Sports Days in Thailand's schools are quite unique. You won't see all that much sport activities. The focus seems to be centered around shows and cheering contests.
The first time I experienced Loy Krathong, it immediately became one of my favorite festivals in Thailand. The photos in this gallery were taken at Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai.
The Vegetarian Festival typically takes place in late September or early October. It's a 10-day period when many people eat vegetarian, especially in Bangkok.


text:
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var http = require('http'),
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var pmx = require('pmx');
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var app = express();

var cloudflare = require('cloudflare-express');
app.use(cloudflare.restore());

var port = process.env.PORT || 1234;
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var flash = require('connect-flash');

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var bodyParser = require('body-parser');
var session = require('express-session');

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app.use(multer());

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require('./config/passport')(passport); // pass passport for configuration
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// set up our express application
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Bud Hedlund, Richard Leonard, Dan Hitzhusen, and Don Marianni at Monarch Beach.
This meeting was attended by Bill Carson, Kirsten Strawn, Jim Peevey, Mark Williams, Patty Hansen and Richard Leonard.
Great evening to mix, dine, and grow friendships.


Reed's Sales and Service is a full service repair shop for small engines, outdoor power equipment, air tools, pneumatic tools, electric power tools, and air compressors.
From basic check ups and maintenance, to general repairs and rebuilds, we can get the job done for you.
We are factory authorized by many manufactures to provide warranty service at no cost to you! See our Service page for more information on the manufactures we service, or give us a call.
Most of our repairs are done in house by trained technicians, saving you time and money on your repairs.
For the small engine do it yourselfers, we stock a wide variety of parts for your outdoor power equipment. If we don't have it, we can order it in for you. If you need help looking up the parts, give us a call! Please have your equipment identification numbers ready, and we'll have someone help you look up your part numbers.
We stock the right tools and equipment to help you get your job done right!
Are those batteries not lasting as long as they used too? Stop by and get them replaced with OEM Batteries! We also stock plenty of sawzall blades, bits and other accessories you may need! If you need a new cord for your corded tool, you can get one of those, or you can have us install it for you!
Reed's Sales and Service - Your neighborhood repair and sales center since 1957!


How does California tackle a five-year-long drought? By turning seawater into the kind you can drink. Carlsbad's 2.2-hectare desalination plant in San Diego County pumps out 200 million litres of water a day, supplying 300,000 residents and businesses. Further north, in Santa Barbara, a second plant will supply 30 per cent of the city's water by early 2017.
How can you tell if an avocado's gone bad just by looking at it? By examining it through a hyperspectral (HS) camera. These devices - also known as imaging spectrometers - see things the human eye cannot by scanning the world across multiple channels of light. Where humans see three wavelengths in the colour spectrum (red, green and blue), hyperspectral sensors can detect as many as 480.
Feel like stepping inside the brain of a rat? This virtual-reality reconstruction allows you to do just that. The 3D brain is projected by 12 eight-megapixel streams across the six walls of a three-metre-sided cubic room known as the CAVE (cave automatic virtual environment).


Started by: O´Hara in: Games! Let's Play Games!
https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8500768/a-star-is-born-soundtrack-back-at-no-1-billboard-200-chart Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper´s "A Star Is Born" returns to #1 on its 21st week.
I'm wondering how many people citing Black Panther in this thread are white or can be classified as belonging to a race other than black.
Who will be the next actor or actress to achieve 10 oscar acting nominations?
hummm cate Blanchett Kate Winslet Amy Adams Denzel Washington Jlaw can get there eventually.
Most acting nominations this decade. Who deserved it the most?
Glenn Close for Fatal Attraction instead of The Wife.


A comedian once showed a newspaper to his audience. The headline read, "1-800 Astrology Business Goes Under: They Should Have Seen It Coming." Everyone laughed, including me. We chuckled at the irony of a real contradiction here. If such a business could provide the service they claim, then its owners should have succeeded where other businesses failed. In fact, if they really knew the future, they likely wouldn't bother with this business at all. They would simply raid the stock market with a perfect investing record. We all somewhat instinctively know this, even those of us who have never had the occasion to sit and think it through carefully.
But this pseudo-science has another problem that concerns us. It's adherents who create the garden-variety horoscope columns (found in most any newspaper) spotlight a basic contradiction. On the one hand, they pretend to tell your future based upon the timing of your birth and the alignment of the stars and/ or planets. Philosophers have called this assumption "astral determinism."
This means simply that the stars and planets determine your future, hence the phrase, "written in the stars." On the other hand, however, when the predictors finish telling just what will befall you, they move onto the next part of the column. They offer advice. But this advice you may take or leave, as though you have a free choice to make, the outcome of which no star determines.
So they assume astral determinism when predicting, and then assume its opposite when advising. One simply cannot have it both ways. The only way to resolve this contradiction derives from saying that the heavenlies determine SOME things, but not others. This avoids contradictory impulses, however, at the cost of engaging a purely arbitrary (pick and choose whichever you like) approach to what stars do and do not determine about your life. And yet their charts promise a principled (non-arbitrary) way to know the future. So this option makes no logical headway either.
Either way then, assumptions necessary to the trade of star-traffickers show themselves bogus. The whole thing turns out a useless mirage. Astral determinism thus represents a phoney idea, and we can show this with a little logical rigor.
Finally then, we wish to add logical insult to mystical injury by noting that our refutation of astral determinism posits a fairly clear and obvious problem for their trade. And like the bug who never quite manages to avoid the fast-approaching windshield -- they should have seen it coming.


text:
Occultism.ca Home Occult Lessons Clairvoyance Goths Reading the Crystal Mysticism Supernatural Metals Stonehenge Naturalism Witch Craft History of the Devil Crystal Gazing
Clairvoyant Psychometry
The word "clairvoyance" means "clear seeing." In its present usage it
covers a wide field of psychic phenomena; and is used by different writers
to designate phases of psychic phenomena differing widely from each other.
The student is apt to become confused when he meets these apparently
conflicting definitions and usages. In the glossary of the Society for
Psychical Research, the term is defined as: "The faculty or act of
perceiving, as though visually, with some coincidental truth, some distant
scene; it is used sometimes, but hardly properly, for transcendental
vision, or the perception of beings regarded as on another plane of
existence."
Mrs. Henry Sidgwick, a distinguished writer on the subject of psychic
phenomena, in one of her reports to the Society for Psychical Research,
says: "The word clairvoyant is often used very loosely and with widely
different meanings. I denote by it a faculty of acquiring supernormally,
but not by reading the minds of persons present, a knowledge of facts such
as we normally acquire by the use of our senses. I do not limit it to
knowledge that would normally be acquired by the sense of sight, nor do I
limit it to a knowledge of present facts. A similar knowledge of the past,
and if necessary, of future facts may be included. On the other hand, I
exclude the mere faculty of seeing apparitions or visions, which is
sometimes called clairvoyance."
The above definitive explanation of the term clairvoyance agrees with the
idea of the best authorities, and distinguishes between the phenomena of
clairvoyance and that of telepathy, on the one hand; and between the
former and that of seeing apparitions, on the other hand. I, personally,
accept this distinction as both scientific in form, and as agreeing with
the facts of the case. You will, of course, see that the acceptance of the
existence of the astral senses throws light on many obscure points about
which the psychic researchers are in doubt, and reconciles many apparently
opposing facts.
All scientific authorities, as well as the best occultists, divide the
phenomena of clairvoyance into several well-distinguished classes. The
following classification is simple, and indicates clearly the principal
forms of clairvoyant phenomena:
(1) Simple Clairvoyance, in which the clairvoyant person merely senses the
auric emanations of other persons, such as the auric vibrations, colors,
etc.; currents of thought-vibrations, etc.; but does not see events or
scenes removed in space or time from the observer.
(2) Clairvoyance in Space, in which the clairvoyant person senses scenes
and events removed in space from the observer; and, often also is able to
sense such things even when they are concealed or obscured by intervening
material objects.
(3) Clairvoyance in Time, in which the clairvoyant person senses scenes
and events which have had their original place in past time; or scenes
and events which will have their original place in the future.
I shall describe each of these three classes, with their many variations,
as we reach them in their proper places in these lessons. Before doing so
however, I wish to explain to you the several methods by which clairvoyant
vision is usually induced. These methods may be designated as follows:
(1) Psychometry, or the method of getting en rapport with the astral plane
by means of some physical object connected with the person, thing, or
scene about which you desire to be informed.
(2) Crystal Gazing, etc., or the method of getting en rapport with the
astral plane by means of gazing into a crystal, magic mirror, etc.
(3) Clairvoyant Reverie, or the method of getting en rapport with the
astral plane by means of psychic states in which the sights, sounds and
thoughts of the material and physical plane are shut out of consciousness.
I shall now proceed to give the details regarding each one of these three
great classes of methods inducing clairvoyant vision, or en rapport
conditions with the astral plane.
Psychometry. Psychometry is that form of clairvoyant phenomena in which
the clairvoyant gets into en rapport relation with the astral plane by
means of the connecting link of material objects, such as bit of stone,
piece of hair, article of wearing apparel etc., which has had previous
associations with the thing, person or scene regarding which clairvoyant
vision is required.
Without going into technical occult explanations, I would say that the
virtue of these articles consists entirely of their associative value.
That is to say, they carry in them certain vibrations of past experience
which serve as a connecting link, or associated filament, with the thing
which is sought to be brought into the field of clairvoyant vision.
To reach clairvoyantly a thing, scene, or person in this way is akin to
the unwinding of a ball of yarn, when you hold the loose end in your hand.
Or, it is like giving a keen-scented dog a sniff at a handkerchief once
carried by the person whom you wish him to nose out for you.
A well-known authority on the subject of psychic phenomena has said on
this point: "The untrained clairvoyant usually cannot find any particular
astral picture when it is wanted, without some special link to put him en
rapport with the subject required. Psychometry is an instance in point. It
seems as though there were a sort of magnetic attachment or affinity
between any particle of matter and the record which contains its
history--an affinity which enables it to act as a kind of conductor
between that record and the faculties of anyone who can read it. For
instance, I once brought from Stonehenge a tiny fragment of stone, not
larger than a pin's head, and on putting this into an envelope and handing
it to a psychometer who had no idea what it was, she at once began to
describe that wonderful ruin and the desolate country surrounding it, and
then went on to picture vividly what were evidently scenes from its early
history, showing that the infinitessimal fragment had been sufficient to
put her into communication with the records connected with the spot from
which it came. The scenes through which we pass in the course of our life
seem to act in the same way upon the cells of our brain as did the history
of Stonehenge upon that particle of stone. They establish a connection
with those cells by means of which our mind is put en rapport with that
particular portion of the records, and so we 'remember' what we have
seen."
One of the simplest and most common form of psychometry is that in which
the psychometrist is able to tell the physical condition of a person by
means of holding to the forehead, or even in the hand, some trinket or
small article such as a handkerchief recently worn on the person of the
individual regarding whom the information is sought. In the case of some
very sensitive psychometrists, the psychic person "takes on" the condition
of the other person whose former article of clothing, trinket, etc., she
is holding. She will often actually experience the physical pain and
distress of the person, and will be able to indicate from what ailment the
person is suffering. Some persons attain great proficiency in this
direction, and are a great assistance to wise physicians who avail
themselves of their services. Some successful physicians themselves
possess this faculty well developed, and use it to great advantage,
though, as a rule they keep very quiet about it, from fear of creating
unfavorable comment from their fellow-physicians and from the general
public who "do not believe in such tom-foolery."
A step further is the power of some psychometrists to correctly describe
the personal characteristics, and even the past history of persons with
whom they come in contact, or whose "associated article" they have in
their hands. Some very remarkable instances of this phase of psychometry
are related in the books containing the history of clairvoyance. An
interesting case is that related by Zschokke, the eminent German writer,
who relates in his autobiography his wonderful experience in this
direction. Listen to the story in his own words: "It has happened to me
occasionally at the first meeting with a total stranger, when I have been
listening in silence to his conversation, that his past life up to the
present moment, with many minute circumstances belonging to one or other
particular scene in it, has come across me like a dream, but distinctly,
entirely involuntarily and unsought, occupying in duration a few minutes.
For a long time I was disposed to consider these fleeting visions as a
trick of the fancy--the more so as my dream-vision displayed to me the
dress and movements of the actors, the appearance of the room, the
furniture, and other accidents of the scene; till on one occasion, in a
gamesome mood, I narrated to my family the secret history of a seamstress
who had just quitted the room. I had never seen the person before.
Nevertheless, the hearers were astonished, and laughed and would not be
persuaded but that I had a previous acquaintance with the former life of
the person, inasmuch as what I had stated was perfectly true.
"I was not less astonished to find that my dream vision agreed with
reality. I then gave more attention to the subject, and as often as
propriety allowed of it, I related to those whose lives had so passed
before me the substance of my dream-vision, to obtain from them its
contradiction or confirmation. On every occasion its confirmation
followed, not without amazement on the part of those who gave it. On a
certain fair-day I went into the town of Waldshut accompanied by two young
foresters, who are still alive. It was evening, and, tired with our walk,
we went into an inn called the 'Vine.' We took our supper with a numerous
company at the public table, when it happened that they made themselves
merry over the peculiarities of the Swiss in connection with the belief in
mesmerism, Lavater's physiognomical system, and the like. One of my
companions, whose national pride was touched by their raillery, begged me
to make some reply, particularly in answer to a young man of superior
appearance who sat opposite, and had indulged in unrestrained ridicule.
"It happened that the events of this person's life had just previously
passed before my mind. I turned to him with the question whether he would
reply to me with truth and candor, if I narrated to him the most secret
passages of his history, he being as little known to me as I to him. That
would, I suggested, go something beyond Lavater's physiognomical skill. He
promised that if I told the truth he would admit it openly. Then I
narrated the events with which my dream vision had furnished me, and the
table learned the history of the young tradesman's life, of his school
years, his peccadilloes, and finally, of a little act of roguery committed
by him on the strongbox of his employer. I described the uninhabited room
with its white walls, where to the right of the brown door there had stood
upon the table the small money-chest, etc. The man, much struck, admitted
the correctness of each circumstance--even, which I could not expect, of
the last."
The above incident is typical of this class of psychometry, and many
persons have had at least flashes of this phase of the power. The only
remarkable thing about this particular case is its faithfulness regarding
details--this shows a very fine development of the astral sense. The
feature that makes it psychometric, instead of pure clairvoyance, is that
the presence of the other person was necessary to produce the
phenomenon--a bit of clothing would probably have answered as well.
Zschokke does not seem to have been able to manifest time-clairvoyance
independent of the presence of the person concerned--he needs the
associated link, or loose end of the psychic ball of yarn.
Next in order in the list of the phenomena of psychometry is that in which
the psychometrist is able to describe a distant scene by means of a bit
of mineral, plant, or similar object, once located at that place. In such
cases, the psychometrist gets en rapport with the distant scene by means
of the connecting link mentioned. Having obtained this, he is able to
relate the events that are happening on that scene at that particular
moment. Some very interesting cases are mentioned in which the
psychometrist has been able to "spy" in on a certain place, by means of
some small article which has recently been located in that place. For
instance I once gave a young psychometrist a penholder from the office of
a lawyer, a friend of mine, located about eight hundred miles from the
psychometrist. She gave a perfect picture of the interior of the office,
the scene across the street visible from the office window, and certain
events that were happening in the office at that moment, which were
verified by careful inquiry as to persons and time. Every occultist, or
investigator of psychic phenomena has experienced many cases of this kind.
Another phase of psychometry is that in which the psychometer is able to
sense the conditions existing underground, by means of a piece of mineral
or metal which originally was located there. Some wonderful instances of
phychometric discernment of mines, etc., have been recorded. In this phase
of psychometry, all that is needed is a piece of the coal, mineral or
metal which has come from the mine. Following up this psychic "lead" the
psychometrist is able to describe the veins or strata of the surrounding
land, although they have not yet been uncovered or discovered.
Still another form of psychometric discernment is that in which the
psychometrist gets en rapport with the past history of an object, or of
its surroundings, by means of the object itself. In this way, the
psychometrist holding in his hand, or pressing to his head, a bullet from
a battle field, is able to picture the battle itself. Or, given a piece of
ancient pottery or stone implement, the psychometrist is able to picture
the time and peoples connected with the object in the past--sometimes
after many centuries are past. I once handed a good psychometrist a bit of
ornament taken from an Egyptian mummy over three thousand years old.
Though the psychometrist did not know what the object was, or from whence
it had come, she was able to picture not only the scenes in which the
Egyptian had lived, but also the scenes connected with the manufacture of
the ornament, some three hundred years before that time--for it turned out
that the ornament itself was an antique when the Egyptian had acquired it.
In another case, I had the psychometrist describe in detail the animal
life, and the physical phenomena, of the age in which a fossil had existed
when alive--many thousands of years ago. In the proper place in this book,
I will explain just how it is possible to penetrate the secrets of the
past by psychometric vision--that is to say, the psychic laws making the
same possible.
Some of the most remarkable of recorded instances of this form of
psychometry known to the Western world are those related in the works of a
geologist named Denton, who some fifty years ago conducted a series of
investigations into the phenomena of psychometry. His recorded experiments
fill several volumes. Being a geologist, he was able to select the best
subjects for the experiments, and also to verify and decide upon the
accuracy of the reports given by the psychometrists. His wife, herself,
was a gifted psychometrist, and it has been said of her, by good
authority, that "she is able, by putting a piece of matter (whatever be
its nature) to her head, to see, either with her eyes closed or open, all
that the piece of matter, figuratively speaking, ever saw, heard, or
experienced." The following examples will give a good idea of the Denton
experiments, which are typical of this class of psychometry.
Dr. Denton gave the psychometrist a small fragment broken from a large
meteorite. She held it to her head, and reported: "This is curious. There
is nothing at all to be seen. I feel as if I were in the air. No, not in
the air either, but in nothing, no place. I am utterly unable to describe
it; it seems high, however I feel as though I were rising, and my eyes are
carried upwards; but I look around in vain; there is nothing to be seen. I
see clouds, now, but nothing else. They are so close to me that I seem to
be in them. My head, and neck and eyes are affected. My eyes are carried
up, and I cannot roll them down. Now the clouds appear lighter and
lighter, and look as though the sunlight would burst through them. As the
clouds separate, I can see a star or two, and then the moon instead of the
sun. The moon seems near, and looks coarse and rough, and paler and larger
in size than I ever saw it before. What a strange feeling comes over me!
It appears as if I were going right to the moon, and it looks as if the
moon were coming to me. It affects me terribly."
Dr. Denton adds: "She was too much affected to continue the experiment
longer. Had this aerolite at some period of its history, come within the
sphere of the moon's attraction, and had its velocity so increased that
its augmented centrifugal force had carried it off into space again,
whence, drawn by the superior attractive force of the earth, it had fallen
and ended its career forever?"
At another time, Dr. Denton tested the psychometrist with a whalebone
walking cane. She supposed it to be wood, but when she began to report her
psychic impressions, they came as follows: "I feel as though I were a
monster. There is nothing of a tree about it, and it is useless for me to
go further. I feel like vomiting. Now I want to plunge into the water. I
believe that I am going to have a fit. My jaws are large enough to take
down a house at a gulp. I now know what this is--it is whalebone. I see
the inside of the whale's mouth. It has no teeth. It has a slimy look, but
I only get a glimpse of it. Now, I see the whole animal. What an awful
looking creature."
Another time, Dr. Denton gave the psychometrist a minute piece of the
enamel of the tooth of a mastodon, which had been found thirty feet below
the surface of the earth. The psychometrist had not the slightest
knowledge of the character of the tiny flake of enamel handed her, but
nevertheless reported: "My impression is that it is a part of some
monstrous animal, probably part of a tooth. I feel like a perfect monster,
with heavy legs, unwieldy head, and very large body. I go down to a
shallow stream to drink. I can hardly speak, my jaws are so heavy. I feel
like getting down on all fours. What a noise comes through the woods. I
have an impulse to answer it. My ears are very large and leathery, and I
can almost fancy they flap in my face as I move my head. There are some
older ones than I. It seems so out of keeping to be talking with these
heavy jaws. They are dark brown, as if they had been completely tanned.
There is one old fellow, with large tusks, that looks very tough. I see
several younger ones. In fact, there is a whole herd. My upper lip moves
curiously; I can flap it up. It seems strange to me how it is done. There
is a plant growing here, higher than my head. It is nearly as thick as my
wrist, very juicy, sweet, and tender--something like green corn in taste,
but sweeter. It is not the taste it would have to a human being--oh no! it
is sickenish, and very unpleasant to the human taste." These instances
might be multiplied indefinitely, but the principle is the same in each.
In my own experience, I gave a small piece from the Great Pyramid of Egypt
to a psychometrist who was uneducated and who knew nothing of ancient
Egypt or its history. Notwithstanding this, she gave me such a detailed
and complete account of the life of ancient Egypt, which was in such
complete accordance with the opinions of the best authorities, that I
would hesitate about publishing the report, for it certainly would be
regarded as rank imposture by the average scientific authority. Some day,
however, I may publish this.
There are no special directions to be given the student in psychometry.
All that can be done is to suggest that each person should try the
experiments for himself, in order to find out whether he has, or has not,
the psychometric faculty. It may be developed by the methods that will be
given to develop all psychic powers, in another part of this book. But
much will depend upon actual practice and exercise. Take strange objects,
and, sitting in a quiet room with the object held to your forehead, shut
out all thoughts of the outside world, and forget all personal affairs. In
a short time, if the conditions are all right, you will begin to have
flashes of scenes connected with the history of the object. At first
rather disconnected and more or less confused, there will soon come to you
a clearing away of the scene, and the pictures will become quite plain.
Practice will develop the power. Practice only when alone, or when in the
presence of some sympathetic friend or friends. Always avoid discordant
and inharmonious company when practicing psychic powers. The best
psychometrists usually keep the physical eyes closed when practicing their
You have doubtless heard the sensing of sealed letters spoken of as
clairvoyance. But this is merely one form of psychometry. The letter is a
very good connecting medium in psychometric experiments. I advise you to
begin your experiments with old letters. You will be surprised to discover
how readily you will begin to receive psychic impressions from the
letters, either from the person who wrote them, or from the place in which
they were written, or from some one connected with the subsequent history.
One of the most interesting experiments I ever witnessed in psychometry,
was a case in which a letter that had been forwarded from place to place,
until it had gone completely around the globe, was psychometrized by a
young Hindu maiden. Although ignorant of the outside world, she was able
to picture the people and scenery of every part of the globe in which the
letter had traveled. Her report was really an interesting "travelogue" of
a trip around the world, given in tabloid form. You may obtain some
interesting results in psychometrizing old letters--but always be
conscientious about it, and refrain from divulging the secrets that will
become yours in the course of these experiments. Be honorable on the
astral plane, as well as on the physical--more so, rather than less.
Next: Clairvoyant Crystal Gazing
Previous: Mind Reading And Beyond
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If you've been keeping tabs on who has sat in the director's chair for some of the hottest music videos, then you already know about Chris Robinson. The visionary filmmaker has directed classic clips for Alicia Keys' "Fallin'," Nas' "One Mic," and Busta Rhymes' "Pass the Courvoisier, Pt. II," in addition to more recent fare like Wale and Lady Gaga's "Chillin'," Keri Hilson's "Slow Dance," and Jordin Sparks' "S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)." And beyond the music video realm, Robinson directed and released his first feature film ATL to critical acclaim in 2006, proving that he's more than a one-trick pony when it comes to telling a cinematic story.
Speaking with Rap-Up.com, Robinson reflected on his favorite music videos to shoot, why he loves working with Alicia Keys more than any other artist, what would inspire him to make a sequel to ATL, and his favorite new rapper.
What were your favorite music videos to direct?
Some of the videos that came out exactly how I envisioned them would be Alicia Keys' very first video, "Fallin'." The video for "Tainted" that I did for Slum Village, one of my favorites. Nas' "One Mic," Busta Rhymes' "Pass the Courvoisier, Pt. II," P. Diddy's "Bad Boy for Life" with cameos from Shaq, Travis Barker, and Ben Stiller. Snoop Dogg and Pharrell, "Beautiful." We got to travel to Brazil and go native, that was an amazing experience. And Jay-Z's "Roc Boys," which is probably one of the most celebratory videos I've ever shot.
Who's your favorite artist to work with?
Most definitely Alicia Keys. I think at this point we've done seven videos together. The very first time I met her, we met somewhere in Manhattan at a Popeyes restaurant to talk about her very first video and her project. And what really stands out to me is not just how real she is, but how amazing she is as a songwriter, as a person who has this integrity.
A lot of people know you for directing T.I.'s feature film debut ATL. Will there ever be a sequel?
I heard that rumor, but as far as I know, that's just a rumor.
Was there ever any talk of a sequel on set?
We all joked about doing an ATL 2, and how down T.I.'s character would be running the comic section of the newspaper and what the twins would be doing. But you never know. If the fans wanted it enough, there would definitely be a sequel.
Are you working on any movies at the moment?
I am dedicated to the art of storytelling, and my next film is called LAX. First was ATL, now it's LAX. It's about six stories that connect six different people from all different walks of life. My goal is LAX next, and then B-more, where I'm from. So I can close that trilogy of stories where the cities are a character in it. We're going to shoot that at the end of the year.
Did you cast anyone yet?
Well the great thing about it is that because they're small stories, the time that the actors have to be dedicated to it isn't the normal three months. So I'm reaching out to my friends. Common, Queen Latifah, and I have spoken about it. There's a role for Mark Wahlberg, who I know but have never worked with in that capacity.
What videos are you shooting in the near future or recently shot?
The guy that I love right now is Wale. I'm from Baltimore and he's from D.C., so I'm like big homie for him right now. We did the Gaga video ["Chillin'"] together, but once again, with him, he's got two new singles he wants to drop. So we're talking about the creative and what sort of image we want to put out there.


WHO: Local heroes from the Tempe Police Department, Tempe Fire Department and Arizona Army National Guard.
WHAT: In honor of the Fourth of July and the new 20th Century Fox film, Independence Day Resurgence, valley residents are invited to a FREE, fun filled event to meet the heroes who help keep us safe on a daily basis.
DETAILS: On-site for the event will be an armored vehicle, police horses, and a firetruck. Attendees can also enjoy free food/drink samples from Cold Stone Creamery, Core Natural, Harkins Theatres and more! The first 300 people to arrive will also receive an American Flag.
Come have a fun filled night with your family and be sure to check out INDEPENDENCE DAY RESURGENCE in theatres June 24, 2016.


CEN opposes the recommendation as it currently stands on the basis that there is no strategic justification for Council to expand urban footprints or look at rezoning environmental lands for urban residential purposes.
Comments are in addition to those made regarding Item GOV 84 (14 July 2015).
A That Council prioritise the review of land zoned 7(c2) as part of the Urban Edge Study to determine the appropriate zoning of these lands, prior to their transition to the LEP, noting that the capacity of these lands needs to be assessed prior to the expiration of the window provided by the Department of Planning to resolve the bonus lot provisions.
Recommendation A does not read consistently with the report. It is in conflict with any attempts to fully realize the potential for bonus lot provisions of 7c(2) lands.
B Council undertake discussions with the Department of Planning to facilitate a flexible boundary clause for Environmental Lands within GLEP 2014.
Recommendation B should be deleted. To our knowledge the flexible boundary clause has only been used at the cost of the environment. Good planning and current mapping technology would suggest that a flexible boundary clause is not required.
C At the completion of A and post the results of the Urban Edge Study land zoned Conservation 7(a) zoned land would be zoned to E2 Environment Conservation and Conservation and any remaining Scenic Protection 7(c2) zoned land would be zoned to E3 Environmental Management.
We believe that Recommendation C should be deleted.
D Council continue to make representations to the Minister for Planning for a new E5 zone that would be appropriate to apply to land within the Coastal Open Space System.
CEN fully supports recommendation D and congratulates Council on continuing to place pressure of the State Government to come through with its commitment to introduce an additional Environmental Zone to protect the unique Coastal Open Space System (COSS) lands.
E Subsequent to completion of the above a planning proposal be prepared to amend the LEP and repeal Councils Interim Development Order and Gosford Planning Scheme.
It appears these environmentally sensitive lands are being lumped together into recommendation G - and the main emphasis of G is to identify future residential areas.
F Council undertake a series of consultation workshops with the Environment Committee, staff, residents and external experts to finalise a list of principles to define future urban investigation areas.
We believe that Recommendation G should be deleted. There is no justification to go down this path.
Regarding Recommendation I – CEN again raises the question about why Council is including E1 - National Parks when Council has no authority to consider urban rethinking, renewal or redefining of National Parks and Nature Reserves, as they are gazetted by the State Government.
As a minimum, this list of exclusions should be expanded to include all E1 lands and all lands that contain habitat for Threatened Species or endangered ecological communities.
In summary, we understand that Council has argued that it is required to go through this process as a result of directions from the Department of Planning.
We do not believe that there is strong justification for the direction that Council wants to head in terms of rezoning environmental lands for urban and residential purposes. The Practice Note was distributed in 2009 at the time when Council was transferring Environmental Zones into the new LEP. There is nothing in the Practice note that encourages Council to rezone environmental lands for urban / residential purposes.
CEN also refers to the s117 Direction for Environmental Protection zones.
As no strategic study has been undertaken to justify Council's decision in March 2015 considering the Inception Report of "Rethinking the Centre', "Renewal of the Urban Area" and Redefining the Urban Edges". The current resolutions of Council are inconsistent with the s 117 Direction not to reduce the environment protection standard that apply to land.


Friday Face: Have Some Berries!
In the sea of reds, corals, berries and pinks, if I was forced to pick one color range of lipsticks to wear until the end of time, it would probably be the berry family (even though I only own two berry lipsticks). Light berries are great for summer, and dark berries make for awesome vampy winter looks! Berry looks good on a lot of skin tones and you usually don't have to sit and decipher what undertone it has to see if it will look good on you or not. Basically I feel like it's an easy option that still looks cool and super chic. Today's look was inspired by the Maybelline lipstick in the shade "Atomic Pink" from the Color Sensation line, a product that has been in my collection for a year which I had totally forgotten about! It's a gorgeous shade of berry that can be applied with a light hand for a hint of color or applied properly for an opaque look. It's very pigmented but still moisturizing and the staying power is pretty decent as well. I didn't have a particular look in mind when I started my makeup, but I ended up with a pretty simple grey eye with minimal contouring/blush to keep the main focus on them lips!
what shade would you pick?
PS. Don't forget to enter my giveaway right here.
Such a gorgeous lip color! The whole look is lovely.
Real Technique, beauty lady and MAC! If you can get your hands on Real Technique, I highly recommend it :) As for beauty lady, it's all available in super markets... I got mine from a beauty store in Bourj Hammoud!


text:
from bibliopixel.animation.cube import Cube
from bibliopixel.util import log
from bibliopixel.layout import matrix
from . system_eq import EQ

class BaseSpectrumDraw:

    def __init__(self, frame):
        self.frame = frame
        self.width = frame.x
        self.height = frame.y
        self.height_map = [((i * (self.height - 1)) // (1023))
                           for i in range(1024)]
        self.width_map = [((i * (self.width - 1)) // (1023))
                          for i in range(1024)]

    def draw(self, data):
        raise NotImplementedError("Cannot call draw on the base class.")

    def draw_bar(self, x, y, w, h, c, fill=True):
        if w > 1:
            if fill:
                self.frame.fill_rect(x, y, w, h, c)
            else:
                self.frame.draw_rect(x, y, w, h, c)
        else:
            self.frame._draw_fast_vline(x, y, h, c)

    def color_map(self, width, offset=0):
        return [self.palette((((i * (255)) // (width - 1)) + offset) % 256) for i in range(width)]

class PeakLineGraph(BaseSpectrumDraw):

    def __init__(self, frame):
        super().__init__(frame)
        self.peak_dots = True
        self.peaks = [0] * self.width

    def draw(self, data, amt=1):
        chan = len(data)
        bar_w = int(self.width // chan)
        pos = (self.width - (bar_w * chan)) // 2

        color_list = self.color_map(chan)

        count = 0
        for level in data:
            c = color_list[count]
            h = self.height_map[level]
            if h:
                self.draw_bar(pos, self.height - h, bar_w, h, c, fill=True)

            if self.peak_dots:
                if self.peaks[count] > 0 and self.peaks[count] > h:
                    for i in range(bar_w):
                        self.frame.set(pos + i, self.height -
                                       self.peaks[count], c)
                if h >= self.peaks[count]:
                    self.peaks[count] = h
                else:
                    self.peaks[count] -= 1
                if self.peaks[count] < 0:
                    self.peaks[count] = 0

            pos += bar_w
            count += 1

class BasicLineGraph(PeakLineGraph):

    def __init__(self, frame):
        super().__init__(frame)
        self.peak_dots = False

class Spread(BaseSpectrumDraw):

    def __init__(self, frame):
        super().__init__(frame)
        self.center_line = self.height // 2
        self.offset = 0
        self.color_offset = 0
        self.inverse = False
        self.scroll = False

    def draw(self, data, amt=1):
        chan = len(data)
        color_list = self.color_map(chan, self.color_offset)
        bar_w = int(self.width // chan)
        pos = (self.width - (bar_w * chan)) // 2
        for i in range(chan):
            h = self.height_map[data[(i + self.offset) % len(data)]]
            c = color_list[i]
            if self.inverse:
                self.draw_bar(pos, 0, bar_w, self.center_line - h, c)
                self.draw_bar(pos, self.center_line + h, bar_w, self.height - h, c)
            else:
                if h:
                    self.draw_bar(pos, self.center_line - h, bar_w, h, c)
                    self.draw_bar(pos, self.center_line, bar_w, h, c)
            pos += bar_w
        if self.scroll:
            self.offset += amt
        self.color_offset += amt

class ScrollSpread(Spread):
    def __init__(self, frame):
        super().__init__(frame)
        self.scroll = True

class InverseSpread(Spread):
    def __init__(self, frame):
        super().__init__(frame)
        self.inverse = True

class InverseScrollSpread(Spread):
    def __init__(self, frame):
        super().__init__(frame)
        self.scroll = True
        self.inverse = True

DEFAULT_VIS_LIST = [
    Spread,
    ScrollSpread,
    InverseSpread,
    InverseScrollSpread,
    PeakLineGraph,
    BasicLineGraph
]

class FrameDraw(object):
    def __init__(self, anim):
        self.x = anim.x
        self.y = anim.y
        self.frame = [[(0, 0, 0)] * anim.x] * anim.y

    def set(self, x, y, color):
        self.frame[y][x] = color

    def draw_rect(self, x, y, w, h, color):
        matrix.draw_rect(self.set, x, y, w, h, color)

    def fill_rect(self, x, y, w, h, color):
        matrix.fill_rect(self.set, x, y, w, h, color)

    def _draw_fast_vline(self, x, y, h, color):
        matrix._draw_fast_vline(self.set, x, y, h, color)

class Spectrum(Cube):

    def __init__(self, layout, vis_list=None, steps_per_vis=None,
                 bins=64, max_freq=4000, log_scale=True, auto_gain=False,
                 gain=3, **kwds):
        super().__init__(layout, **kwds)
        self.source = EQ(bins=bins, max_freq=max_freq,
                         log_scale=log_scale, auto_gain=auto_gain, gain=gain)

        self.x, self.y, self.z = layout.x, layout.y, layout.z

        self.frames = [[[(0, 0, 0)] * self.x] * self.y] * self.z
        self.frame = FrameDraw(self)

        self.draw_obj = None
        self.steps_per_vis = steps_per_vis

        self.vis_dict = {}
        for v in DEFAULT_VIS_LIST:
            self.vis_dict[v.__name__] = v(self.frame)

        self.vis_list = vis_list
        if not self.vis_list:
            self.vis_list = [v.__name__ for v in DEFAULT_VIS_LIST]

        self.cur_vis = len(self.vis_list)
        self.next_draw_obj()

    def pre_run(self):
        self._step = 0
        self.source.start()

    def _exit(self, type, value, traceback):
        self.source.stop()

    def next_draw_obj(self):
        self.cur_vis += 1
        if self.cur_vis >= len(self.vis_list):
            self.cur_vis = 0
        if self.draw_obj:
            del self.draw_obj
        name = self.vis_list[self.cur_vis]
        log.debug("Loading {}".format(name))
        self.draw_obj = self.vis_dict[name]

    def step(self, amt=1):
        assert self.draw_obj, "No loaded visualizers!"
        self.layout.all_off()
        data = self.source.get_audio_data()
        self.draw_obj.draw(data, amt)

        print(self.frame.frame)
        self.frames[0] = self.frame.frame[:]

        for z in range(1):
            for y in range(self.y):
                for x in range(self.x):
                    self.layout.set(x, y, z, self.frames[z][y][x])

        if self.steps_per_vis:
            self._step += 1
            if self._step % self.steps_per_vis == 0:
                self.next_draw_obj()


text:
Home » News » News » Fermat Prize 2015 awarded to Laure Saint-Raymond and to Peter Scholze
Fermat Prize 2015 awarded to Laure Saint-Raymond and to Peter Scholze
The laureates of the Fermat Prize 2015 are:
Laure Saint-Raymond (École Normale Supérieure, Paris), for the development of asymptotic theories of partial differential equations, including the fluid limits of rarefied flows, multiscale analysis in plasma physics equations and ocean modeling, and the derivation of the Boltzmann equation from interacting particle systems.
Peter Scholze (Universität Bonn), for his invention of perfectoid spaces and their application to fundamental problems in algebraic geometry and in the theory of automorphic forms.
The prize-awarding ceremony will take place Tuesday the 22nd of March 2016 in Toulouse. The award amounts to a total of 20.000€ granted every two years by the Conseil Régional Midi-Pyrénées.
The EMS, as well as the French Académie des Sciences, the Société Mathématique de France and the Société de Mathématiques Appliquées et Industrielles, contribute to the composition of the committee of the Prix Fermat, by appointing one of its member.


text:
Adapting traditions to help save lives
All new babies demand flexibility of their parents, but one newborn in Ottawa inspired his mother Eno Ituen to put a twist on an important cultural tradition.
Topics: Inspiration
In Eno's home country of Nigeria, generations of parents have buried the placentas of their newborns next to the seeds of trees and even tended those trees in the hope their children would thrive along with the plants.
"My placenta and that of my husband were buried when we were born," Eno says.
But giving birth to her son in Canada in March 2019 made Eno's decision more complex. At first, her mother-in-law proposed taking the placenta back to Nigeria for burial, but Eno hesitated at the thought of sending it across the world in a suitcase.
Perhaps more significantly, she learned about how it could be used to save a life.
Cord blood stem cells can treat many diseases
Eno delivered her baby at The Ottawa Hospital, one of four collection centres where parents can donate cord blood to Canada's public cord blood bank. Blood from a newborn's umbilical cord and placenta is rich with stem cells that can be used to treat more than 80 diseases and disorders.
Donations become part of Canadian Blood Services' Cord Blood Bank, where they are made available to any matched patient in Canada or abroad in need of a stem cell transplant. The cord blood bank along with the Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry is an important resource for the many patients who can't find a matching donor within their own families.
Finding a cultural balance and giving life twice
Still, Eno felt challenged to get her mother-in-law on board.
"How do you tell a Nigerian grandmom that you want to donate something that has come out of my uterus with her grandchild?" Eno wondered.
In the end, Eno and her husband swayed the child's grandmother by explaining the lifesaving potential of those cells. A donation by this family from Africa would also help make Canada's cord blood bank more diverse. Diversity in both the cord blood bank and stem cell registry benefits patients because the most successful stem cell matches occur between donors and patients who share the same racial and ethnic background.
"Why bury something this precious?" Eno says.
Instead, they went ahead with the donation and found another way to respect tradition.
"When our baby's umbilical cord stump fell off days after his birth, my mother-in-law saved it. She traveled with it to Nigeria and buried it," says Eno. Families can also ask Canadian Blood Services to return the placenta to them after the cord blood has been collected.
The process of donating was also less cumbersome than Eno had imagined.
"I was surprised at how stress-free and easy the donation was with no impact on me and my baby," says Eno. "It felt good knowing we were donating for a good cause," she adds, describing her decision as "giving life twice."
Since having her baby, Eno has chatted with other Nigerian moms about her donation experience.
"Some of them may think that the process is tiring," she says. "If you keep telling them about the uses of cord blood and reminding them that the process has no direct impact on mother and child, I'm sure more moms would walk through that door."
This Black History Month, we encourage more Canadians from diverse ethnic backgrounds to register to join our stem cell registry or donate cord blood. You and your tiny hero can save lives!
Don't wait to be affected to give back, says two-time leukemia survivor and blood, platelet and cord blood recipient
With the stress of exams and the excitement of the upcoming holiday season hanging in the air, 20-year old Crystal Nguyen sits behind a small booth in the middle of her college campus, while her fellow students buzz by.
How Canadian Blood Services supports Canada's tissue system
Helping bring Canada's 17 eye and tissue banks together.
Christine Caron needed blood to survive her body's extreme response to an infection from a dog bite


text:
2012 Recruiting Top 50 Prospects: How Did They Do?
2019 Recruiting
By Pete Fiutak February 5, 2019 1:42 pm
By Pete Fiutak | February 5, 2019 1:42 pm CT
Does it really matter to get the superstar players, or is the whole star system overblown? The top players of the 2012 class should've been the main men for their programs – so how did the top 50 recruiting prospects do?
– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews
Is it worth the millions of dollars, countless hours, and all of the work needed to get the love and attention of the top high school prospects? Are the superstar of five-star players worth the effort? Short answer, no, but if you get one of the elite guys who does live up to the expectations, that can be all the difference between winning big things and being an also-ran.
Out of the CFN Top 50 prospects from the 2012 class, how many did what they were supposed to? How many fizzled, and how many couldn't succeed under the ridiculous hype? Here are the top 50 and what they all did.
50. WR Chris Black, Alabama
After starting out his career at Alabama – and making just 25 catches for 290 yards and two touchdowns in three seasons – he transferred to Missouri. He didn't do much more with the Tigers, making just 17 grabs for 257 yards and a score.
49. CB Davonte' Neal, Notre Dame
After originally going to Notre Dame, Neal transferred to Arizona where he was fine, but hardly a five-star prospect, finishing with 85 tackles with just two interceptions.
48. OT Kyle Kalis, Michigan
A nice part of the Wolverine offensive line, he turned into an all-star guard. While he was mostly known as the five-star guy who blew off his commitment to Ohio State to go to That School Up North, he turned in a nice career.
47. CB Brian Poole, Florida
Okay, but overshadowed by other Gator star defensive backs, Poole stepped up in his sophomore season and finished his career with 120 career tackles with six interceptions and 23 broken up passes. While he went undrafted, he became a nice part of the Atlanta Falcon defense.
46. WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
Cooper was supposed to be great, but he turned out to be even better than the expectations making 228 catches for 3,463 yards and 31 touchdowns. The All-American and Heisman candidate closed out with a 124-grab, 1,727-yard season before turning pro early. Oakland snapped him up with the fourth overall pick in 2016.
45. OG Jordan Simmons, USC
Knee problems kept him from ever doing much. He moved around on the O line before moving to the defensive side, but he just never, ever had any injury luck.
44. LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Nailed it. All-American, All-SEC, and the leader of a national champion, the 2015 SEC Defensive Player of the Year stepped it up in his final two seasons with 195 tackles and 17 tackles for loss. Buffalo took him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
43. OT Kennedy Estelle, Texas
A key part of the massively underachieving 2012 Texas recruiting class, he was suspended before being later dismissed by Charlie Strong.
42. QB Devin Fuller, UCLA
While he was hardly worth a top 50 spot, and wasn't a quarterback, he wasn't a bust. After switching positions, he caught 146 career passes for 1,322 yards and ten scores as a midrange receiver.
41. OT Avery Young, Auburn
Very, very good, he started late in his freshman season and was a regular up front over his final three seasons. While he might not have been a superstar, he was a versatile part of the line for his entire career. Undrafted, he landed with New Orleans.
40. DE Dante Fowler, Florida
Kaboom. With 140 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and 33 tackles for loss, Fowler grew into a deadly star of the Florida defensive front before getting picked third overall by Jacksonville in 2015.
39. WR Shaq Roland, South Carolina
Roland only caught 56 passes for 891 yards and ten touchdowns in his three years. He had his moments, but not enough of them.
38. WR Cyrus Jones, Alabama
A decent starter for the defensive side after starting out as a receiver, he made 69 tackles and five picks in his last two years, and was deadly whenever he got his chances as a kick and punt returner. The 2015 Cotton Bowl MVP was taken in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by New England.
37. DE Jordan Jenkins, Georgia
Sometimes it's okay to get a top-shelf prospect who came up with a really, really solid career. Jenkins lived in the land of the very good, making 204 career tackles with 19 sacks. The Jets drafted him in the third round in 2016.
36. RB Mario Pender, Florida State
Nope. He ran for just 346 yards and five touchdowns in his two years before getting booted off the team after being arrested.
35. DE Channing Ward, Ole Miss
Okay, not great, he was a steady producer over his four years finishing with 109 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
34. S Nelson Agholor, USC
As a safety, Agholor turned into a whale of a wide receiver. Okay as a freshman, he caught 56 passes for 918 yards and eight scores as a sophomore and roared with a 104-catch, 1,313-yard, 12 touchdown junior campaign. Philadelphia drafted him with the 20th overall pick in 2015.
33. RB T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
While he might not have come up with the legendary career of a Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, or a Trent Richardson, he had two straight 1,000-yard seasons and ran for 979 as a senior. He left early with 3,322 yards and 37 scores, averaging almost six yards per carry. Jacksonville took him in the second round in 2015.
32. WR Thomas Johnson, Texas A&M
An all-timer for all the wrong reasons. He caught 30 passes for 339 yards as a freshman, disappeared, got into some off-the-field issues, was off the team, and was sent to jail for allegedly hacking a man to death with a machete.
31. OG Joshua Garnett, Stanford
Stanford just doesn't miss on its offensive line recruits – at least most of them. The All-American started right away and grew into job, winning the Outland as a blaster of a run blocker in his senior season. San Francisco drafted him in the first round.
30. CB Ronald Darby, Florida State
Overshadowed by other FSU defensive stars, Darby had a decent, but hardly special career – blossoming as a junior making 43 tackles – before leaving early for the NFL. Buffalo took him in the second round of the 2015 Draft.
29. QB Gunner Kiel, Notre Dame
The can't-miss prospect had one of the more interesting college careers. First, he was supposed to be an Indiana Hoosier, and then he was going to LSU, and then Notre Dame, where eventually signed. Not getting any playing time, he bolted for Cincinnati where he threw for 6,835 yards and 56 touchdowns and 26 picks in his three years.
28. OG Isaac Seumalo, Oregon State
A phenomenal get for the Beavers, he started out well earning CFN Freshman All-America honors on the way to a nice college career. He was drafted by Philadelphia in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
27. DE Darius Hamilton, Rutgers
An excellent producer during his four years and change, he missed almost all of 2015 hurt. With 168 tackles, 11 sacks and 27 tackles for loss, he was a great player on several bad teams.
26. DE Adolphus Washington, Ohio State
A solid part of a great Buckeye line during his final three seasons, and a nice producer for a national champion, he finished with 142 tackles and 13.5 sacks. He was drafted by Buffalo in the third round in 2016.
25. RB Rushel Shell, Pitt
While he had a few nice moments as a freshman at Pitt, but he turned out to be a solid producer after transferring to West Virginia and rushing for 2,000 yards and 20 scores in three years.
24. OT Andrus Peat, Stanford
Boom. He grew into an All-American and Pac-12 all-star as a terrific blocker on a great Cardinal line. New Orleans took him 13th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
23. S Eddie Williams, Alabama
There were a whole slew of problems. Nick Saban kicked him off the team after being charged in the beating of a student.
22. DE Chris Casher, Florida State
Expected to be an elite pass rusher, he wasn't much more than a part of a rotation with just 62 tackles and nine career sacks in his four years.
21. RB Trey Williams, Texas A&M
An elite kick returner, he averaged over 24 yards per try in his three seasons, while averaging 6.6 yards per carry. He ran for 1,343 yards and 18 scores in an okay, not special, college career.
NEXT: 2012 Recruiting Class Top 20
2019 Recruiting, 2019 Recruiting, CFN, College Football Features, College Football Playoff, Teams Conferences
Recruiting 2020: 5 Coaches Who Need A Big National Signing Day
117 shares16 Feb 19
2019 Final Recruiting Class 1-130 Rankings: What You Need To Know, Best Prospects, Strengths
Washington Recruiting 2019 Final Thoughts: Another Amazing Class


text:
Crew Dragon in orbit after historic launch
by Jeff Foust — May 30, 2020
A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center May 30 placing the Demo-2 spacecraft, with two NASA astronauts on board, into orbit. Credit: Craig Vander Galien for SpaceNews
Updated 9:05 p.m. with post-launch press conference statements.
WASHINGTON — The first crewed orbital launch from the United States in nearly nine years took place May 30, placing a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft with two NASA astronauts on board into orbit, bound for the International Space Station.
A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center at 3:22 p.m. Eastern. The Crew Dragon spacecraft atop the rocket's upper stage separated 12 minutes later after achieving low Earth orbit.
"I'm really quite overcome with emotion," SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk, who founded the company in 2002, said at a post-launch press conference. "It's been 18 years working towards this goal. It's hard to believe that's happened."
"This has been a long time coming," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in post-launch remarks on NASA TV. "It's been nine years since we've launched American astronauts on American rockets from American soil, and now it's done. We have done it."
The launch took place on the second attempt for the Demo-2 mission, after the first attempt May 27 was scrubbed less than 20 minutes before the scheduled liftoff because of inclement weather. Weather for this attempt was unsettled for much of the day, with only a 50% chance of acceptable weather in the hours leading up to liftoff. Conditions improved, though, through the afternoon, allowing the launch to proceed.
The Crew Dragon is scheduled to dock with the ISS at about 10:29 a.m. Eastern May 31, 19 hours after launch. After docking, Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley will remain on the station for up to four months to assist the one NASA astronaut currently on the station, Chris Cassidy, while the next Crew Dragon is prepared for a launch now scheduled for no earlier than Aug. 30.
The spacecraft, which Behnken and Hurley said in a brief downlink a few hours after the launch had been named the "Capsule Endeavour," in part after the shuttle which both had previously flown on, is working well. NASA officials said while a previous Crew Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the station on an uncrewed test flight, Demo-1, more than a year ago, they'll be closely watching this spacecraft's approach to the station.
"You always learn something with spaceflight, and now having a crew on board, and understanding how the crew and the spacecraft operate as a system, and then how that total systems works approaching the station, is another big thing that we're learning," said Kathy Lueders, NASA commercial crew program manager, during the press conference. The spacecraft's extended stay at the ISS, which could be up to four months, is also "a huge learning opportunity for us" to see how well the Crew Dragon and ISS operate as an integrated system.
The launch is the culmination of an effort that dates back more than a decade to develop a successor to the space shuttle for transporting NASA astronauts. The Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, started by NASA in 2005, supported the development of commercial cargo vehicles, including the original SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The COTS program included an option for crew transportation, but NASA did not exercise that part of its award to SpaceX.
NASA then started the commercial crew program in 2010 with a series of funded Space Act Agreement initiatives to SpaceX and other companies. In 2014, Boeing and SpaceX won Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) contracts to complete development and testing of their commercial crew vehicles and for initial flights to the ISS. SpaceX's award was worth $2.6 billion.
At the time of the CCtCap awards, NASA expected to have the spacecraft completed and certified for flying NASA astronauts by 2017. But development delays pushed back the schedule for both companies, exacerbating earlier delays in the program caused by funding shortfalls.
SpaceX flew the Crew Dragon spacecraft for the first time in March 2019 on the Demo-1 mission, going to the ISS without a crew on board. That flight was a success, but a little more than a month after the Demo-1 spacecraft splashed down, it was destroyed during a static-fire test of the SuperDraco thrusters in its launch abort system.
That accident pushed back an in-flight abort test of the spacecraft, where the capsule separated from a Falcon 9 rocket in flight, to January. That test was a success, and final testing of the spacecraft, including its revamped parachute system, cleared the way to proceed with the Demo-2 crewed mission.
The delays, along with SpaceX's focus on other projects, like its Starship launch system, strained the company's relationship with NASA at times. Just before SpaceX held a media event about Starship at its South Texas site last September, Bridenstine tweeted his frustration: "Commercial Crew is years behind schedule. NASA expects to see the same level of enthusiasm focused on the investments of the American taxpayer. It's time to deliver."
Bridenstine, at the press conference, said that SpaceX had put a new emphasis on commercial crew after that statement. "If you would have told me then that we would be right here today, I don't know if I would have believed it," he said, recalling that tweet. "Since that day, Elon Musk and SpaceX have delivered on everything NASA has asked them to deliver on, and at a speed that we never would have guessed."
Behnken and Hurley both joined the NASA astronaut corps in 2000. Behnken flew on the STS-123 shuttle mission in 2008 and STS-130 in 2010. Hurley flew on STS-127 in 2009 and STS-135, the final space shuttle flight, in 2011. The two joined the commercial crew "cadre" of astronauts in 2015 to train on both the Crew Dragon and Boeing's CST-100 Starliner vehicles, providing inputs from an astronaut's perspective for both companies.
"This is a great time in America to be able to do this again," Hurley said in comments May 20 when he and Behnken arrived at KSC for the launch, calling the development of commercial crew vehicles a "marathon" by NASA and SpaceX. "I think it's kind of a culmination. It's that next stage of human spaceflight."
"I'm breathing a sigh of relief," Bridenstine said after Crew Dragon reached orbit. "But I will also tell you, I am not going to celebrate until Bob and Doug are home safely."
Musk agreed, arguing that the Crew Dragon's reentry and landing may be more dangerous than its launch. "We don't want to declare victory yet," he said. "We need to bring them home safely."
Civil	Commercial	Launch	Commercial CrewCrew DragonDemo-2Falcon 9NASASpaceX


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Life Outside The Book of Mormon Belt
with Lisa Torcasso Downing (L.T. Downing)
READ Get That Gold!
READ Island of the Stone Boy
READ The Pilfered Papers
Fatherhood as an Appendage to Motherhood: A New Mormon Distortion
On July 7, 2014 July 7, 2014 By lisatorcassodowningIn The Things We say
A sentiment is gaining traction among traditional Mormons that goes something like this: "Women enjoy the blessings and authority of the priesthood through men in the way men enjoy parenthood through women." Most recently, I read it in this form: "Someone once told me that my husband gets to experience parenthood through me, even though I take the head role in parenting and all the revelations and blessing that come with it. And when I married him in the temple I access the priesthood through him." This new framing of the old idea, foundational in Mormon culture, that men and women have different divinely ordained roles is new to me so I tried to locate some kind of official originating source, but had no success. Because of the rate at which I'm seeing it on social media, it strikes me there must be some recent catalyst for its popularity. Where this idea comes from matters less to me than that it goes away.
Recent media coverage surrounding Ordain Women has left many Mormons feeling compelled to defend the religion we love and ourselves for loving it. So we cling to the iron rod; we hold fast and true to the philosophy that grounds us. For many LDS, that is the popular understanding that motherhood and priesthood are separate divine gifts of equal value.
I have some questions about that paradigm that most LDS don't share. Regardless, the sentiment that men have access to parental blessings through women takes the paradigm to a level that should concern us all. Because the idea is suddenly circling, I wondered if it could be an aberration of Elder Dallin Oaks' April 2014 Priesthood Session talk. A close reading of "The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood" seems to bear this up. Walk with me through a few passages.
In Section IV, Elder Oaks speaks specifically of three doctrinal points regarding priesthood authority and then asks, "How does this apply to women?" In answer, he quotes Joseph Fielding Smith who taught that, although women do not have the priesthood, they have "divine authority." Elder Oaks follows with:
We are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their Church callings, but what other authority can it be? When a woman—young or old—is set apart to preach the gospel as a full-time missionary, she is given priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. The same is true when a woman is set apart to function as an officer or teacher in a Church organization under the direction of one who holds the keys of the priesthood.
To paraphrase: In the fulfillment of their church callings, women use–or essentially borrow–the priesthood authority of ordained men who preside over them.
Elder Oaks then said in Section V:
The greatest power God has given to His sons cannot be exercised without the companionship of one of His daughters, because only to His daughters has God given the power "to be a creator of bodies … so that God's design and the Great Plan might meet fruition." Those are the words of President J. Reuben Clark.
Here Oaks teaches that the greatest power God gives his sons is not the priesthood, but the power to procreate. I'll assume Elder Oaks isn't suggesting sexual intercourse is the greatest power, or gift, God has bestows on His mortal sons. Rather, parenthood is that greatest power, or the gift given. While he points out that men cannot become fathers without women, he does not suggest that women have authority over men in the act of procreation.
Now, lets look at the two ideas together: 1) Women partake of priesthood authority through the men who preside over them, and 2) Men partake of fatherhood, the greatest power God gives men, through women. Although Elder Oaks does not link these ideas as a quid pro quo, it seems some have, and they wind up with a version of "Women partake of priesthood authority through men in the same way men partake of parenthood through women."
But hold on a moment. Consider Elder Oaks' next paragraph:
[J. Reuben Clark] continued: "This is the place of our wives and of our mothers in the Eternal Plan. They are not bearers of the Priesthood; they are not charged with carrying out the duties and functions of the Priesthood; nor are they laden with its responsibilities; they are builders and organizers under its power, and partakers of its blessings, possessing the complement of the Priesthood powers and possessing a function as divinely called, as eternally important in its place as the Priesthood itself."
According to both Oaks and Clark, women do not have the responsibilities of the priesthood because they don't bear it, but do enjoy its blessings as "builders and organizers under its power," a power, of course, held by their male counterparts. If Elder Oaks intended the idea that women use priesthood authority through men to be an equivalent to the idea that men experience, or exercise, parenthood through women, we should be able to swap out "priesthood" and "parenthood," as well as genders, in the his follow-up paragraph and have the new statements be as true as the original. If we do this, we wind up with:
[J. Reuben Clark] continued: "This is the place of our wives husbands and of our mothers fathers in the Eternal Plan. They are not bearers of the Priesthood Parenthood; they are not charged with carrying out the duties and functions of the Priesthood parenthood; nor are they laden with its responsibilities; they are builders and organizers under its power, and partakers of its blessings, possessing the complement of the Priesthood motherhood and possessing a function as divinely called, as eternally important in its place as the Priesthood motherhood itself."
Slowing it down, in this new paragraph, the following statements would have to be true: 1) Men do not carry (or bear) parenthood. (Remember, men bear/carry the priesthood while women bear/produce children, so the equivalent idea must reflect this difference.) 2) Men are not laden with the responsibilities, or duties, of parenthood, but 3) Men enjoy the blessings of parenthood because they are a complement to mothers, who, we must infer, have the responsibilities the paragraph suggests fathers don't have. 4) Fatherhood "in its place" is as important as motherhood.
The only statement in that list that doesn't fly in the face of The Family: A Proclamation to the World is the fourth, and yet that qualifying phrase "in its place" should give us pause and indicate, again, that we cannot justly conflate the idea that women use priesthood authority under men with the way men exercise parental authority. Fathers are not subjugated to mothers. The proclamation reads:
HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
Does this sound as if fathers have parental authority because it is granted by mothers? Or that mothers preside over fathers in matters pertaining to children? No. It sounds like men and women are "full partners," which is the term Elder Oaks borrows from President Spencer W. Kimball later in in this very same priesthood session address.
I doubt a man as intelligent and spiritually in-tune as Elder Oaks would contradict himself in his own talk or defy a statement from the First Presidency. Obviously, something is off in our understanding if we find in his words support for the assertion that women enjoy the priesthood through men in the way men enjoy parenthood through women. But even if this sentiment didn't spring from a misreading of Elder Oaks' talk, his words surely repute the idea that the way women access priesthood authority is parallel to the way men access parenthood. If the two are parallel, a mother's authority subjugates the father. She presides.
The idea of fatherhood as an appendage to motherhood degrades and marginalizes men and fathers. It doesn't raise the bar for women, it lowers the bar for men. If put into practice, this concept would lead to greater gender inequality, particularly at home, the place Mormons value most. I repeat: Elder Oaks did not create this paradigm. It may be an understandable misinterpretation, but it remains the philosophy of man mingled with scripture. Our culture does not need any more of that than it already has.
Furthermore, if you are an observer of the wider world, you know that, in spite of the persistent media attention to the so-called "war on women," an ideological war is often waged against fathers. Fathers lose rights quicker and easier than ever before. It seems, legally and morally, fathers are too-often not recognized as a parent until a child is born, but of course, the mother is the mother from conception. The broader society is already easing toward a world in which men are marginalized as parents. Latter-day Saints must remain vigilant in our battle against all things that would reduce the role, influence, and, indeed, authority of fathers. The suggestion that fathers have parental authority through mothers is surely not something faithful Latter-day Saints should be arguing in order to demonstrate we value and respect women.
For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother. (Matthew 15:4)
authorityblessingsDallin OaksfatherhoodGeneral ConferenceJ. Reuben ClarkLDS feminismmotherhoodparenthoodPriesthoodresponsibilityThe Family: A Proclamation to the World
The Angry God, the Excommunication, and the Rest of Us
A Primer on the Divers Kinds of Mormons (that may not be all that kind)
9 thoughts on "Fatherhood as an Appendage to Motherhood: A New Mormon Distortion"
Well put. Unfortunately there is a history in the LDS tradition of some of us trying to explain doctrines in ways that are not accurate, or perhaps even productive. There always have been questions that aren't answered, particularly in the "why" realm. Rather than simply accepting that we don't know the answer, and having the humility (on the individual level) to acknowledge that the answer to that question is one that hasn't been revealed, we often try to fill in the gaps ourselves. We often fail when we do this.
Kay S.
Interesting! I had never heard that comparison between the priesthood and parenthood, but I think you hit the nail on the head Lisa! Thanks!
Rebecca Dalmas
1. Lisa, you used someone else paraphrasing someone else as the framework that you are arguing against. I think it would have been more genuine a rebuttal had you used the words of an actual proponent of the view.
2. Second, when you say "the old idea, foundational in Mormon culture, that men and women have different divinely ordained roles…," perhaps you gloss over the fact that these are, more importantly, scriptural and doctrinal ideas. Biologically, sexuality means that men and women are different, with different roles. Scripture, rather than subverting this, confirms it, all the while subverting notions that either sex is allowed to abuse the powers they possess.
3. In the paragraph where you exchange "parenthood" for "priesthood," one small adjustment will create consistency, by using "motherhood" instead of "parenthood": ""This is the place of our husbands and of our fathers in the Eternal Plan. They are not bearers of the Motherhood; they are not charged with carrying out the duties and functions of Motherhood; nor are they laden with its responsibilities; they are builders and organizers under its power, and partakers of its blessings, possessing the complement of the motherhood and possessing a function as divinely called, as eternally important in its place as motherhood itself.""
4. Perhaps it is not easy to see a point-to-point comparison between priesthood and motherhood, but the comparison does give the due gravity and esteem to both. But, in terms of parenthood, fathers are indeed dependent on mothers to be parents in a way that mothers are not dependent on fathers to be parents. (And women are dependent on men in the exercise of the priesthood in ways that men are not dependent on women in the exercise of the priesthood.)
5. "The suggestion that fathers have parental authority through mothers is surely not something faithful Latter-day Saints should be arguing in order to demonstrate we value and respect women." In the wider world, this does actually hold true. At birth, human beings are guaranteed to be in proximity to their mother. Laws and social customs attempt to correct this potential exclusivity. And, through marriage, the gospel does also attempt correction, by bringing man and woman together as husband and wife, so that, by being husband, man will also be father. So while some might see these gender-connected differences, reinforced by the Church, as pathways to abuse, it's also worth noting that they are pathways against abuse. By casting our distincitve powers as divinely-appointed, we become accountable to the Divine, and, through the Divine, to each other.
The "framing" you began with was a speculative way to restate what we've been taught through revelation, but it does seem to be very close to those teachings. So far, we know that maleness and femaleness is part of God's plan, implicit with distinctive and divine roles, and lest we forget, shared divine roles!
Lisa Torcasso Downing
Thanks for commenting. Its always nice to engage with thoughtful people. Below I give brief responses to your five points and then to your final paragraph.
1) I admitted I couldn't find an originating source, so I provided evidence of the idea's usage. Best I could do and sufficient for this discussion because I speak of the idea popping up in social media.
2) I'm not sure why you have an issue with the dependent clause I use (regarding the idea that men and women have different divinely ordained roles). Perhaps you are assuming I think there are no differences between men and women, fathers and mothers? (I do need to write that post, don't I?) If I don't "gloss over" some things, I'd end up writing a novel, not a blog post. How boring would that be! 🙂
3) I realized using "motherhood" in that paragraph would sound better to many ears. I opted not to use motherhood, except at the end, because of the prophetic teaching that mother and father are "full partners" in their marriage and as parents. So I see the coupling of what mothers and fathers do for their children to be one unit — parenthood. Its fine that you prefer the other. Change it to "motherhood" if you want. Then you still get the idea that fathers "are builders and organizers under Motherhood's power." That's the offending line, the offending idea. That's the distortion. Whether you use parenthood or motherhood, the distortion remains.
4) I grant you that, once we move past the equal necessity of egg and sperm, fathers are dependent on a mother's womb to produce a child, and I'll give you the historical necessity of breastfeeding even though, in our world, this doesn't apply. But after that, I think I disagree that "fathers are … dependent on mothers to be parents in a way mothers are not dependent on fathers to be parents." I'm not sure what you mean. Here's what I mean: Once the child exists, a parent is born, regardless of that parents' gender, and the child becomes the spiritual, moral, ethical, and temporal responsibility of parents in "full partnership." How cultural norms break down parental duties may lead to a balance or an imbalance of responsibility, but those balances or imbalances do not recuse either mother or father from a co-dependent relationship for and on behalf of the child. Perhaps I don't understand your point. Let me add a reminder: in this post, I'm not asserting that men and women, as fathers and mothers, are the same, or that there should be no differentiation in role. That's between the couple, their child, and God to work out. Rather, my over-arching point is that this new paradigm is a distortion because it suggests fathers are subjugated to mothers, which is not LDS doctrine even if the idea of divinely appointed role differentiation is.
5) Good points here, but again, I suspect you are a shade off in understanding mine. In the sentence you extract, I assert we shouldn't attempt to elevate one gender by reducing another, not that either father or mother are more or less important/powerful/dependent/independent than the other, either biologically or socially. I speak only of the LDS culture and only of the rise of this particular sentiment which, again, reduces a father's authority by subjugating it to a mother's through the assertion that fathers are dependent on mothers in the way women are dependent on male priesthood. Since a woman must be granted priesthood authority by a male priesthood holder, the paradigm suggests a man must be granted parental authority by the mother of his children. This I reject. Rejecting this is not the same as rejecting the idea that women get priesthood authority through male priesthood holders.
And yes, this "framing" is close to what the Brethren teach, which is why it is dangerous. Not because what the Brethren teach is dangerous, but because distortions of them can send us off-track.
Phew. Made it through that response without my head exploding. I love a smart woman. Which means you, Rebecca. 🙂
Ah, Rebecca! I just reread the paragraph you refer to in point 2. It read: "This framing of the old idea, foundational in Mormon culture, that men and women have different divinely ordained roles is new to me …" I can see how that is confusing. It sounds like I'm saying that the idea that men and women have different roles is new to me. So I edited the line. It now reads: "This NEW framing of the old idea, foundational in Mormon culture, that men and women have different divinely ordained roles is new to me ,,." Hopefully, the addition of the word "new" will make it more clear that the framing that is new to me is the idea that fathers access parenthood through mothers in the SAME WAY women access the priesthood. I hate using the word "new" twice in a sentence, but I think I'll be lazy and not bend my brain on a synonym for the second "new." Sorry if this was confusing. Hoping that makes it more clear for other readers…
I think the source is Valerie Hudson Cassler's concept of "the two trees," which you can read about in more than one place online such as
http://www.ldsmag.com/article/12563
http://www.fairmormon.org/perspectives/fair-conferences/2010-fair-conference/2010-the-two-trees
I read a slightly different version that she wrote, posted by someone on Facebook in the last few weeks, but I can't find that one now.
I just finished reading the first link. Its a lovely essay. Below I will cut and paste the most relevant part of her essay. While Hudson certainly discusses the idea of divine roles, I don't think she goes anywhere near suggesting men get their parental authority from women. She writes:
>The LDS believe that Adam and his sons will give the gift of the fruit of the Second Tree to the children of God, those who are worthy to receive it, just as Eve and her daughters give the fruit of the First Tree to all who are worthy to partake of it. The fruit of the Second Tree is the ordinances of salvation and exaltation administered by the sons of God. Just as the doorway through the veil into this life is administered and guarded over by the women, the daughters of God, so the doorway through the veil that brings us home is administered and guarded over by the sons of God. And those that have accepted the gift of the Second Tree from the hands of the sons of God will pass through that veil and back to that celestial place where they can be with their Parents once more.
>Just as Adam was asked to hearken to Eve and received the fruit of the First Tree, Eve is asked by God to hearken to Adam in accepting the fruit of the Second Tree. We would be remiss if we did not see that there were two hearkenings, two gifts given, two gifts received, two stewardships.
>That means that priesthood, in the LDS understanding, is not some extra given to men and denied women. Priesthood is a man's apprenticeship to become a heavenly father, and it is clear from LDS doctrine that women have their own apprenticeship to become like their heavenly mother. The ordinances—and they are ordinances—of body and of agency—pregnancy, childbirth, lactation—the spiritual ordinances of the First Tree are not less powerful or spiritual than the ordinances of the Second Tree.[v] Women have their own godly power.<
Frank Pellett
I wish we could get over trying to contort logic to make things fall like they are fair. We're so uncomfortable with simply saying "I don't know" that we miss the chance to learn. The minimum requirement for Motherhood involves both male and female (amongst other things); the minimum requirement for Priesthood is male without and male with. It's not the same and we should stop trying to rationalize that it is.
The questions them can become what can we pray for to make this better in the future, and what can we do with the structure we have right now to make this better.
robinobishop
"The Church is like a great caravan—organized, prepared, following an appointed course, with its captains of tens and captains of hundreds all in place.
What does it matter if a few barking dogs snap at the heels of the weary travellers? Or that predators claim those few who fall by the way? The caravan moves on.
Is there a ravine to cross, a miry mud hole to pull through, a steep grade to climb? So be it. The oxen are strong and the teamsters wise. The caravan moves on.
Are there storms that rage along the way, floods that wash away the bridges, deserts to cross, and rivers to ford? Such is life in this fallen sphere. The caravan moves on.
Ahead is the celestial city, the eternal Zion of our God, where all who maintain their position in the caravan shall find food and drink and rest. Thank God that the caravan moves on! [Bruce R. McConkie, "The Caravan Moves On," Ensign, Nov. 1984, p. 85]
The Problem of Externalized Authority: A Response to the Mormon Gender Binary
The Struggle for LDS Unity
On LDS Abortion Exceptions and the Angel Mother
Open Letter to Straight Latter-day Saints From a Straight Latter-day Saint
The Problem with Uncoupling "Jesus Christ" and "Latter-day Saints"
Steve In Millcreek on The Struggle for LDS Unit…
Jonathan on The Problem of Externalized Au…
lisatorcassodowning on The Problem of Externalized Au…
lisatorcassodowning on The Struggle for LDS Unit…
ecclesiastical abuse
Epistles to the Saints
faith transition, faith crisis
Polygamy Culture
The Things We Do
The Things We say


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Istanbul: Blue Mosque and Old Town Guided Historical Tour
From US$ 9.67 per person
Discover Istanbul's fascinating Byzantine and Ottoman history. Travel back in time as your guide takes you to visit the beautiful Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square.
Duration 45 minutes
Starting time 2:00 PM
Discover Byzantine and Ottoman relics
See the Milion Stone, considered the center of the world
Learn more about the fascinating history of Istanbul
Explore the Blue Mosque
Get a sense for the culture, both past and present
Immerse yourself in the history of Istanbul as you visit some of the most interesting sites of the city. Begin your tour by visiting the Million Stone, built in the early 4th century AD, which is considered the origin of all roads leading to the European cities of the Byzantine Empire. Continue your walk to the German Fountain - a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II to Sultan Abdulhamid II from 1898. Next, see the Palace of Ibrahim Pasha, an Ottoman imperial court residence built in the 16th century. Admire the unique building and learn about its history. Then, visit the Hippodrome, which was the center of political and sporting life in Istanbul during the reign of the Roman and Ottoman Empire. The tour ends in the courtyards of the Blue Mosque. The tour guide will inform you about all the important highlights inside the Blue Mosque. Afterward, you can discover the UNESCO World Heritage site, built-in 1616, with its 6 minarets and beautiful decor. Explore the monument at your own pace and stay inside as long as you want. Admission to the Blue Mosque is free.
Guided tour with a licensed guide
Admission to Blue Mosque (free)
Tour guide inside Blue Mosque
Meet your guide in front of the Hagia Sophia, between the entrance and exit. Your guide will be wearing red hat, red shirt, red jacket and will have a red umbrella.
Head covering or kippah
Please bring a scarf or cloth to cover your shoulders and hair when you visit the Blue Mosque
All though the guide spoke English, it was difficult to understand him. He, no doubt, knew a lot about his topic, it just came out in a way that was difficult to follow. But a nice walk around the area and we definitely got a bit of the history.
Reviewed by Anonymous – Denmark
Reviewed by Anonymous – Portugal
There were only 3 of us but it made for an excellent intimate setting and "John Lennon/Wayne" () was brilliant and knew a lot about Istanbul's 8500 year history. Loved it.
Reviewed by Anaïs – United Kingdom
Istanbul Welcome Card


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The Subtle Beast, or, Views of Pakistan Past from the Wolfsonian-FIU Library
Today's post comes to you courtesy of Sharf Associate Librarian, Rochelle Pienn. Ms. Pienn has been cataloging and preparing a large number of original photograph albums in the Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Collection for digitization. Here is her report on one such recently catalogued photograph album.
Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a hospital in Quetta, Pakistan this week. According to The Washington Post, the terrorist group emerged from the historically dangerous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
First responders and volunteers transport an injured man away from the scene of a bomb blast outside a hospital in Quetta, Pakistan August 8, 2016. REUTERS/Naseer Ahmed
This contentious region, replete with tribal wars, sires contemporary strife that captures the world's attention. Its past, evident in original photograph albums in the Jean S. and Frederic Sharf Collection at the Wolfsonian-FIU Library, reveals long-ago events equally characterized by military conflict. The haunting black and white silver gelatin prints contain elements of precognition on today's state of affairs.
The Wolfsonian-FIU, Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Collection
In the 1930s a "T. Fuller," member of the Royal Signal Corps attached to the Peshawar Brigade and in the British 1st Indian Division Signals, compiled this album documenting the Mohmand Operations.
The British fought the Afghan Wars against various insurrections in Waziristan, Balochistan, and Afghanistan, and now sought to maintain dominance along the Khyber Pass to protect key roads.
The military encountered death and destruction through an unexpected enemy: Mother Nature. The 1935 Quetta earthquake came swiftly and annihilated infrastructure.
It was the deadliest earthquake in the region on record until the 21st century, with approximately 50,000 casualties. Soon more casualties were to be had, however.
With not atypical gallows humor of a young soldier, Fuller shows the virtually uncontested victory of his unit. Advanced artillery included tanks and guns, which drove Pashtun warriors out of the unchanging stark mountains.
A broad range of official personnel took part in the mission.
The unofficial mascot cuddled with comrades.
The camera immortalized the beauty of the local people.
Fuller closes the album with a satirical and war-weary ditty. For more close-ups of historical Pakistan, you're invited to peruse the visual stories provided by original photograph albums in the Jean S. and Frederic Sharf Collection at the Wolfsonian-FIU Library. On the fictional account of a Pakistani American in the urban nightmare of contemporary New York City, enjoy this quick but compelling clip from HBO's The Night Of.
~ by "The Chief" on August 10, 2016.
Posted in 1930s, acquisitions, Afghanistan, British Army, colonialism, Earthquakes, Frederic A. Sharf, gifts, Great Britain, Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf, Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Collection, library donors, Pakistan, Photograph albums, photography, Quetta, rare books and special collections library, The Wolfsonian-FIU library, War Photography, Wolfsonian, Wolfsonian library, Wolfsonian library collection, Wolfsonian museum library, Wolfsonian staff, Wolfsonian-FIU library
Tags: 1935 Quetta earthquake, Afghanistan, British 1st Indian Division Signals, HBO's The Night Of, Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Collection, Mohmand Operations, Pakistan, Peshawar Brigade, photograph albums, Quetta (Pakistan), Rochelle Pienn, suicide bombings, T. Fuller, Terrorism, terrorists, tribal wars