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A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability. The term submarine most commonly refers to a large crewed autonomous vessel; however, historically or colloquially, submarine can also refer to medium sized or smaller vessels (midget submarines, wet subs), remotely operated vehicles or robots.
The word submarine was originally an adjective meaning "under the sea"; consequently other uses such as "submarine engineering" or "submarine cable" may not actually refer at all to the vessel. Submarine was in fact shortened from the proper term, "submarine boat", and is often further shortened to "sub" when the word is employed informally. Submarines should always be referred to as "boats" rather than as "ships", regardless of their size. The English term U-boat for a German submarine comes from the German word for submarine, U-Boot, itself an abbreviation for Unterseeboot ("undersea boat").
Although experimental submarines had been built before, submarine design took off during the 19th century, and they were adopted by several different navies. Submarines were first widely used during World War I (1914–1918) and now feature in many large navies. Military usage includes attacking enemy surface ships or submarines, aircraft carrier protection, blockade running, ballistic missile submarines as part of a nuclear strike force, reconnaissance, conventional land attack (for example using a cruise missile), and covert insertion of special forces. Civilian uses for submarines include marine science, salvage, exploration and facility inspection/maintenance. Submarines can also be modified to perform more specialized functions such as search-and-rescue missions or undersea cable repair. Submarines are also used in tourism, and for undersea archaeology.
The successor to McDonnell's FH-1 Phantom, the F2H Banshee proved to be a fast and capable high-altitude fighter, making it the aircraft of choice to escort B-29 bombers over Korea. The airplane's official nickname derived from the fact that its engines "screamed like a banshee." To its pilots, however, it was affectionately called the "Banjo."
The F2H Banshee was McDonnell Aircraft Corporation's successor to the FH-1 Phantom, the Navy's first pure jet. Bearing a resemblance to its forbearer, the F2H outpaced it in performance, bettering its maximum speed by more than 50 mph and nearly doubling the range.
Acquisition of the F2H began in August 1948, and the aircraft began entering squadron service the following year. Banshees were capable of cruising on one engine at altitude and were very stable in operations aboard ship. They had two adverse traits, however, in that the tail section was particularly vulnerable to any stress loads beyond the manufacturer's g-load limits, and the landing gear was very fragile, precluding carrier arrested landings above recommended landing weights. Once a pilot dumped excess fuel to achieve maximum permissible weight, he was limited in passes at the deck, not a pleasant situation under adverse weather conditions.
It was the ability to operate at high-altitudes that proved to be the F2H's most valued trait. When the controversy over the Air Force's B-36 bomber erupted during the late-1940s, the high-altitude capability of the F2H was a key point in the Navy's argument against the claimed invincibility of the strategic bomber. That same performance also served well in the skies over Korea, where Banshees were the aircraft of choice for top cover escort of Air Force B-29 raids into North Korea. Advanced versions of the F2H continued to serve as the fleet's primary all-weather carrier fighter until 1959.
Accepted by the Navy on 24 July 1953, the Museum's F2H-4 (Bureau Number 126419) served in many Marine and Navy fighter and all-weather fighter squadrons and made a deployment in the carrier Coral Sea (CVA-43). Stricken from the active naval aircraft inventory in May 1962, it was assigned to the Naval Air Technical Training Center at Jacksonville, Florida, and transferred to the Museum in 1970.
www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits...
Gruta das Torres, Criação Velha. (© 2007 terragraphica)
View upstream into the huge conduit of Gruta das Torres, capable of delivering large volumes of low-viscosity basaltic lava onto the coastal plain near Criação Velha. The massive lava flow of Gruta das Torres originated close by at the parasitic volcanic cone of Cabeço Bravo, only about 100 m higher in elevation, in the foothills of Mount Pico. The lower end of this flow contributed to the foundation of vast currais, which today produce Pico Island's famed Vinho Verdelho.
Cabeço Bravo is one of a number of secondary volcanoes along a line from Mount Pico's main crater through Monte near the coast, through a larger now submerged crater off Pico Island and on to Monte da Guia on Faial Island. This line is parallel to the Azores main tectonic trend from ESE to WNW. Stresses in the Azores region are extensional across these fracture zones and thus control the observed alignment of effusive centers.
The Gruta das Torres lava tube is the largest in the Azores, with over 5000 m in length and 15 m high in places. Convex flow patterns of pahoehoe lava in the foreground indicate a flow direction towards the observer. The fluid and fast moving lava of the center flow is being bordered on both sides by deposits of rough and slow moving aa-type lava.
020111-N-2383B-502.JPG
A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-365 deliver Marines of 26th Marine Expedtionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) to an undisclosed mountain top location as they conduct missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Jan. 11, 2002. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Johnny Bivera) (Released)
To learn more about living and serving in Korea with the US Army, visit our official website at: imcom.korea.army.mil
Whether you are fresh off of active-duty, a military spouse or a seasoned professional, you will find a career with U.S. Army in Korea both challenging and inspiring. If you ready to join an award winning team and embark on the adventure of a lifetime, you can learn more about living and working in Korea online: imcom.korea.army.mil
Photos from the US Army in Korea can be viewed online at www.flickr.com/imcomkorea
The Morning Calm Weekly command information newspaper is available online at imcom.korea.army.mil
Published for those serving in the Republic of Korea - an assignment of choice.
About this image: Operation Enduring Freedom. A Department of Defense Image Collection.
These images are generally cleared for release and are considered in the public domain. Request credit be given the Department of Defense and individual photographer.
To learn more about living and serving in Korea with the US Army, visit our official website at: imcom.korea.army.mil
Whether you are fresh off of active-duty, a military spouse or a seasoned professional, you will find a career with U.S. Army in Korea both challenging and inspiring. If you ready to join an award winning team and embark on the adventure of a lifetime, you can learn more about living and working in Korea online: imcom.korea.army.mil
Photos from the US Army in Korea can be viewed online at www.flickr.com/imcomkorea
The Morning Calm Weekly command information newspaper is available online at imcom.korea.army.mil
Published for those serving in the Republic of Korea - an assignment of choice.
About this image: Operation Enduring Freedom. A Department of Defense Image Collection.
These images are generally cleared for release and are considered in the public domain. Request credit be given the Department of Defense and individual photographer.
To learn more about living and serving in Korea with the US Army, visit our official website at: imcom.korea.army.mil
Whether you are fresh off of active-duty, a military spouse or a seasoned professional, you will find a career with U.S. Army in Korea both challenging and inspiring. If you ready to join an award winning team and embark on the adventure of a lifetime, you can learn more about living and working in Korea online: imcom.korea.army.mil
Photos from the US Army in Korea can be viewed online at www.flickr.com/imcomkorea
The Morning Calm Weekly command information newspaper is available online at imcom.korea.army.mil
Published for those serving in the Republic of Korea - an assignment of choice.
About this image: Operation Enduring Freedom. A Department of Defense Image Collection.
These images are generally cleared for release and are considered in the public domain. Request credit be given the Department of Defense and individual photographer.
The Panavia Tornado is a family of twin-engine combat aircraft, which was jointly developed by the United Kingdom, West Germany and Italy. There are three primary versions of the Tornado; the Tornado IDS (Interdictor/Strike) fighter-bomber, the suppression of enemy air defences Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance) and the Tornado ADV (Air Defence Variant) interceptor. It is one of the world's most sophisticated and capable interdiction and attack aircraft, with a large payload, long range and high survivability.
Developed and built by Panavia, a tri-national consortium consisting of British Aerospace (then the British Aircraft Corporation), MBB of West Germany, and Alenia Aeronautica of Italy, the Tornado first flew on August 14, 1974, and saw action with the RAF and AMI (Italian Air Force) in the Gulf War. International co-operation continued after its entry into service within the Tri-National Tornado Training Establishment, a tri-nation training and evaluation unit operating from RAF Cottesmore, England. Including all variants, 992 aircraft were built for the three partner nations and Saudi Arabia.
The Panavia Tornado is a family of twin-engine combat aircraft, which was jointly developed by the United Kingdom, West Germany and Italy. There are three primary versions of the Tornado; the Tornado IDS (Interdictor/Strike) fighter-bomber, the suppression of enemy air defences Tornado ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance) and the Tornado ADV (Air Defence Variant) interceptor. It is one of the world's most sophisticated and capable interdiction and attack aircraft, with a large payload, long range and high survivability.
Developed and built by Panavia, a tri-national consortium consisting of British Aerospace (then the British Aircraft Corporation), MBB of West Germany, and Alenia Aeronautica of Italy, the Tornado first flew on August 14, 1974, and saw action with the RAF and AMI (Italian Air Force) in the Gulf War. International co-operation continued after its entry into service within the Tri-National Tornado Training Establishment, a tri-nation training and evaluation unit operating from RAF Cottesmore, England. Including all variants, 992 aircraft were built for the three partner nations and Saudi Arabia.
Took a walk in the hills at morrongo valley when i came back down their was this guy flying his heli he had two of them he was doing free styje flying took some shot's and then move on to the birding.Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is an internationally-recognized birding site. Several rare or unusual species are known to nest here, and many other species are abundant during the spring and fall migration seasons.
What does it mean to “fly 3D”? All aircraft maneuver in three dimensional space, so what separates 3D flying from just flying? Model helicopters are capable of maneuvers other aircraft, including full sized helicopters can only dream of. A modern “3D” model helicopter is capable of aggressive, accurate and axial flips and rolls. Adding the ability to pirouette, fly backwards and upside down, there is practically no limit to the maneuvers that can be flown. Although aggressive, unbelievable flights may seem wildly out of control to the untrained eye, it takes immense skill, and the models can be flown incredibly precisely with enough practice.
One of the beauties of modern aerobatic helicopter flight, which has come to be known as 3D, is how varied the potential is. Every 3D heli pilot exhibits their own character and style in flight. A 3D flight could be flown freestyle with nothing planned ahead of time, or it could be a highly prepared, choreographed flight put to music for competition. While 3D heli flight is, in essence, simply a combination of flips, rolls , and pirouettes, there is no end to the combinations. Once a heli pilot masters the basics, a continuously evolving world of precision aerobatics awaits. Like a dancer or figure skater, a 3D heli pilot can express style by putting simple moves together in complicated sequences for incredible effect.
Like any sport, art, or specialty, practice makes perfect. Some people learn faster than others, but everybody should try to step gingerly into more complicated and aggressive moves, for safeties sake (not to mention your wallet!). Excellent training tools are available; most notably computer simulators and buddy boxes. Unlike most video games which are intended for play, simulators for model aircraft are designed around one goal, helping people learn how to fly model airplanes and helicopters. Simulators are so accurate a budding pilot can master almost all regimes of flight in a simulated environment which instantly replaces a wrecked model! In real life, a crash cost not only confidence, but time and money to fix the model. By the time the pilot gets back to it, the learning experience from the crash is not fresh, and learning tends to progress slower. On a simulator, a fledgling pilot can take as much time exploring the controls as they want, and learn at their own pace without any down time between crashes.
The text reads :The vast majority of us are both more and less capable than we realize.
IF-capable-w
An optical retail shop software must be readily capable of managing Inventory of frames, sunglasses, Contact lens solution and many more. Few of our currently very active customers would do the following to barcode these spectacle frames.
1. They would enter thed escription into one practice management software. say 10 number.
2. Later, they would open another label creation software such as Bartender, create a label V2.0, Zebra designer 12.1 or else and edit the bar codes and simply print them.
In fact, this practice itself was so primitive and they never seemed to demand from the vendors that they needed something better.
This was causing big problem among Opticians to precisely track the inventory flow. Because, what is in the main software may be awfully different in terms of numbering, price , description and etc.
As they came across Optiware 2.0, suite of products and its higher clan of products such as OptimNet 3.4, they are able to print the Barcodes, right from within the software.
This picture shows only one side of the print. To watch the other side of it .. please do click here.
www.flickr.com/photos/anushinfobase/7951697328/in/photost...
A flathead V-8 in a '39 or '40 Ford was just what a 'shine runner needed to stay ahead of the law. But I'm betting this one hasn't seen a lot of dirt.
New 40amp capable EVSE, fully charged the 2012 Chevy Volt battery from fully depleted to full charge in 3:44 hours. The charge rate is limited to the on-car charger itself. It was kept at a rate that keeps one from overloading typical household wiring. When one wants to charge an EV with higher rates, it will require a dedicated circuit, rated for the capability of the high current that vehicle can utilize.
Showing off wings that look quite long and capable, not stubby little vestigial flightless steamer-duck wings. Steamer-ducks on the Falklands have traditionally been divided into Falklands (flightless) and Flying Steamer-Ducks, but it turns out these are genetically indistinguishable. It seems we are witnessing the evolution of flightlessness, caught in the act. Flightlessness has evolved multiple times in the steamer lineage; the flightless birds here are more closely related to the Flying species than to the 3 flightless species on the mainland.
The Me 163 Komet, designed by Alexander Martin Lippisch, was the only operational rocket-powered fighter aircraft during the Second World War. Although revolutionary and capable of performance unrivaled at the time, it proved ineffective as a fighter and resulted in the destruction of very few Allied aircraft.
The Me 163 Komet, designed by Alexander Martin Lippisch, was the only operational rocket-powered fighter aircraft during the Second World War. Although revolutionary and capable of performance unrivaled at the time, it proved ineffective as a fighter and resulted in the destruction of very few Allied aircraft.
The Me 163 Komet, designed by Alexander Martin Lippisch, was the only operational rocket-powered fighter aircraft during the Second World War. Although revolutionary and capable of performance unrivaled at the time, it proved ineffective as a fighter and resulted in the destruction of very few Allied aircraft.
someone asked me the other day if I was even capable of being catty.
actually, I am. but you dont ever want to witness me being catty. because when kitty comes out, she doesn't scratch.
I, myself dont think I am a catty person by nature. I mean, I actually have to try really hard to be catty. I just dont like cattiness, I think its unnecessary. People will like you if you are yourself, you dont need to be so insecure.
I will be the first to tell you how insecure I am about a lot of things. My looks, my weight, my talent as a photographer. I am full of insecurities, but that doesnt mean I am going to be mean to someone else to make myself feel better or "above" them. Why? Why do you need to do that to someone? Why do you need to feel BETTER than someone else?
The only person you should be "competing" with is yourself. I try to surround myself with good company. Life is too short, time is too valuable, and friendship is too precious to share it with people that have bad attitudes, make bad friends, and are full of drama or cattiness.
Life is a much better place if we can put the drama aside and be "the bigger person."
Treat others as you would want others to treat you
The F/A Hornet was first built by McDonnel Douglas and was introduced into service in 1978. The all weather, carrier capable aircraft, saw extensive service in the Persian Gulf War, during Operation Enduring Freedom, and in Afghanistan. The aircraft in the photograph has the unit identification of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA 314,) the Black Knights.
there are moments capable of stopping time. tiny moments. moments that jump out at you suddenly and catch you off guard even though you've been watching them creep up on you. they creep inch by inch out of your deepest, darkest dread, and you can see their eyes glowing in the darkness for days before they finally get close enough to touch. and these eyes, you lose yourself in them, not in love, in trepidation. and as you stare in trepidation, silently hoping these tiny glimmering eyes will never reach you, you're blindsided by a tiny dark moment that changes you forever. and that you just let it, that you just stare, transfixed, like an innocent bystander as a tiny time-stopping moment you've been expecting for so long still knocks the wind out of you...that moment implicates you in bringing your deepest fears into the light. it implicates you in your own never-ending surprise that your life-halting fears are not separate from you but a part of you. they don't live with you, but inside you, festering, waiting for you to call for them when you need a monster to blame for your own part in the tiny moments that stop you in your tracks. implicated in your own deception again and again because it isn't as painful to believe that monsters are real.
The HDPS is capable of performing complex heat treatments on sheet steel in controlled atmospheres before dipping in a bath of molten zinc alloy.
The HDPS allows us to investigate the interactions between the steel substrate and the coating before making changes in order to improve the final product. We are able to alter the chemistry of the bath to investigate the role of micro-additions on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of coatings.
This is the only HDPS in a European University and was built to our specification.
Seating Facility in the Parliment of Sri Lanka
The seating accommodation of Members within the Chamber is arranged in tiers with tables. The Chamber has seating facility for 232 Members in air-conditioned comfort and is capable of accommodating 16 more without structural alteration. Seats have been allotted in the House based on the number of seats entitled to by such political parties/groups; Government parties to the right of the Chair and the Opposition parties/ groups to the left of the Chair.
In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the Parliament shall consist of two hundred and twenty-five Members elected for a duration of six years. Articles 98 and 99 of the Constitution indicate the composition of Parliament. One hundred and ninety six Members are directly elected by the people at a General Election and the balance 29 seats are distributed among the political parties and independent groups contesting such General Election according to the proportion of votes polled by each political party/ independent group.
Further there are few special boxes in the lower portion of the Chamber for some specific purposes. The Boxes for the Hansard Officials and the Parliament Officials are located in the right and left sides of the Chair respectively. The Boxes for Parliamentary Interpreters and Government Officials are located opposite the Chair.
On the sides of the Chamber are wide Lobbies through which members enter. These Lobbies are suitably furnished to make them a comfortable place for members to sit and have informal discussions among themselves.
1. Mr. Speaker
2. Prime Minister
3. Leader of the Opposition
4. Secretary-General of Parliament (When Parliament goes into Committee the Speaker descends from his elevated Chair and sits in the Chair of the Secretary General of Parliament).
5. Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament
6. Assistant Secretary-General of Parliament
7. Table of the Parliament
8. Mace (When Parliament goes into Committee, the Mace is placed "below the Table.")
9. Government Benches
10. Opposition Benches (When the number of Government Members exceeds the number of seats on the Government side, the excess number are allotted seats in the Opposition side except the front row.)
11. Bar of the Parliament
12. Serjeant-at-Arms
13. Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms
14. Hansard Officials
15. Parliament Officials
16. Press Gallery
17. Gallery 1
18. Gallery 2
19. Gallery 3
20. Speaker's Gallery (This Gallery is reserved for distinguished visitors.)
The Grumman built S2F-1 Tracker was used as a anti submarine warfare aircraft. The carrier capable aircraft was in U.S. Navy service from 1954 to 1976. The aircraft in the photograph was built in 1957 and was retired from active service in 1981.
SOL Austin: Net-Zero Capable
Photos by DeLea Becker @ Beck-Reit and Sons, Ltd.
Beck-Reit and Sons Ltd., an Austin General Contractor, has been working on sustainable construction methods since they day we started building houses. Our desire to build a better house, led us to develop the SOL (Solutions Oriented Living) subdivision in East Austin. We partnered with local architect, KRDB, to design, develop and build a net-zero capable sub-division centered around a community of 40 modern homes. Thru passive design, efficient building envelope and solar power these homes can produce more energy than they consume. The homes have been rated 4-5 star by the Austin Energy Green Building Program. SOL Austin has received national attention and has been featured in the New York Times, Metro-Homes and DIY Network’s, This New House.
This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home has 1538 square feet. The Master Suite features a second story balcony, and the open living, dining, kitchen floor plan is ideal for entertaining.
Spearhead looks at the cutting edge of war, units capable of operating completely independently in the forefront of battle. The series examines the unit's: Origins and history , Organisation, order of battle and how this changed Battle history, theatre by theatr, Insignia and Markings , Top people - biographies of commanders and personalities. Each book ends with an assessment of unit effectiveness as seen by itself, its opponents and the wider viewpoint of history - and a full reference section including: Critical bibliography , Relevant museums or exhibits , Website links & Re-enactment groups . Formed in North Africa in August 1941 from the 5th Leichte Division, 21 st Panzer fought in all the major battles of the desert war, including the Afrika Korps' advance to El Alamein, the fighting retreat to Tunisia, and operations against the American forces at Kasserine, until it was destroyed around Tunis in 1943. Reconstituted in France, 21st Panzer went on to fight in Normandy after D-Day until it was again almost completely annihilated in the battle of the Falaise Gap. Again reformed, 21 st Panzer would end its days on the Eastern Front, where it surrendered to the Russians at Cottbus, southeast of Berlin, in April 1945. This varied and chequered history involves some of the fiercest fighting of World War 2 and makes 21 st Panzer the ideal subject to start Ian Allan Publishing's new Spearhead series. 2001 new paper edtion, 7x10, 75 black/white and 11 colour photos. 12 maps. 96 pages. . ISBN: 0-7110-2853-2.
This is a family dedicated channel to our beloved big lad Benji
We got Benji in 2007 when he was 4 years old as the owner was suffering from an illness and was no longer capable of looking after him
We got him on the 21st may 2007 so we used that date to celebrate his birthday
When Benji came to live with us he was a very independant lad and was always the boss especially over my two young sons and he stamped his authority quite quickly
He did test us at the beginning but soon knew that living here with us he was going to get nothing more than love and attention and he got that in abundance
He loved his home comforts as he would often take over the settee and would declare that space as his own
I myself have had health issues and Benji would always pop his head up to see if everything was alright with me and i would do the same with him everynight
We nearly lost Benji in 2013/2014 when we discovered a small lump on his groin and the vet at the time told us it was just a fatty lump and just ignore it
We knew something was not right and advised the vet that we wanted it removed and we would pay for the operation
We booked him in 2 weeks after that appointment and when we got him to the PDSA they told us that it was a good job that we ignored her colleagues advice and decided to go for the operation as it saved his life as this so called fatty lump was actually a growth that was cutting off his blood vessel, The operation was a success and it extended our time with Benji
There was times that we questioned some of the vets advice as for when we kept asking about all the lumps that was appearing on his body and again we were told that they were just fatty lumps
Over the past couple of years we were concerned of a few lumps under his chest and a few that would appear around his ribs etc and again we were told to ignore them as they were fatty lumps
Well those lumps turned out to be cancer and cost our baby boy his life as his liver had also became very enlarged and we had to make a decssion if we wanted to die in agony as we were informed or for the vet to give him that terrible injection
We took him home for a day so that he could say his goodbyes to my sons and we stayed awake with him all night
The following morning we gave him his favourite a tin of tuna and he had a good drink of water and at 10:15am on September 1st 2017 Benji was put to sleep
My wife held him in her arms as i cuddled his head and kept him from seeing the needles and he dropped into his deep sleep forever
The vet that dealt with Benji on his final moment was a wonderful and caring vet and we thank her from the bottom of our hearts for all she done
We love you Benji and we will walk together again one day soon
Forever your
Mammy, Daddy and Brothers
050124-M-8479B-002
Najaf Province, Iraq (Jan. 24, 2005) - Marines from Tank Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), fire their M1A1 Abrams tank main gun in the western desert of Najaf Province, Iraq, during a training exercise. The Marine tank crewmembers train monthly to remain proficient with the M1A1 tank. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert K. Blankenship (RELEASED)
The Enterprise is without a doubt the strangest ship in the Territorial Fleet. While most designs used by the TN are homegrown small- to mid-sized, highly adaptable vessels capable of rapid deployment to fill a multitude of roles, the Enterprise is gigantic, slow, and decidedly not of Republic (or even human) origin. Found adrift and unpowered, the origins of this former derelict are unknown. Carbon-dating places it around 5000 years old, and while the titanium alloy used in its construction is not exotic, its sheer cost boggles the mind. The elements used to power it's engines are extremely rare and also costly, perphaps another reason why the Republic never attempted to build a copy.
The Enterprise is by far the largest ship in the Territorial Navy, more than four times the tonnage of a Claymore-class cruiser. To call the Enterprise slow is slightly misleading. Its FTL seems to be slower than standard Slingshot drives, and its sublight speed is likewise unimpressive. However, the Enterprise uses a unique singularity drive which allows it to make miniature FTL jumps inside of a solar system.
While the technology has been succesfully reverse-engineered, it is too large and expensive to practically fit aboard any vessel. A modified, less powerful version was eventually created and is used as the -Cuttthoat-class's F-Zero drive.
The Enterprise offers a unique capability for the Territorial Navy. It is the only battleship-sized vessel in the Fleet, with enough hangar space to house multiple space wings, fulfilling the role of a sort of super-carrier. Unlike other Republic ships, all its weapons are energy-based, mostly lasers with a smattering of plasma. Its shield are extremely weak, only strong enough to deflect astral debris, but its armour is immensely strong, able to shrug off devastating amounts of firepower.
The Enterprise has multiple sections that can detach themselves from the main hull, exposing additional hangers for rapid deployments. It is suspected that these had other uses for its original creators, but none can tell exactly what. The Enterprise is not attached to any Territorial Fleet Group, instead serving as the flagship of its own Enterprise Task Force, which may serve on its own or be attached to a fleet as needs require.
Service aboard the Enterprise is seen as a tremendous honour, and the ship is beloved thoughout the Holy Terran Republic. It has a reputation for good luck. When attacked by a Concordat attack group in 2388, the "Big E" was heavily damaged, and destruction seemed imminent as a Concordat battleship closed in on the wounded ship.
It was at this moment that laser battery #1 fired a burst straight through the enemy's core, annihilating it. Later, the shot was calculated to require more than 200% the maximum energy capacity of the charge banks. Even more strangely, post-battle investigation revealed that all power conduits to the turret had been severed before the shot was taken. None of the gunnery officers could testify to having taken the shot.
There are numerous eyewitness accounts of "ghostly figures" see throughout the ship. Sometimes they are credited with saving a crewman from a scenario where certain death seems the only possible outcome. It is no wonder that the highly superstitious Territorials believe that the spirits of the Marines who died securing the ship return occasionally to protect them. Some believe it is the ghosts of the original creators of the ship.
Morale aboard the Enterprise is consistently among the highest in the entire fleet. Its current commander is Captain Desjani, who serves under Admiral Geary, who is in overall command of the Enterpise Task Force.
Average number of yearly missions undertaken by ship class:
Rapier-class: 31
Claymore-class: 22
Taffy-class: 156
RTS Enterpise: 40
Took a walk in the hills at morrongo valley when i came back down their was this guy flying his heli he had two of them he was doing free styje flying took some shot's and then move on to the birding.Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is an internationally-recognized birding site. Several rare or unusual species are known to nest here, and many other species are abundant during the spring and fall migration seasons.
What does it mean to “fly 3D”? All aircraft maneuver in three dimensional space, so what separates 3D flying from just flying? Model helicopters are capable of maneuvers other aircraft, including full sized helicopters can only dream of. A modern “3D” model helicopter is capable of aggressive, accurate and axial flips and rolls. Adding the ability to pirouette, fly backwards and upside down, there is practically no limit to the maneuvers that can be flown. Although aggressive, unbelievable flights may seem wildly out of control to the untrained eye, it takes immense skill, and the models can be flown incredibly precisely with enough practice.
One of the beauties of modern aerobatic helicopter flight, which has come to be known as 3D, is how varied the potential is. Every 3D heli pilot exhibits their own character and style in flight. A 3D flight could be flown freestyle with nothing planned ahead of time, or it could be a highly prepared, choreographed flight put to music for competition. While 3D heli flight is, in essence, simply a combination of flips, rolls , and pirouettes, there is no end to the combinations. Once a heli pilot masters the basics, a continuously evolving world of precision aerobatics awaits. Like a dancer or figure skater, a 3D heli pilot can express style by putting simple moves together in complicated sequences for incredible effect.
Like any sport, art, or specialty, practice makes perfect. Some people learn faster than others, but everybody should try to step gingerly into more complicated and aggressive moves, for safeties sake (not to mention your wallet!). Excellent training tools are available; most notably computer simulators and buddy boxes. Unlike most video games which are intended for play, simulators for model aircraft are designed around one goal, helping people learn how to fly model airplanes and helicopters. Simulators are so accurate a budding pilot can master almost all regimes of flight in a simulated environment which instantly replaces a wrecked model! In real life, a crash cost not only confidence, but time and money to fix the model. By the time the pilot gets back to it, the learning experience from the crash is not fresh, and learning tends to progress slower. On a simulator, a fledgling pilot can take as much time exploring the controls as they want, and learn at their own pace without any down time between crashes.
An extremely large, fierce-looking fly, capable of catching and carrying off and eating other insects. It is generally regarded as Britain's largest fly species. Its larvae live in or under dung and feed on the larvae of dung beetles and other insect larvae. The species has become rarer because of the practice of dosing cattle with insecticides to prevent gut parasites. This has meant that much dung is now insect-free. Fortunately, it is also associated with rabbit droppings, which are not usually treated with insecticides.
Bridleway in chalk grassland near fields used for grazing horses and cattle, Oliver's Battery, Winchester, Hampshire, UK, 28 August 2015.
OS Grid Ref: SU 462 272
The C-130 was originally designed as an assault transport capable of operating from unpaved, hastily prepared airstrips. On August 23, 1954, the Hercules made its first flight. By 1976 more than 1,200 C-130s had been ordered, including aircraft equipped for radar weather mapping and reconnaissance, mid-air space capsule recovery, search and rescue, ambulance service, drone launching, and mid-air refueling of helicopters. The C-130 could transport up to 92 combat troops and their gear or 45,000 pounds of cargo. Where facilities were inadequate, the Hercules could deliver its cargo by parachute or by low altitude ground-cable extraction without landing.
Twenty-eight C-130s were converted to side-firing gunships, primarily for night attacks against ground targets. The AC-130A on display was modified at Wright-Patterson AFB as the prototype for the gunship version and was initially equipped with four 20mm and four 7.62mm multi-barrel guns, a searchlight, and target sensors. After testing in Southeast Asia in 1968, it was used as a test bed for additional armament, sensor, and fire control development. Later AC-130 gunships mounted improved sensors, a digital fire control computer, and heavier armament. The aircraft displayed was retired to the Museum in May 1976.
The ''Typhoon FGR4'' provides the RAF with a highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, including air policing, peace support and high intensity conflict.
Initially deployed in the air-to-air role as the ''Typhoon F2'', the aircraft now has a potent and precise multirole capability.
The pilot can carry out many functions by voice command or through a hands-on stick and throttle system. Combined with an advanced cockpit and the HEA (Helmet equipment assembly) the pilot is superbly equipped for all aspects of air operations.
Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain formally agreed to start development of the aircraft in 1988 with contracts for a first batch of 148 aircraft of which 53 were for the RAF signed ten years later. Deliveries to the RAF started in 2003 to 17(R) Sqn who were based at BAE Systems Warton Aerodrome in Lancashire (alongside the factory where the aircraft were assembled) while detailed development and testing of the aircraft was carried out. Formal activation of the first ''Typhoon'' Squadron at RAF Coningsby occurred on the 1st Jul 2005.
The aircraft took over responsibility for UK QRA on 29 Jun 2007 and was formally declared as an advanced Air Defence platform on 1 Jan 2008.
Here at A+ Investigations & Protection, we recognize the importance of a professional, courteous, and capable Security Presence. But, a presence is not enough! Your clients, visitors/guests, residents, and staff are the most important assets to your organization. It is our goal to provide a warm, comfortable approach when interacting with the public while maintaining the necessary amount of authority to ensure adherence to your rules and policies. Any interaction with our officers will be an interaction with a well-groomed, uniformed, knowledgeable, and courteous security professional. Each officer is taught ways to verbally de-escalate aggressive confrontations, through training which places the officer in realistic scenarios, our officers have the ability and intention to reduce and/or eliminate the need for aggressive action. While it is a last resort to utilize any force, our officers will possess the necessary skills and training to target, control, and remove any aggressive individual(s) from the perimeter in an effort to prioritize the safety of its occupants, and to lessen the exposure of injury to third parties. The public will always view the officer at his/her best due to our strict requirements of appearance. Our officers will be attired in well-fitting, clean, and pressed Security uniforms to make themselves easily identifiable to the public and law enforcement. Officers requiring a duty belt will be fitted with all matching equipment holders/pouches to ensure a professional and sharp appearance. Our officers are well-groomed and physically fit for duty. The image and reputation of your organization will never be questioned due to an officers’ appearance or behavior.
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141 N Main St, Hubbard, OH 44425
(330) 269-0430
A+ Bail Agency
141 N Main St, Hubbard, OH 44425
(330) 568-4464
Notary & Courier Service
10 Walnut St, Hubbard, OH 44425
(330) 259-7444
Took a walk in the hills at morrongo valley when i came back down their was this guy flying his heli he had two of them he was doing free styje flying took some shot's and then move on to the birding.Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is an internationally-recognized birding site. Several rare or unusual species are known to nest here, and many other species are abundant during the spring and fall migration seasons.
What does it mean to “fly 3D”? All aircraft maneuver in three dimensional space, so what separates 3D flying from just flying? Model helicopters are capable of maneuvers other aircraft, including full sized helicopters can only dream of. A modern “3D” model helicopter is capable of aggressive, accurate and axial flips and rolls. Adding the ability to pirouette, fly backwards and upside down, there is practically no limit to the maneuvers that can be flown. Although aggressive, unbelievable flights may seem wildly out of control to the untrained eye, it takes immense skill, and the models can be flown incredibly precisely with enough practice.
One of the beauties of modern aerobatic helicopter flight, which has come to be known as 3D, is how varied the potential is. Every 3D heli pilot exhibits their own character and style in flight. A 3D flight could be flown freestyle with nothing planned ahead of time, or it could be a highly prepared, choreographed flight put to music for competition. While 3D heli flight is, in essence, simply a combination of flips, rolls , and pirouettes, there is no end to the combinations. Once a heli pilot masters the basics, a continuously evolving world of precision aerobatics awaits. Like a dancer or figure skater, a 3D heli pilot can express style by putting simple moves together in complicated sequences for incredible effect.
Like any sport, art, or specialty, practice makes perfect. Some people learn faster than others, but everybody should try to step gingerly into more complicated and aggressive moves, for safeties sake (not to mention your wallet!). Excellent training tools are available; most notably computer simulators and buddy boxes. Unlike most video games which are intended for play, simulators for model aircraft are designed around one goal, helping people learn how to fly model airplanes and helicopters. Simulators are so accurate a budding pilot can master almost all regimes of flight in a simulated environment which instantly replaces a wrecked model! In real life, a crash cost not only confidence, but time and money to fix the model. By the time the pilot gets back to it, the learning experience from the crash is not fresh, and learning tends to progress slower. On a simulator, a fledgling pilot can take as much time exploring the controls as they want, and learn at their own pace without any down time between crashes.
SOL Austin: Net-Zero Capable
Photos by DeLea Becker @ Beck-Reit and Sons, Ltd.
Beck-Reit and Sons Ltd., an Austin General Contractor, has been working on sustainable construction methods since they day we started building houses. Our desire to build a better house, led us to develop the SOL (Solutions Oriented Living) subdivision in East Austin. We partnered with local architect, KRDB, to design, develop and build a net-zero capable sub-division centered around a community of 40 modern homes. Thru passive design, efficient building envelope and solar power these homes can produce more energy than they consume. The homes have been rated 4-5 star by the Austin Energy Green Building Program. SOL Austin has received national attention and has been featured in the New York Times, Metro-Homes and DIY Network’s, This New House.
This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home has 1538 square feet. The Master Suite features a second story balcony, and the open living, dining, kitchen floor plan is ideal for entertaining.
The Chance Vought F4U Corsair was a carrier-capable fighter aircraft that saw service primarily in World War II and the Korean War. Goodyear-built Corsairs were designated FG and Brewster-built aircraft F3A. The Corsair served in smaller air forces until the 1960s, following the longest production run of any piston-engined fighter in U.S. history (1942–1952).[1][2] Some Japanese pilots regarded it as the most formidable American fighter of World War II.[3] The U.S. Navy counted an 11:1 kill ratio with the F4U Corsair.[4]
Corsairs served with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, Fleet Air Arm and the Royal New Zealand Air Force, as well the French Navy Aeronavale and other services postwar. It quickly became the most capable carrier-based fighter-bomber of World War II. Demand for the aircraft soon overwhelmed Vought's manufacturing capability, resulting in production by Goodyear (as the FG-1) and Brewster (as the F3A-1). From the first prototype delivery to the U.S. Navy in 1940, to final delivery in 1953 to the French, 12,571 F4U Corsairs were manufactured by Vought,[5] in 16 separate models.[6][7]
These pumps are capable of delivering flow up to 1350 gpm and head conditions up to 300 ft. and higher. These pumps come equipped with hand-operated diaphragm primers as standard but can be equipped for automatic priming. Griffin jet pumps are an ideal solution for field installation of wellpoints or well casings without drilling.
These pumps are available in diesel or electric models. Other options and sizes are available. Visit Griffin's website for more information: www.griffinpump.com
Took a walk in the hills at morrongo valley when i came back down their was this guy flying his heli he had two of them he was doing free styje flying took some shot's and then move on to the birding.Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is an internationally-recognized birding site. Several rare or unusual species are known to nest here, and many other species are abundant during the spring and fall migration seasons.
What does it mean to “fly 3D”? All aircraft maneuver in three dimensional space, so what separates 3D flying from just flying? Model helicopters are capable of maneuvers other aircraft, including full sized helicopters can only dream of. A modern “3D” model helicopter is capable of aggressive, accurate and axial flips and rolls. Adding the ability to pirouette, fly backwards and upside down, there is practically no limit to the maneuvers that can be flown. Although aggressive, unbelievable flights may seem wildly out of control to the untrained eye, it takes immense skill, and the models can be flown incredibly precisely with enough practice.
One of the beauties of modern aerobatic helicopter flight, which has come to be known as 3D, is how varied the potential is. Every 3D heli pilot exhibits their own character and style in flight. A 3D flight could be flown freestyle with nothing planned ahead of time, or it could be a highly prepared, choreographed flight put to music for competition. While 3D heli flight is, in essence, simply a combination of flips, rolls , and pirouettes, there is no end to the combinations. Once a heli pilot masters the basics, a continuously evolving world of precision aerobatics awaits. Like a dancer or figure skater, a 3D heli pilot can express style by putting simple moves together in complicated sequences for incredible effect.
Like any sport, art, or specialty, practice makes perfect. Some people learn faster than others, but everybody should try to step gingerly into more complicated and aggressive moves, for safeties sake (not to mention your wallet!). Excellent training tools are available; most notably computer simulators and buddy boxes. Unlike most video games which are intended for play, simulators for model aircraft are designed around one goal, helping people learn how to fly model airplanes and helicopters. Simulators are so accurate a budding pilot can master almost all regimes of flight in a simulated environment which instantly replaces a wrecked model! In real life, a crash cost not only confidence, but time and money to fix the model. By the time the pilot gets back to it, the learning experience from the crash is not fresh, and learning tends to progress slower. On a simulator, a fledgling pilot can take as much time exploring the controls as they want, and learn at their own pace without any down time between crashes.
The Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), also known as the common peafowl, and blue peafowl, is a peafowl species native to the Indian subcontinent. It has been introduced to many other countries. Male peafowl are referred to as peacocks, and female peafowl are referred to as peahens, although both sexes are often referred to colloquially as a "peacock".
Indian peafowl display a marked form of sexual dimorphism. The peacock is brightly coloured, with a predominantly blue fan-like crest of spatula-tipped wire-like feathers and is best known for the long train made up of elongated upper-tail covert feathers which bear colourful eyespots. These stiff feathers are raised into a fan and quivered in a display during courtship. Despite the length and size of these covert feathers, peacocks are still capable of flight. Peahens lack the train, have a white face and iridescent green lower neck, and dull brown plumage. The Indian peafowl lives mainly on the ground in open forest or on land under cultivation where they forage for berries, grains but also prey on snakes, lizards, and small rodents. Their loud calls make them easy to detect, and in forest areas often indicate the presence of a predator such as a tiger. They forage on the ground in small groups and usually try to escape on foot through undergrowth and avoid flying, though they fly into tall trees to roost.
The function of the peacock's elaborate train has been debated for over a century. In the 19th century, Charles Darwin found it a puzzle, hard to explain through ordinary natural selection. His later explanation, sexual selection, is widely but not universally accepted. In the 20th century, Amotz Zahavi argued that the train was a handicap, and that males were honestly signalling their fitness in proportion to the splendour of their trains. Despite extensive study, opinions remain divided on the mechanisms involved.
The bird is celebrated in Hindu and Greek mythology, and is the national bird of India. The Indian peafowl is listed as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Taxonomy and naming
Carl Linnaeus in his work Systema Naturae in 1758 assigned to the Indian peafowl the technical name of Pavo cristatus (means "crested peafowl" in classical Latin).
The earliest usage of the word in written English is from around 1300 and spelling variants include pecok, pekok, pecokk, peacocke, peacock, pyckock, poucock, pocok, pokok, pokokke, and poocok among others. The current spelling was established in the late 17th century. Chaucer (1343–1400) used the word to refer to a proud and ostentatious person in his simile "proud a pekok" in Troilus and Criseyde (Book I, line 210).
The Sanskrit, later Pali, and modern Hindi term for the animal is maur. It is debated that the nomenclature of the Maurya Empire, whose first emperor Chandragupta Maurya was raised and influenced by peacock farmers was named after the terminology.
The Greek word for peacock was taos and was related to the Persian "tavus" (as in Takht-i-Tâvus for the famed Peacock Throne). The Ancient Hebrew word tuki (plural tukkiyim) has been said to have been derived from the Tamil tokei but sometimes traced to the Egyptian tekh. In modern Hebrew the word for peacock is "tavas". In Sanskrit, the peacock is known as Mayura and is associated with the killing of snakes.
Description
Male neck detail
Peacocks are a larger sized bird with a length from bill to tail of 100 to 115 cm (39 to 45 in) and to the end of a fully grown train as much as 195 to 225 cm (77 to 89 in) and weigh 4–6 kg (8.8–13.2 lb). The females, or peahens, are smaller at around 95 cm (37 in) in length and weigh 2.75–4 kg (6.1–8.8 lb). Indian peafowl are among the largest and heaviest representatives of the Phasianidae. So far as is known, only the wild turkey grows notably heavier. The green peafowl is slightly lighter in body mass despite the male having a longer train on average than the male of the Indian species. Their size, colour and shape of crest make them unmistakable within their native distribution range. The male is metallic blue on the crown, the feathers of the head being short and curled. The fan-shaped crest on the head is made of feathers with bare black shafts and tipped with bluish-green webbing. A white stripe above the eye and a crescent shaped white patch below the eye are formed by bare white skin. The sides of the head have iridescent greenish blue feathers. The back has scaly bronze-green feathers with black and copper markings. The scapular and the wings are buff and barred in black, the primaries are chestnut and the secondaries are black. The tail is dark brown and the "train" is made up of elongated upper tail coverts (more than 200 feathers, the actual tail has only 20 feathers) and nearly all of these feathers end with an elaborate eye-spot. A few of the outer feathers lack the spot and end in a crescent shaped black tip. The underside is dark glossy green shading into blackish under the tail. The thighs are buff coloured. The male has a spur on the leg above the hind toe.
The adult peahen has a rufous-brown head with a crest as in the male but the tips are chestnut edged with green. The upper body is brownish with pale mottling. The primaries, secondaries and tail are dark brown. The lower neck is metallic green and the breast feathers are dark brown glossed with green. The remaining underparts are whitish. Downy young are pale buff with a dark brown mark on the nape that connects with the eyes. Young males look like the females but the wings are chestnut coloured.
The most common calls are a loud pia-ow or may-awe. The frequency of calling increases before the Monsoon season and may be delivered in alarm or when disturbed by loud noises. In forests, their calls often indicate the presence of a predators such as the tiger. They also make many other calls such as a rapid series of ka-aan..ka-aan or a rapid kok-kok. They often emit an explosive low-pitched honk! when agitated.
Mutations and hybrids
This leucistic mutation is commonly mistaken for an albino.
There are several colour mutations of Indian peafowl. These very rarely occur in the wild, but selective breeding has made them common in captivity. The black-shouldered or Japanned mutation was initially considered as a subspecies of the Indian peafowl (P. c. nigripennis) (or even a separate species (P. nigripennis)) and was a topic of some interest during Darwin's time. Others had doubts about its taxonomic status, but the English naturalist and biologist Charles Darwin (1809–1882) presented firm evidence for it being a variety under domestication, which treatment is now well established and accepted. It being a colour variation rather than a wild species was important for Darwin to prove, as otherwise it could undermine his theory of slow modification by natural selection in the wild. It is, however, only a case of genetic variation within the population. In this mutation, the adult male is melanistic with black wings. Young birds with the nigripennis mutation are creamy white with fulvous-tipped wings. The gene produces melanism in the male and in the peahen it produces a dilution of colour with creamy white and brown markings. Other forms include the pied and white mutations, all of which are the result of allelic variation at specific loci.
Crosses between a male green peafowl (Pavo muticus) and a female Indian peafowl (P. cristatus) produce a stable hybrid called a "Spalding", named after Mrs. Keith Spalding, a bird fancier in California. There can be problems if birds of unknown pedigree are released into the wild, as the viability of such hybrids and their offspring is often reduced (see Haldane's rule and outbreeding depression).
Distribution and habitat
The Indian peafowl is a resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent and inhabits the drier lowland areas of Sri Lanka. In the Indian subcontinent, it is found mainly below an elevation of 1,800 m (5,900 ft) and in rare cases seen at about 2,000 m (6,600 ft). It is found in moist and dry-deciduous forests, but can adapt to live in cultivated regions and around human habitations and is usually found where water is available. In many parts of northern India, they are protected by religious practices and will forage around villages and towns for scraps. Some have suggested that the peacock was introduced into Europe by Alexander the Great, while others say the bird had reached Athens by 450 BCE and may have been introduced even earlier. It has since been introduced in many other parts of the world and has become feral in some areas.
The Indian peafowl has been introduced to the United States, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, France, Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Croatia and the island of Lokrum.
Genome sequencing
The first whole-genome sequencing of Indian peafowl identified a total of 15,970 protein-coding sequences, along with 213 tRNAs, 236 snoRNAs, and 540 miRNAs. The peacock genome was found to have less repetitive DNA (8.62%) than that of the chicken genome (9.45%). PSMC analysis suggested that the peacock suffered at least two bottlenecks (around four million years ago and again 450,000 years ago), which resulted in a severe reduction in its effective population size.
Behaviour and ecology
Peafowl are best known for the male's extravagant display feathers which, despite actually growing from their back, are thought of as a tail. The "train" is in reality made up of the enormously elongated upper tail coverts. The tail itself is brown and short as in the peahen. The colours result not from any green or blue pigments but from the micro-structure of the feathers and the resulting optical phenomena. The long train feathers (and tarsal spurs) of the male develop only after the second year of life. Fully developed trains are found in birds older than four years. In northern India, these begin to develop each February and are moulted at the end of August. The moult of the flight feathers may be spread out across the year.
Peafowl forage on the ground in small groups, known as musters, that usually have a cock and 3 to 5 hens. After the breeding season, the flocks tend to be made up only of females and young. They are found in the open early in the mornings and tend to stay in cover during the heat of the day. They are fond of dust-bathing and at dusk, groups walk in single file to a favourite waterhole to drink. When disturbed, they usually escape by running and rarely take to flight.
Peafowl produce loud calls especially in the breeding season. They may call at night when alarmed and neighbouring birds may call in a relay like series. Nearly seven different call variants have been identified in the peacocks apart from six alarm calls that are commonly produced by both sexes.
Peafowl roost in groups during the night on tall trees but may sometimes make use of rocks, buildings or pylons. In the Gir forest, they chose tall trees in steep river banks. Birds arrive at dusk and call frequently before taking their position on the roost trees. Due to this habit of congregating at the roost, many population studies are made at these sites. The population structure is not well understood. In a study in northern India (Jodhpur), the number of males was 170–210 for 100 females but a study involving evening counts at the roost site in southern India (Injar) suggested a ratio of 47 males for 100 females.
Sexual selection
The colours of the peacock and the contrast with the much duller peahen were a puzzle to early thinkers. Charles Darwin wrote to Asa Gray that the "sight of a feather in a peacock's tail, whenever I gaze at it, makes me sick!" as he failed to see an adaptive advantage for the extravagant tail which seemed only to be an encumbrance. Darwin developed a second principle of sexual selection to resolve the problem, though in the prevailing intellectual trends of Victorian Britain, the theory failed to gain widespread attention.
The American artist Abbott Handerson Thayer tried to show, from his own imagination, the value of the eyespots as disruptive camouflage in a 1907 painting. He used the painting in his 1909 book Concealing-Coloration in the Animal Kingdom, denying the possibility of sexual selection and arguing that essentially all forms of animal colouration had evolved as camouflage. He was roundly criticised in a lengthy paper by Theodore Roosevelt, who wrote that Thayer had only managed to paint the peacock's plumage as camouflage by sleight of hand, "with the blue sky showing through the leaves in just sufficient quantity here and there to warrant the author-artists explaining that the wonderful blue hues of the peacock's neck are obliterative because they make it fade into the sky."
In the 1970s a possible resolution to the apparent contradiction between natural selection and sexual selection was proposed. Amotz Zahavi argued that peacocks honestly signalled the handicap of having a large and costly train. However, the mechanism may be less straightforward than it seems – the cost could arise from depression of the immune system by the hormones that enhance feather development.
Male courting female
The ornate train is believed to be the result of sexual selection by the females. Males use their ornate trains in a courtship display: they raise the feathers into a fan and quiver them. However, recent studies have failed to find a relation between the number of displayed eyespots and mating success. Marion Petrie tested whether or not these displays signaled a male's genetic quality by studying a feral population of peafowl in Whipsnade Wildlife Park in southern England. She showed that the number of eyespots in the train predicted a male's mating success, and this success could be manipulated by cutting the eyespots off some of the male's ornate feathers.
Although the removal of eyespots makes males less successful in mating, eyespot removal substantially changes the appearance of male peafowls. It is likely that females mistake these males for sub-adults, or perceive that the males are physically damaged. Moreover, in a feral peafowl population, there is little variation in the number of eyespots in adult males. It is rare for adult males to lose a significant number of eyespots. Therefore, females' selection might depend on other sexual traits of males' trains. The quality of train is an honest signal of the condition of males; peahens do select males on the basis of their plumage. A recent study on a natural population of Indian peafowls in the Shivalik area of India has proposed a "high maintenance handicap" theory. It states that only the fittest males can afford the time and energy to maintain a long tail. Therefore, the long train is an indicator of good body condition, which results in greater mating success. While train length seems to correlate positively with MHC diversity in males, females do not appear to use train length to choose males. A study in Japan also suggests that peahens do not choose peacocks based on their ornamental plumage, including train length, number of eyespots and train symmetry. Another study in France brings up two possible explanations for the conflicting results that exist. The first explanation is that there might be a genetic variation of the trait of interest under different geographical areas due to a founder effect and/or a genetic drift. The second explanation suggests that "the cost of trait expression may vary with environmental conditions," so that a trait that is indicative of a particular quality may not work in another environment.
Fisher's runaway model proposes positive feedback between female preference for elaborate trains and the elaborate train itself. This model assumes that the male train is a relatively recent evolutionary adaptation. However, a molecular phylogeny study on peacock-pheasants shows the opposite; the most recently evolved species is actually the least ornamented one. This finding suggests a chase-away sexual selection, in which "females evolve resistance to male ploys". A study in Japan goes on to conclude that the "peacocks' train is an obsolete signal for which female preference has already been lost or weakened".
However, some disagreement has arisen in recent years concerning whether or not female peafowl do indeed select males with more ornamented trains. In contrast to Petrie's findings, a seven-year Japanese study of free-ranging peafowl came to the conclusion that female peafowl do not select mates solely on the basis of their trains. Mariko Takahashi found no evidence that peahens expressed any preference for peacocks with more elaborate trains (such as trains having more ocelli), a more symmetrical arrangement, or a greater length. Takahashi determined that the peacock's train was not the universal target of female mate choice, showed little variance across male populations, and, based on physiological data collected from this group of peafowl, do not correlate to male physical conditions. Adeline Loyau and her colleagues responded to Takahashi's study by voicing concern that alternative explanations for these results had been overlooked, and that these might be essential for the understanding of the complexity of mate choice. They concluded that female choice might indeed vary in different ecological conditions.
A 2013 study that tracked the eye movements of peahens responding to male displays found that they looked in the direction of the upper train of feathers only when at long distances and that they looked only at the lower feathers when males displayed close to them. The rattling of the tail and the shaking of the wings helped in keeping the attention of females.
Breeding
Peacocks are polygamous, and the breeding season is spread out but appears to be dependent on the rains. Peafowls usually reach sexual maturity at the age of 2 to 3 years old. Several males may congregate at a lek site and these males are often closely related. Males at leks appear to maintain small territories next to each other and they allow females to visit them and make no attempt to guard harems. Females do not appear to favour specific males. The males display in courtship by raising the upper-tail coverts into an arched fan. The wings are held half open and drooped and it periodically vibrates the long feathers, producing a ruffling sound. The cock faces the hen initially and struts and prances around and sometimes turns around to display the tail. Males may also freeze over food to invite a female in a form of courtship feeding. Males may display even in the absence of females. When a male is displaying, females do not appear to show any interest and usually continue their foraging.
The peak season in southern India is April to May, January to March in Sri Lanka and June in northern India. The nest is a shallow scrape in the ground lined with leaves, sticks and other debris. Nests are sometimes placed on buildings and, in earlier times, have been recorded using the disused nest platforms of the white-rumped vultures. The clutch consists of 4–8 fawn to buff white eggs which are incubated only by the female. The eggs take about 28 days to hatch. The chicks are nidifugous and follow the mother around after hatching. Downy young may sometimes climb on their mothers' back and the female may carry them in flight to a safe tree branch. An unusual instance of a male incubating a clutch of eggs has been reported.
Feeding
Peafowl are omnivorous and eat seeds, insects (including termites), worms, fruits, small mammals, frogs, and reptiles (such as lizards). They feed on small snakes but keep their distance from larger ones. In the Gir forest of Gujarat, a large percentage of their food is made up of the fallen berries of Zizyphus. They also feed on tree and flower buds, petals, grain, and grass and bamboo shoots. Around cultivated areas, peafowl feed on a wide range of crops such as groundnut, tomato, paddy, chili and even bananas. Around human habitations, they feed on a variety of food scraps and even human excreta. In the countryside, it is particularly partial to crops and garden plants.
Mortality factors
Large animals such as leopards, dholes, golden jackals, and tigers can ambush adult peafowls. However, only leopards regularly prey upon peafowls as adult peafowls are difficult to catch since they can usually escape ground predators by flying into trees. They are also sometimes hunted by large birds of prey such as the changeable hawk-eagle and rock eagle-owl. Chicks are somewhat more prone to predation than adult birds. Adults living near human habitations are sometimes hunted by domestic dogs or by humans in some areas (southern Tamil Nadu) for folk remedies involving the use of "peacock oil".
Foraging in groups provides some safety as there are more eyes to look out for predators. They also roost on high tree tops to avoid terrestrial predators, especially leopards.
In captivity, birds have been known to live for 23 years but it is estimated that they live for only about 15 years in the wild.
Conservation and status
Indian peafowl are widely distributed in the wild across South Asia and protected both culturally in many areas and by law in India. Conservative estimates of the population put them at more than 100,000. Illegal poaching for meat, however, continues and declines have been noted in parts of India. Peafowl breed readily in captivity and as free-ranging ornamental fowl. Zoos, parks, bird-fanciers and dealers across the world maintain breeding populations that do not need to be augmented by the capture of wild birds.
Poaching of peacocks for their meat and feathers and accidental poisoning by feeding on pesticide treated seeds are known threats to wild birds. Methods to identify if feathers have been plucked or have been shed naturally have been developed, as Indian law allows only the collection of feathers that have been shed.
In parts of India, the birds can be a nuisance to agriculture as they damage crops. Its adverse effects on crops, however, seem to be offset by the beneficial role it plays by consuming prodigious quantities of pests such as grasshoppers. They can also be a problem in gardens and homes where they damage plants, attack their reflections (thereby breaking glass and mirrors), perch and scratch cars or leave their droppings. Many cities where they have been introduced and gone feral have peafowl management programmes. These include educating citizens on how to prevent the birds from causing damage while treating the birds humanely.
In culture
Prominent in many cultures, the peacock has been used in numerous iconic representations, including being designated the national bird of India in 1963. The peacock, known as mayura in Sanskrit, has enjoyed a fabled place in India since and is frequently depicted in temple art, mythology, poetry, folk music and traditions. A Sanskrit derivation of mayura is from the root mi for kill and said to mean "killer of snakes". It is also likely that the Sanskrit term is a borrowing from Proto-Dravidian *mayVr (whence the Tamil word for peacock மயில் (mayil)) or a regional Wanderwort. Many Hindu deities are associated with the bird, Krishna is often depicted with a feather in his headband, while worshippers of Shiva associate the bird as the steed of the God of war, Kartikeya (also known as Skanda or Murugan). A story in the Uttara Ramayana describes the head of the Devas, Indra, who unable to defeat Ravana, sheltered under the wing of peacock and later blessed it with a "thousand eyes" and fearlessness from serpents. Another story has Indra who after being cursed with a thousand ulcers was transformed into a peacock with a thousand eyes and this curse was removed by Vishnu.
In Buddhist philosophy, the peacock represents wisdom. Peacock feathers are used in many rituals and ornamentation. Peacock motifs are widespread in Indian temple architecture, old coinage, textiles and continue to be used in many modern items of art and utility. A folk belief found in many parts of India is that the peacock does not copulate with the peahen but that she is impregnated by other means. The stories vary and include the idea that the peacock looks at its ugly feet and cries whereupon the tears are fed on by the peahen causing it to be orally impregnated while other variants incorporate sperm transfer from beak to beak. Similar ideas have also been ascribed to Indian crow species. In Greek mythology the origin of the peacock's plumage is explained in the tale of Hera and Argus. The main figure of the Yazidi religion Yezidism, Melek Taus, is most commonly depicted as a peacock. Peacock motifs are widely used even today such as in the logos of the US NBC and the PTV television networks and the Sri Lankan Airlines.
These birds were often kept in menageries and as ornaments in large gardens and estates. In medieval times, knights in Europe took a "Vow of the Peacock" and decorated their helmets with its plumes. In several Robin Hood stories, the titular archer uses arrows fletched with peacock feathers. Feathers were buried with Viking warriors and the flesh of the bird was said to cure snake venom and many other maladies. Numerous uses in Ayurveda have been documented. Peafowl were said to keep an area free of snakes. In 1526, the legal issue as to whether peacocks were wild or domestic fowl was thought sufficiently important for Cardinal Wolsey to summon all the English judges to give their opinion, which was that they are domestic fowl.
In Anglo-Indian usage of the 1850s, to peacock meant making visits to ladies and gentlemen in the morning. In the 1890s, the term "peacocking" in Australia referred to the practice of buying up the best pieces of land ("picking the eyes") so as to render the surrounding lands valueless. The English word "peacock" has come to be used to describe a man who is very proud or gives a lot of attention to his clothing.
Main article: Di Goldene Pave
A golden peacock (in Yiddish, Di Goldene Pave) is considered by some as a symbol of Ashkenazi Jewish culture, and is the subject of several folktales and songs in Yiddish. Peacocks are frequently used in European heraldry. Heraldic peacocks are most often depicted as facing the viewer and with their tails displayed. In this pose, the peacock is referred to as being "in his pride". Peacock tails, in isolation from the rest of the bird, are rare in British heraldry, but see frequent use in German systems.
The American television network NBC uses a stylized peacock as a legacy of its early introduction of color television, alluding to the brilliant color of a peacock, and continues to promote the bird as a trademark of its broadcasting and streaming services.
Built by the Schiffswerks Rieherst company in Hamburg, the Umbria was launched on December 30th 1911 with the name of Bahia Blanca. It was a large freighter by that time, 150 meters long, with a power capable of providing a speed of 14 knots that could carry 9,000 tons of cargo and up to 2,000 passengers. In 1912 it began operating the Hamburg-America line doing different jobs between Europe and Argentina until the outbreak of World War I, when it was based in Buenos Aires. In 1918 the ship was acquired by the Argentinian government and it was not until 1935 when the ship was taken over by the Italian government and renamed again: the Umbria. From that moment its trips were to transport troops and during the following two years carried several thousand soldiers to the Italian colonies in East Africa.
The loss of the Umbria
In May 1940, when Italy was still neutral in World War II, the Umbria was secretly loaded with 360,000 bombs between 15 kg and 100 kg, 60 boxes of detonators, building materials and three Fiat Lunga cars, carrying a total 8,600 tons of weapons towards the East Africa. The explosives had destination Massawa and Assab, Eritrea, that was Italian colony by then, and the rest of the cargo was heading different locations in Asia. Italy's entry into the war was imminent and this shipment was destined to the defense of the colonies against the Allies and to the possible expansion of its African territories.
On 3rd June 1940 the Umbria reached Port Said, northern Egypt, where loaded with 1,000 tons of coal and water in a movement to fool the Allies, trying to look like a harmless freighter. The port, controlled by the Royal Navy, and its authorities allowed the ship enter on the Red Sea three days after arrival. The British delayed the departure of the Umbria knowing that Italy's entry into the war was imminent and that the cargo of Umbria had devastating power that sooner or later would be used against the Allies and why not, to get a great load to fight fascism. But Italy, as a neutral country that it was, had every right to transport weapons much like any other cargo to its colonies.
Having met the deadline to be retained, the Umbria crossed the Suez Canal on June 6th but with the escort of the HMS Grimsby. The importance and destructive capacity of the cargo required it. Three days later the Umbria entered in Sudan waters and the HMS Grimsby ordered the Umbria captain to anchor on Wingate Reef under the pretext of searching for contraband. Moments later the British warship HMS Leander arrived with a group of 20 sailors who boarded the Umbria. After thoroughly searching the ship and finding nothing, the captain ordered the British troops to remain the night aboard the Umbria.
The next morning Lorenzo Muiesan, Umbria captain, was in his cabin listening to the radio when Mussolini announced the entry of Italy into the World War II. Hostilities would begin at midnight of that day. Muiesan, a very patriotic captain with long experience, was the only one in the area who had heard the news and knew immediately that both Umbria and the burden would be used by the Allies against their own country. He had no option to disable both. In a move of extraordinary intelligence, as the hours passed retained by the British who did not yet know that Italy was officially the enemy, the captain ordered his crew conducting a rescue simulation... that was more real than the British thought. This maneuver, which the English soldiers agreed as they believed it would serve to further delay the departure of the Umbria. While the Italians occupied the lifeboats, the chief engineers, following Muiesan´s orders, opened all the valves and drown the ship to the bottom of the reef. With the crew safe, the British only had time to get on their ship and watch the freighter slid slowly.
When the captain of HMS Grimsby asked why he had done that Muiesan confirmed the declaration of war from Italy to Britain. The next day Muiesan and the rest of Umbria crew departed detainees to India, where they spent four years in prison.
CARGO:
The Umbria was carrying 360,000 individual aircraft bombs ranging in size from 15, 50 and 100 kg. The vessel also carried a large quantity of fuses, ammunition and detonators as well as other traditional cargo. The captain knew these bombs would be confiscated and used by the enemy against his country should they ever discover them which was why he made the call to sink the ship.
The Umbria had sailed in June 1940 with 6,000 tons of bombs, 60 boxes detonators, explosives, weapons and three Fiat 1100 Lunga from Genoa via Livorno and Naples in the Suez Canal and on the way via Massaua and Assab to Calcutta.
National Museum of the US Air Force
The first Soviet production fighter capable of supersonic speeds in level flight, the prototype MiG-19 (NATO code-name "Farmer") made its first flight in September 1953. Entering production in 1955, it became the Soviet Union's primary fighter during the last half of the 1950s. Possibly as many as 10,000 MiG-19s, in various versions, were built by the Soviet Union, China, Poland and Czechoslovakia. Many other countries used the MiG-19, including Cuba, North Vietnam, North Korea, Iraq and most of the Warsaw Pact nations. The Soviet Union phased out the MiG-19 in the early 1960s in favor of the more advanced MiG-21, but other nations continued to use the MiG-19 for many more years.
The museum obtained MiG-19S on display from the 457th Technical Evaluation Squadron based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. It went on display in October 1994.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: Three NR-30 30mm cannon
Engines: Two Tumansky RD-9 turbojets with 7,165 lbs. thrust each
Maximum speed: 903 mph
Span: 30 ft. 2 in.
Length: 40 ft. 3 in.
Height: 12 ft.
Weight: 19,096 lbs. maximum
An extremely large, fierce-looking fly, capable of catching and carrying off and eating other insects. It is generally regarded as Britain's largest fly species. Its larvae live in or under dung and feed on the larvae of dung beetles and other insect larvae. The species has become rarer because of the practice of dosing cattle with insecticides to prevent gut parasites. This has meant that much dung is now insect-free. Fortunately, it is also associated with rabbit droppings, which are not usually treated with insecticides.
Bridleway in chalk grassland near fields used for grazing horses and cattle, Oliver's Battery, Winchester, Hampshire, UK, 28 August 2015.
OS Grid Ref: SU 462 272