Published: Horseback Riding in Iceland for the Adventurous Traveler

“Horseback Riding in Iceland for the Adventurous Traveler” on @Medium https://ift.tt/36vORNV

Published: Pennsylvania’s Black Forest Trail

“Pennsylvania’s Black Forest Trail” on @Medium https://ift.tt/33dGZyP

Published: Cycling Across the Country is an Attainable Goal

“Cycling Across the Country is an Attainable Goal” on @Medium https://ift.tt/2q55HUE

Published: Choosing the Right Mountaineering Boots

“Choosing the Right Mountaineering Boots” on @Medium https://ift.tt/2q6t5kv

Published: Tips for Preparing for a Cross-Country Bike Tour

“Tips for Preparing for a Cross-Country Bike Tour” on @Medium https://ift.tt/33vzVOJ

Published: The Black Forest Trail in Pennsylvania

“The Black Forest Trail in Pennsylvania” on @Medium https://ift.tt/35as9uS

Published: What Is a Senior Assistant District Attorney?

“What Is a Senior Assistant District Attorney?” on @Medium https://ift.tt/2mqJwpO

Published: Tips for Packing for a Multi-Day Backpacking Trip

“Tips for Packing for a Multi-Day Backpacking Trip” on @Medium https://ift.tt/2LEKwAv

Published: Hiking Near Seydisfjordur

“Hiking Near Seydisfjordur” on @Medium https://ift.tt/2Z9hmlw

Project Brooklyn CLEAR Aids People Experiencing Narcotics Dependency

Justin Marrus has built a career as a public prosecutor in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office (also known as the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office). In his capacity as senior assistant district attorney, Justin Marrus supports an office that has focused on providing assistance to individuals arrested for misdemeanor narcotics possession through the program Project Brooklyn CLEAR.

Project Brooklyn CLEAR (Collaborative Legal Engagement Assistance Response) is a pre-arraignment diversion program through which individuals arrested for seventh-degree controlled-substance possession have the opportunity to access treatment and other support services. Modeled on the successful Staten Island HOPE program, Brooklyn CLEAR allows those who opt into and complete it to have their charges dismissed.

Brooklyn CLEAR began as a pilot program in February of 2018 before expanding to all of Brooklyn the following September. The project quickly began achieving its aim, as its first seven months saw 85 percent of the nearly two-thirds of individuals who chose to participate successfully complete the program. 

By the end of 2018, 150 people had completed Brooklyn CLEAR and, as a result, did not have to make a court appearance. In a year-end statement, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office credited Brooklyn CLEAR with contributing to the 9.6 percent decrease in criminal complaints across the borough over 2018.

Hot and Cold Process Soap Making

When not occupied with his work with the Kings County District Attorney's office, Justin Marrus likes to make things. One of Justin Marrus's preferred crafts is soap making, which involves the combination of fats or oils with lye.

Making soap from scratch can be accomplished through a cold process or a hot process. While both require heating the ingredients above room temperature, the cold process only requires the oils to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit and adds no further heat once they are combined with the lye, while the hot process heat-cures the soap.

During the cold process, the soap maker heats the oils in a pot until they reach about 100 degrees, then adds a lye-water mixture and blends the soap until it is thick enough to where stirring leaves visible lines or deformations that remain for some time. Fragrances, colors, and additives are added at this time, after which the soap is poured into a mold. Cold process soap takes four weeks to cure before it can be used.

During the hot process, the soap mix is put into a crock pot or similar slow cooker before additives enter the mix. It cooks for about an hour total, being stirred every 15 minutes, until it has a consistency similar to pancake batter or mashed potatoes. Additives can then be placed in the soap, and the soap can subsequently be placed into the mold. This process takes only two days to reach a usable state.

Things to Consider Before Cycling Across America

Things to Consider Before Cycling Across America

Justin Marrus is an experienced New York City attorney who has been a senior district attorney with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office since 2011. Outside of the professional arena, Justin Marrus is an avid cyclist and camper who once traveled across the United States by bike unsupported.

Over the years, many people have made the transcontinental cycling trip on the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail and through other extended routes. These people have amassed a number of key tips to educate and inform others in advance of this grueling and potentially perilous trip.

First and foremost, experts recommend doing extensive research on every stretch of one’s proposed route to ensure that it is safe and that it contains the specific amenities needed at that stage of the journey. Even if one plans to camp for the majority of one’s trip, it is wise to line up several indoor sleeping options in advance, as cross-country cyclists almost always appreciate the occasional soft bed and warm shower.

The second major thing to consider is what to pack. Like other cross-country cyclists, National Geographic Travel contributor Tyler Metcalfe recommends packing extremely light. As far as gear goes, cross-country cyclist and bicycling contributor Caitlin Giddings recommends spending extra money on a high-quality, all-weather sleeping bag.