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Reader in Ecology, University of Central Lancashire

Kevin Richard Butt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Central Lancashire provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

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Renowned for a thriving and intricately studied population of around 900 red deer, the Isle of Rum, part of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, is often considered an outdoor laboratory for scientific research. The earthworms on Rum, however, are equally remarkable. These creatures act as “ecosystem engineers,” actively molding the landscape, often in areas previously impacted by human activity on this secluded island.

Over the past 30 years, my research has revealed the impact of human activities on the current fragmented and uneven distribution, diversity, and abundance of earthworms at this national nature reserve.

During geography field trips with my students to Rum in the mid-1990s, the opportunity for research on earthworm ecology became apparent. A PhD student of mine, studying soil development on the island, was quick to notice variations in the number of earthworms beneath different tree species planted back in the late 1950s. Significantly more worms were found under birch and oak trees compared to pine trees or the unplanted moorland, prompting further investigation.

The history of human presence on Rum spans 9,000 years. Early inhabitants mined the island for bloodstone, a flint-like mineral used in fabricating arrowheads and other tools. Early deforestation and the island’s wet climate, with over 2 meters of rain annually, caused nutrient leaching from the soil. The resultant nutrient-poor acidic soil fostered moorland plants and supported only a few species of earthworms.

If nothing else had occurred, Rum would have been a dull site for researching earthworms.

However, past human interventions have significantly improved the soil, allowing for agricultural subsistence by tenant farmers in coastal areas. These farmers utilized kelp seaweeds to enhance the soil. Approximately 200 years ago, these settlers were expelled during the “Highland clearances”.

In places like Harris, Dibidil, and Kilmory on Rum, remnants of “lazybeds” can still be seen. These are distinctive ridges and furrows formed by manual labor for potato and crop cultivation, with furrows providing necessary drainage. Even two centuries after their last use, these soils are richer and support a larger population of earthworms compared to adjacent areas.

In the isolated former settlement of Papadil, under a canopy of century-old trees, a brown forest soil has emerged. Within these forests, my colleagues and I discovered substantial earthworm burrows approximately 1cm in diameter. Despite the absence of badgers and moles on the island, the abundant leaf litter and minimal human disruption have allowed the discovery of the UK’s largest Lumbricus terrestris ever reported in the wild.

At over 13g, some three times the normal weight for this species, these earthworms may have been up to ten years old. This was truly an intriguing discovery. After studying them, we returned the worms to the soil – hoping they continue to thrive.

The affluent owners of Rum regarded the island as a hunting and fishing retreat for over a century, effectively keeping visitors off what was dubbed the “Forbidden Isle” from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.

Constructed by George Bullough, a magnate in the textile industry, in 1897, Kinloch Castle was a testament to wealth. His wife, Lady Monica, wished to cultivate roses in the gardens. To support this endeavor and enhance the scenery overall, Bullough had 250,000 tonnes of high-grade Ayrshire soil transported to their estate. They resided in their castle for only six weeks per year, yet this act of human luxury markedly altered the subterranean life forms.

The introduced soil brought along earthworms, which prospered in the landscaped areas around the castle at Kinloch. Currently, there are 12 species of earthworms demonstrating a high population density (200 worms per square metre), which prefer soils with a neutral pH. Together with colleagues, I sampled at 50m intervals in elevation from the seashore up to the summit of the rugged peak known as Hallival. Our studies indicated that the rich diversity and numbers of earthworms sharply decline at the boundary of the area where the soil was imported, marked by the wall surrounding the estate.

As well as human influences, natural processes can affect soil properties. On the slopes of Rum’s peaks, many patches of bright s green vegetation can be found among the rocks at elevations from 500-800m. These so-called “shearwater greens” are the result of nesting Manx shearwaters.

Pairs of these black and white seabirds burrow into the hillside to raise one chick each year, before beginning their long-distance migration towards South America. The verdant shearwater greens are fertilised from above by the faeces of the adult birds before they fly off to forage for small fish such as herring and sprat to feed their chicks.

More nutrient-rich faeces from the digested fish are also produced by the chicks in the burrow below ground, so soil enrichment is from a marine source. This supports grass growth and more earthworms – the same three species found on the moorland, but in much greater numbers.

On low-lying moorland, fenced plots keep deer away from trees that were planted in the 1950s and 1960s, just after Rum became a national nature reserve. Now, these protected trees provide roosts for songbirds, and the soil beneath them is rich with earthworms as the tree leaf litter adds nutrients to the soil. These plots have triggered a small-scale reafforestation project which could change this island landscape, its soils and its many earthworms.

Rum has been the site of significant earthworm discoveries, frequently associated with human interventions or active natural events. These earthworms, as ecosystem architects, contribute to soil transformations as they incorporate organic materials. Continuous observation in Rum may provide deeper insights into the evolution of landscapes and the condition of soils both locally and beyond.

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Shannon Beador’s drinking has garnered attention after her September 2023 arrest for driving under the influence and hit-and-run.

In a recent trailer released by Bravo for “The Real Housewives of Orange County” Season 18, set to premiere in July, Beador is seen in a restaurant requesting a vodka-based drink.

“Belvedere and soda with a lemon,” she requests from a server during a dinner with friends, causing Tamra Judge to react visibly.

The two engage in a heated exchange that prompts Beador, 60, to rise from her seat and exclaim, “You need to stop!”

Judge, 56, retorts, “I need to stop what? Exposing your lies?”

After the meal, it appears the women convene to discuss their issues privately.

“You chose to drive your car into a house while intoxicated,” Judge reprimands Beador, who remains quiet.

Judge then tells someone off camera that her former friend is “not taking accountability for what she did.”

In another scene, the tearful Real for Real founder is seen telling two of her three daughters, “I’m so sorry that I disappointed you.”

The trailer also shows Beador blowing into a breathalyzer while sitting in the driver’s seat of her car. “Go, go, go!” Gina Kirschenheiter encourages from the passenger’s seat.

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Beador’s co-stars have expressed concern with her drinking habits in the past, but their worry grew exponentially amid her on-again, off-again relationship with John Janssen, who is now dating returning orange-holder Alexis Bellino.

While navigating their breakup after nearly four years together, Beador was arrested for drunkenly crashing her vehicle at a high rate of speed into a house in Newport Beach before fleeing the scene.

The Bravolebrity then parked her car in the middle of the street and pretended to walk her Golden Retriever, Archie, who was in the vehicle.

Beador — whose blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit — was “injured” in the accident, as she was seen with an apparent bruise on her face and a sling on her left arm days later.

Archie, however, was OK.

Beador was later charged with DUI and hit-and-run, for which she was sentenced to three years of probation, 40 hours of community service, and a nine-month alcohol program.

She appeared to maintain sobriety while attending BravoCon 2023 in November, during which she mentioned that she had spent time at “a behavioral wellness place with an alcohol component in it.”

Just two months before her arrest, Page Six exclusively reported that a “intoxicated” Beador was “ejected” from a bar in Costa Mesa after a confrontation with Janssen’s daughter escalated.

At the time, Beador and Janssen were attempting to stay friends; however, that relationship appears to have completely deteriorated.

Wait a Bit Distillers

Located in Wait a Bit, Trelawny

Headed by Lincoln Nicholson

Follow on Instagram: @waitabitdistillers

Email: hi@waitabitvodka.com

Telephone: (876) 429-5803

1. Wait a Bit Vodka is crafted in Jamaica, spotlighting premium, small-batch production. It begins with specially selected yellow yams, cultivated by local farmers on the small mountainsides near our distillery in the quaint town of Wait a Bit, Trelawny. The process is completed with the pure, local spring water sourced from the Cockpit Country. This vodka is not only gluten-free but also stands as the freshest on the market. From yam to glass, our vodka not only promises top-tier quality but also supports local agricultural efforts in Jamaica.

2. About the Distillery

Founded with the ambition of crafting top-quality spirits infused with the unique taste of Jamaica, Wait a Bit Distillers aims to introduce these flavors to a global audience.

3. Where the ingredients are sourced

Our ingredients come from Jamaica, primarily sourced within a 10-mile radius of our distillery in Wait a Bit, Trelawny.

4. Availability of the Products

Wait a Bit Vodka will become available by late June 2024.

5. Inspiration Behind the Product Packaging

Our vodka is meticulously created in limited quantities, with every aspect done manually, including the packaging.

6. Our breakthrough occurred

The initial significant breakthrough for our vodka occurred during a tasting session with a prestigious spirits company, where they were impressed by the distinct quality of our vodka.

7. Our Vodka

Will be available at select retailers soon.

8. The reaction to the product has been

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We are creating the freshest vodka using local raw materials sourced from small-scale farmers.

9. Our business growth objectives

We aim to develop Wait a Bit Vodka into a globally recognized brand celebrated for the superior quality of our Jamaican yellow yams.

10. The major challenge is

In the initial stages, there were significant challenges related to engineering works and the rural location in Jamaica. However, we managed by adopting the ‘Wait-a-Bit’ approach.

11. Jamaicans should support the product because…

Wait a Bit Vodka is crafted from our indigenous yellow yam, carefully cultivated and harvested by dedicated Jamaican farmers. This vodka stands out as the freshest available, focusing on premium quality due to our smaller scale. The continued support is highly valued and much appreciated.

Try ginger three ways in this simple whiskey cocktail.

Linda Xiao / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Christina Daley

The combination of whiskey and ginger ale is a dive bar classic, but can often fall flat for those seeking a drink with a bit more flavor. Ginger and whiskey are a great match, but store-bought ginger ale is often too subtle to properly stand up to the caramel, spice, and vanilla notes of whiskey after being mixed.

Consider the Spicy Whiskey Ginger an ode to the original. By combining fresh muddled ginger with spicy-sweet ginger syrup and piquant ginger beer, this drink has enough heat and flavor to contrast, and not just complement, full-flavored whiskey.

A whiskey ginger is a classic well drink (also known as a rail drink) made from whiskey and ginger ale. It’s sometimes made with ginger beer, though ginger ale is the most classic.

There are many excellent whiskeys available, and since the category includes bourbon, rye, and American single malt, it can be challenging to choose. When selecting a whiskey for mixing, opt for something that is enjoyable neat but isn’t so high-end that you hesitate to mix it. Woodford Reserve’s Distiller’s Select is a favored choice due to its reasonable price and its sweet toffee and toast notes.

Our testers preferred making this cocktail with bourbon over other types of whiskey like rye. Bourbon, a predominantly corn-based whiskey, combines sweeter notes that blend well with the other ingredients and balance the ginger’s heat. The peppery aspects of rye whiskey might not complement the natural spice of ginger as well.

1 1/2 ounces whiskey

1/2 ounce ginger syrup

4 ounces ginger beer (such as Reed’s Strongest)

Muddle ginger slices in a rocks glass until crushed, about 30 seconds.

Add whiskey, ginger syrup, and large ice cube.

Top with ginger beer, and stir to combine. Serve immediately.

On June 4, 2024, Robert Arsov, a Director at Rumble Inc (NASDAQ:RUM), completed a significant transaction by selling 60,000 shares of the company. This event was officially recorded through an SEC Filing. Post-transaction, Arsov retains ownership of 15,113,902 shares in Rumble Inc.

Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with RUM.

Rumble Inc, known for its video-sharing platform, offers content creators a venue to publish and monetize their videos. It stands out as a favored option for creators looking for alternatives to traditional platforms with stringent content regulations.

The shares were traded at a rate of $6.05 per share, making the total value of the transaction approximately $363,000. While this sale significantly alters the insider’s holding, a considerable amount remains under his ownership.

Over the past year, Robert Arsov has sold a total of 350,012 shares and has not made any purchases of the company’s stock. This latest transaction continues a trend of sales by insiders at Rumble Inc, with a total of 11 insider sales and no insider buys reported over the same period.

The current market cap of Rumble Inc stands at approximately $1.67 billion. The stock’s valuation metrics, including the price-earnings ratio, price-sales ratio, price-book ratio, and price-to-free cash flow, are accessible for further details on the company’s financial health and market position.

This insider sale might be of interest to investors tracking insider behaviors or those analyzing the financial stability and future prospects of Rumble Inc.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

NAPA, Calif., June 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Ades, president of Italian wine and spirits portfolio Dalla Terra Winery Direct, is pleased to announce that Verità Vodka Italiana ($25, 1L), which launched in the US market last year, has been recognized at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, achieving a top position among nearly 300 vodka competitors and reaching the finals for the 2024 Best-in-Class Vodka award. Verità Vodka also earned a Double Gold Medal, the highest honor at the event, and scored an impressive 97.

“Congratulations to Verità Vodka for their outstanding performance at the SFWSC. We’re thrilled to acknowledge this relatively new company as they are proving to be on the ideal track, while also presenting exceptional value,” stated Amanda Blue, President of the Tasting Alliance, which hosts the prestigious annual competition.

“Dalla Terra is dedicated to forming partnerships solely with Italian wineries and spirit manufacturers that are committed to crafting products with traditional profiles and sustainable practices,” remarked Rob Forman, Director of Spirits at Dalla Terra. “Recognition from the SFWSC panel of distinguished judges for this novel Italian Vodka brand confirms our approach to our spirits portfolio and underlines Italy’s status as a producer of some of the premier spirits in the world.”

Verità Vodka Italiana is produced for Dalla Terra by Distilleria dell’Alpe, a family-operated Italian distillery situated in the eastern Italian Alps. It epitomizes traditional Italian vodka, distilled from Italian wheat and Alpine mountain water, ensuring a remarkably smooth and pure taste. This is aided by a distinctive distillation process: Verità undergoes four rounds of distillation, the final one occurring in a traditional, wood-fired bain marie still, closely managed by master distiller Alessandro Maschio. This distilled spirit is then bottled without chill filtering, maintaining the vodka’s original flavor and texture.

In addition to Verità Vodka, Dalla Terra imports a range of wines and spirits from distinguished family-owned Italian enterprises. You can view the full list of producers they represent here.

Established in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits competition stands as one of the elite spirits contests globally with more than 5,000 submissions in 2024. A selected panel of experts evaluates the entries blind, rating spirits, liqueurs, vermouths, and RTDs. They award bronze, silver, gold, and double gold medals, and score each entry on a 100-point scale. The top spirit in each category is honored with the Best-in-Class title.

The full range of Dalla Terra spirits, including the award-winning Verità Vodka, will be showcased at Bar Convent Brooklyn on June 11-12. Francesco Maschio, Master Distiller at Distilleria dell’Alpe, will present the spirits at the Dalla Terra booth, located at 8B-708 for attendees.

About Dalla Terra Winery Direct
Founded in 1990, Dalla Terra Winery Direct is a direct importer and national agent for an exclusive group of premier, family-owned wineries and distilleries in Italy. The name Dalla Terra translates to ‘Of the Earth’ in Italian, reflecting the company’s dedication to partnering with estates recognized for high-quality production within their regions or appellations. Dalla Terra maintains a distinctive portfolio through a highly selective process and innovative business model, ensuring they offer extraordinary Italian wines and spirits.

For press inquiries contact Kyle Elliott at 378722@email4pr.com, (310) 313-6374

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-italian-brand-verita-vodka-italiana-grabs-attention-and-top-award-at-the-2024-san-francisco-world-spirits-competition-302164318.html

SOURCE Dalla Terra Winery Direct

Bushmills, 30 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml

At the 2024 International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC), six Irish whiskeys were distinguished with Gold Outstanding medals, while 14 others received Gold medals. This event marks a significant moment as it’s the most Gold medals ever awarded to Irish whiskey in the competition’s history, highlighting the robust revival and continued excellence of the Irish whiskey industry.

All six Gold Outstanding winners scored 98/100 points. Leading the pack in the Single Malt category were Powers Court Distillers, Fercullen Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml; Irish Distillers, Knappogue Castle, 12 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml; and Bushmills, 30 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml, all of which use a triple distillation process. Whiskeys in Ireland can undergo either double or triple distillation.

The IWSC Judging Panel shared high praise for the Fercullen, describing it as:

The fusion of malt and oak essence subtly supports the vibrant pineapple flavours. Its tropical aroma is pleasantly understated, preserving its intensity for a powerful taste experience. The flavour profile is full and smooth, featuring delightful toffee elements and a fruity finale.

The Knappogue Castle is discerned by the Judging Panel as:

It possesses an enticing fragrance of fresh florals and rich dark fruits that glide smoothly into the taste sensation. The sweet and dry spices meld perfectly, creating a harmonious flow on the palate ending in an impressive finish.

Further, the Bushmills 30 YO, one of the oldest Bushmills single malt selections ever released, was noted by the Judging Panel as:

Rich Sherry and brown sugar aromas envelop the senses, leading to a juicy exotic fruit palate with considered cask undertones. The palate is harmonious and graceful with a hint of straw and a spiced close. A well-made and composed sip.

Also winning Gold medals in the Irish Single Malt Whiskey category were Teeling Whiskey, Blackpitts Peated Cask Strength, Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 56.5% ABV, 750 ml; Powers Court Distillery, Fercullen 21 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml; Tullamore DEW, Rouge 13 YO Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml; and Irish Distillers, Knappogue Castle, 16 YO, Single Malt Irish Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml.

The Teeling whiskey is double distilled. All of the other single malts are triple distilled.

Ireland has a long history of producing single malt whiskeys, although the practice declined with the imposition of the malt tax in 1785. To reduce the burden of the tax on malt, Irish distillers began to use unmalted barley for a portion of the mash bill. The combination of both malted and unmalted barley in the mash bill gave rise to Irish pot still whiskey as a separate style and category of whiskey.

According to the guidelines of the Irish Whiskey Association, a single malt whiskey is required to be made from 100% malted barley, while a pot still whiskey needs a minimum of 30% malted barley and 30% unmalted barley, with up to 5% allowed for other grains such as oats, wheat, or rye.

Irish Distillers, part of the Pernod-Ricard conglomerate from France, is the biggest producer of pot still whiskey in Ireland. It has a major influence over this category. Remarkably, the three Gold Outstanding medals for pot still whiskey were awarded to Blue Spot 7 YO Cask Strength Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 59% ABV, 750 ml; Powers, Three Swallow Release, Single Pot TO; Redbreast, a frontrunner in many international spirit awards, is particularly noted for its continual success in competitions. Determining which particular variant will garner top honors remains a point of discussion.

The IWSC Judging panel had high praise for the Blue Spot 7 YO, noting:

A fragrant and complex beverage demonstrating exceptional skill in its creation. The initial subtle aroma, when enhanced with a dash of water, unfolds to reveal captivating scents of incense and deep fruit, leading to a richly spiced blend of bold apple, pear, and stewed pineapple flavors when tasted.

The judging panel remarked on the Powers, Three Swallow release:

Characterized by a vivid and inviting aroma intertwined with distinct tropical fruit and honey notes, which persist through to the taste. The flavor profile is remarkably precise and well-balanced, offering a harmonious mix of fruit and spice that stays through the finish. This whiskey is both delightful and skillfully made.

Meanwhile, the Redbreast 27 YO was noted for:

An indulgent and rich winter spice character with bold polished oak undertone. The palate is a symphony of flavour, with layers of plump raisin, sponge cake and dark brown sugar notes. A warming offering with an evolving tropical fruit note which develops on the finish.

Five Irish pot still whiskeys took Gold medals with the Irish Distillers Redbreast taking Gold for its 12 YO, 40% ABV; 18 YO, 46% ABV (not yet released); Cask Strength 12 YO, 40% ABV; and Lustau Edition, 46% ABV. In addition, Green Spot, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml took the remaining Gold medal. All five expressions are also produced by Irish Distillers.

Three Irish Blended whiskeys took Gold medals. Kinahan’s, The Kasc Project (B) Blended Irish Whiskey, 43% ABV, 750 ml was the top-rated blended whiskey with 96/100 points. The IWSC Judging Panel described the Kinahan’s as:

Incredibly fragrant nose with indulgent caramel and spice aromatics. Velvety cocoa notes follow, unveiling a tapestry of evolving aromas of vanilla, milk chocolate, roasted coffee, and raisins. Delight in the sweet and lingering finish – a beautiful finale.

Gold medals in the Irish Blinded Whiskey category were awarded to Irish Distillers, Jameson Bow Street 18 YO Blended Irish Whiskey, 55.3% ABV, 750 ml and Kinahan’s The Kasc Project, Blended Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml.

Teeling secured both Gold medals in the Single Grain Irish Whiskey category with Teeling Whiskey, Single Grain Irish Whiskey, 46% ABV, 750 ml and Teeling Whiskey, 15 YO Single Grain Irish Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. Consistently, Teeling Whiskey earns accolades for its single grain offerings.