*Soft *Dreamy *Delicate Pastels (NO AI)
View allAll Photos Tagged intellegence
My other nephew, Sam, shining his brilliant, kind, strong, sensitive, caring-intellegence and overall 18-year-old coolness on a recent visit to our little town!!-)
" Love is its own reason to spread joy and happiness to those we hold dear... 💕🌹 "
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. . . My Love Hansen . . .
Here's another wonderful man who is consistently affectionate and incredible, whether it is during festivities or not, he enjoys surprising his beloved by gifting her what she likes without ever needing to inquire if she desired them or why she has to like or want them... 💕
To me, love is an affair of the heart, and one should not hesitate to bestow happiness upon another. His thoughtful surprises illuminate his intellegence, exceptional character and the immense size of his heart... 💕
Every time I say wow.. it's never because of what he gave, but it's the wow for his loving great heart to me... 💕
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" It's no wonder that I'm feeling extremely jealous of you - your boundless love and kind heart are truly remarkable... 💕"
I Love You,
Happy Valentine's Day!
Saphira ❤️ Hansen
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🎵 Mood 🎵
♫ Meeting Ambiece ♫
Previously in Chapter 8: A Convenient Encounter
Lexington peered at the man as he sauntered across the stone floor. He wore an exquisite dark blue wool jacket and a bright powder blue silk vest that shimmered under the candle's glow. Gold filigree adorned the jacket's lapels and along with his fine leather riding boots there was no doubt he was royalty. The man wore his hair long, which was not uncommon for this part of the world and it gleamed black, like a raven's wing. By all accounts Count Pierre Léon Chastain was a handsome man, even striking. And Prince Lexington Jelani detested him.
Ordinarily it wasn't in his nature to hate someone so vehemently. His loss of control troubled him and Lexington had pondered on the matter over the past few days. He didn't trust the Count and why should he? He was a Lycan but then again Lexington had always harbored a certain amount of pity for the werewolf.
So what was it that made him so furious that his hands drew up in a fist when the Count came near?
Alas, if he were honest with himself, Lexington knew the real reason he hated this man. He could analyze it, but in truth he didn't want to face the obvious. Lexington's hatred was fueled by his jealousy. These last few days he'd watched his Mistress become more familiar with this man. Her face would light up when the Count walked into the room. She'd laugh and place her hand on his arm when he'd spin one of his ridiculous yarns. And then there were the evening walks in the gardens of the Count's home.
Watching them now, Lexington lowered his head as Tabitha greeted the Count. To keep them both from noticing any emotion in his expression, Lexington turned slightly away from the scene. The sandstone walls of The Red Castle, as it was so aptly named, crept in around him, and he thought for a moment how different this Persian influenced architecture was from that of his home at Belraak. He closed his eyes, gathering his composure but opened them again when he heard the footsteps coming toward him. Gazing into a dark corner of the room where the light from the candles had not reached, time seemed to stop for a few moments before he turned in time to face the Count.
Lexington smiled politely and nodded to his host as he took his outstretched hand. Once the pleasantries had be exchanged, they took their places around a large table where several maps had already been laid out for the meeting. Tabitha smiled over to Lexington which was his cue to begin and not being one to waste time he immediately informed his Mistress that that afternoon he'd been able to acquire a ship for the coming journey. He'd also taken the liberty of inviting the vessel's Captain to the meeting so that he might share his own insights concerning their voyage. With that, the massive doors on the dark side of the large room clanked and creaked open. Lexington turned toward the doors, motioning for them to approach and introduced their guest, "Lady Kinkade may I present the Captain of the Sealark."
Two figures walked toward them out of the shadows. The taller man was adorned in an outdated but very beautiful military styled coat. The lapels and cuffs were both covered with worn filigree that wasn't nearly as radiant as the gold on the Count's jacket. He wore a white ruffled shirt, commonly worn by fashionable seafarers and his cavalier boots clanked against the stone floor as he walked toward them. The other man, slightly shorter, wore the traditional coat and pants of a still less than modern day military officer which was perhaps less regal and flamboyant than his counterpart. As they approached, both men bowed and introduced themselves. "Good evening my lady. Captain Ambrose Townshend at your service. And this is my first mate William Swann." Tabitha curtseyed formally and introduced the Count, then without further ado the meeting began.
The crux of the conference was to discuss the route the party would take and the length either voyage. They had not been on a time table before, however Abaddon Baal had been sighted in the city of Rivne in Little Russia two days ago. No one could guess why, not even Count Chastain, however they did know that Baal's lair was in Russian Turkestan. That meant he was moving northwest, or he may have had business in Rivne. No one could know for certain, but with this news they had a possible fix on his whereabouts. It was Tabitha's fervent plan to pursue the illusive werewolf king before Baal was in a position to dictate a less than favorable confrontation. But first they had a promise to keep, and gypsy to visit. Thankfully, the wanderer's caravan was in Romania near Transylvania which would put them on a direct path to Rivne. This latest intellegence had changed things of course, and now a time schedule was much more imperative.
Lexington stated that he'd read reports and heard rumors a new canal was about to open that would take them through the Khedivate of Egypt on a direct coarse to the Mediterranean Sea. Captain Townshend agreed, and had it on good authority that, although it was not officially open, the canal was ready, and they would be allowed passage. This possible course would save them more than a couple of weeks, perhaps as much at 20 days at sea. Count Chastain however, disagreed stating that as much as he wanted to find a cure for his and his clan's affliction, as he called it, he felt strongly that the canal would not be ready for passage in time. His feeling was that the route around the Cape of Good Hope was the only clear choice because if they were turned away at the canal, it would cost them even more time at sea. With the loss of what might be several days, the gypsy woman would certainly have moved on, and they would most probably lose Baals trail for several weeks or even months.
The men continued to discuss the matter each giving sound reasoning behind their convictions. Tabitha however withdrew from the discussions taking a few minutes to herself to ponder the situation. She had always relied on and trusted Lexington's advice and guidance in times such as these. So out of that trust and confidence her decision was easy to come to. Looking back up at the party she tapped one of the calipers on the table to quiet the men.
"Gentlemen I've heard both sides of this argument and I've come to a decision. I'm quite certain sailing back around the cape along the African coast is the most assured route, however we must consider our chance to cut travel time nearly in half. Also, winter will soon be upon us. As it is already mid August, I believe we must take in consideration the snows as well as the cold in Romania by late October. And so, with your blessing Captain Townshend, and yours Mr. Swann, I propose this route. We shall sail south, back around Sri Lanka, north to the Red Sea, through this Suez Canal of yours Prince Jelani, then across the Mediterranean Sea to Greece and Port of Piraeus." Tabitha put the pointing stick down and looked at them all. Captain Townshend nodded and bowed to Tabitha signaling that he thought well of her presentation. Count Chastain held his chin in thought, then looked over at Tabitha with a polite smile and nodded. Tabitha smiled back at the men then looked over to companion, Prince Jelani before making her last formal declaration. "Friends. We have a long journey ahead of us and I have no doubt a perilous one. I realize we haven't all agreed here this evening, but to be successful I believe we must be of one accord after this night. Do I have your oath?" Each man nodded and bowed and went about shaking each other's hands.
It was time for a drink and refreshments before bed and their host Count Pierre Léon Chastain had already made preparations with his servants. He turned and made a motion toward the dark hallway where a man there stood silently and in a couple of minutes they were all being served. The conversations among them were of far off lands and differences in their cultures. They spoke of fates and how those fates had brought them together. At one point, Tabitha had laughed more than usual at one of the Counts tall tales of wonder and excitement. Glancing over at them, Lexington again found himself back in that dark place in his mind. This journey, although made shorter by this new and uncharted route, would quite possibly the longest he'd ever taken with his Mistress, and he was not looking forward to it.
Wow, it's hard to believe it's been nearly a year since I've visited this story. As much as I love it too. I'm hoping to get this one going again.
I'm so sorry this chapter is so long. I doubted anyone would read it anyway. But in case you tried I apologize for it's length and the lack of talent. I just love to write. Not everyone is good at it.
I'd like to thank some people who were instrumental in helping me with this shot. In alphabetacle order:
Thank you BOARSNOUT aka Swedish Sausage for coming out on short notice and staying up way past your bed time. Sorry it took so long babes but thanks for hanging in there. I appreciate it!♥
Thank you Mr. Phil Conners for being so kind to me and always being there to help out.♥
Thank you Rananarmo Sèitheach McGregor aka Emanuel Müller for letting us use your wonderful McGregor Castle to take this shot. You've been so kind to me and I appreciate it so much.♥
And to my wonderful friend Morgan Talbot who never refuses me and is always so prepared and amazing. Thank you!♥
Shiryoku State Building Office: 2052
The young Emperor of Shiryoku, Hiroyoshi Sakai, with his pet, Takeo, a small lion he trained from a very young age. Image taken a year before the war broke out.
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Hiroyoshi Sakai is holding the book of Generations of the Emperors of Shiryoku, where his own name was inscribed in 2048. He is wearing badges from the previous war, where he distinguished himself in espionage and counterintelligence with the IAK (Intellegence Agency: Kadasaraht). Needless to say he distinguished himself with his wild and fierce bravery, and not with his politics and diplomacy.
Patient spider.
These eggs belong - or at least, did belong - to a Eucalyptus tortoise beetle. The spider appears to be waiting for them to hatch, just as sharks wait for young penguins to hit the water. Over a period of about an hour, it moved no further than 3 cm away from the eggs, and kept returning to sit right over them. What an easy catch!! I am sure spiders have a degree of intellegence that we don't give them credit for.
Callum Brae, Australian Capital Territory, March, 2015.
This is a story of a zookeeper working at the giraffe feeding platform who desired to be fed lettuce like her charges so much that she transformed into another giraffe. The transformation however seems to have had a detrimental effect on her intellegence, even for a giraffe.
Taken at the Toledo Zoo in Ohio.
Developed in Caffenol CM using rosemary in place of the coffee.
i just wish i was intellegent. But i am trying now , really :) i think all the brainy people are pretty, i would kill for that !
Please comment Tips as I Just Started photogrpahy
Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius.
Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.
~ Mozart
PLEASE PRESS L
Silently one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven
Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots, of angels.
written by- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
In this photoshop creation, I have attempted to create Ebbie's heavenly ancestors with joy, beauty, intellegence and human qualities............. hope you enjoy it...... almost looks like a painting doesn't it?
From Left to Right:
Mage - Maerwynn Greenhorn
Neutral Good
Carries throwing knives. Uses magic.
Bonuses: +3 intelligence, +1 dexterity, +2 vitality, -1 strength.
Feats: Improved spell-caster, elemental magic, Precision Shot (Blades) and Mild Mind Altering (Can make an enemy attack another enemy in combat once a day.)
Backstory: Formerly an apprentice of Auric Browntree, Maerwynn Greenhorn was braving the wilderness in the woods of Ibrâm when she came to join the companions.
Forest Ranger -Arthur of the Ibrâm Woods
Lawful Good
Carries a rapier and a bow and arrows.
Bonuses: +1 to Strength, +2 to Charisma, +3 to Dexterity and -1 to Constitution.
Feats: Precision Shot (Archer), Precision Strike (Sword), Advanced Blade Proficiency and Force of Nature (+3 Speed in woodland areas)
Backstory: Raised by nomads near the Ibrâm woods, Arthur became a skilled hunter and swordsman at a young age. He spent his life in the woods and eventually joined the companions when their quest led them though his land.
Wizard - Auric Browntree
Lawful Neutral
Carries a staff, sword and enchanted telescope. Uses magic.
Bonuses: +4 to Intelligence, +2 to Vitality, +1 to charisma and -2 to dexterity
Feats: Advanced spell-caster, elemental magic, light magic, Blade proficiency
Backstory: Auric Browntree was a wizard of the old world who has wandered for centuries. He joined the companions when they met in the caves of Haleem.
Ranger - Gavin of Ept
Neutral Good
Carries a broadsword and shield.
Bonuses: +2 to constitution, +2 to strength, +1 to vitality, +1 to charisma and -1 to dexterity
Feats: Advanced blade proficiency, Toughness, Medium armor proficiency and Iron Will (Resistance to mind control attacks)
Backstory: Gavin was raised in the mighty Kingdom of Ept, but was easily bored by life in the castle. At a young age he left his home to seek adventure.
Elf Rogue - T'mara of Dridor
Chaotic Good
Carries a bow and arrows and an elvish blade.
Bonuses: +1 to Intelligence, +1 to strength, +1 to vitality, +2 to dexterity, +1 to charisma and -1 to constitution
Feats: Precision Shot (Archer), Blade proficiency, Elvish Speed (+3 to speed once a day) and Quick Strike (+2 Damage to attacks when it's the first attack made)
Backstory: T'mara, sister of Mi'ka, was born to a noble elvish family in the Dridor woods, but gave it up to seek adventure in the world when she met Gavin of Ept while hunting in the forest.
Warrior - Borin of Barüm
Chaotic Neutral
Carries a large axe, a medium axe, two small axes and a shield.
Bonuses: +4 to strength, +2 to vitality, +1 to charisma and -2 to dexterity
Feats: Two weapon fighting, Medium armor proficiency, advanced blade proficiency and Spirit of Barüm (+3 to attacks once per day)
Backstory: Born in the warrior kingdom of Barüm, Borin was an old friend of Gavin's. He joined the companions when their paths crossed again in the plains of Barüm.
Assassin - Thea of Haleem
Lawful Neutal
Carries a shortsword and a crossbow and arrows.
Bonuses: +2 to dexterity, +2 to vitality, +3 to Intellegence and -2 to constitution
Feats: Medium Armor Proficiency, Precision shot (Archer), Improved Blade Proficiency and Stealth (+4 to stealth rolls)
Backstory: A human assassin from the Dwarf land of Haleem, Thea joined the companions when they met on the outskirts of the Ibrâm Woods.
Elf Warrior - Mi'ka of Dridor
Lawful Evil
Carries elvish spear and two elvish long blades.
Bonuses: +1 Intelligence, +2 strength, +2 dexterity, +2 to constitution and -2 to charisma.
Feats: Improved two weapon fighting, medium armor proficiency, advanced blade proficiency and Elvish speed
Backstory: Mi'ka, brother to T'mara, was born in Dridor Forest where he fought against the Kingdom of Ept in defense of the Elvish people. He was captured when he attacked an outpost of Ept and was taken prisoner. He begrudgingly became one of the companions when he said he could help them in their quest after his sister negotiated his release.
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For the DnD Contest. Based off the Star Wars RPG and my own system.
These were the stairs scaling the stern. The propellors that drove the ship we're truely incredible. They left a really long white water trail due to the disturbance of the water. It was in ways really loud but it was strangely comforting at the time. It reminds me how small we are, but how our intellegence has brought us so far.
Still in doubt ? See this
© All rights reserved, don´t use this image without my permission. Contact me at debmalya86@gmail.com
Operation: MABC - MLS
We're here on a planet calle earth. The creatures living here aren't good developed. We're now here since 2 weeks, yet unspotted. They didn't even noticed our landing ship...
The obervation will soon be finished. We don't expect these creatures to defend themselves effectfully against us.
This planet just screems to get conquerred.
Interscelar log 15.
Commander "Beast", 24 Intellegence Unit
Commander to the people of L'êgó'órcì
Unit 0151D7E-20, assigned to Fireteam Serra. Capable of carrying up to 500lb supplies and ammo for itself and it's fireteam. Programmed with an advanced intellegence matrix, it's more like the golems of myth than a simple drone.
They just call her Mira.
Operation: MABC - MLS
We're here on a planet calle earth. The creatures living here aren't good developed. We're now here since 2 weeks, yet unspotted. They didn't even noticed our landing ship...
The obervation will soon be finished. We don't expect these creatures to defend themselves effectfully against us.
This planet just screems to get conquerred.
Interscelar log 15.
Commander "Beast", 24 Intellegence Unit
Commander to the people of L'êgó'órcì
Operation: MABC - MLS
We're here on a planet calle earth. The creatures living here aren't good developed. We're now here since 2 weeks, yet unspotted. They didn't even noticed our landing ship...
The obervation will soon be finished. We don't expect these creatures to defend themselves effectfully against us.
This planet just screems to get conquerred.
Interscelar log 15.
Commander "Beast", 24 Intellegence Unit
Commander to the people of L'êgó'órcì
Operation: MABC - MLS
We're here on a planet calle earth. The creatures living here aren't good developed. We're now here since 2 weeks, yet unspotted. They didn't even noticed our landing ship...
The obervation will soon be finished. We don't expect these creatures to defend themselves effectfully against us.
This planet just screems to get conquerred.
Interscelar log 15.
Commander "Beast", 24 Intellegence Unit
Commander to the people of L'êgó'órcì
A Chinook Salmon fighting its way up the massive Snoqualmie River to spawn. Battered, bruised and bloody it's fight is a matter of shear will.
In 2010 the National Geographic Society and Conservation International released details of previously unknown species of animals in New Guinea. Calling it the 'Lost World' and one of the most remote places left on Earth. You can imagine then what the conditions were like in 1942 for the Allied Forces fighting WWII when they landed on the island. For my Dad, a depression era kid from a steel manufracturing town, it was like being placed on Mars. But rather than seeing the unique inhabinants of the island as aliens my Dad remembered them as 'great people'. With out the help of the natives of New Guinea the Allied Forces would have been put under greater stress and weakened resources. Natives provided functions as building roads and airstrips, transporting and tending the wounded, and most importantly they provided military intellegence and knowledge of the enviroment.
Some of my Dad's saddest recollections of the war are of the natives who would camp around their bases. Not only to help the Americans but also to seek safety. Unfortunately the natives had no protection from Japanese air raids and women and children were killed. The sight of this was particuly disturbing to my Dad and would bring him to tears in later years. My Dad, however, had happier stories of when he and some of his buddies would take a jeep into the jungle and visit native villages. He said only once were they threathen and chased out of town by the end of 'long spears'. What caused the misunderstanding was they found an ill dog and they decided to put it out its misery with their rifles. That did not go over well with the tribe and they were'invited' to leave.
Little known is that natives were also trained as soldiers, by the thousands, and provided much needed help in fighting the Japanese. They formed one Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) and four New Guinea Infantry Battalions (NGIB) and were awarded eleven Australian Battle Honors. Below is a couple examples of their remarkable deeds.
'To obtain intelligence, some PIB soldiers were
allowed to grow their hair, remain unshaven, stain their
teeth with betel nut chewing, and then merge with the
local villagers. One soldier volunteered to catch fish for
the Japanese and they gave him grenades to stun the
fish. On handing over the catch, he asked for some fish
to smoke for the local villagers and while doing so he
arranged four fires on the shore. This was a prearranged
signal to his company commander, and next
morning the Air Force bombed the Japanese
concentration.'
'From the Kokoda campaign there was the remarkable Sergeant Katue
MM. During the withdrawal phase, he was left behind
because he could not walk. As he recovered, he made
his way back to rejoin friendly forces and he got some
of the locals to help him in his exploits. When he turned
up after two months, he tendered the insignia and
badges of 26 Japanese officers and NCOs that he had
killed, but none from privates, for they had nothing
worth collecting.'
www.rarnsw.org.au/image/DutyFirstArchive/Duty_First_Ramsa...
Drakk awoke with a start. Where was he? Memories flashed in his head as he regained consciousness. His last memory before he had collapsed was being rougly carried and of a great dark tower hidden amongst the forest.
As he sat up he took in his surroundings. He lay on intricately fashion bed that was surprisingly comfortable. Extravagant furnishing littered the dark room, along with rotting paintings of pale faced nobles. As he got out of bed he noticed that he had been clothed in rich black silks as he slept. His armor and cloak, still stained in the blood of the Lenfals, lay at the foot of the bed. With a mutter of approvement, he got out of the bed and approached the balcony. As an awe inspiring view of the forest came into view he realized just how tall this tower was to provide such a sight.
A knock from the door snatched his attention away from the forest as he turned to regard his host. No longer sporting the ornate obsidian armor and helm, his savior had changed into something much more appealing. The vampire now wore long lavish red dress and a glowing red gem in necklace around her porcelain throat. Flowing black hair reached past her shoulders and highlighted her pale face. With a sparkle in her eyes and a crooked smile she curtsied and whispered, “My name is Countess Celene. Welcome to my home Drakk. I have waited long for this day.”
“What do you want with me?” Drakk replied as he recovered from the beautiful sight.
“We can discuss that later. In the meantime can I get you some food or drink? I know using magic can take quite a toll, as I’m sure you noticed,” she said with a wink.
Being reminded of his failings upset Drakk, but he set his anger aside. This creature was dangerous. “Perhaps later. Now, what do you want with me?”
“Oh very well,” she replied with an embellished sigh. “I will tell you, but first a drink! I am quite thirsty.” As she said this her fangs revealed themselves and Drakk tensed, ready to fight.
Instead the Countess clapped her hands. “Grungo! Fetch me a glass would you darling?” A cyclops came to the door carrying a tray with a single cup. With surprising grace he approached and bowed, extending the tray to his mistress.
“Why thank you Grungo.” She turned to Drakk after taking a sip. “Grungo wanted me to thank you for rescuing him from the Lenfals. They were quite cruel. I will be a much better master for him.” She stroked the beast’s head as he remained bowed to the countess. “Now then, back to business. I would like to formally propose an alliance. My spies have told me of your influence in the magical isles, and I wish to join you in your mission against these hateful humans. What strength I lack in soldiers, I make up tenfold in my intellegence network. I have generations of spies working for me in every corner of Roawia. I will provide with intellegence and act as a messenger service for your own agents….if you do some things for me.”
“And what might those be,” Drakk responded with narrowed eyes.
“Simply that you will provide protection should I need it, and to supply me with a small amount of your own blood on a regular basis.”
“My blood? It seems you have your own means of procuring supplies.”
“Ah well yes, quite true. But you see, dragon’s blood is quite the delicacy for us vampires. Beyond its spendlid taste, It provides quite a boost for our already potent abilities. Let me show you…” As she approached Drakk, he stopped her with an upraised hand.
“No need for a demonstration, I will provide you with what you ask. We have a deal.”
Despite not being able to sample Drakk, she was quite thrilled. “Excellent!” she said with youthful joy. “We shall be quite the team Drakk, I assure you.”
Drakk turned his back to the smiling vampire countess to gaze at forest with its mists and dark trees.. His clawed hand gripped the railing tightly as he fell into this mind. So many allies willing to aide him in his crusade! The mainlanders had only begun to taste his wrath...
---------------------------------------------
This was the 1st photo I uploaded on flickr on 09/29/04 at 1411. Time flies!!! My life has been greatly enriched by all the amazing people and photographs here! It gives me hope to connect to so many caring people.
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This whale clinched my connection to the sea and whales.... he showed me the complex nature of other beings, their individuality, intellegence, curiosity and whenever he dove my imagination would follow him down into places I had never gone before.
_________________________________________
The Story of the First encounter with Fissure starts here.
This is the Story of the Second encounter with Fissure.
This is the Story of the Third encounter with Fissure.
My first picture on Flickr 09/29/04
By 10/04/05 I have 943 pictures and 19800 hits.
by 10/25/06 1,516 photos and 67,897 hits
In 2010 the National Geographic Society and Conservation International released details of previously unknown species of animals in New Guinea. Calling it the 'Lost World' and one of the most remote places left on Earth. You can imagine then what the conditions were like in 1942 for the Allied Forces fighting WWII when they landed on the island. For my Dad, a depression era kid from a steel manufracturing town, it was like being placed on Mars. But rather than seeing the unique inhabinants of the island as aliens my Dad remembered them as 'great people'. With out the help of the natives of New Guinea the Allied Forces would have been put under greater stress and weakened resources. Natives provided functions as building roads and airstrips, transporting and tending the wounded, and most importantly they provided military intellegence and knowledge of the enviroment.
Some of my Dad's saddest recollections of the war are of the natives who would camp around their bases. Not only to help the Americans but also to seek safety. Unfortunately the natives had no protection from Japanese air raids and women and children were killed. The sight of this was particuly disturbing to my Dad and would bring him to tears in later years. My Dad, however, had happier stories of when he and some of his buddies would take a jeep into the jungle and visit native villages. He said only once were they threathen and chased out of town by the end of 'long spears'. What caused the misunderstanding was they found an ill dog and they decided to put it out its misery with their rifles. That did not go over well with the tribe and they were'invited' to leave.
Little known is that natives were also trained as soldiers, by the thousands, and provided much needed help in fighting the Japanese. They formed one Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) and four New Guinea Infantry Battalions (NGIB) and were awarded eleven Australian Battle Honors. Below is a couple examples of their remarkable deeds.
'To obtain intelligence, some PIB soldiers were
allowed to grow their hair, remain unshaven, stain their
teeth with betel nut chewing, and then merge with the
local villagers. One soldier volunteered to catch fish for
the Japanese and they gave him grenades to stun the
fish. On handing over the catch, he asked for some fish
to smoke for the local villagers and while doing so he
arranged four fires on the shore. This was a prearranged
signal to his company commander, and next
morning the Air Force bombed the Japanese
concentration.'
'From the Kokoda campaign there was the remarkable Sergeant Katue
MM. During the withdrawal phase, he was left behind
because he could not walk. As he recovered, he made
his way back to rejoin friendly forces and he got some
of the locals to help him in his exploits. When he turned
up after two months, he tendered the insignia and
badges of 26 Japanese officers and NCOs that he had
killed, but none from privates, for they had nothing
worth collecting.'
www.rarnsw.org.au/image/DutyFirstArchive/Duty_First_Ramsa...
I got tagged by beetabonk, so here it goes....
1. I was born in Cambridge, England on January 22nd, 1974. That makes me an aquarius and a tiger, whatever the hell that means. I'm an only child, ditto.
2. I'm a university teacher in Nagoya, Japan. I've been here on and off for ten years.
3. I am married to Naoko, with a boy Ibuki, and another on the way. Naoko and I met here in Japan in 2000, and moved to Melbourne together six months later. We spent most of our time there eating cheesecake.
4. I can neither drive, nor swim.
5. I have two scars; one on my right eyelid from chicken pox, and one on the heel of my left hand from falling on a milk bottle.
6. In my early twenties I spent my first year away from England, including two months travelling up the east coast of Australia in a Toyota Hi-ace with no reverse gear.
7. My dad was a professional footballer, and we used to go to watch Southampton play in the great days of Matthew Le Tissier. My user name on flickr is a nod to the scorer of the only goal in the 1976 F.A. Cup Final, now sadly passed away.
8. On a good day, I'm an aetheist.
9. During my Masters degree year, I lived in three different flats. The first was above a pub and a kebab shop, and someone has subsequently been murdered there. The third was above the only "Hooters" restaurant in Britain.
10. My strongest professional asset is an ability to give the impression of intellegence and dilligence.
11. I first used a film SLR in 1998, when I took an A-level photography class and learnt to develop and print in black and white. I put the camera down for a while, but took it up again when my digital point and shoot broke shortly after my son was born. Now I have about ten film cameras, all pretty crappy, including a hardcore polaroid habit.
12. When pressed, I usually sing "I am the Walrus", "This Charming Man" and "Is she really going out with him?" at karaoke. My favourite artists are probably The Fall, Stereolab, the Pooh Sticks or PJ Harvey, but live - Bob Log III.
13. I'm a happy but clumsy drunk. I once walked home in someone else's shoes. I never found out whose, and I would love to apologise to him, as I guess he had to walk home in his socks.
14. My middle name is "Raymond"
15. My favourite films are "Twelve Angry Men", "The Breakfast Club", "Withnail and I" and "Irma la Douce". But I much prefer to read a good book.
16. I am actually quite dull.
I tagged Dr J Bowman, Chinako., Troutfactory, George Pollard and mr. analog, and apologise to all in advance.
“Please listen as I reveal to you the way in which My faith in God remains firm.” He then
began, “Regardless of how much pain or pleasure comes My way, and regardless of
whether wealth or poverty comes My way, in those circumstances, first I realise the
immense greatness of God. It is this realisation that allows Me, on seeing the riches and
royal opulence of the great kings of this world, to not associate even the slightest amount
of significance to them in My heart. Indeed, I believe that for Me, there is nothing greater
than God; and so My mind is firmly attached to His holy feet. In fact, My love for God is so
firm that even kãl, karma and mãyã are incapable of destroying that love. Even if My own
mind attempts to destroy that love for God, it cannot be destroyed. In fact, My resolve is
such that regardless of the extent of happiness or misery that may happen to come My
way, that love is not destroyed.
“Also, the natural inclination of My mind is such that I do not at all prefer to live in cities, in
mansions or in royal palaces. On the contrary, I very much prefer to stay where there are
forests, mountains, rivers, trees, or in some secluded place. I feel that it would be nice to
sit alone in some secluded place and meditate upon God. This is what I prefer at all times.
In fact, before I had had the darshan of Rãmãnand Swãmi, I had already decided with
Muktãnand Swãmi, ‘After you arrange for Me to have the darshan of Rãmãnand Swãmi,
the two of us will retire to the forest and constantly engage ourselves in the meditation of
God, and never shall we return to stay amongst people.’ Such was the resolution of My
mind then; even now, I feel exactly the same.
“In addition, the profound affection that I have for God and His devotees is so strong that
even kãl, karma and mãyã are incapable of eradicating that affection. In fact, even if My
own mind attempted to eradicate it, it would definitely not be eradicated from My heart.
Such is the intense love I have for God and His devotees.
“Many times I have become disheartened and felt like leaving this Satsang, but I have re-
-mained here on seeing the fellowship of devotees; I could in no way abandon them and
leave. In fact, I would be unable to stay where I do not find such devotees of God, even if
someone were to try by a million means to keep Me there. Regardless of how well one
may serve Me, I simply cannot get along with one who is not a devotee of God. In this
way, I have attached My mind with profound love to God & His devotees; & other than
that God, I have no liking for anything else. If that is so, why should love for God not
remain? Indeed, when I am engaged in spiritual discourses, devotional songs, etc.,
related to God, I experience such ecstasy that I feel as if I shall become mad due to it. In
fact, whatever composure remains is solely for the benefit of the devotees; but in My
mind, that very same ecstasy always remains; although outwardly, I behave in
accordance with the etiquette of society.
“It is that very God who is the sole controller of this body. If He wishes, He may oblige
the body with an honourable ride on an elephant; or if He wishes, He may have it
thrown in prison; or if He so wishes, He may even place some serious illness in the
body. Despite this, one should never pray before God in the following manner: ‘Mahãrãj!
Please relieve me of my misery.’ Why? Because we want this body to behave in
accordance with the wishes of God; after all, God’s wish is our wish. We do not want
our preferences to differ from the preferences of God even in the slightest way.
Moreover, since we have offered our body, mind and wealth to God, then now, only the
will of God is our prãrabdha; besides that, there is no other prãrabdha for us. Therefore,
regardless of whatever pain or pleasure we may encounter by the wish of God, we
should not become disturbed in any way; we should be pleased with whatever pleases
God.
“Thus, God Himself protects the dharma, gnãn, vairãgya and bhakti of a devotee who
has such intense love for God. Occasionally, though, due to the prevalence of adverse
circumstances, it may outwardly appear that such a devotee is transgressing dharma,
gnãn, etc., but inwardly, there is no transgression at all.”
In this manner, by citing His own example, Shriji Mahãrãj described the understanding
of an extremely staunch devotee of God, and how he should develop firm love for God.
- Bhaktavatsal Bhagwãn Swãminãrãyan, Vachanãmrut Gadhadã III-13
Drakk awoke with a start. Where was he? Memories flashed in his head as he regained consciousness. His last memory before he had collapsed was being rougly carried and of a great dark tower hidden amongst the forest.
As he sat up he took in his surroundings. He lay on intricately fashion bed that was surprisingly comfortable. Extravagant furnishing littered the dark room, along with rotting paintings of pale faced nobles. As he got out of bed he noticed that he had been clothed in rich black silks as he slept. His armor and cloak, still stained in the blood of the Lenfals, lay at the foot of the bed. With a mutter of approvement, he got out of the bed and approached the balcony. As an awe inspiring view of the forest came into view he realized just how tall this tower was to provide such a sight.
A knock from the door snatched his attention away from the forest as he turned to regard his host. No longer sporting the ornate obsidian armor and helm, his savior had changed into something much more appealing. The vampire now wore long lavish red dress and a glowing red gem in necklace around her porcelain throat. Flowing black hair reached past her shoulders and highlighted her pale face. With a sparkle in her eyes and a crooked smile she curtsied and whispered, “My name is Countess Celene. Welcome to my home Drakk. I have waited long for this day.”
“What do you want with me?” Drakk replied as he recovered from the beautiful sight.
“We can discuss that later. In the meantime can I get you some food or drink? I know using magic can take quite a toll, as I’m sure you noticed,” she said with a wink.
Being reminded of his failings upset Drakk, but he set his anger aside. This creature was dangerous. “Perhaps later. Now, what do you want with me?”
“Oh very well,” she replied with an embellished sigh. “I will tell you, but first a drink! I am quite thirsty.” As she said this her fangs revealed themselves and Drakk tensed, ready to fight.
Instead the Countess clapped her hands. “Grungo! Fetch me a glass would you darling?” A cyclops came to the door carrying a tray with a single cup. With surprising grace he approached and bowed, extending the tray to his mistress.
“Why thank you Grungo.” She turned to Drakk after taking a sip. “Grungo wanted me to thank you for rescuing him from the Lenfals. They were quite cruel. I will be a much better master for him.” She stroked the beast’s head as he remained bowed to the countess. “Now then, back to business. I would like to formally propose an alliance. My spies have told me of your influence in the magical isles, and I wish to join you in your mission against these hateful humans. What strength I lack in soldiers, I make up tenfold in my intellegence network. I have generations of spies working for me in every corner of Roawia. I will provide with intellegence and act as a messenger service for your own agents….if you do some things for me.”
“And what might those be,” Drakk responded with narrowed eyes.
“Simply that you will provide protection should I need it, and to supply me with a small amount of your own blood on a regular basis.”
“My blood? It seems you have your own means of procuring supplies.”
“Ah well yes, quite true. But you see, dragon’s blood is quite the delicacy for us vampires. Beyond its spendlid taste, It provides quite a boost for our already potent abilities. Let me show you…” As she approached Drakk, he stopped her with an upraised hand.
“No need for a demonstration, I will provide you with what you ask. We have a deal.”
Despite not being able to sample Drakk, she was quite thrilled. “Excellent!” she said with youthful joy. “We shall be quite the team Drakk, I assure you.”
Drakk turned his back to the smiling vampire countess to gaze at forest with its mists and dark trees.. His clawed hand gripped the railing tightly as he fell into this mind. So many allies willing to aide him in his crusade! The mainlanders had only begun to taste his wrath...
---------------------------------------------
In 2010 the National Geographic Society and Conservation International released details of previously unknown species of animals in New Guinea. Calling it the 'Lost World' and one of the most remote places left on Earth. You can imagine then what the conditions were like in 1942 for the Allied Forces fighting WWII when they landed on the island. For my Dad, a depression era kid from a steel manufracturing town, it was like being placed on Mars. But rather than seeing the unique inhabinants of the island as aliens my Dad remembered them as 'great people'. With out the help of the natives of New Guinea the Allied Forces would have been put under greater stress and weakened resources. Natives provided functions as building roads and airstrips, transporting and tending the wounded, and most importantly they provided military intellegence and knowledge of the enviroment.
Some of my Dad's saddest recollections of the war are of the natives who would camp around their bases. Not only to help the Americans but also to seek safety. Unfortunately the natives had no protection from Japanese air raids and women and children were killed. The sight of this was particuly disturbing to my Dad and would bring him to tears in later years. My Dad, however, had happier stories of when he and some of his buddies would take a jeep into the jungle and visit native villages. He said only once were they threathen and chased out of town by the end of 'long spears'. What caused the misunderstanding was they found an ill dog and they decided to put it out its misery with their rifles. That did not go over well with the tribe and they were'invited' to leave.
Little known is that natives were also trained as soldiers, by the thousands, and provided much needed help in fighting the Japanese. They formed one Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) and four New Guinea Infantry Battalions (NGIB) and were awarded eleven Australian Battle Honors. Below is a couple examples of their remarkable deeds.
'To obtain intelligence, some PIB soldiers were
allowed to grow their hair, remain unshaven, stain their
teeth with betel nut chewing, and then merge with the
local villagers. One soldier volunteered to catch fish for
the Japanese and they gave him grenades to stun the
fish. On handing over the catch, he asked for some fish
to smoke for the local villagers and while doing so he
arranged four fires on the shore. This was a prearranged
signal to his company commander, and next
morning the Air Force bombed the Japanese
concentration.'
'From the Kokoda campaign there was the remarkable Sergeant Katue
MM. During the withdrawal phase, he was left behind
because he could not walk. As he recovered, he made
his way back to rejoin friendly forces and he got some
of the locals to help him in his exploits. When he turned
up after two months, he tendered the insignia and
badges of 26 Japanese officers and NCOs that he had
killed, but none from privates, for they had nothing
worth collecting.'
www.rarnsw.org.au/image/DutyFirstArchive/Duty_First_Ramsa...
In 2010 the National Geographic Society and Conservation International released details of previously unknown species of animals in New Guinea. Calling it the 'Lost World' and one of the most remote places left on Earth. You can imagine then what the conditions were like in 1942 for the Allied Forces fighting WWII when they landed on the island. For my Dad, a depression era kid from a steel manufracturing town, it was like being placed on Mars. But rather than seeing the unique inhabinants of the island as aliens my Dad remembered them as 'great people'. With out the help of the natives of New Guinea the Allied Forces would have been put under greater stress and weakened resources. Natives provided functions as building roads and airstrips, transporting and tending the wounded, and most importantly they provided military intellegence and knowledge of the enviroment.
Some of my Dad's saddest recollections of the war are of the natives who would camp around their bases. Not only to help the Americans but also to seek safety. Unfortunately the natives had no protection from Japanese air raids and women and children were killed. The sight of this was particuly disturbing to my Dad and would bring him to tears in later years. My Dad, however, had happier stories of when he and some of his buddies would take a jeep into the jungle and visit native villages. He said only once were they threathen and chased out of town by the end of 'long spears'. What caused the misunderstanding was they found an ill dog and they decided to put it out its misery with their rifles. That did not go over well with the tribe and they were'invited' to leave.
Little known is that natives were also trained as soldiers, by the thousands, and provided much needed help in fighting the Japanese. They formed one Papuan Infantry Battalion (PIB) and four New Guinea Infantry Battalions (NGIB) and were awarded eleven Australian Battle Honors. Below is a couple examples of their remarkable deeds.
'To obtain intelligence, some PIB soldiers were
allowed to grow their hair, remain unshaven, stain their
teeth with betel nut chewing, and then merge with the
local villagers. One soldier volunteered to catch fish for
the Japanese and they gave him grenades to stun the
fish. On handing over the catch, he asked for some fish
to smoke for the local villagers and while doing so he
arranged four fires on the shore. This was a prearranged
signal to his company commander, and next
morning the Air Force bombed the Japanese
concentration.'
'From the Kokoda campaign there was the remarkable Sergeant Katue
MM. During the withdrawal phase, he was left behind
because he could not walk. As he recovered, he made
his way back to rejoin friendly forces and he got some
of the locals to help him in his exploits. When he turned
up after two months, he tendered the insignia and
badges of 26 Japanese officers and NCOs that he had
killed, but none from privates, for they had nothing
worth collecting.'
www.rarnsw.org.au/image/DutyFirstArchive/Duty_First_Ramsa...