Business

Mark Selles on Discipline and Design in Landscaping

Published

4 hours ago

18 February 2026

Mark Selles on Discipline and Design in Landscaping

Mark Selles is an award-winning landscape designer and Executive Director and Senior Landscape Designer at DeSignia Inc in Kannapolis, North Carolina. He has built his career on discipline, craftsmanship, and steady leadership in an industry often driven by trends.

From a young age, Selles was drawn to gardening, camping, fishing, and building mechanical devices. He enjoyed working with his hands and understanding how things functioned. That early interest in both nature and engineering shaped his professional path. Today, he blends practical design with creative vision.

Selles believes strong landscape design must reflect the architecture of a home and support how people use the space. He has written about the difference between style and fashion in landscaping, arguing that trends fade but disciplined design endures. His approach focuses on quality over quantity and careful attention to detail.

Much of his growth came through experience. Early career challenges became learning moments. He continues to submit himself to certification processes and ongoing education. He values humility and believes arrogance is a barrier to progress.

Beyond design, Selles is also an inventor. He holds a patent for a mower blade sharpener that sharpens three blades at once, reflecting his practical engineering mindset.

For Selles, leadership is rooted in character. Faith, accountability, and teamwork guide his decisions. He measures success simply: a completed landscape that works well, looks right, and leaves the client genuinely satisfied.

In Conversation with Mark Selles: Discipline, Design and Leadership

Q: Let’s start at the beginning. What first drew you to landscape design?

I have always loved the outdoors. As a child, I enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, and spending time at the beach. I also liked building mechanical things. I was curious about how things worked. Landscape design felt like a natural blend of those interests. It allowed me to work outside while still thinking structurally and creatively.

Q: How did those early interests shape your career?

They gave me a practical mindset. I do not see landscaping as decoration. I see it as structure, movement, and function. A landscape must reflect the style of the home, but it must also work in real life. Walkways, elevations, plant placement — all of it has purpose.

Q: You have written about style and fashion in landscaping. What is the difference?

Fashion changes. Twenty-five years ago, everyone wanted Bradford Pear trees. Then Knock-out Roses became popular. Trends come and go. Style should be tied to the architecture of the home. If you design with discipline and follow a clear strategy, the result can outlast fashion.

Q: Were there defining challenges early in your career?

Certainly. Often, issues arose from lack of experience. Those moments forced me to learn. I developed better forms, stronger design strategies, and clearer processes. Failure has been a motivator for me. It pushes you to improve.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style at DeSignia Inc?

Quality over quantity. Attention to detail. I believe in providing the same level of work to everyone, regardless of status. I also rely on my team. When challenges arise, we talk through client needs and site conditions together.

Q: You also hold a patent. How did that come about?

I enjoy mechanical and prototype engineering. I designed a mower blade sharpener that sharpens three blades at once. It reflects how I think. I look for efficiency and improvement in systems, whether that is equipment or design.

Q: How do you stay current in the industry?

I submit to certification processes that require recertification and continuing education. That means seminars and personal study. One of the biggest risks in any field is arrogance. You must stay open to learning.

Q: What role does character play in your work?

Character defines everything. Work and personal life influence each other. If your character is weak, your work will reflect it. For me, faith is foundational. It shapes my work ethic and how I treat people.

Q: How do you measure success?

When I visit a completed site, and the client is happy, and the space looks right — that is success. The design must function well and age well. Landscaping is living art. It grows and evolves.

Q: What advice would you give someone entering the industry?

Stay teachable. Work hard. Pay attention to details. Do not chase trends without understanding structure. Develop discipline. Over time, that foundation will speak for itself.

Business

Alpine Skier Claims Olympic Gold in Slalom Triumph

Published

4 minutes ago

19 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated Alpine skier in history, capped her Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics journey with a dominant gold medal in the women’s slalom on Feb. 18, ending an eight-year Olympic medal drought and solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

The 30-year-old American delivered a commanding performance on the Tofane course, posting a combined time of 1:39.10 to win by 1.50 seconds over Switzerland’s Camille Rast — the largest margin in an Olympic women’s slalom since 1998. It marked her third career Olympic gold, making her the first U.S. Alpine skier to achieve the feat and tying her with legends like Shaun White for second-most Winter Olympic golds by an American.

Here are 10 key things to know about Shiffrin, whose record-breaking career continues to redefine excellence in ski racing.

Record-Breaking World Cup Dominance Shiffrin holds the all-time record for most World Cup wins with 108 victories, surpassing Ingemar Stenmark’s previous mark. She has claimed nine slalom crystal globes — a record — and leads the 2025-26 overall standings with 1,133 points ahead of Rast’s 963, showcasing her consistency across disciplines despite specializing in technical events.
Youngest Olympic Slalom Champion At just 18, Shiffrin became the youngest Olympic slalom gold medalist ever when she won at the 2014 Sochi Games. That victory launched her meteoric rise, and her 2026 slalom gold now makes her both the youngest and oldest American woman to win Olympic Alpine gold.
Historic Third Olympic Gold The Feb. 18 triumph in Cortina gave Shiffrin her third Olympic gold — two in slalom (2014, 2026) and one in giant slalom from PyeongChang 2018 — plus a silver in combined from 2018. She now stands alone as the U.S. Alpine skier with the most Olympic golds, surpassing Ted Ligety and Andrea Mead Lawrence.
Overcoming Olympic Setbacks Shiffrin endured a frustrating eight-year Olympic medal drought, failing to podium in her final six races at Beijing 2022 and her first two events in Milan Cortina 2026. The slalom victory provided sweet redemption, with Shiffrin describing it as a moment that “rewrote her legacy” after carrying immense expectations.
Technical Mastery in Slalom Widely regarded as the greatest slalom skier ever, Shiffrin has won the discipline’s World Cup globe nine times. Her 2026 Olympic win featured a flawless second run that extended her first-run lead of 0.82 seconds, highlighting her precision, speed and mental resilience under pressure.
Injury Resilience Shiffrin missed much of the 2024-25 season after a severe puncture wound from a crash in Killington, Vermont, but returned stronger. Her ability to rebound from injuries and setbacks has become a hallmark, fueling comebacks that keep her at the pinnacle of the sport.
Versatile Across Disciplines While slalom remains her signature, Shiffrin has excelled in giant slalom, super-G and combined events, earning world championships and World Cup titles in multiple categories. Her versatility has helped her amass points and maintain top overall rankings season after season.
Inspirational Figure Off the Slopes Beyond racing, Shiffrin advocates for mental health in sports, especially after navigating public scrutiny during slumps. Married to fellow skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, she balances elite competition with personal life, serving as a role model for young athletes worldwide.
Path to Milan Cortina Glory Entering her fourth Olympics, Shiffrin competed in giant slalom, slalom and team combined. After no medals in her first two races, she delivered in her signature slalom — her final event — with a performance teammates and coaches called “imperious” and “storybook.”
Legacy Secured at 30 With the 2026 gold, Shiffrin cements her place among skiing’s immortals. Her 108 World Cup wins, multiple crystal globes, world titles and now three Olympic golds position her as arguably the greatest Alpine skier ever. As the Games conclude, she eyes continued dominance in the World Cup finale and beyond.

Shiffrin’s slalom triumph on a sunlit Dolomites day not only ended personal disappointment but elevated Team USA’s Alpine program. Her journey from teenage prodigy to enduring legend inspires millions, proving persistence and skill can conquer any challenge on snow.

Business

Indonesia, US firms sign over $7 billion in trade, investment deals

Published

11 minutes ago

19 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Indonesia, US firms sign over $7 billion in trade, investment deals

Business

The two farms in Senegal that supply many of the UK’s vegetables

Published

17 minutes ago

19 February 2026

NewsAdmin

The two farms in Senegal that supply many of the UK's vegetables

Between January and March, if you browse the fresh produce aisles of the UK’s biggest food retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi and Lidl, you’re likely to see spring onions, radishes, green beans, chillis, butternut squash, and cobs of corn, all labelled Produce of Senegal.

Business

Mario Kart World Dominates Japan’s January 2026 Physical Game Sales

Published

25 minutes ago

19 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Mario Kart World Dominates Japan's January 2026 Physical Game Sales

Mario Kart World for the Nintendo Switch 2 crushed the competition in Japan’s physical video game sales for January 2026, moving 124,320 units and pushing its lifetime total past 2.79 million copies, according to aggregated Famitsu data released this month.

The racing juggernaut, launched June 5, 2025, alongside the Switch 2 console, maintained its stranglehold on the market despite a 70% drop from December’s blockbuster numbers. Its enduring appeal — fueled by bundle sales, online multiplayer and expansive “connected world” courses — underscores Nintendo’s dominance in a typically slow post-holiday month devoid of major new releases.

Famitsu’s monthly breakdown, covering physical retail sales across all platforms, highlights a top five occupied by just three titles due to dual Switch and Switch 2 editions. Nintendo secured the top publisher spot, with its hardware also leading: the Switch 2 sold 453,433 units (down from 815,632 in December, lifetime over 4 million in Japan), while the original Switch moved 91,109.

Here’s the Famitsu top five physical best-sellers for January 2026:

Rank	Platform	Title	January Sales	Lifetime Sales
1	NS2	Mario Kart World	124,320 (-70%)	2,792,701
2	NSW	Momotaro Dentetsu 2: Your Town Must Be There Too (Eastern + Western Japan Editions)	75,503 (-17%)	1,595,038
3	NS2	Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition	68,416 (-63%)	1,072,570
4	NS2	Momotaro Dentetsu 2 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Eastern + Western)	67,576 (-29%)	188,535
5	NSW	Pokemon Legends: Z-A	65,215 (-71%)	1,660,782 (updated)

The board game-style Momotaro Dentetsu 2, released November 2025, claimed second with strong legs across original Switch and upgraded editions, reflecting Japanese gamers’ love for localized, social titles. Pokemon Legends: Z-A dual packs rounded out the podium, with the Switch 2 version outperforming its predecessor amid hardware migration.

January’s sluggish pace — typical after year-end rushes — saw no top-five newcomers, allowing evergreen hits to shine. Mario Kart World’s January haul, while down sharply, still outpaced rivals by a wide margin, cementing its status as Japan’s fastest-selling Mario Kart entry ever, bolstered by Switch 2 bundles.

Nintendo’s eShop digital charts paint a similar picture of hybrid dominance. On Switch 2, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Digital Deluxe led, but Mario Kart World ranked third behind Momotaro Dentetsu 2’s enhanced edition. The original Switch eShop crowned Momotaro #1, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe lagging at #15 — a sign of the classic yielding to its successor.

Top 5 Switch 2 eShop	Top 5 Switch eShop
1. Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined Digital Deluxe	1. Momotaro Dentetsu 2
2. Momotaro Dentetsu 2 – NS2 Ed.	2. Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined Digital Deluxe
3. Mario Kart World	3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
4. Kirby Air Riders	4. Minecraft
5. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade	5. Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Late-month Famitsu weekly data (Jan. 26-Feb. 1) underscores the trend: Bandai Namco’s new PS5 title Code Vein II debuted at #1 with 14,452 units, but Mario Kart World held #2 (12,445, lifetime 2.805 million). Other notables included Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition (#3) and Pokemon holdovers.

Analysts attribute Nintendo’s sweep to Switch 2’s momentum — over 4 million units sold domestically since June — and evergreen software libraries enhanced for the new hardware. Mario Kart World, with its seamless online play and vast track variety, continues to drive console adoption, much like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe did for the original Switch (over 6.5 million in Japan).

Competition stirred with ports like Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (#9 weekly) and Dynasty Warriors: Origins, but Nintendo’s family-friendly staples prevailed. PlayStation 5 trailed in hardware (exact Jan figures unavailable), while Xbox remained negligible.

As February unfolds, eyes turn to upcoming releases like Dragon Quest expansions and potential Switch 2 exclusives. Mario Kart World’s reign signals a robust 2026 for Nintendo in its home market, where physical sales still thrive alongside digital growth.

Business

From Ancient Artifacts to Blockbuster Exhibitions

Published

31 minutes ago

19 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Australia’s museums blend world-class collections, Indigenous heritage, maritime history and cutting-edge exhibitions, drawing millions of visitors annually. As 2026 unfolds with major blockbusters like the Terracotta Warriors at the National Museum of Australia and the 25th Biennale of Sydney, these institutions highlight the nation’s diverse stories — from 65,000 years of First Nations culture to modern innovation.

Here are 10 of the best museums to explore this year, based on visitor ratings, critical acclaim and current programming from sources including Tripadvisor, Time Out, ArtsHub and official sites.

Australian War Memorial (Canberra) Australia’s premier military museum and national shrine honors service members with powerful exhibits on conflicts from Gallipoli to Afghanistan. The Anzac Hall and dramatic sound-and-light shows remain highlights. In 2026, the Napier Waller Art Prize opens in September, celebrating artistic tributes to service. Free entry; over 10,000 Tripadvisor reviews praise its emotional impact.
National Gallery of Victoria (Melbourne) The oldest and most visited art museum in Australia boasts over 70,000 works spanning ancient to contemporary. NGV International and NGV Australia host rotating shows; 2026’s Winter Masterpieces features the largest Cartier exhibition ever in Australia, showcasing jewels worn by royalty and celebrities. Free general admission draws crowds for its global and local masterpieces.
Australian Museum (Sydney) The nation’s oldest museum (1827) focuses on natural history, Indigenous cultures and science. The permanent “Surviving Australia” exhibition explores the continent’s deadly wildlife and evolutionary adaptations, from giant wombats to bull sharks. Free entry to core displays; current LEGO “RELICS: A New World Rises” runs through February 2026, blending sustainability themes with creative builds.
National Museum of Australia (Canberra) Housed in a striking postmodern building, it chronicles 50,000 years of Indigenous heritage, European settlement and modern events like the Sydney Olympics. A major Terracotta Warriors exhibition opens in December 2026, featuring artifacts from China’s Qin dynasty. Innovative storytelling and interactive galleries make it essential for understanding national identity.
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA, Hobart) Tasmania’s provocative private museum, often called the “museum of sex and death,” features bold contemporary works in a subterranean labyrinth. David Walsh’s collection challenges visitors with dark humor and boundary-pushing art. High ratings for its immersive, ferry-access experience; a must for those seeking unconventional culture.
National Gallery of Australia (Canberra) Home to the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art alongside international masters, the NGA offers free entry to its vast holdings. Recent expansions emphasize First Nations perspectives; it’s a cornerstone for understanding Australia’s artistic heritage.
Melbourne Museum (Melbourne) Australia’s largest public museum complex covers natural sciences, Indigenous cultures and social history. Highlights include the massive blue whale skeleton and Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Upcoming “ROME: Empire, Power, People” exhibition draws parallels to modern politics, adding timely depth to its already rich permanent displays.
Australian National Maritime Museum (Sydney) Docked vessels like submarines and tall ships bring naval history to life on Darling Harbour. Current “The Beach” summer exhibition (through February 2026) celebrates Australia’s coastal identity. Interactive exhibits and harbor views make it family-friendly and engaging.
Art Gallery of New South Wales (Sydney) A neoclassical gem with strong Aboriginal art holdings and international collections. It hosts the 25th Biennale of Sydney (March 14–June 14, 2026) across multiple venues, themed “rememory” and curated by Hoor Al Qasimi. Free entry and stunning harbor views enhance the experience.
Powerhouse Museum (Sydney/Parramatta) Focusing on science, technology, design and innovation, the revitalized Powerhouse features interactive displays and James Turrell’s immersive “Perfectly Clear (Ganzfeld)” light installation. Its Parramatta campus adds modern flair to Australia’s industrial heritage narrative.

These museums offer free or low-cost entry to many permanent collections, with special exhibitions often ticketed. In 2026, major shows like Terracotta Warriors and Cartier underscore Australia’s growing role as a global cultural destination. Plan visits around seasonal events, and check official sites for hours and bookings.

Business

Irving Ruled Out for Remainder of Season for Full Recovery

Published

38 minutes ago

19 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Anti-vaxxers stormed the Barclays Center Sunday with many holding up "stand with Kyrie" signs. In photo: Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving.

Dallas Mavericks star guard Kyrie Irving will miss the rest of the 2025-26 NBA season to continue rehabilitation from a torn left ACL suffered nearly a year ago, the team announced Wednesday, marking the first full-season absence in his 15-year career and shifting focus to a strong return in 2026-27.

The Mavericks made the announcement two days before resuming play after the All-Star break, confirming Irving has made steady progress but will not return this year. The nine-time All-Star tore the ACL on March 3, 2025, during a 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings, playing just over nine minutes and scoring seven points before exiting. He underwent reconstructive surgery later that month and missed the final 20 games of the 2024-25 season.

Irving, 33, has not appeared in any games this season. The team stated he will remain actively engaged with the Mavericks through the campaign’s end, supporting teammates and staff while prioritizing long-term health.

“This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right one,” Irving said in a team release. “I’m looking forward to coming back stronger next season.” His agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, told ESPN the choice emphasizes being “1,000% ready” for a championship pursuit in 2026-27.

The Mavericks enter the post-All-Star stretch with a 19-35 record, sitting 12th in the Western Conference and well out of playoff contention. The decision aligns with a cautious approach amid the team’s struggles, allowing Irving extended recovery time beyond the typical 9-12 month timeline for ACL repairs. Some initial speculation had suggested a possible late-season return around March, but the Mavericks opted against risking re-injury.

Irving’s absence compounds backcourt challenges for Dallas, which has relied on younger guards and role players this season. The Mavericks acquired Irving in a 2023 trade from the Brooklyn Nets, pairing him with Luka Dončić in a high-profile tandem that reached the Western Conference finals in 2024. Injuries and inconsistency have limited that potential, with Irving playing fewer than 60 games in each of his first two full seasons with the team.

Despite the setback, the announcement has drawn support from fans and analysts who view it as prudent for Irving’s longevity and the franchise’s future. Social media reactions highlighted optimism for a fully healthy Irving teaming with emerging talents — including potential lottery pick Cooper Flagg in future drafts — to chase titles.

Irving’s career highlights include an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, where his clutch performance in Game 7 sealed the win over the Golden State Warriors. A dynamic scorer and ball-handler, he ranks among the league’s elite in handles and mid-range efficiency when healthy.

The Mavericks continue their season Friday against an opponent yet to be specified post-break, focusing on development and positioning for the offseason. No timetable for Irving’s on-court return has been set beyond next season, but the team expressed confidence in his progress.

NBA medical experts note ACL recoveries vary, with modern protocols emphasizing gradual ramp-up to contact. Irving’s extended timeline reflects a conservative strategy to minimize re-tear risk, common in high-level athletes.

As Dallas navigates the final months without its star guard, attention turns to roster adjustments and youth development ahead of what the organization hopes will be a revitalized 2026-27 campaign with Irving leading the charge.

Business

Norwegian, TripAdvisor Get New Activists. Why Travel Stocks Are Attractive Right Now.

Published

44 minutes ago

19 February 2026

NewsAdmin

Norwegian, TripAdvisor Get New Activists. Why Travel Stocks Are Attractive Right Now.

Business

(VIDEO) Trump’s Bold New Look for Air Force One Departs from Kennedy-Era Tradition

Published

51 minutes ago

18 February 2026

NewsAdmin

The U.S. Air Force is implementing a striking new paint scheme for the presidential aircraft fleet, including the next-generation Air Force One jets, featuring a palette of red, white, dark blue and gold — a design championed by President Donald Trump that breaks from the iconic light blue and white livery in place since the Kennedy administration more than six decades ago.

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The Air Force announced the change Feb. 17, 2026, confirming the colors will apply to the VC-25B program — two modified Boeing 747-8 aircraft under conversion by Boeing — as well as other executive airlift planes. The redesign revives a proposal Trump unveiled during his first term in 2019, which the Biden administration scrapped in 2022 over concerns about cost, weight and potential heat absorption from darker hues affecting onboard systems.

An Air Force spokesperson told multiple outlets, including Fox News and Reuters, that the new requirement covers the VC-25B fleet and additional executive aircraft, such as four C-32s (military Boeing 757s often used as Air Force Two). “The Air Force is implementing a new paint scheme requirement (red, white, gold and dark blue) for VC-25B as well as the additional executive airlift fleet,” the statement read.

The shift is already visible: A C-32A VIP jet emerged in late February 2026 sporting the updated livery — white upper fuselage over dark blue lower body, separated by red and gold cheat lines, with a large American flag on the tail — photographed departing from a maintenance facility in Greenville, Texas. Sources indicate the makeover occurs during scheduled maintenance and upgrades, minimizing additional expense.

The design echoes Trump’s personal Boeing 757, often dubbed “Trump Force One,” with its navy blue, red accents and gold touches. Critics have called the scheme flashy and a departure from the understated elegance of the robin’s-egg blue introduced in 1962 for President John F. Kennedy’s VC-137C. Supporters praise it as more “patriotic” and bold, aligning with national colors and Trump’s aesthetic preferences seen in White House decor and campaign branding.

The change extends to a luxury Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar in 2025, which Trump ordered retrofitted as a “bridge” Air Force One. The Air Force expects that aircraft — undergoing extensive security, communications and defensive modifications — to enter service no later than summer 2026, potentially becoming the first presidential plane in the new colors. Boeing’s two VC-25B jets, part of a long-delayed $3.9 billion program signed in 2018, are slated for delivery in coming years, with the new livery applied during final assembly.

The original Trump proposal faced backlash for estimated added costs and engineering risks, including darker colors potentially raising cabin temperatures. The Biden-era reversal restored renders of a modernized Kennedy-style scheme. Trump’s return to office prompted the latest pivot, with the Air Force citing updated requirements in August 2025 briefings.

No immediate safety or operational issues have been reported with the new palette, and the phased rollout — tied to routine overhauls — limits disruption. The iconic blue-and-white look has symbolized American presidential aviation through multiple administrations, appearing in countless state visits, summits and homecomings.

Reactions have been mixed. Aviation enthusiasts and historians expressed disappointment over losing a 60-year tradition, while others welcomed a fresh, assertive appearance. Social media buzzed with comparisons to Trump’s branding, with some dubbing it “Trump Force One official.”

As the first painted aircraft re-enter service in the coming months, the new look will become a visible symbol of the administration’s style on the global stage. The VC-25B fleet, once fully operational, will represent the most significant update to presidential airlift since the current VC-25As entered service in the 1990s.