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BIODIVERSITY IN THE CHACABUCO VALLEY: Restoring a Unique Ecosystem
Text & Photos: Justin Lotak · 10 min read
Young guanaco taking a break from grazing
"As far as the Patagonian ecosystems go, this place has a great and special biodiversity. It's an area of transition between the Andean forest to the Patagonian steppe, uniting these two main ecosystems. Plus, it has wetlands, lakes, and high altitude micro ecosystems, so it generates an interesting landscape that comes with an important diversity of flora and fauna."
– Cristián Saucedo Gálvez, Director of Conservation, Conservacion Patagonica
Chile's Chacabuco Valley is a unique place. The steppe ecosystem, common in neighboring Argentina, sneaks its way into this open valley in central Chilean Patagonia, and the conditions are just right for a variety of species that are not as frequently seen elsewhere throughout the country. Hence the reason the Chilean government had identified this region as a priority site for biodiversity conservation. And in 2004, the organization Conservacion Patagonica purchased this former sheep ranch, and began restoring it to what it once was.
Tucked between two mountainous national reserves, the Chacabuco Valley (or Valle Chacabuco), is an impressive sight. This valley is arguably what makes up the heart of the future Patagonia National Park: an impressive undertaking to combine two national reserves and Conservacion Patagonica's private land into what will undoubtedly become one of Chile's most iconic national parks. Thirteen years after the valley switched from grazing to conservation, the land that was once almost desert-like with invasive vegetation and severe erosion has transformed into a splendor that deserves to be better understood by the public.
We had been in southern Chilean Patagonia for over two months before arriving in Valle Chacabuco. The weather throughout most of the places we'd been was windy, overcast and wet; but immediately upon arrival in the valley, the sun greeted us warmly. There is a pocket of "better" weather that tends to hang around Valle Chacabuco. To the north is the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest: home of Parque Pumalín and several incredibly lush national parks, and to the south are the extensive fiords of the Magallanes region. In both of these areas one can expect lots and lots of rain, but in between the weather tends to be drier and sunnier, bringing with it unique vegetation and species.
Austral pygmy owl (Glaucidium nana)
White-throated treerunner (Pygarrhichas albogularis)
Fire-eyed diucon (Xolmis pyrope)
Southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)
Conservacion Patagonica and several volunteers have been working hard to restore the ecosystems of Valle Chacabuco to their original states and, as we spoke at length with Conservacion Patagonica's Director of Conservation, Cristián Saucedo Gálvez, we learned more about the work they've done as it pertains to biodiversity restoration. Fences from the former sheep ranch have been removed, invasive plant species such as rosa mosqueta have been mostly eradicated, native species such as coirón grass have been redistributed and established, and with the native vegetation, native animals have gradually made their way back into the valley.
"We created the space needed for the recuperation of native species. It gave them the chance to repopulate the space they had lost with the arrival of livestock. The way livestock was managed here was extensive, it involved thousands of animals so they were obviously putting pressure on wildlife and land resources. As a result: the guanacos were displaced, there were areas that were encircled by double fences that weren't allowing the guanaco to enter, they were hunted. The huemuls competed with the cows, the dogs bother and hurt them and could give them diseases, people hunted them. All those threats, as they were being eliminated, created the space for the restoration of the ecosystem: the soil, the steppe vegetation, the guanaco, the huemul. By pulling out fences we were looking to reestablish the grounds these animals previously had. Those fences represent barriers that force species to remain in certain spaces." — Cristián Saucedo Gálvez
One of the most iconic species of Valle Chacabuco is the guanaco, and often they will be seen hanging around the park offices in herds. Guanacos (Lama guanicoe) are a species of camelid, similar to the alpaca or the llama, and their range extends from Tierra del Fuego in the south to as far north as Peru. When the valley was a sheep ranch, or estancia, fences were one of the leading causes of death for this species. They would often get tangled in barbed wire where they would remain for days until they starved to death. With the help of park staff and volunteers, the fences have now been removed and guanacos have rebounded in the area, though their larger population is still viewed as sustainable because it is regulated by their local predator, the puma.
"Some say 'wow, all the guanacos that are here now, did you bring them here?' No, but we pulled out the fences and stopped bothering them, and here they are...and without a doubt the natural restoration is happening. The local population of guanacos of about 3,500 individuals is equivalent to some 7,000 sheep in terms of impact. One guanaco = 2 sheep. Here there were over 30,000 sheep. And with all the lambs when breeding there were at times close to 60,000. So without a doubt the pressure on the steppe and the soil has diminished substantially. If we didn't have pumas now the situation would be catastrophic too. The guanaco population would go through the roof and that could mean the same impacts as livestock or worse. I use the example of the puma regulating the guanaco so that the locals can better understand the purpose that the puma has in the ecosystem. The pumas will be present where there's plenty of food. If there are 3,000 guanacos there will be many more of them than in a place where there are no guanacos." — Cristián Saucedo Gálvez
A young guanaco, known in Spanish as chulengo, dust bathing while an adult stands watch
Guanacos make up approximately 80% of pumas' diets in Patagonia Park. Pumas are one of the most versatile species of cats, with a range that extends from northern Canada and Alaska all the way down to the south of Chile, including the rainforests in between. Throughout Chilean Patagonia, pumas have been hunted by ranchers due to the threat they pose on their livestock. One of the ways in which to mitigate this threat, and which Conservacion Patagonica has been promoting in the region, is to utilize livestock guardian dogs to protect the sheep herds, including species such as Great Pyrenees, Polish Tatra Sheepdog, Pyrenean Mastiff, and the Maremma Sheepdog. Using dogs to protect livestock is not something new in Europe or Asia; it's a proven technique that goes back thousands of years. In Chilean Patagonia, however, it is something that local ranchers are just beginning to utilize, and hopefully more and more sheep estancias in Chile and Argentina will adopt this practice which helps ensure the local puma population can live alongside humans and their livestock. Conservacion Patagonica has also begun a puma tracking program, which is now several years old, and some former puma hunters are often the ones that are now puma trackers and protectors. Data has been gathered for years, providing the wildlife conservation team with information as to where pumas roam, what they eat, and how their populations have changed. As with the guanacos, the local puma population is doing well. And, although you would be lucky to see one, you may have a better chance of seeing a puma in Parque Patagonia than any other area of Chile due to its open landscape.
Cristian Saucedo speaking about the livestock guardian dogs: "We didn't discover this technique though, obviously. It's an ancient one in Europe. Every country there developed one or more dog breeds that would specialize in protecting livestock from bear or wolf attacks. There they work with four or more dogs at a time and often they wear a metal collar around the neck so that the attackers can't grab them from the neck and kill them. Here that's not necessary. One can work with one or two because they are capable of scaring away a puma or the foxes."
Another species that are sometimes prey to pumas is the huemul, or South Andean deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus). Huemuls are highly endangered, with an estimated world population of less than 1,500. The primary cause of their decline has been habitat loss due to humans. The forests of both Tamango National Reserve to the south and Jeinimeni National Reserve to the north are prime huemul habitat, and by connecting this entire area with the addition of Valle Chacabuco, the huemul will have a larger area to reproduce and grow its regional population. Seeing a huemul is very possible in Tamango National Reserve, as it hosts an estimated 10% of the total world huemul population. Due to the work of connecting and restoring fragmented habitats in a southern sector of Patagonia Park, the estimated huemul population has gone from 0.35 huemuls per square kilometer in 2006 to 1.3 huemuls per square kilometer in 2015. Also, Conservacion Patagonica has been hosting the "Ruta del Huemul" each year, which is a two-day trek across Valle Chacabuco and Tamango National Reserve to help educate participants in the importance of the conservation of the huemul's habitat. To learn more about the huemul, Conservacion Patagonica describes this species and the work they've done for its conservation in their first Wildlife Bulletin newsletter.
A male huemul crossing freshly fallen snow. Photo taken at the Cerro Castillo National Reserve, the only place where we finally spotted this elusive species
The ñandú (Rhea pennata), also known as the lesser rhea or the Darwin's rhea, is a large flightless bird that roams the steppe ecosystems of Chile and Argentina. They are similar to ostriches in appearance, though a little smaller, and they are omnivorous, feeding on insects, small reptiles, seeds, herbs, shrubs and roots. Apart from the southern Magallanes region, they are not often seen in Chilean Patagonia, but again the unique ecosystem of Valle Chacabuco is the perfect habitat for this species. In 2015 Conservacion Patagonica began their Darwin's Rhea Conservation Program, and it is making progress to repopulate the ñandú into various areas further to the east in Valle Chacabuco, though it has involved considerable work:
"The ñandú program has meant a lot of energy invested and also a lot of money. Creating the enclosures and keeping live animals in 365 days, 24 hours/day means a lot. Food, water, the whole logistics of functioning in a remote area where it's hard to get. It's much more complicated than what one imagines. It's not like in a zoo or in an accessible area. Functioning where we do means a lot of planning, keeping a food stock within reach, and lots of aspects that are challenging. That goes in parallel with the breeding center activities." — Cristián Saucedo Gálvez
One of the several ñandús of Conservacion Patagonica's Darwin's Rhea Conservation Program
Another iconic species that Conservacion Patagonica is working to reestablish is the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus). Often seen soaring near the peaks of the surrounding mountains, condors are a national symbol of Chile (as well as Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru), and a bird that has been treated with respect throughout Andean folklore for centuries. Through another wildlife tracking program, condors have been tagged with GPS devices and their flight paths have been surprising. Some of the condors from the park have been observed flying as far north as Puerto Montt, and then returning and making their ways south of the park, sometimes flying as far as 300km in a single day. Three condor chicks rescued and raised at the UNORCH (Union of Chilean Ornithologists) bird rehabilitation center have been released into the park as well, which was an event that gained a lot of positive attention from the local community, and which is documented in the short film "The Hope of a New Flight".
Condor flying with Mt. San Lorenzo in the background
Soaring Andean condor
Austral vizcachas, or Wolffsohn's vizcachas (Lagidium wolffsohni), are one of the other species that Conservacion Patagonica has plans to study. They are related to the Chinchilla, though they resemble rabbits in appearance. You can see them hiding amongst rocks and boulders, sometimes in large groups that include hundreds, though they do a great job of remaining well camouflaged from predators amongst their surroundings.
A vizcacha enjoying some sun on the rocks
Conservacion Patagonica has been successful in their efforts to bring back iconic and lesser known species to Valle Chacabuco. The ecosystems that once were severely damaged now appear healthy and natural, and wildlife corridors are now in place to ensure species can move freely across this 640,000-acre conservation area. This restoration work is what will bring people from around the world to come to this special valley in Chile's Aysén region. The local towns of Cochrane and Chile Chico have been growing rapidly with regards to their sustainable tourism offerings in recent years, and it seems inevitable that this future national park will be high on the list of Chilean destinations for conservation-minded visitors in the coming years.
If you are interested in helping out the biodiversity at the future Patagonia National Park, please consider making a donation, or if you have some time, there are occasionally volunteering opportunities with Conservacion Patagonica's Darwin's Rhea Conservation Program. See more at www.conservacionpatagonica.org.
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On a land destined to be logged, some of the most pristine valdivian temperate forests are now protected by this Nature Conservancy reserve. With its rugged coasts, ancient trees, impressive sand dunes, and local culture, it is a beautiful place to explore. Interview with Liliana Pezoa, administrator of the reserve.
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ENDANGERED ECOSYSTEMS: The Inspiring Story of the Ahuenco Park
On the western coast of the Island of Chiloé lies a privately protected area of 1,120 ha (2,768 acres), which is a lesson on the power that a handful of determined individuals have to produce change. An interview with Gonzalo Pineda, Director of the Ahuenco Park.
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"THE WILD SIDE OF CHILOÉ": Conservation in Tantauco Park
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VISITING TANTAUCO: Chiloé's Southern Wilderness
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THE CHOICES WE MAKE: The Vegetable Garden in Patagonia Park
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DESIGNING THE PATAGONIA PARK: Conservation and the Pursuit of Beauty
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Another one: Purdue dumps Gophers 33-28
by Michael Dougherty
A simple little postgame analogy from Purdue football coach Joe Tiller epitomized the Gophers this season.
"We couldn't shake them, they were like a bad habit," Tiller said. "They just kept hanging around and hanging around and we couldn't separate ourselves from them. And that's not what you like as a coach because it makes you a little nervous on the sideline."
Tiller's Boilermakers held off a late Minnesota scoring flurry to beat the Gophers on homecoming 33-28 in front of 48,869 at the Metrodome.
While the Boilermakers (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) are by no means considered a Big Ten bully, they held Minnesota at arm's length while the Gophers swung wildly trying to land a knock-out punch.
And despite landing some late blows courtesy of three, fourth-quarter touchdowns, Minnesota (5-3, 2-3) couldn't bring Purdue down, continuing the Gophers' bad habit of letting the upper echelon teams in the conference off the hook.
"I was telling the team, 'I'm sounding like a broken record,'" Gophers coach Glen Mason said. "I'm saying the same thing week after week."
What exactly could he tell them after the Purdue loss?
He might mention something about the defense holding Heisman Trophy candidate Drew Brees to 283 yards and two touchdowns on 28-of-41 passing. That's 239 yards and four touchdowns below last year's tally.
But then he might mention to his defense something about no-name running back Montrell Lowe rumbling for 127 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries.
But all he really needs to talk about is the fact the team came up short yet again at home against a ranked Big Ten foe in front of fans that are just waiting for the team to get to the next level.
"We keep knocking on the door and one of these days we're going to get it open," said Mason.
Who's on the other side of that door? That's a simple question — the teams to whom Minnesota lost.
Wisconsin is there. They beat the Gophers 20-17. Ohio State is there. They beat the Gophers 20-17. Purdue is there. They beat the Gophers 33-28. Penn State is there. They play the Gophers at home on Saturday.
And the five teams the Gophers have beat? They don't even know where the door is.
At least for a while on Saturday it seemed like Minnesota was not only knocking but ready to tear the door down. But then the old habits came back to nip it in the bud.
Gophers running back Thomas Hamner scampered across on the second play of the second quarter to cut Purdue's lead to 10-7. After the Boilermakers went three-and-out, Minnesota took the ball at its own 37-yard line and started knocking on the door.
A seven-yard Hamner reception. Knocking. A 10-yard Luke Leverson catch. A three-yard Billy Cockerham run. Knocking. Byron Evans snared a six-yard pass. Knocking. Hamner ran for six yards, then 10 yards. Knock, knock.
Now at Purdue's 24, Hamner again took the hand-off and fought his way to the 16, but Boilermakers linebacker Jason Leorzel knocked the ball out of Hamner's hands and defensive end Brent Botts fell on it. And with a big thud, the door was slammed shut and the knocking was over.
Even though Purdue was unable to capitalize on the turnover with a score, Tiller said the sudden change of momentum gave his team a "psychological edge."
"Mistakes happen and you have to put them behind you," Cockerham said. "We've just got to find a way to win. We're getting better, unfortunately it's not showing up in the win column."
Hamner's fumble overshadowed another strong game for the senior from Hamilton, Ohio. He ran for 166 yards on 20 carries and scored twice, once on a career-high, 60-yard run in the fourth quarter. He ran for more than 100 yards in every conference game this season, and went over the 1,000-yard mark for the season.
Hamner hung around outside the interview room with headphones on, listening to music while waiting for Mason to finish up with the media. But the coach took too long and Hamner left without talking to the press.
Like his team, he hung around for awhile but it just wasn't long enough.
Michael Dougherty covers football and welcomes comments at [email protected]

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Kalateh-ye Sadat-e Bala () may refer to:
 Kalateh-ye Sadat-e Bala, Razavi Khorasan
 Kalateh-ye Sadat-e Bala, Semnan

See also
 Kalateh-ye Sadat (disambiguation)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Lena Dunham Went Naked on Instagram and Had a Huge Revelation About Her Body
By Alexandra Whittaker Updated Jun 16, 2017 @ 9:30 am
Credit: 51/Mark Brown/Getty
Lena Dunham has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind, so when she took to Instagram this week to talk about body image, the Girls alum didn't hold back. Although she's frequently open with her fans and followers, her honesty was not unnoticed this time around.
Dunham posted a naked photo of herself with only emojis partially covering her, but it was really the caption that caught our attention.
"Just wanted to share that one of the reasons @eatingboys has inspired me so much is because of the way she mixes her humor and sexuality. I spent so many years loving my body but thinking it wasn't lovable by others- its sole purpose was to be fodder for jokes," she wrote.
The actress referred to the Instagram account @eatingboys, whose author posts frequently about body image and sex positivity. Dunham herself has spoken out before about body shaming, but her newest revelation is still important. While her caption was (characteristically) honest, the actress ended it on a happier note.
VIDEO: Lena Dunham & Norman Lear on Family vs. Narcissists at the Sundance Film Festival
"I performed the insult so no one else could," she continued. "I don't regret any of it—that's my art and that was my truth—but now, at age 31, having been through hell and back with my health and other people's perceptions of my physicality, I feel deeply comfortable with the idea that this pear-shaped pot of honey is equally good for making people laugh and laying out like a Suicide Girl circa 2004. Love it all."
RELATED: A Girls Revival May Be Nearer Than You Think
We hope Dunham's revelation inspires her to continue to spread that love!


Now that Nokia is no longer bound to the agreement of Microsoft's acquisition, the Finnish manufacturer is free to pursue its own objectives, starting with targeting the smartphone market once more with the release of its first-ever device. While reports claimed that the company was going to be releasing its first wave of smartphones during the fourth quarter of 2016, the latest one states that it will be announcing the devices during second quarter of 2017.
We can only guess that the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 is going to provide the manufacturer the ideal platform and the much needed momentum to help Nokia get back on track, but the company's efforts in making a great smartphone will also be necessary for this movement to get underway. Naturally, with Nokia's Symbian OS now sleeping with the fishes, the manufacturer will have no choice but to partner with Google to release an Android-powered smartphone, unless of course it has ample amount of funds to begin developing its own mobile OS that can take on Android and iOS, as well as provide users with a plethora number of apps.
It is highly unlikely at this point, which is probably why we should be seeing the first Android smartphones from Nokia being unveiled at the MWC Trade Show in 2017. According to previous leaks, one high-end device from the company featured a Snapdragon 820 and a 22.6MP rear camera coupled with a QHD display, but there has been no follow-up to that leak, which means that we could have something else being introduced later on.
With Snapdragon 835 officially announced, Nokia will have a slew of options to choose from, so we have our fingers crossed for this one. It is unclear what price the company has targeted with the revival of its smartphone lineup, but looking at how competitive this race has become, Nokia better bring its A-game in 2017.


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Home » Serve » Recognition
2008-2009 Dartmouth Young Alumni Distinguished Service Award Recipient: Lisa Mortell '95
Lisa Mortell '95: Dartmouth Alumni Award Recipient, 2008-09
Henry Edler '53, '55Tu presented Lisa Mortell '95 with the 2008-09 Dartmouth Young Alumni Distinguished Service Award on May 22, 2009, in Denver, CO.
We owe your headmaster from the Orme School a debt of gratitude. With some persistence, he convinced you to apply to Dartmouth. As an alumnus himself, he knew that even though you were from sunny Arizona and had never been east of Chicago, Dartmouth would be the perfect fit. He was correct, and then some.
With no prior visits, the first time you stepped foot on campus freshman fall, you knew you had made the right decision, and your subsequent undergraduate years confirmed that. It was at Dartmouth where you made lifelong friends, and even met your husband, Jacob Mortell '94.Your sophomore-year knee injury prevented you from continuing to play for the volleyball team, but it didn't prevent you from picking up basketball, racquetball and participating in a range of other activities. You were a Language Study Abroad student in Mexico, a member of Epsilon Kappa Theta, and an Alumni Fund intern: a precursor to your career in fund-raising.
Inspired by your work as Executive Director at Company, it was then off to Colorado where you would continue your philanthropic calling.You moved up quickly to become Director of Development at the Kent Denver School where most coincidentally, the very same man who convinced you to attend Dartmouth all those years ago in Arizona, is the headmaster today and a dear friend.
Throughout all of this, Dartmouth never left your radar.You've been highly active in the Dartmouth Association of the Rocky Mountains serving as district enrollment director, vice president, public information chair, book award chair and president; served on the executive committee of your class; and a head agent for the Alumni Fund where your efforts have merited the Alumni Fund Chairman's Citation for Outstanding Performance.
In addition to your much appreciated involvement with the College, today you round out your busy life in Denver with two children, Will and Owen, contribute time to Kent Denver, and still manage to sneak in some powder days on the slopes with your family.
One of your most influential Dartmouth professors, William Cook, helped you appreciate the work of author Toni Morrison who once said, "Make a difference about something other than yourselves." This is exactly what you've done in your life and for Dartmouth, and is the reason why we are so pleased to recognize you with the much deserved Young Alumni Distinguished Service Award.
John Daukas '84
Dartmouth Alumni Council
Dartmouth Alumni Award
Class Awards
Club and Group Awards
Wearers of the Green
History: Alumni Award
History: Young Alumni Award


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Tonight is Halloween. A thriller movie would be fun to watch but where have all the great thriller movies gone?
"Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water..."--- that was the tag line of the movie. JAWS --> now that was a real thriller!
Viewers flocked to the theaters to watch the much-awaited summer blockbuster of 1975. I was with a young teen ... my cousin Michael. The lights dimmed. We heard the 2 note bass tone of the cello's excalating tempo. We knew death was right around the corner. The shark devoured its first victim. Women spectators screamed thier lungs out and that did not help calm our nerves. WIth every surprise, Michael would stand up and pace around. "Don't leave your seat! People will get mad," I told him.
When the corpse with its eyeballs hanging out floated in front of the diver, the people screamed! I was impressed because Michael did not pace down the aisle anymore. Instead, his legs were tucked underneath him --- his hands holding firmly for dear life. But the biggest scream came when the hero was baiting the shark with buckets of blood and the monster suddenly loomed up behind them. Michael was airborne. He didn't realize he was standing on his seat. I was bawling over with laughter ... so was Michael.
A good movie plays with your emotions. A great movie launches little guys like Michael up in the air. How I miss those movies. Am I just getting jaded with age? I hope not. How about you?
I don't think about dying. It's the last thing I want to do.
Tom of Pasadena, CA; Don of Kelowna, B.C.; Ernie, Audrey, Charlie and Mike of New York; Naomi of North Hollywood.
A Virginia State trooper pulled a car over on I-64 about 2 miles south of the Virginia/West Virginia State line.
When the trooper asked the driver why he was speeding, the driver said he was a juggler and was on his way to do a show at the Shrine Circus. He didn't want to be late.
The trooper told the driver he was fascinated by juggling and said if the driver would do a little juggling for him then he wouldn't give him a ticket.
He told the trooper he had sent his equipment ahead and didn't have anything to juggle. The trooper said he had some flares in the trunk and asked if he could juggle them.
The juggler said he could, so the trooper got 5 flares, lit them and handed them to him.
While the man was juggling, a car pulled in behind the patrol car.
A drunken good old boy traveling from Tennessee got out, watched the performance, then went over to the patrol car, opened the rear door and got in.
The trooper observed him and went over to the patrol car, opened the door asking the drunk what he thought he was doing.
The drunk replied, "You might as well take me to jail, 'cause ...
there ain't no way I can pass that test!"
Bugs in my Mailbox
sent by Naomi of North Hollywood, CA
There are bugs in my mailbox. What am I to do?
I found them there this morning, doing things they shouldn't do.
How the bugs got there, I haven't a clue.
But they won't be there much longer because I'm sending them to ...
It's your turn to pass this along! Have a safe TGIF Trick or Treat!
Pass the Salt
Contributed by Audrey of New York and Tom of Pasadena, CA
A clean, creative, simple, funny video.
Smart Cat Picks Correctly
Now you see it ... now you don't. This cat's pretty clever in this game of musical shells.
In the Land That Made Me Me
A trip back to the time of our Great Grandfathers--- when they were starting their families.
Autistic Basketball Player Jason Mcelwain
I'm sure I featured this video before but I think it's still worth another look. Instead of these H.S. kids and teachers making fun of him, they swarm him with love and understanding. But no one expected what he did on that one fateful basketball game.
We end today's TGIF joke with this video. No, this isn't what you think. It isn't religious in any way. It's a musical extravaganza featuring top recording artists paying homage to something they all share in common. Guess what it is.
Raul!
Your headline is so great! I _had_ to see what went with it. As usual, great illustrations. Thanks for sending this out. I know you're so busy, but you are appreciated! Have a great Friday and weekend. -- Laura
Jaws brings back fond memories when reading the book we chartered a big sail boat and were anchored off Catalina Island with 5 kids aboard and I was reading aloud to them.
The dark shadows beneath the boat took on greater terror and no one wanted to go snorkeling!


"It's too cold to snow!" How often have you heard that complaint? The truth is that it doesn't get too cold to snow – it gets too dry to snow! As with any precipitation event, condensation has to occur at a greater rate than evaporation for moisture to fall. When that happens, regardless of the temperature, you will see precipitation. The fact behind the too-cold-to snow myth is that cold arctic air masses tend to be very dry. So when an arctic air mass moves south, it brings those cold temperatures but it's unlikely to have condensation rates high enough to produce snow. That can change if it meets a source of moisture, such as moist air moving up from the Gulf of Mexico. So remember, it isn't the cold, it's the moisture.


I am self-employed with a Bachelor's degree currently living in Madurai. I belong to a Middle class, Joint family with Liberal values.
I am a businessperson with a Diploma currently living in Madurai. I belong to a middle class, joint family with traditional values.


text:
Q: How to Disable Home Button on Android TV Remote There are a couple of SO posts that have already discussed similar issues, but I find them not much relevant or too complex. I am working with an Android TV which has a remote controller, and it is supposed to be used in an enterprise environment. Users should not be able to have much control, so I have to restrict some of the functions available on the remote.
I created a simple app that overrides onKeyDown() and displays pressed keys using the following code:
@Override
public boolean onKeyDown(int keyCode, KeyEvent event) {
    //Read the input and display its code
    switch(keyCode) {
        case KeyEvent.KEYCODE_HOME:
            mTextView.setText("Home");
            break;
        default:
            char c = event.getDisplayLabel();
            String code = String.valueOf(keyCode);
            String displayText = c + " " + keyCode;
            mTextView.setText(displayText);
            mTextView.setBackgroundColor(mColor^=Color.GREEN);

    }

    return true;
}

I am able to capture most of the keys and override their behaviors most notably 131, 132, 133, and 134 (used as Media, TV, Web, and App shortcuts respectively on the remote).

The only problem is the Home button which AOSP source code (KeyEvent.java) says is system-specific:
* This key is handled by the framework and is never delivered to applications. */
    public static final int KEYCODE_HOME            = 3;

A solution that struck me was to extend KeyEvent and override the method isSystem() to return false when the selected key is KEYCODE_HOME. But, this method is defined final and I cannot override it.  Any ideas?

A: you need to use
 <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW" />

in your manifest and
@Override
public boolean dispatchKeyEvent(KeyEvent event) {
    Toast.makeText(this, ""+event.getKeyCode(), Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show();
    return false;

    return super.dispatchKeyEvent(event);
}

i think control home key is 3
i hope was helpful

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Ch 490 Art III Residential Districts
§ 490-301 Residential District.
§ 490-302 Rural District.
§ 490-303 Recreational District.
§ 490-304 Garden Apartment R-A District.
§ 490-305 Manufactured Housing Park District.
Article III Residential Districts
Applicability of section. The following regulations shall govern the erection and alteration of buildings or structures and the use of land in the Residential District, except that they shall not apply to existing buildings or structures nor to the existing use of any building or structure but shall apply to any alteration of a building or structure for use for a purpose or in a manner substantially different from the use to which it was put before alteration. However, no building or structure qualifying as a nonconforming use shall be occupied for a greater portion of the year than such building or structure was occupied as a prior nonconforming use unless minimum lot size, setbacks, frontage, building line, and all other dimensional requirements for this district are met or a variance is granted by the Board of Adjustment. In either case, the requirements for septic systems, as stated in Chapter 391, Article I, of the Salem Code, shall be met. Additionally, no building permits or variances shall be granted that would be likely to result in an increase of the portion of the year during which a building or structure qualifying as a nonconforming use will be occupied if such increased occupation will affect adversely public health standards, water quality, sewage treatment requirements or the water quality of any lake, stream or surface water system. The restrictions of § 490-202, minimum lot size, minimum frontage, and minimum width at the building line, shall not apply to lots shown in a plat approved by the Salem Planning Board prior to the adoption of this chapter until January 1, 1981, except that if two or more lots are contiguous and are held in identical ownership and none of the lots are improved by a house, then the restrictions of § 490-202, minimum lot size, shall apply forthwith. Discontinuance of a nonconforming use for whatever reason for 12 consecutive months shall subject such property to all of the requirements of this section.
Permitted uses. The following uses shall be permitted in the Residential District:
One-family and two-family dwellings.
Private garages, gardens and orchards incidental to residential use.
Churches, parish houses, convents, public and parochial schools, municipal buildings and libraries, including structures and uses normally incidental thereto.
Casual sales, such as garage sales, may be authorized by the Selectmen on such terms and conditions as they may impose. However, no person shall be granted permission to conduct such sales for more than 36 hours in any calendar year. Neither shall any person be granted permission to conduct such sales on more than three calendar days in any calendar year.
Family day-care homes, as defined in RSA 170-E:2, if licensed by the State of New Hampshire to operate as such under RSA 170-E.
In-law unit within a single-family dwelling.
Restrictions. The following restrictions shall govern permitted and all other uses in the Residential District:
Zoning dimensions: see § 490-202.
When applicable, regulations and restrictions in the following sections shall be met:
Off-street parking and loading: § 490-701.
Open space preservation: § 490-704.
Home occupations: § 490-709.
Accessory apartments: § 490-801.
In-law apartments: § 490-802.
Obstructed view: § 490-803.
Proximity to water bodies: § 490-804.
Exception. The Board of Adjustment shall grant the following exceptions in the Residential District upon finding that the specified conditions exist:
The use of land for parks, playgrounds of a nonprofit type, other private schools and hospitals, if the Board of Adjustment shall find that all restrictions of this section are met, or an exception or variance therefor granted, and that such land is reasonably adapted to the use, and either that the use will so alleviate the burden of similar facilities in the Town or that such use will be advantageous to the health, morals, and general welfare of such numbers of persons in such degree as will outweigh any diminution of property values created thereby.
Relief from any of the provisions of this section shall be granted for a specified temporary period of time if the Board of Adjustment shall find either:
That a public emergency exists or is threatened of so serious a character as to outweigh any diminution of surrounding property values, or any fire or health dangers or any overcrowding of land or public facilities occasioned by such relief; or
That such relief from any such provisions for one year would be reasonably necessary for the ultimate use or development of land in a permitted and desirable way, other than as a one-family dwelling, and that such relief would be outweighed by the advantages available from such ultimate use of the land.
Variances. In granting variances, the following shall be generally considered contrary to the spirit of this chapter in the Residential District:
The use of land for the keeping of livestock and poultry, but not domestic pets.
The use of land for mobile homes, mobile home developments, trailers or trailer parks.
Contiguous lots in single ownership. See § 490-105.
Applicability of section. The following regulations shall govern the erection and alteration of buildings or structures and the use of land in the Rural Districts, except that they shall not apply to existing buildings or structures nor to the existing use of any building or structure but shall apply to any alteration of a building or structure for use for a purpose or in a manner substantially different from the use to which it was put before alteration. However, no building or structure qualifying as a nonconforming use shall be occupied for a greater portion of the year than such building or structure was occupied as a prior nonconforming use unless minimum lot size, setbacks, frontage, building line, and all other dimensional requirements for this district are met or a variance is granted by the Board of Adjustment. In either case, the requirements for septic systems, as stated in Chapter 391, Article I, of the Salem Code, shall be met. Additionally, no building permits or variances shall be granted that would be likely to result in an increase of the portion of the year during which a building or structure qualifying as a nonconforming use will be occupied if such increased occupation will affect adversely public health standards, water quality, sewage treatment requirements or the water quality of any lake, stream or surface water system. The restrictions of § 490-202, minimum lot size, minimum frontage, and setbacks, and § 490-804, Proximity to water bodies, shall not apply to lots shown in a plat approved by the Salem Planning Board prior to the adoption of this chapter until January 1, 1981, except that if two or more lots are contiguous and are held in identical ownership and none of the lots are improved by a house, then the restrictions of § 490-202, minimum lot size, shall apply forthwith. Discontinuance of a nonconforming use for whatever reason for 12 consecutive months shall subject such property to all of the requirements of this section.
Permitted uses. The following uses shall be permitted in the Rural District:
Any use permitted in the Residential District.
Farming and agriculture activities, as defined and restricted by RSA 21:34-a; forestry; the keeping of cows, goats, sheep, horses, and other domestic noncommercial livestock (excluding the keeping of pigs); and greenhouses and nurseries as defined in RSA 433:21, provided that no such use shall be allowed on a lot less than five acres in size.
Restrictions. The following restrictions shall govern uses under this section in the Rural Districts:
Off-street parking: § 490-701.
Open space preservation regulations: § 490-704.
In-law use: § 490-802.
Exceptions. The Board of Adjustment shall grant the following exceptions in the Rural District upon finding that the specified conditions exist:
The uses of land for the purposes specified in § 490-301D(1), if the Board of Adjustment shall find that the conditions specified in the respective sections are met.
That a public emergency exists or is threatened of so serious a character as to outweigh any diminution of surrounding property values, any fire, health or aesthetic dangers or any overcrowding of land or of public facilities occasioned by such relief; or
That such relief from any such provisions for such temporary period not exceeding one year would be reasonably necessary for the ultimate use or development of land in a permitted or desirable way, and that any disadvantage of such relief would be outweighed by the advantages available from such ultimate use of the land.
Golf courses and ancillary structures such as clubhouses, driving ranges, equipment sheds and other buildings necessary for the normal operation of golf courses if and to the extent that the Board of Adjustment shall find that such relief will not create a fire, sanitation, odor, health or traffic hazard, and that such relief would tend to promote more advantageous use of land in the immediate area, and that such relief would not seriously diminish the value of surrounding property, and that such relief would not be contrary to the spirit of this chapter.
Variances. In granting or denying variances in the Rural Districts, the Board of Adjustment shall consider:
That variances which will or may require disproportionate expenditures of public funds during the period in which the residential and commercial districts are being developed are not in the spirit of this chapter nor generally in the public interest.
The use of land for commercial or domestic piggeries shall be considered contrary to the spirit of this chapter.
Applicability of section. The following regulations shall govern the erection and alteration of buildings or structures and the use of land in the Rural Districts, except that they shall not apply to existing buildings or structures nor to the existing use of any building or structure but shall apply to any alteration of a building or structure for use for a purpose or in a manner substantially different from the use to which it was put before alteration. However, no building or structure qualifying as a nonconforming use shall be occupied for a greater portion of the year than such building or structure was occupied as a prior nonconforming use unless minimum lot size, setbacks, frontage, building line, and all other dimensional requirements for this district are met or a variance is granted by the Board of Adjustment. In either case, the requirements for septic systems, as stated in Chapter 391, Article I, of the Salem Code, shall be met. Additionally, no building permits or variances shall be granted that would be likely to result in an increase of the portion of the year during which a building or structure qualifying as a nonconforming use will be occupied if such increased occupation will affect adversely public health standards, water quality, sewage treatment requirements or the water quality of any lake, stream or surface water system. The restrictions of § 490-202, minimum lot size, setbacks, and minimum width at the building line, and § 490-804, Proximity to water bodies, shall not apply to lots shown in a plat approved by the Salem Planning Board prior to the adoption of this chapter until January 1, 1981, except that if two or more lots are contiguous and are held in identical ownership and none of the lots are improved by a house, then the restrictions of § 490-202, minimum lot size, shall apply forthwith. Discontinuance of a nonconforming use for whatever reason for 12 consecutive months shall subject such property to all of the requirements of this section.
Permitted uses. The following uses shall be permitted in the Recreational District:
One-family dwellings.
Private garage, municipal buildings, gardens and orchards incidental to residential use.
Family day-care homes, as defined in RSA 170-E:1, X(a),[1] if licensed by the State of New Hampshire to operate as such under RSA 170-E.
Editor's Note: See RSA 170-E:2, IV(a).
Churches, parish houses and convents.
[Amended by the 1986 Town Meeting.]
In-law unit within a year-round single-family dwelling.
Restrictions. The following restrictions shall govern permitted and all other uses in the Recreational District:
Sewage drainage disposal facilities, whether through septic tanks, dry wells, leaching fields, or public systems, adequate for the use intended, shall be available.
Exceptions. The Board of Adjustment shall grant the following exceptions in the Recreational District upon finding that the specified conditions exist:
The use of land for such commercial activities common to recreation areas, such as public bathing beaches, children's camps, sales and service establishments, boat rental agencies, marinas, boat clubs, picnic grounds and parking areas, if the Board of Adjustment shall find that all other restrictions of this section are met, or a variance or exception therefor granted, and that the land is adapted to such use and either that there is a public need for such use or that the facilities would be enjoyed by a sufficient number of persons in such degree as to outweigh any diminution in value of surrounding properties.
Relief from any of the provisions of this section for a specified temporary period of time not to exceed one year, if the Board of Adjustment shall find either:
That a public emergency exists or is threatened of so serious a character as to outweigh any diminution of surrounding property values or any fire, health or traffic dangers or any overcrowding of land or of public facilities occasioned by such relief; or
That such relief from any of the provisions of this section for such temporary period would be reasonable, necessary, or desirable for the ultimate use or development of land in a permitted or desirable way, and that any temporary disadvantages to surrounding properties resulting from such relief would be outweighed by the advantages available from such ultimate use of the land.
Variances. In granting or denying variances in the Recreational District, the Board of Adjustment shall consider:
That much of the land in the Recreational District has been developed and used without regard to problems or public interest, including but not limited to water pollution and sanitation, resulting from such development and use.
That dangers of serious contamination of bodies of water, which are great Town assets, and dangers of contamination of private water supplies have resulted.
That the protection of such bodies of water and such water supplies is in the public interest and in the spirit of this chapter.
That continuation of the practice of development of small lots in the Recreational District is generally contrary to the public interest and to the spirit of this chapter.
The use of land for mobile homes, mobile home developments and trailers or trailer parks is considered contrary to the spirit of this chapter.
§ 490-304 Garden Apartment R-A District. [1]
Permitted uses. In the Garden Apartment R-A District, a building may be erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, designed or used, and a lot or premises may be used, for any of the following purposes and for no other:
Any use permitted by right in the Residential District, in accordance with the requirements of said district.
A dwelling for two or more families, provided that the entire lot occupied by such dwelling shall be maintained in single ownership throughout the life of the building.
A professional office or studio other than accessory to a use otherwise permitted, provided that the number of such offices or studios on any lot shall not exceed one for each 25 dwelling units or major fraction thereof on the lot, and provided further that such office or studio shall be located only on the street floor of any building and shall have access provided thereto from other than a public hall.
Any accessory use permitted in the Residential District shall be permitted in the R-A District.
Zoning dimensions: see § 490-202. Additionally:
No lot shall have an average depth of less than 150 feet. The lot shall contain not less than 3,500 square feet for each dwelling unit on each lot.
There shall be a front yard with a minimum depth of 40 feet; side yards with no buildings erected nearer than 30 feet to any side lot line; and a rear yard with a depth of not less than 30 feet. However, cornices or cantilevered roofs may project not more than two feet, and belt courses, windowsills, and other ornamental features may project not more than six inches into a required yard. Paved terraces, steps and walks (other than such as are needed for access to the buildings on the lot) shall not project within 25 feet of a street or four feet of a property line.
Chimneys, flues, towers, bulkheads, spires and other decorative features shall be exempt from the provisions of § 490-202, maximum height, provided that they occupy not more than 20% of the area of the roof of the building of which they are a part.
No building shall exceed a length of 160 feet.
A minimum distance of 40 feet shall be maintained between all buildings on the same lot.
Any swimming pools provided on the lot shall conform to the Town of Salem Swimming Pool Ordinance.
Open space. Except as otherwise required, usable open space shall be provided on the same lot with dwellings containing three or more dwelling units. Not less than 400 square feet for each dwelling unit on said lot shall be provided. On any lot containing 15 or more dwelling units, such usable open space shall be devoted to improved and landscaped play and sitting areas for the use of the residents thereof. The design, layout, and equipment of such play and sitting areas shall be subject to approval by the Planning Board.
Outer courts. The minimum width of an outer court shall be 20 feet, and the depth thereof shall not exceed its width.
Inner courts. An inner court is permitted if the minimum dimension of such court is equal to not less than 1/2 times the average height of all surrounding walls in the case of nonresidential buildings and not less than 1 1/2 times such height, but not less than 60 feet, in the case of residential buildings. The height of walls surrounding an inner court shall be measured from finished grade, at the base thereto, to the top of such walls, except that in the case of roofs with a slope exceeding five inches vertical to 12 inches horizontal, the height shall be measured to the mean point between the top of the said wall and the highest point of the roof.
Off-street parking requirements. For dwellings for three or more families, there shall be provided garage space or paved off-street parking space, or both, sufficient in area for the parking at one time of not fewer than 1 1/2 times as many passenger vehicles as there are dwelling units on the lot. Parking in front yards, within 10 feet of any side or rear lot line or within 15 feet of any wall or portion thereof of a three-or-more-family dwelling, which wall contains legal windows, other than a legal bathroom or kitchen window, with a sill height of less than eight feet above the level of said parking space, is prohibited. If provided in the open, all required parking spaces shall be individually identified by means of pavement markings.
The restrictions for proximity to water bodies in § 490-804 shall be met.
Exceptions. Any special exception use permitted in the Residential District, upon approval of the Board of Adjustment.
Editor's Note: Original § 3:4.1, District boundaries, which appeared at the beginning of this section, was repealed by the 2012 Town Meeting. See now § 490-103.
Applicability of section. The following regulations shall govern the construction and alteration of buildings and structures and the use of land in the Manufactured Housing Park District; except, however, that these regulations shall not apply to an existing building, structure or land if such existing building or structure or existing use of any building, structure or land was a lawful use under the governing provisions of prior zoning ordinances, nor to an alteration thereof for a use or for any purpose or in any manner which is not substantially different from that to which it was put before alteration. However, in the event of discontinuance of a nonconforming use for whatever reason for 12 consecutive months, then the following regulations shall govern the erection and alteration of buildings and structures and the use of land in the Manufactured Housing Park District.
Permitted uses. The following uses shall be permitted in the Manufactured Housing Park District:
Manufactured housing.
Restrictions. The following shall govern permitted and all other uses in the Manufactured Housing Park District:
Exceptions. The Board of Adjustment shall grant the following exceptions in the Manufactured Housing Park District upon finding that the specified conditions exist:
The use of land for the purpose specified in § 490-301D, if the Board of Adjustment shall find that the conditions specified in the respective sections are met.
Variances. In granting variances, the following shall be generally considered contrary to the spirit of this chapter in the Manufactured Housing Park District:
The use of land for livestock and poultry.
The addition to manufactured housing of living quarters.


text:
A Detailed Cross-Examination of Yesterday and Today's Best-Selling Platform Games
by Daniel Boutros [Business/Marketing, Design]
August 4, 2006 Page 5 of 31
TOTAL WORLDWIDE SALES AS OF JUNE 2006 = 6 million
Gamerankings Score: 89.4%
Number of Players: 1 or 2 simultaneous
US Release: Dec 31st 1992
Sonic 2 was released on New Years day in the US, although some would say foolishly, as the impact of its release would likely be muffled by the New Years celebrations. This however, didn't stop Sonic 2 becoming the best selling 2D Sonic game and furthermore – one of the best selling platform games of all time.
Sonic was the blue to Mario's red, combining lightning fast movement with vast and plush areas to explore – an antidote to Mario's far more compact game levels.
Sonic's design allowed for new ways for players to move around levels that were often larger in size than those in other games. These levels mainly consisted of half-pipes, loop-the-loops and ramps as parts and pieces of some very unique navigational situations. In this episode of the franchise, you could also race through selected stages with a friend in a simultaneous two-player split-screen VS mode – a first for platform games.
Sonic 2 had the first fully simultaneous competitive two-player mode and some say that this episode was also the greatest moment of the entire franchise.
It reportedly propelled Genesis unit sales to that which surpassed the legendary Super Nintendo and helped secure Sega as a powerful force for years to come.
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text:
Home / Stories / Latest News / Adopter makes it her mission to give a small senior dog a wonderful life
Adopter makes it her mission to give a small senior dog a wonderful life
By Nicole Hamilton | November 28, 2017
Best Friends in Los Angeles works collaboratively with animal rescue groups, city shelters and passionate individuals who are all dedicated to the mission of making Los Angeles a no-kill city. As part of this mission, Best Friends hosts adoption and fundraising events, manages two pet adoption centers, and leads the No-Kill Los Angeles (NKLA) initiative. Together, we will Save Them All.
As a busy young professional, Jazmine Garcia has a long daily to-do list. But at the top of that list every day is loving her dog Herman, who she adopted from the NKLA Pet Adoption Center in Los Angeles.
In fact, Herman has been the center of Jazmine's heart from the very first time she saw him. The fact that he had medical challenges didn't deter her from adopting him. Instead, it only made her more determined to make every day of Herman's life a beautiful one.
Neglected senior dog gets a second chance
When Herman arrived at the Best Friends Pet Adoption and Spay/Neuter Center in Los Angeles back in September, he was in rough shape. The poor senior dog had lost his home and ended up in a Los Angeles city shelter (where all pets at the center come from), and it was clear he needed quite a bit of love and expert care.
His fur was matted and dirty, his belly was bloated and he had lots of fleas. But an examination by the medical team showed Herman needed more than a just a good bath and a little rest.
"He had quite a few medical concerns that our medical staff started triaging," says Dr. Nicole Petschauer, the center's senior veterinarian. "His eyes and ears were severely infected, and he was lacking some coordination in his front and hind limbs."
Soon after the medical team started treating Herman, he began to feel a lot better. But still, they knew Herman would need to be adopted by a person dedicated to continuing the dog's medical care and testing in order to fully understand the extent of his medical issues. But one thing was certain. There's a family out there for every pet, and someone would fall in love with Herman.
Once he was feeling better, he was moved across town to the NKLA Pet Adoption Center in West L.A., which houses Best Friends pets as well as those from other NKLA Coalition members. The team there got to work finding Herman the perfect home. In the meantime, he gained many fans, acquired a whole lot of homemade bow ties, and had lots of sleepovers in the homes of adoring volunteers.
Learn how Best Friends is helping L.A. reach no-kill
A life-changing and lifesaving meeting
One day, Jazmine decided to stop by the adoption center to see if she could find a playmate for her one-year-old dog, Prince. But a funny thing happens when you pop by a pet adoption center: The chances of leaving empty-handed are highly unlikely. Jazmine says that's what happened as soon as she met Herman. "I saw a lot of dogs that day," she says, "but he was the cutest."
Jazmine was pretty much all-in at that moment. But she wasn't so sure Herman felt the same way, because he approached Jazmine slowly at first. But then he began wagging his tail. She fell in love right there.
The adoption team explained to Jazmine that Herman would need ongoing medical attention, reviewed his records with her, and suggested that she foster Herman for a week to see if it was a good match. But Jazmine had already made up her mind. Herman was going home with her that day. And that's where he'd stay.
"Everyone was so overjoyed when Herman found his new home," says Erin Olsen, NKLA adoption center manager. "This is such a great reminder that there is a wonderful home for every animal, regardless of age or medical status."
Only love for an elderly dog
Once he was home with her, Jazmine took Herman to her veterinarian, who could pick up where the Best Friends medical team left off. The vet determined that Herman's symptoms were probably from Cushing's disease, caused by an excess of hormones from the adrenal glands. It can be managed with a special diet and medication, which Jazmine is happy to provide. And he gives her so much love in return.
"He loves to be as close to me as possible," says Jazmine. "Sometimes he'll stand and stare at me until I come over and hold him and give him love."
On most days, Herman is greeted in the morning with a few licks from his new brother, Prince. Then he likes to stroll in the dog area at Jazmine's apartment complex. In the afternoon, he'll usually lay in the sun in the yard or go for a ride in the stroller that Jazmine has for the days when he doesn't feel like walking. And at night, he cuddles on the couch with his mom and Prince.
Jazmine says Herman has taught her to slow down and take it easy. "He can't play that much," she says. "But he shows me that just being near him is enough."
The most rewarding experience
When Jazmine tells her friends and family about life with a special-needs senior dog, some of them ask why she didn't choose a younger dog who wouldn't require so much extra care. But Jazmine has a great response for them: "I tell them it's been the most rewarding experience to be able to give him a beautiful life outside a shelter."
Herman may not have a long life ahead of him, but Jazmine is making sure every day is beautiful. "He is safe, warm, peaceful and loved," she says. "His very presence is something I don't think I ever realized could be missing in my home."
Help more dogs find beautiful lives. Give to Best Friends.
Photos courtesy of Jazmine Garcia


I am moving to Dubai from the US and bringing my jeep vehicle with me. Are there any restrictions with the transfer of license available to me because I am not buying/leasing a car from Dubai? Will my US car need special emissions checks or inspections upon arrival?
For this question I contacted the experts at Move One Relocations.
Obtaining your license will not be affected by you bringing you car into the UAE.
Vehicles with US spec have acceptable emission standard to GCC vehciles. No modifications will need be made after import.
Commercial invoice / original purchase invoice.
After the vehicle is Customs cleared in the UAE, the Customs Authorities will issue a vehicle clearance certificate (VCC) which should be submitted to the Local Traffic Authority to register the car in the name of the Owner/Consignee only.
Vehicles new or used are subject to 5% duties on cost insurance & freight/freight on board Discretion at Govt Authorities.