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Betcha weren't expecting something this dark to start off 2011, were you?
Hello. I'm Three less neurons per minute. Less than 20 people know my real name here in Flickr through flickrmail and not from reading comments in my pictures. I am not a teenager, but creepers are still unwelcomed. I have a sinking feeling that none of my photos are particularly excellent, I just have really awesome and supportive contacts. I don't want to be labelled as the girl who does photomanipulations. Any label, good or bad, limits and confines our abilities. Besides, I want to go out on a limb for photography, and photoshop dependency hinders that. I would like you to believe that my screen name is something deep and existential. A reference to the decay of human soul and capacity in the dawn of machines, technology and the internet. A reminder of how every minute we live is a minute we die, a grand exchange. But that would be pretentious, because my screen name is nothing of the sort. Flickr makes me happy and sad at the same time. It connects me to people and alienates me horribly, that's why I'm not going through with a 365 project and why i'm not here too often anymore. I don't show my face in any photos, except for one taken from a strange angle where I'm barely recognizabe. It's not a self esteem issue, worry not, it's for privacy reasons. I might show my face soon, as there are photos I want to experiment with that are difficult sans face. What about privacy? Live dangerously, I say.
I sound somewhat depressed after reading this.haha. Believe me, I'm not. :)
+ colored and 2 outtakes
Wasn't how it started, but ended up looking like this.
Here's to another year of adventures.
Chuck- Hey, where's Crane?
Two-Face- Busy.
*The meeting took place at Elliot Heights, per Chuck's suggestion. The attendees- three of the four heads of Penguin's new Pact, and each of their lieutenants, arrived later then Brown expected, with none of them the wiser regarding the whereabouts of Deacon Blackfire. The last to arrive, Black Mask and his allies knocked on the door with an air of impatience*
Sionis- The elevator's busted.
Chuck- We know.
*Sionis grumbles, but sits down, waiting for Chuck to start talking*
Freeze- So. Talk. You said you had information.
Chuck- Yes, um, first of all I'm glad you all came. But before we start, do we know where Blackfire-
Two-Face- Get on with it.
Chuck- Right. We've identified the sniper. It was Black Spider.
*The assembly is silent. Then Roman groans*
Sionis- Oh, of course it is... What's the bastard even doing in Arkham?
Two-Face- It's not rocket science Sionis. He's probably a prisoner like the rest of us.
Sionis- No, I don't buy it. Didn't he get a pardon for that Society crap?
*Li, who has been staring at the uncharacteristically quiet Penguin, leans over and mutters to Sionis, gesturing at Firebug*
Li- Yes sir, he did. But, so did Mr Rigger. Clearly, the government cares little about their promises.
Sionis- Yeah. Suppose I shouldn't be surprised...
Freeze- Answer this, Kite-Man isn't it?
Chuck- Just call me Chuck...
Freeze- How on earth did you find this information?
Chuck- Ah, well this is Mitch.
*At this, Mayo, still wearing the bloodied vest from last night, and far from looking his best, stands in front of this audience of hardened killers and gangsters, and they can barely contain their laughter*
Sionis- Is this a joke?
*It didn't take long. Despite their initial... "apprehension," they all listened to Mayo's story in full. When he was done, they set out in search of Needham. Dent went to the old GCPD building, in search of Needham's arrest reports, anything that would give them any insight to his whereabouts. Sionis returned to his factory, alerting his men of the news. Cobblepot sent his assistant, Lark, away, as he talked with Zebra Man as they made their way back to the Iceberg Lounge*
Zebra- So. What are you going to do? Kill them?
*Cobblepot sighed, handing him his top hat, Zebra peers inside, and takes out a note taped inside*
Penguin- Nothing so brash. You've spent far too much time with Kobra... They'll start hunting soon enough, and they'll want you with them, for the extra manpower of course. When they find him, however long that takes, you will do whatever you can to stop him talking.
That note, is all I have on him, his family, friends, past relationships and pain. Use it, and eliminate him. You'll be the hero.
Zebra- All that talk of loyalty.
Penguin- I meant it all. Do you understand how hard I've worked to keep this hellhole together? If the Monarch had to die, so be it. If Needham must join him, very well. You of all people should understand that...
=====
*Philip lost his hands, his sight, to this man. Mr Camera. His time in Blackgate, away from photos had driven the man mad, or maybe it was Meister's voice in his ear. No matter the reason, Harry Simms severed Ten's hand over a single photograph. Now Reardon relied on mechanical limbs to hold the very gun in his hand he was pointing at his head. The same gun Blackfire offered him. "Was it even Simms?" he wondered. Without his sight, he couldn't know for sure that it *wasn't* some other captive of Blackfire, an innocent man who's life now rested in his hands. All he knew was that there was something dark creeping around inside his body, a voice telling him that the vengeance he craved was finally here. All he had to do, was pull the trigger. The worst part? He didn't know if it was Blackfire's toxins, or his own anger*
Blackfire- Christ died for *our* sins, but what of theirs? Those who commit atrocities far worse than God can forgive? That is our duty my children! Our time is now. We will slay first these common mongrels, then we will make our way to the top. Divine justice comes to all!
Simms- I didn't do anything!
Blackfire- Enough! Harold Simms, you threaten and extort innocents, you collect incriminating evidence that you lust over like a man possessed. No more!
*They cheered. They all cheered for Blackfire. Yet, while Philip was coerced by drugs, these people needed only the spoken word to jeer at Simms*
Ten- Then... it's true, you've been using the tunnels to hunt people down. Kill them.
...
Blackfire- My boy, I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about.
=======
*Cobblepot returned to the Iceberg Lounge three hours ago, just thinking in his office. Eventually, he left his sanctuary and sat down at the bar. With a flick of his wrist, the two people previously sitting there, got up and left*
Penguin- Long day Leonard?
Len- It is what it is. Those two tried to trade their socks for some beer. Socks I tell you.
Penguin- Ah, well, it can't be helped.
Len- Well what are they meant to tip? Their knickers?
*Penguin laughed in a manner not dissimilar to his namesake, producing a noise that sounded something like a "Waugh." Behind them, Magpie tapped on the microphone, on top of the stage*
Magpie- I'd like to sing a song. Perhaps you know it.
*Len muttered something under his breath that unfortunately, David Wist, Magpie's husband, happened to hear*
Len- Urgh, Moon River. It's always Moon River.
Wist- Hey, she sings it very well!
Penguin- Oh it's lovely, David, absolutely lovely, but you have to understand it gets repetitive.
Wist- Of course Mr Cobblepot, I didn't mean, I-
Len- I'm just asking, why's it always Moon River...
*Roman takes another seat up at the bar beside Oswald*
Penguin- Roman! My friend!
Sionis- If, when we get out, and I hear that song, that damn song, on the radio... Someone's dying. I hate it.
Wist- Look, the moon is really shiny. She likes it
*And with that, Wist brushes past Li, offering a comforting smile to Mags as he heads off towards the stage*
Sionis- You. I'll have a Vodka Martini, Li here will have a, rum and coke was it?
Li- Just the Cola please. I don't drink.
Sionis- Throw in the rum anyway. I might drink it. We've got him.
Oswald- You can't have found him already surely?
Len- What's this?
*Sionis glances at Len and back at Oswald*
Sionis- Is he good?
Oswald- Certainly.
Sionis- The guy that shot this place up, your pal identified him as Black Spider.
Len- Shit...
Sionis- Exactly. Dent went to get some files from the GCPD database, the computers there are still connected to the server. Don't know what he found, but he said best bet, he's at the cemetery. Got Freeze, Zsasz and your guy down there already.
Oswald- Then, it's just a matter of waiting.
====
*The Gotham Cemetery is sprawling. One of the biggest controversies behind Arkham, was separating loved ones from those buried there. Of course, with Strange's connections, it didn't take the government long to overrule the City Council. With all of Gotham's tragedies- the breakouts, the earthquake, the crises, the Signal Man incident and the City of Fear, there's no bigger graveyard in the entire state. It's a labyrinth of headstones and crypts. It takes a lot of manpower to cover the area. The glow from Freeze's goggles, are about the only thing lighting up the area*
Freeze- Spread out. Firebug, take the east. Zsasz, cover the west. I will search the South Quadrant, leaving you, Zebra Man, with-
Zebra- The North. Da.
*Rigger lit a match so he could see. Doing so caused a flock of birds to burst out from the nearest crypt. He cursed himself as he sucked the blood from his scratch marks. Owls. Zsasz wandered around the headstones, and grinned. So many bodies... So many put there because of him. And Freeze saw the graves of those husbands and wives buried together, and his blood boiled. He would find his Nora. It was Zsasz that found him first, a bouquet in his hand. He fired a shot, startling Needham*
Zsasz- I prefer the knife Mr Needham. More personal... Guns end it quickly, and, I don't want to end this quickly after all... you know the blade too, don't you?
*He fired again, but this time Needham was quick, and he disappeared into the trees*
Zsasz- Two-Face was right. He's here.
*Freeze was the next to see him, a blast of ice firing from his gun*
Freeze- I made a promise to my wife Needham. I don't break my promises, not to her.
*The ice stream follows Spider all the way into Rigger's quarter*
Rigger- You don't have to do this Spider. You can come quietly.
Needham- I go and I'm as good as dead.
*He shoots at him, knocking Rigger off balance, and then- Blam! The shot sends him down the hill. Landing with a thud, Zebra Man follows him*
Needham- I know your kind... I know you won't stop but *Urgh* My girlfriend and my son were buried in two unmarked graves here. Her family didn't want me visiting them, her brother especially, blamed me for what happened. They overdosed you see... But I knew the truth. It was the drug business that got them killed, and I wasn't gonna rest until every last one of them was gone. When I was sent to kill Sionis... Couldn't wait. *Cough* I didn't want Penguin's money, you hear me? What's the use in this place? Nah. I just wanted to know where my family was buried. I just wanted to lay some flowers on my kid's grave.
*Pinned against a gravestone, Needham coughs up blood, placing a hand over his wound. He ought to be dead. He can't move. *
Needham- So... Go ahead. Do it. But you take these, and you put them there.
Zebra- Your family were junkies. Weak. They deserve nothing. Neither do you.
*And yet, just behind him, Zebra hears the quiet chink of a piece of metal, and as he turns back-
Blam. Blam. Two bullets to the head bring Zebra Man's life to an end. A hand grabs Needham and carries him up to the waiting group- Freeze, Zsasz and Rigger*
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/r/rainhammarshes/index.aspx
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/r/rainhammarshes/about.aspx
One of very few ancient landscapes remaining in London, these medieval marshes right next to the River Thames were closed to the public for over 100 years and used as a military firing range.
We managed to acquire the site in 2000 and set about transforming it into an important place for nature and a great place for people to visit. Now you can expect to see breeding wading birds in spring and summer, and large flocks of wild ducks in winter.
Birds of prey and rare birds are regularly seen too. There are also water voles in the ditches and rare dragonflies flit across the boardwalks.
There is an innovative visitor centre, with huge picture-windows that look out across the marshes. It is full of environmentally friendly features and already boasts a handful of prestigious architectural awards.
There is also a shop and café and a new wildlife garden and children's adventure play area too. A full events programme offers something for everyone, and while we still have several years to go to finish all the visitor features out on the reserve, it is already an incredible transformation. Boardwalks throughout the reserve give access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Opening times
From 1 November to 31 January, we're open from 9.30 am - 4.30 pm. From 1 February to 31 October, it's 9.30 am - 5 pm. We're closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Entrance charges
Car park: voluntary £1 donation. Reserve: Free to RSPB members and residents of Havering and Thurrock. Non-members: £3 adult, £1.50 child, £9 family (two adults and up to four children). There are extra costs for some events - please check when you book.
If you are new to birdwatching...
Birds are easy to see year round. The reserve runs a number of regular events for birdwatchers throughout the year, from novice to expert, including weekly Wednesday guided birding walk with Howard Vaughan, dawn chorus walks, winter spectacle birding event, a new birdwatching club for children, February's flock bird event and spring walks. There are also designated open days and weekends. Please see the events pages for further information.
Information for families
There is an evolving events and walks programme specially designed for families, with activities for all. All the reserve's paths and boardwalks are family and wheelchair friendly. There are also Adventure and Toddler's Playgrounds.
Information for dog owners
No dogs allowed, except registered assistance dogs. However, dogs are allowed on the Thames riverside path - a public footpath and cycleway running adjacent to the reserve.
Star species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Avocet
The delicate forms and and piping 'kluit' calls of avocets are becoming a more and more frequent site at Rainham throughout the year.
Lapwing
Lapwings from different places visit Rainham Marshes during the year. Wintering birds are replaced by breeding birds in spring and other birds that have bred further north pass through in summer and autumn.
Little egret
Little egrets can now be seen here in large numbers right throughout the year. Dispersing juvenile birds lead to a sudden rise in numbers in late summer and autumn.
Peregrine
The large concentrations of wildfowl and waders regularly attract hunting peregrines - especially in autumn and winter.
Ringed plover
These neatly banded waders can be seen performing their 'run and stop' feeding routine here.
Seasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Wheatears, stonechats, oystercatchers, hobbies, curlews, swifts, sand martins, house martins, warblers, marsh harriers, reed buntings, water and short-tailed voles, damselflies, marsh frogs, grass snakes, water shrews.
Summer
Black-tailed godwits, whimbrels, greenshanks, snipe, little egrets, dunlins, lapwings, teals, swifts, common sandpipers, ruffs, starlings, avocets, yellow wagtails, oystercatchers, yellow-legged gulls, bank and water voles, water shrews, marsh frogs, wasp spiders, red foxes.
Autumn
Marsh harriers, arctic terns, bearded tits, thrushes, finches, skylarks, meadow pipits, jackdaws, stonechats, hen harriers, goshawks, merlins, peregrines, short-eared owls, barn owls, avocets, black-tailed godwits, white fronted geese, pintails, wigeons, crickets, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, stoats, weasels, red foxes.
Winter
Bullfinches, ringed plovers, oystercatchers, golden plovers, water and rock pipits, little egrets, snipe, chiffchaffs, curlews, lapwings, dunlins, redshanks, shelducks, peregrines, kingfishers, short-eared owls, red foxes, stoats, weasels.
Facilities
Visitor centre
Car park
Toilets
Disabled toilets
Baby-changing facilities
Picnic area
Group bookings accepted
Guided walks available
Good for walking
Pushchair friendly
Viewing points
Currently two bird hides, family orientated Marshland Discovery Zone and several open viewing areas.
Nature trails
There are a network of nature trails currently in place, which are utilised for specific guided walks and events. There are approximately 2.5 miles plus of nature boardwalks, all designed for wheelchair and pushchair access.
Refreshments available
Hot drinks
Cold drinks
Sandwiches
Snacks
Shop
The shop stocks:
Binoculars and telescopes
Books
Bird food
Bird feeders
Nestboxes
Outdoor clothing
Educational facilities
The Education team offer a comprehensive and exciting array of curriculum linked field study visits for all school levels. We have Woodland, Reedbed and Marshland Discovery Zones, an Environment and Education centre, fully equipped classrooms, specific study areas, pond dipping areas and lots more. It's a safe and inspiring environment to get close to nature. A selection of lifelong learning courses on a variety of topics are run throughout the year, along with a range of children's activities, including holiday clubs. Please contact us for further details.
Cafe
Our cafe gives magnificent views not only over the ancient wildlife-filled grazing marsh, but also across Old Father Thames which flows majestically past the window. It is the perfect place to relax after exploring our nature trails or as a respite stop after the hustle and bustle of shopping nearby.
We serve our own exclusive coffee that is grown, imported and roasted by us. It's Fairtrade, organic and certified bird-friendly by the Smithsonian Institute, so now you can help save nature simply by enjoying a great cup of coffee!
Whether you are after a refreshing cuppa and a slice of our fabulous home-made cake, or a filling sandwich, panini or jacket potato, you will find something to tickle your taste buds. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Opening hours
From 1 November-31 March, we're open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. From 1 April-31 October it's 9.30 am to 5 pm. We're closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Highlights from our menu:-
Fabulous home-made cakes
Locally-made soup
Freshly-prepared jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings
Locally-baked pies and pasties
Made-to-order toasties, paninis and sandwiches
Lovely cafe with warming soup and fantastic cake. Yummy!
Access to the cafe
The cafe is fully wheelchair-friendly.
Children welcome
We're happy to serve smaller portions and we can also warm baby food in the microwave.
We use local ingredients
All produce is sourced locally where possible, including ham, bacon, sausages, soup and pies.
Dietary requirements
Jacket potatoes, sandwiches etc all have veggie options, as well as a veggie pastry. We have vegan meals. The soup and jacket potatoes are wheat-free; some gluten-free cakes are available.
Accessibility
8 August 2013
This is a Summary Access Statement. A full access statement is available to download from the webpage.
Before you visit
Clear print site leaflet available from our reserve reception
Free entry for RSPB members, residents of Havering and Thurrock. For other visitors admission charges apply. Carer or essential companion admitted free with disabled visitor
No dogs. Registered Assistance dogs only
Visitor Centre, car park and reserve trails are open 9.30 am to 4.30 pm from 1 November-31 March and 9.30 am to 5 pm from 1 April-31 October; closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Check accessibility for events and activities.
How to get here
Purfleet Railway Station is a 15 minute walk to reserve
Bus stops near the reserve entrance.
Car parking
110 spaces and seven Blue Badge spaces
Gates locked at 5 pm
Surface is loose gravel
No formal drop-off point
No height restrictions.
Visitor centre and shop
Ground floor shop, slight slope to heavy door with 10 mm lip, normally open. Assistance bell. Non-slip tiles. Reasonable lighting. Some display units tall or deep. Pen and paper available. Bird seed bins are outside the shop.
The visitor centre and cafe are on first floor, accessed by a long ramp left of Blue Badge parking. Entry by two sets of double heavy doors opening outwards. No threshold. NOTE JUNE 2012, power assistance is out of order so an alternative bell is provided.
Step-free, level access throughout and non-slip tiles. Lowered counter section. Good lighting. Pen and paper available. Binocular hire. Staff available to assist.
Nature trails
Three signposted trails, a mix of flat gravel surface paths and boardwalks. Information boards in large print. Trails start at the visitor centre across a short section of non slip grill with a short steep section. You can leave the reserve part way round and along the River Thames. Use the one way turnstile or gate (Gate key code available from reception)
Viewing facilities
Four hides on the circular walk. None on the Woodland walk. All level entry either adapted for wheelchair spaces or designed for everyone to gain the same great views. Marshland Discovery Zone has touch interpretation. Shooting Butts Hide has 14 stairs and a lift.
Toilets and baby changing facilities
Accessible toilet on ground and first floors (Baby changing in first floor)
Catering
Café on first floor. Good lighting. Non slip tile flooring. Self-service. Menus are clear print. Staff available to assist.
Picnic area
Eleven tables with wheelchair spaces, on soft and hard surfaces, level ground behind visitor centre. Alternatively, a table in the adventure playground and toddler's play area. Visitors are welcome to consume their own food and drink here.
Education facilities
Education team offer a wide and exciting array of curriculum linked field study visits at our Environment and Education centre, fully equipped classrooms, specific study areas, pond dipping areas.
Help us improve accessibility by sending feedback to the Site Manager.
For more information
Rainham Marshes
E-mail: rainham.marshes@rspb.org.uk
Telephone:01708 899840
RM19 1SZ
How to get here
By train
The nearest railway station to this reserve is Purfleet. Purfleet train station is on the C2C line from Fenchurch Street. The reserve is a 15 minute walk from the station following the brown pedestrian signs along the riverside path. Turn right out of the station and then join the path at the Royal Pub. Follow the Riverside path and then cross the Mardyke Bridge to the Visitor Centre.
By bus
The ensignbus 44 bus route which runs between Lakeside and Orsett Hospital, Grays, stops near the reserve entrance on New Tank Hill Road. This bus runs every hour and up to 30 minutes during peak periods. The service is operated by Ensignbus (01708 865656).
By road
The reserve is located off New Tank Hill Road (A1090) in Purfleet which is just off the A1306 between Rainham and Lakeside. This is accessible from the Aveley, Wennington and Purfleet junction off the A13 and J30/31 of the M25.
Cycling at Rainham Marshes
RSPB Rainham Marshes is just a stone's throw from London, easily accessible by public transport, on foot and by bike. Located on ancient marshland nestled beside the river Thames, it really is a special place to enjoy the great outdoors.
The reserve itself offers a leisurely amble in a superb setting with fantastic facilities such as an award-winning, eco-friendly visitor centre with cafe and shop.
If cycling is your thing, a brand new cycle route links the villages of Purfleet and Rainham. This runs beside the reserve, following the Thames, looping round and passing the stone barges.
Both on the reserve and along the riverside path, you will see a variety of interesting, sometimes rare, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians as well as bugs and beasties of all kinds. You will also be able to learn so much of the history and importance of this area.
Our work here
Rainham Marshes protects an ancient, low-lying grazing marsh in the Thames Estuary. Its complex of wet grassland and ditches, together with rank grassland and scrub, supports many breeding and wintering birds.
Wildlife also includes scarce wetland plants and insects, and a key population of the nationally declining water vole.
The site has a history of neglect, but the RSPB is working to restore important habitats and improve their biodiversity. This will transform a former wasteland into an important natural asset, and help raise public awareness of local conservation issues.
Managing the marsh
Birdlife on the marsh includes breeding waders, such as lapwing, redshank and snipe, as well as important numbers of wintering wildfowl, waders, finches and birds of prey.
We plan to enhance the habitat for these birds by creating a mosaic of unflooded tussocky grassland, flooded short grassland and semi-permanent pools. This will also benefit important plant species, such as golden dock.
Meanwhile we will improve the ditch system for the benefit of water voles, reptiles and amphibians, invertebrates and breeding birds.
Leaving well alone
We will leave the areas of tall rank grass and scattered scrub unmanaged in order to retain their existing conservation value. Wildlife in these habitats includes small mammals, reptiles and invertebrates, and birds such as wintering short-eared owls and breeding stonechats.
We will also look after sandy areas for their specialist insect life.
Silt lagoons
Lagoons on the reserves are currently used for commercial silt dredging. We will work around this in order re-create and maintain a complex of brackish lagoons and reed-swamp for important wildlife, including breeding, wintering and passage waterfowl.
While some lagoons will remain operational, we will manage others rotationally and keep the rest permanently open.
Access for all
We aim to make the site accessible to everyone, without impinging on the dredging operation or compromising our conservation priorities. We will develop and promote the reserve as a major visitor attraction and centre for environmental education. We aim to encourage interest in local and general conservation, and create a broader understanding of the work of the RSPB.
Funding
Current work is being funded by the EU’s Interreg IVA Two Seas Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013, Homes and Communities Agency’s Parklands Funding administered by Essex County Council, and Biffa Award and Veolia Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust, both through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Thanks to help on the reserve from employees of Goldman Sachs, Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC, Earthwatch, Barclays, Royal Mail, Family Mosaic, Ipsos Media we have been able to deliver more for wildlife and people at Rainham Marshes.
Autumn known as fall in the US and Canada,[1] is one of the four temperate seasons. Autumn marks the transition from summer into winter, in September (Northern Hemisphere) or March (Southern Hemisphere) when the arrival of night becomes noticeably earlier. One of its main features is the shedding of leaves from some trees as they pave way for further growth.
The equinoxes might be expected to be in the middle of their respective seasons, but temperature lag (caused by the thermal latency of the ground and sea) means that seasons appear later than dates calculated from a purely astronomical perspective. The actual lag varies with region. Some cultures regard the autumnal equinox as "mid-autumn", others with a longer lag treat it as the start of autumn.[2] Meteorologists (and most of the temperate countries in the southern hemisphere)[3] use a definition based on months, with autumn being September, October and November in the northern hemisphere,[4] and March, April and May in the southern hemisphere.
In North America, autumn is usually considered to start with the September equinox.[5] In traditional East Asian solar term, autumn starts on or around 8 August and ends on about 7 November. In Ireland, the autumn months according to the national meteorological service, Met Éireann, are September, October and November.[6] However, according to the Irish Calendar, which is based on ancient Gaelic traditions, autumn lasts throughout the months of August, September, and October, or possibly a few days later, depending on tradition. In Australia, autumn officially begins on 1 March and ends 31 May.[7]
Etymology
The word autumn comes from the Old French word autompne (automne in modern French), and was later normalised to the original Latin word autumnus.[8] There are rare examples of its use as early as the 12th century, but it became common by the 16th century.
Before the 16th century, harvest was the term usually used to refer to the season, as it is common in other West Germanic languages to this day (cf. Dutch herfst, German Herbst and Scots hairst). However, as more people gradually moved from working the land to living in towns (especially those who could read and write,[citation needed] the only people whose use of language we now know), the word harvest lost its reference to the time of year and came to refer only to the actual activity of reaping, and autumn, as well as fall, began to replace it as a reference to the season.[9][10]
The alternative word fall for the season traces its origins to old Germanic languages. The exact derivation is unclear, with the Old English fiæll or feallan and the Old Norse fall all being possible candidates. However, these words all have the meaning "to fall from a height" and are clearly derived either from a common root or from each other. The term came to denote the season in 16th century England, a contraction of Middle English expressions like "fall of the leaf" and "fall of the year".[11]
During the 17th century, English emigration to the British colonies in North America was at its peak, and the new settlers took the English language with them. While the term fall gradually became obsolete in Britain, it became the more common term in North America.
Harvest association
Association with the transition from warm to cold weather, and its related status as the season of the primary harvest, has dominated its themes and popular images. In Western cultures, personifications of autumn are usually pretty, well-fed females adorned with fruits, vegetables and grains that ripen at this time. Many cultures feature autumnal harvest festivals, often the most important on their calendars. Still extant echoes of these celebrations are found in the autumn Thanksgiving holiday of the United States and Canada, and the Jewish Sukkot holiday with its roots as a full-moon harvest festival of "tabernacles" (living in outdoor huts around the time of harvest).[citation needed] There are also the many North American Indian festivals tied to harvest of autumnally ripe foods gathered in the wild, the Chinese Mid-Autumn or Moon festival, and many others. The predominant mood of these autumnal celebrations is a gladness for the fruits of the earth mixed with a certain melancholy linked to the imminent arrival of harsh weather.
This view is presented in English poet John Keats' poem To Autumn, where he describes the season as a time of bounteous fecundity, a time of 'mellow fruitfulness'.
While most foods are harvested during the autumn, foods particularly associated with the season include pumpkins (which are integral parts of both Thanksgiving and Halloween) and apples, which are used to make the seasonal beverage apple cider.
Melancholy association
Autumn in poetry has often been associated with melancholy. The possibilities of summer are gone, and the chill of winter is on the horizon. Skies turn grey, and many people turn inward, both physically and mentally.[12]
Similar examples may be found in Irish poet William Butler Yeats' poem The Wild Swans at Coole where the maturing season that the poet observes symbolically represents his own ageing self. Like the natural world that he observes he too has reached his prime and now must look forward to the inevitability of old age and death. French poet Paul Verlaine's "Chanson d'automne" ("Autumn Song") is likewise characterised by strong, painful feelings of sorrow. Keats' To Autumn, written in September 1819, echoes this sense of melancholic reflection, but also emphasises the lush abundance of the season.
Other associations
The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with North America and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page. (August 2013)
Autumn is associated with the Halloween season (influenced by Samhain, a Celtic autumn festival),[13] and with it a widespread marketing campaign that promotes it, in the US. The television, film, book, costume, home decoration, and confectionery industries use this time of year to promote products closely associated with such a holiday, with promotions going from early September to 31 October, since their themes rapidly lose strength once the holiday ends, and advertising starts concentrating on Christmas.
Television stations and networks, particularly in North America, traditionally begin their regular seasons in autumn, with new series and new episodes of existing series debuting mostly during late September or early October (series that debut outside the fall season are usually known as midseason replacements). A sweeps period takes place in November to measure Nielsen Ratings.
Autumn, particularly in most parts of the US, also has a strong association with the start of a new school year, particularly for children in primary and secondary education. "Back to School" advertising and preparations usually occurs in the weeks leading to the start of the fall season.
Since 1997, Autumn has been one of the top 100 names for girls in the US.[14]
In Indian mythology, autumn is considered to be the preferred season for the goddess of learning Saraswati, who is also known by the name of "goddess of autumn" (Sharada).
Tourism
Although colour change in leaves occurs wherever deciduous trees are found, coloured autumn foliage is noted in various regions of the world: most of North America, Eastern Asia (including China, Korea, and Japan), Europe, parts of Australia and New Zealand's South Island.
Eastern Canada and New England are famous for their autumnal foliage,[15][16] and this attracts major tourism (worth billions of U.S. dollars) for the regions.
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
Abraham Lincoln
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Happy birthday my dear sis ... make all your wishes come true Tara
.......How do you expect me to remember your birthday,
when you never look any older? :)......
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Gorgeous texture provided by:'Playingwithbrushes'
Stock butterflies by 'shoofly-stock'
Widely expected to depart London soon, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a shot of Arriva London VDL DB300/Wright Gemini 2 DW268 (LJ59LXZ), pictured in Coulsdon on route 60.
With route 194 being one of the routes to be gaining new Wright Electroliners very soon, the 59 reg DW's at South Croydon, originally new to route 38 are expected to leave the fleet, most likely once the 194 moves to Thornton Heath.
I wasn't expecting to see Highland Cattle in Wales, driving past this baby was so cute, with very protective family members surrounding him
Highland cattle (Scottish Gaelic: Bò Ghà idhealach; Scots: Heilan coo) are a Scottish cattle breed. They have long horns and long wavy coats that are coloured black, brindle, red, yellow, white, silver (looks white but with a black nose) or dun, and they are raised primarily for their meat. They originated in the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland and were first mentioned in the 6th century AD. The first herd book described two distinct types of Highland cattle but, due to crossbreeding between the two, only one type now exists and is registered. They have since been exported worldwide.
They are a hardy breed due to their native environment, the Highlands of Scotland. This results in long hair, giving the breed its ability to overwinter. Bulls can weigh up to 800 kilograms (1,800 pounds) and cows up to 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds). Their milk generally has a very high butterfat content, and their meat, regarded as of the highest quality, is gaining mainstream acceptance as it is low in cholesterol.
Wasn't expecting to see some of these in Dover tonight, and these vehicles were on SouthEastern Trains Rail Replacement Services From Dover to Canterbury East and Faversham, and this was the best I could do in the dark as my camera didn't want to behave itself again.
And be sure to check by my other acount: www.flickr.com/photos_user.gne?path=&nsid=77145939%40..., to see what else I saw Very Recently!!
Sometimes, fireworks don't explode where you expect them... Thanks to photoshop, I develop my own technique to put them where I want them to be plus combining this with my DRI technique.
Parfois les feux d'artifices n'explosent pas toujours là où on voudrait... Grâce à photoshop, j'ai développé ma technique qui me permet de les mettre là où je les veux en la combinant à ma technique DRI.
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My technique is alway the same:
Three exposures -2EV, 0, +2EV and then temperature adjustement using Lightroom and layering with luminosity mask using photoshop. Removal of distracting stuff with the stamp tool or patch tool. High pass filter to enhance details. Then saturation, contrast selectively control, dodge and burn where need...
DRI stand for Dynamic Range Increase. Three RAW files are used to achieve this. Rather than using a software like Photomatix for instance, I simply use mask to blend, my own way, the light, dark and normal shot with Photoshop and Lightroom.. To me, It looks more natural than the usual HDR treatment that I would normally applied.
Merci pour les visites, commentaires, récompenses, invitations et favoris. S.V.P. n'utilisez pas mes images sur des sites web, blogs ou autres médias sans ma permission.
Merci!
© Tous droits réservés
Ma technique est toujours la même:
Trois prises de vue -2EV, 0, +2EV. Ensuite ajustement de la température de couleur avec Lightroom et usage de calques et masques de luminosités avec Photoshop. Retrait d'éléments de distraction avec l'outil tampon. Filtre High pass pour le rehaussement des détails. Ensuite saturation et contraste ajustés de façon sélectives et locales. Dodge and burn là où requis...
DRI vient de l'anglais Dynmic Range Increase, qui pourrait se traduire par étendue dynamique améliorée. Les même 3 fichiers RAW entrent dans la composition d'un DRI. Plutôt que de se servir d'un logiciel comme Photomatix qui fait tout le travail, je me sers plutôt de masques pour filtrer l'éclairage dans photoshop et Lightroom. De mon point de vue, cette façon de faire donne une image plus naturel que le traitement HDR que j'employais auparavant.
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My GETTY IMAGES work
Youghal, Cork
Fuji GW670III camera
(after repair of the shutter)
Ilford Delta 3200 film
Red25 filter attached, but not too sure
Developed in TMAX (20%, 20 C, 8.5')
I was expecting to arrive in Yellowstone just a bit late for the bulk of the elk rut activity, but exceptionally warm weather seemed to delay much of the festivities. This was easily the best elk rut (in terms of photographic opportunities) that I have seen in the past 25 years.
A picture of my beautiful fiancee just weeks before giving birth to our first born. Shot during golden hour.
"Expect Some Unicorns to Lose Their Horns, and It Won’t Be Pretty" by STEVEN DAVIDOFF SOLOMON via NYT t.co/Y4Ksyzhh8O (via Twitter twitter.com/felipemassone/status/689597401951256576)
Towards the end of 2000 and into early 2001 First attempted to rationalise its First Manchester and First Pennine operations. And, as might be expected, things went decidedly pear-shaped. It didn’t help that there seemed to be two totally different interpretations of what should have been going on from within different First management teams. And, if they had no idea, then what hope was there for the rest of us?
Now, First PMT in Stoke, who ran Pennine on their own licence, believed that First Manchester were loaning vehicles in to them to help out at Pennine, for which PMT were making internal payments, with a view to operations being fully transferred over to First Manchester control as of April 2001. However, this didn’t seem to be the view of the team at Walshaw Street, who straight away began absorbing the Pennine fleet by commencing repaints into First Manchester orange and renumbering the fleet by adding a random seven in front of the existing PMT three digit number.
What can only be described as chaos reigned for several months. Recording exactly which company was running what became virtually impossible, as both operators’ discs were passed around vehicles on an increasingly haphazard basis. In the end, the full takeover finally took place - with the PSV Circle recording the official date as 01/03/2001 to coincide with the final service registration transfers over from PMT to First Manchester. What had been happening in the interim could hardly be described as complying with the law.
Here we see First's one-off ex-Singapore Olympian, recently painted in orange and with interim fleet-number 7700. Sadly, she looks in a bit a state, with a missing destination blind and wayward wipers. Further identity crisis was also caused, as this particular vehicle retained Pennine branding under the driver's cab window at repaint.
Ashton, Wellington Road, 31/12/2000.
We expected some changeable weather in our time at Bruny Island, and were not disappointed. But between the rain squalls the skies would clear and the sun come out.
When I went to this sunset shoot in Wurmberg I did not expect to see any mountainous silhouette on the horizon. The reason is, there are simply no such mountains around there. So, naturally I was really amazed. From my spot next to Wurmberg I was looking almost perfectly in north-eastern direction. The direct line of sight to the antenna tower and the delivery center of the German Post in Pforzheim in the foreground (note the yellow sign of the Deutsche Post) allowed a pretty accurate determination of my field of view. On the map I reconstructed the line of sight and matched the mountainous silhouette on my picture to a topographical 3D-image in Google Earth. The result was pretty amazing: The mountains are part of the Palatinate Forest (Pfälzerwald) - almost 70 kilometers away! Physically possible - but only on extremely clear seeing conditions. To clearifing that: The picture shows the line of sight, looking from the south-western Enzkreis, over the city of Pforzheim, over the city of Karlsruhe and over the complete Rhine Valley (!) right to the border of the Palatine Forest Forest (Pfälzerwald) - the mountainous silhouette on the background. The four bigger summits from left to right: Treutelsberg (503,7 m), Rehberg (576,8 m), Föhrlenberg (530 m), Hohenberg (552 m)
The weather was expected to be decent but it was disappointingly cloudy when i arrived in the afternoon. A bit of half sun catches the 2C34 1435 Carlisle - Barrow-in-Furness as the cloud started to break 09/06/15.
Just returned from the monkey temple down the road from our place.
Never know what to expect upon arriving and this trip was no different in that respect.
Coming around a corner at the base of the mountain I could hear festive music unlike the other day when all I herd was temple dogs barking and monkeys fighting.
Getting closer I observed workers putting up bleachers and a stage along with canvas shade with plastic chairs common here in Thailand.
Music sounded old Thai and very pleasant to the ears.
Spotted some shade under a big old tree close to where the bananas had been, pulled in and dismounted with camera in hand.
Slowly walked over where some monkeys were devouring a pile of Jack Fruit, found a safe comfortable spot and just started watching.
Seemed to be a number of females young and old, most with new born baby's in tow.
After about 10 minutes I noticed the females were having some kind of dispute among them. Soon it was obvious what was taking place !
Older females were attempting to kidnap the baby's from the younger females, which is only a guess on my part.
Many ideas come into play, sense there was a new Alpha Male ruling the tribe maybe they were trying to kill off the old Alpha's off spring. Maybe they were jealous, maybe I don't really have a clue !
A couple kidnappers ran off into the jungle with a new born never to be seen again. This is real life in the jungle. Brutal at times, Beautiful at others.
This little guy was terrified but reunited with his mom only seconds after this photo, she was only an arms length away and keeping a close eye on him.
Right after arriving the sun broke through the overcast sky and the temperature sky rocketed as did the humidity!
Figured a rain storm was about to take place at any time, so I shot fast.
Didn't take long and a couple of rain drops hit my hat, large like a marble and fast. Stepped back under an over hang of rock and boom sky opened up.
While standing there big vans started pulling in full of Thais here for some type of Buddhist ceremony.
As fast as the rain came it ended but one could see this is only the first of what the sky had in store for us.
Fired off a couple hundred more shots and figured this is good for today as lightning was now starting to make it's presence known in a violent display of noise and light.
Pulled the rain cover over the Think Tank Bag, mounted my ride and headed for home before being caught up in another down pour that was on it's way.
4 clicks from home the sky once again opened up right behind me and started to do it's thing.
Leaned forward, twisted the wick on my scooter and went for it.
Had no choice, rain was right on my heals, falling faster and faster and catching up quickly.
Came flying down the drive way and into the carport just as the whole sky lit up and opened up, close one...;-)
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Of course WeeNee and The Worm were nice and dry waiting for my return, they both had been stretched out on the steps under cover with out a worry in the world.
For the most part I made it unscathed, slightly wet on the back and top of shoulders, no big deal at all.
Right now it's hard to see the other side of the river it's coming down so hard, monsoon will be here in June.
As for the duct tape, knife, and tape is if I get bit, wrap it and head for help. Knife is for what ever use it needs to be used for.
For the next week or so there will be a number of monkey photos coming, hope your up for it. Thanks in advance ..;-)
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Taken hand held under a triple canopy jungle
D300 Nikon, 70-300VR Nikkor.
Jon&Crew
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We're expecting sleet and snow in New England today. I prefer to think about the other white stuff that will be coming our way in the spring...Like these beautiful dogwood blossoms!
Hope your not expecting much of a backstory here. I havn't been posting a whole lot lately, you know life, but when I can I will still post. Hopefully get a VV in soon. Couple more shots to get of this one, but here is the first one that showed promise. The joints look the way I want them, are slightly poseable, and they support the weight ok, but really throw all playability and force this build to the shelf. Also thought the Ultra helmet needed a mini comeback.
Wasn't expecting to see this in Hadlow near Tunbridge today!, and this was the best I could do of this vehicle as the Arriva Route 7 Bus I was ridding back to Maidstone was moving, and this vehicle is now used by Hugh Lowes Farms to transport farm workers around Mereworth near Maidstone in Kent, and is is one 13! vehicles in use at Mereworth, and they are not the only ex Stagecoach Vehicles in Farms use in the Maidstone Area, and acording to Google Maps Satalite Imagery several others can be found around Five Wents, Langley, Sutton Valence and Coxheath.
And be sure to check by my other acount: www.flickr.com/photos_user.gne?path=&nsid=77145939%40..., to see what else I saw Very Recently!!
Morning of departure, Toronto Pearson bound for Puerto Vallarta.
minolta af50 big finder
27mm glass lens
fixed f5.6
1/40-1/250 shutter
auto everything
really big bright viewfinder
expired film, date unknown
- from 1908 "Lovell's Gazetteer of the Dominion of Canada" - GITWANGAK, a settlement in Cassiar District, B.C., on the Skeena River, with port at Essington. The projected G.T.R. Pacific line is expected to pass near the place when in operation. It has 1 Anglican church and Mission printing office and 2 Native stores. The population in 1908 was 150 Native Canadians.
(from 1918 - Wrigley's British Columbia directory) - KITWANGA - (formerly known as Gitwanga) a post office and settlement on the G.T.P. Railway, 23 miles from Hazelton, on the Skeena River, in Prince Rupert Provincial Electoral District. Has telegraph station. Local resources: Cattle ranching and farming.
Gitwangak / Gitwanga Post Office was opened - 1 January 1910 - name changed to KITWANGA Post Office - 1 August 1917 - (Gitwangak is the preferred modern spelling).
LINK to a list of the Postmasters who served at the GITWANGA / KITWANGA Post Office - central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.redirect?app=posoffposmas&id=1...
When this registered letter was posted at the KITWANGA Post Office the Postmaster was Robert Alfred Sampare - he served from - 1 March 1917 until his death - 27 August 1931.
Robert Alfred Sampare
(b. 1877 in British Columbia - d. 27 August 1931 at age 54 in Kitwanga, British Columbia)
- clipped from the Daily News Prince Rupert - 28 August 1931 - IS DEAD AT KITWANGA - Late Robert Sampere Was Well Known as Merchant and Postmaster - News has been received in the city of the death yesterday at his home in Kitwanga after an illness of several months, of Robert Alfred Sampare, well known as a merchant and postmaster at that interior point. The funeral will take place at Kltwanga with Hayner Bros, local undertakers, in charge. The late Mr. Sampare, who was well known in Prince Rupert, was 50 years of age and had been in business at Kltwanga for 15 years. Besides his wife, who was formerly Mrs F. D. Magar of Port Simpson, he is survived by a sister. Mrs. William Leighton of Metlakatla, and two brothers, Joseph and Arthur Sampare of Kltwanga.
- sent from - / KITWANGA / FE 2 / 30 / B.C / - split ring cancel - this split ring hammer (A1-1) was proofed - 16 June 1917 - (RF B).
- sent by registered mail - / R / KITWANGA, B.C. / ORIGINAL No. / (717) / - boxed marking in magenta ink.
- via - / P. GEORGE & P. RUPERT / 5 / FE 2 / 30 / R.P.O. / (with ornaments) - rpo transit backstamp. (WT-563 / Ludlow W-111 / RF 45) - the period of use was from 1914 to 1955.
- arrived at - / PRINCE RUPERT / PM / FE 2 / 30 / B.C. / - cds arrival backstamp
- sent by - From Dr. V. Ardagh / Kitwanga, B.C.
Dr. Vernon Edmund Russell Ardagh
(b. 1863 in Aurangabad, India - d. 6 February 1944 at age 80 in Coquitlam, British Columbia)
Obituary for Vernon Edmund Russell Ardagh - Pioneer B.C. Missionary Dies - Rev. Vernon Edmund Russell Ardagh, MD, 80, of New Westminster, pioneer medical missionary in British Columbia who right up to the time of his death worked on a translation of the Bible into the northern B.C. First Nation tongue, died at his home Sunday. For 10 years, Dr. Ardagh had devoted himself to this translation to enable the older First Nation of the province who do not know English to read the Holy Scriptures. He was born in India and came, to B.C. more than 50 years ago after working as a medical missionary in India and Africa. In 1900 he was head of the hospital at Metlakatlah, across from Prince Rupert; and for ten years, prior to his retirement in 1934, had the church at Kltwanga. It was during his retirement that he started his translation of the Bible. Besides his wife, Dr. Ardagh leaves one granddaughter. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 3 p.m. In Chapman Funeral Home chapel; burial Mountain View Cemetery.
Clipped from - The Province newspaper - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - 8 February 1944 - V.E.R. Ardagh, Missionary, Dies Services for Vernon Edmund Russell Ardagh, well-known Anglican missionary, who died recently in Vancouver, will be held on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Chapman's Funeral Home. Mt Ardagh was born in Aurangabad, India, and left at the age of 14 to take up medicine at Edinburgh University. After his graduation he went to Eastern Equatorial Africa and started his missionary work there in 1887. He performed at that time the first cataract operation in Africa. From Africa he went to India and then came to the west coast, where he operated a hospital at Metlakatla, British Columbia and later spent some time at Kitwanga in Northern British Columbia. In his later years he translated parts of the Bible from English into different First Nation tongues. Surviving are his wife, Emma, and one granddaughter, Christina. Funeral will take place at 3 p.m., Wednesday in Chapman's Funeral Chapel. interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery.
His wife - Emma Frances (nee Thelwall) Ardagh
(b. 22 July 1867 in England - d. 14 May 1955 at age 87 in Vancouver, B.C. / Kitwanga, British Columbia) - they were married - 28 February 1889 in Westleigh, Devon, England. - LINK to her death certificate - search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/be...
Addressed to: The Manager / Bank of Montreal / Prince Rupert / B.C.
In a future post apocalyptic world not very far from now, justice has a new name The Druidess Of Midian!
A bit of fun shoot at Coalhouse Fort, Tilbury, Essex, with C-Imagery.
Model: The Druidess Of Midian
Photography © C-Imagery
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