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Advertising image shot yesterday (Sunday) for the North Star Roller Girls. Their upcoming January bout is titled "Break the Ice."
You can see my face reflected in the left side of the ice block!
This isn't me working alone. There was a whole team of us from NSRG making this happen. In particular, fellow Flickrites Slowtypist and ecarter22 were on hand with a hell of a lot of equipment and knowhow. I was in the enviable position of just saying things like, "More on the boot" or "less on the dry ice" and presto, it would happen. Dang ... real life should be so easy!
For the curious: The block of ice was 300 pounds and measured 4 feet by 2.5 feet by 10 inches. It was standing on its end, on two apple boxes. Beneath these pointing straight up was an SB600 with blue gel at 1/4 power. Camera left was an SB800 with honeycomb aimed at the skate. Camera right ditto. Both were about 8 feet away, again at 1/4 power. Behind and above the skate about 5 feet away on a boom was one of Brad's studio flashes, I'm not sure what kind or at what power, as hair light. The dry ice is in a little cup sitting inside the skate.
We had so many flashes going off that I joked at one point: "We're now attempting to melt the entire ice block with a single flash of light."
Chassis n° 1002
24 Hrs du Mans 1970
Ferrari 512 S Spyder
n° 9
Team : Escuderia Montjuich (E)
Result : Not finished
Grid : 24th (3:39.900)
Engine : Ferrari 512 V12 - 4.994 cc
José Juncadella (E)
Juan Fernandez (E)
24 Hrs du Mans 1971
Ferrari 512 M
n° 15
Team : Escuderia Montjuich (E)
Result : Not finished
Grid : 6th (3:18.700)
Engine : Ferrari 512 V12 - 4.994 cc
José Juncadella (E)
Nino Vaccarella (I)
From wind Tunnel.
In this era aerodynamicists' knowhow exploded. In 1971, with the latest advances the 512 S (Sport) became the 512 M (Modificata). Maranello provided bodywork for privateers like the Catalonian Scuderia Montjuich, which ran this car at Le Mans twice. It came 2nd in the 1971 Tour de France Auto driven by Jabouille and Juncadella.
Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans : the Prototypes Closed Cars
Private Collection
Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille
Château de Chantilly
Chantilly
France - Frankrijk
September 2017
December 2011
The 'How To' part of Relief Beyond Belief (what we call the MasterClass) is really what this book is all about. But it's not just all about dieforming. Through the making of a single bead, in twelve separate chapters (what we call WorkPhases) and four sidebar articles (what we call KnowHows), we also discuss and demonstrate other steps and skills, including designing, burnishing, baking, leaching, filling, drilling, sanding, buffing... Our intent was to teach decorative silhouette dieforming: how to turn a flat sheet of patterned polymer clay into a 3D form. But we also wanted this first book to be a start-to-finish project. We saw it as an opportunity to teach other skills, useful not only for this MasterClass, but relevant to the medium in broader ways.
This image is an example of one of our MasterClass WorkPhase title pages: Drill Your Bead. Tracy designed these pages to include the standard elements (an intro, a time estimate, a summary of steps, a list of tools and supplies...). But they also include a few extras that we knew would take advantage of the digital format of our book. The grey TimeLine at the top of the page (with its red 'you are here' highlight) allows the reader to tap and jump to any of the other WorkPhases, to review what's been learned, or look ahead to see what's coming up. We also included a visual tool kit, for a few reasons: we imagined we might have readers whose first language was not English (and a picture says a thousand words, in any language); even in English, some tools go by many names ('what's a whiffer bloof?' 'it's this' 'oh that? I call that a snaffer snoof'); some tools are harder to find than others, and we figured photos would help in the quest (walking through the aisles with your iPad, if the clerk doesn't know her bloofs from her snoofs, you can show her your screen). Mostly, like most artists, we veer to the visual, and we just thought it looked cool.
All the tools you need for the entire MasterClass appear at the beginning of the book, in a series of seven Tool Tableaus. For each WorkPhase title page, we wanted a reminder, but there wasn't room to show each tool again at full size. These thumbnail tool tiles appear on the book page at less than an inch square. But I set the image size of each one at 800 x 800 ppi so when they are double-tapped on an iPad, they fill the screen while still remaining sharp (especially that X-acto knife, it's really sharp...).
Week 31 gave us a change of pace when it asked us to Share Your Own Photo Hacks. What does that mean? Read on...
Everyone of us has personal photo hacks, knowhows, methods or even techniques. It may be a way to play with light, to photograph abstractions or to make a viewer look at your photo twice, a prop that isn't generally used in photography, etc. Something thoughtfully staged or something accidentally learned that maybe looked like a glitch firstly.
This collage features photos from participating members. Find out more at Compositionally Challenged, where we aim to inspire creativity and improve our technical skills.
UNDER SECRETARY SHERMAN: Thank you, Ambassador Pickering – Tom – for your kind words and also for being here tonight. And Dean and Mr. Hogan, thank you as well. And Barbara – I’ll get to you in a moment.
To those of you who may be too young to know – and that’s most of you in this room – for a diplomat to be introduced by Tom Pickering is the equivalent of a tennis player receiving a flattering tweet from Serena Williams, and I am most grateful. The roles are reversed – the master honors the student. I am deeply humbled to accept the Trainor award this evening, but I am humbled every day by the knowledge that the legendary and irreplaceable Tom Pickering once held the job I am now in and have been in now for three years. In a career spanning four decades – you must have started when you were a teenager – Ambassador Pickering represented the United States brilliantly, as Barbara said, in major capitals on almost every continent – earning the respect of presidents and prime ministers and the deep admiration of his colleagues. Thanks again, Tom, for all that you have done and, quite frankly, continue to do on behalf of our country, and most importantly, for all that you have taught me. Thank you.
Thanks, as well, to Ambassador Barbara Bodine who also had a long and remarkable career in the Foreign Service. Ambassador Bodine served in principally nice tranquil posts like Sana’a, Baghdad, and during the first Gulf War, Kuwait – occupied Kuwait, where she was held prisoner in the U.S. Embassy for more than four months, surviving on a diet of swimming pool water and tuna fish. So if you see her around campus, be sure to greet and thank her, take her to lunch, but do not offer to order a tuna fish sandwich.
Now, as Frank Hogan has explained, this is the 31st anniversary of the Trainor award, so-called in honor of a beloved former registrar of the School of Foreign Service. The list of prior award recipients is extraordinary and makes me really glad – when I was the age that many of you are at now – unlike my parents, I decided not to go into real estate. Instead I chose the arena of public service, which led ultimately to my daily immersion in world affairs. To those of you who are pondering a similar commitment, I am not sure whether to offer a welcome or a warning, but I can say that if you are a student of the Georgetown School of Foreign Service – which my husband graduated from and may be out there somewhere – you have made the very best start.
Thanks to exceptional leaders like Dean Reardon-Anderson and an incredibly talented faculty, the Walsh School and the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy are renowned both domestically and internationally. We are fortunate to have here, in the heart of Washington, a true oasis dedicated to the discipline of critical thinking about how to solve problems instead of just complain about them – which is very good, because tonight, I have some particularly complex issues to discuss with you, all pertaining to that fascinating region we call the Middle East.
It’s no secret that we live in an era when even the most graphic images and actions can be communicated instantly around the equator and from pole to pole. Many people are not listening to this speech in this room, but they’re listening to it remotely or electronically. Because of all this, we are not easily shocked. But in recent years, we have been confronted in the Middle East by atrocities that may be remembered with bitterness for generations. We have witnessed a rise in sectarian strife that is driving a sharp wedge between the people – between people of different ethnic and religious identities. And we have seen the ugly specter of terrorism once again cast a shadow of deepest darkness from the shores of the Mediterranean to the Tigris-Euphrates Valley.
Obviously, there are many other parts of the world that demand and each day receive the attention of American leaders. But much of what we see now in the Middle East is intimately related to our shared future, and richly deserves our focus this evening.
The United States cares about the Middle East because of the economic, political, and security interests we have, the many friendships we have forged, and the rich spiritual and ethnic traditions we have inherited. The region is home to Israel, our ally, and to important partners in the Gulf. It is also a venue where the values we cherish are under intense strain. So it should not be surprising that we are both alarmed and moved to act by the upheaval that now roils these ancient lands.
America’s policy in the Middle East begins with our understanding that the problems now plaguing the region have tangled roots. The internal divides, historic rivalries, and contemporary competitions feed off of one another. Fear and anger drive too many people in too many places into the snare of zero-sum thinking, thereby fueling conflict and playing into the hands of all who would harm us.
There is a need throughout the Middle East to change course and begin moving in the direction of common ground. But quite frankly for that to happen, the region’s leaders must live up to their responsibilities. The international community must put aside its divisions and exert a more positive influence. And the United States must help to show the way.
Last Wednesday, in his dramatic speech to the nation and to the world, President Obama made clear once again where America stands. We will defend our citizens by taking the fight directly to the terrorists who threaten us. We will work in close partnership with friendly governments to enhance their capacity to counter violent extremism. We will deal with multiple challenges simultaneously, applying to each the prescriptions appropriate to each, while honoring our commitments and principles – because that, quite frankly, is what great powers do. And we will move forward with men and women in the region to fulfill the affirmative agenda: to end conflicts; improve governance; increase economic opportunities; highlight the value of education; and enhance respect for democratic institutions, including freedom of the press, religious liberty, human rights, and the rule of law.
America’s policy is to assist those who believe, as we do, that people of different nationalities, ethnicities and creeds can live alongside one another constructively and in peace. That is our vision for the future. The Middle East, like other parts of the world, has its share of dividers and destroyers. The United States casts its lot with the problem solvers, the healers and the builders.
Now, some observers will argue that any vision of inter-cultural and inter-religious cooperation in the Middle East is an illusion. We reject that, because the real illusion is to believe that lasting stability without compromise is possible. To be a builder in the Middle East is not to view the region through rose-colored glasses. It is to understand that in a place with the Middle East’s history, geography, and demographics, a healthy dose of tolerance and inter-communal give and take is essential. Efforts by one group to dominate all others, whether that group is a political party or an ethnic or religious faction, will never succeed for long. To be guided by hate is to go nowhere. That is the reality, and it is a fact on view today in many parts of the Middle East.
Consider, for example, Iraq. The previous government there failed to address the longstanding political and economic grievances of the Sunni minority. This divided the country and made it vulnerable. A terrorist group calling itself the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant took swift advantage. This past summer, ISIL fighters occupied a significant portion of Iraq, including the country’s second largest city.
President Obama responded by sending a team of U.S. military advisers to assess the situation, but he also made clear that our help could not be taken for granted. In the absence of positive political developments, military action on our part could easily have been misinterpreted as support for an unpopular and divisive government. By moving with deliberation, the President was able to observe how Iraqi leaders would face and cope with the crisis in front of them. The United States is encouraged that they chose, in accordance with constitutional procedures of Iraq, to install a new governing team pledged to a more inclusive approach.
In the months ahead, it is vital that the new leaders prevent a return to the political gridlock that opened the door to ISIL’s rise. Iraq’s neighbors must refrain from fomenting discord. And Iraqi citizens from north and south must come together, strengthen their internal institutions, and put the needs of the whole above the narrow desires of clan, creed and faction. The more effective and broadly popular Iraq’s government is, the more rapidly support for ISIL will erode, and the easier it will be for the United States and the international community to help.
On September 10th, President Obama outlined America’s strategy – as part of a broad coalition – to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL’s ability to threaten international security. That strategy is multi-dimensional and will include a systematic campaign of airstrikes and increased support for those fighting terrorists on the ground. We have already begun a concerted effort to curb ISIL’s capabilities, hinder its recruitment, shrink its territory, cut off its financing, and expose its hypocrisy. At the same time, we have also joined in providing emergency aid to the many innocent victims of ISIL’s violence.
This firm policy is a fitting response to ISIL’s loathsome ideology and tactics. Because ISIL has nothing positive to offer anyone, its method is to compel submission by spreading fear. If captives refuse to pledge allegiance, they are executed. Women are routinely raped and treated as chattel. Children are forced to become soldiers. Religious shrines are desecrated. Prisoners have been crucified and buried alive. And aid workers like David Haines and truth-telling journalists such as America’s own James Foley and Steven Sotloff are among the murdered.
When we hear ISIL’s leaders insist that their campaign of killing, mutilation, torture, rape, and slavery is in fulfillment of God’s commands, we can only reply with a diplomatic term of art: “That is garbage.” Members of ISIL are often described as “Islamic” terrorists, but that is a lazy and inaccurate description. ISIL is the enemy of all that true Islam teaches. Every state in the Middle East – in fact, all states everywhere – have reason to oppose ISIL.
Secretary Kerry has just returned from visits to Europe and the Middle East, where he found a broad array of national leaders prepared to contribute practical assistance to defeat the terrorists. In Jeddah, he joined with the representatives of ten Arab states as a – in a declaration of shared resolve. This demonstration of support is critical because it shows the galvanizing nature of the ISIL threat, and because it can help to give Sunni communities in Iraq and Syria the confidence they need to expel ISIL from their lands. The global reach of our effort will be on display in the UN Security Council when, on Friday, the Secretary chairs a high-level debate on all aspects of the Iraq crisis.
The following week, President Obama will convene a special Security Council summit to focus on the ways to halt terrorist recruitment of foreign fighters both in the Middle East and in other regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the United States. Governments and opinion leaders everywhere must convince prospective recruits that they are being asked to become murderers and dupes, not defenders of a faith. The quality that terrorist propagandists are looking for when drawing young people into their web is not courage; it is not piety; and it is certainly not an understanding of the tenets of Islam; it is the willingness to obey orders and the gullibility to believe whatever they are told. Like a pyramid scheme in the financial world – only far deadlier – ISIL and the groups like ISIL are conceived in duplicity and built on lies.
This leads to the dilemma posed by the terrible civil war in Syria, where ISIL’s ability to attract fighters surged in direct proportion to the Assad regime’s brutality.
Over the past three years, the Syrian Government’s repression has triggered one of the gravest humanitarian catastrophes in human modern history, with more than 190,000 people killed, 3 million refugees, and 6 million internally displaced people. The crisis began early in 2011 with public protests against economic hardships and corruption. Assad could have undertaken reforms but instead launched a crackdown, including and involving widespread torture and executions, indiscriminate bombing, and the deployment of chemical arms. What started as a struggle for dignity and fairness took on a sectarian edge when Assad turned for support to Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah. The political opposition, already hampered by internal divisions, became increasingly fragmented as Sunni Muslim extremists – including ISIL – saw a chance to battle their Shiite rivals. Many Syrians were caught in the crosshairs between a murderous dictator on one side and ruthless terrorists on the other.
United States policy is to provide diplomatic support and a robust training and equipment program to moderate elements of the Syrian opposition. In company with our many partners, we are enforcing strict economic sanctions against Damascus. At the UN, Ambassador Power has led a determined fight to enable the investigation of human rights abuses and the delivery of emergency aid. And over the past year, we participated in a remarkable and successful international effort to eliminate Syria’s declared arsenal of chemical weapons, thus removing 1300 tons of illicit arms, agents and precursors from the battlefield. These measures have saved lives, but a breakthrough is still needed to end the war.
Going forward, our coalition must work with all Syrians who will work with us to empower the center and weaken the extremes. That goal is achievable if we move toward it patiently and systematically; if we combine coercive measures with creative diplomacy; and if we demonstrate the kind of international cooperation that marked our effort to destroy chemical weapons. Although past diplomatic initiatives have not borne fruit, the most desirable outcome remains a negotiated political transition to a new and broadly representative government. That would be the best way to marginalize the terrorists, purge foreign fighters, enable the return of refugees, and begin a process of reconciliation. Given past horrors and present circumstances, this can only, sadly, be a gradual process. But ISIL’s emergence gives every concerned actor fresh cause to move in the right direction. This horrific circumstance is in some ways an opportunity we must seize.
Defeating violent extremists and ending Syria’s civil war are two crucial elements to the construction of a stable and forward-looking Middle East. Ensuring the wholly peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program is a third – not necessarily in any priority order.
Let me stress how significant this imperative is. An Iran armed with nuclear weapons would have the ability to project devastating power far beyond its borders, threaten Israel, and further assist violent extremists. If Tehran developed a nuclear weapon, other countries in the region might well pursue the same goal, generating a potentially catastrophic nuclear arms race and intensifying the sectarian divide that is a major source of Middle East tension.
For these reasons, President Obama has pledged that Iran will not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. Since late last year, I have been leading the U.S. negotiating team that is seeking a diplomatic path to that objective. The talks, which have been extended through November 24 and are chaired by the EU High Representative Cathy Ashton, include Iran, Germany, and the five permanent members of the Security Council. America’s purpose in the negotiation is to develop a plan of lasting duration that would block all of the Islamic Republic’s potential paths to a nuclear weapon.
Thus far, we can say on the positive side that our talks have been serious and that we have identified potential answers to some key questions. However, to get to a comprehensive agreement, we remain far apart on other core issues, including the size and scope of Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity. I fully expect in the days ahead that Iran will try to convince the world that on this pivotal matter, the status quo – or its equivalent – should be acceptable. It is not. If it were, we wouldn’t be involved in this difficult and very painstaking negotiation. The world will agree to suspend and then lift sanctions only if Iran takes convincing and verifiable steps to show that its nuclear program is and will remain entirely peaceful. We must be confident that any effort by Tehran to break out of its obligations will be so visible and time-consuming that the attempt would have no chance of success. The ideas we have presented to Iran uphold this standard, and are also fair, flexible, and consistent with Iran’s civilian nuclear needs and scientific knowhow.
As should be obvious, a peaceful solution of this issue is highly desirable because, compared to any alternative, a diplomatic outcome is more likely to be permanent and less likely to generate new risks.
A fourth challenge for builders of security in the Middle East may be the steepest of all, and that is to forge a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. The latest round of violence highlights the obstacles that exist. Leaders on both sides have questioned the sincerity of the other. The terrorist group Hamas continues to play an intentionally destructive role. And each side is under pressure to take actions that would make the restoration of confidence even less likely.
According to the – bless you. According to the cliche, those in the Middle East who are weak feel that they cannot afford to compromise, while those who are strong see no need to compromise. But weak or strong, there is no avoiding the fact that Israelis and Palestinians must live as neighbors. Most leaders understand that, which is why Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas welcomed Secretary of State Kerry’s tireless efforts to facilitate a two-state solution. But achieving such an outcome requires giving as well as taking, a reality that not everyone is yet ready to accept.
Going forward, let no one doubt that the United States will stand by its unshakable commitment to the security of Israel. We will oppose any efforts through international organizations or elsewhere to undermine Israel’s legitimacy or deny the right of the Israeli people to defend themselves by themselves. In using force, Israelis – like all nations – have a duty to abide by international law, but they also have a right to insist that missile, rocket, and terror attacks come to a permanent end.
At the same time, Israeli and Palestinian leaders have a joint responsibility – and a shared interest – in lowering tensions, countering extremism, and finding ways to cooperate where possible. The Obama Administration and its predecessors have repeatedly argued the case for Middle East peace; we believe that neither side will fully secure its legitimate goals in the absence of such an agreement. That remains our conviction, and we stand ready always to help, but it is up to the parties to act.
My remarks tonight would not be complete without a mention of Libya, where fighting among armed groups has slowed the economy, impeded the democratic transition, and created grave uncertainty about the future. Our policy is to work closely with the country’s neighbors, the UN, and our other international partners to help Libya right itself.
Here, as elsewhere in the Middle East, three fundamental needs must be met. First, those inside the country who want to build a true nation must join in support of that project. Second, those on the outside who have fueled the conflict must change course and instead collaborate to end it. And third, all must agree that Libya cannot become a safe haven for terrorists. As in Syria, the middle must find its voice and be supported against the violent extremes. In recent months, we have made progress in identifying the steps necessary for Libya to move forward, but the journey from swords to plowshares has many miles to go.
Surveying the Middle East can be disheartening, but let us not forget that even in recent memory the region has enjoyed moments of accomplishment and promise. Within the past quarter century, we have seen a broad coalition roll back a dictator’s aggression in Kuwait; we have cheered as Prime Minister Rabin and Chairman Arafat clasped hands on the White House lawn; we have observed Jordan’s King Hussein lead his people into peace with Israel; and we have watched as the tragic self-sacrifice of a Tunisian fruit peddler inspiring a democratic revolution – a revolution that is succeeding in his country and that has the potential to serve as an instructive example for others.
Today, even in nations such as Egypt where democracy’s hold is tenuous, the pressure for a more open and inclusive political system remains strong. Citizens and voters who have been given a first chance to participate democratically will never willingly forgo that right. Skeptics may argue that the so-called Arab Awakening has gone dormant, but beneath the surface, I profoundly believe that powerful new forces remain at work. These include an increasingly vibrant civil society, the expansion of social media, widening demands for official accountability, and growing support for the empowerment of women. All of this is vital, because new thinking and fresh energy are essential to brighten the region’s economic future.
The Middle East is blessed with a talented population, ample natural resources, and a genuine commitment in some countries to better education, economic diversity, and the rule of law. Aside from petroleum, however, the Middle East does not produce or export nearly enough.
The Obama Administration’s regional Trade and Investment Initiative is designed to foster growth, encourage reform, and spur innovation. The President has stated his personal commitment to the young women and men of the Middle East – to help them find the jobs they need by expanding educational exchanges, facilitating cooperation in science, and building networks of entrepreneurs. To these ends, we have enlisted the help of the American business community, academic institutions, and professional groups. This matters because prosperity in one region fuels growth elsewhere, and because economic desperation can make extreme political arguments more alluring.
Each day, millions of boys and girls sit in Middle East classrooms and absorb information about the world from their unique vantage point. Much depends on what happens when three or five or ten years from now, they leave those classrooms and take into their own hands the destiny of the region.
Will they have the incentive, the knowhow, and the chance to raise their families in dignity and hope? Will they be bridge-builders and healers who seek harmony with others? Or will they be pushed down a more twisted path?
Aside from the irreconcilable few, it is in everyone’s interest – whether Sunni, Shia, Jewish, Christian, Yezidi; Arab, Persian, Turkmen or Kurd – that the answers to those questions be the right ones.
The message I want to leave with you tonight – and you’ve been patient through this long speech – is both clear-eyed about present difficulties and realistic regarding future possibilities. We cannot afford to deceive ourselves. Violence can leave deep scars on both bodies and minds. Hatred and distrust are hard to dispel. And the politics of division are not unheard of even in America’s own great capital city.
And yet, we also know that there are many, many people in the Middle East – in and outside of government – who are searching for a better way, making connections, sharing ideas, creating new networks for peaceful change. They may not always agree with us or with each other, but they are willing to demand respect for themselves while still according respect to those with whom they do disagree. They are determined not to be prisoners of the past, but to shape the history to come; that is what “being awake” means.
Ultimately, the United States has faith that the region will emerge from its current trials with a deeper understanding of its own interest in settling disputes and rising above rancor.
We believe that progress can be made in preventing ideological and theological differences from degenerating into conflict, and that controversy about the role of religion in politics and governing can be managed.
We believe that nations that have been torn apart can knit themselves back together, as we, the United States, did long ago, and as Lebanon did after its own more recent civil war.
We believe that the battle cry of terror will be rejected because at the end of the day, it is far easier to make noise and attract a crowd than it is to transform people, however misguided, into murderers.
We believe in the future of the Middle East because we know something of the resilience of the human spirit, which along with the love of liberty and justice has sustained our own land for more than 200 years.
Equally important, we believe in the future because we have faith in all of you – the students of today, the builders, the healers, the leaders of tomorrow – not only in the Middle East but in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and across the globe. I say that not because your generation is likely to be smarter than any other; I say it because you tend to be more aware of the world around you, more comfortable with diversity in all its forms, and more conscious of the dependence we all have on one another. And in the case of this particular group, you also have the awesome advantage of being trained by the Georgetown School of Foreign Service.
On that note of hope, of you, I thank you for your hospitality, for your attention, for this honor, and in what time we have remaining to answer your questions. Thank you.
*********************
Wendy R. Sherman
Under Secretary for Political Affairs
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
September 16, 2014
Couldn't resist another 'shot', well three again as these are 'composites', so making more use of the passing 'over-head traction' in the continuing appearance of colourful HGVs speedily making their way north. On the upper, M1 deck, this time, a company known only to well around here, and elsewhere, in the form of 'D. B. Schenker', associated mainly with rail freight transport in these pictures, but here a HGV road-carrier. On the lower deck, the local A631 road, possibly hoping a 'steam train' working may be passing in need of some alerts, has, 'Whistl', on the side, just in case... and is again one of the now endless number of outfits concerned with road haulage of packets, parcels and mail... bit like the railways used to be. The back of the rear class 20, at least still looks recognisable whilst the rest of the set is covered in leaf gunk and sandite; does this not affect the operation of the machinery .. one would have thought it gets into every nook and cranny of the workings.. In the lead, on today's north-bound jaunt to Hull is DRS class 20, 20303, ex-D8127, 'Max Joule 1958-1999' with HNRC, 20314, ex-D8117, at the rear on the 4th leg of the days diagrams, 3S14, from Woodburn Junction via Rotherham Central to Hull on the north banks of the River Humber, arriving at 14:25. From there, the working heads off later this afternoon, departing at 14:59, finally arriving, without incident, at York Thrall Europa, a few minutes late at 19:28
AFRICA -Dr.C.K.Atal, United Nations consultant - Africa,1993
INTERNATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
41.INTERNATIONAL BASE – He has resided in USA (1954 to 1958) as a US resident (status green card), worked as Chairman/associate Professor grade at Nebraska, USA, and migrated to Indian citizenship, going against the trend of brain drain. He has worked for about 8 -9 years internationally as UN consultant (including 7 years in field south East Asia, base Vietnam, 1985 - 92). He has extensively travelled to 30-35 countries internationally as UN consultant, as CSIR consultant or mission consultant to major organizations in countries in Asia, SE Asia, Europe, USA, Africa etc.
42.INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCIES-(Serial no 43-65, MISSION CONSULTANT to world organizations, also See countries traveled Serial no 68). The various scientific interactions are for Eli Lilly-USA, Polish Academy of Sciences, British Council, Organization Of African Unity (OAU), West Indies, Burma Government, Vietnam Government, Bangladesh Government, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), USFDA, Soviet Academy of Sciences, University of Texas, USA (lecture at Pharmaceutical Sciences department), UK University of Exeter (Commonwealth Foundation, Univ. Grants Commission), University of Munchen, Germany, SAARC scientific conference (Sri Lanka), France, Bulgaria etc.
43.UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCIES- See details in mission consultant, UN Passport records (laissez passer).
A.WHO (Bangladesh), WHO (USA), FAO (non wood forest products), APPOINTED/SELECTED FOR UN PROJECT IN AFGHANISTAN (project postponed for technical/safety reasons due to instability in the region), UN HEADQUARTERS (VIENNA, AUSTRIA) for formulating UN projects in Vietnam,UNITED NATIONS -AFRICA (for identifying viable projects in Africa),
B.UNDP, UNIDO-VIETNAM - five United Nations projects costing approximately about 10 to 13 million US dollars.
•HERBAL-MEDICINES.
•ESSENTIAL-OILS.
•DYES-&-PIGMENTS.
•AROMA-CHEMICALS.
•HIGH VALUE ROSIN & TURPENTINE.
MISSION CONSULTANT TO MAJOR INTERNATIONAL WORLD ORGANISATIONS
CONSULTANCY, ADVISOR, PROJECT LEADER, IDENTIFYING AND IMPLEMENTING PROJECTS, TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION, SCIENTIFIC INTERACTION, FELLOWSHIP, LECTURES, CHAIRING INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES ETC
44.USA (1957-58,) - ELI LILLY SUMMER FELLOWSHIP, USA - on selection & development of high yield strains of Clavicaps purpurea and submerged culture of Clavicaps purpurea .Other visits in 1974, 1981, 1992, 2004.
45.USA,National science foundation,1974-two months
46.POLAND (Nov,1972) – POLISH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES/ INSTITUTE OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - headed by the Polish Director, Dr. Kocor (pronounced as kochur) invited Dr. Atal for lecture (Chemistry of Natural Products) & technology demonstration in several institutes of Poland in 1972. www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6506006811/
47.WEST INDIES- CARRIBEAN AREA (1979) - (expert on behalf of COMMON WEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL-BRITISH COUNCIL, TRINIDAD TOBAGO)-, Distillation techniques & technology demonstration, lectures, introduction of lemon grass oils etc.
48.GERMANY (UNIVERSITY OF MUNCHEN /MUNICH)-(Nuclear research institute) invited Dr. Atal as a solar energy consultant, visited Germany in 1978 & 1985.
49.FRANCE (1980) - STRASBOURG INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONGRESS -to chair the international conference “International Research Congress on natural products as medicinal agents”, on July, 6-12, 1980.
50.BULGARIA (1981) - SOFIA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, -to chair a session on the international conference on “Chemistry and Biotechnology of biologically active natural products” and Rose oil, on 22 Sept, 1981.
51.GREECE-delivered a special lecture at international symposium on Aromatic plants.
52.BURMA (1981) – GOVERNMENT OF BURMA (Rangoon), (presently Myanmar): To set up Menthol distillation plant , transfer of technology for production of bold crystals of Menthol from Mentha arvensis, setting up a menthol pilot plant & demonstration unit (Menthol extraction plant) and training techniques. The Pharmaceutical research Department of Central Research Organization (CRO), Burma was provided Diosgenin – Progesteron plant at Hmaw-Bi, Rangoon. www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6824106944/in/photostr... www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6970421821/in/photostream
53.USA (Oct 1981) FOUR WEEKS –He was appointed as international consultant to USA in his capacity as one of the leading world authorities on Crotalaria.
A.WHO (WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION)- World Health Organization was the primary agency to appoint him as WHO expert consultant on toxicology, particularly on Crotalaria and its toxicity and sent him to USA as consultant to other agencies.
B.USFDA (BUREAU OF FOODS, US FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION) – USFDA-Division Of Toxicology as consultant on toxicology, for division of chemistry and physics, & division of toxicology, bureau of foods, USFDA , regarding toxicity studies / human toxicity particularly by Crotalaria mixed in food chain/ Pyrrolizidine alkaloid containing seeds.
C.PAHO (PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION) - WHO appointed him as consultant on toxicology for PAHO as well as USFDA simultaneously.
54.RUSSIA AND TASHKENT, (1981) - Soviet academy of sciences: invited Dr. Atal for lecture and technology demonstration.
55.WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION
A.USA CONSULTANCY - as noted above.
B.BANGLADESH CSIR- as noted below.
56.SELECTED FOR UN PROJECT IN AFGHANISTAN (around 1983-84) –due to prevailing instability, project was suspended/postponed for safety reasons.
57.BANGLADESH GOVERNMENT (1984) - for helping Bangladesh CSIR, for technology demonstration to upgrade/modernize their Pharmaceutical formulations, like Chavanprash. (See NEXT HEADING-WHO below).
58.WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) 1984 – (Refer to Bangladesh Govt. Above) appointed him as consultant to help establish technology institutes for Bangladesh Govt. (CSIR). (See above topic).
59.UNITED KINGDOM (1984) -University of Exeter (Commonwealth Foundation / University Grants Commission) invited Dr. Atal for lecture tours. A Holland tour also was included in this tour.
60.UNITED NATIONS (VIENNA, AUSTRIA) (1984 /85) for identifying projects in developing countries like South East Asia, Vietnam. Project was handled by Mrs. Cheknovorian who offered Dr. Atal to implement these projects in Vietnam as UN chief consultant and which was soon accepted by Dr. Atal.
61.UNIDO/UNDP,VIETNAM ( BASE S. E. ASIA - seven years, 1985-1992)- For peer reviews on UN contributions by a distinguished international UN consultant, www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/5737077185/in/photostream Dr. Atal was Chief technical advisor (Chemical Technologist in UN roster) for five projects funded by United Nations costing about 11-13 million US dollars implemented and commissioned in Vietnam ( field area South East Asia). He implemented the projects successfully, on time schedule and within budget.
•PROJECT-DP/VIE/80/032-HANOI-VIETNAM,(HERBAL-MEDICINES).
•PROJECT-DP/VIE/84/010-HANOI-VIETNAM,(ESSENTIAL-OILS).
•PROJECT-DP/VIE/85/001-HO CHI MINH CITY-VIETNAM(DYES & PIGMENTS).
•PROJECT-DP/VIE/86/033-HO CHI MINH CITY - VIETNAM(AROMA CHEMICALS).
•PROJECT-DP/VIE/TECHNOLOGY FOR HIGH VALUE ROSIN & TURPENTINE. This resulted in high quality production of several natural plant based products, with huge socioeconomic and industrial benefit. The projects were successful socioeconomically. For example, in the very first year of its production, the sales of Eucalyptus oil crossed the million dollar mark in international market due to its strict quality control. Other examples include Bixa orellana (butter yellow) Berberine factories, Curcumin/ turmeric factory, dyes, essential oils, aroma chemicals, cultivation techniques, field’s establishment, and many other projects. More projects were offered to him but he returned to India
62.VIETNAM GOVERNMENT (1985-1992) Institutes of Vietnam ,examples like Institute of Materia Medica (Hanoi) headed by Madam Knu were upgraded with latest technology and scientific infrastructure at both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, all funded by UN. (Serial no 42, UNIDO/UNDP 1985-1992). He developed large cultivation farms and factories for medicinal and aromatic plants at Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), for projects like berberine from Berberis, curcumin from rhizomes of Curcuma longa / haldi and many other projects for Vietnam government. . (See above topic).
63.USA-HOUSTON TEXAS UNIVERSITY (1992) - Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences for lecture on biologically active molecules at the University institute.
64.POLISH HERBAL PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY “HERBAPOL” (post 1992) for identifying joint ventures with India, complimentary task.
65.UN - AFRICA CONSULTANCY-- FOR UN PROJECTS (1993) –See OAU BELOW www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6506000399/
66.AFRICA-ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY (OAU-1993) - to help in development of Africa by formulation of United Nations funded developmental projects in Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Maputo.(see above topic).
67.UNIDO / FAO (FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION) PROJECT - ON NON WOOD FOREST PRODUCTS - SIX MONTHS PROJECT FOR, UNITED NATIONS (1994) (FAO UN PROJECT TF/GLO/94/009/11-01) –assigned as international expert to prepare UN project lead paper /keynote address on non wood forest products for “International Symposium on Forestry” on occasion of World forestry day at Djakarta, Indonesia. The compilation is published by UN/FAO-Viale dells Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy. (International Expert Consultation on non wood forest products, 1995), article 4.2.1 (Processing, refinement and value addition of non wood forest products –T. De Silva and C.K. Atal)).
A.http://www.fao.org/docrep/v7540e/v7540e00.htm
B.http://www.fao.org/docrep/v7540e/V7540e18.htm
68.SAARC SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE (COLOMBO, SRI LANKA)–MEMBER OF INTERNATIONAL DELEGATION OF EXPERTS FROM SAARC COUNTRIES HELD AT SRI LANKA , 1995- international experts scientific conference of SAARC countries at SAARC Colombo scientific Conference held in 1995,third week of October.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
69.WORLD AUTHORITY ON CROTALARIA –
A.Solving the outbreak of mysterious Phoolan bimari disease (epidemic of swelling of body in Sarguja district in Madhya Pradesh, India). Several teams investigated this baffling disease, including All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. It was being attributed to some new disease of infectious etiology. This was solved by Dr. Atal when the cause was suspected and subsequently found to be toxicity by crotalaria seeds as food adulterant .It was covered in the national news. A team under Dr. Prabhay Singh Jamwal was deputed to the affected area with the instructions to collect all weeds in the fields particularly focusing on suspect Crotalaria. The team returned with several specimens but was unable to find Crotalaria. However on closer scrutiny the rogue plant was identified by Dr. Atal based on examination of unusually tiny but typical seeds of the plant among the sample specimens brought. Further research confirmed the toxicity due to Crotalaria plant.
B.Numerous serial research publications on Crotalaria have been published.
C.On the basis of these numerous publications , WHO appointed Dr. Atal as expert on Crotalaria toxicity and deputed him as consultant to USA, (Oct, 1981) for division of Chemistry and Physics and Division of Toxicology, Bureau of Foods, Food & Drug Administration (FDA) USA / and Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO-USA). Dr. Atal then conducted several lecture tours all over USA (wherever Toxicology work was going on) for toxic plant residues and adulteration in foods and cereals, isolation, detection of hepatotoxins in food chain, especially Crotalaria toxin which had caused morbidity / mortality in USA.
70.INTERNATIONAL IMPACT OF WORK-. Dr. Atal, a student of internationally acclaimed Pharmacognosist Prof. A.E. Schwarting (USA), has been one of the leading International multidisciplinary Pharmacognosists. He was a based internationally as green card US resident and as UN consultant for several projects internationally for about 12-13 years. He served as international multidisciplinary consultant to numerous major international organizations, world bodies, several countries and several United Nations organizations. Multiple multimillion US dollars UN projects successfully implemented/formulated by him have resulted in significant international socioeconomic benefits for the developing world like Vietnam. His drug development projects (Serial no 92-104, drug discovery) include internationally marketed formulations like Sallaki by Gufic (India, Europe, other countries) and Debelysin by Herbapol (Ukraine, Byelorussia, Poland etc). He has several “first reporting’s in the world” and new pioneering concepts in science, like discovery of plant immunomodulators (from rasayanas) and concept of bioenhancers in medical science. It has led to official launching of world’s first bioenhanced TB drug Risorine on world TB day 2011, which was also presented to world dignitary Mr. Bill Gates (Chairman, Microsoft), by Government of India at Delhi. As a world authority on Crotalaria he was invited as consultant to USA (by USFDA, PAHO, WHO) on Crotalaria toxicity. He has also held many international patents. He has also taught internationally in department of biosciences, Nebraska, USA and U. Conn, USA. His international reference books are inevitably found in libraries globally in plant research institutes and extensively quoted internationally in research studies. These are also used in post graduate Pharmacy teaching institutes all over India (refer author writer). His numerous research articles in prominent international journals are also extensively quoted internationally as references. He has been on panel of the prestigious “International Journal of Ethno-Pharmacology”, by Elsevier, Ireland. (Serial no 184-211, author, writer).He has delivered lectures in several countries, chaired international conferences and his UN compilation was presented on world forest conference at Indonesia.
COUNTRIES TRAVELLED FOR INTERNATIONAL INTERACTIONS
71.COUNTRIES TRAVELLED- Conferences, Consultancies, Lectures, Advisory, Collaborations, Travel tourism –(about 30-35 countries travelled, in alphabetical order, passport data) are Austria /Vienna-(1983, 1984, 1986, and more visits), America (USA-1954-57, 1974, 1981, 1992, 2004), Africa, Mozambique , Swaziland, Maputo, Britain (1974,1984, 1979,1992), Bulgaria / Sophia-For Rose Oil,(Sep, 1981), Burma/Rangoon(Myanmar)-(1981), Bangladesh (1984), Belgium (1958) , Canada (1974, 2004), Czechoslovakia (1978, 1981, 1993??), Cambodia / Ankorwat (1992), Egypt /Cairo-Port Said-(1954), France (1980) , Greece (1981), Germany / Munchen, Deutschland-(1978, 1985), Hungary / Budapest (1972), Hong Kong (1986, 1988), Holland (1978, 1984, 1985),Italy, Indonesia / Bali, Djakarta , Jogjakarta(1992), Lebanon , Macau (Portugal Island 1988), Marseilles /Azure Blue Coast, Philippines /Manila – (1991), Poland (1972, 1978, 1981, 1993) Pakistan- (Place Of Birth), Rome, Sri Lanka (1995), Singapore (1987, 1992), Sudan, Switzerland (1993), Tashkent, Thailand - (Multiple Visits) ,USSR / Tashkent (1981), Vietnam (Multiple), West Indies (Trinidad And Tobago-1979),Andaman Nicobar islands(India).
72.INTERNATIONAL LECTURE TOURS, KEYNOTE ADRESSES Examples include lectures in five cities and various institutes of Hungary / Warsaw, Poland on invitation from Polish academy of Organic Chemistry headed by the Director Dr. Kocor, (pronounced kochur),lecture on biologically active molecules in 1992 in Houston University, Department of Pharmaceutical sciences, Houston, Texas, USA on invitation by Dr. Vishnu Das Gupta of same department, lectures in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh) and in 1991 he accompanied Vice Minister, Ministry of Health, Vietnam Government, on a trip to India on educational, scientific tours. On 7th Feb 1991, he was a resource speaker on fractional distillation of essential oils with Mr. Salvador Fanaga and Mrs. A. Punruckvong at the Second UNIDO workshop on essential oil industry at Manilla, Philippine. He conducted several lectures in USA, Germany, UK, USSR, France, and West Indies (on essential oil distillation technology and solar drying). SEMINARS – he has organized, attended, participated and lectured in national and international seminars. Dr. Atal’s compilation/monograph on non wood forest products under UN consultancy was presented as a key note address on the World Forestry conference at Indonesia (delivered by Silva). He delivered keynote address at RRL, Jammu on event of Workshop on Radioimmunoassay, silver jubilee celebrations of RRL, Jammu, Dec, 1-6, 1982, inaugurated by Prof. J. S. Bajaj, HOD (Medicine), AIIMS, Delhi, and delivered keynote address on the first National symposium on Survey and Cultivation of edible mushrooms in India, the welcome keynote address was delivered by him. Jamia Hamdard, 2003 - Delivered keynote address at ‘Pharmacy week’ in Nov 2003 at Jamia Hamdard (newsletter , Jamia Hamdard “spreadsheet” march 2004 issue) –Theme of the week was “Pharmacists for the promotion of future free of Tobacco(page 2 Para 2- flashback). www.jamiahamdard.edu/PDF/News Letter_JH.pdf He has delivered multiple lectures on History of India, particularly Punjab history.
INDIA-SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INDIA- Tea, Hops, Rural Development Projects, Xanthotoxins, Essential Oil Industry, Mint, Agro Industries, Pharmaceutical industry, Calcium gluconaterutin, Solid herbal extracts, vanillin, liquor lignin, straw/mill board, trisodium orthophosphate, turpentine, cellulose derivatives, solar dryers, borax plant, fruit vegetable processing, chhang technology, Fisheries, aquaculture , Sericulture, Leather , Fur ,wool, suedes, chamois, Tanning, Chinchilla / rabbit farming , rabbit wool, fast growing tree species , mass forestation , large scale plantation of fast growing tree species, Willow, Cash crops, paper pulp/board technology, pine needle , pine wool, pine boards, Mushroom farming, ethnopharmacology studies, food technology, J&K Mountain Cheese (maash kalari), termite control , eradicating superstition.
In India, he has established new industries or helped transform the import dependency in some existing industries into mass production and export, leading to generation of wealth for the country, including rural society and rural based industry. This has been achieved through science and technology research and development, agro industries, drug discovery/drug development, essential oil industry, award winning work in economic transformation of rural masses, rural and industrial technology development, utilization of waste into viable useful industry with added ecological benefit, resultant benefit to the industries based on plant and rural sciences, discoveries, processes development, all plant sciences, breeding and propagation technology ,turnkey jobs etc. Rural development projects resulted in socioeconomic transformation of the rural masses which won recognition like the FICCI award presented by the honorable President of India, UN grants and several other awards. Several plant based drugs like Xanthotoxin and many others helped India become self sufficient in technology and saved the precious foreign exchange reserves, particularly in the financially stressful seventies and eighties and beyond till date. Research in Essential oils from plants particularly Mint, Ocimum, Cymbopogan, etc used in health formulations, food industry, and essential oil industry helped change the socioeconomic status of the industry as well as rural masses. Developing technology for bold crystals of mint for the first time in India and introducing high mint yielding plants resulted in a sort of green revolution in mint which is now a massive thriving industry today. Introducing and establishing expensive Hops successful in India for the first time changed the socioeconomic status of the rural people of the hills. Implementations of recommendations of Sadasivan committee, of which Dr. Atal was a core member, helped the struggling tea industry from international competition. Projects on submerged fermentation initiated in June 1975, won the Andhra Pradesh prize (Serial no 7, award section) at the import substitution competition for developing process for production of Gibberellic acid.
161.TECHNOLOGIST, SADASIVAN COMMITTEE FOR REVIVING THE INDIAN TEA INDUSTRY- appointed as a prominent member and Technologist of Sadasivan committee (1976), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India to prepare report and give recommendations for improving tea production cost effectively in the face of rising global competition (especially from countries like Kenya, Sri Lanka & Indonesia).Implemented recommendations had a very good boosting effect on the sagging tea industry, thereby rescuing the tea industry from international competition.(See Current science, Vol 81, No. 7, October 2001, page 845, last paragraph- T. S. Sadasivan - A tribute, www.iisc.ernet.in/currsci/oct102001/845.pdf www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6506102687/in/photostr... www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6970444265/in/photostream
162.ESTABLISHING NUMEROUS INDUSTRIES IN INDIA-Numerous pilot plant scale and commercial factory scale industries were established all over India based on the numerous technologies developed by RRL Jammu. (Serial no 152-159, processes developed).
163.CONSULTANCIES BY RRL ALL OVER INDIA -Examples include Calcium gluconate by fermentation (through NRDC-at Srinagar), plantation of rutin bearing Eucalyptus spp. at Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, manufacture of solid herbal extracts units (Delhi based Alok pharmaceuticals), vanillin from sawdust(Bombay), straw/mill board unit(Taran Taran, Punjab), cultivation of Clocimum and Jamrosa, downstream end products eugenol, geraniol (Jammu), cellulose derivatives esp. microcrystalline cellulose carboxymethyl cellulose (Amritsar and also Bombay), bolder crystals of menthol (Delhi), trisodium orthophosphate (Jammu), turpentine fractionating unit, liquor lignin waste from paper pulp industry (Madras), modification of resin refining kettle (Jammu).
164.INTRODUCTION OF TURN KEY SYSTEM FIRST TIME AT RRL, JAMMU -for processes developed, RRL adopted the turn key system, a useful tool to the end user (industry). www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6952344393/in/photostr... Examples are technology of Diosgenin, (Govt. of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Burmese Government provided through govt. based organization NRDC), Menthol (Burma through NRDC), Hops (J&K and Himachal Pradesh), Pine needle board (Himachal Govt), etc. The turn-key process includes providing all the steps involved to establish a location including the site selection, space utilization, technology, construction, coordination and complete working installation
165.DEVELOPMENT OF FAR FLUNG REMOTE AREAS OF JAMMU KASHMIR, INDIA- difficult or inaccessible areas like Kargil and Ladakh were provided rural training, solar dryers, borax plant, fruit vegetable processing, chhang technology (Ladakh beer),etc. www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6970221243/in/photostr...
166.JAMMU , KASHMIR AND LADAKH, INDIA (FICCI AWARD,UN GRANTS AWARD)- Numerous projects like Fisheries, aquaculture , Sericulture, Leather , Fur ,wool, suedes, chamois, Tanning, Chinchilla / rabbit farming , rabbit wool, fast growing tree species , mass forestation , large scale plantation of fast growing tree species, Willow, Cash crops, paper pulp/board technology, pine needle & pine wool, Indian mint and Hops industry(a major socioeconomic breakthrough in brewery industry), Mushroom farming, solar drying technology especially in Ladakh and far flung areas of Kargil, extraction of Borax in Ladakh (PUGA valley) using geothermal energy, agro technology, ethnopharmacology studies, food technology, J&K Mountain Cheese (maash kalari), termite control , eradicating superstition - oham shikni in some areas of J&K), use of environment friendly alternate energy, forestation drives, environment pollution control (apple pomice was a pollutant , discarded / dumped in the river Jhelum in J&K as a waste which contributed to the environmental pollution. RRL in collaboration with the Army Horse and mule division designed and set up 20 foot tall silos for fermenting the Pomace to produce nitrogen rich feed for the mules and thereby preventing river pollution).For award of UN grants for rural work in J&K, Serial no 8, award section. www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6972288641/in/photostream www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6824267612/in/photostr...
167.ESTABLISHING AND DEVELOPING FIRST HOPS INDUSTRY SUCCESSFULLY IN INDIA (JAMMU, KASHMIR & HIMACHAL)-India developed the Hops technology and established Hops industry successfully for the first time in India. As a result there was a significant saving in foreign reserve (import substitution) which was earlier consumed in import of expensive Hops. See Prof. P. N. Mehra award. www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/5782130675/sizes/l/in/... www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6506235095/in/photostream books.google.com/books?id=Y3Y_AAAAYAAJ&source=gbs_sim...
168.HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA- pine needles Fiber board factories (a first in the world), with turpentine as a parallel by product, establishing CSIR complex at Palampur (now called IHBT) in 1983, appointed as first head this institute , establishing first Hops industry in India, including Lahul area of Himachal Pradesh. Tea industry in Himachal and India was also greatly helped by the efforts of Dr. Atal (See Sadasivan committee).Rutin industry in Himachal Pradesh is mentioned in next point below.
169.BIOFLAVONOID “RUTIN INDUSTRY”- As more and more high yielding species of Eucalyptus as a source for Rutin were discovered in the world, the best raw material source came from dried E. macrorhynea leaves (10-12% w/w yield) primarily used in Australia. The Imported seeds of Eucalyptus macrorhynea were found to perform best in salubrious climate of Palampur in the state of Himachal Pradesh and the leaves were found to give higher yield of Rutin as compared to Australian raw material sources. This was a big commercial breakthrough as Indian species were very low in Rutin content and the high yielding imported variety performed equivalent or better in Indian climate .A factory for production of Rutin was set up at Dhanaulti / areas near Pathankot to supply Rutin to Pharmaceutical industry. Palampur branch of RRL played a leading role in popularizing cultivation of Eucalyptus macrorhynea for the very first time in India. (Serial no 105-112,first reporting in India). Dr. Atal also propagated the coppicing method (including Eucalyptus species) to increase the yield of plant raw material leaves tremendously contributing to further increasing the quantity of finished product.
170.SIKKIM , INDIA 1984-85, Dr. Atal was invited by the Sikkim State as a consultant to identify the raw materials, viable projects from the forest and the state with industrial potential. Several ideas and projects were identified and a project report was handed over to the Sikkim Government / Hon. Hon. Governor Shri Talae Yar Khan for implementation.
171.PIONEERING WORK IN ESSENTIAL OIL AND AROMA CHEMICAL INDUSTRY IN INDIA AND INTERNATIONALLY (AS UN CONSULTANT) - (Serial no 115,essential oils).
172.CONTRIBUTIONS IN SUCCESSFUL MINT INDUSTRY IN INDIA-( Serial no 115, Essential oils). Dr. Atal developed and promoted technology for manufacture of bold crystals of mint / mark into boards, a big boost to the mint industry in India. Japanese mint industry became “Rs 100 million” industry by the beginning of 1980’s, and the Tarai area of UP state alone was a 10 crore per annum industry in the mid eighties. India became self sufficient in mint in mid 1980’s. Today China and India are world leaders in mint after further boosting efforts put in by CIMAP in the nineteen nineties. Japanese mint has become the single largest essential oil crop of the country. He also was appointed as international consultant in mint technology in 1981(Burma).
173.DEVELOPMENT OF MINT INDUSTRY IN BURMA 1981–invited as CSIR consultant to the Burmese Government on the mint technology, Menthol distillation plant, transfer of technology for production of bold crystals of Menthol from Mentha arvensis, setting up a pilot plant / demonstration unit (Menthol extraction plant) and imparting training techniques to Burmese scientists.
174.DIOSGENIN INDUSTRY IN INDIA - Dioscorea deltoidea and solasodine as new source of production of Diosgenin, a steroidal compound which is the feed raw material for synthetic production a variety of many steroidal hormones. Diosgenin ex D. deltoida & D. mexicana for supply of diosgenin as a raw material to Pharmaceutical industry for manufacture of steroidal therapeutic agents –several factories were set up for commercial production of diosgenin with technical knowhow ,establishing turnkey projects with chemical engineering know how, particularly 16-DP technologies were transferred to government of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
175.DIOSGENIN TECHNOLOGY / INDUSTRY IN BURMA 1981- Pharmaceutical research Department of Central Research Organization, Burma was provided Diosgenin –Progesterone plant and technology at Hmaw-Bi, Rangoon. www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6970421821/in/photostr...
176.UN CONSULTANT TO BANGLADESH GOVERNMENT, 1984 - for helping Bangladesh CSIR, for technology demonstration, for upgrading/modernising their Pharmaceutical formulations, examples like chavanprash. repository.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/14829
177.PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY)- DRUGS IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MARKET– Sallaki (Gufic pharmaceutical company -India and international marketing), two Antitubercular formulations Risorine / Risorine kit (Cadila Pharma), Debelysin(Herbapol of Poland, international marketing),Livzone(Hind Chemicals),and others. (see details in drug discovery).
178.CONSULTANT TO UN HEAD OFFICE AT VIENNA, AUSTRIA- 1984 –for formulating projects for Vietnam.
179.CONSULTANT FOR UNDP, UNIDO AND VIETNAM GOVERNMENT –for implementing multiple multimillion US dollars projects in Vietnam.
180.UNITED NATIONS – RRL, JAMMU TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER-pilot plants based on technologies developed at RRL, Jammu under Dr. Atal for distillation and fractionation of Aroma chemicals and natural dyes were later fabricated, Installed and commissioned on turnkey basis under UNIDO projects implemented at Vietnam under Dr. Atal.
181.UN CONSULTANCY FOR PROJECTS IN AFRICA -1993 – for projects recommendations in African countries.
182.ANDAMAN NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA –Prepared a report on viability of large scale herbal farms (medicinal and aromatic) in Andaman Nicobar islands, Port Blair (1993), as a part of consultancy for Khaitan Industries.
183.INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES -many scientific exchange programmes were organized between Vietnam, United Nations, India and many other countries. Similarly these were also carried out in his capacity as director of RRL Jammu, like the Soviet delegation of Pharmaceutical experts under Mr. A. I. Vinogradov visited RRL in March 1982 and appreciated the work done at RRL.
184.SOME SIGNIFICANT TECHNOLOGIES DISCUSSED ELSEWHERE
A.Xanthotoxins from two plant sources – till early 1970s it was being imported into India. After technology was developed by Dr. Atal, it led to a significant savings in import and is being exported to European and other countries. See first reporting in India.
B.Submerged Culture, Gluconates, Giberellins Etc – Significant savings in import, See Award section.
C.Conversions of waste into viable utilizable Industry- Serial no 142-146, environment conservation, See first reporting in the world, See FICCI Award.
In yet another back-the-war effort, Anna Mae Wong leads a group of resistance fighters against the occupation of China by the Japanese.
Though cheaply produced in the time-honored tradition of PRC Productions, The Lady from Chungking was nothing if not timely. Anna May Wong heads the cast as Kwan Mei, the aristocratic leader of a band of Chinese partisans. Operating secretly, Kwan Mei's compatriots wage vicious guerilla warfare against the occupying Japanese troops. The oddly chosen supporting cast includes Harold Huber as a Japanese general and Mae Clarke as White Russian patriot; the nominal leading men, are pair of downed Flying Tigers pilots, are played by general-purpose actors Ric Vallin and Paul Bryar. The second of Anna May Wong's films for PRC, The Lady from Chungking was a distinct step down from the first, Bombs over Burma, which benefited from the directorial knowhow of Joseph H. Lewis.
FIRST ASIAN AMERICAN STAR!
Written by PHILIP LEIBFRIED
Her complexion was described as "a rose blushing through old ivory;" she was beautiful, tall (5'7"), slender, and Chinese-American. The last fact kept her from attaining the highest echelon among Hollywood's pantheon of stars, but it did not affect her popularity, nor keep her from becoming a household name. She was Anna May Wong, nee Wong Liu Tsong, a name which translates to "Frosted Yellow Willows," and she was born, appropriately enough, on Flower Street in Los Angeles' Chinatown on 3 January 1905, above her father's laundry. Anna May Wong's contribution to show business is a unique one; she was the first Asian female to become a star, achieving that stardom at a time when bias against her race was crushing. With determination and talent allied to her exotic beauty, she remained the only Asian female star throughout her forty-year career, never fully overcoming all prejudices in maintaining that position. Perhaps the rediscovery of her art will elevate her star to the pantheon of great performers and serve as a guiding light to Asian performers who still struggle to find their rightful place. Anna May Wong's life and career is something that is important for all who value greatly the Asian / Asian Pacific American communities' many artists and what we can all contribute!
Excerpt from : That Old Feeling: Anna May Wong
Part II of Richard Corliss' tribute to the pioneer Chinese-American star.
Daughter of the Dragon. Paramount 1931.
Based on a Fu Manchu novel by Sax Rohmer.
Daughter of the Dragon extended the curse sworn by Dr. Fu on the Petrie family to the next generation. Fu Manchu (Warner Oland), long ago injured and exiled in an attempt on Petrie Sr., returns to London and confronts the father: "In the 20 years I have fought to live," he says in his florid maleficence, "the thought of killing you and your son has been my dearest nurse." He kills the father, is mortally wounded himself and, on his deathbed, reveals his identity to his daughter Ling Moy (Wong) and elicits her vow that she will "cancel the debt" to the Fu family honor and murder the son, Ronald (Bramwell Fletcher)... who, dash it all, is madly infatuated with Ling Moy. Ronald has seen "Princess Ling Moy Celebrated Oriental Dancer" perform, and the vision has made him woozy. "I wish I could find a word to describe her," this calf-man effuses. "Exotic that's the word! And she's intriguing, if you know what I mean." In a near-clinch, Ling Moy wonders if a Chinese woman can appeal to a British toff. When he begs her to "chuck everything and stay," she asks him, "If I stayed, would my hair ever become golden curls, and my skin ivory, like Ronald's?" But the lure of the exotic is hard to shake. "Strange," he says, "I prefer yours. I shall never forget your hair and your eyes." They almost kiss ... when an off-camera scream shakes him out of his dream. It is from his girlfriend Joan (Frances Dade), and the societal message is as clear and shrill: white woman alerting white man to treachery of yellow woman. Ling Moy, a nice girl, previously unaware of her lineage, might be expected to struggle, at least briefly, with the shock of her identity and the dreadful deed her father obliges her to perform. But Wong makes an instant transformation, hissing, "The blood is mine. The hatred is mine. The vengeance shall be mine." Just before his death, Fu mourns that he has no son to kill Ronald. But, in a good full-throated reading, Wong vows: "Father, father, I will be your son. I will be your son!" The audience then has the fun of watching her stoke Ronald's ardor while plotting his death. When she is with him, pleading and salesmanship radiate from her bigeyes. But when an ally asks her why she keeps encouraging the lad, she sneers and says, "I am giving him a beautiful illusion. Which I shall crush." As a villainess, she is just getting started. Revealing her mission to Ronald, she tells him she plans to kill Joan "Because you must have a thousand bitter tastes of death before you die." (The ripe dialogue is by Hollywood neophyte Sidney Buchman, whose distinguished list of credits would include Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Here Comes Mr Jordan and The Talk of the Town.) She soon ascends on a geyser of madness as she decides on a new torture: "My vengeance is inspired tonight. You will first have the torture of seeing her beauty eaten slowly away by this hungry acid." An aide holds a hose gadget over Joan's soon-to-be-corroded face, and Ronald cries for Ling Moy to stop. Very well she says. "Ling Moy is merciful." She barks at Ronald: "Kill her!" He must decide if his favorite white girl is to be etched with acid or stabbed to death. Great stuff! Melodrama is the art of knowing how precisely too far to goThe film is a triangle: not so much of Ling Moy, Ronald and Joan as of Ling Moy, Ronald and a Chinese detective, Ah Kee, played by Sessue Hayakawa, the Japanese actor who in the teens was Hollywood's first Asian male star. He's not plausibly Chinese here, and he is in a constant, losing battle with spoken English. But he is a part of movie history, in the only studio film of the Golden Age to star two ethnically Asian actors. And he gives his emotive all to such lines as "It is the triumph of irony that the only woman I have ever deeply loved should be born of the blood that I loathe." And in the inevitable double-death finale neither the villainess nor the noble detective can survive the machinations of Hollywood justice he gently caresses the long hair of the lady he would love to have loved. "Flower Ling Moy," he says, a moment before expiring. "A flower need not love, but only be loved. As Ah Kee loved you."
The Personal Anna May Wong
This 5'7 beauty loved to study and could speak in an English accent, as well as being fluent in German and French with more than a passing knowledge of other tongues including Italian and Yiddish. For exercise she rode horses, played golf, and tennis. She liked to cook and regaled her guests with succulent Chinese dishes at frequent dinner parties. She preferred casual clothes, wearing slacks and sweaters at home, but cultivated an oriental motif in her very smart formal wardrobe. She studied singing with Welsh tenor Parry Jones before she participated in the film Limehouse Blues as George Raft's mistress. Anna loved to dance to contemporary music. Anna was quoted as saying, "I think I got my first chance because they thought I was peculiar. But, now I like to believe that the public are fond of me because they think I'm nice."
The story of Anna May Wong’s life traced the arc of triumph and tragedy that marked so many of her films. Wong's youthful ambition and screen appeal got her farther than anyone else of her race. But her race, or rather Hollywood's and America's fear of giving Chinese and other non-whites the same chance as European Americans, kept her from reaching the Golden Mountaintop. We can be startled and impressed by the success she, alone, attained. And still weask: Who knows what Anna May Wong could have been allowed to achieve if she
had been Anna May White?
Anna May Wong passed away on Feb. 3rd 1961 she was 56 years old.
Filmography:
The Red Lantern. Metro 1919. The First Born. Robertson Cole 1921.
Shame. Fox 1921. Bits of Life. Assoc. First National 1921.
The First Born. Robertson Cole 1921. Thundering Dawn. Universal 1923
The Toll of the Sea. Metro 1922 Drifting. Universal 1923 Fifth Avenue. PRC 1926.
Lillies of the Field. Assoc. First National 1924. The Thief of Bagdad. United Artists 1924
The Fortieth Door. Pathé serial 1924. The Alaskan. Paramount 1924.
Peter Pan. Paramount 1924. Forty Winks. Paramount 1925.
The Silk Bouquet/The Dragon Horse. Hi Mark Prod. 1926 The Desert's Toll. MGM 1926.
A Trip to Chinatown. Fox 1926. The Chinese Parrot. Universal. 1927.
Driven from Home. Chadwick 1927. Mr. Wu. MGM 1927.
Old San Francisco. Warner Bros. 1927. Why Girls Love Sailors. Pathé short 1927.
The Devil Dancer. United Artists 1927. Streets of Shanghai. Tiffany 1927.
Across to Singapore. MGM 1928. Pavement Butterfly (aka City Butterfly).
The City Butterfly. German 1929. Across to Singapore. MGM 1928.
The Crimson City. Warner Bros. 1928. Song. German 1928
Chinatown Charlie. First National 1928. Piccadilly, British International 1929.
Elstree Calling. British International 1930. The Flame of Love. British International 1930.
Hay Tang. German 1930. L'Amour Maitre Des Choses. French 1930.
Daughter of the Dragon. Paramount 1931. Shanghai Express. Paramount 1932.
A Study in Scarlet. World Wide 1933. Tiger Bay. Associated British 1933.
Chu Chin Chow. Gaumont 1934. Java Head. Associated British 1934.
Limehouse Blues. Paramount 1934. Daughter of Shanghai. Paramount 1937.
Hollywood Party. MGM short subject 1937. Dangerous to Know. Paramount 1938.
The Toll of the Sea. Metro 1922. The Thief of Bagdad 1924
Shanghai Express 1932
Jetzt hatte ich endlich Zeit und das nötige KnowHow, dieses Panorama zusammen zu bauen... Aufgenommen habe ich das Panorama am 08. August 2013. Mit dem Einbeinstativ in Kombination mit Nodalpunktadapter und einer Libelle. Da noch mit der D90 und dem 10.5 mm Fishauge. War kalt und windig wie S...
Dieses Bild findet ihr auch unter:
Chassis n° 1002
24 Hrs du Mans 1970
Ferrari 512 S Spyder
n° 9
Team : Escuderia Montjuich (E)
Result : Not finished
Grid : 24th (3:39.900)
Engine : Ferrari 512 V12 - 4.994 cc
José Juncadella (E)
Juan Fernandez (E)
24 Hrs du Mans 1971
Ferrari 512 M
n° 15
Team : Escuderia Montjuich (E)
Result : Not finished
Grid : 6th (3:18.700)
Engine : Ferrari 512 V12 - 4.994 cc
José Juncadella (E)
Nino Vaccarella (I)
From wind Tunnel.
In this era aerodynamicists' knowhow exploded. In 1971, with the latest advances the 512 S (Sport) became the 512 M (Modificata). Maranello provided bodywork for privateers like the Catalonian Scuderia Montjuich, which ran this car at Le Mans twice. It came 2nd in the 1971 Tour de France Auto driven by Jabouille and Juncadella.
Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans : the Prototypes Closed Cars
Private Collection
Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille
Château de Chantilly
Chantilly
France - Frankrijk
September 2017
NO EDIT
photographer: BRITA LIGHT
grant photos
Are We Witnessing the Start of a Global Revolution?
North Africa and the Global Political Awakening, Part 1
by Andrew Gavin Marshall
For the first time in human history almost all of humanity is politically activated, politically conscious and politically interactive... The resulting global political activism is generating a surge in the quest for personal dignity, cultural respect and economic opportunity in a world painfully scarred by memories of centuries-long alien colonial or imperial domination... The worldwide yearning for human dignity is the central challenge inherent in the phenomenon of global political awakening... That awakening is socially massive and politically radicalizing... The nearly universal access to radio, television and increasingly the Internet is creating a community of shared perceptions and envy that can be galvanized and channeled by demagogic political or religious passions. These energies transcend sovereign borders and pose a challenge both to existing states as well as to the existing global hierarchy, on top of which America still perches...
The youth of the Third World are particularly restless and resentful. The demographic revolution they embody is thus a political time-bomb, as well... Their potential revolutionary spearhead is likely to emerge from among the scores of millions of students concentrated in the often intellectually dubious "tertiary level" educational institutions of developing countries. Depending on the definition of the tertiary educational level, there are currently worldwide between 80 and 130 million "college" students. Typically originating from the socially insecure lower middle class and inflamed by a sense of social outrage, these millions of students are revolutionaries-in-waiting, already semi-mobilized in large congregations, connected by the Internet and pre-positioned for a replay on a larger scale of what transpired years earlier in Mexico City or in Tiananmen Square. Their physical energy and emotional frustration is just waiting to be triggered by a cause, or a faith, or a hatred...
[The] major world powers, new and old, also face a novel reality: while the lethality of their military might is greater than ever, their capacity to impose control over the politically awakened masses of the world is at a historic low. To put it bluntly: in earlier times, it was easier to control one million people than to physically kill one million people; today, it is infinitely easier to kill one million people than to control one million people.[1]
- Zbigniew Brzezinski
Former U.S. National Security Advisor
Co-Founder of the Trilateral Commission
Member, Board of Trustees, Center for Strategic and International Studies
An uprising in Tunisia led to the overthrow of the country’s 23-year long dictatorship of President Ben Ali. A new ‘transitional’ government was formed, but the protests continued demanding a totally new government without the relics of the previous tyranny. Protests in Algeria have continued for weeks, as rage mounts against rising food prices, corruption and state oppression. Protests in Jordan forced the King to call on the military to surround cities with tanks and set up checkpoints. Tens of thousands of protesters marched on Cairo demanding an end to the 30-year dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak. Thousands of activists, opposition leaders and students rallied in the capitol of Yemen against the corrupt dictatorship of President Saleh, in power since 1978. Saleh has been, with U.S. military assistance, attempting to crush a rebel movement in the north and a massive secessionist movement growing in the south, called the “Southern Movement.” Protests in Bolivia against rising food prices forced the populist government of Evo Morales to backtrack on plans to cut subsidies. Chile erupted in protests as demonstrators railed against rising fuel prices. Anti-government demonstrations broke out in Albania, resulting in the deaths of several protesters.
It seems as if the world is entering the beginnings of a new revolutionary era: the era of the ‘Global Political Awakening.’ While this ‘awakening’ is materializing in different regions, different nations and under different circumstances, it is being largely influenced by global conditions. The global domination by the major Western powers, principally the United States, over the past 65 years, and more broadly, centuries, is reaching a turning point. The people of the world are restless, resentful, and enraged. Change, it seems, is in the air. As the above quotes from Brzezinski indicate, this development on the world scene is the most radical and potentially dangerous threat to global power structures and empire. It is not a threat simply to the nations in which the protests arise or seek change, but perhaps to a greater degree, it is a threat to the imperial Western powers, international institutions, multinational corporations and banks that prop up, arm, support and profit from these oppressive regimes around the world. Thus, America and the West are faced with a monumental strategic challenge: what can be done to stem the Global Political Awakening? Zbigniew Brzezinski is one of the chief architects of American foreign policy, and arguably one of the intellectual pioneers of the system of globalization. Thus, his warnings about the 'Global Political Awakening' are directly in reference to its nature as a threat to the prevailing global hierarchy. As such, we must view the 'Awakening' as the greatest hope for humanity. Certainly, there will be mainy failures, problems, and regressions; but the 'Awakening' has begun, it is underway, and it cannot be so easily co-opted or controlled as many might assume.
The reflex action of the imperial powers is to further arm and support the oppressive regimes, as well as the potential to organize a destabilization through covert operations or open warfare (as is being done in Yemen). The alterantive is to undertake a strategy of "democratization" in which Western NGOs, aid agencies and civil society organizations establish strong contacts and relationships with the domestic civil society in these regions and nations. The objective of this strategy is to organize, fund and help direct the domestic civil society to produce a democratic system made in the image of the West, and thus maintain continuity in the international hierarchy. Essentially, the project of "democratization" implies creating the outward visible constructs of a democratic state (multi-party elections, active civil society, "independent" media, etc) and yet maintain continuity in subservience to the World Bank, IMF, multinational corporations and Western powers.
It appears that both of these strategies are being simultaneously imposed in the Arab world: enforcing and supporting state oppression and building ties with civil society organizations. The problem for the West, however, is that they have not had the ability to yet establish strong and dependent ties with civil society groups in much of the region, as ironically, the oppressive regimes they propped up were and are unsurprisingly resistant to such measures. In this sense, we must not cast aside these protests and uprisings as being instigated by the West, but rather that they emerged organically, and the West is subsequently attempting to co-opt and control the emerging movements.
Part 1 of this essay focuses on the emergence of these protest movements and uprisings, placing it in the context of the Global Political Awakening. Part 2 will examine the West's strategy of "democratic imperialism" as a method of co-opting the 'Awakening' and installing "friendly" governments.
The Tunisian Spark
A July 2009 diplomatic cable from America’s Embassy in Tunisia reported that, “many Tunisians are frustrated by the lack of political freedom and angered by First Family corruption, high unemployment and regional inequities. Extremism poses a continuing threat,” and that, “the risks to the regime’s long-term stability are increasing.”[2]
On Friday, 14 January 2011, the U.S.-supported 23-year long dictatorship of Tunisian president Ben Ali ended. For several weeks prior to this, the Tunisian people had risen in protest against rising food prices, stoked on by an immense and growing dissatisfaction with the political repression, and prodded by the WikiLeaks cables confirming the popular Tunisian perception of gross corruption on the part of the ruling family. The spark, it seems, was when a 26-year old unemployed youth set himself on fire in protest on December 17.
With the wave of protests sparked by the death of the 26-year old who set himself on fire on December 17, the government of Tunisia responded by cracking down on the protesters. Estimates vary, but roughly 100 people were killed in the clashes. Half of Tunisia’s 10 million people are under the age of 25, meaning that they have never known a life in Tunisia outside of living under this one dictator. Since Independence from the French empire in 1956, Tunisia has had only two leaders: Habib Bourguiba and Ben Ali.[3] The Tunisian people were rising up against a great many things: an oppressive dictatorship which has employed extensive information and internet censorship, rising food prices and inflation, a corrupt ruling family, lack of jobs for the educated youth, and a general sense and experience of exploitation, subjugation and disrespect for human dignity.
Following the ouster of Ben Ali, Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi assumed presidential power and declared a “transitional government.” Yet, this just spurred more protests demanding his resignation and the resignation of the entire government. Significantly, the trade union movement had a large mobilizing role in the protests, with a lawyers union being particularly active during the initial protests Social media and the Internet did play a large part in mobilizing people within Tunisia for the uprising, but it was ultimately the result of direct protests and action which led to the resignation of Ben Ali. Thus, referring to Tunisia as a “Twitter Revolution” is disingenuous.
Twitter, WikiLeaks, Facebook, Youtube, forums and blogs did have a part to play. They reflect the ability “to collectively transform the Arab information environment and shatter the ability of authoritarian regimes to control the flow of information, images, ideas and opinions.”[5] [Editors Note: The US based foundation Freedom House was involved in promoting and training some Middle East North Africa Facebook and Twitter bloggers (See also Freedom House), M. C.].
We must also keep in mind that social media has not only become an important source of mobilization of activism and information at the grassroots level, but it has also become an effective means for governments and various power structures to seek to manipulate the flow of information. This was evident in the 2009 protests in Iran, where social media became an important avenue through which the Western nations were able to advance their strategy of supporting the so-called 'Green Revolution' in destabilizing the Iranian government. Thus, social media has presented a new form of power, neither black nor white, in which it can be used to either advance the process of the 'Awakening' or control its direction.
Whereas America was publicly denouncing Iran for blocking (or attempting to block) social media in the summer of 2009, during the first several weeks of Tunisian protests (which were largely being ignored by Western media), America and the West were silent about censorship.[6] Steven Cook, writing for the elite U.S. think tank, the Council on Foreign Relations, commented on the lack of attention being paid to the Tunisian protests in the early weeks of resistance prior to the resignation of Ben Ali. He explained that while many assume that the Arab “strongmen” regimes will simply maintain power as they always have, this could be mistaken. He stated that, “it may not be the last days of Ben Ali or Mubarak or any other Middle Eastern strongman, but there is clearly something going on in the region.” However, it was the end of Ben Ali, and indeed, “there is clearly something going on in the region.”[7]
France’s President Sarkozy has even had to admit that, “he had underestimated the anger of the Tunisian people and the protest movement that ousted President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.” During the first few weeks of protests in Tunisia, several French government officials were publicly supporting the dictatorship, with the French Foreign Minister saying that France would lend its police “knowhow” to help Ben Ali in maintaining order.[8]
Days before the ouster of Ben Ali, Hillary Clinton gave an interview in which she explained how America was worried “about the unrest and the instability,” and that, “we are not taking sides, but we are saying we hope that there can be a peaceful resolution. And I hope that the Tunisian Government can bring that about.” Clinton further lamented, “One of my biggest concerns in this entire region are the many young people without economic opportunities in their home countries.”[9] Her concern, of course, does not spur from any humanitarian considerations, but rather from inherent imperial considerations: it is simply harder to control a region of the world erupting in activism, uprisings and revolution.
The Spark Lights a Flame
Tunisia has raised the bar for the people across the Arab world to demand justice, democracy, accountability, economic stability, and freedom. Just as Tunisia’s protests were in full-swing, Algeria was experiencing mass protests, rising up largely as a result of the increasing international food prices, but also in reaction to many of the concerns of the Tunisian protesters, such as democratic accountability, corruption and freedom. A former Algerian diplomat told Al-Jazeera in early January that, “It is a revolt, and probably a revolution, of an oppressed people who have, for 50 years, been waiting for housing, employment, and a proper and decent life in a very rich country.”[10]
In mid-January, similar protests erupted in Jordan, as thousands took to the streets to protest against rising food prices and unemployment, chanting anti-government slogans. Jordan’s King Abdullah II had “set up a special task force in his palace that included military and intelligence officials to try to prevent the unrest from escalating further,” which had tanks surrounding major cities, with barriers and checkpoints established.[11]
In Yemen, the poorest nation in the Arab world, engulfed in a U.S. sponsored war against its own people, ruled by a dictator who has been in power since 1978, thousands of people protested against the government, demanding the dictator Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down. In the capitol city of Sanaa, thousands of students, activists and opposition groups chanted slogans such as, “Get out get out, Ali. Join your friend Ben Ali.”[12] Yemen has been experiencing much turmoil in recent years, with a rebel movement in the North fighting against the government, formed in 2004; as well as a massive secessionist movement in the south, called the “Southern Movement,” fighting for liberation since 2007. As the Financial Times explained:
Many Yemen observers consider the anger and secessionist sentiment now erupting in the south to be a greater threat to the country’s stability than its better publicised struggle with al-Qaeda, and the deteriorating economy is making the tension worse.
Unemployment, particularly among the young, is soaring. Even the government statistics office in Aden puts it at nearly 40 per cent among men aged 20 to 24
On January 21, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Albania, mobilized by the socialist opposition, ending with violent clashes between the police and protesters, leading to the deaths of three demonstrators. The protests have been sporadic in Albania since the widely contested 2009 elections, but took on new levels inspired by Tunisia.[14]
Israeli Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom stressed concern over the revolutionary sentiments within the Arab world, saying that, “I fear that we now stand before a new and very critical phase in the Arab world.” He fears Tunisia would “set a precedent that could be repeated in other countries, possibly affecting directly the stability of our system.”[15] Israel’s leadership fears democracy in the Arab world, as they have a security alliance with the major Arab nations, who, along with Israel itself, are American proxy states in the region. Israel maintains civil – if not quiet – relationships with the Arab monarchs and dictators. While the Arab states publicly criticize Israel, behind closed doors they are forced to quietly accept Israel’s militarism and war-mongering, lest they stand up against the superpower, America. Yet, public opinion in the Arab world is extremely anti-Israel, anti-American and pro-Iran.
In July of 2010, the results of a major international poll were released regarding public opinion in the Arab world, polling from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. Among some of the notable findings: while Obama was well received upon entering the Presidency, with 51% expressing optimism about U.S. policy in the region in the Spring of 2009, by Summer 2010, 16% were expressing optimism. In 2009, 29% of those polled said a nuclear-armed Iran would be positive for the region; in 2010, that spiked to 57%, reflecting a very different stance from that of their governments.[16]
While America, Israel and the leaders of the Arab nations claim that Iran is the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Middle East, the Arab people do not agree. In an open question asking which two countries pose the greatest threat to the region, 88% responded with Israel, 77% with America, and 10% with Iran.[17]
At the Arab economic summit shortly following the ousting of Ben Ali in Tunisia, who was for the first time absent from the meetings, the Tunisian uprising hung heavy in the air. Arab League leader Amr Moussa said in his opening remarks at the summit, “The Tunisian revolution is not far from us,” and that, “the Arab citizen entered an unprecedented state of anger and frustration,” noting that "the Arab soul is broken by poverty, unemployment and general recession.” The significance of this ‘threat’ to the Arab leaders cannot be understated. Out of roughly 352 million Arabs, 190 million are under the age of 24, with nearly three-quarters of them unemployed. Often, “the education these young people receive doesn't do them any good because there are no jobs in the fields they trained for.”[18]
There was even an article in the Israeli intellectual newspaper, Ha’aretz, which posited that, “Israel may be on the eve of revolution.” Explaining, the author wrote that:
Israeli civil society organizations have amassed considerable power over the years; not only the so-called leftist organizations, but ones dealing with issues like poverty, workers' rights and violence against women and children. All of them were created in order to fill the gaps left by the state, which for its part was all too happy to continue walking away from problems that someone else was there to take on. The neglect is so great that Israel's third sector - NGOs, charities and volunteer organizations - is among the biggest in the world. As such, it has quite a bit of power.[19]
Now the Israeli Knesset and cabinet want that power back; yet, posits the author, they “have chosen to ignore the reasons these groups became powerful,” namely:
The source of their power is the vacuum, the criminal policies of Israel's governments over the last 40 years. The source of their power is a government that is evading its duties to care for all of its citizens and to end the occupation, and a Knesset that supports the government instead of putting it in its place.[20]
The Israeli Knesset opened investigations into the funding of Israeli human rights organizations in a political maneuver against them. However, as one article in Ha’aretz by an Israeli professor explained, these groups actually – inadvertently – play a role in “entrenching the occupation.” As the author explained:
Even if the leftist groups' intention is to ensure upholding Palestinian rights, though, the unintentional result of their activity is preserving the occupation. Moderating and restraining the army's activity gives it a more human and legal facade. Reducing the pressure of international organizations, alongside moderating the Palestinian population's resistance potential, enable the army to continue to maintain this control model over a prolonged period of time.[21]
Thus, if the Israeli Knesset succeeds in getting rid of these powerful NGOs, they sow the seeds for the pressure valve in the occupied territories to be removed. The potential for massive internal protests within Israel from the left, as well as the possibility of another Intifada – uprising – in the occupied territories themselves would seem dramatically increased. Israel and the West have expressed how much distaste they hold for democracy in the region. When Gaza held a democratic election in 2006 and elected Hamas, which was viewed as the ‘wrong’ choice by Israel and America, Israel imposed a ruthless blockade of Gaza. Richard Falk, the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Inquiry Commission for the Palestinian territories, wrote an article for Al Jazeera in which he explained that the blockade:
unlawfully restricted to subsistence levels, or below, the flow of food, medicine, and fuel. This blockade continues to this day, leaving the entire Gazan population locked within the world's largest open-air prison, and victimized by one of the cruelest forms of belligerent occupation in the history of warfare.[22]
The situation in the occupied territories is made increasingly tense with the recent leaking of the “Palestinian Papers,” which consist of two decades of secret Israeli-Palestinian accords, revealing the weak negotiating position of the Palestinian Authority. The documents consist largely of major concessions the Palestinian Authority was willing to make “on the issues of the right of return of Palestinian refugees, territorial concessions, and the recognition of Israel.” Among the leaks, Palestinian negotiators secretly agreed to concede nearly all of East Jerusalem to Israel. Further, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (favoured by Israel and America over Hamas), was personally informed by a senior Israeli official the night before Operation Cast Lead, the December 2008 and January 2009 Israeli assault on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians: “Israeli and Palestinian officials reportedly discussed targeted assassinations of Hamas and Islamic Jihad activists in Gaza.”[23]
Hamas has subsequently called on Palestinian refugees to protest over the concessions regarding the ‘right of return’ for refugees, of which the negotiators conceded to allowing only 100,000 of 5 million to return to Israel.[24] A former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Egypt lamented that, “The concern will be that this might cause further problems in moving forward.”[25] However, while being blamed for possibly preventing the “peace process” from moving forward, what the papers reveal is that the “peace process” itself is a joke. The Palestinian Authority’s power is derivative of the power Israel allows it to have, and was propped up as a method of dealing with an internal Palestinian elite, thus doing what all colonial powers have done. The papers, then, reveal how the so-called Palestinian ‘Authority’ does not truly speak or work for the interests of the Palestinian people. And while this certainly will divide the PA from Hamas, they were already deeply divided as it was. Certainly, this will pose problems for the “peace process,” but that’s assuming it is a ‘peaceful’ process in the first part.
Is Egypt on the Edge of Revolution?
Unrest is even spreading to Egypt, personal playground of U.S.-supported and armed dictator, Hosni Mubarak, in power since 1981. Egypt is the main U.S. ally in North Africa, and has for centuries been one of the most important imperial jewels first for the Ottomans, then the British, and later for the Americans. With a population of 80 million, 60% of which are under the age of 30, who make up 90% of Egypt’s unemployed, the conditions are ripe for a repeat in Egypt of what happened in Tunisia.[26]
On January 25, 2011, Egypt experienced its “day of wrath,” in which tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets to protest against rising food prices, corruption, and the oppression of living under a 30-year dictatorship. The demonstrations were organized through the use of social media such as Twitter and Facebook. When the protests emerged, the government closed access to these social media sites, just as the Tunisian government did in the early days of the protests that led to the collapse of the dictatorship. As one commentator wrote in the Guardian:
Egypt is not Tunisia. It’s much bigger. Eighty million people, compared with 10 million. Geographically, politically, strategically, it's in a different league – the Arab world's natural leader and its most populous nation. But many of the grievances on the street are the same. Tunis and Cairo differ only in size. If Egypt explodes, the explosion will be much bigger, too.[27]
In Egypt, “an ad hoc coalition of students, unemployed youths, industrial workers, intellectuals, football fans and women, connected by social media such as Twitter and Facebook, instigated a series of fast-moving, rapidly shifting demos across half a dozen or more Egyptian cities.” The police responded with violence, and three protesters were killed. With tens of thousands of protesters taking to the streets, Egypt saw the largest protests in decades, if not under the entire 30-year reign of President Mubarak. Is Egypt on the verge of revolution? It seems too soon to tell. Egypt, it must be remembered, is the second major recipient of U.S. military assistance in the world (following Israel), and thus, its police state and military apparatus are far more advanced and secure than Tunisia’s. Clearly, however, something is stirring. As Hilary Clinton said on the night of the protests, “Our assessment is that the Egyptian government is stable and is looking for ways to respond to the legitimate needs and interests of the Egyptian people.”[28] In other words: “We continue to support tyranny and dictatorship over democracy and liberation.” So what else is new?
According to some estimates, as many as 50,000 protesters turned out in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez and other Egyptian cities.[29] The protests were met with the usual brutality: beating protesters, firing tear gas and using water cannons to attempt to disperse the protesters. As images and videos started emerging out of Egypt, “television footage showed demonstrators chasing police down side streets. One protester climbed into a fire engine and drove it away.”[30] Late on the night of the protests, rumours and unconfirmed reports were spreading that the first lady of Egypt, Suzanne Mubarak, may have fled Egypt to London, following on the heels of rumours that Mubarak’s son, and presumed successor, had also fled to London.[31]
Are We Headed for a Global Revolution?
During the first phase of the global economic crisis in December of 2008, the IMF warned governments of the prospect of “violent unrest on the streets.” The head of the IMF warned that, “violent protests could break out in countries worldwide if the financial system was not restructured to benefit everyone rather than a small elite.”[32]
In January of 2009, Obama’s then-Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair, told the Senate Intelligence Committee that the greatest threat to the National Security of the U.S. was not terrorism, but the global economic crisis:
I’d like to begin with the global economic crisis, because it already looms as the most serious one in decades, if not in centuries ... Economic crises increase the risk of regime-threatening instability if they are prolonged for a one- or two-year period... And instability can loosen the fragile hold that many developing countries have on law and order, which can spill out in dangerous ways into the international community.[33]
In 2007, a British Defence Ministry report was released assessing global trends in the world over the next 30 years. In assessing “Global Inequality”, the report stated that over the next 30 years:
[T]he gap between rich and poor will probably increase and absolute poverty will remain a global challenge... Disparities in wealth and advantage will therefore become more obvious, with their associated grievances and resentments, even among the growing numbers of people who are likely to be materially more prosperous than their parents and grandparents. Absolute poverty and comparative disadvantage will fuel perceptions of injustice among those whose expectations are not met, increasing tension and instability, both within and between societies and resulting in expressions of violence such as disorder, criminality, terrorism and insurgency. They may also lead to the resurgence of not only anti-capitalist ideologies, possibly linked to religious, anarchist or nihilist movements, but also to populism and the revival of Marxism.[34]
Further, the report warned of the dangers to the established powers of a revolution emerging from the disgruntled middle classes:
The middle classes could become a revolutionary class, taking the role envisaged for the proletariat by Marx. The globalization of labour markets and reducing levels of national welfare provision and employment could reduce peoples’ attachment to particular states. The growing gap between themselves and a small number of highly visible super-rich individuals might fuel disillusion with meritocracy, while the growing urban under-classes are likely to pose an increasing threat to social order and stability, as the burden of acquired debt and the failure of pension provision begins to bite. Faced by these twin challenges, the world’s middle-classes might unite, using access to knowledge, resources and skills to shape transnational processes in their own class interest.[35]
We have now reached the point where the global economic crisis has continued beyond the two-year mark. The social repercussions are starting to be felt – globally – as a result of the crisis and the coordinated responses to it. Since the global economic crisis hit the ‘Third World’ the hardest, the social and political ramifications will be felt there first. In the context of the current record-breaking hikes in the cost of food, food riots will spread around the world as they did in 2007 and 2008, just prior to the outbreak of the economic crisis. This time, however, things are much worse economically, much more desperate socially, and much more oppressive politically.
This rising discontent will spread from the developing world to the comfort of our own homes in the West. Once the harsh realization sets in that the economy is not in ‘recovery,’ but rather in a Depression, and once our governments in the West continue on their path of closing down the democratic façade and continue dismantling rights and freedoms, increasing surveillance and ‘control,’ while pushing increasingly militaristic and war-mongering foreign policies around the world (mostly in an effort to quell or crush the global awakening being experienced around the world), we in the West will come to realize that ‘We are all Tunisians.’
In 1967, Martin Luther King, Jr., said in his famous speech “Beyond Vietnam”:
I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a "thing-oriented" society to a "person-oriented" society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered.[36]
This was Part 1 of "North Africa and the Global Political Awakening," focusing on the emergence of the protest movements primarily in North Africa and the Arab world, but placing it in the context of a wider 'Global Awakening.'
Part 2 will focus on the West's reaction to the 'Awakening' in this region; namely, the two-pronged strategy of supporting oppressive regimes while promoting "democratization" in a grand new project of "democratic imperialism."
This image of Pigeon Point lighthouse was taken during my first visit there over two years ago (2009). I was a digital rookie at the time, with just nine (9) months of digital shooting experience under my belt. I've learned a lot since then and am rediscovering wonderful shots from the archives that just sat unprocessed because I did not have the knowhow to reveal the beautiful image underneath. Modern computing power and sophisticated image manipulation software (digital darkroom) allow us to "process" our images today in minutes, while film masters like Ansel Adams spent days dodging and burning inside their chemical darkrooms. Isn't modern technology wonderful?
View large in lightbox.
Copyright ©2009 - C. Roy Yokingco, aka Nextier Photography
All Rights Reserved. Please do not use my images without prior consent.
In yet another back-the-war effort, Anna Mae Wong leads a group of resistance fighters against the occupation of China by the Japanese.
Though cheaply produced in the time-honored tradition of PRC Productions, The Lady from Chungking was nothing if not timely. Anna May Wong heads the cast as Kwan Mei, the aristocratic leader of a band of Chinese partisans. Operating secretly, Kwan Mei's compatriots wage vicious guerilla warfare against the occupying Japanese troops. The oddly chosen supporting cast includes Harold Huber as a Japanese general and Mae Clarke as White Russian patriot; the nominal leading men, are pair of downed Flying Tigers pilots, are played by general-purpose actors Ric Vallin and Paul Bryar. The second of Anna May Wong's films for PRC, The Lady from Chungking was a distinct step down from the first, Bombs over Burma, which benefited from the directorial knowhow of Joseph H. Lewis.
FIRST ASIAN AMERICAN STAR!
Written by PHILIP LEIBFRIED
Her complexion was described as "a rose blushing through old ivory;" she was beautiful, tall (5'7"), slender, and Chinese-American. The last fact kept her from attaining the highest echelon among Hollywood's pantheon of stars, but it did not affect her popularity, nor keep her from becoming a household name. She was Anna May Wong, nee Wong Liu Tsong, a name which translates to "Frosted Yellow Willows," and she was born, appropriately enough, on Flower Street in Los Angeles' Chinatown on 3 January 1905, above her father's laundry. Anna May Wong's contribution to show business is a unique one; she was the first Asian female to become a star, achieving that stardom at a time when bias against her race was crushing. With determination and talent allied to her exotic beauty, she remained the only Asian female star throughout her forty-year career, never fully overcoming all prejudices in maintaining that position. Perhaps the rediscovery of her art will elevate her star to the pantheon of great performers and serve as a guiding light to Asian performers who still struggle to find their rightful place. Anna May Wong's life and career is something that is important for all who value greatly the Asian / Asian Pacific American communities' many artists and what we can all contribute!
Excerpt from : That Old Feeling: Anna May Wong
Part II of Richard Corliss' tribute to the pioneer Chinese-American star.
Daughter of the Dragon. Paramount 1931.
Based on a Fu Manchu novel by Sax Rohmer.
Daughter of the Dragon extended the curse sworn by Dr. Fu on the Petrie family to the next generation. Fu Manchu (Warner Oland), long ago injured and exiled in an attempt on Petrie Sr., returns to London and confronts the father: "In the 20 years I have fought to live," he says in his florid maleficence, "the thought of killing you and your son has been my dearest nurse." He kills the father, is mortally wounded himself and, on his deathbed, reveals his identity to his daughter Ling Moy (Wong) and elicits her vow that she will "cancel the debt" to the Fu family honor and murder the son, Ronald (Bramwell Fletcher)... who, dash it all, is madly infatuated with Ling Moy. Ronald has seen "Princess Ling Moy Celebrated Oriental Dancer" perform, and the vision has made him woozy. "I wish I could find a word to describe her," this calf-man effuses. "Exotic that's the word! And she's intriguing, if you know what I mean." In a near-clinch, Ling Moy wonders if a Chinese woman can appeal to a British toff. When he begs her to "chuck everything and stay," she asks him, "If I stayed, would my hair ever become golden curls, and my skin ivory, like Ronald's?" But the lure of the exotic is hard to shake. "Strange," he says, "I prefer yours. I shall never forget your hair and your eyes." They almost kiss ... when an off-camera scream shakes him out of his dream. It is from his girlfriend Joan (Frances Dade), and the societal message is as clear and shrill: white woman alerting white man to treachery of yellow woman. Ling Moy, a nice girl, previously unaware of her lineage, might be expected to struggle, at least briefly, with the shock of her identity and the dreadful deed her father obliges her to perform. But Wong makes an instant transformation, hissing, "The blood is mine. The hatred is mine. The vengeance shall be mine." Just before his death, Fu mourns that he has no son to kill Ronald. But, in a good full-throated reading, Wong vows: "Father, father, I will be your son. I will be your son!" The audience then has the fun of watching her stoke Ronald's ardor while plotting his death. When she is with him, pleading and salesmanship radiate from her bigeyes. But when an ally asks her why she keeps encouraging the lad, she sneers and says, "I am giving him a beautiful illusion. Which I shall crush." As a villainess, she is just getting started. Revealing her mission to Ronald, she tells him she plans to kill Joan "Because you must have a thousand bitter tastes of death before you die." (The ripe dialogue is by Hollywood neophyte Sidney Buchman, whose distinguished list of credits would include Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Here Comes Mr Jordan and The Talk of the Town.) She soon ascends on a geyser of madness as she decides on a new torture: "My vengeance is inspired tonight. You will first have the torture of seeing her beauty eaten slowly away by this hungry acid." An aide holds a hose gadget over Joan's soon-to-be-corroded face, and Ronald cries for Ling Moy to stop. Very well she says. "Ling Moy is merciful." She barks at Ronald: "Kill her!" He must decide if his favorite white girl is to be etched with acid or stabbed to death. Great stuff! Melodrama is the art of knowing how precisely too far to goThe film is a triangle: not so much of Ling Moy, Ronald and Joan as of Ling Moy, Ronald and a Chinese detective, Ah Kee, played by Sessue Hayakawa, the Japanese actor who in the teens was Hollywood's first Asian male star. He's not plausibly Chinese here, and he is in a constant, losing battle with spoken English. But he is a part of movie history, in the only studio film of the Golden Age to star two ethnically Asian actors. And he gives his emotive all to such lines as "It is the triumph of irony that the only woman I have ever deeply loved should be born of the blood that I loathe." And in the inevitable double-death finale neither the villainess nor the noble detective can survive the machinations of Hollywood justice he gently caresses the long hair of the lady he would love to have loved. "Flower Ling Moy," he says, a moment before expiring. "A flower need not love, but only be loved. As Ah Kee loved you."
The Personal Anna May Wong
This 5'7 beauty loved to study and could speak in an English accent, as well as being fluent in German and French with more than a passing knowledge of other tongues including Italian and Yiddish. For exercise she rode horses, played golf, and tennis. She liked to cook and regaled her guests with succulent Chinese dishes at frequent dinner parties. She preferred casual clothes, wearing slacks and sweaters at home, but cultivated an oriental motif in her very smart formal wardrobe. She studied singing with Welsh tenor Parry Jones before she participated in the film Limehouse Blues as George Raft's mistress. Anna loved to dance to contemporary music. Anna was quoted as saying, "I think I got my first chance because they thought I was peculiar. But, now I like to believe that the public are fond of me because they think I'm nice."
The story of Anna May Wong’s life traced the arc of triumph and tragedy that marked so many of her films. Wong's youthful ambition and screen appeal got her farther than anyone else of her race. But her race, or rather Hollywood's and America's fear of giving Chinese and other non-whites the same chance as European Americans, kept her from reaching the Golden Mountaintop. We can be startled and impressed by the success she, alone, attained. And still weask: Who knows what Anna May Wong could have been allowed to achieve if she
had been Anna May White?
Anna May Wong passed away on Feb. 3rd 1961 she was 56 years old.
Filmography:
The Red Lantern. Metro 1919. The First Born. Robertson Cole 1921.
Shame. Fox 1921. Bits of Life. Assoc. First National 1921.
The First Born. Robertson Cole 1921. Thundering Dawn. Universal 1923
The Toll of the Sea. Metro 1922 Drifting. Universal 1923 Fifth Avenue. PRC 1926.
Lillies of the Field. Assoc. First National 1924. The Thief of Bagdad. United Artists 1924
The Fortieth Door. Pathé serial 1924. The Alaskan. Paramount 1924.
Peter Pan. Paramount 1924. Forty Winks. Paramount 1925.
The Silk Bouquet/The Dragon Horse. Hi Mark Prod. 1926 The Desert's Toll. MGM 1926.
A Trip to Chinatown. Fox 1926. The Chinese Parrot. Universal. 1927.
Driven from Home. Chadwick 1927. Mr. Wu. MGM 1927.
Old San Francisco. Warner Bros. 1927. Why Girls Love Sailors. Pathé short 1927.
The Devil Dancer. United Artists 1927. Streets of Shanghai. Tiffany 1927.
Across to Singapore. MGM 1928. Pavement Butterfly (aka City Butterfly).
The City Butterfly. German 1929. Across to Singapore. MGM 1928.
The Crimson City. Warner Bros. 1928. Song. German 1928
Chinatown Charlie. First National 1928. Piccadilly, British International 1929.
Elstree Calling. British International 1930. The Flame of Love. British International 1930.
Hay Tang. German 1930. L'Amour Maitre Des Choses. French 1930.
Daughter of the Dragon. Paramount 1931. Shanghai Express. Paramount 1932.
A Study in Scarlet. World Wide 1933. Tiger Bay. Associated British 1933.
Chu Chin Chow. Gaumont 1934. Java Head. Associated British 1934.
Limehouse Blues. Paramount 1934. Daughter of Shanghai. Paramount 1937.
Hollywood Party. MGM short subject 1937. Dangerous to Know. Paramount 1938.
The Toll of the Sea. Metro 1922. The Thief of Bagdad 1924
Shanghai Express 1932
In yet another back-the-war effort, Anna Mae Wong leads a group of resistance fighters against the occupation of China by the Japanese.
Though cheaply produced in the time-honored tradition of PRC Productions, The Lady from Chungking was nothing if not timely. Anna May Wong heads the cast as Kwan Mei, the aristocratic leader of a band of Chinese partisans. Operating secretly, Kwan Mei's compatriots wage vicious guerilla warfare against the occupying Japanese troops. The oddly chosen supporting cast includes Harold Huber as a Japanese general and Mae Clarke as White Russian patriot; the nominal leading men, are pair of downed Flying Tigers pilots, are played by general-purpose actors Ric Vallin and Paul Bryar. The second of Anna May Wong's films for PRC, The Lady from Chungking was a distinct step down from the first, Bombs over Burma, which benefited from the directorial knowhow of Joseph H. Lewis.
FIRST ASIAN AMERICAN STAR!
Written by PHILIP LEIBFRIED
Her complexion was described as "a rose blushing through old ivory;" she was beautiful, tall (5'7"), slender, and Chinese-American. The last fact kept her from attaining the highest echelon among Hollywood's pantheon of stars, but it did not affect her popularity, nor keep her from becoming a household name. She was Anna May Wong, nee Wong Liu Tsong, a name which translates to "Frosted Yellow Willows," and she was born, appropriately enough, on Flower Street in Los Angeles' Chinatown on 3 January 1905, above her father's laundry. Anna May Wong's contribution to show business is a unique one; she was the first Asian female to become a star, achieving that stardom at a time when bias against her race was crushing. With determination and talent allied to her exotic beauty, she remained the only Asian female star throughout her forty-year career, never fully overcoming all prejudices in maintaining that position. Perhaps the rediscovery of her art will elevate her star to the pantheon of great performers and serve as a guiding light to Asian performers who still struggle to find their rightful place. Anna May Wong's life and career is something that is important for all who value greatly the Asian / Asian Pacific American communities' many artists and what we can all contribute!
Excerpt from : That Old Feeling: Anna May Wong
Part II of Richard Corliss' tribute to the pioneer Chinese-American star.
Daughter of the Dragon. Paramount 1931.
Based on a Fu Manchu novel by Sax Rohmer.
Daughter of the Dragon extended the curse sworn by Dr. Fu on the Petrie family to the next generation. Fu Manchu (Warner Oland), long ago injured and exiled in an attempt on Petrie Sr., returns to London and confronts the father: "In the 20 years I have fought to live," he says in his florid maleficence, "the thought of killing you and your son has been my dearest nurse." He kills the father, is mortally wounded himself and, on his deathbed, reveals his identity to his daughter Ling Moy (Wong) and elicits her vow that she will "cancel the debt" to the Fu family honor and murder the son, Ronald (Bramwell Fletcher)... who, dash it all, is madly infatuated with Ling Moy. Ronald has seen "Princess Ling Moy Celebrated Oriental Dancer" perform, and the vision has made him woozy. "I wish I could find a word to describe her," this calf-man effuses. "Exotic that's the word! And she's intriguing, if you know what I mean." In a near-clinch, Ling Moy wonders if a Chinese woman can appeal to a British toff. When he begs her to "chuck everything and stay," she asks him, "If I stayed, would my hair ever become golden curls, and my skin ivory, like Ronald's?" But the lure of the exotic is hard to shake. "Strange," he says, "I prefer yours. I shall never forget your hair and your eyes." They almost kiss ... when an off-camera scream shakes him out of his dream. It is from his girlfriend Joan (Frances Dade), and the societal message is as clear and shrill: white woman alerting white man to treachery of yellow woman. Ling Moy, a nice girl, previously unaware of her lineage, might be expected to struggle, at least briefly, with the shock of her identity and the dreadful deed her father obliges her to perform. But Wong makes an instant transformation, hissing, "The blood is mine. The hatred is mine. The vengeance shall be mine." Just before his death, Fu mourns that he has no son to kill Ronald. But, in a good full-throated reading, Wong vows: "Father, father, I will be your son. I will be your son!" The audience then has the fun of watching her stoke Ronald's ardor while plotting his death. When she is with him, pleading and salesmanship radiate from her bigeyes. But when an ally asks her why she keeps encouraging the lad, she sneers and says, "I am giving him a beautiful illusion. Which I shall crush." As a villainess, she is just getting started. Revealing her mission to Ronald, she tells him she plans to kill Joan "Because you must have a thousand bitter tastes of death before you die." (The ripe dialogue is by Hollywood neophyte Sidney Buchman, whose distinguished list of credits would include Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Here Comes Mr Jordan and The Talk of the Town.) She soon ascends on a geyser of madness as she decides on a new torture: "My vengeance is inspired tonight. You will first have the torture of seeing her beauty eaten slowly away by this hungry acid." An aide holds a hose gadget over Joan's soon-to-be-corroded face, and Ronald cries for Ling Moy to stop. Very well she says. "Ling Moy is merciful." She barks at Ronald: "Kill her!" He must decide if his favorite white girl is to be etched with acid or stabbed to death. Great stuff! Melodrama is the art of knowing how precisely too far to goThe film is a triangle: not so much of Ling Moy, Ronald and Joan as of Ling Moy, Ronald and a Chinese detective, Ah Kee, played by Sessue Hayakawa, the Japanese actor who in the teens was Hollywood's first Asian male star. He's not plausibly Chinese here, and he is in a constant, losing battle with spoken English. But he is a part of movie history, in the only studio film of the Golden Age to star two ethnically Asian actors. And he gives his emotive all to such lines as "It is the triumph of irony that the only woman I have ever deeply loved should be born of the blood that I loathe." And in the inevitable double-death finale neither the villainess nor the noble detective can survive the machinations of Hollywood justice he gently caresses the long hair of the lady he would love to have loved. "Flower Ling Moy," he says, a moment before expiring. "A flower need not love, but only be loved. As Ah Kee loved you."
The Personal Anna May Wong
This 5'7 beauty loved to study and could speak in an English accent, as well as being fluent in German and French with more than a passing knowledge of other tongues including Italian and Yiddish. For exercise she rode horses, played golf, and tennis. She liked to cook and regaled her guests with succulent Chinese dishes at frequent dinner parties. She preferred casual clothes, wearing slacks and sweaters at home, but cultivated an oriental motif in her very smart formal wardrobe. She studied singing with Welsh tenor Parry Jones before she participated in the film Limehouse Blues as George Raft's mistress. Anna loved to dance to contemporary music. Anna was quoted as saying, "I think I got my first chance because they thought I was peculiar. But, now I like to believe that the public are fond of me because they think I'm nice."
The story of Anna May Wong’s life traced the arc of triumph and tragedy that marked so many of her films. Wong's youthful ambition and screen appeal got her farther than anyone else of her race. But her race, or rather Hollywood's and America's fear of giving Chinese and other non-whites the same chance as European Americans, kept her from reaching the Golden Mountaintop. We can be startled and impressed by the success she, alone, attained. And still weask: Who knows what Anna May Wong could have been allowed to achieve if she
had been Anna May White?
Anna May Wong passed away on Feb. 3rd 1961 she was 56 years old.
Filmography:
The Red Lantern. Metro 1919. The First Born. Robertson Cole 1921.
Shame. Fox 1921. Bits of Life. Assoc. First National 1921.
The First Born. Robertson Cole 1921. Thundering Dawn. Universal 1923
The Toll of the Sea. Metro 1922 Drifting. Universal 1923 Fifth Avenue. PRC 1926.
Lillies of the Field. Assoc. First National 1924. The Thief of Bagdad. United Artists 1924
The Fortieth Door. Pathé serial 1924. The Alaskan. Paramount 1924.
Peter Pan. Paramount 1924. Forty Winks. Paramount 1925.
The Silk Bouquet/The Dragon Horse. Hi Mark Prod. 1926 The Desert's Toll. MGM 1926.
A Trip to Chinatown. Fox 1926. The Chinese Parrot. Universal. 1927.
Driven from Home. Chadwick 1927. Mr. Wu. MGM 1927.
Old San Francisco. Warner Bros. 1927. Why Girls Love Sailors. Pathé short 1927.
The Devil Dancer. United Artists 1927. Streets of Shanghai. Tiffany 1927.
Across to Singapore. MGM 1928. Pavement Butterfly (aka City Butterfly).
The City Butterfly. German 1929. Across to Singapore. MGM 1928.
The Crimson City. Warner Bros. 1928. Song. German 1928
Chinatown Charlie. First National 1928. Piccadilly, British International 1929.
Elstree Calling. British International 1930. The Flame of Love. British International 1930.
Hay Tang. German 1930. L'Amour Maitre Des Choses. French 1930.
Daughter of the Dragon. Paramount 1931. Shanghai Express. Paramount 1932.
A Study in Scarlet. World Wide 1933. Tiger Bay. Associated British 1933.
Chu Chin Chow. Gaumont 1934. Java Head. Associated British 1934.
Limehouse Blues. Paramount 1934. Daughter of Shanghai. Paramount 1937.
Hollywood Party. MGM short subject 1937. Dangerous to Know. Paramount 1938.
The Toll of the Sea. Metro 1922. The Thief of Bagdad 1924
Shanghai Express 1932
BOAC MAINTENANCE HEADQUARTERS, 1950–55
Owen Williams’ most prolific activity as architect engineer was during the inter-war period, starting with his work at the British Empire Exhibition (1921–24). In recognition of this he was knighted, at the relatively young age of 34. After WWII, his work was dominated by the development of the forthcoming motorway building programme, principally the M1 motorway; but as this was proceeding, Williams was also working on two of his most significant architectural designs: the Daily Mirror building (1955–61) his last project; and the BOAC maintenance headquarters, though not well known or critically acclaimed, considered to be his greatest architectural achievement.
BOAC, the airline which in 1972 introduced scheduled Concorde services, was to make use of the building. However, it was the post-WWII Ministry of Civil Aviation acting as client that briefed Williams for the design.
The quality and scope of Williams’ work on the BOAC building bears the hallmark of a lifetime’s experience and knowhow in one material– concrete. Up until then, most aircraft hangars in the UK had been built out of steel to standardised designs. Unlike the Boots ‘Wets’ factory (1930–32) in which repeated elements in a rationalised construction process were used to create a large-scale building, the BOAC maintenance HQ was built of a number of large-scale (larger than life) elements, each of which required a fresh engineering approach. The scale and complexity of each element made for an inimitable demonstration of singular architectural design.
It was set out as four separate hangars, each measuring 102.5metres by 42.7metres in an efficiently organised plan form, and there were two symmetrically positioned doorways at the front and again at the back of the rectangular block. Separating yet connecting the four hangars there were cross-axes, one long, one shorter, of engineering and service areas along the two internal sides of each hangar.
In order to make a door opening wide enough to allow the largest aeroplanes of the day to enter the hangars, Williams devised an in-situ concrete arched doorway opening comprising a counterbalanced bracketed arch springing from each jamb position with a centrally positioned V-sectioned beam bridging between them. The twin arched brackets were aligned either side of the centre line to allow unobstructed movement for the sliding folding doors. To extend the reach of the cantilevered arms, huge elevated concrete counterweight chambers were constructed. These were filled progressively to maintain equivalence as the weight of the load from the roof construction onto the door arches increased. When complete, each chamber contained ballast medium of approximately 1,000 tonnes. This technique required the sophisticated use of reinforced concrete, impossible from mass concrete alone. The use of deadweight in a superstructure had first been adopted by Williams at the Empire Pool construction at Wembley (1934). Here he had used the weight of vertical concrete fins to balance the weight of the long- span portals.
The engineering hall, built as a 264.3-metre spine between the front and back pairs of hangars, can be considered as a structure within a structure. With a 27.4-metre span (measured from the column bases) and with raked cylindrical columns at bay centres of 5.5metres supporting overhead arched beams, there is a clear span of 23.2metres due to the inward-angled columns. The overhead beams run parallel to the roof structure in the storey height below the roof. The raked columns support a series of galleries jettied out progressively from one floor to the next, overlooking the engineering hall. Gantry cranes serve the engineering workshops, supported by crane rails running longitudinally and bracketed to the columns. The shorter arms of the cross-form space provide storage areas and multi-storey offices above. These are short spans and were conventionally built of column and beam construction.
The roof itself is constructed from 3-metre-deep V-shaped trussed beams on the 5.5-metre grid supported at the arched doorway structures and spanning 42.7 metres. Similar spans from the front and back of the building leave a slightly lesser span over the engineering hall, making a total depth of 128metres in three roughly equal spans. The roof is glazed in the style of many of Williams’ buildings, to provide good levels of daylight: glazed pitches were generated by the lattice of the concrete trusses, with integrated gutters on the lines of the lower members. Comparison can be made with the ‘ridge and furrow’ pattern of glazing developed by Sir Joseph Paxton for the Great Exhibition building of 1851, exactly a century earlier.
In the flank walls of the building, which also contained column and beam construction for multi-storey offices, Owen Williams rejected any formal symmetrical composition in favour of continuous horizontal bands of simply framed windows. These were spaced by similar bands of brickwork between them. These elevations are in contrast to the highly engineered (and therefore acceptable) symmetrical composition provided by the arched door openings and counterbalances of the front and back elevations. Although appearing monotonously uniform, the flanks showed that Williams no longer sought an applied architectural style, but was happy that engineering alone displayed sufficient architectural quality. Source New Ways: The founding of Modernism
Photographed 22/2/2016 The beautiful blue colour of freshly made PYROCAT-P film developer : 6ml part A + 25ml part B. When part A is mixed with part B this amazing violet- blue colour is formed.PYROCAT-P originally formulated by Sandy King.
SLOWLY, THE REAL TRUTH IS BEGINNING TO LEAK OUT...
Despite the vow by President Obama to keep the Gulf oil spill a top priority until the damage is cleaned up, 50 days after the BP rig exploded, a definitive date and meaningful solution is yet to be determined for the worst oil spill in the U.S. history.
So, you would think if someone is willing to handle the clean-up with equipment and technology not available in the U.S., and finishes the job in shorter time than the current estimate, the U.S. should jump on the offer.
But it turned out to be quite the opposite. .
U.S. Refused Help on Oil Spill
According to Foreign Policy, thirteen entities had offered the U.S. oil spill assistance within about two weeks of the Horizon rig explosion. They were the governments of Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations.
The U.S. response - Thank you, but no thank you, we've got it.
"..While there is no need right now that the U.S. cannot meet, the U.S. Coast Guard is assessing these offers of assistance to see if there will be something which we will need in the near future."
Blame It On The Jones Act?
Separately, Belgian newspaper De Standaard also reported Belgian and Dutch dredgers have technology in-house to fight the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, butthe Jones Act forbids them to work in the U.S.
A Belgian group--DEME-- contends it can clean up the oil in three to four months with specialty vessel and equipment, rather than an estimated nine months if done only by the U.S. The article noted there are no more than 5 or 6 of those ships in the world and the top specialist players are the two Belgian companies- DEME and De Nul - and their Dutch competitors.
The U.S. does not have the similar technology and vessel to accomplish the cleanup task because those ships would cost twice as much to build in the U.S. than in the Far East. The article further criticizes this "great technological delay" is a direct consequence of the Jones Act.
What Is The Jones Act?
The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 is a United States Federal statute that regulates maritime commerce in U.S. waters and between U.S. ports. Section 27, also known as the Jones Act, deals with coastal shipping; and requires that all goods transported by water between U.S. ports be carried in U.S.-flag ships, constructed in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed by U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.
The purpose of the law is to support the U.S. merchant marine industry. Critics said that the legislation results in increased costs moving cargoes between U.S. ports, and in essence, is protectionism, Supporters of the Act maintain that the legislation is of strategic economic and wartime interest to the United States. .
European Service Sector - Offshore Subsea Specialist
As discussed in my analysis of the oil service sector, the European companies typically possess the knowhow in offshore and subsea; whereas their North American counterparts excel in onshore drilling and production technologies.
So, it is more than likely that European firms do have the expertise to clean up the spill quicker and more effectively as DEME asserts.
Since the Jones Act means the Belgian ship and personnel cannot work in the Gulf, it does seem the Act has inhibited technology and knowledge exchange & development, and possibly prevented a quicker response to the oil spill.
Jones Waiver Time
On the other hand, waivers of the Jones may be granted by the Administration in cases of national emergencies or in cases of strategic interest. It would appear the U.S. government's initial refusal to foreign help most likely stemmed from a mis-calculation of the scale and deepwater technological barriers for this unprecedented disaster, and/or perhaps ..... pride.
Whatever the rationale, and if De Standarrd's claim that the Jones Act forbids the European companies to help fight the spill is true, it is high time the U.S. government grant the Jones waiver, and let this be an international collaborative effort.
It's always better late than never.
Global Research Articles by Dian L. Chu
13/03/2023, Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Islas Canarias, Spain.
Bear with me, while I explain how these Scottish truck drivers found themselves delivering equipment to an oil drilling ship here at Las Palmas.
Since the the oil price plunge of 2014-2016 - the biggest drop in oil prices in modern history - primarily caused by an oversupply in the market, most oil majors and prospectors found themselves in an uneconomically viable situation.
Over capacity in oil production and especially in oil exploratory drilling forced many of the mega expensive drilling ships to have their drilling contracts forestalled, or at the end of their existing contracts to find no new work.
These ships were being contracted at wild, but necessary prices of up to $500,000 per day, due to huge mortgages on the ships and their initial building costs.
(I believe the most expensive example's building cost was the Billion dollar plus 'Stena Icemax'. See here: flic.kr/p/RZ5QJr )
So, much oil exploration work was being undertaken on the West African coast, and across the Atlantic, offshore Brazil.
As the drilling ships became unemployed, the necessity of finding a suitable, large, deep-water port to keep them safely moored in, and with a pleasant climate to prevent corrosion and humidity damage, and that is where Las Palmas found itself to be the ideal location, at the 'crossroads' of the Atlantic.
In addition, the port has long established and experienced shipyards with specialist engineers and technicians.
The port quickly found itself in great demand for the laid up ships, and as an economic boost, there were lucrative mooring fees, tug requirements, stores, and large engineering projects to be had.
The drilling ships (& oil rigs) require ongoing maintenance and often, modifications to suit each specific drilling contract, both before and after completion.
The 'northern oil capital of Europe' is Aberdeen in Scotland and thus, specialist knowhow, equipment and hauliers are based there.
The result being a regular stream of heavy duty trucks, not least those of Grampian Continental haulage, picking up and delivering equipment to the ships, from all over Europe.
A former, regular driver, and Las Palmas visitor, for Grampian was Rab Lawrence, a well known contributor to Flickr, and a sometime correspondent of mine, although our paths never directly crossed.
Here are a few of his compatriots waiting to have their truck loads discharged, before having to catch the circa 36 hour ferry back to Huelva, or Cadiz, in southern Spain.
Breaking Bad Seasons 1-3 DVD Box Set
Breaking Bad Season 3 DVD Box Set
One of several fascinating original series from cable's American Movie Channel, Breaking Bad was produced by Vince Gilligan of X-Files fame. Former Malcolm in the Middle regular Bryan Cranston starred as high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who at age 49 was told that he was suffering from terminal lung cancer--even though he'd never smoked a cigarette in his life. Unable to pay for his medical treatment or provide for the future financial security of his pregnant wife Skyler (Anna Gunn) and his son Walt Jr. (RJ Mitte), the latter a victim of cerebral palsy, Walter began moonlighting at a car wash. When this proved inadequate to make ends meet, Walter entered into a slighly unholy alliance with former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). Using Walter's chemical knowhow, the two partners set up a crystal meth lab, with Walter supplying and Jesse dealing. Now the unfortunate Mr. White found himself straddling two worlds, one legitimate, one definitely not. Adding to Walter's crown of thorns was the omnipresence of his brother-in-law Hank (Dean Norris), a DEA agent who'd been trying to bust Jesse for several months--and who of course had to be kept completely in the dark as to Walter's new "sideline." Breaking Bad debuted on January 20, 2008.
13/03/2023, Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Islas Canarias, Spain.
Bear with me, while I explain how these Scottish truck drivers found themselves delivering equipment to an oil drilling ship here at Las Palmas.
Since the the oil price plunge of 2014-2016 - the biggest drop in oil prices in modern history - primarily caused by an oversupply in the market, most oil majors and prospectors found themselves in an uneconomically viable situation.
Over capacity in oil production and especially in oil exploratory drilling forced many of the mega expensive drilling ships to have their drilling contracts forestalled, or at the end of their existing contracts to find no new work.
These ships were being contracted at wild, but necessary prices of up to $500,000 per day, due to huge mortgages on the ships and their initial building costs.
(I believe the most expensive example's building cost was the Billion dollar plus 'Stena Icemax'. See here: flic.kr/p/RZ5QJr )
So, much oil exploration work was being undertaken on the West African coast, and across the Atlantic, offshore Brazil.
As the drilling ships became unemployed, the necessity of finding a suitable, large, deep-water port to keep them safely moored in, and with a pleasant climate to prevent corrosion and humidity damage, and that is where Las Palmas found itself to be the ideal location, at the 'crossroads' of the Atlantic.
In addition, the port has long established and experienced shipyards with specialist engineers and technicians.
The port quickly found itself in great demand for the laid up ships, and as an economic boost, there were lucrative mooring fees, tug requirements, stores, and large engineering projects to be had.
The drilling ships (& oil rigs) require ongoing maintenance and often, modifications to suit each specific drilling contract, both before and after completion.
The 'northern oil capital of Europe' is Aberdeen in Scotland and thus, specialist knowhow, equipment and hauliers are based there.
The result being a regular stream of heavy duty trucks, not least those of Grampian Continental haulage, picking up and delivering equipment to the ships, from all over Europe.
A former, regular driver, and Las Palmas visitor, for Grampian was Rab Lawrence, a well known contributor to Flickr, and a sometime correspondent of mine, although our paths never directly crossed.
Here are a few of his compatriots waiting to have their truck loads discharged, before having to catch the circa 36 hour ferry back to Huelva, or Cadiz, in southern Spain.
PYROCAT-P film developer parts A and B : Notice that part A is completely clear and colourless.For use take 6ml of A and 25ml of B and dilute to 600ml for one shot use.The freshly made unused working strength solution is a stunning blue-violet colour.
Luis Tomas Pate Riroroko is one of the famous sculptor in Easter Island, he comes from Tahiti island, and work in Hanga Roa; for some years now he is the carver of the Tapati Queen Crown
© Eric Lafforgue
In Belgium, we have no petroleum... But we have ideas!!!
En Belgique, nous n'avons pas de pétrole...Mais nous avons des idées!!!
4747 R Am Gabroom-See Lybien Der Passende Reiseführer um das Motivim Originalzu sehen Reise Know-how Libyen von Gerhard Göttler Foto Erika Därr od Erika i Fritz Schmidt 20. XII. 2000.
CONRTIBUTIONS OF DR ATAL IN BLOOD DONATION CAMPS-organized by RRL Jammu for war casualities (SOURCE-,silver jubilee issue, RRL newsletter, 1982 photo given above)
IIn 1965 war he organized and accompanied rescue sorties and evacuation teams for evacuation of civilians/villagers from the borders (many were fleeing on foot) at a great personal risk in the war inflicted borders. As head of the Institute he organized a fair at RRL Jammu for the benefit of 1971 war veterans and war widows and proceeds were contributed to the army. Blood banks were organized for the war tragedies of Chamb Jorian frontier, as blood was urgently needed in large quantities to save lives of injured armed personnel. These efforts were highly appreciated by the army in the form of a certificate given to RRL, Jammu.
HEALTH CENTRE-He also upgraded the Institute health centre to a bigger better well equipped site .
SCHOOL BUILDING- He successfully established a flourishing big school building complex in a new premises which was functioning from a small remote campus corner. Anyone who needed help of any kind was promptly provided all help. 265.
PROMOTING SCIENCE& EDUCATING PUBLIC - in all strata of society and going to the grass root level for the benefit of end user and needy sections of society.
a.Imparting Scientific Training Courses in different fields were conducted for benefit of society, targeting rural segments, self employed, industrial units, small scale units, individuals, women working groups, bigger institutions /industry of the country etc. Many young technocrats were trained in the institute to help them start their own small scale units, and training programmes were initiated to impart rural technology to farmers. The aim was to promote science in the society with the power of scientific knowledge, provide optimum utilization of natural resources and provide economic benefits of R & D to all strata of the society.
b.Education of Society on Rational Scientific Thoughts – Scientific interactions training sessions, etc were regularly conducted for education of society on benefits of science & technology, scientific reasoning, removal of superstitions (like ohm shikni )from their minds and filling it with evidence based learning using scientific tools.
TEACHING- He has received prestigious APTI award in teaching for revolutionizing Pharmacognosy as a subject in India. He has produced 40 Ph.D students
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GRANTS FOR STUDENTS- He helped his students in obtaining international research funds at Punjab University Chandigarh, and obtained teaching and research grants/ funds from Eli Lily USA for ergot research, Meer Corporation, USA for research on Isabgol, and from Nestle on Papain research. The world’s biggest herbal extraction company of its time, S. B. Penick & co. (NEW YORK, USA) also granted research funds. Whenever in need, his students were provided funds from his own pocket for study purposes or provided study / research funds from institutions. Many of his students/juniors have themselves obtained international standing and recognition.
RURAL SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-RURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Development in plant research benefits both rural segment as well as the industry leading to socioeconomic development of both the rural masses as well as the industry of the country. Therefore almost everything covered in the biodata has had a tremendous socioeconomic success of all segments of society. This includes many overlapping topics scattered in the biodata. All the research has had an impact on rural development, including health, socioeconomic development, technology, education, employment, education, superstition, industries, women programmes, individuals, environment, waste management, alternate energy, remote area development etc.
120.ESTABLISHED FIRST INDIAN ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY CENTRE IN INDIA - for the benifit of tribals, traditional systems first reporting in India.
121.RURAL TECHNOLOGY AWARDS & UNITED NATIONS RURAL GRANT - (Serial no 7, award section) FICCI award given by the Hon. President of India for several outstanding contributions to rural development having socioeconomic impact in India. Most other awards like Fellow Comforpts award, Prof. P. N. MEHRA Award, Andhra Import Substitution Award, Essential oil Association Silver Jubilee award also include significant work having socioeconomic, technological, propagation and educational impact on rural development.
122.EMPLOYEMENT GENERATION OF RURAL SOCIETY-as a result of implementation of industries mentioned below, employment of rural society was made possible on a large scale. Examples are Hops industry established for the first time in India.
123.OFFICIAL AFFILIATIONS-collaboration was done with department of farmers training, Jammu & Kashmir government, government of Himachal Pradesh and S.F. development agency, Rajouri and Poonch. In 1979, there were already 13 projects under execution and technology transfer was being implemented for small scale industries. Many technologies were implemented through government agency NRDC, state departments and organizations.
124.RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT- books in the author section are related to topics having impact on rural segment, including health, socioeconomic development, technology, education, employment, superstition, industries, women programmes, individuals, etc. Examples are –“Contributions towards rural development (Serial no 184-211, author section).
125.ENTOMOLOGY -Sericulture techniques were propagated successfully in Kashmir .termite control activities, education on termite control, removal of superstitions related to termites, insect reproduction control by non toxic sterilants(the latest insect control method of that time)- insect control by anti sterility methods.
126.AQUACULTURE –In 1975, RRL Jammu started the Fishery technology project in Jammu regions along with systemic survey of bioecological and chemical factors required for the success of projects. The use of water bodies till then for the economic benefit of masses were never exploited by anyone before in the area. As a result, after scientifically establishing the viability of projects, six varieties of fish were introduced, out of which five were first time entries(Labeo rohita or Rohu,Cirrhinus mrigala or Mrigal, Ctenopharyngodon idella or grass carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix or silver carp and Catla catla or Katla). Aquaculture work was awarded the UNIDO grants in recognition of the work done. This work included introducing and acclimatization of new improved exotic varieties of fish and improved fish breeds for rural use in J&K state, production of fish seed (mirror carp, common and major carps, that is rohu and mrigal and other carps) for the first time in the state by latest fish seed production technology, and its supply to cultivators. Training programme in Pisciculture for rural masses was also conducted in which UNICEF also contributed.
127.FIRST SUCCESSFUL HOPS INDUSTRY IN INDIA -Till 1974, annual imports of Hops and its products exceeded Rupees one crore per year.RRL launched Hops research project in 1974 and within a few years the cultivation of hops became a complete technological and commercial success story in Kashmir valley. This project was extended to Himachal Pradesh and cuttings were provided beyond the borders to Bhutan. Starting with 0.170 tonnes in year 1974, the yield in Kashmir crossed 80-000 tonnes (area.Ha-125) in 1979 and 170 tonnes in the year 1982, Hops cultivation (agro technology of Hops which also included post harvest technology, hops dryers fabrication etc which resulted in revenue generation of Rupees 120 lacs in year 1981) , Hops cultivation (agro technology of Hops which also included post harvest technology, hops dryers fabrication etc which resulted in revenue generation of Rupees 120 lacs in year 1981)
128.EXAMPLES OF ECONOMIC SUCCESS OF RURAL PROJECTS – (Serial no 115, ESSENTIAL OIL).
129.MENTHA ARVENSIS (JAPANESE MINT)- Around 1960, a dozen suckers of M. arvensis were procured from Japan through UN. After the stock was carefully multiplied and propagated, it was distributed for large scale cultivation in other parts of the country in the seventies and earlier. The entire mentha cultivation in India owes its origin to the suckers introduced by RRL, Jammu. Better strains containing up to 78 % menthol in the oil were also developed. Japanese mint became a Rs 100 million” industry by the beginning of 1980’s and which has never looked back since then.The Essential oil industry of India was greatly benefited by such processes
130.JAMMU LEMONGRASS- (Cymbopogan pendulus)-a superior source of citral, the oil used in perfumery industry, Pharmaceutical industry and of use as insect repellant.
131.MUSHROOM CULTIVATION- in 1971, a farmer of Batahara village of Kashmir, Abdul Rehman Wani achieved a feat of earning Rupees 5000/- from mushroom farming. This opened the floodgates of mushroom farming in Kashmir.RRL Jammu contributed by providing improved knowhow in the field, analysis of compost and casting samples, training courses, spawn raising and its supply to cultivators. RRL established mushroom cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir by progressively increasing Spawn distribution, and in 1978 10,000 bottles of spawn were distributed. Mushroom growing which contributed to revenue generation of Rs.6 lacs in year 1981,( Agaricus bispors or button mushroom - 60,000 tons of button mushroom was produced in Kashmir in 1982) .The first Indian Mushroom conference was held, organized by Dr. Atal.
132.ANIMAL SCIENCES- rabbit culture for meat/fur, farming of other animals, chinchilla farming etc with development of rural based animal byproduct processes.
133.FUR, WOOL, LEATHER PRODUCTS, PELT PROCESSING -Conversion of sheep skins into hair on furs and high quality Nappa, conversion of goat skins into chamois and suedes, leather processing, dyeing of wool and namdas(Kashmir handicraft), training workshops for livelihood,introduction of some exotic species of rabbits.
134.FOOD INDUSTRY / FOOD TECHNOLOGY-Examples include development of various products from locally available fruits and vegetables, solar drying of fruits and vegetables, brewed vinegar, preservation and bottling of Chhang (Ladakh beer) and sugarcane juice, horticulture and processing practices of cherry fruit, apricot, development of walnut bleaching and washing machine, bleaching of in- shell walnuts, inert gas packaging of walnuts kernels, bulk storage and transport of morel (Morchella esculenta),canning, pickling, dehydration of button mushrooms , canning of apple rings, Cider and wine from apple juice, upgrading tart apple juice by ion exchange, commercial exploitation of anardana (dried pomegranate), production of Tartaric acid from Tamarind, ready to serve canned Rajmash (red beans), bakery products trainings (in collaboration with United States wheat association),upgrading commercial white sesame Seeds, production of fermented Ayurvedic Asavas and Arishtas under aseptic conditions.
135.UTILISATION OF MINERAL RESOURCES OF LADAKH – EXTRACTION OF BORAX USING GEOTHERMAL ENERGY- the country’s first indigenous borax extraction plant based on technology developed by RRL was inaugurated by Shri A. Rehman, development commissioner of Ladakh on July 15, 1975 at Pugga at a height of 4450 meters in presence of large gathering. It was later handed over to the J&K minerals. Using hot water and steam from geothermal wells sunk by Geological survey of India, all components of extraction were done by the steam and hot water, like digestion of crude ore, development of pressure in the presses and also for maintaining the desired temperatures in the steam jacketed pans for crystallization. The only known deposits of borax are located in Pugga valley where it occurs as surface encrustations from a series of hot springs extending from Rupshu district in eastern Kashmir to Hundes in South western Tibet. Borax finds extensive use in glass, ceramics, medicine, leather processing, adhesive manufacturing, flame proofing, timber preservation, rust corrosion inhibitor, additive to rocket fuel, anti knocking agent in gasoline. It has been imported at considerable cost to the country.
136.USE OF ALTERNATE ENERGY- SIMPLE INEXPENSIVE EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY FOR RURAL USE- His contributions, emphasis and creating awareness in nineteen seventies, particularly in remote underdeveloped, natural fuel resources starved rural areas like ladakh and Kargil, on great technological benefits of using alternate sources of energy have been pioneering. He was also invited to Germany (Munchen University) as a solar energy consultant for the work done in the field. The significant part is that a simple technology was incorporated and adapted to suit remote, rural, resourcefully backward area to produce profound results and change the economics of the region.
A.SOLAR ENERGY - SOLAR DRYING CHAMBERS- Apricots in Ladakh and famous Kashmir red chillies in Pampore Kashmir are examples of the use of solar energy utilization. The introduction of solar dryers was supplemented by fruit sulphuring chambers. Traditionally fruits have been dried in open sun which takes longer ,more than three weeks, and there is exposure to rain, fungus, microbial contamination ,insects, dust, dirt, humidity, etc which results in decay, low shelf life, poor quality, off flavor, hardening, discolouration, and poor economic returns. In 1976, RRL introduced solar drying chambers which used the energy of sun to achieve significantly superior results. The drying time was reduced to three days from three weeks and yielded superior results in terms of quality of dried product and greatly preserved organoleptic qualities. The chambers are simple to assemble at low cost, fabrication can be done by carpenters, have no operational costs, very low maintenance cost, simple to operate, can be operated by unskilled or illiterate persons, and can be incorporated even on rooftops as a part of house construction. This introduction was a result of survey done by RRL of Ladakh region for sunny days, humidity, altitude effects, temperature variations etc. Several dryers were provided to villages of Silkchay, Sanachay, Herdas, Karkacho, Poyen, Batalik, Hunderman, Khaltsti, Nurla, and Saspol of Ladakh through Agriculture department which was highly appreciated by the community.
B.GEOTHERMAL ENERGY - (Borax extraction plant discussed above).
137.OTHER SIMPLE INEXPENSIVE EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY FOR RURAL USE - FRUIT SULPHURING CHAMBERS- to combat microbial damage, sulphur chambers were fabricated for fumigation disinfection by burning sulphur, wherein fruits absorb 1500 ppm sulphur dioxide. After a series of experiments, this simple chemical treatment was standardized to maintain quality, avoid discoloration and excessive shrinkage
138.FORESTATION – Mass promotion, propagation, and plantation of fast growing tree species were promoted in the rural belts by RRL to help in conservation of environment. Examples are Weeping Willows, Eucalyptus and other species. Fast growing trees like Eucalyptus also was in addition a source of rutin for industrial use and extensively promoted in several places of India like Himachal Pradesh, www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/6970387213/
139.RURAL PROJECTS FOR ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION AND WASTE UTILISATION- www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/5782556024/in/photostr...
A.APPLE POMICE PROJECT, KASHMIR – prevention of pollution of river Jhelum, by converting apple waste into animal feed. (Serial no 142-146, environment conservation).
B.PINE NEEDLES BASED PACKING BOXES INDUSTRY – as a first example in the world in 1975, RRL developed the technology for production of reusable, tough, superior hard boards from fallen pine needles. A factory was established at Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh costing Rupees eight lacs, which produced 2 lacs boxes annually. Besides the waste utilization it generated employment opportunities also with added production of parallel byproduct turpentine from pine needles (converting a hazardous forest waste having hazard of igniting forest fires, into useful packing material - (See link below).
C.AGRO WASTE BASED BOARDS- fiber boards from rice straw and rice husk was developed by RRL, Jammu. The Jammu region (Kathua to R. S. Pura extending to Poonch produces vast quantity of paddy and the entire husk goes waste).
D.Other examples are vanillin from sawdust (waste of joinery mills), boards from various agro wastes /industry wastes and similar other projects
140.PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY METHODS FOR STORED GRAINS- expert technical advice/methods for this was provided to the food industry/farming industry.RRL developed non toxic grain protectants like Acorus calamu developed prior to 1977.
141.PERFUMERY INDUSTRY- developed and introduced new varieties like Skimmia laureola . Serial no 115, essential oils.
142.RURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF PIONEERING WORK IN ESSENTIAL OILS AND MINT- See details in ESSENTIAL OILS.
143.ERADICATION OF RURAL SUPERSTITIONS AND IMPLEMENTING RURAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES-in December 1976, district farmers training officer of J&K posed the problem of prevalence of worshipping of termite mounds in villages. In the past no organization tried to explain the innocent villagers about the devastation by termites of crops and houses.RRL initiated the work by selecting two villages Tonk Waziran and Chak Rickwal near Nagrota in Jammu region. Initially the reaction of villagers was not only uncooperative but hostile to the suggestion out of religious fears. After considerable persuasion, they relented. The mounds inside the houses and outside were scientifically eliminated and demolished. This work was started in January 1977 and completed till June 1977. The process was also demonstrated to Hon. Governor Shri L.K. Jha. The encouraging results were monitored and message was spread to other villages also.
144.RURAL PUBLIC HEALTH-see Serial 90. Projects for control of external parasites (ectoparasites) like louse using bio-antiparasitic agents (Acorus calamus oil and mustard oil), and anti zooplankton measures by introduction of pond fishes in villages which thrive on zooplanktons.
DigitizeIt free download PNG, BMP, GIF, etc.). To be able to use you must have some mathematical knowhow plus some patience currently, since it’s user interface isn’t probably the most awe-inspiring. Nevertheless, hardly any programs focus on this process which incredible feat ought...
Valuables illustrated above (Zeu ndop "fabric royal ", Sa'ak-leuk "ponytail ", Kwak “necklace” and the big crown made of feathers of Turaco which is a species of rare bird), are the pride and wealth of the Bamiléké. This richness extends to collections of objects (sculpture, painting, etc...) still serving in the expression of a particular traditional and unique power .
Bamileke drawing of the complete Sirius system. A, Sirius; B, po tolo, the object equated with Sirius like the Egyptian. The whole system is enclosed in an oval, representing the egg of the world.These various heritage, make the originality of the Bamiléké people. This is a traditional and cultural variety that originated in the creation of Bamiléké chiefdoms. In this part of Cameroon, artisans of all kinds (Founders, weavers, blacksmiths, embroiderers, sculptors etc...), work for the radiation of an ancestral knowledge. To measure the cultural value of these objects, no regrets are shown attending in the monarch induction ceremonies, the funerals and festive ceremonie
Abstract. According to the World Travel Tourism Council, tourism is the first income-generating activity in the world. This activity provides opportunities for export and development in many emerging countries, thus contributing to 5.751 trillion dollars into the global economy. In 2010, tourism contributed up to 9.45% of the world GDP. This trend will continue for the next 10 years and tourism will be the leading source of employment in the world. While many African countries (Morocco, Gabon etc.) are parties to benefit from this growth, Cameroon, despite its huge touristic potential, seems ill-equipped to take advantage of this alternative activity. In Cameroon, tourism is growing slowly and is little known by the local communities which depend on agro-pastoral resources. The Bamiléké of Cameroon is an example faced with this situation. Nowadays in this region located in the western highlands of Cameroon, villages rich in natural, traditional or socio-cultural resources, are less affected by tourist traffic. This is probably due to the fact that tourism in Cameroon is sinking deeper and deeper into a slump, with the degradation of heritages, reception facilities and the lack of planning. In this country known as "Africa in miniature", tourism has remained locked in certain areas (northern part), although the tourist sites of Cameroon are not as limited as one may imagine. Due to this stagnant vision, Cameroon in general and the Bamiléké region in particular, run the risk of losing her tourist identity, thereby forcing local actors to limit their income only to the exploitation of biological resources (forest, local fauna ), agriculture and handicraft. Faced to such a situation, the central interest of this article is to present the tourism heritage of the Bamiléké people, likely to support the development of sustainable tourism in this community. In addition to this, the paper aims to develop cultural tourism, this with a real involvement of local communities.For the Bamiléké people who depend mostly on farming, tourism remains a luxury and sometimes is accused to be a fanciful or unreliable activity. This activity, which had grown in Europe at the turn of the 18th and 19th century, has experienced a spectacular boom in many parts of the world. To illustrate this growth, the World Tourism Organization (1997) has estimated the number of international tourist arrivals at 612 million, five times more than it was 30 years ago (112.8 million in 1965). Cameroon is recurrently lauded for its touristic potential but tourism only contributes 1.5% of the GDP in this country and the volume of jobs created is only about 48,000 for a population of nearly 19 million inhabitants. These data render dumb the real possibility of Cameroon coming out from this slump tourism. In Bamiléké region dilapidated by the degradation of agricultural soils on the slopes, by the discontinuity and decline of the enclosure landscape formerly with an attractive originality, and even more by the mass exodus of its young population in quest for wellbeing or facilities present in the cities; tourism especially ecotourism can best offer the opportunities to supplement or replace the faulty practices for local or regional development.
The certainty or near certainty of such a postulate, is that nowadays, science raises awareness and raises the real problems of society. Research have been done and showed that western Cameroon in general and the Bamiléké region in particular, replete with an impressive heritage, enabling to respond distinctively to the criteria and the needs of thousands of tourists in the world.
By connecting the Bamiléké tourism potential and development of the region, this contribution aims to present the Bamiléké heritage as a pledge or stakes to support the activities of conservation, sustainable management and development of local tourism. The final idea is to exploit the Bamiléké tourist richness, for a concerted and sustainable development.
1. The Bamiléké region: background and touristic resources
1.1. A brief historical point
According to Barbier (1976), the term Bamiléké is born of historical
contingencies related to colonial penetration and applies to all populations of the entire plateau with the same name. Indeed, the German settlers ascending through the crest and by the Ridge of the Bamboutos mountains discovered the bowl of Dschang (Upper Nkam basin). The interpreter who accompanied them designated populations of the area as "Ba mbu leke" which means people of the valley. This term has been applied to the entire geographical area and the first German text that mentions the term Bamiléké is from 1905 through the narrative of the expedition of mount Manengouba. The Bamiléké region was very early distinguished from other mountainous regions by several elements among which 6 are most important:
♣ The importance of farmland that characterized the peasantry
♣ very high densities
♣ social organization in the kingdom
♣ resistance to French colonization that affected the entire plateau
♣ the building style, which contrasted sharply with that of other regions ♣ dynamism and integration to the market economy from coffee farming. The word "Bamiléké" thus refers to the inhabitants of this west region which stretches between 700 and 2740 meters of altitude. Before the Germans arrived, this people were warriors. Despite the recurring disputes, they are paradoxically united by a tradition, a culture and probably common rites. With an area of 6196. km2, the Bamiléké region is located between 5°-5°45N and 10°-11°E. Administratively, it is bounded to the north by the Grass fields (North West region), to the South by the Coastal region, to the West by the South West region and to the East by the Bamoun country (Fig. 1).
1.2. Current state of the premises
Early studies in Bamiléké area (Hurault, 1966, Dongmo, 1981, Barbier, 1983) highlighted the knowhow of the Bamiléké people, presenting them as "mountain dweller entrepreneurs". No doubt those at the time, the Bamiléké whose dynamism is not doubted had established an excellent knowledge and agrarian civilization, allowing taming their environment which is a complex of highlands with irregular shapes. In this parts of Cameroon where lived about 770,627 inhabitants in 1976 (Census 1976), dynamic men rich in cultures have shaped their environment, by adopting and sharing their knowledge for the future.
Nowadays with over 1,264,964 inhabitants (3rd RGPH, 2010), the dynamism claimed, is misinterpreted and remains questionable if we stick to the comments and surveys done in this Bamiléké region. It must be said that the current Bamiléké region is less attractive. The panoramic view of landscape described as unique in tropical zone (Hurault, 1966), reveals the bare slopes dotted with luxurious buildings, visually with the contours which mask the groves, sacred forest and some relics of discontinuous enclosures that resist degradation with time.Given the realities observed in the villages, those who bet on the stability of Bamiléké landscape, are poorly rewarded. The situation becomes more complicated when in agriculture; some villages (Bangou, Batié, Baham ...) locally present alarming signs of degradation leading to poverty. Concerning the degradation of arable land of Bamiléké mountains, studies conducted by Fotsing (1993), Tchindjang (1999) and CIPCRE (2001) on the processes of erosion in the highlands of western Cameroon, permit to evaluate and say that the Bamiléké farmland have lost about 50% of their fertility on the slopes, 35% in the Dry Valleys and 15% in hydromorphic valleys.
After the outstanding success, we are talking increasingly of failure, disappointment or "tragedy" of Bamiléké society.
Despite this confusion of a generation doomed to be equally open to a multicultural and multi-dimensional world, it is logical to say that the Bamiléké of Cameroon, have in their knowledge, a tradition and a culture that are strong revealers of hope, progress or development.
2. Methodology and presentation of the tourism resources in Bamiléké region
2.1. Methodological approach
Inspired by some observations done in other countries, we embarked in reading, seeking to identify all the tourism resources of the western highlands of Cameroon. This preliminary work was conducted in some libraries and specialized reading centers (CARPE, CIPCRE, CEW, the universities of Yaoundé I and Dschang). Regarding the collection of field data, we limited ourselves to the chiefdoms of the first degree. In these chiefdoms which occupy since about 11 millennia their current space (Tchawa, 1995), observations and interviews with resource persons (local chiefs and community leaders) helped to list the existing resources and make the typology of tourism heritage. These data compiled and analyzed statistically, permitted us to classify, to think back to a world where man by his know how, can exploit natural and socio-cultural resources for an equitable world and sustainability.
2.2. The tourism resources of the Bamiléké region
This paragraph aims at listing some natural and semi-natural heritage, the socio-cultural resources and other cultural resources with non negligible values
The table above shows the importance of tourism resources of the Bamiléké region. His analysis allows us to measure the weight of cultural heritages in the villages. Given these data, statements and any local observation, the proportion of traditional and socio-cultural resources is a good indicator of tourist capacities in the region with a good proportion of 57.89%. This proportion is in very good position, although some natural heritage (waterfalls, lakes, rocks, mountains, etc...) assessed at 26.31% are more noticeable. Divided into four main groups (Figure 2), the tourism resources of the Bamiléké region has an obvious diversity. Visiting theBamilékévillages, one can see the natural landscape mainly consisting of rocks, caves, peaks, lakes and waterfalls that are reminiscent geomorpho sites. These elements of the natural milieu that are easily exploited for tourism still keep a certain cultural value. • Rocks and caves in Bamiléké region
The most famous are: the cave of Fovu (Baham), meuhgam (Baleng), the three large rocks of Bapa, the rocks of "tournant Z" in Bangou. Sometimes qualified as "death rock" (Loung gwou in Bapa language), these wonders of nature, give pleasure to all visitors who approach them. Culturally, they are places of meditation, escape, purification and other animist cults.
• The waterfall
As in the caves, waterfalls with around 20 to 30m of height, are places of worship and other rituals (Métché, Lingang, Tchui...). Here, waters breaking span
of boulders that make up great jets of cascades in all seasons. These places called "sacred", as the lakes keep a high cultural and aesthetic values.
Without being exhaustive, an inventory of tourism resources sounds like an emergency for the preservation of natural and socio-cultural heritage. This is also what Tchindjang (2012) defended by stigmatizing the sub-exploitation of mountainous resource in Cameroon. Also, the Defferre law (1983) called decentralization law give more responsibilities to local governments. This responsibility facilitates the management of assets and therefore the emergence of local development. Similarly, the actors involved must develop a compliance of objects identified and classified as heritage tourism. Far from the innovations already known, the Bamiléké people must develop ecological tourism, a guarantee of stability and pronounced solution to break fragile farmland. Once developed, this alternative activity will move to the rescue campaigns nowadays abandoned to only agricultural activity. This is to rethink a world where all human activity (agriculture, farming and ecotourism today advocated), is dedicated to the environment and sustainability. In this part of Cameroon, where the relations of man to nature are very strong, ecotourism is an open door for the process of sustainability and local development (figure5).
This figure shows that through education, training and tourism communication, Bamiléké can by their know how, integrate the complexity of nature to sacredness, history, traditional medicines and many other topics now sought by various types of tourism and various forms of development.
Conducting a study that presents the traditions and Bamiléké cultural rites as tourism stakes, that are reasoned and sustainable, aims at supporting, or to offer to people exhausted and weakened by its main activity (agriculture), an alternative, that of ecotourism. The idea here is to draw on traditional and cultural knowledge, to cope with changes of the recent years. The challenge here is to encourage the Bamiléké people qualified by Dongmo (1981) as dynamics to explore and rediscover their culture and traditions that are little known but very rich for development and sustainability.
pesd.ro/articole/nr.7/PESDVOL7NR12013/07TABCRTSAS27052013...
Auscott.
This cotton company was founded in 1963 by Boswell Company using the knowhow of two American cotton farmers. They started at Narrabri with 1,700 hectares of cotton and a cotton gin (mill). They acquired land near Warren and built their third gin followed soon after by a fourth at Trangie also in the Macquarie River valley. Next they started in the Moree district and in the last decade they have expanded into the Murrumbidgee River valley. They process about 16 million bales of cotton in the gins annually. Their farmers use the latest laser levelling for furrow or drip irrigation, soil moisture measuring technology etc. and the land has crop rotations of wheat, canola, and sorghum. Since 1969 they have award university scholarships in agriculture to one student from Dubbo, Narrabri, Moree and Hay high schools.
Breaking Bad Seasons 1-3 DVD Box Set
Breaking Bad Season 3 DVD Box Set
One of several fascinating original series from cable's American Movie Channel, Breaking Bad was produced by Vince Gilligan of X-Files fame. Former Malcolm in the Middle regular Bryan Cranston starred as high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who at age 49 was told that he was suffering from terminal lung cancer--even though he'd never smoked a cigarette in his life. Unable to pay for his medical treatment or provide for the future financial security of his pregnant wife Skyler (Anna Gunn) and his son Walt Jr. (RJ Mitte), the latter a victim of cerebral palsy, Walter began moonlighting at a car wash. When this proved inadequate to make ends meet, Walter entered into a slighly unholy alliance with former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). Using Walter's chemical knowhow, the two partners set up a crystal meth lab, with Walter supplying and Jesse dealing. Now the unfortunate Mr. White found himself straddling two worlds, one legitimate, one definitely not. Adding to Walter's crown of thorns was the omnipresence of his brother-in-law Hank (Dean Norris), a DEA agent who'd been trying to bust Jesse for several months--and who of course had to be kept completely in the dark as to Walter's new "sideline." Breaking Bad debuted on January 20, 2008.
Recently we purchased this elderly Aladdin blue-flame paraffin heater to heat the garage work area. This model is of an old design that goes back to the early 1950s, but was carried on in production for many years and went through several internal design changes.
These are a non-pressurised heater employing a cylindrical 3" diameter wick that extends down into the near 1-gallon fuel tank. The design allows a constant stream of air to flow up around the burning paraffin-soaked wick, resulting in a hot blue flame. This means a cleaner burn and much less odour.
The claim from Aladdin Industries was that these heaters burned as hot as a 3kw electric heater. I wouldn't doubt this claim as it chucks out a lot of heat.
This is a very good example and was in full working order when received. However, when acquiring a non-working example, it needs someone with sufficient knowhow to properly service it and to get it going again. I know that dried-out wicks can seize into the burner mechanism and great care is required to free them.
Some parts are still available through specialist suppliers including wicks.
Captured March 2016 a Canon VI-L rangefinder + Canon LTM 50mm/1.8 lens + Y (yellow) filter.FOMAPAN 100 film rated EI=50 developed in a prototype pyrogallol/4-aminophenol developer.Title taken from the poem "On Raglan Rd." by Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh.
Breaking Bad Seasons 1-3 DVD Box Set
Breaking Bad Season 3 DVD Box Set
One of several fascinating original series from cable's American Movie Channel, Breaking Bad was produced by Vince Gilligan of X-Files fame. Former Malcolm in the Middle regular Bryan Cranston starred as high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who at age 49 was told that he was suffering from terminal lung cancer--even though he'd never smoked a cigarette in his life. Unable to pay for his medical treatment or provide for the future financial security of his pregnant wife Skyler (Anna Gunn) and his son Walt Jr. (RJ Mitte), the latter a victim of cerebral palsy, Walter began moonlighting at a car wash. When this proved inadequate to make ends meet, Walter entered into a slighly unholy alliance with former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). Using Walter's chemical knowhow, the two partners set up a crystal meth lab, with Walter supplying and Jesse dealing. Now the unfortunate Mr. White found himself straddling two worlds, one legitimate, one definitely not. Adding to Walter's crown of thorns was the omnipresence of his brother-in-law Hank (Dean Norris), a DEA agent who'd been trying to bust Jesse for several months--and who of course had to be kept completely in the dark as to Walter's new "sideline." Breaking Bad debuted on January 20, 2008.
* A 42sec video of GBRf Route Learner 66777 crossing the last of the locks on the Tinsley Flight..
Apologies for the repeated shutter sound, but its a real focal plane shutter with mirror flip and the latter can't be switched off; though Live View exposures, where the mirror is held up would solve the problem at the expense of a reduced number of exposures... In addition, due to the water flowing over the top of the up-stream lock gate, it wasn't possible to tell exactly when the loco was to appear, so ... a two and a half minute video was taken and then subsequently edited to remove all the wait at the beginning which was used to pan around the area; a shorter section of which was shot at the end after the loco had passed over the Shepcote Lane canal bridge. This is GBRf class 66, 66777, 'Annette, on the 2nd return, 0Z24, Tinsley Yard(GBRf) to Doncaster Roberts Road Shed and it will be stood waiting, fortunately, at Woodburn's W0208 signal for moves off the Tinsley Yard line back onto the main line, for about 20 minutes, enough time for another move of venue and the appearance of another Flickr photographer.
Luis Tomas Pate Riroroko is one of the famous sculptor in Easter Island, he comes from Tahiti island, and work in Hanga Roa; for some years now he is the carver of the Tapati Queen Crown
© Eric Lafforgue www.ericlafforgue.com
13/03/2023, Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Islas Canarias, Spain.
Bear with me, while I explain how these Scottish truck drivers found themselves delivering equipment to an oil drilling ship here at Las Palmas.
Since the the oil price plunge of 2014-2016 - the biggest drop in oil prices in modern history - primarily caused by an oversupply in the market, most oil majors and prospectors found themselves in an uneconomically viable situation.
Over capacity in oil production and especially in oil exploratory drilling forced many of the mega expensive drilling ships to have their drilling contracts forestalled, or at the end of their existing contracts to find no new work.
These ships were being contracted at wild, but necessary prices of up to $500,000 per day, due to huge mortgages on the ships and their initial building costs.
(I believe the most expensive example's building cost was the Billion dollar plus 'Stena Icemax'. See here: flic.kr/p/RZ5QJr )
So, much oil exploration work was being undertaken on the West African coast, and across the Atlantic, offshore Brazil.
As the drilling ships became unemployed, the necessity of finding a suitable, large, deep-water port to keep them safely moored in, and with a pleasant climate to prevent corrosion and humidity damage, and that is where Las Palmas found itself to be the ideal location, at the 'crossroads' of the Atlantic.
In addition, the port has long established and experienced shipyards with specialist engineers and technicians.
The port quickly found itself in great demand for the laid up ships, and as an economic boost, there were lucrative mooring fees, tug requirements, stores, and large engineering projects to be had.
The drilling ships (& oil rigs) require ongoing maintenance and often, modifications to suit each specific drilling contract, both before and after completion.
The 'northern oil capital of Europe' is Aberdeen in Scotland and thus, specialist knowhow, equipment and hauliers are based there.
The result being a regular stream of heavy duty trucks, not least those of Grampian Continental haulage, picking up and delivering equipment to the ships, from all over Europe.
A former, regular driver, and Las Palmas visitor, for Grampian was Rab Lawrence, a well known contributor to Flickr, and a sometime correspondent of mine, although our paths never directly crossed.
Here are a few of his compatriots waiting to have their truck loads discharged, before having to catch the circa 36 hour ferry back to Huelva, or Cadiz, in southern Spain.
Lithuanian and Portuguese forces are teamed up with U.S. Marines with the Black Sea Rotational Force for Exercise Saber Strike at the Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, June 11, 2015. Their different military equipment and knowhow melded during offensive operations to promote regional security, strengthen partnerships, and foster trust. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Paul Peterson/Released)