text:
package sun.security.pkcs11;

import java.security.*;
import java.security.spec.AlgorithmParameterSpec;

import javax.crypto.*;

import static sun.security.pkcs11.TemplateManager.*;
import sun.security.pkcs11.wrapper.*;
import static sun.security.pkcs11.wrapper.PKCS11Constants.*;

/**
 * KeyGenerator implementation class. This class currently supports
 * DES, DESede, AES, ARCFOUR, and Blowfish.
 *
 * @author  Andreas Sterbenz
 * @since   1.5
 */
final class P11KeyGenerator extends KeyGeneratorSpi {

    // token instance
    private final Token token;

    // algorithm name
    private final String algorithm;

    // mechanism id
    private long mechanism;

    // raw key size in bits, e.g. 64 for DES. Always valid.
    private int keySize;

    // bits of entropy in the key, e.g. 56 for DES. Always valid.
    private int significantKeySize;

    // keyType (CKK_*), needed for TemplateManager call only.
    private long keyType;

    // for determining if both 112 and 168 bits of DESede key lengths
    // are supported.
    private boolean supportBothKeySizes;

    /**
     * Utility method for checking if the specified key size is valid
     * and within the supported range. Return the significant key size
     * upon successful validation.
     * @param keyGenMech the PKCS#11 key generation mechanism.
     * @param keySize the to-be-checked key size for this mechanism.
     * @param token token which provides this mechanism.
     * @return the significant key size (in bits) corresponding to the
     * specified key size.
     * @throws InvalidParameterException if the specified key size is invalid.
     * @throws ProviderException if this mechanism isn't supported by SunPKCS11
     * or underlying native impl.
     */
    static int checkKeySize(long keyGenMech, int keySize, Token token)
        throws InvalidAlgorithmParameterException, ProviderException {
        int sigKeySize;
        switch ((int)keyGenMech) {
            case (int)CKM_DES_KEY_GEN:
                if ((keySize != 64) && (keySize != 56)) {
                    throw new InvalidAlgorithmParameterException
                            ("DES key length must be 56 bits");
                }
                sigKeySize = 56;
                break;
            case (int)CKM_DES2_KEY_GEN:
            case (int)CKM_DES3_KEY_GEN:
                if ((keySize == 112) || (keySize == 128)) {
                    sigKeySize = 112;
                } else if ((keySize == 168) || (keySize == 192)) {
                    sigKeySize = 168;
                } else {
                    throw new InvalidAlgorithmParameterException
                            ("DESede key length must be 112, or 168 bits");
                }
                break;
            default:
                // Handle all variable-key-length algorithms here
                CK_MECHANISM_INFO info = null;
                try {
                    info = token.getMechanismInfo(keyGenMech);
                } catch (PKCS11Exception p11e) {
                    // Should never happen
                    throw new ProviderException
                            ("Cannot retrieve mechanism info", p11e);
                }
                if (info == null) {
                    // XXX Unable to retrieve the supported key length from
                    // the underlying native impl. Skip the checking for now.
                    return keySize;
                }
                // PKCS#11 defines these to be in number of bytes except for
                // RC4 which is in bits. However, some PKCS#11 impls still use
                // bytes for all mechs, e.g. NSS. We try to detect this
                // inconsistency if the minKeySize seems unreasonably small.
                int minKeySize = (int)info.ulMinKeySize;
                int maxKeySize = (int)info.ulMaxKeySize;
                if (keyGenMech != CKM_RC4_KEY_GEN || minKeySize < 8) {
                    minKeySize = (int)info.ulMinKeySize << 3;
                    maxKeySize = (int)info.ulMaxKeySize << 3;
                }
                // Explicitly disallow keys shorter than 40-bits for security
                if (minKeySize < 40) minKeySize = 40;
                if (keySize < minKeySize || keySize > maxKeySize) {
                    throw new InvalidAlgorithmParameterException
                            ("Key length must be between " + minKeySize +
                            " and " + maxKeySize + " bits");
                }
                if (keyGenMech == CKM_AES_KEY_GEN) {
                    if ((keySize != 128) && (keySize != 192) &&
                        (keySize != 256)) {
                        throw new InvalidAlgorithmParameterException
                                ("AES key length must be " + minKeySize +
                                (maxKeySize >= 192? ", 192":"") +
                                (maxKeySize >= 256? ", or 256":"") + " bits");
                    }
                }
                sigKeySize = keySize;
        }
        return sigKeySize;
    }

    P11KeyGenerator(Token token, String algorithm, long mechanism)
            throws PKCS11Exception {
        super();
        this.token = token;
        this.algorithm = algorithm;
        this.mechanism = mechanism;

        if (this.mechanism == CKM_DES3_KEY_GEN) {
            /* Given the current lookup order specified in SunPKCS11.java,
               if CKM_DES2_KEY_GEN is used to construct this object, it
               means that CKM_DES3_KEY_GEN is disabled or unsupported.
            */
            supportBothKeySizes =
                (token.provider.config.isEnabled(CKM_DES2_KEY_GEN) &&
                 (token.getMechanismInfo(CKM_DES2_KEY_GEN) != null));
        }
        setDefaultKeySize();
    }

    // set default keysize and also initialize keyType
    private void setDefaultKeySize() {
        switch ((int)mechanism) {
        case (int)CKM_DES_KEY_GEN:
            keySize = 64;
            keyType = CKK_DES;
            break;
        case (int)CKM_DES2_KEY_GEN:
            keySize = 128;
            keyType = CKK_DES2;
            break;
        case (int)CKM_DES3_KEY_GEN:
            keySize = 192;
            keyType = CKK_DES3;
            break;
        case (int)CKM_AES_KEY_GEN:
            keySize = 128;
            keyType = CKK_AES;
            break;
        case (int)CKM_RC4_KEY_GEN:
            keySize = 128;
            keyType = CKK_RC4;
            break;
        case (int)CKM_BLOWFISH_KEY_GEN:
            keySize = 128;
            keyType = CKK_BLOWFISH;
            break;
        default:
            throw new ProviderException("Unknown mechanism " + mechanism);
        }
        try {
            significantKeySize = checkKeySize(mechanism, keySize, token);
        } catch (InvalidAlgorithmParameterException iape) {
            throw new ProviderException("Unsupported default key size", iape);
        }
    }

    // see JCE spec
    protected void engineInit(SecureRandom random) {
        token.ensureValid();
        setDefaultKeySize();
    }

    // see JCE spec
    protected void engineInit(AlgorithmParameterSpec params,
            SecureRandom random) throws InvalidAlgorithmParameterException {
        throw new InvalidAlgorithmParameterException
                ("AlgorithmParameterSpec not supported");
    }

    // see JCE spec
    protected void engineInit(int keySize, SecureRandom random) {
        token.ensureValid();
        int newSignificantKeySize;
        try {
            newSignificantKeySize = checkKeySize(mechanism, keySize, token);
        } catch (InvalidAlgorithmParameterException iape) {
            throw (InvalidParameterException)
                    (new InvalidParameterException().initCause(iape));
        }
        if ((mechanism == CKM_DES2_KEY_GEN) ||
            (mechanism == CKM_DES3_KEY_GEN))  {
            long newMechanism = (newSignificantKeySize == 112 ?
                CKM_DES2_KEY_GEN : CKM_DES3_KEY_GEN);
            if (mechanism != newMechanism) {
                if (supportBothKeySizes) {
                    mechanism = newMechanism;
                    // Adjust keyType to reflect the mechanism change
                    keyType = (mechanism == CKM_DES2_KEY_GEN ?
                        CKK_DES2 : CKK_DES3);
                } else {
                    throw new InvalidParameterException
                            ("Only " + significantKeySize +
                             "-bit DESede is supported");
                }
            }
        }
        this.keySize = keySize;
        this.significantKeySize = newSignificantKeySize;
    }

    // see JCE spec
    protected SecretKey engineGenerateKey() {
        Session session = null;
        try {
            session = token.getObjSession();
            CK_ATTRIBUTE[] attributes;
            switch ((int)keyType) {
            case (int)CKK_DES:
            case (int)CKK_DES2:
            case (int)CKK_DES3:
                // fixed length, do not specify CKA_VALUE_LEN
                attributes = new CK_ATTRIBUTE[] {
                    new CK_ATTRIBUTE(CKA_CLASS, CKO_SECRET_KEY),
                };
                break;
            default:
                attributes = new CK_ATTRIBUTE[] {
                    new CK_ATTRIBUTE(CKA_CLASS, CKO_SECRET_KEY),
                    new CK_ATTRIBUTE(CKA_VALUE_LEN, keySize >> 3),
                };
                break;
            }
            attributes = token.getAttributes
                (O_GENERATE, CKO_SECRET_KEY, keyType, attributes);
            long keyID = token.p11.C_GenerateKey
                (session.id(), new CK_MECHANISM(mechanism), attributes);
            return P11Key.secretKey
                (session, keyID, algorithm, significantKeySize, attributes);
        } catch (PKCS11Exception e) {
            throw new ProviderException("Could not generate key", e);
        } finally {
            token.releaseSession(session);
        }
    }

}


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FESTIVALS + AWARDS
january14themovie
La'Chris Jordan Named Best First Time Filmmaker at the Global Indie Film Fest in Glasgow, Scotland
(Glasgow, Scotland) - May 11, 2021 - The Global Indie Film Fest in Glasgow, Scotland recently awarded La'Chris Jordan with the Best First Time Filmmaker Award for her debut short film January 14th.
The Global Indie Film Fest celebrates the very best of independent film making. The festivals' goal is to discover and foster new brave, talented, independent film makers.
The purpose of the festival is to provide filmmakers, singers and musicians, exposure on U.S. broadcast television. These shows reach approximately 50 million households throughout the U.S. and can also be viewed on OTT platforms, Roku & Amazon FireTV.
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JANUARY 14TH Receives Multiple Wins & Nominations at the International Black & Diversity Film Fest
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Legend of the Seeker is an American television series created by Sam Raimi, based on the fantasy novel series The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind. Distributed in U.S. by Disney-ABC Domestic Television, ABC Studios produced the series for  first-run syndication with Raimi, Robert Tapert, Joshua Donen, Ned Nalle, and Kenneth Biller serving as executive producers. The show premiered on November 1, 2008 and ran for two seasons before its cancellation in 2010.

The series follows the journeys of a long-awaited "Seeker of Truth" named Richard Cypher (Craig Horner), a Confessor named Kahlan Amnell (Bridget Regan), a wizard named Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander (Bruce Spence), and a Mord-Sith named Cara (Tabrett Bethell) as they defend the people of their realm against tyranny and destruction. While the names and places are the same, the story in the television series is different from that in the books.

Plot
The story takes place in the world created by author Terry Goodkind in his fantasy novel series, The Sword of Truth. The three main provinces are Westland, the Midlands and D'Hara. Westland is separated from the Midlands by a magical boundary, which was created to prevent any magic from entering Westland. On the other side of the Midlands is D'Hara, which is ruled by Darken Rahl. Seekers are accompanied by a Wizard of The First Order and Confessors, an ancient order of women, who oversee the welfare of the people of the Midlands and the Seeker.

The first season is loosely based on the first book of The Sword of Truth series Wizard's First Rule. Some of the stories feature events and characters not encountered in the books, while others loosely adapt events from the book. The story begins after the invasion of Darken Rahl's army into the Midlands. Kahlan Amnell, a Confessor, ventures into Westland in search of a wizard and the Seeker, who has been prophesied to defeat Rahl. Kahlan finds the wizard, Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander, and the Seeker, a young man named Richard Cypher, who is forced to accept a destiny he never knew about. Together, they set off on a quest to seek out and defeat Darken Rahl.

The second season is loosely based on Stone of Tears, the second book in Goodkind's series. It tells the story of how Richard, Kahlan, and Zeddicus discover that their quest during the first season caused them to unintentionally help the Keeper of the Underworld create tears in the veil which separates the land of the dead from the world of the living. Their new quest is to find the Stone of Tears, seal the rifts between the worlds, and defeat the Keeper. They are joined in this quest by Cara, a Mord-Sith and their former enemy.

Episodes

The series premiered on November 1, 2008 in the United States and was broadcast weekly on Saturday or Sunday, depending on the local television station. It is based on the novel Wizard's First Rule. In addition to the 22 episodes of the first season, the series was renewed by Disney for a second season.

Filming of the second season started in July 2009; it was based on the sequel to Wizard's First Rule, Stone of Tears. The first episode aired on November 7, 2009. The season consisted of 22 episodes.

Cast and characters

Main
 Craig Horner as Richard Cypher – The Seeker of Truth. When Darken Rahl sent his soldiers to kill every first-born son in Brennidon, Zedd helped Richard by bringing him into Hartland and giving him to George and Mary Cypher. In season 1, episode 1, "Prophecy", Kahlan arrives in Hartland to find Richard and Zedd. Zedd tells Richard who he really is - the Seeker destined to defeat Darken Rahl. Together, they stand to defeat Darken Rahl, but when they defeat Rahl, they caused a tear in the veil which separates the World of the Living from the Underworld and they have to find the Stone of Tears to seal the rift. It is later revealed that Richard's half brother is Darken Rahl and that he is to inherit the throne, which he decides to reject.
 Bridget Regan as Kahlan Amnell – The Mother Confessor. (Only named Mother Confessor in the first season, episode ten, "Sacrifice.") After Richard is named, she is sworn to protect him with her life and proves worthy to the team because, during battles, when she gets the chance, and when necessary, confesses people (uses her powers to put people under control) so that they can find out information and temporarily add someone to their team.
 Bruce Spence as Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander – The First Wizard and a Wizard of the First Order. After Richard is named as the Seeker of Truth, he swears to protect him with his life. He proves worthy to the team, especially on matters involving magic. When there is no one Kahlan can confess, he normally finds the right answer. He never rushes, always considering the consequences of his actions, and never fails to consider what has to be done. In episode 4 of season 1, he reveals to Kahlan that he is Richard's grandfather.
 Tabrett Bethell as Cara Mason (season 2) – A Mord-Sith. She is the one who helped Richard kill Darken Rahl. In season 2, episode one, "Marked" when her Sisters of the Agiel betray her, Richard rescues her. After that incident, and realizing that Richard is the rightful Lord Rahl, both protect each other with their lives. Cara is always feisty and sharp-tongued and has the stomach to kill good people when none of the rest can. She approaches problems with the simplest, most direct and usually most violent solutions, often to the chagrin and amusement of the others.

Recurring
  Craig Parker as Darken Rahl – Richard's half-brother and the emperor of D'Hara. Darken Rahl once sent his assassins to kill every first-born child in Brennidon so that the Seeker may be one of the children killed and this can keep the "destiny" of the Seeker from being fulfilled, but Zedd escaped with Richard and raised him in Hartland. After that, Darken Rahl tries everything he can to kill Richard. In season 2, Darken Rahl forces Richard to resurrect him, and Rahl returns to the world of the living. After realizing that his defeat has also caused another threat which involves the prophecy saying that the Seeker will deliver the Stone of Tears to Keeper, he reluctantly join forces with Richard to destroy the Keeper for good, by sending the group of Mord-Sith in order to help Richard and the others reach to the Pillars Of Creation. In the original novel, Darken was Richard's father, not brother.
 David de Lautour as Michael Cypher (season 1) – Richard's stepbrother and First Councilor of Hartland. Michael always looked down on Richard and never told him his origin because their father, George Cypher, made him promise not to tell Richard. In season 1, episode 14, "Hartland", Michael is killed by a D'Haran while trying to help Richard and Kahlan.
 Brooke Williams as Jennsen Rahl – Richard's sister and a Pristinely Ungifted. As a Pristinely Ungifted, Jennsen cannot be affected by magic, nor can she use magic. In season 2, episode 21, "Unbroken", the Keeper sends the Sisters of the Dark to drink her blood in order to become immune to magic themselves, killing Jennsen in the process; however, this takes place in an alternate timeline.
 Tania Nolan and Gina Holden as Dennee Amnell – Kahlan's younger sister and a Confessor. From childhood, Dennee has always looked up to Kahlan. In season 1, episode 10, "Sacrifice", Dennee and the remaining confessors (except Kahlan) flee to Valeria with Dennee's son (a male Confessor), but the Mord-Sith eventually kill them all. In season 2, episode 7, "Resurrection", Denna and a wizard resurrect her, but she escapes them and lives with the child of the woman whose body her spirit had been put in.
 Jon Brazier as Thaddicus Zorander – Zedd's brother. From childhood, Thaddicus has always held resentment towards Zedd, since the latter had magic like their father, while he did not, and has gotten frequently into trouble. He has taken every opportunity to kill Panis Rahl, the man who murdered their father.
 Jay Laga'aia as Dell "Chase" Brandstone (season 1) – The boundary warden of Hartland. Chase has always done everything he can to help Richard.
 Danielle Cormack as Shota - The witch woman of Agaden Reach. In season 1, Shota tries to help the team with her knowledge of prophecy and witch woman skills. In season 2, Shota tries to kill Richard and name a new Seeker because of the prophecy saying that the Seeker will deliver the Stone of Tears to the Keeper.
 Kevin J. Wilson as General Egremont – Lord Rahl's most trusted adviser. General Egremont has never double-crossed Rahl and will even lay down his life for him.
 Jessica Marais as Denna – A Mord-Sith. When she fails to break Richard, Darken Rahl gives her a second chance. When she fails again, Richard allows her to flee to escape Rahl's wrath. In season 2, episode 7, "Resurrection", she kills Richard and puts a trained D'Haran general's spirit in his body. Kahlan kills the general and a wizard and Cara resurrects Richard. In season 2, episode 8, "Light", Cara shoots her through the chest with an arrow and she falls off a cliff and dies.
 Elizabeth Hawthorne as Annalina Aldurren – The prelate of the Sisters of the Light. Ann will do anything to fulfill "the Creator's will". First, she traps Richard in the Palace of the Prophets, then she leaves him to die in the Valley of Perdition, and, finally, she sends a false Creator to execute him. Richard escapes every time, however.
 Jolene Blalock and Emily Foxler as Nicci – The former leader of the Sisters of the Dark. When Nicci fulfills a promise by the Keeper that he will protect her if she serves him, she becomes one of his most loyal and deadly servants. This changes when Richard convinces her that her strength is hers and hers alone and that she does not need to serve the Creator, Keeper, or himself. From then on, Nicci serves herself only and ceases serving the Keeper.
 Elizabeth Blackmore as Mariana – The current leader of the Sisters of the Dark. After Nicci leaves, Mariana takes over leadership. Marianna has never betrayed the Keeper and is very loyal to him. She appears as a recurring villain from episodes 39 to 44. In season 2, episode 22, "Tears", Richard eventually kills her with the Sword of Truth.

Production

Development
Sam Raimi became interested in adapting The Sword of Truth novels after his business partner Joshua Donen encouraged him to read the books, and he in turn gave the books to Robert Tapert to read. Raimi considered adapting the first book into a movie or a five-part miniseries, but later settled on making a weekly television series after speaking to the books' author Terry Goodkind. A weekly television program would allow them to include most of the stories and important aspects of the series. Goodkind had resisted selling the rights of his books on multiple occasions before he met Raimi because he was not confident that other producers would maintain the integrity of his stories and characters. Raimi, who had produced Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess with Tapert and Ned Nalle, saw this as an opportunity to return to the first-run syndicated television business. However, the syndicated television business had diminished after the loss of crucial foreign markets around 2000. But with the former minor networks, UPN and WB, being replaced by a still struggling The CW that may disappear, the timing seemed right.

ABC Studios agreed to fund the project and greenlit the production for 22 episodes in March 2008, after it was cleared for broadcast to stations representing 84% of the United States, with Tribune Broadcasting being the primary launch group. The show, which is heavily action-oriented and requires visual effects, was given a "network-sized" production budget of US$1.5 million per episode.

Originally named Wizard's First Rule (after the first book in The Sword of Truth series), the show was retitled to Legend of the Seeker at Goodkind's suggestion since the producers wanted to differentiate the show from the books, it would have been too restrictive for them to only include plot lines from the first book, and because this would allow them the opportunity to cover the story within all the books in the series.

Writing
Executive producers Raimi and Tapert intended Legend of the Seeker to be "just about telling the stories of these characters and the sacrifices they make for each other. Sometimes it's about the meaning of real friendship. And always, it's the stories of the hero's journey." Tapert added, "We didn't want to have the '90s postmodern attitude where the audience is in on the joke. Seeker is much more serious than Hercules and Xena."

With show's production based in New Zealand and a writing staff based in Los Angeles, one of the biggest challenges has been dealing with the time differences and the communication issues. Kenneth Biller noted that the biggest challenges the writing staff faced were to create standalone episodes while integrating the storylines and mythology created by Terry Goodkind, and to "honor the books without literally translating them". As such, the series contains some stories from the books and new stories and events created by the series' writers. Raimi's reason for the changes is that the structure of a novel differs from a weekly one-hour television program. Tapert and Raimi maintain that while the writers have had to create events that are not portrayed in the books, they have remained faithful to the characters, themes and overarching story of the books:

Goodkind released a message to his readers on his official website prior to the show's production, saying: "No series (or mini-series, or feature film) can follow the underlying book exactly. Sam Raimi and his team want to keep the TV series true to my vision, so rest assured that I am going to be intimately involved in the writing of each of the episodes." He added, "If you love the book just the way it is, then enjoy the book for what it is and come to the TV series prepared to enjoy the show for what it is." However, after production started, Goodkind released another press statement in response to questions posed to him by fans: "I want you all to understand that ABC studios chose not to consult me on actors, scripts, or any other aspect of the show," he stated. "I have had no input whatsoever on the TV series, so I am the wrong person to write to or complain about the show. If you wish to make comments, positive or negative, please direct them to Disney/ABC." He continued, "For my part, I trust in Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert to at some point be able to exert their immense creative talent and do a great job at bringing to life the characters we all love."

Casting
When casting the role of Richard Cypher, Tapert recalled that when he saw Craig Horner's audition tape, he "absolutely thought he was the guy, instantly". Raimi thought that although Horner is older than the character he plays (even though he actually is not), he was "very believable" and that "he's got enough good qualities in him, in real life, and he will probably make the audience believe that he's taking that ride towards making a responsible person and that growth of character that's so important for me in the stories of Terry Goodkind." Horner had not heard of the books prior to the audition, and was convinced by a friend to read the books and try out for the role.

For the role of Kahlan Amnell, Raimi credits Tapert for finding Bridget Regan, whom he saw on one of the audition tapes they received. Raimi thought that she grounded the fantastical situations by being "very human and real", and recalled, "I was moved by her and I believed her and I thought we couldn't ask for anything more." Like Horner, Regan had not read the books prior to the audition. Horner and Regan were brought together for a "chemistry reading" in Los Angeles, upon which the producers concurred that they had found their two lead actors.

Filming
Production was set to begin in May 2008, but it was delayed by six weeks. The series was shot entirely in New Zealand in high-definition. Though based in Auckland, filming took place in various places in and outside of the city: at Henderson Valley Studios, in the city's outskirts and in the mountainous region around Queenstown.

Cancellation
Tribune Broadcasting, the major station group carrying the show, decided not to renew the series on March 4, 2010, but according to a statement from ABC Studios, this was not a deciding factor of its cancellation. After an apparent deal with Syfy fell through, Ausiello Files reported on April 26 that Legend of the Seeker had been cancelled and would not return for a third season. Fans of the series responded by launching an ongoing renewal campaign titled "Save Our Seeker". Terry Goodkind expressed his support for the campaign.

International broadcasts
In addition to the United States, broadcast rights for Legend of the Seeker have been picked up in more than 60 international markets. In Spain, the show began airing on Telecinco on March 15, 2009. In New Zealand, it premiered on March 29, 2009 on Prime and aired weekly in the Monday 7:30 pm timeslot. In the UK & Ireland, Syfy picked up the rights for Season 1 and Season 2 with the air time slot of 8:00pm starting on August 13, 2009. Irish broadcaster RTÉ One aired the show on August 19. In French Canada, the first season aired in 2009 and the second season in 2010 on Ztélé under the French title L'Épée de vérité.

In South Africa, the show was picked up by pay TV operator M-Net, broadcasting on Saturday nights since July 2009. In Germany, it premiered on October 11, 2009 on ProSieben and airs Sundays around 5:00pm. In Singapore, it premiered October 15, airing on Thursdays at 2030hrs. In Poland, it premiered September 4, 2009 on TVP1 and airs on Fridays around 10:00pm. In Australia, it premiered on Fox8 on November 29. In Italy, the show premiered on Sky Uno on December 8, 2009. In Sweden, the series premiered on TV6 February 5 at 20.00 local time. In Ukraine, the series aired on 1+1 channel November 14 at 12.30 local time. In Norway, the first episode aired December 28, 2009 on Tv2 Zebra Sundays at 20.00 (Norwegian time). In Philippines, it is also aired in Studio 23. In Sri Lanka, the show was telecasted by ITN. It started telecasting it from August 2013. It aired on every Saturday and Sunday from 6.00 to 7.00pm local time. It was dubbed in Sinhala and renamed as "සත්‍ය ගවේෂක" (Sathya Gaveshaka).

Home media

Reception

Critical reception
The series premiere, which consisted of the first two episodes, received generally mixed reviews from critics, earning a 53 out of 100 average rating as calculated by Metacritic. It was criticized for not being as "fun" as Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess (also produced by Robert Tapert and Sam Raimi), and not having enough excitement. Another complaint about the show's premiere was its lack of distinguishing features and that it was "too derivative of other works" like Star Wars and The Matrix, with the "300-style" slow-motion action sequences often cited as an example. Brian Lowry from Variety called the show "a hodgepodge of better sci-fi/fantasy fare", while Ray Richmond from The Hollywood Reporter described it as "[b]ig on style but more challenged in terms of substance" with "too little provocative/evocative interaction aside from the ultra-violent kind". Diana Steenbergen thought that the series' third episode was "far more entertaining than the previous two that were weighed down with too much exposition."

Legend of the Seeker was praised for its high production value and the use of New Zealand exteriors, with Robert Lloyd from Los Angeles Times commenting that the show is basically "good-looking fun". Although both Lloyd and Steenbergen from IGN commended the performances of the lead actors Craig Horner and Bridget Regan, they were not pleased with the supporting performances.

Ratings
Legend of the Seeker premiered on the weekend of November 1–2, 2008 in the United States and attracted more than 4.1 million viewers over the two days. The first two episodes obtained an average of 1.5/3 Nielsen rating among 54 metered markets with a 1.4/3 rating on Saturday and a 1.7/3 rating on Sunday. In addition to improving its broadcast time periods in several top markets, Legend also improved the audience numbers in the key 18- to 49-year-old demographic in all airings. Over its first month of airing, the show averaged more than 3.6 million viewers. It was renewed for a second season after obtaining a 2.0 household rating average for its first ten episodes.

Awards
In 2009, the series won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series. In 2010, the series was nominated for an Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music Emmy. In 2011, Costume Designer Jane Holland, Cinematographer Kevin Riley, and Sound Designer Chris Burt all won awards at the Aotearoa Film & Television Awards for their outstanding work on Legend of the Seeker.

References

External links

Terry Goodkind's official website

Legend of the Seeker at Hulu
Legend of the Seeker at TV Guide

2008 American television series debuts
2010 American television series endings
American action television series
American adventure television series
High fantasy television series
Television about magic
The Sword of Truth
2000s American drama television series
2010s American drama television series
American fantasy television series
Television shows based on American novels
First-run syndicated television programs in the United States
Television series by ABC Studios
Television series created by Sam Raimi
Television shows filmed in New Zealand

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Penguins vs Islanders 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Spread & Game 2 Prediction
Written by Jordan Walters on April 11, 2019
The Eastern Conference first-round series between the Penguins and Islanders concludes it's opening two-game set on Long Island with Game 2 on Friday night before heading to Pittsburgh. The Islanders are slight favorites on the NHL Lines to take a 2-0 series lead.
How to Bet Penguins vs Islanders 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Spread & Game 2 Info
When: Friday, 7:30 PM ET
Where: Nassau Coliseum
TV: NBC Sports Network
2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Spread: NY Islanders -110 (Total 5.5)
Blue Jackets vs Lightning 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Lines & Game 2 Preview
Why Bet on Pittsburgh?
The only overtime game on the first night of the playoffs was Pittsburgh's 4-3 loss on Long Island. The Islanders led three times in regulation with the Penguins managing to tie it each time.
Evgeni Malkin scored a goal and an assist in the loss. Malkin's power-play goal in the second frame tied the game, 2-2. He also registered an assist on Justin Schultz's equalizer with 1:29 remaining in regulation. Malkin finished the night with a plus-1 rating, two penalty minutes and six shots on goal in 18:53 of ice time. Malkin missed eight games because of an upper-body injury late in the season, so he should be a little fresher now.
Phil Kessel scored a goal and an assist. Kessel scored the game-tying goal (1-1) at the 5:42 mark of the first period. He also registered an assist on Malkin's power-play goal in the second frame. The 31-year-old finished Game 1 with a plus-1 rating, two penalty minutes and five shots on goal in 18:53 of ice time. Justin Schultz also found the back of the net.
Brian Dumoulin registered an assist — Dumoulin was questionable going into the game due to a lower-body injury. In the end, recorded four shots in 19:40 minutes of ice time in addition to his assist, though he also finished with a minus-two rating. Matt Murray allowed four goals on 33 shots. The Penguins outshot the Islanders 44 to 33, but they were never able to grab a lead in this game.
Why Bet on NY Islanders?
Bailey scored at 4:39 of the extra period to win Game 1. Mathew Barzal had brought the puck into the offensive zone on a 2-on-1 break, faked in front to draw Matt Murray out and sent the backhand shot that bounced off the left post. He was initially upset with himself at missing the opportunity before he saw Bailey come up and put it in.
Bailey, who has played each of his 820 career games with the Islanders (regular season and playoffs), scored his first career game-winning goal in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He became the first Islanders player to score an overtime goal in the postseason since John Tavares tallied 30:41 after regulation in Game 6 of the 2016 First Round to power New York to its first series win since the 1993 Division Finals (2-1 2OT W vs. FLA). Bailey finished Game 1 with a plus-1 rating and one shot on goal in 19:12 of ice time.
Jordan Eberle scored a goal and an assist in the win. Eberle managed to open the scoring early in the first period just over a minute after the Islanders had a goal called back because of an offside. The Isles forward also registered a primary assist on Brock Nelson's power-play tally (2-1) later on in the frame. Eberle finished Game 1 with a plus-2 rating and five shots on goal in 16:38 of ice time.
Brock Nelson scored a power-play goal and has recorded a point in four of his last five games. He's up to four goals and eight points in 19 career playoff contests. Valtteri Filppula registered an assist. Filppula is one of the most experienced active players in the league when it comes to the postseason. He's scored 25 goals and 83 points in 159 career playoff games.
Making his first career playoff start just four days after securing the William M. Jennings Trophy, Robin Lehner (41 saves) became the third Islanders goaltender to make 40 or more saves in a postseason game against the Penguins. He joined Billy Smith (44 saves) in Game 2 of the 1975 Quarterfinals (3-1 L) and Glenn Healy (42 saves) in Game 7 of the 1993 Division Finals (4-3 OT W).
Avalanche vs Flames 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds & Pick for Game 1
Penguins vs Islanders 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 2 Betting Trends
Penguins are 5-2 in their last 7 games playing on 1 days' rest
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Home team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in New York
Expert Final Score Prediction for Penguins vs Islanders
Pittsburgh Penguins 4 – NY Islanders 3


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Home WinBuzzer News Intel Slashes Core i7 and i5 Prices and Prepares to Battle AMDs...
Intel Slashes Core i7 and i5 Prices and Prepares to Battle AMDs Superior Ryzen Processors
Launching this week, AMD's Ryzen family poses a real threat to Intel's dominance. The chips are outperforming the Core i7 and i5 in benchmarks and the consensus is AMD will deliver that performance to the finished product.
February 27, 2017 8:57 pm CET
Market buzz can be a powerful tool, but without the goods to back it up, the buzz will wear off. In terms of AMD's soon to be launched Ryzen family of processors, the results seem to match the hype. Processor market leader Intel is suitably worried by the new silicon. In reaction to the certain competition, Intel has pre-emptively slashed prices on its Core i7 and i5 processors.
Such has been the consistent downturn in the PC market, major processor launches are not that big of a deal. Certainly, we don't wait with the same anticipation for the next chip that will advance our home or work computing capabilities as we used to.
AMD's Ryzen processors are bucking that new perception. These processors are highly-anticipated and have the PC community all kinds of excited. It's a novel experience in a world where products get the juices flowing, not what's in them.
From leaks, benchmarks, and AMD teases, Ryzen presents a very real problem for AMD. A lot of (admittedly unconfirmed) evidence points to the processors as being as good as Intel's at best, or blowing them out of the water at worst. The company that has been a dominating presence in the PC processor world now has competition that is best described as disruptive.
While full conclusions about Ryzen processors will be reserved until launch, all pointers suggest the chipsets live up to the hype. We will find out soon enough when the new AMD's start shipping later in the week.
For Intel, this means it faces a very real prospect of losing customers. Not just a few, either, we could be talking a significant amount of consumers switching to Ryzen.
The company obviously knows it must double down and get ready for a market battle. To make sure it is ready for Ryzen's launch, Intel is cutting the price of its leading chips.
HotHardWare reports on several outlets that have started selling Intel's chips at a reduced price. For example, Micro Center is selling the Intel Core i7-6850K (3.60GHz) for $550, a whopping $150 off its normal $700 price tag. Interested customers need to keep an eye on Amazon and other retailers in the coming days. Prices could drop further.
Intel Changing Strategy
Ryzen processors are arriving at a bad time for Intel. The company has already taken a hit in the consumer market. The Atom line of mobile processors completely failed, and Intel all but left the mobile market for chips.
The ever-declining PC market has hardly helped the company. However, Intel recently announced it grew its consumer processor business by 30%, making it worth $30 billion. That did not stop the company from changing its strategy to bring new technology to its datacenter business first, which is worth almost double its consumer business.
It is easy to see how Ryzen will put further strains on Intel in the consumer-oriented market.
SOURCEPCWorld
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A Month Later, Family Struggles With Loss Every Day
By Ilana Gold	• Published January 14, 2013 • Updated on January 15, 2013 at 9:42 am
For the first time since the Sandy Hook Shootings, NBC sat down with the family of Dylan Hockely just a month after the six year old was killed in the tragic school shooing.
Dylan's parents Nicole and Ian have spent the past few weeks trying to somehow adjust to life without their beloved Dylan.
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"Sometimes we have good minutes, hours and days...sometimes we have very bad moments," admitted Nicole Hockley, "We're focused on getting up every day...getting showered and getting dressed."
Their family of four was torn apart a month ago, when Dylan was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary.
"He was autistic. He was introverted, but he knew how to be happy," Ian Hockley said.
Those happy moments have helped the family deal with the heartbreak, especially Dylan's 8 year old brother.
"Dylan was his best friend, not just a little brother," Nicole Hockley said. "They did everything together."
They do not want anyone else going through a tragedy like this in the future and are demanding change.
"It's too heartbreaking to think it could happen again and someone else will be here telling their story," Nicole Hockley said.
The Hockley's and other victims' families just announced their new organization called Sandy Hook Promise. They said the goal is to find common sense solutions to gun control, mental health issues and school safety.
"Energize the entire country and whole world," Ian Hockley said. "All bets are off, everyone should enter in the debate."
Their other objective was to find a way for Newtown to rebuild.
"This is a beautiful place and a beautiful community and one event can't undo all that is fantastic about this place," Nicole Hockley said.
The Hockley's went onto say that being a part of the organization would help them heal as well.
They also made progress after meeting with victims' families from the shootings at Columbine, the Aurora movie theater and Virginia Tech University.
On Monday, there were no specifics on what Sandy Hook Promise would focus on. They said they would start by hearing conversations on both sides of the issue and hope that would lead to change in the future.


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Carretera Austral, Chile
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Home South AmericaUruguay Off the beaten track in Uruguay's interior
Off the beaten track in Uruguay's interior
by Angela and Graham July 5, 2018
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So you want to explore the countryside? Getting off the beaten track in Uruguay is easy! And we can't recommend it highly enough.
Most visitors to Uruguay stick to the gringo trail along the Atlantic coastline. We did that too and it's not difficult to see why most people travel the coast road.
But searching for off the beaten track places to visit on the internet tends to result in more beaches to visit along the same route. Not this post!
We travelled from Punta del Diablo in the east, north to Rivera and west to Salto on the Argentinian border; a route few visitors take. Yet for us, getting off the beaten track in Uruguay was the highlight of our time in this underrated South American country.
Looking for Uruguay's coastal route? Click here
Our route around Uruguay's interior
For more detail, click here or on the image to open it in Google Maps.
Places to visit off the beaten track in Uruguay
Quebradas de los Cuervos
Quebrada de los Cuervos is nestled deep in the heartland of Uruguay's hilly interior, 45km north of Treinta y Tres. The deep gorge is formed by the Yerbal Chico Creek and the protected area boasts its own subtropical ecosystem.
The area is filled with colourful birds and unique rock formations. Because of the relative difficulty in accessing the area, it's still as wild and rustic as any area you can find in Uruguay.
The main walking trail is a 6km round trip from the camping area. Half of it is less walking and more hanging on to guide ropes for dear life to scramble 500 metres down to the gorge below and then 3km back up.
The viewpoints along the way make the effort worthwhile. Palm trees and eucalyptus trees cling to the sides of steep ravines while huge vultures soar overhead.
The Yerbal Chico Creek far below, meanders through the gorge, pausing only at a deep natural lagoon before continuing its journey seawards.
The terrain is rocky, uneven and steep. This walk isn't for everyone. A fine sturdy pair of walking boots is essential. So too is keeping both hands free for grabbing onto the rope.
There's an area along the trail with a few wooden bridges and some steep steps. These can be slippery, even on a dry day in amongst the damp foliage of the forest undergrowth. So take care.
The trail took us about 3 and a half hours all told. We visited in June and although it was dry, it wasn't too warm. Perfect conditions for this moderate to hard trek. If visiting in the hot summer months, make sure to bring enough water because it's thirsty work.
There's another walk to a lagoon and waterfall. Ask for guidance and clear directions before venturing on this trail. We attempted it only to be thwarted by a missing signpost.
We ended up trekking across sheepsville for an hour before finally reaching the river, with no way to cross it.
Turns out had our Spanish been a little better, we'd have realised the house we passed along the route was a private access point (with a small fee) to the lagoon and waterfall. Doh!
Plan you trip with our Uruguay travel guide
How to get to Quebrada de los Cuervos
Follow Ruta 8 north from Treinta y Tres for about 23km. Then turn left onto the dirt track Quebrada de los Cuervos is signposted. Follow the dirt track for about 25km and you'll arrive at the visitor's centre.
The dirt track is passable without a 4 wheel drive although it could get slippery after rain, so take your time.
There's no public transport from the main road along the dirt track so unless you have your own transport, you'll need to hitch a lift. We met a couple who had done that too.
Where to stay in or around Quebrada de los Cuervos
Camping is possible in the park either with your campervan or in a tent. It's the best option if you want to spend time in the park. Entry is UY$50 each and camping is UY$60.
Facilities are basic but clean and there's fantastic bbq facilities in covered dining areas. And fire pits too. Wood was supplied when we visited. There's no shops nearby so make sure you have enough food for your stay.
If you don't fancy camping, there's a hostel called Cañada del Brujo we past about 10km before reaching the park.
Minas de Corrales gold mines
Heading north into the Rivera area, flat top hills across the horizon transform the landscape.
Managed forests flank the undulating roads and massive raptors glide alongside in search of their next meal. We met an occasional gaucho passing by on horseback, always with a warm wave and nod of the head to greet us.
There's few villages in these parts. Those we come across are home to gauchos and the farming community, with local services to support them and their families. Little sign of tourism out here.
We visited Minas de Corrales. The town is pretty bland but the surrounding countryside and expansive gold mining ruins makes it a worthy place to pause.
Along the potholed road, the local community have taken time and care to place convenient platforms so passing motorists can take a break and spend a moment enjoying the best views around.
The main site offers a glimpse into days gone by, although it's sad the information boards are allowed to bleach in the sunlight, rendering most illegible.
The derelict ruins of the once prosperous gold mining corporation still house archaic machinery. What's left of the ruins of Minas de Corrales are steadily being taken over by decay and Mother Nature.
How to get to Minas de Corrales
Driving north from Tacuarembó, take Ruta 5 towards Rivera. After about 35 km, you'll drive through a toll booth. About 1 km later, turn right onto Ruta 29, just before the police checkpoint.
The main mining site is signposted about 12km further along. A short dirt track leads to the entrance.
Where to stay near Minas de Corrales
Out of season, it's possible to park overnight in the car park near the entrance to the mines for free. There's a formal campsite further along too. Check out iOverlander for the latest information from other travellers.
Valle Lunarejo
If you find yourself in Valle Lunarejo you're well and truly off the beaten track in Uruguay. Valle Lunarejo is deep into the north of Rivera, a few kilometres from the Brazilian border.
The roads here are dirt tracks, rattling the spine when driven too fast, or sometimes too slow. The landscape is criss crossed by streams and rivers, many breaching their banks in autumn.
There are a few bridges to cross too. All are safe; none of them look it. But the views are worth it.
The Uruguayan landscape here is unspoilt. Rolling fields fall between the steep edges of flat top basalt hills.
Gauchos from the local ranches and small homesteads ride horseback across the countryside, their faithful dogs following their tracks. Valle Lunarejo is teaming with bird life mostly happy to sit long enough for a quick photograph.
This is the true interior of Uruguay, completely off the beaten path and with little impact from tourism. Yet.
Where to stay near Valle Lunarejo
There's a few wild camp spots along the way. Find a spot you like and park up or pitch your tent. If you think you're on somebody's land, try to speak to the ranch owner.
Check out our guide to wild camping in your van if you're none too sure. There's also a couple of posadas on this route.
How to get to Valle Lunarejo
Continue along Ruta 5 to a fuel station at kilometre 458. Just after the fuel station, take a left onto Ruta 30, a good paved road. 24km along Ruta 30 is a small dirt track.
There's no signposts so download maps.me and ioverlander before you travel. Follow the dirt track in a circular route. There are some sign posts along the way but best have some mapping software or a GPS you know how to use with you.
Words of caution
Some of the bridges we passed on Valle Lunarejo dirt roads have a 10 ton limit. Take heed if you're in a big rig as there are few, if any turning points along the way.
The route is passable in a 2 wheel drive but with normal road tyres, make sure you carry a good spare and a puncture repair tools. It's probably not advisable to drive it in the wet either as it'll be pretty slippery.
Around Tacuarembó
Tacuarembó is a reasonable size town, the largest we've seen since Punta del Este on the coast.
There are no big ticket attractions here. Just a couple of sculpted monuments to gauchos and laundry women of the past.
But it's not big sights or tourist facilities that make this place so appealing.
Tacuarembó is a down to earth, everyday Uruguayan town. Everyone seems to have the time and inclination to stop and talk, asking with real interest how you are.
We even managed to get a warm welcome and kisses from a complete stranger during a quick visit to the supermarket.
There are many gauchos in and around Tacuarembó and much of the town is supported by the beef and forest industries.
It's a town of traditional squares where friends gather in the shade of the trees to sip mate together and while away an hour or two.
Iporá
Tacuarembó is a perfect pit stop on this off the beaten track route through Uruguay. But there are a few worthwhile spots in the surrounding area too.
Iporá is a stunning area a little north of the town. A massive lake is surrounded by forest, walking paths and barbecue areas.
A flag flies proudly from atop a rocky outcrop high above the lake, a tribute to José Gervasio Artigas, the national hero of Uruguay.
The weekends see families spending time together, cooking their Sunday lunch lakeside before riding horses through the forest. It's a beautiful place to spend a day – or 4 in our case!
Heading for the capital? You need our Montevideo travel guide.
Valle Eden is 30km to the west of Tacuarembó. Here, Uruguay claims is the birthplace of one Carlos Gardel. He was a singer, songwriter, composer and actor.
A prominent figure in the history of tango, Carlos Gardel made hundreds of tango recordings.
The Carlos Gardel museum in Valle Eden holds a copy of his birth certificate as proof of his birthplace, although there is also a copy in Argentina and France too.
Talk to the locals though, and you won't argue with them – Gardel was born in Valle Eden, Tacuarembó without doubt.
Behind the museum is an old, mostly disused railway line. Aside from a peaceful overnight camping spot, there's a couple of old disintegrating trains here, painted with tango related murals.
The train station was once on the major route from Montevideo to Sao Paulo, Brazil but no longer used by passenger trains. There's an occassional freight train through the village though.
To put it into perspective just how wonderful this place is, we walked from the museum down to the local shop, crossing the train line on the way.
As we approached the track, the weekly freight train happened to be coming up the line. The driver stopped the train to let us cross. I'm not kidding – it was as if we'd approach a pelican crossing and we had right of way!
Off the beaten track in Uruguay means heading to the interior. You don't even have to venture so far from the coast to find the true heart of Uruguay, sadly a place few visitors see or experience.
Read this post for tips on driving in Uruguay
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Angela and Graham
We're Angela & Graham, the British couple behind the photography and overland travel blog, Mowgli Adventures. We've been running this site since 2014 and have become full time travel bloggers and overland travellers. We visit all the places we write about personally, usually having arrived in our diy camper van conversion, Baloo. All our content is based on our own first hand travel experiences, and we take all the photos you see on our sites. Read more about us here. For a guided tour of our 4x4 Sprinter van conversion, Baloo click here and if you fancy converting your own camper too, don't miss our camper van conversion guides. You can also get our regular updates and daily dose of wanderlust on our Facebook page.
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King Alfonso of Portugal has declared war on Spain, after Queen Caritea rejected his suit. To her aid comes Don Pirro, who is really one Don Diego in disguise, who killed his rival for the Queen's affection 20 years ago, and fled with a bounty on his head. Don Diego kills Don Alfonso, then reveals his identity. The Queen forgives him; they marry.
Mad scene for tenor Don Alfonso.
"There exists more than one painting by a student of Rubens that one would mistake for the master's work," wrote Henri Blaze de Bury.
Caritea, regina di Spagna may have been one of the works Blaze de Bury had in mind.
Mercadante's 22nd work – and in seven years! – there is little to distinguish it from Rossini.
The structure follows the coda Rossini closely, with introduzione, contralto hero in travesti, set-piece arias, florid singing, and little drama.
The difference is that one is a genius, writing in his own voice, in a style he developed, and the other an (at this stage) competent practitioner, turning out a well-crafted product, in the accepted style.
Matteo Summa (CD notes) believes it was the most popular opera since Rossini's Otello and Semiramide. (What of Rossini's other operas? What of Meyerbeer?) The opera was performed throughout Italy, and one chorus – "Chi per la patria muor"- was adopted as a Risorgimento anthem, long before Verdi.
There are some attractive pieces – the terzetto in the introduzione; a duet for two tenors, brandishing high notes in territorial display; and another duet, for tenor and contralto, a splendid example of bel canto machismo (even if one of them's a dame in drag!).
For the rest, there are some lyrical passages, amidst what often feels like vocal display for its own sake, ornamentation and cadenzas without melody or meaning. Caritea belongs to the age of music without drama, the concert in costume.
At nearly three hours, moreover, the opera is long-winded. It lacks the tautness and pace of Mercadante at his best, the sense of events hurtling towards a crescendo he inherited from Meyerbeer and Halévy.
It is markedly inferior to Mercadante's later operas, particularly the monumental Orazi e Curiazi or Virginia, which combine grandiose frescoes, unusual harmonies and orchestration, Classical subjects, strong emotions, and sensational endings.
This is the third performance from Martina Franca I've reviewed in a row. Two were by Mercadante, two were Rossinian imitations, and none of them had a first-rate cast.
Nana Gordaze (Caritea), Jacek Laszczkowski (Don Alfonso), Sonia Lee (Don Diego), Nicolas Rivenq (Don Fernando), Gregory Bonfatti (Don Rodrigo), Ayhan Ustuk (Corrado), with the Orchestra Internazionale d'Italia Opera and Coro da Camera di Bratislava conducted by Giuliano Carella.
N. 10 – Coro Che mai vuol dir!
N. 14 – Duetto Alfonso e Diego Qual ardir! Tu mio rivale!
Have you ever noticed that no one remembers that eight-year period Meyerbeer was in Italy? Well, except Opera Rara. It's like Northern Italy totally forgot that time with the super-rich sugar baron descended from Berlin, learned everything from us over the course of eight long years, and then went to Paris and wrote four of the most freaking awesome operas ever!
Emma di Resburgo, Semiramide, and Margherita d'Anjou have all been done outside Opera Rara – and La Fenice produced Crociato.
Okay, so are you going to do one of them?
All six of them – eventually. No, my next few are a Danish work, a Donizetti, a Mercadante, a Rameau, a Russian opera (if it's got the libretto!), and an English one.
Oh well you like Rameau! Can't wait to find out what the "Danish one" might be. Donizetti, please not Don Pasquale, that thing makes me want to barf. I love Maria Stuarda though. Russian is generally good, Rimsky? Please not Servilia, I wouldn't wish it on my enemy! Ah English operas, I should probably do a Britten sometime. Maybe Turn of the Screw? I've seen it twice.
I've contemplated doing Emma di Resburgo and Margherita d'Anjou, I'm also stuck in act two of Crociato. Every four months or so I go back to it and do around 30-40 minutes, but you can feel all 240 minutes of it.
No, it's Maria di Rudenz – which is full of catacombs, stabbing, madness, and a heroine who dies TWICE.
And the English opera is the British version of La nonne sanglante!
God, yes, Crociato is 4 hours! But it's Meyerbeer, so there's a lot of great stuff. Best way of doing a long opera: pace yourself. Do Act I on one night. Do Act II the next.
When I first listened to the Ring, a dozen years ago, I listened to one opera a weekend. It worked better that way!
You listened to Rheingold, at the age of 7? You knew that opera existed at the age of seven? I saw Scotto in Maria di Rudenz, I remember liking it, but mostly because I hated Matilde! I started Crociato last October, I finished act one in April and started act 2.
Oh wow, there actually is a recording of Loder's Raymond and Agnes! Who would have known?


Watford Observer featured an article after Laurance Haines School's Year 3 children's educational trip with Sandi Belloni to clean up River Colne as part of ongoing environmentally-friendly initiatives and projects with the local community.
The article says "Children collected bags of rubbish – and a shopping trolley – from a river, fresh from picking up a green flag award for their environmental work.
Year 3 pupils at Laurance Haines School in Watford paid a visit to the River Colne where they found heaps of rubbish, a tyre, and a trolley.
They were out in force with their litter pickers this week, and it comes after the school picked up an eco award – which means a green flag now sits proudly in the school's grounds in Vicarage Road.
The school's eco leader, Monika Delginova, has driven the change and embedded eco lessons into the curriculum for pupils, which was acknowledged by head teacher Sebastian Gray who said it had inspired some of the children to join the Rivers Trust, which works to protect our rivers for both people and wildlife."


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Home Attractions Mighty Kilimanjaro Mountains – The Worlds' Most Accessible Summit
Mighty Kilimanjaro Mountains – The Worlds' Most Accessible Summit
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Any reasonably strong and ambitious person is bound to conquer it.
Snow-capped Kilimanjaro, floating above the clouds is no doubt one of the most beautiful and impressive sights in the natural world. Even hard-boiled non-believers, in their unguarded moments, empathise with the Maasai who call it the "House of God". The mountain is one of the Seven Top Summits of the world –it has the highest point on the African continent. Though there are higher mountains, they form part of mountain ranges, Everest for example. But Kili, as it is popularly known, is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. It rises gently from 3,000 feet, reaches for the heavens and only halts after a 16,000 feet ascent. The diameter at the base is an amazing 64 kilometres.
Kilimanjaro is located to the northeast of Tanzania, on the border with Kenya. There is a popular myth of how the mountain came to be part of Tanzania, which was at one time part of the German Empire. Queen Victoria is supposed to have granted the mountain to her German grandson Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) as a birthday gift. It is also said that the Germans had been grumbling at the blatant unfairness of missing a snowcapped mountain within their empire while the Queen has two – the second being Mount Kenya.
Though historians have discredited the myth, it has refused to die and it is still a source of amusement for many. Unwilling to allow the truth to stand in the way, some anti-colonial historians fume with indignation, citing how the boundaries of Eastern Africa were arbitrarily decided in the capitals of the imperial powers. To most people in the west, Kilimanjaro has long been associated with Ernest Hemingway on account of his 1936 short story "The Snows of Kilimanjaro". In 1952, Hollywood fascinated by the magic of Kili the book evokes, turned it into a movie with Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner in leading roles.
Kilimanjaro is young as far as mountains go, and geologists allow it only 750,000 years. The mountain is made up of three dormant volcanoes -Kibo (19,340 feet), Shira (13,000 feet) and Mawenzi (16,896 feet). Kibo occasionally belches some steam and sulfur. The highest point on Kibo is Uhuru Peak, where you see some awesome glaciers and fantastic views of the country below. Though Kili is only three degrees south of the equator, the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi are covered in ice and snow year round. Many learned people in Europe hotly disputed that a snow-capped
mountain could be found at the equator when the German missionary Johann Rebmann reported it in 1849.
Going up the mountain, you move from tropical to artic conditions. There are five distinct climatic zones, with each zone taking approximately 3,300 feet. The zones are- the lower slopes, then forest, then moorland, alpine desert and the summit. The lower slopes are cultivated and agriculture flourishes. The forest region is dry in the north and wet towards the southern slopes. The forest carries many tree species including podocarpus, camphor, fig and olive trees and bamboo. The only animals to be found here are blue and Colobus monkeys and a variety of birds including hornbill and turaco. At the moorland region, you find the giant groundsels and lobelias common in the high altitude mountain regions of eastern Africa. Further up, vegetation and animal life are sparse.
Kili is the worlds' most accessible summit. Any reasonably strong and ambitious person, without using any special mountaineering equipment can conquer this giant. It is however hard work. Altitude and the resulting thin air will be the main challenge and not your failing strength. To avoid succumbing to high altitude sickness, you guides will constantly advise, you take the mountain slowly, slowly or "pole pole" as they say in Swahili. You should therefore avoid a quick ascent and take time to acclimatise to the mountains' oxygen challenged air. By ignoring such good advice many young males fail to reach the summit, when older more deliberate climbers make it.
To enjoy the natural beauty and majesty of Kili, you do not even have to climb it. By using a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can ascend to the Shira Plateau, which is perched at 12,000 feet. The first person recorded to have reached the summit is the German climber Hans Meyer in 1889. Unlike today's climber, he did not have the benefit a route map and he only made it on the second attempt. Having been taught a lesson in humility, for the second try, he brought along an Alpine expert and a local guide. Meyer named the summit after the Kaiser Wilhelm II, but this was years later revised to Uhuru or freedom in Swahili. Since the days of Meyer, the icecap has receded and scientists worry that it will vanish altogether in 20 to 50 years. So, hurry up and climb Kili while it is still such a pretty sight.
Today, few climbers few use the difficult route pioneered by Meyer. The climb normally takes five to six days and involves four to five overnight stays in comfortable mountain huts. The Marangu route, which was established way back in 1909 is the easiest and most popular and is used by over 90% of climbers. Experienced climbers prefer the more scenic and difficult Machame route. Climbers are not entirely without a sense of humour and they refer to Marangu as the coca cola route, and Machame as the whiskey route. Other routes are Shira, Mweka and Umbwe.
Shira is a scenic route that takes you through the Shira Plateau,which you reach by four-wheel drive vehicle. The route gives you great views of the Rift valley and Mount Meru. Using Mweka, you reach the summit and return to base in 4 days. But as you may suspect, it is quite steep and therefore not easy at all. The Umbwe route is even steeper and quicker and you take only three days up and down. The route is spectacular, but it is for the fit and experienced and not casual climbers. In addition, there are technical routes such as the Western Breach and Lemosho routes.
Regardless of the route you pick, all Kili climbs start at Marangu Gate. This is where you get your permit and pay entry fees. On the typical Marangu route climb, spend four nights up the mountain. The route is clearly marked right to the summit. You start by trekking through the forest zone to Mandara Hut (9,000 ft) for the first night. Onward through moorland, you halt for a second night at Horombo Hut (12,450 ft). Then through the alpine desert, your third night finds you at Kibo Hut (15,450 ft). But you really do not sleep there as you go for the summit just after midnight. You then descend back to Horombo Hut for your last night after an overall trek of about 77 kilometres. If you want to spend more time up high to acclimatise, you can overnight twice at Horombo Hut.
On the Machame route, you spend one night more on the mountain.You overnight at Machame Hut, Shira Hut and Barranco Hut. You connect to the Mweka route and continue to Barafu Hut. After tackling the summit, you descend for your last night at Mweka Hut. On the next day, you rejoin other mortals at the base of the mountain. You are advised to pick the route that best fits your experience. Most aspire to reach Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Kibo -and indeed all Kili. Others are satisfied with Gillman's Point, the slightly lower peak on Kibo. But Mawenzi, actually lower than the Kibo peaks, is more jagged and requires mountaineering experience. Many climbers find scaling Kili, whatever height they reach, a very satisfying experience.
But do not be too disappointed if you do not reach the summit.Different estimates indicate that only 15-30% of climbers get to the top. Climbing Kilimanjaro is for those who are physically fit and mentally prepared. It is your ability to muster that extra dose of determination that will count when the going gets tough. In terms of physical preparation, start by taking hikes uphill with a pack strapped on your back. This rehearses the climb, minus the altitude of course. Think also of putting in some aerobic training at the gym and by jogging. If you are having heart or lung problems, better not risk the climb. In all cases, it is a good idea to talk to your personal physician to ensure that you do not bite more than you can chew.
It is best you buy a climbing tour package to take advantage of those with local knowledge. The typical package will bundle together: return transfers – Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate, park and rescue fees, services of guides, porters and cooks, accommodation in mountain huts and all meals on the mountain. In addition, you need to hire locally or bring along equipment and sleeping bags. Some useful stuff to gather include – waterproof hiking boots, rain suit, flashlights, sunglasses, prophylactics for high-altitude sickness, hand gloves and night shoes. You need a daypack to carry a few essentials, as the porters carrying your equipment will usually hike their own way. Some items to carry on your back include bottled water, extra clothes, camera and sunscreen. Besure to review and book our very good value Kilimanjaro Climbing offers.
You can climb Kili, any time throughout the year. But it is obviously less fun during the March to June period when it rains the most. The second and lighter rains come from late October to early December. The best time is when it is warm and dry – January, February and September. July, August, November and December also good, though cooler. Due to the variation of conditions along the route- from tropic to arctic – it is convenient to dress in layers you can either shed or add on. Generally, in the northern Tanzania region, you can expect temperatures to average from 15°C in May to August and 22°C over December to March. At the mountain, temperatures drop by roughly 1 degree Celsius for every 650 feet ascended.
Many climbing enthusiasts want Christmas and the New Year to find them up the mountain, and unless you book early, it is difficult to get a slot. The best way of relaxing after the trek is by taking a safari in the unrivalled wildlife sanctuaries of northern Tanzania or heading to the beaches of Zanzibar. We have covered these attractions in earlier editions of this newsletter here.
You can book your safari or Zanzibar stay and Kili climb together – have a look at our Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Hotel offers. If you want to put together your own safari, then visit the Tanzania Car Rental and Tanzania Hotels and Lodges pages of our website.
Kilimanjaro is 475 km to the northwest of Dar es Salaam. The base for climbing Kili is nearby northern Tanzania towns of Moshi or Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport services the region. But it is usually cheaper to disembark at Nairobi in Kenya and then to take a shuttle bus to Arusha.
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A milestone in American literature--a book that has continued to engage readers since its appearance in 1952. A first novel by an unknown writer, it remained on the bestseller list for sixteen weeks, won the National Book Award for fiction, and established Ralph Ellison as one of the key writers of the century. Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels ... More
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A milestone in American literature--a book that has continued to engage readers since its appearance in 1952. A first novel by an unknown writer, it remained on the bestseller list for sixteen weeks, won the National Book Award for fiction, and established Ralph Ellison as one of the key writers of the century. Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read.
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Frankfurt Gay Pride is the large annual Christopher Street Day (CSD) in the Germany's financial capital. The event takes place every July and attracts more than 200,000 visitors to the city. The entire weekend event includes parties, parades and outdoor concerts.
CSD Frankfurt Gay Pride is the Germany's counterpart to the pride parades and took its name from New York's Christopher Street, of course, where the historic bar Stonewall is located.The festivities last all weekend with amazing concerts, live open air shows and of course the main parade.
The parade takes place on the final Saturday of the weekend with thousands of spectators taking to the streets of Frankfurt. The event, while still quite political, is fun and friendly and manages to combine the best of pride, delivering important messages but also celebrating diversity and equality.
This year motto is "Meine identität ist nicht verhandelbar" or My identity is not negotiable.


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Intermittent Streams: Nature's Vanishing Act
Around the world, creeks, rivers, and streams that flow sporadically are common, and these temporary waterways—wet or dry—are fundamental to ecosystems.
by Jude Isabella and Gord More
September 9, 2015 | 3 min 30 sec
California faces one of the most severe droughts on record. The drought has prompted people to rescue fish, snitch on water-hogging neighbors, and soul-search their own water use.
Overall, the state is fairly arid, but its environment is quite complex. What many people may not realize is that when the water ceases to flow, in many streams that's normal and life goes on for species unknown—or known yet unseen—by the casual observer.
In this short video, follow intermittent stream researcher Michael Bogan in the field.
Jude Isabella writes about science and the environment for readers big and small. Her book, Salmon: A Scientific Memoir (2014), explores the human relationship with Pacific salmon, noting that the modern relationship is very one-sided. Jude's latest book for kids, Bringing Back the Wolves, explores the ecological restoration of Yellowstone National Park in the United States. Photo by Grant Callegari
Gord More has over 30 years of experience as a director/cinematographer/editor, with a career that has encompassed TV commercials, indie music videos, documentaries, and science education. As an educator, he's enlightened countless newspaper reporters, high school students, and fledgling producers in the art of video.
Amphibians,
Terrestrial Invertebrates,
Cite this Article: Jude Isabella , Gord More "Intermittent Streams: Nature's Vanishing Act," Hakai Magazine, Sep 9, 2015, accessed January 15th, 2021, https://www.hakaimagazine.com/videos-visuals/intermittent-streams-natures-vanishing-act/.
Defenders of the Forgotten Fish
Tribes of the Columbia River watershed are hustling to keep the Pacific lamprey alive, one fish at a time.
Jul 13, 2015 | 2,500 words, about 13 minutes
Embracing the Weirdness of Waterless Waterways
The drought in California has created an obsession with water, but sometimes, no water is just fine.
Sep 9, 2015 | 3,700 words, about 18 minutes