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between ciboule and ciboulette (ciboule is spring onion and ciboulette is chives). Thursday market on bvd de Grancy. The market opened at 5pm, just as it started to rain.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (Paramount, 1979).
putlocker.bz/watch-star-trek-the-motion-picture-online-fr... Full Feature
Starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Majel Barrett, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, Persis Khambatta, Stephen Collins, Grace Lee Whitney, Mark Lenard. Directed by Robert Wise.
In Klingon space, three Klingon battle cruisers encounter a huge cloud-like anomaly. On the bridge of one of the ships, the captain (Mark Lenard) orders his crew to fire torpedoes at it, but they have no effect. The ships take evasive action.
Meanwhile, in Federation space, a monitoring station, Epsilon 9, picks up a distress signal from one of the Klingon ships. As the three ships are attempting to escape the cloud, energy beams shoot out and engulf each ship one by one, and they vanish. On Epsilon 9, the crew tracks the course of the cloud and discovers that it is headed for Earth.
On Vulcan, Spock (Leonard Nimoy) has been undergoing the kohlinahr ritual, in which he has been learning how to purge all of his emotions, and is nearly finished with his training. A female Vulcan Master (Edna Glover), surrounded by two men, is about to give him an ornate necklace as a symbol of pure logic, when Spock holds out his hand to stop her. Confused, she mind-melds with him and senses a consciousness calling to him from space that is affecting his human side. She drops the necklace. "You have not yet achieved kohlinahr. You must look elsewhere for your answer," she says as they leave Spock. "You will not find it here."
In San Francisco, Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner) arrives at Starfleet Headquarters in a shuttlecraft. He sees Commander Sonak (Jon Rashad Kamal), a Vulcan science officer who is joining the Enterprise crew and recommended for the position by Kirk himself. Kirk is bothered as to why Sonak is not on board yet. Sonak explains that Captain Willard Decker (Stephen Collins), the new captain of the Enterprise, wanted him to complete his science briefing at Headquarters before they left on their mission. The Enterprise has been undergoing a complete "refitting" for the past 18 months and is now under final preparations to leave, which would take at least 20 hours, but Kirk informs him that they only have 12. He tells Sonak to report to him on the Enterprise in one hour; he has a short meeting with Admiral Nogura and is intent on being on the ship.
Kirk transports to an office complex orbiting Earth and meets Montgomery Scott (James Doohan), the Enterprise's chief engineer. Scotty expresses his concern about the tight departure time. The cloud is less than three days away from Earth, and the Enterprise has been ordered to intercept it because they are the only ship in range. Scotty says that the refit can't be finished in 12 hours, and tries to convince him that the ship needs more work done as well as a shakedown cruise. Kirk insists that they are leaving, ready or not. They board a travel pod and begin the journey over to the drydock in orbit that houses the Enterprise.
Scotty tells Kirk that the crew hasn't had enough transition time with all the new equipment and that the engines haven't even been tested at warp power, not to mention that they have an untried captain. Kirk tells Scotty that two and a half years as Chief of Starfleet Operations may have made him a little stale, but that he wouldn't exactly consider himself untried. Kirk then tells a surprised Scotty that Starfleet gave him back his command of the Enterprise. Scotty doubts it, saying that he doesn't think it was that easy with Admiral Nogura, who gave Kirk his orders. They arrive at the Enterprise, and Scotty indulges Kirk with a brief tour of the new exterior of the ship.
Upon docking with the ship, Scotty is summoned to Engineering. Kirk goes up to the bridge, and is informed by Lt. Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) that Starfleet has just transferred command from Captain Decker over to him. Kirk finds Decker in engineering, whom is visibly upset when Kirk breaks the news that he is assuming command, but recognizes it is because Kirk has more experience. Decker will remain on the ship as 2nd officer. As Decker storms off, an alarm sounds. Someone is trying to beam over to the ship, but the transporter is malfunctioning. Kirk and Scotty race to the transporter room. Transporter operator Janice Rand (Grace Lee Whitney) is frantically trying to tell Starfleet to abort the transport, but it is too late. Commander Sonak and an unknown female officer are beaming in, but their bodies aren't re-forming properly in the beam. The female officer screams, and then their bodies disappear. Starfleet signals to them that they have died. Kirk tells Starfleet to express his sympathies to their families.
In the corridor, Kirk sees Decker and tells him they will have to replace Commander Sonak and wants another Vulcan. Decker tells him that no one is available that is familiar with the ship's new design. Kirk tells Decker he will have to double his duties as science officer as well.
In the recreation room, as Kirk briefs the assembled crew on the mission, they receive a transmission from Epsilon 9. Commander Branch (David Gautreaux) tells them they have analyzed the mysterious cloud. It generates an immense amount of energy and measures 2 A.U.s (300 million km) in diameter. There is also a vessel of some kind in the center. They've tried to communicate with it and have performed scans, but the cloud reflects them back. It seems to think of the scans as hostile and attacks them. Like the Klingon ships earlier, Epsilon 9 disappears.
Later on the bridge, Uhura informs Kirk that the transporter is working now. Lt. Ilia, (Persis Khambatta), a bald being from the planet Delta IV, arrives. Decker is happy to see her, as they developed a romantic relationship when he was assigned to her planet several years earlier. Ilia is curious about Decker's reduction in rank and Kirk interrupts and tells her about Decker being the executive and science officer. Decker tells her, with slight sarcasm, that Kirk has the utmost confidence in him. Ilia tells Kirk that her oath of celibacy is on record and asks permission to assume her duties. Uhura tells Kirk that one of the last few crew members to arrive is refusing to beam up. Kirk goes to the transporter room to ensure that "he" beams up.
Kirk tells Starfleet to beam the officer aboard. Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy (DeForest Kelley) materializes on the platform. McCoy is angry that his Starfleet commission was reactivated and that it was Kirk's idea for him to be brought along on the mission. His attitude changes, however, when Kirk says he desperately needs him. McCoy leaves to check out the new sickbay.
The crew finishes its repairs and the Enterprise leaves drydock and into the solar system. Dr. McCoy comes up to the bridge and complains that the new sickbay is nothing but a computer center. Kirk is anxious to intercept the cloud intruder, and orders Hikaru Sulu (George Takei) to go to warp speed. Suddenly, the ship enters a wormhole, which was created by an engine imbalance, and is about to collide with an asteroid that has been pulled inside. Kirk orders the phasers to be fired on it, but Decker tells Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig) to fire photon torpedoes instead. The asteroid and the wormhole are destroyed. Annoyed, Kirk wants to meet with Decker in his quarters. Dr. McCoy decides to go along.
Kirk demands an explanation from Decker. Decker pointed out that the redesigned Enterprise channeled the phasers through the main engines and because they were imbalanced, the phasers were cut off. Kirk acknowledged that he had saved the ship; however, he accuses Decker of competing with him. Decker tells Kirk that, because of his unfamiliarity with the ship's new design, the mission is in jeopardy. Decker tells Kirk that he will gladly help Kirk understand the new design. Kirk then dismisses him from the room. In the corridor, Decker runs into Ilia. Ilia asked if the confrontation was difficult, and he tells her that it was about as difficult as seeing her again, and apologizes. She asked if he was sorry for leaving Delta IV, or for not saying goodbye. He said that if he had seen her again, would she be able to say goodbye? She says "no," and walked around him and entered her quarters nearby.
Back in Kirk's quarters, McCoy accuses Kirk of being the one who was competing, and the fact that it was Kirk who used the emergency to pressure Starfleet into letting him get command of the Enterprise. McCoy thinks that Kirk is obsessed with keeping his command. On Kirk's console viewscreen, Uhura informs Kirk that a shuttlecraft is approaching and that the occupant wishes to dock. Chekov also pipes in and replies that it appears to be a courier vessel. Kirk tells Chekov to handle the situation.
The shuttle approaches the Enterprise from behind, and the top portion of it detaches and docks at an airlock behind the bridge. Chekov is waiting by the airlock doors and is surprised to see Spock come aboard. Moments later, Spock arrives on the bridge, and everyone is shocked and pleased to see him, yet Spock ignores them. He moves over to the science station and tells Kirk that he is aware of the crisis and knows about the ship's engine design difficulties. He offers to step in as the science officer. McCoy and Dr. Christine Chapel (Majel Barret Roddenberry) come to the bridge to greet Spock, but Spock just stares alarmingly at their emotional outburst. Spock leaves to discuss fuel equations with Scotty in engineering.
With Spock's assistance, the engines are now rebalanced for full warp capacity. The ship successfully goes to warp to intercept the cloud. In the officers lounge, Spock meets with Kirk and McCoy. They discuss Spock's kohlinahr training on Vulcan, and how Spock broke off from his training to join them. Spock describes how he sensed the consciousness of the intruder, from a source more powerful that he has ever encountered, with perfect, logical thought patterns. He believes that it holds the answers he seeks. Uhura tells Kirk over the intercom that they have visual contact with the intruder.
The cloud scans the ship, but Kirk orders no return scans. Spock determines that the scans are coming from the center of the cloud. Uhura tries sending "linguacode" messages, but there is no response. Decker suggests raising the shields for protection, but Kirk determines that that might be considered hostile to the cloud. Spock analyzes the clouds composition, and discovers it has a 12-power energy field, the equivalent of power generated by thousands of starships.
Sitting at the science station, Spock awakens from a brief trance. He reveals to Kirk that the alien was communicating with him. The alien is puzzled; it contacted the Enterprise--why has the Enterprise not replied? A red alert sounds, and an energy beam from within the cloud touches the ship, and begins to overload the ship's systems. Bolts of lightning surround the warp core and nearly injure some engineering officers, and Chekov is also hurt--his hand is burned while sitting at the weapons station on the bridge. The energy beam then disappears. A medical team is summoned to the bridge, and Ilia is able to use her telepathic powers to soothe Chekov's pain.
Spock confirms to Kirk that the alien has been attempting to communicate. It communicates at a frequency of more than one million megahertz, and at such a high rate of speed, the message only lasts a millisecond. Spock programs to computer to send linguacode messages at that frequency. Another energy beam is sent out, but Spock transmits a message just in time, and the beam disappears. The ship continues on course through the cloud. They pass through many expansive and colorful cloud layers and upon clearing these, a giant vessel is revealed. It is roughly cylindrical in shape, with large spikes jutting out from the surface at equidistant angles between each other, forming a hexagon-like shape.
Kirk tells Uhura to transmit an image of the alien to Starfleet, but she explains that any transmission sent out of the cloud is being reflected back to them. Kirk orders Sulu to fly above and along the top of the vessel. The Enterprise is so small compared to the size of the alien vessel that it appears only as a little white dot next to it. The ship travels past many oddly-shaped structures, including a sunken area where the energy beams originate.
An alarm sounds, and yet another energy bolt approaches the ship. It appears on the bridge as a column of bright light that emits a very loud noise. The crew struggles to shield their eyes from its brilliant glow. Chekov asks Spock if it is one of the alien's crew, and Spock replies that it is a probe sent from the vessel. The probe slowly moves around the room and stops in front of the science station. Bolts of lightning shoot out from it and surround the console--it is trying to access the ship's computer. Spock manages to smash the controls to prevent further access, and the probe gives him an electric shock that sends him rolling onto the floor. The probe approaches the helm/navigation console and it scans Lt. Ilia. Suddenly, she vanishes, along with the probe.
Ahead of the ship looms another giant section of the vessel. A tractor beam is drawing the Enterprise toward an opening aperture. Decker calls for Chief DiFalco (Marcy Lafferty) to come up to the bridge as Ilia's replacement. The ship travels deep into the next chamber. Decker wonders why they were brought inside--they could have been easily destroyed outside. Spock deduces that the alien is curious about them. Uhura's monitor shows that the aperture is closing; they are trapped. The ship is released from the tractor beam and suddenly, an intruder alert goes off. Someone has come aboard the ship and is in the crew quarters section.
Kirk and Spock arrive inside a crewman's quarters to discover that the intruder is inside the sonic shower. It is revealed to be Ilia, although it isn't really her--there is a small red device attached to her neck. In a mechanized voice, she replies "You are the Kirk unit--you will listen to me." She explains that she has been programmed by an entity called "V'Ger" to observe and record the normal functions of the carbon-based units (humans) "infesting" the Enterprise. Kirk opens the shower door and "Ilia" steps out, wearing a small white garment that just materialized around her. Dr. McCoy and a security officer enter the room, and Kirk tells McCoy to scan her with a tricorder.
Kirk asks her who V'Ger is. She replies "V'Ger is that which programmed me." McCoy tells Kirk that Ilia is a mechanism and Spock confirms she is a probe that assumed Ilia's physical form. Kirk asks where the real Ilia is, and the probe states that "that unit" no longer functions. Kirk also asks why V'Ger is traveling to Earth, and the probe answers that it wishes to find the Creator, join with him, and become one with it. Spock suggests that McCoy perform a complete examination of the probe.
In sickbay, the Ilia probe lays on a diagnostic table, its sensors slowly taking readings. All normal body functions, down to the microscopic level, are exactly duplicated by the probe. Decker arrives and is stunned to see her there. She looks up at him and addresses him as "Decker", rather than "Decker unit," which intrigues Spock. Spock talks with Kirk and Decker in an adjoining room, and Spock locks the door. Spock theorizes that the real Ilia's memories and feelings have been duplicated by the probe as well as her body. Decker is angry that the probe killed Ilia, but Kirk convinces him that their only contact with the vessel is through the probe, and they need to use that advantage to find out more about the alien. Suddenly, the probe bursts through the door, and demands that Kirk assist her with her observations. He tells her that Decker will do it with more efficiency.
Decker and Ilia are seen walking around in the recreation room. He shows her pictures of previous ships that were named Enterprise. Decker has been trying to see if Ilia's memories or emotions can resurface, but to no avail. Kirk and McCoy are observing them covertly on a monitor from his quarters. Decker shows her a game that the crew enjoys playing. She is not interested and states that recreation and enjoyment has no meaning to her programming. At another game, which Ilia enjoyed and nearly always won, they both press one of their hands down onto a table to play it. The table lights up, indicating she won the game, and she gazes into Deckers eyes. This moment of emotion ends suddenly, and she returns to normal. "This device serves no purpose."
"Why does the Enterprise require the presence of carbon units?" she asks. Decker tells her the ship couldn't function without them. She tells him that more information is needed before the crew can be patterned for data storage. Horrified, he asks her what this means. "When my examination is complete, all carbon units will be reduced to data patterns." He tells her that within her are the memory patterns of a certain carbon unit. He convinces her to let him help her revive those patterns so that she can understand their functions better. She allows him to proceed.
Spock slowly enters an airlock room. He sees an officer standing at a console, his back to Spock. Spock quietly approaches him, and gives him the Vulcan nerve pinch to render him unconscious.
Decker, the probe, Dr. McCoy, and Dr. Chapel are in Ilia's quarters. Dr. Chapel gives the probe a decorative headband that Ilia used to wear. Chapel puts it over "Ilia's" head and turns her toward a mirror. Decker asks her if she remembers wearing it on Delta IV. The probe shows another moment of emotion, saying Dr. Chapel's name, and putting her hand on Decker's face, calling him Will. Behind them, McCoy reminds Decker that she is a mechanism. Decker asks "Ilia" to help them make contact with V'Ger. She says that she can't, and Decker asks her who the Creator is. She says V'Ger does not know. The probe becomes emotionless again and removes the headband.
Spock is now outside the ship in a space suit with an attached thruster pack. He begins recording a log entry for Kirk detailing his attempt to contact the alien. He activates a panel on the suit and calculates thruster ignition and acceleration to coincide with the opening of an aperture ahead of him. He hopes to get a better view of the spacecraft interior.
Kirk comes up to the bridge and Uhura tells him that Starfleet signals are growing stronger, indicating they are very close to Earth. Starfleet is monitoring the intruder and notifies Uhura that it is slowing down in its approach. Sulu confirms this and says that lunar beacons show the intruder is entering into orbit. Chekov tells Kirk that Airlock 4 has been opened and a thruster suit is missing. Kirk figures out that Spock has done it, and orders Chekov to get Spock back on the ship. He changes his mind, and instead tells him to determine his position.
Spock touches a button on his thruster panel and his thruster engine ignites. He is propelled forward rapidly, and enters the next chamber of the vessel just before the aperture closes behind him. The thruster engine shuts down, and the momentum carries Spock ahead further. He disconnects the thruster pack from his suit and it falls away from him.
Continuing his log entry, Spock sees an image of what he believes to be V'Gers home planet. He passes through a tunnel filled with crackling plasma energy, possibly a power source for a gigantic imaging system. Next, he sees several more images of planets, moons, stars, and galaxies stored and recorded. Spock theorizes that this may be a visual representation of V'Gers entire journey. "But who or what are we dealing with?" he ponders.
He sees the Epsilon 9 station, and notes to Kirk that he is convinced that all of what he is seeing is V'Ger; and that they are inside a living machine. Then he sees a giant image of Lt. Ilia with the sensor on her neck. Spock decides it must have some special meaning, so he attempts to mind-meld with it. He is quickly overwhelmed by the multitude of images flooding his mind, and is thrown backward.
Kirk is now in a space suit and has exited the ship. The aperture in front of the Enterprise opens, and Spock's unconscious body floats toward him. Later, Dr. Chapel and Dr. McCoy are examining Spock in sickbay. Dr. McCoy performs scans and determines that Spock endured massive neurological trauma from the mind-meld. Spock tells Kirk he should have known and Kirk asks if he was right about V'Ger. Spock calls it a conscious, living entity. Kirk explains that V'Ger considers the Enterprise a living machine and it's why "Ilia" refers to the ship as an entity and the crew as an infestation.
Spock describes V'Ger's homeworld as a planet populated by living machines with unbelievable technology. But with all that logic and knowledge, V'Ger is barren, with no mystery or meaning. He momentarily lapses into sleep but Kirk rouses him awake to ask what Spock should have known. Spock grasps Kirk's hand and tells him "This simple feeling is beyond V'Ger's comprehension. No meaning, no hope. And Jim, no answers. It's asking questions. 'Is this all that I am? Is there nothing more?'"
Uhura chimes in and tells Kirk that they are getting a faint signal from Starfleet. The intruder has been on their monitors for a while and the cloud is rapidly dissipating as it approaches. Sulu also comments that the intruder has slowed to sub-warp speed and is three minutes from Earth orbit. Kirk acknowledges and he, McCoy and Spock go up to the bridge.
Starfleet sends the Enterprise a tactical report on the intruders position. Uhura tells Kirk that V'Ger is transmitting a signal. Decker and "Ilia" come up to the bridge, and she says that V'Ger is signaling the Creator. Spock determines that the transmission is a radio signal. Decker tells Kirk that V'Ger expects an answer, but Kirk doesn't know the question. Then "Ilia" says that the Creator has not responded. An energy bolt is released from V'Ger and positions itself above Earth. Chekov reports that all planetary defense systems have just gone inoperative. Several more bolts are released, and they all split apart to form smaller ones and they assume equidistant positions around the planet.
McCoy notices that the bolts are the same ones that hit the ship earlier, and Spock says that these are hundreds of times more powerful, and from those positions, they can destroy all life on Earth. "Why?" Kirk asks "Ilia." She says that the carbon unit infestation will be removed from the Creator's planet as they are interfering with the Creator's ability to respond and accuses the crew of infesting the Enterprise and interfering in the same manner. Kirk tells "Ilia" that carbon units are a natural function of the Creator's planet and they are living things, not infestations. However "Ilia" says they are not true life forms like the Creator. McCoy realizes V'Ger must think its creator is a machine.
Spock compares V'Ger to a child, and suggests they treat it like one. McCoy retorts that this child is about to wipe out every living thing on Earth. To get "Ilia's" attention, Kirk says that the carbon units know why the Creator hasn't responded. The Ilia probe demands that the Creator "disclose the information." Kirk won't do it until V'Ger withdraws all the orbiting devices. In response to this, V'Ger cuts off the ship's communications with Starfleet. She tells him again to disclose the information. He refuses, and a plasma energy attack shakes the ship. McCoy tells Spock that the child is having a "tantrum."
Kirk tells the probe that if V'Ger destroys the Enterprise, then the information it needs will also be destroyed. Ilia says that it is illogical to withhold the required information, and asks him why he won't disclose it. Kirk explains it is because V'Ger is going to destroy all life on Earth. "Ilia" says that they have oppressed the Creator, and Kirk makes it clear he will not disclose anything. V'Ger needs the information, says "Ilia." Kirk says that V'Ger will have to withdraw all the orbiting devices. "Ilia" says that V'Ger will comply, if the carbon units give the information.
Spock tells Kirk that V'Ger must have a central brain complex. Kirk theorizes that the orbiting devices are controlled from there. Kirk tells "Ilia" that the information cant be disclosed to V'Ger's probe, but only to V'Ger itself. "Ilia" stares at the viewscreen, and, in response, the aperture opens and drags the ship forward with a tractor beam into the next chamber. Chekov tells Kirk that the energy bolts will reach their final positions and activate in 27 minutes. Kirk calls to Scotty on the intercom and tells him to stand by to execute Starfleet Order 2005; the self-destruct command. A female crewmember asks Scotty why Kirk ordered self-destruct, and Scotty tells her that Kirk hopes that when they explode, so will the intruder.
The countdown is now down to 18 minutes. DiFalco reports that they have traveled 17 kilometers inside the vessel. Kirk goes over to Spock's station, and sees that Spock has been crying. "Not for us," Kirk realizes. Spock tells him he is crying for V'Ger, and that he weeps for V'Ger as he would for a brother. As he was when he came aboard the Enterprise, so is V'Ger now--empty, incomplete, and searching. Logic and knowledge are not enough. McCoy realizes Spock has found what he needed, but that V'Ger hasn't. Decker wonders what V'Ger would need to fulfill itself.
Spock comments that each one of us, at some point in our lives asks, "Why am I here?" "What was I meant to be?" V'Ger hopes to touch its Creator and find those answers. DiFalco directs Kirk's attention to the viewscreen. Ahead of them is a structure with a bright light. Sulu reports that forward motion has stopped. Chekov replies that an oxygen/gravity envelope has formed outside of the ship. "Ilia" points to the structure on the screen and identifies it as V'Ger. Uhura has located the source of the radio signal and it is straight ahead. A passageway forms outside the ship as Kirk Spock, McCoy, Decker, and "Ilia" enter a turbolift.
The landing party exits an airlock on the top of the saucer section and walks up the passageway. At the end of the path is a concave structure, and in the center of it is an old NASA probe from three centuries earlier. Kirk tries to rub away the smudges on the nameplate and makes out the letters V G E R. He continues to rub, and discovers that the craft is actually Voyager 6. Kirk recalls the history of the Voyager program--it was designed to collect data and transmit it back to Earth. Decker tells Kirk that Voyager 6 disappeared through a black hole.
Kirk says that it must have emerged on the far side of the galaxy and got caught in the machine planet's gravity. Spock theorizes that the planet's inhabitants found the probe to be one of their own kind--primitive, yet kindred. They discovered the probe's 20th century programming, which was to collect data and return that information to its creator. The machines interpreted that instruction literally, and constructed the entire vessel so that Voyager could fulfill its programming. Kirk continues by saying that on its journey back, it amassed so much knowledge that it gained its own consciousness.
"Ilia" tells Kirk that V'Ger awaits the information. Kirk calls Uhura on his communicator and tells her to find information on the probe in the ship's computer, specifically the NASA code signal, which will allow the probe to transmit its data. Decker realizes that that is what the probe was signaling--it's ready to transmit everything. Kirk then says that there is no one on Earth who recognizes the old-style signal--the Creator does not answer.
Kirk calls out to V'Ger and says that they are the Creator. "Ilia" says that is not logical--carbon units are not true life forms. Kirk says they will prove it by allowing V'Ger to complete its programming. Uhura calls Kirk on his communicator and tells him she has retrieved the code. Kirk tells her to set the Enterprise transmitter to the code frequency and to transmit the signal. Decker reads off the numerical code on his tricorder, and is about to read the final sequence, but Voyager's circuitry burns out, an effort by V'Ger itself to prevent the last part of the code from being transmitted.
"Ilia" says that the Creator must join with V'Ger, and turns toward Decker. McCoy warns Kirk that they only have 10 minutes left. Decker figures out that V'Ger wanted to bring the Creator here and transmit the code in person. Spock tells Kirk that V'Ger's knowledge has reached the limits of the universe and it must evolve. Kirk says that V'Ger needs a human quality in order to evolve. Decker thinks that V'Ger joining with the Creator will accomplish that. He then goes over to the damaged circuitry and fixes the wires so he can manually enter the rest of the code through the ground test computer. Kirk tries to stop him, but "Ilia" tosses him aside. Decker tells Kirk that he wants this as much as Kirk wanted the Enterprise.
Suddenly, a bright light forms around Decker's body. "Ilia" moves over to him, and the light encompasses them both as they merge together. Their bodies disappear, and the light expands and begins to consume the area. Kirk, Spock, and McCoy retreat back to the Enterprise. V'Ger explodes, leaving the Enterprise above Earth, unharmed. On the bridge, Kirk wonders if they just saw the beginning of a new life form, and Spock says yes and that it is possibly the next step in their evolution. McCoy says that its been a while since he "delivered" a baby, and hopes that they got this one off to a good start.
Uhura tells Kirk that Starfleet is requesting the ship's damage and injury reports and vessel status. Kirk reports that there were only two casualties: Lt. Ilia and Captain Decker. He quickly corrects his statement and changes their status to "missing." Vessel status: fully operational. Scotty comes on the bridge and agrees with Kirk that it's time to give the Enterprise a proper shakedown. When Scotty offers to have Spock back on Vulcan in four days, Spock says that's unnecessary, as his task on Vulcan is completed.
Kirk tells Sulu to proceed ahead at warp factor one. When DiFalco asks for a heading, Kirk simply says "Out there, thataway." With that, the Enterprise flies overhead and engages warp drive.
youtu.be/4n2dGwYcp9k?t=8s Star Trek Theme
OK, here is the only deal I can think of. I normally have five shades of hair, mostly brunette, with some blonde, some auburn, some silver and some white. I have never died my hair since way back in the last millennium; so they are all natural. Most of my selfies reflect those 5 shades pretty well, some of them even within the last two weeks or month. So, I was trying to figure out why so much silver and white so suddenly. I never saw such a thing. I think what happened is most of the silver or white is toward the front, and I usually take a selfie indoors. This one, I don't remember why, but I know I was outdoors. I think the lighter colors toward my front, are thinner and perhaps lighter weight than the rest, and an outdoor breeze blew them more easily than the rest. Up until this day, I have yet to have my hair color look this way.
Whatch'all think?
For Dave C., I think the *soul* is trying to explain my weird hair phenomenon. It looks as if I aged a decade in two weeks. Oh, and part and parcel of any good soul, is being able to laugh at oneself.
;o)
"20200508_150843MEwhitehairsomeTUresamflickr052620"
Jack notices that Mia is upset and quickly scoops up the turtles explaining that he did something similar when he was a kid. He offers to help to return them to their proper location. Mia wipes back her tears and the three go off on their quest.
More to follow...
This is my first attempt at patchwork. I have always done applique quilts as I always thought pieced patchwork was too exact a method for me to try. I must admit that I did have fun, and although I made a few mistakes, I was able to "fudge it" as my teacher explained to me.
#287 on Explore.
There are satellite's everywhere in the sky these days but this had me scratching my head.
If you count each separate light trails there appears to be 7 satellite's, possibly 8, from the start of the exposure to the end of the exposure, travelling relatively close to each other from my point of view.
I can't recall seeing this ever before
This is a 90 second shot at ISO 400 with 35mm lens at 04.44 am 10/02/2025
A lot of people have been asking (since the recent and sudden change to film) what equipment I've been using. Well, here it is:
In an earlier post (not much earlier than this one) I explained why I switched from my digital EOS system to film, and I have been using nothing other than film ever since.
Nowadays this is what I take with me, everywhere I shoot;
-Contax 645 body
-Zeiss 3.5/35
-Zeiss 2/80
-Zeiss 2.8/140
-Contax 220 vacuum insert
-Contax 120/220 insert
-various 120 C-41 films
-various 220 C-41 films
-various 120 E6 films
For my body, I'm shooting a Contax 645. Important? No. This is just what I need to use the lenses I need to use. And the lenses I use, are the lenses I need to use, and the reason my body is a Contax 645.
For my lenses, I'm using mainly the 80mm Zeiss f/2 lens. I also use the 35mm (equal to a 21mm) and the 140mm, (equal to a 90mm) and I can say a few things about this lens setup; it covers what I need, it's performance is unmatched from wide to telephotos, from slow to fast, the optics are incredible. My only wish is that I had the Zeiss 45mm (equal to a 28mm in 35mm format) and I would also love a macro lens, and the 55mm lens. (equal to a 35mm lens in 35mm format) But, that's another $2k in the future. For now, a wide lens mixed with a fast 50mm equivalent is good enough for me, and having the 140mm makes it so no matter what, I can get the shot. 90% of the time I'm using the 80mm, but if I had the 45mm it would be half and half since I love the wide angle and lifestyle approach.
For my accessories, I'm using a 120/220 insert for my 120 film, and a 220 vacuum insert for my 220 film. The 120/220 insert is very sharp for 120 film, and if I'm in a pinch it works for 220 -but the vacuum insert is best for 220 film. Luckily I rarely use 220, so this isn't a big deal. Other than that, accessories aren't important, but if you must know I have a regular prism viewfinder (soon to be fitted with a Hi-Lux focusing screen) and I use all original Contax accessories. They are VERY expensive, so I am as minimal as possible here. For my meter I use a Sekonic L-608 and it's an amazing meter that I recommend to everyone; it meters incident, spot, and flash.
For my film, I'm usually shooting with a Fuji stock, unless I absolutely need to use Kodak. Again, this is just me. My current stocks are Fuji 160C, 400H, and 800Z... and Kodak Portra 400, Portra 400VC, Portra 800, and T-Max 400 along with Ilford. I use the Fuji when I can, as much as I can, unless I want less saturation (in which case I'll use Kodak) or unless I'm using slide film (in which case I'll opt for Velvia 50 or 100, or Provia 100 or 400). I have 400H in both 120 and 220 because this is my major "go-to" film, as I love how it reacts to light and over-exposure. I'll typically use Fuji for artistic colors, and Kodak for a more natural and less vivid look; keeping in mind the two films require different metering, and have different exposure latitudes. I love the 800Z and Portra 800 just as much for darker situations, or whenever an extra stop or two of light is needed. I think the 800 speed Portra looks much better than the Portra 400 in a lot of cases. For black and white I use T-Max when i can, and I don't really like Ilford but when the lighting is at very high contrast, it works.
As far as what I'm lacking... besides a super solid tripod, and some more black and white film... not much. I'd like another film back, and I'd like some more slide film. but for the most part, all i need is a camera, lens, meter, film, and patience. And I love it. The only thing setting me apart from the photographers who inspire me are money, time, and patience. Sure there's probably a skill difference but who am I to judge that?
This shot was taken with Fujifilm Superia 200. Processed at Walgreens.
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walking on a dream
How can I explain
Talking to myself
Will I see again
We are always running for the thrill of it thrill of it
Always pushing up the hill searching for the thrill of it
On and on and on we are calling out and out again
Never looking down I’m just in awe of what’s in front of me
Is it real now
When two people become one
I can feel it
When two people become one
Thought I’d never see
The love you found in me
Now it’s changing all the time
Living in a rhythm where the minutes working overtime
Catch me I’m falling down
Catch me I’m falling down
Don’t stop just keep going on
I’m your shoulder lean upon
So come on deliver from inside
All we got is tonight that is right till first light
Can't really explain it but once I am in a dress and a bit of motown comes out of the speakers I just have to shake my booty. I may not be the greatest dancer around but I am as sure as hell having fun.
Today was an unfortunate day of stranger hunting. I headed into the city around midday to catch up with a friend. On the train in I stood, with my bike, next to a European backpacker who I'd have liked to ask for a photo. But I try not to pressure people into it and if she'd said no we would've had to stand there awkwardly for who knows how many stops. So I let it pass. In the city I did photograph a few people but they were hard to find and unfortunately not worth posting.
After catching up with my friend I headed home on my bike, deciding to skip the train and ride the whole way. I came to a classy hotel called 'Royce' that I thought might make a cool background for some photos of a friend of mine of the same name. So I took some test shots and then waited around hoping to find a stranger. There was a cabby near me that would've made for an awesome shot but he was on the phone and I didn't want to interrupt. Then Kiwi walked up, McDonalds in hand. After shooting him I decided to try and find the source of his desserts.
The McDonalds was just around the corner and as I went in I spotted a girl out the front who reminded me of the backpacker earlier in the day. She looked up but didn't show any sign of recognition so I put it out of my mind and concentrated on the menu. From inside I could see here where I ate and decided that she was worth shooting, even if she wasn't the girl from earlier. Once I finished I got out my camera and headed outside to where she sat at her laptop, making use of the free wifi.
When I asked for her photo she wanted to know what it was for. I took a seat across the table from her and explained I was trying to get 100 photos of 100 different strangers in 100 days. She gave her permission and I started taking the shots, still seated. When I checked the back of my display after the first shot I was pretty happy with the dark background and bokeh. The well lit restaurant window gave some wonderfully soft light from behind where I sat. As I shot we talked a little. She told me she arrived in Melbourne today and that she's originally from Hamburg, Germany. When I was done I thanked her and headed off to get my bike and head home.
Walking past her with my bike my curiosity got the better of me and I asked down to her "Could I have caught a train with you earlier today?"
"Maybe..." she replied "Ooh! Yes! I remember that bike! My friend is looking for a helmet. But all the ones she can find make her look stupid."
"Haha. Yeah I think it's always the case. Mine makes me look stupid too."
"Well it looks good on the bike." She said, referring to my helmet, still clipped to the frame.
We went on to speak a bit about her travells. I suggested some places in Melbourne that she should visit and she told me that she'd come here from Perth, which she loved. I offered to give her my flickr URL so that she could see how the photo turns out, thinking that she'd type it into her laptop that was open in front of her. Instead she rummaged through her bag and pulled out a notepad and pen to write it down. When I chuckled, at how much more organised she was than me, she asked "What so funny?". I shook my head and wrote down the address.
This shot was taken 7 hours and several kilometers from where I originally spotted her. At a place neither of us had ever been before.
This is the fifty fifth portrait of my attempt at the 100 strangers project.
That explains all the sudden changes in the Disney Store's both singing and playline dolls!They are pretty ,but classic is always the best!
Mostly the colors and hair have changed!The biggest change is Ariel which wears a pretty green dress that the Disney Store made in pink!
I'm not sure how to explain it but when I get a new minidress and some new pantyhose then get myself all made up and in front of my camera it seems like a different person emerges- someone who is extremely happy to look this way and be able to capture the moments to admire later and to re-engage that sense of wonder at who this person really is. I am continually amazed to see this part of me in the photos I post here. Its as if a shroud has been removed from my drab self and a bright and shiny woman (with really nice legs!) has been revealed.
Will wonders never cease!
This is another acquisition from my January minidress buying binge, courtesy of greatglam.com. Its rather short, I dare say! I've matched it up with some very shiny and silky Platino "Clean Cut" black pantyhose from shapings.com and my 5" peep toe pumps from flirtcatalog.com. I think this ensemble came together very well and I hope you do too!
To see more pix of me in other tight, sexy and revealing outfits click this link:
www.flickr.com/photos/kaceycdpix/sets/72157623668202157/
DSC_8303-15
Explainer: While I wish I could fully dress, wig-up and make-up regularly, those days are rare. So I post these AI renderings. FYI: the photos are AI generated, from actual photos of me, enhanced slightly with FaceApp and then dressed from outfits I see and love on the interweb. Enjoy them or not! I do, that's all that matters! Love, Crystal
I can not explain right What my senses say, What I know say that your kiss is not only touched my lips, but my heart also ... To be kissed by you, I felt a wonderful feeling. Only the Angels are witnesses of events and feelings. You came so suddenly left me not even thinking In my decisions. I do not regret anything I've done, For you gave me joy. I would like to win another From her soft kisses, and have double my heart smiling with joy, Because I have lived such a special moment. You was my unforgettable moment was my TIME ONLY!
I love to go a wandering down the woods with the camera. Sometimes I just travel light and take one camera and the lens it has on. Today's uploads were all taken with my Canon EOS M and the 18-55mm kit lens. It was a great little camera but after getting an offer I couldn't refuse I sold it. Not got round to replacing it yet though....
Update: On further investigation, it seems that all but the first shot were taken using my 50mm EF lens, the "Plastic Fantastic" or "Nifty Fifty" as it is otherwise known. That'll explain all the shallow dof and creamy bokeh then...
We were happy to have our vehicle washed at the Heritage Christian School car wash; students raising money to fund a trip to Vancouver Island
Sometimes its hard to explain the sheer joy of dressing as a woman and making myself as feminine as I can be. So hopefully this picture helps explain that its the most wonderful feeling to wear a pretty dress and jacket and just be me as a woman. Happy New Year to all the kind people who like my photos, lets hope for many more in the new year.
Wooo got my license! Honestly if you're 16 or almost 16 and you're getting yours soon don't even stress it, I had like 15 different people explain to me how it was because I was so nervous, but it's easy!
I don't really plan on driving alllll the time but hey it's nice to know I can. Plus I don't like my brothers car loool.
ps notice my legs are knee-brace less? (even though you never saw what I looked like with it on..) I have a knee sleeve now woohoo. Finals are next week so I won't be on much, hope you guys have a great weekend!
The Statue of Liberty's torch lights the way to freedom showing us the path to Liberty. Even the Statue's official name represents her most important symbol "Liberty Enlightening the World". The Statue's current replacement torch, added in 1986, is a copper flame covered in 24K gold. It is reflective of the sun's rays in daytime and lighted by 16 floodlights at night. The original torch was removed in 1984 and is currently inside the lobby of the monument.Is the torch open.the torch the Statue of Liberty is holding represents the torch of Prometheus, who occutly signifies Lucifer. The Greek mythological story of Prometheus is the same allegory of stealing fire (i.e. knowledge) from God or the Gods, and giving it to humans, thus angering God.
Helena Blavatsky explains in her classic occult work, The Secret Doctrine volume 2 (page 244) that, “The allegory of Prometheus, who steals the divine fire as to allow men to proceed consciously on the path of spiritual evolution, thus transforming the most perfect of animals on Earth into a potential god, and making him free to take the kingdom of heaven by violence. Hence also, the curse pronounced by Zeus against Prometheus, and by Jehovah against his ‘rebellious son,’ Satan.”
So it’s not just me making the connection between Prometheus and Lucifer. It’s the occultists themselves. Here is Manly P. Hall, one of Freemasonry’s greatest philosophers, saying the same thing in his book Lectures on Ancient Philosophy (page 163):
“Man wandered hopelessly in the gloom of mortality, living and dying without light or understanding in his servitude to the Demiurgus and his host of spirits. At last the spirit of rebellion entered the creation in the form of Lucifer, who in the guise of a serpent tempted man to revolt against the mandates of Jehovah (the Demiurugs). In Greece this character was known as Prometheus, who brought from the gods the impregnating flame that would release the life latent in this multitude of germlike potentialities.”
The torch has been closed since the "Black Tom" explosion of July 30, 1916, which was one of the largest acts of sabotage.The promo for the show asked “Does the Statue of Liberty hold a secret message?” Are there secret symbols built into it? Is she herself one giant secret symbol? Does it actually represent Lucifer? The answer to these questions is yes…The Book of Apocalypse explained. Like the captain of the Host of the Lord, I invite you to stand up in honor of your Powerful Presence I AM, because I release upon you the power of the sword of the Spirit and I will increasing its power, according to the measure which you are able to receive it! Holding this sword, that my mentor give me long time ago, I direct its power to consume the cause and nucleus of all the negative conditions that can be upon you or in your interior! wields the flaming sword and direct its omniconsuming fire to the insane areas of your subconscious and unconscious minds.
The original name of the statue was “Liberty Enlightening the World,” not the Statue of Liberty. Again, the word Enlightening fits in with the Illuminati theme. Enlightening, enlightenment, light, the sun, intelligence, bright, brilliance, Lucifer. Are you getting this? My Friends, adverse conditions like those that you have allowed to poison the organs of your physical body, affects also the astral body, the mental and also the etheric body, dimming the mind and preventing that you assume the divine control on your conscious mind! Therefore, I hold my sword of the Spirit and I let that it traverse you! I traverse you! I traverse you with the power of First Ray of the Sacred Will of God! With my sword I extirpate any precancerous conditions in your four lower bodies, from the etheric body to the mental, from the body of desires where its tentacles reaches the physical body and strangle the body as well your soul. Therefore, if you want to save yourself and save others, Call me, and with my sword of blue flame I will extirpate those conditions inside you and your beloveds, close or far to you. Of course, it always will remain subject to which determinate the Great Law and in accord to the merits of each individual. The matrix of your perfection I invoke your Powerful I AM Presence so it seals the original etheric plan of your soul in chakra of the seat of the soul. Normally this original plan is printed in your etheric body at the levels of perfection higher than you are able to maintain. I also will record this original plan upon your soul; but because the soul is mutable, you must let permanent this original plan attracting the lost fragments of your soul up , it recovers its original design. This original plan contains the Adam Kadmon design, The Fundamental Man. From this original archetype model the Elohim created you in Principle. Therefore, like an effort of the service that today I anm offering you, that original matrix of perfection start to materialize again in your temple, but to hold it you must take care of it every day. God, Elohim, created your etheric body to be the chalice of the highest vibratory energies than your four inferior bodies were able to maintain. In the next step, I will touch your third eye (in your etheric body), so that I will record in your etheric body the original plan that God gave you when it created you with your twin flame in its white fire body. You share an original divine plan with your twin flames and nobody more than your twin flame can share it with you.
the Illuminati and occultists, Lucifer, or Satan (they are the same thing)—is good. Philosophically, religiously, whatever—it doesn’t matter. Lucifer is good to them. Lucifer is symbolically the savior because of the forbidden knowledge, self-awareness, and intellectual reasoning he (figuratively, metaphorically, or literally) gives humans the ability to think rationally and elevates them to a God among all other animals on earth.
While the Illuminati view knowledge and information as extremely valuable (because it is), they want to keep it for themselves, and keep others “in the dark.” Here are some classic occult authors who explain the occult view of Lucifer, or Satan.
“Thus “SATAN,” once he ceases to be viewed in the superstitious, dogmatic, unphilosophical spirit of the Churches, grows into the grandiose image of one who made of terrestrial a divine MAN; who gave him, throughout the long cycle of Maha-kalpa the law of the Spirit of Life, and made him free from the Sin of Ignorance, hence of death.” (Blavatsky, Helena – The Secret Doctrine V I p. 198)
“Thus Lucifer – the spirit of Intellectual Enlightenment and Freedom of Thought – is metaphorically the guiding beacon, which helps man to find his way through the rocks and sand banks of Life, for Lucifer is the Logos in his highest.” [1] Blavatsky, H.P. – The Secret Doctrine v. II p. 162
“Lucifer, the Light-bearer! Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness! Lucifer, the Son of the Morning! Is it he who bears the Light, and with its splendors intolerable, blinds feeble, sensual, or selfish souls? Doubt it not!” (Pike, Albert – Morals and Dogma p. 321)
“Both the sinking of Atlantis and the Biblical story of the “fall of man” signify spiritual involution–a prerequisite to conscious evolution.” (Hall, Manly P. – The Secret Teachings of All Ages p. 83)
The evil scumbag Aleister Crowley had this to say: “This serpent, Satan, is not the enemy of Man, be He who made Gods of our race, knowing Good and Evil; He bade “Know Thyself!: and taught Initiation. He is “the Devil” of the book of Troth, and His emblem is Baphomet, and Androgyne who is the hieroglyph of arcane perfection.” (Magick: In Theory and Practice p. 193)
Regardless of one’s religion, there is a story in the Bible which helps to explain the philosophy of Satanism. In Matthew 4:8-9, it explains how Satan took Jesus to the top of a mountain and told him he would give him control over all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship Satan. Jesus, of course, didn’t accept this offer, but this story conveys a deeper meaning than what appears on the surface.
By “worshiping” Satan and turning one’s back on God’s rules, it is possible to gain control over vast empires and gather enormous riches. But these gains come with a price which is not always seen at the time. Later, when repercussions come from breaking the rules, the empire and riches one had gained will become their very undoing.
So when Satan told Jesus, “All this I will give to you if you will bow down and worship me,” he was partially telling the truth. He just wasn’t disclosing the consequences that would occur from such actions.
There is no need to argue that there is no such thing as God or Satan. A literal or figurative interpretation of this philosophy or what “worshiping” entails doesn’t change anything because the effects are the same either way. The above Bible passage conveys the secret philosophy of Satanism whether you’re a Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, or an even an atheist.
Its interesting how high level Alchemists s deny that they have anything to do with Lucifer or anything Luciferian, but when it becomes clear that they do incorporate Lucifer into their beliefs, symbols, and philosophy, then they say we just have a misunderstanding.
So, first they deny any knowledge of anything about Lucifer, and then when exposed as liars, they admit it but say everything is OK because Lucifer isn’t the Devil, he’s good. You just don’t understand. Hey look over there! The game is on!
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The inspiration behind this look outside of the cute Primark top bought at Xmas is the Amazon tv show Gen V (spin off from the Boys) more specifically Emma aka Little Cricket. For the majority who have never seen the show the next couple of pics show off her powers but there was a particular scene that stole the headlines. I am going at some point to try to recreate that 😉
He explained to us that he felt that his deformity limited his competitiveness in the job market. He thinks that since this deformity is rare many people who see him for the first time assume that he is functionally impaired. He is certain that others are hired before him when he is equally or better qualified for a particular job.
Here is a close-up of Francinaldo's ear deformity.
In a previous post, I explained why a “blood moon” eclipse is tinted red… this image of a sunrise might explain it a little better. This was taken at the East Fork Overlook at milepost 418.3 along the Blue Ridge Parkway. On the tripod, the camera was at an elevation of nearly exactly 5,000 feet… that makes the horizon where the Sun popped up roughly 85 miles away from the lens. This was shot fullframe with a 400 mm lens, so the distance is compressed, but it shows the effect of denser atmosphere concerning the penetration of sunlight.
Officially, according to the European Space Agency, Earth’s atmosphere extends to 60 miles straight overhead. The atmosphere consists of gasses, mostly nitrogen and oxygen, water vapor, and dust. On a clear day, sunlight when the Sun is at zenith is not merely white but scattered throughout the color spectrum. The reason a leaf on a tree is green is because that leaf absorbs all wavelengths of light except green, which is reflected. The sky is blue not because it’s reflecting blue, but rather that it absorbs only blue light and is transparent… of all the colors, blue has the shortest wavelength of visible light. All the longer wavelengths just shoot right through.
Looking directly to the horizon as in this image, the depth of the atmosphere is nearly 145 miles… more atmosphere absorbs more light, yet the longer wavelength of red light easily affects the visible light of this sunrise. The red band on the Sun is due to a layer of vapor in the distance which scatters just about all visible light but red. Red pouring off that Sun sitting on the distant ridge looks quite like a beacon… it’s bright enough that the fog between mountaintops is reflecting it a bit. Other than evident vapor in the air to the east, there was no cloud cover in that direction on this morning. There’s a steep cliff to my back as I shot this, so I couldn’t tell about cloud coverage in that direction… but if there were clouds in that direction, they would have reflected the deep red light apparent here, and perhaps even more as they would be even further from the horizon. I hope this makes sense.
Explaining the towel: while it may seem a strange accessory to some of you, any local looking at this picture would immediately realise there was a baby tied to the young woman's back :-)
Explainer: While I wish I could fully dress, wig-up and make-up regularly, those days are rare. So I post these AI renderings. FYI: the photos are AI generated, from actual photos of me, enhanced slightly with FaceApp and then dressed from outfits I see and love on the interweb. Enjoy them or not! I do, that's all that matters! Love, Crystal
Yesterday’s project submission (Imani) will explain how I met Kya. We were in the new Student Learning Centre of Ryerson University in downtown Toronto. Kya had declared herself camera shy and basically threw her cousin under the bus when I made my project request. Once I photographed Imani, however, Kya got brave and gave it a go.
I posed Kya facing alongside the windows of the Learning Centre and Imani held my reflector to even out the light a bit. Kya was not that comfortable in front of my camera so I really appreciated her yielding to my friendly entreaties to give it a try. We took a few photos with her hat on and a few without. In an effort to relax things I asked some questions about the wonderful hairstyles both girls had and found out that it’s a rather time-consuming process that one wouldn’t want to have to redo more often than necessary. I followed up by saying “I hope I’m not being too nosey but I’ve always been curious about that hairstyle and figured here was my chance to ask.” They didn’t seem to mind and I wound up feeling pretty darned lucky to be a man. The money I don’t spend on my hair is available for buying coffees.
After the photos were taken, we returned to the spot where Iman and Kya had been sitting and where I had dumped my coat, hat, and bag. Once I completed my interview of Imani, she had to go to class so I proceeded to get acquainted with Kya. That’s when I learned that they are cousins, not classmates.
Kya is also 18 and attending university in Montreal where she lives. She is planning to go into Social Services which is my own former profession so we chatted a bit about that. She wants to specialize in youth services and I mentioned that I worked for several years in a child and family clinic before specializing in adults. When I asked about Kya’s name she said her mother told her she heard the name in a Bob Marley song and liked it. It is a very nice name.
In addition to school, Kya is an accomplished athlete and plays on two basketball teams. I don’t follow basketball but she is a point guard and clearly takes her athletics seriously. In terms of personality, Kya told me she’s an adventurous sort who doesn’t like staying indoors a lot but is known for always being on the go and really knowing her way around downtown Montreal. Her friends are always surprised when they consult her on urban questions because she usually knows where things are and what’s happening. Her biggest challenge? She said it’s balancing out her social time, her sports time, and her study time. She feels pulled strongly in all directions so she is working on finding the successful balance.
She has been in Toronto for a week to visit her cousin and has been having a fun time but will soon have to return to Montreal to resume school and basketball. Thank you Kya for taking a chance and participating in my 100 Strangers project. It was fun meeting you and your cousin. You are #729 in Round 8 of my project. I’m glad you’ve had a fun time in Toronto and I hope you will return to Montreal a little less camera-shy. You took a lovely portrait.
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by the other photographers in our group at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
The Three Rondavels. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. South Africa. Oct/2015
The Three Rondavels are three round mountain tops with slightly pointed tops, very similar to the traditional round or oval African homesteads made with local materials called rondavels. They are sometimes also called the Three Sisters (although this confuses them with a similar threesome visible from the N1 in the Free State lower down in the country).
Once known as The chief and his three wives – the flat-topped peak represented Mapjaneng, famous for opposing invading Swazis in a memorable battle is on the right, whilst the rondavels are three of his more troublesome wives – Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto.
The view point is spectacular. From here one looks over the canyon to the Three Rondavels on the other side of the northern edges of the Drakensberg range of mountains. An outlook that is overwhelmingly beautiful and deserves more than a moment's respite.
The beautiful to look at formations are explained geographically as the slow erosion of underlying soft stone, leaving the exposed quartzite and shale rondavels at which we marvel. Whatever their origin, they are undoubtedly breathtaking. Together with God's Window and Bourkes Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels are a highlight of any trip along the third largest canyon in the world.
This is a particularly beautiful architectural feature on the Neckinger Estate, in Bermondsey, in the London Borough of Southwark.
On the "Bermondsey Boy" website, fosney has posted a photo of the estate after its completion in 1938. It is located off the road called Neckinger, which marks the route of the River Neckinger, or, as fosney describes it, "the Neckinger Stream, a tributary of the Thames and at one time navigable as far as Bermondsey Abbey" (which no longer exists, but was west of here, near Tower Bridge Road, on Long Walk) He also explains that the estate "stands on the site of the old Tanneries, built by Bermondsey Borough Council to house the people of Bermondsey with affordable rents that they could afford to pay," adding, poignantly and powerfully, "Now consisting of some 353 homes -- the 'right to buy' opened the door to speculators -- with prices now at up to £270,000 per unit and rents around £1,000 per month. The people who inspired the creation of this development for the people of Bermondsey, must now be turning in their graves."
The River Neckinger used to join the River Thames where St. Saviour's Dock now stands, and, as an article entitled "Blood, Guts and Hanging along the Lost Rivers of London" explains, "The River Neckinger not only sounds gruesome but its name is believed to originate from a slang term for the hangman's noose, 'Devil's Neckcloth'. Up until the 18th Century Neckinger wharf was used extensively for hanging the river pirates and blaggards that plagued the city's primary river and its subsidiaries. Their bodies were then displayed further along the Thames as a macabre warning to others against plying their suspect trade on the capital's waterways. The area around the River Neckinger was also home to 'The Capital of Cholera'. This was the unenviable name given to the unsavoury district of Jacob's Island, a rookery of dark, winding alleyways and ramshackle, substandard housing, surrounded and intersected by open sewer ditches. Rife with poverty, crime, disease and squalor, it is at Jacob's Island that the violent thief and murderer, Bill Sikes, meets his timely demise by accidentally hanging himself whilst fleeing a vigilant mob, at the climax of the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist. Jacob's Island has long since crumbled into history and its location is now an upmarket district inhabited by city investors and the like. The River Neckinger, upon which this unfortunate slum once sat, now runs entirely underground, merging with the London sewer system."
See: www.bermondseyboy.net/2010/08/16/bermondsey-yesterday-and...
and www.bermondseyboy.net/2010/08/16/bermondsey-yesterday-and...
For "Blood, Guts and Hanging along the lost rivers of London," see: www.luxuryvacationsuk.com/articles/lost-rivers-of-london....
And here are the fascinating results of a project to dowse the route of Neckinger: www.londonisarivercity.com/neckinger.pdf
For St. Saviour's Dock, see: www.flickr.com/photos/andyworthington/7609310158/
For more on Andy Worthington, see: www.andyworthington.co.uk/
UPDATE JUNE 2017: I've just set up a Facebook page, 'The State of London', featuring, every day, a photo of London from my five years of cycling around and taking photos of the capital. Please join me! www.facebook.com/thestateoflondon/