oil Freshly ground black pepper Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C/347°F. 2. Rinse the cauliflower florets and drain well, then transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 3. Drizzle with olive oil, add the cumin, caraway, black pepper garlic. 4. Toss to combine. Roast for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside. 5. Meanwhile, add the celery stalks, onion, parsnip, and vegetable stock to a med pot. Bring to boil over high heat, then cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Transfer the roasted cauliflower and the soup into the blender and pulse to obtain a creamy liquid. Serve warm and garnished with caraway. ​ ​ French Onion Soup Note: Approx 90 minutes prep time Much of the success of this soup depends on the stock that you are using, and stock varies tremendously in its taste. Depending on your stock, you may need to bump up the flavor with some beef bouillon (we recommend better than bouillon brand). Ingredients 6 large red or yellow onions (about 3 pounds) 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon sugar Kosher salt 2 cloves garlic, minced 8 cups beef stock, chicken stock, or a combination of the two 1/2 cup dry vermouth or dry white wine 2 bay leaves 1 tablespoon thyme leaves, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons brandy (optional) 8 slices (1 inch thick) French bread or baguette 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese Sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese Instructions 1. Peel and slice the onions: Peel and thinly slice the onions from root to stem. There should be about 1 cups of sliced onions in total. 2. Begin caramelizing the onions with olive oil and butter: In a 5 to 6 quart thick-bottomed pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. Add the onions and toss to coat with the olive oil. Cook the onions, stirring often, until they have softened, about 15-20 minutes. Increase the heat to medium high. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter and cook, stirring often, until the onions start to brown, about 20 to 40 minutes. Amount of time will vary depending on your pot, stove, and onions. 3. Sprinkle with the sugar, finish caramelizing, and add garlic: Sprinkle with sugar (to help with the caramelization) and 1 teaspoon of salt. Continue to cook until the onions are well browned, about 10-15 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute more. 4. Deglaze the pot with vermouth or wine: Add the wine or vermouth to the pot and scrape up the browned bits on the bottom and sides of the pot, deglazing the pot as you go. 5. Add the stock, bay leaves, and thyme: Add the stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot and lower the heat to maintain a low simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes. 6. Season and add the brandy: Season to taste with more salt and add freshly ground black pepper. Discard the bay leaves. Add brandy if using. 7. Toast the French bread slices: While the soup is simmering, line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil and preheat the oven to 450°F with a rack in the upper third of the oven. Brush both sides of the French bread or baguette slices lightly with olive oil. Put in oven and toast until lightly browned, 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven. Turn the toasts over and sprinkle with the grated Gruyere cheese and Parmesan. Return to oven when it's close to serving time and bake until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. 8. Serve: Ladle soup into a bowl and transfer one cheesy toast onto the top. Alternatively, you can use individual oven-proof bowls or one large casserole dish. Ladle the soup into the bowls or casserole dish. Cover with the toast and sprinkle with cheese. Put into the broiler for 10 minutes at 350° F, or until the cheese bubbles and is slightly browned. Cool Salads Salads Cobb Salad ​ Ingredients 1/3 cup Red Wine Vinegar 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard 2/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Kosher Salt Freshly Ground Black Pepper Lettuce, (One head ok) coarsely chopped 12 Eggs Hard-boiled, peeled and quartered 12 oz. Cooked Chicken, diced 8 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 ea. Avocado, thinly sliced 4 oz Crumbled blue cheese 5 oz Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 tbsp Finely chopped chives Instructions 1. In a jar, shake together vinegar, mustard, and oil and season with salt and pepper. 2. On a large platter, spread out lettuce, then add rows of hard-boiled egg, chicken, bacon, avocado, blue cheese, and cherry tomatoes. 3. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle ​ ​ Curry Chicken Salad ​ Ingredients ½ cup mayonnaise, best quality such as Hellmann's or Duke's ½ cup sour cream 1 tablespoon curry powder 1½ tablespoons honey 1½ tablespoons fresh lime juice, from 1 lime ¾ teaspoon salt 4½ cups cooked shredded chicken (Poached breast fingerlings work well) 3 large stalks celery, diced 1 cup seedless grapes, halved 3 scallions, light and dark green parts, finely sliced Pinch cayenne pepper (optional for heat) ⅔ cup salted cashews ​ Instructions 1. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, curry powder, honey, lime juice, and salt. 2. To the dressing, add the chicken, celery, grapes and scallions. Toss well to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning, adding the cayenne pepper, if desired. Cover the chicken salad with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. Right before serving, stir in the cashews (adding them at the last minute ensures they stay crunchy). 3. Poached Breast Fingerlings work well for this recipe. Boil water. Turn off heat, place chicken in the water and set pot aside for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked. 4. Roasted Chicken can also be used. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Arrange the chicken breasts (bone-in) skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Coat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until done. Let cool. (You may also use a rotisserie ​ ​ Shrimp Avocado Salad EZ, Lo-carb, high protein ​ Ingredients Shrimp: Use large shrimp if possible, either raw or pre-cooked. Steam the shrimp if you bought it raw. Make sure the peel comes off. You can leave the cooked shrimp whole or chop it into thirds to make them more bite-sized. Avocado: best if ripe but still firm for best consistency with the salad. Add them right before serving. Red onions: they give great flavor to the shrimp avocado salad without overpowering it. Cut into small slivers. May use green onions instead. Dressing: the homemade dressing is made with extra virgin olive oil and fresh squeezed lime juice, along with some cumin, salt and pepper. If you don’t like the taste of cumin, you can definitely skip that. The dressing really brings the salad together wonderfully! Steaming the Shrimp Large raw frozen shrimp works well for this recipe. Thaw it with cold running water and steam it in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. You only need about 5-6 minutes until the shrimp turns opaque. If the shell is on the shrimp, it will peel off easily when cooked. ​ Alternatives There are alternate ways to cook the shrimp, for example on a stovetop, by sautéing with olive oil, salt and pepper or even on a grill. You can also buy pre-cooked shrimp that’s ready-to-use in the recipe. ​ Instructions Start by tossing the cooked shrimp with the dressing and onions. You can also add chopped cilantro here, chopped tomatoes or any other vegetables you’re adding. Give them a good toss so the dressing gets absorbed well. Then you’ll want to spoon the mixture on top of the shredded lettuce and carefully place the avocado slices around the shrimp in the salad. I like adding the avocado at the end for best presentation. ​ Lettuce Wrap Alternative Alternatively, you can chop everything finely, and mix it all together. Then you can serve it in butter lettuce to make shrimp lettuce wraps. EASY BREAKFAST IDEA Bananas supply fiber, which protects bowel health and helps regulate digestion. The amount of potassium in bananas also make them a good fruit to eat to decrease your risk of kidney stones. Banana is also an excellent source of potassium. Strawberries promote good eyesight and decrease symptoms of arthritis, thanks to the high volume of antioxidants. Strawberry has 153mg of potassium per 100 grams and banana has 358mg of potassium. Healthy truths about collard and mustard greens Collard greens—or just "collards"—are a member of the cabbage (Brassica) family of vegetables, which means they are a cruciferous vegetable. Their dark green pigment is a signal they contain nutritious antioxidants . Collards are also an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including calcium. You can use them as you would any dark leafy greens , like kale or spinach. ​ A cup of raw collard greens is very low in carbohydrates, containing merely 2 grams. As with most non-starchy vegetables, there is no scientific study of the glycemic index of collards, but it is assumed to be low. Much of the carbohydrate in collard greens is fiber; it has a small amount of naturally occurring sugar. Collard greens have only a trace amount of fat on their own. If they are cooked in fat (such as olive oil), however, the resulting dish will contain fat. Cooking them in fat will help a person absorb the fat-soluble vitamins found in collard green such as vitamin K. ​ Like other vegetables, collard greens are not high in protein, but they do contain 1 gram per cup raw. Leafy greens like collards are packed with nutrients. Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamin K (1 cup of cooked col- lard greens has eight times the daily requirement), vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, beta-carotene, and other caroten- oids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. The cruciferous vegetables (which include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and other leafy greens like kale and collards), as a group, have been shown to have many beneficial properties. ​ Research is ongoing, but some studies have shown that higher consumption of cruciferous vegetables may reduce the risk of some cancers, including prostate, breast, and lung cancers. High intake of leafy and cruciferous vegetables is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (as much as 16% lower), according to an analysis of eight different studies. One way cruciferous vegetables may help protect the heart is by reducing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). One study of women's vegetable intake found that only cruciferous veggies offered this benefit. In addition, higher intakes of fiber may help to improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. That dietary fiber in collard greens offers an array of other health benefits. People who consume more fiber are at lower risk for stroke, diabetes, obesity, and some gastrointestinal diseases. ​ One of the antioxidants in collard greens is lutein. This compound, related to vitamin A, is important to healthy vision and helps protect the eyes from age-related degeneration and diseases. Along with lutein, collard greens contain other antioxidants that can help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. ​ People who follow a low-FODMAP diet (a diet low in fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols) to manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease can safely consume collard greens. Though uncommon, allergies to foods in the Brassica family have been reported, sometimes with cross-reactivity to mugwort pollen or mustard.7 If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction after consuming or handling collard greens, consult with a doctor about how to manage this sensitivity. ​ Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamin K. While this is a useful vitamin, it can interfere with certain blood-thinning medicines. If you take Coumadin (warfarin), discuss your vitamin K intake with your doctor. Collard greens are also high in oxalates, which in some people can cause painful kidney stones. If you have any kidney problems, you may want to limit your consumption of collard greens or consider consuming high-oxalate foods like collards along with foods containing calcium (such as dairy products or tofu). Eating these foods together makes them less likely to form into kidney stones. Especially when consumed raw, cruciferous vegetables contain naturally occurring chemicals that may interfere with thyroid function. If you have a thyroid condition, you may need to eat fewer of these vegetables, or be sure to cook them prior to eating. ​ Although there are various cultivars of collard greens, in general, they are not sold as different varieties or under different names. You can also buy frozen or canned collards. Nutritionally, these options are comparable to raw greens, except that canned collards have significantly more sodium. Collard greens are a winter crop, but they are typically available all year round. When shopping, look for dark green leaves. ​ Mustard Greens ​ ​Mustard greens are peppery-tasting greens that come from the mustard plant (Brassica juncea L.). Also known as brown mustard, vegetable mustard, Indian mustard, and Chinese mustard, mustard greens are members of the Brassica genus of vegetables. This genus also includes kale, collard greens, broccoli, and cauliflower. There are several varieties, which are usually green and have a strong bitter, spicy flavor. To make them more palatable, these leafy greens are typically enjoyed boiled, steamed, stir-fried, or even pickled. ​ Mustard greens are one of the most nutritious foods you can eat, as they’re low in calories yet rich in fiber and micronutrients. The health benefits of mustards are practically identical to collards. Additionally, mustard greens contain 4–5 percent of the DV for calcium, iron, potassium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), magnesium, and thiamine (vitamin B1), as well as small amounts of zinc, selenium, phosphorus, niacin (vitamin B3), and folate. Compared with raw mustard greens, one cup (140 grams) of cooked mustard greens has much higher levels of vitamin A (96 percent of the DV), vitamin K (690 percent of the DV), and copper (22.7 percent of the DV). Yet, it’s lower in vitamins C and E. ​ Pickled mustard greens, often referred to as takana in Japanese and Chinese cuisines, are similar in calories, carbs, and fiber as raw mustard greens. But they do lose some nutrients during pickling, especially vitamin C. However, one study found that pickling was an effective method for retaining important plant compounds with antioxidant properties. Mustard greens are low in calories yet high in fiber and many essential vitamins and minerals. In particular, they’re an excellent source of vitamins C and K. There’s currently limited research on the specific benefits of eating mustard greens. Still, the individual nutrients found in mustard greens — and Brassica vegetables in general — have been associated with numerous health benefits. Antioxidants are naturally occurring plant compounds that help protect against oxidative stress caused by an excess of free radicals. ​ Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells. Research suggests that over time, this damage can lead to serious, chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. While levels of specific antioxidants vary between the different varieties of mustard greens, these leafy greens in general are a rich source of antioxidants like flavonoids, beta carotene, lutein, and vitamins C and E. Additionally, red varieties are rich in anthocyanins, which are red-purple pigments found in fruits and vegetables that have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Overall, including mustard greens in your diet may help protect against diseases related to oxidative stress. Both raw and cooked mustard greens are a phenomenal source of vitamin K, providing 120 percent and 690 percent of the DV per one cup (56 grams and 140 grams), respectively. ​ Vitamin K is best known for its vital role in helping with blood clotting. It’s also been shown to be essential for heart and bone health. In fact, inadequate vitamin K has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and osteopo- rosis, a condition that results in reduced bone strength and an increased risk of fractures. Recent studies have also suggested a link between vitamin K deficiency and brain health. Inadequate vitamin K may be associated with an increased risk of impaired brain functioning, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, more research is needed. ​ Mustard greens may also be good for your immune system . Just one cup (56 grams raw, 140 grams cooked) pro- vides more than a third of your daily vitamin C needs. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that’s essential for a strong immune system. Research shows that not getting enough vitamin C in your diet can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to getting sick. Additionally, vitamin A in mustard greens also supports your immune response. It does this by promoting the growth and distribution of T cells, which are a type of white blood cell needed to help fight off potential infections. ​ Mustard greens may also be good for your heart . They’re loaded with antioxidants like flavonoids and beta caro- tene, which have been associated with a reduced risk of developing and dying from heart disease. One review of eight studies found that a high intake of leafy green Brassica veggies is associated with a significant 15 percent reduced risk of heart disease. As with other Brassica vegetables, mustard greens contain compounds that help bind bile acids in your digestive system. This is important, as preventing the reabsorption of bile acids leads to lowered cholesterol levels. ​ According to one test-tube study, steaming mustard greens significantly increases their bile acid binding effect. This suggests that steamed mustard greens may have greater cholesterol-lowering potential, compared with eating them raw. Among the antioxidants in mustard greens are lutein and zeaxanthin , which have been shown to benefit eye health. Specifically, these two compounds help protect your retina from oxidative damage, as well as filter out potentially harmful blue light. A s a result, research suggests that eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin may help protect against age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. In addition to powerful antioxidants, which may have anticancer effects , mustard greens are high in a group of beneficial plant compounds called glucosinolates. In test-tube studies, glucosinolates have been shown to help protect cells against DNA damage and prevent the growth of cancerous cells. However, these benefits haven’t been studied in humans. Similarly, a test-tube study of mustard leaf extract found protective effects against colon and lung cancers. Still, studies in humans are needed. ​ As for research in humans, observational studies have shown a link between overall intake of Brassica vegetables — but not mustard greens specifically — and a reduced risk of certain types of cancers, including stomach, color- ectal, and ovarian cancer. Mustard greens are rich in important plant compounds and micronutrients, specifically vitamins A, C, and K. As a result, eating them may have benefits for eye and heart health, as well as anticancer and immune-boosting properties. ‘Toria's Country Greens With Vegetable Medley A Delicious Dinner for Dieters Smoked Turkey Drumstick or Wings. Pre bake with onions and garlic to get the best juices to flavor your greens Add water to maintain a simmering action. Fresh Greens (Collards from my garden—Mustards from my grocer) OK to mix to your taste—Kale, Turnip, other fresh greens ​ Using large pot, add the juices from the Smoked Turkey with water sufficient to cover the fresh greens. Boil 20 minutes, then simmer for 20 minutes. De-bone the Turkey and add the meat. Meanwhile, peel and dice the following: 1 Rutabaga 1 Turnip 3–4 Carrots (Large) Try to dice them the same size so that they look good together. Rutabaga takes a little longer to cook, so boil them 5–10 minutes before adding Turnips. Add Carrots last—they take no more than 5 minutes to boil. Veggies can also be steamed. Optional: Add butter, margarine, butter substitute if you must. Season to taste. Plate and garnish the plate with green onions. ​ Green Onion Prep: Cutting the tip off, cut the white part off from the green stems. Make several incisions from 1” in to the outer rim. A dip for a few minutes in water will allow the onion tips to spread out more like a flower. OPTIONAL MEAL ADDS: Serve with Wild Rice if you’re watching your weight; Mac & Cheese If you’re not. Add Hot Water Corn Bread if you’re watching your weight; Corn Bread or Monkey Bread if you’re not. Bon Appetite! The wonderful and delicious egg is really incredible and edible. And there are many wonderful ways to cook them. Who said egg yolks were unhealthy? Eggs are wholesomely good; here are six great reasons to eat the whole egg By TIM SKWIAT , Contributing Writer ​ Even though it shouldn’t, I still find it astonishing that some people think eggs—better said, egg yolks—are unhealthy. I shake my head when folks brag about their egg-white omelets. And I melt in disappointment when I hear nutritionists suggest fat-free egg substitutes. ​ If any of this sounds familiar, please don’t take it personally. It’s not your fault. It’s been beaten—no pun intended—into our heads over the years that egg yolks are “bad” for us. On top of that, many of us have been conditioned to believe fat is the dietary devil, so to speak. Fortunately, we do seem to be turning a collective corner as far as that goes due to the tireless, persistent efforts of health crusaders. Finally. ​ In other words, fat does not make you fat. What’s more, fat, including saturated fat, is not associated with an increased risk of heart disease. While we’re bursting mythical nutrition bubbles, let’s let the cat out of the bag: the cholesterol found in eggs—and any animal food, for that matter—has no appreciable impact on blood cholesterol. As a matter of fact, eggs can be quite heart healthy. ​ Now that the table has been set, let’s serve the main course: Six reasons you should eat the whole egg. ​ 1. Egg yolks are packed with nutrients. For starters, nearly half of the protein in an egg is found in the yolk. And while many people shy away from egg yolks because of their fat content, the fatty acid profile is relatively balanced. The greatest contribution of fat comes from “heart healthy” monounsaturated fats. Even more, egg yolks contain the essential omega-3 fatty acid DHA. This is critical for eye, brain, and heart health. ​ On top of that, all the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) are found in the yolk. So too are potent antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which we’ll be coming back to again and again. What’s more, virtually all the following vitamins and minerals packaged in the incredible, edible egg are in the yolk: calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, thiamin, panthothenic acid, Vitamins B6, B12, and Folate. ​ Brain health ​ Eggs boost brain health. When you eat the whole egg, yolks are a very good source of vitamin B12. This vitamin energizes the brain and provides crucial protection by eliminating potentially toxic compounds (i.e., homocysteine) and supporting long-term nerve health and function. Eggs are also one of the few excellent sources of choline. ​ And nearly all of it is in the yolk. A lesser-known nutrient that supports brain health and nervous system function, choline is the main building block of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Its significance in nervous system function cannot be overstated. The brain is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. Eggs again are rich in the antioxidants lutein, and zeaxanthin, which fight free radical damage. Lutein also boosts levels of compounds which protect existing brain cells, help create new ones, and improve neuroplasticity (the brain’s capacity to keep developing, changing, and healing itself). So it enhances the ability to learn and master new tasks. ​ Eggs-ray vision and heart healthy ​ Hopefully you’re not tired of hearing about lutein and zeaxanthin. Referred to as the “macular carotenoids,” they act as primary filters of high-energy blue light. Plus, they support visual health and acuity by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation. Specifically, this duo acts as a protective shield against damaging UV rays and harmful free radicals. As a result, they are often referred to as “natural sunglasses.” ​ What’s more, the all-important omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, highly regarded for numerous health benefits including eye health and vision support, can also be found when you eat the whole egg. Despite what you’ve probably been led to believe, regular egg consumption is heart healthy. In a recent 14-week crossover study, researchers from the University of Connecticut showed healthy adults eating 1-3 eggs per day for 4 weeks experienced a significant improvement in their blood lipid profile, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease, compared to eating no eggs. Other studies have shown no association between egg consumption and risk of heart disease. At best, they’ve shown significant improvements in blood lipids to potentially lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. ​ Overall, eggs from pasture-raised hens provide a variety of nutrients that support cardiovascular health. This includes B vitamins (B12, folate), omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA), and carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin). For instance, EPA and DHA are well-known for their beneficial effects on heart health, as research has shown they may lower triglycerides by up to 50 percent and result in a 45 percent reduction in cardiovascular events. ​ Eggs can help trim the fat ​ When it comes to the battle of the bulge, appetite and satiety (feelings of fullness and satisfaction) are two critical factors that influence food intake. In a recent crossover study published in the journal Nutrients , researchers found that, compared to eating oatmeal, when healthy participants ate two eggs for breakfast daily for four weeks, they reported significant improvements in satiety, which correlated with lower levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. ​ Additional research has shown when you eat the whole egg for breakfast, it increases levels of additional satiety hormones, which decrease food intake and promote blood sugar control. Eggs are a good source of protein. And studies have shown protein-rich meals boost satiety, improve appetite control, reduce snacking, improve diet quality, reduce food motivation and reward, and support healthy weight management. In addition, eggs are also rich in healthy fats, which also help increase feelings of fullness and satisfaction ​ Not surprisingly, research has shown eating eggs daily for breakfast is an effective strategy to help control body weight. One study showed eating two eggs for breakfast helped overweight dieters lose 65 percent more weight and feel more energetic than those who ate a bagel breakfast of equal calories and volume. ​ Enhance athletic performance ​ Speaking of protein, eggs are one of the highest quality sources of any whole food available. In a recent review in Nutrition Today, researchers analyzed more than 25 protein studies and concluded the natural, high-quality protein in eggs contributes to strength, power, and energy in several ways: The protein in eggs helps promote steady, sustained energy because it helps support healthy carbohydrate metabolism and glycemic control. As a result, eggs help prevent a rebound effect or energy crash common with poor carbohydrate management. Further, eggs provide several B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, folate, B6, and B12) required for energy production. ​ Dietary protein directly influences muscle mass, strength, and function in people of all ages. Eggs are a good source of protein, with a single egg providing six grams of high-quality protein, which can help individuals build and preserve muscle mass and promote healthy aging like the prevention of muscle loss. Eggs are also rich in the amino acid leucine, which is a “trigger” for building muscle, promotes recovery, and contributes to the body’s ability to use energy. ​ The high-quality protein in eggs provides all the essential amino acids our bodies need to build and maintain muscle mass. In fact, the quality of egg protein is so high scientists often use eggs as the “gold standard” for evaluating the protein quality of other foods. ​ And of course, no matter how you like them prepared (personally. The bottom line: eggs are packed with nutrition. If you regularly eat the whole egg, you are receiving some substantial health benefits you’d otherwise miss out on when you trash the yolk. When it comes to choosing eggs, your best bet is to purchase eggs from pasture-raised hens, which tend to have a slightly healthier nutrition profile. ​ Tim Skwiat has a master's degree in Sports Science & Nutrition, is a Precision Nutrition Coach and a NSCA certified strength and conditioning specialist. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife Amie and daughter Parker Ashlee. ​ Recipes: Healthiest ways to cook eggs ​ By CRISTINA POWELL , Contributing Writer ​ Which came first … the chicken or the egg? Some would argue that the egg certainly must have come first, but not necessarily the chicken egg. So, it seems we aren’t going to lay this argument to rest anytime soon. Whether you side with scientists or philosophers, I think we can all agree that eating the whole egg is beneficial to your health. ​ In my humble opinion, cooking the egg is crucial, as we don’t want to subject ourselves to that harmful bacteria known as salmonella. I am sure most of our parents have put that fear in us at a very early age, but truth be told, this risk is actually very low. Regardless, cooked eggs contain a better source of protein and can allow for more nutrient absorption. This is not to say cooked eggs have more protein than raw, but rather our bodies absorb 50-60 percent of the protein in raw eggs compared to 90 percent of the protein in cooked eggs. ​ But does it matter how you cook this whole egg? ​ Eggs are a complete source of protein. One single serving egg contains 70 calories, 5 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and zero carbs. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, eggs contain vitamins A, D, E, B2, B12, and biotin along with iron, potassium, calcium, and selenium. Eggs also contain choline and folate, two important nutrients for supporting cell growth, brain health, and healthy pregnancies. ​ Healthiest ways to cook and eat eggs ​ 1. Hard-Boiled Eggs. This method of cooking eggs keeps the egg intact, does not include any added cooking oils or additives, and makes for a really healthy and portable snack, especially for busy folks on the go. You just toss the egg, in its shell, into a pot of boiling water and allow it to cook for the desired time, and voila! There is some controversy over just how long to cook an egg for the perfect result, and I would say that depends. If you are looking for a firm yolk that is pastel yellow in color, then I would boil for roughly 7 minutes, then turn off the heat, and allow the egg to continue bathing in the warm water. If you are more partial to a soft-boiled yolk, which is a golden yellow and slightly runny, then you are looking at closer to 5 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat altogether, and soak in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2. Poached Eggs. If you have ever had Eggs Benedict, chances are you have enjoyed poached eggs. This method involves keeping the egg intact but cooking out of the shell. Similar to the hard-boiled egg, you cook the egg in a pot of boiling water, but you are cracking it into the boiling water, allowing it to cook without its shell, then removing from the water before consuming. And this doesn’t include any cooking oils, or additives, so your calories are coming solely from the egg itself. Since you are essentially leaving the yolks runny, it would be best to use pasteurized eggs to avoid that pesky salmonella we discussed earlier. The end result is like a puffy cloud or pillow of white, surrounding a golden-yellow fluid yolk. This is perfect for enjoying solo or on your favorite toasted bread. My personal favorite is with Canadian bacon, and Hollandaise sauce, atop an English muffin. Another variation of the popular Eggs Benedict is with smoked salmon and spinach. ​ 3. Sous Vide Eggs. Starbucks has made sous vide egg bites a trendy way to enjoy eggs. While this method is similar to both the hard boiling or poaching eggs, in that you are cooking the egg in boiling water, you are doing so inside a vacuum sealed bag. The beauty of using this method is that since the egg is contained in a bag or mold, you can add various other ingredients such as cheese, meats or vegetables. There are a few options for these at my local grocery store, Starbucks has three varieties to choose from, and with the invention of the Instant Pot, you can easily make your own. I have actually created my own copycat recipe herewith: Bacon and Gruyere Egg Bites Ingredients: 4 eggs 1/2 cup gruyere cheese (shredded) 1/2 cup cottage cheese 1/4 cup cooked bacon (crumbled) Salt and pepper, to taste Directions: Add first three ingredients to a blender and mix until combined. Add bacon and give a few quick pulses to get it evenly distributed and broken down a bit. Pour mixture into silicon egg mold (Instant Pot). Add one cup of water to Instant Pot, and insert trivet. Place egg mold on top of trivet. Set timer to pressure cook 8-10 minutes. Allow eggs to set for a minute or two before attempting to remove. Enjoy! Chef's Note: You can add anything to these that your heart desires. The two constants are the eggs and cottage cheese, but let your creativity run wild in terms of the mix ins. Cream cheese works well, so does Monterey Jack. I am a huge fan of Gruyere in this, but then again, cheese is one of my favorite foods. 4. Scrambled Eggs. In case you missed it, I have rolled up my sleeves and cooked eggs six ways to determine the best way to make scrambled eggs. It is important to keep in mind that the best tasting eggs may not necessarily be the healthiest, but in my opinion, as long as you are mindful of the types of fats and oils you are using, you can cook them whichever way you prefer. Some enjoy whisking them with water, some with butter, while others use milk or cream. It is not only a matter of taste but texture. 5. Baked Eggs. If you haven’t made individual baked eggs, then you are really missing out. You can simply crack an egg into a muffin tin and cook several of them this way as they freeze beautifully for a quick and easy breakfast any day of the week. You can add various toppings such as bacon, mushrooms, and tomatoes. You can also bake a quiche, which is just using the scrambled egg mixture, usually combined with vegetables and/or meats, and served like a pie. A great way to dodge unwanted calories is to make a quiche sans crust. The egg will form its own little crust and hold everything together nicely. When I am feeding a large crowd, I like to throw a dozen eggs along with everything but the kitchen sink into a casserole dish and bake it. One such recipe has become my go-to for hurricane prep, which occurs right about the end of summer every year. When you are busy running around boarding up windows and making sure you have plenty of candles, the last thing you want to worry about is meal prep. 6. Fried Eggs. I know, I know…you never thought I would have a fried food listed in one of my healthiest foods articles, but eggs are different. To fry an egg, all you really need is a non-stick pan or a little pat of butter or cooking spray. Simply crack the egg into the pre-heated pan and allow to cook. There are two ways this can be done. The first is to allow the egg to cook on only one side, also known as sunny-side up, which leaves the yolk a little runny. Much like the poached egg, this is great with a side of toasty bread. The second is to gently flip the egg once the white is no longer translucent, allowing the yolk to cook a little further, also known as over-easy. I generally cook eggs this way when I am going to add them atop a plate of veggies or hash. Pretty much any way your eggs are scrambled (or fried, baked, hardboiled, etc.) is a good way to eat this nutrient-packed food. So, pick your favorite, and enjoy! Cristina Powell is a Metabolic Effect Nutrition consultant and a nutrition coach. Her passion is to help others discover how great their bodies are meant to feel through healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

Africa The African continent is comprised of 54 nations, each with their own independent governments and sovereignty, GNP, culture, natural resources, language(s), military, and religion. The treasure trove of mineral and raw material wealth has scarcely been touched, and the continent's largely untapped fertile lands could feed the world. Herewith is Jewel of Africa, an interactive adventure in the cradle of mankind, an exploration of nations from A-Z in alphabetical order. Equatorial Guinea: Third leading oil producer Jewel of Equatorial Guinea, officially the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, is a country on the west coast of Central Africa , with an area of 11,000 square miles. Formerly the Spanish colony of Guinea , the nation is comprised of two regions --- an insular and a mainland. ​ The insular region is comprised of the islands of Bioko (formerly Fernando Pó) in the Gulf of Guinea, and Annobón , a small volcanic island — the only part of the country south of the equator . Bioko Island is the northernmost part of Equatorial Guinea and is the home of the country's capital, Malabo . ​ The Portuguese-speaking island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe is located between Bioko and Annobón. The mainland, Río Muni , is bordered by Cameroon on the north and Gabon on the south and east. It is the home of Bata , Equatorial Guinea's largest city. Rio Muni also includes several small offshore islands--- Corisco , Elobey Grande , and Elobey Chico . The country is a member of the African Union , Francophonie , OPEC and the CPLP . ​ Equatorial Guinea has become one of sub-Saharan Africa 's largest oil producers. It has subsequently become the richest country per capita in Africa, and its gross domestic product adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita ranks 43rd in the world. But the wealth is distributed unevenly, with only a few benefiting economically. The country ranks 144th on the 2019 Human Development Index , with less than half the population having access to clean drinking water and approximately 1 in 12 children dying before the age of five. ​ History Independence from Spain was gained on Oct. 12, 1968, in the capital, Malabo. The new country became the Republic of Equatorial Guinea (the date is celebrated as the nation's Independence Day. ​ In 1995 Mobil Oil discovered oil in Equatorial Guinea. The country subsequently experienced rapid economic development, but earnings from the country's oil wealth have not trinkled down to the majority population and the country ranks low on the UN human development index. The current head of state since February 2016, President Teodoro Obiang , is Africa's second-longest serving dictator after Cameroon 's Paul Biya . President Obiang’s personal wealth was estimated by Forbes to be $600 million. ​ Government and politics ​ 1982 constitution of Equatorial Guinea gives President Obiang extensive powers, including naming and dismissing members of the cabinet, making laws by decree, dissolving the Chamber of Representatives, negotiating and ratifying treaties, and serving as commander in chief of the armed forces. Prime Minister Francisco Pascual Obama Asue was appointed by Obiang and operates under powers delegated by the president. During the four decades of his rule, Obiang has shown little tolerance for opposition. While the country is nominally a multi-party democracy. ​ In November 2011, a new constitution was approved. The vote on the constitution was taken though neither the text or its content was revealed to the public before the vote. Under the new constitution the president s limited to a maximum of two seven-year terms and would be both the head of state and head of the government, therefore eliminating the prime minister. The new ​ Algeria Angola ​ Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cape Verde Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Comoros Congo Democratic Republic of Congo Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire ​Djibouti ​Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia ​Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau ​Kenya ​Lesotho Liberia Libya ​Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique ​Namibia Niger Nigeria ​Rwanda ​Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan ​Tanzania Togo Tunisia ​Uganda ​Zambia Zimbabwe The port City of Bata (top) is the largest in Equatorial Guinea. With a 2005 estimated population of 173,046, it is the largest city in the country, while Malabo (below), located on Bioko island, also serves the nation as an import/export port city and is the capital. Equatorial Guinea is as beautiful as any of the many countries on the Africa. Bata is the bustling business center and Malabo is the nation's capital located on the island of Bioko. The mainland on the Atlantic Ocean on the West coast of Africa showcases some of the most idyllic white-sand beaches in the world with tall palms hugging the surf. But the beauty of Equatorial Guinea does not end there. Like many countries on the continent, natural beauty is abundant in the nation's verdant interior rainforests below, home to rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Equatorial Guinea is deeply fertile. Most of the land here, as is true for most of Africa has been scarcely touched by agriculture. Anything can grow here in the nutrient-rich soil that retains the richness it had in antiquity. The discovery of large oil reserves in 1996 and its subsequent exploitation contributed to a dramatic increase in government revenue. Equatorial Guinea is the third-largest oil producer in Africa. Its oil production has risen to 360,000 barrels per day, up from 220,000 only two years earlier. But those reserves are expected to exhaust in the near future and the government is not sitting on its hands waiting for that to happen. According to a goverment study in 2016, planning ahead, African agriculture and agribusiness is estimated to be worth $1 trillion by 2030. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in African agriculture is projected to grow from less than $10 billion in 2010 to more than $45 billion in 2021. This demonstrates the potential of agriculture to generate significant income for Equatorial Guinea. Fores- try, farming, and fishing are also major components of GDP. Subsistence farming predominates. Agriculture is 52 percent of the workforce in Equatorial Guinea today, its largest employer. Equatorial Guinea is a haven for beautiful women, another of its cherished secrets, which dispels the long-held stereotypes by Hollywood and the Western media. African women with their darker hues are stepping up and vying for international beauty titles. Miss Universe 2019 was Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa (far left). A large complement of wildlife populate the Equatorial Guinea rainforest, rivers, lakes, and savanna. Though shy and rarely seen, the western lowland gorilla is the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies. Populations can be found in Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, and Gabon. constitution also introduced the position of vice president and called for the creation of a 70-member senate with 55 senators elected by the people and the 15 remaining designated by the president. ​ Military The Armed Forces of Equatorial Guinea is comprised of approximately 2,500 service members—army, 1,400 soldiers; navy, 200 service members; air force, 120 personnel; and police. 400 personnel. There is also a a gendarmerie , but whose numbers are undetermined. The gendarmerie is a new branch of the service in which training and education supported by the French Military Cooperation in Equatorial Guinea. ​ Geography ​ Equatorial Guinea is a Central African country situated on the west coast of the continent, comprising the Rio Muni mainland and five volcanic offshore—Bioko , Corisco , Annobón , Elobey Chico , and Elobey Grande . The capital is Malabo, located on Bioko Island. The country is bordered by Cameroon to the north, Gabon to the east and south, and the five islands to the west. The current population is 1.4 million. The country is adorned in beautiful Spanish colonial architecture and is a hub for the country’s prosperous oil industry. Its Arena Blanca beach draws dry-season butterflies. The tropical forest of the mainland’s Monte Alen National Park is home to gorillas, chimpanzees and elephants. Despite its name, no part of the country's territory lies on the equator—it is in the northern hemisphere, except for the insular Annobón Province , which is about 96 miles south of the equator. ​ Climate ​ Equatorial Guinea has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. From June to August, Río Muni is dry and Bioko wet; from December to February, the reverse occurs. In between there is a gradual transition. Rain or mist occurs daily on Annobón, where a cloudless day has never been registered. The temperature at Malabo, Bioko, ranges from 61-91 degrees Fahrenheit. In Río Muni, the average temperature is about 81 degrees. Annual rainfall varies from 76 inches at Malabo to 430 inches at Ureka on Bioko Island. ​ Ecology, fauna ​ Equatorial Guinea spans several eco-regions . Río Muni region lies within the Atlantic Equatorial coastal forests eco-region, except for patches of Central African mangroves on the coast, especially in the Muni River estuary. The Cross-Sanaga-Bioko coastal forests eco-region covers most of Bioko and the adjacent portions of Cameroon and Nigeria on the African mainland. The Mount Cameroon and Bioko mountain forests eco-region covers the highlands of Bioko and nearby Mount Cameroon . The São Tomé, Príncipe, and Annobón moist lowland forests eco-region covers all of Annobón, as well as São Tomé and Príncipe. Mammals are found throughout Equatorial Guinea . Gorillas , leopards , chimpanzees , a small population of of elephants , hippopotamus , cape buffalo , crocodiles, various monkeys, and many varieties of snakes, including pythons , are numbered among the wildlife. Gorillas here are a subspecies of the western lowland gorilla , and chimpanzees are the common chimpanzee species. There are two species of African elephants in Equatorial Guinea — the African forest elephant , and African bush elephant . Despite poaching, the leopard is widespread in Equatorial Guinea and is found even in the suburbs of some major cities. ​ Administrative sub-divisions ​ Equatorial Guinea is divided into eight provinces , including their capitals in parentheses are: Annobón (San Antonio de Palé ), Bioko Norte (Malabo ), Bioko Sur (Luba ), Centro Sur (Evinayong ), Djibloho (Ciudad de la Paz ), Kié-Ntem (Ebebiyín ), Litoral (Bata ), and Wele-Nzas (Mongomo ). The provinces are further divided into 19 districts and 37 municipalities . ​ Economy ​ Before independence Equatorial Guinea exported cocoa beans, coffee beans, and timber, mostly to its former colonizer, Spain, and to Germany and the UK. In January 1985, the nation became the first non-Francophone African member of the franc zone , adopting the CFA franc as its currency. The national currency, the ekwele , had previously been linked to the Spanish peseta . The discovery of large oil reserves in 1996 and its subsequent exploitation contributed to a dramatic increase in government revenue. Equatorial Guinea is the third-largest oil producer in Africa. Its oil production has risen to 360,000 barrels per day, up from 220,000 only two years earlier. Forestry, farming, and fishing are also major components of GDP. Subsistence farming predominates. The deterioration of the rural economy has diminished any potential for agriculture-led growth. Agriculture is the country's main source of employment, providing income for 57 percent of rural households and employment for 52 percent of the workforce. ​ According to a government study in 2016, planning ahead, African agriculture and agribusiness is estimated to be worth $1 trillion by 2030. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in African agriculture is projected to grow from less than $10 billion in 2010 to more than $45 billion in 2021. This demonstrates the potential of agriculture to generate significant income for Equatorial Guinea. ​ In addition, it is projected that existing oil and gas reserves will exhaust themselves in the near future, but Equatorial Guinea’s soil and its ecosystems, including rivers and forests, will remain; therefore, agriculture offers a sustainable source of income. The study says oil revenue should be reinvested into agriculture to ensure food production, consumption and export, and employment creation well into the future. From 2000 to 2010, Equatorial Guinea had the highest average annual increase in GDP at 17 percent. Equatorial Guinea is a member of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA ), and of the Central African Monetary and Economic Union (CEMAC), a sub-region that comprises of more than 50 million people. According to the World Bank , Equatorial Guinea has the highest GNI (Gross National Income) per capita of any African country, 83 times larger than the GNI per capita of Burundi , the poorest country. The economy of Equatorial Guinea is expected to grow about 2.6 percent in 2021, a projection based on the successful completion of a large gas project and the recovery of the world economy by the second half of the year. But the country is expected to return to recession in 2022, with a real GDP decline of about 4.4 percent. Transportation ​ Due to the large oil industry in the country, internationally recognized carriers fly to Malabo International Airport which, in May 2014, had several direct connections to Europe and West Africa . There are three airports in Equatorial Guinea—Malabo International Airport , Bata Airport , and the new Annobón Airport on the island of Annobón . Malabo International Airport is the only international airport. Every airline registered in Equatorial Guinea appears on the list of air carriers prohibited in the European Union , which means that they are banned Demographics ​ The majority of the people of Equatorial Guinea are of Bantu origin. The largest ethnic group, the Fang , is indigenous to the mainland, but substantial migration to Bioko Island since the 20th century means the Fang population exceeds that of the earlier Bubi inhabitants. The Fang constitute 80 percent of the population and comprise approximately 67 clans. Those in the northern part of Río Muni speak Fang-Ntumu, while those in the south speak Fang-Okah. The two dialects have differences but are mutually intelligible. Dialects of Fang are also spoken in parts of neighboring Cameroon and Gabon. These dialects, while still intelligible, are more distinct. ​ The Bubi , who constitute 15 percent of the population, are indigenous to Bioko Island. The traditional demarcation line between Fang and “Beach” (inland) ethnic groups was the village of Niefang (limit of the Fang), east of Bata. Coastal ethnic groups, sometimes referred to as Ndowe or "Playeros" (Beach People in Spanish)—Combes, Bujebas , Balengues , and Bengas on the mainland and small islands, and Fernandinos , a Krio community on Bioko Island together comprise five percent of the population. Europeans of Spanish or Portuguese descent — some with partial African ancestry, also live in the country. But most ethnic Spaniards left after independence. ​ A growing number of foreigners from neighboring Cameroon , Nigeria, and Gabon have immigrated to the country. According to the Encyclopedia of the Stateless Nations (2002) seven percent of Bioko islanders were Igbo , an ethnic group from southeastern Nigeria. Equatorial Guinea received Asians and native Africans from other countries as workers on cocoa and coffee bean plantations. Other Africans came from Liberia , Angola, and Mozambique . Most of the Asian population is Chinese , with small numbers of Indians . Equatorial Guinea has also been a destination for fortune-seeking European immigrants from Britain, France and Germany. Israelis, and Moroccans also live and work in the country. ​ Oil extraction since the 1990s has contributed to a doubling of the population in Malabo. After independence, thousands of Equatorial Guineans went to Spain. Another 100,000 went to Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria because of the dictatorship of Francisco Macías Nguema . Some Equatorial Guinean communities are also found in Latin America, the US, Portugal, and France. ​ Languages ​ For years the official languages were Spanish (the local variant is Equatoguinean Spanish ) and French . Portu- guese was also adopted as an official language in 2010. Spanish has been an official language since 1844. It is still the language of education and administration, as 67.6 percent of Equatorial Guineans can speak it, especially those living in the capital, Malabo . French was only made official in to join the Francophonie and it is not locally spoken, except in some border towns. ​ Aboriginal languages are recognized as integral parts of the "national culture" (Constitutional Law No. 1, Jan. 21, 1998). Indigenous languages include Fang , Bube , Benga , Ndowe , Balengue , Bujeba , Bissio, Gumu, Igbo, Pichinglis , Fa d'Ambô . and the nearly extinct Baseke . Most African ethnic groups speak Bantu languages Fa d'Ambô , a Portuguese creole lingo, is widely spoken in Annobón Province , in Malabo, and by limited numbers in mainland Equatorial Guinea. Many residents of Bioko can also speak Spanish, particularly in the capital, and the local trade language, Pichinglis , an English-based creole. Spanish is not spoken much in Annobón. except in government and education. Non-creolized Portuguese is used as liturgical language by local Catholics. ​ Due to historical and cultural ties, in 2010 the legislature amended article four of the Constitution of Equatorial Guinea , to establish Portuguese as an official language of the Republic. This was instituted by the Equatorial Guinea to improve the nation’s communications, trade, and historical bilateral ties with Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Cape Verde. ​ Some of the motivations for Equatorial Guinea's pursuit of membership in the Community of Portuguese Lang- uage Countries (CPLP) included access to several professional and academic exchange programs and facilitated cross-border circulation of citizens. The adoption of Portuguese as an official language was the primary require- ment for application to CPLP. In addition, the country was told it must adopt political reforms allowing effective democracy and respect for human rights. In February 2012, Equatorial Guinea's foreign minister signed an agreement with the IILP on the promotion of Portuguese in the country. ​ In July 2012, the CPLP refused Equatorial Guinea full membership, primarily because of its continued serious violations of human rights. The government responded by legalizing political parties, declaring a moratorium on the death penalty, and starting a dialog with all political factions. Additionally, the IILP secured land from the government for the construction of Portuguese language cultural centers in Bata and Malabo. At its 10th summit in Dili in July 2014, Equatorial Guinea was admitted as a CPLP member. Abolition of the death penalty and the promotion of Portuguese as an official language were preconditions of the approval. ​ Religion, Health, education ​ The principal religion in Equatorial Guinea is Christianity—the faith of 93 percent of the population. Roman Catholics make up the majority (88 percent), while a minority are Protestants (5 percent); 2 percent of the population follows Islam (mainly Sunni ). The remaining 5 percent practice Animism , Baháʼí , and other beliefs. ​ Equatorial Guinea's innovative malaria programs in the early 21st century achieved success in reducing malaria infection, disease, and mortality . Prevention is comprised of twice-yearly indoor residual spraying, the introduction of artemisinin combination treatment, use of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant women, and introduc- tion of very high coverage with long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Their efforts resulted in a reduction in under-five mortality from 152 to 55 deaths per 1,000 live births (down 64 percent), that coincided with the launch of the program. ​ Under Francisco Macias , education was neglected, and few children received any type of education. Under President Obiang, the illiteracy rate dropped from 73 to 13 percent, and the number of primary school students rose from 65,000 in 1986 to more than 100,000 in 1994. Education is free and compulsory for children 6-14 years of age. The country has one university, the Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial (UNGE), with a campus in Malabo and a Faculty of Medicine located in Bata on the mainland. In 2009 the university produced the first 110 national doctors. The Bata Medical School is supported principally by the government of Cuba and staffed by Cuban medical educators and physicians. ​ Sports ​ Equatorial Guinea was chosen to co-host the 2012 African Cup of Nations in partnership with Gabon , and hosted the 2015 edition . The country was also chosen to host the 2008 Women's African Football Championship , which they won. The women's national team qualified for the 2011 World Cup in Germany. ​ Equatorial Guinea was chosen to host the 12th African Games in 2019. The nation is famous for its swimmers Eric Moussambani , nicknamed "Eric the Eel"; and Paula Barila Bolopa , " who competed the 2000 Summer Olympics . NEXT COUNTRY

Sportswriter At-large Last year, the Twins were already 18 games back at this juncture playing .391 baseball on the heels of first-place finishes in 2019 and 2020. They are an enduring franchise—a resilience honed over many months of Sundays. Here is their story. Minnesota Twins A Comprehensive History The Minnesota Twins are an American professional baseball team based in Minneapolis . The Twins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division . The team is named after the Twin Cities area which includes the two adjoining cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul . ​ The franchise was founded in Washington, D.C. , in 1901 as the Washington Senators . The team moved to Minnesota and was renamed the Minnesota Twins for the start of the 1961 season . The Twins played in Metro- politan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome from 1982 to 2009. The team played its inaugural game at Target Field on April 12, 2010. The franchise won the World Series in 1924 as the Senators,[10] and in 1987 and 1991 as the Twins. ​ From 1901 to 2021, the Senators/Twins franchise's overall regular-season win-loss-tie record is 9,012–9,716–109 (.481); as the Twins (through 2021), it is 4,789–4,852–8 (.497). Washington Nationals/Senators: 1901–1960 Main article: History of the Washington Senators Washington's Bucky Harris scores on his home run in the fourth inning of Game 7 of the 1924 World Series. The team was founded in Washington, D.C. , in 1901 as one of the eight original teams of the American League. It was named the Washington Senators from 1901 to 1904, the Washington Nationals from 1905 to 1955, and the Senators again from 1956 to 1960. But the team was commonly referred to as the Senators throughout its history (unofficially as the "Grifs" during Clark Griffith 's tenure as manager from 1912 to 1920). The name "Nationals" appeared on uniforms for only two seasons, and then was replaced with the "W" logo. The media often shortened the nickname to "Nats" — even for the 1961 expansion team . The names "Nationals" and "Nats" were revived in 2005, when the Montreal Expos moved to Washington to become the Nationals . ​ The Washington Senators spent the first decade of their existence finishing near the bottom of the American League standings. The team's long bouts of mediocrity were immortalized in the 1955 Broadway musical Damn Yankees . Their fortunes began to improve with the arrival of 19-year-old pitcher, Walter Johnson , in 1907 . Harmon Killebrew was a prolific power hitter with the Minnesota Twins with career totals 2,086 hits, 1,584 RBIs, and 573 homers. Johnson blossomed in 1911 with 25 victories, although the team still finished the season in seventh place. In 1912 , the Senators improved dramatically, as their pitching staff led the league in team earned run average and in strikeouts . Johnson won 33 games while teammate Bob Groom added another 24 wins to help the Senators finish the season in second place. Griffith joined the team in 1912 and became the team's owner in 1920. (The franchise remained under Griffith family ownership until 1984. The Senators continued to perform respectably in 1913 with Johnson posting a career-high 35 victories, as the team once again finished in second place. The Senators then fell into another decline for the next decade. ​ The team had a period of prolonged success in the 1920s and 1930s, led by Walter Johnson, as well as fellow Hall-of-Famers Bucky Harris , Goose Goslin , Sam Rice , Heinie Manush , and Joe Cronin . In particular, a rejuvenated Johnson rebounded in 1924 to win 23 games with the help of his catcher, Muddy Ruel , as the Senators won the American League pennant for the first time in its history. The Senators then faced John McGraw 's heavily favored New York Giants in the 1924 World Series . The two teams traded wins back and forth with three games of the first six being decided by one run. In the deciding 7th game, the Senators were trailing the Giants 3-1 in the 8th inning when Bucky Harris hit a routine ground ball to third that hit a pebble and took a bad hop over Giants third baseman Freddie Lindstrom . Two runners scored on the play, tying the score at three. An aging Walter Johnson came in to pitch the ninth inning and held the Giants scoreless into extra innings. In the bottom of the twelfth inning, Ruel hit a high, foul ball directly over home plate . The Giants' catcher, Hank Gowdy , dropped his protective mask to field the ball but, failing to toss the mask aside, stumbled over it and dropped the ball, thus giving Ruel another chance to bat. On the next pitch , Ruel hit a double ; he proceeded to score the winning run when Earl McNeely hit a ground ball that took another bad hop over Lindstrom's head. This would mark the only World Series triumph for the franchise during their 60-year tenure in Washington. ​ The following season they repeated as American League champions but ultimately lost the 1925 World Series to the Pittsburgh Pirates . After Walter Johnson retired in 1927, he was hired as manager of the Senators. After enduring a few losing seasons, the team returned to contention in 1930. In 1933 , Senators owner Griffith returned to the formula that worked for him nine years earlier: 26-year-old shortstop Joe Cronin became player-manager . The Senators posted a 99-53 record and cruised to the pennant seven games ahead of the New York Yankees , but in the 1933 World Series the Giants exacted their revenge, winning in five games. Following the loss, the Senators sank all the way to seventh place in 1934 and attendance began to fall. Despite the return of Harris as manager from 1935 to 1942 and again from 1950 to 1954, Washington was mostly a losing ball club for the next 25 years contending for the pennant only during World War II. Washington came to be known as "first in war, first in peace, and last in the American League"; their hard luck drove the plot of the musical and film Damn Yankees . In his career pitcher Bert Blyleven won 287 games, 27th-most all-time; pitched 4,970 innings, 14th-most all-time; and recorded 3,701 career strikeouts, the fifth-most in MLB history. In 1954 , the Senators signed future Hall of Fame member Harmon Killebrew . By 1959 , he was the Senators’ regular third baseman and led the league with 42 home runs, earning him a starting spot on the American League All-Star team . ​ After Griffith's death in 1955, his nephew and adopted son Calvin took over the team presidency. Calvin sold Griffith Stadium to the city of Washington and leased it back. This led to speculation that the team was planning to move, as the Boston Braves , St. Louis Browns , and Philadelphia Athletics had done in recent years. By 1957, after an early flirtation with San Francisco (where the New York Giants would move after the season), Griffith began courting Minneapolis-St. Paul, a prolonged process that resulted in his rejecting the Twin Cities' first offer before agreeing to move. Home attendance in Washington, D.C., steadily increased from 425,238 in 1955 to 475,288 in 1958, and then jumped to 615,372 in 1959. However, part of the Minnesota deal guaran- teed a million fans a year for three years, plus the potential to double TV and radio money. ​ The American League opposed the move at first, but in 1960 a deal was reached. Major League Baseball agreed to let Griffith move his team to Minneapolis-St. Paul region and allowed a new Senators team to be formed in Washington for the 1961 season. Asked nearly two decades later why he moved the team, Griffith, in a racially-biased tone replied, "I’ll tell you why we came to Minnesota; it was when I found out you only had 15,000 Blacks here. Black people don’t go to ball games, but they’ll fill up a 'rassling' ring and put up such a chant it’ll scare you to death. It’s unbelievable. We came here because you’ve got good, hard-working, White people here." ​ Minnesota Twins: 1961-present ​ Renamed the Minnesota Twins, the team set up shop in Metropolitan Stadium . Success came quickly to the team in Minnesota. Sluggers Harmon Killebrew and Bob Allison , who had been stars in Washington, were joined by Tony Oliva and Zoilo Versalles , and later second baseman Rod Carew and pitchers Jim Kaat and Jim Perry , winning the American League pennant in 1965. A second wave of success came in the late 1980s and early 1990s under manager Tom Kelly , led by Kent Hrbek , Bert Blyleven , Frank Viola , and Kirby Puckett , winning the franchise's second and third World Series (and first and second in Minnesota). The name "Twins" was derived from "Twin Cities", a popular nickname for the Minneapolis -St. Paul region. The NBA 's Minneapolis Lakers had moved to Los Angeles in 1960 due to poor attendance, blamed in part on a perceived reluctance of fans in St. Paul to support the team. Griffith was determined not to alienate fans in either city by naming the team after one city or the other. He proposed to name the team the "Twin Cities Twins," but MLB objected and Griffith therefore named the team the Minnesota Twins. The team was allowed to keep its original "TC" (for Twin Cities) insignia for its caps. The team's logo shows two men, one in a Minneapolis Millers uniform and one in a St. Paul Saints uniform, shaking hands across the Mississippi River within an outline of the state of Minnesota. The "TC" remained on the Twins' caps until 1987, when they adopted new uniforms. By this time, the team felt it was established enough to put an "M" on its cap without having St. Paul fans think it stood for Minneapolis. The "TC" logo was moved to a sleeve on the jerseys, occasionally appeared as an alternate cap design, and then was reinstated as the main cap logo in 2010. Both the "TC" and "Minnie & Paul" logos remain the team's primary insignia. ​ The Twins were eagerly greeted in Minnesota when they arrived in 1961 . They brought a nucleus of talented players: Harmon Killebrew, Bob Allison , Camilo Pascual , Zoilo Versalles , Jim Kaat , Earl Battey , and Lenny Green . Tony Oliva , who would go on to win American League batting championships in 1964 , 1965 and 1971 , made his major league debut in 1962 . That year, the Twins won 91 games, the most by the franchise since 1933 . Behind Mudcat Grant 's 21 victories, Versalles' A.L. MVP season and Oliva's batting title, the Twins won 102 games and the American League Pennant in 1965 , but they were defeated in the World Series by the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games (behind the Series MVP , Sandy Koufax , who compiled a 2-1 record, including winning the seventh game). ​ In 1962, the Minnesota State Commission on Discrimination filed a complaint against the Twins, which was the only MLB team still segregating players during spring training and when traveling in the southern United States. ​ Heading into the final weekend of the 1967 season , when Rod Carew was named the A.L. Rookie of the Year , the Twins, Boston Red Sox , Chicago White Sox , and Detroit Tigers all had a shot at clinching the American League championship. The Twins and the Red Sox started the weekend tied for 1st place and played against each other in Boston for the final three games of the season. The Red Sox won two out of the three games, seizing their first pennant since 1946 with a 92-70 record. The Twins and Tigers both finished one game back, with 91-71 records, while the White Sox finished three games back, at 89-73. In 1969, the new manager of the Twins, Billy Martin , pushed aggressive base running all-around, with Carew stealing home seven times in the season (1 short of Ty Cobb 's Major League Record) in addition to winning the first of seven A.L. batting championships . With Killebrew slugging 49 homers and winning the AL MVP Award , these 1969 Twins won the very first American League Western Division Championship, but they lost three straight games to the Baltimore Orioles , winners of 109 games, in the first American League Champ- ionship Series . The Orioles would go on to be upset by the New York Mets in the World Series . Martin was fired after the season, in part due to an August 1969 fight in Detroit with 20-game winner Dave Boswell and outfielder Bob Allison , in an alley outside the Lindell A.C. bar. Bill Rigney led the Twins to a repeat division title in 1970 , behind the star pitching of Jim Perry (24-12), the A.L. Cy Young Award winner, while the Orioles again won the Eastern Division Championship behind the star pitching of Jim Palmer . Once again, the Orioles won the A.L. Championship Series in a three-game sweep, and this time they would win the World Series . 1970s ​ After winning the division again in 1970, the team entered an eight-year dry spell, finishing around the .500 mark. Killebrew departed after 1974. Owner Calvin Griffith faced financial difficulty with the beginning of free agency , costing the Twins the services of Lyman Bostock and Larry Hisle , who left as free agents after the 1977 season, and Carew, who was traded after the 1978 season. In 1975, Carew won his fourth consecutive A.L. batting title, having already joined Ty Cobb as the only players to lead the major leagues in batting ave- rage for three consecutive seasons. In 1977 , Carew batted .388, which was the highest in baseball since Bos- ton's Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941 ; he won the 1977 A.L. MVP Award . He won another batting title in 1978, hitting .333. Rod Carew was one of the most skilled hitters in Major League Base- ball history stroking 3,053 hits, 1,015 RBIs, 92 homeruns, and a lifetime batting average of .328. His highest single-season batting average was .388. The Metrodome , 2007 ​ In 1982 , the Twins moved into the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome , which they shared with the Minnesota Vikings . After a 16-54 start, the Twins were on the verge on becoming the worst team in MLB history. They turned the season around somewhat, but still lost 102 games, finishing with what is currently the second-worst record in Twins history (beaten only by the 2016 team, which lost 103 games), despite the .301 average, 23 homers and 92 RBI from rookie Kent Hrbek . In 1984, Griffith sold the Twins to multi-billionaire banker/financier Carl Pohlad . Pohlad beat a larger offer by New York businessman Donald Trump by promising to keep the club in Minnesota. The Metrodome hosted the 1985 Major League Baseball All-Star Game . After several losing seasons, the 1987 team , led by Hrbek, Gary Gaetti , Frank Viola (A.L. Cy Young winner in 1988 ), Bert Blyleven , Jeff Reardon , Tom Brunansky , Dan Gladden , and rising star Kirby Puckett , returned to the World Series after defeating the favored Detroit Tigers in the ALCS , 4 games to 1. Tom Kelly managed the Twins to World Series victories over the St. Louis Cardinals in 1987 and the Atlanta Braves in 1991 . The 1988 Twins were the first team in American League history to draw more than 3 million fans. On July 17, 1990, the Twins became the only team in major ​ league history to pull off two triple plays in the same game. Twins' pitcher and Minnesota native Jack Morris was the star of the series in 1991, going 2-0 in his three starts with a 1.17 ERA. 1991 also marked the first time that any team that finished in last place in their division would advance to the World Series the following season; both the Twins and the Braves did this in 1991. Contributors to the 1991 Twins' improvement from 74 wins to 95 included Chuck Knoblauch , the A.L. Rookie of the Year ; Scott Erickson , 20-game winner; new closer Rick Aguilera and new designated hitter Chili Davis . ​ The World Series in 1991 is regarded by many as one of the classics of all time. In this Series, four games were won during the teams' final at-bat, and three of these were in extra innings. The Atlanta Braves won all three of their games in Atlanta, and the Twins won all four of their games in Minnesota. The sixth game was a legendary one for Puckett, who tripled in a run, made a sensational leaping catch against the wall, and finally in the 11th inning hit the game-winning home run. The seventh game was tied 0-0 after the regulation nine innings, and marked only the second time that the seventh game of the World Series had ever gone into extra innings. The Twins won on a walk-off RBI single by Gene Larkin in the bottom of the 10th inning, after Morris had pitched ten shutout innings against the Braves. The seventh game of the 1991 World Series is widely regarded as one of the greatest games in the history of professional baseball. ​ After a winning season in 1992 but falling short of Oakland in the division, the Twins fell into a years-long stretch of mediocrity, posting a losing record each season for the next eight: 71-91 in 1993, 50-63 in 1994, 56-88 in 1995, 78-84 in 1996, 68-94 in 1997, 70-92 in 1998, 63-97 in 1999 and 69-93 in 2000. From 1994 to 1997, a long sequence of retirements and injuries hurt the team badly, and Tom Kelly spent the remainder of his managerial career attempting to rebuild the Twins. In 1997, owner Carl Pohlad almost sold the Twins to North Carolina businessman Don Beaver, who would have moved the team to the Piedmont Triad area. ​ Puckett was forced to retire at age 35 due to loss of vision in one eye from a central retinal vein occlusion . The 1989 A.L. batting champion , he retired as the Twins' all-time leader in career hits , runs , doubles , and total bases . At the time of his retirement, his .318 career batting average was the highest by any right-handed American League batter since Joe DiMaggio . Puckett was the fourth baseball player during the 20th century to record 1,000 hits in his first five full calendar years in Major League Baseball, and was the second to record 2,000 hits during his first 10 full calendar years. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001 , his first year of eligibility. 2000s ​ The Twins dominated the Central Division in the first decade of the new century, winning the division in six of those 10 years ('02, '03, '04, '06, '09 and '10), and nearly winning it in '08 as well. From 2001 to 2006, the Twins compiled the longest streak of consecutive winning seasons since moving to Minnesota. ​ Threatened with closure by league contraction , the 2002 team battled back to reach the American League Championship Series before being eliminated 4-1 by that year's World Series champion Anaheim Angels . The Twins have not won a playoff series since the 2002 ALDS against Oakland, despite the team winning several division championships in the decade. ​ In 2006, the Twins won the division on the last day of the regular season (the only day all season they held sole possession of first place) but lost to the Oakland Athletics in the ALDS . Ozzie Guillén coined a nickname for this squad, calling the Twins "little piranhas." The Twins players embraced the label, and in response, the Twins Front office started a "Piranha Night." with piranha finger puppets given out to the first 10,000 fans. ​ Scoreboard operators sometimes played an animated sequence of piranhas munching under that caption in situations where the Twins were scoring runs playing "small ball," and the stadium vendors sold T-shirts and hats advertising "The Little Piranhas." The Twins also had the AL MVP in Justin Morneau, the A.L batting champion in Joe Mauer , and the AL Cy Young Award winner in Johan Santana . ​ In 2008, the Twins finished the regular season tied with the White Sox on top of the AL Central, forcing a one-game playoff in Chicago to determine the division champion. The Twins lost that game and missed the playoffs. The game location was determined by rule of a coin flip that was conducted in mid-September. This rule was changed for the start of the 2009 season, making the site for any tiebreaker game to be determined by the winner of the regular season head-to-head record between the teams involved. ​ After a year where the Twins played .500 baseball for most of the season, the team won 17 of their last 21 games to tie the Detroit Tigers for the lead in the Central Division. The Twins were able to use the play-in game rule to their advantage when they won the A.L. Central at the end of the regular season by way of a 6-5 tiebreaker game that concluded with a 12th-inning walk-off hit by Alexi Casilla to right field, that scored Carlos Gómez. However, they failed to advance to the American League Championship Series as they lost the American League Divisional Series in three straight games to the eventual World Series champion New York Yankees Yankees. That year, Joe Mauer became only the second catcher in 33 years to win the AL MVP award. Iván Rodríguez won for the Texas Rangers in 1999, previous to that, the last catcher to win an AL MVP was the New York Yankees Thurman Munson in 1976. ​ 2010 This marked Minnesota's inaugural season played at Target Field , where the Twins finished the regular season with a record of 94-68, clinching the AL Central Division title for the 6th time in 9 years under manager Ron Gardenhire . New regular players included rookie Danny Valencia at third base, designated hitter Jim Thome , closer Matt Capps , infielder J. J. Hardy , and infielder Orlando Hudson . In relief pitching roles were late additions Brian Fuentes and Randy Flores . On July 7, the team suffered a major blow when Justin Morneau sustained a concussion, which knocked him out for the rest of the season. In the divisional series , the Twins lost to the Yankees in a three-game sweep for the second consecutive year.[80] Following the season, Ron Gardenhire received AL Manager of the Year honors after finishing as a runner up in several prior years. 2017-present ​ In 2017, the Twins went 85-77, finishing second In the AL Central. Following Brian Dozier 's 34 homeruns, Miguel Sanó , Byron Buxton , and Eddie Rosario all had breakout years, while Joe Mauer hit .305. They ended up making the playoffs, which made them the first ever team to lose 100 games the previous year and make the playoffs the next season. They lost to the Yankees in the wild card round. ​ The 2018 season did not go as well. The Twins went 78-84, and did not return to the post-season. Sanó and Buxton were injured most of the year and eventually both sent down to the minors, while long-time Twin Brian Dozier was traded at the deadline. One bright spot came at the end of the season, when hometown hero Joe Mauer returned to catcher (his original position) for his final game, ending his career with a signature double and standing ovation. Another highlight was the team's two-game series against the Cleveland Indians in San Juan, Puerto Rico . After the season, manager Paul Molitor was fired. Free agent signing Logan Morrison and long-time veteran Ervin Santana declared free agency. Miguel Sanó , infielder (2015–present) ​ In 2019, the Twins clinched the AL Central Division for the first time since 2010, finishing the season with the second-most wins in franchise history with 101, one short of the 1965 season. The team combined for a total of 307 home runs, the most in MLB history for a single season. The team's slugging prowess has earned them the nickname the Bomba Squad. In the 2019 ALDS , the Twins opponents were the New York Yankees, who finished one home run behind at 306 and the second team to break the 300 home run mark. The Twins were swept again, and extend their postseason losing streak to 16, dating back to the 2004 ALDS. On Sept. 17, 2019, Miguel Sanó hit a 482-foot home run to make the Twins the first team in major league history to have five players with at least 30 home runs in a season. ​ The Metrodome in 2006 ​ The quirks of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome , including the turf floor and the white roof, gave the Twins a home-field advantage that helped them win the World Series in 1987 and 1991, at least in the opinion of their opponents. The Twins went 12–1 in postseason home games during those two seasons, becoming the first and second teams to sweep all four home games in a World Series. (The feat was repeated by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001 .) Nevertheless, the Twins argued that the Metrodome was obsolete. Furthermore, they said sharing a stadium with the NFL 's Minnesota Vikings , as they had been doing since their 1961 move to Minnesota, limited the team's revenue and made it difficult to sustain a top-notch, competitive team. The team was rumored to contemplate moving to New Jersey , Las Vegas , Portland, OR , the Greensboro /Winston-Salem, NC area , and elsewhere in search of a more financially competitive market. In 2002, the team was nearly disbanded when Major League Baseball selected the Twins and the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals franchise) for elimination due to their financial weakness. The impetus for league contraction diminished after a court decision forced the Twins to play out their lease on the Metrodome. However, Twins owner Carl Pohlad continued his efforts to move, pursuing litigation against the Metropolitan Stadium Commission and obtaining a state court ruling that his team was not obligated to play in the Metrodome after the 2006 season. This cleared the way for the Twins to move or disband before the 2007 season if a new deal was not reach. Target Field in 2010 ​ In response to the threatened loss of the Twins, the Minnesota private and public sector negotiated and approved a financing package for a replacement stadium—a baseball-only outdoor, natural turf ballpark in the Warehouse District of downtown Minneapolis —owned by a new entity known as the Minnesota Ballpark Authority. Target Field was constructed at a cost of $544.4 million (including site acquisition and infrastruc-ture), utilizing the proceeds of a $392 million public bond offering based on a 0.15 percent sales tax in Hennepin County and private financing of $185 million provided by the Pohlad family . As part of the deal, the Twins also signed a 30-year lease of the new stadium, effectively guaranteeing the continuation of the team in Minnesota for a long time to come. Construction of the new field began in 2007, and was completed in December 2009, in time for the 2010 season. Commissioner Bud Selig , who earlier had threatened to disband the team, observed that without the new stadium the Twins could not have committed to sign their star player, catcher Joe Mauer , to an 8-year, $184 million contract extension. The first regular-season game in Target Field was played against the Boston Red Sox on April 12, 2010, with Mauer driving in two runs and going 3-for-5 to help the Twins defeat the Red Sox, 5-2. On May 18, 2011, Target Field was named "The Best Place To Shop" by Street and Smith 's SportsBusiness Journal at the magazine's 2011 Sports Business Awards Ceremony in New York City. It was also named "The Best Sports Stadium in North America" by ESPN The Magazine in a ranking that included over 120 different stadiums, ballparks and arenas from around North America. ​ In July 2014, Target Field hosted the 85th Major League Baseball All-Star Game and the Home Run Derby . In June 2020, following protests over the murder of George Floyd , a statue of former owner Calvin Griffith was removed from Target Plaza outside of the stadium because of his history of racist comments. ​ Uniforms ​ The Twins' white home uniform, first used in 2015, features the current "Twins" script (with an underline below "win") in navy outlined in red with Kasota gold drop shadows. Letters and numerals also take on the same color as the "Twins" script. The modern "Minnie and Paul" alternate logo (with the state of Minnesota in navy outlined in Kasota gold) appears on the left sleeve. Caps are in all-navy with the interlocking "TC" outlined in Kasota gold. ​ The Twins' red alternate home uniform, first used in 2016, features the "TC" insignia outlined in Kasota gold on the left chest. Letters and numerals are in navy outlined in white with Kasota gold drop shadows. The "Minnie and Paul" alternate logo appears on the left sleeve. The uniform is paired with a navy-brimmed red cap with the "TC" outlined in Kasota gold. ​ The Twins' navy alternate home uniform, first used in 2019, features the classic "Twins" script (with a tail under- accent after the letter "s") in red outlined in navy and Kasota gold. Letters and numerals also take on the same color as the "Twins" script. As with the home white uniforms, it is paired with the all-navy Kasota gold "TC" cap. The gold-trimmed "TC" insignia also appears on the left sleeve. ​ The Twins' powder blue alternate uniform, first used in 2020, is a modern buttoned version of the road uniform the team used from 1973 to 1986. The set contains the classic "Twins" script in red outlined in navy, along with red letters on the back and red numerals (both on the chest and on the back) outlined in navy. The "Minnie and Paul" alternate logo appears on the left sleeve. The uniform is paired with the primary all-navy "TC" cap minus the Kasota gold accents, which is also used on the helmets regardless of uniform. ​ The Twins' grey road uniform, first used in 2010, features the current "Minnesota" script (with an underline below "innesot") in red trimmed in navy. Letters are in navy while numerals (both on the chest and on the back) are in red trimmed in navy. The team's primary logo appears on the left sleeve. The uniform is paired with either the all-navy or the red-brimmed navy "TC" cap. ​ The Twins' navy alternate road uniform, first used in 2011, shares the same look as the regular road uniforms, but with a few differences. The "Minnesota" script is in red outlined in white, letters and chest numerals are in white outlined in red, and back numerals are in red outlined in white. Red piping is also added. The uniform is paired with either the all-navy or the red-brimmed navy "TC" cap. Current Twins uniforms From 1961 to 1971 the Twins sported uniforms bearing the classic "Twins" script and numerals in navy outlined in red. They wore navy caps with an interlocking "TC" on the front; this was adopted because Griffith was well aware of the bitter rivalry between St. Paul and Minneapolis and didn't want to alienate fans in either city. The original "Minnie and Paul" alternate logo appears on the left sleeve of both the pinstriped white home uniform and grey road uniform. ​ For the 1972 season the Twins updated their uniforms. The color scheme on the "Twins" script and numerals were reversed, pinstripes were removed from the home uniform, and an updated "Minnie and Paul" roundel patch replaced the originals on the left sleeve. ​ In 1973 the Twins switched to polyester pullover uniforms, which included a powder blue road uniform. Chest numerals were added while a navy-brimmed red cap was used with the home uniform. The original "Minnie and Paul" logo returned to the left sleeve. Player names in red were added to the road uniform in 1977. In 1987 the Twins updated their look. Home white uniforms brought back the pinstripes along with the modern-day "Twins" script. By this time, the franchise felt it was established enough in the area that it could put a stylized "M" on its cap without having fans in St. Paul think it stood for Minneapolis. The "TC" insignia adorned the left sleeve, later replaced by the modern "Minnie and Paul" alternate in 2002. Road grey uniforms, which also featured pinstripes, were emblazoned with "Minnesota" in red block letters outlined in navy, while the updated primary logo adorned the left sleeve. Both uniforms kept the red numerals trimmed in navy, but the color on the player names was changed to navy. In 1997, player names were added to the home uniform. Initially, both uniforms were paired with an all-navy cap featuring the underlined "M" in front, but in 2002, the "TC" cap was brought back as a home cap while the "M" cap was used on the road. The "M" cap was retired following the 2010 season, though the team continued to wear them as a throwback on special occasions. ​ For a few games during the 1997 season, the Twins wore red alternate uniforms, which featured navy piping and letters in white trimmed in navy. In that same year, the Twins also released a road navy alternate uniform, featuring red piping, "Minnesota" and player names in white block letters outlined in red, and red numerals outlined in white. The following season, the Twins replaced the red uniforms with a home navy alternate, which features the "Twins" script and back numerals in red outlined in white, and player names and chest numerals in white outlined in red. Both uniforms contained the "TC" (later modern "Minnie and Paul") and primary logo sleeve patches respec- tively. The Twins also brought back the navy-brimmed red cap for a few games with the home navy alternates. The road navy alternates remained in use until 2009, with the home navy version worn for the last time in the 2013 season. ​ The Twins also wore three other alternate uniforms in the past. In 2006, the Twins wore a sleeveless variation of their regular home uniforms with navy undershirts, which they wore until 2010. They also wore a buttoned version of their 1973-86 home uniforms in 2009, before giving way to the throwback off-white version of their 1961-71 home uniforms from 2010 to 2018. ​ The Minnesota Twins farm system consists of six minor league affiliates. With the invitation of the St. Paul Saints to join the Twins. ​ Minnesota Twins Hall of Famers. Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Washington Senators Stan Coveleski Joe Cronin Ed Delahanty Rick Ferrell Lefty Gomez Goose Goslin * Clark Griffith * Bucky Harris * Whitey Herzog Walter Johnson * Heinie Manush * Sam Rice * Al Simmons George Sisler Tris Speaker Early Wynn Minnesota Twins Bert Blyleven * Rod Carew * Steve Carlton Jim Kaat * Harmon Killebrew * Paul Molitor Jack Morris Tony Oliva * David Ortiz Kirby Puckett * Jim Thome Dave Winfield ​ ​ Molitor, Morris, and Winfield were all St. Paul natives who joined the Twins late in their careers and were warmly received as "hometown heroes," but were elected to the hall primarily on the basis of their tenures with other teams. Both Molitor and Winfield had their 3,000th hit with Minnesota, while Morris pitched a com- plete-game shutout for the Twins in game seven of the 1991 World Series . Molitor was the first player in history to hit a triple for his 3,000th hit. ​ Cronin, Goslin, Griffith, Harris, Johnson, Killebrew and Wynn are listed on the Washington Hall of Stars display at Nationals Park (previously they were listed at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium ). So are Ossie Bluege , George Case , Joe Judge , George Selkirk , Roy Sievers , Cecil Travis , Mickey Vernon and Eddie Yost . Ford C. Frick Award recipients Rod Carew Harmon Killebrew Joe Mauer Tony Oliva Kirby Puckett ​ Minnesota Twins Ford C. Frick Award recipients . Affiliation according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Herb Carneal Russ Hodges Arch McDonald Chuck Thompson Bob Wolff

PANDEMIC STALLING COLLEGE PLANNING Program helps MN colleges break up the 'Stop Out' pattern MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL (PNS) — The pandemic and other factors forced some Minnesota college students to put their academic careers on hold. Several schools around the state, including Anoka-Ramsey Community College, are tapping into a program that expands efforts to get these individuals back on the path toward degree completion. "Degrees When Due " participates with schools around the country, helping them locate students who have earned credits but haven't re-enrolled after "stopping out." Anoka-Ramsey's Dean of Research and Evaluation, Nora Morris said aside from pandemic issues, common life events can come up. "Oftentimes, it's things like family," said Morris. "So, either having children or having adults in your life that need care — aking care of parents. And also, there's no denying it's a lack of funds." She said that often impacts first-generation or low-income college students, who opt to focus on work. Morris said these issues had been building prior to the crisis. A new report from the National Student Clearing house Research Center says in the past couple of years, Minnesota saw a 3% increase in those who left school without earning a degree. The findings only include the first few months of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Morris said in recent years, they've identified nearly 680 potential "completers." While only a handful re-enrolled, she said it's still worth it because it prompts the school to look inward to reduce barriers. "We know we need to communicate better," said Morris. "We need to communicate better about resources that are out there and not just communicate, but actually work to make those resources - whether it's online tutoring, that's available when students need it. Or financial resources." And Anoka-Ramsey has added food pantries to help students stay focused on academics. Morris said even though the job market is attractive right now, she encouraged coming back to finish your degree and create opportunities. Schools such as hers are trying to keep it simple so the investment pays off. "One of the interesting things that we discovered is oftentimes, they have more than enough credits to graduate," said Morris. "They just didn't fit nicely into any one major. And so, we are working at the front end now with students to get them on track so that they don't end up with 80 credits and no degree to show for it." Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.

Jim Brown's multi-faceted career spanned professional football with the Cleveland Browns, a distinguished time in Hollywood, and activism in civil rights. Jim Brown, NFL great, Hollywood star, civil rights activist dies at 87 LOS ANGELES (CN)—Funeral services were pending today for Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, the Cleveland Browns legend who went on to become a prolific actor and prominent civil-rights activist. Brown died May 18 at his home in Los Angeles at age 87, according to a family representative. "It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown," Monique Brown said in a statement. "He passed peacefully last night at our L.A. home. To the world he was an activist, actor, and football star. To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Our hearts are broken." ​ Considered by many one of the greatest football players of all time, Brown played for the Browns from 1957-65, averaging more than 5 yards per carry en route to becoming the league's rushing leader in almost every year of his short but storied career. He was named the league MVP in 1965, and also led the Browns to an NFL championship in 1964. Brown was named to the Pro Bowl every year of his career. ​ "Legend. Leader. Activist. Visionary," the Cleveland Browns posted on the team's Twitter page Friday. "It's impossible to describe the profound love and gratitude we feel for having the opportunity to be a small piece of Jim's incredible life and legacy. We mourn his passing, but celebrate the indelible light he brought to the world. Our hearts are with Jim's family, loved ones and all those he impacted along the way." Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam issued a statement saying, "Jim Brown is a true icon of not just the Cleveland Browns but the entire NFL. He was certainly the greatest to ever put on a Browns uniform and arguably one of the greatest players in NFL history. "Jim was one of the reasons the Browns have such a tremendous fan base today. So many people grew up watching him just dominate every time he stepped onto the football field but his countless accolades on the field only tell a small part of his story." Seemingly at the height of his playing career, Brown opted to retire in 1966, while he was in the midst of filming the classic war film "The Dirty Dozen," featuring Lee Marvin and a host of other Hollywood dignitaries, includ- ing Telly Savalas and Charles Bronson. Another classic was the 1969 Mexican Revolutionary War drama, "100 Rifles," featuring co-stars Raquel Welch and Burt Reynolds Brown went on to appear in more than two dozen other films, including "Ice Station Zebra," "The Running Man," "Any Given Sunday," "Black Gunn," "Three the Hard Way," and "Mars Attacks." At the time of his retirement from the NFL, he was the league leader in total yards with 12,312 and 126 touchdowns. He rushed for 1,863 yards in the 1963, a team record that still stands in Cleveland. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. A statue of Brown stands outside the Cleveland Browns' stadium. Brown was destined for greatness out of college at Syracuse, where he was also a standout lacrosse player—he is a member of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame—and also lettered in basketball and track. Brown also became a noted civil rights advocate and anti-gang activist. He founded the Amer-I-Can program in 1988, aimed at helping at-risk and high-risk youth at inner-city schools and juvenile detention facilities. It also offers reentry programs for adults exiting prison. He also worked as a football analyst for CBS, where he counted Vin Scully among his colleagues. "On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Monique and their family," NFL Commis- sioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "Jim Brown was a gifted athlete—one of the most dominant play- ers to ever step on any athletic field—but also a cultural figure who helped promote change. "During his nine-year NFL career, which coincided with the civil rights movement here at home, he became a forerunner and role model for athletes being involved in social initiatives outside their sport. He inspired fellow athletes to make a difference, especially in the communities in which they lived." His life was not without controversy. he had numerous run-ins with the law, beginning in 1968 when he was charged with assault, a case that was dismissed when the alleged victim declined to cooperate with prose- cutors. Brown was ordered to pay a fine, however, for striking a sheriff's deputy involved in the investigation. Brown was charged but later acquitted in a road-rage case in 1970. He was convicted of misdemeanor battery in 1975 for assaulting a golf partner. In 1999, he was arrested for allegedly threatening his wife and vandalizing her car with a shovel. He was sentenced to three years probation, domestic violence counseling and commu- nity service. But Brown failed to abide by any of those terms, and he spent three months behind bars. Brown is survived by his wife, Monique, and children Karen, Kim, Kevin, Jim Jr. and Aris. ​ ​​ VIKINGS TEAM CHARITY Vikings Legends Reunite at Team's Annual Golf Tournament. Courtesy Alli Rusco/Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings Foundation Golf Tournament gives back By CRAIG PETERS MINNEAPOLIS — More than 30 Vikings Legends linked up earlier this month for the Minnesota Vikings Foundation's Golf Tournament presented by Molson Coors. ​ It was the sixth consecutive year for The Meadows at Mystic Lake to host the fundraiser that enables foun- dation initiatives like the Vikings Table charity food truck to positively impact the community. SCHEELS, Viking Lakes, PXG, Little Six Casino, Mystic Lake Casino and Molson Coors offered fun activities for golfers to play for chances to win prizes between holes. Jim and Cody Edgeworth Insurance also spon- sored the event that raised more than $250,000.  "The Minnesota Vikings Foundation is all about youth health and education," said Minnesota Vikings Foun- dation Executive Director Brett Taber. "We always love to remind our donors and sponsors that they're supporting programs like the Vikings Table food truck, which has served over 30,000 meals to at-risk youth in our community. Today is all about giving back and helping our community that needs it the most." ​ The event also was about welcoming home Vikings Legends who helped foster a culture of giving back during their playing days that has continued. ​ Steve Hutchinson, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2020 who was enshrined last summer, returned to Minnesota for the tournament. The backswings brought back memories of participating in a similar event when he was with the team. ​ "You take a sense of pride in knowing that once you're a Viking, you're always in the Vikings family," Hutch- inson told Vikings Entertainment Network's Tatum Everett. "The Wilfs have done a great job since they've taken ownership of realizing that there's more than just the product on the field. It's the responsibility of the organization to use its platform to help the community in any way possible, so it doesn't surprise me that it's grown the way it has. ​ "There is a trickle-down effect," Hutchinson added. "I think everybody from the top down knows the respon- sibility and genuinely embraces it and appreciates it." ​ The five-time First-Team All-Pro who totaled 169 regular-season starts with Seattle (68), Minnesota (89) and Tennessee (12) from 2001-12 said he's enjoyed connecting with Minnesota's newcomers, including Head Coach Kevin O'Connell and offensive line coach Chris Kuper. ​ Kuper started 79 of 90 regular-season games played for the Broncos from 2006-13. He spent the past three seasons assisting Denver's offensive line under Mike Munchak, a Hall of Fame guard who had been Hutch- inson's head coach in Tennessee. ​ "I met Coach Kuper the other day at the hotel. We were discussing o-line stuff, as we usually do. … We're both former players, played in a different era," Hutchinson said. "It's really a lot of complaining, just talking about how things were and kids these days don't know what it's like. Every generation does the same thing. ​ "He had the opportunity to coach under Mike Munchak … so everything Kuper was taught … I think he knows the way to do it, so I'm excited to see what he has in store," Hutchinson added. ​ Hutchinson said he's watched a lot of golf lately, especially major tournaments, but he has come to the conclusion he doesn't play or practice enough to "actually be good." ​ That change in expectations has added to his enjoyment. ​ "You get older, and you think you get a little wiser, and you go, 'Well, how can you be great at something you don't do so much?' So I stopped trying to worry about it," Hutchinson said. "I just try to get good shots. I don't need to string them together. I don't need to win a hole on my own. That's why scrambles and tourna- ments like this, the format is pretty forgiving. You can leave here feeling good about yourself because you're not chasing your ball all over the place because you're using somebody else's good shot, so you kind of boost your ego." ​ Steve Jordan flew in from Arizona to participate for the second year in a row. ​ The former tight end enjoyed reuniting with teammates like fellow Vikings Ring of Honor member Joey Browner, as well as players who have followed. Jordan described his golf game as "decent on occasion." ​ "The only thing that's consistent about it is I'm inconsistent, but I have a lot of fun with it, so it's cool," Jordan said. "I know over the years the Vikings have done a lot in the community, so this is an opportunity for us to come together and raise some money, have some fun and generate a little more community engagement. That's a win, win, win." ​ Linebacker Ed McDaniel readily admitted, "I'm a horrible golfer, but you get out of the house for four or five hours, and you might as well enjoy yourself." ​ The broader goal of the day wasn't as lost on McDaniel as some of his golf balls. ​ "We all have to give back. Someone gave to me. I was fortunate enough to play in college and then with the Vikings for 10 years and still am fortunate," McDaniel said. "If we don't help the next generation, if we don't help someone behind us, where are we going to be?" MINNESOTA MOURNS Minnesota mourns Marion Barber III ​ Barber competed for Minnesota from 2001-04 and ranks fifth all-time in rushing yards with 3,276 ​​ The University of Minnesota football program is mourning the death of former Gopher great Marion Barber III, who was found deceased in his apartment in Texas on June 22.. He was 38 years old. "Marion was one of the best to ever play at Minnesota, and he is a big reason why many people are Gopher fans today," said head coach P.J. Fleck . "The Barber family is synonymous with Gopher football and we are absolutely heartbroken for Marion Jr., Karen, Dom, Thomas and the entire family. We will do everything we can to support the family during this difficult and tragic time." Barber competed for Minnesota from 2001-04 and ranks fifth all-time in rushing yards with 3,276. His 35 rushing touchdowns rank second in school history and his 575 career carries ranks seventh. Barber rushed for 1,196 yards and 17 scores in 2003 as the Gophers went 10-3. It was the first time that Minnesota had won 10 or more games in a season since 1905. Barber was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft with the 109th overall pick. He would play seven seasons in the NFL — six with Dallas and one with Chicago — before retiring in 2012. He played in 99 career games and rushed for 4,780 yards and 53 touchdowns. He added 1,330 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions. Barber was selected to the 2007 Pro Bowl in 2007 after rushing for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns for Dallas. Barber's father, Marion Jr., and two brothers, Dom and Thomas, all played for Minnesota in college as well. Marion Jr., played running back from 1977-80 and ranks seventh all-time in program history with 3,094 rushing yards. Dom was a defensive back from 2004-07 and notched 187 career tackles. Thomas, who is currently an Offensive Graduate Assistant for the Gophers, played linebacker from 2016-19. He ended his career with 274 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. ​ Marion Barber III

Africa The African continent is comprised of 54 nations, each with their own independent governments and sovereignty, GNP, culture, natural resources, language(s), military, and religion. The treasure trove of mineral and raw material wealth has scarcely been touched, and the continent's largely untapped fertile lands could feed the world. Herewith is Jewel of Africa, an interactive adventure in the cradle of mankind, an exploration of nations from A-Z in alphabetical order. Jewel of Republic of the Congo: Oil rich; nation's major export Republic of the Congo, situated astride the Equator in west-central Africa, officially known as the Republic of the Congo, the nation is often called Congo (Brazzaville), with its capital added parenthetically, to distinguish it from neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. Congo as a whole is sparsely inhabited, with more than half of its population living in the cities. The most populous city is the capital, Brazzaville, which is located in the southeastern corner of the Environment ​ Congo is bounded to the northwest by Cameroon, to the north by the Central African Republic, to the east and south by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the southwest by the Angolan exclave of Cabinda , and to the west by Gabon. South of its border with Gabon, the country also has a 100-mile-long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Along the Atlantic Ocean, a coastal plain 40 miles wide stretches for about 100 miles between Gabon and Cabinda. The plain rises gradually from the sea eastward to the Mayombé Massif, a low mountain range that parallels the coast. The Mayombé peaks are rugged and separated by deep river gorges. Among these, Mt. Berongou rises to 2,963 feet. East of the Mayombé Massif lies the Niari valley, a 125-mile-wide depression, which historically has served as an important passage between the inland plateaus and the coast. Toward the north the valley rises gradually to the Chaillu Massif, which reaches elevations of between 1,600 and 2,300 feet on the Gabon border; in the south the depression rises to the Cataractes Plateau. ​ Beyond the Niari valley is a series of plateaus about 1,600 feet above sea level, separated by the deeply eroded valleys of tributaries of the Congo River. The Bembe Plateau lies between the Niari valley and the Chaillu Massif, while the Batéké Plateau stretches northward along the Congo River from Brazzaville to Mpouya. The northeast is part of the western Congo basin and is made up of a vast 60,000-square-mile plain that slopes eastward from the western mountains and plateaus to the Congo River. Cut by numerous tributaries, the plain is swampy and floods yearly. About two-thirds of the country is covered with coarse-grained soils that contain sand and gravel. Lateritic soils, with a high proportion of iron and aluminum sesquioxides, characterize low-lying areas. Because of the hot and humid climate, organic matter is decomposed by rapid bacterial action before it can accumulate into humus; moreover, topsoil is washed away by the heavy rains. In the savannas, the fertile alluvial soils are threatened with erosion by wind and rain. A diverse pattern of coarse- and fine-grained soils covers the plateaus and hills. Climate of the Republic of the Congo ​ The country’s tropical climate is characterized by heavy precipitation and high temperatures and humidity. The Equator crosses the country just north of Liranga. In the north a dry season extends from November through March and a rainy season from April through October, whereas in the south the reverse is true. On both sides of the Equator, however, local climates exist with two dry and two wet seasons. Annual precipitation is abundant throughout the country, but seasonal and regional variations are important. Precipitation averages more than 48 inches annually but often surpasses 80 inches. Temperatures are relatively stable, with little variation between seasons. More variation occurs between day and night, when the difference between the highs and lows averages about 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Over most of the country, annual average temperatures ​ Algeria Angola ​ Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cape Verde Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Comoros Congo Democratic Republic of Congo Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire ​Djibouti ​Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia ​Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau ​Kenya ​Lesotho Liberia Libya ​Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique ​Namibia Niger Nigeria ​Rwanda ​Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan ​Tanzania Togo Tunisia ​Uganda ​Zambia Zimbabwe Forest elephants, gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees abound in the rainforest of the Republic of the Congo. Elephant numbers are about 30,000; gorillas, 100,000; and chimpanzees, 170,000 - 300,000. Bonobo numbers are uncertain. The animals above and the leopard (left) share the dense rainforest of the Republic of the Congo. The Congolian rainforest is the world's second-largest forest , spanning six countries, and contains a quarter of the world's remaining tropical forest. With annual forest loss of 0.3 percent during the 2000s, the region has the lowest deforestation rate of any major tropical forest zone. To the north, south, and southwest, the forests transition to drier forest-savanna mosaic , a mosaic of drier forests, savannas , and grasslands . To the west, the Congolian forests transition to the coastal Lower Guinean forests , which extend from south- western Cameroon into southern Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. The mighty Congo River, reflecting the clouds (right), is the second longest river in Africa , shorter only than the Nile , as well as the second largest river in the world by discharge volume, following only the Amazon . It is also the world's deepest recorded river, with measured depths in excess of 720 feet. The Congo-Lualaba -Chambeshi River system has an overall length of 2,920 miles, which makes it the world's ninth-longest river . The Chambeshi is a tributary of the Lualaba River , and Lualaba is the name of the Congo River upstream of Boyoma Falls , extending for 1,120 miles. This way to Brazzaville—civilization, sky- scrapers, tourist hotels, and the diligent, hardworking Congolese people nurturing fertile agricultural crops that contribute greatly to the GDP of the Republic of the Congo. Several attractive Congolese women also grace this feature with natural gorgeous allure. range between the high 60s and low 80s F, although in the south the cooling effect of the Benguela Current may produce temperatures as low as the mid-50s F. The average daily humidity is about 80 percent. Drainage ​ The country’s drainage system is dominated by the Congo River. The Congo’s main northern tributary, the Ubangi River, flows southward from the Central African Republic and forms the country’s eastern border as far as the town of Liranga, where it joins the Congo proper. The main river continues southward to Malebo Pool, a shallow 300-square-mile lake, and then on to Livingstone (Zongo) Falls before turning southwest through Congo (Kinshasa) to the Atlantic Ocean. The major right-bank tributaries of the Congo, all within the Congo Republic, include the Sangha, Likouala, Alima, Nkéni, Léfini, Djoué, and Foulakari rivers. ​ Plant and animal life ​ Much of the country is covered with tropical rainforest, although logging has cleared areas in the south. The dense growth of African oak, red cedar, walnut, softwood okoumé, or gaboon mahogany, and hardwood limba (Terminalia superba) remaining in some regions provides an evergreen canopy over the sparse undergrowth of leafy plants and vines. Coconut palms, mangrove forests, and tall grasses and reeds grow in the coastal regions and eastern swamps. The plateaus and the Niari valley are covered with grasses and scattered broad-leaved trees. ​ Several varieties of monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas, elephants, okapis, wild boars, and buffaloes live in the forests. Wildlife in the savanna regions includes antelopes, jackals, wild dogs, hyenas, and cheetahs. On the plateaus, rhinoceroses and giraffes are numerous, but lions are scarce. Birdlife includes predatory eagles, hawks, and owls, scavenging vultures, and wading herons. Sixteen percent of Congolese territory is protected; national parks include Nouabalé-Ndoki, in which dwell more than 300 species of bird and more than 1,000 plant and tree species, and Odzala-Kokoua , which is an important elephant and gorilla sanctuary. ​ Ethnic groups, languages ​ Except for the Pygmies and the Adamawa-Ubangi speaking populations in the northeast, the indigenous peoples all speak Bantu languages. Intergroup communication and trade fostered the development of two trade languages, Lingala and Kituba (Mono kutuba). Lingala is spoken north of Brazzaville, and Kituba is common in the area between the capital and the coast. French is the official language and the medium of educational instruction, as well as the language of the upper classes. About half of Congo’s inhabitants identify with the Kongo peoples, whose major subgroups include the Sundi, Kongo, Lali, Kougni, Bembe, Kamba , Dondo, Vili, and Yombe. The Ubangi peoples include the Makoua, Kouyou, Mboshi, Likouala, Ngala, and Bonga. The Teke and the Sanga, or “Gabonese Bantu,” are also divided into subgroups. The Binga Pygmies live in small bands, usually as clients of surrounding farming peoples. Of the Europeans who remained in Congo prior to the civil strife of the late 1990s—many of whom were French and resided in the major cities—only a fraction remain. Religion ​ Seventy-five percent of the population is Christian. Adherents of Roman Catholicism account for about 33 percent of the country’s Christians. The Protestant community includes members of the Evangelical Church of the Congo. There are also independent African churches; the Kimbanguist Church, the largest independent church in Africa, is a member of the World Council of Churches. Other independent churches include the Matsouana Church and the Bougist Church. Most of the small Muslim community is made up of foreigners who reside in Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire. Settlement patterns ​ The country’s four main cultural regions developed from contact and exchange between neighboring clusters of peoples. The southern region between Brazzaville and the coast is inhabited by the Kongo peoples. Also in the south, the Teke inhabit the Batéké Plateau region. In the north, the Ubangi peoples live in the Congo River basin to the west of Mossaka, while the Binga Pygmies and the Sanga are scattered through the northern basin. Precolonial trade between north and south stimulated both cooperation and competition, while French favoritism toward the peoples of the southwest and post-independence politics intensified ethnic and regional rivalries. Massive internal migration and urbanization since independence have reproduced these cleavages in the cities and towns. ​ Population distribution within the country is very uneven. The southwestern quarter of the country is home to the majority of the population, while in the north and northeast, population is sparse. In spite of the civil conflict of the late 1990s, which dampened the rate of urbanization, Congo nevertheless remains highly urbanized relative to the sub-Saharan African average, with more than one-half of the population living in cities. Because the urban growth rate far exceeds that of the country as a whole, urbanization continues to intensify. Since this growth has been chiefly the result of internal migration, most rural communities have ties to the larger national community and economy. ​ The major cities are Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire on the Atlantic coast, Nkayi (formerly Jacob) in the Niari valley, and Loubomo (formerly Dolisie) in the Mayombé region. Colonial creations by and large, the cities reflect French influence: a central administrative and commercial core is surrounded by residential areas. Before independence there was a marked separation between the spacious planned European neighborhoods and the less-regimented, more populous African parts of town. Since 1960, however, greater social and economic mobility in the African population, attempts at urban renewal, and massive rural-to-urban migration have blurred these distinctions. Demographics ​ Like many African countries, Congo has a fast-growing, relatively young population: the birth rate is among the world’s highest, and about 20 percent of the population is under 15 years of age. In the early portions of the 20th century, however, the country was part of the low-fertility belt, a region stretching from Gabon to Uganda where many societies experienced little or no population growth. Life expectancy, among the lowest on the continent prior to 1950, improved steadily in the last half of the 20th century, and by the early 2000s it had surpassed the average for sub-Saharan Africa. ​ Urban in-migration has long been an important demographic trend. During the colonial era, the new colonial cities, and Brazzaville in particular, attracted African migrants. Congo has since become one of the most urban countries of sub-Saharan Africa, about two-thirds of the population residing in urban areas. Demographic trends have also been linked to local and neighboring patterns of conflict. More than one-third of the population was estimated to have been displaced as a result of the civil conflict of the late 1990s; many returned to their homes in 2000. In addition, refugees fleeing conflict in neighboring countries—particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo but also Rwanda, Angola, and elsewhere—have sought shelter in Congo. Economy ​ Petroleum and mining are the major export industries, followed by forestry and commercial agriculture. Light manufacturing (mostly shoes), sugar processing, and assembly industries assumed greater importance in the 1980s. These activities, however, employed only a small fraction of the labor force, most of which worked in agriculture and the non-salaried informal urban economy. In the late 1980s, following a fall in world oil prices, Congo experienced a major financial crisis. Negotiations for aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank produced agreements to privatize portions of the national economy and to reduce the national bureaucracy. Such agreements may have improved the ability of Congo to compete in the international economy; at the same time, they did little to ameliorate the poverty of much of the population. ​ Congo continued to remain a heavily indebted country. Failure to make payments on outstanding debts prompted the suspension of disbursements by the World Bank in the late 1990s, shortly before the halt of all international aid with the outbreak of civil conflict. In 2000 the IMF approved emergency assistance, and the World Bank resumed its activities in 2001; in November 2007 the London Club of creditors canceled some 80 percent of Congo’s debt. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing ​ For the most part, agriculture, which occupies more than one-third of the workforce, is subsistence in nature. Poor soil and the lack of fertilizers limit yields, and the country is not self-sufficient in food production. Most of the cultivated land is in family holdings that are too small for mechanized farming; international development strate- gies, which are shaped by reliance on large-scale production, have yet to devise effective ways to enhance small-scale production. ​ In the savanna, land is cleared by burning, and women work the fields with hand tools. Cassava (manioc) is the basic food crop everywhere but in the south, where bananas and plantains are prevalent. Rice is grown in the Niari valley and in the north around Djambala. The diet is supplemented with yams, taros, sweet potatoes, corn, peanuts, and fruit. Livestock consists of sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. The government has sponsored the raising of cattle since the introduction in the 1960s of n’dama cattle, a breed resistant to the tsetse fly. ​ Sugarcane and tobacco are major cash crops. Palm kernels, cacao, and coffee are grown in more modest amounts. Other cash crops include rice, bananas, and cotton. Commercial agriculture and cattle ranching are concentrated in the Niari valley. Forest products accounted for more than 60 percent of the total exports in the late 1960s. Two decades later, however, petroleum made up more than 90 percent of exports, and it has remained the preeminent export product since that time. The relatively accessible forestry reserves of the country’s south have been exploited since the 1940s. Although the extensive forest reserves of the north were previously out of reach because of the region’s isolation, this changed rapidly from the mid-1990s. Congo is among the world’s largest producers of limba and okoumé woods. Products include logs, sawn wood, and veneers. Forestry was largely under French control until the 1960s, when African participation expanded. ​ Commercial marine fishing is conducted off Pointe-Noire. The catch includes tuna, bass, sole, and sardines. Freshwater fishing on the rivers, lakes, and swamps is largely a subsistence activity. In the early 2000s, industrial and artisanal fishing activities yielded a roughly comparable catch. Resources and power ​ Important resources include petroleum and natural gas, most of which are produced in offshore fields. Large reserves of potash (potassium chloride) are found at Tchitondi (Holle), 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Pointe-Noire. Iron ore is found in the south and in the western Sangha basin. Minor deposits of gold and diamonds are located in the Kouilou valley, and there are copper and lead deposits west of Brazzaville. There are also deposits of zinc, tin, uranium, bauxite, and titanium. ​ Forests of softwoods and hardwoods cover much of the country. The rivers and lakes are home to substantial fish resources. Hydroelectric power accounts for nearly all of the country’s domestic electricity production; additional energy needs are met through imports, chiefly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Manufacturing ​ The manufacturing sector is limited by small domestic markets, dependence upon foreign investment, and a lack of skilled labor. Most factories are located in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, Kayes, Loubomo, and towns in the Niari valley. Products include processed foods (particularly flour and sugar), beer and other beverages, cigarettes, textiles and clothing, footwear, processed wood and paper, chemicals, cement and bricks, glassware, and metal goods such as nails and metal furniture. The first petroleum refinery went into operation in 1976 at Pointe-Noire. Handicrafts include carvings, pottery, needlework, tiles, and bricks. Finance and trade ​ Congo is a member of Financial Cooperation in Central Africa (Coopération Financière en Afrique Centrale; CFA) and the Central African Economic and Monetary Union (Communauté Économique et Monétaire de l’Afrique Centrale; CEMAC). The central bank, Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale, is based in Cameroon and issues the CFA franc, the currency used in CEMAC countries. Congo’s chief export is petroleum, which accounts for the vast majority of its export earnings; wood and wood products, including logs and sawn timber, are also notable exports. Significant imports include machinery and transport equipment, food and live animals, and basic manufactures. Among Congo’s principal trade partners are France, China, and Italy. Services ​ The contribution of the services sector, sizable in the early 1990s, was diminished as a result of both the rise of the petroleum industry and the effects of civil conflict. By the early 2000s services accounted for more than two-fifths of the Congolese gross domestic product (GDP). Diminished as a result of the instability of the late 1990s, the tourism sector has been slowly recovering. The majority of tourists from France or from neighboring countries. Labor and taxation ​ Agriculture employs more than one-third of the labor force, although it accounts for only a fraction of GDP. About 60 percent of the workforce is engaged in the services and industry sector. Among the taxes in Congo are those levied on income, including wages and real-estate income; capital and property taxes, among them land and stamp taxes; taxes on expenditure, such as the value-added tax and excise taxes; and taxes on business activity, including business and liquor licenses. Transportation and telecommunications ​ Congo’s road system is most developed in the south. Major routes link Brazzaville with Pointe-Noire and Loubomo with the Gabon border. Many roads are impassable during the rainy season. Railways are also concentrated in the south. The major Congo-Ocean Railway line runs for about 320 miles from Brazzaville west through Nkayi and Loubomo to Pointe-Noire. There is also a 175-mile branch line from Favre north to Mbinda on the Gabon border. These railways offer important transshipment services for neighboring countries, producing significant revenue. They are also important to mining and industrial development, for most industrial towns are located along them. Water transportation has long linked Congo, Chad, and the Central African Republic. The rivers, however, are interrupted by rapids and subject to seasonal variations in flow. Brazzaville is linked by ferry to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The capital is the most important inland port; in Brazzaville passengers and freight traveling downriver from Bangui, in the Central African Republic, transfer to the railroad and continue on to the ocean port of Pointe-Noire. This seaport is the major transshipment center for these three countries as well as western Cameroon, and it is one of Africa’s most important ports. ​ Fixed-line telephone services are generally of poor quality. Although the number of main lines in use continued to increase modestly in the early 2000s, overall access remained low, particularly in comparison with cellular mobile telephones, the use of which was expanding rapidly. Access to personal computers is generally modest, and the proportion of the Congolese population that makes use of Internet services is low. Government and society ​ Under the constitution of 2002, Congo is a republic. The executive branch of the government is headed by the president, who is popularly elected to a maximum of two seven-year terms and serves as both chief of state and head of government. The president appoints the Council of Ministers. The legislative branch is bicameral and consists of the Senate and the National Assembly; members are elected to serve six-year and five-year terms, respectively. Local government and justice ​ For administrative purposes, Congo is divided into regions and districts. Brazzaville has the status of a capital district. Since becoming a multiparty state in 1990, Congo has had more than 100 political parties. Among the most active are the Congolese Labor Party (Parti Congolais du Travail; PCT), the Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development (Mouvement Congolais pour la Démocratie et le Développement Intégral; MCDDI), the Pan-African Union for Social Development (Union Panafricaine pour la Démocratie Sociale; UPADS), Rally for Democracy and Social Progress (Rassemblement pour la Démocratie et le Progrès Social; RDPS), and the Union for Democracy and Republic (Union pour la Démocratie et la République; UDR). ​ Although ethnic discrimination is proscribed by law, in practice the prohibition is not well enforced. Divisions along ethnic lines continue, and although those outside the dominant groups participate effectively in the government, the president’s group and those related to it factor prominently in the political process. Women have served in various government posts, including the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Council of Ministers. The constitution guarantees the independence of the judiciary. Congo’s judicial system includes the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and the Constitutional Court. The president heads a Higher Council of Magistrates and nominates Supreme Court judges at the suggestion of that council. Supreme Court judges may not be removed. Military ​ Congo’s defense apparatus consists of an army, a navy, an air force, a gendarmerie, and a special presidential security force, among which the army is the largest contingent. Service is on a voluntary basis and lasts for two years. Forces armées de la République du Congo), also less formally denoted as the Forces armées congolaises or its acronym FAC, are the military forces of the Republic of the Congo . They consist of the Congolese Army, the Congolese Air Force , the Congolese Marine (Navy) [fr ], and the Congolese National Gendarmerie. ​ Health and welfare ​ The most common health problems are respiratory diseases, malaria, tuberculosis, and intestinal parasites—all preventable maladies. Other diseases include trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), yellow fever, leprosy, yaws, and HIV/AIDS. Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Congo is below the average for sub-Saharan Africa, it nevertheless remains substantially higher than the global average. Disease control is difficult because most water sources are polluted and sanitation is poor, even in the cities. Two of the largest hospitals are in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Other health facilities include regional health centres, infirmaries, dispensaries, maternal and child-care centers, and private clinics. Mobile health units combat communicable diseases in remote areas. Education ​ Education is free and compulsory for students between ages 6 and 16. Primary education, which begins at age six and lasts for six years, includes instruction in agriculture, manual skills, and domestic science. Secondary-level education is made up of two cycles of four and three years, respectively; courses are offered in vocational training, academic and technical training, general education, and teacher training. Institutions of higher learning include Marien Ngouabi University (1961; present name assumed in 1977) in Brazzaville and colleges and centers for specialized and technical training. Congo enjoys a literacy rate that is significantly higher than most countries in sub-Saharan Africa for both men and women, although a notable gap in literacy between the genders remains. Culture ​ Pre-colonial artistic expression emphasized ceremonial music, dance, sculpture, and oral literature. Christianity and colonialism had a great impact on these art forms. The carving of ritual objects became commercialized, and music and dance altered as a result of the introduction of Western instruments and musical styles. In the 1980s the Brazzaville region, along with Kinshasa, across the river in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, became a vital centre for the production of contemporary African music, known as Congolese music or rumba. The genre, which mixes traditional African rhythms and instruments with those borrowed from other cultures, enjoys widespread popularity throughout Africa as well as around the world. ​ Holidays observed in Congo include those celebrated by Christians around the world, such as Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas. Labor Day, and Independence Day are observed on May 1 and Aug. 15, respectively. There are a number of libraries in Brazzaville, including the national library. The Marien Ngouabi Museum in Brazzaville has an excellent collection of indigenous masks from groups throughout the Congo River basin, particularly those of the Kongo people, who trace their ancestry back to the Kongo kingdom that ruled parts of both modern-day Congo and Angola. Sports and recreation ​ Soccer is very popular in Congo. The Congolese Football Federation was founded in 1962 and affiliatedd with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) that same year. The men’s national team, nicknamed the Diables Rouges (“Red Devils”), won the opening African Games tournament at home in 1965 and won their first African Cup of Nations in 1972. Besides football, men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball are popular. Congo first competed in the Olympic Games at the 1964 Tokyo Games. Media and publishing ​ Radio and television programs are broadcast on both state-owned and private stations in a variety of languages. The majority of Congolese receive their news through broadcast media and, in rural areas, particularly by means of state-run radio. Although the constitution provides for freedom of speech, some actions, including those that incite ethnic strife or civil war, are punishable by law. Both the government-owned and private broadcast media tend to be pro-government, and journalists often practice self-censorship. The majority of print media are circulated in the urban centers of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Important periodicals include the French-language weeklies Le Choc, Les Echos du Congo (pro-government), L’Observateur (independent), and Le Semaine Africaine (Roman Catholic). ​

Africa Jewel of The African continent is comprised of 54 nations, each with their own independent governments and sovereignty, GNP, culture, natural resources, language(s), military, and religion. The treasure trove of mineral and raw material wealth has scarcely been touched, and the continent's largely untapped fertile lands could feed the world. Herewith is Jewel of Africa, an interactive adventure in the cradle of mankind, an exploration of nations from A-Z in alphabetical order. Libya: Tenth largest oil producer in Africa Libya is officially the State of Libya a country in the Maghreb region in North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east , Sudan to the southeast , Chad to the south , Niger to the southwest , Algeria to the west , Tunisia to the northwest , and maritime borders with Malta and Turkey . The sovereign state is made of three historical regions—Tripolitania , Fezzan , and Cyrenaica . Comprising an area of nearly 700,000 square miles, Libya is the fourth largest country in Africa, the fourth largest in the Arab world behind Algeria, and the 16th largest country in the world . The largest city and capital, Tripoli , is located in western Libya and boasts more than three million of Libya's seven million people. Libya became independent as a kingdom in 1951. A bloodless military coup in 1969 —a coalition led by Muammar Gaddafi , overthrew King Idris I and created a republic . Gaddafi was often described by critics as a dictator , and was one of the world's longest serving non-royal leaders, ruling for 42 years. He ruled until his overthrow and death in the 2011 Libyan Civil War , after which authority transferred to the General National Congress . In 2014 two rival authorities claimed to govern Libya, destabilizing the country and leading to a second civil war , with parts of Libya split between the Tobruk and Tripoli-based governments as well as various tribal and Islamist militias. The two warring factions signed a permanent ceasefire in October 2020 and a unity government took authority. ​ Libya is a member of the United Nations (since 1955), the Non-Aligned Movement , the Arab League , OIC and OPEC . The country's official religion is Islam , with 96.6 percent of the Libyan population being Sunni Muslims . ​ History ​ In December 1951, Libya declared its independence as the United Kingdom of Libya , a constitutional and hereditary monarchy under King Idris , Libya's only monarch. The discovery of significant oil reserves in 1959 and the subsequent income from petroleum sales enabled one of the world's poorest nations to establish an extremely wealthy state. Libya has the 10th-largest proven oil reserves in the world. ​ From 1977 on, the per capita income in the country rose to more than US$11,000, the fifth-highest in Africa, while the Human Development Index became the highest in Africa and greater than that of Saudi Arabia . This was achieved without foreign loans, keeping Libya debt-free . In addition, financial support was provided for university scholarships and employment programs. Much of Libya's income from oil, which soared in the 1970s, was spent on arms purchases and on sponsoring dozens of paramilitaries and terrorist groups around the world. ​ During 2015 an extended series of diplomatic meetings and peace negotiations were supported by the United Nations, as conducted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Spanish diplomat Bernardino Leon. UN support for the SRSG-led process of dialogue carried on in addition to the usual work of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). In July 2015 SRSG Leon reported to the UN Security Council on the progress of the negotiations, which at that point had just achieved a political agreement in July setting out a comprehensive framework of guiding principles and institutions and decision-making mechanisms to guide the transition until the adoption of a permanent constitution. The stated purpose of that process was intended to culminate in the creation of a modern, democratic state based on the principle of ​ Algeria Angola ​ Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cape Verde Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Comoros Congo Democratic Republic of Congo Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire ​Djibouti ​Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia ​Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau ​Kenya ​Lesotho Liberia Libya ​Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique ​Namibia Niger Nigeria ​Rwanda ​Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan ​Tanzania Togo Tunisia ​Uganda ​Zambia Zimbabwe Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, with a population of 1.17 million people. It is located in the northwest of Libya on the edge of the Sahara Desert, on a point of rocky land projecting into the Mediterranean Sea and forming a bay. The Royal Plaza (left) was the residence of the Libyan monarch in the capital city, Tripoli . It is considered one of the largest and most beautiful palaces in Libya. It was built during the rule of Italo Balbo in the 1930s and was officially known as the “Palazzo del Governatore." It was converted into a public library after the coup d'état of Colonel Muammar Gaddaf. At the right is the Corinthia Hotel Tripoli, a 5-star high-rise hotel in Tripoli , originally known as the Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel. It is located in the city center, near the central business district and is run by the Maltese Corinthia Hotels International CHI plc hotels management company. The hotel, which is 28 stories, and has 314 rooms and four restaurants, was opened in 2003. Scorching daytime temperatures in the Sahara desert average 100 degrees Fah- renheit during the hottest months of July and August. But temperatures can plum- met once the sun sets to an average low of 25 degrees Fahrenheit during the night. During the day, the sand's radiation of the sun's energy superheats the air and causes temperatures to soar. However, at night most of the heat in the sand quickly radiates into the air and when there is no sunlight temperature, the surroundings start to drop dramatically. ​ But the story of the Sahara is not only about boiling heat and frigid cold; Beauty abounds there in sparkling blue-water palmed oases, and ubiquitous and spectacular rippling artistry of the sand illustrated by the wind on granular dune canvases. ​ Abundant wildlife abounds in Libya from Barbary lions, wild camels and donkeys, to Pharoah eagles, prehistoric wall drawings of giraffes, addax, Barbary sheep, geckos, chameleons, desert hares, North African cheetahs, and Sengalese golden jackals. inclusion, the rule of law, separation of powers and respect for human rights. ​ The SRSG praised the participants for achieving an agreement, stating that "The Libyan people have unequivo- cally expressed themselves in favor of peace." The SRSG then informed the Security Council that "Libya is at a critical stage" and urged "all parties in Libya to continue to engage constructively in the dialogue process, declaring, “only through dialogue and political compromise, can a peaceful resolution of the conflict be achieved. A peaceful transition will only succeed in Libya through a significant and coordinated effort in supporting a future Government of National Accord... ." ​ As part of the ongoing support from the international community, the UN Human Rights Council requested a report about the Libyan situation and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, established an investigative body (OIOL) to report on human rights and rebuilding the Libyan justice system. Chaos-ridden Libya has emerged as a major transit point for people trying to reach Europe . Between 2013 and 2018, nearly 700,000 migrants reached Italy by boat, many of them from Libya. In May 2018 Libya's rival leaders agreed to hold parliamentary and presidential elections following a meeting in Paris. In April 2019, Khalifa Haftar launched Operation Flood of Dignity , in an offensive by the Libyan National Army aimed to seize Western territories from the Government of National Accord (GNA). ​ In June 2019, forces allied to Libya's UN-recognized Government of National Accord successfully captured Gharyan, a strategic town where military commander Khalifa Haftar and his fighters were based. According to a spokesman for GNA forces, Mustafa al-Mejii, dozens of LNA fighters under Haftar were killed, while at least 18 were taken prisoner. In March 2020, UN-backed government of Fayez Al-Sarraj commenced Operation Peace Storm. The government initiated the bid in response to the state of assaults carried by Haftar ’s LNA . ​ “We are a legitimate, civilian government that respects its obligations to the international community, but is committed primarily to its people and has an obligation to protect its citizens,” Sarraj said in line with his decision. ​ Land, drainage ​ Libya is underlain by basement rocks of Precambrian age (from about 4 billion to 540 million years ago) mantled with marine and wind-borne deposits. The major physical features are the Nafūsah Plateau and the Al-Jif ā frah (Gefara) Plain in the northwest, the Akhḍar Mountains (“Green Mountains”) in the northeast, and the Saharan plateau, which occupies much of the rest of the country. ​ The Al-Jifārah Plain covers about 10,000 square miles of Libya’s northwestern corner. It rises from sea level to about 1,000 feet at the foothills of the Nafūsah Plateau . Composed of sand dunes, salt marshes, and steppe, the plain is home to most of Libya’s population and to its largest city, Tripoli. The Nafūsah Plateau is a limestone massif that stretches for about 212 miles to Al-Khums on the coast to the Tunisian border at Nālūt. West of Tarhūnah, it rises steeply from the Al-Jifārah Plain, reaching elevations between 1,500 and 3,200 feet. ​ In northeastern Libya, the Akhḍar Mountains stretch along the coast between Al-Marj and Derna . These limestone mountains rise steeply from the coast to about 2,000 feet and then stretch about 20 miles inland, reaching nearly 3,000 feet at their highest points. The Saharan plateau makes up about 90 percent of Libya. About half of the plateau is sand desert, making it truly a sea of sand. Al-Harūj al-Aswad is a hilly basaltic plateau in central Libya. Covered with angular stone fragments and boulders, it rises to about 2,600 feet and is crowned by volcanic peaks. Al-Ḥamrāʾ Plateau lies south of the Nafūsah Plateau. It reveals bare rock outcroppings that rise to 2,700 feet In the Fezzan region in the southwest, a series of long depressions and basins contain wadis (dry riverbeds) and oasis settlements. Sand dunes that reach heights of 300 feet are found in the Fezzan’s Marzūq desert and in the eastern Libyan Desert , which extends into Egypt. The country’s highest elevations are Bīkkū Bīttī peak (Picco Bette), which rises to 7,436 feet on the Libya-Chad border, and Mount Al-Uwaynāt , with an elevation of 6,345 feet on the Libya-Sudan-Egypt border. There are no permanent rivers in Libya. The numerous wadis that drain the uplands are filled by flash floods during the rains but then quickly dry up or are reduced to a trickle. The largest wadi systems are the Wadi Zamzam and Wadi Bayy al-Kabīr, both of which empty into the sea on the western coast of the Gulf of Sidra . Other large wadis drain the interior basins of Sirte, Zelten , and the Fezzan. There is also an extensive reserve of underground water. Numerous oases are watered by wells and springs, and artesian wells tap large deep aquifers in the Fezzan and southeastern Libya. The Great Man-Made River was one of the more ambitious projects in history designed to make use of these underground reserves. The project utilizes a pipeline system to pump water from the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer from southern Libya to cities in the populous Libyan northern Mediterranean coast, home to Tripoli and Benghazi. The water provides 70 percent of the freshwater supply in Libya. Along the coastal strip are several salt flats or sebkhas , formed by the ponding and evaporation of water behind coastal dunes. Principal salt flats are found at Tāwurghāʾ, at Zuwarah , and on the Benghazi Plain. The gray-brown soils of the Al-Jifārah Plain and the Nafūsah Plateau in western Libya are fertile, although excess irrigation has led to increased soil salination. In the east the soil of the Barce plain—which expands from the Akhḍar Mountains to the sea—are light and fertile. Rich alluvial soils are found in the coastal deltas and valleys of large wadis. On the margins of the Sahara, cultivation and overgrazing have seriously depleted the soil. The rest of the country is covered by sand and desert. The soils in these areas are poorly developed, with little organic material. Climate of Libya ​ Libya’s climate is dominated by the hot arid Sahara , but it is moderated along the coastal littoral by the Mediter- ranean Sea . The Saharan influence is strongest during the summer months of July and August . From October to March, prevailing westerly winds bring cyclonic storms and rains across northern Libya. A narrow band of semiarid steppe extends inland from the Mediterranean climate of the Al-Jifārah Plain, the Nafūsah Plateau , and the Akhḍar Mountains . The desert climate of the Sahara reaches the coast along the southern fringes of the Gulf of Sidra , where Al-Ḥamrāyah (Sirte) Desert borders the sea. Periodic droughts, often lasting several years, are common in the steppe and desert. ​ Inland from the coast, annual precipitation declines, and its variability increases. Most rain falls in a few days between November and January. Less than 4 inches of rain falls annually in the steppes, and Saharan zones receive less than 1 inch. In the Sahara, 200 consecutive rainless days in a year have been recorded, and the world’s highest degree of aridity has been recorded at Sabhā , which averages 0.4 inch of precipitation annually. The dry climate is exacerbated by the ghibli , a hot arid wind that blows from the south over the entire country several times a year. It is usually preceded by a short lull in the prevailing winds, followed by the full force of the ghibli. The wind carries large quantities of sand dust, which turns the sky red and reduces visibility to less than 60 feet. The heat of the wind is increased by a rapid drop of relative humidity , which can fall dramatically within hours. Plants and wildlife ​ In years of ample precipitation, the coastal plains are covered with herbaceous vegetation and grasses. The most noticeable plants are the asphodel (an herb of the lily family) and jubule. The northern area of the Akhḍar Moun- tains—where the influence of the Mediterranean is most dominant—supports low and relatively dense forest (or maquis) of juniper and lentisc. Annual plants are abundant and include brome grass, canary grass, bluegrass, and rye grass. The forest becomes scattered and stunted south of the mountain crest, and annual plants are scarcer. ​ In the semiarid steppes, vegetation is also sparse, characterized by pockets of isolated drought-resistant plants. The most commonly found species are saltwort (a plant used in making soda ash) and spurge flax (a shrub) while goosefoot, wormwood, and asphodel also are widespread. ​ Wildlife include Barbary lions, North African cheetahs, hyenas, caracals, jackals, fennec foxes and red foxes, skunks; gazelles, desert hare and the jerboa s. The poisonous puff adder and krait are among reptiles that inhabit scattered oases. Avians include eagles, hawks, vultures, ringdoves, partridges, larks, and prairie hens. ​ Economy ​ In August 2011 it was estimated that it would take at least 10 years to rebuild Libya's infrastructure. Even before the 2011 war, Libya's infrastructure was in a poor state due to neglect by the Gaddafi's administration, according to the NTC. By October 2012, the economy had recovered from the 2011 conflict, with oil production returning to near normal levels. Oil production was more than 1.6 million barrels per day before the war. By October 2012, the average daily oil production had surpassed 1.4 million barrels. The resumption of production was made possible due to the quick return of major Western companies like Total , Eni , Repsol , Wintershall , and Occidental . Demographics, ethnicity ​ Libya is a large country with a relatively small population of 7.1 million, according to Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data, 27.7 person of whom are under the age of 15. Ninety percent of Libyans live in less than 10 percent of the country, primarily along the coast. About 88 percent of the population is urban, mostly concentrated in the three largest cities—Tripoli , Benghazi and Misrata . ​ The original inhabitants of Libya were Berber ethnic groups. However, numerous invasions and migrations—particularly by Arabs and Turks —have left a profound and lasting linguistic and cultural imprint. Today, the great majority of Libya's inhabitants are Arabic-speaking Muslims of mixed descent, with many claiming ancestral tracing to Bedouin Arab tribes like Banu Sulaym , and Banu Hilal . The Turkish minority are often called "Kouloughlis " and are concentrated in and around small villages and towns. Additionally, there are some Libyan ethnic minorities, such as the Tuareg and the Tebou . ​ Italian settlers at their height numbered over half a million, but declined after Libya's independence in 1947. More repatriated in 1970 after the ascension of Muammar Gaddafi, but a few hundred of them returned in the 2000s. ​ Languages ​ The local Libyan Arabic variety is spoken alongside Modern Standard Arabic . Various Berber languages are also spoken, including Tamasheq , Ghadamis, Nafusi, Suknah and Awjilah. The Libyan Amazigh High Council (LAHC) has declared the Amazigh (Berber or Tamazight) language as an official language in the cities and districts inhabited by the Berbers in Libya. In addition, English is widely understood in the major cities while the former colonial language Italian is also used in commerce and by the Italian population in Libya. ​ Administrative divisions ​ Historically, the area of Libya was considered three provinces (or states), Tripolitania in the northwest, Barka (Cyrenaica) in the east, and Fezzan in the southwest. It was the conquest by Italy in the Italo-Turkish War that united them in a single political unit. Since 2007, Libya has been divided into 22 districts (Shabiyat ). Religion ​ About 97 percent of the population in Libya are Muslims , most of whom belong to the Sunni branch . Small numbers of Ibadi Muslims also live in the country. Before the 1930s, the Senussi Sunni Sufi movement was the primary Islamic movement in Libya. This was a religious revival adapted to desert life. Its zawaaya (lodges) were found in Tripolitania and Fezzan , but Senussi influence was strongest in Cyrenaica . Rescuing the region from unrest and anarchy, the Senussi movement gave the Cyrenaican tribal people a religious attachment and feelings of unity and purpose. Gaddafi asserted that he was a devout Muslim, and his government was taking a role in supporting Islamic institutions and in worldwide proselytizing on behalf of Islam. ​ There are small foreign communities of Christians. Coptic Orthodox Christianity , which is the Christian Church of Egypt, is the largest and most historical Christian denomination in Libya . There are about 60,000 Egyptian Copts in Libya. The Coptic Church has grown in recent years in Libya, due to the growing immigration of Egyptian Copts to Libya. ​ There are an estimated 40,000 Roman Catholics in Libya who are served by two Bishops, one in Tripoli (serving the Italian community) and one in Benghazi (serving the Maltese community). There is also a small Angelican community, made up mostly of African immigrant workers in Tripoli. It is part of the Anglican Diocese of Egypt . ​ Military ​ Libya’s armed forces include an army, a navy, and an air force . After the 1970s Libya purchased arms from the Soviet Union and other communist states. Beginning in the mid-1980s, however, military expenditures and arms imports declined. Although Libya had long provided a base and support for foreign militant organizations, by the late 1990s Qaddafi ’s policies began to shift. In 2003 he formally renounced terrorism as part of a broader effort to bring the country back into the global community . ​ Internally, however, Qaddafi created a variety of military and quasi-military organizations over the years that reinforced his authority within the country. Initially important were the People’s Militia and the Revolutionary Committees, created in 1974 and 1977, respectively. Qaddafi subsequently invested substantial wealth and effort into creating more personal security organizations, such as the Intelligence Bureau of the Leader, the Military Secret Service, the Jamāhīriyyah Security Organization, the Revolutionary Guards, and the People’s Guard. Throughout his rule, Qaddafi relied on other informal groups to maintain stability and to protect himself and his interests. After the deposal of Qaddafi, the tasks of ensuring security and keeping order fell to a patchwork of regional and tribal militias that emerged in Libya during the 2011 uprising and its aftermath. Those militias, even the ones nominally aligned with the transitional government, refused to be blended into a national force or to submit to centralized authority. Violent clashes between rival militias were commonplace. Health and welfare ​ The chief health problems are typhoid, leishmaniasis , rabies, meningitis, and schistosomiasis (a parasitic infestation of the liver or intestines). The incidence of malaria has declined, but gastroenteritis and tetanus remain major diseases. Health care is provided by a mixture of public and private services. Most care is available in hospitals and at outpatient or specialized-care facilities or clinics. Schools for medicine and dentistry opened in the 1970s, but the rapid expansion of facilities necessitated the continued hiring of expatriate staff. The number of medical personnel has been sharply increased. Some graduate medical students study abroad. Libya’s six-month civil war in 2011 and the insecurity that followed strained the country’s health and social services, leaving many Libyans without adequate access to medical care. Education ​ Public education is free, although insecurity since the fall of the Qaddafi regime in 2011 has caused disruptions to schools and universities in many areas of the country. Arabic is the language of instruction at all levels. The school system is composed of a six-year primary level, a three-year intermediate and vocational level, and a three-year secondary and advanced vocational level. There are also Qurʾānic schools, financed by the government. About 80 percent of the adult population is literate. In order to increase the literacy rate, the government also sponsored an adult educational program. ​ Higher education is offered by the state institutions of the University of Libya, subdivided in 1973 into Al-Fāteḥ University, located at Tripoli , and Garyounis (Qāryūnis) University, located at Benghazi . Advanced religious training is obtained at a branch of the university at Al-Bayḍāʾ. Libyan students also study abroad. Culture, arts ​ Family life is important for Libyan families, the majority of which live in apartment blocks and other independent housing units, with precise modes of housing depending on their income and wealth. Although the Arab Libyans traditionally lived nomadic lifestyles in tents, they have now settled in various towns and cities. Because of this, their old ways of life are gradually fading out. An unknown small number of Libyans still live in the desert as their families have done for centuries. Most of the population has occupations in industry and services , and a small percentage works in agriculture. ​ Libyan culture highlights folk art and traditions, which are highly influenced by Islam . The arts of weaving, embroidery, metal engraving, and leatherwork rarely depict people or animals because of the traditional Islamic prohibition against such representations. The dominant geometric and arabesque designs are best presented in the stucco and tiles of the Karamanli and Gurgi mosques of Tripoli. Other traditions include festivals, horse races, and folk dances. ​ Nonreligious literature has developed largely since the 1960s; nationalistic in character, it nonetheless reveals Egyptian influences. The arts are supported by the government through the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Education and National Guidance, and the Al-Fikr Society, a group of intellectuals and professionals. Sports and recreation ​ Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Libya. The top national league includes a number of teams, and Tripoli and Benghazi are each home to several clubs. Al-Ahlī of Tripoli has won numerous league titles since the 1960s. Racing is very popular in Libya. Horse racing is a traditional part of many holiday celebrations, and automobile racing also has a strong following. Tripoli was once a stop on the Grand Prix tour; the 1933 race became infamous when several drivers conspired to fix it. Libyans also enjoy tennis, and water sports are gaining popularity on the coast. Libya made its Olympic debut at the 1968 Mexico City Games. Media and publishing ​ The government controls broadcasting and the press. Newspapers and periodicals are published by the Jamahiriya News Agency (JANA), government secretariats, the Press Service, and trade unions. JANA publishes Al-Fajr al-Jadīd (“New Dawn”) in Tripoli. Daily newspapers include Al-Shams (“The Sun”) and Al-Zaḥf al-Akhḍar (“The Green March”). Radio broadcasts from Tripoli and Benghazi are in Arabic and English; the national television service broadcasts in Arabic, with limited hours in English, Italian, and French. Several publishers of general and academic books are located in Tripoli. ​ Cuisine ​ Libyan cuisine is a mixture of Italian , Bedouin and traditional Arab culinary influences. Pasta is the staple food in Western side of Libya and rice is the staple food in the east. Common Libyan foods include several variations of tomato sauce based pasta dishes (similar to the Italian Sugo all'arrabbiata rice, served with stewed lamb or chicken, in tomato sauce; and steamed couscous with zucchini and chickpeas, served with cucumber slices, lettuce, and olives. ​ Bazeen , a dish made from barley flour and served with red tomato sauce, is customarily eaten communally by hand. This dish is commonly served at traditional weddings or festivities. Asida is a sweet version of Bazeen, made from white flour and served with a mix of honey, ghee or butter. Another favorite way to serve Asida is with fresh date syrup and olive oil. Usban is animal tripe stitched and stuffed with rice and vegetables cooked in tomato based soup or steamed. Shurba is a red tomato sauce-based soup, usually served with pasta. ​ A very common snack eaten by Libyans is known as khubs bi' tun, bread with tuna fish, served as a baked baguette or pita bread stuffed with tuna fish that has been mixed with harissa (chili sauce) and olive oil. Many snack vendors prepare these sandwiches and they can be found all over Libya. Libyan restaurants serve international cuisine or may serve simpler fare such as lamb, chicken, vegetable stew, potatoes and macaroni . Due to severe lack of infrastructure, many under-developed areas and small towns do not have restaurants and instead food stores may be the only source to obtain food products. ​ There are four main traditional Libyan foods—olives , olive oil , dates , grains, and milk. Grains are roasted, ground, sieved and used for making bread, cakes, soups, and bazeen. Dates are harvested, dried and can be eaten as they are, made into syrup or slightly fried and eaten with bsisa and milk. After eating, Libyans often drink black tea. Alcohol consumption is illegal in the nation. ​ Created in concert with Creative Commons 3.0 IGO. ​ NEXT COUNTRY

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ADVERTISMENT AFRI-SOTA THE NEWS OF AFRICA The hidden story that binds African and Mexican Americans in a shared history few knew about until now! - GLOBAL AFRICAN DIASPORA FISHING BASICS IN MINNESOTA CHINA DEEP IN AMERICA'S MARIJUANA BUSINESS Click The underworld in the most populace nation on Earth has gained an iron grip on America's illegal cannabis market. How did this incredible scenario unfold? City of Plymouth seeks entries for Primavera juried art show PLYMOUTH — The City of Plymouth and Plymouth Arts Council are seeking art entries for the 2024 Primavera juried show in April. Applications are due Friday, March 8. ​ Primavera is a free annual spring art exhibition in Plymouth, which provides an opportunity for the public to view and celebrate fine art. The event is set for April 25-28 at the Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N. ​ Artists may enter up to two pieces of original art for the Primavera juried show. Winning artists will receive monetary awards in the following categories: Best of Show, $250 Primavera Award, $100 Myrna Kaner Student Award, $100 Award of Excellence, adult, $100 Award of Excellence, student, $50 ​ Adult art will remain on display at the Plymouth Community Center Art Gallery through June 7. ​ Submissions are only accepted for artists entering work in the adult category (18 years and older). Students interested in submitting artwork must coordinate with their school’s art teacher. Artists are asked to submit photographs of artwork marked with the artist’s name, media and framed dimension with the completed application. Submissions will not be returned. ​ Cost to enter the first piece is $30, and $10 for the second piece. The entry fee is non-refundable and payable to the Plymouth Arts Council. ​ Applicants will be notified of the jury’s decision by Friday, March 15. To submit an application or for more information, visit plymouthmn.gov/primavera . HEAVY SNOWFALL Snowplow activity throughout Minnesota is on again, as heavy snow falls in late March 2024. Minnesota gets relief from record high temps in waning days of March BROOKLYN PARK, MN (MNS)—All but 20 counties in Minnesota are under a winter storm warning for the powerful system that will dump heavy snow on parts of the state over the next 48 hours. ​ "The main storm system will arrive on later today as a heavy band of snow develops across Iowa and lifts northward across the region. Snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour are likely, with 2 inches per hour possible, especially along and east of I-35," according to the National Weather Service. "Winds will be out of the east at 25 to 35 mph, which will lead to very low visibility. Snow will become more widespread this afternoon and evening." ​ The National Weather Service mentions in its Sunday morning forecast discussion that it will be snowing so hard—especially east of Interstate 35—that rates of two inches per hour "could lead to power outages as trees become weighed down by the wet and heavy snow." How much snow? In the Twin Cities, the NWS is calling for 6-9 inches, which is down from the earlier forecast that suggested 7-12 inches was possible. Over a foot of snow could fall in places further west and north. ​ The NWS notes that the snow is going to be wet, meaning it will compact and won't look like a foot even if a foot of snow falls. Add in the rain Monday and the appearance on the ground in places where a foot of snow falls might look more like six inches. Snow is expected to change over to rain Sunday night in southern Minnesota, with the snow/rain line shifting further north throughout the day on Monday. Where that rain/snow line sets up will be critical in determining how much snow specific locations get, and the Twin Cities could be right on that line. ​ "On Monday night and Tuesday, colder air will move in causing a change-over back to snow across much of the region," the National Weather Service explained. "A couple more inches of accumu- lation is possible, but the main concern is for strong northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph to cause blowing snow across western Minnesota. "There is also a small chance that some ice could mix in at times Monday night as temperatures drop below freezing," ​ The NWS warns, "Prepare for boom or bust in the Twin Cities if snow changes to rain sooner than expected, but the bottom line is that this is a very powerful storm system and it's going to dump very heavy, wet snow all over the state." AMBUSH KILLING TAKES THREE From left, Burnsville Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth. (Courtesy of the City of Burnsville) 2 police officers, 1 fireman were responding to a domestic call BURNSVILLE, MN (MNS)— Two police officers and one firefighter were shot and killed in Burnsville, Minnesota, on Sunday after responding to a "call of a family in danger," according to the Burnsville Police Department. ​ Burnsville police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge along with firefighter Adam Finseth died Sunday, according to a press release from Burnsville PD. ​ "Horrific news from Burnsville," Gov. Tim Walz weighed in, issuing a text on X . "While responding to a call of a family in danger, two police officers and one firefighter lost their lives, and other officers were injured." ​ "We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our police officers and first responders make every day," Walz continued. "My heart is with their families today and the entire State of Minnesota stands with Burnsville." ​ The officers and Finseth, who was working as an EMT, responded to the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South on Sunday around 1:50 a.m., local time, for a call of a domestic situation where a man reported to be armed was barricaded with family members, according to the release. ​ After arriving, the situation escalated into gunfire with responders and Elmstrand, Ruge and Finseth were killed by the gunman, according to the news release. ​ The man who shot and killed the responding officers and EMT was reported dead at approximately 8 a.m., local time, and the other family members left the home and are safe, according to the release. ​ There were seven children, whose ages range from 2 to 15 years old, in the residence at the time of the shooting, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said in a press briefing Sunday. "Today three members of our team made the ultimate sacrifice," Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz said through tears during the press briefing. "They are heroes," Schwartz said. ​ The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association confirmed that a shooting took place Sunday morning after officers responded to a domestic abuse call, according to a statement posted to Facebook . "We are heartbroken. Our law enforcement community is heartbroken. We're just devastated at the horrific loss," the statement said. ​ Burnsville is a Minnesota suburb located about 15 miles south of Minneapolis. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said in a post on X that agents had responded to the scene. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar shared a statement on X Sunday morning after being alerted to the fatal shooting by police. "They were doing their jobs. They were protecting our community," Klobuchar said, noting that she and her husband, John, are "praying for them and their families and the Burnsville P.D. this morning." ​ Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig, who represents Burnsville, released a statement Sunday, saying, "My heart is broken for the brave officers and first responder lost in the line of duty. Craig noted she's been in contact with the White House to "marshal any additional federal resources that may be available." ​ "I'm horrified to see this kind of violence in our community," Craig continued. "Today serves as another solemn reminder that those who protect our communities do so at great personal risk. We must do everything in our power to prevent tragedies like these before they happen and hold violent criminals accountable to the fullest extent of the law." jeffersonlines.com US ARMY RESERVE SOLDIERS killed in the early morning drone attack included (left to right) Army Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Ga.; Army Sgt. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Ga.; and Army Sgt. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Ga. Courtesy US Army Biden orders retaliation in Iraq and Syria By NOLAN STOUT , Contributing Writer ​ WASHINGTON (CN)— President Joe Biden on Friday ordered re taliatory strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, a potential escalation of tensions in the Middle East. ​ The strikes were announced after President Joe Biden attended the transfer of the bodies of three Georgia-based Army Reserve soldiers who were killed in a strike o n a U.S. military facility in Jordan on Sunday . ​ “Our response began today,” Biden said in a statement. It will continue at times and places of our choosing.” ​ Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes hit seven facilities and 85 targets and “is the start of our response” as Biden has ordered “additional actions.” ​ “These will unfold at times and places of our choosing,” Austin said in a statement. “We do not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else, but the president and I will not tolerate attacks on American forces.” ​ Biden has said he is not seeking to escalate tensions in the region but would respond to the attack. “The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world,” Biden said. “But let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond.” ​ More than 40 personnel were also injured in the attack over last weekend. Media outlets have reported that a drone approached the military outpost around the same time an American drone was returning to the base, causing uncertainty over whether it was hostile and delaying a response. The White House and Pentagon have declined to provide more information about how the attack was successful. Biden said an Iran-backed militia group is behind the attack on the facility, which supports U.S. efforts to combat the Islamic State in the region. It was the latest of multiple spillovers Washington is juggling from Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip , including attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by the Houthis , rocket attacks on US and allied facilities in Iraq and Syria and blows between Israel and Lebanon. ​ The US has meanwhile carried out attacks on militant groups in Yemen and Iraq, but Washington has sought to separate those efforts from its full-throated support of Israel. The Biden administration has sought to characterize its military actions since the Hamas attack as self-defense, with US and coalition forces coming under attack roughly 165 times since Oct. 17. Biden, who in 2020 wrote online that “a president should never take this country into war” without congressional approval, has routinely ordered airstrikes in the Middle East without seeking legisla- tive authorization. The White House, like the Bush, Obama and Trump administrations, typically justifies the actions through the post-9/11 Authorization of Use of Military Force. ​ Republicans called for a response directly in Iran. ​ Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said Biden should target Iranian oil and military infrastructure and “anything less will be seen as weakness" and put Americans at risk. ​ “It is long past time for this regime to pay a heavy price. All the attacks against American forces in the region are by Iranian-backed proxies,” Graham wrote online. “It is clear the Iranian regime wants to drive us out of the Middle East so they can implement their twisted desire to dominate Islam.” Nadia Mohamed exults at the news she outpolled Dale A. Anderson to succeed Jake Spano. Screenshot St. Louis Park's Nadia Mohamed first Somali Minnesotan mayor Metropolis News Service ST. LOUIS PARK, MN — The Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park has elected Minnesota's firs t Somali American mayor. ​ St. Louis Park Councilmember Nadia Mohamed defeated retired banker Dale A. Anderson in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 municipal election to succeed outgoing Mayor Jake Spano. ​ Preliminary election results showed Mohamed leading 58 percent to 41 percent. Mohamed is believed to be the first Somali American elected as mayor of a US city, bearing a notable first: She'll also be the first Black woman to lead the city of 49,000. Minnesota is home to the largest Somali American population in the nation . Members of the community have made significant gains in political representation in recent years. ​ US Rep. Ilhan Omar, who made history with her 2018 election to Congress, became the state's first Somali legislator in 2016. Today, there are five. ​ Mohamed shared a special moment with her mother as she thanked her for immigrating the family from Somalia. ​ “Now she stands here in the room with you all, celebrating her daugh- ter become the first Black mayor, the first Somali mayor. ​ "This is a milestone. This is not the destination," Mohamed, who came to St. Louis Park as a 10- year-old refugee, told supporters. "I want to ensure [that] people see themselves reflected in our policies." ​ Mayor-elect Nadia Mohamed Unarmed de-escalation teams prepared for civil mayhem in US ​ Fifteen unarmed civilian protection teams exist in the US and five more inter nationally ​ ST. LOUIS (PNS) — When Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., needed assistance after threats during her 2020 election campaign, she turned to unarmed civilian protection in St. Louis. Unarmed civilian protection members are specially trained to de-escalate even the worst scenarios. Eli McCarthy, director of programs for the group D.C. Peace Team , said a highly skilled unarmed civilian protection unit uses many nonviolent resources such as centering and different forms of dialogue, listening and acknowledging feelings and needs. "Things like distraction and delegation, dignity phrases, interconnectedness phrases," McCarthy outlined. "For example, like, 'We are in this together, let's find a way through this.' And then other tactics like interposition so different ways, they can use their bodies to get in between to block." McCarthy said unarmed civilian protection is practiced in war zones such as South Sudan, Colombia, Iraq and the Philippines. As we gear up for the next election in November 2024, some national organizations are already planning for and asking for de-escalation training from the D.C Peace Team. McCarthy said training and deployment of an unarmed civilian protection unit for election polling places, faith-based groups and those involved in the election process who are feeling directly threatened or at risk can be beneficial. "One option is to hire an unarmed civilian protection team or unit to provide regular accompaniment and really try to put that person more at ease so they can focus on the work. You know, Cori said, 'I don't have to look over my shoulder and be on constant alert.'" Misconstrued remarks by Rep. Ilhan Omar incites criticisms Rep. Ilhan Omar A virtual lightning rod to MAGA Republicans Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota has faced criticism for her remarks in a Jan. 27 speech at a Minneapolis event marking recent elections in her home country of Somalia. Rhoda J. Elmi, the deputy minister of foreign affairs for the Republic of Somaliland —a small breakaway state on the horn of Africa that is not recognized by any foreign nation—tweeted a video of the speech with English subtitles that landed Omar, who had addressed the largely Somali American crowd in her native language, in hot water with critics. Those critics have homed in on two specific statements: 1) “we are an organized society, brothers and sisters, people of the same blood, people who know they are Somalians first, Muslims second,” and 2) “the U.S. government will only do what Somalians in the US tell them to do. They will do what we want and nothing else. They must follow our orders and that is how we will safeguard the interest of Somalia.” ​ Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer , the Republican majority whip, demanded that Omar resign from office. "No sitting member of Congress should be able to blatantly spew anti-American rhetoric and get away with it. I am demanding an ethics investigation into Ilhan Omar's appalling, Somalia-first comments," Emmer said. ​ However, according to the Minnesota Reformer —a St. Paul-based nonprofit news outlet that covers Minnesota politics and policy issues—two independent translations that conflicted with the subtitles referenced by Elmi and Emmer. ​ Reformer journalists said they noticed that seemingly nobody confirmed that the subtitles reflected an accurate translation of Omar’s remarks. “If you look in the story that [Emmer] shared, it says they could not independently confirm the authenticity of the translation, which I found to be a little shocking,” noted J. Patrick Coolican, Reformer editor in chief. ​ Coolican spoke to a Somali-American source with language certifications who provided the Reformer with an initial translation. When that translation differed from that of the video, deputy editor Max Nesterak worked with a court interpreter to have a second translation provided. The two independent translations were almost identical, and both differed in important ways from the subtitles provided in the original video of Omar. Significantly, both of Omar’s most controversial quotes in the video were mistranslated. ​ “If you look at the transcription, that’s not really when she said at all,” Coolican explained , adding Rep. Omar actually said, “We are people who know that they are Somali and Muslim,” and, “My answer was that the US. government will do what we tell the US government to do. That is the confidence we need to have as Somalis. "We live in this country. This is the country where we pay taxes. This is the country that has elected a woman from your community. For as long as I am in Congress, no one will take over the seas belonging to the nation of Somalia and the United States will not support others who seek to steal from us. "So, feel comfortable Somali Minnesotans that the woman you sent to Congress is aware of this issue and feels the same way you do,” Omar said, defending her statements in a January 28 tweet, that interpretations of her remarks were “slanted” and “completely off.” Over $5 million focus es on opioid addiction in disp roportionately impacted communities ​ ST. PAUL—As opioids continue to devastate people and families across Minnesota, a new set of state grants focuses on the communities bearing the greatest burdens of the crisis. ​ The Minnesota Department of Human Services is awarding $5.7 million to 12 grantees to expand the services available to support people suffering from opioid use disorder and make it easier to get help. Almost all the funding is going to organizations primarily serving Native communities, Black commu- nities and communities of color disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic. ​ The new investments will address gaps in Minnesota’s continuum of care for Native people and people of color with opioid use disorder, and help inform future changes to better serve all Minnesotans. Organizations receiving grants serve the Twin Cities metropolitan area, greater Minnesota and Tribal Nations, while others provide services statewide. ​ More and more Minnesotans are losing their lives to opioid use disorder. The number of opioid-involved deaths in Minnesota reached 924 in 2021, up from 343 in 2018. American Indians and Black Minnesotans are experiencing the opioid epidemic more severely. American Indians are seven times more likely to die from a drug overdose than White Minnesotans, while Black Minnesotans are twice as likely to die from a drug overdose. ​ “Minnesota cannot and will not accept this continued pain and heartbreak for families and communi- ties,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “With this funding, our partners can save lives now and in the years to come through a range of programs that are person-centered, trauma-informed and culturally responsive.” ​ The new grants will support culturally specific practices, including primary prevention and overdose prevention, workforce development and training, and expansion and enhancement of the continuum of care. The funding includes $1 million for services focused on the East African population. ​ Gov. Tim Walz’s budget proposal to the 2023 Legislature includes a package of measures addressing the opioid epidemic. His recommendations, totaling $21.5 million over four years, include stronger representation of disproportionately impacted communities on the state Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council, ongoing funding for traditional healing and overdose prevention grants, and more education for opioid treatment professionals. ​ The current awards are the second set of grants recommended by the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council, after an earlier round totaling approximately $5 million in 2022. ​ “I’m proud of the work we have been focused on over the past three years. Providing over $10 million to tackle many different objectives across the state is what we have worked for,” said Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, the council’s chair. “Our needs are endless, but we must deploy resources and help support families facing this deadly crisis.” ​ The council selected the current grantees after extensive review, with a focus on increasing access to treatment, reducing opioid overdose-related deaths, and addressing unmet needs for prevention, treat- ment and recovery services. The Department of Human Services and the council requested proposals in April 2022. ​ “Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear of [an] verdose attributed to this heartbreaking horror,” said Sen. Mary Kunesh, DFL-New Brighton, who serves on the council. “Minnesota must dedicate every resource available to deal with this opioid epidemic and look at addiction more broadly. How would we not just stop the current epidemic, but prevent the next crisis? This is our mission.” ​ In the coming months, the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council will announce additional funding recommendations and begin soliciting proposals for new funding. ​ LATEST NEWS & FEATURES CRIME AND JUSTICE Alas, after 20 years, murder of Run- DMC's 'Jay Master J' at trial. PRO FOOTBALL NFL Hall of Famer, actor, activist, Jim Brown dies at 87. BASKETBA LL CHET HOLMGREN'S H.S. 'NO. 34' RETIRED COLLEGE FOOTBALL Minnesota mourns the loss of gridiron star Marion Barber III. 12 intimate kisses to sizzle a woman, warm her passions. Available at Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble, Alibris, eBay, and archwaypublishing.com ADVERTISMENT

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MINNESOTA WILDS MANAGEMENT Minnesota DNR releases 2023 Forest Health Annual Report ; provides glimpse of forests ​ The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2023 Forest Health Annual Report (files.dnr.state.mn.us/ assistance/backyard/treecare/forest_health/2023-minnesota-forest-health-highlights.pdf ) is available for public consumption. The report summarizes findings about the pests, diseases, and other issues impacting the state’s forests. This data was collected through aerial surveys of 17.3 million acres in 2023 covering every forested area across the state, as well as on-the-ground site visits. ​ “Tracking trends and monitoring pest and disease outbreaks are important ways to support forest health,” Forest Health Program Coordinator Brian Schwingle said. “This information helps public land managers and private woodland owners understand overall forest conditions and manage forests to keep them healthy and resilient in the face of current and future challenges.” ​ Among the key findings in the report: Spruce budworm damage was identified on around 664,800 acres of fir and spruce forests, the highest number of acres the native caterpillar has impacted in one year since 1961. Damage from the eastern larch beetle surpassed a cumulative 1 million acres of tamarack this year since the current outbreak began in 2001. Longer growing seasons have allowed these beetles to reproduce more, leading to an increase in beetle populations in tamarack stands. Fortunately, recent research from the DNR and the University of Minnesota showed that some forests are recovering naturally over time. Emerald ash borer was officially confirmed for the first time in Benton, Faribault, Lyon, McLeod, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Cass, and Clay counties, bringing Minnesota to a total of 46 out of 87 counties under quarantine. The DNR is engaged in a wide range of activities related to managing and reducing the impact of EAB. The most widespread tree health problem was declining oaks, primarily caused by a combination of older age, consecutive years of significant drought, and two opportunistic pests (Armillaria root disease and two-lined chestnut borer) which are only serious problems for stressed oaks. Minnesotans can help keep trees and forests healthy through proper yard tree care (mndnr.gov/treecare/caring-pruning.html ) and forest management (mndnr.gov/foreststewardship ). ​ Among adopting other best practices, homeowners should consider watering one or two of their favorite yard trees during significant drought, in compliance with local water use restrictions. People should buy and burn local firewood (mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/firewood-information ) and report EAB if spotted outside the quarantine area (mnag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=63ebb977e2924d27b9ef0787ecedf6e9 ) to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (mda.state.mn.us/plants/insects ). Amid crowded lakes, MN moves to create better boat safety METROPOLIS NEWS SERVICE T his year, Minnesota legislators approved a phased-in program , calling on boat oper- ators to complete a water safety course and written test before obtaining a permit. Cur- rent rules only apply to those between the ages of 12 and 17. Adam Block, boating law administrator for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials say the pandemic helped fuel a renewed interest in boating activity across the state. There is also concern about the growing size of watercraft and how larger waves affect swimmers and other non-boating water recreation. the Minnesota Department of Natural Re sources, which is in charge of developing the course, said expanding the requirement to adults comes amid a resurgence in boat registrations for the state. "This is just looking to educate those that maybe don't touch the boat in their youth, and now they become adults, and they're going out and buying boats," Block said. "We're hoping that it's going to provide a better experience for not only those new operators but those that are out there amongst the new operators as well. "With waterways more congested, supporters hope those operating motorized watercraft learn more about lake etiquette, in addition to safety. The law goes into effect in 2025 and included input from industry groups. There are also enhanced requirements for companies renting out personal watercraft. Meanwhile, boating fatalities have trended higher in Minnesota in recent years, including 15 last year and 18 in 2021. Block urged boaters to do a safety inspection before heading to the lake. "We would rather you do that in your drive way or somewhere else before you get to the boat launch," Block noted. "Because when you get to the boa t launch, there's going to be a lot of other distracting factors that are going to be taking place. "He stressed you make sure your boat has all the necessary safety equipment before cruising the water. As for the new operator mandates, the first wave in 2025 will apply to those born on or after July 1, 2004. By 2028, it will stretch back to those born in 1987. Motherbears with cubs are easily provoked to violence in human encounters. Courtesy DNR DNR Issues Warning: Be Bearcautious Minnesota is bear country, but people can peacefully share the outdoors with bears by paying attention to where and when they are most likely to encounter bears. Black bears are naturally cautious animals that typically avoid human contact for their own safety; however, it’s important to be proactive to prevent human-bear conflicts. ​ When moving about in bear country, people should be aware of their surroundings, make noise periodically so bears know they’re there, and always keep dogs leashed. To keep human food away from bears, people should keep a clean camp by practicing leave no trace principles. People should: ​ Store coolers in a locked vehicle or store food in a certified bear-resistant container. Take food waste with them rather than piling it outside the receptacle if the trash container or dumpster is full. Leave no trash or food scraps in camp and don’t burn scraps in the fire ring. Not leave food, trash or pet food outdoors and unsupervised — all it takes is a few seconds for a hungry bear to swipe it. ​ Learn more about how to safely recreate in Minnesota on the DNR website and at BearWise . Shaping up to be great year for northern pike population METROPOLIS NEWS SERVICE Showing off the catch of the day from a fishing pier on the Cedar River. photo courtesy of Nate Howard MINNESOTA WILDS (MNS) — The DNR continues to study northern pike populations, hoping to improve fishing opportunities. This year, high water conditions may benefit northern pike by providing extra nearshore rearing areas. Northern pike like to spawn on submerged vegetation and we have plenty of that this spring! This year we may see strong recruitment (the number of fish surviving to enter a fishery) in lakes where a lack of habitat typically limits the amount of pike reproduction. ​ Beth Holbrook, DNR fisheries researcher, holds a 35-inch northern pike sampled this spring as part of a mark-recapture study to estimate the number of fish in Bald Eagle Lake. ​ ‘Catch’ the fun of shore fishing ​ For people who want to go fishing but don’t have a boat or don’t want to use a boat, the DNR has two instructional videos about how to catch fish from shore. The videos can be found on the DNR website by searching “shore fishing.” Shore Fishing 101 covers general shore fishing basics and Shore Fishing 102 focuses on river fishing from shore. ​ For those fishing in the Twin Cities area, the DNR has a map of accessible piers and shore fishing locations, and lakes stocked with fish at the DNR Fishing in the Neighborhood page . Stocking in many area lakes is happening through the end of May. For fishing locations across the entire state, the DNR has a map of fishing piers and shore fishing locations on the DNR website . TIPS: How to catch and release fish MINNESOTA WILDS (MNS) — Anglers who intend to release any of the fish they catch can boost the chances those fish will survive by following best practices for catch and release: Plan fishing trips around the weather and the species, keeping in mind that cold and cool water fis h such as brown and brook trout, and walleye and northern pike, might experience more stress during hot weather. Then choose the right tackle for the job and avoid “playing” a fish too long — land it quickly to reduce the buildup of lactic acid in the bod y. Set the hook quickly to avoid hooking a fish in the stomach or gills. Bef ore handling the fish, anglers should wet their hands to prevent removal of the fish’s protective slime coating. If possible, unhook and release the fish while it is still in the water. If a hook is deep in the fish, cut the line and leave the hook in the fish. When holding the fish out of the water, support it with both hands using a firm, gentle grip. It is OK to measure the fish and take a photo — however, minimize the time the fish is out of the water. Anglers intending to release a fish should not place it on a stringer or in a live well. To release a fish, hold it horizontally in the water by cradling it under its belly. If needed, revive the fish by slowly moving it forward in the water until it swims away. An alternative to this method is cupping your hand and splashing water into the fish’s mouth and out the gills while holding the fish on the surface of the water. Harvest a fish that can be legally kept if it is bleeding extensively or cannot right itself in the water. Walleye and crappie caught in deeper than 30 feet of water might not survive if released, so avoid these depths if planning to practice catch and release. MINNESOTA BLESSED From the mighty Mississippi to the Minnesota and Kettle rivers ​ IN THE MINNESOTA WILDS — With over 16,000 miles of rivers and streams, Minnesota is blessed with beautiful flowing landscapes. From the mighty Mississippi to the Minnesota and Kettle rivers, the winding system of waters includes 4,500 miles of state water trails . ​ Discover Itasca State Park in the winter and experience the iconic Headwaters of the Mississippi River. Make your way down the Great River Road , along the south shore of Minnesota, and enjoy views from the majestic bluffs towering over the Mississippi at Frontenac , John Latsch and Great River Bluffs state parks. ​ Prairies, forests, lakes ​ While only 2 percent of the original 18 million acres of prairie that once covered the state exist today, Minne- sota’s prairies provide critical habitat for pollinators, songbirds, waterfowl and other wildlife species that evolved with this unique landscape. ​ Drive through the bison range at Minneopa State Park . The bison herd is part of the Minnesota Bison Conser-vation Herd , managed to protect wild bison and preserve their genetic diversity. Visit Glacial Lakes State Park and stand on top of the scenic glacial hills to experience the vast, open prairie. Ski the trails at Glendalough or William O'Brien state parks. Wrap up your visit with a night at a camper cabin . All these parks have at least one accessible camper cabin. ​ Get your Great Minnesota Ski Pass to enjoy miles of ski trails at state parks, forests, trails, as well as grant-in-aid trails. Fifty-two native tree species grow on 17.4 million acres of forestland in Minnesota providing us oxy- gen, food, shade, wildlife habitat, forest products, carbon sequestration and recreation opportunities. Minnesota State Forests offer miles of trails for hiking, hunting, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding and more. ​ From 31,700-square-mile Lake Superior along our North Shore to 6-acre Spoon Lake in Maplewood, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is actually home to about 11,842 lakes , many originating from melting glaciers of the last Ice Age. ​ Don't be deceived by the occasional warm day. Water temperatures are now too cold for kayaking or canoeing. Until your next paddling adventure, and when the ice is thick enough , take advantage of the extra miles for snowmobiling, skiing and fat biking — or try ice fishing ! ​ Minnesota has over 6 million acres of peatlands . More than any other state in the US besides Alaska. Peat- lands are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth; they're critical for preserving global biodiversity, provide safe drinking water, minimize flood risk, and help address climate change. ​ Walk the boardwalks at Big Bog State Recreation Area , Lake Bemidji State Park and Hayes Lake State Park to get a look at the unique plant and animal life of three different bogs. You'll find something different to observe each of the four seasons. Lost Lake Peatland SNA (Scientific and Natural Area) offers a serene experience for hikers, skiers and snowshoers. Traveling Trails ​ The David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail provides 135 miles of winter recreation opportunities. A network of state and regional trails connects communities throughout Minnesota and awaits your next snowmobiling, biking, cross-country skiing or walking adventure. When not covered in snow, state trails offer miles of accessible recreation for outdoorspeople on wheelchairs. Plan Your Visit: Travel north on your snowmobile from Tower to International Falls on the David Dill/Arrow- head State Trail , through Kabetogama State Forest, and the Lost Lake Peatland SNA , past rolling hills and aspen, spruce and ash forests. Pheasants Forever, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources have launched a new program to get new hunters into fields and forests. Courtesy DNR Pheasant hunting opens The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Pheasants Forever are inviting hunters to join the Hunter Mentor Challenge and take someone hunting who has never hunted before or has not hunted in a while. ​ The Minnesota pheasant hunting season opened Saturday, Oct. 15 with an avowed pledge through the Hunter Mentor Challenge to take a new hunter to the fields or forests, who will qualify for a discount code for ALPS OutdoorZ gear and be entered to win a custom YETI cooler from Pheasants Forever. ​ The program is open to all types of hunting in Minnesota that are legal and in-season — including but not limited to pheasants, grouse, waterfowl, squirrels, deer or wild turkey in the fall and spring. People can also participate by taking someone hunting who hasn’t hunted for a few years. Pheasant hunters ages 16-64 must purchase a small game license and pheasant stamp. Pheasant hunters must also wear at least one visible article of clothing above the waist that is blaze orange or pink. Bag and possession limits, pheasant transportation requirements, a hunting prospects map and more information are available on the DNR pheasant hunting . Anyone curious about learning how to hunt pheasants can watch a recorded DNR webinar about pheasant hunting strategies, techniques and how to get started. ​ Participation is simple: hunters visit the DNR page on the Pheasants Forever website where they take the pledge. After taking the pledge, hunters are asked to take action by mentoring a novice or returning hunter during the 2022-23 season and snapping a picture or short video of the hunting trip. The last step is to submit contact information, a story and a photo or video on the submission page to be entered for prize giveaways. All online entries must be received by June 30, 2023. ​ The DNR has helpful information for new hunters and experienced hunters who would like to become mentors. To learn more, visit the DNR hunting mentor page . DNR deer, goose, waterfowl, prairie chicken hunts and wild rice harvest Metropolis News Service MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL—Stay informed! Here’s a summary of upcoming Department of Natural Resources DNR) wildlife and habitat management activities and ways you can discover, explore and experience Minne- sota’s outdoors. The public is invited to talk with DNR staff about deer on Thursday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wildlife managers throughout the state will be available to discuss deer-related topics in local area offices or by phone. ​ In addition to discussing general concerns about deer, you’re free to talk with DNR staff about upcoming hunting season changes, identify topics that the DNR’s deer advisory committee should be aware of, and learn about other opportunities to provide thoughts and feedback regarding deer management throughout the year. ​ DNR staff are always available to talk with members of the public throughout the year, and office hours will be set specifically to invite conversation about deer management. How to contact your area wildlife manager ​ CWD meetings coming up for Grand Rapids ​ During two upcoming public meetings, DNR staff with the wildlife health and big game programs will share information about hunting regulation changes, CWD management in the Climax and Grand Rapids areas, and answer questions. Attend a CWD public meeting in person, virtually or by telephone. The meetings pertain to deer permit areas 679 (formerly 179) and 661 (formerly 261). ​ Climax area meeting is 6-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22. Climax area background Grand Rapids area meeting is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23. Grand Rapids area background More details: Get meeting information ​ Camp Ripley, youth deer and prairie chicken hunts ​ Special youth deer hunt permits are for youth who will be 12-15 years old at the time of the hunt. Youth archery hunters in Sand Prairie Wildlife Management Area in Sherburne County can be 10-17 years old. There are a limited number of permits for each hunt. Apply for youth deer hunts Finally, there are 125 permits for the 2022 Minnesota prairie chicken hunting season. The nine-day prairie chicken season begins Saturday, Sept. 24, open to Minnesota residents only. Apply to hunt prairie chickens ​ Early goose hunting, ammo tips ​ ​ DNR has upcoming webinars about opportunities to hunt geese in Minnesota before the regular waterfowl season opens, and about hunting ammunition. The goose hunting webinar is at noon Wednesday, Aug. 24. The hunting ammo webinar is at noon Wednesday, Aug. 31. The webinars are free and registration is required. ​ Waterfowl counts numbers at or below long-term averages ​ Spring waterfowl population counts by the DNR provide data that the DNR uses to produce population esti- mates. This year, the estimates are average or below-average for several species of waterfowl that nest in Minnesota. More details: Get the results ​ Wild rice conditions reports Each year DNR area wildlife staff and shallow lakes specialists across the state round up wild rice condition reports. The conditions reports are available now on the DNR wild rice page. Overall, many if not most wild rice waters in northern Minnesota are behind normal schedule this year. A cooler early spring meant many lakes had late ice-out and the wild rice growing season was pushed back up to two weeks. Consequently, wild rice may ripen later than normal and wild rice harvesters going out during the upcoming season will find variable conditions this year in many areas of Minnesota. Ricers need to remember that it is illegal to harvest green rice. More details: Go to the wild rice page to get the conditions reports. From this webpage, you can also sign up for wild rice email updates.

PERFORMANCE PREVIEW/REVIEW `"Avatar: The Way of Water'" has taken in more than $421 million in theaters in the US and Canada. 'Avatar: The Way of Water' still leads box office with $63.4M LOS ANGELES (CNS) —" Avatar: The Way of Water'" has taken the box office crown for a third consecutive week, grossing another $63.4 million over the New Year's weekend, according to industry estimates. Director James Cameron's follow-up to his 2009 special effects blockbuster has taken in more than $421 million in theaters in the United States and Canada. It was far ahead of "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish," a "Shrek" spinoff that took second place for the second consecutive weekend with $16.3 million Friday through Sunday, Comscore reported. "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" was third with $4.8 million in its eighth week of release. The Whitney Houston biopic "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" was fourth with $4.2 million in its second week, followed by "Babylon" — also in its second week — with $2.7 million. Rounding out the top 10 domestic releases, as estimated by Comscore, were "Violent Night" ($2.1 million), "The Whale" ($1.3 million), "The Fabelmans" ($1.1 million), " The Menu" ($1 million) and "Strange World." ($538,000). LeVar Burton host of Grammy pre-show LOS ANGELES (CNS)—LeVar Burton will host the 64th Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, it was announced March 25. Burton, a Grammy Award winner, is nominated this year in the Best Spoken Word Album category for "Aftermath." "I'm excited to host this celebration of the best performers across genres and art forms," Burton said in a statement. "I am incredibly honored in particular to be represented in the Best Spoken Word category this historic year, with a cohort of five other outstandingly talented Black men, along with the words of the late great Congressman John Lewis." Jimmie Allen, Ledisi, Mon Laferte, Allison Russell and Curtis Stewart are also expected to perform at the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony at the Con- ference Marquee Ballroom at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. The bulk of the Grammy Awards are presented during the event, with the top categories reserved for the main telecast that follows. The Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will stream live from Las Vegas beginning at 12:30 p.m. April 3 on YouTube and live.grammy.com. ​ LeVar Burton is best-known for his break-out role as Kunta Kinte in the 1970s TV series, Roots. The tandem Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak, along with an eclectic band have formulated dynamic synergy on stage. A 'Perfect' Evening With Silk Sonic By JASLYN FELLOWS, Music Editor LAS VEGAS — What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. That’s the oft-used phrase and how the iconic group Silk Sonic chose to kick-off the first show of their Las Vegas residency on Feb. 25, which runs through May 29, 2022, and is surely going to be one of Las Vegas’ most talked about residencies. Jaslyn Fellows' SIGNATURE No posting, recording or tagging inside Dolby Live’s psychedelic venue that was bathed in red and pink light and accented with the all too familiar disco ball. This reporter had to do her best to take every detail and moment of the show because there was no other way to docu- ment or take note of this spectacle. That’s right, no phones or cameras. Word of mouth will be the only way to share the electrifying performance that is Silk Sonic because as they sang, “we locked your phones up.” Never before has this reporter wanted to document something for a record, than this stellar performance. No videos, no posts, no way of proving that an entire arena of thousands of people of all colors, creeds, ages and backgrounds got together to sing, dance and enjoy themselves. You had to be there because once again what happened in Vegas had to stay in Vegas. Now, both musicians Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak, along with their incredible band are no strangers to thousands of fans wanting to record every detail. However, this time around phones and cameras were put away in Yondr pouches, enhancing the live concert experience. As stated before in interviews promoting the album, the result of not being able to perform during the pan- demic meant the duo wanted to “put an album together that sounds like a show and feels like a show.” [Bruno Mars, Apple Music]. They wanted to create a “Setlist of Doom,” where no other artist would want to perform before or after them. Furthermore, after listening to the album, “An Evening With Silk Sonic,” and being able to witness the show, there was no question that they had achieved what they set out to do. The show began before the curtains even opened, with its audience singing and dancing along to the music being played. A round of applause was given to a group of five friends singing along to Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.” A louder and fervent applause erupted as the velvet curtains opened and a video recording of the host, 70’s funk master Bootsy Collins introduced the group. Before the first song, the show already was a spectacle for the eyes. An amalgamation of red and pink light was infused with green and blue lasers. Mars opened on the congas introducing the first song “777,” a tribute to the Las Vegas gambling culture and the feeling of being on top of the world when you hit the jackpot. The jackpot was surely tapped this night when the Setlist of Doom materialized. Silk Sonic performed all of their songs from the album, including, “Silk Sonic Intro,” “777,“ Skate,” “Love’s Train” (cover), “Fly As Me,” “Smoking Out The Window,” “Put On A Smile,” “After Last Night” (with Thundercat and Bootsy Collins), “Blast Off,” and “Leave the Door Open.” The vocal talents of both Paak and Mars were astounding — both artists hitting some impressive high notes and flexing vocal muscles with improvised additions to songs from the album. The setlist included remixed songs from the combined discography of both stars. Mars’ “Treasure,” “When I Was Your Man,” and “Runaway Baby” was smoothly integrated with Paak’s “ Come Down” and “Make It Better.” Masterful camera work and life effects highlighted the 70’s style outfits, dance moves, and overall instrumentation of the band. Both Mars and Paak showcased their skills on the drums, while Mars also played the electric guitar and congas throughout the show. The selection of R&B, soul, funk, pop, psychedelic rock and psychedelic funk was wrapped up nicely with an ornament of brass instruments. Members of the band also had their own time to shine with jazzy trumpet and electric guitar solos of Gene Wilder’s “Pure Imagination.” ​ You could hear and see the inspiration from acts like The Trammps, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ohio Players, the Funk Brothers, and Prince. The very same groups and musical players that the duo consistently gives credit to. The inspiration didn’t just stop at the music. The entire band was adorned with iconic 70’s style leisure suits and long-collared shirts in red, burgundy and black, finished white disco loafers—the perfect attire to perform many dance breaks and rehearsed numbers. One final component that brought the entire show together was the chemistry between Paak and Mars along with the comfortability and charisma they share on stage. They made sure the audience felt included in the performance, of course, constantly appealing to the ladies. No one remained seated the entire two hours. The entire crowd was singing and dancing along to the music the entire night and left concert-goers satisfied. The performance was completely worth it. I had a wonderful evening, even getting my seats upgraded to the very first section behind the floor seats. Like many other Silk Sonic fans that night, I wish I could go back and live it all again. Since I can’t, I look forward to what these gentlemen produce in the future. This was the Perfect Evening With Silk Sonic. ​