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Death Valley National Park still closed after Tropical Storm Hilary floods

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:47 GMT

It's unclear when Death Valley National Park will reopen to visitors after heavy rains from Tropical Storm Hilary forged new gullies and crumbled roadways at the site of one of the hottest places in the world, officials said.The storm dumped a furious 2.2 inches (6 centimeters) of rain Aug. 20, roughly the amount of rainfall the park usually receives in a year. This year's rainfall broke its previous record of 1.7 inches (4 centimeters) in one day, set in August of last year.“Two inches of rain does not sound like a lot, but here, it really does stay on the surface,” Matthew Lamar, a park ranger, told the Los Angeles Times. "Two inches of rain here can have a dramatic impact.”The park, which straddles eastern California and Nevada, holds the record for the hottest temperature recorded on the planet — 134 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius), reached in 1913.Pockets of water sit in low spots in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes after floods. Aug. 2023. (NPSRocks, mu...

UCLA, USC among top colleges in the U.S.: Forbes

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:47 GMT

Multiple public universities located in Southern California were named on Forbes’ “America’s Top College List for 2023.”The publication ranks colleges nationwide based on return on investment, average student debt levels and outcomes for their graduates. Schools also ranked highly on the list if students return to campus after their first year, graduate on time and secure high salaries jobs after graduation. UC schools admit record number of California applicants; Latino students lead the pack A complete breakdown of the methodology can be found here.In Southern California, multiple universities and colleges were named on the list, with one campus being named among the top 10 “best” colleges in the U.S.This is where a few Southern California-based universities and colleges ranked7th: UCLA14th: USC21st: UC San Diego24th: UC Santa Barbara36th: Pomona College37th: UC Davis41st: Claremont College43rd: San Diego State University47th: Caltech61st: University of California, Irvine71st: H...

'Dream Weaver' singer Gary Wright dies at 80

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:47 GMT

Singer Gary Wright, best known for his hit song "Dream Weaver," has died at 80 years old. Wright passed away at his home in Palos Verdes Estates on Monday morning, his son Justin told TMZ. Just six years ago, the singer was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and then with Lewy body dementia. Diana Ross sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to Beyonce at SoFi Stadium Recording artist Gary Wright performs during the David Foster and Friends concert at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Oct. 15, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)He told the site that his father's Parkinson's "progressed rapidly" over this past year and he eventually lost the abillity to "move around and speak."Dorian also posted about his father's passing on Instagram. "This morning I got to sit in lotus bye my father’s side chanting and meditating for two hours," the caption read. "As I chanted his last chant I watched him take his last earthly breath. Thank you dad for letting me help you leave your body for the...

From Dance Studio to Global Screen: The Journey of Alec Dahmer

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:47 GMT

For Alec Dahmer, performing is a way of life. His dance and acting journey began when he was just a toddler, and he has been pursuing his dreams ever since. From dance studio to stage to screen, Alec has explored all his passions and is steadily rising to prominence as a screen actor.Dahmer has been dancing from a young age and will always have a love for the art, but he knew early on that his true passion lay in acting. After auditioning for a musical at twelve, his parents realized how serious Dahmer was about pursuing acting. They found an agent for him, which led to immediate success. Dahmer secured the role of Kurt in The Sound of Music at the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada. The Stratford Festival is an extremely prestigious theater festival that attracts top talent from around the world for performances of musicals and Shakespearean plays. The Sound of Music ran for over 100 performances, and the experience solidified Dahmer’s love of acting and his budding career.As a ...

Single Review: The Dialogue releases majestic new single ‘Begin Again,’ the title track from their debut album.

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:47 GMT

 The Florida-based duo pulls out all the stops on this sweeping, stunning, genre-defying new track.  Southwest Florida duo The Dialogue has shared a new single, ‘Begin Again,’ the title track from their debut album.A collaborative effort between the group’s two gifted multi-instrumentalists – Angela Galestro and Paul Cuevas – ‘Begin Again’ offers a window into what happens when you combine meticulous, innovative instrumental arrangements with a poet’s gift for songwriting and lyricism.Lyrically, ‘Begin Again’ offers the conceit of how nature’s life cycle often mirrors the human experience when it comes to change. “Flowers fold when the sun goes down/Protect their parts, take off their crowns/By morning light they bloom again/Like new they begin again,” sings Angela in the song’s first verse, with an uncanny ear towards the metaphorical similarities between mankind and flora.Musically, the song takes its lead from a lone piano melody at the start before traversing s...

Unveiling MetaMelanin’s Dual Aesthetic: Rocketbyz by TomyBoy’s Male Bomber vs. Azuré Jihan’s Female Bomber

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:47 GMT

MetaMelanin CryptoSingers, in partnership with Rocketbyz by Tomboy, is getting ready to release a line of unique bomber jackets that effortlessly combines the worlds of high fashion with virtual entertainment. These limited edition jackets will be featured prominently in the upcoming PC Metaverse Racing Game created by the MetaMelanin CryptoSingers.The fascinating phenomena of the MetaMelanin CryptoSingers can be traced back to its visionary originator, Azuré Jihan, an underground singer/songwriter, artist, and performer. Azuré Jihan’s ability to captivate an audience with her art is unparalleled, and her innovative designs have sparked a movement that defies categorization. Moving forward, she is impacting the music and fashion industries with her female bomber jackets.Neon Fusion: The Rocketbyz by Tomyboy CollectionThe Rocketbyz by Tomyboy designs featured on the Bomber Jackets will impress any male fashion or gaming fan. Featuring elaborate artwork, sculptures, and luxury a...

Willie Weaver Under Arrest Following DUI Crash on Travis Boulevard [Fairfield, CA]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:47 GMT

Scooter Versus Car Collision near Clay Street Left Male Pedestrian DeadFAIRFIELD, CA (September 5, 2023) – Wednesday night, police arrested Willie Weaver following a fatal DUI collision on Travis Boulevard.The deadly crash happened shortly before 10:45 p.m. in the area of Travis Boulevard and Clay Street in the city of Fairfield.According to the police, a black 2001 Honda Accord hit a man on a motorized scooter trying to cross the road.Unfortunately, the pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. However, his identity has not been disclosed to the public, pending notification from the next of kin.Police closed down both directions of Travis Boulevard between Clay and Washington Streets for several hours.Following the incident, a Drug Recognition Expert also examined the driver who hit the pedestrian. Eventually, authorities booked 60-year-old Willie Weaver of Fairfield to Solano County Jail for suspected DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter.Based on existing ja...

Gina Simone: The Director Who Inspires Emerging Talent

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:47 GMT

In the dynamic realm of filmmaking, directors often find their niche in one genre and style. For Gina Simone, her directorial talents have shone brightly in the world of documentary filmmaking and series production. We’ll explore her remarkable work as the guiding force behind the acclaimed series Second Generation and Coming Distractions. These projects have not only showcased her directorial prowess but also garnered a slew of award nominations for the talented young cast she has nurtured.Second Generation took the digital world by storm when it landed on Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms. This coming-of-age drama resonated deeply with audiences, thanks to Simone’s ability to capture the essence of youth and the challenges of growing up. The series provided a platform for young, emerging talent to showcase their skills and connect with viewers on a profound level.One of the defining features of Second Generation was the outstanding performances of its young cast. Si...

Dodgers’ Julio Urias Arrested On Alleged Domestic Violence, Will Not Travel With Team

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:47 GMT

A star pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Julio Urias, was arrested Sunday, September 3 on suspicion of domestic violence.The incident allegedly occurred after the LAFC soccer game at BMO Stadium at Exposition Par, with the 27-year-old pitcher booked by LAPD around 1 a.m.Urias was held on $50,000 bail and released later that morning.The Dodgers put out a statement saying Urias would not join the team on its road series against the Marlins in Miami, Florida, or the Nationals in Washington D.C.“We are aware of an incident involving Julio Urías,” the Dodgers’ statement said Monday. “While we attempt to learn all the facts, he will not be traveling with the team. The organization has no further comment at this time.”In 2019, Urias was arrested for domestic violence for an incident that allegedly occurred at the Beverly Center. Police were called after Urias allegedly pushed the woman, but she later claimed she fell on her own.After an investigation from Major League Baseball (ML...

Kenneth Hyland Killed in Pedestrian Crash on Interstate 35 [Temple, TX]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:39:47 GMT

Pedestrian Collision on Exit 304 Left Kenneth Hyland DeadTEMPLE, TX (September 5, 2023) – Friday morning, Kenneth Hyland died after a pedestrian crash on Interstate 35.The collision happened just before 8:28 a.m. on Interstate 35 near Exit 304.According to reports, they found that Hyland crossed the northbound lanes but was hit by a vehicle when he tried to cross the southbound lanes.Responding personnel performed CPR on the victim at the scene. However, they were unable to resuscitate him. Officials pronounced 28-year-old Kenneth Hyland dead at the scene.The police have ruled out drugs and alcohol as factors in the collision.The Sweet James team sends their warm and sincerest sympathies to the friends and family of Kenneth Hyland. May the memories of your loved one and the love of your family give you strength in the days ahead.It is important to have strong legal representation on your side when losing a loved one in a pedestrian crash. Reach out to the wrongful death lawyers at S...