When things aren't going right,

I trust you to make me smile,

And when things are looking cloudy,

You make things seem better for a little while.

 

You take away the rain,

And cover my troubles with rainbows,

You fill the sky with stars,

Just until the rain goes.

 

- Because nothing lasts forever

  

Photo taken by the fantastic Johnny Doome.

 

 

Things seem so busy and hectic lately, and me of all people find it the hardest to prioritize! I keep having to remind myself to stop and think of things that I need to do... And washing my hair is right at the top of that list!

 

I also need to find time to finish endless portraits that I have begun, tidy my floordrobe that is getting bigger and bigger rather quickly (I can never find what i'm looking for!), and I really do need to find time to convince myself to stop eating too many crisps!

 

I guess I just have to take things one day at a time and try to remember that there really are more important things than washing my hair.

 

For example, a severe need for a Career Guidance Shrink is definately of high importance!

  

Jerrycharlotte

 

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Rovingian Council - Nomadic Monks - Spiritual Diplomacy Versus Commercial Esotericism by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)

  

Rovingian Council - Nomadic Monks - Spiritual Diplomacy Versus Commercial Esotericism - Principles and Limitations of Ritualistic Practices

 

The Rovingian Council establishes a clear boundary between diplomatic animistic spirituality and practices of divination or religious dogmatism. By focusing on biomimicry and resonance with the loci genial, the nomadic monk acts as a translator of the landscape, not as a prophet of destiny.

 

To complete your analysis of the fundamental limitations and principles, here are the final points governing this conduct:

 

- The denial of proselytism: It is forbidden to attempt to convert others or expand the order through active recruitment. The monk's path is a solitary and voluntary calling, respecting the spiritual sovereignty of each people visited.

 

- Prohibition of Divinatory Practices: The use of cartomancy, tarot, crystal balls, or any "future reading" tool is prohibited. The Rovingian focus is on the present and present negotiation with the ecosystem; Destiny is seen as a territory shaped by free will and ecology, not as something to be predicted.

 

General visions of the future or past are often attributed to spirits who have reincarnated in different time periods, or outer worlds, due to time not being linear but relativistic in the spiritual world.

The prophets of Ion designate these people as Centennials.

  

- Liturgical Neutrality: The prohibition of baptismal or initiatory rituals serves to ensure that the monk does not "mark" or "claim" the soul of another. Entering the nomadic path is a decision of personal and legal conscience (majority), without the need for rites of passage that imply classification or submission.

 

- Limitation of Substance Use: Although animism frequently uses plants that facilitate altered states of consciousness, the Council mandates that any botanical element used must be of local/temporal restriction and never serve recreational purposes, always prioritizing the diplomatic lucidity necessary for the balance between worlds.

 

- Painting as Diplomatic Camouflage: The preferred and ancestral choice of colors (black, white, and red) is not aesthetic, but functional. The colors black and white balance the duality (light/shadow) with the vital energy and ancestral connection (red) necessary to face the unknown, while simultaneously making the monk a diplomat between the physical and spiritual worlds.

 

However, the freedom in choosing ritualistic/facial patterns allows the monk to visually integrate into the geometry of the local nature without disrespecting the sacred symbols of the resident populations.

 

- Sovereignty of the Place: Healing or ritualistic intervention is never an imposition. If the energy of a place (its ecosystem and history) "refuses" the presence, the monk must withdraw. The effectiveness of the ritual depends on the permission of the land, not the will of the practitioner.

 

- Absence of dogmatic position: There are no "masters" who hold the absolute truth. Authority resides in the resonance that the monk manages to establish with the environment, with each practitioner responsible for the ethics of their own journey.

 

The Rovingian Council thus establishes a clear boundary between spiritual diplomacy and commercial or deterministic esotericism.

  

________________________________________________________________________________________________

  

Conselho Rovingiano - Monges Nómadas - Diplomacia Espiritual Versus Esoterismo Comercial - Princípios e Limitações das Práticas Ritualísticas

  

O Conselho Rovingiano estabelece uma fronteira clara entre a espiritualidade animista diplomática e as práticas de adivinhação ou dogmatismo religioso. Ao focar-se na biomimética e na ressonância com o genial loci, o monge nómada atua como um tradutor da paisagem, e não como um profeta do destino.

 

Para completar a sua análise sobre as limitações e princípios fundamentais, aqui ficam os pontos finais que regem esta conduta:

 

- A negação do proselitismo: É proibido tentar converter terceiros ou expandir a ordem através do recrutamento ativo. O caminho do monge é um chamamento solitário e voluntário, respeitando a soberania espiritual de cada povo visitado.

 

- Proibição de Práticas Divinatórias: É proibido o uso de cartomancia, tarot, bolas de cristal ou qualquer ferramenta de "leitura de futuro". O foco rovingiano é o agora e a negociação presente com o ecossistema; o destino é visto como um território moldado pelo livre-arbítrio e pela ecologia, e não como algo a prever.

 

Visões generalistas do futuro ou passado são atribuídas muitas vezes a espíritos que reencarnaram em diferentes períodos temporais, ou mundos exteriores, derivado ao tempo não ser linear mas relativista no mundo espiritual.

Os profetas de Ion, designam estas pessoas como centennials.

 

- Neutralidade Litúrgica: A proibição dos rituais batismais ou iniciáticos serve para garantir que o monge não "marca" ou "reivindica" a alma de outrem. A entrada na senda nómada é uma decisão do foro íntimo e legal (maioridade), sem necessidade de ritos de passagem que impliquem classificação ou submissão.

 

- Limitação do uso de substâncias: Embora o animismo utilize frequentemente plantas que facilitam estados alterados de consciência, o Conselho impõe que qualquer elemento botânico utilizado deve ser de restrição local /temporal e nunca servir para fins recreativos, priorizando sempre a lucidez diplomática necessária para o equilíbrio entre os mundos.

 

- Pintura como Camuflagem Diplomática: A escolha preferencial e ancestral das cores (preto, branco e vermelho) não é estética, mas sim funcional. A cor preta, branca que equilibra a dualidade (luz/sombra) com a energia vital e a ancestralidade (vermelha) necessária para enfrentar o desconhecido mas ao mesmo tempo fazer do monge um diplomata entre o mundo físico e espiritual.

 

No entanto, a liberdade na escolha dos padrões ritualísticos/faciais permite ao monge integrar-se visualmente na geometria da natureza local sem desrespeitar os símbolos sagrados das populações residentes.

 

- Soberania do Local: A cura ou intervenção ritualística nunca é uma imposição. Se a energia de um local (o seu ecossistema e história) "recusa" a presença, o monge deve retirar-se. A eficácia do ritual depende da permissão da terra, e não da vontade do praticante.

 

- Inexistência de posição dogmática: Não existem "mestres" que detenham a verdade absoluta. A autoridade reside na ressonância que o monge consegue estabelecer com o meio, sendo cada praticante responsável pela ética da sua própria viagem.

 

O Conselho Rovingiano estabelece assim uma fronteira clara entre a diplomacia espiritual e o esoterismo comercial ou determinista.

   

New Year’s Eve-2024

Ninety-nine percent of good railroad photography is just getting out the door with your camera. Once that’s accomplished, you still have one percent to work with. That was my thought when a FB private message from DC Hammon popped up on my phone. DC allowed that a westbound CSX empty hopper train was enroute from Kingsport to Loyall, with the Clinchfield heritage unit on the point. It was gloomy and misting rain, but after about ten seconds of pondering, I elected to engage the ninety nine percent part of the mission.

I haven’t been on FB much lately. Even though I had a flu vaccine a few weeks ago, on Saturday I was in the Ballad urgent care facility in Norton. I was coughing, congested, chilling, and with all the characteristics of something nasty. It wasn’t COVID, but a strain of flue that must have been a variant not included into blend of vaccines I had received earlier. That’s not unusual, of course, but it doesn’t often happen to me.

Wilma has also been sick, and Walnut has really been having a tough go of it (although in her case I think it’s just her declining age). We haven’t been much, if at all (except for a few runs to pick up essentials). At last, I was feeling more like myself, so this would be a good way to change the afternoon routine. I thought the experience of doing some train photography would be worth the effort, even if I wouldn’t come back home with some masterpiece of imagery worthy of a CRPA award (like that’s ever gonna happen!).

I encountered CSX 1902 West sooner than I had anticipated, at Duffield. I had left the house half thinking of going to Natural Tunnel, but I gave up on that when I realized I had left my wide angle lens at home. I wheeled through a crossover on US 23 and backtracked (no pun intended) until I could crank off a couple of “poke and hope” pacing shots in a short stretch where the highway paralleled the track without major obstructions. I mostly was trying to avoid veering into another lane in front of a semi---but traffic was very light.

Pushing ahead, the unexpected growth of lineside vegetation had erased some earlier “honey hole” spots, but I pulled up to a small clearing and got the train as it passed my spot at the passing track at Jasper. What next?

Photo locations on lines where you’ve photographed trains for decades are like a mental Rolodex, prioritized by train direction, lighting, foreground clutter, backgrounds, and on and on. I decided to drive in to “furnace dip” to get him dropping downgrade from East Stone Gap and across the short South Fork of Powell River Bridge. The weather was going from crummy to extra crummy.

After getting that shot, I drove out and headed home. As I was crossing the East 19th Street crossing, I reflexively looked right to see if the EOT was clear of the distant junction. Instead, I saw the head and ditch lights of an eastbound NS run. Instead of going over the hill toward the house, I drove to the old depot site to get a shot of my buddy Brian Richardson handling an eastbound coal train with three big NS units.

Happy New Year, Brian, and thanks for the tip, DC!

In fact, Happy New Year to everyone!

Woke up one morning last week, looked out the door through the back yard just as the light was coming up and noticed a thin layer of fog had settled about 30-40 feet above the ground. The air was mostly still but if you stared at the fog layer long enough you could see there was a gentle flow to it, coming out of the trees and across the field. My mind instantly prioritized and things like work, shower, and breakfast fell to a distant second place behind "photography".

 

What else could I do? I mean, you gotta strike while the iron is hot, right?

 

Read the rest of the story to find out what happened next.

       

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To address the critical housing, health, and social justice needs of the downtown eastside, First United Church is partnering with Lu’ma Native Housing Society to redevelop this site at 320 East Hastings.

 

This is the ninth of a series as the project proceeds. The deconstruction of the existing building started early June 2022.

 

The four-storey FIRST UNITED facility will serve as the pedestal for an additional seven stories of below-market rental housing for Indigenous Peoples (over 100 studio and one-bedroom units - 35 supportive housing units and 68 rental homes prioritized for Indigenous Peoples.)

 

The housing complex will be operated by Lu’ma Native Housing Society.

 

The non-residential portion of the project on floors one through four, will be a purpose-built First United facility offering a range of social services and programming for residents and the surrounding community.

 

Construction is expected to complete in late 2025. The residential floors will have a separate entrance at 438 Gore Ave.

My "Best lenses" for the Leica M11 deliberately prioritized high optical performance lenses capable of tackling the high quality 60 MP sensor. So by definition, they did not include any lens that were more oriented to style or rendering.

 

The optically best 50mm lenses for the M system are the Cosina Voigtlander 50mm F2 APO Lanthar and the Leica 50mm F2 APO Summicron-M. But the Leica 50mm F1.4 Summilux-M is a classic that is a "must own", if you can afford both an f/2 and an f/1.4 lens.

 

Until the M11, the 50 Lux was my most used M lens. It now ranks # 6 on my list based purely on optical performance for the M11, but in terms of frequency of use, this lens will continue to be either # 1 or # 2 for me. Because most of the time, I am not taking photos to make 4 feet x 6 feet prints.

 

The important thing about this lens is, at the plane of focus, in the central 50-60% of the frame, it is very sharp, and it will show well even on a 60 MP sensor. I have used this lens for years with my Sony A7R II, III and IV cameras, as well as the Leica M10 Monochrom, and it has always delivered superb results. So this lens will deliver stunning sharpness, but also creamy bokeh and "the Leica Look".

 

The alternatives are the Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M, the Voigtlander 50mm f/1.2 Nokton, and a new Voigtlander 50mm f/1 Nokton that was announced a couple of months ago, and has not started shipping yet. There are also other "super fast" lenses from Mitakon Zhongyi, 7 Artisans, etc.

 

If you enjoy the images you get from these lenses mentioned above, that's fine, but my recommendation is, save yourself a lot of money and buy a used Leica M9 or M240 for a fraction of what an M11 costs. But if you are planning to buy an M11, then don't waste a millisecond with these other lenses.

 

There is only one fast 50mm lens that matters for the M11, and that is the Leica 50/1.4 Summilux-M.

 

Canadians are often known for several positive characteristics, including:

1.Politeness and Courtesy – They have a reputation for being polite, saying “sorry” often, and treating others with respect.

2.Friendliness – Canadians are generally warm and welcoming to both locals and visitors.

3.Diversity and Inclusivity – Canada is multicultural, and its people embrace diversity in ethnicity, culture, and perspectives.

4.Tolerance and Open-Mindedness – Canadians tend to value human rights, equality, and progressive social policies.

5.Community-Oriented – Many Canadians are involved in their communities and prioritize social well-being.

6.Love for Nature and the Outdoors – With stunning landscapes, Canadians often appreciate and respect nature, engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and skiing.

7.Sense of Humor – They have a dry, self-deprecating, and sometimes quirky sense of humor.

8.Humble and Modest – Canadians tend to downplay achievements and avoid arrogance.

9.Hardworking and Resourceful – Whether in cities or remote regions, Canadians have a strong work ethic.

10.Peacefulness – They are generally non-confrontational and support diplomacy over aggression.

 

Thanks ChatGPT (prompt: tell me about Canadians)!

...and I have a feeling I'll need more than just my rain hat.

 

Title from an old Peter Gabriel song that I love.

 

MD "Arizona" Sport Outfit

A sports top and pants set is characterized by being clothing specifically designed for physical activity, prioritizing comfort, functionality and freedom of movement, as well as giving your body a touch of sensuality for the gym.

♡ For bodies:

-Maitreya (LaraX & X Petite) - Legacy (Classic, Perky & Bombshell) - Reborn Mesh-Body compatible

Available in 12 different colors!

♡In World: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/EDGE%20Palazo/89/160/22

♡Marketplace: marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/216256

♡Flickr Gropup www.flickr.com/groups/4177476@N23/

♡Primfeed: www.primfeed.com/mu-shi-doll

♡Credits: Danica-Jennice AngiBa Vinc

 

Due to work, my music and photography have taken a back seat. I'm in the process of making some big life changes and prioritizing music and photography are definitely at the forefront of those changes. I'll be creating a FB page soon! Hope you're all doing well!

s/n 0585GT

 

240 bhp, 2,953 cc single overhead camshaft V-12 engine with three Weber carburetors, four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox, independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms and coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and parallel trailing arms, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,600 mm

 

• Very first of the second series 14-louver design

• One of nine examples built

• Featured in the Hollywood Classic, The Love Bug

• Matching numbers, extensively documented, and complete with full Ferrari Classiche certification

• Received a class award at the 2011 Quail Motorsports Gathering

• Single ownership for 14 years and offered for the first time ever at auction

• Pristine example of Ferrari’s most revered berlinetta

  

The tragic accident at the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans that claimed the lives of one driver and 79 spectators had a profound effect on the shape of racing, one that ultimately led to the creation of one of Ferrari’s most celebrated models. Racing enthusiasts and competitors alike agreed that the crash was ultimately the result of the increasingly potent powertrains of the Le Mans sports cars, and in order to prevent further disaster, new regulations would be required to veer from the path of these thinly veiled race cars, which were essentially grand prix cars packaged with two-seater bodies.

 

The following year, the FIA responded by creating new gran turismo classes that not only prioritized safety, but also re-established the concept of competitively racing a road-based production car. Ferrari, of course, was well prepared for the challenge, having just debuted its new series-production 250 GT at the Geneva Motor Show of 1956. While the coupe on display featured an elegant body that would go on to be produced in quantity by Boano, thus providing necessary homologation, the underlying chassis proved to be the basis for the competition car, or berlinetta, that Ferrari sought to enter into the FIA’s new racing classifications. Pininfarina designed a new lightweight body that was built by Scaglietti, using thin-gauge aluminum and Perspex windows and a minimally upholstered cabin. The finished car, then known officially as the 250 GT Berlinetta, was ultimately made in a sparing quantity of 77 examples that are further sub-divided by subtle differences in coachwork over the model’s four-year production run.

 

Ferrari’s hopes for competitive success were quickly realized when Olivier Gendebien and Jacques Washer co-drove the very first car, chassis number 0503 GT, to a First in Class and Fourth Overall at the Giro di Sicilia in April 1956, with a Fifth Overall (First in Class) at the Mille Miglia later that month. But the model’s defining success didn’t occur until September, during the 1956 Tour de France Automobile, a grueling 3,600 mile, week-long contest that combined six circuit races, two hill climbs, and a drag race. The Marquis Alfonso de Portago, a Spanish aristocrat and privateer racer, drove chassis number 0557 GT to a dominating victory that sealed the dynamic model’s reputation. Enzo Ferrari was so pleased with the outcome that the 250 GT Berlinetta was subsequently and internally, though never officially, referred to as the Tour de France. The moniker proved to be quite fitting, as Gendebien took First Overall at the 1957, 1958, and 1959 installments of the French race, as well as a Third Overall at the 1957 Mille Miglia, a triumph that witnessed the defeat of many more purpose-built sports racers.

 

With the introduction of a short-wheelbase 250 GT in late-1959, the outgoing platform became retrospectively labeled as the long-wheelbase version, though the original car’s designation of 250 GT LWB Berlinetta is now largely simplified with the name ‘Tour de France.’ Through its brief production run, the TdF underwent several external body modifications, ultimately resulting in four different series-produced body styles (not including a handful of Zagato-bodied cars). The alterations in appearance are most easily recognizable in the so-called sail panels, the rear ¾-panels of the c-pillar that adjoin the roof. Initially produced with no louvers at all, these panels featured 14 louvers in the second-series cars, followed by a series with just three louvers, and ending with a series that featured just one sail-panel louver. Of all of these series, the 14-louver cars are the rarest, with only nine examples produced, and are judged by many enthusiasts to be the handsomest of the group.

 

This fabulous, early Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France is the very first example constructed of the second series design that featured 14-louver sail-panels. On November 15, 1956, the stunning TdF was purchased by Tony Parravano, the Italian national and Southern California building construction magnate who is better known among 1950s racing enthusiasts for the numerous Italian sports cars that he campaigned in the area’s SCCA circuit. 0585 GT was entered for the Palm Springs road races in early April of 1957, before being disqualified because the sanctioning body did not recognize it as a production car. Changing hands among a couple of Los Angeles-based owners during the early-1960s, 0585 GT eventually came into the possession of Walt Disney Studios for use in the 1966 film The Love Bug, the celebrated Disney classic about “Herbie,” the racing VW Beetle with a soul.

 

Following its memorable Hollywood turn, this important 250 GT fell on hard times, passing through the Schaub family, of Los Angeles, before reportedly being abandoned on the side of the Hollywood freeway. Records indicate two more owners during the 1970s and 1980s. In September 1994, the car surfaced and was offered for sale in an unrestored state by David Cottingham’s DK Engineering in Watford, England. Unable to sell 0585 GT for its true value, DK, in late-1996, elected to totally restore the historically significant Tour de France, a freshening that debuted to overwhelming acclaim at Coy’s International Historic Festival at Silverstone in July 1997. The festival proved to be a perfect stage for the immaculate car, as it was sold the following October to its current owner, a well-respected Southern California-based collector who has a 40-year history of collecting and caring for some of the most recognizable and important Ferrari cars ever built.

 

Registered under license plate “MY 56 TDF,” 0585 GT was soon campaigned in a number of vintage rallies, including the Tour Auto of April 1998, as well as the Mille Miglia of the following May. The car also participated in the Tour Auto in 1999 and 2000, and placed 39th Overall at the 2000 Shell Ferrari/Maserati Historic Challenge at Le Mans. 0585 GT returned to the Tour Auto in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2006 and was displayed at Car Classic: Freedom of Motion, the 2010 exhibition held at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. The following August, 0585 GT’s extreme quality and rarity were confirmed with the ultimate in exhibitive recognition, a class award at the 2011 Quail Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, California, where the car won “The Great Ferraris” class, honoring some of the marque’s earliest and important sports and racing cars.

 

In addition to all of these awards and racing achievements, 0585 GT has also gone under the scrutiny of the Ferrari factory’s certification program and easily received the full “Red Book” certification through Newport Beach Ferrari specialist, John Amette. For the certification process, the original gearbox was put in the car; however, the current owner has since removed it and put a more user-friendly synchromesh gearbox in the car for much better drivability purposes. It must be noted that the original unit will be supplied with the sale of this car. A full set of original tools and a jack will also be included, as well as a booklet of documentation and various trophies and awards that the car has received over the years. In preparation for the sale, 0585 GT has also just been completely detailed and sorted at well-respected Junior’s House of Color in Long Beach, California, so it will look stunning in presentation.

 

On a recent track drive in preparation for RM’s video and photography efforts, the car performed flawlessly, handling directly and powering through all of the gears with ease. As the RM specialist describes, “The four-wheel drum brakes and skinny tyres can sometimes provide a different driving experience for those familiar with later cars fitted with disk brakes and wider stances; however, it allows the pilot to become much more intimate with the driving experience and to engage the engine in a much different way, creating a completely different awareness of timing and speed…The most beautiful thing about these early TDs is what most Ferraristi will attest to, and that is the sound of the exhaust note when the car breaches 3500 rpm. As you power out of the corners, there is that point when the car just feels and sounds right! All the noises, the vibrations, and the elements of speed come together to create a symphonic harmony that is unlike anything else. Moreover, the sound is not too overpowering and is pleasurable for extended periods of time, which cannot be said for many other race-bred cars. It is the ultimate dual-purpose Ferrari!”

 

Impeccably cared for and stunningly restored, 0585 GT is a beautiful and rare example of the second series 14-louver Tour de France, one of Ferrari’s greatest sports cars of all time. This car’s next owner can look forward to continued warm receptions at the world’s finest automotive events, including rallies such as the Tour Auto and Mille Miglia, and premium exhibitive venues, such as Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, and the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic. It is a truly unique representative of one of Ferrari’s most revered models, and in many ways, it is the ultimate symbol of Ferrari’s long pursuit of dual-purpose sports cars that can be seriously campaigned as easily as they can be road driven. Given their extremely low production numbers and desirability, these cars rarely come to the market. The availability of 0585 GT after 14-years of single ownership offers an unbeatable chance to acquire one of the most storied machines to emerge from Maranello’s legendary motoring lore.

 

[Text from RM Auctions]

 

www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1052658

 

This Lego miniland-scale Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta 'Tour de France' (1956 - Scaglietti), has been created for Flickr LUGNuts' 89th Build Challenge, - "Over a Million, Under a Thousand", - a challenge to build vehicles valued over one million (US) dollars, or under one thousand (US) dollars.

 

This particular vehicle was auctioned by the RM Auction house on Saturday, August 18, 2012, where it sold for $6,710,000.

 

High Line is an elevated railway line owned by the City of New York, today it is a 1.45-mile-long linear public park maintained, operated, and programmed by Friends of the High Line, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, on Tuesday, September 15, 2015. High Line was opened in 1934 and moved goods to and from Manhattan’s largest industrial district until 1980. The third and final phase officially opened to the public on September 21, 2014. The High Line's green roof system with drip irrigation is designed to allow the planting beds to retain as much water as possible; because many of the plants are drought-tolerant, they need little supplemental watering. When supplemental watering is needed, hand watering is used so as to tailor the amount of water to the needs of individual species and weather conditions, and to conserve water. High Line is independently funded from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS). Urban forestry and green spaces are priority areas for USFS. With 80 percent* of the nation's population in urban areas, there are strong environmental, social, and economic cases to be made for the conservation of green spaces to guide growth and revitalize city centers and older suburbs. Urban forests broadly include urban parks, street trees, landscaped boulevards, public gardens, river and coastal promenades, greenways, river corridors, wetlands, nature preserves, natural areas, shelter belts of trees and working trees at industrial brownfield sites. Urban forests are dynamic ecosystems that provide needed environmental services by cleaning air and water helping to control storm water, and conserving energy. They add form, structure, beauty and breathing room to urban design, reduce noise, separate incompatible uses, provide places to recreate, strengthen social cohesion, leverage community revitalization, and add economic value to our communities. Urban forests, through planned connections of green spaces, form the green infrastructure system on which communities depend. Green infrastructure works at multiple scales from the neighborhood to the metro area up to the regional landscape. This natural life support system sustains clean air and water, biodiversity, habitat, nesting and travel corridors for wildlife, and connects people to nature. Urban forests, through planned connections of green spaces, form the green infrastructure system on which communities depend. Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) is a cooperative program of the US Forest Service that focuses on the stewardship of urban natural resources. UCF provides technical, financial, research and educational services to local government, non-profit organizations community groups, educational institutions, and tribal governments. The program is delivered through its legislative partners, the state forestry agencies in 59 states and US territories. Forest Service cooperative programs are currently being redesigned to make more effective use of federal resources. Programs will be focused on issues and landscapes of national importance and prioritized through state and regional assessments. Over the next five years an increasing percentage of funding will be focused on landscape scale projects. Three national themes provide a framework for this work: conserve working forest landscapes; protect forests from harm; and enhance benefits associated with trees and forests. More information and upcoming webinars on December 9, 2015 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET; January 13, 2016 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET; and February 10, 2016 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET can be seen at *http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/program.shtml. USDA Photo By Lance Cheung.

Long-distance telephone exchange on Tenth Avenue, between 53rd and 54th Streets (Kahn & Jacobs, begun circa 1962, completed 1964). In terms of functional needs and alibis, this belongs to the same generation as 33 Thomas and the Williamsburg exchange; it would appear that, like those, its runs its vertical wiring through the exterior surface of the building, simplifying the planning of the interior while eliminating such trendy, flash-in-the-pan architectural features as "windows." A variety of excuses have been presented for this rather narrow-minded prioritization of technical apparatus over its operators, and most of them do contain at least a kind of truth even as they collapse into contradictions and absurdity. Yes, the building was prepared to host its operators for weeks after a nuclear attack - but would eliminating windows really be so helpful in the event of a thermonuclear assault on Manhattan? Yes, switching equipment is sensitive to changes in temperature - but by 1960, modern architecture had a number of well-regarded solutions for incorporating shading devices into a curtain wall. After Hurricane Andrew and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the windowless surface was suddenly described as a safeguard against natural disasters and terrorism - yeah, I dunno.

 

My extended ruminations on this topic - and so much more! - can soon be yours to enjoy in the upcoming issue of Grey Room (#61), but here on Flickr, where I let loose with more freewheeling, formalist takes on architecture, I'd just like to point out how much this building highlights the comparative elegance and "architecting" of 33 Thomas. Here on Tenth Avenue, the functionalist logic of the dense, windowless box of switching equipment is jammed without frills through the Play-Doh molding machine of the New York City zoning code, yielding a building which in its main blocks comes as close as possible to the familiar abstract diagrams of the building envelope: just a series of extruded masses filling the allowable space. The huge tower at the rear, capped with the microwave transmitter ensemble, simultaneously spoils the wedding-cake effect and reinforces by its very ungainliness the functionalist premise. (Quite accidentally, the openings at the top end up looking like a toothy cartoon face, which no doubt troubled at least one designer all the way to the grave.) I don't exactly hate this, though it's a hell of a thing to do to the streetscape. More interestingly, by its very bloody-mindedness it points up 33 Thomas's buried Beaux-Arts-plus-Mies finesse, where the same basic materials are made into something very different.

The Hill’s Kim Dixon, Cynthia Zagieboylo, President and CEO, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Patrick Geraghty, CEO, GuideWell and Florida Blue, Liz Fowler, Vice President, Global Health Policy, Johnson & Johnson, and Pamela Sutton-Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, University of Virginia Medical Center participate in a panel discussion during a policy briefing entitled “Prioritizing Patients: A Discussion on Outcomes-Based Care” sponsored by The Value Collaborative, PhRMA, and The Hill at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, June 13, 2017.

+++ DISCLAIMER +++

Nothing you see here is real, even though the conversion or the presented background story might be based on historical facts. BEWARE!

  

Some background:

The CAC Sabre, sometimes known as the Avon Sabre or CA-27, was an Australian variant of the North American Aviation F-86F Sabre fighter aircraft. In 1951, Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation obtained a license agreement to build the F-86F Sabre. In a major departure from the North American blueprint, it was decided that the CA-27 would be powered by a license-built version of the Rolls-Royce Avon R.A.7, rather than the General Electric J47. In theory, the Avon was capable of more than double the maximum thrust and double the thrust-to-weight ratio of the US engine. This necessitated a re-design of the fuselage, as the Avon was shorter, wider and lighter than the J47.

 

To accommodate the Avon, over 60 percent of the fuselage was altered and there was a 25 percent increase in the size of the air intake. Another major revision was in replacing the F-86F's six machine guns with two 30mm ADEN cannon, while other changes were also made to the cockpit and to provide an increased fuel capacity.

 

The prototype aircraft first flew on 3 August 1953. The production aircrafts' first deliveries to the Royal Australian Air Force began in 1954. The first batch of aircraft were powered by the Avon 20 engine and were designated the Sabre Mk 30. Between 1957 and 1958 this batch had the wing slats removed and were re-designated Sabre Mk 31. These Sabres were supplemented by 20 new-built aircraft. The last batch of aircraft were designated Sabre Mk 32 and used the Avon 26 engine, of which 69 were built up to 1961.

 

Beyond these land-based versions, an indigenous version for carrier operations had been developed and built in small numbers, too, the Sea Sabre Mk 40 and 41. The roots of this aircraft, which was rather a prestigious idea than a sensible project, could be traced back to the immediate post WWII era. A review by the Australian Government's Defence Committee recommended that the post-war forces of the RAN be structured around a Task Force incorporating multiple aircraft carriers. Initial plans were for three carriers, with two active and a third in reserve, although funding cuts led to the purchase of only two carriers in June 1947: Majestic and sister ship HMS Terrible, for the combined cost of AU£2.75 million, plus stores, fuel, and ammunition. As Terrible was the closer of the two ships to completion, she was finished without modification, and was commissioned into the RAN on 16 December 1948 as HMAS Sydney. Work progressed on Majestic at a slower rate, as she was upgraded with the latest technology and equipment. To cover Majestic's absence, the Colossus-class carrier HMS Vengeance was loaned to the RAN from 13 November 1952 until 12 August 1955.

 

Labour difficulties, late delivery of equipment, additional requirements for Australian operations, and the prioritization of merchant ships over naval construction delayed the completion of Majestic. Incorporation of new systems and enhancements caused the cost of the RAN carrier acquisition program to increase to AU£8.3 million. Construction and fitting out did not finish until October 1955. As the carrier neared completion, a commissioning crew was formed in Australia and first used to return Vengeance to the United Kingdom.

The completed carrier was commissioned into the RAN as HMAS Majestic on 26 October 1955, but only two days later, the ship was renamed Melbourne and recommissioned.

 

In the meantime, the rather political decision had been made to equip Melbourne with an indigenous jet-powered aircraft, replacing the piston-driven Hawker Fury that had been successfully operated from HMAS Sydney and HMAS Vengeance, so that the "new jet age" was even more recognizable. The choice fell on the CAC Sabre, certainly inspired by North American's successful contemporary development of the navalized FJ-2 Fury from the land-based F-86 Sabre. The CAC 27 was already a proven design, and with its more powerful Avon engine it even offered a better suitability for carrier operations than the FJ-2 with its rather weak J47 engine.

 

Work on this project, which was initially simply designated Sabre Mk 40, started in 1954, just when the first CAC 27's were delivered to operative RAAF units. While the navalized Avon Sabre differed outwardly only little from its land-based brethren, many details were changed and locally developed. Therefore, there was also, beyond the general outlines, little in common with the North American FJ-2 an -3 Fury.

Externally, a completely new wing with a folding mechanism was fitted. It was based on the F-86's so-called "6-3" wing, with a leading edge that was extended 6 inches at the root and 3 inches at the tip. This modification enhanced maneuverability at the expense of a small increase in landing speed due to deletion of the leading edge slats, a detail that was later introduced on the Sabre Mk 31, too. As a side benefit, the new wing leading edges without the slat mechanisms held extra fuel. However, the Mk 40's wing was different as camber was applied to the underside of the leading edge to improve low-speed handling for carrier operations. The wings were provided with four stations outboard of the landing gear wells for up to 1000 lb external loads on the inboard stations and 500 lb on the outboard stations.

 

Slightly larger stabilizers were fitted and the landing gear was strengthened, including a longer front wheel strut. The latter necessitated an enlarged front wheel well, so that the front leg’s attachment point had to be moved forward. A ventral launch cable hook was added under the wing roots and an external massive arrester hook under the rear fuselage.

Internally, systems were protected against salt and humidity and a Rolls-Royce Avon 211 turbojet was fitted, a downrated variant of the already navalized Avon 208 from the British DH Sea Vixen, but adapted to the different CAC 27 airframe and delivering 8.000 lbf (35.5 kN) thrust – slightly more than the engines of the land-based CAC Sabres, but also without an afterburner.

 

A single Mk 40 prototype was built from a new CAC 27 airframe taken directly from the production line in early 1955 and made its maiden flight on August 20th of the same year. In order to reflect its naval nature and its ancestry, this new CAC 27 variant was officially christened “Sea Sabre”.

Even though the modified machine handled well, and the new, cambered wing proved to be effective, many minor technical flaws were discovered and delayed the aircraft's development until 1957. These included the wing folding mechanism and the respective fuel plumbing connections, the landing gear, which had to be beefed up even more for hard carrier landings and the airframe’s structural strength for catapult launches, esp. around the ventral launch hook.

 

In the meantime, work on the land-based CAC 27 progressed in parallel, too, and innovations that led to the Mk 31 and 32 were also incorporated into the naval Mk 40, leading to the Sea Sabre Mk 41, which became the effective production aircraft. These updates included, among others, a detachable (but fixed) refueling probe under the starboard wing, two more pylons for light loads located under the wing roots and the capability to carry and deploy IR-guided AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, what significantly increased the Mk 41's efficiency as day fighter. With all these constant changes it took until April 1958 that the Sabre Mk 41, after a second prototype had been directly built to the new standard, was finally approved and cleared for production. Upon delivery, the RAN Sea Sabres carried a standard NATO paint scheme with Extra Dark Sea Grey upper surfaces and Sky undersides.

 

In the meantime, the political enthusiasm concerning the Australian carrier fleet had waned, so that only twenty-two aircraft were ordered. The reason behind this decision was that Australia’s carrier fleet and its capacity had become severely reduced: Following the first decommissioning of HMAS Sydney in 1958, Melbourne became the only aircraft carrier in Australian service, and she was unavailable to provide air cover for the RAN for up to four months in every year; this time was required for refits, refueling, personnel leave, and non-carrier duties, such as the transportation of troops or aircraft. Although one of the largest ships to serve in the RAN, Melbourne was one of the smallest carriers to operate in the post-World War II period, so that its contribution to military actions was rather limited. To make matters worse, a decision was made in 1959 to restrict Melbourne's role to helicopter operations only, rendering any carrier-based aircraft in Australian service obsolete. However, this decision was reversed shortly before its planned 1963 implementation, but Australia’s fleet of carrier-borne fixed-wing aircraft would not grow to proportions envisioned 10 years ago.

 

Nevertheless, on 10 November 1964, an AU£212 million increase in defense spending included the purchase of new aircraft for Melbourne. The RAN planned to acquire 14 Grumman S-2E Tracker anti-submarine aircraft and to modernize Melbourne to operate these. The acquisition of 18 new fighter-bombers was suggested (either Sea Sabre Mk 41s or the American Douglas A-4 Skyhawk), too, but these were dropped from the initial plan. A separate proposal to order 10 A-4G Skyhawks, a variant of the Skyhawk designed specifically for the RAN and optimized for air defense, was approved in 1965, but the new aircraft did not fly from Melbourne until the conclusion of her refit in 1969. This move, however, precluded the production of any new and further Sea Sabre.

 

At that time, the RAN Sea Sabres received a new livery in US Navy style, with upper surfaces in Light Gull Gray with white undersides. The CAC Sea Sabres remained the main day fighter and attack aircraft for the RAN, after the vintage Sea Furies had been retired in 1962. The other contemporary RAN fighter type in service, the Sea Venom FAW.53 all-weather fighter that had replaced the Furies, already showed its obsolescence.

In 1969, the RAN purchased another ten A-4G Skyhawks, primarily in order to replace the Sea Venoms on the carriers, instead of the proposed seventh and eighth Oberon-class submarines. These were operated together with the Sea Sabres in mixed units on board of Melbourne and from land bases, e.g. from NAS Nowra in New South Wales, where a number of Sea Sabres were also allocated to 724 Squadron for operational training.

 

Around 1970, Melbourne operated a standard air group of four jet aircraft, six Trackers, and ten Wessex helicopters until 1972, when the Wessexes were replaced with ten Westland Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopters and the number of jet fighters doubled. Even though the A-4G’s more and more took over the operational duties on board of Melbourne, the Sea Sabres were still frequently deployed on the carrier, too, until the early Eighties, when both the Skyhawks and the Sea Sabres received once more a new camouflage, this time a wraparound scheme in two shades of grey, reflecting their primary airspace defense mission.

 

The CAC 27 Mk 41s’ last carrier operations took place in 1981 in the course of Melbourne’s involvements in two major exercises, Sea Hawk and Kangaroo 81, the ship’s final missions at sea. After Melbourne was decommissioned in 1984, the Fleet Air Arm ceased fixed-wing combat aircraft operation. This was the operational end of the Sabre Mk 41, which had reached the end of their airframe lifetime, and the Sea Sabre fleet had, during its career, severely suffered from accidents and losses: upon retirement, only eight of the original twenty-two aircraft still existed in flightworthy condition, so that the aircraft were all scrapped. The younger RAN A-4Gs were eventually sold to New Zealand, where they were kept in service until 2002.

  

General characteristics:

Crew: 1

Length: 37 ft 6 in (11.43 m)

Wingspan: 37 ft 1 in (11.3 m)

Height: 14 ft 5 in (4.39 m)

Wing area: 302.3 sq ft (28.1 m²)

Empty weight: 12,000 lb (5,443 kg)

Loaded weight: 16,000 lb (7,256 kg)

Max. takeoff weight: 21,210 lb (9,621 kg)

 

Powerplant:

1× Rolls-Royce Avon 208A turbojet engine with 8,200 lbf (36.44 kN)

 

Performance:

Maximum speed: 700 mph (1,100 km/h) (605 knots)

Range: 1,153 mi, (1,000 NM, 1,850 km)

Service ceiling: 52,000 ft (15,850 m)

Rate of climb: 12,000 ft/min at sea level (61 m/s)

 

Armament:

2× 30 mm ADEN cannons with 150 rounds per gun

5,300 lb (2,400 kg) of payload on six external hardpoints;

Bombs were usually mounted on outer two pylons as the mid pair were wet-plumbed pylons for

2× 200 gallons drop tanks, while the inner pair was usually occupied by a pair of AIM-9 Sidewinder

AAMs

A wide variety of bombs could be carried with maximum standard loadout being 2x 1,000 lb bombs

or 2x Matra pods with unguided SURA missiles plus 2 drop tanks for ground attacks, or 2x AIM-9 plus

two drop tanks as day fighter

  

The kit and its assembly:

This project was initially inspired by a set of decals from an ESCI A-4G which I had bought in a lot – I wondered if I could use it for a submission to the “In the navy” group build at whatifmodelers.com in early 2020. I considered an FJ-3M in Australian colors on this basis and had stashed away a Sword kit of that aircraft for this purpose. However, I had already built an FJ variant for the GB (a kitbashed mix of an F-86D and an FJ-4B in USMC colors), and was reluctant to add another Fury.

 

This spontaneously changed after (thanks to Corona virus quarantine…) I cleaned up one of my kit hoards and found a conversion set for a 1:72 CAC 27 from JAYS Model Kits which I had bought eons ago without a concrete plan. That was the eventual trigger to spin the RAN Fury idea further – why not a navalized version of the Avon Sabre for HMAS Melbourne?

 

The result is either another kitbash or a highly modified FJ-3M from Sword. The JAYS Model Kits set comes with a THICK sprue that carries two fuselage halves and an air intake, and it also offers a vacu canopy as a thin fallback option because the set is actually intended to be used together with a Hobby Craft F-86F.

 

While the parts, molded in a somewhat waxy and brittle styrene, look crude on the massive sprue, the fuselage halves come with very fine recessed engravings. And once you have cleaned the parts (NOTHING for people faint at heart, a mini drill with a saw blade is highly recommended), their fit is surprisingly good. The air intake was so exact that no putty was needed to blend it with the rest of the fuselage.

 

The rest came from the Sword kit and integrating the parts into the CAC 27 fuselage went more smoothly than expected. For instance, the FJ-3M comes with a nice cockpit tub that also holds a full air intake duct. Thanks to the slightly wider fuselage of the CAC 27, it could be mounted into the new fuselage halves without problems and the intake duct almost perfectly matches the intake frame from the conversion set. The tailpipe could be easily integrated without any mods, too. The fins had to be glued directly to the fuselage – but this is the way how the Sword kit is actually constructed! Even the FJ-3M’s wings match the different fuselage perfectly. The only modifications I had to make is a slight enlargement of the ventral wing opening at the front and at the read in order to take the deeper wing element from the Sword kit, but that was an easy task. Once in place, the parts blend almost perfectly into each other, just minor PSR was necessary to hide the seams!

 

Other mods include an extended front wheel well for the longer leg from the FJ-3M and a scratched arrester hook installation, made from wire, which is on purpose different from the Y-shaped hook of the Furies.

 

For the canopy I relied on the vacu piece that came with the JAYS set. Fitting it was not easy, though, it took some PSR to blend the windscreen into the rest of the fuselage. Not perfect, but O.K. for such a solution from a conversion set.

 

The underwing pylons were taken from the Sword kit, including the early Sidewinders. I just replaced the drop tanks – the OOB tanks are very wide, and even though they might be authentic for the FJ-3, I was skeptical if they fit at all under the wings with the landing gear extended? In order to avoid trouble and for a more modern look, I replaced them outright with more slender tanks, which were to mimic A-4 tanks (USN FJ-4s frequently carried Skyhawk tanks). They actually come from a Revell F-16 kit, with modified fins. The refueling probe comes from the Sword kit.

 

A last word about the Sword kit: much light, but also much shadow. While I appreciate the fine surface engravings, the recognizably cambered wings, a detailed cockpit with a two-piece resin seat and a pretty landing gear as well as the long air intake, I wonder why the creators totally failed to provide ANY detail of the arrester hook (there is literally nothing, as if this was a land-based Sabre variant!?) or went for doubtful solutions like a front landing gear that consists of five(!) single, tiny parts? Sadism? The resin seat was also broken (despite being packed in a seperate bag), and it did not fit into the cockpit tub at all. Meh!

  

Painting and markings:

From the start I planned to give the model the late RAN A-4Gs’ unique air superiority paint scheme, which was AFAIK introduced in the late Seventies: a two-tone wraparound scheme consisting of “Light Admiralty Grey” (BS381C 697) and “Aircraft Grey” (BS 381C 693). Quite simple, but finding suitable paints was not an easy task, and I based my choice on pictures of the real aircraft (esp. from "buzz" number 880 at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, you find pics of it with very good light condition) rather than rely on (pretty doubtful if not contradictive) recommendations in various painting instructions from models or decal sets.

 

I wanted to keep things simple and settled upon Dark Gull Grey (FS 36231) and Light Blue (FS 35414), both enamel colors from Modelmaster, since both are rather dull interpretations of these tones. Esp. the Light Blue comes quite close to Light Admiralty Grey, even though it should be lighter for more contrast to the darker grey tone. But it has that subtle greenish touch of the original BS tone, and I did not want to mix the colors.

 

The pattern was adapted from the late A-4Gs’ scheme, and the colors were dulled down even more through a light black ink wash. Some post-shading with lighter tones emphasized the contrast between the two colors again. And while it is not an exact representation of the unique RAN air superiority scheme, I think that the overall impression is there.

 

The cockpit interior was painted in very dark grey, while the landing gear, its wells and the inside of the air intake became white. A red rim was painted around the front opening, and the landing gear covers received a red outline, too. The white drop tanks are a detail I took from real world RAN A-4Gs - in the early days of the air superiority scheme, the tanks were frequently still finished in the old USN style livery, hence the white body but fins and tail section already in the updated colors.

 

The decals became a fight, though. As mentioned above, the came from an ESCI kit – and, as expected, the were brittle. All decals with a clear carrier film disintegrated while soaking in water, only those with a fully printed carrier film were more or less usable. One roundel broke and had to be repaired, and the checkered fin flash was a very delicate affair that broke several times, even though I tried to save and repair it with paint. But you can unfortunately see the damage.

 

Most stencils and some replacements (e. g. the “Navy” tag) come from the Sword FJ-3. While these decals are crisply printed, their carrier film is utterly thin, so thin that applying esp. the larger decals turned out to be hazardous and complicated. Another point that did not really convince me about the Sword kit.

 

Finally, the kit was sealed with matt acrylic varnish (Italeri) and some soot stains were added around the exhaust and the gun ports with graphite.

  

In the end, this build looks, despite the troubles and the rather exotic ingredients like a relatively simple Sabre with Australian markings, just with a different Navy livery. You neither immediately recognize the FJ-3 behind it, nor the Avon Sabre’s bigger fuselage, unless you take a close and probably educated look. Very subtle, though.

The RAN air superiority scheme from the late Skyhawks suits the Sabre/Fury-thing well – I like the fact that it is a modern fighter scheme, but, thanks to the tones and the colorful other markings, not as dull and boring like many others, e. g. the contemporary USN "Ghost" scheme. Made me wonder about an early RAAF F-18 in this livery - should look very pretty, too?

Kathy and I were happy to once again to attend the Chicano Park car show in San Diego, California, last week. We arrived very early, prioritizing securing a parking spot in close proximity to the event. Despite arriving at the early hour of 5:00 AM that Saturday morning, more than 50 cars were already in attendance.

In my opinion, this 1938 Buick stood out as the most impressive vehicle at the show. Its exceptional quality was evident even among the other exceptional cars on display that day. The paint job was particularly striking, characterized by its deep, lustrous appearance. The miniature murals adorning the vehicle’s sides were also noteworthy.

We are looking forward to attending next year’s show.

Ever since I got my first Barbie, I was also introduced to the world of male dolls. I was enchanted by the half bald, nude Ice Capades Barbie my grandparents presented me with. However, in a strange way, I was equally enamored by All American Ken. He too was without a stitch of clothes, and was grubby from his past life. This experience set a precedent for me--I was not just a collector of female dolls, but also of the guys! Growing up, Colleen and I had quite a few man dolls considering. Even before Colleen entered her Ken phase of the early 2000s, we had a selection of Disney guys to choose from. They were favorites, and even trumped many of their female counterparts. So it’s surprising to me to reflect on my childhood and realize that I did not have much of a connection to Bratz Boyz. I did however, fantasize about owning them from the get go. I appreciated even at the age of eleven, that MGA put such careful craftsmanship and substantial effort into their Bratz Boyz. Unlike Ken, who was marketed as a glorified accessory to Barbie, the Bratz Boyz seemed like their own separate entity. The detailed fashion packs, accessory packs, shoe packs, and even the dolls were often marketed with extras. Of course, the Bratz Boyz entered my radar whenever they crossed over into the predominantly girl doll based lines, like Formal Funk. I thought it was the most darling concept ever to have official prom dates! It was even more exciting that the dolls were made to match, even though they technically weren’t labeled as being a prom date pair. Perhaps by the time Boyz entered my collection it was a little too late. I didn’t stay interested in dolls for all that long after my Bratz phase began. Soon my teenage insecurity and quest to reinvent myself over took my desire to play with/collect dolls.

 

The first Bratz Boyz doll I desired was Dylan. He had an imaginary role in my doll games as being Sasha’s boyfriend. The other girls didn’t really have official boyfriends….in fact, I’m not sure that they even dated much. But Sasha’s beauty and personality type I gave her, made her the perfect doll to have a boyfriend. Back then, I confused Cameron and Dylan’s names. So while I wanted Dylan, I was unintentionally calling him Cameron. Fortunately, Colleen knew who I meant, so I got the proper doll for Christmas 2003. I had not asked for anything specific in relation to Bratz. So naturally I was blown away by the discovery that I had gotten a handful of fashion packs (for girls and Boyz), the Super Stylin’ Runway Disco, AND Formal Funk Dylan. Of course, I think that Dylan’s presence was given away when I first opened the fashion packs and saw Boyz clothes. The packs Colleen picked out were all in the Dylan skin tone, which further gave away the surprise. Dad had picked out the runway, which I never expected to get. So Colleen thought it would be fitting to get me one of the dolls marketed for it. And who better to choose than Sasha’s boyfriend?!! I think I may have been more inclined towards Dylan if he was not such a “fancy” dude. Ironically, while the Formal Funk Boyz caught my eyes in stores, their clothes were not all that practical. Dylan’s prom attire, while exquisitely made and darling, was not suited for day to day wear. The fashion packs weren’t much better...they were predominantly faux leather. Every time I dressed Dylan up in one, the leather overload made him look like a jerk. Regardless, I still loved him deeply, and was very grateful to finally gotten Sasha’s soulmate. A few weeks later, my Auntie Kim surprised me with my second Bratz Boyz doll, Nu-Cool Koby. He was a bit preppy for my taste, but I found him dashingly handsome. He meant a great deal to me, knowing that my aunt thought Bratz were hideous, but she still bought me one. The thing I remember most about the two Bratz Boyz dolls I had growing up is their strange body molds. Despite their shorter stature, the Boyz were more muscular than Ken. They looked very bizarre naked, to the point of making both Colleen and me a tad uncomfortable. They looked like bodybuilders who used steroids. Fortunately, I kept both Koby and Dylan dressed most of the time, even if they did have to wear an excess of leather.

 

It’s strange when I reflect on my childhood experience with Bratz Boyz and compare it to my adulthood one. I never got bit by the Bratz Boyz bug when I was younger. But I caught it almost immediately during my early days of collecting as an adult. I’m not sure what really sparked it. Was it my undying love for Punkz Eitan? Was it the sleek styling of the 2010 Boyz? Was it the fact that I had such great luck finding them? I really do not have the answer, but I do believe that all of these applied. I want to say that 2010 Cameron was one of my first Bratz Boyz dolls I got as an adult collector. I saw him at Toys ‘R’ Us one afternoon and fell in love. It was the same day I found Sun-Kissed Summer Eitan at an indoor flea market. Eitan may have technically been my first adult purchased boy doll (although my memory is a bit hazy after all these years). It seemed that Boyz were abundant at the time, which made them all that more appealing to me. While there weren’t loads of lines out in stores, I did have luck finding them secondhand. Some of my favorites from around that time frame were “2nd Edition” Dylan, “1st Edition” Koby, Formal Funk Koby, Sun-Kissed Summer Cade, and Tokyo a Go-Go Eitan, just to name a few. I got quite a few from the “Craigslist #1” and “Bratz Guy Bin” lots. I also was starting to unearth many duplicates, since the early waves sold so well. I remember finding Formal Funk Cameron and “1st Edition” Koby the same day at a large outdoor flea market. Since I only had one pair of spare shoes left for Boyz at home, I opted to get Cameron. He went to the same line as my childhood Formal Funk Dylan, so I thought it made more practical sense to get him. But Koby weighed on my mind, and I regretted not purchasing him that day. So as soon as we got a few spare pairs of shoes from “Craigslist #1” (or perhaps it was “Craigslist #2”), I eagerly scooped Koby up on the return trip to that flea market. He used the one leftover pair of shoes we’d gotten, and I saved them just for him. I seemed to have a knack for getting Eitan dolls in particular during that era. They popped up not only in lots, but also as single dolls at the flea market. He soon became my favorite Bratz Boyz character aesthetically. I loved Eitan’s edgy styling and handsome Asian features. So it’s no wonder that I was fueled further to want Punkz Eitan.

 

It’s not just the secondhand Boyz that stand out to me in my memories. Actually, I have to say that it was the handful of ones that Dad bought me brand new, that most mark this time. As I mentioned, 10th Anniversary Cameron caught my attention the first time we met at Toys ‘R’ Us. Not long after, we were at a different Toys ‘R’ Us location when I stumbled upon On the Mic Eitan. My heart skipped a beat when Colleen showed him to me. I had been pondering purchasing the 2010 Party girls who were on sale that night. But when Colleen presented me with Eitan, they were forgotten. We hunted for Thad, whose sexy cartoon was advertised on the back of Eitan’s box. If Thad had been stocked that day at Toys ‘R’ Us, I would have only gotten one Party girl, instead of two. As it was, the fact that I wanted Eitan, made me leave Party Cloe behind. That began the infamous Party Cloe story, which is one of most notorious ones in my collection. What ultimately drew me to On the Mic Eitan was his blue streaked mohawk. It was very reminiscent of Punkz Eitan’s. What can I say, ever since Sun Colors Kocoum entered my life at the age of four, I’ve had a thing for guy dolls with mohawks?!!! Anyways, sometime later, Dad made a bunch of phone calls to various stores around the area. I wanted 10th Anniversary Dylan and On the Mic Thad, to complete my mini lines. We went to several stores one afternoon, only to be presented with more Cameron and Eitan dolls. Eventually we found Thad, but Dad had to order Dylan off the Toys ‘R’ Us website. He showed up at our doorstep not long after. The thing I remember most about that day is the way Dad pronounced Dylan. He asked for the “Die-lan” doll whenever making phone calls. To this day, Colleen and I both chuckle whenever we see Dylan on display (he’s often called “Die-lan” in Dad’s honor). Those four boy dolls meant the world to me. Why I decided to ruin On the Mic Eitan and Thad with horrible customizations later on, is beyond me. Luckily I was able to track down replacements since they were still in stores, although I regret ruining my originals still. Speaking of other Boyz I no longer have, I still remember the “1st Edition” Cameron I stalked at the flea market those first few months. He wasn’t wearing shoes, so I had to wait to get spares before I could buy him. He was named Landon, and was one of my favorites the brief time I had him. But like the On the Mic Boyz, my midlife customization crisis took him as a casualty. Although I still think of those dolls from time to time, it’s a bittersweet lesson I learned. Not all of us are cut out for customization, and that’s okay. If you love a doll as they are in factory form, there is no need to change them just to “justify” having the duplicate. Time has been good to me in that way--I have quite a few “1st Edition” Camerons now, in addition to the other Boyz that lost their lives.

 

The Boyz fueled my desire to buy more Bratz dolls. It was because of Cameron that we decided to get the entire True Hope line later that summer of 2012 (and eventually the Moxie Girlz too, later in 2014). When I first heard about the line, which was meant to support cancer patients, I knew I wanted Cameron. Dad specifically said, “Now that’s your kind of doll,” and he promised to take me out the day the dolls were released, so I could get Cameron. Sadly, that never came to fruition as Dad passed away in May, just a few weeks before the dolls hit store shelves. Colleen and I waited until the dolls had been out a while before scooping up Cameron at the local Toys ‘R’ Us. In a strange way, I felt like we were honoring Dad by getting Cameron. Not only did Dad have cancer, but it was his intention to go with us to get Cameron when he debuted. Although we didn’t have the heart to get him right away, I did want to honor Dad’s memory by buying Cameron at some point (I also got True Hope Jaxson that day). Ever since, Cameron became the Bratz character I felt the most sentimental towards...even more so than Yasmin. Whenever I look at a Cameron doll, I still think fondly of Dad. That’s what ultimately prompted me to get 2018 Cameron, even though I initially wasn’t fond of the way he was styled. That’s why I was so over the moon when the 2015 dolls launched and I realized that Cameron was part of the new branding. It’s why my heart was broken when no tall Camerons were produced during the 2013 tall era, and why I’m always sad to see Boyz dolls that were supposed to be released, but never saw the light of day.

 

I think of all the many Bratz that have been produced, I have the softest spot for the Boyz. They sparked my interest as an adult collector, and shaped the way I collect now. Although they weren’t a strong centerpiece of my childhood, they were still there in the background. Some of the Bratz I was most desperate to buy over the years were Boyz. Early 2013 marked a shopping spree of the Punkz Boyz. I had to track them all down on eBay, wanting them to be in perfect condition, which obviously was not that inexpensive to do. I did find some cheap deals on other boxed boyz around that time, like Sun-Kissed Summer Dylan and Tokyo a Go-Go Dylan. I spent time ogling fashion packs for them online too, and hoarding whatever secondhand pieces I could. I also made it a high priority to buy whatever Boyz shoes I could find, since I never wanted to have to leave a doll behind again, due to no spare feet. If that meant buying every baggie of random doll clothes I could find that had Boyz shoes, I would do it. I bought a selection of boxed boyz online to also aid in my clothing/shoe crisis. Nowadays, my Boyz comfortably have a selection of spare outfits and shoes to wear. Newcomers are not a burden, and have many options. To this day, I’m still as fanatical about Bratz Boyz as I was circa 2011. I still prioritize getting the Boyz whenever Bratz are briefly back in stores. I still feel like I’ve won the lottery whenever I acquire a new face or fashion pack. I still feel that same warm and fuzzy glow everytime I gaze at one of my Boyz on display. I never would have guessed at the age of eleven how much the Bratz Boyz would mean to me. If you told me that I would cherish them even more than my childhood favorite girls, I would have laughed. That’s the thing about life and doll collections...they are both a summary of random events and experiences. If I had gotten into collecting a little earlier or later, perhaps I wouldn’t have found as many secondhand boyz. The newly released boyz might not have been in stores, or maybe I would have been distracted by girl dolls on the shelves. I can’t imagine my collection or myself as a collector without the mark Bratz Boyz have left. I wouldn’t trade one of my dolls, or one of their precious memories for the world.

 

East Nowhere, Nebraska, 1985

Walking home from school, with my first trophy ever. For winning the fourth grade science fair. Not even a black eye can take away this smile. Even though it hurts to keep it open. Yeah, the other kids didn't take my win that well. Dad's gonna be really mad though. Assuming he's even awake.

 

I make my way up the driveway, and up the steps of the porch. I open the door, shortly after.

 

"Dad!! Look at wh- ---- " I cheer, entering the front door, but he just looks up at me, with anger in his eyes. There's a bottle of something, in his hand. Whether it was beer, whiskey, vodka, or rum, I couldn't tell.

 

"Henry! What the hell happened to you?" he yells.

 

"Huh? Oh, that's nothing dad. I uh just tripped. Did you see? I won!" I reply, trying to change the subject at the last moment. Mom's about to speak up, but dad interrupts her before she gets even a word in.

 

"Tripped? You expect me to believe that?! For a 'smart kid', you sure can't think of an excuse to save your life." He mocks, slurring his words throughout.

 

"Alright Brad, that's enough." Mom shoots him a glare, but dad keeps going.

 

"No, Doris, it's not. The kid needs to stop letting the other kids beat the tar out of him. He's always too busy thinking of his next invention, instead of focusing on what's in front of him." I cover my ears, and head to my room.

 

"What a surprise! Henry runs to his bedroom like the coward he is. " This causes my mom to fight back, which she often was too scared to do. "Now that's enough outta you! "

 

I can't help but cry, as I'm sitting on my bed, with my parents fighting once again. This isn't the first time, and it won't be the last. Covering my ears did nothing to stop my father's voice from entering the room, full of hatred and vitriol.

 

A minute later, my grandma enters the room, with a bag of frozen peas in her hand. I just nod, as she sits down beside me.

 

"You okay kiddo?" She asks, handing me the bag. I only shake my head in response.

 

"I just want them to be proud of me for once.." I place the bag on my eye, hoping to ease the throbbing pain. Grandma places her hand on my shoulder, and continues talking.

 

"I have no doubts that they are proud of you Henry. They both love you very much. It's just harder for your dad to show it." She says with a sigh, before continuing "Your dad, is rather stubborn. It's either his way or the highway. Been that way ever since he was your age, unfortunately. Always for the practicality of something, over creativity and imagination. But your dad doesn't always know what's best for you. Especially when he's drinking."

 

"As for what I think... I think you're a brilliant young boy, who can do anything he sets his mind to. I believe great things are in store for you Henry, and that you will change the world for the better, in your own little way. I will always be there, cheering you on. I love you, forever and always. Now let's see this trophy you won!" She says with a smile.

 

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

Unfortunately, it would only be a few weeks later, that my grandma, Angela Pym, would pass away, from a heart attack. I was at school at the time of her passing, so I never had the chance to say goodbye. Which I still regret, to this day. But her words would always stay with me. I would stay true to myself, and not give up on my quirky inventions.

 

Mom would get a divorce soon after, taking me with her. We'd move, and she'd get multiple jobs to pay for the rest of my schooling. Haven't seen my dad since the move and everyone's better for it. The rest of my school years would pass fairly quickly, with me graduating from high school. After highschool came years of studying at Grayburn College, specifically in biochemistry. But much like my father, the professor's there discouraged the use of my imagination. They tried telling me I wouldn't make anything that would impact the world. I remember telling myself then, that I would prove them all wrong.

 

It was also during this time, that I would meet Maria Trovaya. The love of my life. There was instant chemistry, and it wasn't long before we started dating. Every now and then I did struggle, as I prioritized my schooling over our relationship, which led to our fair share of fights. Every relationship has its ups and downs. We would power through each hurdle, becoming better people for it. After years of dating, we'd get married, and go to Hungary for our honeymoon. Even me spouting off facts about butterfly genomes didn't scare her away, which is very surprising. We were happy. Of course, that happiness didn't last. Seems to be a recurring theme in my life. I'd come back to our hotel room, to find Maria's dead body. Blood was everywhere, and there was nothing I could do. She was gone, just like that. Once again, someone I truly cared about, died, and I did nothing to stop it. Why would this keep happening to me? That night would haunt me for years to come.

 

I would pour myself into my work, looking for anything I could. Unfortunately that wouldn't stop me from having nightmares every night. But I kept searching for something that could save others nonetheless. I would not let what happened to Maria to happen to anyone else. Vernon Van Dyne, a scientist who gave a guest lecture at my college once, reached out, wanting me to join his company, Biotek. Biotek at the time was just a start up company. But Vernon was a world-renowned scientist, and he was asking me, to join his team. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, so it was a no brainer. After college, I would accept his offer, and join Biotek.

 

It was at Biotek where I would meet, and strike up a friendship with Elihas Starr. Another scientist on Vernon's team. Though others at the company would often mock Elihas, giving him the nickname "Egghead", due to the 'strange' shape of his head. Elihas would act as though none of that got to him, but I could tell that it did. I would stand up for him on a several occasions, which only strengthened our friendship. Did they really have nothing better to do? Apparently not. Elihas had his quirks, sure. But he's a brilliant scientist, and he cares. He cares so much about his family, that he often works late, and overtime, just to make sure his wife Catherine, and his daughter Ava, are taken care of.

 

Getting back to the matter at hand however. Me and Elihas, would work on various projects together under Vernon's leadership, but none were as groundbreaking as the Pym Particles. Don't look at me, I didn't choose the name.. Or maybe I did. But I realized the potential of these subatomic particles faster than Elihas did. He said it was too risky. However, being able to shrink to the size of an ant was too fascinating of an idea to me, so I went through with the experiments. The applications of this, if it works? Limitless! Sure enough, it worked, and I became the size of an ant. Looks like I'll prove everyone wrong after all. Hank Pym will change the world with these Pym Particles, and make sure no one faces the same injustice that Maria did.

People love vintage cars, particularly those around a century old, because they represent a unique blend of historical significance, craftsmanship, and a raw, unfiltered driving experience. Unlike modern cars that prioritize efficiency and digital features, these older vehicles offer a tangible connection to the past, serving as rolling pieces of history that tell a story about their era. The appeal extends beyond simple aesthetics, encompassing a deeper appreciation for their mechanical nature, artistic design, and the nostalgia they evoke.

 

One of the most compelling reasons for their appeal is the historical significance they embody. A 100-year-old car, such as a Ford Model T from the 1920s, is more than just a vehicle; it's a testament to the birth of mass-produced personal transportation. These cars provide a tangible link to a different time, reflecting the design trends, technological limitations, and societal values of their era. Owning or even seeing one allows people to appreciate the vast progress in automotive engineering and to connect with the ingenuity of a bygone age. They are often seen as cultural artifacts that represent a period of major change and innovation.

 

Another key factor is the craftsmanship and unique design. The cars of the early 20th century were often built with a level of manual labor and attention to detail that is rare in today's automated production lines. Each car had its own character, with hand-formed body panels, intricate chrome work, and interiors made from genuine materials. The absence of modern safety and aerodynamic regulations allowed designers to create cars with bold, artistic, and often flamboyant aesthetics that stand in stark contrast to the standardized, streamlined designs of many contemporary cars. This unique, handcrafted quality makes each vintage car a work of art.

 

Finally, people are drawn to the pure, visceral driving experience. A vintage car from 100 years ago lacks all the electronic aids, power steering, and safety features we now take for granted. This means the driver has a direct, physical connection to the vehicle and the road. The experience is challenging and requires skill, from manually adjusting the timing and fuel mixture to wrestling with a non-synchromesh transmission. For enthusiasts, this hands-on engagement is deeply satisfying and provides a sense of accomplishment that is often missing from modern, technology-heavy vehicles. It’s a journey that is as much about the process of driving as it is about reaching a destination.

 

Note: This image is an AI image. The position indicated on the map is incorrect.

Close quarters expert Harper Barron has manifested symptoms of belligerent behavior, perhaps due to an error in her programming or a faulty Hero Core. Reports from her teammates state that her enjoyment of fighting has lead to failures in completing missions, as she prioritizes violence over successfully capturing villains and protecting citizens.

 

Her current location is unknown, but anonymous witnesses have reported seeing her in the Gladiator Arena of planet Bolawoo III.

 

Further psychological examinations are necessary in order to accurately estimate how dangerous she is. She is equipped with a lightweight body armor and a Quaza-Powered Ram Gauntlet, engaging at a distance is strongly advised.

 

Great Mask of Intangibility by @galva_nize_

Gauntlet weapon inspired by @ems_mocs ' Tony Stone and Arcane's Atlas Gauntlets

There are so many places that you can visit in Jasper National Park (it is 4,200 square miles, after all) that it can be overwhelming to prioritize what to do next. Even places that are not on anyone's list have views to die for and you can imagine yourself taking it in for hours. Jeff Clow and I did a day trip from the town of Banff one day up the Icefields Parkway to visit the town of Jasper. That is a long day, but when you drive one of the most beautiful roads in the world, it doesn't seem that long. As we reached the outskirts of town, we noticed these colorful chairs at a roadside motel/hotel, but our stomachs were growling so we keep on going. After lunch and a quick stop at Pyramid Lake, we headed south to Banff. Remembering the chairs, we pulled into the parking lot to see the views from the chairs. Even though the weather had changed a bit to the worse, it was clear that the view was a million dollar one that we would have to visit on another day.

i'll be using this example of user profiles & conversion events to describe how startups should design & prioritize features in their product development process.

Okay, I AM showing off here just a bit...well I am showing off my D3S's sensor to be more precise. ;-) This was shot at iso 16,000. Even to me this is insane that one can actually shoot a (pretty) clear image in almost total darkness and STILL have this much fine detail in the image.

 

I had such a BLAST with this camera on this trip! I must admit though, I am thinking about NOT bringing a DSLR on my next trip in March. After purchasing the P7100 I am thinking of just bringing that camera instead. I know that I won't be able to get shots like this with the P7100, but I also won't be getting a sore back or be worrying about banging $6,000+ dollars worth of gear around on the rides either. :-) I am in a "simplifying" mood here recently, though actually it is more of a prioritizing kinda mood.

 

I hope EVERYONE has a wonderful weekend!

The RG Menzies Building 2 at the Australian National University (ANU) is a striking example of modernist architecture, designed with an emphasis on functionality and openness. Completed in the early 1970s, the building features brutalist-inspired elements, including exposed concrete surfaces, bold geometric forms, and large windows that allow natural light to permeate the interior. Its design prioritizes flexibility, with spacious, adaptable workspaces and an overall layout that fosters a collaborative academic environment. It was sesigned by architects John FD Scarborough and Partners in association with Collard Clarke and Jackson, 1963.

030819 - WASHINGTON DC., Managing Director and Chairwoman of the IMF Christine Lagarde and Interim WBG President Kristalina Georgieva engage in a conversation on their pioneering leadership and challenges they and other women have faced, the economic issues they’re dealing with and how they prioritize gender both through operations and in walking the talk within the IMF and WBG.

Photo: World Bank / Simone D. McCourtie

Canyonlands National Park is an American national park located in southeastern Utah near the town of Moab. The park preserves a colorful landscape eroded into numerous canyons, mesas, and buttes by the Colorado River, the Green River, and their respective tributaries. Legislation creating the park was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on September 12, 1964.

 

The park is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the combined rivers—the Green and Colorado—which carved two large canyons into the Colorado Plateau. While these areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character. Author Edward Abbey, a frequent visitor, described the Canyonlands as "the most weird, wonderful, magical place on earth—there is nothing else like it anywhere."

 

In the early 1950s, Bates Wilson, then superintendent of Arches National Monument, began exploring the area to the south and west of Moab, Utah. After seeing what is now known as the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, Wilson began advocating for the establishment of a new national park that would include the Needles. Additional explorations by Wilson and others expanded the areas proposed for inclusion into the new national park to include the confluence of Green and Colorado rivers, the Maze District, and Horseshoe Canyon.

 

In 1961, Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall was scheduled to address a conference at Grand Canyon National Park. On his flight to the conference, he flew over the Confluence (where the Colorado and Green rivers meet). The view apparently sparked Udall's interest in Wilson's proposal for a new national park in that area and Udall began promoting the establishment of Canyonlands National Park.

 

Utah Senator Frank Moss first introduced legislation into Congress to create Canyonlands National Park. His legislation attempted to satisfy both nature preservationists' and commercial developers' interests. Over the next four years, his proposal was struck down, debated, revised, and reintroduced to Congress many times before being passed and signed into creation.

 

In September, 1964, after several years of debate, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Pub.L. 88–590, which established Canyonlands National Park as a new national park. Bates Wilson became the first superintendent of the new park and is often referred to as the "Father of Canyonlands."

 

The Colorado River and Green River combine within the park, dividing it into three districts called the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. The Colorado River flows through Cataract Canyon below its confluence with the Green River.

 

The Island in the Sky district is a broad and level mesa in the northern section of the park, between the Colorado and Green rivers. The district has many viewpoints overlooking the White Rim, a sandstone bench 1,200 feet (370 m) below the Island, and the rivers, which are another 1,000 feet (300 m) below the White Rim.

 

The Needles district is located south of the Island in the Sky, on the east side of the Colorado River. The district is named for the red and white banded rock pinnacles which are a major feature of the area. Various other naturally sculpted rock formations are also within this district, including grabens, potholes, and arches. Unlike Arches National Park, where many arches are accessible by short to moderate hikes, most of the arches in the Needles district lie in backcountry canyons, requiring long hikes or four-wheel drive trips to reach them.

 

The Ancestral Puebloans inhabited this area and some of their stone and mud dwellings are well-preserved, although the items and tools they used were mostly removed by looters. The Ancestral Puebloans also created rock art in the form of petroglyphs, most notably on Newspaper Rock along the Needles access road.

 

The Maze district is located west of the Colorado and Green rivers. The Maze is the least accessible section of the park, and one of the most remote and inaccessible areas of the United States.

 

A geographically detached section of the park located north of the Maze district, Horseshoe Canyon contains panels of rock art made by hunter-gatherers from the Late Archaic Period (2000-1000 BC) pre-dating the Ancestral Puebloans. Originally called Barrier Canyon, Horseshoe's artifacts, dwellings, pictographs, and murals are some of the oldest in America. The images depicting horses date from after 1540 AD, when the Spanish reintroduced horses to America.

 

Since the 1950s, scientists have been studying an area of 200 acres (81 ha) completely surrounded by cliffs. The cliffs have prevented cattle from ever grazing on the area's 62 acres (25 ha) of grassland. According to the scientists, the site may contain the largest undisturbed grassland in the Four Corners region. Studies have continued biannually since the mid-1990s. The area has been closed to the public since 1993 to maintain the nearly pristine environment.

 

Mammals that roam this park include black bears, coyotes, skunks, bats, elk, foxes, bobcats, badgers, ring-tailed cats, pronghorns, desert bighorn sheep, and cougars. Desert cottontails, kangaroo rats and mule deer are commonly seen by visitors.

 

At least 273 species of birds inhabit the park. A variety of hawks and eagles are found, including the Cooper's hawk, the northern goshawk, the sharp-shinned hawk, the red-tailed hawk, the golden and bald eagles, the rough-legged hawk, the Swainson's hawk, and the northern harrier. Several species of owls are found, including the great horned owl, the northern saw-whet owl, the western screech owl, and the Mexican spotted owl. Grebes, woodpeckers, ravens, herons, flycatchers, crows, bluebirds, wrens, warblers, blackbirds, orioles, goldfinches, swallows, sparrows, ducks, quail, grouse, pheasants, hummingbirds, falcons, gulls, and ospreys are some of the other birds that can be found.

 

Several reptiles can be found, including eleven species of lizards and eight species of snake (including the midget faded rattlesnake). The common kingsnake and prairie rattlesnake have been reported in the park, but not confirmed by the National Park Service.

 

The park is home to six confirmed amphibian species, including the red-spotted toad, Woodhouse's toad, American bullfrog, northern leopard frog, Great Basin spadefoot toad, and tiger salamander. The canyon tree frog was reported to be in the park in 2000, but was not confirmed during a study in 2004.

 

Canyonlands National Park contains a wide variety of plant life, including 11 cactus species,[34] 20 moss species, liverworts, grasses and wildflowers. Varieties of trees include netleaf hackberry, Russian olive, Utah juniper, pinyon pine, tamarisk, and Fremont's cottonwood. Shrubs include Mormon tea, blackbrush, four-wing saltbush, cliffrose, littleleaf mountain mahogany, and snakeweed

 

Cryptobiotic soil is the foundation of life in Canyonlands, providing nitrogen fixation and moisture for plant seeds. One footprint can destroy decades of growth.

 

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Canyonlands National Park has a cold semi-arid climate ("BSk"). The plant hardiness zones at the Island in the Sky and Needles District Visitor Centers are 7a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of 4.0 °F (-15.6 °C) and 2.9 °F (-16.2 °C), respectively.

 

The National Weather Service has maintained two cooperative weather stations in the park since June 1965. Official data documents the desert climate with less than 10 inches (250 millimetres) of annual rainfall, as well as hot, mostly dry summers and cold, occasionally wet winters. Snowfall is generally light during the winter.

 

The station in The Neck region reports an average January temperature of 29.6 °F and an average July temperature of 79.3 °F. Average July temperatures range from a high of 90.8 °F (32.7 °C) to a low of 67.9 °F (19.9 °C). There are an average of 45.7 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher and an average of 117.3 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. The highest recorded temperature was 105 °F (41 °C) on July 15, 2005, and the lowest recorded temperature was −13 °F (−25 °C) on February 6, 1989. Average annual precipitation is 9.33 inches (237 mm). There are an average of 59 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1984, with 13.66 in (347 mm), and the driest year was 1989, with 4.63 in (118 mm). The most precipitation in one month was 5.19 in (132 mm) in October 2006. The most precipitation in 24 hours was 1.76 in (45 mm) on April 9, 1978. Average annual snowfall is 22.8 in (58 cm). The most snowfall in one year was 47.4 in (120 cm) in 1975, and the most snowfall in one month was 27.0 in (69 cm) in January 1978.

 

The station in The Needles region reports an average January temperature of 29.7 °F and an average July temperature of 79.1 °F.[44] Average July temperatures range from a high of 95.4 °F (35.2 °C) to a low of 62.4 °F (16.9 °C). There are an average of 75.4 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher and an average of 143.6 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. The highest recorded temperature was 107 °F (42 °C) on July 13, 1971, and the lowest recorded temperature was −16 °F (−27 °C) on January 16, 1971. Average annual precipitation is 8.49 in (216 mm). There are an average of 56 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1969, with 11.19 in (284 mm), and the driest year was 1989, with 4.25 in (108 mm). The most precipitation in one month was 4.43 in (113 mm) in October 1972. The most precipitation in 24 hours was 1.56 in (40 mm) on September 17, 1999. Average annual snowfall is 14.4 in (37 cm). The most snowfall in one year was 39.3 in (100 cm) in 1975, and the most snowfall in one month was 24.0 in (61 cm) in March 1985.

 

National parks in the Western US are more affected by climate change than the country as a whole, and the National Park Service has begun research into how exactly this will effect the ecosystem of Canyonlands National Park and the surrounding areas and ways to protect the park for the future. The mean annual temperature of Canyonlands National Park increased by 2.6 °F (1.4 °C) from 1916 to 2018. It is predicted that if current warming trends continue, the average highs in the park during the summer will be over 100 °F (40 °C) by 2100. In addition to warming, the region has begun to see more severe and frequent droughts which causes native grass cover to decrease and a lower flow of the Colorado River. The flows of the Upper Colorado Basin have decreased by 300,000 acre⋅ft (370,000,000 m3) per year, which has led to a decreased amount of sediment carried by the river and rockier rapids which are more frequently impassable to rafters. The area has also begun to see an earlier spring, which will lead to changes in the timing of leaves and flowers blooming and migrational patterns of wildlife that could lead to food shortages for the wildlife, as well as a longer fire season.

 

The National Park Service is currently closely monitoring the impacts of climate change in Canyonlands National Park in order to create management strategies that will best help conserve the park's landscapes and ecosystems for the long term. Although the National Park Service's original goal was to preserve landscapes as they were before European colonization, they have now switched to a more adaptive management strategy with the ultimate goal of conserving the biodiversity of the park. The NPS is collaborating with other organizations including the US Geological Survey, local indigenous tribes, and nearby universities in order to create a management plan for the national park. Right now, there is a focus on research into which native plants will be most resistant to climate change so that the park can decide on what to prioritize in conservation efforts. The Canyonlands Natural History Association has been giving money to the US Geological Survey to fund this and other climate related research. They gave $30,000 in 2019 and $61,000 in 2020.

 

A subsiding basin and nearby uplifting mountain range (the Uncompahgre) existed in the area in Pennsylvanian time. Seawater trapped in the subsiding basin created thick evaporite deposits by Mid Pennsylvanian. This, along with eroded material from the nearby mountain range, became the Paradox Formation, itself a part of the Hermosa Group. Paradox salt beds started to flow later in the Pennsylvanian and probably continued to move until the end of the Jurassic. Some scientists believe Upheaval Dome was created from Paradox salt bed movement, creating a salt dome, but more modern studies show that the meteorite theory is more likely to be correct.

 

A warm shallow sea again flooded the region near the end of the Pennsylvanian. Fossil-rich limestones, sandstones, and shales of the gray-colored Honaker Trail Formation resulted. A period of erosion then ensued, creating a break in the geologic record called an unconformity. Early in the Permian an advancing sea laid down the Halgaito Shale. Coastal lowlands later returned to the area, forming the Elephant Canyon Formation.

 

Large alluvial fans filled the basin where it met the Uncompahgre Mountains, creating the Cutler red beds of iron-rich arkose sandstone. Underwater sand bars and sand dunes on the coast inter-fingered with the red beds and later became the white-colored cliff-forming Cedar Mesa Sandstone. Brightly colored oxidized muds were then deposited, forming the Organ Rock Shale. Coastal sand dunes and marine sand bars once again became dominant, creating the White Rim Sandstone.

 

A second unconformity was created after the Permian sea retreated. Flood plains on an expansive lowland covered the eroded surface and mud built up in tidal flats, creating the Moenkopi Formation. Erosion returned, forming a third unconformity. The Chinle Formation was then laid down on top of this eroded surface.

 

Increasingly dry climates dominated the Triassic. Therefore, sand in the form of sand dunes invaded and became the Wingate Sandstone. For a time climatic conditions became wetter and streams cut channels through the sand dunes, forming the Kayenta Formation. Arid conditions returned to the region with a vengeance; a large desert spread over much of western North America and later became the Navajo Sandstone. A fourth unconformity was created by a period of erosion.

 

Mud flats returned, forming the Carmel Formation, and the Entrada Sandstone was laid down next. A long period of erosion stripped away most of the San Rafael Group in the area, along with any formations that may have been laid down in the Cretaceous period.

 

The Laramide orogeny started to uplift the Rocky Mountains 70 million years ago and with it, the Canyonlands region. Erosion intensified and when the Colorado River Canyon reached the salt beds of the Paradox Formation the overlying strata extended toward the river canyon, forming features such as The Grabens. Increased precipitation during the ice ages of the Pleistocene quickened the rate of canyon excavation along with other erosion. Similar types of erosion are ongoing, but occur at a slower rate.

 

Utah is a landlocked state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It borders Colorado to its east, Wyoming to its northeast, Idaho to its north, Arizona to its south, and Nevada to its west. Utah also touches a corner of New Mexico in the southeast. Of the fifty U.S. states, Utah is the 13th-largest by area; with a population over three million, it is the 30th-most-populous and 11th-least-densely populated. Urban development is mostly concentrated in two areas: the Wasatch Front in the north-central part of the state, which is home to roughly two-thirds of the population and includes the capital city, Salt Lake City; and Washington County in the southwest, with more than 180,000 residents. Most of the western half of Utah lies in the Great Basin.

 

Utah has been inhabited for thousands of years by various indigenous groups such as the ancient Puebloans, Navajo, and Ute. The Spanish were the first Europeans to arrive in the mid-16th century, though the region's difficult geography and harsh climate made it a peripheral part of New Spain and later Mexico. Even while it was Mexican territory, many of Utah's earliest settlers were American, particularly Mormons fleeing marginalization and persecution from the United States via the Mormon Trail. Following the Mexican–American War in 1848, the region was annexed by the U.S., becoming part of the Utah Territory, which included what is now Colorado and Nevada. Disputes between the dominant Mormon community and the federal government delayed Utah's admission as a state; only after the outlawing of polygamy was it admitted in 1896 as the 45th.

 

People from Utah are known as Utahns. Slightly over half of all Utahns are Mormons, the vast majority of whom are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which has its world headquarters in Salt Lake City; Utah is the only state where a majority of the population belongs to a single church. A 2023 paper challenged this perception (claiming only 42% of Utahns are Mormons) however most statistics still show a majority of Utah residents belong to the LDS church; estimates from the LDS church suggests 60.68% of Utah's population belongs to the church whilst some sources put the number as high as 68%. The paper replied that membership count done by the LDS Church is too high for several reasons. The LDS Church greatly influences Utahn culture, politics, and daily life, though since the 1990s the state has become more religiously diverse as well as secular.

 

Utah has a highly diversified economy, with major sectors including transportation, education, information technology and research, government services, mining, multi-level marketing, and tourism. Utah has been one of the fastest growing states since 2000, with the 2020 U.S. census confirming the fastest population growth in the nation since 2010. St. George was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States from 2000 to 2005. Utah ranks among the overall best states in metrics such as healthcare, governance, education, and infrastructure. It has the 12th-highest median average income and the least income inequality of any U.S. state. Over time and influenced by climate change, droughts in Utah have been increasing in frequency and severity, putting a further strain on Utah's water security and impacting the state's economy.

 

The History of Utah is an examination of the human history and social activity within the state of Utah located in the western United States.

 

Archaeological evidence dates the earliest habitation of humans in Utah to about 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. Paleolithic people lived near the Great Basin's swamps and marshes, which had an abundance of fish, birds, and small game animals. Big game, including bison, mammoths and ground sloths, also were attracted to these water sources. Over the centuries, the mega-fauna died, this population was replaced by the Desert Archaic people, who sheltered in caves near the Great Salt Lake. Relying more on gathering than the previous Utah residents, their diet was mainly composed of cattails and other salt tolerant plants such as pickleweed, burro weed and sedge. Red meat appears to have been more of a luxury, although these people used nets and the atlatl to hunt water fowl, ducks, small animals and antelope. Artifacts include nets woven with plant fibers and rabbit skin, woven sandals, gaming sticks, and animal figures made from split-twigs. About 3,500 years ago, lake levels rose and the population of Desert Archaic people appears to have dramatically decreased. The Great Basin may have been almost unoccupied for 1,000 years.

 

The Fremont culture, named from sites near the Fremont River in Utah, lived in what is now north and western Utah and parts of Nevada, Idaho and Colorado from approximately 600 to 1300 AD. These people lived in areas close to water sources that had been previously occupied by the Desert Archaic people, and may have had some relationship with them. However, their use of new technologies define them as a distinct people. Fremont technologies include:

 

use of the bow and arrow while hunting,

building pithouse shelters,

growing maize and probably beans and squash,

building above ground granaries of adobe or stone,

creating and decorating low-fired pottery ware,

producing art, including jewelry and rock art such as petroglyphs and pictographs.

 

The ancient Puebloan culture, also known as the Anasazi, occupied territory adjacent to the Fremont. The ancestral Puebloan culture centered on the present-day Four Corners area of the Southwest United States, including the San Juan River region of Utah. Archaeologists debate when this distinct culture emerged, but cultural development seems to date from about the common era, about 500 years before the Fremont appeared. It is generally accepted that the cultural peak of these people was around the 1200 CE. Ancient Puebloan culture is known for well constructed pithouses and more elaborate adobe and masonry dwellings. They were excellent craftsmen, producing turquoise jewelry and fine pottery. The Puebloan culture was based on agriculture, and the people created and cultivated fields of maize, beans, and squash and domesticated turkeys. They designed and produced elaborate field terracing and irrigation systems. They also built structures, some known as kivas, apparently designed solely for cultural and religious rituals.

 

These two later cultures were roughly contemporaneous, and appear to have established trading relationships. They also shared enough cultural traits that archaeologists believe the cultures may have common roots in the early American Southwest. However, each remained culturally distinct throughout most of their existence. These two well established cultures appear to have been severely impacted by climatic change and perhaps by the incursion of new people in about 1200 CE. Over the next two centuries, the Fremont and ancient Pueblo people may have moved into the American southwest, finding new homes and farmlands in the river drainages of Arizona, New Mexico and northern Mexico.

 

In about 1200, Shoshonean speaking peoples entered Utah territory from the west. They may have originated in southern California and moved into the desert environment due to population pressure along the coast. They were an upland people with a hunting and gathering lifestyle utilizing roots and seeds, including the pinyon nut. They were also skillful fishermen, created pottery and raised some crops. When they first arrived in Utah, they lived as small family groups with little tribal organization. Four main Shoshonean peoples inhabited Utah country. The Shoshone in the north and northeast, the Gosiutes in the northwest, the Utes in the central and eastern parts of the region and the Southern Paiutes in the southwest. Initially, there seems to have been very little conflict between these groups.

 

In the early 16th century, the San Juan River basin in Utah's southeast also saw a new people, the Díne or Navajo, part of a greater group of plains Athabaskan speakers moved into the Southwest from the Great Plains. In addition to the Navajo, this language group contained people that were later known as Apaches, including the Lipan, Jicarilla, and Mescalero Apaches.

 

Athabaskans were a hunting people who initially followed the bison, and were identified in 16th-century Spanish accounts as "dog nomads". The Athabaskans expanded their range throughout the 17th century, occupying areas the Pueblo peoples had abandoned during prior centuries. The Spanish first specifically mention the "Apachu de Nabajo" (Navaho) in the 1620s, referring to the people in the Chama valley region east of the San Juan River, and north west of Santa Fe. By the 1640s, the term Navaho was applied to these same people. Although the Navajo newcomers established a generally peaceful trading and cultural exchange with the some modern Pueblo peoples to the south, they experienced intermittent warfare with the Shoshonean peoples, particularly the Utes in eastern Utah and western Colorado.

 

At the time of European expansion, beginning with Spanish explorers traveling from Mexico, five distinct native peoples occupied territory within the Utah area: the Northern Shoshone, the Goshute, the Ute, the Paiute and the Navajo.

 

The Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado may have crossed into what is now southern Utah in 1540, when he was seeking the legendary Cíbola.

 

A group led by two Spanish Catholic priests—sometimes called the Domínguez–Escalante expedition—left Santa Fe in 1776, hoping to find a route to the California coast. The expedition traveled as far north as Utah Lake and encountered the native residents. All of what is now Utah was claimed by the Spanish Empire from the 1500s to 1821 as part of New Spain (later as the province Alta California); and subsequently claimed by Mexico from 1821 to 1848. However, Spain and Mexico had little permanent presence in, or control of, the region.

 

Fur trappers (also known as mountain men) including Jim Bridger, explored some regions of Utah in the early 19th century. The city of Provo was named for one such man, Étienne Provost, who visited the area in 1825. The city of Ogden, Utah is named for a brigade leader of the Hudson's Bay Company, Peter Skene Ogden who trapped in the Weber Valley. In 1846, a year before the arrival of members from the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints, the ill-fated Donner Party crossed through the Salt Lake valley late in the season, deciding not to stay the winter there but to continue forward to California, and beyond.

 

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormon pioneers, first came to the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. At the time, the U.S. had already captured the Mexican territories of Alta California and New Mexico in the Mexican–American War and planned to keep them, but those territories, including the future state of Utah, officially became United States territory upon the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, February 2, 1848. The treaty was ratified by the United States Senate on March 10, 1848.

 

Upon arrival in the Salt Lake Valley, the Mormon pioneers found no permanent settlement of Indians. Other areas along the Wasatch Range were occupied at the time of settlement by the Northwestern Shoshone and adjacent areas by other bands of Shoshone such as the Gosiute. The Northwestern Shoshone lived in the valleys on the eastern shore of Great Salt Lake and in adjacent mountain valleys. Some years after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley Mormons, who went on to colonize many other areas of what is now Utah, were petitioned by Indians for recompense for land taken. The response of Heber C. Kimball, first counselor to Brigham Young, was that the land belonged to "our Father in Heaven and we expect to plow and plant it." A 1945 Supreme Court decision found that the land had been treated by the United States as public domain; no aboriginal title by the Northwestern Shoshone had been recognized by the United States or extinguished by treaty with the United States.

 

Upon arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, the Mormons had to make a place to live. They created irrigation systems, laid out farms, built houses, churches, and schools. Access to water was crucially important. Almost immediately, Brigham Young set out to identify and claim additional community sites. While it was difficult to find large areas in the Great Basin where water sources were dependable and growing seasons long enough to raise vitally important subsistence crops, satellite communities began to be formed.

 

Shortly after the first company arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, the community of Bountiful was settled to the north. In 1848, settlers moved into lands purchased from trapper Miles Goodyear in present-day Ogden. In 1849, Tooele and Provo were founded. Also that year, at the invitation of Ute chief Wakara, settlers moved into the Sanpete Valley in central Utah to establish the community of Manti. Fillmore, Utah, intended to be the capital of the new territory, was established in 1851. In 1855, missionary efforts aimed at western native cultures led to outposts in Fort Lemhi, Idaho, Las Vegas, Nevada and Elk Mountain in east-central Utah.

 

The experiences of returning members of the Mormon Battalion were also important in establishing new communities. On their journey west, the Mormon soldiers had identified dependable rivers and fertile river valleys in Colorado, Arizona and southern California. In addition, as the men traveled to rejoin their families in the Salt Lake Valley, they moved through southern Nevada and the eastern segments of southern Utah. Jefferson Hunt, a senior Mormon officer of the Battalion, actively searched for settlement sites, minerals, and other resources. His report encouraged 1851 settlement efforts in Iron County, near present-day Cedar City. These southern explorations eventually led to Mormon settlements in St. George, Utah, Las Vegas and San Bernardino, California, as well as communities in southern Arizona.

 

Prior to establishment of the Oregon and California trails and Mormon settlement, Indians native to the Salt Lake Valley and adjacent areas lived by hunting buffalo and other game, but also gathered grass seed from the bountiful grass of the area as well as roots such as those of the Indian Camas. By the time of settlement, indeed before 1840, the buffalo were gone from the valley, but hunting by settlers and grazing of cattle severely impacted the Indians in the area, and as settlement expanded into nearby river valleys and oases, indigenous tribes experienced increasing difficulty in gathering sufficient food. Brigham Young's counsel was to feed the hungry tribes, and that was done, but it was often not enough. These tensions formed the background to the Bear River massacre committed by California Militia stationed in Salt Lake City during the Civil War. The site of the massacre is just inside Preston, Idaho, but was generally thought to be within Utah at the time.

 

Statehood was petitioned for in 1849-50 using the name Deseret. The proposed State of Deseret would have been quite large, encompassing all of what is now Utah, and portions of Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico and California. The name of Deseret was favored by the LDS leader Brigham Young as a symbol of industry and was derived from a reference in the Book of Mormon. The petition was rejected by Congress and Utah did not become a state until 1896, following the Utah Constitutional Convention of 1895.

 

In 1850, the Utah Territory was created with the Compromise of 1850, and Fillmore (named after President Fillmore) was designated the capital. In 1856, Salt Lake City replaced Fillmore as the territorial capital.

 

The first group of pioneers brought African slaves with them, making Utah the only place in the western United States to have African slavery. Three slaves, Green Flake, Hark Lay, and Oscar Crosby, came west with this first group in 1847. The settlers also began to purchase Indian slaves in the well-established Indian slave trade, as well as enslaving Indian prisoners of war. In 1850, 26 slaves were counted in Salt Lake County. Slavery didn't become officially recognized until 1852, when the Act in Relation to Service and the Act for the relief of Indian Slaves and Prisoners were passed. Slavery was repealed on June 19, 1862, when Congress prohibited slavery in all US territories.

 

Disputes between the Mormon inhabitants and the federal government intensified after the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' practice of polygamy became known. The polygamous practices of the Mormons, which were made public in 1854, would be one of the major reasons Utah was denied statehood until almost 50 years after the Mormons had entered the area.

 

After news of their polygamous practices spread, the members of the LDS Church were quickly viewed by some as un-American and rebellious. In 1857, after news of a possible rebellion spread, President James Buchanan sent troops on the Utah expedition to quell the growing unrest and to replace Brigham Young as territorial governor with Alfred Cumming. The expedition was also known as the Utah War.

 

As fear of invasion grew, Mormon settlers had convinced some Paiute Indians to aid in a Mormon-led attack on 120 immigrants from Arkansas under the guise of Indian aggression. The murder of these settlers became known as the Mountain Meadows massacre. The Mormon leadership had adopted a defensive posture that led to a ban on the selling of grain to outsiders in preparation for an impending war. This chafed pioneers traveling through the region, who were unable to purchase badly needed supplies. A disagreement between some of the Arkansas pioneers and the Mormons in Cedar City led to the secret planning of the massacre by a few Mormon leaders in the area. Some scholars debate the involvement of Brigham Young. Only one man, John D. Lee, was ever convicted of the murders, and he was executed at the massacre site.

 

Express riders had brought the news 1,000 miles from the Missouri River settlements to Salt Lake City within about two weeks of the army's beginning to march west. Fearing the worst as 2,500 troops (roughly 1/3rd of the army then) led by General Albert Sidney Johnston started west, Brigham Young ordered all residents of Salt Lake City and neighboring communities to prepare their homes for burning and evacuate southward to Utah Valley and southern Utah. Young also sent out a few units of the Nauvoo Legion (numbering roughly 8,000–10,000), to delay the army's advance. The majority he sent into the mountains to prepare defenses or south to prepare for a scorched earth retreat. Although some army wagon supply trains were captured and burned and herds of army horses and cattle run off no serious fighting occurred. Starting late and short on supplies, the United States Army camped during the bitter winter of 1857–58 near a burned out Fort Bridger in Wyoming. Through the negotiations between emissary Thomas L. Kane, Young, Cumming and Johnston, control of Utah territory was peacefully transferred to Cumming, who entered an eerily vacant Salt Lake City in the spring of 1858. By agreement with Young, Johnston established the army at Fort Floyd 40 miles away from Salt Lake City, to the southwest.

 

Salt Lake City was the last link of the First Transcontinental Telegraph, between Carson City, Nevada and Omaha, Nebraska completed in October 1861. Brigham Young, who had helped expedite construction, was among the first to send a message, along with Abraham Lincoln and other officials. Soon after the telegraph line was completed, the Deseret Telegraph Company built the Deseret line connecting the settlements in the territory with Salt Lake City and, by extension, the rest of the United States.

 

Because of the American Civil War, federal troops were pulled out of Utah Territory (and their fort auctioned off), leaving the territorial government in federal hands without army backing until General Patrick E. Connor arrived with the 3rd Regiment of California Volunteers in 1862. While in Utah, Connor and his troops soon became discontent with this assignment wanting to head to Virginia where the "real" fighting and glory was occurring. Connor established Fort Douglas just three miles (5 km) east of Salt Lake City and encouraged his bored and often idle soldiers to go out and explore for mineral deposits to bring more non-Mormons into the state. Minerals were discovered in Tooele County, and some miners began to come to the territory. Conner also solved the Shoshone Indian problem in Cache Valley Utah by luring the Shoshone into a midwinter confrontation on January 29, 1863. The armed conflict quickly turned into a rout, discipline among the soldiers broke down, and the Battle of Bear River is today usually referred to by historians as the Bear River Massacre. Between 200 and 400 Shoshone men, women and children were killed, as were 27 soldiers, with over 50 more soldiers wounded or suffering from frostbite.

 

Beginning in 1865, Utah's Black Hawk War developed into the deadliest conflict in the territory's history. Chief Antonga Black Hawk died in 1870, but fights continued to break out until additional federal troops were sent in to suppress the Ghost Dance of 1872. The war is unique among Indian Wars because it was a three-way conflict, with mounted Timpanogos Utes led by Antonga Black Hawk fighting federal and Utah local militia.

 

On May 10, 1869, the First transcontinental railroad was completed at Promontory Summit, north of the Great Salt Lake. The railroad brought increasing numbers of people into the state, and several influential businessmen made fortunes in the territory.

 

Main article: Latter Day Saint polygamy in the late-19th century

During the 1870s and 1880s, federal laws were passed and federal marshals assigned to enforce the laws against polygamy. In the 1890 Manifesto, the LDS Church leadership dropped its approval of polygamy citing divine revelation. When Utah applied for statehood again in 1895, it was accepted. Statehood was officially granted on January 4, 1896.

 

The Mormon issue made the situation for women the topic of nationwide controversy. In 1870 the Utah Territory, controlled by Mormons, gave women the right to vote. However, in 1887, Congress disenfranchised Utah women with the Edmunds–Tucker Act. In 1867–96, eastern activists promoted women's suffrage in Utah as an experiment, and as a way to eliminate polygamy. They were Presbyterians and other Protestants convinced that Mormonism was a non-Christian cult that grossly mistreated women. The Mormons promoted woman suffrage to counter the negative image of downtrodden Mormon women. With the 1890 Manifesto clearing the way for statehood, in 1895 Utah adopted a constitution restoring the right of women's suffrage. Congress admitted Utah as a state with that constitution in 1896.

 

Though less numerous than other intermountain states at the time, several lynching murders for alleged misdeeds occurred in Utah territory at the hand of vigilantes. Those documented include the following, with their ethnicity or national origin noted in parentheses if it was provided in the source:

 

William Torrington in Carson City (then a part of Utah territory), 1859

Thomas Coleman (Black man) in Salt Lake City, 1866

3 unidentified men at Wahsatch, winter of 1868

A Black man in Uintah, 1869

Charles A. Benson in Logan, 1873

Ah Sing (Chinese man) in Corinne, 1874

Thomas Forrest in St. George, 1880

William Harvey (Black man) in Salt Lake City, 1883

John Murphy in Park City, 1883

George Segal (Japanese man) in Ogden, 1884

Joseph Fisher in Eureka, 1886

Robert Marshall (Black man) in Castle Gate, 1925

Other lynchings in Utah territory include multiple instances of mass murder of Native American children, women, and men by White settlers including the Battle Creek massacre (1849), Provo River Massacre (1850), Nephi massacre (1853), and Circleville Massacre (1866).

 

Beginning in the early 20th century, with the establishment of such national parks as Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park, Utah began to become known for its natural beauty. Southern Utah became a popular filming spot for arid, rugged scenes, and such natural landmarks as Delicate Arch and "the Mittens" of Monument Valley are instantly recognizable to most national residents. During the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, with the construction of the Interstate highway system, accessibility to the southern scenic areas was made easier.

 

Beginning in 1939, with the establishment of Alta Ski Area, Utah has become world-renowned for its skiing. The dry, powdery snow of the Wasatch Range is considered some of the best skiing in the world. Salt Lake City won the bid for the 2002 Winter Olympics in 1995, and this has served as a great boost to the economy. The ski resorts have increased in popularity, and many of the Olympic venues scattered across the Wasatch Front continue to be used for sporting events. This also spurred the development of the light-rail system in the Salt Lake Valley, known as TRAX, and the re-construction of the freeway system around the city.

 

During the late 20th century, the state grew quickly. In the 1970s, growth was phenomenal in the suburbs. Sandy was one of the fastest-growing cities in the country at that time, and West Valley City is the state's 2nd most populous city. Today, many areas of Utah are seeing phenomenal growth. Northern Davis, southern and western Salt Lake, Summit, eastern Tooele, Utah, Wasatch, and Washington counties are all growing very quickly. Transportation and urbanization are major issues in politics as development consumes agricultural land and wilderness areas.

 

In 2012, the State of Utah passed the Utah Transfer of Public Lands Act in an attempt to gain control over a substantial portion of federal land in the state from the federal government, based on language in the Utah Enabling Act of 1894. The State does not intend to use force or assert control by limiting access in an attempt to control the disputed lands, but does intend to use a multi-step process of education, negotiation, legislation, and if necessary, litigation as part of its multi-year effort to gain state or private control over the lands after 2014.

 

Utah families, like most Americans everywhere, did their utmost to assist in the war effort. Tires, meat, butter, sugar, fats, oils, coffee, shoes, boots, gasoline, canned fruits, vegetables, and soups were rationed on a national basis. The school day was shortened and bus routes were reduced to limit the number of resources used stateside and increase what could be sent to soldiers.

 

Geneva Steel was built to increase the steel production for America during World War II. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had proposed opening a steel mill in Utah in 1936, but the idea was shelved after a couple of months. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States entered the war and the steel plant was put into progress. In April 1944, Geneva shipped its first order, which consisted of over 600 tons of steel plate. Geneva Steel also brought thousands of job opportunities to Utah. The positions were hard to fill as many of Utah's men were overseas fighting. Women began working, filling 25 percent of the jobs.

 

As a result of Utah's and Geneva Steels contribution during the war, several Liberty Ships were named in honor of Utah including the USS Joseph Smith, USS Brigham Young, USS Provo, and the USS Peter Skene Ogden.

 

One of the sectors of the beachhead of Normandy Landings was codenamed Utah Beach, and the amphibious landings at the beach were undertaken by United States Army troops.

 

It is estimated that 1,450 soldiers from Utah were killed in the war.

View On Black

 

- Time management

- Organization

- Prioritizing

- Staying focused

 

Rules of work

www.flickr.com/photos/55176801@N02/sets/72157626428468884/

In the first half of 2023 I made many F1 machines with Lego, some of them are already posted to Flickr, but this is one of the remaining.

Mclaren MP4/8, driven by Ayrton Senna in 1993 won 5 races, including victory in the Monaco and his home, Brazil.

The technique used for this is basically same as MP4/4 I 've already introduced.

I prioritized its size than giving small details.

Oostende’s promenade was once lined with grand villas and Art Nouveau buildings, reflecting its status as a luxurious seaside resort during King Leopold II's era. After World War II, most of these historic structures were demolished to make way for modern high-rise apartments. This transformation was driven by the rise of mass tourism, prioritizing functionality over preserving architectural heritage.

 

Today, the Belgian coastline, including Oostende, is heavily urbanized and often criticized for its lack of charm compared to other European coastal areas. Dense apartment blocks have replaced natural dunes and historic landmarks, permanently altering the landscape. Unlike places such as the French Riviera or Dutch coastal towns, which have preserved their historical appeal, the Belgian coast has lost much of its unique identity.

 

In this image, I aim to create beauty out of this stark reality, playing with light and shadows to transform the setting.

 

Ostend, Belgium

July 18, 2023 The Hill Live brings together caregivers, patients, clinical experts, and lawmakers to answer these questions and more as we discuss the fight against Alzheimer’s and breakthroughs in providing relief to those who suffer from agitation and aggression.

Alzheimer’s disease affects about 55 million people worldwide, including 6.5 million Americans, and has no cure. Some patients with Alzheimer’s sometimes show signs of extreme aggression or become restless and anxious as their brains lose the ability to negotiate with new stimulus.

 

Agitation is a common neuropsychiatric symptom in Alzheimer’s dementia and one of the most complex and stressful aspects of caring for people living with the condition. It is reported in approximately half of people with Alzheimer’s dementia and is associated with earlier alternative living placement.

 

What do patients, caregivers and families navigating the complexities of agitation associated with Alzheimer’s need to know? How are researchers and doctors better understanding risk factors and diagnoses? What policy actions can prioritize research, detection and treatment? And what are the access considerations for patients and their caregivers as they navigate this difficult symptom?

LOCATION

National Press Club Holeman Lounge, 529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor, Washington, DC 20045

Well... finally, after all the delays and design challenges, it is done. Here is my B-18A Bolo LEGO MOC, a medium bomber used by the U.S. Army Air Corps primarily in the Pacific during the interwar and early World War II periods. It was a notoriously funkily-proportioned aircraft, with its round-bellied fuselage, its backwards-tapered wings and its odd bombardier canopy shaping at the front; but, all in all, it was a sturdy, rugged bomber (though nothing to write home about as for success in World War II XD). Lots of these were destroyed on the ground during the raids of Pearl harbor, but I really wanted to challenge myself in attempting to construct a plane that isn't all about the glamour and good looks so many beautiful aircraft of its era retained. Having incorporated working landing gear and included string for the wings, I am proud of its functionalities. However, I sadly could not include a working bomb bay due to the construction of its simulated rounded "doors" flush with the fuselage. Nothing opens on the underside, but that was due to the fact of me wanting to prioritize structure and look to the Bolo. Unfortunately, the sacrifice ended up being without a functioning bomb bay... but, overall, the result (for now) is adequate for my liking. But, let me know YOUR thoughts in the comments! Faves are also appreciated, and, as always, have an awesome day! (:

Prioritizing the search for meaning may be the secret to creating insightful images. Find out more about my thoughts here!

 

Click Here to listen to the weekly podcast.

moneymakerphotography.com/podcast

 

Searching for meaning is something that most of us photographers do almost by default. After all, that’s the point of creating artwork, isn’t it? To create something meaningful that resonates with the people who enjoy it. And that’s why we spend so much time talking about how to imbue our photographs with meaning. Here is perhaps another way to look at or to approach that search for meaning.

 

As I said, this is something that most of us do sort of automatically as part of the creation process—but when we’re searching for ideas or photographs to take in the field, we’re also usually searching for other things beyond meaning. We might be looking for beautiful objects or looking for things that fit a theme we happen to be working on. For some of us, at times, the objective is to search out new things that no one has ever photographed before.

 

In this way, the search for meaning almost becomes an accessory to the rest rather than the primary focus of what we’ve set out to do on a given day. Perhaps instead of searching for the next new thing, things to fit our themes, or things of particular beauty, we should focus the whole of our search on meaning alone.

 

If you think about it, the search for some of these other, more mundane factors has the potential to lead us to create art that has already been done—often exhaustively. Finding something that has never been photographed before? This is an almost impossible feat in a world where billions of photographs have been made. If we focus our search on beauty, then it’s likely that our beauty ideals will align closely with those of many others—and that will lead us to take photographs of the same things that other people found beautiful.

 

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with taking photographs of things that other people have already photographed. But I still think it valuable to approach these things with the idea of searching for meaning above all else.

 

That’s because when we are looking for meaning, we tend to apply our entire lives to what we’re seeing. One person can look at a cliff face and have fond memories of rock climbing with friends while another may remember a camping trip where they sheltered against a cliff during a storm. We all have different experiences and personal thoughts that we can apply to the world—and that’s how we give photographs a unique perspective, by creating them through our personal lens into life. You might find it worthwhile on your next photography outing to dispense with the idea of searching for particular subjects in favor of searching for things that stand out to you as meaningful. Walk through the world, and pause in those places that make you think, feel, or remember. Here is where you are likely to find the material that helps you create deep and moving photographs.

These days it's prioritized in that order...

Examples of urban forestry are seen between and on Manhatten buildings seen from Long Island City, New York, on Wednesday, September 16, 2015. Urban forestry and green spaces are priority areas for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS). With 80 percent* of the nation's population in urban areas, there are strong environmental, social, and economic cases to be made for the conservation of green spaces to guide growth and revitalize city centers and older suburbs. Urban forests broadly include urban parks, street trees, landscaped boulevards, public gardens, river and coastal promenades, greenways, river corridors, wetlands, nature preserves, natural areas, shelter belts of trees and working trees at industrial brownfield sites. Urban forests are dynamic ecosystems that provide needed environmental services by cleaning air and water helping to control storm water, and conserving energy. They add form, structure, beauty and breathing room to urban design, reduce noise, separate incompatible uses, provide places to recreate, strengthen social cohesion, leverage community revitalization, and add economic value to our communities. Urban forests, through planned connections of green spaces, form the green infrastructure system on which communities depend. Green infrastructure works at multiple scales from the neighborhood to the metro area up to the regional landscape. This natural life support system sustains clean air and water, biodiversity, habitat, nesting and travel corridors for wildlife, and connects people to nature. Urban forests, through planned connections of green spaces, form the green infrastructure system on which communities depend. Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) is a cooperative program of the US Forest Service that focuses on the stewardship of urban natural resources. UCF provides technical, financial, research and educational services to local government, non-profit organizations community groups, educational institutions, and tribal governments. The program is delivered through its legislative partners, the state forestry agencies in 59 states and US territories. Forest Service cooperative programs are currently being redesigned to make more effective use of federal resources. Programs will be focused on issues and landscapes of national importance and prioritized through state and regional assessments. Over the next five years an increasing percentage of funding will be focused on landscape scale projects. Three national themes provide a framework for this work: conserve working forest landscapes; protect forests from harm; and enhance benefits associated with trees and forests. More information and upcoming webinars on December 9, 2015 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET; January 13, 2016 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET; and February 10, 2016 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET can be seen at *http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/program.shtml. USDA Photo By Lance Cheung.

A antique stereoview. No info on the back.

  

Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (/ˈroʊzəvɛlt/ ROH-zə-velt;[b] October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919), often referred to as Teddy or his initials T. R., was an American politician, statesman, conservationist, naturalist, historian, and writer who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909. He previously served as the 25th vice president under William McKinley from March to September 1901, and as the 33rd governor of New York from 1899 to 1900. Having assumed the presidency after McKinley's assassination, Roosevelt emerged as a leader of the Republican Party and became a driving force for anti-trust and Progressive policies.

 

Roosevelt was a sickly child with debilitating asthma but partly overcame his health problems by embracing a strenuous lifestyle. He integrated his exuberant personality, a vast range of interests and achievements into a "cowboy" persona defined by robust masculinity. He was home-schooled and began a lifelong naturalist avocation before attending Harvard. His book The Naval War of 1812 (1882) established his reputation as a learned historian and popular writer. Upon entering politics, he became the leader of the reform faction of Republicans in New York's state legislature. His wife and mother both died in the same night and he was psychologically devastated. He recuperated by buying and operating a cattle ranch in the Dakotas. He served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President William McKinley and in 1898 helped plan the highly successful naval war against Spain. He resigned to help form and lead the Rough Riders, a unit that fought the Spanish army in Cuba to great publicity. Returning a war hero, he was elected governor of New York in 1898. The New York state party leadership disliked his ambitious agenda and convinced McKinley to make Roosevelt his running mate in the 1900 election. Roosevelt campaigned vigorously, and the McKinley–Roosevelt ticket won a landslide victory based on a platform of victory, peace and prosperity.

 

Roosevelt assumed the presidency at age 42 after McKinley was assassinated in September 1901. He remains the youngest person to become president of the United States. Roosevelt was a leader of the progressive movement and championed his "Square Deal" domestic policies, promising the average citizen fairness, breaking of trusts, regulation of railroads, and pure food and drugs. He prioritized conservation and established national parks, forests, and monuments intended to preserve the nation's natural resources. In foreign policy, he focused on Central America where he began construction of the Panama Canal. He expanded the Navy and sent the Great White Fleet on a world tour to project American naval power. His successful efforts to broker the end of the Russo-Japanese War won him the 1906 Nobel Peace Prize. Roosevelt was elected to a full term in 1904 and continued to promote progressive policies. He groomed his close friend William Howard Taft to succeed him in the 1908 presidential election.

 

Roosevelt grew frustrated with Taft's brand of conservatism and belatedly tried to win the 1912 Republican nomination for president. He failed, walked out, and founded the Progressive Party. He ran in the 1912 presidential election and the split allowed the Democratic nominee Woodrow Wilson to win the election. Following the defeat, Roosevelt led a two-year expedition to the Amazon basin where he nearly died of tropical disease. During World War I, he criticized Wilson for keeping the country out of the war; his offer to lead volunteers to France was rejected. He considered running for president again in 1920, but his health continued to deteriorate. He died in 1919. He is generally ranked in polls of historians and political scientists as one of the five best presidents.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt

Shyam Rai Temple is an example of the Pancha Ratna (meaning five gems) architecture. The gems in this temple are the four small towers and one main tower that build the Temple. The four towers are situated on the four corners and the highest tower is in the middle. The curved ceiling of the Temple is influenced by Islamic architecture which cannot be seen in any other temple. The temple was built by Raghunatha Singha in the year 1643 A.D and has beautiful terracotta sculptures on walkways depicting various scenes from Ramayana, Krishna Leela and Mahabharata. Other subjects include royal hunting sights, musicians and dancers. All these sculptures and carvings are done with such intricateness that they look lively. Do not miss the sculptures which depict the Rasamandala in the Krishna Leela and the dancing Gopis – they truthfully are astonishing. The architecture of this Temple is unique in its own way and is one of the highest prioritized monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India

Darkness has its way with me.

 

Darkness makes me anticipate the worst. It makes me worry, fear, hurt, and lose control. But then, I have learned to see many of the brighter things it evokes. If you ask me, darkness offers a stupendous opportunity to grow and conquer oneself. It lets me rise above my phobias and seek the truth, the eternal. It lets me think straight and makes me prioritize. In total darkness, I can quit my selfish world effortlessly and grow into greater pains and sufferings. I feel less adamant and arrogance finds a nicer replacement in introspection. You know, come to think of it, darkness is not that bad, if you live with it long enough.

 

And sometimes, if it gets too gloomy, darkness smiles and rains stars. It just rains stars.

 

Full set of new old with Marie-Pier

 

new old: from unused, unexploited, forgotten RAW files from a shoot. Back then I was prioritizing film shots, so I didn't feel like processing extra similar digital versions. However with time it's fun to go back in the vault and look at your unused work from a different eye and go in there with a mindset and mood you feel right now.

Canadians are often known for several positive characteristics, including:

1.Politeness and Courtesy – They have a reputation for being polite, saying “sorry” often, and treating others with respect.

2.Friendliness – Canadians are generally warm and welcoming to both locals and visitors.

3.Diversity and Inclusivity – Canada is multicultural, and its people embrace diversity in ethnicity, culture, and perspectives.

4.Tolerance and Open-Mindedness – Canadians tend to value human rights, equality, and progressive social policies.

5.Community-Oriented – Many Canadians are involved in their communities and prioritize social well-being.

6.Love for Nature and the Outdoors – With stunning landscapes, Canadians often appreciate and respect nature, engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and skiing.

7.Sense of Humor – They have a dry, self-deprecating, and sometimes quirky sense of humor.

8.Humble and Modest – Canadians tend to downplay achievements and avoid arrogance.

9.Hardworking and Resourceful – Whether in cities or remote regions, Canadians have a strong work ethic.

10.Peacefulness – They are generally non-confrontational and support diplomacy over aggression.

 

Thanks ChatGPT (prompt: tell me about Canadians)!

PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 23, 2020) Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 2nd Class Matthew Dines, from Janesville, Wisconsin, assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Dec. 23, 2020. Naval Health Clinic was one of the facilities selected to receive the vaccine in a phased and coordinated strategy, prioritizing the vaccine for eligible personnel to protect their health, families and communities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jaimar Carson Bondurant)

In June 2020, after experiencing a devastating spring due to COVID, New York State announced that certain businesses could begin partially opening again. New York City’s response included a program called Open Restaurants, which allowed restaurants to use sidewalks and parking spaces for outdoor, socially distant dining. Owners quickly built temporary enclosures in the streets in front of their businesses to try and recover from months of shutdown. Small stretches of Brooklyn in early 2021 display the variety and feel of these enclosures. Hopefully, the Open Restaurants initiative will help these businesses to survive and may even lead to a more permanent reorienting of streets to prioritize people over cars.

Examples of urban forestry in New York City are seen from and on the High Line, an elevated railway line owned by the City of New York, today it is a 1.45-mile-long linear public park maintained, operated, and programmed by Friends of the High Line, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, on Thursday, September 17, 2015. High Line was opened in 1934 and moved goods to and from Manhattan’s largest industrial district until 1980. The third and final phase officially opened to the public on September 21, 2014. The High Line's green roof system with drip irrigation is designed to allow the planting beds to retain as much water as possible; because many of the plants are drought-tolerant, they need little supplemental watering. When supplemental watering is needed, hand watering is used so as to tailor the amount of water to the needs of individual species and weather conditions, and to conserve water. High Line is independently funded from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS). Urban forestry and green spaces are priority areas for USFS. With 80 percent* of the nation's population in urban areas, there are strong environmental, social, and economic cases to be made for the conservation of green spaces to guide growth and revitalize city centers and older suburbs. Urban forests broadly include urban parks, street trees, landscaped boulevards, public gardens, river and coastal promenades, greenways, river corridors, wetlands, nature preserves, natural areas, shelter belts of trees and working trees at industrial brownfield sites. Urban forests are dynamic ecosystems that provide needed environmental services by cleaning air and water helping to control storm water, and conserving energy. They add form, structure, beauty and breathing room to urban design, reduce noise, separate incompatible uses, provide places to recreate, strengthen social cohesion, leverage community revitalization, and add economic value to our communities. Urban forests, through planned connections of green spaces, form the green infrastructure system on which communities depend. Green infrastructure works at multiple scales from the neighborhood to the metro area up to the regional landscape. This natural life support system sustains clean air and water, biodiversity, habitat, nesting and travel corridors for wildlife, and connects people to nature. Urban forests, through planned connections of green spaces, form the green infrastructure system on which communities depend. Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) is a cooperative program of the US Forest Service that focuses on the stewardship of urban natural resources. UCF provides technical, financial, research and educational services to local government, non-profit organizations community groups, educational institutions, and tribal governments. The program is delivered through its legislative partners, the state forestry agencies in 59 states and US territories. Forest Service cooperative programs are currently being redesigned to make more effective use of federal resources. Programs will be focused on issues and landscapes of national importance and prioritized through state and regional assessments. Over the next five years an increasing percentage of funding will be focused on landscape scale projects. Three national themes provide a framework for this work: conserve working forest landscapes; protect forests from harm; and enhance benefits associated with trees and forests. More information and upcoming webinars on December 9, 2015 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET; January 13, 2016 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET; and February 10, 2016 | 1:00pm-2:15pm ET can be seen at *http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/program.shtml. USDA Photo By Lance Cheung.

Google AI

"This image shows a CCN-51 (Colección Castro Naranjal 51) cacao pod growing on a Theobroma cacao tree.

CCN-51 is a high-yielding, disease-resistant variety of cacao developed in Ecuador in the 1960s.

It is widely cultivated and known for its productivity, often yielding two to three times the typical harvest of traditional varieties.

The CCN-51 variety is a hybrid cross involving Iquitos, LAN 21 Criollo, and Amelonado genetic groups.

It is commonly used in the commodity chocolate industry due to its robust nature. "

 

www.thechocolatejournalist.com/blog/good-bad-ugly-cacao-c...

The characteristics of CCN-51 appeal to those that prioritize productivity. This is in fact a high yield kind of cacao that can grow in full sun and is resistant to fungal diseases. It produces four times more than fine flavor varieties. A real cacao machine!But it's not gold all that shines. CCN-51 is also known for its mediocre, if not awful flavor that chocolate expert Ed Seguine defines as “acidic dirt”. In a more polite way, top craft chocolate reviewer C-Spot emphasizes the lack of a "flavorful rainbow" in any new and improved varieties of CCN-51.

Presented as the solution to a potential cocoa shortage, this kind of cacao is dreaded by fine palates. But what is dreaded by fine palates is often a matter of survival for farmers. The high-productivity of CCN-51 can be a blessing for cocoa farmers that are dealing with wages below the poverty line.

We can now understand why CCN-51 unleashes a wide range of emotions among chocolate professionals. Opinions are different and vary based on expertise and specific positions in the supply chain.Here are the biggest topics of such tangled debate.

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobroma_cacao

Theobroma cacao (cacao tree or cocoa tree) is a small (6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall) evergreen tree in the Malvaceae family.[1][3] Its seeds—cocoa beans—are used to make chocolate liquor, cocoa solids, cocoa butter and chocolate.[4] Although the tree is native to the tropics of the Americas, the largest producer of cocoa beans in 2022 was Ivory Coast.

 

We took an all-day photography tour with Oahu Photography Tour. It was a lot of fun. I recommend it highly.

www.oahuphotographytours.com/

 

Our second stop was at Waimea Valley Botanical Garden.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waimea_Valley

Waimea Valley is an area of historic cultural significance on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The valley, being an important place in Hawaiian religion, includes several historical structures including stone terraces and walls constructed during the time of the Hawaiian monarchy. The nutrient-rich volcanic soil combined with a rainy environment provided the resourceful Hawaiians of the area the opportunity to create one of the most prosperous farming communities in all of Polynesia. The area had complex fish ponds, domesticated animal pens, various large farming beds, and was famous for the cultivation of pink taro root stock, a coveted item to the Ali`i (the Hawaiian elite).[1][2] Much of the garden floor was once cultivated for taro, sweet potato, and bananas, with new crops and orchards introduced by Europeans after their arrival.

Formerly known as the Waimea Valley Audubon Center and the Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Garden, the Waimea Valley is a historical nature park including botanical gardens. It is located at 59-864 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii and is open daily except for Christmas and New Year's Day; an admission fee is charged.

www.waimeavalley.net/admission

 

Hawaii 2025

Oahu 2025

Courtesy of Karina Natalie Hahn, the Weepbot Humanoid Queen.

 

October is not an easy month for me, and neither is the first week of November. I've kept myself busy, what with hiding out, shaving my head, screening my calls and covering my tracks.

 

Now it's time to move on and finish this year strong. Prioritize, execute and keep moving forward. Regret can wait.

 

I'm playing catch-up for last month's absence. New music and doodles and photography are pending. This is just me checking in.

 

Bear with me (or don't, I'll understand) and I will catch you all on the next one. Stay fierce. - O.P.

i took a stroll in the island and saw this puppy. i can't blame them for tying it, because anti-rabies shots are rare in this part of the city. its difficult to prioritize animals in the "to-do list" if you can hardly serve your family 3 meals in a day.

 

that is the cultural difference.

Some clever and accurate thoughts on the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. “If only the Metropolitan Police were there to batter them all with sticks.”

 

Taken from another vantage point up high over the madness that is August in Edinburgh. The city swells beyond its capacity, key traffic routes are annoyingly shut to those who depend on them, tourists are prioritized over residents, and hipsters of all kinds flock to sell their artsy opinions to the masses. If you haven't noticed, I hate this tourist festival. On the bright side, no one is paying attention to the shifty guy looking for a couple of new views over this beautiful city.

 

Three exposures, stitched together, cropped significantly for composition. It was very windy and thus not terribly sharp as similar shots.

 

5D II + 85L II

“Okay, I have the sheriff here to check on a wanted elf. So, you all line up!”

“Ma’am, none of these match the description according to this flyer. They can all go back to work.”

“Okay. All you Dwarfs...you’re working the coal mine. Santa is going to need that for some children’s stockings.”

“Don’t you even think about throwing that snowball at her!”

“You, Maurice. You and Jill Ellyn will be on mail duty.”

“What will we have to do?”

“You get to process all the letters children sent and prioritize them.”

“Don’t worry, Jill Ellyn. I did that last year. It’s easy.”

  

Stephen J. Ubl, President and CEO, PhRMA speaks to Marilyn Serafini, Health Care Policy Consultant during a policy briefing entitled “Prioritizing Patients: A Discussion on Outcomes-Based Care” sponsored by The Value Collaborative, PhRMA, and The Hill at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, June 13, 2017.

July 18, 2023 The Hill Live brings together caregivers, patients, clinical experts, and lawmakers to answer these questions and more as we discuss the fight against Alzheimer’s and breakthroughs in providing relief to those who suffer from agitation and aggression.

Alzheimer’s disease affects about 55 million people worldwide, including 6.5 million Americans, and has no cure. Some patients with Alzheimer’s sometimes show signs of extreme aggression or become restless and anxious as their brains lose the ability to negotiate with new stimulus.

 

Agitation is a common neuropsychiatric symptom in Alzheimer’s dementia and one of the most complex and stressful aspects of caring for people living with the condition. It is reported in approximately half of people with Alzheimer’s dementia and is associated with earlier alternative living placement.

 

What do patients, caregivers and families navigating the complexities of agitation associated with Alzheimer’s need to know? How are researchers and doctors better understanding risk factors and diagnoses? What policy actions can prioritize research, detection and treatment? And what are the access considerations for patients and their caregivers as they navigate this difficult symptom?

LOCATION

National Press Club Holeman Lounge, 529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor, Washington, DC 20045

A couple years back I was hired by Andy and Fred of 'AFA' (pioneers of advanced noise cancellation technology).

 

These images were harder to produce than might appear. I knew I wanted to prioritize Andy and Fred, but also at the same time give a sense of speed and movement. Had I shot in traditional fashion then the shutter speed needed to produce motion blur of the cars would have been dangerously low to also introduce motion blur of Andy and Fred as well. So in order to successfully achieve this look I needed to shoot the images on a tripod and involve strobe work directed at the guys which assists with 'freezing motion' (as well as helping them 'pop out' of the scene). In addition to this I used ND filters to allow me to shoot at wide apertures to allow me to help separate them from the busy backdrop and keep attention placed firmly on them.

The additional benefits of using a tripod allowed me to take several images and blend speeding cars and smoke into any scene of the two of them that I liked.

Overall I think they turned out pretty good.

 

I am saddened to hear that since this shoot Fred has passed away (pictured on the right). He seemed like such a lovely man with a genuine gentle soul.