Whaling: A giant compromise?

WHALES seem to stir up strong feelings. For conservationists, the majestic mammals have been in urgent need of protection ever since factory ships began slaughtering them in the middle of the last century. But advocates of whaling present themselves as protectors of traditional culture, diets and the rights of indigenous people. It is difficult to find any common ground, even when—as has just happened—an honest attempt is made.

Nobody can deny that the present arrangement is messy and hypocritical. In theory, a global moratorium, proclaimed by the International Whaling Commission (IWC), has been in force since 1986. But the creatures are still killed.........


read more @:
Whaling: A giant compromise? | The Economist


"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν.""We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not."Heraclitus the Riddler

secret gardens

secret gardens, originally uploaded by Mattijn.

Secret Garden (Shakesperean Sonnet)

Fresh morning dew, still dripping from the rose,
the blue birds sing their wishful, songs of hopes.
My garden has still breath - it alone knows,
the secrets that are bound with grassy ropes.
Pure love is endless – the bird’s sing of truth,
sweet blossoms bow so humbly, to their voice.
They rest in old age and then dance in youth,
blameless and pure of heart - they all rejoice.
They're out of sight - hidden - like precious gems,
the rainbows do yield, while all time transcends.
The roses stand tall on their thorny stems,
as giving thanks, to their fair feathered friends.

My secret garden cast your spell in mist.
Mark down your truths on an unending list.


"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

50 Years of Space Exploration

50 Years of Space Exploration, originally uploaded by Adam Crowe.

image by: books.nationalgeographic.com/map/map-day/index

via: www.stevey.com/2009/01/21/50-years-of-space-exploration/

Uploaded by Adam Crowe

"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

You have the key

You have the key, originally uploaded by italida83.

"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

Some things never change

Some things never change, originally uploaded by You C@n't C@tch Me.

She's taking her time,
Making up the reasons
To justify all the hurt inside
Guess she knows from the smile
And the look in their eyes
Everyone's got a theory 'bout the bitter one

They're saying mamma never loved her much,
And daddy never keeps in touch
That's why she shies away
From human affection

But somewhere in a private place,
She packs her bags for outer space
And now she's waiting for the right
Kind of pilot to come
And she'll say to him

She's saying
I would fly to the moon and back if you'll be,
If you'll be my baby
Got a ticket for a world where we belong
So would you be my baby?

She can't remember a time
When she felt needed
If love was red,
Then she was colour blind
All her friends they've been tried for treason,
And crimes that were never defined

She's saying
Love is like a barren place
And reaching out for human faith is,
Is like a journey
I just don't have a map for

So, baby gonna take a dive and
Push the shift to overdrive
Send a signal that she's hanging
All her hopes on the stars
What a pleasant dream

Just saying
I would fly to the moon and back if you'll be,
If you'll be my baby
Got a ticket for a world where we belong
So would you be my baby?

Hold on, hold on

Mamma never loved her much,
And daddy never keeps in touch
That's why she shies away
From human affection

But somewhere in a private place,
She packs her bags for outer space
And now she's waiting for the right
Kind of pilot to come
And she'll say to him

Just saying
I would fly to the moon and back if you'll be,
If you'll be my baby
Got a ticket for a world where we belong
So would you be my baby?

I would fly to the moon and back if you'll be,
If you'll be my baby
Got a ticket for a world where we belong,
So would you be my baby, yeah

enjoy it @ www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Wpsuacnbc


"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

Do you think we're lost

Do you think we're lost, originally uploaded by pixelediting I'm traveling and is back on 1 may.

I don't really want to say goodbye
I don't really want to leave you
But now I have to go away
Stay away from you forever

What we had was something special
Deep down from our hearts
But now I have to go away
And leave you from my heart.



"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν."  "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

γιατί με χρεώσατε ρεεεεεε!

γιατί με χρεώσατε ρεεεεεε!, originally uploaded by brexians.

"Βάσει ακόμη και των πιο αισιόδοξων προβλέψεων, υπολογίζουμε ότι οι δανειακές ανάγκες της Ελλάδας θα φθάσουν στα 67 δισ. ευρώ ή ακόμη υψηλότερα εντός των επόμενων ετών. Υπό αυτό το πρίσμα, το χρέος της χώρας θα φθάσει στο 150% του ΑΕΠ έως το 2014, δηλαδή επίπεδο το οποίο έχει κατορθώσει να ξεπεράσει μόνο η Ιαπωνία".

"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness, originally uploaded by Jo and Paul's pics.

Venus might not be able to check her breasts but you can.

Being breast aware

Whatever your age, size or shape it’s important to take care of your breasts. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, so it’s important to look after your breasts by being breast aware.

Being breast aware is an important part of caring for your body. It means getting to know how your breasts look and feel, so you know what is normal for you. You can then feel more confident about noticing any unusual changes.


How do I check my breasts?

There’s no right or wrong way to check your breasts. Try to get used to looking at and feeling your breasts regularly. You can do this in the bath or shower, when you use body lotion, or when you get dressed. There’s really no need to change your everyday routine. Just decide what you are comfortable with and what suits you best.

Remember to check all parts of your breast, your armpits and up to your collarbone.


The breast awareness 5-point code

1. Know what is normal for you
2. Know what changes to look and feel for
3. Look and feel
4. Report any changes to your GP without delay
5. Attend routine breast screening if you are aged 50 or over


from www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-breast-health/b...

"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

Seymourpowell Aircruise Concept

"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν.""We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not."Heraclitus the Riddler

Cherry Blossoms @ Pagoda

Cherry Blossoms @ Reading's Pagoda, originally uploaded by visitPA.

From every direction
cherry blossom petals blow
into Lake Biwa
by Basho

Basho (bah-shoh), pseudonym of Matsuo Munefusa (1644-94), Japanese poet, considered the finest writer of Japanese haiku during the formative years of the genre. Born into a samurai family prominent among nobility, Basho rejected that world and became a wanderer, studying Zen, history, and classical Chinese poetry, living in apparently blissful poverty under a modest patronage and from donations by his many students. From 1667 he lived in Edo (now Tokyo), where he began to compose haiku.

"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

Moonshine, Orion Rising on Vilano Beach With Notes

Moonshine, Orion Rising on Vilano Beach With Notes, originally uploaded by JamesWatkins.

Words (James Watkins)

There are words above all others-
that fix themselves like stars-
bright beacons in the darkness-
heights hidden in the heart.

They alone take awesome stand--
against the tides of life-
in armed array of power-
an army clothed in might.

Like seeds that fall on watered ground-
form fertile flowing fields-
grown gentle- guides in patience pruned
with perfect plural yields.

Established on foundations strong-
bold buildings built to last-
against the rule of raging time-
eternally recast.

Triumphant- time-transcendent-
translucent, touched and twirled-
the truth unbound and glorious-
runs rampant through the world.

To conquer mountain standing tall
across the pilgrimed path.
And bring to birth the vision small-
the unseen to our grasp.

And leaving doubt behind us-
chaff driven by the wind-
each enemy of hope and faith-
unchallenged to an end.

Now standing hard behind us-
there thronged by secret thralls-
authority and mercy meet-
beyond the cloistered walls.

To loose the power petrified,
by fear’s unyielding grip.
Torn from years of solitude-
this single silent trip.

Bought before on battleground-
beyond the mortal veil-
pursued by death- prevailing -
through ancient rights assailed.

Passed from grave to live again-
new formed the narrow path.
Within the reach of every man-
a gateway firm and fast.

Now brought to bear the tidings glad-
entrenched in solid ground-
in waking realms of glory-
a kingdom newly found.

Come taste the bread of heaven-
and drink the wine of life-
with fellowship and faithfulness
in everlasting light.

Where promises now harvested,
join late and early rain-
appearing at the altar bold-
the circumstances plain.

To stand behind each spoken word-
against the darkened lie-
that proudly boasts against us-
before an open sky.

And crushing all resistance-
bring victories large and small-
to every realm of being-
delivered from the fall.

Extending out beyond ourselves-
we yield to greater need-
and find that loss in giving-
makes living ...
a flowing stream.


"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

Light Scrambler

Light Scrambler, originally uploaded by JamesWatkins.

I’VE FALLEN UPWARDS (James Watkins)

I’ve fallen upward,
Into the lights,
Slipping away from
Darkness and night.

Up through the evening,
Into the clouds,
Faster and faster,
Spinning around…

Celestial highways,
Smoother than sound,
Daylight and darkness,
Turned upside down!

I’ve fallen upward,
Flung from the earth
Leaving the ground
Of original birth…

Kaleidoscope colors,
Circling clowns,
Blended with backgrounds,
Faces and crowds.

Just one step forward,
A turn to the right,
A slight separation,
And I will take flight!

"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

Lightning in Perhentian Island, Terengganu, Malaysia

Lightning in Perhentian Island, Terengganu, Malaysia, originally uploaded by Fadzly @ Shutterhack.

The Tempest

by James T. Fields

We were crowded in the cabin;
Not a soul would dare to sleep:
It was midnight on the waters,
And a storm was on the deep.
’Tis a fearful thing in winter
To be shattered by the blast,
And to hear the rattling trumpet
Thunder, “Cut away the mast!”

So we shuddered there in silence,
For the stoutest held his breath,
While the hungry sea was roaring,
And the breakers threatened death.

And as thus we sat in darkness,
Each one busy in his prayers,
“We are lost!” the captain shouted,
As he staggered down the stairs.

But his little daughter whispered,
As she took his icy hand,
“Isn’t God upon the ocean,
Just the same as on the land?”

Then we kissed the little maiden,
And we spoke in better cheer;
And we anchored safe in harbor
When the morn was shining clear.

"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

The Great Orion Nebula...and N.Vrettakos

The Great Orion Nebula...and N.Vrettakos, originally uploaded by brexians.

The Great Orion Nebula
The Orion Nebula (also known as Messier 42, M42, or NGC 1976) is a diffuse nebula situated south[b] of Orion's Belt. It is one of the brightest nebulae, and is visible to the naked eye in the night sky. M42 is located at a distance of 1,344 ± 20 light years and is the closest region of massive star formation to Earth. The M42 nebula is estimated to be 24 light years across. Older texts frequently referred to the Orion Nebula as the Great Nebula in Orion or the Great Orion Nebula.
The Orion Nebula is one of the most scrutinized and photographed objects in the night sky, and is among the most intensely studied celestial features. The nebula has revealed much about the process of how stars and planetary systems are formed from collapsing clouds of gas and dust. Astronomers have directly observed protoplanetary disks, brown dwarfs, intense and turbulent motions of the gas, and the photo-ionizing effects of massive nearby stars in the nebula. There are also supersonic "bullets" of gas piercing the dense hydrogen clouds of the Orion Nebula. Each bullet is ten times the diameter of Pluto's orbit and tipped with iron atoms glowing bright blue. They were probably formed one thousand years ago from an unknown violent event.
======================================

N. Vrettakos was born in the village of Kokees, near Sparta, and published his first collection of poems, Under Shadows and Lights, in 1929, at the age of seventeen. That same year he moved to Athens to attend university, but left after a year to take a series of jobs as a clerk in various businesses. In 1937 he began a thirty year career in the Greek Civil Service, also seeing combat service in the Greco-Italian War during this period. In 1967 he responded to the takeover of Greece by a military dictatorship by going into self-imposed exile in Switzerland and Italy, where he remained until returning to Greece in 1974. He also wrote a poem about Kostas Georgakis, the student who set himself ablaze in Genoa as a protest against the junta.
Nikiphoros Vretttakos was considered one of Greece's most important poets. He won a number of prizes and medals, including the Greek State Poetry Prize twice. Some of his poems became popular songs in musical settings by Greek composers, including Mikis Theodorakis. His verse was also translated into many languages. He was also elected as a member of the Academy of Athens in 1987.

Uploaded by brexians on 15 Apr 10, 10.31AM EEST.

"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

The Last House

The Last House, originally uploaded by visiticeland@hotmail.com.

The Last House

"The last house..."
a poem by
Rainer Maria Rilke

The last house of this village stands
as alone as if it were the last house in the world.

The road, that the little village cannot hold,
moves on slowly out into the night.

The little village is but a place of transition,
expectant and afraid, between two vast distances,
a passageway along houses instead of a bridge.

And those who leave the village may wander
a long time, and many may die perhaps
along the way.


Rainer Maria Rilke
from The Book of Hours


"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

have a wonderful weekend my friends

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfwG4ac1Khc&playnext_from=TL&videos=vZDUGN2yUXA

You came to me
Was like a dream
But maybe it`s time
I let you go
It`s all on me
Can I find it inside
And feel the fire burning in my eye
Can I give you up
Can I come back down
Gotta get you out of my head

And I wonder why
I`m addicted to love
One day I will run away from you and thïs love

"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν." "We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not." Heraclitus the Riddler

for the Lorelei

"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν."

"We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not."
Heraclitus the Riddler