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Average Betty made the WTVT Fox 13 Tampa Bay Ten O’clock news on Wednesday, November 14th! Steve Geiger produced a great story reported by the debonair Mark Wilson! And if you didn’t know, Tampa Bay is Betty’s home town so this story is extra sweet!
You can check out the story here:
www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/Average_Bettys_amazing_web...
I worked rather late Saturday night. Not because we were overly busy, it was an average Saturday night. I figured since I was ahead of schedule with my closing work I would do some extra cleaning and stocking, just to get it out of the way. I managed to make a huge mess that involved bleach water and a bus tub with a small but leaky hole in it.. I cleaned that up and headed to do my bookwork for the night. Not paying complete attention caused me to mess up some of the things with our computer system and the end of day reporting. After a long eleapse of time (somewhere in the range of 2 hours) I gave up trying to fix it all. Figured I needed to get my mind out of what I was doing and head home. I did figure it out in my mind as I was taking a picture of AK Steel. And lucky me will head into work on one of my given days off to resolve the problem I caused. :o)
I stopped at a gas station a few miles from my house to pick up Red Bull, bottled water, and chex mix that I knew I would need for my expected Sunday paintball. the clerk at the counter commented on my bracelet that the "fad" was over, and I could now take it off. I just smiled and said "I just got this one last night, it hasn't worked it's magic yet".
As I drove the rest of the way home I felt rather content with the recent decisions I had made. It has been a struggle the last few months, I was scared and unsure for quite some time. I never really knew what it was that I wanted. The past week or so has shown me that I no longer need to be scared. I have met some great people who have allowed me to grow in ways that I never realized at the time. For this I am greatful.. Things that seemed to have fallen out of place have come to rest right where they are supposed to be. The path that I had thought needed taken has been the one that has lead me to another more familar path. There are still quite a few moutains to climb, but I have faith, it will all work out in the end just the way God wants it.
The Bundi Palace is situated on the hillside adjacent to the Taragarh Fort and is notable for its lavish traditional murals and frescoes. The Chitrashala (picture gallery) of the palace is open to the general public.
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Bundi is a city with 104,457 101,000 inhabitants (2011) in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan state in northwest India. It is of particular architectural note for its ornate forts, palaces, and stepwell reservoirs known as baoris. It is the administrative headquarters of Bundi District.
GEOGRAPHY
The town of Bundi is situated 35 km from Kota and 210 km from Jaipur. It is located at 25.44°N 75.64°E and an average elevation of 268 metres. The city lies near a narrow gorge, and is surrounded on three sides by hills of the Aravalli Range. A substantial wall with four gateways encircles the city. The town of Indragarh and nearby places are famous for the renowned temples of Bijasan Mata and Kamleshwar. The Indargarh step well is considered as one of the most attractive places in the Bundi district, especially during the rainy season.
DEMOGRAPHICS
In the 2001 Indian census, Bundi had a population of 88,312. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Bundi has an average literacy rate of 67%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 75% and female literacy of 57%. 14% of the population is under 6 years of age. In the 2011 Indian census Bundi has a population of 104,457 people.
HISTORY
In ancient times, the area around Bundi was apparently inhabited by various local tribes. Bundi and the eponymous princely state are said to derive their names from a former Meena tribe man called Bunda Meena. Bundi was previously called “Bunda-Ka-Nal", Nal meaning “narrow ways”. Later the region was governed by Rao Deva Hada, who took over Bundi from Jaita Meena in 1342, and established a princely state Bundi, renaming the surrounding area called Hadoti, the land of great Hada Rajputs.
MUGHAL ERA
Rao Surjan (1554–85) given Ranthambore Fort to Akbar in 1533. He was subsequently rewarded by Akbar with additional territory which expanded his kingdom. Both he and his successors entered the service of the Mughals and became one of their closest allies. From this time the rulers of Bundi bore the title of "Rao Raja".
One of the most notable rulers was Rao Ratan Singh Hada (1607–31) who saw service during the reign of the Emperor Jahangir. When Mughal Prince Khurram rebelled against his father, and gained the support of 22 Rajput princes, Rattan Singh stayed loyal to Jahangir. He defeated Prince Khurram at the battle of Burhanpur during which two of his sons were badly wounded. As a reward for his service Jahangir gave Ratan Singh many honours. With his 14 year old son Madho Singh having proven himself during the suppression of the rebellion as a courageous warrior Ratan Singh carved out of Bundi in 1580 sufficient land to create for Madho Singh the independent principality of Kota. Part of Kota was later used to create the separate Jhalawar State in 1838. Despite the loss of land to the new kingdom Ratan Singh retained sufficient territory and revenues to begin construction of the Garh palace.
Rao Chhattra Sal (1632–58) built the temple of Keshavarao at Patan and Chattra Mahal at Bundi. He saw service with the Mughal forces in the Deccan and was trusted by Dara Shikoh with governorship of Delhi, a rare privilege for a Rajput. He remained loyal to Shah Jahan and Dara Shikoh during the rebellion of Aurangzeb despite many temptations and died fighting at the head of his troops at the battle of Samurgarh in 1658 along with his youngest son Bharat Singh. Rao Bhao Singh (1658–78) the eldest son of Chhattar Sal succeeded his father to the throne of Bundi. When after the defeat of Dara Shikoh and his imprisonment of Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb became the Mughul emperor he dispatched troop under the command of Atmaram Gaur and Barh Singh Bundela to conquer Bundi. When they failed Aurangzeb made peace with Bhao Singh. Bhao Singh became sufficiently reconciled to Aurangzeb that he fought for him against Shivaji and at one time served as governor of Aurangabad. When his own son died during his lifetime he adopted Kishan Singh, the son of his brother Bhim Singh. When Kishan Singh too died early his 15 year old son Anirudh Singh (1682 to 1696) succeeded Bhao Singh on the throne.
Anirudh Singh served Aurangzeb in the Deccan and in the northwest under Prince Muazzam where he died. He was succeed by his eldest son Budha Singh, whose service to Muazzam (later Emperor Bahadur Shah I) in the war of succession to the Mughul throne saw the Bundi become dominate over Kota those ruler had backed the losing side.
During the reign of Rao Budh Singh (1696 to 1735) despite him being married to the sister of Jai Singh II of Jaipur, a bitter feud broke out between Bundi and the Kachwaha rulers of Amber (later called Jaipur) which led to him being expelled from his kingdom by surprise attack by the Kachwaha forces in 1702. He regained and lost his kingdom four times before he died in exile while Jaipur and Kota annexed large portion of his territory. It wasn’t until 1739 before the Bundi rulers were able to regain control of their kingdom after enlisting the aid of the Maratha general Malhar Rao Holkar who kept the estate of Patan for his services.
Relations became uneasy with Mewar after Prince Ajit Singh the heir to the Bundi throne killed Rana Ari Singh of Udaipur during the annual Aheria (Bundi’s ritual spring hunt) in 1773. Through claimed to be an accident Mewar historical records consider that it was an assassination which removed an unpopular ruler.
According to an ancient prophecy made by a dying sati it was said that if the rulers of Bundi and Mewar should ever meet at the event one of the two would die. According to legend, over the centuries such a meeting took place four times and on each occasion one of the rulers was killed by the other. Mewar sources indicate that there was only one other occasion when a Mewar ruler died when in 1531 Maharana Ratan Singh II of Mewar, accompanied Prince Surajmal of Bundi on a hunt. The two men despised each other. During the hunt the Maharana attacked Prince Surajmal which ended with both dying within minutes of each other.
BRITISH ERA
In 1804 Rao Raja Bishan Singh (1773–1821) gave valuable assistance to Colonel Monson in his disastrous retreat before Holkar, in revenge for which the Maratha Empire and Pindaris continually ravaged his state and forced the kingdom to pay tribute up to 1817 This led to Bishan Singh signing a subsidiary alliance with the British East India Company on 10 February 1818, which bought him under its protection. Bishan Singh was responsible for the creation of the pleasure palace of Sukh Niwas on the outskirts of Bundi.
Bishan Singh when dying of cholera entrusted James Tod with guardianship of his 11-year old son, Ram Singh. Maharao Raja Ram Singh (1821–89) grew up to be a much respected ruler who initiated economic and administrative reforms as well as establishing schools for the teaching of Sanskrit. On the throne for 68 years he was described as a grand specimen of the Rajput gentleman and "the most conservative prince in conservative Rajputana." His rule was popular and beneficial; and though during the mutiny of 1857 his attitude was equivocal, he continued to enjoy the confidence of the British, being created G.C.S.I. and a counsellor of the empire in 1877 and C.I.E. in 1878. He was succeeded by his adopted son Raghubir Singh (1889–1927), who was made a K.C.S.I. in 1897 and a G.C.I.E. in 1901. His reign was blighted by two disastrous famines which despite his best attempts to alleviated saw the population of his kingdom reduced from some 258,000 to 171,000 by 1901 due to death and immigration. Raghubir Singh supported the British during the World War I.[citation needed]
Maharao Bahadur Singh (1945–77) also supported the British and served in the Burma campaign where he earned the Military Cross for his gallantry before succeeding to the throne. He was a guest at the 1947 wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
ACCESSION TO INDIA
At the time of the partition of India in 1947, the British abandoned their suzerainty over the princely states, which were left to decide whether to remain independent or to accede to the newly independent Dominion of India or to Pakistan. The ruler of the state of Bundi decided to accede to India, which later became the Union of India. This brought the internal affairs of Bundi under the control of Delhi.
RULERS
The hereditary rulers of Bundi used the title ‘Rao’ before being granted the prefix ‘Raja’ by the Mughals. A Raja is a ruler of exalted rank but inferior to Maharana or Maharawal.
- Rao Deva (1343 to 1342).
- Rao Napuji.
- Rao Hamuli (1384 to 1400).
- Rao Birsingh (1400 to 1415).
- Rao Biru (1415 to 1470).
- Rao Bandu (1470 to 1491).
- Rao Narayan Das (1491 to 1527).
- Rao Suraj Mal (1527 to 1531).
- Rao Surtan Singh (1531 to 1544).
- Rao Raja Surjan Singh (1544 to 1585).
- Rao Raja Bhoj Singh (1585 to 1608).
- Rao Raja Ratan Singh (1608 to 1632).
- Rao Raja Chhattar Sal Singh (1632 to 1658).
- Rao Raja Bhao Singh (1658 to1682).
- Rao Raja Anirudh Singh (1682 to 1696).
- Rao Raja Budh Singh (b. ... - d. 1739) (1696 to 1735).
- Rao Raja Dalel Singh (b. 1729 - d. 1804) (1735 to 1749).
- Rao Raja Umaid Singh (1749 to 1770) and again (1773 to 1804).
- Rao Raja Ajit Singh (b. ... - d. 1773) (1770 to 1773).
- Rao Raja Bishen Singh (b. ... - d. 1821) (1804 to 14 May 1821).
- Maharao Raja Ram Singh Sahib Bahadur (b. 1811 - d. 1889) (1821 to 28 Mar 1889).
- Colonel HH Maharao Raja Shri Sir Raghubir Singh Sahib Bahadur (b. 1869 - d. 1927) (12 April 1889 to 28 Jul 1927).
- Major HH Maharao Raja Shri Sir Iishwari Singh Bahadur (b. 1893 - d. 1945) (8 Aug 1927 to 3 Apr 1945).
- Col. HH Maharao Raja Shri Bahadur Singh Bahadur (1945 to 1977).
- HH Maharao Raja Ranjit Singh (b. 1920 - d. 1977) (1977 to 07-01-2010).
COAT OF ARMS
Bundi’s coat of arms is a shield depicting Garuda, the mount of Vishnu, flanked by winged griffins. The shield is flanked by bulls representing dharma or righteousness; it is crowned by a warrior emerging from flames, signifying the creation-legend of the ruling Chauhan clan, which was supposedly created from fire.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
- The Taragarh Fort, or 'Star Fort' is the most impressive of the city's structures. It was constructed in AD 1354 upon the top of steep hillside overlooking the city. The largest of its battlements is the 16th century bastion known as the Bhim Burj, on which was once mounted a particularly large cannon called Garbh Gunjam, or 'Thunder from the Womb'. The fort is a popular tourist viewpoint of the city below. The fort contains three tanks which never dry up. The technique with which they were built has been long since lost but the tanks survive as a testament to the advanced methods of construction and engineering in medieval India.
- The Bundi Palace is situated on the hillside adjacent to the Taragarh Fort and is notable for its lavish traditional murals and frescoes. The Chitrashala (picture gallery) of the palace is open to the general public.
- The largest of Bundi's baoris or stepwells is the intricately carved Raniji ki Baori. Some 46 m deep, it was built in 1699 by Rani Nathavatji. The steps built into the sides of the water-well made water accessible even when at a very low level. The baori is one of the largest examples of its kind in Rajasthan.
- The Nawal Sagar is a large square-shaped artificial lake in the centre of Bundi containing many small islets. A temple dedicated to Varuna, the vedic god of water, stands half-submerged in the middle of the lake. the lake feeds the numerous bavdis in the old city by creating an artificial water table.
- The Nagar Sagar twin step wells are identical step wells crafted in pristine masonry on either side of the main spine of Bundi town. The kunds (pools) are currently full of waste from the ancient vegetable market in the vicinity.
- The Dabhai Kund also known as the jail kund, is the largest of the kunds in Bundi. Though slightly overgrown, it is well worth a visit for the spectacular carvings on the numerous steps leading down to the water level.
THE STEPWELLS
There are over 50 stepwells in Bundi, of which only a handful have been maintained. They used to be the only source of water for the town until a piped water system was introduced. After that these stepwells were abandoned and the monuments fell into disrepair. Most of the former stepwells inside the town have become garbage dumps, and are slipping out of the public consciousness.
FESTIVALS
Festivals of Bundi
1. Kajali Teej
2. The Gangaur Festival
3. Bundi Festival - started by Rajmata Sahiba Daulat Kanwar Of Dugari & Shri Madhukarji Gupta which was inaugurated by Shreeji Arvin singhji Mewar & Kunwar Shivam Singh Dugari in !998.
WIKIPEDIA
From Comprehensive Risk Assessments of MOD and MOI Financial Management Capacity Could Improve Oversight of Over $4 Billion in Direct Assistance Funding: www.sigar.mil/pdf/alerts/SIGAR_SpecialProjects_14-12.pdf
Pan Zareta, was an American thoroughbred racehorse.A chestnut mare born in 1910, racing at small out-of-the way tracks meant her purses were small—on average less than $300, as she competed from Mexico to Canada, as well as in eight US states. The largest purse she ever earned amounted to $1,050, she never won a significant race, and only once beat a top-level horse, yet she was still called "Queen of the Turf."
Owned by J. Marrone (until E.T. Colton bought her for $10,000 at the age of seven when her owners faced financial problems), and bred by J. F. Newman, she was born in Sweetwater, Texas, her lineage tracing back to Hanover and Hindoo on her multiple stakes-winning sire's side (Abe Frank), and to Leamington on her dam's side (Caddie Griffith). It was Pan Zareta's third dam on her mother's side, a certain 1869 Texas born Mittie Stephens, that caused her a problem. Mittie was listed in the American Stud Book as a "non-thoroughbred." (See Panzy's pedigree in References.) Still, due to some complexities in the rulings, Pan Zareta was considered a thoroughbred...yet remained suspect as a horse of "quality." Neither Pan Zareta's dam, Caddie Griffith, nor Pan Zareta herself appear in the American Stud Book.
Known as "Panzy" (she was named for Panzy Zareta, the daughter of the once mayor of Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua), she traveled the country, appearing virtually anywhere, constantly competing against males, ridden by anyone handy and trained by an assortment of available conditioners: H.S. Newman, E. Foucon, and E.T. Colton are most frequently credited as trainers. She ran an astounding 151 races and won 76 of them. No mare in US racing history has ever won, or even started in, so many races. She also placed 31 times and came in third 21 times. Considering the size of the purses which averaged $300, her career earnings of $39,082 was a very respectable sum. On 24 different tracks, she also always carried higher weights than any of her rivals, males as well as females, often up to 140 pounds...once even an unheard of 146 pounds, giving away 46 pounds to the runner up. She carried 126 pounds or more 48 times, 21 of those times when she won. Pan Zareta finished in the top three 128 times, which means she was in the money in 85 percent of her starts.
Her most important wins, considering those she was entered in, were the Senoritas Stakes, the Rio Grande Stakes, the Chihuahua Stakes, the Chapultepec Handicap, the Juarez Handicap, and the Katonah Handicap. In 1914, against all the odds and against all the classy runners running in classy races, Pan Zareta was the Champion Older Female.
At the age of five on February 10, 1915, she set the world record for five furlongs at Juarez that went unbeaten for 31 years. She was up against Joe Blair who carried ten pounds less than she did, and she was left at the post. Joe Blair set furlong splits of :21 3/5, :33 2/5, and :44 4/5, which is very very fast, but Panzy caught him at the eighth pole and drew off to win by two lengths. Her victory also lowered the track record by a full second, establishing a new World record of :57 1/5. Pan Zareta equaled or set eleven track records, including a few in New York when her new owner entered her in slightly more prestigious races.
In 1917, Old Rosebud who'd won the 1914 Kentucky Derby was running at Oaklawn Park. These two great horses met on March 24 when Pan Zareta beat a horse called Colonel Vennie. Old Rosebud finished third. When they met a second time on April 6, Old Rosebud won and Panzy came in third.
Panzy was retired in 1918, but failed to conceive a foal. She was sent back to the races. While in training in 1918 at only eight years of age, Pan Zareta contracted pneumonia and died on Christmas day in her stall at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. Panzy was buried in the infield of the Fair Grounds next to Kentucky Derby winner Black Gold, the son of U-See-it, a good racing mare who could never beat Pan Zareta.
In 1972, Pan Zareta was elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Panzy has a sprint race run in her name, the Pan Zareta Handicap, run at the Fair Grounds each year.From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Solar hot water systems supply an average 80-90% of a household annual water heating needs. With nearly 1/3 of the average electric or more than 1/2 of gas bill devoted to heating water, a solar hot water system is the best choice and smart investment you can make for your house and for the environment.
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Highly efficient absorber of high performance with daily average efficiency over 50%.
Start up quickly, heat pipe transfer the heat energy into the storage tank in one direction.
Withstand pressure of 6 bar, can be connected directly with city water.
Highly efficient insulation with polyurethane foam.
Simple structure, easy to assembly and install.
Can be used all year round in the cold climate.
Long service life, can be used over 15 year.
Specification:
Material:
Inner tank: SUS304 2B
Outer tank: Galvanized steel alloy
Bracket: Aluminum alloy
Heat insulation layer: Imported polyurethane
Heat pipe: straight copper pipe
Thickness
Inner tank: 1.5mm-2mm
Bracket: 1.6mm
Heat insulation layer: 50mm
Working Temp. 99 Celsius degree
Working Press. 0.6MPa (6 bars)
Coloration. as per customer's request
Quality Certificate ISO9001:2000, CE
Warranty 5 years for full system / 15 years for vacuum tube
MOQ negotiation
Lead time within 15 days for full container at factory
Payment terms Telegraphic Transfer (T/T), Letter of Credit (L/C)
We provide P/T valve and electrical heater at free of charge for this model
Connection Type: Direct-Plug
Capacity: 150L 180L 200L 240L 300L
Brand Name: ejai, youyijia
Place of Origin: Zhejiang China (Mainland)
Advantages:
1. The compact pressurized solar water heater system can endure tha max pressure up to 0.6Mpa. As the system is pressurized, so it can keep a constant temperature of water in the tank.
2. There is no water in the vacuum tube. So even if the vacuum tube broken, the system still works normally, without water leakage. The heat pipe inside the vacuum tube could quickly transfer the heat into the water tank through the liquid medium inside the heat pipe.
3. It can endure the freezing -35 degree centigrade and 25mm hailstone.
Application:
Suitable for home use
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Pellia epiphylla (L.) Corda, syn.: Blasia epiphylla (L.) Fr., Marsilia epiphylla (L.) Lindb.
EN: Common Liverwort, Common Pellia, Overleaf Pellia, DE: Gemeines Beckenmoos
Slo.: navadni jetrnjak
Dat.: Feb. 13. 2008
Lat.: 46.12988 Long.: 13.81285
Code: Bot_0240/2008_DSC5176 and Bot_0241/2008_DSC5245
Habitat: mixed forest; moist, right bank of a narrow mountain ravine; steep mountain slope, southeast aspect; mostly in shade; average precipitations 2.000-2.600 mm/year, average temperature 10-11 deg C, elevations 470 m (1.550 feet), prealpine phytogeographical region.
Substratum: rocky, almost vertical surface with a thin layer of clayey soil.
Place: Next to the trail from village Slap ob Idrijci to village Ponikve; the ravine of Kostanjevica creek, East Julian Pre-Alps, Posočje, Slovenia EC.
Comment: Pellia epiphylla is a foliose species of liverworts (Marchantiophyta). These geologically very old creatures also belong to the kingdom of plants (Plantae), but are morphologically and functionally much different. Pellia epiphylla is like a 'double kind' of living being. The first one (gametophyte) reproduces sexually. It has separate male (antheridia) and female (archegonia) sex organs. In this form the species consists of green, foliose thalli of rather poorly defined shapes measuring up to 1 cm across and bearing both sex organs on the upper side of the thalli (not shown on my pictures). In wet weather sperms float around and eventually fertilize ova. The fertilized ova develop into the second form of this plant (sporophyte) in the shape of small, brownish cups (see Fig.5), which remain attached to the sexual green thalli of the gametophyte. This form proliferates on a non-sexual way producing spores like mosses, fungi and ferns. The sporophytes produce long, translucent 'stalks' (setae) with dark, shiny, spherical capsules on top (Fig. 2, 3). When they become mature, they burst and their cuticle peels back into four brownish segments. Light ocher-brown tufts of 'hairs' (elaters) and spores appear. Elaters mechanically change their shape depending on environmental conditions, particularly regarding air humidity, and hence ensure that the spores are dispersed only in favorable conditions. When the spores germinate, new gametophytes are produced and the life circle is closed.
Pellia epiphylla is morphologically very similar to Pellia neesiana. The latter one is a dioicous plan (separate plants bearing male only or female only sexual organs) in contrast to Pellia epiphylla, which is a monoicous plant (male and female organs reside on the thallus of the same plant). Hence, thali of sterile plants (still without sexual organs) of both species are generally (without microscopy) indistinguishable (which may apply also to this find).
Linné described Pellia epiphylla already in 1757. It is a very common liverwort species living in all colder regions of north hemisphere on permanently moist places. In spite of this most people have never even heard of it.
Ref.:
(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 235.
(2) www.gbif.org/species/2689550 (accessed Feb. 23. 2019)
(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 193.
Kalimpong is a hill station in the Mahabharat Range (or Lesser Himalaya) in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located at an average elevation of 1,250 metres (4,101 ft).[2] The town is the headquarters of the Kalimpong subdivision, a part of the district of Darjeeling.
It used to be a gateway in the trade between Tibet and India prior to China's annexation of Tibet and the Sino-Indian War. Kalimpong and neighbouring Darjeeling were major centres calling for a separate Gorkhaland state in the 1980s.
Kalimpong, located on a ridge overlooking the Teesta River, is a tourist destination owing to its temperate climate and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. Horticulture is also important to Kalimpong: it has a flower market notable for its wide array of orchids; nurseries, which export Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, contribute to the economy of Kalimpong. The Buddhist monastery Zang Dhok Palri Phodang holds a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.
Windy Bent Grass Sunset
Walking along the ridges, I experience many different weather scenarios. Liberally exposed to the 14 mph average windspeed up on the hill tops the vegetation that lives there is either very flexible or tough as wood. When the wind speeds approach 40 mph, grass will lean over pretty far. I’m not sure what the exact wind speed was but it was buffeting me fairly hard at this time. Wind in the summer is benign mostly with only dust and pollen being carried along. With a Heavy wind at this temp (about 10F) , you feel EVERY crack in your armor.
In the winter the “feeling” of the wind has a different feet entirely. I spend a great deal of time walking ridges looking for tiny areas worth of your/my attention. Toward my “cold armor” I have chosen particular clothes that protect me from the elements carefully chosen over the years. I have winter layers plum figured out having worked this extremely variable environment for decades. Sure I have snow mobile suits and Carharts. I Way prefer insulated Goretex™ pants over merino wool legs, with 4 layers up top. From Synthetic to wicker to Goretex™. If you get too hot, you just peel a layer. If you get too cold, you freeze your ass off until you get back to shelter lolol. Goretex™ boots and good socks occasionally with gators over my calves depending on the weather. I use Wiggys parkas out on top of my normal gear for sub-zero work down to -20 most winters. Usually Bombers Cap with Coyote fur for really cold weather.
Location: Bliss Dinosaur Ranch, Wyoming/Montana borderlands (Wyotana).
Title: Windy Bent Grass Sunset
a P1 McLaren ..
( the Number plate 71 HW - links up with diecast 'Exotic ' series from 'Hotwheels '
I assuming that the owner of this P1 has some connection with Mattel .. which produces the scale Hotwheel cars .. ?
Guildford, Surrey ..
Average 3 inches tall diecast figures from Star Wars universe by Takara Tomy in 2016. #12 Jango Fett, #17 R2-Q5, #18 First Order Stormtrooper Officer, #19 Gauvian Enforcer Executeur & #20 First Order TIE Fighter Pilot.
In 1939 this car averaged 114mph around the Brooklands banked circuit in Surrey, England. It was entered in the 1949, 1950 and 1951 Le Mans 24 hour races, finishing 6th, 14th and 22nd respectively, on each occasion having been driven to the circuit by its then British owner, HSF Hay. It was sold at auction in 1969 for £4000 and again in 1985 for £120,000. It now belongs to a private museum in California, USA.
Leontopodium alpinum Cass.
Lyon's Foot, Edelweiss, DE.: Edelweiß
Slo.: planika, očnica
Dat.: Aug. 1. 2015
Lat.: 46.44189 Long.: 13.63652
Code: Bot_906/2015_DSC8267
Habitat: steep grassland, southeast aspect; skeletal, calcareous ground; open place, full sun, exposed to direct rain and wind; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature about 0 deg C, elevation 2.045 m (6.700 feet), alpine phytogeographical region.
Substratum: soil.
Place: Mt. Mangart region, grass covered southeast slopes of the ridge between Čez jezik pass, 2.055 m and Sedelce pass, 2.031 m, East Julian Alps, Posočje, Slovenia EC.
Comment: Leontopodium alpinum, commonly known as Edelweiss, is certainly the most popular mountain flower ever. Its scientific name is not old. It was botanically established no earlier than in 19. century. Before that botanists had changed its genus name several times, from Gnaphalium to Antenaria, then to Filago. Finally Cassini gave it its presently valid botanical name Leontopodium alpinum. This is so because of its very special structure of inflorescence.
Also its common name 'Edelweiss' is not old. It origins from 18. century and was used in Austria first. Only a century later flowers of this plant became a fashion and its German name international. Thousands of products and services have been name by it, from mountain clubs, cottages, tourist facilities, cheese, drinks, trains, companies, poems, - the list is endless. The flower became an irresistible memento from every mountain trip. The disaster started when business entered the scene. Hundreds of thousands of plants have been purchased from locals, dried and massively sold as souvenirs. 'To have' triumphed over 'To admire and respect'. Of cause, this craze drastically reflected in plant populations. It almost disappeared from many mountain regions. The first attempts of its protection measures were established already in l880. On territory of Slovenia protection started in 1896. Today it is protected in all Alpine states. Fortunately, the fashion faded and also awareness and responsibility of modern mountaineers have improved. The plant doesn't really seem to be endangered any more, at least in Slovenia (apart of eventually broader environmental changes like air pollution and global warming). Fortunately it grows mainly on ground of no or little human interest.
The white 'flowers' of Edelweiss can have up to 5 cm in diameter, but it can be also much smaller on nutrition poor and extremely exposed places. However, what looks like white and wooly 'petals' are in fact bracts (their beautiful white color comes from dense, air filled hairs). Also several small round heads, which are surrounded by these 'petals' are not flowers but true heads (Asteraceae!) each carrying many small tubular flowers. Some of them are male and some are female. Leontopodium alpinum flowers are rarely greater than 3 mm!
Protected according to: Uredba o zavarovanih prostoživečih rastlinskih vrstah, poglavje A, Uradni list RS, št. 46/2004 (Regulation of protected wild plants, chapter A, Official Gazette of Republic Slovenia, no. 46/2004), (2004). Pravilnik o uvrstitvi ogroženih rastlinskih in živalskih vrst v rdeči seznam, Uradni list RS, št. 82/2002 (Regulation of enlisting of endangered plant and animal species onto Red List, Official Gazette of Republic Slovenia, no. 82/2002) (2002). Enlisted in the Slovene Red List of rare and endangered species, marked by "O1" representing a potentially endangered species.
Ref.:
(1) M.A. Fischer, W. Adler, K. Oswald, Exkursionsflora für Österreich, Liechtenstein und Südtirol, LO Landesmuseen, Linz, Austria (2005), p 884.
(2) A. Martinči et all., Mala Flora Slovenije (Flora of Slovenia - Key), Tehnična Založba Slovenije (2007) (in Slovenian), p 650.
(3) T. Wraber, 2 x Sto alpskih rastlin na Slovenskem (2x 100 Alpine Plants of Slovenia), Prešernova družba (2006) (in Slovenian), p 176.
(4) D. Aeschimann, K. Lauber, D.M. Moser, J.P. Theurillat, Flora Alpina, Vol. 2., Haupt (2004), p 452.
(5) P. Kohlhaupt, Alpenblumen Farbige Wunder, Belser Bucher, Vol. 1,2. (1964), p 219.
(6) P. Skoberne, Zavarovane rastline Slovenije (Protected plants of Slovenia) (in Slovenian), Mladinska Knjiga (2007), p 37.
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 !
A diagram showing average cotton production in 2000-2009 in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. / Диаграмма, показывающая объемы производства хлопка за 2000-2009 годы в Афганистане, Таджикистане, Туркменистане и Узбекистане.
English version here.
Crepidotus crocophyllus (Berk.) Sacc., syn.: Agaricus crocophyllus Berk., Crepidotus applanatus var. crocophyllus (Berk.) Pilát, Derminus crocophyllus (Berk.) Henn.
Family: Inocybaceae
EN: Orange Crep, Saffron Crep, DE: Safranblättriges Krüppelfüßchen, Safranblättriges Stummelfüßchen, Safranblättriges Krüppelfüßchen
Slo.: žafranasta postrančica
Dat.: Oct. 27. 2022
Lat.: 46.35863 Long.: 13.70641
Code: Bot_1492/2022_ DSC01501
Habitat: mixed forest, Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Ostrya carpinifolia, Salix eleagnos dominant trees; at the base of a mountain slope (north aspect) and river shore; Calcareous, skeletal, colluvial ground; in shade, humid place; exposed to direct precipitations; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevation 545 (1.790 feet), alpine phytogeographical region (M. Wraber, 1969).
Substratum: large Fagus sylvatica trunk in its late disintegration state lying on ground.
Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soča and Trenta, left bank of river Soča, 200 m upstream from Matevž's (Trenta 1) footbridge, between Soča trail and the river, East Julian Alps, Posočje, Slovenia.
Comments (pertain to pictures in the Flicks album Crepidotus crocophyllus): Crepidotus crocophyllus seems to be a rare find in Europe. According to Slovenian database Boletus informaticus (Ref.: 6) it is known from only four MTB sub-quadrants in the country, in neighboring Austria only 8 records are documented (Ref.: 7), in Germany it is considered rare to extremely rare (Ref.3). This is much different in North America, where the species is considered as one of the most common in the genus (Ref.: 5). Crepidotus crocophyllus is among the most beautiful species of the genus with its orange gills and strong 'geometric' impact. Others are mostly whitish and much less remarkable.
Description: about 12 pilei present, from 3 to 6.3 cm wide and 2 to 3.8 cm from substrate; pilei cutis dry, not waxy, doesn't peel away; smell and taste indistinctive; 10% KOH reaction on gills reddish; SP abundant, brown, oac784.
Spores mostly globose, some sub-globose, minutely warty. Dimensions: (5.8) 6.1 - 7 (7.5) × (5.7) 5.9 - 6.8 (7.1) µm; Q = 1 - 1.07 (1.1); N = 40/1; Me = 6.5 × 6.3 µm; Qe = 1. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil; in water, fresh material. AmScope MA500 digital camera.
Ref.:
(1) T. Lӕssøe, J.H. Petersen, Fungi of temperate Europe, Vol. 1,, Princeton University Press (2019), p 94. SP globose 5-6.5(7)
(2) L. Hagar, Ottova Encyklopedia Húb, Ottova Nakladatelstvi, Praha (2015) (in Slovakian), p 1061.
(3) www.123pilze.de/DreamHC/Download/Safrankrueppelfuss.htm (accessed Jan.18. 2023). SP 4-8
(4) www.mycoquebec.org/bas.php?trie=C&l=l&nom=Crepido... (accessed Jan.18. 2023). SP 5-6
(5) www.mushroomexpert.com/crepidotus_crocophyllus.html (accessed Jan. 18. 2023). SP 4.5-8
(6) N. Ogris (ed), Boletus informaticus, Slovenian Forestry Institute www.zdravgozd.si/bi_index.aspx (accessed Jan. 18. 2023).
(7) www.austria.mykodata.net/Taxa_map.aspx?qvtaxIdTaxon=12569...; (accessed Jan. 18. 2023).
Pushkar (Hindi: पुष्कर) is a town in the Ajmer district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is situated 14 km northwest of Ajmer at an average elevation of 510 m and is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage site) for devout Hindus. According to Hindu theology, the pond at the Katas Raj temple Near Choa Saidan Shah in Chakwal District of Pakistan has a theological association with Shiva; it was formed by the tears of Lord Shiva which he is believed to have shed after the death of his wife, Sati. The story goes that when Sati died, Shiva cried so much and for so long, that his tears created two holy ponds – one at Pushkara in Ajmer in India and the other at Ketaksha, which literally means raining eyes, in Sanskrit. It is from this name that the word Katas is derived. It is often called "Tirth Raj" – the king of pilgrimage sites – and has in recent years become a popular destination for foreign tourists.
Pushkar is one of the oldest existing cities of India. It lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake. The date of its actual origin is not known, but legend associates Brahma with its creation.
Pushkar has many temples. Most of the temples are not very old because MANY TEMPLES WERE DESTROYED DURING MUSLIM CONQUESTS in the area. Subsequently, the destroyed temples were rebuilt. The most famous among all is the Brahma Temple built during the 14th century CE. Very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. Other temples of Brahma include Bithoor in Uttar Pradesh, India; Khedbrahma in Gujarat, India; village Asotra near Balotra city of Barmer district in Rajasthan; Uttamar Kovil (one of the Divya Desams) near Srirangam, Tamil Nadu; Mother Temple of Besakih in Bali, Indonesia; and Prambanan in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Pushkar lake has 52 ghats where pilgrims descend to the lake to bathe in the sacred waters.
Pushkar is also famous for its annual fair (Pushkar Camel Fair) held in November.
ETYMOLOGY
Pushkar in Sanskrit means blue lotus flower. Hindus believe that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagna. The place where the lotus fell was called Pushkar. Pushkar word may be derived from word 'Pushkarni'means- lake. It may be derived from word Pushpa means flower and Kar means hand.
HISTORY
Pushkar is one of the oldest cities of India. The date of its actual founding is not known, but legend associates Brahma with its creation.
According to legend, Brahma was in search of a place for Mahayagna and he found this place suitable. After a long time, Brahma came to known that a demon, Vajranash, was killing people here so the Lord intoned a mantra on a lotus flower and killed the demon. During this process the parts of flower fell on three places which were later known as Jyaistha, Madhya and Kanistha Pushkar. After this Brahma performed a yagna to protect this place from demons. The consort of Brahma, Saraswati, were needed to offer Ahuti for the yagna but she was not there that time so Gayatri, a Gurjar girl, was married to brahma and performned yagna. This act made first wife of Brahma, Saraswati, angry and she cursed Brahma saying that he would be worshiped in Pushkar only.
The Mahabharata says that while laying down a programme for Maharaja Yudhishthara’s travel, “Maharaja after entering the Jungles of Sind and crossing the small rivers on the way should bathe in Pushkara". And, as per Vaman Purana, Prahlada on his pilgrimage to holy places visited Pushkarayana.
A Gurjara Pratihara ruler of Mandore, Nahadarava, restored this tirtha in the seventh century. He got the place cleared and the lake restored by making an embankment on the side of the river Luni. He rebuilt old palaces and built twelve dharmashalas (resting places) and ghats on three sides of the lake.
According to Rajputana Gazetteer Pushkar was held by Chechi Gurjars until about 700 years ago.Later Some shrines were occupied by Kanphati Jogis.
There are still priests from the Gurjar community in Pushkar temple, known as Bhopas.
The sage Parasara is said to have been born here. His descendants, called Parasara Brahamanas, are found in Pushkar and the surrounding area. The famous temple of Jeenmata has been cared for by Parasara Brahmans for the last 1,000 years.
It is also the venue of the annual Pushkar Camel Fair. In 1901, the town was part of the Rajputana Agency had a population of 3,831.
PUSHKAR FAIR
Pushkar fair continues for five days and these five days are a period of relaxation and merry-making for the villagers. This fair time is the most busy time for them, as this is one of the largest cattle fairs in the country. Animals, including over 50,000 camels, are brought from miles around to be traded and sold. Trading is brisk as several thousand heads of cattle exchange hands. All the camels are cleaned, washed, adorned, some are interestingly shorn to form patterns, and special stalls are set up selling finery and jewellery for the camels. Camels at the Pushkar fair are decorated with great care. They wear jewellery of silver and beads. There are silver bells and bangles around their ankles that jangle when they walk. An interesting ritual is the piercing of a camel's nose. It has more than 400 temples including the only one temple in India dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Brahma, the Creator of the Universe.
According to Indian mythology, after visiting all the Hindu pilgrim towns and temples (Four Dhams), if Pushkar is not visited for worship, then salvation is not achieved. According to the Hindu calendar Pushkar Fair commences in Nawami (ninth day of fortnightly phases of moon) and ends in Purnima (Full Moon) in the month of Kartika (October or November according to the lunar calendar). In Pushkar, one of the biggest Cattle Fair is also held for trading purposes and the best cattle in all categories are awarded. Countless people in their colourful attire gather to take a dip in the Holy Lake and pray to the deities. The whole town comes alive with vibrant folk music and dances, magic shows, horse and camel races and various other traditional entertainment competitions.Pushkar, with more than 12 local fairs and festivals of 10–15 days duration is a year round destination. It is a mellow town by the great lake of Pushkar amidst the perfume of jasmine and rose flowers. About 4,000 to 6,000 visitors from all over the world come to Pushkar everyday.
PUSHKAR LAKE
The prime attraction of Pushkar is the Pushkar Lake which is considered sacred like the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. Pushkar has become a place of Hindu pilgrimage because of this holy lake. Legend has it that this lake was consecrated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe when a lotus dropped from his hand into the vale and a lake emerged in that place.
BRAHMA TEMPLE
The most important temple in Pushkar is the Temple of Lord Brahma, one of the holy trinity of Hinduism. The temple enshrines a life-size idol of Lord Brahma.
SAVITRI TEMPLE
This temple that is located at the top of the Ratnagiri Hill is dedicated to Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma. The temple houses a statue of Goddess Savitri.
WIKIPEDIA
DAY 2 And the FINALE of The American Speedfest Weekend at Brands Hatch showcasing some impressive and High Powered Machinery Ready to do Battle out on Track to see who can become the Victor of each of their Respective Classes. Lets see what Happened and Who was the First to Cross the Finish line to take Victory.
Angelo American Formula 5000's-(Race 2 Results)
With A Very Fast Paced and Quick Qualifying Session Yesterday it was time for the Drivers to head out and take part in their Race to see who could achieve Victory.
In First Place and taking the Victory was (Greg Thornton) in his Chevron B24 with a Best Lap Time of 47.660 and an Average Speed of 88.84mph. An Incredible Victory for A Top Class Driver in Formula 5000 Racing.
In Second Place was (Neil Glover) in his Chevron B37 with a Lap Time of 48.128 and an Average Speed of 87.96mph. Another Class Example of How to Handle to Torque and Power Output of these V8 Monsters.
Finally In Third Place was (Mark Campfield) in his Chevron B24 with A Lap Time of 48.227 and an Average Speed of 86.31mph. Very Fast Paced and A Fantastic Effort By Mark to Stay in Tight Amongst The Leading Two Cars.
A Brilliant Display of Driving and Skill shown by the Angelo American Formula 5000's Drivers and Some Incredible Racing to Watch.
Congratulations to Greg, Neil and Mark for putting on one Hell of a Race and to all the other Drivers Racing as well.
Bernie's Sports and V8's-(Race 3 Results)
Bernie's V8'S Showcasing some of the Best V8 Machinery from the Past 30 Years. During Qualifying a Very Fierce Battle was Taking Place at the Front of the Grid but Lets See Who came out Victorious Amongst the Competitors.
In First Place was (James Plant) in his Austin Healey 106 with A Lap Time of 53.293 with an Average Speed of 79.92mph around the Indy Circuit. A fantastic British Car being Driven Hard for the Victory was a Wonderful site to be hold. An Incredible Drive by James.
In Second Place was (Simon Cripps) in his MGB V8 Roaster with A Lap Time of 53.398 and an Average Speed of 79.97mph. Incredibly Fast and Very Close to James in Terms of Pace. A Super Driver and a very Super Car to go with it.
In Third Place was (Michael Saunders) in his Ford MK1 Escort Mexico with A Lap Time of 53.280 and an Average Speed of 79.67mph. A Mighty Drive by Michael to Achieve that Third Place with some Good Battles taking place thought the Field. A Very Well Done to Michael.
A Brilliant End to The Bernie's V8's at Brands Hatch and some Super Driving from James Simon and Michael with all Three of them Being very Close to One Another Thought the Race. Congratulations on the Victories and a Very Well Done to everyone Else for also Putting on some Fantastic Battles thought the Pack.
Legends Cars Championship-(Race 6 Result)
The Little Pocket Rockets were back again for Another Day of Exciting Racing on the Indy Circuit. With Qualifying Yesterday Showing a very Packed Grid Lets See who Managed to take that All important Victory that Will Decide the Winner.
In First Place was (John Mickel) in his Legend Ford Coupe with A Lap Time of 55.997 and an Average Speed of 76.05mph. A Storming Drive by John showcasing what it Really Means to be a Legends Car Driver with his Incredible Skills and Determination Lap after Lap.
In Second Place was (Miles Rudman) in his Legend 34 Coupe with a Lap Time of 55.82 and an Average Speed of 75.98mph. A String and Very Quick Drive from Miles Keeping Pace with John and making sure he did not get away easily with that Victory. Fantastic Drive.
In Third Place was (Will Gibson) in his Ford Coupe 34 with A Lap time of 55.361 with an Average Speed of 75.97mph. An Awesome Drive from Will to Keep up with both Miles and John and to see his Car flying Around the Circuit was a Truly Spectacular site as was the rest of the field. Well Done Will.
An Awesome Day of Legends Racing showcasing a lot of High Speed Battle's Thought the Field and Some Very Competitive Racing This Year between Drivers. Good Luck in the Championship all And Keep Working Hard to Achieve Greatness this Season.
NASCAR Whelan Euro Series-(Race 2 Result-Pro)
Euro NASCAR-Pro was up Next and after putting on a Thunderous thunderous Display Yesterday in Qualifying it was time to see what Each Driver could do during the Race and who would be brave enough to make those all important overtakes to take the Victory in Euro NASCAR.
In First Place was (Loris Hezemans) in his Ford Mustang -Hendricks Motorsport) with A Lap Time of 50.145 and an Average Speed of 70.29mph. Amazing Speed and a very Tricky Circuit to Race in a Nascar Congratulations Loris on a Stunning Victory.
In Second Place was (Gianmarco Ercoli) in his Chevrolet Camaro-CAAL Racing with a Lap Time of 50.174 and An Average Speed of 70.26mph. Another Very Quick and Fantastic Drive from Gian to Grab Second Place and a Good Example of Fast Paced Car Control. Congratulations Gian.
In Third Place was (Sebastiaan Bleekemolen) in his Ford Mustang-Team Bleekemolen with A Lap Time of 50.519 and an Average Speed of 70.24mph. Fantastic to see all three drivers really going for it and pushing their machinery to it limits as well as seeing them race in such close formation during the Race. Congratulations Sebastiaan a Very well Deserved Third Place.
An Amazing Set of Victories in Euro NASCAR PRO showcasing some of he Best Drivers from Around the world competing for as Victory and the eventual Championship Win. Good Luck Everybody and Keep Racing Hard all Year Long.
Euro NASCAR 2 Series-(Race 2 Result 2)
Euro NASCAR 2 was up next and Some Young Rookies shown Yesterday In Qualifying just What They have in them to be Promoted to NASCAR Pro as well as some new faces joining the Series. After Qualifying Yesterday lets see how the Drivers Did and Who Took the Victory.
In First Place was (Tobias Dauenhauer) in his Ford Mustang-Hendricks Motorsport with A Lap Time Of 50.242 and an Average Speed of 85.46mph. Congratulations Tobias a very well controlled and Fast Race Pace from you to take the Overall Victory.
In Second Place was (Simon Pilate) in his Chevrolet Camero-DF1 Racing with a Lap Time of 50.209 and An Average Speed of 85.12mph. A Very Quick and Capable Drive from Simon showcasing some very quick Car Control at High Speed and keep the Race right up to Tobias in First Showing just how Competitive Driving one of these cars is. Congratulations Simon.
In Third Place was (Advait Deodhar) in his Ford Mustang-CAAL Racing with A Lap Time of 50.328 and an Average Speed of 85.07mph. A Mighty Drive and a Very Strong Mind seen while Watching Advait Race showing his True Potential during the Race and Keeping up well with both Second and First Placed Drivers. Congratulations Advait.
A Super End to the Day of Euro NASCAR Racing and seeing both Pro and Class 2 Races really showed just how Capable thease Cars are. Congratulations to al of the Drivers as well as the Top Three Drivers from Each Class. Good luck In the Remainder of Your Season. And Remember Go Big or Go Home.
Pick Up Truck Championship-(Race 2 Result)
Pick Up Trucks were up next and from Yesterdays High Speed Qualifying it was shaping up to be A Race that would be Fought very Fiercely Between drivers for the Victory. With Light Weight Space Frames and A Lot of Horse Power Under the Bonnet it was time to see who was the Bravest and the Fastest Around the Indy Circuit. Lets See what Happened.
In First Place was (George Turiccki) in his Pickup Truck 2000 with A Lap Time of 52.606 and an Average Speed of 63.76mph. Really Fast From George and Leaving most of the Field in the Dust with his Experience and Driving Skills behind the Wheel of His Pickup Truck. Congratulations George. A Well Deserved Victory.
In Second Place was (Allen Cooper) in his Pickup Truck 2000 with A Lap Time Of 52.808 and an Average Speed of 63.73mph. Allen Keeping very close with the Leader George thought the Race and constantly was putting pressure on him right up to the end. An Awesome Drive from Allen and a very well controlled Pickup out there. Congratulations Allen.
In Third Place was (Reece Jones) in his Pickup Truck 2000 with A Lap Time of 52.784mph and an Average Speed of 52.784mph. Incredible Drive Reece showing a Very Determined Mind and a Focus that could be seen within his Driving Ability. Congratulations Reece.
Pickup Truck Racing Showcasing some of the Best of Speedfest at Brands Hatch with The Top Three in George Allen and Reece being so close together towards the end of the Race. Congratulations to all of the other Drivers who also showed some Fantastic Fighting thought the Field. Keep Working Hard and Good luck in the Rest Of The Season.
Speedfest Silhouettes-(Race 2 Result)
The FINALE To the Weekend had to be the Mighty Fast and Quick action Paced Speedfest Silhouettes showing off some of the fastest Machinery on track with Modified Aero and very Fast Determined Drivers. During a Lightening Fast Qualifying Session Yesterday Let's see who is going to be the one taking home the victory and Tasting that Champagne at the End of The Day.
In First Place was (Ray Harris) in his Ginetta G40R with a Lap Time of 50.721 and an Average Speed of 73.71mph. A Lightening Fast Drive from Ray to take the Victory and that Ginetta was looking very Beautiful out on track indeed. Congratulations Ray.
In Second Place was (Mike Thurley) in his Ginetta G40 with A Lap Time Of 51.086 and an Average Speed of 73.57mph around the Indy Circuit. Very Fast and Right on the Heels of Ray in his much more Powerful R Variant. An Incredible Charge for Victory Mike and a Sterling Drive. Congratulations Mike.
In Third Place was (Ian Hales) in his Vauxhall Tigra with A Lap Time of 51.199 and An Average Speed of 73.45mph. A Super Effort and Drive from Ian and his Skill behind the wheel is what Really Helped put that Car into Third Place A Well Deserved Position. Congratulations Ian.
Super Silhouettes showing some very Determined and Quick Drivers out there and the Incredible Cars that they have built and Race are a true sight to be hold. Congratulations to Ray, Mike and Ian for putting on some superb Driving skills thought the Race as well as to all the other Drivers fighting it out thought the field. Good Luck in the season and Looking forward to seeing who can Take the Championship Crown.
This Brings an End to American Speedfest8 at Brands Hatch for
the 2021 Season. Another Year of Hight Speed High Action and Adrenalin Filled American Racing. Congratulations to all of the Race Winners and Participants in this Years Speedfest and I look forward to Seeing you all do Battle Again Next Year. Until then........GO BIG OR GO HOME.
Dr. Henry Kissinger is one of few statesmen in the United States. HIs view is similar to that of many scholars, including Prof. Jeffrey Sachs. Unfortunately, we have too many China hawks in the U.S. who really don't know much about China, Chinese history or Chinese cultures, putting their tinted glasses on.
These hawks don't acknowledge the number of U.S. military bases surrounding China. The don't acknowledge the Shanghai Communiques signed between China and the U.S., which states, among other, Taiwan is part of China. They claim the U.S. consistently acknowledges the One China Policy but continues to sell arms to Taiwan and practically treats Taiwan as an independent country. They kept saying China is the biggest polluter, but ignore China having 3 times the population of the U.S. So on a per Capita basis, China's pollution is much smaller. They claim several Chinese businesses such as Huawei sell their products to the Chinese military, so the U.S. sanctions those businesses. But they ignore the fact that China is one of Boeing's largest customers and Boeing is a large defense contractor. The list goes on and on.
With three times the population, it's natural that China will overtake the U.S. with the largest economy on a nominal basis (China overtook the U.S. as the largest economy in 2014 on a purchasing power, or PPI basis). But the U.S. has been doing everything it could to suppress China's growth. In other words, the people in China cannot earn more than one-third the average wage of their U.S. counterpart.
☝️ Top Five China Myths
☝️ Columbia Professor Jeffrey Sachs on Democracy Now -- U.S. Policy and "West's False Narrative" stoking Tension
thehill.com/opinion/international/3620025-are-china-and-t...
Are China and the US edging toward ‘Henry Kissinger’s war’?
by Joseph Bosco, Opinion Contributor
Henry Kissinger was present at the creation of contemporary U.S.- China relations and assiduously nurtured them through eight U.S. administrations and five Chinese rulers over half a century. But now he is concerned that the fruition of his long-entrenched engagement policies could lead to a Sino-U.S. war with “catastrophic” global consequences. Yet, during a Wilson Center interview in September 2018, Kissinger acknowledged no inherent flaw in the approach that strengthened China’s communist regime and weakened the West.
“[A]t the beginning, we made a number of deals, which, in purely economic terms, seemed to be balanced in favor of China … because we thought growth in Chinese strength compensated for that imbalance in the Soviet Union. We felt we had an obligation, for the preservation of peace and stability, not to make the transformation of China such a goal that it would stop everything else,” Kissinger said in that interview.
But he and President Nixon also made a consequential security “deal”: The U.S. would show good faith by withdrawing the 7th Fleet from the Taiwan Strait and begin removing forces from Taiwan, in exchange for China allowing Nixon’s historic visit.
Kissinger now argues that mounting China tensions are due not to shortsighted policies but to unpredictable extrinsic factors such as sophisticated new technologies, and an unsophisticated foreign policy approach during the Trump administration that the Biden team essentially has continued.
Consistent with his ultra-realist rationale, he eschews the role of ideology or personality — except on the American side — relying instead on the mechanistic geostrategic model of rising-power-versus-established-power dynamics.
The fact that China is ruled by the Chinese Communist Party with its special worldview seems of no interest to Kissinger: “I don’t consider China a communist state, no. I know that sounds paradoxical, but it’s my view.”
America might as well be confronted by a modern version of the Ming Empire, rather than by a protege and former junior partner of Joseph Stalin’s America-hating Soviet Union, now reconstituted as a “no-limits strategic partner” of Vladimir Putin’s America-hating revanchist Russia.
Even applying the realpolitik model, however, Kissinger accepts Beijing’s denial of any intention to replace the United States as global hegemon, seeking only its rightful place at the international table. He told Chatham House in March 2021, “My analysis of Chinese purposes is not that China is determined to achieve world domination, whatever that means.”
The noted historian and strategic thinker seems not to hear in China’s claim the echoes of Adolf Hitler’s assurances in the 1930s.
Strategic insouciance shows in his oft-repeated description of Washington’s and Beijing’s approaches to negotiations as “pragmatism” versus “process”: “The Americans have a list of things that they want to fix in the immediate future; the Chinese have an objective towards which they want to work. So we both can learn from each other.”
The statement appears oblivious to China’s objective since the communists took power. Starting with Mao Zedong’s Wars of National Liberation, through its co-invasion of South Korea in 1950 and combat involvement in South Vietnam in the 1960s and ’70s, Beijing has been committed to defeating American interests and values at every opportunity and in every strategic venue — economic, military, technological and geopolitical.
Western experts, following Kissinger’s lead, are quick to invoke China’s “century of humiliation” but fail to recall more recent Chinese history. A seasoned intelligence official, for example, told a large Pentagon meeting in the 2000s that Chinese forces had never fought against Americans.
For five decades, Kissinger held important access and influence with Republican and Democratic administrations and was able to preserve the unbalanced framework of the U.S.-China relations he negotiated with Mao and Zhou Enlai, and reinforced with each of their successors.
That changed with the arrival of President Trump’s team of clear-eyed realists determined to arrest and reverse the decline of U.S. power vis-à-vis both Russia and China. For the first time, Kissinger’s representations of benign Chinese intentions fell on deaf ears. He lamented at the Wilson Center in September 2018, “I wish I had been invited, on some occasion, to tell President Trump … about my strategic views of that relationship.”
Our problem, he said, “is not to find allies around the world with which to confront China. … This particular approach of beginning a new administration with finding an additional ally against a country with which we should have a cooperative relationship is simply not correct. … Neither China nor America need allies to fight each other.”
In May 2021, Kissinger compared the China policies of the Trump and Biden administrations: “The language still has an adversarial character but I think the circumstances are better now, [not] as if the isolation of China was the principal objective of American foreign policy.”
Last November, he told CNN, “Everyone wants to be a China hawk” — though not Kissinger himself. After President Biden again said America would defend Taiwan against a Chinese attack, Kissinger told the recent World Economic Forum, “The United States should not by subterfuge or by a gradual process develop something of a ‘two-China’ solution, but that China will continue to exercise the patience that has been exercised up until now.” These words evoked his 2007 warning to Taiwan at the Asia Society: “China will not wait forever.”
Kissinger also urges a downgrading of the issue of the Taiwan issue in favor of the larger U.S.-China agenda: “A direct confrontation should be avoided and Taiwan cannot be the core of the negotiations because it is between China and the United States.” Yet, he repeatedly has recounted that, in 1972, Beijing would discuss nothing else until the Taiwan question was resolved to its satisfaction.
He opposes a human rights focus as not only a distraction but — incredibly — an unwelcome threat to the survival of the Chinese Communist Party: “We should not use the human rights issue as a deliberate issue to undermine the existing structures, because if we do that, we will be in a permanent confrontation,” he said in May 2021.
But we have long been in a permanent confrontation with Communist China, always on the defensive. Given the consummate failure of Kissinger’s engagement policies and the need to avoid all-out kinetic war, going on the offensive to achieve peaceful regime change in China is the only escape from the world’s dangerous dilemma. An overt and covert information campaign directed at the people of China, with whom America has no quarrel, urgently needs to begin.
Joseph Bosco served as China country director for the secretary of Defense from 2005 to 2006 and as Asia-Pacific director of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief from 2009 to 2010. He served in the Pentagon when Vladimir Putin invaded Georgia and was involved in Department of Defense discussions about the U.S. response. Follow him on Twitter @BoscoJosephA.
Last night as I was cooking dinner I found a place to pause because I saw the potential of this building. It had rained earlier in the day, after a rain a mist frequently forms in the valley to the west. Although this is an HDR averaging the 5 exposures it's pretty much what was in the viewfinder. It's the second night in a row I stopped dinner for sunset.
I think on average I drank at least 4 cups a tea a day in India. I really dont like milk in my tea and it was always such a shock to everyone. Even when you say black tea in India they still load it with sugar...I went back to her house a few days after this and the first thing she said to me was "black tea?"
SERVICE: C - … Slightly below average
It was pleasant, but slow. What gets it downgraded was that no one could figure out how to serve me a glass or bottle of wine.
I was at al Macarone only because I was killing time while waiting for my lawyer to acknowledge the fax I sent at the place next door. I wasn’t in a good mood and a glass of wine would have been nice to take the edge off.
Bottles of wine were on top of one counter. There was a poster advertising the wine on the wall. It came as a complete shock to anyone that they even had wine. Then they couldn’t answer how much it was or figure out how to ring it up. Really?
So I settled for a cola, the sugar rush amplifying that afternoon's anxiety.
DAY 2 And the FINALE of The American Speedfest Weekend at Brands Hatch showcasing some impressive and High Powered Machinery Ready to do Battle out on Track to see who can become the Victor of each of their Respective Classes. Lets see what Happened and Who was the First to Cross the Finish line to take Victory.
Angelo American Formula 5000's-(Race 2 Results)
With A Very Fast Paced and Quick Qualifying Session Yesterday it was time for the Drivers to head out and take part in their Race to see who could achieve Victory.
In First Place and taking the Victory was (Greg Thornton) in his Chevron B24 with a Best Lap Time of 47.660 and an Average Speed of 88.84mph. An Incredible Victory for A Top Class Driver in Formula 5000 Racing.
In Second Place was (Neil Glover) in his Chevron B37 with a Lap Time of 48.128 and an Average Speed of 87.96mph. Another Class Example of How to Handle to Torque and Power Output of these V8 Monsters.
Finally In Third Place was (Mark Campfield) in his Chevron B24 with A Lap Time of 48.227 and an Average Speed of 86.31mph. Very Fast Paced and A Fantastic Effort By Mark to Stay in Tight Amongst The Leading Two Cars.
A Brilliant Display of Driving and Skill shown by the Angelo American Formula 5000's Drivers and Some Incredible Racing to Watch.
Congratulations to Greg, Neil and Mark for putting on one Hell of a Race and to all the other Drivers Racing as well.
Bernie's Sports and V8's-(Race 3 Results)
Bernie's V8'S Showcasing some of the Best V8 Machinery from the Past 30 Years. During Qualifying a Very Fierce Battle was Taking Place at the Front of the Grid but Lets See Who came out Victorious Amongst the Competitors.
In First Place was (James Plant) in his Austin Healey 106 with A Lap Time of 53.293 with an Average Speed of 79.92mph around the Indy Circuit. A fantastic British Car being Driven Hard for the Victory was a Wonderful site to be hold. An Incredible Drive by James.
In Second Place was (Simon Cripps) in his MGB V8 Roaster with A Lap Time of 53.398 and an Average Speed of 79.97mph. Incredibly Fast and Very Close to James in Terms of Pace. A Super Driver and a very Super Car to go with it.
In Third Place was (Michael Saunders) in his Ford MK1 Escort Mexico with A Lap Time of 53.280 and an Average Speed of 79.67mph. A Mighty Drive by Michael to Achieve that Third Place with some Good Battles taking place thought the Field. A Very Well Done to Michael.
A Brilliant End to The Bernie's V8's at Brands Hatch and some Super Driving from James Simon and Michael with all Three of them Being very Close to One Another Thought the Race. Congratulations on the Victories and a Very Well Done to everyone Else for also Putting on some Fantastic Battles thought the Pack.
Legends Cars Championship-(Race 6 Result)
The Little Pocket Rockets were back again for Another Day of Exciting Racing on the Indy Circuit. With Qualifying Yesterday Showing a very Packed Grid Lets See who Managed to take that All important Victory that Will Decide the Winner.
In First Place was (John Mickel) in his Legend Ford Coupe with A Lap Time of 55.997 and an Average Speed of 76.05mph. A Storming Drive by John showcasing what it Really Means to be a Legends Car Driver with his Incredible Skills and Determination Lap after Lap.
In Second Place was (Miles Rudman) in his Legend 34 Coupe with a Lap Time of 55.82 and an Average Speed of 75.98mph. A String and Very Quick Drive from Miles Keeping Pace with John and making sure he did not get away easily with that Victory. Fantastic Drive.
In Third Place was (Will Gibson) in his Ford Coupe 34 with A Lap time of 55.361 with an Average Speed of 75.97mph. An Awesome Drive from Will to Keep up with both Miles and John and to see his Car flying Around the Circuit was a Truly Spectacular site as was the rest of the field. Well Done Will.
An Awesome Day of Legends Racing showcasing a lot of High Speed Battle's Thought the Field and Some Very Competitive Racing This Year between Drivers. Good Luck in the Championship all And Keep Working Hard to Achieve Greatness this Season.
NASCAR Whelan Euro Series-(Race 2 Result-Pro)
Euro NASCAR-Pro was up Next and after putting on a Thunderous thunderous Display Yesterday in Qualifying it was time to see what Each Driver could do during the Race and who would be brave enough to make those all important overtakes to take the Victory in Euro NASCAR.
In First Place was (Loris Hezemans) in his Ford Mustang -Hendricks Motorsport) with A Lap Time of 50.145 and an Average Speed of 70.29mph. Amazing Speed and a very Tricky Circuit to Race in a Nascar Congratulations Loris on a Stunning Victory.
In Second Place was (Gianmarco Ercoli) in his Chevrolet Camaro-CAAL Racing with a Lap Time of 50.174 and An Average Speed of 70.26mph. Another Very Quick and Fantastic Drive from Gian to Grab Second Place and a Good Example of Fast Paced Car Control. Congratulations Gian.
In Third Place was (Sebastiaan Bleekemolen) in his Ford Mustang-Team Bleekemolen with A Lap Time of 50.519 and an Average Speed of 70.24mph. Fantastic to see all three drivers really going for it and pushing their machinery to it limits as well as seeing them race in such close formation during the Race. Congratulations Sebastiaan a Very well Deserved Third Place.
An Amazing Set of Victories in Euro NASCAR PRO showcasing some of he Best Drivers from Around the world competing for as Victory and the eventual Championship Win. Good Luck Everybody and Keep Racing Hard all Year Long.
Euro NASCAR 2 Series-(Race 2 Result 2)
Euro NASCAR 2 was up next and Some Young Rookies shown Yesterday In Qualifying just What They have in them to be Promoted to NASCAR Pro as well as some new faces joining the Series. After Qualifying Yesterday lets see how the Drivers Did and Who Took the Victory.
In First Place was (Tobias Dauenhauer) in his Ford Mustang-Hendricks Motorsport with A Lap Time Of 50.242 and an Average Speed of 85.46mph. Congratulations Tobias a very well controlled and Fast Race Pace from you to take the Overall Victory.
In Second Place was (Simon Pilate) in his Chevrolet Camero-DF1 Racing with a Lap Time of 50.209 and An Average Speed of 85.12mph. A Very Quick and Capable Drive from Simon showcasing some very quick Car Control at High Speed and keep the Race right up to Tobias in First Showing just how Competitive Driving one of these cars is. Congratulations Simon.
In Third Place was (Advait Deodhar) in his Ford Mustang-CAAL Racing with A Lap Time of 50.328 and an Average Speed of 85.07mph. A Mighty Drive and a Very Strong Mind seen while Watching Advait Race showing his True Potential during the Race and Keeping up well with both Second and First Placed Drivers. Congratulations Advait.
A Super End to the Day of Euro NASCAR Racing and seeing both Pro and Class 2 Races really showed just how Capable thease Cars are. Congratulations to al of the Drivers as well as the Top Three Drivers from Each Class. Good luck In the Remainder of Your Season. And Remember Go Big or Go Home.
Pick Up Truck Championship-(Race 2 Result)
Pick Up Trucks were up next and from Yesterdays High Speed Qualifying it was shaping up to be A Race that would be Fought very Fiercely Between drivers for the Victory. With Light Weight Space Frames and A Lot of Horse Power Under the Bonnet it was time to see who was the Bravest and the Fastest Around the Indy Circuit. Lets See what Happened.
In First Place was (George Turiccki) in his Pickup Truck 2000 with A Lap Time of 52.606 and an Average Speed of 63.76mph. Really Fast From George and Leaving most of the Field in the Dust with his Experience and Driving Skills behind the Wheel of His Pickup Truck. Congratulations George. A Well Deserved Victory.
In Second Place was (Allen Cooper) in his Pickup Truck 2000 with A Lap Time Of 52.808 and an Average Speed of 63.73mph. Allen Keeping very close with the Leader George thought the Race and constantly was putting pressure on him right up to the end. An Awesome Drive from Allen and a very well controlled Pickup out there. Congratulations Allen.
In Third Place was (Reece Jones) in his Pickup Truck 2000 with A Lap Time of 52.784mph and an Average Speed of 52.784mph. Incredible Drive Reece showing a Very Determined Mind and a Focus that could be seen within his Driving Ability. Congratulations Reece.
Pickup Truck Racing Showcasing some of the Best of Speedfest at Brands Hatch with The Top Three in George Allen and Reece being so close together towards the end of the Race. Congratulations to all of the other Drivers who also showed some Fantastic Fighting thought the Field. Keep Working Hard and Good luck in the Rest Of The Season.
Speedfest Silhouettes-(Race 2 Result)
The FINALE To the Weekend had to be the Mighty Fast and Quick action Paced Speedfest Silhouettes showing off some of the fastest Machinery on track with Modified Aero and very Fast Determined Drivers. During a Lightening Fast Qualifying Session Yesterday Let's see who is going to be the one taking home the victory and Tasting that Champagne at the End of The Day.
In First Place was (Ray Harris) in his Ginetta G40R with a Lap Time of 50.721 and an Average Speed of 73.71mph. A Lightening Fast Drive from Ray to take the Victory and that Ginetta was looking very Beautiful out on track indeed. Congratulations Ray.
In Second Place was (Mike Thurley) in his Ginetta G40 with A Lap Time Of 51.086 and an Average Speed of 73.57mph around the Indy Circuit. Very Fast and Right on the Heels of Ray in his much more Powerful R Variant. An Incredible Charge for Victory Mike and a Sterling Drive. Congratulations Mike.
In Third Place was (Ian Hales) in his Vauxhall Tigra with A Lap Time of 51.199 and An Average Speed of 73.45mph. A Super Effort and Drive from Ian and his Skill behind the wheel is what Really Helped put that Car into Third Place A Well Deserved Position. Congratulations Ian.
Super Silhouettes showing some very Determined and Quick Drivers out there and the Incredible Cars that they have built and Race are a true sight to be hold. Congratulations to Ray, Mike and Ian for putting on some superb Driving skills thought the Race as well as to all the other Drivers fighting it out thought the field. Good Luck in the season and Looking forward to seeing who can Take the Championship Crown.
This Brings an End to American Speedfest8 at Brands Hatch for
the 2021 Season. Another Year of Hight Speed High Action and Adrenalin Filled American Racing. Congratulations to all of the Race Winners and Participants in this Years Speedfest and I look forward to Seeing you all do Battle Again Next Year. Until then........GO BIG OR GO HOME.
Average of 13 pictures taken at 1/250th of a second to emulate the use of an neutral density filter, to smooth the water a bit. This photo would probably have been even better with a polarizing filter as well... But you work with what you have! :)
New Hyundai Elantra diesel price of INR 14 million to sit for the entry level version and the top end version it can be to climb to 16 million INR. New Hyundai Elantra number of its competitors with its amazing fuel efficiency, the department also hopes to provide a shocker. Hyundai Elantra diesel that churns out 260 Nm of pure power and the bumper to bumper city traffic conditions in the 14-15 kmpl on the peak torque of 128 PS, while satisfying the smooth highways 17-18 kmpl can be obtained. Hyundai Elantra sedan is not just one, but the 'fluidic' sensuousness and feeling all the new definition will yield a few eyes. The new Hyundai Elantra exterior only bold but elegant at the same time and are not top notch when it comes to style.
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HDR from a series of time-averaged images used to simulate the effect of a long exposure in bright light.