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Port of Makassar, also known as Port of Soekarno-Hatta, is a seaport in Makassar, Indonesia. It has the highest passenger traffic among Indonesian ports and the largest cargo traffic in Sulawesi. It is considered a primary port (Pelabuhan Kelas Utama) by the Indonesian Government, along with the Port of Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Port of Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), and Port of Belawan (Medan).
An expansion to the port, dubbed New Port Makassar, is under construction with an expected additional capacity of 1.5 million TEUs in its first phase. The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has expressed a desire to designate the port as hub for the rest of Eastern Indonesia, in accordance to the current government's maritime axis program.
Makassar (Buginese-Makassarese: ᨀᨚᨈ ᨆᨀᨔᨑ; historically spelled Macassar) is the capital of the Indonesian province of South Sulawesi. It is the largest city in the region of Eastern Indonesia and the country's fifth largest urban centre after Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, and Medan. From 1971 to 1999, the city was named after one of its subdistricts, Ujung Pandang. The city is located on the southwest coast of the island of Sulawesi, facing the Makassar Strait.
Throughout its history, Makassar has been an important trading port, hosting the center of the Gowa Sultanate and a Portuguese naval base before its conquest by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. It remained an important port in the Dutch East Indies, serving Eastern Indonesian regions with Makassarese fishermen going as far south as the Australian coast. For a brief period after Indonesian independence, Makassar became the capital of the State of East Indonesia, during which an uprising occurred.
The city's area is 199.3 square kilometres and it had a population of around 1.6 million in 2013. Its built-up (or metro) area has 1,976,168 inhabitants covering Makassar City and 15 districts. Its official metropolitan area, known as Mamminasata, with 17 additional districts, covers an area of 2,548 square kilometres and had a population of around 2.4 million according to 2010 Census. According to the National Development Planning Agency, Makassar is one of the four main central cities of Indonesia, alongside Medan, Jakarta, and Surabaya. According to Bank Indonesia, Makassar has the second-highest commercial property values in Indonesia, after Greater Jakarta.
HISTORY
The trade in spices figured prominently in the history of Sulawesi, which involved frequent struggles between rival native and foreign powers for control of the lucrative trade during the pre-colonial and colonial period, when spices from the region were in high demand in the West. Much of South Sulawesi's early history was written in old texts that can be traced back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
Makassar is mentioned in the Nagarakretagama, a Javanese eulogy composed in 14th century during the reign of Majapahit king Hayam Wuruk. In the text, Makassar is mentioned as an island under Majapahit dominance, alongside Butun, Salaya and Banggawi.
MAKASSARESE KINGDOM
The 9th King of Gowa Tumaparisi Kallonna (1512-1546) is described in the royal chronicle as the first Gowa ruler to ally with the nearby trade-oriented polity of Tallo, a partnership which endured throughout Makassar's apogee as an independent kingdom. The centre of the dual kingdom was at Sombaopu, near the then mouth of the Jeneberang River about 10 km south of the present city centre, where, where an international port and a fortress were gradually developed. First Malay traders (expelled from their Melaka metropolis by the Portuguese in 1511), then Portuguese from at least the 1540s, began to make this port their base for trading to the Spice Islands' (Maluku), further east.
The growth of Dutch maritime power over the spice trade after 1600 made Makassar more vital as an alternative port open to all traders, as well as a source of rice to trade with rice-deficient Maluku. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) sought a monopoly of Malukan nutmeg and cloves, and came close to succeeding at the expense of English, Portuguese and Muslims from the 1620s. The Makassar kings maintained a policy of free trade, insisting on the right of any visitor to do business in the city, and rejecting the attempts of the Dutch to establish a monopoly.
Makassar depended particularly on the Muslim Malay and Catholic Portuguese sailors communities as its two crucial economic assets. However the English East India Company also established a post there in 1613, the Danish Company arrived in 1618, and Chinese, Spanish and Indian traders were all important. When the Dutch conquered Portuguese Melaka in 1641, Makassar became the largest Portuguese base in Southeast Asia. The Portuguese population had been in the hundreds, but rose to several thousand, served by churches of the Franciscans, Dominicans and Jesuits as well as the regular clergy. By the 16th century, Makassar had become Sulawesi's major port and centre of the powerful Gowa and Tallo sultanates which between them had a series of 11 fortresses and strongholds and a fortified sea wall that extended along the coast. Portuguese rulers called the city Macáçar.
Makassar was very ably led in the first half of the 17th century, when it effectively resisted Dutch pressure to close down its trade to Maluku, and made allies rather than enemies of the neighbouring Bugis states. Karaeng Matoaya (c.1573-1636) was ruler of Tallo from 1593, as well as Chancellor or Chief Minister (Tuma'bicara-butta) of the partner kingdom of Gowa. He managed the succession to the Gowa throne in 1593 of the 7-year-old boy later known as Sultan Alaud-din, and guided him through the acceptance of Islam in 1603, numerous modernizations in military and civil governance, and cordial relations with the foreign traders. The conversion of the citizens to Islam was followed by the first official Friday Prayer in the city, traditionally dated to 9 November 1607, which is celebrated today as the city's official anniversary. John Jourdain called Makassar in his day "the kindest people in all the Indias to strangers". Matoaya's eldest son succeeded him on the throne of Tallo, but as Chancellor he had evidently groomed his brilliant second son, Karaeng Pattingalloang (1600-54), who exercised that position from 1639 until his death. Pattingalloang must have been partly educated by Portuguese, since as an adult he spoke Portuguese "as fluently as people from Lisbon itself", and avidly read all the books that came his way in Portuguese, Spanish or Latin. French Jesuit Alexandre de Rhodes described his passion for mathematics and astronomy, on which he pestered the priest endlessly, while even one of his Dutch adversaries conceded he was "a man of great knowledge, science and understanding."
DUTCH COLONIAL PERIOD
After Pattingalloang's death in 1654, a new king of Gowa, Sultan Hasanuddin, rejected the alliance with Tallo by declaring he would be his own Chancellor. Conflicts within the kingdom quickly escalated, the Bugis rebelled under the leadership of Bone, and the Dutch VOC seized its long-awaited chance to conquer Makassar with the help of the Bugis (1667-9). Their first conquest in 1667 was the northern Makassar fort of Ujung Pandang, while in 1669 they conquered and destroyed Sombaopu in one of the greatest battles of 17th century Indonesia. The VOC moved the city centre northward, around the Ujung Pandang fort they rebuilt and renamed Fort Rotterdam. From this base they managed to destroy the strongholds of the Sultan of Gowa who was then forced to live on the outskirts of Makassar. Following the Java War (1825–30), Prince Diponegoro was exiled to Fort Rotterdam until his death in 1855.
After the arrival of the Dutch, there was an important Portuguese community, also call a bandel, that received the name of Borrobos. Around 1660 the leader of this community, which today would be equivalent to a neighborhood, was the Portuguese Francisco Vieira de Figueiredo.
The character of this old trading center changed as a walled city known as Vlaardingen grew. Gradually, in defiance of the Dutch, the Arabs, Malays and Buddhist returned to trade outside the fortress walls, and were joined later by the Chinese.
The town again became a collecting point for the produce of eastern Indonesia – the copra, rattan, Pearls, trepang and sandalwood and the famous oil made from bado nuts used in Europe as men's hair dressing – hence the anti-macassars (embroidered cloths protecting the head-rests of upholstered chairs).
Although the Dutch controlled the coast, it was not until the early 20th century that they gained power over the southern interior through a series of treaties with local rulers. Meanwhile, Dutch missionaries converted many of the Toraja people to Christianity. By 1938, the population of Makassar had reached around 84,000 – a town described by writer Joseph Conrad as "the prettiest and perhaps, cleanest looking of all the towns in the islands".
In World War II the Makassar area was defended by approximately 1000 men of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army commanded by Colonel M. Vooren. He decided that he could not defend the coast, and was planning to fight a guerrilla war inland. The Japanese landed near Makassar on 9 February 1942. The defenders retreated but were soon overtaken and captured.
AFTER INDEPENDENCE
In 1945 came the Indonesian declaration of Independence, and in 1946, Makassar became the capital of the State of East Indonesia, part of the United States of Indonesia. In 1950, it was the site of fighting between pro-Federalist forces under Captain Abdul Assiz and Republican forces under Colonel Sunkono during the Makassar uprising. By the 1950s, the population had increased to such a degree that many of the historic sites gave way to modern development, and today one needs to look very carefully to find the few remains of the city's once grand history.
CONNECTION WITH AUSTRALIA
Makassar is also a major fishing center in Sulawesi. One of its major industries is the trepang (sea-cucumber) industry. Trepang fishing brought the Makassan people into contact with Indigenous Australian peoples of northern Australia, long before European settlement (from 1788).
C. C. MacKnight in his 1976 work entitled Voyage to Marege: Macassan Trepangers in Northern Australia has shown that they began frequenting the north of Australia around 1700 in search of trepang (sea-slug, sea cucumber, Beche-de-mer), an edible Holothurian. They left their waters during the Northwest Monsoon in December or January for what is now Arnhem Land, Marriage or Marega and the Kimberley region or Kayu Djawa. They returned home with the south-east trade winds in April.
A fleet of between 24 and 26 Macassan perahus was seen in 1803 by French explorers under Nicolas Baudin on the Holothuria Banks in the Timor Sea. In February 1803, Matthew Flinders in the Investigator met six perahus with 20–25 men each on board and was told by the fleet's chief Pobasso, that there were 60 perahus then on the north Australian coast. They were fishing for trepang and appeared to have only a small compass as a navigation aid. In June 1818 Macassan trepang fishing was noted by Phillip Parker King in the vicinity of Port Essington in the Arafura Sea. In 1865 R.J. Sholl, then Government Resident for the British settlement at Camden Sound (near Augustus Island in the Kimberley region) observed seven 'Macassan' perahus with a total of around 300 men on board. He believed that they made kidnapping raids and ranged as far south as Roebuck Bay (later Broome) where 'quite a fleet' was seen around 1866. Sholl believed that they did not venture south into other areas such as Nickol Bay (where the European pearling industry commenced around 1865) due to the absence of trepang in those waters. The Macassan voyages appear to have ceased sometime in the late nineteenth century, and their place was taken by other sailors operating from elsewhere in the Indonesian Archipelago.
ECONOMY
The city is southern Sulawesi's primary port, with regular domestic and international shipping connections. It is nationally famous as an important port of call for the pinisi boats, sailing ships which are among the last in use for regular long-distance trade.
During the colonial era, the city was widely known as the namesake of Makassar oil, which it exported in great quantity. Makassar ebony is a warm black hue, streaked with tan or brown tones, and highly prized for use in making fine cabinetry and veneers.
Nowadays, as the largest city in Sulawesi Island and Eastern Indonesia, the city's economy depends highly on the service sector, which makes up approximately 70% of activity. Restaurant and hotel services are the largest contributor (29.14%), followed by transportation and communication (14.86%), trading (14.86), and finance (10.58%). Industrial activity is next most important after the service sector, with 21.34% of overall activity.
TRANSPORTATION
Makassar has a public transportation system called pete-pete. A pete-pete (known elsewhere in Indonesia as an angkot) is a minibus that has been modified to carry passengers. The route of Makassar's pete-petes is denoted by the letter on the windshield. Makassar is also known for its becak (pedicabs), which are smaller than the "becak" in the island of Java. In Makassar, people who drive pedicabs are called Daeng. In addition to becak and pete-pete, the city has a government-run bus system, and taxis.
A bus rapid transit (BRT), which is known as "Trans Mamminasata" was started in 2014. It has some routes through Makassar to cities around Makassar region such as Maros, Takallar, and Gowa. Run by Indonesian Transportation Department, each bus has 20 seats and space for 20 standing passengers.
A 35-kilometer monorail in the areas of Makassar, Maros Regency, Sungguminasa (Gowa Regency), and Takalar Regency (the Mamminasata region) was proposed in 2011, with operations commencing in 2014, at a predicted cost of Rp.4 trillion ($468 million). The memorandum of understanding was signed on 25 July 2011 by Makassar city, Maros Regency and Gowa Regency. In 2014, the project was officially abandoned, citing insufficient ridership and a lack of financial feasibility.
The city of Makassar, its outlying districts, and the South Sulawesi Province are served by Hasanuddin International Airport. The airport is located outside the Makassar city administration area, being situated in the nearby Maros Regency.
The city is served by Soekarno-Hatta Sea Port. In January 2012 it was announced that due to limited capacity of the current dock at Soekarno-Hatta sea port, it will be expanded to 150x30 square meters to avoid the need for at least two ships to queue every day.
ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNANCE
The executive head of the city is the mayor, who is elected by direct vote for a period of five years. The mayor is assisted by a deputy-mayor, who is also an elected person. There is a legislative assembly for the city, members of which are also elected for a period of five years. Makassar City is divided into 15 administrative districts and 153 urban villages. Districts in Makassar city are Biringkanaya, Bontoala, Sangkarang Islands, Makassar, Mamajang, Manggala, Mariso, Panakkukang, Rappocini, Tallo, Tamalanrea, Tamalate, Ujung Pandang, Ujung Tanah and Wajo.
GEOGRAPHY
This official metropolitan area covers 2.689,89 km2 and had a population of 2.696.242 (2017). The metropolitan area of Makassar (Mamminasata) extends over 47 administrative districts (kecamatan), consisting of all 15 districts within the city, all 9 districts of Takalar Regency, 11 (out of 18) districts of Gowa Regency and 12 (out of 14) districts of Maros Regency.
Districts of Takalar Regency which included in the metro area are, Mangara Bombang, Mappakasunggu, Sanrobone, Polombangkeng Selatan, Pattallassang, Polombangkeng Utara, Galesong Selatan, Galesong and Galesong Utara. Districts of Gowa Regency which included in the metro area are, Somba Opu, Bontomarannu, Pallangga, Bajeng, Bajeng Barat, Barombong, Manuju, Pattallassang, Parangloe, Bontonompo and Bontonompo Selatan. Districts of Maros Regency which included in the metro area are, Maros Baru, Turikale, Marusu, Mandai, Moncongloe, Bontoa, Lau, Tanralili, Tompo Bulu, Bantimurung, Simbang and Cenrana.
CLIMATE
Makassar has a tropical monsoon climate. The average temperature for the year in Makassar is 27.5 °C, with little variation due to its near-equatorial latitude: the average high is around 32.5 °C and the average low around 22.5 °C all year long. In contrast to the virtually consistent temperature, rainfall shows wide variation between months in Makassar due to movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. Makassar averages around 3,137 millimetres of rain on 187 days during the year, but during the month with least rainfall – August – only 15 millimetres on two days of rain can be expected. In contrast, during its very wet wet season, Makassar can expect over 530 millimetres per month between December and February. During the wettest month of January, 734 millimetres can be expected to fall on twenty-seven rainy days.
MAIN SIGHTS
Makassar is home to several prominent landmarks including:
- the 17th century Dutch fort Fort Rotterdam
- the Trans Studio Makassar—the third largest indoor theme park in the world
- the Karebosi Link—the first underground shopping center in Indonesia
- the floating mosque located at Losari Beach.
- the Nusantara
- the Bantimurung - Bulusaraung National Park well-known karst area, famous for the remarkable collection of butterflies in the local area, is nearby to Makassar (around 40 km to the north).
DEMOGRAPHICS
Makassar is a multi-ethnic city, populated mostly by Makassarese and Buginese. The remainder are Torajans, Mandarese, Butonese, Chinese and Javanese. The current population is approximately 1.5 million, with a Metropolitan total of 2.2 million.
EDUCATION
State University of Makassar
Hasanuddin University
Alauddin Islamic State University
Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar
Universitas Muslim Indonesia
By 2007 the city government began requiring all skirts of schoolgirls be below the knee.
TRADITIONAL FOOD
Makassar has several famous traditional foods. The most famous is Coto Makassar. It is a stew made from the mixture of nuts, spices, and selected offal which may include beef brain, tongue and intestine. Konro rib dish is also a popular traditional food in Makassar. Both Coto Makassar and Konro are usually eaten with Burasa or Ketupat, a glutinous rice cake. Another famous cuisine from Makassar is Ayam Goreng Sulawesi (Celebes fried chicken); the chicken is marinated with a traditional soy sauce recipe for up to 24 hours before being fried to a golden colour. The dish is usually served with chicken broth, rice and special sambal (chilli sauce).
In addition, Makassar is the home of Pisang Epe (pressed banana), as well as Pisang Ijo (green banana). Pisang Epe is a banana which is pressed, grilled, and covered with palm sugar sauce and sometimes eaten with Durian. Many street vendors sell Pisang Epe, especially around the area of Losari beach. Pisang Ijo is a banana covered with green colored flours, coconut milk, and syrup. Pisang Ijo is sometimes served iced, and often eaten during Ramadan.
WIKIPEDIA
Currently accepted name is Rosa sericea subsp. omeiensis forma pteracantha, Winged thorn rose. What is called Rosa omeiensis f. pteracantha is the same thing.
2-16-08
My name is Lori Zarlenga- Blaquiere. I was born on September 14, 1961 in the state of Rhode Island. I am writing to you for your immediate help. My life is in immediate danger from orders issued by President George W. Bush and Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri to
assassinate/murder me. You can contact me at my email LoriZarlenga@gmail.com and
my space.com/lorizz Also, you can find me on “google” by entering my name as keyword. My case is legitimate. Please do not disregard my case.
I have evidence and tapes on top officials and law enforcement among others to support my
claims. The current Rhode Island Senators Sheldon Whitehouse , Senator Jack Reed and former Senator Lincoln Chafee, among others are covering up and will not help me.
I posted a diary on the Daily Kos website on August 12, 2007 with regard to my life being in immediate danger from orders issued by President George W. Bush and Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri to assassinate/murder me.
I continued to stay on the Daily Kos website until sometime after 5:00 am and received
comments from the Daily Kos members community. The Daily Kos has over 1 million
members on their website.
On August 12, 2007, I was uploading exhibits, photos, and evidence to the Daily Kos members that support my claims against the United States Government et al.
On August 12, 2007 at approximately between 5:00 am & 6:00 am a West Warwick
Police officer came out to my house at 101 Border Street West Warwick, R.I. and violently banged at the doors at my house and continued to violently bang at the doors of my house for a long period of time in a terrorizing manner. The West Warwick Police Officer was given orders to stop me from getting the truth out to the American public .
I Lori Ann Zarlenga state that on August 21, 2007, a West Warwick Police vehicle came
up behind the vehicle where I was located in the back seat with my 5 year
old granddaughter and my mother Victoria Zarlenga who was seated on the passenger
side and my son Michael Zarlenga who was driving the vehicle on Cowesett Avenue
West Warwick, R.I.
I Lori Ann Zarlenga state that the police officers proceeded to get out of their police
vehicles with their guns drawn and aimed at the vehicle where I was located in the back
seat of the vehicle along with my 5 year old granddaughter, my mother and son .
The Coventry police, East Greenwich Police, the Rhode Island State Police, and the West
Warwick Police were on the scene.
I Lori Ann Zarlenga state that a West Warwick Police Officer pulled me out of the
vehicle where I was located in the back seat near my 5 year old granddaughter, with my
mother and son in the front seat of the vehicle.
I Lori Ann Zarlenga state that the Police proceeded to slam me to the ground and force
handcuffs on me and force me in the back seat of the West Warwick Police Vehicle.
I repeatedly asked the West Warwick Police Officer why the police forced handcuffs on
me and forced me in the back seat of the police vehicle, but the West Warwick Police
Officer repeatedly ignored me.
I continued to ask the West Warwick Police Officer why the police forced handcuffs on
me and forced me in the back seat of the police vehicle, he then stated to me that he was
trying to protect me .
While I was in the West Warwick Police vehicle, I observed police officers saluting to
each other with regard to capturing me.
While I was in the back seat of the West Warwick Police vehicle, a West Warwick Police
Officer asked me if I was injured and if I needed to go to the hospital inorder to lure me
into consenting to go to the hospital.
I stated to the West Warwick Police officer that I did not need to go to the hospital.
The West Warwick Police Officer told me that the fire rescue was going to take me to the
hospital for a psych evaluation.
I stated to the West Warwick Police officer that I did not want to go to the hospital and
that I did not need a pych evaluation. However, the West Warwick Police Officer told me
that I had to get into the Fire Rescue and go to the hospital. As a result, I had no other
choice but be taken by fire rescue to Kent County Memorial Hospital for a psych
evaluation without my consent.
My mother told me that the police officers apologized to her and stated to my mother
that they made a mistake .
I was subsequently taken by ambulance and transferred
to Land mark Medical Center without my consent and held hostage in lock down mental
health unit against my will. All of the evidence that was in my favor was ignored
by the doctors, social workers, and psychiatrist at Kent County Memorial Hospital and
Landmark Medical Center. The doctors, social workers, and psychiatrist at Kent County
Memorial Hospital and Land mark Medical Center manipulated and skewed the true facts
to cause me harm in connection with helping law enforcement and United States
Government from preventing me from exposing the truth to the American people and
my case continuing on Appeal with regard to the criminal acts committed by law
enforcement and the United States Government.
My Mother stated to the psychiatrist and nurses at Landmark Medical Center that I was
not delusional or paranoid and that I have never been a danger to myself or others and
that I have no history of mental health, and that I have never had a history of being
prescribed psychiatric medication and that I did not need psychiatric medication
my complaints against law enforcement are legitimate.
However, Dr. Elahi disregarded my mother statements and proceeded to contact his lawyer to
discuss whether or not he should discharge me, despite all evidence in my favor.
My family member stated to me that nurses at Landmark Medial Center made
statements about being disgusted with Dr. Shahid Elahi for consulting with his lawyer
with regard to whether or not to discharge me and delaying my discharge.
The nurses at Landmark Medical Center stated to me that I did not belong at Landmark
Medical Center Mental Health Unit
I have never had a history of mental illness.
On September 4, 2007, I was discharged from Landmark Medical Center.
I have never had a history of being targeted by the United States Government, Federal
and State law enforcement, among others prior to my L-tryptophan lawsuit.
In August of 2007, I had an Appeal pending in the First Circuit United States Court of
Appeals with regard to my December 7, 2006 Complaint against the United States
Government et al. As a result, of being held hostage in the hospital from August 21, 2007
to September of 2007, along with intimidation from law enforcement, among others in
connection with the United States Government I was unable to respond important
deadlines set by the First Circuit United States Court of Appeals . As a result, my Appeal with the First Circuit United States Court of Appeals is in default/dismissed for lack of
diligent prosecution.
As a result of my ingestion of contaminated L-tryptophan manufactured by Showa
Denko K.K., I developed a disease Eosinphilia Myalgia Syndrome. There are
approximately 5,000 people who ingested contaminated L-tryptophan
manufactured by Showa Denko K.K., and developed a disease Eosinphilia Myalgia
Syndrome. There maybe more unreported cases of Eosinphilia Myalgia
Syndrome caused by ingestion of contaminated L-tryptophan .
The L-tryptophan problem is the fault of the FDA due to lack of enforcement of 172.320,
among other violations of the FDA rules. Therefore, the FDA permitted the continued
illegal use of L-tryptophan.
If the FDA had enforced action against Showa Denko K.K., for violation of the FDA
rules mentioned herein, then L-tryptophan would not have been on the market and sold
to the American Public and caused death and illnesses associated with the sales of L-
tryptophan .
On October 25, 1995, I filed a products liability lawsuit against the Defendants
Showa Denko, K.K., Showa Denko America, Inc. General Nutrition Centers (GNC), et al. in
the State of Rhode Island Superior Court.
My case was transferred to Rhode Island District Court, (Blaquiere v. Showa Denko, K.K.,
Showa Denko America, Inc. General Nutrition Centers (GNC), et al., C.A.No.1:95-629 ).
My case was subsequently transferred for discovery to (MDL) United States District Court
Columbia, South Carolina, C. A. No. 3:96-361-0.
My case (Blaquiere v. Showa Denko, K.K., Showa Denko America, Inc. General
Nutrition Centers (GNC), et al., (C.A.No.1:95-629 ) was remanded to Rhode Island
District Court in 2003.
I hired a lawyer Dennis S. Mackin in 2000/2001 who used my case to file discovery
motions in the(MDL) United States District Court Columbia, South Carolina, (C. A. No. 3:96-
361-0), damaging to the defendant ShowaDenkoK.K.,their lawyers,Cleary,Gottlieb,Steen,and
Hamilton, and the United States Government.
My former lawyer Dennis Mackin was paid off to withdraw from my case and to
not go forward with the discovery motions and depositions damaging to Showa
Denko K.K., their lawyers, and the United States Government.
The discovery sought in my case that my former attorney Dennis Mackin filed in 2001 in the(MDL) United States District Court Columbia, South Carolina, (C. A. No. 3:96-361-0) was to demonstrate that Showa Denko K.K. and its attorneys have been involved in a continuing conspiracy to not only circumvent the discovery process, but to manipulate any scientific examination of Showa Denko K.K.’s reckless and wanton conduct”.
The United States Government wiretapped my phones, hacked my computers, surviellanced me during my L-tryptophan litigation and to the present. The United States Government obstructed justice, unlawfully sabotage my case inside and outside of the court system at every level.
My former attorney Dennis Mackin stated in his October 12, 2001 Reply of Plaintiff to Defendant's Motion to Qaush Deposition of Kenneth Rabin , that "additional questions must be answered about political pressure brought to bear upon members of the South Carolina Congressional delegation."" What information was given to Senator Thurmond, Senator Hollings and Congressman Ravenell?"
Documents made by Showa Denko K.K. included a budget attached to their public
relation scheme which was an amount determined for congressional
contracts, including the South Carolina delegation which was for 16, 000.00.
My former attorney Dennis Mackin stated in his motions that, “ The research of
this Eosinophilia Myalgia Syndrome has been twisted by the endless
manipulations by Showa Denko K.K and their lawyers,Cleary,Gottlieb,Steen,and
Hamilton and their confederates”. “ Worst of all, the scientific literature now
contains representations by shills for Showa Denko K.K. that will cause erroneous
medical science in the future”.
The United States Government is involved in the cover up .
My former attorney Dennis Mackin informed me that a promoter of an EMS
support group was being surveillanced and that anyone that who was viewed as a
threat was being surveillanced and intelligence was gathered .
The defendant Showa Denko K.K. a corrupt corporate giant, their corrupt lawyers,
and the United States Government conspired with all the courts at every level to
sabotage my case and the L-tryptophan litigation.
Showa Denko K.K., their lawyers, and the United States Government view me as
a threat, since my lawsuit still remains open that is damaging against Showa
Denko K.K. and General Nutrition Centers (GNC), among others. Also, Showa Denko K.K., their lawyers, and the United States Government, President George W. Bush and Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri fear the threat of civil and criminal action against them for their unlawful criminal activities.
I pose a threat to Showa Denko K.K. and the United States Government since,
my L-tryptophan lawsuit could re-open previous settlements entered into by
2,000- 5,000 L-tryptophan litigants on the basis of fraudulent inducement and the
United States Government's involvement in the cover up.
They were entered into by L-tryptophan Plaintiffs who were unaware of the defendants fraudulent concealment and the United States Government's cover up.
Showa Denko K.K., the United States Government, President George W. Bush and
Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri fear a movie being made and publicizing
their criminal activities which has continued to date.
President George W. Bush's father former President George H. W. Bush Sr. was
President of the United States from 1989 to 1993 during the Eosiophilia Myalgia Syndrome epidemic.
I filed a Complaint on December 7, 2006 against the United States Government et al. in
the United States District Court of Rhode Island, CA. No. 06-534 ML. My complaint is
pending in the First Circuit Court of Appeals. The United States Government have hired
my family, among others as informants to surveillance and gather intelligence on me.
At the time that I filed my December 7, 2006 complaint against a number of defendants
who are employed by the United States Government, I was unaware of orders issued by
President George W. Bush and Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri to assasinate/
murder me.
I spoke to a state senator with regard to my circumstances of law enforcement on the state and federal level that have harassed, targeted, survillenced me and have come out to my house and follow me on a daily basis. Also, the West Warwick police have even parked at my grandchild’s school shortly after I exposed President George W. Bush orders to assassinate/murder me.
The state senator stated to me that federal law enforcement, the Attorney General of the United States, and the Department of Justice are employed by President George W. Bush.
Moreover, my case is not isolated by a small number of police and law enforcement targeting and surveillanceing me. There are to many law enforcement and police and government officials organized at the highest level on the federal and local level that have targeted and surviellanced me. The state senator stated that the orders to murder me are coming from the President George W. Bush .
Further, the Rhode Island State Police who have been targeting and surviellancing me are given orders from Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri
In June or July of 2007, President George W. Bush came to Rhode Island and went on a
private helicopter ride with Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri and had discussions.
Shortly after I filed my December 7, 2006 complaint against the United States
Government et al, two key defendants named in my complaint retired Captain Gregory
Johnson of the West Warwick Police Department and Supervisory Special Agent
Nicholas Murphy of the Federal Bureau of investigation of R.I., and there may be others
who have also retired.
I am targeted, followed, and surveillanced by police officers, among others in the towns and places I travel in the state of Rhode Island and out of the state of Rhode Island on a daily basis.
The level of intensity and the number of police targeting, surviellancing, and following me has increased after I filed my December 7, 2006 complaint. And now since I have exposed President George W. Bush who issued orders to assassinate/murder me, the level of intensity and the number of police surviellacing and following me has further increased.
My telephones are wiretapped. The United States Government is hacking my computers.
The Federal Bureau of investigation, among others covered up the investigation of the hacking of my computers.
The Federal Bureau of investigation, United States Attorneys Office , Attorney Generals office, Department of Justice, among others are covering up and aware of the fact that I was kidnapped and assaulted by a Warwick Police Officer Joseph Mee on January 22, 2006 that was organized at the highest level of United States Government to assassinate/ murder me.
Further, law enforcement, among others are covering up the fact that on December 15, 2005 and December 16, 2005, Captain Gregg Johnson and Officer Patrick Kelly and the Kent County Memorial Hospital Emergency Room Staff violated my constitutional rights and deprived me of liberty against my will and without my consent to cause me harm in connection with the United States Government and Showa Denko K.K.
On April 14, 2006, I spoke to Laura Lineberry who is Condalezza Rice's personal assistant. Laura Lineberry informed me that she could not help me with regard to my circumstances mentioned herein, and that I should leave a message with the Representative of Secretary of State. I left a message with the Representative of Secretary of State, but no one returned my call.
On April 14, 2006, I contacted the White House comments department in Washington, DC for help with regard to my circumstances mentioned herein, and spoke to a young lady number(77) who stated she would pass on my comments to her supervisor and that her supervisor would summarize my comments and give it to President Bush. On April 14, 2006, I was unaware that President George W. Bush issued orders to assassinate/ murder me.
President George W. Bush, Condalezza Rice's office , nor anyone associated with the White House, responded in any way shape or form to my plea for help with regard to my circumstances mentioned herein.
I have evidence of my telephone calls to the White House, among others.
The IP Addresses with regard to the hacking of my computers have been traced to Washington, D.C.
You can view my complaint at pacer.psc.uscourts.gov.
My login is: lz0129 My password is 3y6!pomz ( party name is under my married name of Blaquiere) December 8, 2006 thru December 8, 2007 is the date you would use to view my complaint, since December 8, 2006 is the date my complaint was entered by the United States District Court of Rhode Island.
The United States District Court of Rhode Island omitted my supporting exhibits on
Pacer website and have intentionally obstructed my case and deprived me of a fair judicial process, inorder to protect and insulate the United States Government et al.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT DOES NOT INITIATE ACTION AGAINST SHOWA DENKO K.K. FOR THE FOLLOWING VIOLATIONS:
The L-tryptophan problem is the fault of the FDA due to lack of enforcement of 172.320, among other
violations of the FDA rules. Therefore, the FDA permitted the continued illegal use of L-tryptophan.
If the FDA had enforced action against Showa Denko K.K.,for violation of the FDA rules mentioned
herein, then L-tryptophan would not have been on the market and sold to the American Public and
caused death and illnesses associated with the sales of L-tryptophan in violation of the FDA rule.
In 1970 FDA considered L-tryptophan (amino acids) , when used as nutrients or dietary supplements, to
be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for those uses, and published that fact in the code of Federal
Regulations.
In 1972 FDA engaged in rule making to withdraw and remove approximately twenty amino acids
including L-tryptophan from the GRAS list ( generally recognized as safe) and to regulate them as
approved food additives that could not be sold without FDA's prior approval in the form of a food
additive petition, (37 Fed. Reg. 6938; April 6, 1972).
In 1973 FDA promulgated a binding substantive rule that is presently on the books, the Food additive
regulation that makes all amino acids, when used as components of dietary supplements,
unsafe food additives that violate the adulteration provisions of Act. 21 C.F.R. 172. 320.
In 1977, FDA seized L-tryptophan tablets on the grounds that the L-tryptophan that they contained
was an unapproved food additive. The court, however, found for the manufacturer of the tablets
because L-tryptophan was still on the FDA's GRAS list, (FDA had failed to remove it after the 1973
rulemaking), and the manufacturer was acting in accordance with the FDA's regulation.
In 1977, FDA deleted the listing of twenty amino acids that were the subject of the 1973 rulemaking
form the GRAS list, ( 42 Fed. Reg. 56720; October 28, 1977).
The FDA never renewed its regulatory action against dietary supplements containing L-tryptophan .
The food additive regulation that the FDA adopted in 1973 does not list (approve) L-tryptophan for
this use, and foods that contain unapproved food additive are deemed to be adulterated (21 U.S.C. 342
(a) (2) (c)).
FDA has not brought an action since 1977 against an L-tryptophan dietary supplement.
The FDA sought to enforce the rule prohibiting the use of amino acids in dietary supplements in two
seizure actions against products containing L-tryptophan. Those seizure actions were not successful.
The U.S. Government voluntarily dismissed the second lawsuit because the lawsuit was controlled by
a very hostile judge and the government feared that it would obtain an adverse ruling that would
insulate all dietary supplements from regulation under the food additive provisions of the act.
The FDA has not made any efforts to regulate amino acids since 1982. FDA ignored the food additive
regulations since 1982. In 1990, there was evidence showing that 30 amino acids other than L-
tryptophan were being sold by at least 22 companies.
The FDA has failed to date to bring charges against Showa Denko K.K. Showa Denko K.K. was in
violation of the FDA Food additive regulation that makes all amino acids, when used as components of
dietary supplements, unsafe food additives that violate the adulteration provisions of Act. 21
C.F.R. 172. 320. FDA should have gone after Showa Denko K.K. on an adulteration charge that the
L-tryptophan in the supplements is an unapproved food additive under 21 U.S.C. 342 (a) (2) (c).
Also, FDA failed to bring charges against Showa Denko K.K. with regard to L-
tryptophan being unfit for food, ( 21 U.S.C. 342 (a) (3). L-trytophan associated with illness
Eosinophilia Myalgia Syndrome, is unfit for food.
The FDA could have gone after L-tryptophan supplements as drugs. The FDA could have
developed evidence that L-tryptophan used for therapeutic purposes to combat sleeplessness and PMS
which is what L-tryptophan was advertized for is considered a drug and the FDA finding L-tryptophan
had not met the FDA's rational food supplement test would permit the FDA to bring drug charges
against the product under either 21 U.S.C. 321(g) (1) (B) or (c), National Nutritional Foods
Association v. Mathews, 557 F.2nd 325, 334 ( 2d Cir. 1977).
If the FDA had enforced action against Showa Denko K.K.,for violation of the FDA rules mentioned
herein, then L-tryptophan would not have been on the market and sold to the American Public and
caused death and illnesses associated with the sales of L-tryptophan in violation of the FDA rule.
On the Rhode Island ACLU website, there is a lawsuit against the United States
Government for Illegally surviellacing individuals attending a peace group in Rhode
Island and in other states.
The United States Government has files on these peace groups and have labeled these
peace group individuals as a threat because their simply anti-war.
The illegal acts of our United States Government is not an example of democracy, it is a
Dictatorship ruled by a dictator President George W. Bush who has committed crimes
against humanity and has violated our human rights.
Representative John Conyers Jr, was the Chairman re: the July 18, 1991 hearing on the FDA oversight of L-tryptophan. Representative John Conyers Jr, is currently the Chairman of the U.S.
House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary who can call for an investigation and immediate congressional hearings into this matter.
Please help me by writing to congress and. to investigate and call for immediate congressional hearings into this matter. Also, contact Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Senator Jack Reed to investigate and call for congressional hearings into this matter. If the American people place enough political pressure to investigate and call for congressional hearings into this matter, then an investigation into this matter will go forward and the truth will be exposed to the American people.
Also, please contact Senate Majority Leader, Senator Harry Reid, Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Senator Arlen Specter, Senator Charles E. Schumer, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., Senator John McCain, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Barack Obama, and all members of the Senate to call for investigation and congressional hearings with regard to law enforcement engaged in an ongoing organized crime to assassinate/murder me by orders issued by President George W. Bush.
President George W. Bush has scammed the American people into believing that the Iraq
war is a "just war" and that the United States military are fighting for democracy,
freedom and for our safety here at home, and yet at the same time President George W.
Bush is committing the worst crimes in american history against innocent american
citizens.
Please expedite the above and contact me at my email: LoriZarlenga@hotmail.com
You can view documents and obtain information about L-tryptophan and Eosinophilia Myalgia Syndrome on the National EMS Support Group website at www.nemsn.org
You can find me at myspace.com/lorizz
Also, you can find me at my website www.tiptopwebsite.com/lorizz.
I posted a letter explaining in more detail on my website and on my space.com/lorizz
If you have any questions or want to view my exhibits that support my December 7, 2006 complaint filed in the United States District Court of Rhode Island, then you can e-mail me and I will send you attachments you can view .
Thank You, Lori Zarlenga
I've been tagged !
10 things about myself
one- My current favorite bands at the moment are the Photographers, Modest Mouse, and Death Cab for Cutie.
two- I'd love to go to England (visit paige! by the way she's the one who got me the lovely bag!) and to Ireland someday. I've never been out of the country and if I could both of those countries seem wonderful :)
three- I don't like using "texting lingo" such as "lol" and getting sent the text "K" is oh so brutal.
four- I love writing and receiving letters!
five- I ♥ cats and I have two cats named Wadney and Artey.
six- I have a phobia of swallowing pills
seven- My birthday is on February 7th, and I am begging to get my ears double pierced but my mom needs some convincing...any suggestions? :)
eight- I shoot with a NikonD60, and I love it very much ! My dad got me into photography.
nine- I ♥ Zach Braff- Garden State and Scrubs.
ten- I am not good with coming up with things on the spot, for example these 10 things. I may just have to edit this when I think up some better things to say !
If you're tagged, I like your photos and think you should do this :)
Taken on Isla Mocha. Beautiful looking birds and wished I could have gotten a little closer to them.
The Red-legged Cormorant is almost restricted to the cold-water Humboldt Current region of Peru and Chile; the only other region where it occurs is on the Atlantic coast of southern Argentina. This attractive species is recognizable instantly by the brilliant colors of the bill and tarsi. It also is unusual for the color of the plumage: a muted gray, spotted with white, rather than the black, or stark black and white, of most other species of cormorants. Red-legged Cormorants forage in salt water, but tend to remain relatively close to shore. They also forage solitarily. The Red-legged Cormorant has a wide distribution, but is uncommon throughout its range, and has experienced significant population declines in recent years in Peru; its conservation status is rated as Near-Threatened.
The “Mighty Mac”
The Mackinac Bridge is currently the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world. In 1998, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan became the longest with a total suspension of 12,826 feet. The Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere.
The total length of the Mackinac Bridge is 26,372 feet. The length of the suspension bridge (including anchorages) is 8,614 feet. The length from cable bent pier to cable bent pier is 7,400 feet. Length of main span (between towers) is 3,800 feet.
The width of the roadway is 54 feet. The outside lanes are 12 feet wide (2), the inside lanes are 11 feet wide (2), the center mall is 2 feet wide, and the catwalk, curb and rail width is 3 feet on each side – totaling 54 feet. The stiffening truss width in the suspended span is 68 feet wide making it wider than the roadway it supports.
The height of the roadway at mid-span is approximately 200 feet above water level. The vertical clearance at normal temperature is 155 feet at the center of the main suspension span and 135 feet at the boundaries of the 3,000 ft. navigation channel.
All suspension bridges are designed to move to accommodate wind, change in temperature, and weight. It is possible that the deck at center span could move as much as 35 feet (east or west) due to high winds. This would only happen under severe wind conditions. The deck would not swing or “sway” but rather move slowly in one direction based on the force and direction of the wind. After the wind subsides, the weight of the vehicles crossing would slowly move it back into center position.
The steel superstructure will support one ton per lineal foot per roadway (northbound or southbound). The length of the steel superstructure is 19,243 feet. Each direction will, therefore, support 19,243 tons. The answer is 38,486 tons (2 x 19,243 tons).
Facts & Figures
The Mackinac Bridge is currently the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge opened to traffic on November 1, 1957. The following facts and figures are quoted from David Steinman’s book “Miracle Bridge at Mackinac”.
LENGTHS
Total Length of Bridge (5 Miles) : 26,372 Ft 8,038 Meters
Total Length of Steel Superstructure : 19,243 Ft. 5,865 Meters
Length of Suspension Bridge (including Anchorages) : 8,614 Ft. 8,614 Ft.
Total Length of North Approach : 7,129 Ft. : 2,173 Meters
Length of Main Span (between Main Towers) : 3,800 Ft. 1,158 Meters
HEIGHTS AND DEPTHS
Height of Main Towers above Water : 552 Ft 168.25 Meters
Maximum Depth to Rock at Midspan : Unknown Unknown
Maximum Depth of Water at Midspan : 295 Ft. 90 Meters
Maximum Depth of Tower Piers below Water : 210 Ft. 64 Meters
Height of Roadway above Water at Midspan : 199 Ft. 61 Meters
Underclearance at Midspan for Ships : 155 Ft. 47 Meters
Maximum Depth of Water at Piers : 142 Ft. 43 Meters
Maximum Depth of Piers Sunk through Overburden : 105 Ft. 32 Meters
CABLES
Total Length of Wire in Main Cables : 42,000 Miles 67,592 km
Maximum Tension in Each Cable : 16,000 Tons 14,515,995 kg
Number of Wires in Each Cable : 12,580
Weight of Cables : 11,840 Tons 10,741,067 kg
Diameter of Main Cables : 24 1/2 Inches 62.23 cm
Diameter of Each Wire : 0.196 Inches .498 cm
WEIGHTS
Total Weight of Bridge : 1,024,500 Tons 929,410,766 kg
Total Weight of Concrete : 931,000 Tons 844,589 kg
Total Weight of Substructure : 919,100 Tons 326,931,237 kg
Total Weight of Two Anchorages : 360,380 Tons 326,931,237 kg
Total Weight of Two Main Piers : 318,000 Tons 288,484,747 kg
Total Weight of Superstructure : 104,400 Tons 94,710,087 kg
Total Weight of Structural Steel : 71,300 Tons 64,682,272 kg
Weight of Steel in Each Main Tower : 6,500 Tons 5,896,701 kg
Total Weight of Cable Wire : 11,840 Tons 10,741,067 kg
Total Weight of Concrete Roadway : 6,660 Tons 6,041,850 kg
Total Weight of Reinforcing Steel : 3,700 Tons 3,356,584 kg
RIVETS AND BOLTS
Total Number of Steel Rivets : 4,851,700
Total Number of Steel Bolts : 1,016,600
DESIGN AND DETAIL DRAWINGS
Total Number of Engineering Drawings : 4,000
Total Number of Blueprints : 85,000
MEN EMPLOYED
Total, at the Bridge Site : 3,500
At Quarries, Shops, Mills, etc. : 7,500
Total Number of Engineers : 350
IMPORTANT DATES
Mackinac Bridge Authority Appointed : June, 1950
Board of Three Engineers Retained : June, 1950
Report of Board of Engineers : January, 1951
Financing and Construction Authorized by Legislature : April 30, 1952
D.B. Steinman Selected as Engineer : January, 1953
Preliminary Plans and Estimates Completed : March, 1953
Construction Contracts Negotiated : March, 1953
Bids Received for Sale of Bonds : December 17, 1953
Began Construction : May 7, 1954
Open to traffic : November 1, 1957
Formal dedication : June 25-28, 1958
50 millionth crossing : September 25, 1984
40th Anniversary Celebration : November 1, 1997
100 millionth crossing : June 25, 1998
In Memory Of
Forever Remembered
During the construction of the Mackinac Bridge in the 1950’s, five men unfortunately lost their lives.
One man died in a diving accident; one man fell in a caisson while welding; one man fell into the water and drowned; and two men fell from a temporary catwalk near the top of north tower.
The names of those five men (and the date of their deaths) are listed below.
Frank Pepper, Sept. 16, 1954
James R. LeSarge, Oct. 10, 1954
Albert Abbott, Oct. 25, 1954
Jack C. Baker, June 6, 1956
Robert Koppen, June 6, 1956
After the bridge was built and opened to traffic, one MBA maintenance worker lost his life. On August 7, 1997, Daniel Doyle, a bridge painter, fell from his painting platform and drowned in the Straits of Mackinac. His tragic and unfortunate death shocked everyone.
Dan and others who have lost their lives on the job are permanently honored by MDOT in the Clare Welcome Center located in Clare, Michigan. The Employee Memorial is a permanent tribute to highway workers all over Michigan who lost their lives along highways and bridges. The Clare memorial provides an opportunity to educate the public about the human cost of building and maintaining Michigan’s transportation system.
All six of these men will forever be remembered by many.
Prentiss M. Brown
1889-1973
Born in St. Ignace, Michigan, Mr. Brown Graduated from LaSalle High school in 1905, Albion College in 1911, and did post graduate work at the University of Illinois. Prentiss married Marion Walker, and practiced law with his father in the St. Ignace area. From 1932 to 1943 he served in the U.S. Congress and Senate. In 1950 Prentiss M. Brown was appointed to the Mackinac Bridge Authority and elected its first Chairman. Mr. Brown, with the assistance of fellow Authority members William Cochran, Murray Van Wagoner, and Charles Fisher, Jr., secured the financing for the Mackinac Bridge. Mr. Brown considered this to be one of his most rewarding accomplishments.
Prentiss M. Brown is well known for his struggle to get the Mackinac Bridge built over the Straits of Mackinac. Mr. Jack Carlisle, in a radio broadcast over WWJ radio station on February 22, 1954, told his listeners of Mr. Brown’s struggle. The transcript from Mr. Carlisle’s broadcast was later published in a newspaper and is as follows:
” After a 20-year fight which often seemed hopeless, there finally is going to be a five-mile bridge across the Straits of Mackinac. As one of the states most ambitious projects, it will link Michigan’s two peninsula’s. It will cost about $99 million. It is scheduled for completion in November, 1957.
The bridge project had many stalwart partisans. However, the project actually became a reality through the determination of one man – Prentiss M. Brown, Chairman of the Michigan Mackinac Bridge Authority. Brown, a former United States Senator and Chairman of the Board of the Detroit Edison Company, refused to accept defeat when it seemed inevitable. Prentiss M. Brown just wouldn’t stay licked.
His energetic determination to get the Mackinac Bridge financed is undoubtedly due to the fact that he was born and raised in the midst of a daily realization of the need for the bridge. Now 64 years old, Prentiss Brown spent a lifetime in his old home town of Saint Ignace, Michigan. He was once a bellhop at the old Astor Hotel on Mackinac Island. Probably the bridge idea would have died completely in the last year – if it had not been for an incident that happened to Brown 34 years ago. He was 30 years old then and a lawyer. He was scheduled to appear before the State Supreme Court in Lansing to argue a case.
Brown had to get across the Straits to catch a train at Mackinaw City. However, both of the ferry boats were stuck in the winter ice. He and another hardy voyager, who also had important business on the side of the Straits, hired a horse and a cutter. They started across the ice. They ran into ice hummocks ten feet high and had to send the cutter back to Saint Ignace. They proceeded on foot.
They ran into 50 acres of open water, like a big pond, and had to circle it. All in all, they hiked four miles across the ice. The wind was blowing up a small gale. It was snowing. By the time they had spent most of the day walking – well, they missed their train.
Brown said in a recollection today, “That bitter hike across the Straits made a lasting impression on me – for the need of a bridge across the Straits.”
Prentiss Brown never forgot. That is the reason that 20 years ago Brown became legal counsel for the first Mackinac Bridge Commission. Back in 1933 under Governor Comstock. And Prentiss worked for love. He would accept no money. Four years ago he became chairman of the Mackinac Bridge Authority. By 1952, it looked like the RFC woud finance the bridge across the Straits. Whereupon, a New York investment broker offered to organize a private syndicate in October, 1952, to do the financing.
He tried to float the Mackinac Bridge bonds in March and again in June, 1953. Both times he failed. As a matter of fact, it looked like the bridge project was a gone goose last June. For lack of financing. Due to the high cost of money. But Prentiss refused to stay licked. The project was revived on the New York bond market in November due to the increase in interest rates and the increase in traffic across the Straits.
It was only six days ago that a check for $98,500,000 to finance the Straits of Mackinac Bridge was put into Brown’s hands in New York. One hundred and fifty investment brokers underwrote the sale of revenue bonds for a commission pot of three million dollars.
Actually, the deal went through last year with just 13 days to spare before the offer of State maintenance for the bridge would have expired. In a four-year battle under Brown to get the bridge finance – this was a slim margin to win a victory.
Michigan will not soon forget the gallant fight of Prentiss M. Brown for the Straits of Mackinac Bridge.”
The Mackinac Bridge Authority has created a token in honor of Prentiss M. Brown. To view this and all other tokens visit Token Gift Packs / Medallion.
A visit to Caernarfon Castle in North Wales. It was here in 1911 and 1969 that the Prince of Wales was inaugurated (Prince Edward later Edward VIII and the current Prince of Wales, Prince Charles).
Caernarfon Castle (Welsh: Castell Caernarfon), often anglicized as Carnarvon Castle, is a medieval fortress in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, north-west Wales cared for by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service. There was a motte-and-bailey castle in the town of Caernarfon from the late 11th century until 1283 when King Edward I of England began replacing it with the current stone structure. The Edwardian town and castle acted as the administrative centre of north Wales and as a result the defences were built on a grand scale. There was a deliberate link with Caernarfon's Roman past and the Roman fort of Segontium is nearby.
While the castle was under construction, town walls were built around Caernarfon. The work cost between £20,000 and £25,000 from the start until the end of work in 1330. Despite Caernarfon Castle's external appearance of being mostly complete, the interior buildings no longer survive and many of the building plans were never finished. The town and castle were sacked in 1294 when Madog ap Llywelyn led a rebellion against the English. Caernarfon was recaptured the following year. During the Glyndŵr Rising of 1400–1415, the castle was besieged. When the Tudor dynasty ascended to the English throne in 1485, tensions between the Welsh and English began to diminish and castles were considered less important. As a result, Caernarfon Castle was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. Despite its dilapidated condition, during the English Civil War Caernarfon Castle was held by Royalists, and was besieged three times by Parliamentarian forces. This was the last time the castle was used in war. Caernarfon Castle was neglected until the 19th century when the state funded repairs. In 1911, Caernarfon Castle was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, and again in 1969. It is part of the World Heritage Site "Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd".
A Grade I listed building.
History
Begun in 1283 and still incomplete when building work ceased c1330. Built for Edward I of England, it combined the roles of fortification, palace and administrative centre. A motte and bailey castle had been built here in the late C11 by Earl Hugh of Chester, although it became a residence of Welsh princes, including Llewelyn ap Gruffudd, after the Welsh regained control of Gwynedd by 1115. The English conquest of N Wales followed quickly after the death of Llewelyn ap Gruffudd in 1282 and Caernarfon was built to consolidate the English gains. Edward I employed James of St George as his architect, who had previously been employed by Philip of Savoy and had designed for him the fortress-palace of St Georges d'Esperanche. James also directed the building other castles for Edward I, including Harlech, Conwy and Beaumaris, using English craftsmen and labourers. The design of Caernarfon Castle echoed the walls of Emperor Constantine's Roman city of Constantinople, which also has polygonal towers and banded stonework, and was thus intended by Edward to be an expression of imperial power. Edward I and Queen Eleanor visited Caernarfon in 1284 and it was said that their son, Edward, the first English prince of Wales, was born at the castle in 1284.
Construction of the castle was integrated with the construction of town walls protecting the newly established borough, the town being situated on the N side of the castle. By 1292 the southern external façade of the castle was probably complete, while on the N side the castle was protected by a ditch and the walled town. The castle was damaged during an uprising in 1294 led by Madog ap Llewelyn, but Edward I swiftly regained control of Caernarfon and the castle, where restoration work began in 1295. The uprising had demonstrated the need to complete the castle's defences on the town side, which were largely built in the period 1295-1301. Work subsequently continued at a slower pace in the period 1304-30 and included the completion of the towers, including the Eagle Tower which was completed 1316-17 and in 1316 the timber-framed 'Hall of Llewelyn', the Welsh prince's residence at Conwy, was dismantled and shipped to Caernarfon. The upper portion of the King's Gate was constructed in 1321 and included a statue of Edward of Caernarfon, who had been crowned Edward II in 1307.
The castle was garrisoned for nearly 2 centuries but was increasingly neglected as hostilities softened from the C16 onwards. The castle was garrisoned for Charles I during the Civil War but was surrendered to the Parliamentarians in 1646. In the C18 the castle became one of the most celebrated of ruins in Wales, which began its present phase as tourist attraction and ancient monument. Restoration was undertaken in the final quarter of the C19 under the direction of Sir Llewelyn Turner, Deputy Constable. In 1908 ownership passed from the Crown to the Office of Works and restoration work continued. This included the reinstatement of floors in most of the towers and reinstatement of the embattled wall walks by 1911. The castle was the venue for the investiture of both C20 Princes of Wales, in 1911 and 1969.
Exterior
Constructed of coursed limestone with darker stone banding to the S and E external façades between the Eagle Tower and NE Tower. The plan is polygonal, resembling a figure of 8, and constructed around an upper and a lower ward in the form of curtain walls and mainly 3-stage polygonal towers with basements (in contrast to the round towers of the town walls). The structure is in 2 main phases. The earlier is the S side, from and including the Eagle Tower to the NE Tower, was constructed mainly in the period 1283-1292, while the N side facing the walled town was built after the uprising of 1294. The curtain walls are embattled with loops to the merlons and a wall walk. Openings are characterised by the frequent use of shouldered lintels, giving rise to the alternative term 'Caernarfon lintel', and 2-centred arches. The towers have reinstated floors of c1911 on original corbels. The outer walls have arrow loops. Windows are mainly narrow single-light, but some of the mullioned windows incorporate transoms.
The principal entrance is the 3-storey King's Gate on the N side. It is reached across the ditch by a modern segmental-arched stone bridge with stone steps to the outer side, replacing the medieval drawbridge. The King's Gate has polygonal towers with 2-light windows to the outer facets in the middle stage and 2-light windows in the upper stage. The entrance is recessed behind a segmental moulded arch. It has a 2-centred arch beneath string courses and 2-light transomed window. Above the main arch is a statue of Edward II in a canopied niche with flanking attached pinnacles.
To the R is the outer wall of the kitchens and then the Well Tower, of 3 stages with basement. The Well Tower has a higher polygonal turret reinstated in the late C19 and full-height square projection on the W side housing the well shaft. The tower has 2-light windows in the middle and upper stages.
The Eagle Tower at the W end is the largest of the towers, having been designed to accommodate the king's lieutenant. It has 3 stages with basement and 3 higher polygonal turrets. The battlements are enriched by carved heads and eagles, although much weathered. On the N side are 2-light windows and an attached stub wall with drawbridge slot. This is the planned water gate through which water-borne supplies were intended to be conveyed to the basement of the Well Tower at high tide, but it was not completed. It has polygonal responds to the gate, a portcullis slot and 2 superimposed windows between the basement and ground-floor levels. On the N side is a flight of stone steps to an arched doorway at basement level. This postern was the main entrance for those approaching by sea. On the S side the curtain wall is built on exposed bedrock and the Queen's Tower, Chamberlain Tower and the Black Tower each have a single higher polygonal turret. The outer faces have only narrow loops. On the W side of the Chamberlain Tower are stone steps to a doorway under a shouldered lintel that led into the great hall. On the E side of the Black Tower is the shorter polygonal Cistern Tower, with the unfinished Queen's Gate at the SE end. Between the Chamberlain Tower and Black Tower the curtain wall is stepped in, from which point there is a substantial raked stone plinth continuing around to the NE Tower. The Queen's Gate has double polygonal towers linked by a straight wall above the gateway, while the openings are all narrow loops. The gateway is raised above a high basement storey (and would have been reached by the building of a massive stone ramp) and is recessed beneath a segmental arch with murder holes. The Watch Tower to the N is narrower and higher than the remaining towers, beyond which is the 2-stage NE Tower, which has a 2-light window. Returning along the N side, which was built after 1295, the curtain wall and the 4-stage Granary Tower incorporate 2-light windows.
The King's Gate has murder holes to the vault and porters' rooms to the L and R, leading to the interior. Internally the castle is planned around an upper ward on the E side and a lower ward on the W side. Through the entrance passage is a 2-storey projection on the R (now housing a shop), the S side of which retains 2 portcullis slots and a vault springer, indicating that a second entrance was built here, although it no longer survives above the foundations. Above the main gate is a former chapel, which retains its original piscina. The upper storey hall has window seats. On the W side of the King's Gate are the foundations of the kitchens in the lower ward, in which are 2 round foundations for copper cauldrons and springer of a former vault. The Well Tower does not have reinstated floors, but in each storey a fireplace and garderobe are retained and in the second stage is a small kitchen above the well chamber. The fireplaces all differ in detail: in the basement is a segmental arch, the lower storey a tripartite lintel, the second stage a projecting lintel on corbels with raked hood, and chamfered lintel to the upper stage. The tower has a full-height newel stair. The basement is reached by external stone steps. Between the Well Tower and Eagle Tower is a restored fireplace with a raked hood in a chamber whose outline walls are visible.
The Eagle Tower has stone steps to the basement to the L of the main doorway, both lower stage and basement having pointed doorways. The upper stages have 2-light windows similar to the outer faces. The thick walls incorporate mural passages and stairs. In the lower stage is a large fireplace with raked hood and a small octagonal chamber that probably served as a chapel. The great chamber in the second stage also has an octagonal chapel, which retains a stoup or piscina. Between the Eagle Tower and the NE Tower the curtain wall and towers have mural passages in addition to the wall walk and generally have stone steps in either straight flights to the wall walks or newel stairs, and most chambers in the towers have associated garderobes. The Queen's Tower, known as the 'Banner Tower' in the C14, and the Chamberlain Tower have chambers in each storey with small square subsidiary chambers that probably served as chapels, and 2-light windows. The Queen's Tower has 3 octagonal chimney shafts behind the parapet. In the Chamberlain Tower the lower storey retains a fireplace with shouldered lintel. Both towers are occupied by the museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Between Queen's Tower and Chamberlain Tower are the foundations of the great hall, while the 2 superimposed mural passages in the curtain wall have 2-light windows that formerly opened into the hall.
The Black Tower is smaller than the other towers and has only single chambers in each stage, with cambered fireplace in the upper chamber, and 2-light windows. The Cistern Tower has a vaulted hexagonal chamber beneath an open stone-lined rainwater tank visible on the wall walk. In the unfinished Queen's Gate the position of porters' rooms is discernible in the flanking towers of which the S has a lintelled fireplace while both have garderobes. Portcullis slots and murder holes are in the passage. The upper storey over the passage was to have been a hall but was not completed. The Watch Tower is entered by a doorway at the wall walk level only.
The NE Tower is simpler with single chambers in each stage, as is the Granary Tower, which incorporates a well shaft and has a fireplace with raked hood in the upper stage. Between the NE Tower and the King's Gate the curtain wall has corbels representing former buildings built against the curtain, and its mullioned windows incorporate window seats.
Reasons for Listing
Listed grade I as one of the finest medieval castles in Wales, and unique in its royal associations.
Scheduled Ancient Monument CN 079.
World Heritage Site.
Eagle Tower
The names of the current Tower ravens are Jubilee, Harris, Gripp, Rocky, Erin, Poppy, Georgie, Edgar and Branwen. Ravens are intelligent birds and each of them has its own personality; they can mimic sounds, play games and solve problems.
THE LEGEND OF THE TOWER RAVENS
It is said that the kingdom and the Tower of London will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress. There are nine ravens at the Tower today.
Charles II is thought to have been the first to insist that the ravens of the Tower be protected after he was warned that the crown and the Tower itself would fall if they left.
The King's order was given against the wishes of his astronomer, John Flamsteed, who complained the ravens impeded the business of his observatory in the White Tower.
The leading edge of a denser turbidity current as it intrudes into less dense clean water. The edge develops a pattern of lobes and clefts due to an instability.
See
www.physics.utoronto.ca/~nonlin/turbidity/turbidity.html
Photo by Jerome Neufeld
An interesting listing currently noted on TradeMe.
Buy Now $58,000. On road costs Included
Start price $28,000.00. Reserve not met
Description:
11 litre Scania Motor 330hp approx
51 seater
Will come with new COF
1 Month Registration
1000km RUC
330 hp approx
10 Speed Manual Transmission
6x2
1.083,000km
At Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Motor has been rebuilt with previous owner but unable to get specific records .
Payment Due within 7 days of Auction End .
Vehicle is sold "as is where is " and " Buyer beware "
Available for inspection in Rotorua by appointment only.
Listing Closes: Sunday, 22 September at 7:30 pm
Operator - Miscellaneous operators - Waikato and Bay of Plenty
Registration - CGY633
Chassis Type - Scania K113TRB
Chassis No. - 1814341
Body Manufacturer - Austral
Body Date - 1989
Seating Codes - C50F
Notes - Operator: Central Transport Ltd, Reporoa; ex (63) CGY633, Nirvana Coaches, Reporoa; ex (50) SCL50, Scenic Coachlines Ltd, Auckland; ex Australia.
Livery - AOA for Central Transport
Flashback details to a previous listing on TradeMe of the same bus:
Operator - Nirvana Coaches - Rotorua
Fleet Number - 63
Registration - CGY633
Chassis Type - Scania K113TR
Chassis No. - 1814341
Body Date - 1989
Seating Codes - C50F
Notes - Advertised FOR SALE on Trademe; by 07/2012. Ex SCL50.
Livery - Nirvana
The current terminal building, built in 1962, is supported by 80-year-old wooden beams. The current building will be torn down in summer 2019. All of the wooden beams will be replaced with steel column piles, similar to those in the foreground above. Once the steel piles are installed, a new concrete and steel trestle deck will be built on top. When the new trestle deck is in place, construction of the remaining sections of the new terminal building begins. The whole project will be complete in 2023.
If Canada Post implements their current plan the Mailman will be out of a job. We will all go to the community mailbox at the end of the street to get our mail.
That's all well and good for the able-bodied but what about the differently-abled in wheelchairs, the senior citizens and the single mothers busy with kids?
This link will always start with my Most Recent Flickr Photo. See Mikey G Ottawa's Flickr Slideshow HERE: www.flickr.com/mikeygottawa/show
CTV Regional Contact gave me 3 minutes on the local CTV News here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C2U_01ajdw
See my 10 minutes of local TV coverage on Rogers Cable's "Camera Talk" with Sandie Sharkey here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-s4ZpS_t1Y
Aerial view showing a footbridge, looks to be the bridge over the Current River near Trowbridge Falls.
One of a set of slides taken for the Thunder Bay Park System Master Plan project, developed in 1972, prepared by Brauer & Associates.
Accession 2012-11 #021
For more information about Thunder Bay's history, visit www.thunderbay.ca/archives
(~1.6 centimeters across at its widest)
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A mineral is a naturally-occurring, solid, inorganic, crystalline substance having a fairly definite chemical composition and having fairly definite physical properties. At its simplest, a mineral is a naturally-occurring solid chemical. Currently, there are over 5900 named and described minerals - about 200 of them are common and about 20 of them are very common. Mineral classification is based on anion chemistry. Major categories of minerals are: elements, sulfides, oxides, halides, carbonates, sulfates, phosphates, and silicates.
The silicates are the most abundant and chemically complex group of minerals. All silicates have silica as the basis for their chemistry. "Silica" refers to SiO2 chemistry. The fundamental molecular unit of silica is one small silicon atom surrounded by four large oxygen atoms in the shape of a triangular pyramid - this is the silica tetrahedron - SiO4. Each oxygen atom is shared by two silicon atoms, so only half of the four oxygens "belong" to each silicon. The resulting formula for silica is thus SiO2, not SiO4.
The simplest & most abundant silicate mineral in the Earth's crust is quartz (SiO2). All other silicates have silica + impurities. Many silicates have a significant percentage of aluminum (the aluminosilicates).
Quartz (silicon dioxide/silica - SiO2) is the most common mineral in the Earth's crust. It is composed of the two most abundant elements in the crust - oxygen and silicon. It has a glassy, nonmetallic luster, is commonly clearish to whitish to grayish in color, has a white streak, is quite hard (H≡7), forms hexagonal crystals, has no cleavage, and has conchoidal fracture. Quartz can be any color: clear, white, gray, black, brown, pink, red, purple, blue, green, orange, etc.
Chrysoprase is an apple-green, microcrystalline variety of quartz. The green color has been attributed to nickel oxide impurity.
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Photo gallery of quartz and chrysoprase:
www.mindat.org/gallery.php?min=3337
and
During the Florida East Coast Railway Society 2008 Convention in Miami, there was a Bus Trip on September 27, 2008 to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami. The GCRRM is located at 12450 South West 152nd Street, next to the Miami Zoo. All of the FECRS Members, who attended the Convention Bus Trip, were given a CAB Ride on the FEC E8A, which Railfans affectionately refer to as a Covered Wagon.
These three Photos show the East Swamp & Gatorville, Steam "Link Train'. Led by 24 Inch Gauge Crown 4-4-0 Locomotive #3, which is currently operated by Compressed Air (rather than steam). The Air Compressor is located in the Caboose. The Train serves as a Kiddie Ride around the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. Further information can be found at:
www.goldcoastrailroad.org/index.php/exhibits/locomotives/...
The current cover for The 4-Hour Chef, now available for pre-order on Amazon with full details and a free preview app: amzn.to/tlW1i6
1. Toyota Prius, 2. Toyota Prius Interior, 3. www.flickr.com/photos/ahhyeah/88050396/, 4. Toyota Prius Hybrid, 5. 2005 Toyota Prius, 6. Toyota Prius Hybrid, 7. Toyota Prius Hybrid, 8. 2005 Toyota Prius, 9. Toyota Prius, 10. Toyota Prius, my dream car, 11. Toyota Prius, 12. Toyota Prius, 13. Toyota Prius, 14. 2006 Toyota Prius, 15. Toyota Prius Dash, 16. Toyota Prius車頭
Best viewed in LARGE format!
Created using Flickrtoys
Current planned bag setup for 8x10.
Tenba BYOB 10 holds filters and tripod head.
Thinktank Shapeshifter expandable backpack holds meter, loupe, BTZS dark cloth, extension board, and lenses (in Tenba wraps) in the interior neoprene compartments (inc. happy to say both 300W, and 150SW even on a Sinar board), a couple of Chamonix 8x10 dark slides in the laptop compartment, and other accessories - cable release, Lee wide-angle lens hood - in outside pockets.
Thinktank bag also doubles as my travelling backpack for digital if I am shooting macro overseas (which I haven't now done for a number of years but never say never...)
Note re. size of Chamonix case:
it fits the 10x8 camera with QR-plate attached, and (a bit of a squeeze) the Chamonix w/a bag-bellows in pouch. The Chamonix case, filled as so, measures:
5.8 inches W x 14 inches L x 13.6 inches H. It will also therefore fit the camera plus one film holder in pouch.
THE ANCIENT LANGUAGE OF SOUNDS AND SIGNS
April 27th, 2010
@ Mobius
725 Harrison Avenue, Suite One
Boston MA 02118
Dancers:
Olivier Besson
Ellen Godena www.mobius.org/user/27
Liz Roncka www.myspace.com/realtimeperformance
Musicians:
Haggai Cohen Milo (bass) www.myspace.com/jatul
Amir Milstein (flute)
Jamey Haddad (percussion) www.jameyhaddadmusic.com
A very special evening of improvised music and dance featuring musicians Haggai Cohen Milo (bass) and Amir Milstein (flute) and movement artists Olivier Besson, Ellen Godena and Liz Roncka.
ARTIST BIOS
Olivier Besson - Movement Artist - is an improvisational movement artist who hails from France and is based in Boston. In the period from 1980 until the mid 90's, Olivier studied Contact Improvisation with Robin Feld, Nancy Stark Smith, Lisa Nelson and Andrew Harwood, and Improvisation / Real Time composition with Daniel Lepkoff and Julyen Hamilton. During that time, he also practiced and performed Bugaku (Court dance from Japan) with Arawana Hayashi. Other training includes Butoh with Maureen Feming and Action Theater with Ruth Zaporah.
Most notably, Olivier’s work has been presented: *in the US - at Dance Theatre Workshop (NYC), Judson Church (NYC), New York Improvisation festival, Walker Art Centre (Minneapolis), Boston Dance Umbrella, Florida Dance Festival, Dance Place (Washington DC), The Boston Conservatory, Boston University, Radford University (Virginia), *and internationally - at the National Institute of the Arts (Taipei, Taiwan), Die Pratze (Tokyo), Art of Movement Festival (Yaroslav, Russia), Micadanses (Paris) and with Compagnie Vertige (Nice, France). He has collaborated with many individuals including Chris Aiken, Lisa Schmidt, Debra Bluth, Ming-Shen Ku, Pamela Newell, Toshiko Oiwa and musicians/composers Mike Vargas, Peter Jones, Jane Wang and Grant Smith. Locally, he has guest danced for Dawn Kramer, Micki Taylor-Pinney and Diane Noya. His ongoing performance projects involve collaborations with Liz Roncka in Boston and Emmanuelle Pepin in Nice (France) .
Olivier is currently on faculty at The Boston Conservatory (dance division). He has been on faculty at Canal Danse (Paris), the French National Circus School (CNAC), Bates Dance Festival, Emerson College and the School of Fine Arts at Boston Universtity. He has taught residencies at the National Institute of the Arts (Taipei, Taiwan), Le Centre Choregraphique de Danse / Daniel Larieu (Tours, France), the University of Minnesota, and Radford University (Virginia). He has also taught masterclasses for teen / pre-teen programs at Walnut Hill, Cambridge School of Weston, Jeanette Neil Dance Studios, Brookline High and Cambridge Rindge and Latin.
Haggai Cohen Milo - At the young age of 25, bass player and composer Haggai Cohen Milo is already a known name in the international music scene. Mr. Cohen Milo, currently operating from Berkeley, CA, brings exotic flavors to his music from his native middle east country, Israel. In both his compositions and in his playing, there is a contemporary mix of sound between East and West. His group the Secret Music Project, that features his personal musical sound and vision, has performed in some of the most important festivals around the world including the Aspen Music Festival, the Atlantic Jazz Festival (Canada), Boston First Night and many more.
Mr. Cohen-Milo first gained international recognition when he won the First Prize in the International Ensemble Competition in Belgium 2006. In the same year, Cohen Milo was also awarded the DownBeat Magazine Music Awards and the grand prize at the Fish Middleton Jazz Soloist Competition held in Washington, DC.
As a Composer, Cohen Milo has composed the score for two full enough feature films, Intimate Enemies (2008), by the internationally known Mexican director Fernando Sariñana and SPAM (2009) by the director Charlie Gore. Cohen Milo released his debut album in January 2007 under the prestigious record label “Fresh Sound - New Talent”. The album received enthusiastic reviews in the US and in Europe. Cohen Milo also recorded with different artists for Warner Music, Sunnyside Records and more.
With a fast growing touring career, Cohen Milo has already performed on some of the most important stages around the world, including Carnegie Hall and Birdland (New York), Getxo International Jazz Festival (Spain), The Jazz Station (Belgium) and Rome Music Festival (Italy), to name a few.
Cohen Milo graduated in 2009 from the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston where he studied with such masters as Danilo Perez, Bob Moses, Jamey Hadad and Jerry Bergonzi.
"... Haggai Cohen Milo revealed over a set of ridiculously infectious music that he's in the soul restoration business. Yessiree. He is!" (Graham Pilsworth, "The Coast", Canada)
Amir Milstein - Flutist and composer - is a graduate of the "Rubin Academy of Music" in Jerusalem (B.M. in jazz and classical flute), and the New England Conservatory (Masters degree in music performance, 2010) Amir established his career in the world-music scene founding acknowledged ensembles such as Bustan Abraham and Tucan Trio with which he has recorded and performed worldwide.
His musical background represents a variety of styles and cultures including classical, jazz, Mediterranean and Latin. He has collaborated with artists such as Zakir Hussein, Tito Puente, Ross Daly, Omar Farouk Tekbilek and Armando Macedo, among others and has participated in distinguished concert venues and festivals, both as a player and a composer.
He has collaborated with several choreographers, with whom he has composed for modern and flamenco dance groups and has composed and recorded several film scores. (His recent work on the documentary film "The Case for Israel- Democracy's Outpost" is currently presented at film festivals worldwide). Amir played in musical shows in the Israeli television and has collaborated and recorded numerous albums with Israel's leading artists, such as Matti Caspi, Shlomo Gronich, Gidi Gov, Miki Gavrielov, Leah Shabbat, and many others.
With over twenty years of experience teaching flute, recorders and music theory, Amir developed a unique musical education program and has instructed at the "Karev Music Educational Program" in Israel. He currently teaches at the New England Conservatory, Boston, and has lectured and presented workshops at music schools such as the Berklee College of music, Boston and Berkeley University, CA. Before moving to Boston, in 2004 Amir was also a faculty member at the "Hed College of Contemporary Music" in Tel Aviv, Israel. Amir presents an interactive workshop for schools and colleges called: "A World of Flutes"- Introducing the evolution of woodwinds through live music, stories, and a demonstration of over 80 musical instruments.
Ellen Godena - Movement Artist - is an experimental performer, choreographer, and Mobius Artists Group member. Her recent work has focused on the relationships between human, non-human (organic), and machine (non-organic) movement as a method for studying human development. Recent solo and collaborative works have been quests to define these relationships through the use of primitive, robotic entities in performance.
Ellen’s training, artistic influences and inspiration derive from the study of Japanese avant-garde movement and theater forms that have developed since the early 1960’s, primarily the butoh dances created by Japanese artists Kazuo Ohno and Tatsumi Hijikata, physical theater, and contemporary dance. Since 1998, she has performed solo, group, and ensemble work in Boston, Philadelphia, Providence, and New York City. She was a former dancer with the Boston-based Kitsune Dance Theater (2003-06) under the direction of Deborah Butler, and the NYC post-modern butoh troupe, the Vangeline Theater (2006-08) under the direction of Vangeline. She has performed with Master butoh artist Katsura Kan (Curious Fish, 2002, 2008), and has studied with internationally recognized artists such as Zack Fuller, Hiroko Tamano, Su-En, Diego Pinon, and Katsura Kan. Her primary, long-term training has been with American artists Deborah Butler, Vangeline, and Jennifer Hicks. Currently, Ellen is presenting solo robotics – movement projects in addition to performing regularly with Liz Roncka's Real-Time Performance Project in Boston, MA. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design in Studio Painting (1997), and a Master's degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University (2005).
Liz Roncka - Movement Artist - is an avid practitioner of movement improvisation and contemporary dance. She is the director of lizroncka/Real-Time Performance Project,a Mobius Artists Group member and a collaborating artist with Emma Jupe, a Paris-based improvisation collective. Her work has been presented in Boston, NYC, San Francisco, Budapest and Paris.
Liz's early training was in the tradition of classical ballet at the School of the New Bedford Ballet. In college, Liz’s focus shifted toward contemporary dance and improvisation. She was a member of the Dance Collective of Boston from 1998-2005. Liz has had the pleasure of performing modern dance and improvisational work under the direction of: Ramelle Adams, Emily Beattie, Ruth Benson-Levin, Debra Bluth, Alissa Cardone, Sean Curran,Ellen Godena, Andrew Harwood, Michael Jahoda/White Box Project, Dawn Kramer, Light Motion, Karen Murphy-Fitch and Micki Taylor-Pinney.
Much of Liz's work is developed in deep collaboration with sound artists, most notably Jane Wang, Haggai Cohen Milo, Jessyka Luzzi, Sean Frenette and Akili Jamal Haynes. Current projects include an improvisational duo with Forbes Graham (trumpet) and an collaboration with Philippe Lejeune (visual artist) developing a movement piece within a glass installation exploring the intersection of reality and reflected images. For more information please see:
www.dailydanceproject.blogspot.com
This is the gorilla family (late silverback: N'Kosi) currently living at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro (NC), United States.
Color Key - Black: males, red: females, grey: non-residents (with their current location) or deceased.
Arrows - Pointing from parents to their offspring.
Please note: N'Kosi had another offspring with Jamani, a stillborn male (d. 30-Jun-2011). — N'Kosi had two more offspring with Nia (* 1993) at the Columbus Zoo: an aborted female (d. 21-Apr-2003) and Dotty (b. 17-Apr-2004, Columbus). — N'Kosi arrived at the N.C. Zoo from the Columbus Zoo in March 2008, Jamani from the San Diego Zoo in January 2010. — The zoo's first baby gorilla, Kwanza, was born in March 1989. He was transferred in 1998 to Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo.
This chart is based on the interactive online Gorilla Studbook by James R. Davis and the official International Studbook, published by Frankfurt Zoo. If you find a mistake, please let me know.
Image of N'Kosi (c) ucumari, image of Acacia (c) Max Block, image of Olympia (c) Tom Gillespie / NC Zoo, image of Acacia's baby (c) NC Zoo, image of Apollo (c) Windy Sawczyn, image of Bomassa (c) N.C. Zoo. If you are the owner of another image used for this chart please get in touch so I can give you credits.
For the meaning of the gorillas' names see the zoo's gorilla page, or have a look at their 2013 Gorilla Guide (pdf, right click to download).
See more family trees on Gorilla Genealogy.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometres southeast of Jhansi. They are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures.
Most Khajuraho temples were built between 950 and 1050 by the Chandela dynasty. Historical records note that the Khajuraho temple site had 85 temples by 12th century, spread over 20 square kilometers. Of these, only about 20 temples have survived, spread over 6 square kilometers. Of the various surviving temples, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is decorated with a profusion of sculptures with intricate details, symbolism and expressiveness of ancient Indian art.
The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but were dedicated to two religions - namely Hinduism and Jainism - suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus and Jains.
LOCATION
Khajuraho group of monuments are located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, in Chhatarpur district, about 620 kilometres southeast of New Delhi. The temples are in a small town also known as Khajuraho, with a population of about 20,000 people (2001 Census).
Khajuraho is served by Civil Aerodrome Khajuraho (IATA Code: HJR), with services to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Mumbai. The site is also linked by Indian Railways service, with the railway station located approximately six kilometres from the monuments entrance.
The monuments are about 10 kilometres off the east-west National Highway 75, and about 50 kilometres from the city of Chhatarpur, that is connected to Bhopal - the state capital - by the SW-NE running National Highway 86.
HISTORY
The Khajuraho group of monuments was built during the rule of the Rajput Chandela dynasty. The building activity started almost immediately after the rise of their power, throughout their kingdom to be later known as Bundelkhand. Most temples were built during the reigns of the Hindu kings Yashovarman and Dhanga. Yashovarman's legacy is best exhibited by Lakshmana temple. Vishvanatha temple best highlights King Dhanga's reign. The largest and currently most famous surviving temple is Kandariya Mahadeva built in the reign of King Ganda from 1017-1029 CE. The temple inscriptions suggest many of the currently surviving temples were complete between 970 to 1030 CE, with further temples completed during the following decades.
The Khajuraho temples were built about 35 miles from the medieval city of Mahoba, the capital of the Chandela dynasty, in the Kalinjar region. In ancient and medieval literature, their kingdom has been referred to as Jijhoti, Jejahoti, Chih-chi-to and Jejakabhukti.
Khajuraho was mentioned by Abu Rihan-al-Biruni, the Persian historian who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni in his raid of Kalinjar in 1022 CE; he mentions Khajuraho as the capital of Jajahuti. The raid was unsuccessful, and a peace accord was reached when the Hindu king agreed to pay a ransom to Mahmud of Ghazni to end the attack and leave.
Khajuraho temples were in active use through the end of 12th century. This changed in the 13th century, after the army of Delhi Sultanate, under the command of the Muslim Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak, attacked and seized the Chandela kingdom. About a century later, Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan traveller in his memoirs about his stay in India from 1335 to 1342 CE, mentioned visiting Khajuraho temples, calling them “Kajarra” as follows:
...near (Khajuraho) temples, which contain idols that have been mutilated by the Moslems, live a number of yogis whose matted locks have grown as long as their bodies. And on account of extreme asceticism they are all yellow in colour. Many Moslems attend these men in order to take lessons (yoga) from them.
— Ibn Battuta, about 1335 CE, Riḥlat Ibn Baṭūṭah, Translated by Arthur Cotterell
Central Indian region, where Khajuraho temples are, remained in the control of many different Muslim dynasties from 13th century through the 18th century. In this period, some temples were desecrated, followed by a long period when they were left in neglect. In 1495 CE, for example, Sikandar Lodi’s campaign of temple destruction included Khajuraho. The remoteness and isolation of Khajuraho protected the Hindu and Jain temples from continued destruction by Muslims. Over the centuries, vegetation and forests overgrew, took over the temples.
In the 1830s, local Hindus guided a British surveyor, T.S. Burt, to the temples and they were thus rediscovered by the global audience. Alexander Cunningham later reported, few years after the rediscovery, that the temples were secretly in use by yogis and thousands of Hindus would arrive for pilgrimage during Shivaratri celebrated annually in February or March based on a lunar calendar. In 1852, Maisey prepared earliest drawings of the Khajuraho temples.
NOMENCLATURE
The name Khajuraho, or Kharjuravāhaka, is derived from ancient Sanskrit (kharjura, खर्जूर means date palm, and vāhaka, वाहक means "one who carries" or bearer). Local legends state that the temples had two golden date-palm trees as their gate (missing when they were rediscovered). Desai states that Kharjuravāhaka also means scorpion bearer, which is another symbolic name for deity Shiva (who wears snakes and scorpion garlands in his fierce form).
Cunningham’s nomenclature and systematic documentation work in 1850s and 1860s have been widely adopted and continue to be in use. He grouped the temples into the Western group around Lakshmana, Eastern group around Javeri, and Southern group around Duladeva.
Khajuraho is one of the four holy sites linked to deity Shiva (the other three are Kedarnath, Kashi and Gaya). Its origin and design is a subject of scholarly studies. Shobita Punja has proposed that the temple’s origin reflect the Hindu mythology in which Khajuraho is the place where Shiva got married; with Raghuvamsha verse 5.53, Matangeshvara honoring ‘’Matanga’’, or god of love.
DESCRIPTION
The temple site is within Vindhya mountain range in central India. An ancient local legend held that Hindu deity Shiva and other gods enjoyed visiting the dramatic hill formation in Kalinjar area. The center of this region is Khajuraho, set midst local hills and rivers. The temple complex reflects the ancient Hindu tradition of building temples where gods love to play.
The temples are clustered near water, another typical feature of Hindu temples. The current water bodies include Sib Sagar, Khajur Sagar (also called Ninora Tal) and Khudar Nadi (river). The local legends state that the temple complex had 64 water bodies, of which 56 have been physically identified by archeologists so far.
All temples, except one (Chaturbhuja) face sunrise - another symbolic feature that is predominant in Hindu temples. The relative layout of temples integrate masculine and feminine deities and symbols highlight the interdependence. The art work symbolically highlight the four goals of life considered necessary and proper in Hinduism - dharma, kama, artha and moksha.
Of the surviving temples, 6 are dedicated to Shiva and his consorts, 8 to Vishnu and his affinities, 1 to Ganesha, 1 to Sun god, 3 to Jain Tirthanks. For some ruins, there is insufficient evidence to assign the temple to specific deities with confidence.
An overall examination of site suggests that the Hindu symbolic mandala design principle of square and circles is present each temple plan and design. Further, the territory is laid out in three triangles that converge to form a pentagon. Scholars suggest that this reflects the Hindu symbolism for three realms or trilokinatha, and five cosmic substances or panchbhuteshvara. The temple site highlights Shiva, the one who destroys and recycles life, thereby controlling the cosmic dance of time, evolution and dissolution. The temples have a rich display of intricately carved statues. While they are famous for their erotic sculpture, sexual themes cover less than 10% of the temple sculpture. Further, most erotic scene panels are neither prominent nor emphasized at the expense of the rest, rather they are in proportional balance with the non-sexual images. The viewer has to look closely to find them, or be directed by a guide. The arts cover numerous aspects of human life and values considered important in Hindu pantheon. Further, the images are arranged in a configuration to express central ideas of Hinduism. All three ideas from Āgamas are richly expressed in Khajuraho temples - Avyakta, Vyaktavyakta and Vyakta.
The Beejamandal temple is under excavation. It has been identified with the Vaidyanath temple mentioned in the Grahpati Kokalla inscription.
Of all temples, the Matangeshvara temple remains an active site of worship. It is another square grid temple, with a large 2.5 metres high and 1.1 metres diameter lingam, placed on a 7.6 metres diameter platform.
The most visited temple, Kandariya Mahadev, has an area of about 6,500 square feet and a shikhara (spire) that rises 116 feet. Jain templesThe Jain temples are located on east-southeast region of Khajuraho monuments. Chausath jogini temple features 64 jogini, while Ghantai temple features bells sculptured on its pillars.
ARCHITECTURE OF THE TEMPLES
Khajuraho temples, like almost all Hindu temple designs, follow a grid geometrical design called vastu-purusha-mandala. This design plan has three important components - Mandala means circle, Purusha is universal essence at the core of Hindu tradition, while Vastu means the dwelling structure.
The design lays out a Hindu temple in a symmetrical, concentrically layered, self-repeating structure around the core of the temple called garbhagriya, where the abstract principle Purusha and the primary deity of the temple dwell. The shikhara, or spire, of the temple rises above the garbhagriya. This symmetry and structure in design is derived from central beliefs, myths, cardinality and mathematical principles.
The circle of mandala circumscribe the square. The square is considered divine for its perfection and as a symbolic product of knowledge and human thought, while circle is considered earthly, human and observed in everyday life (moon, sun, horizon, water drop, rainbow). Each supports the other. The square is divided into perfect 64 sub-squares called padas.
Most Khajuraho temples deploy the 8x8 padas grid Manduka Vastupurushamandala, with pitha mandala the square grid incorporated in the design of the spires. The primary deity or lingas are located in the grid’s Brahma padas.
The architecture is symbolic and reflects the central Hindu beliefs through its form, structure and arrangement of its parts. The mandapas as well as the arts are arranged in the Khajuraho temples in a symmetric repeating patterns, even though each image or sculpture is distinctive in its own way. The relative placement of the images are not random but together they express ideas, just like connected words form sentences and paragraphs to compose ideas. This fractal pattern that is common in Hindu temples. Various statues and panels have inscriptions. Many of the inscriptions on the temple walls are poems with double meanings, something that the complex structure of Sanskrit allows in creative compositions. All Khajuraho temples, except one, face sunrise, and the entrance for the devotee is this east side.Above the vastu-purusha-mandala of each temple is a superstructure with a dome called Shikhara (or Vimana, Spire). Variations in spire design come from variation in degrees turned for the squares. The temple Shikhara, in some literature, is linked to mount Kailash or Meru, the mythical abode of the gods.In each temple, the central space typically is surrounded by an ambulatory for the pilgrim to walk around and ritually circumambulate the Purusa and the main deity. The pillars, walls and ceilings around the space, as well as outside have highly ornate carvings or images of the four just and necessary pursuits of life - kama, artha, dharma and moksa. This clockwise walk around is called pradakshina. Larger Khajuraho temples also have pillared halls called mandapa. One near the entrance, on the east side, serves as the waiting room for pilgrims and devotees. The mandapas are also arranged by principles of symmetry, grids and mathematical precision. This use of same underlying architectural principle is common in Hindu temples found all over India. Each Khajuraho temple is distinctly carved yet also repeating the central common principles in almost all Hindu temples, one which Susan Lewandowski refers to as “an organism of repeating cells”.
CONSTRUCTION
The temples are grouped into three geographical divisions: western, eastern and southern.
The Khajuraho temples are made of sandstone, with a granite foundation that is almost concealed from view. The builders didn't use mortar: the stones were put together with mortise and tenon joints and they were held in place by gravity. This form of construction requires very precise joints. The columns and architraves were built with megaliths that weighed up to 20 tons. Some repair work in the 19th Century was done with brick and mortar; however these have aged faster than original materials and darkened with time, thereby seeming out of place.
The Khajuraho and Kalinjar region is home to superior quality of sandstone, which can be precision carved. The surviving sculpture reflect fine details such as strands of hair, manicured nails and intricate jewelry.
While recording the television show Lost Worlds (History Channel) at Khajuraho, Alex Evans recreated a stone sculpture under 4 feet that took about 60 days to carve in an attempt to develop a rough idea how much work must have been involved. Roger Hopkins and Mark Lehner also conducted experiments to quarry limestone which took 12 quarrymen 22 days to quarry about 400 tons of stone. They concluded that these temples would have required hundreds of highly trained sculptors.
CHRONOLOGY
The Khajuraho group of temples belong to Vaishnavism school of Hinduism, Saivism school of Hinduism and Jainism - nearly a third each. Archaeological studies suggest all three types of temples were under construction at about the same time in late 10th century, and in use simultaneously. Will Durant states that this aspect of Khajuraho temples illustrates the tolerance and respect for different religious viewpoints in the Hindu and Jain traditions. In each group of Khajuraho temples, there were major temples surrounded by smaller temples - a grid style that is observed to varying degrees in Hindu temples in Angkor Wat, Parambaran and South India.
The largest surviving Saiva temple is Khandarya Mahadeva, while the largest surviving Vaishnava group includes Chaturbhuja and Ramachandra.
Kandariya Mahadeva Temple plan is 109 ft in length by 60 ft, and rises 116 ft above ground and 88 ft above its own floor. The central padas are surrounded by three rows of sculptured figures, with over 870 statues, most being half life size (2.5 to 3 feet). The spire is a self repeating fractal structure.
ARTS AND SCULPTURE
The Khajuraho temples feature a variety of art work, of which 10% is sexual or erotic art outside and inside the temples. Some of the temples that have two layers of walls have small erotic carvings on the outside of the inner wall. Some scholars suggest these to be tantric sexual practices. Other scholars state that the erotic arts are part of Hindu tradition of treating kama as an essential and proper part of human life, and its symbolic or explicit display is common in Hindu temples. James McConnachie, in his history of the Kamasutra, describes the sexual-themed Khajuraho sculptures as "the apogee of erotic art": "Twisting, broad-hipped and high breasted nymphs display their generously contoured and bejewelled bodies on exquisitely worked exterior wall panels. These fleshy apsaras run riot across the surface of the stone, putting on make-up, washing their hair, playing games, dancing, and endlessly knotting and unknotting their girdles....Beside the heavenly nymphs are serried ranks of griffins, guardian deities and, most notoriously, extravagantly interlocked maithunas, or lovemaking couples."
The temples have several thousand statues and art works, with Kandarya Mahadeva Temple alone decorated with over 870. Some 10% of these iconographic carvings contain sexual themes and various sexual poses. A common misconception is that, since the old structures with carvings in Khajuraho are temples, the carvings depict sex between deities; however the kama arts represent diverse sexual expressions of different human beings. The vast majority of arts depict various aspects the everyday life, mythical stories as well as symbolic display of various secular and spiritual values important in Hindu tradition. For example, depictions show women putting on makeup, musicians making music, potters, farmers, and other folks in their daily life during the medieval era. These scenes are in the outer padas as is typical in Hindu temples.
There is iconographic symbolism embedded in the arts displayed in Khajuraho temples. Core Hindu values are expressed in multitude of ways. Even the Kama scenes, when seen in combination of sculptures that precede and follow, depict the spiritual themes such as moksha. In the words of Stella Kramrisch,
This state which is “like a man and woman in close embrace” is a symbol of moksa, final release or reunion of two principles, the essence (Purusha) and the nature (Prakriti).
— Stella Kramrisch, 1976
The Khajuraho temples represent one expression of many forms of arts that flourished in Rajput kingdoms of India from 8th through 10th century CE. For example, contemporary with Khajuraho were the publications of poems and drama such as Prabodhacandrodaya, Karpuramanjari, Viddhasalabhanjika and Kavyamimansa. Some of the themes expressed in these literary works are carved as sculpture in Khajuraho temples. Some sculptures at the Khajuraho monuments dedicated to Vishnu include the Vyalas, which are hybrid imaginary animals with lions body, and are found in other Indian temples. Some of these hybrid mythical art work include Vrik Vyala (hybrid of wolf and lion) and Gaja Vyala (hybrid of elephant and lion). These Vyalas may represent syncretic, creative combination of powers innate in the two.
TEMPLE NAME - DEITY - YEAR COMPLETED
Chausath Yogini - Devi, 64 Yoginis - 885
Brahma - Vishnu - 925
Lalgun Mahadev - Shiva - 900
Matangeshwar - Shiva - 1000
Varaha - Vishnu - 950
Lakshmana - Vaikuntha Vishnu - 939
Parshvanath - Parshvanath - 954
Visvanatha - Shiva - 999
Devi Jagadambi - Devi, Parvati - 1023
Chitragupta - Sun, Chitragupta - 1023
Kandariya Mahadeva - Shiva - 1029
Vamana - Vamana - 1062
Adinath Jain Temple - Rishabha - 1027
Javeri - Vishnu - 1090
Chaturbhuja - Vishnu - 1110
Duladeo (Duladeva) - Shiva - 1125
Ghantai - Jain Tirthankara - 960
Vishnu-Garuda - Vishnu - 1000
Ganesha - Shiva - 1000
Hanuman - Hanuman - 922
Mahishasuramardini - Devi - 995
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.
WIKIPEDIA
Ignite Phoenix is an information exchange for fostering and inspiring Phoenix’s creative community. In one evening, you hear 18 passionate speakers from our creative, technical, and business communities talking about their current projects or favorite ideas for just five minutes. Presentations will educate and inspire you, and maybe make you laugh in the process.
The Presentations
Up to 20 slides and 5 minutes is all you get. Not a second more. The presenters need to get to the point quickly, and make it exciting and engaging.
We welcome topics about anything that other people will find interesting. That’s a wide criteria and that’s just fine. If the most interesting submissions end up being technical, then Ignite will have a technical feel. There is a wide mix of topics. If you’re not interested in the current topic, all you have to do is wait for 5 minutes and a new one starts.
*from Ignite Phoenix website: www.ignitephoenix.com *
In its current incarnation as the Rendezvous Grand, the hotel on Melbourne's Flinders Street was once in fact, the Commercial Travellers Association Building.
The Commercial Travellers Association Building was designed by architect Harry Tompkins in 1912 and completed in 1913. It is one of the finest and most distinct expressions of the Edwardian Baroque style in Melbourne. This grand classical non-domestic style, featuring a combination of Beaux Arts Classicism with a revival of English Baroque sources, was adopted as the style of choice for department stores, emporiums and other large commercial establishments in Melbourne in the first two decades of the 20th Century. It was thus an eminently suitable style for the headquarters of the roving disciples of commerce, the Commercial Travellers Association. The building was the winning entry in a competition organised by the Association and judged by the well-respected Percy Oakden, an indication of the high regard in which the building was held by Harry Tompkins' architect peers.
The Commercial Travellers Association Building is of architectural significance for a number of innovations, such as the use of welded wire reinforcing mesh, perhaps the first use of such material in Victoria, and "Mack" slab cement partitions, the only known use of this technology in Victoria. It was also one of Australias earliest steel framed buildings. It comprises a basement and nine storeys. The ground floor is faced with granite. The facade above is partially rendered and partially faced with (formerly) cream glazed bricks. An unusual feature, the choice of such bricks was used to combat discolouration caused by pollution from the busy city thoroughfare and the nearby railway yards opposite. The rendered areas are treated in an ornate fashion, with exaggerated classical detailing including foliated swags, medallions and cartouches. It features a colonnade of the second floor (also known as a piano nobile), which is supported on massive, oversized consoles. Consoles also support the cornice surmounting the facade. Oriel windows rise through the second and third floors and are topped with balconettes. There are also balconettes on the eighth floor.
Leadlight is featured in some of the windows, mainly at the lower levels. The building is an early example of steel-framed construction, with reinforced concrete floors and a combination of terra cotta lumber and cement slab for non-structural internal walls. The building also boasted equipment such as a built-in vacuum cleaning plant, electrically heated service lifts, potato peeling machines, telephones in each room (the height of opulent luxury), a dish washing machine and large electric toaster. The building was also the tallest in Melbourne until the construction of the Manchester Unity Building, completed in 1932, and the first to be constrained to the new city height limit of one hundred and thirty two feet. The Commercial Travellers Association Building is of architectural significance as one of the most impressive buildings created by Harry Tompkins.
The building ceased functioning as the Commercial Travellers Association club in 1976 and fell into disrepair before being partially restored as the Duxton Hotel in the late 1990s. When commercial viability saw the Duxton close its doors, the Rendezvous Hospitality Group took on the project of meticulously restoring the hotel, retaining the elegant style of the early 1900s while providing guests with all the convenience of the 21st Century; what today is known as the Rendezvous Grand Hotel.
Harry Tompkins was one of Melbourne's best commercial architects during the first three decades of the 20th Century. He had a long relationship with the Commercial Travellers Association and also with Sydney Myer, for whom he designed the first Myer Emporium building. Harry Tompkins served two terms as President of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects between 1914 and 1916, a reflection of his esteemed position in the architectural profession. Other well-known buildings for which he was responsible include Dimmeys Model Stores on Swan Street in Richmond, the London Stores on Bourke Street and the Centreway Arcade in Collins Street.
Truly Bahamian Beer! Grand Bahama's newest and currently most popular beer ... brewed locally. The 'Harbour Boys' did an excellent job on this piece. They used the actual product boxes on the float.
Texas Raiders is one of the most recognized and famous Flying Fortresses currently on the airshow circuit. It has been recognized by AIR CLASSICS magazine as the best restored B-17G bomber currently flying in the world. The aircraft has been restored to wartime configuration by an entire volunteer group of dedicated supporters. The aircraft has one of the most unusual histories of any existing Flying Fortresses flying today and is one of the most active and visible.
This aircraft begin it's military career as B-17G-95-DL 44-83872. It was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft Corporation at Long Beach, California. (under license from Boeing Aircraft Corporation, Seattle, Washington) where it was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps on July 12, 1945. On July 21, 1945, this aircraft was transferred to the U.S. Navy.
Following Navy acceptance, '872 became PB-1 BuNo 77235. The aircraft was converted from PB-1 to PB-1-W which consisted of sealing the bombay doors, additional long-range fuel tanks and the installation of APS-20 search Radar with the rotating scanner located in a bulbous housing below the former bomb bay. '872 was one of the first "AWAC" aircraft.
On July 11, 1952 the '872 was transferred to and flew with the the newly formed Seasearch-Early Warning, VW-2 on the Atlantic seaboard until June 3, 1953 when it under went it's second major overhaul.
The second major overhaul was completed on January 15, 1954. After this overhaul the '872 was transferred to Atsugi, Japan where it flew with VW-1 (which was the last operational assignment for this aircraft).
On January 15, 1955, PB-1W arrived at the Storage Facility at Litchfield Park, Arizona where it was maintained in Flyable Storage Status until stricken from record on July 14, 1955 and was officially retired from Naval service on August 25, 1955 following 77 months of service where this aircraft acquired 3,257 hours of flying time.
On October 1, 1957, this aircraft was acquired by Aero Services Corp. (a branch of Litton Industries) and used as a cargo plane and aerial photographic aircraft. Upon entry into the civilian aviation fleet the aircraft was given the identification registration number and call sign N-7227-C.
While in the service of the Aero Services Corp., 27-C was used as a high altitude mapping aircraft and completed assignments in the North West United States, Venezuela, and the length of Chile. Another life cycle for 27-C began when it was converted into an aerial platform for all kinds of satellite tracking equipment.
The University of Alaska contracted 7227-C to participate in the recording of the eclipse of the sun from a flight position over Northern Canada. Next, the aircraft participated in the oil and natural gas survey for the North Sea Project off western Norway and Scotland.
During the aerial photographic era, the aircraft acquired the first complete photographic coverage of the South American continent along with extensive coverage of Central America and the northern regions of North America. The aircraft was used as a electronic geophysical and magnetometer platform for field surveys in the North Sea area north and east of Scotland along with extensive coverage of the North slope regions of Alaska. It was instrumental in acquiring data which lead to the discoveries of some of the major petroleum reserves in the world.
On September 22, 1967, N7227-C was acquired by the Commemorative Air Force, Mercedes, Texas from Litton Industries for the price of $50,000. It was the first B-17 to be purchased and operated solely for the purpose of preservation. The aircraft was painted in military colors and nose markings were applied as "Texas Raiders" with a Texas State flag by the CAF in 1970. During WW II no B-17 carried the name of Texas Raiders.
After a period of time the Texas Raiders was assigned to the Gulf Coast Wing of the Commemorative Air Force in Houston, Texas. The Gulf Coast Wing has continued to upgrade and restored the aircraft to it's original combat configuration by adding the ball turret and top turret. All of the work was carried out by the volunteers of the CAF group in Houston. At the present time, the top turret is undergoing assembly prior to installation on the aircraft. This will complete the last major restoration item within the aircraft. When completed, TEXAS RAIDERS will be one of only a few B-17s which have operational top and ball turrets.
The Texas Raiders does not have an oxygen system for its crew and is restricted to altitudes below 12,000 feet. The only hydraulic systems on board the aircraft are the brakes and the cowl flaps for the four engines. All other systems aboard the aircraft are either electrical or mechanical.
The "TR" has undergone two major restorations. The first lasted three years (1983-86) and converted the "cargo" B-17 airframe to a fully restored "combat" B-17G . This restoration was done with volunteer labor and cost in excess of $300,000. In 1993, the second restoration was carried out. The nine month effort was primarily to repaint the aircraft and complete the interior restoration of the bomber. Costs of the restoration was $180,000. This restoration was documented by Public Television and the documentary "Honor Squadron" was produced. At the conclusion to the restoration, the aircraft returned to the airshow circuit where it was awarded "Best Bomber" by the Experimental Aircraft Association's Sun and Fun Air Show and "Aircraft of the Year" by the Tico airshow in Florida.
In 2001, the Gulf Coast Wing received a federally required inspection of the aircraft's wing spars and associated structures. This inspection was called an "AD" (Airworthiness Directive). Starting in early 2002 and progressing through to October of 2009, volunteer wing members and contract workers mostly disassembled the bomber, correcting corrosion and structural cracks at a cost of nearly $700,000. This Flying Fortress became airworthy on October 14, 2009 and has appeared at major airshows, and touring-locations throughout Texas and the Midwestern U.S, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the B-17 in the summer of 2010.
3:45PM Tuesday: Catskills Hatzolah is currently on the scene of a serious MVA in Monticello, involving a ShortLine Bus. The crash is on Route 42 at the ShopRite Mall, (in front of Dunkin Donuts). Sources tell CatskillScoop.com that the crash involves the bus, as well as another vehicle. Emergency personnel from multiple agencies are on the scene, and have one victim in traumatic arrest. A Medevac has been requested to the scene for a second victim, reportedly with serious injuries.
UPDATE 4:00PM: Hatzolah & MobileMedics are treating numerous passengers from the bus – most of them with minor injuries. The victim in traumatic arrest has been transported to Catskill Regional Medical Center by ambulance.
UPDATE 4:50PM: Police tell CatskillScoop.com that the SUV was heading north on Route 42 just past the Dunkin’ Donuts where the road merges from two lanes to one. The SUV was pushed into the southbound lane, hitting the front of the bus head-on.
Further details will be published when they become available to us.
(CatskillScoop.com Newsroom)
Szolnok (HUN) - Opening Ceremony and Preliminary Meeting - The city of Szolnok, located in Hungary, is currently hosting the 42nd World Military Parachuting Championship. 255 participants (193 male athletes and 62 female athletes) from 37 participating countries (and 7 countries with only judges) are taking part in this event.
More information on: iranyasereg.hu/sites/cism/42wmcp/home and on www.facebook.com/cismhungary
Pictures: Mr. Dominique Einsweiler, CISM Photographer
Haven't posted in a while, so i decided to post a quick update on my shelf. I remade some of my items ( such as the Sunset Sarsaparilla and currency) and have begun to work on my NCR loadout. I plan on making the NCR flag, making a Chinese Assault Rifle or Service Rifle, and create some interesting items from the games.
The ROXAS ISABELA TODAY!!! BRAVO ROXASINOS & ROXASINAS, BRAVO ISABELINO!!!
Roxas is a first class municipality in the province of Isabela, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 53,461 people in 9,896 households.
It is currently one of the fast-growing towns in Isabela. It is the center of business and commerce in the Mallig Region. It is envisioned to be a city in the next few years.
Transportation
In terms of transportation, Roxas has the most number of bus and jeepney terminals compared to any other town in the region. Bus companies such as Victory Liner., Northern Luzon Bus Corporation (NELBUSCO), AJA Transport, Florida, Royal Eagle and Auto Bus have services bound to other parts of the province, Tarlac, Pampanga, Ilocos, Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, and Manila. Transportation within the town is mainly by tricycles, which are basically motorcycles with cabs attached to them. There are also many vans which are used as a means of transportation from Roxas to other parts of the province. Many buses also pass through Roxas because they find it as a highly-economized town where they can get a lot of passengers. Some of these buses are Victory Liner, Ballesteros Bus Line Corporation(BBLC), Dagupan Bus Corporation Incorporated, DALIN, Lizardo Trans(GL), GMW Transportation, Maribel(a sister company of BBLC), Rosalinda, DOLBO Transportation and Agustin Bus.
[edit] Business
As of December 2007, Roxas is the most progressive town in Mallig Region. It has the most number of banks such as Banco de Oro, Philippine National Bank, Landbank of the Philippines, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, Banco Agricola, Inc., Mallig Plains Rural Bank and other non-major banks. It also has two locally famous malls - PowerMall (the first to install an escalator in the region), and GEMS Shopping Center. It also has two radio station named as WIN FM 107.5 "Nagimas sen", and WER ROCK 104.10 FM. Psalms Cable, Inc. is the only cable TV in the whole town which extends its coverage to some of Roxas's neighboring towns - Burgos and San Manuel. It also provides the neighboring towns of Isabela all necessary needs of a human to live. Roxas has a very wide and huge market, so businessmen have their chance to build and earn a lot of money immediately.
Due to a continuing widespread influence of GMA Network, Roxas has been chosen as the future site for GMA Network Cagayan Valley once it will be formally declared as a city.
[edit] Healthcare
It is considered as the center of health services in Mallig Region. It has numerous primary, secondary, and tertiary hospitals. Major hospitals include Manuel A. Roxas District Hospital (MARDH), Soller Medical Clinic, Dumlao Hospital, Yumena Medical Center and Dayos Hospital. It also houses some specialization clinics, such as Sambilay Maternity Surgical and Medical Clinic, Purugganan Children's Clinic and Capuccino EENT Clinic. Dental clinics and skin clinics are also available. Moreover, health centers are also available in barangays outside the town proper.
Infrastructure Development
Over the past two years, when Dr. Harry G. Soller took the helms of government as its Municipal Mayor, Roxas has seen an unprecedented pace in its infrastructure development. The local government, in cooperation with Governor Grace Padaca and Congressman Edwin Uy, has concreted 20 kilometers of roads, more or less, in the town proper as well as in the barangays. As of march 2010, at least 10 kilometers of roads are programmed to be concreted. Moreover, Roxas' public places, and parks have been greatly improved. New Parks include the Barangay Park, which features 26 nipa huts put up by each of the barangays of Roxas; the Roxas Municipal Park and Freedom Stage, which features a clean comfort room, a Pasalubong Center, a Center Gazeebo with a beautifully designed fountain, and other park amenities; the Forest Park in front of the municipal hall; the Binibining Roxas Park; the Rizal Park; and the newly improved Children's Park.
Other infrastructure projects include the renovation of the municipal hall, the construction of a new module in the public market, the new vegetable trading post (Bagsakan Center), numeorus folld control projects, road widening projects, and many others.
Politics
Politics has been one of the local prominent issues. Dr. Harry G. Soller is presently the mayor of Roxas, defeating Benito Calderon who had been the mayor of Roxas for three terms. During the elections, political upheavals concerned the local residents since Dr. Soller won by a margin of just 200 votes. The current representative is Atty. Edwin C. Uy, who is in his third term. He won against Benedict Calderon, the son of Benito Calderon, and was also the incumbent mayor of Roxas that time. Congressman Edwin Uy is rumored to run for governor in 2010. Edwin Uy is now running as Vice Governor in tandem with Grace Padaca, the incumbent provincial governor.
Education
Public and private schools serve the people of Roxas and other neighboring towns. It has a number of public elementary schools, three public high schools, namely Roxas National High School, Lanting National High School and Munoz National High School,the same through with the Monico Rarama National High School. A Marian institution, La Salette of Roxas, provide the private school education. It has a primary school, a high school, and a college. La Salette of Roxas is considered as the highest standard of Education in the whole town, and likewise the fourth highest standard in the whole Province of Isabela and in the Philippines. Some public elementary schools, Bantug-Lintao Elementary School, San Rafael Elementary School, Roxas West Elementary School(the largest) and Roxas East Elementary School are among the most popular elementary schools in the town. Thera are also Day Care Centers each barangay and Roxas United Methodist Church Kindergarten School and Isabela Christian Learning Center for nursery education. There are four private elementary schools, the Casa Del Niño Montessori School, Marlbury Bush Montessori School, Shalom Learning and La Salette of Roxas-Elementary Department. There are also Colleges and Universities in the town namely University of La Salette - Roxas Campus (a branch of University of La Salette - Santiago City), Mallig Plains Colleges and Isabela State University.
Barangays
Roxas is politically subdivided into 26 barangays.
* Anao
* Imbiao
* Lanting
* Lucban
* Marcos
* Masigun
* Rizal (Pob.)
* Vira (Pob.)
* Bantug (Pob.)
* Luna (Pob.)
* Quiling
* Rang-ayan
* San Antonio
* San Jose
* San Pedro
* San Placido
* San Rafael (Pob.)
* Simimbaan
* Sinamar
* Sotero Nuesa (Pob.)
* Villa Concepcion
* Matusalem
* Muñoz East
* Muñoz West
* Doña Concha
* San Luis
Trivia
- It was the hometown of ROGEMAR OGIE MENOR the popular collegiate & university leagues basketball player and formerly he is the only junior player represent RP for the most great teenage player in ASIA when he was in high school level.(MEOJR)
- Roxas was named after the late President Manual A. Roxas
- It celebrates its town day (Roxas Day) on the same day that America commemorates its independence which is every 4th of July.
- Its current mayor is Dr. Harry G. Soller, who owns the Soller Medical Clinic.
- It has its festival popularly known as Pagay Festival, but during the term of Mayor Soller, it was changed to Binnadangan Festival.
- It will soon to be a city by 2011 carrying its new name, "Roxas Metropolis" or "Metropolitan of Roxas" or simply "Metro Roxas".
- It has the largest market in Mallig Region(Roxas, San Manuel, Aurora, Mallig, Quezon, Burgos, and Gamu)
- The Noontime show Wowowee will soon have its first live show at the province and it will be held at Roxas Coliseum or at La Salette of Roxas Open Grounds on May 2010, if the back of Consuelo Heights, Tuguegarao City will not be accessible.
Game: Project Reality
Game mode currently being played: AAS (Assault and Secure)
Map: Yamalia
Map Size: 4km²
Factions: Russian Ground Forces vs Canadian Armed Forces
Here playing as a driver Crewman for a BTR-80A.
Left to right:
Red rulons: 14 10/10 lbn
Red p2s: 13 9/10
Red rulons: 13 9/10 gone
Nike takedowns: 14 9/10
Nike Freeks: 14 8/10 gone
Ayesha Ansari is currently pursuing BBA (Hons) at Hajvery University (HU). She was awarded a scholarship to Study Abroad for 1 semester at Hochschule Liechtenstein, situated in Vaduz, Liechtenstein. The scholarship included Return AirTicket, Comprehensive Insurance, and 5000 Euros Stipend Money for daily expenses among other things. The following essay is written by her, which presents a glimpse of her Experience of Studying and Living Abroad in Europe.
My name is Ayesha Ansari, I am studying at Hajvery University (HU) as a BBA (Hons) student, and I would like to share my amazing and life-changing experience with the other students to encourage them to work harder and apply for these scholarships at HU.
I travelled to Vaduz, Liechtenstein to avail this scholarship opportunity given by Hajvery University & Erasmus Mundus, where I studied in a University named Hochschule Liechtenstein. This University is the most well-known university in the whole country.
My experience was fantabulous and outstanding. People there are quite independent and live very busy lives. I noticed they don’t try to interfere in anyone’s matters; however they are extremely co-operative and helpful.
Our lectures at the host university were conducted in the morning and some are in the evening, so I always went to university five minutes before to take the lecture and after lecture I spent some of my time in library and computer lab to review the lecture.
Apart from studies I also visited lot of cites and other countries i.e. Germany, Austria and Switzerland with the other scholarship students and my friend from HU, Sidra Nazir, who was also sent by Hajvery University as a Scholarship student to Lichtenstein. I visited different churches, libraries, museums and monuments of different cities named Zurich, Bern, Dornbrin, Buchs, Genneve, Chur etc. It was fun to visit the biggest water fall in Switzerland.
I learned basics of German language but I did not get a command in German language but I do understand a lot. During International and Christmas Dinner people from different countries have to make food items of their Mother land - Sidra and I cooked a delicious Biryani and for Christmas Dinner, we cooked mouth-watering Chicken Karahi. My friends from all over the world, and everyone else loved the Pakistani food!
Hochschule Liechtenstein also arranged a lot of events and tours, from time to time. I attended almost each and every event organized by them. Some of the events include International Dinner, Trip to Chocolate Factory, Halloween Night, Ball Night, Trip to Christmas Market and Christmas Dinner, Farewell Dinner and Ski and lots more .
I didn’t face any cultural shock as I knew what to expect about the culture of Europe. The only problem I faced was to search Halal meat but that too solved after a couple of days when some of the Muslim students guided me. I made a lot friends from different nationalities -from Bulgaria , Taiwan , Japan, China, Czech-Republic, Austria, Poland, India, Spain, Egypt, Germany etc , most of whom I am still in touch with them through facebook!
As far as Cuisine is concerned it was so good and as I am a cheese lover so I really enjoyed and loved one of the traditional Swiss dish named Foundue. I did a lot of shopping with the scholarship money, As I already have my laptop so I did not buy any laptop from the scholarship money. Luckily I did not face any problem during the exchange semester as their administration and management was quite co-operative.
I will definitely miss the hospitality and the perfect management of the administration of the host university, the pleasant and frosty weather and obviously The Scholarship money…..seriously that helps me a lot in shopping and visiting cities .
My experience as a Scholarship student was out of the world. When I analyze myself after the student abroad program……I find myself more confident and mature. My convincing power, communication and presentation skills are much more improved .It is one of the best chance to experience different cultures at one place and I really enjoyed experiencing and understanding different cultures. In short I become more polished, independent about taking the decisions.
Its fun to get a scholarship as it makes the life little jazzy. Thank-you Hajvery University ,Erasmus Mundus and Hochschule Liechtenstein.
HU is a joint-signatory of EM 2009-2013 Consortium of 20 Universities from Europe and SAARC countries, which allows the partner universities to send and host students between the consortium members. HU is grateful for European Commission for such initiatives and the funding to make this all possible, moreover to all our Partner Universities for co-operating to make this a success.
If you liked this post, you will definitely enjoy reading these posts:
Orientation Seminar for HU Study Abroad Students.
HU in International Landscape.
Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Hajvery University (HU) sign MoU of Educational Cooperation & Scientific Research.
Adnan Abdul Khaliq, Study Abroad Scholarship recipient talks about his experienc @ Fontys University, Netherlands.
Prof. Jeanne Schreurs, Hasselt University Belgium visits Hajvery University (HU), explores Cooperation / Dual Degrees between both Universities.
For Further Information, Queries regarding Study Abroad opportunities at Hajvery University (HU), and Study Abroad Scholarships contact:
Office of Foreign Affairs & Planning
Hajvery University (HU)
Email : intl@hup.edu.pk
This circa 1980 photograph shows Boulevard Lake and the Current River Bridge. It appears to have been taken from the Bluffs. Grain elevators and Lake Superior are also visible.
Accession 1991-03 #35
For more information about Thunder Bay's history, visit www.thunderbay.ca/archives
Role
Ref:RV ELA Oct 11
Location:London
Salary:£27,582 including shift allowance
Closing date:04 November 2011
The role
There are few jobs more rewarding – or important – than these front-line intelligence roles. 24 hours a day, our team of English Language Analysts listen to lawfully intercepted conversations, picking out essential information that will help us counter terrorism across the UK.
Join us, and you will analyse telephone conversations and eavesdropping product intercepted under warrant for some of MI5’s highest-priority operations. The majority of your time will be spent listening to audio material. You’ll also need strong communication skills in order to produce clear verbal and written reports for both colleagues and our operational partners.
Skills
Our English Language Analysts come from a wide range of backgrounds – from those returning to work after a career break to graduates and former members of the armed forces. They all have strong powers of concentration, pay real attention to detail and are able to process information quickly.
It’s a fast-paced environment with frequently changing operational objectives – so you’ll need to be adaptable and able to remain calm under pressure. You’re likely to be interested in current affairs and aware of the threats facing the UK, but above all, you have a strong desire to help protect national security.
Training and development
We’ll give you extensive training on the kit you’ll be using, how to write evidential reports and how to pick out key information from the conversations you will listen to.
It’s a very close-knit team, with a real sense of camaraderie – so you can count on plenty of support from your colleagues too.
Shift work
Because of the operational nature of this role, English Language Analysts work 24/7, 365 days a year. To join us, you need to be happy to work on a shift rota, which includes working nights, weekends and public holidays.
Working hours are organised on a five-week shift pattern, which includes 13 rostered days off, including a block of six rest days running consecutively. Some people find that working shifts and having their days off during the week can be a real benefit. You should bear in mind, however, that shift work can be disruptive to your personal life.
Recruitment Process
The first thing we will ask you to do is complete our pre-screening questions to find out if you meet our initial criteria. If you do meet these criteria we will then ask you to begin an application. The first step will require you to create a login. You can do this by providing your full name, email address and a memorable password. Once you have successfully created a personal account, you will be instructed to complete an initial application form providing contact details and equal opportunities monitoring information.
Once you have submitted this form you will be sent an e-mail asking you to take two on-line tests, which form part of the formal assessment process. On receipt of this invitation e-mail, you will have up to one week to take these tests – if you do not complete both of them within this timeframe we will assume that you no longer wish to proceed with your application.
The Two Tests
(i) Situational Judgement Questionnaire
This questionnaire is designed to test the extent to which you are able to assess the effectiveness of different responses to typical situations that you could face working at the Security Service.
This questionnaire is not timed but should take you approximately 30 minutes to complete and you will need to do this in one sitting.
(ii) Decision Making
This test is designed to assess your ability to make decisions using information presented in the form of charts or tables, which is essential for roles of this grade in the Security Service.
You will be given 20 minutes to complete the test and you will need to do this in one sitting.
If you pass both of these tests, we will then invite you to complete and submit our full application form. Our recruitment team will complete an application sift.
Successful applicants will then be invited to participate in a telephone interview to check they have the potential skills and motivation to work with the Security Service.
Assuming you pass this stage, you will be asked to attend a face-to-face interview and the audio assessment for the English Language Analyst role. The next stage will be a security interview with a Vetting Officer. You will then be invited to a Final Selection Board and will also have a hearing test.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to the “Two Ticks scheme” we offer an interview to all candidates with a disability who meet our minimum criteria for the job vacancy that they are applying for. This is known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS).
To secure an interview for this vacancy, the minimum criteria (in order of application process) are:
Vacancy Eligibility Questions
You will be asked a series of questions relating to this vacancy. If you meet the criteria here you will be directed to the initial application form.
Online Tests
You will be required to reach the pass mark set for both tests.
Application Form Sift
Along with the standard eligibility requirements for this post, your application will be assessed on how far you meet the job specification and the competency questions you answer. Each competency will be scored. Your application must score the minimum amount of points set.
On successful completion of these stages, you will be invited to interview. This will normally be a telephone interview and is our guaranteed interview.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply, you must meet our residency criteria. You must be a born or naturalised British citizen and one of your parents must be a British citizen or have substantial ties to the UK. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for nine out of the last 10 years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You will nonetheless be considered if you have, for example, served overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of Her Majesty's Government, studied abroad, or lived overseas with your parents.
Due to vetting requirements you will need to be 18 years old, or above, to apply.
Your application may take around six months to process.
Discretion is vital. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.
The Security Service is committed to reflecting both equal opportunities and the society we protect.
The exploitation rights for this text are the property of the Vienna Tourist Board. This text may be reprinted free of charge until further notice, even partially and in edited form. Forward sample copy to: Vienna Tourist Board, Media Management, Invalidenstraße 6, 1030 Vienna; media.rel@wien.info. All information in this text without guarantee.
Author: Andreas Nierhaus, Curator of Architecture/Wien Museum
Last updated January 2014
Architecture in Vienna
Vienna's 2,000-year history is present in a unique density in the cityscape. The layout of the center dates back to the Roman city and medieval road network. Romanesque and Gothic churches characterize the streets and squares as well as palaces and mansions of the baroque city of residence. The ring road is an expression of the modern city of the 19th century, in the 20th century extensive housing developments set accents in the outer districts. Currently, large-scale urban development measures are implemented; distinctive buildings of international star architects complement the silhouette of the city.
Due to its function as residence of the emperor and European power center, Vienna for centuries stood in the focus of international attention, but it was well aware of that too. As a result, developed an outstanding building culture, and still today on a worldwide scale only a few cities can come up with a comparable density of high-quality architecture. For several years now, Vienna has increased its efforts to connect with its historical highlights and is drawing attention to itself with some spectacular new buildings. The fastest growing city in the German-speaking world today most of all in residential construction is setting standards. Constants of the Viennese architecture are respect for existing structures, the palpability of historical layers and the dialogue between old and new.
Culmination of medieval architecture: the Stephansdom
The oldest architectural landmark of the city is St. Stephen's Cathedral. Under the rule of the Habsburgs, defining the face of the city from the late 13th century until 1918 in a decisive way, the cathedral was upgraded into the sacral monument of the political ambitions of the ruling house. The 1433 completed, 137 meters high southern tower, by the Viennese people affectionately named "Steffl", is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture in Europe. For decades he was the tallest stone structure in Europe, until today he is the undisputed center of the city.
The baroque residence
Vienna's ascension into the ranks of the great European capitals began in Baroque. Among the most important architects are Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt. Outside the city walls arose a chain of summer palaces, including the garden Palais Schwarzenberg (1697-1704) as well as the Upper and Lower Belvedere of Prince Eugene of Savoy (1714-22). Among the most important city palaces are the Winter Palace of Prince Eugene (1695-1724, now a branch of the Belvedere) and the Palais Daun-Kinsky (auction house in Kinsky 1713-19). The emperor himself the Hofburg had complemented by buildings such as the Imperial Library (1722-26) and the Winter Riding School (1729-34). More important, however, for the Habsburgs was the foundation of churches and monasteries. Thus arose before the city walls Fischer von Erlach's Karlskirche (1714-39), which with its formal and thematic complex show façade belongs to the major works of European Baroque. In colored interior rooms like that of St. Peter's Church (1701-22), the contemporary efforts for the synthesis of architecture, painting and sculpture becomes visible.
Upgrading into metropolis: the ring road time (Ringstraßenzeit)
Since the Baroque, reflections on extension of the hopelessly overcrowed city were made, but only Emperor Franz Joseph ordered in 1857 the demolition of the fortifications and the connection of the inner city with the suburbs. 1865, the Ring Road was opened. It is as the most important boulevard of Europe an architectural and in terms of urban development achievement of the highest rank. The original building structure is almost completely preserved and thus conveys the authentic image of a metropolis of the 19th century. The public representational buildings speak, reflecting accurately the historicism, by their style: The Greek Antique forms of Theophil Hansen's Parliament (1871-83) stood for democracy, the Renaissance of the by Heinrich Ferstel built University (1873-84) for the flourishing of humanism, the Gothic of the Town Hall (1872-83) by Friedrich Schmidt for the medieval civic pride.
Dominating remained the buildings of the imperial family: Eduard van der Nüll's and August Sicardsburg's Opera House (1863-69), Gottfried Semper's and Carl Hasenauer's Burgtheater (1874-88), their Museum of Art History and Museum of Natural History (1871-91) and the Neue (New) Hofburg (1881-1918 ). At the same time the ring road was the preferred residential area of mostly Jewish haute bourgeoisie. With luxurious palaces the families Ephrussi, Epstein or Todesco made it clear that they had taken over the cultural leadership role in Viennese society. In the framework of the World Exhibition of 1873, the new Vienna presented itself an international audience. At the ring road many hotels were opened, among them the Hotel Imperial and today's Palais Hansen Kempinski.
Laboratory of modernity: Vienna around 1900
Otto Wagner's Postal Savings Bank (1903-06) was one of the last buildings in the Ring road area Otto Wagner's Postal Savings Bank (1903-06), which with it façade, liberated of ornament, and only decorated with "functional" aluminum buttons and the glass banking hall now is one of the icons of modern architecture. Like no other stood Otto Wagner for the dawn into the 20th century: His Metropolitan Railway buildings made the public transport of the city a topic of architecture, the church of the Psychiatric hospital at Steinhofgründe (1904-07) is considered the first modern church.
With his consistent focus on the function of a building ("Something impractical can not be beautiful"), Wagner marked a whole generation of architects and made Vienna the laboratory of modernity: in addition to Joseph Maria Olbrich, the builder of the Secession (1897-98) and Josef Hoffmann, the architect of the at the western outskirts located Purkersdorf Sanatorium (1904) and founder of the Vienna Workshop (Wiener Werkstätte, 1903) is mainly to mention Adolf Loos, with the Loos House at the square Michaelerplatz (1909-11) making architectural history. The extravagant marble cladding of the business zone stands in maximal contrast, derived from the building function, to the unadorned facade above, whereby its "nudity" became even more obvious - a provocation, as well as his culture-critical texts ("Ornament and Crime"), with which he had greatest impact on the architecture of the 20th century. Public contracts Loos remained denied. His major works therefore include villas, apartment facilities and premises as the still in original state preserved Tailor salon Knize at Graben (1910-13) and the restored Loos Bar (1908-09) near the Kärntner Straße (passageway Kärntner Durchgang).
Between the Wars: International Modern Age and social housing
After the collapse of the monarchy in 1918, Vienna became capital of the newly formed small country of Austria. In the heart of the city, the architects Theiss & Jaksch built 1931-32 the first skyscraper in Vienna as an exclusive residential address (Herrengasse - alley 6-8). To combat the housing shortage for the general population, the social democratic city government in a globally unique building program within a few years 60,000 apartments in hundreds of apartment buildings throughout the city area had built, including the famous Karl Marx-Hof by Karl Ehn (1925-30). An alternative to the multi-storey buildings with the 1932 opened International Werkbundsiedlung was presented, which was attended by 31 architects from Austria, Germany, France, Holland and the USA and showed models for affordable housing in greenfield areas. With buildings of Adolf Loos, André Lurçat, Richard Neutra, Gerrit Rietveld, the Werkbundsiedlung, which currently is being restored at great expense, is one of the most important documents of modern architecture in Austria.
Modernism was also expressed in significant Villa buildings: The House Beer (1929-31) by Josef Frank exemplifies the refined Wiener living culture of the interwar period, while the house Stonborough-Wittgenstein (1926-28, today Bulgarian Cultural Institute), built by the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein together with the architect Paul Engelmann for his sister Margarete, by its aesthetic radicalism and mathematical rigor represents a special case within contemporary architecture.
Expulsion, war and reconstruction
After the "Anschluss (Annexation)" to the German Reich in 1938, numerous Jewish builders, architects (female and male ones), who had been largely responsible for the high level of Viennese architecture, have been expelled from Austria. During the Nazi era, Vienna remained largely unaffected by structural transformations, apart from the six flak towers built for air defense of Friedrich Tamms (1942-45), made of solid reinforced concrete which today are present as memorials in the cityscape.
The years after the end of World War II were characterized by the reconstruction of the by bombs heavily damaged city. The architecture of those times was marked by aesthetic pragmatism, but also by the attempt to connect with the period before 1938 and pick up on current international trends. Among the most important buildings of the 1950s are Roland Rainer's City Hall (1952-58), the by Oswald Haerdtl erected Wien Museum at Karlsplatz (1954-59) and the 21er Haus of Karl Schwanzer (1958-62).
The youngsters come
Since the 1960s, a young generation was looking for alternatives to the moderate modernism of the reconstruction years. With visionary designs, conceptual, experimental and above all temporary architectures, interventions and installations, Raimund Abraham, Günther Domenig, Eilfried Huth, Hans Hollein, Walter Pichler and the groups Coop Himmelb(l)au, Haus-Rucker-Co and Missing Link rapidly got international attention. Although for the time being it was more designed than built, was the influence on the postmodern and deconstructivist trends of the 1970s and 1980s also outside Austria great. Hollein's futuristic "Retti" candle shop at Charcoal Market/Kohlmarkt (1964-65) and Domenig's biomorphic building of the Central Savings Bank in Favoriten (10th district of Vienna - 1975-79) are among the earliest examples, later Hollein's Haas-Haus (1985-90), the loft conversion Falkestraße (1987/88) by Coop Himmelb(l)au or Domenig's T Center (2002-04) were added. Especially Domenig, Hollein, Coop Himmelb(l)au and the architects Ortner & Ortner (ancient members of Haus-Rucker-Co) by orders from abroad the new Austrian and Viennese architecture made a fixed international concept.
MuseumQuarter and Gasometer
Since the 1980s, the focus of building in Vienna lies on the compaction of the historic urban fabric that now as urban habitat of high quality no longer is put in question. Among the internationally best known projects is the by Ortner & Ortner planned MuseumsQuartier in the former imperial stables (competition 1987, 1998-2001), which with institutions such as the MUMOK - Museum of Modern Art Foundation Ludwig, the Leopold Museum, the Kunsthalle Wien, the Architecture Center Vienna and the Zoom Children's Museum on a wordwide scale is under the largest cultural complexes. After controversies in the planning phase, here an architectural compromise between old and new has been achieved at the end, whose success as an urban stage with four million visitors (2012) is overwhelming.
The dialogue between old and new, which has to stand on the agenda of building culture of a city that is so strongly influenced by history, also features the reconstruction of the Gasometer in Simmering by Coop Himmelb(l)au, Wilhelm Holzbauer, Jean Nouvel and Manfred Wehdorn (1999-2001). Here was not only created new housing, but also a historical industrial monument reinterpreted into a signal in the urban development area.
New Neighborhood
In recent years, the major railway stations and their surroundings moved into the focus of planning. Here not only necessary infrastructural measures were taken, but at the same time opened up spacious inner-city residential areas and business districts. Among the prestigious projects are included the construction of the new Vienna Central Station, started in 2010 with the surrounding office towers of the Quartier Belvedere and the residential and school buildings of the Midsummer quarter (Sonnwendviertel). Europe's largest wooden tower invites here for a spectacular view to the construction site and the entire city. On the site of the former North Station are currently being built 10,000 homes and 20,000 jobs, on that of the Aspangbahn station is being built at Europe's greatest Passive House settlement "Euro Gate", the area of the North Western Railway Station is expected to be developed from 2020 for living and working. The largest currently under construction residential project but can be found in the north-eastern outskirts, where in Seaside Town Aspern till 2028 living and working space for 40,000 people will be created.
In one of the "green lungs" of Vienna, the Prater, 2013, the WU campus was opened for the largest University of Economics of Europe. Around the central square spectacular buildings of an international architect team from Great Britain, Japan, Spain and Austria are gathered that seem to lead a sometimes very loud conversation about the status quo of contemporary architecture (Hitoshi Abe, BUSarchitektur, Peter Cook, Zaha Hadid, NO MAD Arquitectos, Carme Pinós).
Flying high
International is also the number of architects who have inscribed themselves in the last few years with high-rise buildings in the skyline of Vienna and make St. Stephen's a not always unproblematic competition. Visible from afar is Massimiliano Fuksas' 138 and 127 meters high elegant Twin Tower at Wienerberg (1999-2001). The monolithic, 75-meter-high tower of the Hotel Sofitel at the Danube Canal by Jean Nouvel (2007-10), on the other hand, reacts to the particular urban situation and stages in its top floor new perspectives to the historical center on the other side.
Also at the water stands Dominique Perrault's DC Tower (2010-13) in the Danube City - those high-rise city, in which since the start of construction in 1996, the expansion of the city north of the Danube is condensed symbolically. Even in this environment, the slim and at the same time striking vertically folded tower of Perrault is beyond all known dimensions; from its Sky Bar, from spring 2014 on you are able to enjoy the highest view of Vienna. With 250 meters, the tower is the tallest building of Austria and almost twice as high as the St. Stephen's Cathedral. Vienna, thus, has acquired a new architectural landmark which cannot be overlooked - whether it also has the potential to become a landmark of the new Vienna, only time will tell. The architectural history of Vienna, where European history is presence and new buildings enter into an exciting and not always conflict-free dialogue with a great and outstanding architectural heritage, in any case has yet to offer exciting chapters.
Info: The folder "Architecture: From Art Nouveau to the Presence" is available at the Vienna Tourist Board and can be downloaded on www.wien.info/media/files/guide-architecture-in-wien.pdf.
[D]: Blick über den Zaun: Fährboot-Doppelwagen im aktuellen (2018er) Zustand unter dem dritten Eigentümer Touax (IRL) (ex Danzas/Cargowaggon, ex GE Rail Services) im Zugverband des 6O71 Daventry - Dollands Moor Leerzug, bei Kingsthorpe, Northampton [UK] am 6. März 2018.
[EN]: View over the fence: Former Cargowaggon/ GE Rail Services now Touax owned IZA/Hfirrs twin ferry van in current (2018ish) appearance at Wilson's Crossing, Kingsthorpe, Northampton, in the consist of 6O71; Daventry (DIRFT) to Dollands Moor ferry van empties, on March 6th, 2018.
Original photo: Dan Adkins, www.flickr.com/photos/dan700/
Earth Designs Garden Design and Build were asked to created a landscape and propose garden design in Stoke Newington, London here are the details on the project
The Moroccan Courtyard Garden in
Stoke Newington, London
BRIEF:
The outside space was in poor condition when the current owners moved into the property and a rat problem was evident. The brief was to provide a family space that was low maintenance and that would clean up the area to create a light and friendly garden. Given the relatively small size of the garden and overhead trees, there was a preference to create hard landscaping over the majority of the area rather than incorporate a lawn.
SOLUTION:
This design draws on Moroccan influences and creates a well laid out space that is fresh and inviting. Flooring in the space consists of multi-coloured African slate laid in a stretcher pattern, interspersed with the occasional Moroccan floor tile. Under the kitchen window is a butcher block housing a Belfast sink allowing the client the opportunity for outside water. Directly outside the back door, flanked either side by flush planting beds, there is a railway sleeper sofa-style seat with bespoke waterproof cushions.
This area is enclosed with a purpose-built timber pergola with a rusted iron mesh ‘roof’. The main seating area of the garden consists of rendered block raised beds, painted white and adorned with a Moroccan tile border around the top, upon which L-shaped ‘suspended’ railway sleeper benches are fixed. This area also benefits from a railway sleeper table, a large, ornate Moroccan-style water fountain water feature against the right hand wall and a wrought iron chiminea in the back bed to serve as barbeque and heater. The existing large laurel was retained and the existing ivy was thinned and conditioned. The inclusion of a large tree fern at the entrance to the seating area makes a formal entrance to the space.
The remainder of the planting consists of oranges and greens with a selection of climbers, evergreens and herbaceous perennials selected to give year round interest. The space is completed by the inclusion of a comprehensive lighting scheme. The pergola is illuminated with a fairy light net over the top.
The main seating area benefits from stylish teak and stainless steel bollard lights installed on top of the raised bed walls and rope lights running along the underside of the seats, with a double weatherproof socket providing power for the client to plug in electrical equipment if required. Finally, a series of low voltage lights throughout the planting beds give the garden a subtle overall glow while serving to highlight individual plant specimens.
TESTIMONIALS:
“We are delighted with our garden and Earth Designs were great. Katrina has provided us with a clean and spacious retreat.”
Carl and Joti
If you dig this and would like to find out more about this or any of other of our designs, please stop by our web-site and have a look at our work.
Earth Designs is a bespoke London Garden Design and build company specialising in classic, funky and urban contemporary garden design.
Our Landscape and Garden build teams cover London, Essex and parts of South East England, while garden designs are available nationwide.
Please visit www.earthdesigns.co.uk to see our full portfolio. If you would like a garden designer in London or have an idea of what you want and are looking for a landscaper London to come and visit your garden, please get in touch.
Follow our Bespoke Garden Design and Build and Blog to see what we get up to week by week, our free design clinic as well as tips and products we recommend for your garden projects www.earthdesigns.co.uk/blog/.
Earth Designs is located in East London, but has built gardens in Essex , gardens in Hertfordshire Hertfordshire and all over the South East. Earth Designs was formed by Katrina Wells in Spring 2003 and has since gone from strength to strength to develop a considerable portfolio of garden projects. Katrina, who is our Senior Garden Designer, has travelled all over the UK designing gardens. However we can design worldwide either through our postal garden design service or by consultation with our senior garden designer. Recent worldwide projects have included garden designs in Romania. Katrina’s husband. Matt, heads up the build side of the company, creating a unique service for all our clients.
If you a not a UK resident, but would like an Earth Designs garden, Earth Designs has a worldwide design service through our Garden Design Postal Design Vouchers. If you are looking for an unique birthday present or original anniversary present and would like to buy one of our Garden Design Gift Vouchers for yourself or as a present please our sister site www.gardenpresents.co.uk. We do also design outside of the UK, please contact us for details.