Paul Bulcke visits a school close to our new plant in Karnataka, India. Nestlé works with local government in the region to provide clean drinking water and sanitation facilities to village schools

Value @ Bridgetown 3/22/14

Vineland NJ. Vacant store. Great light...

yes...you may notice I am missing 4 squares. That is because it's a bit bigger than I had originally planned, and so the 'spares' have been used up.

Value @ Bridgetown 3/22/14

One of the lessons learned in World War II was the value of radar in intercepting aircraft: Chain Home radar used during the Battle of Britain proved invaluable to the Royal Air Force in getting its fighters in the air to fend off Luftwaffe attacks. Ground radar, however, was generally limited to line-of-sight, thus the curvature of the Earth prevented long-range detection.

To put large ground radars aloft required a bigger aircraft, and in June 1949, the US Navy acquired two Lockheed L-749 Constellation airliners, adding an APS-45 height-finder radar above the fuselage and an APS-20 search radar below it. Despite the ungainly appearance of the aircraft, flight performance was not overly handicapped and the experiment was deemed a success. Initially designated PO-1W, the Navy changed the designation to WV-2 in 1952, as production aircraft were based on the larger, longer-ranged L-1049 Super Constellation; though it was officially named Warning Star by Lockheed, its crews used the phonetic alphabet to coin a more long-lasting nickname: Willy Victor. The usefulness of an airborne early warning aircraft was apparent to the USAF as well, and in 1953, it acquired WV-2s diverted from Navy production, designated EC-121D.

The initial purpose of both the WV-2s and EC-121s was to operate the “ocean barrier,” along the coasts of the United States, providing early warning of any Soviet attack from the sea or against Alaska or Hawaii. Typically up to five aircraft from either or both services would be on station at any given time, and EC-121s were forward deployed to Japan and Iceland as well. These aircraft were used extensively during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, tracking Soviet ships approaching the blockade line, as well as monitoring Cuban air activity over the island itself. As satellites began to take over the early warning role, the barrier patrols were discontinued in 1965.

It would be in Vietnam that the AEW concept first proved itself. At the beginning of Operation Rolling Thunder in 1965, there were significant gaps in American radar coverage of North Vietnam, and 7th Air Force requested a detachment of EC-121Ds be deployed to Southeast Asia under Operation Big Eye. Orbiting over Laos, the EC-121s did provide some assistance to USAF strike crews, while US Navy WV-2s did the same over Tonkin Gulf; the first successful EC-121 controlled intercept took place in July 1965 and resulted in the downing of two MiG-17s.

However, as the EC-121 had been designed to detect targets over water, the mountains of North Vietnam provided plenty of hiding places for North Vietnamese MiG fighters, communications between fighters and controllers was poor, and the APS-70 height finder did not have the range from Laos to reach the vital “Pak Six” area over Hanoi, which limited Big Eye EC-121s primarily to raid warning. Moreover, the air conditioning system on the EC-121 had never been designed for a tropical environment, and eight-hour missions in a sweltering hot fuselage were distinctly uncomfortable.

Beginning in April 1967, USAF strike forces began noticing a distinct improvement in the EC-121s’ raid warning and interception coordination, as their callsign shifted to College Eye. Unbeknownst to most of the USAF, the EC-121s had been secretly fitted with QRC-248 sensors that homed in on the Identification Friend/Foe (IFF) signals sent out by North Vietnamese MiGs. College Eye EC-121s still could not give altitude, but they could instantly warn the force when MiGs were taking off and their general direction of attack.

Now with the callsign Disco, EC-121Ts could, in theory, provide instant detection, warning, and coordination for American fighters; Disco was, however, limited by its radar setup, the need to route information through the ground-based Teaball system, and the secretive nature of its equipment. Rarely was Disco able to give real-time warning. When the system worked, however, it was very effective. 25 MiG kills were made with College Eye/Disco assistance, while rescue coordination by EC-121s led to the recovery of 80 downed Americans. Despite 98,000 combat hours, no EC-121s were lost during the Vietnam War to enemy action.

The limitations of the EC-121 and its increasing age (there were no losses over Vietnam, but accidents elsewhere cost both services no less than 31 aircraft) meant that, following the end of American involvement in Vietnam, a more advanced replacement was required: the US Navy had already begun with the introduction of the E-2 Hawkeye, while the USAF began experimenting with the EC-137D, which became the E-3 Sentry. The EC-121 was gradually withdrawn, with the last EC-121T of the USAF leaving Air Force Reserve units in 1979. 232 aircraft were built and 12 survive in museums.

This EC-121T, 52-3417, is the oldest surviving Warning Star left, and has a personal connection to myself and one of my friends. It entered service as an RC-121D, before the designation was switched to an EC-121D and it was upgraded to an EC-121T. It may have served with the 552nd AWCW at McClellan AFB, California and possibly saw service in Vietnam as a College Eye or Disco AWACS. As the EC-121s began to be replaced by the E-3 Sentry, 52-3417 was reassigned to the 915th AWCG (Reserve) at Homestead AFB, Florida. It was retired in 1976, but in 1981, the Helena Vo-Tech (now the University of Montana-Helena College of Technology) obtained 52-3417 as a ground instructional trainer. It would remain at Helena for the next 36 years.

In 2008, the college no longer had a use for 52-3417, as it was long obsolete, and offered it to any museum willing to clean it up and move it. The Evergreen Air Museum in McMinnville, Oregon took up the challenge: not only would they clean it, they would restore 52-3417 to flyable status and ferry it from Montana to Oregon. The museum had nearly completed work on it when Evergreen International, the museum's patron, went bankrupt. Work halted on 52-3417, and it seemed that it was stuck again. Finally, in 2017, the Castle Air Museum acquired the aircraft. It was not flown, however, but rather dismantled and moved by rail. It was reassembled and went on display in 2019.

52-3417 is still showing the effects of being in Montana winters for 36 years: its markings are faded, though they still show the 915th's crest on the tail and "AFRES" on the fuselage. Plans are to restore the aircraft at some point to its former glory, but at least it is now at a museum.

For me, this picture is the culmination of almost a decade trying to get a shot of 52-3417! I saw it many times when Dad and I, or friends, would pass through Helena, but either I never had a camera or I couldn't get a good shot. The last time I made the try was in 2017, but a snowstorm blocked my view, and it was moved to Castle afterwards. Finally, in May 2021, I got this picture. For my friend Nate, who was the driver on the 2021 trip, this was a bit more personal: he had worked on this aircraft during his time at Vo-Tech in the early 1980s.

This photograph of him appeared in the edition of the Norwich Mercury dated January 26 1918. The caption reads : Pte. Sidney Payne, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, of Feltwell, killed in action.

S. PAYNE, ROYAL INNIS. FUS.*********

On the Church Roll of Honour he is recorded as Sidney Payne.

Private PAYNE, SYDNEY

Service Number:…………… 43973

Died:……………………….. 20/11/1917

Unit:…………………………1st Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

Son of Lemon Payne; husband of Mabel Ella Payne, of Shrub Cottage, Feltwell, Brandon, Suffolk.

Commemorated at CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL

CWGC: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1755848/payne,-sydney/

SDGW records that Private 43973 Sydney Payne was Killed in Action on the 20th November 1917 whilst serving in France & Flanders with the 1st Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was formerly 018179, Army Ordnance Corps. He was born “Felwell”, Norfolk and enlisted Norwich. No place of residence is shown.

The Medal Index card for Private 43973 Sydney Payne, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, is held at the National Archive under reference WO 372/15/162291

However its shows him previously as 50347 North Staffordshire Regiment.

discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D4561416

He qualified for the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. The related Medal Roll shows that he was original 50347 5th North Staffordshire Regiment, then 43973 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

His Service Records do not appear to have survived the incendiary attack during the Blitz on the Warehouse where all the Other Ranks Army Service Records were stored.

No match on Picture Norfolk, the county image archive.

No obvious Missing Person enquiry received by the International Red Cross.

The 1918 Probate Calendar records that ‘Sidney’ Payne of Feltwell, Norfolk, Private Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers died 20th November 1917 in France, Probate was granted at the Norwich Court on the 27th May 1918 to Henry Addison and Wilfred Addison, house decorators. His effects were valued at £284 19s.

probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=Payne&y...

The balance of his pay was sent to his Executor, Henry Addison, in July 1918. Sydneys’ War Gratuity was also paid in November 1919 to Henry.

The relevant Panel on the Cambrai Memorial can be seen here:-

www.findagrave.com/memorial/56029128/sydney-payne#view-ph...

1889/1890 – Birth and Baptism……..

The birth of a Sidney Payne was registered with the Civil Authorities in the Thetford District in the January to March quarter, (Q1), of 1890. Then, as now, you had 42 days after the event to report the birth without facing prosecution and a fine. A baby registered at the start of Q1 could therefore have been born as early as the middle of the previous November.

The baptism of a Sidney Payne, no date of birth recorded, took place in the Parish of St Mary and St Nicholas, Feltwell on the 25th October 1890. His mother was Clara Genese Payne. No father was listed.

The two of them lived in the Parish.

www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818f8fde93790eca32d257...

On the same day and in the same parish, two other Paynes were baptised.

Avis Hilda, no date of birth recorded. Parents John Lemon, a Farmer and Mary Ann.

www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818f8fde93790eca32d256...

Katie Louisa, no date of birth recorded. Parents John Lemon, a Farmer and Mary Ann.

www.freereg.org.uk/search_records/5818f8fde93790eca32d256...

1891 Census of England and Wales

The 1 year old “Sidney” Payne, born Feltwell, was recorded living in a dwelling on Howard’s Drove, Feltwell, This was the household of his grandparents, Lemon, (aged 39, a Farmer + Machinist, born Feltwell), and MaryAnn, (aged 40(?) and born Northwold, Norfolk). As well as Sidney their own children living with them are:-

Clara…………aged 16……born Feltwell

Robert………..aged 12…….born Feltwell

Manella(?)……aged 7……..born Feltwell

Katie………….aged 4……..born Feltwell

Aves(?)……….aged 2……..born Feltwell

1901 Census of England and Wales

The 11 year old “Sidney” was probably still living with same family, but now his relationship is shown as son. They were living at the Farm House, Near Elm Tree, either on or near the junction with Howard’s Lane, Feltwell. Parents were John L. Payne, (49, a Farmer, born Feltwell), and Mary A, (aged 53, now stated to have been born Feltwell). Children still single and living with them are:-

Frederick W……..aged 24…..born Feltwell….Engineer

Kate……………..aged 14…...born Feltwell

Avis……………..aged 12……born Feltwell

Clement…………aged 9……..born Feltwell

1911 Census of England and Wales

The Payne family were now recorded living at Short Beck, Feltwell. Parents John Lemon, (aged 60. A Farmer) and Maryann, (62, now reverted to being born Northwold), have been married 38 years and have had 8 children, who were all then still alive. The only other person living with them is their 21 year old unmarried son, Sidney Payne, a Farm Bailiff.

1913 – Marriage……………………..

The marriage of a Sidney Payne to a Mabel E. Leonard was recorded in the Thetford District in the October to December quarter, (Q4), of 1913.

Until September 1911 the quarterly index published by the General Registrars Office did not show information about the mothers’ maiden name. A check of the General Registrars Office Index of Birth for England and Wales 1911 – 1983 shows no likely children of Sidney and Mabel.

On the day…………………………….

Selected extracts from “The Story of the 29th Division: A record of gallant deeds” by Captain Stair Gillon – pages 151 – 159

1st Royal Inniskillings were part of 87th Brigade in 29th Division

20th November 1917

Page 151

The advance of the 29th, which began between 1 and 2 a.m. on the morning of November 20, was carried out without a hitch. The 87th, which led, reached the point of assembly at 3.30 a.m.

The only audible sound was the chug, chugging noise of the tanks,378 of which had been allotted to the III. and IV. Corps. The 86th and the 88th were in position in ample time for zero.

At 6. 10 a.m. the tanks started. It was one of the most dramatic moments in the war. At 6.20, from concealed guns which had only just registered, there burst a torrent of smoke, gas, and high explosiveshells. And all this in an autumn mist so thick that one

(Page 152) could only see 100 yards ahead. It is recorded by the 2nd Royal Fusiliers that they marched on a compass bearing of 40° till they passed through the 6th Division, who had captured and were holding the Hindenburg Line. The assaulting three divisions of the corps attacked with the barrage, and the 29th moved forward quickly to allotted positions in the old front line., which was reached about 7.30 a.m. The feeble counter-barrage did little damage, and soon ceased. Prisoners were soon seen in masses.

The orders to the 29th were to wait until information arrived that the leading divisions had gained the Hindenburg Support Line, timed for 10 o'clock. Owing to fog an aeroplane could not act, and it took two hours for information to reach the 29th Divisional Headquarters that we had gained the Hindenburg Line. To have waited for news of reaching the second objective would have rendered the pursuit by the 29th abortive owing to want of time. At 10.30 a.m. therefore, the three brigades were ordered to advance, the 88th Brigade (Nelson) on the right moving north-east against Masnieres, the 87th Brigade (Lucas) in the centre due north against Marcoing, by the east slopes of the Couillet valley, and the 86th Brigade (Cheape) north-north-east by the west slopes of the Couillet valley against Nine Wood, a copse at the top of a ridge overlooking Marcoing, and a mile to the north of it. There was no divisional reserve, as the 29th had three distinct and widely separated positions, to attain each of which would require a full brigade. But a pursuing force is frequently entitled to take extraordinary risks, and in this case there was no choice. The two brigades on the flanks

(Page 153) moved in diamond formation with a battalion at each point, so that if the leading battalion was unable to advance, the flanking battalions by continuing to advance would automatically turn the flanks of the defenders. This manoeuvre proved most successful. All the brigades advanced through the broad lanes torn by the tanks through the forest of barbed wire. The 16th Battalion Middlesex Regiment, acting as advanced guard to the 86th Brigade, was held up by heavy machine-gun fire from a chalk quarry in front of Nine Wood, a place essential to the safe holding of Marcoing, but the 2nd Royal Fusiliers on the right, and the Guernsey Light Infantry on the left, pushed in and took the quarry by reverse fire with hardly a check, the latter battalion receiving their baptism of fire in the course of this flawless manoeuvre. In addition to many prisoners, 26 machine guns were captured there. The centre brigade adopted the square formation, the two leading battalions finding their own advanced guards. After the garrison of the quarry had been thus disposed of, Nine Wood was captured with hardly a check, and outposts pushed on to Noyelles-sur-L'Escaut, a village about a mile to the north-west of the top of the spur, and lying, as its full name tells, on the (left) bank of the Scheidt.

………

(Page 154) Meanwhile, the 87th in the centre progressed steadily (and likethe 88th, without any artillery help), and with a certain degree of caution, as prisoners stated that Marcoing was held by three battalions. Some troublesome machine-gun fire was met with at Marcoing Copse, half a mile south-east of the village, and a certain number of casualties occurred, but the advance continued, and it was soon seen that any resistance this side of the canal was more apparent than real. The K.O.S.B., the leading battalion on the left, on capturing Marcoing, secured only 50 prisoners. The rest had fled, and yet it was evidently a place of great importance. Valuable assistance was rendered to the K.O.S.B. by tanks in this well-fought action. Nor did the K.O.S.B. forget their instructions regarding bridgeheads. Leaving two companies to mop up the village., Colonel C. A. G. O. Murray sent on the two others to capture the main bridge over the canal. Thanks to the intrepid advance of Major B. T. Wilson, R.E., in front of the infantry, this bridge was saved from destruction in the nick of time. It had been mined, but the engineers were up in time to cut the leads. As soon as the bridge was in our hands, the Borders, under Lieutenant-Colonel A. J. Ellis, D.S.O., carne sweeping through to attack the third and last line of the German system of defence. It was at this time that a check was threatened by a well-posted machine gun. The Germans were evidently regaining their heads and hearts. But it was not for long. Sergeant Spackman, of the Border Regiment, dashed across to the far side, for he had located the danger. Single-handed, and with great tactical skill, he worked round the gun by short rushes from cover to cover, shooting down the detachment in his advance. He shot all but one man, who abandoned his gun and bolted. By this intrepid act Sergeant Spackman cleared the way for those of his comrades, who did not cross by the lock bridge at the little Chateau of Talrna, north of the village, to cross the canal. For this dashing exploit Sergeant Spackman won the twenty-first V.C. for the 29th.

(Page 155) Now for the S.W.B. and R.I.F. on the right. It will be evident to the reader that, when mention was made of firing at Marcoing Copse, it would principally affect the right half of the brigade. It was the S.W.B. under Colonel G. T. Raikes, D.S.O., who met with and overcame this opposition. They continued their march towards the river and the canal, which at this point are almost contiguous. About two-thirds of the two miles of distance between Marcoing and Masnieres, in the direction of Masnieres, is a lock. This lock the S.W.B. seized, and, crossing by it, formed a bridgehead on the farther side. Hard behind them came the R.I.F., but, by the time they came up, a machine gun, firing from a building on the far side, made any attempt to cross futile. It was then that the initiative and bravery of their commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Sherwood-Kelly, C.M.G., D.S.O., once more restored the situation. He ran under fire to a tank, with which he returned, and the fire of which he directed against the building. He himself at the head of his men then crossed the lock-bridge, followed by his leading company. Opposition then collapsed, and the remainder of the battalion passed over in safety. Although it is out of the order of events, it may be stated here that the same officer, on the same day, covered another company through a belt of wire, using a Lewis gun himself. His final exploit on that day was personally to lead a company against the defenders of some sunk gun pits, between Masnieres and Marcoing, which resulted in the capture of 46 prisoners and 5 machine guns. The Times correspondent, in giving his account of this record of gallantry, speaks of '' his coolness and nonchalance which were the inspiration of the whole battalion." His arm bore four wound stripes, and his last wound in the lung, as we know, would have entitled him to be permanently invalided. For these exploits he was subsequently awarded the V.C., the twenty-second won for the division.

(Page 157) But the N.F.L.D., on reaching the canal lock on the left edge of Masnieres, met with

stubborn resistance. After a severe combat the bridge was won, but, as the final objective, the Beaurevoir line, was beyond reach, a defensive flank was dug, linking up with the 87th Brigade.

87th Brigade Headquarters then moved to Marcoing, where the battalion headquarters were already ensconced, and attention was directed to discovering how the attack on the Beaurevoir line and the north-western suburbs of Masnieres had succeeded. Great results were not to be expected from a few tired battalions (the R.I.F. had had a rencontre of considerable asperity 1,000 yards north-west of Masnieres and taken some prisoners en route) and

(Page 158) one tank, confronted with a wired and entrenched position about a mile away. On the extreme left a company of the Borders captured a portion of the hostile trenches and 19 prisoners. As it could not be supported, it was ordered to retire. This order was carried out with masterly skill by alternate platoons. Not a prisoner escaped. It was a very fine example of "fire and movement'' in retreat.

The net result from north to west was that the 86th had reached their objective at Noyelles, the 87th had two battalions confronting the final objective and two in reserve in Marcoing. The 88th had captured three-fourths of Masnieres, and had three battalions across the canal and one in and around L.R.V. Rain had begun to fall early in the aftemoon. It was a nasty, cold winter’s night. The men had no blankets, but, though dog tired, they had plenty to do with pick and shovel.

……….

(Page 159) Perhaps the notable feature of this operation lay in the sustained endurance of the troops prior to, during, and subsequent to the attack. There had been no night's rest for three nights previous to the battle, and a night in the train had been followed by three night marches, some of the units doing as much as 12 miles in a night. On the actual day of battle the 29th Division marched 10 miles to the canal, carrying 6o lbs. of equipment. They fought till dark, and then consolidated a position 5,000 yards long by 1,500 deep.

Tank involvement

Orders

9, 11 and 10 sections, each with four tanks, were allotted respectively to 86th, 87th and 88th brigades, 29th Division. This division was to pass through the leading waves at the Brown Line and then assault toward the Bridges in Marcoing and Masnieres.

A55, , 2878, “Aggressive II”, 2Lt Lipscombe

Source: sites.google.com/site/landships/home/narratives/1917/camb...

Sign alongside a turnstile at Meadow Lane, home to Birstall United Football Club, who celebrated in 2021 their 60th anniversary.

Captured before a 3-0 victory, in the First Division of the United Counties League, over Leicester area neighbours Kirby Muxloe.

Three up at half-time, Birstall, during the second period, saw a penalty saved, struck the inside of a post three times and were denied in a one-on-one. Kirby Muxloe squandered three very good chances in the last 10 minutes.

Match statistics

Birstall United versus Kirby Muxloe

United Counties League, Division One (7.45pm kick-off)

Admission: £5. Programme: 16 pages (included with admission). Attendance: 102. Birstall United 3 Kirby Muxloe 0 (half-time 3-0). Scoring sequence: 1-0 (6mins, Paul Pallett, penalty); 2-0 (23mins, Corey Bucalossi); 3-0 (39mins, Dre Articolo).

Cincinnati, OH. March 25, 2020. Shot on a Nikon F6 and Kodak Portra 160. Developed and scanned by The Darkroom.

Value

Heading over the bridge towards Château de Cormatin, ready to start our guided tour of the Château.

In 1280, Henry du Blé built a fortress on the bank of the river Grosne, to control the road leading to the abbey of Cluny.

This medieval fortress disappeared after 1606 when Antoine du Blé began building a chateau, in order to demonstrate his success at the end of the wars of religion.

It retained the medieval base, used for foundations but also to keep track of the ancestral home and attest the antiquity of his family.

Three residential wings are arranged in a horseshoe, completed on the outer corners by four large projecting defensive pavilions. The fourth side was a rampart to first floor level, with a monumental entrance and drawbridge.

The exterior facades, of military severity, were inspired by the citadel in Chalon, of which Antoine du Blé had been appointed Governor by Henri IV.

The quadrangle has been altered over the ages: the rampart was eliminated at the end of the seventeenth century, as a sign of allegiance to Louis XIV, the west wing was lowered after a fire in 1812 and the south wing collapsed in 1815 during its conversion into a textile factory.

Luckily, the north wing remains intact. It was the last to be built by Jacques du Blé (1620-1626 approx.) As an intimate of Marie de Medicis, he was inspired by the Luxembourg Palace, built at the same time for the queen.

Château de Cormatin

The castle of Cormatin is located on the commune of Cormatin in Saone-et-Loire , in an island of the Grosne river. Built at the beginning of the 17th century , it retains original details rare as its staircase and the decoration of certain rooms. The castle is listed as a historic monument in 1862 and 2003 and various parts of the park are registered in 1995.

Only the main body of the main house and a wing are placed in the back of the square. On its three external corners, the whole is flanked by pavilions half-off work themselves flanked on their inner corners of overhanging turrets without defensive value. The principal house opens on the courtyard by a door inscribed in a Doric span crowned with an edicule that surmounts a pediment framing a decapitated bust. It is reached by a staircase of five steps. In the center of its western façade, this main building comprises a fore-span of a span. The wing in return of angle square opens on the courtyard by a door inscribed between two ionic pilasters.

In the middle of the north wing, the staircase with empty cage is the oldest of this type preserved in France. On the ground floor, the rooms (apartments of the Marquise d'Uxelles in particular) have retained their carved wooden chimneys, their paneling framing leather panels of Cordoba , their gently painted French ceilings , their furniture, their paintings Attributed to Claude Glee, Lesueur , Mignard , Nattier , Rigaud , Van de Velde and Velasquez . One of the oldest ceilings is that of "the sky" of the cabinet of curiosities; The lapis-lazuli and the gilding of the Sainte-Cécile cabinet facilitate the reflection of candles and thus the reading.

The estate includes a park of twelve hectares with flowerbeds, a large labyrinth of boxwood and an old kitchen garden. An ordered garden existed as early as 1620 , at the time of the construction of the present castle. Simplified at the beginning of the 18th century , landscaped around 1785 with planting of trees brought back from America by Pierre Desoteux after the War of Independence (tulip trees, bald cypresses, etc.). The garden was destroyed around 1815 to find the land needed to fill the moat. It was recreated from 1990 onwards after the land was rebuilt.

The castle was listed as a listed monument in 1862 and then by decree on February 2, 1903. Part of the gardens, moat, median , canal and water mirror, as well as the fence wall were Listed as a historic monument on January 19, 1995. It is a private property that is open to the public. It is accessible via line 7 of the Buscéphale network (the departmental coaches of Saône-et-Loire)

footbridge over a moat

Portland, OR May 26, 2010

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. #success #value #determination #motivation

Ramakrishna Math, Gourhati

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By far if I have to choose the best one among my photographs, I will choose this one first. Actually while taking this shot, I was waiting for her to take off. The moment she lifted I started firing my camera and the result is what you see.

© Copyright Nandakumar Gowraraju.

All my images and contents are All Rights Reserved. They should not be reproduced in any way, and unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of my images for any reason/purpose please contact me.Failing to do so will result in severe legal consequences as per Indian Copyrights Act, 1957.

Taken for the 'Value' element of art for Photo Club.

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Heritage value in the old Victoria Courthouse at Bastion Square

Eco Fashion Week April 22, 2013 Three stylists with $500 each made three runway collections from outfits presented by Value Village. Photos by Sean Herd.

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Value Education Workshop at Jalpaiguri and Coochbehar District of West Bengal in April 2017

Former Value City Dept. Store.

The Patented Totem Flash

Edward Dawutey, Waste Water Treatment Plant Technician, tests treated water at our Tema factory in Ghana.

(Multiple Values)

The Taj Mahal (/ˌtɑːdʒ məˈhɑːl/, more often /ˈtɑːʒ/; from Persian and Arabic, "crown of palaces", pronounced [ˈt̪aːdʒ mɛˈɦɛl]) is a white marble mausoleum located on the southern bank of Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1628–1658) to house the tomb of his favorite wife of three, Mumtaz Mahal.

Construction of the mausoleum was essentially completed in 1643 but work continued on other phases of the project for an additional ten years. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653 at a cost estimated at the time to be around 32 million Indian rupees, which in 2015 would be valued at around 52.8 billion Indian rupees ($827 million US). The construction project employed around 20,000 artisans under the guidance of a board of architects led by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. The domed marble tomb is part of an integrated complex consisting of gardens and two red-sandstone buildings surrounded by a crenellated wall on three sides.

The Taj Mahal is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India". It is one of the world’s most celebrated structures and a symbol of India’s rich history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Taj Mahal attracts some 3 million visitors a year.

INSPIRATION

In 1631, Shah Jahan, emperor during the Mughal empire's period of greatest prosperity, was grief-stricken when his favorite of three wives and beloved companion, Mumtaz Mahal, a Persian princess, died during the birth of their 14th child, Gauhara Begum. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632. The court chronicles of Shah Jahan's grief illustrate the love story traditionally held as an inspiration for Taj Mahal. The principal mausoleum was completed in 1643 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished about five years later.

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

The Taj Mahal incorporates and expands on design traditions of Persian and earlier Mughal architecture. Specific inspiration came from successful Timurid and Mughal buildings including; the Gur-e Amir (the tomb of Timur, progenitor of the Mughal dynasty, in Samarkand), Humayun's Tomb, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb (sometimes called the Baby Taj), and Shah Jahan's own Jama Masjid in Delhi. While earlier Mughal buildings were primarily constructed of red sandstone, Shah Jahan promoted the use of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. Buildings under his patronage reached new levels of refinement.

TOMB

The tomb is the central focus of the entire complex of the Taj Mahal. It is a large, white marble structure standing on a square plinth and consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway) topped by a large dome and finial. Like most Mughal tombs, the basic elements are Persian in origin.

The base structure is a large multi-chambered cube with chamfered corners forming an unequal eight-sided structure that is approximately 55 metres on each of the four long sides. Each side of the iwan is framed with a huge pishtaq or vaulted archway with two similarly shaped arched balconies stacked on either side. This motif of stacked pishtaqs is replicated on the chamfered corner areas, making the design completely symmetrical on all sides of the building. Four minarets frame the tomb, one at each corner of the plinth facing the chamfered corners. The main chamber houses the false sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan; the actual graves are at a lower level.

The most spectacular feature is the marble dome that surmounts the tomb. The dome is nearly 35 metres high which is close in measurement to the length of the base, and accentuated by the cylindrical "drum" it sits on which is approximately 7 metres high. Because of its shape, the dome is often called an onion dome or amrud (guava dome). The top is decorated with a lotus design which also serves to accentuate its height. The shape of the dome is emphasized by four smaller domed chattris (kiosks) placed at its corners, which replicate the onion shape of the main dome. Their columned bases open through the roof of the tomb and provide light to the interior. Tall decorative spires (guldastas) extend from edges of base walls, and provide visual emphasis to the height of the dome. The lotus motif is repeated on both the chattris and guldastas. The dome and chattris are topped by a gilded finial which mixes traditional Persian and Hindustani decorative elements.

The main finial was originally made of gold but was replaced by a copy made of gilded bronze in the early 19th century. This feature provides a clear example of integration of traditional Persian and Hindu decorative elements. The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward.

The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry. They were designed as working minarets - a traditional element of mosques, used by the muezzin to call the Islamic faithful to prayer. Each minaret is effectively divided into three equal parts by two working balconies that ring the tower. At the top of the tower is a final balcony surmounted by a chattri that mirrors the design of those on the tomb. The chattris all share the same decorative elements of a lotus design topped by a gilded finial. The minarets were constructed slightly outside of the plinth so that in the event of collapse, a typical occurrence with many tall constructions of the period, the material from the towers would tend to fall away from the tomb.

EXTERIOR DECORATIONS

The exterior decorations of the Taj Mahal are among the finest in Mughal architecture. As the surface area changes, the decorations are refined proportionally. The decorative elements were created by applying paint, stucco, stone inlays or carvings. In line with the Islamic prohibition against the use of anthropomorphic forms, the decorative elements can be grouped into either calligraphy, abstract forms or vegetative motifs. Throughout the complex are passages from the Qur'an that comprise some of the decorative elements. Recent scholarship suggests that the passages were chosen by Amanat Khan.

The calligraphy on the Great Gate reads "O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you." The calligraphy was created in 1609 by a calligrapher named Abdul Haq. Shah Jahan conferred the title of "Amanat Khan" upon him as a reward for his "dazzling virtuosity". Near the lines from the Qur'an at the base of the interior dome is the inscription, "Written by the insignificant being, Amanat Khan Shirazi." Much of the calligraphy is composed of florid thuluth script made of jasper or black marble inlaid in white marble panels. Higher panels are written in slightly larger script to reduce the skewing effect when viewed from below. The calligraphy found on the marble cenotaphs in the tomb is particularly detailed and delicate.

Abstract forms are used throughout, especially in the plinth, minarets, gateway, mosque, jawab and, to a lesser extent, on the surfaces of the tomb. The domes and vaults of the sandstone buildings are worked with tracery of incised painting to create elaborate geometric forms. Herringbone inlays define the space between many of the adjoining elements. White inlays are used in sandstone buildings, and dark or black inlays on the white marbles. Mortared areas of the marble buildings have been stained or painted in a contrasting color which creates a complex array of geometric patterns. Floors and walkways use contrasting tiles or blocks in tessellation patterns.

On the lower walls of the tomb are white marble dados sculpted with realistic bas relief depictions of flowers and vines. The marble has been polished to emphasise the exquisite detailing of the carvings. The dado frames and archway spandrels have been decorated with pietra dura inlays of highly stylised, almost geometric vines, flowers and fruits. The inlay stones are of yellow marble, jasper and jade, polished and levelled to the surface of the walls.

INTERIOR DECORATION

The interior chamber of the Taj Mahal reaches far beyond traditional decorative elements. The inlay work is not pietra dura, but a lapidary of precious and semiprecious gemstones. The inner chamber is an octagon with the design allowing for entry from each face, although only the door facing the garden to the south is used. The interior walls are about 25 metres high and are topped by a "false" interior dome decorated with a sun motif. Eight pishtaq arches define the space at ground level and, as with the exterior, each lower pishtaq is crowned by a second pishtaq about midway up the wall. The four central upper arches form balconies or viewing areas, and each balcony's exterior window has an intricate screen or jali cut from marble. In addition to the light from the balcony screens, light enters through roof openings covered by chattris at the corners. The octagonal marble screen or jali bordering the cenotaphs is made from eight marble panels carved through with intricate pierce work. The remaining surfaces are inlaid in delicate detail with semi-precious stones forming twining vines, fruits and flowers. Each chamber wall is highly decorated with dado bas-relief, intricate lapidary inlay and refined calligraphy panels which reflect, in miniature detail, the design elements seen throughout the exterior of the complex.

Muslim tradition forbids elaborate decoration of graves. Hence, the bodies of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan were put in a relatively plain crypt beneath the inner chamber with their faces turned right, towards Mecca. Mumtaz Mahal's cenotaph is placed at the precise centre of the inner chamber on a rectangular marble base of 1.5 by 2.5 metres. Both the base and casket are elaborately inlaid with precious and semiprecious gems. Calligraphic inscriptions on the casket identify and praise Mumtaz. On the lid of the casket is a raised rectangular lozenge meant to suggest a writing tablet. Shah Jahan's cenotaph is beside Mumtaz's to the western side, and is the only visible asymmetric element in the entire complex. His cenotaph is bigger than his wife's, but reflects the same elements: a larger casket on a slightly taller base precisely decorated with lapidary and calligraphy that identifies him. On the lid of the casket is a traditional sculpture of a small pen box.

The pen box and writing tablet are traditional Mughal funerary icons decorating the caskets of men and women respectively. The Ninety Nine Names of God are calligraphic inscriptions on the sides of the actual tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. Other inscriptions inside the crypt include, "O Noble, O Magnificent, O Majestic, O Unique, O Eternal, O Glorious... ". The tomb of Shah Jahan bears a calligraphic inscription that reads; "He travelled from this world to the banquet-hall of Eternity on the night of the twenty-sixth of the month of Rajab, in the year 1076 Hijri."

GARDEN

The complex is set around a large 300-metre square charbagh or Mughal garden. The garden uses raised pathways that divide each of the four quarters of the garden into 16 sunken parterres or flowerbeds. Halfway between the tomb and gateway in the center of the garden is a raised marble water tank with a reflecting pool positioned on a north-south axis to reflect the image of the mausoleum. The raised marble water tank is called al Hawd al-Kawthar in reference to the "Tank of Abundance" promised to Muhammad.

Elsewhere, the garden is laid out with avenues of trees and fountains. The charbagh garden, a design inspired by Persian gardens, was introduced to India by Babur, the first Mughal emperor. It symbolises the four flowing rivers of Jannah (Paradise) and reflects the Paradise garden derived from the Persian paridaeza, meaning 'walled garden'. In mystic Islamic texts of the Mughal period, Paradise is described as an ideal garden of abundance with four rivers flowing from a central spring or mountain, separating the garden into north, west, south and east.

Most Mughal charbaghs are rectangular with a tomb or pavilion in the center. The Taj Mahal garden is unusual in that the main element, the tomb, is located at the end of the garden. With the discovery of Mahtab Bagh or "Moonlight Garden" on the other side of the Yamuna, the interpretation of the Archaeological Survey of India is that the Yamuna river itself was incorporated into the garden's design and was meant to be seen as one of the rivers of Paradise. Similarities in layout and architectural features with the Shalimar Gardens suggests both gardens may have been designed by the same architect, Ali Mardan. Early accounts of the garden describe its profusion of vegetation, including abundant roses, daffodils, and fruit trees. As the Mughal Empire declined, the Taj Mahal and its gardens also declined. By the end of the 19th century, the British Empire controlled more than three-fifths of India, and assumed management of the Taj Mahal. They changed the landscaping to their liking which more closely resembled the formal lawns of London.

OUTLYING BUILDINGS

The Taj Mahal complex is bordered on three sides by crenellated red sandstone walls; the side facing the river is open. Outside the walls are several additional mausoleums, including those of Shah Jahan's other wives, and a larger tomb for Mumtaz's favourite servant.

The main gateway (darwaza) is a monumental structure built primarily of marble, and reminiscent of the Mughal architecture of earlier emperors. Its archways mirror the shape of the tomb's archways, and its pishtaq arches incorporate the calligraphy that decorates the tomb. The vaulted ceilings and walls have elaborate geometric designs like those found in the other sandstone buildings in the complex.

At the far end of the complex are two grand red sandstone buildings that mirror each other, and face the sides of the tomb. The backs of the buildings parallel the western and eastern walls. The western building is a mosque and the other is the jawab (answer), thought to have been constructed for architectural balance although it may have been used as a guesthouse. Distinctions between the two buildings include the jawab's lack of a mihrab (a niche in a mosque's wall facing Mecca), and its floors of geometric design whereas the floor of the mosque is laid with outlines of 569 prayer rugs in black marble. The mosque's basic design of a long hall surmounted by three domes is similar to others built by Shah Jahan, particularly the Masjid-i Jahān-Numā, or Jama Masjid, Delhi. The Mughal mosques of this period divide the sanctuary hall into three areas comprising a main sanctuary and slightly smaller sanctuaries on either side. At the Taj Mahal, each sanctuary opens onto an expansive vaulting dome. The outlying buildings were completed in 1643.

CONSTRUCTION

The Taj Mahal is built on a parcel of land to the south of the walled city of Agra. Shah Jahan presented Maharajah Jai Singh with a large palace in the center of Agra in exchange for the land. An area of roughly three acres was excavated, filled with dirt to reduce seepage, and leveled at 50 metres above riverbank. In the tomb area, wells were dug and filled with stone and rubble to form the footings of the tomb. Instead of lashed bamboo, workmen constructed a colossal brick scaffold that mirrored the tomb. The scaffold was so enormous that foremen estimated it would take years to dismantle.

The Taj Mahal was constructed using materials from all over India and Asia. It is believed over 1,000 elephants were used to transport building materials. The translucent white marble was brought from Makrana, Rajasthan, the jasper from Punjab, jade and crystal from China. The turquoise was from Tibet and the Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, while the sapphire came from Sri Lanka and the carnelian from Arabia. In all, twenty eight types of precious and semi-precious stones were inlaid into the white marble.

According to the legend, Shah Jahan decreed that anyone could keep the bricks taken from the scaffold, and thus it was dismantled by peasants overnight. A fifteen kilometer tamped-earth ramp was built to transport marble and materials to the construction site and teams of twenty or thirty oxen pulled the blocks on specially constructed wagons. An elaborate post-and-beam pulley system was used to raise the blocks into desired position. Water was drawn from the river by a series of purs, an animal-powered rope and bucket mechanism, into a large storage tank and raised to a large distribution tank. It was passed into three subsidiary tanks, from which it was piped to the complex.

The plinth and tomb took roughly 12 years to complete. The remaining parts of the complex took an additional 10 years and were completed in order of minarets, mosque and jawab, and gateway. Since the complex was built in stages, discrepancies exist in completion dates due to differing opinions on "completion". Construction of the mausoleum itself was essentially completed by 1643 while work continued on the outlying buildings. Estimates of the cost of construction vary due to difficulties in estimating costs across time. The total cost has been estimated to be about 32 million Indian rupees, which is around 52.8 billion Indian rupees ($827 million US) based on 2015 values.

LATER DAYS

Abdul Hamid Lahauri in his book Badshahnama refers to Taj Mahal as rauza-i munawwara, meaning the illumined or illustrious tomb. Soon after the Taj Mahal's completion, Shah Jahan was deposed by his son Aurangzeb and put under house arrest at nearby Agra Fort. Upon Shah Jahan's death, Aurangzeb buried him in the mausoleum next to his wife. In the 18th century, the Jat rulers of Bharatpur invaded Agra and attacked the Taj Mahal, the two chandeliers, one of agate and another of silver, which were hung over the main cenotaph, were taken away by them, along with the gold and silver screen. Kanbo, a Mughal historian, said the gold shield which covered the 15-foot high finial at the top of the main dome was also removed during the Jat despoliation.

By the late 19th century, parts of the buildings had fallen into disrepair. During the time of the Indian rebellion of 1857, the Taj Mahal was defaced by British soldiers and government officials, who chiselled out precious stones and lapis lazuli from its walls. At the end of the 19th century, British viceroy Lord Curzon ordered a sweeping restoration project, which was completed in 1908. He also commissioned the large lamp in the interior chamber, modelled after one in a Cairo mosque. During this time the garden was remodelled with British-style lawns that are still in place today.

THREATS

In 1942, the government erected a scaffolding to disguise the building in anticipation of air attacks by the Japanese Air Force. During the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, scaffoldings were again erected to mislead bomber pilots.

More recent threats have come from environmental pollution on the banks of Yamuna River including acid rain due to the Mathura Oil Refinery, which was opposed by Supreme Court of India directives. The pollution has been turning the Taj Mahal yellow. To help control the pollution, the Indian government has set up the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), a 10,400-square-kilometre area around the monument where strict emissions standards are in place.

Concerns for the tomb's structural integrity have recently been raised because of a decline in the groundwater level in the Yamuna river basin which is falling at a rate of around 5 feet a year. In 2010, cracks appeared in parts of the tomb, and the minarets which surround the monument were showing signs of tilting, as the wooden foundation of the tomb may be rotting due to lack of water. In 2011 it was reported that some predictions indicated that the tomb could collapse within 5 years.

TOURISM

The Taj Mahal attracts a large number of tourists. UNESCO documented more than 2 million visitors in 2001, which increased to about 3 million in 2015. A two tier pricing system is in place, with a significantly lower entrance fee for Indian citizens and a more expensive one for foreigners. Most tourists visit in the cooler months of October, November and February. Polluting traffic is not allowed near the complex and tourists must either walk from parking lots or catch an electric bus. The Khawasspuras (northern courtyards) are currently being restored for use as a new visitor center.

The small town to the south of the Taj, known as Taj Ganji or Mumtazabad, was originally constructed with caravanserais, bazaars and markets to serve the needs of visitors and workmen. Lists of recommended travel destinations often feature the Taj Mahal, which also appears in several listings of seven wonders of the modern world, including the recently announced New Seven Wonders of the World, a recent poll with 100 million votes.

The grounds are open from 06:00 to 19:00 weekdays, except for Friday when the complex is open for prayers at the mosque between 12:00 and 14:00. The complex is open for night viewing on the day of the full moon and two days before and after, excluding Fridays and the month of Ramadan. For security reasons only five items - water in transparent bottles, small video cameras, still cameras, mobile phones and small ladies' purses - are allowed inside the Taj Mahal.

MYTHS

Ever since its construction, the building has been the source of an admiration transcending culture and geography, and so personal and emotional responses have consistently eclipsed scholastic appraisals of the monument. A longstanding myth holds that Shah Jahan planned a mausoleum to be built in black marble as a Black Taj Mahal across the Yamuna river. The idea originates from fanciful writings of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a European traveller who visited Agra in 1665. It was suggested that Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb before it could be built. Ruins of blackened marble across the river in Moonlight Garden, Mahtab Bagh, seemed to support this legend. However, excavations carried out in the 1990s found that they were discolored white stones that had turned black. A more credible theory for the origins of the black mausoleum was demonstrated in 2006 by archaeologists who reconstructed part of the pool in the Moonlight Garden. A dark reflection of the white mausoleum could clearly be seen, befitting Shah Jahan's obsession with symmetry and the positioning of the pool itself.

No evidence exists for claims that describe, often in horrific detail, the deaths, dismemberments and mutilations which Shah Jahan supposedly inflicted on various architects and craftsmen associated with the tomb. Some stories claim that those involved in construction signed contracts committing themselves to have no part in any similar design. Similar claims are made for many famous buildings. No evidence exists for claims that Lord William Bentinck, governor-general of India in the 1830s, supposedly planned to demolish the Taj Mahal and auction off the marble. Bentinck's biographer John Rosselli says that the story arose from Bentinck's fund-raising sale of discarded marble from Agra Fort.

Another myth suggests that beating the silhouette of the finial will cause water to come forth. To this day, officials find broken bangles surrounding the silhouette.

In 2000, India's Supreme Court dismissed P. N. Oak's petition to declare that a Hindu king built the Taj Mahal. In 2005 a similar petition was dismissed by the Allahabad High Court. This case was brought by Amar Nath Mishra, a social worker and preacher who says that the Taj Mahal was built by the Hindu King Parmar Dev in 1196.

WIKIPEDIA

Very Old machine it is one of the effects of the English colonization of Egypt

Are currently in one of the old houses whos owned by one of the very poor Egyptians in a very very poor area.

The most IMPORTANT ISSUE is that no one knows its there and no one knows the value of this ...ARCHEOLOGICAL...MACHINE...

...UNTIL NOW !!!

...IMAGINE THAT ...?!?!?!

Basic vans but great value when new.

The value "61 degrees" doesn't mean anything unless a reference frame is specified. On compasses used for navigation, North is the primary axis and all angles are given as degrees clockwise from North. In math class, the + x axis is the primary axis and all angles are given as degrees counter-clockwise from x. Both are valid, as are any other reference axes. Usually we'll just use an angle inside one of our force triangles and know that we tell if something is positive or negative from the direction its going in the picture.

That said, sines and cosines work if you use the angle from the positive x-axis. I've shown this with this picture. When you do the angle like this the calculator will give you whether you're talking about something in this reference frame to the left/down (negative) or to the right/up (positive).

To make your life easier, use these greater than 90 degree angles in this lab, because they're what you're reading directly off the protractor. The math that comes next will do so. We use the internal angle to decide which trig function to use (using SOH-CAH-TOA) and then directly plug the angle from the protractor in.

I was going to gloss over this detail in class, but two 8th period students during the 2016-17 school year wanted a mathematical justification of this, so we stayed after school and came up with this picture

Mercedes SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive

With the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive, Mercedes-AMG is entering a new era: the locally emission-free super sports car featuring advanced technology from the world of Formula 1 is the most exclusive and dynamic way in which to drive an electric car. The most powerful AMG high-performance vehicle of all time has four electric motors producing a total output of 552 kW and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm. As a result, the gullwing model has become the world's fastest electrically-powered series production vehicle: the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

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Mercedes SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive (2014)

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive

Pioneering, visionary, electrifying: the powerful and locally emission-free super sports car with electric drive also embodies the development competence of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. With this innovative and unique drive solution, AMG - as the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz - is demonstrating its technological leadership in this segment. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is aimed at technology-minded super sports car fans who are open to new ideas and enthusiastic about ambitious high-tech solutions for the future of motoring.

Enormous thrust thanks to 1000 Nm of torque

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Advanced Formula 1 technology: high-voltage lithium-ion battery

Battery efficiency, performance and weight: in all three areas Mercedes-AMG is setting new standards. The high-voltage battery in the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive boasts an energy content of 60 kWh, an electric load potential of 600 kW and weighs 548 kg - all of which are absolute best values in the automotive sector. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion high-voltage battery features a modular design and a maximum voltage of 400 V.

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The high-voltage battery consists of 12 modules each comprising 72 lithium-ion cells. This optimised arrangement of a total of 864 cells has benefits not only in terms of best use of the installation space, but also in terms of performance. One technical feature is the intelligent parallel circuit of the individual battery modules - this helps to maximise the safety, reliability and service life of the battery. As in Formula 1, the battery is charged by means of targeted recuperation during deceleration whilst the car is being driven.

High-performance control as well as effective cooling of all components

A high-performance electronic control system converts the direct current from the high-voltage battery into the three-phase alternating current which is required for the synchronous motors and regulates the energy flow for all operating conditions. Two low-temperature cooling circuits ensure that the four electric motors and the power electronics are maintained at an even operating temperature. A separate low-temperature circuit is responsible for cooling the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. In low external temperatures, the battery is quickly brought up to optimum operating temperature with the aid of an electric heating element. In extremely high external temperatures, the cooling circuit for the battery can be additionally boosted with the aid of the air conditioning. This also helps to preserve the overall service life of the battery system.

Quick charge function via special wall box

Ideally the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is charged with the aid of a so-called wall box. Installed in a home garage, this technology provides a 22 kW quick-charge function, which is the same as the charging performance available at a public charging station. A high-voltage power cable is used to connect the vehicle to the wall box, and enables charging to take place in around three hours. Without the wall box, charging takes around 20 hours. The wall box is provided as an optional extra from Mercedes-AMG in cooperation with SPX and KEBA, two suppliers of innovative electric charging infrastructures for the automotive industry.

Eight-stage design for maximum safety

To ensure maximum safety, the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive makes use of an eight-stage safety design. This comprises the following features:

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All-wheel drive with AMG Torque Dynamics enables new levels of freedom

Four motors, four wheels - the intelligent and permanent all-wheel drive of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive guarantees driving dynamics at the highest level, while at the same time providing the best possible active safety. Optimum traction of the four driven wheels is therefore ensured, whatever the weather conditions. According to the developers, the term "Torque Dynamics" refers to individual control of the electric motors, something which enables completely new levels of freedom to be achieved. The AMG Torque Dynamics feature is permanently active and allows for selective distribution of forces for each individual wheel. The intelligent distribution of drive torque greatly benefits driving dynamics, handling, driving safety and ride comfort. Each individual wheel can be both electrically driven and electrically braked, depending on the driving conditions, thus helping to

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"AMG Lightweight Performance" design strategy

The trailblazing body shell structure of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is part of the ambitious "AMG Lightweight Performance" design strategy. The battery is located within a carbon-fibre monocoque which forms an integral part of the gullwing model and acts as its "spine". The monocoque housing is firmly bolted and bonded to the aluminium spaceframe body. The fibre composite materials have their roots in the world of Formula 1, among other areas. The advantages of CFRP (carbon-fibre reinforced plastic) were exploited by the Mercedes-AMG engineers in the design of the monocoque. These include their high strength, which makes it possible to create extremely rigid structures in terms of torsion and bending, excellent crash performance and low weight. Carbon-fibre components are up to 50 percent lighter than comparable steel ones, yet retain the same level of stability. Compared with aluminium, the weight saving is still around 30 percent, while the material is considerably thinner. The weight advantages achieved through the carbon-fibre battery monocoque are reflected in the agility of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive and, in conjunction with the wheel-selective four-wheel drive system, ensure true driving enjoyment. The carbon-fibre battery monocoque is, in addition, conceived as a "zero intrusion cell" in order to meet the very highest expectations in terms of crash safety. It protects the battery modules inside the vehicle from deformation or damage in the event of a crash.

The basis for CFRP construction is provided by fine carbon fibres, ten times thinner than a human hair. A length of this innovative fibre reaching from here to the moon would weigh a mere 25 grams. Between 1000 and 24,000 of these fibres are used to form individual strands. Machines then weave and sew them into fibre mats several layers thick, which can be moulded into three-dimensional shapes. When injected with liquid synthetic resin, this hardens to give the desired structure its final shape and stability.

Optimum weight distribution and low centre of gravity

The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept phase when the super sports car was being developed. It is ideally packaged for the integration of the high-performance, zero-emission technology: by way of example, the four electric motors and the two transmissions can be positioned as close to the four wheels as possible and very low down in the vehicle. The same applies to the modular high-voltage battery. Advantages of this solution include the vehicle's low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution - ideal conditions for optimum handling, which the electrically-powered gullwing model shares with its petrol-driven sister model.

New front axle design with pushrod damper struts

The additional front-wheel drive called for a newly designed front axle: unlike the series production vehicle with AMG V8 engine, which has a double wishbone axle, the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive features an independent multi-link suspension with pushrod damper struts. This is because the vertically-arranged damper struts had to make way for the additional drive shafts. As is usual in a wide variety of racing vehicles, horizontal damper struts are now used, which are operated via separate push rods and transfer levers. Thanks to this sophisticated front-axle design, which has already been tried and tested in the world of motorsport, the agility and driving dynamics of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive attain the same high levels as the V8 variant. Another distinguishing feature is the speed-sensitive power steering with rack-and-pinion steering gear: the power assistance is implemented electrohydraulically rather than just hydraulically.

AMG ceramic composite brakes for perfect deceleration

The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is slowed with the aid of AMG high-performance ceramic composite brakes, which boast direct brake response, a precise actuation point and outstanding fade resistance, even in extreme operating conditions. The over-sized discs - measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and 360 x 32 mm at the rear - are made of carbon fibre-strengthened ceramic, feature an integral design all round and are connected to an aluminium bowl in a radially floating arrangement.

The ceramic brake discs are 40 percent lighter in weight than the conventional, grey cast iron brake discs. The reduction in unsprung masses not only improves handling dynamics and agility, but also ride comfort and tyre grip. The lower rotating masses at the front axle also ensure a more direct steering response - which is particularly noticeable when taking motorway bends at high speed.

Exclusive, high-quality design and appointments

Visually, the multi-award-winning design of the SLS AMG is combined with a number of specific features which are exclusive to the Electric Drive variant. The front apron has a striking carbon-look CFRP front splitter which generates downforce on the front axle. The radiator grille and adjacent air intakes adorn special areas painted in the vehicle colour and with bionic honeycomb-shaped openings. They are not only a visual highlight but, thanks to their aerodynamically optimised design, also improve air flow over the cooling modules mounted behind them. Darkened headlamps also impart a sense of independence to the front section. Viewed from the side, the "Electric Drive" lettering stands out on the vehicle side, as do the AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with their specific paint design. The SLS AMG Electric Drive comes as standard with 265/35 R 19 tyres on the front and 295/30 R 20 tyres on the rear. The overall look is rounded off to dynamic effect by the new diffuser-look rear apron, and the darkened rear lamps. One feature reserved exclusively for the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is the "AMG electricbeam magno" matt paint finish. A choice of five other colours is available at no extra cost.

When the exterior colour AMG electricbeam magno is chosen, the high-quality, sporty interior makes use of this body colour for the contrasting stitching - the stitching co-ordinates perfectly with designo black Exclusive leather appointments. AMG sports seats and numerous carbon-fibre trim elements in the interior underscore the exclusive and dynamic character of what is currently the fastest electric car. Behind the new AMG Performance steering wheel there is a newly designed AMG instrument cluster: instead of a rev counter, there is a power display providing information on the power requirements, recuperation status, transmission modes and battery charge.

AMG Performance Media as standard

The AMG DRIVE UNIT comprises the electronic rotary switch for selecting the three transmission modes of "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport) and "S+" (Sport plus), which the driver can use to specify different performance levels from the electric motors, which in turn also changes the top speed and accelerator pedal response. Behind the buttons for "power" and "ESP On/Off", there are also buttons for AMG Torque Dynamics and AMG Setup.

In addition to carbon-fibre exterior mirrors, AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover, COMAND APS, Media Interface, Blind Spot Assist and reversing camera, the standard equipment also includes the AMG Performance Media system. Besides full high-speed mobile internet access, the system provides information on engine performance, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, tyre pressure, vehicle setup and lap times, as well displaying a variety of additional information such as:

•vehicle energy flow

•battery charge status

•burrent range

•AMG Torque Dynamics

•temperatures of the battery and motors

•energy consumption kWh/100 km

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive will be celebrating its market launch in 2013. The price in Germany (incl. 19% VAT) will be 416,500 EUR.

Ahmad ibn ‘Ali ibn Yusuf al-Buni (Arabic: أحمد البوني‎) (died 1225) was a well known Sufi and writer on the esoteric value of letters and topics relating to mathematics, sihr (sorcery) and spirituality, but very little is known about him. Al-Buni lived in Egypt and learned from many eminent Sufi masters of his time.[1]

He wrote one of the most famous books of his era, the Shams al-Ma'arif al-Kubra (Sun of the Great Knowledge, Arabic شمس المعارف الكبرى) which is one of the most widely read medieval treatises on talismans, magic squares and occult practices. This work rivals the Picatrix in importance. This book was later banned by orthodox Muslims as heretical, but continues to be read and studied.

Instead of sihr (Sorcery), this kind of magic was called Ilm al-Hikmah (Knowledge of the Wisedom), Ilm al-simiyah (Study of the Divine Names) and Ruhaniyat (Spirituality). Most of the so-called mujarrabât ("time-tested methods") books on sorcery in the Muslim world are simplified excerpts from the Shams al-ma`ârif.[2] The book remains the seminal work on Theurgy and esoteric arts to this day.

In c. 1200, Ahmad al-Buni showed how to construct magic squares using a simple bordering technique, but he may not have discovered the method himself. Al-Buni wrote about Latin squares and constructed, for example, 4 x 4 Latin squares using letters from one of the 99 names of Allah. His works on traditional healing remains a point of reference among Yoruba Muslim healers in Nigeria and other areas of the Muslim world.[3]

Ahmad al-Buni also left a list of other titles that he wrote. Unfortunately, very few of them have survived.

Al-Buni states in his work Manba’ Usul al-Hikmah (Source of the Essentials of Wisdom) that he acquired his knowledge of the esoteric properities of the letters from his personal teacher Abu Abdillah Shams al-Din al-Asfahâni. He in turn received it from Jalal al-Din Abdullah al-Bistami, who in turn received it from Shaykh al-Sarajani, who received it from Qasim al-Sarajani, who received it from Abdullah al-Babani, who received it from Asîl al-Din al-Shirazi, who received it from Abu al-Najîb al-Sahruwardi, who received it from, Mohammad ibn Mohammad Al-Ghazali al-Tusi, who received it from Ahmad al-Aswad, who received it from Hamad al-Dînuri, who received it from the master al-Junayd al-Baghdadi, who received it from Sari al-Din al-Saqati, who received it from Ma’ruf al-Karkhi, who received it from Dawûd al-Jili, who received it from Habîb al-A’ajami, who received it from Imam Hasan al-Basri.

Al-Buni states in the same work that he acquired his knowledge of magical squares from Sirâj al-Dîn al-Hanafi, who acquired it from Shihab al-Dîn al-Muqaddasi, who acquired it from Shams al-Dîn al-Farisi, who acquired it from Shihab al-Dîn al-Hamadani, who acquired it from Qutb al-Dîn al-Diyâ’i, who acquired it from Muhyiddîn Ibn Arabi, who acquired it from Abu al-'Abbas Ahmad ibn al-Turîzi, who acquired it from Abu Abdillah al-Qurashi, who acquired it from Abu Madîn al-Andalusi.

He also states that he acquired additional knowledge about the esoteric art of letters and the magical squares from Mohammad 'Izz al-Dîn ibn Jam’a, who acquired it from Mohammad al-Sirani, who acquired it from Shihab al-Dîn al-Hamadani, who acquired it from Qutb al-Dîn al-Dhiya’i, who acquired it from Muhyiddîn Ibn Arabi.

Al-Buni also states that he acquired his occult knowledge from Abu al-'Abbas Ahmad ibn Maymûn al-Qastalâni, who acquired it from Abu Abdillah Mohammed al-Qurashi, who acquired it from Abu Madîn Shu'ayb ibn Hasan al-Ansari al-Andalusi, who received it from Abu Ayyub ibn Abi Sa'id al-Sanhaji al-Armuzi, who received it from Abi Muhammad ibn Nur, who received it from Abu al-Fadhl Abdullah ibn Bashr, who received it from Abu Bashr al-Hasan al-Jujari, who received it from al-Saqati, who received it from Dawûd al-Tâ’i, who received it from Habîb al-A'jami, who received it from Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Sîrîn, who received it from Malik ibn Anas.

Al-Buni also made regular mention in his work of Plato, Aristotle, Hermes, Alexander the Great, and obscure Chaldean magicians. In one of his works, he recounted a story of his discovery of a cache of manuscripts buried under the pyramids, that included a work of Hermetic thinkers.

His work is said to have influenced the Hurufis and the New Lettrist International.[4]

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Value Quest poster Set 2