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Premier Danielle Smith has named her new cabinet, a team dedicated to building on a solid foundation of stability, informed decision-making and good governance.
The 25 members of cabinet, a decrease from the previous 27, includes a mix of experienced and new ministers who represent Alberta’s diversity. As a team, they will govern for all Albertans and work to ensure Alberta realizes its full potential.
Alberta’s cabinet will be made up of the following ministers:
Premier and Minister of Intergovernmental Relations – Danielle Smith
Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services – Mike Ellis
Minister of Advanced Education – Rajan Sawhney
Minister of Affordability and Utilities and Vice-chair of Treasury Board – Nathan Neudorf
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation – RJ Sigurdson
Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women – Tanya Fir
Minister of Children and Family Services – Searle Turton
Minister of Education – Demetrios Nicolaides
Minister of Energy and Minerals – Brian Jean
Minister of Environment and Protected Areas – Rebecca Schulz
Ministry of Forestry and Parks – Todd Loewen
Minister of Health – Adriana LaGrange
Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism – Muhammad Yaseen
Minister of Indigenous Relations – Rick Wilson
Minister of Infrastructure – Pete Guthrie
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade – Matt Jones
Minister of Justice – Mickey Amery
Minister of Mental Health and Addiction – Dan Williams
Minister of Municipal Affairs – Ric McIver
Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services – Jason Nixon
Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction – Dale Nally
Minister of Technology and Innovation – Nate Glubish
Minister of Tourism and Sport – Joseph Schow
Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors – Devin Dreeshen
President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance – Nate Horner
Cabinet members will work collaboratively to accomplish the work that Albertans voted for, including continuing to grow and diversify the economy, keeping life affordable, reforming the health care system, tackling crime, providing help for those struggling and defending Alberta’s interests.
Shrine dedicated to Filipina revolutionary Melchora Aquino de Ramos. "Tandang Sora" means "Elder Sora," a title given to her in respect to her age at the time she started assisting the independence movement (she was already 84 - the Revolution broke out 1896). Her home and a store she operated became a refuge for sick & wounded revolutionaries and secret meetings of the Katipuneros (revolutionaries). "Grand Woman of the revolution," "Mother of Balintawak," "Mother of the Katipunan," "Mother of the Philippine Revolution" are also affectionate titles referring to her.
Dedicated to the designers, developers and engineers who build the world’s most engaging user interfaces. From the community, for the community.
Day 2 at Brands Hatch for the British Truck Racing Championship Season of 2021 and after Some Very Intense Battles and Superb Victories from Each of the Drivers on Saturday it was time Once again for Each Driver to Strap in and Get the Hammer Down.
The Weather Unlike Saturday was Beautiful with a bright Blue Sky during the Morning which no Doubt Lifted a lot of the Drivers Moods after Saturday had seen Very Grey and Overcast Conditions.
With Four British Truck Races Making Up the Largest Portion of the Days Events it will be interesting to see what Each Driver can do and How they Will Have to Preserve their Machinery to make it through Each Race.
With All Drivers Ready Having gotten up Early to do Final Checks and Adjustments to their Respective Cars it was Time to Get to Work and Take to the Race Track for Another Day of High Sped High Adrenaline Fuelled Action around the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit.
Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup (Qualifying)
Starting the Day off was the Hyundai Coupe Cup A Racing Series Dedicated to the 2.0 Engine Hyundai Cars and a Large Grid of 22 Cars was Present as Qualifying Began.
Lets Take a Look and Find out who Made it to Pole and Took the Fastest Lap.
In First Place Taking Pole Position and the Fastest Lap was (Alistair Dendy) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 58.735 and a Top Speed of 74.03mph. Brilliant Work from Alistair Really Pushing Hard and Keeping his Car Under Control The Entire Time.
In Second Place was (Wayne Rockett) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 59.123 and a Top Speed of 73.55mph. Amazing Job there Wayne Really Going for it and Pushing Hard.
In Third Place was (Alex Cursley) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 59.148 and a Top Speed of 73.52mph. Great Work there Alex Fantastic Driving to take P3 on the Grid for Race 1.
A Superb Flying Start to the Days Action with the Top Three Drivers in Alistair Wayne and Alex All Sitting Quite Close Together in Qualifying and no Doubt Other Drivers will also Be Looking to Fight their way Through the Field in order to try and take that Glory away from them.
With Qualifying Over Lets Turn Our Attention to the Racing and See out of Alistair Wayne or Alex who Had managed to hold their Composure and take that All Important First Victory.
Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup (Race 1 Results)
In First Place Taking the Victory was (Alistair Dendy) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 59.151 and an Average Speed of 55.27mph. Congratulations Alistair a Brilliant Lights to Flag Victory and The Drive and Bravery of a True Champion Well Done.
In Second Place was (Alex Cursley) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Bets Lap Time of 59.022 and an Average Speed of 55.21mph. Brilliant Driving from Alex and Some Amazing Close Racing at Times with Alistair at The Front of the Grid. A Well Deserved Second Place Finnish.
In Third Place was (Wayne Rockett) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 59.085 and an Average Speed of 55.16mph. Nice Work Wayne Fighting Hard and Taking the Final Step on the Podium with a Fantastic Drive and Defence of P3.
What a Brilliant First Race to Kick Start the Day Off with Alistair Dendy in First Place Alex Cursley in Second Place and Wayne Rockett in Third Place. Fantastic Driving from All of you as Well as All the other Drivers in the Race who Were Battling their way Through the Field.
Lets See what Race 2 and the Final Race Brings for the Top Three Drivers and Can Any of them Improve or will Someone Sneak in at the Last Minute to Grab P1 P2 and P3 away from them.
Carbon8 Hyundai Coupe Cup (Race 2 Results)
In First Place Taking the Final Race Victory of the Day for the Hyundai Coupe Championship was (Alistair Dendy) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 58.800 and an Average Speed of 71.74mph. Another Heroic Drive from Alistair Sees Him Take Both Race Wins for The Weekend and No Doubt in my Mind his Family Friends and Team Will be more than Happy for Him. A Truly Deserving Driver of P1.
In Second Place was (Alex Cursley) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 58.795 and an Average Speed of 71.70mph. Another Incredible Drive from Alex Has seen him Take P2 Once Again Brilliant Work to Him and the Team who no Doubt Will be Celebrating this One for a Long Time Coming.
In Third Place was (Johnny Rockett) in his Hyundai Coupe 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 59.372 and an Average Speed of 71.28mph. Amazing Drive there from Johnny Holding off the Charging Wayne Rockett to take P3 and a Proud Moment for The Entire Rocket Family.
Fantastic Racing Today from the Hyundai Coupe 2000 Championship with Some Fierce Competition from The Likes of Wayne Johnny Alex and Alistair Along with The Rest of the Other Drivers as they Fought Hard to Push their Points Tally Even Higher in the Championship. Congratulations Everybody and Good Luck for the Rest of the Season.
CTCRC All-Comers - Racing for Marshals (Race 2 Results)
CTRC was Up Next and After a Great Race Yesterday All of the Drivers were Ready to Strap in and Get to Work.
After a Hectic Day of Qualifying for The CRTC Yesterday it was Samuel Wilson who Grabbed The Pole with Gary Prebble in Second and Mike Saunders in Third Place with the Top Three Separated by Less than A Second Between Them.
Lets Find Out who Has Won in this Last Race of the Weekend for the CTRC Racing For Marshalls Race.
In First Place taking the Victory and The Fastest Lap was (Colin Claxton) in his Ford Escort MK1 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 55.365 and an Average Speed of 76.44mph. Brilliant Driving from Colin Working that Steering Wheel Hard and Putting in some Incredible Flying Laps to Maintain the Gap and Take a Deserving Victory.
In Second Place was (Samuel Wilson) in his Aston Martin V8 Vantage with a Best Lap Time of 51.471 and an Average Speed of 82.44mph. Really Great Drive from Samuel Pushing His Aston Martin as Hard as Possible to try and Catch the Speedy Colin Claxton.
In Third Place was (Malcom Harding) in his Ford Escort MK2 Zakspeed with a Best Lap Time of 51.682 and an Average Speed of 82.38mph. Really Amazing Work there from Malcom A Beautiful Looking Car Paired with a Confident and Determined Driver. A Well Deserved P3.
Amazing Racing from the CTRC as Always at Brands Hatch with the Likes of Colin Samuel and Malcom all taking Superb Victories and Cementing their Names into the Books of History at the Circuit. Fantastic Work to all the other Drivers and Teams out there too Keep Trying and Never Give Up.
Junior Saloon Car Championship (Race 2 Results)
A Fan Favourite Up Next with the Junior Saloon Car Championship and After Some of the Most Incredible Racing Witnessed Yesterday During Race 1 Between the likes of Jamie and Ruben who Went Side by Side for Nearly Four Whole Laps Continuously This Next Race was for Sure Going to be a Head Turner.
Lets Take a Look at the Results and Find Out if Charlie Hand has managed to Come Back Stronger Than Yesterday.
In First Place Taking the Victory and The Fastest Lap was (Charlie Hand) in his Citron Saxo VTR 1600 with a Best Lap Time of 58.614 and an Average Speed of 61.94mph. Congratulations Charlie Another Brilliant Drive for the Final Race Win of the Weekend in Junior Saloon Cars and a Well Deserved Comeback Drive After Yesterdays Race.
In Second Place was (Harvey Caton) in his Citron Saxo VTR 1600 with a Best Lap Time of 58.573 and an Average Speed of 61.89mph. Brilliant Driving there Harvey Pushing the Car Hard through Paddock Hill Bend and Hanging onto that P2 Spot. Amazing Job.
In Third Place was (Will Redford) in his Citron Saxo 1600 with a Best Lap Time of 58.830 and an Average Speed of 61.85mph. Well Done Will A Great Drive to Finnish The Weekend off and No Doubt his Family and Team Will be Celebrating All Thought the Night for that Performance.
Another Brilliant Final Day of Action from the Junior Saloon Car Championship, A Huge Congratulations to the Likes of Charlie Harvey and Will for their Performances and to All of their Fellow Drivers who are also Chasing their Dreams. Keep Working Hard and Improving as much as you can.
Pickup Truck Racing Championship (Race 2 Results)
Now it was the Turn of the Pickup Trucks Championship and with a Large Grid of 20 Light Weight Space Frame Pickup Trucks the Action from Yesterdays Qualifying Proved that This Race for going to be a Very Fast and Hectic One.
During Qualifying Second Fastest Yesterday it was Mark Wilson who Took Pole with Matt Simpson and Tom Jenkins Close Behind him in Second and Third Place. But out of All Three of thease Drivers who will be Brave Enough to Put their Foot Down and Go for it During the Race to take Victory?
In First Place Taking the Race Win and The Fastest Lap was (David O' Regan) in his Pickup Truck 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 52.463 and an Average Speed of 65.64mph. Amazing Driving there from David Especially through Paddock Hill Bend as the Trucks tend to Slide a lot through there but He was Keeping His Pickup Truck on Corse for a Very Well Deserved P1 Finish for the Weekend.
In Second Place was (George Turiccki) in his Pickup Truck 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 52.425 and an Average Speed of 65.61mph. Great Drive there by George Defending His Position Thought the Race and Hanging onto take an Impressive P2 Finish.
In Third Place was (Allen Cooper) in his Pickup Truck 2000 with a Best Lap Time of 52.265 and an Average Speed of 65.52mph. Really Well Driven from Allen to Take that Final P3 Spot on the Podium and to End what Has Been a Fantastic Weekend for the Pickup Trucks Racing Championship.
Brilliant Racing from the Pickup Truck Championship and some Fantastic Winners Across the Weekend with the likes of David George and Allen all Takin Victories. A Huge Well Done to All of the other Drivers who Also were pushing Hard for Victory Don't Give Up and Keep Fighting and Making Improvements to the Pickup Truck.
Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres (Race 4 Results)
Next Up The Legends Cars Championship and During Qualifying Yesterday each Driver was Working Hard out on Track using the Slip Stream Technique in order to Give Themselves a Boost down the Main Straight in order to take Pole Position.
After Qualifying it was The Legends Car of Chris Needham who took that All Important Pole Position with Will Gibson and John Mickel Following Closely Behind in Second and Third Place Respectively.
With Three Races Ahead who would come out on Top in Race 4 and Take Victory.
In First Place Setting the Fastest Lap and Taking the Victory was (Miles Rudmann) in his Legend 34 Ford Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 56.042 and an Average Speed of 76.13mph. Fantastic Driving from Miles who was Really Pushing Hard at the Front of the Grid and Making sure he was Keeping as Many other Drivers Behind him as Possible. Great Drive.
In Second Place was (Will Gibson) in his Legends 34 Ford Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 56.127 and an Average Speed of 76.12mph. Great Driving from Will Who Always knows a Thing or to About How to Control a Legends Car around the Circuit.
In Third Place was (Jack Parker) in his Legends 34 Ford Coupe with a Best Lap Time of 56.085 and an Average Speed of 76.12mph. Fantastic Driving from Jack to Keep Himself in that P3 Position and take a Well Deserved Victory. Great Work there Jack.
An Exciting First Race from the Legends Championship which Currently sees the likes of Miles Will and Jack all Taking Superb Victories During the Corse of Race 4 But With Race 5 About to Start Will Anyone Else Surprise them by Taking Those Positions Away.
Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres (Race 5 Results)
In First Place taking the Victory and Fastest Lap was (Daniel Clark) in his Legends Chevy Sedan 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 55.775 and an Average Speed of 76.90mph. Congratulations Daniel a Fantastic Drive for Victory and A Turley Deserving Victory too after a Storming Drive through the Field.
In Second Place was (Miles Rudman) in his Legends 34 Ford Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 55.524 and an Average Speed of 76.88mph. Another Superb Drive from Miles to take Second Place Showing his Incredible Speed and Commitment to Remain as Close as he Can to Race Winner Daniel.
In Third Place was (Andy Bird) in his Legends Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 55.847 and an Average Speed of 76.85mph. Brilliant Driving there from Andy and Pushing Hard thought the Race to Defend his P3 Position.
What a Race from The Legends Cars with Two New Winners in Daniel Clark and Any Brid both Taking Victories on the Podium during the Race. With One Last Race to go for The Legends Championship can Miles Rudman Redeem Himself and take that Last Race Victory for the Weekend?
Legends Cars National Championship with MRF Tyres (Race 6 Results)
In First Place Taking the Final Race Victory of the Days for The Legends Cras was (John Mickel) in his Legends Ford 34 Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 56.068 and an Average Speed of 66.12mph. Congratulations John a Really Brilliant Final Drive to take the Victory in the Last Race of the Day for Legends His Family no Doubt will be Very Proud of What He has Achieved.
In Second Place was (Will Gibson) in his Legends 34 Ford Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 55.700 and an Average Speed of 66.11mph. Great Driving there from Will Who Has Really Shown All Weekend Why he is More than Deserving to be sitting in that Legends Seat and Racing it. Fantastic P2 Finnish.
In Third Place was (Sean Smith) in his Legends 34 Ford Coupe 1250 with a Best Lap Time of 55.839 and an Average Speed of 66.08mph. Congratulations Sean a Really Fantastic Way to Round of the Weekend for You with the Final Spot on the Podium.
What an Incredible Weekend it has been for the Legends Cars national Championship with so Many Different Race Winners in Sean Will Miles Daniel Jack and Andy All Fighting Hard and Taking Home Some Memorable Trophies and Cementing their Statuses in the History Books for Future Generations to See and Become Inspired by. Congratulations to All of the other Drivers who were out there Racing too Keep Working Hard and I Know that you will Achieve your Own Goals with Enough Determination.
British Truck Racing Championship (Race 2 Results)
Finally it was The Time for the Heavy Weights of Motorsport to Make their way out onto the Circuit for the Last Time this Weekend in the British Truck Racing Championship.
After Qualifying Yesterday Which saw Ryan Smith Dominate The Times with Stuart Oliver in Second and David Jenkins in Third Place All Three Drivers were Once Again Ready to Battle it out for The Last Time this Season to Determined who The Champion of 2021 Will Be.
Lets Dive Straight into Race 2 and See who is going to Strike First and Make their Mark on the Race Track.
In First Place Taking the Fastest Lap and The Race Victory was (Ryan Smith) in his Mercedes Actros 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.232 and an Average Speed of 72.19mph. Congratulations Ryan Really Incredible Drive and in Dominant Fashion to take The Win in Race 1 Superb Job.
In Second Place was (Stuart Oliver) in his Volvo VNL 13000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.949 and an Average Speed of 71.34mph. Fantastic Drive there Stuart Fighting Hard and More Determined than Ever Judging by the Way he Threw that Truck Round Paddock Hill Bend Really going for it.
In Third Place was (David Jenkins) in his Man TGX 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:01.146 and an Average Speed of 71.11mph. Fantastic Work there David P3 and a Superb Effort to try and Take Third Place from Stuart Oliver.
What an Incredible First Race with the Top Three in Ryan Stuart and David All Really Pushing Hard and Making their Mark on the Race Track. With Race 3 Coming Up Next who Will be able to try and Overtake Ryan Smith and Stop his Incredible Domination?
British Truck Racing Championship (Race 3 Results)
In First Place Taking the Victory and the Fastest Lap was (Ryan Smith) in his Mercedes Actros 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 58.984 and an Average Speed of 71.78mph. Congratulations Ryan Another Incredible Drive an a Real Determined Charge to Keep that Truck as Far Ahead of All the other Competitors as Possible. Extraordinary Performance.
In Second Place was (Mark Taylor) in his Man TGA 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.395 and an Average Speed of 71.15mph. Great Driving there from Mark who was Pushing Hard and Keeping the Gap to Ensure He got that All Important P2. Fantastic Drive.
In Third Place was (Steven Thomas) in his Man TGA 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.021 and an Average Speed of 71.05mph. Well Done Steven Driving Really Well and Making Sure to Defend from Fourth Place John Newell to Hold onto that P3 Finish.
Another Daring and Exciting Race in which Ryan Smith Once Again Dominates at The Top of the Standings by being an Insane 2 Seconds Faster a Lap Compared to Mark Taylor. A Big Congratulations to Both Mark and Steven for their Respective Finishes too.
Race 4 is up next and This Could be The Race Which Decides the Championship. Will Ryan Smith be able to Hold on or Will David Jenkins in Second Place in the Standings Have other Ideas.
British Truck Racing Championship (Race 4 Results)
In First Place taking the Victory and the Fastest Lap was (David Jenkins) in his Man TGX 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 59.282 and an Average Speed of 71.68mph. Congratulations David a Superb Victory and that Puts Him a Step Closer to Winning the Championship Over Rival Ryan Smith.
In Second Place was (Tom O' Rourke) in his Man TGX 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.985 and an Average Speed of 70.66mph. Congratulations To A Fantastic Drive and so Great to See a New Face in P2 on the Podium Phenomenal Job.
In Third Place was (Martin Gibson) in his Man TGX 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.985 and an Average Speed of 70.59mph. Fantastic Job there Martin Super Driving and Defending Well for that P3 Finish.
With David Jenkins Having Just Won that Last Race it Looks like Race 5 and The Final Race of the Weekend is going to Determine who The Champion for 2021 is in British Truck Racing. Will it be David Jenkins or Will it be Ryan Smith?
British Truck Racing Championship (Race 5 Results)
In First Place Taking The Championship and The Final Race Win of the Weekend is (Ryan Smith) in his Mercedes Actros 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 58.711 and an Average Speed of 72.07mph. Congratulations Ryan you are the 2021 British Truck Racing Champion a Phenomenal Drive All Weekend and through the Season.
In Second Place was (John Newell) in his Man TGS 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.047 and an Average Speed of 70.85mph. Fantastic Race there John Finishing in P2 to Round off the Weekends Racing no Doubt Many Celebrations will be Happening down in the Paddock.
In Third Place was (Shane Brereton) in his Man TGX 12000 with a Best Lap Time of 1:00.072 and an Average Speed of 70.82mph. Great Work there Shane Taking a Well Deserved P3 spot on the Podium and Racing with Such Accuracy and Craft thought.
What An Incredible Weekend it has Been for Ryan Smith who is Your British Truck Racing Champion of 2021 on 390 Points. Congratulations Ryan Go out and Celebrate This Moment In Style.
In Second Place in the Standings is David Jenkins on 380 Points who put up one Hell of a Good Fight All Thought the Season with Ryan Smith Non the Less a Well Deserving Second Place in the Championship from Such a Committed Driver.
And Finally In Third Place in the Standings was Martin Gibson on 350 Points who Also Put up an Incredible Fight All Season Having Been Fighting his way Through the Field on More than One Occasion.
A Fantastic End to a Weekend of Incredible Racing and as The Truck Parade and Fireworks Went off I can Imagine that Each Driver Reflected on what they Have Achieved this Year and the Countless People they May have Inspired to go out and Challenge their Dreams of Becoming a Racing Driver.
Until The Next One Keep Racing !
When I found this little toy while helping my son to clean his toybin, I couldn't help thinking of Pete's gecko pictures.
Also, first half-serious experiment with PS.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tR2wzZy0rs&feature=related
Time Slips ... De Phazz
Inside Montreal,s Apple store
Time slipped
Hug et bonsoir
Guy
This image dedicated to Hailey, a talented amazing artist and an exquisite person with beautiful heart!
Dear Hailey, thank you very much, Im aboslutely and totally touched!
Please see her beautiful and elegant painting collection here: www.flickr.com/photos/60245219@N08
Dear Hailey, Im very grateful to you for your warm support and Im happy and thankful for your purchase of my work "Twilight Guardians" and I hope you will be enjoing this image which also special for me!
If you would love to purchase this art work, you are welcome to my website:
jenny-rainbow.artistwebsites.com/featured/nostalgie-jenny...
Hydrabad - Nagpur
One of the my favourite service of NGP which is travelled through sexiest NH 7..!!
There are total 3 services on the route from both side.
* From Nagpur - Hydrabad : 6:00, 8:15, 15:00
* From Hydarabd - Nagpur : 6:00, 7:00, 18:00
This one is 7:00 schedule from Hydrabad towards Nagpur.
MH-40-Y-5006/ MH-40-Y-5007/ MH-40-Y-5085/ MH-40-Y-5087 are 4 dedicated buses on the route from NGP 2
All schedules goes via Pandharkawda, Adilabad, Nirmal, Nijamabad.
Captured at Mahatma Gandhi Bus Stand, Hydrabad...!!!
The Lakshmana Temple is a Hindu temple located in Khajuraho, India. Dedicated to Vaikuntha Vishnu - an aspect of Vishnu.
This temple is located in the Western Temple complex in Khajuraho. Khajuraho is a small village in Chattarpur District of Madhya Pradesh, India.
It is a Sandhara Temple of the Panchayatana Variety. The entire temple complex stands on a high platform (Jagati). The structure consists of all the elements of Hindu temple architecture. It has entrance porch (ardh-mandapa), Mandapa, Maha-Mandapa, Antarala and Garbhagriha.
Unlike other temples in Khajuraho, its sanctum is Pancharatha on plan. Its sikhara is clustered with minor urushringas.
The wall portion is studded with balconied windows with ornate balustrades.
It has two rows of sculptures including divine figures, couples and erotic scenes.
The sanctum doorway is of seven sakhas (vertical panels). The central one being decorated with various incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Lintel depicts goddess Lakshmi in the centre flanked by Brahma and Vishnu. The sanctum contains four-armed sculpture of Vishnu.
Main image is of tri-headed & four-armed sculpture of Vaikuntha Vishnu.
The central head is of human, and two sides of boar (depicting Varaha) and lion (depicting Narshima).
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Der Lakshmana-Tempel ist der erste wirklich große Tempelbau der Chandella-Dynastie im Tempelbezirk von Khajuraho; zu seiner Bauzeit (ca. 930−950) war er der größte Tempel im Norden Indiens. Der Tempel ist dem Gott Vishnu in seinem Aspekt als Vaikuntha ('Herr des Paradieses') geweiht; im Zentrum der Cella (garbhagriha) steht eine dreiköpfige Vishnu-/Vaikuntha-Figur.
In den Ecken der Tempelplattform sind noch vier Begleitschreine erhalten und so ergibt sich das seltene Bild eines kompletten nordindischen Tempelkomplexes (panchayatana), wie es schon im frühen 6. Jahrhundert im Dashavatara-Tempel von Deogarh geplant und verwirklicht wurde, sich aber dort nicht erhalten hat.
ETYMOLOGIE
Der Name Vaikuntha ist wahrscheinlich von den Sanskritwörtern vi und kuntha herzuleiten und bedeutet in etwa 'ohne Bruch' im Sinne von 'ganzheitlich' oder 'vollkommen'. Vaikuntha ist für viele Anhänger Vishnus (vaishnavas) Ziel und Ort nach Erreichung der Erlösung (moksha), d. h. nach der Befreiung aus dem endlosen Kreislauf der Wiedergeburten (samsara). Dieser Ort − in etwa gleichzusetzen mit dem Paradies − liegt an den Hängen des Weltenbergs Meru und besteht nur aus Gold und kostbaren Edelsteinen; der Ganges fließt mitten durch ihn hindurch. Das Bildnis im Innern der Cella wurde − da seine ursprüngliche Bedeutung in Vergessenheit geraten war − in späterer Zeit volkstümlich auch als Lakshmana, Ramachandra oder Chaturbuja bezeichnet; der Name 'Lakshmana-Tempel' ist haften geblieben.
BAUGESCHICHTE
Eine während der Ausgrabungs- und Restaurierungsarbeiten zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts in der Nähe gefundene Steinplatte mit einer Weiheinschrift aus dem Jahr 953/4, die sich auf eine Vaikuntha-Statue bezieht, erwähnt den Chandella-Herrscher Yasovarman (reg. ca. 925−950) als Bauherren und Stifter. Bei einer angenommenen Bauzeit von etwa 20 Jahren dürfte der Baubeginn des Tempels etwa um das Jahr 930 anzusiedeln sein, als die Chandellas gegenüber ihren Lehnsherren, den Pratiharas, mehr und mehr an Einfluss und Macht gewannen. Die Inschriftenplatte ist heute in der kleinen Vorhalle (mukhamandapa) des Tempels angebracht.
ARCHITEKTUR
Der komplett aus Sandstein errichtete Tempel ist ca. 21,5 m hoch, etwa 24,5 m lang und ca. 14,5 m breit. Er erhebt sich auf einer rechteckigen, ca. 3 m hohen, ca. 40 m langen und ca. 27 m breiten Umgangsplattform (jagati), die über einen vorgezogenen Treppenaufgang erreichbar ist. Der Tempel selbst ruht auf einem mehrfach gegliederten und leicht zurückgestuften Unterbau (adhishthana), so dass ein weiterer, ebenfalls etwa 3 m hoher Treppenaufgang notwendig ist um in den Portikus (mukhamandapa oder ardhamandapa) zu gelangen; es folgt die Vorhalle (mandapa), dann die Große Vorhalle (mahamandapa) und schließlich der Sanktumsbereich mit innenliegender Cella (garbhagriha) sowie einem Umgang (pradakshinapatha).
Sanktumsbereich und Große Vorhalle sind flächenmäßig etwa gleich groß − ein Schema, dass bereits ca. 250 Jahre früher beim Kalika-Mata-Tempel in Chittorgarh erstmals auftritt und über Zwischenstufen in Rajasthan und Gyaraspur nach Khajuraho gelangte. Da die Dachaufbauten des Tempels im Wesentlichen auf Pfeilern ruhen, konnten die drei Vorhallen sowie der Umgangsbereich der Cella durch schräggestellte Brüstungen mit gedrechselten Steinsäulchen, vor denen sich im Innern steinerne Sitzbänke befinden, nach außen geöffnet werden.
Die verschiedenen Räume sind durch Stufen voneinander getrennt und haben somit ein geringfügig wechselndes Bodenniveau; die Cella des Tempels mit dem Vaikuntha-Bildnis hat von allen Räumen das höchste Fußbodenniveau und wird von einem Shikhara-Turm mit kleinen Begleittürmchen (urushringas) überhöht. Die Vorhallen sind jeweils von pyramidenförmigen Dächern (phamsanas) bedeckt. Im Äußeren entsteht so das Bild eines die umgebende Landschaft überragenden Gebirges oder Bergstocks, doch auch im Innern müssen die Gläubigen einige Stufen überwinden um zum "Höchsten", dem Vaikuntha-Bildnis, zu gelangen.
Im Innern wie im Äußeren ist jedes Bauteil des Tempels reich gegliedert und mit Skulpturen oder abstrakten geometrischen oder vegetabilischen Ornamenten bedeckt; eine Wand- bzw. Steinsichtigkeit wird also weitgehend vermieden.
SKULPTUREN
Die obere Ebene der mehrfach gestuften Sockelzone ist als etwa 35 cm hoher umlaufender Fries mit über hundert kleinen Elefanten gestaltet, die den gesamten Tempel auf dem Rücken tragen − ein Hoheitszeichen, das sich an keinem der anderen Tempel Khajurahos findet. Die Elefanten werden von jeweils zwei Wärtern (mahuts) begleitet.
Plattform und Tempel sind mit über tausend kleineren und größeren Figuren geschmückt. Vor allem die größeren Skulpturen sind nicht mehr – wie früher – von Architekturelementen oder Nischen eingerahmt, sondern stehen nahezu vollplastisch auf Steinplatten, d. h. sie sind kaum noch mit dem rückwärtigen Reliefgrund verbunden. Sie sind nicht mehr als künstliche Abbilder gemeint, sondern als lebendige, lebensnahe Figuren. Die etwas hervorstehenden Bauteile zeigen zumeist Götterfiguren (Shiva, Vishnu u. a.), die seitlich in den etwas zurückspringenden Teilen von gleich großen weiblichen Figuren – leicht bekleideten 'Schönen Mädchen' (surasundaris) in unterschiedlichen Posen und aus bildhauerischen Gründen stets mit aufgebundenem Haar – begleitet werden. Die etwas breiteren, aber am stärksten zurückgestuften Mittelregister der drei Außenwände des Sanktums präsentieren in der unteren Ebene erotische Szenen aller Art, für die die Tempel von Khajuraho in der ganzen Welt berühmt sind; darüber finden sich 'Himmlische Liebespaare' (mithunas). Die oberste Zone zeigt in der Mitte ein Götterbild mit Begleitfiguren; die seitlichen Dekorfelder (udgamas) zeigen ornamentalen Schmuck bestehend aus neben- und übereinander angeordneten kleinen Fensternischen (chandrasalas).
PLATTFORM
Als einziger Tempel in Khajuraho hat der Lakshmana-Tempel einen weitgehend erhaltenen und die gesamte Plattform umschließenden Figurenfries mit Szenen aus dem höfischen Alltagsleben – Unterricht, Kriegszug, Musikanten, erotisch-sexuelle Liebesszenen etc.; Götterfiguren oder Dämonen sind dagegen hier nicht zu sehen. Die Szenen des etwa in Augenhöhe angebrachten Frieses sind zwar originell, aber von keiner großen handwerklichen oder künstlerischen Meisterschaft.
TEMPEL (AUSSEN)
Während die kleinen Vorhallen außen keinerlei Figurenschmuck besitzen, sind die Eckpfeiler zwischen Vorhalle (mandapa) und Großer Vorhalle (mahamandapa) in zwei Ebenen mit Figuren versehen. Hauptsächlich ist jedoch der Bereich zwischen Großer Vorhalle (mahamandapa) und Sanktum in mehreren Ebenen und überreich mit Figuren besetzt. Hier überwiegen ganz eindeutig Götterfiguren, 'Himmlische Liebespaare' (mithunas) und 'Schöne Mädchen' (surasundaris). Nur die unteren Ebenen der Mittelregister zeigen auch erotisch-sexuelle Szenen; somit ist am Lakshmana-Tempel noch die Hierarchie zwischen der oberen (himmlischen) Ebene und der unteren (erdnahen) Ebene gewahrt.
TEMPEL (INNEN)
Zu den interessantesten und künstlerisch bedeutsamsten Figuren im Innern des Tempels gehören die weiblichen Nymphen (apsaras) an den Streben im Deckenbereich der Großen Vorhalle (mahamandapa); diese zeigen sich in verschiedenen − oft extrem verdrehten − Posen beim Musizieren, beim Ballspiel aber auch beim Entkleiden. In den Wandnischen finden sich diverse Götterfiguren, darunter auch einige nicht (mehr) identifizierbare.
VAIKUNTHA-KULTBILD
Das freiplastisch aus einer großen Steinplatte herausgearbeitete Götterbildnis ist in ganz Indien nahezu einzigartig und zeigt Vishnu/Vaikuntha mit vier zerstörten Armen, so dass keinerlei Attribute mehr vorhanden sind, sowie drei Köpfen (Mensch, Eber und Löwe). Ein rückwärtiger vierter Kopf, der die Universalität Vishnus vervollkommnet hätte, ist nicht ausgeführt; stattdessen findet sich ein in Indien einzigartiger durchbrochener und gezackter Strahlenkranz um Vaikunthas Haupt. Die Figur ist umgeben von einem – aus derselben Steinplatte herausgearbeiteten – Rahmen mit Wächterfiguren sowie Ganga und Yamuna im Sockelbereich und jeweils drei darüber befindlichen vorstehenden Nischen mit Vishnu-Avataras (Matsya, Varaha, Vamana, Kurma, Narasimha, Parashurama). Zwei seitliche Pfeiler mit reichem z. T. freiplastischen Architektur- und Figurendekor und einem doppelten, aus dem aufgerissenene Mäulern von Wasserungeheuern (makaras) hervorquellenden Torana-Bogen als verbindendem oberem Abschluss bilden den äußeren Rahmen des Kultbildes.
BEDEUTUNG
Der Lakshmana-Tempel (ca. 930−950) mit seinen vier hintereinanderliegenden und in der Höhe gestaffelten Bauteilen sowie seiner − im Wesentlichen auf Pfeilern ruhenden − Bauweise gilt als früher Höhepunkt der Chandella-Architektur und war nach seiner Fertigstellung für etliche Jahrzehnte der größte Tempelbau Indiens. Spätere Tempelbauten in Khajuraho wurden von ihm maßgeblich beeinflusst, darunter auch der Kandariya-Mahadeva-Tempel.
Das außergewöhnliche Vaikuntha-Bildnis in der Cella sowie der reiche, beinahe vollplastische Figurenschmuck sind innen wie außen nahezu vollständig erhalten und bezeugen die handwerkliche und künstlerische Meisterschaft der Bildhauer der damaligen Zeit.
Mit seinem mehrteiligen Grundriss, einer von einem Umgang umschlossenen Cella und in Teilen seines Dekors (Balkonbrüstungen mit gedrechselten Säulchen) ist der Lakshmana-Tempel wahrscheinlich direkt beeinflusst von dem ca. 50 Jahre zuvor erbauten, aber insgesamt noch der Pratihara-Architektur zuzurechnenden Maladevi-Tempel in Gyaraspur.
WIKIPEDIA
This photo is dedicated to Tomas: NapsWithCats (was skyracer)www.flickr.com/photos/skyracer25/.
Tomas sent me an email earlier today to inform me of the full moon this evening. Thank you, Tomas.
The Province is helping keep people safe by creating hubs of police, dedicated prosecutors and probation officers focused on tackling repeat violent offending in every region of the province. Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/28552
Dedicated to all women, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, housewife's, working ladies, queens and goddesses....
May their grace, generosity and perseverance be praised and remembered. They create magic of the simplest moments in spite of today's violation against their human rights and their physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse.Every women may be a victim once in any part of their life..and every women expecting to be treated as HUMAN BEING and BEING HUMAN to them..
Help to create a better tomorrow for all of them!
Still in the Millenium there is too much to be done and the awareness has to be spread globe wise. After all, they are the mother's of each and every one of us.
Dedicated to the designers, developers and engineers who build the world’s most engaging user interfaces. From the community, for the community.
A walk down the streets of Anacapri.
This is the Sacresty of the Church of S. Sofia down Via Trieste e Trento.
This is the Church of S. Sofia in Anacapri.
The church was built in 1510 over the square known as "Le Pietre" (the Stones) and over the structures of an older church dedicated to S. Carlo, thus replacing the original parish of S. Maria a Costantinopoli.
Mingle Media TV and Red Carpet Report host, Linda Antwi, were invited to cover the 39th Annual Saturn Awards, the only awards dedicated to honoring the best in science fiction, fantasy, horror and “genre” film and TV at the Starlight Ballroom at the Castaway in Burbank. Richard Matheson (honored posthumously), William Friedkin, Vince Gilligan and Jonathan Frakes were Honored at the awards ceremony.
Get the Story from the Red Carpet Report Team - follow us on Twitter and Facebook at:
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About the Saturn Awards
The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films was founded in 1972 by noted film historian Dr. Donald A. Reed to honor and recognize films often overlooked by mainstream awards. Over the years, the Academy has expanded its reach to include recognizing excellence in television and home entertainment, as well as other genres, including adventure, thriller, dark drama, and edgy entertainment. For a complete list of nominations and more information about the Academy, visit www.saturnawards.org/nominations.html or the Facebook page for The Saturn Awards at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Saturn-Awards/10775127663.
For more of Mingle Media TV’s Red Carpet Report coverage, please visit our website and follow us on Twitter and Facebook here:
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Follow our host, Linda at twitter.com/LindaIsSoGirlie
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專注 [ Large Size (1024 x 683)∣Original Size (1800 x 1200) ]
Canon EOS 30D + Tamron SP 35-105mm f/2.8 ( for Nikon Mount )
April 22, 2007
by Yueh-Hua
(•) – The Lockheed Martin HC-130J Hercules The Combat King II is the U.S. Air Force's only dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform and is flown by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and Air Combat Command (ACC). This C-130J variation specializes in tactical profiles and avoiding detection and recovery operations in austere environments. The HC-130J replaces HC-130P/Ns as the only dedicated fixed-wing Personnel Recovery platform in the Air Force inventory. It is an extended-range version of the C-130J Hercules transport. Its mission is to rapidly deploy to execute combatant commander directed recovery operations to austere airfields and denied territory for expeditionary, all weather personnel recovery operations to include airdrop, airland, helicopter air-to-air refueling, and forward area ground refueling missions. When tasked, the aircraft also conducts humanitarian assistance operations, disaster response, security cooperation/aviation advisory, emergency aeromedical evacuation, and noncombatant evacuation operations.
Features
Modifications to the HC-130J have improved navigation, threat detection and countermeasures systems. The aircraft fleet has a fully-integrated inertial navigation and global positioning systems, and night vision goggle, or NVG, compatible interior and exterior lighting. It also has forward-looking infrared, radar and missile warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, satellite and data-burst communications, and the ability to receive fuel inflight via a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI).
The HC-130J can fly in the day; however, crews normally fly night at low to medium altitude levels in contested or sensitive environments, both over land or overwater. Crews use NVGs for tactical flight profiles to avoid detection to accomplish covert infiltration/exfiltration and transload operations. To enhance the probability of mission success and survivability near populated areas, crews employ tactics that include incorporating no external lighting or communications, and avoiding radar and weapons detection.
Drop zone objectives are done via personnel drops and equipment drops. Rescue bundles include illumination flares, marker smokes and rescue kits. Helicopter air-to-air refueling can be conducted at night, with blacked out communication with up to two simultaneous helicopters. Additionally, forward area refueling point operations can be executed to support a variety of joint and coalition partners.
Background
The HC-130J is a result of the HC/MC-130 recapitalization program and replaces Air Combat Command's aging HC-130P/N fleet as the dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform in the Air Force inventory. The 71st and 79th Rescue Squadrons in Air Combat Command, the 550th Special Operations Squadron in Air Education and Training Command, the 920th Rescue Group in Air Force Reserve Command and the 106th Rescue Wing, 129th RQW and 176th Wing in the Air National Guard will operate the aircraft.
First flight was 29 July 2010, and the aircraft will serve the many roles and missions of the HC-130P/Ns. It is a modified KC-130J aircraft designed to conduct personnel recovery missions, provide a command and control platform, in-flight-refuel helicopters and carry supplemental fuel for extending range or air refueling.
In April 2006, the personnel recovery mission was transferred back to Air Combat Command at Langley AFB, Va. From 2003 to 2006, the mission was under the Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Previously, HC-130s were assigned to ACC from 1992 to 2003. They were first assigned to the Air Rescue Service as part of Military Airlift Command.
General Characteristics
Primary function: Fixed-wing Personnel Recovery platform
Contractor: Lockheed Aircraft Corp.
Power Plant: Four Rolls Royce AE2100D3 turboprop engines
Thrust: 4,591 Propeller Shaft Horsepower, each engine
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.57 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 9 inches (11.58 meters)
Operating Weight: 89,000 pounds (40,369 kilograms)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 pounds (74,389 kilograms)
Fuel Capacity: 61,360 pounds (9,024 gallons)
Payload: 35,000 pounds (15,875 kilograms)
Speed: 316 knots indicated air speed at sea level
Range: beyond 4,000 miles (3,478 nautical miles)
Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,000 meters)
Armament: countermeasures/flares, chaff
Basic Crew: Three officers (pilot, co-pilot, combat system officer) and two enlisted loadmasters
Unit Cost: $66 million (fiscal 2010 replacement cost)
Initial operating capability: 2013.
Dedicated to the designers, developers and engineers who build the world’s most engaging user interfaces. From the community, for the community.
John Edwards was born in Seneca, South Carolina and raised in Robbins, North Carolina, a small town in the Piedmont. There John learned the values of hard work and perseverance from his father, Wallace, who worked in the textile mills for 36 years, and from his mother, Bobbie, who ran a shop and worked at the post office. Working alongside his father at the mill, John developed his strong belief that all Americans deserve an equal opportunity to succeed and be heard.
A proud product of public schools, John became the first person in his family to attend college. He worked his way through North Carolina State University where he graduated with high honors in 1974, and then earned a law degree with honors in 1977 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
For the next 20 years, John dedicated his career to representing families and children just like the families he grew up with in Robbins. Standing up against the powerful insurance industry and their armies of lawyers, John helped these families through the darkest moments of their lives to overcome tremendous challenges. His passionate advocacy for people like the folks who worked in the mill with his father earned him respect and recognition across the country.
In 1998, John took this commitment into politics to give a voice in the United States Senate to the people he had represented throughout his career. He ran for the Senate and won, defeating an incumbent Senator.
In Congress, Senator Edwards quickly emerged as a champion for the issues that make a difference to American families: quality health care, better schools, protecting civil liberties, preserving the environment, saving Social Security and Medicare, and reforming the ways campaigns are financed.
As a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator Edwards worked tirelessly for a strong national defense and to strengthen the security of our homeland. He authored key pieces of legislation on cyber, bio, and port security.
Senator Edwards brought a positive message of change to the 2004 presidential primaries. During the primary season he spoke about the two Americas that exist in our country today: one for people at the top who have everything they need and one for everybody else who struggle to get by. This powerful message resonated with voters all across America.
After the Democratic primaries, Senator John Kerry picked Senator Edwards to serve as his running mate in the 2004 general election, and Senator Edwards crisscrossed the country and campaigned tirelessly on Senator Kerry's behalf.
He is the former Director of the Center on Poverty, Work, and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Senator Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, whom he met when both were law students at Chapel Hill, were married in 1977. They have had four children, including: their eldest daughter, Catharine, who is attending law school; nine-year-old Emma Claire; and a seven-year-old son, Jack. Their first child, Wade, died in 1996.
Dedicated to @flipkeat, @Greta Adores Pink & @DMC43...whom have all experienced great loss recently... <3.
My thoughts are with you...
The Lakshmana Temple is a Hindu temple located in Khajuraho, India. Dedicated to Vaikuntha Vishnu - an aspect of Vishnu.
This temple is located in the Western Temple complex in Khajuraho. Khajuraho is a small village in Chattarpur District of Madhya Pradesh, India.
It is a Sandhara Temple of the Panchayatana Variety. The entire temple complex stands on a high platform (Jagati). The structure consists of all the elements of Hindu temple architecture. It has entrance porch (ardh-mandapa), Mandapa, Maha-Mandapa, Antarala and Garbhagriha.
Unlike other temples in Khajuraho, its sanctum is Pancharatha on plan. Its sikhara is clustered with minor urushringas.
The wall portion is studded with balconied windows with ornate balustrades.
It has two rows of sculptures including divine figures, couples and erotic scenes.
The sanctum doorway is of seven sakhas (vertical panels). The central one being decorated with various incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Lintel depicts goddess Lakshmi in the centre flanked by Brahma and Vishnu. The sanctum contains four-armed sculpture of Vishnu.
Main image is of tri-headed & four-armed sculpture of Vaikuntha Vishnu.
The central head is of human, and two sides of boar (depicting Varaha) and lion (depicting Narshima).
_____________________________
Der Lakshmana-Tempel ist der erste wirklich große Tempelbau der Chandella-Dynastie im Tempelbezirk von Khajuraho; zu seiner Bauzeit (ca. 930−950) war er der größte Tempel im Norden Indiens. Der Tempel ist dem Gott Vishnu in seinem Aspekt als Vaikuntha ('Herr des Paradieses') geweiht; im Zentrum der Cella (garbhagriha) steht eine dreiköpfige Vishnu-/Vaikuntha-Figur.
In den Ecken der Tempelplattform sind noch vier Begleitschreine erhalten und so ergibt sich das seltene Bild eines kompletten nordindischen Tempelkomplexes (panchayatana), wie es schon im frühen 6. Jahrhundert im Dashavatara-Tempel von Deogarh geplant und verwirklicht wurde, sich aber dort nicht erhalten hat.
ETYMOLOGIE
Der Name Vaikuntha ist wahrscheinlich von den Sanskritwörtern vi und kuntha herzuleiten und bedeutet in etwa 'ohne Bruch' im Sinne von 'ganzheitlich' oder 'vollkommen'. Vaikuntha ist für viele Anhänger Vishnus (vaishnavas) Ziel und Ort nach Erreichung der Erlösung (moksha), d. h. nach der Befreiung aus dem endlosen Kreislauf der Wiedergeburten (samsara). Dieser Ort − in etwa gleichzusetzen mit dem Paradies − liegt an den Hängen des Weltenbergs Meru und besteht nur aus Gold und kostbaren Edelsteinen; der Ganges fließt mitten durch ihn hindurch. Das Bildnis im Innern der Cella wurde − da seine ursprüngliche Bedeutung in Vergessenheit geraten war − in späterer Zeit volkstümlich auch als Lakshmana, Ramachandra oder Chaturbuja bezeichnet; der Name 'Lakshmana-Tempel' ist haften geblieben.
BAUGESCHICHTE
Eine während der Ausgrabungs- und Restaurierungsarbeiten zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts in der Nähe gefundene Steinplatte mit einer Weiheinschrift aus dem Jahr 953/4, die sich auf eine Vaikuntha-Statue bezieht, erwähnt den Chandella-Herrscher Yasovarman (reg. ca. 925−950) als Bauherren und Stifter. Bei einer angenommenen Bauzeit von etwa 20 Jahren dürfte der Baubeginn des Tempels etwa um das Jahr 930 anzusiedeln sein, als die Chandellas gegenüber ihren Lehnsherren, den Pratiharas, mehr und mehr an Einfluss und Macht gewannen. Die Inschriftenplatte ist heute in der kleinen Vorhalle (mukhamandapa) des Tempels angebracht.
ARCHITEKTUR
Der komplett aus Sandstein errichtete Tempel ist ca. 21,5 m hoch, etwa 24,5 m lang und ca. 14,5 m breit. Er erhebt sich auf einer rechteckigen, ca. 3 m hohen, ca. 40 m langen und ca. 27 m breiten Umgangsplattform (jagati), die über einen vorgezogenen Treppenaufgang erreichbar ist. Der Tempel selbst ruht auf einem mehrfach gegliederten und leicht zurückgestuften Unterbau (adhishthana), so dass ein weiterer, ebenfalls etwa 3 m hoher Treppenaufgang notwendig ist um in den Portikus (mukhamandapa oder ardhamandapa) zu gelangen; es folgt die Vorhalle (mandapa), dann die Große Vorhalle (mahamandapa) und schließlich der Sanktumsbereich mit innenliegender Cella (garbhagriha) sowie einem Umgang (pradakshinapatha).
Sanktumsbereich und Große Vorhalle sind flächenmäßig etwa gleich groß − ein Schema, dass bereits ca. 250 Jahre früher beim Kalika-Mata-Tempel in Chittorgarh erstmals auftritt und über Zwischenstufen in Rajasthan und Gyaraspur nach Khajuraho gelangte. Da die Dachaufbauten des Tempels im Wesentlichen auf Pfeilern ruhen, konnten die drei Vorhallen sowie der Umgangsbereich der Cella durch schräggestellte Brüstungen mit gedrechselten Steinsäulchen, vor denen sich im Innern steinerne Sitzbänke befinden, nach außen geöffnet werden.
Die verschiedenen Räume sind durch Stufen voneinander getrennt und haben somit ein geringfügig wechselndes Bodenniveau; die Cella des Tempels mit dem Vaikuntha-Bildnis hat von allen Räumen das höchste Fußbodenniveau und wird von einem Shikhara-Turm mit kleinen Begleittürmchen (urushringas) überhöht. Die Vorhallen sind jeweils von pyramidenförmigen Dächern (phamsanas) bedeckt. Im Äußeren entsteht so das Bild eines die umgebende Landschaft überragenden Gebirges oder Bergstocks, doch auch im Innern müssen die Gläubigen einige Stufen überwinden um zum "Höchsten", dem Vaikuntha-Bildnis, zu gelangen.
Im Innern wie im Äußeren ist jedes Bauteil des Tempels reich gegliedert und mit Skulpturen oder abstrakten geometrischen oder vegetabilischen Ornamenten bedeckt; eine Wand- bzw. Steinsichtigkeit wird also weitgehend vermieden.
SKULPTUREN
Die obere Ebene der mehrfach gestuften Sockelzone ist als etwa 35 cm hoher umlaufender Fries mit über hundert kleinen Elefanten gestaltet, die den gesamten Tempel auf dem Rücken tragen − ein Hoheitszeichen, das sich an keinem der anderen Tempel Khajurahos findet. Die Elefanten werden von jeweils zwei Wärtern (mahuts) begleitet.
Plattform und Tempel sind mit über tausend kleineren und größeren Figuren geschmückt. Vor allem die größeren Skulpturen sind nicht mehr – wie früher – von Architekturelementen oder Nischen eingerahmt, sondern stehen nahezu vollplastisch auf Steinplatten, d. h. sie sind kaum noch mit dem rückwärtigen Reliefgrund verbunden. Sie sind nicht mehr als künstliche Abbilder gemeint, sondern als lebendige, lebensnahe Figuren. Die etwas hervorstehenden Bauteile zeigen zumeist Götterfiguren (Shiva, Vishnu u. a.), die seitlich in den etwas zurückspringenden Teilen von gleich großen weiblichen Figuren – leicht bekleideten 'Schönen Mädchen' (surasundaris) in unterschiedlichen Posen und aus bildhauerischen Gründen stets mit aufgebundenem Haar – begleitet werden. Die etwas breiteren, aber am stärksten zurückgestuften Mittelregister der drei Außenwände des Sanktums präsentieren in der unteren Ebene erotische Szenen aller Art, für die die Tempel von Khajuraho in der ganzen Welt berühmt sind; darüber finden sich 'Himmlische Liebespaare' (mithunas). Die oberste Zone zeigt in der Mitte ein Götterbild mit Begleitfiguren; die seitlichen Dekorfelder (udgamas) zeigen ornamentalen Schmuck bestehend aus neben- und übereinander angeordneten kleinen Fensternischen (chandrasalas).
PLATTFORM
Als einziger Tempel in Khajuraho hat der Lakshmana-Tempel einen weitgehend erhaltenen und die gesamte Plattform umschließenden Figurenfries mit Szenen aus dem höfischen Alltagsleben – Unterricht, Kriegszug, Musikanten, erotisch-sexuelle Liebesszenen etc.; Götterfiguren oder Dämonen sind dagegen hier nicht zu sehen. Die Szenen des etwa in Augenhöhe angebrachten Frieses sind zwar originell, aber von keiner großen handwerklichen oder künstlerischen Meisterschaft.
TEMPEL (AUSSEN)
Während die kleinen Vorhallen außen keinerlei Figurenschmuck besitzen, sind die Eckpfeiler zwischen Vorhalle (mandapa) und Großer Vorhalle (mahamandapa) in zwei Ebenen mit Figuren versehen. Hauptsächlich ist jedoch der Bereich zwischen Großer Vorhalle (mahamandapa) und Sanktum in mehreren Ebenen und überreich mit Figuren besetzt. Hier überwiegen ganz eindeutig Götterfiguren, 'Himmlische Liebespaare' (mithunas) und 'Schöne Mädchen' (surasundaris). Nur die unteren Ebenen der Mittelregister zeigen auch erotisch-sexuelle Szenen; somit ist am Lakshmana-Tempel noch die Hierarchie zwischen der oberen (himmlischen) Ebene und der unteren (erdnahen) Ebene gewahrt.
TEMPEL (INNEN)
Zu den interessantesten und künstlerisch bedeutsamsten Figuren im Innern des Tempels gehören die weiblichen Nymphen (apsaras) an den Streben im Deckenbereich der Großen Vorhalle (mahamandapa); diese zeigen sich in verschiedenen − oft extrem verdrehten − Posen beim Musizieren, beim Ballspiel aber auch beim Entkleiden. In den Wandnischen finden sich diverse Götterfiguren, darunter auch einige nicht (mehr) identifizierbare.
VAIKUNTHA-KULTBILD
Das freiplastisch aus einer großen Steinplatte herausgearbeitete Götterbildnis ist in ganz Indien nahezu einzigartig und zeigt Vishnu/Vaikuntha mit vier zerstörten Armen, so dass keinerlei Attribute mehr vorhanden sind, sowie drei Köpfen (Mensch, Eber und Löwe). Ein rückwärtiger vierter Kopf, der die Universalität Vishnus vervollkommnet hätte, ist nicht ausgeführt; stattdessen findet sich ein in Indien einzigartiger durchbrochener und gezackter Strahlenkranz um Vaikunthas Haupt. Die Figur ist umgeben von einem – aus derselben Steinplatte herausgearbeiteten – Rahmen mit Wächterfiguren sowie Ganga und Yamuna im Sockelbereich und jeweils drei darüber befindlichen vorstehenden Nischen mit Vishnu-Avataras (Matsya, Varaha, Vamana, Kurma, Narasimha, Parashurama). Zwei seitliche Pfeiler mit reichem z. T. freiplastischen Architektur- und Figurendekor und einem doppelten, aus dem aufgerissenene Mäulern von Wasserungeheuern (makaras) hervorquellenden Torana-Bogen als verbindendem oberem Abschluss bilden den äußeren Rahmen des Kultbildes.
BEDEUTUNG
Der Lakshmana-Tempel (ca. 930−950) mit seinen vier hintereinanderliegenden und in der Höhe gestaffelten Bauteilen sowie seiner − im Wesentlichen auf Pfeilern ruhenden − Bauweise gilt als früher Höhepunkt der Chandella-Architektur und war nach seiner Fertigstellung für etliche Jahrzehnte der größte Tempelbau Indiens. Spätere Tempelbauten in Khajuraho wurden von ihm maßgeblich beeinflusst, darunter auch der Kandariya-Mahadeva-Tempel.
Das außergewöhnliche Vaikuntha-Bildnis in der Cella sowie der reiche, beinahe vollplastische Figurenschmuck sind innen wie außen nahezu vollständig erhalten und bezeugen die handwerkliche und künstlerische Meisterschaft der Bildhauer der damaligen Zeit.
Mit seinem mehrteiligen Grundriss, einer von einem Umgang umschlossenen Cella und in Teilen seines Dekors (Balkonbrüstungen mit gedrechselten Säulchen) ist der Lakshmana-Tempel wahrscheinlich direkt beeinflusst von dem ca. 50 Jahre zuvor erbauten, aber insgesamt noch der Pratihara-Architektur zuzurechnenden Maladevi-Tempel in Gyaraspur.
WIKIPEDIA
Dedicated Calder Valley Northern 158 No. 158759 runs through an eerie morning mist near Luddendenfoot today with a Manchester-Leeds service.
dedicated to nils, bless ;)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rEkN2klsMY&feature=related
aww..and now i'm in his tunes again^^:
Dedicated to the memory of our dear friend, John Fawcett, Head of Collection Development, Buswell Library, Wheaton College, Illinois. A man of great soul, mighty laughter, profound depth of faith, a counselor of others, a musician, and, in his long battle with cancer, an inspiration and amazement to us all. For Margie, Charlotte, and Josiah, may you find yourselves wrapped in the tender love of family and friends, as you suffer this great loss.
For my double portrait of John & Margie, and tribute to them both, see also:
www.flickr.com/photos/walford/2363827457/
While the doctors thought John would die the night before this poem was written, in his great fortitude, he pressed on until the end of May, defying all possible expectations, and inspired many in the intervening months. Such was John!
John Fawcett's funeral was a three-hour epic of music and celebration for a life richly lived and devoted to the worship and service of the God he loved. It was masterfully crafted and composed--in all its parts--around a dazzlingly rich array of musical sound and acclaimed Word of God--that took all present through a full gamut of emotions, from the grieving of our loss, to the joyful celebration of the resurrection, the latter aspect of which included all the many children dancing in the aisles--something I have never seen at a funeral. It was a fitting culmination to his long recent months (and years) of battle with cancer, and the tone of the service was triumphal, while not escapist, nor pretending that death is not anything but our last and worst enemy. I have never experienced anything like it, and I presume that John himself orchestrated the entire musical production, which included a piece composed and performed especially for the event, by his friend, professional pianist, Danial Paul Horn, also of Wheaton College.
96th Bomb Group Museum (Snetterton Heath WW2)
Aurora Eccles School
Quidenham
Norfolk
NR16 2NZ
A friendly museum dedicated to the personnel who served with the 96th Bomb Group during World War II.
Their aim is to tell the stories of all personnel who served with the 96th from the cooks to the pilots where it actually happened as the museum is based on the old base hospital site. We also have two stunning memorials to visit, one based at the entrance to Snetterton race circuit and one in St Andrew`s Church Quidenham.
Link to their website – g.co/kgs/UWALzJn
RAF Snetterton Heath airfield was constructed by Taylor Woodrow Ltd, in 1942 at a cost of £950,000 to Class-A specifications. The main runway was 6,000 feet long with two secondaries of 4,200 feet each. Originally thirty-six hardstands of the ''frying pan'' type were constructed as when work started, the base was intended for RAF use. When rescheduled for the USAAF, the number was increased to fifty, all of them being on the south and eastern side of the airfield as a railway line and the A11 road restricted dispersed locations. Total area of concrete laid in its construction was 530,000 square yards with storage provided for 144,000 gallons of fuel.
The airfield was allocated for USAAF use in 1943, its designation was Station 138, Station-ID ''SN''. At one stage, it was planned to add an air depot, known as Eccles on the northern side of the airfield, access being across the A11. Four additional T-2 hangars were constructed on this site. Apparently a reduction in the number of heavy bombers being sent to the UK led to this depot becoming surplus to Eighth Air Force requirements and construction was stopped before all facilities were completed. From 13th September 1943 though 18th June 1945, RAF Snetterton Heath served as headquarters for the 45th Combat Bombardment Wing of the 3rd Bomb Division.
The 386th Bomb Group equipped with B-26's occupied this station for a week in early June 1943, and was replaced in mid-June by the 96th Bomb Group equipped with B-17's. After some 300 missions from RAF Snetterton Heath, the 96th Bomb Group left for the USA during November-December 1945. The station was then placed under Care and Maintenance by the RAF and kept in operational condition until closed in the late 1940's. The airfield was bought privately in 1952 for development as a motor cycle and motor car racing circuit, the first race meeting being held in 1953. The much modified and upgraded circuit has since become a thriving venue for local club, national and international racing, and also for development and testing of motor vehicles.
Information sourced from –
Dedicated Home Cinema Room- Anthem MRX 500,Artcoustic 65-50SL 4-2s Speakers, Rako Lighting, Screen Research Screen, JVC X30 3D Projector. Sounding & Looking Amazing!
Germanwings confirmed its flight #4U9525 from Barcelona to Dusseldorf crashed in the French Alps with 144 passengers and six crew members on board.
My thoughts go out to families of the victims :'(
www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/24/us-france-crash-airbus...