'Around Chiavenna: nature, art and history....' & 'Valcodera Valley: a treasure to discover....'

'Around Chiavenna: nature, art and history from the Lake of Novate Mezzola to the secluded Val Codera'

ValtellinaNews.it - April 3, 2014

Valchiavenna, the valley stretching along the river Mera from the Lake of Novate Mezzola to the confluence with the torrent Liro just below the town of Chiavenna, offers unspoiled natural landscapes surrounded by high peaks. Visitors have the possibility of practicing trekking, canoeing, mountaineering or cycling along secondary roads partially protected.

The village of Novate Mezzola, located on the namesake small lake that in the past was part of the Lake of Como, can be the starting point of a journey taking to impressive places like the natural reserve of Pian di Spagna, and symbols of the historic and cultural heritage of the region like the Temple of St. Fedelino, built shortly before the XI century, the Galleria di Mina di San Fedele di Verceia, dating back from the First World War, and the Picapreda Museum. Last but not least, the Val Codera, one of the two narrow and almost secluded valleys branching off the main Valchiavenna area, is a good destination for walkers used to go off the “beaten tracks”.

The Nature Reserve of Pian di Spagna is a broad plain between the Lake of Novate Mezzola and the Lake of Como, with a large wetland of great importance for the nesting of many migratory birds and therefore an ideal place for bird-watching. The plain is at the entrance of Valchiavenna and Valtellina, which stretch respectively north and east among the mountains. Pan di Spagna landscape is characterized by reeds typical of wetlands, mixed with forests, farmland pasture and corn fields.

Situated on the shore of the Lake of Novate Mezzola, where Mera river flows into the lake, the temple of St. Fedelino represents one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Lombardy and one of the oldest in the Alps region. The small church was built between year 900 and 1000 on the place of the martyrdom and burial of San Fedele, a Roman legionary who converted to Christianity and was killed by the soldiers of the emperor. It can be reached by a path starting from Casenda (Samolaco) or by boat from Novate Mezzola. The isolated location has preserved the temple from being visited by large groups of visitors or pilgrims and therefore enlarged and transformed in a big sanctuary, like it happened to other ancient churches. So, San Fedelino with its original architectural structure, is an intact symbol of the religious tradition of the early first millennium.

The Picapreda Museum  is a small exhibition in Novate Mezzola, in front of the town hall, with a collection of images and a display of typical quarry equipments used to extract the “Sanfedelino” granite from the XVIII century to today, established in order to document the work of the “picapreda” (literally stone breaker), the main activity of the Novate Mezzola area for almost two centuries. The Sanfedelino granite owes its name to the first quarry opened, which exactly was behind the Temple of San Fedelino. The Sanfedelino granite was primarily used for street paving for the surrounding cities and it is also possible to find squares paved with this type of granite in Milan, Como, Pavia and Bologna. The production of the Sanfedelino granite was at its peak from the 1920s to the mid thirties, then it declined till in the seventies.  Today only one cave remains in operation.

The Mine Tunnel at Verceia: a walk inside the defense system from the First World War

A narrow tunnel 200 meters long, excavated into the heart of the mountain almost 100 years ago, during the First World War as a barrier against possible invasion from the north: the Galleria di Mina di San Fedele di Verceia, (a Mine Tunnel) is an unusual site of great historical significance. In the past protected as a military secret, it was recently opened to the public after the renovation works financed by the Mountain Community of Valchiavenna, Ersaf and Interreg funds. It consists of a vast underground labyrinth created between 1916 and 1917 in Verceia by the Italian military forces in order to cut road and rail links throughout Valchiavenna by the controlled burst of an enormous amount of explosives placed in deep wells inside the tunnel. It is better preserved than the tunnels located at Brienno and Menaggio on Lake of Como and its entrance overlooks the Lake of Novate Mezzola, with a wonderful view on Pian di Spagna natural reserve and on the cycling path connecting Valchiavenna to Valtellina and the northern part of Lake of Como. Today, the main tunnel with four branches and 18 deviations, hosting 16 mine wells, six bedrooms, four storage tanks and three air ducts, is part of the historic heritage of Valtellina and can be visited with guided tours upon reservation.


For more information: Tourist Office Chiavenna Tel +39 0343 37485 - consorzioturistico@valchiavenna.com

Picapreda Museum: in winter visits are possible by pre-booking with the Novate Mezzola local authority - Tel. +39 0343 63040 - info@comune.novatemezzola.so.it

Pian di Spagna - Lake of Novate Mezzola - Via Della Torre 1 / A - Sorico (CO) Tel +39 0344 / 84251 - Fax +39 0344 / 94556 - piandispagna@libero.it   www.piandispagna.it

The Tempio of San Fedelino is open from April. In the winter months it can be visited by appointment. For information and reservations: Fam Sciam, Novate Mezzola tel +39 339 2908864 -  Mr. Romano - transport by boat or Verceia Dascio tel. +39 389 3438863 or +39 346 0873962

The Discovery of the Val Codera

Val Codera is a unique place in the Lombardy Alps area accessible only by foot from Novate Mezzola through two paths. This lack of roads open to vehicles has helped to preserve the natural landscape from the urban development, experienced by other alpine villages. The torrent Codera, flowing through the valley to the Lake of Novate Mezzola, provides clear and fresh waters, a real treat in the hot months. The difference in height between the bottom of the valley and the mountain peaks, even reaching 3,000 meters, provides visitors with different environments and landscapes and a great diversity of flora, ranging from the Mediterranean species like the broom, to the alpine ones such as the rhododendron and the mountain pine. Also the fauna of the valley is interesting with many species of birds, including the golden eagle, and mammals like the fox, ermine, squirrel, dormouse, deer, roe, chamois. Therefore Val Codera has been included among the SCIs (Sites of Community Interest) for its significant wealth in flora and fauna.

Codera, the main centre, is a rural village 825 metres above sea level, reachable through a mule track in about two hours, which has kept the typical stone buildings and simple frescoed murals of the alpine area in the past. It hosts craft and agricultural activities that keep it alive like the mountains villages used to be in the past. In the village a small museum, divided into four sections, illustrates the geological (minerals and crystals), natural (flowers and fauna), historical and ethnographic (reconstructions of a traditional home) features of Val Codera.

Musem opening hours: Codera section: Saturday and Sunday  8-12 e 14-18 - San Giorgio section: by booking. Entrance free - Web-site: www.valcodera.com - Information at: Chiavenna Tourist Office Tel. +39 0343 37485 - consorzioturistico@valchiavenna.com



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 'Valcodera Valley: a treasure to discover in Lombardia'

 Alessandra Catania - SecretItaly.it - December 18, 2013

Wild, unspoiled, secluded but gorgeous. This are our first impressions arriving in Val Codera by train at the Novate Mezzola station. Train is one of the means you can use to arrive at the beginning of the valley, because after that point only your feet will help you to climb the hard paths that go through the valley from the village of Codera.

Leonardo da Vinci, in its Atlantic code, wrote a terrible description of this area, as if God created the valley at the beginning of the creation, when he had no expertise on how to settle mountains and rivers.


The Scout Valley

Through this harsh and hidden land, many hostile armies passed, because of its strategic location. Peoples who have made the history of Europe: the Celts and the Romans till the various barbarian peoples, the French and Swiss, the Spanish and the Austro-Hungarians. The signs of their presence can still be seen today, from the tomb of Saint George boulders to the bridges of Codera.

The Val Codera is a small strip of the Alps that has always been inhabited, in 1933 still resided in the valley about 500 people, which decreased after the war. During the Fascism, the valley became an important destination for the Wild Eagles, a clandestine scout group, and still nowadays, the valley is one of the best places for scouts activities.


Chestnuts, goats, granite

No, it’s not a joke! Life here was extremely difficult, everything, from the food to the tissues to make clothes had to be taken from outside the valley and this was not possible due to the high costs. Hemp and linen fabrics, barley, rye, maize and potatoes for food, were the elements of a self-sufficient economy, together with chestnuts and the wild and free goats (which are still here with 300 inhabitants) and the Sanfeldino granite, a very beautiful quality used to decorate the towns’ buildings.

Arriving here and living this valley is a real adventure, if you think it’s just 100 kilometers far from Milan, the business capital. Have you ever wondered that?


Tips

To know more about the paths to arrive at Val Codera, visit http://www.diska.it/riflocrisorgimento.asp. It’s in italian unfortunately, but it is very detailed.

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Yogi Berra's 10 Best Quotes & Sayings

'Yogi Berra's 10 Best Quotes & Sayings'

By J.P. Scott - Athlon Sports & Life - April 4, 2018

The former Yankee catcher was universally liked, mostly due to his "Yogi Berraisms."

New York Yankees legend Yogi Berra passed away at the age of 90. An 18-time All-Star and 10-time World Series champion, Berra was not only one of the most accomplished catchers of all-time, he will go down as one of the greatest to ever wear the famous pinstripes of the New York Yankees.

The Missouri native played as an outfielder and as a catcher with the Yankees from 1946-63, followed by a short stint with the Mets. In addition to his playing experience, Berra was a manager in Major League Baseball with the Yankees in 1964 and again from 1984-85. He also managed the Mets from 1972-75.

Growing up as a Red Sox fan, I despised everything about the New York Yankees. I didn't like the players, the managers, the fans or those pinstriped uniforms. I didn't like any of their history either. You could say — like many people — I was a Yankee hater.

But I never hated Yogi Berra.

Yogi was baseball to kids growing up in New York. Your grandpa would talk about him like they were friends. If you played catcher, you were the next Yogi Berra.

But Yogi was bigger than just baseball, largely due to some of the crazy-yet-poiniant things he would say. The zaney statements came to be known as "Yogi Berra-isms." Here are some of his best:


Yogi Berra's 10 Best Quotes & Sayings

"When you get to a fork in the road, take it."

"It gets late early around here."

"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore."

"The future ain't what it used to be."

"Ninety percent of this game is half mental."

"I really didn't say everything I said."

"You can observe a lot just by watching."

"Half the lies they tell about me aren't true."

"If you don't know where you're going, you might end up someplace else."

"We have a good time together, even when we're not together."


A bonus (and perhaps the most famous of his fantastic baseball quotes):

"It ain't over till it's over."


Today, we're all sad it's over. Rest in Peace, Yogi.


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Yogi Berra was of Milanese/Lombard descent. He was from "The Hill" in St. Louis, which was a Milanese district going back to the 1880s up to about a century ago when it started to become a Sicilian district.

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Classic Hegelianism - A Call For An Uprising vs. Hellbound Heathen

A Call For An Uprising is a very popular Christian-based YouTube channel which focuses on what I would call the "Cult of Saturn" in high places, chiefly in the sports and entertainment industry. Hellbound Heathen is a Satanic/Pagan (I'll explain later) YouTube channel, which is actually very similar in it's approach to the former.... the classic "Hegelian Dialectic" in the sense of what they both represent. They're not opposites, they're "opposames!" A.C.F.A.U. has 190 thousand subscribers; while H.H. isn't nearly as popular yet, but he's every bit as good at what he does as the former.

I love "commentary" on YouTube, even if it's from a source that I may disagree with in large part.. unless they throw their support to politicians and political parties... so I guess one could say I'm not opposed to various specific "interest groups" up to a point. ACFAU and HH are correct 80% of the time, but they will kill you with the 20% untruths! It's not Clintonesque or Trumpian "bait and switch"... but more like "bait and stab!"... like mouse traps.

ACFAU is entirely correct about Hollywood, pedophiles, Satanic ritual, and the incessant attack on Christianity. However, he ties the ancient Cult of Saturn with ancient earth traditions which have nothing inherent to do with Satanism. The ancient Saturnian cults were largely from the pre-Islamic Middle East; the earth-based spiritual traditions are from the northern hemisphere and go back 40,000 years. The eight seasonal Sabbats are based on the seasons, the harvests... while places like Egypt or Saudi Arabia don't even have seasons or agriculture! The word"sabbat" isn't of European or northern origin, but it's was still the latter given name for the ancient northern seasonal festivals.

In other words, Christianity and Satanism have both projected this connection with the earth traditions. The "big secret" is that we once had two stars in our sky... the Sun and Saturn. It's very possible, based on some degree of evidence, that the earth was once in a small solar system with Saturn as our only star (our "sun"), before coming into our current solar system. Therefore, the dinosaurs probably only existed under the rays of a bright Saturn.... now a dwarf star.

This "history turned legend" led to the formation of "Sun cults" and "Saturn cults." Christianity came right out've the ancient Solar cults... literally right out've the ancient Egyptian system. Islam and Judaism came out've the old Saturnian cults. Catholicism has strong elements of both. The Christian inquisitions literally created modern "Satanism" by projecting that pagans/heathens and various particularly perverted Christian cults were forms of "Satanism." That conflated everything! "Satanism" was a projection from the Bible, denigrating the ancient hated "Saturn cult" enemy from it's former Solar cult days; while the heretical Christian sex and beastiality cults were an expression of Christianity.... both have a Christian origin! The folk pagans and heathens were just forced unwillingly into a Christian (and later Satanic) paradigm that they had nothing to do with!!

ACFAU plays to the false Satanic/Witchcraft construct, even to the point of stating that when Witches and Satanists (actually Christian heretics and folk pagans) were murdered... that it was a good thing. There are now, unfortunately, many people from his opposing side which do indeed make that tie-in and express it. The fact that so many people were murdered in this manner in the Middle Ages, mostly women, further enforces the false connection... as well as forming a mostly false basis for their socio-political actions. A lot of Masculo-Feminist "Witches" like Z Budapest don't even like their European heritage anyway, so why do they pimp a European folk tradition? Why not glom onto something else from somewhere else? Christianity did destroy the true Divine Feminine; and the modern Cult of Saturn formed what I call Masculo-Feminism to do the same damn thing.

HH is more reasonable on the surface, allowing for "good Christians," but I think it's a deception on his part. On one hand, he has produced some funny parodies and commentary on the likes of the eccentric Bill Schoebelen and many others, but on the other side he publicly wrote in response to a woman whom he disagreed with... claiming that she doesn't know her mouth from her anus, but in a much more explicit and foul manner... and with exclamations. He denies any wrongdoing by Satanists, and keeps harkening back to the "Satanic panic" of the 80s as proof. He obviously is a Satanist. He, exactly like ACFAU, conflates Satanism with very ancient earth traditions. He engages in "protecting" Wiccans and Neo-Pagans over and over like a kiss of death. He also defends Freemasonry and anything non-Christian or non-Abrahanic. HH and ACFAU aren't even much different from one-another... just like two soldiers who just happened to be wearing different uniforms on the field of battle.

Both have a great gift of gab, are intelligent, but with an agenda to meet. HH falsely believes that he represents the little guy against the system; ACFAU much the same. They both do comment on some unreasonable and unfair actions against "their side." Both also deny any wrongdoing from "their side" despite clear evidence to the contrary. To be honest, I think both would probably support lining up who they believe are their enemies and just machine gunning them down... despite their efforts to play up their personal virtue and the inherent benevolence of their side.

[I apologize to non-evangelical or non-political Christians, Maternalist Christians, positive-energy Christians, or original-intent Christians (Gnostics, Cathars); to non-political, non-agenda-driven Atheists and/or Satanists, nature/philosophical Satanists/Luciferians, and original-intent "Saturnists" who might adhere to and older form of Sumerian or Phoenician style of "Saturnism"; to non-politically-aligning Wiccans and like-paths or to folk Neo-Pagans; to those who adhere to the Divine Feminine and the need for energetic balance; and to others who all may suffer from some form of common perceptive ignorance and/or "guilt by association."]

5-23-18 ADDITION: I just wanted to add one more item. HH has made a couple of videos attacking Mark Passio, an ex-Satanic priest, in which he was particularly defensive. Of course he was defensive; Mark Passio is letting the bobcat out've the bag! Unlike the comical Bill Schnoebelen, Passio is the real deal. Again, although HH's channel really doesn't have all that many views, he still is one of many examples of those who would tie in Satanism with what should be national and regional spiritual traditions which go back tens of thousands of years. Those who incessantly deny genuine "spiritual wickedness," to use a Christian term, in high places aka "the cult of Saturn." He's a Satanist who's pimping terms like "heathen or pagan." Also, who the hell gave them a monopoly on Saturn in the first place!? ACFAU is much more honest; if the cult of Saturn disappeared today, we would still have to deal with people like him. At least he is who he says he is. The above disclaimer still applies.

[7-19-18 UPDATE: Unbeknownst to me at the time I authored this piece, these two have in fact had a little history together; both having posted videos about each other. I don't watch a lot of them, but I catch a few of their videos because I like the commentary much of the time. Still, ACFAU lies about the essence of the Old Religion... tying it to Satanism, and only to Satanism; while HH is in total denial of Satanic circles in high places, and their evil actions. Although curious, there's not much more to say about them. I won't reject any of their material if I think it's truthful. "Satanism" started out though a medieval church misidentification of perverted Christian heretics who were caught conducting orgies, sex with animals, etc.... and soon it was projected onto adherents of the ancient traditions.. and a new literal Satanic movement was born from the antagonist character in the Bible (not to be confused with the Old Religion or ancient Saturnian traditions that they steal from). "A Call For An Uprising"... may this elusive fact reach you!]

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Rose Moon SummerFest of 2018

Stregharia Summer Solstice — "La Festa dell’ Estate" — June 21/22

Month - June
Moon - Rose Moon
Pagan Sabbat - Summer Solstice
Treguenda - Summer Fest/La Festa dell'Estate
Date - June 21/22

Summer Solstice marks the marriage of God and Goddess. From this union comes the bounty of the Harvest Tide. This is a time of growth and life. At this time we do works to heal the Earth. This is also a time when the Elemental forces are abound in great number. We honour the fata, the elementals, and other spirits of Nature. (For the witch and the fata are of a similar nature…)


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Strange FBI doc admits alien visitors

Unlike other similar leaked documents, of which the authenticity has never been fully confirmed,  this one is fully documented and revealed by the FBI.

Go to the official FBI records site FBI Records - The Vault (vault.fbi.gov); then search "ufo part 1" and click on the first doc link; scroll down to page 22 (A Memorandum of Importance; #6751; July 8, 1947); then click the full page button on the lower left corner and zoom in. The direct link is HERE if it holds, but it won't let you zoom in. I just don't want to directly link the document image here.


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"The Genius Who Loved Satan"

On a recent episode of 'Deadly Intelligence'--entitled 'The Genius Who Loved Satan'--on the Science Channel, the story of Jack Parsons was explored. The program focused on aspects of Parsons' career which other documentaries did not; his shaky relationship with the intelligence community and the fear of him as an espionage risk... mainly due to his own carelessness in these areas. His involvement with the OTO put him at odds with the scientific establishment at that time; however, this would not be the case today. Specifics regarding Parsons' ritual and sex magic were not looked into. The program did show that Jack Parsons really should have been in on the moon landing. He was a part of the acknowledged process; whatever one may think of him, he deserves at least that much.


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Border Collie - Bests of Breed

thedogworldtv

Judith Gregory bought her first Border Collie more than 60 years ago, and her relationship with the breed has seen her collect 10 Breeder of the Year prizes and even winning the overall Breeders Final held at Crufts in 2010.

Owner of the Tonkory kennel name, Judith talks to Simon Baillie of dogworld.tv about the breed she has shared her life with. Hear what to expect of the breed as a puppy and as an adult, and what is required to keep one of these highly intelligent and active breed,=.

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Border Collies are amazing. They're possibly the most intelligent dog, have proportionately very large hearts making them almost tireless, are restless if not working, are aggressive and intense but not vicious or mean, and display string individual personalities. They weren't bred for vanity, so it increased their abilities and intelligence; although they have become show dogs since the 90s. Rather than the "British Bulldog," it almost seems that the Border Collie should be the national mascot. They were originally from the Scottish lowlands and border area.

Border Collie







Diary - Bread (1972) With lyrics on screen

peruven

"Diary" is a song written and produced by David Gates, which was released by his band Bread in 1972, as a single and on the album Baby I'm-a Want You. The song spent 11 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 15, while reaching No. 3 on Billboard's Easy Listening chart, No. 12 on Canada's RPM 100, and No. 26 on Australia's Go-Set chart. The song was ranked No. 50 on Billboard's year-end ranking of 1972's "Top Easy Listening Singles".

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"I have seen the Ancient way, the old road that was taken by the former awakened beings, and that is the path that I follow."
-- Buddha Shakyamuni




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'Witch Heritage 101: European Aborignals or When Witch haters joke about anti-Witch films'

Trey Capnerhurst - The Abbey Still Room - March 9, 2013

I think I'll be doing my graduate work in European Aboriginal studies, since apparently, it's rumoured that they don't actually exist, or if they did, they don't now, or aren't continuous after all the Xian fundie persecutions. Thanks for proving how necessary that research is, and for giving me the idea..

This FB status of mine was universally Liked from so many of my friends, of all different heritages and faiths. It was one of my most popular ever. Yet, it was in response to one of my alleged friends who has continually seen fit to post anti-witch hate on my FB page, in a constant attempt to deny our existence, veracity, tradition, or continuation. I remain bemused why it is so important to insist that we either never existed, or were exterminated, or are a "traditional folklore monster", and that modern pagans are somehow using the term for 'shock value.' There are so many issues with this that I can't begin to deconstruct it all at once, but it is vital to defend our right to claim ourselves, and fight the dominant Christian narrative of who we are.

I've gone into some of the pathology on anti-witch bigotry and Blood Libel before, but clearly, there needs to be more said, with movies still being produced that encourage our 'hunting', called an "exciting and informative film about witches" by my totally non-hateful friend. But we're much smarter than the dolts who slurped up the anti-Jewish Nazi propaganda, and no one believes what they see on film, especially if it's about a myth, right? Yeah. Of course not. And my neighbours don't threaten to burn down my house, either, or my otherwise intelligent co-workers quietly whisper the question "Could Blair Witch actually happen?"

I feel a little helpless sometimes. When I have these discussions, I assume that my fellow debater has the basic grasp that they are living in a background radiation of the Christian narrative. When I realize that I have to drop the level to something of a first year University course, or maybe even high school, to have a reasonable exchange, I nearly despair of ever reducing the spectre of oppression and persecution. Hence, the title of this post.  I will be using actual public comments as an example to counter some of the most pervasive, harmful, and just bizarrely weird myths.

Claims that still pervade the literature make it nearly impossible for us to legitimize ourselves and our heritage. Here are some comments on the latest witch hate movie, from an otherwise intelligent person.

con't....


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Gisele Bündchen

In some people's estimation, "the most beautiful woman in the world," and a billionaire for her efforts. She can look glamorous at times, and just the attractive woman down the street at others; skinny, and looking somewhat volumptuous in many photographs. She is of course, married to superstar quarterback Tom Brady; himself equally "genetically good looking." I find their marriage to be much more interesting than any so-called royal wedding. Both are from working class backgrounds; Bundchen from an inter-generational German community in south Brazil, and Brady from San Mateo, California. They almost seem made for each other. Horizontina - The first settlers were German, Italian and Polish immigrants who arrived in the region in 1927, though the city was created only in 1955. Nowadays, most of the inhabitants are of German-Brazilian descent.

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Manly P. Hall's reptilian wood cut

One of the wood cuts on the doors leading into Manly P. Hall's occult/wisdom library (Library of the Philosophical Research Society). Apparently much of it is based on Atlantean legends and/or history, with both reptilian and fish "being" symbolism. The eyes in the figure appear purposely slit-like aka "reptilian."

Manly P. Hall Occult Library Philosophical Research Society Occult Unmasked






fleetwood mac - little lies (1987)

regeer2011


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Martina McBride

Gaelic American beauty. A 9.2 at age 50! One of the few good celebrities.

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'Top 10 Satanic Symbols Hidden in Logos'


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"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes... but in having new eyes."
-- Marcell Proust, 1871-1922


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Colorize black and white photos (free)

Algorithmia

Works like magic..











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RebekkaMaria - Oh Solitude

AlarmMusicdk


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Alberto Vargas

Vargas was a master of pin-up art for decades, such as the movie poster above. He did a lot of relatively tactful artwork for Playboy magazine.

Alberto Vargas art

Alberto Vargas gallery

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Tina Griswold

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Montana State University


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Maltese bread

Maltese bread is known the world over for being among the best, if not the best bread in the world. The San Francisco Bay Area apparently has over 20,000 Maltese-Americans going back many decades, yet no bread... I've looked pretty hard too. After my parents first moved to San Francisco from Upper Michigan, they purchased a house, and their neighbors on both sides were Maltese. Years ago at traveling New Orleans cultural festival, I tried the regionally famous Sicilian/New Orleans "Muffaletta sandwich," but I don't think that I truly got the real thing. It was sub-par.. I know it must be better. These would seem to be great business ideas. The "Yooper" (Upper Michigan) "Cudighi sandsich" was brought there by Camunian immigrants long ago.. and it's NOT hard to find up there! It's very popular. Someone looking for a business idea could take numerous American regional specialties and combine them into one eatery.


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I Think We`re Alone Now - Tommy James & The Shondells

45RPMsingles


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Olivia De Bernardis

I remember one time a friend showing me one of Olivia De Berardinis' art books entitled 'Let Them Eat Cheesecake' (The Art of Olivia, Vol. 1) (Hardcover; 1995), and being amazed at the detail. It's were pin-up art meets fantasy. She was also associated with Playboy magazine.

Official website

Facebook (a lot of art & photos)

Olivia De Berardinis Art for Sale

Olivia De Berardinis art

Olivia De Berardinis gallery

'Meet The Prolific Feminist Artist Keeping Pinup Art Alive'

Let Them Eat Cheesecake The Art Of Olivia

LOLIPOP GALLERY

This is actually the second time I have owned this book. I sold it long ago when I needed the money and then recently found it used on Amazon and bought it again. I remember her art work when I was still in high school back in the eighties. She is one of my favorite artist. 

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Denise Michele - Playboy - Miss April 1976

When I was a little boy, I recall being at some sports collectors event or car show--I don't recall which--at the Cow Palace in Daly City; or rather I was tagging along with someone. "Ex-Playboy centerfold" Denise Michele was signing autographs at a booth, and as a joke I was prompted by the young adults there (not my parents) to walk up and meet her. As they were perhaps poking fun at my disposition, she was really nice. She signed a black-and-white image of her face for me.. which said something about football since I was wearing a jersey. She was from Hawaii.


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Immortals (2011 film)

I've watched a lot of sci-fi, fantasy, and legends films in recent months. I can only review a few, since I feel the need to be too perfect. I just watched 'Immortals', a mediocre ancient-Greek gods and fantasy film which was difficult to follow. The protagonist character of Theseus and his supporting group were not very well developed. King Hyperion was shown as so evil that it would make virtually anyone look good in comparison. Also, it was never made clear why Hyperion was attacking Theseus and the village in the first place! They were apparently within his nation, he could have used at least a grain of finesse and tried to bring them into his fold and tried to recruit Theseus and all of the local warriors. Why would a nation attack itself? Maybe I missed something. It was a very violent film.





Guns N' Roses-Sweet Child O' Mine w/Lyrics

UnOfficialGNR


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She's got a smile that it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories
Where everything
Was as fresh as the bright blue sky
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Neopaganism and visual art

Celtic-Briton and Pagan heroine Boudica

I came across the story of a Catholic virgin-martyr and canonized saint Maria Goretti; an eleven year old girl from early twentieth century Marche who forgave her murderer upon her death. I also noticed the typical church-inspired artwork of her. Some portrayed her as appearing as a child, while others gave her the appearance of a very young woman. These saints and martyrs are never lacking in visual art. It appears to me that Neopagans are lacking in this area.

Musically, Neopagans have been marvelously creative, with numerous different genres and styles. For some reason, visual artwork depicting gods, heroes, events, and concepts have been sorely lacking. I apologize to those who have accomplished the artwork that is out there, past and present. Even if one is not skilled in this area, they may still find an artist to have desired works done for a reasonable fee.

Church-styled and Lombardic-like portrayal of Maria Goretti

Maria Goretti probably more as she actually looked

There are various decisions that one would make prior to taking on an art project. What would you wish as the aesthetics of the person(s)? Typically, the Catholic Church goes the extra mile to completely de-sexualize the subject. Certain Neopagan-inspired artwork tends to oversexualize them. I don't claim to have the answer to this, but a god or hero would not have been walking around scantily clad. I think it would be safe to say that Neopagans would tend to be less modest than the Church; although many Feminist Neopagans seem to have a lot in common with the most strict Catholic Sisters. I think that we should be the ones to find the proper balance, with both extremes being somewhat undesirable.

A Church-style stained glass depiction of Beudica (Moot Hall, Colchester, UK)

Boudica, the Queen of the Iceni of Celtic Briton, strongly comes to mind when thinking of a Pagan heroine. She must have had tremendous strength and courage. A look at her depictions in visual art is interesting. Although the Almother in the form of Hecate or Diana has it's share of visual art, lesser gods and goddesses have much less or practically none at all. Even Aradia, even though the depictions out there are great, is lacking. The Teutonic gods and goddesses are fairly well represented.

Other ideas are regional gods, lesser-known heroes, your favorite direct ancestors, and historical events. Do your homework as some national heroes of the early Middle Ages were not Neopagan; for example, William Wallace was Catholic. Even tragic events are part of our history, such as the Roman slaughter of the last Druid stronghold at Anglesey Island. The Temple of Mona at Anglesey Island was soaked in blood. What other religion has ever suffered a humiliating final defeat such as that? Naturally, moments of glory are important, such as when Queen Gambara of the Langobards called out for her people to "Go Forth!" as they started their migration into central Europe.

Brainstorm ideas; there's a lot to choose from! Once I saw a scene depiction, probably from an Italian film, of a Celto-Gaulish prince marrying an Etruscan princess. That would make for an interesting work of art. Christian theocracy, bloodless science, monopoly Capitalism, soulless Atheism, Masculo-Feminism, and social Marxism have all done their part from cutting us off from the Heroic Ethic. Even within your own family history, you may find events of glory. For example, when my grandfather emigrated to Hurley, Wisconsin. He constructed a great house... pretty much all by himself. There's a photograph of the family in front of it after it's construction.

'The destruction of Irminsul by Charlemagne' (1882) by Heinrich Leutemann

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