#Austral Mixing

[australmixing]

AUSTRAL MIXING #045 - LILUCA

[mindblowingscience]

We could be producing concrete that's 30 percent stronger by processing and adding charred coffee grounds to the mix, researchers in Australia discovered. Their clever recipe could solve multiple problems at the same time. Every year the world produces a staggering 10 billion kilograms (22 billion pounds) of coffee waste globally. Most ends up in landfills.

Continue Reading.

[morkitten]

GIANT GORG BLU-RAY SUBTITLES

Recently, this wonderful 80s anime received a Blu-Ray HD release in Japan, but there are no English subtitles available for it. So I took it upon myself to rip the English DVD subtitles for Giant Gorg, run them through OCR transcription, fix line by line machine transcription mistakes, and re-time the whole thing to sync to the Blu-Ray rips online! To do that for 26 episodes was a big, often boring task, but if it makes anyone else watch and enjoy this series as much as I did, it's worth it, to me. Here's the link! Click on Keep Reading below if you wanna know more about this series before jumping in:

Giant Gorg was directed by the legendary Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, known as the character designer of the original Mobile Suit Gundam and Dirty Pair, and the director of the recent Gundam movie, Cucuruz Doan's Island, plus the creator of several manga, anime and film works like Gundam: The Origin, Arion, Jesus, Venus Wars, and many others.

Giant Gorg is kind of a precious baby of his that unfortunately never took off in popularity the way it deserved to. It's a wonderful series in the style of old adventure serials like Johnny Quest, about a boy named Yuu Tagami who, through a series of events, ends up joining/founding an exploration group to research the mysterious tropical island of New Austral, that is also on the aim of an evil corporation called GAIL, who'll do whatever it takes to claim the island and its secrets its exclusive property.

Yuu ends up finding and seemingly befriending a mysterious, ancient, and extremely powerful golem residing in the island, the titular GIANT GORG, deepening the mysteries of the land. The expedition group juggles surviving the island's natural and less-than-natural perils, managing internal conflicts, scraping by GAIL's assaults and dealing with other parties interested in the island for themselves. Plus, they now have to figure out just what the Giant Gorg is, if it can be relied on, and what is its intent. Whether this incredible being really is a Messenger of the Gods, some cataclysmic ancient weapon, or something else entirely. If I had to reduce it to something, it's old adventure serials mixed in with Mobile Suit Gundam and the Iron Giant. That's kind of what Giant Gorg is. The expedition group has a similar feeling to a much more scaled down White Base in Gundam, a group of people mostly barely related to one another forced into becoming a found family, relying on each other and surviving the strikes of a much bigger military force that's after them, with their own bureaucratic conflicts and machineries. Giant Gorg even has its own Char, in the form of Rod Balboa, a hotshot heir of GAIL that has been given control of its New Austral initiative. He's voiced by the same actor and everything!

What's truly great about GIANT GORG is how it creates a real, powerful sense of danger as stakes change and things escalate, both materially and emotionally. Characters feel like truly strong individuals that develop and peel out layers of complexity as the series goes on, and it tests your faith heavily in who they are and whether they'll do the right thing for themselves and the people they care for. There's such a great mix of excitement, sentimentalism, danger, discomfort, comedy, that makes this series feel like a truly all-encompassing and fullfilled Adventure.

So yeah, and the Blu-Ray looks fantastic, especially as someone who had to watch it originally in dim, blurry 420p resolution. So please give it a try!

[5-7-9]

Okay so- Fairytail actually showed a few other designs of celestial spirits when they partied at the celestial spirit world. UNOFFICIALLY NAMED BUT SOME OTHER SPIRITS ARE SHOWN TO EXIST AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY CANON!!! Seeing as the Celestial Spirit King states 88 constellations, I’ll try only basing the amount to basically 88 spirits since it’s canonized. Although i think unofficial constellations would also still exist, I’m not 100% certain. (Also, I’m not sure whether or not to count the Celestial Spirit King as a constellation since idk what he’s based after, what the heck is he supposed to be??? He doesn’t count unless i know his constellation. CEPHUS IS THAT YOU?!!? But then if so he’s missing the queen Cassiopeia and princess Andromeda. So i guess not?)

Counting down all 12 zodiacs! Plus Ophiuchus! 🔑 That makes 75 down to go already!

Crux, Horologium, Lyra, Plue aka Nikora aka Canis Minor, Caelum, Pyxis, Polaris aka Ursa Minor, and Deneb aka Cygnus makes for 8 silver key🗝️ spirits! 67 left! Or more like 21 spirits shown!

I should note that the website I’m using apparently states there’s 42 animals, 14 humans, 2 chimeras (cross/mix between multiple creatures), 28 objects, and 2 nature. Now, Fairytail took the liberties of mixing up the forms and they can technically all shapeshift, which explains why Aquarius is a mermaid (half human half fish), why Aries and Leo and Cancer Scorpio and Deneb are all anthropomorphic human-like with animal features, while Capricorn and Taurus are leaning towards their animal counterpart with human-ish-ness, Pisces have both animal and human-like forms, Gemini are… something, Ophiuchus is actually supposed to be a dude holding a snake(?), and Pyxis is part compass and part penguin (i actually like that one because the north pole). Therefore! These creatures can be anything!!!!! Edit: my website is inaccurate because a SEA GOAT IS A GOAT AND A FISH COMBINED and for some reason isn’t counted as a chimera 🤦🏻 close enough

I’m also assuming there’s multiple types of silver key spirits because they’re 1: not rare because what makes the golden keys so different is that there are only 1 of each, thereby implying there’s multiple silver keys of each. 2: There’s multiple Canis Minor dogs.

Okay back to this. Starting from right to left: (not including Lyra because i already counted her before).

The crown is either the Southern Crown or the Northern Crown👑. I think it’s the North because of its shape, aka Corona Borealis. 22☑️

That blue-ish creature without ears- I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to have ears 👂🏻 but the word covered it up and so the animators didn’t translate that onto animation either. But there isn’t any animal constellations besides bear🐻 that could look like that creature… but if Ursa Minor aka Polaris is that giant pink robotic mecha machine… then how would this be Ursa Major which is the only other bear constellation? My only guess is that there’s multiple Ursa Minors, and this is one of the forms it can take. Because Ursa Major should be bigger than Ursa Minor, right?

That white bird with human head hair… it looks more like a swan 🦢 but that’s technically taken up by Deneb (who I’d add has black feathers). I assume this is another one of those silver key quirks where there are technically more than one, so this counts as another Deneb but with regular white feathers and more animalistic features. Or it’s the Crane, which sorta looks similar but it’s beak isn’t dark… hm…

The purple dolphin! 🐬 yes! Now that is new! Delphinus the star is a Porpoise which is a species related to dolphins i think!!! 23☑️

That wolf!!! Is a wolf!!!! 🐺 LUPUS!!!!! 😭 24☑️

The triangle🔼📐 is obviously Triangulum. But there’s another Triangle called Triangulum Australe. Idk which is which but they both sound the same to me 🤷🏻 (idk astrology). 25☑️

The chameleon🦎 is realllllll 🥲 Chamaeleon is barely a difference in the name 😂 but yay!!! He would be really cool as a secret spy operative that turns invisible! 26☑️

THAT CREATURE AT THE END LOOKS LIKE A KANGAROO🦘 BUT THERE IS NO KANGAROO. Might be the 🦊fox? But the lower mouth isn’t white… then again the colour is the animator’s job. 27☑️

I’m not really paying attention to the 88 constellations that aren’t animals so idk if there’s a turtle🐢 related non animal stars but Keya has a turtle star (although there’s 2 in panel). This might count regarding in the 88 or kinda counts as an outlier! 28✔️

Those two large fishes don’t look like Pisces?

But don’t worry! There’s 5 more fish🐟🐠🐡 stars apparently! 😅 the Volcans the Flying Fish, Piscis Austrinis the Southern Fish, Hydrus the Water Snake, Hydra the Sea Serpent, Dorado the Swordfish. Definitely not Hydra or Hydrus or Dorado. The Volcans is just one fish, but going along again with the multiple silver keys theory, then I think it’s the Volcans. 29☑️

Bottom left there’s another bear, but also a Giraffe🦒 blowing a star⭐️ shaped humoungus horn🎺. Camelopardalis 30☑️ there’s 2 people playing the piano but idk who/what that could be, probably 2 Lyras since they’re musically inclined. I’ll have to check back with the human stars later.

Edit because I just noticed it (the anime makes clearer): THAT’S DEFFO ONE OF THE WATER SNAKES HYDRUS ISN’T IT?!!??!!!?!! 🐍 31☑️

Plus there’s a circle face standing guy. Could be Reticulum the telescope net (google says it looks circular). Or the microscope or telescope! Idk. I won’t count it, too far fetched.

There were two food courts so this is the right table. On the left side of this food table: Another goose looking creature. There’s a humanoid with cat/dog/pointy looking ears on their head but idk what that could be. On the right side: two identical humanoids. A… banana with arms and feet??? 🍌 I HAVE NO CLUE 💀 maybe the air pump but that would be a terrible design 😭

This is the food table on the right. From the left side of this table to the right: animal (fox?), humanoid with horns, humanoid in a bikini, idk a pig???, a square🔲⏹️ face, animal (fox but shorter ears?), animal (lizard?), humanoid with antennas and wings, humanoid(?), a black cat(??), another goose/swan, a wolf/fox.

Square face could be Norma the Carpenter’s square. Or the way it’s standing could be the stand thingy that holds up paintings- Pictor the Easel 32☑️

Idk about the humanoid ones so I’m skipping them 😀 random NPC unnamed stars

Another wolf/dog🦮🐕‍🦺 (the jaw is shorter) which is probably Canis Major 33☑️ but LOOK!!! The BIRD!!! It could be Columba the Dove or Aquila the Eagle. Neither one has a tuff of hair but i assume it’s like that goose/swan with human head hair 😀 an aesthetic choice… but the beak!!! It’s curved like an Eagle🦅 34☑️

These ones are a doozy but I think I got it. From right to left: Another fish🐟 but it walks! flying and pisces the two are taken so this must be Piscis Austrinis the Southern Fish! 35☑️. If you look carefully, the text is covering up another dog. Since there is another dog constellation that doesn’t need to be big, I’ll claim this one as Canes Venatici the hunting dogs (although there should be 2 I’m claiming it anyways!!!). 36☑️.

These next two are the tricky ones because they’re objects but idk which ones. I know there’s a part of a ship stars which sound confusing enough, so I think these could be it. Actually nevermind, it kinda looks like a boring but weird looking cup🏆 Crater(?), or that vessel since that’s also a large cup Ara the Alter? It does look like a cup because to top part is rounded? Edit: it has a handle!

The left one could be the boat’s hilt🚢 or Stern of Argonauts’ ship aka Puppis. I’m more confidant on this one. That little guy really looks like the edge of a ship. Idk why it looks like it’s hiding inside that thingy tho it’s cute. 37☑️

Guy all the way to the left is some sort of goose chicken but humanoid like Sagittarius with a human face but fake animal head 😃 OH HECK NAWWEW NOOOOO NOT THE MAJESTIC BIRD NOOOOOOO 😭 The head has these tuffs that could only leave… Pavo the Peacock/Peafowl 🦚 HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO THE MOST COOLEST BIRDS EVER 😖 I REFUSE THIS CANON DESIGN EVEN IF IT CANONIZED ANOTHER CELESTIAL SPIRIT 😠 38☑️

The thingy on the top is why I choose the North crown from before. Because this crown is smaller, just like the Southern Crown👑 Corona Australis.

…WAIT IT HAS A HANDLE LIKE A CUP ☕️ 🤦🏻 THAT’s THE CUP ISN’T IT 😱 Crater the Cup. 39☑️

The anime didn’t exactly translate it properly, in fact it seemed to combine 3 panels into one. The panels of the Nikora with Happy and Carla alongside the celestial spirits we’ve never seen before. It leaves out the hiding ship edge looking thingy and fish (probably because a fish next to Happy doesn’t bode well 😅) and changed the colour of the Peacock to pink for some reason. This scene was moves very annoyingly in a way that I’d have to take multiple pictures to get all the details of just one each spirit 😠 grrrrrr

So yeah that’s the dog again but it looks even smaller in the anime than it did in the manga. But that thingy that I said before looked like a cup? It actually looks more clearly like Forax the Furnace! There a random skinnier top part like a chimney and the bottom part is bigger where you cook! I think. Now that I’m looking back at the manga, there’s clearly meant to be a handle on the bottom part of the left side. So this is most certainly Forax! The anime makes him look too fleshy than mechanical tho… 40☑️ and his telescope🔭 doesn’t look alive but Telescopium is a constellation too 👀 (I won’t count it for now…)

Another bird!!! This white one is probably the actual Columba the Dove🕊️ this time. 41☑️

The grey one… I assumed it was another dolphin or seal🦭, but it could be a bird too? I really wanted to show that thingy’s hat tho. Look! It has hearts 💕 and a tiny crown👑 on it! 🥹 very cute! But it’s hands don’t have wings like the bird next to it, so I think it is another dolphin Porpoise Delphinus. Last picture to analyze.

Idk why the (it’s obviously a bunny) rabbit🐇🐰 is in a bunny costume, but yay!!! Bunny in a bunny costume!! How counter productive. Lepus the Hare. 42☑️

See! You see both dogs in seperate panels! So, technically, i win with the hunting dogs 😌😏 hehe… Another goose/swan but this one’s cuter because it has a little crown and no weird human head hair or human face alongside fake(?) animal head!!! Actually 🧐 the under wings🪽are shaded/black like a *gasp*😱 A CRANE!!!! The beak still isn’t correct BUT STILL. THIS IS MY MOMENT!!! Grus the Crane!!! 43☑️

😃 WHAT IS THAT RECTANGLE RULER📏 WITH ARMS??!!!!!?? Aw mannnnnn idk guys 😭 this one might be Norma the Carpenter’s square although it’s a rectangle. Only because it’s a ruler tool looking thingy :( idk…

There was also when Scorpio cheated on Aquarius with a bunch of humanoid spirits, but I checked and it was from a filler that also got alluded to during an extended version of Lucy and Yukino’s battle under the Grad Magic Games. Not canon! 👏👏👏 Plus google says Scorpios are mainly loyal and passionate. Scorpio’s porbably the least likely to cheat. Also i guess the humanoid spirit girls could be unnamed stars too, or whatever, but still, it’s filler!

So discounting the canon known keys, there’s about 22 unnamed possible keys >:)

[bumblebeeappletree]

Costa is at a magical water garden that he has wanted to visit for years.

Austral Watergardens in Cowan, NSW, sits on 7 acres with views of the Muogamarra nature reserve.

Kevin and Lisa Metelik have been managing the mountain paradise for decades.

Kevin’s grandfather bought the land, set up the water gardens in the 1940s and inspired his daughter to follow in his footsteps; Kevin got the gardening bug from her.

Lisa met and married Kevin and got the bug as well.

Some of the original concrete ponds still exists, with plenty of new ones too, all filled with a range of different water plants. Visitors can choose plants from these stock plants and take them home for their own pond or bowl.

The water is kept clean by finding the right balance of shade and sun, plus native fish to keep down mosquitoes without affecting the frog populations.

Kevin says there are two main groups of water lily: Hardy or European and tropicals.

Hardy or European are the style seen in Monet paintings, with red, pink, yellow and white flowers that sit at water level. They flower earlier, from October to April, and blooms range from miniature to large.

Tropical waterlilies hold their flowers above the water line and are usually fragrant; colours include blues, white, yellow, and pink, and they bloom from December to June in the Sydney area (all year in tropical climates) but may not survive winters in colder areas.

Hardy waterlilies have rhizomes while the tropical ones have bulbs.

Lotus are different again; they are large plants, are revered as sacred in many cultures. The leaves sit above the water and flowers form distinctive seed heads.

Other less obvious but equally useful plants include the native Snakeskin vallisneria, which grows underwater and improves water quality as well as providing habitat for fish and frogs.

Border plants such as jointed twig-rush can tolerate quite deep water.

Red-stemmed thalia gives a tropical look to a pond and is a favourite with frogs.

How to build your own water garden:

A water feature will bring frogs, dragonflies and beauty to a garden, creating a mini oasis. Here are some basic steps to get you started.

Consider the size and depth of a water bowl as well as the material – a lightweight fiberglass or polymer resin makes a large vessel easier to handle. Ceramic bowls may need to be sealed.

The minimum depth is 30cm for water plants; deeper is better. Lisa tries to create three levels in a pond:

* a submerged aquatic plant

* a shallow-water creeper group to grow on the edges

* a tall marginal plant for height

Add in water lilies for flowers and floating leaves; if you can fit two plants, choose one hardy and one tropical species for a longer flowering display.

Put river sand or gravel on top of the soil mix in the pot to avoid muddying the water.

Aim to cover about half to two-third of the water surface with plants.

Add native, tadpole-friendly fish to keep mosquitoes at bay

Filmed on Dharug Country in Cowan, NSW

Featured plants:

Waterlily ‘Escarboucle’ (Nymphaea cv.)

Waterlily ‘Marliacea albida’ (Nymphaea cv.)

Waterlily ‘Blue Triumph’ (Nymphaea cv.)

Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

Snakeskin vallisneria (Vallisneria nana)

Jointed twig-rush (Machaerina articulata syn. Baumea articulata )

* Red-stemmed thalia (Thalia geniculata)

Water milfoil (Myriophyllum ‘Dragonfly’)

* Taro (Colocasia esculenta cv.)

Waterlily ‘Colorado’ (Nymphaea cv.)

Waterlily ‘Green Smoke’ (Nymphaea cv.)

Firetail gudgeon (Hypseleotris galii)

* Always check species before planting: they may be environmental weeds in your area.

[franchar-ideas]

“Sueño del Alma”

Dreams are a way in which the brain tries to synthesize the needs of the human being, to the point that it often seems real when it is not.

Usually leaving a vague memory of meaningless scenes, sensations of colors and even extracts of outside sounds.

Dream of the soul synthesizes a world that appears to be what it is not, although it yearns for it to the point of corrupting its very meaning. Where the imaginary becomes so real that it confuses our daily life, creating a mess between the actions that one often performs in these dreams.

Piece composed between October and November 2023 as a commission from the Creative Workshop VI Acousmatic of the Musical and Sound Arts Degree of the Universidad Austral de Chile.

It consists of an Acoustic piece that lasts 8:51 minutes, which was created from the thought of imitating the natural, listening in stereo and the integrity of different treatments that give the sensation of sections of the same work.

The recreation of natural sounds was the main guide and driving force for the work, so they were focusing on three elements, rain, footsteps and different birds. I must clarify that the laughter included was initially intended to be created from scratch, but due to the constant attempt and error to achieve something human, which was not achieved at the time, predetermined recordings were taken from the Vocaloid program. Even so, the challenge given as a proposal for the work was to make all those sounds from scratch using VCV Rack, so, taking as a reference the spectral aspects of each sound, they tried to recreate as similar as possible to what is heard in nature, thus assimilating the fictitious origin of the sound.

After having the VCV Rack patches ready for these three different sound concepts, samples of the improvised section of approximately 20 minutes were recorded until they had all the possible sound varieties that could be obtained without losing the “naturalness” of the sound.

Using the REAPER program, they selected interesting pieces to be able to use directly or to modify them in the Audacity, Cecilia 5 or Mammut programs, thus altering their tempo, pitch, reverberation and duration in each audio. As mentioned above, the montage for the composition was also done using the REAPER program where little by little, as if it were a collage, I assembled sections according to a timeline of the presentation of the sounds.

With that in mind, the timeline can be described in four parts, the first part being the presentation of the sound elements trying to create a first stage of dream, diffuse and still with some consciousness; There is a high use of the perception of stereo space to move on to the second section, which highlights a burlesque and tense side to the type of sounds used, as what was left in the first part, has been deformed by the concept of "dream and synthesized reality" in addition to the more open use of space and perception of certain sounds, thinking of this "speaker-like" space where the sound is more audible thus giving the sensation of proximity and spatial movement. The mix between the panning movement, intensity and filtering create this sensation of spatiality that distinguishes Acusmatica music. For the third part, a bit of pointillism of sounds is played with in a reverberant space, giving the sensation of a watery space that mixes two sound aspects that can be distinguished from each other, similar but individual. In the case of the fourth part, it would be an amalgamation between the end of the third part and a new section, as if it were a bad memory, using raspy, low and continuous sounds. Finally, it reaches a fifth, more coda-like section where diffuse and distant sounds predominate in the background, as if they were in a foggy room, this is due to the way the filters are used. The coda, on the other hand, gradually reveals certain sounds that are clearer from their origin until reaching the end, closing with a great finale in crescendo, taking the listener out of that trance caused by the fourth and fifth sections.

One of the things that can be done with the effects in REAPER is the automation of the parameters of each track, thus making more spontaneous or directed changes as needed, increasing and decreasing each point, even the volume and panning per track.

Finally, the result of the work was a journey that supports its title, where the concept of dream, perception, synthesized reality and the creation of a fictitious space are the soul of the project itself, together with the experimentation and creation of electronic sounds from scratch.

[mollidays]

CHILOË (30.01-02.02)

Met de ferry gaat het naar Ancud, een niet al te gezellige stad in het noorden van Chiloë. Verblijven doen we in een groot uitgevallen tuinhuis via Airbnb. Gezellig verblijfje inclusief een trouwe huiskat die smeekt om aaitjes.

Ons bezoek heeft één belangrijk doel: pinguïns spotten in het wild en liefst veel. Gelukkig voor ons is dit eiland de enige plek ter wereld waar zowel Magelhaen- als Humboldtpinguïns broeden, waardoor we deze vrolijke vrienden op een diervriendelijke afstand talrijk kunnen spotten aan de kust. Met de verrekijker in de hand lijkt het net of we vlakbij zijn. Freya is helemaal in haar nopjes.

Verder staat dit eiland bekend om zijn houten kerken, die Unesco werelderfgoed zijn. Hiervoor trekken we naar Castro, evenmin een gezellig oord en de houten kathedraal valt naar Europese norm wat klein uit. Het sobere interieur is volledig in hout, van pilaren tot gewelf, en weet te charmeren. Ook de palafitos, houten paalwoningen aan de kust, zijn leuk. Terug in Ancud proberen we de lokale cuisine en bestellen curanto. Een gerecht met vlees, kip, zeevruchten en verschillende aardappelbereidingen. Een wansmakelijke combo waarbij alles hetzelfde proeft. Geen spek voor onze bek!

Mixed feelings dus, tijd om verder te gaan. Maar het verlaten van dit eiland en het verderzetten van de trip via de carretera austral blijkt moeilijker dan gedacht. We beslissen om terug te keren naar Puerto Montt voor een vlucht naar het uiterste zuiden: Punta Arenas.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Phytoplankton Flourish in Patagonian Waters

Bloom season, already underway for several months, continued to dazzle in the productive South Atlantic waters off Argentina. Earlier, in austral spring 2024, satellites captured a clear image of a sizeable phytoplankton bloom along the Patagonian Shelf. Communities of the tiny aquatic organisms persisted into the long days of the Southern Hemisphere summer, painting surface waters in shades of green and blue into late December.

The OCI (Ocean Color Instrument) on NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellite acquired this image of the bloom and its intricate swirls around the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) on December 28, 2024. In the waters of the Patagonian Shelf-break front, airborne dust from the land, iron-rich currents, and upwelling from the depths provide abundant nutrients for phytoplankton. These floating sunlight harvesters support rich aquatic diversity and productive fisheries.

The various colors visible in the image likely reflect a mix of phytoplankton communities. The proportions of these communities change throughout the months-long bloom based on nutrient availability and other environmental factors. In this scene, chlorophyll-rich diatoms and other phytoplankton types that color the water green may be giving way to coccolithophores, said Ivona Cetinić, an oceanographer at Morgan State University and member of NASA’s Ocean Ecology lab.

“Coccolithophores love long days and lots of sunshine, so they are probably dominating now,” she said. Armored with plates of highly reflective calcium carbonate, these organisms make surface waters appear a milky turquoise-blue. The coccolithophore bloom that emerges each year off Patagonia is part of the so-called Great Calcite Belt. Stretching around the planet in southern waters, the region is thought to play a major role in the planet’s carbon cycle.

The distribution of colors in the image also reveals complexities in the ocean’s surface waters. “Plankton cannot swim against currents,” Cetinić said, “so the different stripes of color indicate many different water masses containing different levels of elements needed for the growth of different phytoplankton types.”

It remains a longstanding challenge to identify what types of phytoplankton are present in a bloom using remote sensing imagery alone. But scientists are getting closer thanks to the hyperspectral (fine wavelength resolution) data acquired by the PACE satellite. Cetinić and colleagues have developed a tool that enabled them to distinguish three different phytoplankton communities based on hyperspectral signatures. The scientists find the method promising but note that it is still under development. Monitoring phytoplankton on a global scale using daily observations by PACE may help scientists and resource managers monitor fisheries health, track harmful algal blooms, and identify changes in the marine environment.

NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using PACE data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

[checkcashing247]

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4. Brand Recognition

iGet has established itself as a trusted name in the vaping industry. Carrying iGet Moon adds credibility to your inventory and attracts customers who are already familiar with the brand.

How to Get Started with iGet Moon Wholesale

To start selling iGet Moon, follow these steps:

Research Suppliers

Identify reliable iGet wholesale suppliers who offer competitive pricing and quality assurance. Ensure they have a proven track record of timely deliveries and excellent customer service.

Place a Bulk Order

Work with your supplier to determine the right quantity based on your target market size and sales projections.

Set Up Marketing

Leverage online and offline channels to promote iGet Moon to your customers. Highlight its unique features, flavor variety, and user-friendly design.

Train Your Staff

Equip your team with the necessary product knowledge to assist customers effectively and answer their questions.

Monitor Performance

Keep track of sales data to identify popular flavors and adjust your inventory accordingly.

Marketing Tips for Selling iGet Moon

Social Media Promotion: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase iGet Moon’s trendy design and highlight customer reviews.

Flavor Sampling: Offer flavor trials at your store to let customers experience the product before purchasing.

Bundle Offers: Pair iGet Moon with other vaping accessories or offer discounts for bulk purchases to boost sales.

Customer Education: Create informative content about disposable vapes and why iGet Moon stands out from competitors.

Partner with Influencers: Collaborate with vaping influencers to increase brand visibility and attract a broader audience.

Conclusion

iGet Moon wholesale is an excellent investment for retailers and distributors aiming to tap into the growing vaping market. With its sleek design, diverse flavor options, and reliable performance, iGet Moon appeals to a wide range of consumers. By offering this premium product, you can enhance your inventory, attract loyal customers, and grow your business.

Whether you’re an established retailer or new to the vaping industry, iGet Moon provides the perfect opportunity to stay ahead in a competitive market. Start exploring wholesale options today and position your business for success in the thriving world of vaping.

[australmixing]

AUSTRAL MIXING #123 - IN DEEP WE TRUST

[australbricksblogs]

4 Common Brickwork Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Brickwork is an important construction skill to master since it affects the structural strength of your builds. Avoiding common mistakes is key to creating brickwork that looks great and lasts for years. In Sydney, where brick suppliers offer a fantastic range of options, knowing how to use these materials wisely can make all the difference.

This guide covers four common brickwork mistakes and how to avoid them, from planning your project to perfecting your bricklaying.

Common Bricklaying Mistakes Bricklaying might look simple, but even small mistakes can lead to problems later. Understanding common errors and how to avoid them helps you create durable and beautiful brickwork that will stand the test of time.

Mistake #1: Poor Planning and Design A successful brickwork project starts with proper planning and design. Skipping this step can lead to incorrect measurements, insufficient structural support, and mismatched materials. Working with brick suppliers in Sydney can make planning easier since they can offer expert advice on the right bricks and styles for your needs.

To avoid costly errors, invest time in creating detailed blueprints and factoring in drainage and expansion requirements. It's also a good idea to consult professional builders to ensure every aspect is covered, including structural stability and material selection.

Mistake #2: Incorrect Mortar Mix Using the wrong mortar mix can cause problems with your brickwork, leading to weak joints, cracking, or structural failure. Common mistakes include using the wrong sand, cement, and water ratio, which can compromise the bond between bricks.

Brick suppliers often stock reliable mortar products and advise achieving the right mix for your project. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, test the mortar for proper consistency, and adjust based on your project’s requirements.

Factors that influence the mortar mix include the type of structure being built, environmental conditions, and the specific type of bricks used.

For example, Mortex, an M4-rated mortar solution, is ideal for brick builds requiring high strength and durability. It's a preblended mixture of cement, specially graded sand, lime, and admixtures which creates a higher-quality mortar blend. When combined with water, it offers strong adhesion and moisture resistance to maintain the integrity of your build.

Mistake #3: Lack of Proper Drainage Without adequate drainage, moisture can seep into the bricks, leading to mould, erosion, and structural damage. To avoid these problems, include drainage features like weep holes, sloped surfaces, and flashing during the design phase. You can also seek advice from trusted brick companies.

For instance, the company can recommend moisture-resistant materials and offer design solutions to direct water away from the walls. They can also give you tips on protecting bricks from water damage, expanding the materials' lifespan.

Mistake #4: Not Allowing for Expansion Bricks naturally expand and contract when the temperature changes, and failing to account for this can lead to cracks and structural damage. Rigid installations that don’t leave space for movement put unnecessary stress on the walls, compromising their durability.

Brick manufacturers can provide guidance on using expansion joints to accommodate this natural movement. To prevent issues, include expansion gaps in your design and use materials like sealants or foam fillers in those spaces.

Partner with Austral Bricks for High-Quality Materials Avoiding common brickwork mistakes ensures you build a strong, durable, and visually appealing structure. Focusing on careful planning, ensuring the right mortar mix, and allowing for expansion can significantly enhance your brickwork's quality.

Working with reputable brick suppliers in Sydney, like Austral Bricks, can further improve your projects. We are dedicated to building the most exciting homes in Australia and have the largest range of brick finishes to select from. For more information, visit our website today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) If you want to know more about bricks, check out these details:

How is brick manufactured? Brick manufacturing involves preparing raw materials, such as clay and sand, and moulding them into bricks. The bricks are dried before being fired in a kiln at high temperatures. This process hardens the bricks, ensuring they're durable for construction.

What are some signs of poor brickwork that homeowners should look out for? Signs of poor brickwork include visible cracks in the bricks or mortar, bulging walls, and excessive efflorescence (white powdery deposits). Other indicators include sticking doors and windows and water pooling near the foundation or in the walls.

[roomchailimited]

Patagonia’s Wild Side: Exploring the Argentine and Chilean Wilderness

Patagonia’s vast, untamed landscapes stretch across Argentina and Chile, offering a paradise for nature lovers, adventurers, and those yearning for remote beauty. This region, with its breathtaking mountains, glacial lakes, and expansive steppes, is home to some of the most pristine and dramatic scenery in the world. Whether you’re hiking among towering peaks, observing unique wildlife, or simply soaking in the surreal beauty, Patagonia captures the soul with its raw power and serenity. Here’s a journey through Patagonia’s unmissable highlights, from Argentina’s famed Los Glaciares to Chile’s rugged Torres del Paine.

1. El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

In Argentina’s southern Patagonia lies El Calafate, a gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This region is home to the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing. You can explore the glacier up close via designated boardwalks or, for the more adventurous, join a glacier trekking tour for an unforgettable experience of walking on ice.

Local Tip: Don’t miss the glacier rupture, a stunning natural spectacle as massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the lake below.

2. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Crossing into Chile, Torres del Paine offers some of the most iconic landscapes in Patagonia. Known for its dramatic granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and unique wildlife, the park is a hiker’s dream. The W Trek and the O Circuit are two of the most popular multi-day hikes, leading adventurers through diverse ecosystems, from forests to glacial valleys. Even if you’re only there for a day, shorter trails provide access to breathtaking views of the park’s most famous sights, including the Torres del Paine themselves.

Local Tip: Weather in Torres del Paine can be unpredictable, so come prepared with layered clothing and good gear. If you want a less rugged experience, eco-lodges within the park offer guided tours and comfort.

3. Ushuaia: The End of the World, Argentina

Dubbed "The End of the World," Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world and the gateway to Antarctica. This Argentine town offers a mix of adventure and history, with activities like boat tours through the Beagle Channel and visits to Tierra del Fuego National Park. The landscapes here are unique, where the Andes meet the sea, and the wildlife includes penguins, sea lions, and many bird species.

Local Tip: Take a boat tour to Isla Martillo to see the Magellanic and Gentoo penguins in their natural habitat—an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

4. Bariloche: The Lake District, Argentina

In northern Patagonia, Bariloche offers a different side of Patagonia, known for its alpine-style architecture and crystal-clear lakes. The Circuito Chico is a popular route that offers stunning views of Lago Nahuel Huapi and surrounding peaks. Bariloche is also a hub for outdoor activities year-round, from skiing in winter to kayaking and hiking in the summer.

Local Tip: Visit Cerro Campanario for one of the best panoramic views in Patagonia, or take a day trip to the nearby Arrayanes Forest, known for its cinnamon-colored trees.

5. The Marble Caves, Chile

On the Chilean side of Patagonia, General Carrera Lake is home to the ethereal Marble Caves. Carved by centuries of water erosion, these natural formations are striking with their swirling blue, gray, and white colors. The best way to explore these caves is by boat or kayak, allowing you to get close to the intricate marble formations and turquoise waters.

Local Tip: The Marble Caves are a remote attraction, so consider planning an overnight stay in the nearby town of Puerto Río Tranquilo to fully enjoy the experience.

6. The Carretera Austral, Chile

For an adventurous road trip through the wild heart of Patagonia, Carretera Austral is a scenic highway that stretches for more than 1,200 kilometers through Chilean Patagonia. This route offers diverse landscapes, from lush forests and fjords to snow-capped mountains and remote villages. Popular stops include the Queulat National Park, home to the impressive hanging glacier, and Pumalín Park, a private reserve established to protect Patagonia’s unique ecosystem.

Local Tip: Rent a 4x4 vehicle for this journey, as the road is largely unpaved. Take your time to explore the small towns and stay in rustic lodges along the way.

7. Puerto Natales and the Fjords, Chile

Puerto Natales is the main entry point for Torres del Paine but also a worthy destination in its own right. From here, you can take a boat tour through Last Hope Sound to see remote glaciers and fjords, such as the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. The boat trip offers incredible photo opportunities of these ancient ice formations and stunning fjord landscapes.

Local Tip: Puerto Natales is known for its cozy pubs and restaurants where you can sample local Chilean dishes like lamb barbecue and fresh seafood after a day of exploring.

8. Exploring Patagonia’s Wildlife

Both Argentine and Chilean Patagonia are home to a variety of unique wildlife. Guanacos (related to llamas), condors, pumas, and foxes roam the plains and mountains, while marine life such as sea lions, whales, and penguins thrive along the coasts. The Valdés Peninsula in Argentina is one of the best places to see marine life, especially during whale-watching season between June and December.

Local Tip: When hiking in remote areas, stay on marked trails and respect local wildlife. Some parks, like Torres del Paine, have strict rules to protect the ecosystem.

Practical Tips for Patagonia Travelers

Traveling in Patagonia requires careful planning, as the distances are vast and the weather can change quickly. Local agencies such as Roomchai Limited, Patagonia Explorer, and EcoChile Travel offer guided tours and can help with accommodations and transportation, ensuring you make the most of your adventure in this wild, remote region.

Best Time to Visit: The Patagonian summer (December to February) is the most popular season, but spring (October-November) and fall (March-April) also offer beautiful colors and fewer crowds.

Packing Essentials: Weatherproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, and plenty of layers are key for handling Patagonia’s unpredictable weather.

Travel Logistics: Some areas of Patagonia are remote, so consider internal flights or plan for long drives.

Conclusion

Patagonia’s wilderness is a place that captures the spirit of adventure, offering a true escape into nature's grandeur. From towering glaciers and rugged mountains to serene lakes and windswept plains, each corner of this region has something unique and awe-inspiring to offer. Embark on a journey to Patagonia, where the beauty of the natural world will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

Jaco van Gass 🥇 Afghanistan war veteran wins gold and retains his Paralympic crown in Paris 🇫🇷

Gold medallist cyclist Jaco van Gass MBE had lots of adventures along the way but He kept with the bike on this Paralympics games in Paris. Jaco van Gass was a member of the Parachute Regiment known as Paras, which is the airborne and elite infantry regiment of the British Army.

During his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2009, when Jaco was 23 he was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade while serving with the Parachute Regiment. Losing his left arm to the blast, he sustained life-threatening injuries that stopped his heart twice; yet by a miracle – and the skill of the medics treating him – he survived.

Against all the odds, Jaco has fought to build a post- injury life as an adventurer and professional athlete, a journey that has taken him from the slopes of the world’s highest mountains to the North Pole, from the Carretera Austral to international cycling competitions in an Olympic velodrome.

In a nature scenario showing respect to the Everest 2012 Photo credit @nyquistpetter

In his inspirational autobiography, “Unequivocal: My Story” Jaco tells his compelling and inspiring story, starting with his childhood in South Africa and ending on the podium in Tokyo. At the 2020 Paralympic Games, Jaco became a double Paralympic Champion in the 3K Individual Pursuit and the Mixed Team Sprint. He also won a Bronze medal in the 1K Time Trial and broke three World Records.

Standing on top of the world 90'N the North Pole. Overcoming adversity, inspiring others and changing lives. credit @nyquistpetter.

The book 📕 sheds light on the potholes and pitfalls encountered along the way, he paints a vivid picture of the harshness of Basic Training, the cruel realities of war, the struggle to rebuild his life after losing a limb, the energy-sapping cold experienced at 6,000 metres above sea level, and the complexities of navigating the world of British Cycling.

From the dust of the Afghan desert to the blinding whiteness of the North Pole, Jaco’s story is one of horror and of great hope, of near-death escapes and of fierce resolve, and, above all, his unequivocal determination to succeed. Jaco has overcome extraordinary odds, not only in refusing to let injury define his life, but in going on to tackle challenges of which few people would even dream.

A phenomenal ride, in Paris. Ex-paratrooper Van Gass beat ParalympicsGB team-mate Fin Graham in the men's C3 3,000m individual pursuit final.

#Paris2024 #Paralimpicsgames #adventure #cyclist #northpole #motivation #GBteam #amputee #inspire #ride #Unequivocal #book #JacovanGass #brothers #airborne

Posted 30th August 2024

Not all men are made equal, some became Paratroopers 🪂

[bumblebeeappletree]

Millie’s garden is ambitious, in a relatively small space she is trying to grow food and flowers, create a multi-use functional outdoor space for people and offer habitat to the wild visitors. One of the simplest ways to do this is to add water. Just like we include a diversity of plant species, offering a diversity of water points will cater for different visitors.  

WATER POINT ONE: 

In a small garden bed near the backdoor, Millie wants to set up a simple water pot. I am using an old copper pot, which in my experience works well as a low-maintenance pond. A small amount of copper dissolves in the water, preventing algae growth and disrupting the lifecycle of mosquito larvae. The copper means it is not suitable for fish or frogs but works well as a bath and drinking point for birds. It also offers a great little microclimate for a range of water plants.  

To set up a water pot:

- Pick a position that gets at least 6 hours of sun and ensure it I relatively level  

- Put a shallow layer of gravel in the base 

- Place a few bricks and rocks to act as planting shelves and landing perches 

- Fill with water.

NOTE If you are planning to add fish, wait at least 24 hours to ensure contained chemicals such as chlorine can evaporate, or add a water conditioner.

When it comes to plants, those that like water are as diverse as those on land, with some preferring to be fully submerged, and others just liking wet feet. In many cases, aquatic plants grow well in small pots, as they can access water and nutrients from the water around them.

All can be potted in a similar manner –

- Use a heavy sandy loam, not lightweight, bark-based potting mix.  You don’t want loads of nutrients in the mix either, as they will just dissolve into the water.

- Position the plant quite low in the container and cover the mix with a layer of clean sand and a layer of gravel.  This holds everything in place when plants are submerged.

- Add a stick to ensure safe passage in and out of the water for any small birds.  

WATER POINT TWO:  

As well as the ground-level water pot, Millie is keen to take her habitat game to new heights!  The boundary fence is made of ironbark posts and steel mesh, and from the window, she has observed stacks of birds use it to stop and survey the surrounding garden. That indicates it will also be a great spot to safely provide water for them, out of reach of predators.

- She attaches 2 galvanised steel brackets to a post and sits a large terracotta saucer on top.  Some silicone is used to hold the saucer lightly in position, and rocks are added to balance the bath and offer a route in and out of the bath.

- As a shallow elevated bath, this will need constant filling, so to ensure a consistent supply she installs some dripper to an irrigation timer.

- This runs 1-2 times a day to flush the bath with clean water and ensure the birds can set their watch to it.

The fence line is already heavily planted, with climbing native and exotic clematis, espaliered feijoas and even a callistemon.  But there is always space for more!  Under the drip of the baths Millie plants a native groundcover, austral bugle.

WATER POINT THREE :

The last water point offer is down low, a saucer of water placed on the ground near a habitat pipe installed for reptiles. To make the offering even more enticing, Millie plants some ruby saltbush.

We all spend a lot of spend a lot of time thinking about the garden.  Carefully planning plantings and displays, timing vegie sowing for each season, and even planning garden parties!  But the moments that fill the garden heart with joy are when those unexpected wild visitors pop in.  And there are so many ways you can ensure they have an open invitation.    

Featured Plants:

NARDOO - Marsilea drummondii 

SWAMP GOODENIA - Goodenia humilis 

AUSTRAL BUGLE  - Ajuga australis 

RUBY SALTBUSH - Enchylaena tomentosa 

[iwan1979]

Scientists Discover An Amazing Practical Use For Leftover Coffee Grounds : ScienceAlert

[clubshowerart]

Your next home can have that coffee smell all day long.