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The garden pansy (Viola × wittrockiana) is a type of polychromatic large-flowered hybrid plant cultivated as a garden flower.[2] It is derived by hybridization from several species in the section Melanium ("the pansies")[3] of the genus Viola, particularly V. tricolor, a wildflower of Europe and western Asia known as heartsease. It is sometimes known as V. tricolor var. hortensis, but this scientific name is suspect. While V. tricolor var. hortensis Groenland & Rümpler is a synonym of Viola × wittrockiana,[1] V. tricolor var. hortensis DC. refers to a horticultural variety of wild pansy (V. tricolor without interspecific hybridization) that had been illustrated in Flora Danica in 1777[4][5] before the existence of Viola × wittrockiana.[1][6]
The chromosome number of Viola × wittrockiana is 2n = 44–52,[6] with most cultivars being 2n = 48.[7] The flower is 5 to 8 centimetres (2 to 3 in) in diameter and has two slightly overlapping upper petals, two side petals, and a single bottom petal with a slight beard emanating from the flower's center. These petals are usually white or yellow, purplish, or blue.[8] The plant may grow to 23 cm (9 in) in height, and prefers sun to varying degrees and well-draining soils.
Names and terminology
English common names, such as "pansy", "viola" and "violet" may be used interchangeably. One possible distinction is that plants considered to be "pansies" are classified in Viola sect. Melanium, and have four petals pointing upwards (the two side petals point upwards), and only one pointing down, whereas those considered to be "violets" are classified in Viola sect. Viola, and have two petals pointing up and three pointing down.[3][9][10] Another possible distinction is made by the American Violet Society – the International Cultivar Registration Authority for the genus Viola. It divides cultivated varieties (cultivars) in Viola sect. Melanium into four subgroups: B1 – pansies, B2 – violas, B3 – violettas and B4 – cornuta hybrids. On this classification, modern "pansies" differ from the other three subgroups by possessing a well-defined "blotch" or "eye" in the middle of the flower.[11]
Modern horticulturalists tend to use the term "pansy" for those multi-coloured large-flowered hybrids that are grown for bedding purposes every year, while "viola" is usually reserved for smaller, more delicate annuals and perennials.
Etymology
The name "pansy" is derived from the French word pensée, "thought", and was imported into Late Middle English as a name of Viola in the mid-15th century, as the flower was regarded as a symbol of remembrance. The name "love in idleness" implied the image of a lover who has little or no other employment than to think of his beloved.[12]
The name "heart's-ease" came from St. Euphrasia, whose name in Greek signifies cheerfulness of mind. The woman, who refused marriage and took the veil, was considered a pattern of humility, hence the name "humble violet".[12]
In Scandinavia, Scotland, and Germany, the pansy is known as the "stepmother" flower; an aitiological tale about a selfish stepmother is told to children while the teller plucks off corresponding parts of the blossom.[13] The German name is Stiefmütterchen (lit. 'little stepmother'); in the German version of the tale, the lower petal represents the stepmother, the large upper petals represent her daughters, and the small upper petals represent her stepdaughters.[14] The Czech name for the flower, maceška, also means "little stepmother" and is said to derive from the flower's resemblance of an evil woman's sullen face. In Slovenian, the flower is instead identified with an orphan.[15]
In Italy, the pansy is known as flammola (little flame).[16]
In Israel, the pansy is called Amnon Ve'Tamar, (אמנון ותמר), named after the rape story of Amnon and Tamar, in which Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar. The name was suggested by Shaul Tchernichovsky.[17]
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March 2
It's hard to believe I just ordered vegetable seeds (spinach, lettuce, peas) to plant back here. . .
3rd Degree
It's All Bad
1) 05271981
2) It's All Bad
3) Street Shit feat. Kutt Calhoun & Snug Brim
4) Macaroni & Cheese
5) The Defintion feat. Young Beezle & Profit
6) That's Right feat. The Incredible Zigg
7) Bird In My Bottle feat. Grewsum
8) So Sexy
9) Roll With Factas
10) We Ride (Remix) feat. Don Juan
11) No Love feat. Hustlar & The Incredible Zigg
12) The Game Needs Me feat. Young Beezle
13) Rap Shit
14) Slougher feat. Donta Slusha
15) War?
16) Situations feat. Grewsum
17) 5-2-10 feat Blydell & The Incredible Zigg
The barred owl (Strix varia) is a large typical owl native to North America. Best known as the hoot owl for its distinctive call, it goes by many other names, including eight hooter, rain owl, wood owl, and striped owl. The adult is 40–63 cm (16–25 in) long with a 96–125 cm (38–49 in) wingspan. Weight in this species is 500 to 1,050 g (1.10 to 2.31 lb).[2] It has a pale face with dark rings around the eyes, a yellow beak and brown eyes. It is the only typical owl of the eastern United States which has brown eyes; all others have yellow eyes. The upper parts are mottled gray-brown. The underparts are light with markings; the chest is barred horizontally while the belly is streaked vertically. The legs and feet are covered in feathers up to the talons.[3] The head is round and lacks ear tufts, a distinction from the slightly smaller short-eared owl, which favors more open, marginal habitats.
Outside of the closely related spotted owl, this streaky, chunky-looking owl is unlikely to be confused over most of the range. The spotted owl is similar in appearance but has spots rather than streaks down the underside. Due to their fairly large size, the barred owl may be confused for the great horned owl by the inexperienced but are dramatically different in shape, eye color and markings.
Making a vid of the hockey net in a pond (c'mon people!) a Sora cried out.
Stop being one of the many! Stand up, say something! Wildlife should not pay for other peoples failures.
I am most disappointed with the Mi'kmaq
Calocera viscosa, commonly known as the yellow stagshorn, is a jelly fungus, a member of the Dacrymycetales, an order of fungi characterized by their unique "tuning fork" basidia.
It has bright orange, yellow or occasionally white branching basidiocarps, which are somewhat gelatinous in texture and slimy to the touch (hence the specific name). It is relatively large for a jelly fungus, and can reach up to ten centimetres in height.[2] It is widespread and common, and its bright colour makes it stand out in its habitat. It grows on decaying conifer wood, typically stumps and roots, although this may not be obvious if the wood is covered in leaf litter. It fruits throughout throughout the year, but is most commonly seen in autumn.
It is not poisonous, but its tough gelatinous texture and nondescript taste and odour make it unattractive as a food. Its striking colour has led to it being used as a garnish on occasion, however
Today we did the Color Run - a 4 year family tradition. Some run and some walk but it's a great time for all. Our granddaughter is 2. It was Papa and Grandma pleasure to cover the 3.1 miles with her. A little stroller time, a little walking time, a little running time, and a whole lot of FUN time. Time to tackle the ORANGE ZONE. She faced it like a pro. As well she should - it is her 3rd Color Run.
From the very limited/sold out Crysis 2: Nano Edition
Kicked myself for not pre-ordering this version before release. Now it is no longer available. Was lucky enough to win this off of ebay.com instead.
ALCATRAZ FIGURINE
Produced by First4Figures ( www.first4figures.com/ ), this awesomely detailed figurine of main character Alcatraz perched on top of a New York taxi features unique lighting effects as seen on the Nanosuit 2. It is approximately 11" tall.
These shots show the lighting effects (internal to the suit) in action.
This games kicks some serious A$$
Day 2:
It's a day which started well and ended very nicely :)
We spent the night before in Kanda. Headed out early to go to a 100yen shop at Akihabara before catching our reserved bullet train, embarking on our "quest for sakura" journey.
We found the 100yen shop alright and saw tonnes of goodies there but decided to do the shopping spree when we returned to Tokyo on Day 7 (where I encountered the middle-aged Cosplay phenomenon
Since 8vee never tried "standing soba", so we grabbed our breakfast at one right in front of akihabara JR station and had an amazing Squid tempura soba *slurp*
And then we bumped into some funky pet and its friendly owner :)
Then went back to the hotel, grabbed our bags and headed north to Kasumigajou Kouen, Nihonmatsu and then to Sendai to check into our hotel before grabbing dinner
Clandon Park House is an early 18th-century grade I listed Palladian mansion in West Clandon, near Guildford in Surrey.[2]
It stands in the south east corner of Clandon Park, a 220-hectare (540-acre) agricultural parkland estate which has been the seat of the Earls of Onslow for over two centuries. The house and gardens were gifted to the National Trust in 1956,[3] but the rest of the park remains in private ownership.[4] Some of the house's contents have also been acquired by the Trust in lieu of estate duty.[5]
Construction of the house, designed by Italian architect Giacomo Leoni, began about 1730, and the interiors were finished by continental sculptors and plasterers in the 1740s. It replaced an Elizabethan house. The park was landscaped by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown in 1781, and there are two formal gardens on either side of the house. Nearby is a Māori meeting house, one of only three outside New Zealand, that was brought to England in the late 19th century. After being transferred to the National Trust, the house underwent restoration before it was opened to the public, and later became a wedding venue and filming location for period dramas.
The house was badly damaged by fire in April 2015, probably caused by an electrical fault in the basement, leaving it "essentially a shell". Thousands of historic artefacts, paintings, and items of furniture were lost in what has been described as a national tragedy. In January 2016, the National Trust announced that some of the principal rooms on the ground floor would be fully restored to the original 18th-century designs, and upper floors will be used for exhibitions and events.
History[edit]
The estate and Elizabethan house, together with Temple Court Farm at Merrow, was purchased in 1641 from Sir Richard Weston of nearby Sutton Place,[6] by Sir Richard Onslow, MP for Surrey in the Long Parliament and great-grandfather of Thomas Onslow, 2nd Baron Onslow, who rebuilt it. Many members of the Onslow family followed political careers; three of them, including Arthur Onslow, were Speakers of the House of Commons. Their portraits would later hang in the Speaker's Parlour at Clandon House.[7]
Engraving of the house, showing the west front and deer park, c. 1824
The house was built, or perhaps thoroughly rebuilt, in about 1730–33 (the latter date is on rainwater heads) by Thomas Onslow, 2nd Baron Onslow to the design of the Venetian architect Giacomo Leoni. It is a rectangular building of red brick and stone dressings. Clandon House interiors, completed in the 1740s, featured a two-storey Marble Hall, containing marble chimney pieces by the Flemish sculptor Michael Rysbrack, and a rococo plasterwork ceiling by Italian-Swiss artists Giuseppe Artari and Bagutti.[8]
Clandon Park was landscaped by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown in 1776–81, replacing a French garden and transforming part of a disused canal into an ornamental lake.[9] A porte-cochère was added to the principal facade in 1876. A sunken Dutch garden was created by Frances, Countess of Onslow at the north front of the house in the late 19th century. In 1895, the house was investigated for paranormal activity by the Marquess of Bute and Ada Goodrich Freer on behalf of the Society for Psychical Research. During World War I, the Onslow family created and managed a hospital in Clandon House for the war injured.
A nice lake - Štrbské pleso - in the High Tatras Mountains in Slovakia - pictures taken by my grandmother in 1987, on a tour organized by my father.
Csorba-tó a Magas Tátrában 1346 m tengerszint feletti magasságban Szlovákiában - a képeket 1987-es nyári autóbuszos kirándulásunk alkalmával készítette Nagymamám.
Štrbské pleso is a picturesque mountain lake of glacial origin and a top tourist destination in the High Tatras, Slovakia. It is the second-largest glacial lake on the Slovak side of the High Tatras, after Veľké Hincovo pleso. Maximum depth is 20 metres (66 ft). The word pleso (tarn) is applied only to mountain lakes. The locals used to call it "the puddle" or "pond" (mláka) in the past.[1] It is the second-largest glacial lake on the Slovak side of the High Tatras, after Hincovo Pleso, to which it loses by 0.8 acres (3,200 m2).[2] It is fed by underground springs and has no visible outflow stream. Its surface remains frozen for around 155 days per year.
USS Intrepid museum in New York City
The USS Intrepid CV-11 (known as the Fighting 1) is one of 24 Essex class ships that served during World War 2. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark and house the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum. Exhibits include F-16 Fighting Falcon, Lockhead A-12, British Airways Concorde, Bell 47, USS Growler and a piece of the Berlin Wall. The Museum in currently campaigning to get one of the NASA Space Shuttles when they are retired from service, there is an online petition which people can sign to help,
Choreography, Piper Morgan Hayes
Music, S-M-I-L-E, by Piper Morgan Hayes; Cow and Calf Auction Near Righ--Interior, BBC 35
Livestock 2; It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World, by James Brown; Harpin’ On The Porch, by Adam
Crawley
Costumes, Kim Instenes
Light Design, William Newcomb
Performers
Hannah Clark, Sofia Dollinger, Piper Morgan Hayes, Sara O’Lear, Hannah Shepherd, Marie
Tredway, Kelly West, Sara Wuchte
Ever wondered what happened to the 'African Queen'? This river steamer languishes outside Sittingbourne, Kent. Taken with a Fed 2. It seems the shutter curtains are a bit slow as the left hand side of the frames are over-exposed and the right hand side a bit too dark. Well, we all get old..... Fed 2.
Heritage Weekend can be frustrating in that most of the activities take place on Saturday, the same day as Ride and Stride, meaning sometimes many interesting places can't be visited as I am chasing the lost cause of a long locked church.
But in recent years, the weekend has become very much that, and in some cases spreads over two weekends and some weekdays too.
St Mildred was listed as being open on Sunday, so we were at the church door a minute past ten, just as well as a service was due to start at eleven, and although when I arrived just the vicar was there, soon a small army of wardens and volunteers had arrived and were getting buy, meaning I would have got in their way, and they in my shots.
But, I work quick and already had many of the shots I wanted.
I had been here before, many years ago, maybe seven, and I did an OK job, but about 30 shots taken, nowhere enough to record this large and sprawling city centre church.
So, here we are:
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The Church of Saint Mildred is an Anglo-Saxon stone church in Canterbury probably dating from the 11th century. It has been a Grade I listed building since 1949.[1] It is located in the St. Mildred's quarter of the historic city centre. This is the only surviving pre-Norman church within the former city walls.[2]
It is unknown when the church was originally built, but two of the walls of the nave are Anglo-Saxon, i.e. are preserved from before 1066. It is believed that the chancel is Anglo-Saxon as well. The relics of Saint Mildred, who died in 768, were transferred from Canterbury Cathedral to St Augustine's Abbey in the middle of the 11th century, and it is likely that the church was built at that time.[1]
St Mildred's Church has a five-bay nave and a two-bay chancel. Most of the nave and the chapels date from between the 13th century and 1512. It was extensively restored in 1861.[1]
The church belonged to St Augustine's Abbey until the abbey was abolished during the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538, and since then it has belonged to the Crown.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Saint_Mildred,_Canterbury
St Mildred was the daughter of Ermenburga, grand daughter of King Ethelbert of Kent and consecrated Abbess of the Convent of Minster in Thanet by St Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury in AD694. Mildred supported the poor and is usually depicted holding a deer (the symbol of Minster) or a church and three geese. She died c.732, and her tomb became a place of pilgrimage. Her relics were acquired by St Augustine's Abbey in 1033, but Archbishop Lanfranc later also claimed them for St Gregory's Priory in the mid 11th century. The church was founded around 1033, but virtually destroyed by fire in 1246. A tower and new roof were added in the 1300s, North aisle and Nave windows in 1400s and SE chapel in 1500s. The tower was demolished and bells sold in 1832, the whole church restored in 1861 and again in 1920s. This has left a hall church with a five bay nave, two bay chancel, North aisle, SE chapel and North porch. Izaak Walton, author of The Compleat Angler who fished for trout in the Stour, married here in 1626.
www.canterbury-archaeology.org.uk/stmildred/4590809557
There are, within the walls of this city, twelve parish churches now remaining, and there were five more, which have been long since demolished; and there are three churches now situated in the suburbs of it, and there has been one demolished—Of those now remaining, there were only two, viz. St. Martin's without, and St. Alphage's within the walls, which were not of the patronage of some religious house or abbey, in or in the near neighbourhood of the city, and these two were in the patronage of the archbishop. (fn. 1)
It may be thought strange, that the number of churches in this city has decreased so much, and that so many of them have been united to others, and yet together, even at this time, make but a very moderate income to the incumbents; this has been supposed, in general, to have been occasioned by the great failure of their former profits, which they enjoyed before the reformation, of private masses, obits, processions, consessions, or the like; all which then fell to the ground, and lessened the income of most of them to a very small pittance. However, as will be seen hereafter, some of these churches were become desecrated and in ruins, and others were united long before the above time; which seems to have been owing, in great measure, to many of them having been built by the bounty of well disposed persons, in hopes of a future support and endowment, which failing, and the repairs and support of the fabric lying too heavy on the parishioners, they suffered them to run to ruin; and there being no susficient maintenance for the priests, they became desecrated, or were united to some other neighbouring churches. Indeed it appears plain, that poverty was the sole cause of their decay; for in their most flourishing state, the benefice of each of these churches was so low and poor, that they were for that very reason excused in all taxations, being of less value than the stipends of poor vicars, which had been advanced above five marcs a year. (fn. 2)
The decrease of the value of church benefices was equally felt in other cities and towns, as well as this, which occasioned an act of parliament to be passed at Oxford, in the 17th of king Charles II. for uniting churches in cities and towns corporate; in conformity to which, in 1681, a petition was made to the archbishop, under the names and seals of the major part of the mayor and aldermen, and justices of the peace, of this city, who being informed of the archbishop's intentions of uniting the parish churches of it, according to the above act, they did thereby give their free consent, that those within the city should be united, viz.
ST. PAUL'S and ST. MARTIN'S,
ST. MARY BREDMAN'S and ST. ANDREW'S,
HOLY CROSS WESTGATE, and ST. PETER'S,
ST. ALPHAGE'S and ST. MARY'S NORTHGATE,
leaving all things necessary to the perfecting of this union, according to the tenor of the above act; which instrument was dated March 6th, that year, and signed by Jacob Wraight, mayor, and P. Barrett, recorder, &c. To this was added a petition of the dean and chapter of Canterbury to the archbishop, as being perpetual patrons of the parish churches of St. George, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Paul, St. Mary Bredman, and St. Peter, within the city and liberties, for the uniting of those churches with each other and with others adjoining, in manner as above-mentioned in the former petition, which was given under their common seal, dated March 13th the same year. Upon the receipt of these, the archbishop issued his decree, reciting the two petitions for uniting the several above-mentioned churches, the particulars of which will be found under the description of each of them; which decree was dated at Lambeth, on March 24, 1681. To which the inhabitants of each parish signed their consents, by their several instruments, dated December 19th, 20th, and 21st, the same year. After which, by a decree of the archbishop's in 1684, with the consent of the mayor, aldermen and justices of the peace of this city, and of the king, under his great seal as patron, he united the church of All Saints with St. Mary de Castro, already united to it, to the parish church of St. Mildred; further particulars of which will be found under the latter parish. It should seem the decree of the archbishop in 1681, for the uniting of the churches of Holy Cross Westgate, and St. Peter did not have its full effect, for on April 6, 1692, there were two petitions, one from the mayor and eight others, and another from the dean and chapter to the archbishop, similar to the former ones, for this purpose; and the archbishop's decree, dated at Lambeth, the 13th of that month, united these churches; and with the same particulars in every thing else as the former decree in 1681.
T. MILDRED'S church is situated at the southwest extremity of the city, near the Old Castle and the river Stour, in the church-yard belonging to it. This church is a large handsome building, of three isles and three chancels, with a square tower steeple on the north side, in which are five bells. This church and a great part of the city, was, according to Stow, burnt in the year 1246, anno 30 Henry III. but as it should seem not entirely so, for at the west end of the south isle there is a very fair Roman arch, remaining over the window, and by all appearance the work of those times. (fn. 122)
¶This church is a rectory, the patronage of which was part of the possessions of the abbot and convent of St. Augustine, with whom it continued till the dissolution of that monastery, in the 30th year of king Henry VIII. when it came into the hands of the crown, where it has continued ever since, the king being the present patron of it.
The church of St. Mildered is valued in the antient taxation at eight marcs per annum.
This rectory, with that of the antient desecrated church of St. Mary de Castro, or of the Castle, is valued in the king's books, at 17l. 17s. 11d. and the yearly tenths at 1l. 15s. 9½d. (fn. 123) In 1588 it was valued at fifty pounds. Communicants three hundred and sixty. In 1640 it was valued at seventy pounds.— Communicants one hundred.
Archbishop Sancrost, by his decree, dated Sept. 29, 1684, united the rectory of All Saints, in this city, with St. Mary de Castro, of the king's patronage likewife, to this of St. Mildred, (fn. 124) in which state it continues at this time. It is now about the clear annual value of eight pounds. (fn. 125)
The neighbouring church of St. John, becoming desolated after the reformation, tacitly devolved to this church of St. Mildred, and it has ever since been esteemed as part of this parish.
Mount Auburn Cemetery in Massachusetts, was founded in 1831 as "America's first garden cemetery" or "rural cemetery". With classical monuments set in a rolling landscaped terrain,[2] it marked a distinct break with Colonial-era burying grounds and church-affiliated graveyards. The appearance of this type of landscape coincides with the rising popularity of the term "cemetery", derived from the Greek for "a sleeping place." This language and outlook eclipsed the previous harsh view of death and the afterlife embodied by old graveyards and church burial plots.[3] The 174-acre (70 ha) cemetery is important both for its historical aspects and for its role as an arboretum. It is Watertown’s largest contiguous open space and extends into Cambridge to the east, adjacent to the Cambridge City and Sand Banks Cemeteries.
Wikipedia
By a Helios 44-2. It was quite dark when this was taken. These are the large daises, not the size of a dime, but over two inches across.
Black & White Wednesday
Bokeh Wednesday 2
It turned 12 this June. It's been used and abused and still as tough as nails.
Mount Auburn Cemetery is the first rural cemetery in the United States, located on the line between Cambridge and Watertown in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Boston.
With classical monuments set in a rolling landscaped terrain,[2] it marked a distinct break with Colonial-era burying grounds and church-affiliated graveyards. The appearance of this type of landscape coincides with the rising popularity of the term "cemetery", derived from the Greek for "a sleeping place." This language and outlook eclipsed the previous harsh view of death and the afterlife embodied by old graveyards and church burial plots.[3]
The 174-acre (70 ha) cemetery is important both for its historical aspects and for its role as an arboretum. It is Watertown’s largest contiguous open space and extends into Cambridge to the east, adjacent to the Cambridge City Cemetery and Sand Banks Cemetery. It was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2003 for its pioneering role in 19th-century cemetery development.
Wikipedia
Media Clips - Jason Schulz, ACFN Executive Director, Strategic Advisory Services on the launch of the ACFN Green Energy LP Solar Projects.
Clip 1 “35 year revenue stream” [17 seconds]
Clip 2 “It will open up a lot of doors” and “inspire the future generations “ [27 seconds or 17 secs]
Clip 3 “benefit community, benefit the province” and “help with recovery” [14 seconds]
Clip 4 - communities “impact by climate change” [13 seconds]
Clip 5 “will deliver long-term value” and “mitigate some of the carbon footprint” [14 seconds]
The Oregon Zoo was founded in 1888, making it the oldest North American zoo west of the Mississippi.[2] It all began with two grizzly bears purchased by Richard Knight.
A former seaman turned pharmacist, Knight began collecting animals from his seafaring friends. He kept his collection in the back of his drug store on Third & Morrison streets. When caring for the animals became too large a responsibility he sought to sell them to the city of Portland. Instead of buying the animals, the city offered to give Knight two circus cages and allowed him to place the caged bears on the grounds of City Park (now called Washington Park).
Care and feeding of the bears, however, still fell to the Knight family and friends. It wasn't long before Knight addressed the city council again regarding the bears. Just five months later, he offered to donate the young grizzly, along with its cage (it is unclear what happened to the second bear) to the city. Portland City Council accepted his offer on November 7, 1888, and began the Portland Zoo.
By 1894 there were over 300 animals in the zoo’s collection. In 1925, the zoo moved to the site of the present Portland Japanese Garden, and moved again in 1959 to its current site, designed by Lawrence, Tucker & Wallmann.[7] The zoo was renamed the Portland Zoological Gardens in 1959.[2] At this time, Washington Park and Zoo Railway was constructed to connect the zoo to its former site, and the other attractions in Washington Park.
The zoo became popular locally in 1953, when Rosy the Asian elephant was acquired. The zoo became world-famous in 1962 when the Asian elephant "Packy" was born. He was the first elephant born in the western hemisphere in 44 years and is (as of 2010) the tallest Asian elephant in the United States at 10.5 ft (3.2 m) tall. A total of 28 more calves have been born at the Oregon Zoo, including seven sired by Packy (two of which still live with him), making it the most successful zoo elephant breeding program in the world. On August 23, 2008, Rose-Tu, the granddaughter of the zoo's first elephant Rosy, gave birth to a son named Samudra. This makes Samudra the first third generation captive born elephant in North America.[8]
In 1971, management was given to Metro, which continues expansion projects, aided by donors, sponsors and volunteers.[2] The zoo was renamed in 1976 as the Washington Park Zoo after a naming contest.[2] The Metro Council changed the zoo's name from the Washington Park Zoo to the Oregon Zoo in April 1998.[3] In September of that year, the zoo became accessible by the region's MAX light rail system, with the opening of a Westside MAX line featuring an underground Washington Park station.[9] In 2003, the zoo began participation in a California condor recovery program started by San Diego Wild Animal Park and Los Angeles Zoo. The program is designed to breed California condors to be released into the wild and save them from extinction.[10]
In November 2008 regional voters approved a $125 million bond measure to improve infrastructure, enhance older exhibits and increase access to conservation education and the degree of sustainability.[11] Attendance at the zoo reached a record 1.6 million visitors for their 2008 to 2009 year.[6] The record was due in part to the birth of another baby elephant.[6] A new record was set the following year with 1,612,359 people visiting the zoo.[12]
For more: www.oregonzoo.org/AboutZoo/history.htm
F-2 is a fighter aircraft designed in Japan based on F-16.
This colorful one is the first two-seater F-2. It belongs to Air Development and Test Wing of Japan Air Self Defense Force.
Day 2 | It looks like the team in Uganda had an amazing day. From washing feet, to participating in a genuine African wedding wardrobe and all). Looks like the students from both Uganda and America will never be the same! #missionuganda2014 #kingdomglobal #feetthatmove #kingstoneuganda
Photos taken in 2007, flats demolished in 2013.
I lived there briefly when I was born all the way till i was about 2, it was the family home when my Dad's family was relocated from the Kampong to HDB flats. We moved out shortly after my grandfather passed away in 1987.
The flats at Sim Drive belonged to a quiet peaceful neighbourhood for the past 30 years, sandwiched between parcels of industrial estates along Aljunied Road and Kallang Way. In November 2005, six Sim Drive blocks, numbered 54, 56, 57, 59, 60 and 62, were announced for SERS. Curiously, Block 55, standing between Block 54 and 56, was left out.
Patmos (Greek, Πάτμος; Italian: Patmo) is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea. One of the northernmost islands of the Dodecanese complex,[2]) it has a population of 2,998 and an area of 34.05 km2 (13.15 sq mi). The highest point is Profitis Ilias, 269 metres (883 ft) above sea level. The Municipality of Patmos, which includes the offshore islands of Arkoi (pop. 44), Marathos (pop. 5), and several uninhabited islets, has a total population of 3,047 (2011 census) [3] and a combined land area of 45.039 square kilometres (17.390 sq mi). It is part of the Kalymnos regional unit.
Patmos' main communities are Chora (the capital city), and Skala, the only commercial port. Other settlements are Grikou and Kampos. The churches and communities on Patmos are of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. In 1999, the island's historic center Chora, along with the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.[4] The monastery was founded by Saint Christodulos.[5] Patmos is also home to the Patmian School, a notable Greek seminary.
Patmos is mentioned in the New Testament Book of Revelation. The book's introduction states that its author, John, was on Patmos when he was given (and recorded) a vision from Jesus. Early Christian tradition identified this writer John of Patmos as John the Apostle, though some modern scholars are uncertain. As such, Patmos is a destination for Christian pilgrimage. Visitors can see the cave where John is said to have received his Revelation (the Cave of the Apocalypse), and several monasteries on the island are dedicated to Saint John.
Mount Auburn Cemetery in Massachusetts, was founded in 1831 as "America's first garden cemetery" or "rural cemetery". With classical monuments set in a rolling landscaped terrain,[2] it marked a distinct break with Colonial-era burying grounds and church-affiliated graveyards. The appearance of this type of landscape coincides with the rising popularity of the term "cemetery", derived from the Greek for "a sleeping place." This language and outlook eclipsed the previous harsh view of death and the afterlife embodied by old graveyards and church burial plots.[3] The 174-acre (70 ha) cemetery is important both for its historical aspects and for its role as an arboretum. It is Watertown’s largest contiguous open space and extends into Cambridge to the east, adjacent to the Cambridge City and Sand Banks Cemeteries.
Wikipedia
The seventh day of my trip to Peru and Easter Island.
Spending the day exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu (Quechua: Machu Pikchu) – "Old Mountain", pronounced [ˈmɑtʃu ˈpixtʃu]) is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level.[1][2] It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 kilometres (50 mi) northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", it is perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca World.
The Incas started building the estate around AD 1400 but it was abandoned as an official site for the Inca rulers a century later at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Although known locally, it was unknown to the outside world before being brought to international attention in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Since then, Machu Picchu has become an important tourist attraction.
Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.[2] Since it was not plundered by the Spanish when they conquered the Incas, it is especially important as a cultural site and is considered a sacred place.
Machu Picchu was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its primary buildings are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. These are located in what is known by archaeologists as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu. In September 2007, Peru and Yale University reached an agreement regarding the return of artifacts which Hiram Bingham had removed from Machu Picchu in the early twentieth century.
To see my full travelblog from my trip to Peru and Easter Island visit: www.travelshorts.com/travel-blogs/peru-and-easter-island-...
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blog.candylipz.com/how-long-do-candylipz-lip-plumpi…/
Where to get it:
nrhp # 71000843- Old Iron Town, originally Iron City, is a ghost town in Iron County, Utah, United States.[2] It is located in Dixie National Forest, about 22 miles (35 km) from Cedar City. The settlement was founded in 1868 as a second attempt to mine iron from Iron Mountain after a disappointing yield from Cedar City. The colony lasted until 1876, when strife from the Edmunds–Tucker Act and the Panic of 1873 forced its closure. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Brigham Young left Nauvoo, Illinois to establish Salt Lake City in 1847. Young quickly realized that the fastest way to an independent Mormon state was to make the new colony self-sufficient. One important resource in this regard was iron, which was very expensive to ship from the eastern United States. The city of Parowan was founded in 1851 to provide iron for the settlers, which was mined in nearby Iron Mission (Cedar City). Mismanagement plagued these new settlements, and only 400 short tons (360 t) of iron were produced over a six-year period.
Iron was nonetheless needed for continued Mormon prosperity, so a second attempt at mining the region was made in 1868. The newly formed Union Iron Works organized an establishment at the southern base of Iron Mountain on Pinto Creek, west of Cedar City. By the third year, over 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg) of iron was mined every day. The company expanded in 1873 and continued to mine ore for three more years. At its peak, the settlement included a schoolhouse, blacksmith, charcoal furnaces, and a foundry. The city was abandoned in 1876. An attempt was made to revive mining from Iron Mountain, but the church was struggling with litigation over the Edmunds–Tucker Act and the Panic of 1873.
Today, the ruins feature a preserved beehive style charcoal oven and a furnace known as an "Arastra", which prepared sands for molds. Parts of the original foundry remain, including the chimney. The site was fenced off by the Sons of Utah Pioneers. It is currently within grounds designated as the Dixie National Forest. The Frontier Homestead State Park Museum in Cedar City provides information about and artifacts from the site. The ruins are found on Iron Town Road, which intersects with Utah State Route 56.
from Wikipedia
i went back to my specialist for the scan review of both my MRI and EEG today.
long story cut short, they discovered a black spot in my left neuro cortex.
this could mean a couple of things:
1. it's a scar formed from the healing of previous damage.
2. it's a scar that acts as a permanent trigger for my seizures, whether or not it was there before or after the seizure, cannot be determined.
3. it's just some abnormal blood vessel that can be easily removed via an operation.
right now a couple of things are confirmed:
1. i've been diagnosed with epilepsy (scar seizures) and for that reason i'm not allowed to do many things (shooting, driving, swimming, mountain climbing, just to name a few).
2. i'm on some form of medication called PHENYTOIN (as in the photo above, some orange and white capsule - ooh fancy i hear you say) - 3 capsules a day before i sleep, at least that way if any side effects set in i won't feel it too subtly.
yes, it's a form of long term medication that serves mainly to calm neuron activity in the brain.
and yes, there are both short and long term side effects - some serious others mild and passing.
i'll be on this for a month for initial monitoring and then a 2 months prescription thereafter.
3. i'm seeing a neurosurgeon on the 17th to determine just what the hell that black spot really is and also to listen to what he or she has to offer/advice regarding the situation, 'cos my neurologist couldn't, thus the assumptions above are based on his doctoring experience/s.
4. i'll be seeing the same specialist again some time in july, so that means i wouldn't be enlisting anytime soon or later, probably after august or september.
but once again it all boils down to the army.
my pes status definitely suffers too, duh.
PS.
do pray for me whatever your belief may be.
i really need some form of support right.
it's scary, but at the same time rather amusing for me.
but more scary than amusing.
PPS.
leave a comment or something.
sorry 'bout the random upload.
PPPS.
thanks.
=)
The blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a passerine bird in the family Corvidae, native to North America. It is resident through most of eastern and central United States and southern Canada, although western populations may be migratory. It breeds in both deciduous and coniferous forests, and is common near and in residential areas. It is predominately blue with a white chest and underparts, and a blue crest. It has a black, U-shaped collar around its neck and a black border behind the crest. Sexes are similar in size and plumage, and plumage does not vary throughout the year. Four subspecies of the blue jay are recognized.
The blue jay mainly feeds on nuts and seeds such as acorns, soft fruits, arthropods, and occasionally small vertebrates. It typically gleans food from trees, shrubs, and the ground, though it sometimes hawks insects from the air. Like squirrels, blue jays are known to hide nuts for later consumption.[2] It builds an open cup nest in the branches of a tree, which both sexes participate in constructing. The clutch can contain two to seven eggs, which are blueish or light brown with brown spots. Young are altricial, and are brooded by the female for 8–12 days after hatching. They may remain with their parents for one to two months.
During the construction of the viaduct, an on-site plant was used to supply the concrete for construction. However, the quality of the concrete turned out to have a high alkali content and lead to an alkali-silica reaction which creates cracks in the concrete and saps the strength of the structure.
Current estimates are that the viaduct has a 70% probability of collapse due to a major earthquake within 50 years. [2]
It is one of the only historic LA River bridges to suffer from ASR. (wiki)
nrhp # 83001370- Griffith's Chapel, also known as Williamsville Methodist Church, is a historic Methodist chapel located at the junction of SR 442 and 443 in Williamsville, Kent County, Delaware. It was built in 1850, and is a one-story, rectangular frame building measuring 24 feet wide by 30 feet deep. It has a gable roof and is sheathed in clapboard. The property also includes a 19th-century graveyard in which early members of the congregation are buried.[2]
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
from Wikipedia
Epcot is the second of four theme parks built at Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida, near the city of Orlando. It opened as EPCOT Center on October 1, 1982, and spans 300 acres (120 ha), more than twice the size of the Magic Kingdom park.[2] It is dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely technological innovation and international culture, and is often referred to as a "permanent World's Fair."[3][4] In 2014, the park hosted approximately 11.45 million guests, ranking it the third most visited theme park in North America and the sixth most visited theme park in the world.[5] The park is represented by Spaceship Earth, a geodesic sphere that also serves as an attraction. Epcot was known as EPCOT Center until 1994, when it was later renamed Epcot '94, then Epcot '95 the following year.
These are screen shots from Half Life 2 - Episode One, using the iZ3D Driver.
The game continues the story set out in Half Life 2, it has a much improved graphics engine and much better lighting effects.
Most people assume that the derivation of the placename 'Rockland' is something like: 'rocky' + 'land' but what it actually is is 'rook' + 'grove' - hence Rokelunda. Just a few seconds before I pushed the shutter on this pic there was an explosion of rooks from the trees next to the church - all cawing and croaking loudly - as they do. They then wheeled off over the fields like tiny ink blots.
This is a bleak location even on a summer's day - but this morning with the snow still lying on the ground and the wind chill factor taking temperatures down to about minus 2 - it was doubly so.
Nice though.
Breathe.
Heritage Weekend can be frustrating in that most of the activities take place on Saturday, the same day as Ride and Stride, meaning sometimes many interesting places can't be visited as I am chasing the lost cause of a long locked church.
But in recent years, the weekend has become very much that, and in some cases spreads over two weekends and some weekdays too.
St Mildred was listed as being open on Sunday, so we were at the church door a minute past ten, just as well as a service was due to start at eleven, and although when I arrived just the vicar was there, soon a small army of wardens and volunteers had arrived and were getting buy, meaning I would have got in their way, and they in my shots.
But, I work quick and already had many of the shots I wanted.
I had been here before, many years ago, maybe seven, and I did an OK job, but about 30 shots taken, nowhere enough to record this large and sprawling city centre church.
So, here we are:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Church of Saint Mildred is an Anglo-Saxon stone church in Canterbury probably dating from the 11th century. It has been a Grade I listed building since 1949.[1] It is located in the St. Mildred's quarter of the historic city centre. This is the only surviving pre-Norman church within the former city walls.[2]
It is unknown when the church was originally built, but two of the walls of the nave are Anglo-Saxon, i.e. are preserved from before 1066. It is believed that the chancel is Anglo-Saxon as well. The relics of Saint Mildred, who died in 768, were transferred from Canterbury Cathedral to St Augustine's Abbey in the middle of the 11th century, and it is likely that the church was built at that time.[1]
St Mildred's Church has a five-bay nave and a two-bay chancel. Most of the nave and the chapels date from between the 13th century and 1512. It was extensively restored in 1861.[1]
The church belonged to St Augustine's Abbey until the abbey was abolished during the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538, and since then it has belonged to the Crown.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Saint_Mildred,_Canterbury
St Mildred was the daughter of Ermenburga, grand daughter of King Ethelbert of Kent and consecrated Abbess of the Convent of Minster in Thanet by St Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury in AD694. Mildred supported the poor and is usually depicted holding a deer (the symbol of Minster) or a church and three geese. She died c.732, and her tomb became a place of pilgrimage. Her relics were acquired by St Augustine's Abbey in 1033, but Archbishop Lanfranc later also claimed them for St Gregory's Priory in the mid 11th century. The church was founded around 1033, but virtually destroyed by fire in 1246. A tower and new roof were added in the 1300s, North aisle and Nave windows in 1400s and SE chapel in 1500s. The tower was demolished and bells sold in 1832, the whole church restored in 1861 and again in 1920s. This has left a hall church with a five bay nave, two bay chancel, North aisle, SE chapel and North porch. Izaak Walton, author of The Compleat Angler who fished for trout in the Stour, married here in 1626.
www.canterbury-archaeology.org.uk/stmildred/4590809557
There are, within the walls of this city, twelve parish churches now remaining, and there were five more, which have been long since demolished; and there are three churches now situated in the suburbs of it, and there has been one demolished—Of those now remaining, there were only two, viz. St. Martin's without, and St. Alphage's within the walls, which were not of the patronage of some religious house or abbey, in or in the near neighbourhood of the city, and these two were in the patronage of the archbishop. (fn. 1)
It may be thought strange, that the number of churches in this city has decreased so much, and that so many of them have been united to others, and yet together, even at this time, make but a very moderate income to the incumbents; this has been supposed, in general, to have been occasioned by the great failure of their former profits, which they enjoyed before the reformation, of private masses, obits, processions, consessions, or the like; all which then fell to the ground, and lessened the income of most of them to a very small pittance. However, as will be seen hereafter, some of these churches were become desecrated and in ruins, and others were united long before the above time; which seems to have been owing, in great measure, to many of them having been built by the bounty of well disposed persons, in hopes of a future support and endowment, which failing, and the repairs and support of the fabric lying too heavy on the parishioners, they suffered them to run to ruin; and there being no susficient maintenance for the priests, they became desecrated, or were united to some other neighbouring churches. Indeed it appears plain, that poverty was the sole cause of their decay; for in their most flourishing state, the benefice of each of these churches was so low and poor, that they were for that very reason excused in all taxations, being of less value than the stipends of poor vicars, which had been advanced above five marcs a year. (fn. 2)
The decrease of the value of church benefices was equally felt in other cities and towns, as well as this, which occasioned an act of parliament to be passed at Oxford, in the 17th of king Charles II. for uniting churches in cities and towns corporate; in conformity to which, in 1681, a petition was made to the archbishop, under the names and seals of the major part of the mayor and aldermen, and justices of the peace, of this city, who being informed of the archbishop's intentions of uniting the parish churches of it, according to the above act, they did thereby give their free consent, that those within the city should be united, viz.
ST. PAUL'S and ST. MARTIN'S,
ST. MARY BREDMAN'S and ST. ANDREW'S,
HOLY CROSS WESTGATE, and ST. PETER'S,
ST. ALPHAGE'S and ST. MARY'S NORTHGATE,
leaving all things necessary to the perfecting of this union, according to the tenor of the above act; which instrument was dated March 6th, that year, and signed by Jacob Wraight, mayor, and P. Barrett, recorder, &c. To this was added a petition of the dean and chapter of Canterbury to the archbishop, as being perpetual patrons of the parish churches of St. George, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Paul, St. Mary Bredman, and St. Peter, within the city and liberties, for the uniting of those churches with each other and with others adjoining, in manner as above-mentioned in the former petition, which was given under their common seal, dated March 13th the same year. Upon the receipt of these, the archbishop issued his decree, reciting the two petitions for uniting the several above-mentioned churches, the particulars of which will be found under the description of each of them; which decree was dated at Lambeth, on March 24, 1681. To which the inhabitants of each parish signed their consents, by their several instruments, dated December 19th, 20th, and 21st, the same year. After which, by a decree of the archbishop's in 1684, with the consent of the mayor, aldermen and justices of the peace of this city, and of the king, under his great seal as patron, he united the church of All Saints with St. Mary de Castro, already united to it, to the parish church of St. Mildred; further particulars of which will be found under the latter parish. It should seem the decree of the archbishop in 1681, for the uniting of the churches of Holy Cross Westgate, and St. Peter did not have its full effect, for on April 6, 1692, there were two petitions, one from the mayor and eight others, and another from the dean and chapter to the archbishop, similar to the former ones, for this purpose; and the archbishop's decree, dated at Lambeth, the 13th of that month, united these churches; and with the same particulars in every thing else as the former decree in 1681.
T. MILDRED'S church is situated at the southwest extremity of the city, near the Old Castle and the river Stour, in the church-yard belonging to it. This church is a large handsome building, of three isles and three chancels, with a square tower steeple on the north side, in which are five bells. This church and a great part of the city, was, according to Stow, burnt in the year 1246, anno 30 Henry III. but as it should seem not entirely so, for at the west end of the south isle there is a very fair Roman arch, remaining over the window, and by all appearance the work of those times. (fn. 122)
¶This church is a rectory, the patronage of which was part of the possessions of the abbot and convent of St. Augustine, with whom it continued till the dissolution of that monastery, in the 30th year of king Henry VIII. when it came into the hands of the crown, where it has continued ever since, the king being the present patron of it.
The church of St. Mildered is valued in the antient taxation at eight marcs per annum.
This rectory, with that of the antient desecrated church of St. Mary de Castro, or of the Castle, is valued in the king's books, at 17l. 17s. 11d. and the yearly tenths at 1l. 15s. 9½d. (fn. 123) In 1588 it was valued at fifty pounds. Communicants three hundred and sixty. In 1640 it was valued at seventy pounds.— Communicants one hundred.
Archbishop Sancrost, by his decree, dated Sept. 29, 1684, united the rectory of All Saints, in this city, with St. Mary de Castro, of the king's patronage likewife, to this of St. Mildred, (fn. 124) in which state it continues at this time. It is now about the clear annual value of eight pounds. (fn. 125)
The neighbouring church of St. John, becoming desolated after the reformation, tacitly devolved to this church of St. Mildred, and it has ever since been esteemed as part of this parish.
The barred owl (Strix varia) is a large typical owl native to North America. Best known as the hoot owl for its distinctive call, it goes by many other names, including eight hooter, rain owl, wood owl, and striped owl. The adult is 40–63 cm (16–25 in) long with a 96–125 cm (38–49 in) wingspan. Weight in this species is 500 to 1,050 g (1.10 to 2.31 lb).[2] It has a pale face with dark rings around the eyes, a yellow beak and brown eyes. It is the only typical owl of the eastern United States which has brown eyes; all others have yellow eyes. The upper parts are mottled gray-brown. The underparts are light with markings; the chest is barred horizontally while the belly is streaked vertically. The legs and feet are covered in feathers up to the talons.[3] The head is round and lacks ear tufts, a distinction from the slightly smaller short-eared owl, which favors more open, marginal habitats.
Outside of the closely related spotted owl, this streaky, chunky-looking owl is unlikely to be confused over most of the range. The spotted owl is similar in appearance but has spots rather than streaks down the underside. Due to their fairly large size, the barred owl may be confused for the great horned owl by the inexperienced but are dramatically different in shape, eye color and markings.
Great crested grebe description
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPodicipediformes
FamilyPodicipedidae
GenusPodiceps (1)
The great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is the largest grebe in Europe (2). It is a graceful bird, with its long neck, long bill and slender outline. In summer, the adults of both sexes are adorned with beautiful head-plumes (2), which are reddish-orange in colour with black tips (5); there is also an erectile black crown (2). The sexes are similar in appearance, but great crested grebe juveniles can be distinguished by the possession of blackish stripes on the cheeks (2).
French
Grèbe huppé.
Size
Wingspan: 59-73 cm (2)
Length: 46-51 cm (2)
More »
Related species
Junín grebe (Podiceps taczanowskii)
Junín grebe
(Podiceps taczanowskii)
Hooded grebe (Podiceps gallardoi)
Hooded grebe
(Podiceps gallardoi)
Horned grebe (Podiceps auritus)
Horned grebe
(Podiceps auritus)
Top
Great crested grebe biology
The great crested grebe dives for fish, insects and invertebrate larvae, chasing prey under water by strongly swimming with its feet (6).
Pairs begin to form during the middle of winter, and nesting can start in January, providing that conditions are mild (6). The great crested grebe is well known for its elaborate courtship display, in which pairs raise and shake their head plumes, and approach each other with weed in their bills, rising up breast to breast in the water and turning their heads from side to side (5). The nest is either a hidden mound of reeds and other vegetation or else a floating platform anchored to vegetation (5). After May (5), between one and nine (but usually four) eggs are laid (7), which take 27 to 29 days to incubate (7). Both great crested grebe parents are involved in incubation; when they leave the nest they cover the eggs with rotting vegetation to keep them warm (5). After hatching, the stripy chicks are carried around on the backs of their parents, they fledge at around 71 to 79 days of age (8).
Top
Great crested grebe range
The great crested grebe has a wide distribution in Britain, but occurs sparsely (3). Breeding occurs in Europe from Britain, Spain and Ireland across to Russia, but the distribution is rather patchy (3).
More »
Species with a similar range
Common scarlet-darter (Crocothemis erythraea)
Common scarlet-darter
(Crocothemis erythraea)
Sago pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata)
Sago pondweed
(Stuckenia pectinata)
Holly-leaved naiad (Najas marina)
Holly-leaved naiad
(Najas marina)
You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.
Top
Great crested grebe habitat
In Britain, the great crested grebe breeds in large shallow water bodies, where there is a fringe of vegetation (3). In winter it can also be found in gravel-pits, estuaries, deep lakes, coastal pools, reservoirs and off the coast in inshore waters (6).
More »
Species found in a similar habitat
Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
Goldeneye
(Bucephala clangula)
African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis)
African manatee
(Trichechus senegalensis)
Striated heron (Butorides striata)
Striated heron
(Butorides striata)
Top
Great crested grebe status
The great crested grebe is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1). Receives general protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (3). Included in the Birds of Conservation Concern Green List (low conservation concern) (4).
IUCN Red List species status – Least Concern
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Great crested grebe threats
The attractive great crested grebe was persecuted in Britain during Victorian times to such an extent that it was reduced to just 42 pairs in 1860 (9), and was on the brink of extinction (10). The breast plumage, known as 'grebe fur', and the head plumes were highly prized in hat trimmings and other clothing (9).
At Sea Island in Richmond, BC
Burkeville was a townsite created for RCAF flight crews (and their families) who were training at Sea Island during World War 2. It was named after Stanley Burke who was the president of Boeing.
Water in the desert. Mojave River still running in the spring of 2011. Shifted around a bit to get this shot when the train finally arrived. Had heard it coming, so came over from the campground to find a spot to photograph it.
Rejected by railpictures for:
1. bad balance. I recropped to put the engines in the upper left third, which is what you see here. Originally, I wanted more symmetry up and down.
2. bad dynamic range or overexposed (this version).
3. backlit or not enough sun on the side of the train (version where I tweaked the levels and it looked a bit darker overall. not shown here.).
#2 is funny because I underexposed this and most of my shots by -1ev. Also, the levels were full showing no gaps in dynamic range. Maybe the water could have had more contrast.
#3. is funny because in fixing #2 it ruined the light on the engines. I guess I could have done some masking, but I didn't really agree with #2 anyway.
The shadows are weak because the sun was so low, but I'm pretty sure the light was at a good angle here. Definitely seen worse. Whatever, bottom line when you get to 3 rejections is that they didn't like the photo. I do wish the foreground was less messy, but I thought the light was good.
;-)
An afterthought.
Lots of things made me thoughtful about this, or maybe it could be described as a thought chain: 1. why must a harvester be called 'beaver', which is an insult toward beavers 2. it really is a sticker, a big one. I could have ripped it away and put on my fridge but I'm too Finnish to do anything like that 3. Facebook is always telling me to send 'cool stickers' to my friends, hence the title 4. Mercedes-Benz..? I thought Mercedes-Benz makes luxury cars. And it said 'Ponsse' on the side, too. So I googled on beaver and Ponsse and found more facts of Ponsse, which is a Finnish success story: www.ponsse.com/. Then I looked at their clothes collection: www.ponsse.com/english/services/Ponsse_collection/collect.... Now, I'm kind of regretful I never even considered becoming a harvester operator. Maybe because the work is very hard, you must be very skilled both in driving (we have lots of marshes here) and repairing the machinery, and the wages are low. And you must be extremely patient because those machines WILL get broken in the woods and there will be problematic places.
Well, you can't always win, but I still would like to experience a day or two in the life of a Ponsse harvester driver. If not for anything else, then because the clothes collection.
Yep, when you stop to think of it, it is a strange world we're living in. Cool stickers and clothes collections might make you want to get a new career. Ok I love the woods but I only get mad when my favourite places are being destroyed.