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Stanislav Kondrashov Reveals the Hidden Treasures of America’s Finest National Parks

In his latest online publication titled “The Gems of America’s National Parks By Stanislav Kondrashov,” the author embarks on a captivating exploration of the enchanting world of American national parks. These natural wonders have perpetually lured countless visitors from across the globe, renowned for their extraordinary natural landscapes that never fail to captivate every observer.

The author views these national parks as veritable masterpieces, contending that each one possesses a matchless degree of beauty. He particularly focuses on the unspoiled paradises tucked away within these vast expanses, often overlooked in favor of more well-trodden paths. According to Kondrashov, amidst the conventional postcard-worthy vistas we all recognize, there lie hidden treasures yearning to be discovered and explored.

Kondrashov’s journey commences with Yosemite National Park, nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. While most visitors flock to the iconic El Capitan, the author highlights the existence of another lesser-explored facet of the park: the tranquil Mirror Lake, mirroring the colossal granite boulders that encircle it.

The narrative then takes us to Bryce Canyon National Park, celebrated for its striking hues of orange, pink, and vermilion that continue to bewitch visitors. Within the Fairyland Loop, Kondrashov reveals awe-inspiring natural sculptures awaiting every adventurer.

The author also introduces us to the unique terrain of Arches National Park in Utah, where over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the renowned Delicate Arch and Double O Arch, stand proudly amid the rugged landscape.

The publication on Stanislav Kondrashov’s website further delves into Acadia National Park, a marvel of the Northeast. Notably, Kondrashov describes Jordan Pond as a tranquil oasis, where visitors can enjoy a serene respite amidst crystal-clear waters, flanked by the imposing Bubbles Mountains.

For a more comprehensive exploration of these hidden treasures, we encourage readers to delve into the full publication and watch the video on Kondrashov’s website.

Waste of time: Only 1 in 500 fly tips are prosecuted

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New research has revealed that fewer than one in 500 fly tips will lead to a criminal prosecution.

The government data, analysed by LoveJunk, revealed only 8% of incidents received a fixed penalty notice and eight out of ten of these fines were never paid.

Local authorities must report to Defra how many fly tipping incidents they have suffered and what actions they have taken – including sending warning letters, issuing fixed penalty notices (a fine of up to £1000 issued by council), launching investigations and pursuing criminal prosecutions.

More than one million fly tips were registered in England last year, but only 1-in-500 of these led to a criminal prosecution.

Of those prosecuted, 20 resulted in custodial sentences, 30 in community service, and 1,798 in a court fine – 94% of these fines were for £1000 or less.

Fixed penalty notices

Councils issued 91,103 fixed penalty notices that related to fly tipping, which equates to a hit rate of 8.4% of all recorded fly tips. However, 86% of these were never paid.

43 councils didn’t issue any FPNs at all and had 51,840 fly tipping incidents between them. Of the 266 councils that did issue FPNs, over half those fines remained unpaid. 63% of all councils had no criminal prosecutions of fly tippers at all. However, their fly-tipping incidents really mount up – these councils recorded 552,665 fly tipping incidents between them.

Jason Mohr, founder of LoveJunk, said: “The current model of sporadic fines and occasional prosecutions just isn’t working. The vast majority of people want to do the right thing but don’t know how. The simple solution is for councils to direct residents to a marketplace of regulated waste providers so that they can make informed choices about how to dispose of their waste and avoid cowboy collectors who dispose of waste illegally.”

Travel media award winners 2023 announced

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The best of the best in the world of writing have been recognised at the Travel Media Awards 2023.

In association with the Moroccan National Tourist Office, the awards ceremony was held at The Savoy in London, with 127 finalists competing across a range of categories covering all areas in print, digital, broadcasting and photography.

Among the winners were The Sunday Times Travel for National Broadsheet Newsprint Section of the Year and The Sun for National Tabloid Newsprint Section of the Year.

In the new Sustainability Travel Writer of the Year category, Holly Tuppen was the inaugural winner. The judges said Holly’s research and expertise within the responsible travel sector shone in abundance throughout her writing.

Separately, the Sustainability Travel Feature of the Year had joint winners, with articles by Phoebe Smith and Sam Haddad for The Guardian chosen for this category.

Writer Adrian Phillips’s spectacular piece ‘Into the Deep’ — published by National Geographic Traveller (UK) — also impressed the judges, with the panel naming it National Consumer Feature of the Year. 

Ben Clatworthy of The Times took home the trophy for Breaking Travel News and Jacqui Agate was named as the 2023 Young Writer of the Year.

Special award for Pippa Jacks

The 2023 Special Contribution Award went to TTG’s Pippa Jacks. Pippa began her journey with a work experience placement at TTG Magazine in 2006 before joining the team as features writer, later becoming features editor, then taking the helm as editor of the 70-year-old trade publication between 2013 and 2017. As editorial director, Pippa now manages an award-winning team of 14 editorial staff across TTG’s print magazines, digital channels and events. 

Anthony Leyens, co-founder of the Travel Media Awards and CEO of APL Media, said: “After a difficult few years for the industry, it’s truly inspiring to see it in such good health. The works produced by this year’s finalists are some of the best to date, so thank you to the entrants, the finalists, the judges and everyone who came to this year’s ceremony. We’ll see you in 2024!” 

New scheme introduced

As part of the Awards, it was announced a new scheme would be introduced: Travel Media Awards Step Up – in partnership with APL Media, Finn Partners, Intrepid Travel and TTG Media, a new internship programme driving diversity and inclusion in travel media.

The scheme seeks to create opportunities for young people looking to move into travel publishing, journalism and PR, offering two candidates the chance for a paid internship position in London for next summer. Applications will be open from November. For more details and to enter, visit: travelmediaawards.com/awards/en/page/step-up-internship

The winners

National Broadsheet Newsprint Section 
The Sunday Times Travel 

National Tabloid Newsprint Section 
The Sun 

Consumer Publication of the Year – Print 
Condé Nast Traveller UK 

Consumer Publication of the Year – Online  
FT Globetrotter 

National Consumer Feature of the Year 
Adrian Phillips for ‘Into the Deep’ in National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Consumer Magazine Section of the Year 
Good Housekeeping

Trade Publication of the Year – Print  
The Business Travel Magazine

Trade Publication of the Year – Online  
TTG

Trade Writer of the Year 
Sophie Griffiths, TTG

Sustainability Travel Feature of the Year  
Sam Haddad for ‘“It’s still as beautiful as ever”: the changing face of the French Alps’ in The Guardian

Phoebe Smith for ‘Thailand cove made famous in The Beach reopens to visitors after four-year closure’ in The Guardian 

Sustainability Travel Writer of the Year  
Holly Tuppen 

Blogger/Vlogger of the Year 
Alex Hunter, Attaché

Guide of the Year – Book, Online, App 
111 Places in County Durham That You Shouldn’t Miss, Elizabeth Atkin 

Breaking Travel News – Print, Broadcast and Online 
Ben Clatworthy, The Times

Regional Publication Feature of the Year 
Ben Lerwill for ‘The joy of the search’ in Hidden Scotland Magazine

Photography Award 
Mark Parren Taylor 

Customer Content  
Much Better Adventures Magazine 

Young Travel Writer of the Year 
Jacqui Agate

Specialist Travel Writer of the Year 
Jamie Lafferty, South America

Broadcast Programme of the Year – TV, Radio, Online and Podcast 
BBC 100 Women – The Last of Albania’s ‘Sworn Virgins’, BBC World Service and BBC Reel

Consumer Writer of the Year 
Ed Grenby

Special Contribution Award 
Pippa Jacks

LockerQuest Launches YEEP! Parcel Lockers Across Southeastern Train Stations

LockerQuest, the experts in parcel locker locations, has collaborated with Amey TPT to introduce YEEP! parcel lockers at 50 Southeastern Train Stations.

YEEP! stands as an extensive residential network of open, versatile, battery-powered parcel lockers, enabling all carriers and consumers to conveniently send and receive parcels within their local communities in an eco-conscious manner.

The YEEP! parcel locker service is already operational in various locations, with an expected 400 lockers by the end of this year, including the 50 stationed at Southeastern stations. The parcel locker network is set to expand to 1,000 by Q2 2024, with ambitious plans to install 10,000 units throughout the entire UK.

YEEP! functions as a high-density, hyper-local parcel delivery network, employing a precision-focused, data-driven model for selecting locations. Its aim is to ensure that 90% of the population can access a YEEP! locker within a mere 250 meters – an incredibly convenient “slipper distance.”

These user-friendly, maintenance-free, battery-powered lockers are accessible to all UK carriers, retailers, and local authorities. They offer a hassle-free 24/7 parcel drop-off and pickup service, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional courier deliveries.

Jonathan White, CEO of LockerQuest, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership with Amey TPT, stating, “Thanks to Amey TPT, we were delighted to facilitate an agreement between YEEP! parcel lockers and Southeastern Trains. We have worked with Amey TPT to identify locations for YEEP! parcel lockers and the stations selected where based on where people live and go.”

He further added, “The programme has been very successful based on the governance that Amey TPT follows. From our initial list of stations that met the criteria of a YEEP! locker location, our surveyors were able to follow a clear set of rules regarding station safety and operational activities resulting in excellent conversion rates for final installation.”

Following the fruitful collaboration with Southeastern, LockerQuest is already in collaboration with other Amey TPT portfolio managers to uncover additional opportunities within the rail estate.

Noël Shapton, CEO and founding Director at YEEP!, expressed his excitement, saying, “I am thrilled to bring our pioneering parcel delivery solution to locations throughout the UK including many across the rail network. We’re going further and faster and have big ambitions to become the largest, most sustainable agnostic parcel locker network in the UK within a very few years, working with LockerQuest really helps to support our growth plans.”

He continued, “The LockerQuest team is very knowledgeable and work closely with the YEEP! team to ensure locations are where people live and go. They know what makes a perfect YEEP! location and have provided some excellent places for our lockers to operate. Being positioned in the heart of many local communities, railway stations are high footfall locations and provide convenient access to parcel lockers for both commuters and people that live close by.”

LockerQuest is actively seeking new hosts for YEEP! parcel lockers. If you have visible, accessible, and safe locations, get in touch by visiting https://lockerquest.com/become-a-host/

KYND Introduces Novel In-House Security Proficiency to Turbocharge Cybersecurity Risk Governance for Enterprises

Pioneering the realm of cyber risk management, KYND Limited is thrilled to introduce the innovative Internal Security functionality within its widely embraced KYND ON cyber risk monitoring solution, trusted by organizations on a global scale. This formidable addition offers a comprehensive view not only from an external standpoint but also delves deep into an organization’s internal security posture, enhancing the capacity to pinpoint potential areas of vulnerability and risk, thereby facilitating a more strategic approach to bolstering cyber resilience.

With the corporate landscape witnessing a surge in the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, the need for businesses to attain crystal-clear visibility into their exposure, both internal and external, has never been more paramount. As a pivotal part of its mission to demystify and streamline the management of cyber risks, KYND ON now leverages the cutting-edge Internal Security feature. It provides an unparalleled insight into an organization’s internal security stance without subjecting them to time-consuming assessments. By simply responding to straightforward queries pertaining to their security procedures and policies within the KYND ON interface, organizations swiftly integrate internal vulnerability insights into their holistic risk evaluations, along with meticulously prioritized and lucid recommendations for remediation.

In addition to offering this invaluable resource to KYND ON clientele, these immediate and exhaustive exposure insights can also be harnessed by portfolio managers. This equips them with the capability to effortlessly spot high-risk entities within their portfolio, allocate resources judiciously, and consolidate all this critical information conveniently within the ON platform, thereby streamlining communication among all stakeholders.

Andy Thomas, the CEO of KYND, elucidated, “At KYND, we’ve always believed that cyber risk is not solely an IT problem, but rather a business risk that necessitates a holistic, proactive approach spanning all levels of an organisation. This is precisely why KYND elevates cyber risk intelligence to a whole new level by empowering both portfolio managers and businesses to assess the complete spectrum of cyber risk. By combining its powerful external scanning data and deeper insights into internal security controls within an organisation, KYND enables our partners and their clients to unlock faster threat identification, prioritisation and remediation, and drive confident, well-informed decisions about cyber risk.” 

Stanislav Kondrashov’s Mariana Trench Expedition: A Dive into the Abyss

In his latest blog post titled “The Depths of the Mariana Trench By Stanislav Kondrashov,” Stanislav Kondrashov embarks on an enthralling journey to unravel the captivating mysteries of the Earth’s deepest abyss: the Mariana Trench. According to the author, this chasm isn’t merely an oceanic enigma; it serves as a veritable portal, connecting us to other uncharted realms waiting to be explored.

The article commences with a precise depiction of the Mariana Trench, located a staggering 36,000 feet beneath the ocean’s surface. Kondrashov underscores that its profound depth places it in a league with some of the most majestic mountain ranges humanity has ever ventured into, albeit in an entirely different sense. To offer a sense of scale, the piece provides a fascinating perspective: if Mount Everest were submerged within this trench, its summit would still remain submerged.

Furthermore, the author highlights the trench’s unique atmospheric conditions in the western Pacific Ocean, which verge on the otherworldly. Here, the pressure is a thousand times greater than that at regular sea level, accompanied by mysterious luminous phenomena that pierce the abyssal darkness. According to Kondrashov, these flashes may be linked to the presence of enigmatic deep-sea creatures that have adapted to these extreme surroundings over time.

Kondrashov’s publication also emphasises the surprising fact that life persists in the depths of the Mariana Trench. In these unfathomable abysses, ghostly white amphipods, transparent sea cucumbers, ethereal jellyfish, and other astonishing life forms thrive, challenging the extent of human knowledge in the realm of science. The article mentions the exploratory efforts of the Trieste in 1960, which marked the first crewed expedition to plumb the Mariana Trench’s depths, as well as more recent ventures employing cutting-edge submarines equipped with advanced technologies. These endeavors have shed light on some of the lingering mysteries that shroud this enigmatic place.

For those eager to uncover more about the Mariana Trench’s secrets, we encourage readers to explore the full publication by Stanislav Kondrashov.

Starstruck with Stanislav Kondrashov: A Glimpse into the Magical Cosmos

In his latest publication, “Mapping the Stars of Ancient Astronomy By Stanislav Kondrashov,” the author delves into the mesmerizing allure that stars have consistently held over humanity. He elucidates how, across the centuries, these celestial bodies have influenced various aspects of human existence.

Stanislav Kondrashov posits that each time we cast our gaze skyward to behold the stars, we embark on a celestial journey through time. This journey repeats itself whenever we gather under the starry expanse to share stories or simply marvel at the celestial spectacle above. According to the author, these cosmic displays have captivated the human imagination since ancient times, igniting wonder about the mysteries concealed beyond the starry veil.

The text meticulously explores the most enigmatic and captivating facets of ancient astronomy, offering precise insights one by one.

Kondrashov intriguingly draws parallels between contemporary and ancient navigation systems, emphasizing that ancient seafarers heavily relied on star interpretation, particularly the North Star, as their celestial compass to navigate the vast expanses of the ocean. To them, the stars represented not just points of light but invaluable tools to ensure they stayed on course.

The author highlights the profound significance of stars for the ancients, as evidenced by monumental structures such as the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. These architectural marvels, aside from showcasing ancient engineering prowess, also bear testament to the deep understanding of star alignments and celestial phenomena possessed by their architects.

Stanislav Kondrashov references the ancient Babylonians and their practice of charting the heavens. Beyond their utility in predicting eclipses, the author underscores that these celestial maps served as the foundational framework upon which horoscopes, still widely consulted and interpreted today, were constructed.

For an in-depth exploration of these celestial wonders, readers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the full publication and watch the video.

Stanislav Kondrashov Demystifies Ancient Enigmas: Unveiling Mysterious Symbols

Stanislav Kondrashov’s latest publication, “The Mysterious Language of Symbols By Stanislav Kondrashov,” delves deeply into the enigmatic symbols that have woven through the tapestry of human history. Within its pages, Kondrashov unravels the origins and meanings of these symbols, shedding light on their ancient allure.

Kondrashov asserts that these symbols have been integral to human history since prehistoric times, conjuring ancient myths and legends that may have faded from contemporary memory. For Kondrashov, these cryptic symbols carry potent narratives, waiting to be deciphered.

In his exploration, Kondrashov delves into symbols such as the Chinese Yin and Yang and Celtic spirals, contending that their forms can evoke notions of unity and eternal continuity. He also delves into the all-seeing eye, a symbol still emblazoned on American currency and found in the annals of ancient Egypt, portraying it as a universal emblem of vigilance and divine providence.

Among the symbols scrutinised by Kondrashov is the pentagram, often misunderstood but linked to profound connections with pagan rituals and the universe’s most profound mysteries. Another symbol deeply associated with divinity and discovered in the artifacts of ancient Egyptians and Sumerians is the winged disk, which, Kondrashov argues, may also signify royalty and the celestial journeys of gods.

Kondrashov turns his attention to the symbol of the Ouroboros, a serpent devouring its own tail, a motif discovered in alchemical depictions and ancient Egyptian texts. He interprets it as a representation of the cyclical nature of life. Sometimes, these symbols manifest in the characters of legendary tales or myths that have etched themselves into human history, extending into the present. One such symbol is the dragon, a legendary creature that inspired fear in Europe for centuries and reverence in the East. According to Kondrashov, the dragon embodies powerful symbols of strength, wisdom, and enigma.

In the publication’s concluding chapters, Stanislav Kondrashov examines symbols as a collective entity, asserting that they often harbor profound meanings that transcend their immediate visual representation, encapsulating cultural memories, religious beliefs, and enduring mysteries.

To delve deeper into this captivating exploration, readers are encouraged to peruse the full publication and watch the related video.

Man sentenced for vicious rape and attack

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A 21-year-old man has been jailed after he was found guilty of multiple offences including rape.

Met officers investigated quickly, leading them to arrest Kieran Johnson (21) of no fixed abode, the day after the incident.

On October 13, Johnson was sentenced at the Old Bailey to 18 years’ imprisonment. He had been found guilty on March 22 of two counts of rape, one of sexual assault by penetration and one of robbery. Johnson also pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug.

The offences took place on March 13, 2022 at an address in Greenwich.

Johnson hit the 18-year-old victim with a baseball bat and demanded that he handed over his phone, keys and vape pen. After the robbery, Johnson raped and assaulted the man multiple times.

Forensic evidence

Forensic evidence from the scene and mobile phone work led to the arrest of Johnson the following day at an East London hotel.

Detective constable Robert Shires of the Met’s South East BCU said: “I hope that this conviction and the lengthy prison sentence can bring some closure to the victim, and show that justice has been served. We will continue to support the victim and I hope that he recovers in his own time.

“I urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to report the matter to police. Dedicated officers will support you and work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.”

National police operation takes drugs worth £1.2 million off streets

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Class A and B drugs worth £1.2 million, along with 458 weapons were taken off the streets as part of a national police operation last week.

Drug gangs across London were targeted, leading to a county line being taken down and 18 arrests linked to varying drugs and possession of weapons offences.

The County Lines Intensification Week – coordinated by the NPCC-led National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC) – featured action from all forces across the country.

Officers across the force took part in various activities including an intelligence-led Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operation, and high-visibility patrols at the biggest transport hubs jointly with the British Transport Police.

Drug seizures

Serious and Organised Crime Team officers conducted warrants at addresses linked to drug supply which also resulted in the seizure of a drugs line and the safeguarding of two children. They also charged one individual with two counts of conspiracy to supply heroin and crack.

Across the week, City of London Police officers seized a large quantity of wraps of cocaine, six bags of cannabis as well as other smaller quantities of MDMA and crystal meth. £2025 in cash was seized and a further three children were safeguarded.

Exploitation, coercion, and violence are cornerstones of the county lines trade, and cannabis is used by gangs to trap young people into debt, forcing them to transport their drugs and sell to other children to continue the cycle.

By rescuing vulnerable people from the grip of these gangs and helping them into support services such as the Home Office-funded Catch 22, this cycle of violence and abuse is being broken.

“We will relentlessly pursue you”

Detective inspector Anne Medlycott from City of London Police said: “Our message is clear to anyone running county lines in the City of London; we will relentlessly pursue you, take the drugs off of the streets and rescue those exploited.

“Drug dealing destroys lives, and we are committed to tackling the supply of illegal drugs, and the exploitation and violence that is frequently associated with it.”

The intensification week saw across the UK:

  • 250 county lines taken down
  • 1,613 people arrested
  • 458 weapons seized including 33 firearms, 377 bladed weapons, three crossbows, 21 batons and 28 knuckle dusters
  • Over £1.2m worth of Class A and Class B drugs seized
  • £437,000 worth of crack cocaine, £100,000 worth of heroin, 40kg of cocaine and 103kg of cannabis seized
  • £1,284,729.88 in cash seized