RAPHAEL LAPOIRIE 03

Read More

The Great Barrier Reef's Most Dangerous Creatures

We all know that the Great Barrier Reef is known for many things. Its the largest living organism in the planet, it has 900 islands, it is composed of 2,900 individual reefs, it has some of the best diving spots in the world.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to many sea creatures as well which is why before you venture into the water to wade, swim, snorkel, or dive know that beautiful aquatic animals coexist with the most dangerous animals in the reef. Knowing or becoming familiar with these animals will help you understand why there is a need to follow danger signs and the "no touch" policy.

Stingers

The Box Jellyfish which is also called Sea Wasp is one of the most deadly animals in the planet which can be found near the shores of the reef. Its toxin which can be found on its long tentacles is so strong that very few survive its sting. When someone is stung, vinegar or peeing on the spot will somehow reduce pain but should not replace medical assistance.

The next deadly stinger is the Irukandji Jellyfish which can be found at the deeper waters of the northern portions of the Great Barrier Reef but due to currents may be swept to shore. It might be small, just a few centimeter but its poison also packs a punch in that being stung can be life threatening.

There are stinging fish as well such as the Stonefish and Lionfish. Their spiny fins are toxic so avoid getting punctured as this is the way the venom is introduced into the body.

The next in our short list is the Blue Ringed Octopus so called because of the blue rings on its body is a small and the only poisonous octopus in the whole planet. You can find it on rock pools and when you try to pick it up, it will bite you with its sharp beak.

Second from the last is the Sting Rays which are really beautiful and graceful creatures but be careful with their tails that where the barbed spine is.

If you thought shells are safe think again. The are many species of Cone Shells in the Great Barrier Reef and they are found on rock pools which is why it's easy to step on them. If they feel threatened they would fire a harpoon-like dart on you that has a venom powerful enough to kill a human.

Biters

Sea snakes may be venomous but they rarely waste their toxin on something they can't eat and most of their bites are purely for self defense. You're relatively safe if you don't annoy them.

Bites by Sharks, Moray Eels, and others may be uncommon but if you are on a shark feeding dive it's best to follow instructions from the dive master.

Safety Precautions

Never ever touch anything no matter how beautiful or inviting. Teach your kids this motto because they are more likely to pick lovely but poisonous shells.

When you need to rest at the bottom of the ocean when diving shuffle the sand first with your fins to give sting rays or other creature which might be hiding in the sand, a chance to go away.

At the Great Barrier Reef there are reef education sessions before you go snorkeling or diving put them to mind lastly, always listen to your dive masters and always follow danger signs.

Read More

The beauty of Bleaker Island

Bleaker Island is home to three species of penguin – Rockhopper, Magellanic and Gentoo – a large imperial cormorant colony, southern giant petrels, many smaller birds and a variety of waterfowl on the ponds. Here you may spot the rare flying steamer duck. Marine mammals are often observed offshore.

The settlement is situated in the middle of the island and still operates a sheep farm. Plenty of walking opportunities are available around the island including long sandy beaches with beautiful views. Listed as an 'Important Bird Area', the land north of the settlement is a designated national nature reserve.

Cobb's Cottage is a recently-built self-catering cottage offering cosy accommodation in the settlement.

Read More

RAPHAEL LAPOIRIE 02

Read More

Great conductors of the 20TH century EMI VOL.23 - Stokowski

CD1 [78.43]

Sibelius: Symphony No.1 in E minor, Op.39
National Philharmonic Orchestra; West Ham Central Mission, London; November 1976

Nielsen: Symphony No.2, Op.16 'The Four Temperaments'
Danish State Radio Symphony Orchestra; Odd Fellow Palæt, Copenhagen; August 1967 (Live)

Grainger: Handel in the Strand, Country Gardens & Shepherd's Hey
Percy Grainger & Leopold Stokowski & His Symphony Orchestra;
The Manhattan Center, New York City; May 1950

CD2 [78.45]

Dukas: Fanfare ('La Péri')
Leopold Stokowski & His Symphony Orchestra; Riverside Plaza Hotel, New York City;
February 1957

Brahms: 'Tragic' Overture, Op.81
National Philharmonic Orchestra; Abbey Road Studios, London; April 1977

Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody in F minor, S359 No.1
Members of the NBC Symphony Orchestra; The Manhattan Center; February 1956
Turina: La oración del torero, Op.34
Leopold Stokowski & His Symphony Orchestra; Riverside Plaza Hotel; February 1958
Ibert: Escales
Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française; Salle Wagram, Paris; May 1958

Wagner: 'Love Music' from 'Tristan und Isolde' (arr. Stokowski)
The Philadelphia Orchestra; Broadwood Hotel, Philadelphia; February 1960
Glière: Russian Sailors' Dance ('The Red Poppy' - Suite, Op.70)
Leopold Stokowski & His Symphony Orchestra; The Manhattan Center; February 1953





THE BIOGRAPHY - LEOPOLD STOKOWSKI (1882-1977)
Leopold Stokowski, born in London in 1882, began his long career as an organist but realised his desire to become a conductor in 1909. In 1912 he was appointed conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra and over the course of nearly three decades built it into one of the finest of all symphonic ensembles. He championed modern composers, brought classical music to cinemagoers in Walt Disney's Fantasia, and during the 1940s formed the All-American Youth Orchestra, the New York City Symphony and the Hollywood Bowl Symphony, then guest-conducted the New York Philharmonic. In 1951 returned to England and began an illustrious international career. In 1962, he founded the American Symphony Orchestra in New York. When he died in England at the age of 95, he was still one of the most celebrated and beloved conductors in the world.

THE RECORDINGS
The rarities in this lively anthology include, pre-eminently, Stokowski's live performance of Nielsen's Second Symphony, given in the composer's native city when the 85-year-old conductor visited Copenhagen in 1967. This recording is released internationally for the first time. Throughout Stokowski's long career, another Scandinavian composer, Sibelius, was an abiding passion. The conductor premiered the last three of the composer's symphonies in the US. He first performed the First Symphony in 1910 in Cincinnati in his late 20s, but the astonishingly vigorous and deeply felt performance included here was recorded in London in 1976, when the conductor was nearly 95. In 1950, Stokowski asked the composer Percy Grainger to make special orchestral arrangements of a number of his most famous compositions and recorded them with Grainger himself as pianist. These 'Versions for Stokowski' are issued here for the first time on CD. The recordings of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No.1, a notable addition to the conductor's discography, and Glière's invigorating Russian Sailors' Dance are also new to CD. Elsewhere, Stokowski's wizardry is brought to bear on colourful scores by Dukas, Ibert and Turina and in his own arrangement of the 'love music' from Wagner's Tristan und Isolde. 



http://www.filesonic.com/file/816600484/Great Conductors of The 20th Century Vol 23 - Leopold Stokowski.part1.rar
http://www.filesonic.com/file/809734624/Great Conductors of The 20th Century Vol 23 - Leopold Stokowski.part2.rar
http://www.filesonic.com/file/809747694/Great Conductors of The 20th Century Vol 23 - Leopold Stokowski.part3.rar
http://www.filesonic.com/file/813389284/Great Conductors of The 20th Century Vol 23 - Leopold Stokowski.part4.rar
 


http://www.fileserve.com/file/CpaRgMJ
http://www.fileserve.com/file/GUaBbQG
http://www.fileserve.com/file/FJRvrqd
http://www.fileserve.com/file/Sum4WPs
 

Read More

Discover the Beauty of Khagrachhari

Khagrachhari, also spelledKhagrachari, can be reached by road and most visitors on their way to this magnificent part ofBangladesh travel to Chittagongfirst, as it is the closest city to Khagrachhari. Dhaka is just over two hundred and sixty kilometers away, but the distances traveled to Khagrachhari will soon be forgotten once tourists begin to explore this spectacular hill town that is surrounded by forests, green vegetation and breathtaking views. It is not only one of the most beautiful locations in Bangladesh, but has its own fascinating sites and attractions to offer.

The town of Khagrachhari is often described as the single destination in Bangladeshwhere the country’s true beauty, wonderful wildlife and unforgettable nature can be observed. It has a friendly, peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, with the Chengi River flowing with life and adding to the splendor of Khagrachhari. Indeed, the town knows only how to appreciate nature and to rejuvenate tired souls, as it is far from the bustling cities and rejects modernization and the rushed lifestyle of the present day world.

One of the many attractions in Khagrachhari, is Alutilla. This massive cave nestled amongst the mysterious forests is a magnificent sight to behold. Torches, available at the top of the hill, allow visitors to view the stream that flows through the natural cave. The hill also provides visitors with an amazing view of Khagrachhari, and the lighthouse, Buddhist Temple and Watch Tower are also worth exploring. Other noteworthy sites include the Deeghi (water tank) of the (former) King of Tripura, Guimara Forest, Mogh Chief Rajbari (palace), Ramgarh Tea Garden, Sharthok Ejamno memorial monument and the Matai Pukhiri Lake. If in Khagrachhari during April, visitors will be able to partake in their New Year festival, known as the Biju Festival, which is accompanied by cultural ceremonies, dancing, music, song and sport.

Getting to know the traditions, culture and lifestyles of the local people is another wonderful feature of Khagrachhari, which is often described as exotic. And with such picturesque surroundings, peacefulness and natural beauty, it is easy to believe that one has been swept away from conventional Bangladesh and transported into a euphoric world.

Read More

Neutral A La Mode

I adore the neutrals that are popping up this season but unfortunately it is not something I can easily pull off, as it tends to wash me out.  That's why this Missoni-esque inspired dress (for a killer deal) paired with neutral accessories is the ideal antidote: I can indulge in the trend without sacrificing my skin tone.  All these soft blush and nude tones, with a touch of gold could also turn out to be the perfect Easter weekend ensemble.

1. Essie Nail Polish Nude Beach 

2. Kate Spade Swim Team Statement Earrings 

3. Marni Oversized Leather Frame Clutch

4. Forever 21 Ikat Print Dress

5. Alexis Bittar Bangle

6. Steve Madden Caryssa

Read More

Park Avenue

This is my new pink glass. Isn't it beautiful? If you remember this is one of the items I bought last weekend antique shopping. I have it on my dressing table so I don't have to traipse all the way downstairs to get a drink of water at night. Also I was tired of having a green plastic cup marring my decorating theme. The pictures captured the color wonderfully.

I didn't really know anything about the pattern or who made it, so I did a little research. The pattern is called "Park Avenue" made by the Federal Glass Co in the 1940s. The color is called "Ruby Flash". To make it ruby colored they had to put a thin layer of colored glass over clear glass and reheat or flash it to bond them. In the picture above you can see the company mark, an F in a shield.

I really love the color. Maybe I should start a collection of ruby glass...

Read More

Happy Easter!

He is Lord, He is Lord,

He is Risen from the dead and He is Lord!

Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess,

That Jesus Christ is Lord!

I remember singing that at the top of our voices while swing on the swing set, when we were kids. We were so excited that spring was here and that Easter candy would soon be plentiful.

Happy Easter!!

P.S. The little chicks are my newest Easter decoration. They look old, but are not!

Read More