These men are harvesting Nopal. This is a three year old orchard and here they are cutting off only the fresh, new growth and placing the petals into a wheel barrel parked in the middle path of this densly grown orchard.

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Here is some INFO on the HEALTH BENEFITS OF NOPAL cactus - taken from the Chosen Foods - Ancient Nutrition website:

What is Nopal?

Nopal is a cactus native to Mexico, botanically classified as Opuntia ficus-indica. The Genus Opuntia describes over 200 cactus species growing worldwide, all of which share the common Mexican ancestor O. ficus-indica The success of Nopal as a food and medicine has kept it an icon of health food in Mexico where more than 700,000 metric tons are consumed annually.

More recently clinical research has found Nopal to be an ancient nutrition for modern illness because of its unique ability to normalize blood sugar, improve digestive health, and protect against inflammation and oxidative stress.

www.chosen-foods.com/aztecnopal_about.asp

History of Nopal:

Archaeological evidence shows Nopal as a staple and medicine for the cultures which have thrived in Meso Americ (Mexico) dating back at least 12,000 years including the Olmec, Toltec and most recently Aztec. Indeed Aztec folklore describes a prophetic vision of an eagle holding a serpent in its talons while perched on a Nopal cactus plant, where providence dictated they build their city. The Aztec’s referred to Nopal as “Nochtli” in their native Nahuatl language, thus naming their divinely inspired city Tenochtitlan, or City of the Nopal; today’s location of Mexico City. Explorers visiting that area in the 15th Century were fascinated by Nopal’s shelf life and ability to protect against scurvy, which we now know is due to its high Vitamin C content. Thus Nopal became a popular seafaring food and eventually made its way around the globe.

The 57th Emirate Xenon, Ruler of the Caliphate of Xena, and of it's moral character. His Servitude was marked by intensive aid to the poor, and his normalization of trade relations with Zodiac, and with the Caliphate of Arga. Allowing a branch of the Zodian defense contractor Renminbi Corp. to be set up in the capital city of New Stellac, and in the latter case by arming his police force with Hero Factory equipment originating in Arga.

Compassionate, powerful, and beloved by his people. Long live the virtuous Emirate Xenon.

Place: Nangan, Matsu Islands

The Matsu islands are a minor archipelago of 36 islands and islets in the East China Sea and administered by the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Matsu islands together form the county of Lienchiang, but most of Liangjiang County (same name, different spelling) is under control of the People's Republic of China. Linear distance from mainland China is less than 20 km.

Mainlanders from Fujian and Zhejiang started migrating to the islands during the Yuan Dynasty. The popular net fishing industry had established the base for development of Fuao settlement and industrial development of the region over several hundred years.

During the early Qing Dynasty, pirates gathered here and the residents left temporarily. In contrast with Taiwan and Penghu, the Matsu Islands were not ceded to the Japanese Empire via the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Neither were they occupied by Japanese troops during World War II because they were not important militarily. Due to its strategic location for the only route for spice road, the British established the Dongyong Lighthouse in Dongyin Island in 1912 to facilitate ships navigation.

In 1911, the Qing Dynasty was toppled after the Xinhai Revolution on 10 October 1911 and the Republic of China (ROC) was established on 1 January 1912. Matsu Islands was subsequently governed under the administration of Fukien Province of the ROC. On 1 August 1927, the Nanchang Uprising broke out between the ruling Nationalist Party of China (KMT) and Communist Party of China (CPC) which marked the beginning of Chinese Civil War. After years of war, the CPC finally managed to take over mainland China from KMT and established the People's Republic of China (PRC) on 1 October 1949 which also covers the Lianjiang County of Fujian. The KMT subsequently retreated from mainland China to Taiwan in end of 1949.

After their retreat, the KMT retained the offshore part from the original Lianjiang County located on Matsu Islands, and also all of Kinmen County. In July 1958 the PRC began massing forces opposite the two islands and began bombarding them on 23 August, triggering the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis. On 4 September 1958, the PRC announced the extension of its territorial waters by 20 kilometres (12 mi) to include the two islands. However, after talks were held between the USA and PRC in Warsaw, Poland later that month, a ceasefire was agreed and the status quo reaffirmed.

The phrase "Quemoy and Matsu" became part of American political language in the 1960 U.S. presidential election. During the debates, both candidates, Vice-President Richard Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy, pledged to use American forces if necessary to protect Taiwan from invasion by the PRC, which the United States did not recognize as a legitimate government. But the two candidates had different opinions about whether to use American forces to protect Taiwan's forward positions, Quemoy and Matsu, also. In fact, Senator Kennedy stated that these islands - as little as 9 kilometres (5.5 mi) off the coast of China and as much as 170 kilometres (106 mi) from Taiwan - were strategically indefensible and were not essential to the defense of Taiwan. On the contrary, Vice-President Nixon maintained that since Quemoy and Matsu were in the "area of freedom," they should not be surrendered to the Communists as a matter of "principle."

Self governance of the county resumed in 1992 after the normalization of the political warfare with the mainland and the abolishment of Battle Field Administration on 7 November 1992. Afterwards, the local constructions progressed tremendously. In 1999, the islands were designated under Matsu National Scenic Area Administration. In January 2001, direct cargo and passenger shipping started between Matsu and Fujian Province of the PRC. Since 1 January 2015, tourists from mainland China could directly apply the Exit and Entry Permit upon arrival in Matsu Islands. This privilege also applies to Penghu and Kinmen as means to boost tourism in the outlying islands of Taiwan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsu_Islands

In 2013 I had the opportunity to visit the largest of the Matsu islands, Nangan, as a friend of mine is a teacher at a primary school on the island.

Anna and Djinn are starting to be comfortable in their new home.

Throughout our lives, certain archetypes shape our sense of self, the world, the road we’re on, and the goals we seek. Our idea of good and evil, male and female, leaders, parents, mentors, friends, and more are framed in the stories of the Bible. The picture’s not always pleasant, but it never fails to be instructive and is sometimes downright revelatory. Mirror, mirror on the wall: what’s the purpose of us all?

Topics of the Day:

Sunday, Day 1: “Introduction” and “Your Life as Revelatory Source. How did you get to be who you are? Your life is a sacred text read by all.

Monday, Day 2: “The Character of God” and “The Male/Female Thing” You and I meet God in sacramental and sacred encounters. But in Scripture, we meet the God who is one character among many in the remarkable story of faith. And our second topic — Gender is complicated. Adam and Eve were just the beginning of the conflict. Gender issues remain with us in secular and sacred realms.

Tuesday, Day 3: “Follow the Leader” and “The Parent Trap”

Leadership styles come and go. From biblical patriarchs and kings to modern-day presidents and celebrities, we follow the leaders we invent and choose. And our 2nd topic – The Ten Commandments bid us to honor our father and our mother. Jesus says we should hate our parents. Please explain!

Wednesday, Day 4:“The Guiding Light” & “You’ve Got a Friend” Elisha had Elijah. Timothy and Titus had Paul. Thank God for mentors: those significant folks along the way who show us how life works. Our second topic — It’s not good for us to be alone, as Genesis attests. Famous friendships help us explore the role of holy companioning.

Thursday, Day 5: “Who’s Your Devil?” and “What a Wonderful World” Everyone fears the Dark Side. Who’s the enemy, and where does it reside? And our second topic — The universe is beautiful. Earth is our home. The Bible and science agree it will come to an end one day. What’s our relationship to a fragile planet?

Friday, Day 6: “And the Purpose of It All Is” We’re born, we live, and we die. For most of us, that’s a pretty full plate of responsibilities. What should we do with this “one wild and precious life?”What qualities are we looking for in the aspirants at Saint-Sulpice? Parish Experience - Before an aspirant joins the Society, Sulpicians want to ensure that an aspirant has completed at least two years of parish work, which will have allowed him/her to develop a strong sense of belonging to the diocese and an attachment to the parish ministry. Indeed, they need priests who live and love their priesthood and who wish to assist the bishops in the service of seminarians and diocesan priests. Ability to work in a team - Sulpicians are looking for candidates who are able to work in a community environment and are able to work collegially on a mission in consultation with fellow priests as well as with lay people or religious. To know how to share one's faith through a life of prayer that nourishes a true enthusiasm for Christ and his Gospel, for the Church and the priesthood. The Apostolic Spirit who animated their founder, Jean-Jacques Olier, is the source of this sharing. Special gifts that open the way to a quality intellectual and professional preparation in several fields: spiritual accompaniment, teaching of philosophy or theology, pastoral animation. This presupposes the openness to learning of a constantly renewed Sulpician pedagogy. How can a priest become a Sulpician? Prerequisites - To be a diocesan priest incardinated in a diocese, to have completed at least two years of parish ministry in the diocese of origin and to be available for service in the Canadian Priests of St. Sulpice Province. Initial recognition - If a priest meets these prerequisites, he or she can contact the Sulpician Vocations Officer for his or her region (see list below). He will inform him about the regular meetings organized for the aspirants to the Society and he will be in charge of this first experience with Saint-Sulpice until the Provincial Council accepts him as a candidate. His participation in these meetings will give him sufficient information about the Company and the demands of Sulpician life. This priest will also be accompanied spiritually in discerning his possible Sulpician vocation. Candidature - After this time of discernment, with the support of the Sulpician Vocations Officer in his region, he asked his bishop for written authorization to make an experience in Saint-Sulpice. The aspirant then applies by contacting the provincial superior or the provincial delegate in writing. First experience in Saint-Sulpice - If formally accepted and admitted as a candidate, the Provincial Council becomes directly responsible for his experience with the Priests of Saint-Sulpice. He then took over his duties and gave him a first appointment to a team in the Canadian Province from the moment his bishop relieved him of his duties. Usually, this first experience in the Company lasts at least two years.The expression "art Saint-Sulpice" is misleading, because it encompasses very different periods and artists in the same name and in the same discredit, because it confuses art of reproduction and wide circulation with the search for an authentic sacred art which has been continuous for nearly two centuries.

In the proper sense, Sulpician art refers to the objects that are sold in the specialized shops that surround the church of the same name in Paris: industrial and economic art, of poor quality, where the mimicry and the fading of style reassure and somehow carry the seal of an official art, orthodox and without excess. Thus understood, Sulpician art is of all times and every effort to renew religious art naturally secretes its counterfeiting. The virgins and saints, with their white eyes and pale air, coming from Ary Scheffer and his raphaelism, the statues of the Virgin of Lourdes, poor translation of the mediocre model of the pious sculptor Cabuchet, the overly sensitive effigies of Thérèse de Lisieux or Saint Anthony of Padua, even the neo-byzantine works, pale reflection. In fact, the interest of Sulpician art is not only sociological; it is also, as in countertype, the revealing of the interest that religious art has never ceased to arouse, against all appearances. Holy Mirror! The creatures on the reverse will be merged in the reflected image but probably not in a laplacian way - just as concentric circles. If anyone has a magic mirrorWe first address the problem of simultaneous image segmentation and smoothing by approaching the paradigm from a curve evolution perspective. In particular, we let a set of deformable contours define the boundaries between regions in an image where we model the data via piecewise smooth functions

www.vallombrosa.org/the-holy-mirror-discovering-ourselves...

Origin of the Holy Mirrors!

Mirrors have been regarded as sacred at least since the Han Dynasty in China. Many of these mirrors and from the subsequent Wei dynasty have been found in Japan. They bore images of gods and sacred animals particularly the Chinese dragon (1,2) . They were very popular, and possibly later manufactured, in Japan. The bronze mirrors are found in great number in ancient (kofun period) burial mounds in Japan. In the biggest archeological find of 33 mirrors, the mirrors were placed surrounding the coffin such that their reflective surface faced the deceased. The Han mirrors were "magic" in that while they reflected they were also able to project an image usually of the deities and animals on the back and refered to as "light passing mirrors" (透明鑑） (Needham, 1965, p.xlic; Needham & Wang, 1977, pp. 96-97).This magic property is due to the their method of construction. When polishing the reflective face of the mirror, the patter on the back influences the pressure brought to bear on the reflective surface and change the extent to which it is concave. Muraoka also claims that Differences in the (slight) "inequality of curvature" (Ayrton & Perry, 1878, p 139; see also Thompson, 1897, and Needham & Wang, 1977, p96 for a diagram) of the mirror result in the mirror reflecting light bearing the pattern shown on the reverse. More recent research has elucidated the precise mathematical model describing the optics of these mirrors as a laplacian image (Berry, 2006), a type of spatial filter today used for edge detection and to blend two images together. It is not known whether the mirrors popular in ancient Japan were also able to project, but later during the Nara period mirrors were found to concel magic Buddhist images, and during the Edo period, concealed Christians (Kurishitan) concealed images of the cross or of the Holy Mary within their bronze "magic" mirrors. Mirrors in Japan contined to be made of brass, until the arrival of Western glass mirrors, and were "magic" in that they displayed the patter on their reverse when reflecting sunlight or other powerful light source (Thompson, 1897). Ayrton (Ayrton & Perry, 1878; Ayrton & Pollock, 1879) claims that in Japan mirror vendors were unaware of the "light passing" quality, and that there is no mention of this 'magical' quality known to Han Chinese in Japanese texts. Even a Japanese mirror maker was unaware of how to make magic mirrors though had inadvertently made one himself by extensive polishing a mirror with a design on its back (Ayrton & Perry, 1878, p135). Unlike the ancient Korean mirror top right (3), the ancient Han and Japanese mirrors were made to be rotated, displaying images in the four directions of the compas. The reason for the holes in the central "breast" (or nipple) is unclear but it is found to be pierced with a hole (of varying shape depending upon the manufacturer) from which the mirror was suspended by a rope. Bearing in mind that the images on the mirrors required that the mirrors be rotated, the central nodule might also have enabled the mirrors to be spun like a top. I am not sure why someone would want to spin a mirror but my son does (see the toy explained later). I would very much like to see what the reflected "magic" image becomes when spun. The creatures on the reverse will be merged in the reflected image but probably not in a laplacian way - just as concentric circles. If anyone has a magic mirror I would like them to try spinning it to see. Skipping the holy mirrors in shrines, mirror rice cakes, and the mirror held by the Japanese version of Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates, King Enma, which holds a record of ones life, and, jumping to the present day... Mirrors are popular in the transformational items used by Japanese superheros. The early 1970's Mirror Man transformed using a Shinto amulet infront of any mirror or reflecting surface. Shinkenja, a group of Super Sentai or Power Rangers, that transforms thanks to their ability to write and then spin Chinese characters in the air, also transforms with the aid of an Inro Maru (4) upon which is affixed a inscribed disk. When the disk is attactched to the mirror the super hero inside the mirror is displayed. Transformation (henshin) by means of a mirror is popular too among Japanese femail super heros notably Himitsu no Akko Chan (Secret Akko), who could change into many things that were displayed in her mirror, sailor moon, and OshareMajo (6). The female super heroes mirrors usually make noises rather than contain inscriptions. The latest greatest Kamen Rider OOO sometimes transforms by means of his Taja-Spina which spins three of his totem-badge "coins" inside a mirror (video). In this ancient tradition we see recurrence of the following themes 1) Mirrors being of great benefit to the bearer enabling him to transform. 2) Mirrors containing hidden deities 3) Mirrors being associated with symbols: iconic marks, and incantations. 4) Mirrors being made to be rotated or spun. Thanks to James Ewing for the Mirror Man (Mira-man) reference and to Tomomi Noguchi for the Ojamajo Doremi reference, and to Taku Shimonuri and my son Ray for getting me interested in Japanese superheros. Addendum One of My students (A Ms. Tanaka, and a book about the cute in Japan) pointed out that the Japanese are into round things, and it seems to me that this Japanese preference for the round may originate in the mirror. Anpanman and Doraemon and many "characters" have round faces The Japanese Flag features a circle representing the sun and the mirror Japanese coats of arms (kamon) Japanese holy mirrors are round "Mirror rice cakes", and many other kinds of rice cake, are round The Sumo ring is round Pictures of the floating world (Ukiyoe) often portray the sitter in a round background Japanese groups always have to end up by standing in a round The Japanese are fond of domes and have many of the biggest The Japanese are fond of seals (inkan), which are round Japanese groups just can't help standing in a round The taiko drum is round The mitsudomoe is round Mount Fuji is round But then there are probably round things in every culture?

Cast and polished bronze mirrors, made in China and Japan for several thousand years, exhibit a curious property [1–4], long regarded as magical. A pattern embossed on the back

is visible in the patch of light projected onto a screen from the reflecting face when this is illuminated by a small source, even though no trace of the pattern can be discerned

by direct visual inspection of the reflecting face. The pattern on the screen is not the result of the focusing responsible for conventional image formation, because its sharpness is independent of distance, and also because the magic mirrors are slightly convex. It was established long ago that the effect results from the deviation of rays by weak undulations on the reflecting surface, introduced during the manufacturing process and too weak to see directly, that reproduce the much stronger relief embossed on the back. Such ‘Makyoh imaging’ (from the Japanese for ‘wonder mirror’) has been applied to detect small asperities on nominally flat semiconductor surfaces [5–8]. My aim here is to draw attention (section 2) to a simple and beautiful fact, central to

the optics of magic mirrors, that has not been emphasized—either in the qualitative accounts or in an extensive geometrical-optics analysis : in the optical regime relevant to

magic mirrors, the image intensity is given, in terms of the height function h(r) of the relief.on the reflecting surface, by the Laplacian ∇2 h(r) (here r denotes position in the mirror plane: r = {x, y}). The Laplacian image predicts striking effects for patterns, such as those on magic mirrors, that consist of steps ; these predictions are supported by experiment

The detailed study of reflection from steps throws up an unresolved problem concerning the relation between the pattern embossed on the back and the relief on the reflecting surface. The Laplacian image is an approximation to geometrical optics, which is itself an approximation to physical optics. The appendix contains a discussion of the Laplacian image starting from the wave integral representing Fresnel diffraction from the mirror surface. Geometrical optics and the Laplacian image If we measure the height h(r) from the convex surface of the mirror (figure 3), assumed to

have radius of curvature R0, then the deviation of the surface undulations from a reference plane (figure 3) is η(r) = − r22R0+ h(r. The specularly reflected rays of geometrical optics are determined by the stationary value(s) of

the optical path length L from the source (distance H from the reference plane) to the position

R on the screen (distance D from the reference plane) via the point r on the mirror. This is L = (H − η(r))2 + r2 +(D − η(r

))2 + (R − r)2≈ H + D + (r, R), (2)where in the second line we have employed the paraxial approximation (all ray angles small), with (r, R) = r2 2H+(R − r)2 2D+ r2 R0− 2h(r). In applying the stationarity condition ∇r(r, R) = 0, it is convenient to define the magnification M, the reduced distance Z, and the ;demagnified observation position r referred to the mirror surface: M ≡ 1 +D H+2D R0, Z ≡ 2D M , r ≡ R M . We note an effect of the convexity that will be important later: as the source and screen distance increase, Z approaches the finite asymptotic value R0. With these variables, the position r

(r,Z), on the mirror, of rays reaching the screen position r, is the solution of r = r − Z∇h(r). The focusing and defocusing responsible for the varying light intensity at r involves the

Jacobian determinant of the transformation from r to r, giving,after a short calculation,Igeom(r,Z) = constant × ∂x ∂x

∂y ∂y − ∂x ∂y ∂y ∂x−1 r→r (r,Z)= 1 − Z∇2 h(r) + Z2

∂h(r) ∂x2 ∂h(r) ∂y2 − ∂h(r) ∂x ∂y2−1r→r(r,Z), ().where the result has been normalized to Igeom = 1 for the convex mirror without surface relief (i.e. h(r) = 0). So far, this is standard geometrical optics. In general, more than one ray can reach r—that is, can have several solutions r—and the boundaries of regions reached by different numbers of rays are caustics. In magic mirrors, however, we are concerned with a

limiting regime satisfying Z Rmin 1, where Rmin is the smallest radius of curvature of the surface irregularities. Then there is only one ray, simplifies to r ≈ r, (9) and the intensity simplifies to ILaplacian(r,Z) = 1 + Z∇2 h(r). This is the Laplacian image. Changing Z affects only the contrast of the image and not its form, so explains why the sharpness of the image is independent of screen position, provided holds. The intensity is a linear function of the surface irregularities h, which

is not the case in general geometrical optics (i.e. when is violated), where, as has been emphasized the relation is nonlinear. And, as already noted, for a distant source and

screen Z approaches the value R0, implying that (8) holds for any distance of the screen if R0 Rmin, that is, provided the irregularities are sufficiently gentle or the mirror is sufficiently

convex. Alternatively stated, the convexity of the mirror can compensate any concavity of the irregularity h, in which case there are no caustics for any screen position.The theory based on the Laplacian image accords well with observation, at least for the mirror studied here. The key insight is that the image of a step is neither a dark line nor a bright line,

as sometimes reported , but is bright on one side and dark on the other. It is possible that there are different types of magic mirror, where for example the relief is etched directly onto

the reflecting surface and protected by a transparent film , but these do not seem to be common. Sometimes, the pattern reflected onto a screen is different from that on the back, but

this is probably a trick, achieved by attaching a second layer of bronze, differently embossed, to the back of the mirror.

Pre-focal ray concentrations leading to Laplacian images are familiar in other contexts, though they are not always recognized as such. An example based on refraction occurs in old windows, where a combination of age and poor manufacture has distorted the glass. The distortion is not evident in views seen through the window when standing close to it. However,when woken by the low morning sun shining through a gap in the curtains onto an opposite

wall, one often sees the distortions magnified as a pattern of irregular bright and dark lines. If the equivalent of is satisfied, that is if the distortions and propagation distance are not too

large, the intensity is the Laplacian image of the window surface. (When the condition is not satisfied, the distortions can generate caustics.) Only the optics of the mirror has been studied here. The manner in which the pattern embossed on the back gets reproduced on the front has not been considered. Referring to ,this involves the sign of the coefficient a in the relation between hback and h. There have been several speculations about the formation of the relief. One is that the relief is generated while the mirror is cooling, by unequal contraction of the thick and thin parts of the pattern ; it is not clear what sign of a this leads to. Another is that cooling generates stresses, and that during vigorous grinding and polishing the thin parts yield more than the thick parts, leading to the thick parts being worn down more; this leads to a 0: bright (dark) lines on the image, indicating low (high) sides of the steps on the reflecting face, are associated with the low (high) sides of the

steps on the back , not the reverse (figure 7(b)). This suggests two avenues for further research. First, the sign of a should be determined by direct measurement of the profile of the reflecting surface; I predict a > 0. Second, whatever the result, the mechanism should be investigated by which the process of manufacture reproduces onto the reflecting surface the

pattern on the back. The fact that h0 = 378 nm is smaller than the wavelengths in visible light does not imply that the Laplacian image is the small-κ limit of (A.3), namely the perturbation limit corresponding to infinitely weak relief. Indeed it is not: the perturbation limit, obtained by

expanding the exponential in (A.3) and evaluating the integral over τ , with a renormalized denominator to incorporate the known limit I = 1 for ξ = ±∞, isψpert(ξ , ζ, κ) = 1 − iκ erf(ξ/√1+iζ /κ)

√ 1 + κ2 . For the gentlest steps, this predicts low-contrast oscillatory images, very different from the Laplacian images of geometrical optics; this is illustrated in figure 8(b), calculated for k =0.05, corresponding to h0 = 5.2 nm.

European journal of physics, 27, 109. Retrieved from www.phy.bris.ac.uk/people/Berry_mv/the_papers/berry383.pdf Spatial Filters - Laplacian/Laplacian of Gaussian. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2012, from homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/rbf/HIPR2/log.htm Thompson, S. P. (1897). Light Visible and Invisible: A Series of Lectures at Royal Institution of Great Britain. Macmillan. Retrieved from www.archive.org/stream/lightvisibleinvi00thomuoft#page/50...

In the industrial and materialist period that began in the 19th century, Catholicism, even though it had to give in to its official positions, underwent glorious revival. In the years 1830-1880, an attempt was made to revive an authentic religious art, in the image of restored faith, through examples of medieval art. The Gothic cathedral, in its 13th century purity, Fra Angelico, the painter who paints on his knees, will be the models unceasingly questioned and translated through the teaching of Ingres.

BREAKING: A #transgender representative in #Minnesota has introduced a bill that will remove the exclusion of #pedophiles from the protected class of “sexual orientation.”

This means it will be illegal to discriminate against CHILD RAPISTS!

This is what we have been sounding the alarm on. There is a concerted effort to normalize the sexualization of #Children and to legalize #pedophilia. This is one more step toward that end goal.

We need everyone to join in this fight before it is too late.

#GaysAgainstGroomers

twitter.com/againstgrmrs/status/1651271616775565312

Place: Nangan, Matsu Islands

The Matsu islands are a minor archipelago of 36 islands and islets in the East China Sea and administered by the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Matsu islands together form the county of Lienchiang, but most of Liangjiang County (same name, different spelling) is under control of the People's Republic of China. Linear distance from mainland China is less than 20 km.

Mainlanders from Fujian and Zhejiang started migrating to the islands during the Yuan Dynasty. The popular net fishing industry had established the base for development of Fuao settlement and industrial development of the region over several hundred years.

During the early Qing Dynasty, pirates gathered here and the residents left temporarily. In contrast with Taiwan and Penghu, the Matsu Islands were not ceded to the Japanese Empire via the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Neither were they occupied by Japanese troops during World War II because they were not important militarily. Due to its strategic location for the only route for spice road, the British established the Dongyong Lighthouse in Dongyin Island in 1912 to facilitate ships navigation.

In 1911, the Qing Dynasty was toppled after the Xinhai Revolution on 10 October 1911 and the Republic of China (ROC) was established on 1 January 1912. Matsu Islands was subsequently governed under the administration of Fukien Province of the ROC. On 1 August 1927, the Nanchang Uprising broke out between the ruling Nationalist Party of China (KMT) and Communist Party of China (CPC) which marked the beginning of Chinese Civil War. After years of war, the CPC finally managed to take over mainland China from KMT and established the People's Republic of China (PRC) on 1 October 1949 which also covers the Lianjiang County of Fujian. The KMT subsequently retreated from mainland China to Taiwan in end of 1949.

After their retreat, the KMT retained the offshore part from the original Lianjiang County located on Matsu Islands, and also all of Kinmen County. In July 1958 the PRC began massing forces opposite the two islands and began bombarding them on 23 August, triggering the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis. On 4 September 1958, the PRC announced the extension of its territorial waters by 20 kilometres (12 mi) to include the two islands. However, after talks were held between the USA and PRC in Warsaw, Poland later that month, a ceasefire was agreed and the status quo reaffirmed.

The phrase "Quemoy and Matsu" became part of American political language in the 1960 U.S. presidential election. During the debates, both candidates, Vice-President Richard Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy, pledged to use American forces if necessary to protect Taiwan from invasion by the PRC, which the United States did not recognize as a legitimate government. But the two candidates had different opinions about whether to use American forces to protect Taiwan's forward positions, Quemoy and Matsu, also. In fact, Senator Kennedy stated that these islands - as little as 9 kilometres (5.5 mi) off the coast of China and as much as 170 kilometres (106 mi) from Taiwan - were strategically indefensible and were not essential to the defense of Taiwan. On the contrary, Vice-President Nixon maintained that since Quemoy and Matsu were in the "area of freedom," they should not be surrendered to the Communists as a matter of "principle."

Self governance of the county resumed in 1992 after the normalization of the political warfare with the mainland and the abolishment of Battle Field Administration on 7 November 1992. Afterwards, the local constructions progressed tremendously. In 1999, the islands were designated under Matsu National Scenic Area Administration. In January 2001, direct cargo and passenger shipping started between Matsu and Fujian Province of the PRC. Since 1 January 2015, tourists from mainland China could directly apply the Exit and Entry Permit upon arrival in Matsu Islands. This privilege also applies to Penghu and Kinmen as means to boost tourism in the outlying islands of Taiwan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsu_Islands

In 2013 I had the opportunity to visit the largest of the Matsu islands, Nangan, as a friend of mine is a teacher at a primary school on the island.

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                  Yellow Green (96 pictures)

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I'm always a little ambivalent about colored light on colorful suits. The mixing of light with a limited spectrum (=colored) on a fabric with a specific absorption spectrum (=colored) often looks weird. The white light from the front normalizes the overall impression somewhat, but the odd effect on the blending areas is usually intensified significantly by my image processing (color, saturation, contrast, ect.). On the other hand, the color contrast is great to look at and small shades through the body shapes are especially emphasized. In addition, the colored light is very easy to set up and allows many combinations. So I really love it :-)

Err, yes... I have not found a good name for the gallery.

Stay safe and healthy!

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you really should see the bigger image on flickr... and the whole set at my free website! :-) 

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Nopal planters

This is the beginning of a set I wil post over a few days - a series of photos I took recently at a Huerta de Nopal in Jalisco, Mexico...... an Nopal Orchard during the planting of new nopal growing fields. Just watching rgese men mt back was hurting - wow, this surely is back breaking work!!!

These Nopal cactus are an eadible plant, part of the Mexican Cuisine, very healthy, helps Diabetics tremendously!!! I will write more about it as I upload more photos from this awesome visit and opportunity to shoot the planting and harvesting at this Nopal orchard!

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Here is some INFO on the Health benefits of NOPAL cactus - taken from the Chosen Foods - Ancient Nutrition website:

What is Nopal?

Nopal is a cactus native to Mexico, botanically classified as Opuntia ficus-indica. The Genus Opuntia describes over 200 cactus species growing worldwide, all of which share the common Mexican ancestor O. ficus-indica The success of Nopal as a food and medicine has kept it an icon of health food in Mexico where more than 700,000 metric tons are consumed annually.

More recently clinical research has found Nopal to be an ancient nutrition for modern illness because of its unique ability to normalize blood sugar, improve digestive health, and protect against inflammation and oxidative stress.

www.chosen-foods.com/aztecnopal_about.asp

History of Nopal:

Archaeological evidence shows Nopal as a staple and medicine for the cultures which have thrived in Meso Americ (Mexico) dating back at least 12,000 years including the Olmec, Toltec and most recently Aztec. Indeed Aztec folklore describes a prophetic vision of an eagle holding a serpent in its talons while perched on a Nopal cactus plant, where providence dictated they build their city. The Aztec’s referred to Nopal as “Nochtli” in their native Nahuatl language, thus naming their divinely inspired city Tenochtitlan, or City of the Nopal; today’s location of Mexico City. Explorers visiting that area in the 15th Century were fascinated by Nopal’s shelf life and ability to protect against scurvy, which we now know is due to its high Vitamin C content. Thus Nopal became a popular seafaring food and eventually made its way around the globe.

My submission for week 14 of the 2014 photochallenge. The theme for the week is composition: rule of thirds.

Google

Sony RX1 User Report.

I hesitate to write about gear. Tools are tools and the bitter truth is that a great craftsman rises above his tools to create a masterpiece whereas most of us try to improve our abominations by buying better or faster hammers to hit the same nails at the same awkward angles.

The internet is fairly flooded with reviews of this tiny marvel, and it isn’t my intention to compete with those articles. If you’re looking for a full-scale review of every feature or a down-to-Earth accounting of the RX1’s strengths and weaknesses, I recommend starting here.

Instead, I’d like to provide you with a flavor of how I’ve used the camera over the last six months. In short, this is a user report. To save yourself a few thousand words: I love the thing. As we go through this article, you’ll see this is a purpose built camera. The RX1 is not for everyone, but we will get to that and on the way, I’ll share a handful of images that I made with the camera.

It should be obvious to anyone reading this that I write this independently and have absolutely no relationship with Sony (other than having exchanged a large pile of cash for this camera at a retail outlet).

Before we get to anything else, I want to clear the air about two things: Price and Features

The Price

First things first: the price. The $2800+ cost of this camera is the elephant in the room and, given I purchased the thing, you may consider me a poor critic. That in mind, I want to offer you three thoughts:

Consumer goods cost what they cost, in the absence of a competitor (the Fuji X100s being the only one worth mention) there is no comparison and you simply have to decide for yourself if you are willing to pay or not.

Normalize the price per sensor area for all 35mm f/2 lens and camera alternatives and you’ll find the RX1 is an amazing value.

You are paying for the ability to take photographs, plain and simple. Ask yourself, “what are these photographs worth to me?”

In my case, #3 is very important. I have used the RX1 to take hundreds of photographs of my family that are immensely important to me. Moreover, I have made photographs (many appearing on this page) that are moving or beautiful and only happened because I had the RX1 in my bag or my pocket. Yes, of course I could have made these or very similar photographs with another camera, but that is immaterial.

35mm by 24mm by 35mm f/2

The killer feature of this camera is simple: it is a wafer of silicon 35mm by 24mm paired to a brilliantly, ridiculously, undeniably sharp, contrasty and bokehlicious 35mm f/2 Carl Zeiss lens. Image quality is king here and all other things take a back seat. This means the following: image quality is as good or better than your DSLR, but battery life, focus speed, and responsiveness are likely not as good as your DSLR. I say likely because, if you have an entry-level DSLR, the RX1 is comparable on these dimensions. If you want to change lenses, if you want an integrated viewfinder, if you want blindingly fast phase-detect autofocus then shoot with a DSLR. If you want the absolute best image quality in the smallest size possible, you’ve got it in the RX1.

While we are on the subject of interchangeable lenses and viewfinders...

I have an interchangeable lens DSLR and I love the thing. It’s basically a medium format camera in a 35mm camera body. It’s a powerhouse and it is the first camera I reach for when the goal is photography. For a long time, however, I’ve found myself in situations where photography was not the first goal, but where I nevertheless wanted to have a camera. I’m around the table with friends or at the park with my son and the DSLR is too big, too bulky, too intimidating. It comes between you and life. In this realm, mirrorless, interchangeable lens cameras seem to be king, but they have a major flaw: they are, for all intents and purposes, just little DSLRs.

As I mentioned above, I have an interchangeable lens system, why would I want another, smaller one? Clearly, I am not alone in feeling this way, as the market has produced a number of what I would call “professional point and shoots.” Here we are talking about the Fuji X100/X100s, Sigma DPm-series and the RX100 and RX1.

Design is about making choices

When the Fuji X100 came out, I was intrigued. Here was a cheap(er), baby Leica M. Quiet, small, unobtrusive. Had I waited to buy until the X100s had come out, perhaps this would be a different report. Perhaps, but probably not. I remember thinking to myself as I was looking at the X100, “I wish there was a digital Rollei 35, something with a fixed 28mm or 35mm lens that would fit in a coat pocket or a small bag.” Now of course, there is.

So, for those of you who said, “I would buy the RX1 if it had interchangeable lenses or an integrated viewfinder or faster autofocus,” I say the following: This is a purpose built camera. You would not want it as an interchangeable system, it can’t compete with DSLR speed. A viewfinder would make the thing bigger and ruin the magic ratio of body to sensor size—further, there is a 3-inch LCD viewfinder on the back! Autofocus is super fast, you just don’t realize it because the bar has been raised impossibly high by ultra-sonic magnet focusing rings on professional DSLR lenses. There’s a fantastic balance at work here between image quality and size—great tools are about the total experience, not about one or the other specification.

In short, design is about making choices. I think Sony has made some good ones with the RX1.

In use

So I’ve just written 1,000 words of a user report without, you know, reporting on use. In many ways the images on the page are my user report. These photographs, more than my words, should give you a flavor of what the RX1 is about. But, for the sake of variety, I intend to tell you a bit about the how and the why of shooting with the RX1.

Snapshots

As a beginning enthusiast, I often sneered at the idea of a snapshot. As I’ve matured, I’ve come to appreciate what a pocket camera and a snapshot can offer. The RX1 is the ultimate photographer’s snapshot camera.

I’ll pause here to properly define snapshot as a photograph taken quickly with a handheld camera.

To quote Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” So it is with photography. Beautiful photographs happen at the decisive moment—and to paraphrase Henri Cartier-Bresson further—the world is newly made and falling to pieces every instant. I think it is no coincidence that each revolution in the steady march of photography from the tortuously slow chemistry of tin-type and daguerreotype through 120 and 35mm formats to the hyper-sensitive CMOS of today has engendered new categories and concepts of photography.

Photography is a reflexive, reactionary activity. I see beautiful light or the unusual in an every day event and my reaction is a desire to make a photograph. It’s a bit like breathing and has been since I was a kid.

Rather than sneer at snapshots, nowadays I seek them out; and when I seek them out, I do so with the Sony RX1 in my hand.

How I shoot with the RX1

Despite much bluster from commenters on other reviews as to the price point and the purpose-built nature of this camera (see above), the RX1 is incredibly flexible. Have a peek at some of the linked reviews and you’ll see handheld portraits, long exposures, images taken with off-camera flash, etc.

Yet, I mentioned earlier that I reach for the D800 when photography is the primary goal and so the RX1 has become for me a handheld camera—something I use almost exclusively at f/2 (people, objects, shallow DoF) or f/8 (landscapes in abundant light, abstracts). The Auto-ISO setting allows the camera to choose in the range from ISO 50 and 6400 to reach a proper exposure at a given aperture with a 1/80 s shutter speed. I have found this shutter speed ensures a sharp image every time (although photographers with more jittery grips may wish there was the ability to select a different default shutter speed). This strategy works because the RX1 has a delightfully clicky exposure compensation dial just under your right thumb—allowing for fine adjustment to the camera’s metering decision.

So then, if you find me out with the RX1, you’re likely to see me on aperture priority, f/2 and auto ISO. Indeed, many of the photographs on this page were taken in that mode (including lots of the landscape shots!).

Working within constraints.

The RX1 is a wonderful camera to have when you have to work within constraints. When I say this, I mean it is great for photography within two different classes of constraints: 1) physical constraints of time and space and 2) intellectual/artistic constraints.

To speak to the first, as I said earlier, many of the photographs on this page were made possible by having a camera with me at a time that I otherwise would not have been lugging around a camera. For example, some of the images from the Grand Canyon you see were made in a pinch on my way to a Christmas dinner with my family. I didn’t have the larger camera with me and I just had a minute to make the image. Truth be told, these images could have been made with my cell phone, but that I could wring such great image quality out of something not much larger than my cell phone is just gravy. Be it jacket pocket, small bag, bike bag, saddle bag, even fannie pack—you have space for this camera anywhere you go.

Earlier I alluded to the obtrusiveness of a large camera. If you want to travel lightly and make photographs without announcing your presence, it’s easier to use a smaller camera. Here the RX1 excels. Moreover, the camera’s leaf shutter is virtually silent, so you can snap away without announcing your intention. In every sense, this camera is meant to work within physical constraints.

I cut my photographic teeth on film and I will always have an affection for it. There is a sense that one is playing within the rules when he uses film. That same feeling is here in the RX1. I never thought I’d say this about a camera, but I often like the JPEG images this thing produces more than I like what I can push with a RAW. Don’t get me wrong, for a landscape or a cityscape, the RAW processed carefully is FAR, FAR better than a JPEG.

But when I am taking snapshots or photos of friends and family, I find the JPEGs the camera produces (I’m shooting in RAW + JPEG) so beautiful. The camera’s computer corrects for the lens distortion and provides the perfect balance of contrast and saturation. The JPEG engine can be further tweaked to increase the amount of contrast, saturation or dynamic range optimization (shadow boost) used in writing those files. Add in the ability to rapidly compensate exposure or activate various creative modes and you’ve got this feeling you’re shooting film again. Instant, ultra-sensitive and customizable film.

Pro Tip: Focusing

Almost all cameras come shipped with what I consider to be the worst of the worst focus configurations. Even the Nikon D800 came to my hands set to focus when the shutter button was halfway depressed. This mode will ruin almost any photograph. Why? Because it requires you to perform legerdemain to place the autofocus point, depress the shutter halfway, recompose and press the shutter fully. In addition to the chance of accidentally refocusing after composing or missing the shot—this method absolutely ensures that one must focus before every single photograph. Absolutely impossible for action or portraiture.

Sensibly, most professional or prosumer cameras come with an AF-ON button near where the shooter’s right thumb rests. This separates the task of focusing and exposing, allowing the photographer to quickly focus and to capture the image even if focus is slightly off at the focus point. For portraits, kids, action, etc the camera has to have a hair-trigger. It has to be responsive. Manufacturer’s: stop shipping your cameras with this ham-fisted autofocus arrangement.

Now, the RX1 does not have an AF-ON button, but it does have an AEL button whose function can be changed to “MF/AF Control Hold” in the menu. Further, other buttons on the rear of the camera can also be programmed to toggle between AF and MF modes. What this all means is that you can work around the RX1’s buttons to make it’s focus work like a DSLR’s. (For those of you who are RX1 shooters, set the front switch to MF, the right control wheel button to MF/AF Toggle and the AEL button to MF/AF Control Hold and voila!) The end result is that, when powered on the camera is in manual focus mode, but the autofocus can be activated by pressing AEL, no matter what, however, the shutter is tripped by the shutter release. Want to switch to AF mode? Just push a button and you’re back to the standard modality.

Carrying.

I keep mine in a small, neoprene pouch with a semi-hard LCD cover and a circular polarizing filter on the front—perfect for buttoning up and throwing into a bag on my way out of the house. I have a soft release screwed into the threaded shutter release and a custom, red twill strap to replace the horrible plastic strap Sony provided. I plan to gaffer tape the top and the orange ring around the lens. Who knows, I may find an old Voigtlander optical viewfinder in future as well.

So I'm thinkin' of kicking off a new design label, separate from Eloise Baker. I haven't decided what to call it yet, but it will be featuring items, like this dress, which do not fit into the literal 1920s/1930s stuff I usually do.

I made this dress, named and styled it the way I did because I see many parallels between alcohol prohibition in the 1920s, and cannabis prohibition now. Funny enough, Reefer Madness was actually released in 1936, and many of the mistruths in it still circulate today, particularly from the mouths of those responsible for making political decisions in our states and country. The main difference of course between alcohol and cannabis, being that cannabis is not anywhere near as harmful or addictive as alcohol (though is not without its side effects), and is actually medicinally beneficial to a great many people, myself included. Not to mention, it's fun, and can be a great way to unwind, if you so choose.

I support the impending end of cannabis prohibition in my country, and will personally have a hand in its inevitable freedom, by continuing to volunteer with cannabis advocacy groups. If you'd like to help to normalize cannabis too, I suggest you check out the national NORML page, and perhaps find your state's chapter:

norml.org/

Okay okay, enough Jj, what the hell are you wearing and where the hell are you? I know, I know. Here's the only slightly less important details:

Head: Lelutka

Make-up: Eloise Baker - flapper lips, and flapper eyes

Body: Maitreya Lara

Hat: Eloise Baker - eloise baker - jeweled velvet cloche [tinatable light] (now available as a free gift in the in-world shop!)

Necklace 1: (Kunglers) Adele necklace - Golden pearl

Necklace 2: Eclat - Choker Kush

Rings: (Yummy) Bohemia Ring Set - Maitreya

Bracelet: *AvaWay* Nikki_Bracelet

Dress: ???? - prohibition dress [purple]

Stockings: No.9 Nylons Vintage (4straps) 15den *chocolate*

Shoes - A N E Shoes - Marmont Pumps - Coffee (Maitreya)

Joint: [Pure Rawk] - Joint V2

Location - Luane's World:

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Slice%20of%20Heaven/232/24...

I share my photos in groups so more people can see them, but I do not appreciate copied & pasted, pre-made comments with ad images for said groups. It comes off as spammy advertisement, to me. If you found my image and you like it, please make your own original comment. Otherwise, it will be removed. I don't mean to seem ungrateful, but I also don't think it's a compliment to spam someone with group ad images.

Post-Playtex Era Strong In Cullman

Chamber of Commerce weather greeted several dozen lactating women and their families at the Walmart Pavilion inside Heritage Park on Saturday morning.

The gathering celebrated the 4th annual BIG Latch On. This event ran from 10 am until noon.

Cullman County nursing mothers along with their husbands and other support members convened to breastfeed their babies in a supportive, lactation-friendly environment.

Ashley Wright, the lead organizer of this event, invited all area lactating moms as well as their friends, family, and community to come out and participate in the cause.

The BIG Latch On is an annual, global event that celebrates, promotes and supports breastfeeding.

The larger goal of the global BIG Latch On movement is to normalize breastfeeding.

There was a worldwide synchronization latch from 10:30 to 10:31 am Cullman time.

Groups of nursing moms and their supporters around the world either latched their babies, expressed milk or fed breast milk by spoon to their babies all at the same time across the world. It was a sacred, touching and profound moment at Heritage Park.

cullmantoday.com/2017/08/06/post-playtex-era-strong-in-cu...

Cyborg: Being connected to every computer in the world is interesting. I know so much, and can access amazing amounts of information, but on the other hand I know so much I wish I didn’t. But I feel sometimes as if I am not truly connected to EVERY computer. Like information is missing. It’s quite an unusual feeling. I’m not sure what to make of it most days. Today, however I feel like something big is missing. Like i’ve been locked off from a large room, which I know has something important in it, but I can’t go in. this becomes increasingly apparent as I sit in the “Red Room” of Star Labs, which has all of the important tech and weapons Star has experimented on. Which is a lot of stuff. Dr. Wells has gone to great lengths to keep it hidden, but I’ve been able to access it, since I am made of a lot of it. I suddenly feel like a peephole has opened, however. So I look through. And I see a message. It says that I am being repurposed by the US Government! What is going on?

“Victor!? Victor?! What have you done?!”

Oh, great, they’re here. And they met my dad, too. Excelent!

Government?

“Yes… How did you know?”

They informed me through the grid. It doesn’t look good, dad. You should get out of here

General Eiling: “I’d rather he stay, Victor. Dr. Stone should hear this.”

Eiling! The most corrupt general in the US Military. This isn’t good.

General. Who are you working for now?

“I am here by my own authority, Mr. Stone. Your country needs you, son. I’m merely the the voice of the call.”

No offense, General, but I serve the world more with the League than I will my country under your direction.

“Look, son, I don’t want to make this any more difficult than it is. Please, just come with me.”

What do you want with me?

“I’ll explain on the way.”

Dr. Stone: “Please, General, this is my son! Anybody else, please!”

Eiling: “This isn’t up for debate. Don’t make me use any unnecessary force.”

“General Eiling. What brought you from your cave? Besides Victor here, because he’s not leaving.”

Eiling: “Dr. Wells, good to see you too, old friend. I’m sorry to dissapoint you, but I have no other choice. Victor comes with me, willingly or not.”

Wells: “You really have the nerve to come in here, after everything you’ve done? I don’t think so. Get out of my lab. You understand me? Get out!”

Arguing, fighting, that’s what it seems to be in Eiling’s mind. In reality, it’s a stall tactic, to give me time to contact the League. The signal in here is warped, though. It’s taking longer than I expected. Much longer. It’s almost as if whenever I break through a firewall, another one is placed almost instantly. They’re using an expert. Maybe even a team of them, but the synchronization is incredible. There is more to this plot than there appears to be, that is incredibly clear. Wait, I’m detecting higher levels of radiation than usual, very centralized. It’s contained, but it’s very strong. Just like, Nathaniel? Why would he be here? I know he used to work for the Air Force, but,

Nathaniel: “Look, Vic, we gotta do what the General says. We don’t have any other options, son. I’m sorry.”

What do they want from us?

Wells: “Eiling, you’re sick. Captain Adams, Victor, they’ve suffered enough! You have no right to take them! Get out of my building. Now!”

Eiling: “Actually, STAR Labs is under the ownership of the US Government, now. Unless he comes with me. Your choice.”

Stop, all of you! I’ll come. Ok? I’ll come.

I swear, this is a decision I will regret one day. But what other option do I have? I hope the League get’s my distress.

What happened to my power? I can’t move! Blacking out….

I know, I know, been a while since I uploaded anything. Sorry! I've been bogged down with finals in school, and then getting sick, and other stuff, so I apologize. But, I hope this makes up for the lack of uploads, and I should be normalizing soon. ;)

Place: Nangan, Matsu Islands

The Matsu islands are a minor archipelago of 36 islands and islets in the East China Sea and administered by the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Matsu islands together form the county of Lienchiang, but most of Liangjiang County (same name, different spelling) is under control of the People's Republic of China. Linear distance from mainland China is less than 20 km.

Mainlanders from Fujian and Zhejiang started migrating to the islands during the Yuan Dynasty. The popular net fishing industry had established the base for development of Fuao settlement and industrial development of the region over several hundred years.

During the early Qing Dynasty, pirates gathered here and the residents left temporarily. In contrast with Taiwan and Penghu, the Matsu Islands were not ceded to the Japanese Empire via the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Neither were they occupied by Japanese troops during World War II because they were not important militarily. Due to its strategic location for the only route for spice road, the British established the Dongyong Lighthouse in Dongyin Island in 1912 to facilitate ships navigation.

In 1911, the Qing Dynasty was toppled after the Xinhai Revolution on 10 October 1911 and the Republic of China (ROC) was established on 1 January 1912. Matsu Islands was subsequently governed under the administration of Fukien Province of the ROC. On 1 August 1927, the Nanchang Uprising broke out between the ruling Nationalist Party of China (KMT) and Communist Party of China (CPC) which marked the beginning of Chinese Civil War. After years of war, the CPC finally managed to take over mainland China from KMT and established the People's Republic of China (PRC) on 1 October 1949 which also covers the Lianjiang County of Fujian. The KMT subsequently retreated from mainland China to Taiwan in end of 1949.

After their retreat, the KMT retained the offshore part from the original Lianjiang County located on Matsu Islands, and also all of Kinmen County. In July 1958 the PRC began massing forces opposite the two islands and began bombarding them on 23 August, triggering the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis. On 4 September 1958, the PRC announced the extension of its territorial waters by 20 kilometres (12 mi) to include the two islands. However, after talks were held between the USA and PRC in Warsaw, Poland later that month, a ceasefire was agreed and the status quo reaffirmed.

The phrase "Quemoy and Matsu" became part of American political language in the 1960 U.S. presidential election. During the debates, both candidates, Vice-President Richard Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy, pledged to use American forces if necessary to protect Taiwan from invasion by the PRC, which the United States did not recognize as a legitimate government. But the two candidates had different opinions about whether to use American forces to protect Taiwan's forward positions, Quemoy and Matsu, also. In fact, Senator Kennedy stated that these islands - as little as 9 kilometres (5.5 mi) off the coast of China and as much as 170 kilometres (106 mi) from Taiwan - were strategically indefensible and were not essential to the defense of Taiwan. On the contrary, Vice-President Nixon maintained that since Quemoy and Matsu were in the "area of freedom," they should not be surrendered to the Communists as a matter of "principle."

Self governance of the county resumed in 1992 after the normalization of the political warfare with the mainland and the abolishment of Battle Field Administration on 7 November 1992. Afterwards, the local constructions progressed tremendously. In 1999, the islands were designated under Matsu National Scenic Area Administration. In January 2001, direct cargo and passenger shipping started between Matsu and Fujian Province of the PRC. Since 1 January 2015, tourists from mainland China could directly apply the Exit and Entry Permit upon arrival in Matsu Islands. This privilege also applies to Penghu and Kinmen as means to boost tourism in the outlying islands of Taiwan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsu_Islands

In 2013 I had the opportunity to visit the largest of the Matsu islands, Nangan, as a friend of mine is a teacher at a primary school on the island.

Legend says that the body of Mazy drifted and stopped at the site of the temple.

Mazu is a Chinese sea goddess. She is the deified form of the purported historical Lin Mo or Lin Moniang, a Fujianese shamaness whose life span is traditionally dated from 960 to 987. Revered after her death as a tutelary deity of seafarers, including fishermen and sailors, her worship spread throughout China's coastal regions and overseas Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions. She is now generally regarded by her believers as a powerful and benevolent Queen of Heaven.

These everyday ‘scams’ have become so normalized that we hardly even notice them anymore

Messier 66 / M66 / NGC 3627

Messier 65 / M65 / NGC 3623

NGC 3628 / The Hamburger Galaxy

The Leo Triplet, also known as the M66 Group, is a small group of galaxies about 35 million light-years away. M66 (lower right) is a colorful spiral galaxy about 95,000 light-years in diameter with striking dust lanes and young, blue star clusters along its spiral arms. M65 (upper right) is a spiral galaxy with warmer colors, indicating a lack of new star formation. NGC 3628 (left) is a spiral galaxy seen edge-on. It has a tidal tail 300,000 light-years long (faintly visible to its lower left) due to gravitational forces from its companions.

This is a new version of an image from 2019/2020. I ran through the entire pre-processing (700+ images) and post-processing workflow again using some new PixInsight tools like Local Normalization (before integration), Spectrophotometric Color Calibration, BlurXTterminator, NoiseXTerminator, StarXTerminator (to process the stars and galaxies separately), Repaired HSV Separation, and Generalized Hyperbolic Stretch. The result is a massive improvement over my previous edits.

2019 attempt: flic.kr/p/2garFfr

2021 attempt: flic.kr/p/2kJBo62

Total integration: 11 hours 49 minutes (709 minutes)

03/13/19: 228 x 60 seconds ISO800

03/13/19: 2 x 120 seconds ISO800

03/16/19: 235 x 60 seconds ISO800

01/26/20: 41 x 120 seconds ISO400

02/15/20: 43 x 120 seconds ISO400

02/22/20: 37 x 120 seconds ISO400

Location: Charlottesville, VA

SQM: 19.22 mag/arcsec^2 (Bortle 6)

Camera: Canon T3i (stock/unmodified)

Telescope: Explore Scientific ED80 f/6.0 Apochromatic Refractor (with ES field flattener)

Mount: Orion Sirius EQ-G

Guide scope: Svbony 50mm f/4.0 Guide Scope

Guide camera: Orion StarShoot AutoGuider

Capture software: N.I.N.A., ASTAP, PHD2, Magic Lantern (2019 images only)

Processing software: PixInsight, Paint.NET

President Donald J. Trump, joined by White House senior staff, speaks on the phone with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates about their agreement to establish full normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in the Oval Office of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)

Ariana & Harper

Maryland

September 2016

Using a TVlogic VFM-056W external broadcast monitor makes such a difference in shooting anamorphic with the GH2 and lenses such as the 2x Sankor 16C. The monitor can be setup to de-squeeze the signal so that it looks like finished footage on screen.

Here are some mathematics behind the scenes:

The Sankor 16C lens is a 2x anamorphic lens, which means basically that it appears like a 2x wide angle adaptor for horizontal field of view (H-FOV) but in the vertical field (V-FOV) it maintains 1x field of view of the lens (no change). In other words it squeezes in double the amount of detail in the horizontal axis of the image, whilst the vertical stays intact.

So to de-squeeze the image when mounted on a camera shooting 1920 x 1080 HD 16:9, keeping the 1080 vertical pixels intact while doubling the horizontal 1920 x 2 = 3840 pixels will give you a normalized image again, but with twice the widescreen effect! Panoramic view. The aspect ratio is then 3840/1080=3.55:1. If you used a 50mm as the taking lens, the lens combo will appear like a 25mm wide angle for the horizontal axis and like a regular 50mm vertically. Got it?

OK, moving on... First off, how to setup the HDMI monitor properly. The display panel of the TVlogic is 1280x800 pixels. The squeeze works like you're entering new X/Y resolution that maps to the input signal. So instead of entering 1280x720 (16:9) for this setup it should be displaying 1280x360 pixels (3.55:1 aspect ratio) mapped to the 16:9 HDMI signal from the GH2.

For most footage though, the 3.55:1 aspect ratio could be a little over the top, so creating a 2.66:1 or 2.35:1 marker would ease a lot in framing the shot for your post production workflow if you intend to crop. In order not to loose too much horizontal resolution, I would go for a 2.66:1 aspect ratio and put it on a on/off switchable marker/matte shown in the image above. You can set the display to just darken the matte area slightly so you can frame your shot in both aspect ratios, and still see all the camera OSD controls etc. Handy!

Editing workflow in FCPX:

Ingest the footage like usual AVCHD from camera. Then create a 4K (4096x2304) timeline onto which you put the anamorphic clips. When the 1920x1080 squeezed material from the GH2 enters the timeline, it'll be upscaled to 4K by FCPX. Now select the clip and change the horizontal scale to 50% by using the 'Transform' section of inspector. Now the footage has regained its original proportions 3.55:1. Using a 4K timeline will ensure that you won't lose any detail in the stretch. Now you're free to edit your story and when it comes to finalize, create some Compressor templates that output your story in either full 3.55:1 4K or downscaled to 2K, cropped to 2.66:1 or anything else! I also created an overlay which would letterbox your footage to 2.66:1 directly on the timeline, in case you like to crop your output it's so much easier if you can see the effect directly in the editing. By using the TVlogic monitor and the crop marks, I will get the exact same results in post as expected in the field.

Excellent!

I think this is a strong image to visualize the strained Iran-United States relations on a political level, although these are so much less black and white than many Westerners would expect. To be honest, I had some concerns about uploading this photo, because it might be offensive for Iranians or Americans. Nonetheless, photos of these murals are widely available on the internet. Avoiding uploading this photo wouldn't change that, thus I decided to accompany it with some background information and - for me - a very useful book to recommend for further reading: E. Abrahamian, 'Iran', in: B. Cumings (ed.), Inventing the axis of evil, New York, 2004. Wikipedia might be a good starting point too, although its neutrality is disputed: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran-United States relations

The embassy was designed in 1948 by the architect Ides van der Gracht. It was a long, low two-story brick building, similar to American high schools built in the 1930s and '40s. For this reason, the building was nicknamed "Henderson High" by the embassy staff, referring to Loy W. Henderson, who became America's ambassador to Iran just after construction was completed in 1951. The US diplomatic mission has been defunct since the Iran hostage crisis of 1979. Since then, the United States government has been represented in Iran by the United States Interests Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tehran. The name currently given to the compound by many Iranians is variously translated as "espionage den," "den of espionage", and "nest of spies". After the fall of the embassy, Revolutionary Guard used it as a training center. The brick walls that form the perimeter (the embassy grounds are the size of a city block) feature a number of anti-American murals commissioned by the government of Iran. The site has also housed a bookstore and a museum (though both are closed to foreigners and the general Iranian public, though exceptions do exist).

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Embassy,_Tehran

The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic crisis between Iran and the United States where 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days from November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981, after a group of Islamist students and militants took over the American Embassy in support of the Iranian Revolution. The episode reached a climax when, after failed attempts to negotiate a release, the United States military attempted a rescue operation, Operation Eagle Claw, on April 24, 1980, which resulted in a failed mission, the destruction of two aircraft and the deaths of eight American servicemen and one Iranian civilian. It ended with the signing of the Algiers Accords in Algeria on January 19, 1981. The hostages were formally released into United States custody the following day, just minutes after the new American president Ronald Reagan was sworn in. The crisis has been described as an entanglement of "vengeance and mutual incomprehension". In Iran, the hostage taking was widely seen as a blow against the U.S, and its influence in Iran, its perceived attempts to undermine the Iranian Revolution, and its long-standing support of the Shah of Iran, recently overthrown by the revolution. The Shah had been restored to power in a 1953 coup against a democratically-elected nationalist Iranian government organized by the CIA at the American Embassy, and had recently been allowed into the United States for medical treatment. In the United States, the hostage-taking was seen as an outrage violating a centuries-old principle of international law granting diplomats immunity from arrest and diplomatic compounds sovereignty in their embassies. The crisis has also been described as the "pivotal episode" in the history of Iran – United States relations. In the U.S., some political analysts believe the crisis was a major reason for U.S. President Jimmy Carter's defeat in the November 1980 presidential election. In Iran, the crisis strengthened the prestige of the Ayatollah Khomeini and the political power of those who supported theocracy and opposed any normalization of relations with the West. The crisis also marked the beginning of U.S. legal action, or economic sanctions against Iran, that further weakened economic ties between Iran and the United States.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis

Place: Nangan, Matsu Islands

The Matsu islands are a minor archipelago of 36 islands and islets in the East China Sea and administered by the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Matsu islands together form the county of Lienchiang, but most of Liangjiang County (same name, different spelling) is under control of the People's Republic of China. Linear distance from mainland China is less than 20 km.

Mainlanders from Fujian and Zhejiang started migrating to the islands during the Yuan Dynasty. The popular net fishing industry had established the base for development of Fuao settlement and industrial development of the region over several hundred years.

During the early Qing Dynasty, pirates gathered here and the residents left temporarily. In contrast with Taiwan and Penghu, the Matsu Islands were not ceded to the Japanese Empire via the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Neither were they occupied by Japanese troops during World War II because they were not important militarily. Due to its strategic location for the only route for spice road, the British established the Dongyong Lighthouse in Dongyin Island in 1912 to facilitate ships navigation.

In 1911, the Qing Dynasty was toppled after the Xinhai Revolution on 10 October 1911 and the Republic of China (ROC) was established on 1 January 1912. Matsu Islands was subsequently governed under the administration of Fukien Province of the ROC. On 1 August 1927, the Nanchang Uprising broke out between the ruling Nationalist Party of China (KMT) and Communist Party of China (CPC) which marked the beginning of Chinese Civil War. After years of war, the CPC finally managed to take over mainland China from KMT and established the People's Republic of China (PRC) on 1 October 1949 which also covers the Lianjiang County of Fujian. The KMT subsequently retreated from mainland China to Taiwan in end of 1949.

After their retreat, the KMT retained the offshore part from the original Lianjiang County located on Matsu Islands, and also all of Kinmen County. In July 1958 the PRC began massing forces opposite the two islands and began bombarding them on 23 August, triggering the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis. On 4 September 1958, the PRC announced the extension of its territorial waters by 20 kilometres (12 mi) to include the two islands. However, after talks were held between the USA and PRC in Warsaw, Poland later that month, a ceasefire was agreed and the status quo reaffirmed.

The phrase "Quemoy and Matsu" became part of American political language in the 1960 U.S. presidential election. During the debates, both candidates, Vice-President Richard Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy, pledged to use American forces if necessary to protect Taiwan from invasion by the PRC, which the United States did not recognize as a legitimate government. But the two candidates had different opinions about whether to use American forces to protect Taiwan's forward positions, Quemoy and Matsu, also. In fact, Senator Kennedy stated that these islands - as little as 9 kilometres (5.5 mi) off the coast of China and as much as 170 kilometres (106 mi) from Taiwan - were strategically indefensible and were not essential to the defense of Taiwan. On the contrary, Vice-President Nixon maintained that since Quemoy and Matsu were in the "area of freedom," they should not be surrendered to the Communists as a matter of "principle."

Self governance of the county resumed in 1992 after the normalization of the political warfare with the mainland and the abolishment of Battle Field Administration on 7 November 1992. Afterwards, the local constructions progressed tremendously. In 1999, the islands were designated under Matsu National Scenic Area Administration. In January 2001, direct cargo and passenger shipping started between Matsu and Fujian Province of the PRC. Since 1 January 2015, tourists from mainland China could directly apply the Exit and Entry Permit upon arrival in Matsu Islands. This privilege also applies to Penghu and Kinmen as means to boost tourism in the outlying islands of Taiwan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsu_Islands

In 2013 I had the opportunity to visit the largest of the Matsu islands, Nangan, as a friend of mine is a teacher at a primary school on the island.

Legend says that the body of Mazy drifted and stopped at the site of the temple.

Mazu is a Chinese sea goddess. She is the deified form of the purported historical Lin Mo or Lin Moniang, a Fujianese shamaness whose life span is traditionally dated from 960 to 987. Revered after her death as a tutelary deity of seafarers, including fishermen and sailors, her worship spread throughout China's coastal regions and overseas Chinese communities throughout Southeast Asia. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions. She is now generally regarded by her believers as a powerful and benevolent Queen of Heaven.

Place: Nangan, Matsu Islands

The Matsu islands are a minor archipelago of 36 islands and islets in the East China Sea and administered by the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Matsu islands together form the county of Lienchiang, but most of Liangjiang County (same name, different spelling) is under control of the People's Republic of China. Linear distance from mainland China is less than 20 km.

Mainlanders from Fujian and Zhejiang started migrating to the islands during the Yuan Dynasty. The popular net fishing industry had established the base for development of Fuao settlement and industrial development of the region over several hundred years.

During the early Qing Dynasty, pirates gathered here and the residents left temporarily. In contrast with Taiwan and Penghu, the Matsu Islands were not ceded to the Japanese Empire via the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Neither were they occupied by Japanese troops during World War II because they were not important militarily. Due to its strategic location for the only route for spice road, the British established the Dongyong Lighthouse in Dongyin Island in 1912 to facilitate ships navigation.

In 1911, the Qing Dynasty was toppled after the Xinhai Revolution on 10 October 1911 and the Republic of China (ROC) was established on 1 January 1912. Matsu Islands was subsequently governed under the administration of Fukien Province of the ROC. On 1 August 1927, the Nanchang Uprising broke out between the ruling Nationalist Party of China (KMT) and Communist Party of China (CPC) which marked the beginning of Chinese Civil War. After years of war, the CPC finally managed to take over mainland China from KMT and established the People's Republic of China (PRC) on 1 October 1949 which also covers the Lianjiang County of Fujian. The KMT subsequently retreated from mainland China to Taiwan in end of 1949.

After their retreat, the KMT retained the offshore part from the original Lianjiang County located on Matsu Islands, and also all of Kinmen County. In July 1958 the PRC began massing forces opposite the two islands and began bombarding them on 23 August, triggering the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis. On 4 September 1958, the PRC announced the extension of its territorial waters by 20 kilometres (12 mi) to include the two islands. However, after talks were held between the USA and PRC in Warsaw, Poland later that month, a ceasefire was agreed and the status quo reaffirmed.

The phrase "Quemoy and Matsu" became part of American political language in the 1960 U.S. presidential election. During the debates, both candidates, Vice-President Richard Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy, pledged to use American forces if necessary to protect Taiwan from invasion by the PRC, which the United States did not recognize as a legitimate government. But the two candidates had different opinions about whether to use American forces to protect Taiwan's forward positions, Quemoy and Matsu, also. In fact, Senator Kennedy stated that these islands - as little as 9 kilometres (5.5 mi) off the coast of China and as much as 170 kilometres (106 mi) from Taiwan - were strategically indefensible and were not essential to the defense of Taiwan. On the contrary, Vice-President Nixon maintained that since Quemoy and Matsu were in the "area of freedom," they should not be surrendered to the Communists as a matter of "principle."

Self governance of the county resumed in 1992 after the normalization of the political warfare with the mainland and the abolishment of Battle Field Administration on 7 November 1992. Afterwards, the local constructions progressed tremendously. In 1999, the islands were designated under Matsu National Scenic Area Administration. In January 2001, direct cargo and passenger shipping started between Matsu and Fujian Province of the PRC. Since 1 January 2015, tourists from mainland China could directly apply the Exit and Entry Permit upon arrival in Matsu Islands. This privilege also applies to Penghu and Kinmen as means to boost tourism in the outlying islands of Taiwan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsu_Islands

In 2013 I had the opportunity to visit the largest of the Matsu islands, Nangan, as a friend of mine is a teacher at a primary school on the island.

Photo 4/4

Bokeh (out-of-focus blur) and Effective Aperture of smaller sensors

Last photo of the series demonstrating the relationships between Bokeh, background blur at a given subject to background distance between Nikon 35mm Full France, APS-C and CX (1 inch) sensors.

Sensor size: Nikon D90: APS-C, DX, FX (1.5x crop factor)

Lens: 50mm F/1.4G @F1.8 (equivalent to 50x1.5=75mm and F2.8 aperture in FF, FX.

Picture size normalized to 2400 x1800 pixel.

Result: Bokeh of APS-C sensor is very similar and comparable to FX lens, nice and smooth.

This is a mean blend of the entire Lorde music video for "Royals".

Blended using my normal averaging workflow for videos with G'MIC.

Final result normalized in GIMP.

My other music video blends can be found here: Video Amalgams on Flickr

patdavid.net

i'm not in a naturey crap mode today...but i have my (current) favorite cup with me, and it's green!...woohoo! it's friday again tomorrow...and we will be having a long weekend again until monday...long weekend means quality time with my camera...=)

something is wrong with my internet connection...it's so damn slow today...will checkout your streams later once the speed normalized...enjoy your day!

Western Veil and Pickering's are part of the Cygnus Loop, a large supernova remnant (SNR) in the constellation Cygnus.

This nebula is located aroud 2400 light years from Earth 😮

Full resolution on www.astrobin.com/77ml6b/0/

Résolution: 18496x12071 -> 223MP

Ha= 64x300s

Oii= 62x300s

R=15x30s

G=12x30s

B=12x30s

Total time : 10h49'

-Pre Processing-

Image Calibration

Cosmetic Correction

Debayer

Subframe Selector

Star Alignement

Local Normalization

Image Integration

Drizzle x2

-Processing-

Star Alignment

Dynamic Crop

Dynamic Background Extractor

Linear Fit Oii to Ha

___L layer___Ha

BlurXterminator

NoiseXterminator

EZ Soft Stretch

___RGB layer___SHO

EZ Soft Stretch Oiii

Combine Ha and Oiii in Pixel Math (ForaxX palette)

R=(Oiii^~Oiii)*Sii + ~(Oiii^~Oiii)*Ha

G=((Oiii*Ha)^~(Oiii*Ha))*Ha + ~((Oiii*Ha)^~(Oiii*Ha))*Oiii

B=Oiii

CurveTransformation

Color Saturation

Final Curves

NoiseXterminator

Save as JPEG

Clear skies !

I was on my way back to the ferry when I suddenly saw the sky light up. The sun had suddenly revealed itself in a little streak of clear sky at the horizon. I ran on slippery rocks and mud to get to the water. I was lucky to run straight into these nice stones.

15 min exp, f14, iso 100, tamron 10mm with ND110 filter

Played with some dodging to get the water quite bright. No HDR. I used layer masks instead to blend three different exports from the same RAW image. And then some general GIMP:ing to get the image more exciting :) I also used local normalization and cmyk mixer from the G'MIC plug-in.

Artist Statement

“Modernizing Maniac: A Study in Inherited Obsession” exists between artifact and intention.

Rather than presenting a finished spectacle, this work exposes the framework behind fixation—how systems of time, progress, and discipline are inherited, preserved, and rebranded as innovation. The fractured wall becomes a metaphor for history under pressure, while the clock image functions as both relic and engine: something old that continues to drive contemporary urgency.

I am interested in what happens when modernity revisits itself without critique—when obsession is not only normalized, but aestheticized. By combining cinematic imagery with declarative text, the piece mirrors the way narratives are often sold to us: structured, persuasive, and already resolved.

This work is not meant to entertain. It is meant to situate—to mark the psychological terrain from which the larger body of work emerges.

All the shots are unique, you haven't seen them earlier and were not processed from published ones!

These shots were made with Pentax KF B&W Orange settings. Not IR as for shots with black sky to add a pinch of doom scenario or apocalyptic emotions. Time to find out what's good in traditional b&w shots. Both other series and this one were accompanied with CPF.

What I did was normalizing central gray scope here to make the shots look similar. I'm aiming to discover camera sets to make shots without need to post process them, if that would be possible, or with minimalist touches of my GIMP.

I did not touched black slider. Gray (+/-), white (-) and highlight (-) sliders only, plus conservative values for sharpness (only for compensation of camera soft settings): Radius: 1.000, Amount: 0.310 and Threshold: 0.110.

I ask you for comments what to check, what to correct and how,

and which compositions look better using such bright settings for shooting b&w with strong day light. Any suggestions are welcome and highly appreciated.

Thank you. :) Have a nice fun here. :)

It is recommended , particularly with the AmT-07 prototypes, to keep the settings well below normal ranges, as these units are especially prone to emotional overrides and unexpected outbursts.

Place: Nangan, Matsu Islands

The Matsu islands are a minor archipelago of 36 islands and islets in the East China Sea and administered by the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Matsu islands together form the county of Lienchiang, but most of Liangjiang County (same name, different spelling) is under control of the People's Republic of China. Linear distance from mainland China is less than 20 km.

Mainlanders from Fujian and Zhejiang started migrating to the islands during the Yuan Dynasty. The popular net fishing industry had established the base for development of Fuao settlement and industrial development of the region over several hundred years.

During the early Qing Dynasty, pirates gathered here and the residents left temporarily. In contrast with Taiwan and Penghu, the Matsu Islands were not ceded to the Japanese Empire via the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Neither were they occupied by Japanese troops during World War II because they were not important militarily. Due to its strategic location for the only route for spice road, the British established the Dongyong Lighthouse in Dongyin Island in 1912 to facilitate ships navigation.

In 1911, the Qing Dynasty was toppled after the Xinhai Revolution on 10 October 1911 and the Republic of China (ROC) was established on 1 January 1912. Matsu Islands was subsequently governed under the administration of Fukien Province of the ROC. On 1 August 1927, the Nanchang Uprising broke out between the ruling Nationalist Party of China (KMT) and Communist Party of China (CPC) which marked the beginning of Chinese Civil War. After years of war, the CPC finally managed to take over mainland China from KMT and established the People's Republic of China (PRC) on 1 October 1949 which also covers the Lianjiang County of Fujian. The KMT subsequently retreated from mainland China to Taiwan in end of 1949.

After their retreat, the KMT retained the offshore part from the original Lianjiang County located on Matsu Islands, and also all of Kinmen County. In July 1958 the PRC began massing forces opposite the two islands and began bombarding them on 23 August, triggering the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis. On 4 September 1958, the PRC announced the extension of its territorial waters by 20 kilometres (12 mi) to include the two islands. However, after talks were held between the USA and PRC in Warsaw, Poland later that month, a ceasefire was agreed and the status quo reaffirmed.

The phrase "Quemoy and Matsu" became part of American political language in the 1960 U.S. presidential election. During the debates, both candidates, Vice-President Richard Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy, pledged to use American forces if necessary to protect Taiwan from invasion by the PRC, which the United States did not recognize as a legitimate government. But the two candidates had different opinions about whether to use American forces to protect Taiwan's forward positions, Quemoy and Matsu, also. In fact, Senator Kennedy stated that these islands - as little as 9 kilometres (5.5 mi) off the coast of China and as much as 170 kilometres (106 mi) from Taiwan - were strategically indefensible and were not essential to the defense of Taiwan. On the contrary, Vice-President Nixon maintained that since Quemoy and Matsu were in the "area of freedom," they should not be surrendered to the Communists as a matter of "principle."

Self governance of the county resumed in 1992 after the normalization of the political warfare with the mainland and the abolishment of Battle Field Administration on 7 November 1992. Afterwards, the local constructions progressed tremendously. In 1999, the islands were designated under Matsu National Scenic Area Administration. In January 2001, direct cargo and passenger shipping started between Matsu and Fujian Province of the PRC. Since 1 January 2015, tourists from mainland China could directly apply the Exit and Entry Permit upon arrival in Matsu Islands. This privilege also applies to Penghu and Kinmen as means to boost tourism in the outlying islands of Taiwan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsu_Islands

In 2013 I had the opportunity to visit the largest of the Matsu islands, Nangan, as a friend of mine is a teacher at a primary school on the island.

That way it pastes labels right over the translated text, that's very augmented-reality

The 57th Emirate Xenon, Ruler of the Caliphate of Xena, and of it's moral character. His Servitude was marked by intensive aid to the poor, and his normalization of trade relations with Zodiac, and with the Caliphate of Arga. Allowing a branch of the Zodian defense contractor Renminbi Corp. to be set up in the capital city of New Stellac, and in the latter case by arming his police force with Hero Factory equipment originating in Arga.

Compassionate, powerful, and beloved by his people. Long live the virtuous Emirate Xenon.

Ariana & Harper

Maryland

September 2016

President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence, Senior Advisor to the President Jared Kushner, Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Ambassador to Israel David M. Friedman, Assistant to the President and Special Representative for International Negotiations Avrahm “Avi” Berkowitz and White House senior staff, is applauded Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 in the Oval Office, at the announcement that the Kingdom of Bahrain is joining the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in normalizing relations with Israel. (Official White House Photo by Tia Dufour)

Kinky Hair Syndrome, also known as Menkes syndrome, is a genetic disorder in which the hair is fragile and twisted. There is progressive deterioration of the brain and arterial changes leading to death in infancy. The condition is an inborn error of metabolism that markedly decreases the ability to absorb copper. It can often be diagnosed by looking at the person's hair, which appears to be both whitish and kinked when viewed under a microscope.

Injections of copper histidine or copper chloride administered within the first ten days after birth have been reported to improve or even normalize the outcome for some children with Kinky Hair Syndrome. However, other children with the disease show no appreciable benefit from this therapy.

Kurt Kellington was an early experimental test case for copper histidine therapy. Later in life, Kellington enjoyed badminton and even had dreams of winning the Thomas Cup. While driving through Manigotapi Mississippi, Kellington was arrested for littering. While still in shackles, he fell in love with the stenographer of the court. After he was released from jail they married and established the Manigotapi Badminton Society.

View Large and on White

Strobist: AB800 with Softlighter II camera left. AB800 open behind backdrop of white faux suede. Triggered by Cybersync.

#lockhimup

Urbex Benelux -

In the early 1950s a new crisis arose in the international paper market, as a result of which both demand for and prices of paper fell sharply. From 1954 onwards the market normalized and the factory was able to start an advance. New machines were purchased and a new hall was added. In that period they received the compensation for the war damage that was measured.

The 1960s were mainly characterized by expansion and economic growth. The factory became a paper company with world renown. It was during this time that the centenary of the factory was richly celebrated.

Equipment:

- Nikon D90

- Sigma 300mm prime lens

- Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer

- Star Adventurer Tripod

- Bahintov Mask

- Intervalometer

- DIY diffraction spikes

- Stellarium

- All Sky Plate Solver

- Sharpcap

- Laptop

Acquisition:

- Bortle 2-4

- Iso 800

- F4

- 8/04/2021 – North Panel

- 122 x 2′ light frames

- 100 bias

- 34 dark

- 43 usable flats

- 0/06/2021 – South Panel

- 106 x 2′ light frames

- no bias

- 29 dark

- 50 flats

Processing:

- Calibrate with WBPP

- Blink to discard bad frames

- Generate normalization data with NormalizeScaleGradient

- Image integrate

- CFA drizzle scale 1

- Crop

- DBE each panel

- Photometric mosiac

- TGV noise reduction

- EZ soft stretch

- MMT + Curves

- curves transformation

Instagram: www.instagram.com/

Website: theastroenthusiast.com/

Place: Nangan, Matsu Islands

The Matsu islands are a minor archipelago of 36 islands and islets in the East China Sea and administered by the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Matsu islands together form the county of Lienchiang, but most of Liangjiang County (same name, different spelling) is under control of the People's Republic of China. Linear distance from mainland China is less than 20 km.

Mainlanders from Fujian and Zhejiang started migrating to the islands during the Yuan Dynasty. The popular net fishing industry had established the base for development of Fuao settlement and industrial development of the region over several hundred years.

During the early Qing Dynasty, pirates gathered here and the residents left temporarily. In contrast with Taiwan and Penghu, the Matsu Islands were not ceded to the Japanese Empire via the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Neither were they occupied by Japanese troops during World War II because they were not important militarily. Due to its strategic location for the only route for spice road, the British established the Dongyong Lighthouse in Dongyin Island in 1912 to facilitate ships navigation.

In 1911, the Qing Dynasty was toppled after the Xinhai Revolution on 10 October 1911 and the Republic of China (ROC) was established on 1 January 1912. Matsu Islands was subsequently governed under the administration of Fukien Province of the ROC. On 1 August 1927, the Nanchang Uprising broke out between the ruling Nationalist Party of China (KMT) and Communist Party of China (CPC) which marked the beginning of Chinese Civil War. After years of war, the CPC finally managed to take over mainland China from KMT and established the People's Republic of China (PRC) on 1 October 1949 which also covers the Lianjiang County of Fujian. The KMT subsequently retreated from mainland China to Taiwan in end of 1949.

After their retreat, the KMT retained the offshore part from the original Lianjiang County located on Matsu Islands, and also all of Kinmen County. In July 1958 the PRC began massing forces opposite the two islands and began bombarding them on 23 August, triggering the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis. On 4 September 1958, the PRC announced the extension of its territorial waters by 20 kilometres (12 mi) to include the two islands. However, after talks were held between the USA and PRC in Warsaw, Poland later that month, a ceasefire was agreed and the status quo reaffirmed.

The phrase "Quemoy and Matsu" became part of American political language in the 1960 U.S. presidential election. During the debates, both candidates, Vice-President Richard Nixon and Senator John F. Kennedy, pledged to use American forces if necessary to protect Taiwan from invasion by the PRC, which the United States did not recognize as a legitimate government. But the two candidates had different opinions about whether to use American forces to protect Taiwan's forward positions, Quemoy and Matsu, also. In fact, Senator Kennedy stated that these islands - as little as 9 kilometres (5.5 mi) off the coast of China and as much as 170 kilometres (106 mi) from Taiwan - were strategically indefensible and were not essential to the defense of Taiwan. On the contrary, Vice-President Nixon maintained that since Quemoy and Matsu were in the "area of freedom," they should not be surrendered to the Communists as a matter of "principle."

Self governance of the county resumed in 1992 after the normalization of the political warfare with the mainland and the abolishment of Battle Field Administration on 7 November 1992. Afterwards, the local constructions progressed tremendously. In 1999, the islands were designated under Matsu National Scenic Area Administration. In January 2001, direct cargo and passenger shipping started between Matsu and Fujian Province of the PRC. Since 1 January 2015, tourists from mainland China could directly apply the Exit and Entry Permit upon arrival in Matsu Islands. This privilege also applies to Penghu and Kinmen as means to boost tourism in the outlying islands of Taiwan.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsu_Islands

In 2013 I had the opportunity to visit the largest of the Matsu islands, Nangan, as a friend of mine is a teacher at a primary school on the island.

Praha - 80

--------------------------------------------

Jan Zajíc (July 3, 1950 – February 25, 1969) was a Czech student who committed suicide by self-immolation as a political protest. He was a student of the Střední průmyslová škola železniční technical college in Šumperk, specializing in railroads, and was also interested in poetry and humanities.

In 1969 he took part in a hunger strike and a commemoration ceremony by students for Jan Palach near the statue of Saint Wenceslas in Prague.

On the day of the twenty-first anniversary of the Communist takeover (25 February 1969), he travelled to Prague accompanied by three other students. His intention was to warn the public against the forthcoming political "normalization" of the country. He had several letters challenging the people to fight against the Soviet military occupation of the Czechoslovak Republic. Around 1:30 in the afternoon he walked into the passageway of the building at No. 39 on Wenceslas Square and ignited his chemical-soaked clothes. He was unable to run out of the door, and collapsed and died in the hallway.

In a letter he left behind he wrote:

"Mother, father, brother, little sister!

When you read this letter, I will already be dead or close to death. I know what a severe blow my act will be to you, but don't be angry at me. Unfortunately, we are not alone in this world. I am not doing this because I would be tired by life, on the contrary, because I cherish it too much. Hopefully my act will make life better. I know the price of life and I know it is the most precious thing. But I want a lot for you, for everyone, so I have to pay a lot. Do not lose your heart after my sacrifice, tell Jacek to study harder and Marta too. You must never accept injustice, be it in any form, my death will bind you. I am sorry that I will never see you or that, which I loved so much. Please forgive me that I fought with you so much. Do not let them make me a madman.

Say hi to the boys, the river and the forest."

The secret state police prohibited his burial in Prague because they feared demonstrations, such as the ones that followed the burial of Jan Palach. He was later buried in his hometown of Vítkov.

From Wikipedia

History

The church with the downed tower

History of joy and suffering of an old christian time witness of Vienna

The Minoritenkirche in Vienna is one of the oldest and most valuable artistic churches of the city. It is therefore not surprising that it also experienced a very eventful history. In all probability, the Franciscans were - how the Friars Minor (Thomas of Celano: "Ordo Friars Minor" ) also called on account of its founders personality, called by the Babenberg Duke Leopold VI the Glorious, in 1230 into the country. Here he gave them a lot, probably with a church (probably dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria), before the walls of the city, between the Scots Monastery (Schottenstift) and the ducal residence. It was not until 1237, and in 1271 the entire area was included in the extended boundary wall. The Minorite Barnabas Strasser says in his chronicle from 1766 that Leopold had asked on his return from the Holy Land in 1219 Francis in Assisi to the relocation of some brothers to Vienna, which was then carried out 1224. The Franciscans, however, are detectable only in 1234 by a bull of Gregory IX . to Frederick the Warlike, the last reigning Babenberg, by the year 1239 there was already the Austrian province. The above-mentioned chapel near the present Minoritenkirche the brothers have now expanded and dedicated it to the Holy Cross ("Santa Croce"). In 1251 the dedication was by the Bishop Berthold of Passau. In addition, the friars began to build a monastery, the 1234 is mentioned in a document (the monastery comprised finally the Ballhausplatz, Minoritenplatz and parts of the Hofburg and the Public Garden) . Of the original Romanesque building stock nothing has been preserved. Especially the great fire of 1276 has cremated large parts of the Convention.

However, the strong growth of the Friars Minor now living in Vienna made ​​a new building of the church and monastery necessary. Already laid by King Otakar II of Bohemia in 1276 the foundation stone for the new building of that temple which was now already on the present site of the church, the monarch also promised tax exemption for all who had contributed to the building of the church.

First stage of construction (beginning in the third third of the 13th century.): So he decided to build new church and convent, but by the death in battle of Ottokar in 1278 at the March Field (Jedlespeigen close Dürnkrut) delayed the construction, thus only after the turn of the century it couldbe completed. The embalmed body of Ottokar remained 30 weeks in the chapter house of the monastery until it was transferred to Znojmo and finally to Prague. The king's heart is buried in the original Chapel of St. Catherine, which was now newly assigned this name because the appropriation should be reserved to the Holy Cross of Christ, the new church and the convent . This newly built house of God was given the shape of a two-aisled nave with zweijochigem (two-bay) long choir (chancel), which closed with the five sides of a decagon. This long choir, the one 1785/86 and changed into a five-storey residential building, was canceled in 1903. In connection with the subway construction (1984-86), although archaeological excavations took place, it also laid the foundations of the former free long-choir, but most of the foundations of the old presbytery were destroyed at the same time. - The first church had a rood screen, even at the turn of the 15th/16th Century the still resulting image of the Saint Francis was attached by an unknown artist. Just from this first phase, we know by the Baroque Minoritenchronik (chronicle) first mentioned the name of a builder, namely brother Hans Schimpffenpfeil .

Second stage of construction (after 1317-1328 ) Blanche (Blanche) of Valois, the wife of Duke Rudolf III . ( 1307) and daughter of Philip the Fair, in 1304 decreed in his will to build a chapel in honor of her grandfather, the Holy King Louis IX. of France (canonized in 1297) and introduced for this purpose in 1000 available books. However, the project was realized only under Isabella (Elizabeth ) of Aragon, wife of King Frederick the Fair (1330 ). The chapel dedicated to their relatives canonized in 1317, St . Louis of Anjou, son of Charles II of Naples, great-nephew of Louis IX . of France and Franciscan archbishop of Toulouse (1297 ); it was first a self- cultivation in the NE (north-east) of the two-aisled nave Minoritenkirche, until the third construction phase it was integrated into the nave (now the north aisle with Anthony's Chapel). In 1328 the chapel was apparently completed because in 1330 the founder - was buried in the chapel of Louis - in terms of her testamentary disposition. The tomb of Queen Isabella stood in the middle of the Kapellenjochs (chapel bay) in front of the apse. The tracery show similarity with those of the Albertine choir of St. Stephen (built by Duke Albrecht II [ 1358] ) as well as with that of the Sanctuary Strassengel near the Cistercian monastery Rein near Graz (around the middle of the 14th century.). Probably belonged to the tympanum with the donor portraits of Frederick the Fair and Isabella at the feet of the Mother of God, which was inserted in the third construction phase of the church in the secondary north portal, the original entrance to the Ludwig chapel. It must be mentioned that even the Duchess Blanche (1305 ) built around 1330 a high early gothic marble grave, which unfortunately disappeared in the course of the renovation of the church in the years 1784-86 by the court architect Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf of Hohenberg. It would be in Vienna today the only work of art of this kind

Third stage of construction (from 1339 -1400): Construction of a three-aisled hall (originally nave chapel Ludwig). The north wall of the chapel was extended to the west and in the north portal installed a second yoke. In addition, it was built a new west facade, with especially the central portal - including was designed - with jamb - pompous like the French late Gothic - perhaps under South German mediation. In the obituary of the Friars Minor brother Jacob of Paris is called ( around 1340), the confessor Albrecht II as the creator of this work of art. The duke and his wife Johanna von Außenmauer MinoritenkirchePfirt have obviously significantly contributed to the emergence of Vienna undoubtedly unique late Gothic cathedrals three portal group, there is also a representation of Albrecht and his wife in the middle portal next to the cross of Christ. Together with the two for a rich Mendikantenkirche (Mendicity church) this equipment is also of French models (see Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris [after 1285] ) constructed in 1350-1370 with splendid rose windows (with "bright" and "rotating" tracery) to the south wall - unusually without a doubt. The workshop, which built the Ludwig chapel was also busy with the west facade ("Minoritenwerkstatt" (workshop)). 1350-60 or later today, finally, the bell tower was only partially built (as a builder is a lay brother Nicholas, 1385 or 1386 called ). The tower consists mainly of two parts, a lower part made ​​of stone blocks to the height of the nave, and an upper, octagonal section of mixed masonry. Its crown had because of damage - especially been renewed several times and was eventually removed - during the Turkish wars . The consecration of the enlarged Minoritenkirche must have taken place about the year 1390. So that the church had received its valid look for the next time.

In 1529, during the first siege of the monastery and the church even more extensive damage suffering (launch of the spire). Since the monastery of the Observant (Franciscans) had been destroyed by the Turks, these sought to supplant the Franciscans in their convent, where John Capistrano, the founder of the "brown Franciscan" (Observant) in Vienna, lived some time in the Franciscan monastery and in the Church had preached, but eventually instructed the Emperor Ferdinand I the now homeless Observant buildings on Singerschen Platz. In fact, the number of Wiener Friars Minor has then shrunk to seven, so that they felt compelled to call Fathers from Italy. But that but could not prevent that the church from 1569-1620 war a Protestant church. Interestingly, originate numerous coats of arms on the balcony of this period. At that time the Conventual were only in the possession of Louis Chapel and the Chapel of St. Catherine. Also during the second Turkish siege in 1683 the tower served as an observation tower and the Minoritenkirche was accordingly fired by the Turks and severely damaged. In 1733 the tower is adorned with a copper dome, but because of the danger of collapse eventually had to be removed. It brought the church to that low pointed tiled roof, which still exists today .

More and more, the bands developed in the Minoritenkirche, especially Ludwig chapel and cemetery, grave sites of the nobility. Besides Blanche of Valois and Isabella of Aragon and Margaret, the last country Duchess of Tyrol, was named Maultasch ( 1369 ), is buried here, as well as members of Lichtsteiner, Ditrichsteins, Puchaimer, Hojo, Stauffenberger, Greifensteiner; Piccolomini, Medici, Cavalcanti, Montaldi, Valperga, etc. (many of them are listed in the "Libro d'Oro of the "Congregation Italiana"). It should also be mentioned that the Franciscans since the end of the 14th Century took lively interest in teaching at the University of Vienna, especially of course in the subjects of theology, but also the jurisprudence. At the beginning of the 18th Century lived in the Vienna alsoin the Viennese Convention the Venetian cosmographer Br Vincenzo Coronelli, which the Emperor Charles VI. appointed to head the regulation of the Danube and its famous globes are now in the globe collection of the National Library in Vienna.

It is worthnoting, finally, the fact that around 1543 on the Ballhausplatz near the Imperial Palace from parts of the monastery a small hospital was donated and that the Franciscans for 13 years did all the counseling in this new Hofspital, at this time was the newly restored Chapel of St. Catherine Hospital Church. Another wing of the former minority monastery was home to the Imperial Court Library, 1558-1613.

To Minoritenkirche the second half of the 18th Century brought drastic changes. This development was initiated by the fact that the naturalized Italians in Vienna founded an Italian congregation in 1625/26 under the guidance of the Jesuit priest and professor at the University of Vienna Wilhelm Lamormaini. By the year 1773, when the Jesuit Order was temporarily released their Italian trade fairs celebrated this "Congregation Italiana" in a chapel of the Jesuits at Bognergasse, near the old Jesuit church "Am Hof". But in 1773 that little church was by the imperial government requisited. Then the Italians found in St. Catherine Chapel at Ballhausplatz, which popularly still is referred as the Italian church - ie not only the Minoritenkirche - a new home. After a thorough restoration of the chapel was consecrated on 1 February 1775 ceremony in memory of the "Santa Maria Maggiore" to Rome in the name of "Madonna della Neve" (Mary Snow church'). The Holy Mass conducted Antonio Salieri (1750-1825), who was in 1774 chamber composer and conductor of the Italian opera in Vienna, from 1788-90 to 1824 Kapellmeister and Director of the Court Chapel. Pope Pius VI . visited during his stay in Vienna on Good Friday of 1782 the church "Maria Schnee" on the Ballhausplatz. But this state of the law was short-lived: in 1783 Emperor Joseph II shifted the Friars Minor in the former Trinitarian on Alserstrasse, and the Minoritenkirche was on the grounds that the chapel "p Maria della Neve" for about 7,000 Italians living in Vienna was too small, the Congregation italiana transferred to the condition that the Community had now to restore the Great Church (imperial decree of June 3, 1784). The richly decorated chapel "Madonna della Neve" went on an imperial property and was finally in the late 18th Century canceled. Also, the Franciscan monastery passed into state ownership: one is used for imperial and feudal law firms. The cemetery near the church was abandoned. With the greatest financial burdens now led the congregation from the imperial mission of the church renovation, the thorough repair of the church was entrusted to the court architect Johann Ferdinand Hetzendorf of Hohenberg (1784-1789). In order to cover the construction costs somewhat, were the old long choir (chancel) and the beginning of the 14th Century. (Consecrated in 1317 ) at the western end of the south side of the nave grown (and now defunct) St. John's Chapel (Chapel Puchaimische Kapelle ) converted into residences. The solemn consecration of the church under the name of "Madonna della Neve" took place on 16 April 1786, on Easter Sunday.

But soon was moving closer to the church the next hardship: In the years of the Napoleonic wars, the church should serve as a warehouse for straw, hay and for different equipment, so in 1809 also the forced evacuation of the building took place. Shortly after engaging the French eventually turned this into a provisions store. Two-thirds of the floor was smashed by the rolling of drums and by the retraction of cars. In the middle of the church a wide, tunnel-like cavity had been excavated and other parts of the floor destroyed a in God's house capped oven. Until 18 April 1810, the then Prefect of the Minoritenkirche received back the church keys. In 1825 died one of the most famous Kongregaten (congregats) of this century, namely, the composer Antonio Salieri, and on 22 June this year resounded in the Italian national church with the participation of the court chapel and the first Hofchores (court choir) the Verdi Requiem.

As the situation after the Napoleonic war turmoil in the mid-19th Century had normalized, Emperor Ferdinand the Good in 1845 donated to the "Congregation italiana" the according to the model of Leonardo da Vinci's famous fresco (1495-97) designed mosaic of the Last Supper, which the Roman Giacomo Raffaelli ​​of 12 panels with a total weight of 20 tons by Napoleon's orders had made in the years 1806-1814, and was eventually bought by Emperor Franz for the Belvedere Palace. To that gave Emperor Ferdinand a considerable amount (8000 guilders) to allow the mounting of the work of art in the Minoritenkirche. The inauguration of the altar took place on 26nd in March 1847. In 1852 Emperor Franz Joseph came and soon the Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand in the "Congregation ". The former paid each year mostly coming from out of town fast preachers for the Church, in return he regularly received at the Festival of Lights (2 February) as well as on Palm Sunday the sacred candle or the olive branch.

The last major change in the church took place in the years 1892-1905 at the restructuring of the Minoritenplatz. Now two new courses, namely the Ballhausplatz and Minoritenplatz emerged, the houses adjacent to the church (former Long John's Chapel Choir and) were demolished. The former Franciscan monastery had to give way to the House, Court and State Archives. Even the church was given a new face, although the plans of the architect Viktor Luntz due to financial reasons only could be realized partially, there were clearly visible changes: Most noticeable to the viewer is undoubtedly the Gothic passage on the south side of the walled grave stones originated partly from the bands, and part of the adjacent once cemetery, as well as the above installed "Minoritenhaus". 1907 were placed in the tower four new bells cast in Trento, which is, however - with the exception of one, St. Anthony ordained, Bell - 1914 confiscated. The solemn consecration of the church took place on 4 Held in May 1909 in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph. Due to the highly cooperative attitude of the Congregation towards the transformation plans of the City of Vienna Lueger, the mayor promised that the court should never be installed directly behind the church.

More important restoration work was carried out 1960-1962 (church affairs), in the last decade, as the outer walls have been restored.

About Minoritenplatz finally should be mentioned that the pastoral care of Italians after 1786 by each rectors appointed by the Archbishop was, from 1808 to 1813 was also here Clemens Maria Hofbauer who died 1820 and later was canonized working as a church rector. Therefore, there is also his monument on the north side of the church. Since the year 1953, and officially by the order of the archbishop Ordinariate of 1 December 1957 is the Friars Minor transmitted the pastoral care of the Italian community again, firstly the Fathers belonging to the Order of Padua Province while they are under the Austrian province today. In the year 2003, ie 50 years after the adoption of the pastoral care of Italians in the Minoritenkirche by the Conventual, that Francis statue was made, nowadays, it is located on the north side of the church, next to the Baroque cultivation.

(Text by Dr. Manfred Zips , Ital. Congregation )

www.minoriten.at/inhalt/wo/Minoriten/minoritenkirche.htm

Arp 273 or “A Rose Made of Galaxies”—I just think of them as “the Rose Galaxies”—are at least two interacting galaxies some 300 million light years away in the constellation Andromeda. UGC 1810, the “upper” galaxy, contains about five times more mass than its neighbor, UGC 1813, the “lower” galaxy. UGC 1813 is thought to have passed through, if not simply near, its neighbor, and through this interaction the two have tidally distorted into a rose-like shape. It appears at least a third galaxy (the warm “star”-sized blip in vaguely discernible swirling at the “top” of UGC 1810 in this perspective) may also be involved.

Along the top of UGC 1810 are splinters of blue jewel-like structures comprised of young blue stars. UGC 1813 shows signs of intense star formation, possibly triggered by this interaction. The bright stars littered across this image are inside our own galaxy, and plenty more galaxies are littered about. Arp 273 was first described in the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies, produced by Halton Arp (hence Arp 273) and released in 1966.

These galaxies are stupid far away (technical term for some 300 million light years) and rather “small” from our perspective, making them a very challenging target to image through the pursuit of amateur tomfoolery, but I have wanted to image these of these for some time. They are just so daggone beautiful. I got my chance on October 8, 2023, thanks to a gorgeous clear night in the desert with a strikingly stable atmosphere, no wind, no moon until later into the night, and these jewels passing overhead. I’ll take it as the universe tossing me a bone ahead of what may well be another long, cold, stormy winter.

AstroBin

www.astrobin.com/iq2eix/

Details: Celestron EdgeHD 8 with 0.7x reducer, ZWO ASI 2600MM Pro, Bin1, Astronomik Deep-Sky RGB and UV/IR filters, all riding on a Rainbow Astro RST-135E. 25x180s each of RGB and 98x120s Luminance for about 7 hours of data. Calibrated with darks (optimized), flats, and bias. Edited in PixInsight and Adobe Photoshop.

Editing: Stacked in PixInsight with normalization and no drizzle. Cropped; background extraction (ABE); color calibration (SPCC); deconvolution (Deconvolution and BlurX blend); stars removed; noise reduction (NoiseX, masked); color refinement (curves and GHS), stretched (GHS); luminance image refined in Photoshop and more noise reduction, LRGB combination; additional refinement and adjustment (colors, detail, noise). Smaller galaxies were gathered, protected, and edited with a mask to avoid overlap with stars image (worked like a charm). Stars image got more color adjustment, masked noise reduction, stretched (GHS), extracted, and blended into LRGB image (PixelMath). Stars reduced (hat tip to Bill Blanshan) and refined. Photoshop used for final details, nudging out more detail, final larger adjustments for presentation (e.g. deeper contrast, final crops from larger field of view).

Prag - Wenzelsplatz

Wenceslas Square (Czech: Václavské náměstí (help·info) [ˈvaːtslafskɛː ˈnaːmɲɛstiː], colloquially Václavák [ˈvaːtslavaːk]) is one of the main city squares and the centre of the business and cultural communities in the New Town of Prague, Czech Republic. Many historical events occurred there, and it is a traditional setting for demonstrations, celebrations, and other public gatherings. It is also the place with the busiest pedestrian traffic in the whole country. The square is named after Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. It is part of the historic centre of Prague, a World Heritage Site.

Formerly known as Koňský trh (Horse Market), for its periodic accommodation of horse markets during the Middle Ages, it was renamed Svatováclavské náměstí (English: Saint Wenceslas square) in 1848 on the proposal of Karel Havlíček Borovský.

Features

Less a square than a boulevard, Wenceslas Square has the shape of a very long (750 m, total area 45,000 m2) rectangle, in a northwest–southeast direction. The street slopes upward to the southeast side. At that end, the street is dominated by the grand neoclassical Czech National Museum. The northwest end runs up against the border between the New Town and the Old Town.

History

In 1348, Bohemian King Charles IV founded the New Town of Prague. The plan included several open areas for markets, of which the second largest was the Koňský trh, or Horse Market (the largest was the Charles Square). At the southeastern end of the market was the Horse Gate, one of the gates in the walls of the New Town.

The Statue of Saint Wenceslas formerly stood in the middle of Wenceslas Square, near Grandhotel Evropa, it was moved to Vyšehrad in 1879. During the Czech National Revival movement in the Czech lands of Austria-Hungary in the 19th century, a more noble name for the street was requested. At this time the square was renamed and new Statue of Saint Wenceslas was built in 1912.

On 28 October 1918, Alois Jirásek read the Czechoslovak declaration of independence in front of the Saint Wenceslas statue.

During the 1938 May Crisis, the square was the site of massive demonstrations against Nazi Germany's demands for the Sudetenland and the appeasement policies of the First Czechoslovak Republic's allies the United Kingdom and France. Under the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, the Nazi occupation force used the street for mass demonstrations. During the Prague Uprising in 1945, a few buildings near the National Museum were destroyed. They were later replaced by department stores.

On 16 January 1969, student Jan Palach set himself on fire in Wenceslas Square to protest the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.

On 28 March 1969, the Czechoslovak national ice hockey team defeated the USSR team for the second time in that year's Ice Hockey World Championships. As the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic was still under Soviet occupation, the victory induced great celebrations. An estimated 150,000 people gathered on Wenceslas Square, and skirmishes with police developed. A group of provocateurs then attacked the Prague office of the Soviet airline Aeroflot, located on the street. The vandalism served as a pretext for reprisals and the period of so-called normalization.

In 1989, during the Velvet Revolution, large demonstrations (with hundreds of thousands of people or more) were held here.

Wenceslas Square is lined by hotels, offices, retail stores, currency exchange booths and fast-food joints. To the dismay of locals and city officials, the neighboring streets are also a popular location for prostitutes to ply their trade late at night. Many strip clubs exist around Wenceslas Square, making Prague a popular location for stag parties. Wenceslas Square is also a popular place to spend the New Year's celebrations, another popular option are terraces near the river. The Christmas markets (Vánoční trhy) are held here every year from early December to the first week of January.

Reconstruction

A reconstruction of the Wenceslas Square has been underway since 2020. The lower part is expected to be completed in spring of 2022. The upper part (from Vodičkova street) is expected to be completed in 2023. It should result in uniformed paving, wider sidewalks, bicycle paths and new alleys. Also, tram traffic will return to the upper part of the square.

Art and architecture

The two obvious landmarks of Wenceslas Square are at the southeast, uphill end: the 1885–1891 National Museum Building, designed by Czech architect Josef Schulz, and the statue of Wenceslas.

Other significant buildings on the square include:

Antonin Pfeiffer and Matěj Blecha's "Palác Koruna" office building and shopping center, #1–2, 1912–1914, with architectural sculpture by Vojtěch Sucharda

Ludvík Kysela's "Lindt Building", No. 4, an early work of architectural constructivism

the BAŤA shoe store, No. 6, 1929

Matěj Blecha and Emil Králíček's "Adam Pharmacy", No. 8, 1911–1913

Jan Kotěra's "Peterka Building", No. 12, 1899–1900

Pavel Janák's "Hotel Juliš", No. 22, 1926

Alois Dryák's "Hotel Evropa", #25–27, 1872, 1905 redesign, with architectural sculptor Ladislav Šaloun

Antonin Wiehl's "Wiehl House", No. 34, 1896

the "Melantrich Building", No. 36, 1914, where Alexander Dubček and Václav Havel appeared together on its balcony in November 1989, a major event of the Velvet Revolution

"Hotel Adria",[6] No 26, reconstruction in 1912, in 1918 sold to František Tichý, Burian's Theatre (1925–1928)

Transport

The Prague Metro's line A runs underneath Wenceslas Square, and the Metro's two busiest stations, Muzeum (lines A and C) and Můstek (lines A and B), have entrances on the street. Currently tram bisect the square only. Tram tracks running the length of the street were removed from the street in 1980; a proposal to reintroduce trams is under consideration. The construction should begin in 2021. Most of the street is open to automobile traffic, but the northwestern end is pedestrianised since 2012.

(Wikipedia)

Der Wenzelsplatz (tschech. Václavské náměstí, ugs. Václavák) in der Mitte von Prag wurde 1848 nach dem Heiligen Wenzel von Böhmen benannt, nachdem er im Mittelalter und der Neuzeit als Rossmarkt (Koňský trh) den Mittelpunkt der Prager Neustadt bildete. Die Breite von etwa 60 m entspricht der Definition nach eher einer Prachtstraße als einem Platz. Mit circa 750 m Länge gehört er aber zu den größten städtischen Plätzen in Europa.

Geschichte

Die Entstehung des Platzes im Mittelalter

Mit der Gründung der Prager Neustadt 1348 unter König Karl IV. wurde entlang eines bestehenden Weges genau rechtwinklig zum Markt der Gallusstadt als eigenständiger Teil der Prager Altstadt ein neuer Markt angelegt, auf dem Pferdehandel betrieben wurde und der deshalb Rossmarkt genannt wurde. Der eigentliche Rossmarkt war zunächst durch das St.-Gallus-Tor am Brückl (Na Můstku) mit der Erweiterung verbunden. Das vermauerte Gallus-Tor wurde bei archäologischen Untersuchungen im Hintertrakt des Hauses des Altstädter Ortsvorstehers (Staroměstska rychta) in der Rytířská ul. Nr. 12 /CN 404 entdeckt. Es blieb als einziges der dreizehn Tore der Altstadt erhalten. Reste der vor dem Tor liegenden kleinen steinernen Brücke über den Stadtgraben wurden beim Bau der Metrostation Můstek ausgegraben und im Eingangsbereich sichtbar gemacht.

Das St. Gallus-Tor wurde bei der Anlage der Neustadt oder wenig später geschlossen und durch einen neuen, breiteren Mauerdurchbruch ersetzt, der in der Achse des Rossmarktes lag. Mit rund 680 Metern Länge – durch Verfüllung der Grabenanlage am unteren Ende sind es heute fast 750 m – und 60 m Breite erstreckte sich der Markt in Nordwest-Südost-Richtung vom Tor der Altstadt bis zum Tor der Neustadt, dem Rosstor (Koňská brána) oder St.-Prokops-Tor. Neben dem Tor wurde auch ein kleiner Bach auf den Markt geführt, dessen Wasser für Pferdetränken und mindestens eine Pferdeschwemme benötigt wurde. Die außerordentliche Länge des Marktes steht in Verbindung mit seiner Funktion, denn sie ermöglichte, dass während des wöchentlich stattfindenden Pferdemarktes die Tiere in jeder Gangart vorgeführt werden konnten. Später wurden im oberen Teil des Marktes Korn und im unteren Tuche und Waffen gehandelt.

Im unteren Teil befand sich zuvor das Karmelitenkloster (Klášter Panny Marie Sněžné) mit der Kirche St. Maria Schnee, dessen Grundstein Karl IV. selbst im September 1347 zum Gedenken an seine Krönung zum König von Böhmen gelegt hatte.

Von dem Platz geht fast genau im rechten Winkel in beide Teile je eine rund 23 m breite Straße ab, die ihn mit den beiden anderen Märkten der Neustadt verbindet. In die untere Neustadt führt die Heinrichsgasse (Jindřišská ulice), in die obere die Vodičkagasse (Vodičkova ulice). Dadurch ergibt sich die Form eines Kreuzes mit dem Rossmarkt als Längsbalken und den beiden Straßen als Armen. Am Ende der beiden Straßen wurde mit dem Neustädter Rathaus und der Heinrichskirche in ungefähr gleicher Entfernung zum Rossmarkt je eine städtebauliche Dominante angelegt. Bei offiziellen Feierlichkeiten mussten die Ratsherren der Neustadt durch diese Straßen schreiten, um am Gottesdienst in der Hauptpfarrkirche teilnehmen zu können. Durch den Anbau des Turmes am Neustädter Rathaus in den Jahren 1452–1456 und der Errichtung des freistehenden Glockenturms der Heinrichskirche 1472–76 wurde diese Kreuzgestalt noch stärker betont.

Der Wenzelsplatz vom 17. bis zum Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts

Der Rossmarkt teilte die neu entstehende Stadt in die untere, nördlich in der Ebene gelegene, und die obere Neustadt, die vor allem auf Hügelland errichtet wurde. Im 17. und 18. Jahrhundert erfolgten erste bauliche Erweiterungen, eine steinerne Statue zu Ehren des Namenspatron des Platzes, angefertigt vom Bildhauer Johann Georg Bendl (1610–1680) wurde in der Platzmitte aufgestellt. Dieses erste Wenzelsdenkmal erhielt vermutlich im Jahre 1879 einen neuen Standort auf der Burg Vyšehrad.

Die links und rechts des Rossmarktes gelegenen Viertel gleichen sich durch ihre weitgehend rechtwinklige, auf den Markt ausgerichtete Anlage bis heute. Während aber die nördlichen Straßenzüge genau senkrecht beziehungsweise parallel zum Markt angelegt werden konnten, weichen die an der südlichen Seite etwas von diesem Schema ab, um den Anschluss an die um 45° gedrehte Straßenführung der oberen Neustadt zu erhalten.

Im 19. Jahrhundert erfuhr der Markt durch den Abriss der beiden Stadtmauern und durch die Verfüllung der Gräben an seinem oberen und unteren Ende eine wesentliche Veränderung und wurde durch das Pflanzen von Linden zu dem heutigen Boulevard umgestaltet. Anstelle des 1875 abgerissenen St.-Prokops-Tors ließ die Stadtverwaltung von 1885 bis 1890 das Nationalmuseum im Neorenaissancestil für das bereits 1818 gegründete Nationalmuseum errichten, das den oberen baulichen Abschluss des Platzes bildet.

Städtischer Ausbau ab dem 20. Jahrhundert

Zwischen etwa 1890 und 1930 erhielt der Platz im Wesentlichen seine heutige Bebauung. Zahlreiche Bürgerpaläste wie der Palac Koruna (Nummer 1), das Haus Diamant (Nummer 3), das Lindt-Haus (Nummer 4), das Hotel Ambassador (Nummer 5), das Schuhwarenhaus (Nummer 6), das Haus zur goldenen Gans (Nummer 7), das Peterka-Haus (Nummer 12), Hotel Tatran (Nummer 22), Hotel Sroubek (heute Hotel Europa) (Nummer 25), Hotel Adria (Nummer 26), die Böhmische Bank (Nummer 32), das Wiehl-Haus (Nummer 34), das Melantrich-Haus (Nummer 36), der Palac Letka (Nummer 41), Haus der Böhmischen Sparkasse (Nummer 42) oder der Palac Fénix (Nummer 56) entstanden in dieser Zeit. Zwischen den Geschäftsbauten wurden in geschlossener Straßenfront abwechslungsreich gestaltete Wohnhäuser eingefügt. – Als Nahverkehrsmittel des 20. Jahrhunderts erhielt der Platz zahlreiche Straßenbahnlinien.

Auch nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg wurden weitere Bauwerke errichtet wie das Haus der Mode (Nummer 58), das Hotel Jalta (Nummer 45), ein Lebensmittel-Kaufhaus (Nummer 59) oder das Kaufhaus Freundschaft (Nummer 21). Ab 1990 erhielten häufig die früheren Eigentümer ihre Gebäude zurück und nutzen sie nun nach aufwändiger Sanierung selbst oder haben sie vermietet.

Der 16. Januar 1969

Am 16. Januar 1969 verbrannte sich der tschechoslowakische Student Jan Palach selbst und lief in Flammen stehend vom Nationalmuseum auf den Wenzelsplatz. Er protestierte damit gegen den Einmarsch der Truppen des Warschauer Pakts in die Tschechoslowakei im Jahre 1968 und der daraus resultierenden Niederschlagung des Prager Frühlings. Heute erinnert ein Denkmal an der Stelle unterhalb der Wenzel-Statue an Palach. Die eigentliche Stelle des Geschehens befindet sich auf der Fahrbahn, daher ist das Denkmal um einige Meter versetzt. – Im folgenden Monat wiederholte Jan Zajíc diesen öffentlichen Protest an der gleichen Stelle.

Die Samtene Revolution auf dem Wenzelsplatz

Am Wenzelsplatz sprachen während einer Massenkundgebung am 24. November 1989 Václav Havel und Alexander Dubček und forderten die politische Umgestaltung des ganzen Landes. Der Aufruf erfolgte vom Balkon des Hauses mit der Nummer 56. Wenige Wochen später war die Samtene Revolution vollzogen und der Kommunismus in der Tschechoslowakei Geschichte.

Nach dem Tod von Havel im Dezember 2011 trauerten tausende von Menschen auf dem Wenzelsplatz.

Der Wenzelsplatz ist auch in der Gegenwart ein häufiger Schauplatz von Demonstrationen und Gedenkveranstaltungen.

Sehenswürdigkeiten entlang des Boulevards

1912 schuf der tschechische Künstler Josef V. Myslbek das Wenzelsdenkmal (Pomník svatého Václava). Es zeigt den Heiligen Wenzel als Landespatron in Rüstung mit Harnisch und Lanze sowie zu seinen Füßen die vier Schutzheiligen Ludmilla und Prokop (vorn) und Anežka (Agnes) und Vojtěch (Adalbert) (hinten). Der ornamentale Schmuck des Denkmals stammt von Celda Klouček (1855–1935), die architektonische Gestaltung von Alois Dryák.

Am Wenzelsdenkmal fanden in der Vergangenheit zahlreiche Demonstrationen statt, wenn es sich um die staatliche Unabhängigkeit handelte.

Die oben im Detail genannten Bauten folgen den zu dieser Zeit aktuellen Baustilen wie Jugendstil, Konstruktivismus oder Neorenaissance. Teile früherer Häuser aus gotischer oder barocker Zeit wurden auch in die Neubauten integriert. Architekten, die ihre Entwürfe hier verwirklichten, waren u. a. A. Pfeiffer, F. Buldra, F. Weir und R. Klenka, L. Kysela oder M. Blecha. In den 1930ern wurden etliche Gebäude umgestaltet.

Nach der Schließung der komplett durch die Straße geführten Straßenbahnlinien am 13. Dezember 1980 wurden die nordöstlichen Mittelstreifen gärtnerisch gestaltet. Eine ausrangierte historische Straßenbahn steht etwa in der Mitte des Platzes und wird als Café genutzt.

Verkehr

An den beiden Enden des Wenzelsplatzes befinden sich zwei Umsteigestationen der Prager Metro, Muzeum und Můstek. Außerdem queren vier Straßenbahnlinien den Platz etwa auf halber Höhe. Das Fahren mit Kraftfahrzeugen ist gestattet, entlang des Nationalmuseums verläuft eine Einzugsstraße.

(Wikipedia)

President Donald J. Trump participates in a phone call with Sudanese Chairman of the Sovereignty Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss Sudan’s historic progress towards democracy with its recognition of Israel and opportunities to advance peace in the region Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in the Oval Office of the White House. (Official White House Photo Tia Dufour)