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Two U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft operating at the request of the French government and African Union authorities continued airlifting a Rwandan mechanized battalion Jan. 19.
The joint operation with personnel from the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force is in support of an African Union effort to confront destabilizing forces and violence within Central African Republic.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
Join the U.S. Army Africa conversation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArmyAfrica
So busy with other things right now that weaving has taken a back seat. With little bits here and there I'm about half way on the "Having a Party" cowl.
2020 is a special year for China as it marks the deadline to achieve goals of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, implementing the 13th five-year plan, and winning the decisive battle against poverty.
This launch event will discuss how China should continue to develop its agricultural industry in a global context to meet the goals above, and how China and the world should respond to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and support the poor and vulnerable groups.
The China Agricultural Sector Development Report 2020 (CASDR) analyzes the domestic and foreign macroeconomic and agricultural industry conditions. The report reviews the important events in 2019, including the persistence of trade frictions between China and the United States, the spread of African swine fever, etc. Besides, the report assesses the competitiveness of China’s agricultural industry from the perspectives of total factor productivity, international trade and production cost. The report provides studies on the impact of COVID-19 on China’s agriculture and farmers’ income; research on the recovering of pig production capacity and its key influencing factors; and simulations of the impact of fall armyworm on China’s corn industry in 2020. Moreover, it summarizes the characteristics of 18 important agricultural product industries development in 2019 and prospecting trends in the next two years.
The IFPRI 2020 Global Food Policy Report (GFPR) highlights the central role that inclusive food systems play in meeting global goals to end poverty, hunger, and malnutrition, and offers recommendations for making food systems more inclusive for four marginalized groups – smallholders, women, youth, and conflict-affected people. The report also provides analysis on transforming national food system in several countries like Bangladesh and Ethiopia, and advice on development of food system in different regions worldwide. As for China, smallholders and other marginalized groups are affected by African swine fever, trade disputes between China and the United States, COVID-19 and other uncertainties. Their livelihoods, food security, and nutritional status require particular attention. GFPR calls for supporting the poor and the most vulnerable to build inclusive food systems
During the event, an overview of the GFPR's and CASDR's findings will be presented.
Opening Remarks
Host, Longjiang Yuan, Director, Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development (IAED)
Johan Swinnen, Director General, IFPRI
Huajun Tang, President, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS)
Reports Launch
China Agricultural Sector Development Report 2020 (CASDR)
Xurong Mei, Vice President, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS)
IFPRI 2020 Global Food Policy Report (GFPR)
Shenggen Fan, Chair Professor of China Agricultural University, former Director General of IFPRI
Comments and Advice on Reports
Host, Kevin Chen, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI
Changyun Jiang, Deputy Director of the Institute of Industrial and Technical Economics, National Development and Reform Commission
Hongyu Zhang, Vice Dean of China Institute for Rural Studies, Tsinghua University
Xiaohua Chen, Member of the National Committee of CPPCC, former Vice-Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, President of Chinese Association of Agricultural Economics
Xingqing Ye, Director General, Research Department of Rural Economy, Development Research Center of the State Council
Xiurong He, Professor of College of Economics and Management of China Agricultural University, Consultant of the State Council
www.ifpri.org/event/china-and-global-agricultural-policy-...
Continuing with the 4th BBQ weekend. Instead of burgers and hotdogs, it's pizza! This is hot out of the oven...
Ingredients:
Homemade pizza dough
Grilled skinless bone-in chicken breast
Sweet hickory smoked barbeque sauce (Stubb's) - bottled sauce
Shredded Jack cheese
Fresh salsa
Green onions
When grilling the chicken breast, you can under cook it a little. This is to prevent it from being too dry or over-cooked when it is topped on the pizza and cooked again. The idea of grilling the chicken is to add the smokiness when it is used on the pizza. Glaze the chicken with the BBQ sauce at the last 5 minutes of grilling. Then let it cool before slicing.
Everyone has their own favorite homemade pizza dough recipe.We like thin crust pizzas. We have a couple of "go to" recipes, one from Art Smith which requires the dough to sit overnight in the fridge and the other one is from Kitchenaid. It's foolproof for us.
To assemble the pizza just spread the base with BBQ sauce then top with cheese, next add the chicken slices on top of the cheese. Then dollop spoonful of the fresh salsa, sprinkle a little more cheese over and bake in a preheated 425F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the pizza is bubbly and the crust is nicely browned on the edge. Sprinkle with green onions as soon as the pizza is removed from the oven. Slice and serve immediately!
Enjoy
(Not sure if I would've given this face a second look if not for Chris's continuing appreciation for the Superstar sculpt...)
Tamiya Pearl White outer shrouds over Blue Metallic Frame. Testors Flat and Gloss White base on various parts. Enamel wash to be added next.
Photographed at the 29th Annual Nostalgic Indoor Invitational Auto Show at Avanti's Dome in Pekin, Illinois on March 30, 2013. The show is presented by the Early Ford V-8 Club of America Regional Group #51.
Please visit my Motor Vehicles Collection on Flickr where you will find more than 10,000 photographs that have been thoughtfully categorized into dozens of sets, and carefully organized by model year, manufacturer, vehicle type, and more. This project, which began in 2008, continues to expand with new material added daily.
PSE crews have been working around the clock to assess and repair damage from 24 hours of strong winds that started Tuesday morning. Crews have made steady progress throughout the day repairing tree and pole damage to transmission lines; these lines serve large numbers of customers and are priority for restoration. However, a wind advisory remains in effect for the Cascade foothills until late Thursday morning and could spark additional outages.
Construction work continues in the Cannon Building's west wing.
Phase 1 of the Cannon Renewal Project began in January 2017 and is scheduled to be complete in November 2018. The entire west side of the building, from the basement to the fifth floor, is closed. Work includes demolishing and rebuilding the fifth floor, conserving the exterior stonework and rehabilitating the individual office suites.
Full project details at www.aoc.gov/cannon.
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This official Architect of the Capitol photograph is being made available for educational, scholarly, news or personal purposes (not advertising or any other commercial use). When any of these images is used the photographic credit line should read “Architect of the Capitol.” These images may not be used in any way that would imply endorsement by the Architect of the Capitol or the United States Congress of a product, service or point of view. For more information visit www.aoc.gov/terms.
Reference: 470773
Mukteshvara Temple (IAST: Mukteśvara; also spelt Mukteswar) is a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The temple dates back to 950–975 CE and is a monument of importance in the study of the development of Hindu temples in Odisha. The stylistic development the Mukteswar marks the culmination of all earlier developments, and initiates a period of experiment which continues for an entire century, as seen in such temples as the Rajarani Temple and Lingaraj temple, both located in Bhubaneswar. It is one of the prominent tourist attractions of the city.
HISTORY
The Mukteshvara Temple is found to be the earliest work from the Somavamshi period. Most scholars believe the temple is the successor to Parashurameshvara Temple and built earlier to the Brahmeswara Temple (1060 CE). Percy Brown puts the date of construction of the temple to 950 CE. The presence of a torana, which is not part of any other temple in the region, makes this temple unique and some of the representations indicate the builders were starters of a new culture. K.C. Panigrahi places the temple to be built during 966 CE and postulates that the Somavamshi king Yayati I built the temple. He also associates the legend of Kirtivassa to this temple, but the postulation is not accepted as Kirtivasa is associated with Lingaraja, though both were built at the same time for the same deity, Shiva. There is no historic evidence to conclude that Yayati I built the temple.
ARCHITECTURE
This architecture is one of the basic reasons why Mukteshvara Temple is also known as the "Gem of Odisha architecture". The temple faces west and is constructed in a lower basement amidst a group of temples. The pyramidal roof to the jagamohana present in the temple was the first of its kind over the conventional two tier structure. The temple is a small one compared to other larger temples in Bhubaneswar. The temples is enclosed within an octagonal compound wall with elaborate carvings on it. It is believed that the experiment of newer pattern in the temple showed a mature phase compared to its predecessors and culminated the beginning of replication of similar pattern in the later temples in the city. The temple has a porch, called torana, which acts as the gateway to the octagonal compound. The temple has two structures namely, the vimana (structure above the sanctum) and a mukhasala, the leading hall, both of which are built on a raised platform. The temple is the earlies to be built in pithadeula type.
PORCH
The most important feature of the Mukteshvara Temple is the torana, or the arched gateway, dating back to about 900 CE and showing the influence of Buddhist architecture. The arched gateway has thick pillars that have strings of beads and other ornaments carved on statues of smiling women in languorous repose. The porch is a walled chamber with a low, massive roof and internal pillars. The combination of vertical and horizontal lines is skilfully arranged so as to give dignity of buildings of moderate height. This early astylar form of the temple is best illustrated in this temple. The gateway has sculptures that range from elaborate scrolls to pleasant female forms and figures of monkeys and peacocks. The front and back of the arch are similar in design.
VIMANA
The Vimana is square in plan and is built in a raised platform with pilasters in each facade. The shikara is small compared to other temples; it has four Natarajas on and four kirthimukhas on the four faces. The top portion of the shikara has the kalasa. The shikara is 10.5 metres tall, with every inch sculpted with decorative patterns, architectural patterns and sculpted figures. A new form of decoration called bho, possibly developed here, became a prominent feature in later Odishan temples. It is a highly ornate chaitya window crowned by masked demon head and dwarf figures.
SANCTUM
The sanctum is sculpted with beautiful damsels exhibiting feminine charms entwined with nagas and naginis. The sanctum is cubical from the inside with offset walls in the outside.
JAGAMOHANA
This distinctive 10th-century temple is one of the smallest and compact temples. The jagamohana is 35 m tall. It is decorated with intricate carvings by the Vishwakarma Moharana sculptors. The temple is regarded as a gem of Nagara architecture of Kalinga architecture. Except for the rectangular plan of its jaganmohana, it is the earliest example of what may be termed proper Odisha temple type; a vimana with a curvelinear spire and a jaganmohana with a stepped pyramidal roof. The temple's red sandstone is covered with exquisite carvings of lean sadhus or holy men and voluptuous women encrusted with jewels. The images of Ganga and Yamuna are carved next to Chanda and Prachanda. The torana is present in front of the jagamohana. The figure of Lakulisa, seated in bhumispara-mudra and holding a lakuta is present on the lintel of the jagamohana. The figures of Gajalakshmi, Rahu and Ketu are also sculpted in the structure. A small extension from the side roof of the jagamohana has the image of a lion sitting on its hind legs. The exterior walls of the structure are decorated with pilasters with nagas and naginis.
OTHERS
The doorway to the inner sanctum houses the image of Ketu with three hooded snakes, commonly regarded as the ninth planet in the Hindu mythology. There is a tank in the eastern side of the temple and a well in the south-western corner. A dip in the well is believed to cure infertility in women. There are other shrines within the temple complex with lingam inside, which were used as offering shrines. The doorway of the temple is orante. The temple is enclosed by a low compound wall that follows the contours of the temple. The temple has sculptures both inside and outside the structure. The compound walls leaves a very small passage separating the shrine.
RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE
Mukteshvara means "Lord of Freedom". The temple is dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. There are a number of sculptures of skeletal ascetics in teaching or meditation poses. Some scholars correlate the role of the temple as a centre for Tantric initiation with the name Mukteshvara as a possible thesis. The outer face of the compound wall has niches of Hindu deities like Saraswathi, Ganesha and Lakulisha (the fifth century founder of the Pashupata sect of tantric Shaivism). The numerous images of Lakulisha are found in miniature forms within Chaitya arches, showing various mudras like yoga, Bhumispara and vyakyana wit yogapatta tied to their knees. They are accompanied by the images of the disciples. According to tradition, barren women give birth to sons if they take a dip in Madicha Kunda tank in the premises of the temple on the night before Ashokashtami car festival. On the evening, the water in the tank is sold to the public.
IN POPULAR CULTURE
The Department of Tourism of the state government organises a three-day yearly dance function called Mukteswar Dance Festival in the temple premises. This festival celebrates the features of Odissi, the classical dance form of Odisha. Popular Odissi dancers perform during the function, accompanied by instruments like mardal. The event is webcast in the state government portal.
WIKIPEDIA
My baby boy is my inspiration to help other mother continue breastfeeding after they return to work.
TV Sir Tristram (L3505) formerly RFA Sir Tristram, is a Round Table-class landing ship logistics that was converted to a Special Forces Training Vessel in 2008.
She was launched in 1966, and accepted into British Army service in 1967. As with others of her class, she was transferred to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 1970, and was crewed by British officers and Hong Kong Chinese sailors.
The ship saw service in the Falklands War of 1982, and was badly damaged at Fitzroy on 8 June.
The ship was decommissioned on 17 December 2005 but continues to be used for training purposes by the Special Boat Service and other elements of the UK Special Forces group. She is now based at Portland Harbour
Senior Ugandan general meets with U.S. Army Africa leaders; continues cooperative partnership
VICENZA, Italy – When Ugandan Brig. Gen. Silver Kayemba arrived at U.S. Army Africa headquarters on April 27, he was met by familiar faces.
Kayemba, 53, the chief of training and operations for the Ugandan People’s Defense Force, was a key player during Natural Fire 10, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise co-led by the UPDF and U.S. Army Africa, held in Uganda in Oct. 2009.
“This visit strengthens our relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces, particularly with U.S. Army Africa,” Kayemba said. “We are looking forward to even closer cooperation in the future.”
One of the first people Kayemba met was Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III, commander of U.S. Army Africa.
“As part of our engagement strategy, U.S. Army Africa invites senior military leaders from partner land forces to see how our command operates,” Garrett said. “We create opportunities to discuss the way forward, as the U.S. Army continues to work with Ugandan land forces to strengthen their capacity to support security missions in Africa.”
U.S. Army Africa leaders briefed Kayemba on the command’s mission, its ongoing partnerships with African land forces to foster securing, stability and peace on the African continent. During his two-day visit, Kayemba also toured Caserma Ederle, stopping first at training simulators used by Soldiers prior to deploying.
In 2006, Kayemba visited several military sites in the United States, to include the Pentagon, National Defense University, and a U.S. Marine Corps base. As a junior officer then, Kayemba also attended the basic transportation officer course in the United States.
During Natural Fire, Kayemba served as exercise deputy director and worked closely with Garrett.
“We’ve been reviewing lessons learned from Natural Fire,” Kayemba said. “We are going to benefit from what I’ve seen here and I look forward to working with U.S. Army Africa in future.”
U.S. Army Photo - Cleared for public release.
This classic Pacific Northwest design is from the board of George Calkins, and was drawn in 1963. It was the biggest of the Bartender class, which was designed for the rough surf off Washington and Oregon's Pacific coast. The design was so successful that it was accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard for use as its surf rescue boat.
We will build this boat with a mid-section stretched 16 inches - one frame bay - to yield a design length of 27 feet 4 inches, and will raise the hardtop over the steering console an inch or two for the owner's headroom. It is framed in sitka spruce, planked with marine plywood and sheathed in 9-ounce fiberglass below the waterline and 6-ounce glass above.
It is the second Bartender we've built. The class of 2012 Interior Yacht Construction Class built the interior of this boat during the summer of 2012, and the class of 2013 is building the hull, deck and house. Local marine tradesman Matt Mortensen will install the systems.
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is located in Port Hadlock WA, on the Olympic Peninsula, and is a private, accredited non-profit vocational school.
Our mission is to teach and preserve the fine art of wooden boatbuilding and traditional maritime crafts.
We build both commissioned and speculative boats for sale while teaching students boatbuilding the skills they need to work in the marine trades.
If you are interested in our building a boat for you, feel free to give us a call.
You can find us on the web at www.nwboatschool.org .
You can reach us via e-mail at info@nwboatschool.org or by calling us at 360-385-4948.
SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
5 DAYS - 4 NIGHTS
www.facebook.com/SalkantayTrekking
The amazing Salkantay trek to Machupicchu is one of the famous treks in Cusco and the best alternative route to get to Machupicchu. It is takes you through different types of landscapes from the typical Andean landscape up to the snowcapped mountains and down to the tropical forests and finally gets you into the jungle, Salkantay trek named among the 25 best Treks in the World, by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine
If you are thinking to do a hiking trip to Machupicchu and you want to be off of the beaten path and be in touch with the nature; Salkantay trek is the best option. Hiking 75 kilometers = 46 miles and reaching the famous Apacheta (mountain offerings) pass 4621masl = 15160ft which is the highest point of the Salkantay trek: enjoying the amazing view during the hike from Mollepata town to Soraypampa base camp at knee of the Umantay mountain. Then to go up to the highest point to enjoy the view of outstanding snow-capped Salkantay mount. This was one of the most important Apus in the Inca period! Then you are going dawn to Chaullay through the beautiful scenery and then go to Santa Teresa to jump into the natural and medicinal hot spring. And finally we reach to Aguas Calientes town for overnight in the hotel and the last day of your adventure you will get up too early to be the firsts ones up in Machupicchu and enjoy the sunrise.
OVERVIEW
Highlight: Hiking alongside the magnificent Apu Salkantay and then arriving at the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Location: The Salkantay trek begins 3 hours driving to the west of Cusco, Peru. We pass the village of Mollepata and begin hiking at Marcocasa.
Duration: 5 days/ 4 nights
Starting point: cusco
Ending point: cusco
Level: Moderate to Challenging
Adventure Rating: Given the new restrictions on the Inca trail, Salkantay is the second most popular hike in the region and some of the campsites are less remote than on other trails.
Modality: Trekking, Archaeological and Cultural
Ideal for: Adventure Seekers, Couples, Friends, Nature Lovers, and Intrepid People
Altitude: 2,800 masl to 4,650 masl
Inca Trail alternative: Yes, the Salkantay trek is an excellent option.
Departure Dates: Daily departures
All private service departure dates are adapted to your request
Trekkers Wanted: If you wish to join a group tour, please see Trekkers Wanted.You can also form your own tour to be advertised on this page maximum group size 10.
ITINERARY - SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS - 4 NIGHTS
DAY 1: Cusco - Mollepata - Marcocasa - Soraypampa.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco from 5: 00 am to 5:30 am to go by bus to Mollepata. Begin a spectacular scenic drive through the Anta plains with beautiful and panoramic views of the majestic Salkantay and other mountains covered with snow, and the Valley of Apurimac River. After two and a half hours drive we stop in Mollepata to have breakfast for last minute supplies, leg-stretching or to use the bathrooms, before continuing to Marcocasa. There we will meet with our support staff. They will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 9:30 a.m. we will star our trek toward Soraypampa (3900 meters above sea level) if we keep a regular pace we will take 4 hours approximately to reach to Soraypampa the first camp site where will have lunch after lunch in the afternoon we have an option to go up to Umantay lake (4200masl) which takes 3 hours hike back and forth from the camp to see the glacier lake of Umantay. But if we keep slow pace; we will have lunch at halfway between Soraypampa and Marco Casa maybe after 3 hours of hiking. And after that we hike two a half hours more to Soraypampa. Anyway our camp is going be at Soraypampa. Sleeping tents will be ready and we will have a warm delicious dinner in the evening.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Overnight: Soraypampa in the tents.
Maximum Altitude: 3850 masl.
Minimum Altitude: 2850 masl.
Hiking distance: 14 km approx.
DAY 2: Soraypampa - Salkantay Pass - Huayramachay – Chaullay
Today early in the morning we will wake you up with the coca tea. Around 6:00 we will have a nutritious breakfast around 7:00 am we will start the hardest day of the whole Salkantay trek; we will be walking up to the highest point of the trek. After 6 kilometers uphill through the magnificent scenery of Rocky Mountains and enjoying the view of Salkantay mount. We reach the top of the trek. We will appreciate spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of the Salkantay (6264 meters above sea level) which is known as the second highest mountain of the Cusco region. After 2 hours downhill around 1:00 p.m. we will have our delicious Peruvian lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. Then we continue our hike to Chaullay approximately 3 hours of downhill we will get to our camp in Chaullay = 2900 masl Where we will have the sleeping tents ready. Around 7: 00 pm we will have dinner to recover energy from the trek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Overnight: Chaullay in the tents.
Maximum Altitude: 4650 masl.
Minimum Altitude: 2920 masl.
hiking distance: 20km to Chaullay.
DAY 3: Chaullay - Collpapampa - La Playa - Santa Teresa (Cola de Mono Campsite)
Around 7:30 am; we will start our trek to La Playa through the Santa Teresa valley. We will hike 6 hours approximately during the hike will see: water fall, orchids, coffee, banana, avocado plantations and we will taste the famous passion fruit or granadilla and also we will see a village call Colpapampa also call the “forest cloudy brow” where waterfalls, thermal hot springs, fruit-bearing trees, varied flora, and birds can be observed. If we are lucky, we will be able to see the famous bird called “the Cock of the Rocks”. After lunch at La playa, we will catch a local transportation to Santa Teresa. Where will have an overnight at “cola de mono” campsite. We are the only trekking company allow camping there. In the afternoon we may go to Santa Teresa´s hot spring to enjoy it. Then back at the campsite for happy hours and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Overnight: Santa Teresa “cola de mono campsite” in the tents.
Maximum Altitude: 2920 masl.
Minimum Altitude: 1600 masl.
Hiking distance: 15km approx.
DAY 4: Santa Teresa (Cola de Mono Campsite) - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes
After of our delicious breakfast we are going to walk approximately 7 hours. Around 8:30 a.m. we start our trek to Colpani village we will have the opportunity to see coca farms, mandarin, orange and yucca. And a lovely view of the Santa Teresa Valley. We follow along the riverside of Vilcanota River until arrive to the Oroya (cable bridge) then we keep going to Hidroelectrica where will have our lunch. After lunch we going to walk along the train track but on the base of Machupicchu and Waynapicchu Mountain from the way we will see Machupicchu. After two a half hours hike we will be at Aguas Calientes town: base town of Machupicchu for overnight in the hotel and dinner at the local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Overnight: in Aguas Calientes at the hotel which included in the package.
Maximum Altitude: 2350 masl.
Minimum Altitude: 2000 masl.
Hiking distance: 18 km approx.
DAY 5: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Today early in the morning after breakfast at the hotel you will be able to choose between. Walk up to Machupicchu. Or take bus up to Machupicchu. Any way we will be the first ones into Machupicchu to enjoy the sunrise and you will have two a half hours guided tour. Then you will have the free time to explore Machupicchu by yourselves or if you desire, ascent toward the Huaynapicchu Mountain. Or climb to Machupicchu montaña. After Machupicchu you are going back to Aguas Calientes to take a train to Ollantaytambo and from there by bus back to Cusco. The bus drops you off at your hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
•Pre-departure briefing at the office in Cusco
•Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transportation to Marcocasa (starting point of the trek).
•Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field. Kailas, Pro Aconcagua and Rei 4 Outfitter tents are employed when double accommodation is requested.
•One sleeping pad per person.
•1 Blanket. Or Liner.
•One pillow per person.
•Dining tent with tables and chairs
•Kitchen tent
•English speaking professional and official tourist guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
•1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
•Chef and cooking equipment
•Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 1 to 4
•Pack animals to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 7kg per person (including sleeping pad and sleeping bag) – days 1 to 4
•1 emergency horse every 8 persons – days 1 to 3
•Accommodation for all our staff
•Meals (4B, 4L, 4D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
•One textile snack bag per person, to avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment
•Boiled filtered water every day since the first lunch. For your water bottles.
•Bio-degradable personal hand soaps
•Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff
•Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
•First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
•Machupicchu entrance fee
•One way bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu on day 4
•Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. Upgrade to Vistadome or Hiram Bingham service, availability upon request.
•Transfer from train station to the hotel in Cusco
•24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
•First breakfast on day one.
•Lunch on the last day after the guided tour at Machu Picchu
•Walking Sticks
•Sleeping bag: you may rent it from us. Our sleeping bags are -20ºC-comfort (0ºF), mummy form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
OPTIONAL AND RENTALS
•Extra night in Aguas Calientes $50 (or email us for alternate options). We will just need to arrange your train back to Cusco for the following day.
Please tell us before final booking process.
•Personal horse and horsemen for riding or carrying extra personal belongings while on the trek.
Extra cost is $80 for the trek.
•Therma-rest inflatable sleeping pad rent: US$ 5.00 per day
•Entrance to the Hot Springs in Santa Teresa.
Fighting and displacement continue in eastern Congo, but increasingly alongside this we are setting up development projects in the more peaceful areas. One of our major concerns in such projects is whether we will be able to get the participation of the villagers. The UNICEF management team were therefore very curious to visit our water and sanitation project in Lukananda. Lukananda is a village in the health zone Nyangezi about forty minutes from Bukavu the capital of South Kivu. During the years of fighting the village had never been attacked and the inhabitants had never been displaced. UNICEF had done the project with the BDD the development organization of the diocese and the health department. The project was to build a pipe water system for three villages and improve the sanitation of the village. Sanitation was improved by building: more hygienic latrines with concrete slabs, pig pens to keep animal faeces out of the village and spreading health messages on the importance of cleanliness.
UNICEF provided the materials for the construction of the piped water system and the fountains the villagers provided the land and the labour. For the sanitation project we trained the health department facilitators and provided materials for the latrine slabs.
Archaeologist and painter Edward Dodwell (1767-1832), who came from a noble and rich Irish family, was born in Dublin and studied literature and archeology at Trinity College in Cambridge. Thanks to the economic comfort provided by his great fortune, he avoids the need to acquire a profession and gives himself to the researches about the Mediterranean civilizations.
In 1801, he traveled with Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zante etc.) and the region of Troy together with Atkins and well-known traveler W. Gell. In 1805-06, he travels to Rumeli with his traveling companion, Simone Pomardi. He then settled in Naples and Rome and marries a woman thirty years younger from him. He was an honorary member of many European cultural foundations. He falls ill while doing expeditions in the mountains of Italy. His large collection (coins, 115 copper items, 143 amphoras), which he created from archaeological artifacts, was sold to the Munich Sculpture Museum after being housed in his home in Rome for a while.
Being a prolific writer and also a visual artist, Dodwell reveals his multi-faceted talent consisting of an archaeologist, a sense of curiosity, critical gaze and artist sensitivity in his works that are unique to the period. For the first time in his work, we have the opportunity to recognize the true discovery of a "space": The march combines information based on the monument, history, contemporary people and bibliographies as a means of discovery and recognition.
The journey, which is described in these two volumes of publications and has rich data in archeology and topography material, creates an infinite wealth of information about the public and private lives of the Greeks before the rebellion (1821).
In late April 1801, Dodwell took a smart and read Greek from Santorini, whom he had met in Italy, as an interpreter and set off from Venice. He crosses the Adriatic sea and arrives in Corfu under Russian-Ottoman occupation with his travel companions within a month. Their journey continues towards Paksos islands, Parga, Leukada (Santa Mavra). In his book, Dodwell writes about the nose of Lefkata, where ancient Greek poet Saffo, according to ancient ruins, products, villages and legend, fell into the sea because of his desperate love for Faon. From here, he goes to Preveza and visits the archaeological site in Nikopolis, continues to the island of Ithaka, writes about the geography and economic situation there and about the search for ancient ruins. Finally Kefalonia '
In 1805 Dodwell, along with the artist Simone Pomardi, arrives in Zante from the port of Messina in Sicily, where he writes about the villages, population, products; he then goes to Mesolongi. He writes about the persecution of Tepedelenli Ali Pasha to the local people, local products, the Akheloos river and the Echinades archipelago. After the journey, he reached Patra and became the guest of the consul Nikolaos Stranis. Stranis's mansion had been the meeting place of many European guests for years. Dodwell's visit to Patra confirms his theoretical knowledge about them. Speaking of Contemporary Patra, the city's architectural layout is easily understandable (noting that "the houses of Greeks are lime and the houses of Turks are painted in red"), writes about its economic condition (including products exported from the region). In Patra, he visits the castle, the famous big-bodied cypress tree, the church of Saint Andrea and the holy spring (holy water source). He adds the pattern that his travel companion Pomardi has drawn and displays the sacred source. Noting that many black slaves were found in Patra, Dodwell also made efforts to acquire some archaeological artifacts. He especially revives the city's historical memory while writing about Patra. In his travel statement, he documents his own knowledge scientifically with the ancient sources he used while displaying the contemporary reality of Greece and previous travel testimonies. He adds the pattern that his travel companion Pomardi has drawn and displays the sacred source. Noting that many black slaves were found in Patra, Dodwell also made efforts to acquire some archaeological artifacts. He especially revives the city's historical memory while writing about Patra. In his travel statement, he documents his own knowledge scientifically with the ancient sources he used while displaying the contemporary reality of Greece and previous travel testimonies. He adds the pattern that his travel companion Pomardi has drawn and displays the sacred source. Noting that many black slaves were found in Patra, Dodwell also made efforts to acquire some archaeological artifacts. He especially revives the city's historical memory while writing about Patra. In his travel statement, he documents his own knowledge scientifically with the ancient sources he used while displaying the contemporary reality of Greece and previous travel testimonies.
Due to an epidemic in Dodwell Peloponnese, he chose to go to Athens in another way, passing through Nafpaktos (Inebahtı), Galaksidi (watching the carnival shows here) and passing through Amfisa (here he is a guest at the house of a Kefalonian doctor and visits the voivodeship), climbs to Parnasos mountain, Hriso stops in his village and stays in Kastri, touring the fountain of Kastalya and few ancient ruins that can be seen in Delfi at that time. The road passes through Arahova and Distomo and takes it to the ancient site of Trophonius priests in Livadia, from there it continues to other Boeotia villages (Orchomenos, Aliartos, Thespiae). Crossing the Eleutherae road and the Eleusis plain, on March 26, Lord Elgin's work teams arrive in Athens when the Acropolis was removing the relief marbles. Dodwell will stay here until September Attica Almost all of them (Pendeli mountain, Fili, Acharnai, Kifisia, Vrauron, Porto Rafti, Thorikos, Lavrion, Sunion, Piraeus) and Aegina and Salamis islands. In addition to archaeological issues, he also writes about the dances, music and games of the Greeks, baths and even insects and birds.
After Athens, he passes through Thiva (Thebai), Kopais lake, Thermopylae and Lamia, Stylis and Almyros to Volos and Pelion; in his article he mentions all the ancient city ruins he met along the way. After that, Larissa and Ambelakia come to the superior level of life here, highly influenced by cultured people and the cotton yarn dyeing industry. Thessaly plain returns to Athens after passing through Lilaia, Amfikleia, Fokida, Boeotia and stopping at Chalkida and Marathon. He stays here all summer. In December of 1805, we find him touring the Argos-Corinth region: Dafni monastery, Eleusis and its religious mysteries, Megara, Corinthian isthmus, Corinthian fortress, Kechries, Nemea and its vineyards, Acropolis and ancient theater in Argos, the treasure of Mykene and Atreus, Tiryns and Nauplion, The ruins of the Epidaurus and Asclepius temple, Troizina, Methana, Poros are places he traveled and wrote. Then, on the road of Aegion, Sikyon passes through Xylokastron and stops in the local inns and after Patra, he reaches Olympia on January 24, 1806, depicting all villages of Achaia and Ileia (Elis). In the continuation of the trip, Messini visits Sparta in late February after visiting the ruins in Megalopolis and Vassai. After crossing Arkadiya and Achaia (by stopping at Tegea, Tripoli, Mantineia, Orchomenos, Stymphalia, Feneos, Kalavryta, Mega Spilaion), it reaches Patra in the spring and finally reaches Rome on September 18, 1806. After passing, he stops at the inns of the region and after Patra, he reaches Olympia on January 24, 1806, depicting all the villages of Achaia and Ileia (Elis). In the continuation of the trip, Messini visits Sparta in late February after visiting the ruins in Megalopolis and Vassai. After crossing Arkadiya and Achaia (by stopping at Tegea, Tripoli, Mantineia, Orchomenos, Stymphalia, Feneos, Kalavryta, Mega Spilaion), it reaches Patra in the spring and finally reaches Rome on September 18, 1806. After passing, he stops at the inns of the region and after Patra, he reaches Olympia on January 24, 1806 by describing all the villages of Achaia and Ileia (Elis). In the continuation of the trip, Messini visits Sparta in late February after visiting the ruins in Megalopolis and Vassai. After crossing Arkadiya and Achaia (stop by Tegea, Tripoliçe, Mantineia, Orchomenos, Stymphalia, Feneos, Kalavryta, Mega Spilaion), it reaches Patra in the spring and finally reaches Rome on September 18, 1806.
After documenting and archiving the archaeological remains that he visited, using the camera obscura technique, Dodwell aimed to combine art with the scientific view. In his published three volumes of his work, which is a basic resource for all travelers who traveled to Greece after him and which is still a very useful work in archaeological research, there are nearly 400 pictures of landscape and historical monuments drawn by Dodwell. Recently, dozens more patterns have appeared that have not been known to date.
The book in question contains colored stone print (aquatinta / painted water) paintings based on Dodwell's own drawings. Each picture is followed by Dodwell's explanatory notes in English and French. In the introduction, it is mentioned that 60 of them were chosen to be published from nearly 1000 sketches, and these were drawn and colored and printed with a special drawing style, but the number of copies printed for financial reasons was low. These drawings are supplements to the Dodwell "Seyahatname" and require the text to be read along with the picture to identify the people and events in the picture. The desire to convey what the artist depicted by staying true to the truth, as well as the effort to record pleasant details from everyday life, is evident in the displayed images.
Written By: İoli Vingopoulou
I am continuing working on getting some decent images of Mountain Bluebird inflight. I learned a lot more about the challenges today and got a few that I will share but I am still not there yet. It was a lot of fun doing though.
Embassy Tel Aviv's MEPI funded project “Negotiation Training for High School Students” kicked off in various cities around Israel during the month of October. The methodology, developed by Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation (PON), is used to train eleventh-grade Israeli high school students basic negotiation skills. Jewish and Arab schools are paired as students participate in 2-day workshops that test their ability to negotiate with one another and work together to solve problems or find the best alternative to a negotiated agreement. For many of the students this is the first real interaction they have with “the other.” An online network will be created for participants to continue interacting virtually after the training are over.
Continuing on with my pickups from Vancouver comes a rather strange one. Not strange as in bad looking (lets face it - I talked about the the Funko x Playmobil Michaelangelo.. not gonna be able to beat that), but rather very, very random. Again, one of those right place, right time sort of things. Presenting the Alter 1/8 Celty Sturluson from Durarara!! I happened upon this piece, used, for $20 CAD, in Langley BC, about a half an hour away from Vancouver. It just so happened that I was passing through the area on a Saturday morning to go to a place that was hour away, and was able to get the details to work out flawlessly.
I've never seen an episode of Durarara!!, and know the character best from the usual place - cosplayers wearing skin tight black biker gear and a yellow helmet with cat ears. According to Wikipedia, Celty is known as the The Black Rider or The Headless Rider, is an Irish fairy called a Dullahan, who came to Japan looking for her stolen head. I'm not entirely sure what it is she actually does, but it seems Dullahans are Reapers of sorts, guiding the dead to the afterlife. As she has no head, Celty typically keeps her helmet on, and if taken off, there is a wisp of shadowy matter that is in place of her head - she apparently can control this shadowy matter in general.
Released originally in 2012, with a reissue in 2015, this particular statue is the only one I've personally seen, though there is another one that is slightly less modest looking. Not entirely sure what the state of rareness is for this piece, but I'm pretty sure I got a good deal.
Like with KOS-MOS, Celty come packed in a transparent plastic box with colour print, with a paper insert and clear plastic tray for the various parts. Parts wise, there's the tuft of smoke as an alternate head, her Scythe, her PDA, and a translucent orange base with black printing on it. Celty is posed is a rather relaxed posture, with one hand holding her PDA, and the other, slightly behind her back, is meant to grip her Scythe. The helmet/head can be pivoted, giving Celty exactly one point of articulation, which apparently is kind of a thing - its too bad that it wasn't a ball joint, as that would have opened even more display options.
Alter has never let me down when it comes to quality of final product, and they certainly didn't do that here. I think she's a bit more curvaceous in the anime, but it's not like she's a teenage boy either - overall, it seems that the sculptor nailed down the overall look and feel of the character model. Her Scythe is a good size, and has a substantial blade size, something that can't be said about the other scale statue I was able to research.
Now, compared to other anime statues, Celty is a much, much simpler design, which is both a pro and a con. Certainly much easier for animators to bring life to, but it can present challenges to manufacturers of things like action figures and statues, as there are fewer things to hide flaws and blemishes behind. Alter came through beautifully. Celty's jumpsuit has some wonderful fabric detailing in the form of folds, as well as some very good mechanical detailing in the zipper, which is undone just enough for a hint of skin. Helmet came out nicely as well, seeming properly proportioned, with a clear plastic visor showcasing the absolutely nothing where her head should be. Not really much to talk about with regards to the PDA other than, well, it looks like a PDA. Scythe blade, as mentioned above, is a good size, and I do enjoy seeing the various nicks and ripples on the cutting side of the blade. The tuft of shadow that is her secondary head is done well enough.. no real comments other than it looks like a blob.
Paint application and finish of parts are the final parts of the equation. When you have a body that is predominately one colour and is wrapped in a smooth skin tight outfit, even the slightest imperfection in finish of the statue will stick out more than a bearded man in the women's change room at a gym. The finish on Celty is flawless - no rough edges, no poor sanding, no assembly gaps. All this perfection is further enhanced by the excellent application of a semi-gloss black paint with some grey for contrast that looks damn good under flash photography - understandably, the paint on her zipper isn't as bullet proof, but we're talking microscope level of detailing before anyone actually notices. The work on the helmet is of an equal high caliber, with the use of an even glossier paint to replicate the hard plastic of her helmet. Decal work is also as expected - tack sharp and properly aligned. What little skin is exposed was also quite well implemented, with a predominately matte finish to again, differentiate the lustre of skin versus leather or the finish of her helmet.
So overall, another quality statue by Alter with high production values and some customization potential. If you had to find fault in one thing, it would be that perhaps Alter played it a bit safe with the pose and/or the amount of skin shown. For me though, this simple, but stylish look will do just fine. Celty will proudly go on display with the other statues that I own, and look damn good doing it.
Continuing the story from PHOTO 2. This afternoon my friend identified the tree as Mackay cedar, acacia cedar, Red siris (Paraserianthes toona), the feathery foliage giving it away. However the red seeds don't belong to the Mackay cedar.
PHOTO 5. This tree was large and I am not exaggerating when I say it was about 50 metres high even though a govt web site says it only grows to 25 metres. It was really tall and I was on a very high zoom to reach to the top.
It turns out the birds in the cedar tree were female starlings, the ones that migrate from New Guinea. What must have happened was that they gorged themselves on the fruit of the brown damson and now were playing around in this tall cedar tree and purging themselves of the undigested seeds. And I tasted one!!!!
The Mackay cedar is a lovely timber tree and this is a little on it - Tree with bipinnate leaves, pinnae 5-22 pairs with a gland between many pairs, leaflets numerous, opposite, narrow. Flowers with five petals cream to greenish, staminal filaments about 5 mm long. Pods flat dehiscing along both sutures, 9-16 cm long and up to 3 cm wide.
I found these three interesting comments on a woodturning forum: -
"I chucked a couple of slabs of it on the floor & left them there in the sawdust for a while. Termites (Whiteants) came into my shed, ate there way through everything except the Mackay cedar, they used it like a hot tin roof... tunnelled under it in the sawdust & preferred to stay next to the concrete rather than the Mackay cedar."
"I read somewhere that Mackay Cedar (AKA Red Sirus - albizia toona) allegedly has the highest incidence of allergic reaction of any aussie timber."
"Hi guys
A few years back I met an old chap who worked a saw mill that cut mostly Mackay Cedar. The old bloke said he ran the mill with three of his brothers.
He told me that they are all dead of cancer and he had it too when I met him. We were waiting for our respective appointments with the doctor and it came out in the conversation.
If the burning like pepper does not tell you something maybe the above story might. I refuse to have anything to do with it, and neither will many locals."
The Fiat 500 is a car produced by the Fiat company of Italy between 1957 and 1975, with limited production of the Fiat 500 K estate continuing until 1977. The car was designed by Dante Giacosa.Launched as the Nuova 500 in July 1957, it was marketed as a cheap and practical town car. Measuring only 3 meters (~10 feet) long, and originally powered by a tiny 479 cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the 500 redefined the term "small car" and is considered one of the first city cars.In 2007 Fiat launched a similar styled, longer and heavier front wheel drive car, the Fiat Nuova 500.To meet the demands of the post-war market which called for economy cars, the Fiat 500 was rear-engined on the pattern of the Volkswagen Beetle, just like its bigger brother, the 1955 Fiat 600. Several car makers followed this now nearly vanished design at the time and were quite successful, but only the Fiat 500 was used as the template for other car makers in Europe. The Neckar version manufactured in Heilbronn under a complicated deal involving NSU, was introduced in October 1961.[2] In Upper Austria the firm of Steyr-Puch also produced cars based, by agreement, on the Fiat 500.Despite its diminutive size, the 500 proved to be an enormously practical and popular vehicle throughout Europe. Besides the two-door coupé, it was also available as the "Giardiniera" station wagon; this variant featured the standard engine laid on its side, the wheelbase lengthened by 10 cm (4 in) which yielded a usable rear seat, a full-length sunroof, and larger brakes from the Fiat 600.Sports models were produced by Abarth. An Austrian variant, produced by Steyr-Daimler-Puch, the 1956-1969 Steyr-Puch 500, had a motorcycle-derived Puch boxer twin motor, a sports model of which was the 1964-1968 Steyr-Puch 650 TR2.Production of the 500 ended in 1975, although its replacement, the Fiat 126, was launched two years earlier. The 126 was never as popular as its predecessor in Italy, but was (and still is) enormously popular in the former Eastern Bloc countries, where it is famed for mechanical durability and fuel economy.
La Fiat 500 è una utilitaria della casa torinese, prodotta dal 1936 al 1955 nella prima versione, volgarmente detta "Topolino", e dal 1957 sino al 1975, nella seconda versione, il cui nome commerciale esatto è "Nuova 500".
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A little while since my last stack, though reading continues as always. Really, really enjoying The Finder Library: Volume 1 right now a stunning comic book, reminding me of Castle Waiting which is a wonderful thing to find a sister of! Also had a good read of Dust by Elizabeth Bear, a very fantasy science-fiction generational ship with lots of good social/sexual exploration. So far so good...
Oh, my stack is sad incomplete because all my ebooks are in the very same phone that took this picture. Broken Slate by Kelly Jennings is the start of a multi-volume story a slave culture on a future planet that was a harrowing, exciting, driving read. Can't recommend it highly enough for those who don't mind squirming as well. (Some very rough, non-consensual gay sex, which makes sense for a book about slavery.)
La chapelle palatiale du château de Versailles - The Chapel of the Palace of Versailles
Begun in 1689, construction was halted due to the War of the League of Augsburg; Jules Hardouin-Mansart resumed construction in 1699. Hardouin-Mansart continued working on the project until his death in 1708, at which time his brother-in-law, Robert de Cotte, finished the project (Blondel, 1752–1756; Marie, 1972, 1976; Nolhac, 1912–1913; Verlet, 1985; Walton, 1993). It was to become the largest of the royal chapels at Versailles, and in fact the height of its vaulting alone was allowed to disturb the rather severe horizontality everywhere else apparent in the palace's roof-line, leading to the design being badly treated by some contemporaries at the time, most notably perhaps by the duc de Saint-Simon, who characterized it as an "enormous catafalque". Nevertheless, the magnificent interior has been widely admired to the present day and served as inspiration for Luigi Vanvitelli when he designed the chapel for the Palace of Caserta (Defilippis, 1968).
Dedicated to Saint Louis, patron saint of the Bourbons, the chapel was consecrated in 1710. The palatine model is of course traditional; however, the Corinthian colonnade of the tribune level is of a classic style that anticipates the neo-classicism that evolved during the 18th century, although its use here bespeaks a remarkable virtuosity. The tribune level is accessed by a vestibule, known as the salon de la chapelle, that was constructed at the same time as the chapel. The salon de la chapelle is decorated with white stone and the bas-relief sculpture, Louis XIV Crossing the Rhine by Nicolas and Guillaume Coustou forms the focal point of the rooms décor (Nolhac, 1912–1913; Verlet, 1985; Walton, 1993).
The floor of the chapel itself is inlaid with polychromatic marbles, and at the foot of the steps leading to the altar is the crowned monogram of an interlaced double "L" alluding to Saint Louis and Louis XIV (Nolhac, 1912–1913; Verlet, 1985; Walton, 1993). The sculptural and painted decoration uses both Old Testament and New Testament themes (Lighthart, 1997; Nolhac, 1912–1913; Sabatier, 1999; Verlet, 1985; Walton, 1993). The ceiling of the nave represent God the Father in His Glory Bringing to the World the Promise of Redemption and was painted by Antoine Coypel; the half-dome of the apse is decorated with Charles de la Fosse’s The Resurrection of Christ; and, above the royal tribune is Jean Jouvenet’s The Descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Virgin and the Apostles (Nolhac, 1912–1913; Walton, 1993).
During the 18th century, the chapel witnessed many court events. Te Deums were sung to celebrate military victories and the births of children (Fils de France and fille de France) born to the king and queen; marriages were also celebrated in this chapel, such as the wedding of Louis XV's son the dauphin Louis with the Infanta Marie-Thérèse d'Espagne of Spain on 23 February 1745 and the wedding on 16 May 1770 of the dauphin – later Louis XVI of France – with Marie-Antoinette. However, of all the ceremonies held in the chapel, those associated the Order of the Holy Spirit were among the most elaborate. (Blondel, 1752–1756; Bluche, 2000; Boughton, 1986; Campan, 1823; Croÿ-Solre, 1906–1921; Hézuques, 1873; Luynes, 1860–1865; Nolhac, 1912–1913).
The chapel was de-consecrated in the 19th century and has since served as a venue for state and private events. Musical concerts are often held in the chapel of Versailles.
Organ:
The organ of the fifth chapel of Versailles was built by Robert Clicquot and Julien Tribuot in 1709–1710. His first official presentation took place on Pentecost, Juin 8, 1710; the organist was Jean-Baptiste Buterne.
December 2, 2019--Westbury-- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, joined by Kingston Mayor Steve Noble and Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan, delivers a winter storm briefing in Kingston Monday December 2, 2019. Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo declared a State of Emergency in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga and Ulster Counties as a large winter storm continues to impact New York. The Governor has also activated 300 members of the National Guard to assist with snow removal and clean-up operations in these seven counties. Already, areas throughout the Capital Region have seen more than 12 inches of snow, with areas in the Central New York, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Mid-Hudson Regions seeing up to eight inches in some areas. As the storm continues throughout Monday and into Tuesday morning, areas in the Capital Region could another eight inches of snow. Given these totals, the Governor announced that non-essential employees in State offices in Albany, Schenectady, Columbia, Greene, Fulton, Montgomery, Washington, Rensselaer, Ulster, Schoharie and Saratoga Counties can stay home from work without having to charge accruals. New Yorkers planning to travel throughout Monday and on Tuesday morning are being urged to continue using extreme caution(Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)
Construction work continues in the Cannon House Office Building's south wing.
Phase 4 of the Cannon Renewal Project began in January 2023 and is scheduled to be complete in December 2024. The entire south side of the building, from the basement to the fifth floor, is closed. Work includes demolishing and rebuilding the fifth floor, conserving the exterior stonework and rehabilitating the individual office suites.
Full project details at www.aoc.gov/cannon.
-----
This official Architect of the Capitol photograph is being made available for educational, scholarly, news or personal purposes (not advertising or any other commercial use). When any of these images is used the photographic credit line should read “Architect of the Capitol.” These images may not be used in any way that would imply endorsement by the Architect of the Capitol or the United States Congress of a product, service or point of view. For more information visit www.aoc.gov/terms.
Reference: 20230329_110825_SG
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The #MYPUBLICLANDSROADTRIP continues at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse ONA in Florida. The Outstanding Natural Area designation was established by Congress primarily to protect unique scenic, scientific, educational, and recreational values. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse ONA is one of three National Conservation Lands sites afforded this designation, along with Oregon’s Yaquina Head and California’s Piedras Blancas Light Station.
Visitors on the virtual roadtrip and the to lighthouse and surrounding lands will regularly see manatees, tortoise, sub-tropical marine fish and invertebrates. The BLM Southeastern State staff and many volunteers maintain the area around the lighthouse for visitors and marine life. The underwater videos clips were taken during routine maintenance of an old dock and an erosion control project.
Two security guards/ushers in Dubai Mall late this evening.
Taken for my Project 365. Your comments give me the will to continue, so come on: say something!
Please don't leave badges, group images or invitations on my photos.
After 365, the journey continues, hot-air balloons are a staple around here. This one was so lovley with the sky behind t that I just had to pull over and take this image.
My images are posted here for your enjoyment only. All rights are reserved. Please contact me through flickr if you are interested in using one of my images for any reason.
SAVANNAH, Ga. – Work continues on a $1.5 million project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District in partnership with the National Park Service to restore erosion control at the Cockspur Island Lighthouse, shown here on Jan. 10, 2013. USACE photo by Russell A. Wicke.
The Corps provided the engineering design and contract oversight, working with prime contractor SES Construction and Fuel Services of Anchorage, Alaska. Construction began in October 2012 with an estimated completion in September 2013.
Erosion caused by wave action of daily tides and occasional storms has reduced the size and elevation of the oyster bed island, leaving the lighthouse foundation vulnerable to attack by Teredo worms (shipworms). As part of the project, the contractor will place stone revetment around the perimeter of the island that is most exposed and additional stone around the base of the lighthouse. Upon completion of the stone construction, oyster-filled bags will be tucked in among the stone layer to encourage new oyster growth.
The island and lighthouse are included in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Fort Pulaski National Monument. Today, the Cockspur beacon remains one of only five surviving coastal lighthouses in Georgia.
The kit and its assembly:
The “Swedish Season” continues! The Saab 23 is another “phantom of the past”, a real world design that never left the drawing board. The J 23 actually started as an alternative to the J 21, but was discarded in late 1941 in favor of the more promising, yet bigger and heavier, pusher design. But that would not stop modelers from trying to build one, even though I have never seen a model of this aircraft? Having recently tried to build a Saab 27 fighter caught me in the right mood for another whiffy Swedish design, so I took a chance on the J 23, too.
At first glance you can mistake the J 23 for a P-51B with an engine from a late Bf 109, some sources describe it as “a Swedish Messerschmitt”. But that’s only superficial, much like the later Griffon-powered J 27 project which can be described as a “Super Spitfire”, but this does not do justice to the aircraft’s construction.
Both were independent developments, even though the P-51 (some early specimen were forced to land in Sweden and closely examined) certainly had a massive impact on both designs.
Anyway, the information basis surrounding the J 23 is worse than the J 27’s, and I only had rather vague profile drawings/sketches at hand for reference. A basis model was also hard to find: the rear section from a P-51B (in this case an Intech kit from Poland) was settled, since the Mustang’s cockpit shape, dorsal section and fin come really close to the J 23. But you cannot simply mate a P-51 with a Bf 109 nose, it would result in a rather wacky Mustang-thing because the proportions are not right.
Finding a good solution was not easy, and I was lucky to find a Hasegawa Ki-61 in the stash – it has a German engine (an earlier DB 601, though) and an overall layout similar to the P-51B. But the Ki-61 is considerably larger than a Bf 109, more in the P-51’s size class. Despite many detail modifications I decided to mate these unlikely aircraft for the J 23s basis – engraved panel lines on both kits made the combination less obvious, too.
The InTech P-51B gave its tail and the cockpit section (excluding the radiator tunnel and the wing roots), cut away from the rest of the Mustang fuselage with a Z-shaped cut. With a matching cut on the Ki-61’s fuselage, the engine and the whole wing/fuselage intersection were used. Styrene strips held the fuselage sections in place, on the outside the seams were later blended with nitrous compound putty. One benefit of this solution is that the OOB P-51 canopy could be used (even though the rear end fit necessitated some body work), and the resulting cockpit position was just as far forward as on the J 23, right above the wings. As a consequence the rear fuselage behind the cockpit appears to be rather long, but that is AFAIK correct, the J 23 had these slightly odd proportions!
For the J 23’s DB 605 engine a different, bigger spinner had to be mounted – scratched from a massive PZL 23 spinner and single blades (from the Hasegawa Ki-61), together with a metal axis and a styrene tube adapter inside of the nose. Some putty work was necessary to fair over the Ki-61 guns on the cowling, the typical DB 601 front bulge and blend the bigger, new spinner to the rest of the fuselage, but the result looks O.K.
The Ki-61’s original wings and landing gear could, thanks to the original fuselage section from the Hasegawa kit, be carried over and easily mounted, even though the wing tips were clipped for a square, Mustang-esque shape (the J 23’s look in all illustrations I’ve seen like upscaled Bf 109E wings).
The InTech P-51’s horizontal stabilizers were used, but for a J 23 they had to be placed in a different position: further back (so that wedges for the vertical rudder had to be cut out) and considerably lower, necessitating some (more) body work to hide the original attachment points. The new position adds to the impression of an extended fuselage section behind the cockpit, even though the P-51 donor fuselage section is only a little longer than the Ki-61’s. All tail surface outlines were slightly modified, too.
The J 23’s typical, shallow radiator tunnel had to be scratched, the semi-buried construction sits far behind the wings’ training edge. In an initial step, the removed Ki-61 radiator’s gap as well as the P-51 tail wheel well were faired over with styrene sheet and new intake/outlet ramps integrated into the lower rear fuselage. The tunnel itself is the narrow, aerodynamic fairing of a Boulton Paul Defiant’s machine guns behind the turret (raised when not in use), left over from a Pavla kit, opened at both ends.
As a consequence of the new and long radiator tunnel, the P-51 tail wheel well was moved about 5mm further back and the fuselage profile under the tail fin re-shaped.
One of the final steps was the cockpit interior, because I was not sure concerning the relative position of the P-51’s canopy (cut into three pieces for open display) and dashboard and the Ki-61’s cockpit floor panel and seat. But both turned out to match relatively well, and I added a tank and radio dummy behind the seat in order to prevent a clear view into the rear fuselage.
The landing gear was taken OOB from the Ki-61 – it looks similar to the real J 23 arrangement, so I stuck with it. The tail wheel comes from the InTech P-51, just the covers were scratched for the re-located well.
All gun barrels on spinner and wings are hollow steel needles, no ordnance was hung under the wings, even though the Ki-61 hardpoints were retained. After all, it’s a fighter aircraft.
On the 26th of November, EP President Martin Schulz awarded the 2014 Sakharov Prize to Dr Denis Mukwege during a plenary session in Strasbourg.
Read the speech of EP President Martin Schulz here:
www.europarl.europa.eu/the-president/en/press/press_relea...
In many armed conflicts around the world, rape is used as a weapon of war, but Mukwege decided to help victims in his country. The 59-year-old gynaecologist founded the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu in 1998, when a war took place in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where today he still treats victims of sexual violence who have sustained serious injuries.
The war in DRC might be officially over, but the armed conflict still continues in the eastern part of the country and so do attacks against civilians, including gang rapes. Despite travelling regularly abroad to advocate women’s rights and managing Panzi Hospital, Mukwege continues to see patients and perform surgery two days a week. He was nominated by the S&D and ALDE groups and MEP Barbara Lochbihler.
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