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A composite image blended with about 7-9 frames of a lightning storm approaching the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (Maropeng) in South Africa.
Come visit the Cradle of Humankind! Starting in a camp reflecting the 1920s you soon cross a wide river with the wildlife veterinary station and a savanna lying behind. Or you visit a small native village near the dark jungle. Safari feeling guaranteed!
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Fun Theme Song
On Thursday 12 July 2018, US president Donald Trump, the most dangerous man in the world, was welcomed to the United Kingdom by the British prime minister Theresa May. The following day the streets of London witnessed the biggest protest for over a decade as thousands marched on Trafalgar Square to express their anger at the British government extending a red carpet welcome for Trump.
Protesters pointed out the extreme threat to democracy, to those dependent on welfare, to womens' rights, to civil rights generally and even to the survival of humankind which Trump presents. Such assertions might seem extreme, but they are unfortunately fully justifiable.
As the president of what is by far the richest and most powerful country on earth, Trump has dedicated his term to accelerating the US addiction to fossil fuels and agribusiness, dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency and withdrawing America from the Paris Climate Accords, thereby accelerating global warming and climate change and presenting a huge threat to the continued existence of humankind.
Trump's presidency also marks another dangerous step in the erosion of democracy in the United States. Far from "draining the swamp" as he promised, Trump has surrounded himself with powerful figures from big business, especially major financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, as well as his friends and allies in the fossil fuel and defence industires.
Government policy, more and more, reflects the direct interests of concentrated private power with the public having less and less influence. At the same time the Trump presidency has allied itself with some of the most ruthless regimes in the world and is profiting from Saudi Arabia's illegal war of aggression in Yemen which has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis. A serious war crime in which Donald Trump and Theresa May are both complicit.
Trump has also been keen to patronise the extreme nationalist constituency in the United States and through preaching a propaganda of fear his presidency has managed to oversee some of the most racist immigration policies ever to be implemented in the United States, targeted almost exclusively at Muslim countries - Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Ironically, all of them have been massively destabilized and impoverished by US foreign policy.
He was also responsible for the ruthless decision to separate children from their parents as they cross into the United States from Mexico, in his determination to block immigration from central America, where decades of US illegal intervention, including the CIA funded Contra terror operations in Nicaragua and enforced free trade (under NAFTA or IMF rules) have devastated the region and merely enhanced the power of corrupt corporate elites and drug cartels.
As if this was not enough to worry about, Trump has also authorized a huge increase in both US defence spending and in the US nuclear arsenal, and changed the strategic posture of the US so that nuclear weapons can be used even for offensive operations and even when their use is not required to preempt a nuclear strike by an enemy power.
As any historian of conflict since the Second World War knows, it is only by a miracle that humankind has survived since 1945 without a nuclear war. Now the situation is more dangerous than ever before. Not only are we are now dependent on Trump's extremely unpredictable temperament but also increasingly on automated systems which can easily malfunction.
Trump and Republicans maintain they need to spend heavily on military equipment in order to counter the supposed Russian threat. However they seldom remind the public that the United States already spends almost as much as the rest of the world combined on defence and that Russia's expenditure is far behind both that of the United States and only on about the same level of Saudi Arabia, and spends only 10% of what NATO spends.
It has also to be remembered that it is NATO and US forces which are operating right on the Russian border, not Russian forces on the American border. Russia's defence spending is clearly recognised by academics to be primarily defensive and responsive to US spending. What is desperately needed is a serious international dialogue at the highest level to decrease the danger of conflict, especially the risk of a terminal nuclear war and begin a process of multilateral disarmament.
On Thursday 12 July 2018, US president Donald Trump, the most dangerous man in the world, was welcomed to the United Kingdom by the British prime minister Theresa May. The following day the streets of London witnessed the biggest protest for over a decade as thousands marched on Trafalgar Square to express their anger at the British government extending a red carpet welcome for Trump.
Protesters pointed out the extreme threat to democracy, to those dependent on welfare, to womens' rights, to civil rights generally and even to the survival of humankind which Trump presents. Such assertions might seem extreme, but they are unfortunately fully justifiable.
As the president of what is by far the richest and most powerful country on earth, Trump has dedicated his term to accelerating the US addiction to fossil fuels and agribusiness, dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency and withdrawing America from the Paris Climate Accords, thereby accelerating global warming and climate change and presenting a huge threat to the continued existence of humankind.
Trump's presidency also marks another dangerous step in the erosion of democracy in the United States. Far from "draining the swamp" as he promised, Trump has surrounded himself with powerful figures from big business, especially major financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, as well as his friends and allies in the fossil fuel and defence industires.
Government policy, more and more, reflects the direct interests of concentrated private power with the public having less and less influence. At the same time the Trump presidency has allied itself with some of the most ruthless regimes in the world and is profiting from Saudi Arabia's illegal war of aggression in Yemen which has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis. A serious war crime in which Donald Trump and Theresa May are both complicit.
Trump has also been keen to patronise the extreme nationalist constituency in the United States and through preaching a propaganda of fear his presidency has managed to oversee some of the most racist immigration policies ever to be implemented in the United States, targeted almost exclusively at Muslim countries - Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Ironically, all of them have been massively destabilized and impoverished by US foreign policy.
He was also responsible for the ruthless decision to separate children from their parents as they cross into the United States from Mexico, in his determination to block immigration from central America, where decades of US illegal intervention, including the CIA funded Contra terror operations in Nicaragua and enforced free trade (under NAFTA or IMF rules) have devastated the region and merely enhanced the power of corrupt corporate elites and drug cartels.
As if this was not enough to worry about, Trump has also authorized a huge increase in both US defence spending and in the US nuclear arsenal, and changed the strategic posture of the US so that nuclear weapons can be used even for offensive operations and even when their use is not required to preempt a nuclear strike by an enemy power.
As any historian of conflict since the Second World War knows, it is only by a miracle that humankind has survived since 1945 without a nuclear war. Now the situation is more dangerous than ever before. Not only are we are now dependent on Trump's extremely unpredictable temperament but also increasingly on automated systems which can easily malfunction.
Trump and Republicans maintain they need to spend heavily on military equipment in order to counter the supposed Russian threat. However they seldom remind the public that the United States already spends almost as much as the rest of the world combined on defence and that Russia's expenditure is far behind both that of the United States and only on about the same level of Saudi Arabia, and spends only 10% of what NATO spends.
It has also to be remembered that it is NATO and US forces which are operating right on the Russian border, not Russian forces on the American border. Russia's defence spending is clearly recognised by academics to be primarily defensive and responsive to US spending. What is desperately needed is a serious international dialogue at the highest level to decrease the danger of conflict, especially the risk of a terminal nuclear war and begin a process of multilateral disarmament.
On Thursday 12 July 2018, US president Donald Trump, the most dangerous man in the world, was welcomed to the United Kingdom by the British prime minister Theresa May. The following day the streets of London witnessed the biggest protest for over a decade as thousands marched on Trafalgar Square to express their anger at the British government extending a red carpet welcome for Trump.
Protesters pointed out the extreme threat to democracy, to those dependent on welfare, to womens' rights, to civil rights generally and even to the survival of humankind which Trump presents. Such assertions might seem extreme, but they are unfortunately fully justifiable.
As the president of what is by far the richest and most powerful country on earth, Trump has dedicated his term to accelerating the US addiction to fossil fuels and agribusiness, dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency and withdrawing America from the Paris Climate Accords, thereby accelerating global warming and climate change and presenting a huge threat to the continued existence of humankind.
Trump's presidency also marks another dangerous step in the erosion of democracy in the United States. Far from "draining the swamp" as he promised, Trump has surrounded himself with powerful figures from big business, especially major financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, as well as his friends and allies in the fossil fuel and defence industires.
Government policy, more and more, reflects the direct interests of concentrated private power with the public having less and less influence. At the same time the Trump presidency has allied itself with some of the most ruthless regimes in the world and is profiting from Saudi Arabia's illegal war of aggression in Yemen which has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis. A serious war crime in which Donald Trump and Theresa May are both complicit.
Trump has also been keen to patronise the extreme nationalist constituency in the United States and through preaching a propaganda of fear his presidency has managed to oversee some of the most racist immigration policies ever to be implemented in the United States, targeted almost exclusively at Muslim countries - Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Ironically, all of them have been massively destabilized and impoverished by US foreign policy.
He was also responsible for the ruthless decision to separate children from their parents as they cross into the United States from Mexico, in his determination to block immigration from central America, where decades of US illegal intervention, including the CIA funded Contra terror operations in Nicaragua and enforced free trade (under NAFTA or IMF rules) have devastated the region and merely enhanced the power of corrupt corporate elites and drug cartels.
As if this was not enough to worry about, Trump has also authorized a huge increase in both US defence spending and in the US nuclear arsenal, and changed the strategic posture of the US so that nuclear weapons can be used even for offensive operations and even when their use is not required to preempt a nuclear strike by an enemy power.
As any historian of conflict since the Second World War knows, it is only by a miracle that humankind has survived since 1945 without a nuclear war. Now the situation is more dangerous than ever before. Not only are we are now dependent on Trump's extremely unpredictable temperament but also increasingly on automated systems which can easily malfunction.
Trump and Republicans maintain they need to spend heavily on military equipment in order to counter the supposed Russian threat. However they seldom remind the public that the United States already spends almost as much as the rest of the world combined on defence and that Russia's expenditure is far behind both that of the United States and only on about the same level of Saudi Arabia, and spends only 10% of what NATO spends.
It has also to be remembered that it is NATO and US forces which are operating right on the Russian border, not Russian forces on the American border. Russia's defence spending is clearly recognised by academics to be primarily defensive and responsive to US spending. What is desperately needed is a serious international dialogue at the highest level to decrease the danger of conflict, especially the risk of a terminal nuclear war and begin a process of multilateral disarmament.
Virgin Mary is rarely depicted showing her breast that indicates the motherly love for the humankind
Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.
Chief Seattle, 1854
Best seen large: www.flickr.com/photos/lynchburgvirginia/2322485808/sizes/l/
"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together … all things connect.” —Chief Seattle
Is humankind’s modern way of living
Sodom and Gomorra in the eyes of our savior?
Might our extreme actions be the trigger
For Gods harsh behavior?
Suffocating temperatures and endless drought,
Food and water shortages that become acute,
All a result of our neglect for Earths creation,
Let's hope these torments will not become our daily fruit.
Poem: Jan Elemans
2018
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Extreme behavior out in the open
during the Nijmeegse Vierdaagse of 2018.
Europe's most extreme summer thus far.
Beuningen
The Netherlands
“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.”
― Chief Seattle
featured in www.flickr.com/groups/pregame/discuss/72157639044918743/ Challenge: Framed within the frame / Winner / Thanks!
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featured in www.flickr.com/groups/yes_or_no/discuss/72157640132114635/ Challenge: Pre game awarded / Winner/ Thanks!
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The Santísima Trinidad del Paraná Mission is considered the biggest of all the missions. Natives that came from the missions of San Carlos (nowadays in territory of Argentina) were its founders in 1712.
This mission has the biggest built temple among all the Jesuit Missions, with an altar carved in a once piece stone. In it, is represented the persecution of the natives at that time. It has a Central Square, the town’s place of meeting and a museum, located in the old sacristy, are the sculptures and a scale model of the mission.
These ruins are being restored and maintained constantly.
It is a Cultural Patrimony of Humankind.
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May the Warm Winds of Heaven, Blow softly upon your house. May the Great Spirit, Bless all who enter there. May your Mocassins, make happy tracks in many snows,and may the Rainbow Always touch your shoulder.
~ Cherokee Blessing
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A hater of humankind.
Toothache = Dentist. Dentist = Novacaine. Novacaine = breathing difficulties. Breathing difficulties = Tonsilitis. Tonsilitis = Antibiotics. Amoxicillin = hives. Hives = doctor. Doctor = hospital. Hospital = CT scan. Friday...Saturday...Sunday...Monday...Tuesday = no test results.
~
Story of how my week was spent.
At least I got to go to the mountains?
During the first step of humankind’s first-ever lunar-Earth flyby, ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) mission captured this stunning view of the Moon.
The image was taken by Juice monitoring camera 1 (JMC1) at 23:25 CEST on 19 August 2024, soon after Juice made its closest approach to the Moon. This successful flyby of the Moon slightly redirected Juice’s path through space to put it on course for a flyby of Earth on 20 August 2024.
The image shows some sign of real colour differences in the large-scale features on the lunar surface.
The Juice monitoring cameras were designed to monitor the spacecraft’s various booms and antennas, especially during the challenging deployment period following launch.
They were not designed to carry out science or image the Moon. A scientific camera called JANUS is providing high-resolution imagery during the cruise phase flybys of Earth, Moon and Venus, and of Jupiter and its icy moons once in the Jupiter system in 2031.
JMC1 is located on the front* of the spacecraft and looks diagonally up into a field of view that sees deployed antennas, and depending on their orientation, part of one of the solar arrays. JMC images provide 1024 x 1024 pixel snapshots. The images shown here are lightly processed by Simeon Schmauß and Mark McCaughrean.
Guide to Juice’s monitoring cameras
More information on the lunar-Earth flyby
Rewatch the livestream of Juice’s first Moon images, including Q&A with the team
More images from Juice's monitoring cameras in ESA's Planetary Science Archive
*Additional technical information: ‘front’ means +X side of the spacecraft (the opposite side, -X hosts the high gain antenna). JMC1 looks towards the +Y/+Z direction.
Credits: ESA/Juice/JMC; CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO
Acknowledgements: Simeon Schmauß & Mark McCaughrean
The power of an image with text is you can focus your message on what you would like to communicate.
Spacewalks are a risky business and wearing a spacesuit that protects against the vacuum outside our atmosphere is cumbersome. This glove is a mockup concept for astronauts that adds extra functions to the five fingers.
As humankind explores the Universe we will work hand in hand with robots that scout ahead, prepare landing sites and go to places too dangerous or impracticable for humans.
The gloves in this photo are an independent project from French company Comex and designer Agatha Medioni based on materials from the ESA-funded activity Pextex to develop novel space suit materials for the Moon.
The gloves have three extra functions in addition to protecting an astronaut’s hands from vacuum. They can be used to control a martian drone or lunar rover with gestures alone. They have an integrated laser light that can measure distances or target objects. Lastly the materials have a display to show the status of supplies such as oxygen levels. Current spacesuits have this display on the torso and astronauts use a mirror on their wrist to be able to see it.
Future missions will aim to establish a permanent presence on the Moon and new spacesuits would be used for longer and more frequently than those from the Apollo era.
The Pextex project aims to identify and test advanced textiles for spacesuit in Europe. The garments are near airtight and waterproof, can withstand temperature differences of +120°C to –170°C while keeping the astronaut safe though insulation from heat and radiation as well as being strong enough to resist the abrasive lunar dust – all while allowing the human inside maximum movement to get their work done.
Bonus features of a future European spacesuit material might include self-repair, energy harvesting, integrated sensors, robot control and displays. The materials for the Pextex project will be tested with the partner organisations in France (Comex), Germany (DITF) and Austria (Austrian Space Forum, OeWF) and will run for two years.
Credits: COMEX, Agatha Médioni
During the first step of humankind’s first-ever lunar-Earth flyby, ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) mission captured this stunning view of the Moon.
A closer look reveals a casual ‘photobomber’ – Earth shows itself as a dark circle outlined by a light crescent at the top centre of the image, peeking out from behind the spacecraft structure.
The image was taken by Juice monitoring camera 2 (JMC2) at 23:15 CEST on 19 August 2024, soon after Juice made its closest approach to the Moon. This successful flyby of the Moon slightly redirected Juice’s path through space to put it on course for a flyby of Earth on 20 August 2024.
JMC2 was designed and positioned to monitor the multi-stage deployment of Juice’s 16 m-long Radar for Icy Moons Exploration (RIME) antenna. RIME is an ice-penetrating radar that will be used to remotely probe the subsurface structure of the large moons of Jupiter.
The Juice monitoring cameras were not designed to make science observations or image the Moon. A scientific camera called JANUS is providing high-resolution imagery during the cruise phase flybys of Earth, Moon and Venus, and of Jupiter and its icy moons once in the Jupiter system in 2031.
JMC2 is located on the top* of the spacecraft. JMC images provide 1024 x 1024 pixel snapshots. The images shown here are lightly processed by Simeon Schmauß and Mark McCaughrean.
Guide to Juice’s monitoring cameras
More information on the lunar-Earth flyby
Rewatch the livestream of Juice’s first Moon images, including Q&A with the team
More images from Juice's monitoring cameras in ESA's Planetary Science Archive
*Additional technical information: "top" means +Z side of the spacecraft and the centre of the field of view of JMC2 lies roughly in the XY plane. The -Z side of the spacecraft is attached to the launcher, which rotates around the Z axis during the ascent phase.
Credits: ESA
“The Land of Eternal Night” -
Experience the downfall of humankind and the rise of the lords of the night.
In Nox Aeterna, vampire society has flourished and through impressive spellcraft they’ve even bent the sky to their rule guaranteeing that none need fear the rays of the sun ever again.
Atop the mountains sits one such stronghold, sprawling amongst the crags and peaks. Beneath it a village on the edge of a lake, steeped in tradition and protected as much by the denizens above as the forest surrounding it.
Nox Aeterna -
Sponsored by Quills & Curiosities
Region by Dacien & Marcel Blackwood
A Shopping Region
"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect."
~Chief Seattle, 1855
Happy Earth Day! (and HBW...)
Portrait of a Larim tribesman, also known as the Boya (South Sudan).
HUMANKIND, my premium, limited-edition, museum-quality standard book featuring over 200 large-format photos is available here: www.robertopazziphoto.com/#book
The Larim are a small ethnic group living in the Boya Hills of Eastern Equatoria in South Sudan.
The Larim speak a Surmic language and they live in hilly terrain marked by seasonal rivers, savannah and grasslands.
Their livelihood is agro-pastoral: they grow sorghum, maize and beans, while cattle, goats and sheep play a central role in their economy and social life.
The Larim are organised into lineages and maintain strong community ties reinforced by shared rituals and oral traditions that recount their origins and migrations.
Their villages are known for their round thatched huts, and their visual culture includes body scarification, beadwork and elaborate hairstyles, each carrying social and aesthetic meaning within the group.
Among the Larim, men hold responsibilities that are both practical and social. They are herders and farmers, protectors of the community and custodians of livestock, which is a key measure of wealth and status.
Men also play central roles in decision-making and conflict resolution through councils of elders, where experience and reputation carry great weight.
Elders guide the community through advice, ritual leadership and the transmission of oral history. Their role embodies both authority and service, linking everyday life to the continuity of Larim traditions.
Website: www.robertopazziphoto.com
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Mainly antagonists of the Young Olympians, the Monstrosities are outcasts from the world, deciding to band together to destroy humankind. The members consist of Naur, Miss Direct, Vizier, Calyx, Draconis, and Pertros the Stone Warrior
Name: Naur
Gender: Male
Allegiance: Villain
Backstory: As one of the more bestial Marked members, Naur had a rough go at things. He just wanted to be left alone by the masses. But as they kept prodding, he got more enraged. This led to him joining the Monstrosities team, where he felt he was actually part of something. To finally be seen as greater than humans. Soon after, he convinced Draconis to join the team, and the Monstrosities became a forced to be reckoned with. Now they seek to bring down destruction on mankind for their hatred of them.
Powers: Besides being highly durable and having his trusty maul with him, he is able to enrage himself, which increases his strength, and speed. Once enraged, it is hard for him to control, so it's possible he may hit teammates. Also, he becomes quite angry, hence the rage portion. When disarmed, he likes to ram into people with his horns.
Alias: Miss Direct
Real Name: Kayla Hart
Gender: Female
Allegiance: Villain
Backstory: Kayla Heart felt as though she was invisible. No one would pay her any attention growing up.. She didn't have any friends, and her parents were away from home most of the time. She would later become a stage magician, but she wasn't very popular there either. Day in and day out, there would be barely anyone in the audience. Though, there was one person who would show up everyday. He saw the potential in her, and wanted her to show the world her potential in a different way.. He began training her to become a deadly assassin. Eventually, she is proven worthy, and he gives her this helmet. Known as the Helmet of Invisibility, and was apparently worn by Hades, she works alongside Pertros, and the other Monstrosities, to serve her master's will.
Alias: Vizier
Real Name: Unknown
Gender: Male
Allegiance: Villain
Backstory: Not much is known about the Vizier. He has rarely been seen, with the only people seeing him are those that follow him. He is presumed to be the leader of the Monstrosities, but no one knows for sure.
Powers: Mind Control, Telepathy, Telekinesis, Can create illusions. Basically a whole slew of different psychic abilities.
Alias: Calyx
Real Name: N/A
Gender: Female
Allegiance: Villain
Backstory: The half sister of Theroniya Costas. Theronyia's mother had an affair with Calyx's father, which led to Calyx being born. Her mother, ashamed of what she had done, stopped seeing Calyx's father immediately. So she grew up with only her father taking care of her. When she learned the truth about her mother, she was furious. They would move to Cardinal City soon after. She vowed to get revenge, and for that, she wanted power. That came from the mysterious Bestower, who would give her that power she wanted. Eventually, she would join the Monstrosities alongside Miss Direct, Pertros, Naur, Draconis and a few others under the leadership of the Vizier. She has the ability to control different plants. Although she's always hated flowers.
Real Name: Draconis
Gender: Male
Allegiance: Villain
Backstory: As one of the Marked, he grew up with Lykos and became friends with him early on. They grew apart as time went on, and Draconis grew angry of humans perception of their people. This attitude of his eventually lead to him joining the Monstrosities. Fellow Marked associate Naur convinced Draconis to join. Under the leadership of the Vizier, he and the rest of the Monstrosities set about on the destruction of humankind.
Powers: Upon activating his dragon marking on his arm, he takes on attributes of a dragon. Flight, breathing fire, increased armor, and claws.
Alias: Pertros the Stone Warrior
Real Name: N/A
Gender: Assumed to be male before turned to stone
Allegiance: Villain
Backstory: All that's known about his history is that he tried to help Perseus kill Medusa, until he was turned to stone. After Perseus left with Medusa's head, he just stood there for centuries. Not being able to cry out for help, or anything. Years later, and finally he was reanimated by someone who would then become his master. His armour is to remind himself of the horrors of the past. Now he serves his master with everything he has, even if it means fighting against the Young Olympians time and time again.. As he's made out of stone, he is denser, and stronger than the average human.
“In the long history of humankind those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”
― Charles Darwin
The fact of flying has always been a challenge for humankind. But, ... it's not that much about flying, but about breaking our natural limitations, as well as improving ourselves. Even following our souls. Even with the rest of humankind. Our freedom is in the search of our Being, individual and colective.
Today is the day of United Nations.
El hecho de volar ha sido siempre un reto para la humanidad. Pero, ... no es tanto volar, sino el romper nuestras limitaciones naturales, así como mejorarnos a nosotros mismos. Incluso siguiendo nuestra alma. Incluso con el resto de la humanidad. Nuestra libertad está en la búsqueda de nuestro Ser, individual y colectivo.
Hoy es el día de las Naciones Unidas.
See where this picture was taken / Ver dónde se hizo la foto [?]
The Downtown Clearwater Marina is owned by the crows and the atmosphere is filled with birds. If the humans who live here don't appreciate the birds this is only one more evidence that humankind really doesn't belong on the Earth and that the species ought to relocate to a sterile planet such as Mars so that humans can learn to appreciate all the benefits of living alone on a planet without having to deal with Nature.
The sun sets over the "Cradle of Humankind", close to where the Homo naledi fossils were found (an UNESCO Word Heritage Site, Kromdraai, South Africa).
The most complete fossil of Australopithecus africanus was also found in this area in 1947.
From the fossil records, Sabre-Tooth Tigers were abundant in this area, close to where I live.
Photo usage and Copyright:
Photograph uploded with Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licensing Terms (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
Martin
-
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The moon asked, "Has humankind forgotten the moon? Where have the Americans gone?" I answered that twelve humans walking on the moon was enough and that soon enough the human population of the Earth will decline to less than twelve. The moon responded, "The Earth will be just fine post-humankind, as my experience has proven conclusively."
one whole bright yellow sun in the yellow sky of sunrise. Observe the happiness of all the humans who happened to witness this sight. Given how impressive an animal humankind is it is quite difficult to contemplate the Earth after humankind has gone extinct. The Universe will find it difficult to continue existing without humans to destroy everything on the Earth.
Not even God can imagine the post-human Earth and the post-human Universe. Humankind is -- without a doubt -- a very special animal!
The most credible scenario for humankind might be one of the most important reasons we need swallow the red pill and get serious about virtual worlds now. canarybeck.com/2014/12/22/the-importance-of-virtual-world...
Turn of a Friendly Card
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Based on a true adventures of a rogue active in the waning years of the 1930’s as discovered in the criminal archives of Chatwick University.
Act 1
I begin my tale in the present…
That afternoon a soiree was given as part of the purchase price of the tickets for the annual Autumn Charity Ball to be presented later that evening at the manor’s great house. Since I was alone, I just went mainly for the free food and to rub my elbows with the wealthy guests who would be in happy attendance there, and at the Ball. I was alone, but certainly not bored. There was a game I enjoyed playing to pass the time at these affairs that entailed scoping out by their dress and day jewels worn, those ladies whom would be most likely to be wearing the better costumes and sparklers that evening. It often proved to be a most beneficial insight into the actions and mannerisms of the very rich. I walked amongst the cheerful guests, eying one here ( a lady in satin and pearls) and another there( a high spirited girl with a diamond pin at the throat of her frilly silken blouse). It was as I was passing the latter that the friend she had been talking too (dressed like a vamp), bumped up against me. I caught her, steadying her as they both giggled. I didn’t mind, for the lassie’s too tight satin sheath tea dress had been an enticement to hold, and the gold bracelet that had been dangling from her gloved wrist had been a pleasure to observe. I kissed her gloved hand, rings glittering, as I apologized gallantly for my clumsiness. Her eyes were bright, almost as bright as the twin necklaces of gold that hung swaying down pleasantly from between her ample bosom. I left them, moving on to greener pastures, and it was very green, all of it….
It was then that I detected another pretty lassie. It was her long fiery red hair with falling wispy curls that first captured my attention. She was wearing a fetchingly smart white chiffon party dress that commanded me to acquire a closer examination. She appeared to be a blithe spirit, seemingly content with just being by herself and roaming about with casual elegance, the extensive grounds of the manor proper. I began to discreetly follow her at a distance. Although she did not wear any jewelry, her manner and the eloquent way she moved is what attracted me the most. It would be very interesting to seek her out later that evening and she what she would have chosen to decorate herself with. I followed her as she sojourned into the depths of a traditional English garden with a maze of lushly green trimmed 8 foot high hedges
As I strolled through the hedgerows in her wake I allowed my mind to wander its own course. Suddenly I straightened up, my reverie broken by an epiphany of sorts. I allowed myself to grin and the lady whose enchantment I was swollen up in, at that moment turned, and seeing my beaming smile assumed it was for her and gave me a rather cute nod of her head. I answered in same, as I headed en route to a nearby stone garden bench to allow my thoughts to think through themselves.
But before I go on, allow me the pleasure to sojourn and reminisce about an incident that occurred several years prior:
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I was still working unaided in those days, travelling on to a new next quest that would take me just outside of Surrey.
I had just purchased my train ticket and had seen my luggage safe on board when I decided to rest in the lounge, it being some 45 minutes before allowed to enter personally aboard. Being so early the lounge was almost deserted, only one other occupant. I assumed she was waiting for someone on an incoming train due to the fact she carried no luggage. She was obviously well off, well dressed in satins and lace, and her jewels shone magnificently in the dim lights. Especially one of her rings, noticeably lying loosely around a finger, it sparkled with an expensive brilliance. I had seen one like it in a tiffanies store, worth almost 250 pounds. But she did not appreciate the show her jewelry was putting on under the lounge lights, for she was fast asleep.
I circled around her, aiming for a seat next to her, eyeing her and her possessions carefully. I noticed her purse had fallen off her lap and lay on the floor. An idea popped into my head, and I picked the purse up, and looked around carefully, before placing my plan into action. But I was thwarted as an older, matronly lady was spotted heading our way. I slipped the purse into my jacket and moved off before I was noticed. Of course she came in and took the empty seat across form the sleeping princess, and soon busied herself with knitting. As the older lady had sat down, not quietly, the wealthy lady stirred waking up at the noise. I went into a corner and sat, waiting. The two ladies soon fell into conversation; the minute’s ticked by excruciatingly slow. Soon I noticed we even had more company.
He was a lad of only fourteen, but with a devilish look about him that marked him a kindred spirit to meself, and his quick eyes were darting about taking it all in as he stood outside the paned glass window.
It was as the first announcement of boarding the train that I saw a chance for opportunity to strike.
The older lady folded up her knitting and clinching her bag, bid adieu to her new friend,( befuddled a little by the old ladies constant stream of gossip), and headed to the train. I was twenty steps ahead of her and was standing behind the youth as she left the lounge. I tapped him on the shoulder; he looked around at me suspiciously, and then caught sight of the shilling I was holding in front of his nose. I quickly whispered a few words into his ear on how he could earn it, and his grin spread as he bought into my story. I still held onto the shilling as he darted around and inside the lounge. I watched as he ran up behind the lady, circling her, then running in front of her he tripped over her leg, as she helped him up, her hand with the ring reaching down, he turned and spat onto the wrist and sleeve of that hand, than standing he ran away. Running alongside me, I handed him the shilling in passing as he ran off, disappearing in to the street.
I went inside and approached the astonished lady, as she was looking for her purse to get a handkerchief, confused as to its absence, while she held up her soiled hand( ring glittering furiously) in utter disbelief. I approached, catching her attention by the soothing words I uttered to her. I took her hand, unbelieving with her at just had happened, and I as I apologized for the youth of today I produced my own silk handkerchief and starting with her silky sleeve, began to wipe it off, continuing my tirade of displeasure and contempt at what had just occurred to the dear lady as I did so. As I finishing wiping her down, ending with her warm slender fingers, I kissed them, just as the last boarding announcement came over (perfect timing!) I let her go, explaining that I must catch my train. I turned and without looking back made the train just as it was letting off steam before chugging off.
I gained my private carriage just as the train began to lurch away. It wasn’t until after the train began its journey that I casually removed my silk handkerchief from my pocket and unwrapped it carefully, admiring up close the shimmering, valuable tiffany ring that was lying inside. I pocketed it, and then remembered the purse. I took it out and examined its contents: coin and notes equaling a handsome amount, a gold (gilded) case, embroidered lacy handkerchief, small silver flask of perfume, and ( of all things)a large shimmering prism , like one that would have dangled from a fancy crystal chandelier. A prism?, I questioned with interest as I examined it. It was pretty thing, about the circumference of a cricket ball, but shaped like a pendulum, it shimmered and glittered like the most precious of jewels. Why she had it in her purse? I couldn’t guess, and I saw no value in it, so I pocketed it and allowed it to leave my mind.
As I settled into my seat I began to think of the lad I had just met, I had been right on the money as far as his eagerness for mischief. Actually he reminded me of myself at that age, and I wondered if that lad with the shifty eyes would also turn out to follow the same course I had explored.
Which Begs the question, what had I turned out to become. And since I’m still reminiscing
I’ll give little background material about me, hopefully I don’t come across as being too conceited about my self-taught skills..
I had never been one to take the hard road, and even at a young age I was always looking for angles, or short cuts to make some money.
Once, while watching for some time a street magician and his acts. I observed a pick pocket working the crowd. He approached a pair of well-dressed ladies in shiny clothes, and standing behind them bided his time and then lifted a small pouch from one velvet purse, and a fat wallet from a silken one, then he moved on. Now both ladies were wearing shiny bracelets, one with jewels. I thought that he could have realized a greater profit if he had nicked one or both of the bracelets first, than try for the contents of their purses. The bracelets’ alone would have realized a far greater profit than what he lifted from their purses. It further occurred to me that by mimicking some of the sleight of hand tricks and misdirection that the magician was using on his audience, it could be accomplished. A hand placed on the right shoulder and as the lady turned right, whisk off the bracelet from her left wrist, and excuse oneself, that sort of thing.
So, I practiced (on my sisters, who proved to be willing accomplices to “my game”) and learned to pick their purses and pockets. I than moved onto their jewelry, starting by lifting bracelets and slipping away rings, before advancing to the brooches, necklaces and earrings they were wearing. After I was satisfied at my skill level, I went out and worked the streets. Sometimes using my one sister who was also hooked on what I was doing as a willing partner.
But I found myself still not being satisfied, in the back of my mind I thought there had to be a more lucrative way to turn a profit.
I’d found my answer when an attractive lady in a rustling satin gown zeroed in on me while I was “visiting” a ballroom. She was jeweled like a princess right up to the diamond band she wore holding up her piles of soft locks like a glimmering crown. The more she drank, the closer she got and I decided that her necklace would definitely help pay my expenses more than the contents of her purse (although I had already lifted the fat wallet from her small purse), and I did have very expensive tastes to pay for. So I took her onto the dance floor.
I was amazed at how easily I had been able to open the necklace’s clasp , slipping it over her satiny shoulder, lifting it off and placing it safely in my pocket with almost no effort. Then she decided to be playful once the song ended and brushed up against me. She felt the necklace in my pocket and before I could act she had her hand in and pulled it out.
The silly naive twit thought I was teasing her and told me that for my penance I had to go up to her suite in order to put it back on for her. I kept up the charade as best as I could.
And that’s where we ended up. A little bit of light fondling began as I placed the necklace back around her throat. I began to tease her, plied her with more and more alcohol as I tried to keep my distance, and virginity. Finally she passed out in a drunken stupor, but not before I had learned where she hid her valuables by suggesting she should lock her jewels up for the night..
With her safely unconscious, I began to strip her clean off all her jewels, reclaiming the necklace first. Then I visited all her jewelry casket and began looting it. I even took her small rhinestone clutch with the diamond clasp; of course I already had liberated its small wallet.
When I’d left her lying happily asleep in bed, still in her satin gown( the only item left to her that shined), I knew I had found a much more profitable line of “work”
So I began making circuits around to the haunts of the very rich, I still kept may hand in pickpocketing, so to speak, but centered only on those “pockets” containing mainly jewelry. I also began to carefully explore new ways of acquiring jewels” in masse”, so to speak.
Soon I had accumulated many tricks and tools, having them at my disposal to put into action once required, and for the remaining years up till the present had managed to live quite comfortably off of the ill-gotten gains using them allowed me to acquire.
Which brings me back to the train ride, my prism, and the rest of my background story before I retun to the present tale. Please be patient.
*****
So, anyway, I reached Surry without any further incident and disembarking, made my way out to the large country house where I would be staying to take a short rest, vacation if you will. But, pardon the play on words, for there is never any rest for the wicked, is there?
I had become acquainted with a servant of the old mansion ( almost a small castle, really) , that was about a mile off. I managed to learn a great deal, and soon found myself, on the pretense of visiting her, exploring the grounds. There was to be a grand ball taking place a couple of weekends away , and the maid had filled my ears with the riches that would be displayed by the multitude of regal ladies making an appearance. I began to think about trying to make a little bit of profit from my vacation. I am not sure how the idea developed, but the prism that I still had in my possession, came up centrally into my plans.
Late on the evening of the regal affair, I snuck over, covered head to toe in black, with my small satchel off tools by my side. I set up a candle behind an old stone ivy covered wall in a far corner of the rather large and intricate English garden that surrounded the inner circle around the mansion. I than strung the jewel-like prism in front of it. Standing behind the wall, I would strike the prism with a long stick I was holding whenever I observed sparkles emanating from silkily gowned ladies walking in the distance, solitary or in pairs. The prism would flash fire, sort of like a showy lure being used when fishing in a crooked trout stream. Only I was fishing for far sweeter game than trout. My objective was to trick certain types of jeweled ladies (scatterbrains some may call them) by luring them down onto the path beyond the wall, using their natural curiosity to my advantage.
I had at least two strikes rise up to my lure in the second hour.
On was a pretty lady in flowing green satin number, decorated with plenty of emeralds, which, hidden in the shadows, I observed were probably paste. I let her wonder about; as she looked and played with the shiny toy, remaining hidden until she grew bored and wandered off.
The second was a slender maiden wearing a long sleek black gown with long ivory silk gloves. I had never before seen a lady so decked out in jewels, literally head to toe. With the exception of the rhinestones adorning her heels, the rest of the lot was real, so valuably real that I could feel my mouth salivating at the thoughts of acquiring her riches. Now in Edwardian times only older, married ladies would be allowed the privilege of wearing a diamond Tiara. But in these modern times, it had become culturally acceptable for any well-to do lady, single or otherwise, to wear one out in society. Even so, they were still rarely worn, and seldom seen outside the safety of large gatherings. But there it was, a small, delicately slender piece of intricate art that glistened from the top of her head like some elegant beacon. That piece alone was probably worth more than I had made all the last four months combined!
I began to skirt around in the shadows, placing myself in position to cut off her retreat. Her diamonds blazed as she approached, eyeing the swinging prism with total concentration. Which was unfortunate, because as I was about to leave the shadows, she walked into the thorns of a rose bush, screeching out, and attracting the notice of a pair of gentlemen who had just crossed the path quite a ways off, called out when they heard the commotion. She started to become chatty with them, obviously coming on to her rescuers, my prism all but forgotten. Than before I knew it, in a swishing of her long gown, she was gone, “swimming” off before I was able to set me ”hook”.
Which I was able to do on the third strike, almost an hour later, just as I was beginning to ponder wither I should call it off and head back home..
They were a pair of young damsels in their young twenties. They may have been sisters, or cousins at the least. I still remember how my heart leapt into my throat as they observed my colourful prism and turned down the old flagstone path. I had not seen anyone out and about for some time, so I knew they would be no would be rescuers around to come to their aid
And, best of all, they were both dressed for the kill!
One, the blonde, was clad in a black velvet number that one could cannily describe as quite form fitting. As were the small ropes of pearls that hung from all points of interest, pretty with a matching pricelessness.
But her cousin, as I will refer to her, out shone black velvet quite literally.
This one, a stunning raven haired beauty, wore a long streaming gown of liquid ivory satin. A diamond brooch sparkled as it held up a fold of the gown to her waist. The fold allowed her to show a rather daring amount of a slender bare calf. The brooch was not paste, but a real jewel that had been added for the nights festivities ( To be successful, one learns to read these signs accurately) Her ears and neckline were home to a matching set of pure white diamonds. A wide diamond bracelet graced a bare right wrist ,so she must be left handed I instinctively thought, an observation that would have aided me if I were planning on having a go for slipping the bracelet from her wrist, but tonight I was planning a much more daring attempt to empty the entire jewel casket, so to speak.
They went to the prism, playing with it a bit, I had begun to circle around, when I noticed black velvet pointing out with multiple ringed fingers, to something further down the path past the wall.
With a clicking of heels I let the pair pass, they apparently wanted to see what was on the other side of the wall. I followed; it was not hard, because the necklace the raven haired one wore, diamonds fully encircling her throat, rippled and sparkled from their perch, caught in the full harvest moon’s cast, giving me more than enough light to shadow them quietly .
After a while they caught on that something/someone was following them, but as they turned they could see nothing. I was in black, and hooded, invisible to them in the shadows of the trees. They whispered amongst themselves, now worried, realizing that there were dangers lurking beyond the pale, in their case, the safety of the gardens , especially for ones decked out as they were. They then turned and headed right back from where they had come, right into my waiting arms.
It is interesting what good breeding does for young, poised ladies. For, as I stepped out of the shadows, a finger of my right hand to my lips, my Fairborn in my left hand, its black blade glinting wickedly in the moonlight , they did not scream out or shout for help. Instead the pair merely let out small gasps, and then they both, in a quite charming synchronized display of disbelief, place each one hand over their open mouths, and the other upon their perspective necklaces.
And as I flourished my wicked looking Fairbairn–Sykes blade in their direction, they unquestioningly reached around and undid those pretty necklaces, tremblingly handing them out to me, like actresses following a well-read script. I took the little pretties and after stuffing them into my satchel, held out again my free hand, my fingers beckoning. Not a word was spoken between us, as the frightened pair of young ladies began removing their shimmering jewels and added them in a neat little growing pile along my open palm. The raven haired girl even undid her brooch without me having to command her to do so. Once I had stashed it all away, I motioned for them to turn back around, than with a little helpful prodding on my part, they began moving forward back down the hill, away from the garden. The one in white hobbling a little now as she kept tripping over the hem of her dress, now no longer held up by the stolen brooch.
After we had traveled about 200 meters I had them stop, and take off their high heels. Then picking the pretty things up, I motioned them to turn back around and made them walk back the way we had come in their bare feet, watching the pair awkwardly hobble barefooted down the wooded path. They would be quite a while on their journey back, allowing me more than ample time to make me escape. I threw their shoes off to the side and went briskly the other way, reaching the place was staying at , gaining my room without notice. But not before I had hidden the jewels inside an old stump to retrieve them at a later date. I never really heard so much as a whisper of the incident, other than from the pretty lips of my friendly maiden. The wee hours of the morning before my early departure for the train station found me revisiting the stump and retrieving my satchel and its precious cargo. After hiding it all in a false bottom of my case I laid my head on the pillow and drifted off to sleep as I wondered what had happened to the little prism, marveling at how useful it had ended up proving to be.
So, how does this story (journey rather) relate to the one I had already started? Please read on, and enrich your curiosity… my dear readers.
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Act 2
So, with apologies for my lengthy elucidation, but I now return you back to the garden party I was now attending on that warm fall day. But, as you will see, my prism story needed to be told in order to add a bit of flavor to what was about to unfold.
As I sat on the garden bench I formulated my plans. I should be able to acquire the main piece tonight at the Ball, I would have time this afternoon to retrieve my ever handy satchel and its array of tools and have it hidden at the spot I had already selected. It was perfect, located at the end of the path I had found, or rather the charming lady in the smart chiffon dress had found for me. A gas lamp would provide adequate light for my “lure”, and it led to a back wood where I could lead any victims away and liberate them of their valuables before making my escape. I rose, just enough time to walk my escape route, before setting up and then be dressed for the evening’s festivities. I looked around, I was alone now, my lady in white had disappeared, following her own course, whatever it may have been.
The Autumn Ball that evening was in full swing by the time I arrived. Being a cool fall day, most of the women were wearing long gowns and dresses, and that, for whatever the reason, usually meant they were decked out with more layers of jewelry than say , if it had been the middle of summer. In order to put my plan in action I need and intrinsic piece of the trap, a prism. The one I had once had was long ago lost, a minor pawn in a game to take a pair of princesses.
I knew exactly the type of prism required for my plan, and so began mingling amongst the guests with that in mind.
I started out by walking through to the chamber like ballroom where a full orchestra was starting to play. The first person I saw from the garden party was the little tramp who had been wearing the too tight satin tea dress. That dress had been replaced with a long silky gown, her gold jewelry replaced with emeralds; including a thin bracelet that had taken the place of the gold one that she had so obligingly dangled in my larcenous path. I decided to avoid her In principle, and in doing so spied someone quite interesting.
That someone was a pretty lady in a long velvet gown standing off to one side, idly watching the many dancers out on the floor. The dancing couples were forming an imagery of a rainbow coloured sea of slinky swirling gowns and with erupting fireworks of sparkling jewels, ignited by pair of immensely large chandeliers that hung over the dance floor, setting them off. I made my way, skirting the dance floor to reach her, my eyes on her jewels, which were making pretty fireworks of their own. I happened to walk up just as a waiter with a tray of drinks was passing by. Plucking off a drink I offered it to the lady with one hand, my other hand placed on her back as If to steady myself. She laughed prettily, and taking the drink I met her eyes, as she was focused on reaching and holding the glass in her slippery gloved hand, mine was on the ruby and diamond necklace. My hand behind her had flicked open the simple hook and eye clasp of the antique piece and was in the process of lifting it up and whisking it away from her throat. As I said a few words to her, I pocketed it, while also taking in the rest of her lovely figure and its shiny decorations, before biding adieu. She smiled, her pale bare neckline now quite glaringly extinguished of its fire.
It was about an hour later, after spotting, but unable to make inroads with several likely candidates, that I finally struck gold (figuratively). It came in the form of a young couple arguing between themselves in a far corner of the chamber. She was lecturing a rather handsome man in a tux, her jeweled fingers flying in his face. If she hadn’t been moving about in such an animated fashion as she lectured, I may not have even noticed her. But as it happened I did, especially noticeable was the sanctimonious lady’s wide jeweled bracelet that was bursting out in a rainbow of colorful flickers as her hand was emphatically waving, as her long gown of silk swished around with every movement she made. Perfect. I watched for a bit, and sure enough they moved off, the man heading for the patio leading outside, the wealthy girl following him, still giving him lashes with her tongue. I moved and managed to have her bump into me simply by stepping on the hemline of her long gown. For a few seconds I was the one on the receiving end of her wrath, but I took it like a man, I could see in the eyes of her tongue lashed husband, that he was grateful for the respite. I was also grateful; grateful for the quite wide, very shimmering, bracelet that I had removed from her wrist and now was residing in my pocket.
I began to leave the patio, but was stopped by a matronly lady in ruffles, laces and pearls, her breath heavy with alcohol. She started to question me on what the couple had been on about. Then without waiting for an answer she launched herself into a tirade of her own, her gem encrusted, silken gloved fingers, waving in my face for emphasis. It was almost ten minutes before I was able to make my escape. Which I did, but not before slipping off one of the lecturing ladies vulgarly large cocktail rings.
I headed onto the patio; the time was getting ripe for my plan, which I was now ready to put into motion, now having acquired its most essential piece. I went to the end of the large patio, weaving in and out of the by now well liquored guests whom had assembled there. Across the way I saw a lady tripping over her own gown. By the time I reached her she had fallen down, giggling merrily. Two of us rushed to her aid, she was busy gushed her thanks to the rescuer she knew, while ignoring the one she didn’t! Which was unfortunate on her part, for by ignoring me, she also was ignorant of the fact that I was busy lifting the small stands of black pearls from her wrist. I left unnoticed, much like a shadow fading out of the light, or at least that’s how it seemed. Finally I reached the patios outer edge without further incident, or gain. I went on the grass and turned a corner with the intention of going, post haste around the house to reach the gardens by the long way, hoping not to be seen by anyone. But I no sooner turned the corner, when I realized that it was not to be the case.
It was my blithe spirit in white chiffon from the garden party, pardon me, soiree. She was unescorted, looking up at the moon above a stone turret with one lit window, so intently that my presence had not been noticed. I had been absolutely correct in my observation of her as far as what she would be wearing for the evening. For what she had lacked in ornaments at the soiree, she had more than made up for in the evening festivities. She was absolutely gorgeous, resplendent in as beautiful a silvery satin gown that I had ever witness. It was just pouring down, shimmering along her delightful figure. Her long blazing red hair was still curling down and free, but now a pair of long chandelier earrings cascading down from her earlobes, were peeking out every now and then as they swayed with her every movement. Her blazingly rippling necklace was all diamonds, dripping down the front of her tightly satin covered bosom, twinkling iridescently like an intensively glimmering waterfall. Her slender gloved wrists were home to a pair of dangling diamond bracelets that were almost outshone by her many glistening rings. All in all she was quite a lure all too herself
I came up to her, starling her from her reverie. Taking up her hand, I looked into her startled, suddenly blushing face. I complimented her on the fine gown she wore. She thanked me, and I could see I that she suddenly remembered she me as the chap who she thought smiled to her in the garden. She seemed to accept my compliment quite readily. I chanced it( although Lord knows I was short on time) and asked her to a dance. I did not think she would agree, so it was with a little bit of surprise, hoping she would politely decline and walk off, leaving me free to go about my business unobserved. But she accepted, and I will admit that my heart leapt as she agreed (although in the back of my mind I knew I should be off if my plan was to work). The music had stopped so we made small talk as we slowly walked back to the ballroom. Her name was Katrina. It seems she was waiting for someone, which suited my plans, but he was late and so she had time. Which may have sounded dismissive, but from the apologetic way she said it, it was anything but the sort.
The orchestra started to tune back up as we entered, and taking her offered hand up, was soon lost in the elegance of my appealing partner. It was a long dance, and a formal one, but I could tell she was subtly anxious to be off on her meeting, as I was to be off to my own adventure. But Katrina did not really allow it to show, which was very uncharacteristic of her someone with her obvious breeding. So I was ready when the by the end of the music she begged her condolences and took flight. I watched her as she fluidly moved away, her jewels sparkling, all of them. On her mission to meet Mr. X I thought, for whom I was already harboring a quite jealous dislike. I should be off I thought to meself.
But I stood, still as stone; totally mesmerized by the way Katrina’s swirling silvery satin gown was playing out along her petite, jewel sparkling figure. It wasn’t till the last of her gown swished around a corner out of sight that I moved, but not without having to shake my head to clear the thoughts of her out of it. Well old son, focus. For by now the guests were starting to wander a bit afield in the waning hours of the Autumn Ball, and my small window of opportunity was closing fast. If my little plan was going to have any chance of success it would have to be now.
I walked out and made my way to one of the outside exist of the garden wall. Reaching into my pocket as I did so, fingering the bracelet, now cold, that had belonged to the quarrelsome lady,and soon would be playing another role, far from one its former mistress would ever have dreamed off. I also felt my new acquisition, still warm from my dance partner’s body. I will admit that I had felt a twinge of regret for taking it from a lady I had found to be most charmingly captivating. But slipping off the diamonds up and away from her throat had been as temptingly easy as it had been automatic. I had advantageously made use of the sleekness of her scintillatingly silky gown, and with the distractions created by the movements of the dance, successfully managed to keep Katrina’s attention safely diverted from the reality of why my fingers were ever so gently, caressingly sliding along her slippery gowns neckline. The truth was I had originally placed my hand there because it had felt so right, and I was a little startled when my fingers had subconsciously started playing with her necklaces clasp. Before I knew it, they had flicked open the gemstone clasp of her obviously expensive diamond necklace, and had lifted up. As I watched out of the corner of my eye, almost like I was a spectator, as opposed to being the perpetrator, I saw the chain move up and over her shoulder; its diamonds sparkling with is as the necklace disappeared from view behind her back.
It was a favored technique that I had perfected to the point that by this stage of my career I nearly always acquired my objective. But, as odd as it sounds, I was not happy with myself on this occasion.
But I did not long dwell on my mixed feelings on taking the charming lass’s diamonds, for by now I had reached my place of ambush. It was in one of the farthest reaches of the garden, at a bend on the end of a long path that, with a gas lamp at its beginning just off the patio, would allow me to see from some distance off. Behind me was a break in the hedge wide enough for a person to walk through comfortably. It was here, off a tree limb, underneath a second ornate cast iron gas lamp, which was now lit, that I hung the shimmering bracelet that I had sought out and acquired for just that reason
I walked around and saw that it could be seen flickered off in the distance from the woods, Perfect! Earlier I had hidden my satchel with a hood and knife and bit of rope in the hollow of an old tree. I now retrieved them, and after getting ready, found my position and waited. At 10 minutes past the first hour of my wait, with nary a single glimpse of anyone, I started to fidget. My corner may be just a bit too desolated I was beginning to admit to myself. It seemed that most of the guests were staying by the patio. I was starting to think that I should pack it in, possibly rejoining the guests for one last parting( of someone from her Jewelry). I was just reaching down to pick up my satchel when I suddenly saw something flash under the gas lamp at the beginning of the path, and my senses immediately perked up. I watched as the wisps of rich shimmery satin moved closer, I stiffened, drooling with anticipation, the game was afoot.
I could see clearly the flickering jewels she wore, and by their blazing sparkles of rippling fire, I knew that my long vigil would not have been in vain. As the lady drew I recognized her gown of silvery satin! I knew who was making those tantalizing flashes of appealing treasures. Katrina!
I watched as she approached, in all her glittering elegance. My heart and conscious was in turmoil, but I knew I probably would not get a second chance. I could not let her get away unscathed. Beside, from the shock of being confronted with a masked scoundrel wielding a wicked blade, she would be in no shape to recognize her assailant. She stopped, apprehensively looking back towards the bright lights of the Manor, Then turning back I saw she had a self-satisfied smile creeping upon her face. She reached up, and undoing her hair, shook it down, curls of softness cascading down, hanging loosely down. It was as she performed this provocative act, that I saw her eyes open wide in curiosity; she had spied my pretty little “prism”. The charming fish was hooked.
I waited, watching her approaching ever closer to fate, and from my concealment, I basked in her glow. My heart beating fast, my adrenaline pumping, for the remaining jewels (I thought of her necklace in my custody) that she possessed I already had witnessed were quite valuable. She passed my hiding spot and went to the hanging, shimmering object. As she reached up, looking around, she failed to see me approaching in the shadows. I came up from behind, jabbing a finger in her back as I reached her, I gruffly in no uncertain terms, snarled for her to freeze and make no sound. She stiffened under my touch, but made no move or outcry. I went around; pointing my knife in her direction, looking into her sad doe wide eyes as she realized what was going to happen next. She was trembling; from fear I guessed, and knew I had her right where I wanted. As I made my demands upon her, gimme them jewels sister, she, not surprisingly, was very compliant in giving them up to me. She reached for her necklace last, and looked entirely shocked to find her throat bare, as she searched the neckline of her gown I saw her look into my hand, now dripping with her precious jewelry, almost as if to see if she had not already removed it. She looked apologetically into my eyes, startled; almost pleading that she didn’t know what had happened to it. I just played dump. She than spoke for the first time, sir, may I ask to keep my purse? Her words would have instantly melted even the coldest chunk of ice, I looked down at the little silvery clutch hanging from her arm on its rhinestone chain, I nodded, indicating that she could, and saw relief wash over her face. I told her she now needed to turn around and walk off into the woods ahead of me. She hesitated, and I told her no harm would befall her, I had no intentions along those lines.
About 5 meters in I stopped her, and had her remove her shoes, as she bent over to undo the high heels rhinestone clasps I watched her gown tightly outlining her figure. She tripped on the hem of her gown, and as she attempted to keep her balance, accidently let her purse slip off her shoulder. Without thinking I reached down to pick it up for her as she tried reached for it simultaneously
The small purse was far heavier than it should have been. Curious I opened it, finding that it contained a rather extensive array of mismatched jewelry, glittering in unbelievably expensive fire . I looked into Katrina’s horror struck eyes dumb founded, as she looked guiltily into mine. The gig was up. The jewels belonged to the lady of the manor, my muse in silver was a thief, a female version of me very self.
Aye, what’s this than luv? I questioned her as she looked into my eyes, hers large with a mixture of fright and disbelief. She melted before me, fainting, I caught her in my arms, and it was no ruse. I held her as she came to, holding her warm, silky figure lovingly to mine. I did not know what to think. Nor could I ever explain what possessed me to do what I did next. As she came to, her eyes opened, and I removed my mask, looking back into them deeply.
Oh, she gasped, I’m glad it was you, startled that she had said the words out loud. She than started to coyly blushes, quite demurely. Something sparked in me, and unless she was an incredibly good actress, it did also for Katrina. Our eyes both looked into the others, melting away in the lust of the moment. We embraced, deeply, and I held her squirming warm slick figure tight in my enveloping arms. I looked over her shoulder, eyeing the glistening bracelet hanging from its branch. To catch a thief, the thought suddenly opened in my mind, what a great title for a novel I thought to myself, as I buried my nose into Katrina’s luxuriously soft hair.
We talked for a bit, walking off into the woods, then she looked into my eyes again, a coy, look that melted me on the spot, and that was the end of it, we embraced again, and wholly gave ourselves to one another. What about your man I asked suddenly remembering, my man she questioned , than oh, you mean the Lord, I was waiting for him to come down from smoking in his tower study, that’s where the lady’s jewels are kept. She broke into an Irish brogue as she said the last bit, and that I guessed was her natural tongue. she laid a hand on the side of my face, thanks for being jealous though, me lad.
I should collect my lure I said, which made her smile; it was such an enticing smile at that. We started to head back and watched as it dangled in front of us flickering. With a far off look in her green eyes, Katrina spoke as if in deep though.
The daughter of the house, she has a bracelet on like the one you have dangling, a bracelet of diamonds that I had taken a fancy to, wishing it had been in the safe along with the rest of the ladies of manors jewelry. I knew who she was talking about. The one in green taffeta I asked? Aye lad, that’s the one. Actually her necklace would be just as easy, and worth more I said. Just then her bright green eyes gleamed, Give me about a half an hour, she told me, we will put your little lure to use again. She noticed my hesitation, don’t worry luv she said soothingly placing a gloved hand to my cheek, no longer was it sparkly with its stolen bracelet and rings. I’ll leave my purse with you, can’t very well be carrying it around now can I? I nodded my consent, my mind burning with the thoughts she had alluringly placed there.
She turned, and then hesitated; turning back she said I probably should not go back in naked luv. I smiled, reaching in I pulled out her necklace and placed it around her throat. With a little gasp she blurted, so it was you, I was wondering who and when it had happened. It’s not the first time I’ve had me jewels lifted, but it’s a bloody annoyance to have to let them get away with it, crawls under my skin to have pretend not to notice so that I don’t draw any attention to me self before making my move to steal the posh ones jewels.
But you, mister, I never felt as much as a prickling. I was ready to assume my pretties had been a victim of a broken clasp this time. I gave a little nod in acceptance. That wasn’t exactly a compliment lad, she said in what I hopped was a subtle jest. Just last summer some clumsy bugger slipped of me earrings, my favorite pearls, as we were danc… she stopped, seeing the guilt in my eyes. Men! As thieves you are all of the same skin she spat out angrily, or attempted to sound angry, for the look in her eyes to me she wasn’t. I best be off, before I change me mind about out little endeavor.
With that she swirled around on her heels, and started off, but not before turning and giving me an extremely coy look of interest. As she swirled back around I heard her say loud enough for my ears, I’ll learn me self to be a picker of pockets, see how males like to be taken advantage of in their vulnerabilities! She nodded to herself as she said it. Then suddenly she stopped, than twirled on her heels, her gown swirling enticingly along her figure. Looking me dead in the eye she said, “Vie ne est pas d'attendre que la tempête , mais d'apprendre à danser sous la pluie” !
What does that mean? I questioned in a low voice, perplexed.
Maybe, Mon Cheri, someday I will tell you… And with that she turned on her heel, her gown once again swirling about, and went, determinedly, swishing her way back up the path. I just watched. I had never heard anyone speak French with an Irish Brogue and I had found it to be rather provocative!
I watched as she swished and swayed her way back through the hedge and regained the path leading back to the manor. Her plan was simple; she would lead the daughter of the house to my corner and as she had done, go out with her to look at the swinging charm. I would then make my appearance, rob both ladies of their finery, and telling the daughter to wait until I released her friend, walk off with Katrina as a hostage, and we would both take off and make good our escape. A simple plan, so simple it should actually work.
So, there I was. Holding a purse with a small fortune in jewels, my pocket full of more jewels worth an additional pretty farthing, and her charms were wearing off by her leaving. And my thieving nature coming back, reawakened from the spell they had been under!
The devil of my conscious crept out on my shoulder, the angel markedly absent from the other.
Look mate, she may not be all she seems, and possibly has some other game in mind. Maybe she does have a male confidante helping her out… and was actually on her way to fetch him. He said in my inner ear. And, after all, you took her diamonds twice, didn’t ye now? Do you really think shell forgive you of that me lad?
And there is no honor amongst thieves, as the saying goes, he added as a closing argument...
I rolled it over in my mind…I could leave, absconding with it all, book a cruise to the states or down under where there lay untried fertile grounds to ply my trade. Not to mention working over my fellow passengers aboard the cruise ship while they attended the fancy affairs that were always going on, or so the brochures always seemed to show……
Then In the distance I caught a wisp of Katrina’s long silvery gown. She was coming, and not only with the daughter of the manor, but also with a spare. For I could see a purple coloured gown swishing alongside with the prey in rustling green taffeta.. I watched as all three ladies, resplendent with the rippling fiery gems they all possessed, came up the path, gowns sweeping out , shimmery from the now misty distance.
The thought of making my escape with all the loot continued to haunt me, there was still time now to take off without notice, or I could rob all three, and leave with purple silk as my hostage, Katrina would not be able to say anything on chance of giving up her part of the game, or I could just be a good lad and sty with the script that Katrina had written. Take a chance, roll the dice and believe that she was all she had me believing she could ever be.
As they came closer I knew my time was running out. The thoughts of just looking out for myself kept coming up playing the devil with my conscience as the precious seconds ticked away…
No honor amongst thieves…
What will it be, old boy I challenged myself,
What will you have it be?........
To see what his decision ultimately was, and the eventual path it led to, see the album question answered)
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Life is not about waiting out the storm, but about learning to dance in the rain.
Vie ne est pas d'attendre que la tempête , mais d'apprendre à danser sous la pluie .
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Courtesy of Chatwick University Archives
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The Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu is an important New Kingdom period structure in the West Bank of Luxor in Egypt. Aside from its size and architectural and artistic importance, the temple is probably best known as the source of inscribed reliefs depicting the advent and defeat of the Sea Peoples during the reign of Ramesses III. The first European to describe the temple in modern literature was Vivant Denon, who visited the temple in 1799-1801.Champollion described the temple in detail in 1829. Initial excavation of the temple took place sporadically between 1859 and 1899, under the auspices of the Department of Antiquities. During these decades the main temple was cleared, and a large number of Coptic period buildings, including a substantial Coptic Church in the second court, were destroyed without notes or records being taken. The further excavation, recording and conservation of the temple has been facilitated in chief part by the Architectural and Epigraphic Surveys of University of Chicago's Oriental Institute, almost continuously since 1924.The temple, some 150 m long, is of orthodox design, and resembles closely the nearby mortuary temple of Ramesses II (the Ramesseum). The temple precinct measures approximately 210 m (690 ft). by 300 m (1,000 ft) and contains more than 7,000 m2 (75,347 sq ft) of decorated wall reliefs. Its walls are relatively well preserved and it is surrounded by a massive mudbrick enclosure, which may have been fortified. The original entrance is through a fortified gate-house, known as a migdol (a common architectural feature of Asiatic fortresses of the time). Just inside the enclosure, to the south, are chapels of Amenirdis I, Shepenupet II and Nitiqret, all of whom had the title of Divine Adoratrice of Amun. The first pylon leads into an open courtyard, lined with colossal statues of Ramesses III as Osiris on one side, and uncarved columns on the other. The second pylon leads into a peristyle hall, again featuring columns in the shape of Ramesses. This leads up a ramp that leads (through a columned portico) to the third pylon and then into the large hypostyle hall (which has lost its roof). Reliefs and actual heads of foreign captives were also found placed within the temple perhaps in an attempt to symbolise the king's control over Syria and Nubia. In Coptic times, there was a church inside the temple structure, which has since been removed. Some of the carvings in the main wall of the temple have been altered by coptic carvings. The Royal Palace was directly connected with the first courtyard of the Temple via the "Window of Appearances".
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medinet_Habu_(temple)
On many a temple wall in Egypt one will see carved pictures of Ancient Egyptian Gods holding long metal rods said to have possessed incredible cosmic powers. They were called “Rods of Ptah,” named for the Egyptian Creator God, Ptah, and would, over time, eventually become known as “was” scepters.
You won’t find much scientific explanation for these Egyptian “magic” rods anywhere in traditional Egyptology. Many scholars have written off tales of their great powers as pure myth. Yet what once seemed mythical, takes on a new perspective with modern-day scientific advancement. These rods actually have roots in the advanced science of Atlantean superalloys. A science that has been lost for centuries and is slowly re-emerging.
This knowledge was handed down over 50,000 years ago to the Ancient Egyptians by the Atlantean Order of Melchizedek (the cosmic high priests to the priests) after the third and final upheaval of the advanced civilization known as Atlantis. Those who knew how such science worked shared this knowledge only with the elite few who had been highly trained and initiated into the Mystery Schools of Egypt.
Throughout the Egyptian dynasties, pharaohs and kings would oftentimes show their power by displaying such scepters at their side. Most were nothing more than symbolic props. The real Rods of Ptah, and their true owners, had the ability to transmute energy into matter—a power which only a God would seem to possess.
In the earliest of ancient times there was a “Council of Twelve” high priests from the Order of Melchizedek which possessed such rods. Many were from the healing sound Temples of Saqqara as well as the from the Temple of the Prophets at Abydos (which I have written about in a previous blogs). The Melchizedek Priesthood were recognized as Ascended Masters, Cosmic Avatars, that were dedicated to the very highest ascension and evolution of man. Their roots go back even further than Atlantis, to the source of creation and the very origins of humankind.
During the unknown years of Jesus, Jesus was initiated into the esoteric ways of this great brotherhood and became one with Melchizedek, the “Lord of Righteousness.” Jesus, having been brought up in the mystical sect of the Essenes, would then go on to model this priesthood, based on these Council of Twelve teachings with his own 12 Apostles. Many of mankind’s most ascended masters have come from the Melchizedek Priesthood. Some have had multiple reincarnated lifetimes (i.e. Lord Melchizedek became Akhenaten; Akhenaten would then became Jesus).
ATLANTEAN SUPERALLOYS
So many have asked what were the Atlantean superalloys that created such magic rods? The answer lies in the marriage of both physics and chemistry. All of nature’s alloys have a resonance pattern—like a unique frequency fingerprint. If combined with other resonant alloys through a transmutation process, it can create an atomic blending that releases a powerful reaction by-product.
For example, the electrical properties of copper, when equally combined with the magnetic properties of iron, will exhibit super hardness, super magnetism, and superconductivity properties which are required for anti-gravity propulsion and interstellar space travel. The Ancients were privy to this knowledge and they could only have learned it from a higher more advanced civilization where it had already been successfully mployed.
The reintroduction in modern times of such advanced superalloy concepts can be traced back to the secret work of Nikola Tesla with the well-known psychic, Edgar Cayce, during the years intervening the World Wars (1918-1939). Tesla had many past-life readings with Cayce to gain further insight into his work. (A pseudonym was used to protect his identity.)
Speaking through Cayce in trance, the Source provided specific references to several fusion reactions used in Atlantean metallurgy for the production of superhard metal alloys that were applied in the complex multi-stage fabrication of supersharp swords and electro-surgical scalpels, as well as in the construction of aerial vehicles that were thinner, lighter and stronger than those commonly used in industry today.
“We find the entity there made use of the metal known as iron, or the combinations of iron and copper –which have long since been removed from use in the present; or copper so tempered by the use of same with a little of the iron, or in its formation in such a way and manner as to be hardened to the abilities for same to be used much in the way that many of those combinations have been found in the Egyptian, the Peruvian and portions of the Chaldean lands –and more will be found in the Indo-China city yet to be uncovered.
“As indicated. In conducting experimentions, by passing a great current through certain compounds or mixtures of metals, that would produce –in smelting– a different metal. The combinations of iron, copper, and of course impregnated with the various forms, which heretofore and in the present have been unable to be used in the forms of smelting that are the experience of man today.
Q: How may we work together now to accomplish much that we did in Egypt?
A: In interesting those who use or require great quantities of iron, or the varied metals, to experiment in making lighter –and yet strengthening– the usages of such metals. Copper and brass, gold and iron –through the combinations in their crude state– may be made to be much stronger in usage, lighter in the needs for present developments, and not as expensive in the combinations.”
During ancient times, the Council of Twelve from the Order of Melchizedek knew that the transmutation processes of copper and iron caused a resonant nuclear fission reaction which created a mysterious force called “Vril” energy. They fashioned instruments (Rods of Ptah) to direct this force.
These ancient men of science discovered that when they coupled this Vril force with the power of sound and the directive power of the mind, they could unlock the divine forces of nature and gravity. This allowed them to levitate and move large objects easily. One could say the ancient priests of Saqqara invented the term, “mind over matter.” When the mind was clear, one could perform incredible feats.
While some from the Order knew how to use this directed energy for transmutation which would appear as miracles (i.e., Jesus changing water to wine or multiplying a few loaves and fishes to feed the masses), the use of highly tuned rods could tap into even greater cosmic forces.
Very few possessed these powerful Rods of Ptah. Those who did were initiated at the very highest levels of the Order of Melchizedek. As a part of the initiation process, each recipient was involved in the construction process of their own Rod. It was a sacred ceremony where their higher consciousness intent, which created a unique cosmic fingerprint, was then infused into the melding process. Their rod would be at their side throughout their life, taking on a sacred responsibility.
The Rods of Ptah were “U-shaped” at the bottom, resembling resonant tuning forks that could be struck in ways to create electromagnetic effects. At the top were the symbols of the Ankh (the symbol of life) and the Djed Pillar (a symbol for the spine of the God Osiris and rising energy). These powerful symbols could only be used by a High Priest or a Pharaoh (who had also undergone initiation, which were very few).
The Rods could only be used within the right mindset of the operator or the power could be destructive to themselves as well as others. Each initiate pledged a solemn oath to the Council of Twelve and the Melchizedek Priesthood to use these rods only for the higher good.
You will not find these instruments in museums anywhere today. The High Priests of the Ancient Mystery Schools destroyed them to keep them out of the hands of those who would abuse the power they could harness, much like the Ark of the Covenant was later secreted away for safety and protection.
Unfortunately, good does not always triumph over evil. Some priests from the Order of Melchizedek were targeted and killed for their power and knowledge, many by other temple priests (the Amun priesthood) who were an unsavory and oftentimes corrupted lot. Many from the Order fled the area or took their knowledge underground where it remained hidden for centuries. It is believed that once initiated into the Order of Melchizedek, one is initiated for all lifetimes to come. Many of those from the Melchizedek Priesthood walk among us today, still employing their spiritual knowledge and good works.
Angelique, Geleen, Netherlands, 2016
This Saturday I visited the exposition “Street People Project; A Diversity of Humankind” of Nis Willemse (see also www.nisgraphy.nl) at Quartier Geleen. After I had left the exposition and was walking towards my car, I saw Angelique.
She was wandering around in front of a finally closed shop. Isolated from the other people of the street, it looks she didn’t want to took part of the things that were happening on the street. Shy? Shut out? I couldn’t tell.
After passing her I stopped and walked towards her, and asked if she wants to pose for a street portrait. She immediately agreed.
I didn’t confront her what I thought of her wandering in front of the shop. It was not the right time and right place to do so I thought.
Angelique thanks for posing!
100 Strangers Group
This picture is #45 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
The Human Family Group
This is portrait #18 in my Human Family project. To view more street portraits and stories visit The Human Family
The eagle has been associated with the belief in renewal or rebirth. In a fragment of an ancient Babylon text, there is the story of King Erana being taken to the heavens on the wings of an eagle. It was a widely used custom in many ancient cultures to release eagles at the funeral of a ruler: the flight of an eagle, as the body was cremated, symbolized the departure of the soul to live among the gods. In Palmya, in ancient Syria, the eagle was associated with the sun-god; and thought capable of rejuvenation like the phoenix. As a killer of snakes and dragons, the eagle represents the victory of the light forces over the dark. The positive traits of this kingly bird are energy, renewal, contemplation, acuity of vision of vision, and royal heritage which substantiates it being an attribute of the god Jupiter.In Christian iconography the eagle is often seen to symbolize John the Evangelist, the ascension of the prophet Elijah, and the ascension of Jesus Christ. The eagle's ability to fly high is why it symbolizes Christ's ascension and is frequently depicted on baptismal founts.
The eagle's alchemical symbolism can readily be recognized in that the goals of alchemy are the transmutation of base (impure) metals or spirits into more purer or finer ones. This called for the destruction of the base metals to release the spirit and the renewal or reunion of the spirit in the new one. This is a renewal process, the death one the one and birth of the new, symbolized in the eagle. The eagle is thought as a royal bird as alchemy was called the royal art.In its psychological association the eagle shares and opposite symbolism which can be reversed through personal effort. Being symbolic of St. John the evangelist most firmly established in the intellectual realm, the eagle symbolizes the height of intellectual activity; however, this bird also can represent the degrading, consuming passion, of the intellect, which causes humans not to be ruled by the mind but the body. The eagle displays such behavior when he interrupts his elegant flight to swoop down on his prey to satisfy his carnal needs. At times humans behave the same way, their passions control them. This is the reason the eagle symbolized Adam, the first man, in medieval bestiaries: Adam, too, who originally dwelt close to heaven, lost his glory when sighting the forbidden fruit. Humankind like the eagle can improve its status by returning to the intellectual realm. This also has alchemical symbolism: when an experiment failed the alchemist had to start over again. A.G.H.
www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/~alchemy/eagle.html
Philalèthe nous affirme que chacune des réitérations prend le nom d'aigle; la cinquième Aigle résout la lune avec 7 à 9 spécimens pour atteindre la splendeur du soleil . Aigle en grec ancien viens de éclat lumière flambeau.l’Aigle de Jean, c’est ce qui donne les pouvoirs ou la clairvoyance ou la lucidité ou l’ésotérisme. L’aigle du monde, c’est le prédateur et les pouvoirs malsains.
Un alchimiste déclarera que le globe symbolise éventuellement le matras philosophique, mais surtout les quatre éléments par la croix du globe et le feu avec ses degrés successifs pour régénérer la matière et lui-même par la même occasion. L’image (la croix, la rose, le matras surmonté d’une croix, etc..) est extérieure, les degrés des feux secrets et les moyens, intérieurs. Il ajoutera que sa connaissance supplémentaire vient d’un don de Dieu, de la grâce, ou simplement de ses facultés de réflexion et d’interrogation. Et un jour, Cela se produit. Enfin, dans le symbolisme solaire, la répartition par quatre, ou le cercle coupé par une croix symbolise le cycle solaire et accessoirement d’anciennes techniques « des mangeurs ou Maîtres de feux » (le globe lorsqu’il est entouré de flammes, la voie de la salamandre, les marcheurs sur les braises, etc..). Et un jour, ces adeptes pratiquent des choses impensables, comme de prendre dans la voie du feu, un objet en métal rougi à blanc comme dernière et ultime épreuve. La croix est la Rédemption et le cercle le Monde tant pour le chrétien ésotérique que pour l’alchimiste, ou simplement le chercheur qui veut en savoir plus et à qui le monde pourra éventuellement appartenir, sans qu’il ne soit plus tout à fait de ce monde : l’appartenance, la non-appartenance, la performance ne sont qu’illusions. Les trois croix supprimées dans certaines représentations notaient un triple sens ou trois répétitions d’un même processus, une première opération étant l’obtention du soufre alchimique ou médecine du premier ordre, la seconde, le soufre du second ordre, la troisième la croix centrale, les médecines du troisième ordre ou pierre mystique. Ce symbole est rappelé par les trois colonnes mystérieuses du premier appartement avec les Mots Foi, Espérance, Charité, mots qui permettent d’entreprendre le voyage de trois jours, (alchimiquement le travail des trois ordres) de l’orient vers le septentrion, de l’occident au midi, c’est à dire dans les quatre directions ou selon les quatre éléments anciens, en faisant 33 tours. Faut-il signaler, puisque 33 tours c’est long, qu’en faisant qu’un tour, l’ancien sens est perdu (sans jeu de mot). Et qu’en ne gardant que les Mots (F.E.C.), dans le sens social, l’humain a toute juste une partie des clés de sa responsabilité dans ses rapports avec lui-même et les autres, mais uniquement au niveau externe. Faut-il alors signaler le tablier noir, l’ouvre au noir, passant par le sang - (l’oeuvre au rouge) du grade de chevalier de l’Aigle (du Pélican, de Rose-Croix, d’Heredom, de Saint André, de Parfait Maçon écossais 4ième, etc..) repris dans le R.E.A.A. au 18ième. et l’Aigle rappelaient la puissance de l’Homme divin, héritée de celle du Père ou du Fils dans le symbolisme chrétien, à l’image du Pélican qui soufre mais se sacrifie pour nourrir son ou ses enfants, donc sa progéniture, ou ses héritiers spirituels, bien au-delà du sens social, par l’interne et l’externe. Et l’Aigle de Jean, c’est ce qui donne les pouvoirs ou la clairvoyance ou la lucidité ou l’ésotérisme. L’aigle du monde, c’est le prédateur et les pouvoirs malsains. Jésus Nazaremus Rex Judeorum etc..
Cette formule vidée de son sens catholique n’est pas inintéressante non plus. Elle souligne la dérision (l’humour ?) de Ponce Pilate celui qui se lave les mains et qui provoque un homme pour qu’il affirme sa royauté et son destin sur le monde, alors qu’il s’agit du monde intérieur, sans rapport avec le monde profane de la puissance terrestre. Dans de nombreuses écoles, ce thème du divin en l’homme, pour qu’il exerce son pouvoir créateur et royal, des facultés cachées en l’homme pour qu’il se réalise, prend parfois des proportions de l’ordre du titanesque, mais aussi de l’illusion de puissance soulignée par Axel (volonté de puissance et volonté de l’ego basé sur la mort, les armes et l’or) face à Janus, son Maître instructeur (basé sur la maîtrise du Soi et sur la Vie), et par les multiples pérégrinations de la tribu de Juda. La royauté de Jésus, issu de Juda, donc le pouvoir de puissance de tout homme, c’est l’homme royal, à la puissance de ses facultés. Nazareth d’où il vient et non Bethléem (qui signifie la naissance de l’enfant) d’où Jésus de Nazareth ou Jésus le Nazarénien, ou Jésus le Nazoréen (celui qui a été consacré, mais dans ce cas, pour certains théologiens qui refusent cette théorie, il n’aurait pas été roi, encore moins Dieu, puisque seulement prince en jouant sur les qualités, et la seule consécration possible étant l’oint de David ou céleste) est en fait la ville où il passe, où il aura une vie secrète en revenant d’Égypte. Il ne s’arrête pas en chemin, car cette ville représente l’ancienne foi, l’ancienne loi, l’ancienne connaissance, la ville de l’ancienne Rome et c’est de là qu’il commencera son périple. Si la royauté de Jésus est en mouvement, si elle va vers son destin de mourir pour la régénération, tout homme est concerné par une dynamique de la présence et du mouvement régénérateur, sorte de mort à soi-même et en même temps de lucidité accrue, pour agrandir son champ d’action et reconquérir ses puissances et ses facultés dans sa vie (en trois jours, par la voie rapide, en quelques quarante jours selon Balsamo, en fait pendant un certain temps ou toute une vie). Il quitte alors le royaume des morts et de la mort, pour la Vie.Dans l’optique judaïque. Nazareth était la ville où devaient s’accomplir les prophéties," nazir" signifie séparé, mais aussi consacré. Celui qui passe par Nazareth est aussi celui qui a été consacré, l’élu selon l’éthique. Le mot assyrien veut dire aussi celui qui est maudit ou ensorcelé, celui qui fait un voeu, celui qui s’abstient. L’homme pour être rétabli, pour être sanctifié, pour retrouver ses facultés latentes, pour atteindre sa divinité doit passer par un certain état signifié par le Nazaréat, rite hébraïque. Dans la tradition juive, Samson, consacré au rite, au-delà de la mort et ayant obtenu la force, Samuel dont les cheveux ne furent jamais coupés, Jacob qui bénit Joseph selon la bénédiction du nazaréen le citant prince entre ses frères, Judas Machabée qui emmène les consacrés au temple, interdit aux profanes, Saint Jean Baptiste consacré au rite du Nazaréat, Saint Paul, Saint Jacques le Mineur sont les exemples ou traces de ce vieux rituel hébraïque. Le Christ est appelé le Nazaréen, ainsi que les tous premiers chrétiens. Nazareth, le Nazaréat, est le symbole de l’ascétisme, pour un temps déterminé ou pour la vie des élus consacrés, leurs voeux ne portaient que sur des pratiques extérieures (se couper les cheveux, s’abstenir de certains aliments, etc.).Il s’agit d’un rite remontant à l’époque patriarcale, issu selon Cyrille de rites égyptiens, vraisemblablement venu de Chaldée, pour consacrer une partie de la vie d’un homme au culte divin, sans être prêtre pour autant. Le rite consiste à se séparer des hommes pour se consacrer à la divinité ou à la recherche spirituelle, en pleine connaissance de cause. Il semble que Martines de Pasqually s’inspire pour ses émules de telles pratiques ascétiques (jeune, chasteté, abstinence de certaines parties du corps de l’animal, prières, onctions, purifications, etc.) avant les cérémonies d’initiation. Sur Juda. Dès lors les dogmes, les croyances ne peuvent être que provisoires, dans Nazareth pour sortir de l’enceinte, et revenir au royaume de la royauté de la tribu de Juda de la dernière lettre (Judéorum). Quelle est cette tribu ? C’est celle qui se nombrait à 77.600 hommes, depuis l’âge de vingt ans et au-delà, bons pour la milice, ou dans le camp de Juda, 186.400 et qui partent toujours en tête : Juda est le lionceau, le lion, la lionne. L’homme de Juda est celui qui possède le sceptre et le bâton de commandement, (Thème repris par Martinez de Pasqually pour les Reaux+). Il fait obéir les peuples, il conduit l’homme au combat. Ses attributs sont la Gloire, la Force et la Souveraineté. C’est de cette tribu que naîtra Jésus. En contrepartie de cette puissance chthonienne, dans sa partie obscure, le lion de Juda est terrible, c’est un prédateur, avide de butin et de puissance, symbolisé par le règne de David et de Salomon. De ce peuple sont élus les Juges. Maconniquement Zorobabel est issu de la tribu de Juda, comme Prince. Ce sont des Élus. Ou selon l’optique du Nazaréat, des hommes de haute vertu morale, qui réservent une partie de leur vie pour devenir plus parfaits, plus purs et plus exemplaires, par pureté et consécration. L’emblème de la rose mystique sur la croix renvoie également à la mystique juive et au Zohar, où la communauté est la Rose et où le mot Moroth signifie à la fois Lumières ou Malédiction et que dans le « pays de la vie » il convient « de tailler les fleurs qui existent dans ce pays » au moment où l’arc-en-ciel apparaît. Le calice (utilisé au 18ième pour les agapes) est la coupe des bénédictions, de même que la rose mystique, considérée aussi comme calice du salut, et qui repose sur les cinq doigts de la main ou cinq pétales. Inri est en fait synonyme du Mot mystique de quatre lettres et le symbole de l’alliance n’est pas autre chose que le chapelet des 42 noms ou quarante deux grains de matière fécondante pour opérer l’ouvre de la création. Les fleurs qu’il convient de tailler renvoient à l’expression « Telle que la rose entre les épines, telle est ma bien aimée entre les filles » où la rose est la communauté. Elle est rouge et blanche (comme la pierre cubique qui sue sang -rouge- et eau -blanc- du tracé de loge) et elle correspond aux piliers tantôt de la rigueur tantôt de la clémence. Emprunté à la cabale juive du Zohar et des mystiques espagnols, le thème évoque les trois croix et la lumière, peut-être issue des trois écoles visitées par le Messie lui-même relié au Saint Beni Soit-il, ou Messias (mot utilisé par les martinistes de Martinez), celle de Rabbi Simeon, celle d’Ezechias, roi de Juda cité en IV Rois et par Isaîe, et celle d’Ahias (III Rois), elles-mêmes liées par des colonnes aux écoles célestes et aux mystères cabalistiques, où la lumière est plus éclatante que la lumière du soleil. (Ainsi le rituel déclare que le maçon ne fait plus de planches, mais grave des colonnes au nom de la Trinité et le signe de reconnaissance montre le Ciel ; le bijou est or et argent, symboles solaires). Le Zohar (I, 4) précise, « vous qui êtes en bas dans le sommeil réveillez-vous. Vous avant de monter ici transformez l’obscurité en clarté (un thème du 18ième). Ceux qui n’ont pas espéré (un thème du grade : Espérance) n’ont aucune part ici ». S’étonnant qu’un homme puisse entrer dans le monde céleste avec ses habits terrestres, (thème de la transfiguration), Rabbi Siméon constate avec Rabbi Hiya la gloire du juste qui « marche dans les voies de la justice au milieu des sentiers de la prudence, pour enrichir ceux qui m’aiment et pour remplir leurs trésors » (thème du grade La charité). Le sage par la formule « alchimique » Inri (intérieur) sera celui qui découvre dans les ténèbres ce qui est dans les profondeurs. Il sera ainsi capable d’unir les ténèbres et la lumière pour faire naître le Verbe qui fait découvrir les Mystères, c’est à dire de séparer lumière et ténèbres, donc discerner la lumière parmi les ténèbres. « Et la lumière de la lune sera aussi éclatante que celle du soleil » du Talmud pour unir le jour et la nuit est le même symbole que le soleil et la lune figurant au-dessus ou des côtés de la rose mystique dans les rituels alchimiques de ce 18ième degré et qui permet la conjonction vers la Pierre chose une et unique. Sur Rafel, la Nature à régénérer, et la Rose alchimique. Dans l’action alchimique, l’alchimiste du Pseudo Lulle est montré devant Tobie et l’archange Raphael. La nature s’arrache les cheveux ou gémit. Un ange au-dessous tient le monde, la sphère. L’initié reçoit dans le monde les secrets de l’alchimie, puisque Tobie rend la vue à son père aveugle. L’alchimie dans la suite du texte est considérée comme une agriculture céleste, par corruption, décomposition mortification, puis renaissance. L’ange sert d’intermédiaire entre l’homme et la Nature. Dans « Les remontrances de Nature à l’alchimiste errant », les trois racines de l’alchimie sont indiquées, par les trois racines dans le sol (les trois colonnes) et l’arbre se sépare en quatre branches (la croix) où les rameaux voit s’épanouir une fleur jaune à cinq pétales (la rose aux cinq pétales) qu’arrose la couleur jaune des rayons célestes (la fleur solaire). Igne, le feu secret est dans l’athanor sous Dame Nature. Celle-ci est ailée comme l’Archange et couronnée des différentes planètes. Souvent les roses sont blanches et rouges. Dans Azoth, le hérault rouge (rose mystique) est représenté comme le fils puissant du soleil et de la lune, la rose est rouge, le lys blanc. Le nombre 7 du rituel renvoie au nombre de purifications nécessaires pour purifier encore la matière qui sue, ce qui signifie que Igne doit être constant par le feu : l’eau passe par le Lion au midi et l’ours au Nord.
A Bourges, la rose est entourée de trois couronnes ou cinq feuilles en étoile et plus loin, une sphère dans une coupe est enflammée. Le vitrail des Cordeliers à Paris garde le même symbolisme que la rose entourée d’une couronne d’épines. Ici, la rose se trouve en germination à partir du cour qui saigne, avec cinq larmes, au lieu de la pierre qui sue dans une couronne d’épines. La rose se nommait Rota lorsqu’elle était centrale, ou feu de roue (dans nos campagnes, on garde encore à la St Jean d’été, le feu mis et tournant sur la roue du chariot dont la plupart ont perdu le symbole). Cependant, s’il s’agit du thème chrétien (à ne pas confondre avec catholique) et l’ésotérisme de Jean que le rituel évoquait, c’est en complément autre chose, c’est d’abord l’errance dans les ténèbres dans l’attente de la régénération et l’illumination. Car le thème chrétien ésotérique n’est pas la récompense dans l’au-delà. L’enseignement ardu de Jean est pour ceux qui se réalisent ici et maintenant et pas dans le paradis futur (Je meurs à la présence future pour être attentif à la présence immédiate). Dans le rite de perfection, la deuxième chambre est appelée enfer, et l'Alchimiste sera conduit par un mot sur quatre, mot qui est bien l’archange Rafael, dans la formule n° 2 ou Raphaël. Dans cette version, non par le christianisme, mais par la cabale des noms et des nombres, Rafael fait quand même partie citons Deny l’aréopagite « des Anges et de ceux des anges qui se caractérisent par une masse de sagesse et de connaissances, » l’aptitude à recevoir les dons de la lumière (que reflète ce degré). Rafael (utilisé dans certains rituels de la G.D. et cabalistiques pour garder une région du monde) est en relation avec la voie cardiaque martiniste et de Saint Jean : le grade est la Rédemption par l’amour. Il est « le guérisseur de Dieu », l’archange du Soleil, maître du rayonnement physique et spirituel (dans le grade, la lumière disparaît puis revient). Dans l’optique du rituel, il est le Maître des Chevaliers, comme régulateur solaire avec le métal or et la Sephirah Tipheret, la Beauté (Sagesse, Force et Beauté du premier appartement du grade) avec l’argent. Il préside à la prière du matin. Mais quels que soient les noms, le nom ineffable du Tétragramme hébraïque a été latinisé à l’aide de trois lettres plus une d’alphabet moderne, et ce sans vraisemblablement dénaturer l’esprit de ceux qui savaient très bien que ce mot était perdu et qu’il s’agissait d’un rappel de la tradition hébraïque notamment, aussi par l’utilisation dans ce rituel du chandelier à sept branches éteint, puis rallumé. On ne peut pas faire mieux comme symbole de l’extinction des lumières du temple et la réanimation, ainsi que la perte et découverte de la parole perdue, rappel d’anciens rites solaires et d’évocation de la lumière des cultes de Mithra, puis égyptianisé, hellénisé et enfin christianisé. Dans le rite français, lors de l’extinction, le rituel déclarait « Celui qui était venu pour régénérer l’humanité a été méconnu et mis à mort » et lors de la réanimation, le maître devait prononcer « La doctrine de celui qui mourut honteusement est devenue l’un des flambeaux de la Vérité ». Si ce n’est l’allusion au Christ et à l’évangile, que serait-ce sinon indiquer le sens de la régénération et la manière d’être un flambeau, même sans être chrétien, en rapport avec d’anciens cultes et processus d’évolution ? Le18ième est à la fois un grade charnière, mais aussi un grade reposant sur un enseignement initiatique de haute valeur basé sur la Rose-Croix, le chandelier à sept branches ou la Menorah et la Cène du repas rituélique, basé sur une alchimie oubliée, une cabale qui ne dit pas son nom, le Johannisme plus ou moins perdu et d’antiques notions liée à la lumière et aux transformations internes. Issu du grade de chevalier Rose croix de Kilwining et d’heredom, ce rituel trop complexe et trop lourd à comprendre intégralement a donné lieu très rapidement à des versions simplifiées. Mais les versions simplifiées omettent des détails qui avaient leur importance pour les initiateurs des grades. Et trop de simplification devient indigeste, comme de substituer un repas par un biscuit vitaminé puis par une pilule. Pour Berteaux, il n’est donc pas étonnant que chaque époque ait conduit à des modifications et que l’on voit bien « l’incidence de l’esprit du temps ». Ainsi les hommes ont fait les rituels en fonction de leur choix. L’on trouve des rituels basés sur les Testaments, sur la Philosophie, la sociologie, la psychologie, etc. et seule la comparaison de plusieurs rituels permet de découvrir des sens nouveaux ou plus approfondis par les détails. Plus on raccourcit, moins il en reste. Les supprimer, c’est faire autre chose. A chacun son chemin !
Photographed at --Akalbodhon Sarbojonin Durgotsab, Chetla, South Kolkata.
Worshiping Durga, As I feel :
To me worshiping goddess Durga encompasses so many deeply seated aspects of human lives and nature. The imagination of such a Goddess-form has its age old story depicted in the Hindu Puranas and that had been fabricated by the wisdom of ages as a symbolic one for Bio-Geo-Socio-Economic-Cultural and Aesthetical upliftment of humankind and its relationship with nature, through the practice of worshiping.
Once in a year She, The Mother Durga, is thought to come from her abode at mount Kailash in Himalaya to the land of Bengal at the time of Autumn, the finest of all six seasons when Bengal turns into a nature’s paradise. The snow white clouds against the deep azure of the sky, the gentle cool breeze carrying the sweet fragrance of flowers, the turning colors of the leaves, the golden sunlit lush green paddy fields and the waving clusters of dazzling white inflorescence of Kash dramatically prepare the minds of Bengal apt for celebration of life. Artists of versatile talents from Bengal and other states culminate their finest ever skill and efforts for making the idols of Durga using conventional natural resources like clay, wood, organic colors, that are all mostly biodegradable. The pandals( the temporary abodes of Devi Durga) all over Bengal, especially in urban cities turn into the finest galleries of art and culture covering an unimaginably wide range of form and traditions, represented by Bengal and neighboring states of India. Durga puja becomes a wide open opportunity to discover and re-discover the art and artistry of Bengal, and not only that, this is the biggest festival of Bengal that provides a great competitive platform for innumerable artists and workers to learn and earn.
The time of Puja is the time for togetherness, is the time for sharing and caring. The traditional concept of making the idols of Durga, her four children and her husband Lord Shiva against a single background structure( which is in Bengali: Ek chalchitra) seems to me a very symbolic one! It implicates to me a strong bondage between the family members, or in a greater sense the relationships between individuals. An example of unity in diversity.
To save the world, Brahmma(the god of creation), Vishnu( the god of sustenance), Moheshwara/ Shiva(the god of destruction) and all of the gods emitted beams of fierce light from their bodies. The blinding sea of light reached Parvati, and Durga emerged from this pool of light. This is very symbolic. I see durga as a domain where there have been convergence of all form of energies; she is the symbolic epitome of unified force, as it is the most cherished theory of modern-day physics- “the unified field theory”. And therefore, She is the Symbolic epitome of concentrated knowledge and wisdom. She can create(sristi), She can sustain( sthiti), and She can destroy(loy). She comes over here to create all good things and to sustain them on this earth, and to destroy all evil power, as depicted by triumph over Mahisasura.
Her four children are very symbolic to me for four aspects of socio-economic- cultural upliftment. These are the four aspects to create a balanced nation or a person as an individual.
“Lakhsmi”, her elder daughter, is a symbol of wealth. She carries with her a bunch of ripe paddy and a container of vermilion. Ripened paddy is the symbol of agricultural success. And vermilion is the symbol of peaceful marriage in Hindu custom.
“Swaraswati”, her younger daughter, is a symbol of art and culture. She carries with her a sitar, a classical Indian instrument depicting music, that is the highest form of the faculty of art.
“Kartika”, her elder son, is the commander-in-chief of the gods for war. He is the warrior and protector from enemies. He carries a bow and arrows. He knows how to target an enemy. And he is the symbol of leadership qualities.
“Ganesha”, her youngest son. He is the symbol of knowledge and wisdom.
And Mother Durga is the creator of all her four children, the four faculties associated with biological, social, cultural and intellectual evolution of man.
Therefore, She is the idealistic epitome of Gunas (qualities), that we all her children should acquire for. And there lies the true meaningfulness of worshiping our mother, Durga.
On the tenth day after the triumph, the day of Vijaya Dashami ( suvobijoya), mother along with her family sets her journey back to her final adobe in himalaya, leaving the earthly world behind. The clay idol is thus immersed in the holy water of Ganges to symbolize her journey. And thus the whole celebration comes to an end.
As it enters a new millennium humankind is undergoing a process of radical change. We are all witnesses to this transformation as humankind sets out the markers for a new civilization. In the northern hemisphere the industrial age is almost over. Knowledge, and thus humankind, is embarking on a new era in history. It seems that the new millennium will be more ‘ethical’.
The effective use of high technology and human skills is now a prerequisite for successful management. Kültür A.Ş.’s management philosophy is based on these two fundamentals. Our company aims to make maximum use of knowledge, high technology and human skills. The company’s communications infrastructure is based on an ISDN switchboard, the most advanced communications system in the world. Our working processes are integrated through extensive use of the Internet and other data transfer systems. Information technologies are adopted on the basis of a functionalist and production oriented approach rather than just applying what is ‘technologically fashionable’.‘Lax management’ is our country’s main problem. Yet modern management means ‘total quality awareness’. Last year our corporate agenda was dominated by restructuring and total quality awareness. Within this conceptual framework, positions and tasks were redefined and the corresponding regulations and directives rewritten in accordance with a Corporate Organizational Chart.
Kültür A. Ş. successfully organized cultural and artistic activities throughout 1999, mostly on behalf of the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul’s Department of Cultural Affairs. The ‘21st Century Conferences’ made a considerable contribution to intellectual life. A conference entitled ‘Istanbul and the Earthquake’ was also organized. Select artistic exhibitions were held at our cultural venues. The Bosphorus Festival, the Mystic Music Festival, the Youth Festival are among our important activities. Even more cultural and artistic activities will be organized on national and international platforms in the coming years.‘Culture, Arts and Istanbul’ has been prepared as a promotional book in which you can learn about our company and the events we organize. I would like to add that the book also aims to be informative. Our concept of ‘open management’ means that we attribute great importance to sharing information. Given that all the shares in our company are owned by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and its subsidiaries, for us sharing information is not just a principle, it is an obligation.
Kültür A.Ş. organizes activities in the fields of culture and the arts, operates cultural facilities, invests in culture and publishes books, CDs, CD-ROMs and DVDs. Yet, despite being a public sector company, in doing all of the above it strives for total quality awareness, profitability and productivity.I believe that setting such principles as our target which we achieved last year and will achieve this year as well, is as good, splendid and proper an example as the activities we organize and the products we produce.
Öyküsü su seslerine karışan 1500 yıllık bir mekan
Sultanahmet’te bulunan Yerebatan Sarnıcı, 542 yılında Bizans İmparatoru Justinyen tarafından At Meydanı’nın diğer tarafında bulunan Büyük Saray’ın su ihtiyacını karşılamak üzere yaptırılmıştır.
Fetihten sonra yaklaşık yüzyıl süreyle sarnıcın varlığı fark edilmemiş; ancak bodrumlarında su biriktiren ve deliklerden sepet sarkıtarak balık tutan insanların varlığının anlaşılmasıyla keşfedilmiştir. Osmanlı döneminde onarılarak kullanılan sarnıcın giriş kısmındaki evler 1940’larda belediye tarafından istimlak edilerek, giriş için düzenli bir bina yapılmıştır.
1985-1988’de Büyükşehir Belediyesi geniş ölçüde bir temizlik ve onarımdan geçirilen sarnıçtaki su ve dipteki çamur birikintisi boşaltılmış, temizlenmiş, batıdaki ucuna kadar uzanan bir iskele yapılmış, ayrıca kuzeydoğu köşeye de bir platform inşa edilmiştir.
Yerebatan Sarayı olarak adlandırılan sarnıç içten 145 metre uzunluğunda 65 metre genişliğindedir. Yaklaşık 9800 metrekarelik bir alanı kapsamaktadır.Her bir dizide 28 tane olmak üzere 12 sıra sütun tuğla kemerleri ve bunların desteklediği tonozları taşır. Toplam sayıları 336 olan sütunlardan 8’i kuzey bölümde Örme kılıf içine alınmış, güneybatıda 37 sütun, etraflarını çeviren bir dolgu duvarın içinde kalmıştır.
Son restorasyonda içi kuru olmasına rağmen sarnıca tekrar su geldiğinden bugün hala 1-2 m arasında su bulunmaktadır. Halen İstanbul Kültür ve Sanat Ürünleri Ticaret A.Ş. tarafından işletilen Yerebatan Sarnıcı’nda İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi’nin çeşitli kültür etkinlikleri gerçekleştirilmektedir.
http://www.yerebatan.com
On Thursday 12 July 2018, US president Donald Trump, the most dangerous man in the world, was welcomed to the United Kingdom by the British prime minister Theresa May. The following day the streets of London witnessed the biggest protest for over a decade as thousands marched on Trafalgar Square to express their anger at the British government extending a red carpet welcome for Trump.
Protesters pointed out the extreme threat to democracy, to those dependent on welfare, to womens' rights, to civil rights generally and even to the survival of humankind which Trump presents. Such assertions might seem extreme, but they are unfortunately fully justifiable.
As the president of what is by far the richest and most powerful country on earth, Trump has dedicated his term to accelerating the US addiction to fossil fuels and agribusiness, dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency and withdrawing America from the Paris Climate Accords, thereby accelerating global warming and climate change and presenting a huge threat to the continued existence of humankind.
Trump's presidency also marks another dangerous step in the erosion of democracy in the United States. Far from "draining the swamp" as he promised, Trump has surrounded himself with powerful figures from big business, especially major financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, as well as his friends and allies in the fossil fuel and defence industires.
Government policy, more and more, reflects the direct interests of concentrated private power with the public having less and less influence. At the same time the Trump presidency has allied itself with some of the most ruthless regimes in the world and is profiting from Saudi Arabia's illegal war of aggression in Yemen which has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis. A serious war crime in which Donald Trump and Theresa May are both complicit.
Trump has also been keen to patronise the extreme nationalist constituency in the United States and through preaching a propaganda of fear his presidency has managed to oversee some of the most racist immigration policies ever to be implemented in the United States, targeted almost exclusively at Muslim countries - Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Ironically, all of them have been massively destabilized and impoverished by US foreign policy.
He was also responsible for the ruthless decision to separate children from their parents as they cross into the United States from Mexico, in his determination to block immigration from central America, where decades of US illegal intervention, including the CIA funded Contra terror operations in Nicaragua and enforced free trade (under NAFTA or IMF rules) have devastated the region and merely enhanced the power of corrupt corporate elites and drug cartels.
As if this was not enough to worry about, Trump has also authorized a huge increase in both US defence spending and in the US nuclear arsenal, and changed the strategic posture of the US so that nuclear weapons can be used even for offensive operations and even when their use is not required to preempt a nuclear strike by an enemy power.
As any historian of conflict since the Second World War knows, it is only by a miracle that humankind has survived since 1945 without a nuclear war. Now the situation is more dangerous than ever before. Not only are we are now dependent on Trump's extremely unpredictable temperament but also increasingly on automated systems which can easily malfunction.
Trump and Republicans maintain they need to spend heavily on military equipment in order to counter the supposed Russian threat. However they seldom remind the public that the United States already spends almost as much as the rest of the world combined on defence and that Russia's expenditure is far behind both that of the United States and only on about the same level of Saudi Arabia, and spends only 10% of what NATO spends.
It has also to be remembered that it is NATO and US forces which are operating right on the Russian border, not Russian forces on the American border. Russia's defence spending is clearly recognised by academics to be primarily defensive and responsive to US spending. What is desperately needed is a serious international dialogue at the highest level to decrease the danger of conflict, especially the risk of a terminal nuclear war and begin a process of multilateral disarmament.
On Thursday 12 July 2018, US president Donald Trump, the most dangerous man in the world, was welcomed to the United Kingdom by the British prime minister Theresa May. The following day the streets of London witnessed the biggest protest for over a decade as thousands marched on Trafalgar Square to express their anger at the British government extending a red carpet welcome for Trump.
Protesters pointed out the extreme threat to democracy, to those dependent on welfare, to womens' rights, to civil rights generally and even to the survival of humankind which Trump presents. Such assertions might seem extreme, but they are unfortunately fully justifiable.
As the president of what is by far the richest and most powerful country on earth, Trump has dedicated his term to accelerating the US addiction to fossil fuels and agribusiness, dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency and withdrawing America from the Paris Climate Accords, thereby accelerating global warming and climate change and presenting a huge threat to the continued existence of humankind.
Trump's presidency also marks another dangerous step in the erosion of democracy in the United States. Far from "draining the swamp" as he promised, Trump has surrounded himself with powerful figures from big business, especially major financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, as well as his friends and allies in the fossil fuel and defence industires.
Government policy, more and more, reflects the direct interests of concentrated private power with the public having less and less influence. At the same time the Trump presidency has allied itself with some of the most ruthless regimes in the world and is profiting from Saudi Arabia's illegal war of aggression in Yemen which has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis. A serious war crime in which Donald Trump and Theresa May are both complicit.
Trump has also been keen to patronise the extreme nationalist constituency in the United States and through preaching a propaganda of fear his presidency has managed to oversee some of the most racist immigration policies ever to be implemented in the United States, targeted almost exclusively at Muslim countries - Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Ironically, all of them have been massively destabilized and impoverished by US foreign policy.
He was also responsible for the ruthless decision to separate children from their parents as they cross into the United States from Mexico, in his determination to block immigration from central America, where decades of US illegal intervention, including the CIA funded Contra terror operations in Nicaragua and enforced free trade (under NAFTA or IMF rules) have devastated the region and merely enhanced the power of corrupt corporate elites and drug cartels.
As if this was not enough to worry about, Trump has also authorized a huge increase in both US defence spending and in the US nuclear arsenal, and changed the strategic posture of the US so that nuclear weapons can be used even for offensive operations and even when their use is not required to preempt a nuclear strike by an enemy power.
As any historian of conflict since the Second World War knows, it is only by a miracle that humankind has survived since 1945 without a nuclear war. Now the situation is more dangerous than ever before. Not only are we are now dependent on Trump's extremely unpredictable temperament but also increasingly on automated systems which can easily malfunction.
Trump and Republicans maintain they need to spend heavily on military equipment in order to counter the supposed Russian threat. However they seldom remind the public that the United States already spends almost as much as the rest of the world combined on defence and that Russia's expenditure is far behind both that of the United States and only on about the same level of Saudi Arabia, and spends only 10% of what NATO spends.
It has also to be remembered that it is NATO and US forces which are operating right on the Russian border, not Russian forces on the American border. Russia's defence spending is clearly recognised by academics to be primarily defensive and responsive to US spending. What is desperately needed is a serious international dialogue at the highest level to decrease the danger of conflict, especially the risk of a terminal nuclear war and begin a process of multilateral disarmament.
Typical accomodation for humankind within the developed Core Worlds. Designed in the circular style of Alanis Ferr, this type of home was popular on new colonies like New Kansas.
The main level has the panoramic view whilst storage and bedrooms tend to be above and below the windowed section.
“Curious” – A Morning Encounter in the Olive Grove - Some mornings begin not with words, but with eyes meeting in silence. This was one of them. “Curious – Eyes of the Wild”
Wildlife and nature have always captivated humankind. Perhaps it’s my background in journalism, but nature has gradually drawn me in with a similar pull — that of curiosity, patience, and quiet pursuit.
This morning, I decided to revisit a remarkable encounter I had in the olive groves near my home. It was around 07:00 when I set out — just a ten-minute drive, followed by a walk across freshly tilled earth, soft and uneven beneath my feet. The goal: to find “Curious,” the wild Anatolian squirrel I had met for the first time just days before.
Not far into the grove, I spotted a pale, slender wild rabbit who darted off the moment it sensed me — despite my silent steps. I wondered if I would be lucky enough to cross paths with Curious again. With that thought, I pressed on, determined yet calm.
As I neared the gnarled trunk of an ancient olive tree, nature fell silent. Only the faint calls of birds filled the air. Then suddenly, there he was — Curious. Tucked under a lower branch, his tail wrapped tightly, he stared at me intently, our eyes locking. I hadn't brought nuts this time. I wanted to see how he'd react to just my presence — without any incentives.
I stood still, watching from about two meters away. Curious vanished into his hollow, but I gently stepped closer. Moments later, he peeked out like someone watching from a window, eyes fixed on mine. Then, to my amazement, he climbed out and onto the olive bark, stretching in the morning light as if to put on a show.
I remained silent, steady. In a single leap, he landed on a trimmed branch stump and posed. With no monopod, I began to photograph him with my Nikon Z8, using the Teleconverter TC-14E II for the first time. Curious allowed me within just under 1 meters — a sign of growing trust. It felt like we had momentarily erased the boundary between wild and human.
Later, I followed him to a mulberry tree where, like a silkworm, he nibbled delicately on the fresh young leaves. I also witnessed him gnawing on the bark and twigs of the olive tree — behavior I had never documented before.
This morning was a gift — not only for the images captured, but for the silent conversation we shared. I’ve published six portraits of Curious on my Flickr page, each telling its own quiet story. I hope they resonate with others as deeply as the experience touched me.
Wishing you a beautiful day,
Anatolian Squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) – Distribution and Details in Turkey
The Anatolian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus), also known as the Caucasian squirrel or Persian squirrel, is a tree squirrel species native to parts of the Middle East. It is the only native squirrel species in Turkey and plays an important ecological role in forested habitats.
Distribution in Turkey
The Anatolian squirrel is widely distributed throughout much of western, central, and southern Turkey, particularly in the following regions:
Aegean Region: Olive groves, oak woodlands, and fig orchards (like those in Pelitköy) provide suitable habitat.
Marmara Region: Thrace and surrounding mixed forests.
Central Anatolia: Especially in forested and steppe transition zones.
Mediterranean Region: Taurus Mountains and surrounding coastal forests.
Eastern Black Sea foothills: Patchy populations, typically in deciduous and mixed forests.
They prefer forests with oak, pine, walnut, almond, fig, and mulberry trees — and are commonly spotted in traditional olive groves, especially where some natural tree cover is retained.
Habitat & Behavior
Arboreal (tree-dwelling), diurnal (active by day).
Solitary and territorial, though tolerant of other squirrels in rich feeding areas.
Nests in tree hollows or builds leaf nests high in the canopy.
Feeds on a variety of nuts, seeds, fruits, and tree buds, including figs, almonds, acorns, and mulberries.
In cultivated landscapes like olive groves, they adapt well if large trees are present. The presence of fig and mulberry trees near human settlements helps maintain stable populations.
Conservation Status & Threats
Currently classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.
However, local population declines have been observed due to:
Habitat fragmentation (especially loss of old trees and tree hollows),
Agricultural expansion, and
Climate change impacts, particularly in southern and drier regions.
Monitoring efforts in Turkey are still limited, and there's a growing call among researchers and nature photographers for increased ecological surveys and community awareness programs.
Curiosity
The Anatolian squirrel has adapted well to traditional Turkish agroforestry landscapes. In mythology and folklore, squirrels are sometimes seen as guardians of trees, and this species continues to serve that symbolic role in Anatolia.
I've captured some unforgettable moments with my camera, and I hope you feel the same joy viewing these images as I did while shooting them.
Thank you so much for visiting my gallery, whether you leave a comment, add it to your favorites, or simply take a moment to look around. Your support means a lot to me, and I wish you good luck and beautiful light in all your endeavors.
© All rights belong to R.Ertuğ. Please refrain from using these images without my express written permission. If you are interested in purchasing or using them, feel free to contact me via Flickr mail.
Lens - hand held or Monopod and definitely SPORT VR on. Aperture is f5.6 full length.. All my images have been converted from RAW to JPEG.
I started using Nikon Cross-Body Strap or Monopod on long walks. Here is my Carbon Monopod details : Gitzo GM2542 Series 2 4S Carbon Monopod - Really Right Stuff MH-01 Monopod Head with Standard Lever - Really Right Stuff LCF-11 Replacement Foot for Nikon AF-S 500mm /5.6E PF Lense -
Your comments and criticism are very valuable.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and explore :)
On Thursday 12 July 2018, US president Donald Trump, the most dangerous man in the world, was welcomed to the United Kingdom by the British prime minister Theresa May. The following day the streets of London witnessed the biggest protest for over a decade as thousands marched on Trafalgar Square to express their anger at the British government extending a red carpet welcome for Trump.
Protesters pointed out the extreme threat to democracy, to those dependent on welfare, to womens' rights, to civil rights generally and even to the survival of humankind which Trump presents. Such assertions might seem extreme, but they are unfortunately fully justifiable.
As the president of what is by far the richest and most powerful country on earth, Trump has dedicated his term to accelerating the US addiction to fossil fuels and agribusiness, dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency and withdrawing America from the Paris Climate Accords, thereby accelerating global warming and climate change and presenting a huge threat to the continued existence of humankind.
Trump's presidency also marks another dangerous step in the erosion of democracy in the United States. Far from "draining the swamp" as he promised, Trump has surrounded himself with powerful figures from big business, especially major financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, as well as his friends and allies in the fossil fuel and defence industires.
Government policy, more and more, reflects the direct interests of concentrated private power with the public having less and less influence. At the same time the Trump presidency has allied itself with some of the most ruthless regimes in the world and is profiting from Saudi Arabia's illegal war of aggression in Yemen which has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis. A serious war crime in which Donald Trump and Theresa May are both complicit.
Trump has also been keen to patronise the extreme nationalist constituency in the United States and through preaching a propaganda of fear his presidency has managed to oversee some of the most racist immigration policies ever to be implemented in the United States, targeted almost exclusively at Muslim countries - Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Ironically, all of them have been massively destabilized and impoverished by US foreign policy.
He was also responsible for the ruthless decision to separate children from their parents as they cross into the United States from Mexico, in his determination to block immigration from central America, where decades of US illegal intervention, including the CIA funded Contra terror operations in Nicaragua and enforced free trade (under NAFTA or IMF rules) have devastated the region and merely enhanced the power of corrupt corporate elites and drug cartels.
As if this was not enough to worry about, Trump has also authorized a huge increase in both US defence spending and in the US nuclear arsenal, and changed the strategic posture of the US so that nuclear weapons can be used even for offensive operations and even when their use is not required to preempt a nuclear strike by an enemy power.
As any historian of conflict since the Second World War knows, it is only by a miracle that humankind has survived since 1945 without a nuclear war. Now the situation is more dangerous than ever before. Not only are we are now dependent on Trump's extremely unpredictable temperament but also increasingly on automated systems which can easily malfunction.
Trump and Republicans maintain they need to spend heavily on military equipment in order to counter the supposed Russian threat. However they seldom remind the public that the United States already spends almost as much as the rest of the world combined on defence and that Russia's expenditure is far behind both that of the United States and only on about the same level of Saudi Arabia, and spends only 10% of what NATO spends.
It has also to be remembered that it is NATO and US forces which are operating right on the Russian border, not Russian forces on the American border. Russia's defence spending is clearly recognised by academics to be primarily defensive and responsive to US spending. What is desperately needed is a serious international dialogue at the highest level to decrease the danger of conflict, especially the risk of a terminal nuclear war and begin a process of multilateral disarmament.