首页 > 

patrick bet david

2025-01-23
Christmas is a few days away, and it’s time to fill those stockings with thoughtful, delicious treats. If you’re shopping for the food lover in your life — or simply want to elevate your gift-giving game — consider these unique stocking stuffers from Winnipeg’s vibrant food scene. No stocking is complete without a bit of chocolate, and Winnipeg has some incredible options. One of my favourites is Decadence Chocolates, a locally owned artisan chocolate shop on Sherbrook Street. Their chocolate is absolutely delicious — every bite feels like a little luxury. I’m hooked on their festive holiday-shaped chocolates, and their bark, and don’t even get me started on their chocolate caramel popcorn with pretzels — it’s completely addicting! One of my favourite gift ideas they offer is the paint-and-decorate Christmas tree chocolate — it’s such a fun gift for kids. They even have fully vegan options and offer a 12-piece box of custom-printed chocolates featuring your own images. Visit decadencechocolates.ca to explore their incredible lineup of chocolates. For the cheese enthusiast, a visit to Cheesemongers Fromagerie on Corydon is an absolute must. Their curated selection of local and international cheeses is unmatched, and I can’t get enough of their truffle cheese — it’s out of this world! If you’re short on time, their pre-packaged gift sets are a lifesaver. And for last-minute hosting, their cheese boards are both stunning and delicious — always a show-stopper at my dinner parties! Small jars of jam make the perfect addition to any stocking! One of my favourite local picks is Fancy Infusions, a Winnipeg-based business known for their handcrafted pepper jellies and jams. They’ve perfected the balance of sweet and spice — a little naughty and nice for the holiday season. These jars are amazing for pairing with a cheese board, glazing meats, or spreading on toast. Honestly, I’ve been caught eating these jellies straight out of the jar with a spoon — it’s that good. With so many different flavour variations, there’s truly a jelly for everyone. You can visit their Facebook or Instagram page @fancyinfusions to find out where to pick up their delicious jellies. They’re a thoughtful gift that adds a local, tasty touch to your holiday stockings! Winnipeg’s food scene offers endless inspiration for filling stockings for the foodie lovers in your life. Here are a few more ideas: Flavoured Oils or Vinegars: Look for unique varieties like blood orange olive oil or balsamic vinegar infused with figs. Spices and Seasonings: Gift a blend of artisanal spices from local makers, perfect for home cooks to experiment with. Mini Bottles of Wine or Spirits: Bring some holiday cheer with a sip of locally crafted spirits, beer, or wine. To make your foodie stocking stuffers even more special, consider adding a handwritten recipe card featuring a dish that incorporates the ingredients you’re gifting. Pair a brie round with a recipe for baked brie with cranberry sauce — it’s my go-to holiday season appetizer. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit! Or include a holiday cocktail recipe with a mini bottle of spirits to inspire a celebratory toast. Whether it’s the indulgent chocolates from Decadence Chocolates, the gourmet cheeses from Cheesemongers Fromagerie, or the scrumptious jellies from Fancy Infusions, these thoughtful treats are sure to bring smiles and full bellies. Supporting local businesses while giving gifts that truly stand out — it’s a win-win this holiday season! And speaking of crowd-pleasing treats, this week’s recipe is a holiday essential that pairs perfectly with any festive meal. Creamy, dreamy, and full of flavour, these creamy mashed potatoes are sure to become a staple at your holiday table. Whether it’s the perfect gift or the perfect dish, this holiday season is all about sharing love — and great food. Happy Holidays from my family to yours! 5 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes, chopped 6 garlic cloves, minced Kosher salt 1/2 cup butter 1 cup heavy/whipping cream 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature Peel and Cut Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform chunks, about 1 inch thick. Place the cut potatoes into a large stock pot filled with cold water. Boil the Potatoes: Once your potatoes are cut, make sure the water level is about 1 inch above the potatoes in the pot. Stir in the minced garlic, then turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add salt then reduce the heat to medium-high (or whatever setting keeps the boil going) and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until a knife easily slides into the middle of a potato. Carefully drain the water. Pan-Dry the Potatoes: Once you’ve drained the water, immediately return the potatoes to the hot stockpot and place it back on the burner over low heat. Using oven mitts, carefully grip the handles and gently shake the pot for about a minute to help release any remaining steam from the potatoes. Remove the pot from the heat. Prepare the Butter Mixture: While the potatoes are boiling, combine the butter, cream, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until the butter is melted, making sure the cream doesn’t come to a boil. Set it aside until you’re ready to use it. Mash the Potatoes: Use an old-school potato masher and work up some elbow grease to mash the potatoes until they’re completely smooth. Stir Everything Together: Pour half of the melted butter mixture over the potatoes and gently fold it in with a spatula until the potatoes absorb the liquid. Repeat with the remaining butter, then add the cream cheese, folding everything in until just combined. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, add a pat of butter on top, and serve hot. For detailed instructions and the online recipe for this week’s Recipes of the Week, open your phone’s camera, scan the QR code, and follow the link. You can also find all recipes featured at cookingwithcassandra.com . — Cassandra Morris, food blogger and recipe developer at cookingwithcassandra.com , shares the best recipes, essential kitchen tips and spotlights locally owned restaurants and specialty food must-tries.patrick bet david

BERLIN (AP) — Adam Pemble, an Associated Press video journalist who covered some of the biggest global news of the past two decades, from earthquakes and conflicts to political summits and elections, has died. He was 52. Pemble died Thursday in Minneapolis surrounded by friends and family, according to his friend Mike Moe, who helped care for him in the final weeks of his fight against cancer. Known for bringing stories alive with his camera, Pemble epitomized the best of television news traditions, casting a curious and compassionate lens onto the lives of the people and communities whose stories he told. He joined the AP in 2007 in New York before moving to Prague in 2011 to help launch AP’s first cross-format operation combining photography, text stories and video. He enhanced Eastern European news coverage, creating distinctive stories highlighting the region’s culture and society. “Adam was an incredibly talented and passionate journalist and an empathetic storyteller. He had this amazing ability to get anyone to talk to him on camera, which I attribute to the Midwestern charm he embodied throughout his life.” said Sara Gillesby, AP’s Director of Global Video and Pemble’s former manager in New York when he joined the AP. “He was the best of us.” Pemble was born in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, in 1972 and grew up in Minneapolis. After graduating with a degree in mass communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead, he started his journalism career in 1997 at KVLY, a television station in Fargo, North Dakota, and later worked at WCCO in Minneapolis. “He had the skills of the old-school camera people to meet a deadline and turn a beautiful story,” said Arthur Phillips, a cameraman who worked with Pemble at WCCO. “But he had a calling for greater things.” Moving to New York, Pemble covered some of the biggest stories in the city, including the trial of Bernie Madoff, interviews with former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and with then-real estate developer, now U.S. president-elect, Donald Trump. He went to Haiti to cover the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, where he captured shocking images of devastation. A few weeks later he was in Vancouver, covering the Winter Olympics. With his transfer to Prague, Pemble quickly became the go-to video journalist deployed to the biggest news events in Europe, interviewing government leaders, covering violent protests, the aftermath of terror attacks and numerous national elections across the continent. “An inquiring mind, a keen eye and a healthy skepticism for those in power who tried to spin away from truth all combined to make Adam’s stories as rich in color as he was in character,” said Sandy MacIntyre, former AP head of global video. “Time and again he was asked to do the impossible and without fail he delivered the exceptional.” ”But more than all of that, he was the colleague and friend you wanted by your side because if Adam was there we knew we were going to be the winning team.” As civil unrest rocked Ukraine in 2014, Pemble reported from Kyiv and later Donetsk, where he covered the first Russian-backed demonstrations before spending weeks in Crimea during Russia’s annexation of the strategic peninsula. His video reports included the last remaining Ukrainian sailors loyal to Kyiv finally abandoning their ship and coming ashore. With the Russian national anthem playing from a car in the background, his final shot showed two distraught sailors heckled as they walked away. Pemble returned to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country in 2022. Among his many assignments was March 2023 AP interview by Executive Editor Julie Pace with across Ukraine to cities near some of the fiercest fighting. “Adam showed up to every assignment with enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to his work and his colleagues. He loved what he did, and so many of us at AP are better for having worked alongside him,” Pace said. When not deployed overseas, set his camera’s gaze on his new home in the Czech Republic, offering insight into the traditions and unique stories of Eastern Europe. From Christmas carp fishing at sunrise to graffiti artists in Prague, to the intimate story of a Slovak priest challenging the celibacy rules of the Catholic Church, he brought his unmistakable style. He worked with a traditional large broadcast camera in an era where many video shooters shifted to smaller, lighter cameras. He always put himself in the right place to let reality unfold like “an old school analog painter in an often fast and furious digital age,” former AP cameraman Ben Jary recalled. Pemble’s interest in visual storytelling led to experimenting with new technologies, including aerial videography. In 2015, he was the first major news agency camera operator to film live drone footage when reporting on the migration crisis in the Balkans. An avid gardener who planted trees and chilis on his rooftop in Prague, he was adventurous in the kitchen and especially proud of his vegan “meatloaf,” friends said. He loved a seedy dive bar as much as a Michelin restaurant, and foods as varied as charcoal choux pastry with truffle creme and his favorite road trip junk food, Slim Jim’s jerky and Salted Nut Rolls. Pemble’s wit, wisdom, energy and positivity enriched the lives and experiences of those around him, friends and colleagues recalled. “If someone asked me to see a picture of quiet strength and courage, dignity and grace, and most of all kindness, I would show them a picture of a man for all seasons,” said Dan Huff, a Washington-based AP video journalist, “I would show them a picture of Adam Pemble.”As India emerges as a global hub for pharmaceuticals, perishables, and temperature-sensitive products, the demand for robust cold chain logistics companies has never been greater. In 2025, the cold chain industry plays a critical role in preserving the quality of goods and ensuring their timely delivery. This blog highlights the top 10 cold chain logistics companies that are leading the way in cold chain logistics, leveraging technology, infrastructure, and innovation to meet industry demands. The Growing Importance of Cold Chain Logistics companies Cold chain logistics involves temperature-controlled storage, transportation, and supply chain management to maintain the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods. Industries like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and food rely heavily on these solutions to ensure the quality and safety of their products. In a country as diverse and vast as India, the cold chain sector faces unique challenges, including infrastructure gaps, temperature variability, and logistical complexity. Despite these hurdles, several companies have excelled, setting benchmarks for quality, innovation, and reliability. Top 10 Cold Chain Logistics Companies in India for 2025 1. Snowman Logistics Snowman Logistics is a leader in the Indian cold chain industry, offering end-to-end solutions for temperature-controlled warehousing and transportation. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure and focus on innovation make it a preferred choice for companies in pharmaceuticals and food industries. 2. ColdEx Logistics ColdEx is a pioneer in providing integrated cold chain solutions, including last-mile delivery for perishable goods. Its expertise in multi-modal logistics and temperature-controlled trucks ensures high service quality and reliability. It is among of the top 10 cold chain logistics companies in India. 3. Gati Kausar Gati Kausar, a subsidiary of Gati Limited, specializes in cold chain solutions for industries such as dairy, meat, and pharmaceuticals. With a strong fleet of refrigerated vehicles and advanced tracking systems, it offers seamless operations across India. 4. Future Supply Chain Solutions (FSC) FSC has diversified into cold chain logistics, offering robust infrastructure for temperature-sensitive goods. Its focus on technology integration and supply chain transparency makes it a significant player in the cold chain logistics companies in India. 5. Deccan Cold Chain Deccan Cold Chain provides comprehensive solutions for storage and transportation, serving industries like seafood, frozen foods, and biopharmaceuticals. Its advanced refrigeration technologies and nationwide reach position it as a trusted partner for cold chain logistics. It is one of the best cold chain logistics companies in India. 6. Blue Dart Express Limited Known for its expertise in express logistics, Blue Dart also offers reliable cold chain solutions, considered one of the best among cold chain logistics companies iin India. Its temperature-controlled delivery systems are particularly beneficial for pharmaceutical clients, ensuring the safe transport of vaccines and medicines. 7. Allcargo Logistics Allcargo has extended its capabilities to cold chain logistics, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. The company’s investments in green technology and temperature-controlled warehouses underline its commitment to delivering excellence. 8. Dev Bhumi Cold Chain Dev Bhumi specializes in cold storage and logistics for the agriculture sector, particularly in fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Its proximity to farming hubs and advanced storage facilities make it a vital player in India’s cold chain network. 9. Siddhivinayak Cold Storage With a strong presence in North India, Siddhivinayak Cold Storage offers end-to-end cold chain services. Its focus on preserving the freshness and quality of agricultural produce has made it a reliable partner for farmers and retailers. 10. TCI Cold Chain Solutions A division of Transport Corporation of India (TCI), TCI Cold Chain Solutions provides temperature-controlled logistics for pharmaceuticals, frozen foods, and dairy products. Its extensive network and commitment to sustainability set it apart in the competitive cold chain market. Key Trends Shaping Cold Chain Logistics in India 1. Technology Integration Advanced technologies like IoT sensors, AI-driven route optimization, and blockchain ensure real-time tracking and efficient management of cold chain operations. 2. Green Logistics Sustainability is a growing focus, with companies adopting energy-efficient refrigeration units and eco-friendly transportation methods to minimize carbon footprints. 3. Expansion of Infrastructure The expansion of cold storage facilities and the development of temperature-controlled warehouses across tier-2 and tier-3 cities are driving industry growth. 4. E-commerce Growth The rise of e-commerce platforms specializing in groceries and perishables has increased the demand for reliable cold chain logistics solutions. 5. Government Initiatives Supportive policies and incentives from the Indian government, such as subsidies for cold storage facilities and tax benefits for logistics providers, are fostering growth in the sector. Challenges in Cold Chain Logistics in India Despite its progress, the cold chain industry in India faces several challenges: Infrastructure Gaps : Limited access to reliable cold storage facilities in rural and remote areas. High Operational Costs : Energy-intensive refrigeration and transportation contribute to high costs. Skilled Workforce : The lack of adequately trained personnel affects operational efficiency. Fragmented Market : The dominance of small, unorganized players leads to inconsistencies in service quality. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring the industry’s long-term success. Future of Cold Chain Logistics in India The future of cold chain logistics companies in India looks promising, with increased investments in infrastructure , technology, and sustainability. Companies are expected to adopt advanced solutions to cater to the growing demand for temperature-sensitive goods. Additionally, the rise of industries such as biopharmaceuticals, organic farming, and processed foods will further propel the sector. Collaborations between government and private players, combined with a focus on innovation, will play a vital role in strengthening India’s cold chain ecosystem. Conclusion India’s cold chain logistics sector is witnessing transformative growth, driven by innovation, infrastructure development, and the rising demand for temperature-controlled solutions. The top 10 cold chain logistics companies listed above have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in ensuring product integrity and supply chain efficiency. These cold chain logistics companies are not just adapting to the evolving market but are also setting benchmarks for excellence in logistics management. As the industry continues to expand, they remain pivotal in shaping the future of India’s cold chain logistics landscape in 2025 and beyond.Needham initiates coverage on On Holding with buy rating



Chandigarh, Dec 8 (PTI) Technology used in crime investigations under the new criminal laws is "foolproof", provided protocols are strictly followed, Chandigarh DGP SS Yadav said on Sunday. Under the new laws, it is mandatory to record every step of the investigation, from receiving a distress call on the 112 emergency response helpline to the collection of evidence, which is video recorded, photographed and digitally uploaded on the special application E-Sakshya -- a cloud-based service operated by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The laws also require the use of various applications for fingerprint detection, facial recognition, prosecution, trial and court procedures, making the entire process -- from emergency response to investigation, chargesheet and trial -- seamless. Yadav said the new laws and processes ensured the investigations were swift, time-bound, legally tenable, self-evident and self-presentable, unlike the previous system, which had a lot of subjectivity. Asked if the dependence on technology made investigations vulnerable to hacking or misuse, Yadav said, "The technology is always foolproof if the protocol is followed and remains intact. In the E-Sakshya application, from origin to end, there is the same hash value, ensuring continuity of the process and a foolproof system." "Our officers can only use tablets issued by the administration to collect evidence and follow procedures, so the chances of abuse are minimal," he added. A hash value is a unique numerical identifier representing the contents of a file or data on a digital device. Every step -- from the distress call, dispatch of a PCR van, and the arrival of a forensic team at the scene -- is now recorded on dedicated devices with timestamps, which must be provided to the court, he said. Yadav noted that evidence collection could not be tampered with, as the process -- including the recording of witness statements -- was directly uploaded to the cloud with timestamps through the E-Sakshya application. A certificate is generated, which is provided to the court within 48 hours, he said. A massive infrastructure upgrade was carried out to ensure the full implementation of these processes. Chandigarh set up 80 videoconferencing facilities with various agencies -- hospitals, forensics and administrative offices -- besides training of all stakeholders on the new platforms, he said. Five subdivisional magistrate offices were designated for private citizens to appear via videoconferencing to record their testimony, officials said. The court information system was upgraded to version 4.0 to synchronise with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), and Internet bandwidth increased to 150 Mbps to handle all data uploads and downloads smoothly, they added. Yadav said, "The new laws reflect a modern and developed India. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) were introduced during the British era after the first rebellion for independence in 1857 to keep India under colonial rule. The focus of the new laws is on citizens and quick justice delivery." He said new provisions were introduced to address crimes against women and children, snatching, economic offences and mob lynching. The provisions in the IPC and the CrPC were no longer in line with social realities, the evolving nature of crimes, and societal needs, he said. "All stakeholders -- police, hospitals, forensics, and courts -- are connected through a dashboard on a specialised application. Chandigarh has made it operational, and other states are working to implement it under the guidance of the Union home ministry. The aim is to ensure the crime investigation process is technically superior, modern, and reflects a new India," he said. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)Mumbai Metro Phase 2 Connecting Dadar, Worli And Other Stations Likely To Be Launched In March 2025: ReportMcap of 6 of top-10 most valued firms jump Rs 2 lakh crore; TCS, HDFC Bank lead gainers PTI Updated: December 8th, 2024, 15:26 IST in Business 0 Pic Credit: Deccan Herald Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Linkedin New Delhi: The combined market valuation of six of the top-10 most-valued firms jumped Rs 2,03,116.81 crore last week, with Tata Consultancy Services and HDFC Bank emerging the biggest gainers, in-line with an optimistic trend at the Dalal Street. Last week, the BSE benchmark jumped 1,906.33 points, or 2.38 per cent, and the NSE Nifty climbed 546.7 points, or 2.26 per cent. Also Read Mahindra & Mahindra to strongly contest for ‘BE 6e’ trademark; renames new EV brand BE 6 22 hours ago Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US 2 days ago While Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Infosys, and State Bank of India were the winners from the pack, Bharti Airtel, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), ITC, and Hindustan Unilever emerged the laggards. The market valuation of TCS surged Rs 62,574.82 crore to Rs 16,08,782.61 crore. HDFC Bank added Rs 45,338.17 crore taking its market valuation to Rs 14,19,270.28 crore. The valuation of Infosys jumped Rs 26,885.8 crore to Rs 7,98,560.13 crore and that of Reliance Industries soared Rs 26,185.14 crore to Rs 17,75,176.68 crore. State Bank of India’s market capitalisation (mcap) climbed Rs 22,311.55 crore to Rs 7,71,087.17 crore and that of ICICI Bank rallied Rs 19,821.33 crore to Rs 9,37,545.57 crore. However, Bharti Airtel’s valuation eroded Rs 16,720.1 crore to Rs 9,10,005.80 crore. The mcap of ITC declined Rs 7,256.27 crore to Rs 5,89,572.01 crore. Th market valuation of Hindustan Unilever went lower by Rs 2,843.01 crore to Rs 5,83,673.71 crore. The mcap of LIC dipped Rs 1,265 crore to Rs 6,21,937.02 crore. Reliance Industries remained the most valuable firm, followed by TCS, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, Infosys, State Bank of India, LIC, ITC, and Hindustan Unilever. PTI Tags: BSE India mcap NSE Stock market Share Tweet Send Share Suggest A Correction Enter your email to get our daily news in your inbox. Leave this field empty if you're human:

The highly anticipated Manchester Derby is just around the corner as Manchester City and Manchester United prepare to face off in Matchday 16 of the English Premier League. Adding to the excitement is the announcement that experienced referee Anthony Taylor has been chosen to officiate this crucial fixture.(The Center Square) – Adoption of institutional neutrality is supported by better than 6 in 10 tenured and nontenured faculty at the University of North Carolina, Wake Forest University and Duke University, a report says. Nationally, 66% of faculty say “colleges and universities should not take positions on political and social issues,” says Silence in the Classroom, the 2024 FIRE Faculty Survey Report. At Duke, the percentage is 71%, at Carolina 65%, and at Wake 64%. Higher education is facing mounting challenges, from the costs to the positions it favors. Silencing students or faculty has drawn sharp criticism from Capitol Hill to every corner of the nation sending people to the ballot box. Carolina, established in 1789, is the nation’s oldest public university. It also earlier this year became embattled in free speech controversy tied to the war between Hamas and Israel. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression , as FIRE is more formally known, is a nonprofit nonpartisan organization billing itself as “defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought.” Surveys on topics related to free expression and academic freedom were made of 6,269 tenured, tenure-track and nontenure faculty at 55 four-year colleges and universities in America. In North Carolina, the sampling was of 145 at Carolina, 80 at Duke, and 55 at Wake Forest. For each campus, respondents said the top “difficult issue to discuss” is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Asked for top three issues, the Middle East saga was 79% at Carolina, 71% at Wake Forest and 68% at Duke. Each campus was split on the second and third choices. At Duke, 57% said affirmative action and 51% transgender rights. At Carolina, 54% said affirmative action and 53% racial inequality. And at Wake, 63% said racial inequality and 55% transgender rights. All were talking points of various candidates, particularly the presidential race, in the election cycle climaxing last month. In response to faculty feeling “they could not express their opinion because of how others would respond,” the choices of “occasionally,” “fairly often” and “very often” drew a combined 69% at Wake Forest, 69% at Duke and 67% at Carolina. Fairly often and very often were 35% at Duke. Statements pledging commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is rarely or never justified of faculty job candidates, said 61% at Duke, 44% at Carolina and 42% at Wake Forest. Nationally, the response was 50%. Academic freedom leaned more toward secure than not at all three institutions on a split of about 60%-40%. As for faculty feeling a need to “hide their political beliefs from other faculty in an attempt to keep their job,” answers of “never” were chosen by 43% at Duke, 42% at Carolina and 36% at Wake Forest. Among the national findings of the FIRE survey: • More faculty (35%) than during the McCarthy era (9%) say they toned down their writing for fear of controversy. • Threats of discipline for teaching, research, academic talks or other off-campus speech was incurred by 14%. • Faculty feeling unable to speak freely for fear of how others would respond was 27%. • Fear of damaged reputations because of misunderstandings with something said or done was 40%. • Fear of losing jobs because of misunderstandings with something said or done was 23%.

DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints

One of the standout features of the Lunar New Year outfit is the ability to trigger firework easter eggs throughout the game world. As players explore different areas and interact with various elements, they can unleash a burst of colorful fireworks, lighting up the sky and spreading joy and excitement. This interactive feature not only enhances the visual appeal of the game but also creates a sense of festivity and celebration, reminiscent of traditional Chinese New Year customs.

IIT Palakkad launches UYARE scheme for ST youthsWorker protests over conditions, staffing are more than justified | EDITORIALMOSCA, Colorado — A handmade sign at the start of a long dirt road in the rural San Luis Valley indicates to visitors that they’ve arrived at the future site of Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa . The peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains barely make a dent in the big blue skies above the 40 acres purchased by founder and CEO Gamal Jadue Zalaquett. He aims to transform the land into a resort featuring 20 villas, a spa, a restaurant and a planetarium. “It’s a place of alignment. Kosmos is a place of connection,” Jadue Zalaquett said. “Kosmos, in a way, is a place to heal, and the San Luis Valley has a lot to do with healing.” He bought the property for $11,000 in December 2020. But with glass domes for stargazing and expensive price tags to stay the night, Jadue Zalaquett’s ambitious brainchild falls snugly into the category of “luxury ecotourism.” His site is an ideal spot for admiring constellations and distant galaxies. According to the National Park Service, the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is considered an International Dark Sky Park. Jadue Zalaquett said the area is a class two location on the Bortle dark-sky scale, which translates to “ truly dark ” skies. The resort’s planetarium will include a 1-meter telescope. In terms of getting visitors to Kosmos, “that’s gonna be the biggest attractor,” Jadue Zalaquett said. Development is still in the early stages, but it’s already garnering attention from the public: More than 12,000 Instagram users follow the resort’s page where project renderings and updates are shared. Kosmos plans to open its first villa early next year, said marketing operations manager Jennifer Geerlings. Although it’s still under construction, the resort has already booked more than 2,000 reservations, she added. “A lot of it, for some people, is the excitement of being the first to be able to stay in an experience like this,” Geerlings said in a phone interview. “There’s really no other resort that’s doing this.” While Jadue Zalaquett put about $500,000 toward getting the project off the ground, a crowdfunding campaign raised $1.9 million, Geerlings said. Donors paid a one-time fee to receive 50% discounts off their reservations for early 2025. So instead of paying the usual $700 nightly rate, they booked at $350 per night, Geerlings said. And after the campaign’s end, people continued to contribute directly via Stripe, which put total revenue from crowdfunding at more than $2 million, Jadue Zalaquett added. So why is it worth it to stay at Kosmos? For Geerlings, the answer is a combination of the villas — with their jacuzzis nestled in glass domes under the stars — and amenities like the planetarium. “You’re able to experience some of the best stargazing. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye,” Geerlings said. “A planetarium is something that’s never been at a resort before.” Future plans for Kosmos In November, director of field operations Auston Duncan stepped over sagebrush and loose hardware to outline the state of construction on the project. An unfinished villa offered a hint of what’s to come. The rectangular building with exposed wooden rafters and newly-installed glass sliding doors will soon house a bedroom and a bathroom. Jeremy Stephen, the founder of Steamboat Springs-based Evolve Construction , built the villa out of hempcrete , which is made of hemp, water and lime. It works as an eco-friendly insulator, helping to mitigate heating and cooling costs and lending itself to the vision of Kosmos as a resort with sustainability in mind. On one side of the villa, a hot tub will be installed. On the other, a dome made out of glass and wood from Ekodome will cover the kitchen and loft area. The development will occur in phases. Next year, 16 stargazing villas (which hold up to four guests) and 4 galaxy villas (which hold up to eight guests) will be constructed, Geerlings said. Every stay includes an hour of a guided stargazing experience and telescope training. In 2026, the amenities will be built out. Those include the Mediterranean-style restaurant and the wellness center with spa features like hyperbaric chambers, a sauna and a cold plunge. In 2027, the planetarium will be added to the resort. To ensure dark skies, guests will park their cars and use electric golf carts to navigate the resort, Jadue Zalaquett said. He mentioned that discussions with consultants on the stargazing center included a NASA representative, who was interested in hosting a mission workshop at Kosmos next year. Both the planetarium and the spa will be open to the public, Geerlings added. “Back at my roots” All in all, it’s a bold plan. And Kosmos is looking to hire to make it happen. Right now, the business is in search of employees to lead their stargazing experiences. So far, it’s recruited a former Great Sand Dunes ranger, Geerlings said. The team is considering college students from Adams State University in Alamosa as interns. Kosmos will also need to staff resort operations, including housekeeping, security and front desk workers. “We’re gonna try and hire pretty much everyone locally,” Geerlings said. For Jadue Zalaquett, taking on an endeavor like this runs in his blood. He currently lives between Alamosa and Boulder, but Jadue Zalaquett was born in Chile and grew up in Miami. When his family migrated to Chile, they ran hotels. Several paternal relatives work as architects. However, Jadue Zalaquett didn’t initially follow the family business. Instead, he worked in technology startups for almost a decade. Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he visited the San Luis Valley. He realized that, although the Great Sand Dunes were located less than a half hour away, tourists could only choose from a few lodging options. So came the idea for Kosmos. And “here I am, back at my roots,” Jadue Zalaquett said.

Previous: max bet
Next: bet 12 login