Initial design series for The Fatal Flaw album, EP, and 7" vinyl release.

  

Ever wondered, how come birds don't get electrocuted when they stand on wires like those?

Photo taken around the Sierra Del Cristo Mountain Range and scrub lands near Orihuela. The Bonelli's eagle is a large bird of prey. The common name of the bird commemorates the Italian ornithologist and collector Franco Andrea Bonelli. Bonelli is credited with gathering the type specimen, most likely from an exploration of Sardinia. Some antiquated texts also refer to this species as the crestless hawk-eagle. Like all eagles, Bonelli's eagle belongs to the family Accipitridae. Its feathered legs marked it as member of the Aquilinae or booted eagle subfamily. This species breeds from southern Europe, Africa on the montane perimeter of the Sahara Desert and across the Indian Subcontinent to Indonesia. On the great Eurasian continent, this species may be found as far west as Portugal and as far east as southeastern China and Thailand. It is usually a resident breeder. The Bonelli's eagle is often found in hilly or mountainous habitats, with rocky walls or crags, from sea level to 1,500 m. Habitats are often open to wooded land and can occur in arid to semi-moist climate. This eagle, though it can be considered partially opportunistic, is something of a special predator of certain birds and mammals, especially rabbits, galliforms and pigeons. On evidence, when staple prey populations decline or are locally scarce, Bonelli's eagle switch to being an opportunistic predator of a wide variety of birds. Despite its persistence over a large range and its continued classification as a least concern species by the IUCN, the Bonelli's eagle has declined precipitously in various parts of its range, including almost all of its European distribution, and may face potential local extinction. The species' declines are due to widespread habitat destruction, electrocution from electricity pylons as well as persistent persecution.

Quay didn't think that mere days after he ¨successfully¨ completed his latest job, reconnected with an old friend from his past, and even got a Lightsaber from a Jedi he met, he would be running through the depths of Coruscant being chased by the Empire. As a child, the parents of Quay used to tell him stories about what lies in the depths of the planet. Back then, he didn't believe them, but now he is starting to think that there was some truth in their stories. While the top of the planet was filled with skyscrapers, the lower you would go inside the planet the more dirty and crime-invested it would become. Even right after the death of his parents, when he had to find a new home in the lower levels of the planet, he never went much further down than level 1500. He didn't know at what exact level he was at that moment; During his chase by the Empire he didn't feel the need to pay attention to where he was at that moment. He could say for certain that he was already below level 1313; He had paid a short visit to that exact level once in his life, and not for good reasons. A quick look around already gave away that it was much more polluted and crime-invested than the already poor living conditions of that level.

 

The chase started about an hour ago. Quay had packed his stuff so he would be able to leave right when he got his credits, and while waiting for that to happen he was talking with Terras Gratt, the friendly owner of the cantina that was located right below the apartment Quay stayed at for a few days. Suddenly, a few Stormtroopers made their way through the lots of people who were trying to enjoy a drink there. Since at this exact place a few days ago dozens of troopers died, they were investigating this place to see if there was anything of interest here. They explained to him, not knowing that he was there that night, that apparently a couple of people wielding Lightsabers and using the Force caused chaos at this location. The troopers showed Gratt a recording of the night it happened, and Quay was noticeably present in these recordings. Luckily, the footage of when Quay used a Lightsaber was apparently lost, which could have gotten him in way more trouble than he already had. Although Gratt denied knowing anything about who was behind the attack for the sake of keeping Quay out of the trouble, the troopers quickly noticed the similarities between the person on the recording and the person enjoying a drink right next to them. They pointed their weapons at Quay and demanded that he would surrender himself, but miraculously a customer bumped into the two, creating some minor mayhem. Quay took advantage of the confusion by quickly sprinting out of the cantina, and making sure he would be well ahead of the troopers by the time they would come out of there.

 

Out of options, Quay grabbed the old and rusty speeder that had been standing outside the cantina, and tried to use that to escape. At first, it seemed like the speeder did not work anymore, but after a few tries he miraculously made it work again. Just as the Stormtroopers made it out of the cantina, Quay raced away on the speeder. His luck didn't last long; Shortly after he made it away from the cantina, a Republic Police Gunship, that were now being used by the Empire, started to give chase. Quay managed to dodge most of the blaster fire from the ship, but one of the blaster bolts hit the speeder pretty badly. Although it wouldn't be a direct problem, he could not keep on driving with this thing if he wanted to stay alive. He did see a possible way to make it out in one piece right in front of him; a big Underworld Portal, leading right into the core of the planet. He made the speeder go as fast as possible, and he raced into the gateway. Despite this manoeuvre, the Gunship did not give up its chase. Since the engine of the speeder kept having more trouble keeping it up and running with each second, Quay tried to turn the engine off for a short period of time, which meant he would be making a freefall during his descent into the planet. Although he hated the feeling of falling for a long period of time, he had no other considerable choice. But if he was right, if he would turn the engine on again when he neared an approachable landing spot, he would be able to land without dying due to the big fall. After falling for a short while and having dropped thousands of levels below the surface of the planet, Quay finally saw an approachable landing spot; An landing pad, on which an Republic Gunship could easily fit, was located right below him. Only having a short time to turn the engine back on, he immediately tried to do that, but the engine did not get running again. Quay had to think of something fast; dying due to the impact of a big fall was not the way he would like to pass away. He desperately tried to get the engine up and running again, and at the last moment the engine started again, slowing the speeder down just enough to survive the landing. Unfortunately, this didn't mean that Quay would survive the crash without any injuries; The speeder crashed down on the landing pad with still quite some speed, and Quay got launched off the vehicle when it landed and hit the ground of the landing pad with full force. While the completely wrecked speeder rolled over the edge, Quay managed to hit a wall, preventing a similar fate. He felt blood flowing out of his nose and noticed that some of his bones had definitely broken, but it was not anything that would require immediate medical attention. For now, he had survived it, but the Empire did not give up its chase. The police ship stopped at the edge of the landing pad, and at least half a dozen Stormtroopers jumped out of the ship. Quay forced himself to stand up although he felt pain in his body everywhere, and made a run for it once again.

 

After finally finding a safe spot to rest out for a short while, Quay sitted down and stopped to take a look at how badly he got hurt from the crash. He found a shard of reflective glass he could use to take a look at his face. He immediately noticed the black eye he got, and a flow of dried blood below his nose. He rolled up the sleeves of his jacket, and saw that at least some of the bones had visibly broken. He could say with certainty that he would not die from these injuries, at least not before the Empire would get their hands on him. He took a small Stimpak out of his pockets, and injected himself with some painkillers. Those would keep Quay fit enough to hopefully escape this planet and find some medical help. He stood up again, and took a look out of the window to see if there was any immediate danger in his surroundings. The area he was in was abandoned with the exception of a homeless person sitting by a fireplace made out of an astromech droid on the street. He didn't hear any Stormtroopers or Imperials screaming orders at each other either, so he assumed he would be safe for another while. He turned around, and took his Lightsaber out of his pocket to take a quick look at it. Quay ignited the saber, and took a moment to admire the beauty of the purple saber. The hilt of the Lightsaber was carefully designed by Quay, and it featured removable plating made from Neuranium metals. The saber featured parts of the Lightsaber Shaella Xalrich, a Jedi he met days ago used to own, as well as parts of the Lightsaber her master owned. He brought some metals from a local scrap dealer, and also found some other materials he could use on a scrapyard not far from the place Quay stayed at for a while. Just like any other Lightsaber, Quay had spent hours customizing it to his liking. Since him carrying around an object that was obviously a Lightsaber could get him arrested, he made sure that he could make it look like a normal mechanical object instead of a Lightsaber within seconds, and vice versa.

 

Quay was quickly reminded of the situation he was in when some people on the street screamed out loud and begged for mercy. He took a look out of the window, and saw an Imperial officer together with an Stormtrooper and another Imperialist assaulting the homeless person on the street below him. The officer kicked the homeless person on the ground, and pointed his blaster at his face. Quay tried to hear what the officer was saying, but the officer pulled a small speaker out of his uniform before he said anything.

 

"Quay Sta'nn.'' The officer said, with a voice Quay vaguely recognized. ''You are currently wanted for aiding Red Hand criminals in their raid on the Data Vault on this planet, and with that also assisted an Force User in her escape off this planet. We know you are near this location, so if you don't give yourself up within 5 minutes, I will execute this person and maybe even some more. Trying to escape will be useless; I have brought an Inquisitor with me, who is ready to catch you within minutes if you try to escape.''

 

Quay quickly put his Lightsaber in his jacket, and went over all of the options he had. Quay had heard rumors of the Inquisitors, Dark-Side users made specifically to hunt down Jedi, but he never thought those were real. Quay could try to make it a shootout, but he assumed that as soon as he did that reinforcements would arrive. Despite that. he was not willing to give himself up without a fight, so he estimated that trying to run away would be his best option. Even though the officer said trying to escape was useless, all of the other options he had were cowardly or downright stupid to attempt. Quay stood up, and prepared himself for a long run from the Empire once more. He walked towards the ladder he used to enter the place he had rested at for a short while, and as soon as he stood on the roof he started to run. As he passed a G0NK droid and a homeless person on the roof, he saw a thin, metal bridge he could use for his escape. Although it did not look sturdy at all, and it was located right above the street the officer was at, he did not see any other option to run to. He jumped on the bridge, but just as he was halfway across and got spotted by one of the Imperials, the walkway collapsed. Quay tried to make it to the other side, but he made a great fall to the ground before he could do so. He landed on the hard ground of the street, and an unnerving sound implied that his leg had broken due to the fall. Despite this, Quay still managed to take a run away from the Imperials, and even managed to hit the Stormtrooper with his blaster. He felt that the odds of survival were very low for him, especially now that his broken leg made it impossible to properly run anymore. He still tried to stay ahead of the Imperials. After another short while, Quay got the impression that despite his broken leg he managed to outrun the Imperials once more. He limped into a dark alleyway, and tried to catch his breath. He thought he was safe for a second, but the sudden sound of metal boots walking towards him and the dark alleyway abruptly being lightened up by a red light said otherwise.

 

''Going somewhere, Quay?'' The Inquisitor said. She wielded a red Lightsaber, wore an all-black outfit with red accents, and her voice was distorted by a voice scrambler, presumably built into her helmet. Quay gathered the last of his remaining energy to escape, but it was of no use. As soon as he turned around and ran a couple of meters away, Quay was suddenly unable to move any further. As the Inquisitor slowly walked towards him while saying something into her comm system, Quay remembered something the Jedi he met a couple of days told him about. While she was telling him about Force abilities, she mentioned an ability certain Jedi could use that could temporarily leave their opponents immobile for seconds, and sometimes even minutes. By the time he was able to move again, he was surrounded by Stormtroopers and the one officer who was threatening to execute an homeless person minutes before. Although he wanted to resist his arrest, he simply did not have any energy left to really do anything. Quay was given an electric shock, handcuffed, and dragged into an Imperial prison ship since he could barely stand on his own legs anymore. He was thrown into a holding cell on the ship, and passed out as soon as he hit the hard, metal floor.

 

Quite some time later, Quay was woken up by the ship heavily shaking. As he slowly regained consciousness, his hands went over his jacket to feel if he still had his Lightsaber. He sighed with relief when he felt the metal object sitting safely in his pocket, and was surprised that the Empire did not search him in any way yet. Quay tried to stand up, but quickly realised that the chase through the depths of Coruscant took a heavy toll on him. His whole body hurted like hell, he had a massive headache, and he was barely able to properly move. Quay took a look around his cell and outside of the cell, and the first thing he noticed were the excessive amount of Stormtroopers walking around the fairly small ship. He estimated that there were about 60 cells on the ship, all holding one or two prisoners. Every prisoner who tried to scream for help was quickly electrocuted to make them shut up. Seeing Quay's bad shape, he decided that doing that would most likely kill him. As he did his best to sit up, he suddenly noticed someone familiar walking by his cell. Although he almost didn't recognize him due to him wearing an Imperial uniform, Tyree Somer, an old friend who he last saw after they completed a job on Vandor together, was walking through the halls of the prison. Quay tapped on the metal floor to get his attention, and Tyree soon noticed his old friend laying on the floor of the prison cell. Like Quay, he was surprised to find an old friend in a place like this.

 

''Quay? What are you doing here?'' Tyree asked him.

 

''I could ask the same to you. Why are you wearing that Imperial uniform?'' Quay said.

 

''Kind of a long story. After that job on Vandor, I crashed on a nearby planet after we found ourselves a couple of working starfighters. Without credits or food, I did not have any other option except to join the Empire. I've been here for some time now. And how did you get here?''

 

''Not too difficult to explain. The empire wasn't too happy that I aided in the vault raid on Coruscant a couple of days ago. Long story short; They chased me through the depths of the planet for about an hour, leading in me breaking a lot of bones in my body, being unable to stand on my own, and ending up here.''

 

While the two were having a chat, two Stormtroopers walked towards them.

 

''Out of the way. The Admiral wants to see Prisoner 0701.'' one of them said.

 

''What a coincidence; i was just about to transport him to the Admiral!'' Tyree said nervously. ''I got a message on the comm system they wanted him to room 2006, right? I'm able to take him there on my own.''

 

''No, no, we got orders from the Admiral himself to take him there. Out of the way, now.''

 

''Quay, I am so very sorry for this. I'll make sure to be there when you reach room 2006, since it always takes a while before someone can enter there.'' Tyree whispered.

 

Quay nodded, while the two Stormtroopers unlocked the prison door and dragged him to stand up. After a short walk, they made it to room 2006. As promised, Tyree was there waiting for him. The Strormtroopers put Quay on a seat, and after that they walked away.

 

''Hey, what is this room made for, if i may ask?'' Quay said.

 

''Its...its a torture chamber.'' Tyree stuttered. ''Made specifically to question people. I've never been inside that room myself, but people have told me that they use Inquisitors to extract information, in combination with torture droids and other devices that can give somebody a lot of pain.''

 

Quay suddenly remembered that he was still holding his Lightsaber in his pocket. Since Lightsabers were now outlawed by the Empire, chances are high he would be executed on the spot if they would find it. One of the only persons he trusted enough to keep it safe for him for a while, was Tyree. He did decide to not tell him what it actually was, to prevent him from accidentally telling others about it.

 

''Hey Tyree, can i ask you a favor? I still have a piece of equipment in my pockets, would you mind keeping it safe for a while?''

 

''Sure, if that makes you happy then i'll do that.''

 

Quay struggled to get the Lightsaber out of his pockets due to him still wearing handcuffs, but he still managed to do it.

 

''Here. Please be careful with it, it's an explosive. So whatever you do, don't press the button. If the Imperials catch me with that in my pockets, i am dead for sure.''

 

Although Tyree was hesitant to keep the item for a while, he agreed to look after it for some time. Just as he put the item in his pocket, the door of room 2006 opened. A couple of Stormtroopers dragged an unconscious person out of the room, and Quay quickly noticed the red glove the person was wearing. There was no doubt about it; at least some Red Hand members, a crime syndicate located on Coruscant who had hired him for his most recent job, were kept at this prison. Two Stormtroopers stepped out of the door, and dragged him into the room. To his surprise, Quay did not see the Inquisitor in the room. Only an interrogation chair, some medical supplies, and the same officer that was hunting him on Coruscant was standing in the room as well. The Stormtroopers put Quay in the chair, tightened the restraints on the armrests, and hooked him up to some medical device. The officer walked towards Quay, and began to talk.

 

''Quay Sta'nn. Son of a few politicians, lost them both at the age of 19, forced to live as a smuggler after that... downright tragic. I can remember that it was briefly mentioned over the news on Coruscant back when they were assassinated. The brutal murder of some politicians, and their son going missing shortly after. But that is not important for today. As you may have heard, the Empire is currently busy with taking down the Confederate Remnant in the Raxus system. Now, we thought you might be interested to join us to take them down? You might not make it out alive, but that is a sacrifice we are willing to make.''

 

''Never.'' Quay said, his anger could be clearly heard in his voice.

 

''We were expecting this reaction.'' the officer said. He activated his comm system, and although Quay could not clearly hear what he was saying he could make out the words ''Bring in the droid.'' A couple of moments after the officer said this, the door of the interrogation room opened. A small, round droid hovered into the room, and Quay immediately knew what that was. An IT-O Interrogation droid, specifically designed to torture people to get information from them. Although Quay had heard many rumors about it, he had never seen one in real life. As the droid came closer and closer towards him, the officer spoke again.

 

''Last chance. Accept the deal, or I will use this droid against you.'' He said.

 

''My answer is still the same. No.'' Quay replied.

 

''Alright then. Let the droid do its job.'' The officer said.

 

Quay could barely remember the next dozen minutes clearly due to the pain the droid was causing. The pain was unbearable, and he was sure that it could even kill him if it continued for longer. After what seemed to be an eternity, the droid finally stopped.

 

''Well, Quay, i can imagine that was not a pleasant experience.'' the officer said. ''No worries, we are not planning to kill you, for now at least. I can closely monitor your body functions, and it seems that if i order this wonderful droid to repeat the process you experienced moments ago you won't make it out alive. Seems like the chase on Coruscant really broke you down. So, what will it be now? Accept the deal, or pass away right here in this room?''

 

Quay was barely able to talk anymore. Everything in his body hurted like he had been shot with tasers thousands of times, and he felt like he was about to pass out due to the pain. Although he was fully aware of the consequences he would suffer if he accepted the deal, he was not ready to die here, at the hands of a droid. With a lot of trouble, he spoke out the exact words the officer wanted to hear.

 

''Fine. I accept the damn deal.'' He said.

 

The officer turned his head towards Quay, with a big smile forming on his face.

 

''Excellent. The exact details of the attack will be revealed shortly before the assault will begin. In the meantime, you will have to stay in your cell.'' The officer replied, before ordering some Stormtroopers to take him away.

 

Quay was back in his cell, reliving the experience in his head over and over. He felt sick that he actually accepted a deal like this from the Empire, but what else was he supposed to do? He was at the brink of death, and there was no other option he had that would have led to him making it out alive. With all the injuries he had, Quay realised that he had little to no chance at surviving the assault as well. All he could do was hope for the best.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, this took way more time than i'd like to admit. I hope you all enjoy it!

  

Here are 30 illustrations from the book Elektroschutz in 132 Bildern. These diagrams outline causes of electrical accidents

 

If you end up linking to this, it would be nice if you attributed me as bre pettis and linked to brepettis.com/blog.

 

Statue of Romeo the Killer Elephant. Picture taken in Delavan Wisconsin.

 

In the 1800s more than 25 circuses used Delavan as their winter quarters. It was called the "Circus Capital of the World." The town has chosen to commemorate its heritage oddly, with a life-size statue of its most infamous resident: Romeo, the killer elephant.

 

Romeo was no misunderstood, one-shot killer. He was a serial murderer, knocking off five people over a period of 15 years. He crushed one, he impaled another with his tusk, he stamped a third to death. Romeo once escaped from his barn and terrorized the countryside for three days. On another occasion, while appearing in Chicago, he nearly tore the theater apart.

 

We've visited the graves of many circus elephants who were shot, or hanged, or electrocuted after one minor killing. Why was Romeo allowed to live? Perhaps he was spared because of a story, popular at the time, that he was merely acting out his grief after the death of his favorite female companion elephant, Juliet. This sounds reasonable, kind of, except that it was a made-up story from a circus press agent. Romeo was apparently just mean.

 

Romeo's clown buddy.

To Delavan's credit, the Romeo statue (a fiberglass sculpture made by F.A.S.T.) is not depicted as cuddly and cute. He rears menacingly on his hind legs, eyes glazed, with a strap around his head that probably put him in a bad mood. Inexplicably, a happy clown waves at Romeo's feet, oblivious to the killer pachyderm that is about to fall on him.

 

If this is an accurate representation of 19th century circus life, then perhaps Romeo wasn't a cold-blooded killer after all. Maybe the people around him were just dumb.

© David K. Edwards. Certain HDRish stigmata reflect Topaz Adjust filter.

Take caution not to electrocute yourself. A handy multimeter can help ensure that. I use a Fluke multimeter daily, so I based it mostly off that.

 

Built for Iron Builder; the piece for this round is the dark red cone.

 

www.BruceLowell.com

While basking in the peace and quiet at our humble seaside retreat, we try not to venture further than the ocean, a few steps away from our recliners. However, it is with reading material in our lounging position, I admit, we get tempted to visit other stimulating destinations in our favorite state of Maine.

 

And so it was I got *pumped up* reading an article about Winslow Homer's summer studio in Prout's Neck, not too far from our own little artist's cottage! Well, Homer's relatives must pay the GPS system not to help tourists find their way, so we relied on the old-fashioned "map" to get there. More on this to come . . .

 

Meanwhile . . . I hate to admit I did think of "Fence Friday" when I shot this! But quickly I was transported to another place in my mind as I envisioned Homer walking this exquisite "Cliff Walk" for his own inspiration.

 

Please click on the image below for another view . . .

Warning: if you're allergic to goldenrod, don't get too close!

  

“I believe talent is like electricity. We don't understand electricity. We use it.

You can plug into it and light up a lamp, keep a heart pump going, light a cathedral,

or you can electrocute a person with it. Electricity will do all that.

~ Maya Angelou ~

A few days ago I had the great privilege of spending time with this beauty and then I got a call that he was down on the ground hurt. I went out to rescue him, bundled him up and took him into rehab. No broken wings so at first it seemed like good news. But this morning I got a message that there was damage to both wings, probably from electrocution from a power line. They had to euthanize. I'm very sad but very grateful, too.

On Explore, April 6, 2007, #95

Thank you very much to all of you my dear Flickr friends!

 

The Good Friday!

Imagine Jesus today electrocuted… and in 100 years someone will call this day Good and will create a little reproduction of Jesus on electric chair to put on the walls! :-(

 

Les gens sympathisent plus volontiers avec le malheur qu'avec le bonheur!

SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR

 

People are more willing to sympathize with unhappiness than happiness!

 

La gente simpatizza più volentieri con l'infelicità anziché con la felicità!

 

La gente se identifica más con la desdicha que con la felicidad!

 

Die Menschen sind eher dazu, mit dem Unglük als mit dem Glük zu simpatisieren!

 

люди не так охотно проявляют участие в чьём-либо счастье, как в несчастье!

 

تتعاطف الناس مع التعاسة أكثر من السعادة

 

苦恼与快乐相比，人们更加乐意给后者以同感

 

mense is meer gewillig om met iemand te simpatiseer oor ongeluk as oor geluk!

 

As pessoas simpatizam mais com a infelicidade que com a felicidade!

 

хората симпатизират по-скоро на нещастието отколкото на щастието!

 

Ljudi su spremniji suosjećati u nesreći nego u sreći!

 

Lidé mají větší pochopení pro neštěstí než pro štěstí!

 

Mennesker er mere villige til at føle sympati med ulykke frem for lykke!

 

De mens symphatiseert liever met ongeluk dan met geluk!

 

οι άνθρωποι τείνουν περισσότερο να μοιράζονται τη λύπη του άλλου παρά τη χαρά του!

 

אנשים מזדהים ביתר קלות עם צער מאשר עם שמחה

 

Az emberek hajlamosabbak együttérezni a boldogtalansággal, mint a boldogsággal!

 

人々は、他人の幸福を喜ぶよりも不幸に同情したがるものである。

 

žmonės noriau užjaučia nelaimėje negu laimėje!

 

As pessoas simpatizam mais com a infelicidade do que com a felicidade!

 

Lumea simpatizează mai degrabă cu nenorocirea decât cu fericirea!

 

L’udia majú viac pochopenia pre nešťastie ako pre šťastie!

 

Folk tenderar att känna mer sympati med olycka än med lycka!

 

Insanlar mutluluktan çok mutsuzluğa ilgi gösterirler!

 

люди охочіше співчувають біді, ніж таланові!

 

 

#AbFav_PHOTOSTORY

#AbFav_The_COLOUR_BROWN_

 

PURE JOY...

IGOR THE WORLD CHAMPION.

 

Once a horse won that title... it becomes invaluable and is used as a stud.

 

Igor had just sired a few mares and was feeeeeeeeeling GOOD...

(to sire is to inseminate.)

The Belgian horse, Belgian Heavy Horse, Flemish or Brabant is a horse breed that comes from the West-Brabantian region of Belgium.

They are one of the strongest of the heavy breeds.

The world's Largest Horse was a Belgian named Brooklyn Supreme, who weighed 3,200 pounds, and stood at 19.2 hands.

On average the Brabant will grow to be slightly over 1 ton or 2,000 pounds.

Colours normally are a blond with a brighter mane, or a sorrel/ chestnut colouring.

 

In history their main use was to work farms.

They are able to pull tremendous amounts of weight-up to over 4,500 pounds for a pair.

 

They also played an important role in the first World War, where quite a few perished.

 

I walked around and started to photograph, I discovered another blond stallion in an adjacent field and in order to get his whole head, with the velvet nose and pricked up ears all in, I had pushed through the fences and the top (danger!!!) ribbon... well I got the shot, but what a SHOCKING experience!

 

I straightened too soon and was electrocuted, in the neck, I called Paul, yelling: IS THE CAMERA GOING TO BE ALL RIGHT???

 

The horse got as much of a fright as I did, bolted and ran off.

Farmers are the same all over the world, they are only allowed a low voltage BUT... this was 240, my heart felt like I was 25 again. Bouboum.

 

I turned around into the 'safer' stables, obviously the nursery, since there were about 6 stables all with foals, that's where I captured those two lovelies.

The adventures of a photographer he, tee hee.

 

The Belgian horse is a much-loved gentle giant.

This large heavily muscled horse most likely descended from the heavy prehistoric horses and was indispensable as a workhorse in the Middle Ages when this horse was known as the Flanders (Flemish) Horse, now it is known as the Brabant.

  

Thank you and have a super day, M, (*_*)

   

For more: www.indigo2photography.com

 

Please do not use any of my images on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved

 

brown, Flanders, Brabander, horses, foal, farm, stable, working-horse, daylight, natural, suckling, Flanders, horizontal, Nikon D200, "Magda indigo"

Griffon vultures have been used as model organisms for the study of soaring and thermoregulation. The energy costs of level flight tend to be high, prompting alternatives to flapping in larger birds. Vultures in particular utilize more efficient flying methods such as soaring. Compared to other birds, which elevate their metabolic rate to upwards of 16 times their basal metabolic rate in flight, soaring griffon vultures expend about 1.43 times their basal metabolic rate in flight. Griffon vultures are also efficient flyers in their ability to return to a resting heart rate after flight within ten minutes.

 

As large scavengers, griffon vultures have not been observed to seek shelter for thermoregulation. Vultures use their bald heads as a means to thermoregulate in both extreme cold and hot temperatures. Changes in posture can increase bare skin exposure from 7% to 32%. This change allows for the more than doubling of convective heat loss in still air. Griffon vultures have also been found to tolerate increased body temperatures as a response to high ambient temperatures. By allowing their internal body temperature to change independently of their metabolic rate, griffon vultures minimize their loss of water and energy in thermoregulating. One study in particular (Bahat 1995) found that these adaptations have allowed the Griffon vulture to have one of the widest thermal neutral zones of any bird.

 

It declined markedly throughout the 19th–20th centuries in much of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, mainly due to direct persecution and "bycatch" from the poisoned carcasses set for livestock predators (Snow and Perrins 1998, Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001, Orta et al. 2015). In some areas a reduction in available food supplies, arising from changes in livestock management practices, also had an impact (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001, Orta et al. 2015). It is very highly vulnerable to the effects of potential wind energy development (Strix 2012) and electrocution has been identified as a threat (Global Raptors Information Network 2015). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for veterinary purposes pose a threat to this species. One case of suspected poisoning caused by flunixin, an NSAID, was recorded in this species in 2012 in Spain (Zorrilla et al. 2015). Diclofenac, a similar NSAID, has caused severe declines in Gyps vulture species across Asia.

To view more of my images, of Birds of Prey, please click

"here" !

 

Please, no group invites; thank you!

 

The Red Kite (Milvus milvus) is a medium-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers. The species is currently endemic to the Western Palearctic region in Europe and northwest Africa, though formerly also occurred just outside in northern Iran. It is resident in the milder parts of its range in western Europe and northwest Africa, but birds from northeastern and central Europe winter further south and west, reaching south to Turkey. Vagrants have reached north to Finland and south to Israel, Libya and Gambia. Red kites are 60 to 70 cm long with a 175–179 cm wingspan; males weigh 800–1,200 g, and females 1,000–1,300 g. It is an elegant bird, soaring on long wings held at a dihedral, and long forked tail, twisting as it changes direction. The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous. The white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondaries. Apart from the weight difference, the sexes are similar, but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. Its call is a thin piping sound, similar to but less mewling than the common buzzard. There is a rare white leucistic form accounting for approximately 1% of hatchlings in the Welsh population but is at a disadvantage in the survival stakes The red kite's diet consists mainly of small mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young hares and rabbits. It feeds on a wide variety of carrion including sheep carcasses and dead game birds. Live birds are also taken and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. Earthworms form an important part of the diet, especially in spring. As scavengers, red kites are particularly susceptible to poisoning. Illegal poison baits set for foxes or crows are indiscriminate and kill protected birds and other animals. There have also been a number of incidents of red kites and other raptors being targeted by wildlife criminals. Although adult red kites are sedentary birds, occupying their breeding home range all year in most cases, populations from Central and Northern Europe—although not the United Kingdom—may migrate south to areas such as Spain and the Iberian peninsula during colder winters. Each nesting territory can contain up to five nest sites. Both male and female birds build the nest on a main fork or a limb high in a tree, 12–20 m above the ground. The nest is made of twigs and lined with grass or other vegetation and sheep’s wool. At signs of danger, a mother will signal the young who will "play dead" when a predator is near. Red kites inhabit broadleaf woodlands, valleys and wetland edges, to 800 metres. They are endemic to the western Palearctic, with the European population of 19,000–25,000 pairs encompassing 95% of its global breeding range. It breeds from Spain and Portugal east into central Europe and Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, Latvia and the UK, and south to southern Italy. There is a population in northern Morocco. Northern birds move south in winter, mostly staying in the west of the breeding range, but also to eastern Turkey, northern Tunisia and Algeria. The three largest populations (in Germany, France and Spain, which together hold more than 75% of the global population) declined between 1990 and 2000, and overall the species declined by almost 20% over the ten years. The main threats to red kites are poisoning, through illegal direct poisoning and indirect poisoning from pesticides, particularly in the wintering ranges in France and Spain, and changes in agricultural practices causing a reduction in food resources. Other threats include electrocution, hunting and trapping, deforestation, egg-collection (on a local scale) and possibly competition with the generally more successful black kite M. migrans.

 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

One to scare my mum, lol, when she returns from her holiday!

This is a slightly different view of Arbirlot Falls, which I visited a few weeks ago. I took this shot with my polarizing filter (just to get a slower shutter speed).

The exposure isn't quite right. However, I processed this because I like the `electricity' effect on the water in the foreground. This was caused by bubbles that were being lit with sunlight moving across the water during the long exposure.

Another render of the Suicide Squad. OK, so on the last mission, Bronze Tiger got a sniper to the head and Electrocutioner talked backed to Waller. I think we all know what happened to him. Col. Flagg broke his leg on the last mission and Killer Croc was electrocuted with a batarang so his bomb short circuited and he was taken back to the Asylum. After returning from their time off, the Squad was greeted by their two new members: Killer Frost and Katana. King Shark, after months in the infirmary due to his League of Assassins attack, finally return to the Squad. Harley and Captain Boomerang were happy to have more females join the team.

 

Boomerang: 'Ello, ladies! Name's Boomerang. Capt'n Boomerang.

Katana: Katana.

Boomerang: Beautiful. And you are?

 

Captain Boomerang held his arm out and Killer Frost took his hand. She then froze it solid.

 

Boomerang: Ah!! You crazy bitch!!

Killer Frost: My name is Killer Frost. Emphasis on Killer!

 

Frost then kicked him right in the groin and he fell on the ground. This caused laughter through the rest of the Squad. Even Katana and Black Spider laughed.

 

Clock King: I think you ladies are going to fit in quite nicely.

Boomerang: Me ghoulies!

 

From L to Right:

Clock King, Harley Quinn, Deadshot, King Shark, Katana, Black Spider, Captain Boomerang, and Killer Frost.

an Unusual Picture, one of the 5 DMU's Class 704 of DB Netz, on work in Karlsruhe Hbf, exceptionally, because of a bird, electrocuted by the catenary.

Uno degli esemplari ormai molto rari da vedere sono i 5 Turmtriebwagen tipo 704 di DB Netz, qui al soccorso eccezionale a causa di un uccello folgorato dalla catenaria (e rimasto appeso) nei pressi di Karlsruhe Hbf.

Great Uncle Javier U. Peg was a clairvoyant who predicted such events as the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, the arrest of Sheikh Khaz'al of Iran, the vindication of John T. Scopes, and the coming of the television as entertainment. Javier U traveled with Ringling Brothers for a couple of seasons, but he was ostracized by the other sideshow performers. They felt he was an imposter who concocted stories and fabricated half truths.

 

Then Javier predicted the disappearance of Bilbo the clown after a drunken brawl on the midway in Shegotmenow, Kansas. The missing clown's nose was found near the big cat car of the circus train along with one of his shoes. The circus folk were astonished at Javier's predictive prowess, even though Carl Gulliver noticed Javier was wearing Bilbo's wrist watch and had an excess of cash. Suddenly Javier U. Peg was in demand as the Human Magic 8 Ball.

 

Immediately prior to this photograph he predicted that the Sarasota Saxophone Playing Triplets would spook the giraffes with their rendition of Gut Bucket Blues. The resulting giraffe stampede through the streets of Eldorado, Arkansas was devastating to the circus as the newly erected electrical lines were not insulated. Gilda the giraffe struck one of the wires and was instantly electrocuted. The fireworks show created by the accident shut down the electricity at Crowley's General Store allowing it to be robbed successfully by three small men dressed as clowns. Some say Javier was in collusion with the triplets to further exhibit his clairvoyant abilities, and that the Crowley Clown Robbery was simply a random crime of opportunity. Mr. Crowley himself was not so sure as he had seen Twisto buying opium and asprin that morning. The circus loaded the still smoldering giraffe on the top of a box car and left town in the middle of the night.

 

Javier U. Peg predicted the 1956 demise of the Big Top and the eventual closing of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 2017. At the time nobody believed him. But because he could never seem to predict cheerful events, the management of the Greatest Show on Earth was forced to terminate his contract. Uncle Javier moved back to Manigotapi Mississippi where he worked for his brother Adriano J. Peg as a bookie and roustabout. He also provided communication assistance for the departed at the Deluther Funeral Home and Taxidermy Emporium.

 

Front row, from left to right:

Ajax, the sword- swallower; Javier U. Peg, the Human 8 Ball, unk, seated: Schlitze, the pinhead (and star of Tod Browning's movie Freaks); unknown; one of the Carlson Sisters; Major Mite, the smallest man on earth; Tom Ton; Slats, skeleton sheik; the other Carlson Sister; Violetta, the living shop window bust; Mlle. Cleo, snake charmer; Twisto, the human knot; and the Sarasota Saxophone Sisters.

 

Back row, from left to right: Ernie the Elastic Man; Cliko, the African bushman; either Eko or Iko, one of the ambassadors from Mars; Koo Koo, the bird girl (also featured in the movie, Freaks); Baron Paucci, midget; unknown; Carl Gulliver, giant; the Dancing Doll family of midgets (Freaks); again, either Eko or Iko; unknown; and Lionel the lion-faced boy.

 

Photograph courtesy of Edward J. Kelty

archie's introduction to christmas lights. two seconds later they were in his mouth and had to be removed because of risk of electrocution.

Trying to help stimulate what is left of the Bunny with a simple reenactment of the Ruth Snyder Execution. Role playing helps my mom and me deal with the real chance of my future internment at Sing Sing for elder abuse. Sometime in the near future there will be prisons filled with the 65 year old children of 87 year old parents who just couldn't bear sending them off to a nursing home to be beaten and shocked and decided to to it themselves...

www.wbur.org/npr/134363396/Veteran-Star-Helps-Shine-Light...

The Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) is the largest member of the pelican family, and perhaps the world's largest freshwater bird, although rivaled in weight and length by the largest swans. They are elegant soaring birds, with wingspans that rival that of the great albatrosses, and their flocks fly in graceful synchrony. With a range spanning across much of Central Eurasia, from the Mediterranean in the West to the Taiwan Strait in the East, and from the Persian Gulf in the South to Siberia in the North, it is a short-to-medium-distance migrant between breeding and overwintering areas. No subspecies are known to exist over its wide range, but based on size differences, a Pleistocene paleosubspecies, P. c. palaeocrispus, has been described from fossils recovered at Binagady, Azerbaijan.

 

As with other pelicans, the males are larger than the females, and likewise their diet is mainly fish. Their curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white plumage are distinguishing features, and the wings appear solid grey in flight. The adults acquire a drabber plumage in winter, however, when they may be mistaken for great white pelicans. Their harsh vocalizations become more pronounced during the mating season. They breed across the Palearctic from southeastern Europe to Russia, India and China in swamps and shallow lakes. They usually return to traditional breeding sites, where they are less social than other pelican species. Their nests are crude heaps of vegetation, which are placed on islands or on dense mats of vegetation.

 

The species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline during the 20th century, partly due to land use, disturbance and poaching activities. The core population survives in Russia, but in its Mongolian range it is critically endangered. Removal of power lines to prevent collisions or electrocution, and the construction of nesting platforms or rafts have reversed declines locally.

 

This huge bird is by a slight margin the largest of the pelican species and one of the largest living flying bird species. It measures 160 to 183 cm (5 ft 3 in to 6 ft 0 in) in length, 7.25–15 kg (16.0–33.1 lb) in weight and 245 to 351 cm (8 ft 0 in to 11 ft 6 in) in wingspan. Its median weight is around 11.5 kg (25 lb), which makes it perhaps the world's heaviest flying bird species, although the largest individuals among male bustards and swans may be heavier than the largest individual Dalmatian pelican. More recently, six male Dalmatians were found to average 10.4 kg (23 lb) and four females 8.7 kg (19 lb), around the same average weight as the great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) and slightly lighter than mean body masses from other huge birds such as the trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator) or Andean condor (Vultur gryphus). A mean estimated body mass for the Dalmatian pelican of 10.9 kg (24 lb) was also published, around the same mass as the aforementioned largest swan and condor. It is either the heaviest or one of the heaviest birds native to Europe, its closest rival in mass being mute swans (Cygnus olor), which weighs on average around 10.1 kg (22 lb), followed closely by the cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) (whose average weight is not known) and the whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus), averaging at just shy of 9.5 kg (21 lb), and the great white pelican. These same five species are probably rank as the largest flying birds in Asia as well, alongside the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis). It also appears to have one of the largest wingspans of any living bird, rivaling those of the great albatrosses (Diomedea ssp., in particular the two largest species, the wandering albatross and southern royal albatross) and the great white pelican. These four species are the only modern birds with verified wingspans that range over 350 cm (11 ft 6 in).

 

This pelican usually migrates short distances with varying migration patterns during the year. It is dispersive in Europe, based on feeding opportunities, with most western birds staying through the winter in the Mediterranean region.

 

For more information, please visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalmatian_pelican

 

Common Greenshank / tringa nebularia. 21/08/19.

 

'AN EYE TO THE SKY.'

 

I love watching the comical antics of Greenshanks when they're feeding. Always hyper-active, but becoming particularly energetic when they chase prey around in the shallows. There's usually plenty of high stepping and wing flexing - like they've been electrocuted or trodden on hot coals.

 

It seems these frenzied bursts of feeding take their toll on the birds' reserves though. I've noticed that just as quickly as they start, so they stop abruptly. A bird will suddenly break from it's feeding rhythm, dash somewhere and flop down to rest.

 

This one had found a nice sunny bank to doze on though regularly opened an eye to monitor things around it. Occasionally with a tilt of it's head as shown here, it would check the sky for predators.

These people sure know how to use their heads. I mean look at how they made sure to keep the extension cord and power strip out of the water.

 

Hopefully the cord is plugged in to a GFI outlet.

  

Year: 20 BBY, Few days before the battle

Planet: Corellia

Location: Separatist Battle Station, Viewing Room

________________________________________________

 

Quiese: The Republic is coming here?

???: Yes. The Republic have already left Coruscant and are on their way to Corellia.

 

Quiese couldn’t believe what he had just heard. How did they find out about their secret space station?

 

Quiese: But how? How did they find out about this facility?

???: Undoubtedly, Darth Sidious revealed its whereabouts. However, this was to be expected from our master.

Quiese: Why, my master?! Why would he do such a thing?

???: No doubt that this is part of his “ultimate plan”. Although I do not fully understand why or how this all fits into it all, but we will listen and follow his command.

Quiese: For now…

 

A small smirk formed on his lips just as his acolyte let out those words. True, one day, they won’t need to listen to Sidious’ orders anymore. Just following them now has already cause problems for the man, such as now. However, he was patient enough to wait right now until the day where he will no longer need the Dark Lord, or his future Empire.

 

???: For now, yes. But until that time comes, my acolyte, we will use him and his connections to continue with my own plans for the future. When the time comes where we no longer need him or his resources, we will completely destroy him and his empire.

Quiese: As you say, Lord Nedoura. However, as for the Republic forces…what would you have me do?

 

Nedoura grinned and turned his hologram figure around, facing towards whatever he was facing to.

 

Nedoura: Lure them into the station. Let them think that there wasn’t much resistance inside the facility, and allow them to wipe out our personal droids…

Quiese: With all respect, my lord…but losing those droid, would it not create much a hinder in your plans?

Nedoura: I am aware of the details, my acolyte. However, we need to fool the Republic one way or another. But as for their generals…

 

He then turned back to face his acolyte, his expression turning to a serious one.

 

Nedoura: The Jedi will send some of their best to you, likely the two Siruhnians and Witronians to deal with you. I want you to capture the one with any means necessary.

Quiese: Capture?

 

His expression was that of confusion. What did Nedoura mean by that? He couldn’t possibly…?

 

Quiese: *Eyes widen* The Dark Mercenary…he's coming here?!

Nedoura: I have no doubt about it. Just to ensure that he does, I have already discussed this with Sidious. Curiously, he complied.

Quiese: Do you think he suspects anything?

Nedoura: Unsure…however, that will not matter. Once my plans begin, none of it won’t matter. I will have Kydan at my feet, and my enemies at their mercies.

Quiese: As you command…what of the others?

 

A small, psychotic looking grin formed on his lips. It was as if, whatever he was going to say, was going to be enjoyable.

 

Nedoura: ...Kill them…All the Jedi…and their clones…

________________________________________________

Year: 20 BBY, Present Time

Planet: Corellia

Location: Separatist Battle Station, Hallway

________________________________________________

 

Remembering everything that his master had commanded him days ago, he could not help but feel a bit of excitement running through him. It wasn’t every day that you were given permission to kill your foes with any means necessary, especially with Jedi around. To kill both the Jedi, their clones and their entire fleet…what dark side user wouldn’t want the chance at that!

 

But it still bothered him somewhat with his other mission; capturing the Dark Mercenary. He and other acolytes had all discussed this at length about why this Witronian was so important to their master. Once or twice, they had heard Nedoura argue with, not just Count Dooku or General Grievous, but with Darth Sidious too. Most of the time, a heated argument would ensue between them all, until Sidious would cease their hostilities with one another. Surely, this would cause much suspicions about Nedoura and his connection to Kydan Witress. As of how and why, no one knew, perhaps not even Sidious knew. But one thing was for sure…

 

Nedoura was insistent about the young man, maybe even obsessed over him.

 

But he couldn’t focus on such trivial things. Quiese had a mission to accomplish, and a goal to achieve. But he wasn’t going to get far until he deals with the chasing Siruhnian that was behind him, her double bladed lightsaber in her right hand. They had both halted in their tracks multiple times to cross blades, even if they were for just a few seconds. But, for what it was worth, his plans were coming along very smoothly. Not much longer, he would have, not just her, but the mercenary in his trap. The more he thought about it, the more he started to grin.

 

Everything was going according to plan…

 

She was slowly getting tired out.

 

After spending quite a bit chasing after the dark acolyte, her energy was slowly draining. Truthfully, she wasn’t to the point of exhaustion, far from it. She could feel the energy flowing through her, ready to be summoned at her will. Mostly, she was getting tired chasing after bad guys every single time. She sometimes wished that they would just stand still and fight for real rather than running all the time.

 

But something else plagued her mind; Kydan. She pondered on the things that have been happening as of late, such as “why these assassins, or Acolytes, were so keen on wanting Kydan so much?” She remembered hearing the name “Nedoura” a few times since the beginning of the Clone Wars. Many rumors were told about him, but what made her more curious about him was when Kydan mentioned him a couple times before. She could see every time, whenever that name was brought up, his expression looked so angry, a dark moment passing through him when pondering. Whatever his connection to this man is, it was unclear, but she could guess that it wasn’t anything good. Nonetheless, that had only made her curiosity peek even more.

 

But that wasn’t the only thing that she wondered about. She kept going back to what she and Kydan were talking about a couple days ago, before they were…professionally interrupted. Exactly what was Kydan going to say to her? Ever since then and up to when they were in the gunship, his worried expression still lingered on his face. There was so many possibilities that could make him concerned…especially if it had to do something with her.

 

Wait a minute, she immediately thought just when she dodged a few objects that were flying pass her, Quiese trying to hit her. Did I do something wrong? Is he mad at me for some reason? If so…what did I do? She couldn’t think of any reason that Kydan would be upset with her. Sure, every time they are always on an adventure or mission together, something always risks the danger of life or death. Especially when it always happens to Kyd--…

 

He’s…he’s not mad cause I put him in danger, is it?

 

Calena broke from her trance of thoughts as she saw Quiese enter one of the elevators that headed upwards. She halted in her tracks and immediately looked around for another way. Looking behind her, she saw a duplicate of another elevator that appeared to go up too. Using the Force to open the sliding door, she entered the elevator quickly as the doors closed behind her, shooting straight towards the next floor above them.

 

She was unsure what was set before her, a good possibility that it was all a trap. But whatever lied ahead, she was more than ready to face it head on. She would stop Quiese, one way or another.

________________________________________________

 

Kydan continued to run across the halls and sharp corners, trying to catch up to the both of them. Almost every turn he came to, right on the other side, he could always see debris and saber marks left and right. The more he saw, the more worried he was getting.

 

He could tell that Nedoura’s acolyte was just toying with Calena. If he really wanted to, he could have just taken her out that much sooner. But he didn’t, and his concern for her was growing more and more. Yes, he was concern for his own men, but he trusted them enough to hold out against those walking heaps of metal. It was the fact that she was up against another Force user who was trained under Nedoura, who could easily match against Dooku.

 

Nedoura…no matter where he was in the galaxy, he would always find where Kydan was. He hated knowing the fact that every time he was faced with anyone who has dealings or trained under him, there would always be some kind of trouble. That was another thing that made him worry even more about Calena. He would need to catch up to them fast enough, or else…

 

He didn’t want to think of such a thing! He was worried enough, he didn’t need to start thinking about that too. Not again.

 

Reaching to the point of a dead end hallway, he saw two elevators that presume to go upwards towards the high tower above him. That could only mean that both Calena and Quiese were up there, fighting each other to the death. If he wanted to get up there, he would have to move fast. He started pushing both control panels on both sides and waited for one of them to start coming back down. His patience was growing thin, and the elevators weren’t going fast enough.

 

Dark: Stay calm, Kydan. Worrying more and more isn’t going to help you.

Kydan: Easier said than done…

Dark: Do you trust her?

Kydan: Obviously!

Dark: Then trust that she can handle herself until we get up there.

 

He was about to shoot back another comment, but decided against it. Although he was getting more anxious and worried, it wasn’t doing him any good. He needed to stay calm and keep his focus in check. He really did trust her, even if he didn’t think he would be able to handle herself. But she was a Jedi Knight for a reason, a Jedi general of the Galactic Republic that the order entrusted her enough to receive such titles. So letting out a loud sigh, he forced himself to keep as calm as he could.

 

At that moment, the doors before him slid open as he rushed inside and rapidly pushed the buttons on the panel. The doors then closed back up and the elevator started to move up towards the battle above him. He gripped his lightsaber hilts in his hands a bit tighter than usual, feeling the adrenaline and anxiety rushing through him. He really hoped that he would make it in time.

 

Hang on Cale’, I’m coming…

________________________________________________

 

The duel between the two of them was equally matched. Each of them colliding with their sabers at precise timing, sparks flashing off from each other and onto the metal floor underneath them. Neither one of them were letting up against the other, their attentions focused on the other as each of them looked for a weakness.

 

Although they were evenly matched, the Siruhnian's quick reflexes and form was much more faster and quicker than that of the Acolyte himself. She, however, felt like she wasn't focused at all. Her mind kept wondering to Kydan, about if he was okay and what was so important that they needed to talk. She kept trying to push those things aside 'til after the fight, but it wasn't doing her any good. As for Quiese, he was starting to lose his footing against her. Although he was trained under his master, he still wasn't prepared enough to face someone like the Jedi Knight before him.

 

That was when he noticed something was off. As more time passed between the two of them, her speed and slashes at him were slowing down and becoming almost lazy. He wasn't entirely sure what was causing this outcome, he didn't really care. This was his chance to finally bring down the Siruhnian Knight.

 

When she went for one more hit, he side steps to the right, causing her to express her surprise as he used the force to push her back towards the window where the battle outside was still consistent. She smacks into the wall with force, pain ensuing her body as she struggles to pick herself up from the metal and glass detailed flooring. He slowly approaches her, chuckling wickedly due to the outcome before him.

 

Quiese: Poor, poor Jedi. To think that you could defeat someone in my caliber. You probably would had a chance, if only your Witronian friend was here with you. But...that doesn't seem to be the case...

Calena: *Groans* You won't win this battle...

Quiese: I doubt that, Siruhnian girl. Farewell, Jedi, it was fun while it lasted.

 

As she tried to fight the pain that she was feeling still, Quiese raised his blade as he prepared to strike her down with a single slash. Her mind raced, not understanding why this was happening. How could all this happen?! Every time something like this happens, it always ends with...

 

...it always ends up with Kydan saving the day...and suffering.

 

As her thoughts passed her, the red blade came right down towards her, just barely an inch away from her head before a purple blade collided between them. With her eyes clutched closed, she opens her left eye as she sees Quiese struggling to hold his hold against no one else but Kydan, who was staring down the Acolyte with anger. She could see his eyes turned from the once gentle brown eyes to the now crimson rose red. The last time she had seen something like that was back on Alzoc III.

 

Kydan: Stay. Away. From. Her!

Quiese: *Growls* You blasted dank farrek!

 

Putting all his effort into his hold, Quiese was unable to hold off for long before Kydan pulled the blades away from Calena before a quick block and hit duel commenced 'til he kicked and Force Pushed the Acolyte across the room, rolling and sliding across the floor. Still keep watch, Kydan rushes over to her as he reached his hand out to her, a concern look plastered on his expression.

 

Kydan: Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?

Calena: Y-Yeah...I'm fine.

 

Taking hold of his hand, he pulls her up and onto her feet. Her expression was still stunned.

 

Calena: Kydan...I--

Kydan: Save the thought for later, princess...

 

Calena turned her head away in shame before turning it back to see him holding her saber towards her.

 

Kydan: *Smiles* Ready to do this together?

Calena: ......*Smirks* Yeah...I am.

 

With a single nod, the two reactivated both their blue, purple and pure black lightsabers and took their stances towards Quiese, who was just rising to his feet in disgust and annoyance.

 

Quiese: You fools...you have no idea who you are messing with.

Kydan: Actually, we do.

Calena: And it just gives us more reason to stop you.

Quiese: *Snarls* Your overconfidence will be you downfalls!

 

Reactivating his red blade, Quiese readied himself as Kydan and Calena came rushing towards him with their blades at the ready as well. As Calena gave herself a small but quick boost of speed to hopefully overcome their enemy, Kydan leaped into the air as he crossed both his blades together as he tried to pounce on him. Quiese had little time to react, but he was able to successfully dodge Calena's attack while, at that exact moment, block Kydan's air attack, just barely making it all in time.

 

Their duel against one another continued for what felt like hours, but in reality, was only minutes. Both sides were exhausting themselves out, and they were reaching their limit of physical strength. It was this point that Quiese just had enough of this conflict; he needed to complete his mission for Nedoura, or he would suffer the dreadful punishment of his master. With all the power he could muster up, he blocked both Kydan and Calena's attacks at the same time. Catching them off guard, he first use the force to choke Kydan, putting him in a spot where he was struggling to do much. Calena saw this and rushed to aid Kydan as fast as could. Quiese looked over to her before calling out loud to no one in particular.

 

Quiese: *Eyes narrowed* Enough of this foolishness!

 

Still holding Kydan in mid air, he force pushes Calena to the floor once again, causing her to roll across the metal. He then slams Kydan down to the middle of the room, smashing and cracking the glass under them and leaving a large dent on the floor. Without letting up on anything, he then starts to electrocute both of them, sending sheers amount of pain to course through their entire body as they both screamed out loud. Quiese, amused by the outcome of his actions, starts laughing wickedly as it grew louder and louder. At that moment of the battle, he felt assured that he had won the duel between them.

 

He halts his attack on both of them and stares at Kydan, who was still in pain from the attacks, for just a few moments before looking towards Calena who was also in a similar state. He then starts approaching the Jedi Knight as he reactivates his crimson blade.

 

Quiese: I told you both before...you could never win against me. Now, Dark Mercenary...you get to watch your Jedi friend...die.

 

Kydan, trying to get himself back up, looks over to where Calena and Queise were before realizing what was about to happen. Quiese slowly raised his arm up, the red energy sword pointed to the ceiling as the cruel acolyte took a moment to revel in his success. The mercenary's eyes widen in shock, knowing what was about to happen.

 

His heart raced...his mind immediately returning back to the first day of the Clone Wars...remembering everyone that had perished; both his clone troopers who followed him to battle, his old crush Relicia who died by the explosion and debris that had fallen on her, and now...now the image of Calena being slain by the hand of one of Nedoura's acolytes. He wasn't sure what was happening to him, but it was at that moment that something snapped. The red rose eyes became even more crimson than before, streaks of black lines crossing over each other across his pupil. How he did it, he wasn't entirely sure, but it was at that exact moment that he quickly got up and ran with all his might towards them.

 

It almost seemed like time had stopped completely, but he just barely made it in between the two of them, not entirely sure what he was going to do. His body reacted to the danger before him as he raised his left arm in front of him, shielding him from whatever outcome was to come. Quiese's saber came down and made a clean slice right through the Dark Mercenary's entire left arm, dismembering him completely. Quiese and Calena looked very stunned, not even sure how he got between them so fast. As the acolyte was still in shock, where once his left arm was started to form into a black substance, long armored-like lance, much like how he made one back during the Battle of Taris years ago. With one swift thrust and yell, Kydan pierced right into Quiese's chest, puncturing his stomach and his heart right through as he raised him into the air. He gasped for air, finding it much more harder to breath now as small droplets of blood ran out from both his chest and his lips.

 

How this happened, he still wasn't sure, but he knew that he had failed his matter at that moment of time. His last thoughts were that he would at least not be feeling the wrath of his master's punishment no longer. He looked down at Kydan, slowly fading to nothing as he murmured something to him that would cost him.

 

Quiese: *Soft tone* Heh...I knew...that you were...a...monster...

 

With a growl and another yell, Kydan plunged Quiese right down to the very spot that Kydan was just at, shattering the glass and ripping a hole through the metal with sheer force of Kydan's powers. He then began falling down towards the surface below as he disappeared through the clouds. Kydan, now exhausted from using so much of his strength and Forge power, made his left black arm lance disappear to nothing but the fresh cut as he collapsed to his knees, still staring down the hole of where the Acolyte had fallen.

 

Calena, who was now sitting up, saw the entire thing before her. She was glad that the fight was finally over, as well as Quiese being defeated even if it wasn't the greatest course of action. But she wasn't happy of the consequences that occured; Kydan having his left arm dismembered by the dead man. Although it wasn't her fault, she still blamed herself for what happened. All because I was being so foolish, she thought sadly to herself. If I had stayed calm and focus, I could have...and Kydan could have...

 

Slowly picking herself up, she started walking towards the injured mercenary, who still hadn't move from his spot nor tearing his attention away once. When she got close to him, she knelt to her knees as she stared at his other hand that was hanging loosely to his side. She started to reach for it, just centimeters away from grasping his hand, but then stopped for a moment and then pulled away. From behind, Kydan heard her speak but not in her normal and happy voice. Rather, it was more sad than anything.

 

Calena: ...I'm sorry...This was all...this was my fault, wasn't it?

 

Unable to hold it anymore, tears began to drop and onto the cold metal floor, her body shaking at the same time. Finally tearing his attention away from the hole before him, he turned his head to her as he saw her sad and crying expression. When he saw that, his heart began to sink. He hated seeing anyone, especially her, look sad.

 

Kydan: Calena...

Calena: I'm so sorry! I...I shouldn't...I shouldn't be near you anymore...

 

Kydan's eyes widen ever so much in response, not understanding what she meant.

 

Kydan: Calena, what are you talking about?

Calena: It's...it's my fault that you're like this...If...if I had just...

 

More tears ran down her cheeks as her voice cracked little by little, having a hard time trying to bring out the right words. Kydan's heart just sank even more, having the urge to wipe the tears away from her eyes and hug her to try and make her feel better. But he stood there, still surprised by her words.

 

Calena: ...I-I have to...stay way from you...before...before you get hurt...

Kydan: ...

Calena: Cause I...I can't stand...losing you because of me...So for now on...I'm...going to stay away--

 

At that singular moment, not able to hold back the urge anymore, Kydan calmly shushes her by placing his right hand on her cheek before closing the gap between them and catching his lips with hers. Calena slightly jumped in surprise by the sudden actions, not knowing exactly what to do. However, it only took a moment before she recuperated and let the feeling sink in, pushing her lips a bit more forcefully to his. After their moment lasted a few, the two broke away from the kiss as they both gasped for air, both of them carrying a small blush on their cheeks. With a small smile, he takes his hand and wipes the tears away from her eyes, unsure of what to really say or do in the moment.

 

Feeling a bit of confidence, from what happened and seeing Dark behind her urging him silently, he began to speak.

 

Kydan: I would never blame you, Calena. I know you could never hurt me. And don't ever think that you need to stay away. You means so much to me than you could ever know.

Calena: Kydan...

Kydan: I will always need you. Because I...I...I love you.

 

Her heart began to race after those three words left his mouth, much more faster than it has ever beaten. Even her cheeks grew just ever so red as well. Did she hear him right? Was this a dream? She had to be sure this wasn't any illusion, or something else.

 

Calena: You...you love me?

 

He nodded fervently, somewhat embarrassed as his own cheeks grew even more red from what he said. Although she was still shocked, she couldn't help feel happy and excited. She had always believed that she would have to be the one to tell him one day, just she didn't exactly know how. But to think that he would build up the boldness and courage to kiss her and confess to her. Realizing that she was thinking for too long, she smiled herself as she pulled Kydan's face to hers, capturing his lips this time. When she pulled away, the look on Kydan's face was priceless, making the Siruhnian girl giggle in response. She placed her hands on his and looked into his eyes.

 

Calena: I love you too, Kyie'.

 

Even though the outcome and consequences were fatal, it couldn't deter the way that these two felt for one another. It even came to the point that they didn't hear the clone soldiers marching into the room and rushing to them both. The smiles on both their faces never faded...

________________________________________________

 

So I just have to say this......HOLY CRAP THIS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING!!! I am to blame though, considering that I procrastinated for nearly 3 years straight. But wow, am I glad that I finally finished this long and challenging chapter at last!

 

As for the build; this is a photo that is about a couple months old, during when I was experimenting with my skills. We promise that the next set of chapters will be much, much better. But either way, I am still happy with how it looks, especially adding the scenery of an air battle happening in the background there.

 

If you are new to our and wish to catch yourselves up with all that is happening, check out and click "The Jedi Mercenary" album to read more of the earlier chapters before this one!

 

We really do hope you all enjoyed this long awaited chapter, cause I sure am lol. We are looking forward to finally introducing you you a few brand new characters that will be added to the series starting next chapter. We have spent a long time working on them and are very excited to show you what we have to come. Also, if you can, leave your thoughts in the comments below and leave a like to show us how much you all enjoyed this. Thank you all as always, and as always, have a fan-building-tastic day/night! See ya' next time!

 

- Director KW & CGN Crew

 

More fun with the Ophelia Fancy girls (from left Hollie, Ainsleigh and Carly) - a shoot for the Winter Collection, at Saltdean Lido, East Sussex. All items and styling by Em and Stevi of Ophelia Fancy, direction and photo by DarkDaze, with many thanks to Matt for props and assisting, and all the crew Sally, Susie, Sofia for ensuring no models were electrocuted!!

   

LARGE farm2.static.flickr.com/1074/1105977145_b4e8f40b16_o.jpg

Here are 30 illustrations from the book Elektroschutz in 132 Bildern. These diagrams outline causes of electrical accidents

 

If you end up linking to this, it would be nice if you attributed me as bre pettis and linked to brepettis.com/blog.

Electrocuted

took this idea from strobist on-assignment.

 

One sb-28 slightly to the left with a snoot set at 1/32 pointed at hand and base of bulb. one 580ex with a green gel placed underneath the hand. fired with elinchrom skyports.

 

I wish the hand was a little closer to the bulb but I was afraid to electrocute the guy.

Here are 30 illustrations from the book Elektroschutz in 132 Bildern. These diagrams outline causes of electrical accidents

 

If you end up linking to this, it would be nice if you attributed me as bre pettis and linked to brepettis.com/blog.

 

#AbFav_PHOTOSTORY

#AbFav_The_COLOUR_BROWN_

 

PURE JOY...

IGOR THE WORLD CHAMPION.

 

Once a horse won that title... it becomes invaluable and is used as a stud.

 

Igor had just sired a few mares and was feeeeeeeeeling GOOD...

(to sire is to inseminate.)

The Belgian horse, Belgian Heavy Horse, Flemish or Brabant is a horse breed that comes from the West-Brabantian region of Belgium.

They are one of the strongest of the heavy breeds.

The world's Largest Horse was a Belgian named Brooklyn Supreme, who weighed 3,200 pounds, and stood at 19.2 hands.

On average the Brabant will grow to be slightly over 1 ton or 2,000 pounds.

Colours normally are a blond with a brighter mane, or a sorrel/ chestnut colouring.

 

In history their main use was to work farms.

They are able to pull tremendous amounts of weight-up to over 4,500 pounds for a pair.

 

They also played an important role in the first World War, where quite a few perished.

 

I walked around and started to photograph, I discovered another blond stallion in an adjacent field and in order to get his whole head, with the velvet nose and pricked up ears all in, I had pushed through the fences and the top (danger!!!) ribbon... well I got the shot, but what a SHOCKING experience!

 

I straightened too soon and was electrocuted, in the neck, I called Paul, yelling: IS THE CAMERA GOING TO BE ALL RIGHT???

 

The horse got as much of a fright as I did, bolted and ran off.

Farmers are the same all over the world, they are only allowed a low voltage BUT... this was 240, my heart felt like I was 25 again. Bouboum.

 

I turned around into the 'safer' stables, obviously the nursery, since there were about 6 stables all with foals, that's where I captured those two lovelies.

The adventures of a photographer he, tee hee.

 

The Belgian horse is a much-loved gentle giant.

This large heavily muscled horse most likely descended from the heavy prehistoric horses and was indispensable as a workhorse in the Middle Ages when this horse was known as the Flanders (Flemish) Horse, now it is known as the Brabant.

  

Thank you and have a super day, M, (*_*)

   

For more: www.indigo2photography.com

 

Please do not use any of my images on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved

 

brown, Flanders, Brabander, horses, foal, farm, stable, working-horse, daylight, natural, suckling, Flanders, horizontal, Nikon D200, "Magda indigo"

Moundsville, WV

November 3rd, 2014

 

The Former West Virginia State Penitentiary, a National Historic Places Registered facility, operated by the Moundsville Economic Development Council in Moundsville, West Virginia.

 

The history of this historic penitentiary:

 

"The prison at Joliet provided the prototype for the West Virginia Penitentiary. It was an imposing stone structure fashioned in the castellated Gothic architectural style (adorned with turrets and battlements, like a castle). Only the dimensions of West Virginia's facility would differ; it would be approximately one-half the size of Joliet.

 

No architectural drawings of the West Virginia Penitentiary have been discovered, so an understanding of the plan developed by the Board of Directors must be obtained through their 1867 report, which details the procurement of a title for ten acres of land and a proposal to enclose about seven acres. On the north side would be a street 60 feet in width, and on the west 140 feet for street and yard to the front buildings.

 

The prison yard would be a parallelogram 682 1/2 feet in length, by 352 1/2 feet in width, enclosed by a stone wall 5 feet in thickness at the bottom, 2 1/2 feet at the top, with foundation 5 feet below the surface, and wall 25 inches thick. At each of the corners of this wall would be large turrets, for the use of the guards, with inside staircases. Guardrooms would be above on a level with the top of the main. The superintendent's house and cell buildings would be so placed that the rear wall of each would form part of the west wall. "

 

SOURCE: www.wvpentours.com/history.htm

For Part 1: www.flickr.com/photos/130902425@N05/28240222223/

 

________________________________________________

 

The Flash comes racing across the streets, heading towards were all the chaos is originating from.

 

Just as Heat Wave is about to pull the trigger, and fry the young detective into a crisp, Flash comes thundering in and punches Heat Wave with a powerful electrocuting punch. Knocking him onto the ground hard.

 

Mirror master quickly turns around to see the Scarlett Speedster.

 

Mirror Master: It's about time you showed up Flash! Now time to die at last!

 

Mirror Master fires his mirror gun. Flash manages to dodge the white blast barely in time.

 

The Flash thinks to himself: What's going on here! Rogues actually trying to kill and hurt civilians? Some things not right!

 

He rushes in and grabs the young detective and moves him out of the scene, preventing any more causalities from the conflict. He then turns around and rushes back in attempting to stop the out of control rogues.

The Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) is the most massive member of the pelican family, and perhaps the world's largest freshwater bird, although rivaled in weight and length by the largest swans. They are elegant soaring birds, with wingspans that rival that of the great albatrosses, and their flocks fly in graceful synchrony. It is a short to medium distance migrant between breeding and overwintering areas. No subspecies are known to exist over its wide range, but based on size differences, a Pleistocene paleosubspecies, P. c. palaeocrispus, has been described from fossils recovered at Binagady, Azerbaijan.

 

As with other pelicans, the males are larger than the females, and likewise their diet is mainly fish. Their curly nape feathers, grey legs and silvery-white plumage are distinguishing features, and the wings appear solid grey in flight. The adults acquire a drabber plumage in winter, however, when they may be mistaken for great white pelicans. Their harsh vocalizations become more pronounced during the mating season. They breed from southeastern Europe to Russia, India and China in swamps and shallow lakes. They usually return to traditional breeding sites, where they are less social than other pelican species. Their nests are crude heaps of vegetation, which are placed on islands or on dense mats of vegetation.

 

The species' numbers underwent a dramatic decline during the 20th century, partly due to land use, disturbance and poaching activities. The core population survives in Russia, but in its Mongolian range it is critically endangered. Removal of power lines to prevent collisions or electrocution, and the construction of nesting platforms or rafts have reversed declines locally.

 

This huge bird is by a slight margin the largest of the pelican species and one of the largest living bird species. It measures 160 to 183 cm (5 ft 3 in to 6 ft 0 in) in length, 7.25–15 kg (16.0–33.1 lb) in weight and 245 to 351 cm (8 ft 0 in to 11 ft 6 in) in wingspan. Its median weight is around 11.5 kg (25 lb), which makes it perhaps the world's heaviest flying bird species, although the largest individuals among male bustards and swans may be heavier than the largest individual Dalmatian pelican. More recently, six male Dalmatians were found to average 10.4 kg (23 lb) and four females 8.7 kg (19 lb), around the same average weight as the great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) and slightly lighter than mean body masses from other huge birds such as the trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator) or Andean condor (Vultur gryphus). A mean estimated body mass for the Dalmatian pelican of 10.9 kg (24 lb) was also published, around the same mass as the aforementioned largest swan and condor. It is either the heaviest or one of the heaviest birds native to Europe, its closest rivals in mass being mute swans (Cygnus olor) and cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus), which both weigh on average around 10 kg (22 lb), followed closely by great white pelicans and the whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus). It also appears to have one of the largest wingspans of any living bird, rivaling those of the great albatrosses (Diomedea ssp., in particular the two largest species, the wandering albatross and southern royal albatross) and the great white pelican. These four species are the only modern birds with verified wingspans that range over 350 cm (11 ft 6 in).

 

For more information, please visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalmatian_pelican

 

Griffon vultures have been used as model organisms for the study of soaring and thermoregulation. The energy costs of level flight tend to be high, prompting alternatives to flapping in larger birds. Vultures in particular utilize more efficient flying methods such as soaring. Compared to other birds, which elevate their metabolic rate to upwards of 16 times their basal metabolic rate in flight, soaring griffon vultures expend about 1.43 times their basal metabolic rate in flight. Griffon vultures are also efficient flyers in their ability to return to a resting heart rate after flight within ten minutes.

 

As large scavengers, griffon vultures have not been observed to seek shelter for thermoregulation. Vultures use their bald heads as a means to thermoregulate in both extreme cold and hot temperatures. Changes in posture can increase bare skin exposure from 7% to 32%. This change allows for the more than doubling of convective heat loss in still air. Griffon vultures have also been found to tolerate increased body temperatures as a response to high ambient temperatures. By allowing their internal body temperature to change independently of their metabolic rate, griffon vultures minimize their loss of water and energy in thermoregulating. One study in particular (Bahat 1995) found that these adaptations have allowed the Griffon vulture to have one of the widest thermal neutral zones of any bird.

 

It declined markedly throughout the 19th–20th centuries in much of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, mainly due to direct persecution and "bycatch" from the poisoned carcasses set for livestock predators (Snow and Perrins 1998, Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001, Orta et al. 2015). In some areas a reduction in available food supplies, arising from changes in livestock management practices, also had an impact (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001, Orta et al. 2015). It is very highly vulnerable to the effects of potential wind energy development (Strix 2012) and electrocution has been identified as a threat (Global Raptors Information Network 2015). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for veterinary purposes pose a threat to this species. One case of suspected poisoning caused by flunixin, an NSAID, was recorded in this species in 2012 in Spain (Zorrilla et al. 2015). Diclofenac, a similar NSAID, has caused severe declines in Gyps vulture species across Asia.

 

Route Girard. St-Augustin de Desmaures. Petite pose électrocutée d'un adulte saisie durant ma tentative de capter le jeunot...

Griffon vultures have been used as model organisms for the study of soaring and thermoregulation. The energy costs of level flight tend to be high, prompting alternatives to flapping in larger birds. Vultures in particular utilize more efficient flying methods such as soaring. Compared to other birds, which elevate their metabolic rate to upwards of 16 times their basal metabolic rate in flight, soaring griffon vultures expend about 1.43 times their basal metabolic rate in flight. Griffon vultures are also efficient flyers in their ability to return to a resting heart rate after flight within ten minutes.

 

As large scavengers, griffon vultures have not been observed to seek shelter for thermoregulation. Vultures use their bald heads as a means to thermoregulate in both extreme cold and hot temperatures. Changes in posture can increase bare skin exposure from 7% to 32%. This change allows for the more than doubling of convective heat loss in still air. Griffon vultures have also been found to tolerate increased body temperatures as a response to high ambient temperatures. By allowing their internal body temperature to change independently of their metabolic rate, griffon vultures minimize their loss of water and energy in thermoregulating. One study in particular (Bahat 1995) found that these adaptations have allowed the Griffon vulture to have one of the widest thermal neutral zones of any bird.

 

It declined markedly throughout the 19th–20th centuries in much of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, mainly due to direct persecution and "bycatch" from the poisoned carcasses set for livestock predators (Snow and Perrins 1998, Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001, Orta et al. 2015). In some areas a reduction in available food supplies, arising from changes in livestock management practices, also had an impact (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001, Orta et al. 2015). It is very highly vulnerable to the effects of potential wind energy development (Strix 2012) and electrocution has been identified as a threat (Global Raptors Information Network 2015). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for veterinary purposes pose a threat to this species. One case of suspected poisoning caused by flunixin, an NSAID, was recorded in this species in 2012 in Spain (Zorrilla et al. 2015). Diclofenac, a similar NSAID, has caused severe declines in Gyps vulture species across Asia.

The T-160 Thunderbird (pictured here with pilot Capt Penny Bowman) was an experimental fighter developed by the Palladite Republic. The Palladites, renowned for their inventive but impractical ideas fitted the fighter with twin Arc guns, each one housed in an electrically insulated nacelle at the front of the plane. Each Arc gun was powered by its own generator capable of creating 12,000,000 volts. Although the gun had a range of well over a mile, the weapons were very difficult to aim and pilots eventually resorted to dive-bombing their targets at high speed and firing their weapons when in close proximity to ensure a hit. When they did hit, the Arc guns would cripple their target's electronics, sometimes electrocute the crew, and occasionally ignite the fuel tanks. The guns would often short circuit so eventually a 12mm machine gun was fitted beneath each Arc gun in case the main weapon failed. Although feared for their unpredictable nature, Thunderbirds did little to effect the outcome of the war and only 152 were ever made.

Oww… My achin’ head… I swear if I get electrocuted one more time-!

 

-Spider-Pip notices the alarms going off-

 

Computer: “Intruder alert, intruder alert!”

 

Spider-Pip: “Hey, what's going on?!”

 

Doom: “It appears you have a would-be savior.”

 

Someone came to rescue me! Wait? Who? Who even knows I'm here?

 

-As if on cue, there's a loud clatter and, standing in a gaping hole where the wall used to be, is Spider-Pip’s rescuer-

 

“Mr. Titan-Tastic, here to save the day!”

 

Mr. Titan-Tastic? As in Jonathan Titansi, head of Titansi Empires?! Also, you know, super-stretchy superhero.

 

Doom: “You are not welcome here, old friend.”

 

-Doom fires at Mr. Titan-Tastic with repulsor blasts from his hand but Mr. Titan-Tastic is too quick and bends his body around the shots-

 

Mr. Titan-Tastic: “Yeah, I kind of caught on to that, what with all the lasers and Doom-dogs.”

 

Science-defying powers and quick-wit, I'm liking this guy already.

 

Mr. Titan-Tastic: “Now, to get what I'm came for.”

 

-Not wasting any time Mr. Titan-Tastic stretches his arm beyond normal human limits towards Spider-Pip’s cage while his fist grows to the size of a mini-fridge-

 

Spider-Pip: “Gah! Wait!”

 

-Spider-Pip closes his eyes and covers his head-

 

*KRSHH*

 

-He opens one eye to see his cage in pieces around him-

 

Spider-Pip: “Oh.”

 

Mr. Titan-Tastic: “C’mon! There's no time to waste.”

 

-Mr. Titan-Tastic grabs Spider-Pip in one huge hand and dashes out of the room-

 

Doom: “Finally, I had no idea what to do with that insufferable Spider-twit. What better excuse than a rescue to get him out of my hair? But if I let them get away that easily my reputation could be tarnished… Good thing there is still more up my proverbial sleeve.”

 

-Doom rapidly types on his keyboard some more. A wall panel behind him slides away revealing a small dark room-

 

Doom: “Doom-Bot, apprehend intruders Spider-Pip and Mr. Titan-Tastic.”

 

Doom-Bot: “WITH PLEASURE.”

  

Uh-oh, why is my spider-sense tingling?

 

Wild South Africa

Kruger National Park

 

The White-Backed Vulture (Gyps africanus), the most widespread and common vulture in Africa, has been up-listed from Near-Threatened to Endangered on the IUCN Red List for birds.

 

The species is currently undergoing a rapid decline in population numbers and faces similar threats to all the other African Vultures. In East Africa, White-Backed Vultures are primarily threatened by poisoning - particularly from the highly toxic pesticide carbofuran; whereas in southern Africa they are utilized for the muti trade - as they are perceived to have medicinal and psychological benefits. The decline and possible extirpation in West Africa has been attributed to the trade in vulture parts for traditional ‘juju' practices. Other threats include the loss or reduced availability of carrion, electrocution by power lines and poisoning.

Captain Boomerang jumps from behind the wall and throws a boomerang at Sergeant Boomerang. He throws a boomerang back and he hits Captain Boomerang's boomerang out of the air.

 

CB: "Who do think you are? Taking my place, my gimmic, my thang!"

 

SB: "I never thought to encouter you so soon, but now that you're here, I'll show you I'm a better Boomerang, than you have ever been."

 

CB: "Well, you little wanker! Let me show you who the real Boomerang is!"

 

The Captain throws multiple boomerangs at the Sergeant, who counter attacks and throws all of them out of the air.

 

CB: "I must say, you're good kid. But not as good as me."

 

SB: "You're really not getting it, do you?"

 

CB: "What should I be getting?"

 

SB: "Don't I look familliar to you?!"

 

CB: "What? Did I ever mug you or something, or kill someone you loved."

 

SB: "For gods sake! I'm your son!"

 

Digger starts taking a closer look, and then notices how much Owen looks like him.

 

CB: "Holy hell... Y- you do look a bit like me."

 

SB: "My name is Owen Mercer. Does that ring a bell? Mercer?"

 

CB: "I did have a one night stand 19 years ago, with someone called Erica Mercer."

 

SB: "My mother."

 

CB: "Oh my god..."

 

Digger leans against the wall so he wouldn't fall over.

 

CB: "I- I didn't know she was pregnant."

 

SB: "Wait, what."

 

CB: "I didn't know! She never told me. She never reached out to me."

 

SB: "I- I didn't know that."

 

CB: "How could I abandon you if I even didn't know you existed!?"

 

SB: "I'm sorry... I thought you knew... That's why I wanted you to suffer."

 

CB: "Well, I didn't know! But I'm happy I do now."

 

SB: "Huh? Why?"

 

CB: "I might be an alcohol-adicted-boomerang-throwing-murdering-supervillain, but I did always want a son."

 

SB: "Really?"

 

CB: "Yeah."

 

SB: "I- I didn't-"

 

Before Owen could finish his sentence, Golden Glider kicks Digger in his bullocks.

 

CB: "Ohw! Me goolies!"

 

GG: "Stay away from him, Digger! You've done enough to him!"

 

SB: "Lisa! Wait! It's not like-"

 

Owen can't finish his sentence again, because he gets shot in the shoulder by Deadshot.

 

SB: "Aargh!"

 

GG: "Owen!"

 

Digger kicks Glider off of him and gets in a fist fight with her.

 

BT over comm: "Deadshot, focus on King Shark. Black Spider has eyes on Boomerang."

 

DS: "Got it."

 

BT: "Spider, Sergeant Boomerang is wounded, take him down while you can."

 

BS: "Understood."

 

King Shark tackles Heatwave before he can fire his heatgun. Shark throws Mick against the wall, but before he can kill him, Weather Wizard electrocutes him with a thunderbolt. Shark walks towards Weather Wizard, but the thunderbolt hits him really hard. Heatwave gets up and starts to fire his heatgun at Shark as well. Shark is in a lot of pain while he is being electrocuted and burned. Shark almost gives up, but then Deadshot shoots Heatwave in the shoulder, taking him out. That gives Shark the chance to tackle Weather Wizard, taking him out too.

A woman with a giant flaming axe....it couldn’t really get any better. Maybe that’s why I’ve haven’t encountered the person in charge with a high powerset. Just because she's the niece of our most terrifying enemy, we should never underestimate how far this can go. But the presence is frightening to say the least.

 

Just about right now, I pictured myself throwing rays of light against Fireflare. That's right, it's her villain name. Before I could finish the sentence in my head, she probably sliced one of my favourite guns in half....damnit. I check my virtual watch and it’s been 15 minutes already. Time is always the most vital to spies, regardless if it's a fight or not. Then you have your own team occupied against the weird guy who mumbles in third person. Joint assault on both fronts.

 

Here's the plan, mentally: if we beat them and gave them a 5 minute interrogation—which has been the shortest amount of time I used to choke info out of enemies, then we’d reach some compromise for the end goals. But it doesn't matter. You know you're already pinned down.

 

Sabine: “Ready to give up yet?”

Kieran: “No you give up.”

Sabine: “Classy. I like you already.”

Kieran: “Sorry I’m taken. She probably has more temper than you. You're the worst nightmare I'd ever encounter in junior high.”

Sabine: “Aw, what a mood killer. Shame I couldn't see what bitch she would be.”

Kurt: “Don’t forget I’m the single one here. No one can or ever take me!”

Sabine: “I’ll deal with the old man in a bit. But yes, I'm gladly to capture you for my uncle....”

Kieran: “Tell me, how many have you even captured ever since he killed one of us?”

Sabine: “Hm, a few maybe. Only if you’re gonna learn to play nice....”

Kieran: “No, no like that. Did you raid our compounds? Why?”

Sabine: “Yes. I ensured a big bloodbath. Some of them left with a trace behind. So that you could be led to this moment of confrontation.”

 

I felt my anger swelling, drops of sweat rising up to my face. She was obviously stalling us. Everyone does that. To calm my pressured state, I kept thinking about my girlfriend. Something that would be the best meditation technique that Gary gave good lessons on. Being with her long enough, Riley was always reckless despite her powerful skill sets....and the doctor. I did regret a bit leaving them behind when Ty knows it’s his responsibility to keep the mission going. But if anyone can handle a good fight with swords, it shouldn't be a big problem.

 

Just as our odds were slightly tilting to the losing side, Lyra was constantly launching a flurry of attacks against Knifenight. Presumably under her damaged suit, she’d taken a few hits but with quick regeneration. The absorption of her abilities are simply amazing just like the day we found her. And Kurt, despite his age (and probably still has a six pack from all that prison time), was no stranger to using defenses as a weapon. His hands brimmed with rearranging molecules, launched a shot at Knifenight, send him flying across the wall. Again, also never underestimate what your allies can do even if there are powers that seem weaker at hand.

 

What remains are two remaining members of the other team, Ty and Erin—-who happened to coordinate a very (beautiful) energy attack. I could see how much they cared for each other. Love is back on the tables? You’d better figure that out yourself.

 

Ty: “You good?”

Erin: “Yeah.”

Ty: “Show’s not over yet. We gotta help him out.”

Kieran: “Yes, I'd appreciate hand here.”

Sabine: “This is even better. Aiding the third wheel....how sweet.”

Kieran: “Ok that’s enough!”

 

I charge myself up, glowing like a firefly. Beams protrude out of my body as I create a heavy gun and some swords in the form of light. Rackham is stifled, but she’s not entirely surprised. With her axe, she manages to cut down some of them, but I keep exposing her to my rays, blinding her in a flash as Ty and Erin pin her to a damaged wall. Talk about timing correctly.

 

Sabine: “Heh....so I’ve definitely underestimated some of you. Good tricks, but you should have known to impress me more.”

Kieran: “Yeah you did. Might have it easy on this one. Now f*cking tell me where he is.”

Sabine: “Why should I tell you? The first rule of interrogation, is never ask where.”

Kieran: “I want you to lead us to him, or else I’ll kill him.”

Sabine: “Do what you want. As long as you know you’re walking into that trap....don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Kieran: “Show me. You said you to take us in right? We're using it exactly just as he wants.”

Sabine: *coughs* “Of course....look at the damn hologram. Cyprus.”

 

And then I knocked her brains out. I quickly take my mask off for a fresh breath of air, as the others stare at me. I give them a what look before they all cheer.

 

Lyra: *squeals* “Damn boss. That was impressive. I’ve never seen that before!”

Kurt: “I guess it’s time to check on my research for power levels...well, who wants to get their soda on the jet before I upgrade the tech later?”

Ty: “Provably soon when we depart, hahaha...”

Erin: “So guys, do we need a compost bag or no?”

Kieran: "There is certainly a mess here, but let's just clean up real quick and get the hell outta here.

 

***

(London to Cyprus, current time 3:43 A.M:)

 

After destroying what's left behind with an unconscious Sabine and Knifeknight in toll, strapped and cuffed. Our jet arrives quickly at the foretold base. I assume Edens or Gardner know we've managed to handle the situation back underground. En route, Erin and Kurt have already send them the coordinates. Knowing his defection situation, Gardner should definitely coming along in person as well, obviously for many other reasons too.

 

Landing seems obviously smooth if it’s a super-villain-or-whoever’s island that is. There’s not security breach, not a single guard. I’m raising my suspicion level alerts to high in case it’s an ambush....which is possible. We all switch on the night vision gear again, this time with Kurt providing the heat sensors and grid scans. The door is just right up another tunnel, as we enter....

 

It’s a big facility, something like that. Some dark shades of green around. Still, no guards...until a figure emerges. Lights flare up as well. Gotta keep caution.

 

Holy f**k. It’s North. I haven’t really seen his face clearly before, even through the files, but I can clearly make it out that it’s him. His damn face staring right at us above. I witness the other entrance is led by Edens and his team, along with a cloaked guy who they told me is an ally named Dusksmoke.

 

North: “Hello, knights. It is time—-and I welcome you all to this grand meeting. The truly wonderful spectacle of my most wanted. The teams that are capable of the survival of the fittest.”

Edens: “Here you are.”

Gardner: “F**king hell. Why don’t you come down from that box of yours and answer me!”

North: “Oh yes. You brought me this muddled spectacle....”

Ty: “Wake up, both of you.”

(Sabine and Knifenight are thrown into the middle, still bound and tied with electrocuted ropes.)

Sabine: *wakes* “Ah, see, I told you....”

Knifenight: “Uggh....yes. It is him. But, Knifenight....Knifenight is not supposed to be here!”

North: “Once again, I will deal with this fool later. Now, show them.”

 

Even more lights flare up around us as we ready our battle stances. The White Ninja steps out, followed by the ES agents all around him. Then he snaps his fingers, revealing my girlfriend and Sam tied on a platform. They look battered and torn, yet not hurt enough badly.

 

North: “I have your friends. You already have guts to step into my lair, give me what I need.”

Gardner: “Free them. Now.”

North: “You should really learn to play nice, Mason. I don't trade if you threaten me with this behaviour...”

Edens: “You mean the plans. The rest to kill us. You’re the Modred to our cause.”

North: “Ahh yes. And you would be the Merlin on the chess board, Remus. Just another disposable old wizard. And Arthur here—-isn’t what I would expect too much more of a king....look at you being frail and sickly, Mason.”

Gardner: “Pulling the sword is when I should finally get to kill the worst f**ker ever. I know you wanted to cleanse the world, to get rid of us. Then why not do it now.”

North: “Oh yes. But it would be a waste to blow up too much more faculties and incompetent human beings. I enjoy the slow, painful death of a man....like how I always toyed with yours. Now my patience has run thin. Kill them. All of them.”

 

Well, sh*t. I guess we can’t leave without stains then...

West Virginia State Penitentiary

Moundsville, WV

November 3rd, 2014

 

The Former West Virginia State Penitentiary, a National Historic Places Registered facility, operated by the Moundsville Economic Development Council in Moundsville, West Virginia.

 

The history of this historic penitentiary:

 

"The prison at Joliet provided the prototype for the West Virginia Penitentiary. It was an imposing stone structure fashioned in the castellated Gothic architectural style (adorned with turrets and battlements, like a castle). Only the dimensions of West Virginia's facility would differ; it would be approximately one-half the size of Joliet.

 

No architectural drawings of the West Virginia Penitentiary have been discovered, so an understanding of the plan developed by the Board of Directors must be obtained through their 1867 report, which details the procurement of a title for ten acres of land and a proposal to enclose about seven acres. On the north side would be a street 60 feet in width, and on the west 140 feet for street and yard to the front buildings.

 

The prison yard would be a parallelogram 682 1/2 feet in length, by 352 1/2 feet in width, enclosed by a stone wall 5 feet in thickness at the bottom, 2 1/2 feet at the top, with foundation 5 feet below the surface, and wall 25 inches thick. At each of the corners of this wall would be large turrets, for the use of the guards, with inside staircases. Guardrooms would be above on a level with the top of the main. The superintendent's house and cell buildings would be so placed that the rear wall of each would form part of the west wall. "

 

SOURCE:http://www.wvpentours.com/history.htm