View allAll Photos Tagged arrays!!!
It is a long, long time ago that we were last here. I did manage to take about a dozen shots that day.
You'll be glad to know I took more this time.
Sheppy is other-worldly. It is an island, but now there are two bridges onto it, the last being a dual carriageway, getting you to the delights of Sheerness and Queensborough doubly quickly.
Away from the western end, the island barely rises above the waters of the Thames and Swale that surround it, except at one place; Minster, where a monastery was built to look down on the fenland all around.
As we were nearby in Iwade, it was a ten minute drive to get to Minster, find our way up the hill and a vacant parking space. The museum in the gatehouse was open, but we pass by that to the church and mister beyond, with its wide and squat tower rising from the graveyard.
I pushed the door of the church, and it swung open, revealing a huge space; once two churches, but now full of details worthy of investigating.
------------------------------------------
The large, almost square, medieval gatehouse to the west of the church tells the visitor that here is no ordinary parish church. For nearly a thousand years this was both Minster Abbey and Minster parish church. Today it is one building, but formerly the present south aisle formed the parish church, whilst the north aisle belonged to the nuns and was part of the monastic enclosure. The parish church side has a distinct nineteenth-century feel to it, the result of a much-needed restoration of 1879 by Ewan Christian to which Queen Victoria contributed. It contains some notable old monuments; especially interesting is that to Sir Robert de Shurland (d. 1310) which is an effigy of a knight under a wall recess. Between the nuns' aisle and the parish church is the Cheyne tomb, commemorating Sir Thomas Cheyne (d. 1559). This imposing marble and alabaster table tomb shows him wearing his Order of the Garter. The north aisle - or nuns' church - has altogether more atmosphere with substantial remains of the original church built by St Sexburga, widow of King Erconbert of Kent in AD 670. The arched heads of two Saxon windows survive in the southern wall, and the 'chancel' of the nuns' church has had its plaster removed to show the early rubble construction. It is separated from the rest of the church by a fine oak screen of about 1400. The whole church has a well-cared-for atmosphere and should be near the top of all visitors' lists.
www.kentchurches.info/church.asp?p=Minster+in+Sheppey
-------------------------------------------
Minster Abbey or, to give it its full title, The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Sexburgha, occupies the highest hilltop position on the otherwise flat Isle of Sheppey in Kent and has been a place of worship for over 1,400 years.
Founded as a nunnery by the widowed Queen Sexburgha in 664AD it was endowed with land given by her son Ercombert, King of Kent. With no stone on the island the building material was hewn at Boughton Monchelsea and brought down the River Medway and the Swale. Examples of early Saxon stone and Roman tiles, (from an earlier Roman outpost of the garrison at Reculver which earlier occupied this hilltop,) can also be found in the walls of the St Sexburgha chapel. Three still functioning wells from the priory are located by the Gatehouse, under a shop in Minster High Street and in the garden of a house in the adjacent Falcon Gardens.
The priory was badly damaged, but not destroyed, by Danish Vikings in the ninth century and was further damaged in the 11th century.
Following the Norman invasion of 1066, King William the Conqueror partly rebuilt the church and priory and allowed nuns from Newington to take up residence. It remained impoverished, though, until Archbishop de Corbeuil rebuilt it between 1123 and 1139. He is credited with the unusual arrangement of two adjacent 'churches' with the northern church for the nuns and the southern for the parishioners. It is thought curtains were originally hung to cover the arches which separate the two churches. The stone for the Norman part of the church was imported from Caen from the same quarry that provided the stone for Canterbury Cathedral
During the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII the two adjacent churches led directly to the saving of the Abbey church. Because the two churches shared a common wall and were linked by arches in the wall, the Abbey church was spared the destruction wrought on the rest of the Abbey
Following the Dissolution, the abbey came into the ownership of Sir Thomas Cheyne (or Cheney) and he was first buried in the now lost chapel of Saint Katherine on this site in 1559. Most of the Abbey was eventually demolished except for the church and the adjacent Abbey Gatehouse. The gatehouse survived because it was used as a private residence and now contains an interesting local history museum.
Repairs to the church were neglected in the mid 19th century, but Rev William Bramston restored the church in 1881 and the Abbey is now a Grade 1 listed building which provides protection but also limits the modernisation work which can be done (e.g. the installation of a disabled toilet)
Internally there is no chancel arch in the southern aisle while the northern aisle retains both chancel arch and a carved timber screen. At the eastern end of the southern aisle there is a niche which has traces of a medieval wall painting of St. Nicholas.
The north-east Sexburgha chapel (also known as the Nuns' chapel) is separated from North aisle by a 12th century oak screen
The church has an interesting array of monuments displaying English armour from the 14th to the 16th centuries. The earliest is Baron Robert de Shurland [died 1327] who reclines on an altar tomb on the southside. At his feet is the head of his horse, Grey Dolphin. According to local legend, Sir Robert killed a monk and resolved to ask the King for a pardon. In 1326 he rode to where the King's ship was anchored, off the Isle of Sheppey, and rode out through the water to gain forgiveness from the King. Returning, he met a witch who said that de Shurland's horse, Grey Dolphin, which had borne him so bravely to the ship, would be the death of him. Sir Robert immediately killed the horse and cut off its head. A year later Sir Robert was walking along the shore when a shard of the horse's bone pierced his foot. Blood poisoning set in and Sir Robert died, killed by his horse as predicted by the witch.
In the arches between the two churches is the final resting place of Sir Thomas Cheyne KG [1485-1558]. As Sherriff of Kent from 1516 and Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports from 1536 until his death, (a position he held through the reigns of all five of the Tudor monarchs), he became one of the most powerful men in the South-East of England. For many years he served as Treasurer of the Household for Henry VIII and remarkably retained this post under Mary 1.
In the north-east corner of the northern aisle there is the effigy of a man dressed in high Gothic armour from the late 15th century. Some sources suggest it might be Sir Hugh de Badlesemere, a Yorkist soldier who fought in the War of the Roses. However others say that it might be George, 1st Duke of Clarence, as George was constable of nearby Queenborough Castle. Supposedly executed at the Tower of London by drowning in a Butt of Malmsley, there is evidence, though, that George was buried with his wife in Tewksbury. The effigy is of very high quality and clearly reflects wealth, but all the shields and heraldry have been hacked off, which might suggest Tudor vandalism of a supposed Yorkist tomb. This could support the 'Clarence' theory, but the effigy also rests with his feet on a curly haired ram and not a bull - the bull badge being traditionally associated with George, Duke of Clarence.
Another effigy of early 15th century date was dug up in the churchyard in 1833 and this lies against the north wall. Some sources suggest this is General Geronimo who appears in the Register as being buried in December 1591. He was captured in a Spanish galleon by Sir Edward Hoby in 1588 and held hostage in Queenborough Castle. The ransom was never paid and he died in captivity. He clasps a small egg shaped image in his hands which is said to represent his soul
Other rough hewn tombs recovered at this time are thought to be tombs of abbesses of the Abbey.
www.minsterabbey.org.uk/3.html
-------------------------------------------
MINSTER
IS the principal parish in the Island of Shepey. It lies on high ground near the middle of the north side of it.
The parish takes its name from the monastery founded very early within it, Minstre in the Saxon language signifying a monastery or religious house.
The manor of Newington claims over a small part of this parish, but the paramount manor over the whole of it is that of Milton.
THE PARISH of Minster is by far the largest of any in the island. The village is situated on high ground near the middle of it, with the church, and ruins of the monastery close on the northern side of it; of the latter there is little more than the gate-house remaining.
THE VILLE of Sheerness is situated at the western bounds, as well of this parish as of the whole island, a further account of which will be given hereafter. It was formerly accounted as part of this parish, but it has long since been made a ville of itself, and as to its civil jurisdiction, entirely separate from this parish.
The cliffs on the northern side of this island, are likewise the northern boundaries of this parish; Queenborough and Sheerness bound it towards the west, and the Swale and the island of Elmley southward.
In June 1756, a monstrous fish, thought to be a young whale, was driven on shore at this place. It measured thirty-six feet and upwards in length, twentytwo feet in circumserence, and eight feet from the eyes to the tip of the nose. It was supposed to yield twenty hogsheads of oil.
King Edward III. in his 17th year, granted a fair to be held here on Palm Monday, which is still continued for toys and such like merchandize.
SEXBURGA, one of the daughters of Annas, king of East Anglia, and widow of Ercombert, king of Kent, between the years 664 and 673, having obtained lands in this parish of her son king Egbert, founded A MONASTERY here, which she finished and got well endowed for seventy-seven nuns, whom she placed in it, king Egbert himself adding several lands to it, and she became herself the first abbess. Soon after which, about the year 675, she resigned her government of it to her daughter Ermenilda, who became the second abbess, and then retired, in the year 699, to the Isle of Ely, to the monastery there, over which her sister Etheldred presided. (fn. 1)
During the times of the Danish invasions, the religious of this monastery were subject to continual instances of cruelty and oppression, and at last their house was in a great measure destroyed by them, and the nuns dispersed. In which situation it seems nearly to have remained till the reign of the Conqueror, who, on the prioress of the nunnery of Newington near Sittingborne having been strangled in her bed, consiscated their possessions, and removed the few remaining nuns to this ruinated monastery, which continued but in a very mean condition till the year 1130, when it was reedified and replenished with Benedictine nuns, by archbishop Corboil, and dedicated to St. Mary and St. Sexburg.
In the 8th year of king Richard II. anno 1384, the temporalities of this monastery were valued at 66 l. 8s. and the spiritualities at 73l. 6s. 8d. Total 139l. 14s. 8d.
¶In the 27th year of king Henry VIII. an act having passed for the suppression of all religious houses, whose revenues did not amount to the clear yearly value of two hundred pounds, this monastery, whose revenues amounted to no more than 129l. 7s. 10½d. annual re venue, or 122l. 14s. 6d. clear yearly income, being then ten pounds less than they were near two hundred years before, was surrendered up to the king, at which time it was in so indigent a state, that there were but a prioress and ten nuns in it. To the former, Alicia Crane, the king granted a pension of fourteen pounds for her life, towards her proper support and maintenance.
MINSTER is within the ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION of the diocese of Canterbury, and deanry of Sittingborne.
The church, which is dedicated to St. Mary and St. Sexburg, (as was the monastery) is supposed by some to have been the very church of it, but by others, that it only adjoined to it; at present it consists of two isles and two chancels. The steeple is at the west end, being a large square tower, with a turret at the top, in which there is a clock, and a ring of five bells. It was formerly higher than it is at present, as appears by the remains. There was formerly a building adjoining to the east end of the north chancel, as appears by a doorcase and some ornaments on the outside of it. In the north chancel, on the south side, is the tomb of Sir Thomas Cheney, knight of the garter, &c. who was buried with great state, in a chapel which had been the conventual church, adjoining to the north east part of this parish; but his son Henry, lord Cheney, having in 1581, anno 24 Elizabeth, obtained a licence to remove the coffins and bones of his father and ancestors from thence, he having sold the materials of the chapel to Sir Humphry Gilbert, and placed them in this parish church, the coffin of his father was, among others removed, and deposited in this chancel. On the north side, under an arch in the wall, on a grey marble, lies the figure of a man, habited in armour. In the south, or high chancel, against the south wall, is an antient tomb, with the effigies of a man lying at length crosslegged, and in armour; on his right side is the figure of a horse's head, carved alike in alabaster, and fixed to the tomb, concerning which many idle reports are current. (fn. 10) On a stone in the middle of the chancel, are the figures in brass of a man and woman; his in armour, cross-legged, with large spurs, his sword by his side, and this coat of arms, Ermine, a pale, engrailed, (perhaps it might have been originally a cross, the rest of it having been rubbed out); on her mantle, Three bars, wavy; under his feet a lion, under her's a talbot; the inscription underneath is gone, except the word Hic at the beginning of it. At the upper end of the north isle is a small stone, seemingly very antient, with a cross bottony on it.
In the year 1489, there was a chapel, dedicated to St. John Baptist, Situated within the cemetery of Minster, in Shepey.
The church of Minster seems to have been part of the endowment of the monastery at the first foundation of it.
¶This church was not many years afterwards appropriated to it, (fn. 11) the cure of it being esteemed as a donative, in which state it continued at the time of the dissolution of the monastery, when it came, together with the rest of the possessions of it, into the king's hands, where it remained till the king granted the rectory of Minster, with its rights, members, and appurtenances, and the advowson of the church there, to Sir Thomas Cheney, knight of the garter, &c. to hold in capite by knight's service, whose son Henry, lord Cheney, of Tuddington, alienated this rectory, with the advowson, to Robert Levesey, esq. in whose descendants it continued sometime afterwards, till at length it was sold to Gore, and William Gore, esq. of Boxley, died possessed of the rectory impropriate, with the advowson, in 1768. He died s.p. and by his will devised it to his relation Robert Mitchell, esq. who dying likewise. s.p. in 1779, gave his estates to his three nephews, Robert, Christopher, and Thomas, sons of his brother Thomas, the eldest of whom, Robert Mitchell, esq. became afterwards the sole proprietor of them.
The parsonage at present consists of a house, barns, &c. and one hundred and eighty-eight acres of arable, meadow, and pasture belonging to it, together with all the great and small tithes of the parish, of all kinds whatsoever.
The ecclesiastical jurisdiction of this parish extends over the ville of Sheerness, the populousness of which adds greatly to the burials in it, insomuch that in some years of late, they have amounted to between two and three hundred.
The church of Queenborough was formerly esteemed as a chapel to this church, but it has long since been independent of it. The cure of it is still esteemed as a donative, the yearly stipend of the curate being 16l. 13s. 4d. In 1578 the communicants were three hundred and eight.
In 1640 the stipend of the curate was 16l. 13s. 4d. Communicants two hundred and sixty-five. It is not in charge in the king's books.
Roger, abbot of St. Augustine's, in 1188 let to Agnes, prioress, and the convent of St. Sexburg, certain tithes within this parish, to hold in perpetual ferme at fourteen shillings yearly rent, &c. These tithes were those of Westlande; being those of Sir Adam de Shurlande, and of Adam Rusin (fn. 12)
The Solar array will be used to trickle charge the lithium battery bank in the Kimberly Kamper trailer while in storage. www.kimberleykampers.com/
A future project will be to add a battery and separate MPPT charger to power a 12 v garden fountain pump and outdoor LED lighting.
Components
2 x Uni-Solar Amorphous 62 W ES-62T $420 (sourced on ebay $210 each)
1 x Heavy Duty Universal Solar Panel Pole Mount kit from affordablesolarmounts.com/ $150
2.7 m (0.7 m in the ground) galvanised pole (MGPE 32NB) (42.4 MM) from EDCON Steel www.edconsteel.com.au/ $30
2 x MC3 Solar Panel Cable Branch Connectors sourced on ebay $19
2 x MC3 Solar Panel 6' Cable 1 End Male/Stripped 12 AWG sourced on ebay $40
10m 15A auto cable and Anderson plug from Jaycar $40
3 x 20 Kg ready mix cement from Bunnings $19.5
Total $719
See an overview video @
Mingle Media TV and our Red Carpet Report team visited the Backstage Creations Celebrity Retreat at the 2016 Emmy® Awards at the Microsoft Theater in DTLA.
Giving Back: In addition to treating presenters and performers to an array of luxury goods, the lounge served as a Giving Suite™ as celebrities who participated helped to raise up to $150,000 in donations to support the Television Academy Foundation.
Get the Story from the Red Carpet Report Team, follow us on Twitter and Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/RedCarpetReportTV
www.youtube.com/MingleMediaTVNetwork
About Backstage Creations
Created in 2000 by Karen Wood; formerly a talent coordinator on over 50 award shows, to give major corporations as well as up-and-coming designers the exclusive opportunity to personally introduce their products and services to celebrities. BACKSTAGE CREATIONS originated the gifting suite concept and has created Celebrity Retreats™ at various industry honors including the Screen Actors Guild Awards®, Teen Choice Awards, Writers Guild Awards, MTV Movie Awards, MTV VMAs, People’s Choice Awards, BET Awards and Billboard Music Awards. BACKSTAGE CREATIONS puts an emphasis on charitable donation at each of our Retreats™ giving our celebrity attendees the opportunity to both give and receive through unique partnerships at our events. For more info please visit backstagecreations.com
About the Television Academy Foundation
Established in 1959 as the charitable arm of the Television Academy, the Foundation was created to engage and educate the next generation of the television industry. Its many programs include an acclaimed television industry internship program for promising college students, the annual College Television Awards recognizing top student television producers, the online Archive of American Television chronicling the stories of television legends and innovators, and unparalleled resources for television, film and digital departments at colleges and universities nationwide.
For more of Mingle Media TV’s Red Carpet Report coverage, please visit our website and follow us on Twitter and Facebook here:
www.facebook.com/minglemediatvnetwork
www.flickr.com/MingleMediaTVNetwork
The items in the Giving Suite™ included:
· I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® - Black-ish stars, Anthony Anderson & Tracee Ellis Ross, jumped in the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® photo & gif booth and had a blast. They even predicted that they would win an Emmy, holding up a sign that read, “I can’t believe we won!” Emmy performer, Tori Kelly, also had fun in the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® photo & gif booth. She held up a sign in her pictures that read, “I can’t believe I’m at my first Emmys!” www.icantbelieveitsnotbutter.com
· Austin Cocktails – Shameless star, William H. Macy, and his wife, Felicity Huffman, loved Austin Cocktails’ premixed cocktails so much that they came back for a second drink. Actor, Will Forte, also came back for seconds and said, “This margarita is better than Bali.” Actress, Minnie Driver, loved the cocktails so much, she said she would be serving it in her own 1930’s sherry glasses. www.austincocktails.com
· Jaybird Freedom – While checking out the Jaybird Freedom wireless headphones, Modern Family’s Ty Burrell said, “Oh, I have a pair of these. They’re great!” Actor, Will Forte, also enjoyed the wireless headphones, stating, “Oh so these will work with my new phone?! That’s great!” www.jaybirdsport.com
· L.A. Star Greens, Perfect 10 organic Superfood – Michael Weatherly loved Perfect 10 organic Superfood by L.A. Star Greens and mentioned that his wife would love it, too. Anthony Anderson tried the product and loved it, as well. He said, “Let me sell this stuff.” www.LAStarGreens.com
· Nu Skin Enterprises - Empire’s Terrence Howard checked out the ageLOC Me from Nu Skin and said, “My wife would love this!” While checking out the ageLOC me, Joel McHale exclaimed, “Does that mean I can have personalized skin care forever?!” www.nuskinusa.com
· Rottet Studio - Shameless star, William H. Macy, and his wife, Felicity Huffman, relaxed in the lounge area designed by Rottet Studio for nearly an hour before the heading to their seats for the show. Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery loved her candle from Rottet Collection by Air Aroma. She said, “I love candles. I’d love to have a candle… or maybe two. It smells beautiful.”
· the hinde by kelli bailey – While checking out a leather bag by the hinde, Emmy winner, Regina King, stated, “I’ve never seen anything like it before—it’s terrific!” Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery fell in love with the hinde’s leather bags. She said, “The bag is so beautiful on its own. I could see it hanging on a chair in the house. It’s so comfortable that I hardly know it’s on.” SNL’s Leslie Jones picked up a beautiful red bag by the hinde and said she couldn’t wait to wear it. www.thehinde.com
· The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas - Nusa Dua, Bali – Actor, Will Forte, was thrilled to receive a trip to the Mulia Resort in Bali. He said, “OMG, that’s amazing. I’m going to Bali right now!” Emmy winner, Regina King, said, “You know what’s crazy? After my win, they asked me what my favorite place to travel was and I said Bali!” www.themulia.com
Celebrities also received:
· Benjamin Steakhouse Prime - Benjamin Steakhouse Prime is the newest addition to the Benjamin Restaurant Group family, opening this fall. Here we combine modern elegance with the steakhouse classics by serving only the best USDA prime steaks, succulent seafood and more from the grill. www.benjaminsteakhouse.com
· ChapStick® - ChapStick® Total Hydration Moisture + Tint, the first-ever tinted lip balm from the experts in lip care, is a tinted moisturizer that enhances the lips' natural color. It is made with 100% naturally sourced ingredients, including advanced ingredients like Rosehip Seed Oil and is available in three shades – Merlot, Coral Blush and Rose Petal. www.shopchapstick.com
· Colgate® Optic White® Toothbrush + Whitening Pen - With the Colgate® Optic White® Toothbrush + Whitening Pen you can get a #DesignerSmile with 5 shades whiter teeth that starts working in 1 day! It’s as easy as…Brush. Whiten. Go.® - No waiting, no rinsing! www.colgateopticwhite.com/toothbrushes/whitening-pen-and-...
· Crane Stationery - Since 1801, heads of state and stately households alike have chosen Crane to celebrate life's grand occasions, both large and small. Be a part of history and celebrate our exquisite craftsmanship with our new 1801 collection of hand-crafted stationery. www.crane.com/stationery/stationery-gifts/cranes-1801-col...
· DELSEY Luggage - MONTMARTRE+ 25” Exp. Spinner Trolley made of ballistic nylon to resist wear and tear featuring an easy-access compartment for a jacket, shoes, or toiletries and double spinner wheels for superior maneuverability. shop.delsey.com/
· Hasbro’s Furby Connect - Get ready to discover a world of surprises with Furby Connect! The digitally-integrated Furby Connect friend from Hasbro interacts with kids through its own hilarious take on songs, videos, and more surprises continually delivered via Bluetooth®. www.hasbro.com/en-us/product/furby-connect-teal:5A8C7598-...
· Icelandic Glacial™ - Natural Spring Water from Iceland. www.icelandicglacial.com
· Inkk Nail Lacquers – Inkk is a luxury, 5-free, vegan and cruelty-free nail lacquer brand specializing in customizable Your Color, Your Name nail lacquers that can be made by anyone straight from their phone or computer. The innovation behind Inkk enables women to wear nail lacquer colors that are personal to them and available when they want. www.yourinkk.com
· Millennium Hotels and Resorts - Discover our World of uniquely spirited hotels with a two-night sojourn at Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles. Complete with dinner for two at Smeraldi’s and VIP amenities. www.millenniumhotels.com
· MIZANI 25 Miracle Milk - 25 Miracle Milk is a lightweight leave-in treatment that provides 25 benefits in just a few sprays. This easy-to-use product preps hair for styling, helps detangle with less breakage, provides moisture, protects against heat damage and is free of paraben, sulfate, drying alcohols and mineral oil. www.mizani.com/products/category/haircare/25-miracle-milk
· Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies - Nature's Bounty® Hair, Skin & Nail Gummies provide you with the vital nutrients your body needs to support your natural beauty from the inside and out.* Our Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies are full of vitamins including Biotin, Vitamin C and Vitamin E to help you feel healthy, beautiful and well. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. www.naturesbounty.com
· Red Coat PR & Six Best Selling Authors - Featuring some of today’s Best Selling authors including; Denise Grover Swank, Randi Wilson, Stacy Green, L.P. Dover, Kristie Cook and Amy Miles. Available in print and on all major e-book platforms. redcoatpr.com/emmys2016
· Scarves by Mary DeArment – Silk and cashmere scarves empower women while inviting interesting conversations about the messages embedded in the artwork. Every Mary DeArment design is made with a word; these visual puzzles include socially conscious words/phrases/acronyms such as “peace,” “gender equality,” “STEM,” and “world citizen.” www.scarvesbymarydearment.com
· sérumtologié® - sérumtologié, based in Beverly Hills, CA, is a leading maker of novel and innovative skin care products containing clinically proven ingredients but without the often shockingly high price tag of many other luxury skin brands. Two of the company’s products that have met with strong client acceptance are our groundbreaking C serum º22 and PURE Whipped Chiffon, its companion daily moisturizer. www.serumtologie.com
· Thera Cane MAX Trigger Point Massager – Treat yourself to deep relief from painful, knotted, spasmed muscles. This amazingly simple yet effective self-massager makes it easy to apply pain-relieving deep compression directly to hard, knotted "trigger points" anywhere they occur - breaking up tension even in the hardest-to-reach muscles between your shoulder blades! www.theracane.com
This year’s Giving Suite™ was styled by Rottet Studio. Rottet Studio is an international architecture and design firm with an extensive portfolio of corporate, hospitality and residential projects for the world’s leading companies and brands. In the last decade, Founder Lauren Rottet, FAIA, FIIDA has developed Rottet Studio into one of the finest interior design practices in the United States, which is consistently ranked among the corporate and hospitality Top 100 Design Giants by Interior Design magazine and was recently recognized as one of the Top 3 Most Admired Design Firms in the World. www.rottetstudio.com
Floral arrangements in this year’s Giving Suite™ were created by The Mille Fiori Floral Design. www.themillefiori.com
While driving through New Mexico on vacation, I noticed these huge objects on the plains. I had no idea what they were, but as we approached , I could see we stumbled onto an array of radio telescopes. So cool!
For more information about these huge radio telescopes, go here: www.vla.nrao.edu/
Mientras íbamos de vacaciones pasando por Nuevo México manejando, me fijé en estos objetos blancos e gigantescos en la planicie. A medida que nos acercábamos a ellos, podía ver que nos habíamos topado con un grupo de radiotelescopios. ¡Qué padrísimo!
Para mayor información acerca de estos radiotelescopios, veáse www.vla.nrao.edu/.
Best viewed 'Original' size.
Waiting the call to duty. An array of classes 85, 86 & 87 Bo-Bo electrics at Longsight depot, Manchester - 06/12/1981.
Zeigelsteine is German for building blocks or bricks. I use the nickname Brick Stone in many of my multiplayer online gaming titles that I enjoy.... With that, I am essentially calling myself Zeigelsteine. This has proven to be the perfect name for my new array of Hi Fidelity Audiophile PC speakers.
What's the deal here?
The design goals of this system was to allow for extremely clear, yet warm and robust, 3D positional audio in either 5.1 or 7.1 titles in a near field delivery scheme, as well as serve as a part of our multimedia experience in the family/game room area of our home. I use this worksation for video and audio editing and creation, 2D and 3D graphics development for web and video games, media and entertainment such as movies, and TV via Slingbox, Netflix, Hulu and many other sources. And, yes, I also use it for state-of-the-art hardcore video gaming as this PC currently features hardware that is at the "top-of-the-line" enthusiast level for all of the installed components. This system is custom-built by myself and is designed for maximum performance on the bleeding edge of tomorrow's tech.
Delivering the Goods...
As for audio sources, The Zeigelsteine-Array is powered currently by a single Harmon Kardon AVR1600 Receiver which has, at its heart, a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Champion Series 24 Bit Soundcard. This device has modes of operation that accomodate specific areas of use such as Entertainment Mode, Audio Creation Mode, and the highly controversial Gaming Mode. While there are sound cards specifically designed for audio playback of 5.1 source media in a home theater environment, this X-fi has been crafted around a set of core components and features designed to augment the experience for the hardcore PC gamer.
Realistic EAX® 5.0 sound effects Hear crackling gunfire and earth-shattering explosions. EAX® 5.0 delivers realistic sound effects that will engage you in long hours of gameplay
EAX® and 3D audio restoration for Windows Vista® Using Windows Vista®? Creative ALchemy restores the surround sound effect for the same great gaming experience.
Accurate 3D positional audio Listen to 3D positional audio so accurate, you can locate your enemies through mere sound alone! Plus, the X-Fi CMSS®-3D gives you amazing surround sound even with normal stereo headphones.
Hardware accelerated performance
Get unbeatable performance with hardware accelerated audio that blows motherboard audio away.
Boost your performance even further in games like Quake 4, Battlefield 2, Prey, Unreal Tournament 3 and others that take advantage of X-RAM.
Clearer voice chats
Plug in your headset or microphone and hear the difference immediately. With high-quality input and hardware audio processing, your teammates will definitely hear you loud and clear.
We also take advantage of a host of features that cross the genre and benefit not just the PC gamer but the music and movie enthusiast as well.
24 Bit Crystalizer Restore the details and vibrance your music and movies lost during compression. X-Fi technology intelligently enhances the highs and lows so you'll hear it all-crisp cymbal crashes, wailing guitar solos, screeching tires and booming explosions.
CMSS-3D - Surround sound from your stereo music and movies? Yes! Expand your stereo music and movies into surround sound. Voices are centered in front of you. Ambient sound appears all around you... just like a live performance. Listen on a pair of desktop speakers or a full 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system.
Experience cinematic surround sound from Blu-Ray & DVD movies Watch your Media in cinematic surround sound with PowerDVD software featuring DTS™ and Dolby Digital® -EX decoding.
X-Fi Powers The Zeigelsteine-Array!
Utilizing the AVR1600's 8-channel direct in and its digital inputs in its current state, The Zeigelsteine-Array is able to shine as a true hi-fidelity "Studio Monitor" set of speakers capable of 4000 watts output in any traditional home theater/game room layout chosen - a system capable of handling anything thrown at it and able to deliver it cleanly in any setting, meeting any demand.
The Zeigelsteine-Array is made from 70% Recycled Materials!
Aside from using recycled wire from dismantled electronics, recycled pressboard for crossover mounting, recycled sofa polyester filling and recycled self adhesive sound dampening materials, we are also using vintage gear at the heart of every unit built. Utilizing the principle of the 5 R's (which we'll cover later in this segment), we can effectively recycle vintage audio gear from the 1970's and 80's for use in our current lineup. This prototype Z-Array is featuring recycled Optimus Pro LX5 Bookshelf speakers with original refurbished Linaeum DiPole Tweeters, Peerless SDS shielded drivers, specialized 2-way crossovers and original cast aluminum cabinets. We are also using recycled Minimus 7 bookself speakers with original cast aluminum cabinets, original cloth dome tweeters, custom aluminum cone drivers and specialized 2-way crossovers.
The Zeigelsteine-Array featured here builds a 5.1/7.1 system with 24 speakers across the 6 side channels. A Center Channel (currently 1 Unit with upgradeability to 4) and Subwoofer array (1 or 2 Units).
The channel array utilizes wiring in a series/parallel hybrid configuration to allow four 8 Ohm speakers to be wired together to maintain an 8 Ohm load on the Harmon Kardon.
Alterative methods. We are experimenting with using solid state chip amps on each channel and driving them separately.
The Zeigelsteine-Array featured in this article is a prototype array used for additional testing of design concepts that will lead to the future development of a retail offering that will feature custom cabinets and crossover designs that will position us within reach of the proverbial Golden Ring!
The Zeigelsteine-Array prototype will pave the way for our future products and will position us to firmly grasp a reasonable market share of the High End Audio Component niche. "High End Audio without the High Cost" - the Credo that will propel us into the 22nd Century and beyond!
Interrogative
I've spent 30 years building and testing speakers. Over that very same set of years, I have slowly built this array with components and parts that I've acquired when others have tossed them away. Really fantastic finds in my opinion for someone that can actually utilize all their hidden abilities, secrets and cost effectiveness. This is not everyone's cup of tea though. DIY Audio is a serious hobby not for the fainthearted or impatient and, though The Zeigelsteine-Array protoype is a cost effective alternative to systems costing tens of thousands of dollars, it takes some time to get everything together and then you have to learn how to do it right. That can take considerable time for some. Time that, in most cases, many of us working class folk do not even posess enough of to simply sit and enjoy a meal with each other or pray together much less take on an extremely self-engrossing hobby such as DIY Audio. This oftentimes unfair trade-off is time spent initiating one particular ritual. One that I refer to as the 5 R's. This is comprised of the time and energy it takes to Recon, Recycle, Refurb, Retrofit and Refinish the units. This is where the patience and determination play a major role in the outcome of the final product. Trust me when I say that it will all pay off in the end. Recycling these discarded ebay treasures and utilizing some science, I was easily able to create a personalized system that can be manipulated in scope and size to fit any budget or space limitations. The 24-unit array featured in our shown system, excluding the front channel and subs has a DIY build cost average of approximately $75 per bookshelf unit. With the additional DIY build cost averaging to $150 for each MTM TL 3 foot tower.
Unrivaled Versatility
Another unique feature set of The Z-Array, with its multiple amplifiers driving each channel, is the ability to break up these channels sets into completely separate bookshelf systems for nearly every room in my home. By separating the channels into smaller complete bookshelf units, 6 such individual units in fact then become available for usage in a complete multi-zone audio distribution scenario. The Zeigelsteine-Array becomes a complete audio experience for the entire home by allowing every room to have sublime audio in a smaller form factor with no additional cost to the owner and without sacrificing the original clarity and power of the main unit.
Zeigelsteine FTW!
The most exciting news is that, our recycled Z-Array is easily showing a professional-grade "Studio Quality" output from each unit that is easily toppling the performance levels of some well-known high-end audiophile systems with units that have an ownership cost usually in the $250 to $800 range for each bookshelf unit and $1000 to multiples of that can amount into unheard-of figures for larger more exotic tower units.
It gets worse. The market is driven by snobs! - What's a poor boy to do?
Believe it or not.... Some " Extreme" audiophiles would even snub a $50K system, let alone even look at a $15K system. Labeling even the big name entry-level Home Theater offerings as cheap knockoffs or downright worthless.
Keeping it Real...
Fortunately for anyone who can appreciate the recent global financial debacles and subsequent ripples that are affecting everyone, we all can surely appreciate the cost savings delivered when one considers tackling a DIY Audio project. When you are then fortunate enough to add recycling to the mix, your cost savings can increase to 300% more overall and those old under-appreciated speaker cabinets are also not ending up in land-fills.
My overall total cost for all of the units in The Z-Array was in the sensible range of $800 to $1000 total for the entire set of 30 speakers. This set was also accumulated over a 6-year time frame. One must know: I did not drop $1000 all at once. It is interesting to note, though, that if I were to have bought comparable units for this array from a "High End", high cost well-known provisioner of "Professional" studio-grade speakers...
I would have easily had a unit cost of approximately $400 each for a small bookshelf units and $750 each for the medium sized satellite units. The cost comes to an approximate $15,000 Just for speakers! and I haven't included MY 2 $150 towers which would have cost about $900 each if I had purchased them from the same provisioner.
In Closing...
I'm very proud of my $1700 (Custom speaker array, Sony sub and HK AVR1600 AV Receiver) 7.1 PC Audiophile System. It takes any home theater system that could have easily cost me $16,000 to the cleaners for a fraction of the cost. The Z-Array wins - hands down! I am so very glad I decided to go forward with my DIY aspirations. I have learned so much while traveling this path and have made some great new friends. I am thankful that I have had the patience, determination and the know-how to build The Zeigelsteine-Array!
Thanks for reading!
FDD Stories
Mesh fashion, gorean, medieval, urban.
Original meshes. Gacha machines. Mesh and partial mesh houses and furniture.
The Orion crew and service module stack for Artemis I was lifted out of the Final Assembly and Test (FAST) cell on Monday, November 11. The spacecraft has been stationed in the FAST cell since July for mating and closeout processing. The service module and crew module were moved separately into the cell, stacked and connected together for the mission. After lifting out of the cell, Orion will be attached to a tool called a verticator that rotates the stack from its vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration for transport to NASA’s Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio, where it will undergo full environmental testing to certify the complete vehicle for flight. Once the vehicle returns to Kennedy in several months, it will return to the FAST cell for installation of final panels left off for environmental testing purposes and the service module’s four solar arrays.
Credit: NASA/Rad Sinyak
SL2-4-264 (25 May 1973) --- Skylab 2, approach to Skylab at long range, fly-around inspection. Orbital Workshop with area of missing shield visible and partially deployed solar array visible. Photo credit: NASA
AS we move into autumn, a bright and colourful scene like this one from the late spring makes the thoughts drift back through the year and the preceding seasons that seem to have passed by so quickly…..
This effervescent array of colour was captured in the grounds of Bushbury Crematorium in my hometown of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands during a few days back there towards the end of May and really goes to show how, even amongst the obvious sadness associated with a place such as this, the inspirational wonders of Mother Nature’s beauty can still stand out to lift the heart and sooth the soul…..
The Long Wavelength Array, located on site, consists of numerous fixed antennae working together to explore low-frequency radio signals. We see the array here.
The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) is a radio astronomy observatory located about 50 miles (64 km) west of Socorro, New Mexico. The VLA consists of twenty-seven 25-meter (82 feet) diameter radio telescopes deployed in a Y-shaped array, together with all the equipment needed to process the collected data and function as an interferometer. Each of the radio telescopes is mounted along double parallel railroad tracks, which allows changing the configuration of the system. Placing the radio telescopes closer together increases surface brightness sensitivity. Spreading them out increases angular resolution. The system was built from 1973 to 1980 and is being modernized, starting in 2011.
The Solar array will be used to trickle charge the lithium battery bank in the Kimberly Kamper trailer while in storage. www.kimberleykampers.com/
A future project will be to add a battery and separate MPPT charger to power a 12 v garden fountain pump and outdoor LED lighting.
Components
2 x Uni-Solar Amorphous 62 W ES-62T $420 (sourced on ebay $210 each)
1 x Heavy Duty Universal Solar Panel Pole Mount kit from affordablesolarmounts.com/ $150
2.7 m (0.7 m in the ground) galvanised pole (MGPE 32NB) (42.4 MM) from EDCON Steel www.edconsteel.com.au/ $30
2 x MC3 Solar Panel Cable Branch Connectors sourced on ebay $19
2 x MC3 Solar Panel 6' Cable 1 End Male/Stripped 12 AWG sourced on ebay $40
10m 15A auto cable and Anderson plug from Jaycar $40
3 x 20 Kg ready mix cement from Bunnings $19.5
Total $719
See an overview video @
The Solar array will be used to trickle charge the lithium battery bank in the Kimberly Kamper trailer while in storage. www.kimberleykampers.com/
A future project will be to add a battery and separate MPPT charger to power a 12 v garden fountain pump and outdoor LED lighting.
Components
2 x Uni-Solar Amorphous 62 W ES-62T $420 (sourced on ebay $210 each)
1 x Heavy Duty Universal Solar Panel Pole Mount kit from affordablesolarmounts.com/ $150
2.7 m (0.7 m in the ground) galvanised pole (MGPE 32NB) (42.4 MM) from EDCON Steel www.edconsteel.com.au/ $30
2 x MC3 Solar Panel Cable Branch Connectors sourced on ebay $19
2 x MC3 Solar Panel 6' Cable 1 End Male/Stripped 12 AWG sourced on ebay $40
10m 15A auto cable and Anderson plug from Jaycar $40
3 x 20 Kg ready mix cement from Bunnings $19.5
Total $719
See an overview video @
A multitude of winter recreation fun in southwest Oregon awaits YOU! The BLM’s Medford District offers an array of snow-filled activities for all ages. Pack up the rig and explore two of our fav’ winter recreation spots: the Buck Prairie Cross Country Ski Trail area, and the Table Mountain Winter Play Area.
Located at the summit of the Dead Indian Memorial Highway approximately 13 miles east of Ashland is the Buck Prairie Cross Country Ski Trail parking area. The trail system consists of approximately 17 miles of interconnected trails on public and private lands on the ridges just west of Howard Prairie and Hyatt Reservoirs. The trail system provides views of the Rogue Valley and Siskiyou Mountains to the west, and the Cascade Mountains and Dead Indian Plateau to the east. All trails share the same route for the first 1.25 miles from the parking area. Trails are marked with the traditional blue diamonds and signs show trail names, length, and difficulty levels. All trails return to the parking area by the same route. One additional loop trail which does not originate from the Dead Indian parking area is located just south of Camper's Cove Resort on Hyatt Prairie Road on the west shore of Hyatt Lake. The trail is a 2.5 mile loop and is rated most difficult due to steep terrain. Dogs are not allowed on the Buck Prairie Trail system but dog owners can use Buck Prairie II, a dog friendly area located approximately 3 miles northeast of Buck Prairie on Dead Indian Memorial Highway. Snow Park Permits are required at the Dead Indian Summit parking area, but not at Camper's Cove.
The Table Mountain Winter Play Area is specifically designed for snow tubing. The parking area also allows access to snowmobile and cross-country skiing trails. Adjacent to the snow hill there is a restroom and an area you can build a warming fire. (Bring your own wood). For safety reasons no metal runner sleds, skis, or snowboards are allowed. The Bureau of Land Management designed this Winter Play Area for your enjoyment and to be as safe as possible. Unfortunately there are some dangers in snow tubing. Stay in control, and know your limits. Plowing of Table Mountain Road is done periodically in response to snowfall, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Snow Parking Permits are not required at Table Mountain Winter Play Area.
For the latest conditions call (541) 618-2200, or head on over to: www.blm.gov/or/districts/medford/recreation
PictionID:55773487 - Catalog:GD/Astronautics Experiments Details: Space Shuttle Booster Model; Experiment - Title:Array - Filename:14_037541.tif - ---- Images from the Convair/General Dynamics Astronautics Atlas Negative Collection. The processing, cataloging and digitization of these images has been made possible by a generous National Historical Publications and Records grant from the National Archives and Records Administration---Please Tag these images so that the information can be permanently stored with the digital file.---Repository: San Diego Air and Space Museum
U.S. Army Cadets from the 1st Regiment participate in the Field Leader Reaction Course (FLRC) at Fort Knox Ky., June 3, 2022. Members of the Charlie and Delta Companies went through an array of obstacle courses to build cohesion. | Photo by Savannah Baird, CST Public Affairs Office.
Varkala is a coastal town and municipality in Thiruvananthapuram district situated in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the suburban town of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum city). It is located 50 kilometres north-west of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and 37 km south-west of Kollam city.
Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These Cenozoic sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation and a geological monument as declared by the Geological Survey of India. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs.
Varkala is also famous for the 2,000-year old Janardana Swami Temple which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the South). The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins, and is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.
Another major landmark in Varkala is the Sivagiri Mutt, established by the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. The hill-top mausoleum of Sree Narayana Guru is one of the most famous monuments in Kerala.
HISTORY
LEGENDS
It is believed that a Pandyan King was instructed by Lord Brahma to build a temple at this very place to redeem him of his sins. But several other myths abound on the birth of Varkala. Another legend goes like this - when a group of pilgrims approached Saint Narada and told him that they had sinned, Narada threw his valkalam (a loin cloth made from the bark of a tree) and it landed at this scenic village and hence, the place came to be known as Varkala. Narada told the pilgrims to pray for their redemption at Papanasam, which literally means redemption from sins.
CLIMATE
Varkala has heavy rains during June–August due to the southwest monsoon. Winter starts from December and continues till February. In summer, the temperature rises to a maximum of 32 °C and 31 °C in the winters. Record high temperature in neighbouring Thiruvananthapuram is 39 °C. Annual average rainfall is 3,100
mm.
GEOLOGY
Varkala is an important place as far as Kerala Geology is concerned as it exposes sedimentary rocks belonging to the Cenozoic age, popularly known in the Geological literature as the Warkalli formation. Warkalli formation along with Quilon formation represents sediments laid down in the Kerala basin that existed during the Mio-pliocene times. Quilon formation of Miocene age is made up of limestones and the type area is Padappakara near Kollam (Same as Quilon) and the Warkalli formation of Mio-pliocene age (type are is Varkala) is made up of alternating beds of sands and shales exposed along the Varkala cliffs. Thin seams of lignite in the shales of the Warkalli formation suggests good vegetation at the time of deposition of the clayey sedimen
ECONOMY
Varkala is a well-known tourist destination. The town has excellent telecommunication facilities, an average-rated water supply system, fire station, several post offices and a police station. The town has government-run medical facilities in addition to over 10 private hospitals and clinics. A government-run nature cure hospital is also near the Papanasam cliff. The District Ayurvedic Hospital is located in Varkala.
Varkala is an important hub for neighbouring places Attingal, Kadakkavur, Chirayinkeezhu, Kallambalam, Paravur and Kilimanoor.
DEMOGRAPHICS
According to the 2001 census of India, Varkala has a population of 42,273. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Varkala has an average literacy rate of 88%, with 92% of males and 85% of females literate. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
The people of Varkala are generally employed in the service sector. A large number of them work outside India, mainly in the Middle East, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, the USA and the United Kingdom. Varkala has a ratio of tourists to residents is 1:3.
TOURISM
Tourism started thriving by the end of last century at the Varkala beach (Papanasam), which was earlier famous for Vavu Beli, a Hindu custom performed at the beach. Another beach is at Tiruvambadi, one kilometre away and en route the old palace. There is a helipad close to the beach. Scores of ayurvedic massage parlours line the promenade above the beach.
SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS
VARKALA BEACH
Varkala Beach or Papanasam beach is a haven for sun-bathing and swimming. It is one of the most popular tourism destination in Kerala. The evening views of the sunset are worth lingering over. The cliff and the beach houses a lot of resorts, restaurants and other shops. The cliff has a long stretch of small shops which goes on for over a kilometer. The black part of the sand on the Varkala Beach contains Thorium-oxide which is a radioactive substance. Thorium and Thorium-oxide and its isotopes are found all over Kerala and can be identified by its black colour.
CREMATIONS
Sections of Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach) are used by Indians to scatter the ashes of their cremated dead relatives into the sea. Devotees believe that the strong religious properties of the water will extend to the souls of their most recently departed. Despite this burial activity, the sea is popular with swimmers both locals and foreign tourists.
Paravur is another municipal town with estuary and backwaters, situated 13 km away from Varkala. One could easily enjoy the beauty of this blessed land by travelling on the way towards Pozhikkara, Thekkumbhagam and Kappil. Paravur is in Kollam district, sharing borders with the Thiruvananthapuram district. Paravur has an array of backwaters and lakes surrounding the town. But with the advent of roads and others means of transport the inland waterways have been neglected. But renewed efforts are under way to start linking the waterways to an ambitious inland waterways system being sponsored by the state government on the lines of what once existed.
Paravur Lake attracts a good number of tourists. The lake meets the sea and in between a small stretch of road which divides them can be viewed on the way.
KAPPIL LAKE
Kappil Lake is about 4 kilometers north of Varkala Town. This serene estuary meanders through dense coconut groves before merging into the Arabian Sea. The bridge over the lake is quite a vantage point to view the backwater stretching white and grey to the distant blue horizon. Boating is another great way to browse this tranquil waterway.
ANJENGO FORT
Anjengo Fort is a fort near Varkala. It is a place of historic importance as well as beautiful natural setting, Anjengo is an ideal destination for those who don't mind walking around and explore what is in store. The historic significance tagged to Anjengo comes through foreign powers like the Portuguese, the Dutch and finally the English East India Company. In the year 1684, the English East India Company chose Anjengo to establish their first trade settlement in Kerala. At Anjengo, one can find the remnants of the old English Fort, which was targeted several times by other foreign powers, who were at that time fighting each other to get a firm footing in Kerala. The Fort is now under the protection of National Heritage Monuments. There is also a cemetery inside the fort, which most probably would be having the remains of the occupants of the fort, and the oldest among the burial sites dates to 1704. The beautiful Muthalapuzhi lake is situated in Anjengo.
VARKALA TUNNEL
Varkala Tunnel is a popular tourist highlight. It was a 281 m long tunnel built in 1867 by Sir T. Madhava Rao the dewan of Travancore, and took 14 years to complete. Varkala Lighthouse is another tourist highlight in the vicinity.
RELIGIOUS CENTRIES
JANARDANA SWAMI TEMPLE
Janardana Swami Temple is a very important Vaishnavite shrine and attracts thousands of pilgrims. The temple is about 2000 years old. Facing the temple is the Papasnanam beach where devotees take a bath in the belief that the sacred waters will wash away their sins. A large bell washed up from the wreck of a Dutch merchant vessel is kept on display at the temple.
SIVAGIRI MUTT
Sivagiri Mutt is a famous ashram in Varkala, founded by the philosopher and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. Sree Narayana Guru's tomb is also located here. The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days 30 December to 1 January. The Sivagiri Mutt, built in 1904, is situated at the top of the Sivagiri hill near Varkala. Even decades after the guru breathed his last here in 1928; his samadhi continues to be thronged by thousands of devotees, donned in yellow attire, from different parts of Kerala and outside every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days - 30 December to 1 January. The Sivagiri Mutt is also the headquarters of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham, an organization of his disciples and saints, established by the Guru to propagate his concept of 'One Caste, One Religion, One God'. The Guru Deva Jayanti, the birthday of the Guru, and the samadhi day are celebrated in August and September respectively every year. Colourful processions, debates and seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts, group wedding and rituals mark the celebrations.
SAKARA DEVI TEMPLE
Sarkara Devi Temple is a famous old temple situated near Varkala at Chirayinkeezhu. The temple is famous for the Kaliyoot festival on the Malayalam month of Kumbham (March).
SREE SARASWATHY TEMPLE
The Sree Saraswathy Temple, located in Venkulam, Edava, is a VidyaDevi temple famous for Navarathri Sangeetholsavam and Vijayadesami Vidyarambam.
KADUVAYIL JUMA MASJID
Kaduvayil Juma masjid is situated on NH47 in between Kallambalam and Attingal, is a famous Sunni pilgrimage centre which attracts local Muslims and Hindus.
WIKIPEDIA
When completed, this solar energy array near OSU's Trysting Tree golf course will have a capacity of 450 kilowatts.
I - Fading Glories - this one
II - Nightfall At Last - flickr.com/photos/flightlessangel/1721284777/
The two images basically present a transition.
Autumn Leaves!
How beautiful your fading glories are,
O'er hill and dell, o'er wood and fell,
ye shed rich light afar,
Of every gorgeous hue and shade-brown,
ruddy, green, and gold,
Each glance more brilliantly arrayed, new glowing rays unfold.
-Grace Aguilar
DA Gallery - flightless-angel.deviantart.com/art/Fading-Glories-68088652
Santa Barbara Zoo - Santa Barbara, California - Female Rhinoceros Hornbill, identified by her white eyeball (compared to a male's maroon one).
More from Egypt in December 2009.
Inside Rasmesses III’s memorial temple called Medinet Habu or just Habu sits a little building known as the Chapel of The Divine Votaresses. Which I think would make a great name for a band too. Votaresses is plural for a woman of the Votary which means “a priest or priestess (or consecrated worshipper) in a non-Christian religion or cult”. So this is a chapel devoted to the women of Amun the god of all gods in ancient Egypt.
This was mainly a shrine devoted to Amun’s wife Mut. In this chapel are the stories of offerings to Mut such as meat and grains. Only the best food was offered to these gods, and near as I can tell it was quite the scam too as the high priests and keepers of the temples probably consumed it once the people offering it left. But hey that’s organized religion for you.
Amun had it going on if you ask me.
Here is a small back hallway inside of the Chapel of the Divine Votaresses that is lit only from small holes cut into the ceiling. Check out the walls, they contain and amazing array of hieroglyphs detailing the offerings process to Mut and the other Votaresses’, and stuff.
Leaves in the Rain - Vintage Fixed Focal Length Compact Digital Camera (1 of 7) - HP photosmart 435 (3.1 MP) - Photographer Russell McNeil PhD (Physics) lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia where he works also as a writer and a personal trainer.
The Lawrence Livermore Microbial Detection Array (LLMDA), developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, has shown value for applications in detecting bioterrorism events, product safety and diagnostics. This device consists of probes fitted onto a one-inch-by-three-inch glass slide. Each probe tests for a particular sequence of DNA and small groups of probes can be used to check for specific bacteria or viruses.
The current LLMDA has been used to test for more than 2,000 viruses and 900 bacteria. The next generation LLMDA in development will expand that capability to 6,000 viruses, 2,000 bacteria as well as fungi and protozoa organisms. Any probe that detects its specific sequence will fluoresce, which will be read by a scanner and may indicate presence of that organism. The LLMDA team analyzed the safety of rotavirus vaccines and in one case detected a benign pig virus. LLNL also worked with Sausalito-based Marine Mammal Center to diagnose diseases that have struck California sea lions and harbor seals.
Photo by Jacqueline McBride/LLNL
U.S. Army Cadets from the 1st Regiment participate in the Field Leader Reaction Course (FLRC) at Fort Knox Ky., June 3, 2022. Members of the Charlie and Delta Companies went through an array of obstacle courses to put build cohesion. | Photo by Savannah Baird, CST Public Affairs Office.