text:
Grim Game pressbook sells in auction
An original pressbook for Houdini's The Grim Game sold for $526 in an eMoviePosters auction last week. I've never seen a Grim Game pressbook come up for auction, so I feel like this might have been a steal at this price. But it also might have been because the pressbook was missing four pages and the condition was described as only "Fair."
This came from a bound volume of 21 Paramount pressbooks, all from 1919. The auction site unbound them and auctioned each individually. The Grim Game was the highest seller by far. In second place was Lon Chaney's Miracle Man at $98.
11 Houdini lobby cards sell in auction
Haldane slide spies $494 on eBay
Grim Game poster sets new auction record
Written by John Cox at 6:44 PM 2 comments:
Tags: Auction, Movies, The Grim Game (1919)
Now you see him...
This animation created by Christopher Baker was posed to the Houdini & Doyle Facebook Fan Group today. I thought it was worth a share here as well. Pretty cool.
View on Imgur
Houdini & Doyle is currently streaming on FOX NOW (until Aug. 9), Hulu (until Aug. 8), Amazon and iTunes. You can find links to my reviews of each episode HERE.
Meet the new Houdini
"My wife said to me when I got this role, 'I love Houdini.' I had no idea."
Houdini & Doyle - It's a wrap!
Tags: Animation, Artwork, Houdini & Doyle (TV series), Social media, Television
Houdini & Doyle ratings, renewal hope
Here is a ratings chart for all 10 episodes Houdini & Doyle. The series aired in the U.S. on FOX from May 2 to July 4, 2016. The charts shows the series hit its highest viewership of 2.615 million with episode 4, Spring Heel'd Jack, on May 23. The lowest viewership came with episode 7, Bedlam, on June 13. Is it a coincidence that "Bedlam" was the episode that focused on Doyle over Houdini? Just saying.
This chart comes from the website TV Series Finale which reports ratings and tracks news of series renewals. For Houdini & Doyle the site reports:
The ratings are typically the best indication of a show's likelihood of staying on the air. The higher the ratings (particularly the 18-49 demo), the better the chances for survival. Though FOX is airing this show in the United States, it originates in the UK so it's unclear what impact American ratings will have on Houdini & Doyle's chances for a second season. Will it be cancelled or renewed for season two? Stay tuned.
Creator David Shore told the Television Critics Association that the plan for Houdini & Doyle "is to do many, many more." Actor Stephen Mangan, who plays Doyle, says if there's going to be a second season, they would start filming in October. That seems to suggest that a renewal decision would need to come sooner than later as scripts would need to be written in just a few months.
Of course, Houdini & Doyle was produced independently, so it isn't really locked into any network schedule. It could adopt a more cable-like model with extended periods of time between seasons, or even change networks if FOX didn't want to renew. I'm also wondering how all-important ratings still are in this world of increased streaming and changing television watching habits.
Josh Brandon, who wrote episode 5 and has been very active on Twitter @THEJoshBrandon, speculates that a renewal decision would need to come before the actors contracts expire, "whenever that is." Hopeful fans on Twitter and Facebook have kept up a steady renewal campaign #RenewHoudiniAndDoyle.
Houdini & Doyle is currently streaming on FOX NOW, Hulu, Amazon and iTunes. It leaves Hulu on August 8 and FOX NOW on August 9. While it has been released on DVD in the UK, there's still no news of U.S. DVD release.
Houdini & Doyle - Episode Guide
The real story of Houdini & Doyle
Written by John Cox at 11:31 AM 2 comments:
Tags: Houdini & Doyle (TV series), Television
McCord shares Houdini collection online
The McCord Museum in Montreal, Canada has put a number of Houdini items from their collection online. Among the 669 artifacts are letters, programs, and several unpublished photographs.
Last year the MCord received a large bequest of magic memorabilia, including many items related to Houdini. "It's the second-largest collection of Houdini material held in a public institution," said David Ben, artistic director of Magicana, who served as an adviser to the museum.
The McCord Museum is housed in the former McGill University Student Union building where Houdini lectured during his ill-fated visit to Montreal in October 1926.
CLICK TO VIEW THE McCORD COLLECTION
Next year Magicana's Magic Collectors Weekend (MCW) will be held at the McCord Museum, May 25-27. You can find more information on that HERE.
McCord Museum receives magic and Houdini collection
The Pickleman punch
Tags: Canada, Conventions, Links, Magicana, Museums, Photos (unpublished)
How Houdini planned to (not) go over Niagara Falls
For some reason, many people think Houdini went over Niagara Falls in a barrel. I continually see people landing on my blog via a Google search looking for info on this. Of course, this was one daredevil stunt that Houdini did not perform. The closet he came was swimming the rapids of the Niagara River for the climax of his film The Man From Beyond [read: Houdini's rough ride at Niagara Falls].
But this doesn't mean he didn't consider the idea. In the book Houdini's Escapes, Walter B. Gibson reveals that Houdini made notes on a "Niagara Falls Escape" that would see him going over the falls in a packaging box. Gibson says Houdini's notes were "merely suggestions that had not reached the point of practical solution" and that it would have been a "trick test."
Here are the notes as Houdini recorded them:
The idea is to be nailed in a packing case, thrown over Niagara Falls, and eventually make an escape!
So that the crowd can see that I am being nailed into the packing case, the nailing is done on a platform, into which I can slide after the box is nailed up.
The best way would be to have the platform on a large wagon, which is drawn down to the landing place, where I get into the water according to opportunity.
Or else get back into the box when placed on wagon, and be found there, having failed to escape (being "knocked out" coming over the falls).
This can be worked into an extra good idea and needs doing some time.
It's not surprising that Houdini would not plan to actually go over the Falls. That would be suicide. But it is a little surprising that he would entertain the idea of an outdoor stunt that would be a fake -- more magic trick than escape. It's also interesting to see that he that considered a "failure" would be just as effective an outcome. No doubt he saw the enormous publicly value of such an exploit.
But it's possible the reason he never brought the idea to fruition is that a "trick test" just didn't seem like a very Houdini thing to do.
Despite never doing his stunt, Houdini's connection to Niagara Falls remains strong. Not only did he shoot The Man From Beyond on the rapids, but for years Clifton Hill on the Canadian side was home to the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame. Ironically, the museum housed Houdini's overboard packing box, which may have been the very box Houdini would have used for his Niagara Falls Escape.
Houdini's rough ride at Niagara Falls
Houdini Magical Hall of Fame was in decay by 1978
"Had Houdini lived he would have written this book"
Written by John Cox at 7:40 AM 3 comments:
Tags: [History], Books: Methods, Methods, Niagara Falls, Outdoor stunts, Overboard Box, Walter Gibson, Writings
'After Houdini' coming in 2017
Amazon has a pre-order listing for After Houdini: Volume 1, a new graphic novel by Jeremy Holt with art by Kevin Zeigler. This was first announced back in 2013. Great to know it's finally on the way, even though we have to wait until April 2017. Here's a plot synopsis:
Harry Houdini, master magician and covert spy for the United States, has been kidnapped. The only man who can save him is his estranged son Josef, who, like his father, knows the power of magic—and how it can be more than just an illusion.
Josef Houdini takes after his father: A gifted escape artist, there's not a jam he can't get himself out of. Then again, when your father is one of the greatest illusionists of all time, that comes as no surprise. What does come as a surprise is the fact that Harry Houdini is not only the world's greatest magician, but also a top-secret operative for the US government during World War I. In rare form he finds himself trapped—stuck on a mission he is unable to escape from. That's why the government needs his son to fill his shoes and complete the mission—but does Josef have the wherewithal to do it? Or is the possibility of success just an illusion?
Packed with intrigue, suspense, and fantasy, After Houdini is a revisionist look at one of history's most mysterious figures that is sure to take readers on a journey they'll never forget.
You can pre-order After Houdini: Volume 1 at Amazon.com (U.S.) and Amazon.co.uk (UK).
After Houdini
Houdini's daughter is back
Tags: Comics, Fictional adventures, Graphic novels
A day at the pool (UPDATE)
After last week's experience with the questionable Houdini tintype, I think it's time we all took a Houdini eye test. Luckily, the American Museum of Magic Research Center in Marshall, Michigan provides an unpublished photo that suits our needs perfectly.
This photo is credited as being the pool at Hotel Shelton in New York, but it doesn't match other images of the Shelton pool, so I believe this is another location. Nevertheless, on this day there appears to be some kind of water-spot activity with Houdini in attendance. Can you find Harry?
Thanks to Alex and Keli Hindenach of the American Museum of Magic. Click the links below for other rare unpublished images from their collection.
UPDATE: Our good friend Perry from NJ has discovered the location of this photo. It's not the Shelton, but it is a location with a strong Houdini connection. This is the "Roman Bath and Swimming Pool" aboard the S.S. Imperator, the ocean liner on which Houdini performed for Teddy Roosevelt in June 1914. Below is a photo from the website GG Archives.
Thanks Perry!
Houdini Headquarters
The photo Houdini didn't want you to see
American Museum of Magic shares collection online
Written by John Cox at 6:47 AM 15 comments:
Tags: [History], 1914, Museums, New York, Photos (unpublished), Roosevelt, Shelton Test
'Holmes and Houdini' limited edition
Ron Fortier's Airship 27, who last year published a collection of pulp stories called The Amazing Harry Houdini, are offering a limited collector's edition of their new book, Holmes and Houdini, during this weekend's Pulp Fest 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. The following is from the Airship 27 website:
Greetings Loyal Airmen, as you are reading these words, the Air Chief and Art Director Rob Davis are in Columbus, Ohio about to kick off this year's wonderful Pulp Fest convention. We've been coming to this show ever since it started and always have a great time there. This is year is going to be special as we are going to have 15 copies of our limited collector's edition of our new novel, "Holmes & Houdini" as written by I.A. Watson. The original plan for this book, back when it first went into operation was to have DC graphic artist Chad Hardin do the cover for us, with Rob doing the interior illustration. Well circumstances beyond our control made it impossible for Chad to get his cover done in time for the con and so Rob hit upon the idea of doing a special cover (that he would do) and printing up a limited number of copies to specifically have for Pulp Fest.
And here is that Rob Davis cover. We had 15 copies printed up. Once we've sold these, we will not be printed any others. So those people fortunate enough to snag one of these at the show will have a true collector's item as promised. Rob will personally sign and number each (ala #1 of 15 etc.etc.). Later down the road, when Chad does turn in his official cover, we will release the book. If you'd like to actually hear the story behind this special event, take a listen to our recent Episode # 17 of our Airship 27 Podcast found here on You Tube.
I really like this cover. It's a good Houdini likeness, and Holmes appears to be based on my favorite Sherlock, Jeremy Brett. I also like that it exploits the difference in their height.
For more information on Pulp Fest 2016 visit www.pulpfest.com.
Thanks to Tim King @Burbankspeaking.
The Amazing Harry Houdini
Houdini's favorite detective turns 159
Sherlock Holmes vs. Harry Houdini collected edition
Written by John Cox at 10:06 AM No comments:
Tags: Artwork, Books, Books: Fiction, Conventions, Sherlock Holmes
Houdini & Doyle leaving Hulu Aug. 8
Our friends at HouDoyle report that Houdini & Doyle will be leaving Hulu on August 8th. So if Hulu is your preferred way to watch TV and you haven't yet streamed the series, get to it!
You can also watch Houdini & Doyle for free at FOX NOW. Amazon has episode for $2.99 or the whole season for $19.99. It's also available on iTunes. The series has been released on DVD in the UK, but no news yet on a U.S. DVD release.
Also no word yet on a second season.
LINK: Houdini & Doyle renewal campaign
Tags: Houdini & Doyle (TV series), Television, Video (streaming)
Houdini's New York
Here's a remarkable and well-made compilation of the oldest film footage of New York City. This is Houdini's New York, and in it you'll see several locations that played important roles in his life, including the massive Hippodrome Theatre, the Battery, Coney Island and Times Sq. Enjoy.
Houdini and the Hippodrome
Coney Island: Where Harry met Bessie
The untold story of Houdini's 1914 Battery Park escape
Tags: Hippodrome, New York, Video
Houdini back at the Edinburgh Fringe
Houdini will once again be well represented at this years's Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August 5-29) with two Houdini-themed shows.
Mr. Swallow - Houdini features comedian Nick Mohammed as his alter ego "Mr. Swallow" in what the festival describes as "a magical, musical biopic of Houdini that he's definitely rehearsed this time."
Also at the Fringe will be Daniel Llewelyn-Willams acclaimed one-man show A Regular Little Houdini. I had the pleasure of seeing this in Hollywood during Daniel's current tour of the U.S. I reviewed it HERE.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world's largest arts festival. It takes place every August for three weeks in Scotland's capital city. For more information and the book tickets visit the official festival website.
Last year's Edinburgh festival featured four Houdini-themed productions.
Edinburgh Festival is wild about Harry (2015)
A Regular Little Houdini in Hollywood
Tags: A Regular Little Houdini, Humor, Plays, United Kingdom
Abb Dickson, R.I.P.
The S.A.M. reports that comedic magician, producer, and "force of nature," Abb Dickson, has passed away after a long illness.
Among his many contributions to the magic world, Abb will be familiar to Houdini buffs as the man who provided magic props, including the Milk Can and Water Torture Cell, to the 1976 TV biopic The Great Houdinis starring Paul Michael Glaser. In recent years we've had some adventures tracking down those original props, which have become iconic in their own right.
Abb was elected president of the I.B.M. in 1997. He was also close friends with Orson Welles and appeared in several of Welles' films.
You can read Abb Dickson's full obituary at The Magic Compass. A crowdfunding effort has been launched HERE to cover his funeral expenses.
Photo courtesy Joe Fox.
Studio City Milk Can mystery solved
Water Torture Cell used in 'The Great Houdinis' at auction
MAKING 'THE GREAT HOUDINIS'
Written by John Cox at 6:39 PM 1 comment:
Tags: IBM, Milk Can, Obituaries, Orson Welles, Props, Props (replicas), S.A.M., The Great Houdinis (1976)
Is this really Houdini?
Christiana Auction Gallery is currently listing this "Vintage Harry Houdini Tintype" for sale on July 21. But is this really Houdini? While the subject does bare a strong resemblance, this photo appears to be from an earlier time period, the clothes don't look right, nor does the pose. And if this is a young Houdini, his hair doesn't look quite right. I also just don't feel him here. If I had to take a stand, I'd say this isn't Harry. But what do you think?
Below is a tintype of Houdini from 1891 which gives an idea of what to expect from an early Houdini portrait. This comes from Doug Henning's Houdini His Legend and His Magic. Even though he looks less like the familiar image of Houdini than the above, there's no mistaking him here.
CAG's "Houdini tintype" currently has 3 bids. The auction house is also offering the "Sweetheart Mine" love letter that I posted about in 2015 and recently sold on eBay for $1,875. That listing can be viewed HERE.
Thanks to Harry Houdini (real name) for the alert.
UPDATE: Sold for $200.
Houdini to Bess – "Sweetheart Mine"
"Is that you, Mama?"
Herman Weiss or an Italian Job?
Tags: Auction, Correspondence, Fakes, Photos (unpublished), Physical traits
The Grim Game screening in Sheffield
Houdini's The Grim Game will screen this Wednesday, July 20 at 5:30 PM at the Show Room Cinema in Sheffield as part of the Yorkshire Silent Film Festival. The screening will have live musical accompaniment by Jonathan Best. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
Considered lost for decades, The Grim Game was restored by TCM in 2015. There is no news yet on a DVD release, so theatrical screenings are currently the only way to see Houdini's best film.
You can follow the Yorkshire Silent Film Festival on Facebook and Twitter.
The Grim Game screening twice in the UK in July
Houdini conquers Hollywood (at last) in The Grim Game
Finding The Grim Game | Saving The Grim Game
Tags: Events, Screenings, The Grim Game (1919), United Kingdom
Drink in Houdini and Jewish history
Here's a unique one. Entertainment Earth is offering a set of four "Famous Jews Pint Glasses" featuring images of Jewish notables, including Houdini. Here's the description:
A set of four 12-ounce glasses, each featuring a different category of famous Jews: writers, artists, entertainers, and thinkers. Now every meh meal with the mishpocheh can be a meeting of the minds! The Thinkers include Moses Maimonides, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Karl Marx, Hannah Arendt, and Baruch Spinoza. The artists are Lee Krasner, Amedo Modigliani, Marc Chagall, Man Ray, and Camille Pissarro. The writers include Isaac Bashevis Singer, Susan Sontag, Franz Kafka, Allen Ginsberg, and Gertrude Stein. The featured Jewish entertainers are Benny Goodman, Leonard Bernstein, Fanny Brice, Al Jolson, and Harry Houdini. Ages 18 and up!
Purchase at Entertainment Earth.
Tags: Judaism, Merchandise
Houdini vs. the Siberian Transport Cell Part II: How did he do it?
Houdini's escape from the Siberian Transport Cell or "Carette" in Russia on May 10, 1903 is one of his most famous and celebrated feats. But like the Mirror Handcuff challenge, the carette escape is steeped in mythology. In PART I we looked at the escape itself. Today, we tackle the question of how Houdini did it.
So how did Houdini escape from Chief Lebedeff's dreaded Siberian Transport Cell at Butyrskaya Prison? Interestingly, this is one escape that Houdini didn't feel the need to keep secret. In an article he wrote in March 1904 titled "Russia" (reproduced in Pat Culliton's Houdini The Key), Houdini freely admits that he picked the lock through the window, although the task was not an easy one:
The lock was on the outside of the door, about 30 inches below the window in the door, the former being about 6 inches square, and divided into four by iron bars. Through this small aperture I had to do my work. For half and hour I struggled with the lock for all I knew, during which I could hear the police laughing and chuckling. However, I persevered, and at the end of 45 minutes I had the satisfaction of seeing the door swing open. But I was very exhausted and was pouring down with perspiration, cold as it was.
How exactly Houdini smuggled in his lock picking tools is one secret he did not reveal.
Now, one would think this would be the final word on how Houdini escaped from the carette, especially as this was also the explanation given in the first Houdini biography, Houdini His Life Story. But in 1931, the book The Secrets of Houdini by J.C. Cannell offered up a radically different method that would up-end the story of the carette escape for the next 70 years.
In Cannell's version, the police insisted that the carette door be reinforced with additional locks and bolts that could not be reached from the inside. At first Houdini objected to this new condition, but eventually conceded. But according to Cannell, Houdini's objections were just clever misdirection, as he never intended to exit via the door:
It was upon the floor of the van that Houdini concentrated in carrying out his escape, in which there was a good deal of hard work and skill. He had in his possession a small cutter with which to cut through the zinc floor in such a way as afterwards to be able to smooth over the joint so that it would not be noticeable. [...] When he had neatly pierced the zinc, he pushed the edges back and reached the wooden floor of the van. The next part of his task was to remove enough of the planking to enable him to squeeze through the floor, while he performed the task of readjusting the zinc so as to leave no trace of the fine, straight cut he had made at the point where the sides of the floor and van met. [...] The replacement of the floor planks was the simplest part of this remarkable escape.
How Houdini acquired his escape tools is, once again, not part of the explanation.
It should be noted that Will Goldston published The Secrets of Houdini and was probably responsible for much of the content. Goldston, who knew Houdini, is also responsible for the story of how Bess managed to get the Mirror handcuff key and pass it to Houdini in a glass of water. Today many feel that's an elaborate fiction created Goldston's book, Sensational Tales of Mystery Men. So was he doing the same thing here?
The idea of Houdini sawing through the carette floor proved irresistible to William Lindsey Gresham. Gresham embraced the story and embellished it, first in an article for the July 1958 issue of Saga magazine ("True Adventures for Men"), and a year later in his own biography, Houdini The Man Who Walked Through Walls. Gresham also provided an explanation for how Houdini acquired his tools.
In Gresham's account, Lebedeff orders the carette wrapped in chains only after Houdini has been locked inside. Having not agreed to this, Houdini complains loudly from inside, but the police ignore him. Bess is present during the escape, and she rushes to the door and delivers a lingering kiss before being pulled away by the police. During the kiss, she passes Harry the necessary tools for his escape, including a saw capable of piercing the zinc floor. Despite the improbability of this, and that fact that no previous account has Bess present, Gresham went all in on the floor sawing theory.
Ten years later, Milbourne Christopher threw cold water on the theory in his own biography, Houdini The Untold Story. Christopher rejected the floor sawing story along with the veracity of the original source, the Cannel book, writing: "This "explanation," which has been accepted an expanded by other writers, is as fanciful as many of Cannell's other "revelations.""
Christopher says he believes Houdini reached through the window and picked the lock. For him, the tell is in the lithograph Houdini created in Leipzig showing the escape. That illustration shows the carette window smaller and located higher up on the door than it was in reality. "A showman would not give a clue to his method in his advertising," Christopher argued. It is true that Houdini did modify his apparatus on posters to conceal the methods of escape.
Kenneth Silverman in Houdini!!! The Career of Ehrich Weiss (1996), which offered a much needed house cleaning of Houdini history, makes no mention of the floor sawing theory. Instead, Silverman goes with lock picking, saying that Houdini probably used an extension tool of some kind to reach the lock. Silverman admits he doesn't know how Houdini smuggled the necessary tools into the van, but he does note that "the Russian police were famously bribable."
Just when it looked like the floor sawing theory was consigned to popular Houdini mythology, the story made a roaring comeback in the 2006 biography, The Secret Life of Houdini, The Making of America's First Superhero by William Kalush and Larry Sloman. This account includes all the dramatic embellishments as well as verbatim dialogue between Lebedeff and Houdini. It's also said that Houdini concealed his saw tool in a false finger. (Bess is not a participant in this version.)
But the source book, The Secret Life of Houdini Laid Bare, reveals no new evidence for the old theory. Instead, the author's cite Gresham's colorful Saga article and biography. The notion that Houdini used a false finger (which I think has some merit) is revealed to be speculation based on the image of Houdini's false finger in his book Handcuffs Secrets. On the plus side, the book does offer a nice photo of a Transport Cell that might be very close in appearance to the one that Houdini escaped.
Finally, Patrick Culliton in his 2010 book Houdini The Key again rejects the floor sawing theory and returns to lock picking. Like Silverman, Patrick believes an extension tool was necessary. As to how he acquired the tool (which today is owned by Joe Holland), Pat suggests a bold new theory. In the Leipzig lithograph we see Houdini shackled with restraints that have large lunch box size weights below each wrist (right). Patrick believes Houdini's tools were concealed inside these weights, planted by a confederate.
The time it took for Houdini to escape the carette has also undergone revision over the years. Houdini originally said it took him 45 minutes. By the time of the Leipzig lithograph, that had been reduced to 28 minutes. Later it became as little as 11 minutes. But all accounts agree on the most important point. Houdini escaped!
In 2013, David Saltman of The Houdini File opened a fresh new inquiry into the carette escape. In all accounts, Houdini's nemesis is said to have been Chief of Secret Police Lebedeff. But David could find no police officer by that name in Russia at this time. Interestingly, the notary who signed Houdini's Russian contract was Mihail Lebedeff. Coincidence? Confusion? Or did Houdini for some reason co-opt the name of his notary for his nemesis? The mysteries continue.
It's safe to assume the Transport Cell Houdini escaped from that day, with or without a hole in the floor, is long gone. In the 1950s, Stalin erected factories around Butyrskaya Prison to obscure it from view. For years it was unmarked on Russian maps.
Then on October 30, 1989, Russian magician and S.A.M. member Alexander "Sasha" Vorobiev received special permission to visit the prison museum. There he discovered on display the original manacles said to have held Houdini that day. The museum also had a police uniform from 1903, the year of Houdini's escape.
Alexander Vorobiev with the Houdini manacles. Police uniform from 1903.
Despite being put up for sale in 2006, Butyrskaya still stands today. It's still a prison and still has its museum. While Houdini's escape was considered a source of embarrassment in 1903, today it's a source of pride. The official website even gives a brief description of the feat (here translated via Google):
In May 1908 [sic] in Moscow there was the famous American magician Harry Houdini. For marketing purposes, he made a bet that he could escape from any prison in Moscow. The Butyrskaya prison experiment was conducted: thoroughly searched, Houdini put in chains and locked in a special Bound, an iron box. After 28 minutes, covered with sweat, Houdini appeared in front of the audience goggles.
So maybe Houdini's greatest accomplishment that day in May was to perform a feat that would outlast both Imperial and Communist governments, and today stand as a proud part of Russian history.
Illustration of Bess at the carette door by Annabel Large from The Great Escaper (1979) by David Warren. Photograph of Alexander Vorobiev with Houdini's shackles from Conjuring (1992) by James Randi. Additional thanks to Arthur Moses.
Houdini v the Siberian Transport Cell, Part I: The escape
The Handcuff King's blog: Breaking into Russia
Houdini's Russian contract sells for $10,000
Houdini's Russian Mystery Solved! (The Houdini File)
Tags: [History], 1903, Bess, Controversial, Deep Dives, Fact check, Jail breaks, Kenneth Silverman, Methods, Milbourne Christopher, Myths, Patrick Culliton, Posters, Russia, Siberian Transport Cell, William Kalush, William Lindsay Gresham
Houdini vs. the Siberian Transport Cell Part I: The escape
Houdini's escape from the Siberian Transport Cell or "Carette" in Russia on May 10, 1903 is one of his most famous and celebrated feats. No account of his life goes without a mention of it. But like the Mirror Handcuff challenge, the carette is an escape steeped in mythology and controversy over how Houdini managed to escape. So today we head to Moscow to unlock the mysteries of this famous challenge.
Houdini traveled to Russia in May of 1903. [For an account of his adventurous entry, read Breaking into Russia.] Houdini opened at the Yar, a popular Moscow dinner theater frequented by high society (where a drunken Rasputin once exposed himself). Houdini was an instant hit with his handcuff act, but he still wanted to perform an attention getting outdoor escape. He found his opportunity at Moscow's centrally located Butyrskaya Prison.
Butyrskaya prison in Moscow, site of Houdini's 1903 escape.
There's an amusing story of how Houdini was arrested while practicing his stage patter in an open Moscow park (some accounts say it was a deserted racetrack). As he recited in Russian how he "defied the police of the world to hold him," he suddenly found himself surrounded by police who feared he was a madman.
At police headquarters, the Yar theater manager explained things as Houdini endeared himself to the police by performing cards tricks. He then asked the Chief of Police, identified as "Lebedeff," if he could attempt to free himself from one of their prison cells. Lebedeff felt the locks on the Butyrskaya cells, which dated back to 1771, would be too easy for the jail breaker, and instead suggested their Siberian Transport Cell, a rolling "safe on wheels" used to send prisoners to Siberia. Lebedeff insisted it be a private test. Houdini agreed under the condition that Lebedeff provide an affidavit should he be successful.
Houdini arrived at Butyrskaya on May 10 with his newly hired assistant, Franz Kuklol. The police were ready for him. After having him remove all his clothes, they conducted the most thorough search of his career, as Houdini recalled:
All my clothes were taken from me and I was thoroughly searched, but, perhaps the word "searched" is too mild to describe what chief Lebedeff's spies did to me. I was laid on a table and one man started from my head and searched down to my feet, while another man started at my feet and worked up to my head. I was then turned round and about, being rather roughly handled. No doubt the spies wanted to impress their superiors, but they found nothing.
In a private letter to a friend (Don Turley) he added...
Talk about getting the finger, well I received it three times, but Mr. Russian spy found nothing.
Houdini was then led nude across the cold prison courtyard, manacled in heavy irons, and locked inside the transport cell after it had been thoroughly searched. Lebedeff then told Houdini that if he failed to escape, he would have to travel 21 days to Sackolin near Siberia where the only key that unlocked the door was kept. Houdini requested that the van be backed up against the prison courtyard wall so he could work out of sight of the police. This was agreed to. However, Lebedeff ordered two men with binoculars to spy on the escapist at work.
Artist rendering of the Carette escape (Ray Abel).
Within an hour, Houdini walked into Lebedeff's office free. He was drenched in sweat, despite the cold. The police rushed to the carette and found it still locked with the shackles inside. Lebedeff's spies had, apparently, witnessed nothing.
But instead of applause, Houdini was seized and again searched. When nothing was discovered, the police turned on Franz Kukol and subjected him to the same vigorous search. Finding Kukol's house key, they tried it on the carette door lock, much to Houdini's amusement. "They have a swell lock on the cell and the house key is a cheap lodging house lock, so you can imagine how little it fitted," he said. The police then photographed Houdini, "In case I turn out crooked."
Despite his promise, Lebedeff refused to provide an affidavit, and no Russian newspaper reported the escape. Nevertheless, word of the feat spread among the populace, and Houdini's Russian tour was extended. He even performed for the Grand Duke Sergei Aeksandrovich and the grand duchess at Palace Kleinmichel. (The duke was later killed when a revolutionary threw a bomb into his carriage.)
Houdini left Russia never to return. He recorded in his diary that he felt the country itself was "some sort of mild prison" from which he had "managed to escape." While he had no news clippings or affidavit for his successful carette escape, he later had a lithograph printed in Leipzig showing the dramatic scene that had played out in the courtyard of Butyrskaya prison.
Houdini's 1903 lithograph.
A similar view today.
So how did Houdini escape from the Siberian Transport Cell? We will tackle that in PART II.
CONTINUE TO PART II
Top illustration by Peter Burchard from Saga, July 1958, courtesy of Arthur Moses. Houdini in van sketch by Ray Abel from Escape King: The Story of Harry Houdini (1975) by John Ernst. "Houdini in Russia" lithograph from the Nielsen Collection, MUM Nov. 2006.
Did Houdini return to Russia in 1913?
Houdini's escape from Murderers Row
Tags: [History], 1903, Assistants, Challenges, Deep Dives, Franz Kukol, Jail breaks, Posters, Russia, Siberian Transport Cell, Then and Now
ROUGH RIDERS #4
Tomorrow sees the release of Aftershock Comics ROUGH RIDERS #4 by Adam Glass. The series teams Houdini with famous notables such as Teddy Roosevelt, Annie Oakley, and Thomas Edison, who is featured on the cover of this latest issue.
Annie Oakley has been SHOT, Jack Johnson and Houdini taken HOSTAGE by none other than the mysterious Russian named Rasputin. Teddy Roosevelt is left with only Thomas Edison by his side, whom he can neither trust nor depend on. Secrets are revealed, alliances created and bonds are broken, as Roosevelt must decide if rescuing his friends is worth losing the WAR over.
ROUGH RIDERS #4 can be found in stores and at ComiXology.
A Rough Rider in Griffith Park
Houdini covers ROUGH RIDERS #2
Houdini joins the ROUGH RIDERS
Tags: Annie Oakley, Comics, Edison, Fictional adventures, Graphic novels, Rasputin, Roosevelt
Mannix at the Houdini estate in 1968
A reader who shares my fascination with the "Houdini Estate" in Laurel Canyon recently alerted me to the fact that the second season of the TV series Mannix with Mike Conners shot two scenes at the abandoned estate in 1968. This was after the 1959 fire that condemned the property, but before the house was torn down in 1970. The episode "Fear I To Fall" aired on December 21, 1968 and gives us a rare look at the original Walker mansion both inside and out.
The below screen captures show us the house grounds, including original gated entrance off Willow Glen Rd., the familiar walkways (still there today), and the exterior of the original house.
The follow screen captures show the inside of the original mansion, and are the only images I've ever seen of house interior. I doubt any set dressing was required. The house had been condemned for ten years and probably looked exactly like the abandoned ruin it was portraying.
Today the beautifully restored estate is privately owned and closed to the public, but it does have an official website and Twitter. For a full history of what we know about Houdini's actual connection to the property, check out my post from 2012: Inside the Laurel Canyon Houdini Estate.
You can buy Mannix Season Two, which includes "Fear I To Fall," at Amazon.
Thanks to DM for the tip and the screen caps.
Inside the Laurel Canyon Houdini Estate
Is this Houdini and Bess in Laurel Canyon?
What's this have to do with Harry?
Tags: DVD, Homes, Houdini Estate, Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, Television
"Talk about getting the finger, well I received it three times."
This week I'll tackle the history, mystery, and controversy behind one of Houdini's most famous escapes.
Houdini v. the Siberian Transport Cell
Part I: The escape
Part II: How did he do it?
Tags: Russia, Siberian Transport Cell, Teaser
LINK: Who was Miksa Dick?
UPDATE: Looks like this story is gone, so the link is no longer active.
David Merlini's newly opened House of Houdini museum in Budapest, Hungary has launched a research blog on their official website. Their research is primarily focused on Houdini and his home town, including a recent post by Krisztina Olah about Miksa Dick who appears as "godfather" to Erik Weisz on his birth certificate. Krisztina tracked down Miksa and also uncovered information about Houdini's father, including a hitherto unknown signature.
CLICK HERE or on the headline to read the full post at The House of Houdini's "Research News." You can also read posts on Houdini's birth certificate and passport applications. I've added the blog feed to mu sidebar.
The House of Houdini is located at at 11 Dísz Square, within the walls of the Buda Castle. The museum is open Monday to Sunday from 9:30am to 7pm.
The House of Houdini opens today in Budapest
137 years ago in Budapest...
LINK: Who was Houdini's father? New insights
Tags: Birth certificate, Budapest, Childhood, Family, Father, Links, Museums, Websites
Hardeen among the celluloid spirits
This photo from the private collection of Tom Ewing has me doing cartwheels for a few reasons. First, this is the only image I've ever seen of Hardeen doing any sort of spiritualist debunking. While we know Hardeen carried on his brother's escapes and magic, what's less known is that he also carried on Houdini's spirit exposures, or at least he claimed he did (watch for a post on this soon).
But there's another reason I'm flipping out over this image. This, to my knowledge, is the only known photo from Hardeen's 1937 film, Medium Well Done. The photo shows Hardeen with co-stars Gertrude Mudge, Margaret Breen and Paul E. Burns.
Medium Well Done was a one-reel Vitaphone short (Prod. #1958) directed by Lloyd French. It was shot at the Flatbush Vitaphone Studios in January of 1936 and released on March 6, 1937. In it, Hardeen played a "hardboiled detective" on the case of a bogus medium. A story synopsis from a Vitaphone catalogue reads:
Hardeen, brother of Harry Houdini, carries on his brother's work by exposing fake mediums.
Medium Well Done is considered a lost film. But it's possible that's just because no one has made a good search for it. Many of the early Vitaphone shorts survive, and there is an ongoing effort by The Vitaphone Project to find and restore the films. Several DVD completions of early Vitaphone shorts are now available via the Warner Archives.
Here's hoping one day someone might uncover this important piece of magic and movie history.
A big thanks to Tom Ewing for letting me share this treasure here. Also thanks to Kevin Connolly and his terrific Facebook group, CONJURING HISTORY - BUY, SELL AND TALK.
UPDATE: According to Ron Hutchinson at The Vitaphone Project Facebook group, Medium Well Done is NOT lost. He says it "exists in 35mm at Library of Congress." This gives me hope we might one day see it released via the Warner Archive Collection.
The forgotten films of Theo Hardeen
Time out for Hardeen
Hardeen's magic vs. Clara's "IT"
Tags: [History], 1930s, Hardeen, Medium Well Done (1937), Movies, Photos (unpublished), Private collections, Spiritualism
There is no news yet on whether there will be a second season of Houdini & Doyle, so tireless fansite HOUDOYLE has launched a campaign to help persuade the powers that be to give us more!
Click the headline for all the information on who to contact and how to join in on the renewal campaign.
You can watch Houdini & Doyle Season One at FOX NOW and Hulu.
LINK: 10 Days of Houdini & Doyle
Houdini & Doyle fansite HOUDOYLE
Tags: Houdini & Doyle (TV series), Links
Williamsport honors their "Wild Man" with historical marker
A new historical marker commemorating Houdini's two appearances in Williamsport, Pennsylvania was dedicated last Friday at the corner of Pine and North Streets. The plaque stands not far from the original site of the Pine Street United Methodist Church where Houdini once gave his anti-spiritualism lecture.
Dorothy Dietrich (picture right) and Dick Brookz of the Houdini Museum in nearby Scranton played a key role in uncovering Williamsport's Houdini history. They performed magic and escapes during the dedication ceremony.
Coincidentally, Friday marked 126 years to the day that Houdini first appeared in Williamsport's as part of the Welsh Bros. Circus. You'll recall that it was during this first tour with the circus that Houdini doubled as "Projea the Wild Man of Mexico" in the sideshow. It's very likely he appeared as the Wild Man while in Williamsport. Quite a journey to go from circus freak to historical honoree.
The Williamsport Sun-Gazette, who covered Friday's event (which you can see at their Facebook page), also covered Houdini's first appearance on July 1, 1895.
Thanks to Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz.
Williamsport to unveil Houdini plaque
Houdini joins the circus
The Handcuff King's blog: Freaks of Octoberfest
Tags: Circus, Dorothy Dietrich, Early career, Historic markers, Spiritualism, Welsh Bros., Wild Man
Houdini vs. the Siberian Transport Cell Part II: H...
Houdini vs. the Siberian Transport Cell Part I: Th...
"Talk about getting the finger, well I received it...
Williamsport honors their "Wild Man" with historic...
Piper Houdini is back
'Houdini: American Celebrity' with Richard Hatch, ...
Houdini (1953) on MOVIES! in July
REVIEW: Houdini & Doyle (ep. 10): The Pall of LaPier
Houdini & Doyle season finale
LINK: Houdini & Doyle storyboards
The Grim Game lands in Leeds
Punching a new hole in the ice story


Every bride wants to look radiant on her special day.
Balanced & Beautiful takes the time and care in creating the look you want. In addition to the bride, on the day of the wedding other members of the bridal party can also be accommodated provided they are at the same location as the bride.
make-up trial and make-up on the day.
Includes full consultation, cleanse, tone and moisturise, make-up on the day.
Look and feel great for your special event! Allow Balanced & Beautiful to create your look! This can be in the comfort of your home or a venue of your choice.
Not confident with make-up? Or still wearing the same look you've always worn? Why not have a make-up lesson. We'll try out several looks and discuss skin care and how to choose the right products to suit the type of person you are or the look you want to achieve.
The session lasts approx 1 hour 15 min.


In August of 2000, You and Me and all other people were taken by Storm when Lifehouse released their hit single, Hanging by a Moment for the First Time. Since their very first appearance on the music scene, Lifehouse has been giving it Everything they have and hitting the entertainment industry like a Hurricane with a 100% All In attitude, proving they'll do Whatever It Takes to keep making hits and entertaining audiences worldwide.
This summer, you can catch Lifehouse and Switchfoot on the "Looking for Summer" tour. Click here to see how far away Lifehouse will be From Where You Are!
Lifehouse band members from left to right: Bryce Soderberg, Jason Wade, and Rick Woolstenhulme Jr.
What's the craziest experience you guys have had as a band?
The recent suicide of Linkin Park's, Chester Bennington, shook a lot of people in the entertainment world. How do you combat the mental and emotional strain that you have to face as performers and as individuals?
What does it mean to be "Hanging by a Moment"?
To keep up with Lifehouse and their upcoming tour, visit their website.


So after all the happiness of playing in the snow yesterday and then sitting by the fire watching DVD's. We had to be good squirrels and work on the nest today.
This is me about to pop out to look at hooks for the dressing room.
I'm not sure if I have talked about this coat before??? I brought it at a garage sale a few weeks ago for $1. It was pretty dirty but to good to leave. Price & quality. Well with a good hand wash and a few repairs(still needs a button) here she is. Love that old English look today, just need a corgie doggy.Spiffing!


text:
Protecting vulnerable displaced women
Home / Protecting vulnerable displaced women
JALOZAI, Pakistan, 27 August (UNHCR) – At the age of 20, when most young women dream of an ideal future, Sajida's life took an irreparable turn for the worse. A bomb in Jalozai camp killed her 20-year-old husband, leaving her a widow with a three-month-old son."I don't know what the future holds for me, but I am worried about my child's future; how will I feed him and clothe him.," Sajida said, quietly sobbing behind her veil. The death of Sher Rahman, one of 15 people killed in the March attack, left Sajida's fate in the hands of her elderly grandfather-in-law and her brothers-in-law.
Fortunately, Sajida was identified by the UN refugee agency as one of the internally displaced people (IDPs) – those forced from their homes by the unrest in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) – who are in need of special protection. It is one of UNHCR's key responsibilities.
Although UNHCR is known mainly for its decades of work with Afghan refugees in camps in Pakistan, Jalozai is the largest of three official camps for IDPs. It hosts around 57,000 of the 80,400 IDPs in camps – the vast majority of 710,000 IDPs from FATA live with friends, relatives or rent elsewhere.
In the camps, UNHCR, together with other humanitarian agencies, is supporting government officials who have primary responsibility for administration and security. Under the UN inter-agency cluster approach, UNHCR is the lead agency for protection, shelter and camp management. That includes assisting vulnerable children and women like Sajida; women and children constitute 77 percent of all IDPs.
UNHCR, with the help of partner agencies, has taken steps to ensure Sajida has unhindered access to assistance. That involves something as basic as ensuring she receives food rations, which used to be collected by her husband. The grandfather of her husband has been authorized to collect her rations, saving her from standing in long queues.
"I'm glad that UNHCR has agreed to let my grandfather be my guardian, this way, at least one of my worries about the food collection is gone," Sajida said in Jalozai, which is 25 km southeast of Peshawar. To identify women and children at risk like Sajida, UNHCR and its partners regularly conduct focus group discussions with IDPs about their concerns. Other protection interventions include registering new IDPs and providing legal assistance through four legal clinics run by its partners. UNHCR actively assists government authorities to ensure IDPs' basic human rights are respected.
UNHCR also maintains four "Grievance Desks" in Jalozai camp to register the IDPs' protection concerns and ensure the timely solution of grievances. In view of cultural sensitivities, separate desks serve men and women, providing essential information on issues such as food distribution, the process of returning home and return packages.
A mobile protection team assists IDPs with problems related to civil documentation, rents, registration procedures or other legal matters. It provides legal assistance at food distribution points on problems such as school enrolment, examinations and attestation of documents in district courts and makes referrals to other service providers.
UNHCR also offers psychosocial support for vulnerable women such as single mothers, as well as victims of sexual and domestic violence. UNHCR maintains five Women's Community Centres and eight Men's Community Centers that are run by its partners.
"UNHCR underlines the importance of dedicating special attention to camp environments, particularly for the most vulnerable segments of the population such as women, girls and boys," said Neill Wright, UNHCR Representative in Islamabad. "UNHCR will continue to maintain an active presence in Jalozai camp and cooperate with governmental institutions and other humanitarian agencies to reinforce the protective environment inside the camp."
Although Sajida's experiences reflect the cost of war on women and children, she is fortunate to have a huge extended family. Many other women in the camp have only their own resilience — and the help of UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations — to fall back on.
Health services benefit mothers and children
Mobile Court Delivers Speedy Justice

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


As we support people to improve their economic wellbeing we see real and lasting life transformation.
The state of people's mental health can have far reaching impacts on their lives. We therefore seek to improve people's mental health.
A major barrier to people becoming 'the best version of themselves' is poor physical health. We seek to improve people's physical health through training and empowering people to take charge of their own health.


text:
Home » Services » Sport leisure and parks » Parks & Green Spaces Grounds Maintenance
Parks & Green Spaces Grounds Maintenance
Street cleansing service update
We've stopped using chemical weedkillers for our regular maintenance of street plants and street weeds. Find out more about our new, greener approach, and how you can get involved.
You are welcome to use parks and green spaces but please remember to continue looking after each other as Covid hasn't gone away. We strongly recommend you wash or sanitise your hands before and after touching park equipment and avoid spending too long in close proximity to others.
For updates from Bath & North East Somerset Council during the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, please go to our website: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus
Let's Get Buzzing
We are constantly trying to identify suitable green spaces to help improve areas for wildlife and native plants. This is in line with the Council's climate and ecological emergency aims. Can you help us? Please take a look at our Let's Get Buzzing page for more information.
There is also a Plantlife road verge campaign where you can find more information about the benefits of a nature focussed maintenance regime for verges and how you can help spread the word and support the approach.
Bath and North East Somerset Council (the Council) is responsible for grounds maintenance of council-managed car parks and park & ride car parks, highway verges, parks and open spaces , sports and leisure and play area inspections and maintenance, on land that is owned by the Council both in urban and rural areas. The Council also provide a design and maintenance service to external organisations.
In order to make significant financial savings to help the Council to be able to continue to deliver its other front line services, the way that we will be cutting the grass is changing. Read more information about these changes.
We are maintaining our essential services as much as we can during the coronavirus outbreak. This means our grass cutting teams will be resuming a targeted grass mowing round. It will allow the continued sensible use of recreational areas.
We will maintain these public areas as well as we can, for as long as we are able to guarantee the safety of our staff. Our teams will be following the guidance on social distancing.
Don't forget if you are using open spaces, for allowable daily exercise, you must follow the two-metre social distancing rule at all times.
Between April and November we cut grass on a rolling schedule on land owned by the Council. The frequency of our grass-cutting is influenced by the weather conditions.
There is increasing evidence that our pollinating insects are under threat and we all have a responsibility to help them. Where possible the Parks team has created wild meadow areas - re-introducing native plants as plug plants and seeds. Elsewhere we have reduced the frequency of cutting to encourage nectar-rich plants and provide cover for wildlife. Research suggests that even common plants that we tend to think of as 'weeds' such as dandelion, ragwort and cow parsley can provide a critical food source for pollinating insects and log piles and long grass provide cover and nesting sites for bumblebees.
To find out the frequency of grass cutting in your area, please see our grass cutting maps. You can also find more information by reading our grass cutting FAQs.
When we cut the grass in non-wild meadow areas, the equipment we use mulches the grass to allow it to naturally decompose in-situ which is better for the environment. We will clear mowings from paths as soon as possible after cutting. In total we maintain approx. 260 hectares of grass.
We are changing the way that we cut council-owned hedges to protect and benefit wildlife, reduce congestion and reduce costs. We aim to cut hedges in late winter (January and February) except where there is an over-riding safety concern (e.g. along roads). In total we cut around 28km of hedges a year. For more information on hedge and shrub cutting, you can read of our FAQs and check which hedges are cut when and how often.
The Tree Managers in the Parks and Bereavement Services Team manage approximately 35,000 trees growing on council owned land within the district. We also manage over 100 hectares of woodland and implement new tree planting schemes. If you have a query relating to a tree in a council owned park, open space, cemetery, allotment, woodland, car park or on the public highway please contact the tree managers via Council Connect 01225 394041. Responses to frequently asked questions can be found here. The Council also has a level of responsibility in relation to private trees in falling distance of a public highway. We may be able to advise or take direct action if a tree is causing a hazard to highway users - if you have concerns over such a tree please contact the tree managers as above. The Parks Team are not directly responsible for managing trees on school sites, children's Centre's, Curo housing estates (formerly Somer Housing) or Sirona sites. Please contact the relevant site staff as below:-
Schools – contact the school directly, contact details can be found at
Children's centre's – contact the children's Centre directly, contact details can be found at
Curo – Phone 01225 366563
Tree Services Available
Tree Surgery Works – The council's Tree Team offer competitive prices for tree inspections and tree surgery work.
Our staff are fully qualified and we will do our very best to fit into your preferred timescales plus we can respond to emergencies, such as a fallen tree or branch.
For quotations for tree surgery works and tree inspections please contact Dominic Leach (07977 228222 dom_leach@bathnes.gov.uk) during normal working hours.
For emergencies please contact Council Connect tel 01225 39 40 41 or outside of normal working hours contact 01225 477 477 to report the issue to the Parks Duty Officer.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Conservation Area Regulations
Please hover and click on the wording for more information relating to: Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Area Regulations in relation to trees.
Grounds maintenance of non-Council land
On non-Council owned land, the land owners are responsible for the trees, grass-cutting and grounds maintenance. Other green spaces may be the responsibility of housing associations, private landowners or other bodies.
Non-native Invasive Plant Species
The Council will treat non-native invasive plant species such as; Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, Ragwort, Rhododendron ponticum growing on Council-owned land. If you think there are non-native invasive species growing on private land or on your land or property not owned by the Council; we can provide you with identification, treatment and removal, however we will charge you for this service. For more information please contact us at Council_Connect@Bathnes.gov.uk or 01225 394041
You can help us to keep the grounds in good condition by: removing items of clothing, litter and dog mess off the grass so it can be cut. Litter and dog mess can now be disposed of in the same public litter bin.
Some local residents in Bath are joining together as a "Friends" group and volunteer their time to make additional improvements to parks. By working closely with the Council in this way many parks are further enhanced for the benefit of all that use them. If you 'Love where you Live' and would like to join a "Friends" group, or get one started, please click here.
Roundabout and Flower Bed Sponsorship
Bath and North East Somerset Council has a number of roundabouts and annual and perennial beds available for sponsorship. If you are interested in providing a donation or sponsorship please contact us at Council_Connect@Bathnes.gov.uk or telephone 01225 394041
Hanging Baskets & Window Boxes
Bath and North East Somerset Council invite local businesses, companies, organisations and members of the general public to 'sponsor' or 'puchase' hanging baskets and window boxes. For Floral Displays, handmade, watered and tailored for you please click here or email us at Council_Connect@Bathnes.gov.uk or telephone 01225 394041
Neighbourhood Environmental Services
1st Floor Lewis House
Sport, Leisure and Parks
Hedge Cutting and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Wild Meadows
parks@bathnes.gov.uk
Neighbourhood Nature Areas


As part of my Creative Writing course with the Sydney Writers' Centre, I had to reread To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
It really is a great piece of literature. Very subtle, because the narration is by a child. The girl Scout is a beautiful character - she is real, innocent, and so intelligent. But the events are a loss of innocence for Scout, and more so for her older brother, Jem. It is significant for Scout to look back on those years, but she did not have a full understanding at the time. Jem, who was just reaching puberty, experienced the trial through the eyes of a young man - I can only imagine how it shaped him in years to come. I hope he still became a lawyer, and wasn't disheartened.
It's the third time that I've read this book, and I have got something different from it each time I've read it. Having been a lawyer myself, for 4 years now, I could sympathise with Atticus Finch much better. Particularly when he never took on another criminal matter after Tom Robinson's trial. The justice system is soul destroying. Atticus believed in morality and justice. His views were advanced for his time and for the place his lived in.
The racism is shocking, and the class division is almost unthinkable - and it wasn't that long ago. The life in southern USA is shocking. But then I think of what the Aboriginals suffered in Australia, as recently as in my parents' life times. And the continuing inequality - are we that much different?
Prejudice and racial injustice - what would Atticus Finch think of us now? Would he be proud that so much has changed, or would he be disappointed that so little has changed?


Sharp Bus Lines Ltd. has received one of 10 electric school buses to be used in a provincewide pilot program to test the suitability of the new technology.
Company president Bill Sharp and his two sons, Adam and James, were joined by Dave Imre, transportation officer of Student Transportation Services of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk, to display the $400,000 eLion bus in the parking lot of the company's Brantford facility on Oak Park Road last week.
The buses are paid for under a 10-year Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change program and will be distributed across the province according to weather and climate factors.
"We are thrilled to help lead the way toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future through clean and renewable energy," said Bill Sharp.
The bus is manufactured by Lion Electric, a company based in Saint-Jerome, Que., with an office in Mississauga.
The bus has a 120-kilometre range with zero emissions and makes no sound. Early testing has demonstrated that using the eLion on a school route is equivalent to removing five cars on the road and eliminating 23 tons of greenhouse gases.
Sharp applied for the program when he heard about it last year.
"We've always tried to be on the leading edge of technology," said Bill Sharp.
"Last year, we bought 50 buses with Bus Wise, 360-degree camera viewing, front-end collision avoidance and lane detection. In fact, we have the largest Bus Wise fleet in North America.
"It's the same with the eLion bus. We are always seeking economical and innovative solutions."
The electric bus program is as innovative as the industry can get, he said.
"These are 10 vehicles made available to a select few to test and collect information to arrive at a prototype for the industry."
Sharp noted that the infrastructure for fleets of electric school buses does not yet exist. In fact, the manufacturer had to transport the buses by truck to their host locations because of the vehicles' limited range and the lack of special charging stations.
While a government grant paid for 100 per cent of the bus's purchase price, Sharp had to accept a set of conditions. The company is responsible for providing the charging station and 100 per cent of the maintenance.
It also will work with Student Transportation Services, which is responsible for providing transporation to Catholic and public school students living in Brantford and Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties, to give regular reports on the vehicle's performance, including how the students feel about it.
"I think it's great to be part of this program, but I have some reservations," said Sharp.
"There is no co-generation. The bus has no secondary fuel source. When the power runs out, the bus stops. If that happens, we have to tow it back here and spend the time charging it again."
Imre said STS is happy to be part of the program.
"I think it's exciting to be on the cutting edge of technology and it's exciting we're going green," he said.
He said STS and Sharp officials will sit down in August to choose the eLion's first route for the start of the new school year in September.
"Students and parents standing at the side of the road will be struck by how silent it is," Imre said.


text:
Updated: Suspect in Sunday morning home invasion found, taken to Marathon County Jail
WAUSAU - A man suspected of entering a woman's home early Sunday while wearing a mask and carrying a handgun was taken into police custody Sunday evening.
Freddie P. Henderson, 47, entered the home of a woman he knew at about 3:15 a.m. Sunday, according to a Wausau Police Department news release. The woman woke to find Henderson, wearing a mask and displaying a handgun, according to the release. The woman was able to leave the home and call 911 from a neighbor's phone.
The woman's father and her three children, as well as one of her children's friends, were still in the home when police arrived, according to the news release. Officers attempted to contact Henderson by use of a loudspeaker. When Henderson did not respond, officers entered the home and found he had left, according to the news release. No one was injured in the incident.
Shortly before 7 p.m. Sunday, a Marathon County sheriff's deputy saw Henderson's vehicle outside an apartment complex in the 4400 block of Stewart Avenue, according to a second news release. Wausau police officers and Marathon County deputies found Henderson in the complex and took him into custody.
He was taken to the Marathon County Jail, where he was held on a felony probation warrant and faces potential charges of burglary, recklessly endangering safety and domestic-related disorderly conduct.
RELATED: Stevens Point apartment fire displaces one resident Saturday
RELATED: Adams County data breach exposed personal information of up to 250,000 people


§ 95-1 Tax Collector to provide list.
§ 95-2 Denial, suspension or revocation of license or permit.
Collector of Taxes — See Ch. 21.
The Tax Collector or other municipal official responsible for records of all municipal taxes, assessments, betterment, and other municipal charges, hereinafter referred to as the "Tax Collector," shall make available through electronic means to each department, board, commission, or division, hereinafter referred to as the "licensing authority," that issues licenses or permits, including renewals and transfers, a list of any person, corporation or enterprise, hereinafter referred to as the "party," that has neglected or refused to pay any local taxes, fees, assessments, betterments, or other municipal charges, and that such party has not filed in good faith a pending application for an abatement of such tax or a pending petition before the Appellate Tax Board.
The licensing authority may deny, revoke, or suspend any license or permit, including renewals and transfers, of any party whose name appears on said list furnished to the licensing authority from the Tax Collector or with respect to any activity, event, or other matter which is the subject of such license or permit and which activity, event, or matter is carried out or exercised or is to be carried out or exercised on or about real estate owned by any party whose name appears on said list furnished to the licensing authority from the Tax Collector; provided, however, that written notice is given to the party and the Tax Collector, as required by applicable provisions of law, and the party is given hearing to be held not earlier than 14 days after said notice. Said list shall be prima face evidence for denial revocation or suspension of said license or permit to any party. The Tax Collector shall have the right to intervene in any hearing conducted with respect to such license denial, revocation, or suspension. Any findings made by the licensing authority with respect to such license denial, revocation, or suspension shall be made only for the purpose of such proceeding and shall not be relevant to or introduced in any other proceeding at law, except for any appeal from such license denial, revocation, or suspension. Any license or permit denied, suspended or revoked under this section shall not be reissued or renewed until the licensing authority receives evidence of payment issued by the Tax Collector that the party is in good standing with respect to any and all local taxes, fees, assessments, betterments, or other municipal charges, payable to the municipality as the date of issuance or said certificate.
Any party shall be given the opportunity to enter into a payment agreement, thereby allowing the licensing authority to issue a certificate indicating said limitations to the license or permit and the validity of said license shall be conditioned upon the satisfactory compliance with said agreement. Failure to comply with said agreement shall be grounds for the suspension or revocation of said license; provided, however, that the holder be given notice and a hearing as required by applicable provisions of law.
The Board of Selectmen may waive such denial, suspension, or revocation if it finds that there is no direct or indirect business interest by the property owner, its officers or stockholders, if any, or members of his or her immediate family, as defined in MGL c. 268A in the business or activity conducted in or on said property.


The Station Square of Winterthur is located on a strategic location between the old city, the train station and an upcoming retail and office district. Almost 100'000 people cross it every day as pedestrians – at the same time it's the heart of Winterthur's city bus lines.
Before the redesign of the square there were several canopy constructions in barrel shape, built in the 80s. They over-filled the square with their high number of roof elements, columns and equipment. The old city was hidden behind this canopies and the square was divided into zones.
The new project is unifying the square and we worked hard to keep the pedestrian level as open as possible, for a better orientation and to generate generosity. For this reason we created a big roof construction without visible columns. Also all the overhead lines are fixed directly on the roof and create a floating grid. The minimal and precise roof body brings a clear new organization of the urban space and stands as a welcoming sign for arriving visitors of Winterthur.
The project's most important and defining element, the sculptural roof, has a cantilever of up to 34 meters (112 feet). It's asymmetric base contains a ticket kiosk and is built out of 6 steel pillars, each taking weights up to 1200 tons. Already in the competition phase, architects and engineers worked very closely to conceptualize the light steel structure. A laser perforated aluminum skin dresses the structure and allows the daylight to shine through.
An existing pedestrian underpass was transformed into new rooms for the bus drivers. It offers a new infrastructure with recreation rooms, wardrobes and a couple of sleeping rooms.


text:
(4386) Lüst – planetoida z pasa głównego asteroid okrążająca Słońce w ciągu 5 lat i 223 dni w średniej odległości 3,16 j.a. Została odkryta 26 września 1960 roku w Obserwatorium Palomar przez Cornelisa van Houtena i Toma Gehrelsa. Nazwa planetoidy pochodzi od Reimara Lüsta (ur. 1923), niemieckiego astronoma. Przed jej nadaniem planetoida nosiła oznaczenie tymczasowe (4386) 6829 P-L.

Zobacz też
 lista planetoid 4001–5000
 lista ponumerowanych planetoid

Bibliografia

Linki zewnętrzne

Planetoidy pasa głównego
Nazwane planetoidy
Obiekty astronomiczne odkryte w 1960

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
<Home/Articles/Birdwatching in Senegal
Birdwatching in Senegal
By Martha Hales | 18 December 2018
Senegal has an easygoing charm which creates the perfect backdrop for a leisurely birding holiday among its myriad avian habitats. The combination of coasts, rivers and semi-arid regions along with the tropical temperatures and the more verdant areas in the south make it an appealing home for a diverse variety of avifauna. Senegal's location directly south of the Sahara means that many species use it as a stopover after their lengthy and difficult desert crossing. Wetland habitats offer particularly rich pickings, and in season you are likely to see many Palaearctic and Afrotropical birds as well as Sahelian and West African specialities.
Senegal is a fascinating nation with a charismatic capital city and some lovely shoreline for beach time in between birding excursions. What is more it is a relatively short flight from Europe but a world away in terms of what it can offer visitors: a very different array of species, an insight into West African culture, and winter sun to boot. Birders will find that a visit during northern hemisphere winter (November to February) will yield even more varieties than at other times of year due to the migratory birds that overwinter in Senegal during this season. The total number of species recorded in Senegal up to September 2018 is more than 680, and there are many expert guides to help you track them down. Here, we give a quick overview of the major birdwatching destinations in Senegal.
Djoudj National Park
16,000 hectares of wetlands recognised by UNESCO for their unique natural characteristics make up the Djoudj National Park and Bird Sanctuary, home to around 1.5 million birds from more than 360 different species. This area lies right in the far north of Senegal with road access from Saint Louis, and it acts as an oasis for the many migratory species that cross the Sahara heading south. The lakes, sandbanks, streams and ponds make up part of the Senegal River delta, and host more than 120 species of Palaearctic migrants as well as the many resident species. Look out for the Arabian bustard, great egret, white pelican (pictured below), African spoonbill, purple heron, night heron, cormorant, flamingo and large numbers of ducks and warblers.
The Sahel
One of the reasons Senegal is such a rewarding birding destination is the diversity of ecosystems. In between the huge and forbidding Sahara desert and the lush deltas and forests of southern Senegal lies the Sahel, a sizeable area of arid semi desert which receives only scant rainfall and doesn't support much more than grasses and sporadic acacia woodland. This scrubby savannah may not seem to be a very promising prospect, but is actually a good place to seek out some of the Sahelian specials and West African endemics which can only be found in this dry region, namely golden nightjar, cricket warbler, glossy starling (pictured below), chestnut bellied starling, Pygmy sunbird, Senegal baits and Senegal eremomela.
Siné Saloum Delta
Another delta zone bursting with bird life is located in the region of coastal Senegal that sits just north of The Gambia. The major urban centre is nearby Kaolack, from here the delta area can be accessed by road, though for a comprehensive visit some boat travel is recommended. Traditional ways of life carry on here unchanged for centuries, with fishing, shellfish cultivation and salt collection some of the major activities. Extensive mangrove habitats are complimented by forests and patches of grassland, and the watery landscape is especially attractive and photogenic.
Interesting species to track down include several species of raptors such as the grasshopper buzzard, Beaudouin's snake eagle, African hawk eagle and scissor tailed kite, while water birds to look for include the four-banded sandgrouse, the white backed night heron and the black headed heron (pictured below).
Niokolo-Koba National Park
Located in the south east of Senegal close to the border with Guinea Bissau, almost a million hectares is protected as a national park and recognised by UNESCO for its natural diversity. In contrast to the Sahel habitats of northern Senegal, this water-rich floodplain area boasts a high diversity and concentration of plant species which in turn supports a large variety of fauna, including many sizeable animals such as elephant, hippo, lion, leopard, African wild dog, chimpanzee and antelope.
This is an important habitat for more than 300 species of birds, among which the most sought after varieties include the Mali firefinch, Senegal parrot (pictured below), West African swallow, fox kestrel, violet turaco, martial eagle, white faced whistling duck, red throated bee eater, Egyptian plover, bearded barbet and the oriole warbler.
Langue de Barbarie National Park
A tongue (langue) of land running parallel to the coast of Senegal near Saint Louis marks the point where the Senegal river meets the Atlantic Ocean. It has long been an important site for bird life, and many species live in and around the sandy spits of land and islands built by deposits from the outflowing river.
The 'Île des Oiseaux' or bird island is a small outcrop of land in the estuary and gets its name from the many species of bird that make their home here, notably several species of gulls and terns, plus pelicans in season. Trips around the 2,000 hectare park can only be undertaken by boat, but this makes it more rewarding in terms of sightings. Unfortunately the 30 kilometre sandspit was breached in 2003 to allow outflow of floodwaters from Saint Louis but the breach has now broadened enormously with huge impact on the ecosystem.
Grab those binoculars and get yourself to Senegal for some excellent birdwatching opportunities. The warm West African welcome, pleasant climate and coastal location add to the appeal, and who better to show you the best of their homeland than a local team of experts who know their nation inside out? Get in touch today to see how your bespoke itinerary could look. To speak to someone in the TravelLocal office please call +44 (0)117 325 7898.
Top 10 scenic journeys
Where to go for winter sun
Our top birding destinations


text:
Meet The Irish Competitors Part 2
View All 2017 Irish International A Cappella Festival
Jul 14, 2017Evan Feist
Ireland's A Cappella Competition is ready to go big this Saturday, live only on FloVoice
Launched as part of an initiative by Ardú Vocal Ensemble to help develop a national performance platform for a cappella ensembles in Ireland, the competition has now been divide into two categories: Small Ensemble and Large Chorus. A combination of 4 finalists from these categories will progress to the Grand Final held also on Saturday at 7pm.
Meet the Large Chorus competitors:
The Ramparts
The Ramparts are an all-male chamber choir from Dublin who specializes in Traditional Irish, Folk, Pop and Barbershop.
Notabelles
Formed in 2013, the Notabelles from South Dublin are members of the Irish Association of Barbershop Singers.
Crunniu Chamber Choir
Cruinniú is an all-female chamber choir based in Arklow, Co. Wicklow. They perform in all styles from sacred to traditional, popular to classical.
Voices For Choice
Voices For Choice is politically active singing community with open rehearsals. Find out more by connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter!
The competition will be judged by a panel of three judges along with IIACF Artistic Director Ciarán Kelly as chair. Our adjudicators are John McGlynn (Ireland), Alex Haigh (UK) and Ollie Lambert (UK)
There are a number of prizes up for grabs with the overall winning group receiving the Ireland's A Cappella Competition 2017 bespoke trophy and a FREE recording session at Windmill Lane Recording Studios, sponsored by Dublin Studio Hub.
There will also be a winner from each category chosen to participate in a masterclass with IIACF headlining act The Swingles, the following day at The Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
Also, one lucky group will be handpicked by the festival composer in residence Ollie Lambert for an exclusive tailored arrangement of a song of their choice written especially for them!
Shenandoah - arranged and performed by Ollie Lambert
"As contemporary a cappella audiences throughout the world continue to grow, it is only right that Ireland stands with the rest on an international level. By bringing The Swingles to Dublin we hope to inspire hundreds of vocal enthusiasts who may not have heard their unique sound before. With so many performance opportunities for Ireland's A Cappella Competition entrants and performances by the best a cappella artists Ireland has to offer, IIACF is sure to be an a cappella feast for everyone - We can't wait!" - Festival Director Ciarán Kelly.
Don't Miss the Irish A Cappella Festival
LIVE Only on FloVoice!
ON TV: Available on Roku and Apple TV 4 -- download the FloSports app now
Streaming: Only on FloVoice with a PRO subscription. A yearly PRO subscription provides access to ALL FloSports sites. Sign Up Now


DREAMIES™ are the irresistible treats your cat will love.
DREAMIES™ sparks spontaneous fun, playful moments between you and your cat every day. We believe life with a cat should be fun-filled.
We love our cats individual personalities and their independence, and treating your cat with DREAMIES™ is a great way to bring out the fun-loving side of your cat.


Pickle Knife Cowgirl Cowboy Hat Denim Men Skull DEFFWB Hats Sport for Cap Women Tessen HW, et al. The treatment of lung cancer in German outpatient centres. Datos de un registro clínico: Registro TLK. Onkologie. 2011;34 (Suppl.6)(Poster P533):153.


At the age of 12, Arizona wish kid Hailey first found a kindred spirit when she watched Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live. The two share many things in common - brown curly hair, glasses, witty personalities - and Hailey was soon seeking out any and all of Tina's appearances, movies and even books.
When Hailey was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease in 2011, it was a very difficult time for her and her family. But Hailey found new strength thinking of her one, true wish – an opportunity to meet her idol, Tina Fey.
"I love writing, I love comedy, I just felt like I could really relate to Tina," said Hailey.
When she received a very special phone call to deliver the news that the meeting was arranged, she couldn't believe it.
"I immediately started bawling tears of joy when I found out I would actually be able to meet Tina Fey," Hailey said.
Soon enough, Hailey and her parents flew to New Mexico to meet Tina on the set of her movie, Whisky Tango Foxtrot. The night before the big day, Hailey could barely sleep, she was so excited.
When Hailey and her parents arrived on set, she received her own personal director's chair with her name embroidered on it. She even went to a custom dress fitting, complete with hair and makeup.
After years of looking up to Tina Fey, Hailey admits she was so nervous to finally meet her role model. But Tina had her laughing within the first minute.
Hailey's mom, Amy, said she will never forget the look on Hailey's face when she saw Tina for the first time.
"Even my husband had a tear in his eye! It was a beautiful moment that would pull on anyone's heartstrings," Amy said.
Throughout the day, Hailey bonded with Tina over their favorite foods and Star Wars characters. But Hailey's favorite moment was the first time she made Tina laugh.
Since Hailey's experience, her mom has seen the physical impact this wish has had on her daughter.
After starting college this year, Hailey is motivated to write her own personal memoir.
"One day, I hope to tell my kids about this once-in-a-lifetime wish and Tina inspired me to share more about my life story with others," Hailey said.
Hailey, who takes oral chemotherapy every day for her illness, is happy she will always have the memories from her wish to think about on days when treatments are difficult.
This was something that we still talk about often. I can't thank Make A Wish and Tina Fey enough for what they did for my daughter Hailey.
Hailey is my beautiful little sister. Anybody that has ever had the chance to meet her knows what a wonderful person she is. I love you, HAILEY!


text:
Tag: Cancer
What Is Chromium-6 And How Did It Infiltrate America's Drinking Water?
Chromium-6, the cancer-causing chemical best known for its role in the Erin Brockovich story, has been found at higher-than-recommended levels in the tap water supplying two-thirds of all Americans, according to a report from the Environmental Working Group.
EWG, a nonprofit research organization, analyzed Environmental Protection Agency data on more than 60,000 samples collected at water utilities in all 50 states between 2013 and 2015. They found chromium-6 at levels deemed unsafe by public health officials.
"Americans deserve to know if there are potentially harmful levels of a cancer-causing chemical in their tap water," David Andrews, a senior scientist at EWG and co-author of the report, told the PBS NewsHour.
Chromium-6 occurs naturally in the environment, but high quantities are also produced by industrial projects. Pollution can occur when these industrial sites fail to follow proper waste disposal methods, such as with unlined coal ash ponds.
"The difficulty with chromium-6 is how to set a standard to protect human health during windows of development," Andrews said.
Even in small amounts, chromium-6 can cause skin burns, pneumonia, complications during childbirth and stomach cancer.
Continue reading "What Is Chromium-6 And How Did It Infiltrate America's Drinking Water?"
Author AndrewPosted on November 9, 2016 November 9, 2016 Categories Health, Pollution, UncategorizedTags Arizona, Cancer, cancer-causing, carcinogen, Chromium, Chromium-6, coal ash ponds., complications during childbirth, David Andrews, Dr. Lynn Goldman, Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Working Group, Erin Brockovich, Houston, ion exchange, Oklahoma, Phoenix, pneumonia, pollution, skin burns, St. Louis, stomach cancer., unlined ponds, water treatmentLeave a comment on What Is Chromium-6 And How Did It Infiltrate America's Drinking Water?
World Health Organisation Says Most Common Weedkiller 'Probably' Causes Cancer
In March, 2015, 17 experts from 11 countries met at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC; Lyon, France) to assess the carcinogenicity of the organophosphate pesticides tetrachlorvinphos, parathion, malathion, diazinon, and glyphosate (table). These assessments will be published as volume 112 of the IARC Monographs.
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, currently with the highest production volumes of all herbicides. It is used in more than 750 different products for agriculture, forestry, urban, and home applications. Its use has increased sharply with the development of genetically modified glyphosate-resistant crop varieties. Glyphosate has been detected in air during spraying, in water, and in food. There was limited evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of glyphosate. Case-control studies of occupational exposure in the USA, Canada and Sweden reported increased risks for non-Hodgkin lymphoma that persisted after adjustment for other pesticides. The AHS cohort did not show a significantly increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In male CD-1 mice, glyphosate induced a positive trend in the incidence of a rare tumour, renal tubule carcinoma. A second study reported a positive trend for haemangiosarcoma in male mice. Glyphosate increased pancreatic islet-cell adenoma in male rats in two studies. A glyphosate formulation promoted skin tumours in an initiation-promotion study in mice.
Glyphosate has been detected in the blood and urine of agricultural workers, indicating absorption. Soil microbes degrade glyphosate to aminomethylphosphoric acid (AMPA). Blood AMPA detection after poisonings suggests intestinal microbial metabolism in humans. Glyphosate and glyphosate formulations induced DNA and chromosomal damage in mammals, and in human and animal cells in vitro. One study reported increases in blood markers of chromosomal damage (micronuclei) in residents of several communities after spraying of glyphosate formulations. Bacterial mutagenesis tests were negative. Glyphosate, glyphosate formulations, and AMPA induced oxidative stress in rodents and in vitro. The Working Group classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A).
Continue reading "World Health Organisation Says Most Common Weedkiller 'Probably' Causes Cancer"
Author AndrewPosted on March 31, 2015 March 31, 2015 Categories Pesticides, UncategorizedTags broad-spectrum herbicide, Cancer, cancer cause, carcinogenic to humans, carcinogenicity, chromosomal damage, Conventional agriculture, diazinon, DNA damage, genetic modification, Genetically Modified, Glyphosate, glyphosate-resistant, GM, GMO, haemangiosarcoma, herbicide, International Agency for Research on Cancer, lancet, malathion, micronuclei damage, modern agriculture, Monsanto, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, organophosphate pesticides, pancreatic islet-cell adenoma, parathion, pesticides, renal tubule carcinoma, roundup, roundup ready, skin tumours, tetrachlorvinphos, weed killer, weeds cancer3 Comments on World Health Organisation Says Most Common Weedkiller 'Probably' Causes Cancer
Study Claims Blackcurrant Is No 1 'Superfruit'
The humble blackcurrant is the ultimate "superfruit" which can help fight cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's, new findings show.
The berry is far more nutritious than more exotic fruits such as goji berries and blueberries, favoured by celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna, and has the benefit of being home-grown, scientists claim.
Research by Dr Derek Stewart, of the Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI), has found the blackcurrant contains greater levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than 20 other fruits tested.
Crucially the amount of antioxidants means that eating blackcurrants can help prevent cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease, eye strain, MRSA and diabetes, among other ailments.
The study looked at 20 fruits and measured the levels of antioxidants and the nutritional value. In the majority of cases the blackcurrant outperformed its rivals.
Dr Stewart, the head of the quality, health and nutrition programme at SCRI, said: "The motivation for the research came from the huge publicity surrounding superfruits, coupled with the lack of consumer knowledge and understanding of what a superfruit is or what a fruit must contain. We wanted to find out which fruit came out on top. And blackcurrants can claim to be the number one superfruit."
Continue reading "Study Claims Blackcurrant Is No 1 'Superfruit'"
Author AndrewPosted on February 21, 2015 Categories FoodTags Alzheimers, anthocyanins, antioxidants, blackcurrant, blueberries, British blackcurrant, buy british, buy local, Cancer, dark purple, Derek Stewart, diabetes, Dr Stewart, eye strain, goji berries, heart disease, minerals, MRSA, nutrient dense, nutritional value, Scottish Crop Research Institute, SCRI, Superfruit, vitamins2 Comments on Study Claims Blackcurrant Is No 1 'Superfruit'
Paul Stamets Radio Interview On "The Power Of Fungi"
"Interview with Paul Stamets on a American Radio Radio Coast to Coast AM with host John B. Wells, I loved it and have listened several times so thought I'd share with you lot."
John B. Wells was joined by fungi expert, Paul Stamets, who discussed how mushrooms can enhance the health of our forests, gardens and bodies. He attributed the limited knowledge about the power of mushrooms to their fleeting nature, which provides scientists little time to study them. Additionally, he mused that the varied effects of mushrooms, such as improved health, sustenance, and death, contribute to a sense of fear because "they are so poorly understood." However, he marveled that there are over 5 million species of fungi on the planet, constituting more than half of the 10 million total species, of all organisms, on Earth.
Stamets shared numerous instances where the ability of fungi to survive and thrive in extreme environments has provided insights into potential ways that they could improve life on Earth. To that end, he revealed how, following the Chernobyl disaster, Ukranian scientists observed that mushrooms in the nearby forests were "hyperaccumulating radioactivity," thus decontaminating large areas of land. As such, he suggested that the problems of radioactive fallout facing Japan, following the Fukushima disaster, may be alleviated via the use of mushrooms. Stamets also talked about how the unique survival abilities of various fungi forms could be used to both provide food for exploring astronauts as well as terraforming planets in the future.
Beyond the environmental benefits attributed to mushrooms, Stamets also detailed a myriad of ways that fungi have shown to be beneficial to human health. For instance, he shared the story of his mother's battle with cancer and how, after being given six months to live in 2009, she supplemented her chemotherapy with 'Turkey Tail' mushrooms. Today, Stamets said, she has "no detectable tumors whatsoever" and her case has been called by cancer journals as a "best case outcome." Furthermore, he cited studies of the 'lion's mane' mushroom which was shown to reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in laboratory mice. Stamets was also enthusiastic about the potential therapeutic applications for "magic" mushrooms, since research has indicated they help in treating alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder, calling them "medicines for the soul."
Continue reading "Paul Stamets Radio Interview On "The Power Of Fungi""
Author AndrewPosted on September 18, 2014 January 27, 2017 Categories Fungi, Uncategorized, VideoTags alcoholism, Alzheimer, benifical bacteria, benifical fungi, benifical virus, Cancer, Chernobyl disaster, coast to coast am, decontaminating, Fukushima disaster, fungi, hyperaccumulating radioactivity, lions mane, Paul Stamets, PTSD, terraforming, thermotolerance, tumors, Turkey TailLeave a comment on Paul Stamets Radio Interview On "The Power Of Fungi"
The Dangers Of Asbestos
A blog visitor has just informed me that asbestos isn't banned in the USA like it is here in England, UK. He attached this little graphic to show the dangers associated with asbestos exposure, please take a second to look it over and stay informed about this hidden killer.
The visitor was Brian Turner of the Toxic Substance Safety Advocate for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.
Author AndrewPosted on May 13, 2014 May 13, 2014 Format ImageCategories Pollution, UncategorizedTags asbestos, Brian Turner, Cancer, hidden killer, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, occupational cancer1 Comment on The Dangers Of Asbestos


Muslims believe that the 'Isa' of the Qur'an is the same person as the Jesus (or 'Yesua') of the Bible. But he isn't.
Jay and Hatun make that perfectly clear in this presentation at Speaker's Corner, where they take a look at the references to Isa in the Qur"an and compare them with 'Yesuah' (the correct name for Jesus in the Arabic language) in the Bible.
Once they prove their point they then unpack what is missing in the Isa of the Qur'an, and suggest that the audience come back to the true Jesus, the one which can only be found in the Bible.
Jay's familar call to 'Come on Home' can be heard as he concludes this material on who exactly is the true Jesus, the 'Isa' of the Qu'ran, or the 'Yesuah' of the Bible.