Download "Around Dhaulagiri Circuit and Dhampus Peak Climb TRIP NOTES 2019"
2 AROUND DHAULAGIRI CIRCUIT AND DHAMPUS PEAK CLIMB 2019 Trip Notes All material Copyright Adventure Consultants Ltd 2018/2019 The `Around Dhaulagiri Circuit and Dhampus Peak Climb is a challenging and adventurous camping-based trek into a remote and unspoilt corner of Nepal. Dhaulagiri is the highest mountain completely within Nepal hence the circumnavigation delivers an allencompassing perspective of the environment and those who live around it. A panorama from the crest of French Pass, showing Dhaulagiri on the left through to Hidden Valley on the right. We initiate the journey at low altitude then ascend through a wide range of cultural and temperate zones in a region that sees minimal contact with the outside world. Agriculture and horticulture give way to dense untouched forests through to extreme mountain-scape as we travel around the mighty behemoth of Dhaulagiri, the `White Mountain. After several days negotiating steep and exposed trails connecting small hamlets of the authentic Nepal, we are confronted by the bulk of Dhaulagiri that soars for 5000 metres overhead in one large sweep to its lofty summit. We continue upwards to Dhaulagiri Base Camp where expedition climbers position themselves to tackle this peak that is the world s seventh highest. Here we spend two nights acclimatising before the trekking route then takes us higher still, over the 5,300 metre French Pass where the uphill journey culminates in an ascent of the 6,012 metre Dhampus Peak. There is much that is compelling about this trek that qualifies it as one of the most fascinating and rewarding in the Himalaya. Trek Outline The trek members meet in Kathmandu, the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. We are greeted at the airport by our Kathmandu representatives, who whisk you through the thriving city to your hotel.
4 We follow the trail through tracts of ancient forest and emerge into small villages with lush green crops The trekking days are moderately strenuous in nature. The trek up to Dhaulagiri Base Camp will involve walking around six hours each day, but there will be a couple of longer days towards the end and during the ascent of Dhampus Peak at the high point of the trek. We have scheduled two days for rest and acclimatisation at Dhaulagiri Base Camp which sits at 4,700 metres above sea level. Expedition teams from around the world will be in residence at base camp where they will utilise the camp to stage their climbs and rest up between rotations on the mountain. We will spend our time here taking short acclimatisation hikes and maximising rest and recuperation to prepare us for the adventures ahead. Feeling the benefits of the rest from our nights at Base Camp we embark on the ascent to French Pass at 5,360 metres. We trek across glacial moraine towards the head of the valley then make the long climb to the apex of the pass that delivers spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri Massif. We then drop down the other side into the `Hidden Valley where we establish camp at 5,140m. The next day we rise early to make the climb up snow Fresh snow blankets Dhaulagiri Base Camp 4,700m slopes to Dhampus Pass (5,240m) that is the final high point on the trek before we descend abruptly into the Kali Gandaki Valley. For those with the resolve who want to stand on the summit of a Himalayan peak, we make the ascent of Dhampus Peak (6,012m) that sits directly above the pass. Moderate snow slopes lead to the summit where you gain spectacular views of the Annapurna s across the valley and the peaks of the Dhaulagiri Range. The journey now involves a long descent to the green pastures of Yak Kharka (4,430m) and the following morning to the delightful whitewashed township of Marpha. Marpha sports paved streets through narrow alleyways, cute shops and hotels. It is a picturesque scene due to the beautifully cultivated fields of apricot trees and cropping grains that surround this small hamlet.
6 16 April 24: Marpha to Pokhara by jeep. 8 hours. Hotel 17 April 25: Fly to Kathmandu. Hotel 18 April 26: Weather contingency day 19 April 27: Depart Kathmandu Expedition Fee The cost of the trek ex Kathmandu is US$6,400. This is an inclusive cost and covers the following: Kathmandu Airport Transfers Nepalese Government royalty fees All trek organisational requirements All trekking permits Air transport and accommodation in tents, lodges, hotels ex Kathmandu on twin shared basis All group equipment for the trek All trek staff, including porter support (you only carry a daypack). All meals after departing Kathmandu and before arriving back into Pokhara The trek fee does not include the following: Air travel to and from Nepal Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu Dinner in Pohkara on return from trek Purchases of bottled water while on the trek, gifts or alcohol Personal expenses such as laundry, battery charging Entry visas for Nepal (suggest getting 30-day tourist visa for Nepal on arrival into Kathmandu) Personal clothing and equipment for the trek Personal travel/trip cancellation insurance Any rescue costs or costs of early departure from the expedition Gratuities to porters, guides and Sherpa staff Deposit A deposit of US$500 is payable to secure a place on the trek. Balance The balance of payment is payable 60 days prior to your trip start date.
7 Payments All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account: Bank of New Zealand Offshore Branch 1 Willis Street Wellington New Zealand for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited Account # Account Type: US Dollars Swift Address: BKNZNZ22 Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account. We can also accept your deposit by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Amex), and your balance payment by credit card plus a 3% credit card fee. Cancellation and Refund Policy Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 60 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition trek member may then cancel his/her participation on the following basis: Cancellations outside of 60 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit. For cancellations made within days of the trip commencement date, we reserve the right to retain 50% of the full fee. For cancellations within 29 days of the departure date a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies. We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent. Groups If you are a group of 6 or more, then you can nominate the dates that suit you for the 19-day trek at the standard trekking rate. The last available departure starting date is April 20, If you are travelling alone or if there are just 2-5 of you, we can operate Private Treks so please contact us for pricing and availability. Team Membership We will take a maximum of 12 trekkers with each departure, hence spaces are limited. We will consider separate groups as mentioned earlier.
8 Food During the trek, we will be dining in the Adventure Consultants dining tent. Our trekking chefs provide ample nutritious cooked meals of wholesome local and imported produce. Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements. Another lush camp site next to our comfortable dining tent Equipment List Trek members will be sent a list detailing all necessary clothing and equipment to be individually provided. Medical Examination Trek members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality. Documentation and Photographs Trek members will need to provide 3 passport photographs for trekking permits and a copy of their passport biodata page. The Advantages of Trekking with Us Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to their expeditions and treks. Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to their expeditions and treks. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our trekkers the best possible experience.


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← Michigan hearing, March 2. Senator calls for shut-off moratorium and steep fines to reimburse affected customers; computer problems caused many power shut-offs
Arizona: APS and police threaten to arrest physician for refusing Smart Meters on office building →
Dr. Joel Moskowitz wins freedom of information journalism award for lawsuit releasing California Department of Public Health cell phone advisory
Northern California Society of Professional Journalists announced February 21 that Dr. Joel Moskowitz, Director of the Center for Family and Community Health at U.C. Berkeley's School of Public Health, was a winner of its 2018 James Madison Freedom of Information Award in the Citizen category.
From Northern California Society of Professional Journalists
"The James Madison Freedom of Information Awards recognize Northern California organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing freedom of information and/or expression in the spirit of James Madison, the creative force behind the First Amendment. SPJ NorCal presents the awards near Madison's birthday, March 16, and National Freedom of Information Week, which is March 11-18 this year.
Susan Fowler and Dr. Joel Moskowitz win Citizen Awards. Fowler was an early voice in what became the #MeToo movement, blowing the whistle on workplace sexual harassment at Uber and giving voice to women in the tech industry and beyond it. Moskowitz, the director of the Center for Family and Community Health at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health, successfully sued the state under the California Public Records Act, securing the release of a report on cell phone radiation commissioned by California's Department of Public Health."
He and the other winners of the 2018 James Madison Freedom of Information awards will be honored at the 33rd Annual Awards dinner March 27, 2018, in San Francisco.
For details and additional information:
http://www.spjnorcal.org/new/2018/02/21/spj-norcal-honors-2018-foi-award-winners/
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With a special focus on women, their families, refugees and people who have experienced war and persecution. Its Mission is to improve newcomers' quality of life and to promote their social and economic inclusion in order to enable them to become contributing members of society and to live in dignity. Provides assistance with filling out various forms, and referrals to other organizations.


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Now reading: Why We Started Chickpea Magazine
Why We Started Chickpea Magazine
At every in-person show we do, we hear the same set of questions again and again: why are you vegan? What is a small press magazine? And, appropriately enough for this post today, how did you get the idea to start something like this?
Well, it really started from one place: the public library. Back when I still worked at a thrift store, from 2009-2011, I would go there after work at least once a week and read all the new magazines that would come out. I became fixated on page counts, monthly themes, editorial direction, and of course, the design of every issue. I always felt dissatisfied with mainstream magazines, and this steady stream of new issues really blew up my dislike of them. There were a host of improvements I thought I could make, or someone in charge should make if they could.
I wanted more magazines with uncluttered design.
I'm definitely not a "clean" or minimal design lover, but I also don't enjoy when each page is covered completely. Not only were the page layouts formulaic, but they were jam packed with visual information, whether it was there for a purpose or not. Not just the ads, but the actual content was filled with visual tropes that were unnecessary and distracting. I've always thought of reading magazines as a break in my day, and especially now with so many screens, they should help clear my head even more. But the noise of these magazines, even ones who advertise themselves as "simple", don't ever fully take me out of my daily grind.
I wanted to read a magazine that wouldn't confuse me into a lifestyle I didn't want.
Every magazine definitely has a point of view, but mainstream magazines specifically advertise an "ideal" lifestyle that consists of being beautiful, young, wealthy, and constantly buying things. They put out conflicting information to keep you coming back, issue after issue; one month the weight loss cure could be Atkins, the next it could praise fasting. The information is never thoughtful of an overall lifestyle of its readers, it just follows trends which leads to a choppy, disjointed picture of what an ideal life might look like. I wanted something more like a book that comes out in installments, where it goes deeper into each topic and can be used as reference through my whole life, not just snippets. I don't want to try to be "fixed" by a magazine - I want something to complement the life I already have.
I was a little sick of the "meat porn" in traditional food magazines, and all the supplements advertised in less meaty magazines.
Even in the magazines I truly love and still buy to this day, the content is skewed to extremes - either centerfolds of big raw slab of meat, or every page advertising super processed foods and supplements. I want something that won't push a product, I just want a whole foods/lifestyle kind of thing that I could make myself if I wanted to.
I couldn't stand being sold to in something I already purchased.
This is the same reason I don't have cable and don't watch Hulu - when I buy something, especially something I pay a lot for, I don't want to continue to be sold to. This is obviously talking about advertising, which constitutes sometimes a significant portion of a magazine, but there's more to it than that. It was that I'd see a paid ad for a certain perfume, and then the same perfume would be in the gift guide put together a few pages later. Or that half the magazine was devoted to pushing products. I remember as a kid, I was astounded that there were new clothes in every issue of any magazine I read - do people really buy clothes that often? Or computers in tech magazines, or thousand dollar rugs in the home decor magazines? I wanted (and continue to want) something that reflects how I live my life, not some impossibly rich standard that businesses want me to be.
In short, I wanted a magazine that I would want to read.
I really just started Chickpea (in 2011) with the thought of "if I could make my ideal magazine, what would it look like?" and went from there. At the same time, our original blog was getting really popular, and we knew we could get help from our readers and fellow bloggers to turn this new magazine into something great. We just went for it, and continue to go for it so we can keep making something we'd all want to read.
If you'd like to work with us, head here to send us your ideas. <3
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Real property audit readiness requires that all existing facilities are accurately recorded in the inventory and that records match only facilities that actually exist. Our experience and significant expertise in this area assure all our clients of accurate and auditable survey results in compliance with Financial Improvements and Audit Readiness (FIAR) guidance.
R&K validated real property inventory and facility maintenance/planning data at 180+ sites in the U.S. and Commonwealths. Work includes a comprehensive inventory validation, condition assessment, master planning, data review associated with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) considerations, space utilization, maintenance and repair funding issues and real property accountability responsibilities. This critical and time-sensitive work supported ongoing enhancements in real property management and mandated BRAC decisions regarding the realignment of Marine Corps Reserve Units.
"Fence-to-fence" inventory, condition assessments, development of site maps, floor plans, and space utilization studies.
Review of leases, permits, and inter-service support agreements to ensure congruence with the real property data and funding requirements.
Subject matter expertise in policies on property management, use, inventory and the multiple related database systems.
R&K provided audit preparation and support in compliance with Financial Improvements and Audit Readiness (FIAR) guidance. This effort provided discovery and baseline evaluations for over 13,000 facilities in 18 months, and covered all aspects of the five financial management assertions to include: existence, completeness, rights/ obligations, presentation/disclosure, and valuation. R&K developed recommendations for process improvement with objective procedures, standards, and guidance for the inventory of real property.
R&K performed the on-site physical inventory, financial cost accounting reviews, and real property inventory system updates for over 11,000 properties in Japan, Korea, California, Virginia and Arizona. R&K developed the schedule, processes, quality control/assurance procedures, and documentation necessary to comply Financial Improvements and Audit Readiness (FIAR) guidance.


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A Mysterious Principle Seems to Govern the Behavior of Particles
Category: Science Tags: particle entanglement / quantum mechanics / superconductors
A research team working on superconducting materials has detected a quantum phenomenon that points to the existence of a mysterious fundamental law that governs the collective behavior of particles. (Image: via pixabay / CC0 1.0)
By VISION TIMES, December 8, 2018
A research team working on superconducting materials has detected a quantum phenomenon that points to the existence of a mysterious fundamental law that governs the collective behavior of particles. It is said to affect how the particles spread information and energy.
The mysterious principle
The study was conducted by a team working at the National Laboratory for Intense Magnetic Fields (LNCMI) in France and the University of Sherbrooke in Canada. They found that electrons inside one type of superconducting ceramic crystals called "cuprates" dissipated energy at high speeds. It was even hitting against the fundamental quantum speed limits, which "determine the minimum time for a given process to occur in terms of the energy fluctuations of the process," according to Phys.Org.
The study was conducted by a team working at the National Laboratory for Intense Magnetic Fields (LNCMI) in France and the University of Sherbrooke in Canada. (Image: Screenshot / YouTube)
Other exotic superconducting materials, like pnictides and strontium ruthenates, have already been discovered to burn off energy at the maximum allowable rate. What is striking about the new finding is that the speed limit at which energy burns is closely linked to the numerical value of Planck's Constant, which relates the energy in one quantum of electromagnetic radiation to the frequency of that specific radiation.
Cuprates and other exotic superconducting materials burn off energy when they enter the "strange metal" phase. This is when these materials resist the flow of electricity at much higher rates than conventional materials. However, when the materials are cooled down to a specific temperature, they turn into lossless conductors of electricity. For the past three decades, physicists have been scratching their heads trying to control this form of superconductivity. With the new discovery, it seems like the behavior of electrons during the "strange metal" phase is key to unraveling the mystery.
What exactly these electrons do in the "strange metal" phase is unknown. Some scientists theorize that the electrons may be organizing themselves in a quantum state in which the properties of every single electron depend on the properties of all the others. This will potentially allow electrons to spread energy very close to the limits of quantum mechanics.
The entanglement of millions of electrons may even lead to an entirely new state of matter that physicists are not aware of. The experiments of the research team underlie the possibility of a universality across materials, involving a deep idea that interlinks concepts like gravity and black holes.
The entanglement of millions of electrons may even lead to an entirely new state of matter that physicists are not aware of. (Image: Screenshot / YouTube)
Interactive quantum matter
Meanwhile, researchers at JILA, earlier known as the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics, have made a technical breakthrough that will allow scientists to control interacting quantum matter. JILA, well known for creating the world's first Bose-Einstein Condensate, is jointly operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado (CU).
"We are trying to understand the emergence of complexity when multiple particles — atoms here — interact with each other… Even though we may understand the rules perfectly on how two atoms interact, when multiple atoms get together there are always surprises. We want to understand the surprises quantitatively," Jun Ye, a member of JILA and NIST, said to Science Daily.
The team found that packing three or more atoms into a single lattice cell might end up creating a deeply entangled state in which the quantum properties of the atoms are linked in a stable way. The discovery will help in boosting the performance of atomic clocks, quantum information systems, and different types of sensors.
Huawei Blocked From Supplying 5G Services in New Zealand
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If you want to ask a question, please read [some tips](https://github.com/ant-design/ant-design/blob/master/.github/CONTRIBUTING.md#do-your-homework-before-asking-a-question) first :-)

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Queer kind of just means I can do whatever I want. If I want to be butch one day I can butch it up. If I want to be femme I can. It contains no boundaries.
I kind of grew up in a bubble. I didn't have to come out, I wasn't the first person to do it in my family either. It was always understood that I was gay. All my friends were older and I was around people that made it OK for me.
I had an ideal group around me and I never felt out of place or unwanted. It could feel a little alienated in my hometown because of being the only one open about being gay.
A major issue right now with the current political environment, young people and kids see this administration and what is said about Queer culture and its detrimental to them. They're just bombarded with negativity on who they are. If kids are thinking that something is wrong with them, I hope they realize that NOTHING is wrong about them. Some of the stories we see in the media right now could be hard for a young Queer person to interpret.
My identity used to run how I carry myself.
I felt that I had to fit specific stereotypes. As I've gotten older everything is more authentic. I know myself now more than I ever had. I do what I want when I want and I don't ever think about how that fits into my identity.
The "mainstream" Queer community is not a part of our community that I choose to partake in. I don't like how vapid it is. I feel like that side of the community tends to be very egotistical and self-centered. I love being around people who are genuinely weird without trying to be. I always feel more at home at alternative Queer spaces.
I am the happiest when I'm out of my comfort zone. I like the unknown of it. For me if something scares me, I'm going to do it and it's never as scary as we make it out to be in our heads. I'm really happy when I'm by myself too. I love being social, but I am a loner. I love traveling alone, eating dinner alone, etc.
If something will make you happy and it doesn't physically hurt people do it, because life is short, and you can't live for others. As long as it's authentic for you, people will respect you more because you're living your truth as opposed to hiding.


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$2.3 Million Will Buy You the World's Most Valuable 1984 Ford LTD Station Wagon
An unlikely art car if there ever was one.
byJesus Garcia| PUBLISHED Sep 20, 2020 2:27 PM
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Bring a Trailer has caused prices of nostalgic '80s and '90s vehicles to skyrocket, but this non-running 1984 Ford LTD wagon from a German dealer is on another level. It's got an asking price of $2.3 million, largely because it hand-painted in 1996 by Tanzanian artist George Lilanga.
According to the Mobile.de listing, Lilanga was asked to paint the car by a hotel owner during an art exhibit in Furth, Germany. The owner told Lilanga he could stay for free at the hotel if he could turn his white Ford station wagon into a work of art. Lilanga agreed and soon started painting the car. Fellow artist Poni Yengi also took advantage of the rare opportunity and helped fill in the five-door canvas with art.
1984 Ford LTD by George Lilanga, Mobile.de
George Lilanga was a contemporary artist from East Africa and is considered to be one of the most influential from that region. GAFRA Art explains that Lilanga's work drew inspiration from his Makonde heritage. It represents his people's culture and mythology through the use of vibrant colors to create paintings, sketches and sculptures of mythical and spiritual figures known as Shetani. This is the only car he ever painted, making it one of a kind.
The hood and tailgate of the LTD were painted by Yengi, and Lilanga painted the rest of the station wagon. All the work was done by hand, of course, and both artists signed and dated the hood. Per the for-sale listing, the vehicle does not run but still has its 3.8-liter V6 engine and console automatic with nearly 90,000 miles showing on the odometer.
The seller doesn't say how it acquired this art car but, interestingly, the ad reads, "If you want, you can offer us more than the asked price. In fact this is art—and art is always priceless."
They may be right, but every car has its price. As far as expensive paint jobs go, this has to be one for the record books.
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all people. When you join the WCO, you join a group of more than 200,000 optometrists in almost 60 countries through more than 200 affiliate, associate, corporate and individual memberships across six world regions. Check out the member benefits in both English and Spanish.
Here is how the WCO is making a difference.
Together, we have seen the launch of "Our Children's Vision" (OCV), a worldwide initiative whose initial target is to provide eye care services to 50 million children by 2020. With the support of our members, we will be an integral partner in reaching this attainable goal.
Join the WCO, and help shape the future of eye care around the world.
Your participation in the WCO and other organizations shows your commitment to optometry, elevating you as a professional. After joining the WCO, you will be sent an exclusive WCO member certificate to print and display in your office for viewing by patients, colleagues and your local community.


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HomeNW RepresentationMerkley, Wyden, DeFazio, Schrader, Bonamici, Blumenauer to Secretary Zinke: Hands off our coast
Merkley, Wyden, DeFazio, Schrader, Bonamici, Blumenauer to Secretary Zinke: Hands off our coast
February 2, 2018 News NW Representation Comments Off on Merkley, Wyden, DeFazio, Schrader, Bonamici, Blumenauer to Secretary Zinke: Hands off our coast
Bipartisan group of lawmakers strongly opposes oil and gas production off the coast of the Pacific Northwest
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon's Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Representatives Peter DeFazio, Kurt Schrader, Suzanne Bonamici and Earl Blumenauer today joined a bicameral, bipartisan group of 16 Pacific Northwest lawmakers in a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke calling for the Oregon and Washington coasts to be removed from Interior's offshore drilling plan.
The bipartisan group of lawmakers wrote, "We write to express our strong opposition to inclusion of Pacific Northwest waters in the Trump Administration's National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024. The states of Washington and Oregon have made clear through local, state, and federal action, as well as extensive public comment, that oil and gas lease sales off the Pacific Coast are not in the best interest of our economies or environment."
In addition to the Oregon Senators and Representatives, the letter was signed by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Rep. Jamie Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA), Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), Rep. Denny Heck (D-WA), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Rep. Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA).
Oil drilling and exploration off the Pacific Northwest coastline or an oil spill from drilling anywhere along the Pacific coast poses a devastating threat to the fishing, shellfish, and tourism industries at the heart of Oregon's and Washington state's economy. In 2016, the tourism industry in Oregon directly employed nearly 110,000 Oregonians and visitors spent over $11 billion in the state. Additionally, commercial fishing is a major economic driver along the coast, supporting more than $500 million in personal income in Oregon.
"There is a reason it has been decades since the waters off the coasts of Washington and Oregon have been considered for oil and gas leasing," the lawmakers continue. "Voluminous existing information documents the lack of oil and gas resources; absence of oil and gas industry interest; strong state and local opposition as expressed through laws, goals and policies of affected states; other uses of the waters to support our coastal economies that conflict with oil and gas activities; and extreme environmental and ecological risks."
A copy of the letter is available below and here.
The Honorable Ryan Zinke
Secretary, U. S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street N.W.
Dear Secretary Zinke:
We write to express our strong opposition to inclusion of Pacific Northwest waters in the Trump Administration's National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024. The states of Washington and Oregon have made clear through local, state, and federal action, as well as extensive public comment, that oil and gas lease sales off the Pacific Coast are not in the best interest of our economies or environment. The Department of the Interior's proposal to consider drilling off the states we represent, absent stakeholder support and directly contradicting economic and environmental factors of the region, is a waste of time, government resources, and taxpayer dollars.
The importance of marine resources to our regional economy and the level of local opposition to offshore oil and gas development cannot be overstated. The coasts of Washington and Oregon are home to numerous seafood and tourism-dependent coastal communities. Washington state supports a $50 billion dollar maritime economy and 191,000 maritime related jobs. Oregon's commercial fisheries contributed over $500 million in personal income to the state in 2016, with an economic impact of more than $2.1 billion. In Oregon, coastal tourism alone generates $1.9 billion in revenues and supports over 20,000 jobs. An oil spill off our shores would jeopardize jobs in commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries, employment in the seafood processing industry, a robust tourism and recreation economy, a historic shipbuilding industry, and the clean water required for critical regional and international trade and transportation routes.
There is a reason it has been decades since the waters off the coasts of Washington and Oregon have been considered for oil and gas leasing. Voluminous existing information documents the lack of oil and gas resources; absence of oil and gas industry interest; strong state and local opposition as expressed through laws, goals and policies of affected states; other uses of the waters to support our coastal economies that conflict with oil and gas activities; and extreme environmental and ecological risks.
From healthy beaches serving as tourism hubs on the coast, to the 3,188 square mile pristine Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, protecting our sustainable marine resources is a priority for our states. As you finalize the Draft National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019-2024, we urge you to remove the Washington/Oregon planning area.
Thank you for your attention to this matter which is of the upmost importance to our constituents.
Wyden requests financial information related to Alexander Torshin, other Russian officials
Oregon's top prosecutor convenes marijuana summit


January was a busy month for undertaker Ogden Chan Yan. "It's peak season for us because more people are dying due to the fickle weather, and many families don't want to wait until after the Lunar New Year to bury their dead," the 36-year-old says.
Rows of cardboard boxes containing the ashes of his clients' loved ones line the shelves of Chan's shop in Hung Hom. His clients have left the ashes for safekeeping until their deceased are assigned columbarium niches. Chan reckons there are almost 200 of these boxes.
It has been seven years since Chan joined the industry as an apprentice. Although he applied for the apprenticeship "out of curiosity", his interest in the funeral sector began in his early teens.
But that initial perception was somewhat misguided. Chan says that his business has only recently become profitable. Before, he was barely getting by. He now oversees everything from preparing documents and booking cremation services to planning religious ceremonies. As a nod to his childhood dream, he also acts as a makeup artist for his clients' loved ones.
Chan says he has been fearless all his life, even as a child, when he saw a corpse for the first time lying in a construction site in mainland China. The second time he saw a corpse was before he joined the industry, when he was volunteering for a service for inmates. The corpse was already decomposing.
The smell of decay was something Chan had to get used to as soon as he became an undertaker's apprentice, as was staying detached from clients and their grief.
But when Chan presided over his father's funeral service five years ago, things got personal.
Chan says he is happy to see that Hongkongers have become more willing to explore and discuss issues related to death, but believes education about death and dying should start young.
So, what is on Chan's bucket list?


This stunning newly built lodge enjoys a superb location in wonderful countryside on the fringes of the Exmoor National Park and within a short drive of the graceful market town of Bampton Dulverton Tiverton and the county town of Taunton.
The area offers fantastic opportunities for walking riding and cycling as well as easy access to the resorts of Lynton and Lynmouth (joined by cliff railway) Porlock Weir Watchet and the traditional entertainments at Minehead. Arlington Court Knightshayes Court Dunster Castle and Watersmeet (all N.T.) are well worth exploring the West Somerset Railway runs nearby and Dartmoor National Park is a little further afield. Pub serving food 1 mile shops 4 miles.
Lilicomb offers the following facilities.
Spacious open plan sitting room with wood burning stove and well equipped kitchen and dining area. Double bedroom with king size bed. Bathroom/WC (shower over bath). Twin bedded room with ensuite shower room/WC.
Have you been to Lilicomb? Please submit your review so that others can benefit from your experience.
Important note: Information provided here about Lilicomb is based on our best knowledge. However, please check with Lilicomb before booking to ensure that you have the information required. Reviews are the sole views of the contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of CampsitesandCaravanParks.com or Lilicomb.


She walked onstage with a bright smile on her face holding an acoustic guitar. The beautiful young girl didn't seem at all nervous. Her acoustic version of Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child of Mine" was definitely an act no one was expecting. You'd think she would launch into her own rendition of a country song or a popular ballad, but her pick coupled with her clear and unique singing voice, resulted in a seemingly effortless performance, one unlike any other.
In The Voice Kids, the judges are seated with their backs turned to the stage. The young artists auditioning will know they can move to the next round if all the judges press a red button that will cause their chairs to swivel, allowing them to face the stage. This is perhaps the most crucial moment on the show - waiting to see which of the judges push the button first and if all of them will eventually face the contestant and send him or her to the next round. In this episode, more than half the panel of judges turned to face Nikki and show her their approval of her extraordinary performance. We're pretty sure her version of the popular rock song would have the members of Guns N' Roses raving too.
Nikki's family watched her from backstage, and the camera captured each member grinning from ear to ear. Their hearts must have been filled with so much pride and joy because some of them were teary-eyed throughout her performance. Armed with poise, confidence, and talent, Nikki definitely wowed everybody in the studio.


Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA for short is a Federal law that restricts access to individuals' private medical information. We take extreme care in protecting your personal and medical information. Some information needs to be shared with dental insurance companies or outside health providers. Other than that, we keep your information private.
Dr. Doshi will review your treatment and prioritize your recommended dental treatment. He will also discuss payment options such as cash, credit card payment or Care Credit options.
We will gladly bill your dental insurance and ask for you to pay the estimated patient share of treatment. Please know that your insurance plan is a contract between you, your employer and the insurance company. We may be a preferred provider which is a cost savings for you, although your plan may have limitations and exclusions we are not aware of.


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Music|Review: 'Lukas Graham' Lands Where Pop Meets R&B
https://nyti.ms/232Mhbc
Review: 'Lukas Graham' Lands Where Pop Meets R&B
By Jon Pareles
(Warner Bros.)
What a nice guy Lukas Graham Forchhammer is — respectful toward his parents, hard-working, grateful to be heard. He's the singer, lyricist and leader of a Danish band, Lukas Graham, that is releasing its American debut album with what's already an international hit, "7 Years." In that song, he cherishes his parents' advice about how to get through the decades of life, mourns his father's death and looks forward to children of his own.
It's the kind of growing-up-and-aging-gracefully song that's a country-music staple. But "7 Years" is placed instead where pop meets R&B. Its tune circles through a few notes, the lead vocal hints at Michael Jackson's tenor quaver, and there's a hip-hop undertow of sustained strings and a sparse backbeat. It's sweet earnestness in a shrewd, ambitious package.
The music, like much Scandinavian pop, ignores genre to draw on whatever works, current and vintage. It merges electronic dance music keyboards with Bee Gees falsettos in "Take the World by Storm," puts an R&B croon atop hints of Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata in "Better Than Yourself (Criminal Mind Pt. 2)," and looks back to 1970s and 1980s R&B (more Hall & Oates than Stevie Wonder) in "Strip No More" and "Drunk in the Morning," two songs that admit to boys-will-be-boys misbehavior. "What Happened to Perfect," a fraying-romance song, places somber organ chords behind an increasingly desperate plea.
But through most of the album, filial loyalty merges with humble-bragging — not only in "7 Years" but also in "You're Not There," another elegy for his father, and in "Mama Said," a song about a non-affluent childhood that echoes (and credits) the chorus from "Annie" that Jay Z also used in "Hard Knock Life." In "Happy Home," the singer crows about the band's media coverage and cash flow, but takes care to credit everything to the lessons of parents and grandparents.
Behind the modesty, though, is an equally determined sense of enterprise. "Don't You Worry 'Bout Me" starts with the piano and organ of an old-fashioned gospel song and turns into lilting, upbeat soul as Mr. Forchhammer sings about transcending sorrow via careerism. "A lot of people told me, when daddy passed away/Go take some time off, but I got no time to waste," he sings. That's a statement of priorities, a determined flash of candor.


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Lindsey Ann Fraser (born 1958), is a female former diver who competed for Great Britain and England.

Diving career
Fraser represented Great Britain at the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 1984 Summer Olympics.

She also represented England in the 10 metres platform, at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

References

1958 births
Living people
English female divers
Divers at the 1982 Commonwealth Games
Olympic divers of Great Britain
Divers at the 1980 Summer Olympics
Divers at the 1984 Summer Olympics
Commonwealth Games competitors for England

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


It was easy to walk from our hotel to Pier 33 where the ferry to Alcatraz departs. Whilst waiting for your time slot there is a large scale Alcatraz model to have a look at. On arrival there is a quick talk and to pick up the audio tour headphones. Then you can do the tour at your own pace. If it is a lovely sunny day like we got you can go outside and enjoy the views of San Francisco from Alcatraz Island. The audio tour is fascinating, definitely recommend doing this, Alcatraz is both creepy and cool!
Fisherman's Wharf is very touristy. We didn't enjoy it that much to be honest.
The following day we did the tourist bus. There is a choice of Big Bus and City Sightseeing, the tours on offer are very similar and we made a decision on price and availability factors as we only had one day in which to use the ticket. The best bit is arriving at the Golden Gate Bridge. Here you have to get off one bus and join another one if you want to go to Sausalito. We arrived in the morning when all the mist was covering the bridge, and then on our return in the afternoon all the mist had been burnt away from the sun and we had beautiful blue skies. Quite interesting to see how the weather changes during the day here.
The Sausalito bus stops on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge so you can get pictures of both sides. I loved Sausalito which is a lovely village on the waterfront. Had a great afternoon there and enjoyed lunch in the Barrel House Tavern which has stunning views across the water and a balcony with tables outside.
From Sausalito we got back on the tourist bus and went all around San Francisco, when you have so little time to see everything the tourist bus is the only way to be able to do it! Wished we had a little more time, think maybe three or four days would be better to be able to see everything. Memorable things were the Japanese Tea Garden and the Painted Ladies!
Memorable restaurant was the Stinking Rose which has Californian/Italian cuisine with the addition of lots of garlic. I had the chicken with 40 cloves of garlic! This is a fun quirky restaurant and definitely worth a visit.


Is your crush a co-worker? If so, having to deal with that sexual tension every day can give you real headaches at work.
Being attracted to someone at work is not an easy job to handle. If all you long for at work is your colleague's attention, you may face some serious trouble. Though it may have a positive effect on your performance at work, most of the time, an office crush equals a workplace disaster.
We do spend a large amount of our time at work so you shouldn't feel guilty if you've fallen for a fellow member of your team. If everything is cool at the office, you will make friends, go out for beers after work and get to know them on a personal level. So it's totally ok to develop a crush at the office.
We all have seen movies about great office romances, but not everybody gets that lucky. It is possible to find your soulmate at work, however, most of the time, it's only a short-lived affair of smiles and giggles, fleeting feelings that may disturb your focus at work.
If you have the hots for your co-worker, here are some ways to deal with it, before you make a move.
1. Is he worth it?
It is important to clear up your feelings first because you are putting your job on the line. Is it just a physical attraction or are you experiencing something deeper than that? Try to know him better, even go out for a drink, after a few talks, you will probably know if he could be the one or not. It's not safe to risk your career with something that won't eventually last.
If you start dating your colleague and you end your relationship on bad terms, things are going to get a lot gloomy at work. You do not want to see your ex every single day and on top of that, be obliged to make conversation. So it is really essential to consider the consequences, especially if you have a great job. Many people quit after an office love affair gone bad.
One way to deal with it is to suppress those feelings of desire towards your colleague. Even if you decided not to pursue your emotions, they won't simply disappear so it all comes to discipline and behaving in an orderly manner. Do not forget the main purpose of why you are there: you are there to do great work and elevate your career. Think long and hard before making a decision regarding your flame at work.


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Abraham Lincoln historical digitization project (6) + -
books (6) + -
Hay, John, ed (6) + -
Dunbar, Paul Lawrence (1) + -
Gilder, Richard Watson (1) + -
Markham, Edwin (1) + -
Mitchell, S. Weir (1) + -
Platt, John James (1) + -
Stoddard, Richard Henry (1) + -
(-) ≠ United States--Politics and government --1857-1861
(-) ≠ Illinois State Register
(-) ≠ Daly, Jos. M. (Joseph M.)
(-) ≠ Sons of Norway, Valhall Lodge No. 168 Records (Rockford), 1907-2004
(-) ≠ Taylor, Maude
(-) ≠ New-York Committee of Safety
(-) = Nicolay, John G., ed
(-) = poetry
'Sonnet in 1862' in 'The Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, v. 5'
books, poetry
Platt, John James, Nicolay, John G., ed, Hay, John, ed
'Lincoln's Poem' in 'The Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, v. 2'
Mitchell, S. Weir, Nicolay, John G., ed, Hay, John, ed
'The Life-Mask of Abraham Lincoln' in 'The Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, v. 2'
Gilder, Richard Watson, Nicolay, John G., ed, Hay, John, ed
'Abraham Lincoln' in 'The Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, v. 1'
Stoddard, Richard Henry, Nicolay, John G., ed, Hay, John, ed
'Lincoln, the Man of the People' in 'The Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, v. 3'
Markham, Edwin, Nicolay, John G., ed, Hay, John, ed
'Lincoln' in 'The Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, v. 4'
Dunbar, Paul Lawrence, Nicolay, John G., ed, Hay, John, ed


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Special Rapporteur devotes its first report to the Universal Periodic Review!
The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders (SR), Margaret Sekaggya, devoted her first report to the Human Rights Council (HRC) on the issue of human rights defenders at the UPR and how this new mechanism could enhance their situation on the ground.
Considering the UPR of "strategic value in reviewing and hopefully improving the situation of human rights defenders", the SR offers an assessment of the three first sessions by analysing the treatment of this issue in the national reports, the compilations and summaries of the OHCHR. The report also looks at how the issue was raised during each review and provides a summary of the situation of human rights defenders in the States under Review. Finally, the report gives a great importance to the national consultations and to the follow-up as opportunities for States to work and engage in a constructive dialogue with the civil society in general and human rights defenders in particular.
The SR concludes her report by making 18 recommendations on how to improve the mechanism, how States should act at the UPR and what human rights defenders can make of it.
This report A/HRC/10/12 was presented to the HRC on Thursday 12 March and followed by an interactive dialogue with States. While some, such as Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and Uzbekistan criticized the SR for falling outside her mandate, many delegations such as the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union, Germany, Norway, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, Djibouti, Ireland, Uganda and the United Kingdom welcomed this innovative step, supported the work of the SR as a whole and encouraged her to continue.


text:
Q: Desaturating Colours in CTL Looking to create a CTL with a colour transform that is de-saturates a pair of opposing colours.
My example below works: but not as expected:
__DEVICE__ float3 squeeze_GM(float percentage, float R, float G, float B) {
    float rOut = R - (((percentage/2) / 100) * R);
    float gOut = G - ((percentage / 100) * G);
    float bOut = B - (((percentage/2) / 100) * B);
    return make_float3(rOut, gOut, bOut);
}

__DEVICE__ float3 transform(int p_Width, int p_Height, int p_X, int p_Y, float p_R, float p_G, float p_B){
   float3 result = squeeze_GM(15, p_R, p_G, p_B);
   return result;
}

I would like to squeeze the green and magenta, so as to de-saturate these colours by a certain percentage passed to the squeeze_GM function.
Does anyone have any details how I might get this transform? At the moment I think I am just making the RGB values darker by a certain percentage. Would I need to average my R and B results?

A: Look at Wiki for HUE
An idea could be:
void HSV(uint8_t rgb[]){
 int32_t    r,g,b;
 int32_t    MaxVal,Minim,MedValue,MinValue;
 int32_t    Huecalc=0;

 r=rgb[0];
 g=rgb[1];
 b=rgb[2];

 Minim=255;
 if(Minim>r)Minim=r;    //if red=128
 if(Minim>g)Minim=g;    //if green=200
 if(Minim>b)Minim=b;    //if blue= 254
 // Minim = 128;

 MaxVal=0;
 if(MaxVal<r)MaxVal=r;      //if red=128
 if(MaxVal<g)MaxVal=g;      //if green=200
 if(MaxVal<b)MaxVal=b;      //if blue= 254
 // MaxVal = 254

 MedValue=MaxVal-Minim;  // MedValue = 254-128 > 0
 MinValue=Minim;        // MinValue = 128

 if(MedValue>0){
     if(MaxVal==r)Huecalc=0L*MedValue+(g-b);  // Wiki HUE THEORY explain this
     if(MaxVal==g)Huecalc=2L*MedValue+(b-r);
     if(MaxVal==b)Huecalc=4L*MedValue+(r-g);
     HUE=Huecalc*254/6/MedValue;                    // %254
 }

 if(MinValue>0){
   SAT=MedValue*254/MinValue;                   // %254
 }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


In this sequel to the tour de force children's art-history picture book If Picasso Painted a Snowman, Amy Newbold conveys nineteen artists' styles in a few deft words, while Greg Newbold's chameleon-like artistry shows us Edgar Degas' dinosaur ballerinas, Cassius Coolidge's dinosaurs playing Go Fish, Hokusai's dinosaurs surfing a giant wave, and dinosaurs smelling flowers in Mary Cassatt's garden; grazing in Grandma Moses' green valley; peeking around Diego Rivera's lilies; tiptoeing through Baishi's inky bamboo; and cavorting, stampeding, or hiding in canvases by Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, Franz Marc, Harrison Begay, Alma Thomas, Aaron Douglas, Mark Rothko, Lois Mailou Jones, Marguerite Zorach, and Edvard Munch. And, of course, striking a Mona Lisa pose for Leonardo da Vinci.
As in If Picasso Painted a Snowman, our guide for this tour is an engaging hamster who is joined in the final pages by a tiny dino artist. Thumbnail biographies of the artists identify their iconic works, completing this tour of the creative imagination.


Designed with rigorous training needs in mind, these white 'Fierce Knit' women's running shoes by PUMA offer a perfect blend of cushioning, comfort and flexibility. Featuring a slip-on bootie construction with mesh and caging overlays, these shoes have internal flatlock stitching for reduced friction. The rubber outsole guarantees the best surface traction.


We recognize that integral to your instinct as a parent is to ensure that your child is eating and thriving. Whether your child is going through a phase of picky eating, has a food allergy or requires intensive nutrition therapy for a feeding tube–we are here to help. Many of our clients are referred to us by a pediatrician or a specialist. Often, though, you as a parent consider seeking help from a registered dietitian because of a concern about your child's diet, eating habits or weight. Below are some screening questions to help you assess if your child has potential nutrition concerns and could benefit from meeting with a registered dietitian.
Has your child unintentionally gained or lost weight recently?
Does your child have a condition that requires a restricted or special diet?
Has your child had poor weight gain or height gain over the last few months?
Has your child been eating less recently?
Does your child have a food allergy or intolerance?
Does your child avoid multiple food groups?
Does your child complain of abdominal pain or discomfort at least three times per month?
If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above or if you have any general questions about your child's nutrition, please be in touch! Still not sure? Fill out the form below to be in touch anyway!


Celebrating your children's milestones is one of the best parts of being a parent. Unfortunately, kids with winter birthdays may feel like they have fewer options for fun than their friends who were born in milder weather. Don't worry – below you'll find a roundup of seasonally appropriate party ideas guaranteed to be just as much fun as an outdoor summer birthday bash!
Pizza Party – Contact area pizza joints to ask about their party options. Some restaurants offer special packages that include kitchen tours or make-your-own pizza experiences. Of course, you could also purchase cheese, pepperoni, pineapple, etc., and put on a similar party in the comfort of your own home.
Active Affair – Would you rather see young party guests moving than sitting? Gyms and gymnastic facilities often provide action-packed party itineraries filled with games and activities. Or, try your local YMCA or similar site. The Alaska Club, for example, opens its pools for two hours of splashing birthday fun.
Skating Soiree – Embrace the season by planning your celebration at an indoor or outdoor ice rink. When it's time for refreshments, offer guests a hot chocolate bar featuring tasty toppings like whipped cream, flavored marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles.
Bowling Bash – For good, old-fashioned fun and value, it's tough to beat this classic party idea. Book a couple of lanes, order some pizza, then let the friendly competition begin! Many alleys also have optional bumpers and lighter weight balls, guaranteeing that even young partygoers get a chance at a decent score.
Museum Mania – Combine fun and learning by holding your child's party at a nearby museum. Some facilities offer hands-on play and special party packages. The Anchorage Museum, for example, customizes the activity based on the interests of the party (art, animals, space, science).
Arty Party – If your kid is the creative type, consider celebrating his birthday with art. You can preassemble materials and guide guests through a few different art activities, or encourage everyone to collaborate on one large project like a mural or cardboard playhouse. At the end of the party, send guests home boxes of crayons, markers or chalk to encourage continued creativity.
Movie Night – Even in this age of Netflix and Amazon Prime, heading out to see a movie still feels like a special outing. Planning your child's party at a movie theater ensures both entertainment and snacks will be covered. For potential party picks this winter, browse imdb.com for movie ideas and release dates.
Overnight Excursion – For a child who prefers one-on-one fun to large group gatherings, an overnight hotel stay with family members or a single close friend may be the perfect solution. The birthday boy or girl will have a blast swimming in the hotel indoor pool and raiding the vending machines. A single night in a moderately priced hotel may even cost less than a traditional party!
Didn't find your perfect party on this list? You could also host your event at the local roller rink, zoo, bounce house, trampoline center, ice cream parlor . . . the possibilities are endless! At the end of the day, as long as you've got good friends, family and a delicious birthday treat or two, your child's celebration is certain to be a success.


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Complex Hilted Longswords- which should we make?
Here at Arms and Armor we have always loved complex hilted longswords. While we've made many as custom pieces over the years, our only current production example is our German Bastard Sword, which has an S-guard with side rings. However, we are currently considering introducing a new model, and we would love your feedback. If you have a favorite complex hilted longsword that you'd like us to produce please post a picture or a link to our Facebook page. Your feedback will help us to choose which of these awesome swords to move into production. Read on below for a description of this category of swords, when and why they were popular, and a bunch of pics of pieces we've made alongside some historical examples.
Arms and Armor German Bastard Sword
Complex-hilted longswords first start to appear in the early to mid 16th century. The addition of fore rings, to protect the finger, and thumb rings, to enhance winding, were expanded with rings and sweeps to protect the hand at the same time that complex hilts were becoming popular on one-handed swords as well. The side-sword, rapier, and single edged swords such as the dussack all were common by the end of the century. The reasons for complex hilts being adopted on two handed swords were manifold. First was a generalized movement away from protecting the hands with metal gauntlets (especially outside military contexts) and toward building hand protection into the hilt of the sword.
Swiss Saber German Early 16th C A489
German mid 16th C A483
Second was the development of longsword fencing as a practice that went beyond the knightly classes, expanding, especially in Europe north of the Alps, among guildsmen and burghers (check out Ann Tlusty's 2011 "The Martial Ethic in Early Modern Germany" for a scholarly take on this development). The popularization of fencing schools and exhibitions in the mid-16th century, along with a strong tradition of dueling, probably influenced the adoption of these swords. In many duels it was not permitted to wear armor, hand guards on swords therefore became desirable. In addition there was an aesthetic component to the adoption of these sword forms. In these photos (above and below) of complex-hilted longswords from the Wallace Collection there is clear attention paid to the artistic beauty of the swords which, after all, were a status symbol that were displayed far more than most were ever used. Click on the pics for links to their descriptions at the Wallace Collection.
Early 17th C German A 486
German or Swiss 1530 A 482
The function of complex-guards
Diagram for complex hilted Swiss Saber, Oakeshott hilt type F
Complex guards on longswords have a similar function to comparable guards on rapiers or side swords. Side rings affixed to the crossguard not only protect the hands from oblique cuts, they also protect much of the upper body when the sword is held in an extended guard like longpoint. Side rings with a fore ring anchored at the ends of finger rings help to protect the hands from the thrusts that are often used to force an opponent to move out of the longpoint guard (see the sword below). Knuckle-bows, which covered either both hands as with the Swiss Sabre at the bottom of this page, or just the front hand as in two of the swords above, help to protect the hand from cuts, or from miscalculated parries (don't parry with your hands!), especially when moving through a hanging guard.
There are several variations of these hilts. The best overview is by Ewart Oakeshott in his "European Weapons and Armour" categorized by style and region.
Symmetrical complex hilt diagram, Bavarian Oakeshott hilt type D.
The addition of complex guards to longswords has a significant impact on the handling of these weapons by concentrating mass close to the point of balance, potentially reducing the blade-feel of the sword. These swords are, all things being equal, heavier than standard longswords of similar dimensions, but they often feel surprisingly nimble in the hand because a higher portion of the overall mass is focused close to the point of rotation. This can make complex blade motions, flourishes, and false-edge cuts flow easily, and stop on a dime. The bladework of Joachim Meyer, for example, feels very natural with some of these swords. The plate below from Meyer is contemporaneous in time and geography with many of these swords. Although the fencers in the plate are using practice swords it is likely that at least some members of the Freifechter Guild and the Marxbruder used complex hilted swords for this style of fighting.
Some examples we have made
In addition to our famous rapiers, we have made many complex-hilted longswords over the past 40 years. Our specialty, as you can see from the pics, is exacting reproductions of existing historical pieces, though we are also happy to work from illustrations, effigies, or other historic representations, or to work with you to create your own historically inspired, unique piece.
Fullered Longsword with two rings on guard.
Two Handed sword with side rings and flourishes on guard.
Large Longsword with S shaped hilt arms, fore ring, and back guard simple sweep.
Neff Longsword based on original in Vienna.
Swiss Saber hilt
Swiss Saber with knuckle bow
Straight guard with side and fore rings.
The above swords were all custom commissions. To begin the process of commissioning a custom sword or other weapon you can contact us here.
Nathan Clough, Ph.D. is Vice President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985.
Basket Hilt /
Bastard Sword /
Construction /
custom /
Design /
Gothic Period /
HEMA /
HIstorical Sword Making /
HIstory /
Longsword /
Medieval /
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