In a recent interview, Meghan Markle's childhood boyfriend Joshua Silverstein revealed that The Duchess of Sussex's ups and downs with her estranged father Thomas Markle aren't a new development.

If you've been keeping up with Meghan Markle, then you're definitely aware of her 'broken strings' equation with her estranged father Thomas Markle, especially after getting married to Prince Harry. Shedding some considerable light on how The Duchess of Sussex's ups and downs with her dad aren't a new development is Meghan's childhood boyfriend and actor Joshua Silverstein in a candid interview with US Weekly.

"I knew her dad growing up as kids. I didnt see him often... but I did know that Meghans relationship with her dad was complicated and I understood that as most teenager-to-parent relationships are," Joshua revealed before confessing how he had a closer connection to Markle's mother Doria Ragland. For the unversed, Meghan's parents got divorced in 1987. Noting how he was there when Markle's parents were divorced, Silverstein acknowledged that it's hard raising kids without the secondary parent, referring to it as "all challenging."

At the time, Joshua didn't feel "there was anything specifically surprising to find out" because there were many people he knew who had "challenging relationships with their parents. But I did know about it." While Silverstein admitted that he couldn't speak specifically about what "Meghan went through" with Thomas, Joshua did recall himself having "very cordial" interactions with the General Hospital star. According to Silverstein, Meghan and Thomas' relationship as father and daughter may have strained as a result of the divorce with Joshua being saddened to watch them grow more distant.

On a concluding note, Silverstein stated that we're all human beings who have to create boundaries around people we may not want to because "you have to do what's best for you and your family." "If that means creating a boundary with your parents, sometimes thats what you have to do," Joshua signed off with US Weekly.

ALSO READ: Meghan Markle wins court battle against British tabloid; Says the damage theyve done continues to run deep

What do you have to say about Meghan Markle's troubled relationship with her father Thomas Markle? Share your honest thoughts with Pinkvilla in the comments section below.

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Meghan Markle's ex boyfriend sheds light on her 'complicated, challenging' relationship with her dad as a teen - PINKVILLA

Throughout the past 10-15 years, shed hunting has become increasingly popular amongst hunters across the country. Once hunting season ends, shed season begins and if you want to find that white gold, here are a few things that I have found to work. With that being said, I am not exactly a master at the craft, but I certainly spend a lot of time doing it.

1. Scout Early - Theres about a 2-3 month period in which just about every buck in your area will shed his antlers and waiting until late March or April may not be the most efficient thing to do. In order to make the most of your shed hunting opportunities, you need to start scouting in January at the latest. If you hunt in an area that sees a decent amount of snow throughout the winter, January is the best time to scout. You can see what travel patterns the deer are on and which food sources theyre hitting the most.

If you wait until March, and base your shed hunting strategy on where the deer were in October and November, youre in for some potentially long and shed-less walks. But if you do your homework in January and know where the deer are traveling the most, you could have some of the best shed hunting days ahead of you.

2. When You Should Be Looking - Rainy days and cold days when the snow is packed down hard, are typically the best days to go shed hunting.

The gloominess that comes on rainy days makes the antlers pop out a bit more than on sunny or partly cloudy days. The rain might make the trip a little miserable, but once you realize how much better it is for finding sheds, itll pay off.

Another great time to look for sheds is in the hard-packed snow. This typically helps the trails, beds and feeding areas stand out a bit more.

Not to mention that any fresh sheds will usually just be sitting on the top of the snow, waiting to be found!

3. Always Have Binoculars With You - As a hunter and outdoorsman, its always a good idea to have binoculars with you when in the field, or in your truck. Being able to scan areas for potential sheds makes for less walking and more efficient shed hunting trips.

Even when driving around in your truck, its smart to have a set of optics handy. When something out in a field catches your eye, its nice to have some binoculars there to check it out, instead of potentially trespassing and finding out its just a stick. If you can identify it as a shed from afar, you can now find the landowner or farming and ask for permission to shed hunt. Regular non-hunters are more likely to allow you to shed hunt than deer hunt. And who knows, maybe after a year or 2 of just shed hunting, the landowner might allow you to start deer hunting that spot.

4. Look for A Piece Of An Antler, Not The Whole Thing - The most successful shed hunters out there, are the best at picking out a shed by just seeing a single tine sticking up, or the telltale curve of a main beam. If youre expecting to scan an area and see the full antler, youre going to miss a lot of those hidden gems.

Most of the time sheds are either buried in snow, covered in grass or leaves, or just stuck down in mud and dirt. So if you look for a piece of an antler, and not the whole thing, youre going to be way more successful doing it that way.

5. Start Looking In the Obvious Spots - Food sources, thick cover, heavily used trails... These are all some of the best and most obvious spots to start looking. Deer spend a majority of their time during the winter going from food sources to bedding areas. So hit those spots 1st and youll be able to find some of the easier sheds.

Another great spot that is often overlooked is any south-facing hillside. These areas get more sun during the winter and are generally used for bedding or browsing. After hitting your main food sources and heavily used trails, dont forget to check your south-facing hillsides.

6. Dont Be Afraid Of the Overlooked Areas - Dont be deterred by those odd spots, especially on public land. Why not check those trails that run close to the parking area? What about that big swampy area? If there are a couple of small islands of dry land amongst a large wetland, those could be the perfect spots to find a big old bucks sheds.

Even those little ravines in a big open field that youve never seen a deer use. Most of these places are overlooked by the average shed hunter, but they shouldnt be overlooked by you. Part of the challenge of shed hunting, especially on public land, is hitting those random areas where a desperate buck wanders around when looking for food in the late winter. So dont miss those overlooked areas.

7. Dont Be Afraid To Ask For Permission - You shouldnt be afraid to talk to a new landowner, especially a farmer. Shed antlers getting stuck in big, expensive tractor tires can cause major headaches for a farmer. Even if you are in an area that is heavily hunted, not every hunter looks for sheds. The promise of removing sheds from ag fields, and potentially saving a few tractor tires are bound to get you permission on a new piece.

And who knows, maybe that farmer isnt on the best of terms with whoever currently hunts there, and is looking for a way to kick them off his farmland. Landowners and farmers are more likely to allow you to shed hunt a spot once or twice, instead of deer hunt an area all fall. So dont be afraid to ask for permission. The worst thing they can do is say no.

8. Always Use A Mobile Mapping App - Using an app like HuntStand or OnX to keep track of exactly where youve walked, and where youve been, is the best way to stay efficient. Where you think youve walked, and where you actually walk, can be more different than you think. You may not realize it, but using an app can help you figure out all the spots that you havent checked, even though you thought you already did.

More often than not, youll come home after a long day of shed hunting, thinking that youve scoured your property from north to south. When in actuality, there are a few large areas youve missed. Using a mapping app can help you hit those spots and find the sheds that you would have missed if you werent using an app.

See more here:
Tips to finding a few more sheds | Sports | hampshirereview.com - Hampshire Review

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Pulse of the Primary: 2021 NYC Mayor's Race, a recurring series of quantitative voter surveys, was unveiled today to provide fresh insights on the upcoming New York City Democratic primary and key issues in the race for mayor. The project, sponsored by Fontas Advisors and Core Decision Analytics, takes an independent look at major candidates as well as key issues. Results released today from the first poll of N=842 NYC Democratic Primary likely voters offer a revealing peek at the fiercely contested race to replace term-limited incumbent Mayor Bill de Blasio.

"New York City is at a crossroads and the election of the new mayor will be a pivotal milestone in our recovery from the pandemic and the resulting economic devastation," said George Fontas, Founder and CEO of Fontas Advisors, a leading NYC-based government affairs consultancy. "Our poll found that New Yorkers seek mayoral candidates who offer clear plans to tackle the many pressing issues facing the city, and voters especially value proven experience demonstrated in government or the public sector."

"Our survey shows that voters are concerned about the many challenges facing the city, though their pick for mayor is still quite fluid at this time," said Adam Rosenblatt, President of Core Decision Analytics (CODA), a non-partisan national public opinion research and analytics firm based in Washington, DC. "Awareness appears to aid three candidates as of late January, though the vast majority of voters are unfamiliar with the wider set of prominent candidates running."

The full survey results, including complete question wording, all questions asked, as well as demographics and screening criteria, will be publicly available at PulseOfThePrimary.com.

This first Fontas/CODA Pulse of the Primary Poll suggests that the COVID pandemic will be the dominant issue on the campaign trail. Key findings included:

Fielded from January 20-25th, the first Fontas/CODA Pulse of the Primary poll presented voters with nine candidates to assess across several key metrics including familiarity ("awareness"), as well as the "horserace" ("If the Democratic Primary election for mayor of New York City were held today"). The survey also examined ranked choice voting as well as attributes voters often consider when evaluating candidates. Key findings included:

"The lack of awareness concerning ranked choice voting is worrisome," said Rosenblatt. "This process is likely to be a major factor in the race for mayor and other offices, yet 9 in 10 voters are in the dark. We will examine this closely in the next survey since ranked choice will influence how campaigns communicate as they attempt to persuade New Yorkers to cast a ballot for more than one candidate."

"While this is where things stood in late January, it's essential to remember that there's five months of campaigning still ahead and most voters are just starting to recognize the significance of the June Democratic primary in determining our new mayor," said Fontas. "Awareness is still low for many of the candidates, endorsements have just begun, and, for the most part, retail campaigning has yet to kick off although candidates will need to utilize different tactics this year due to the pandemic. Our next poll will present a great opportunity to assess how the race for mayor is progressing."

The Fontas/CODA Pulse of the Primary Poll is a three-part series which will publish poll results and analysis leading up to the New York City Democratic primary. The next poll is slated to field in March, followed by a final poll in May in advance of election day on June 22nd. Visit PulseOfThePrimary.comfor the latest poll reports, analysis, and to subscribe to receive updates.

Methodology

Core Decision Analytics (CODA) conducted N=842 online interviews among New York City Democratic primary likely voters from January 20-25, 2021. By definition, all likely voters interviewed had to say they currently live in one of the five boroughs, are registered to vote as a Democrat, and will "definitely" or "probably" vote in the June primary election for NYC Mayor and other elected offices. The overall margin of error is +/-3.38% at the 95% confidence interval. The report of findings, including all survey questions, screening criteria, and demographics, are available at PulseOfThePrimary.com

About Fontas Advisors

Fontas Advisors is a boutique government affairs consultancy focused on the New York metropolitan area. Leveraging our strong knowledge of city and state administrations combined with our robust network honed over decades of experience, we drive results by serving the next-generation needs of corporations, nonprofits, and trade associations. Learn more at fontasadvisors.com

About Core Decision Analytics

Core Decision Analytics (CODA) provides actionable opinion insights and cutting-edge data analytics programs grounded in trustworthy quantitative, qualitative, and advanced analytics methods. CODA leverages decades of experience in over 20 countries on behalf of governments, campaigns, business organizations, associations, and corporate clients. Learn more at coredecision.com

SOURCE Core Decision Analytics; Fontas Advisors

Read more:
New Poll Released by Fontas Advisors and Core Decision Analytics Sheds Light on the NYC Mayor's Race - PRNewswire

Dating back to the bombshell January 2019 PhillyVoice story, anonymous sources have never been shy to weigh in on Carson Wentz. More recently, Wentz drew criticism via an Inquirer report that detailed how the Philadelphia Eagles have coddled their (soon-to-be-former) franchise quarterback.

And now theres a new PhillyVoice report from Joe Santoliquito titled Inside the downfall that led to Carson Wentzs likely exit from Eagles that further sheds some light on why the team could be looking to trade him in the very near future. I highly recommend checking out the expansive article but here are some highlights that stood out.

Is there anyone in here whos going to believe in [Wentz]? I cant speak for everyone, but I have a good feeling that there are a lot of guys who dont right now, said one source within the organization, who wished to remain anonymous, because if he can get an NFL head coach fired, theyll have no problem cutting anyones ass.

All one respected veteran would say is that theres a problem here.

Players were pissed that Wentz reportedly planned to ask for a trade and wants out if he is not going to be the starting quarterback, sources said. They interpreted it as if Wentz was quitting on them. Some thought it was Wentz quitting on himself, running away from an open competition for the starters role with rookie Jalen Hurts.

Wentz never refuted the reports. In fact, he hasnt said a peep in over eight weeks and counting.

Everyone was looking at each other thinking, does he want outta here? How are you supposed to follow a leader like that? said one source of the reports suggesting Wentz wanted out, which started as far back as December 20. When he does address it, do you really think anyone will believe him?

While team captains like Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce publicly spoke out in support of Wentz shortly after he was benched, hes at least lost some of the locker room. And this despite some efforts to grow as a leader last year.

Wentz himself hasnt outright denied hed be willing to participate in a quarterback competition, no. But theres hardly any indication he would welcome such a setup. And so it feels like theres an untenable dynamic here. How do the Eagles merely hand the team back over to Wentz when his teammates have seemingly lost faith in him?

On that note, it sounds like theres been growing internal support for 2020 second-round pick Jalen Hurts.

As last season was winding down, a large number of people in the building with the obvious exceptions of Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman, sources say felt Hurts was the better option at QB going forward. That made the hiring of new quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson, who has a long history with Hurts, quite intriguing. Initially, it didnt seem like it would mean much, as Lurie and Roseman seemed hellbent on refurbishing Wentz, as reports suggested that the two made that sticking point during interviews with prospective coaches with the hope that a new coach would fix the relationship between quarterback and team.

The feeling, at least last season, was that Hurts possessed superior leadership, a willingness to be coached (one source said he was in the coachs offices so much they thought they had to get him a cot) and players support. The twist of it was that coaches and players both feel Wentz has the better physical skills and the stronger arm.

Still, some see enough in Hurts that his intangibles could more than make up for that gap.

A few SEC coaches are amazed how much Hurts passing has improved, though they still have doubts if he will ever have an NFL arm like Wentz. Hurts was described as an extremely likable, high-character leader who cant get enough coaching and is a tireless worker.

If only the Eagles could have the best of both worlds and combine Wentzs talent with Hurts coachability. With the former expected to be traded as soon as this week, the Birds seemingly have some comfort level moving forward with the latter. Of course, well see how they approach the quarterback position when it comes to the 2021 NFL Draft.

Whatever the Eagles decide to do, itd probably be nice if they can find someone who doesnt inspire people to talk to the media to complain about him.

Originally posted here:
Another new Carson Wentz report sheds light on why the Eagles could be looking to trade him - Bleeding Green Nation

The icy continent has historically been a place for men. First discovered in 1820, Antarctica would not be visited by a woman for well over a century.

In 1935, Norwegian Caroline Mikkelsen, a whalers wife, became the first woman to do so, some 24 years after her compatriot Roald Amundsen had trekked all the way to the South Pole.

It wasnt until the 1950s that women were finally allowed to participate in Antarctic science.

How had Antarctica come to be so dominated by men? Where were all the women?

In 2016, one of us (Meredith) took part in the largest non-scientific expedition of women to Antarctica in history.

Among the group were 77 women working in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM), who took part in a three-week leadership program. As part of our study of this program, Meredith travelled with the group to Antarctica to gather womens first-hand accounts of their experiences.

But in terms of unlocking Antarcticas history, one of the biggest answers came from a surprising source: a map on the wall of the galley, where Meredith looked every morning to see where the ship was headed.

One morning, she spotted Marguerite Bay, on the Western Antarctic peninsula. It turns out there were women here, symbolically at least.

Marguerites name reached the Antarctic because her husband, Jean-Baptiste Charcot, leader of the French Antarctic Expedition in 1909, named a bay after her.

Author and environmentalist Carole Devine has been doing a mapping project to uncover the stories of women like Marguerite she has found more than 200 places in Antarctica named after women.

The portrayal of Antarctica as a female body that must be mastered and penetrated by men is central to Heroic Era narratives of the continent. Given this framing, it is unsurprising women were long denied access to Antarctica.

Many polar institutes around the world have traditionally justified the exclusion of women by arguing there were no facilities such as toilets for them on stations.

It certainly wasnt due to a lack of interest. In 1914, three British women named Peggy Pegrine, Valerie Davey and Betty Webster wrote to Ernest Shackleton to apply for his next expedition. They described themselves as three sporty girls and offered to wear mens clothes if there were no suitable female ones available. They added:

we do not see why men should have all the glory, and women none, especially when there are women just as brave and capable as there are men.

Shackletons reply noted his regrets there are no vacancies for the opposite sex on the expedition.

Mikkelsen became the first woman to set foot on Antarctica in 1935. But it was not until 1956 that women began to be properly involved in Antarctic science.

Russian geologist Maria Klenova landed in Antarctica to make the first Soviet Antarctic Atlas. Women were finally charting maps, rather than just having their names written on them.

In 1969, an all-female group of US scientists led by Lois Jones landed in Antarctica. They wanted to collect their own samples from the McMurdo Dry Valleys something they had so far been prevented from doing.

Pointing to the anxiety and scepticism surrounding the voyage, the New York Times described the expedition as an incursion of females into the largest male sanctuary remaining on this planet.

Read more: How to keep more women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

From the 1980s, the Australian Antarctic Program and the British Antarctic Survey allowed women to stay on research stations and conduct land-based Antarctic fieldwork.

Today, women are more fully integrated into National Antarctic Programs and women often lead field teams. Nearly 60% of early career researchers in polar science internationally are women.

Yet while womens participation in the Australian Antarctic Program is increasing, women still comprise only 24% of expeditioners. Women make up 33% and 30% of US and UK Antarctic expeditioners, respectively.

These low numbers are tied to the fact that women still face a range of barriers in a polar science career and especially during fieldwork, including:

gender bias and discrimination

caring responsibilities

gender and sexual harassment

lack of recognition such as prizes and awards

physical barriers, such as field gear not being available in womens sizes.

Antarctica is strategically important to Australia and many other nations. Yet the credibility of Australias Antarctic leadership is at risk without a substantial commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Existing power relations may prevent women and those from other underrepresented groups (such as people of colour and LGBTIQ+ people) from participating, or even considering, the possibility of an Antarctic science career.

Read more: As China flexes its muscles in Antarctica, science is the best diplomatic tool on the frozen continent

Equity and inclusion in Antarctic science will not come about simply by waiting for more women to volunteer to become expeditioners.

Here is how we can proactively promote inclusion:

Change the image of a polar scientist. The typical polar scientist is still assumed to be a straight, white man who works for many months away in Antarctica. Yet polar scientists work in a range of settings. In fact, many polar scientists work indoors at a computer!

Grow the leadership pool. National Antarctic Programs must develop targeted recruitment campaigns, gender-neutral hiring practices, awareness of unconscious bias, training to be an upstander rather than a bystander, and parental leave policies and flexible work arrangements that can facilitate a womans ability to succeed in polar science.

Women are in Antarctica to stay. They play important roles in the scientific, logistical and managerial realms of Antarctic operations.

Making polar research more inclusive will enrich the diversity of the scientific community and have flow-on effects for the quality of Australias Antarctic science.

Here is the original post:
White continent, white blokes: why Antarctic research needs to shed its exclusionary past - The Conversation AU

Rough-sawn 1x8 shiplap cedar siding is rot-resistant and weathers well.Photo by David Stiles

Ask a dozen shed owners what they keep in their sheds, and youll probably get a dozen different answers. But a shed doesnt have to be a catchall for storing extra household items. It can have a special use and provide a pleasant space in which to work on hobbies.

This 10-by-11-foot structure is the perfect size for a potting shed. Its big enough to store all the necessary garden equipment and still provide ample room. It features a 4-by-6-foot skylight, which floods the interior space with natural light, and it has an overhang in back for additional storage.

A 10-by-11-foot shed is small enough to fit comfortably in a backyard, but large enough to accommodate most projects.Diagrams by David Stiles

The directions specify using cedar timber framing with simple lap joints; however, they can be easily adapted for 2x4 construction. The walls are built with 1x8 shiplap cedar, but any siding, including board and batten, can be used. Similarly, any roofing material can be used.

Diagram by David Stiles

If you dont want to build your own windows, you can order single-sash barn windows from a lumberyard. Or, to save a bit of money, salvage windows from old houses to use in your shed just make sure theyre all the same size.

Install braces at each corner of the wall frame using 3/8-by-5-inch lag screws.Diagram by David Stiles

When building the roof framing create a base for the shingles with 1x8s and 1x4s.Diagram by David Stiles

Clear a flat surface, and measure and mark the space on which your shed will be built. The floor frame will be supported by concrete blocks under each corner. This will allow you to move the shed, if necessary.

From the 12-foot 2x6s, cut six 10-foot-9-inch boards. (Two for the frame sides and four for the floor joists.) Assemble the floor frame with two 10-foot 2x6s for the front and rear, and two 10-foot-9-inch 2x6s for the sides. Nail the frame together so the rear and front pieces overlap the side pieces.

Diagram by David Stiles

Settle the concrete blocks into place on the ground, and then position the floor frame on top of the blocks. Square the floor frame so the diagonals measure 14.86 feet (178-3/8 inches). Make sure the frame is level. Adjust the concrete blocks with shims if necessary. Install four floor joists at 2-foot intervals. Cut and toenail 2x6 blocking between floor joists. Nail down 2-1/2 sheets of plywood using 6d nails every 8 inches. Create the floor of the open deck by nailing the 10-foot decking boards across the floor frame.

Illustration byDavid Stiles

From the 4x4s, cut four corner posts 691/2 inches long, and two rear posts 56 inches long. Use 1x2s to temporarily prop up the posts while toenailing them to the floor.

Notch the ends of the 10-foot and 8-foot 4x6 beams to form lap joints. Position the 10-foot beams on the tops of the corner posts, and nail a 6-inch spike through each beam into each corner post.

Fit 8-foot beams into the notches in the 10-foot beams, and spike again. Cut ten 2-foot knee braces, and then miter-cut the ends at a 45-degree angle. Install braces at each corner using 3/8-by-5-inch lag screws.

Install 4x4 posts for the door frame. The doorway posts should be 32 inches apart. Cut ten 2x4 studs, measuring 69-1/2 inches long each. Install window studs, spaced 25-5/8 inches apart. Install interior wall studs, spaced approximately 24 inches on center. Install rough sills using screws (to allow for adjustments). Check for plumb.

The walls are covered with 1x8 shiplap boards. Rough-sawn cedar works well for this, because its rot-resistant and weathers to a soft gray. Start installing the siding at the bottom of each wall using 2-inch galvanized siding nails. To prevent rain from entering the shed, make sure each successive board overlaps the one below.

Cut the tops of the 6-foot roof rafters at a 40-degree angle. Using the shed floor as a work platform, lay two rafters down flat, and join the tops using 2-1/2-inch screws.

Diagram by David Stiles

To mark the location of the birds mouth, temporarily lay an 8-foot 2x4 (representing the width of the shed) approximately 6 inches up from the bottom end of each rafter, and mark with a pencil. Cut the ends of the collar ties off at a 40-degree angle. Screw the collar ties to the rafters, making sure the ends dont protrude past the outer edge of the rafters, so as not to interfere with roofing. Cut birds mouth notches, and screw each pair of rafters to the top beam. Use a 1x4 to temporarily hold the rafters in place. Hold the end of one 4-foot rear rafter up to an existing rafter end and rear beam, and mark where the next birds mouth and rafter joint should go. Cut out the notches, and screw the rear rafters in place with 3-inch galvanized deck screws. To provide a base for the cedar shingles, nail a 1x8 to the bottom of the rafters, overlapping the bottom edge of the rafters by 3/4 inch. Space the remaining 1x4s 2 inches apart.

Screw 4-foot-long 1x2 side ledges to sides of rafters 6 feet apart, with upper edges aligned. Build a curb out of 2x4s that measures 46-1/2 by 73-1/2 inches, and then screw it directly over the existing rafters, placing sides over side ledges. Headers arent necessary here, because the rafters remain intact. Bend over four 1/2-by-5-inch metal straps to form J-hooks, and screw them to the bottom of the curb to hold the bottom edge of the Plexiglas.

Lay glaziers tape over the top edge of the skylight curb.

Diagram by David Stiles

Carefully lay a piece of Plexiglas on top of the glaziers tape. The Plexiglas and J-hooks should overhang the curb by 1 inch to allow for water runoff. After the skylight is installed and youre shingling the roof, make sure to use stepped flashing where shingles meet the skylight curb. Once shingling is finished, complete the skylight by screwing aluminum angle bar to the sides and top.

Trim the two gable roof ends with 1x4 cedar. Nail the ends of the spaced sheathing to the top of the gable trim. Add the front and rear 1x4 fascias, the 1x2 gable trim, and the 1x2 fascia trim, in that order. Cover the four corners with two 1x4s nailed to each other and to the walls. Attach the eave trim and insect screen.

Diagram by David Stiles

Install flashing. Cover the 1x4 spaced sheathing with cedar shingles. Use 1-inch galvanized roofing nails. Double the first row of shingles, and overhang the edge of the roof by 3/4 inch. Stagger each row so the seams are unaligned. Make each row 5-1/2 inches above the previous one, using a 1x6 board as a guide on which to rest the bottom of the shingles before nailing them in place. Cap off the ridge with two 1x4 beveled boards caulked and nailed together.

On a flat surface, place the shiplap cedar boards side by side. Saw off the edges on the two end pieces so the door measures 32 inches wide. Cut two pieces of 5/4x8, each 31 inches long, for battens. Screw the battens to the door. Mark and cut the 5-foot-long 5/4x4 as a diagonal brace to fit between the top batten and the hinged side of the bottom batten. Screw two 10-inch strap hinges to the front of the door.

Diagram by David Stiles

To hang the door, screw the other half of the hinges to a piece of 2-1/4-inch cedar door casing. Hold the door in place, and, allowing for a 3/16-inch clearance, screw the trim and the door to the shed. Add the pent roof and the 2-1/4-inch casing to the doorway. Install door latch hardware of your choice.

Diagram by David Stiles

Alternatively, A wooden latch can be made from a piece of 1x2, two pieces of 2x3, and an 1/8-inch diagonal dowel. Cut a 1-1/4-by-3-inch slot in the door for the dowel to extend to the exterior. Mount the latch on a piece of 5/4x8, and screw it to the inside of the door.

Diagram by David Stiles

For each of the three windows, cut two 33-inch-long pieces of 2x3 for the stiles and two 22-inch-long pieces of 2x3 for the rails.

Using a table saw, make a 7/8-by-1-1/2-inch rabbet cut in one edge of each 2x3. Cut a 2-1/2-inch shoulder notch in each end of the 33-inch 2x3s. Make a 5/8-inch-wide, 5/8-inch-deep dado cut in the middle of each 2x3 to accept the muntins, which youll add later.

Diagrams by David Stiles

For each window, glue and screw the sash together using 2-inch screws. Lay a bead of clear silicone in the rabbeted groove provided in the window, and insert a Plexiglas panel into the groove. Use brads to nail waste strips (left over from cutting the rabbets) over the edges of the Plexiglas to hold it in place. Cut and glue 5/8-by-5/8-inch muntin strips to the front of the window. Install a window catch to the top of the window.

Diagrams by David Stiles

To hang a window, build a 4-3/4-inch-wide window frame to fit inside the rough opening, allowing 1/8 inch of clearance between the window and the frame. On the 30-5/8-inch-long windowsill, bevel the front and back edges at a 15-degree angle. The windowsill should extend 1/4 inch past the outside edges of the 2-1/4-inch casing. Install the sill over the rough opening. Cut the bottom ends of the two window casings at 15 degrees to fit the sill, and nail them in place. Frame the inside and outside of the window opening with 2-1/4-inch casing. Mortise a small hole for the window catch bolt, and install a screw eye and cord to hold the window open. To keep the window in place, cut and nail 3/4-by-3/4-inch stops to the side window frames. Open the window by releasing the catch and tilting it back. No rain will get in, and the window can be easily removed for maintenance. Repeat with the other two windows.

Excerpted with permission from Sheds: The Do-It-Yourself Guide for Backyard Builders, 4th Edition, by David and Jeanie Stiles.

Build the ultimate garden shed with this Boscobel Garden Shed E-Plan! This e-plan has all the instructions you need to build this 10-by-10-foot shed, including a complete materials list and step-by-step instructions. This product is available at our storeor by calling 800-234-3368. Item #5033.

Do you have a great garden shed thats dressed to the nines? Or a versatile shed thats creatively built with repurposed materials? We want to see it? From top to bottom, photos by Barbara and James Stanley, and Sharon and Dan Clements, respectively.

Do you have a tool or garden shed thats a beautiful focal point on your property? Mother Earth News invites you to enter our Great Garden Shed Showoff! Any small structure used to store garden tools and equipment or house livestock is eligible. Well choose grand prizewinners in two categories:

Each winner will receive a $250 gift certificate to the Mother Earth News store, where they can choose from hundreds of gardening and farming tools and books, plus a years access to our online courses and webinars.

To enter, email a photo of your shed and at least 50 words describing it and what makes it outstanding, with subject line Great Garden Shed Showoff, to: Letters@MotherEarthNews.com by May 1, 2021.

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How to Build a Potting Shed - Mother Earth News

CHARLESTON, WV (WOAY) There are so many factors that come into play here.

Factors that, according to results obtained from West Virginia Kids Count and the West Virginia Department of Education, among others, have resulted in child homelessness within the state of West Virginia increasing in recent years.

Everything from poverty in the economy, to the opioid epidemic, said West Virginia Kids County Executive Director Tricia Kingery. Grandparents raising grandchildren. Foster care. And then, add COVID-19, a pandemic, into that.

According to the Department of Education, there were 10, 417 youths experiencing homelessness during the last school year, a 14% increase within the last half decade.

If you look back, dating back to the school year of 2014-2015, there were only, and I dont want to say only, 8,959 students, Kingery said.

Southern West Virginia is not immune to child homelessness. The following numbers represent the number of homeless youths in Southern West Virginia counties as of last school year. Mercer: 588. Raleigh: 372. Fayette: 180. Greenbrier: 177.

These numbers are real, Kingery said. These are children. Every one of those numbers represents a child and family in need of our services and support.

Its the responsibility of entire communities, especially people who work directly with children, to pay attention and bring awareness to an issue that needs to grow smaller, not bigger.

Keep our eyes wide open, Kingery said. You can see where theyre struggling and you have to ask the right questions.

You have to build that relationship, that trust, so that the children will be honest with you about whats happening.

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West Virginia Kids Count Executive Director sheds light on youth homelessness throughout the state - WOAY-TV

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 9, 2021) - PCG Digital: Soligenix (NASDAQ: SNGX) continues to build excitement for its SGX301 candidate following strong Phase 3 data and commercialization plans. The company recently held an investor webcast to further explain the company's plans for commercializing its ground-breaking SGX301 candidate for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

Here are some key takeaways from the commercialization Q&A:

1. Soligenix will commercialize SGX301 in the U.S. on its own

During the presentation, the company noted that after conducting necessary due diligence and simulating different routes to commercialization, it was determined that a partnership would not be the best solution for shareholders. The licensing landscape and CTCL's small, orphan market were the key drivers behind the decision. Considering that the average biopharmaceutical licensing deal, a Phase 3 licensor will typically retain no more than 40% of the product's value, it did not make sense to give up so much value when the market is small and highly specialized to begin. However, Soligenix CEO Dr. Chris Schaber noted the company continues discussions regarding partnerships for ex-U.S. rights to SGX301.

The company has submitted its proposed brand name, HyBryte, and logo for SGX301 to the FDA for review and approval.

2. SGX301 marketing and sales force size and costs

CTCL's small, orphan market will not require Soligenix to build out a massive marketing and sales force. The uniqueness and ability to serve an unmet medical need are the key selling points in the CTCL treatment space. As a result, Soligenix estimates the need for a sales team consisting of around 20 people. The company estimates that pre-launch costs will come in around $7 million, with annual sales and marketing costs coming in below $10 million.

3. Ample cash reserves to carry SGX301 through commercialization

During the webcast, management was asked if the company's current cash reserves were sufficient enough to carry SGX301 through the commercialization process. After the previously-announced financing deal with Pontifax, the company continues to be well-capitalized for the commercialization process. It was revealed that the company currently maintains a cash balance of in excess of $20 million and also has a $20 million ATM with B. Riley.

Story continues

"Based on this strategic capital structure, we are well-positioned for success and really have no need for a large capital raise anytime soon," noted CFO Jonathan Guarino during the webcast.

4. Daavlin partnership for companion light device

On January 7, 2021, Soligenix first announced its strategic partnership with Daavlin, an Ohio-based company with a 40-year history in phototherapy. Daavlin has an extensive product line that is delivered to healthcare providers worldwide.

Under the strategic partnership, Daavlin will supply and distribute a commercially-ready companion light device that is critical to the success of SGX301 in treating CTCL. The companion light device is a derivative of an existing, 510K-approved product. Unlike other phototherapies, Daavlin's light device does not require a dedicated room or any complex wiring. In fact, the device can be stored and moved out of the way when not in use.

The Daavlin companion device will be sold directly to physicians initially, as treatments will be conducted in a doctor's office. However, Soligenix management notes that the company does intend to offer a house-use version of the Daavlin device down the road. However, it is important to note that Daavlin's UV devices are already approved for home use.

5. Soligenix estimates peak U.S. sales of SGX301 to hit $90 million

The pricing of SGX301 continues to be evaluated and will not be finalized until closer to the U.S. launch. However, management did note that an existing, inferior treatment, Valchor, was being considered as a benchmark price. Valchor's price is roughly $3,500 per WAC/tube and generates estimated annual sales of around $40 million.

Given the unique nature of SGX301 and its ability to serve as an early-stage treatment for CTCL, the company primary market research has shown that four out of five dermatologists are likely to prescribe the product, if/when approved. With Valchor as a benchmark, Soligenix estimates SGX301 will have peak U.S. net annual sales that exceed $90 million.

SGX301 Commercialization Timeline with Multiple Near Term Catalysts Anticipated

As SGX301 begins its commercialization phase, there will be several important milestones over the coming months that could serve to be significant catalysts for Soligenix. The first milestone to watch for will be the initial submission of the rolling New Drug Application (NDA). The NDA, along with the completed Clinical Study Report, is estimated to be handed over to the FDA during the second quarter of 2021.

Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, or PDUFA, the FDA is required to review new drug applications within a 10-month period. If the new drug has been given fast track designation, the FDA deadline to review the application is only six months.

SGX301 has already been granted fast track designation and orphan drug status. As a result, the FDA will have six months from the date that Soligenix officially files the NDA. Just as an example, this means that even if the NDA is filed at the end of June, a review will take place around the end of the year. The official U.S. commercial launch is estimated to occur during the second half of 2022.

Aside from the rolling NDA filing, resulting FDA review, and official commercial launch in 2022, investors will have a few other potential catalysts in the shorter-term. Soligenix announced that it has submitted abstracts to present on SGX301 to the American Academy of Dermatology Meeting in March 2021 and to the Society for Investigative Dermatology Meeting in May 2021. Management notes its plans to submit its manuscript to the JAMA Dermatology journal this year as well.

Zack's Research Updates Soligenix with a Positive Report

Two days after Soligenix's webcast, Zack's Small-Cap Research issued an updated research report on the company.

Zack's notes, that based on its probability-adjusted discounted cash flow (DCF) model (which estimates future revenues from SGX301, CiVax, etc.), there is significant potential price appreciation for SNGX.

"The webinar on SGX301 provided a comprehensive overview of the company's plans for commercializing SGX301, including encouraging data from primary market research with physicians and initial revenue projections. As discussed, there are a number of upcoming milestones for the company as it relates to SGX301, with perhaps the most important being the submission of the rolling NDA, which should begin in the second quarter of 2021."

The full report can be found here.

Disclaimer:

This communication was produced by PCG Digital Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of PCG Advisory Inc., (together "PCG"). PCG is an integrated investor relations, communications and strategic advisory firm. The information contained on this may be 'Paid Advertising' for purposes of Section 17(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (together with the rules and regulations there under, the "Securities Act"). PCG may be compensated by respective clients for publicizing information relating to its client's securities. For more information in terms of compensation received for services provided by PCG, see the pertinent advertising materials relating to the respective client. By accessing this Site and any pages thereof, you agree to be bound by the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

PCG is not a registered or licensed broker, dealer, broker-dealer, investment adviser nor investment manager, nor does PCG engage in any activities that would require such registrations. PCG does not provide investment advice, endorsement, analysis or recommendations with respect to any securities, and its services to or statements about its clients should never be construed as any endorsement of or opinion about any security of any client. No information contained in this communication constitutes an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security or any other similar product or service regardless of whether such security, product, or service is referenced in this communication. Further, nothing in this communication is intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and nothing in this communication should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any investment or security or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. For full disclaimers, including compensation received for professional services, please visit http://www.pcgadvisory.com/disclosures.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/73924

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Soligenix's Upcoming Catalysts Highlight Growth Potential as it Sheds Light on its Commercialization of SGX301 - Yahoo Finance

Jerry Erstrom was always quick with a smile and loved his children and grandchildren. Recovering from a back surgery, Erstrom - a well-known local personage - contracted Covid and died from the infection. Now his family wants people to know the Covid virus isn't a hoax and it kills.

Jerry Erstrom (center with hat) poses with his son Mike (left) and other family members. Ernstrom died Jan. 21 from the Covid virus. (Photo courtesy of Niki Cutler)

VALE The nurse walked into the hospital room and then the chaplain came and they stood by as Niki Cutler kneeled next to her dads bed and held his hand and, as best she could, prepared for him to die.

His lungs destroyed by the Covid virus, Erstrom died quietly soon after.

Erstrom became one of 55 Malheur County residents who have died from Covid since last spring.

In Oregon, he was among 1,900 people who perished form Covid.

Less than a month before Jerry Erstrom died Jan. 21, he was a healthy 71-year-old man recovering from a minor back surgery. The future was wide open for the former farmer and Bureau of Land Management employee.

While the number of Covid deaths and infections continues to climb, Erstroms life and family and experiences cant be relegated to statistics.

He was a dedicated employee, a man with a ready smile who loved his children and his grandchildren.

He liked to play cards with his grandson.

He loved Oreo cookies.

He loved to travel with his family.

He loved to go to Bixbys Stopitoff Coffee in Vale.

He loved to give people a hard time, said Cutler.

Perhaps the simplest vision of Jerry Erstrom is the truest.

He was a father.

A grandfather.

A friend.

A hard worker.

He loved Malheur County.

Then one day the Covid virus invaded his body.

And it killed him.

****

When Niki Cutler first heard about the Covid virus a year ago, she didnt consider it a serious illness.

In fact, she said in an interview last week, the virus appeared to be more of an inconvenience than anything else.

I was not sure if it was actually anything worse than the flu, said Cutler.

She no longer feels that way.

I wish I still had the privilege to be that nave, said Cutler.

In mid-December Jerry Erstrom was hospitalized for back surgery. He returned to the Cutler household in Ontario afterward with Niki and her husband, Jared, helping him recover.

Covid didnt haunt the Cutlers then and the family turned to Christmas.

We had a small, quiet Christmas, Cutler said. Dad was a little sore from back surgery, but good.

Life continued normally at the Culter house after Christmas. Jerry Erstrom watched television news or old Westerns. He enjoyed his grandkids, especially playing cards with his 12-year-old grandson Brennan.

The card games were a tradition for Erstrom and Brennan.

They had the same sense of humor. They would try to one up each other with jokes. They didnt need anyone else and went and did their thing, said Cutler.

In late December, Jared Cutler, an Ontario Police Department officer, came down with a head cold.

Then we found out he may have been exposed (to Covid) at work. He went and got tested and came up positive. My daughter and I came back positive. My dad was negative, said Cutler.

Where were we exposed? We honestly dont know for sure, said Cutler.

On the second to last day of the year, Jerry Erstrom went to a hospital in Nampa because of a urinary tract infection. Erstrom was again tested for Covid. Again, he was negative.

We just needed to clear up the UTI and he was good to go to come home, said Cutler.

A few days later while still in the hospital, Jerry Erstrom tested positive for Covid.

He was having some congestion and some trouble breathing, said Cutler.

X-rays of Erstroms chest showed he had Covid pneumonia that the medical staff told the Cutlers was manageable. Erstrom would need supplemental oxygen for a while but he was ready to go back home.

Erstrom returned to the Cutler home on Jan. 7 but he was a different man.

His stamina was gone and he depended more on the oxygen each day.

Culter worked hard to keep her father moving, following the instructions from doctors to help him improve. While he needed oxygen, his levels remained in the normal range. Cutler thought her dad would beat the virus.

****

On the night of Jan. 11, a Monday, Erstrom played cards with Brennen. No one suspected it would be the last game.

The next day when Erstrom awoke he could barely get out of bed.

The most modest of movements drained him. He asked that his oxygen be turned up.

He said, I just feel like I cant get air, Cutler said.

Cutler checked the blood oxygen level as her dad sat in a chair in her living room.

It was where it should be, said Cutler.

Erstroms physical therapist was scheduled to arrive soon so Erstrom prepared to shower. He could barely move.

He had to stop about every two steps because he didnt have enough energy to walk. He would stop, sit down and then get back up. My husband helped him into the bedroom to lay down and got oxygen on him and he said, I just need a minute, said Cutler.

The Cutlers tested Erstroms blood oxygen level again and this time it had dropped into the 70s. An oxygen level between 95 and 100 percent is considered normal and immediate medical attention is recommended for a reading of less than 88.

We couldnt stabilize it, said Cutler.

The Cutlers immediately acted to take Erstrom to the hospital.

The children helped get their grandpa ready for the hospital and into the car.

They would never see him again.

At the St. Lukes Fruitland Medical Plaza emergency room, medical staff tested Erstroms blood oxygen level and alarms on equipment sounded.

They had to turn everything as high as they could just to get the alarms off, said Cutler.

Erstrom was tested for a bacterial infection.

He was tested for a blood clot.

Nothing showed up on the tests but Covid, said Cutler.

The doctors, she said, didnt waste any time.

They said he is being transported, said Cutler.

The medical staff asked Erstrom if he would allow himself to be intubated if need be.

I answered yes before dad can get a word out, said Cutler.

The ambulance arrived and Cutler was able to give her dad a hug and tell him she loved him.

That was the last time that I would be able to have a conversation with him that lasted longer than one or two minutes, said Cutler.

****

Over the next five days at St. Lukes Nampa Medical Center, Erstrom appeared to be on the long road back. He was receiving the highest amount of oxygen possible each day, but his levels stabilized around 90 to 95, said Cutler.

Erstroms chest X-rays, said Cutler, looked awful but he was improving a little bit each day.

Doctors were cautiously optimistic, said Cutler.

There was hope because they dont know with this virus. There is no pattern, no way of knowing. They cant predict. The doctor in the ICU mentioned they do their best but they sit and watch because the virus has a mind of its own, said Cutler.

Cutler was at home Jan. 18 when Erstroms doctor called.

The signs werent good.

Erstrom was suddenly declining, his blood pressure was dropping.

He needed to go on a ventilator to save his life, the doctor said.

His oxygen wasnt able to be sustained. If they did not intubate him, he would be in cardiac arrest that night, said Cutler.

The doctor said the family could talk to Erstrom over the phone before they inserted the tube that would prevent Erstrom from speaking.

So that Tuesday, Cutler and her children, Brennan and his sister Alex, 18, cradled the phone in the living room and talked to their grandfather.

The smallest thing was causing him to be short of breath, beyond being able to speak, said Cutler.

The conversation was grueling for her children, said Cutler.

She handed the phone to them, aware the conversation might be the last they had with their grandfather.

Erstrom told his grandchildren how important to him they were.

How much he loved them.

How proud of them he was and that he would always be with them.

Afterward, she held them as they cried.

Questions lingered. They were terrified. Grandpa had just been at the house. What was going on?

The next four days were a blur for Cutler and her family. They were isolated from Erstrom and could not see him because of Covid restrictions at the hospital.

So, they waited.

And hoped.

And prayed.

****

On Jan. 21, Cutler received another phone call from the doctor.

He had declined more. With the maximum amount of oxygen, he was getting it was in the low 80s. The machines were doing all the work, said Cutler.

Erstroms instruction to his family had always been firm: He did not want to be kept alive by a machine.

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AROUND OREGON: Vale family sheds doubts about Covid after death of father - Salem Reporter

Crime

Money was stolen from the stores ATM

The Homer Police are investigating a recent case of theft at local store the Kachemak Gear Shed.

In an incident that occurred sometime on the night of Jan. 31, a burglar gained access to the store on East End Road, and stole money from its ATM.

The perpetrator broke into the lobby of the gear shed, cut into the ATM machine located there and stole the cash it contained, Police Chief Mark Robl wrote in an email.

A caller from the store reported the burglary the next morning, Homer Police records show.

The police are not disclosing the amount of money that was taken at this time, Robl said. They are still investigating the case.

Anyone who has information regarding this crime are encouraged to call the local police department at 907-235-3150, or utilize the anonymous tip service Crimestoppers by calling 907-283-8477 or emailing peninsulacrimestoppers.com.

Reach Megan Pacer at mpacer@homernews.com.

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Homer Police investigating Gear Shed burglary - Homer News