House Bill 980, relating to “Highway Safety” (aka Distracted Driving Bill) – This measure is effective July 1, 2013. While all counties have some form of a distracted driving ordinance in place, this measure establishes a state law that creates consistent requirements across all counties for the use of mobile electronic devices while driving and will simplify enforcement. Crash data from the DOT shows that during 2007, 32 percent (2,871 of the 8,770 collisions) were attributed to inattention to driving.

Senate Bill 4, relating to “Motor Vehicles” (aka Universal Seatbelt Bill) – This measure requires all front seat and back seat occupants to buckle up, effective immediately. Adults and children must use their seat belts and child restraints at all times. Unrestrained back seat passengers were more than three times as likely to have injuries that were fatal or required hospitalization compared to restrained back seat passengers, based on DOH’s analysis of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) records. Additionally, among back seat passengers who were treated for injuries by EMS, average medical charges were nearly tripled among those who did not use seat belts ($11,043), compared to restrained passengers ($3,817).

The bill signings were done in conjunction with the DOT’s launch of the annual “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign, held in partnership between the state and counties with federal funding. During the national Click It or Ticket mobilization from May 20 to June 2 and throughout the year, police statewide will be continuing strict enforcement of the state seat belt and child passenger restraint laws.

Several stories circulate relating to this grave, all alas, unsubstantiated. The most popular version appears to stem from a small plaque which one adorned the headstone and bore the following legend...

"it is alleged that this is the grave of a gypsy boy who, while tending sheep, fell asleep in a dike. In remorse he hanged himself because he feared to return to his tribe"

Unwritten tradition maintains that his fear was founded on his belief that, whilst asleep, one of his sheep had strayed. All however were found to be safe when counted home.

Recent researches, would appear to indicate that this story owes its origins to a claim that the original incident was chronicled in the 'Bury and Norwich Post', even giving an approximate date...1841. Substantial research has, to date, failed to identify this account, and part of the original claim verges on pure fantasy.

Prior to 1974 the grave was surrounded by ratten cane hoops similar to those used to fabricate the backs of certain chairs. To these, it is alleged, passing gypsies, on their way to Newmarket races, would tie ribbons corresponding to the colours of the predicted winner of the next big race.

Also about this time, stories began circulating about the mysterious maintenance of the site. Fresh flowers were regularly seen, new vases appeared and the grass was kept close-cropped. Gypsies remorseful of the lad's death, pixies, fairies and sympathetic locals were all attributed with it's upkeep. The reality however, was in fact far more mundane. A lady from Northolt in Middlesex, concerned at the graves apparent neglect, made fortnightly trips to the site.She errected a wooden cross on the grave which bore the words...

To Joseph

An unknown Gypsy Boy

R. I. P.

She subsequently confided that she selected the Mythical name Joseph because of its biblical connections, being that of Mary's husband.

Recently, that cross was replaced by the one pictured above which reads simply:

"Gypsy Boy"

Today it is known that gypsies pay scant regard to the grave, indeed their knowledge would also appear to have been gained from published sources.

Location

The grave, now surrounded by a simple chain link fence, still bears the simple wooden cross which carries the short epitaph. It lies immediately behind the signpost at the crossroads where the Chippenham to Moulton road cosses the one linking Kentford and Newmarket

Whilst braces quote gold coast relates to perhaps a more economical and sometimes a necessary treatment, Invisalign is still the preferred option used to align crooked teeth. The plastic aligners are clear and relatively invisible making them aesthetically appealing. People will hardly notice you are wearing aligners. However, before you book an appointment you need to know a few things about Invisalign.

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Invisalign quotes gold coast pricing is inclusive of checking on the progress of treatment through to fruition. After successful completion of Invisalign, you will need to wear retainers every night. The retainers help keep your teeth in position. orthodontistexpertgoldcoast.com

Colonial Williamsburg is the historic district of the independent city of Williamsburg, Virginia. It consists of many of the buildings that, from 1699 to 1780, formed colonial Virginia's capital. The capital straddled the boundary of two of the original shires of Virginia, James City Shire (now James City County), and Charles River Shire (now York County). For most of the 18th century, Williamsburg was the center of government, education and culture in the Colony of Virginia.

Colonial Williamsburg is meant to be an interpretation of a Colonial American city, with exhibits including dozens of authentic or accurately-recreated colonial houses and relating to American Revolutionary War history. Prominent buildings in Colonial Williamsburg include the Raleigh Tavern, the Capitol, The Governor's Palace, and Bruton Parish Church. However, rather than simply an effort to preserve antiquity, the combination of extensive restoration and thoughtful recreation of the entire colonial town facilitates envisioning the atmosphere and understanding the ideals of 18th century American revolutionary leaders. It was here that Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, James Monroe, James Madison, George Wythe, Peyton Randolph, and dozens more helped mold democracy in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States.

The Historic Area is located just east of the College of William and Mary, founded at Middle Plantation in 1693, just prior to the establishment of the town as capital of Virginia and its renaming. The university's historic Wren Building stands at the west end of Duke of Gloucester Street.

Colonial Williamsburg is a major source of tourism to Williamsburg, as well as a touchstone for many world leaders and heads of state, including U.S. Presidents. The United States hosted the first World Economic Conference at Colonial Williamsburg in 1983. It is the centerpiece of the surrounding Historic Triangle of Virginia area, which has become a popular tourist destination for visitors domestic and foreign. The other two points of the Historic Triangle are Jamestown and Yorktown.

Contents

Early in the 20th century, the restoration and recreation of Colonial Williamsburg, one of the largest historic restorations ever undertaken, was championed by the Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and the patriarch of the Rockefeller family, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., along with the active participation of his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, who wanted to celebrate the patriots and the early history of the United States.

Many of the missing Colonial structures were reconstructed on their original sites during the 1930s. Other structures were restored to the best estimates of how they would have looked during the eighteenth century, with all traces of later buildings and improvements removed. Dependency structures and animals help complete the ambiance. Most buildings are open for tourists to look through, with the exception of several buildings that serve as residences for Colonial Williamsburg employees.

Notable structures include the large Capitol and the Governor's Palace, each carefully recreated and landscaped as closely as possible to original 18th century specifications, as well as Bruton Parish Church and the Raleigh Tavern.

The major goal of the Restoration was not to merely preserve or recreate the physical environment of the colonial period, but to facilitate education about the origins of the idea of America, which was conceived during many decades before the American Revolution.

In this environment, Colonial Williamsburg strives to tell the story of how diverse peoples, having different and sometimes conflicting ambitions, evolved into a society that valued liberty and equality.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonial_Williamsburg

This is a picture that relates to the grunge scene or the early 90's. This is when rock'n'roll was brought back its original glory through Nirvana having the clear acoustic and electric guitar settings that glam and new wave ruined to fit mainstream standards. The fashion was an overall rejection of any existing scene aesthetic. It became timeless, priceless and even legendary as Kurt Cobain immortalized flannel's popularity amongst the youth.

A Pennsylvania Ave. panorama during the Lincoln funeral procession in Wash., D.C., on April 19, 1865. The left and right images were taken by Alexander Gardner, and at center, absent a corresponding 1865 image, a current view from Wikimedia Commons, "John Marshall Park in Washington,, D.C.," with a creative commons license of "CC BY-SA 3.0 IMPORT." This center image has been cropped on each side and areas on all four edges have had the color removed.

Link to original center image: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Marshall_Park_in_Was...

For more information on the left panel, a lost 1865 masterpiece by Alexander Gardner, see my previous flickr post at : www.flickr.com/photos/110677094@N05/54690573581/in/datepo...

And also at: www.flickr.com/photos/110677094@N05/54699600266/in/datepo...

Hopefully, the panorama provides for a better understanding of the Alexander Gardner photos - what the images captured, from where they were taken, and how the various historic landmarks relate to each other geographically, and within the context of the surrounding Civil War era neighborhood. This was a neighborhood that was one of the centers of Washington, D.C., social life in the mid 19th century, and unfortunately, one which Government wrecking balls completely demolished in the 20th century.

For Civil War photo buffs and those interested in D.C history, see the numbered key below, with additional background information. All historic photos in the panorama have been posted at full resolution, download the original file to see fine details.

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Numbered Key and Notes:

1. Mathew Brady’s Gallery. In January of 1858, Mathew Brady opened his Wash. D.C “Gallery of Photographic Art,” at 352 Pennsylvania Ave., with advertisements in the local papers running regularly throughout that year. The advertisements focused not only on the products and photographic services offered but encouraged people to just come and visit, free of charge, to see his fine art collection of portraits of “distinguished men…the largest in the world.” In another notice he advertised, “Brady’s Collection of the Illustrious Dead! Twenty-five Portraits of Distinguished Americans, whose names have become familiar as household words."

According to the Richmond Daily Dispatch of Dec. 27, 1860, Brady’s gallery was the last stop for many southerners before departing D.C. in the days leading up to the war:

“Southern Families Going Home. Quite a bevy of Southern ladies appeared at Brady's gallery, in Washington, Saturday, for the purpose of exchanging daguerreotypes before going to their respective homes. The beautiful Mrs. R. W. Johnson, of Arkansas, and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, of Alabama, were there, among others. Nothing is so painful in the present emergency as the breaking up of society here.”

Curiously, there are no known Brady photographs of Lincoln’s D.C funeral procession, which, as the panorama clearly shows, passed right below his studio. On the day Lincoln died, April 15, 1865, the Evening Star reported that there had been a fire at “Brady’s photograph gallery,” a couple nights before, during the “illumination,” the city-wide celebration of the end of the war; so perhaps, this was the reason for the missed opportunity. On April 25, 1865, during Lincoln’s funeral procession in New York City, Brady’s studio on Broadway did not miss out, as reported in the New York Herald of April 26th, “…from the windows of his gallery the very best opportunity was offered to his artists to accomplish this work in the most complete style of art.”

Against all odds, the building that housed Brady’s D.C. gallery still stands today, unlike the other Penn. Ave. structures visible in the 1865 images, which were razed years ago for municipal improvement. A Google Street View link for a glimpse of Brady’s Gallery, as it appears today (the lowest building), 160 years after President Lincoln, U.S. Grant, and a who’s who list of Civil War era rich and famous came here to sit for their portraits.: maps.app.goo.gl/2e36mVm38auxakoS8

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2. Metropolitan Hotel. The Metropolitan Hotel, located on Penn. Ave. between 6th & 7th Sts., with its U.S. flag at half mast and black mourning bunting hanging from its windows, is easily identified by the name on the facing side of the building. One of the District’s major hotels, the Evening Star characterized the Metropolitan as “a mecca for social and civic gatherings in Washington's glittering pre-Civil War era.”

Seemingly connected to the Metropolitan, the shorter building at the NW corner of 6th St. and Penn. Ave., displaying the large sign “Taylor’s,” is the bookseller and stationer business of Hudson Taylor, with address 334 Penn Ave. Next door would be Alexander Gardner’s publisher, “Philp & Solomons” located at 332 Penn. Ave. During the “illumination,” the night before Lincoln’s assassination, the Evening Star reported that “the Metropolitan displayed over three hundred lanterns, and that the National Hotel and “the Avenue,” were all “brilliantly lighted up.”

Years later, in Feb. 1933, when the hotel was slated to be demolished, the Star reported, “….depending upon progress now being made, the visitor may see little of the Metropolitan Hotel, where Abraham Lincoln stopped for the first night when he came to Congress in the latter part of 1847. Much has been written and can still be written about the old Metropolitan, the name by which it has been known for many years. A bus station is to take its place.”

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3. National Hotel. John Wilkes Booth’s hotel of choice was located at the NE corner of Penn. Ave. & 6th Sts. A description of the National is found in the 1861 publication, “Philps' Washington Described. A Complete View of the American Capital and the District of Columbia,” edited by William D. Haley:

“This is the largest hotel in the city, and one of the largest in the country. It is situated on Pennsylvania avenue, at the corner of Sixth street, and occupies the entire depth of the block. The old National is the stamping-ground of politicians, and the grand centre of political intrigue. Its crowded halls and gay saloons and parlors are proverbial among old frequenters of the seat of government; while its proximity to the Capitol, and excellent management, render it the most favored hotel in Washington.”

Before being sworn in as President, Lincoln attended a private dinner party at the National on Feb. 28, 1861, as reported by the Daily National intelligencer of March 2, 1861:

“A Dinner to President Lincoln —The Hon E. G Spaulding, of New York, gave a private dinner party on Thursday evening, at the National Hotel, to the President and Vice President elect. The following invited guests were present: Lieutenant General Scott, Edward Bates, of Missouri, Caleb B. Smith, Gov. Chase, Judge Harris, the Senator elect from New York, W E. Dodge, of New York, a prominent member of the Peace Congress, Thurlow Weed, Gen Webb, Judge Davis, of Illinois, Senators Seward, Cameron, King, Crittenden, Hale, Chandler……It is represented to have been one of the most agreeable entertainments given this season in the mietropolis, composed as it was of some of the most distinguished men of the day. Before leaving the Hotel the President accepted an invitation to visit the ladies' parlor, where he received a hearty welcome from the lady guests of the Hotel.”

John Wilkes Booth will forever be connected with Lincoln - and the National Hotel. Civil War photo historian and CCWP President, Bob Zeller, just recently found and identified the previously unknown Gardner image (view to the NW) of the oncoming procession, the left panel in the panorama. After all these years we finally have a clear Civil War era photograph of the National Hotel and this stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue. Before Zeller’s discovery, the best illustration of the National Hotel during this period was an 1860 watercolor painting, no 1860’s photographs at all! I received an offer to write the article, titled “A Lost Masterpiece,” for the April 2025 issue of Battlefield Photographer. A brief excerpt helps explains Booth’s connection to the National and the Lincoln conspiracy:

“The National Hotel, which played a significant role in the assassination story, is seen here just five days after John Wilkes Booth left room No. 228 and headed to Ford’s Theatre to assassinate the President. The National was advertised as one of the “most comfortable and complete hotels in the country,” and Booth usually made it his home when he stayed in Washington. Beginning on November 9, 1864, assassination testimony has Booth coming and going from the National on at least ten different occasions, lodging there for at least 78 nights, occupying rooms 20, 50 ½, 231, and finally room 228. During this period, many of the Lincoln conspirators met with Booth in his hotel room, some on multiple occasions, including Dr. Samuel Mudd, John Surratt, David Herold, George Atzerodt, Michael O’Laughlen, and Samuel Arnold.”

The Evening Star, of April 15, 1865, the day Lincoln died, ran an article on some of the evidence found in Booth’s room at the National, including an incriminating letter from Samuel Arnold:

“J. WILKES BOOTH THE ASSASSIN….Lieut. Tyrell, of Col. lngraham's staff, last night proceeded to the National Hotel, where Booth had been stopping, and took possession of his trunk, in which was found a colonel's military dress coat, two pairs of handcuffs two boxes of cartridges and a package of letters, all of which are now in the possession of the military authorities. One of these letters, bearing date at Hookstown, Md., seems to implicate Booth. The writer speaks of the, “mysterious affair in which you are engaged," and urges Booth to proceed to Richmond and ascertain the views of the authorities there upon the subject. The writer of the letter then endeavors to persuade Booth from carrying his designs into execution at that time, for the reasons as he (the writer) alleges the ''Government here had its suspicions aroused." …..This letter is written on note paper in a small neat hand, and simply bears the signature of “Sam.”

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4. National Hotel Front Entrance Balcony. Another brief excerpt from the article, "A Lost Masterpiece," in the CCWP's April 2025 edition of Battlefield Photographer:

“Lincoln himself was at the National on March 17, 1865, just a month before the assassination, where he presented a captured rebel flag to Indiana Governor Oliver Perry Morton and gave a speech to the attending Indiana soldiers and assembled crowd. According to assassination trial testimony, while Lincoln was on the front balcony delivering his speech, a “genuine sesech” woman named Lizzie Murtry, looking down from above, tried to spit on Lincoln’s head. Booth was lodging at the National on this March date and according to one source, “mingled in the crowd swarming about Lincoln’s carriage, and watched him with such a demoniacal expression that his hatred of the President was noticed by those standing nearby.”

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5. Jackson Hall. In the 1865 view to the SE, Jackson Hall is midway down the block, flying a U.S. flag on its front façade. The building was constructed in 1845, and named in honor of Andrew Jackson. Behind the flag (and black mourning crepe) a sign with the word "Congressional" can be made out. During this period, Jackson Hall housed the Congressional Globe Office, listed in Boyd’s 1864 D.C. Directory, at 464 Penn. Ave.

There are many small businesses listed in the directory for this stretch of Penn. Ave, and just to the right of Jackson Hall, a very close examination reveals a sign for one, "Tho's Geary -??- & Hack Stable." Thomas Geary is listed under “Livery Stables,” doing business in “Jackson Hall Alley,” which ran along the east side of Jackson Hall. Jackson Hall Alley was also listed as a place of residence for many individuals during this period, mostly black, including at least nine "colored" women listed as widows.

In the years following its construction, Jackson Hall was one of the District's major venues for annual balls, political meetings, concerts, “oddity” entertainment shows, and military exhibitions. In the "Daily American Organ," for Nov. 25, 1854, three different events were advertised for Jackson Hall; (1) "The House Carpenters Ball," with music by Scott's Cotillion Band, tickets $1 and dinner 25 cents a head; (2) the "Second Annual Ball of the National Guard," tickets $1; and (3) "Giants' Levees" with performances by "MONS. BEYAN, the French Giant, nearly eight feet high, the most perfect Giant known," sporting a Roman Toga, and "MISS HANNAH CROUSE, The American Giantess, the largest lady living, and but 19 years of age", admission for the event was 25 cents; children half price.

A brief overview from The Sunday Star of February 5, 1933:

“The buildings removed from what is now the unimproved area, on the north side of the Avenue between Third street and John Marshall place, running back to Louisiana avenue, were razed for the purpose of making way for local Government buildings, but this, unfortunately, resulted in the removal of a number of historic structures, of which Jackson Hall was probably the best known....One of the Inaugural balls of Zachary Taylor was held here on March 4, 1849. It was called the “national inaugural ball” and was given for the poor. Shortly afterward President Taylor attended a May ball here, and according to the National Intelligencer, Tom Thumb was showing there in the Spring of 1847. Here the Daily Globe was published, also the Congressional Globe, from about 1846 to March 1873, when it became the Congressional Record....”

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6. Bell & Bro Gallery. A family photography business, best known today for their many surviving stereo cards, circa 1860’s, of local D.C. landmarks, where on the reverse is printed, “BELL & BRO., 480 Penna. Avenue.” Seen on the rooftop, in all four of Gardner’s stereographs, are two cameras on tripods and three or four men, in changing positions, watching the funeral procession as it slowly moves past their studio. On April 19, 1865, the people visible on the roof of the Bell & Bro gallery were most likely Francis Bell, the father, age 56; and possibly sons William H., age 30; Thomas H., age 24, and James E., age 20. Another candidate, also a photographer, was the son-in-law, 33-year-old Allen F. Hall, a native of England who was married to Francis Bell’s 26-year-old daughter, Sarah. Part of the family lore passed down over the years is that Hall was in the audience at Ford’s Theater when Lincoln was shot. Oddly enough, despite the fact that two cameras are visible, there are no known Bell & Bro images of the Lincoln funeral procession. Perhaps they have been lost or destroyed?

There is also a strange twist to the Bell & Bro story, as on April 24, five days after seeing Lincoln’s funeral procession pass by their gallery, Francis Bell wrote a letter to Colonel John A. Foster, Office of the Provost Marshall, about his nagging suspicions concerning one of their customers, “John L. Young,” who claimed to be from Tennessee. In the weeks before the assassination, Young had shown a keen interest in Lincoln’s security at the White House and as the President traveled about the area. In Bell’s letter, he admits that he realizes now, that the many questions Young had asked him about the President suggest that he was possibly connected to the conspiracy plot. Francis Bell’s original letter is in the assassination testimony at the National Archives, NARA Record Group 153, Letters Received by Colonel H. L. Burnett, April 1865–August 1865.

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7. Washington House Hotel. From The Sunday Star, of February 5, 1933:

“Gadsby's Hotel at Third street later became the Washington House, with Mrs. A. F. Beveridge as proprietor, and here Vice President Hannibal Hamlin—who was elected with Lincoln the first time—and Henry Wilson, running mate with Gen. Grant, the second time, at one time resided. Vice President Wilson died in the Capitol Building, November 27, 1875, during his term of office. The hotel was also notable for the number of Indian delegations which stopped there when in Washington on business with the Government. Later it became the Hotel Vendome and was being conducted under this name up to the time it was removed.”

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8. St. Charles Hotel & Slave Cells. At the NE corner of 3rd & Penn. Ave., stood the St. Charles Hotel and its underground cells, where men, women, and children were once held as slaves within the very shadow of the U.S. Capitol, and not just figuratively speaking. With the St. Charles’ close proximity to the Capitol, only 1,600 feet away, during certain months of the year at sunrise, the shadow of the Capitol dome may have literally fallen on the hotel and its surrounding sidewalks, where perforated manhole-like covers provided some small amount of light and fresh air to the enslaved human beings held below.

For background information, an excerpt from a 1920 Evening Star article, and a 1901 Washington Times article, which provides some interesting history and obscure facts about the slave cells themselves.

The Sunday Star, December 26, 1920.

“Tradition says that the Civil War was hatched in the old St. Charles Hotel, now known as the Capitol [sic], at 3d and Pennsylvania avenue, and which for many years was the home of such noted men as Daniel Webster, Presidents Van Buren and Johnson, Gen. Andrew Jackson and Robert Toombs, the latter a representative from Georgia from 1847 to 1853 and in the Senate from 1853 until his formal expulsion in 1861. He was subsequently secretary of state of the Confederacy.....From its veranda Andy Johnson made at least two of his famous speeches in opposition to the plans of secessionists. Statesmen and politicians, especially from the southern states made their headquarters at the St. Charles, which was distinguished as having the finest café and saloon in the capital, and the best–patronized slave barracoons capable of safeguarding 275 slaves.....”

The Washington Times

December 15, 1901

Four Columns With A History

Only Relics 0f the Capitol Burned in 1814

Now Stand In A Humbler Place

Supporting the Lobby Entrance of a Down Town Hostelry

Old Slave Cells in the Same Building for Convenience of Traders

“….During the war of 1812 the British under General Ross in 1814 advanced upon this city from the Chesapeake end set fire to the Capitol….Now In the burning of the old Capitol the fire failed to reach a certain quarter of the building in which there were two very handsome marble columns as well as two square cornered pilasters of the same material and in clearing the site these columns were sold to some enterprising parties who were then erecting the St Charles Hotel at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Third Street, which building is still standing. Erected In 1820 this building has remained a hotel ever since. The marble columns and pilasters above mentioned stood on either side of the main entrance to the office or lobby….The columns are today all that is left of the first Capitol of the United States…What is by long odds the most remarkable survival of slavery days in the city may be seen at this same old hotel.

Subterranean Cells

Reaching the corner on which this ancient building is situated one notices that the sidewalk in front of the hotel on B Street spreads out to something over twice its ordinary width. It is also unusually wide on Pennsylvania Avenue. Over this wide surface, and at certain distances apart, are very old iron caps, resembling very closely a modern manhole cover, only that they are not quite so large, are perforated with holes, and can be keyed fast over the apertures which they cover.

A person wonders what they were ever intended for. They do not cover sewers, nor subways, nor is there the slightest trace of a gutter, or drain, leading to them. Descending into the basement of the hotel of the old St. Charles one begins to gather a faint notion of what it all means. Separated from the building proper by a long and narrow alleyway running under the veranda, or gallery, is a brick wall, with six massive iron doors, grated like those of a prison, guarding a similar number of openings in the wall.

Where Slaves Were Kept.

Passing through one of those doors one discovers that some six or eight immense arched cells with walls of stone extend for a length of nearly thirty feet out under B Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. The perforated manhole covers above give light and ventilation and the cells lead into one another through grated iron doors. These cells have not been used since 1860. For what purpose, then, were they built?

Planters who came to this city to buy slaves, and that class of men known to the North as slave traders, and to the South as “speculators,” stopped at the old St. Charles. Sometimes they remained a week or several days, or perhaps two weeks, attending the sales of negroes at the barracoons, consequently when they purchased one or several negroes they had to have some place to keep them until they were ready to leave for their homes. Those who built the St Charles were men of business and affairs and they erected this curious old structure with the expectation of securing the planters patronage and of driving rival concerns out of business.

Guarantee Against Loss

….. It proved a great success. The proprietors posted a guarantee, agreeing to pay the full value of any negro who might escape from these cells. Here the planters obtained food and entertainment both for themselves and their human cattle, who were well cared for in the warm, dry cells under the pavement at so much a head. The old St Charles also maintained a famous cafe in the basement in the old days, which is now used as a lumber room for old odds and ends. The handsome tiled floor of this one time cafe has never been disturbed and can still be seen under the piles of debris.”

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9. U.S. Capitol Building. The destination for the Lincoln funeral procession was the eastern side (far side in the panorama) of the U.S. Capitol building. The New York Herald described the scene, as it appeared from Capitol Hill:

The New York Herald

April 20, 1865

“…The tolling of bells and the minute guns from the forts announced that the cortege was forming, and made the solemnity of the deserted Capitol almost oppressive. Then the mournful pageant could be discerned moving slowly down the grand avenue—moving, and yet it did not seem to move, so gradual was its advance. It was after three o’clock before the President’s remains reached the rotunda. Finally the carriages rolled slowly up to deposit the pall bearers, mourners, and Committee of Arrangements, who formed in double line up the steps leading to the east door….A burst of sad melodies filled the air; a low moan shivered through the crowd, and the funeral car stopped to allow Abraham Lincoln to enter the Capitol for the last time.”

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10. Colonization Building. At Penn. Ave. and 4 ½ Sts., the roof of this building was the location for Alexander Gardner’s cameras during the Lincoln funeral procession. In the panorama, the 1865 view to the NW was taken by a large format camera, and to the SE, the view is one half of one of the four stereographs taken by a multi-lens camera (Library of Congress LC-B815-1275).

Apparently, Gardner did not take any shots of the Avenue directly in front of him (due north). It’s also possible that Gardner himself did not take any of these images but instead relied on Gardner Gallery operatives. The D.C. Lincoln funeral images are Gardner Gallery photographs, but an article published the day after the funeral procession, in the Daily National Republican of April 20, 1865, implies that Gardner was not present: “A. Gardner, the eminent photographer, returned from Richmond to-day…” Was this piece of news published a day or two late? The large plate photograph of the oncoming procession sure seems to bear Gardner’s personal stamp of genius.

Although the Colonization Building itself does not appear in the 1865 images, a small portion of its shadow does, clearly showing the curving balustrade on the roofline. Perhaps the shadow of one of Gardner’s cameras was also captured? There is an odd shaped shadow of an object sticking up from the roof on the left edge.

A 1919 article in the Washington Herald provides some additional background information on the Colonization Building - and with a decidedly Antebellum-era point of view, the formation and purposes of the American Colonization Society. By the time the circa 1930 photograph was taken (bottom of panorama at center) the building housed a Chinese Restaurant and was torn down shortly thereafter.

The Washington Herald

Sunday, March 2, 1919

“The "house of mystery" is the uncanny designation given the grim and gray old building on the Southwest corner of Pennsylvania avenue and Four-and-a-Half street northwest, by many of the young generation. The legend in large letters of gold across the structure, "Colonization Building," is equally mysterious to the uninformed. Those who are mystified by the appearance of the ancient edifice are not aware, perhaps, that within its walls many years ago there was the birth of a nation when a body of patriotic and thoughtful men adopted plans that resulted in the formation of the Republic of Liberia, on the West Coast of Africa, sometimes referred to as "the Black Republic." These wise men were banded together in the interest of humanity under the name, American Colonization Society.

This organization was formed in 1816, and has continued in existence 103 years. The building was erected more than fifty years ago. It not only is a landmark of old Washington, but a monument to the men who labored for the boon of human liberty with the blessing of citizenship.

The American Colonization Society was formed for the general purpose of establishing the Republic of Liberia in order that freed negroes might be sent there from this country to find citizenship in the new land of liberty in far-away Africa, as they were debarred from citizenship in the United States at that time. Several sailing ships were employed by the society to transport to the promised land the former slaves who had secured their freedom. One of these ships, I am informed, was named "Star of Hope."

Those who constituted the first officers of the society were upbuilders of Washington and the nation….In an old city directory published in 1822, I find that the then officers of the American Colonization Society were: ….Henry Clay, of Kentucky;….Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee…..The board of managers consisted of Francis Scott Key. of Georgetown, author of "The Star Spangled Banner”…….

A committee was appointed to select a location for the new republic, and the decision was reached to found it on the West Coast of Africa, in Upper Guinea. In 1821, after all the preliminaries had been arranged, the republic was organized, the founders being former slaves who had been shipped from this country by the society....."

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Webpage link - The Center For Civil War Photography (CCWP): www.civilwarphotography.org/

The average Military retiree roughly serves over 20 years, now let’s times that by 7 and it relates to these Soldiers. K-9s of the 289th Military Police company, 4th Battalion, 3d U.S. infantry Regiment have fulfilled their military tour.

Today The Old Guard says goodbye to six military working dogs assigned to the 289th MP Company, 4th Battalion, 3d U.S. infantry Regiment with an awards ceremony on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, VA February 6, 2015.

These K-9’s served multiple functions both here at home and abroad, with numerous deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where they protected our Soldiers outside the wire.

So what happens next for man’s best friend? They have all been adopted by their handlers and will continue life outside the Army supporting their service-members in a different manner, as companions.

"A myth for the pink dogwood flower's delicate color relates to a blush of shame as it was used to make the cross for Christ's crucifixion."

~ Author Unknown

memories, memories, memories...

House Bill 980, relating to “Highway Safety” (aka Distracted Driving Bill) – This measure is effective July 1, 2013. While all counties have some form of a distracted driving ordinance in place, this measure establishes a state law that creates consistent requirements across all counties for the use of mobile electronic devices while driving and will simplify enforcement. Crash data from the DOT shows that during 2007, 32 percent (2,871 of the 8,770 collisions) were attributed to inattention to driving.

Senate Bill 4, relating to “Motor Vehicles” (aka Universal Seatbelt Bill) – This measure requires all front seat and back seat occupants to buckle up, effective immediately. Adults and children must use their seat belts and child restraints at all times. Unrestrained back seat passengers were more than three times as likely to have injuries that were fatal or required hospitalization compared to restrained back seat passengers, based on DOH’s analysis of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) records. Additionally, among back seat passengers who were treated for injuries by EMS, average medical charges were nearly tripled among those who did not use seat belts ($11,043), compared to restrained passengers ($3,817).

The bill signings were done in conjunction with the DOT’s launch of the annual “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign, held in partnership between the state and counties with federal funding. During the national Click It or Ticket mobilization from May 20 to June 2 and throughout the year, police statewide will be continuing strict enforcement of the state seat belt and child passenger restraint laws.

In Honiara, more than 350 people were involved in a full-day event to

promote climate change awareness and call for strong action from world

governments. Many thanks to our great photographer Jenny Riesz for capturing

the event.

The day began with a march down the main street, featuring decorated trucks

and special 350 t-shirts painstakingly printed by Red Cross volunteers.

Every participant was wearing red to show our unity in the face of climate

change – including schools, churches, two Ministries, and many NGOs. Led by

the Police Band, we received many cheers, smiles and toots from onlookers

and passing traffic.

The march was followed by a ‘festival’ style event, kicked off by the

Minister for Environment, Conservation and Meterology, who told us: “Our

common but differentiated responsibility must be translated into a

meaningful solution to tackle the climate change problem. This meaningful

solution is found squarely in the 350 ppm target.” The British High

Commissioner called on Solomon Islanders to raise their voices.

In spite of the tropical rain, NGOs and government departments held stalls

to explain how their work relates to climate change. The crowd was

entertained by live bands and both kastom and contemporary dance – one band

played an original set entirely on the theme of climate change and the

environment! The children participated in an art competition and a quiz,

through which was evident their concern about the impacts of climate change.

The 350 ppm level is a matter of survival for countries like the Solomon

Islands. On October 24, the people of Honiara came together to tell the rest

of the world. We hope they were listening.

Dundalk overwhelm Bangor in All Ireland Final

by Roger Corbett

Bangor’s amazing run in the All Ireland Junior Cup came to an abrupt end when they were comprehensively beaten by Dundalk, eventually losing by 55-5.

Where do you start when trying to relate and absorb the events of Saturday’s final at Chambers Park? Firstly, congratulations to worthy winners Dundalk who nullified the Bangor attack, then went on to produce some stunning plays which racked up no less than 8 tries, each by a different player. For Bangor’s part, they were unable to respond to the intensity of Dundalk’s game, and lacked the cutting edge which their opponents used to great effect.

The day started full of promise, as the strong support from North Down made their way to Chambers Park in Portadown, knowing Bangor would be fielding their best team. Once again, the pundits had Bangor as the underdogs – just as they had done so in the previous three rounds! In confounding the experts earlier, Bangor produced some awesome performances against top quality opposition to get to the final. Dundalk had produced some convincing wins in the early rounds of the competition, but had struggled to get past CIYMS in the semi-final, just managing to squeeze ahead at the second time of asking. However, with a number of key players returning to the side in time for this game, they were now back at full strength and would be a formidable force to contend with.

Having won the toss, captain Jamie Clegg elected to play into the stiff wind in the first half. For the first 5 minutes, Bangor doggedly retained possession and tried to play their way into Dundalk’s half through a series of determined forward moves. However, little ground was made and, when possession was finally lost, the Dundalk back line produced a burst that simply cut through the Bangor defence resulting in an easy touch down under Bangor’s posts for a 7-0 lead.

Bangor stuck to their plan and slowly, but patiently, got their attack moving forward, eventually winning a penalty to the left of Dundalk’s posts, but Mark Widdowson’s kick into the wind drifted just wide of the mark.

The contrast in play between the two teams was becoming clear, with Bangor trying to keep the ball close while Dundalk were throwing it wide. The latter strategy was proving to be the more effective as, with 20 minutes gone, a quick back line move with players looping around resulted in an overlap on the right wing which gave a clear run in to again, score under the posts. A further 9 minutes later, they did it again and, although the Bangor defence had sensed the danger and moved across to cover it, their tackling let them down allowing Dundalk to get over in the right hand corner, taking their lead to 19-0.

By now, Bangor were trying to hang on until half time when they could regroup and come out with the wind at their backs. Dundalk, on the other hand were anxious to press home their advantage and give them a more comfortable lead. To Bangor’s credit, although camped on their own line for lengthy spells, they dug in and managed to hold on until the referee’s half time whistle.

As the teams reappeared from the dressing rooms, it was obvious Bangor were ringing the changes, particularly in the backs. With the wind advantage having lessened considerably, Bangor got the second half underway. It was now Dundalk’s turn to adopt the slow, steady approach, just as Bangor had done earlier. However, their more confident off-loading and support play was, once again, taking play deep into Bangor’s territory. Frustration at not being able to gain possession and take play out of their danger area eventually resulted in a yellow card for Clegg after a succession of penalties. Dundalk kicked the penalty to touch, won their lineout and drove for the line. Although initially held up by the Bangor defence, Dundalk’s repeated drives were eventually rewarded with another converted score, extending their lead to 26-0.

From the touchline, the Bangor faithful had felt that if their players had managed to score first in the second half, they may have been able to mount a fight-back and close the gap to their opponents. As it was, this Dundalk score simply bolstered their confidence and pushed Bangor deeper into trouble. With Bangor still a man down, Dundalk added to the score with a penalty and then another score in the corner. Everything was now working for the Leinster men, as even the difficult touchline conversion into the biting wind successfully split the posts, bringing the score to 36-0.

As the game entered the final quarter, and with Dundalk all but holding the cup, Bangor were now on the ropes. By contrast, the Dundalk players were in almost total control, and were not going to slow down now. In a 10 minute spell, they ran in a further 3 tries, making the scoreline 55-0. By now, any sense of dejection the Bangor supporters may have been feeling was now moved to feelings of sympathy for their players. However, pride was at stake and once again Bangor rallied as the game entered its final minutes. At last, the forwards got within striking distance of the Dundalk line and, although their repeated attacks were repelled, they finally managed to do what their opponents had done so effectively, and quickly passed the ball wide to Davy Charles. Even though they were 55 points ahead, the Dundalk defence made Charles work hard to drive through the tackles and score Bangor’s consolation try, bringing the final score to 55-5.

From Bangor’s point of view, the final score doesn’t tell the whole story of this competition. While the final may have resulted in a sad anti-climax for Bangor, the remarkable journey to get there will be remembered for some time. On the day, Dundalk were by far the better side, and Bangor would have to concede that their game was not up to the usual standard. However, there is no doubt the experience of competing at this level is something to relish and the goal now will be to secure a top four place in the league and try again next year.

Everybody at the club has nothing but the highest respect and praise for what has been achieved this year by not just the 1sts, but all the senior teams, and one poor result isn’t going to change that – the welcome at Upritchard Park for the returning players is testament to that. With that in mind, the players now need to put this disappointment behind them and provide the best possible response against a struggling Portadown side at home in the league next Saturday.

Bangor side: J Leary, A Jackson, P Whyte, F Black, G Irvine, R Latimer, J Clegg, C Stewart, R Armstrong, K Rosson, D Charles, M Aspley, M Weir, M Widdowson, C Morgan

Subs: S Irvine, O McIlmurray, D Kelly, M Rodgers, C Harper, D Fusco, M Thompson

Bangor scores: D Charles (1T)

Dundalk Storm To Title Dundalk 55 v Bangor 5 from KnockOn.ie

Dundalk Scorers: Christopher Scully, Owen McNally, Jonathan Williams, John Smyth, Ultan Murphy, Tiernan Gonnelly, James McConnon and Stephen Murphy 1 try each. Ultan Murphy 6 cons, 1 pen.

Bangor Scorers: David Charles 1 try.

In front of a big crowd at Chambers Park on Saturday afternoon Dundalk delivered a stunning and ruthless display to see off the challenge of Bangor and capture the All Ireland Junior Cup title for the very first time.

Three first half tries had them firmly in control at 19-0 ahead having played with the elements at the Portadown venue during the first half and while the wind dropped somewhat after half time the Dundalk intensity most certainly didn’t as they cut loose scoring five more tries.

Dundalk returned to a heroes welcome at their Mill Road clubhouse on Saturday night after a display of pure brilliance throughout the afternoon.

Precision, pace and skill from the Louth men from start to finish left Bangor playing second fiddle for long periods.

This selection of images relates to a table I picked up at the weekend. This table differs from the last two that I worked on in that it is a later one, this is highlighted by the full length hinge and leg bosses which are like the ones used on 'Pebble' tables. That aside the table cleaned up with ease to show off its distinctive grain pattern.

Additional notes this table has been finished in Danish Oil.

Track and Field archives

The National Athletics Archive is held at the Cadbury Research Library, University of Birmingham, and comprises an extensive volume of archival materials. These papers primarily relate to the history and development of athletics in the United Kingdom throughout the 1800s and 1900s. In addition to organisational collections, such as the papers of the Amateur Athletics Association, the National Athletics Archive includes various discrete collections of individual athletes. These include papers relating to Sydney Wooderson MBE, 1914-2006. Wooderson was an English athlete who was dubbed ‘The Mighty Atom’. His athletics career peaked in the 1930s and 1940s and he set the world mile record of 04:06:40 at London’s Motspur Park on 28 August 1937. This record stood for nearly five years.

The collection also includes ephemeral and grey literature relating to various athletics clubs, meetings and events. Papers relating to major athletics championships include material generated during the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games held in Cardiff. These Games introduced the ‘Queen’s Baton Relay’ which has been conducted as a prelude to every British Empire and Commonwealth Games since.

Programmes and manuscript results compiled by the athlete and coach, Dennis Cullum, 1913-1985.

Reference: ATH/DC/2/1

I was feeling VERY frustrated today at my failed attempts with a personal photography project I've been wanting to finish based on Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 and Psalm 40: 1-2 relating to God's perfect time. It is to be a mosaic of clocks which I have collected over the years. I am finding it is difficult for me to photograph clocks....seemed like such a simple feat. In talking to my good friend, James (crossmage on flickr), I decided I was going to give up for today and go bake some apple pies which my son, Jonathan, asked me to bake for a Bible study he goes to on Thursday nights. "Why don't you take photos of your pie baking," says James. "But, I'm ready to throw my camera out the window," I respond. "Do it anyway," comes his reply. "You might even enjoy it." And so I did. The really, really cool thing about it was the memories that began flooding my mind as I began the whole process. I realized why I love baking this particular pie and sought to capture the things that make it special to me. Like storing my apples in my grandmother's old fruit basket. Using my mother-in-law's apple pie recipe which my husband loves so much. Making the pie crust from a recipe out of my first-ever cookbook which my mother gave me when I got married. Using my mother's handed down pie plates and the wooden rolling pin my father bought for me because 'it has special ball bearings and will last a lifetime.' Making these pies turned out to be its own little story all in itself. And I don't even want to throw my camera out the window anymore. I hope you enjoy the photos, and if not, well, our door is always open...you can stop by any time and I'll bake you an apple pie. I promise you'll like that.

House Bill 980, relating to “Highway Safety” (aka Distracted Driving Bill) – This measure is effective July 1, 2013. While all counties have some form of a distracted driving ordinance in place, this measure establishes a state law that creates consistent requirements across all counties for the use of mobile electronic devices while driving and will simplify enforcement. Crash data from the DOT shows that during 2007, 32 percent (2,871 of the 8,770 collisions) were attributed to inattention to driving.

Senate Bill 4, relating to “Motor Vehicles” (aka Universal Seatbelt Bill) – This measure requires all front seat and back seat occupants to buckle up, effective immediately. Adults and children must use their seat belts and child restraints at all times. Unrestrained back seat passengers were more than three times as likely to have injuries that were fatal or required hospitalization compared to restrained back seat passengers, based on DOH’s analysis of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) records. Additionally, among back seat passengers who were treated for injuries by EMS, average medical charges were nearly tripled among those who did not use seat belts ($11,043), compared to restrained passengers ($3,817).

The bill signings were done in conjunction with the DOT’s launch of the annual “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign, held in partnership between the state and counties with federal funding. During the national Click It or Ticket mobilization from May 20 to June 2 and throughout the year, police statewide will be continuing strict enforcement of the state seat belt and child passenger restraint laws.

(Numbers on this photo relate to numbered notes in the text below)

A friend has a long thin garden behind his terraced home. The garden is 16 feet by 50 feet. He wants an area for an 8 feet by 6 feet shed and he would prefer this to be screened from view.

I've come up with this basic design and given him lots of options for how the design can be modified to either give a grass less garden / make it feel more/less informal and ways to reduce the cost of achieving it.

Many of the terraces in my area have gardens twice as long as this one. For those with children who like to play football etc half the garden could be attractive and well planted and the other half basically plain grass where the children can play.

There are numbers on the photo which correspond to the numbers below:_I hope you find the information useful

1. This area is for a shed and general storage. It is screened from the rest of the garden by a fence(no 4) which can be screened by climbing plants

2 Entrance area to the hidden shed/storage area

3 A mirror is positioned on the rear border of the garden. It reflects the garden and makes it appear as though the garden continues much further. The mirror if large enough could be surrounded by an arch structure.

4. This is a screen of some sort to hide the shed/storage area. It could be a brick,stone,concrete wall or a wooden fence. Climbers growing against it will soften the lines.

5.The S shaped path breaks up the lines of the long thin garden. The surface can be grass,gravel,bark,paving.brick-weave depending on your desires/budget The path allows wide and thin borders to each side which can be left as simple borders or circles can be added as in the photo above. Bigger borders give much more room for interesting layered planting

6 and 7 these circular areas are optional. They offer a wide range of possibilities. They could be grass with a brick border around them or one could be a pond . the other could be a sitting area the surface being slabbed,gravelled,decking or brick-weave paving

8. In the photo the path leads to a patio but it could lead straight to a house door.

I wanted to attach links to other relevant photos/information about gardening in this section but Flickr have stopped that facility too so I've put them in the first comment below this section.

Dundalk overwhelm Bangor in All Ireland Final

by Roger Corbett

Bangor’s amazing run in the All Ireland Junior Cup came to an abrupt end when they were comprehensively beaten by Dundalk, eventually losing by 55-5.

Where do you start when trying to relate and absorb the events of Saturday’s final at Chambers Park? Firstly, congratulations to worthy winners Dundalk who nullified the Bangor attack, then went on to produce some stunning plays which racked up no less than 8 tries, each by a different player. For Bangor’s part, they were unable to respond to the intensity of Dundalk’s game, and lacked the cutting edge which their opponents used to great effect.

The day started full of promise, as the strong support from North Down made their way to Chambers Park in Portadown, knowing Bangor would be fielding their best team. Once again, the pundits had Bangor as the underdogs – just as they had done so in the previous three rounds! In confounding the experts earlier, Bangor produced some awesome performances against top quality opposition to get to the final. Dundalk had produced some convincing wins in the early rounds of the competition, but had struggled to get past CIYMS in the semi-final, just managing to squeeze ahead at the second time of asking. However, with a number of key players returning to the side in time for this game, they were now back at full strength and would be a formidable force to contend with.

Having won the toss, captain Jamie Clegg elected to play into the stiff wind in the first half. For the first 5 minutes, Bangor doggedly retained possession and tried to play their way into Dundalk’s half through a series of determined forward moves. However, little ground was made and, when possession was finally lost, the Dundalk back line produced a burst that simply cut through the Bangor defence resulting in an easy touch down under Bangor’s posts for a 7-0 lead.

Bangor stuck to their plan and slowly, but patiently, got their attack moving forward, eventually winning a penalty to the left of Dundalk’s posts, but Mark Widdowson’s kick into the wind drifted just wide of the mark.

The contrast in play between the two teams was becoming clear, with Bangor trying to keep the ball close while Dundalk were throwing it wide. The latter strategy was proving to be the more effective as, with 20 minutes gone, a quick back line move with players looping around resulted in an overlap on the right wing which gave a clear run in to again, score under the posts. A further 9 minutes later, they did it again and, although the Bangor defence had sensed the danger and moved across to cover it, their tackling let them down allowing Dundalk to get over in the right hand corner, taking their lead to 19-0.

By now, Bangor were trying to hang on until half time when they could regroup and come out with the wind at their backs. Dundalk, on the other hand were anxious to press home their advantage and give them a more comfortable lead. To Bangor’s credit, although camped on their own line for lengthy spells, they dug in and managed to hold on until the referee’s half time whistle.

As the teams reappeared from the dressing rooms, it was obvious Bangor were ringing the changes, particularly in the backs. With the wind advantage having lessened considerably, Bangor got the second half underway. It was now Dundalk’s turn to adopt the slow, steady approach, just as Bangor had done earlier. However, their more confident off-loading and support play was, once again, taking play deep into Bangor’s territory. Frustration at not being able to gain possession and take play out of their danger area eventually resulted in a yellow card for Clegg after a succession of penalties. Dundalk kicked the penalty to touch, won their lineout and drove for the line. Although initially held up by the Bangor defence, Dundalk’s repeated drives were eventually rewarded with another converted score, extending their lead to 26-0.

From the touchline, the Bangor faithful had felt that if their players had managed to score first in the second half, they may have been able to mount a fight-back and close the gap to their opponents. As it was, this Dundalk score simply bolstered their confidence and pushed Bangor deeper into trouble. With Bangor still a man down, Dundalk added to the score with a penalty and then another score in the corner. Everything was now working for the Leinster men, as even the difficult touchline conversion into the biting wind successfully split the posts, bringing the score to 36-0.

As the game entered the final quarter, and with Dundalk all but holding the cup, Bangor were now on the ropes. By contrast, the Dundalk players were in almost total control, and were not going to slow down now. In a 10 minute spell, they ran in a further 3 tries, making the scoreline 55-0. By now, any sense of dejection the Bangor supporters may have been feeling was now moved to feelings of sympathy for their players. However, pride was at stake and once again Bangor rallied as the game entered its final minutes. At last, the forwards got within striking distance of the Dundalk line and, although their repeated attacks were repelled, they finally managed to do what their opponents had done so effectively, and quickly passed the ball wide to Davy Charles. Even though they were 55 points ahead, the Dundalk defence made Charles work hard to drive through the tackles and score Bangor’s consolation try, bringing the final score to 55-5.

From Bangor’s point of view, the final score doesn’t tell the whole story of this competition. While the final may have resulted in a sad anti-climax for Bangor, the remarkable journey to get there will be remembered for some time. On the day, Dundalk were by far the better side, and Bangor would have to concede that their game was not up to the usual standard. However, there is no doubt the experience of competing at this level is something to relish and the goal now will be to secure a top four place in the league and try again next year.

Everybody at the club has nothing but the highest respect and praise for what has been achieved this year by not just the 1sts, but all the senior teams, and one poor result isn’t going to change that – the welcome at Upritchard Park for the returning players is testament to that. With that in mind, the players now need to put this disappointment behind them and provide the best possible response against a struggling Portadown side at home in the league next Saturday.

Bangor side: J Leary, A Jackson, P Whyte, F Black, G Irvine, R Latimer, J Clegg, C Stewart, R Armstrong, K Rosson, D Charles, M Aspley, M Weir, M Widdowson, C Morgan

Subs: S Irvine, O McIlmurray, D Kelly, M Rodgers, C Harper, D Fusco, M Thompson

Bangor scores: D Charles (1T)

Dundalk Storm To Title Dundalk 55 v Bangor 5 from KnockOn.ie

Dundalk Scorers: Christopher Scully, Owen McNally, Jonathan Williams, John Smyth, Ultan Murphy, Tiernan Gonnelly, James McConnon and Stephen Murphy 1 try each. Ultan Murphy 6 cons, 1 pen.

Bangor Scorers: David Charles 1 try.

In front of a big crowd at Chambers Park on Saturday afternoon Dundalk delivered a stunning and ruthless display to see off the challenge of Bangor and capture the All Ireland Junior Cup title for the very first time.

Three first half tries had them firmly in control at 19-0 ahead having played with the elements at the Portadown venue during the first half and while the wind dropped somewhat after half time the Dundalk intensity most certainly didn’t as they cut loose scoring five more tries.

Dundalk returned to a heroes welcome at their Mill Road clubhouse on Saturday night after a display of pure brilliance throughout the afternoon.

Precision, pace and skill from the Louth men from start to finish left Bangor playing second fiddle for long periods.

立法會鐵路事宜小組委員會視察港鐵金鐘站

立法会铁路事宜小组委员会视察港铁金钟站

LegCo Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways visits the MTR Admiralty Station (2015.05.19)

As most people collect, they end up meeting interesting people that they can relate to. I've certainly met my share of them, and have managed to obtain a few pieces with some assistance from them. As a result, hailing all the4 way from Singapore, we have the Hot Toys Exclusive (whatever that means) Avengers 2: Age of Ultron - Maria Hill figure.

I know they weren't super expensive back in the day (MSRP I mean), but by the time Sideshow got their hands on it, this figure cost $215 USD, which definitely cost more than your run of the mill figure back in the day, all the while being less equipped than they were. I managed to snag one that was opened and resealed in a box for $170 USD shippped.

You get the figure, 3 pairs of hands, walkie talkie, Bluetooth earpiece, and a pistol. Oh, and the usual base/stand.

Now, I learned about Pleather deterioration, but completely forgot about how tropical weather like in Singapore would affect a figure. It's not the worst I've seen, as some of my Widows have similar damage, but they've lived in Canada all their lives.

But it is unfortunate seeing how I didn't exactly score this figure for Garage Sale prices. I'm hoping my coats of leather paint prevents things from getting worse.

What I wasn't expecting was the effect of humidity on paint in contact with plastic. Hot Toys gave the sculpt some lovely blush to accentuate her cheeks. Well, that all turned from pink to yellow, so it looks kinda weird.

Unfortunate, but I treat it as a learning lesson on things to look out for when I finally make my way back to Asia to unleash holy hell on the secondary toy market.

So with the downers out of the way, the rest of the figure is pretty standard. I believe Maria uses a slightly taller version of the Widow body, which is a bit tall and narrow in the torso, but overall is a closer match to Colbie Smulders than Scarlett Johansson.

Maria was made when they still made softer fabric uniforms. I'd describe the feel of what she's wearing as being whatever Jeggings are made from. The upper body generally has full use of its faculties - unfortunately the body doesn't have Butterfly style shoulders, which is unfortunate as Maria could have really used them, especially for her pistol and arm crossed poses. Legs are restricted despite the softer fabric, though isn't as bad as with Winter Soldier Black Widow.

The head sculpt I'm actually quite impressed with. It's not perfect - they never are and if anyone says so, they're probably just not looking hard at the thing... or in some instances, not looking at all. The eyes are off, and the sculpted hair throws things off. But ultimately, it comes down to the jaw being too square, even for Colbie Smulders. On the whole, however, its probably 70 - 80% there, which is a lot more than I can say about any Black Widow up to that point, and Hot Toys accomplished that with one try as well.

Paint, I'm not really in a position to comment on. But, it appears if you can see past the discoloration, you'll see that the usual high quality is there. Build Quality is the usual high level, with nothing falling apart aside from the Pleather.

Overall, despite being a simpler figure I have to say I certainly like this better than I liked AoU Widow, which was just.. weird from a MCU perspective as well as from a Hot Toy perspective. I'll probably have to hunt down a WS Nick Fury to pair with her, but this time I'll be sure to make sure everything is is one piece.

Art 'Student magazine' for AS media studies

This image is from Thesis 611 or from other archival collections relating to the history and heritage of the local suburb of Wallsend.

The thesis and images are held in Cultural Collections, Auchmuty Library, the University of Newcastle, Australia.

I can relate to this! LOL It's not what you always see in the movie.

Urban (ɜːʳbən) adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

Urban means belonging to, or relating to, a town or city.

Arborist (ˈɑːrbərɪst)

noun

A specialist in the cultivation and care of trees and shrubs, including tree surgery, the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tree diseases, and the control of pests

collinsdictionary.com

How do you manage trees that were planted in the 1960s as part of post-war housing development in the third decade of the 21st Millennium? With great care, dinosaur smoke and mankind’s great pursuit in conquest over nature.

The process being undertaken in these photos is what's called pollarding, where a trees limbs are removed entirely to encourage later dense growth within 1 to 2 years. Only certain species of trees can handle this brutal operation, like these London Plane trees here. Once a tree is pollarded, it has to be regularly maintained in 5-10 year operations.

Historically, wood harvested from this method would be used to feed livestock or for light timber, but these days, thanks to the infernal combustion engine, two operatives can pollard five trees in as many hours, with the tree limbs being quite violently mechanically separated and carted off to be used either as mulch or biofuel.

I find arboriculture rather fascinating; living amongst the trees in an urban environment, arborists have been a regular sight over the years, performing everything from whole tree clearings to dead wood pruning, I’ve seen them do a lot.

It’s a highly skilled profession with some of the most dangerous and violent tools possible in the workplace – Darwin Award nominees are quickly weeded out.

There is a strange beauty to the brutality of efficiency, especially towards articles of nature.

Emory relates the history of the party.

A Babylon Falling Studio Visit Preview

large

The Black Panther Party on Wikipedia

Emory Douglas @ MOCA

Not sure what the details are the plate relates to a Mk 10 estate. And the DVLA shows it as Jaguar 1959 Grey?

I’ll relate to y’all, my beautiful readers, a simple tale of an ordinary average Central Texas Trumpet Case Bear. It was 95 degrees F (35 C) out of doors. Little Texas Aggie Trumpet Case Bear was about to go into heat exhaustion (symptom before heat stroke).

Alamo Basement Fightin’ Texas Aggie Ring whispered to me, “We need to get frozen Margaritas into the little bear immediately before he goes into a coma and dies. Have you looked at the price of black market bears lately?” I pulled out the large container for the Ninja and fired it up.

After about quatro or cinco Margaritas necesitas, Little Texas Aggie Osa (bear) was starting to feel much, much better. At this point, there was a spilt Margarita. It’s not important who spilt the Margarita, but it did totally soak Little Texas Aggie Bear.

I for one, am not about to allow a trumpet case bear who smells of tequila and is all sticky, near my 1947 Rudy Mück jazz trumpet. I had two options — Take him out to the woods and shoot him or — give him a bath in the kitchen sink.

Bears know how to swim. In fact, they love water. In some states, they will come into your backyard and take the waters in your swimming pool or jacuzzi. There are videos on YouTube.

I sanitized the sink and prepared a nice, warm bubble bath for Little Texas Aggie Bear. He hesitantly lowered himself into the sink. He let out a “bear sigh” of pleasure. When I took out the camera, Little Texas Aggie Bear started to cry. “What’s wrong?” asked Alamo Basement Aggie Ring.

“It’s the bubble bath.” sobbed the little bear. “If anyone in the Trumpet Case Bear Union sees those photos, I’ll loose my certification and be forced to become the worst sort of bear ever — a tuba/Sousaphone case bear.”

I assured the little bear that no one would ever see any of these photos and think that he’s some sort of “Barbie Dream House” bear. This seemed to put him at ease and please him.

After I rinsed him a couple of times, Aggie Ring and I realized we had a very, very wet bear to deal with. “If you don’t get him dry soon. He’ll start to smell like wet dog!” said Aggie Ring.

My first thought was, “Well… the ceiling fan will get him dry! I’ll just hang him up by the neck to it.” Sadly, when I turned on the fan, Aggie Bear went flying across the room and onto the hard floor like a child who wasn’t strapped in properly in a Disney World wild ride.

[More to follow]

The description and specifications relate to the Pitts Special as this is an identical aircraft to the S1 and S2S.

The Pitts Special is a light aerobatic biplane designed by Curtis Pitts. It has accumulated many competition wins since its first flight in 1944. The Pitts Special dominated world aerobatic competition in the 1960s and 1970s and, even today, remains a potent competition aircraft and is a favourite for many an aerobatic pilot.

General characteristics

•Crew: Two

•Length: 18 ft 9 in (5.71 m)

•Wingspan: 20 ft 0 in (6.10 m)

•Height: 6 ft 7⅓ in (2.02 m)

•Wing area: 125 ft² (11.6 m²)

•Empty weight: 1,150 lb (521 kg)

•Max takeoff weight: 1,625 lb (737 kg)

•Powerplant: 1× Textron Lycoming AEIO-540-D4A5 flat-six air cooled piston engine, 260 hp (194 kW)

Performance

•Never exceed speed: 182 knots (210 mph, 338 km/h)

•Cruise speed: 152 knots (175 mph, 282 km/h) (max cruise)

•Stall speed: 52 knots (60 mph, 97 km/h)

•Range: 277 NM (319 mi, 513 km)

•Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m)

•Rate of climb: 2,700 ft/min (13.7 m/s)

•Wing loading: 13.0 lb/ft² (63.6 kg/m²)

•Power/mass: 0.16 hp/lb (0.26 kW/kg)

Text and specifications based on Wikipedia article under the Creative Commons License for non-profit use.

Title: Roll call votes relating to the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson on Articles II, III, and XI., 05/26/1868

Production Date: May 26, 1868

Creator(s): U.S. Senate. (03/04/1789 - )

Roll call votes relating to the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson on Articles II, III, and XI., 05/26/1868 ; Senate Papers Pertaining to the Impeachment of Andrew Johnson, ca. 1867 - ca. 1869; Records of the U.S. Senate, 1789 - 2005; Record Group 46; National Archives.

The first Senate vote in the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson was taken on May 16, 1868. Article XI was called the “omnibus article” because it combined all of the charges against the President. As a result of 19 voting “Not Guilty” and 35 voting “Guilty” the Senate fell 1 vote short of the two-thirds majority required for removal. After a 10-day recess, the Senate reconvened and voted on Articles II and III. In each case, the result was identical: Johnson was not guilty by a single vote. The Senate then voted to end the trial.

Persistent URL: arcweb.archives.gov/arc/action/ExternalIdSearch?id=306275

Access Restrictions: Unrestricted

Use Restrictions: Unrestricted

Relates to UNDP-supported GCF-funded project 'Strengthening the Resilience of Smallholder Farmers in the Dry Zone to Climate Variability and Extreme Events' (known locally as CRIWMP)

Resident Representative's field visit, Feb 2023. Credit: UNDP Sri Lanka

Dundalk overwhelm Bangor in All Ireland Final

by Roger Corbett

Bangor’s amazing run in the All Ireland Junior Cup came to an abrupt end when they were comprehensively beaten by Dundalk, eventually losing by 55-5.

Where do you start when trying to relate and absorb the events of Saturday’s final at Chambers Park? Firstly, congratulations to worthy winners Dundalk who nullified the Bangor attack, then went on to produce some stunning plays which racked up no less than 8 tries, each by a different player. For Bangor’s part, they were unable to respond to the intensity of Dundalk’s game, and lacked the cutting edge which their opponents used to great effect.

The day started full of promise, as the strong support from North Down made their way to Chambers Park in Portadown, knowing Bangor would be fielding their best team. Once again, the pundits had Bangor as the underdogs – just as they had done so in the previous three rounds! In confounding the experts earlier, Bangor produced some awesome performances against top quality opposition to get to the final. Dundalk had produced some convincing wins in the early rounds of the competition, but had struggled to get past CIYMS in the semi-final, just managing to squeeze ahead at the second time of asking. However, with a number of key players returning to the side in time for this game, they were now back at full strength and would be a formidable force to contend with.

Having won the toss, captain Jamie Clegg elected to play into the stiff wind in the first half. For the first 5 minutes, Bangor doggedly retained possession and tried to play their way into Dundalk’s half through a series of determined forward moves. However, little ground was made and, when possession was finally lost, the Dundalk back line produced a burst that simply cut through the Bangor defence resulting in an easy touch down under Bangor’s posts for a 7-0 lead.

Bangor stuck to their plan and slowly, but patiently, got their attack moving forward, eventually winning a penalty to the left of Dundalk’s posts, but Mark Widdowson’s kick into the wind drifted just wide of the mark.

The contrast in play between the two teams was becoming clear, with Bangor trying to keep the ball close while Dundalk were throwing it wide. The latter strategy was proving to be the more effective as, with 20 minutes gone, a quick back line move with players looping around resulted in an overlap on the right wing which gave a clear run in to again, score under the posts. A further 9 minutes later, they did it again and, although the Bangor defence had sensed the danger and moved across to cover it, their tackling let them down allowing Dundalk to get over in the right hand corner, taking their lead to 19-0.

By now, Bangor were trying to hang on until half time when they could regroup and come out with the wind at their backs. Dundalk, on the other hand were anxious to press home their advantage and give them a more comfortable lead. To Bangor’s credit, although camped on their own line for lengthy spells, they dug in and managed to hold on until the referee’s half time whistle.

As the teams reappeared from the dressing rooms, it was obvious Bangor were ringing the changes, particularly in the backs. With the wind advantage having lessened considerably, Bangor got the second half underway. It was now Dundalk’s turn to adopt the slow, steady approach, just as Bangor had done earlier. However, their more confident off-loading and support play was, once again, taking play deep into Bangor’s territory. Frustration at not being able to gain possession and take play out of their danger area eventually resulted in a yellow card for Clegg after a succession of penalties. Dundalk kicked the penalty to touch, won their lineout and drove for the line. Although initially held up by the Bangor defence, Dundalk’s repeated drives were eventually rewarded with another converted score, extending their lead to 26-0.

From the touchline, the Bangor faithful had felt that if their players had managed to score first in the second half, they may have been able to mount a fight-back and close the gap to their opponents. As it was, this Dundalk score simply bolstered their confidence and pushed Bangor deeper into trouble. With Bangor still a man down, Dundalk added to the score with a penalty and then another score in the corner. Everything was now working for the Leinster men, as even the difficult touchline conversion into the biting wind successfully split the posts, bringing the score to 36-0.

As the game entered the final quarter, and with Dundalk all but holding the cup, Bangor were now on the ropes. By contrast, the Dundalk players were in almost total control, and were not going to slow down now. In a 10 minute spell, they ran in a further 3 tries, making the scoreline 55-0. By now, any sense of dejection the Bangor supporters may have been feeling was now moved to feelings of sympathy for their players. However, pride was at stake and once again Bangor rallied as the game entered its final minutes. At last, the forwards got within striking distance of the Dundalk line and, although their repeated attacks were repelled, they finally managed to do what their opponents had done so effectively, and quickly passed the ball wide to Davy Charles. Even though they were 55 points ahead, the Dundalk defence made Charles work hard to drive through the tackles and score Bangor’s consolation try, bringing the final score to 55-5.

From Bangor’s point of view, the final score doesn’t tell the whole story of this competition. While the final may have resulted in a sad anti-climax for Bangor, the remarkable journey to get there will be remembered for some time. On the day, Dundalk were by far the better side, and Bangor would have to concede that their game was not up to the usual standard. However, there is no doubt the experience of competing at this level is something to relish and the goal now will be to secure a top four place in the league and try again next year.

Everybody at the club has nothing but the highest respect and praise for what has been achieved this year by not just the 1sts, but all the senior teams, and one poor result isn’t going to change that – the welcome at Upritchard Park for the returning players is testament to that. With that in mind, the players now need to put this disappointment behind them and provide the best possible response against a struggling Portadown side at home in the league next Saturday.

Bangor side: J Leary, A Jackson, P Whyte, F Black, G Irvine, R Latimer, J Clegg, C Stewart, R Armstrong, K Rosson, D Charles, M Aspley, M Weir, M Widdowson, C Morgan

Subs: S Irvine, O McIlmurray, D Kelly, M Rodgers, C Harper, D Fusco, M Thompson

Bangor scores: D Charles (1T)

Dundalk Storm To Title Dundalk 55 v Bangor 5 from KnockOn.ie

Dundalk Scorers: Christopher Scully, Owen McNally, Jonathan Williams, John Smyth, Ultan Murphy, Tiernan Gonnelly, James McConnon and Stephen Murphy 1 try each. Ultan Murphy 6 cons, 1 pen.

Bangor Scorers: David Charles 1 try.

In front of a big crowd at Chambers Park on Saturday afternoon Dundalk delivered a stunning and ruthless display to see off the challenge of Bangor and capture the All Ireland Junior Cup title for the very first time.

Three first half tries had them firmly in control at 19-0 ahead having played with the elements at the Portadown venue during the first half and while the wind dropped somewhat after half time the Dundalk intensity most certainly didn’t as they cut loose scoring five more tries.

Dundalk returned to a heroes welcome at their Mill Road clubhouse on Saturday night after a display of pure brilliance throughout the afternoon.

Precision, pace and skill from the Louth men from start to finish left Bangor playing second fiddle for long periods.

Here's an old item relating to an important piece of Gainsborough's history.

This is an original 1736 copy of the Parliamentary Bill to allow the demolition and rebuilding of the Parish Church, and it's rebuilding.

At this time the original Church in Gainsborough, (in part dating from 1209), dedicated to All Saints was said to be much decayed, and in a runinous condition......incapable of being repaired.

History tells us that the original building was pulled down in 1735 (apart from the tower, still standing), so that they did "jump the gun" a little, as this act was printed the following year. The building was replaced by a neo-classical Georgian building at a cost of £5,250. This money came part from private subscription, but part by a levy raised on all coal landed at Gainsborough. That is interesting, because the Bill mentions that the total cost of demolition & rebuilding is not to exceed £2,500 - like most Government building projects down the years, this one seems to have slipped over budget!

If anyone is interested I can scan & post the remainder of the document.

Kinetic: Relating to, caused by, or producing motion.

These are called “Kinetic” photographs because there is motion, energy, and movement involved, specifically my and the camera’s movements.

Most of these are shot outdoors where I have the room to literally spin and throw my little camera several feet up into the air, with some throws going as high as 15 feet or more!

None of these are Photoshopped, layered, or a composite photo...what you see occurs in one shot, one take.

Aren’t I afraid that I will drop and break my camera? For regular followers of my photostream and this series you will know that I have already done so. This little camera has been dropped many times, and broken once when dropped on concrete outside. It still functions...not so well for regular photographs, but superbly for more kinetic work.

Albeit supremely risky this is one of my favorite ways to produce abstract photographs.

If you'd like to see more please check out my set, "Vertigo:"

www.flickr.com/photos/motorpsiclist/sets/72157630591282642/

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To read more about Kinetic Photography click the Wikipedia link below:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinetic_photography

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My photographs and videos and any derivative works are my private property and are copyright © by me, John Russell (aka “Zoom Lens”) and ALL my rights, including my exclusive rights, are reserved. ANY use without my permission in writing is forbidden by law.

House Bill 980, relating to “Highway Safety” (aka Distracted Driving Bill) – This measure is effective July 1, 2013. While all counties have some form of a distracted driving ordinance in place, this measure establishes a state law that creates consistent requirements across all counties for the use of mobile electronic devices while driving and will simplify enforcement. Crash data from the DOT shows that during 2007, 32 percent (2,871 of the 8,770 collisions) were attributed to inattention to driving.

Senate Bill 4, relating to “Motor Vehicles” (aka Universal Seatbelt Bill) – This measure requires all front seat and back seat occupants to buckle up, effective immediately. Adults and children must use their seat belts and child restraints at all times. Unrestrained back seat passengers were more than three times as likely to have injuries that were fatal or required hospitalization compared to restrained back seat passengers, based on DOH’s analysis of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) records. Additionally, among back seat passengers who were treated for injuries by EMS, average medical charges were nearly tripled among those who did not use seat belts ($11,043), compared to restrained passengers ($3,817).

The bill signings were done in conjunction with the DOT’s launch of the annual “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign, held in partnership between the state and counties with federal funding. During the national Click It or Ticket mobilization from May 20 to June 2 and throughout the year, police statewide will be continuing strict enforcement of the state seat belt and child passenger restraint laws.

The house known as Camusfearna stood to the right of this picture (behind the trees). The only thing there now is the memorial stone to Gavin Maxwell.

This photo (and others i'm uploading) may be of particular interest to a specific group of people: Fans of the Books by Gavin Maxwell, and specifically those relating to his pet otters - the trilogy of "Ring of Bright Water"; "Raven seek thy Brother" and "The Rocks remain".

The books were hugely popular and sold millions. The location of his "Camusfearna" remained mostly unknown until the house burned down in 1968. For the vast majority of people the site is too remote to visit (even if they wanted to).

Living in Scotland, I was able to visit Sandaig (its' real name) in 1977 and again in 2011. Now, 50 years after the fire I've decided to post a selection of my pictures of Sandaig and nearby on Flickr. For anyone interested the pictures will be in my "RoBW" folder.

立法會鐵路事宜小組委員會視察港鐵金鐘站

立法会铁路事宜小组委员会视察港铁金钟站

LegCo Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways visits the MTR Admiralty Station (2015.05.19)

Glebe Sugar Refinery, Ker Street, Greenock, Scotland

Many buildings relating to Greenock’s industrial heritage have been lost but here you see the wedge shaped Glebe sugar refinery built in 1840. It is the only surviving sugar house in Greenock which used to have over 20 such establishments.

Sugar refining began in Greenock in 1745. Most of the raw cane sugar was imported from the West Indies. Prominent amongst the refiners and the most successful was Greenock born Abram Lyle. He owned the Glebe sugar refinery and is also credited with the invention of syrup. In WW2 allied troops were billeted there.

"Free-standing 5 storey block in red brick with contrasting yellow brick dressings, the west corner of which is curved to follow the street. The ground floor is plain, with large vehicle openings, whilst the bays of the floors above are divided by pilaster strips. Round-headed fenestration throughout. The roof is concealed by decorative bracketted eaves. Refinery founded at this site 1831."

July 1995: External inspection reveals the building to be underutilised and consequently deteriorating. August 2000: External inspection reveals no change. May 2003: Local planners report that no planning applications have been received to date.December 2008: External inspection finds the building vacant and in poor condition. Most windows are broken and unboarded. The brick walls have suffered from damage on the west and north elevations. The gutters appear to be blocked causing staining to the walls.August 2011: External inspection finds no significant change from the previous site visit.13 August 2014: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously.

www.buildingsatrisk.org.uk/search/keyword/greenock/event_...

Further reading here: thegreenockian.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/greenocks-flat-iron...

From the poem, A Work of Departure, relating the slow retreat of snow from the landscape.

"White Light White Peak", the book, is published by Fly on the Wall press, launching at the Buxton Festival Fringe on July 15th 2019. Order your copy here: www.flyonthewallpoetry.co.uk/shop

An advance review of White Light White Peak – The Book:

“A joyous book - one to be slowly savoured. The black and white photos are truly atmospheric, the snippets of prose down-to-earth and gently humorous, while the poems are a wonderful celebration of nature. Simon Corble produces a little bit of magic in White Light White Peak, capturing the ethereal beauty of England's first national park. This is a book to keep and cherish.”

Helen Moat, freelance travel writer and book reviewer - author of "The Slow Guide to the Peak District".

White Light White Peak, the live show, is a personal journey through a year in the White Peak told through poems and projections. "Summed up in one word - mesmerising." (Caroline Small, events manager at The Green Man Gallery, Buxton). Starting in the depths of a snowy winter, this is a poetic journey through a White Peak year, including encounters with the weather, wildlife and people; some amusing, some thought-provoking and many involving a Springer Spaniel...or two. The poems are told from memory and in a conversational style; more like miniature short stories at times, complete with twists and some happy endings.

The White Light is all in my monochrome photography: Atmospheric landscapes, wildlife shots and enigmatic moments, reflecting the images and moods heard in the poems and projected onto a large screen throughout the performance. With the occasional soundscape, (captured locally - and in all weathers) the whole is a highly immersive experience; the culmination of five years' work.

If you want to book the live show for your venue or group, then please email me corblesimon@gmail.com, Suitable for all kinds of spaces that can provide some level of blackout.

立法會改善基層住户居住環境事宜小組委員會參觀兩個位於元朗的過渡性房屋項目

立法会改善基层住户居住环境事宜小组委员会参观两个位于元朗的过渡性房屋项目

LegCo Subcommittee on Issues Relating to the Improvement of Living Conditions of the Grass-roots Tenants visits two transitional housing projects in Yuen Long (6.6.2022)

This relates to my stereo shot of Casey in the creek. She came out of the water to greet me - and although I'm not afraid of dogs, I don't know this one...and had to brace for an impact. So I couldn't frame the shot properly. But I got her eyes and ears, and that's what I like about this image.

I’ll relate to y’all, my beautiful readers, a simple tale of an ordinary average Central Texas Trumpet Case Bear. It was 95 degrees F (35 C) out of doors. Little Texas Aggie Trumpet Case Bear was about to go into heat exhaustion (symptom before heat stroke).

Alamo Basement Fightin’ Texas Aggie Ring whispered to me, “We need to get frozen Margaritas into the little bear immediately before he goes into a coma and dies. Have you looked at the price of black market bears lately?” I pulled out the large container for the Ninja and fired it up.

After about quatro or cinco Margaritas necesitas, Little Texas Aggie Osa (bear) was starting to feel much, much better. At this point, there was a spilt Margarita. It’s not important who spilt the Margarita, but it did totally soak Little Texas Aggie Bear.

I for one, am not about to allow a trumpet case bear who smells of tequila and is all sticky, near my 1947 Rudy Mück jazz trumpet. I had two options — Take him out to the woods and shoot him or — give him a bath in the kitchen sink.

Bears know how to swim. In fact, they love water. In some states, they will come into your backyard and take the waters in your swimming pool or jacuzzi. There are videos on YouTube.

I sanitized the sink and prepared a nice, warm bubble bath for Little Texas Aggie Bear. He hesitantly lowered himself into the sink. He let out a “bear sigh” of pleasure. When I took out the camera, Little Texas Aggie Bear started to cry. “What’s wrong?” asked Alamo Basement Aggie Ring.

“It’s the bubble bath.” sobbed the little bear. “If anyone in the Trumpet Case Bear Union sees those photos, I’ll loose my certification and be forced to become the worst sort of bear ever — a tuba/Sousaphone case bear.”

I assured the little bear that no one would ever see any of these photos and think that he’s some sort of “Barbie Dream House” bear. This seemed to put him at ease and please him.

After I rinsed him a couple of times, Aggie Ring and I realized we had a very, very wet bear to deal with. “If you don’t get him dry soon. He’ll start to smell like wet dog!” said Aggie Ring.

My first thought was, “Well… the ceiling fan will get him dry! I’ll just hang him up by the neck to it.” Sadly, when I turned on the fan, Aggie Bear went flying across the room and onto the hard floor like a child who wasn’t strapped in properly in a Disney World wild ride.

[More to follow]

Private photos relate to emergency vehicles only. I have a number of them being uploaded this week. Add me as a friend and I will also add you back to make sure that you don't miss them.

Note: Adding as a friend is different from following or adding a contact on Flickr. Send me a message if you are unsure.

Due to security reasons and the types of vehicles these are, they cannot be made public.

If I haven't added you as a friend yet, send me a message.

Emergency vehicle photographers only.

Protocol relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Pollution by Substances other than Oil, 1973, as amended (INTERVENTION PROT 1973) (in force)

House Bill 980, relating to “Highway Safety” (aka Distracted Driving Bill) – This measure is effective July 1, 2013. While all counties have some form of a distracted driving ordinance in place, this measure establishes a state law that creates consistent requirements across all counties for the use of mobile electronic devices while driving and will simplify enforcement. Crash data from the DOT shows that during 2007, 32 percent (2,871 of the 8,770 collisions) were attributed to inattention to driving.

Senate Bill 4, relating to “Motor Vehicles” (aka Universal Seatbelt Bill) – This measure requires all front seat and back seat occupants to buckle up, effective immediately. Adults and children must use their seat belts and child restraints at all times. Unrestrained back seat passengers were more than three times as likely to have injuries that were fatal or required hospitalization compared to restrained back seat passengers, based on DOH’s analysis of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) records. Additionally, among back seat passengers who were treated for injuries by EMS, average medical charges were nearly tripled among those who did not use seat belts ($11,043), compared to restrained passengers ($3,817).

The bill signings were done in conjunction with the DOT’s launch of the annual “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign, held in partnership between the state and counties with federal funding. During the national Click It or Ticket mobilization from May 20 to June 2 and throughout the year, police statewide will be continuing strict enforcement of the state seat belt and child passenger restraint laws.

Dundalk overwhelm Bangor in All Ireland Final

by Roger Corbett

Bangor’s amazing run in the All Ireland Junior Cup came to an abrupt end when they were comprehensively beaten by Dundalk, eventually losing by 55-5.

Where do you start when trying to relate and absorb the events of Saturday’s final at Chambers Park? Firstly, congratulations to worthy winners Dundalk who nullified the Bangor attack, then went on to produce some stunning plays which racked up no less than 8 tries, each by a different player. For Bangor’s part, they were unable to respond to the intensity of Dundalk’s game, and lacked the cutting edge which their opponents used to great effect.

The day started full of promise, as the strong support from North Down made their way to Chambers Park in Portadown, knowing Bangor would be fielding their best team. Once again, the pundits had Bangor as the underdogs – just as they had done so in the previous three rounds! In confounding the experts earlier, Bangor produced some awesome performances against top quality opposition to get to the final. Dundalk had produced some convincing wins in the early rounds of the competition, but had struggled to get past CIYMS in the semi-final, just managing to squeeze ahead at the second time of asking. However, with a number of key players returning to the side in time for this game, they were now back at full strength and would be a formidable force to contend with.

Having won the toss, captain Jamie Clegg elected to play into the stiff wind in the first half. For the first 5 minutes, Bangor doggedly retained possession and tried to play their way into Dundalk’s half through a series of determined forward moves. However, little ground was made and, when possession was finally lost, the Dundalk back line produced a burst that simply cut through the Bangor defence resulting in an easy touch down under Bangor’s posts for a 7-0 lead.

Bangor stuck to their plan and slowly, but patiently, got their attack moving forward, eventually winning a penalty to the left of Dundalk’s posts, but Mark Widdowson’s kick into the wind drifted just wide of the mark.

The contrast in play between the two teams was becoming clear, with Bangor trying to keep the ball close while Dundalk were throwing it wide. The latter strategy was proving to be the more effective as, with 20 minutes gone, a quick back line move with players looping around resulted in an overlap on the right wing which gave a clear run in to again, score under the posts. A further 9 minutes later, they did it again and, although the Bangor defence had sensed the danger and moved across to cover it, their tackling let them down allowing Dundalk to get over in the right hand corner, taking their lead to 19-0.

By now, Bangor were trying to hang on until half time when they could regroup and come out with the wind at their backs. Dundalk, on the other hand were anxious to press home their advantage and give them a more comfortable lead. To Bangor’s credit, although camped on their own line for lengthy spells, they dug in and managed to hold on until the referee’s half time whistle.

As the teams reappeared from the dressing rooms, it was obvious Bangor were ringing the changes, particularly in the backs. With the wind advantage having lessened considerably, Bangor got the second half underway. It was now Dundalk’s turn to adopt the slow, steady approach, just as Bangor had done earlier. However, their more confident off-loading and support play was, once again, taking play deep into Bangor’s territory. Frustration at not being able to gain possession and take play out of their danger area eventually resulted in a yellow card for Clegg after a succession of penalties. Dundalk kicked the penalty to touch, won their lineout and drove for the line. Although initially held up by the Bangor defence, Dundalk’s repeated drives were eventually rewarded with another converted score, extending their lead to 26-0.

From the touchline, the Bangor faithful had felt that if their players had managed to score first in the second half, they may have been able to mount a fight-back and close the gap to their opponents. As it was, this Dundalk score simply bolstered their confidence and pushed Bangor deeper into trouble. With Bangor still a man down, Dundalk added to the score with a penalty and then another score in the corner. Everything was now working for the Leinster men, as even the difficult touchline conversion into the biting wind successfully split the posts, bringing the score to 36-0.

As the game entered the final quarter, and with Dundalk all but holding the cup, Bangor were now on the ropes. By contrast, the Dundalk players were in almost total control, and were not going to slow down now. In a 10 minute spell, they ran in a further 3 tries, making the scoreline 55-0. By now, any sense of dejection the Bangor supporters may have been feeling was now moved to feelings of sympathy for their players. However, pride was at stake and once again Bangor rallied as the game entered its final minutes. At last, the forwards got within striking distance of the Dundalk line and, although their repeated attacks were repelled, they finally managed to do what their opponents had done so effectively, and quickly passed the ball wide to Davy Charles. Even though they were 55 points ahead, the Dundalk defence made Charles work hard to drive through the tackles and score Bangor’s consolation try, bringing the final score to 55-5.

From Bangor’s point of view, the final score doesn’t tell the whole story of this competition. While the final may have resulted in a sad anti-climax for Bangor, the remarkable journey to get there will be remembered for some time. On the day, Dundalk were by far the better side, and Bangor would have to concede that their game was not up to the usual standard. However, there is no doubt the experience of competing at this level is something to relish and the goal now will be to secure a top four place in the league and try again next year.

Everybody at the club has nothing but the highest respect and praise for what has been achieved this year by not just the 1sts, but all the senior teams, and one poor result isn’t going to change that – the welcome at Upritchard Park for the returning players is testament to that. With that in mind, the players now need to put this disappointment behind them and provide the best possible response against a struggling Portadown side at home in the league next Saturday.

Bangor side: J Leary, A Jackson, P Whyte, F Black, G Irvine, R Latimer, J Clegg, C Stewart, R Armstrong, K Rosson, D Charles, M Aspley, M Weir, M Widdowson, C Morgan

Subs: S Irvine, O McIlmurray, D Kelly, M Rodgers, C Harper, D Fusco, M Thompson

Bangor scores: D Charles (1T)

Dundalk Storm To Title Dundalk 55 v Bangor 5 from KnockOn.ie

Dundalk Scorers: Christopher Scully, Owen McNally, Jonathan Williams, John Smyth, Ultan Murphy, Tiernan Gonnelly, James McConnon and Stephen Murphy 1 try each. Ultan Murphy 6 cons, 1 pen.

Bangor Scorers: David Charles 1 try.

In front of a big crowd at Chambers Park on Saturday afternoon Dundalk delivered a stunning and ruthless display to see off the challenge of Bangor and capture the All Ireland Junior Cup title for the very first time.

Three first half tries had them firmly in control at 19-0 ahead having played with the elements at the Portadown venue during the first half and while the wind dropped somewhat after half time the Dundalk intensity most certainly didn’t as they cut loose scoring five more tries.

Dundalk returned to a heroes welcome at their Mill Road clubhouse on Saturday night after a display of pure brilliance throughout the afternoon.

Precision, pace and skill from the Louth men from start to finish left Bangor playing second fiddle for long periods.

A Tiananmen Square is the biggest public square and has a most important international history. On the other hand, the existing Tiananmen Square has problems which relate to its meaning, and sense of place but, is weakened by its status and layout as a place to stay and lack of care regarding its special use, beauty and environmental circulation.

We intend to awaken a meaning for this central area of Beijing as well as, bringing meaning of place into relief by proposing an iconic landscape. Therefore, Tiananmen Square needs to become a point of relief in a country of tourist attractions, that can contribute to the economical growth of Beijing. We propose to connect whole complex commemorative buildings near to Tiananmen Square as one complex and integrated and transient inhabitation through a structure of a form which applies the information gathered from people's flow [like liquid shape] as consideration of relationship with the existing edges or circumference of the site.

We consider five key points to suggest new landscape, first of all, an access that people can use to approach the commemorative building through a variety ways through the structure. Secondly, new existences of place which can be used as locations in which to stay and take a rest in the site. The third function is one that can be used to reduce the damage caused by atmospheric phenomena of the wind carrying Beijings famous yellow dusts, through using an elaborate air purification system and eco materials. Fourthly, originality, it will be a landmark construction of unique form. Finally, interaction, it is by using flexible structures on intermediate levels and spaces which will provide opportunities for communication between a space and a people, and each user.

Dundalk overwhelm Bangor in All Ireland Final

by Roger Corbett

Bangor’s amazing run in the All Ireland Junior Cup came to an abrupt end when they were comprehensively beaten by Dundalk, eventually losing by 55-5.

Where do you start when trying to relate and absorb the events of Saturday’s final at Chambers Park? Firstly, congratulations to worthy winners Dundalk who nullified the Bangor attack, then went on to produce some stunning plays which racked up no less than 8 tries, each by a different player. For Bangor’s part, they were unable to respond to the intensity of Dundalk’s game, and lacked the cutting edge which their opponents used to great effect.

The day started full of promise, as the strong support from North Down made their way to Chambers Park in Portadown, knowing Bangor would be fielding their best team. Once again, the pundits had Bangor as the underdogs – just as they had done so in the previous three rounds! In confounding the experts earlier, Bangor produced some awesome performances against top quality opposition to get to the final. Dundalk had produced some convincing wins in the early rounds of the competition, but had struggled to get past CIYMS in the semi-final, just managing to squeeze ahead at the second time of asking. However, with a number of key players returning to the side in time for this game, they were now back at full strength and would be a formidable force to contend with.

Having won the toss, captain Jamie Clegg elected to play into the stiff wind in the first half. For the first 5 minutes, Bangor doggedly retained possession and tried to play their way into Dundalk’s half through a series of determined forward moves. However, little ground was made and, when possession was finally lost, the Dundalk back line produced a burst that simply cut through the Bangor defence resulting in an easy touch down under Bangor’s posts for a 7-0 lead.

Bangor stuck to their plan and slowly, but patiently, got their attack moving forward, eventually winning a penalty to the left of Dundalk’s posts, but Mark Widdowson’s kick into the wind drifted just wide of the mark.

The contrast in play between the two teams was becoming clear, with Bangor trying to keep the ball close while Dundalk were throwing it wide. The latter strategy was proving to be the more effective as, with 20 minutes gone, a quick back line move with players looping around resulted in an overlap on the right wing which gave a clear run in to again, score under the posts. A further 9 minutes later, they did it again and, although the Bangor defence had sensed the danger and moved across to cover it, their tackling let them down allowing Dundalk to get over in the right hand corner, taking their lead to 19-0.

By now, Bangor were trying to hang on until half time when they could regroup and come out with the wind at their backs. Dundalk, on the other hand were anxious to press home their advantage and give them a more comfortable lead. To Bangor’s credit, although camped on their own line for lengthy spells, they dug in and managed to hold on until the referee’s half time whistle.

As the teams reappeared from the dressing rooms, it was obvious Bangor were ringing the changes, particularly in the backs. With the wind advantage having lessened considerably, Bangor got the second half underway. It was now Dundalk’s turn to adopt the slow, steady approach, just as Bangor had done earlier. However, their more confident off-loading and support play was, once again, taking play deep into Bangor’s territory. Frustration at not being able to gain possession and take play out of their danger area eventually resulted in a yellow card for Clegg after a succession of penalties. Dundalk kicked the penalty to touch, won their lineout and drove for the line. Although initially held up by the Bangor defence, Dundalk’s repeated drives were eventually rewarded with another converted score, extending their lead to 26-0.

From the touchline, the Bangor faithful had felt that if their players had managed to score first in the second half, they may have been able to mount a fight-back and close the gap to their opponents. As it was, this Dundalk score simply bolstered their confidence and pushed Bangor deeper into trouble. With Bangor still a man down, Dundalk added to the score with a penalty and then another score in the corner. Everything was now working for the Leinster men, as even the difficult touchline conversion into the biting wind successfully split the posts, bringing the score to 36-0.

As the game entered the final quarter, and with Dundalk all but holding the cup, Bangor were now on the ropes. By contrast, the Dundalk players were in almost total control, and were not going to slow down now. In a 10 minute spell, they ran in a further 3 tries, making the scoreline 55-0. By now, any sense of dejection the Bangor supporters may have been feeling was now moved to feelings of sympathy for their players. However, pride was at stake and once again Bangor rallied as the game entered its final minutes. At last, the forwards got within striking distance of the Dundalk line and, although their repeated attacks were repelled, they finally managed to do what their opponents had done so effectively, and quickly passed the ball wide to Davy Charles. Even though they were 55 points ahead, the Dundalk defence made Charles work hard to drive through the tackles and score Bangor’s consolation try, bringing the final score to 55-5.

From Bangor’s point of view, the final score doesn’t tell the whole story of this competition. While the final may have resulted in a sad anti-climax for Bangor, the remarkable journey to get there will be remembered for some time. On the day, Dundalk were by far the better side, and Bangor would have to concede that their game was not up to the usual standard. However, there is no doubt the experience of competing at this level is something to relish and the goal now will be to secure a top four place in the league and try again next year.

Everybody at the club has nothing but the highest respect and praise for what has been achieved this year by not just the 1sts, but all the senior teams, and one poor result isn’t going to change that – the welcome at Upritchard Park for the returning players is testament to that. With that in mind, the players now need to put this disappointment behind them and provide the best possible response against a struggling Portadown side at home in the league next Saturday.

Bangor side: J Leary, A Jackson, P Whyte, F Black, G Irvine, R Latimer, J Clegg, C Stewart, R Armstrong, K Rosson, D Charles, M Aspley, M Weir, M Widdowson, C Morgan

Subs: S Irvine, O McIlmurray, D Kelly, M Rodgers, C Harper, D Fusco, M Thompson

Bangor scores: D Charles (1T)

Dundalk Storm To Title Dundalk 55 v Bangor 5 from KnockOn.ie

Dundalk Scorers: Christopher Scully, Owen McNally, Jonathan Williams, John Smyth, Ultan Murphy, Tiernan Gonnelly, James McConnon and Stephen Murphy 1 try each. Ultan Murphy 6 cons, 1 pen.

Bangor Scorers: David Charles 1 try.

In front of a big crowd at Chambers Park on Saturday afternoon Dundalk delivered a stunning and ruthless display to see off the challenge of Bangor and capture the All Ireland Junior Cup title for the very first time.

Three first half tries had them firmly in control at 19-0 ahead having played with the elements at the Portadown venue during the first half and while the wind dropped somewhat after half time the Dundalk intensity most certainly didn’t as they cut loose scoring five more tries.

Dundalk returned to a heroes welcome at their Mill Road clubhouse on Saturday night after a display of pure brilliance throughout the afternoon.

Precision, pace and skill from the Louth men from start to finish left Bangor playing second fiddle for long periods.

One story relates how, while Nicholas was visiting a remote part of his diocese, several citizens from Myra arrived with the news that, in his absence, the ruler of the city, Eustathius, had condemned three innocent men to death. Nicholas set out immediately for home. Reaching the outskirts of the city, he asked those he met on the road if they knew what had happened to the prisoners. Informed that their execution was to be carried out that morning, he hurried to the executioner's field, where he found a large crowd of people and the three men kneeling with their arms bound behind them, awaiting the blow of the sword. Nicholas passed through the crowd, took the sword from the executioner's hands and threw it to the ground, ordering that the condemned men be freed from their bonds. Later the ruler sought the saint’s forgiveness. Only after a period of public repentance did Nicholas absolve him.

Ilya Repin's painting of the same scene: www.flickr.com/photos/jimforest/995851770/

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