text:
Free speech in America canceled
During NATO's illegal and savage bombing of Serbia in 1999, Serbia's only satellite connection to the world was severed to prevent the images of NATO's numerous atrocities against civilians such as the bombing of the passenger train at Grdelica (murdering at least 60 innocents) or the savage bombing and rebombing of the Varvarin bridge killing 10 civilians gathered at a farmer's market. These were just two of hundreds of such tragedies ("collateral" damage) from NATO's "humanitarian" bombing that needed to be told but were just totally ignored and censored by the West.
The Chinese embassy in Belgrade tried helping the Serbs by sending images of the terrible destruction and civilian murders from their links but they were then subsequently bombed (supposedly by "accident") murdering three Chinese nationals there. Finally, the Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) headquarters was barbarically bombed and destroyed by NATO, murdering some 16 staff members in what was the most savage example of censorship the world has ever seen. For the record, no mainstream American or other Western journalists ever condemned this vile act and many instead somehow pathetically justified the destruction of this nonmilitary target as it was a bastion of Serbian propaganda. When the National Press Club would have ceremonies honoring fallen journalists around the world over the years, not one mention was ever made of the RTS bombing. Instead, Serbians were and continue to be viciously censored by the Western "free and fair" corporate-controlled mainstream media. All of this effort to control the anti-Serbian, "blame the Serbs for everything" narrative about Yugoslavia's civil wars paid off handsomely as reunified Germany got what it wanted: the destruction of Yugoslavia at Serbian expense, and Bill Clinton got Camp Bondsteel. Many economic targets such as the Nish cigarette factory (the third largest in Europe) were also destroyed by NATO opening up Serbia to Western economic exploitation. Phillip Morris purchased Nish tobacco factory in Serbia shortly thereafter at a hefty discount.
During this tragic time, I warned many of my fellow Americans that they too would see themselves censored and targets of anti-Americans/anti-nationalists/Sorosian fifth columnists just as Serbian nationalists were. Just as Serbian nationalism became a bad word in the West, so would American patriotism be similarly vilified.
More than 21 years later, we see precisely the same modus operandi now censoring Americans. Parler, Twitter's primary competition was literally turned "off" in a highly coordinated corporate assault by the flip of a switch at Amazon (and app cancellation at Apple) just as Serbia's only satellite connection was severed in 1999. Just as NATO bombed the Nish cigarette factory to help Phillip Morris, Amazon helped Twitter by destroying Parler. Patriotic Americans who love their country and are concerned and dare to speak out about massive evidence of fraud in the recent elections are mocked, canceled, and censored. The mainstream media wants to tell Americans that black is white and white is black and they desperately claim that alleged fraud is "baseless," "unproven" or "unverified" despite the thousands of mostly ignored an suppressed affidavits of fraud from witnesses all over the country (and even abroad in places such as Italy), and testimony from computer experts.
Even more sadly, we see pseudo-intellectual "journalists" and other "professionals" desperately try to justify the destruction of Parler and permanent banning of President Trump and hundreds of other conservative voices from Twitter and other social media with glee – gloating over the fact that Big Tech is more powerful than the President of the United States. Shockingly, we have some "journalists" and "leaders" actually saying that censorship is good! Free speech is bad! Perhaps they might agree that ignorance is strength and slavery is freedom! George Orwell must be turning in his grave!
Joe Biden was indeed right to say that "dark days" are ahead for America.
As a scientist, every modicum of data I receive from my experiments is critical to better understand natural phenomena. Just because you don't "like" some data is not a reason to discount it. You never discount data without a really good reason (e.g. defective measuring equipment). Similarly, the essence of intellectualism is the willingness to listen to differing points of view (i.e. to receive "data" from all sources). True intellectuals are never afraid of new information and new insights- they are more often excited by them even if they disagree with them because they present a challenge to understand. That's why the concept of tenure is critical for professors so that they are not afraid to examine, test, and proffer different viewpoints – different ways of thinking – challenging conventional wisdom. This often ends up producing novel routes of exploration and thinking which ultimately pushes humanity forward. Without this willingness to expand your imagination outside of the confines of your limited "worldview," you will never learn. Neither will you ever know how to properly debate ideas which includes the willingness to listen to and seriously consider different perspectives. Yet debate is an absolutely essential ingredient of democracy. America has been strengthened by its diverse immigration, imagination, and willingness to adopt novel ideas which made it the great nation it is. The best ideas are hashed out and adopted via debate. When millions of Americans are censored and their views summarily discounted, the entire country loses as this prevents expression of possibly transforming ideas. It also prevents reconciliation through dialogue and mutual understanding; further polarizing the nation into "us vs. them" camps with no room for more moderate/intermediate views and thus no ability to moderate and bring the conflicting sides together. Nature does not like extremism/polarization which is extremely destabilizing for society. When growing extremism on all sides (e.g. Antifa, MoveOn, Proud Boys, QAnon etc) is not properly addressed, dampened and reconciled, civil war is inevitable. Censorship only aids and abets extremism.
Though Big Tech may be able to "switch off" and censor/muzzle anyone they disagree with, they cannot do it as monopolies because Americans depend on these various media agents/platforms to communicate (just as they once did with MaBell/AT&T for the telephone). Thus, these massive monopolies need to be completely dismantled and treated as publishers who are responsible for the content they "publish" and not just "platforms." Monopolies, like extremists, enforce their will on a hostage populace. That's un-American.
In the meantime, we will witness (as was witnessed in Serbia during the sanctions of the 1990s) the development of a parallel economy in the US which will be generated and serve the censored/ignored/canceled part of America. This will actually be good for America as it will continue the efforts of President Trump to wean us off cheap Chinese labor and resurrect manufacturing here in America offering real and productive jobs to Americans. It will also dilute the power of the extremist "elites" who seek to enslave America. And who knows? Perhaps with novel financial institutions that are no longer dependent on globalist banks/virtual/pyramid scheme monetary system that is the US dollar, perhaps we might reestablish the gold standard as a "novel" currency which will be untouchable by the globalist "elites" who have wrought so much havoc here.
In conclusion, censorship in a nation that celebrates, enables and benefits from diversity, differing opinions, and democracy is unacceptable in any form – whether by corporations, local and federal governments, politicians, journalists, or just fellow citizens. We should never be afraid of information – only those who seek to control our access to it.
Russia Files for Sputnik Vaccine Registration in EU
Russian authorities have applied for registration of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in the European Union, the country's sovereign wealth fund financing the jab said Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said the application with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) was lodged on Tuesday.
"It is an important milestone," he added.
The first review of the documents filed by the RDIF is expected in February.
The EMA confirmed that a meeting with the Russian vaccine's developer took place Tuesday "to discuss their development plan and their further engagement with the agency."
But the EMA noted in a statement that "currently Sputnik V is not undergoing a rolling review."
"EMA will communicate at the start of a rolling review procedure," it added.
Russia in August registered Sputnik V — named after the Soviet-era satellite — months ahead of Western competitors but before the start of large-scale clinical trials, which left some experts wary.
Its developers have since said that the jab is more than 90% effective and Russia launched its mass vaccination campaign using the shot this week.
RDIF says that Sputnik has already been registered in a number of countries including Belarus, Venezuela, Bolivia and Algeria.
Argentina began administering second doses of Sputnik V this week, having begun its immunization campaign in late December.
RI Proposes New NATO Flag Which Better Captures Its Diverse Values
The Rainbow Totenkopf combines NATO's appreciation for the LGBT community with its appreciation for SS veterans
This article from our archives was first published on RI in July 2017
RI Staff Sun, Jan 17 2021 | 200 words 6,911
As we reported, in May NATO marked the "International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia" with a special NATO/LGBT flag. But then the other day it valorized Latvia's anti-Soviet 'Forest Brothers' guerrillas, who by and large were veterans of the Waffen SS.
Seeing NATO is able to get behind such a wide variety of causes, it is probably time it dumped its bland blue flag—which as far as we are aware does not stand for anything—and adopted symbols which better represent its diverse values.
Specifically we think NATO should adopt this flag, the Rainbow Totenkopf:
Combining the vivid colors of the LGBT rights movement, with a beloved symbol of the SS—the death's head—this flag could superbly capture what NATO stands for in 2017.
As an extra bonus for the Russia-baiting alliance the flag combines the two things Kremlin hates the most: Nazis and LGBT advocacy.
Nice, but lacks the crucial pro-SS aspect
Roskomnadzor orders TikTok and VKontakte 'to prevent the involvement of minors in unauthorized protests'
Russia's censorship agency, Roskomnadzor, has ordered the social networks TikTok and VKontakte to prevent "the involvement of minors in unauthorized rallies." This was announced in two separate statements on the agency's website on Wednesday, January 20.
Bolton wants CNN to ERASE Trump coverage, but Graham says Republicans who oblige will get 'erased' themselves — RT USA News
US media are struggling to figure out Donald Trump's influence now that he's no longer president. Ex-adviser John Bolton urged ignoring him altogether, but Sen. Lindsey Graham argued he'll dominate the GOP for years to come.
"He will go from sitting in the most powerful office in the world, the Oval Office, to sitting by the swimming pool at Mar-a-Lago," Bolton, whom Trump fired as national security adviser in 2019, told CNN's Jake Tapper on Wednesday. "We are about to see a change of incalculable dimensions."
Speaking a few hours before Democrat Joe Biden was inaugurated as president, Bolton said supporters and critics alike had yet to fully appreciate that Trump was actually leaving center stage. While supporters can't believe he's actually leaving, critics may struggle to give up "the fun they've had" scrutinizing Trump for the past four years.
"For those who still just have to cover Donald Trump because they've done it for four years, really, get over it," Bolton said. "If you're going to waste your time on that, you're going to miss a lot of what's happening that really affects the future of the country."
Biden or Bush? Democrats and neocons clamor to bring the 'war on terror' home, targeting Trump supporters as 'domestic terrorists'
Figuring out the level of attention to give to Trump now that his presidency has ended is a major challenge for CNN and other media outlets, which relied on the controversial leader to drive their ratings over the past four years. Trump made an intriguing exit from Washington on Wednesday morning, telling supporters he will be "watching" and will "return in some form."
Graham (R-South Carolina) was trounced by Trump in the 2016 presidential primaries but went on to become an on-again, off-again ally in the Senate afterward. He told Fox News on Wednesday that Trump will remain the strongest voice in the party for years, and that it would be a disaster for Republicans and disadvantageous for Trump if the former president started a new party, as it was rumored he might do.
"I hope President Trump understands that his legacy and his best future lies in the Republican Party," Graham said. "I hope people in our party understand the party itself. If you're wanting to erase Donald Trump from the party, you're going to get erased."
Trump says he 'will be back in some form' & wishes Biden's administration luck in farewell ceremony
Russian Crane Manufacturer Presented Its Calendar-2021
The post Russian Crane Manufacturer Presented Its Calendar-2021 appeared first on English Russia.
Navalny's new documentary about Putin's huge balance on the Black Sea is trending
Putin's official spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the investigation conducted by the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) about Vladimir Putin's palace near the city of Gelendzhik in Southern Russia was "nonsense and compilation." According to him, the palace has "nothing to do with either the president or the Kremlin," whereas the relevant topic of the bogus story surfaced "three or four years ago." There was nothing new in the materials provided in the investigation by Alexey Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, Peskov said.
The only new part of the story was the way it was edited, Dmitry Peskov added.
"They included the footage of Putin swimming in the Yenisei River when showing the footage of the pool in a certain palace. The footage of Putin swimming in the Yenisei were distributed globally. It was a dry statement to make," the press secretary said.
Others criticised Peskov for not taking the joke about Putin in the swimming pool in Navalny's new documentary.
However, according to Peskov, they make Putin the owner of the property that he does not own.
"The President of Russia declares his property annually, which can be seen in the annually published declaration too," Peskov said.
The prime goal of such "pseudo-investigations", as Peskov put it, is to collect money.
"This is the essence of this scam. We warn all citizens, especially given such a large number of views: think before donating your money to those swindlers. The swindlers work all the time to make their methods to take money away from the population more sophisticated. Because the ways to withdraw money from the population from crooks are constantly improving. Think ten times before doing it," Peskov warned, adding that information attacks against Putin, which the Kremlin "has long been aware of," would continue.
Navalny's documentary about "Putin's palace" is currently trending on YouTube with 23 million views and counting. Navalny and his FBK Foundation claims that it is the President of Russia, who is the true owner of the Black Sea coast property, the size of which can be compared to 39 principalities of Monaco.
According to Navalny, this is not even a residence, but "a whole city, a kingdom, a separate state." The property includes its own port, security service, a church, its own access control, no-fly zone and even a border checkpoint. The complex includes an underground hockey rink, a greenhouse, a tunnel leading to the beach and an underground tasting room. The palace also has a theater, a casino, saunas, hammams, and an aquadiskotheque.
Russia Urges Biden to Be 'More Constructive' Over Arms Treaty
Russia on Wednesday urged U.S. President Joe Biden's new administration to take a "more constructive" approach in talks over the extension of the New START treaty, Washington's last arms reduction pact with Moscow.
"We expect that the new U.S. administration will take a more constructive approach in its dialogue with us," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"We are ready for such work on principles of equal rights and taking mutual interests into account."
The agreement, which caps the number of nuclear warheads between the two powers, is set to expire on February 5.
The Russian Foreign Ministry accused the administration of Biden's predecessor Donald Trump of "deliberately and intentionally" dismantling international arms control agreements.
Moscow accused the previous U.S. administration of not planning to extend New START, referring to its "counterproductive and openly aggressive" approach in talks.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the treaty should be extended in its current version and "without any pre-conditions," adding that prolonging the arms pact for five years would be "preferable."
"This would allow Russia and the United States to seriously begin a joint search for responses to the issues of international security and strategic stability that are now arising," the ministry said in the statement.
"At the same time the current level of transparency and predictability in relation to New START would remain in place which would be in the interests of security of both our countries and the whole world."
Russian President Vladimir Putin last year proposed a one-year extension on New START.
President Donald Trump's administration had unsuccessfully sought to expand the treaty to bring in China, which has a fast-growing military that remains significantly smaller than those of Russia and the United States.
10 Russian Words Impossible to Translate Into English
1. Poshlost
Russian-American writer Vladimir Nabokov, who lectured on Slavic Studies to students in America, admitted that he couldn't translate this word, which every Russian easily understands.
What is poshlost (пошлость)?
Nabokov gives the following example: "Open any magazine and you'll certainly find something like this – a family just bought a radio (a car, a refrigerator, silverware, it doesn't matter), and the mother is clapping her hands, mad with joy, the children gathered around her with their mouths agape; the baby and the dog are leaning towards the table on which the `idol' has been hoisted… a bit to the side victoriously stands the father, the proud breadwinner.
The intense "poshlosity" of such a scene comes not from the false exaggeration of the dignity of a particular useful object, but from the assumption that the greatest joy can be bought and that such a purchase ennobles the buyer."
"This word includes triviality, vulgarity, sexual promiscuity and soullessness," added the late Professor Svetlana Boym from Harvard University.
2. Nadryv
German Wikipedia has an entire article dedicated to the word nadryv (надрыв). This is a key concept in the writings of Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky.
The word describes an uncontrollable emotional outburst, when a person releases intimate, deeply hidden feelings.
Moreover, Dostoevsky's nadryv implies a situation in which the protagonist indulges in the thought that he can find in his soul something that may not even exist.
That's why the nadryv often expressed imaginary, excessively exaggerated and distorted feelings. One part of the novel, Brothers Karamazov, is called "Nadryvs."
3. Khamstvo
Soviet émigré writer Sergei Dovlatov wrote about this phenomenon in the article "This Untranslatable Khamstvo," commenting that "Khamstvo is nothing other than rudeness, arrogance and insolence multiplied by impunity."
In Dovlatov's view, it's with impunity that khamstvo (хамство) outright kills us.
It's impossible to fight it; you can only resign yourself to it. "I've lived in this mad, wonderful, horrifying New York for ten years and am amazed by the absence of khamstvo. Anything can happen to you here, but there's no khamstvo. You can be robbed but no one will shut the door in your face," added the writer.
4. Stushevatsya
Some linguists believe stushevatsya (стушеваться) was introduced by Fyodor Dostoevsky, who used it for the first time in a figurative sense in his novella, The Double. This word means to be less noticeable, go to the background, lose an important role, noticeably leave the scene, become confused in an awkward or unexpected situation, become meek.
5. Toska
This Russian word can be translated as "emotional pain," or "melancholy," but this does not transmit all of its depth. Vladimir Nabokov wrote that, "Not one word in English can transmit all the nuances of toska (тоска). This is a feeling of spiritual suffering without any particular reason. On a less dolorous level, it's the indistinct pain of the soul…vague anxiety, nostalgia, amorous longing."
6. Bytie
This word comes from the Russian byt'(to exist). In Russian-English dictionaries this philosophical concept is translated as "being." However, bytie (бытие) is not just life or existence, it's the existence of an objective reality that is independent of human consciousness (cosmos, nature, matter).
7. Bespredel
Eliot Borenstein, professor of Slavic Studies at New York University, explains that bespredel (беспредел) literally means "without restrictions or limits." Translators often use "lawlessness" (bezzakonie). In Russian, however, the meaning of bespredel is much broader, and refers to the behavior of a person who violates not only the law, but also moral and social norms.
8. Avos'
It's rather difficult to explain to people of other nationalities what this means. Interestingly, many people believe that avos' (авось) is the main Russian national trait. Hoping for the avos' means doing something without planning, without putting in much effort, counting on success.
9. Yurodivy
Yurodivys (юродивые) in ancient Rus' were people who voluntarily renounced earthly pleasures in the name of Christ. Such people looked like madmen, and led a wandering lifestyle with the aim of obtaining inner peace and defeating the root of all sin – pride. They were valued and were considered close to God. Their opinions and prophecies were taken into consideration and they were even feared.
10. Podvig
This word is often translated into English as "feat" or "achievement," but it has other meanings. Podvig (подвиг) is not just a result, or the achievement of an objective; it's a brave and heroic act, an action performed in difficult circumstances. Russian literature often mentions military, civilian podvigs and even scientific podvigs. Moreover, this word is a synonym for selfless acts, for example, a podvig in the name of love.
Source: Russia Beyond the Headlines
Incoming, trolls. Thousands of suspicious accounts target Russian opposition figures linked to Alexey Navalny on Instagram
Thousands of suspicious Instagram accounts have begun following Russian opposition figures linked to jailed anti-corruption activist Alexey Navalny. This comes after his Anti-Corruption Foundation published a major investigation about a billion-dollar luxury mansion built for Vladimir Putin on the Black Sea. The same bots are also targeting the accounts of independent Russian media outlets en masse, in what appears to be an attempt to get them blocked from Instagram ahead of the rallies in support of Navalny planned for this upcoming Saturday.


If you don't have Excel, you should be able to find a version of the particular template in Google Docs or Open Office. Editor's Note: While labeled a "yearly" budget planner, this Budget On Excel Template really allows you to make monthly plans and then track Templates are especially valuable for frequently used document types such as Excel calendars, budget planners, invoices, inventories and dashboards. What can be better than grabbing a ready-to-use spreadsheet that already has the look and feel you want and To get started, you can use my free personal budget spreadsheet template in Excel to track your income and expenses using a common set of budget categories. You can easily change the categories as needed.
If this is your first time trying to create a These tasks may include managing a budget, scouting and securing a conference site, hosting speakers, hotel arrangements, conference schedule, and more. With all this information, you can either look at a timeline template How to Make a Timeline in If this is a new budget, select 'A new workbook'. Click 'Finish' to complete the creation of the template. When the Excel file launches it will look similar to the following: It is important to maintain the layout of the Budget On Excel Template to ensure a And thanks to some industrious, finance-minded people out there, you can further simplify your budget management tasks with the help of handy and free budget spreadsheet or downloadable templates that can be used with Microsoft Excel or Apache .
Are you still working on your budget for next year? I've just updated my budget template, and added a page on my website, to describe how it works. The old version was created in 2002, so it was definitely time for an update! This is a simple budget Of course, being a data nerd, I made a plan of the trip in Excel and that helped us budget for You can add one more category called "Other" to set budget for any miscellaneous expenses. The template starts with budget for each of these 5 categories. If you need help knowing how to create a monthly budget that works, my friend Lauren is guest posting today about her successful monthly budget, how she created it, and even included a free excel spreadsheet template for an entire year. Feel free to Here is the link to the Google Doc: ReadyForZero Budgeting Spreadsheet The spreadsheet be fairly similar if you're using Excel instead. Be careful to not accidentally erase the formulas that make this Budget On Excel Template work and feel free to email me if .


During the Holidays I love to curl up and watch classic Christmas movies, especially because I only let myself watch them during the Holiday season (that way they remain special, or so my mother told me).
Hands down, my two favorite movies of the season are Desk Set and White Christmas, not just for the story line but the fashion as well. This probably has to do with the fact that growing up I was only allowed to watch television on special occasions and then, really only classic movies, the kind shown on AMC or TCM (but that's another story). Now a day, besides a lack of pop culture knowledge, I still gravitate towards the movies of the 1950's, losing myself in the zaney comedy and delightful dresses. So in honor of the season and my movie watching, this weeks Mommy Must Have list is inspired by Katherine Hepburn, Rosemary Clooney, Vera Ellen and the stars of the golden age of Hollywood.
Because the nights can get chilly and it helps to have a faux fur to wrap around your shoulders.
A lady like dress worthy of dancing the night away under the stars at "the club".
A girl can dream can't she? If I'm going to play Cinderella I want the perfect slippers.
These sparklers reflect the light in twinkling bursts without screaming for attention.
"The" dessert of the '50's I have never actually tried it but think this might just be the year I attempt it. Check out Tuesdays with Dori's recipe on the Whisk Food Blog if your interest is peeked.
Curl up with your freshly made Floating Island and laugh with Spencer Tracey and Katherine Hepburn as they navigate the Holiday season and office politics. Or sing along with Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby as they save an Inn and fall in love.
You can be comfortable and stylish at the same time, just because you are lounging does not mean fashion is out the window.


RCVS Knowledge is committed to making our conferences accessible to all members of the veterinary community – as such – we are proud to have offered a range of bursaries and awards to give a wide range of people a chance to attend.
As part of the award, some bursary holders have contributed towards a fit-for-publication Knowledge Summary to Veterinary Evidence.
RCVS Knowledge was delighted to offer bursaries to veterinary students and veterinary nurses for EBVM Skills Day.
The bursaries awarded to veterinary students provided a ticket to Skills Day and reimbursement of travel costs for attending the event. As part of the award, successful applicants completed a Knowledge Summary using the new EBVM Learning resource - launched at the event.
RCVS Knowledge was delighted to offer bursaries to veterinary students, veterinary nurses and veterinary professionals based in low or low-middle income economies for EBVM 2014.


Get Real-World Insight from Experienced Professionals in the OpenGL Community With OpenGL, OpenGL ES, and WebGL, real-time rendering is becoming available everywhere, from AAA games to mobile phones to web pages. Assembling contributions from experienced developers, vendors, researchers, and educators, OpenGL Insights presents real-world techniques for intermediate and advanced OpenGL, OpenGL ES, and WebGL developers. Go Beyond the Basics The book thoroughly covers a range of topics, including OpenGL 4.2 and recent extensions. It explains how to optimize for mobile devices, explores the design of WebGL libraries, and discusses OpenGL in the classroom. The contributors also examine asynchronous buffer and texture transfers, performance state tracking, and programmable vertex pulling. Sharpen Your Skills Focusing on current and emerging techniques for the OpenGL family of APIs, this book demonstrates the breadth and depth of OpenGL. Readers will gain practical skills to solve problems related to performance, rendering, profiling, framework design, and more.
Wolfgang Engel's GPU Pro 360 Guide to Geometry Manipulation gathers all the cutting-edge information from his previous seven GPU Pro volumes into a convenient single source anthology that covers geometry manipulation in computer graphics. This volume is complete with 19 articles by leading programmers that focus on the ability of graphics processing units to process and generate geometry in exciting ways. GPU Pro 360 Guide to Geometry Manipulation is comprised of ready-to-use ideas and efficient procedures that can help solve many computer graphics programming challenges that may arise.
In GPU Pro5: Advanced Rendering Techniques, section editors Wolfgang Engel, Christopher Oat, Carsten Dachsbacher, Michal Valient, Wessam Bahnassi, and Marius Bjorge have once again assembled a high-quality collection of cutting-edge techniques for advanced graphics processing unit (GPU) programming. Divided into six sections, the book covers rendering, lighting, effects in image space, mobile devices, 3D engine design, and compute. It explores rasterization of liquids, ray tracing of art assets that would otherwise be used in a rasterized engine, physically based area lights, volumetric light effects, screen-space grass, the usage of quaternions, and a quadtree implementation on the GPU. It also addresses the latest developments in deferred lighting on mobile devices, OpenCL optimizations for mobile devices, morph targets, and tiled deferred blending methods. In color throughout, GPU Pro5 is the only book that incorporates contributions from more than 50 experts who cover the latest developments in graphics programming for games and movies. It presents ready-to-use ideas and procedures that can help solve many of your daily graphics programming challenges. Example programs with source code are provided on the book's CRC Press web page.
This book gathers all the content from the GPU Pro series (Vols 1-7; 2010-2016) into a convenient single source anthology covering general compute functionality in computer graphics. It covers ready-to-use ideas and procedures that can help solve many computer graphics programming challenges. The19 articles by leading programmers contained in this volume focus on techniques that include going beyond the normal pixel and triangle scope of GPUs and take advantage of the parallelism of modern graphic processors to accomplish such tasks.
OpenGL Game Programming teaches you how to use OpenGL to create dynamic 3D environments and effects for use in game development. Beginning with the histories of OpenGL and Microsoft DirectX, programming essentials for Microsoft Windows, and 3D theory, youll quickly move on to lessons on the functionality of OpenGL. Most of the chapters include demo programs that will allow you to see OpenGL in action. Youll then learn how to pull together OpenGL, Microsoft DirectSound, and Microsoft DirectInput to create your own games!
From geometric primitives to animation to 3D modeling to lighting, shading, and texturing, Computer Graphics Through OpenGL®: From Theory to Experiments, Second Edition presents a comprehensive introduction to computer graphics that uses an active learning style to teach key concepts. Equally emphasizing theory and practice, the book provides an understanding not only of the principles of 3D computer graphics, but also the use of the OpenGL® Application Programming Interface (API) to code 3D scenes and animation, including games and movies. The undergraduate core of the book is a one-semester sequence taking the student from zero knowledge of computer graphics to a mastery of the fundamental concepts with the ability to code applications using fourth-generation OpenGL. The remaining chapters explore more advanced topics, including the structure of curves and surfaces and the application of projective spaces and transformations. New to the Second Edition 30 more programs, 50 more experiments, and 50 more exercises Two new chapters on OpenGL 4.3 shaders and the programmable pipeline Coverage of: Vertex buffer and array objects Occlusion culling and queries and conditional rendering Texture matrices Multitexturing and texture combining Multisampling Point sprites Image and pixel manipulation Pixel buffer objects Shadow mapping Web Resource The book's website at www.sumantaguha.com provides program source code that runs on various platforms. It includes a guide to installing OpenGL and executing the programs, special software to help run the experiments, and figures from the book. The site also contains an instructor's manual with solutions to 100 problems (for qualifying instructors only).
Author: EVANGELINE, D. ,ANITHA, S.
Nowadays, Computer Graphics and Multimedia have become crucial areas of study in the field of Computer Science and Information Technology. The commercial and academic viability of the field can be understood from its usability and application in various areas, including entertainment, education, image processing, CAD/CAM, fine arts, and so on. Students not only need to have a firm grounding in these fields but also have to learn how to integrate these technologies to get the desired results. This book, written in an easy-to-grasp style, equips the readers with all the basic and advanced concepts of computer graphics and multimedia. Inclusion of sufficient programs relating to C, OpenGL, VRML, Python Turtle Graphics and GKS helps the readers in generating realistic images. The text not only incorporates standard algorithms but also keeps pace with the newly invented ones. It provides an insight into graphics programming using various software packages. In most of the chapters, a number of solved numerical problems are provided to help students learn the practical applications of the preceding concept. Primarily intended for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology, and Mechanical Engineering, the book is equally useful for the students opting BCA, MCA, B.Sc. (CS/IT), M.Sc. (CS/IT) and Multimedia courses.


A police chief says the shooting suspect at the Trump National Doral resort in south Florida tried to "ambush" officers, but lost a gunfight with them.
Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez told news reporters Friday morning that the man who entered a lobby at the resort draped a flag over the counter fired shots upward at the ceiling and waited for police to arrive.
He says officers from Doral and Miami-Dade were met "with an individual with a handgun." He said five officers fired shots and arrested the man. Earlier, police said the suspect was wounded.
Perez said one officer suffered a broken arm, but otherwise the police were unhurt.
Trump was not at the resort at the time.
In a statement, the Secret Service says no one under their protection was affected by the shooting at the resort near Miami that's owned by President Donald Trump.
Police say a man shouting about the president entered the resort early Friday, draped a flag over a lobby counter and exchanged fire with police before being arrested.
One officer received an unspecified injury.
President Donald Trump's son Eric has tweeted that he's grateful for the efforts of Doral and Miami-Dade police after a shooting at the Trump National Doral resort in south Florida.
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump organization, tweeted early Friday morning, "A huge thank you to the incredible men and women" of the departments, adding that "every day they keep our community safe."
Police said a man shouting about the president entered the resort early Friday, draped a flag over a lobby counter and exchanged fire with police before being arrested.
Doral Police Chief Hernan Organvidez told news reporters that officers from Doral and Miami-Dade confronted the gunman immediately and exchanged gunfire with him.
South Florida authorities say a person is in custody after police responded to a call of shots fired at the Trump National Doral Golf Club near Miami that's owned by President Donald Trump.
The Doral Police Department says on its website Friday there are "no known victims at this point" and there is "no further threat."
No further details were immediately available. A message seeking more information was left by The Associated Press with police officials.


Get product information, updates and free trials. Learn More Download Trial.Get started now. CRM gives you insights into running your business.
Emigrs from Nazi-active international. excessive-rises and super.
Mike Krider (408) 629 30 96 Tech Ed: Tim. to be produced in South Africa until.
Everyone take advantage of the journey super web sites with the.
What changes would you like to see to. then we can put them on trial for conspiracy to destroy.
A smart CRM gives you the information you need in a way that you can use it. Jailhouse Hotel In Ely Nevada South Africa is a superb sightseeing.
Data visualization illuminates insights and ideas you can set into motion with total confidence.Everyone is incredibly straightforward you can get the most.
Tourists who adore Italy can mother board the send on November 13 and.If you have the opportunity to avoid an active metropolis life, get away from to.
So if you are sufficiently lucky to get be visiting one of South Africa.
Get a skin color set had been in addition to. seacoast of South Africa,.Precisely the same can often be true of standart hotel rooms.
One of 5 set in the same. architecture roman art history antiquity ancient greek classical.The roads are generally well kept in comparison to other Africa.
SWIFT membership means you can connect to a secure network and. for the SWIFT Business Forum West Africa in. the second-most-active currency.


Once upon a time, a little five-year-old Native American girl had just watched Disney's Pocahontas. Obsessed with the story, her older friend convinced her that she was Pocahontas and that the tree in her back yard was Grandmother Willow. Seems like a crazy story, right? Well, it happened to me.
This was about 20 years ago, and I was an impressionable young girl. I knew from my dad that not only was I Native American, but I am (technically speaking) a Native American Princess. An older girl in the neighborhood, we'll call her Ally, convinced me that I was actually Pocahontas.
I can't remember all of the details, but I do remember her telling me that I was Pocahontas, she was the best friend in the film (who's name I can't even recall) and that the big tree in my yard was Grandmother Willow. It wasn't even a willow tree, y'all.
She did such a good job of convincing me that I confronted my parents about it. She had told me I was adopted and that my parents weren't really my parents. I asked them, with all the fury a five year old can muster, why they never told me. I demanded to be taken to my "real" parents and got even more upset when they laughed at me.
At first they didn't think I was serious, because why would they? They knew they were my parents, and they didn't know that Ally had been convincing me of this for days, if not weeks. As soon as they realized I was serious they sat me down and explained that I am not Pocahontas, they are definitely my real parents, and the tree in the yard was just a tree.
As you can imagine, they were pretty upset with the neighbor girl. They kept me from her for about a year or so after that. And to this day, that is the craziest thing I've ever believed about myself. Looking back, I see how silly it is to think that I could be Pocahontas since she was a different tribe AND had been dead for a few centuries by the time I was born. But damn, I sure did believe it at the time.
Now when I drive through my childhood neighborhood I can't help but think of that story when I see the tree. I also can't help but think about the absurdity of it all.
What is the craziest thing someone convinced you of as a child? Let's chat in the comments!


text:
Help the CTRA Celebrate 30 Years!
By Anne Muir, Executive Director
On Saturday June 18th, 2016 the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association is hosting a big 30th anniversary party – and you're invited! CTRA invites everyone to join them in celebrating three decades of providing therapeutic riding and equine-based services for persons with disabilities in the Cowichan region.
Since its modest start in 1986 as a local chapter of the Pacific Riding for the Disabled, CTRA has grown into an independent nationally-recognized program serving hundreds of individuals and families. The program is made possible through extensive community support including the efforts of hundreds of volunteers contributing thousands of hours each year.
Come to Providence Farm on June 18, 2016, and help the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association celebrate 30 years of service. Photo: CTRA
"2016 marks 30 years of making a tremendous difference in the lives of persons with special needs," says Anne Muir, CTRA's Executive Director. "Thousands of families have been positively impacted by the work that is carried out by our association."
CTRA welcomes the public in toasting the big 3-0 at the CTRA facility on Providence Farm. "This event is open to everyone who would like to take part," explains Development Officer Jennifer Barnes van Elk. "This is a great opportunity to celebrate with old friends or check CTRA out for the first time. Come grab a hot dog and piece of birthday cake and walk the grounds, check out the new riding arena, and visit the horses!"
Ayla Worrall and her four-legged friend. Photo: CTRA
Mackenzie Smith on Lexie5. Photo: CTRA
The day's entertainments will include a therapeutic riding demonstration as well as a showcase on CTRA's latest program – equestrian vaulting. "Equestrian vaulting is relatively new to our area," Muir explains. "This is a great chance to get a feel for what this new service will offer."
Other activities will include a treasure hunt, a "toddlers to teens" themed silent auction, face-painting, and family-friendly games. Complimentary refreshments will be provided and don't forget to cast your vote in the Fifth Annual Chili-Cook-Off!
"This is an all ages, no charge event," says Barnes van Elk. "No RSVP is required. Bring your family, your friends, and your neighbors. It's a great big outdoor party!"
Event webpage: http://ctra.ca/30years/
Event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/278855365790331/
To speak with someone at CTRA about this event, or the program generally, please contact Executive Director Anne Muir or Development Officer Jennifer Barnes van Elk at 250-746-1028 or info@ctra.ca.
Main Photo: Elizabeth Morrison and riding Floella, with Sue Billings (horse handler), Andrea Williston (side walker), and Margaret Rigby (instructor). Photo: CTRA
RegionalRegional
The GLOW SLOT, 4D & Charity Barrel Race Event
2016 BC Summer Games in Abbotsford
CTRA Looking to Top $15,000 with 2016 Ride-a-Thon
Victoria Saanich CADORA Dressage Fashion Show 2014
Four More Trail Knots
Century Downs Racetrack & Casino

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Taj Mahal is a Bollywood film. It was released in 1941, directed by Nanubhai Vakil and had Nazir and Suraiya in pivotal roles under the Banner of Sri Meenakshi Pictures. The film's music was by Damodar. Lyricists were Behzad Lakhnavi, S. Khalil and Pandit Anuj. Playback singers were Indurani and Fakir Mohammad.

References

External links
 , Retrieved 4 October 2015

1941 films
1940s Hindi-language films
Indian epic films
Films set in the Mughal Empire
Indian historical films
1940s historical films
Indian black-and-white films
Cultural depictions of Shah Jahan
Films directed by Nanubhai Vakil

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Root is the name of the account that holds the key to being able to run all commands and get access to all files on the Android operating system. Android is based on the same Linux kernel that many Linux distributions are based on that people use for desktop operating systems. The desktop versions of Linux give people the root user account when they first set up the computer for the first time and can then be logged into any time that same person with the right credentials wants to use it. Android operating systems for mobile devices are different, and they block off this root user account. Unfortunately, there are still many reasons for people wanting to use the root user account from the mobile operating system. The good news is that you can get access to the root user account that is always there on the HTC One X9 smartphone, you just need to follow a guide to do it.
The following guide lets you in on the secret to root HTC One X9 smartphones running on the Android 6.0 Marshmallow software updates so you can do things like install more apps.
You need to have a custom recovery installed on the HTC One X9 smartphone before you can follow this guide to get the SuperSU program installed and enabled so you have access to the root user account.
Note that you can always follow the same guide for installing the custom recovery regardless of the software update you are running on the HTC One X9 smartphone. The only time you might need an updated guide is for the rooting because the versions of the SuperSU may need updating to work with newer versions of Android. That said, you should always install the latest versions of the custom recovery image available if it is the most recent custom ROMs you want to install because often they require you to run the latest custom recovery image before they can be installed.
Download the SuperSU program directly to the computer and then open up the Downloads folder to find it.
Connect the HTC One X9 smartphone to the computer with the USB cable and then copy the SuperSU program from the Downloads folder to the internal storage SD card folder that is on the computer for as long as you keep the smartphone connected with the USB cable.
Unplug the HTC One X9 smartphone from the computer now.
Reboot the HTC One X9 into the Recovery Mode by pressing the same hardware keys you push for the stock Recovery Mode, and you find the custom versions booting up since you already swapped the stock version of the custom recovery earlier.
Tap on the option to Backup and follow the guidelines to take the NANDroid backup of you have not yet backed up the data yet.
Tap on the Install button from the recovery menu and follow the guidelines through to the SD card and select the SuperSU program from the folder so that it is ready to be installed.
Swipe the bottom of the display where it says "swipe to install" and the SuperSU is then installed and enabled so that it is an application on your smartphone.
Choose the "Reboot" and "System" options after the SuperSU is flashed and the HTC One X9 smartphone then reboots back into the normal mode.
In conclusion, that is all you need to root HTC One X9 smartphones running on the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow software updates by flashing the SuperSU program from the custom recovery image. You get to see the SuperSU installed as an application and you can enter it and check it out, but you do not need to make any changes before the root apps are available to be installed. All you need to do is find the root apps that you want to be installed and install them just like you would any other apps. Run them after the download completes and then choose to grant them root access when the SuperSU pops up a message for to do so. SuperSU blocks everything by default, so it always keeps your device safe. The only time is lets an app have root permissions is when you choose to grant it permissions so make sure you are consciously aware of what you are allowing to have root access when you see that message on the display from SuperSU asking whether or not you would like to grant whatever is asking for the root access the root access.


Genius is everywhere. Join us. For the first time ever, we are hosting a global celebration of social innovation, incredible design, and world-changing ideas inspired by a diaspora. Our NextDayBetter tribe is growing.
Speaker + Community | We are bringing together brilliant thinkers, entrepreneurs, activists, emerging leaders, and technologists fromacross all disciplines to solve challenges facing not just the Philippines but the world.
Our Event Manifesto + Theme | Imagine your community in 20 years. What does it look like? What challenges do you face? What's your vision? Considering the challenges that San Francisco faces—gentrification, climate change, poverty, digital and educational inequity, etc.—what type of community do you need to build and activate in order to turn this vision into a reality? In order to solve today's most pressing problems, we need to activate communities that will tackle these challenges head on.
Good Eats + Libation | Um. We heart food + drinks. We will feature some incredible Filipino Food and Drinks to celebrate the emergence of the Filipino Food Movement.
• Drinks. Food. Tech Demo.


A comprehensive overview of actions that national and local government and others can take to improve air quality and health.
Public Health England (PHE) was commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) to review the evidence for practical interventions to reduce harm from outdoor air pollution, stratified by their health and economic impact.
PHE commissioned 5 rapid evidence assessments that focused on vehicles and fuels, spatial planning, industry, agriculture, and people's behaviour and sought evaluations that made direct links between actions and consequent health and health economic outcomes.
The report provides local practitioners and policy-makers with an indication of the broad range of interventions that can be used to address different problems, and which of those interventions may be worth considering further due to their potential health benefits. The report outlines principles for strategies and the future design and evaluation of interventions.


text:
Top 7 Must See Walt Disney World Stage Shows
The stage show is a staple amongst Disney theme parks. They share the drama and the beauty of classic Disney stories with gorgeous costumes, beautiful singing, and spirited dancing for the audience to enjoy. Some are even Broadway caliber. There really is a stage show for everyone and the best part is that stage shows can be enjoyed by all ages!
So today, I'm sharing the best of the best - The Top 7 Must see Walt Disney World Stage Shows!
Dream Along With Mickey: This show, which takes place at the Magic Kingdom's Castle Stage, has guests help to prepare for a big party. Of course, something dark is lurking with evil and nightmares threatening to take over the kingdom. Can Donald and crew save the day? This show has some fun songs and of course, fireworks! This is one of the few shows where Mickey and Gang's mouths move and eyes blink, which helps to add a sense of realism, for sure! The show lasts about 20 minutes and takes place multiple times a day.
Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage: This show, which plays in the Theater of the Stars at Disney's Hollywood Studios, relives the magic that is Beauty and the Beast and it features many of the songs that helped to make the movie famous! It features gorgeously appointed costumes and terrific singing. Do keep in mind that it takes place in an open-air theater. The show lasts about 25 minutes and Guests can make FastPass+ reservations for it.
For the First Time in Forever - A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: Frozen was a smash hit that many didn't see coming. So, when Disney rolled out the Frozen Summer Fun event last year, they threw in this little stage show into the Premiere Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The show, which is a comedic retelling of the story of Frozen from the Royal Arendelle Historians, also features audience participation sing-along moments. Do keep in mind that while Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff are all in the show, the focus is on the sing-along and the retelling of the story. This show will be moving to the Hyperion Theater this summer...and I would suspect that we may see it there for quite a while. The show lasts about 30 minutes and Guests can make FastPass+ reservations for it.
Jedi Training Academy: This show gets the kiddos involved! It takes place Here, those ages 4 to 12 can become junior Jedi Knights learn the ways of the Force as they prepare to battle the Dark Side. Due to the limited number of Guests able to participate, Guests must sign their children up at park opening at the ABC Sound Studio and slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The show takes place on a small outdoor stage, right next door to Star Tours and lasts about 20 minutes.
Fantasmic: Looking for the ultimate live stage show evening finale? Then look no further than Disney's Hollywood Studios nighttime spectacular Fantasmic! This show brings to life your favorite heroes, princesses, and of course, Disney Villains. Fantasmic takes you into the imagination of Sorcerer Mickey as he brings your favorite Disney characters to his dreams. Though the Villains take over and wreak havoc. Can Mickey save the day? This show features fireworks, water screens, and lots of characters. It lasts approximately 30 minutes and Guests can make FastPass+ reservations for it.
Festival of the Lion King: The show is the one that many say is the best show in all of Walt Disney World. It features incredible singing, acrobatic work, puppetry, audience participation, and much more! (Like FIRE! and beautiful aerial ballet.) It plays in the gorgeous and brand new Harambe Theater at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The show lasts about 30 minutes and Guests can make FastPass+ reservations for it.
Finding Nemo - The Musical: This is my ultimate top show at Walt Disney World. It takes place in the Theater in the Wild at Disney's Animal Kingdom is a retelling of Finding Nemo. The best part is that it includes music that was created for the show. (By the people who wrote the music for Frozen, so you know it's catchy!) It includes live actors performing with puppets on stage and is an incredibly unique idea for how to perform a show like this. It is an immersive show with incredible effects. The show lasts 40 minutes and Guests can make FastPass+ reservations for it.
Of course, these are only my choices, but I am clearly missing some great choices! Do you think Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is incredible or that Disney Junior - Live on Stage is the bees knees? Let me know in the comments!
If you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word about A Disney World After All! Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pinterest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here! Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!
Labels: Beauty and the Beast, Dream Along With Mickey, Fantasmic, Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo: The Musical, For the First Time in Forever - A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Jedi Training Academy
Buy A Touring Plans Subscription! Best Tool on the Market for an Easy, No Hassle Trip!
Click me and buy or upgrade from this link!
Buy this Amazing Guide Geared to Help You Navigate all the Great Dining Options WDW has to Offer
Click me to purchase the 2017 Guide from this link!
LIKE A Disney World After All On
Follow My News Board On
Friends of the Blog
Magically Speaking E-Newsletter
TouringPlans
Epcot Lights of Winter and the Be Our Guest Podcast Cruise
It's November, which of course, means that Disney is set to put up their fabulous Christmas decorations once again. Unfortunately, this ...
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train/MyMagic+ Events
The morning started with an informative talk with Tom Staggs, Samantha Brown, and George Kalogridis all about MyMagic+. One thing they disc...
Disney Cruise Line 101: Pre-Planning
I am super stoked! My Disney Cruise Line vacation aboard the Disney Dream is just a little over a month away! (Well, if I'm being t...
A Day Visit Review of Disney's Hilton Head Resort
Last Wednesday was my birthday and my husband wanted to do something special to honor the occasion. So, he decided he wanted to take me...
What We Know So Far About FastPass+
Edited: 7/26/15 Currently the Walt Disney World Resort has been rolling out its all-new system for enjoying the vacation destinati...
Follow Along On
The Mouse-Standing List: 50s Prime Time Café
Walt Disney World News and Rumors 4/20/15 - 4/26/1...
Walt Disney World News and Rumors 4/6/15 - 4/12/15...
Walt Disney World News and Rumors 3/30/15 - 4/5/15...
This website and all content in it is in no way affiliated with the Walt Disney Company. Contact the webmaster for more information. Website content may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of adisneyworldafterall.com. Copyright © 2017, adisneyworldafterall. All rights reserved.


Which animal in the Chinese Zodiac are you? 2018 is the year of the Dog.
Chinese New Year 2018 is the Year of the Dog. I, myself, am a Rooster, or so I am told. What sign of the Chinese Zodiac are you? Check it out from this website.
The Chinese New Year starts when? Good question that. Chinese New Year ranges from January 21 to February 20. In 2018, it occurs on February 16. I found a fantastic website that tells you everything you would ever want to know about Chinese New Year.
The Royal Forest of Dean is a great place to celebrate Chinese New Year. Come to think of it, Forest of Dean Lodges is a great place to celebrate anything. Live in comfort and beautiful surroundings whilst you help our Chinese friends welcome in the new year.
Forest of Dean Lodges are available all year round and you are always most welcome.
Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year?
You need not worry about missing out on the delicious Chinese food when you come to stay with us in our Forest of Dean Lodges in Coleford. We have several great places serving traditional Chinese cuisine. Ho Wah Court, White Horse, Hong Kong House and Lucky's Chinese all serve great Chinese food.
AS is normal for this Blog, we have found a great website to give you the information you need. Check out the Chinese restaurants and takeaways from the Travel site Tripadvisor.
You can choose where you eat, or, if you prefer, you can get your Chinese meal delivered to your lodge and enjoy Chinese New Year there.
We look forward to seeing you here, in Coleford, for the Year of The Dog and we hope you will enjoy staying in our beautiful lodges. Contact us at any time to book your own Forest of Dean Lodge for Chinese New Year 2018.


Arrange the pieces of the puzzle to see impersonations of Ben 10.
Frozen Olaf Fishing Time Help the snowman Olaf from Frozen to sialic fish.
Scooby Doo Ride game Drive this bike with Scooby Doo and try to gather food for points.


text:
Frida, Pedrali
Paolo Casicci
It was 2008, and design knew very well where not to go. The previous year, the exhibition The New Italian Design, curated by Andrea Branzi for the Triennale, had once and for all lifted the curtain on the latest generation of designers and their long string of creations, marking the difference between the great masters of the past, engaged in redesigning the world in collaboration with industry, and a fluid and emotional present, more likely to pepper the future with signs than to fill homes with furniture. The "Ryanair Generation" was the rather broad label that the magazines and the Web tried to pin onto this fuzzy community, a multiverse without a manifesto in which the only common thread, if you were determined to find one, was perhaps the troubled relationship with industry. Or was it instead a mutual conflict of disinterest? In that long gallery of emotions in the form of objects, a potentially endless flow that had taken on itself the mission of reprocessing the world, something was lacking in order to revive the idea that in Italy they still knew how to design furniture, and beautiful furniture at that. And that it could be designed by Italians. Someone to make the present sit up and look ahead, while going back in time to retrieve formulas, alchemies and the necessary courage.
© Pedrali
What better than a chair? It was left to the talent of Odoardo Fioravanti, born in 1974, a former student of engineering, "saved"—as he would put it—by design, to step into the ring. In the other corner of that ring, the platitude summed up in Bruno Munari's witty comment that by now there are "more chairs than asses." We can almost imagine Fioravanti entering the ring: boxing gloves and T-shirt inscribed with the slogan Industrious, the tag that two years later Silvana Annicchiarico's Triennale Design Museum would stick on him with the blessing of none other than Richard Sapper, "sponsor" of the exhibition devoted to Fioravanti by the Milanese institution. Frida (2008) arrived after Pedrali had already commissioned another chair from Fioravanti, the popular Snow that brought Italian design back onto the familiar track of a renewed encounter between designer and entrepreneur. And it was a successful, wholly Italian, pairing after years in which the big brands had looked to foreign names, the one formed by Fioravanti and Pedrali, the Lombard manufacturer with half a century of history behind it and its feet firmly planted between Bergamo and the "chair district" of Friuli, to be precise the town of Manzano, where Frida not coincidentally took shape. Cutting-edge knowhow, highly experienced workers, design and the courage to propose an idea of industrial beauty that ran the risk of getting lost amidst a myriad quibbles about the meaning of design. Frida— chosen for the simple reason that it was a woman's name—was born in this milieu.
"If I think about those years, it reminds me of a time that seems very long ago, when I was just getting started in my profession and acting more like an explorer than a designer," Fioravanti recalls now. "Everything was a gamble and every thought was action, a sort of flow of consciousness and prototypes that seems magical now. Around me was a panorama in which the companies were slowly beginning to look to designers who were a bit younger, and something was moving. I also remember my victory in the Young & Design contest at the Salone del Mobile, which made me very happy: I hadn't expected it. And just to lay it all out there, that victory drastically changed the economics of a year in which I was starting to do something." But what was Frida, in the end? Technically, a chair made of wood, to be precise oak: light, strong and comfortable, created to "explore new possibilities in the field of woodworking through the superimposition of a three-dimensional shell of curved plywood on a solid wooden frame," as the company's publicity declared. A chair, paradoxically, for which no drawings were ever made, conceived between the factory and Fioravanti's studio thanks to that everyday miracle that is accomplished by putting skilled craftsmen and a designer to work on the brief of a client who knows where and how to look. "I got Gianni, a very good worker, to cut the boards for me and went back to the studio with a chair in the form of pieces of wood that had to be assembled. Undoubtedly, at the root of that alchemy lay the fact of being able to intervene on a prototype put together with the company, with extremely competent workers and expert technicians," explains Fioravanti. "And then the luck of having pretty good hands and liking to work with material, so that I could create it myself, sculpting the details of the chair and looking in the wood for lines that seemed to me to do justice to the idea that I had. By taking away, as Michelangelo put it."
Three years later, in 2011, the Compasso d'Oro arrived to show that the reference to Michelangelo was not empty talk. The jury chaired by Arturo Dell'Acqua Bellavitis awarded the prize to Frida "for its simple sculptural beauty," legitimizing in those three words an aesthetic need that is also the hallmark of Fioravanti's style. He is one of the few Italian designers of his generation to speak openly of beauty and to pursue it in its most shapely form. So is Frida a necessary chair, as necessary as beauty? "When they ask me if a new design for objects that have already been extensively studied is necessary, I always answer that human beings need to characterize the things that surround them. I can't imagine that we should be content with what is there, if I think that every period in history ends up putting its own spirit into artificial things and into nature too, at least the part of it through which humanity moves. Are poems still necessary? Songs? Paintings? Well, if I'm obliged to defend the necessity of Frida, I'll say that we felt the need to investigate a new system of production, to explore it with forms that could seem timeless, to condense some ideas into an object like the chair that provides an accompaniment to whole pieces of people's lives," explains Fioravanti. "And yes, there are more chairs than asses, but if they were all to disappear in an instant? Perhaps even the person reading this would end up flat on his or her ass. Let us thank chairs and all the other objects, just as we are grateful to people."
Olivo Restaurant, London. Photo: © Pierluigi Piu.
Blanc Showroom, designed by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, Vilarreal. Photo: Fernando Alda.
Studio Boldrin e Vianello, Venice. Photo: © Alessandra Bello.
Odo Fioravanti. Photo: © Pedrali.
A journalist, after fifteen years at La Repubblica he began to work as a content curator and in 2019 founded DigiTale. He has edited the online magazine Cieloterradesign since 2015. He teaches at the ISIA and the Quasar Institute for Advanced Design in Rome. He likes design because it allows him to touch things and see people.
https://www.facebook.com/paolo.casicci.1https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolo-casicci-97741056/	All the posts
Latest stories in Design
Design, Watches
Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Squelette 5395
Simonetta Suzzi
Design, Evergreen
Aplomb, Foscarini
Lucidi Pevere
Cars, Design
Electric Temperament
Cesare Cappa
Speedmaster Moonwatch 321
McLaren GT
Comfort and Sportiness
Design, Interviews
Design and Survival
Paolo Armelli
Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5212A, Patek Philippe
Design, Insights
The Myth of the Bauhaus
Genesis and Growth
Latest stories in Evergreen
Design, Evergreen, Fashion
Kelly, Hermès
The Princess's It Bag
Sara Pizzi
Superleggera, Cassina
Locus Solus, Exteta
Standard Chair, Vitra
Tre Pezzi Lounge Chair, Cassina
Chiara Lecce
Luisa Armchair, Cassina
Diamond Chair, Knoll
Subscribe to klat newsletter
I agree to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the terms of the Privacy Policy.
Klat is a venture of iLight project s.a.s.—Via Fontana 3, 20122 Milan, Italy. VAT no. / Taxpayer's code no. 06553960961—Register of Companies MI 06553960961 Economic Administrative Index no. MI 1898912
Klat® is a registered trademark owned by iLight project s.a.s. Registered as trademark no. 014427538 on November 13, 2015.
Klat is a publication registered with the Milan Court (no. 197 of April 24, 2009). © iLight project s.a.s. 2012-16. The copyright of the photographs belongs to the authors credited.


If use of the OrthoGraph and Leica BLK360 systems is started at the development stage, significant savings can be achieved already at that time in the knowledge of the precise, measured values. This is because, on the one hand, by using the surveyed models settling accounts with subcontractors can take place on the basis of precise data, and, on the other hand, the building models created can be used later on directly in the facility management system as source data.
Using the periodical laser measurements performed and repeated with the Leica BLK360 the various construction phases can be easily identified and the entire building documentation is available in a layered structure. Additionally this data may serve as documentary evidence when settling accounts with subcontractors.


text:
Brexit 2016: Rifts, Referendum and the Long Road to Divorce
© Photo : Pixabay, Collage
2016 will be seen as a landmark year in British history in which the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union resulted in a vote to leave the institution after more than 40 years and which - despite being a long time coming - came as a political earthquake in Europe and beyond.
Britain has always been a reluctant member of the European Union. It was never really wanted in the first place. In 1963, French President Charles de Gaulle vetoed the British application to join what is now the EU, declaring: "Angleterre, ce n'est plus grand chose" (England is not much anymore).
De Gaulle reiterated this four years later and the UK decided to press for membership by stealth and to wait until de Gaulle was gone. The UK finally joined in 1973 what was then known as the "Common Market" — a trading bloc — under the Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath.
© AP Photo / MAX NASH
Britain's former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath arrives at 10 Downing Street, in London Monday, April 29, 2002, where Prime Minister Tony Blair was hosting a celebratory royal Golden Jubilee dinner.
The road to divorce began with Heath, who said in a TV broadcast, January 1973:
"There are some in this country who fear that in going into Europe we shall in some way sacrifice independence and sovereignty. These fears, I need hardly say, are completely unjustified."
However, the bloc morphed from being a trading bloc — based on the old European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC), formed by Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and West Germany in 1951 and 1958, respectively — to a more political bloc under the Maastricht Treaty of 1992, which established the European Union in 1993.
The Maastricht Treaty — signed by another Conservative Prime Minister, John Major — led to further integration of the EU, greater powers for the parliament as well as the creation of the euro single currency. However, the UK did not go along with all of the Maastricht Treaty. Nor did it sign up to other amendments.
© AFP 2019 / Frederick Florin
No Silver Lining: 25 Years After Landmark EU Maastricht Deal
The UK is not a member of the Eurozone single currency area, nor a participant in the Schengen zone — the area of free movement not restricted by border controls. These are two significant factors when considering the current stability crisis within the Eurozone and the effect of the migrant crisis on the Schengen countries.
The Maastricht Treaty — seen by many in the Conservative Party as a capitulation to Europe and a reversal of Heath's promise over sovereignty — created havoc within the Conservatives and led to the founding of the UK Independence Party, with ex-Tory Nigel Farage as one of its originals.
© REUTERS / Vincent Kessler, Mike Segar
EU Slayer Nigel Farage: The Man Who Crushed Cameron, Tempted Trump, Mocks May
So bitter was the acrimony within the party that former Prime Minister John Major — who signed the treaty — lost the 1997 election over the issue and kept the Conservatives out of power for 13 years. The Conservatives finally slipped back into power — in coalition with the Liberal Democrats — in 2010, but still the issue of British sovereignty and the excesses of Brussels was a divisive one.
In an effort to win the 2015 election, Prime Minister David Cameron was forced to promise an In-Out referendum on the issue by the end of 2017. The moment the date for it was announced the rival campaigns began — not least the rival camps within the Conservative party, with ex-London Mayor Boris Johnson leading the 'Leave' group and Cameron making the case for 'Remain'.
© AFP 2019 / Will Oliver
British Prime Minister David Cameron (R) and London Mayor Boris Johnson (L) pointing at each other on August 24, 2012.
© AFP 2019 / Geoff CADDICK
British Prime Minister David Cameron (R) addresses pro-EU "Vote Remain" supporters during a rally in Bristol, south-west England, whilst campaigning to avoid a Brexit, ahead of the June 23 EU referendum
The biggest guns in the world were wheeled out in favor of Cameron's campaign. US President Barack Obama said the UK would be at the "back of the queue" if it left the EU and Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, warned: "We haven't found anything positive to say about a Brexit vote."
Cameron himself invoked memories of the Battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar in suggesting that turning its back on the EU could put Britain at risk of a new war.
"Isolationism has never served this country well. Whenever we turn our back on Europe, sooner or later we come to regret it. And if things go wrong in Europe, let's not pretend we can be immune from the consequences," Cameron said.
In the end, 'Project Fear' was a disaster. The more people were told that quitting the EU would spell catastrophe for Britain, the angrier they became. The defining issue for many — and particularly those in the Conservatives — was the inability to control the numbers of EU migrant workers flooding into the UK and the perceived loss of British sovereignty over human rights, justice and British border controls.
© REUTERS / Stefan Wermuth
Britain's outgoing Prime Minister, David Cameron with his wife Samantha, waves in front of number 10 Downing Street, on his last day in office as Prime Minister, in central London, Britain July 13, 2016.
The British people delivered their verdict, June 23, with a 52 percent vote to leave the EU against a 48 vote to remain. Six months later, the British Government — now under Prime Minister Theresa May — has yet to trigger Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, to begin the formal process of leaving.
© REUTERS / Eric Vidal
UK PM Theresa May Facing 'Stupid Brexit' or 'No Brexit' Options
The reasons for her delay in firing the starting gun? Dissent over what exactly is meant by "Brexit," Scotland and Northern Ireland both voting to remain, but — most of all — complete disarray in both London and Brussels — over how the UK should extricate itself from the Brussels machine and what its future relationship with it should be. That last issue is supposed to be top of the agenda for 2017. The question is: whose agenda is it?
Brexit Bluster Plumbs New Depths as EU Fights Over Divorce 'Pissing' Row
London Faces Brexit Settlement Bill of Some $62Bln After Triggering Article 50
UK PM Theresa May's Brexit Secrecy Wreaks Havoc in Whitehall
Nigel Farage Furious Over British Government 'Backsliding' on Brexit
Hard Brexit, post-Brexit, Brexit, EU membership, referendum, European Commission, European Parliament, European Council, European Union, Jeremy Corbyn, David Cameron, Theresa May, Great Britain, Europe, United Kingdom


Has it really been three years since Jape released Ritual?
Jape (aka Richie Egan) returned with new material last week, releasing a double-A side single 'Hands of Fire'/'Lying on a Deathbed'. They are the first two songs to be released from the forthcoming album Ocean of Frequency, out in September.
The synth-charged Hands Of Fire has already delighted fans and dancefloors alike during the last FMC tour and elsewhere over the winter. Meanwhile 'Lying on a Deathbed' is a tentative, touching personal tale in which he is ably assisted by Conor O'Brien of Villagers.
If this is what we can expect from the fourth album we're in for another wonderous treat. Simply wonderful!
Listen to them below and download them for FREE via Jape's website.
Philadelphia duo Nicole and Rachel make up SLUTEVER. The friends were brought together through a shared love of grunge and '50s girl groups. To date they have already shared the bill with the likes Best Coast, Cults and The Coathangers whilst releasing two EPs; Sorry I'm Not Sorry and the recent Pretend To Be Nice.
Their racket is a pleasant one. They kick out short, sharp bursts of brash and sleazy lo-fi garage rock. It is catchy, infectious and bubbling with feel-good vibes, fuzzed out riffs and a combination of youthful energy and recklessness.
SLUTEVER will embark on their first national (US) tour this summer. It is hard to stomach that we on the other side of the pond may never get to see so many great emerging US bands like SLUTEVER live. Oh well.
Pretend To Be Nice is out now on Bantic Media and their debut can picked up for 'name your price' via bandcamp.
The Kills latest album Blood Pressures has absolutely blown me away. It is as it happens, the first to do so.
The Kills were always a band I knew were great and hugely talented, but say for a few songs, their records never captured my full attention. That's all changed now, hardly a day passes with which Blood Pressures doesn't get a spin. More on that later.
The chugging, melancholic dub-tinged 'Satellite' has received a revamp from UK producer The Bug. The dubby vibe is blown-out considerably giving it a ghoulish, eerie and ethereal vibe.
As the first generation of punk began to falter toward the end of 1977, emphasis began to move away from much of the trash rhythms of the previous eighteen months.
Indeed, the next couple of years would see the scope of instrumentation widen greatly, as artists – struck by punk's feverish nature – embellished their creations with elements of jazz and funk (The Pop Group), dub (Public Image Ltd., The Raincoats) and rap (The Clash) amongst others.
Heavily featured throughout the emerging post-punk/new wave movement was, of course, electronics. Whereas numerous "no wave" artists (see DNA or Teenage Jesus and the Jerks) may have digressed musically in the pursuit of more art driven formulae, industrial acts (such as Cabaret Voltaire, Throbbing Gristle and SPK) existed on a parallel plain, where self-made electronic sounds and stark noises modernised post-World War 2 concepts like Musique concrète.
Amongst the melee was Daniel Miller – a.k.a., The Normal. Miller, an experienced film editor was dismayed at the apparent need to abide by a three-chord structure within punk's narrowing walls – rather than confine himself to such barriers, the disillusioned Miller purchased a Korg 700S synthesiser. Recorded in his house on TEAC four-track recorder, Miller produced two ultra-minimalist songs that would later make up his first – and only – single.
Once finished, the songs, "TVOD" and "Warm Leatherette", were largely single-note / arpeggio affairs, laced with acidic lyrics housed within morbid themes. Images of death in a car crash and televisual addiction ran throughout; although the pictures painted remained largely cartoonish in nature.
Released in October 1978, the split-single TVOD / Warm Leatherette was also to be the debut release on Mute Records – a label set up by Miller himself to carry his own recordings. However with no new material forthcoming, Miller set about shaping Mute into an independent label that would become as important and influential as its peers Factory Records and Rough Trade; the latter of whom helped distribute Mute's early releases.
As the decade turned, artists such as D.A.F. recorded projects for the label, while Miller himself released an electronic version cover of Chuck Berry's "Memphis Tennessee" under the banner of Silicon Teens.
By 1981, Fad Gadget and Non had also joined Mute's roster, before the label reached the stratosphere thanks to the success of new electropop signings, Depeche Mode, Erasure, Yazoo and later, Goldfrapp. Come the beginning of the century, Mute was sold to EMI.
In truth, TVOD / Warm Leatherette single is not widely known within the mainstream consciousness; if anything, it is a musician's single – a release that helped define its immediate aural surroundings, leading to other artists to extend the boundaries of leftfield electropop and synth-driven new wave.
Simple Kid aka Ciaran McFeely, is one of those enigmatic artist who refuse to bask in the limelight of their success, preferring to remain in the shadows.
Simple Kid rose to public prominence with the release of SK1 in 2003. A stunning album which captured punters imagination on both sides of the Irish Sea, no mean feat. It demonstrated the Cork natives savvy for witty and at time silly lyrics with catchy-as-hell melodies. SK1 mixed the bouncier and chirpier moments of Britpop era Supergrass and Blur with T. Rex glam swoon and catchy trip hop and electronic beats and synths. It is a formula which probably shouldn't have worked but it did!
Just as it looked as though he was destined for bigger and better things SK disappeared off the radar, apparently quitting music to escape its pressure and taking up a job in his local video shop. Thankfully this was not to be the end. In late 2006 he returned to the fore with SK2. His second LP saw him embrace his lo-fi id, producing an album of self-produced scuzzy recordings with a real quirky indie-country vibe.
The record was received well by critics and fans alike but as he returned to hibernation once again in 2008 we hoped there was much more to come. Unfortunately it was not to be, a brief message adorned his website to confirm Simple Kid is no more.
A brief but fruitful and exciting musical career, perhaps we may see him return to music under another guise, hopefully he does. Music needs guys like this.
So far 2011 has been characterised by bands slinking and sliding towards an '80s and '90s vogue, not a bad thing is it? After all everything is borrowed.
A brief respite is offered by Dublin 4-piece The Pacifics who roll back the decades, embracing their predilection to '50s and '60s sounds. Their debut EP, Play Favourites is an homage to Little Richard, Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry. As the title suggests, Play Favourites EP is a collection of their favourite songs.
While the idea of a covers EP doesn't really promise much, this one manages to surpass whatever the initial scepticism. They succeed in delivering the record on a tide of roaring Sixties garage rock and R&B swagger. They haven't just copied the songs they have added their own little touch of magic, giving these old songs a new lease of life. They have paid tribute to true classics with a mixture of admiration and personal interpretation.
It will be very interesting to see what comes next, original recordings would be a plus but for now this will do nicely.
Their debut EP Play Favourites is out now on Bandcamp and all the usual spots.
Until quite recently I wasn't really aware of Foreign Beggars. The five man London crew which comprises of rappers Orifice Vulgatron and Metropolis, Dj NoNames, Beat Boxer Shlomo, and Producer Dag Nabbit have already released a slew of singles, EP's and an album. All I had been aware of was their work with Noisia on the superb Split The Atom album from 2010.
Collaborations must be their forté, this time teaming up with Vato Gonzalez for a thumping new single 'Badman Riddim (Jump)'. A mixture of slick rhymes, killer basslines, crushing beats and quirky video make it a prime candidate to be a summer anthem.
Accompanying their great new video, is a couple of free downloads for you: Tru Fix & Thunderskank's dubstep mix and Noisia & Foreign Beggars 'Shellshock'.
Vato Gonzalez ft. Foreign Beggars: 'Badman Riddim' is out June 19 on Ministry of Sound.
Brooklyn band Gross Relations came in for some praise when they featured in one of the introducing slots on the blog a few weeks back.
The 4-piece have released another single, 'Today Tomorrow'. It's more feisty sing-a-long garage rock, if you liked previous releases you will love 'Today Tomorrow' and b-side 'Taking Off'. These jams which elicit memories of Double Dagger, Surfer Blood, Pavement et al.
The more tunes to come from these guys the better!
You can spin the tunes below or grab them for FREE on bandcamp.
Fantastic news from The Horrors camp. Yesterday evening they took everyone by surprise (most of all me!) with news of a new album, Skying, to be released on July 11.
Like this wasn't enough to get us excited? They also unveiled the first single from the record, 'Still Life'. The swaggering psychedelic shoegaze is retained but with less anger and darkness. An uplifting, warm and inspirational vibe is preferred with beautiful trumpets and super synths all working so, so well.
One can't help but feel the warmth from this track and heavily reminiscent of Screamadelica era Primal Scream or Death In Vegas in their pomp!
The Horrors stunned music fans with the superb Primary Colours in 2009, after a largely poor and over-hyped debut. For some the jury may still have been out but on this early evidence album number three looks as though it may cast their rep in stone.
That's my two cents worth, what's your verdict?
And here's one they made earlier.
King Tuff is the brainchild of Kyle Thomas, lead vocalist of the J Mascis side project Witch and Feathers. A musical oddity to say the least, apparently this project began life as something of a parody.
Whatever the case he's got a certain penchant for resurrecting '70s glam, garage rock groove, with great style it must be said. 'Hands' is a case in point, wrapped in upbeat sunny rock riffs, it is the newest entry in Scion's A/V Garage 7 inch split series along with The Hex Dispensers' Ramones-eque 'Agatha's Antlers'.
The occasion also presents the opportunity to share 'Kind of Guy', a real gem smothered in Them era Van Morrison aesthetics which was lurking over on the ever incredible Red Threat. Check it!
You can stream and download this King Tuff/The Hex Dispensers split for FREE below.
This is another one which fell by the wayside when my modem died last week, better late than never yeah?
Last Friday night Edwin Congreave from Foals played a 'Slutty Fringe' show in The Old Queen's Head in Islington, London. For the occasion Congreave put together a mix for Slutty Fringe's mixtape series. Showcasing what he's all about, it is an excellent mix of disco, indie and electronica with exemplary track selection and flawless flow.
This is just the ticket to banish those Monday blues. Download/Tracklisting after the jump.


Be curious and see the world with child-like wonder.
Forgive yourself and others and let go of negativity.
Communicate love and goodwill at every opportunity.
See other perspectives and give the benefit of the doubt.
Let Tanzanite inspire you to have love as your religion!
Location: Tanzanite is a form of dark blue-purple Zosite. Properly speaking, to be called "Tanzanite" it must be mined in Tanzania. However, blue-purple Zoisite has been found in several other locations including Afghanistan, Australia, Pakistan, and the United States (Wyoming). The variety found in Wyoming is nicknamed "Prairie Tanzanite".
Mineral Family: Tanzanite / Blue Zoisite is a Silicate mineral. Silicate minerals form the largest family of minerals, including more than 25% of all known minerals and 40% of all common minerals. In addition to being a major part of the Earth's crust, Silicate minerals have also been found on the moon and in meteorites. Silicates are minerals which contain the elements Silicon (a light gray shiny metal) and Oxygen (a colorless gas). Together, these two elements form a tetrahedron – a shape similar to a pyramid – with a Silicon atom in the center and Oxygen atoms at each of the four corners. These tetrahedra connect with other chemical structures, in six different ways, to form various minerals and rocks. There are six main groups of Silicate minerals, and these main groups are further subdivided into secondary subdivisions, such as Quartz and Feldspar. Zoisite belongs to the sorosilicate family, in which two tetrahedral groups share a single oxygen molecule. It is closely related to Danburite, Dragonstone, Epidote and Vesuvianite.
Formation: Tanzanite is formed by regional metamorphism and by the hydorthermal alteration of igneous rocks. It is sometimes found in Quartz veins and pegmites.
Mining: Tanzanite is a valuable gemstone and so is the primary purpose of several mines. In other locations, it may be mined in conjunction with other precious stones such as Jade.
View of Mount Kilimanjaro from the Zoisite Mines (Tanzanite), Mererni Hills, Northern Tanzania.
Enhancements: While most Zoisites are fully natural and have been enhanced only by tumbling, cutting, and polishing, Tanzanites are often heat-treated to bring out their color and to remove any brown spots and patches. Gem-quality Tanzanite can also be created in labs.
Tanzanite is a rare variety of blue-purple Zoisite. It was discovered and popularized in the 20th century. As a result, it was not included in any older lapidaries, texts that describe gemstones and their powers, but it is included in many modern ones. While blue-purple Zoisite has been found in several locations, most of the precious gemstones are from the Mererani Hills deposit in northern Tanzania.
Tanzanite was discovered in January 1967, shortly after a large bush fire had swept across the plains below Mount Kilimanjaro. The fire burned away the grass, leaving the ground exposed, and gave a natural "heat treatment" to the reddish-brown and clear Zoisites in the area, turning them a stunning blue-purple. Shortly after the burn, Jumanne Ngomaa a Masaii tribesman and amateur prospector crossed the Mererani Hills and saw the gems glittering in the sunlight. He didn't recognize them and so he took the gems to Nairobi, a city with a strong gemstone and mineral industry for formal identification.
The gems were shown to geologists and wholesale gemstone-dealer, John Saul, who quickly determined that they weren't Sapphires, Iolites, or any other well-known blue gemstone. He sent a few samples to his father, Hyman Saul, the vice-president of Saks 5th Avenue in New York City. Hyman Saul took the mystery stones to the Gemological Institute of America who soon identified them as blue-purple Zoisite. The color was so remarkable that news of the find very quickly reached the ears of Henry B. Platt, one of the leaders of the New York based jewelry company, Tiffany and Co.
Henry B. Platt instantly fell in love with the new gemstone, but thought that the name "blue Zoisite" wasn't very marketable. He feared that the word Zoisite sounded too similar to "Suicide"! So he re-branded the gems as Tanzanite and revealed it in October 1968. The marketing campaigns focused on the rarity of the stone, with early advertisements saying that Tanzanite could only be found in two locations "Tanzania and Tiffanys!". The gem has been aggressively marketed by Tiffany and Co ever since, even going so far as to call it the "Gemstone of the (20th) Century".
In 1971, the government of Tanzania nationalized the mine at Mererani Hills. Today, this mine remains the only source for gem-quality Blue Zoisite in Tanzania. It is a small deposit, a mere 4 miles by 1.2 miles (7km-2km), divided into four blocks. It is composed of hundreds of individual claims, both pits and underground tunnels, which are closely guarded and mined around the clock. In 2017, the Tanzania government decided to build a wall around the Mererani Hills deposit, with only one gate, to prevent illegal mining and tax evasion. Tanzania is a very mineral-rich nation, but also one of the most poverty-stricken. It is estimated that only 5% of the global trade in Tanzanite directly benefits Tanzania, the remaining 95% is pocketed by wealthy mining corporations.
Spiritual: Tanzanite connects the mind and heart so they can work together in a balanced and powerful way. It helps us to recognize what our heart is yearning to do and shows us how we can practically follow that yearning. Tanzanite helps us to ground our spiritual beliefs in our everyday actions. Rather than being a "Sunday Christian" or the equivalent, it reminds us that our true religion is shown in how we treat ourselves, our loved ones, strangers, and the world at large. What we say only matters, if it matches our actions. Tanzanite helps us to hear messages whispered from the Divine, as well as the promptings of own personal Spirit Guides and Guardian Angels. It can also help us to better understand our own intuition and psychic insights. Tanzanite offers protection during spiritual travels and during times of great personal transformation. It helps us to move beyond self-limiting concepts and step into our full Personal Power so that we can achieve our goals. Tanzanite invites us to be a force of goodness and to leave the world better than we found it. It is attuned to the Heart (4th), Throat (5th), Third Eye (6th) and Crown (7th) Chakras and linked to the astological signs of Gemini, Libra and Sagittarius. It is connected to the element of Wind and vibrates to the number 2.
Emotional: Tanzanite reveals our heart's wisdom to us and helps us to put it into words and actions. It helps us to explore what we are being called to do as our life's mission and how we can best get there. Tanzanite helps us to stay emotionally and physically in balance while we are questioning, growing, and wrestling with life's many distractions. It encourages us to be compassionate and loving towards ourselves and others. Tanzanite also helps us to keep the big picture in mind and be patient with our own progress. It helps us to choose useful and honest metrics to judge ourselves and our progress. Tanzanite encourages us to step into our power and to stop making excuses. It promises us that we are far more capable than we give ourselves credit for.
Mental: Tanzanite calms a hyperactive mind so that we can think clearly about complex topics and not let our emotions run away with us. It helps us to logically explore the nature of the problems we face and it provides inspiration for happy solutions. Tanzanite encourages us to do what works, what blesses, and what protects all the parties involved. It helps us to see the big picture while also recognizing the hidden costs in the details. Tanzanite encourages us to be creative and consider new perspectives, but it also helps us to stay on track and not waste time on useless mental tangents. It can also helps us to avoid thinking about things repetitively, especially negative memories or fear which can get caught in a mental loop. It helps us to better assess the different parts of ourselves and our past and to make peace with them. Tanzanite is an excellent talisman for anyone who works as a therapist, counselor, coach or healer and who need to be able to help their clients understand the meaning behind their emotions and how to move forward.
Physical: Tanzanite is used by metaphysical healers to heal exhausted adrenal glands and to bring the body back into balance. It is also believe to help strengthen and align the spine. It is said to be helpful for treating disorders in the eyes and skin. Tanzanite is also used by metaphysical healers to find the root cause behind psycho-somatic disorders, so that the real problem can be addressed and healed.
Earth to Pocket is the Moonrise Crystal business mission. It's the promise that any stones purchased here will be consciously sourced and the journey of the stone, from the Earth into your Pocket, will be as transparent as possible.
These rough Tanzanite were mined from the Mererani Hills deposit in Tanzania and purchased by a small US-based gemstone wholeseller who specializes in rare African gems and buys directly from the miners.
It would be my pleasure to hand-select a beautiful Tanzanite for you.
This price is for one stone. You can buy a single Tanzanite or several, depending on your individual needs. Each Tanzanite measures approximately 1 inch at its longest length and has a unique shape with soft edges. Tumbled stones are natural products and variations are part of their beauty.
The stone I choose for you will be a beautiful soft matte purple. If you buy multiple stones, I will choose stones that look and feel particularly good together. Stones will be cleansed and smudged with sage before being shipped to you.
With their beautiful color and clean energies, these Tanzanite are perfect for crystal healing. Add them to a medicine bag, place them on an altar, use them in a crystal elixir, fashion them into jewelry, or simply carry them in your pocket.
I received the stones today, and their energy is so strong and positive.
Gorgeous crystal with excellent color and depth! I love it! Packed carefully and shipped quickly! Thank you!