Category Archives: Nature Photography

On a Monday morning at the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital, Jennifer D’Agostino, senior director of veterinary services, is inspecting a grumpy female peafowl and drawing a blood sample. 

In her role, D’Agostino conducts regular health checks on everything from toads to birds to bears and to even the largest of the zoo’s elephants. She has taken blood from the tail of the zoo’s cobra, taught the elephants to lift up their massive stump-like feet for inspection and collected stool samples from even the most irritated of critters big and small. 

D’Agostino has managed animal health for the zoo for more than 19 years. Her passion for animal welfare, however, isn’t limited to the wooded perimeter of the Oklahoma City Zoo. In addition to conservation work to promote native Oklahoma habitats and survival efforts for the endangered Texas horned lizard, she is also a passionate advocate in places like Kenya, where she works in land management that helps wildlife thrive, and with the Painted Dog Research Trust in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. 

Her photography shares the beauty of the natural world and all its creatures, and she is instrumental in helping other organizations with their conservation and animal welfare efforts. 

“At the zoo, I’m the champion for our Conservation Action Now research grant program, where we request applications for small conservation-based grants,” she says. 

“I coordinate that program by collecting these applications and finding staff members to get involved to review those applications. We award small grants to these researchers who are doing this amazing conservation work.” 

For her passionate dedication to animal welfare and conservation, D’Agostino was named one of two recipients of the 2022 Kirkpatrick Honor for Animal Wellbeing. Drew Edmondson, longtime Oklahoma attorney general, also received the award. The honor is a part of Kirkpatrick Foundation’s mission to make Oklahoma a safe and humane state for all animals through its Safe & Humane initiative. 

‘Purpose in life’ to help animals

D’Agostino earned her doctorate from Michigan State University and joined the Oklahoma City Zoo in 2003 for her residency in zoological medicine and post-graduate training. After her residency, she worked in an associate veterinarian position at the zoo. 

A native of Davison, Michigan, D’Agostino was born with a love of wildlife. She knew from an early age that she wanted to be a veterinarian, especially a zoo veterinarian.  

“I decided I wanted to be a zoo vet when I was about 7 years old,” D’Agostino says. “I’ve always loved animals.” 

“I grew up with my grandma in Flint, Michigan, and as part of the Flint City School District — she ran a working farm, so it had cows, horses, pigs, sheep and agriculture. I spent a lot of my childhood out at that farm, and I would just follow the vet around. I knew that my goal in life, and my purpose in life was to help animals.” 

Noting her interest in how veterinarians cared for the animals — especially the giant draft horses — on the farm, D’Agostino’s mother bought a subscription to the “Zoobooks” magazine, which only fed her passion for animal care and veterinary medicine. 

After joining the Oklahoma City Zoo in 2003 for her residency, the Michigan native said the organization and the state felt like home. She bonded with her co-workers and other people of the state, but the zoo’s programs were a big motivating factor in her continued mission of caring for animals. 

D’Agostino was instrumental in the capital campaign to create the Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital facility, which received a kickoff gift of $1 million from the Kirkpatrick Foundation and Kirkpatrick Family Fund. Opened in 2015, the $9.2 million hospital is one of only a handful of accredited zoos across the country that provides the public the opportunity to observe procedures ranging from preventative health exams to surgeries. Through that new hospital, D’Agostino continues to educate the public, and her own team, on the importance of animal welfare. 

“If you think about what a veterinarian does here at the zoo and the breadth of expertise that’s really unparalleled, Jennifer has to deal with everything from a frog to a giraffe and do it well,” says Dwight Lawson, executive director and CEO of the Oklahoma City Zoo. “Jennifer is board certified in zoo and exotic medicine, which is a bit of a rarity, but she has also built a great team around her to help do that. She is passionate about teaching and passing on that knowledge.” 

Continuing conservation

D’Agostino has a passion for conservation and animal advocacy. She is a supporter and part of the Painted Dog Research Trust in Africa, the zoo’s Horned Lizard program and the Northern Rangelands Trust in Kenya. Her expertise in animal welfare is only complemented by her photography skills, which she shares with organizations. 

D’Agostino has visited Africa numerous times and worked closely with the Painted Dog Research Trust, one of the organizations she plans to support with the no-strings-attached monetary award Kirkpatrick Honor for Animal Wellbeing. 

“Jen applied and was accepted by the zoo to come here and represent Oklahoma City. When she was here, we had a very difficult situation going on with a pack where the alpha female had just given birth to five pups,” says Dr. Greg Rassmussen, executive director of the Painted Dog Research Trust in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. 

Because so many of the pack had been killed by motorized vehicles, the mother and the pups were starving. The trust was able to get permission from the national parks service to feed the struggling pack carcasses of wild animals to help save the population. 

“We had to get carcasses because obviously you can’t start giving them kibble. They’re wild animals,” said Rasmussen. “These carcasses weighed about sixty or seventy pounds, and the den was a good mile or more away. Jen was the first to help carry a carcass. She was there and just belonged from the day she arrived at the project. Some people are like that—the second they arrive, it’s like they’ve been here all their life.” 

That involvement has led to a deep partnership between D’Agostino, the Oklahoma City Zoo and the Painted Dog Research Trust. 

“The way she runs her veterinary department is exemplary. It really is so special to see the way her team operates,” says Rasmussen.  

D’Agostino is also passionate about sharing conservation and wildlife through nature photography, and she is active in the zoo’s global and local conservation efforts. She has designed her own home and land to be as natural as possible, cultivating native plants and keeping the wild places wild on her property. 

“My hobby is photography, and of course, wildlife and nature is my favorite thing to photograph. For people to be able to take those amazing pictures of wildlife, there has to be appropriate habitat. By creating that, even in your own backyard, you can interact with local wildlife and know that you’re doing good things for them and providing what they need to continue on,” D’Agostino says.  

As for her $25,000 award, she plans to invest in new camera equipment and then donate the remaining to two conservation organizations. 

“I’m going to give some of the money to the Gorilla Doctors, which is a phenomenal organization in Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. They go out into the forest every single day and take care of mountain gorillas, and those animals are alive today and not extinct because of the efforts of those rangers and those veterinarians,” she says. 

“The rest I will give to the Painted Dog Research Trust, because they are doing such fantastic work, and I want to be able to help them advance what they’re doing to help painted dogs.” 

The Kirkpatrick Foundation continues to support D’Agostino’s work at the Oklahoma City Zoo, continuing a long tradition with the organization. John Kirkpatrick was a founding member of the Oklahoma Zoological Society, which is its nonprofit support group. 

“Kirkpatrick Foundation has been just a tremendous supporter of the work that we’ve done here, particularly with the veterinary program and its focus on animal care,” says Lawson. “The foundation built a lot of the infrastructure that has supported our veterinary program and our folks like Jennifer, to really give them the resources needed to take such great care of the animals here.” 

Some say that young people are impatient, and are only on the look-out for short-term gratification. Not so with Douglon Tse, whose long-term vision has led him and his wife to a unique island in China.

[Trailer]

DT: I was like “Hold on, everything has changed so much in China from 2011 to 2017. And how does this island, so close to Shanghai, stay almost the same?”

[Intro]

OF: Welcome to Mosaic of China, a podcast about people who are making their mark in China. I’m your host, Oscar Fuchs.

As someone who, in general, has a ‘go with the flow and see where life takes me’ attitude, I’m always intrigued by serious people with serious plans. Today’s guest has a long-term vision for his life, and it’s a path that has led him to a unique place, which he describes very vividly in today’s episode. At 30 years old, Douglon is also one of the youngest guests in Season 02, so if you’re also young and thinking about how to go about making your mark in China, you in particular should find this one of interest. And finally, Douglon speaks excellent Chinese, but with a local pronunciation. So listen out for that, if you’re anywhere outside of the area around 浙江 [Zhèjiāng] Province.

[Part 1]

OF: Thank you for coming, Douglon. I’m here with Douglon Tse. Douglon, you are a friend of Octo’s, that’s who introduced you. So let me play you the introduction that Octo said about you from the last series.

[Start of Audio Clip]

Octo CHEUNG: I’m recommending a very good guy called Douglon. And he’s from a very interesting family. He’s doing a very cool business, it’s a small island next to Shanghai.

[End of Audio Clip]

DT: Yeah.

OF: That was Octo. So first of all, tell me how do you know Octo?

DT: She designed my suit and my wife’s dress at our wedding, through the kind introduction from my father.

OF: Well, there you go. And she said that you come from an interesting family. I’m sure we’ll discuss that as part of our discussion today.

DT: Yeah.

OF: But before we do that, the first thing I would ask anyone in that chair is, what object did you bring that in some way represents your life in China?

DT: I brought a very humble rock from 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island. This rock is something that we try to incorporate in our design for our shops on 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island. And we try to use as much local stuff as possible. And so local fishermen would use these rocks to weigh down the nets when they go fishing.

OF: Right.

DT: So it’s really cool. And it’s very durable. And I usually give this as a gift to all my friends who visit me on 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island.

OF: Oh, as a gift. So what do they use it for?

DT: Ideally, I tell them to use as a candle holder. So this rock is for you.

OF: Excellent. Oh, thank you so much. Wait, so this rock here has been at the bottom of the ocean, has it?

DT: Yes. What they do is they would go out to sea and, depending on the seasons, they would fish for different things, from fishes to crabs, to shrimps. The entire island, for the past couple of hundred years, is based off a fishing economy. Until recently, after they made transportation more convenient, tourism started to boom.

OF: OK. Well, first of all then, describe to me where is this island?

DT: 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island is around 60-70 kilometres south of Shanghai. And right now, it’s an hour and a half away, a ferry ride to the port and a 15 minute to an hour and a half boat ride, depending on the slow boat or fast boat. The boom in tourism really started around the 1990s after they built that bridge to that huge port called 洋山 [Yángshān].

OF: Right, that place which is still within Shanghai, but it is in the middle of the sea, right?

DT: Exactly.

OF: So this port, how far is it from the mainland of Shanghai?

DT: Something like 30 kilometres away. If you drive under the speed limit, it takes around 30 minutes to cross that bridge.

OF: That’s one big bridge.

DT: Yeah. The 东海 [Dōnghǎi] bridge. It’s not very famous. The one that goes across 杭州 [Hángzhōu] is more famous to most people.

OF: Yes

DT: People drive across that bridge all the time.

OF: Yes. Whereas this bridge, I guess, because it just gets to a port, it’s mainly for the port traffic.

DT: Yeah.

OF: Yeah. Here you are, you’ve got this American accent. I’m assuming that you’re American.

DT: Yeah, I’m from Boston. After going to college in Hong Kong University, I worked in Shanghai for 10 years, and was mostly in the restaurant business. I was trying to find a place to build my career, and trying to find a place in China that was slow enough, and not developing like crazy China speed, where I could compete. And so I did some exploration around Shanghai, basically drawing a three hour radius, and discovered 嵊泗 [Shèngsì].

OF: OK, so when you first went there, what year was that?

DT: 2011. Well, that was just out of tourism purposes, because I was really bored, and I didn’t have many friends.

OF: Right. And why did you choose 嵊泗 [Shèngsì], just randomly?

DT: It was a SmartShanghai article.

OF: Oh right.

DT: They did a piece about the graffiti walls in one of the villages. And I went there in the dead of winter; didn’t do much, because most of the things were closed; saw the graffiti walls; and went back to Shanghai the next day.

OF: Oh that was it.

DT: Yeah it was a very short trip.

OF: There probably wasn’t very much on the island anyway, at that point.

DT: No, there wasn’t. And it was really dirty at that time. Literally just people setting up shop on the street and selling things. Who knows if it was actually clean or safe.

OF: Interesting. And so it was this neglected piece of China, which wasn’t on the radar for anyone at that point.

DT: Yeah. And in many ways, it still isn’t on the radar for many people.

OF: Yeah.

DT: So when I think of 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island, I think I’ve found a place where nothing has been touched, which is really rare. Big companies have not touched it. I’m the only expat who lives there. So English teachers have not touched it yet.

OF: Oh wow wait a minute, you’re the only non-Chinese person?

DT: Yes.

OF: OK. And how many people live on the island altogether?

DT: 40,000 on the main island.

OF: OK.

DT: Yeah, so… I think altogether, there are five main islands, for the 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] archipelago, and there’s a whole bunch of smaller islands that I can’t even name. They’re not even liveable. They have docks on these small islands, and it’s great for nature photography, hiking, seeing the sunset, sunrise, that kind of thing. But no one lives there.

OF: Well, then talk me through what happened. So you went there to see the graffiti, and then now you live on the island. So what happened in the interim?

DT: So I thought I was going through my farewell party for Shanghai, do a whole China tour with my wife, and then to decide what would be the next phase of our work lives and also our lives together. So I proposed to her like “Oh, I know these really cool islands south of Shanghai, it’d be cool just to check it out and make it part of our road trip.” So 2017, we take the ferry there, everything almost looks like the same. And that was the problem. I was like “Hold on, everything has changed so much in China from 2011 to 2017. And how does this island, so close to Shanghai, stay almost the same?” And that was where I felt I could develop my career. So that was a short road trip.

OF: Oh, so you didn’t even carry on.

DT: It was just screaming opportunity. So we just seized it. We really wanted to do domestic tourism. What we were banking on was, domestic tourism will keep going up regardless of China’s economy. Because if it goes up, there’s around another 7-8 hundred million middle class people that will become realised, and they’re going to be travelling all around. And if it is a bad economy, then it’s just less international tourism. A lot more wealthier Chinese will have to find other options. And 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island being so close to Shanghai, we just felt that it will always do well.

OF: So could it have been any Island? Or was it something about this specific island?

DT: Well, we chose 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island versus other islands, because it wasn’t too influenced by tourism. So we knew that we needed to have the local patronage in order to survive the down season. It’s really hard to get quality staff that just leave after six months. And just the momentum of the business. Because we’re in the restaurant business, the constant 点评 [Diǎnpíng] reviews. If we don’t get constant 点评 [Diǎnpíng] reviews, then we just start heading down south.

OF: And just to explain, what is a 点评 [Diǎnpíng] review?

DT: On an international level, it’s kinda like TripAdvisor. So it’s very crucial to our business and they’ve basically taken over.

OF: It still matters on an island where you have much more of a smaller catchment?

DT: Oh it’s even more so. Yeah, because when you ask advice from locals on the island, I would say 100% – the taxi driver or the guesthouse owner – gets a kickback. Something like 20%.

OF: That’s a specific island kind of mentality. What other island-specific mentality do you bump into?

DT: Their low self-esteem.

OF: Oh right?

DT: Yeah, they don’t think that they can do things, because they’re from 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island. They always look up to big cities like 杭州 [Hángzhōu] and 宁波 [Níngbō] and Shanghai and Beijing. Everything that I’ve opened – from a dessert shop, to a Japanese restaurant, to a pizza shop – it’s always been received with negativity.

OF: Like a “It won’t work here”?

DT: Yeah, saying like “Oh, it’s too small. It’s only 40,000 people” or “The fishermen will never be able to welcome this into their lives”. But the population has never been a big issue for me, because I come from a small town.

OF: Oh, where do you come from?

DT: A small town called Milton, Massachusetts, and the population is like 30,000. So if I can see things that work in Milton, I’m pretty sure it will work on an island that has a stronger domestic tourism. Because no-one’s going to Milton for fun.

OF: Apologies to anyone who lives in Milton. How do you counter that?

DT: You just prove it. And once they see that they’re business, they basically just shut up.

OF: Well then what is the business? Explain how your business works.

DT: So when we came to 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island, we were targeting the locals, and we were targeting all the B&Bs that were open. So there’s around 987 B&Bs. And our job was to supply them more desserts, better alcohol, to serve their customers and improve the overall experience. So basically, our job was to help the B&Bs make more money.

OF: And ‘B&B’ of course is ‘Bed and Breakfast’.

DT: Yeah.

OF: So there aren’t any really big hotels? Or there are, but you don’t target them.

DT: They are. But they’re self-sustainable.

OF: Right. OK.

DT: And then we started opening more shops near the dessert shop. What my company’s called is The Microdistrict.

OF: Microdistrict.

DT: Yeah. My wife and I opened that company. And it’s the idea of having a condensed street of things to do.

OF: Oh, I see. So these things, they’re not just in the same company. They’re actually physically in the same geography. They’re in the same location.

DT: Yeah, yeah. So going to school in Hong Kong, I’ve always been fascinated by how much they could just fit things into small spaces.

OF: Right.

DT: And it’s always those kind of places where I want to be in. And I wanted to recreate that, that’s kind of my artistic expression.

OF: So whereabouts is this? In the main part of the town, or..?

DT: Yes, it’s downtown, right beneath a whole bunch of apartment complexes. Unfortunately, it’s not by the beach. In order to get more of the local customers, we had to be close to where they live. And eventually, maybe 2022, we’ll start having more shops by the beach.

OF: Right, got it. And the beach is the main draw for 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] in terms of the tourism, right?

DT: It is. There’s basically a few narratives of tourist. There are people who want to take photos; there are people who have never seen the ocean; and there’s people who really love seafood. So those are the three main groups of tourists on 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island.

OF: Interesting. So when you go there, it’s not just beach-goers, it’s people who are also crowding around the seafood restaurants.

DT: Yeah, exactly. So something that I always talk to people who live in Shanghai is, you sure don’t eat a lot of seafood. And your most famous seafood-ish dish is a crab that comes from a lake.

OF: Yeah. Why is that? We’re here on the coast after all.

DT: I think it’s because Shanghai developed rather late. And so they never had a chance to develop its fishing economy.

OF: OK.

DT: Yeah.

OF: And so you mentioned Shanghai, you lived here for, was it 10 years?

DT: Yeah, pretty much 10 years.

OF: Right. So here we are, we’re doing this recording on one of your trips to Shanghai. When you’re in town, do you realise what you miss? Or do you not miss it very much at all.

DT: I miss the idea of it. But once I’m in the thick of things, I don’t really miss it. First thing is pollution. And then there’s the traffic. Those two combined is already really bad. When I think of my peers, or when I think of big companies that invest in Shanghai, I think people who spend that amount of money isn’t really there to make money. Because Shanghai is more of a platform for marketing, and to meet people. But if you really want to be in China to make money. You’d probably be anywhere but Shanghai.

OF: That’s a good point, isn’t it? Because a lot of the things that you see in Shanghai, I do wonder “How does it make money?” It’s always expensive, glitzy, showy. And then you go to a mall next door, and it’s the same glitzy, expensive, showy. And you do wonder “Who is making money here?”

DT: Yeah, exactly.

OF: So did you have any experience of trying something in Shanghai first, or did you know from the start that it wasn’t for you?

DT: My passion is farming. So I was working on 崇明 [Chóngmíng] island for a while, volunteering. Then I was doing some vertical farm projects with 同济 [Tóngjì] University. Wherever I kept going, there’s always just some type of issues where Shanghai just doesn’t seem very possible, or it’s not very profitable. Long-term wise, if I had to start a project on 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island, I would really like to start a farm. I really believe in agrotourism. When I was 16 years old, I googled ‘jobs that will still exist in the future’.

OF: Right.

DT: Because I had no direction. And they said “Oh, agriculture will still be around, by like 2050”. So I was like, super invested, and I really like agriculture, so I was like “Yeah, I think I could do this for a living.”

OF: Yeah, yeah. And I can see how that thought would have also brought you to the island too, because like you said, you’re trying to go for domestic tourists. And if everything else closes down – which is like what happened with COVID – then there are still presumably domestic tourists who would still go to an island, right? That’s, kind of, future-proofing your business.

DT: Yeah. So COVID actually kind of proved my point. But the problem was, I wasn’t ready for COVID.

OF: Right.

DT: So it’s actually accelerated the speed of my business, faster than I wanted to. It’s done a lot of early marketing for 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island. And of a sudden, there are a lot more foreign tourists who have come to 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island. And a lot of people who have never heard of it are now starting to hear about it. So I think next year, there’ll be an even bigger boom. But the problem is, 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island needs to be able to manage expectations.

OF: Yes, because while you say that it has potential, I get the feeling that it’s not there yet, right?

DT: No. And to be fair, 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island has not marketed itself that much. So this is not some attention that they’ve brought upon themselves. It’s just the power of social media, and a bunch of bored tourists in Shanghai finding things to do for the weekends.

OF: Yeah, exactly. Interesting. So that actually could be a disadvantage, because they will come they will have high expectations, which will not be met.

DT: Yeah, and this is kind of like a rare opportunity. If you mess this up. You’re gonna have to wait another 100 years for another COVID.

OF: Right. Ouch. So what are you doing then? Are you trying to spread the opposite kind of marketing, saying “No, no, no, don’t come yet”.

DT: For my friends, yeah, that’s what I try to do. Not really recommending the most tourist spots on the island.

OF: Right. And I’m looking at these weights that you brought, these net weights. Does that mean that there are these picturesque little fishing villages still on the island? Or has that all been redeveloped?

DT: Yeah, they still exist. And that’s the most fascinating thing is that, if you look at the entirety of China, there’s not that many fishing villages compared to farms. And the culture of fishing is very strong. They’re very superstitious.

OF: Right.

DT: Every time when they are about to go out to sea, they will have to go to the temple first. So the whole fishing industry is very interesting. It’s like, it hasn’t really modernised. And the younger people don’t want to do this job. They want to live in the city. So now you get this weird mixture of people from 云南 [Yúnnán], 贵州 [Guìzhōu], 四川 [Sìchuān] doing fishing jobs. And all the local people who came here 150 years ago, are now in the big cities. And they’re living quite nice lives, because fishermen, they make quite a bit of money, especially if you compare them to farmers. That’s one of the reasons why the 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] economy is so strong.

OF: Right. And let’s go back then to your life on the island. So you can be a big fish in a small pond, right?

DT: Yeah. So the way we chose Microdistrict locations is very similar to how Mao would spread communism. Mao would spread communism through villages and towns around big cities. As opposed to going directly to the heart of Shanghai and opening shops, we’re targeting areas that have a relatively strong local population. And once that cashflow becomes more and more positive, then I’ll probably head into the big cities. Yeah.

OF: Nice. Well, I’m not sure many business books would make that leap from Maoism to how to expand your business in China. I think that’s the first time I’ve actually heard of that.

DT: Well a lot of Chinese grown officials have told me that.

OF: Interesting.

DT: Yeah. So maybe they should be more business oriented.

OF: Yeah.

DT: My dad used to say, many years ago, that if you think that there’s no opportunity in China, then you’re wrong. Every hour west that you go is five years back. You know, one hour west that’s five years, two hours west that’s 10 years. It’s a huge place, so when you see these Western commentaries about ‘no opportunities’, or ‘it’s peaked’, come on…

OF: And you mentioned your father, so what does your family think about what you’re doing?

DT: They don’t say too much.

OF: Do they think you’re crazy, or..?

DT: No. They thought farming was crazy. At least this is a little bit closer to home. But if you compare to what my father did, which is representing the Roosevelt family for 30 years…

OF: Oh right.

DT: …It’s big shoes to fill. And to put that comparison to what I’m doing, it’s maybe not super fair. Because I’m not going to be able to represent some presidential family in China.

OF: Oh right.

DT: Yeah.

OF: That’s interesting. And is that, do you think, why you have maybe gone a little bit more unconventional than other business people would have?

DT: Yeah. So the most unconventional thing that kicked off my life was choosing to go to Hong Kong University for college. People said, like “You’re from Boston. It’s Chinese people’s dreams to go to school in America”. And then my American friends would say “What? You’re going to Asia for school? There are plenty of good schools in the States”. How many ABCs do you know would choose to go that route? And most of my friends stayed at home, the furthest they would go is to the UK. Yeah.

OF: And then going back to, then, the question, which was about your family. So are they now fully supportive?

DT: No. But I’ll just prove it to them like the way I prove to 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] residents and the government officials.

OF: Yes. Nice. Thank you so much, Douglon.

DT: Thank you, Oscar.

OF: Now on to Part 2.

[Part 2]

OF: OK, are you ready?

DT: I’m ready.

OF: OK, Question 1. What is your favourite China-related fact right now?

DT: Coming from 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island, one of my favourite facts is that 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] used to be part of Shanghai, and it was after maybe the Cultural Revolution that it became part of 浙江 [Zhèjiāng]. So I think it’s been seven or eight times now that 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] has applied to be part of Shanghai again, to return to the fold.

OF: Oh wait, so they are being quite open about wanting to leave 浙江 [Zhèjiāng] province?

DT: They applied to Beijing. All the time.

OF: Oh. I’ve never heard of that. Is that… Can you think of any other examples of where a town has tried to change province?

DT: I would assume a town that wants to be part of a city state, like 重庆 [Chóngqìng] or 天津 [Tiānjīn]. They probably have more benefits than to be part of a huge province.

OF: Right.

OF: Yeah.

OF: This is the kind of cross-provincial competition that the everyday person wouldn’t really be aware of, right?

DT: Yeah.

OF: Do you have a favourite word or phrase in Chinese?

DT: Yeah, my favourite word is 应酬 [yìngchóu].

OF: OK, what’s that?

DT: 应酬 [Yìngchóu] is kind of a business engagement, that happens quite often. And I think understanding that culture really progressed my business.

OF: What actually is the 汉字 [Hànzì]? Oh, 应该的应 [yīnggāi de yīng], and then what’s that one?

DT: 酬 [Chóu], 应酬 [yìngchóu].

OF: Oh, it’s 酬 [Chóu], OK. OK, OK, OK.

DT: 应酬 [Yìngchóu] culture is changing a lot. So on 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island there’s no 白酒 [báijiǔ] culture, just no 黄酒 [huángjiǔ] culture. We’re mostly drinking tea. But the dining habits are the same. So I have to cheers everyone with tea, or hot water. Which is fine, much easier on the liver.

OF: Definitely. Thank you, next question, what is your favourite destination within China?

DT: So this is the tricky part. Because China keeps changing.

OF: Yeah.

DT: So right now, my favourite place in China is 滴水 [Dīshuǐ] lake.

OF: Oh, right. That’s somewhere in Shanghai, right?

DT: Yeah, right in between 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island and downtown Shanghai. And I rented an apartment there earlier this year, because I just, I really like 滴水 [Dīshuǐ] lake. It’s like a mini young version of 深圳 [Shēnzhèn].

OF: OK.

DT: Yeah.

OF: I haven’t been to 深圳 [Shēnzhèn]. So… Oh, I’ve been there once. But what is it?

DT: Just full of young people. In 滴水 [Dīshuǐ] lake, everyone’s full of energy and just full of growth potential. So it’s gonna be like a tech and tax benefit hub. Tesla is around there, their factory.

OF: Right. Never been there. So I’m looking forward to it.

DT: I’ll take you there.

OF: Yeah. If you left China, what would you miss the most, and what would you miss the least?

DT: I’d miss the energy. Because you can tell that people are still hopeful and optimistic, and not jealous and full of hatred.

OF: And what would you miss the least?

DT: I won’t miss the pollution.

OF: Is there anything that still surprises you about life in China? And how many years have you actually been now in China?

DT: I’ve been coming here on and off since ’93. Living full time from university in 2009. So 10+ years, I guess. And the thing that still surprises me is how Chinese people are able to copycat things, and make it into creative products. Companies that chose to be in Tier One cities have now outgrown the market. And people who decide to start their business in Tier Five cities have now outgrown their market. So now they’re fighting for the Tier 2,3,4 cities. And so the foreign companies have to make their products cheaper. Companies that started in Tier Five cities now have to improve their quality. So across the board, you’re gonna see a whole bunch of battles.

OF: Interesting, and which tier is 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island?

DT: Like, Tier Eight I guess, just by population size.

OF: Right, you’re not even on the radar.

DT: Yeah.

OF: How funny. Where is your favourite place to go out, to eat or drink or hang out?

DT: When I just want to relax and chill in Shanghai, I usually go to this corner of 仙霞 [Xiānxiá] Road and 安龙 [Ānlóng] Road. 2-3 blocks of just heavily populated – like a Microdistrict of – restaurants and bars. Mostly Japanese themed. But the whole vibe of that place is really cool.

OF: Nice.

DT: Yeah.

OF: That’s when you’re in Shanghai, but you’re here less and less, right?

DT: Yeah, maybe next time, my new favourite spot will be somewhere in 滴水 [Dīshuǐ] lake, to hang out.

OF: Ah yeah.

DT: They have a fake Nest. Oh, people from Nest, you should check it out.

OF: Right. It’s copying the bar and restaurant ‘Nest’ here in central Shanghai.

DT: Yeah.

OF: Well, you were just talking about copycats.

DT: Yeah well… Maybe Nest could have been there first.

OF: Yeah.

DT: At a much cheaper price.

OF: Right.

DT: Yeah. These copycatters are almost good market research. You don’t have to spend the time saying “Should we open a Nest there?” Someone’s already done it for you.

OF: What is the best or worst purchase you have made in China?

DT: My scooter. Yeah, I literally just go around on my scooter looking at sunsets.

OF: Nice.

DT: Yeah. After this island experience, if I ever choose to go to another place to expand, to do restaurants, first thing I’m going to do is buy a scooter and become an 饿了么 [Èleme] driver. Because right away I know who is ordering what…

OF: Yeah, that’s…

DT: …And what are the wealthiest neighbourhoods. It’s the best market research, by being a an 饿了么 [Èleme] driver.

OF: That’s amazing. What is your favourite WeChat sticker? OK, it’s coming through. Ah, yes.

DT: Yeah, it’s quite popular. It’s Elmo behind a flame wall. So it looks like Elmo from hell. Because sometimes people say things in group chats, and I have nothing to say. And this is the only sticker I found that’s applicable to anything, whether it’s good news or bad news. Because you can’t tell if he’s in torture, or he’s celebrating; if he’s excited, or if he’s upset. So the applicability is very high. Which means that I use it a lot.

OF: Well, I do have this, and I haven’t used it enough because of the ambiguity. I’m like “Oh, when do I actually use it?” But I should just push through that. Use it at all times. What is your go-to song to sing at KTV?

DT: I have a go-to song that people want me to sing a KTV.

OF: Oh-Oh.

DT: Yeah. It’s Louis Armstrong, What a Wonderful World.

OF: Oh, you have got quite a deep voice, is that why?

DT: Yeah. But it’s just because they want to hear me impersonate him.

OF: Oh, you can do an impersonation?

DT: Yeah. So once people get drunk enough, or if I get drunk enough, that song somehow always ends up… And it’s not… Because the thing is, the version on the KTV machines isn’t even very good.

OF: It’s a crowd-pleaser. If you had a choice, what would you like to sing?

DT: Probably any Beatles songs. Because that’s what I sing when I play guitar.

OF: There you go. And finally, what other China-related media or sources of information do you rely on?

DT: Shanghai Daily. Because there’s so many sources of media, different opinions. But at least with Shanghai Daily, I know what the government wants to happen. And with that, it’s easier for me to align my business decisions. Hence 滴水 [Dīshuǐ] lake.

OF: Ah yeah, course. Douglon, thank you, that was fascinating. I can’t wait to visit the island, and when I do, I will put a little update at the end of this podcast. And I will let people know what I thought of the island. So you and I will meet there.

DT: Yeah, looking forward to it Oscar.

OF: Thank you. And before you leave let me ask you, out of everyone you know in China, who would you recommend that I interview for the next season of Mosaic of China?

DT: I recommend someone I’ve known for many years. I went to high school with her. And she started her own company doing gems and diamonds.

OF: Nice. What’s her name?

DT: Her name is Christina Chao.

OF: Great. I do not know anything about gems. So I look forward to the education. Thank you Douglon.

DT: Thank you.

[Outro]

OF: Seeing as today’s episode is halfway through the season, let’s try to link Douglon with some of the other guests from the show. Firstly the term ‘ABC’, American Born Chinese. That was first explained way back in Season 01 Episode 02 with the comedian and gangster’s daughter Maple Zuo. So this is a good excuse to remind you of that one, if you haven’t listened to it already, it was a doozy. Douglon’s best purchase was his scooter, that’s only the second time that’s been mentioned in Season 02, the other time was by Sean Harmon from the specialty beer company Duvel Moortgat in Episode 09. And the other answer which connects Douglon to other episodes was his favourite news source, Shanghai Daily, which is now just known as ‘Shine’. The other people who’ve mentioned that were the solar power entrepreneur Alex Shoer from Season 02 Episode 11; and Sanford Browne, the Head of Research and Development at L’Oréal from Season 01 Episode 29.

As regular listeners will know by now, there is also a PREMIUM version of this, and every other episode from the season, on both Patreon internationally and 爱发电 [Àifādiàn] in China. If you want to hear Douglon’s big business idea that involves chickens, be sure to subscribe there. Here are some other clips from today’s show…

[Clip 1]

DT: I was stuck with 2-3 months of food. Well at least we won’t starve to death.

OF: Wow.

[Clip 2]

DT: The original port that went to these islands was from the Bund.

[Clip 3]

DT: Even when I wasn’t leaving the islands, they would want to know where I was going.

[Clip 4]

DT: Chickens can’t register spiciness.

OF: You’re kidding.

DT: Yeah.

[Clip 5]

DT: The miso soup that you drink in Japan, part of the product comes from 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] island.

[Clip 6]

DT: My title has changed. I’m no longer 小谢 [Xiǎo Xiè], I’m now 谢总 [Xiè Zǒng].

OF: Oh.

[Clip 7]

DT: They fill the red wine to the brim. And then you have to 干杯 [gānbēi] a whole full glass of red wine instead of 白酒 [báijiǔ].

OF: Oh man.

[End of Audio Clips]

There’s a catch-up right after this with Octo Cheung, the fashion designer from Season 01 Episode 30, whom you heard earlier referring Douglon to the podcast. And it was with Octo that I finally did visit Douglon and his wife Yiya on 嵊泗 [Shèngsì] Island a few months ago. To see photos from that trip – as well as to see Douglon’s object, the rocks that weigh down fishing nets; his favourite WeChat sticker of Elmo from hell; and plenty more besides – please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or https://mosaicofchina.com, or add the WeChat ID: mosaicofchina, and I’ll add you to the group there.

Mosaic of China is me, Oscar Fuchs, with artwork by Denny Newell. We’ll be taking a week off, but we’ll be back in a fortnight for a special edition of the show to mark the halfway point of Season 02. So I’ll see you then.

[Catch-Up Interview]

OF: It’s so nice to see you Octo, thank you for coming. I brought you here because I really wanted to have a catch up.

Octo CHEUNG: Yeah.

OF: You were the finale of Season 01, and I was so happy because your story was really great.

OC: Oh thank you so much. It has a lot of secret insight.

OF: It was. It was really insightful. And as you know from our conversation, I don’t know much about fashion. So for me, I had a huge learning curve during our chat.,

OC: So I can help you to dress next time.

OF: I might be a lost cause. I try to be fashionable, but you can see I’m failing. Well, I wanted to ask you, first of all, about your story during Coronavirus.

OC: Yes. All the shopping mall closed. So that means your shop is closed, you don’t have any revenue for a few months. And then in China, they recovered very fast. And then the factories started to open in the first week of April; and then they got into normal production; and now they’re even quicker than before.

OF: Right.

OC: Yes.

OF: And there are countries that are still in very harsh lockdowns. But things here have really rebounded, haven’t they?

OC: Yeah. And the sales they are having is double digit growth. So it’s quite amazing. Because for some fashion brands, the Coronavirus is still very serious overseas. So now they moved all their goods to sell in China.

OF: Right. They can pull products that otherwise would be sold outside, they can pull it back into China.

OC: Yes. So you can see some fashion brands like Chanel, like Hermès, the special editions of their products, normally they would sell them in their own country or in Europe. Now they switched to selling them in China.

OF: Wow.

OC: And they earned a lot.

OF: Gosh, I wonder if that’s going to be a trend? That they’re actually going to release in China before their home markets?

OC: Yes, yes. The world is changing. Really.

OF: Interesting. Was it also affecting your brand? Because that’s what we talked about in our episode, it was your innovative “pilloon” jacket.

OC: Yes. So actually, we are doing very great recently. So that’s why I’m very busy.

OF: Oh right.

OC: Yeah, so we had a new edition, it became ‘super ultra light’. So this jacket, we first released in Taiwan. And we were very surprised, because we are a kind of travel product. And now people cannot travel overseas.

OF: That’s what I was worried about.

OC: Yes.

OF: Who’s gonna buy a travel jacket, right? But go on.

OC: Yes. But because people love travel deeply in their blood, even though you cannot travel overseas, they would choose to travel all around their place, their own country.

OF: Even Taiwan, which is a small island.

OC: Yeah, yeah.

OF: How interesting. OK, and you’ve chosen Taiwan as the first place to launch. I’m guessing you have plans to launch it in mainland China next.

OC: The next one is Japan.

OF: Next is Japan.

OC: Next is Japan. Actually, for AirOgo we released almost all of our products in the surrounding countries, and then China is the next step. Because China is very competitive for an unknown brand they don’t know.

OF: Right, right.

OC: Yes.

OF: Whereas I guess a Taiwanese consumer, a Japanese consumer, they are maybe more looking out for a small boutique brand like yours.

OC: Yes, yes, you’re right.

OF: Interesting.

OC: You know it very well, Oscar.

OF: Oh, well, maybe I’m secretly a fashion guru after all. So I am going to be releasing this episode at the same time as Douglon, who was the person you referred for Season 02.

OC: Oh right, that’s very good.

OF: And, you and I went to his island, right?

OC: Yeah.

OF: Neither of us had been there. So after I did the recording, you and I went.

OC: Yeah.

OF: Talk to me about that weekend.

OC: Oh my god. So we had a very great time. We rented a motorbike. So we went around all the places on the island. And then we ate seafood. The only thing is, when you wanted to have a dinner at around 8pm, you couldn’t find any restaurants who could help you.

OF: Yes, it’s that kind of mentality, right?

OC: Yes.

OF: This is what Douglon is saying in his interview, like, it’s a work in progress.

OC: Yes

OF: You can see the fundamentals are there. And you can see that they’re making progress.

OC: Yeah.

OF: And I think it’s going to get better and better.

OC: But it’s a very good time to see a place in China like that. You can see a lot of commercial opportunity.

OF: Yes,

OC: Yeah. And it’s very good for the younger generation to have their first try there.

OF: Exactly. And then of course, I joined you. I didn’t stay at the same place, but then we had a couple of days together. And it was really nice to reconnect with you there.

OC: Yeah.

OF: And I should also say that you have reconnected with another of the guests from Season 01, I learnt that you and Astrid…

OC: Oh, yeah.

OF: …The violinist, have become friends.

OC: Yes, we are very good friends.

OF: You have the same birthday?

OC: Yes. Fourth of April.

OF: That’s lovely.

OC: Yes. So we have the same birthdays, we are both enthusiastic, we love to talk, we love art.

OF: Yeah. I mean, that to me is the real magic. Because this project is just basically me running around town, having little interviews in a box, and then staying at home and editing. It’s not that glamorous. But then when I see the connections that are made, just like you and Astrid, that’s magical for me. So I’m so happy to hear that you’re friends. I really appreciate that, Octo. And thank you so much for coming back today.

OC: Thank you Oscar.

Delaware State News

Delaware State News

PRIME HOOK — Steve Licata of Rehoboth Beach has been chosen as the People’s Choice winner in the annual Prime Hook U.S. Wildlife Refuge Nature Photography Contest.

The annual photography show sponsored by The Friends of Prime Hook opened on Oct. 16 with a reception and awards ceremony. Visitors to the show had the chance to pick their favorite photo and cast a ballot for the People’s Choice selection. Those 170 votes were counted after the show ended on December 11 and Mr. Licata’s portrait of two crows was chosen as the People’s Choice winner.

It is called “Corvid Conversation” and shows what appears to be an animated discussion between two crows. Corvid is a term referring to the crow family, which is why Mr. Licata chose that title.

Mr. Licata and his wife Clara both entered this year’s competition. He said he is drawn to pictures of birds interacting with each other, finding that a more interesting subject than a standard still life.

“I’m pleased and surprised because there were a lot of really great photos,” he said.

He said was intrigued by the image of the two fish crows. He and Ms. Licata moved to this area in 2020 and became much more involved in their photography when COVID shut down so many other activities. He credits much of their growth to the help and support of members of the Coastal Camera Club.

“That helped us really develop our skills. They are pretty inspirational./ It’s been a big learning curve for us,” he said. “You really start noticing more things.”

He is fond of a series of four photos he took of a pair of bald eagles squawking at each other before the female eagle finally turns and shows her tail to her noisy counterpart.

“That’s the stuff I like best. Seeing them engaged with each other and not just posing,” he said.

Jill Steiner of Milton was the second- and third-highest vote getter. Her ghost crab closeup was the second-highest vote getter while her snowy owl received the third most votes.

“The snowy owl was a lifer for me, and the ghost crab was successfully fighting off two large seagulls. I’m inspired by the abundance of wildlife we are fortunate to live amongst and I thoroughly enjoy “the hunt,” she said.

Mr. Licata said he enjoys being able to share photography with his wife, making it a shared passion for them both. Mr. Licata finds it fun and relaxing and advises anyone who likes photography to always carry their camera with them.

He still regrets not having his camera with him when a hawk landed five feet from him one morning. Having a camera also allows him to capture the occasional bit of whimsy like his recent photo when he went for his morning Starbucks’ fix in Rehoboth Beach. He turned away for a moment and a squirrel was at the cup and trying to take a sip.

The photo, which he shared with the coffee shop, even shows the writing on the cup touting “that first sip feeling.”

Mr. Licata feels that for such a small area, Delaware has an abundance of nature photography opportunities because of local migration routes and the large number of parks and refuges in the area.

He advises new photographers to just get out and start taking photographs. “It’s not going to happen overnight. Just get out and see things. See what you see,” he said. “Get whatever camera you have and start taking shots, even if it’s a cellphone.”

Edward Crawford of Lewes won Best in Show in the annual contest. Mr. Crawford’s photo of a kingfisher with a tiny fish was honored during October 16 opening reception for the contest. It was among 171 photos submitted by 36 photographers.

Here is a list of the other winners from this year’s contest:

Best in Show – Ed Crawford

Native Birds

1. Deb Felmey

2. Deb Felmey

3. Eric Klees

Honorable Mention – Deb Felmey

Beauty of Prime Hook

1. Carol Dandrade

2. Matthew Trucks

3. Debra Edwards

Honorable Mention – Steve Licata, Clara Licata

Native Plants and Flowers

1. Matthew Trucks

2. Sharon Denny

3. Matthew Trucks

Native Wildlife (non-birds)

1. Sharon Denny

2. Matthew Trucks

3. Marian Dowling

Honorable Mention – Matthew Trucks

Delmarva Scenery

1. Bea Hickey

2. Matthew Trucks

3. Bill Robinson

Honorable Mention – Matthew Trucks

Senior Student

1. Weston Williams

2. Weston Williams

3. Weston Williams

Honorable Mention – Weston Williams, Weston Williams

Junior Student

1. Wyatt Humphreys

2. Wyatt Humphreys

3. Wyatt Humphreys

Honorable Mention – Wyatt Humphreys, Wyatt Humphreys

For more information on the contest or The Friends of Prime Hook, visit friendsofprimehook.com.

© Steve Granitz – Getty Images
Alexandra Daddario showed off her sculpted arms and legs in a new nude photo on Instagram. To stay fit, the actress, 36, does yoga and strength training.

• Alexandra Daddario just bared it all while showing off her super strong arms and legs in a new post on Instagram.
• The Baywatchactress, 36, posed totally nude while swimming in a pool in Costa Rica.
• When she’s not in vacation mode, Alexandra does a mix of yoga, strength training, swimming, and hiking to stay fit.

Alexandra Daddario proved that it’s never too late for a last-minute vacation. The 36-year-old The White Lotus alum recently took to Instagram to share photos of herself basking in the sun while skinny-dipping in a pool surrounded by the hilltops of Costa Rica.

“Take a vacation from your problems, Bob,” she captioned the post.

Naturally, Alexandra’s fans were quick to show their love and support in the comment section.

“Baby steps around the office!” one user wrote. “Brilliant (and beautiful) photo in every way! ,” another added. “Hahahah yassssss,” a third chimed.

If you’re curious to know what Alexandra does to stay so fit, you’re not alone. Turns out, she’s a huge fan of yoga and even shared some of her favorite moves like child’s pose and downward dog in an Instagram video last March.

Still, Alexandra doesn’t shy away from strength training sessions at the gym. In 2018, her trainer Patrick Murphy posted a video of her knocking out a single-leg deadlift cable row, and noted that compound exercises are essential to full-body workouts.

“She puts in the work and never looks for shortcuts,” Murphy told Women’s Health for Alexandra’s October 2022 cover story.

And to recover, she likes to go for the occasional hike or swim.

“I’ve found that my body heals faster and responds better if I’m in tune with myself and can be in nature,” she told WH. But when a workout isn’t in the cards, she does acupuncture, which is known to help with joint pain, stiffness, sleep, and stress.

As for her diet, Alexandra starts her day off with a cup of coffee followed by yogurt and fruit or egg whites with spinach and toast. For lunch, she’ll grab a turkey sandwich with cheese, mustard, and mayo. In the evening, she opts for steak with veggies or soup.

BRB, scheduling my next hike ASAP!

Try 200+ at home workout videos from Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Prevention, and more on All Out Studio free for 14 days!

Wilkesboro is a town and the county seat of Wilkes County in North Carolina.

It is situated on the south bank of the Yadkin River opposite North Wilkesboro town.

The town was founded in 1800 and was established on top of a broad ridge that runs along the south bank of the Yadkin River.

Wilkesboro is also known for the infamous “Tory Oak,” a large oak tree where Colonel Benjamin Cleveland hanged Loyalist militia leaders who opposed American independence from Britain.

As of the 2020 census, the population in this town reached 3,687.

Its total land area is composed of 6.43 square miles of pure land.

Wilkesboro was also once tagged as the “Moonshine Capital of the World.”

This area is highly popular for young professionals and retirees looking for a place to settle down.

With its parks, museums, and other interesting attractions, Wilkesboro is a place you should visit at least once in your life.

Are you curious about what this town has in store for you?

Here are the best things to do in Wilkesboro, North Carolina:

Visit The Wilkes Heritage Museum

The Wilkes Heritage Museum is s a private and non-profit organization established in 1968, located on East Main Street.

This two-story museum includes a tour of the Old Jail and the Robert Cleveland Log House.

The Wilkes Heritage Museum also features the McNeil Genealogy Collection, which is a computerized database of genealogy information that pertains to gravesite locations of people from the area.

Among the things you can see inside are artifacts, images, and documents that tell stories about the rich military, agriculture, medical, and educational history of Wilkesboro.

Savor Delicious Food at Dooley’s Grill & Tavern

Dooley’s Grill & Tavern serves huge portions of your favorite food.

From burgers, pizzas, and salads, Dooley’s Grill & Tavern doesn’t disappoint!

Dooley’s Grill & Tavern also ensures that each menu item is cooked with the freshest ingredients that bring savory and mouth-watering flavor to every bite.

On your visit, try out the five-pound homemade New York-style cheesecake.

Aside from delicious food, Dooley’s Grill & Tavern is also popular for hosting live entertainment such as music performances, music trivia nights, DJ performances, and more.

You can find the restaurant on East Main Street.

Unwind with a Drink at Call Family Distillers

Call Family Distillers is a craft distillery on Industrial Drive.

This is where you can taste flavorful and smooth spirits made from a one-of-a-kind distillation technique.

Call Family Distillers is a perfect afternoon or evening destination with friends and family.

You’ll be amazed by its wide selection of alcoholic drinks.

You can try the Ocean Water, made from vodka, peach schnapps, hypnotic, and coconut Red Bull, or the Spiced Pie, made from an apple pie, moonshine, and spiced rum.

What makes Call Family Distillers stand out is its Mash House Entertainment, where you can watch concerts and other music events after or while enjoying your drinks.

Foothills Outdoor Adventures is a water adventure rental shop on West NC Hwy.

It provides river tubs. kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, fishing boats, tubes, pontoon boats, camping equipment, and shuttle services for your next weekend’s adventure.

Foothills Outdoor Adventures has rentals available on both Yadkin River and W. Kerr Scott Lake.

Your whole family will have a great time here, and you can even bring your furry friends.

No need to worry if you don’t know how to swim, as Foothills Outdoor Adventures also provides life jackets for non-swimmers.

Remember that there are no guides on river adventures, but the overall surroundings are guaranteed to be safe and calm.

Admire the Beauty of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is a historic landmark on West Cowles Street.

This church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 as one of the historic places in the county.

The grounds of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church also serve as a cemetery.

It was designed by Bertram Goodhue under the Gothic Revival style, but the materials used for its construction reflect an English Perpendicular style.

You’ll easily recognize St. Paul’s Episcopal Church through its blue-gray slate roof, square tower, and limestone ornaments.

It also boasts a huge Gothic stained glass window.

Choose Your Favorite Drink at Copper Barrel Distillery

Copper Barrel Distillery was founded in 2013 by President and CEO George Smith and Master Distiller Buck Nance.

This is where you can taste top-notch handcrafted spirits made of rye, cane sugar, and corn.

Copper Barrel Distillery is the first in the world to produce legal beverage alcohol via a direct steam-injection distillation process.

While here, try their signature White Lighting, famous for its smooth spirit that warms the palate and has a clean finish.

Its aroma exudes flavors of ripe green apples with a hint of sweetness.

Copper Barrel Distillery also hosts the Moonshine Heritage Day and Shinetopia Festival.

You can find the distillery on Main Street.

Watch a Drag Race at Wilkesboro Dragway

Wilkesboro Dragway is the oldest dragway in North Carolina, located on Dragway Road.

The Olish and Salvatore family own it and also operate several businesses like farms, shops, and markets.

Wilkesboro Dragway maintains a solid and exciting lineup of activities for the whole year.

Overnight camping is allowed here, but they don’t have RV hookups available.

Go Biking at Cub Creek Park

Cub Creek Park is a 203-acre natural oasis on South Bridge Street.

This park features four mountain bike trails, making it the town’s primary park.

Cub Creek Stream is also located within the park.

Cub Creek Park is perfect for a chill and relaxed stroll amid nature.

Picnicking, fishing, and outdoor exercises are also allowed.

Aside from that, Cub Creek Park also has six baseball fields, two batting cages, three basketball courts, two tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, and children’s playgrounds.

You might also want to explore its butterfly garden, community garden, and birdhouses.

Your furry friends will also have a lovely time at Cub Creek Park’s dog park.

Play Golf at Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course

Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course is a town-owned park on Old US 421 Road.

It was established in 2015.

This dog-friendly golf course measures 70 acres with three tees on each hole.

Players of any skill level will enjoy this golf course.

Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course is a Par 56 course with 18 baskets.

It is open to the public, and well-maintained restrooms are available.

Spend the Afternoon at Berry Mountain Park Shelter

Berry Mountain Park Shelter is situated in Berry Mountain Park just within the West Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir.

It measures 1,475 acres and is ideal for swimming, boating, kayaking, and canoeing.

Some of the fish you can catch here are channel catfish. bluegill, large and smallmouth bass, striped bass, and threadfin shad.

Berry Mountain Park Shelter is ADA accessible, so everyone in the family can enjoy this place.

It also has six eight-foot picnic tables, perfect if you want to rest while having a snack.

There is no electricity at Berry Mountain Park Shelter, which will force you, in a good way, to appreciate and explore your surroundings.

You can also bring your camera and practice your nature photography skills while walking on its trails.

This park has a playground, grill, basketball court, and shower.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Go Birdwatching at Rendezvous Mountain

Rendezvous Mountain is nestled on Blue Ridge Mountain in Purlear, just 22 minutes from Wilkesboro.

This park offers a 5.5-mile hiking trail that will lead you to the most scenic spots in the area.

Rendezvous Mountain State Park is also one of the best places for birdwatching, so make sure to bring your binoculars.

It is home to 11 species of warblers, woodpeckers, northern cardinals, vireos, and scarlet tanager.

Rendezvous Mountain State Park also has relaxing picnic shelters with grills and a large stone fireplace.

Hunting, shooting, and injuring any kind of animal are not allowed.

It is also highly encouraged to keep the cleanliness and serenity of the area.

Let Your Kids Enjoy Smoot Park

Smoot Park is located on Chestnut Street in North Wilkesboro.

You can reach this place within a six-minute drive from Wilkesboro.

This park is connected to the Yadkin River Greenway Trailhead, which will take you to Memorial Park.

Smoot Park is a popular destination for kids and for the entire family.

It has playground equipment like slides, swings, and monkey bars.

You can also use Smoot Park’s swimming pool, basketball courts, and sand volleyball courts.

After tying out all outdoor activities in this park, you can grab a bite and relax in one of its picnic shelters.

Pick Juicy Apples at Perry Lowe Orchards

Perry Lowe Orchards is a sixth-generation apple orchard on NC-16, Moravian Falls, a quick 10-minute drive from Wilkesboro.

Perry Lowe Orchards boasts more than 100 acres of land perfectly nestled in the picture-perfect foothills of North Carolina.

This orchard grows over 30 varieties of apples.

You’ll have fun picking apples while surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Perry Lowe Orchards also produces fresh cider, glass cider, dried apples, and even vegetables like corn, squash, green beans, zucchini, and scuppernongs.

Try Glamping at Growing Faith Farms

Growing Faith Farms is a 125-acre farm on Russell Gap Road, Moravian Falls.

It is only 14 minutes away from Wilkesboro.

Growing Faith Farms started as a 15-acre farm but has grown into a large and highly visited destination where you can feel closer to nature and cute farm animals.

Growing Faith Farms also offers glamping tents where you can have a luxurious and unique camping experience.

You can also pick your own bouquets here at Growing Faith Farms.

Boating and hiking are also highly recommended.

Just like any other natural and man-made attraction, keep the cleanliness and tranquillity of Growing Faith Farms so that others can enjoy its astonishing beauty too.

Admire Artworks at Wilkes Art Gallery

Wilkes Art Gallery is located on C St. North Wilkesboro, only six minutes away from Wilkesboro.

This gallery was founded in 1962 within the parlor of Annie Winkeler’s home.

Its location was transferred in 2004 to the renovated North Wilkesboro Post Office building.

Wilkes Art Gallery features paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other art exhibitions of local artists.

You can enroll in art classes here, such as basket weaving, pottery, painting, and clay art making.

Aside from these, Wilkes Art Gallery also offers an Artist Support Grant funded by N.C. Arts Council and the Grassroots Arts Program Grant for non-profit organizations that promote diverse cultural arts in the county.

Final Thoughts

The breathtaking views of mountains and rolling hills that surround the town of Wilkesboro are truly exceptional.

It invites and warmly welcomes visitors with a promise of unforgettable adventures and experiences.

It has museums, shops, farms, mountain trails, and zoos which will make your visit worthwhile.

If you’re looking for a place to de-stress and create new memories, consider visiting Wilkesboro.

Once you’re here, use this guide and try all the best things to do in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Art inspired by the beauty of trees are one of the most common natural elements that art lovers collect. Whether paintings, photographs of trees, sculptures or other various types of media, there is no denying the wonder, power and inspiration of trees. People enjoy tree images because they’re often easy to incorporate into an existing gallery, due to how natural elements tend to flow well with both organic and inorganic subjects.

As a photographer, and lover of trees myself, I am inspired by the great painters who themselves turned to nature for inspiration, creating some of the masterpieces of our time that showcase the art of trees. I have had the honor of producing high quality wall art for thousands of clients over the past decade to be used as primary focal points in their homes and when it comes to popularity, without question, my tree photography art towers above all.

Telling Stories With Art

Both paintings and photographs can tell a story, though most of the time, paintings are more open ended along with the artist’s style and intent. Both art forms are connected, as photography aims to preserve a moment in time and an element of nature, like trees, exactly as they are at that time. Paintings take the sources of those same images and change them into a work of art that’s influenced by societal elements of the time, the artist’s mindset, and other factors that make the work unique.

When we think of history’s most famous paintings, masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper often come to mind. Taking a dive into the most famous tree paintings of all time provides us with a wealth of beautiful artwork, inspired by nature.

Seven Famous Tree Paintings

Trees are often used in art to symbolize new life, though the nature of the painting can place both positive and negative connotations on the points made. For example, a bright, blooming tree might be painted to celebrate the birth of a child or recovery from a long illness. On the other hand, dark, gnarled trees might display sorrow and melancholy surrounding the death of a loved one and the life that continues from that point on.

Let’s explore seven of the most famous tree paintings in existence to gain perspective on this type of symbolism.

Olive Trees with Yellow Sky & Sun by Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh barely needs introduction for even entry-level art enthusiasts, as he is well known for both the mental health struggles he suffered from during his lifetime, and the body of beautiful paintings he created. Van Gogh was born in the Netherlands but spent much of the latter part of his life in France.

Van Gogh created this painting during the time he spent in Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum, which is located in Saint Remy de Provence, France. The artist had just recovered from a recent illness and decided to go outside to take in the natural views, which included the olive trees included in his famous painting.

Cairn in Snow by Caspar David Friedrich

Caspar David Friedrich was a 19th-century German artist who became famous for his symbolic landscape paintings. Often dark in tone, Friedrich’s paintings provoked thoughts and a search for deeper meaning due to the stirring imagery he used to make a statement.

Friedrich painted Cairn in Snow, an image capturing a pagan burial site among barren oak trees, in 1807. It’s a winter image, and as such, the trees are without leaves. The setting is quite somber and meaningful, illustrating a lonely area near a German town. Notice the stacked stones amongst the trees, which signify a secret burial area.

Avond (Evening) the Red Tree by Piet Mondrian

Piet Mondrian is a well-known Dutch painter who was one of the creators of De Stijl (“The Style”), a concept that placed emphasis on the power of abstract art. In the early 1900s, Mondrian expanded upon his current art style in ways that allowed him to express his unique talents through the use of colors and abstract shapes.

Possibly influenced by Van Gogh’s work, Mondrian completed Avond (Evening) the Red Tree in 1908. The image depicts a bright red tree against a deep blue background, which was part of what set him apart from other artists of his time. He embraced non-traditional painting and used colors that defied nature’s depictions of his subjects.

Almond Blossoms by Vincent Van Gogh

Appearing again in this list is Vincent Van Gogh, who painted another one of the world’s most famous tree paintings called Almond Blossoms. The image displays branches and blossoms of an almond tree set against a beautiful blue sky. He was influenced by Japanese printmaking during the creation of this piece, which was made as a gift for his brother and sister-in-law, who’d just had a baby. Van Gogh’s nephew, Vincent Willem (named after Van Gogh) later founded the Van Gogh Museum.

Forest in Autumn by Gustave Courbet

Gustave Courbet was a well-rounded French painter who captured his subjects using a Realist art style that defied traditional methods of the time. Many of his paintings in the 1840s gained him considerable success in the art world, and in addition to the beauty his work displayed, it often made social commentary as well. Courbet created portraits, still lifes, landscapes, nudes, and political subjects.

Forest in Autumn displays, as the title states, a forested area during the Fall season. As such, the painting contains rich orange, red, and yellow color elements. While it embraces Realism as a style, Courbet’s individual techniques shine through to enhance the whimsical tone of his landscapes.

Giant Redwood Trees of California by Albert Bierstadt

Albert Bierstadt, a 19th-century German-American artist, painted this famous image around 1874 when he was in his 40s. Part of what sets this painting apart from other landscape images of the time is Bierstadt’s perspective. Rather than using horizontal canvases to exhibit wide scenes, he used a vertical canvas to showcase the sheer height of the American redwood trees that inspired the creation of this painting.

La Grenouillere by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Renoir created this Impressionist painting alongside his friend and fellow artist Claude Monet, a session that allowed each artist to create their own version of the same image. The painting depicts people on a floating dock in La Grenouillere, and the trees in the image serve as both a contrast to the water and a focal point for the image. It’s a classic painting that captures the depth of Renoir’s work.

Working with natural sources like trees gives those who appreciate art the ability to take a close look at the individualized elements that make one artist’s painting stand out from others. Despite having similar styles or being painted around similar times, trees are such a versatile subject that they enable the spirit and intent of the artist to shine.

Inspired By Nature | Tree Photography

I think it is safe to say that all humans, whether artists or not, are inspired by nature in one way or another. All of us stare up in wonder at the towering giants that offer beauty and the oxygen that fills our lungs. Since my very first days as a photographer I have explored the wonder of trees through the lens of my camera and don’t plan to stop anytime soon.

More people went to the Khao Yai National Park than any other during the New Year’s holidays, according to the parks officials.

More than 18,000 visitors were recorded at the kingdom’s sprawling first national park of the 555,000+ visitors in total to visit such parks during the holidays, the national parks department said today.

From Dec. 30 to Jan. 2, officials estimate that (the park system/Khao Yai) benefited by THB17 million (US$500,000).

The other most popular national parks were Khlong Lan in Kamphaeng Phet province (8,621 visitors), Phu Chi Fah in Chiang Rai province (7,751 visitors), Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai province (6,404 visitors), and Chae Son in Lampang province (5,802 visitors).

Free, Educational Event Offers Glimpse of Bald Eagles in Their Natural Habitat

LECLAIRE, Iowa, Jan. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The City of LeClaire, Iowa, is thrilled to announce its inaugural Eagle Festival sponsored by the Riverboat Twilight on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21-22, 2023. This free, educational event invites guests to witness majestic bald eagles in their natural habitat as they soar high above the Mississippi River.

“The LeClaire Eagle Festival is a celebration of the incredible, natural beauty of our river town as well as the opportunity to learn about these amazing birds,” said LeClaire Tourism Manager Cindy Bruhn. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for both nature enthusiasts and those who have never seen these incredible animals in the wild, as well as the scenic vistas they call home.”

Bald eagles are typically found in LeClaire from December to March. The Eagle Festival will provide visitors with an unparalleled glimpse of how these birds of prey live in the wild while providing an up-close view of the mighty Mississippi River. The two-day eagle extravaganza begins Saturday, Jan. 21, as Historic Cody Road hosts ice sculptor Rob Storm, who will create breathtaking works of art from 1-4 p.m. for display at local businesses. On Sunday, Jan. 22, the Celebration Center located at 229 N. Cody Road in LeClaire will host multiple eagle presentations from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m along with a hot cocoa bar sponsored by Blackhawk Bank & Trust, and there will be more ice sculpting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other events on Sunday include:

• 11 a.m. — Internationally acclaimed author and storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis will present a story about bald eagles, bringing along a spotting scope and books for sale.
• Noon and 2 p.m. — St. Louis-based World Bird Sanctuary will host two presentations with live eagles. The World Bird Sanctuary has treated more than 21,000 injured birds and has helped organize conservation efforts on four continents.
• 1 p.m. — Photographer Ty Smedes will give a lecture that offers an often-unseen look at the lives of Iowa’s bald eagle population, from fishing to building nests and much more. Find out how researchers track eagles’ movements and where the eagles come from. Second editions of Smedes’ book, “The Return of Iowa’s Bald Eagles,” will be available for sale and can be signed by the author.
• 3 p.m. — Representatives from Living Lands & Waters will talk about the importance of the protection and preservation of the environment along the Mississippi River and how humans can help create a more hospitable habitat for bald eagles and other migratory birds.
• The LeClaire Community Library and LeClaire Parks & Recreation also will be on hand with organized activities for children.

Finally, a spotting scope will be available at the Celebration Center rooftop patio, allowing an up-close look at soaring eagles without disturbing them. Local businesses along Historic Cody Road will also host related events, activities, and displays.

“The thriving bald eagle population in LeClaire is a miracle considering these animals were once on the brink of extinction. To see the number of eagles in the lower 48 explode over the last couple of decades speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication of conservation groups across the nation,” Ty Smedes explained. “I’m honored to be involved in this program and further educate the public about bald eagles, how we can take care of their habitat, and how conservation impacts the natural world.”

The Eagle Festival is supported by a grant from Travel Iowa and the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The city is also collaborating with groups and topical experts such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chad Pregracke of Living Lands and Waters, and Celebration Center owners Ryan and Garrett Burchett. The Eagle Festival is sponsored by the Riverboat Twilight along with the Holiday Inn Express, Bobby Ray Bunch – Ruhl & Ruhl, Mississippi River Distilling Co. Celebration Center, Ty Smedes Nature Photography, Fox Tales International, Bela, Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream, the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, First Central State Bank, Antique Archaeology, Living Lands & Waters, Wide River Winery, and Blackhawk Bank & Trust.

For more information, go to www.visitleclaire.com/events/leclaire-eagle-festival/ or contact:

CINDY BRUHN LeClaire Tourism Manager [email protected] or call 563-650-7963

BRIDGET NORMANMedia & Public Relations Director — McDaniels Marketing 11 Olt Ave., Pekin, IL 61554 309-346-4230 • mcdanielsmarketing.com[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eagles-soar-in-leclaire-ia-during-citys-inaugural-eagle-festival-301714752.html

SOURCE Visit LeClaire, Iowa

Liam Neeson and his late wife Natasha Richardson have been seen together in a bittersweet throwback photo shared by her sister Joely Richardson.

Natasha was married to Liam for 15 years before she died in 2009 from an epidural hematoma (brain bleed) following a skiing accident in Quebec, Canada.

Joely said the black-and-white photo had flashed up on her phone as she fondly remembered her sibling, who was just 45 when she died.

Alongside the photo, posted in the run-up to Christmas, actor Joely wrote on Instagram: ‘A few years ago I was in a hotel in Dublin and really missing my sister Natasha.

‘Passing through the lobby on a screen this picture came up as “previous guests” – I smiled broadly. My phone just sent it to me as a memory. Tash in all her glory.’ 

Many of her famous friends were quick to share kind messages, with Zoe Ball, Richard E Grant and Julianne Moore all leaving heart emoji beneath the snap.

Others commented on the poignant nature of the picture, with one Instagrammer noting: ‘That was her letting you know she is with you’ and another adding: ‘It was her little “hello”.’

On the 10th anniversary of her sister’s death, Joely spoke to MailOnline about dealing with grief and finding perspective after such a devastating loss.

She shared: ‘In terms of that horrific pain and inability to see that life will ever be the same again – yes, that does end. Do you get over grief? Absolutely you do – with love. Is there joy? Absolutely.

‘But in those early days I never thought grief would end. In my case, it took quite a period of time. Those first five years… grief is just very shocking. I still miss her every single day.’

The screen star went on: ‘I feel funny talking about it because I’m aware just how many people in the world have lost loved ones, lost family.

‘Everyone goes through it, just at different times of our lives. And it even seems strange calling this “my loss” because it was my whole family’s loss – my sister’s boys’ loss… it was like a big explosion.’

Joely was of course referring to the two sons Natasha shared with Liam – actor Micheál, 27, and fashion designer Daniel, 26.

Although the Taken actor mostly dealt with the loss of his wife privately, he did open up about Natasha’s death in 2014 when speaking to Anderson Cooper for a CBS special.

‘She was on life support… I went in to her and I told her I loved her. I said, “Sweetie, you’re not coming back from this, you’ve banged your head”,’ shared Liam.

‘She and I had made a pact, if any of us got into a vegetative state that we’d pull the plug. That was my immediate thought, “Okay, these tubes have to go. She’s gone”.’

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