The Beechcraft Denali (Model 220) is a single-engine turboprop aircraft designed and developed by Textron Aviation. Launched at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015, the clean-sheet design is currently undergoing flight tests for regulatory certification. The aircraft performed its first flight in November 2021, and the two units produced have since been involved in the certification test campaign. Textron Aviation received the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Inspection Authorization earlier this year and anticipates the FAA certification in 2025. Designed to carry up to nine passengers, the aircraft will fly a range of approximately 1,600 NM at cruise speeds of 285 knots. The Beechcraft Denali Crew: 1-2 Capacity: 7-9 passengers/1,100 lb (500 kg) full fuel payload Length: 48 ft 9 in (14.86 m) Wingspan: 54 ft 3 in (16.54 m) Height: 15 ft 2 in (4.62 m) Cabin height: 58 in (150 cm) Cabin width: 63 in (160 cm) Cabin length: 16 ft 9 in (5.11 m) Powerplant: 1 × General Electric Catalyst Turboprop, 1,300 hp (970 kW) Propellers: 5-bladed McCauley, 8 ft 9 in (2.67 m) diameter composite, fully feathering and reversible Cruise speed: 328 mph (528 km/h, 285 kn) maximum Range: 1,800 mi (3,000 km, 1,600 NM) 1 pilot, four passengers, high-speed cruise Service ceiling: 31,000 ft (9,400 m) Takeoff distance: 2,950 ft (900 m) Avionics: Garmin G3000 After the Beechcraft Denali’s announcement in 2015, GE Aerospace announced that the GE Catalyst turboprop engine will power the aircraft. In the early years of development, the type was named Cessna Denali. The aircraft is designed to compete with the nine-passenger Pilatus PC-12 as well as relatively smaller single-engine turboprops, including Daher TBM, Piper M700 Fury, and the Epic E1000. In 2017, Textron Aviation began building static and fatigue test articles, allowing a comprehensive review of the new design. The company targeted the maiden flight of the first prototype in the third quarter of 2018 and certification by mid-2019. The Beechcraft Denali is the latest Textron Aviation product that is currently in development. The Wichita, Kansas-based company hopes to certify this single-engine turboprop aircraft in 2025, next year. This aircraft is expected to reach a cruise speed of 285 knots (328 miles per hour) and a range of 1,600 nautical miles (1,800 miles). It also features a large cabin and a new, efficient turboprop engine built by General Electric.However, many aviation enthusiasts compare this aircraft to other existing single-engine turboprop aircraft, such as the Pilatus PC-12, which is one of the most flown general aviation aircraft in recent years, the Piper M-Class, or the TBM 900. These aircraft may have longer ranges, with the Piper M700 Fury reaching a higher cruise speed as well. The Denali also comes with a more expensive price tag. How do you think the Beechcraft Denali will fare in the single-engine turboprop market? Following numerous delays in the program, Textron Aviation began the assembly of the first prototype in February 2018. Despite the type’s first flight scheduled before the end of the year, delays to the GE Catalyst engine resulted in further shift of the maiden flight. On November 23, 2021, Beechcraft Denali performed its first flight, taking off from Textron Aviation’s facility in Wichita, Kansas. The design The Beechcraft Denali is a single-engine aircraft designed for superior jet-like performance with the simplicity and economics of a turboprop. The low-wing aircraft features a straight wing with metal bonding, making it more resistant to fuel leaks and minimizing maintenance. The fuselage features eight rounded windows (four on each side), adding to the comfort of its passengers. The spacious cabin features a flat floor and a wide cargo door that is larger than the Pilatus PC-12s door. According to Textron Aviation , “The Beechcraft® Denali® turboprop is a breath of fresh air; it's a brand-new, high-performance, single-engine turboprop that changes everything. Designed with more performance, more versatility, lower operating costs, smarter cabin space and a superior service network, the Beechcraft® Denali® turboprop is the culmination of 90 years of innovation.“ The cabin altitude at 31,000 ft (9,500 m) is set to just over 6,000 ft (1,850 m), making the ride truly comfortable with lower stress levels and jet lag. The aircraft's interior could include six executive seats with a refreshment bar or a nine-seat commuter configuration. The luxurious cabin is designed to give it a jet-like feeling, exceeding the customers' needs. The powerplant Digital FADEC: With more than 900 million hours of FADEC experience, the manufacturer introduces a highly simplified jet-like experience with the Catalyst engine. The powerplant, combined with Beechcraft Denali, will offer high performance and cost savings for customers. Advanced manufacturing: Additive technology and manufacturing with the use of advanced materials will result in high performance, efficiency, and durability. Innovation : From multi-stage single-crystal turbine blades to efficient cooling methodologies, the engine delivers superior efficiency, low emissions, and improved performance. Dispatch reliability: GE Aerospace built the GE Catalyst engine to meet the latest certification standards and to provide outstanding dispatch reliability to customers worldwide. Irrespective of the application, the engines are bound to exceed expectations. The aircraft is powered by a single GE Catalyst Turboprop, generating 1,300 shaft horsepower (970 kW) at takeoff. The fully feathering and reversible five-bladed propellers are constructed with composite materials. The engine features dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) technology, allowing greater redundancy and reliability. Beechcraft hopes to certify this aircraft in 2025. All critical components and systems of the engine function with two channels: an active channel and a standby channel. The two channels alternate at each startup, ensuring a balanced activity across the system. If a critical component on the active channel malfunctions, the data is transferred from the standby channel through the cross-link. If a critical system malfunctions, the channels automatically switch, and the standby (healthier) channel completely takes over. According to Textron Aviation, “The GE® Aerospace® Catalyst® powerplant features a dual channel FADEC and propeller control which provides easy jet-like power control in the flight deck as well as unrivaled operating efficiencies and engine protection.” Two additional prototypes were completed for the flight test campaign. By May 2023, the prototypes had completed over 500 flights, accumulating roughly 1,300 flight hours. The aircraft certification delays were furthered due to the delays in the GE catalyst engine. In May 2024, Textron Aviation reported that the test turboprop aircraft had surpassed several major milestones toward certification. The company builds many private jet models. The test campaign and certification milestones The Beechcraft Denali is undergoing a comprehensive flight test and certification campaign. The manufacturer is testing the aircraft’s strength, capability, and durability through the program. With the recent completion of the ground and flight testing of the avionics systems, the campaign is one step closer in achieving its certification target. After more than 830 flights, the three test aircraft have achieved nearly 2,000 flight test hours. According to the Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Flight Operations, Lannie O’Banniom, “The Denali’s advanced avionics take full advantage of state-of-the-art technology to ease pilot workload. Commencing certification flight testing on the aircraft marks a significant milestone for the program, and we are excited to get this aircraft into the hands of our eager customers.” The cockpit design The Beechcraft Denali turboprop's flight deck features the Garmin® G3000® touchscreen controls and optional wireless connectivity, enhancing the aircraft's safety and performance. The Garmin integrated autothrottle, and the Garmin® Emergency Autoland systems give pilots peace of mind during emergencies. Three 14" Widescreen LCD Displays Garmin® Emergency Autoland Garmin® Integrated Autothrottle Synthetic Vision Technology Two Touchscreen Control Panels Dual Garmin® FMS with Dual WAAS-enabled GPS Receivers for Navigation Weather Avoidance Radar Terrain Avoidance Warning System (TAWS-B) Garmin® Traffic Collision and Avoidance System (TCAS I) Dual Attitude Heading Reference System Dual Air Data Computers Digital Audio System According to Textron Aviation , "The cockpit features the Garmin G3000 intuitive avionics suite with high-resolution screens and touchscreen controllers. An integrated Garmin autothrottle interfaces with the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and Flight Management System (FMS) to provide easy speed control throughout all regimes of flight from takeoff to touchdown. The revolutionary Garmin Emergency Autoland system is also being implemented into the aircraft’s development and flight test program, and will be available as a standard feature at time of entry into service." Why Beechcraft decided to cancel the plans for the Beechcraft 34 Twin Quad, it's history and its implications for aviation
By JESSICA DAMIANO Some homeowners gaze out their windows and see lush and beautiful gardens . Others would like to see lush and beautiful gardens but instead are greeted by overgrown, dead or otherwise messy landscapes. Related Articles Things To Do | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone Things To Do | Horoscopes Dec. 26, 2024: Jared Leto, focus on what excites and bring you joy Things To Do | A preview of some stunning hotels and resorts opening in 2025 Things To Do | 12 sexy Christmas movies to stream this ho-ho-holiday season Things To Do | This condiment is the only sauce you’ll need to hack the holidays Whether you’ve inherited a neglected garden from a previous homeowner or have been too busy to keep on top of maintenance, don’t despair: Devising a game plan now can set you up for a much better view by next winter. As with most seemingly hopeless tasks, breaking the process down into small steps performed over time will help make the project manageable. First, grab a notepad and take a walk around the garden. Assess each section, determining which plants can be saved, which need to go and which require attention. Make a list now. Dead and invasive plants , as well as weeds , should be first on the chopping block. If the weather allows, dig them out, removing as much of their root systems as possible. Otherwise, tackle this first in spring. Next, remove and give away otherwise-healthy plants that you don’t want. Online buy-nothing groups and neighborhood pages are great places to find takers . Many will even be willing to do the digging if it means getting a free plant. If the property has been overrun with a thicket of plants, shrubs, trees and vines that have grown wild, a chainsaw, brush mower or brush grubber may be in order. If you’re dealing with a lot of weeds or want to create new garden beds in a lawn, you can smother the existing vegetation rather than dig it up. Determine the shape and size of the bed or border, and cover that area with cardboard or thick layers of newspaper. This can be done now, topped with 3 inches of compost and 2 inches of mulch, and left to sit over winter. It can also wait until planting time. When you’re ready to plant, you’ll be cutting root-size holes in the cardboard for your plants. Most weeds will be suppressed, but some may sneak through and require pulling or more cardboard. Healthy but overgrown or unproductive deciduous shrubs (the types that lose their leaves) can be rejuvenated by pruning . Do this when branches are bare in late winter. Choosing a method will require weighing aesthetics against rebound time and deciding which is right for you. The fastest (but most severe) method would be to cut the whole plant down just above ground level. It’s scary, but most shrubs can handle this and will bounce back stronger. If retaining height in the garden is important, you can opt to prune each branch or stem individually at uneven heights. Or cut back one-third of the plant’s branches each year for three years. The latter would have the least drastic effect but require the most patience. Evergreen trees and shrubs should only undergo selective pruning (the shortening of individual branches). Take care to avoid over-shearing or creating holes in needled evergreen plants and trees; with the exception of yews, they won’t fill back in . Now that you have a clean canvas, turn your attention to the soil. Test the soil’s pH to ensure it’s within range for the plants you plan to add. Test kits are available at local and online garden retailers. Your local cooperative extension service may provide testing and soil-amendment advice for a nominal fee. If indicated, incorporate lime or elemental sulfur into the soil to raise or lower its pH, following package instructions. If the soil is hard and compacted, use a core aerator or long-handled garden fork to create 2-3-inch holes through which air and water can enter. Finally, spread a 2-to-3-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the area. As it decomposes, nutrients will work their way into the soil. After completing the above steps, it will be time to plant your new garden. If by summer you’re not yet ready to plant, apply mulch or use annuals to protect the bare soil. When you’re ready to plant new trees , shrubs and/or perennials, carefully select varieties that will not run rampant. Dig holes just as deep as their roots but twice as wide and space them appropriately to allow for their mature sizes. For the lowest maintenance going forward, consider hardy, pollinator-friendly , drought-tolerant native plants. Incorporate non-invasive groundcovers into beds to serve as a natural mulch and discourage weeds – remember, if you don’t plant something in bare spots, God will. While you wait for groundcovers to fill in, apply 2-to-3 inches of mulch between and around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, keep soil temperatures even and protect tender roots. It might take a year or two — or longer, depending on your schedule and ability, but a step-by-step approach will avoid overwhelm and provide a steady stream of small wins as you approach your goal. Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. For her favorite tools and gear of the past year, see her 2024 gardening gift guide. For more AP gardening stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/gardening .
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TEHRAN - The Israeli regime makes the most of the instability in Syria to expand its expansionist project. As insecurity and a power vacuum emerged in the Arab state after armed groups took control of state institutions, the Israelis seized on the crisis. Israeli tanks were seen crossing into the outskirts of the southeastern Syrian province of Quneitra on Sunday, with shelling heard in the area. The Israeli occupation forces also dispatched infantry to a buffer zone in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, the regime’s military confirmed on Sunday. The occupation army said it would remain in Syrian territory for “as long as necessary” Hebrew media reported that Unit 5101, more commonly known as Shaldag, has reached the summit of Syria’s Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights. Analysts have said the land grab signals new Israeli ambitions to occupy and annex large parts of Syria after the fall of its government. It is the first time Israeli forces have taken up positions beyond the buffer zone since it was established in 1974. The regime further exploited the crisis in Syria with airstrikes on key sites. Israel’s air raids on the Mazzeh district of the capital, Damascus, with explosions heard in the vicinity. Separately, regional intelligence sources told news agencies that Israeli fighter jets targeted the Syrian air base of Khalkhala in southern Syria. By Sunday evening, Israeli warplanes bombarded more Syrian army sites in Damascus. The lightening developments in Syria have sparked widespread comment across Israeli politics. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the fall of President Assad as a “historic day.” “This of course creates new, very important opportunities for Israel,” he said. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said they showed why “it is more important than ever to create a strong regional coalition, with Saudi Arabia and the countries of the Abraham Accords, to work together”. “The Iranian axis has weakened significantly, and Israel needs to strive for an overall political achievement,” he added. Other Israeli politicians called on the government in Tel Aviv to take control of the entire Golan Heights. Government minister Amichai Chikli wrote in a social media post that there must be a new Israeli “defense zone” at the 1974 ceasefire line. A member of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, Tzvi Succot, echoed those comments, saying this measure would be “immense” during a time when the political and military cost “is likely lower than ever”. Meanwhile, former Israeli military intelligence officer Lieutenant Colonel, Mordechai Kedar, was interviewed on Sunday by Hebrew media, Kan Reshet Bet, where he claimed: “I am in contact with the rebels in Syria and I have passed a detailed list of equipment they requested from Israel to senior officials in the country. The rebels are willing to sign a peace agreement with Israel, only if they control Syria and Lebanon.” The Israeli spy agency, Mossad, was also thrilled with the fall of Homs, a clear sign highlighting how significant this development was to the security of the regime. In a post on social media, a Mossad-affiliated channel wrote: “Homs, the corridor used by Iran to bring weapons to Hezbollah, is no longer active.” The post added: "Amazing". There is no credible evidence that Iran had used the city of Homs to transfer weapons to the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah. Experts say militants operating in Syria had previously received medical treatment at field hospitals in the occupied Golan as well as in the Israeli city of Safed. Time will tell what the intentions of this latest mixture of armed groups are. Some have lately vowed to have a more moderate outlook with neighbors in the region and are no longer associated with Daesh and al-Qaeda. Whether this outlook serves Israeli interests is a key factor as most countries in West Asia believe the Israeli regime is the source of instability in the region.
Nebraska, Boston College to meet in Pinstripe Bowl: 10 thoughts on Huskers' postseason returnJimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, Gallup
Buccaneers looking to beat NFC South-rival Panthers and bolster hopes for a playoff berthBy JESSICA DAMIANO Some homeowners gaze out their windows and see lush and beautiful gardens . Others would like to see lush and beautiful gardens but instead are greeted by overgrown, dead or otherwise messy landscapes. Related Articles Things To Do | Beyoncé’s halftime performance has Baltimore flavor, but no Lamar Jackson Things To Do | Join this golf club and you’ll get 7 ‘home’ courses across the US Things To Do | King Arthur Baking Company’s Stollen Recipe Things To Do | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone Things To Do | 5 artists from Maryland to add to your playlist Whether you’ve inherited a neglected garden from a previous homeowner or have been too busy to keep on top of maintenance, don’t despair: Devising a game plan now can set you up for a much better view by next winter. As with most seemingly hopeless tasks, breaking the process down into small steps performed over time will help make the project manageable. First, grab a notepad and take a walk around the garden. Assess each section, determining which plants can be saved, which need to go and which require attention. Make a list now. Dead and invasive plants , as well as weeds , should be first on the chopping block. If the weather allows, dig them out, removing as much of their root systems as possible. Otherwise, tackle this first in spring. Next, remove and give away otherwise-healthy plants that you don’t want. Online buy-nothing groups and neighborhood pages are great places to find takers . Many will even be willing to do the digging if it means getting a free plant. If the property has been overrun with a thicket of plants, shrubs, trees and vines that have grown wild, a chainsaw, brush mower or brush grubber may be in order. If you’re dealing with a lot of weeds or want to create new garden beds in a lawn, you can smother the existing vegetation rather than dig it up. Determine the shape and size of the bed or border, and cover that area with cardboard or thick layers of newspaper. This can be done now, topped with 3 inches of compost and 2 inches of mulch, and left to sit over winter. It can also wait until planting time. When you’re ready to plant, you’ll be cutting root-size holes in the cardboard for your plants. Most weeds will be suppressed, but some may sneak through and require pulling or more cardboard. Healthy but overgrown or unproductive deciduous shrubs (the types that lose their leaves) can be rejuvenated by pruning . Do this when branches are bare in late winter. Choosing a method will require weighing aesthetics against rebound time and deciding which is right for you. The fastest (but most severe) method would be to cut the whole plant down just above ground level. It’s scary, but most shrubs can handle this and will bounce back stronger. If retaining height in the garden is important, you can opt to prune each branch or stem individually at uneven heights. Or cut back one-third of the plant’s branches each year for three years. The latter would have the least drastic effect but require the most patience. Evergreen trees and shrubs should only undergo selective pruning (the shortening of individual branches). Take care to avoid over-shearing or creating holes in needled evergreen plants and trees; with the exception of yews, they won’t fill back in . Now that you have a clean canvas, turn your attention to the soil. Test the soil’s pH to ensure it’s within range for the plants you plan to add. Test kits are available at local and online garden retailers. Your local cooperative extension service may provide testing and soil-amendment advice for a nominal fee. If indicated, incorporate lime or elemental sulfur into the soil to raise or lower its pH, following package instructions. If the soil is hard and compacted, use a core aerator or long-handled garden fork to create 2-3-inch holes through which air and water can enter. Finally, spread a 2-to-3-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the area. As it decomposes, nutrients will work their way into the soil. After completing the above steps, it will be time to plant your new garden. If by summer you’re not yet ready to plant, apply mulch or use annuals to protect the bare soil. When you’re ready to plant new trees , shrubs and/or perennials, carefully select varieties that will not run rampant. Dig holes just as deep as their roots but twice as wide and space them appropriately to allow for their mature sizes. For the lowest maintenance going forward, consider hardy, pollinator-friendly , drought-tolerant native plants. Incorporate non-invasive groundcovers into beds to serve as a natural mulch and discourage weeds – remember, if you don’t plant something in bare spots, God will. While you wait for groundcovers to fill in, apply 2-to-3 inches of mulch between and around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, keep soil temperatures even and protect tender roots. It might take a year or two — or longer, depending on your schedule and ability, but a step-by-step approach will avoid overwhelm and provide a steady stream of small wins as you approach your goal. Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. For her favorite tools and gear of the past year, see her 2024 gardening gift guide. For more AP gardening stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/gardening .RTE star Arthur Gourounlian left his fans gushing after he showcased his daughters' festive outfits. The Dancing With The Stars judge and his Six O'Clock Show host hubby Brian Dowling share two kids together - Blake, 2, and five-month-old Blu. The pair often shares snippets of their lives with their little ones on social media . The celebrity couple recently told how this year's festive season is "extra special" as it is Blu's first Christmas . The dads are going all out to make it unforgettable for their daughters. And this year, they are taking part in "25 Days of Christmas fashion" with their Blake and Blu. The family-of-four enjoyed a fun-filled day out at Newbridge House & Farm. Arthur took to his Instagram afterwards to showcase Blake and Blu's adorable festive outfits for the occasion. The sisters both sported matching Christmas jumpers which Arthur described as: "Charming sweaters with a Fair Isle pattern featuring red trucks, green trees, and geometric accents, a nostalgic nod to the holiday spirit." He then added: "Blu paired her sweater with a rust-coloured corduroy skirt, highlighted by a statement button detail." Then describing Blakes outfit, he wrote: "Blake chose a pleated plaid skirt in neutral tones, complemented by white tights and elegant off-white shoes adorned with delicate bow details. "Her outfit was playfully accessorised with a fluffy white bear-shaped purse, perfect for a whimsical winter day." The dad-of-two shared a series of snaps of his little ones looking happy as ever. Arthur's fans and friends all raced to the comments to gush over the sweet post. Jean said: "Two little fashion icons." Marie wrote: "Love the girls outfits... always beautiful." Joanne gushed: "Your girls are just the cutest ever." Karen commented: "Oh my goodness - absolutely gorgeous." Another added: "Adorable." Arthur recently left his fans in stitches after he shared a "hilarious" Elf on the Shelf prank . While recording the video, he began at the top of the stairs, where a trail of toilet paper stretched all the way down into the sitting room. Blake looked completely shocked as she entered into the room in her dad's arms. She was welcomed by a room filled with teddy bears and baby Blu sitting amongst them all. There was also a pyramid of toilet rolls on the mantlepiece with elves sitting on it.STILLWATER, Okla. – Jane was perhaps only two days away from death when she wobbled out to meet the people who would help her live her best life and become a superstar. Jane was a diminutive potbelly pig who was stuck and neglected in a hoarding situation. Keeping herself small in a dirty hovel, her hooves were so long they curled under and she could barely walk. Her skin was scaly and hard from untreated mange and a tumor the size of a cantaloupe hung from her body. Jane, a pink and black pig, also had cancer. Somehow she survived her situation and awoke one morning to find people who crowded about her in consternation – people who would then care for her physically and emotionally until the end of her life. The Misfits of Oz had taken one look at her and decided she would have a beautiful life from then on, no matter what it took. As she rehabilitated and battled cancer, the world then rallied around Jane. People from more than 30 countries had breakfast with Jane on social media, watched her fight disease and wore T-shirts that said “Strong Like Jane.” Now a book has been published about the little pig and her resilience, her dreams, her smile and how she inspired people around the globe – "Jane's Squad" – in a movement called #StrongLikeJane. Jane is sadly gone, but the woman who initially helped her, Shanda Harris, and her “Misfits” remain. Next week, they will travel from the mountains of New Mexico to a new farm in Yale in Payne County. There are 41 pigs, eight dogs, three cats, one goat and one sheep who will be new residents of the state as they move by trailer, truck and van from the snow to the plains. The Misfits of Oz Farm Sanctuary offers safe place for neglected or abused farm animals. It is a nonprofit sanctuary where animals get to live out their natural lives. While many rescue organizations help dogs and cats, few are able to handle large animals, which require different care. And many with Oz have special needs. While often animals are “rescued,” sanctuaries differ from rescue groups – those who end up with Oz usually are there to stay, not find new places to live. Best Friends, one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the country, works toward the goal of “no kill” for all animals as part of its mission, as does the Misfits. Best Friends has published statistics regarding animals that come from shelters or go through rescue. About 108 million owned dogs live in the U.S. That means an average of 1.56 dogs per household; in the U.S., 69 million (54%) households have a dog; and there has been a 49% increase in households with dogs in the past 10 years. About 79 million owned cats live in the U.S. That means: there’s an average of 1.74 cats per household; in the U.S., 45.3 million (35%) households have a cat; there has been a 17% increase in households with cats in the past 10 years. In 2021, 4.6 million cats and dogs entered animal shelters in the U.S. Of those, about 355,000 dogs and cats were killed. Most people surrender their companion animals to shelters for reasons other than a pet’s behavior: housing (specifically, moving), finances and caregiver or family health/death account for more than a third of animals entering shelters. Cats and dogs are surrendered to animal care because of: too many animals, 16.1% (often the result of not spaying and neutering) housing, 13.7%; inancial, 7.2%; caretaker or family health/death, 10.1%; and non-aggressive behavior/personality, 7.8%. There are 4,064 animal shelters in the U.S., of which 2,133 – 52% – are no-kill. That’s up from 24% in 2016. There is not as much data on saving, killing and rehoming numbers for farm animals, though Harris said they endure the same abuse, hoarding, neglect and starvation as smaller companion animals. Armed with this knowledge, the Misfits took on their mission and now provide compassion and care for larger animals. Harris said she wishes they did not have to exist, but it is clear too many animals that need their help. Harris said they have come to Oklahoma for the specialized vet care OSU can offer; the weather, since pigs have short legs that make moving about in snow tough, she said; and hopefully the support of their new, local community. They run mostly with the help of volunteers and by donations. Harris began the Misfits when she lived in Kansas – the “Oz” part of Misfits – in 2012. In 2015, she took in her first pig, then second and third pig and realized she loved the work of providing a safe home for these large animals, and teaching others about connection to animals. There are no such things as “micro-pigs,” Harris said; they are simply potbelly pigs that are starved. She knows being in farm country with farm animals used as food can sometimes be a tough sell. As omnivores, people love animals but also eat meat – however it must go from being farmed to their plates, so this creates an uncomfortable place in their minds when they learn about meat farming (the term is cognitive dissonance). The paradoxical question then exists: how do people care for animals, and use them as food, then, and should they? While the Misfits main mission is to provide safe haven, they also help people answer that question for themselves, Harris said. Harris herself is vegan, which was a decision she made, she said, after caring for and loving the pigs. The Misfits have already connected with a few vegan groups in Oklahoma and recently participated in a vegan event in Oklahoma City. “We do and try to promote veganism through advocacy, and teach why these animals matter ... but we are understanding, patient and kind in our approach ... as much as you love your cats and dogs, that’s how we feel about these animals," she said. "They are more than food, they are a face with soul ... they are sentient beings and we are trying to open that door so people can understand and make a connection.” The connection is subtle – like sharing Jane’s story with the thousands who watched her transform from a broken pig into one that healed and was full of love. Connection comes also in helping future veterinary medicine students to see, in part, what their future could be like working with farm animals – specifically pigs, Harris said. The group strongly advocates for veterinary care for all animals as another part of its mission. “I’m really passionate about vet care for large animals ... pigs and cows and ducks and chickens – that is one of the reasons why we wanted to be so close, to be close to people interested in large animal care where they can volunteer and be on site to see vaccinations and hoof trims, where they can see piglet age to 1,000 pound pigs and learn proper handling," Harris said. The Misfits have already held one volunteer event to help get the new site ready for the animals coming. They hope to hold a tour or luncheon in mid-December. To find the Misfits of Oz, go to their Facebook, Instagram or website, misfitsofoz.org/ , and to read the book “Strong Like Jane: The True Story of a Courageous Potbelly Pig” shop online or through the group’s website. Part of the book’s proceeds go to help the sanctuary. Anyone wishing to be a volunteer can contact the group through social media or on their website.
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