View allAll Photos Tagged average
Oscar Charleston (1896-1954) was a considered one of the finest all around players to ever play in the Negro Leagues, hitting for both average and power while revolutionizing defensive play in center field. He broke into professional baseball with the Indianapolis ABCs and went on to star with the Lincoln Stars, Chicago American Giants, St. Louis Giants, Harrisburg Giants, Hilldale Club, and the Homestead Grays before becoming the player manager of the Pittsburgh Crawfords in 1932. His Crawfords teams won two championships (1935, 1936) and starred Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige and Judy Johnson. Charleston was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976. In 1999, he was ranked #67 on The Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, one of five players so honored who played all or most of their careers in pre-1947 black leagues. He was also nominated as a finalist for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. Baseball writer Bill James, in his The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract, ranked Charleston as the fourth-best player of all-time.
Highmark Legacy Square, a permanent exhibit located inside the Left Field Gate Entrance at PNC park, was on June 26, 2006 to honor and reserve the history of the Negro Leagues and the great players from the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords. Designed by Ed Steele, owner of ESA Design and designer of the Negro League Museum in Kansas City, and Rob Ruck, University of Pittsburgh professor and Negro Leagues historian, the exhibit features life-size bronze statues, by sculptor John Forsythe, of seven Negro Leagues greats, each accompanied by an interactive kiosk, and the Highmark Legacy Square Theatre, an indoor 25 seat movie theatre.
The other players honored at Highmark Legacy Square are catcher Josh Gibson of the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords, Crawfords pitcher Satchel Paige, Crawfords/Grays outfielder Cool Papa Bell, Grays first baseman Buck Leonard, Grays/Crawfords infielder Judy Johnson and Grays pitcher Smokey Joe Williams.
PNC Park opened in 2001 as the fifth home of Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates, replacing Three Rivers Stadium. Funded in conjunction with Heinz Field and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the $216 million park stands along the Allegheny River, on the North Shore with a view of Downtown Pittsburgh. PNC Park, designed by HOK Sports Venue Event, part of the HOK Group, was the first two-deck stadium built in the United States since 1953. Seating just 38,496--the second smallest capacity in baseball, its intimate design puts the highest seat just 88 feet away from the field. Built in the style of "classic" stadium, PNC Park also introduced unique features, such as the use of limestone in the building's façade, a riverside concourse, steel truss work, an extensive out-of-town scoreboard, and many local eateries.
The paradox circumstance that although Shugnan and Rushan Pamiris are mostly higher in the coloured distance lists, they score considerably less points when played out against other populations. In order to show a more correct distance in the list charts, I took the average Pamiri genetic code (also known as Tajik_Pomiri). Volga Tatars on the other side (Mishar and Kazan Tatars) show a solid distance behavior which may explains the Steppe_MLBA copyright among them.
Frequency list:
______________________________
Tatar_Mishar: 1213.3:14 = 86.7%
Tatar_Kazan: 1207.9:14 = 86.3%
Pamiri_Rushan: 1132.0:14 = 80.7%
----------------------------------------
Komi: 987.6:13 = 76.0%
Pamiri_Shugnan: 1021.8:14 = 73.0%
----------------------------------------
Tajik_Yagnobi: 928.4:14 = 66.3%
Pamiri_Badakshan:865.1:14 = 61.8%
----------------------------------------
Mordovian: 758.5:13 = 58.4%
Russian_Leshukonsky:668.4:12 = 55.7%
Tajik: 745.4:14 = 53.3%
Pamiri_Ishkashim:726.8:14 = 51.9%
----------------------------------------
Russian_Krasnoborsky:549.8:12 = 45.8%
Russian_Pinezhsky:548.3:12 = 45.7%
Russian_Kostroma:591.9:13 = 45.5%
Pamiri_Sarikoli:627.3:14 = 44.8%
Uyghur_Tor:578.2:13 = 44.5%
Russian_Pinega:508.2:12 = 42.4%
Udmurt: 541.2:13 = 41.6%
----------------------------------------
Karelian: 502.3:13 = 38.6%
Dargic:526.0:14 = 37.6%
Russian_Kursk:486.6:13 = 37.4%
Tabasaran: 465.1:13 = 35.8%
Vepsian: 422.4:12 = 35.2%
Finnish: 416.4:12 = 34.7%
Lezgic:469.5:14 = 33.5%
Cossack_Kuban:432.5:13 = 33.3%
Saami_Kola: 407.8:13 = 31.4%
Tatar_Lipka: 390.0:13 = 30.0%
----------------------------------------
Turkish_Delior: 405.1:15 = 27.0%
Turkish_Rumeleli: 389.4:15 = 26.0%
Russian_Ryazan:306.1:12 = 25.5%
Cossack_Ukraine:318.2:13 = 24.5%
Khowar:295.2:13 = 22.7%
Turkish_Northwest: 324.2:15 = 21.6%
Russian_Yaroslavl:253.0:12 = 21.1%
Turkish_Balikesir:315.6:15 = 21.1%
----------------------------------------
Chechen:262.3:14 = 18.7%
Turkish_Southwest: 268.0:15 = 17.9%
Turkish_South: 266.9:15 = 17.8%
Circassian:247.6:14 = 17.7%
Kumyk: 226.2:13 = 17.4%
Turkmen: 221.1:13 = 17.0%
Balkar: 218.3:13 = 16.8%
Russian_Orel: 215.3:13 = 16.6%
Kalash: 210.4:13 = 16.2%
Norwegian: 207.4:13 = 16.0%
Saami: 206.6:13 = 15.9%
Balkar: 205.8:13 = 15.8%
Ingushian:216.9:14 = 15.5%
Turkish_North: 224.2:15 = 15.0%
Chuvash: 195.1:13 = 15.0%
Russian_Tver: 194.1:13 = 14.9%
Pashtun: 220.8:15 = 14.7%
Turkish_Istanbul: 217.8:15 = 14.5%
Tatar_Crimea: 185.4:13 = 14.3%
Russian_Kaluga:161.9:12 = 13.5%
Russian_Pskov:144.3:12 = 12.0%
Swedish: 154.5:13 = 11.9%
Estonian: 153.7:13 = 11.8%
Russian_Belgorod:138.6:12 = 11.6%
Ukrainian: 147.8:13 = 11.4%
Dutch: 143.0:13 = 11.0%
Hungarian: 141.2:13 = 10.9%
Russian_Voronenzh: 135.6:13 = 10.4%
Burusho:130.0:13 = 10.0%
Czech: 129.6:13 = 10.0%
Turkish_Central: 149.2:15 = 10.0%
Irish: 127.6:13 = 9.8%
Scottish: 123.0:13 = 9.5%
Moldovan: 120.4:13 = 9.3%
Azerbaijani: 117.0:13 = 9.0%
----------------------------------------
Polish: 114.3:13 = 8.8%
Kohistani:112.6:13 = 8.7%
Russian_Smolensk: 100.8:13 = 7.8%
Belarusian: 100.5:13 = 7.7%
Bashkir: 86.5:13 = 6.7%
German: 80.4:12 = 6.7%
English: 86.1:13 = 6.6%
Welsh: 84.3:13 = 6.5%
Punjabi_Jatt: 82.0:13 = 6.3%
Croatian: 71.5:13 = 5.5%
Kashmiri_Pakistan: 65.8:13 = 5.1%
Lithuanian: 63.8:13 = 4.9%
Uzbek: 60.1:13 = 4.6%
Mari: 59.3:13 = 4.6%
Uygur_Kashgar2: 59.0:13 = 4.5%
Kurd_Kermanshah: 56.0:13 = 4.3%
Qashqai_Fars: 55.8:13 = 4.3%
Bosnian: 53.6:13 = 4.1%
Qashqai_Isfahan: 51.4:13 = 4.0%
Balti: 51.0:13 = 3.9%
Tatar_Siberian: 42.6:13 = 3.3%
Hazara: 40.2:13 = 3.1%
Uyghur: 39.0:13 = 3.0%
Gagauz: 38.9:13 = 3.0%
Persian_Seyy: 38.5:13 = 3.0%
Romanian: 37.3:13 = 2.9%
Tubalar: 36.6:13 = 2.8%
Kazakh: 35.1:13 = 2.7%
Gujar_Pakistan: 34.7:13 = 2.7%
Shor: 34.1:13 = 2.6%
Swiss_German: 33.7:13 = 2.6%
Serbian: 33.5:13 = 2.6%
French_Paris: 25.6:13 = 2.0%
Khas_Bahun: 28.5:13 = 2.2%
Bulgarian: 28.3:13 = 2.2%
Altaian: 20.5:13 = 1.6%
Kurdish: 18.2:13 = 1.4%
Selkup: 17.2:13 = 1.3%
Italian_NE: 11.0:13 = 0.9%
Maratha: 8.3:13 = 0.7%
Greek: 3.8:13 = 0.3%
Italian: 3.8:13 = 0.3%
Pictures: Volga Tatars
______________________________
Volga Tatar folklore and music videos:
Namchi (Nepali : नाम्ची) or Namtse is the capital of the South Sikkim district in the Indian state of Sikkim. The appellation Namchi means Sky (Nam) High (Chi) in Sikkimese.
GEOGRAPHY
Namchi is located at 27.17°N 88.35°E. It has an average elevation of 1,315 metres.
Namchi is situated at an altitude of 1,675 m above sea level. It is situated at a distance of 78 kilometres from the state capital Gangtok and 100 kilometres from the town of Siliguri, the nearest railhead and airport. Namchi lies off the road between Melli and Jorethang. Namchi is well connected to other towns in Sikkim and West Bengal. Jeeps and buses regularly ply between Namchi to Gangtok, Pelling, Jorethang, Kalimpong and Siliguri.
DEMOGRAPHICS
As of 2011 India census, Namchi has a population of 12194. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Namchi has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 73%. In Namchi, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age. Most of the people of Namchi are Hindus and Buddhists. Languages spoken are Nepali, English and Hindi.
EDUCATION
Namchi has more than half a dozen private schools with quality education (Mt. Carmel School, Namchi Public School, Tendong Educational Institute, Victory Educational Institute, New Light Academy etc.) and government Higher Secondary Schools for Boys and Girls and world valid computer institute (MULTIMEDIA COMPUTER INSTITUTE) an authorized study center of Manipal Group. Just few kilometers away from the town is a reputed Government College for Arts and Education. People give a lot of importance and focus on education with a reverence. Namchi Public School run by catholic missionaries is one of the respected educational institute in the State and one of the best in the south district of Sikkim.
TOURISM
Namchi is fast becoming a major tourist spot and pilgrimage centre. The Namchi monastery, Ralong monastery and Tendong Hill are important Buddhist pilgrimage centres. The world's largest statue (36 m) of the Buddhist Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, is on the Samdruptse hill (The Wish Fulfilling Well) opposite Namchi. It was completed in February 2004. It is also said that the Samdruptse hill is actually a Dormant Volcano. Myths say that the buddhist monks have been going on top of the hill and offering prayers to the volcano to keep it calm. There is also a Rock Garden just few kilometers up from the town on the way to Samdruptse. Sikkim Best Home Stay Dong Busty Home Stay just 8km away from Namchi Bazar. The Rock Garden displays a wide variety of Flora and is a local recreation and picnic spot. It offers a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchendzonga (aka Mt. Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest peak). Recently inaugurated (November 2011) Siddhesvara Dham is a unique pilgrimage tourism venture of the Sikkim Government developed as “Pilgrim cum Cultural Centre” having a 26,52 m statue of Lord Shiva and replicas of four Dhams of the country at one place at Solophok hilltop in Namchi. The four most revered Dhams of the Hindus Jagannath, Dwarika, Rameshawaram, Badrinath have been replicated in this fantastic complex to benefit the devotees and tourists. The dream project of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling which was conceived by him and started in the year 2005 stands promisingly amidst the breadth taking surrounding of Solophok hill, befitting the mythological setting behind the establishment of the original Dhams. For the consecration of the Dham Shri Jagadguru Sankaryacharya Swami Swarupananda Saraswati in the presence of the Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling and his wife Smt Tika Maya Chamling did the “Pran Prastisha” of the Dham. There are replicas of the “Dwadash Jyotirlingas” (the twelve jyothirlinga) of Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleswar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Viswanath, Triambakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageswar, Rameshwar at Rameswaram and Grishneshwar surrounding the statue of Lord Shiva and the Char Dhams. There is a grand statue of Kirateshvar Mahadev and a temple of Shirdi Sai Baba too. One can have a view of the Mt Kanchenjunga, Statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse, Darjeeling and other such locations from here. The Dham has stay facility for the devotees at “Yatri Niwas” which can accommodate more than 90 people at a time. The Dham has won the National Tourism Awards 2010–11 under the category of “Most Innovative/Unique Tourism Project” by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. A helipad is located 5 km away from town at an altitude of around 1524 m. From here one can get the most panoramic view of Mt. Kanchanzonga with the surrounding mountain a part of Darjeeling Kalimgpong and the rolling plains of Bengal. The visitors can savour the view of temi tea garden the one and the only tea estate in the state which produces top quality tea in the international market.
Near the town, Sikkim's sole tea estate — the Temi Tea Garden is situated. The tea carries a premium the world over and costs around Rs. 800/- a kg. The tea is marked by its exotic odour and flavour.
In the month of February, the Namchi garden hosts it annual flower show. The flower show is the largest in Sikkim with flowers in a riot of colours. The prime attraction of this show is the display of exotic and rare orchids.
One of the highlights of the town is the football stadium – the Baichung Stadium built by the Sikkimese government in honour of its most famous citizen, footballer Baichung Bhutia. "The Gold Cup" football tournament is held in Bhaichung Stadium almost every year. Football teams from all over India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan vie for the honour which draws lot of crowds from all over Sikkim. Namchi is also the base of the chief minister of Sikkim, Pawan Kumar Chamling.
Historically, Namchi was the place where Pende Ongmoo, the trecherous princess who poisoned one of the Chogyals of Sikkim, was caught and killed for her deed. Legend says her spirit still haunts the foothills of Ghurpisey.
WIKIPEDIA
The average was about 2-3mph less than what was displayed on the Garmin 705 - I tended to believe the 705 more for two reasons: 1. It was more and that motivated me 2. My friend can't setup his bike computer to save his life!
If you use this image then please attribute it to www.londoncyclist.co.uk
Nigerians protest against fuel subsidy loss at London embassy - 06.01.2012
Around 200 Nigerian students and emigres representing "Nigerian Students In Diaspora", "Nigerians In Diaspora" and their supporters protested on 06.01.2012 outside the Nigerian High Commission on Northumberland Avenue against the abolition by the government of Nigerian president Goodwill Jonathan of fuel subsidies which has seen the average price of petrol in Nigeria since January 1st 2012 rocket - with no prior warning - from $0.40 per liter to $0.89 per liter with black market prices as high as $1.25 per liter, which, in a country where the national average wage is around $2 per day, with two-thirds of Nigerians living on less than $1.24 a day and pre-January inflation at 10.5%, is having an immediate negative impact on the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.
Transport fares have already increased by 150% causing huge resentment amongst the general population who regard it as a devaluation of the minimum wage, triggering protests in several Southern cities and towns, including Lagos (on January 3rd), Ilorin and Kano (on January 4th) which provoked a violent response from government forces which resulted in several injuries and one death after protesters blocked access to gas stations.
The largest producer of oil on the African continent, Nigeria nevertheless lacks the infrastructure to refine oil to make petroleum and so imports $16 billion of fuel a year. The fuel subsidies have been adding a further $7.5 billion to the budget, and the Government - which is accused by activists and Human Rights Watch of squandering and stealing much of the nation's vast oil wealth, leaving very little for health services and education - now claims that this money would be better spent on improving national infrastructure and social programs. Most Nigerians, however, are convinced this is little more than a lie to further enrich the corrupt politicians and government officials at their expense.
Speaking earlier this week, Minister of Petrol Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke said "We are looking not in fact at necessarily at subsidy removal, if you want to call it. It is actually a subsidy transfer, because we are looking at the real benefits to the economy and to Nigerians, that can be handed over to Nigerians, that all Nigerians across the spectrum will feel and see from the get go".
Following talks in the capital Abuja on Wednesday 4th January Nigeria's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called for nationwide demonstrations and labour strikes starting on Monday 9th January unless the government restores the subsidy which is, they say, the only tangible benefit that ordinary Nigerians receive from the huge oil wealth flowing through the government's coffers. Despite being quickly labelled as "Hooligans" by the government, the unions say the mass rallies, street protests and general strikes targetting oil production sites, sea and air ports, banks and markets will be peaceful, and have advised ordinary Nigerians to stockpile supplies for their basic needs, including food and water.
The tension is further exacerbated by a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in fifteen locations relating to the long-running conflict with Southern militant group Boko Haram who, since 2009, have been attacking the oil industry and government in the North for many years as they demand more oil wealth is shared with the poor communities. The militants had carried out a bombing campaign recently to mark the end of a three-day deadline which Boka Haram had given for Southerners living in Northern Nigeria to move away, and had caused explosions in the Northern cities of Maiduguri and Damaturu, though there were no casualties. In a separate incident gunmen attributed to Boka Harem shot and killed two people in Damaturu, and on Christmas day they infamously bombed a catholic church in the capital, Abuja.
Community leader Chief Okoro Samson, a community leader in Delta state, said last week that the rising costs come at a very bad time in Nigeria: “Just take a walk around the city and you know everyone is angry. You risk demonstration in this country and protests are breaking out. You can't contain it because the terrorists, the so-called Boko Haram, will take advantage of it and launch their attacks everywhere,” he said.
The fuel subsidy protests continued on Tuesday in Lagos, which has not experienced the attacks of Boko Haram in the north. For many in the south, the enemy is the government of President Jonathan. Seun Kuti - son of legendary musician, the late Fela Kuti - addressing protesters in the southern city of Lagos said this week "Goodwill Jonathan is Nigeria's only terrorist. We cannot agree to this kind of financial IMF terror. Nigeria cannot pay the same price of petrol as Americans. We don't have American minimum wage".
Media Contact and General Query:
Nicholas: +447436296907
Charles: +447436307574
Aminu: +447852171675
And +447438348346
All photos © 2012 Pete Riches
Do not reproduce, alter or reblog my images without my written permission.
Hi-Res versions of these files are available for license on application. NUJ rates apply.
Namchi (Nepali : नाम्ची) or Namtse is the capital of the South Sikkim district in the Indian state of Sikkim. The appellation Namchi means Sky (Nam) High (Chi) in Sikkimese.
GEOGRAPHY
Namchi is located at 27.17°N 88.35°E. It has an average elevation of 1,315 metres.
Namchi is situated at an altitude of 1,675 m above sea level. It is situated at a distance of 78 kilometres from the state capital Gangtok and 100 kilometres from the town of Siliguri, the nearest railhead and airport. Namchi lies off the road between Melli and Jorethang. Namchi is well connected to other towns in Sikkim and West Bengal. Jeeps and buses regularly ply between Namchi to Gangtok, Pelling, Jorethang, Kalimpong and Siliguri.
DEMOGRAPHICS
As of 2011 India census, Namchi has a population of 12194. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Namchi has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 73%. In Namchi, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age. Most of the people of Namchi are Hindus and Buddhists. Languages spoken are Nepali, English and Hindi.
EDUCATION
Namchi has more than half a dozen private schools with quality education (Mt. Carmel School, Namchi Public School, Tendong Educational Institute, Victory Educational Institute, New Light Academy etc.) and government Higher Secondary Schools for Boys and Girls and world valid computer institute (MULTIMEDIA COMPUTER INSTITUTE) an authorized study center of Manipal Group. Just few kilometers away from the town is a reputed Government College for Arts and Education. People give a lot of importance and focus on education with a reverence. Namchi Public School run by catholic missionaries is one of the respected educational institute in the State and one of the best in the south district of Sikkim.
TOURISM
Namchi is fast becoming a major tourist spot and pilgrimage centre. The Namchi monastery, Ralong monastery and Tendong Hill are important Buddhist pilgrimage centres. The world's largest statue (36 m) of the Buddhist Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, is on the Samdruptse hill (The Wish Fulfilling Well) opposite Namchi. It was completed in February 2004. It is also said that the Samdruptse hill is actually a Dormant Volcano. Myths say that the buddhist monks have been going on top of the hill and offering prayers to the volcano to keep it calm. There is also a Rock Garden just few kilometers up from the town on the way to Samdruptse. Sikkim Best Home Stay Dong Busty Home Stay just 8km away from Namchi Bazar. The Rock Garden displays a wide variety of Flora and is a local recreation and picnic spot. It offers a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchendzonga (aka Mt. Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest peak). Recently inaugurated (November 2011) Siddhesvara Dham is a unique pilgrimage tourism venture of the Sikkim Government developed as “Pilgrim cum Cultural Centre” having a 26,52 m statue of Lord Shiva and replicas of four Dhams of the country at one place at Solophok hilltop in Namchi. The four most revered Dhams of the Hindus Jagannath, Dwarika, Rameshawaram, Badrinath have been replicated in this fantastic complex to benefit the devotees and tourists. The dream project of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling which was conceived by him and started in the year 2005 stands promisingly amidst the breadth taking surrounding of Solophok hill, befitting the mythological setting behind the establishment of the original Dhams. For the consecration of the Dham Shri Jagadguru Sankaryacharya Swami Swarupananda Saraswati in the presence of the Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling and his wife Smt Tika Maya Chamling did the “Pran Prastisha” of the Dham. There are replicas of the “Dwadash Jyotirlingas” (the twelve jyothirlinga) of Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleswar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Viswanath, Triambakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageswar, Rameshwar at Rameswaram and Grishneshwar surrounding the statue of Lord Shiva and the Char Dhams. There is a grand statue of Kirateshvar Mahadev and a temple of Shirdi Sai Baba too. One can have a view of the Mt Kanchenjunga, Statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse, Darjeeling and other such locations from here. The Dham has stay facility for the devotees at “Yatri Niwas” which can accommodate more than 90 people at a time. The Dham has won the National Tourism Awards 2010–11 under the category of “Most Innovative/Unique Tourism Project” by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. A helipad is located 5 km away from town at an altitude of around 1524 m. From here one can get the most panoramic view of Mt. Kanchanzonga with the surrounding mountain a part of Darjeeling Kalimgpong and the rolling plains of Bengal. The visitors can savour the view of temi tea garden the one and the only tea estate in the state which produces top quality tea in the international market.
Near the town, Sikkim's sole tea estate — the Temi Tea Garden is situated. The tea carries a premium the world over and costs around Rs. 800/- a kg. The tea is marked by its exotic odour and flavour.
In the month of February, the Namchi garden hosts it annual flower show. The flower show is the largest in Sikkim with flowers in a riot of colours. The prime attraction of this show is the display of exotic and rare orchids.
One of the highlights of the town is the football stadium – the Baichung Stadium built by the Sikkimese government in honour of its most famous citizen, footballer Baichung Bhutia. "The Gold Cup" football tournament is held in Bhaichung Stadium almost every year. Football teams from all over India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan vie for the honour which draws lot of crowds from all over Sikkim. Namchi is also the base of the chief minister of Sikkim, Pawan Kumar Chamling.
Historically, Namchi was the place where Pende Ongmoo, the trecherous princess who poisoned one of the Chogyals of Sikkim, was caught and killed for her deed. Legend says her spirit still haunts the foothills of Ghurpisey.
WIKIPEDIA
LAKE KIVU
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lake Kivu
Coordinates 2°0′S 29°0′ECoordinates: 2°0′S 29°0′E
Type Rift Valley lakes, Meromictic
Primary outflows Ruzizi River
Catchment area 2,700 km2 (1,000 sq mi)
Basin countries Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Max. length 89 km (55 mi)[1]
Max. width 48 km (30 mi)[1]
Surface area 2,700 km2 (1,040 sq mi)[1]
Average depth 240 m (787 ft)
Max. depth 480 m (1,575 ft)
Water volume 500 km3 (120 cu mi)
Surface elevation 1,460 m (4,790 ft)
Islands Idjwi
Settlements Goma, Congo
Bukavu, Congo
Kibuye, Rwanda
Cyangugu, Rwanda
Lake Kivu with Goma in the background
Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes. It lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and is in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. The name comes from kivu which means "lake" in some Bantu languages, just like the words tanganyika or nyanza.[citation needed]
Contents
1 History
2 Geography
3 Chemistry
3.1 Methane extraction
4 Biology and fisheries
5 See also
6 References
History
This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2012)
People on the shore at Gisenyi
The first European to visit the lake was German Count Adolf von Götzen in 1894. Since then it has been caught up in the conflict between Hutu and Tutsi people in Rwanda, and their allies in DR Congo, which led to the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and the First and Second Congo Wars. Lake Kivu gained notoriety as a place where many of the victims of the genocide were dumped.
Geography
The lake covers a total surface area of some 2,700 km2 (1,040 sq mi) and stands at a height of 1,460 metres (4,790 ft) above sea level. Some 1 370 km2 or 58% of the lake's waters lie within DRC borders. The lake bed sits upon a rift valley that is slowly being pulled apart, causing volcanic activity in the area, and making it particularly deep: its maximum depth of 480 m (1,575 ft) is ranked eighteenth in the world.
The world's tenth-largest inland island, Idjwi, lies in Lake Kivu, as does the tiny island of Tshegera, which also lies within the boundaries of Virunga National Park; while settlements on its shore include Bukavu, Kabare, Kalehe, Sake, and Goma in Congo, and Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu in Rwanda.
Chemistry
Lake Kivu is a fresh water lake and, along with Cameroonian Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun, is one of three that experience limnic eruptions. Around the lake, geologists found evidence of massive biological extinctions about every thousand years, caused by outgassing events. The trigger for lake overturns in Lake Kivu's case is unknown, but volcanic activity is suspected. The gaseous chemical composition of exploding lakes is unique to each lake; in Lake Kivu's case, methane and carbon dioxide due to lake water interaction with a volcano. The amount of methane is estimated to be 65 cubic kilometers (if burnt over one year, it would give an average power of about 100 gigawatts for the whole period). There is also an estimated 256 cubic kilometers of carbon dioxide. The water temperature is 24°C, and the pH level is about 8.6.[2] The methane is reported to be produced by microbial reduction of the volcanic CO2.[3] The risk from a possible Lake Kivu overturn is catastrophic, dwarfing other documented lake overturns at Lakes Nyos and Monoun, because of the approximately two million people living in the lake basin.
Cores from the Bukavu Bay area of the lake reveal that the bottom has layered deposits of the rare mineral monohydrocalcite interlain with diatoms, on top of sapropelic sediments with high pyrite content. These are found at three different intervals. The sapropelic layers are believed to be related to hydrothermal discharge and the diatoms to a bloom which reduced the carbon dioxide levels low enough to precipitiate monohydrocalcite.[4]
Scientists hypothesize that sufficient volcanic interaction with the lake's bottom water that has high gas concentrations would heat water, force the methane out of the water, spark a methane explosion, and trigger a nearly simultaneous release of carbon dioxide.[5][6] The carbon dioxide would then suffocate large numbers of people in the lake basin as the gases roll off the lake surface. It is also possible that the lake could spawn lake tsunamis as gas explodes out of it.[7][8]
The risk posed by Lake Kivu began to be understood during the analysis of more recent events at Lake Nyos. Lake Kivu's methane was originally thought to be merely a cheap natural resource for export, and for the generation of cheap power. Once the mechanisms that caused lake overturns began to be understood, so did awareness of the risk the lake posed to the local population.
An experimental vent pipe was installed at Lake Nyos in 2001 to remove gas from the deep water, but such a solution for the much larger Lake Kivu would be considerably more expensive. No plan has been initiated to reduce the risk posed by Lake Kivu.[dubious – discuss] The approximately 500 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in the lake is a little under 2 percent of the amount released annually by human fossil fuel burning. Therefore the process of releasing it could potentially have costs beyond building and operating the system.
Methane extraction
Methane extraction platform.
Lake Kivu has recently been found to contain approximately 55 billion cubic metres (1.94 trillion cubic feet) of dissolved biogas at a depth of 300 metres (1,000 ft). Until 2004, extraction of the gas was done on a small scale, with the extracted gas being used to run boilers at a brewery, the Bralirwa brewery in Gisenyi.[9][10] As far as large-scale exploitation of this resource is concerned, the Rwandan government has negotiated with a number of parties to produce methane from the lake.
In 2011 ContourGlobal, a U.S. based energy company focused on emerging markets, secured project financing to initiate a large-scale methane extraction project. The project will be run through a local Rwandan entity called KivuWatt, using an offshore barge platform to extract, separate, and clean the gasses obtained from the lake bed before pumping purified methane via an underwater pipeline to on-shore gas engines. Stage one of the project aims to build and supply three "gensets" along the lake shore, totaling 25MW of electrical capacity. Initial project operations are scheduled to commence in 2012.[11] In addition to managing gas extraction, KivuWatt will also manage the electrical generation plants and on-sell the electrical power to the Rwandan government under the terms of a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This allows KivuWatt to control a vertically integrated energy offering from point of extraction to point of sale into the local grid. Extraction is said to be cost-effective and relatively simple because once the gas-rich water is pumped up, the dissolved gases (primarily carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and methane) begin to bubble out as the water pressure gets lower. This project is expected to increase Rwanda's energy generation capability by as much as 20 times, and will enable Rwanda to sell electricity to neighboring African countries.[10] The firm was awarded the 2011 Africa Power deal of the year for innovation in the financing arrangements it obtained from various sources for the KivuWatt project. [12] .[13]
A problem associated with the prevalence of methane is that of mazuku.
Biology and fisheries
Fishing boats on Lake Kivu, 2009.
Reflection of the sky on Lake Kivu
The fish fauna in Lake Kivu is relatively poor with 28 species, including four introduced species.[14] The natives are the Lake Rukwa minnow (Raiamas moorii), four species of Barbus (B. altianalis, B. apleurogramma, B. kerstenii and B. pellegrini), an Amphilius catfish, two Clarias catfish (C. liocephalus and C. gariepinus), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and 15 endemic Haplochromis cichlids.[14] The introduced species are three cichlids, the longfin tilapia (Oreochromis macrochir), O. leucostictus and redbreast tilapia (Coptodon rendalli), and a clupeid, the Lake Tanganyika sardine, Limnothrissa miodon.[14]
The exploitable stock of the Lake Tanganyika sardine was estimated at 2000–4000 tons per year.[15] It was introduced to Lake Kivu in the late 1959 by a Belgian Engineer A. Collart. At present, Lake Kivu is the sole natural lake in which L. miodon, a sardine originally restricted to Lake Tanganyika, has been introduced initially to fill an empty niche. Prior to the introduction, no planktivorous fish was present in the pelagic waters of Lake Kivu. In the early 1990s, the number of fishers on the lake was 6,563, of which 3,027 were associated with the pelagic fishery and 3,536 with the traditional fishery. Widespread armed conflict in the surrounding region from the mid-1990s resulted in a decline in the fisheries harvest.[16]
Following this introduction, the sardine has gained substantial economic and nutritional importance for the lakeside human population but from an ecosystem standpoint, the introduction of planktivorous fish may result in important modifications of plankton community structure. Recent observations showed the disappearance during the last decades of a large grazer, Daphnia curvirostris, and the dominance of mesozooplankton community by three species of cyclopoid copepod: Thermocyclops consimilis, Mesocyclops aequatorialis and Tropocyclops confinis.[17][18]
The first comprehensive phytoplankton survey was released in 2006.[19] With an annual average chlorophyll a in the mixed layer of 2.2 mg m-3 and low nutrient levels in the euphotic zone, the lake is clearly oligotrophic. Diatoms are the dominant group in the lake, particularly during the dry season episodes of deep mixing. During the rainy season, the stratified water column, with high light and lower nutrient availability, favour dominance of cyanobacteria with high numbers of phototrophic picoplankton.[19][20][21][22] The actual primary production is 0.71 g C m-2 d-1 (~ 260 g C m-2 y-1).[23]
A study of evolutionary genetics showed that the cichlids from lakes in northern Virunga (e.g., Edward, George, Victoria) would have evolved in a "proto-lake Kivu", much older than the intense volcanic activity (20,000-25,000 years ago) which cut the connection.[24] The elevation of the mountains west of the lake (which is currently the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, one of the largest reserves of eastern lowland (or Grauer's) gorillas in the world), combined with the elevation of the eastern rift (located in eastern Rwanda) would be responsible for drainage of water from central Rwanda in the actual Lake Kivu. This concept of "proto-lake Kivu" was challenged by lack of consistent geological evidence,[25] although the cichlid's molecular clock suggests the existence of a lake much older than the commonly cited 15,000 years.
Lake Kivu is the home of four species of freshwater crab, including two non-endemics (Potamonautes lirrangensis and P. mutandensis) and two endemics (P. bourgaultae and P. idjwiensis).[26] Among Rift Valley lakes, Lake Tanganyika is the only other with endemic freshwater crabs.[26]
Designer: David Hillyard
Builder: Hillyards Ltd, Littlehampton
Year: 1964
Location Devon
Length on deck: 40'
Beam: 11'6"
Draft: 5'6"
Tonnage(TM): 18TM
£33,000
REF: 2013
Full Specification
18 ton Hillyard bermudan cutter from the famous yard of David Hillyard in Littlehampton. Hillyards were one of the first yards in the world to mass produce yachts and make the sport more available to the average person. Although nothing like on the scale of modern yacht builders, Hillyards produced many hundreds of boats in the time they were trading, and although not known for their high performance or yacht like finish, they were nonetheless extremely solid, well built and safe cruising yachts that were available at a sensible price.
This particular example is one of the bigger boats, built in 1964 with the typical canoe stern, straight keel and a full bilge with a chine just below the waterline. Used in present ownership for local cruising and living aboard, however she was cruised extensively by the previous owners who put the boat through a major refit, including new deck and superstructure by Hillyards and replacement of all systems. They then started a 30,000Nm journey that took them from Russia to the Caribbean and America in which the boat was thoroughly tested and put through her paces.
Planked in 1 ¼” Mahogany, fastened with copper nails and roves to 4”x 2” sawn oak frames, with 2”x 2” intermediates at 12” centres.
New sheerstrakes in 1995.
External 2T iron ballast keel with galvanised steel keel bolts, all replaced in 1995. Internal ballast of approximately 2-3T made up of lead pigs and concrete. Concrete has been there from new.
Marine plywood deck sheathed in epoxy cloth and finished in cream deck paint for an absolutely tight, low maintenance deck.
Deck completely replaced in 1995 refit along with some deckbeams and sheerstrake. All professionally done by Hillyards yard.
Mahogany coachroof coamings running aft into the aft cabin coachroof. Sheathed marine plywood coachroof deck finished in cream deck paint. Portholes in the forrard end of the coachroof with opening windows in the coamings to give plenty of light down below.
Varnished mahogany hatch on the aft cabin coachroof for access and ventilation, with 2 large wooden cleats at the forrard end for making fast the mainsheet.
Coachroof finishes just aft of the mast giving a large open foredeck.
Twin roller galvanised stem head fitting to take the anchor with a heavy duty Simpson Lawrence 500 Manual windlass. Large admiralty style galvanised bow cleats port and starboard on the foredeck.
Varnished mahogany forehatch.
Large galvanised stanchions with galvanised top rail and wire lower rail. Varnished toe rail very cleverly set on the stanchion bases to avoid screwing down through the plywood deck.
Varnished handrails on the coachroof with canvas sprayhood giving shelter to the centre cockpit.
Large self draining centre cockpit. Very deep and safe cockpit well with high coamings and plenty of shelter.
Wheel steering, offset to port at the aft end of the cockpit, with chain gypsy onto wire cables attached to wooden rudder, new in 1995 refit.
Bermudan cutter rig on deck stepped built spruce mast in a galvanised tabernacle.
Mast new in 2000. Deck beams around the mast all renewed and strengthened in the 1995 refit.
Slab reefing varnished spruce boom. Varnished jib pole.
Stainless steel wire standing rigging with Stalock S/S terminals, all replaced in 2000, to galvanised rigging screws on external galvanised chainplates. This is a very unstressed rig unlike modern high tension rigs so the standing rigging will have plenty of life left in it yet. Twin lower stays, single cap shroud and twin intermediate stays. Single standing backstay.
Hanked staysail on the stainless steel inner forestay. Roller furling jib.
Mainsail Supasails 340sqft 11yrs Excellent
Yankee Arun Sails 12yrs Good
Staysail Arun Sails 12yrs Good
Winches
Pair of Andersen 48 self tailing yankee sheet winches on the cockpit coamings.
Pair of Lewmar staysail sheet winches
1 non sel- tailing Lewmar for the roller furler
1 Harken self-tailing halyard winch on the mast.
1 Lewmar non self tailing on the boom for reefing lines. Clutches for each reefing line.
Accomodation
6 berths in 3 cabins including the saloon.
Double hinged doors from the cockpit leading down into the open saloon with L-shaped settee and saloon table over to port. Full length settee berth along the starboard side. 6’2” headroom throughout the saloon. Chest fridge under port settee.
Plenty of storage space in numerous shelves and lockers.
Dickenson Newport diesel heater on fwd starboard bulkhead with its own small header tank behind the stb berth.
Passageway in aft stb corner to aft cabin. Double berth aft cabin with 6’2” headroom. Hanging locker and storage under the berth.
Centreline passage fwd from saloon. Step down into galley offset to port. 1 ½ bowl stainless steel sink with hot and cold running water. ‘Force 10’ 4 burner gas cooker and oven. Ample work surface area with storage above and below.
2 x water tanks beneath the saloon cabin sole, 1 galvanised and 1 plastic with 80 gallons total capacity.
Heads to stb with Baby Blake sea toilet pumped into plastic TecTank black water tank. Full standing headroom shower, drains to a sump and pumped overboard via automatic electric pump.
Forward to twin cabin with large port and starboard single bunks. 6’ headroom between beams. Full height hanging locker with plenty of storage under the bunks.
Fore peak currently used for storage. Possibility of V-berths for the younger members of the crew. Chain locker under.
The accommodation is spacious and light with plenty of grab rails as you would expect from a seasoned cruising yacht. The layout of these boats allows for separate living areas outside of the saloon making it perfect for couples to cruise and have their own space onboard. In warmer climes, the cockpit becomes another living area giving a huge amount of space inside a 40’ yacht.
Machinery
Ford Parsons Pike 4 cyl 60Hp diesel engine, installed 1968.
Engine completely rebuilt in 1996
New mounts in 2000
New heat exchanger in 2004.
Parsons Marinomatic single lever control gearbox to centre line stainless steel shaft with 3 blade bronze propeller. Gives 6 knots cruising, 7.5 knots max.
70 gallon galvanised steel fuel tank below the saloon cabin sole with dipstick gauge.
1 x 12 volt engine start battery
2 x 12 volt domestic batteries
Seperate alternator charging for each battery bank.
Inventory.
Original Sestrel steering compass
CTREK sounder
CTREK log
DSC VHF
Raytheon radar
Garmin 120 GPS
Navtex
Wind indicator
Hydrovane wind streering
6 man Oceansafety liferaft (due service)
Horse shoe lifebuoy
Danbuoy
Various fire extinguishers
30kg Bruce anchor
30kg plough anchor
20kg plough anchor
20kg Fisherman anchor
65m 10mm galvanised chain
50m 18mm Octoplait warp
2 piece 10’ plywood ‘Nesting’ dinghy
Mooring warps
6 Fenders
1 summer cover
Full winter cover
This great yacht has proved her worth time and again with several owners over many thousands of miles of ocean sailing and is now on the market after this particular adventure has come to its end.
She is priced to sell as the owners now want to move on, but she is ready to take on new challenges and carry on exploring.
Living in the compound of the HVA poultry and dairy project in Tawergha was very different from our life in Holland in many ways. There were on average 30 employees who brought their families with them and some 80 to 120 ‘bachelors’. All together a small village, a world of our own, with all facilities like a social building for meetings and parties, a restaurant, swimming pool and tennis courts, a small camp shop and a school.
The compound was surrounded by a high fence and in later years there would be a guard at the gate. But we used to joke that we just had to keep the wild dogs out, we were never in need of much protection because the people of Taworgha were very friendly and glad to have us there.
We were invited in their homes and lives on many occasions, we shared meals, were taken to religious events, parties, horse races and attended their weddings. We even let our children stay at their homes and families for sleepovers, just by themselves. The worst criminal event that ever happened to us was the theft of a bike by one of the young Libyan boys, which was handed back to us the next day.
The climate was of course one of the best Libyan assets and so was living in the dessert, which provided all sorts of interesting new stuff and animals to be found. Weekend was just one day, on Fridays, which were mostly spent at the seaside. To get to the most beautiful shore, with white sandy beaches and fabulous rocks, a great salt lake some seventy kilometers wide had to be crossed by car. This could only be done in the hot season because the plains had to dry out. It was always exciting in late spring to see who would be first to get to the other side of the dark mud with the thin layer of crusty salt. Many drivers could not resist trying to drive next to the tracks and without exception they got stuck there. Sometimes they had to leave the vehicle behind or have it dugout with heavy machinery later in the year.
At the combined Dutch-English elementary school in the campsite several year-groups with just a hand full of kids shared one classroom, and all the children played with each other. The freedom of the dessert was fabulous: a huge sandpit to play and to explore with All Terrain Bikes with a couple of wild dogs, snakes or scorpions for extra fun and excitement. A great deal of the after school hours were spent at the swimming pool or roaming around in the compound on the back of a donkey.
Once a week we would go shopping for everything we needed in Misrata the city next door almost 50 kilometers to the north of Tawergha. In the early years we did sometimes encounter unpleasant treatment on the market place there. This was caused by the animosities between Misrata and Tawergha as we discovered later on.
Deep rooted discrimination of the black inhabitants of the Tawergha oasis was the cause of many rough remarks made by the Misrata tradesmen.
They were convinced that Gaddafi had made a huge mistake by developing such a wonderful project in that godforsaken place with black ‘dogs’. They told us specifically that these slaves were bad people, and bad Muslims as well, who did not deserve the wealth of good jobs and the development of their region.
In our eyes the men from Misrata were not much paler than the Tawerghans and we used to smile about it, not knowing how these racist and jealous remarks would work out in such horrible disaster.
(written by Olga Roffel)
Steady Brook, Newfoundland. Located about ten minutes past Corner Brook on the Trans-Canada Highway, Marble Mountain is the largest ski resort in Canada east of Québec. In an average winter, 16 feet (5m) of snow fall on 37 trails of various lengths and skill levels that plunge 1,760 feet (536m) from the peak of the mountain to near this parking lot; in the summer, it's a nice place for hikers, with short trails leading to the purportedly beautiful Steady Brook Falls. That's the experience I had in mind up to the point I arrived in North Sydney and prepared for my ferry trip over to Newfoundland. However, the perfect storm of my frustratingly late departure from Nova Scotia, the resultant alterations to my itinerary, the grueling pace of the trip so far, my lack of sleep, and not knowing where to find the trailhead made for a situation where hiking was the last thing I wanted to do. Luckily, even the vicinity of the Marble Mountain parking lot is quite photogenic, and I caught a nap in the car for about half an hour before continuing on my way. And now I have a ready-made reason to come back to Newfoundland again some time.
Steady Brook, Terre-Neuve. Située une dizaine de minutes après Corner Brook le long de la Route transcanadienne, Marble Mountain est la plus grande station de ski au Canada à l'est du Québec. Lors d'un hiver moyen, 5 mètres de neige tombent sur sur 37 sentiers de différentes longueurs et niveaux de compétence, qui plongent 536 mètres depuis le sommet de la montagne jusqu'à près de ce parc de stationnement; pendant l'été, c'est un endroit agréable pour les randonneurs, avec des courts sentiers qui mènent à la prétendument belle chute de Steady Brook. Telle était l'expérience que j'avais prévu jusqu'au temps quand je suis arrivé à North Sydney et je me préparais pour mon voyage à Terre-Neuve en ferry. Cependant, le parafit concours de mon départ désespérément tradif de la Nouvelle-Écosse, les modifications à mon itinéraire qui en résultaient, le rythme épuisant du voyage jusqu'à ce temps-là, ma manque de sommeil, et ma manque de connaissance d'où trouver le début du sentier a créé une situation où la randonnée était la dernière chose que je voulais faire. Heureusement, même la proximité du parc de stationnement de Marble Mountain est très photogénique, et je pouvais aussi de faire une sieste dans la voiture pendant environ une demi-heure avant de continuer sur mon chemin. Et maintenant, j'ai une raison toute faite de revenir à Terre-Neuve quelque temps.
Steady Brook, Terranova. Situada cerca de diez minutos mas allá de Corner Brook a lo largo de la Carretera Transcanadiense, Marble Mountain es la estación de esquí más grande de Canadá al este de Quebec. Durante un invierno normal, 5 metros de nieve caen sobre 37 pistas de distintas longitudes y niveles de habilidad, que hunden 536 metros desde la cima de la montaña hasta cerca de esta playa de estacionamiento; en el verano, es un buen lugar para los senderistas, con senderos cortos que llevan a la supuestamente hermosa Catarata de Steady Brook. Esa es la experiencia que yo había previsto hasta el tiempo cuando llegué a North Sydney y me preparaba para mi viaje a Terranova en transbordador. Sin embargo, la tormenta perfecta de mi salida frustrantemente tardía de Nueva Escocia, las alteraciones a mi itinerario que resultaron, el ritmo extenuante del viaje hasta ese tiempo, mi falta de sueño, y no saber dónde encontrar el comienzo del sendero hizo una situación donde el senderismo era lo último que quería hacer. Afortunadamente, incluso las proximidades de la playa de estacionamiento de Marble Mountain son muy fotogénicas, y yo era capaz de tomar una siesta en el coche durante una media hora antes de continuar en mi camino. Y ahora tengo una razón concreta para volver a Terranova de nuevo algún tiempo.
Average 3 inches tall diecast figures from Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 Rocket, Groot, Spider-Man Homecoming figures and Iron Man Mk II. Great size and hefty weight for fast growing collection taking up only small space!
The Golden Temple runs one of the largest free kitchens in the world, serving 100,000! people on average daily. The meal consists of flat bread and lentil soup.
_____________________
The Harmandir Sahib (Punjabi: ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ), also Darbar Sahib (Punjabi: ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ, Punjabi pronunciation: [dəɾbɑɾ sɑhɪb]) and informally referred to as the "Golden Temple", is a prominent Sikh gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. It was built by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ramdaas Sahib Ji, in the 16th century. In 1604, Guru Arjun completed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, and installed it in the Gurudwara.
There are four doors to get into the Harmandir Sahib, which symbolize the openness of the Sikhs towards all people and religions. The present-day gurdwara was rebuilt in 1764 by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia with the help of other Sikh Misls. In the early nineteenth century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh secured the Punjab region from outside attack and covered the upper floors of the gurdwara with gold, which gives it its distinctive appearance and its English name.
The Harimandir Sahib is considered holy by Sikhs. The holiest text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, is always present inside the gurdwara. Its construction was mainly intended to build a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religions to come and worship God equally. Over 100,000 people visit the holy shrine daily for worship.
HISTORY
The Harmandir Sahib literally means The Temple of God. The fourth guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das, excavated a tank in 1577 CE which subsequently became known as Amritsar (meaning "Pool of the Nectar of Immortality"), giving its name to the city that grew around it. In due course, a Sikh edifice, Sri Harmandir Sahib (meaning "the abode of God") rose in the middle of this tank and became the supreme centre of Sikhism. Its sanctum came to house the Adi Granth comprising compositions of Sikh Gurus and other saints considered to have Sikh values and philosophies, e.g., Baba Farid, and Kabir. The compilation of The Adi Granth was started by the fifth guru of Sikhism, Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
CONSTRUCTION
Sri Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Sikh Guru, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar ) was chalked out by Guru Amar Das Ji, the Third Sikh Guru, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba Budha ji. The land for the site was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The plan to establish a town settlement was also made. Therefore, the construction work on the Sarovar (the tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570. The work on both projects completed in 1577 A.D. During the leadership of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan (1581–1606), the full-fledged gurdwara was built. In December 1588, Guru Arjan initiated the construction of the gurdwara. The foundation stone was laid by none other than Guru Arjan Sahib himself in December 1588. It is a common misconception that the foundation stone was laid by the Sufi saint Mian Mir of Lahore.
Some of the architectural features of the Harmandir Sahib were intended to be symbolic of the Sikh worldview. Instead of the normal custom of building a gurdwara on high land, it was built at a lower level than the surrounding land so that devotees would have to go down steps to enter it. In addition, instead of one entrance, Sri Harmandir Sahib has four entrances.
The gurdwara was completed in 1604. Guru Arjan, installed the Guru Granth Sahib in it and appointed Baba Buddha as the first Granthi (reader) of it on August 1604. In the mid-18th century it was attacked by the Afghans, by one of Ahmed Shah Abdali's generals, Jahan Khan, and had to be substantially rebuilt in the 1760s. However, in response a Sikh Army was sent to hunt down the Afghan force. Both forces met each other five miles outside Amritsar; Jahan Khan's army was destroyed.
The gurdwara is surrounded by a large lake or holy tank, known as the Sarovar, which consists of Amrit ("holy water" or "immortal nectar") and is fed by the Ravi River. There are four entrances to the gurdwara, signifying the importance of acceptance and openness. Inside the gurdwara complex there are many shrines to past Sikh Gurus, saints and martyrs (see map). There are three holy trees (bers), each signifying a historical event or Sikh saint. Inside the gurdwara there are many memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and includes commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in World Wars I and II.
In keeping with the rule observed at all Sikh gurdwaras worldwide, the Harmandir Sahib is open to all persons regardless of their religion, colour, creed, or sex. The only restrictions on the Harmandir Sahib's visitors concern their behavior when entering and while visiting:
Maintaining the purity of the sacred space and of one's body while in it:
- Upon entering the premises, removing one's shoes and washing one's feet in the small pool of water provided;
- Not drinking alcohol, eating meat, or smoking cigarettes or other drugs while in the shrine
- Dressing appropriately:
- Wearing a head covering (a sign of respect) (the gurdwara provides head scarves for visitors who have not brought a suitable covering);
- Not wearing shoes.
How to act:
If you choose to listen to Gurbani, one must also sit on the ground while in the Darbar Sahib as a sign of deference to both the Guru Granth Sahib and God.
First-time visitors are advised to begin their visit at the information office and then proceed to the Central Sikh Museum near the main entrance and clock tower.
The Harimandir Sahib runs one of the largest free kitchens in the world, serving 100,000 people on average daily. The meal consists of flat bread and lentil soup.
ARTWORK & MONUMENT SCULPTURES
Much of the present decorative gilding and marblework dates from the early 19th century. All the gold and exquisite marble work were conducted under the patronage of Hukam Singh Chimni and Emperor Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of the Sikh Empire of the Punjab. The Darshani Deorhi Arch stands at the beginning of the causeway to the Harmandir Sahib; it is 62 metres high and 6 metres in width. The gold plating on the Harmandir Sahib was begun by Ranjit Singh and was finished in 1830. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a major donor of wealth and materials for the shrine and is remembered with much affection by the Punjabi people in general and the Sikh community in particular.
CELEBRATIONS
One of the most important festivals is Vaisakhi, which is celebrated in the second week of April (usually the 13th). Sikhs celebrate the founding of the Khalsa on this day and it is celebrated with fervour in the Harmandir Sahib. Other important Sikh religious days such as the birth of Guru Raamdas ji, martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur, the birthday of Guru Nanak, etc., are also celebrated with religious piety. Similarly Bandi Chhor Divas is one of the festivals which sees the Harmandir Sahib beautifully illuminated with Divas (lamps); lights and fireworks are discharged. Most Sikhs visit Amritsar and the Harmandir Sahib at least once during their lifetime, particularly and mostly during special occasions in their life such as birthdays, marriages, childbirth, etc.
BLUE STAR
Blue Star was a military operation undertaken on 3 June 1984 and ended on 6 June 1984. The Indian Army, led by General Kuldip Singh Brar, brought infantry, artillery, and tanks into the Harmandir Sahib to put a stop to self-styled Dharam Yudh Morcha led by Bhindrawala. During these "Morchay" thousands of Sikhs courted arrest. Indira Gandhi ordered the army to launch Operation Blue Star. Within six months, Indira Gandhi’s Sikh bodyguards killed her (31 October 1984) for the perceived sacrilege.
Fierce fighting ensued between Sikhs and the soldiers, in which many of the Sikhs were killed along with many soldiers. The Harmandir Sahib complex also suffered much damage due to the attack, especially the holy Akal Takhat Sahib.
This attack is regarded by Sikhs as a desecration of Sikhism's holiest shrine and discrimination against a minority in India. In 1986, the repairs performed on the Akal Takhat Sahib after the attack, which the Rajiv Gandhi Government had undertaken without consultation, were removed. A new Akal Takhat Sahib was completed in 1999 by Kar Sevaks (volunteer labor and funding).
In 2023, three million cars in London are parked for on average 95 per cent of the time. On-street parking occuping the equivalent of twenty Hyde Parks, denying this space for other use. The average private car occupies the same space as twenty people standing or ten people on a bicycle, while only 56 per cent of Londoners own a car and 28 per cent of the 87,000 Uber cars in London typically circle the streets without passengers, waiting to be allocated a job. In 2023, half of all car trips made in the USA were under three miles and 70 per cent of cars carried only one person. The average car speed in Beijing and Paris is 7mph – slower than a horse and cart. We want people in our towns and cities, not their cars.
( thanks to Adrian J Walker for photo of vintage van
( flic.kr/p/2p2y9da ) background photo from timepix.uk is Stockport, Manchester )
Learning English is a major obsession for South Koreans, especially since the average Korean speaker seems to have extreme trouble with English grammar and linguistics. In many cases, decent command of English can mean a huge edge in career and other opportunities, especially with companies that do a lot of foreign business.
Also, raising a child in South Korea is a competitive sport. The key is to have the most academically prepared child possible, so that s/he can get into a prestigious university and end up with guaranteed employment at a large conglomerate. It is never too early to prepare.
And to meet both needs, this private academy, in Seongnam just south of Seoul, teaches English to children 4-11 years old in a Canadian-themed setting, using native English speakers from Canada and the US. Though my preference is that the children learn not only English, but the Canadians' more holistic approach to raising children, as well; children need to have fun and be children, not drilled into a cookie-cutter academic regimen.
The actual location of the academy is in Bundang District, which is the southern, upper-class division of Seongnam developed in the 1990s as a bedroom community for Seoul. In fact, Bundang is so upscale and high-income, it is even more affluent than Seoul's upper-class neighborhoods for that matter. And it does take a lot of money to pay for private academies like this; monthly tuition at this academy would probably be more than the entire paycheck of a single mother. Raising a child in South Korea has become a very expensive endeavor as a result, and that is one key reason why South Korea's birthrates have done a steep nosedive in the past two decades.
The Iconic Ford Power Live Event took Place at Brands Hatch to Celebrate The Blue Badged Ford Motor Company and their Iconic Cars From both the Past and The Present. From Escort Mexico's to Modern Ford Mustang GT'S there was Everything for the Ford Enthusiast to enjoy.
The Support Races Featured During the Day were also Full of Different Makes and Models of Ford Racing Cars From The Focus RS to the Ford Escort and the Iconic Sierra Cosworth and even the Iconic Enduro KA series was Present and with Drivers and Spectators Ready the Racing was about to begin.
Lets Turn to the Race Track and See what is the First Support Race to make it onto the Race track.
Champion Of Brands (Qualifying)
First up Champion of Brands and with Fast and High Speed Action from Thease Machines Lets See who took that all important People Position to Start the Race in P1.
In First Place was (Tom Mills) in his Spectrum KMR with a Best Lap Time of 50.154 and a Top Speed of 86.70mph. Amazing work there Tom a truly Heroic and Brave Drive for Pole Position.
In Second Place was (Niall Murray) in his Van Diemen BD21 with a Best Lap Time of 50.397 and a Top Speed of 86.28mph. Fantastic Work Niall Very Fast and Quick Driving.
In Third Place was (Colin Queen) in his Ray GR18 with a Best Lap Time of 50.399 and a Top Speed of 86.28mph. Another Incredible Driver in Colin Pushing Hard and Almost Taking Second Place from Niall. I think we are in for some Really Intense Racing but who will be Fast Enough to on Track to Take Victory?
Champion Of Brands (Race 1 Results)
After a Thrilling Battle that saw Tom Mills take Pole Position its time to find out who Won the Race and out of The Top Three Could Anyone else on the Grid Challenge them for a Spot on the Podium. Lets Find Out.
In First Place and taking the Win was (Niall Murray) in his Van Diemen BD21 with a Lap Time of 50.518 and an Average Speed of 77.40mph. Incredible work there Niall Beating back Tom to take Victory in the First Race and a Well Determined Drive to Secure it.
In Second Place was (Tom Mills) in his Spectrum KMR with a Lap Time of 50.706 and an Average Speed of 77.38mph. Amazing Drive there Tom Keeping up with Niall and a Fantastic Battle thought the entire Race too.
In Third Place was (Colin Queen) in his RAY GR18 with a Lap Time of 50.820 and an Average Speed of 77.32mph. A Great Victory for Third Place on the Podium Colin showing a Determined Drive and a lot of Bravery thought the Race.
What an Incredible First Race to Start out the Days Events and with Another Coming up Soon after is it possible for Another Competitor to take Victory and the Spotlight? Lets Take A Look.
Champion Of Brands (Race 2 Results)
Race 2 Up Next and The Final Time for Anyone Racing in Champion of Brands to Score Points and Take Victory in either First Second or Third Place. After a Thrilling End to Race 1 which Saw Tom Mills getting Beaten by Niall Murray it was time to see who could Once Again bring the Roar and Thunder Home for a Final Time.
In First Place was (Niall Murray) in his Van Diemen BD21 with a Lap Time of 50.584 and an Average Speed of 84.84mph. Another Incredible Drive from Niall to once again take The Final Pole Position for Champion of Brands. Brilliant Drive there Niall.
In Second Place was (Tom Mills) in his Spectrum KMR with a Lap Time of 50.606 and an Average Speed of 84.47mph. Another Well Deserved Second Place for Tom Showing Incredible Car Control and Bravery Pushing the Limits on Every Corner to Keep up with Niall. Fantastic Drive Tom.
In Third Place was (Lucan Romenek) in his Van Diemen JL13 with a Lap Time of 50.927 and an Average Speed of 83.92mph. Very Well Done there Lucan Fantastic to see a New Driver take a Step onto the Podium and Celebrate the Victory.
What an Exciting Opening Day here at Brands Hatch for Ford Power Live with Champion of Brands Providing some Well Deserved Winners in Niall Tom Lucan and Colin. Well Done to all other Drivers taking Part and Continuing to Improve and do what it is that you Love. Keep Up the Momentum and Never Give Up Hope of One Day Making it to the Top Step of the Podium.
Lets See what Track Action is Next Up onto the Circuit as the Action Continues to Hot Up.
Clubman Sports Prototype Championship (Qualifying)
Clubman Sports Prototypes were up next and thease Mad Looking Machines are known for their Supreme Aerodynamics as well as Insane Straight Line Speed. each Driver will have to be on the ball and Keeping their Machine under Constant Control as they will be Powering round this 1,2 mile Indy Circuit at Speeds of at Least 90mph.
Lets Look to the Track to see who Qualified where and see who will be starting the Race on Pole.
In First Place and taking Pole Position was (Steve Dickens) in his Mallock MK29 with a Best Lap Time of 47.146 and a Top Speed of 92.23mph. Amazing Drive there Steve Very Fast and Committed for Pole Position.
In Second Place was (Clive Wood) in his Mallock MK23 with a Best Lap Time of 47.784 and a Top Speed of 91.00mph. Well Deserved there Clive Pushing that Mallock for all its worth and taking Second Place.
In Third Place was (Alex Champkin) Mallock MK27 Synergy with a Best Lap Time of 48.129 and a Top Speed of 90.35mph. Very Well Done there Alex Taking Third Place and a Spirited Drive with it.
A Very Fast and Fierce set of Drivers Ready to take on the Indy Circuit. Lets Get Right Down to the Action for Race 1.
Clubman Sports Prototype Championship (Race 1 Results)
After A Thrilling Battle in Qualifying Between Steve Clive and Alex which of them will be Poised and Ready to Attack on the Race Track to either Defend maintain or even potentially Loose their Positions to the other Drivers. Lets Find Out.
In First Place was (Steve Dickens) in his Mallock MK29 with a Lap Time of 48.076 and an Average Speed of 76.87mph. Incredible Driving there Steve Taking the Victory and the Spoils that come with it Amazing Work from you and The Entire Team.
In Second Place was (Alex Champkin) in his Mallock MK27 Synergy with a Lap Time of 47.515 and an Average Speed of 76.84mph. Another Super Drive by Alex to move him up into Second Place on the Podium. Fantastic Work and Driving Ability.
In Third Place was (Clive Wood) in his Mallock MK23 with a Lap Time of 47.802 and an Average Speed of 76.81mph. Very Well Done there Clive Super Driving and an All Round Great Victory for Third Place.
An Exciting Opening Race for Clubman's with Steve Dickens taking Both Qualifying and the First Race Win. Can he Do it again For Race 2 or will the likes of Alex and Clive Hunt Him down and take that Victory away Stay Tuned to find out as We Go Racing Once Again.
Clubman Sports Prototype Championship (Race 2 Results)
In First Place was (Clive Wood) in his Mallock MK23 with a Lap Time of 47.475 and an Average Speed of 87.35mph.
In Second Place was (Pete Richings) in his Mallock MK30 PR with a Lap Time of 48.784 and an Average Speed of 86.84mph.
In Third Place was (Steve Dickens) in his Mallock MK29 with a Lap Time of 48.448 and an Average Speed of 86.63mph.
What an Exciting End to Race 2 with a New Winner in P2 being Pete Richings Well Done Pete Amazing work and a well deserved Podium Spot. Will Pete be able to Retain that Second Place or even Improve though as we head into the Final Round in Race 3.
Clubman Sports Prototype Championship (Race 3 Results)
In First Place was (Pete Richings) in his Mallock MK30PR with a Lap Time of 48.218 and a Top Speed of 88.27mph. Incredible Driving Pete taking the Top Step of the Podium and the Race Win. A Truly Excellent Drive.
In Second Place was (Steve Dickens) in his Mallock MK29 with a Lap Time of 47.986 and an Average Speed of 88.17mph. Very Well Done again Steve Putting in a lot of Hard work to Reach Second Place.
In Third Place was (Clive Wood) in his Mallock MK23 With a Lap Time of 47.883 and an Average Speed of 88.08mph. Another Amazing P3 for Clive with a lot of Strong Determination Behind the Wheel.
What a Race Weekend for the Clubman's with Many Different Victories and Winners in Clive Steve Pete and Alex all Looking to Fight it it on Track and take Home those Valuable Championship Winning Points. Well Done to all other Competitors as well Keep Pushing Hard and Making Memories that will Last Forever.
Creative Funding Solutions Sports 2000 Championship (Qualifying)
Now it was time for the Creative Solutions Sports 2000's to hit the Track and After a Thunderous Performance by the Classic Clubman's Lets see what thease Mean Machines Have to Offer. With Speeds once again Reaching Nearly 92mph thease cars are Monsters and Driving and Controlling One is going to be Very Challenging with all that Break Horse Power.
Lets take a Look at Qualifying and see which Drivers made it to the Front end of the Grid for Race 1.
In First Place Taking Pole Position and the Fastest Lap was ( Neil Burroughs) in his Gunn TS12 with a Best Lap Time of 47.202 and a Top Speed of 92.12mph. Fantastic work there Neil Once Again showing the Skill and Commitment Needed for a Championship Winning Drive.
In Second Place was (Tom Stoten) in his Gunn TS11 with a Best Lap Time of 47.400 and A Top Speed of 91.74mph. Great Work there Tom a Well Controlled and Well Balanced Car on the Race Track to Take P2 on the Grid.
In Third Place was (Joshua Law) in his MCR S2 with a Best Lap Time of 47.474 and a Top Speed of 91.59mph. Well Done Josh Really Amazing work to take P3 on the Grid for The Race.
What a Fantastic Qualifying Session with Battles Happening all over the Field but Neil Tom and Josh have made it into the Top Three and so Lets Find out in Race 1 which of them will be Taking Home Victory.
Creative Funding Solutions Sports 2000 Championship (Race 1)
In First Place and Taking Victory was (Tom Stoten) in his Gunn TS11 with a Lap Time of 48.471 and an Average Speed of 62.75mph. Amazing Work Tom taking yourself from P2 in Qualifying to P1 and The First Race Win, Incredible Drive.
In Second Place was (Michel Gibbins) in his MCR S2 with a Lap Time of 48.457 and an average Speed of 62.69mph. Fantastic Work Michel and a Really Strong Drive to take P2 in the Race. A Fantastic Drive.
In Third Place was (Giles Billingsley) in his MCR S2 with a Lap Time of 49.321 and an Average Speed of 62.31mph. Awesome Work there Giles a Brilliant Drive to Get P3 and the Last Spot on the Podium.
What an Exciting First Race with Tom Stoden being the First Race Winner in Sports 2000. A Big Congratulations to Michel and Giles too for some Heroic Driving and their Further P2 and P3 Finishes. Lets Find out what Race 2 Brings us Next.
Creative Funding Solutions Sports 2000 Championship (Race 2)
After a Really Hectic First Race which saw Tom Stoden Take P1 followed by Michel Gibbins and Giles Billingsley it was Time for Race 2. Lets see if Anyone Else can Challenge these Almighty Three Drivers at the Front of the Field.
In First Place was (Joshua Law) in his MCR S2 with a Lap Time of 47.878 and an Average Speed of 70.46mph. Incredible Drive for Joshua Taking P1 from Tom Stoden and Claiming his First Race Win of the Weekend. Amazing work Josh.
In Second Place was (Tom Stoden) in his Gunn TS11 with a Lap Time of 48.409 and an Average Speed of 70.35mph. Another Very Confident and Fast Drive by Tom to Achieve Second Place showing Just How Talented and Brave of a Driver Tom is Fantastic Performance Tom.
In Third Place was (Michel Gibbins) in his MCR S2 with a Lap Time of 48.395 and an Average Speed of 70.32mph. Really Good Drive there Michel Fantastic Car Control and a lot of Fast Race Pace. Well Done.
What Another Epic Race to Witness with a New Winner on the Top Step of the Podium being Joshua Law a Well Deserved Win from a Very Talented Driver. Amazing work to both Tom and Michel for their Respective P2 and P3 Finishes. With Race 3 Up Next who will be Taking Home that Final Pole Position of the Weekend for Sports 2000.
Creative Funding Solutions Sports 2000 Championship (Race 3)
The Final Round of the Day for the Sports 2000's and with Joshua Law Defending his People Position at the Front Will anyone be able to dethrone our New Race Winner. Lets Find Out.
In First Place and Taking the Victory was (Michel Gibbins) in his MCR S2 with a Lap Time of 47.479 and an Average Speed of 89.11mph. What a Drive Michel Taking P1 and the Final Race Win. Incredible Work.
In Second Place was (Tom Stoden) in his Gunn TS11 with a Lap Time of 47.680 and an Average Speed of 88.95mph. Amazing work Once Again Tom Proving Just How Competitive This Racing Series for Drivers is.
In Third Place was (Joshua Law) in his MCR S2 with a Lap Time of 47.938 and an Average Speed of 88.92mph. Great Work there Josh Really Good Drive in Taking P3.
What an Amazing Set of Races for the Sports 2000's with Many Different Victories for the likes of Joshua Tom Michel and Giles Drivers who Really Put the Pedal to the Metal when it really matters. Fantastic Work to all other Drivers on Track as well and Good Luck as the Season Continues.
Focus Cup Championship (Qualifying)
Next Up we take a Look to the Focus Cup Championship a Racing Series which Features the use of Ford Focus Road Cars Built to Racing Specifications. Thease Cars all Use The ZTEC 2.0 TDCI Engines and Have Proven to be Very Quick and also Very Twitchy when out Racing.
Lets Take a Look at Qualifying to see what Drivers Have made it to the Front of the Gird to start out the Days Racing.
In First Place taking Pole Position and The Fastest Lap was (Simon Rudd) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Best Lap Time of 58.625 and a Top Speed of 74.17mph. Great Work there Simon Very Fast Driving while Keeping the Car on the Race Track to clock in a Perfect Lap of the Indy Circuit for P1.
In Second Place was (Scott Parkin) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Best Lap Time of 58.880 and a Top Speed of 73.85mph. Very Well Done there Scott with a Blisteringly Quick Lap To take P2 on the Grid for the First Race.
In Third Place was (Gary Mitchell) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Best Lap Time of 59.025 and a Top Speed of 73.67mph. Very Well Done Gary Pushing Hard and Making every Millie Second Count to take P3 on the grid.
Three Very Quick Drivers in Simon Scott and Gary all Looking to take that First Race Win. Which One of them Can Do it. Lets Find Out as Race 1 Begins.
Focus Cup Championship (Race 1)
In First Place and Taking Victory was (Simon Rudd) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 58.725 and an Average Speed of 72.88mph. Congratulations Simon what an Epic Drive to Victory and a First Win of the Day for you. Very Well Done.
In Second Place was (Scott Parkin) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 58.776 and an Average Speed of 72.49mph. Amazing Work there Scott Well Driven and Controlled Thought the entire Race.
In Third Place was (Gary Mitchell) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 58.909 and an Average Speed of 72.39mph. Great Drive there Gary and A Brilliant Finish on the Podium in P3.
What an Exciting First Race for the Focus Cup showing Just How Fast thease Cars are and How Brave each Driver has to be to take Moves and Dive Bombs to work there way to the Front of the Grid. Lets See what Race 2 Brings and Can Simon Keep His Defence of P1.
Focus Cup Championship (Race 2)
In First Place was (Gary Mitchell) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 58.914 and an Average Speed of 68.78mph. Incredible Work there Gary taking P1 and The Race Win what a Fantastic start to the Weekend for Him.
In Second Place was (Richard Avis) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 59.506 and an Average Speed of 68.70mph. what a Drive there From Richard Fantastic to see a New Face in P2 on the Podium and a Well Deserved Victory in Second Place.
In Third Place was (Scott Parkin) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 59.283 and an Average Speed of 68.61mph. Very Well Done there Scott Pushing Hard and Making sure to Stay in the Top Three. Fantastic Drive.
Another Incredible Race with a Different Driver in Richard Avis taking Second Place with an Incredible Drive and Sheer Speed and Talent. Congratulations to both Gary and Scott as well for their Fantastic Finishes Too.
Now for Race 3 and its the Final Time to see who will be taking Home that Last P1 Victory for the Focus Cup Championship.
Focus Cup Championship (Race 3)
In First Place was (Simon Rudd) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 59.228 and an Average Speed of 71.60mph. Amazing Work as Usual Scott putting in One Final Flying Run to Gain Another Race Victory. Great Drive.
In Second Place was (Scott Parkin) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 59.972 and an Average Speed of 70.23mph. Another Really Impressive Drive by Scott to take P2 in the Final Race for The Focus Cup.
In Third Place was (Rob Gaffney) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 59.238 and an Average Speed of 70.19mph. Very Well Done Indeed Rob Finishing P3 and taking his First Podium of the Weekend. Phenomenal Drive.
What an Amazing End to the Focus Cup Championship at Brands Hatch with Many Different Victories for Simon Scott Rob and Gary who all Drove out of their Skin and showed Phenomenal Car Control and Ability to Drive. Fantastic Work to all the other Drivers too Keep Working Hard and Most Important of All Enjoy what you Love Doing.
MSVR Elise Trophy (Qualifying)
Next Up is the MSR Elise Trophy
with the Focus of this Race being on the Lotus Elise S1 S2 and S3 with Just One Qualifying Session and Just 1 Race This will be A Test of Will Power and Determination on the Track to see who can Take Victory.
First Lets look to Qualifying and See who will be Starting on the Front Row.
In First Place taking the Pole and Fastest Lap was (Maurizio Sciglio) in his Lotus Elise S2 with a Best Lap Time of 53.544 and a Top Speed of 81.21mph. Fantastic work there Maurizio to take P1 and start o the Front Row of the Grid.
In Second Place was (Jason Mcinulty) in his Lotus Elise S3 with a Best Lap Time of 53.914 and a Top Speed of 80.65mph. Very Well Done there Jason Putting in one Hell of a Quick Time to Gain P2 on the Grid.
In Third Place was (Simon Walsh) in his Lotus Elise S2 111R with a Best Lap Time of 54.076 and a Top Speed of 80.41mph. Incredible Drive from Simon to put Himself in P3.
With Three Very Quick Drivers in Maurizio Jason and Simon it was Time to see if Anyone Could challenge them and Win the Only Race of the Day for the Lotus Elise Trophy.
MSVR Elise Trophy (Race 1)
In First Place taking The Victory was (Jason Mcinulty) in his Lotus Elise S3 with a Lap Time of 54.638 and an Average Speed of 66.83mph. Fantastic Victory for Jason taking P1 and The Race Win for the Elise Trophy. Phenomenal Driving too.
In Second Place was (John Lamaster) in his Lotus Elise S2 135R with a Lap Time of 54.781 and an Average Speed of 66.75mph. Fantastic work John and So Great to see a New Face on the Podium Taking P2 what an Incredible Driver.
In Third Place was (David Alexander) in his Lotus Elise S1 with a Lap Time of 55.589 and an Average Speed of 66.62mph. Very Well Driven Dave Keeping an Eye out all over the Place and Bringing Home a Superb P3 Finish.
A Brilliant Race for the Elise Trophy and Victories for Jason John and David as well as Maurizio and Simon for their Heroic Efforts in Qualifying. Congratulations to Jason on the Race Win and Good Luck to all other Drivers in this Series.
Modified Ford Series (Qualifying Group A)
Now it was Time to head Back to the Blue Badged Ford Machines Once again as the Modified Ford Series Rolled out onto the Race Track with each car being Heavily Modified from their Road Counterparts. With Escort Cosworth's and RS200's Roaring and Ready to go it was Time to see what the First Group A set of Drivers could do in Qualifying.
Due to how large the Grids were and the Fact that both Group A and Group B Have Different Races I will only be putting up results from both Qualifying Sessions from Group A and Group B. I will Leave a Link Below each Qualifying Session so you can Get All the Race Result's and Action from the 4 Different Races.
Modified Ford Series (Qualifying Group A)
In First Place Taking Pole Position and the Fastest Lap was (David Cockell) in his Ford Escort Cosworth with a Best Lap Time of 49.872 and a Top Speed of 87.19mph. Very Well Done David Keeping that Escort on the Track Must Have Taken some Practice no Doubt Amazing work on Getting Pole.
In Second Place was (Wayne Crabtree) in his Ford RS200 with a Best Lap Time of 51.121 and a Top Speed of 85.06mph. Very Fast Drive from Wayne to take P2 and a Very Solid Drive Thought.
In Third Place was (Michael Saunders) in his Ford Escort MK1 Mexico with a Best Lap Time of 51.129 and an Average Speed of 85.05mph. Very Well Driven by Michael Being Able to Keep up with Both Wayne and David Must Have Ben a Real Pain but what a Fantastic Achievement.
What a Fantastic Set of Legendary Drivers all Battle Hardened and Ready to take on the Might of the Indy Circuit. But there can Only be One Winner who do you Think will Win the First Race? Click the Link Below to get all of the Race Results from this Racing Series.
(Link to Group A Race Results)
www.tsl-timing.com/Event/213751
Modified Ford Series Group B (Qualifying)
Now it was Time for Group B to make a stance and see what their Modified Ford Racing Machines could do. with How Fast and Action Packed Group A Had Been During both The Races and Qualifying Group B was looking to be much the Same.
Lets Waste No Time in Finding out who Has Taken Pole Position for the First of 4 Races.
In First Place Taking Pole Position and The Fastest Lap was (Neil Jessop) in his Ford Escort MK2 with a Best Lap Time of 52.030 and a Top Speed of 83.57mph. Fantastic Work there Neil and a Really Quick Escort to match too. Very Well Done.
In Second Place was (James Harris) in his Ford Escort MK2 with a Best Lap Time of 53.928 and a Top Speed of 80.63mph. Amazing work there James Pushing Hard and Giving the Old Girl everything she has to offer.
In Third Place was (Malcom Harding) in his Ford Escort MK1 with a Best Lap Time of 54.892 and a Top Speed of 79.22mph. Awesome Drive there from Malcom Overcoming a lot of Pressure to put in an Incredible Lap for P3.
What an Amazing Line up for Group B with Plenty of Experienced Drivers who know their cars inside out. But who will be Brave Enough to challenge the Top Three Drivers for Victory. Find out for Yourself at the Link Below.
(Link to Group B Race Results)
www.tsl-timing.com/Event/213751
Enduro KA (Qualifying)
The Final Qualifying Session of the Day Had Come and its the Enduro KA'S. with all of the Cars on the Grid being Models of the Popular Ford KA made Between 1998-2009 thease Cars were Fun City cars that could get you from A to B with Ease. They were Also Build on a tight budget meaning that Handling Performance and Comfort were a Big Selling point of thease Brilliant little cars.
The Racing Versions seen here in the pictures however are built for Racing. they use different tyres but still the same Legendary 1.3 Dura Tec Engine found in their Road Going Counterparts.
Lets Take a look at Qualifying and see which KA and Driver made it to the top step of the podium.
Enduro KA (Qualifying)
In First Place taking the Pole and Fastest Lap was (Octane Junkies Adam Smith and Martyn Smith) with a Best Lap Time of 1:03.495 and a Top Speed of 68.48mph. Fantastic Work Adam and Martyn Really Pushing the Car for all its worth.
In Second Place was (Alex Reade Motorsport Luke Reade and Chris Reade) with a Best Lap Time of 1:03.713 and a Top Speed of 68.25mph. Fantastic Drive there from Both Alex and Chris Claiming P2.
In Third Place was (Fat Boys Racing Matt Pinny) with a Best Lap Time of 1:03.921 and a Top Speed of 68.03mph. Very Well Done there Matt Great Drive and Awesome Car Control.
Three Very Quick and Determined Teams and with 4 Races to Race in this will be a Very Close and Tight Battles Between all Teams and Drivers. Skill and Talent will be crucial to survival and Who will be able to take the First Victory of Race 1. Lets Find Out.
Enduro KA (Race 1 Results)
In First Place Taking the Victory was (Alex Reade Motorsport's Luke Reade and Chris Reade) with a Lap Time of 1:03.688 and an Average Speed of 67.95mph. Congratulations Both Alex and Luke on a Superb Race Victory and Well Done to hold off the Pressure from the other Competitors.
In Second Place was (Octane Junkies Adam Smith and Martyn Smith) with a Lap Time of 1:03.416 and an Average Speed of 67.92mph. Very Well Done to both Adam and Martyn for that Amazing P2 Finish.
In Third Place was (Fat Boys Racing Matt Pinny) with a Lap Time of 1:03.664 and an Average Speed of 67.79mph. Incredible Work there Matt Amazing Drive and a Really Super Looking Car.
An Exciting Opening Race for the Enduro KA Series with Three Different Teams on the Podium in Alex Reade Motorsport Octane Junkies and Fat Boys Racing. Amazing work to all of you Now Lets see what Action Race 2 Brings and whether or not Alex Reade Motorsport can Hold onto that 1st Place.
Enduro KA (Race 2 Results)
In First Place was (Alex Reade Motorsport's Luke Reade and Chris Reade) with a Lap Time of 1:03.557 and an Average Speed of 67.94mph. Another Incredible Drive from both the likes of Alex and Luke to Keep their P1 Finish From the First Race. Amazing Work.
In Second Place was (Octane Junkies Adam Smith and Martyn Smith) with a Lap Time of 1:03.621 and an Average Speed of 67.90mph. Fantastic Work Once Again to the likes of Adam and Martyn Another Set of Drivers Keeping their Second Place Finish.
In Third Place was (Fat Boys Racing Matt Pinny) with a Lap Time of 1:04.005 and an Average Speed of 67.39mph. Well Done once again Matt Perfect Driving and a Well Balanced Car out there.
Looks like the Top Three Remain the Same even After Two Races but will Race 3 Bring a New Twist to the Current Driver and Team Standings. Lets Find Out.
Enduro KA (Race 3 Results)
In First Place was (Octane Junkies Adam Smith and Martyn Smith) with a Lap Time of 1:03.849 and an Average Speed of 67.57mph. Amazing Work there Adam and Martyn managing to topple the likes of Alex and Luke to Earn P1.
In Second Place was (Fat Boys Racing Matt Pinny) with a Lap Time of 1:03.584 and an Average Speed of 67.51mph. Well Done there Matt Improving up to P2 and Taking Home a Well Deserved Finish in the Standings for Race 3.
In Third Place was (Alex Reade Motorsport's Luke Reade and Chris Reade) with a Lap Time of 1:03.606 and an Average Speed of 67.44mph. Very Good Come Back Drive for Both Luke and Ale to Finish Third Great Driving.
Many Twists and Turns Have Benn brought into Race 3 with the Top Three Drivers now being Shuffled Around the Gird into different Positions. With One More Race to Go who will be The Last Driver of the Day on the Top Step of the Podium.
Enduro KA (Race 4 Results)
In First Place was (Octane Junkies Adam Smith and Martyn Smith) with a Lap Time of 1:03.442 and an Average Speed of 67.82mph. An Amazing Final Win for the Day to Octane Junkies Adam and Martyn Smith Congratulations and Very Well Driven.
In Second Place was (Piston Heads Peter Dignan) with a Lap Time of 1:03.781 and an Average Speed of 67.54mph. Incredible work there Peter Getting P2 and Standing on the Podium and Incredible Achievement.
In Third Place was (IP Racing Oliver Wilmot and Scott Parkin) with a Lap Time of 1:03.710 and an Average Speed of 67.47mph. Very Well Done to both Scott and Oliver on that Fantastic P3 Achievement. Something Very Special to Remember for both of you.
And With that The Days Racing at Brands Hatches Ford Power Live comes to an End and what an Incredible Array of Both Cars Teams and Drivers on Display Today. A Big Congratulations to the likes of Adam Martyn Luke Chris Peter Matt Oliver and Scott for their Incredible Achievements and All Other Drivers Keeping the World Of Motorsport Alive and Well.
Keep Working Hard everyone Else. Your Time Will Come.
See You All Again Next Year!!!!
This map shows the average jobs-plus-population density along the planned Southwest LRT line in the Twin Cities area. It was created in ArcMap by taking 2010 Census population data at the Census block level, plus 2011 jobs data available from the US Census (also at the block level), and averaging out the numbers on a per-acre basis.
Several studies over the past four decades (dating back to a 1977 study by Boris Pushkarev and Jeffery Zupan) have found at least an indirect relationship between job density, population density, and transit ridership and effectiveness. The studies have generally found that an average density of 5 jobs/population per acre is enough to support basic bus service, with higher levels of density able to support higher levels of transit service.
In this map, we can see that the proposed Southwest LRT line generally goes through a corridor that averages 10+ jobs/pop per acre, with a few nodes of higher density (namely around Hwy 100, Opus, and near Eden Prairie Center. While these densities may not be enough to support a full rail line, they're high enough to suggest that some sort of transit line along the corridor is worthwhile.
Prague Castle (Czech: Pražský hrad; [ˈpraʃskiː ˈɦrat]) is a castle complex in Prague, Czech Republic, dating from the 9th century. It is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic. The castle was a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept within a hidden room inside it.
According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world,[1][2] occupying an area of almost 70,000 square metres (750,000 square feet), at about 570 metres (1,870 feet) in length and an average of about 130 metres (430 feet) wide. The castle is among the most visited tourist attractions in Prague attracting over 1.8 million visitors annually.[3]
History
Přemyslid fort
The history of the castle began in 870 when its first walled building, the Church of the Virgin Mary, was built. The Basilica of Saint George and the Basilica of St. Vitus were founded under the reign of Vratislaus I, Duke of Bohemia and his son St. Wenceslas in the first half of the 10th century.
The first convent in Bohemia was founded in the castle, next to the church of St. George. A Romanesque palace was erected here during the 12th century.
Medieval castle
King Ottokar II of Bohemia improved fortifications and rebuilt the royal palace for the purposes of representation and housing. In the 14th century, under the reign of Charles IV the royal palace was rebuilt in Gothic style and the castle fortifications were strengthened. In place of rotunda and basilica of St. Vitus began building of a vast Gothic church, that were completed almost six centuries later.
During the Hussite Wars and the following decades, the castle was not inhabited. In 1485, King Ladislaus II Jagello began to rebuild the castle. The massive Vladislav Hall (built by Benedikt Rejt) was added to the Royal Palace. New defence towers were also built on the north side of the castle.
A large fire in 1541 destroyed large parts of the castle. Under the Habsburgs, some new buildings in Renaissance style were added. Ferdinand I built the Belvedere as a summer palace for his wife Anne. Rudolph II used Prague Castle as his main residence. He founded the northern wing of the palace, with the Spanish Hall, where his precious art collections were exhibited.
The Second Defenestration of Prague in 1618 took place at the castle and began the Bohemian Revolt. During the subsequent wars, the Castle was damaged and dilapidated. Many works from the collection of Rudolph II were looted by Swedes in 1648, in the Battle of Prague (1648) which was the final act of the Thirty Years' War.
The last major rebuilding of the castle was carried out by Empress Maria Theresa in the second half of the 18th century. Following his abdication in 1848, and the succession of his nephew, Franz Joseph, to the throne, the former emperor, Ferdinand I, made Prague Castle his home.
Presidential residence
In 1918, the castle became the seat of the president of the new Czechoslovak Republic, T.G. Masaryk. The New Royal Palace and the gardens were renovated by Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. In this period the St Vitus Cathedral was finished (on September 28, 1929). Renovations continued in 1936 under Plečnik's successor Pavel Janák.
On March 15, 1939, shortly after the Nazi Germany forced Czech President Emil Hacha (who suffered a heart attack during the negotiations) to hand his nation over to the Germans, Adolf Hitler spent a night in the Prague Castle, "proudly surveying his new possession."[4] During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia in World War II, Prague Castle became the headquarters of Reinhard Heydrich, the Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia. According to a popular rumor, he is said to have placed the Bohemian crown on his head; old legends say a usurper who places the crown on his head is doomed to die within a year.[5] Less than a year after assuming power, on May 27, 1942, Heydrich was attacked during Operation Anthropoid, by British-trained Slovak and Czech soldiers while on his way to the Castle, and died of his wounds - which became infected - a week later.[6] Klaus, his firstborn son, died the next year in a traffic accident, also in line with the legend.[7]
After the liberation of Czechoslovakia and the coup in 1948, the Castle housed the offices of the communist Czechoslovak government. After Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the castle became the seat of the Head of State of the new Czech Republic. Similar to what Masaryk did with Plečnik, president Václav Havel commissioned Bořek Šípek to be the architect of post-communism Prague Castle's necessary improvements, in particular of the facelift of the castle's gallery of paintings.
Architectural styles of Prague Castle
Main nave of the cathedral
The castle buildings represent virtually every architectural style of the last millennium. Prague Castle includes Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, Romanesque Basilica of St. George, a monastery and several palaces, gardens and defense towers. Most of the castle areas are open to tourists. The castle houses several museums, including the National Gallery collection of Bohemian baroque and mannerism art, exhibition dedicated to Czech history, Toy Museum and the picture gallery of Prague Castle, based on the collection of Rudolph II. The Summer Shakespeare Festival regularly takes place in the courtyard of Burgrave Palace.
The neighborhood around Prague Castle is called Hradčany.
Churches
New Provost Residence
•Katedrála svatého Víta, Václava a Vojtěcha (St. Vitus Cathedral)
•Bazilika svatého Jiří (St. George's Basilica, Prague) and Klášter svatého Jiří (St. George's Convent, Prague), it is the oldest surviving church building within Prague Castle.
•Chrám Všech svatých (All Saints Church)
•Kaple svatého Kříže (Holy Cross Chapel (cs))
Palaces
•Starý královský palác (Old Royal Palace)
•Letohrádek královny Anny (Belvedere (Prague) (cs))
•Lobkovický palác (Lobkowicz Palace, not to be confused with the German embassy in Malá Strana)
•Nový královský palác (New Royal Palace (Prague) (cs))
Halls
•Sloupová síň (Column Hall (cs))
•Španělský sál (Spanish Hall)
•Rudolfova galerie (Rudolph's Gallery (cs))
•Rothmayerův sál (Rothmayer's Hall (cs))
•Vladislavský sál (Vladislav Hall)
Towers
•Bílá věž (White Tower (Prague Castle) (cs))
•Černá věž (Black Tower (Prague Castle) (cs))
•Daliborka (Dalibor Tower (cs))
•Prašná věž or Mihulka (Mihulka (cs))
Other buildings
•Zlatá ulička (Golden Lane)
•Staré purkrabství (Old Supreme Burgrave's House (cs) )
•Míčovna (Ball Game Hall (cs))
•Jízdárna Pražského hradu (Riding School (cs))
•Staré proboštství (Old Provost Residence (cs) )
•Nové proboštství (New Provost Residence (cs))
Gardens
Královská zahrada (Royal Garden of Prague Castle)
oOranžérie (Orangery (cs))
•Zahrada na terase Jízdárny (Riding School Terrace Garden (cs))
•Zahrada Na Baště (The Garden on the Bastion)
•Jižní zahrady (South Gardens)
oRajská zahrada (Paradise Garden (cs))
oZahrada Na Valech (Garden on the Ramparts (cs))
oHartigovská zahrada (The Hartig Garden (cs))
•Jelení příkop (Deer Moat (cs))
•Svatováclavská vinice (St. Wenceslas vineyard (cs))
•Produkční zahrady Pražského hradu (Horticultural Gardens (cs))
Structures
•Kohlova kašna (Kohl's Fountain)
•Matyášova brána (Matthias Gate)
•Obelisk (Obelisk)
•Socha svatého Jiří (Statue of Saint George)
In popular culture
Prague Castle is the location in the second level of Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb video game.
It is also mentioned in the video game Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag as a hidden file found in a hacked computer at Abstergo Entertainment.
Data from NextBus and Cabspotting.
Muni speeds are instantaneous measurements. Cabspotting speeds are derived from the travel time between points and the relative frequency with which points appear in the sample, and probably underestimate the speeds at the fastest points and overestimate them at the slowest. The speeds are averages so there are probably many vehicles moving much faster or slower than these speeds at times.
By the way, nobody has asked, but I think the explanation for the place where the buses are substantially faster than taxis between Fell and Hayes is that a lot of the taxis are actually waiting in line for the gas station there.
Decapitated
Alcatraz - Milano
07 Gennaio 2014
ph ©Mairo Cinquetti
All rights reserved
DECAPITATED As a Teenage Death Metal act DECAPITATED averaged an age of just 17 by the time of their debut album but incredibly drummer Vitek was a mere twelve years old upon their formation in 1996. Both guitarist Vogg and bassist Martin also held down membership of Black Metal act LUX OCCULTA . In 1997 the trio of vocalist Sauron, guitarist Vogg and Vitek added the 13 year old bassist Martin. DECAPITATED, hailing from Krosno, debuted with the demos Cemeteral Gardens in 1997 and 1998 "The Eye Of Horus". Further exposure was garnered by the inclusion of tracks on the 2000 Relapse Records 'Polish Assault' compilation alongside YATTERING , LOST SOUL and DAMNABLE . The first album, recorded for Earache subsidiary Wicked World, was produced by VADER Piotr Wiwczarek and sees a cover of SLAYER Mandatory Suicide. DECAPITATED early demos were pressed up onto CD by Poland’s Metal Mind Productions entitled The First Damned, adding two live tracks from the 'Thrash 'em All' festival. The band toured as support to VADER in early 2001. DECAPITATED's February 2002 album 'Nihility' would include a cover version of NAPALM DEATH 's 'Suffer The Children'. The band scored a valuable coup later that same year, being chosen to perform at the Polish 'Ozzfest' event in late May. By August DECAPITATED was on the road in North America with tour partners INCANTATION , VEHEMENCE and DEAD TO FALL . The band, shooting a promotional video for the track 'Spheres of Madness' to further promote the album, would form up part of a strong package bill topped by VADER for a run of dates across mainland Europe from late August alongside KRISIUN and PREJUDICE . Vitek took time out to lay down drums on VADER frontman Piotr Wiwczarek's PANZER X project EP 'Steel Fist'. The February 2004 DECAPITATED album 'The Negatron' would see a bonus track offering of a take on DEICIDE 's 'Lunatic Of God's Creation'. A short spurt of UK dates saw the band ranked alongside ROTTING CHRIST , ANATA and THUS DEFILED . The band then united with Norwegian Black Metal elite outfit MAYHEM and Japanese act DEFILED for a European tour commencing early April. US dates scheduled for July and August had DECAPITATED opening for CANNIBAL CORPSE . However, all North American touring plans were cancelled due to the sensitivity in regard to the band's name and the executions of hostage victims in Iraq. DECAPITATED parted ways with guitarist Jacek Hiro in October, opting to remain a quartet for February 2005 European gigs allied with HATE , CRIONICS and DIES IRAE . The band re-shaped in June when frontman Sauron closed a nine year tenure by announcing his withdrawal. DECAPITATED quickly drew in their friend Covan formerly of ATROPHIA RED SUN, NEUROTOXIC.c.w.a., as replacement. The band entered Hertz Studios in Bialystok in August to record a new album entitled 'Organic Hallucinosis'. September European dates had DECAPITATED partnered with British act GOREROTTED and Dutch DETONATION . Following US gigs in December, DECAPITATED parted ways with bassist Martin, the four-stringer having to deal with military conscription issues, pulling in Richard Gulczynski as replacement. Live work breaking into 2006, promoting the 'Organic Hallucinosis' album recorded at Hertz Studio in Bialystok, saw the band teaming up with HYPOCRISY , SOILENT GREEN , RAGING SPEEDHORN , NILE and WITH PASSION for a North American tour commencing in early January. In mid February it was learned that bassist Martin had returned to the fold. US dates for September and October 2006 saw the band hooking up with KRISIUN , CATTLE DECAPITATION , SIX FEET UNDER and ABYSMAL DAWN . The band united with headliners FEAR FACTORY and SUFFOCATION for further North American shows in November. The band united with Nancy's PHAZM for extensive European touring throughout February 2007. In May the group toured throughout Australia and New Zeeland supporting NILE . The band's next tour outing was to be the 'Summer Slaughter' trek across the USA throughout June and July, seeing NECROPHAGIST headlining on a mammoth package billing with BENEATH THE MASSACRE , CEPHALIC CARNAGE , CATTLE DECAPITATION , THE FACELESS , AS BLOOD RUNS BLACK , ARSIS and ION DISSONANCE . The band is ready for next tour attacks! Asia, North and South America and Europe!!!
Namchi (Nepali : नाम्ची) or Namtse is the capital of the South Sikkim district in the Indian state of Sikkim. The appellation Namchi means Sky (Nam) High (Chi) in Sikkimese.
GEOGRAPHY
Namchi is located at 27.17°N 88.35°E. It has an average elevation of 1,315 metres.
Namchi is situated at an altitude of 1,675 m above sea level. It is situated at a distance of 78 kilometres from the state capital Gangtok and 100 kilometres from the town of Siliguri, the nearest railhead and airport. Namchi lies off the road between Melli and Jorethang. Namchi is well connected to other towns in Sikkim and West Bengal. Jeeps and buses regularly ply between Namchi to Gangtok, Pelling, Jorethang, Kalimpong and Siliguri.
DEMOGRAPHICS
As of 2011 India census, Namchi has a population of 12194. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Namchi has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 73%. In Namchi, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age. Most of the people of Namchi are Hindus and Buddhists. Languages spoken are Nepali, English and Hindi.
EDUCATION
Namchi has more than half a dozen private schools with quality education (Mt. Carmel School, Namchi Public School, Tendong Educational Institute, Victory Educational Institute, New Light Academy etc.) and government Higher Secondary Schools for Boys and Girls and world valid computer institute (MULTIMEDIA COMPUTER INSTITUTE) an authorized study center of Manipal Group. Just few kilometers away from the town is a reputed Government College for Arts and Education. People give a lot of importance and focus on education with a reverence. Namchi Public School run by catholic missionaries is one of the respected educational institute in the State and one of the best in the south district of Sikkim.
TOURISM
Namchi is fast becoming a major tourist spot and pilgrimage centre. The Namchi monastery, Ralong monastery and Tendong Hill are important Buddhist pilgrimage centres. The world's largest statue (36 m) of the Buddhist Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, is on the Samdruptse hill (The Wish Fulfilling well) opposite Namchi. It was completed in February 2004. It is also said that the Samdruptse hill is actually a Dormant Volcano. Myths say that the buddhist monks have been going on top of the hill and offering prayers to the volcano to keep it calm. There is also a Rock Garden just few kilometers up from the town on the way to Samdruptse.Sikkim Best Home Stay Dong Busty Home Stay just 8km away from Namchi Bazar. The Rock Garden displays a wide variety of Flora and is a local recreation and picnic spot. It offers a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchendzonga (aka Mt. Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest peak). Recently inaugurated (November 2011) Siddhesvara Dhaam is a unique pilgrimage tourism venture of the Sikkim Government developed as “Pilgrim cum Cultural Centre” having a 26,52 m statue of Lord Shiva and replicas of four Dhams of the country at one place at Solophok hilltop in Namchi. The four most revered Dhams of the Hindus Jagannath, Dwarika, Rameshawaram, Badrinath have been replicated in this fantastic complex to benefit the devotees and tourists. The dream project of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling which was conceived by him and started in the year 2005 stands promisingly amidst the breadth taking surrounding of Solophok hill, befitting the mythological setting behind the establishment of the original Dhams. For the consecration of the Dham Shri Jagadguru Sankaryacharya Swami Swarupananda Saraswati in the presence of the Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling and his wife Smt Tika Maya Chamling did the “Pran Prastisha” of the Dham. There are replicas of the “Dwadash Jyotirlingas” (the twelve jyothirlinga) of Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleswar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Viswanath, Triambakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageswar, Rameshwar at Rameswaram and Grishneshwar surrounding the statue of Lord Shiva and the Char Dhams. There is a grand statue of Kirateshvar Mahadev and a temple of Shirdi Sai Baba too. One can have a view of the Mt Kanchenjunga, Statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse, Darjeeling and other such locations from here. The Dham has stay facility for the devotees at “Yatri Niwas” which can accommodate more than 90 people at a time. The Dham has won the National Tourism Awards 2010–11 under the category of “Most Innovative/Unique Tourism Project” by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. A helipad is located 5 km away from town at an altitude of around 1524 m. From here one can get the most panoramic view of Mt. Kanchanzonga with the surrounding mountain a part of Darjeeling Kalimgpong and the rolling plains of Bengal. The visitors can savour the view of temi tea garden the one and the only tea estate in the state which produces top quality tea in the international market.
Near the town, Sikkim's sole tea estate — the Temi Tea Garden is situated. The tea carries a premium the world over and costs around Rs. 800/- a kg. The tea is marked by its exotic odour and flavour.
In the month of February, the Namchi garden hosts it annual flower show. The flower show is the largest in Sikkim with flowers in a riot of colours. The prime attraction of this show is the display of exotic and rare orchids.
One of the highlights of the town is the football stadium – the Baichung Stadium built by the Sikkimese government in honour of its most famous citizen, footballer Baichung Bhutia. "The Gold Cup" football tournament is held in Bhaichung Stadium almost every year. Football teams from all over India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan vie for the honour which draws lot of crowds from all over Sikkim. Namchi is also the base of the chief minister of Sikkim, Pawan Kumar Chamling.
Historically, Namchi was the place where Pende Ongmoo, the trecherous princess who poisoned one of the Chogyals of Sikkim, was caught and killed for her deed. Legend says her spirit still haunts the foothills of Ghurpisey.
WIKIPEDIA
Mississippi Canyon 243 (Matterhorn Rig/block) in the Gulf of Mexico 30 miles from the Louisiana coastline. The Matterhorn field, located in 2,789 feet (850 meters) of water, was discovered in 1999, sanctioned in July 2001 and came into production in November 2003. It's located 30 miles SE of the mouth of the Mississippi River. The field has produced an average rate of 5,200 boed at year-end 2009. The Matterhorn field is located on Mississipi Canyon block 243. Global Marine Celtic Sea semisub drilled the Matterhorn discovery well to a depth of 8,165 feet (2,490 meters) and exposed 370 feet (112 meters) of oil. The Matternorn field is Plio-Pleistocene in age. The Matterhorn field development encompasses a mini-Tension Leg Platform with nine well slots and production capacities of 35,000 bopd of oil, 55 MMcf/d. The mini-TLP floating structure has a production capacity of 33,000 bopd of oil and more than 55 MMcf/d (1.55 MMcm/d) of natural gas. The TLP is an Altantia SeaStar design, previously designed and installed on three successful deepwater projects. The Matterhorn was 100% owned by Total E&P USA through January 2010, when the company sold its interest to W&T Offshore. Matterhorn TLP is the largest mini-TLP built to date. It's twice the size of the earlier units and the first to incorporate dry trees -- weighing in at 5,500 tons (4,990 tonnes). It is also the first unit to incorporate supporting vertical access production flow lines running through the central moon pool. The hull measures 84 feet (26 meters) in diameter and 125 feet (38 meters) in height. The platform is capable of carrying nine top-tensioned production risers, seven of which were installed on the platform during commissioning. Three pontoons at the base of the column give the structure a widened diameter of 359 feet (54 meters). It is designed to support a payload of 8,425 tons. It was constructed by Gulf Marine Fabricators and Pragon Engineering.
Day 2 at Brands Hatch for the British Truck Racing Championship Season of 2021 and after Some Very Intense Battles and Superb Victories from Each of the Drivers on Saturday it was time Once again for Each Driver to Strap in and Get the Hammer Down.
The Weather Unlike Saturday was Beautiful with a bright Blue Sky during the Morning which no Doubt Lifted a lot of the Drivers Moods after Saturday had seen Very Grey and Overcast Conditions.
With Four British Truck Races Making Up the Largest Portion of the Days Events it will be interesting to see what Each Driver can do and How they Will Have to Preserve their Machinery to make it through Each Race.
With All Drivers Ready Having gotten up Early to do Final Checks and Adjustments to their Respective Cars it was Time to Get to Work and Take to the Race Track for Another Day of High Sped High Adrenaline Fuelled Action around the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit.
Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup (Qualifying)
Starting the Day off was the Hyundai Coupe Cup A Racing Series Dedicated to the 2.0 Engine Hyundai Cars and a Large Grid of 22 Cars was Present as Qualifying Began.
Lets Take a Look and Find out who Made it to Pole and Took the Fastest Lap.
In First Place Taking Pole Position and the Fastest Lap was (Alistair Dendy) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 58.735 and a Top Speed of 74.03mph. Brilliant Work from Alistair Really Pushing Hard and Keeping his Car Under Control The Entire Time.
In Second Place was (Wayne Rockett) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 59.123 and a Top Speed of 73.55mph. Amazing Job there Wayne Really Going for it and Pushing Hard.
In Third Place was (Alex Cursley) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 59.148 and a Top Speed of 73.52mph. Great Work there Alex Fantastic Driving to take P3 on the Grid for Race 1.
A Superb Flying Start to the Days Action with the Top Three Drivers in Alistair Wayne and Alex All Sitting Quite Close Together in Qualifying and no Doubt Other Drivers will also Be Looking to Fight their way Through the Field in order to try and take that Glory away from them.
With Qualifying Over Lets Turn Our Attention to the Racing and See out of Alistair Wayne or Alex who Had managed to hold their Composure and take that All Important First Victory.
Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup (Race 1 Results)
In First Place Taking the Victory was (Alistair Dendy) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 59.151 and an Average Speed of 55.27mph. Congratulations Alistair a Brilliant Lights to Flag Victory and The Drive and Bravery of a True Champion Well Done.
In Second Place was (Alex Cursley) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Bets Lap Time of 59.022 and an Average Speed of 55.21mph. Brilliant Driving from Alex and Some Amazing Close Racing at Times with Alistair at The Front of the Grid. A Well Deserved Second Place Finnish.
In Third Place was (Wayne Rockett) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 59.085 and an Average Speed of 55.16mph. Nice Work Wayne Fighting Hard and Taking the Final Step on the Podium with a Fantastic Drive and Defence of P3.
What a Brilliant First Race to Kick Start the Day Off with Alistair Dendy in First Place Alex Cursley in Second Place and Wayne Rockett in Third Place. Fantastic Driving from All of you as Well as All the other Drivers in the Race who Were Battling their way Through the Field.
Lets See what Race 2 and the Final Race Brings for the Top Three Drivers and Can Any of them Improve or will Someone Sneak in at the Last Minute to Grab P1 P2 and P3 away from them.
Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup (Race 2 Results)
In First Place Taking the Final Race Victory of the Day for the Hyundai Coupe Championship was (Alistair Dendy) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 58.800 and an Average Speed of 71.74mph. Another Heroic Drive from Alistair Sees Him Take Both Race Wins for The Weekend and No Doubt in my Mind his Family Friends and Team Will be more than Happy for Him. A Truly Deserving Driver of P1.
In Second Place was (Alex Cursley) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 58.795 and an Average Speed of 71.70mph. Another Incredible Drive from Alex Has seen him Take P2 Once Again Brilliant Work to Him and the Team who no Doubt Will be Celebrating this One for a Long Time Coming.
In Third Place was (Johnny Rockett) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 59.372 and an Average Speed of 71.28mph. Amazing Drive there from Johnny Holding off the Charging Wayne Rockett to take P3 and a Proud Moment for The Entire Rocket Family.
Fantastic Racing Today from the Hyundai Coupe 2000 Championship with Some Fierce Competition from The Likes of Wayne Johnny Alex and Alistair Along with The Rest of the Other Drivers as they Fought Hard to Push their Points Tally Even Higher in the Championship. Congratulations Everybody and Good Luck for the Rest of the Season.
CTCRC All-Comers - Racing for Marshals (Race 2 Results)
CTRC was Up Next and After a Great Race Yesterday All of the Drivers were Ready to Strap in and Get to Work.
After a Hectic Day of Qualifying for The CRTC Yesterday it was Samuel Wilson who Grabbed The Pole with Gary Prebble in Second and Mike Saunders in Third Place with the Top Three Separated by Less than A Second Between Them.
Lets Find Out who Has Won in this Last Race of the Weekend for the CTRC Racing For Marshalls Race.
In First Place taking the Victory and The Fastest Lap was (Colin Claxton) in his Ford Escort MK1 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 55.365 and an Average Speed of 76.44mph. Brilliant Driving from Colin Working that Steering Wheel Hard and Putting in some Incredible Flying Laps to Maintain the Gap and Take a Deserving Victory.
In Second Place was (Samuel Wilson) in his Aston Martin V8 Vantage with a Best Lap Time of 51.471 and an Average Speed of 82.44mph. Really Great Drive from Samuel Pushing His Aston Martin as Hard as Possible to try and Catch the Speedy Colin Claxton.
In Third Place was (Malcom Harding) in his Ford Escort MK2 Zakspeed with a Best Lap Time of 51.682 and an Average Speed of 82.38mph. Really Amazing Work there from Malcom A Beautiful Looking Car Paired with a Confident and Determined Driver. A Well Deserved P3.
Amazing Racing from the CTRC as Always at Brands Hatch with the Likes of Colin Samuel and Malcom all taking Superb Victories and Cementing their Names into the Books of History at the Circuit. Fantastic Work to all the other Drivers and Teams out there too Keep Trying and Never Give Up.
Junior Saloon Car Championship (Race 2 Results)
A Fan Favourite Up Next with the Junior Saloon Car Championship and After Some of the Most Incredible Racing Witnessed Yesterday During Race 1 Between the likes of Jamie and Ruben who Went Side by Side for Nearly Four Whole Laps Continuously This Next Race was for Sure Going to be a Head Turner.
Lets Take a Look at the Results and Find Out if Charlie Hand has managed to Come Back Stronger Than Yesterday.
In First Place Taking the Victory and The Fastest Lap was (Charlie Hand) in his Citron Saxo VTR 1600 with a Best Lap Time of 58.614 and an Average Speed of 61.94mph. Congratulations Charlie Another Brilliant Drive for the Final Race Win of the Weekend in Junior Saloon Cars and a Well Deserved Comeback Drive After Yesterdays Race.
In Second Place was (Harvey Caton) in his Citron Saxo VTR 1600 with a Best Lap Time of 58.573 and an Average Speed of 61.89mph. Brilliant Driving there Harvey Pushing the Car Hard through Paddock Hill Bend and Hanging onto that P2 Spot. Amazing Job.
In Third Place was (Will Redford) in his Citron Saxo 1600 with a Best Lap Time of 58.830 and an Average Speed of 61.85mph. Well Done Will A Great Drive to Finnish The Weekend off and No Doubt his Family and Team Will be Celebrating All Thought the Night for that Performance.
Another Brilliant Final Day of Action from the Junior Saloon Car Championship, A Huge Congratulations to the Likes of Charlie Harvey and Will for their Performances and to All of their Fellow Drivers who are also Chasing their Dreams. Keep Working Hard and Improving as much as you can.
Pickup Truck Racing Championship (Race 2 Results)
Now it was the Turn of the Pickup Trucks Championship and with a Large Grid of 20 Light Weight Space Frame Pickup Trucks the Action from Yesterdays Qualifying Proved that This Race for going to be a Very Fast and Hectic One.
During Qualifying Second Fastest Yesterday it was Mark Wilson who Took Pole with Matt Simpson and Tom Jenkins Close Behind him in Second and Third Place. But out of All Three of thease Drivers who will be Brave Enough to Put their Foot Down and Go for it During the Race to take Victory?
In First Place Taking the Race Win and The Fastest Lap was (David O' Regan) in his Pickup Truck 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 52.463 and an Average Speed of 65.64mph. Amazing Driving there from David Especially through Paddock Hill Bend as the Trucks tend to Slide a lot through there but He was Keeping His Pickup Truck on Corse for a Very Well Deserved P1 Finish for the Weekend.
In Second Place was (George Turiccki) in his Pickup Truck 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 52.425 and an Average Speed of 65.61mph. Great Drive there by George Defending His Position Thought the Race and Hanging onto take an Impressive P2 Finish.
In Third Place was (Allen Cooper) in his Pickup Truck 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 52.265 and an Average Speed of 65.52mph. Really Well Driven from Allen to Take that Final P3 Spot on the Podium and to End what Has Been a Fantastic Weekend for the Pickup Trucks Racing Championship.
Brilliant Racing from the Pickup Truck Championship and some Fantastic Winners Across the Weekend with the likes of David George and Allen all Takin Victories. A Huge Well Done to All of the other Drivers who Also were pushing Hard for Victory Don't Give Up and Keep Fighting and Making Improvements to the Pickup Truck.
Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres (Race 4 Results)
Next Up The Legends Cars Championship and During Qualifying Yesterday each Driver was Working Hard out on Track using the Slip Stream Technique in order to Give Themselves a Boost down the Main Straight in order to take Pole Position.
After Qualifying it was The Legends Car of Chris Needham who took that All Important Pole Position with Will Gibson and John Mickel Following Closely Behind in Second and Third Place Respectively.
With Three Races Ahead who would come out on Top in Race 4 and Take Victory.
In First Place Setting the Fastest Lap and Taking the Victory was (Miles Rudmann) in his Legend 34 Ford Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 56.042 and an Average Speed of 76.13mph. Fantastic Driving from Miles who was Really Pushing Hard at the Front of the Grid and Making sure he was Keeping as Many other Drivers Behind him as Possible. Great Drive.
In Second Place was (Will Gibson) in his Legends 34 Ford Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 56.127 and an Average Speed of 76.12mph. Great Driving from Will Who Always knows a Thing or to About How to Control a Legends Car around the Circuit.
In Third Place was (Jack Parker) in his Legends 34 Ford Coupe with a Best Lap Time of 56.085 and an Average Speed of 76.12mph. Fantastic Driving from Jack to Keep Himself in that P3 Position and take a Well Deserved Victory. Great Work there Jack.
An Exciting First Race from the Legends Championship which Currently sees the likes of Miles Will and Jack all Taking Superb Victories During the Corse of Race 4 But With Race 5 About to Start Will Anyone Else Surprise them by Taking Those Positions Away.
Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres (Race 5 Results)
In First Place taking the Victory and Fastest Lap was (Daniel Clark) in his Legends Chevy Sedan 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 55.775 and an Average Speed of 76.90mph. Congratulations Daniel a Fantastic Drive for Victory and A Turley Deserving Victory too after a Storming Drive through the Field.
In Second Place was (Miles Rudman) in his Legends 34 Ford Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 55.524 and an Average Speed of 76.88mph. Another Superb Drive from Miles to take Second Place Showing his Incredible Speed and Commitment to Remain as Close as he Can to Race Winner Daniel.
In Third Place was (Andy Bird) in his Legends Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 55.847 and an Average Speed of 76.85mph. Brilliant Driving there from Andy and Pushing Hard thought the Race to Defend his P3 Position.
What a Race from The Legends Cars with Two New Winners in Daniel Clark and Any Brid both Taking Victories on the Podium during the Race. With One Last Race to go for The Legends Championship can Miles Rudman Redeem Himself and take that Last Race Victory for the Weekend?
Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres (Race 6 Results)
In First Place Taking the Final Race Victory of the Days for The Legends Cras was (John Mickel) in his Legends Ford 34 Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 56.068 and an Average Speed of 66.12mph. Congratulations John a Really Brilliant Final Drive to take the Victory in the Last Race of the Day for Legends His Family no Doubt will be Very Proud of What He has Achieved.
In Second Place was (Will Gibson) in his Legends 34 Ford Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 55.700 and an Average Speed of 66.11mph. Great Driving there from Will Who Has Really Shown All Weekend Why he is More than Deserving to be sitting in that Legends Seat and Racing it. Fantastic P2 Finnish.
In Third Place was (Sean Smith) in his Legends 34 Ford Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 55.839 and an Average Speed of 66.08mph. Congratulations Sean a Really Fantastic Way to Round of the Weekend for You with the Final Spot on the Podium.
What an Incredible Weekend it has been for the Legends Cars national Championship with so Many Different Race Winners in Sean Will Miles Daniel Jack and Andy All Fighting Hard and Taking Home Some Memorable Trophies and Cementing their Statuses in the History Books for Future Generations to See and Become Inspired by. Congratulations to All of the other Drivers who were out there Racing too Keep Working Hard and I Know that you will Achieve your Own Goals with Enough Determination.
British Truck Racing Championship (Race 2 Results)
Finally it was The Time for the Heavy Weights of Motorsport to Make their way out onto the Circuit for the Last Time this Weekend in the British Truck Racing Championship.
After Qualifying Yesterday Which saw Ryan Smith Dominate The Times with Stuart Oliver in Second and David Jenkins in Third Place All Three Drivers were Once Again Ready to Battle it out for The Last Time this Season to Determined who The Champion of 2021 Will Be.
Lets Dive Straight into Race 2 and See who is going to Strike First and Make their Mark on the Race Track.
In First Place Taking the Fastest Lap and The Race Victory was (Ryan Smith) in his Mercedes Actros 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.232 and an Average Speed of 72.19mph. Congratulations Ryan Really Incredible Drive and in Dominant Fashion to take The Win in Race 1 Superb Job.
In Second Place was (Stuart Oliver) in his Volvo VNL 13000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.949 and an Average Speed of 71.34mph. Fantastic Drive there Stuart Fighting Hard and More Determined than Ever Judging by the Way he Threw that Truck Round Paddock Hill Bend Really going for it.
In Third Place was (David Jenkins) in his Man TGX 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:01.146 and an Average Speed of 71.11mph. Fantastic Work there David P3 and a Superb Effort to try and Take Third Place from Stuart Oliver.
What an Incredible First Race with the Top Three in Ryan Stuart and David All Really Pushing Hard and Making their Mark on the Race Track. With Race 3 Coming Up Next who Will be able to try and Overtake Ryan Smith and Stop his Incredible Domination?
British Truck Racing Championship (Race 3 Results)
In First Place Taking the Victory and the Fastest Lap was (Ryan Smith) in his Mercedes Actros 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 58.984 and an Average Speed of 71.78mph. Congratulations Ryan Another Incredible Drive an a Real Determined Charge to Keep that Truck as Far Ahead of All the other Competitors as Possible. Extraordinary Performance.
In Second Place was (Mark Taylor) in his Man TGA 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.395 and an Average Speed of 71.15mph. Great Driving there from Mark who was Pushing Hard and Keeping the Gap to Ensure He got that All Important P2. Fantastic Drive.
In Third Place was (Steven Thomas) in his Man TGA 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.021 and an Average Speed of 71.05mph. Well Done Steven Driving Really Well and Making Sure to Defend from Fourth Place John Newell to Hold onto that P3 Finish.
Another Daring and Exciting Race in which Ryan Smith Once Again Dominates at The Top of the Standings by being an Insane 2 Seconds Faster a Lap Compared to Mark Taylor. A Big Congratulations to Both Mark and Steven for their Respective Finishes too.
Race 4 is up next and This Could be The Race Which Decides the Championship. Will Ryan Smith be able to Hold on or Will David Jenkins in Second Place in the Standings Have other Ideas.
British Truck Racing Championship (Race 4 Results)
In First Place taking the Victory and the Fastest Lap was (David Jenkins) in his Man TGX 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 59.282 and an Average Speed of 71.68mph. Congratulations David a Superb Victory and that Puts Him a Step Closer to Winning the Championship Over Rival Ryan Smith.
In Second Place was (Tom O' Rourke) in his Man TGX 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.985 and an Average Speed of 70.66mph. Congratulations To A Fantastic Drive and so Great to See a New Face in P2 on the Podium Phenomenal Job.
In Third Place was (Martin Gibson) in his Man TGX 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.985 and an Average Speed of 70.59mph. Fantastic Job there Martin Super Driving and Defending Well for that P3 Finish.
With David Jenkins Having Just Won that Last Race it Looks like Race 5 and The Final Race of the Weekend is going to Determine who The Champion for 2021 is in British Truck Racing. Will it be David Jenkins or Will it be Ryan Smith?
British Truck Racing Championship (Race 5 Results)
In First Place Taking The Championship and The Final Race Win of the Weekend is (Ryan Smith) in his Mercedes Actros 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 58.711 and an Average Speed of 72.07mph. Congratulations Ryan you are the 2021 British Truck Racing Champion a Phenomenal Drive All Weekend and through the Season.
In Second Place was (John Newell) in his Man TGS 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.047 and an Average Speed of 70.85mph. Fantastic Race there John Finishing in P2 to Round off the Weekends Racing no Doubt Many Celebrations will be Happening down in the Paddock.
In Third Place was (Shane Brereton) in his Man TGX 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.072 and an Average Speed of 70.82mph. Great Work there Shane Taking a Well Deserved P3 spot on the Podium and Racing with Such Accuracy and Craft thought.
What An Incredible Weekend it has Been for Ryan Smith who is Your British Truck Racing Champion of 2021 on 390 Points. Congratulations Ryan Go out and Celebrate This Moment In Style.
In Second Place in the Standings is David Jenkins on 380 Points who put up one Hell of a Good Fight All Thought the Season with Ryan Smith Non the Less a Well Deserving Second Place in the Championship from Such a Committed Driver.
And Finally In Third Place in the Standings was Martin Gibson on 350 Points who Also Put up an Incredible Fight All Season Having Been Fighting his way Through the Field on More than One Occasion.
A Fantastic End to a Weekend of Incredible Racing and as The Truck Parade and Fireworks Went off I can Imagine that Each Driver Reflected on what they Have Achieved this Year and the Countless People they May have Inspired to go out and Challenge their Dreams of Becoming a Racing Driver.
Until The Next One Keep Racing !
Parenting is challenging, so it's vital that you learn every skill and technique on the market so that you can continue to grow at it. The better knowledge and knowledge you may have, including understanding what your kids goes through at various stages, the better successful you'll be at raising a kid.
Remove anything from the countertop in your kitchen, recline your son or daughter over a towel, and permit water through the tap to soak their hair. Most toddlers find this technique less stressful than having their head placed under water.
When traveling using a small child, try to keep the identical bedtime and mealtime routines when you have in the home. Travel may be stressful for anyone, however it is particularly challenging for children, especially infants. To aid your kids in feeling comfortable while on a trip and make certain that every people in your party get a better night's sleep, make sure you observe established bedtime rituals.
Children inside the preschool years tend not to handle transitions well. When they are pulled from something too early, it could trigger a melt down.
It is essential that you obtain time and energy to yourself, from your children. Get a relative or sitter to look at them, even for a quick time. Parents that do not get personal or adult time from children have higher levels of stress that magnify through the home.
As a parent, you are aware how important it is actually to go out with your kids, however it is incredibly important to possess some time to yourself. Drawing and enforcing this boundary lets you sustain your individuality while still being an outstanding parent.
When you initially have children, form good habits to make it your main priority to care for yourself. No matter your schedule or agenda, have a break and relax for a couple minutes when you can. You may feel great, along with your children will likely be happier because of this.
If children live at home, avoid smoking inside your home. Actually, it will be extremely beneficial to give up smoking altogether. Breathing secondhand smoke may be just like harmful as smoking. Smoking around your young ones can be extremely hazardous and cause many respiratory issues including asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with many advice about how as a significantly better parent. You possibly will not usually have each of the answers, but it will be possible to obtain the resources you will need to help you those answers. babyspheres.com/weight-loss-after-pregnancy.html
It seemed like an average Wednesday. Thursday? The quarantine’s kinda blending all my days together. It seemed like an average morning, when out of NOWHERE, Nintendo just casually throws out the trailer to a new Paper Mario. Paper Mario’s history is incredible, because it’s been resting on the laurels of the original Paper Mario and […]
www.fbtb.net/video-games/nintendo-switch/2020/05/14/paper...
Sun Group introduced the second generation of Digital Tag featuring a new battery Power Playback time: Average 12-15 hours.
The wearable Digital TAG Video Name Tag SUN-SG824, just the size of a business card, that delivers your message through
professional video content. Attractive promotional in-store marketing that can be easily and frequently updated to meet YOUR
current needs. How do you capture the attention of TODAY’s customer?
Digital TAG is an eye-catching, hip and superior way of getting your message out to your clientele – in a way they are used to
seeing information: fast, attractive, state of the art. The content displayed on digital signage screens can range from simple text
and still images to full-motion video, with or without audio.
Digital TAG is used for many purposes:
Informational
Deliver a message through professional video content
In store promotion to Uplift Sales
Medium for Advertising by Third Parties
Enhanced Customer Experience - decrease perceived wait times!
Influencing Customer Behavior - direct customers to other areas of the store and increase dwelltime
Premium Corporate Give Aways
Gifts
Point of Sale Advertising
New Product Announcements
Retail Level
Employee Orientation
Training
Job Fairs
Conventions
Social events
Specifications:
• Display Screen Size: 2.4 inch
• Platforms: Standalone
• Formats: AVI and JPEG
• Plays MP3 and WMA Audio files
• Multimedia player with built in speakers
• Support Mini TF card Capacity up to 4GB (TF card not included)
• Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels
• Storage Capacity: 2 GB flash
• Build in Memory: 256MB flash memory
• Connectivity Input: Mini USB
• sgmonitor.com
• Size: 70W x 51H x 13.5D (mm)
• Weight: Around 69 gram
• Power Playback time: Average 12-15 hours
• Battery: Built-in Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
• Shirt-Clip (Magnet) doesn't ruin clothing
• Lanyard Holder Can be used as both horizontal and vertical
• USB Cable (Power Recharge/Content Change)
• USB AC Power Charger 110V-240V - DC 5V
St Margaret, Witton, Norfolk
Norfolk has two parishes called Witton, and rather confusingly they both have churches dedicated to St Margaret. This one is sometimes referred to as 'Witton-by-Norwich', but the name is surreal, for it is hard to imagine that we are barely ten miles from the centre of that great city. At the time of the 1851 Census of Religious Worship, Edward Frere, who was the curate in charge of returning Witton's entry, recorded that the name given to it is not known, so presumably the dedication here was a fruit of the ecclesiological revival later in the century. Frere recorded that the average attendance at service was 55, which may have been an exaggeration (it often was) but even so it suggests a high level of attendance, for the population of the parish was barely 150 at this time when rural Norfolk parishes were reaching their population peak. There must be far fewer than that today, despite our proximity to Norwich.
It was one of those beautiful days in Holy Week 2019, and all the birds of the county were making their pleasure known. It was a joy to be out in rural Norfolk again.
The church is remote from the villages of Witton and larger Great Plumstead. There's a converted barn for company, and a couple of farms on the long, lonely roads leading out to it, but that's all. The little church is unusual of aspect, for the tower was reduced and topped off with a little octagonal turret in the 17th century. It seems to grow out of the west end of the nave. The effect is similar to that at Thurton, a few miles off on the other side of the river. To the south of the church is the rather singular early 19th century memorial to Mary Taylor, looking like nothing so much as an enormous stone biscuit barrel.
The friendly keyholders are a fair way off, but this a church it is worth getting the key to see, because it is full of interest, and most of it of an unconventional kind. From the outside it is, of course, obvious that this is not a large church, but stepping inside is to enter a jewel-like space that is entirely in proportion. The first surprise is a small figure brass set on the threshold. It remembers Dame Juliana Anyell, and probably dates from the first decade of the 16th Century. The inscription tells us that Juliana was a widow and a Vowess, which is to say she was a member of a religious order of widows who had vowed not to remarry. She stands wearing the robes of a Vowess, and this is one of only four such brasses in the whole of the British Isles. The church has another tiny brass inscription set in the south-west corner of the nave.
The 19th Century restoration here was under the careful eye of Richard Phipson, and was designed as a setting for High Anglican worship. As usual, he kept the medieval font, which is a riot of tracery patterns, but his is the chancel, and most of the glass is by Hardman & Co in their typical style of the mid-century. But the best glass is on the south side of the nave, a joyful depiction of the Presentation in the Temple and the Annunciation by William Warrington of 1852, and it is hard to think of a happier window of that decade anywhere in Norfolk. Beside it is the sober memorial to John Penrice of 1844, still entirely Georgian in style and depicting him in profile. It is odd to think that just eight years separate it from William Warrington's window, a mark of the cultural revolution in church furnishings in the middle years of that century.
Never have I seen so many candles in such a small church as there are at St Margaret! It is one of those churches which I most love coming across - no one seems to know about it, it has a sense of its place in the long history of its parish, and it captures a moment in liturgical tradition with such quality that it stands as a living example while still being a fitting worship space for today.
Huế (Vietnamese: [hwě] is a city in central Vietnam that was the seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors and the national capital from 1802–1945. A major attraction is its vast, 19th-century Citadel, surrounded by a moat and thick stone walls. It encompasses the Imperial City, with palaces and shrines; the Forbidden Purple City, once the emperor's home; and a replica of the Royal Theater.
HISTORY
Huế originally rose to prominence as the capital of the Nguyễn lords, a feudal dynasty that dominated much of southern Vietnam from the 17th to the 19th century. In 1775 when Trịnh lord Trịnh Sâm captured it, it was known as Phú Xuân.
In 1802, Nguyễn Phúc Ánh (later Emperor Gia Long) succeeded in establishing his control over the whole of Vietnam, thereby making Huế the national capital.
Minh Mạng (r. 1820-40) was the second emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty, reigning from 14 February 1820 (his 29th birthday) until his death, on 20 January 1841. He was a younger son of Emperor Gia Long, whose eldest son, Crown Prince Cảnh, had died in 1801. Minh was well known for his opposition to French involvement in Vietnam, and for his rigid Confucian orthodoxy.
During the French colonial period, Huế was located in the protectorate of Annam. It remained the seat of the Imperial Palace until 1945, when Emperor Bảo Đại abdicated and a communist DRV government was established with its capital at Hà Nội (Hanoi), in the north.
While Bảo Đại was proclaimed "Head of the State of Vietnam" with the help of the returning French colonialists in 1949 (although not with recognition from the communists or the full acceptance of the Vietnamese people), his new capital was Sài Gòn (Saigon), in the south.
During the Republic of Vietnam, Huế's central location very near the border between the North and South put it in a vulnerable position in the Vietnam War. In the Tết Offensive of 1968, during the Battle of Huế, the city suffered considerable damage not only to its physical features, but its reputation as well, due to a combination of the American military bombing of historic buildings held by the North Vietnamese, and the massacre at Huế committed by the communist forces.
After the war's conclusion, many of the historic features of Huế were neglected because they were seen by the victorious communist regime and some other Vietnamese as "relics from the feudal regime"; the Vietnamese Communist Party doctrine officially described the Nguyễn Dynasty as "feudal" and "reactionary." There has since been a change of policy, however, and many historical areas of the city are currently being restored.
GEOGRAPHY
The city is located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Perfume River, just a few miles inland from the East Sea. It is about 700 km south of Hanoi and about 1,100 km north of Hồ Chí Minh City.
CLIMATE
Huế features a Tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification. The dry season is from March to August, with high temperatures of 35 to 40 °C. The rainy season is from August to January, with a flood season from October, onwards. The average rainy season temperature is 20 °C, sometimes as low as 9 °C. Spring lasts from January to late February.
CULTURE
Located in the center of Vietnam, Huế was the capital city of Vietnam for approximately 150 years during feudal time (1802–1945), and the royal lifestyle and customs have had a significant impact on the characteristics of the people of Huế. That impact can still be felt today.
NAME GIVING
Historically, the qualities valued by the royal family were reflected in its name-giving customs, which came to be adopted by society at large. As a rule, royal family members were named after a poem written by Minh Mạng, the second king of Nguyễn Dynasty. The poem, Đế hệ thi", has been set as a standard frame to name every generation of the royal family, through which people can know the family order as well as the relationship between royal members. More importantly, the names reflect the essential personality traits that the royal regime would like their offspring to uphold. This name-giving tradition is proudly kept alive and nowadays people from Huế royal family branches (normally considered 'pure' Huế) still have their names taken from the words in the poem.
CLOTHING
The design of the modern-day áo dài, a Vietnamese national costume, evolved from an outfit worn at the court of the Nguyễn Lords at Huế in the 18th century. A court historian of the time described the rules of dress as follows:
Thường phục thì đàn ông, đàn bà dùng áo cổ đứng ngắn tay, cửa ống tay rộng hoặc hẹp tùy tiện. Áo thì hai bên nách trở xuống phải khâu kín liền, không được xẻ mở. Duy đàn ông không muốn mặc áo cổ tròn ống tay hẹp cho tiện khi làm việc thì được phép.
Outside court, men and women wear gowns with straight collars and short sleeves. The sleeves are large or small depending on the weather. There are seams on both sides running down from the sleeve, so the gown is not open anywhere. Men may wear a round collar and a short sleeve for more convenience.
— Đại Nam thực lục
This outfit evolved into the áo ngũ thân, a five-paneled aristocratic gown worn in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Inspired by Paris fashions, Nguyễn Cát Tường and other artists associated with Hanoi University redesigned the ngũ thân as a modern dress in the 1920s and 1930s. While the áo dài and nón lá are generally seen as a symbol of Vietnam as a whole, the combination is seen by Vietnamese as being particularly evocative of Huế. Violet-coloured áo dài are especially common in Huế, the color having a special connection to the city's heritage as a former capital.
CUISINE
The cuisine of Huế forms the heart of Central Vietnamese cuisine, but one of the most striking differences is the prominence of vegetarianism in the city. Several all-vegetarian restaurants are scattered in various corners of the city to serve the locals who have a strong tradition of eating vegetarian twice a month, as part of their Buddhist beliefs. Another feature of Huế dishes that sets them apart from other regional cuisines in Vietnam is the relatively small serving size with refined presentation, a vestige of its royal cuisine. Finally, another feature of Huế cuisine is that it is often very spicy.
In Hue cuisine, it has both luxurious and rustic popular dishes. All are cooked with talent skills of the Hue people, creating special flavor of Hue food. With such a rich history, Hue's royal cuisine (foods served for the King) is the combination between taste and aesthetic. It consists of several distinctive dishes from small and delicated creations which originally created to please the appetites of Nguyen feudal lords, emperors and their hundreds of concubines and wives. Furthermore, there is another thing making "amazing cuisine" of Hue is traditional foods. Hue's traditional cuisine is so distinctive from other regions in the country, which is considered as the best in Vietnam.
RELIGION
The imperial court practiced various religions such as Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. The most important altar was the Esplanade of Sacrifice to the Heaven and Earth, where the monarch would offer each year prayers to the Heaven and Earth.
In Huế, Buddhism enjoyed stronger support than elsewhere in Vietnam, with more monasteries than anywhere else and the nation's most famous monks.
Famously in 1963, Thích Quảng Đức drove to Saigon to protest anti-Buddhist policies of the South Vietnamese government and set himself on fire on a Saigon street.
Thich Nhat Hanh, world-famous Zen master now living in France, originates from Huế.
TOURISM
Huế is well known for its historic monuments, which have earned it a place in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. The seat of the Nguyễn emperors was the Imperial City, which occupies a large, walled area on the north side of the Perfume River. Inside the citadel was a forbidden city where only the emperors, concubines, and those close enough to them were granted access; the punishment for trespassing was death. Today, little of the forbidden city remains, though reconstruction efforts are in progress to maintain it as a historic tourist attraction.
Roughly along the Perfume River from Huế lie myriad other monuments, including the tombs of several emperors, including Minh Mạng, Khải Định, and Tự Đức. Also notable is the Thiên Mụ Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Huế and the official symbol of the city.
A number of French-style buildings lie along the south bank of the Perfume River. Among them are Quốc Học High School, the oldest high school in Vietnam, and Hai Ba Trung High School.
The Huế Museum of Royal Fine Arts on 3 Le Truc Street also maintains a collection of various artifacts from the city.
In addition to the various touristic attractions in Hué itself, the city also offers day-trips to the Demilitarized Zone lying approximately 70 km north, showing various war settings like The Rockpile, Khe Sanh Combat Base or the Vinh Moc tunnels.
The first 11 months of 2012, Huế received 2.4 million visitors, an increase of 24.6% from the same period of 2011. 803,000 of those 2.4 million visitors were foreign guests, an increase of 25.7%.
Although tourism plays a key role in the city's socioeconomic development, it also has negative impacts on the environment and natural resource base. For example, services associated with tourism, such as travel, the development of infrastructure and its operation, and the production and consumption of goods, are all energy-intensive.
Research by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network has identified traditional ‘garden houses’ as having the potential to increase tourist traffic and revenue. Apart from the environmental, economic and cultural benefits provided by garden houses, their promotion could pave the way for other low carbon development initiatives.
IN POPULAR CULTURE
The second half of Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket takes place primarily in and around the bombed-out ruins of the city of Huế. The scenes were filmed in the disused Beckton Gas Works a few miles from central London.
The 6th Campaign mission in Call of Duty: Black Ops, takes place in Hue City.
vietcong 2 from 2005 is set in hue. The player assumes the role of an American MACV soldier and young Vietcong recruit fighting before and during the Tet Offensive.
INFRASTRUCTURE
HEALTH
The Huế Central Hospital, established in 1894, was the first Western hospital in Vietnam. The hospital, providing 2078 beds and occupying 120,000 square meters, is one of three largest in the country along with Bạch Mai Hospital in Hanoi and Chợ Rẫy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, and is managed by the Ministry of Health.
TRANSPORTATION
Huế has a railway station with connections to all major Vietnamese cities. Phu Bai International Airport is located just south of the city centre.
WIKIPEDIA
taken with my canon 50-250 lens!
Apogee and Perigee of the Moon
Apogee and perigee refer to the distance from the Earth to the moon. Apogee is the farthest point from the earth. Perigee is the closest point to the earth and it is in this stage that the moon appears larger. Looking at the moon in the sky without anything to compare it to, you wouldn't notice any size difference. But the difference in size can in fact be quite significant.
If you were to photograph a full moon at apogee and perigee (using the same lens), here's how the two sizes would compare:
Astronomers have formulas for computing the exact distance at any point in time, but the average distance from Earth is 237,700 miles (382,500 km).
Effects of Apogee and Perigee
The apogee and perigee of the moon have an effect on the tides here on Earth. When the moon is at apogee, the furthest distance from the Earth, it has less gravitational pull which, along with other factors that influence the tides, can contribute to lower tides or lower variation in the high/low tide level. When the moon is at perigee, closer to the Earth, there is much more gravitational pull which contributes to the opposite effect: higher tides or greater variation in the high and low tide.
It feels like the ground is breathing and the air has hands, like everything is moving except me, like I am the only thing solid, like it is the rest of the world that is dizzy.
The average position of the mass of this system of objects is going to be pretty close to the fire extinguisher, as it by far has the most inertia. But the fact that the laptop is so far away from it will give the laptop some "power" to move the center of mass (cm) towards it. Our equation must account for both distance and size of mass
A lot of women wonder about their breast size. Are their breasts big enough? Do they at least have an average breast size? How big are the average breasts? Should they increase their breast size?
A sampled average of over 400 images from the Library of Congress "Civil War Faces" collection here on Flickr.
More on what I did (and Martin Schoeller!) here:
blog.patdavid.net/2012/08/imagemagick-average-blending-fi...
blog.patdavid.net/2012/08/more-averaging-photos-martin-sc...
In case you have no frame of reference for masturbation or intercourse, helpful illustrations accompany these charts!
The Iconic Ford Power Live Event took Place at Brands Hatch to Celebrate The Blue Badged Ford Motor Company and their Iconic Cars From both the Past and The Present. From Escort Mexico's to Modern Ford Mustang GT'S there was Everything for the Ford Enthusiast to enjoy.
The Support Races Featured During the Day were also Full of Different Makes and Models of Ford Racing Cars From The Focus RS to the Ford Escort and the Iconic Sierra Cosworth and even the Iconic Enduro KA series was Present and with Drivers and Spectators Ready the Racing was about to begin.
Lets Turn to the Race Track and See what is the First Support Race to make it onto the Race track.
Champion Of Brands (Qualifying)
First up Champion of Brands and with Fast and High Speed Action from Thease Machines Lets See who took that all important People Position to Start the Race in P1.
In First Place was (Tom Mills) in his Spectrum KMR with a Best Lap Time of 50.154 and a Top Speed of 86.70mph. Amazing work there Tom a truly Heroic and Brave Drive for Pole Position.
In Second Place was (Niall Murray) in his Van Diemen BD21 with a Best Lap Time of 50.397 and a Top Speed of 86.28mph. Fantastic Work Niall Very Fast and Quick Driving.
In Third Place was (Colin Queen) in his Ray GR18 with a Best Lap Time of 50.399 and a Top Speed of 86.28mph. Another Incredible Driver in Colin Pushing Hard and Almost Taking Second Place from Niall. I think we are in for some Really Intense Racing but who will be Fast Enough to on Track to Take Victory?
Champion Of Brands (Race 1 Results)
After a Thrilling Battle that saw Tom Mills take Pole Position its time to find out who Won the Race and out of The Top Three Could Anyone else on the Grid Challenge them for a Spot on the Podium. Lets Find Out.
In First Place and taking the Win was (Niall Murray) in his Van Diemen BD21 with a Lap Time of 50.518 and an Average Speed of 77.40mph. Incredible work there Niall Beating back Tom to take Victory in the First Race and a Well Determined Drive to Secure it.
In Second Place was (Tom Mills) in his Spectrum KMR with a Lap Time of 50.706 and an Average Speed of 77.38mph. Amazing Drive there Tom Keeping up with Niall and a Fantastic Battle thought the entire Race too.
In Third Place was (Colin Queen) in his RAY GR18 with a Lap Time of 50.820 and an Average Speed of 77.32mph. A Great Victory for Third Place on the Podium Colin showing a Determined Drive and a lot of Bravery thought the Race.
What an Incredible First Race to Start out the Days Events and with Another Coming up Soon after is it possible for Another Competitor to take Victory and the Spotlight? Lets Take A Look.
Champion Of Brands (Race 2 Results)
Race 2 Up Next and The Final Time for Anyone Racing in Champion of Brands to Score Points and Take Victory in either First Second or Third Place. After a Thrilling End to Race 1 which Saw Tom Mills getting Beaten by Niall Murray it was time to see who could Once Again bring the Roar and Thunder Home for a Final Time.
In First Place was (Niall Murray) in his Van Diemen BD21 with a Lap Time of 50.584 and an Average Speed of 84.84mph. Another Incredible Drive from Niall to once again take The Final Pole Position for Champion of Brands. Brilliant Drive there Niall.
In Second Place was (Tom Mills) in his Spectrum KMR with a Lap Time of 50.606 and an Average Speed of 84.47mph. Another Well Deserved Second Place for Tom Showing Incredible Car Control and Bravery Pushing the Limits on Every Corner to Keep up with Niall. Fantastic Drive Tom.
In Third Place was (Lucan Romenek) in his Van Diemen JL13 with a Lap Time of 50.927 and an Average Speed of 83.92mph. Very Well Done there Lucan Fantastic to see a New Driver take a Step onto the Podium and Celebrate the Victory.
What an Exciting Opening Day here at Brands Hatch for Ford Power Live with Champion of Brands Providing some Well Deserved Winners in Niall Tom Lucan and Colin. Well Done to all other Drivers taking Part and Continuing to Improve and do what it is that you Love. Keep Up the Momentum and Never Give Up Hope of One Day Making it to the Top Step of the Podium.
Lets See what Track Action is Next Up onto the Circuit as the Action Continues to Hot Up.
Clubman Sports Prototype Championship (Qualifying)
Clubman Sports Prototypes were up next and thease Mad Looking Machines are known for their Supreme Aerodynamics as well as Insane Straight Line Speed. each Driver will have to be on the ball and Keeping their Machine under Constant Control as they will be Powering round this 1,2 mile Indy Circuit at Speeds of at Least 90mph.
Lets Look to the Track to see who Qualified where and see who will be starting the Race on Pole.
In First Place and taking Pole Position was (Steve Dickens) in his Mallock MK29 with a Best Lap Time of 47.146 and a Top Speed of 92.23mph. Amazing Drive there Steve Very Fast and Committed for Pole Position.
In Second Place was (Clive Wood) in his Mallock MK23 with a Best Lap Time of 47.784 and a Top Speed of 91.00mph. Well Deserved there Clive Pushing that Mallock for all its worth and taking Second Place.
In Third Place was (Alex Champkin) Mallock MK27 Synergy with a Best Lap Time of 48.129 and a Top Speed of 90.35mph. Very Well Done there Alex Taking Third Place and a Spirited Drive with it.
A Very Fast and Fierce set of Drivers Ready to take on the Indy Circuit. Lets Get Right Down to the Action for Race 1.
Clubman Sports Prototype Championship (Race 1 Results)
After A Thrilling Battle in Qualifying Between Steve Clive and Alex which of them will be Poised and Ready to Attack on the Race Track to either Defend maintain or even potentially Loose their Positions to the other Drivers. Lets Find Out.
In First Place was (Steve Dickens) in his Mallock MK29 with a Lap Time of 48.076 and an Average Speed of 76.87mph. Incredible Driving there Steve Taking the Victory and the Spoils that come with it Amazing Work from you and The Entire Team.
In Second Place was (Alex Champkin) in his Mallock MK27 Synergy with a Lap Time of 47.515 and an Average Speed of 76.84mph. Another Super Drive by Alex to move him up into Second Place on the Podium. Fantastic Work and Driving Ability.
In Third Place was (Clive Wood) in his Mallock MK23 with a Lap Time of 47.802 and an Average Speed of 76.81mph. Very Well Done there Clive Super Driving and an All Round Great Victory for Third Place.
An Exciting Opening Race for Clubman's with Steve Dickens taking Both Qualifying and the First Race Win. Can he Do it again For Race 2 or will the likes of Alex and Clive Hunt Him down and take that Victory away Stay Tuned to find out as We Go Racing Once Again.
Clubman Sports Prototype Championship (Race 2 Results)
In First Place was (Clive Wood) in his Mallock MK23 with a Lap Time of 47.475 and an Average Speed of 87.35mph.
In Second Place was (Pete Richings) in his Mallock MK30 PR with a Lap Time of 48.784 and an Average Speed of 86.84mph.
In Third Place was (Steve Dickens) in his Mallock MK29 with a Lap Time of 48.448 and an Average Speed of 86.63mph.
What an Exciting End to Race 2 with a New Winner in P2 being Pete Richings Well Done Pete Amazing work and a well deserved Podium Spot. Will Pete be able to Retain that Second Place or even Improve though as we head into the Final Round in Race 3.
Clubman Sports Prototype Championship (Race 3 Results)
In First Place was (Pete Richings) in his Mallock MK30PR with a Lap Time of 48.218 and a Top Speed of 88.27mph. Incredible Driving Pete taking the Top Step of the Podium and the Race Win. A Truly Excellent Drive.
In Second Place was (Steve Dickens) in his Mallock MK29 with a Lap Time of 47.986 and an Average Speed of 88.17mph. Very Well Done again Steve Putting in a lot of Hard work to Reach Second Place.
In Third Place was (Clive Wood) in his Mallock MK23 With a Lap Time of 47.883 and an Average Speed of 88.08mph. Another Amazing P3 for Clive with a lot of Strong Determination Behind the Wheel.
What a Race Weekend for the Clubman's with Many Different Victories and Winners in Clive Steve Pete and Alex all Looking to Fight it it on Track and take Home those Valuable Championship Winning Points. Well Done to all other Competitors as well Keep Pushing Hard and Making Memories that will Last Forever.
Creative Funding Solutions Sports 2000 Championship (Qualifying)
Now it was time for the Creative Solutions Sports 2000's to hit the Track and After a Thunderous Performance by the Classic Clubman's Lets see what thease Mean Machines Have to Offer. With Speeds once again Reaching Nearly 92mph thease cars are Monsters and Driving and Controlling One is going to be Very Challenging with all that Break Horse Power.
Lets take a Look at Qualifying and see which Drivers made it to the Front end of the Grid for Race 1.
In First Place Taking Pole Position and the Fastest Lap was ( Neil Burroughs) in his Gunn TS12 with a Best Lap Time of 47.202 and a Top Speed of 92.12mph. Fantastic work there Neil Once Again showing the Skill and Commitment Needed for a Championship Winning Drive.
In Second Place was (Tom Stoten) in his Gunn TS11 with a Best Lap Time of 47.400 and A Top Speed of 91.74mph. Great Work there Tom a Well Controlled and Well Balanced Car on the Race Track to Take P2 on the Grid.
In Third Place was (Joshua Law) in his MCR S2 with a Best Lap Time of 47.474 and a Top Speed of 91.59mph. Well Done Josh Really Amazing work to take P3 on the Grid for The Race.
What a Fantastic Qualifying Session with Battles Happening all over the Field but Neil Tom and Josh have made it into the Top Three and so Lets Find out in Race 1 which of them will be Taking Home Victory.
Creative Funding Solutions Sports 2000 Championship (Race 1)
In First Place and Taking Victory was (Tom Stoten) in his Gunn TS11 with a Lap Time of 48.471 and an Average Speed of 62.75mph. Amazing Work Tom taking yourself from P2 in Qualifying to P1 and The First Race Win, Incredible Drive.
In Second Place was (Michel Gibbins) in his MCR S2 with a Lap Time of 48.457 and an average Speed of 62.69mph. Fantastic Work Michel and a Really Strong Drive to take P2 in the Race. A Fantastic Drive.
In Third Place was (Giles Billingsley) in his MCR S2 with a Lap Time of 49.321 and an Average Speed of 62.31mph. Awesome Work there Giles a Brilliant Drive to Get P3 and the Last Spot on the Podium.
What an Exciting First Race with Tom Stoden being the First Race Winner in Sports 2000. A Big Congratulations to Michel and Giles too for some Heroic Driving and their Further P2 and P3 Finishes. Lets Find out what Race 2 Brings us Next.
Creative Funding Solutions Sports 2000 Championship (Race 2)
After a Really Hectic First Race which saw Tom Stoden Take P1 followed by Michel Gibbins and Giles Billingsley it was Time for Race 2. Lets see if Anyone Else can Challenge these Almighty Three Drivers at the Front of the Field.
In First Place was (Joshua Law) in his MCR S2 with a Lap Time of 47.878 and an Average Speed of 70.46mph. Incredible Drive for Joshua Taking P1 from Tom Stoden and Claiming his First Race Win of the Weekend. Amazing work Josh.
In Second Place was (Tom Stoden) in his Gunn TS11 with a Lap Time of 48.409 and an Average Speed of 70.35mph. Another Very Confident and Fast Drive by Tom to Achieve Second Place showing Just How Talented and Brave of a Driver Tom is Fantastic Performance Tom.
In Third Place was (Michel Gibbins) in his MCR S2 with a Lap Time of 48.395 and an Average Speed of 70.32mph. Really Good Drive there Michel Fantastic Car Control and a lot of Fast Race Pace. Well Done.
What Another Epic Race to Witness with a New Winner on the Top Step of the Podium being Joshua Law a Well Deserved Win from a Very Talented Driver. Amazing work to both Tom and Michel for their Respective P2 and P3 Finishes. With Race 3 Up Next who will be Taking Home that Final Pole Position of the Weekend for Sports 2000.
Creative Funding Solutions Sports 2000 Championship (Race 3)
The Final Round of the Day for the Sports 2000's and with Joshua Law Defending his People Position at the Front Will anyone be able to dethrone our New Race Winner. Lets Find Out.
In First Place and Taking the Victory was (Michel Gibbins) in his MCR S2 with a Lap Time of 47.479 and an Average Speed of 89.11mph. What a Drive Michel Taking P1 and the Final Race Win. Incredible Work.
In Second Place was (Tom Stoden) in his Gunn TS11 with a Lap Time of 47.680 and an Average Speed of 88.95mph. Amazing work Once Again Tom Proving Just How Competitive This Racing Series for Drivers is.
In Third Place was (Joshua Law) in his MCR S2 with a Lap Time of 47.938 and an Average Speed of 88.92mph. Great Work there Josh Really Good Drive in Taking P3.
What an Amazing Set of Races for the Sports 2000's with Many Different Victories for the likes of Joshua Tom Michel and Giles Drivers who Really Put the Pedal to the Metal when it really matters. Fantastic Work to all other Drivers on Track as well and Good Luck as the Season Continues.
Focus Cup Championship (Qualifying)
Next Up we take a Look to the Focus Cup Championship a Racing Series which Features the use of Ford Focus Road Cars Built to Racing Specifications. Thease Cars all Use The ZTEC 2.0 TDCI Engines and Have Proven to be Very Quick and also Very Twitchy when out Racing.
Lets Take a Look at Qualifying to see what Drivers Have made it to the Front of the Gird to start out the Days Racing.
In First Place taking Pole Position and The Fastest Lap was (Simon Rudd) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Best Lap Time of 58.625 and a Top Speed of 74.17mph. Great Work there Simon Very Fast Driving while Keeping the Car on the Race Track to clock in a Perfect Lap of the Indy Circuit for P1.
In Second Place was (Scott Parkin) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Best Lap Time of 58.880 and a Top Speed of 73.85mph. Very Well Done there Scott with a Blisteringly Quick Lap To take P2 on the Grid for the First Race.
In Third Place was (Gary Mitchell) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Best Lap Time of 59.025 and a Top Speed of 73.67mph. Very Well Done Gary Pushing Hard and Making every Millie Second Count to take P3 on the grid.
Three Very Quick Drivers in Simon Scott and Gary all Looking to take that First Race Win. Which One of them Can Do it. Lets Find Out as Race 1 Begins.
Focus Cup Championship (Race 1)
In First Place and Taking Victory was (Simon Rudd) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 58.725 and an Average Speed of 72.88mph. Congratulations Simon what an Epic Drive to Victory and a First Win of the Day for you. Very Well Done.
In Second Place was (Scott Parkin) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 58.776 and an Average Speed of 72.49mph. Amazing Work there Scott Well Driven and Controlled Thought the entire Race.
In Third Place was (Gary Mitchell) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 58.909 and an Average Speed of 72.39mph. Great Drive there Gary and A Brilliant Finish on the Podium in P3.
What an Exciting First Race for the Focus Cup showing Just How Fast thease Cars are and How Brave each Driver has to be to take Moves and Dive Bombs to work there way to the Front of the Grid. Lets See what Race 2 Brings and Can Simon Keep His Defence of P1.
Focus Cup Championship (Race 2)
In First Place was (Gary Mitchell) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 58.914 and an Average Speed of 68.78mph. Incredible Work there Gary taking P1 and The Race Win what a Fantastic start to the Weekend for Him.
In Second Place was (Richard Avis) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 59.506 and an Average Speed of 68.70mph. what a Drive there From Richard Fantastic to see a New Face in P2 on the Podium and a Well Deserved Victory in Second Place.
In Third Place was (Scott Parkin) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 59.283 and an Average Speed of 68.61mph. Very Well Done there Scott Pushing Hard and Making sure to Stay in the Top Three. Fantastic Drive.
Another Incredible Race with a Different Driver in Richard Avis taking Second Place with an Incredible Drive and Sheer Speed and Talent. Congratulations to both Gary and Scott as well for their Fantastic Finishes Too.
Now for Race 3 and its the Final Time to see who will be taking Home that Last P1 Victory for the Focus Cup Championship.
Focus Cup Championship (Race 3)
In First Place was (Simon Rudd) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 59.228 and an Average Speed of 71.60mph. Amazing Work as Usual Scott putting in One Final Flying Run to Gain Another Race Victory. Great Drive.
In Second Place was (Scott Parkin) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 59.972 and an Average Speed of 70.23mph. Another Really Impressive Drive by Scott to take P2 in the Final Race for The Focus Cup.
In Third Place was (Rob Gaffney) in his Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Zetec S with a Lap Time of 59.238 and an Average Speed of 70.19mph. Very Well Done Indeed Rob Finishing P3 and taking his First Podium of the Weekend. Phenomenal Drive.
What an Amazing End to the Focus Cup Championship at Brands Hatch with Many Different Victories for Simon Scott Rob and Gary who all Drove out of their Skin and showed Phenomenal Car Control and Ability to Drive. Fantastic Work to all the other Drivers too Keep Working Hard and Most Important of All Enjoy what you Love Doing.
MSVR Elise Trophy (Qualifying)
Next Up is the MSR Elise Trophy
with the Focus of this Race being on the Lotus Elise S1 S2 and S3 with Just One Qualifying Session and Just 1 Race This will be A Test of Will Power and Determination on the Track to see who can Take Victory.
First Lets look to Qualifying and See who will be Starting on the Front Row.
In First Place taking the Pole and Fastest Lap was (Maurizio Sciglio) in his Lotus Elise S2 with a Best Lap Time of 53.544 and a Top Speed of 81.21mph. Fantastic work there Maurizio to take P1 and start o the Front Row of the Grid.
In Second Place was (Jason Mcinulty) in his Lotus Elise S3 with a Best Lap Time of 53.914 and a Top Speed of 80.65mph. Very Well Done there Jason Putting in one Hell of a Quick Time to Gain P2 on the Grid.
In Third Place was (Simon Walsh) in his Lotus Elise S2 111R with a Best Lap Time of 54.076 and a Top Speed of 80.41mph. Incredible Drive from Simon to put Himself in P3.
With Three Very Quick Drivers in Maurizio Jason and Simon it was Time to see if Anyone Could challenge them and Win the Only Race of the Day for the Lotus Elise Trophy.
MSVR Elise Trophy (Race 1)
In First Place taking The Victory was (Jason Mcinulty) in his Lotus Elise S3 with a Lap Time of 54.638 and an Average Speed of 66.83mph. Fantastic Victory for Jason taking P1 and The Race Win for the Elise Trophy. Phenomenal Driving too.
In Second Place was (John Lamaster) in his Lotus Elise S2 135R with a Lap Time of 54.781 and an Average Speed of 66.75mph. Fantastic work John and So Great to see a New Face on the Podium Taking P2 what an Incredible Driver.
In Third Place was (David Alexander) in his Lotus Elise S1 with a Lap Time of 55.589 and an Average Speed of 66.62mph. Very Well Driven Dave Keeping an Eye out all over the Place and Bringing Home a Superb P3 Finish.
A Brilliant Race for the Elise Trophy and Victories for Jason John and David as well as Maurizio and Simon for their Heroic Efforts in Qualifying. Congratulations to Jason on the Race Win and Good Luck to all other Drivers in this Series.
Modified Ford Series (Qualifying Group A)
Now it was Time to head Back to the Blue Badged Ford Machines Once again as the Modified Ford Series Rolled out onto the Race Track with each car being Heavily Modified from their Road Counterparts. With Escort Cosworth's and RS200's Roaring and Ready to go it was Time to see what the First Group A set of Drivers could do in Qualifying.
Due to how large the Grids were and the Fact that both Group A and Group B Have Different Races I will only be putting up results from both Qualifying Sessions from Group A and Group B. I will Leave a Link Below each Qualifying Session so you can Get All the Race Result's and Action from the 4 Different Races.
Modified Ford Series (Qualifying Group A)
In First Place Taking Pole Position and the Fastest Lap was (David Cockell) in his Ford Escort Cosworth with a Best Lap Time of 49.872 and a Top Speed of 87.19mph. Very Well Done David Keeping that Escort on the Track Must Have Taken some Practice no Doubt Amazing work on Getting Pole.
In Second Place was (Wayne Crabtree) in his Ford RS200 with a Best Lap Time of 51.121 and a Top Speed of 85.06mph. Very Fast Drive from Wayne to take P2 and a Very Solid Drive Thought.
In Third Place was (Michael Saunders) in his Ford Escort MK1 Mexico with a Best Lap Time of 51.129 and an Average Speed of 85.05mph. Very Well Driven by Michael Being Able to Keep up with Both Wayne and David Must Have Ben a Real Pain but what a Fantastic Achievement.
What a Fantastic Set of Legendary Drivers all Battle Hardened and Ready to take on the Might of the Indy Circuit. But there can Only be One Winner who do you Think will Win the First Race? Click the Link Below to get all of the Race Results from this Racing Series.
(Link to Group A Race Results)
www.tsl-timing.com/Event/213751
Modified Ford Series Group B (Qualifying)
Now it was Time for Group B to make a stance and see what their Modified Ford Racing Machines could do. with How Fast and Action Packed Group A Had Been During both The Races and Qualifying Group B was looking to be much the Same.
Lets Waste No Time in Finding out who Has Taken Pole Position for the First of 4 Races.
In First Place Taking Pole Position and The Fastest Lap was (Neil Jessop) in his Ford Escort MK2 with a Best Lap Time of 52.030 and a Top Speed of 83.57mph. Fantastic Work there Neil and a Really Quick Escort to match too. Very Well Done.
In Second Place was (James Harris) in his Ford Escort MK2 with a Best Lap Time of 53.928 and a Top Speed of 80.63mph. Amazing work there James Pushing Hard and Giving the Old Girl everything she has to offer.
In Third Place was (Malcom Harding) in his Ford Escort MK1 with a Best Lap Time of 54.892 and a Top Speed of 79.22mph. Awesome Drive there from Malcom Overcoming a lot of Pressure to put in an Incredible Lap for P3.
What an Amazing Line up for Group B with Plenty of Experienced Drivers who know their cars inside out. But who will be Brave Enough to challenge the Top Three Drivers for Victory. Find out for Yourself at the Link Below.
(Link to Group B Race Results)
www.tsl-timing.com/Event/213751
Enduro KA (Qualifying)
The Final Qualifying Session of the Day Had Come and its the Enduro KA'S. with all of the Cars on the Grid being Models of the Popular Ford KA made Between 1998-2009 thease Cars were Fun City cars that could get you from A to B with Ease. They were Also Build on a tight budget meaning that Handling Performance and Comfort were a Big Selling point of thease Brilliant little cars.
The Racing Versions seen here in the pictures however are built for Racing. they use different tyres but still the same Legendary 1.3 Dura Tec Engine found in their Road Going Counterparts.
Lets Take a look at Qualifying and see which KA and Driver made it to the top step of the podium.
Enduro KA (Qualifying)
In First Place taking the Pole and Fastest Lap was (Octane Junkies Adam Smith and Martyn Smith) with a Best Lap Time of 1:03.495 and a Top Speed of 68.48mph. Fantastic Work Adam and Martyn Really Pushing the Car for all its worth.
In Second Place was (Alex Reade Motorsport Luke Reade and Chris Reade) with a Best Lap Time of 1:03.713 and a Top Speed of 68.25mph. Fantastic Drive there from Both Alex and Chris Claiming P2.
In Third Place was (Fat Boys Racing Matt Pinny) with a Best Lap Time of 1:03.921 and a Top Speed of 68.03mph. Very Well Done there Matt Great Drive and Awesome Car Control.
Three Very Quick and Determined Teams and with 4 Races to Race in this will be a Very Close and Tight Battles Between all Teams and Drivers. Skill and Talent will be crucial to survival and Who will be able to take the First Victory of Race 1. Lets Find Out.
Enduro KA (Race 1 Results)
In First Place Taking the Victory was (Alex Reade Motorsport's Luke Reade and Chris Reade) with a Lap Time of 1:03.688 and an Average Speed of 67.95mph. Congratulations Both Alex and Luke on a Superb Race Victory and Well Done to hold off the Pressure from the other Competitors.
In Second Place was (Octane Junkies Adam Smith and Martyn Smith) with a Lap Time of 1:03.416 and an Average Speed of 67.92mph. Very Well Done to both Adam and Martyn for that Amazing P2 Finish.
In Third Place was (Fat Boys Racing Matt Pinny) with a Lap Time of 1:03.664 and an Average Speed of 67.79mph. Incredible Work there Matt Amazing Drive and a Really Super Looking Car.
An Exciting Opening Race for the Enduro KA Series with Three Different Teams on the Podium in Alex Reade Motorsport Octane Junkies and Fat Boys Racing. Amazing work to all of you Now Lets see what Action Race 2 Brings and whether or not Alex Reade Motorsport can Hold onto that 1st Place.
Enduro KA (Race 2 Results)
In First Place was (Alex Reade Motorsport's Luke Reade and Chris Reade) with a Lap Time of 1:03.557 and an Average Speed of 67.94mph. Another Incredible Drive from both the likes of Alex and Luke to Keep their P1 Finish From the First Race. Amazing Work.
In Second Place was (Octane Junkies Adam Smith and Martyn Smith) with a Lap Time of 1:03.621 and an Average Speed of 67.90mph. Fantastic Work Once Again to the likes of Adam and Martyn Another Set of Drivers Keeping their Second Place Finish.
In Third Place was (Fat Boys Racing Matt Pinny) with a Lap Time of 1:04.005 and an Average Speed of 67.39mph. Well Done once again Matt Perfect Driving and a Well Balanced Car out there.
Looks like the Top Three Remain the Same even After Two Races but will Race 3 Bring a New Twist to the Current Driver and Team Standings. Lets Find Out.
Enduro KA (Race 3 Results)
In First Place was (Octane Junkies Adam Smith and Martyn Smith) with a Lap Time of 1:03.849 and an Average Speed of 67.57mph. Amazing Work there Adam and Martyn managing to topple the likes of Alex and Luke to Earn P1.
In Second Place was (Fat Boys Racing Matt Pinny) with a Lap Time of 1:03.584 and an Average Speed of 67.51mph. Well Done there Matt Improving up to P2 and Taking Home a Well Deserved Finish in the Standings for Race 3.
In Third Place was (Alex Reade Motorsport's Luke Reade and Chris Reade) with a Lap Time of 1:03.606 and an Average Speed of 67.44mph. Very Good Come Back Drive for Both Luke and Ale to Finish Third Great Driving.
Many Twists and Turns Have Benn brought into Race 3 with the Top Three Drivers now being Shuffled Around the Gird into different Positions. With One More Race to Go who will be The Last Driver of the Day on the Top Step of the Podium.
Enduro KA (Race 4 Results)
In First Place was (Octane Junkies Adam Smith and Martyn Smith) with a Lap Time of 1:03.442 and an Average Speed of 67.82mph. An Amazing Final Win for the Day to Octane Junkies Adam and Martyn Smith Congratulations and Very Well Driven.
In Second Place was (Piston Heads Peter Dignan) with a Lap Time of 1:03.781 and an Average Speed of 67.54mph. Incredible work there Peter Getting P2 and Standing on the Podium and Incredible Achievement.
In Third Place was (IP Racing Oliver Wilmot and Scott Parkin) with a Lap Time of 1:03.710 and an Average Speed of 67.47mph. Very Well Done to both Scott and Oliver on that Fantastic P3 Achievement. Something Very Special to Remember for both of you.
And With that The Days Racing at Brands Hatches Ford Power Live comes to an End and what an Incredible Array of Both Cars Teams and Drivers on Display Today. A Big Congratulations to the likes of Adam Martyn Luke Chris Peter Matt Oliver and Scott for their Incredible Achievements and All Other Drivers Keeping the World Of Motorsport Alive and Well.
Keep Working Hard everyone Else. Your Time Will Come.
See You All Again Next Year!!!!
SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD
For Sale £200
or it's on eBay and the item number is 180559994771 the auction will end at 9.30pm 19/09/10. Here's the item description...
Conan the Kronan has to go! I am 188cm/6'2" with above average legs for my height and the bike fits me fine, very comfortable upright riding posture which gives a relaxing ride. I used it to ferry around my two children, as it's quite a long bike you can get a child seat on the front top tube just in front of the handlebars as well as one on the rear rack, alas we have a third child so now I've bought a tricycle. The wheels are 28" and the pump is included with the sale, the rear tyre has some cracking in the sidewall but I shall give a free NEW rear tyre to the winning bidder, i just never got round to fitting the new tyre two years ago! There are a couple of scratches on the framework and a slight tear on the hand grip. The seat is double sprung and comfy, the Kronan branded bell is surprisingly loud, much louder than the one on my Pashley.
I know buying bikes on eBay can be a doddle, but picking them up is always a pain, so I've tried to make it easier for you...
Conan resides in Shrewsbury, but I can deliver to the following places (prices are in brackets after the location) If I deliver the Kronan to the places below you may have to wait up to 20 working days for delivery and probably have to pick it up at night between 8.30pm and 11pm, times for the three tube station pick-ups can be between 8.00am - 9.00am. Telford or Shrewsbury pick-up can be anytime. I can also deliver anywhere within a 15 mile radius of Shrewsbury for £5.
East Finchley, Stanmore or Tottenham Hale tube stations (£20)
West End (London) £30
Telford M-Way services (£5)
Warwick M-Way services (£20)
Watford Gap M-Way services (£20)
Newport Pagnall M-Way services (£20)
Toddington M-Way services (£20)
Corley M-Way services (£20)
Northampton M-Way services (£20)
Ahem, here's the manufacturers description...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the_skinny
The design dates back to the 1940s, but Kronan bicycles are just getting started in America. The updated interpretation of this Swedish Army classic retains its traditional construction and historic charm. But with a twist or two.
We’ve added top-notch technology in hub, and rear lights. All while keeping it simple, reliable, and durable.
Every Kronan comes with a rear carrier, pump and pump holder, dynamo light, individual number plate, and a bell. All standard.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conan resides in Shrewsbury, but I can deliver to the following places (prices are in brackets after the location) If I deliver the Kronan to the places below you may have to wait up to 20 working days for delivery and probably have to pick it up at night between 8.30pm and 11pm. Times for the three tube station pick-ups can be between 8.00am - 9.00am. Telford or Shrewsbury pick up can be anytime. I can also deliver anywhere within a 15 mile radius of Shrewsbury for £5.
NO RETURNS.
This is a complete set of AXO biker gear consisting of a one-piece leather motorcycle suit, motorcycle boots and matching helmet.
- motorcycle suit made largely of black leather (partly perforated) with stretch panels;
- stripes & logos made of very shiny aluminium-coated material with stunning effect!
- lining can be zipped out and washed;
- suit size: 50 (according to label); fits person of average height (ca 180 cms) and weight (ca 80 kgs) but flexible due to stretch patches;
- boots: heavy enduro/motocross-style boots; black leather with white + red logo; red edge along the sole; velcro + 4 red snaps (easy to close);
- boot size: 44 European (according to label); equals 10-10 1/2 US;
- helmet: mat black with white + silver-grey stripes + lettering; clear visor (detachable);
- helmet size: XL (according to label, but fits like L);
- everything in as-new condition;
- price: 650 euros for the lot + shipping (500 for the suit on its own).
Image Source: www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/items/ITM299141
Australia was approaching its bicentennial celebrations, and after Brisbane’s success hosting the 1982 Commonwealth Games, Brisbane City Council and the Queensland State Government were confident they could win the bid to hold the next World Exhibition.
Brisbane won the right to hold the event and Expo 88 was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 30 April 1988. By the time it closed, it had changed the way the world saw Brisbane and helped shaped the city as we know it today.
Starting with an estimated budget of $645 million, the Queensland State Government developed a World Expo that would recoup and support its own costs and promote international investment in Queensland, both during and after the event. South Bank, badly damaged in the 1973–74 floods, was chosen and the site acquired for $150 million. Developers completed construction on time and within budget. The targets set for ticket sales were reached 11 weeks before Expo 88 had even opened. It was off to a smashing start.
Celebrating ‘Leisure in the age of technology’, there was an incredible range of pavilions, performances, parades, comedy and artwork on show. Guests could experience over 50 restaurants filled with flavours from around the globe. Hosted over six months, it drew more than 18 million people to the renewed South Bank parklands district. An average of 100,000 people a day entered the gates.
An influx of royalty, celebrities and international visitors came to Brisbane for the exhibition, but it was Queensland residents who attended the most often, purchasing 500,000 season tickets. Expo 88 provided something the city needed: an easy-to-access recreational facility with exciting things to do, see and experience. Brisbanites returned again and again to socialise and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
The monorail was one of the most popular attractions. Giving travellers a view of the entertainments from above, it operated along a 2.3-kilometre track during Expo 88, taking up to 44,000 visitors a day from one side of Expo to the other, along the Brisbane River. Built by Swedish manufacturer Von Roll, the monorail cost $12 million and comprised four MkII trains with nine carriages each. The idea of keeping the monorail operating after Expo and extending it into the Brisbane CBD was discussed. Ultimately, the existing monorail wasn’t a feasible long-term people-moving solution and it was disbursed. Three trains were sold back to Von Roll and were used in Germany’s Europa-Park. The remaining train and some tracks were incorporated into the Sea World theme park on the Gold Coast.
Some of the most significant installations, exhibitions and artworks from Expo 88 were relocated and continue to be enjoyed today. Ken Done AM, a prominent Australian artist and designer, was commissioned to produce the entry and exit statement art pieces for the Australia Pavilion. Using the word ‘Australia’, Done produced a sign nearly six metres tall that could not be missed by anyone who attended Expo 88. The letters have since been restored and are on display at the Caboolture Heritage Village. The Nepal Peace Pagoda was the only international pavilion that remained on-site, after a petition asking that it remain attracted about 70,000 signatures. The Japan Garden and Pond were gifted to the city of Brisbane and moved to the Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-Tha.
The buzz of activity, the investment in South Bank’s infrastructure and the spotlight on Brisbane transformed the city. The physical legacy left by Expo 88 turned South Bank into a thriving social space and prominent cultural hotspot: 42 hectares was dedicated to the construction of the South Bank Parklands.
blogs.archives.qld.gov.au/2021/10/29/when-the-world-comes...
On average, 36.9% of the US population suffers from Cardiovascular Disease.
-> Among men, it affects 28.5% of Hispanic, 38.1% of White, and 44.6% of Black Males
-> Amone women, it affects 34% of white, 34% of hispanic, and 47% of black females.
The average gestation period is 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days (114). The average litter size in the wild is 6. The average sow averages 1.5 litters per year...on average. That's a lot of pork!
The average family over the course of a year throws away over £700's worth of food. I have decided to photograph my food waste over the course of the next week adding an approximate value of its worth.
Naeem is one of 60 Afghans injured or killed every month (on average) by a landmine or unexploded ordnance (UXO). Children account for more than half of the country’s landmine victims.
Naeem describes what happened to him:
"My friends and I just wanted to run into the field. We didn't know there were mines.
"While we were playing, my foot touched the mine and it exploded. It was buried underground. I didn't hear anything, I just saw a cloud of dust."
"I am glad they cleared the mines. Now everyone can walk freely without fear of stepping on one."
UKaid from the Department for International Development, is helping the de-mining charity HALO Trust transform parts of rural Afghanistan, allowing thousands of families to return and rebuild houses, schools and businesses.
HALO is two years into a five-year, £11 million project to clear mines from the western province of Herat and is making good progress in its aim to clear 160 million square metres of land by 2013.
To find out more, see our film about HALO's work at www.dfid,gov.uk/afghanistan
Image © Sam French / Development Pictures / Department for International Development
BlueEdge - Mach 8-10 Hypersonic Commercial Aircraft, 220 Passenger Hypersonic Commercial Plane - Iteration 3
Seating: 220 | Crew 2+4
Length: 195ft | Span: 93ft
Engines: 4 U-TBCC (Unified Turbine Based Combined Cycle) +1 Aerospike for sustained 2G acceleration to Mach 10.
Fuel: H2 (Compressed Hydrogen)
Cruising Altitude: 100,000-125,000ft
Airframe: 75% Proprietary Composites
Operating Costs, Similar to a 737. $7,000-$15,000hr, including averaged maintenence costs
Iteration 3 (Full release of IT3, Monday January 14, 2019)
IO Aircraft www.ioaircraft.com
Drew Blair www.linkedin.com/in/drew-b-25485312/
-----------------------------
hypersonic plane, hypersonic aircraft, hypersonic commercial plane, hypersonic commercial aircraft, hypersonic airline, tbcc, glide breaker, fighter plane, hyperonic fighter, boeing phantom express, phantom works, boeing phantom works, lockheed skunk works, hypersonic weapon, hypersonic missile, scramjet missile, scramjet engineering, scramjet physics, boost glide, tactical glide vehicle, Boeing XS-1, htv, Air Launched Rapid Response Weapon, (ARRW), hypersonic tactical vehicle, space plane, scramjet, turbine based combined cycle, ramjet, dual mode ramjet, darpa, onr, navair, afrl, air force research lab, office of naval research, defense advanced research project agency, defense science, missile defense agency, aerospike, hydrogen, hydrogen storage, hydrogen fueled, hydrogen aircraft, virgin airlines, united airlines, sas, finnair ,emirates airlines, ANA, JAL, airlines, military, physics, airline, british airways, air france
-----------------------------
Unified Turbine Based Combined Cycle. Current technologies and what Lockheed is trying to force on the Dept of Defense, for that low speed Mach 5 plane DOD gave them $1 billion to build and would disintegrate above Mach 5, is TBCC. 2 separate propulsion systems in the same airframe, which requires TWICE the airframe space to use.
Unified Turbine Based Combined Cycle is 1 propulsion system cutting that airframe deficit in half, and also able to operate above Mach 10 up to Mach 15 in atmosphere, and a simple nozzle modification allows for outside atmosphere rocket mode, ie orbital capable.
Additionally, Reaction Engines maximum air breather mode is Mach 4.5, above that it will explode in flight from internal pressures are too high to operate. Thus, must switch to non air breather rocket mode to operate in atmosphere in hypersonic velocities. Which as a result, makes it not feasible for anything practical. It also takes an immense amount of fuel to function.
-------------
Advanced Additive Manufacturing for Hypersonic Aircraft
Utilizing new methods of fabrication and construction, make it possible to use additive manufacturing, dramatically reducing the time and costs of producing hypersonic platforms from missiles, aircraft, and space capable craft. Instead of aircraft being produced in piece, then bolted together; small platforms can be produced as a single unit and large platforms can be produces in large section and mated without bolting. These techniques include using exotic materials and advanced assembly processes, with an end result of streamlining the production costs and time for hypersonic aircraft; reducing months of assembly to weeks. Overall, this process greatly reduced the cost for producing hypersonic platforms. Even to such an extent that a Hellfire missile costs apx $100,000 but by utilizing our technologies, replacing it with a Mach 8-10 hypersonic missile of our physics/engineering and that missile would cost roughly $75,000 each delivered.
Materials used for these manufacturing processes are not disclosed, but overall, provides a foundation for extremely high stresses and thermodynamics, ideal for hypersonic platforms. This specific methodology and materials applications is many decades ahead of all known programs. Even to the extend of normalized space flight and re-entry, without concern of thermodynamic failure.
*Note, most entities that are experimenting with additive manufacturing for hypersonic aircraft, this makes it mainstream and standardized processes, which also applies for mass production.
What would normally be measured in years and perhaps a decade to go from drawing board to test flights, is reduced to singular months and ready for production within a year maximum.
Unified Turbine Based Combined Cycle (U-TBCC)
To date, the closest that NASA and industry have achieved for turbine based aircraft to fly at hypersonic velocities is by mounting a turbine into an aircraft and sharing the inlet with a scramjet or rocket based motor. Reaction Engines Sabre is not able to achieve hypersonic velocities and can only transition into a non air breathing rocket for beyond Mach 4.5
However, utilizing Unified Turbine Based Combine Cycle also known as U-TBCC, the two separate platforms are able to share a common inlet and the dual mode ramjet/scramjet is contained within the engine itself, which allows for a much smaller airframe footprint, thus engingeers are able to then design much higher performance aerial platforms for hypersonic flight, including the ability for constructing true single stage to orbit aircraft by utilizing a modification/version that allows for transition to outside atmosphere propulsion without any other propulsion platforms within the aircraft. By transitioning and developing aircraft to use Unified Turbine Based Combined Cycle, this propulsion system opens up new options to replace that airframe deficit for increased fuel capacity and/or payload.
Enhanced Dynamic Cavitation
Dramatically Increasing the efficiency of fuel air mixture for combustion processes at hypersonic velocities within scramjet propulsion platforms. The aspects of these processes are non disclosable.
Dynamic Scramjet Ignition Processes
For optimal scramjet ignition, a process known as Self Start is sought after, but in many cases if the platform becomes out of attitude, the scramjet will ignite. We have already solved this problem which as a result, a scramjet propulsion system can ignite at lower velocities, high velocities, at optimal attitude or not optimal attitude. It doesn't matter, it will ignite anyways at the proper point for maximum thrust capabilities at hypersonic velocities.
Hydrogen vs Kerosene Fuel Sources
Kerosene is an easy fuel to work with, and most western nations developing scramjet platforms use Kerosene for that fact. However, while kerosene has better thermal properties then Hydrogen, Hydrogen is a far superior fuel source in scramjet propulsion flight, do it having a much higher efficiency capability. Because of this aspect, in conjunction with our developments, it allows for a MUCH increased fuel to air mixture, combustion, thrust; and ability for higher speeds; instead of very low hypersonic velocities in the Mach 5-6 range. Instead, Mach 8-10 range, while we have begun developing hypersonic capabilities to exceed 15 in atmosphere within less then 5 years.
Conforming High Pressure Tank Technology for CNG and H2.
As most know in hypersonics, Hydrogen is a superior fuel source, but due to the storage abilities, can only be stored in cylinders thus much less fuel supply. Not anymore, we developed conforming high pressure storage technology for use in aerospace, automotive sectors, maritime, etc; which means any overall shape required for 8,000+ PSI CNG or Hydrogen. For hypersonic platforms, this means the ability to store a much larger volume of hydrogen vs cylinders.
As an example, X-43 flown by Nasa which flew at Mach 9.97. The fuel source was Hydrogen, which is extremely more volatile and combustible then kerosene (JP-7), via a cylinder in the main body. If it had used our technology, that entire section of the airframe would had been an 8,000 PSI H2 tank, which would had yielded 5-6 times the capacity. While the X-43 flew 11 seconds under power at Mach 9.97, at 6 times the fuel capacity would had yielded apx 66 seconds of fuel under power at Mach 9.97. If it had flew slower, around Mach 6, same principles applied would had yielded apx 500 seconds of fuel supply under power (slower speeds required less energy to maintain).
Enhanced Fuel Mixture During Shock Train Interaction
Normally, fuel injection is conducted at the correct insertion point within the shock train for maximum burn/combustion. Our methodologies differ, since almost half the fuel injection is conducted PRE shock train within the isolator, so at the point of isolator injection the fuel enhances the combustion process, which then requires less fuel injection to reach the same level of thrust capabilities.
Improved Bow Shock Interaction
Smoother interaction at hypersonic velocities and mitigating heat/stresses for beyond Mach 6 thermodynamics, which extraordinarily improves Type 3, 4, and 5 shock interaction.
6,000+ Fahrenheit Thermal Resistance
To date, the maximum thermal resistance was tested at AFRL in the spring of 2018, which resulted in a 3,200F thermal resistance for a short duration. This technology, allows for normalized hypersonic thermal resistance of 3,000-3,500F sustained, and up to 6,500F resistance for short endurance, ie 90 seconds or less. 10-20 minute resistance estimate approximately 4,500F +/- 200F.
*** This technology advancement also applies to Aerospike rocket engines, in which it is common for Aerospike's to exceed 4,500-5,000F temperatures, which results in the melting of the reversed bell housing. That melting no longer ocurrs, providing for stable combustion to ocurr for the entire flight envelope
Scramjet Propulsion Side Wall Cooling
With old technologies, side wall cooling is required for hypersonic flight and scramjet propulsion systems, otherwise the isolator and combustion regions of a scramjet would melt, even using advanced ablatives and ceramics, due to their inability to cope with very high temperatures. Using technology we have developed for very high thermodynamics and high stresses, side wall cooling is no longer required, thus removing that variable from the design process and focusing on improved ignition processes and increasing net thrust values.
Lower Threshold for Hypersonic Ignition
Active and adaptive flight dynamics, resulting in the ability for scramjet ignition at a much lower velocity, ie within ramjet envelope, between Mach 2-4, and seamless transition from supersonic to hypersonic flight, ie supersonic ramjet (scramjet). This active and dynamic aspect, has a wide variety of parameters for many flight dynamics, velocities, and altitudes; which means platforms no longer need to be engineered for specific altitude ranges or preset velocities, but those parameters can then be selected during launch configuration and are able to adapt actively in flight.
Dramatically Improved Maneuvering Capabilities at Hypersonic Velocities
Hypersonic vehicles, like their less technologically advanced brethren, use large actuator and the developers hope those controls surfaces do not disintegrate in flight. In reality, it is like rolling the dice, they may or may not survive, hence another reason why the attempt to keep velocities to Mach 6 or below. We have shrunken down control actuators while almost doubling torque and response capabilities specifically for hypersonic dynamics and extreme stresses involved, which makes it possible for maximum input authority for Mach 10 and beyond.
Paradigm Shift in Control Surface Methodologies, Increasing Control Authority (Internal Mechanical Applications)
To date, most control surfaces for hypersonic missile platforms still use fins, similar to lower speed conventional missiles, and some using ducted fins. This is mostly due to lack of comprehension of hypersonic velocities in their own favor. Instead, the body itself incorporates those control surfaces, greatly enhancing the airframe strength, opening up more space for hardware and fuel capacity; while simultaneously enhancing the platforms maneuvering capabilities.
A scramjet missile can then fly like conventional missile platforms, and not straight and level at high altitudes, losing velocity on it's decent trajectory to target. Another added benefit to this aspect, is the ability to extend range greatly, so if anyone elses hypersonic missile platform were developed for 400 mile range, falling out of the sky due to lack of glide capabilities; our platforms can easily reach 600+ miles, with minimal glide deceleration.