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CAMP BLANDING, Fla. – After a punishing, 72-hour challenge that started with an Army Physical Fitness Test and weapons qualification, continued with warrior skill stations and an air assault obstacle course, and concluded with a 10-mile ruck march and sergeants major appearance board, 12 Army Reserve Soldiers can proudly say they completed the 2017 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition.

 

Brig. Gen. Deborah L. Army Brig. Gen. Deborah L. Kotulich, commanding general, 143d ESC, personally congratulated the participants during an awards ceremony conducted March 11, 2017, at Camp Blanding, Fla.

 

“I am thrilled by what you did to get here and impressed by what you accomplished here,” said Kotulich, a career officer who completed Air Assault school while attending West Point and, decades later, earned the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency. “I encourage everyone to share your experiences with your fellow Soldiers. The skills you demonstrated during this competition may one day save your life or the lives your battle buddies in combat.”

 

Although all 12 Soldiers received and deserved high praise from the 143d ESC’s senior leadership, only two earned the right to earn the title, “Best Warrior.”

 

Spc. Alisha Howell, an Orlando, Fla., native serving as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear specialist at Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 143d ESC, won first place in the Soldier category, while Sgt. James A. Smith, a Bay Springs, Miss., native assigned to the 647th Transportation Company as a motor transport operator, took home the trophy in the noncommissioned officer category. Howell and Smith will leave for New Orleans in April to compete at the 377th Theater Sustainment Command level.

 

“I am confident that these two Soldiers will proudly represent the 143d ESC at the next level,” said Kotulich. “I am also especially honored to be associated with every Soldier here who took precious time from his or her job, school and family to participate and support this annual event. Your courage and commitment exemplify the finest qualities of an Army Reserve Soldier.”

 

Story by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC

 

Photos by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC, and Spc. Aaron Barnes, 321st MI BN

The Joes continue to march through the unrelenting jungle. Save for Shawn Michaels, Lennox's outburst is still on everyone's mind, as is the fact that the Grenadiers still haven't told them where they are going.

 

Flint: The jungle is starting to thin out... You mind telling me where we're going yet?

 

Sgt. Major: I would like to...

 

Then the Sgt. Major then stares hard at Lennox

 

Sgt Major: But I'm worried that one of yours can't handle the intricacies of our alliance. I want to post a Grenadier Trooper to shadow him at all times. I can't take any chances.

 

Eminem: Man, dats wack! How can he be given' us orders when...

 

Flint: Zip it Marshall! That's fine with me... So where are we going?

 

Sgt. Major: Wait... I hear something!

 

In the distance, they hear the sound of a motorcycle engine! The team crouches down behind a fallen tree and quickly identify the bike.

 

Lady Jaye: Brown Vipers!

 

Flint: If you've led us into a trap, you've really underestimated us!

 

Sgt. Major: It's no trap! They're coming this way! Get out of sight!

Continuing the tradition

I'm not sure what the plan is for this area in the future. This part of the town has been long empty of retail use with even newly built shops standing empty.

 

A large green park would be much better, but I suspect a Car park will be the answer.

 

this is the rear of the old ABC / Cannon cinema

M Travel continues to upgrade its fleet with further acquisitions from Nottingham City Transport. Tridents appear to be the new 'standard' bus for M Travel.

Continuing the descent from Rinadeena station, on the West Coast Wilderness Railway.

 

Canon EOS 33 camera, Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC lens, Rollei Digibase CR200 colour slide film.

Jean Moise, chief of Port-de-Paix, Haiti National Police, speaks with Lt. Col. Chris S. Richie, commanding officer of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Continuing Promise 2010, and Staff Sgt. Vladimyr Merci, a native of Liancourt, Haiti. Haiti National Police led Marines and Sailors of the USS Iwo Jima throughout Port-de-Paix as they visited each mission site where military personnel will conduct medical, dental and community relations during their time in Haiti.

(Photo by Cpl. Alicia R. Giron)

An exhibit sign provides examples of the ways oral Pueblo traditions are continued and passed down today. NPS photo by John Christensen.

Repeat, over and over again.

VOLUNTEERS, residents and visitors of Ashfield Gardens can continue their quest to grow organic fruit and vegetables after garden tools and compost were donated by West Midlands Police.

 

The donation has come from West Midland Police Cannabis Disposal Team who seized the compost and tools from a drugs raid earlier this year.

 

Ashfield Gardens spans five acres of organic land, located on Sugar Loaf Lane, Iverley near Kidderminster and is part of the Camp Hill Village Trust in Stourbridge.

 

The trust offers work, training and day opportunities in horticulture, animal care and crafts for people with learning disabilities, mental health needs as well as the elderly.

 

Derek Hatfield, a volunteer at Ashfield Gardens and a member of the Netherton Neighbourhood Watch contacted the Partnerships Team at Brierley Hill police station after he seeing an article from Dudley Police where compost had been donated to a local care home.

 

Derek said: "I would like to thank the team for all the help given to the Camp Hill Village Trust.

 

"We are grateful to West Midlands Police and the team for such unbelievable help with compost and tools for Ashfield farm, it will make our lives and our client's life a lot easier with the tools and gifts."

 

The cannabis disposal team removes cannabis plants and chemicals from properties following drugs warrants, as well asensuring that properties are made safe for officers investigating.

 

Sergeant Natalie Hobster from Dudley police partnerships team, said: "After we heard about the Camp Hill Village Trust we knew that the tools and compost would be going to excellent use and would certainly benefit our communities."

 

To find out more about Camp Hill Village Trust you can visit their website here www.cvt.org.uk.

 

Anyone with information relating to drugs activity in their community can contact their local neighbourhood team on 101 or alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Winter Wonderland continued...

He continued to look, past the point of futility, constantly searching for her. When everyone told him to stop he shrugged them off and continued to come out to the field where she had last been spotted. Days and days he searched to no avail until days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months and finally he sat down and wept for all hope had left him. What winter taught him was to go on and when he failed, he failed her. So one last time he pushed himself up and with nothing else to lose he searched on.

 

Part one of the What Winter Taught Me series

View on black please!

 

Trying out a square crop...not sure if I like this better.

 

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Polar Bear

 

"Region: America

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Ursidae

Genus: Ursus

Scientific Name: Ursus maritimus

 

Description : Polar bears are considered the largest land carnivores in the world, matched only by very large individual Kodiak brown bears. Both sexes differ in size throughout their range; males being much larger than females and continuing to grow for a longer period of time. These bears have long, massive skulls, necks and bodies with long legs and large paws. Ears and tail are short. The nose is more prominent or “Roman” with a black rhinarium (nose pad). The tongue is black and the eyes brown. The surface of the skin is also black. Fur colour varies slightly with the season: new coats grown just prior to the winter season are very white appearing as slightly creamy white against the stark white of their icy winter environment. This pelage is thick, coarse and long with dense underfur. Guard hairs, found throughout the pelage, are shiny, almost glossy, oily and waterproof and have hollow shafts. Polar bears moult annually between the end of May and August. The coat becomes thinner and has a yellow wash or is almost a golden colour. Male polar bears weigh between 400 – 600 kg, and have been recorded up to a maximum of 800 kg. Females are smaller than the males weighing up to 300 kg, and when pregnant up to 460 kg. Polar bears are 2.5 – 3.5 m long.

 

Distribution : The polar bear is circumpolar in distribution, inhabiting all Arctic seas and coastlines. It is found on the pack-ice off the Alaskan coast north of Bering Strait, off the coasts of Greenland and along the Eurasian Arctic coast from Spitsbergen to Wrangell Island. Rare stragglers reach Iceland. Individual bears have been seen on the frozen Arctic Ocean as far as latitude 88 degrees North, only 2 degrees from the North Pole. In Canada, they are found along the Arctic coasts from Alaska to Labrador and from the tip of James Bay to northern Ellesmere Island. Polar bears do roam as far as 150 kilometres inland into the coniferous forests, where they live very differently from the polar bears which belong to the high Arctic.

 

Habitat : They prefer areas of annual ice, which they use as a hunting platform and protective cover. This includes snow-drifted pressure ridges, refrozen cracks and areas of open water surrounded by ice. In areas where the pack ice melts by mid to late summer they come inland and live in coniferous forest areas. Here they remain until the ice re-freezes. Areas of solidly frozen sea ice and the open seas are avoided. Generally they are most common along coastal areas. Some do enter the permanent pack ice.

 

Food : The ringed seal is by far the most common prey. They also eat bearded seal, harp seal and hooded seal. Young walrus are sometimes taken. During the summer months they feed upon the shoreline carrion, fish, mussels, crabs, starfish, lemmings and the eggs and nestling young of waterfowl and cliff-dwelling birds. They will also graze on kelp, grasses and eat mushrooms and crowberries.

 

Reproduction and Development : Normally they are solitary animals outside the breeding season, the exception being a mother with cubs. Polar bears mate in mid-summer. Females first start to breed at 3 to 5 years of age. In April and May adult females are in oestrus and ready to accept a mate. They are polyandrous, meaning one female will mate with more than one male in one breeding season. Males fight among themselves for the female’s attention and a couple will pair off for a period of a few days to two weeks. With females, delayed implantation occurs, the fertilized egg does not implant in the uterus until mid-September to mid-October. Embryonic development begins at this time. Gestation periods, therefore, vary a great deal when including this period of delay. Females choose suitable locations to build their maternity dens in mid-October and retreat to them for the winter season. They give birth to one to four cubs somewhere between late November and early January. Twins are most common. The newborns are small; 25 to 30 cm long and weigh less than 1 kg. They are covered with very fine hair, appearing almost naked and their eyes are closed. Their eyes open at 6 weeks. Growth is very quick; at two months their fur has thickened; they weigh about 5 kg and move about the den. By mid-March to early April, when the den is opened, the cubs weigh about 10 kg and are surprisingly strong. The cubs suckle for nine months, occasionally one year. They are very dependent on their mother and stay with her for two years. At that time they weigh 90 - 180 kg and are half grown.

 

Adaptations : Polar bears are wonderfully adapted to their Arctic surroundings.

 

Locomotion. On land a shuffling walk may be increased to a rolling gallop of 40 km/h and can outrun caribou over a short distance. Bears are often seen standing high on their hind legs, necks stretched to scan the landscape. On thin ice, legs are spread to distribute body mass. Thickly padded and furred soles allow the bear to move quietly as well as providing good traction. Small bumps and cavities on the soles act like suction cups keeping bears from slipping on the ice. The claws are used to dig into icy slopes and to grip prey. They are strong swimmers, paddling with their forefeet only and trailing their hind feet which act as a rudder. They can stay submerged for over one minute, keeping their eyes open. They swim at a speed of approximately 6.4 km/h, often covering long distances.

 

Insulation. Polar bears have a thick layer of sub-cutaneous fat and very dense underfur with several layers of glossy guard hair on the outside. Their pelt is much thicker in winter and provides excellent insulation. The fat layer also adds to buoyancy in the water. Water is shed easily from the oily waterproof fur. Small, furry ears have a heavy network of blood vessels, keeping them warm and conserving heat. The tail is short and rounded also conserving heat. Fur is very dense around the soles of the feet.

 

Pelage. The creamy white appearance of the coat allows the bear to be inconspicuous when hunting seal. Each hair is similar to an optical fibre; colourless and hollow. Being translucent, it reflects the heat from the sun down to the base of the hair, where it is absorbed by the black skin. Whiteness comes from reflection of light rather than pigmentation.

 

Hunting. Bears use their keen sense of smell to detect seal breathing holes. These can be up to a kilometer away and covered by a layer of snow and ice. They will stand or lie by the seal’s blowhole in the ice for hours; they may swim towards seals resting on the ice flows with only their nose showing above the water. They will dive quietly, then swim up to the ice edge and jump out on the seal, and will also crawl towards a sunbathing seal using every piece of raised ice to conceal the approach.

 

Denning. Both sexes occupy dens for shelter. Topographic factors influence the den sites. In Canadian core areas, dens frequently occur on south-facing slopes where northerly prevailing winds create the best drifts, where the wind-chill is least and insulation from received solar radiation is greatest. One of the three largest denning areas worldwide is in Canada. There are three main types of winter refuges: maternity dens, temporary dens and winter shelters. During the winter any bear may dig a temporary den and use it for a few days during a storm, or take shelter in a natural cavity. Winter shelters are used for longer periods of time as resting places. This type of shelter is usually roomier with additional features such as alcoves, porches and ventilation holes. Bears do not hibernate in the strict sense of the word; they have the ability to slow down their metabolism to conserve energy at any time of year. The state of self-induced lethargy while in the shelter allows them to preserve their vital fat reserves. During this time, the body temperature of the polar bear decreases by a few degrees from normal and the respiration rates are markedly reduced. Maternity dens are built and occupied by pregnant females and can vary in size. The denning chamber is at the upper end of an entrance tunnel 1 to 2 m long. It averages 1.5 m in diameter with a height of 90 to 100cm in the middle. Drifting snow seals the entrance. The chamber is higher than the tunnel, trapping bear body heat inside. Dens not only provide a safe place to give birth to her cubs, but are also a place of protection for the cubs during their first few months. During this time she does not leave the den, remaining with her cubs and living on her reserves of fat. In the spring, with her fat severely depleted she must leave to find food to sustain herself and her cubs. After they leave the maternity den she will build temporary refuges in which to nurse, rest and shelter her young cubs and warms them as they all sleep together. She heads with her cubs towards the nearest supply of food, this is usually pack ice.

 

Sight and sounds. Polar bears have good eyesight. Their eyes have inner eyelids that keep the glare of the sun on snow and ice from blinding them. When defending a food source from other bears they use a deep growl. They hiss and snort to show aggression. Angry bears use loud roars and growls. Mothers scold cubs with a low growl.

 

Threats to Survival : Polar bears are one of the animals most threatened by global warming. They depend entirely on sea ice as a platform from which to hunt seals. Reduction of the total ice cover in the Arctic is a serious concern globally. When the ice does not form or forms too late in the season many polar bears starve. In Hudson Bay, scientists have found the main cause of death for cubs to be either lack of food or lack of fat on nursing mothers. Exploitation of minerals and fossil fuels in the Arctic pose a continuous threat. Of the oil and natural gas deposits globally, 20% are located in the Arctic. As the ice cap recedes these become more accessible. Countries are competing which each other in claiming ownership of Arctic and its resources. This can only result in further and more drastic impact on polar bear habitat.

 

Status : IUCN: Vulnerable; CITES: Appendix II; COSEWIC: Special Concern

 

Zoo Diet : Toronto Zoo carnivore diet, dog chow, jumbo smelt and herring, carrots, bean sprouts, Vitamin E and Thiamine supplements."

- Courtesy of the Metro Toronto Zoo

 

© All Rights Reserved - Miles Away Photography

Please! No usage allowed without the consent of Mandi A. Miles

Based out of Flesherton, ON, please write for prices and information!

Miles Away Photography

木更津, Japan.

 

SIGMA SD15

SIGMA 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM

Continuing from Devastator comes one of the first Autobot combiners, Superion! This also is some of the first flight capable Autobots from the war outside of bots like Cosmos and Powerglide, granting the Austobots some air superiority.

 

This set is extremely nice and I chose these versions because I really love the color scheme, though the US release I feel is equally as good. I just really like the cartoon accurate colors personally.

Continuing the FootFtsh series...

See the complete album on my Lomohome at the address www.lomography.com/homesdeluxe/wall.php?cid=780927&id...

 

Also see this previous picture if you like this one...

 

Both pics are kind of double exposure, mixing together long exposure and flash.

The last item is now attached

September 1995. World Trade Centre. Rear view of demonstrator Volvo B10M MkIV "Superlong" SBS997A seen displayed at a transport exhibition (UITP?). It was not a success and no others were bought. However, it was reported to have continued in service until 2012. Note the tapered rear to compensate for the extra length on corners.

Ty Cummings - Continued - Digital Color Video, 2012

Soldiers from the Florida National Guard's 1-111th Aviation Regiment conduct search and rescue missions on Sanibel Island on Sept. 30, 2022. The Florida National Guard continues to support Florida citizens, and state and local authorities respond to the devastation in the wake of Hurricane Ian. (Courtesy photo)

Continuing the Nanven series.....

 

This image was taken at sunset from the rocks above the honeypot location. I was looking to see how velvia would accentuate blueish tones in the shadows and I quite like the end result.

 

Pentax 67, 200mm lens, V50.

continuing my series of pictures of immature fruit on my apple trees in June.

  

Keswick Codlin is an old apple, dating to the 1790s.

 

An early cooker that cooks to a pulp. Apple tart season can start a bit early if you have one of these trees. We are going to have a go at early cider this year using this apple, George Cave and crab apples.

  

I planted this tree as a maiden whip on MM106 in February 2004. It has done well for me although the size of the individual apples it produces has decreased in past 5 or so years.

I usually taper all the strands at one time and then pull them down. This is the only time I pull wires down. I also use a round turn of electrical tape "rigger's helper" to help secure the wires out of the way.

 

Once this is done, the 5th round of tucks using the tapered strands can begin.

Former steel plant built in 1963. This factory produced mainly steel coils. With a capacity of 3,5 million tons of steel per year with its continuous casting process, the factory was supplied with liquid cast iron by torpedo cars arriving directly from blast furnaces. Although closed, the site remains intact with all its machineries, converters, overhead cranes and other steel ladles. Here are some pictures of my visit in this monster of steel of colossal dimensions.

 

Ancienne aciérie construite en 1963 et produisant principalement du coil d'acier (tôles en bobine). Disposant d'une capacité de 3,5 million de tonnes d'acier par an en coulée continue, l'usine était fournie en fonte liquide par des wagons-torpilles arrivant directement depuis des hauts-fourneaux. Aujourd'hui désaffecté, le site demeure intact avec l'ensemble de ses machineries, convertisseurs, ponts roulants et autres poches d'acier. Visite et photos de ce monstre d'acier aux proportions colossales.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. March 21, 2022 – Kodak Moments, a division of Kodak Alaris, continues the expansion of its color film portfolio with the launch of Kodak Gold 200 film in a new 120 format 5-roll pro-pack for medium format cameras, satisfying consumer demand.

 

“The 120 film format was introduced back in 1901 for the Brownie No. 2 camera,” said Thomas Mooney, Manager Film Capture Products, Kodak Moments Division. “Although it’s been around for 120 years, it’s still one of the most popular film formats in use today. One main reason for its popularity is that the larger film negative can be enlarged significantly without losing image quality. This is a great opportunity for aspiring photographers looking to make the jump from 35mm to medium format photography.”

   

The new 120 format KODAK PROFESSIONAL GOLD 200 is an affordable, entry-level color film featuring an ideal combination of warm saturated color, fine grain, and high sharpness. It is designed for any level photographer for daylight and flash capture.

 

Starting today, the 120 format GOLD 200 Film is available for dealers, retailers, and distributors around the world and is intended to be priced 25 percent lower than the comparable PORTRA and EKTAR offerings.

   

To learn more, please visit www.kodakalaris.com/go/profilms

 

Follow us on Twitter @kodakprofilmbiz and Instagram @KodakProfessional

 

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/kodakprofessional

   

Kodak Moments is a leading global provider of photo products and services to retailers, consumers, and entertainment properties. We inspire consumers to bring their memories to life—delivering innovative, high-quality photo products and experiences they find truly meaningful. Powered by over 100,000 consumer touchpoints across 30 countries globally, it’s our mission to be the brand consumers choose to celebrate and preserve life’s memories, from the big events to the everyday moments that matter.

     

©2022 Kodak Moments Division, Kodak Alaris Inc. The Kodak trademark and trade dress are used under license from Eastman Kodak Company

''Historical monuments are the common heritage of mankind. It must be protected''

 

I continue to the series of ancient cities.

  

The Temple of Apollo at Didyma :

  

Located about 11 miles south of the ancient port city of Miletus on the western coast of modern-day Turkey, the Temple of Apollo at Didyma or Didymaion was the fourth largest temple in the ancient Greek world. The temple’s oracle, second in importance only to that at Delphi, played a significant role in the religious and political life of both Miletus and the greater Mediterranean world; many rulers, from Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) to the Roman emperor Diocletian (244-313 CE) visited or sent delegations to this oracle seeking the guidance and favor of Apollo. The oracle played a significant role in initiating the “Great Persecution” of Christians under Diocletian and the temple was later converted into a church during the 5th or 6th century CE.

 

The Didymaion was the third and largest temple that the Greeks built around the site of a natural spring, which they believed to be the source of the oracle’s prophetic power. The first temple was a humble structure that replaced a much earlier Carian sanctuary. In the 6th century BCE the people of nearby Miletus began construction on a second, much larger temple. Wider than and as long as the Parthenon in Athens, this second temple reflected the growing fame and influence of the oracle. This temple, however, was plundered and destroyed, either in 494 BCE by the Persian king Darius or in 479 BCE by his son and successor Xerxes. Legend has it that the sacred spring ceased to flow until none other than Alexander the Great passed through on a conquest of his own and re-consecrated the site in 331 BCE. Not surprisingly, the first recorded pronouncements of the reestablished oracle were in favor of the young Macedonian king.

As was common for Greek temples of such an immense size, construction continued for centuries & the temple was never completed.

While Alexander reopened the site at Didyma, his siege left Miletus heavily damaged and the tariffs levied against the citizens as punishment for their resistance financially crippled the city for decades. When Miletus finally began to recover - some thirty years after Alexander’s conquest - the citizens began construction on yet another temple at the site of the sacred spring. It is this third and final temple that is known today as the Temple of Apollo at Didyma or the Hellenistic Didymaion. As was common for Greek temples of such an immense size, construction continued for centuries and the temple was never completed; even in the late 4th century CE the temple lacked a pediment or a cornice and much of the sculptural ornamentation and even several of the massive columns remained unfinished. Nevertheless, the temple must have been a magnificent sight as even the ruins can leave the modern-day visitors awestruck.

 

www.ancient.eu/article/640/

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didyma

 

www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/search.a...

 

1981 (part 1 of 3)

  

January 5, 1981

Kanata residents discussed the past year of the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Association, including the Association's incorporation July 16, 1980 and the rash of break-ins the community experienced in January, February, and March of 1980. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:2.

 

January 5, 1981

Two members of the Ontario Municipal Board listened to the Region regarding their opposition to the diversion of Eagleson Road South to a position east of Bridlewood. The hearing was to continue February 9, 1981. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:1.

 

January 5, 1981

Kanata Ladies' Bowling Section "A" closed with Team One the victors: Marg Anderson, Ev Fraser, Rose Sullivan, and Dot Ollett. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:13.

 

January 6, 1981

Council heard a deputation from members of the Stittsville and District Snowmobile Club, protesting the ban on snowmobile operation on city urban streets and charged Council with a breach of faith based on an accord they believed had been reached in the fall. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:1.

 

January 9, 1981

Mayor Marianne Wilkinson wrote in her Commentary that the Kanata Hydro Commission had taken over the supply of electric power to all parts of Kanata. The Commission, which was operating out of the former Municipal Office buildings, had a few problems the first day, the mayor said, but everything soon ran smoothly. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:1.

 

January 9, 1981

It was announced that the Fraggalosch family of Kanata won the March Hockey Association's draw for a trip for two to Acapulco, Mexico. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:1.

 

January 9, 1981

It was announced that several hundred Kanata residents from Salter Square, Bering Court, McClintock Way, and Eagleson Manor faced mortgage interest increases of 7 per cent or more. These homeowners had purchased their homes with mortgage interest rates of about 8 per cent under the government's AHOP subsidized-mortgage programme, which the government decided not to continue. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:1.

 

January 9, 1981

It was announced that Thermocell Insulation Ltd. subcontracted the collection of Kanata's waste newsprint to Ottawa's Provincial Sanitation Company. The change, pending Council's decision on whether or not to continue the program, was believed to make the service more efficient. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:1.

 

January 9, 1981

The Kanata Standard wrote that Fazeela Docter was attempting to organize a Block Parents Program in Beaverbrook. The object of the program was to enlist the aid of residents to provide safe refuge for a child in danger or trouble. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:2.

 

January 9, 1981

A number of women in Bridlewood announced they were looking to form a ladies' daytime X-country ski club. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:2.

 

January 9, 1981

It was announced that Council had passed a motion to appoint William J. Berry to the Committee of Adjustment. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:3.

 

January 9, 1981

The March Rural Executive welcomed the initiative of Garnie Hewitt in coordinating the operation of the March Central Rink. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:3.

 

January 9, 1981

Campeau Corporation gave permission to the municipality to install gates in the fencing it had placed around a large part of its property north of Beaverbrook in order to maintain public access to ski trails and nature trails. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:3.

 

January 9, 1981

Being the Year of Disabled Persons, the municipality established a committee to bring forward suggestions on special activities or events to commemorate the year. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:3.

 

January 9, 1981

It was announced that raffle tickets needed to be sold to raise money for special treatment for Stephen Courrier, a Glen Cairn boy who was severely brain damaged in an accident in June of 1973. The treatment he received was at the Sptiz Clinic in Philadelphia. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:4.

 

January 9, 1981

Dan Perley wrote in his column that residents had expressed concern that large chunks of land were being held together by the City more to facilitate construction of factories or housing developments than to preserve agriculture or for conservation value. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:6.

 

January 9, 1981

Mike Bedard announced the results of the Bill McNeill Memorial Tournament at the Mlacak Arena. The Midget Crees, the Atom Crees, the Bantam Iroquois, and the Pewee Chiefs all won the "A" Division Championships. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:8.

 

January 9, 1981

It was announced that Kenneth Finch would teach the Kanata Art Club classes again in 1981. Kanata Standard, Jan. 9, 1981:13.

 

January 9, 1981

The Atom "A" Blazers travelled to Brockville for the Thousand Island International Tournament, at which they achieved second place. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:7.

 

January 10, 1981

The Cubs and Scouts of Kanata held a bottle drive. Kanata Standard, Dec. 19, 1980:7.

 

January 13, 1981

Ron MaKeekin of the Kanata March Hares Football Club appeared before Council to request financial support for the purchase of trophies. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:6.

 

January 15, 1981

The 1981 Bridlewood Board of Directors was all acclaimed: President--Roy Meikle, Vice-President--Tom Petch, Treasurer--Rick Seaman, Secretary--Stu Chandler. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:3.

 

January 15, 1981

Mike James was appointed to the Bridlewood Transit Committee and Stu Chandler was appointed to the Bridlewood Pathways Committee. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:5.

 

January 16, 1981

A successful bake sale was held by the March Kanata Sailing Club. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:7.

 

January 17, 1981

The March Montessori School's annual fundraising dance, the "Hound Dog Hop II," was held. Kanata Standard, Dec. 12, 1980:3.

 

January 20, 1981

Bob Tennant of MacDonald Homes described to Council the features of a class of energy-saving homes that the company was building in the McCurdy neighbourhood of Katimavik. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:1.

 

January 21, 1981

Joyce Phin, director of the Montessori school, explained the Montessori math program to parents. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:12.

 

January 23, 1981

Constable Peter Leclair confirmed that Kanata's Neighbourhood Watch Program had made a considerable difference in the number of break-ins and thefts in the area. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:1.

 

January 23, 1981

William Casley, 19, of Kanata, was honoured by the OPP for saving the driver of a burning car in August 1979. The driver, it had turned out, had been a friend of William's from Earl of March. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:1.

 

January 23, 1981

R.J.A. expressed concern in an editorial over the Mayor's effort to explain the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of Regional Treasurer Jim Perkins. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:2.

 

January 23, 1981

Paul Dick, MP, expressed concern over the termination of AHOP-funded housing, and in the effects it would have on the Kanata region. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:2.

 

January 23, 1981

Dave Western, Chairman of the Education Committee in Bridlewood, resigned. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:3.

 

January 23, 1981

Sheila McKee made a plea to Kanata residents to donate "anything in any condition" to the sister of Mike McLean, Kanata resident, her husband, and their 7-month-old baby. The family's house south-west of Kanata was completely destroyed by fire. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:5.

 

January 23, 1981

Mayor Marianne Wilkinson explained in her Commentary the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of Regional Treasurer Jim Perkins. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:8.

 

January 23, 1981

Rosalie Vigneron reported that the Christmas Red Cross Clinic was a modest success with 173 donors. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:11.

 

January 23, 1981

Kanata Standard Ltd., the new company that was to take over publication of the Kanata Standard was officially registered. The company was jointly owned by the Kanata Beaverbrook Community Association, the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Association and private citizens. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:1.

 

January 23, 1981

It was announced that the Kanata Fire Department had presented the Canadian Cancer Society's Branch for the Terry Fox Fund with a cheque for $1000. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:14.

 

January 23, 1981

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa was reported to have authorized the purchase of land in Kanata for a Roman Catholic Church, which would be located at Eagleson Road and Rothesay Drive. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:18.

 

January 24, 1981

The Kanata Kids Association held a Wintertime Fair at the Katimavik Community Centre. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:11.

 

January 27, 1981

Council was split down the middle trying to resolve a long-standing issue of where the Western Boundary Road should be built. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:1.

 

January 27, 1981

Council approved the purchase of a triple-combination fire truck and ancillary equipment at a total cost of $91,901. The truck was to go in the new fire station to be built on Eagleson Road at Rothesay Drive. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:5.

 

January 27, 1981

The Black Tower Restaurant in Kanata was handed a $1000 fine in provincial court for selling liquor to minors. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:16.

 

January 28, 1981

A wine and cheese was held at the Citizen building for voice and hearing-impaired children with guest speaker Tina Novelli-Amstead. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:14.

 

February 1, 1981

The Stittsville and District Snowmobile Association held their drag races. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:13.

 

February 2, 1981

The Carleton Board of Education decided to provide a French Immersion Centre for kindergarten to grade 5 in Katimavik. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:1.

 

February 6, 1981

It a was announced that a meeting was held to organize the Bridlewood nursery school opening in the fall. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:3.

 

February 6, 1981

The Kanata Standard wrote that Susan Kunstadt hoped to organize a ladies fitness class at the Bridlewood Community Centre. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:3.

 

February 6, 1981

In Marianne Wilkinson's Commentary, she noted that Paul Dick and condominium residents met with the Minister in Charge of CMHC, Paul Cosgrove, regarding the end of AHOP housing funding. The mayor noted that the government didn't seem likely to change its plans. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:4.

 

February 6, 1981

It was announced that Brian Carr of Ryder Truck Rentals appeared before Council to request to establish a truck rental agency at the Kanata Esso station on the corner of the Parkway and Teron Road. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:5.

 

February 6, 1981

The Annual Kanata March Horticultual Society Potluck Supper was held at the home of Bob Shank and his wife. The new executive was announced: President--Arnold By, First Vice-President--Mary Ware, 2nd Vice-President--Isobelle Skinner. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:8.

 

February 6, 1981

It was announced that Molly Wilson was presented with the Service Award Certificate by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Kanata March Horticultural Society. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:8.

 

February 6, 1981

The Kinsmen Club of West Carleton announced that they had changed their name to the Kinsmen Club of Kanata in order to identify themselves with the new city. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:9.

 

February 6, 1981

Slavia, a new Kanata restaurant, opened in the east end of the Glen Cairn Plaza on Highway 7. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:11.

 

February 6, 1981

The new March Tennis Club executive was announced: President--Ted Exton, Vice-President--Dave Evans, Secretary--Geoff Holland, Treasurer--Helena Kalivoda. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:16.

 

February 6, 1981

It was announced that an Interim Board of Directors was approved for the Kanata Business Association. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:17.

 

February 6-7, 1981

March Kanata Skating Club's 1981 ice show, "Lights on Broadway," was presented. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:18.

 

February 8, 1981

The March Hockey Association held a skate-a-thon. Kanata Standard, Jan. 23, 1981:13.

 

February 9-13, 1981

The annual winter carnival was held at Earl of March, that included a Mad Moose Memorial Race and a pancake breakfast. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:13.

 

February 10, 1981

In a Committee-of-the-whole meeting, Ontario Hydro repudiated the agreement reached before Christmas to prune trees on the hydro easements rather than cut them down. Kanata Standard, Feb. 20, 1981:1.

 

February 11, 1981

A discussion was held regarding the decision to make the new Katimavik school a kindergarten to grade 5 French Immersion programme. A number of participants signed a petition to ask the Board to reconsider its decision. Kanata Standard, Feb. 20, 1981:1.

 

February 13-14, 1981

The Glen Cairn Figure Skating Club presented its annual ice show, "Frolics '81." Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:19.

 

February 14, 1981

The Beaverbrook Guide and Brownie Valentine Tea was held at the Earl of March cafeteria. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:9.

 

February 14-15, 1981

Sixteen Kanata skiers participated in Courier de Bois category at the 15th Annual Canadian Ski Marathon. Kanata's winners of this years Bronze Courier de Bois medals were awarded to: Phil Gregory, David Lawrence, Francois Lucas, Marc Lucas, Edward McNamara, and Michael Bowland. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:3.

 

February 17, 1981

The new Bridlewood Community Centre opened. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:3.

 

February 17, 1981

The Earl of March Concert Band played at the official opening of the Bridlewood Community Centre. Kanata Standard, Feb. 20, 1981:5.

 

February 17, 1981

It was announced that the Torbolton March Town Line would be renamed the Thomas A. Dolan Parkway. Kanata Standard, Feb. 20, 1981:6.

 

February 18-21, 1981

The Kanata Theatre ran their production of "Boustille and the Just," featuring Chris Robinson, Margaret Jardine, and Jo-Anne Manion. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:14.

 

February 20, 1981

It was reported that Carleton MPP Bob Mitchell and Carleton-Grenville MPP Norm Sterling presented Mayor Marianne Wilkinson with a cheque for $265,000 as part of the province’s contribution to reconstructing the Glen Cairn sewers. Kanata Standard, Feb. 20, 1981:1.

 

February 20, 1981

It was announced that Kanata City Council had approved a by-law that would set up a parking system for handicapped drivers in the City of Kanata. Kanata Standard, Feb. 20, 1981:2.

 

February 20, 1981

Mayor Marianne Wilkinson mentioned in her Commentary that a number of people had dumped gasoline and other volatile materials into catch basins in the city. She warned that those basins led directly to local streams and rivers. Kanata Standard, Feb. 20, 1981:2.

 

February 20, 1981

The committee for a community school in Katimavik presented a letter to the Carleton Board of Education saying that they preferred the idea of a dual school in Katimavik. Hal Hansen of the CBE presented a response to the committee's concerns. Kanata Standard, Feb. 6, 1981:7.

 

February 20, 1981

L. Sayers wrote an article for the Kanata Standard regarding the "Fitness for Seniors" programme offered by the Carleton Board of Education and the Kanata Recreation Department. Kanata Standard, Feb. 20, 1981:10.

 

February 20 - 22, 1981

The Bridlewood Winter Carnival took place, including hockey at the Glen Cairn Arena and a Children's Activity Day. Kanata Standard, Feb. 20, 1981:3.

 

February 22, 1981

The Kanata Blazers Major Pewee "AA" team travelled to Brockville for the Brockville Minor Hockey Association Black and Decker Invitational Tournament where they won the "B" side of the double elimination format. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:14.

 

February 24, 1981

In a Committee-of-the-whole meeting, Gerry Lemair, of OC Transpo, outlined changes proposed to the Kanata bus routes, including the extension of the 99 service out to Kanata. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:1.

 

February 24, 1981

The Committee-of-the-whole approved, subject to a number of conditions, the lease of the old library building to the Hazeldean Lions Club. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:1.

 

February 28, 1981

St. Isidore's Parish held a bazaar to raise money for the new church they were building in Kanata. The slogan of the bazaar was: "buy a pie and pay for a brick." Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:18.

 

March 1, 1981

The Kanata Major Atom AA Blazers captured the Cornwall Atom AA Tournament championship with three straight wins. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:19.

 

March 4, 1981

The Kanata Beaverbrook Community Association presented plaques to Ron Andoff and Diane Pilsworth, Beaverbrook's Man and Woman of the Year. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:3.

 

March 5, 1981

Nancy Landry, trustee for the Carleton Separate School Board and Hal Hansen, trustee for the Carleton School Board told the Bridlewood Community Association that they had no plans to build in the area. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:2.

 

March 5-7, 1981

The Kanata Book Fair was held at Stephen Leacock Public School. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:11.

 

March 6, 1981

The Kanata Loppet 1981 was cancelled because of the deterioration of the ski trails that season. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:13.

 

March 6, 1981

Brenda Stewart wrote an article for the Kanata Standard about Connie Lackner, a Glen Cairn tailor who made women's custom suits using natural fibre and traditional techniques. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:1.

 

March 6, 1981

Alan Seward's Council Notes commented on the poor heating and ventilation in the City Hall Chamber. The established cost of repairs to Campeau Corporation, the landlord, was $23,227. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:2.

 

March 6, 1981

Darn Perley mentioned in his column that a number of people had spoken to him about the possibility of setting up a community orchestra or band. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:2.

 

March 6, 1981

It was announced that the City of Kanata had received petitions asking that Young Road not be closed off to Highway 7, as planned. Council was of the opinion that the closing was a requirement of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:2.

 

March 6, 1981

A letter was received from the Ontario Humane Society asking for Kanata City Council's support in opposing a government-proposed change in the law which would permit private zoos of wild animals. Their objection was because of a fear of the spread of rabies and the negative effects on the animals. A motion to look into the matter was passed by Council. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:2.

 

March 6, 1981

Eva James noted in the Bridlewood Pony that Bridlewood's winter carnival had been "very successful despite the lack of snow." Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:3.

 

March 6, 1981

It was reported that Robin McLeish, of Kanata, won the Canadian Downhill Skiing Championships. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:4.

 

March 6, 1981

Ruth Fortune wrote an article in the Kanata Standard regarding the success of Earl of March's Co-operative Education Programme. The program was founded in 1978 by E.O.M. teachers John Lyon and Gerry Clarke. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:6.

 

March 6, 1981

Mary Cook, author of two books, "Time to Blow Out the Lamp," and "A Collector's Stories and Recipes," spoke to two grade 6 classes at Stephen Leacock Public School. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:6.

 

March 6, 1981

Bob Mitchell, MPP, Carleton, announced that tenders were being called for the construction of an Ontario Provincial Police detachment building in Kanata, for the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:9.

 

March 6, 1981

The Kanata Standard announced that Mayor Marianne Wilkinson had signed a proclamation naming March Arthritis Month in Kanata. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:10.

 

March 9, 1981

It was established that the Kanata Little League Baseball and Softball Association would be the only association to administer a ball program in the city of Kanata. For this reason, wrote the Kanata Standard, the March Softball Association was dissolved and all its liabilities and assets were transferred over to the new association. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:17.

 

March 10, 1981

La Leche League of Kanata held a meeting to discuss "The Advantages of Breast Feeding." Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:10.

 

March 11, 1981

The western finalist for the annual Carleton Public Speaking Contest was Michael Reid from Bell's Corners Public School. His subject was "inventions." Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:4.

 

March 14, 1981

The Hazeldean District Brownies and Guides held their annual tea, bake sale, and bazaar. March 6, 1981:8.

 

March 14-15

The Glen Cairn Midget Bobcats, coached by Val Townsend, Norm Brownlee, and Wayne Taylor, won a midget house league tournament in Potsdam, New York. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:17.

 

March 15, 1981

Archbishop A. Plourde recently announced the appointment of Rev. Peter Schonenbach from St. Elizabeth's Parish in Ottawa as the new Roman Catholic Pastor for Kanata and Stittsville. Kanata Standard, May 15, 1981:26.

 

March 17, 1981

Mayor Marianne Wilkinson declared April Cancer Month in the City of Kanata after the City was presented with of a bowl of daffodils from the Canadian Cancer Society. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:5.

 

March 17, 1981

An objection by residents of Casgrain Court to the proposed operation of a truck rental business at the Kanata Esso Station on Teron Road was referred to City staff. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:5.

 

March 17, 1981

Professionals located in Eagleson Plaza lodged a request to Kanata City Council for the completion of Kakulu Road. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:5.

 

March 19, 1981

Kanata Seniors’ Happy Companions enjoyed an Activity Day at March Central where they learned how to make cloth flowers and Easter Bunny label pins. Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:5.

 

March 20, 1981

Hal Hansen, trustee for the Carleton School Board, announced that the Ontario Public School Men Teachers Federation presented Diamond Jubilee Awards to four people, including former CBE trustee Eric Hicks. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:6.

 

March 20, 1981

It was announced that the Regional Planning Committee decided to accept an amendment to the Regional Plan requested by Campeau Corporation regarding the development of the Lakeside area surrounding the Beaver Pond. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:1.

 

March 20, 1981

It was reported that the Beaverbrook pool may not open in 1981 because of cracks in the side and bottom of the main pool. March 20, 1981:1.

 

March 20, 1981

Don Kennedy of the land development division announced that despite the decision of the Campeau Corporation to stop building residences in the Ottawa area, building would proceed in the Marchwood-Lakeside development. March 20, 1981:1.

 

March 20, 1981

Dan Perley announced that the new March Rural Association met to elect five new officers: President--Art Veck, Secretary--Leanne Dwyer, and Treasurer--Moira Dunbar. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:12.

 

March 20, 1981

A volunteer task force working with the Kanata Beaverbrook Community Association announced that it was considering the benefits of conversion to natural gas for home heating. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:14.

 

March 20, 1981

It was announced that the Glen Cairn Figure Skating Club placed third in club standings at the 1981 Ottawa-Hull Interskate Competition held in the Bob Guertin Arena in Hull. The March Kanata Skating Club placed tenth. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:20,21.

 

March 20, 1981

The Kanata Standard announced that the boundaries for the new Roman Catholic Church to be build in Kanata had been decided upon by the archbishop and members of the metropolitan chapter. The new parish would include Amberwood, Bridlewood, Glen Cairn, Fringewood Village, Hazeldean North, Katimavik, and Stittsville. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981:22.

 

March 21, 1981

The Minor Hockey Association held a fundraising dinner dance at the Bridlewood Community Centre. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:3.

 

March 21, 1981

The Bridlewood Community Association held a dance to celebrate spring and St. Patrick's Day that was attended by 113 people. Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:3.

 

March 23, 1981

The Kanata Kids Association sponsored a bowling excursion. Kanata Standard, March 20, 1981.

 

March 25-27, 1981

The Glen Cairn Minor Peewee Hockey team took home the trophy from a tournament in Orleans. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:16.

 

March 26-29, 1981

The Kanata Tyke Blazers won the third Annual Novice Hockey Tournament in Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:14.

 

April 1, 1981

The inaugural meeting of the Kanata Business Association was held at the Mlacak Centre. The Association was established to "provide local businesses with the method to discuss concerns, problems, and interests, and bring them to the attention of appropriate groups." Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:6.

 

April 1, 1981

The first annual meeting of the Kanata Business Association was held and a board was elected: President--Clarence Maheral, Vice-President--Tony Jarvis, Secretary-Treasurer--Andy Robinson. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:1,4.

 

April 3, 1981

Gordon Marwood noted in the Kanata Standard that spring had brought forward both the construction of the new Kanata police station and the Katimavik Elementary School. Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:1.

 

April 3, 1981

Douglas Wiseman, Minister of Government Services, announced that a $1,185 contract had been awarded to M. J. Lafortune Construction Ltd. of Ottawa for the construction of the Ontario Provincial Police detachment building in Kanata. Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:3.

 

April 3, 1981

Mayor Marianne Wilkinson mentioned in her Commentary that the City of Kanata had received an Interim Report on the study of the City's recreation facilities. Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:6.

 

April 4, 1981

St. Isidore's Parish sponsored a Pub Night at the Parish Hall, South March, featuring Dominic D'Arcy. Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:10.

 

April 4-5, 1981

The Kanata Theatre presented "The Silver Whistle" by Patrick B Mace, directed by Eileen Morand. Kanata Standard, March 6, 1981:17.

 

April 5, 1981

Bill Sawchuck gave a talk about Telidon, "one of the newest communication devices," at the Mlacak Centre. Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:7.

 

April 5, 1981

A ceremony was held at Ridgemont High School for the Girl Guides of Canada, during which Canada Cords were presented to: Stacey McKay, Alicia Bennett, and Carol McLean. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:11.

 

April 5 - 11, 1981

Proclaimed Air Cadet Week in the City of Kanata by Mayor Marianne Wilkinson. Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:13.

 

April 6, 1981

The new executive was elected for the Kanata Ladies Bowling League: President--Ann Harris, Vice-President--Margo MacLaurin, Secretary--Faye Larwill, Treasurer--Shelley O'Dell. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:16.

 

April 8, 1981

Akela John van Abbema, of the Panther Club Pack, arranged for the Ontario Provincial Police to bring their Dog Patrol team to Roger St. Denis school. Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:11.

 

April 8, 1981

The operating budget of the City of Kanata for 1981 was presented to the public. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:4.

 

April 8, 1981

The Carleton Board of Education and the Teachers' Federation of Carleton attended a signing ceremony where they ratified a new Collective Agreement for elementary school teachers. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:8.

 

April 8, 1981

The new executive for the March Kanata Skating Club was elected: President and Pro Liaison--Keith Hooey, Vice-President and Sectionals Chairman--Donna Lund, Secretary--Diana Callahan, Treasurer--Paul Richardson. Kanata Standard, May 15, 1981:20.

 

April 9, 1981

The new executive for the Glen Cairn Figure Skating Club was elected: President--Joan Dowling, Vice-President--Donna Sparling, Treasurer--Rheal Dorie, Secretary--Marilyn Holden. Kanata Standard, May 15, 1981:20.

 

April 9, 1981

The first meeting was held of those interested in forming a Kanata band. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:5.

 

April 11, 1981

The Kanata Scouting Troop held their 3rd Annual Scout Bike Exchange at Earl of March High School. Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:11.

 

April 11, 1981

The Kanata Kids Association held its election: President--Alex Munter (acclamation), Vice-President--Laura Kyswaty, Secretary-Treasurer--Helen Reeve, Kids Rep--Richard Munter. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:15.

 

April 14, 1981

The Family Enrichment Association invited parents and children between the ages of 8 and 12 to attend a film and discussion period dealing with peer pressure. Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:7.

 

April 16, 1981

Norpak Ltd., a fast-growing manufacturer of electronic display processing equipment, that was involved in the heralded Telidon programme, was to be one of the first occupants of the South Business Park in Katimavik. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:1.

 

April 16, 1981

Mayor Marianne Wilkinson mentioned in her Commentary that there had been two serious incidents with B-B-Guns and Air Guns -- one where a car window was shattered by a pellet and a second where two children were hit by air pellets in the back. The mayor's comments served as a reminder that Kanata by-laws prohibit the discharge of any firearm within the entire southern half of the city. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:2.

 

April 16, 1981

A.Y. Jackson Secondary School in Kanata announced that it would introduce a semester system in the fall as well as an adult day programme. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:13.

 

April 16, 1981

The Kanata Standard noted that Stephen Dyment, a grade 8 student at Stephen Leacock Public School, had represented the Kanata area in the semi-finals of the Carleton Board of Education's English Public Speaking Contest in March. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:7.

 

April 16, 1981

The Kanata Standard announced that Matthew Beddoes, a grade 7 student at Stephen Leacock School was successful in an audition held at the National Arts Centre for parts in the opera "Midsummer Nights Dream" by Benjamin Britten. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:11.

 

April 21, 1981

The First Unitarian Church held an art show featuring the works of Ohyllis Ross, oils, and Roy Cottee, water colours. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:18.

 

April 21, 1981

A deputation of 15 residents, led by Glen Cairn Ball Association Graham Ball and Scheduling Manager Tom Flood, presented a case to Kanata City Council against the proposed maintenance costs charged by Council. Kanata Standard, May 1, 1981:2.

 

April 21, 1981

A deputation of Casgrain Court residents, led by Jerry Bellamo, presented residents' concerns over noise that might result from the changed use of the Kanata Esso site. The Planning Board had previously passed a motion to allow Kanata Esso to add a truck rental area to its existing site. Kanata Standard, May 1, 1981:2.

 

April 23, 1981

In honour of April being Cancer Month, the Canadian Cancer Society offered two free Breast Self-Examination Clinics in the Ottawa area. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:19.

 

April 25, 1981

The March Montessori School held its third annual baby clothing and equipment sale in the Beaverbrook Mall. Kanata Standard, April 16, 1981:12.

 

April 25, 1981

A Spring Dance was held in the foyer of Earl of March Secondary School, sponsored by the school's music department. Kanata Standard, April 3, 1981:11.

 

April 25, 1981

The Kanata Ladies' Bowling League held their Annual Banquet and Presentations at the RA Centre. The top honour of League Winner was achieved by Team No 11: Captain Lois Smit, Janet MacLennan, Anne Schryburt, and Beth Woodburn. Kanata Standard, May 1, 1981:15.

 

April 25, 1981

The 2nd Annual Toothbrush Swap was held at Hazeldean Mall. Kanata Standard, May 15, 1981:13.

 

April 28, 1981

The Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton's Planning Board heard from residents regarding Campeau Corporation's application to amend the Regional Official Plan in the Lakeside area of Kanata. Kanata Standard, May 1, 1981:1.

 

April 28, 1981

In a Committee-of-the-whole meeting, the Kanata City Council heard from Sandra Reain concerning the desire of residents for an indoor pool in Kanata. Kanata Standard, May 1, 1981:1.

 

April 28, 1981

Council discussed the renovation of the Old Town Hall in South March. Following a request by the South March Women's Institute in 1980, Council had passed a resolution to determine the soundness of the structure. Having found the structure sound, Mayor Marianne Wilkinson pointed out the possibility of having it designated as a Heritage building. Kanata Standard, May 1, 1981:6.

 

April 28, 1981

There was discussion at the Kanata City Council meeting about an application understood to be in the works for a four-theatre cinema with a total seating capacity of 600 seats. Kanata Standard, May 1, 1981:4.

  

During a recent urban exploration trip to Wheeling, WV, a member of our group took us to a sweet little spot on the Ohio River. It was an island reachable via a sketchy bridge over a 20′ drop. The island’s inhabitant, an old barge pusher, lay landlocked atop a mountain of coal. We shot a for a bit, enjoyed some adult refreshments, and when it got dark, we did a little light painting. The stars were shining over the old girl as I painted the top deck, another friend used a red light on the middle, and the fellas on the ground lit the outside. I used a wireless trigger to open the shutter from about 40′ away. The graffiti is a distraction to me, but I love everything else about this image.

Nazi salute continues to be used in China, where it was borrowed from the USA. The Pledge of Allegiance was the origin of the Nazi salute and Nazi behavior. See the work of the historian Dr. Rex Curry. rexcurry.net/pledgesalute.html

 

Here is a pic of Chinese kids forced to do the robotic chanting that originated in the USA.

www.flickr.com/photos/7894913@N08/6775264256/in/photostream

 

Note that all the Chinese kids have a "uniform": red neckerchief, white shirt and some have blue pants/shirts. Similar to the red, white & blue theme of the USA and also the young pioneers of soviet socialism. Makes me wonder if the boy scouts in the USA had that clothing theme. rexcurry.net/pledge-of-allegiance-scouting.html

 

photo at rexcurry.net/girl-scout-red-flag-sash-scouting1921.jpg

 

The Journey so far.

 

New Model Army played their first gig in Bradford on October 23rd 1980. Its founding members were Justin Sullivan, Stuart Morrow and Phil Tompkins. The threesome had already been together for a couple of years in a number of Bradford bands with other musicians and singers but in the Autumn of 1980, they decided to form a stripped-down three-piece, their music drawing on a wide collection of influences and fuelled by their passions for Punk Rock and Northern Soul. Within a few months drummer Phil Tomkins had left to be replaced by Rob Waddington. The band slowly built up a local following and created a unique style based on Justin's song-writing and Stuart's virtuosity on lead-bass.

 

In Summer 1982, whispers about this band reached London and they were invited to perform at a couple of showcases. But in a scene hungry for "the next big thing" (the coming "New Romantics"), NMA's fearsome music and northern style did not win over the Major Record Companies and they returned to Bradford empty-handed. Rob Waddington left to be replaced by Robert Heaton, who had been working as a drum tech and occasional drummer for the band ‘Hawkwind‘. Undeterred by the indifference of the Music Business, NMA began to perform more and more around the country and frequently featured as opening act on a series of all-day concerts at the London Lyceum which heralded many of the "Post-Punk" bands. Although this meant traveling for several hours to play a twenty-five minute set for no money, the band embraced the opportunity and their reputation as a live act grew. A first small-label independent single "Bittersweet" was released in the summer of 1983, followed by "Great Expectations" on Abstract Records that autumn, both played frequently on late night radio by John Peel. Suddenly the band had a "Following", people who would travel to every concert around the country to see them.

 

Early in 1984, the producer of "The Tube", the most important live music show on TV, had seen NMA in concert and invited them to fill the ‘unknown' slot on the programme. Having originally asked the band to perform their provocative anti-anthem, "Vengeance", the TV Company suddenly got cold feet about the song's lyrics minutes before broadcast and asked the band to change songs. It made no difference. Somehow twenty to thirty followers had managed to get into the TV studio and when NMA began with "Christian Militia" the crowd went wild and an electric atmosphere was transmitted around the country. Suddenly NMA were underground news. Their first mini-album, "Vengeance" knocked "The Smiths" from the top of the Independent Charts and the major record companies, who had rejected them less than two years earlier, were now begging to sign the band.

 

The autumn of 1984 was a time of political turmoil in Britain. After five years of Mrs Thatcher's right-wing government, which had already fuelled so much of NMA's early fury, a final showdown with the National Union of Mineworkers (the strike that had begun in March and had split the country), entered a critical phase and much of Northern England began to resemble a Police State. NMA's last Independent EP "The Price" also featured "1984" a song written directly about the strike and, with their declared left-wing views, NMA's concerts became increasingly intense.

     

At the end of the year, NMA signed a contract of "complete artist control" with EMI (which included EMI giving a donation to a miners fund). The move surprised many people but the band were already looking beyond the confines of Britain and considered the deal to be the right one. In the Spring of 1985 the album "No Rest For The Wicked" and the single "No Rest" both reached the national top 40, but this success and now relative financial security had done little to soften NMA's confrontational attitude. They appeared on Top Of The Pops wearing T-shirts with a motif reading "Only Stupid Bastards Use Heroin" (a reaction against the fashionable drug of the time).

 

Then, halfway through the "No Rest" tour, the day after their hometown gig, Stuart Morrow decided to leave the band for personal reasons. Frantic negotiations were made (by a strange unhappy co-incidence, on the very same day as the Bradford City fire disaster killed 56 people at a football match), but to no avail. As a result, Justin and Robert decided to follow up the success of "No Rest" with an acoustic song from the album "Better Than Them" which had not involved Stuart and accompanied it with three specially recorded acoustic tracks, a move of principle which dumbfounded EMI. By the summer, Stuart had been replaced by 17 year-old Jason 'Moose' Harris, whose first gig was at a benefit for the families of the fire tragedy, and the "No Rest" tour continued.

 

Thatcher's victory over the miners, and by extension over all organised opposition, marked a new political reality. This, coupled with the shock of Stuarts's departure and increasing media hostility, resulted in the band taking an ever more defiant posture, exemplified by a typically fiery performance at the Glastonbury Festival. Then, despite being signed to Capitol Records in North America, all attempts to tour there were prevented when the band were refused visas. Many people, on both sides of the Atlantic, believed that this was for political reasons although this was never possible to prove. Instead, that autumn NMA set out on their first long tour of the European mainland, which unlike many UK acts, they found much to their liking, and later a trip to Japan. The year ended with yet another UK tour in support of a newly recorded EP: "Brave New World", a savage portrait of the Thatcher's Britain and "RIP", an equally furious study of the band's history thus far.

 

If 1985 had been a traumatic year, then 1986 saw one of the band's many resurrections, with the legendary Glyn Johns agreeing to produce their third album. Though relations between band and producer were often difficult, Justin recalls the sessions as "the biggest musical learning curve of my life". "The Ghost Of Cain" was well received by the critics and audience and many people began to see a band that were capable of developing and changing and adjusting to new realities while still staying true to their own principles; this was a band that were now pursuing their own musical agenda, completely unmoved by the whims of the music industry or the expectations of fans. Outside Britain, their name was slowly becoming known and in December of 1986, they finally made a first short tour of America.

 

1987 was a year of full bloom. In January, Justin and Robert recorded an album with the poet Joolz Denby. Joolz had been the band's first manager and has remained as a driving force and responsible for all of the band's artwork from the beginning to the present day. She had previously made spoken word albums and a series of EPs with Jah Wobble but it was inevitable that she would collaborate with NMA. The album "Hex" was recorded at the very special Sawmills Studio, a unique place in Cornwall, only reachable at high tide by boat. Although the studio is now well known, at that time it was infrequently used and accommodation was in primitive cabins deep in the woods. From this new setting, and freed from the pressures of "being New Model Army", Justin and Robert were able to explore all kinds of ideas and musical avenues that their experience with Glyn Johns had opened up. Later, they both considered "Hex" to have been one of the creative highlights of their musical partnership, with its strong, romantic soundscapes acting as the perfect accompaniment to Joolz' poetry.

 

Much of the writing of "Hex" had been done using samplers and the use of this new tool continued to take the band in unexpected directions. That summer they recorded the "Whitecoats" EP with its ecological lyric and mystical atmosphere. An interest in mysticism and spirituality had been becoming more and more apparent in Justin's lyrics (though this was no surprise to those who knew of his family's Quaker roots). The same summer, Red Sky Coven was born out of a group of friends who shared these interests and ideas. It included Justin, Joolz, singer-songwriter and storyteller Rev Hammer and musician Brett Selby. Together, the foursome decided to create a performance based on this friendship, a unique show which continues to tour on an occasional basis.

 

1987 also saw plenty more NMA concerts, including Reading Festival, a gig with David Bowie in front of the Reichstag in Berlin and a show-stopping performance at the Bizarre Festival at Lorelei in Germany. From time to time, the band added their friend Ricky Warwick as a second guitarist and also enlisted Mark Feltham, the legendary harmonica player who had graced "The Ghost Of Cain" and "Hex" to join them. At the very end of the year and the beginning of 1988, they returned to the Sawmills for two more inspired writing sessions, which laid the foundations for "Thunder and Consolation".

 

The following months, though, were far more difficult, while NMA chose a producer, another music legend - Tom Dowd - and set about recording the album. It was a long drawn-out process and relationships between band members became increasingly strained, only really maintained by the knowledge that they were making something truly special. "Thunder and Consolation" was finally released early in 1989, striking a perfect balance between the band's fascinations with rock, folk and soul music and Justin's lyrical interest in spirituality, politics and family relationships. The album brought critical praise and new levels of commercial success and the band toured Europe and North America, joined by Ed Alleyne Johnson playing electric violin and keyboards and Chris Mclaughlin on guitar. However, despite the success, relationships at the heart of the band had not really mended and even after Jason Harris left that summer, stresses remained.

 

By autumn Justin and Robert were back in the Sawmills working towards another album and, in the new year, they were joined by a new (and still current) bass player, Nelson, previously of a number of East Anglian cult bands, and a new second guitarist, Adrian Portas from Sheffield. The new musicians brought a stronger atmosphere to the touring band while, in the studio, Justin and Robert continued to explore different musical ideas. Partly self-produced, "Impurity" was finally finished and mixed by Pat Collier in the summer of 1990. Still featuring Ed Alleyne Johnson' violin, the album was more eclectic than "Thunder" but continued to win new fans and the world-wide tour that followed its release lasted the best part of a year, culminating in a rolling Festival in Germany involving David Bowie, Midnight Oil, The Pixies and NMA.

 

In mid-1991, "Raw Melody Men", a live album from the tour, was put together and released. It was to be NMA's last album for EMI. Unusually, given the history of the music business, the relationship between band and record company had always remained cordial but had now simply grown stale. There were minor dissatisfactions on both sides and, after lengthy negotiations, it was agreed to simply terminate the contract. NMA's own Management Company also imploded at this time and new management was drawn up. The band was not short of new record company offers and eventually chose Epic, for reasons to do with support in the US.

 

Although Mrs Thatcher had been ousted by her own Party in 1990 (a memorable night coinciding with NMA's first visit to Rome), the Conservative monolith that had ruled the country for so long remained in power and, against all expectations, won a further election in 1992. Outside Britain though, much was changed: there was recession and instability and a so-called "New World Order" in the wake of the collapse of Soviet Communism and the 1st Gulf War. Already the band was embarked upon a very dark album, driven equally by personal traumas, including Justin's near-death electrocution on stage in Switzerland and the changes in the world around them. Produced by Niko Bolas and mixed by Bob Clearmountain, "The Love Of Hopeless Causes" was not what anyone was expecting. Just as folk-rock, pioneered and inspired in part by NMA, became a fashionable and commercial sound, the band made a deliberate move away from it and straight and into guitar-driven rock music.

 

Replacing Adrian with Dave Blomberg on guitar, they embarked on the album tour and the European section featured their most successful concerts yet. However NMA's relationship with their new record company quickly deteriorated. Worse still, they found themselves caught in corporate dispute between London and New York, which was in no way related to them. By June, the band found themselves on an exhaustive US tour, in which they had invested much of their own money, with no support of any kind from Epic or any other source. The tour featured many outstanding concerts but it was a bittersweet experience. By the end of the summer, it had been agreed that there should be a year off for everyone to rest and consider the future, while the contract with Epic was quickly terminated.

 

Justin used 1993-4 to produce other artists (a second collaboration with Joolz entitled "Weird Sister", Rev Hammer's "Bishop Of Buffalo" album and also the unusual Berlin combo, The Inchtabokatables), tour with Red Sky Coven and create another way of performing NMA songs - in a duo with new guitarist Dave Blomberg. Together they went back to Justin's first love - small club touring - and eventually released an album of the live show entitled "Big Guitars in Little Europe", an album, which has proved enduringly popular. Robert's main wish was to spend more time at home with his family, which he was now able to do and Nelson formed a new band "Nelson's Column" which toured England. Ed Alleyne Johnson followed up his first solo album "The Purple Electric Violin Concerto" which had been so successful with a second entitled "Ultraviolet".

 

After the year was up, Justin and Robert tentatively began work on a new project and in December 1994, the band (with Dean White on keyboards replacing Ed Alleyne Johnson) reassembled to play a short series of concerts. However, the next two years were lost while Justin and Robert, plagued by ill health and personal-life distractions tried unsuccessfully to pin down hundreds of new musical ideas into an album. It became increasingly obvious to both of them (and everyone else in and around the band) that they were now on very different musical paths. In 1997, Tommy Tee who had been the band's Tour Manager in the 1980s returned to take control of the band's drifting affairs. He enlisted producer Simon Dawson to help finish the project and by the autumn "Strange Brotherhood" was completed. Unsurprisingly, it's an album full to the brim with different and contrasting musical ideas while the lyrics range from the politics of the British Road Protest movement (in which Sullivan had been actively involved during 1996) to the deeply personal and sometimes unusually obscure. During the mixing, it was agreed that Justin and Robert would go their separate ways after the tour.

 

Then, suddenly Robert was diagnosed as having a brain tumour, and though the operation to remove it was successful, any prospect of touring was impossible. So he suggested that his place be taken by Michael Dean, a young drummer who had been working as his technician since 1993. Having watched Robert for some years, Michael was immediately comfortable with the role of drummer and with all other aspects of the band. The "Strange Brotherhood" tour began in the spring of 1998 and, happy to be back on the road at last, for the first couple of months, the band embarked on an ambitious programme of doing two sets each night, a 50 minute acoustic set followed by a full 90 minute rock. The tour continued on and off through to the end of the year.

 

By now Justin and Tommy Tee had restructured New Model Army's set-up to take account of the changes that the Internet was bringing to the whole music industry. This included making sure that the band owned every aspect of their work, and included their own record label (Attack Attack) to be distributed by different companies in different territories. 1999 began with a review of live shows recorded the previous year and their amalgamation into a live double album entitled "New Model Army and Nobody Else". After this Justin (assisted by Michael) began to write new songs for the next album. This was done quickly and easily for the first time since "Thunder", with Justin claiming to be "reborn as a song-writer." To keep up the momentum, it was decided to self-produce and to record the album in the band's own studio. Again this was done quickly with mostly Justin, Michael and Dean at the controls. (Living 250 and 300 miles from Bradford meant that Nelson and Dave were more occasional contributors for purely geographical reasons). The whole process was very much a reaction to the slow progress of "Strange Brotherhood", with the album given the simple name "Eight" to go with its whole stripped-down approach. It was released in the Spring of 2000 and was followed by more touring.

 

On October 23rd 2000, the band celebrated their 20th anniversary by playing another two set marathon at Rock City in Nottingham and then three months later, further special concerts in London and Koln which featured four completely different sets spread over two nights - a 57 song marathon in each city attended by over 7000 people.

 

One of the legacies of the lost years of the mid 1990s was a lot of unfinished material and next, Justin, Michael and Dean worked to finish and assemble this into accessible form, a double album "Lost Songs" released in 2002. Another ‘unfinished' project was Justin's long promised solo album and it was at this moment that he decided to pursue it. Meant to take just a few weeks to record and tour, "Navigating By The Stars" became another marathon. Hooking up with film and TV music producer, Ty Unwin, the first week of working coincided with ‘9/11'. Rather than making a political or angry response to unfolding events, the album's purpose was to ‘make something beautiful in an increasingly ugly World'. The album came out in 2003 to surprised and favourable reaction. At first touring alone with Dean (including a long awaited return to America), Justin was then joined by Michael playing percussion and the threesome bought a large mobile home and set off across Europe. The live album "Tales of the Road", released in 2004 captures their unique sound and stripped-down rearrangements of some of NMA's lesser known songs.

 

In 2004, an exhibition of all Joolz' artwork for the band plus collected memorabilia was assembled for a touring exhibition. Entitled ‘One Family, One Tribe' it has been on display in art galleries in Otley, York, Bradford and Hamm in Germany and there are plans for more future showings. Meanwhile, the band work began work on a new NMA album, at first focused around Michael's increasing creativity as a drummer. "Carnival" was recorded with producer Chris Tsangerides and mixed by Nat Chan. It's lyrical subjects and musical roots were as usual very eclectic but included many people's favourite NMA track, "Fireworks Night", Justin's emotional response to the sudden and unexpected death of Robert that Autumn. "Carnival" was released in September 2005, but when it came to the tour, Dave Blomberg was unable to participate for family reasons and his place was taken by Marshall Gill, a blues guitarist from Ashton Under Lyne, completing the band's current line-up in what Sullivan calls “the best version of NMA since 1985”.

 

The Carnival Tour marked another dynamic new beginning for the band, with Nelson sometimes playing as a second drummer, Dean sometimes as third guitarist and Michael and Marshall's energy much in evidence. Such was the sense of momentum and togetherness that for the first time in years, NMA moved quickly on to making another album with major contributions from all members. "High" was written and recorded in five months at the beginning of 2007, produced by old friend (and another production star, Chris Kimsey) and was ‘angrier' than any releases for a while and lyrically very much in tune with current realities.

 

The "High" tour rolled through 4 continents with the new line up now firmly in tune with itself and Marshall bringing a tougher edge to the band's sound - even managing to re-arrange the classic violin led anthem "Vagabonds" into a guitar led version. This and 16 other songs were released on a new live album, "Fuck Texas, Sing For Us", in November 2008 (the title taken from a chant at the band's New Orleans show that serves as the intro to the album).

 

The year ended with tours in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and the customary December run of London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Koln with the band playing a fiery set of recent material. Remarkably, the band’s main 17 song set featured only two pre-2000 songs, as well as brand new material, a sure sign of the band’s forward momentum - and with their ticket sales up everywhere. Then, at Christmas, manager Tommy Tee died suddenly and unexpectedly. This was a major shock to everyone in and around the band, not only because as he ran all aspects of the band's affairs but also as a major part of the NMA family and history since 1982.

 

It took a while before the band could refocus but by Spring 2009, they were back in the studio working on their eleventh studio album, “Today Is A Good Day”. Mostly written in the wake of the 2008 Wall Street Collapse (an event celebrated in the white-hot opening title track), it was recorded in the band’s own studio in Bradford with Chris Kimsey once more at the controls. Chris wrote “the NMA 'family business' is back in full swing. The boys sound brave & united.” The album was hailed as one of their very best and the album tour began with a month in North America and went on for a further six months ending with a triumphant return to Glastonbury and other Festivals in the summer.

 

In the Autumn of 2010, the band celebrated their 30th Anniversary with the release of boxsets, books, DVDs and a full set of retrospective material and set out on the curious and challenging schedule. Promising to play a minimum of four songs from each of their 13 albums (including the two B-sides compilations) over two nights, they performed this marathon in different cities on four continents every weekend from September until Christmas. The final weekend in London was recorded and released in full as a five hour DVD.

 

After such a hectic year, 2011 was always going to be relatively quiet with the band concentrating on writing material for their next project. Consciously looking for something new after two convincing great rock band recorded live in a studio albums. this is a work in progress interrupted only by a handful of full band shows and rather more of the semi-acoustic Justin and Dean duo concerts. But then, as the year ended, disaster once again struck with a fire, started in the next door furniture outlet, raging through the band's Bradford base destroying pretty their whole studio set-up. No one was injured and the band have remarkably been able to salvage some of their touring gear from inside flight-cases. However, while remaining characteristically upbeat about the future, the band acknowledge that the loss of so much gear and a place to work will delay their plans for 2012. Meanwhile, in the background, BBC/Channel Four diector, Matt Reid, has been putting together a documentary film about the group for release sometime this year.

 

This is a remarkable band - as hungry and focused as ever, with a continually regenerating audience and insatiable creative ambition.

 

Varanasi, also known as Benares, or Kashi is an Indian city on the banks of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, 320 kilometres south-east of the state capital, Lucknow. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism, and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Some Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also known as the favourite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva as it has been mentioned in the Rigveda that this city in older times was known as Kashi or "Shiv ki Nagri".

 

The Kashi Naresh (Maharaja of Kashi) is the chief cultural patron of Varanasi, and an essential part of all religious celebrations. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the Ganges. The city has been a cultural centre of North India for several thousand years, and has a history that is older than most of the major world religions. The Benares Gharana form of Hindustani classical music was developed in Varanasi, and many prominent Indian philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians live or have lived in Varanasi. Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, located near Varanasi.

 

Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India. It is often referred to as "the holy city of India", "the religious capital of India", "the city of Shiva", and "the city of learning". Scholarly books have been written in the city, including the Ramcharitmanas of Tulsidas. Today, there is a temple of his namesake in the city, the Tulsi Manas Mandir. The current temples and religious institutions in the city are dated to the 18th century. One of the largest residential universities of Asia, the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), is located here.

 

ETYMOLOGY

The name Varanasi possibly originates from the names of the two rivers: Varuna, still flowing in Varanasi, and Asi, a small stream near Assi Ghat. The old city does lie on the north shores of Ganges River bounded by its two tributaries Varuna and Asi. Another speculation is that the city derives its name from the river Varuna, which was called Varanasi in olden times.[11] This is generally disregarded by historians. Through the ages, Varanasi has been known by many names including Kāśī or Kashi (used by pilgrims dating from Buddha's days), Kāśikā (the shining one), Avimukta ("never forsaken" by Shiva), Ānandavana (the forest of bliss), and Rudravāsa (the place where Rudra/Śiva resides).

 

In the Rigveda, the city is referred to as Kāśī or Kashi, the luminous city as an eminent seat of learning. The name Kāśī is also mentioned in the Skanda Purana. In one verse, Shiva says, "The three worlds form one city of mine, and Kāśī is my royal palace therein." The name Kashi may be translated as "City of Light".

 

HISTORY

According to legend, Varanasi was founded by the God Shiva. The Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata are also stated to have visited the city in search of Shiva to atone for their sins of fratricide and Brāhmanahatya that they had committed during the climactic Kurukshetra war. It is regarded as one of seven holy cities which can provide Moksha:

 

The earliest known archaeological evidence suggests that settlement around Varanasi in the Ganga valley (the seat of Vedic religion and philosophy) began in the 11th or 12th century BC, placing it among the world's oldest continually inhabited cities. These archaeological remains suggest that the Varanasi area was populated by Vedic people. However, the Atharvaveda (the oldest known text referencing the city), which dates to approximately the same period, suggests that the area was populated by indigenous tribes. It is possible that archaeological evidence of these previous inhabitants has yet to be discovered. Recent excavations at Aktha and Ramnagar, two sites very near to Varanasi, show them to be from 1800 BC, suggesting Varanasi started to be inhabited by that time too. Varanasi was also home to Parshva, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara and the earliest Tirthankara accepted as a historical figure in the 8th century BC.

 

Varanasi grew as an important industrial centre, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture. During the time of Gautama Buddha (born circa 567 BC), Varanasi was the capital of the Kingdom of Kashi. Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BC when he gave his first sermon, "Turning the Wheel of Law", at nearby Sarnath. The celebrated Chinese traveller Xuanzang, who visited the city around 635 AD, attested that the city was a centre of religious and artistic activities, and that it extended for about 5 kilometres along the western bank of the Ganges. When Xuanzang, also known as Hiuen Tsiang, visited Varanasi in the 7th century, he named it "Polonisse" and wrote that the city had some 30 temples with about 30 monks. The city's religious importance continued to grow in the 8th century, when Adi Shankara established the worship of Shiva as an official sect of Varanasi.

 

In ancient times, Varanasi was connected by a road starting from Taxila and ending at Pataliputra during the Mauryan Empire. In 1194, the city succumbed to Turkish Muslim rule under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who ordered the destruction of some one thousand temples in the city. The city went into decline over some three centuries of Muslim occupation, although new temples were erected in the 13th century after the Afghan invasion. Feroz Shah ordered further destruction of Hindu temples in the Varanasi area in 1376. The Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi continued the suppression of Hinduism in the city and destroyed most of the remaining older temples in 1496. Despite the Muslim rule, Varanasi remained the centre of activity for intellectuals and theologians during the Middle Ages, which further contributed to its reputation as a cultural centre of religion and education. Several major figures of the Bhakti movement were born in Varanasi, including Kabir who was born here in 1389 and hailed as "the most outstanding of the saint-poets of Bhakti cult (devotion) and mysticism of 15th-Century India"; and Ravidas, a 15th-century socio-religious reformer, mystic, poet, traveller, and spiritual figure, who was born and lived in the city and employed in the tannery industry. Similarly, numerous eminent scholars and preachers visited the city from across India and south Asia. Guru Nanak Dev visited Varanasi for Shivratri in 1507, a trip that played a large role in the founding of Sikhism.

 

In the 16th century, Varanasi experienced a cultural revival under the Muslim Mughal emperor Akbar who invested in the city, and built two large temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. The Raja of Poona established the Annapurnamandir and the 200 metres Akbari Bridge was also completed during this period. The earliest tourists began arriving in the city during the 16th century. In 1665, the French traveller Jean Baptiste Tavernier described the architectural beauty of the Vindu Madhava temple on the side of the Ganges. The road infrastructure was also improved during this period and extended from Kolkata to Peshawar by Emperor Sher Shah Suri; later during the British Raj it came to be known as the famous Grand Trunk Road. In 1656, emperor Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of many temples and the building of mosques, causing the city to experience a temporary setback. However, after Aurangazeb's death, most of India was ruled by a confederacy of pro-Hindu kings. Much of modern Varanasi was built during this time by the Rajput and Maratha kings, especially during the 18th century, and most of the important buildings in the city today date to this period. The kings continued to be important through much of the British rule (1775–1947 AD), including the Maharaja of Benares, or Kashi Naresh. The kingdom of Benares was given official status by the Mughals in 1737, and continued as a dynasty-governed area until Indian independence in 1947, during the reign of Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh. In the 18th century, Muhammad Shah ordered the construction of an observatory on the Ganges, attached to Man Mandir Ghat, designed to discover imperfections in the calendar in order to revise existing astronomical tables. Tourism in the city began to flourish in the 18th century. In 1791, under the rule of the British Governor-General Warren Hastings, Jonathan Duncan founded a Sanskrit College in Varanasi. In 1867, the establishment of the Varanasi Municipal Board led to significant improvements in the city.

 

In 1897, Mark Twain, the renowned Indophile, said of Varanasi, "Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together." In 1910, the British made Varanasi a new Indian state, with Ramanagar as its headquarters but with no jurisdiction over the city of Varanasi itself. Kashi Naresh still resides in the Ramnagar Fort which is situated to the east of Varanasi, across the Ganges. Ramnagar Fort and its museum are the repository of the history of the kings of Varanasi. Since the 18th century, the fort has been the home of Kashi Naresh, deeply revered by the local people. He is the religious head and some devout inhabitants consider him to be the incarnation of Shiva. He is also the chief cultural patron and an essential part of all religious celebrations.

 

A massacre by British troops, of the Indian troops stationed here and of the population of the city, took place during the early stages of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Annie Besant worked in Varanasi to promote theosophy and founded the Central Hindu College which later became a foundation for the creation of Banaras Hindu University as a secular university in 1916. Her purpose in founding the Central Hindu College in Varanasi was that she "wanted to bring men of all religions together under the ideal of brotherhood in order to promote Indian cultural values and to remove ill-will among different sections of the Indian population."

 

Varanasi was ceded to the Union of India on 15 October 1948. After the death of Dr. Vibhuti Narayan Singh in 2000, his son Anant Narayan Singh became the figurehead king, responsible for upholding the traditional duties of a Kashi Naresh.

 

MAIN SIGHTS

Varanasi's "Old City", the quarter near the banks of the Ganga river, has crowded narrow winding lanes flanked by road-side shops and scores of Hindu temples. As atmospheric as it is confusing, Varanasi's labyrinthine Old City has a rich culture, attracting many travellers and tourists. The main residential areas of Varanasi (especially for the middle and upper classes) are situated in regions far from the ghats; they are more spacious and less polluted.

 

Museums in and around Varanasi include Jantar Mantar, Sarnath Museum, Bharat Kala Bhawan and Ramnagar Fort.

 

JANTAR MANTAR

The Jantar Mantar observatory (1737) is located above the ghats on the Ganges, much above the high water level in the Ganges next to the Manmandir Ghat, near to Dasaswamedh Ghat and adjoining the palace of Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur. Compared to the observatories at Jaipur and Delhi, it is less well equipped but has a unique equatorial sundial which is functional and allows measurements to be monitored and recorded by one person.

 

RAMNAGAR FORT

The Ramnagar Fort located near the Ganges River on its eastern bank, opposite to the Tulsi Ghat, was built in the 18th century by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh with creamy chunar sandstone. It is in a typically Mughal style of architecture with carved balconies, open courtyards, and scenic pavilions. At present the fort is not in good repair. The fort and its museum are the repository of the history of the kings of Benares. It has been the home of the Kashi Naresh since the 18th century. The current king and the resident of the fort is Anant Narayan Singh who is also known as the Maharaja of Varanasi even though this royal title has been abolished since 1971. Labeled "an eccentric museum", it has a rare collection of American vintage cars, sedan chairs (bejeweled), an impressive weaponry hall and a rare astrological clock. In addition, manuscripts, especially religious writings, are housed in the Saraswati Bhawan. Also included is a precious handwritten manuscript by Goswami Tulsidas. Many books illustrated in the Mughal miniature style, with beautifully designed covers are also part of the collections. Because of its scenic location on the banks of the Ganges, it is frequently used as an outdoor shooting location for films. The film titled Banaras is one of the popular movies shot here. However, only a part of the fort is open for public viewing as the rest of the area is the residence of the Kashi Naresh and his family. It is 14 kilometres from Varanasi.

 

GHATS

Ghats are embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. Ghats in Varanasi are an integral complement to the concept of divinity represented in physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. All the ghats are locations on "the divine cosmic road", indicative of "its manifest transcendental dimension" Varanasi has at least 84 ghats. Steps in the ghats lead to the banks of River Ganges, including the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Manikarnika Ghat, the Panchganga Ghat and the Harishchandra Ghat (where Hindus cremate their dead). Many ghats are associated with legends and several are now privately owned.

 

Many of the ghats were built when the city was under Maratha control. Marathas, Shindes (Scindias), Holkars, Bhonsles, and Peshwas stand out as patrons of present-day Varanasi. Most of the ghats are bathing ghats, while others are used as cremation sites. A morning boat ride on the Ganges across the ghats is a popular visitor attraction. The extensive stretches of ghats enhance the river front with a multitude of shrines, temples and palaces built "tier on tier above the water’s edge".

 

The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main and probably the oldest ghat of Varansi located on the Ganges, close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is believed that Brahma created it to welcome Shiva and sacrificed ten horses during the Dasa -Ashwamedha yajna performed here. Above the ghat and close to it, there are also temples dedicated to Sulatankesvara, Brahmesvara, Varahesvara, Abhaya Vinayaka, Ganga (the Ganges), and Bandi Devi which are part of important pilgrimage journeys. A group of priests perform "Agni Pooja" (Worship to Fire) daily in the evening at this ghat as a dedication to Shiva, Ganga, Surya (Sun), Agni (Fire), and the whole universe. Special aartis are held on Tuesdays and on religious festivals.

 

The Manikarnika Ghat is the Mahasmasana (meaning: "great cremation ground") and is the primary site for Hindu cremation in the city. Adjoining the ghat, there are raised platforms that are used for death anniversary rituals. It is said that an ear-ring (Manikarnika) of Shiva or his wife Sati fell here. According to a myth related to the Tarakesvara Temple, a Shiva temple at the ghat, Shiva whispers the Taraka mantra ("Prayer of the crossing") in the ear of the dead. Fourth-century Gupta period inscriptions mention this ghat. However, the current ghat as a permanent riverside embankment was built in 1302 and has been renovated at least three times.

 

TEMPLES

Among the estimated 23000 temples in Varanasi, the most worshiped are: the Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Shiva; the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple; and the Durga Temple known for the band of monkeys that reside in the large trees nearby.

 

Located on the outskirts of the Ganges, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple – dedicated to Varanasi's presiding deity Shiva (Vishwanath – "Lord of the world") – is an important Hindu temple and one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shiva temples. It is believed that a single view of Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is worth more than that of other jyotirlingas. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. The Gyanvapi Mosque, which is adjacent to the temple, is the original site of the temple. The temple, as it exists now, also called Golden Temple, was built in 1780 by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The two pinnacles of the temple are covered in gold, donated in 1839 by Ranjit Singh, the ruler of the Punjab and the remaining dome is also planned to be gold plated by the Ministry of Culture & Religious Affairs of Uttar Pradesh. On 28 January 1983, the temple was taken over by the government of Uttar Pradesh and its management was transferred to a trust with then Kashi Naresh, Vibhuti Narayan Singh, as president and an executive committee with a Divisional Commissioner as chairman. Numerous rituals, prayers and aratis are held daily, starting from 2:30 am till 11:00 pm.

 

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is one of the sacred temples of the Hindu god Hanuman situated by the Assi River, on the way to the Durga and New Vishwanath temples within the Banaras Hindu University campus. The present temple structure was built in early 1900s by the educationist and freedom fighter, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of Banaras Hindu University. It is believed the temple was built on the very spot where the medieval Hindu saint Tulsidas had a vision of Hanuman. Thousands flock to the temple on Tuesdays and Saturdays, weekdays associated with Hanuman. On 7 March 2006, in a terrorist attack one of the three explosions hit the temple while the Aarti was in progress when numerous devotees and people attending a wedding were present and many were injured. However, normal worship was resumed the next day with devotees visiting the temple and reciting hymns of Hanuman Chalisa (authored by Tulidas) and Sundarkand (a booklet of these hymns is provided free of charge in the temple). After the terrorist incident, a permanent police post was set up inside the temple.

 

There are two temples named "Durga" in Varanasi, Durga Mandir (built about 500 years ago), and Durga Kund (built in the 18th century). Thousands of Hindu devotees visit Durga Kund during Navratri to worship the goddess Durga. The temple, built in Nagara architectural style, has multi-tiered spires[96] and is stained red with ochre, representing the red colour of Durga. The building has a rectangular tank of water called the Durga Kund ("Kund" meaning a pond or pool). Every year on the occasion of Nag Panchami, the act of depicting the god Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha is recreated in the Kund.

 

While the Annapurna Temple, located close to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, is dedicated to Annapurna, the goddess of food, the Sankatha Temple close to the Sindhia Ghat is dedicated to Sankatha, the goddess of remedy. The Sankatha temple has a large sculpture of a lion and a nine temple cluster dedicated to the nine planets.

 

Kalabhairav Temple, an ancient temple located near the Head Post Office at Visheshar Ganj, is dedicated to Kala-Bhairava, the guardian (Kotwal) of Varanasi. The Mrithyunjay Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is situated on the way to Daranagar to Kalbhairav temple. A well near the temple has some religious significance as its water source is believed to be fed from several underground streams, having curative powers.

 

The New Vishwanath Temple located in the campus of Banaras Hindu University is a modern temple which was planned by Pandit Malviya and built by the Birlas. The Tulsi Manas Temple, nearby the Durga Temple, is a modern temple dedicated to the god Rama. It is built at the place where Tulsidas authored the Ramcharitmanas, which narrates the life of Rama. Many verses from this epic are inscribed on the temple walls.

 

The Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to the national personification of India, was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. It has relief maps of India carved in marble. Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and Durga Prasad Khatri, leading numismatists, antiquarians and nationalist leaders, donated funds for its construction.

 

RELIGION

HINDUISM

Varanasi is one of the holiest cities and centres of pilgrimage for Hindus of all denominations. It is one of the seven Hindu holiest cities (Sapta Puri), considered the giver of salvation (moksha). Over 50,000 Brahmins live in Varanasi, providing religious services to the masses. Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges remits sins and that dying in Kashi ensures release of a person's soul from the cycle of its transmigrations. Thus, many Hindus arrive here for dying.

 

As the home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Jyotirlinga, it is very sacred for Shaivism. Varanasi is also a Shakti Peetha, where the temple to goddess Vishalakshi stands, believed to be the spot where the goddess Sati's earrings fell. Hindus of the Shakti sect make a pilgrimage to the city because they regard the River Ganges itself to be the Goddess Shakti. Adi Shankara wrote his commentaries on Hinduism here, leading to the great Hindu revival.

 

In 2001, Hindus made up approximately 84% of the population of Varanasi District.

 

ISLAM

Varanasi is one of the holiest cities and centres of pilgrimage for Hindus of all denominations. It is one of the seven Hindu holiest cities (Sapta Puri), considered the giver of salvation (moksha). Over 50,000 Brahmins live in Varanasi, providing religious services to the masses. Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges remits sins and that dying in Kashi ensures release of a person's soul from the cycle of its transmigrations. Thus, many Hindus arrive here for dying.

 

As the home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Jyotirlinga, it is very sacred for Shaivism. Varanasi is also a Shakti Peetha, where the temple to goddess Vishalakshi stands, believed to be the spot where the goddess Sati's earrings fell. Hindus of the Shakti sect make a pilgrimage to the city because they regard the River Ganges itself to be the Goddess Shakti. Adi Shankara wrote his commentaries on Hinduism here, leading to the great Hindu revival.

 

In 2001, Hindus made up approximately 84% of the population of Varanasi District.

 

OTHERS

At the 2001 census, persons of other religions or no religion made up 0.4% of the population of Varanasi District.

 

Varanasi is a pilgrimage site for Jains along with Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed to be the birthplace of Suparshvanath, Shreyansanath, and Parshva, who are respectively the seventh, eleventh, and twenty-third Jain Tirthankars and as such Varanasi is a holy city for Jains. Shree Parshvanath Digambar Jain Tirth Kshetra (Digambar Jain Temple) is situated in Bhelupur, Varanasi. This temple is of great religious importance to the Jain Religion.

 

Sarnath, a suburb of Varanasi, is a place of Buddhist pilgrimage. It is the site of the deer park where Siddhartha Gautama of Nepal is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. The Dhamek Stupa is one of the few pre-Ashokan stupas still in existence, though only its foundation remains. Also remaining is the Chaukhandi Stupa commemorating the spot where Buddha met his first disciples in the 5th century. An octagonal tower was built later there.

 

Guru Nanak Dev visited Varanasi for Shivratri in 1507 and had an encounter which with other events forms the basis for the story of the founding of Sikhism. Varanasi also hosts the Roman Catholic Diocese of Varanasi, and has an insignificant Jewish expatriate community. Varanasi is home to numerous tribal faiths which are not easily classified.

 

Dalits are 13% of population Of Varanasi city. Most dalits are followers of Guru Ravidass. So Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan is important place of pilgrimage for Ravidasis from all around India.

 

RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS

On Mahashivaratri (February) – which is dedicated to Shiva – a procession of Shiva proceeds from the Mahamrityunjaya Temple to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

 

Dhrupad Mela is a five-day musical festival devoted to dhrupad style held at Tulsi Ghat in February–March.

 

The Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple celebrates Hanuman Jayanti (March–April), the birthday of Hanuman with great fervour. A special puja, aarti, and a public procession is organized. Starting in 1923, the temple organizes a five-day classical music and dance concert festival titled Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh in this period, when iconic artists from all parts of India are invited to perform.

 

The Ramlila of Ramnagar is a dramatic enactment of Rama's legend, as told in Ramacharitamanasa. The plays, sponsored by Kashi Naresh, are performed in Ramnagar every evening for 31 days. On the last day, the festivities reach a crescendo as Rama vanquishes the demon king Ravana. Kashi Naresh Udit Narayan Singh started this tradition around 1830.

 

Bharat Milap celebrates the meeting of Rama and his younger brother Bharata after the return of the former after 14 years of exile. It is celebrated during October–November, a day after the festival of Vijayadashami. Kashi Naresh attends this festival in his regal attire resplendent in regal finery. The festival attracts a large number of devotees.

 

Nag Nathaiya, celebrated on the fourth lunar day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik (October–November), that commemorates the victory of the god Krishna over the serpent Kaliya. On this occasion, a large Kadamba tree (Neolamarckia cadamba) branch is planted on the banks of the Ganges so that a boy acting the role of Krishna can jump into the river on to the effigy representing Kaliya. He stands over the effigy in a dancing pose playing the flute; the effigy and the boy standing on it is given a swirl in front of the audience. People watch the display standing on the banks of the river or from boats.

 

Ganga Mahotsav is a five-day music festival organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, held in November–December culminating a day before Kartik Poornima (Dev Deepawali). On Kartik Poornima also called the Ganges festival, the Ganges is venerated by arti offered by thousands of pilgrims who release lighted lamps to float in the river from the ghats.

 

Annually Jashne-Eid Miladunnabi is celebrated on the day of Barawafat in huge numbers by Muslims in a huge rally coming from all the parts of the city and meeting up at Beniya Bagh.

  

[22:09] Taladis Tower just continued to walk along the street, despite the long avatar pose. The dark cat grumbled lowly as he waved at Sapphira, and said, "Just shut up." He said, continuing to walk. He was literally walking straight towards Tank. His face completely dull as he continued to walk, coming up on the man rather quickly. Without a hello, a breath, or anything else - he immediately shot his left hand out towards Tank's face, throwing his shoulder into a jab that was of course not meant to land. His whole body jerked to the left following the jab as his right hand shot up from his side like a hammer, his fist turning straight towards Tank's jawline.

 

[22:09] Sapphira Laval was thankful when Taladis came to a stop, or a pause or whatever this was. The pizza was getting to her. Carrying weight around on heels takes it's toll. Raising a brow to the man in red, he had good taste. Alric's taste. She didn't say a word. Ah, hell. There went Tal, and there she followed - not lead.

 

[22:13] Little Ming didn't seem bothered by taking hold of her hand, but as he saw the big black cat from the cafe across town approaching he'd pause and arch his brow. Instead of a proper greeting he was given the old one two treatment, though being a fighter, despite the ringing in his ears now, he was still on his feet after the throbbing pain settled in from the fresh blows albeit a little stunned and caught off guard. He had no clue what he'd done to earn that but he was sure to find out soon. His hand would let go of Leighs if she'd allow it and come up defensively to ward off any other incoming attacks while he tried to regain his composure. There was no verbal retort, only silence as he waited for the man to state why the fuck he felt the need to sock him in the head.

 

[22:15] Kayleigh Jigsaw blinked and glared at the feline. "Hey. C'ain't ya pick a better time an' place?" She'd let go of his hand as he'd dropped hers and stepped out of the way, that didn't, however, mean that she wasn't going to at least speak her mind some. Either she'd get lucky and Tank might get hit again, or maybe she'd distract the guy long enough for Tank to get his head attached to his body again.

 

[22:16] Sapphira Laval said nothing. She waited. Dutifully even. Had to see what was going to happen before she could react. Giving a look to Leigh for a moment like -uhhh I'm just here-.

 

[22:17] Taladis Tower was probably one of the most praticed strikers from the Pit, save a few. The dark cat stood up after connecting with that right hand. He'd throw a bit of a pop into it, but nothing that would be considered a 'haymaker'. He stood up fully, and grunted in response as he looked at Tank. Those cold green eyes of the cat watching him carefully, maybe a look of slight surprise that he'd been standing up after that - maybe if he'd caught him from the side when he'd been thinking about that. He growled lowly, "Shut up, woman." Was all he said towards her. He moved closer towards Tank and just growled in the same way that he'd just dismissed Kayleigh, "Tell your boss, that the black cat from the Pit is looking for him. I'd like to have a word with him." Was pretty much all he said, through gritted teeth.

 

[22:22] Little Ming gave him a toothy grin as he looked into Tal's eyes when he spoke, "Then star' talkin' shithead. An' make it good cause I ain' got all day ta listen to you flap yer lips." Things were starting to settle down in his vision now and the ringing was dying down a little so he could hear better, but he was still waiting instead of tearing this bastard to pieces. After all he'd given his word to leave Marina's staff alone but if he pushed his limits he'd find even with his leg in a brace Tank wasn't a push over. He'd earned his namesake for the way he fought.

 

[22:25] Kayleigh Jigsaw snorted. "He'd be the boss." Oh this would be interesting. If Tank hadn't owned it by now, he'd not really be in a position to deny it. She'd find a something to amuse her most likely. She perched herself on the bench. "An' tellin a Parx ta shut up? Balls!" She just fucking grinned. He was lucky Tank had made it crystal clear he didn't want her helping him in a scrap. She figured Tank better make up for that shut up coming from the feline.

 

[22:26] Sapphira Laval: There was still something so familiar about this person in front of Tal, just standing there. She narrowed her eyes --- so this was the new Canis. "Taladis..." in a smooth tone. "Not tonight." Not that she was his woman and not that he would listen to her regardless, but she'd ask one more time, "...wait?"

 

[22:27] Taladis Tower just looked at Tank for a few moments and snorted, "Then I picked the right one." He wrinkled his nose, letting out another low growl as he spoke, "I told you to shut up, woman." That growl more of an echo of his actual voice than anything else, "For what you did to Kat, I'm going to exchange your teeth with concrete." He said, still coldly looking Tank in the eyes, the dull expression of the cat likely saying more than anything else, "We can either do this right now, and I can stomp your head in obscurity, or we can do it in the Pit in a nice 'civilized' environment where everyone can watch." He finished speaking, and snarled one more time, "You too, shut up." Responding to Sa.

 

[22:32] Little Ming arched his brow at the comment and snorted, "Maybe you oughta get yer facts righ' ey mate? Wha' happened to Kat was 'er own doin' an' every bit o' it earned. Ain' none o' yer business anyway, as it was 'tween Hounds an' Kaos, so less yer one o' them pirate fucks, this figh' ain' yers. Bu' I tell you wha'. Yer so bent out 'bout wha' happened to 'er maybe you should take it out on tha one responsible. Try hittin' up Chi, as he 'ad every chance ta get 'er back an' all he wanted ta do was piss us off. Didn' give a rats ass wha' happened to Kat." he shrugged slightly and grinned at Tal still standing at the ready, "Now you wan' a scrap with me jus' ta scrap, we'll figh', but you wan' ta fight me over tha' cunt Kat, you can get fucked."

 

[22:37] Masha Eilde walks up and past, having taken the long way around from the MCMC. Almost immediately after the leaving Sa and Tal at the Pit, she'd been called to help some guy with gunshot wounds. She holds a flat box under one arm, the pizza stone cold, and rubs at her shoulder. Her coyote tail droops a bit - she's just bone tired. She blinks as she sees Tal leaning right into Tank and frowns, pausing, shooting Sa a questioning look.

 

[22:38] Kayleigh Jigsaw frowned and narrowed her eyes at Tank and Tal. Kat had been hurt? Is that where she'd been. Alrighty, someone's ass wasn't going to be sitting right for a while. The only thing the girl wondered in her confusion was whether it would be Tank's or Tal's. One of them was gonna get fed somethin bad for hurtin the lady who had explaind dating to her.

 

[22:38] Taladis Tower wrinkled his nose obviously annoyed at the speech mannerisms of the man to say the least. He nodded his head slowly at Tank's little speech for grunting out, "Spoken like a politician and a coward. You shrug off your own actions as the fault of others. I'm tempted to just flatten you for that." The dark cat's tail flicking behind him, "You were the cause of my student disappearing, and the cause of my student being harmed. This is more than just a 'personal' thing. This is an honor thing." He started to snarl lowly as he kept speaking, "When you've got balls as big as your mouth, I'll be waiting to shove them down your throat." He still stood in-front of Tank, that cold gaze still locked on his - as he let out one final snort, "Do we fight, or do you run?

 

[22:40] Sapphira Laval crossed her arms against her chest, "Yeah, tellin me to shut up really helps solve shit." She was fuming now, at Tank, at Tal too. She turned on her heel. Nearly running into Masha, "Kat issues." she'd tell her now. Christ the whole world would know by morning at this rate.

 

[22:41] Masha Eilde blinks. She has no idea who the man with Tal is, but damn, she's never seen the big tom this riled. She rotates her shoulders which are enormously tight from the surgery she'd performed, easing the small of her back with small shifts of her hips as she bends her knees slightly. She blinks at Sa. "Cat issues?" she echoes.

 

[22:44] Little Ming shrugged seeming unphased by the insults slung his way. Honor, cowardice, blah blah, whatever. Titles that went to the good guys, and he was far from a good guy. He cared little for those things, so it didn't matter to him. After all it had been kat who attacked him, and it had been Chi who started the fight when he tried to give her back. There was no lie in his words, "Don' matter one way or tha other to me. You go' a wish ta eat concrete be my guest, but yer still goin' after tha wrong guy. I ain' denyin' wha' I did er had done to 'er. Quite proud o' that actually, bu' was jus' business." He smiled coldly at Tal. "You wan' a fight you'll get it, tomorrow... you name tha place, jus' me an' you."

 

[22:45] Kayleigh Jigsaw couldn't resist as she piped in once more. "She knows I already said he ain't got 'em. If he had he woulda done right by me rather than 'spectin me ta sit quiet an put up with gettin treated bad in public." She nodded. Oh, that wasn't helping him any was it? She just sort of shut up and gave Tank a look that just said: I'm sorry, maybe. Um. Oopsie?

 

[22:47] Sapphira Laval turned and looked oveher shoulder then to Leigh as she spoke, "Heh, least he was or is yours to be treating you bad." Rolling her eyes some and then back to Masha, "Yep. Kat issues." She repeated and then began to walk off. Phone out of pocket, she was lifting it to her ear.

 

[22:49] Masha Eilde blinks again, not hearing the 'K'. She has a feeling she's missing something but Sa's leaving rather puts an end to further questions. She listens to the man's speech to Tal and her brows together, her quick mind trying to make sense. To that end, Leigh's statement was alas, no real help. Sh ejust knows that Tal seemed highly pissed, she liked Tal, and the words this other guy spoke made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end.

 

[22:49] Taladis Tower just leaned in as closely as he could at this point. The tip of his nose likely shoved against Tank's. He continued to growl lowly, "And that's what I am /here/ about. I don't give a shit about the fight, and I don't give a shit about what led up to it. I'm here because of what you /did/ to her, not because of anything else." He said in that completely dull tone of voice, the growl rolling from his throat with every word that he spoke, "The Pit. Tomorrow. 7PM. We'll make a show of it." With that, the dark cat took a step back - still keeping his eyes on Tank as he examined him with a rather discerning eye. Tal would continue to back away from Tank, not about to take his eyes off of him. Though, perhaps it was more than just a simple mistrust of turning his back on the man. Likely bumping into Sa if he'd gotten that far without a response.

 

[22:54] Sapphira Laval waited for the person to pick up, "Who are you with?" speaking into the phone she would have stopped only for a moment to listen to what Tal had to say really, and to wait for any response so she could actually say what happened to the person on the other end.

 

[22:57] Little Ming just grinned and nodded his head as the man came in close and practically kissed him. "Nex' time ya wan' ta ask me on a date sugarplum do it withou' tha fists." he wrinkled his nose slightly as he caught wind of the cat's breath. Good lord that was rancid. "An' use a fuckin' breathmint." he turned to look at Leigh having heard her comments but missed the look given the distraction. He just shook his head and sighed, "Maybe I was wrong 'bout you. Can' seem ta get it righ'. Soon as I give you a chance ya go an' fuck it up every time." His attention was off Tal now, so he could walk away free and easy if he wanted.

 

[22:58] Sapphira Laval was bumped into then, lurching forward only slightly. She was furious. Livid... yeah. Turning to shove against whatever it was - Tal in fact.

 

[22:58] Taladis Tower just raised his left hand as he waved off the man - eventually turning around after backing away far enough and Tank's attention off him. He waved those dark clawed fingertips as he let out a low snort. Passing Sa, his shoulder brushing along-- he got shoved by Sa after turning around. He shoulder checked her and kept walking.

 

[22:59] Masha Eilde looks nonplussed at Tal's speech. She's *never* heard him to be anything more than terse of speech. She can't help following after, coyote curiosity high. "What was that all about, cher?" she asks the big cat.

 

[23:01] Kayleigh Jigsaw piped up almost immediately in response to Sa. "You can have him if ya want him? He's all yours." She nodded. Tank had tried giving her away once. Maybe it would work if she did it? Either way she'd be fixing Tank a special dinner one night soon. Oh it would likely be a very -special- dinner. She frowned at him and got to her feet. Oh she might be wounded, but she'd settle this. "Every time you give me a chance huh? What about every time I give you a chance? Shit, I never gave ya my fuckin answer and yer already cheatin on me with two other women."

 

[23:02] Sapphira Laval was still on the phone. Tones were high then, "Need to tell you what happened if you don't remember, where are you?!" She nodded a few times. Eyes bore into the back of Tal's head and she would continue to follow after him but not really - just so happened to be in the same direction "I'll be there in a minute." Hearing Leigh ... oh that made it all the better, "You just bring his ass to the pit tomorrow. He might need coaxing considering I know you're the one that keeps his balls. Tal wants em though!"

British Columbia continues to take action to reduce overdose deaths.

 

Public Safety Minister Mike Morris and Health Minister Terry Lake today unveiled a new part of a public awareness campaign, announced the de-scheduling of naloxone, and provided an update of the actions to-date on the provincial overdose response. Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe also provided an update on the latest statistics on illicit drug deaths.

 

Learn more:

news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016HLTH0068-001759

Oxford Diecast continue to amaze me with their Mattel style monthly output of new castings and fresh recolours surely making them one of the most prolific model manufacturers. Its their attention to badge engineering when modelling BMC and BL vehicles which impresses me the most, the real J4 was indeed available as an Austin, Morris and BMC product. Maybe we will see a mid 1970's example with Austin-Morris badging too!

Despite my passion for 1/64 models I will always find time for their 1/76 OO scale castings as they are incredibly well cast and detailed for the scale despite their prices rising on almost a monthly basis.

The cuddly old fashioned cab forward styling of the real J4 has been captured beautifully here but is a stark reminder of how old fashioned this van was after the introduction of the all dominating Ford Transit!

Bought recently from the amazing Monk Bar Model Shop in York. Mint and boxed.

A class visit with students from LEAP (Langara English for Academic Purposes) levels 6, 7, and 8.

.continuing display tree #2 just before flying further downslope

 

Vicinity of Goldstream Heights Drive

Capital Regional District

BC

 

More pix incl.

take off sequence right after this posture in ebird

ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S28823259

  

The continuing story of my Bathroom visitor.

We saw, this afternoon what looked like a Gypsy Moth fly across the patio and into a bush that was against a wooden fence.

 

In this picture, I assume the female is laying her eggs on the fence-post, and the male is fertilising or protecting the eggs while the female is otherwise engaged ?

 

Some info I found, .......

 

"By the end of July, the caterpillars enter into the pupae stage, encasing themselves in brown paper-like shells, often located near the original egg masses. After 9 – 17 days, the moths emerge. The adult male moth, which is brownish in colour, flies around in search of females to fertilize their eggs. The females are white or cream coloured with a few dark spots on their wings. They cannot fly, but simply crawl a few inches from their pupa case and begin laying their eggs.

 

More INFO from pabia.ca/488/

...and the stiletto challenged have to strut their stuff. The room must reek of formaldehyde from all of those new pairs of shoes, so this is where you break them in with a difference........;-)

Continue knitting the torso and the head. When you get to the final round of the head, cut the yarn and leave a long tail. Thread a large tapestry needle with the yarn end and thread this through the loops on the needle.

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