text:
import json
import os
import pwd
import shutil
import tempfile
from collections import namedtuple
from datetime import datetime, timedelta
from pathlib import Path
from unittest.mock import MagicMock

import OpenSSL
import pytest

import bigacme.cert

ORG_CWD = os.getcwd()

FOLDERS = ["config", "cert", "cert/backup"]

def setup_module(module):
    temp_dir = tempfile.mkdtemp()
    os.chdir(temp_dir)
    for folder in FOLDERS:
        os.makedirs(folder)

def teardown_module(module):
    if "/tmp/" in os.getcwd():
        shutil.rmtree(os.getcwd())
    os.chdir(ORG_CWD)

def _generate_certificate(not_before, not_after):
    """Generates a certificate in a file for testing purposes"""
    key = OpenSSL.crypto.PKey()
    key.generate_key(OpenSSL.crypto.TYPE_RSA, 1024)
    cert = OpenSSL.crypto.X509()
    cert.set_serial_number(357)
    cert.get_subject().CN = "test"
    cert.set_issuer(cert.get_subject())
    cert.gmtime_adj_notBefore(not_before)
    cert.gmtime_adj_notAfter(not_after)
    cert.set_pubkey(key)
    cert.sign(key, "sha256")
    return OpenSSL.crypto.dump_certificate(OpenSSL.crypto.FILETYPE_PEM, cert).decode()

def _generate_csr(cn, san):
    """Generates a csr for testing purposes"""
    key = OpenSSL.crypto.PKey()
    key.generate_key(OpenSSL.crypto.TYPE_RSA, 1024)
    req = OpenSSL.crypto.X509Req()
    if cn:
        req.get_subject().CN = cn
    if san:
        sn = [OpenSSL.crypto.X509Extension(b"subjectAltName", False, san)]
        req.add_extensions(sn)
    req.set_pubkey(key)
    req.sign(key, "sha256")
    return OpenSSL.crypto.dump_certificate_request(
        OpenSSL.crypto.FILETYPE_PEM, req
    ).decode()

def test_get_certs_that_need_action():
    configtp = namedtuple("Config", ["cm_renewal_days", "cm_delayed_days"])
    config = configtp(cm_renewal_days=12, cm_delayed_days=4)
    csr = _generate_csr("commonName", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")

    # certs to be renewed
    cert_tbr1 = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "cert_tbr1", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert_tbr1.cert = _generate_certificate(-90800, 4320)
    cert_tbr1.mark_as_installed()
    cert_tbr2 = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "cert_tbr2", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert_tbr2.cert = _generate_certificate(-9_320_000, 90800)
    cert_tbr2.mark_as_installed()

    # certs to be installed
    cert_tbi1 = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "cert_tbi1", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert_tbi1.cert = _generate_certificate(-995_700, 1_923_200)
    cert_tbi1.status = bigacme.cert.Status.TO_BE_INSTALLED
    cert_tbi1.save()

    cert_tbi2 = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "cert_tbi2", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert_tbi2.cert = _generate_certificate(-999_700, 9_123_200)
    cert_tbi2.status = bigacme.cert.Status.TO_BE_INSTALLED
    cert_tbi2.save()

    # cert that neither
    cert_tbnothin = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "cert_tbnothin", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert_tbnothin.cert = _generate_certificate(-29_123_200, 29_123_200)
    cert_tbnothin.mark_as_installed()

    # random file in folder
    with open("./cert/not_json.json", "w") as open_file:
        open_file.write("this is not json")
    tbr, tbi = bigacme.cert.get_certs_that_need_action(config)
    tbr_names = tbi_names = []
    for cert in tbr:
        tbr_names.append(cert.name)
    for cert in tbi:
        tbi_names.append(cert.name)
    assert "cert_tbr1" and "cert_tbr2" in tbr_names
    assert "cert_tbi1" and "cert_tbi2" and "cert_tbnothin" not in tbr_names
    assert "cert_tbi1" and "cert_tbi2" in tbi_names
    assert "cert_tbr1" and "cert_tbr2" and "cert_tbnothin" not in tbi_names

def test_cert_about_to_expire():
    """Tests if a certificate about to expires is detected"""
    cert = _generate_certificate(-10800, 432_000)
    not_after_str, _ = bigacme.cert._get_cert_dates(cert)
    assert bigacme.cert._check_if_cert_about_to_expire(not_after_str, 14)

def test_cert_not_about_to_expire():
    """Tests if a certificate not about to expire is not detected"""
    cert = _generate_certificate(-10800, 15_552_000)
    not_after_str, _ = bigacme.cert._get_cert_dates(cert)
    assert not bigacme.cert._check_if_cert_about_to_expire(not_after_str, 14)

def test_get_cert_dates():
    cert = _generate_certificate(-10800, 15_552_000)
    actual_nva, actual_nvb = bigacme.cert._get_cert_dates(cert)
    expected_nva = (datetime.today().utcnow() + timedelta(seconds=15_552_000)).strftime(
        "%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%S"
    )
    expected_nvb = (datetime.today().utcnow() + timedelta(seconds=-10800)).strftime(
        "%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%S"
    )
    assert actual_nva.isoformat() == expected_nva
    assert actual_nvb.isoformat() == expected_nvb

def test_delete_expired_backups():
    cert = _generate_certificate(-10800, 15_552_000)
    expired_cert = _generate_certificate(-10800, -10)
    with open("./cert/backup/cert", "w") as open_file:
        open_file.write(cert)
    with open("./cert/backup/expired_cert", "w") as open_file:
        open_file.write(expired_cert)
    with open("./cert/backup/not_a_cert", "w") as open_file:
        open_file.write("this is not a cert")
    bigacme.cert.delete_expired_backups()
    assert os.path.isfile("./cert/backup/cert")
    assert not os.path.isfile("./cert/backup/expired_cert")

def test_create_certificate():
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.create("Partition", "Name")
    assert cert.partition == "Partition"
    assert cert.name == "Name"
    assert cert.status == bigacme.cert.Status.NEW
    assert str(cert.path) == "cert/%s_%s.json" % ("Partition", "Name")
    assert cert.validation_method == bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01

def test_new_certificate():
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Partition", "test_new_certificate", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.DNS01
    )
    assert cert.partition == "Partition"
    assert cert.name == "test_new_certificate"
    assert cert.csr == csr
    assert cert.validation_method == bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.DNS01

def test_get_non_existing_cert():
    with pytest.raises(bigacme.cert.CertificateNotFoundError):
        bigacme.cert.Certificate.get("Common", "test_get_non_existing_cert")

def test_save_and_get():
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Partition", "test_save_and_get", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert.save()
    cert2 = bigacme.cert.Certificate.get("Partition", "test_save_and_get")
    assert cert.__dict__ == cert2.__dict__

def test_get_without_validation_method():
    """Tests that a json withouth validation method fallbacks to http-01"""
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Partition",
        "test_get_without_validation_method",
        csr,
        bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.DNS01,
    )
    cert.save()
    with open(cert.path, "r+") as json_bytes:
        json_dict = json.loads(json_bytes.read())
        json_dict.pop("validation_method")
        json_bytes.seek(0)
        json_bytes.write(json.dumps(json_dict))
        json_bytes.truncate()
    cert2 = bigacme.cert.Certificate.get(
        "Partition", "test_get_without_validation_method"
    )
    assert cert2.validation_method == bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01

def test_save_and_delete():
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "test_save_and_delete", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert.save()
    assert os.path.isfile(cert.path)
    cert.delete()
    assert not os.path.isfile(cert.path)

def test_mark_as_installed():
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "test_mark_as_installed", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert.save()
    assert cert.status == bigacme.cert.Status.NEW
    with open(cert.path, "r") as json_bytes:
        assert json.loads(json_bytes.read())["status"] == "New"
    cert.mark_as_installed()
    assert cert.status == bigacme.cert.Status.INSTALLED
    with open(cert.path, "r") as json_bytes:
        assert json.loads(json_bytes.read())["status"] == "Installed"

def test_renew():
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "test_renew", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    org_cert = _generate_certificate(0, 1_555_200)
    org_chain = _generate_certificate(0, 1_555_200)
    org_cert_and_chain = org_cert + org_chain
    cert.cert = org_cert_and_chain
    new_cert = _generate_certificate(0, 1_555_200)
    new_chain = _generate_certificate(0, 1_555_200)
    new_cert_and_chain = new_cert + new_chain
    cert.renew(new_cert_and_chain)
    assert os.path.isfile("./cert/backup/Common_test_renew.cer")
    assert cert.status == bigacme.cert.Status.TO_BE_INSTALLED

def test_up_for_installation():
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "test_old_enough", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert.cert = _generate_certificate(-1_980_000, 4_320_000)
    cert.status = bigacme.cert.Status.TO_BE_INSTALLED
    assert cert.up_for_installation(13)

def test_not_up_for_installation_not_old_enough():
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "test_old_enough", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert.cert = _generate_certificate(0, 4_320_000)
    cert.status = bigacme.cert.Status.TO_BE_INSTALLED
    assert not cert.up_for_installation(14)

def test_not_up_for_installation_wrong_status():
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "test_old_enough", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert.cert = _generate_certificate(-1_980_000, 4_320_000)
    cert.status = bigacme.cert.Status.INSTALLED
    assert not cert.up_for_installation(13)

def test_up_for_renewal():
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "test_about_to_expire", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert.cert = _generate_certificate(-10800, 432_000)
    assert cert.up_for_renewal(14)

def test_not_up_for_renewal():
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common", "test_not_about_to_expire", csr, bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01
    )
    cert.cert = _generate_certificate(-10800, 432_000_000)
    assert not cert.up_for_renewal(14)

def test_save_cert_weird_error():
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common",
        "test_save_when_owned_by_another_user",
        csr,
        bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01,
    )
    cert.path = MagicMock()
    cert.path.write_text.side_effect = IOError
    with pytest.raises(IOError):
        cert.save()

def test_save_when_owned_by_another_user(opt_user):
    """
    If a certificate is issued by another user than the one who is running the renew job
    the cert file will be owned by the issuing user. This should not fail as long as we
    own the folder and are able to re-create the file.

    Here we create a csr as root and then change to a normal user and try to save it again
    """
    if os.geteuid() != 0:
        pytest.skip("Not running as root")
    csr = _generate_csr("common-name", b"DNS:san1,DNS:san2")
    cert = bigacme.cert.Certificate.new(
        "Common",
        "test_save_when_owned_by_another_user",
        csr,
        bigacme.cert.ValidationMethod.HTTP01,
    )
    cert.save()
    uid = pwd.getpwnam(opt_user).pw_uid
    os.chown(".", uid, -1)
    # The folders must be owned by the correct user
    for folder in FOLDERS:
        os.chown(folder, uid, -1)
    os.setuid(uid)
    cert.save()
    path = Path(cert.path)
    assert path.exists()
    assert path.owner() == opt_user


New car registrations in March 2011 improved by 5.9% over 2010 (excluding scrappage volumes), according to SMMT figures. March is traditionally the strongest month for new sales, thanks to the new number plate being introduced.
Demand for the 11-plate was 1.4% greater than SMMT predictions.
New car registrations fell by 7.9% overall in March compared to 2010, but 13% of new cars registered last March were scrappage related, distorting figures. Fleet and business registrations increased in both March and in the first quarter of 2011 overall.
Sales have fallen for the past nine consecutive months, but the market is still on course to meet SMMT's forecast for the year, which is for a drop of 5.0% in new registrations compared to 2010.
Average new car CO2 emissions were the lowest on record this March at 140.3g/km, 3.4% lower than last year.
Diesel car registrations are up 7.9%, and they now represent almost half of all new cars sold, and alternatively fuelled vehicles, such as those powered by electricity, made up a record 1.4% of the market.
The Ford Fiesta was the most popular car in March, with 19,676 sold. Ford also took second place with the Focus. The Vauxhall Corsa was the third most popular vehicle in March.


Kumamoto University, abbreviated to Kumadai, is a Japanese national university located in Kumamoto, Kumamoto prefecture in the Kyushu region of Japan. It was established on May 31, 1949, at which time the following institutions were subsumed into it; Kumamoto Teachers College (established in 1874), Kumamoto Pharmaceutical College (1885), the Fifth High School (1887), Kumamoto Medical College (1896), and Kumamoto Technical College (1906).
A collaborative research group led by Kumamoto University has developed a new control system for regulating the morphology and orientation of cells that constitute animal tissues.
Research from the Eisei Bunko Research Center of Kumamoto University reveals that Tadatoshi Hosokawa, a 17th-century lord of Kyusyu, Japan, ordered his people to produce not only wine but also opium for medical purposes.


MACOMB, Mich. -- Mike Weber stood in the hallway of Dakota High School waiting for cornerback Damon Webb to be ready. Webb was Weber's ride to Columbus.
As the Sound Mind Sound Body camp in the Detroit area came to an end, Weber didn't realize that Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was giving a speech to roughly 500 prospects behind the doubler doors not more than 30 feet away.
"It's kind of weird," Weber said when he realized how close he was to Harbaugh. "He was a cool guy, but I couldn't really get to know him in a few days before Signing Day. So I went with my gut and Ohio State."
Now Webb and Weber, two former stars at Detroit Cass Tech, are headed back to Columbus. A four-star running back, Weber is reporting with the rest of Ohio State's 2015 recruiting class this weekend to begin his Buckeyes career.
It's about time after what was a tumultuous few months.
Because Weber was originally committed to Michigan before he flipped to Ohio State. Then he almost flipped back once the Wolverines hired Harbaugh, but he stuck with his choice to join Urban Meyer. He gave the Buckeyes his signature.
Then the day after National Signing Day, Ohio State running backs coach Stan Drayton took a job in the NFL with the Chicago Bears. Weber, who spoke to Drayton in the early hours of National Signing Day, felt torn and deceived when he heard the news.
Now months later, on the day he reports to Ohio State, Weber addressed the issue publicly for the first time.
"It was really upsetting. It just felt like I wasn't satisfied," Weber told Northeast Ohio Media Group on Friday. "It just felt like I couldn't trust anything or anybody. I had to realize that this is a business, a part of the game. It woke me up a lot. I am at Ohio State now, and hopefully these three or four years (will be great) and make it to the NFL."
The situation was harder considering that he's a Detroit kid who turned his back on Michigan for Ohio State.
"It was really tragic," Weber said. "It's hard living in the state of Michigan, being the top player, and going to the rival school. It's been a really hard journey, but I'm really happy about being at Ohio State, national champions, and we can do it again many more times."
When the Drayton situation first happened, Meyer looked like the bad guy. Cass Tech coach Thomas Wilcher told Northeast Ohio Media Group that he and Weber felt deceived.
Ohio State's head coach, however, turned out to be the reason Weber came back around to feel really comfortable and optimistic with his future in Columbus. Drayton's replacement, Tony Alford, helped, too.
"Urban made me feel like I was at home," Weber said. "He called me a lot and made sure that I was all right. And coach Tony Alford, I was really familiar with him because he offered me a scholarship at Notre Dame. He also kind of made me feel like the decision I made was really best for me."
So get ready for another powerful running back in the backfield for Ohio State. Weber is going to have to be ready to split carries with running back Ezekiel Elliott this fall, and he's been watching a ton of Carlos Hyde film trying to prepare.
"I have been watching a lot of Carlos," Weber said. "His game is pretty similar. The type of back Ezekiel is, he is more explosive and has more agility than me. But I think my power and his agility, we can make some noise together."
It was refreshing for Weber to talk about football again.
Starting Sunday, that's all he'll be able to think about.


text:
Team building replica of mythical vessel
MAY 5 —A group of shipbuilders and historians in the port town of Volos, Greece, is attempting to recreate the Argos, the mythological vessel said to be used by Jason and the Argonauts.
The group, which is with the Naudomos Institute, is using handmade tools and ancient Greek boatbuilding methods to construct the 92-foot, 50-oar wooden ship, news reports say. "It's extremely laborious work," Stelios Kalafatidis, one of the builders, says in a report. "We don't have large, proper, modern tools, only our hands and wooden mallets and chisels."
The group began work 15 months ago, reports say, and as of late April had completed only one quarter of the boat. The builders say that whole trees were placed in the hull and that wooden pegs and wedges hold together the frame and planks. They have mixed resin and glue to fill the gaps between the planks and to help preserve the ship. To design it, the builders say they pieced together images from vase paintings, wall frescos and other references to boats from the same time period.
In Greek mythology Jason and his crew, called the Argonauts, sailed from Volos (called Iolcos in ancient times) to retrieve the sacred golden fleece from a dragon guarding it in the city of Colchis, which is modern day Georgia.
Once the team has completed the Argo, the builders hope volunteers will sail the ship and follow Jason's route across the Aegean, through the Bosphorus to the Black Sea and on to Georgia, according to reports.
Godspeed replica
Bay replica to be converted to mall
Workboat replica winds up 'on the rocks'
Launch day for antique sub replica
Building boats for mother nature
Aquasport stops building boats

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Beautiful and sophisticated living at Zen at Salus. This like-new 2 bedrooms, 2 bath unit offers 800 sq. feet of tranquility on the quiet side of the building. This home features granite countertops, cool steel appliances and large private patio. Enjoy the enormous SPA inspired Clubhouse complete with Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Gym, Yoga Room, Sauna, Steam Room, Community Room and Lounge. Become part of this wonderful community with so much to offer.


Social network is a structure in which nodes are a set of social actors that are connected together by different types of relationships. Because of the complexity of the actors and the relationships between actors, social networks are always represented by weighted, labeled and directed graph. Social network analysis (NSA) is a set of techniques for determining and measuring the magnitude of the pressure. Social network analysis is focused also on visualization techniques for exploring the networks structure. It has gained a significant following in many fields of applications. It has been used to examine how the problems have been solved, how organizations interact with others, to understand the role of an individual in an organization… In this paper, we focus on two methods: 1- graphs visualization; 2- network analysis based on graph vertices comparison.


text:
Bottas: Williams far closer to Ferrari in Spain
By Luke SmithMay 11, 2015, 10:00 AM EDT
Valtteri Bottas believes that Williams has made a big step towards Ferrari in the battle to be second-best on the Formula 1 grid after splitting its cars once again in yesterday's Spanish Grand Prix.
Bottas executed a two-stop strategy well to finish fourth ahead of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in the race on Sunday, edging out the Finn by just seven-tenths of a second at the checkered flag.
For the second race in a row, Bottas managed to split the Ferrari drivers, and is confident that Williams has made up some ground on the Italian team.
"It was a really positive race overall because we are much closer to Ferrari than any other race so far," Bottas said. "The updates we brought here were small but it seems like we are definitely doing the right things.
"We are not too far away. The gap to Sebastian [Vettel] in the end of the race was smaller than any other race so far this season.
"We have closed the gap here a little bit but we still need more updates if we really want to fight with them for race pace. They are on the way and we just need to make sure we are improving more than them."
Teammate Felipe Massa was unable to fight with the Ferrari drivers thanks to a three-stop strategy, but the Brazilian took courage from Bottas' result.
"It was a good race for the team, scoring 20 points, not losing too much to Ferrari, but also getting a lot more than Red Bull which is really important and positive for our championship position," Massa said. "I managed to overtake cars on the first lap and then fought hard with Kimi for a long time, which was hard on the tires.
"Because of the extra degradation a three-stop race was better for me today, but it meant the others were too far ahead. We finished with one car in front of a Ferrari so we have shown that we can be competitive with them and we can now look forward to Monaco which will be a very different test for the car."


text:
© El Coleccionista de Instantes/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0
© Ein Dahmer/Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0
© Ahecht (Dickelbers)/Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0
Baoshan, China, Hong Kong, China, Keelung, Taiwan, Shanghai, China, Taipei, Taiwan, Tianjin, China, Xiamen, China
Asia, Australia & New Zealand, South Pacific
Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Singapore, Sydney, Australia, Tianjin, China
Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum-class cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean International (RCI) and the second ship of her class. The Quantum class is the third largest class of cruise ships behind MSC Cruises's Meraviglia class and Royal Caribbean International's Oasis class by gross tonnage.
On 11 February 2011, Royal Caribbean announced that they had ordered a new class of ships from the Meyer Werft... Read more
41 m (135 ft) (waterline)
On 11 February 2011, Royal Caribbean announced that they had ordered a new class of ships from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, the first of which was scheduled to be delivered by autumn 2014. At the time, the project was code-named "Project Sunshine". Later that year, two 20.5-megawatt ABB Azipod XO propulsion units were ordered for that ship.
On 29 February 2012 the company announced that a second "Project Sunshine" ship had been ordered and would be delivered by Spring 2015, and ordered identical Azipod propulsion units shortly thereafter. Just under a year later, on 31 January 2013, Royal Caribbean announced the official name of the new class of ships, Quantum Class, as well as the names of the first two ships in the class, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.
Anthem of the Seas was delivered to Royal Caribbean on 10 April 2015. She arrived at her first homeport, Southampton, England, on 15 April 2015, to prepare for her maiden European summer season. At a ceremony held in Southampton on 20 April 2015, she was christened by Emma Wilby, a British travel agent chosen after a search for a travel agent who could sing, and also because she exemplified "grace, beauty, a social conscious (sic) and a sense of adventure." In addition to being a travel agent, Wilby is a military wife who sings in the Military Wives Choir in Kinloss, Scotland.
The christening ceremony took place in the vessel's Royal Theatre in front of 1,300 guests. It began with a procession, followed by performances by the Reading Scottish Pipe Band, and Only Boys Aloud, a boys' choir from Wales. Wilby then sang Katy Perry's hit song "Firework", after which she pushed a button to send a very large bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne down a zipline on the ship's top deck, from the North Star gondola thrill ride into a wall bearing the ship's name.
Anthem of the Seas departed from Southampton on her maiden voyage, an eight-night cruise to France and Spain, on 22 April 2015. She has spent her maiden European season cruising from Southampton to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands. Beginning in November 2015, she will operate seven- to twelve-night itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, United States. In 2016, Anthem of the Seas will sail year-round out of New Jersey, sailing to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada/New England. Anthem of the Seas will become the largest ship ever to cruise Canadian waters. Beginning May of 2020, Anthem of the Seas will homeport in Southampton, UK and will return to Cape Liberty in November of 2020.
Anthem of the Seas has 16 passenger-accessible decks with a total of 2090 passenger cabins. Her facilities include a Wave Loch Flowrider surf simulator, a rock-climbing wall, a skydiving simulator, swimming pools, a solarium, a Spa and Fitness Center, a theater and a casino.
MS_Anthem_of_the_Seas
Attractions on Anthem of the Seas
Port Merchants
Duty-free liquor & tobacco.
Fuel Teen Disco
Teens enjoy a dedicated night club and a teen-only space, the Fuel Teen Disco, where they can hang out without the kids or adults around. Teens get their own Cruise Compass filled with lots of ship...
The Via
Hidden just beyond the Royal Esplanade lies The Via, an enclave of elegant dining and boutiques for leisurely moments in good company.
Our onboard library features comfortable reading chairs as well as an impressive selection of books and guidebooks.
La Patisserie
A quaint and cozy coffeehouse and pastry shop in the French tradition.
Royal Esplanade
An unparalleled collection of celebrated brands comes together in the Royal Esplanade, featuring Cartier, TAG Heuer, Michael Kors, Kiehl's and more iconic brands.
Sorrento's
For an authentic New York pizzeria experience, head to Sorrento's for fully-loaded pies right out of the oven. Sample rotating creations from chorizo to Hawaiian to Pizza Florentine - with classic ...
Original artwork to view, browse, admire, and enjoy. Pop in to find something to take home, or to simply inspire the soul.
Teens enjoy a dedicated night club and a teen-only space, the Living Room, where they can hang out without the kids or adults around. Teens get their own Cruise Compass filled with lots of shipboar...
Blips, bleeps, clangs and cheers. Play to win in a classic arca de atmosphere with timeless games, table hockey, exciting driving games, cranes and ticket to prize games.


Stafford Regional Airport is located within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, which is the largest metropolitan economy in the US. The airport is also near other northern Virginia business centers. The airspace is located outside of the Washington, D.C. Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA).
Stafford Regional Airport offers quality air travel service with a 5,000-ft. by 100-ft. runway with full parallel taxiways, and a 37-acre paved aircraft parking apron. The airport is equipped with, Jet-A, and Avgas fuel storage facilities, and is a state-of-the-art transportation hub. Some of the facilities are available for lease development for aviation-related business facilities.
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.– 4 p.m.


The Mosky C8 Power supply features a built-in toroidal power supply with 8 outputs with variable voltage outputs.
Each output is completely isolated, short-circuit protected, highly filtered and regulated. This ensures reliable operation, free of hum and noise. The Mosky C8 Power Station includes two high current outputs (300mA), capable of properly powering newer high power usage effects. It also features two variable voltage ( 4V – 9V ) outputs to simulate worn batteries.
Switching power supplies like the ones used in cellphone chargers are small and inexpensive, but they generate quite a bit of noise, which interferes with the sound of your pedals. On the other hand, conventional transformers cause hum in audio paths which come near it. For this reason, the C8 power station was designed with a custom low-noise toroidal transformer which has separate balanced windings for each output. This ensures a dead quiet operation for even the most sensitive pedals!


Wow Erin, some cool shots. Glad you arrived safely.
I loved the yellow door and color through the archway lit up by sun, neat. Also loved the angle of the church shot, the pope and his $$$ hat thing (whatever they call that in Catholic-speak), and the abolish bull fighting demonstration. Glad to see there is such a thing locally.


text:
6.14: Lanthanides and Actinides
[ "article:topic", "showtoc:no", "license:ccbync" ]
Book: Introductory Chemistry (CK-12)
6: The Periodic Table
Lanthanides and Actinides
The \(f\)-Block
Uses of Lanthanides
Uses of Actinides
Russian "nesting dolls" (often known as matryoshka dolls) have a long history in Russia. These dolls are designed to nest inside of one another. When we open the largest doll, we find a somewhat smaller doll inside it. These dolls can often go down seven or eight layers, but some can go upwards of over thirty-five layers.
We see some hidden "layers" in chemistry. As we look at the periodic table below, we see two pink boxes - one between \(\ce{Ba}\) (element 56) and \(\ce{Hf}\) (element 72) and the other between \(\ce{Ra}\) (88) and \(\ce{Rf}\) (104). These elements all have unfilled \(f\)-sublevels. Because of the uniqueness of the electron configurations, these elements fit into the two boxes in the larger periodic table.
As the number of electrons in an atom increases, we begin to see some strange behaviors. Due to the way the electron energy levels work, some inner levels fill after one or more outer layers do. We see this in two similar groups of elements - the lanthanides and the actinides.
Figure 6.14.1: The lanthanides and actinides are displayed below the rest of the periodic table, but in reality belong in the middle of periods 6 and 7, respectively.
The first of the \(f\) sublevels to begin filling is the \(4f\) sublevel. It fills after the \(6s\) sublevel, meaning that \(f\) sublevels are two principal energy levels behind. The general electron configuration for elements in the \(f\)-block is \(\left( n-2 \right) f^{1-14} ns^2\). The seven orbitals of the \(f\) sublevel accommodate 14 electrons, so the \(f\) block is 14 elements in length. It is pulled out of the main body of the periodic table and is shown at the very bottom. Because of that, the elements of the \(f\) block do not belong to a group, being wedged in between Groups 3 and 4. The lanthanides are the 14 elements from cerium (atomic number 58) to lutetium (atomic number 71). The word comes from the Greek "\(\lambda \alpha \nu \theta \alpha \nu \epsilon \iota \nu \)" meaning "to be hidden". The name probably arose because these elements all hide behind one another in the periodic table. The \(4f\) sublevel is in the process of being filled for the lanthanides. They are all metals and are similar in reactivity to the Group 2 alkaline earth metals.
The actinides are the 14 elements from thorium (atomic number 90) to lawrencium (atomic number 103). The \(5f\) sublevel is in the process of being filled. The actinides are all radioactive elements and only the first four have been found naturally on Earth. All of the others have only been artificially made in the laboratory. The lanthanides and actinides together are sometimes called the inner transition elements.
Lanthanides have been widely used as alloys to impart strength and hardness to metals. The main lanthanide used for this purpose is cerium, mixed with small amounts of lanthanum, neodymium, and praseodymium. These metals are also widely used in the petroleum industry for refining crude oil into gasoline products.
Figure 6.14.2: Oil refinery.
Erbium and other lanthanides are widely used in some optical devices, such as night vision goggles, laser beams, and phosphorescent materials.
Figure 6.14.3: Night vision goggles.
The actinides are valuable primarily because they are radioactive. These elements can be used as energy sources for applications as varied as cardiac pacemakers and generation of electrical energy for instruments on the moon. Uranium and plutonium have been employed in nuclear weapons and in nuclear power plants.
Figure 6.14.4: Pacemaker.
Lanthanides and actinides are elements with unfilled \(f\) orbitals.
Lanthanides are all metals with reactivity similar to group 2 elements.
Actinides are all radioactive elements.
Lanthanides are used in optical devices (night vision goggles), petroleum refining, and alloys.
Actinides are found primarily in applications where their radioactivity can be used to power devices such as cardiac pacemakers
CK-12 Foundation by Sharon Bewick, Richard Parsons, Therese Forsythe, Shonna Robinson, and Jean Dupon.
6.13: Transition Elements
6.15: Periodic Trends: Atomic Radius


text:
Larry Wilmore Chats With Ahmed Mohamed On The Nightly Show [VIDEO]
Written By D.L. Chandler
Although much of the fervor around Ahmed Mohamed's arrest in Irving, Texas has largely died down, the high school inventor is still making the media rounds. Mohamed was a guest on Larry Wilmore's The Nightly Show where the pair nerded out about inventions and the teen shared details of his arrest over a clock he invented that was assumed to be a bomb.
Mohamed, 14, was arrested on Sept. 14 for bringing his makeshift clock to school in order to impress a teacher. The aspiring engineer was then accused of bringing a hoax bomb to school and hauled off like a common criminal. Larry Wilmore, a self-professed nerd himself, was especially struck by Mohamed's story and invited the boy to his show.
Like any shy kid, Mohamed laughed nervously through Wilmore jokes but was game in countering with answers despite the situation still being somewhat fresh. At one point, Wilmore points to a wall of clocks and jokes that they were just clocks and not bombs, prompting Mohamed to grin sheepishly.
Wilmore then asked Mohamed about the arrest, saying that the situation gave him a bit of street cred. Mohamed admitted that it was cool but had this to say to uproarious applause.
"It was kind of cool," Mohamed said. "The only reason I felt cool about it was that I knew I was innocent, and I knew that if I took it to court I would win."
Mohamed is now a former student of MacArthur High School, this after his father, Mohamed El-Hassan Mohamed, pulled him and his other children out of area schools.
Watch Ahmed Mohamed's interview with Larry Wilmore on The Nightly Show below.
The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore
Get More: The Nightly Show Full Episodes,The Nightly Show on Facebook,The Nightly Show Video Archive
Photo: Comedy Central
ahmed mohamed	, Larry Wilmore


text:
<?php

/*
 * This file is part of Mannequin.
 *
 * (c) 2017 Last Call Media, Rob Bayliss <rob@lastcallmedia.com>
 *
 * This source file is subject to the MIT license that is bundled
 * with this source code in the file LICENSE.
 */

namespace LastCall\Mannequin\Core;

use SebastianBergmann\Version as VersionId;

/**
 * Determines the version of this package.
 *
 * Version is based on a stated tag (updated by the release packaging), and
 * git info, if available.
 */
class Version
{
    const TAG = '1.0.7';

    private static $version;

    public static function id(): string
    {
        if (null === self::$version) {
            $version = new VersionId(static::TAG, __DIR__);
            self::$version = $version->getVersion();
        }

        return self::$version;
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Categories in which the devices of the manufacturer Algolith are stored.
In this place you will find all the manuals available for equipment of the manufacturer Algolith, which can be found in our database. User manuals Algolith are sorted by the product category. Locate the category that interests you, and then the device made by Algolith.


When we practice meditation and strive to focus our mind on higher spiritual reality, the struggle to concentrate can be disheartening.
But we don't have to become disheartened; we can see the struggle more positively – though initially demanding, it is eventually fulfilling. The Bhagavad-gita (06.26) reflects such optimism: It acknowledges the mind's distractibility, but still encourages us to focus on spiritual reality. And the next verse (06.27) assures that such diligent practice will cleanse the mind, making it peaceful and joyful.
If we practice determinedly, meditation will gradually become enlivening, especially when we meditate on the supreme spiritual reality, Krishna. Such devotional meditation comprises an inexhaustible inner energy source that will energize us throughout the day.
Even if we don't succeed in concentrating during meditation, the sincere attempt to concentrate will foster within us the healthy habit of becoming self-aware. The resulting enhanced alertness will help us in other aspects of our life too – whenever we become distracted, we will recognize faster that we have become distracted and will more quickly reorient ourselves.
Of course, as compared to the effort needed to concentrate, we may feel that going along with the mind is so easy. But that ease will soon end in exasperation. If we go through the motions of meditation without striving to concentrate internally, we will feel irritated that our time has been wasted. And because we have let the mind run wild during meditation, it will acquire a strong momentum that will distract us from other things that need to be done. Thus, even without having done anything substantial, we will end up feeling drained by the mind's relentless running around.
Instead, if we strive diligently to concentrate during meditation, our mind will gradually become calmer and clearer, thereby helping us make our whole life more purposeful, productive and fulfilling.
Please accept my humble obesiance.
Often, while chanting various anxieties pop up in the mind.
I have observed in my case that when i try to forcefully hear the sound vibration, and try to supress these anxiety relates thoughts, it causes development of a controllership mental attitude which later on reflects while dealing with people also.
Is it therefore, not better that when anxieties come during chanting, one passively hopes and prays for the thoughts to go away rather than trying to suppress them and trying to hear the names?
Your reply will really help.


The last straw... They tried to kill me.
They'll try to kill you if your not careful.
With my hardware I bought 30 cotter pins.
After about the 10th one... I pulled the leg to secure a clevis pin... POP !!!
I got a message about my order from A.S.S for reviewing products... I had sent it to the trash.
After the cotter pin broke so easy... I went back and found that review.
I wrote a simple review... and mentioned I hope they don't do that at 5,000 ft.
later... it dawned on me... THEY STOPPED ME FROM WARNING OTHERS !!!
Anything for a Buck ???
You can see the NEW one has a nasty crack... just ready to break.
Buyer Beware... Too many stories and bad experiences with A.S.S.
My Wicks catalog is on the way.
How many other reviews have they suppressed ?
Two things, been in the maintenance business a long time. The Faa only gets involved when someone gets hurt (plane or person) or if a new inspector wants to make a name for himself/herself.
The other I have learned is if your going to get them involved you better be squeaky clean, cause the person that starts the investigation almost always gets violated. They are not here to help.
To ignore it for my own protection is irresponsible to fellow aviators.
If Aircraft Spruce REVIEW system actually worked.
But the PR Nazis wouldn't let something like that spoil their sales.
Writing a few forums only warns those close to me.
The FAA was "Peace of Mind" that it WILL get looked into.
Aircraft Spruce has had SHADY dealings with me... and others.
This is what happened when I put those cotter pins in my Controls.
This picture is my Right aileron control rod.
It's cracked so bad , it's barely on.
microscope camera on my laptop.
Hit myself in the eye with the needle nose pliers.
Then I looked at some NEW unused cotter pins from the order.
That's why I inspected the ones I put on my plane.
I will remove every one.
But not until the FAA is finished with their investigation.


text:
42 of China's most unmissable sights!
30th November 2018 15th January 2020 Nicci
China is a country full of wonders – ancient, cultural, natural, man-made…they've got plenty of them all! For anyone planning holidays to China, deciding what to include on your itinerary is an exciting but epic task. But fear not, Wendy Wu Tours, the China experts, are here to help with our list, in no particular order, of unmissable sights!
Now we're not saying you have to do all 42 but…
1. Jinshanling Great Wall
China's most iconic sight, of course the Great Wall had to be on the list! To make it easier to tick off though we've narrowed it down to our favourite section of the Great Wall, Jinshanling. It's distance from Beijing, 78 miles, means it is less busy but a cable car up to its highest point means it is accessible. With many original features it's wonderfully preserved and has 31 watchtowers in many different shapes and sizes. Climb to any of them and you'll get magnificent views over the stark but magnificent surroundings and has some great hiking opportunities too!
2. Forbidden City
At the very heart of Beijing, the sprawling Forbidden City is one of the capital's most extraordinary sights. Home to China's emperors and off limits to commoners for 500 years, this labyrinth of exquisite traditional architecture, perfectly symmetrical, covers 180 acres and is the world's largest palace complex. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 there is no better place to glimpse the life of an imperial emperor.
3. Li River
The karst scenery of the Li River has long been the muse of many an artist and poet; in fact, it is so beloved that it even appears on the 20-yuan bank note! The lush countryside, dotted with towering limestone peaks, is best admired on the river cruise between the city of Guilin and the charming town of Yangshuo. From the water you'll glimpse a different side to China, where the pace of life is slow, conical hatted farms tend to their paddy fields and water buffalo set contentedly in the shallows. Explore the area deeper from Yangshuo on foot, by bike or by raft.
4. Giant Pandas
The world's most celebrated bear and at the heart of a huge conservation effort, the giant panda is China's loveable mascot. Around 80% of the world's population of pandas call Sichuan province home so this is the best place to see them. Chengdu Panda Research Base, located just 10 kilometres from the centre of the city, is easily reachable. Here you can see pandas of all ages enjoying life in surroundings that are very similar to their natural habitat in the nearby mountains. For a more rural, less busy encounter, try Dujiangyan Panda Reserve, just over an hour from Chengdu.
5. Yangtze River
A Yangtze River cruise is high on the list of many China explorers thanks to the magnificent landscapes of the Three Gorge, but there is so much more to it. One of the world's longest rivers, the Yangtze has played a hugely important role in China's historical, cultural and economic development for millennia; it was on its banks that some of the first Chinese cultures were born. Today, it's shoreline is an endless tapestry of rural and agricultural, broken by the occasionally historical site – a fascinating glimpse at a little seen side of the nation.
6. Terracotta Warriors
The discovery of the Terracotta Warriors is a charming tale of pure luck, a group of farmers digging a well and stumbling across the greatest archaeological find of the century. Today, three pits of about 8,000 soldiers, horses and chariots stand in ranks in huge hangers 25 miles outside of Xian, wowing visitors with their realistic features and intricate detail. The army surrounds the burial mound of Qin Shi Huang, the emperor who first united China in 221BC and the man the terracotta soldiers were made to protect in the afterlife; although the tomb has never been excavated, it's thought to be full of untold treasures!
7. Temple of Heaven
At the heart of a huge and ancient parkland, the Temple of Heaven is a place of balance and harmony in the middle of chaotic Beijing. Actually an alter that was once used by the emperor himself to pray for a good harvest, the perfect symmetry of the whole complex is based on Confucian principles. Whilst the temple itself is a must- visit, so is strolling through the park as it is the perfect place to see locals playing mahjong, practicing Tai Chi, or taking a dance class.
8. Grand Buddha of Leshan
Around 2 hours from Chengdu, the magnificent Grand Buddha of Leshan sits peacefully at the confluence of three rivers. At 71 metres tall, he was carved from the rock face 1,200 years ago on the orders of a Buddhist monk, who felt that the presence of the Buddha would calm the river currents and protect the boats plying the waters. It worked, but whether that was down to the will of Buddha or because of the large amount of stone that went into the river is up to you!
9. Longji Rice Terraces
Swirling their way across an already undulating landscape, the Longji Rice Terraces, also known as Dragon's Backbone, are a spectacular example of man and nature working in harmony. The aspect of the terraces changes with the seasons; in the spring waters reflect the moods of the sky, in summer they are full of fresh green shoots, in the summer bursting with lush rice plants, and in the winter grey and steely. Close to Guilin, it is a spectacular area to hike, giving you an ever-changing view of its beauty.
10. Summer Palace
The place that the imperial family lounged during the heat of the summer, the gorgeous Summer Palace is a masterpiece of traditional landscaping. On the outskirts of the city, intricately decorated halls, palaces and pavilions huddle harmoniously, following the principles of fengshui, on the shores of Kunming Lake, and offers a magical spot to relax and explore.
11. Tiger Leaping Gorge
In the mountainous reaches of Yunnan province, the waters of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River rush through a narrow, 16-kilometre long chasm – Tiger Leaping Gorge. At points it is over 3,000 metres from top to bottom, making it one of the world's deepest gorges and is made all the more impressive by the fact it's so narrow; at the spot where the legendary tiger leapt, it's just 30 metres wide! Considered one of China's most spectacular natural sights, it's an easy day trip from the city of Lijiang and, for the more adventurous, can be explored on foot.
12. Potala Palace
Standing high above Lhasa on the summit of Marpo Ri, the Potala Palace is the winter abode of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, and the former seat of Tibet's government. Built in the 17th century, it is a huge and opposing building, with 13 floors and over 1,000 rooms, some of which contain old treasures and intricately decorated chapels. For those with an interest in more recent history, you can also explore the simple apartments of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas.
13. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Incredible Zhangjiajie encompasses hundreds of towering sandstone pillars enveloped in lush, subtropical forest that is often swathed in a swirling mist, giving it a wonderfully otherworldly atmosphere. Take a cable car up to the pinnacle of one of the pillars to fully appreciate the views. As well as looking spectacular, Zhangjiajie is also exceptionally biodiverse and shelters a diverse range of flora and fauna, including civets and giant salamanders.
14. Mount Emei
Located just 2 hours from Chengdu and perfectly placed to be combined with the Grand Buddha of Leshan as a little jaunt from the city, Mount Emei (or Emeishan) is one of China's four sacred mountains. The site of the first Buddhist temple in the country, built in the 1st century, the mountain is dotted with old temples which can be reached along mountain paths, often full of pilgrims, that wind through lush woodland. This pristine woodland is also wonderfully biodiverse – nature lovers should check out the Emei Mountain Rare Botanical Garden for a sneak preview.
15. Everest Base Camp
Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain at 8,848 metres, straddles the border between Tibet and Nepal. Base Camp on the Tibet side of the mountain looks onto Everest's magnificent north face and give sweeping views of the extreme but starkly beautiful landscapes of the whole massif. Pay a visit to the monks of Rongbuk Monastery before venturing closer to Everest foot to the base camp proper, home to the world's highest post office!
16. Stone Forest
A unique place full of myth and legend, the Stone Forest is located in Yunnan province, just outside of capital Kunming. There's around 300 square kilometres of karst pinnacles which thrust out of the earth just like trees, hence the name, but were in fact formed by seismic activity 270 million years ago. Wandering through this fascinating illusion of woodland, you'll discover caves, waterfalls and lakes to, and come a step closer to unravelling its mysteries.
China's largest city and financial heart, Shanghai is where the East and West collide in a metropolis of gleaming skyscrapers. Sat on the mouth of the Yangtze, it was long a thriving port before becoming one of the world's largest financial hubs in the 1990s. The city is a place of doing rather than seeing, with luxury hotels, shopping centres and entertainments galore, but there are still plenty of treasures to be found for those who want to find them. Stroll down the Bund for beautiful Art Deco architecture, wander the alleys of the old town to find lovely old temples or cruise the waters of the Huangpu River for the perfect overview.
18. Pingyao
A perfectly preserved Ming dynasty walled city, Pingyao offers a step back in time to a China of times gone by. There are plenty of atmospheric alleys to stroll down, still hung with red-lanterns and lined with old stone houses with swooping roofs, longstanding temples and historic stone towers, all encompassed by the immaculate and magnificent city wall. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pingyao also has some fascinating financial history and was the home of China's first banks.
19. Macau
Boasting a blend of Chinese and Portuguese heritage, Macau is a unique and eccentric place to explore. Best known for its lively casino scene, there is so much more to the city and the UNESCO-World Heritage-listed Historic Centre is a must visit. The Macanese cuisine is also a revelation and is fantastically diverse, with options for all budgets – indulgent Michelin star all the way down to delicious street food.
20. Suzhou
A city famous for its classical gardens, Suzhou is home to around 60 traditional gardens. With a reputation for high culture and elegance, at the heart of Suzhou is an old town of waterways and cobbled streets, and it's here that you'll find 9 UNESCO World Heritage gardens that are considered masterpieces of garden design. The best known are the Master of the Nets and the Humble Administrator's gardens, which you can visit and judge for yourself.
21. Hong Kong
One of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, thanks to its time as an important port and then British protectorate, Hong Kong effortlessly blends east and west. With a world-famous cityscape, which is best admired from Victoria Peak, Hong Kong is actually made up of 237 islands, some brimming with people and modernity and others quiet, peaceful and traditional. Beyond the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island, there are plenty of quiet corners where tradition still reigns supreme, with plenty of incense-filled temples and quaint old streets to explore.
22. Jokhang Temple
Tibet's holiest temple, the 1,300-year-old Jokhang is the home of the 'Jowa Sakyamuni', a revered golden Buddha said to have been to a gift from the Chinese princess Wencheng, on her marriage to Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. This Buddha makes the Jokhang an amazing place to people watch, as pilgrims from all across Tibet come here to worship. Usually wrapped up in traditional dress, you'll see them either prostrating themselves or swinging their handheld prayer wheels around the Barkhor, a pilgrimage circuit that surrounds the temple, before disappearing into the yak-butter-candle-filled interior of the temple. Follow them inside to experience the reverent atmosphere for yourself.
23. Kashgar Sunday Market
The city of Kashgar, part of the autonomous region of Xinjiang, exudes a different vibe to the rest of China, in part thanks to its Silk Road heritage. Watched over by towering minarets, Kashgar's famous Sunday market is a vibrant affair, a time when thousands of locals, often in traditional dress, descend on the city to buy and sell. You'll find anything and everything on the heaving stalls, from fresh fruit to electronics to clothing.
24. Mogao Grottoes
An astounding display of Buddhist art, the Mogao Grottoes, also known as the 'Cave of the Thousand Buddhas', came into existence in the 4th century as a place that monks, pilgrims and scholars taking the Silk Road could stop to worship. These worshippers would leave money, and over time, the complex filled with beautiful Buddha images; at its peak in the 7th century there were 1,000 caves temples in use. Mogao fell out of use in the 14th century and was forgotten about until the 19th, the darkness and dry air of the caves perfectly preserving a millennia's worth of art.
25. Datong
A charming town in its own right and an ancient capital to boot, there are two reasons that Datong appears on this list. One is the Yungang, a cave network bursting with over 50,000 Buddhist rock carvings and statues dating from the 5th century. The other is the Hanging Temple of Hengshan, the world's oldest wooden pagoda that is built into a cliff face, apparently defying gravity! Linked together by precarious wooden walkways and staircases, this is a place of worship for Confucians, Taoist and Buddhist.
26. Lijiang
Huddled amongst the forests and fields at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang is a charming town in a spectacular setting. Once the capital of the Naxi, the indigenous people of the Himalayas and the northern reaches of Yunnan province, Lijiang's rich 800-year history is plain to see on the labyrinthine streets of the UNESCO-listed old town. Flanked by bubbling streams, trailing willows and picturesque stone bridges, wandering along them is a delightful step back in time. Make sure you stroll down to Black Dragon Pool for views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountains in all its glory.
27. Chengde Mountain Resort
High in the hills north of Beijing, the mountain resort of Chengde was once the summer retreat of the Qing imperial family, more popularly known as the Manchus, a cool respite from the searing heat of Beijing. It was built in the 18th century in a variety of architectural styles that represent each of the different regions of the empire, t the complex is perfectly landscaped, complete with regal gardens, waterways and hills.
28. Huangshan
If you've seen any Chinese art, you'll recognise the jagged granite peaks of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as the central feature of many a traditional painting. Complete with precariously perched pines and swirling mists, Huangshan has been a huge source of inspiration for writers and painters for centuries. Take the cable car up into the peaks and follow some of the many walkways for breathtaking views and you'll see why it's called the 'loveliest mountain in China'!
29. Huangzhou
Huangzhou nestles amongst lush hills and vast tea plantations on the shores of the revered West Lake. Exploring the banks of the lake or take a cruise on its calm waters is the highlight of a visit here; thanks to swishing willows, quaint pagodas and lovely gardens it exudes a charming old world oriental air that much of the rest of China has lost. This is also a great base for visiting the tea plantations of the area and tasting plenty of steaming cups.
30. Longmen Grottoes
UNESCO-listed and easily reachable from Luoyang, one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, the Longmen Grottoes shelter some exquisite ancient stone art. There are about 5 centuries worth of carvings here, hewn into the limestone cliffs of the Yi River. These aren't just your average Buddha images either, but statues, inscriptions and artistry that gives insight into life in 5th century China. There are more than 2,000 grottoes and about 100,000 statues, the biggest of which is about 17 metres, and nearly 3,000 inscriptions of admire.
31. Huanglong Pools
Deep in Huanglong National Park, the Huanglong pools tumble down a peaceful forested hillside. The pools, formed over thousands of years by mineral deposits, are in all different shapes and sizes, each filled with water that changes colour throughout the day. There are also caves, waterfalls and streams in a breathtaking display of nature, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. UNESCO-listed since 1992, the park, and its diverse ecosystem, is also home to a load of endangered species.
32. Dali
A glimpse at 'old China', Dali is a charming and relaxed place, full of lovely old houses and set in a spectacular landscape of lakes and mountains. A stroll through the old quarter will bring you face to face with the indigenous Bai community in their colourful traditional garb, whilst escaping the town to explore the villages on the lakeshore gives you a true taste of the region's character. The Three Pagodas, on the outskirts of town, standing starkly against the peaks of the Cang Shan range, are a must-see.
33. Three Bridges National Park
Part of the Wulong Karst National Geology Park, these 3 unique geological wonders are natural limestone arches, caves until the ground collapsed from underneath them. They are the world's highest karst bridges, reached either by a glass lift or a hike down into a steep-sided but spectacular ravine. With lush moss underfoot, waterfalls run gently down the gorge's sides and an atmospheric mist regularly lingers as you explore the area below the bridges; it's still relatively unknown so a wonderful time to visit!
34. Rainbow Mountains
Up in China's northwest corner, the Rainbow Mountains of Danxia are quite the sight to behold. Thousands of years of rainwater flowing over red sandstone has sculpted a jagged landscape decorated with stripes of a whole range of colours, like the rainbows it is named for. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010, it was also named one of the 'Top 10 Geographical Wonders of the World' by National Geographic.
35. Dunhuang Crescent Lake
An ancient oasis on the edge of the city of Dunhuang, this crescent-moon shaped lake sits amongst the sand dunes of Taklamakan Desert. Long famous with the imperial dynasties of old, a traditional pagoda sits on its banks, now joined by a vibrant market of souvenir stalls. Climb a towering sand dune for a fantastic birds-eye view of the oasis or hitch a ride on a camel to explore the desert farther.
36. Harbin Snow & Ice Festival
In China's northern reaches, where the weather gets really cold, the annual Snow & Ice Festival is an extravaganza of bright colours and blocks of ice! The festival is particularly famous for its huge illuminated ice sculptures, each fitting in with a particular themed zone, with sculptors jetting in from all over the world to take part. Opening officially in early January, the festival is open for about a month, the freezing outside temperatures ensuring that the sculptures remain perfect throughout!
37. Jiayu Pass
The Great Wall comes to an abrupt end (or an abrupt start depending on which direction you're going) amongst the starkly beautiful landscapes of northern Gansu province. The final fortress on the wall before wild frontiers and barbarian hordes (when it was built in 1372 anyway), Jaiyu was built to protect the Hexi Corridor, the Silk Road route into China and essential for trade. The fortress today is home to a museum about the Silk Road, and the Great Wall as well.
38. Hutongs
These old, atmospheric neighbourhoods are becoming ever rarer in Beijing, but those that are left have been, happily, given protected status and remain endlessly charming. Formed of narrow streets lined with traditional courtyard residences, they are an important aspect of the culture of northern Chinese cities and were first established during the Yuan dynasty (1206-1341) – wandering through them is a fascinating step back in time to a China of times gone by.
39. Jiuzhaigou
Also called the 'Nine Villages Valley' after the nine Tibetan communities that call it home, Juizhaigou is one of China's most spectacular areas. UNESCO World Heritage-listed, this national park is enclosed by snow-capped peaks and filled with vibrant blue lakes, waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna. Each season offers a new, spectacular landscape – autumn brings a rainbow of colours, in winter frost twinkles and waterfalls freeze in place, the summer brings vivid hues and the spring brings colourful wild flowers and lush green buds. In Sichuan province, this incredible park is also easily accessible, with trails and broadwalks throughout.
40. Urumqi and Tianchi
The city of Urumqi occupies a lush plain in the shadow of Tian Shan, the Heavenly Mountains. A stop for the caramel caravans of the Silk Road, it still exudes an exotic Middle Asian ambiance, and the market is still a fantastic place to explore. For a glimpse of the nomadic roots of the area – Xinjiang province to be precise – head out to the banks of breathtakingly beautiful Tianchi, the Heavenly Lake, where you can visit, or even stay in a traditional Kazakh yurt.
41. Matchmaker's Corner
You'll find a Matchmaker's Corner in parks in many cities across China, and they are a fascinating cultural practice! Here, parents and grandparents gather to find their children a suitor, bringing photos and information to pin up on a notice board or sometimes even setting themselves up with a little 'stall'! The Marriage Market in Shanghai is the biggest and most famous example of this, but you'll find smaller versions in many of the People's Parks around the country – Chengdu is a good example.
42. Kaiping Towers
One of China's many hidden treasures, the incredible Kaiping Towers, locally called 'diaolou', dot the lush countryside around the southern city of Kaiping. The tradition began during the Ming Dynasty when the towers were built for defensive purposes, but over time they became more and more elaborate and turned over to residential use; there are now about 1,800 of them! Blending Chinese and Western architecture, anything from gothic to renaissance, the whole lot are on the UNESCO World Heritage list; set in a spectacular landscape and relatively undiscovered, they are well worth exploring.
All of these incredible sights can be seen with Wendy Wu Tours on one of our fantastic group tours, or a tailormade itinerary made especially for you:
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The Avalanches Craft an Affectionate Cross-Section of Humanity on We Will Always Love You
The Australian group is contemplative but still lively on their third album
By Clare Martin | December 10, 2020 | 9:21am
Music Reviews The Avalanches
One unnerving revelation from this year has gone mostly unnoticed or, rather, we haven't had much time for it between surviving a pandemic and a grueling U.S. election cycle. That is, the realization that we are not alone in the universe. Whether we're talking about possible habitability within our own solar system, the recent disappearing monoliths (which, in all likelihood, are an elaborate stunt) or the very sci-fi movie-esque "galactic federation" mentioned by former Israeli official Haim Eshed, we've got company. And if intelligent life has heard of us, they may have learned their first lessons about Earth via the Voyager Golden Record. This one-of-a-kind recording compiled messages in different languages, classical as well as rock n' roll music and other artifacts of life on our planet, and sent them off into the stars.
It was this project, and the love story born from it, that helped to inspire The Avalanches' third album, We Will Always Love You. The Australian group emerged fully formed in their sonic niche, combining samples to create hooky electronic tunes inspired by genres of decades past, with their celebrated record Since I Left You (2000). Their 2016 release Wildflower also received praise for its dancey, creative tracks, but now Robbie Chater and Tony Di Blasi of The Avalanches are turning their eyes heavenward. They were stirred by the romance between Ann Druyan (the creative director of NASA's Voyager Interstellar Message Project) and the famed scientist Carl Sagan, who fell in love during the creation of the Golden Record. In making We Will Always Love You, The Avalanches manifested their own Golden Record of sorts, bringing together the far-reaching sounds of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Karen O, Blood Orange, The Smiths' Johnny Marr and numerous others—not to mention the countless samples used—to take their own warm snapshot of humanity.
Digging through the album's specific musical and cultural allusions is no easy task, but for the listener content with simply enjoying the record as is, We Will Always Love You does not disappoint. The LP is woven with otherworldly, alien sounds, yet there is an undeniable coziness to the songs—thanks in part to the cozy crackle of vinyl samples and stirring vocals—that combats the coldness often associated with outer space. The first song, "Ghost Story," establishes this beautiful contrast clearly, with ethereal, almost synth-like voices harmonizing over a voicemail message from Orono Noguchi of Superorganism. "It's hard, really, being like, you know, so far apart," she says awkwardly but earnestly, later adding, "I'll still be here. I'll be with you and I'll always love you." These last four words find themselves refracted and echoed on the title track and beyond.
The Avalanches also prove more sedate on their third album, and comfortably so. There are moments with genuine drops and bops—"Wherever You Go" (featuring Jamie xx, Neneh Cherry and CLYPSO) and "Music Makes Me High" are some of the most energetic highs—but the group seem content to leave you in a sonic ebb and flow, being washed over with varying aural textures. Short interludes, flickering like the little blips of sound you get when scanning through radio stations, stitch together the longer tracks and complete the cosmic feel.
Examining the samples and stories behind We Will Always Love You serves to enrich an already-sublime album. "A Song for Barbara Payton" was inspired by a tragic actress who died at the age of 39 after struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. The lyrics tell the emotional truth of her story—"They say you're gonna put me down / That's alright baby / If you wanna leave me," is intoned in powerful gospel vocals—but may also compel you to seek out the details. After listening to the You Must Remember This podcast episode on Payton or even just scanning her Wikipedia page, you'll likely find the song grows in its relevance. Like a dying star, the blonde bombshell burnt bright and fast.
Years ago, when the Golden Record was sent out into space, Druyan's brain waves were recorded and included on it. She and Sagan had just promised to marry one another, and that transmission has captured the fervency of her ardor, rendering it an enduring message of love. On their latest effort, The Avalanches turn out a life-affirming and rewarding musical experience that sends its own quiet, necessary refrain out into the world: "We will always love you."
Clare Martin is a cemetery enthusiast, hibernophile and contributing writer for Paste's music and comedy sections. She also exercises her love for reality TV at HelloGiggles every now and then. Go harass her on Twitter @theclaremartin.
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